I actually read this without knowing that it was a romance, so that came as something of a surprise. I really loved this book. The themes of childhood trauma and memory were explored so beautifully, and the characters were impressively well drawn; not always sympathetic, but easy to understand and feel for. I didn't personally love the romantic element, but that's really my own issue as I'm not generally a romance person (although I've read a few this year), and I don't think the book suffered for it. One of the most interesting and innovative books I've read this year.

Retellings and reworkings of existing stories are one of my favourite things, and this was a perfect example of why they can work so well. Can't recommend this book enough to people who enjoy retellings with a twist.