4.5⭐️

I genuinely loved this concept because it felt like such an anomaly compared to everything else I’ve been reading lately. A near dystopian society controlled by gangs, government interference, addiction, anxiety, romance, and this really intimate character-focused storyline all blended together?? It was SO interesting.

I think what stood out to me most was how immersive the world felt without becoming overwhelming. The dystopian elements were subtle but effective, and it almost felt unsettling because it *didn’t* seem impossible. I loved the atmosphere of the city and the tension constantly lingering underneath every interaction.

Jay was also such a compelling protagonist. His anxiety felt very human and realistic, and I really appreciated seeing a disabled MMC written with so much depth rather than being reduced to just one aspect of himself. His relationship with Sarah felt awkward, intimate, emotional, and vulnerable in a way that felt very genuine.

And D.C. Little’s writing style?? SO easy to read while still being incredibly eloquent. There’s something very smooth and immersive about the prose that made me completely fly through this.

The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is because I think I just wanted even MORE from the world-building and gang dynamics because I found the concept so fascinating.

Overall though, this felt fresh, intelligent, intimate, and strangely addictive. I loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc.

This books was freaking great! I loved the concept of the gangs, government, some romance. The world building was great and the backdrop of a city full on tension. This was so much fun and I could not put it down.