Harper Fairbanks has only one thing on her mindgetting into the choreography program at Ballard Collegeuntil the day Penn Mattingly drops a note on her desk. He does not know why he did it; she is not his type, and she does not know why she is as excited as she is confused by the possibility of Penn's interest. She knows that he is a "player" in more than one way; a "love-æem-and-leave-æem" former baseball player who hurt his shoulder in a tragic accident during a practice the previous season. They begin a relationship even though there are weeks that go by when Penn does not contact her, and his darker side and pent up anger frightens her. Still, the crumbs of information he reluctantly gives her keep her returning to his orbit until she asks him to let her in and he runs, until he realizes that he misses her and is ready to share. By then, she is no longer willing to take a chance on being hurt again, unless he proves himself to her.Fans of Sarah Dessen, Lauren Myracle, Morgan Matson and Simone Elkeles will enjoy this story, told from both Harper and Penn's points of view, widening the appeal to all teens, not just females. It would be worth having more than one copy on hand, especially if Barnholdt's other books are popular.Suanne Roush.

Former baseball star Penn Mattingly can have any girl he wants at school, while Harper Fairbanks is a nice, smart girl who always does the right thing-like staying away from boys like Penn. On a whim, Penn tosses Harper a flirty note, and suddenly the two are involved in a romance. Penn intrigues Harper, but she-s skeptical about his interest in her and nervous about what might happen between them. Penn tries not to fall for Harper (he has problems at home with his father and is mourning a lost future in baseball after an injury), but each time he pushes her away, he finds himself begging her to forgive him. Writing in alternating points of view, Barnholdt (Sometimes It Happens) sets up romantic situations-batting lessons, evening picnics, carnivals-that are the stuff of high school dreams. Despite the characters- reluctance to fall for the other, Penn turns out to be a guy to root for, while Harper remains kind, confident, and intelligent. A sweet, straightforward romance with the expected bumps along the way. Ages 14-up. Agent: Alyssa Eisner Henkin, Trident

"I like your sparkle." Harper Fairbanks can't imagine why baseball star Penn Mattingly dropped the note on her desk. Penn can't either, as she is not his usual type. The latest from author Barnholdt (Right of Way, 2013) explores the reluctant romance between Penn and Harper. In alternating-voice chapters, Penn, who has suffered a potential career-ending injury and has a chaotic home life with an alcoholic father and emotionally crippled mother, unsuccessfully tries to convince himself that he isn't good enough for Harper. She, meanwhile, is puzzled by his moodiness and inconsistent attentions. As you might expect, Penn's refusal to let Harper in on his fears results in disaster for the couple, as Harper finally decides to take him at his word and cut him out of her life. Despite the standard-issue nature of the plot, the well-drawn characters, humorous and emotionally honest writing, and tidy conclusion will satisfy.

After bad boy Penn leaves a note on Harper's desk, they discover they are attracted to each other and quickly become inseparable. But their relationship is volatile: Penn is moody, and reluctant to open up about his family problems and baseball-career-ending injury. The predictable story arc, told from both perspectives, is made livelier by the protagonists' authentic emotions and obvious chemistry.