Under My Skin Review

Under My Skin
By: Laura Diamond

Bookish Brit Adam Gibson is one wonky heartbeat away from a fatal arrhythmia. He's torn between wanting to live and knowing that someone else must die in order for him to do so. He needs a new heart.

Adam stops talking to his friends, refuses to meet kids at his new school, and shuts his parents out entirely. His days are spent wondering if can cope with having a dead man's heart beating inside his chest, or if he should surrender to the thoughts of suicide swirling around in his head.

And then a donor is found.

Outspoken artist Darby Fox rarely lets anything stand in her way of achieving her goals. She also happens to be the twin sister to a perfect brother with good looks, good grades, manners, and the approval of their parents - something Darby has never had.

Darby's always had bad timing. She picks the worst time to argue with her brother Daniel. In a car with bald tires, on an icy road in the freezing cold, the unthinkable happens. In a split-second, everything changes forever.

When life forces Adam and Darby together, undeniable sparks fly, and a deep connection is made. But the secret inside of Adam may be the thing that pushes them apart forever.

From the very first page I was sucked into this world of Adam Gibson; a teenage boy who is anything but normal.  He can’t walk up the stairs without risking his life.  He is constantly on the cliff, hanging by a branch that just keeps breaking. 

Darby.  She is definitely a rambunctious character with a knack for speaking her mind.  She plays by her own rules and doesn’t think before she acts.  Though she puts off a tough front she is deep down a caring, and smart person, despite the crap she gets from her parents.

What I really liked about this book is the fast paced action; I was never bored on a single page.  Something was always happening.  The changing perspectives between Adam and Darby make the story deeper and give it more odds and ends.  Not to mention the sarcastic humor from Adam and the defiant nature of Darby gives the reader that comedic relief when some parts of the story just get too deep. 

I almost wish the story was a little longer to help further explore the relationship between Adam and Darby because I feel like it ended too soon, before the reader and the characters could explore their feelings.  But at the same time the story ended at the perfect time because it left you thinking.  

I definitely recommend this book to fans of The Fault in Our Stars, Me Before You, and Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl. 

Rating: 4/5

(Disclaimer: received the book in exchange for an honest review)