I’ve been in a fairy smut kick lately and somehow this book got recommended. Just reading the description I was barely intrigued, especially thing I wouldn’t get on board with an RH story, but damn. This novel really impressed me! First, GREAT writing and character development, motives made sense and I didn’t get hung up on any typos or plot holes like I tend to. Second, very steamy sex scenes and a little taboo but it’s handled in a more plausible way than I would’ve thought possible. Third, the overall trope spoke a lot about basic human nature and navigating life.

I really liked this story because of the complexity of characters (and I mean each one of them). Tiernan's personal growth is very impressive. We meet her as an emotionally neglected young adult, closed-up, running away from her problems. The three men she gets to know are each so different, yet each being that important missing piece to help her overcome her struggles. And this works vice versa. The storyline is full of twists, sad but also happy moments. I liked the descriptions of Colorado nature, life on the peak, their work around animals or dirt bikes. Usually, I'm all for the morally grey and damaged MMCs, but in this case (surprisingly) I was truly drawn to Noah. I even felt sorry for him for the reasons I won't mention because I don't want to give away spoilers. I'm taking a star down only because I'm not an age gap or RH fan, but that is just my personal preference. However, I must admit that the overall tension and spice was well written. Not cringy, if you like the tropes. ------------------- Some clarifications are needed as I see many misleading reviews regarding this book. Here comes: 1. FMC and the 3 MMCs are not blood related. She's never met them before her parents' passing. They are a complete strangers to her, not someone she can call an actually family. So, claiming that the relationship between her, "uncle", and "cousins" is ew, ew, ew is a bit of an overreaction. 2. She's not a minor when her cherry is popped. I understand this topic is very sensitive in the US, and getting intimate before turning 18 is off the table. I'm from EU. Legally, we are allowed to do bed stuff from the age of 15. So, I don't mind if FMC just turned 18 when having her first time. She's no longer a child and the act was consensual. 3. Some readers claim FMC was gr@ped by one of MMCs. I've read the book. She was not. Stop spreading this false information.

Penelope continues to amaze me with her unique stories and flawless writing, and this book is no different. She has created an EPIC unconventional romance unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I could not put it down. This story is about 4 lost and broken souls and their journey towards healing. This is not for everyone but if you take the chance on it you will not be disappointed. “It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.”—Frederick Douglas" This book is hard to label as any one thing because it has layers upon layers in it. The story is so unique, and Penelope has delivered it with such precision that it took a couple days to even wrap my head around what I read. The characters are all damaged in some way. And they handle that in their own way’s but what you witness is the process with which they took towards slowly healing from their broken places. This book is emotional and at times hard to read due to what’s happening, but each of their journey’s is a necessary one and so worth the ride. "His voice is deep but soft, like he’s a little bit scared of me but not scared of anything else." The development of each character and their individual personalities really pull this story together effortlessly. Penelope has this way of writing that draws you completely into her stories, to the point you get lost in them. And this story does just that she pulls you in from the very first chapter and as the story progresses you get wrapped up in her twists and turns that continue to keep you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what she’s going to do next. This book is a Non-Stop ride from start to finish. Every new development and moment she wrote keeps you utterly enthralled. I had to know what was going to happen, she had me furiously turning the pages to see what she would do next. "I feel it. The need to engage. After the sadness, anger was my constant companion as a kid. And then the anger went away, and there was nothing." I love stories that are different and push you out of your comfort zone. Those types of stories for me are my crack I cannot get enough. And this story checks those boxes for me. This is unlike anything I’ve read, and I did not want it to end, alas it did of course. But not before taking me on a journey that I will be hard pressed to forget. Penelope tore open my soul with this book and slowly and meticulously put it back together with her words, but she pieced it with a part of this book embedded into my marrow. "I swallow. Why would he put a dreamcatcher on there? But it is beautiful. He made this himself? Then I notice something else, and I chuckle. “The notches go all the way to the buckle,” I point out. “I’m flattered, but my waist isn’t that small.” Noah leans in, whispering, “But your wrists are.” I am so grateful that she took the chance with this book, because I couldn’t imagine not having it. I commend authors who write what they want to write even though they know that not everyone will like their story. Those books are the ones that we need, if they aren’t going to write those stories than who will? Is this book for everyone? Absolutely not. But is it without a doubt worth the risk? Yes! All you must do is keep an open mind and embrace this amazing world that Penelope has created.