The impact of this abuse is apparent with choices that are made, and Adelaide’s perception of self. The reader should be advised of the following trigger warnings including intimate partner abuse, and the loss of a pregnancy. I won’t say much more about this so as not to give too much away. But he too has mental health challenges and when tragedy strikes, both his life and Adelaide’s change forever. Superficially, Rory appears to be a kind and loving boyfriend. This level of support was put to be well-used as her relationship with Rory develops. Luckily, she is surrounded by friends as well as a healthy workplace. Adelaide herself comes from a family that suffers from various mental health challenges. Mental health plays a strong role in this book. She wasn’t looking for love but stumbles upon it when she meets Rory. This twenty-six-year-old American living in the UK is making a name for herself in the world of communications. If you’re looking for a character to root for, look no further than Adelaide.

With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love-with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back. When love asks too much of us, how do we find the strength to put ourselves first? Then, when Rory is rocked by an unexpected tragedy, Adelaide does everything in her power to hold him together-even if it means losing herself in the process. But when he shines his light on her, the world makes sense, and Adelaide is convinced that, in his heart, he’s fallen just as deeply as she has. For twenty-six-year-old Adelaide Williams, an American living in dreamy London, meeting Rory Hughes was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: this charming Englishman was The One she wasn’t even looking for.ĭoes he respond to texts? Honor his commitments? Make advance plans? Sometimes, rarely, and no, not at all.

Adelaide genevieve wheeler