3.5-4 stars 
 The Voss family is a group of mismatched, quirky, unique characters. Merit collects trophies she didn't earn and her family's secrets. She is fed up with the way her family overlooks her while requiring she keep their confidence. 
 This family was an interesting study in characters with peculiar habits and traits. Her mother never leaves the basement. Her father is married to her mother's nurse. Her twin sister loves boys with terminal illnesses. This family thrives on skimming the surface and turning away from problems rather than facing them straight on. 
 Sagan was almost too perfect in the context of the family he joins. As an outsider, he isn't clouded by the secrets and notions of the family's perceptions. But he is a perfect example of overcoming obstacles and powering through no matter the circumstances. I loved the calm he exuded and the big moments he has with Merit. 
 I wanted to love this book, but I struggled with the first half of this book. I was confused. Every single character had such outlandish traits. I had no idea where the book was going but it was heavy. But the last 20% was amazing. This story (once I figured out where it was going) has a great message. This felt different than her last few titles, in that it is definitely closer to YA than NA, but the themes are mature and serious enough that I would call it mature YA. I almost DNF'd the book just before the halfway mark, but I'm so glad I continued through. Because the last part made up for all my struggles. 
 Colleen does such a great job with her storytelling that even as I was struggling, I didn't want to put the book down. Even as I worked to make sense of what I was reading I found bits and pieces that held me captive. Threads of the story that spoke to me and kept me moving forward. 
 I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.