When Rory's dad forbids her from being an artist, because he believes art destroyed her mother, Rory surreptitiously creates graffiti all over town, leaving angry, aggressive lions in her wake. The thrill of her covert hobby is threatened, however, when hot, out-of-towner Hayes discovers her secret. Hayes puts forth a simple bargain: if Rory shows him the sights, he'll keep her secret safe. Rory agrees, and as their relationship grows, she learns that Hayes isn't who he appears to be. He does, however, have a knack for drawing her away from her deep-rooted pain. When they realize they might be as bad for each other as they are good, difficult decisions must be made. Gritty and edgy, this novel smartly tackles suicide, teen alcoholism, and creative expression. Each plays out through the raw emotions of loss and anger, the inherent drive for creativity, and the challenges of redemption, without pat answers. By combining a narrator who embraces pain and resentment with story twists and misunderstandings, Crompton creates a fascinating novel that will fully absorb readers.

Rory's refusal to process her mother's suicide is challenged by Hayes, who is facing his own demons through Alcoholics Anonymous.Since her mother's suicide, dreadlocked Rory has retreated into casual hookups and secretly painting graffiti lions around New Paltz. (Aside from her dreadlocks, Rory seems to be white by default in her majority-white upstate New York town.) When Hayes, a white newcomer, discovers Rory's secret, he blackmails her into socializing with him. Hayes also encourages Rory to rebuild her relationship with her police-sergeant father. Immune to Hayes' suggestions and confident in her ability to control every situation, Rory instead attempts to transition Hayes into another casual hookup and painting accomplice. He frustrates her plans, however, by revealing his reluctance to engage in either due to his ongoing involvement in an AA program for his substance-use disorder. Rather than supporting him, self-absorbed Rory often views Hayes' commitment to his recovery as inconvenient. Her callousness may be fueled by grief, but it can still be uncomfortable to watch her potentially jeopardize Hayes' sobriety and reject his attempts to build real relationships. Subsequently their interactions often have more undercurrents of anger than playful, quirky opposites-attract banter, and the story's resolution skims over the seriousness of the emotional challenges that both will continue to face. A sexual assault storyline is also underdeveloped. Introduces, but doesn't always deeply examine, many serious topics. (Fiction. 14-18)

Gr 9 Up-ince her mother died, Rory doesn't want to be at home with her father. While her dad spends time with his girlfriend, whom Rory just doesn't accept, Rory paints graffiti lions around her hometown. The lions express her rage and frustration and also help illustrate that "interesting art comes from dark places." If Rory were to get caught, she's sure that her father, a cop, just wouldn't understand. Eventually, she meets a young man, Hayes, who has his own share of demons, and the two seem to hit it off, even though Rory resists his attention at first. The author stays true to the theme that art is therapy and a vehicle for human connection. Rory is a strong character with fierce convictions. Drug use and sexual innuendos make this a good choice for older young adults. The nuanced character development stands out in this sensitive exploration of the healing power of art. VERDICT This book will resonate with artists and art lovers alike. Recommended for both high school and public library collections.Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Rory’s policeman father would flip out if he knew she was the one painting graffiti lions all over New Paltz. Not only is she breaking the law, but he has forbidden Rory from creating art in order to keep her from turning out like her mother. Still, Rory cannot stop herself from releasing her inner lion through artistic expression, and she has a big project planned that requires help to successfully pull off. When Hayes, a new guy in town who harbors a troubling past of his own, busts her spray painting a wall, he becomes her reluctant choice for an accomplice. Rory likes Hayes in a way she swore she would not, and with his help, she comes to terms with some emotional truths about herself and her family. Rory’s and her father’s actions are often contradictory. For example, why is dad insistent that Rory not create art, yet accepting of her employment at an art supply store? Rory is refusing to deal with her grief and guilt and she belittles Hayes’s attempts at addiction recovery. The seriousness of Rory’s denial and inability to deal with reality are not developed. What works well are Rory’s strong voice, her unique art form, and her growth by the end of the book. Readers who are open to predictable romances peppered with some profanity will enjoy this edgy novel.—Deena Viviani. Fierce, defiant, and angry is how teenage artist Rory paints her lions. As she attempts to use vandalism to forget her past, Rory soon discovers that it will take more than a can of spray paint to overcome her adversities. Love and Vandalism is the story of an unforgettable summer full of friendship, forgiveness, and rebellion. With its unique characters and affectionate message, but a somewhat predictable plot, this novel will appeal to fans of indie realistic fiction. 2Q, 3P.—Maia Raynor, Teen Reviewer.