Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I loved this book. Jack, the main character is a 17yo high school junior in a dying town in California--lots of gangs and drugs, unhappy parents/sad home life and he knows that he is gay but he goes to great lengths to hide it because it is NOT cool. His friends are drug dealers and all they do it get high, drink and hang out pretty much. But they are all super-macho-alpha type males. Then he meets Conner. Conner is really good looking and extremely confident and Jack falls for him pretty quick. Their relationship is so sweet and they both end up caring about each other so much that it was totally adorable, very romantic. Jack, however, still doesn't want anyone to know he is is gay. He does everything he can to hide it, even shutting Conner out for awhile, but eventually people find out. His mom, Conner's Uncle, and his friends figure out and give him a hard time. I don't want to ruin the end of the book, but I loved how Jack finally figured everything out for himself, at least about his family, friends and Conner and accepted himself, and was proud. I loved all of the characters and the writing. Brutally honest, from JAck's point of view. He acted tough on the outside, but on the inside he had so many feelings about Connor and his friends etc--he knew what he wanted, he was just so afraid to go for it. Jack was a great character---his strength and love were amazing. Highly recommend this one!!! Emotional but so worth it!

This book was intense. It dealt with a lot of issues. Drug abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, alcohol abuse, homophobia, mental health, etc etc.

The author did a good job of handling these issues and spreading them through the book without it feeling overwhelming.

I have a lot of feelings about this book. My brain is king of jumbly after finishing. But in a good way. I really enjoyed it.

The main focus of the book I felt was overcoming fear of what everyone else thinks about you and being yourself. But in a more intense way.

Jack is struggling with his sexuality. He is terrified that if someone finds out it will be the end. But then he meets Connor, the cool, confident new kid.

Conner is bisexual and not ashamed. He wants more than friendship with Jack. And Jack wants it too, but he’s not ready to be out. The book follows Jack and Connor’s relationship as Jack struggles with his friends, family, and personal issues.