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bonriki's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
This was a touching, and at times heartbreaking, depiction of love and mental illness. Ash suffers from type 1 bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. He’s a successful novelist who struggles to find joy or meaning in his everyday life. One day he meets Darian, a flamboyant model, and what begins as a one night stand becomes something more.
I loved several aspects of this book, particularly the way Ash’s mental illness was portrayed. I myself have diagnosed major depressive disorder and anxiety and found Ash’s struggles highly relatable. He’s not a perfect person, he can be cowardly and cruel, prickly and judgemental. He often engages in self-sabotage and pushes away the people he cares about. Through all of this, you can see a complex picture of a flawed human being and he is masterfully written.
Darian is also lovely, there’s far more to him than Ash’s initial (low) impression would lead you to believe. He is steadfast and caring, an optimist who values honesty and loyalty. He and Ash shouldn’t work but they really do, opposites attract and Darian brings out the best in Ash.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Grief, Classism, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Suicide attempt, and Forced institutionalization
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