This is an emotional story that occurs only because of several serious mental health issues among the three characters, and it succeeds for me. I never felt like the author reached to justify what happens. I knew a major plot turning point and you will, too, and it still works and it's still upsetting. The resolution is not overly easy or pat. I would have given it five stars, but it really needs a polish edit, particularly in the last few chapters, parts of which still read like first or second draft. But I still recommend it. ( )

I don't review often but this one deserved it. Hart broke my heart with this one. She has a gift for getting you inside the heads of her characters. She makes you see and feel as if you are right there in their heads with them. She doesn't pull any punches either. This book is smothered in the aftermath of a suicide. It gives a very honest and raw glimpse into how a person's death has affected two people's lives and forever changed them. It shows the very real struggles of depression, mental illness, addiction, etc. and how getting help isn't always as easy as picking up a phone. Sometimes you have to fight for the help you need. (as wrong and as sad as that is.) There is also the look at how differently two people can see the world even when they are in the same situations together. This is not a book to pick up for light reading. It is full of pain and loss and countless triggers. But it also has a beautiful and raw side to it that made me feel it was worth it as well.

Be warned that there is a homosexual relationship at the core of this story (which the description is very clear about). I am aware that that can be an issue for some but is all you take away from this book is "but they were gay" then you completely missed the point and are missing out on the true value their stories have to offer.

Also, you may want some tissues. It takes a lot to get me to cry. I almost never even tear up at a book or movie but this one... I was reading while waiting for everyone else to arrive. As they did they were speaking to each other so i said I was going to finish the chapter (like a page and a half) then put it away. They started looking at me concerned as I put the kindle away because my eyes were so watery. I had to take several breaths and ask them to distract me so that I wouldn't full on cry right there in the restaurant. ( )