Wow, just wow. I'm seriously having a serious book hangover. And it's been a while. I even needed to take 5 minutes to myself after finishing it. The emotions that it evoked in me cut right to the quick. 
 For those that don't know, this is an Adult book. You shouldn't go into it expecting the YA Ellen Hopkins. This is deep and raw and so utterly brazen. I loved it. Not a 'clean' novel by any means, and it shouldn't be. Life isn't clean. You can't put it into a neat little box. 
 This novel catalogs the lives of 3 women. The choices that are made, and the consequences and realities that become of them. Even though it was written in verse, I had no trouble connecting. Once I started the book, I couldn't stop. I was sucked into the wormhole and held captive by the world at the other end. I felt for each of these women. I understood them and their reactions. Almost as if I was experiencing it vicariously, which at times had me petrified. 
 My pulse raced. My breath quickened. My temper would rise, and then the tears would fall. The passion exposed just overwhelming at times. 
 This novel isn't for the faint of heart. It's not pretty, or even rather romantic. But for some of us, it's our life. 
 Won in a Goodreads first reads giveaway.