Ivy’s seemingly perfect, master-of-social-causes boyfriend breaks it off in the school hallway before their final exam. So much for love. It turns out Jeremy wants to get good and laid by someone new over summer vacation, before they both head off to different universities in the fall.

At her grandmother’s seventy-fifth birthday party, Ivy is in no mood to socialize. In fact, she’s downright delicate. Unfortunately, sixteen-year-old Lucan’s peanut allergy reaction happens right in front of her eyes. As Ivy keeps him company the two realize they’re second cousins who haven’t seen each other in six years due to a mysterious family feud.

The old drama is the last thing on Lucan’s mind. He has more immediate problems, like his mom’s noisy playtime activities with her brash younger boyfriend. On top of that, Lucan’s a constant witness to his best friend’s toxic relationship, which he begins to suspect has become abusive.

As the weeks pass, Lucan and Ivy’s summer seems more like a minefield of disastrous events — but at least they have their developing friendship with each other to count on. Or is that what’s really going on?

C.K. KELLY MARTIN's bestselling debut novel, I Know It's Over, was published in 2008. It was followed by One Lonely Degree, The Lighter Side of Life and Death, My Beating Teenage Heart and the sci-fi thriller, Yesterday. A graduate of the Film Studies program at York University, Martin currently resides in Oakville, Ontario.

C.K. Kelly Martin's profile page

“C.K. Kelly Martin’s YA writing is the kind you want to give the teens in your life. It’s written for them, not adult crossover readers, and it meets teens where they live.”

Quill and Quire

“Martin unabashedly portrays the hormonal realities of being 16 and 17 [and] does not shy away from the messier realities of young love … this is for readers who want their protagonists firmly and convincingly grounded in contemporary reality.”

The Globe and Mail

“Martin does an excellent job illustrating how a friendship can blossom and grow between two people over a length of time … it was refreshing to see such a solid friendship represented in young adult literature.”

Women Write About Comics

“With appealing frankness, Martin explores the betrayal felt by Ivy as she discovers the truth about what she thought was her happily monogamous sexual relationship. … [Delicate will] keep readers engrossed. Thoughtful and honest.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Martin fills this novel with relevant, delicate issues common among teens today. Each character is presented as a well-rounded human, reflecting the good, bad, and ugly found in human nature. This fascinating work explores dating violence and parental issues, while also accurately addressing teen sex lives in a way that is realistic and doesn’t come across as preachy. Readers will connect with the characters through this refreshing look at contemporary issues.”

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