Description

2026 Rainbow Book List "The way Snipes broke my heart and sewed it back together should be illegal." — Robbie Couch, New York Times bestselling author

“Heart-wrenching, hilarious, and hopeful, with a perfectly fantastical touch.” — A.L. Graziadei, author of Icebreaker

From acclaimed author Kevin Christopher Snipes comes a moving romance about two star-crossed boys trapped in a millennium-spanning cycle of reincarnation whose only hope of escape may be a price that neither is willing to pay. Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Eliot Shrefer!

Out and proud, Riley Iverson knows there’s nothing more cringe than crushing on a straight boy. But from the moment that the handsome and sporty Jackson Haines walks into his life, Riley can’t help but feel an undeniable connection.

Mainly because, as impossible as it seems, Jackson is the spitting image of the boy who’s recently appeared in Riley’s dreams—dreams set in another time and another place where he and Jackson are desperately in love.

Soon these dreams morph into increasingly vivid nightmares. But no matter where or when these visions play out, two things remain constant: Riley and Jackson are always together, and they always die at the end.

Forced to consider the possibility that their burgeoning relationship might be propelling them headfirst into their own tragic ending, the boys have to decide: Is it worth staying apart to save their lives if the price is forsaking a love that has defied not only time and space but death itself?


  • Star-Crossed Lovers: Riley knows crushing on a straight boy is a bad idea, but his connection to Jackson feels written in the stars—and destined for tragedy.
  • Reincarnation Romance: Their love story isn’t just for this life. It spans centuries, from ancient Pompeii to WWII London, in a cycle they can’t seem to escape.
  • Soulmates Across Time: Through dreams and nightmares, Riley sees it all: he and Jackson are always together, they are always desperately in love, and they always die.
  • A Bittersweet Love Story: To break the curse, they may have to forsake a love that has defied death itself. But can they possibly pay that price?

About the author(s)

Kevin Christopher Snipes is a New York–based writer who was born and raised in Florida. He spent his early career in the theater writing plays, including A Bitter Taste and The Chimes. Later, for Gimlet Media/Spotify, he created the queer fantasy podcast The Two Princes. His children’s poetry and short fiction have been published internationally, and his debut novel, Milo and Marcos at the End of the World, was an official selection of the NEA’s Read Across America program. You can visit him online at kevinchristophersnipes.com.

Reviews

"The way Kevin Christopher Snipes broke my heart and sewed it back together should be illegal."  - Robbie Couch, New York Times bestselling author

“Heart-wrenching, hilarious, and hopeful, with a perfectly fantastical touch” - A.L. Graziadei, author of Icebreaker

"If reincarnation does exist, I look forward to cherishing this book all over again for the first time." - Brian D. Kennedy, award-winning author of A Little Bit Country

"With flashes of humor and wisdom sprinkled throughout, this layered story of love is endearing, entertaining, and full of heartache. A sweet, heartbreaking summer romance with a timey-wimey twist. " - Kirkus Reviews

"Those looking for a romantic journey starring two lovable soulmates are in for a treat." - Booklist

More by Kevin Christopher Snipes

More LGBTQ+

More Romance

More Young Adult Fiction

More Contemporary

More Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural

More Own Voices

More LGBTQ+

More Magical Realism

More Time Travel

More Science Fiction

More Death, Grief, Bereavement

More Social Themes

More Emotions & Feelings

More Thrillers & Suspense