The queer punk in me REQUIRED this book and it didnt disappoint

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!

TRIGGER WARNINGS:
- Bullying
- Alcoholism
- Mentions of domestic abuse

But wow, what a debut.
First of all, thank you to the author, Anthony, for sending me an advanced copy!
I've been in a reading slump for months and I finished this book in just under 2 days because I simply could not put it down.
The story is fun and engaging and just cheesy enough to be very enjoyable, especially for a YA novel.
The characters were very well written, and the ones who matter have a lot of good character development that also help Wes, the main character, with his own development.
Overall, I think it's a book that Avril Lavigne would be proud of.
Five out of five stars, would recommend!