Ramona fell for Sam the moment she met him. It was like she had known him forever. He's one of the few constants in her life, and their friendship is just too important to risk for a kiss. Though she really wants to kiss him...
Sam loves Ramona, but he would never expect her to feel the same way-she's too quirky and cool for someone like him. Still, they complement each other perfectly, both as best friends and as a band.
Then they meet Tom. Tom makes music too, and he's the band's missing piece. The three quickly become inseparable. Except Ramona's falling in love with Tom. But she hasn't fallen out of love with Sam either. How can she be true to her feelings without breaking up the band?
"Educators and librarians looking for fast-moving, interesting plots, in-depth characters, and meaningful themes need to add this one to their shelves."-VOYA praise for If He Had Been with Me

About the Author
Laura Nowlin holds a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Missouri University. When she isn't at home agonizing over her own novels, Laura works at the public library, where the patrons give her plenty of inspiration for her writing. She lives in St. Louis with her musician husband, neurotic dog, and psychotic cat.

Reviews
"Nowlin perfectly captures the awkwardness of unspoken love (with a nod towards polyamorous love) in this quick, engaging tale of three musicians' senior year...Alternating chapters from all three protagonists offer complete and rich portraits of each character through their own thoughts and their best friends' impressions. Nowlin clearly communicates the visceral pleasures of performing music, as well as the giddiness of infatuation and first love. " - Booklist
"Nowlin (If He Had Been with Me) captures the antsy energy of senior year and the desire to stand out while still fitting in as she alternates among the three observant narrators...the story offers distinctive characters who show maturity as they seek to create satisfying creative and romantic relationships." - Publishers Weekly
"This book was a total joy to read...Nowlin really captured what to me is a distinctly teenage feeling of being instantly completely obsessed with someone, finding everything they do fascinating, and then being confused on what to do next. This book should be in all collections. It's not often we see an asexual character in YA or see romantic relationships handled the way they are here. A wonderful, quick, unique read. " - Teen Librarian Toolbox, School Library Journal
"A quick read that should attract teens who are drawn to the music scene, as well as those open to exploring the sexual expectations that accompany romance" - VOYA Magazine



Book Information
ISBN 9781492602903
Author Laura Nowlin
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Sourcebooks Fire
Publisher Sourcebooks, Inc