Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
La Rosa (Plot Twist) plays a supernatural game of "what if?" in this cute contemporary set off the coast of Georgia. Samantha Leto left Tybee Island after high school, determined to see the world and not wind up trapped in the kind of small-town life her mother lived. Her one regret is never acting on her attraction to her high school best friend, band geek Damon, before she left. After 10 years away, Sam, now a commercial pilot, returns to Tybee to help her grandmother pack up her childhood home--and Damon, now a local brewery owner and more attractive than ever, proves unavoidable. Seeing him again makes Sam wonder: did she make the right choice, pursuing her career dreams over what might have been? Fortunately, she has some otherworldly help in answering this question. While cleaning out her bedroom, she finds an old CD player that "transport her to an alternate version of the past" for the duration of any song she plays, allowing her a glimpse of what a relationship with Damon would have looked like. This magical element is clever, but La Rosa builds enough non-supernatural backstory between Sam and Damon that it almost feels superfluous. Still, there's no denying the chemistry between these would-be high school sweethearts. This goes down easy. (July)
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Review by Library Journal Review
La Rosa's (Plot Twist) poignant story intriguingly explores the concept of "what if." The novel revolves around protagonist Sam Leto and her complex relationship with her childhood best friend, Damon Rocha. Through the lens of an alternate reality provided by a unique CD player, Sam embarks on an emotional journey, confronting her past decisions and reevaluating her future. This device allows Sam to explore what might have happened had she made different choices in her past, specifically regarding her relationship with Damon. Sam's struggles, from dealing with her mother's abandonment to her fears of stagnation in her life, are portrayed with raw honesty. Damon, on the other hand, is a steady presence, offering support and understanding. Secondary characters throughout the novel contribute varied perspectives, including those of LGBTQIA+ people, different generations, and various cultures and traditions. While there are few moments of intimacy throughout the story, the themes of self-identity and self-fulfillment sometimes outshine the relationship itself. VERDICT Combining the concept of 13 Going on 30 with 2000s nostalgia, La Rosa's memorable storytelling is engaging, bringing readers into a world filled with raw emotions, complex relationships, and intricate character development.--Michelle Mistalski
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