This was the epitome of a page turning, obsessive beach read and I thoroughly enjoyed my week-long obsession with it! I'm rating it slightly lower than what I truly think it deserves (a 3.5/5) because of the qualms I had with the writing style. I thought the descriptions of the scenery were really overdone and very formulaic. Like clockwork, every new chapter had 1-2 paragraphs explaining the setting in unnecessary detail. About 80% in, I started skipping the first few paragraphs until I saw actual plot development. Since the setting changes with the format of the book (constant time jumps with every new chapter that are slightly hard to follow), there's an excess need for context and world building that felt way too constant for me, especially for a book with such a gripping plot that I wanted to return to as soon as possible. Aside from that, I adored the electric, tumultuous relationship Elle had with Jonas. Her tenderness towards him was intoxicating and I was very excited whenever he was mentioned in the book (although there should have been way more Jonas scenes in my opinion). From his longing stares across the room to his straightforward, open lust for Elle...I was very into it. I wish we could have seen more of him, but his lack of presence throughout her life only adds to his mysteriousness and unreachability that makes readers (and Elle) just yearn for him more. Sadly I was on the side of Elle leaving her husband and children in ruins because it was a love story that felt that deep and consequential of everything that has happened in Elle's life. Although Elle's past is very traumatic and world-shattering (the Conrad parts were very dark and actually frightening to get through), the book doesn't feel as deep or emotionally long-lasting to a reader like me, but it's a great romance novel for a quick and easy read.