ML Spencer writes this book in a style that gives you exposition and backstory in an organic way rather than feeling forced. For example, the early chapters of this book introduce us to two of our main characters. As they interact with each other, getting to know one another, we get point of view shifts allowing the reader to learn about one character as the other learns about them.
She also has some subtle foreshadowing for events that will stand out when these events do happen. There are still some standard tropes and some easily anticipated story beats, but these are outnumbered and outshined by the clever writing and some darker story moments.