While there are issues that make this story only good rather than great (details to follow), the character arcs are wonderful, and the supporting cast is great. I don't know if the ace/aro rep is good, not being either, but it felt genuine, as did the emotional hits. That earns this a solid three stars. These parts are the only reasons I actually got to the end.

I haven't read the first two books in the series, and didn't feel I needed to. Which is good, because I'm never reading this author again. She writes a good scene, but then has the character think about it in thorough, repetitious detail. Constantly. As if the reader can't possibly retain what we've already read multiple times.

Maybe some readers like that. I find it insulting. I was skimming all those words that didn't matter, didn't further the plot, before the halfway point. This could have been a really good, intense novella, and I am sad it isn't. Taro and Dell deserve better.

( )