Truthfully I was a bit nervous picking this up as it seems to be a very marmite book but with the film soon to release figured now was a good a time as any.

Overall I was really surprised by how the themes of domestic abuse are portrayed in this book - not as simply black and white choice - but a complex and confusing situation which felt far more realistic. In doing so, it felt like a stronger read as I felt more invested in Lily’s development in her thinking around such a dark topic. 

I enjoyed the use of journal entries as a writing prose to get a dive into Lily’s backstory with Atlas and her parents. I enjoyed the light romance a lot between the two of them

I am also glad that whilst Atlas does play a part in the story, he’s not this knight in armour to just save the day - but instead it’s Lily herself who is strong enough to step away from the situation.

There is certainly an air of cheesy Rom-com at the start which I normally wouldn’t love but in this case created such a great contrast in how the plot switched up with Ryle and Lily throughout the book. 

I think my biggest issue with the book is

Alyssa’s role as the abusers sister. She is clearly a great friend and when she finds out what’s happened and supports Lily, which is great. We don’t get to see how the abusive situation impacts the people outside of the initial relationships which I feel would of added more depth to the story.

Overall I enjoyed Lily’s development as a character …

from compassionate child with abusive parents, to a strong ambitious business woman and single mother

.  I will be sure to check the film out and will likely pick up the next book later this month.