Another fantastic YA novel in verse from a talented author. This short novel is full of emotion told in free verse.. Following main character Kai we learn how he and best friend Matt agree to come out only when each other is ready, but Kai feels ready before Matt and begins dating. With no spoilers, the ending is happy - not unexpected - but completely wholesome and satisfying.

This books is great from start to finish. Covering more than Kai's sexuality, there are themes of belonging, diversity, friendship and difficulties young people face. Characterisation is perfect and the city setting allows for scenes in credible places. Some nice Greek dialogue features, but the context doesn't exclude non speakers, and the words used are often repeated.

I LOVE the reference to The Black Flamingo!! This nod to the author's first book is slipped in effortlessly as a perfect surprise.

Many thanks Netgalley, Hodder Books and Dean Atta for the opportunity to read other wonderful book. I'll certainly be recommending this to the young adults I know.

Loved it! Dean Atta does it again with another great coming of age story. The verse form story, follows Kai as he deals with friendship, school, and love. I read it pretty much in one sitting as I was so invested in Kai's story that I needed to know if he would get his happy ever after.

The troubles of when and how two come out as gay when you also want to fit in and your family are less than accommodating. Typical teen life of school and outside past times and falling for people you think are out of bounds.
A title to help those in a similar situation.

Full review to follow, but this latest from the incomparable @deanatta is WONDERFUL.

Tender and heartfelt, with fantastic characters that leap off the page. It’s full of friendship, first loves and the family we make. The prose is dreamily good, so relatable yet well structured.

A wonderful nuanced look at the Black teen experience in England.

Out in May, I can’t wait to shout about this one!