I've been in a bit of reading slump since the end of June due to probably reading too much historical fiction with added romance so I picked this book up at my library.... thankfully I can now say that my reading slump is cured as I couldn't put this book down to how much I thoroughly enjoyed it, I ended up finishing it in just four days.

Mason Deaver has this power with their writing to make every character feel real, like these are people I could meet in my day to day life. Not a lot of writers are able to capture that so I am always excited to find one that does.

Peter was heavily relatable as a queer person who has never dated anyone or had those core experiences others have had mainly in their teens which makes you constantly feel like you're at a disadvantage in many spaces. So it felt like a comforting hug to read him find his voice as I am trying to do that right now myself.

A factor with him I wished was explored was the fact that Peter is so painfully neurodivergent, his behaviors I have seen with myself and friends so it makes me wonder if he was written with intention of being read as neurodivergent or if it's just a case of the author doing so mindlessly as I am always fascinated when either happen as a person who is neurodivergent themselves.

Though with reading Peter as neurodivergent it makes his first date with Eli a frustating read, mainly due to how Eli acts towards Peter who was so outwardly anxious and how he talks about him after. But that at the same time doesn't excuse Peter own behavior. Both were at fault in different ways during the first date, just Eli actions towards Peter was annoying and came off very self centered to the point of unlikability.

I really liked Eli though, despite all of that. His deep love of movies was exciting with every reference or mention he'd throw out as someone has really gotten into cinema the past few years. One thing I love seeing is a trans character have flaws, as well as loving their body. I wish more trans characters were given the love to be like that from their writers.

Overall, didn't think I would devour this book in four days and love it as much as I do.