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harasnicole's review
4.0
EDITED:
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Anything with LGBT characters, especially when it's of M/M variety, I'm a huge sucker for. Having this book settle in a little more than I did, I'm realizing a lot more about this book that I think I missed out on while reading.
Like the toxic masculinity that's prevalent in here. I missed it the first time because I wasn't looking for it, but the more I think about it, the more I see it, and the more I realize that the "too much going on" that I originally thought was happening, sure, it's there in some parts, but at the same time, they're also highly necessary to the story at hand, because they explain Jack's situations so completely.
As for Jack and Connor? I do love them, especially together, but at the same time, I wasn't really convinced of their chemistry or their love for one another. They may have opened up to each other about personal shit that they don't tell anyone, but their relationship seemed more . . . superficial. Just your run-of-the-mill high school infatuation phase.
I will say this, though: if I were to read this again (preferably a finished copy), I'm 200% positive that I'd pick up on something that missed the first time around, and that's a good thing. This is a book that will stick with you. There is a heavy use of vulgar language, but it didn't bother me any because I have a mouth like a sailor, and honestly, I feel like teens nowadays say way worse than what's in this book. If vulgarity isn't your thing, then I'd probably suggest that you skip this one.
I did very much enjoy the writing, though. It was well done, and made some of the more emotional moments stand out (and me tear up), but I will admit that, at times, the dialogue made me confused about what decade we were in, because I don't think a lot of teens say things like, "mad sick" or whatever. I know "sick" is used to describe things that are cool, but I don't think I've ever heard it used to describe how "hot" girls are. Then again, maybe I'm wrong.
For someone who's in her 30's, this book is clearly not my demographic, so I can fault the author for that. I've been out of high school for over 10 years, lol.
All in all, I loved the story; Jack's struggle with not just his sexuality, but his lot in life and where he sees himself going (or not) was pretty realistic, but as someone who has no experience with that, I can't say for certain how accurate it was. However, I'm pretty confident in saying that it was accurate enough, especially since this isn't a story about two white boys in a middle-class neighborhood.
I highly recommend this book, if you're interested. Before I forget, if you need any trigger warnings, there's mention of self-harm and attempted rape (as well as a scene depicting sexual assault).
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Anything with LGBT characters, especially when it's of M/M variety, I'm a huge sucker for. Having this book settle in a little more than I did, I'm realizing a lot more about this book that I think I missed out on while reading.
Like the toxic masculinity that's prevalent in here. I missed it the first time because I wasn't looking for it, but the more I think about it, the more I see it, and the more I realize that the "too much going on" that I originally thought was happening, sure, it's there in some parts, but at the same time, they're also highly necessary to the story at hand, because they explain Jack's situations so completely.
As for Jack and Connor? I do love them, especially together, but at the same time, I wasn't really convinced of their chemistry or their love for one another. They may have opened up to each other about personal shit that they don't tell anyone, but their relationship seemed more . . . superficial. Just your run-of-the-mill high school infatuation phase.
I will say this, though: if I were to read this again (preferably a finished copy), I'm 200% positive that I'd pick up on something that missed the first time around, and that's a good thing. This is a book that will stick with you. There is a heavy use of vulgar language, but it didn't bother me any because I have a mouth like a sailor, and honestly, I feel like teens nowadays say way worse than what's in this book. If vulgarity isn't your thing, then I'd probably suggest that you skip this one.
I did very much enjoy the writing, though. It was well done, and made some of the more emotional moments stand out (and me tear up), but I will admit that, at times, the dialogue made me confused about what decade we were in, because I don't think a lot of teens say things like, "mad sick" or whatever. I know "sick" is used to describe things that are cool, but I don't think I've ever heard it used to describe how "hot" girls are. Then again, maybe I'm wrong.
For someone who's in her 30's, this book is clearly not my demographic, so I can fault the author for that. I've been out of high school for over 10 years, lol.
All in all, I loved the story; Jack's struggle with not just his sexuality, but his lot in life and where he sees himself going (or not) was pretty realistic, but as someone who has no experience with that, I can't say for certain how accurate it was. However, I'm pretty confident in saying that it was accurate enough, especially since this isn't a story about two white boys in a middle-class neighborhood.
I highly recommend this book, if you're interested. Before I forget, if you need any trigger warnings, there's mention of self-harm and attempted rape (as well as a scene depicting sexual assault).
sammykat's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Excellent writing, made me cry at several points.
The dark parts were plenty but also tempered by hopefulness and loving.
The dark parts were plenty but also tempered by hopefulness and loving.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Sexual content, Rape, Drug use, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Violence
lizreads05's review
5.0
I loved this book the writing is so vivid and engrossing I lost myself in this book every time I picked it up to read. the characters feel so real and human they feel so deeply real. Julia is an amazing writer and i can't wait to get my hands on primal animals when it comes out
kumabear's review
3.0
Okay so i started reading this book and could not finish it. it was not my thing... I found myself lost and the chemistry between characters seemed somewhat forced in my opinion. Maybe this book would have appealed to me more if i was younger but i really liked the writing style..
sunflowerjess's review
5.0
This is an emotional, intentional, gripping book. Rubin is a master storyteller, and this story just locks onto you and doesn't let go.
jessbookishlife's review
4.0
I haven't read many LGBT books, and it was something I really wanted to do so I could expand my knowledge of other books and different genres. This book sounded appealing to me. From the cover to the blurb, and the fact that it was an YA novel because I haven't read many books that are YA compared to other genres.
This book is about love, friendship, drugs, troubled families and high schools problems that don't help the overall situation of life. It's about a young men finding out who he really is and realizing that that's okay, is about his life dealing with all the challenges in his life, about how he copes with all the problems.
Jack has had a hard life and has I got to know more about him and his life, as well as his thoughts, dreams and wishes, I felt empathy and I wanted to be his friend. The way that the author wrote the characters made them seem real, they could be real, and that just touches my heart with sadness for everyone that has gone (or is still living) through this situations.
The characters interactions are a big part of this book. The characters and the plot could be amazing, but if the dynamics between characters were so well written the all storyline wouldn't feel the same. That been said, I loved those interactions, especially all the moments between Jack and Connor.
There is this sweet and cute love with Jack and Connor and I loved it. Like I said before, I loved all the moments between them. When they were sharing stories and opening themselves to each other, I felt like I could connect with them in a way, and I loved reading those scenes because I could see their relationship growing, and that's always something I love. I love when I get to see growth and development in the characters.
Overall, this novel was awesome. It was captivating, emotional and it made me think. It was a story that showed us young people dealing with every challenge in their lives and it felt real. It touched many subjects of our society, from family dynamics to drugs, from sexual orientation to friendships and love. And I loved reading this book and totally recommend it.
[I want to thank Julia for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to read this book and in turn give my honest review of the book.]
This book is about love, friendship, drugs, troubled families and high schools problems that don't help the overall situation of life. It's about a young men finding out who he really is and realizing that that's okay, is about his life dealing with all the challenges in his life, about how he copes with all the problems.
Jack has had a hard life and has I got to know more about him and his life, as well as his thoughts, dreams and wishes, I felt empathy and I wanted to be his friend. The way that the author wrote the characters made them seem real, they could be real, and that just touches my heart with sadness for everyone that has gone (or is still living) through this situations.
The characters interactions are a big part of this book. The characters and the plot could be amazing, but if the dynamics between characters were so well written the all storyline wouldn't feel the same. That been said, I loved those interactions, especially all the moments between Jack and Connor.
There is this sweet and cute love with Jack and Connor and I loved it. Like I said before, I loved all the moments between them. When they were sharing stories and opening themselves to each other, I felt like I could connect with them in a way, and I loved reading those scenes because I could see their relationship growing, and that's always something I love. I love when I get to see growth and development in the characters.
Overall, this novel was awesome. It was captivating, emotional and it made me think. It was a story that showed us young people dealing with every challenge in their lives and it felt real. It touched many subjects of our society, from family dynamics to drugs, from sexual orientation to friendships and love. And I loved reading this book and totally recommend it.
[I want to thank Julia for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to read this book and in turn give my honest review of the book.]
book_grl13's review
3.0
True Rating: 3.5/5
I was given an eARC of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review will be spoiler-free.
I'd like to get this out in the open right away: I was disappointed with this book. Now, this may have been partially my fault. I think I went into it with high expectations, hoping it would be similar to one of my favorite novels, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Not that I wanted it to be the same plotline. Rather, I was just hoping it would hit me as hard as that novel had. I wanted this book to make me feel something, and it just didn't deliver.
Still, there were some great moments in this novel, which I'd like to point out before I go into the more negative aspects. The first great thing that I felt Rubin did exceptionally well was characterization. When it came to the main characters in this novel, they were all very unique from one another and easily recognizable. They all had personalities that made them feel incredibly realistic, and Rubin introduced them with some super quotable lines. A great example of this that happens close to the beginning of the novel is "She looked like a piece of candy, a bright, sunny popsicle." Another example that occurs a few lines later (about a different girl) is "Every time she spoke, it made me think of a wind-up toy, dizzy and spinning and squeaking." Most of the characterization in this novel is just as vivid as these two, and it gives you a great mental image of the characters and an understanding of their personalities in just a few short, beautifully worded lines.
Which leads me to the next thing Rubin did really well. It wasn't just the moments of characterization that were beautifully written. This was definitely a literary novel, filled with amazing, quotable writing that carried me through the story. Moments of imagery and world building were written in the same style as the characterization, and when those moments came about I was able to picture everything very clearly.
The third and final thing that I really enjoyed in this novel was the romance. I'm a sucker for a love story, and the moments that focused in on Jack (the main character) and Connor were my favorites. Although I wouldn't say their relationship was always the healthiest, it was very relatable and realistic, and added some great drama and tension to the story.
Unfortunately, a sense of overarching tension was definitely missing from this novel. While there were tense moments during each of the different plotlines that were going on throughout the book, there was never the sense of anything really being at stake. And I think this is a result of there not really being a story. Instead, it was a mishmash of different plotlines that didn't have much overlap, and none of the plotlines were focused on enough to develop them properly. Just as we were getting somewhere in the story about Jack and his friend Jess, the chapter ended and then we were focusing on Jack and Connor. But whenever things started to feel tense with them we jumped to the plotline focused on Jack and his relationship with his parents. If everything had pulled together in the end and related in some way, I might have forgiven this, but it really didn't. I got the sense that Rubin tried to make it all related, but she just didn't pull through, and the climax was very underwhelming for me because I didn't really care about any of the characters.
Other than that, the one big thing that sort of ruined the book for me was a scene that included sexual assault. There were actually a couple of scenes that included sexual assault, and one mention of attempted rape, so I'd also like to throw out that trigger warning for any potential readers. But the moment I'm talking about occurred in a flashback, between Jack when he was thirteen and a girl--no, a woman--who was in college at the time. Normally I don't have a problem with an author including sensitive subjects in their novels, so long as they have a purpose, but that was my exact issue with this instance. Not only was it sexual assault, but it was also statutory rape and could even be considered pedophilia on the woman's part, and the only purpose it seemed to serve was to show how gay Jack was because he didn't want to have sex with this hot college girl who was throwing herself at him. Maybe that wasn't Rubin's intention when she wrote the scene, but since the incident never came up again in the story or played any major roll in any plotline, I have to assume that was its intention, which is wrong on so many levels. It implies that a thirteen-year-old boy would have to be gay to not want to have sex with someone like that, and that's just not the case. It made me really uncomfortable, but thankfully it happened early in the novel and I was able to enjoy the rest of the book without letting it mar my reading experience too much.
All-in-all, there were some parts of this book that I really enjoyed, and others that weren't my cup of tea. I was actually considering giving it 3 stars instead of 3.5, but the romance was what made me give it that extra half of a star. Though I wish Rubin had given it the page time it deserved and spent more time developing it, what was there was fun to read and kept me pushing through the not-so-good parts of this book.
Though I wouldn't necessarily recommend this novel to anyone (because there's similar, better stories out there), I think it would appeal most to fans of Benjamin Alire Sáenz's books. However, anyone who is bothered or triggered by sexual assault/rape, slurs about sexuality, and/or detailed drug use might want to consider passing this book up.
I was given an eARC of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review will be spoiler-free.
I'd like to get this out in the open right away: I was disappointed with this book. Now, this may have been partially my fault. I think I went into it with high expectations, hoping it would be similar to one of my favorite novels, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Not that I wanted it to be the same plotline. Rather, I was just hoping it would hit me as hard as that novel had. I wanted this book to make me feel something, and it just didn't deliver.
Still, there were some great moments in this novel, which I'd like to point out before I go into the more negative aspects. The first great thing that I felt Rubin did exceptionally well was characterization. When it came to the main characters in this novel, they were all very unique from one another and easily recognizable. They all had personalities that made them feel incredibly realistic, and Rubin introduced them with some super quotable lines. A great example of this that happens close to the beginning of the novel is "She looked like a piece of candy, a bright, sunny popsicle." Another example that occurs a few lines later (about a different girl) is "Every time she spoke, it made me think of a wind-up toy, dizzy and spinning and squeaking." Most of the characterization in this novel is just as vivid as these two, and it gives you a great mental image of the characters and an understanding of their personalities in just a few short, beautifully worded lines.
Which leads me to the next thing Rubin did really well. It wasn't just the moments of characterization that were beautifully written. This was definitely a literary novel, filled with amazing, quotable writing that carried me through the story. Moments of imagery and world building were written in the same style as the characterization, and when those moments came about I was able to picture everything very clearly.
The third and final thing that I really enjoyed in this novel was the romance. I'm a sucker for a love story, and the moments that focused in on Jack (the main character) and Connor were my favorites. Although I wouldn't say their relationship was always the healthiest, it was very relatable and realistic, and added some great drama and tension to the story.
Unfortunately, a sense of overarching tension was definitely missing from this novel. While there were tense moments during each of the different plotlines that were going on throughout the book, there was never the sense of anything really being at stake. And I think this is a result of there not really being a story. Instead, it was a mishmash of different plotlines that didn't have much overlap, and none of the plotlines were focused on enough to develop them properly. Just as we were getting somewhere in the story about Jack and his friend Jess, the chapter ended and then we were focusing on Jack and Connor. But whenever things started to feel tense with them we jumped to the plotline focused on Jack and his relationship with his parents. If everything had pulled together in the end and related in some way, I might have forgiven this, but it really didn't. I got the sense that Rubin tried to make it all related, but she just didn't pull through, and the climax was very underwhelming for me because I didn't really care about any of the characters.
Other than that, the one big thing that sort of ruined the book for me was a scene that included sexual assault. There were actually a couple of scenes that included sexual assault, and one mention of attempted rape, so I'd also like to throw out that trigger warning for any potential readers. But the moment I'm talking about occurred in a flashback, between Jack when he was thirteen and a girl--no, a woman--who was in college at the time. Normally I don't have a problem with an author including sensitive subjects in their novels, so long as they have a purpose, but that was my exact issue with this instance. Not only was it sexual assault, but it was also statutory rape and could even be considered pedophilia on the woman's part, and the only purpose it seemed to serve was to show how gay Jack was because he didn't want to have sex with this hot college girl who was throwing herself at him. Maybe that wasn't Rubin's intention when she wrote the scene, but since the incident never came up again in the story or played any major roll in any plotline, I have to assume that was its intention, which is wrong on so many levels. It implies that a thirteen-year-old boy would have to be gay to not want to have sex with someone like that, and that's just not the case. It made me really uncomfortable, but thankfully it happened early in the novel and I was able to enjoy the rest of the book without letting it mar my reading experience too much.
All-in-all, there were some parts of this book that I really enjoyed, and others that weren't my cup of tea. I was actually considering giving it 3 stars instead of 3.5, but the romance was what made me give it that extra half of a star. Though I wish Rubin had given it the page time it deserved and spent more time developing it, what was there was fun to read and kept me pushing through the not-so-good parts of this book.
Though I wouldn't necessarily recommend this novel to anyone (because there's similar, better stories out there), I think it would appeal most to fans of Benjamin Alire Sáenz's books. However, anyone who is bothered or triggered by sexual assault/rape, slurs about sexuality, and/or detailed drug use might want to consider passing this book up.
sabrinainbookland's review
4.0
"Show-off. That was the first thing I thought about Connor Orellana. Fucking show-off."
The writing is awesome, the story is captivating and never loses its focus.
The book is basically a boy finding out who he is and how to be okay it, but with drugs, challenges and shit happening all around him, his friends and family.
I absolutely loved the romance, it was so sweet and real. CONNOR AND JACK are just perfect for with other.
I love ( almost ) every character and friendship in this book.
The friendships get tested and everyone makes a stupid mistake but in the end, all works out for the best.
“That was so fucking brave, Jack.”
I shrugged. “I just made out with someone in front of the entire student body and administration. I’d call that more exhibitionist than brave.” “Fair point.”
One of my favourite quotes:
"He’s new and kind of rough around the edges and maybe a little weird, an artefact in the museum that’s actually a piece of art. Something you can’t quite wrap your mind around."
* Thank You to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
meganjackson's review
4.0
I struggled to get into this book, but once I did I really enjoyed the story, completely falling in love with Jack and Connor’s relationship.
Burro Hills is about teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality and finding a place in society where they’ll be accepted. But in a town that is full of drug deals and dysfunctional families, it’s not easy. It is told in the point of view of seventeen-year-old Jack Burns who is captivated by the new boy Connor Orellana. Having their relationship hidden shows the steely exteriors being diminished, where we can be fully immersed in their romance.
We are introduced to a lot of complex characters throughout the novel, many of whom you feel for, but mostly I felt anger towards a lot of them because they spoke as if they were more superior to everyone around them. Toby especially, Jack’s drug dealer friend, made me uncomfortable. A realistic presentation of the ‘alpha males’ needing masculinity to be pinned down to a stereotypical representation.
I was worried Toby’s influence on Jack would ruin his relationship with Connor, because Jack so desperately wanted to fit in and be the ‘masculine’ figure that he was presenting to the outside world. But their romance was powerful and kept getting stronger. Both parties were all kinds of messed up, but they just accepted one another.
All in all, a fairly powerful representation of coming out and accepting yourself in the 21st century.
Burro Hills is about teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality and finding a place in society where they’ll be accepted. But in a town that is full of drug deals and dysfunctional families, it’s not easy. It is told in the point of view of seventeen-year-old Jack Burns who is captivated by the new boy Connor Orellana. Having their relationship hidden shows the steely exteriors being diminished, where we can be fully immersed in their romance.
We are introduced to a lot of complex characters throughout the novel, many of whom you feel for, but mostly I felt anger towards a lot of them because they spoke as if they were more superior to everyone around them. Toby especially, Jack’s drug dealer friend, made me uncomfortable. A realistic presentation of the ‘alpha males’ needing masculinity to be pinned down to a stereotypical representation.
I was worried Toby’s influence on Jack would ruin his relationship with Connor, because Jack so desperately wanted to fit in and be the ‘masculine’ figure that he was presenting to the outside world. But their romance was powerful and kept getting stronger. Both parties were all kinds of messed up, but they just accepted one another.
All in all, a fairly powerful representation of coming out and accepting yourself in the 21st century.
the_novel_approach's review
4.0
Burro Hills, Julia Lynn Rubin’s fantastic debut, is raw, emotional, gripping, and angsty, yet also beautiful and romantic. The small California town of Burro Hills is a place where, seemingly, dreams go to die. Yet, Jack Burns is still somewhat of a dreamer, forever imagining a different, better life for himself and his best friend, Jess. Jack is sensitive and kind, a gentle soul who seems, in many ways, not cut out for the harsh realities of the world he lives in. A world filled with poverty and drugs; a world where his dad is a drunk and his mom is unreliable and inconsistent; a world where he’s wrapped up in his friend’s family drug dealing business, and he basically feels devoid of hope. But, his life changes drastically when Connor Orellana walks into it.
Connor shows up at school amidst rumors of fighting, drug use, and promiscuity; he’s all anyone can talk about. And Jack is immediately taken with him. I loved Jack’s initial reactions to Connor, and how we see him slowly start to realize what those reactions and thoughts mean.
I was also hopelessly intrigued with Connor. Rubin wrote him with the perfect balance of mystery and realness. He felt down-to-earth yet was also super impulsive and sort of a loose cannon. He kept me on my toes. And I loved how much he obviously adored Jack. Connor is unapologetic about who he is. He couldn’t give two shits about what anyone thinks of him, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he wishes Jack could be as fearless. But, Jack is scared. He’s scared to confront his friends and family about his quickly growing feelings for Connor.
I mentioned that the story was raw and angsty, and it truly is. With a definite Outsiders vibe, the book has this tinge of desperation permeating the pages. Jack’s relationship with his friend Toby is constantly on the verge of imploding, his home life is certainly far from ideal—yet he yearns for it to be the home he dreams of—and the fallout with his friend Jess is heart wrenching. Jack deals with his problems with alcohol and drugs, as do most of the characters in the story. This bit really stuck with me:
One thing in the book that definitely might have more sensitive readers clutching their pearls is the frequent and pervasive drug use. There is LOTS of drug use. But, unfortunately drugs are an even bigger part of reality for kids in high school now than they were when I was a kid, and I knew kids in high school who did a lot of drugs. Rubin pulls no punches in her storytelling, making for a very vivid picture of the world these teens inhabit.
As angsty as this story was, though, as I said earlier there were many beautiful moments, and the romance between Connor and Jack was incredibly sweet. I also loooved Jess, and her and Jack’s friendship. And, there were a few scenes between Jack and each of his parents, individually, that were so heartfelt and genuine.
Check this one out, guys. I was sucked in from the first page. And, that cover, amirite?!? Gorgeous. Definitely recommend this worthy debut.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
Connor shows up at school amidst rumors of fighting, drug use, and promiscuity; he’s all anyone can talk about. And Jack is immediately taken with him. I loved Jack’s initial reactions to Connor, and how we see him slowly start to realize what those reactions and thoughts mean.
Only a few months had gone by, and already it seemed like his name was on everyone’s lips, or at least, the people that ran in my circle. Connor Orellana, his imagined deeds ingrained into Burro Hills High School lore. The rest of them either whispered about him in the hallway or blew him off as another loser, a junkie or a deadbeat’s son like the rest of us. I was hopelessly intrigued.
I was also hopelessly intrigued with Connor. Rubin wrote him with the perfect balance of mystery and realness. He felt down-to-earth yet was also super impulsive and sort of a loose cannon. He kept me on my toes. And I loved how much he obviously adored Jack. Connor is unapologetic about who he is. He couldn’t give two shits about what anyone thinks of him, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he wishes Jack could be as fearless. But, Jack is scared. He’s scared to confront his friends and family about his quickly growing feelings for Connor.
I mentioned that the story was raw and angsty, and it truly is. With a definite Outsiders vibe, the book has this tinge of desperation permeating the pages. Jack’s relationship with his friend Toby is constantly on the verge of imploding, his home life is certainly far from ideal—yet he yearns for it to be the home he dreams of—and the fallout with his friend Jess is heart wrenching. Jack deals with his problems with alcohol and drugs, as do most of the characters in the story. This bit really stuck with me:
“Well, look who’s finally up,” Dad said. He spun in his chair to face me, and we locked eyes for a moment. Father and Son, two hungover, useless bastards. If someone had wanted to paint a portrait of our family lineage, this would’ve been a good place to start.
One thing in the book that definitely might have more sensitive readers clutching their pearls is the frequent and pervasive drug use. There is LOTS of drug use. But, unfortunately drugs are an even bigger part of reality for kids in high school now than they were when I was a kid, and I knew kids in high school who did a lot of drugs. Rubin pulls no punches in her storytelling, making for a very vivid picture of the world these teens inhabit.
As angsty as this story was, though, as I said earlier there were many beautiful moments, and the romance between Connor and Jack was incredibly sweet. I also loooved Jess, and her and Jack’s friendship. And, there were a few scenes between Jack and each of his parents, individually, that were so heartfelt and genuine.
Check this one out, guys. I was sucked in from the first page. And, that cover, amirite?!? Gorgeous. Definitely recommend this worthy debut.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach