If you’re looking for a lighthearted, cute book, turn back around because, this story was all kinds of sad, emotional, filled with angst, and heartbreak. Plus if you’re in the mood to cry, I’m sure this book will be right up your alley. This story was about Emery Matterson, a young girl who was diagnosed with an Illness (Lupus), the aftermath of losing someone close to her, and meeting a boy by the name of Kaiden who ended up becoming of significant to her. 

The prologue went straight into the past that showed a heartbreaking moment from Emery’s past. With the passing of her twin sister, Lo (a.k.a. Logan), Emery had lost not her sister, but her best friend. Lo also suffered from Lupus and it ended with her life ending. The aftermath of Lo passing away greatly affected Emery’s mom, and even her Dad ended up leaving them when they needed him the most. Fast forward a couple years when Emery was older and she ended up moving into her Dad’s new home, along with his new wife, and stepson, Kaiden. New family dynamics, new home, new school, new everything seemed like a fresh start for Emery, but even then she still had her battle with Lupus that occurred throughout the story. 

With Emery being in a new environment, I expected things would become a little easier for her, but with Kaiden it seemed like he gave Emery a hard time. I’m not exactly sure how to explain how Kaiden was other than in the beginning, I wasn’t sure I liked him due to his behavior towards Emery. With Kaiden being super blunt and honestly kind of rude to Emery, I wasn’t sure how things were going to get better especially with his actions going back and forth from showing the tiniest hint of kindness to then saying harsh things to her. Kaiden was grumpy, seemed like he was angry all the time, and super angsty. Despite some of the earlier parts of the book showing Kaiden in not the most positive light, I had hope for him, that there would be some redeeming qualities to him that would change my mind about him. 

Emery was quiet, soft spoken, and mostly kept to herself, but there still strength that emanated from her. I had never read a character like Emery before, especially with the things of things she went through with her illness. Emery’s point of view made me see just how much lupus affected her life, her body, and her overall health. Even the slightest thing ended up triggering a painful feeling that to a regular person might be nothing entirely. I definitely gained from insight reading about Emery’s story, but also just taking everything in, really seeing the other side of the story that most of us wouldn’t have expected to know. 

Ok so maybe Kaiden wasn’t as bad as I initially thought. Sure Kaiden still had his moments of being kind of rude and harsh, but like Emery said, at least he’s honest, doesn’t hold back from the truth. In regards to Emery and Kaiden getting closer, it meant a lot to Emery because, she had someone who didn’t treat her differently, it was like Emery got the chance to act like a normal teenager girl, or at least have moments where she felt like it. Over the course of the story, the relationship between Emery and Kaiden grew in a way that was both unexpected and touching. Kaiden was the person that was by Emery’s side, brought her joy, and despite his rough exterior, when he was with her he was able to truly show parts of himself to her that no one else saw. Emery and Kaiden formed a deep bond that together they supported one another. 

Did I think I was going to cry? Maybe. Did I end up sobbing a lot? Absolutely! My goodness this book came at me with lots of emotions and a story unlike any I had ever read before. Please do yourself a favor and read this book! I really appreciated the message that B Celeste illustrated in Emery’s story. The reality behind invisible illnesses and so much more I never knew. Emery’s illness was not easy by any means, and through her struggles she found moments of joy especially with Kaiden. The romance between Emery and Kaiden was unexpected to me, but deep down I could see that they each found solace and happiness with one another. At the heart of this story, it was centered on Emery’s reality with her illness, and the truth that many others like Emery face on a daily basis. I went into this book with an open mind, and came out loving Emery and becoming protective of her. This wasn’t your typical happily ever after so don’t go into this book expecting everything to be tied up perfectly. I will say that the ending had me sobbing, and with the epilogue it was a bittersweet ending for Kaiden. I cannot get over the way this book had me in a grip, especially towards the end. By far one of those books that’ll leave you feeling emotional and attached to the characters, for me it was Emery. Very glad I got to read this book, and will be reading this book again later in the future.