[4 Stars]
Objectively this is probably closer to a 3 star than a 4 star rating, but what can I say I’m a sucker for characters like Van and Savil. Ultimately, this is a story about trauma. Sure you could also call it a love story, but tbh it’s not that at all (too much insta-love). It’s really about a boy who grew up knowing very little compassion and how he deals with what life throws at him. Lackey really brings Van through the wringer, and I got pretty teary in the center. If you like some melodrama, then you’ll enjoy this for sure. Also, Lackey’s writing feels so nostalgic, and I can’t help but feel very partial to it. Overall, I would really just recommend this to folks looking for a melodramatic read with lgbtq+ rep!