Several elements in this novel-multifaceted characters, ambiguous motivations, and gender dynamics-lend themselves to lively group discussions. Maia’s troubled nature and sometimes inexplicable actions are sure to spark debate. Leigh’s fascination with the war and misguided chivalry challenge ideas about masculinity and its relation to aggression. The author delicately balances a love story with family obligations, violence, and the perils of being a nice guy. Within this story’s raw, honest, psychologically attuned scenes, older teens will find their own aching questions about how best to love, shape a future, and “do the right thing.”- Booklist, starred review 'Written with great heart, this book caters to readers young and old.'- Romantic Times 'Freymann-Weyr’s newest novel about relationships (familial, romantic, friendship) does not disappoint. Subtle, reflective, and emotional, this is a fascinating complement to Chris Lynch’s Inexcusable in its exploration of a young man who can’t see beyond himself enough to avoid devastating the person he loves most.”- The Bulletin 'Freymann-Weyr offers another rare, sophisticated exploration of love at the end of adolescence. The story begins and ends four years after Leigh and Maia part, and a sense of tense foreboding moves the plot.'- School Library Journal “Freymann-Weyr. The DC suburbs are appropriately generic, and the guilty comforts of the prep-school world are thoughtfully presented. Simple details–Leigh synchronizing bites of cake with Maia–evoke astonishing emotion. an engaging male-coming-of-age tale that explores notions of violence, devotion, and trust against a thought-provoking backdrop of love and war.'- Horn Book 'The author’s prose is at once spare and sophisticated, and the resulting mood gentle and furious by turns. With its wise writing and literary word choices, this is a smart book.

This is an expertly crafted story about a complicated first love.'- Publishers Weekly, starred review 'The book’s strengths lie in the characterizations and the author’s ability to convey the many complex layers of love. 'Readers will appreciate how real this story feels, in its telling details and careful conversations.

My Heartbeat by Garret Freymann-Weyr