The End of May by Kem Richards gives a stunning portrait of the fall and rise of a woman, Marcella ''Marcy'' Burke, a story that is as spellbinding as it is emotionally gripping. She is a young woman from Ohio who moves to New York City to pursue her dreams, and everything seems to work perfectly well for her as she moves in with Luke, her partner. They live in a penthouse in one of the lush neighborhoods in the city. She lands her dream job in the fashion industry and is set to climb the corporate ladder. But as she is getting ready to take bolder steps, everything comes crashing down. But Marcy can't lose the life she has dreamed about for so long. Her friend Vicky introduces her to the underbelly of New York City and the world of escort services. Marcy is determined to succeed, but is she willing to compromise her moral code in the name of success?

This is a gripping tale with resonant themes and a setting that is vividly drawn. The protagonist is deeply flawed. From the outside, she is a respectable woman with bold dreams for the future, but she must negotiate the path she walks to achieve those dreams. Her relationship with Vicky will change her life and perspective in many ways. The author does a remarkable job of contrasting the beauty and pomp of New York City with the bad side of it, making the setting an intriguing and exciting world to navigate. The author is relentless in the portrayal of the beauty of New York City, which is so different from the obscene world that makes up its underbelly. The protagonist is a multilayered character who must deal with challenging choices, navigate complex relationships, and discern what she really wants from a partner. Some descriptions are raw, but Kem Richards makes sure that readers feel the scenes, experience the dazzling sights, and plunge into the underworld of his characters, especially Marcy. This author succeeds at capturing the raw, restless energy and despair of a woman whose eyes are fixed on success. The entertainment this book offers will hardly disappoint any keen reader.