Less Than Nothing by R.E. Blake (4 stars)

About Less Than Nothing
(from GoodReads)

Sage’s life as a teenage runaway in San Francisco is simple: Snatch a few hours of sleep on park benches and bus stops; dodge perverts, predators, and cops; and make enough as a street musician to eat. But her world flips upside down when she meets Derek – hot, tattooed, and charming, a singer from Seattle whose looks and talent take her breath away.

What begins as a reluctant partnership quickly develops into a cross-country race against time - and awakens a hunger in Sage that’s unfamiliar and exciting.

As they travel from coast to coast, Sage and Derek pursue their dream, only to discover that they can never run far enough to escape the demons from their pasts.

Less Than Nothing is the breakout debut NA novel from USA Today bestseller R.E. Blake that critics are buzzing about and readers can’t put down. Sage & Derek's story continues in More Than Anything (book 2) and Best of Everything (book 3).

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Review

Sage is facing a struggle few teens experience: life on the streets. Derek is in the same predicament. All they have is whatever their voices can earn. Sage inherited a good corner, and her voice has managed to keep some food in her belly. 

When Derek proposes they work together, she's dubious at first but gives in. Then, he reveals his dreams are even bigger. Suddenly, they are heading cross-country for a one in a million chance. 

Sage quickly won my heart. She's alone at a very young age, but she's a fighter. As if it wasn't enough what she'd been through with an addict mom, absent father, and abusive stepfather, she had to navigate the dangers of life on the streets. Then, Derek came along. No longer alone, she opened herself up to the pain of finally letting someone in.

What an interesting spin on young love, too. Most of us don't think of two teenagers falling in love on the streets and finding a way to follow their dreams. It's an interesting journey, and I found myself quite caught up in it. As a first of a series, it's a strong start, and I'm eager to see what happens with these characters. 

If you want to invest in great characters for a series, take a chance on Less than Nothing. 

Rating: 4 stars

About the Author

R.E. Blake is the pseudonym of the NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of over 30 novels, featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Times, and The Chicago Tribune.

Find out more at his website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.