After blacking out and finding herself in a horrible situation, Robin has given up drinking and partying like she used to. Now, she tries to keep to herself and stop worrying about making an impression for other people. Phoenix, just out of jail and trying to get his life together, knows he shouldn't be interested in someone like Robin, but the two of them are drawn together. They may start to love each other in the present but the past has a way of catching up.

BELIEVE by Erin McCarthy is a NA book that I really hoped I would like, but after reading, I found this story was not a good match for me. Robin and Phoenix start out as excellently complex characters, full of mystery and emotion. However, shortly after they met, it feels like their emotional connection intensifies way too quickly. Both of them start to make drastic decisions concerning the other while they haven't really gotten to know each other or work through the multitude of issues they're dealing with, and that ultimately made it hard for me to believe in them as a strong and viable couple. It feels like the reader doesn't have a big opportunity to picture how the two could work together before they are suddenly way, way deep into the relationship without build up.

Outside of the romance, the sub plots are fantastic. I love the dynamics of Kylie and Robin's friendship as Robin struggles to confront the mistake she made. It feels real and even heartbreaking at times. The presentation of Phoenix's life after incarceration also feels realistic and moving, and I love how determined his character is to get his life in order.

Overall, there are definitely parts of BELIEVE by Erin McCarthy that I enjoyed, but it ultimately wasn't a good fit for me. I struggled too much with the speed of Robin and Phoenix's emotional relationship to want to get on board with the romance. Other readers could certainly enjoy it more than I did if they love a speedy romance.