Audio re-read, July/August 2024: Unsurprisingly, I got just as swept up and invested this time round, thanks in large part to Simon Goldhill's wonderful narration. I'm so happy he was contracted to do the whole series, and would listen to him read the phone book. Definitely a favorite, and I believe Chambers has him slated to read at least a couple more of her backlist titles, which I will assuredly be purchasing.

As I stated in my original review, this is a rivals to lovers where you actually believe that they believe they don't like each other, even though there is chemistry from the start. I love a scrappy working class hero, and Tag really is scraping by while trying to follow his dreams and help support his family. Jay is from the privileged elite, and it is their class differences that are the starkest contrast that make any sort of relationship between the two seem difficult at best and impossible at worst.

The process of them rehearsing the play, learning to trust each other, and eventually the forced proximity does its work was lovely to see . . . these are flawed characters who mess up, but recognize their faults and failings and try to atone. I was passingly familiar with Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon from some college literature courses in the dim and distant past, but this book has inspired me to go back (lol) and revisit some of their poems and learn more about their relationship.

All in all, this is a fantastic, nuanced story told with equal nuance and sensitivity from a wonderful narrator. Sincere thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the audio review copy!