Who is this book for?
- Readers who enjoy dark, emotionally intense stories that explore trauma and mental illness.
- Fans of the Boys of Tommen series who want more backstory on Lizzie and Hugh.
- Those who appreciate complex, flawed characters and are prepared for heavy subject matter.
- People who connect with stories about overcoming abuse and mental health struggles.
- Readers who enjoy angsty, slow-burn childhood friends-to-lovers romances.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers sensitive to graphic depictions of child sexual abuse and trauma.
- Those expecting a light YA sports romance based on the marketing.
- People who prefer more plot-driven stories with less internal struggle.
- Readers who dislike repetitive pacing or very long books.
- Those who are uncomfortable with sexual content involving underage characters.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Provides deep insight into Lizzie's character and mental health struggles
- Portrays bipolar disorder realistically and sensitively
- Explores complex themes of trauma, abuse, and mental illness
- Shows strong character development for Lizzie
- Features a devoted and supportive love interest in Hugh
- Depicts a powerful childhood friends-to-lovers romance
- Offers an emotionally intense and impactful reading experience
- Provides backstory and context for events in other books in the series
- Contains beautiful and poignant writing in parts
- Highlights the importance of having a support system
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Contains extremely graphic depictions of child sexual abuse
- May be too dark and traumatic for many readers
- Pacing issues with repetitive cycles and unnecessary length
- Marketing as YA romance is misleading given mature/traumatic content
- Insufficient content warnings for severity of topics covered
- Some plot holes and inconsistencies with other books in the series
- Romantic relationship feels forced or underdeveloped to some readers
- Side characters like Claire feel inconsistent or underdeveloped
- Ending feels abrupt and unresolved
- Excessive trauma heaped on main character feels unrealistic to some
