Queen B’s Decree: I’ve got a soft spot for characters that are neurodivergent or a little different. Cheyenne’s mother was an addict during her pregnancy and childhood, and it left her struggling with a hyperactivity disorder. It’s not until she is diagnosed and medicated that she is able to better handle her disorder.
Cutler is the best friend of her stepbrother, Chad, but he never knew her in high school. Regardless, Cheyenne has held a torch for him for years. It’s not until he’s in the NHL years later that they encounter each other at a party. For Cut, it’s love at first sight. For Cheyenne, it’s one night to live out her teenage fantasy.
Chey’s upbringing and abusive childhood has been a stigma that has affected her entire life, so I don’t blame her for being gun shy about being with a man who is so friendly to the family that has treated her so badly. But Cut was a wonderful book boyfriend; supportive, understanding, unafraid. Even when his best friend is talking down about Chey, Cut stands up for and supports Chey.
The writing in The Not-Outcast was outstanding. Having much of the book be told through Cheyenne’s point of view was integral to understanding her. It’s not as easy for us neurotypical folks to see the world as Cheyenne sees it, but Tijan was able to make me feel what Cheyenne did.
I was hooked on Chey and Cut and couldn’t put The Not-Outcast down. This may well be one of Tijan’s best books ever, and I couldn’t have loved this thought provoking story more.
Book: The Not-Outcast by Tijan
Series: standalone
Genre: Hockey
Hotness: medium-hot salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: mental health