While the story itself is very compelling, the flow of information, the execution, and the editing makes it very difficult to read. While it flows in a linear timeline, it still manages to jump back and forth. There were many times I was reading along, enjoying the story (if you can enjoy the darker aspects), but then I'd wonder why I was reading this in great detail (a scene of little consequence), when things I'd wished had been expanded upon where glossed over and written in a 'telling' fashion. Years worth of telling, removing the storytelling for the story. 
 Written more as a journal, or first draft outline, without fully-fleshed out scenes. I was confused as to why years would be clumped together, a mishmash of many aspects of life, but the author would write an entire scene about Tammy buying chips and salsa. 
 My largest issue on the whole was the flow. Negative reviews hit on the content of the story. For me, it was simply the flow. 
 It's not my decision as the reader to pick and choose which scenes should have been shown versus laundry listed, and I respect the author for writing the book they wished to write. But, it left me wanting more information about some things and less of others, leaving me disconnected from the story. 
 The subject matter is dark, yet the syrupy sweet romance overpowers it. (I don't see their connection, their profession of love after only gazing at one another, never holding a real conversation. Even at 36 & 31 when they hook up again, it's instantaneous, and not at all how a grown adult would operate. Not the hooking up, the I love yous. It takes time, trust, connection, and experiences to build love in relationship. Instant is called infatuation and lust, and it's never lasting if you don't build that solid foundation) 
 The romance is a good thing if you don't have a strong stomach. The story hits on many dark elements of human nature: abuse in its many forms, the results of being abused, and gay bashing. If done correctly, it will be raw, hard-hitting, emotional, and hope-filled from the romance angle. The book would teach as it weaved into your psyche, never letting go, seeping into your mind when you least expect it. 
 Truthfully, with a good editor, this book could be made so much more- turned into a prolific read. I don't just mean proofreading. An editor to help the author remove certain aspects, expand upon others, and give advice on what hooks a reader and keeps them engaged in the story itself.