I don't even know where to start with my review. Gretal convinced me to read this, and then I sort of convinced other people to add it to their tbr.

What I Loved:

- DIVERSITY. I think this is the first book I've read where diversity was woven into the story without it being a major plot line. It was just there and it was normal and amazing. (Jay flirting with everyone and everything was just asdjdkfdjfkd I LOVE HIM SO MUCH WHY IS HE SO CHARMING)

- THE BANTER. I read this book for the banter. Gretal told me to read it for the banter. And I loved it. It was smoothly incorporated into the dialogue and didn't feel out of place or like the author was trying too hard to make things funny. There were a couple of scenes here or there that seemed a bit awkward with the banter, but overall I really enjoyed it and actually laughed out loud at some parts. The characters also really grow and develop together, and you get to see that through the banter.

- FOUND FAMILY TROPE. I love this trope so much. And it was done so well too. I started off not sure if I was going to love all the characters, especially Cordelia. But they all go through so much character development and they really become their own person, with their own motivations and goals. But what I loved the most was seeing the togetherness, and seeing how much they all grew to love and care for each other. I love friendships. We need more friendships. We need more Mom friends leading their other friends on dangerous adventures and messing up. We also need more soft, gentle, support friends who can cook really well and feed you while on said adventure.

My favourite characters have to be Daniel and Antonio. Daniel is actually me because I'm scared of doing anything new. I might not show it half the time, but inside I'm terrified. Daniel is so innocent and precious and naive. He's a sweetheart and the friend you want to protect at all costs.

ANTONIO IS MY CHILD. MY SON. MY EVERYTHING. I LOVE HIM TO PIECES. HE IS OPTIMISTIC AND HUGGABLE. A GREAT COOK. HE LISTENS AND SAYS THE RIGHT STUFF. AND HE CARES SO MUCH.

Caspian also became a favourite. I love his sarcasm and dark humour. JAY'S CHARISMA BLEEDS OFF THE PAGE AND ITS CONTAGIOUS. HE IS SUCH A FLIRT AND I LOVE HIM. Storm is serious and straightforward like me. I just saw myself in every character and I loved it a lot.

The few issues I had was the writing. I did enjoy Ashia's writing style, but after the halfway mark, I started noticing a lot more spelling and grammar errors, which at times got a little annoying. There was also a scene in one of the later chapters where a character who wasn't supposed to be there suddenly had a speaking line.

As for the plot, I did find it to be interesting and unique from anything I've read before. But I want more details and world building and explanations. This first book was mostly focused on the characters, which I really enjoyed, but I have a feeling the next book will be more plot focused. The end did pick up, and while I wasn't super surprised and sort of guessed what was going to happen, I'm still interested in seeing what Blythe and the other characters get up to next.