The Phoenix Keeper

The Phoenix Keeper

by S.A. MacLean

Orbit, 2024. 496 pages. Fantasy

As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, Aila's childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There's just one glaring caveat: her zoo's breeding program hasn't functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins. But saving a species from extinction will require help from the hotshot (and hot) griffin keeper at the zoo's most popular exhibit, who happens to be her arch-rival from college. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job: the future of a species – and her love life – now rests on her shoulders.

This work struck just the right chord for me: funny and relatable characters, fantasy creatures amid a surprisingly pedestrian life with emails and DVDs, intrigue and suspense in trying to prevent a heist, and of course queer romance involving our female protagonist and characters of differing genders (although I still think she should have dumped that white man a bit earlier). MacLean has some very poignant messages about wildlife conservation and animal trafficking, entitlement and privilege, introversion and mental health. I also loved the bisexual and trans representation where it's just a part of life, no justification required. The LGBTQ+ elements are woven in naturally without being a slap in the face, which is the queer rep we deserve. Don't let the page count startle you; this character-focused book has a gentle (and intensifying) pace, but with a writing style engaging enough to keep the pages turning.

In Our Stars

In Our Stars

by Jack Campbell

Titan, 2024. 383 pages. Science fiction

Book #1 in the "Doomed Earth" series

Earth, 2180. Genetically engineered with partly alien DNA, Lieutenant Selene Genji is different from ordinary humans. And they hate her for it. Still, she’s spent her life trying to overcome society’s prejudice by serving in the Unified Fleet while Earth’s international order collapses into war. Genji is stationed on a ship in orbit when humanity’s factional extremism on the planet reaches a boiling point, and she witnesses the utter annihilation of Earth. When the massive forces unleashed by Earth’s death warp space and time to hurl her forty years into the past, Genji is given a chance to try to change the future and save Earth—starting with the alien first contact only she knows will soon occur. But altering history could put her very existence in danger.

Campbell has written a fast-paced story with likeable characters. The social commentary was veiled a bit thinly at times, but it didn't detract from the plot. To say it ends on a cliffhanger is an understatement: rather, it ends in the middle of the story, which is difficult because the sequel has not been released at the time of reading.

The Forbidden Wish

The Forbidden Wish

by Jessica Khoury
Razorbill, 2016. 352 pages. Young Adult Romantasy

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes. But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. Is winning her freedom worth losing her heart? 

This was a great retelling of Aladdin, and I had my doubts considering it was billed as a YA romance. The romance was a part of the story, but not the main focus, and it built up so organically that it didn't seem forced in any way. The powerful, smart, flawed women in this work were a breath of fresh air, especially seeing them work together instead of tear each other down: a far cry from the typical fairy tale stereotype of a damsel in distress. Khoury strikes a good balance of familiarity from the original folktale and freshness of an original storyline with intricate and lavish descriptions. While I generally shy away from comparing retellings to their originals, I think it's safe to say I enjoyed this significantly more than the 1992 animated Aladdin (Sorry, Robin Williams. RIP).

Mr. Malcolm's List

Mr. Malcolm's List

by Suzanne Allain
Lemoyne House, 2009. 220 pages. Romance

The Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm is searching for a wife, but not just any wife; one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he's beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Until Selina Dalton arrives in town. Having been scorned by Mr. Malcolm, Julia Thistlewaite invites her friend Selina Dalton, a vicar's daughter of limited means and a stranger to high society, to London as part of a plot to exact revenge on Mr. Malcolm. But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind the list.

I read this book with my book club, and it was delightful! It's what I call a cotton candy read: light and sugary, with nothing to heavy or serious. Was it predictable? Perhaps, but maybe that's part of the appeal. I also feel that, while Mr. Malcolm was a little arrogant, he didn't deserve all the backlash he got. Julia was a terrible friend, and Selina truly got the short end of the stick. While lacking in historical accuracy, this was a gentle, fun, light-hearted romp that avoided the tragic miscommunication that seems so common in this genre. 

The Charm Offensive

The Charm Offensive

by Alison Cochrun
Atria, 2021. 354 pages. Romance

As the most successful producer in the history of the long-running reality dating show Ever After, Dev Deshpande always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants, even as his own love life crashes and burns. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star. He doesn’t believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he’s a stiff, anxious mess, and behind the scenes, he’s cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off. As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and they’ll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.

My friend recently introduced me to Bachelor Nation (thanks, Mickala!), and I've been hooked on watching Bachelor in Paradise, mostly because other people's drama is easier to deal with. I love the idea of the behind-the-scenes realness of reality TV (since you know the show is very scripted). I was pleasantly surprised to see how Cochrun addressed the issue of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in show biz, and it made me hopeful for the future. And now I'm off to watch season 8 of MTV's Are You the One?

Here's to Us

Here's to Us
by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Quill Tree, 2021. 466 pages. Romance

Book #2 in the "What If It's Us" series

Two years after the events of What If It's Us, Ben has totally moved on -- until he hears that Arthur is back in town. And while Arthur is living his dream in a Broadway internship, he is more bothered than he expects when he comes upon Ben with a mystery boy. Did his feelings for Ben ever really go away? What if they're actually meant to be?   

Never have I been this joyful over a sequel. Sometimes, a sequel can feel like a cash grab rather than the continuation of a story. But that wasn't the case here. When I read the first book, I was hooked up until the ending, which was very unsatisfying; I understand the importance of portraying two characters who realize their relationship isn't right for them and walk away staying friends, but it was hard to process that in a work of YA literature. I also appreciated how the people they were dating (Mikey and Mario) don't become characters we should hate, which rings true. It seems Albertalli and Silvera have redeemed themselves (and their characters) in this much-needed second installment.

American Royals

American Royals

by Katharine McGee
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2019. 448 pages. Sci-Fi

Book #1 in the eponymous series

After the Revolutionary War, General George Washington was offered the throne. And everyone knows he said yes. This alternate history explores the America's reigning House of Washington and the drama that surrounds Princess Beatrice as she prepares to become the first queen regnant of the United States. Living in her sister's shadow, Princess Samantha generally is unbothered, but that changes when she shows interest in a boy who is strictly off-limits to her. And let's not forget Samantha's twin Prince Jefferson, who is adored as the quintessential royal heartthrob and being pursued by two very different love interests. 

This work seems like a standard YA contemporary romance, where the enjoyment comes from untangling the drama. The premise of an American royal family is quite a fun sandbox to play in, but I wish McGee had colored a little more outside the lines. Beyond the fact that this takes place in the United States, there isn't much to tie this work and its characters to the nation. 

Bloom

Bloom
by Kevin Panetta, ill. by Savanna Ganucheau
First Second, 2019. 368 pages. Graphic Novel

Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his band — if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom... that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.

This heartwarming queer love story between two teenage boys is paired with a satisfying monochromatic color palette and a gorgeous art style. Both of the main characters (and several of the side characters) are very well developed. Bonus points for authentic looks at multiple cultures, including Ari's Greek family and Hector's Samoan heritage. That said, the plot is nothing extraordinary: slow-burn small-town summer romance, sprinkled with family drama throughout. Still a delightful, light-hearted read.

Sea Rose Lane

Sea Rose Lane
by Irene Hannon

Revell, 2016. 362 pages. Gentle Romance

Book #2 in the "Hope Harbor" series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Settings: Hope Harbor, Oregon (fictional seaside town)

Plot Summary: When high-profile attorney Eric Nash is laid off, he returns to his hometown of Hope Harbor, Oregon, where he finds his father has hired BJ Stevens to help renovate Eric's childhood home into a bed-and-breakfast. BJ's previous relationships have left a sour taste in her mouth, but when the pair team up on a project to benefit the senior citizens of the community, they both end up finding love and hope for the future as they come closer to each other and to God. 

Subject Headings: Christian life, lawyers, architects, men/women relations, homecomings, bed-and-breakfast.

Content Warnings: Suicide attempt, depression. 

Elements of Gentle Reads:

The textbook by Wyatt and Saricks (2019) mentions very little about Gentle Reads. They are mentioned in a list of "types of novels [that] do not constitute genres in and of themselves because they are too amorphous" (p. 194). They are also mentioned specifically as a class of books "that draw from so many genres [that] they cannot be defined as even a subgenre of fiction" (p. xxiv). Therefore, the elements of Gentle Reads listed below are compiled from other sources, as cited. 

• Little or no sex, violence, or offensive language (April S., 2020?; E. Cataldi, personal communication, March 5, 2021; Redwing Public Library, n.d.).
  
  This work is ultra-sweet*. The Romance elements are so mild that they wouldn't make even the most old-fashioned, strait-laced, or sensitive reader blush; the characters never advance beyond hugs and kisses. I also counted just one mild expletive throughout the entire work.
  
  *A quick aside: I like to use the terms "sweet" and "spicy" when describing the sexual content of a work with patrons because it removes any potential judgment that might come from a term like "clean" (with its implied partner "dirty"). Just as we all prefer different kinds of food without one being inherently "better" than another, we can all have different tastes in romantic content without assigning value. Patrons shouldn't feel bashful or shameful when consulting a librarian, and this helps to reduce those negative feelings.
  
  
• Upbeat, sometimes humorous or inspirational (April S., 2020?; E. Cataldi, personal communication, March 5, 2021; League of Extraordinary Librarians, n.d.).
  
  This book features a heartwarming, uplifting tone. It's sprinkled with humor throughout, but not so much to detract from the storyline. The flawed characters find ways to strengthen their relationships with God and each other. They don't call it Hope Harbor for nothing.
  
  
• Happy ending (E. Cataldi, personal communication, March 5, 2021).
  
  Without spoiling the ending, all characters arrive at a happy ending, including one that doesn't involve a romantic relationship. In fact, I would say that the primary focus of the novel is how the main characters eventually arrive at their "happily ever after."
  
  
• Typically small-town setting (April S., 2020?).
  
  Eric's move from the big city stands in contrast to the coziness of small-town life. While the exact population of Hope Harbor isn't mentioned, the tight-knit community lends charm and a sense of place to the work.
  
  
• Often contain Christian elements (E. Cataldi, personal communication, March 5, 2021; Redwing Public Library, n.d.).
  
  This book contains extensive references to a Christian life and spiritual content, featuring God, prayer, miracles, and Bible scriptures in virtually every mental debate and discussion.

Rule of Three: (From Saricks, 2009) 

1. Leisurely pace. This work features several passages of introspection and contemplation, as well as extensive internal monologues. Like real-life small towns, Hope Harbor is a relatively quiet place, and this work is wholly devoid of intense action sequences.
2. Heartwarming tone. Being an inspirational book, the tone lends itself to the hope that can be found through a relationship with deity. While there are bleak moments and problems to be solved, the overall tone is upbeat, optimistic, and atmospheric.
3. Christian and spiritual elements. The book centers on the religious experiences and lifestyles of the characters and how they incorporate God into their relationships and lives.

Similar Works (Read-alikes): 

• Love without End by Robin Lee Hatcher
  The first work in a series of Christian Gentle Reads. Both Hatcher's and Hannon's heartwarming works feature likable, flawed characters finding fulfilling, religious lives and relationships in small towns with a strong sense of place.
• The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber
  Both of these Gentle Read works feature a bed-and-breakfast in the Pacific Northwest. Further, they both have a heartwarming tone and a leisurely pace as characters process grief from past events, unexpectedly find love, and learn the power of optimism and hope.
• The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
  These contemporary Christian romances include themes of returning to a hometown and finding small-town love. While both books share a heartwarming tone and the setting of coastal Oregon towns you'd love to move to, Carr's work is significantly spicier than Hannon's ultra-chaste Romance.
• Elephant Speak: A Devoted Keeper's Life among the Herd by Melissa Crandall
  A heartwarming story that also takes place in Oregon, this time at the Oregon Zoo. Both works feature a positive, uplifting message.
• Stay: Lessons My Dog Taught Me about Life, Loss, and Grace by Dave Burchett
  These heartwarming stories both feature Christian and spiritual elements throughout, pointing the reader to the importance of faith in everyday life.
• Crescendo: The Story of a Musical Genius who Forever Changed a Southern Town by Allen Cheney
  These two works tell heartwarming tales about life in small American towns. While Cheney doesn't write about romantic relationships, he does focus on the uplifting and inspiring power of family relationships. 
  

April S. (2020?). 7 charming gentle reads. The Blog of Toledo Lucas County Public Library. https://www.toledolibrary.org/blog/7-charming-gentle-reads

League of Extraordinary Librarians. (n.d.). Gentle reads. https://leagueofextraordinarylibrarians.weebly.com/gentle-reads.html

Redwing Public Library. (n.d.). Gentle reads. https://redwing.lib.mn.us/gentle-reads/

Saricks, J. (2009). At leisure: The rule of three. Booklist, 106(3), 25.

Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2019). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction. ALA Editions.

Romance Display

As Wyatt and Saricks observe, "Romances contribute greatly to [our] library's circulation and... Romance readers are a significant part of [our library's] patron base" (2019, p. 215). Therefore, I propose this display to promote our library's Romance collection.

Our display will feature Romance items from various collections: adult fiction, nonfiction, DVDs, large print, books on CD, graphic novels, etc. A large sign will display the words: "All you need is love", with the third work struck through and replaced with the word "read" in a different color, as shown below:

ALL YOU
READ NEED IS          
LOVE

Example of origami heart bookmark.

This display will also incorporate a passive program where patrons can create their own heart-shaped origami bookmark. On a table adjacent to the display, the library will provide origami paper squares (approx. 6" x 6") in a variety of colors, as well as post step-by-step instructions (AliveOrigami, 2013).

As we prepare and populate this display, it is important for our staff to "integrat[e] all aspect [sic] of modern library collections: fiction books, nonfiction books, movies (entertainment and documentaries), videogames [sic], graphic novels, manga, [and] magazines... to help library patrons find the best match" (Dunneback & Towner, 2010, p. xi-xii). This genre deserves attention beyond just a Valentine's-themed display in February; we ought to do our part to change the cultural perceptions and value of "a genre largely written and read by women" (Wyatt & Saricks, 2019, p. 215).

References

AliveOrigami. (2013, March 24). Valentine's Origami Bookmark (Heart) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQqOR1rK67I

Dunneback, K. & Towner, M. W. (2010). Introduction: integrated advisory. Integrated Advisory Service. Denver: Libraries Unlimited, pp. xi-xvi. 

Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2019). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction. ALA Editions.

It Takes Two to Tumble

It Takes Two to Tumble

by Cat Sebastian
Avon Impulse, 2018. 286 pages. Romance

Book #1 in the "Seducing the Sedgwicks" series

Setting: Rural England, 1817 (Regency era).

Plot Summary: Captain Phillip Dacre can't wait to get back to his ship, but since his wife's death, his three unruly children have driven away a number of tutors and governesses, so it falls to Phillip to set things right at home. The cheerful vicar Benedict Sedgwick has looked after them in Phillip's absence, and the two men soon feel drawn to one another in ways that could change their entire lives. Is their budding romance is worth risking the lives they've worked so hard to secure?

Subject Headings: Men/men relationships, naval captains, clergy, single fathers, sexual attraction, marriages of convenience.

Elements of Romance: (From Wyatt & Saricks, 2019)

• Focus on a developing relationship (with reader's vicarious participation): evocative, emotional tone. "Romance appeals... to the emotions" (p. 217), and this work is no exception. The story of Phillip's family and Ben's interactions with them -- in addition to the attraction between the two men -- helps readers "feel the power of love at all levels" (p. 217), including the love each man has for the Dacre children, and Ben's feelings for Alice and Hartley.
• Satisfaction and fulfillment in its emotionally resonant conclusion. "[A]ll Romances deliver an emotionally satisfying ending" (p. 217). Readers won't be dissatisfied by the "requisite happy ending" (p. 217), which goes all around the table to encompass not only Phillip and Ben, but also Alice, Mrs. Winston, and Alton. By the end of the work, "the romantic future for the characters looks bright" (p. 218).
• Vivid characters. The characters in this novel, particularly the protagonists, "come to understand themselves and each other in revealing, intimate ways" and ultimately "relinquish preconceptions about themselves" (p. 217), which in this case include an awareness of their sexualities and mutual attraction, as well as grief. Below is a passage that describes the aftermath from the passing of Phillip's lieutenant and lover:
  
  Neat categories of valid relationships that everyone understood, phrases of belonging that could be etched concisely onto tombstones: beloved son, devoted wife. There were even rules for how to grieve people in each category, how many months to wear a black armband and whether one could dance. Captain Dacre didn’t have any of that, and Ben felt his heart twist in his chest at what that must cost him. (p. 49)
  
  The development of Hartley without a resolution segues into the second novel of the series with Hartley as the protagonist, a common practice for Romance series.
• Misunderstanding or external separating force with satisfactory resolution. The primary separating force in this novel is a sense of obligation: Ben's obligations to God, his parish, and Alice's family; Phillip's obligations to his wife and his previous male lover (both deceased); and the societal pressures condemning the union of two men. Together, the men work to overcome these obstacles and provide a satisfying conclusion to the work.
• Engages with time and place. Set in Regency England, this work "provid[es] vivid and authentic glimpses into the time period" (p. 219), which in particular engages with the topic of religion and sexuality at a time when same-sex relationships were not only taboo but illegal and punishable by death under the Buggery Act 1533. As is common in Historical Romances, "the time period is romanticized.... [T]hat world is veiled to allow readers to focus on the romance of the era" (p. 221).
• Fast-paced. This novel is certainly a short read, clocking in at just over 275 pages. As with most Romance works, this book "rel[ies] more on dialogue than description" (p. 219), particularly "witty and sexy conversations" (p. 220).   
• Recognizable language and style. The use of descriptive adjectives, "lush and expressive language" (p. 219), and the way in which the characters "flirt with outrageous charm" (p. 219) denote this work as a Romance. Consider this passage and its "adroit use of language" (p. 219):
  
  Phillip knew he could spend the rest of his life memorizing the ways Ben responded to his touch, charting the ways his strong frame went supple when Phillip pushed close. Now, pressed against the wall, he seemed to almost melt against Phillip's body. (p. 224)

Rule of Three: (From Saricks, 2009) 

1. Fast pace. As with many Romance books, the rapid pacing of the book is driven by dialogue and moves towards the clearly projected outcome.
2. Steamy and atmospheric (Regency England). The reader gets a feel for the time period and location, engaging with the cultural and societal pressures of the day. Also, the steamy details of the work leave very little to the imagination.
3. LGBTQ+ diverse. Starring a relationship between two adult men and the decisions they make about how they will live the rest of their lives. (This should be obvious from the cover.)

Similar Works (Read-alikes): 

• A Fashionable Indulgence by K.J. Charles
  The first of a trilogy, this novel features a fast-pace romance between two Regency-era gentlemen, punctuated by witty banter and steamy scenes. Whereas Sebastian's protagonists are a local clergyman and a middle-class captain, Charles' leading men belong to the upper-crust of society.
• The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
  In this witty Regency romance, unruly children guide their caretakers to unconventional relationships. These intricately plotted, steamy Romances both address challenging issues and create situations that readers can resonate with.
• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
  This engaging and witty novel describes the steamy romance between two men in the present day. While McQuiston includes greater cultural diversity than Sebastian, both novels keep the reader engaged through well-crafted dialogue and explicit sexual encounters.
• An Italian Affair by Laura Fraser
  This steamy autobiography gives readers a strong sense of place as it recounts Fraser's long-term love affair that followed the breakup of her marriage.
• I Can't Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I've Put My Faith in Beyoncé by Michael Arceneaux
  A set of witty essays that discusses the reconciliation of sexuality and religious beliefs.
• Mad and Bad: Real Heroines of the Regency by Bea Koch
  The engaging life stories of real Regency-era women (including queer identities) who broke societal norms and made their own decisions about how to live.

Saricks, J. (2009). At leisure: The rule of three. Booklist, 106(3), 25.

Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2019). Romance. In The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction (pp. 215-234).

The Glass Ocean

The Glass Ocean
by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
William Morrow, 2018. 408 pages. Historical

Desperate for inspiration for her next book, a struggling author opens a chest of her great-grandfather's memorabilia from the RMS Lusitania. What she discovers could change history, and she begins her quest to answers in England. Her research ties her to two women aboard the Lusitania in 1915: a Southern belle who senses something amiss in her marriage and happens upon an old flame aboard the vessel, and a thief and forger who has come aboard to pull off one last heist. The three women find themselves entangled in a web of scandal and betrayal, and they each work to unravel mysteries that will ultimately change the course of their lives.

This intricately plotted story has a bit of everything -- romance, mystery, intrigue, action -- without feeling overcrowded or haphazard. Collaborations among three authors are admittedly somewhat unusual, but Team W manages to pull off another beautiful and riveting story after their joint effort on The Forgotten Room. Each author pens the chapters from one character's point of view, which makes for a strong sense of voice, and the audio format mirrors this structure: three performers for the three main characters. Readers craving more by the same trio of authors may also enjoy their newest release, All the Ways We Said Goodbye.

*This blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library Staff Reviews blog.*  

The Proposal

The Proposal
by Jasmine Guillory
Jove, 2018. 325 pages. Romance

A Dodgers game becomes extremely awkward for freelance writer Nikole Paterson where her actor boyfriend proposes unexpectedly. Of course she says no: he didn't even spell her name right on the Jumbotron. But dealing with a stadium of disappointed fans is more overwhelming than it would seem. Just in the nick of time, handsome stranger Carlos Ibarra and his sister show up, pretending to be Nik's friends, and whisk her away from the camera crew. Carlos and Nik's friendship withstands the social media backlash of the failed proposal, and knowing that Carlos can't be looking for anything serious, Nik starts a fun rebound relationship with him. But as it evolves into something more, they have to learn where to draw the line.

One of my favorite aspects about this NY Times Bestseller was how there wasn't much plot to get mixed up in. That might sound like a negative, but the overall story mostly follows Carlos and Nik's relationship, and they're so cute together that it's hard to get upset about it. The diverse cast of characters is likable and memorable (even minor ones), not to mention realistic. If you're a fan of modern romance, this one's perfect for you.

*This blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library Staff Reviews blog.*   

Not If I Save You First

Not If I Save You First
by Ally Carter
Scholastic, 2018. 293 pages. Thriller

Maddie Manchester thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president's son, sometimes life has other plans. After her father was wounded in an attempted kidnapping, the pair moved to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness with no phone and no Internet. And not a single word from Logan. Maddie tells herself it's okay and starts to move on, until Logan shows up six years later... and Maddie wants to kill him. But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back and get help. But the weather is turning, and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly. Maddie still really wants to kill Logan. But she has to save him first.

In some novels for young adults, the romantic elements feel clunky and artificial. But this winner of the 2020 Beehive Book Award certainly is not one of them. The chemistry between Maddie and Logan is believable (teen awkwardness and all), and it helps to lighten up this complex story of loss and revenge. As they begin to heal old wounds, the two friends find real, healthy connection. Beyond the romance, Carter strikes a careful balance of action and angst. Get ready for a fun, quick-paced thriller with a witty, capable heroine and some dark twists.

*This blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library Staff Reviews blog.*