I have enjoyed each thought provoking and emotional book in this series. This one is no exception. The blurb is vague so I will be as spoiler free as possible.

This one shows to consequences of idleness and apathy. How not doing anything can be as damaging as doing something wrong. How it can rob you of purpose, happiness, self worth, and connections.

Lily Hahn is a young woman whose life already seems bad due to circumstances. She is lost, uninterested, avoiding, and coping in poor ways. Salinger Park seems way out of her league. He is serious, smart, hardworking, honest, selfless, generous, and a gentleman. When their worlds collided, they did not realize that they had the potential to became an integral part of the other's life.

But sometimes life can continue throwing hard lessons and challenges at you. And this unlikely pair begins to take on new things together. They push, challenge, and support the other. And even though they talk, there is a lot they are afraid to share and show their true vulnerability leading to confusion, hurt feelings, and some angst.

This is a YA book with good messages. Some of the subject matter is hard, raw, and painful, but it is inspiring and hopeful too. There is friendship and slow-burn romance, but it is also about self actualization, acceptance, priorities, and redemption. They were two people desperately in need of a connection and a true home. But their lives were complicated and had many challenges.

“I want action.” He breathed deeply through his nose. “I’m tired of idle, tired of those who blow their smoke, tired of doubt. Get up.” He whispered. “You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be the best at everything you do, don’t have to be flawless, but you do have to try. Just try. Even if trying yields you nothing, keep moving before you petrify, Lily.”

There were some twists and surprises, and Lily truly had so much to face and was really put to the test. I really liked Salinger and he was a good guy, but even good guys can make mistakes. Even though we did get some chapters in his point of view, I would have liked to have delved even deeper to understand him a bit more.

I love that each of these books in this series are so different, push boundaries, and have complex, flawed characters that go on journeys of self discovery while also forging a connection. The emotions are raw and circumstances are usually difficult to overcome. But they all illustrate that life can be unpredictable and beautiful and painful and enlightening all at the same time. And feeling it is what makes us truly feel alive.

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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