DNF at 53%

I just couldn’t push through anymore. I was so excited after Lights Out, even pre-ordered this one and made a whole day of its release, only to end up feeling disappointed.

I get that authors, especially newer ones, want to include their values when they have the platform, and that’s totally fair. But when it’s done in such an obvious, in-your-face way—and with weak writing—it really turns me off. I don’t even mind the message, but I wish it had been delivered with more subtlety. Also, being “positive” by tearing down other groups isn’t positivity—it’s just the other side of the same toxic coin.

Maybe the plot and characters pick up later, but I honestly doubt it. The characters didn’t feel like real people to me—more like mouthpieces for virtue signaling.

That said, I actually enjoyed the flow of the writing. It was light, fun, and easy to read. The humor worked for me too, especially the scenes with Walter and the roommates—they were genuinely funny and sweet. The found family trope was really well done and gave off cozy vibes I usually love.

Unfortunately, I felt zero chemistry between Lauren and Junior. He just wasn’t appealing to me at all, and with so many sex scenes, it became hard to stay engaged.

Overall, this book definitely made me feel emotions—just not the ones I was hoping for. It’s not for me, but I can see why others might enjoy it.