In this unconventional novel, the author masterfully unravels a love story in reverse, peeling back layers of grief, passion, and the myriad ways relationships can falter. The story begins at its most devastating conclusion: the protagonist finally breaking free from a toxic relationship. From there, the narrative rewinds, taking readers on a poignant journey to the very first spark of their ill-fated romance.

The main character is a deeply relatable figure, painted with raw honesty and complexity. Her love for a man who is, by all accounts, deeply flawed—if not outright cruel—feels tragically human. As we trace her steps back through time, we see the compromises, the heartbreaks, and the small betrayals that accumulate like cracks in a fragile foundation. Yet, amidst this, there are also moments of tenderness and hope that remind us why she fell for him in the first place.

The reverse storytelling is not just a gimmick; it’s a profound exploration of hindsight. By starting at the end, we understand her triumph over a destructive love, and each preceding chapter adds context that reframes what we thought we understood about her journey. The backward structure lends a sense of inevitability—like watching a slow-motion car crash in reverse—and invites readers to reflect on the red flags they might have overlooked in their own lives.

This is a novel for anyone who has ever loved the wrong person, who has stayed too long, or who has wondered what went wrong.