⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5-stars out of 5

A book about a forbidden love that is full of passion, deception, and a family that’s broken. The story of Ben and Lauren’s love is a forbidden love because they are step siblings. Lauren’s father is married to Ben’s mom, who was a widow. Ben’s mom Jenny is a rich woman who inherited her husband’s business when he died of natural causes. Lauren’s dad, Nick swooped in and manipulated Jenny into believing that he loved her and was her knight in shining armor.

Nick has forbidden Ben to see Lauren or even touch her, but he really has no control over their relationship, or does he? When Nick finds out about Ben and Lauren, he uses threats to break them up.

This book is intense and crushing at times. These are two young adults who see nothing wrong with their attraction and want to fight for their happiness, but they are young and their desire to protect the ones they love drive them. They aren’t able to think things through when they make a decision and it causes pain for everyone.

I really enjoyed this story and give it is 4.5-star review. I am looking forward to more of Ben and Lauren’s story, especially since the end of this one crushed me. This was my first read of Tracy Lorraine’s books, but I am glad I read it and I look forward to reading more. If you like angsty, young adult, forbidden love or stories that pull at your heartstrings, then you should pick up this book and read it.