Oh, the drama. Would not recommend. Spoilers, but not very deep story ones.
Also, note that I consider myself usually generous in reviews. It takes a lot to crack that.
One thing I hope the author(s) see: No one has used the slang in this novel in high school in the last 10 years, and no one 'double dog dares' anything after about the age of 10. It was something I noticed early on, but it wasn't so incredibly annoying until this book, when there was nothing to redeem it.
This book is a terrible influence on anyone, and every single fight could be solved with a frank talk. I feel as though the book is trying to make me sympathetic toward Blake, where really him and his whole crew are 80% or more in the wrong compared to Mark, and everything is stupid.
Here's my list of things that are stupid.
Near the beginning, Blake and Mark almost have a talk that could salvage their relationship, or at least their friendship and clear the bad blood. Violet and Clay interrupt and drive Mark away, then convince Blake it was a bad idea. Repeat ad infinitum for every single time things might get better, relationship, friend, or family-wise.
Clay is a creep.
Violet goes from nice and helpful to crazy useless bitch.
Mark is in the right, but everyone hates him, and not in away that makes you want to bother rooting for him.
Everyone encourages Mark to move back in with his grandpa. His grandpa who is abusive. And then points are made to show how terrible it is that Todd's father hits him. What the...?
Blake's view of Todd = exactly what Clay does to Mark/Blake
Just holy carp. I hope no actual YA readers (vs adults looking for a light read, like me) read this, because it's a horrible example of how to have a healthy family, friend, or romantic relationship.
I will not be reading the fourth book, but this almost makes me want to just in hopes that everyone realizes the whole situation is incredibly stupid. I'll be watching for the reviews to see whether they're about the drama or the resolution.
Edit: Having read the blurb for #4, I'm definitely not continuing.