This one was okay.

I've heard AMAZING things about Sarah Dessen and it's hard to believe that I actually haven't read anything by her before this book. I've recommended her to so many students because her books tend to be romances that also tackle some social or political issue and the characters learn to work through that issue and heal. That's a strong message for my romance readers and it's a great way to move students further up the literary ladder from Kasie West or Jennifer Smith books. (Those are great, by the way - just not as complex.)

So, I picked this one up with high expectations.

I shouldn't have.

It started off well enough. Louna (whose name I dislike because it's spelled so strangely) works with her mother and godfather in their wedding planning business. She's jaded and a bit cynical, but not so much so that she comes across as unsympathetic or cruel. She's alright.

But the love interest? Completely a tool. He's not a likable character at all. He's selfish and self-absorbed. He makes his own mother's wedding run late because he's flirting with a girl. He's a serial dater and has no qualms about being involved with multiple girls at once without communicating this to them. He lost his driver's license and he didn't graduate from high school because he was "nearly" expelled. I don't even like his signature unruly curl of hair. Nothing he ever does seems to have real consequences.

Spoiler

He steals someone's dog? No problem.
He breaks company property? He gets a job??? He disrespects everyone else and their time?
He gets a girlfriend! Or twenty!

Much of the plot of this book, if it can be called a plot - revolves around the past. We learn quickly that Louna had a boyfriend named Ethan and nothing can compare to him. However it ended, it left her feeling like she'll never have love again. She's 17, though...

Spoiler

We eventually learn that Ethan died in a school shooting. I take several issues with this... One, that makes every flashback scene feel like we are just waiting for him to die. There's no agency. He's a better character than Ambrose, to be sure. I feel like this story would have been better than the one we have. Dessen should have just written about Louna and Ethan. It could have been a heartfelt story of how shootings in one place affect people all over the country. It could have actually tackled the issue of gun violence instead of using it for a simple prop in a story. I take issue with that. Louna never really deals with the shooting. She only seems to deal with Ethan's loss when it's convenient to keep her away from the love interest of this story.

Overall, this one is predictable, cheesy, and not up to par with what I've heard about Sarah Dessen novels. I'll read a couple of her others and see what all the hype is about. I feel like maybe she was pressured to deliver another book after [b:Saint Anything|23009402|Saint Anything|Sarah Dessen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1414680105l/23009402._SY75_.jpg|42576172].

** For parents and teachers - There are mentions of a sexual encounter with someone the character only just met. Nothing is described in detail of this encounter. Louna also goes to several parties where alcohol is present. She takes a sip of beer. Ambrose drinks some "blue punch" while at a party. This should prompt some interesting conversations between you and your student about safe sex and about drinking unknown things at parties. Use it as a cautionary tale. **