A single kiss can change your future forever…

Lee Kennedy has never stopped to question his reluctance to finish his studies and start a family. Pampered and protected, he’s never wondered how the Tax Rats, the people outside the privileged “boomer” district, live. Sharing a forgiven kiss with Roman Sharp, tax rat and waiter at his sister’s wedding, makes him realise there are deep roots to his reluctance to trigger an algorithm and follow the path he is supposed to. But following his heart may risk his family, his career and his future for good. Is it worth it?

I must recognise I’ve been completely enthralled by this story. In a dystopian society where your status determines your future, Lee goes through a journey to self discovery and acceptance. We find out the particularities of this society at the same time Lee does, although there are things which are only hinted at, not fully explained, that kept me very intrigued (like what happened in the past that led to this new concept of society). The main focus of the book is not the romantic relationship between Roman and Lee, which is really slow burn but plenty satisfactory at the end, it is Lee’s struggle to accept himself and to decide what role he wants to play in his own life. One of the things I liked the most about this story is the fact that there is no judgement, whatever path you decide to take, there is joy at the end. There is a HEA for Lee and Roman, but there is also a HEA for Emma and Howard.

Joel Leslie’s narration was, as always, extraordinary. The anguish of Lee’s situation, his heartbreak, his fear, all those emotions transpire all long the story. The change of pitch and intonation between the posh boomers and the tax rats is also remarkable. It’s been a pleasure to listen to him bringing these characters to life with his performance

I loved it.