Deep in the Heart

Riley has never been to the Lone Star state before. He’s also never met his long-distance gaming buddy and secret crush, Tanner, in person. But after dealing with a family crisis, he impulsively catches a flight to Tanner’s hometown: Marfa, Texas. He knows that once he and Tanner are together, everything will be okay.

The catch: Tanner isn’t in Marfa. He’s touring out-of-state colleges, and he won’t be back until tomorrow. Now Riley has 24 hours to spend in West Texas with no friend, no plan, and no chance at romance.

Then Tanner sets Riley up with his stepbrother, Gabe. This boho cowboy promises to show Riley a good time, but Riley isn’t sure that sneaking into music festivals, trespassing to stargaze in the desert, and getting into his first-ever fist fight are his idea of a “good time.” Still, as the night stretches on, Riley realizes he has a lot to learn from Gabe about spontaneity and adventure, vulnerability and joy… and maybe romance, too.

Jeramey Kraatz’s YA debut is a freewheeling adventure scored to classic country music, and a celebration of finding love in unexpected ways.