Review: Spontaneous (Aaron Starmer)

Spontaneous
Author: Aaron Starmer
Publication Date: August 31, 2016
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

“Katelyn Ogden was a lot of things, but she wasn’t particularly explosive, in any sense of the word.”

Mara Carlyle’s senior year at Covington High in suburban New Jersey is going on as normally as could be expected, until the day—wa-bam!—fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last senior to spontaneously combust without warning or explanation. The body count grows and the search is on for a reason—Terrorism! Drugs! Homosexuality! Government conspiracy!—while the seniors continue to pop like balloons.

Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it with tell-it-like-it-is insight as she tries to make it to graduation in one piece through an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, “Snooze Button™,” Bon Jovi, and the filthiest language you’ve ever heard the President of the United States use over Skype.


Spontaneous was a weird book. The concept behind it, high school seniors spontaneously combusting, was disturbing yet surprisingly entertaining. I loved the way the story was set up with each chapter unveiling a little more. The writing was amazing, and the entire book was so creative!

I loved Mara’s rambling point of view in Spontaneous. It was blunt and refreshing. Mara was a little witty and a lot snarky. Her flippant attitude was perfect for a teenage character. I enjoyed reading her thoughts and feelings throughout the entire book. The supporting characters were fun, too. I loved learning bits and pieces about them through Mara.

Spontaneous delivered an incredibly entertaining reading experience, but it was a little frustrating. The spontaneous combustion plot and the revelations that went along with it were confusing at times. So much random information was given and then never really explained or dealt with. I was only partially happy with the ending because I still feel like I need certain answers.

Still, I did really enjoy the book. I would definitely recommend it to YA Contemporary readers who enjoy a strange story filled with cool characters and great writing.

Review: Broken Prince (Erin Watt)

Broken Prince
Series:
The Royals, #2
Author: Erin Watt
Publication Date: July 25, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

These Royals will ruin you…

From wharf fights and school brawls to crumbling lives inside glittery mansions, one guy tries to save himself.

Reed Royal has it all—looks, status, money. The girls at his elite prep school line up to date him, the guys want to be him, but Reed never gave a damn about anyone but his family until Ella Harper walked into his life.

What started off as burning resentment and the need to make his father’s new ward suffer turned into something else entirely—keep Ella close. Keep Ella safe. But when one foolish mistake drives her out of Reed’s arms and brings chaos to the Royal household, Reed’s entire world begins to fall apart around him.

Ella doesn’t want him anymore. She says they’ll only destroy each other.

She might be right.

Secrets. Betrayal. Enemies. It’s like nothing Reed has ever dealt with before, and if he’s going to win back his princess, he’ll need to prove himself Royally worthy.


When I started Broken Prince, I had no doubt it would be just as good, if not better than, Paper Princess. I wasn’t disappointed. The writing was just as fantastic, and I was just as hooked. The characters continued to grow in complexity, and I loved learning more and more about them. The plot went places I would never have expected. The witty banter and dialog between the characters got better and better. I fell even more in love with the characters this time around.

Broken Prince picked right back up where Paper Princess ended. I can’t tell you where that is because I’m not going to spoil it for anyone. Just know that there will be major revelations and surprises — and another fascinating cliffhanger! I can’t leave that out. I absolutely loved it this book and I know fans of Paper Princess will, too. If you haven’t started this series yet, do it now! You’re missing out on something amazing!

Sorry the review is so short — I just don’t want to give anything away! 😉

Review: Up In the Treehouse (K.K. Allen)

Up In the Treehouse
Author: K.K. Allen
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

I wanted to tell him all my secrets, but he became one of them instead.

Chloe Rivers never thought she would keep secrets from her best friend. Then again, she never imagined she would fall in love with him either. When she finally reveals her feelings, rejection shatters her, rendering her vulnerable and sending her straight into the destructive arms of the wrong guy.

Gavin Rhodes never saw the betrayal coming. It crushes him. Chloe has always been his forbidden fantasy–sweet, tempting, and beautiful. But when the opportunity finally presents itself, he makes the biggest mistake of all and turns her down.

Now it’s too late . . .

Four years after a devastating tragedy, Chloe and Gavin find themselves crashing back into each other’s lives. Haunted by the past, they’re forced to come to terms with all that has transpired to find the peace they deserve. Except they can’t seem to get near each other without combatting an intense emotional connection that brings them right back to where it all started . . . their childhood treehouse.

Chloe still holds her secrets close, but this time she isn’t the only one with something to hide. Can their deep-rooted connection survive the destruction of innocence?


I can’t tell you how happy I am to have read Up in the Treehouse. When I started it, I had no clue it was by a local author! Yes, I know K.K. Allen now lives in Florida now, but I’m claiming her as a local Seattle author since she grew up here. And I’m guessing she might have been more South Sound than Seattle by the setting of her book. But I’ll get back to the setting in a bit.
I truly enjoyed K.K. Allen’s writing. Up in the Treehouse  was a dramatic story told in dual points of view. It alternated between past and present so the reader could understand the special history of the main characters, Chloe and Gavin.
Chloe and Gavin were childhood friends who hadn’t seen each other since a tragic event after their high school graduation. Both were deeply hurt by what happened their last night together, and their experiences tore them apart. They’re finally seeing each other after four years apart, and neither of them know how to navigate their lost friendship. The awkwardness and attraction between them was so much fun to read.
What I loved most about these characters was that neither of them was perfect. Their reactions and feelings felt real and honest. Both had been through the same event, but had recovered from it in different ways. I liked Chloe and her new determination to face her fears, but I also got annoyed with her for constantly avoiding things she didn’t want to deal with. Gavin was sweet and his frustrations were easy to understand. I liked how he wasn’t quick to let Chloe back in. I enjoyed watching them learn how to be friends — and maybe more — again.
Now back to the setting. Up In the Treehouse was perfectly set. The accuracy with which Bonney Lake, Washington was described was incredible. I can say that because I live 15 minutes from Bonney Lake. I’ve spent many hours on Lake Tapps (I’m pretty sure that’s the lake Chloe and Gavin live on.). You can check out the picture above to see what some of the area actually looks like, including Chloe’s view of Mt. Rainier probably looked like from her house. I’ve been to Allan Yorke Park more times than I can count. I’ve spent time at the pool tables in Babalouie’s. I smiled at every reference to one of my favorite lakes and the surrounding area attractions. The only thing missing was time spent complaining about the commute from Bonney Lake to Bellevue. Chloe must have hated that! It’s bad enough to deserve a mention. 😉
I loved everything about Up in the Treehouse. It was a slightly angsty romance with amazing characters and a couple of great twists. I know other New Adult readers will as much as I did. I really hope K.K. Allen will write more in this setting. I would love a story about Monica or one of Chloe and Gavin’s other friends.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Things Books Have Made Me Want To Do or Learn About After Reading Them

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is Top Ten Five Things Books Have Made Me Want To Do or Learn About After Reading Them.

This is kind of a hard post for me. I had to think about it for a while. Most of the time I read romances. Since I’m already married, I think I have the falling in love thing down. Or at least I hope I do! 😉


1. Visit the South (North & South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana)

I love books set in the Southern U.S. The way authors such as Karen White describe the historic settings make me curious to what they look like in real life. I mean, I’ve seen pictures, but certain historic places make you feel sometimes. Does that make sense at all? (I’m also a sucker for a southern accent!)

2. Talk to my daughter about consent.

This may seem like a weird want to do, but after having read so many books about date rape or date rape drugs I feel like I want her to have an understanding of what consent means. I hope talking to her (in the future because she’s 8) about it will enable her to come to me in the future if she needs to.

3. Cut sugar out of my diet.

I read this book because I was interested in author Jasinda Wilder’s approach to well being and weightloss. Having a degree in Food and Nutrition Management, I’m always interested in “diets” and I loved that this wasn’t supposed to be one. She has a lot of great insights, although I’m still not sure how I feel about the use of Stevia as a replacement. I do love her positive message, though!

4. Change my daily routines.

So, I haven’t read this book yet. I have read the parts about forming and changing habits, though. I would really love to apply this to my life. I know I have some unhealthy habits to break and this book could be the push I need.

5. “Do epic” every day.

Life flies by. Seriously. One day you’re 18, the next you’re 38. Don’t wait for special occasions. I want to make each day memorable. If not for myself, then for someone around me. It’s the little moments and memories that count.


I know, nothing super exciting on this list, but I’m not very adventurous. 😉

Review: Adorkable (Cookie O’Gorman)

Adorkable
Author:
Cookie O’Gorman
Publication Date: March 31, 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Adorkable (ah-dor-kuh-bul): Descriptive term meaning to be equal parts dorky and adorable. For reference, see Sally Spitz.

Seventeen-year-old Sally Spitz is done with dating. Or at least, she’s done with the horrible blind dates/hookups/sneak attacks her matchmaking bestie, Hooker, sets her up on. There’s only so much one geek girl and Gryffindor supporter can take.

Her solution: she needs a fake boyfriend. And fast.

Enter Becks, soccer phenom, all-around-hottie, and Sally’s best friend practically since birth. When Sally asks Becks to be her F.B.F. (fake boyfriend), Becks is only too happy to be used. He’d do anything for Sal–even if that means giving her PDA lessons in his bedroom, saying she’s “more than pretty,” and expertly kissing her at parties.

The problem: Sally’s been in love with Becks all her life–and he’s completely clueless.

This book features two best friends, one special edition Yoda snuggie, countless beneath-the-ear kisses and begs the question:

Who wants a real boyfriend when faking it is so much more fun?


I honestly can’t believe Adorkable is Cookie O’Gorman’s début novel. Seriously? The writing was brilliant. It didn’t feel like a début at all! It may have bordered on slightly corny at times, but it was so much fun I didn’t care. Plus, it had my most favorite relationship trope ever: best friends to lovers (or best friends to dating because there’s no lovers in this YA novel).

I absolutely adored the story and the main characters. Sally was this geeky girl who didn’t mind not being the most beautiful or popular girl in the room. She kept her eye on the future and what she wanted. Her only little insecurity was the crush she had on her best friend, Becks. She didn’t think he would ever like her as more than a friend, so he seemed like the safest choice as her fake boyfriend. Sally just didn’t think the “pretending” would be so hard or make her want him even more.

Becks was the most popular and gorgeous guy in school. He could (and maybe did) have any girl of his choice, but he was totally willing to help Sally out. Becks had his own reasoning for being Sally’s fake boyfriend, but he truly would have done anything for her. He wasn’t just some popular athlete; he was a good guy and an amazing friend.

As for the other characters in the story…There was one I have to talk about. I couldn’t stand Sally’s other best friend, Hooker. I had major problems with her. She wasn’t a good friend at all. She obviously didn’t respect Sally’s thoughts or believe in her enough to allow Sally to find a boyfriend on her own — if she wanted one. I get that Hooker wanted Sally to be happy, but she had a really poor way of showing it. She made me so mad! But without her, the story wouldn’t have been quite as funny. Some of those dates…

Adorkable was everything I love in a YA Contemporary Romance. It was an upbeat, funny and fast-paced read. I read it in one evening — it was that good! It kept me smiling from beginning to end. If you enjoy YA contemporary romances, you should definitely check out this book. Cookie O’Gorman will be going on my YA must read list with Kasie West, Miranda Kenneally, Sarah Dessen and Ali Novak. I’m going to be keeping my eye out for her next release. I don’t want to miss it!

Review: Where the Road Takes Me (Jay McLean)

Where the Road Takes Me
Author:
Jay McLean
Publication Date: February 10, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Synopsis:

Chloe has one plan for the future, and one plan only: the road. She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.

Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless façade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.

One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.


Sadly, I’ve had Where the Road Takes Me sitting on my Kindle for over a year now. I’m not sure why I hadn’t read it yet. I read Kick Push and Coast, which technically come after Where the Road Takes Me. I love Jay McLean’s writing, so it just doesn’t make sense. Luckily, my favorite Goodreads group decided to buddy read it. I’m angry I put off reading it for so long, but happy I’ve finally read it!

Where the Road Takes Me is a book about valuing yourself, what you want out of life and making the tough decisions that will get you there. It’s filled with impressive writing and characters who feel like real people.

Chloe is a foster child who’s purposefully kept herself guarded. She’s avoided making friends because she knows she won’t be around for long. Her personal story was sad but made even sadder by the choices she made. I loved C-Lo but was so irritated with her most of the time! She had a major avoidance issue. I wanted to shake her!

Everyone assumed Blake was living the dream. He was a talented basketball player who ruled the school. He lived in a nice house. But Blake’s life wasn’t what it seemed. He was going to have to choose a path after graduation: the one he wanted or the one that was expected of him. The pressure was slowly killing him. I loved Blake — most of the time. His decisions concerning Hannah drove me batty.

One of my favorite things about Where the Road Takes Me was finally getting to know Blake and Chloe’s story. I knew bits and pieces about their past from Kick Push, but this book was so much more!  I had no clue what their story really was.

I absolutely loved Blake and Chloe together. This is when they shined. They truly brought out the best in each other. There were so many sweet and swoon worthy moments between them. It was cool how their relationship with each other brought them closer to their families.

My other favorite part of this book was Josh. He made me laugh so much! The nicknames he came up with were hilarious! Plus, he was such a good friend to Blake. I also loved getting a glimpse back to his life before Kick Push and Coast. Now wish I had read this book before Kick Push. I can see why Jay McLean went on to write two books about Josh.

I would highly recommend Where the Road Takes You and any of Jay McLean’s other books. She writes beautifully, touching stories that are so much fun to read.

Review: A Gift of Time (Beth Flynn)

A Gift of Time
Series:
Nine Minutes, #3
Author: Beth Flynn
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Psychological Thriller

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Note: You must read Nine Minutes and Out of Time prior to reading A Gift of Time. A Gift of Time is the conclusion to this story.

Synopsis:

Are some secrets meant to stay buried?

Three months have passed since Jason “Grizz” Talbot was put to death by lethal injection for crimes he committed. His former wife, Ginny, whom he had abducted from a convenience store when she was a teenager and became the love obsession of his life, has spent more than the last decade trying to carve out a life of normalcy in the bustling suburbs of Fort Lauderdale—including a thriving and happy marriage to Tommy “Grunt” Dillon, a former member of Grizz’s gang.

Tired of the secrets and the lies, Ginny and Tommy thought the final piece of their past could be left behind forever with Grizz’s execution. However, the past comes crashing around Ginny and Tommy when a newly discovered secret threatens to destroy their marriage. When tragedy strikes, Ginny is forced to reach into her heart and decide, once and for all, what she really wants.

In this third book in the Nine Minutes trilogy, A Gift of Time takes readers from the busy tropical metropolis of South Florida into the serenity of the North Carolina Blue Ridge mountains as Ginny chases down the answers she needs.

Will she have the strength to confront the secrets of her past…and her heart?


An epic conclusion to an epic ride!

A Gift of Time was an amazing ending to an outstanding series. Beth Flynn continued to take readers on an epic, beautifully written ride. All of the questions fans of the series have been asking were answered. No secret was left untold.

I’m not going to say much else because I don’t want to ruin the conclusion of the story for anyone, but I will say that I don’t think Ginny, Grizz and Grunt’s story could have ended more perfectly. I absolutely loved the way everything turned out. I’m sad the story has come to an end, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what Beth Flynn comes up with next!

If you haven’t read the Nine Minutes Trilogy, I would highly recommend it. It is the best thriller and biker romance I’ve read.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books Set Outside The U.S.

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is:

 Ten Books Set Outside The U.S.

I live in the U.S., and I have to admit the majority of the books I’ve read have been set there. Here are some of my favorites that weren’t.

1. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (Britian)
2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (France)
3. Little Bee by Chris Cleave (Nigeria)
4. Smut by Karina Halle (Canada)
5. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo (Malaya)
6. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty (Australia)
7. The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid (Ireland)
8. Bonita Avenue by Peter Buwalda (Netherlands)
9. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larrson (Sweden)
10. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (Italy)

Review: In Dreams (J. Sterling)

In Dreams
Series: The Dream, #1

Author: J. Sterling
Publication Date: January 1, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy

Rating: ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

When Katherine Johns starts dreaming about a boy she doesn’t know, her college roommate Taylor is determined to find him. Convinced he must exist, Taylor is relentless… until she finds out exactly WHO the mysterious stranger really is.

The realization rocks the girls to their core and sends them down a path of unimaginable heartbreak as they learn to navigate their new reality.

Follow Katherine & Taylor’s journey through love, friendship and tragedy in this emotionally captivating debut novel by J. Sterling.


A couple of weeks ago, I read Dear Heart, I Hate You. In it I got a peek of Katherine and Cooper’s relationship. There was a little mystery behind it, and I had to know more, so I decided to read their story.

In Dreams really surprised me. First, the writing wasn’t as sharp as it was in Dear Heart, I Hate You. I realize now that was because In Dreams was J. Sterling’s début novel. Her writing was good, but it’s definitely become amazing over the years.

Second, it wasn’t based in reality, but fantasy. While some aspects of that fantasy were cool (fortune-teller), I would have rather it had been based in reality. The fantasy parts left me frustrated. I couldn’t understand why Kat was so wrapped up in her dreams. They were just dreams — no matter how they made her feel. It’s not like she could live life forever in her dreams. I hated the choices she was making because of them and the love triangle they created. I only liked that Kat that was grounded in reality with Cooper.

Cooper was just as awesome as I expected him to be. He was the most sought-after hockey player and guy on campus, but he was so down to earth. He didn’t deserve what Kat put him through. I was surprised he took it so well and didn’t think she was crazy.

As for the other characters in the book, Taylor and Danny were a lot of fun. I loved the friendship foursome they created with Cooper and Kat. Kylie I could have done completely without. The only thing I liked was when she took charge of Cooper and Kat’s messed up situation.

So, would I recommend this book. Yeah, probably. It was a really good début novel. It just wasn’t what I was expecting. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had either read it prior to reading Dear Heart, I Hate You or realized it was going to be based in fantasy rather than reality prior to reading it.

Review: The Hard Count (Ginger Scott)

The Hard Count
Author: Ginger Scott
Publication Date: July 15, 2016
Genre:
Mature YA Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC provided by WordSmith Publicity and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Synopsis:
Nico Medina’s world is eleven miles away from mine. During the day, it’s a place where doors are open—where homes are lived in, and neighbors love. But when the sun sets, it becomes a place where young boys are afraid, where eyes watch from idling cars that hide in the shadows and wicked smoke flows from pipes.
West End is the kind of place that people survive. It buries them—one at a time, one way or another. And when Nico was a little boy, his mom always told him to run.
I’m Reagan Prescott—coach’s daughter, sister to the prodigal son, daughter in the perfect family.
Life on top.
Lies.
My world is the ugly one.
Private school politics and one of the best high school football programs in
the country can break even the toughest souls. Our darkness plays out in
whispers and rumors, and money and status trump all. I would know—I’ve watchedit kill my family slowly, strangling us for years.
In our twisted world, a boy from West End is the only shining light.
Quarterback.
Hero.
Heart.
Good.
I hated him before I
needed him.
I fell for him fast.
I loved him when it was almost too late.
When two ugly worlds collide, even the strongest fall. But my world…it hasn’t met the boy from West End.

Wow. Just wow.

I’ve been devouring Ginger Scott’s books ever since some Goodreads friends recommended them. I love each and every one of them. They all have something special, something I connect with. I always have a hard time picking my favorite, but The Hard Count has taken that problem away. It is officially my favorite Ginger Scott book. Let me tell you why.

When I first picked up the book, I knew I was in for something epic. Private school dynamics, football tradition, different sides of town, a forbidden love, a narrator who is behind the scenes of it all…It had the makings of a timeless love story.

As always, Ginger Scott’s writing was flawless, captivating and filled with heart. Her characters were complex and the situations they dealt with were relevant to today’s world.

Reagan was that easily forgettable girl everyone knew of in high school, but didn’t really know. She wasn’t popular or unpopular. She was just kind of around, taking everything in. Even after finishing the story, all I can remember about her looks was her long hair, pale skin and freckles. It was perfect. What stood out about her was her “voice”. I loved seeing the people, football, school, Nico –the world —  through her eyes. Despite her upbringing, or maybe because of it, she challenged who she was told she was supposed to be. I could identify with her struggle to be seen.

“I’m willing to go the distance,” he repeats. “No matter how far that is.”

Nico was one of those poor kids from the bad part of town you see overcoming adversity and making something of themselves on the local news. He was handsome, determined, nice and a good kid. He knew how to play “the game” by his own rules. I loved the respect he constantly showed throughout the story. Can I add him to my book boyfriend list since he’s 18? I feel kind of creepy, but man, he was so dang sweet and mature.

“Arguing with him was always so easy. This — this is hard. The quiet. It’s too honest.”

I loved how Nico and Reagan’s relationship slowly evolved throughout the story. They started out as competitors who didn’t necessarily like each other. Reagan took a chance asking Nico for help and it shifted their entire relationship. Their connection was so sweet. It was one of those high school sweetheart relationships you hope will last a lifetime.

The story didn’t just star Nico and Reagan, though. Every supporting character in this story was important and played into the social and political setting of the story. The ones that stood out the most were the Prescott and Medina family members.

Reagan’s entire family was submersed in the local football culture. Their lives revolved around a culture based on money, power and success. They all dealt with the pressure differently, but every decision each member made affected the entire family. The dynamics between them couldn’t have been more perfect.

Nico’s family life was vastly different from Reagan’s. They may have been in survival mode, but their relationships were stronger and closer. They did the best they could, while working for something better. Their lives weren’t about football, but family.

“Reagan, your world…Nico’s world…same fuckin’ world. You come from different parts, but who cares? You meet in the middle.”

The social politics of this story were right on and so important to today’s culture. I really respected the care with which Ginger Scott spotlighted the problems and prejudices so many face. Her message was clear and rang true. It made me stop and think about how I can change my initial perceptions.

Oh, and I can’t leave out the football part of this story! Ginger Scott’s love and understanding of the sport were apparent in this book. I’m not a huge football fan and I honestly didn’t know what a hard count was before reading this, but I enjoyed reading the plays on the field.

Normally, I’m addicted to a story and on a rush to the end to find out what happens. This one I had to slow down and savor. I knew I wasn’t going to want it to end. I didn’t want it to end. I’m just in awe of this book, this story. The heart that it had. I absolutely loved it. I can’t name one thing wrong with it.

That’s why I loved it and why you need to read it.

(Just in case you’re curious about the whole “mature” YA book thing, I can verify there is no actual sex. There’s a partial nudity scene, but it’s tamer than some other YA books I’ve read. It did have a more mature feel to it, though. I would probably say it’s best for ages 16+.)