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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
✨ARC Review from NetGalley ✨
“Whatever way you want me, I want that to.”
“Whatever way you want me, I want that to.”
Knowing this is a debut novel honestly feels surreal. The writing, the emotional depth, and the way the story handles such heavy and complex topics, it feels so assured and emotionally grounded.
This is not an easy story. Some moments weigh on you, asking you to sit with the same raw, unfiltered pain the characters endure. You watch Tommy and Rowan face things that could break anyone, but the beauty lies in how they begin to rebuild, piece by piece, with each other.
What moved me the most was the slow, tender way the story shows healing. It’s not instant. It’s messy and uneven, full of silence, fear, anger, and doubt. But it’s also full of care. Step by step, we see them grow—not only as a couple, but as individuals trying to make sense of themselves. Fears are faced, and in some cases, transformed. Self-hate starts to soften into self-compassion. What begins in survival turns into something steady and strong.
This book doesn’t pretend love fixes everything, but it does show how love, when safe and honest, can help people find their way back to themselves.
Knowing there’s a second book on the way, and that this story is the beginning of a full series is incredible. Even though the next book follows different characters, I’m so excited to stay in this world and see how it expands. If the emotional depth and care continue, this series is going to be something truly special.
“You’re my dream, Rowan.”
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I absolutely loved this book, the characters, the plot, family dynamics and everything in between. Rowan is a very complex person; he feels deeply and is scared of it; Tommy is this shining star in Rowan's life that he thinks he does not deserve. All I wanted to do while reading this book was give MMCs a hug. A few things that I did not enjoy too much were name-calling, the gay boy, felt not okay ( there is a trigger warning) one of the kinks daddy kink just did be in this book (no shame, I did not feel it in this book) and one of the twists felt unfinished, Rowan meeting his mother did something to the plot, but nothing to his feelings and overall development ( but I feel like it could have and should have had a much bigger impact). So yeah, definitely recommend reading this book, especially if you like characters that have a lot of trauma and enjoy a HEA. I cannot wait to read book 2. Also knowing this is a debut novel, it is amazing
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt