sigh I should of DNF’d this books but i was so stubborn on finding out why everyone on tiktok loves this book just to find out I HAD A TERRIBLE TIME READING IT. The concepts of this book is so cool HELLO SIRENS HELLO BLOOD BONDS HELLO YEARNING OPPOSITION KINGS AND TRAVELLING ACROSS SEAS. But the execution i personally think was just not good.

Let’s start with Imogen our main character, the most insufferable and annoying person in literacy?! I believes she is written to be some relatable character the breath of fresh air character… all it lead was me was sighing and rolling my eyes at everything she does. No let me be clear i have no problem reading insufferable characters- heck if i understand their morals (good or bad) i love reading about some annoying characters my problem is i feel like Imogen is supposed to be quirky and annoying but honestly it felt like she was cosplaying being a good person

Next ITS THE FREAKING INSTA LOVE TROPE. I DETEST INSTA LOVE. And to make matters worse Imogen was obsessed on making it seems like her and the mmc were enemies when it was quite clear early on he had feelings for her. Like baby that man doesn’t hate you he’s just awards and does not think twice before he says things.

The Mmc was not only boring but confusing. When it came to his kingdom he was meticulous with the morals he has regarding it and yet every decision he makes regarding the FMC literally goes against that- which i guess is the author trying to show he “loves” her so much he goes against everything he’s even known but reading it mehhh didn’t get those vibes

Back on to their relationship development- or lack of should i say. I felt absolutely no chemistry between the characters for the majority of the book that’s I was giggling at how ridiculous they were being to each other. Theo “yearning” and “longing” statements constantly had me perplexed? like sir you don’t even know her fr fr LOOOOL Honestly the lines were great but i felt like they were wasted on theses two

I feel no chemistry between the characters it’s so plain and bland, it’s nice that the male lead is a good guy but goof guys do not need to be boring- for example Jaren from the prison healer books.

Honestly the 3rd act of this book was the only interesting part and the reason i am giving this 3 stars instead of 2. This book drained ME

PERFECT NO NOTES I FEAR THIS IS MY FAV ROMANCE BOOK First 6 star read of the year and what could possibly beat it.

Before i start pouring out my heart can i just say READ TRIGGER WARNINGS this is one of the most traumatizing books i have read it is heavy so please be careful. Oh Caprice and Shaun, Shaun and Caprice if the phrase ‘’made for each other” needed an example it would be these two. They have the most heartbreaking, tragic but beautiful love story. But my babies made it through praise GOD. It’s a story of two childhood best friends but the things they go through WHEWWW it will break u heart. My girl Caprice backstory had me sobbing, Shaun was really her angel from day one. I was scared to see what happened to make them go over a decade of no contact but it all makes perfect sense when you get to it . This book is the perfect example that despite how hard life is you can be so gentle and kind to each other. I love responsible and respectful they are to each other feelings.

I created a cry count and by the last page i sobbed about 13 times… like i know i am a little bit of a cry baby for books hut thus books WHEWWW

Second chance childhood friends to lovers will always WOO me

Yoooooo what a book mann. I love how much dystopian media makes me think about the set up of society and what if?? Tiktok you ate with this book rec me cannot lieeee. I happily read this book to support black indie authors and was rewarded so greatly. BOOK 2 HURRY UP MY DEARRR. That cliff hanger was nasty but delicious. New haven is about to turn upppp in book 2 HELLO!