A gripping, haunting and beautifully written book for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, They Both Die at the End and Holly Jackson.

How can the things you love hurt so much?

17-year-old Luka isn't looking for love. She's trying to piece her life back together after a heartbreaking loss. But when she meets the gorgeous and charismatic Cosmo under a meteor shower at the Greenwich Observatory, it feels like destiny has played a hand. Surely theirs is a love written in the stars.

But Cosmo isn't what he seems, using Luka's love for him to slowly take control of her life. As the pandemic starts to make headlines and lockdown sets in, she is trapped emotionally and physically in a coercive relationship. Luka's friends and brother can see what's happening, but struggle to reach her. Something will have to be sacrificed so Luka can set herself free - but what will be left of her when she does?

(TRUE) LOVE
(TOXIC) LOVE
(LOST) LOVE

This is a different kind of love story.

A must-read book for young adults, new for 2022, for fans of They Both Die at the End, Jennifer Niven and Meg Rosoff.

About the Author

Sera Milano also writes as Birdie Milano.
Before writing her first novel, Sera dabbled in the theatre, worked as a bookseller, taught drama classes for children, and dispensed romantic advice to internet daters. After earning a degree in creative writing at St Mary's University and taking Bath Spa's 'Writing for Children' MA, she published two books for younger readers under the name Birdie Milano. Vile Stars is her second stunning novel for young adults.

Reviews

"A topical and thought-provoking novel for older teens".
Irish Times, 24th April 2022

"Utterly compelling, completely devastating, and so, so beautiful."
Simon James Green, author of Noah Can't Even,
Heartbreak and Boys Club!

"Accomplished, confident, and compelling, nobody tunes into the emotional complexities of being a young adult as beautifully and as reverently as Sera Milano. There's heartbreak and humour, grief and grit, and the characters' energy leaps out of the page."
Justin Myers (@theguyliner)

"Hard-hitting but ultimately hopeful, told from multiple perspectives."
The Bookseller's Children's Preview

'It gripped my heart on page one and still hasn't let go.
Absolutely stunning.' - Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake

Praise for This Can Never Not be Real:

' Heart-rending and utterly gripping' - Kat Ellis, author of Harrow Lake and Wicked Little Deeds.

A much -needed novel for our times that shows that no matter what horrors we might have to endure, we will always come out stronger . . . Mel Darbon, author of Rosie Loves Jack.

Book Information
ISBN 9780755500741
Author Sera Milano
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Electric Monkey
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 24mm