Gr 9 Up-The sequel to No Love Allowed follows Nathan and Preston as they take the European summer vacation meant for Nathan and his cousin, Caleb. While Caleb and Didi spend their summer in Dodge Cove, Nathan plans to distract Preston from his busy swimming schedule while also using the trip as an opportunity to confess his true feelings for him. Reluctantly, Preston joins Nathan on the extravagant trip but almost immediately dashes Nathan's hopes and completely ignores his not-so-subtle romantic messages. Convinced that his feelings are unrequited, Nathan becomes withdrawn and considers returning home to pursue his own career goals. However, his twin sister, Natasha, suddenly arrives in Greece to give the protagonist the support he needs to follow through with his decision. Readers will need some familiarity with the first book to fully understand the characters and the plot. Unlike its predecessor, this title exists solely in the jet-setting world of ultrarich teenagers whose worries center primarily on their love interests. Preston's anxiety about making the Olympic swim team and Nathan's worries about pulling off the party of the year for Dodge Cove's social elite are some of the characters' concerns. Teens interested in LGBTQ romances may overlook the wealth-filled setting in favor of the characters' internal struggles. VERDICT Purchase where the previous volume is popular. Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

Everyone knows that Nathan is in love with his best friend, Prestoneveryone, that is, except Preston. Nathan has always accepted that Preston's obsession with becoming an Olympic swimmer takes the forefront in his life; however, with Olympic training becoming more of a reality, Nathan realizes that his chance to tell Preston how he feels has to come sooner rather than later. A European vacation might be just the setting for romance to bloom, but what happens if it does not work out? Will Nathan lose his best friend or gain something more?No Holding Back is an intriguing novel featuring diverse characters and romance built not only on attraction but also lifelong friendship and support. The main characters are likeable, and the setting of a whirlwind vacation engages readers who want to know how Preston will react to Nathan's declaration. As a sequel, readers will understand the story of the ³ber-rich, jet-setting characters best if they have read the first title (No Love Allowed [Macmillan, 2016/VOYA April 2016]). The narrative is a bit typical, with predictability and quick resolutions, but those seeking an LGBT romance or a story about a romantic European vacation will probably be willing to overlook that slight flaw.Linsey Milillo.