This book ripped my heart out, stomped on it, killed it, got the pads out, resuscitated it, gave me a little bit of rehab time to strengthen it back up, and then repeated the ripping and stomping.... then shattered it completely. Do I seem dramatic? I don't care. That's the only way I can describe emotions I went through while reading this. 
 This was me reading.... 
 Where do I even begin? Emmy, oh my poor sweet, strong Emmy. She went through things that many people would've let break them, but she overcame them and I simply loved her for it. She had strength in so many ways. The strength to bear her many burdens, but also the strength to wear a mask that kept her life intact. She loved Cal so much and the things she suffered for that love were crushing. 
 Cal..... Finding out more about his back story was so heartbreaking. Knowing he had to look his despicable uncle in the face everyday after what he found out. I don't know how he did it. Well no, that's not true, I know one big reason. Emmy. He loved that girl so freaking much and I wanted them to be free to be together so bad. Everytime they risked everything to touch or kiss each other, my heart was breaking with both happiness and sadness. 
 The sex was super hot, and it was made even better by their intimacy. Their need for each other was so authentic and raw. They helped each other through so much darkness and their connection was unbreakable. 
 Then there's the "family' aspect. There were the obvious bad guys and the hidden snakes. There were so many plays being made. I loved the violence and meeting some new mobtsers. 
 Like I said, I'm sitting here with a shattered heart, but the author told me to have hope, so I'm off to read book 3 and hopefully pick up the pieces of my heart.