Leo Anthony Martino loves love.
Unfortunately, love doesn’t love him back.

^from the publisher!

Honestly Leo, same. Hard same. This was a genuinely sweet YA love story that tugged at my heartstrings in all the right places. (Oh and @ericgeron snuck in a little reference to A Tale of Two Princes 😍). As someone who is also seen as “too much” and who still hasn’t found their first great love story, it was very relatable to me. Watching Leo try to mold himself into the person he thinks he needs to be only to realize he deserves to be able to be himself, fully, and someone out there will love him… it was lovely.

The audio was once again lovingly and endearingly narrated by @narrator_pete - who continues to shine. The genuine emotion, particularly toward the end, had me a little choked up.

A few fave quotes:
When it comes to my love life, I’m really starting to believe I’m the problem. Otherwise, the math just . . . isn’t mathing.

Sometimes, I wish I didn’t feel things so deeply.

“No. But my standards are different from the rest of the world’s,” I confess. “I just want someone to love me.” I realize how pathetic the words sound leaving my mouth.

I wonder if I’ll ever be truly happy or find peace. “No one finds me attractive,” I add feebly. “The real me, that is. You know that.”

At school, I’m all smiles and laughs with my friends, head in the clouds, daydreaming about boys and true love—and then there’s this secret of mine. A dark side to my life I don’t think anyone would really ever truly comprehend. It’s one of those things you have to live through—and survive—to understand.

All my life, I’ve been trying to find true love and have always gotten shot down. It always hurts. But I’m going to keep an open heart and be my authentic self—and treasure the value in myself. And in falling in love with myself, I’ll open the door for others to see, love, and accept me exactly as I am.

Being with him is easy and feels as cozy as cuddling up with hot chocolate on a chilly night.