Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

“Everything is stacked against us,” I say. “We’d be a tragedy, Felix. This wouldn’t work.” His smile is confusing. “You don’t agree?” I ask, and how fucked up is it that I actually hope he doesn’t. “No. I agree.” He steps closer and presses one (last) kiss to my mouth. “I just know that wouldn’t stop me.”

I’m actually not quite sure how to feel. On one hand it’s a beautifully tragic love story with amazing writing and complex characters, and on the other hand one of the characters did something that really colored him negatively in my eyes (see book safety info if you wanna know). The book made me cry, laugh, smile, swoon and clutch my metaphorical pearls (mostly the narrator Tristan Josiah’s fault lol). So obviously a great book, but I need some more distance from it before I can love it fully.

It’s a painfully real book that doesn’t shy away from any part of addiction, and I’m glad it wasn’t romanticized in any way. That of course makes it difficult to read, and having had a family member who fought so hard to beat this cruel addiction but ultimately didn’t make it, it hit pretty hard. I’m so glad Jake and Felix got their happy ending though. They needed it and deserved it in equal measure.

“You better fucking kiss me, you dumbass bitch. You’re one of the only good things I have left!”
A laugh bursts out of his mouth. “Dumbass bitch? What the fuck.”
“I stand by what I said.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.” Jake inches toward me.
“Well? Pucker up, motherfucker.”

I don’t think Jake is a bad person, but he made a choice (most likely) that I can’t understand on a personal level, so that makes it difficult. However, he too deserved a beautiful HEA with Felix. And then there’s Felix. An absolute ray of sunshine. He was utterly charming. He’s also insecure and needs lots of reassurance, but what a kind soul.

And finally (so I don’t go on forever and ever), I appreciated that these characters had wildly different chilhoods and backgrounds. Addiction is a cruel bitch and doesn’t care where you come from.

And actually finally, there was plenty of lighthearted and funny moments, which was nice.
✨ balance ✨

“Hi, Jake!” He’s bright-eyed and his usual shade of pale, and so damn excited to see me. He always is. He’s like coming home to a golden retriever.

Might be harsh, but 3.5 stars because of Jake being a heartless idiot. The rest was great.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Former marine
Drug addict MCs
Strangers to friends to lovers
Tattooed tattoo artist
Grumpy/sunshine
Hurt/comfort
Lots of snacks and baking
Opposites attract

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
•Drug overdose with subsequent hospitalization (on page)
•Violent outburst in anger - hitting inanimate objects
•Heavy themes of addiction (drugs and alcohol)
•Detailed moments of cravings on page
•On-page relapse after 7 years sobriety (pills)
•Three instances of relapse during book (both MCs)
•Suicidal ideation
•Brief mention of past overdose
•Mentions of past underage drinking and drug use
•Important side character has a miscarriage (present time, off page, some details)
•Withdrawal symptoms
•Brief mentions of military deployment
•Smoking cigarettes
•Fatshaming comments, homophobic comments, racist comments, homophobic slur - all from MC’s coworker
•Brief mention of parent dying from cancer (past, off page)
•Child neglect (past, details)
•Child endangerment - giving drugs and alcohol to child (past, details)
•Body image issues
•Brief mention of past physical abuse (MC’s parent)
•Parent jeopardizes MC’s sobriety on purpose (leads to relapse)
•Addict parent
•Drugs taken during the book (off page but detailed aftermath and cravings): OxyContin, cocaine, non-specified pills, heroin
•Episode of heavy drinking (off page, aftermath shown, coincides with overdose)
•MC is cheated on by ex girlfriend (off page)
•Explicit sexual content
•Unsafe sex
•Penetration without lube or prep
•Violent altercation between MC and brother (punch)
•Violence (fistfights)
•Dishonorable discharge
•MC attends rehab (off page)
•Unnamed character masturbates in public bathroom, sexually harassing Felix specifically

*no drug is taken on page, but the moments right before and after are detailed.

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Not drama, but: the timeline is vague and we aren’t given any details, but Jake sleeps with a woman after meeting Felix (off page). I believe this happens after Jake and Felix have their first hookup (kissing and mutual masturbation), but before they officially become boyfriends. Also, MC is broken up with by cheating girlfriend at the start of the book.
Breakup: No, but they are separated geographically for over a year (off page).
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile, no switching on page
Main characters’ age: 23 and 28
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: In the process of being removed from KU
Pages: 405


I follow his gaze and look down at the apron I’m wearing. It’s adorned with flowers. I’m certain it’s Riley’s. “I’ve fully embraced this, and I regret nothing. So, go fuck yourself.”

There’s a small chance I’ve really thought about our future together. In my defense, I didn’t pick out the names of our children until after I had Jake’s tongue in my mouth and I knew he was into me. So, it’s not that weird.

“Why do I always get a headache when we’re together?” “I don’t know. It’s probably unrelated.”

I brush my fingers against his. “I’m sick of rules, Felix. It sucks trying to stay sober when you can’t even fuck who you want to fuck.” “More romance please. I’m not an object.”



You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr