Let me get this out of the way: Joshua Jackson needs to narrate more audiobooks because the timber of his voice, combined with a love story is just...::chef's kiss::. I'm so glad my BFF recommended the audiobook for this one.

I really enjoyed listening as Mike and Rory's story unfolded over the course of the book. Rory's troubling internal monologue and demons were not only understandable, but actually acknowledged and confronted as she grew into the person we meet at the end of the book. I really appreciated that she was actively trying to do the work to overcome her trauma, no matter how hard it was for her to acknowledge. 

And Mike...not only was he an amazing cheerleader in Rory's corner, but he was actively doing the work to confront all of the baggage he carried from becoming a widower. Learning to balance humble beginnings with his superstar status, while navigating a life change that no one can plan for - I thought Mike's character was well handled and realistic.

The cause of the third-act breakup was obvious, but in some ways it still didn't make a ton of sense. I'm glad that Mike discussed it with his therapist because she articulated the thing that seemed obvious to the reader, but clearly wasn't obvious to his character. As a means of keeping them apart, I wasn't completely on board.

The only other negative I had was with regard to Olivia. Part of the conflict was Mike's reluctance to enter into a serious relationship with anyone who could possibly leave and devastate his daughter, due to her already losing her mother. But when the reconciliation happens, it didn't seem to give any thought to Olivia beyond her asking after Rory after the initial breakup. I felt like this was missing context, which led to the last part of the book feeling rushed.

All that being said, I wholeheartedly recommend it anyway, if only to swoon over Mike describing his desire to "catch [Rory's] beat, [to] be enfolded into a secret rhythm..." that would allow him to believe things would be OK.