Review originally posted on my blog, Lilybloombooks 
 4.5 stars 
 It's been awhile since the release of Bleed Like Me - and Desir's debut novel, Fault Line - both of which, have received such mixed reviews based on their darker, more realistic subjects to which many might find disturbing. So why, after so many months of having this book, did I decide to read it now? 
 I don't have an answer. I am just glad I finally did. 
 It's no secret I love books that are dark, unforgiving and disturbing to its core. So it's really not a shock that I loved this book. It's such a well written, realistic portrayal of addiction; both in the metaphorical sense and physical sense. 
 Gannon is a girl broken. Not in a "quick fix" broken. But a broken so whole, so devastating, that she goes great lengths to feel anything. She is invisible to all those around her - including her family - resorting to cutting to release all her pain and Feel. It's not shocking to me in the slightest that the one person to give her pause, to see her, becomes her new addiction. Even knowing it has bad idea written all over it. Yet, Brooks is broken himself - and the toxic, co-dependent yet passionate relationship begins. 
 Nothing is held back and no one is spared from the pain these two inflict. On each other and those around them. Their desperate yet unhealthy need for each other consumes them, and their relationship goes from bad to worse before a devastating end. It's utterly heartbreaking to witness yet I admire the realistic portrayal of the situation. 
 This book will not appeal to everyone. It's not light - not every story ends with a HEA, nor should it. But I still highly recommend Bleed Like Me. Truly, one of the best mature young adult novels I have read in a long time. 
 *I received a copy of this book from The Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*