I don’t even know where to begin—this book has left me spellbound.

From the very first pages, I knew there was something special here. At just 2%, I was already in love with Rebecca Ross’s writing. Her prose is lush, lyrical, and brimming with emotion. One line in particular stayed with me:

“Once, he loved me. I was a secret that he kept, but our dalliance did not last, and our parting was not gentle.”

By 4%, I knew I needed a physical copy in my hands. By 10%, I was sure I would fall in love with this story completely. And I was right.

This was my very first Rebecca Ross, but it absolutely won’t be my last. There’s something about the way she writes—intimate and aching, yet so full of life—that makes every moment on the page feel like it matters. She’s now and forever a favorite author for me. I’ve truly never read anything like her words, and I don’t think I ever will again.

I started with an ARC, but I couldn’t resist getting the first print deluxe edition. The story is gorgeous, but so is the book itself—especially with that stunning artwork on the hard case. A story this beautiful deserves to live both in memory and on the shelf.

And then came the last 15%. It was an emotional roller coaster that had me reeling, gasping, and freaking out over the ending. Spectacular doesn’t even begin to cover it. Vincent and Matilda got everything they ever needed and deserved—to finally be together. It was perfect.

This story is one that will live rent free in my mind forever. ♾️ stars