Both heartwarming and funny, Gary Lonesborough’s new YA romance is a really fun read during which you will become absolutely enamoured with the two leads.

The story follows Jonah, a 15-year-old boy who has recently moved to the town of Patience with his father and two younger brothers. In Patience, Jonah meets Harley, and quickly begins to develop feelings for him. Harley is on the Patience rugby team and, by all accounts, straight. But as the two become closer Jonah begins to wonder if Harley could also be interested in him.

Their budding romance is adorable and heartfelt. Through Jonah, the reader feels the ecstatic highs of first love, as well as the crushing anxiety that it can cause.

The story also tackles a number of heavier topics throughout. Five years prior to the beginning of the novel, Jonah’s mother died, and he continues to struggle with this loss and grieves her throughout the novel. He also struggles with his body image, social anxiety and homophobia.

While the crux of the story is Jonah’s relationship with Harley, I also loved the exploration of his relationships with Teagan, a new friend at his school, and his dad. Neither relationship is easy, but I found them to be incredibly moving, and loved watching them navigate different challenges together throughout the book.

I would highly encourage readers aged 14+ who are looking for an absorbing new romance to pick this one up. I promise you won’t be able to put it down!