Book Review: "Antidote" by Shae Ruby

My friend Phil has been promoting and praising this book on Bookstagram since the cover was revealed, so I’ve been eager to read it. This is my first book by Shae Ruby, but it will definitely not be my last!

“Why do you want me to hang out?” “Because I miss you when you’re gone.”

Oliver and Hunter met when they were 10 years old, and Oliver’s dad was going to marry Hunter’s mom. They clicked instantly, commenting on Hunter’s bright green eyes and Oliver’s vivid blue ones, so they called each other “Green” and “Blue.”

The two grew closer and closer, practically inseparable, as they went from middle school to high school. Their connection was intense, closer than most brothers ever would be. Ollie knew that he was gay, and was in love with Hunter, while Hunter tried to be “normal,” despite his feelings for and attraction to Ollie.

Just before graduation, Ollie became addicted to oxycodone, and Hunter made him choose between him and the drugs. Two years later, tragedy struck, and Hunter vowed that he would never let Ollie back into his life, no matter how either of them felt.

Ruby did a fantastic job creating an intense codependent relationship between the stepbrothers, as they constantly came together and pushed each other apart. This is a very emotional book (yet it’s incredibly steamy) and there are definitely lots of trigger warnings, so be sure to check. But Hunter and Ollie will be in my heart for a long while.