For this book to be YA it was definitely a wild story. Nobody expects a teen to go through or deal with situations both Deja and Gabriel encountered in this book. But these are the harsh realities for many growing up in Jamaica. The struggle to survive, a desire to provide, but being forced to take on adult responsibilities was something Deja honestly wasn’t prepared for. 

Taking the drug money might have been a mistake that could’ve cost her and her family their lives. But when you’re in a tough spot and have others depending on you like her siblings then you do what you got to do to make it. Gabriel had no one so being apart of a posse was a way to take care of himself. He wanted a way out of that life but it seemed the only way out would’ve been in a box. When he and Deja met there was an instant connection and maybe being around her gave him hope. But when the drug money got involved they were left on two different sides of the fence. This is where I felt the author did well tying all the characters' together with the missing drug money. 

Overall, I thought the book was okay the author sets this intense tone from the very beginning. I just felt the pacing was a tad bit slow for a thriller but it’s engaging enough to keep you going until the end.  I also loved how the story unfolded the dark-side of life in Jamaica shedding light on many topics surrounding the consequences of right and wrong, drug abuse, gang violence, dirty cops, the struggle to survive, Jamaican culture, and living conditions. Special thanks to @coloredpagesbt, the publisher @simonteen and the author @desmondhallauthor for my gifted copy‼️