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It doesn’t feel fair that I couldn’t get into the book at first because I found the story a bit flat—though I think it had a lot to do with Hart and Mercy not interacting much early on. I already knew what I wanted to rate this before it completely proved me wrong, making me laugh, cry, and end up having me enjoying it way more than I expected (*꒦ິ꒳꒦��)

I know this book was well-loved way before I picked it up and I do trust my ŷ������ friend for the greater good, but I find myself disappointed because I was expecting a romance, and for the first half �� it felt like I wasn’t getting it. The characters barely interacted, and honestly, if you think about it, that’s a pretty long stretch of time for a romance to develop. They were more like ideas we were told about—this whole "we hate each other" dynamic—without them actually being together. We just get a lot of Mercy and Hart griping about their lives in the beginning and although the letters were a nice touch, they didn’t feel like enough.

And so, the sudden shift into romance almost felt out of place. Fortunately, I am a very simple person because I dive into this book to enjoy the romance, and when delivered with one - I am a happy person.

Now, what could have been better? Well, a lot could have been better; especially the worldbuilding.
While the author introduces interesting concepts like fantastical animals, locations, and in-world folklore, there’s barely any description or explanation to make them come alive. Every creature, place, and idea seemed so promising at first, but I never really got to know it. Would you believe me when I said I didn't know this book was supposed to be about zombies until I read other's reviews? (ᵕ—ᴗ��) The world had so much potential, but it ended up feeling underdeveloped and confusing.

Also, whereas I enjoyed the moments between Hart and Mercy, do not confuse into me actually thinking it was well executed. When I said it felt out of place, I really meant it wasn’t fitting. The miscommunication trope was a big issue here—it was a classic case of "if only they talked," and the reason for not speaking up was weak, as it often is.

Not to add, Hart and Mercy treat each other terribly for reasons that are never fully explained. It's hardly digestible why they were enemies in the first place when their line of work would have them communicate with each other. Near the end, Hart also claims that he thought Mercy was profiting off deaths, but that explanation too �� feels forced and unbelievable. Plus, Mercy easily forgives her ex but is stubborn with Hart. The lack of clear motivation behind their conflict makes it hard to buy into this 'enemies to lovers' trope.

Moving past that, I still think the book has its merits, particularly in displaying the intricacy of its characters. Despite its shortcomings, the romance between Hart and Mercy feels earned because it’s about two people overcoming their insecurities and emotional baggage to truly connect. Their personalities are both strong and shattered in their ways, and their friendship is what allows them to recover, demonstrating how love and connection can alter people who appear to be worlds apart.

Is this book perfect? Far from it.
Do I still enjoy the book? Absolutely, yes.

The writing style was solid, and the story itself is still an enjoyable read with plenty of charm and cuteness. And as someone with a heart as tender as mine, thank you for writing a book that made me cry, laugh, smile, and long for a love so deep it broke me a little post-reading this.

ps: I originally skipped this book from my Fairyloot subscription for reasons I can't quite explain (maybe the cover didn’t appeal to me at the time), but now I regret that decision and am on the lookout for anyone willing to resell it, please-