Saving Quinton is a sad, often disturbing, sometimes hopeful, and very realistic portrait of drug addiction. If you are looking for a romance or a feel-good story, this isn't it. On the other hand, this book is chock-full of emotion and it's what I've come to expect from Jessica Sorensen, including an ending that leaves you hanging for the next book in this series. 
 This is the second book in the series. Nova has finished a year of school, and has gotten her compulsive behaviors and depression under control. But she still feels guilt over the suicide of her boyfriend, Landon, and she's still worried about Quinton. She understands what he's doing to himself, and because of what she sees as her part in Landon's death, she's on a mission to find and help Quinton. 
 Only there's a few problems. She doesn't know where he is, or if he will even accept her help. But as Tristan, Quinton's cousin, says to her at one point, "You know, you're one of the most determined people I've ever met." Nova refuses to give us and eventually tracks Quinton down in Las Vegas. 
 It's not a surprise that Quinton, Tristan, Dylan and Delilah are living in a run down crack house, selling drugs and getting into trouble for ripping off their supplier. What did surprise me was Nova's relentless quest to help Quinton, even so far as to go fearlessly into places that had me clutching my e-reader, holding my breath for Nova and the potential for danger. 
 A large portion of this book is depressing and dark. At one point, I had to stop and do something else because it was just too intense. But there are flashes of light and hope, and the final chapters left me in a place where I could see that perhaps there might be a way out for Quinton, thanks to Nova and Tristan. 
 Even though this series is intense, I'm drawn to it. Saving Quinton is not an easy read, and I can't say I "enjoyed" it because of the content, but I absolutely appreciate it for the realistic portrayal of circumstances like suicide, vehicular tragedy, drug addiction and the dealing with the guilt in the aftermath of these tragedies. 
 There's also hope here too, flickering gently, waiting to be accepted and embraced. 
 So while this book will not appeal to everyone, it is a very engaging and emotional story. I absolutely love Nova's determination and fearlessness. I feel Quinton's pain. I should also note that Nova's mom is awesome. She's an unsung hero in this story. 
 Probably my favorite series from Jessica Sorensen. I'm looking forward to the next book, hopeful that things will be a bit lighter. 
 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. 
 This review also appears on Red Hot + Blue Reads at 
 http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/02/saving-quinton-by-jessica-sorensen.html