At last a love story that's realistic and deals with all the issues of being in a real relationship. I wasn't to keen on Tom's character at the start as he was definitely not the stronger part of the couple and I felt that he gave into Esme for a quiet life. It wasn't until his back story came to light that I saw him as being equally as committed to their future. It's a clever style of writing and I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book in advance to review.

3.5 rounded up for concept

This story is well written. The concept and execution is so very clever. It was interesting to learn about the characters through a series of flashbacks that have occurred throughout their relationship. Ok, now comes the but, the only problem with this story is that all of these flashback are so sad. I expected there to be some bad times. What relationship doesn’t have those defining moments that come from the sad/bad times that happen along the way? But I thought we would have some joyful moments too... not so much.

The character are very layered and the dialogue is quite real. Esme is a strong opinionated character, almost to a fault. The game she has devised (book premise) is not the only game she suggests and that element became overkill for me. Tom is the weak character, clinically depressed and repressed. They don’t deviate from these molds even fractionally which was unfortunate as it would have given them greater depth.

It was a realistic journey. The ending is appropriate and believable. It was a good story, and I love the way it was written, but it is not a happy one. I would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Orion Publishing Group for a copy in exchange for a review.

Tom and Esme take a step back after ten years to reflect on their relationship. Esme challenges Tom to come up with the 24 most significant or defining moments of their ten years together. Toms reflections will break your heart. Mental health features largely in this book as Tom could be called a typical male in that he has tended to stay quiet and struggle on rather than express his thoughts and feelings. The book explores depression, the spiral of addiction and the impact that mental illness has in those closest
But this book has warmth, wisdom, kindness, real soul. To read it is to hold your breath, swallow the lump in your throat and blink away the tear in your eye. Whilst smiling.

A really interesting read with a sensitive subject handled very well, a lovely story with some great characters, a 5 star read for me

I loved it! It was such a great idea for a book and it pulled me in right away. it was a typical chick lit but a little more entertaining and not as light and fluffy

Interesting premise for this book, I don't recall reading anything else in this style. I didn't warm to Esme, but enjoyed overall

This book was truly about how one hidden secret can lead to the demise of an entire relationship. It was sad and hard to read because the two characters fit each other so well. It was the lack of honesty that broke them but I really wished that Esme would have softened some of her positions as I think they could have made it.

Thank you to Orion and NetGalley.

Esme and Tom have been together for 10 years. She has given him a game to play before their 10 year anniversary. Find 24 significant moments from their relationship - one for each hour of the day.

This was not what I expected. I was amused by the format. It jumps all over the 10 years Esme and Tom have been together. There are a lot of ups. However, there are a lot of downs, which I did not quite expect. I sort of expected the feel good love story, and yes, that's there. However, there are some unexpected down moments. I guess that's to be expected in any relationship. I was more drawn to Tom's character and felt empathetic towards him and his struggles. I did not really like Esme that much. I didn't feel her love for Tom, like I felt Tom's love for Esme. However, I can see why Esme struggled as Tom kept things from her. The mental health aspect was appreciated. All in all, a good read!