No Matter What by K.M. Frost

 

Mason’s life is far from perfect, but it turns out it can get worse. When his mom ends up in prison, he’s shipped off to the middle of nowhere. Apparently he’s got grandparents—parents of the father he knows nothing about. Mason’s not interested in bonding with these newfound grandparents. He just wants to survive until his eighteenth birthday so he can escape this backwater town and finally be free.

Emily is struggling to keep what’s left of her family from falling apart after a horrible accident stole her mom. She has enough on her plate with mothering her younger siblings and protecting a secret that could destroy everything, when she runs into Mason—literally. Her life doesn’t need more complications, and this distractingly attractive, clearly damaged boy promises nothing but trouble. Still, she can’t help but be drawn to him.

Mason and Emily are opposites in nearly every way, but neither can deny the attraction between them. Mason knows he isn’t good enough for her, and Emily knows she should stay away, but that doesn’t stop the pull they feel toward each other. Their tentative relationship is threatened when Mason is put in the crosshairs of the local gang and the town sheriff. Mason and Emily will have to decide what they really want—and if they’re willing to fight for it.

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I'm not sure how long it's been since I read a YA romance but it feels like it's been awhile.  This is a new author to me so this all around felt like a nice change of pace.

Sometimes YA romance can feel small and young but this author did a great job of giving me characters with strong voices and great personalities that I could root for.  They were struggling with big things and typical teenage frustrations as well.  It felt full and real and substantial.  

Mason has had the worst luck and has lived a difficult and unfair life so far.  I  felt for him and what he was going through.  He really is the kind of character that you cannot help but root for from beginning to end.  I loved his grandparents.  Adored them.  And Emily?  Emily was everything Mason needed most- a friend, a confidant, and a light.  Her sense of duty and loyalty was strong and I loved that most about her.  That and her fantastic music choices.  😀

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  It kept me interested and invested the whole way though.  This might be my first book by this author but it won't be my last.

Content:  violence, peril.  Kissing.  Mention of drugs and alcohol use.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.