Katie McGarry has been a YA go-to author for me ever since I read Pushing the Limits. Since then I’ve read and adored everything she’s written, and Only a Breath Apart is no different.

Scarlett and Jesse’s story was beautiful, heart-wrenching, and emotional. I absolutely adored these two characters, they are both broken in their own way and I completely felt for both of them. I loved hearing their backstory, and them reconciling again as friends and then as their feelings for each other start to change.

Only a Breath Apart really tugged at the heartstrings. Fans of Katie McGarry will devour this novel! I think it’s her best book to date.

So, so good!

Honestly, at first I wasn't 100% sold on the story--it took so long to find out why Scarlett and Jesse stopped being friends when they started high school, and that made their relationship in those early chapters feel a bit melodramatic, and the overall vibes were very anti-adult. As their story continued to unfold, though, it steadily sucked me in until OMG I needed to keep going as much as I needed to keep breathing. (And in the end, Scarlett and Jesse found some trustworthy adults to be on their sides, which I appreciated.)

It's not light reading by any means--there's some very heavy duty issues in both main characters' pasts and presents, and both not-quite-adults are required to make some very adult decisions and take some grown-up actions that as a parent I hope my children never will. There's also a touch of the mystical--a curse that's (probably) not real and a secondary character who is (often) a psychic (which has me really interested in palmistry now. Were any of the books Scarlett gets from Glory based on real books? And if so--titles, please, Ms. McGarry!) There's a romance here, but it very much takes a back seat to Scarlett and Jesse's re-emerging friendship and the choices that the two of them have to make about their lives going forward. Still, there's a very optimistic HFN at the end with a real possibility of an HEA that made my heart very happy.

Some content warnings: there's quite a bit of physical and psychological/mental abuse, both in their pasts and in Scarlett's present, and I was disappointed that the material at the end of the book didn't include any resources for help with domestic abuse situations--but maybe that will be changed in the actual published version? (Just in case, here's some information here.)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I loved this novel!! So much!! One of my fav Katie mcgarry books! If you’re looking for a more mature YA romance def check out her novels! The plot was interesting, the characters were interesting and I just adored this novel and the romance! Highly recommend her novels! I flew through this book in like a day! I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down!

4 Stars

I really love Katie.’s writing. I’ve never been let down by an of her books, which is nice. And this one didn’t disappoint either.

I love the YA genre she writes, they’re very heartwarming and pull you right in from the beginning. This one had a bit of a different vibe, with the palm reader and the ties to the land. But I enjoyed it immensely. I could feel the bond between Jesse and Scarlet immediately. And both were such strong characters with big hearts and a lot of baggage.

Overall this was a great story and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes Ya.

Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry is young adult fiction at its finest!!!!

Scarlett and Jesse were inseparable as children, until they weren’t. Each of them gave the other exactly what they needed at the time. Their time was an escape from their dark and sad realities. Before high school, Jesse severed that unbreakable bond and his important friendship with Scarlett. Years later, they will need each other more than ever to escape their pasts and forge a happier future, but the question is...will they do that together or apart?

This is a beautiful tale of two people who carry scars, some physical but both deep in their hearts. McGarry gives us a look into their lives and hearts as the story is told from both of their POVs. As they spend time together, they will come to learn each other’s darkest secrets, and those secrets are painful. As is McGarry’s talent, she handles each one with love and sensitivity. This was a couple I loved from the very beginning.

Both Jesse and Scarlett were strong individuals who learned quickly how cruel the world is. Yet, they never gave up in the face of the obstacles they encountered. McGarry also created a cast of secondary characters that were essential to the story, such as Glory. Even those characters were complex and had hidden layers that were discovered throughout the book.

This is truly a book not to be missed. It gives hope for a new, brighter, and better future. McGarry weaved together a spectacular book full of her magical words that engulfed my heart and soul.

This book is about Jesse Lachlin and Scarlett Copeland. Scarlett Comes from a well to do family, while Jesse comes from poor family who lost everything as the years went by. Neither one of them know the truth about each other and also neither one of them know they have a similar history. They became friends as kids but now as adults they have to relearn what that friendship stood for. If you wish to know all of Jesse and Scarlett’s secrets go buy this book and show love to these two characters. Now onto my final thoughts


I love Scarlett for being so strong and determine. Katie gave us all another amazing female character and she is inspiration to all the young teens who are facing Scarlett scary life. Scarlett knows that what her mother has in a life is not what she wants. She knows she wants something different and she is fighting to gain that differences each day. She fights to have a life and live her life even when it might not be in her best interest. She is blame for things that are not her fault. But still she doesn’t let these lies stop her from seeking a better world.

Jessie Lachlin family has long since lived on his current land. As the years went by the Lachlin family lost land after Jessie Great grandpa lied and scheme to gain the land. When Jesse was younger, he live away from the land for a while with his mother but his mother ends up with a problem life and sends Jessie back to his grandma. So he lives with his grandma until life once again sends the Lachlin deep problems, but maybe Scarlett actions will set Jessie and the Lachlin land right again.

I rate this book a five stars, because Katie just gives us great forbidden romance with a lot of slow burn. I love how Katie also provides you with characters that are very real and very deep. Katie is an amazing voice for speaking out against violence in all forms especially in her books. She really makes you feel the actions of these characters along with the problems they face. I am seriously not sure if I should say this is my favorite Katie book, because all of her books have been amazing in my opinion. I can’t wait for the next book and thank you to Torteen for sending me the Arc.

Only a Breath Apart in Three Words: Mesmerizing. Heartbreaking. Sweet.

Katie McGarry has done it again. She makes her characters come alive and does an amazing job at setting each scene. Only a Breath Apart is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

Jesse and Scarlett were friends, until they weren't. Now destiny is bringing them back together again. Their story truly captivated me. There are a lot of tough issues these two have to go through, but the ending makes reading through it all totally worth it.

I do wish there would have been a little more to what I thought was going to be some magical realism elements, but other than that I have no complaints.

Note: There are scenes of physical and verbal abuse.

The Verdict: I highly recommend you give this a try, especially if you have enjoyed reading other books by Katie McGarry

I believe that Katie McGarry writes some of the best books about friendships and what it's like to be a young adult. I'm drawn to her stories about resilient teenagers and Only A Breath Apart definitely one such story.

Books about childhood friends who find their way back to each other are without a doubt my absolute favorite, but Only A Breath Apart is more than reconciling friendships and romance. It's about family secrets and domestic abuse in its many forms and what it's like to grow up in a home where that occurs. Through Scarlett, we see that it takes courage to make the tough decisions, to accept the help and to also help herself.

What I loved:

I loved the rural setting and the gorgeous descriptions of the land and Jesse and Scarlett's connection to it. It is their lifeline. It's where they feel most themselves. It's where they are most free.

I loved reading scenes that included Jesse's cousin, Glory. She is definitely a favorite character. Is she a con? Is she intuitive? Does she see (or sense) dead people? Maybe, but I think yes to all. She reads people and understands what they need to hear. She gives them a small push. She's not all-knowing, but she knows enough.


Some Favorite Quotes:

My cheeks burn under his continued inspection. Jesse has done this a handful of times since our freshman year. Glance at me as if I’m someone worth looking at, someone worth laughing with a little too loud and smiling with a little too much. Then he remembers who I am and snaps his gaze to someone else. - This alludes to Scarlett and Jesse's history - what they once had and the possibility of what might still be there.


"You've been asleep for a very long time,” she whispers. “It’s time to wake up, Scarlett. There’s a whole world of possibility waiting for you.” - This is what Glory says when Scarlett goes to have her palm read.

There is so much beauty and hope in this story and I want readers to embrace it just as I have. Like Noah and Echo from Pushing the Limits, Beth and Ryan from Dare You To and Emily and Oz in Nowhere But Here, Scarlett and Jesse are characters that I will continue to hold in my heart and imagine their beautiful future together.

**4.5 Stars**

Only a Breath Apart speaks to the realness of young love and the power of self determination. Among its deep characterizations are the subtleties of life that inherently build a person’s inner narrative and the proof that when those pieces collide in a well-written story, they go on to create a moving and inspiring tale. One that I immersed myself in with little choice on the matter.

I am continually amazed at how easily McGarry manages to craft these effortlessly-appearing relationships between her lead characters and how it shapes the entire cast of supporting characters. Jesse and Scarlett’s connection was rooted so deeply within them that I needed no convincing of their history nor did I need any convincing of what had shaped them separately. Their individual journeys were equally heavy but always carried an undertone of hope, and I couldn’t help but be engrossed in every defining moment. I adored what their relationship represented and how finding that idea of unconditional love sparked the strength they needed to overcome every obstacle in their paths—obstacles that were boldly impactful and painful.

With an added layer of magical realism, Only a Breath Apart conquered what it set out to do: to tell a story with real issues revolving around real characters. The dimension to every character and how they were all cogs to the overall design of the story made for one well-rounded story and I couldn’t have asked for more. This is McGarry’s best piece yet, and I can’t wait for what’s next.

will: in order to inherit his family farm he must win the approval of his childhood best friend, the girl he froze out his freshman year. A fortuneteller tells Scarlett she's psychic, but what is real is Scarlett’s father’s controlling attitude and the dark secrets at home. She may be able to escape, but only if she can rely on the one boy who broke her heart. Each midnight meeting pushes Jesse and Scarlett to confront their secrets and their feelings, but as love blooms, the curse rears its ugly head…

My Review 

TW: Domestic Violence (Physical, Emotion and Verbal Abuse). 

Only A Breath Apart was an emotional rollercoaster. If you are not familiar with Katie McGarry books, she understands how to write characters and relationship dynamics that are real and organic. Her characters struggle through hard times whether its family, loss or just surviving. Her books dive deep in hope, faith, redemption, heartache, friendship, happiness, and pain.  I read Only A Breath Apart in the early morning and I devoured the whole thing. It was a deeply emotional read. I felt such a tight bond with Jesse and Scarlett story. It was powerful, magical and painful to read. I think this is my favorite Katie McGarry novel - OH MY GOSH DID I JUST ANNOUNCE THAT?? - Yes. Only A Breath Apart is one of her best work. Only A breath Apart is a classic southern gothic romance. It's about a fragile love story that is magical and haunting. It's about your roots, to overcome your past to move forward with the future. 
                                                                                                        
Both characters come from broken homes. Jesse Lachlan comes from a family that is a curse if he ever leaves the land his family owned for years. Scarlett comes from a home that is built on control and fear. Both connected when they were children, then Jesse cuts Scarlett out of his life when she needed him the most. Now after his grandmother passed away, he has months to prove he is worthy of inherited the cursed land he calls home. The only issues that he needs to get approval from his childhood best friend. Scarlett needs help to escape the house full of dark secrets and the only person she can trust is her childhood best friend who broke her heart. Each midnight passing; with a touch of magic and love, Scarlett and Jesse reach for comfort from each other as they must confront their pain and demons. 

The pace for the book is well-done and the writing is enough to punch the emotion wheel. I highly recommend reading Only A Breath Apart. It such a touching love story that will stay in your heart once you put it down.

There are so many things that I want to say about this fantastic book, let's just start off by saying Katie McGarry does it again! Author Katie McGarry has a way of grabbing your attention and not letting it go. Her characters always have a way of making you feel what they are feeling and Only A Breath Apart isn't any different! I love that about her books. It's just one of the things that make her books pull away from the pack in my eyes anyway.

So with all that being said, I was super excited when I was emailed and asked to read and review Katie's newest release. As soon as I got the email I read the summary and I was so intrigued, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and I, of course, jumped at the chance. I'm so happy that I did. Like every other book by this author, I couldn't put this one down.

Katie McGarry is probably one of the best Contemporary YA author there is out there. Her stories are always so compelling and full of emotions.
Whilst I loved most of her books this one fell a bit flat for me. It was difficult for the to rate this book because I loved her previous books so much, I might have had way higher standard on this one which sadly were not met. I think I might have rated it higher if I had not been familiar with Katie’s talent at making me feel so many things and this time I just…didn’t. I didn’t connect as much as I usually do with Katie’s stories.
Jesse and Scarlet were good together – They belonged together and yet I just ‘liked’ them. I was not engrossed in their relationships as I was in Katie’s other books. I enjoyed following them, but I didn’t feel the usual rollercoaster of emotions that Katie’s books usually make me feel. Katie did a great characterisation and they are both well fleshed out flawed characters fitting for each other, but I just couldn’t connect with them. I think it might partially be for what I think was an over-descriptive story. I know it’s important to describe surroundings, but I think this book takes it too far and I lost the actual pace of the events a few times due to this.
The paranormal element of the story- I usually like it but I am not convinced it mixed well with a contemporary romance like this one or again it might be the over description of the whole situation, but I didn’t care very much for it.
All-in-all it wasn’t a bad story at all. Good characters, decent storyline but I consider that book a little weak as far as Katie McGarry books are concerned.
3/5

First Impressions

First off, I will read anything that Katie McGarry writes. No matter the premise, I will read it. There are a couple novellas I haven't read yet, but otherwise I've read all of her stuff. I was excited about Only a Breath Apart as soon as I discovered it. A new Katie McGarry release is always a gift. I was super excited when I got approved for the blog tour and got an advanced copy to read. As soon as I had some time, I dug in!

Characters

As far as characters go, Jesse and Scarlet weren't my favorite Katie McGarry creations, but I still liked them. Just so you know, my favorite couples are Echo & Noah and Rachel & Isaiah. Relationship goals right there. But I digress.

I really liked Scarlett. I sympathized with her, and just wanted her to get the best the world had to offer. I also felt that she and Echo would get along well. Scarlett has created the persona of 'Ice Queen' in order to handle life with a controlling/abusive father. She never knows when he might go off, so she and her family cater to his every need and whim. This makes real relationships hard. Scarlett acknowledges that, and that she is often the backup friend. She states that she's okay with that, but the reader can tell that it weighs on her. For a lot of the book, I just wanted to give Scarlett a hug. No one knew what she was going through, and so she often had to deal with issues on her own.

I wasn't a big fan of Jesse for a good bit of the book. While he was raised poor compared to Scarlett, he had a loving family behind him. That's not to say his life was easy, but by the time we meet him and Scarlett in present day, he's had a support system for a while. The only reason he doesn't have a stronger one is because he pushes people away. Jesse also has some friends, and while I find them interesting, I also found the quite rude. They routinely make fun of other kids at school, including Scarlett.

The romance between Jesse and Scarlett took some time to grow on me. I told a friend while reading that I was ready to ship it, but Jesse needed to make up a heck of a lot of stuff to Scarlett. Personally, I don't think I would have been able to forgive Jesse for everything, but Scarlett's a better person than I am. That said, the characters did grow over the course of the book, and by the end I was 100% behind their relationship.

World Building

One thing that was a big part of the world was religion/faith. It was vague, but present. I'm not a big fan of religion in books, but it stayed mostly on the supportive side and I know some teens really value that in books. So while it didn't land well with me, it wasn't necessarily a detracting factor.

Only a Breath Apart is a standalone novel. Some of Katie McGarry's books feature characters from previous ones. While there aren't any characters we already know, it seems to take place in the same general world. It would be fun to see Scarlett and Jesse run into some of our previous main characters in a side novella/extra.

Once childhood friends who meant everything to one another, Jesse and Scarlett are now virtual strangers. Having no idea why Jesse cut her out of his life, Scarlett has carried on with friends who know nothing about her life beyond the school walls. At home her father rules with an iron fist and she lives in fear of the next time he will strike out at her mother.

“I’m filled with a sense of hope that maybe we can be a family again. I wrap my arms around myself because while that hope is uplifting, it is possibly the most terrifying emotion I have ever felt.”

Jesse’s mother believed the family was cursed and the only way to survive was to never leave their land. At 17, Jesse has suffered more than his fair share of loss and according to his grandmother’s will the ability to keep the family land may lie in the hands of others – a tribunal who will decide if he is responsible enough to manage it when he turns 18.

“If any guy, including me, gets in the way of your happiness, if he stands in the way of you reaching your dreams, if he can’t understand that harming someone is wrong, then walk away, Scarlett. It’s that simple.”

I fell a little in love with Jesse, with his bad reputation and heart of gold, and it was impossible not to ache for Scarlett as she dealt with the hell that was her homelife. These two were the perfect example of being stronger together than apart. As Jesse and Scarlett reconciled and friendship developed into love, they were both forced to face difficult decisions about their futures. Scarlett in particular had amazing growth and showed incredible bravery while being conflicted over her feelings for her father (Could she still love him when she hated him for his actions? Was it wrong to still love him?). Jesse struggled to come to terms with his misplaced feelings of guilt and responsibility for his mother’s death while also forging a new path of his own, without the chains of the past holding him back and limiting his options.

“Why would I want to be anyone else when I get to be the guy who holds you?”

McGarry has an incredible gift with developing strong characters who are complex and flawed, never cookie cutter. I felt empathy for Scarlett’s father even as I railed at his despicable behavior. I warmed to Jessie’s uncle Marshall who became a stalwart support for both Jesse and Scarlett. And my heart was touched by the kindly Pastor Hughes and made me wish every victim had someone as gentle and unwavering on their side.

Katie McGarry has delivered a powerful and emotional tale of strength, hope, resilience and redemption. She never fails to pull me into every story, engage my emotions, make me care – and this was no exception. Fans of contemporary YA are sure to love Only a Breath Apart.

Only A Breath Apart is pure perfection.

Katie McGarry is one of those authors I will always buy. She always takes time with her stories and that shows in how amazing the stories turn out.

Scarlett and Jesse used to be best-friends until days before their freshman year he drops her as a friend and is mean and cruel to her when school starts. Now they're in their senior year and Jesse has just lost his grandmother, and he's about to lose his land, his home. When he finds out three people hold the key to his fate he sets out to get Scarlett on his side again.

Scarlett's life is a constant struggle. Scarlett's father has been controlling her whole life, abusive. The last time he hurt her mom she shut down and became angry. She doesn't know how to forgive and live with the life her parents want. When Jesse offers to help her gain her freedom she'll jump at the chance to live her own life.

Scarlett and Jesse struggle a lot throughout this story. I loved them both so much. They both felt so real and I felt for them so much. Jesse having lost his grandmother and guardian hit me right where it hurts, having just lost my own grandmother not two months ago. I understood his emotions, his feelings, and his struggles. This story felt a lot like Pushing the Limits and Crash Into You, which to me was a very big win. I didn't feel like the stories were the same, just that they had a similar feeling if that makes sense. I loved Scarlett so much. I felt for her at every turn and I love how despite every little setback she continued to get up and fight for her freedom and herself.

I freaking loved this story. It was perfect. It had me in tears and feeling every emotion along with the characters. Katie McGarry is an amazing author. She's been writing characters and teens with backstories that feel beautiful and tragic all at the same time. Her characters and the world surrounding them feel real and like someone you know. I love how she brings in real-world problems that surround teens and the characters but not everything is solved or perfect.

Only a Breath Apart is a fantastic story. Start to finish amazingness. I laughed, I cried, and I had some moments of introspection for myself. I don't know how many more times I can say this book is an absolute must-read.

I'm no stranger to Katie McGarry books and while I haven't read everything that she has published, I feel like I have read enough of it to know that she's an author I would buy from without hesitation. Only a Breath Apart is no exception and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to have read it early. 

As with all of the books by Katie McGarry that I have previously read, Only a Breath Apart has some of the most amazing characters that you immediately become attached to while still having a story line that deals with tough topics. This story does deal with domestic abuse so I would be aware of that before going in to it if that could be triggering to you. 

One of my favorite things about books by Katie McGarry is that you get the perspective of both of the main characters. It really helps draw you into the story more in my opinion. 

Scarlett and Jesse are both dealing with tough things in their lives. Jesse has just recently lost his grandmother who has been caring for him for several years. He's also tasked with trying to prove to people that he's capable of taking care of the land that he's been left with. Meanwhile, Scarlett is dealing with a father who is controlling and is abusive. 

This is a story that has stuck with me ever since I read it and I know it will be one I will hold with me forever. Katie McGarry has definitely outdone herself with this story. It's one that will have you hooked from the beginning and wanting to know what is going to happen and if there will be a happy ending. Definite four star read for me and definitely will read more from Katie McGarry!

**A huge thanks to Netgalley and Tor Teen for an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own**

This book is very cute. As a recent fan of Kate Mcgarry’s work (Say You’ll Remember Me being a recent fav that I highly recommend!! *swooning*) I have to say this book very much lived up to all my cutesie YA romance expectations.

Scarlett and Jessie are both characters that are damaged for two completely different reasons and yet you cannot help but route for them as the navigate the hardships life has put in their paths.

Jessie is a complete southern cutie and is hopelessly a bad boy who gives off the mess with me and your heart will for sure get broken vibes and with that combo I couldn’t help but fall head over heals for him!! Also the snug t-shirt with long rise jeans look... ya you could say I was feeling this Jessie character... Also the way he truly cared for Scarlett and her best interests and didn’t try and make decisions for her or get overly involved in her issues showed that he really valued her choices and her voice. That was something I feel is not show enough in male YA characters and I really respected Jessie for giving Scarlett that much needed space.

Scarlett was also a doll and you could help but ache for and love at the same time!! She was often forced to shove her emotions down and to keep a picture perfect appearance in order to hide the hardships and issues she was facing at home-- it was because of this that her nickname “ice princess” was born. But really Scarlett was so much more than who she appeared to be and I couldn’t help but be furious with those who were the reason for her holding back especially because she was really sweet and strong and I loved her temper because I was like yes girl same let your temper flare as well as your sass because that is me!!

Scarlett and Jessie were the friends to love type of relationship that I don't often find myself swooning over but you couldn't help but feel like these two were destined to have something going on here! They both needed to just get over themselves because once those two started confiding in one another they could actually realize there was someone out there who could understand them as well as give each other the peace they both are desperately searching for.

Overall I really enjoyed the relationship between the two the journey of them starting off as childhood friends, then breaking apart due to Jessie shutting her out, to then reconnecting after all the time of seeing one another from afar... it was all very angsty and I loved it!! With the push from a psychic named Glory and a complicated deal in which Jessie is lead to believe the key to keeping his land is Scarlett the two are forced to cross paths once again and ahhh just loved it!!

The only reason this isn’t a 5 star read is because I feel like there was a bit of repetition with the conversations and discussions in this book. Like the amount of times the words “my land” or “this land is a part of me” were uttered was a tad ridiculous like if this book was made into a drinking game we’d all be a little tipsy by the time the end of this book came to a close. Also the fact that every time Glory opened her mouth it would be like a complete monologue from a play and I was like damn I think we get it shorter sentences please!

However overall Only a Breath Apart was a very sweet extremely emotional (I mean dang this book made you feel ALL the emotions!!) book that I highly recommend to readers looking for a book that tugs on the heart strings and also makes you route for two broken people to find peace in each other!

ONLY A BREATH APART is an insightful and daring story into the world of abuse, first love, and trusting instincts. While the story-telling can be a bit repetitive in description, the plot, character development, and world-building is top notch.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Only a Breath Apart has all the classic KM goodness. It has a sweet and daring romance, lasting and unusual friendships and offers up a real social commentary. I'm going to include a trigger warning because it does feature descriptions of violence but as always KM handles these difficult and hard-hitting issues with care and sensitivity.

It's full of nostalgia and hope. I loved the mystical or magical element, I'll leave it to you to decide whether there really is anything supernatural or if it's all a 'con' (thanks Glory). The ongoing Peter Pan theme worked well because on one level the characters refer to Jesse as Peter Pan and Scarlett as Tink and are at times seemingly aware of the theme, then at other times we see role reversals and characters denying the inevitable. Very clever.

Domestic and familial violence is something I'm always wary of reviewing. Luckily for me, it is to an area I do not have experience with so I am worried about offending or upsetting followers/readers. BUT I found Scarlett's resilience and strength uplifting and a real force for positivity.

In their own words both Jesse and Scarlett have scars and issues. Jesse is trapped by the idea of a family curse and painful past, whilst Scarlett parents cause a lot of problems for her. The portrayal of the Pastor was interesting because I have often seen negative representations of figures of authority in such stories who often ignore abuse or won't listen to the victim, but in this story he listens, guides and helps.

Some of the book is hard to read and I did find myself fighting off tears at times, but I loved the sense of being in it together (once the characters started to trust each other and open up) and the friendships. V made me smile - I appreciated her take no prisoners attitude.

The sentiment of a living, breathing land really helped set the tone of this coming of age story.

4.5 Stars in my Sky!

This book certainly had me on a roller-coaster of an emotional ride. There were times I didn't think my heart could take much more and I had to put the book down and take a deep breath before I could go on. I said to my coworker that books based on reality aren't always fun, but that is why they are also important for us to read. Stories like this one, allow us to walk in other people's shoes, and allow for empathy and understanding of situations that we would otherwise have no knowledge of ourselves.

Katie McGarry has done a great job of portraying Jesse and Scarlett, two teenagers who are broken, both need to heal and they need each other to do the healing. Both come from physically and emotionally abusive homes. They both have mothers who don't put themselves or their children first, who blame themselves or their children for the abuse the men in their lives inflict, rather than blaming the person doing the abusing.

In this day and age I believe stories like this are very important in letting teenagers who have been through or who are going through these sorts of things, know that they are not alone, that they can seek help, it's not their fault that someone in their life is abusive. It's important that they know they can survive, and they deserve more. They learn that its OK to tell someone about the abuse, that it's not right and it needs to stop being a secret.

I loved Jesse and Scarlett, they were messed up and afraid, but still strong, especially for the other. This is a book about abuse, but also about love and hope and trust. I loved how their relationship grew once they reconnected, how it taught them both things about themselves as well as each other.

Glory was a favourite character, she was quirky and she was so full of love for these young adults who needed her to give them a helping hand in freeing themselves from their emotional prisons as well as their physical ones. Whether she was psychic or not, she definitely had plenty of insight into what they both needed and her interference in their lives was definitely a catalyst for change.

I thought Pastor Hughes was a great character, he had a wonderful way of dealing with these two broken teens who needed someone on their side. Marshall also turned out to be a character I admired, and he definitely showed Jesse how much he could be counted on.

I definitely recommend this novel 4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan - Tor Teen for a copy of this novel.