I had high expectations for this novel going into it and I, surprisingly, was not disappointed. It was slightly problematic at times mostly cause the mc was problematic but it was overall an enjoyable read.

In most reviews people talk about how Mercedes is an unlikable character because she was made to be an unlikable character, but if I'm being honest (and I am) I actually kinda liked her. She was a brat at times especially towards the people who showed her any type of concern, but she was just trying to protect herself and honestly I felt like I related to her a lot more than I thought I would. Something traumatic happened to her at a young age when she hadn't even figured out who she was in the world yet and it screwed her up to the point where she didn't think she could be fixed and was ultimately destructive towards herself in order to be in control of something. She had so many supportive people in this novel that she got through it and it made me all warm and fuzzy on the inside :')

The supporting characters were good. I had my doubts about Faye throughout the novel, but I think she was my favorite. She was strong and supportive and was a great friend for Mercedes. Also the fact that she was like "idgaf who you sleep with you're still a good person to me and you had your reasons so I'm not gonna judge you" and I LOVED that about her. I'm so glad she didn't end up being the frenemy I thought she was gonna be. Then there's Angela who, I felt, didn't have as strong of a character as everyone else but was necessary because she shows that waiting is just as okay as being sexually active. I also liked Zach, although I didn't exactly fall in love with him cause I feel as we didn't really get enough of him but he was sweet and thoughtful and stuck around even when he was angry with her.

This book is definitely a book aimed towards the more mature side of YA. It's not exactly graphic, but it's definitely more graphic than most YA sex scenes. Also it faces issues such as slut shaming and different forms of rape. I think what I really liked about it though is the fact that it takes a look at a different type of rape. It's more than being forced on by a stranger at a party. It can also be by someone you care about that you're afraid of losing because they say "if you don't do this for me then you don't care about me" and the person is guilted into it and not many people in those situations see it as rape. I like how this novel shows that there's nothing right with a situation like that.

It's definitely a hit or miss novel. You're either gonna hate it or love it and I loved it. I think people should definitely give this a try and I hope to read more novels like it.