Stars: 5 Stars Format: Digital Series: Carlisle Book 3 Steam Level: Fade to Black I read this for the I Heart Sapphic 2025 Reading Challenge for the prompt Age Gap. Even with this being a short story, I’m so glad we got another glimpse into their lives. I just simply love these characters. Quick Thoughts: – Was not expecting to get Vivian’s POV but I like it! – A bit of a time jump here, which I don’t understand why it surprised me so. After reading this is felt necessary to tell this story correctly – More books with kids should have bodily autonomy expressed explicitly (when the situation comes up of course, shoe horning isn’t fun for anyone) – Like all families, Vivian’s family is a mixed bag. Though Tom needs a good kick off a pier – Loved that this wasn’t some “everything is reconciled and Vivian was just holding onto a grudge from the past” story. The ending felt true to life – That last paragraph! Squee! Overall I loved this. Short stories are hard enough to write well but add the plot line about visiting a difficult family, and it’s usually a recipe for a sappy “everything is forgiven and it’s all perfect” story that I loathe. This isn’t that, it toes that line of dysfunction and (partial) reconciliation wonderfully. I’m so happy I bought and read this.
