Maria is spending the summer boarding her horse at the ranch where Michael happens to work. Both newly graduated from high school, Maria plans to attend college, while Michael is torn between helping his family at home and following his dream to study abroad. When the two meet, sparks fly, and the intensity of their feelings makes them want to stay close to each other. Chapters switch between the teens' points of view and introduce some additional, albeit minor, plotlines that see little development. The crux of the book lies in Michael and Maria's insta-love and lusting after each other. With so much time spent on the details of their romantic encounters om making out in a private stream to sex in the shower ttle is left to develop characters or plot, and not much is left to the imagination. The simplistic writing and steamy content work well for older teens who want new adult titles but need something at a high/low level. A sizzling summer read.

Gr 10 Up-A summerlong relationship between an unlikely couple will have readers on the edge of their seats to see if their love can withstand their differences, including family drama and looming college decisions. The story is told from the points of view of Michael, hired help at his uncle's Montana ranch, and Maria, a rich girl spending her last summer before college at the establishment with her horse, Moonshine. The moment they meet leaves Maria short of breath and Michael seeing sparks. Teens will get swept up in the narrators' whirlwind summer romance. While the novel may seem like a typical teen love story line that lacks substance, it has added depth, integrating issues of mental health, death, and single parenthood. The book includes a touching sex scene. This stand-alone title is the first (of six) that will be published simultaneously and share the "He said, She said" format. They do not have to be read in any specific order. Fans of Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride (Viking, 2009) will appreciate this love story. VERDICT A good choice for fans of happy endings. Morgan O'Reilly, Riverdale Country School, NY