After her parent’s divorce forces Emma Lorde to move halfway across the state of Arizona to live with her father, Emma must face her senior year in a new school knowing absolutely no one. Then she meets Dillon Hobbs, and something just clicks.

Dillon introduces Emma to friends she can call her own. He provides a refuge from the chaos of her past and creates a blueprint for their future together. But just when everything seems perfect, Emma is offered an opportunity that will derail their plans. How can Dillon let her go when he understands that people don’t always come back? Uncertainty grows, and fear spirals into something darker.

Now Dillon is the one who needs saving. But how much do you sacrifice for the one you love? What if Emma, by saving Dillon, loses herself?

Young adult books like Die for You by Amy Fellner Dominy explores the subtle, insidious danger of mental and emotional abuse that is prevalent in teenage dating. Emotional abuse is one the most powerful ways to control the victim. The author has an uncanny talent of captivating a reader’s attention, making them feel like they can’t put the book down until it’s read from start to finish. Her writing style, plots, and characters are so in-depth and developed that it’s almost unbelievable. In her book, she perfectly depicts how subtle emotional abuse can be in the beginning. Emotional abuse is akin to a spider’s web. The victim slowly gets entangled by it strand by strand without realizing it until it’s almost too late.

With insight and sensitivity, Die for You offers hope to young women everywhere. It reminds young women that abuse doesn’t necessarily always mean split lips and bruises. Emotional abuse is more common and is as just as dangerous as physical abuse. This book also reminds young women that they matter, to never sacrifice who they are, that it is crucial for them to take care of themselves, and help is available.

6 Signs That Your Teen is in Abusive Relationship

→ Sudden changes in appearance, diet, or sleeping habits
→ Avoiding friends or family
→ Constantly checking cell phone or email and responding immediately when contacted by dating partner
→ Becoming secretive or withdrawn
→ Making excuses for the dating partner
→ A drop in grades or less participation in outside or school activities

Amy Fellner Dominy is a former advertising copywriter, MFA playwright, and hula-hoop champion. Her novels for teens and tweens include Die for You; A Matter of Heart, Audition & Subtraction; and OyMG, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book. Amy’s first picture book, Cookiesaurus Rex, will be published by Disney in fall 2017. Amy lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, various pets and two children who occasionally stop by for free meals.