by Sara Shepard 

YA Mystery/Thriller, 2022 by Union Square and Co, 334 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• Starting in 2nd person threw me off because I wasn’t expecting it. I will say that when this comes up again, it makes more sense. But that opening chapter being that way sort of set the tone in a weird way. 
• Lots of tropes you probably have strong options on make an appearance in this one so tread carefully. Namely: fated lovers, instalove, evil stepmother, misunderstood teen heroine, poor girl and “prince”, and (not a trope but worth mentioning) cheating. 
• Trying to set this one apart by bringing in mental health had potential to be amazing. Turning that mention of mental health back into a plot device was crass and gross. 

What I Did Like:

• The end of Part 1 was a shock in the best way. This was the twist I didn’t know I needed to change up this book. I wish it had explored that more.
• The concept of past lives and people who can read them is intriguing. To see it utilized is good. 
• Marcus. He’s a solid character who proves himself to be a good guy time and again in this book. He deserved so much better. 

Who Should Read This One:

• Fated love fans. That’s a requirement for enjoying this book. If you don’t like that trope, it’s not for you.

My Rating: 2 Stars

• For me, the use of mental health as a red herring plot point was problematic.