I don't normally read low-stakes contemporary romance, but I wanted to give this one a go. I was pleasantly surprised and found this to be a very enjoyable read. Told in dual 1st-person POV, our MCs and the ensemble cast all feel very true to their ages (16/17 years old). I loved the dichotomy between Caleb who is out and proud and his view of life versus Theo's bi-awakening and discovering himself in the midst of being part of a Christian family and community. They're also surprisingly mature for what could possibly be an incredibly difficult set of circumstances (re: one boy not out and not ready for example). The main reason I gave this one a go is because of the 'haunting' that is mentioned in the blurb, but I was slightly disappointed to find that it is not very supernatural (if you're looking for something with more paranormal I recommend The Haunting Between Us.

Although I did find myself getting just a wee bit bored right before the climactic events, that could possibly have to do with my penchant for normally reading high-stakes/high-action stories. Overall, this was a feel-good, adorable read that had me smiling and rooting for the MCs!


Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Sure! (If you personally love contemporary romance, this is a good one!)


 See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: I really enjoyed Theo and Caleb, as well as the ensemble cast. They're diverse and dynamic, even our supporting characters. They're genuinely good people trying to figure themselves out in their teenage years. Theo is a little more reserved, quiet, and doesn't really rock the boat because he prefers that equilibrium. He's faced with some world-rocking discoveries about himself that are at odds with the life he's been taught. Meanwhile, Caleb struggles as a boy who is out but can't seem to find love and figure out whether someone is actually flirting with him or not. Seems silly the way I describe it, but his struggle is quite heartfelt as he navigates his feelings for Theo and having no idea how to be careful with the signs in their friendship. They're wonderful at communication and they have, in my opinion, a very healthy relationship even as they're learning who they are and how they want to be in terms of a couple.



PLOT: Theo and Caleb meet in a haunted basement after both sneak away from a tour group and find that there is a connection between them that has nothing to do with being haunted. Medium-paced, the plot then follows the pair as they discover what exactly this connection means and exactly how much they're willing to fight for the love blossoming between them. For Caleb, it's being there for Theo as he figures himself out, for Theo, it's choosing between what he's always been taught as a Christian and his love for Caleb. There are some truly beautiful moments that occur, especially near the end, that understated beauty that had me smiling and melting.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.


2:5/low. This could also simply be because I'm used to higher stakes, of course. But I found this to be quite low. That being said, please check for trigger warnings, as there are hints of homophobia for example, but nothing very major.



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled? 

100%. HEA. They choose each other, which I don't believe is a spoiler. And I think it's rather beautiful how it all works out.