Ellie has a mean, sadistic streak. She's cruel. The people she surrounds herself with are toxic and deplorable. People who claim to be your friends, but want to see you just as messed up as they are. Flynn has Asperger's. He shouldn't love Ellie - she was nice when the others weren't there, but bullied him to fit in the crowd. He sees redemption in her, that a lot of us probably won't. And it is through his love, she blossoms. This author is outstanding. Fantastic writing.