The story centers on Brighton, a top orthopedic oncologist on the brink of a malpractice trial for a case she insists she's not involved in. As she scrambles to gather the necessary evidence, her world is thrown into chaos by unexpected love and a murder mystery.
Dax, a character who seems to have it all together externally but is internally conflicted, adds to the drama. When his brother, Liam, is referred to Brighton after a diagnosis, Dax finds himself entangled with Brighton under harrowing circumstances.
The whole book felt...chaotic.
The story has an overwhelming amount of details that are difficult to track. It’s unclear whether the missing pieces are intentional or oversights by the author. The narrative jumps between seemingly random elements—like trash cans, mysterious Polaroids, and unanswered questions about characters like Bree and a sudden call to grandma—that make the story feel disjointed. These elements might be setting up for a sequel, but they don't feel purposeful in this installment.
The frequent shifts in chapters are often jarring, disrupting the flow of the story rather than enhancing it. There’s a lot happening: a malpractice lawsuit, a hospital mystery, the impact of cancer on a family, and a romantic subplot. Unfortunately, it feels like there’s too much going on, which dilutes the impact of each storyline.
The dialogue could use some polishing. At times, it feels repetitive or unnecessary, not contributing to the overall plot or character development. Some plot threads are introduced early on, only to be abandoned and revisited later, which might frustrate some readers. Be warned this book definitely leaves you hanging with a cliffhanger.
The romance feels forced and underdeveloped. The characters suddenly shift from mere interest to being together without any real build-up, making the relationship feel unearned and lacking in chemistry.
Most of the male characters come across as shallow and angry, struggling with their emotions in ways that can be unsettling, especially given the level of physical aggression portrayed without consequences. The identity of the antagonist is too obvious from the outset, and while there’s a chance the sequel could offer a twist, it’s not handled with much subtlety here.
In summary, while the suspenseful elements keep the story intriguing, the book suffers from too many underdeveloped plotlines, awkward romantic elements, and some narrative choices that might not sit well with all readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.