
Published by Orchard Books on June 7, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 282
Source: Purchased
My content rating: YA (Nothing more than kissing; Physical Abuse shown)
My rating:

An emotionally charged story of music, abuse and, ultimately, hope.
Beck hates his life. He hates his violent mother. He hates his home. Most of all, he hates the piano that his mother forces him to play hour after hour, day after day. He will never play as she did before illness ended her career and left her bitter and broken. But Beck is too scared to stand up to his mother, and tell her his true passion, which is composing his own music - because the least suggestion of rebellion on his part ends in violence.
When Beck meets August, a girl full of life, energy and laughter, love begins to awaken within him and he glimpses a way to escape his painful existence. But dare he reach for it?



Oh, guys, I had such high hopes for this book, and I am thrilled that it lived up to every single one of them!
What Fed My Addiction:
- Be prepared to be put through the wringer. This isn’t an easy book, by any means. At points it’s downright traumatizing. You should just prepare now to have your heart ripped out and stomped on. (I love it when a book does this!)
- Beautiful writing. The writing flows beautifully, and I loved the gorgeous and understated use of metaphor. Plus, you can tell that Cait is a pianist herself because the way she describes Beck’s playing is masterful.
- The characters. There aren’t any undeveloped characters in this book. Every one makes an impression. Even the characters we hate (i.e. Beck’s mom) have a developed backstory that helps us understand them. I fell in love with Beck almost instantly (and his marshmallow of a little sister).
- The dialogue. Cait is a master of banter. I loved the interactions between Beck and August!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
- Nothing at all. I honestly can’t think of anything to mention here. I’m sure if I thought hard I could find some tiny, nitpicky things, but … nothing comes to mind.
For those of you who have been waiting for Cait’s book to come out, you won’t be disappointed. This one easily gets my ABSOLUTELY ADDICTED rating, and it just might end up being an All-Time Favorite (I usually give my brain extra time to percolate on the book before I decide that).
About The Author
C.G. Drews lives in Australia with her piano and the goal of reading every book in existence. Consequently, her brain has overflowed with words and she spends her days writing novels to make you laugh or cry (or both). She never sleeps and believes in cake for breakfast.
She blogs at paperfury.com.

Since I was SO eager to read this book, I ended up pre-ordering a copy from both The Book Depository and Amazon, in case TBD took a long time to get the book to me. (It actually worked out the opposite—I got my TBD copy first—and I got it while I was gone at the writing conference anyway, so I still couldn’t read it right away. Such bookworm problems!)
Anyway, my eagerness means that I have an extra copy, which I will share with one of YOU! Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter to win it. Sorry, US Only.
Maria A. Malaveci
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
You’re very welcome. Good luck!!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Cait’s book sounds wonderful. I just love those books that can grab all of your emotions. They always leave such an impression on me. Great review and thanks so much for hosting the giveaway 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I agree. I’m a sucker for a book that sends me on an emotional rollercoaster.
Laura Thomas
Everybody is raving about Cait’s debut. I have got to get my hands on a copy!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
For sure!!
Aj @ Read All The Things!
Great review! I read this book last month and liked it. It’s an intense story.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Very intense!
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I have seen nothing but rave reviews for Cait’s book. I’m not sure my heart could take it right now but I’ll definitely be picking this one up at some point.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
It does have some pretty tough scenes, so it’s good to be aware of that going in.
Danielle Hammelef
This book is a must read for me. I love the ties to music and it sounds emotional. I also love banter between characters and if you say the writing is beautiful, then definitely.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
SUCH fantastic writing. I didn’t doubt it would be that way because I know Cait is a fantastic writer, but I was so happy to have my expectations fulfilled!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Of course I’ve wanted to read this with everything I’ve been hearing about it, but your review totally sold me. A book that wrings every last tear out of me? I’m in! And then you talked about awesome banter between the two characters, and that is my other favorite thing in a book. Great review! Now to get my hands on this!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
It’s hard to have a balance of both of those!
Sophie
Addicted? WOW! Fantastic review 😉
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Yep, definitely addicted to this one!
Anita Yancey
It sounds like a fantastic story, I love books with a lot of emotion.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This one definitely has that.
S. J. Pajonas
I’ve followed Cait for a long time, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I hope you love it!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight
YAY so glad you loved it! I kind of figured you would since I did too haha. And I agree completely with all of your positives, too. The character development was awesome- because I was definitely falling in love with even minor characters (like August’s parents, loved them!) Great review!!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I was nervous to read it because I had raised my hoped so high. But that wasn’t a problem at all!
Karla Strand
Excited to read this book after all of the great things I have heard about it! Thanks for the helpful review.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Glad I could help push you towards reading it. 🙂
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books
Wonderful review! <3 I am so, so glad you ended up loving this book so much. I've been reading only great reviews about it so far and it sounds exactly like my kind of book, even if, well… I know it will break my heart, I'm almost ready for it haha. I can't wait to read it 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I love a book that breaks my heart!
Sam @ Sharing Inspired Kreations
I can’t wait to read this! So happy to hear you enjoyed it!!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Lots of us have been excited about this one. I had such high hopes – it actually made me nervous – but the book totally lived up to them!
ShootingStarsMag
Yay, I’m so glad that you loved this one. I am dying to read it – so thanks for the fun giveaway too!! This sounds like some of my most favorite books – I’m a big fan of heartbreaking contemporary fiction. LOL
-Lauren
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Good luck!! I’m rooting for you in the giveaway! (I’m allowed to say that since Rafflecopter chooses the winner. 🙂 )
Andrea Johnson
This sounds like such a great read!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
It is!!