I didn't really know what to expect reading this. And I think one of it's biggest downfalls (through no fault of its own - I clearly wasn't as impacted by it) is it is entirely mis-marketed. The general vibe I got from reviewers/the blurb was it was a fun story of two queer girls who drunkenly get married in Las Vegas and the fallout from that. But it's so, so much more.

I would put this in the same group as a book like 'Normal People' because its themes and the writing style - its abstract nature, the moments of artistry that weaves into the story - are very similar. This isn't your typical romance novel, in fact there's not much 'typical' romance in it. It's a remarkable story of grief, of depression, of expectations and trauma and quarter-life crises. Of trying to be perfect but not knowing where the edge of perfection truly is. This is contemporary fiction, not romance.

There are problems - no book is perfect. It's missing some development and it doesn't feel like much actually happens in the plot. The language, at times, is over-written and there are really flowery moments of prose that add nothing to the reading experience. But the story feels unique and I found a real connectivity point with Grace's issues with always trying to be 'the best' and feeling as though you're failing if you have anything less (also Grace is an Earth sign, I'm an Earth sign - you get the jist).

But I really enjoyed it. Much like when I read 'Convenience Store Woman' last summer, something about the book spoke to me, spoke to a deep worry and insecurity of mine - and put a balm over the wound. So, if you're going into this expecting a cute romance - try something else. But if you're open to a beautiful, complex book - read this.