Pansies

[3.3] A former bully-to-lover story that I surprisingly enjoyed more than I thought I would. I believe kids can grow up to be very different people as adults, so the “former bully” part allowed me to proceed with my usual reservations at a lower setting.

This book is Alfie's redemption arc: recognizing the damage of his past actions, the tight hold toxic masculinity and internalized homophobia have on him even after coming out of the closet, and the life he truly wants to lead.

“She wouldn't understand, and he couldn't explain. How bad it felt to be a shock. To be an idea people had to get used to. To be a moment of hesitation. A flinch when someone touched you. A wariness in their eyes. How much it fucking hurt.”