Let me start with the positive: the narration was phenomenal. Each voice actor brought something distinct and real to the table. It was honestly refreshing to hear an African American character portrayed with authenticity—no caricature, no stereotypes, just a natural delivery that made the character feel grounded and genuine. The emotional tone, pacing, and vocal nuance from all the narrators made the experience immersive, even when I wasn’t connecting with the story.
Now… the book itself? That’s where things unraveled for me.
I went in excited for the reverse harem vibes and emotional drama, but what I got was more toxic than tender. The male characters weren’t just emotionally unavailable—they were manipulative. The reason for the breakup? They needed money to open a gym, so they could somehow “prove” to her father that they were worthy of her… after he kept sending people to attack them. That’s the logic we’re working with. Instead of communicating or protecting her by staying together, they faked a breakup and broke her heart to convince the investor and don’t get me started on that connection.
It wasn’t romantic. It wasn’t noble. It was exhausting..
I stopped at Chapter 14. There’s a moment where Briar’s so-called friend swirls his drink and says, “If something is floating in your drink, ignore it 🙄.” And that was it for me. The writing made it so obvious he was about to be drugged, and it didn’t feel clever or suspenseful—it felt lazy. That whole scene, like much of the book, was full of potential but poorly executed.
If you’re in it for a long grovel arc and don’t mind some toxic behavior from the love interests, it might land better for you. But for me, great narration just couldn’t save a story that felt more frustrating than romantic.