The Right Side of Reckless

April 1, 2021

Gr 8 Up-Guillermo Lozano is looking for a new start-no more trouble, no more fighting, and most importantly no more girls. Regan London is also in desperate need of a fresh start, even if everyone else thinks her life is absolutely perfect. When the two meet, there's an instant attraction, but anything more than friendship is strictly off-limits. Sometimes, though, being reckless is exactly what the doctor ordered. With the right mix of drama, romance, and serious conversations, this sweet opposites-attract romance is sure to please fans of the genre. Guillermo is a lovable, relatable "bad boy" teens will cheer for, while Regan's struggles to balance her own desires against the expectations placed on her will resonate with many readers. Most characters, including Regan, are Black; Guillermo is Latinx. VERDICT A great next-read for fans of Jenny Han, Sandhya Menon, and Syed M. Masood. Recommended purchase.-Kaitlin Frick, Darien Lib., CT

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 17, 2021
In her sophomore novel, Grandison (A Love Hate Thing) writes a second-chance story for 17-year-old Guillermo Lozano, whose family moves to a new neighborhood, “quiet and clean” Briar Pointe, after he is granted probation following time in juvenile detention for simple assault. While doing community service at Briar Park Community Center, he meets Regan London, his supervisor’s daughter. Sixteen-year-old Regan is dating her school’s football star, Troy, and isn’t interested in her father’s set view of her future as an accountant, but she’s immediately drawn to Guillermo. The two are warned to stay away from each other, but as Troy becomes more disrespectful toward Regan, and Guillermo slowly finds his calling in mentoring others, the pull between them becomes unavoidable. Through a magnetic BIPOC cast, the novel explores a range of situations that come with feeling lost, meeting expectations, and experiencing pressure from peers and loved ones. Though the story’s center drags a bit, Guillermo and Regan’s alternating voices stand solidly on their own as the characters create an accepting, endearing romance built on respect between partners. Ages 13–up. Agent: Uwe Stender, Triada US.

June 1, 2021
Opposites attract when a rebellious boy meets a rule-following girl. Guillermo Lozano is a 17-year-old Mexican American high school junior. Fresh out of juvie, he's down to his last chance to make changes and turn his life around for the better. Regan London is a 16-year-old Black 11th grader, a good girl with a strict ex-cop father who does what is expected of her--even if it is not always what she wants. Between his past record and having Mrs. London as his community service supervisor, Guillermo should not even be thinking of getting involved with Regan. But as fate would have it, the two teens find their lives intertwined, and they realize that resisting the pull they feel toward each other is easier said than done. Grandison transports readers into the shoes of the two well-developed main characters with language that proficiently conveys their thoughts, emotions, and distinct personalities. This novel applies an honest, endearing lens to common teen experiences, from making mistakes to making amends, finding yourself, and falling in love. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable and swoonworthy. Familial and platonic bonds also play a significant role in highlighting the story's message that there are second chances in life, and, while risky, some risks are worth taking. Readers will find themselves rooting and falling for Guillermo and Regan. An adorable teen romance. (playlist) (Romance. 14-18)

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July 1, 2021
Grades 9-12 Grandison's authentic look at high school will be a fast favorite for fans of contemporary YA. Regan London is used to doing as she's told; her father expects her to go into accounting, and both her parents are happy about her relationship with the school's star football player, Troy. But Regan doesn't want any of that, especially since her relationship seems to be fraying at the edges. Upon meeting troubled transfer student Guillermo Lozano, Regan must decide if she is willing to go against her parents and follow her heart. Grandison (A Love Hate Thing, 2020) delves into complicated emotions and pressures put on high-school students and emphasizes the importance of navigating their own way. Through Guillermo, Grandison explores anger and how a teenager of color can be written off by society. At times, the characters felt like archetypes, but the author succeeds in creating teen protagonists who are easy to feel connected to. Readers who want a more realistic portrayal of high school--mess and all--will find lots to like here.

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