(4.5)
A book causing emotional whiplash is definitely a thing, I got taught that while reading this book. Make sure you have tissues nearby. I wasn't prepared nor was I ready for the overwhelming emotions this book, along with these characters made me feel.
Ryan has never had an easy life; his parents died, then him and his twin sister ended up at a not so great foster home, and after they ran away a man tried to s3xually assault his sister. So, Ryan defended his sister by hitting the man with a rock... Repeatedly. After that incident his life was never the same again, he got arrested, got life in prison even though he was a minor at the time of the crime, and his best friend/boyfriend died in custody. He just can't take being in prison anymore, it's going to kill him. He plans his escape and when he got the opportunity to he took it, and succeed.
After escaping he knew he would never be able to stop moving, he wouldn't be safe, and he would always have to look over his shoulder. He was not going back to prison.
His luck turns around when he meets high as a kite Tristan. Tristan doesn't believe what the news is saying about Ryan, he's not a killer or dangerous. So, Tristan helps him out and continues to help Ryan survive alone at Tristan's parents cabin.
That act of kindness forever changed Ryan's life, as well as changing Tristan's.
I... Have no words, which is a problem cause I need to write this review. This was so stunning to read and I'm honestly floored. I'll be honest, when I first started this I was apprehensive due to the writing style. That and the perspective the book was written in. I'm really glad I stuck with the book and these characters cause if I just stopped reading, I would've missed out on a really great book.
This is a very slow paced book, but there's a reason for it. The author is building up backstory, characters, and most importantly dialogue and plot. I wasn't sure if this was a happy ever after, or a happy for now... I wasn't sure but took a chance anyway. I'm here to tell you that it's neither of those. It leaves off on a massive cliffhanger and is definitely set up for another book. Which I hope comes out very soon! The characters drew me in, I loved Thomas. He was in juvie but still tried to keep not only himself thinking positive thoughts but he also tried to keep Ryan thinking positive. I cried for these two boys who got dealt a bad hand. I wish that didn't happen to them, and that they didn't have to go through what they did.
Tristan is so nice, his parents would definitely be proud!!
This felt like I was in a movie, I could picture everything that was going on and I was invested!
While there were romantic elements this doesn't have a lot of romance in it. It's mentioned but not the main part of the story. It was honestly a different type of story for me, and I loved it. Completely unique and special. I'm really glad I read this. I'm so excited and eager for (hopefully) the next book.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*