This isn't a first book in a series so much as one book in (as far as I can tell) three parts. It follows Conor, an 18 year old high-school senior who auditions for a singing competition slash reality show and, while waiting for the results, starts (in)voluntarily hanging out with the local high-school bully and all-around jerk, Derek.

I wasn't sure I was going to like a bully romance (and there are some bullying scenes between the MCs), and I'm still not sure I like it - bullies usually have to do some serious work to become redeemable in my book, and that is yet to happen here.

But I do like Conor, and seeing how the story is from his POV, the focus is more on his coming of age, and the writing is good - I don't mind continuing the series or at least finishing the rest of the installments of this book and seeing where it goes. ( )