For as long as she can remember, Lisa Schwartz has been living with the figurative monster inside of her known as depression. She's closed-off, battling the demon on her own. Reluctant to open up to her friends or family, Lisa turns to the one person who she knows can help: Luke Anne.
Luke is more than just a singer. She is Lisa's savior. Her words and powerful voice resonate more with Lisa than anybody else ever could. Lisa looks up to her, idolizes her, and loves her.
When Luke is found dead in a hotel room after what is dubbed an "accidental suicide", Lisa doesn't know who to turn to. She sinks deeper and deeper into the clutches of the monster, both unwilling and unable to get out. Her once-liberator has been reduced to nothing but dust, and Lisa starts to question everything that she thought she knew about Luke.
And then Lisa meets Sam West. The kind, loyal, perfect Starbucks barista who somehow seems to look at her differently than everybody else. Rather than judging her, he tells her she's beautiful. Rather than doubting her, he tells her he trusts her. Rather than hating her, he tells her he loves her.
Lisa soon finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of love and romance, but through it all, she can't help but question if it's going to last. Throughout her journey, she finds herself forming relationships and making lifelong bonds that will change the course of her life forever.
Danielle Evins struggles with severe depression and with depression comes anxiety. She lives her life in darkness, fear, and constant pain. Danielle goes to sleep, not wanting to face the world once again. Every day is a new day for everyone else, but for Danielle a new day for her is a new battle. One day, Danielle decides to go for a walk far from her home until she stumbles upon thousands of people crowded around a building. Danielle is clueless as of why the people are there, but there is where she meets Luke Hemmings. The boy who somehow made her feel something other than numbness. The boy who gave her a sense of happiness and joy when no one else could. Will Luke uncover her hidden secrets? Will Luke show Danielle how to live again? Could Danielle do the same for Luke? That's for you to find out. (This novel contains mental illnesses, self-harm, and possible suicide). - Written in 2014