A book with too much to say, but somehow no space to say it, even at close to 400 pages. I get the want to guarantee a sequel and give yourself some safety, but your pacing needs to be on point to warrant it. By following four characters with motivations developed barely below surface level, the plot slowed to a crawl. The characters didn't have time to develop in ways that, again, didn't go below surface level. Where this book really falls apart is the editing. The editor did this debut dirty. There are typos all over (unacceptable for a moderately sized imprint), and the transitions are jarring if they're even existent. Often times, you're sailing along, enjoying the romance, only for there to be a big leap or a character to suddenly appear out of nowhere with some big plot exposition. It's like riding in a car with someone learning to drive stick. So much potential, and this author WILL get better, but they need an editor in the car with them that will teach them how to drive, not one yells encouragement from a lawn chair on the sidewalk.