This book came out in 2019 and is set in the 1990’s, but topic is incredibly relevant today, as well, tackling abortion rights and choice, as well as bullying.

I’ve read some reviews criticizing the level of “rebellion” exhibited by Athena and her friends, but I think that they are rebelling at a level that works for them. As evidenced by the current climate in the US, even small acts of resistance can be impactful. Also, these are high schoolers, ranging in age from 14-18, without a lot of experience with rebellion.

Now, what kind of school administration, whether it’s a religious school or public school, believes a rumor about at 14 year old girl brought to them by other students, without proof. And then, to punish said student even after their parent provides proof that it did not happen. Once Athena and Helen’s dad went to the school, Helen should have been reinstated into her extra-curriculars and that should have been it. The “guidance counselor” should not be working in any school, anywhere.

I was disappointed in Sean’s behavior towards Athena and Helen, especially since he had known them forever and He and Athena were best friends. I don’t know why he was dating Leah in the first place, but to take her side over Helen’s was pretty bad. I don’t know how I feel about they way things ended up for him, though I predicted it would happen.

Don’t get me started on Kyle. I have a lot of things to say about him, but it would reveal too many spoilers. I have a lot to say about Tripp too, but I’ll also keep that to myself.

Now for the girls, I loved that Athena was ready to stick up for her sister even though they weren’t close. And that their best friends (minus Sean), also stood behind Helen. They all learned so much about each other and had each other’s backs, even with differing opinions.

And while some of the teachers were against them, they had some administrative support, and the support of a lot of the student body.

I have mixed feelings about the ending. I celebrated parts of it, but feel like some people got off too lightly, and no major changes were made to the school policies. I would have liked a little more consequences for certain actions. I also wanted a HEA for Athena, with the right guy, though the ending does leave that as a possibility.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration though NetGalley, on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.