Allison, a junior in college, has closed herself off emotionally from everyone except for her best friend, Steffi. After spending the first sixteen years of her life in foster care, she finds it impossible to have more than one important person in her life. She is crippled by the fear of being left. Even her adoptive dad, Simon, has not been able to get close to her despite his best efforts. Just when she is least expecting it, she is dragged into a social experiment by the popular and handsome Internet do-gooder, Esben Baylor. For 180 seconds, she must get lost in his eyes. She runs, terrified, as soon as she can extract herself from his gaze (and his kiss). She did not expect to become an Internet sensation, but a video of those seconds goes viral; even Steffi sees the video from the other side of the country. Allison feels betrayed and is furious to know that so many people have seen her most vulnerable moment, loudly broadcasted on the web. Steffi talks Allison into spending some time with Esben to find out if the feelings they shared for 180 seconds could be real. This romance novel will grab readers with its full cast of bright and kind characters. They will celebrate Allison’s growth and be shattered at her loss. Readers who are facing adversity might find someone to relate to in these characters who have overcome hardships, including growing up in foster care, sexual assault, and cancer. This title will be a great next-read for those who loved John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars (Penguin, 2012/VOYA April 2012).—Elisabeth W. Rauch.