The first half was really good and enjoyable, but it really went downhill after that. I have a lot of issues with some of the messages this book sends to teens about relationships. The whole conflict was Skylar massively overreacting and refusing to see reason, which made him really unlikeable in the end. While I understand Skylar had a significant amount of trauma, it made me really uncomfortable that Jacob had to bend over backwards for WEEKS to get Skylar to even consider forgiving him…… when Skylar was in the wrong in the first place. I wish there had been a scene where Jacob and Skylar talk privately instead so the author could better explore the nuances of the characters situations and thoughts. (Also, it made me realize that Skylar has great new adoptive parents that are probably aware of the trauma he’s experienced in foster care, and they DIDNT get him a therapist??? seems unlikely).

I’m also not a fan of the public apology thing. It’s always manipulative and I honestly thought it was kind of out of character for Skylar to appreciate it.

And I’m glad the book is sex positive, but I didn’t really like how that all played out.

I mean, the characters hardly knew each other and Skylar had literally JUST turned 16. Both characters are admittedly completely inexperienced. The conversation they actually have about sex happens completely off page. They wouldn’t even have had condoms if Skylar’s mom hadn’t provided them.

There are better ways to be sex positive and not inadvertently encourage reckless behavior. But like…. at least it had good representation……