First published 2007
Jessie enters her sophomore year at a new high school where she quickly learns the social rules. Popular kids dominate the hallways while others struggle to fit in. When Jessie catches the attention of an older student, she feels flattered by his interest. The relationship develops quickly, but Jessie discovers that what seemed like romance carries different expectations than she anticipated. She faces pressure to make decisions about intimacy before she feels ready. Her choices affect her reputation and friendships at school. Jessie must figure out how to stay true to herself while dealing with gossip, peer pressure, and her own confusion about relationships. The story follows her journey as she learns to set boundaries and find her voice in situations where she feels powerless. At its heart, this is about a young woman discovering her own worth and learning that she has the right to make her own choices about her body and her relationships.
Genres: fiction, romance, contemporary, adolescence, young-adult, contemporary-romance
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family, social-issues
Hardcover · Hyperion
Content warnings: sexual-assault, sexual-content