Us Against the World by Shayne Prescott

Betrayed by the only family he’s ever known, Owen must decide: for love or team?

For Roseden University frosh Theo Carter, the journey to his true self has been long and publicized. It seems most everyone on campus saw the TV series in which he was transitioning, and some feel very strongly he doesn’t belong at the prestigious all-male school. Struggling with classes and bullying, junior Owen Lewis swoops in like his own personal savior. But as the heat rises between the two, so too does the torment from some of the school’s lacrosse team.

As a product of the foster care system, Owen knows all about not being wanted. That’s why his lacrosse teammates are so important to him — they’ve become the closest thing he’s found to a real family. Being bounced around constantly between different homes with just a plastic bag of his possessions taught Owen there was no such thing as love. But if that’s true, why does Theo feel like a home he’s never known? Owen is convinced that nothing will stop him from protecting Theo — but what if the choice is between his found family and his first love?

When a particularly heinous act shatters the pair, all seems lost. Both have choices to make. Will they choose each other?