The story of Nick and Mia was beautifully written, but sadly tragic. I imagine this was a more realistic version of how a couple will survive such trauma. I will admit, I prefer more of the fairytale. I understand the beauty of having the one person you don't have to hide from, but Nick took too many chunks out of Mia. I ached for her in this book. So much pain over so many years. It makes you question if it really is better to have loved. Because of that, I had a hard time wanting these two back together. Even after being apart 10 years, Nick tried to take them back. He hadn't moved on. Such guilt he carried for what happened to his sister. In the end, it took all of them to heal. 
 I think my enjoyment of the book was hindered because the majority of the book focused mostly on the past. If the main focus was on their reunion and healing, I would have personally enjoyed this book more, but I can't deny how beautifully written this story was. Claudia Connor is an amazing writer and I look forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully with a little less angst. ARC provided by NetGalley.