The Things You Kiss Goodbye

Praise

★ “Connor keeps her story completely realistic with fluid prose and convincing characters. Romance fans who happen upon this will find an absorbing portrait of abuse and recovery.” — Kirkus Reviews

“With compassion and respect, author Connor explores the ways in which loving relationships can get twisted into cycles of misery. Be ready with the hankies; this one is a real tearjerker.” — Booklist

“Connor lets the story play out slowly, a choice that adds multiple subplots but also deepens characterization and elevates the book above simple problem-novel territory. Bettina’s situation creates much food for thought. ” — Horn Book Magazine

“A girl who can’t find her way out of an abusive relationship finds herself longing for an impossible one. Unforgettable with moments I wanted to reach in and hug sweet Bettina. An unforgettable book every girl should read. ” — Jen Bigheart, Westbank Community Libraries

“A well told & intricate story with a refreshingly authentic teen voice.” — Jessica Wood, author of the Emma Stories series

About

Fans of Sarah Dessen will love this heartbreaking story about family, loss, and the joys and disappointments of first love.

Bettina Vasilis can hardly believe it when star basketball player Brady Cullen convinces her strict father to let them date. That summer, Bettina falls in love with Brady and the freedom that comes along with him. But when school starts up again, Brady unexpectedly changes for the worse. Unable to give up on her first love just yet, she finds herself trapped in an abusive relationship.

Then she meets "Cowboy," a smoldering older guy and the last guy her father would approve. Yet he is everything Brady is not—gentle, caring, and interested in getting to know the real Bettina. When tragedy strikes, Bettina must tell her family the truth—and kiss goodbye the things she thought she knew about herself and the men in her life.