4.5/5

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I had no idea this was a title released a while back, but the audio version is going to be released later this month. I read Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler late last year and really enjoyed it, so when I realized she had more titles, I had to pick them up immediately.

This book follows Lizzie in the aftermath of her parents' sudden death. Not only is she dealing with her grief, but she has to pull her grades up in order to keep her college scholarship, and now has to parent her two younger brothers. Oh yeah, and she's suddenly realizing that her history TA is kinda cute and maybe someone who could love and support her.

I cried and laughed and swooned my way through this entire book. I loved all of the emotions and just how imperfect all of our characters were. They are real people trying to do their best in a horrible situation-- desperately failing sometimes, but heroically loving one another at other times. Lizzie was such a great main character and I was devastated when the book ended. I wanted Lizzie and Connor's story to just keep going and going because I enjoyed it so much.

My one complaint is the big climax around 80% of the way through the book. I think it wasn't necessary and I would have enjoyed the book more if this conflict had been avoided.

The narration was fabulous and raw and real. I would definitely pick up more titles read by this narrator.

Highly recommend for romance readers-- especially those who enjoy a more serious title (less romcom, more "issues" romance)