I'm gobsmacked. It feels like this book has changed my brain chemistry. I actually let it marinate in my brain for a couple days before writing this review, and I feel even more strongly that this is one of the top releases of 2024. It's written in 3rd person POV, and while it's been a while since I've read anything but dual 1st Person POV, I didn't mind it. The way this story unwinds is everything. The relationship between Xander and Gwen is tender and wild at the same time. Neither of them are easy people. This is not an easy love story, but in my opinion it's all the better for that. Everything is not served up on a silver platter with a bow to the reader. I wouldn't consider this to be a book I could read while watching TV, or out in public where I felt the need to split my focus to remain situationally aware. This is the perfect book to tuck into your coziest reading spot with your snacks and beverage (or two) of choice, and delve in for the long haul. I'm glad I read it in basically two large chunks, because all the breadcrumbs along the way might have slipped past me if I didn't have the thread fresh in my mind. Discovering the author's background in playwriting and fan fiction makes perfect sense to me. This story is so sensual. Once I was a few chapters in, I turned on a playlist of Vitamin String Quartet pop covers, and it was a sensory delight I suggest you try too!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central) for the ARC opportunity!