This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved Rafael and Ellie, and Nico too. I wanted Rafael's story so bad because I know he's struggled with major issues in the past, leading to him being closed off and guarded. I also felt very deeply for Nico, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a rare eye disease that causes progressive vision loss. My heart just ached for Nico, because although he had accepted his fate and knew he was going to keep losing his vision, it doesn't make it any easier for a child so full of life to deal with. Rafael and Nico's relationship hurt my heart because for most of the book, it's so strained and both of them want the other to feel happy and not sad. But Ellie comes along and helps them patch things up in her own special way, and it's amazing to watch their little family grow, even though it started out as a single dad/nanny relationship. I loved their honesty with each other, and how they showed each other it was okay and worth it to love again and trust again. They were both there for each other through some very tough and trying times. Rafael could be a jerk sometimes, but it's understandable after all that he has been through and what he is currently dealing with. This is Lauren Asher's slowest burn, but it made sense for them and their relationship and what they faced, and the payoff was worth it. Something that really stood out to me was Rafael's struggle with food and past food insecurity, and how his trauma affects his eating habits now and his compulsions. I felt so seen because that is something I struggle with as well, and it was like Lauren Asher took the words right out of my mouth; his struggles were so much like my own and I loved getting to read about a character who shares what I do. Ellie's struggles with her scars were also so well done and I resonated as well. This book was perfection from start to finish and I cannot wait for Lorenzo and Lily's book.