I think I’m in the minority when I say this book started as a 4 star read and then fell apart. I was intrigued by Ivy’s journey, as the daughter of immigrants, striving for wealth. Watching her go from an insecure teen to a more self-confident but still fumbling adult was realistic and relatable. Ivy is one of those protagonists you will enjoy hating (or just hate lol) as you read.

The book lost it for me a little in the middle, but especially in the last 20 pages. The story itself is coherent, with one twist that made sense with Ivy’s character and was completely expected. But the other twist was too much, less in how it was executed and more in the content. I appreciate the ending to Ivy’s journey (she got what was coming to her, basically) but not the ending for the other characters.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book in exchange for an honest review.

Tw: death; stealing; infidelity; smoking; discussion of eating disorders.