I don't even know where to start. I finished this book a few days ago and I thought waiting a few days would things easier to write. I'm still pretty speechless. This was easily one of my most anticipated releases of 2026, and I'm mind blown by the way it absolutely exceeded ALL of my expectations, altered my brain chemistry!!!
Courtney usually writes along the hurt/comfort lines, but this was HEAVY on the HURT/COMFORT!!!! I'm positive I cried through the whole book. I UGLYYYY cried at the very beginning, but I also cried for their happiness!! I was routing for them to have everything thing they ever wanted. I NEEDED them to find love, a family, peace!!! Their HEA was more important than breathing!!! I wanted hug them so tight and protect them with my very life!!! I wanted to fight! So many feelings, but watching them find their HEA in the most perfect and beautiful way... it was everything!!!
I want to say more, I could truly, but I fear spoiling things. Please, PLEASE for all things good in this world, CHECK YOUR TRIGGERSSSS!!!!! PLEASE!!! This book is HEAVY and has many!!!!
I'm so excited for sassy Jinx’s story! Thank you so much for sharing their story with us Courtney!
This book was such a heavy read that deals with some major topics that relate to mental health. Courtney wrote such a realistic story when it comes to what both characters went through emotionally and physically. And the feelings that come along with it. I really like how Julien automatically took to Romeo. How he saw himself in Romeo and decided to save him the way he wished someone had done for him; it was so heartwarming to read. Their relationship is spontaneous and fast but doesn’t negate the fact that they are each other’s soulmates. I really love how even though everything they had gone through, they still found little slices of happiness along the way. If you love different worlds, rich/poor, unexpected love, opposites attract, touch him and die, road trips, with lots of hurt/comfort, then you will love Julien and Romeo’s story.
A
Ashley Niewiera
April 27, 2026
This book is everything. It is a very heavy read with lots of emotions. It has so many triggers, so definitely pay attention to those. But it also has one of the best side characters. I love Jinx. Obviously, I loved Romeo and Julien in this, but I think Jinx brought in the right amount of levity to keep this from being too heavy. All of these boys were broken and traumatized, but each on different paths to heal. I do love that the mental health is taken seriously and not done as you save me, so I don't need therapy. Everyone needs therapy. I really loved how this tackled all of that. Most importantly, the relationship between these two was beautiful. I loved this so much.
ARC REVIEW - Immediately Bought the Physical Copy
ARC REVIEW - The depth of this story and these characters is so vast and gripping. From the beginning, you are pulled into the story if Julien and Romeo (Aleks). Is this story heavy? Absolutely. Is it also restorative in the best way? Yes, yes, yes! Courtney does an amazing job with her storytelling and will always be an auto-buy author for me. 10/10
