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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Alcohol
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was MAGICAL. It wasn’t too much, it wasn’t too little— it perfectly captured the tumultuousness of adolescence in such a sweet and comforting read. My heart is so warm
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m torn on how to rate this book. About halfway through, I made the mistake of reading reviews on here and got a major plot point spoiled (please mark spoilers, people!). That definitely affected my reading experience.
Up until the big twist, this was on track to be a five-star read. I loved the first half. The story flowed well despite the alternating past/present timelines (a device I usually dislike). Carley Fortune’s writing is beautiful while avoiding the usual cheesy romance clichés. I especially enjoyed watching Percy and Sam fall in love as teenagers; the flashbacks were more engaging than the present-day chapters.
But the twist ruined it for me.Percy sleeping with Charlie, Sam’s brother, felt completely out of character for both of them. And it's an unforgivable betrayal, even if she was young and confused. Percy and Charlie both knew she was still with Sam. That chapter made me want to hurl my phone at the wall.
My frustration with Percy only grew as the story progressed. She was petty and selfish. I just couldn’t root for her, even if we pretended she hadn't slept with Charlie. Her treatment of Delilah during their phone call was awful. Surprisingly, Delilah became more likable as the story unfolded. She was a loyal, supportive friend—far more than Percy deserved. By the end, Percy faced no real consequences, especially from Sam, who let her off far too easily. She showed little growth, yet still ended up with him in a rushed, unrealistic ending.
My frustration with Percy only grew as the story progressed. She was petty and selfish. I just couldn’t root for her, even if we pretended she hadn't slept with Charlie. Her treatment of Delilah during their phone call was awful. Surprisingly, Delilah became more likable as the story unfolded. She was a loyal, supportive friend—far more than Percy deserved. By the end, Percy faced no real consequences, especially from Sam, who let her off far too easily. She showed little growth, yet still ended up with him in a rushed, unrealistic ending.
I enjoyed the writing and the early story, but the twist and ending left me disappointed and frustrated. I’ll still read more of Carley Fortune’s books because her writing style works for me, but this one left a bad taste in my mouth.
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No