Friends to Rivals to Friendly Rivals to Friends to Lovers? That’s pretty much what is happening with story, along with a whole lot of anger from both main characters. Told in an alternating POV, you get a deep dive into both Taylor’s and Mari’s lives, including everything that they are dealing with.

Mari lives with her single mom and twin younger siblings whom she holds a lot of responsibility for. She feels trapped by her responsibility to her family and sees running (and the potential for scholarships) as her escape. She resents Taylor for ending their friendship, though never really understood why she did it. She makes some serious mistakes (mostly egged on by her former teammate and hookup), but learns from them and fights for her friendship with Taylor.

Taylor takes everything on her shoulders and doesn’t reach out for help. She pushed Mari away because she felt abandoned and was afraid of her complicated feelings for her best friend. She is terrified by her father’s medical issues and feels like she has to be perfect to keep everything together. She resists Mari’s overtures because she doesn’t want to be hurt by her leaving again.

Taylor’s family is amazing, though they do leave her on her own a lot while dealing with hospital stays and dialysis, but they love and support both Taylor and Mari, wanting them to be and do whatever makes them truly happy. Mari’s mom isn’t bad, just busy working multiple jobs and putting the financial responsibilities over the emotional ones.

I was worried about how one of the storylines was going to end, but I am pleased with the way everything ultimately worked out for everyone. Though I would have liked to have seen more dogs!

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration though NetGalley, on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.