This is solid contemporary YA that doesn't pull punches. Quinn's journey from anxiety-driven list-maker to someone who can face reality is genuinely earned, not manufactured. The romance has actual chemistry and the 'facing your fears' plot doesn't feel contrived.

What sets it apart: Goffney doesn't shy away from heavy stuff. The dysfunctional family dynamics, the racism Quinn experiences, the violation of having your private thoughts exposed—it's all handled with care but also honesty. This isn't trauma porn, but it's not sanitized either.

The blackmail premise could have been gimmicky, but it works as a catalyst for growth. And the list-making conceit is genuinely clever for exploring how anxiety manifests as control.

For teens dealing with anxiety, family issues, or just figuring out who they are when they're scared, this will hit. It's not a light beach read, but it's a good one.