I almost DNF'd this so many times. The relationships are... not good. So not good. The author, at least, does seem to have some awareness that her gongs are trash but also... the relationships still happen. It's saving grace was that it had so many interesting plot hooks. Every time I'd think "nope, no more, I'm out" something really intriguing would happen and I'd get sucked back in. I don't really recommend it back I can't say I regret reading it either.