I was trying my hardest to avoid her, but for some reason, she kept pulling me back in. I didn't belong in her world, but she didn't even seem to care about that. She was the one bright spot I'd found at my new school even if I didn't act like it. 

I loved Jesse. He lived his whole life feeling unworthy, but he is trying to make something of himself. He is intelligent, talented, handsome, and truly a nice guy. He has a couple of longtime friends and a loving mom, but still does not trust or open up easily. He is thrust in an uncomfortable situation with people who do not want him there, but he holds his head high and made the best of it. 

This boy looked like a fallen angel and a surfer boy all rolled into one, and I wanted to wrap myself around him.

Emma has not followed the path of her rich society loving mother. She does not care about social status or money. Although she is not ashamed to use her money to help others. She is a good person despite her mother's influence. She does not hold Jesse's social status or background against him. But she is under tremendous pressure to live the life her mother sees fit and socialize with the upper crust of society.

"Are you scared of me?"

"Truthfully? A little. I'm not scared of you, just of what I feel and do when I'm around you."

"I can work with that."

I really loved them together. They really brought out the best in each other and had such a good connection and support of one another. They had friendship, passion, and strong feelings despite their young age. They were truly an adorable couple. But they had to hide their feelings from some. People were against them. Society was against them. There was drama, angst, life complications, and misunderstandings. Some things were high school-ish, but then I had to remember that this is a book about juniors in High School. 

Will they find a way to be together or will they be pushed apart?

This was a little bit West Side Story meets Romeo and Juliet. The rich girl meets poor boy and they find they have a connection despite the fact that their lives are so different. The characters were likable and well developed. Except for the antagonists that I did really, really dislike. She did a good job showing the differences in their two worlds and how neither of them really fit in with the other that well.

Thanks to KA Robinson for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Quotes are from ARC copy and subject to change in final draft.