I never believed in the relationship—not once did the author convince me that these two were right for each other. The FMC was insufferable—selfish, unwilling to compromise, and constantly acting like a victim whenever her family experienced success. I couldn’t root for her at all. Another issue I have with this book is how Emily would read romance novels but feel ashamed of it, even hiding it from her sisters. Very frustrating, especially since there’s never any resolution to this shame. No one should feel embarrassed about reading what brings them joy.

The FMC was giving major Pick Me energy, and honestly, I found her insufferable. Looking back on other Frieda McFadden books, I’m starting to notice a pattern—many of her female characters share this same frustrating personality, making them difficult to connect with or root for. I might have been able to overlook that, but what really bothered me was the way mental illness was portrayed. Given that the author is a licensed physician, I expected a more nuanced or responsible depiction, but instead, it felt absurd and even harmful. The way certain characters were written came across as exaggerated, inaccurate, and, at times, downright distasteful. While I usually enjoy McFadden’s fast-paced thrillers, this wasn’t it.

This quote perfectly conveys the author’s message: “I’m selfish. I have a long way to go to become a great person. But working here, I’ve learned to share and to give. Yes, I’m someone who has to resolve to share and give. It’d be nice to be born with a generous heart, but unfortunately, I wasn’t. In the future, I’ll strive to become a better person. Good things in books shouldn’t just stay in ink and paper. I want things happening around me to be good stories that can be shared with others.” It’s always refreshing to read Korean literature. This book offers thoughtful discussions on life and the simple joy of living. The author invites the reader to reflect on selfishness—not just as a flaw but as a necessity at times. There are moments when selfishness can be harmful, but there are also times when choosing yourself is the only path to true happiness. It’s about living life for yourself rather than conforming to the expectations placed upon you. In addition to its themes of self-reflection, the novel beautifully portrays female friendships—strong, natural, and deeply impactful. The author writes about these relationships with an authenticity that makes them feel real. This book was quietly beautiful—the kind of story best enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a rainy day.

I devoured this book—it was utterly addictive, and I couldn’t put it down. October can’t come fast enough for the next installment! My only complaint is that there was quite a bit of repetition, which made some parts feel redundant. That said, the men in this book gave me major MMC vibes from my favorite dark romances—brooding, intense, and impossible to resist—which only made me love it more.

Ali Hazelwood, the woman that you are!! You made me realize things about myself that I never expected. 😘😘 I have never cared about this sport a day in my life—but somehow, she made me care. And Lukas? He is, without a doubt, Ali Hazelwood’s best man. God, he was a man!🥵🏊🏊🥵

This was such an enjoyable read! My only frustration was the third-act breakup—it didn’t feel believable to me. Considering how they met and the circumstances that brought them together, I couldn’t understand why she couldn’t accept his actions after already falling in love with him. It felt a bit forced for the sake of drama rather than a natural conflict. That said, I’m definitely continuing with the series! I’m so glad I’ve found another long Mafia series to binge.