2.25, maybe
(update 2023, it’s 1 star)

It was so aggressively, violently mediocre. So predictable, we all knew what was going to happen at the end, what the climax and the “things fall apart moment” was going to be. I was bored out of my mind, and so completely aware that I was reading individual words on a page—I couldn’t picture anything.

Theo and Gabi had literally zero chemistry. The way their relationship developed made no sense, in my opinion. And I would forget whose perspective I was reading from because they both had the exact same voice, it was impossible to tell which pov I was reading.

Also, their friend dynamics made no sense. What they would get mad about… and how their fights happened?? I could not keep up with Justin’s mood changes about how much he loves Theo and then hates him and never wants to speak to him again, then how much he loves him. Meli was so annoying, but Gabi was honestly kind of the worst to her?? Like I did not feel bad for that man for getting completely scolded he deserved it. They both seem so toxic and like they actually hate each other.

And I hate the coming out to everyone and living happily ever after ending. Gabi was not ready to come out, and it’s so blatantly obvious that he’s pretty much forced into it because he’s guilty?? I guess. I felt so bad for him, and the homophobia was also so ever-present and really disgusting. And obviously homophobia is a real thing and should be talked about, but this felt so over the top and started to really take away from the story when it’s shown so much and is almost justified. Really did not enjoy that aspect.

To give something more positive about this book, though, was that I did like how Theo’s family dynamics developed. They all sort of healed together and really made an effort to work things out. I was a bit teary eyed when Thomas and Theo finally talked, and when Theo’s dad lent his suit jacket to Gabi.


But yeah, did not enjoy this one—and honestly, would not recommend it.