A raw and unfiltered depiction of the realities of love and life with a Final Destination-style twist. It’s messy, realistic and frustrating. A journey of self-improvement whilst not always making the right choices.

“It is only me and my unhappy ending. Which is funny because my name is story.”

This book was moving but confused me until my head heart. Dual-timeline and dual POV, I didn’t know which way was up, hence the 3 stars. Other than that, I’ve never annotated so many quotes throughout a book before. The writing was so unapologetically real and relatable that once I started, I couldn’t stop.

“You were the carrot that the universe dangled in front of me – the prize that I knew was out of reach but I went for it anyway.”

Story, the main protagonist, is floating through life, aware that she continues to make the wrong decisions. With a religious upbringing and an alcoholic father, she struggles to remain positive throughout her relationships. The realities of life are hard enough, without being convinced that something disastrous is coming.

“I think the devil hangs around in airports, looking for runaways with daddy issues.”

I did truly enjoy They Won’t Apologize for the Mess, purely for the characters determination to figure things out. But the format of the writing was confusing. I didn’t know what event was happening when, what was referencing who and sometimes... I just had no idea what was going on.

“I want to have my cake and blow it up too.”

^ By far my favourite quote that perfectly encapsulates the story itself. We all want what we can’t have, but what happens if we make that wrong choice anyway?

Thank you NetGalley and Castle of Air, BirkenStacks for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

They Won’t Apologize for the Mess is an unapologetically raw and fiercely unique exploration of identity, self-worth, and the chaos of finding where (and if) you belong. Xine Rose has crafted a deeply moving narrative that feels like stepping into the messy, vulnerable corners of someone’s soul—and it’s brilliant.

The protagonist, Story, is a beautifully flawed and layered character who is as frustrating as she is relatable. Her journey of self-discovery is not a linear one, but rather a patchwork of memories, mistakes, and moments of clarity. The non-linear structure mirrors the disarray of her life, drawing you in as you piece together her truths. Rose’s writing captures the essence of trying to navigate life without a roadmap and the courage it takes to embrace the mess along the way.

What stood out most were the vivid, sensory details that transported me directly into Story’s world. From gritty city streets to quiet moments of introspection, every scene is painted with such authenticity that it lingers long after you’ve turned the page. The voice is distinct and captivating—sharp yet tender, irreverent yet deeply emotional.

This book isn’t afraid to be imperfect, just like its characters. Story often struggles to find clarity or make the “right” choices, and you can’t help but root for her even when you’re shaking your head at her decisions. By the end, you realize the beauty of the story lies not in its resolution but in its journey—a poignant reminder that we don’t need to have everything figured out to find meaning.

I laughed, I cried, I yelled at Story, and then I rooted for her all over again. Rose has created something deeply personal and universally resonant here. If you love stories that are both gritty and poetic, and characters that feel like real, imperfect people, this is a must-read.