Keys and Kisses

4.5 stars

This series has really surprised me in the best way. The writing, the characters, the plot and the brilliance that is the authentic dialogue and communication is very well executed.

The authenticity in how the characters interact, the situations that develop and even the adults in the story are incredibly believable and ultimately as realistic as can be imagined. I wholeheartedly appreciate how the author was able to construct the insecurities in the characters without the clear black and white lense that other books with similar storylines tend to use when one or more characters stray from the pack. It lends a sense of credibility because while we all fantasize about how reverse harem relationships can work and thrive, there's also a gray area - “the unknown”, where moments of hesitation, difficulty and instability are warranted. When there are more than two people be in a relationship, there will undoubtedly be times where things aren't going smoothly but what this books highlights (and why I love it so much) is that no matter the situation, COMMUNICATION IS KEY! :) And the author does this beautifully by playing out the situations in which things come to light that, although aren't secrets, could have been better received if they were communicated by the instigator and not a second party. The greatest lessons come when the characters grow from past instances and their actions speak louder than their words, which is just...chef's kiss.

The ending to this book is nothing new in the angsty reverse harem world but I greatly appreciate how the author dealt with the situation and didn't gloss right over the trauma or the treatment/aftermath.