I have to admit, I am shocked by how much I loved this book.

I've become more and more cool on age gaps that feature one half of the pair in their late teens or early 20s, so I initially approached with trepidation. All of which is wiped away almost instantly.

It helps that our heroine, Emery, is quite young herself, 30 to the hero Mason's 19/20. It's still a number that gives me great pause, but the narrative really makes the "has an old soul" phrase work. Mason's emotional intelligence is absolutely on the same level as Emery, and that is what gave me the excitement to root for them. I wanted to see them make their relationship work. Both had suffered so greatly that it just seemed unfair to not allow them the chance to have this. But I commend the narrative for throwing the hurdles along the way-- especially the one accompanied by a very big twist.

It left me breathless.

So glad to have read this one! A new favorite I aim to purchase and place on the shelves. 4.5✨