mandyireadindie

When the book first starts out, it’s Nalena explaining her mom's hoarding addiction to paper and not finishing stories. All her mom does is write out a character and plots pretty much. And it’s gotten so out of control they have to rent out storage units to put all the paper. It’s really heartbreaking what Nalena goes through at home and at school. Once someone saw all the paper when unexpectantly showing up at her house, the whole school knew about it the next day....calling her The Waste. So when Garrett starts showing interest in Nalena at the library one night, she thinks either A) he obviously doesn’t know she is the school’s outcast or B) it’s all a joke. But one night after being attacked in the woods, secrets start emerging surrounding not only her family but Garrett’s family as well. Nalena must now make a choice on which path to take; the ‘safe’Simple Life path or one that could lead her straight into the enemies’ snare.

First of all, I just want to say how much I adore this book. So awesomely well written, I flew through the first half, only to pace myself as it got closer to the end. Cause with the end, comes waiting for the next book. AND.I.HATE.WAITING! But loved the characters, especially the whole Reese family. Garrett is adorable, funny, and absolutely scrumptious. (Ok cougar moment over). Would love to see more Sean in the future books. *cough* Could totally see a spin-off staring Garrett’s older brother *cough* And even though Nali came off as weak at first, it didn’t take long for her to become one kick butt character. But though there were times I wanted to shake/slap/yell at Garrett and Nali for not seeing what us readers could obviously see between them, I enjoyed the pace the story took in letting them find their way to each other.

Please, please go read this awesome first book to what is most definitely going to be an awesome series.