“We checked off every stereotype” (Chapter 11) is a quote that pretty much summarizes almost every character in this book. 

This book felt like it was written by one of the following people (or a combination of all of them):
1. Someone who either wanted to be or wanted to be with a punk bad boy in high school, but in a very “I can fix him” way. 
2. A school counselor (think Mr. Frond from Bob’s Burgers) who really wanted to connect with the youths and show the importance of therapy. 
3. A writer on Glee who was mad this script was rejected for an episode. 

Although I think a lot of topics covered in this book are important to discuss, I don’t think it was done well and the bad parts of the book heavily outweigh the good parts. The author added a lot of weird and extra details to the story; had a pretty shaky and at times inconsistent timeline for the story; and sometimes felt like they had no sense of reality and actual consequences for character’s actions. 

The story has too perfect an ending to wrap everything up too quickly (which is surprising with how slow and boring the first half of the book is). 

And one *minor* spoiler that I need to rant about: 

Wes definitely started the fight, despite what he kept saying.

I absolutely loved this book.  The details and development of the characters was done so beautifully.  Wes really figuring out who he is and his character development was just amazing.

This has to be one of the best coming of age books I’ve ever read.  The past trauma, the anxiety, the fear of coming out, and the wellbeing of those closest to him were all seriously written so well.

Wes and Tristan were total opposites, I mean one was a skater boy and the other did ballet after all.  Their dynamic was really lovely, Wes falling instantly for Tristan and totally being an awkward mess when he met him was hilarious.

Wes and his friends gave off“boys will be boys” at first glance, trouble makers, and bad grades to show for it but in the end they really proved that saying wrong.

Also I absolutely loved all the Golden Girls references they were so cute.

Spice Level: n/a

POV: First Person

Release Date: 06, February 2024

Rep: Gay (Main Character), Black Gay (Love Interest), Non-Binary (Side Character), LGBTQIA+ Characters, BIPOC (Characters), Anxiety Disorder, Domestic Abuse Survivors (Main Character and His Mom)

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

I flew through this book and somehow listened to it all in one go. The pacing is quick and I it was so easy to keep going.

This book takes an interesting approach by making the main character the bully. I was apprehensive at first, but the character and his story swept me away. Wes proves that everyone deserves compassion and to be seen as a human being. He goes through a tough journey and learns a lot from it. He is deeply troubled (I hate that word but it's the best word I can come up with to describe him) and that carries throughout the entire story. Yes, I might hate him for a few things he does in this book, but I always understand him. That is most important. I could understand him and the struggles he is going through. It made him a deeply interesting character who was there to tell an important story.

This also carried to the other characters in this book. They did not feel empty. The book is short, so there is not a lot of time to get to know them that well, but I still enjoyed them and was interested in everything the story gave me. 

The book deals masterfully with how boys are taught to not express any emotion other than anger. And the consequences of that. Wes struggles with anger and aggression. It is one of the main themes in the book. It is upsetting to see what kind of person society and its pressures shaped him into. He is a bully because of this. He ruins his relationships because of this. It impacts every part of his life and seeing him deal with that part of himself and starting to heal was so impactful. Wes still has a long road ahead of him, that much is clear, but he can get there.

Tristan is a wonderful love interest. The contrast of a ballet dancer to Wes's skater punk is delightful. They're beautifully awkward together and yet they fit so well. Can I say for sure that they will last? Maybe not. But they give each other so much. They have chemistry and make each other into better people, which is exactly what I want to see in a romance story.

This book is both a simple romance as well as an important analysis of Wes, what made him who he is and how he can grow. It finds the perfect balance between the two, making this an immensely enjoyable book!