I delayed finishing this book because it was so fun. I didn’t want it to end. Bree, the FMC is independent, smart, and funny. The MMC, Nick, supports her and, I think, fits the definition of the golden retriever boyfriend. He definitely has some trauma of his own to work through, but he supports Bree all the way. 

There are a few strong secondary characters. Alice is a lot of fun and provides an important foil to Bree. I look forward to seeing her story develop in subsequent books. Selwyn is the darker, more morally ambiguous counterpart to Nick. I sometimes struggle with a love triangle. But this one I didn’t mind too much. The author does some creative things with it.

The book deals with Arthurian legend in a novel way. With a really interesting magic system. The book also deals with the legacy of the history of slavery in the United States, and in particular, with the experience of being a Black student in a space that isn’t welcoming.  I thought these were both done really well. It does seem a little didactic from time to time, but it is a YA book and so I think that’s necessary for this primary audience. The story is well-paced and the action is well-written. There were a few twist and turns that I didn’t see coming.

With multiple BIPOC women characters, as well as queer, genderqueer, and disabled characters, this book has lots of diverse representation.

This is a YA book so spice expectations must be adjusted. There is longing; there is kissing; there is swoon. 🌶️

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next one of the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 🌶️