This book SURPRISED ME. Not because I dislike JLA's writing or anything, but because in the beginning of the book I was pretty skeptical. It starts out in almost a Handmaids Tale feel because Poppy is extremely sheltered, has extreme rules, wears a veil because no one is allowed to see her face, etc. And I didn't understand WHY her world was like that. Was this going to be another gross world where women are used for the gain of others? Because those books are just NOT FUN TO ME. But I kept reading because Poppy had that little bit of rebellion in her, and I latched onto that HARD until I finally understood the world a little more.

Once Hawke came in, I was SOLD. I almost DNF, but I'm SO GLAD I STUCK AROUND. I read some reviews that said the same so I just hung in there. But this book surprised me because the change from skeptical to absolutely in love was SUCH A SWING in emotions that I'm so impressed with it.

I LOVE Poppy.

I LOVE Hawke.

I love them both together.

Most of all I love their BANTER.

I understand why JLA kept the world a secret from us. Because it's being kept a secret from Poppy too. We discover along with her how her world works, as she simultaneously has her entire life changed by her mysterious guard.

This book was SO FUN. There were twists and turns at every corner, but there were hints to them coming so it kept you guessing the entire time. Some twists you will get right, some you will get wrong, and that's the best part. I jumped RIGHT into the newly released second book because I hadn't had enough of this story.

Merged review:

Honestly, I hate that I'm so obsessed with this series. But it's so good!!! A true guilty pleasure. This was JUST the treat to make me want to DIE and only come back once book 3 is out.