These characters really need to go to therapy! They both have trauma they should work through before getting into a relationship and this makes it so difficult to root for them. Simon was okay, but clearly hadn't worked through his brothers death and his grief in a healthy way. By the end of the book though, he had developed well and worked through some of his issues. Emily was one of the most annoying characters to read. The majority of the conflict in the book was due to her assuming the worst of everyone and everything and not communicating her worries with the people around her. And while I understand that behavior was brought on by her traumatizing relationship and was understandable, I don't think a healthy way to deal with those issues is to get in another relationship. Not only that, but she never admits her wrongdoing or tries to get better. The only development is her being more upfront about what she deserves from her partner. She never admits that she put way too much pressure on a relationship that was happening for what, a month at that point? And also she overreacted to the situation instead of communicating her issues in a productive way. Also, she brings up all her issues with how Simon manages the fair but never talks to him about how she feels until the end, and then it isn't even her! If she had at least learned to find value in herself outside of her relationships and communicate her feelings I would've liked this a lot more, but by the end she was forgiven without ever atoning for her behavior. I did like the premise of the book and there were a lot of sweet scenes, I just wish the development of Emily was actually there.