I have read a few of Stormy Smith's other books in the paranormal genre and loved them. Little did I know how much more I would love this realistic fiction novel! I was sure I would like it, but I was unprepared for how much I LOVED it. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, there's just so much going on and so much to feel.

Charlie and Trev are such lovable characters. You end up feeling for each in their own tragedies and really rooting for them as friends to figure things out. When you find out the extent of their troubles, you'll be horrified. I can't imagine what either of them must have gone through and the book is written so well that it all feels very real.

I also really love the parts taking place in Des Moines. Being a resident of Urbandale (a suburb of Des Moines,) it was fun to see references that I recognized. Loved the shout out to Tasty Tacos!!! I'm sure seeing places and things I recognized and had been too helped me connect even more deeply with the book.

There are many things being addressed in this story as well. Things like grief, death of a loved one, mental illness in a loved one, and teens having to make decisions about their future.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the writing of Colleen Hoover or Sarah Dessen, anyone who enjoys YA/New Adult realistic fiction/contemporary romance, or anyone who loves Stormy Smith's other books.