Review to come! 
 Update 8/29/17: 
 See more reviews on my blog Novels and Necklaces 
 "I knew all about needing to find something that tethered you to reality. Without it, the past and the possibility of a shattered present could fling you into a really ugly place that was hard to escape from." 
 I swear I wrote this review after I finished reading the book, but alas I never did. But as proof of how absolutely amazing this novel is, I still find myself constantly thinking about it months later. I've re-read this book 2 times already because I honestly can't get enough of Poppy and Wheeler's story. It is just that good. Every book by Jay Crownover makes me feel thousands upon thousands of emotions, and I wouldn't want it any other way. And how many times in life can you feel an author is truly speaking to you? With every character and every book Jay writes, you feel like she was writing her book directly for you. And that my friends is something incredibly rare in literature. To be able to connect with a character in the way that Jay lets you, it something that very few authors have a gift for, and I am count myself fortunate to be able to read her words. 
 "I could do one day at a time because I was finally in a place where I realized how very lucky I was to still be here making my way through the days, be they good or bad." 
 I was intrigued by Poppy's character as soon as we met her, and was praying that she would get her own book. I knew in many ways that it would wreck me and shatter my heart into millions of tiny pieces. But I didn't care... I needed her story to be told. Jay Crownover went all in with this book, and it was like you could feel how much of her heart and soul she poured into this novel. Heck, even her Introduction made me tear up, and I didn't even start the book yet! With every book Jay writes, she leaves a bit of herself in the story...life lessons, words of inspiration, etc. And that makes the book worth 5 stars already. 
 "No, your heart was listening to what someone else was telling it to do. This is the first time it's been able to speak for itself. Listen to it, little sister." 
 "I'm afraid of what it might have to say, Salem." My voice shook and so did my hands. 
 "That's how you know the message is important, Poppy." 
 Poppy and Wheeler were always meant for each other. I didn't care how it happened, how messy it would be (and it was bound to be messy because...Jay Crownover), but it had to happen. I felt every single one of Poppy's battles in my soul. I experienced every up and down she did, and felt my heart break whenever hers did as well. Watching Poppy bloom from a wallflower into a confident young woman was one of the proudest moments of my life. I could relate to Poppy's shyness a lot, and I realized that my own growth over the past year mirrored Poppy's quite a bit. And it made me proud of not only Poppy but also the person she had become. 
 "But I promise you that if you let me I will give you only good things to dream about from here on out, Poppy. Once you let me in, I will chase all your monsters away." 
 Wheeler is a heart-stoppingly gorgeous, inked man that is compassionate, thoughtful, and oh-so-sexy. Seriously, I need me a Wheeler in my life. What I loved so much about him was the fact that he wasn't your typical Jay Crownover "hero." Sure, he's a little messed up, but he also knows how to fight his own battles and knows when to step up to the plate to help others. He is kind through and through, and while he is willing to fight a battle for someone else, Wheeler also encourages the person to fight their own battle. This is very important for me because so many times now, it's all about the sexy guy saving the girl from herself. But no, Wheeler flips that whole knight-in-shining-armor troupe on it's head and encourages Poppy to be who she is and go to battle for herself. 
 "Even if those scars you have from what you survived were on the outside, I'd still be right here and want you just as much. They're part of you and you are who I want to be with." 
 Together Poppy and Wheeler are stronger, braver, and experienced a growth within themselves that neither saw coming. I loved watching their journey together and how they let the other help them when they needed it the most. Their love for each other burns so brightly, and because of that, both Poppy and Wheeler are able to guide each other through the darkness in their lives. Their story is all about fighting back and 
 winning 
 . 
 "I see you, Wheeler. Even when I wasn't looking, I saw you." 
 This is a must read for all Jay Crownover fans, but also for anyone who just wants to read a poignant story of 2 people that came together when they needed each other. Jay's writing is absolutely addicting, and I will never get enough of it. But as far as addictions go, this one ain't too bad. Please read this book, and watch as it easily becomes one of your top books of 2017! 
 "We like to think we'll be able to take on anything, tackle anyone that threatens what we love. The truth is we can't always be there, but we will always protect what we love." 
 Happy reading :)