In the novel by Colleen Hoover, two of the main characters, Beyah Grim and Samson, are young adults who are beginning an uncertain romantic relationship. Following a childhood marked by abject poverty and a lack of parental care, they decide to attend Penn State. Nevertheless, two months before she is free to make positive changes in her life, an unexpected death renders her homeless. Beyah is heartbroken and wishes for the summer to hurry up and end, yet she maintains a close connection to Samson despite this. They resolve to keep up a casual summer romance despite the fact that they both have bright futures ahead of them, only to be carried out to sea by a rip current.