Ok, let's see what comes out with this review, because to tell the truth, it left my head as mixed up as the story itself. I would love to give this book 4 stars, but, nop, too many layers, too many of everything.

I think it could have been a GREAT story, if the author hadn't put so much stuff into it. All the relationships were toxic, all codependent, all with some kind of mental problem, all the characters trying to discover or explore their sexual orientation. I mean, yes, in real life we all have our baggage, but in this case, it was a lot all together to break down, and that took away a lot of the attention around the MCs' story. And I guess the author did it like that to make the burden on the shoulders of the MCs heavier, but... it was too much.

Let's see if I can break down a bit so that you can understand what I'm trying to say:
(AND BEWARE; SPOILERT ALERT!!!
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-We have Blair, one of the MCs, who is cis, bi although he leans more towards men, and he is within the spectrum of asexuality. He has a father who is physically abusive towards him, and emotionally towards his brother, Shiloh. He also has a non-sexual relationship with his roommate, Noah, who is also ace and aromantic, with whom he kisses and cuddles and caresses, again, in a non-sexual way (something they repeat several times, lest we get confused), but the relationship exists. Ah, he also cuts himself when he feels overwhelmed.
-Then we have Atlas, who also has family problems, discovers during the story that he is ace, and possibly also bi or pan and although he feels attracted to Blair, he has a hard time being physically intimate since although he manages to get turned on, he does not feel inclined to the climax, etc. He is Shiloh's best friend since they were kids, a totally codependent and toxic relationship, with whom he also snuggles and they touch each other a little more intimately than what society sees as normal between two friends. He always ends up doing what Shiloh wants because...
-Shiloh is trans, although at first she was a teenager attracted to women, he decided that he is actually a man and began his transition. But not only that, he is also bipolar and struggles with his medication, which he leaves every once in a while, going to parties and getting drunk and dragging Atlas to take care of him. He too is possessive of Atlas and when he discovers his relationship with Blair, he tells Blair that he can't have a relationship with Atlas and... well, we can go on like that.

The only relationship that is reasonably healthy is Blair's with Atlas because they try to communicate honestly, talk about their problems and support each other. Key word: TRY. They respect each other, and they respect their indentities and sexualities, and the way they feel about it.

Another thing I don't like is that Blair continues his relationship with Noah once he starts his relationship with Atlas. It was understandable before, but the way it's approached seems more like a poly relationship, where two men share one in common, although the relationship between Blair and Atlas is more sensual and has a sexual connotation that doesn't exist with Noah, but it's a relationship with kisses, caresses, sharing a bed etc...

Also, there is a mention of a taboo relationship between brothers (sideline characters) so...

Like I said IT'S TOO MUCH. Too much of everything. I think some things should have been left out. While it's GREAT, really, really great for a story to deal with issues like different types of genders and sexual identities, as well as different types of trauma and mental or health issues... Putting it all within the same story , leaves no room for the main theme to develop. And while in this case, the relationship between Blair and Atlas runs its course, and it is a beautiful relationship, it remains entangled in all the other
situations.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.