I’ve spent the last fifteen years with my head in a romance book, swooning over each couple and their guaranteed “happily ever after.”
Then, a few months ago, when I was at our Fourth of July barbecue with my head in one of those books, I missed out on the last time I could have spent with Nanna, who passed away just on the other side of the yard.
“That’s it,” I decided. “No more. I’m giving to live in the now!”

High school seemed like the best place to be this new-and-improved Taylor.
However, I’m already part-way through the year, and I’m starting to realize how much I’ve missed.
While I was reading about fictional boys, girls around me have actually interacted with them.
I’ve never had more than a secret crush, but other girls have had boyfriends. Plural.
Some of them have been kissing … and … well.
I can’t even say it.

Now, I don’t dare admit to my friends and family that I’m not up to snuff.
I tell them everything is fine, although my anxiety and self-doubt are at an all-time high.

Check out the book to see how Taylor navigates high school while feeling like she isn’t good enough but making sure nobody knows it.