[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Simon Pulse/Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Josie Saint-Martin was born in Beauty, Rhode Island, and lived there until she was 12. But then in one moment it went from her home to a place she avoided as much as possible. But now she’s back for her final year of high school. Josie’s grandmother and aunt have joined the Peace Corps, so Josie’s mom is running the family bookstore in Beauty until they return. It’s unclear who is dreading the return to Beauty more, Josie or her mom.
Josie comforts herself with the idea that this is temporary. One year. The plan is that Josie will finish high school, they will save money living rent-free above the store, and then they will move to sunny Florida. Except Josie has plans of her own – a photography apprenticeship with her biological father in LA. But she hasn’t told her mom, yet.
Lucky Karras is not part of Josie’s plan. Josie’s childhood best friend has grown into a brooding young man with a motorcycle, a leather jacket, and a reputation for trouble. They haven’t spoken since Josie left five years ago while Lucky was in the hospital. She braces herself for hostility or indifference. She never expects him to take the blame for a crime she commits.
Out of guilt, Josie looks for ways to help Lucky pay off the damage she caused. As the two start to spend more time together, the sparks between them are undeniable. But is a relationship with Lucky a good idea when Josie is just planning to leave again?
Review
What a delightful, romantic, RICH story! I loved this! The romance at the center of the book is excellent. I loved the rekindling of Josie and Lucky’s friendship. I loved how the two of them were with one another. This is my favorite sort of romantic couple – bruised but not broken, bantering, and completely compelling. It was “one more chapter, one more chapter” for me until I finished.
Come for the romance, but stay for the character exploration. There are some fascinating dynamics between the women in Josie’s family. Sure, some moments were pretty painful to walk through. But the growth in those relationships was like a bonus on top of the supremely satisfying romance. I’m not sure I could pick which piece I loved more. I would have happily kept reading to see what happens for everyone next.
Jenn Bennett fans will love what she’s done with these characters and this story. New readers will discover why she is at the top of every YA romance list. Don’t miss this story! I would read this one again. (Language, sex, TW: harassment, sexual misconduct)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*
*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved this! Would re-read.