Synopsis

When her mom’s ex-boyfriend slithers his way back into her family, it’s all Skye can do to keep the walls of her world from crumbling. Her family has no idea Skye has been guarding a dark secret about her past–about him–and she never thought she would have to face him again. She knows she has to get away from him at all costs. But how can she abandon Emma? Skye’s heart is torn between escaping the man who hurt her years ago and protecting her loved ones from the monster in their midst. Running away from her fears isn’t an option. To save her sister–and herself–she’ll have to break all the rules.
Review
4,5 stars
Reading this book was hard for me personally. Not because I went through what Skylar went but because of her behavior toward drugs and boys.
Usually the girl is the straight laced one and the hero may be the partying and womanizer type.
Having a role reversal forced me to realize that I had double standards and that’s not something I was proud of!
Another trigger was Skye’s use of drugs. Again not because I had been addicted but one of my friends went down that road and being a teenager at that time left me with a deep scar.
But that story needed to be told that way.
Because Skye has been changed by a traumatic event at twelve years old.
Because when Skye tried to speak about it she was not heard.
Because sometimes life is so heavy that forgetting and taking refuge in drugs makes it easier even if it’s a crutch and never a solution.
Because when you are ignored and feel transparent then you bask in any attention you can get even if it is that of a boy wanting your body because you feel easy.
In the beginning of the story Skye is crushing on her best friend Ben but does not dare take it to the next step for fear of losing their friendship.
Ben parties hard with her always sharing alcohol and some weed.
Skye’s mom will announce that she is back with Dan an old boyfriend and things will progressively spiral out of control for Skye.
She wanted to protect her sister, she wanted to do good but messed up so many times.
It was hard reading about her drug problem.
It was hard reading about her being used by boys when she was completely drunk.
It was hard to see her failing.
And it was hard because it rang true.
Because many have addictions to forget. To compensate for being broken. To stop hurting even for a little while.
Laura Sibson told a story that feels real and true.
As hard as it was to read about drugs, use and abuse I liked that Laura introduced some beauty in her story thanks to Skylar’s artistic talent. This gave some levity to the read. And I personally loved how Skye named all her drawing, done or not.
Many know to express feelings they can’t voice out loud through music, painting…any form of art. That’s what saved Skye and her naming her drawings like painters give names to their creation added a poetic and soft touch to her story.
Recommend it? If you can deal with hard topics then yes, totally!
Can you read stories about hard topics or do you avoid them?
Sophie
I’m actually drawn to books with hard topics. I’m not really sure why, but they always intrigue me I guess!
Same here! Maybe because we are indeed curious?
Interesting that you mention double standards. I can see that coming in to play when reading this one. I find it so difficult to read books like this one when a character is faced with a seemingly impossible choice. Like, how can she leave her little sister behind? But how can she take her with her? It hurts my heart.
Great review! Dang, this sounds like a good read, but I’d definitely need to be in the right frame of mind first!
Sounds like this one tackled a very touchy subject and succeeded in doing it without too much trouble. Fascinating that it also allowed you to realize a double standard problem. That definitely shows how good this turned out to be. Fantastic review, Sophie!
Thank you so much Lashaan!
This sounds amazing, and also totally soul destroying. *adds to TBR* Thank you for reviewing this one, Sophie!
You are most wlecome Meeghan!
I know this book would make me cry! Great review, Sophie!
Thank you Kayla!!!
Wonderful review, Sophie. When the main character is damaged and it’s hard to read about their actions, it makes the story more powerful. Especially when the character is female. I’d love to read this!
Oh I think you’d love it Laura!