The plot of this story is a bit complex in its nuances, so I think this book will have a very varied kind of reviews. And after two days of finishing it, I actually don't know how it made me feel. On the one hand, the story itself is a bit tricky for me, because my experience in a somewhat similar situation, although it was not completely like the one described, makes me fully empathize with Maggie and understand all her actions and reactions. But with so many situations related to aggression, the subsequent trial, the insecurity and need to feel protected that Maggie has, have been a bit unpleasant for me, so in several parts of the book I felt like leaving it unfinished or skipping pages. With all this, sympathizing with Ally has been a bit difficult. But I have to admit that the author has done a pretty good exercise in positivizing a very negative situation and has managed to interject the desire of Ally to not let pass a relationship that may have a future and fight for it. After all Ally's situation also leads to a certain sympathy towards her, but not much at the beginning. As I said I can not be very critical with Maggie, but then Ally has also caused some pity as she is in the middle of something that she has not provoked or loved and that can ruin a future that she glimpses as happy, something that It is unusual in her life. It is not an easy book or a pleasant story in some moments, but that does not ruin it completely either. My overall opinion is in the middle up because the two protagonists at the end act with enough coherence and common sense. I do not know if I can recommend this book to everyone.

I guess it's my time to read a few vastly different sorts of Lesbian fiction romances (just got done with Falling by Kris Bryant, definitely recommend it!)

In this one Maggie is at the courthouse because she was robbed an assaulted and they caught the guy. She meets Ally in a very crowded coffee shop as she's freaking out before the court session.

What she doesn't know is that Ally is the sister of the young man who attacked her.

Even so, they find themselves not just attracted to each other at first sight, but, they slowly get closer (despite the circumstances) as the court stuff keeps going on.

What I thought was amazing about this book was how many topics were covered (drug abuse, assault, gun control/ownership) and yet none of them felt like that part of the story was being shortchanged, shoehorned in, or preachy. It was brilliant writing and it was done so well that I could see the point of view of every single character and even if I didn't agree with that point of view, it made me think.

It was awesome!

I received this book via Netgalley thanks to Bold Strokes Books.