Sunshine and Razor Wire

by Rae Knight

I came to college with my anxiety high, and one rule.
Do NOT give into the feelings I have for Cassius Wilder.
He's been my best friend since high school. The boy who could talk me down when my brain tries to tell me I'm not worth it. The one person who knows when I'm acting, when I'm putting on a mask.
But college changes things. And so does the way he looks at me now, like he might just love me too.


Zara Hart thinks she's hard to love.
She thinks her dry humor and bad mental health days make her something people tolerate instead of adore. But she's wrong.
I've loved her quietly for years, doing my best not to act on it because I can't take her safe place away.
So I did what I thought I had to do and got myself a girlfriend.
I moved on...or tried to.
Now Zae is in college with me and pretending feels near impossible. The life I built without her is starting to crack.
But she's sunshine wrapped in razor wire, and I've never been afraid to bleed for what I want.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, College, Found Family, Slow Burn, Mental Health, Forced Proximity

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

About the author

Growing up as a young child Rae Knight used to hate reading, but as she grew into her adolescent years it all chnaged. It was this love of reading, mixed with her vivid imagination, that had her begin her writing career. The first books she ever wrote were at the age of fifteen scribble in the pages of a spiral notebook. Now a days, you can find her trying hard to write these bios in third person, which she doesn't even do in her books. When she's not teaching, she's mothering three small children. Her writing is mainly done once her littles have fallen asleep for the night.

Rae loves to interact with her readers the most, messaging back any who are willing to speak with her. So, be sure to follow her social media pages and reach out to her. The characters of her books are constantly living in her mind, missing them like dear friends when their stories end.

Instagram: @rae.knight.author
Facebook: Rae Knight
Reading Group: The Knightly Page Turners
Tiktok: raeknightauthor

Reviews

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

I somehow made it through this book though not without tears. Curse you Rae for that. This story isn’t about broken people, it’s about two souls quietly carrying burdens that shape every part of their lives. Zae struggles with depression and the constant feeling that she’ll never be enough, while Cass battles an anger that threatens to consume him. As lifelong best friends reunited at college, they’re each other’s safe place, even when that devotion complicates everything around them. The love between them simmers beneath years of friendship, neither willing to risk saying what their hearts have known all along. When those feelings finally begin to surface, my emotions were completely wrecked. Every page is filled with tenderness, heartbreak, hope, and healing. Written with incredible care and authenticity, this is a story that lingers long after the final chapter. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a friend's to lovers romance, where both main characters have problems they have to learn to deal with. One has depression, the other has anger issues and they learn how to manage a relationship with these diagnoses. You're gonna laugh and you may cry, you may not, but I sure did. Rae did an amazing job at writing such a relatable book with real world problems.

Zae and Cass have been friends for years and have been ignoring/denying that they may have actual feelings for the other person, until that's no longer the case. We get to see these two acknowledge their feelings and learn how to navigate each other's emotional well-being while being in a relationship. You're going to see some good times and some bad times, as well as some times where you may want to smack one or both of them and tell them to get out of their heads.. what you will also see is them showing up for each other, them learning, acknowledging mistakes and growing..

I absolutely recommend people read this book and can't wait to read it again myself.
To everyone who needs the reminder..
You are not a burden. You are enough. You do not need to make yourself smaller or less because people don't understand. You deserve to be yourself, happy and loved.

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I will get through this review, through my tears. I loved this book. It's about two people that are not broken but do have some things they are dealing with. Zae is the FMC and she deals with depression and just feeling like she's not enough

Cass is the MMC and he has anger management issues. The two of them are best friends and with Zae starting college a year after Cass has been there, the two of them are happy to be back to school together.

They are both there for each other and Cass definitely worries about Zae and this can cause issues with another relationship he has.

Both have stronger feelings for each other than friendship but too scared to tell the other. Don't want to give anything away but when things progress my emotions were all over the place. Beautifully written and written with care. The struggles, the love, everything. Absolutely recommend this book.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Zae and Cass had been friends for such a long time. Both having feelings for one another but the squash them down. Cass tried to move in with getting a girlfriend, but it didn’t go so well. It was really great seeing how well written the depression and anger issues that they had were touched on in a wonderful manner. These two needed to get those under control before even entertaining the idea of a relationship. So when they did, it was the cutest ever to finally see them tell one another about wanting to be together. This was a really heartfelt and sweet story.

[Tati♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books is Rae Knights!! Form the characters to the plot to the twist and turns. Like I needed this book and didn’t even know it. 🥺🔥
I’ve been so knee deep into fantasy and here crazy plots when I ate this book up with a plot that surrounded around mental heath and best friends becoming everything that each other needed and had all along 😭💖💜

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the world is heavy they will help you carry it

This book was absolutely beautiful!! Rae did a fantastic job of bringing in her mental health rep. These two are beautiful together. They are chaotic and messy but they are there when they need it.

I feel for Zae and I wish I'd have had a Cass growing up. I'm so glad to read about someone so real and struggling. Her struggles were both familiar and foreign. I absolutely loved the ways Cass supported Zae. He was always there when she needed him. He was her best friend, safe space and so much more.

I love that Cass had his own struggles to deal with. His anger was a heavy burden. However, he was taking the steps to get help with it and that was so refreshing. It scared him and that acknowledgement was the reason he was so different.

I loved the friendship in this story. The nights spent at the skate park, the pizza and game night, and the trips back home are all crucial to who they are. I loved the tension in the beginning. Cass having a snooty stuck up girlfriend was unexpected but I enjoyed how it worked out. 

I loved the friends in this story who supported them when things were hard. They offered outside perspective they didn't necessarily see themselves and it was another level of support they both needed. They were people who saw the changes they may have missed. 

I felt seen through this story. I relate to Zae in a lot of ways. It is always nice when you can relate to a character. Zae and Cass are such real and relatable character. If you have ever struggled with metal health issues this may be a perfect read for you. Check the triggers though because it definitely covers some heavy topics.

[Deonna Balentyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I adore the heck out of these two best friends. I felt sad that they had been dancing around their feelings for each other. But I loved how close they always remained. I love how mental health is represented, depression and anger are two very common problems that many people suffer from, and it is not their fault. They need to work through it of course and use coping tools and practices, but that does not make them any less then the rest of society. Zara/Zae is such a sweetheart and my heart ached for all her struggles. I could only imagine how hard it was to deal with being in love with your best friend on top of that. Cassius/Cass is such a great guy, even though he was wrong for stringing Stacey along. I totally get his reasoning, and he is young and was hoping it would help him. I love that they finally got together and were such a strong and in love couple. My heart broke for them during their trials. Cass means well and it still hurt anyways. There are hardships for all relationships, and they just needed to work through theirs.
This is a great read for those who love angst and secret crush/love, best friends to lovers and the works.

[Melissa (hereforthebooklove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t know how I survived this book without completely falling apart. Rae absolutely put my heart through the wringer.

This isn’t simply a romance, it’s a deeply emotional story about two people learning to carry the weight of their own struggles while finding comfort in one another. Zae lives with the quiet ache of depression and never feeling like she’s enough. Cass fights a rage that always seems to be just beneath the surface. After reconnecting in college, their lifelong friendship becomes the one place where they both feel understood, even as their bond grows more complicated.

The slow unraveling of feelings they’ve buried for years had me completely invested. Watching them dance around what was so obvious to everyone, including themselves, was equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking. Their journey is filled with raw emotion, gentle moments, painful truths, and the kind of healing that feels genuinely earned.

This story is written with so much heart and honesty that it stayed with me long after I finished the last page. It’s emotional, unforgettable, and one I’ll be recommending to everyone.

[Denna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunshine and Razor Wire isn't the kind of book you should pick up if you're in the mood for something fast-paced and action-packed. Because of that, I can't really judge it by those standards. In another story, I might have found some of the descriptions a bit too long, but here they helped me connect with the characters and understand what they were feeling. Considering the book deals with heavy topics like depression, mental struggles, and anger issues, I think that emotional depth was incredibly important.

The author handled these themes beautifully. She didn't shy away from showing their darker side, but whenever the story needed it, she managed to balance the heaviness with moments of humor.

Watching Zae and Cass's relationship develop, even though it's a friends-to-lovers romance, was such a joy. They're absolutely adorable.

Sunshine and Razor Wire made me laugh, but it also made me cry. I ended up highlighting quite a few quotes along the way.

On top of that, there are several references to games and movies that immediately caught my attention and made me want to learn more about them.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. Just make sure you're picking it up when you're in the mood for this kind of emotional, character-driven story.

[Alice Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rae Knight has the best writing style for heavy topics because she integrates humor in such a natural way.

I loved this as an addition to mental health representation romance! Cass and Zara were fun and definitely worked as friends to lovers. Their relationship progression was done so well! It was also so nice to see the after instead of having the happy ending being the two of them getting together. Instead of focusing on spice, we see the evolution of the relationship through understanding what the other person needs emotionally because Zara and Cassius both have their own issues and experiences they’re working through. None of this felt too overdone, stigmatized outside of talking about the social stigma that comes with having depression and struggling with emotional regulation, nor “preachy” about the topics. Their relationship was so healthy.

Honestly, I enjoyed reading about them being in love. It was so cute; I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for mental health representation or even just some of the really cute tropes throughout the book!

[Melissa Keifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing Story. Y'all seriously the way I connected to this story and these Characters was completely unbelievable. With Zae it was like looking into a mirror of myself literally... Not the part about her mom but her depression and wanting to help people completely me and the way Rae was able to convey that dark ugly world of depression is truly amazing nothing was sugar coated with her or Cass' story and what he was struggling with. I loved that she wrote in the bad parts and the true struggles and didn't make it all Sunshine and Roses because dealing with mental health isn't even on the best of days and to add someone dealing with anger issues into the mix 🤯 I absolutely LOVED how this whole story played out I wouldn't have changed a single thing about it maybe except to definitely say I need a book 2 but other then that I ABSOLUTELY recommend this story

[Angela L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sweetest book. As someone who struggles with mental health this one was really relatable. I was feeling all the feelings while reading this. I absolutely adored the characters. They were perfect together. The banter also kept it on the lighter side.

[Krista Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is real! I am so in love and also wanted to throw my phone. There was truth, trauma and a whole lot of touching. I smiled. I teared up. The ending is all that I needed.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Zara and Cass story! Ugh this was so good! I couldn't put it down! This was a 5 star read for me ! I just loved Zara even though at times she was a little annoying .

[Nonna 2K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real Life in Fiction

Rae Knight is a new-to-me author that I found through The Plot Thickens Book Club on Facebook.

Sunshine & Razor Wire is the story of Zae and Cass. They’ve been best friends since high school and this year, they are attending college together. Although they both have feelings for the other, each has kept that to themselves and played the role of best friend perfectly for years.

Zara “Zae” Hart
College freshman
Skater girl
Mental Health Challenges
Emancipated Minor

Cassius “Cass” Wilder
College Sophomore
Skater boy
Anger Management Challenges

Cass and Zae are each other’s safe place. They have standing Friday gaming/movie and pizza nights at his home with Mama Lori. They know each other’s tells and know when to push and when to offer time and space. Cass chose to get a girlfriend in hope that it would keep him from acting on his feelings, because he didn’t want to risk taking Zae’s safe place away. Unfortunately, that isn’t working out well for him, especially now that she’s on campus. People and situations arise which trigger both Zae and Cass.

I loved the dynamic between the two main characters. His snark was the perfect compliment to her sass. You could see that they were meant to be together from the start of the story. They found joy in just being together and didn’t want to change the other person.

The addition of Mama Lori, Ghost, Riot, Maverick, and Riley was the iciing on the cake. They were well written side characters who enhanced the story. The scenes with Cass and Dr. Malik were realistic and it was interesting to see how those sessions took place. Zae mentioned therapy a few times in the book, but we never got to see her in a session. I was constantly wondering if she had support in place, like Cass did. That is the only thing I felt was missing in the story…professional support for Zae, because she didn’t seem to have someone to talk over her bad episodes.

The book didn’t only have supportive characters. There was Stacey (Cass’s girlfriend) and her sorority friends who made negative verbal comments about Zae, while they were around Cass. They were a group who didn’t want to “take a walk in the other person’s shoes,” because they were so wrapped up in themselves. I did enjoy the glimpse we got of Stacey closer to the end of the book. She showed that she had the potential of being more than all about appearances.

Both characters learned a lot about themselves in the story, but it wasn’t an easy journey. This is the most realistic fiction book I’ve read about two main characters who never were so much stronger than they thought at any given time. They didn’t depend on the other to make them “better.” They didn’t magically get “cured” by saying, “I love you.” They were living life and dealing with their good and bad days the best way they could at any given moment.

This isn’t the first book I’ve read where a character had mental health challenges, but it is the first where those challenges were clearly seen on page. I liked the fact that Rae Knight didn’t gloss over anything. These challenges weren’t going away just because they found love with one another. They still struggled and always will. That’s the beauty of this book. There will be good days. There will be bad days. But whatever day it is, you deserve love, kindness, and a place in this world. You deserve your space on this planet, just like every one else and you don’t need to change who you are just because you face challenges.

Cass’s challenges were more visual due to their nature. Zae’s were more easily hidden. She was the sunshine people saw, because that was how she masked her depression/anxiety. It made me think about the phrase, “You never know what someone is going through.” In this case, only those who knew Zae (or had experience with someone who had similar challenges) were able to recognize when she was masking or spiraling.

Zae’s storyline made me think of all those people I’ve seen on the news who couldn’t handle the challenges they faced, or didn’t have the support of people close to them, or who masked what they were going through so well that nobody knew they were spiraling. Mental health is so misunderstood and glossed over in our country and after reading this book, I can honestly say, sadly, that I don’t think I would recognize the signs well in somebody else, unless they chose to share it with me. There needs to be more education on the topic of mental health and how to be there for those who are struggling.

This is a book worth reading. It’s the story of two people who loved each other for who they were and were there to support them through the ups and downs in life.

Please check the content warnings for mental health, because they may be triggering for some readers.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara came to college with her anxiety high, and one rule.
Do NOT give into the feelings she has for Cassius Wilder.
He's been her best friend since high school. The boy who could talk her down when her brain tries to tell her she’s not worth it. The one person who knows when she’s acting, when she’s putting on a mask.
But college changes things. And so does the way he looks at her now, like he might just love her too.


Zara Hart thinks she's hard to love.
She thinks her dry humour and bad mental health days make her something people tolerate instead of adore. But she's wrong.
Cassius has loved her quietly for years, doing his best not to act on it because he can't take her safe place away.
So he did what he thought he had to do and got himself a girlfriend.
He moved on...or tried to.
Now Zae is in college with him and pretending feels near impossible. The life he built without her is starting to crack.
But she's sunshine wrapped in razor wire, and he’s never been afraid to bleed for what he wants.

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first.
Reader discretion is advised.

Tropes: Contemporary, Funny, New Adult, M/F Romance, Height Difference, Friends-to-Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Slow-Burn, Neurodivergent MC, College, Sassy FMC, Tortured FMC, Teenage FMC, Sweet/Gentle FMC, Sweet/Gentle MMC, Possessive MMC, Grumpy/Cold MMC, Tortured MMC, Early 20s MMC.

Sunshine and Razor Wire by Rae Knights.

Sunshine and Razor Wire is a contemporary romance by Rae Knight that navigates mental health struggles, unrequited love, and transformation under pressure in college. At its center is a friendship between Zara Hart, who is struggling with anxiety and imposter syndrome, and Cassius Wilder, who has always been the rock for his friends. This gives the book its bittersweet intimacy and a sense of something more.

What makes Sunshine and Razor Wire interesting is its portrayal of mental health issues without resorting to cliches or melodrama. Zara grapples with her internal struggles, but it never feels overdone. The story feels true, especially in the way it describes anxiety and the precarious balance of the masks we wear to face society. Cassius too is a fearless but quiet rock, and his unvoiced love for Zara speaks to the complicated interplay of care and lust.

The strength of this novel lies in its character development and emotional depth. Rae Knight’s writing is engaging; the prose is tender and approachable, and there is a nice balance of humour and heaviness. The dry wit Zara employs throughout contrasts with her troubles, making it easier for the reader to connect with her on multiple levels. Cassius moves on to a new relationship, which heightens tension and realism overall and enhances the will-they-or-won’t-they dynamic without feeling forced or fake.

I will say that this book does rely on a couple of tropes from your typical college romance and friends-to-lovers arcs. Though those elements are handled with care, some plot developments will be predictable for seasoned genre readers. These small issues, however, are hardly enough to lessen the emotional impact.
The structure of the story is smooth, progressing at a pace that allows ample time for the growth of their relationship and characters. The gunman and the victim provide a deep sense of empathy and a more complete picture; they weave between vulnerability and guardedness.

In the end, Sunshine and Razor Wire is a sweet, reflective romance that runs deeper than its genre-related baggage. It’s a story for those who have ever been lost in their perspective, never knowing whom to follow, or living somewhere between the comforts of friendship and the abstraction of love. Readers who enjoy touching but unsentimental romances driven by characters should find much to admire here, and they will appreciate the Australian sequel.

If you're tired of the shallow quickies typical of this genre, this novel is an honest account of love despite, or at times because of, our flaws. You will want to root for Zara and Cassius, as the barbed wire that protects your heart from its own bleeding suggests.

And by the end of Sunshine and Razor Wire, you’ll be asking: Is bravery required for love, or does it require courage only to be seen?

[Kitty C · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review of advanced copy from author*

This is the best book I have read in 2026. I don't mean that it as the best romance novel, I mean the best book. It took me on a journey, where I laughed, swooned, and cried (in the good way). Even better, I learned things about myself and people in general. That is exactly what books should do, stick in our brains and make us think... stick in our hearts and make us feel. That is why I rank this book so highly.

I reas mostly novels and some romance. When I do read romance, it is usually fantasy based (werewolves and such), but I will read anything with good characters (e.g. interesting, engaging, deep characters). This book does offer an escape, in that the characters are very self-aware and communicative in a way that is rare in real life. However, to me it never felt fake or unbelieveable... just refreshing.

Anyone who's brain "lies to them sometimes" will really relate to this book, and hopefully find it healing.

Details. *No spoilers... well no more than reading the back cover.*

Tropes (my faves):
Grumpy-sunshine, Friends to lovers, Found family

Characters.
I LOVE grumpy-sunshine dynamics. It is probably my favorite trope. So the title had me intrigued. Then I met Cass and Zae and fell in love. Cass is the biggest green flag in existance, despite having anger management issues... or perhaps of it, since he is dealing with it with therapy and a lot of self-reflection. Zae is hilarious and vibrant, despite having depression and trauma she deals with. I could certainly relate to the feeling of being "too much" in a way I didn't see coming (thanks for calling me out book. Haha.)
I love banter, and this was some of the best ever. I was giggling constantly. I started highlighting every cute exchange, and felt like it was the whole book. There were also cute pop culture references (Studio Ghibli, specific songs, etc.), that sucked me into the cozy vibes as well.
The main relationship is well-developed. As friends of 4 years before the book starts, Zae and Cass know each other SO well (they would say TOO well) in a way that made me envious. However, they also call it inconvenient, since both can easily call the other out. And boy do they!
The supporting characters are also way better than they had any right to be. I wanted to move into this world and live with them every day. Mama Lori was my favorite. Every scene with her felt like a big hug. And Riley (the roomate) warmed my heart as well. Ghost, Maverick and all of Cass's skater friends made me smile.. and were such supportive guys too. These side characters really rounded out the world. They also drove home the point that no one should have to face huge issues alone (and please ask for help).

Story.
*Ok rethinking, are there spoilers? I still think no spoilers, BUT If you don't want to know if they date or if there is a happy ending, then stop here.*
I loved the plot. This story took me on a journey: from little cozy or sweet moments to their personal struggles to momentous realizations. Sometimes romance novels have to work to add drama or conflicts in a way that feels forced and can be frustrating. NOT this book. Them figuring out if they should be together (yes!), and how to be together, and how to be imperfect and navigate a relationship was enough drama to keep me invested, and it felt real.
Book was 100% believable imo. This is also important to me as romance novels can really push the limits of logic or plausibility sometimes. But these characters made sense. You knew why they did stuff and could relate, probably because they think it through on the page. As I said before, they are more self-aware and communicative than people I know, so that was a little bit "fantasy" to me, but in a good way. We could all strive to be more like Cass and Zae (if you, like I, have mental health issues), or better support systems like their friends and families in this book.

Spice.
It's a romance novel, so I feel like I should talk about spice. It is definitely spicy. Well written and detailed, but also focused on what's going on in their heads when it happens. That makes it extra hot in my book bc of their connection. It is more connection than wild experimental stuff. Marking (like hickies) and kinda public sex (shared living space, it's college) is as extreme as it gets in that department. That said, author was still VERY effective in turning up the heat. 🔥

I had never read a book by this author before (I was lucky to find this book teaser on Instagram), but I am excited to read more from her.

[Amy Kay ♥️ Books are my daily therapy ♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

☀️SUNSHINE & RAZOR WIRE🎮
By: Rae Knight
Standalone

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Star Review
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5 Spiciness Level

RECOMMENDATION:
I have just finished this wonderful book! It was a total breath of fresh air for me! I needed a real human story and this is exactly what I got! No magic, no fantasy, just a very real relationship with very real struggles, but they still get their hugely deserved HEA!

I kept thinking some huge plot twist was going to drop in. What we got was LIFE being the plot! Mental health struggles don’t need a huge plot twist to turn things upside down. But Cass and Zae have a kind of love that overcomes whatever hardships are thrown their way. They fight for one another in all ways, down to making sure they are eating and sleeping.

When depression and anxiety come calling, basic human needs can easily be overlooked and just forgotten. I have gone through this personally, so having that person fighting for you by just listening or being present, offering you crackers or a Snickers and a glass of water could be what helps you survive that day.

Cass and Zae are my new fav couple! I love their story with my whole heart!

TROPES:
MF
Best Friends-To-Lovers
Mental Health Rep
College romance
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
Angst & Yearning
Grumpy x Sunshine
Found Family
Open Door Spice

GENRE, POV, PAGE COUNT:
Contemporary Romance
Dual POV in 1st Person
Ebook is 446 pages.

FAVORITE QUOTE(S):
“She pushes off again, shirt rising one more time. And all I can think is: Do not look at your best friend’s waist. Do not look at your best friend’s waist.
I look at her waist.” -Cass

“By the time I make it outside, Cass is leaning against his car like a broody Pinterest mood board. Arms crossed, wearing a black T-shirt, black combat boots, and ripped jeans. You know, the whole bad-boy-going-to-ruin-you vibe.
Asshole.” -Zae

“You gave me your heart,” I whisper softly. “So now you have to take care of mine too.” -Zae

“Because this? You and me? This is the only thing that’s ever made sense.” -Cass

“I know sometimes you need to process alone. Or you don’t have words yet. That’s fine. I just… I need you to not shut me out completely. Let me sit on the floor with you. Let me be there while you cry, even if I can’t fix it. Especially then.” -Cass

“That's just... life. It's not going to scare me off."
"You say that now," I mutter.
"I'll say it in fifty years too," he counters.
"When we're old and yelling at teenagers to get off our skatepark."

“…because apparently I’m the kind of girl who prepares for confrontations like I’m studying for finals. I know it’s stupid. I’m still doing it because if I walk up to Cass with no plan, my mouth is going to run free, and that usually ends with me saying something insane and wondering why God keeps giving me access to language.” -Zae

NOTE:
There are some trigger warnings here for mental health. Check if needed and keep yourself safe and happy!

THANKS:
Thank you to Author Rae Knight for this amazing book! I loved reading it and look forward to reading your future books! Thank you!
 
Happy Reading! ♥☻

[Renea · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rae said she was writing as a mental health rep, she truly delivered. 💙

Zae has genuinely become one of my favourite FMCs. She’s fierce, witty, and uses humour as a shield. At first, I worried she was going to be another fragile heroine whose struggles would define her, but Rae completely shattered that expectation.

She portrays the lows of depression with honesty while also showing the quiet fight to keep moving forward, even in the smallest ways. What stood out most was that Zae isn’t reduced to her illness. Her strength is just as present as her vulnerability, and that’s something I don’t think we see often enough.

One line that has stayed with me is:

“I write, You are not my life support, then stare at it for a while. That’s true, but it also sounds terrible.”

That moment perfectly captured the balance between living with depression while still recognising her own independence and resilience.

When it comes to Cass, Rae never falls into the trap of “love fixes everything.” Their relationship isn’t easy. They hurt each other, make mistakes, and face challenges, but they also take accountability, communicate, and keep choosing each other. It beautifully shows that love doesn’t erase mental illness, but kindness, patience, and showing up for someone can make all the difference.

Cass is honestly difficult to review because he’s such a layered character. There were moments where I was completely in awe of him, and others where I wanted to climb into the book and give him a good shake. But that’s exactly what made him feel real. Above everything else, he is Zae’s best friend first. He stands beside her through her highest highs and lowest lows, all while battling his own demons. I also loved that their support wasn’t one-sided, Cass leans on Zae just as much as she leans on him, which made their relationship feel incredibly authentic.

And can we talk about his mum? Absolute icon. The tough love she gives them both when they need it, without overstepping, was one of my favourite parts of the book.

The spice? 🌶️🌶️🌶️

As someone who loves a spicy romance, this absolutely delivered while never losing Zae’s sense of humour. Lines like:

“Loch. As in Loch Ness, the monster living in your pants.” had me laughing out loud.

Overall, Rae did far more than simply write mental health representation. She wrote a story that explores the beautiful, painful, messy reality of living with mental illness. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all there, without ever feeling exploitative or romanticised.

As someone who has lived with mental health struggles myself, parts of this book genuinely made me feel seen. There was something incredibly validating about reading a story that didn’t try to “fix” its characters but instead showed that healing isn’t linear and that people are still worthy of love exactly where they are.

I’m genuinely grateful I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Sunshine & Razor Wire. It’s a story I’ll be recommending again and again, and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you have not read anything by Rae Knight yet, my only question is “Why not?”. Every one of her books are filled with raw emotion, overcoming adversity, and romance that you can’t put down. Her writing is full of passion, self reflection, and love. From the very first time I read her, I knew I needed to read everything she had written. Sunshine and Razor Wire, her newest release, is a standalone romance, focused on two people finding their safe place amongst each other. Where the noise drowns out, emotions calm, and the sun shines brighter. She provides a wonderful look into how mental health affects relationships, both the good and bad, while taking care to let her readers know they are safe with her.

Cassius (Cas) and Zara (Zae) have been best friends since high school. Neither of them know it, but they secretly pine for the other with all their hearts. Their friendship is easy to feel while reading about them, yet Rae provides enough tension that you also feel they are holding back. As college provides a setting for them to grow, it also provides a setting where they no longer can ignore their hearts. Both have mental health issues they struggle with, Zae from depression and Cass from IED (anger issues). The support they find in each other is their life lines, as they each support each other unconditionally through episodes.

I have always appreciated that when Rae writes mental health into her books, she does her research. She goes above and beyond to ensure that she writes about them correctly, while allowing people to feel seen and safe. As Cass and Zae go through life together, their commitment to one another is heartwarming. They are each other’s person through it all and when their feelings finally come to a head, years of pent up emotions come spilling out.

No matter the type of romance Rae writes, I always know she is going to write real people with real problems. Even in her fantasy style writing, her characters are easy to relate to and connect with due to the humanity Rae infuses within them. Zae reminds me of me when I was much younger, which I love when I can easily relate to characters. Cass’ extreme protectiveness of her is beautiful and swoon worthy. As these two discovered that it is ok to not be ok, the love they found in return is everything! Have the tissues ready when you read this book, because it will make you feel everything!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
☀️Best Friends to Lovers
🖤Mental Health Rep
☀️College Romance
🖤Forced Proximity
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤Found Family
☀️Studio Ghibli!

[Vanessa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine and Razor Wire by Rae Knight
is an emotional, slow-burn romance that beautifully explores friendship, mental health, healing, and unconditional love. If you’re a fan of the best-friends-to-lovers trope with plenty of angst, this book delivers an unforgettable story that stays with you long after the final page.

The story follows two best friends who have spent four years standing by each other’s side while silently hiding the truth,they’ve been deeply in love with each other the entire time. Fear, self-doubt, and the possibility of ruining their friendship keep them from confessing their feelings, creating an emotional tension that builds throughout the novel.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of mental health. The heroine struggles with crippling depression, and Rae Knight handles her journey with compassion and honesty. Rather than offering easy solutions, the novel shows how depression can affect relationships, self-worth, and everyday life while emphasizing the importance of patience and support.

The hero battles intense anger issues, but beneath his rough exterior is someone fiercely protective and deeply devoted. His struggle to control his emotions makes him a layered, believable character. Together, the two protagonists aren’t perfect they’re messy, broken, and learning how to heal but that’s exactly what makes their relationship feel so authentic.

The romance unfolds naturally, with years of friendship serving as the foundation for something deeper. Every quiet moment, meaningful glance, and heartfelt conversation carries emotional weight because the reader understands everything they’ve been holding back. When they finally confront their feelings, the payoff feels earned and incredibly satisfying.

This isn’t a lighthearted romance. It’s an emotional journey filled with heartbreak, vulnerability, and hope. Readers should be prepared for difficult themes surrounding depression, emotional trauma, and anger, but those elements make the love story even more powerful.

Overall, Sunshine and Razor Wire is a touching and heartfelt best-friends-to-lovers romance that reminds readers that love isn’t about fixing someone it’s about standing beside them through their darkest moments. Rae Knight crafts an emotionally rich story with memorable characters and a romance built on trust, loyalty, and years of unwavering friendship.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

A beautifully written, emotionally intense romance that is perfect for readers who love slow-burn relationships, deep character development, and stories about finding light even in life’s darkest moments.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Rae's books, and this is the first MF romance I've read by her. I liked it, obviously. The characters were engaging, the story was interesting, and, with the side/supporting characters, there's plenty of potential to turn this into a series

One of the things I liked most about this book was the portrayal of Zae's depressive episodes. It wasn't all just the "depression is sadness and moping" you usually see in media. It was the emptiness, the anger and frustration at yourself because "I should be able to get over it," the fear that you were going to drive away the people you care about. I've dealt with depressive episodes throughout my adult life, (more than 20 years) and can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen a truly empathetic, realistic portrayal of depression like this. Thank you for that, Rae

Okay, happier parts! Cass's skater friends. Love them. All of them. They need a book of their own. Clearly, they're all an RH in the making, so please make it happen, Rae?

I also loved Riley. Such a good, supportive, will-help-you-hide-the-bodies-but-first-hydrate kinda friend. She deserves a high-paying marketing job and all the best things in the world

Speaking of all the best things in the world, Mama Lori was amazing too. Loving, supportive, willing to tell her babies when they needed to pull their heads our of their asses. Top tier mom character, loved her

Controversial opinion, I think even Stacey would make a good FMC in a future book. Yeah, she was a jerk while she was dating Cass, but, like, that was the point of her character then. She was 20 years old, still figuring out who she is, what she wants, and what her place in the world is. She made bad decisions, blamed other people for them, surrounded herself with an echo chamber of friends/sorority sisters also telling her she wasn't the problem, and generally making pretty standard young-person relationship mistakes. She was only the "villain" because that's the perspective we were given of her, and I would love to see a story about her finding someone who loves and appreciates her for who she is (and that she doesn't feel she needs to "fix")

As much as I enjoyed this book, there were a few things I felt dragged a little more than necessary, (like the whole Cass/Stacey thing) but, overall, it's a great book, and I look forward to Rae's next one!

[Audi Walbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let this cute cover fool you cause it's adorable but you may cry, oh wait maybe that is just me.

Zae and Cass. I wanna wrap them both up in the biggest hugs.

Zae deals with depression and Cass struggles with anger management. Best friends who were both secretly in love with each other.

Cass is so patient with Zae, never letting her fears of being too much, obnoxious, or easily pushed aside to take over. He's protective, he googles best ways to help a girlfriend having a depressive episode. 🥹
He didn't let anyone talk down about her or treat her differently.

"Zae, you're not optional."

"The late afternoon light hits through the glass doors, low and goes across the floor. It makes everything look warmer than it is. Zae's like that. Like the last rays of sunlight. Warm, caring, inviting. Makes you feel like everything is going to be okay."

Zae can read Cass like a book, she sees his tells, loves him through his struggles, and is so proud of the steps he's taking to manage his anger. She was dealt a hard hand with parents who didn't understand her, a mother who made her feel unimportant and unwanted. A world that made her feel like she was too much.

"I hate how many people are worried. It makes me feel fragile, and I am not fragile. I come in damaged packaging, slightly dented, possibly leaking from one corner. But I'm not fragile."

"I want to tell him I can handle my own ghosts, but that doesn't mean I want to stand alone in every haunted room."

There will come a moment in the book where you will want to hit Cass with a shoe and then hug him and apologize at the same time but hug Zae harder and give her the biggest you go girl and I'm so proud of you.

The work Cass puts in with group therapy and individual therapy.

"That's part of loving someone who struggles. It often feels like you're bringing a cup of water to a house fire. But to the person who's burning, that cup can mean everything."

I also loved the friendship between Zae & Riley. Riley was so good at being what Zae needed without being too much. I liked Cass and Ghost's friendship as well.

Rae did a beautiful job showing the struggles of having something that is not easy to control not only individually but in a relationship. Mental health representation is so important and it came across with such care.

[Jess Lobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up expecting a friends-to-lovers romance, and that's exactly what I got. What I wasn't expecting was how much the mental health representation would resonate with me.

At its core, this is a story about two mentally ill best friends who finally stop pretending they're "just friends." Love doesn't cure them. Depression doesn't disappear. Anger management isn't magically solved. Instead, they learn how to support one another through the difficult days, and I appreciated that Rae Knight let that journey stay messy, imperfect and ongoing.

Zae and Cass have fantastic chemistry from page one. Their banter feels effortless because they're already best friends, and four years of mutual pining means every small moment carries extra weight. Some of my favourite scenes weren't even the romantic ones, but the quiet moments where they reminded each other that they weren't burdens. Those conversations hit especially hard for me as someone who has lived with depression for a long time.

I also loved the supporting cast. Riley and Ghost never demanded attention, but they added so much to the story simply by showing up when it mattered. They're the kind of side characters that make a book feel lived in rather than existing only to move the romance forward.

Around the 60% mark I did find myself wondering what the remaining conflict would be. I worried the ending might feel rushed because the relationship had settled into a comfortable rhythm, but thankfully that wasn't the case. The pacing worked itself out and the emotional payoff still landed.

The setting itself is fairly grounded, taking place mostly around college life and Cass' family home, so the focus stays firmly on the characters and their relationships rather than the world around them.

This is an open-door romance, but for me the emotional intimacy always outweighed the physical relationship. The spice complemented the story rather than replacing it.

Overall, this was a genuinely enjoyable read that left me feeling incredibly understood. I'd especially recommend it to readers looking for authentic mental health representation alongside a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance.

Thank you to Rae Knight for the ARC. I'd happily continue reading more from this world and will absolutely be recommending it to readers who enjoy emotionally driven contemporary romance.

[Rima Ayoub · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How do I even put into words what this book made me feel?

Sunshine & Razor Wire wasn’t just a romance… it was a story about surviving, healing, and finding someone who loves every version of you, even the ones you struggle to love yourself.

Zae absolutely wrecked me. Her journey with depression felt raw, honest, and painfully real. There were so many moments where my heart just broke for her because Rae Knight didn’t shy away from showing how isolating mental illness can be. But what I loved most was that the story never tried to “fix” her. It showed that healing isn’t simple. Some days are harder than others, and that’s okay.

And then there’s Cass. Watching him acknowledge his anger, take accountability, and actively work on becoming a better man? THAT is character growth. Green flags aren’t about being perfect… they’re about putting in the work, and he absolutely did. And the way he is always looking to comfort Rae and find ways to make her day better… 😩 he’s perfection!

Now let’s talk about these two because… THE PINING. The YEARNING. The “I’ve loved you for years but never believed you could possibly love me back” had me screaming. Every interaction was dripping with tension, comfort, and so much unspoken love that I wanted to physically push their heads together and yell, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” When they finally admitted what they’d both been feeling all along, I had the biggest smile on my face.

What really stayed with me, though, was that their love wasn’t written as a magical cure. They didn’t save each other… no, they supported each other. They chose each other while still choosing to heal themselves, and that felt so refreshing and realistic. Loved it.

This book made me cry. It made me smile. It made me hopeful. It reminded me that sometimes love isn’t about rescuing someone from their darkness… it’s about sitting beside them, reminding them they don’t have to face it alone. And that was the best part.

Rae Knight created two beautifully imperfect characters who found home in each other, and I honestly don’t think I’ll be forgetting them anytime soon.

This one is staying with me. Happy reading. Xo 💋

[Rae Davis]

☀️SUNSHINE & RAZOR WIRE🛹


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Star Review

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4-4.5/5 Spice Level

😭😭😭😭😭5/5 "This Book Healed Something in Me" Level


Cass (MMC) and Zae (FMC) felt incredibly real. I loved that they were early 20s skater kids—it immediately took my mind back to my iPod Nano and MCR blasting out of my Skullcandy earbuds days. I remember how much of a lifeline those friendships were at that age.


One of my favorite parts was how thoughtfully the book handled mental health. It never felt forced or overly dramatic. It felt honest in a way that people who deal with mental health issues on the daily can truly relate with. In many ways, this story feels like a love letter to each character's younger self, and it almost made me feel like damn, this is how my younger self needed to be loved when I was that age, or I wish I'd had the courage to love myself like this. Both Cass and Zae carry their own trauma and are actively working through it, but the story never falls into the trap of making them codependent. I love how they simply hold space for one another, offering support without trying to "fix" each other.


I think it’s funny since I've never been drawn to slow burns or less spicy love in the beginning because it's too real and it's raw. It's the love that can't hide behind the lust and physical closeness. It's the kind of love that seeps out of you without even realizing it. Cass is such a great example of this, often prioritizing Zae without fully understanding the deeper reason behind his own actions. Almost like the deepest parts of him have always known it’s been her and not just in a romantic sense. But like parts of him know when they are together, they can just both finally breathe. Which makes the spicy parts feel like a release rather than surface-level lust.


Overall, I loved the book. I found myself laughing one chapter and tearing up the next. There are definitely a few cheesy moments sprinkled throughout. But honestly, I think that’s part of what made me love it even more. Real life is a little bit cringe sometimes, and this captured that in a way that felt genuine rather than overdone.

[Heather Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly my favorite book Rae Knight has written.

From the very first page, I knew this story was going to own me. The yearning between Cass and Zae is one for the ages. This is friends-to-lovers done exactly right. Every conversation, every lingering glance, every moment where they were dancing around what had always been there had me completely captivated.

Cass and Zae are everything. Their friendship goes beyond words, built on years of trust, loyalty, and unconditional love. They know each other better than anyone else, and because of that, every emotional moment hit that much harder. Watching them finally confront the feelings they'd buried for so long was both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Rae Knight has a way of writing characters that feel so real, and these two were no exception. Their chemistry wasn't built on instant attraction—it was built on years of friendship, and that made every bit of tension feel earned. When everything is finally laid out on the table, you can't help but root for them with your whole heart.

And yes... there is a third-act breakup. Normally, that's enough to send me spiraling, but not this time. You know, without a doubt, that Zae is going to stand her ground and fight for what she wants. She isn't willing to let the love of her life walk away without a fight, and I absolutely loved her for it.

This story is gritty, emotional, raw, and overflowing with heart. It explores love, loyalty, healing, and the courage it takes to risk everything for the person who's always been right in front of you. I laughed, I teared up, I swooned, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough because I needed these two to find their happily ever after.

Rae Knight has outdone herself with this one. If you love friends-to-lovers with aching slow-burn tension, unforgettable characters, and a romance that will completely consume you, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Not to mention, the banter is TOP NOTCH!

Cass and Zae have my whole heart.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that tell you a character struggles with their mental health... and then there are books like Sunshine & Razor Wire that make you feel every high, every low, every intrusive thought, and every hard-won victory right alongside them. This was one of those books.

The mental health representation in this book was one of the most authentic I've ever read. It didn't sugarcoat anything or try to make the hard moments pretty. It showed the good, the bad, and the ugly, and that's exactly why it worked. As someone who lives with bipolar disorder, there were moments that hit so close to home they made me stop reading just to sit with them. The self-doubt, the anxiety, the fear of being "too much" for the people you love... Rae Knight captured those feelings with so much honesty and compassion. It wasn't just representation, it felt understood.

And then there's Cass. I don't think I've loved a best-friends-to-lovers hero this much in a long time. This man loved Zae quietly for years because he couldn't bear the thought of taking away the one place she always felt safe. That kind of selfless, patient love absolutely wrecked me. Every look, every conversation, every ounce of yearning made the payoff that much sweeter. The slow burn was perfection, and every step of their relationship felt earned.

What I loved most is that this wasn't a story where love magically fixes everything. Healing isn't linear, and this book never pretended otherwise. Instead, it showed what it looks like to love someone through the messy moments, to remind them they're worthy even when they can't believe it themselves, and to choose each other over and over again.

The found family, the emotional depth, the humor woven between the heavier moments, and the chemistry between Cass and Zae all came together to create something that was impossible to put down.

This story made me laugh, made me cry, and reminded me that even on the darkest days, we're worthy of being loved exactly as we are.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

Tropes:
BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS
MENTAL HEALTH REP
COLLEGE ROMANCE
SLOW BURN
ANGST
YEARNING
FORCED PROXIMITY
SUNSHINE X GRUMPY
FOUND FAMILY
OPEN DOOR SPICE


This book follows two best friends who are completely oblivious to the fact that they're in love with each other.
They're so caught up in their own fears, denial, and overthinking that they can't see what's obvious to everyone else around them-they've always been each other's person.
You watch them navigate the lasting effects of trauma and the challenges life throws their way. It explores themes like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and struggles with anger in a way that feels honest and realistic, showing both healthy and unhealthy ways people cope. Zae struggles with depression felt raw and realistic, but I appreciated that it wasn't the only thing that defined her. Cass is dealing with his own challenges, especially when it comes to anger and emotional regulation, and watching his journey was equally impactful. And Mama Lori? She completely stole my heart. She's the kind of person everyone wishes they had in their corner-comforting, wise, and always knowing exactly what to say.
The relationship between Zae and Cass was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their banter was entertaining from beginning to end, and more than once I wanted to jump into the story and tell them to just talk to each other already. Their connection felt genuine, and learning about their past, their struggles, and how they became so important to one another made me even more invested in their story.
Even with these heavier topics, the book never feels overwhelming. It handles them with compassion and care, balancing the emotional moments with witty banter, heartfelt friendships, and plenty of warmth. The romance develops naturally, and the chemistry between the characters kept me turning pages.
Overall, I highly recommend this book.

[Brina's Emotional Borrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐
This book really got to me. Zae is dealing with depression and all the trauma she has carried since childhood, and Cass is fighting anger that sends him straight into the red zone. They are each other’s anchor. She’s usually the one who can pull him back down, and he’s the place where she feels safe. They love each other so fiercely, but they’re both so terrified of letting the other fully in because they don’t want to make life harder for the person they care about most.

One thing I really appreciated is how real the mental health representation felt. It shows both sides, the person living through the crisis and the person who loves them through it. Their relationship isn’t treated like a quick fix, and I absolutely loved that. They still have to do the hard work and face their triggers. Cass especially starts to realize he actually has a network of people who want to help him, not just Zae.

Found family is something I always love! Cass and Zae start out as two broken people who only have each other (and Mama Lori), but over time they build a small circle of support that helps them heal in ways they could not do alone. Honestly, I would love to see a story with Ghost or Riley in it now.

The friends to lovers arc is so angsty and sweet. Their love for each other is obvious to literally everyone except themselves, and their fear of losing their friendship makes everything feel so fragile. The last quarter of the book absolutely broke me! All their deep wounds and triggers get hit at once, and watching them try to love each other well while falling apart was heartbreaking. Make sure to have tissues nearby!

This story is about two beautifully broken people doing the hard work to heal, not for each other but alongside each other. I’m still thinking about these two and everything they went through.

Also, as a sidenote, the artwork for this book and the characters is so perfect for Cass and Zae.

Rae Knight, thanks so much for this ARC.