This is my 5th read by Kellz Kimberly and babyyyy, what a way to start a book! The author did not let up on Valli at all. My girl went through HELL, and Jasiah was straight up weak. Simone and Kincaid? Easily two of the worst people I’ve ever read about.
Snoh did not play about Valli, but sis was so immature when it came to her feelings that she couldn’t recognize someone genuinely wanting the best for her.
This book was giving forced marriage vibes and came out the gate fast, heavy, and messy. I was locked in from the beginning. I do wish the pacing stayed that intense throughout the entire book, but it was still entertaining enough to keep me invested until the end.
As for the audiobook… hard pass. The male narrator wasn’t giving. It felt like he was reading words instead of bringing the characters to life, and his voice seemed to change throughout the narration. Definitely not my favorite audio experience.
⭐️ Book Rating: 4.5/5
🎧 Audiobook Rating: 2/5
Having personally read several novels by Kellz Kimberly, I can attest to her ability to craft deeply flawed and relatable characters who face intense emotional turmoil. What truly stood out in this book was how Valli’s character was pushed to her limits, navigating not only external conflicts but her own internal struggles. The forced marriage theme added a raw, gritty layer to the story, making the stakes feel higher and the tension more palpable. I found the portrayal of supporting characters like Jasiah, Simone, and Kincaid to be impactful in shaping Valli’s journey, though not always in a positive way. Their flaws made the narrative more realistic but also frustrating at times, echoing what many readers experience in toxic relationships. Regarding the audiobook, while narration can make or break the listening experience, I agree that a monotone or inconsistent voice performance detracts from the storytelling. It’s essential that narrators convey the right emotions to bring characters fully to life, something this production seemingly struggled with. Overall, the book’s strength lies in its raw exploration of complex emotions and relationships. Though the pacing slowed after an intense start, staying connected to the core themes and characters was rewarding. For readers who appreciate character-driven drama with messy, real-life dynamics, Kellz Kimberly’s work remains a noteworthy pick. This review echoed many sentiments I’ve heard from other fans of the author and may guide new readers considering this novel or its audiobook adaptation.
