Omg! This book is so good! I like the way it started. As if the inciting incident happened on the first pages instead of having to wait. The carpet ripped out Immediately. The prose is intoxicating. Ari is such a well fleshed out character. Beautifully written. True to how humans actually are. Flawed and beautiful at the same time. I want to read it again. Five stars!

Meredith Turits' first book really hit me in a way few novels do.

The story of these three people tangled up in this crazy, uncomfortable, yet real mess stuck with me way after I finished it.

It's wild to think about all the different forms love can take when you're in your twenties and the only love you know is that high school or college sweethearts stuff. Watching Ari go from that sweet, simple kind of love to something totally different was amazing, thanks to the author's super sharp writing. And the ending? Don't even get me started. It was both obvious and a total shock.

I really wish I could wipe my memory clean and read it again for the first time.

The novel begins with the plot opener which seems sooo common today. The heroine is dumped by her fiancé, who has been with her since they were kids. Ari is forced to search for a new life. As she moves forward, she becomes entangled with her boss, his wife and their child. Ultimately, Ari is left in a relationship with his widow. She must begin her search again when that ends.

I found myself very unsympathetic towards the characters in this novel. Perhaps the demographics are wrong and their attitudes are so different from my own. The closure the author provides is simplistic and rather unbelievable.

I thank Netgalley but I’m afraid that this book didn’t really appeal to me.

Going to read this one again! I normally don't do that, but this book was so good I want to! I think the storytelling was fantastic, and the characters were rich. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This book will leave an impression!

This novel is a profound and moving exploration of love, second chances, and the complexity of human relationships. Ari’s journey from a sudden breakup to an intense, forbidden affair is portrayed with emotional depth and nuance. The writing captures Ari’s internal conflict and the moral dilemmas she faces, making her struggle both gripping and entertaining to read. The dynamic between Ari and Wells, along with the intricate involvement with his wife, Leah, adds layers of tension and poignancy. This book beautifully delves into the challenges of starting over and finding one’s true self amidst heartache and moral ambiguity. It’s an unforgettable read that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression.