Ray was likable enough for a generally unexceptional love interest; it was obvious

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his brother, the typical charming flake, would lose out

. I liked how the conflict, driven by

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Nick's perseverance

kept things moving.

I enjoyed the contrast between the picture-perfect housewife and her dark past, with her old drug dealer out for revenge. Characters were all well-rounded with distinct perspectives. My only real issue is with

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her not-death: it felt wishy-washy

and wasn't the best ending.

Ann was such a brat, especially in the middle of the book. Sure, the premise wasn't bad, but I think the provided summary was misleading, since it's actually downplayed in favor of Ann's (and her parents') personal issues.

Neil was downplayed too much, considering how crucial he was to the plot, and Mila's "character development" wasn't all that great either. And honestly, I think the title contradicted the whole theme of family, and to some extent the plot.

I've always loved the "feuding siblings" trope. I wasn't a huge fan of Arden or Jenny, but I related to Meg. A sweet, pretty well-written sisterhood story; not super deep but I enjoyed it.

I appreciated the reconciliation being gradual, rather than instant; the drifting apart was realistic. It did, however, exasperate me that they all wanted to simultaneously claim credit and dodge blame for Colin's death. I get that the situation evokes mixed feelings, but they all seemed to have the exact same reaction, and I just found it hard to believe.

Excessively philosophical - the phrase "midlife crisis" comes to mind. Not too fond of Bea or her work, though she had some interesting insights. Maybe it has more merits as a sequel - I haven't read the preceding book, but I doubt I will.

I really loved this book the first time I read it (2014) - I loved the writing and really identified with Anna, thought Kaiden was smokin' "hott" and all. But upon rereading a few years later I found it actually kind of grated on me; I didn't really like the narrative style or the way the plot develops.

First off, Mila really annoyed me. I mean, the phrase "grammatically annoying" is itself annoying, smug and patronizing for a 12-year-old. Either you're clever and mature, or you're a child - you can't actually have it both ways, though Mila tried.

Intense, chilling, delightful red herrings. I had a hunch that it was

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her best friend - especially knowing about that photo on her wall!

. Also, major kudos for defying the happy romance/

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obviously-obsessed-admirer/stalker-as-murder-culprit

tropes.