Logan Verbeeck

I’ve never really read a romance book, this was my first one. My fiance got me into romance movies, forcibly. So, I gave this a chance. Throughout this book, you’re jumping back and forth from his summer to a previous summer. You really start to connect with the characters and understand their friendship. Plus, you learn more about who they are as individuals and the paths they’ve chosen/obstacles they’ve faced. These characters come to love on each page and it just makes you fall in love with them. I loved seeing their relationship blossom. The moments where they were hurting or sad tore at my heart strings. This book, it really doesn’t feel cheesy or cliche. It was so hard for me to put this book down, I was totally invested. The book was so well written, and flowed very nicely. I was only disappointed when I had to put it down because it was over.

August is just like most of us, especially after all the heartbreak and disappointment life has sometimes. She has totally given up on love and doesn’t believe in it or happiness really for that matter. But her roommates and Jane start to challenge that. When we get hurt we want to hide all the soft parts of ourselves away. Just like August. August is awkward, hurt, sensitive, and loving. She loves with so much of her soul, it hurts. Jane is mysterious, flirty, fun. All the things that will easily grab your attention and make you fall in love with her. She challenges August, and August challenges her. Forcing one another to not give up and to believe in the impossible. August’s roommates, absolutely love them. They are so ride-or-die for August, it’s great. Plus, they’re so unique and their individual personalities/skills help August throughout the book. They mysteries of the story are interesting and make you wonder. I was constantly asking questions, and wasn’t sure how this book would end. Plus the little insights to the history of the LGBTQ+ just made me love this book more. Warmed my heart and definitely made me cry.

To say I loved this book is an understatement. I was immediately swept up into the mystery and the mystery boy. Daunis is a wonderful character, and inspiring. The obstacles she had to overcome and witness, were absolutely heartbreaking. The story was suspenseful and had some twists that completely shocked me. Daunis was one of the deepest characters I’ve read before. Knowing her so deeply showed me how much she truly grew in the book. She was kind, funny, helpful, and relatable. Her family was good and bad, like any other family. They had their own issues, and the scandal didn’t help them work through that very much. Auntie though, her character was one of my favorites. She was always there for Daunis. Seeing the hardship that effects Native American communities made me sick. It was hard to read what people have done to them. It was even harder when I realized I didn’t know any of the things they talked about in the book. It wasn’t taught while I was in school, and I honestly think it should. Because if we don’t know about it, changes can’t be made. I wanted to fully embrace this book and understand more about the Ojibwe people. So, I kept a little dictionary of what the words meant. So that throughout the book, I had a reference when those words popped up again. It helped me better understand the story, but also form a deeper connection to their culture and history. This book was inspiring, and beautiful. I would recommend this to anyone, and I hope this inspires you the way it did me.

This is the first book I’ve read about a transgender character. It was inspiring and heartwarming to say the least. The struggles Yadriel face, are ones I’m sure a lot of LGBTQ+ youth could relate to. Myself included. Throughout the book Yadriel struggles to prove himself as a brujo to his family, and be accepted. At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of Julian Diaz. As I read, I absolutely fell in love with him. He was a caring friend, and protected those he loved most. He was bubbly and happy. Not at all what you’d think the neighborhood bad boy is. In my opinion. Julian helped Yadriel grow. He helped Yadriel accept who he was and embrace himself. Instead of looking to others for acceptance. Which I think is a hugely important lesson in this book. Julian was hands down my favorite character, and I loved the way he interacted with Maritza (Yadriel’s cousin). The build up to the plot twist was great, and subtle. I was not expecting that to happen at all. There were a few things I had predicted, but no clue who was behind it all. This book was well written. The descriptions used for people, places, etc. It was so clear and vivid. It made it that much more encapsulating. Even though by the end I had tears running down my face, I truly loved this book. I appreciated the lessons it shared and the depth of their meaning. I would 100% read this book again and recommend it to anyone unsure. It’s definitely worth the read.

After my fiance first read this book, sharing little moments throughout, I decided I had to read it! It’s one of the first books I read, especially with LGBTQ+ characters. (I stopped reading for a few years, mental health etc) I truly loved the way the characters were written. They were relatable, awkward, hilarious, and real. Alex and Henry’s relationship was tumultuous in the beginning. However, as they grew and shared things they kept hidden from the world they started to see each other a bit differently. Watching as they challenged each other and motivated one another, it was so heartwarming. It made me root for them even more. Spoiler Plus the moments where they were showered with acceptance and love from the people of the world. Ugh. It just melted my heart and totally made me cry. I loved that they stood together and challenged the norms so they could be with one another. Very love conquers all vibes. This book was funny, lighthearted, real, heartwarming, and important.