 
 
From the publisher:
A forbidden attraction grows even more complicated when the guy Lane Jamison has crushed on for years suddenly becomes her step-brother in this sexy and gorgeously written debut novel about the lines between love, desire, and obsession.
What happens when the boy you want most becomes the one person you can’t have?
Lane Jamison’s life is turned upside down the week before her senior year when her father introduces her to his new fiancée: mother of Grey McIntyre, Lane’s longtime secret crush. Now with Grey living in Lane’s house, there’s only a thin wall separating their rooms, making it harder and harder to deny their growing mutual attraction—an attraction made all the more forbidden by Grey’s long-term girlfriend Sadie Hall, who also happens to be Lane’s friend.
Torn between her feelings for Grey and her friendship with Sadie—not to mention her desire to keep the peace at home—Lane befriends Sadie’s older brother, Connor, the black sheep of the strict, evangelical Hall family. Connor, a metalworking artist who is all sharp edges, challenges Lane in ways no one else ever has. As the two become closer and start to open up about the traumas in their respective pasts, Lane begins to question her conviction that Connor is just a distraction.
Tensions come to a head after a tragic incident at a party, forcing Lane to untangle her feelings for both boys and face the truth of what—and who—she wants, in this gripping and stunningly romantic debut novel.
Review:
Together We Caught Fire was a delightfully surprising read for me. When I requested the novel, I expected there to be some aspects of forbidden love, even a possible love triangle, of which I am not particularly. However, what I found was an exquisitely written novel about the effect profound trauma has on deeply flawed characters, written in gorgeous prose. It is a fully immersive read and you don’t find that very often.
However, please, if you have certain triggers, do head the warnings at the beginning of the novel. The mental illness rep is strong but it doesn’t pull any punches.
Elaine “Lane” Jamison, our protagonist, is a complex and talented young woman in her senior year of high school Her father marries the mother of her long-time crush, Grey McIntyre. They are now forced to grapple with their attraction in the intimate space of their homes. This are further complicated by the fact that Greyson is dating her close friend, Sadie Hall. As she struggles with having her love interest under her roof, the narrative introduces Connor Hall, Sadie’s brother, a misunderstood artist who seems to be able to do what no one else in this story can do – see Lane for who she really is.
Lane is intense. She is independent, smart and full of heart. But she can also be a bit abrasive and she is not sure who she is. She has to come to terms with so many things – her impending adulthood, her depression, and her confusion over who, ultimately, she should love.
I really loved this story. Gibson’s writing is lyrical and gorgeous, the beautiful prose enhancing the reading experience for me. This novel is also excellent for learning the find art of writing round, complex characters. There are no throwaways in this novel – craft-wise, everything is absolutely precise and well done. Based on the sheer brilliance of the writing, I’m going to be keeping my eye on this author
Where to buy: