Headlines:
Angsty slow burn
Relationship baggage
Friendship foundations

I didn't expect to get as swept up into this story as I did. At first, I wasn't sure I would like these messy characters but I really came to love the chaos that was Shiloh and the steadfastness that was Cary.

This story was told over decades, mostly in the present but with some chapters that went to the 'before' across the previous timeline. All the pieces slowly fit together about how this close friendship went astray, how they connected romantically at times and how they met again in the present. This couple had 'meant to be' stamped all over them but it was an angsty ride. What I did appreciate about the angst was that as we got over that in the last quarter, there was plenty of time to enjoy them without that sense of stress.

Both Shiloh and Cary had family baggage. How Shiloh navigated the world as a single mother but also giving herself a chance to love again was admirable. Her kids were a quirky and a fun part of this read. Cary showed his good guy card when it came to her family. That said, Cary had a shed-load of family baggage too.

This was a story of messy relationships that found their neater end...and I loved the ride.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC through netgalley.