Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Rape, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
The characters are what really carry the story. Mackenzie is a strong, emotionally layered protagonist who feels raw and relatable—especially for anyone who’s ever tried to untangle grief tied up in complicated relationships. EJ is a standout supporting character, and I loved the goth/emo vibe threaded through Mackenzie’s personality. It added a layer of authenticity that made her voice distinct and memorable.
The contemporary setting really works in this one. The integration of AI, true crime obsession, and our very online world feels current without being gimmicky. It grounds the narrative in something that feels both intimate and universal—especially for readers who’ve ever had a strained connection with a parent.
The content warning is definitely important to note: there are multiple mentions of r*pe in this book. It’s not gratuitous, but it is pivotal and could be triggering.
Tonya is ruthless, and not in a cartoonish villain way—more like a deeply human, damaged way that makes Mackenzie’s emotional spiral feel all the more real. The depiction of grief here—especially grief tied to trauma or unresolved hurt—is thoughtful and deeply felt.
I flew through this book and didn’t even stop long enough to post a “midway thoughts” update. The ending wasn’t quite what I expected and felt a little offbeat, but it didn’t take away from how much I was pulled in by the characters and emotional threads.
If you like contemporary fiction with bite, emotional complexity, and a dark edge—this one’s worth picking up.
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault
Graphic: Infidelity, Rape, Kidnapping, Murder
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
Part 1 starts slow, but everything changes with part 2 that makes it worth it!
⭐️ Star Rating: 4.5
🌶️ Spice Level: 0.5
What to expect:
- Revenge
- Family Drama
- Secrets
- Multi POV
- Flashbacks
- Twist ending
TW: Death of a parent, Murder, SA (off page, in the past), Infidelity, Mental Illness, Forced Confinement, Alcoholism, Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Minor: Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence