Yes! This is the book I wanted and needed

Young Adult is a competitive space and there are so many good YA books out there, but this isn’t good YA, this is great YA. This is an example of why I read and love this genre so much. I love emotional YA that gives you all the feels and that is exactly what this book did. This book isn’t perfect, there are a few teeny tiny things, but this is Reyes’ YA debut (which makes it more impressive) and I enjoyed the hell out of it so this is an easy 5 stars for me.

This is one of those books that once you start reading you can’t put down. It is a good length, but there was no way I could stop reading. Before I go much further I want to mention some possible triggers that the characters go through like homophobia, racism, and suicide. I’m not kidding but I think the first time I teared up was only 15% into the book. That is pretty impressive when you realize it means that Reyes made me care about the characters that quickly. And while I didn’t actually cry then, I sure was a mess before the book ended. Take my advice and keep a box of tissues next to you, you will need them.

While this book made me an emotional mess at times, it was also heartwarming, sweet, and put multiple smiles on my face. When I say this book had all the feels I truly mean that. The friendships, familiar relationships, and of course the sweet sapphic romance, were all well written and they helped to balance out the harder to read parts.

The rep was great and the characters were wonderful. There were some I loved, others I hated, and even the smallest of secondary characters were fully fleshed out. The sapphic romance just fits perfectly with the feel of the book and they make a totally adorable couple. I think the only issue I really had is that I wanted more. I didn’t want the book to be over and I didn’t want these characters’ stories to be over.

TLDR: If you are a YA fan, this book is a must. If you’re not a big YA fan but still appreciate great stories, then this is still a must. Where is all the hype for this book?! Sometimes I just don’t get it, but I sure hope this book gets the readership it deserves. 5 stars

An ARC was given to me for a review.