Hell, Dream, and Nothing in Between

by B. P., Rachael McNish (Editor)

Nathan Whitlock is a recovering alcoholic stumbling his way through life with OCD, angst, and a trust fund. Nathan is the kind of man who can’t stand herbage and expresses his feelings through pie. He isn’t exactly the life of the party (not like he once was).

Nathan has a ridiculously rigid routine that he must tend to or he strongly believes he would fall victim to relapse.

And then he meets Luna Elrod.

This wild child is never in a rush to get anywhere and starts to wreak havoc in Nathan’s life. But the worst part? He sort of likes it.

The two form an unlikely relationship. As Luna struggles with only experiencing the black and white areas of life and Nathan struggles with only experiencing the gray areas of life, they start to mix colors.

Genres: Romance, Mental Health, Fiction, Book Club, Slice Of Life, Literary Fiction

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Brianna Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this … so 🥺✨😭💖 crying 4ever

[laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished the book, I just stared off into space for 15 minutes, because oh my god. I need at least a month to recover, and I will be thinking about this book at least three times a day until further notice.

This novel is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I’m struggling to put into words how it made me feel every single emotion humanly possible, how it made me laugh, think, tear up, start conversations and use up all of my tabs (I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever tabbed and annotated a book this much).

This story was so beautiful, tragic, and hopeful, and I am so impressed by the author’s ability to convey such complex themes in such a beautiful and human way. I really don’t remember the last time I read a book where I was soaking up every single word I was reading and I couldn’t get enough. The fact that this is her debut novel is incredible and I cannot wait to read her future work!

I don’t know how b.p. did it, but I cared so deeply and felt so connected to each and every one of the characters. I was rooting for every single one of them and I loved their growth so much. Although it was a beautiful ending which tied everything together in the perfect way with a bow on top, I’m so sad that it’s over. I will be recommending this to everyone I know and talking their ear off about it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Hanna Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since a book has been able to move me in some way. The authors ability to describe the characters and what they were feeling was absolutely beautiful. She painted a canvas in your head and described ideas in such a creative way that you could not help but become obsessed with the writing and wanted her to continue to paint the canvas before you. The characters were extremely charming in their own ways and the slow burn between them was invigorating. However, I think the authors ability cover mental health was the true prize winner here. I was thoroughly impressed with her ability to depict the highs and lows of bipolar disorder and addiction. This is an incredible book.

[Lainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my ever loving mighty this was one of the best books I have ever read.

I don’t know how I managed to stumble upon this book but I am forever grateful that I was blessed with such as experience because let me tell you- this is one of the most well written, engaging, and poetic books that I have come across. Whoever this author is, my gosh she is amazing at what she does and has such a brilliant way with words. This book absolutely enamored me.

The characters of this book, both main and secondary, were so well crafted and had such deep backgrounds, even if you only knew such little about them. The actual plot of the book (if you could call it that) while not fast paced, was so engaging due to the complexity of the characters, and the beauty of the writing.

The other reviews highlight how realistic the use of mental health and addiction is in this book (to which they are correct) so I don’t feel the need to bring that up. What I found most captivating was how the author captured the reality of the complexity of human relationships. Whether that be friendships or romantic while within the context of mental health or addiction.

Anywho, needless to say, absolutely loved this book. Definitely now in my top 5 favorite books of all time (now off to try and find it in a physical copy). So please, go read this book.

[JoAnnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay wow. The depth of the characters, the writing style/perspective, the ending is all wonderful. I genuinely enjoyed reading his POV with her journal entries. It has just enough psych stuff that it’s not overbearing or dark but it’s real. Many full circle moments that you don’t really predict. So easy to read but it hooks you and I never wanted to put it down

[Skylar Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, cried, felt peace and shock as I read this book. This book took me through every emotion with Luna and Nathan as I watched their love story develop. I can't wait to see more of what this author has in store.

[Kamilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the longest time I was searching for a all consuming book to completely take over my life. This was it 🥹 I have no notes. Perfection and now I have no clue what I’m going to follow this up with. Loved every single thing and I would’ve read so much more!!!! Perfect perfect perfect

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was weirdly good. The layout was kind of random but I liked the story and the complexities of the characters. Addiction is hard to read about but this book also showed the hope that can come out of it.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird book

[Lexi Meier · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story felt random and the way it was formatted was odd too

[Linz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw. Real. So funny. Emotional story about love, addiction, friendship, and learning what real healing looks like. It’s fast paced and quietly devastating. I really loved this one!

[Kelli Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have had such a bad reading slump, when i came across a reel of someone who read this book. so, i bought the book and immediately jumped in. the author created such beautiful characters with all of their imperfections. so human and emotional, but they all held their own beauty even with their rough edges.
i havent had a book make me feel like this after the last page in forever. i wish i could read it all over again for the first time. it was raw, sad, exciting, and most of all eye-opening.
you are caught wanting more for each character, expecting a perfect outcome, but what you get is even more rewarding. life is not a perfect circle that involves a happily ever after in the terms you imagine. life delivers gifts in odd shapes and weird colors, but you find that you needed them to truly live. you never know where you’ll end up or the people you will meet along the way. you never know what will remain or what will pass along with time. you have to find the beauty in what is there and cherish what it allows you to gain in the moment.
im grateful i found that reel. im grateful i got to find this book.

[Madison Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down for the life of me! The writing is so beautiful and smooth, I saw the story happening in my head as if I were watching a movie. I love the poetry, metaphor’s, repetition, etc.
I love the slow burn of Luna and Nathan’s relationship and how unpredictable it is, it was a huge reason I couldn’t put the book down. The author captures the unpredictability of mental health and addiction so well.
I felt emotionally invested and connected to the characters and their stories, I found myself gasping, crying, smiling, etc. I know a book is incredible if it is drawing that kind of emotion out of me at the turn of every page.
All in all, well done b.p., your book is better than risotto ;) (iykyk)

[Suzie Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good debut. It was interesting for me to read as someone who’s sober bc I definitely felt for Nathan. Routines are super important to early sobriety. And Luna - such a brilliant character but from the first moment I was like, no no no no no no this won’t work and so I had this kind of stressed out feeling the whole time reading the book. All this to say I was very invested and I “felt” a lot of the book if that makes sense. I also read it in one day so I may have more to say after processing! But VERY well done.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off why does this have like no reviews?? I’ve never read a book with this writing style so it took a little bit of getting used to, but I got sucked in fast. The writing was beautiful and the characters were so perfectly imperfect. I wanted to hug and yell at both the MCs constantly throughout the story. I do wish we’ve gotten some insight from Luna at the end. Definitely a story that will stick with me.

[Steph DeBisceglia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t even know how I came across this book, but with the limited reviews and high ratings it had I had to give it a chance. I overall thought she did a great job especially for her DEBUT novel & she had a young writing style which you were able to easily connect with. It goes deep into the emotional challenges of mental health and addiction while also finding space for humor, love, and compassion. So so many good metaphors used in this book too.

[Kathryn Hyberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book had me feeling all the emotions. Really cool insight into how people with addictions and mental illnesses think and why they act certain ways. I agree with another review posted: after finishing, I just sat in silence. Wanting more. Also, wanting to go out into the world and be my own Luna 🌙. I know I will be thinking about this book in so many everyday scenarios. I loved this story! Strong Jim 🫂 Just a really great read! Would recommend it to anyone.

[Caro Villarroel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more stars, I would.

It is, without a doubt, a true work of art. The author manages to put into words feelings that are indescribable.

This is not a romance novel.
It is a novel about exploring the parts of ourselves that scare us the most. It’s about how addiction goes beyond substances. It’s about grief, letting go of people we love and letting go of versions of ourselves.

So recommended!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a phenomenal read! I haven’t read a book in years, and this one i read within a few days. Somehow it captures the cycle of addiction perfectly through dark humor and very realistic, raw moments. It leaves you contemplating life.

[Larisa Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

lol as someone with a degree in library science you can’t just walk into a library with 0 experience and get hired on the spot. the writing is choppy with very unrealistic scenarios.. 1.5 ⭐️ but rounded up for the attempt at being the next ellen hopkins

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The print format is weird and maybe needed one more editing run through (just a few spelling/punctuation errors), but I enjoyed the story. It reminded me a bit of Normal People mixed with Frankenstein and Cleopatra.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good

Kept me super engaged and I read it in two sittings. Felt like it was a memoir and the writing is poetic. Could be a movie!

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this really the debut novel of this author? Incredible storytelling and characters. Very visual writing. Felt the grittiness and uncertainty of the characters lives. This book is getting a lot of traction on social media and I'm not sure it lives up to that hype particularly. I think it will appeal to the young adult readers more. Can't wait to see what the author does next. Great start to the reading year.

[Olivia Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
I was hooked from page 1. The way b.p describes her characters and their emotions is unlike anything I have ever read. I am looking forward to what she creates in the future.

[Elin Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a ride. Sometimes we read to be entertained, and other times we read to feel. This in one of those times.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some odd punctuation and errors throughout that threw me off but a nice story

[Amy Rule · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a different style book but gave me an inside glance at the struggles of mental health and addiction. Beautifully written!!

[Joni Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. must read.

[MissAriBaybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was a whirlwind, full of ups and downs. It was intriguing and poetic, I was almost emotional. lol A very good read! 👏

[Katy Sterndale-Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to stop reading