this was a very solid debut, i liked the concept of the story and the mafia elements were immersive. it just wasn't a 5 star read for me for two reasons. first of all, the homophobic subplot that almost turned into "bury your gays" that had no resolution and didn't add anything to the story apart from entertaining the straights. having that subplot or not wouldn't have changed anything to the main story. and second, that time jump that marked the beginning of the plot at the 20% mark of the story felt very detached. i appreciated that the author spent enough time making us fall in love with the characters and their connection, which isn't always easy with fast burn/love, but then breaking them apart and "building" the boy obsessed trope was rushed and unnecessary, in my opinion. i wanted longer povs and from both of them during their time apart to really convey the impact of the other's absence. otherwise what was the point in having the fmc marry another man and suffer if we didn't see it?

* i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for a honest review