I'm one of the people who read this book AFTER Southside High, so I feel like that colors my opinions on the book and the characters. I just wanted to put that out there first.

While I loved the book, it was amazing, I didn't like Lace in this book as much as I did in Southside High. I realize that things happened to her and that there were misunderstandings, but goodness she was oblivious to how awful she was being treated! Also, I was so sad at the way her life had turned out since I'd last seen her in the previous book.

Bryan disappointed me a little too, just in one part, but I'm Team Bry all the way! I love how much he truly cares for her and he tells her what's up even if he thinks or knows it will make her mad. And he's loyal to a fault, he lost way too much time being loyal to War.

Speaking of War, I know he's got some good in him, I saw it in the first book, but I don't know if he's redeemable anymore. It's sad the way our childhoods and the way we were raised can either shape us for the good to make ourselves better than what we knew, or for the bad to sink into the same patterns. I see that theme a lot in these two books. (Southside High and Irresistible Refrain)

All in all, I did love the book. There is pain and torment, but also forgiveness and hope. I am actually very excited to see about getting the rest of the books in the Tempest series as well as the other related series.