#Review: Scared to Move On by Leonnardo Andre

Scared to Move On
Author: Leonnardo Andre, MD
Publisher: Leonnardo Andre, MD.
Rating: 4/5

Scared to Move On is a reflective romance that explores emotional vulnerability, unresolved trauma, and the fragile courage required to love again. At its core, the novel traces the evolving relationship between Francine and Leonardo, two individuals shaped—perhaps even defined—by their past wounds.

Stylistically, the book leans heavily into sensory description. Scenes such as the candlelit terrace dinner and the early morning park confrontation are rendered with deliberate lushness. Food, touch, light, and silence become recurring motifs—especially the interplay between darkness and dawn, which subtly mirrors Francine’s emotional arc from guarded withdrawal to hesitant openness. The writing often feels cinematic, with moments that read like carefully staged vignettes.

Thematically, the novel is anchored in the idea that scars do not disappear; they resurface when touched. Francine’s internal conflict, particularly in relation to Damian, provides the central tension. Leonardo’s patience acts as a counterpoint to her fear, and his own vulnerability—especially surrounding his mother’s death—adds dimension to his character. Their arcs are not dramatic transformations but gradual softenings, which lend realism to the emotional progression.

However, the narrative occasionally borders on repetition, particularly in its emphasis on longing glances and charged silences. Some dialogue feels idealized, almost aspirational, which may distance readers seeking more raw unpredictability. Yet, this controlled romantic tone seems intentional: the author appears less interested in chaos and more invested in emotional steadiness as a form of healing.

Ultimately, Scared to Move On is not a story driven by shocking twists but by emotional confrontation. Its strength lies in its sincerity. It asks a quiet but persistent question: What if this time, love stays?

For readers who appreciate introspective romance with strong thematic continuity, this novel offers a thoughtful, if sometimes polished, meditation on second chances.

Find this book here.