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meatloafqueen's review against another edition
5.0
There is angst and then there is this book.. I’m talking tear your heart out, spin it in a blender and throw it at the wall
Amazing amazing AMAZING!
Amazing amazing AMAZING!
jamie_w's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. It was so angsty and sad and downright infuriating at times. But that's what I love. Again, just a glutton for pain. I will warn you that the majority of this book is a love triangle. It's a big chunk of the plot. Here I am loving this book in spite of the damn triangle - who am I! However, they're 18 years old/seniors in high school so it was definitely a teen thing in a time when being gay and being killed because of it was a very present reality.
I wanted to scream and rage at Adam. Ugh. That stupid boy. So manipulative and narcissistic. The way he would gaslight Peter was another level of twisted. He was just so damn selfish all of the time! It wasn't like he was a horrible person per se, but he sure as shit wasn't good. That being said, I totally got why Peter was enamoured with him and the attention Adam gave him. Peter was used to being a social pariah so the fact that this hot guy was showing him attention was too much for him at times. Naturally Adam took advantage of that.
I didn't really fault Peter for wanting Adam. I didn't fault him for not stepping aside either. The fact that Adam put Peter in that position was so offensive but also was on brand for stupid Adam. Peter deserved so much more than he allowed himself to have but he didn't see any other options.
I hated that Peter essentially had to hide. I remember growing up during that time and it wasn't like he had options, especially living in the south. They were all to blame in so many ways and yet all victims of circumstance. This goes for Peter's mom too. She was fighting invisible demons and that also played a huge part in Peter's feelings of self worth.
This was so layered and there was never an easy or clear solution.
I'm ready for book 2.
I wanted to scream and rage at Adam. Ugh. That stupid boy. So manipulative and narcissistic. The way he would gaslight Peter was another level of twisted. He was just so damn selfish all of the time! It wasn't like he was a horrible person per se, but he sure as shit wasn't good. That being said, I totally got why Peter was enamoured with him and the attention Adam gave him. Peter was used to being a social pariah so the fact that this hot guy was showing him attention was too much for him at times. Naturally Adam took advantage of that.
I didn't really fault Peter for wanting Adam. I didn't fault him for not stepping aside either. The fact that Adam put Peter in that position was so offensive but also was on brand for stupid Adam. Peter deserved so much more than he allowed himself to have but he didn't see any other options.
I hated that Peter essentially had to hide. I remember growing up during that time and it wasn't like he had options, especially living in the south. They were all to blame in so many ways and yet all victims of circumstance. This goes for Peter's mom too. She was fighting invisible demons and that also played a huge part in Peter's feelings of self worth.
This was so layered and there was never an easy or clear solution.
I'm ready for book 2.
gingerlreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
missysreadingcorner's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I have ever hated a character more than Adam. He cheated on Peter with Leslie to pass as straight and then dragged Peter into "playing straight" with Tina. Then when Peter mentioned how betrayed he felt, Adam manipulated him into staying together. I wish Peter was stronger to walk away from Adam because he deserved so much more. This was an emotionally draining book. I've never wanted to physically defend a fictional character so much. I hope Peter doesn't end up with Adam, who deserves to end up a lonely, bitter man.
Despite my loathing of Adam, I would recommend this book.
Despite my loathing of Adam, I would recommend this book.
ellie_stewart's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emendelowitz's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
liza5326's review against another edition
5.0
Finishing this book, I just ache for Peter. I know it was so hard to grow up gay in the South, especially in the past, but the Hell that Peter was put through by those who said they loved him was so unforgivable. I know why he did the things he did, it's hard to walk away when you feel like you have nothing else, but his relationship with Adam was emotionally abusive and I hope that in the next book, he's able to get away and grow more.
miki__reads's review against another edition
4.0
Oooft this made me so fucking angry but I couldn't put it down. Proud of my boy Peter by the end but FMD
Lost a star for the use of the repeated use of the word anus
Lost a star for the use of the repeated use of the word anus
ellielauren's review against another edition
5.0
This story is angsty and I wanted to kill “someone” a few times but I loved it. Peter is a precious baby and I wish him all the best in life, he deserves it. He also deserves better and I have a little idea of who “better” is. I can’t wait to read what happens next!