It is very clear to me that there has been a lot of love put into this book, and its always a pleasure to see that in any media

This story was a whirlwind of emotions and ups and downs, I enjoyed the quick falls from the exciting highs to the deepest parts of rock bottom, and back up again. Penny is a funny and lovable individual, despite all her insecurities and awful choices, and her relatability is unquestionable

However the other characters at times felt flat. There was an attempt at complexity, though it never landed, and I felt their actions were either out of character or like penny was just really bad at characterizing them. Thats a big drawback of this book, her POV is very biased and despite the writing trying to make obvious the parts she's misinterpreting it fails quite a bit

The third arc in the book was a little disappointing imo. Every chapter felt like it could have been the last, if I flipped the page and Penny decided to wrap up her narration I wouldn't feel like there's much missing from the story. I found certain parts of the ending too optimistic, and based on the premise and the amount of turmoil penny has gone through, would have preferred a more open interpretation of how her life trajectory followed. I understand why though this didnt end on a more cynical note, and I appreciate it for what it is

I heavily enjoyed listening to this (read on audiobook) and the narrator was just phenomenal, but it isn't anything groundbreaking, and thats okay. It's a sweet, hopeful story about traversing adulthood and I have a very fond place for it in my heart

I don't usually rate rate eroticas, but this is my verdict

For erotica: 3.5 ⭐ Normal short story: 2⭐

I don't rly understand why this story is broken up into multiple small novellas, we're taking less than a hundred pages, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I always end up liking the characterization in Horne's books, which you might not expect there to be a lot, since this is a literaly style that centers sex. But, despite not dealing with any plot at all, I always find her characters distinct in their voices, with usually a psychological/deeper explanation for the kinks displayed

Sure there will be certain similarities, cause the author always uses a spanking and daddy kink, but I've read so much erotica where the mcs are basically copies of one another in tone even if not in concept, that these books tend to be a breath of fresh air

Good pacing, an extra focus on sport that you see little of in this genre (looking at you heated rivalry), but basically a one shot. Wasn't as much into the love interest, Horne struggles to extend the characterization I was praising them for specifically to the other male lead. The 3 ⭐ for the characters is bc I found Kyle funny