This book provides such a good, clear example of living on the wrong side of the tracks. Where on one side you have gangs, and turf wars; and on the other you have rich houses and hidden problems. The love story between Alex and Brittany is so wonderful, and I loved seeing them get an upper hand on Colin. I also loved that the author didn’t pull her punches when showing that getting out of a gang is hard, and the lifelong consequences of that.

While also portraying gang violence, it also highlighted a family’s love for a member of their family with disability, and the story portrayed her with respect, and Shelley holds a piece of all her hearts.