Chase loves Disney movies and making his own animated shorts.  He also secretly loves the idea of a happily ever after, one that doesn't end like him parents tumultuous divorce. What better place to meet someone then at college, where he can have a fresh start and make his mark in his animation major.
Of course his evil narcissistic ex friend is also in the same program he is.
But he meets Jack! Jack who is writes him poems, and eats meals with him. Jack who also looks like any other straight guy walking around on campus, and hasn't figured out quite what his sexual identity is, or if he is comfortable publicly exploring it.
Chase also struggles with a body dysmorphia, a not so in the past eating disorder, and exploring his gender identity and what it means to be nonbinary. Is it even okay that he uses he/him? Is he too big to be nonbinary?
At its heart this is a sex positive story about learning to love yourself, and accept who you are. I loved the supportive queer community Chase found at school, and the realistic depiction of what it is like to struggle with your body image. I think so many books can just mash characters together, but I love how in this one they had (eventually!) healthy communication, and boundaries. 
I also really loved the progression of Chase's animation short, and how it symbolized his relationship and fears with Jack. 
Even though And They Lived... deals with heavy topics at times, it is overall a very healing story, and one I absolutely adored. Steven Salvatore has now cemented their place on the list of authors I have where I will read anything they write, because it's going to be incredible. (No seriously guys READ THIS BOOK!)
The Cover
I want to marry this cover! A rare instance where the cover is just as good as the book! It is so magical and emotive, the way Chase and Jack are clutching each other, truly lost in the moment. Stars fall around them, and the colors fade from a cool blue to a warmer red towards the bottom of the illustration.  I also really love the title font chosen, the brushy feel of it just works so well with the book and the cover art.
I want to enlarge it and hang it in a museum. 

Book design by Jeanette Levy