Must-read NA romances: 'For Real,' 'Can't Let You Go,' 'How a Star Falls'
For Real by Alison Cherry
What it's about (from publisher Delacorte Press):
No parents. No limits. No clue what they're in for.
Shy, cautious Claire has always been in her confident older sister's shadow. While Miranda's life is jam-packed with exciting people and whirlwind adventures, Claire gets her thrills vicariously by watching people live large on reality television.
When Miranda discovers her boyfriend, Samir, cheating on her just after her college graduation, it's Claire who comes up with the perfect plan. They'll outshine Miranda's fame-obsessed ex while having an amazing summer by competing on Around the World, a race around the globe for a million bucks. Revenge + sisterly bonding = awesome.
But the show has a twist, and Claire is stunned to find herself in the middle of a reality-show romance that may be just for the cameras. This summer could end up being the highlight of her life ... or an epic fail forever captured on film. In a world where drama is currency and manipulation is standard, how can you tell what's for real?
Why you should read it (even if you don't like reality TV!): From a purely categorical standpoint, this book straddles the line between NA and YA, but does it well. Protagonist Claire is 18 and a recent high school graduate, but other than a few quick appearances by her bff, all the other characters are in their 20s and up. That being said, other than a couple of drug references and a bit of entertaining innuendo, this is a fairly tame read for mainstream YA — and super-tame when compared to most mainstream NA — but regardless of your age-category reading preferences, this book is too fun to miss!
Most of the romance in this novel is based on Claire's need to be "seen" — a concept with which many teens, even many adults, will identify. There are certainly romantic moments, and most definitely some romantic h-e-a-t (does a challenge involving eating a pastry necklace off a hot guy's neck sound interesting?). The crux of this story is the sister-bond — or lack thereof — between Claire and Miranda.
Placed into an impossibly unreal reality (aka the cast of a reality TV show), the sisters manipulate — and are manipulated by — their situation on their way to achieving their shared goal of revenge on Miranda's ex ... and Claire's secret goal of bonding with her older sister. In the process, they discover what is truly important.
Alison Cherry's storytelling voice resonates as real in this fun and poignant YA/NA novel. Even the heart-heavy moments are subtly laced with humor, and it is that cleverness that keeps the story flowing at a steady race to the finish. Highly recommended!
Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones
What it's about (courtesy of Sweet Pea Productions):
Fresh out of college, Katie Parker had it all—a charming romance, a role in a famous stage production, and an idyllic life in London. Until she found her boyfriend cheating and got herself fired from the play. Leaving everything behind, Katie hops a plane home, only to run into her first love, Charlie Benson. As the couple returns to In Between, Katie questions everything she ever thought she wanted—including a renewed romance with her high school flame.
While she attempts to rebuild her life, Katie's plan to manage the family's theater meets a devastating obstacle, dragging her into a legal battle that will rock her small town. And the boy who once broke her heart seems to have the power to do it again. As Charlie's secrets unravel, Katie must make a choice. Can she overcome her past and trust Charlie with her heart again.
Why you should read it (even if you've never read a Katie Parker Production novel!): If you are a reader who enjoys watching a character unfold through snappy dialogue, you will adore this book! I am a huge fan of Jenny B. Jones' sassy style of writing, and Can't Let You Go did not disappoint! Although this is considered "book four" of the series, it stands perfectly well on its own, so don't be afraid to take the plunge and throw this book in your cart ASAP.
Katie is a feisty heroine. From the moment we meet her, we are drawn into her situation, her life — even her very thoughts — as if we are living them ourselves.
As a romantic hero, Charlie Benson is The Stuff. I love this guy. He's not only a Southern-bred gentleman hottie, but he has a clever sense of humor and a well-developed protective instinct that has Katie's name written all over it. Even so, he is a subtle alpha hero and manages to remain so even when his own secrets drive a wedge between him and the woman he loves.
Fans of the style of humor found in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels will fall in love with this author's voice, this delightful book and its characters — you may even find yourself downloading the rest of the Katie Parker Production novels after devouring this one. Grab it!
How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes
What it's about (from publisher Seasons of a Story):
How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.
Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.
Then Brielle falls into his world.
She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.
And his whole world falls apart.
A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.
Why you should read it: Even though this book's length categorizes it as a novella, the author does not cut corners with her characters or setting, giving this sweet and somewhat mysterious coming-of-age NA tale a depth not always available in books of this shorter length. Although a certain sense of whimsy dances through the pages of this novella, it is one with a serious bent that makes each moment, whether one of angst or delight, stand out as original and true.
Better known for her historical romances, author Amber Stokes showcases her range with this touching contemporary romance. If you are looking for a book to light your evening with sweet romance, pick up How a Star Falls — you'll be sure to enjoy it!
A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. Her Eyes of E'veria series — The Ryn, The Remedy and The Seahorse Legacy — is out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.