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This Night Is Ours
For one teen girl, the summer before college brings uncertainty about the future, familial pressure, and a budding romance—perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon!
It’s the longest day of the year, and eighteen-year-old Brandy Bailey has just received the worst news of her She’s been accepted to a top nursing school, making her mother overwhelmingly proud.
The thing is, Brandy wants to be an artist. She knows all the risks of chasing her dream. She’s heard them from her mother over and over.
On top of that, Brandy’s annoying classmate from high school, the startlingly handsome Ben Nolan, is catching his far-fetched dream of being an actor. Why does he get to be fearless while she has to be practical? Ben is the last thing Brandy wants on her mind, so of course today is the day he decides to glue himself to her hip. Now his perfect face is right there in the cacophony crashing through her head.
Spinning in too many directions, Brandy’s emotions clash with the flashing lights at the town’s summer carnival. Can she have one extraordinary night before everything changes?
It’s the longest day of the year, and eighteen-year-old Brandy Bailey has just received the worst news of her She’s been accepted to a top nursing school, making her mother overwhelmingly proud.
The thing is, Brandy wants to be an artist. She knows all the risks of chasing her dream. She’s heard them from her mother over and over.
On top of that, Brandy’s annoying classmate from high school, the startlingly handsome Ben Nolan, is catching his far-fetched dream of being an actor. Why does he get to be fearless while she has to be practical? Ben is the last thing Brandy wants on her mind, so of course today is the day he decides to glue himself to her hip. Now his perfect face is right there in the cacophony crashing through her head.
Spinning in too many directions, Brandy’s emotions clash with the flashing lights at the town’s summer carnival. Can she have one extraordinary night before everything changes?
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2024
16 people are currently reading
4490 people want to read
About the author
Ronni Davis
3 books168 followersRonni Davis grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she tried her best to fit in—and failed miserably. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a BA in Psychology, she worked in insurance, taught yoga, and became a cat mom.
Now she lives in Chicago, where by day she copy edits everything from TV commercials to billboards, and by night she writes contemporary YA about brown girls falling in love. When she’s not writing, you can catch her playing the Sims, eating too much candy, or planning her next trip to Disney World.
Now she lives in Chicago, where by day she copy edits everything from TV commercials to billboards, and by night she writes contemporary YA about brown girls falling in love. When she’s not writing, you can catch her playing the Sims, eating too much candy, or planning her next trip to Disney World.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 24, 2024
3.5 stars
⤷ a cute 24-hour romance and coming of age novel 💜
plot: to start the longest day of the year, brandy bailey has just found out she got accepted to a top nursing school, fulfilling her mother's dreams. but brandy doesn't want to be a nurse, she wants to be an artist. as if her day can't get worse, brandy later runs into her annoying classmate and to-be actor, ben nolan. the two began spending the entire day together but can brandy figure out her feelings for ben and what to do with her future before the day ends?
brandy - it was so inspiring to see her passion for art, and i liked how she was kind of rebellious, it was actually really refreshing to read about. i definitely related to a lot of her struggles and anxious thoughts.
➼ “Everything feels so real all of a sudden.” i felt this quote in every bone of my body.
➼ “That desperation to prove I can do the things people don't believe I can do...I still understand the need to make people see that I'm serious, that this is not fleeting or a fantasy.” this one too.
ben - okay this guy was such a green flag wow 😌 he loves brandy's art to the point where he said he wants her to design a tattoo for him + he was always the first person to like her instagram posts. WHAT 😖😖 also he's about to become a famous actor, he plays piano AND guitar!!
➼ “It looks better on you than it does me anyway.” WHEN SHE SHOWED UP IN HIS HOODIE
my favorite scene was when brandy's mom made her pick a dress so at the mall, she and ben had a competition on who could find the ugliest dress for her to wear. but he actually picked a pretty dress for her to try on that she ended up loving + buying!! 🥺
a few complaints:
i assumed this book would be rivals to lovers because since the beginning of the book, brandy acts like ben is super annoying and that she hates him. but there isn't any reason for her to hate him besides the fact that he used to steal her tater tots?? (what in the second grade-) i felt like some more build up would've been nice or just like better reasons to hate someone.
➼ “For the record, I don't believe for one second you hate me.” yeah ben, i don't believe it either 😭
➼ "I like you. I think I liked you since you stole the first tater tot from me."
"I like you too, Freckles. Why do you think I stole the tator tot?" again with the tater tots? i mean they're scrumptious so i don't blame them 😌 but is there nothing else in their history besides this school dish??
overall, this was definitely an adorable 24 hour romance!! it wasn't really rivals to lovers but it was cute nonetheless. i loved seeing how both brandy and ben were trying to figure out their futures and career choices because i feel like that's very relatable for all highschoolers out there! plus including conflicts with parents in the storyline added a lot of depth to the story. i also finished this in one day so definitely very fast-paced and just the palate cleanser i needed 😌🩷
thank you so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for giving me this arc!
⤷ a cute 24-hour romance and coming of age novel 💜
plot: to start the longest day of the year, brandy bailey has just found out she got accepted to a top nursing school, fulfilling her mother's dreams. but brandy doesn't want to be a nurse, she wants to be an artist. as if her day can't get worse, brandy later runs into her annoying classmate and to-be actor, ben nolan. the two began spending the entire day together but can brandy figure out her feelings for ben and what to do with her future before the day ends?
brandy - it was so inspiring to see her passion for art, and i liked how she was kind of rebellious, it was actually really refreshing to read about. i definitely related to a lot of her struggles and anxious thoughts.
➼ “Everything feels so real all of a sudden.” i felt this quote in every bone of my body.
➼ “That desperation to prove I can do the things people don't believe I can do...I still understand the need to make people see that I'm serious, that this is not fleeting or a fantasy.” this one too.
ben - okay this guy was such a green flag wow 😌 he loves brandy's art to the point where he said he wants her to design a tattoo for him + he was always the first person to like her instagram posts. WHAT 😖😖 also he's about to become a famous actor, he plays piano AND guitar!!
➼ “It looks better on you than it does me anyway.” WHEN SHE SHOWED UP IN HIS HOODIE
my favorite scene was when brandy's mom made her pick a dress so at the mall, she and ben had a competition on who could find the ugliest dress for her to wear. but he actually picked a pretty dress for her to try on that she ended up loving + buying!! 🥺
a few complaints:
i assumed this book would be rivals to lovers because since the beginning of the book, brandy acts like ben is super annoying and that she hates him. but there isn't any reason for her to hate him besides the fact that he used to steal her tater tots?? (what in the second grade-) i felt like some more build up would've been nice or just like better reasons to hate someone.
➼ “For the record, I don't believe for one second you hate me.” yeah ben, i don't believe it either 😭
➼ "I like you. I think I liked you since you stole the first tater tot from me."
"I like you too, Freckles. Why do you think I stole the tator tot?" again with the tater tots? i mean they're scrumptious so i don't blame them 😌 but is there nothing else in their history besides this school dish??
overall, this was definitely an adorable 24 hour romance!! it wasn't really rivals to lovers but it was cute nonetheless. i loved seeing how both brandy and ben were trying to figure out their futures and career choices because i feel like that's very relatable for all highschoolers out there! plus including conflicts with parents in the storyline added a lot of depth to the story. i also finished this in one day so definitely very fast-paced and just the palate cleanser i needed 😌🩷
thank you so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for giving me this arc!
March 11, 2024
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 2.5 stars ✰
➳ i don't even know how to feel about this book, i think i'm mostly disappointed. 😭 i had high hopes for this because of the cute cover and description, but in the end, it fell flat for me. i couldn't connect with the characters and i was really bored in the second half. the writing was cringey and a little painful to get through, but it is a young adult novel, so it's not that surprising, it just wasn't for me. the romance felt very insta-lovey, even for a 24-hour romance. the fmc kept saying she hated the mmc, but they were already good friends and she was attracted to him the whole time, so it felt like the romance had no development. i will say this book did have some sweet moments, a cute and lovable mmc, and was very fast paced. so if you want a quick, lighthearted YA summer romance, you'll probably enjoy this! i just don't think i would go out of my way to recommend this otherwise.
thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
➳ i don't even know how to feel about this book, i think i'm mostly disappointed. 😭 i had high hopes for this because of the cute cover and description, but in the end, it fell flat for me. i couldn't connect with the characters and i was really bored in the second half. the writing was cringey and a little painful to get through, but it is a young adult novel, so it's not that surprising, it just wasn't for me. the romance felt very insta-lovey, even for a 24-hour romance. the fmc kept saying she hated the mmc, but they were already good friends and she was attracted to him the whole time, so it felt like the romance had no development. i will say this book did have some sweet moments, a cute and lovable mmc, and was very fast paced. so if you want a quick, lighthearted YA summer romance, you'll probably enjoy this! i just don't think i would go out of my way to recommend this otherwise.
thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
to-watch
August 22, 2023i heard this was a rivals to lovers, 24 hour romance!? with a carnival, rebellion, and kids chasing their dreams? gosh that's so cute 😭
May 19, 2024
This book takes place over one day. Brandy receives an acceptance to nursing school but wants to go to art school instead. She applied based on her mother’s dreams. Her mom sends her to buy a dress and she runs into Ben, her friend she’s had since forever. They end up hanging out most of the day and challenge each other. Can Brandy be brave, stand up to her mom, and go for her dreams??
*spoilers*
Obsessed with them. OBSESSED. Ben and Brandy. My cutie pie sweet angels!!! I love them I love them I love them. Ben is just the sweetest cinnamon roll to ever exist. I wanted to squeeze him. I love how he and Brandy teased each other. He also really believed in her, and she in him. We love to see it!!
Brandy’s panic attacks were done so incredibly well. I could empathize with how she was feeling about her mom and dad, school, and discovering her feelings for Ben. She dealt with a LOT in one night! I was rooting for her the whole time. When she drew Ben? *swoon.* When she drew herself? *bigger swoon.* I love how she went for her dreams!!
Loved Shai and her meddling (it was so cute!) and how much she encouraged and loved Brandy. I thought their friendship was really strong.
The heart to heart with Brandy’s mom at the end. That epic kiss!!!! Goodbye me!!! I seriously love Ben and Brandy. AND side note the epic shoutout of Kiss&Tell by Adib Khorram was amazing. 🥰
*spoilers*
Obsessed with them. OBSESSED. Ben and Brandy. My cutie pie sweet angels!!! I love them I love them I love them. Ben is just the sweetest cinnamon roll to ever exist. I wanted to squeeze him. I love how he and Brandy teased each other. He also really believed in her, and she in him. We love to see it!!
Brandy’s panic attacks were done so incredibly well. I could empathize with how she was feeling about her mom and dad, school, and discovering her feelings for Ben. She dealt with a LOT in one night! I was rooting for her the whole time. When she drew Ben? *swoon.* When she drew herself? *bigger swoon.* I love how she went for her dreams!!
Loved Shai and her meddling (it was so cute!) and how much she encouraged and loved Brandy. I thought their friendship was really strong.
The heart to heart with Brandy’s mom at the end. That epic kiss!!!! Goodbye me!!! I seriously love Ben and Brandy. AND side note the epic shoutout of Kiss&Tell by Adib Khorram was amazing. 🥰
August 11, 2024
*4.5
PLS this was so cute i can't handle it.
p.s. ronni so proud of you and i miss you <3
PLS this was so cute i can't handle it.
p.s. ronni so proud of you and i miss you <3
August 3, 2025
idk? it was good i think? simple but cute? but idk
February 29, 2024
LOVE. It felt kind of insta-lovey but that was kind of the whole point so it was fine. I feel like the crafters could have been a little more fleshed out, but I was still able to form a sort of connection to them. I wish we were shown more about Ben and Audrey’s part. I think they book could use an additional 50 pages so there could be more description, but this was still a really good book!
June 21, 2024
Super cute!
Very YA but enjoyed the story a lot.
The plot is SUPER relatable and everything in the story seems realistic and gives a lot of depth to the characters.
This story lost a star mainly because despite the FMC's main focus being on following in her mother's footsteps, her mom was merely highlighted but not focused on in the present. There's a lot to be said between them and it's wrapped up in a couple chapters, but I felt it needed more than just 2-3, since a lot was left out between them.
And in one scene the mom just went from angry to okay, and didn't even question what had happened in her own living room.... was silly but should've been made clear.
Anyways this story was enjoyable, a bit slow for me since it's been awhile since I read a YA.
Thanks to NetGalley for sending me this story!
Very YA but enjoyed the story a lot.
The plot is SUPER relatable and everything in the story seems realistic and gives a lot of depth to the characters.
This story lost a star mainly because despite the FMC's main focus being on following in her mother's footsteps, her mom was merely highlighted but not focused on in the present. There's a lot to be said between them and it's wrapped up in a couple chapters, but I felt it needed more than just 2-3, since a lot was left out between them.
And in one scene the mom just went from angry to okay, and didn't even question what had happened in her own living room.... was silly but should've been made clear.
Anyways this story was enjoyable, a bit slow for me since it's been awhile since I read a YA.
Thanks to NetGalley for sending me this story!
August 9, 2024
umm well 😃🔫 no i’m jk it was a fine book
it felt like a lottttt of waiting for them to get together. and really cringe. like why do i see the words sus and mood…. and the mom saying “bet.” and how tf is her mom grounding her at age 18? and why was everything so rushed like omg but i guess it was cute
oh and the graffiti felt like it was copying an anatomical shape of a heart
it felt like a lottttt of waiting for them to get together. and really cringe. like why do i see the words sus and mood…. and the mom saying “bet.” and how tf is her mom grounding her at age 18? and why was everything so rushed like omg but i guess it was cute
oh and the graffiti felt like it was copying an anatomical shape of a heart
March 4, 2024
Oh my heart. What a beautiful book. It was like "Before Sunrise" for Gen Z.
Brandy and Ben are post-high school graduation and pondering the next steps of their lives. The book is centered around one night while they talk and talk about their dreams, anxieties, and futures.
I think this is the perfect read for anyone going through a transition in their lives. The book focuses on very real anxieties, from pleasing your parents to picking the right careers. Even though it has been established that the characters have known each other for a little while, it felt like a perfect combination of an instant connection of best friends and a brewing romance. A lot of lovely side characters that felt very fleshed out in the brief appearances that they make. The reason I compare it to "Before Sunrise" is because the real heart of the story is between the chemistry of the two main characters. Most of the book is their dialogue. It is honest and witty with an undertone of romantic tension. Highly recommend for a very sweet YA romance.
Brandy and Ben are post-high school graduation and pondering the next steps of their lives. The book is centered around one night while they talk and talk about their dreams, anxieties, and futures.
I think this is the perfect read for anyone going through a transition in their lives. The book focuses on very real anxieties, from pleasing your parents to picking the right careers. Even though it has been established that the characters have known each other for a little while, it felt like a perfect combination of an instant connection of best friends and a brewing romance. A lot of lovely side characters that felt very fleshed out in the brief appearances that they make. The reason I compare it to "Before Sunrise" is because the real heart of the story is between the chemistry of the two main characters. Most of the book is their dialogue. It is honest and witty with an undertone of romantic tension. Highly recommend for a very sweet YA romance.
May 12, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, Ronni Davis, and Little Brown for an ARC of The Night Is Ours.
Full disclosure that I’d never read a 24-hour romance before, and I’m not sure if I want to dabble in it again. The story moved along at a good pace; it definitely didn’t drag — I’m just not sure it was for me.
MFC went through a lot of emotions and clearly felt confused on where to go next with her life. This is indicative of how all of us felt when we were told at a mere 18 years old to choose a path that would define the trajectory of our lives. I loved that about this YA novel.
I recommend this novel if you like more of a cozy setting in your books and prefer character development to other areas of development.
Full disclosure that I’d never read a 24-hour romance before, and I’m not sure if I want to dabble in it again. The story moved along at a good pace; it definitely didn’t drag — I’m just not sure it was for me.
MFC went through a lot of emotions and clearly felt confused on where to go next with her life. This is indicative of how all of us felt when we were told at a mere 18 years old to choose a path that would define the trajectory of our lives. I loved that about this YA novel.
I recommend this novel if you like more of a cozy setting in your books and prefer character development to other areas of development.
January 1, 2025
Honestly, im not a fan. why would you write a book based on just one day? The plot was kind of just boring.i read it in one sitting since its quite short. But at first it wax a 3 ! It was cute at first but ive read better now and realized that its pretty bland😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
this was so adorable I can't even ❤️
July 5, 2024
After reading two tense fantasy books, this book was just what I needed. It’s so sweet and soft and relaxing.
June 26, 2024
this book takes place on June 20th and June 21st of 2024, which are the days I read this! loved that!
aaaaaahhhhhh <3
such a cute book!
ben and brandy, or eyebrows and freckles, were the cutest couple! this definitely was a ‘just kiss already’ book, and the side characters, (shei and elsa) were 2 good.
i found myself skimming, but only a page or two, and i also read this basically in one sitting.
follow your dreams,
callie
aaaaaahhhhhh <3
such a cute book!
ben and brandy, or eyebrows and freckles, were the cutest couple! this definitely was a ‘just kiss already’ book, and the side characters, (shei and elsa) were 2 good.
i found myself skimming, but only a page or two, and i also read this basically in one sitting.
follow your dreams,
callie
November 5, 2024
I really like books about young people, especially this age: Brandy is believable as a recent high school graduate who has to figure out what she's going to do with her life and it's Freaking Her Out. I don't really read straight-up romance so I'm so glad there's so much beyond the romance to sink my teeth into here, but I will say I really liked the romance and thought that was kind of the best part. I had no issues whatsoever with the way they got together because it was so, so clear that it was a long time coming and Brandy was in denial about being into Ben. It was cute as hell.
The other best part of this for me is Brandy's feelings being so big. I remember being eighteen and everything was HUGE and TERRIFYING, and it was ABSOLUTELY VITAL that you figure it out RIGHT NOW or you're going to worry yourself into a frenzy and need to be scraped off the floor. Brandy has issues with her mom believing she wants to follow in her footsteps to become a nurse, but it turns out that was a fanciful kid aspiration Brandy had before she knew how much blood and guts nursing can have. She's always loved art but her mother thinks it's a ridiculous hobby, has never shown interest in fostering her talent, and has an axe to grind over the idea of art as a profession because Brandy's dad was an artist and he abandoned the family to go chase his art dream. Brandy's worried that pursuing art at all echoes her father's harmful choices way too much, so she's afraid to be honest with her mother. It's all very relatable, and I COMPLETELY get why she didn't want to have the conversation or tell the truth.
Here are just a few disorganized positive thoughts about it:
The atmosphere of the deserted carnival was really nice!
There were great descriptions of how Brandy needed to process a nursing school acceptance that did NOT feel like good news for her and she wanted to just pretend the e-mails weren't there.
I loved that Ben could see Brandy's real feelings. (I don't love that sometimes he teases her about them, but he believes she's in on the joke, and she often feels that way too.)
It's so true that it's hard to consider something as personal as art as a business as well. And getting rejected is definitely far more personal.
It felt very relatable that her mom is "supportive" but only if it's about a career that will definitely put food on the table.
I loved the mention that describing skin in food terms is racist. LOL
It's great that Ben's ability to really read Brandy's moods leads to them helping each other with things they're hopeless about.
It's pretty cute how there's this creeping realization after she left on the bus that she's starting to like Ben. Everybody reading knew! Seeing her start to catch on is fun.
Very interesting that Brandy runs to her father's gallery after her mom reacted poorly to her bravery. I love that she asks to sketch him as a way of dealing with meeting him.
Mentally protesting that she can't date Ben because it would be exhausting to keep up with him and one-up him all the time, only to realize she's been doing it anyway . . . classic.
I'm so glad Ben respects her art and asks her when she knew she was an artist. Besides the "he's cute and we've always teased each other" thing wouldn't have been enough for me to believe in them.
The book REALLY nails the high expectations on older teens and how black and white they sometimes see the world.
When Brandy gets in trouble with her uncle, it's really interesting that they acknowledge how being a Black cop works in society but then also show how knowing the officer leads to a privileged status--getting away with something because of who you know. It actually is like that in real life sometimes.
When Shai was super obviously inviting Ben over but not telling Brandy, I was wondering OKAY SISTER IS YOUR OBLIVIOUSNESS A DEFENSE MECHANISM OR WHAT? She is so clueless.
I don't have a lot that's negative to say but there were just a couple little things:
I wasn't sure about the exposition at the beginning, but I almost always have this problem with books--I felt like it was talking directly to me a little much.
I was a little confused as to why a maternity doctor got a message that she needed to go to the hospital now because "she's crowning." Maybe this is more common than I'd have thought? I've heard babies can be born within a few minutes after that starts sometimes, so I was surprised that the doc would just start heading over there at that point. (I know it's also sometimes a lot longer than a couple minutes, and I'm sure some people didn't have their doctor safely already in attendance when they started the active process. I'm no expert though.)
I saw a couple weird editing mistakes like "free reign" instead of "free rein" (very common one, though) and an implication that a brother and sister had a practically telepathic ability to communicate just through their expressions but it was referred to as "telekinesis" (eh, some people know why that glitch is a pet peeve of mine!). There were occasional bits where longer spots of dialogue didn't feel as natural as the shorter back-and-forths.
There was a mob of middle-school kids following Ben around at one point kind of giving him the groupie treatment. I had trouble picturing it. Little kids, middle school kids, aren't usually running around in unsupervised swarms stalking a rising TV star, right? (At least, not on a big enough scale that they became a problem and ambushed them.) This weirded me out a little.
Some of the solutions did feel simplistic, I think, though I don't know if this is necessarily a negative--the one that stood out to me was that after Brandy hits upon the idea that she might actually be able to go to art school if she also gets some education that she can fall back on if she can't fully make a living with art, she just . . . Googles good minors for art students, announces she could minor in marketing, and pleases her mom enough to get her to sign on. I think if the format of this hadn't been 24-hour, I would have liked to see Brandy talk to a guidance counselor about this. Like "I want to go to art school but my mom thinks I'll starve or make unsustainable choices and I'm worried she's right. What do?" and the counselor says "minor in marketing? Figure out how to Business your art? Use those skills for other things too if you can't fully make it?"
Brandy also threw in a little "Well the art supply store is hiring, so I could make some money in the meantime" as if it's just a done deal that she'll apply and they'll automatically hire her so that's solved. Brandy had a lot of successes in a short time--winning prizes on literally every art contest she entered, for instance--and on the one hand it's good to see that she has external validation suggesting she's actually really good, but I also thought it felt a little too simple for everything to fall her way and made it feel condensed. I think some of that is just a side effect of the "everything happens within one day" format.
All things considered, I had a great time with the book and got sucked into the individual moments and bumped up against some eloquently rendered truths that made me get misty-eyed, remembering similar moments from my own youth. I'd be more than happy to read anything else by this author.
The other best part of this for me is Brandy's feelings being so big. I remember being eighteen and everything was HUGE and TERRIFYING, and it was ABSOLUTELY VITAL that you figure it out RIGHT NOW or you're going to worry yourself into a frenzy and need to be scraped off the floor. Brandy has issues with her mom believing she wants to follow in her footsteps to become a nurse, but it turns out that was a fanciful kid aspiration Brandy had before she knew how much blood and guts nursing can have. She's always loved art but her mother thinks it's a ridiculous hobby, has never shown interest in fostering her talent, and has an axe to grind over the idea of art as a profession because Brandy's dad was an artist and he abandoned the family to go chase his art dream. Brandy's worried that pursuing art at all echoes her father's harmful choices way too much, so she's afraid to be honest with her mother. It's all very relatable, and I COMPLETELY get why she didn't want to have the conversation or tell the truth.
Here are just a few disorganized positive thoughts about it:
The atmosphere of the deserted carnival was really nice!
There were great descriptions of how Brandy needed to process a nursing school acceptance that did NOT feel like good news for her and she wanted to just pretend the e-mails weren't there.
I loved that Ben could see Brandy's real feelings. (I don't love that sometimes he teases her about them, but he believes she's in on the joke, and she often feels that way too.)
It's so true that it's hard to consider something as personal as art as a business as well. And getting rejected is definitely far more personal.
It felt very relatable that her mom is "supportive" but only if it's about a career that will definitely put food on the table.
I loved the mention that describing skin in food terms is racist. LOL
It's great that Ben's ability to really read Brandy's moods leads to them helping each other with things they're hopeless about.
It's pretty cute how there's this creeping realization after she left on the bus that she's starting to like Ben. Everybody reading knew! Seeing her start to catch on is fun.
Very interesting that Brandy runs to her father's gallery after her mom reacted poorly to her bravery. I love that she asks to sketch him as a way of dealing with meeting him.
Mentally protesting that she can't date Ben because it would be exhausting to keep up with him and one-up him all the time, only to realize she's been doing it anyway . . . classic.
I'm so glad Ben respects her art and asks her when she knew she was an artist. Besides the "he's cute and we've always teased each other" thing wouldn't have been enough for me to believe in them.
The book REALLY nails the high expectations on older teens and how black and white they sometimes see the world.
When Brandy gets in trouble with her uncle, it's really interesting that they acknowledge how being a Black cop works in society but then also show how knowing the officer leads to a privileged status--getting away with something because of who you know. It actually is like that in real life sometimes.
When Shai was super obviously inviting Ben over but not telling Brandy, I was wondering OKAY SISTER IS YOUR OBLIVIOUSNESS A DEFENSE MECHANISM OR WHAT? She is so clueless.
I don't have a lot that's negative to say but there were just a couple little things:
I wasn't sure about the exposition at the beginning, but I almost always have this problem with books--I felt like it was talking directly to me a little much.
I was a little confused as to why a maternity doctor got a message that she needed to go to the hospital now because "she's crowning." Maybe this is more common than I'd have thought? I've heard babies can be born within a few minutes after that starts sometimes, so I was surprised that the doc would just start heading over there at that point. (I know it's also sometimes a lot longer than a couple minutes, and I'm sure some people didn't have their doctor safely already in attendance when they started the active process. I'm no expert though.)
I saw a couple weird editing mistakes like "free reign" instead of "free rein" (very common one, though) and an implication that a brother and sister had a practically telepathic ability to communicate just through their expressions but it was referred to as "telekinesis" (eh, some people know why that glitch is a pet peeve of mine!). There were occasional bits where longer spots of dialogue didn't feel as natural as the shorter back-and-forths.
There was a mob of middle-school kids following Ben around at one point kind of giving him the groupie treatment. I had trouble picturing it. Little kids, middle school kids, aren't usually running around in unsupervised swarms stalking a rising TV star, right? (At least, not on a big enough scale that they became a problem and ambushed them.) This weirded me out a little.
Some of the solutions did feel simplistic, I think, though I don't know if this is necessarily a negative--the one that stood out to me was that after Brandy hits upon the idea that she might actually be able to go to art school if she also gets some education that she can fall back on if she can't fully make a living with art, she just . . . Googles good minors for art students, announces she could minor in marketing, and pleases her mom enough to get her to sign on. I think if the format of this hadn't been 24-hour, I would have liked to see Brandy talk to a guidance counselor about this. Like "I want to go to art school but my mom thinks I'll starve or make unsustainable choices and I'm worried she's right. What do?" and the counselor says "minor in marketing? Figure out how to Business your art? Use those skills for other things too if you can't fully make it?"
Brandy also threw in a little "Well the art supply store is hiring, so I could make some money in the meantime" as if it's just a done deal that she'll apply and they'll automatically hire her so that's solved. Brandy had a lot of successes in a short time--winning prizes on literally every art contest she entered, for instance--and on the one hand it's good to see that she has external validation suggesting she's actually really good, but I also thought it felt a little too simple for everything to fall her way and made it feel condensed. I think some of that is just a side effect of the "everything happens within one day" format.
All things considered, I had a great time with the book and got sucked into the individual moments and bumped up against some eloquently rendered truths that made me get misty-eyed, remembering similar moments from my own youth. I'd be more than happy to read anything else by this author.
May 14, 2024
THIS NIGHT IS OURS is a consuming and unputdownable YA contemporary romance. Brandy is eighteen and has recently finished high school. She loves art and dreams of going to art school, but her life has been set since she was a toddler and mentioned that she wanted to be like her mother. Her mother is now set on her attending nursing school- and Brandy's acceptance has just come in. Although Brandy feels like her world is falling apart, her mother is ready to celebrate and sets up a fancy dinner to which she would like Brandy to wear a new dress - a task that also feels insurmountable.
However, when Brandy arrives at the mall, she runs into the ever-annoying Ben Nolan, who is on track to become a very famous movie star soon (upgrading from already being semi-famous). At high school, they had a bit of a nemesis vibe, where he takes her tater tots and they teased each other mercilessly. This time, as they talk, Brandy sees the deeper sides to Ben and finds the impossible task of a dress and dinner seeming more possible. She also begins to reconsider her dreams - and the (im)possibility of meeting her absentee father.
This day will be anything but expected as she navigates these impossible situations and starts to feel new things for the boy she could never seem to stand in high school.
What I loved: This was such an emotional and perfectly paced read. I found it impossible to put down, and though it takes place within a day, it's a day of twists and turns and revelations. Brandy is really having her coming-of-age compressed into an eventful day. She is forced into making a quick decision about nursing school with the weight of her mother's expectations and decisions pressing in on her.
The romance was really strong, and it was lovely to see them come together and get to know each other on a deeper level. The pace of this was just right with plenty of almosts to keep the tension thick as they toe the line between what they were to each other and a couple. Ben also has his own things to work through, though they were certainly more background, but he grew as a person during this day when he was also receiving life-changing news. Another really compelling character was Brandy's BFF, whose life veered off the planned course when she was pregnant at 17. Now with an infant daughter, she has recharted her life course and has plenty of her own wisdom to dispense.
Beyond the themes of following your dreams and the weight of parental expectations, there were some really thought-provoking themes around mental illness (anxiety), therapy, the weight of fame, complicated family relationships, art, and connection. There were some particularly powerful conversations that produced critical revelations during this day, both among her friends and with her parents. Her relationship with both of her parents is complicated in different ways, and seeing her navigate these conversations was really fantastic.
Davis is a really talented writer, and I often find that their works resonate for me. This one is no different - it is quite an emotional and lovely ride. The ending was satisfying, though I wouldn't have minded seeing even more from these characters' lives - it is so tough to leave them behind.
Final verdict: THE NIGHT IS OURS is a consuming and compelling YA contemporary romance about art, complicated family, and following your dreams. Highly recommend picking this one up!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
However, when Brandy arrives at the mall, she runs into the ever-annoying Ben Nolan, who is on track to become a very famous movie star soon (upgrading from already being semi-famous). At high school, they had a bit of a nemesis vibe, where he takes her tater tots and they teased each other mercilessly. This time, as they talk, Brandy sees the deeper sides to Ben and finds the impossible task of a dress and dinner seeming more possible. She also begins to reconsider her dreams - and the (im)possibility of meeting her absentee father.
This day will be anything but expected as she navigates these impossible situations and starts to feel new things for the boy she could never seem to stand in high school.
What I loved: This was such an emotional and perfectly paced read. I found it impossible to put down, and though it takes place within a day, it's a day of twists and turns and revelations. Brandy is really having her coming-of-age compressed into an eventful day. She is forced into making a quick decision about nursing school with the weight of her mother's expectations and decisions pressing in on her.
The romance was really strong, and it was lovely to see them come together and get to know each other on a deeper level. The pace of this was just right with plenty of almosts to keep the tension thick as they toe the line between what they were to each other and a couple. Ben also has his own things to work through, though they were certainly more background, but he grew as a person during this day when he was also receiving life-changing news. Another really compelling character was Brandy's BFF, whose life veered off the planned course when she was pregnant at 17. Now with an infant daughter, she has recharted her life course and has plenty of her own wisdom to dispense.
Beyond the themes of following your dreams and the weight of parental expectations, there were some really thought-provoking themes around mental illness (anxiety), therapy, the weight of fame, complicated family relationships, art, and connection. There were some particularly powerful conversations that produced critical revelations during this day, both among her friends and with her parents. Her relationship with both of her parents is complicated in different ways, and seeing her navigate these conversations was really fantastic.
Davis is a really talented writer, and I often find that their works resonate for me. This one is no different - it is quite an emotional and lovely ride. The ending was satisfying, though I wouldn't have minded seeing even more from these characters' lives - it is so tough to leave them behind.
Final verdict: THE NIGHT IS OURS is a consuming and compelling YA contemporary romance about art, complicated family, and following your dreams. Highly recommend picking this one up!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2024
Brandy getting into nursing school is a dream come true . . . for her mother. Brandy would rather be an artist, but with all her mother has sacrificed for her, she feels she owes it to Mom to pick a practical, stable career (and NOT run off to do something risky like art--not to mention pursuing an art career is why her dad left their family). Enter boy-who's-been-teasing-Brandy-forever, Ben. Now that they've both graduated and are facing futures that are exciting but scary, they suddenly get honest with each other and have to face how similar they are. But what lengths will Brandy go to to fulfill her dreams? And to what extent will this boy be involved (if she can bring herself to let him)? Can Brandy find a way to please everybody, or will she find out that trying to do that will please no one?
I feel like this book trusts the reader to know what's best and expects us to enjoy Brandy being kinda clueless about everything we already know until she finally figures it out. Yes, you like the boy. Yes, you MUST do art. Yes, it's okay to have a complicated relationship with your mom and your dad in different ways. Yes, being young is about trying to have your cake and eat it too. What I loved most was how the book captures how DRAMATIC it is to be this age (and I don't say that in a condescending way). Everything is big--huge--and trying to figure out what the heck to do with your life and how to do it can give you a big old tummy ache. To say nothing of trying to figure out how you feel about a guy who's always been this jackass who steals your tater tots and now he's having the audacity to be cute! I had no trouble with the romance aspect of the story and found it believable. I wasn't sure about how I felt about how many successes and close calls Brandy had--maybe it was just the 24-hour format that made it feel like SO many lucky breaks and successes in a day. Everything she draws is well received and gorgeous even when she isn't experienced in the format. She wins something in every contest she enters. She gets caught doing something illegal and there are no consequences. She resolves a decade-old misunderstanding between her and her mom and also immediately figures out a simple way she can apply to art school and have her mom's support. The thing is, if things HADN'T gone so well and Brandy kept failing, either the 24-hour format would have had to be abandoned to be realistic OR the book would have been a LOT longer. The simplistic resolution feeling made it feel more like a story than a real situation, but once you make peace with that I think there's literally nothing wrong with that. (Maybe it's just that a book happening in a short period of time had like five major problems for the main character and they ALL resolved in a satisfactory way. Exhausting!)
I think this author's major strength is in the moments. Both the moments that delve into the character's psyche and the moments she spends in honest conversation or sweet intimacy with others--they're exactly the right length, very authentic, very present. I enjoyed this and will always read everything this author writes.
I feel like this book trusts the reader to know what's best and expects us to enjoy Brandy being kinda clueless about everything we already know until she finally figures it out. Yes, you like the boy. Yes, you MUST do art. Yes, it's okay to have a complicated relationship with your mom and your dad in different ways. Yes, being young is about trying to have your cake and eat it too. What I loved most was how the book captures how DRAMATIC it is to be this age (and I don't say that in a condescending way). Everything is big--huge--and trying to figure out what the heck to do with your life and how to do it can give you a big old tummy ache. To say nothing of trying to figure out how you feel about a guy who's always been this jackass who steals your tater tots and now he's having the audacity to be cute! I had no trouble with the romance aspect of the story and found it believable. I wasn't sure about how I felt about how many successes and close calls Brandy had--maybe it was just the 24-hour format that made it feel like SO many lucky breaks and successes in a day. Everything she draws is well received and gorgeous even when she isn't experienced in the format. She wins something in every contest she enters. She gets caught doing something illegal and there are no consequences. She resolves a decade-old misunderstanding between her and her mom and also immediately figures out a simple way she can apply to art school and have her mom's support. The thing is, if things HADN'T gone so well and Brandy kept failing, either the 24-hour format would have had to be abandoned to be realistic OR the book would have been a LOT longer. The simplistic resolution feeling made it feel more like a story than a real situation, but once you make peace with that I think there's literally nothing wrong with that. (Maybe it's just that a book happening in a short period of time had like five major problems for the main character and they ALL resolved in a satisfactory way. Exhausting!)
I think this author's major strength is in the moments. Both the moments that delve into the character's psyche and the moments she spends in honest conversation or sweet intimacy with others--they're exactly the right length, very authentic, very present. I enjoyed this and will always read everything this author writes.
May 3, 2024
“This Night Is Ours” by Ronni Davis is a delightful coming-of-age novel that captures the essence of a single transformative night. Set against the backdrop of a lively summer carnival, this book weaves together themes of dreams, love, and self-discovery.
Meet Brandy Bailey. At just eighteen-years-old she receives life-altering news: she's been accepted into a prestigious nursing school, a path that would make her mother incredibly proud. But Brandy harbours a secret desire to be an artist. She grapples with the practicality of chasing her dream versus the expectations placed upon her.
Meet Ben Nolan. He is Brandy’s high school classmate and aspiring actor, who seems to have no qualms about pursuing his far-fetched dreams. Brandy's emotions collide as she navigates familial pressure, uncertainty about the future, and a budding romance, all in the span of one extraordinary night.
Davis masterfully develops Brandy and Ben, infusing them with authenticity and vulnerability. Their chemistry leaps off the pages, making their interactions both heartwarming and relatable. Each chapter opens with a time stamp, creating a sense of urgency and propelling the story forward. The pacing keeps readers engaged, mirroring the whirlwind of emotions Brandy experiences.
The town carnival serves as a vivid backdrop, with flashing lights, cotton candy, and the promise of adventure. Davis paints a picture so vivid that readers can practically taste the funnel cakes and hear the carnival music. Brandy's internal struggle resonates with anyone who has faced conflicting desires. Her journey to embrace her true self is both empowering and heartrending.
This story is a gem in the contemporary YA genre. Davis successfully takes on the challenge of telling a story that unfolds over the course of a single day. Readers will find themselves rooting for Brandy as she grapples with her dreams, fears, and the unexpected connection she shares with Ben. The novel reminds us that sometimes, extraordinary moments can change the trajectory of our lives forever.
Davis' writing is lyrical, evoking the magic of fleeting moments and the courage it takes to chase our passions. Immerse yourself in Brandy's unforgettable night, it’s one that will resonate long after you turn the last page. “This Night Is Ours” is a captivating blend of romance, self-discovery, and the magic of a single night. Davis' prose invites readers to reflect on their own dreams and the courage it takes to pursue them. Don't miss out on this enchanting tale!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Brandy Bailey. At just eighteen-years-old she receives life-altering news: she's been accepted into a prestigious nursing school, a path that would make her mother incredibly proud. But Brandy harbours a secret desire to be an artist. She grapples with the practicality of chasing her dream versus the expectations placed upon her.
Meet Ben Nolan. He is Brandy’s high school classmate and aspiring actor, who seems to have no qualms about pursuing his far-fetched dreams. Brandy's emotions collide as she navigates familial pressure, uncertainty about the future, and a budding romance, all in the span of one extraordinary night.
Davis masterfully develops Brandy and Ben, infusing them with authenticity and vulnerability. Their chemistry leaps off the pages, making their interactions both heartwarming and relatable. Each chapter opens with a time stamp, creating a sense of urgency and propelling the story forward. The pacing keeps readers engaged, mirroring the whirlwind of emotions Brandy experiences.
The town carnival serves as a vivid backdrop, with flashing lights, cotton candy, and the promise of adventure. Davis paints a picture so vivid that readers can practically taste the funnel cakes and hear the carnival music. Brandy's internal struggle resonates with anyone who has faced conflicting desires. Her journey to embrace her true self is both empowering and heartrending.
This story is a gem in the contemporary YA genre. Davis successfully takes on the challenge of telling a story that unfolds over the course of a single day. Readers will find themselves rooting for Brandy as she grapples with her dreams, fears, and the unexpected connection she shares with Ben. The novel reminds us that sometimes, extraordinary moments can change the trajectory of our lives forever.
Davis' writing is lyrical, evoking the magic of fleeting moments and the courage it takes to chase our passions. Immerse yourself in Brandy's unforgettable night, it’s one that will resonate long after you turn the last page. “This Night Is Ours” is a captivating blend of romance, self-discovery, and the magic of a single night. Davis' prose invites readers to reflect on their own dreams and the courage it takes to pursue them. Don't miss out on this enchanting tale!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2024
For one teen girl, the summer before college brings uncertainty about the future, familial pressure, and a budding romance (Goodreads).
I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this book. Overall, it’s a timeless story of “It’s your dream, not mine” and the struggle between a coming-of-age teenager and their parent, but with different specifics than High School Musical.
Something that stuck out to me as a sore point was the police station scene.
I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this book. Overall, it’s a timeless story of “It’s your dream, not mine” and the struggle between a coming-of-age teenager and their parent, but with different specifics than High School Musical.
Something that stuck out to me as a sore point was the police station scene.
July 1, 2024
Brandy is in a panic. Summer is here, and she’s just been accepted to the Lucerne School of Nursing, the accomplishment her mother has been dreaming of for years. But Brandy hasn’t had the courage to tell her mom that she has no interest in medicine. Her passion is for art, specifically street art full of “colors and bold strokes and cute chibi characters.”
When her mom sends her to the mall to buy a dress for their celebratory dinner that night, Brandy runs into her classmate, Ben Nolan, who is on the brink of becoming a famous film actor . . . and who has tortured Brandy for years, in part by regularly stealing tater tots off her lunch tray.
But somehow this day is different. Brandy’s defenses are down, Ben’s got worries of his own, and they end up spending the day together. And when Brandy’s friend Shai invites Ben to join them at the town carnival that night, they start an adventurous evening that forces Brandy to reevaluate both her feelings for Ben and her unwillingness to fight for the life she wants.
We loved this one. It is such a fun love story and welcome-to-summer story, but it also captures the post-senior-year angst of having to make real decisions that will impact the rest of your life, decisions that don’t always line up with what your parents want for you. Brandy, Ben, and Shai (and Shai’s daughter Elsa) are a delight, and we enjoyed our evening at the carnival!
While there is a scene of teen drinking, this is overall a sweet love story that will be appropriate for a wide range of students (and we love finding YA romance books that we’re comfortable recommending from the front of the classroom—they’re not always easy to find).
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
When her mom sends her to the mall to buy a dress for their celebratory dinner that night, Brandy runs into her classmate, Ben Nolan, who is on the brink of becoming a famous film actor . . . and who has tortured Brandy for years, in part by regularly stealing tater tots off her lunch tray.
But somehow this day is different. Brandy’s defenses are down, Ben’s got worries of his own, and they end up spending the day together. And when Brandy’s friend Shai invites Ben to join them at the town carnival that night, they start an adventurous evening that forces Brandy to reevaluate both her feelings for Ben and her unwillingness to fight for the life she wants.
We loved this one. It is such a fun love story and welcome-to-summer story, but it also captures the post-senior-year angst of having to make real decisions that will impact the rest of your life, decisions that don’t always line up with what your parents want for you. Brandy, Ben, and Shai (and Shai’s daughter Elsa) are a delight, and we enjoyed our evening at the carnival!
While there is a scene of teen drinking, this is overall a sweet love story that will be appropriate for a wide range of students (and we love finding YA romance books that we’re comfortable recommending from the front of the classroom—they’re not always easy to find).
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
March 28, 2024
This Night is Ours encapsulates a really special part of growing up: those random nights, the ones when inexplicable things happen, when you hang out with people you ordinarily don’t (and most likely won’t ever again,) and make memories that live with you forever. The lightning in a bottle nights that you’ll never replicate, but you’ll chase their feeling for years to come.
I’ve only read a handful of stories that give off those John-Hughes-movie vibes, and this one immediately goes to the top of that list.
Brandy experiences a coming of age in one night. Can she be an artist, or does she have no choice but to go to nursing school? Is she actually kind-of friends with her longtime frenemy, Ben, or is she actually in love with him? More than that… is he in love with her? How does life change when you say words to your parent that you can’t take back, despite how much your catharsis hurts them? In just a few hours, Brandy will answer all of those questions, and it will tug at every string in your heart because you can relate.
One aspect that I really loved was the dialogue between Ben and Brandy. The heart of the story really lives in their words to each other, words that are more honest and revealing than they are with anyone else.
Also, while she’s not the focus of the story, I’d love a spinoff story for Shai. She’s the bestie we all wish we’d had, and she deserves her own moment to shine!
This is a fast read that will leave you feeling exhilarated in a way you haven’t felt since you were 18, living nights just like this one. It’s definitely worth your time! Add it to your TBR.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I’ve only read a handful of stories that give off those John-Hughes-movie vibes, and this one immediately goes to the top of that list.
Brandy experiences a coming of age in one night. Can she be an artist, or does she have no choice but to go to nursing school? Is she actually kind-of friends with her longtime frenemy, Ben, or is she actually in love with him? More than that… is he in love with her? How does life change when you say words to your parent that you can’t take back, despite how much your catharsis hurts them? In just a few hours, Brandy will answer all of those questions, and it will tug at every string in your heart because you can relate.
One aspect that I really loved was the dialogue between Ben and Brandy. The heart of the story really lives in their words to each other, words that are more honest and revealing than they are with anyone else.
Also, while she’s not the focus of the story, I’d love a spinoff story for Shai. She’s the bestie we all wish we’d had, and she deserves her own moment to shine!
This is a fast read that will leave you feeling exhilarated in a way you haven’t felt since you were 18, living nights just like this one. It’s definitely worth your time! Add it to your TBR.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
May 18, 2024
Thanks to the publisher who provided me with an arc of the book to review!
Summery:
Brandy Bailey is a fresh out of high school graduate who is in love with art. She carries her iPad with her everywhere for when she feels the urge to draw something. Except she's dreading one thing and that's being accepted into nursing school, when she gets the email that's she's been accepted she feels a sense of overwhelming knowing this is her mom's dream not hers. She wants to chase her dream of being an artist, her mom has always made it clear she does not approve. Also, the guy from high school who she always found annoying Ben Nolan is entering her space and she doesn't know if she likes it or not.
Thoughts:
I adored this book! the book is set in the span of 24 hours which I liked because I just wanted to know what was happening next. I loved the friendship Brandy had with her best friend Shai and how they were always there for each other. I adore the romance we got with it but also glad it really wasn't the focal point of the book, yes they were alongside each other for most of the book but it was the way he helped her get the courage she's been needing that was nice. It really tells the story of the parent's expectations vs what Brandy is passionate about and if she really wants to chase after it. The descriptions of the art were also so good I felt like I could really see it. I just overall enjoy all the bonds Brandy had with everyone in this book. And how Brandy came into her own.
Closing Thoughts:
Overall, this coming-of-age book was lovely I think it would be good for young readers and old (like myself). It's a fun but emotional fast paced book for summer. I think it all tied its self-up nicely in the end. I highly recommend this book.
Summery:
Brandy Bailey is a fresh out of high school graduate who is in love with art. She carries her iPad with her everywhere for when she feels the urge to draw something. Except she's dreading one thing and that's being accepted into nursing school, when she gets the email that's she's been accepted she feels a sense of overwhelming knowing this is her mom's dream not hers. She wants to chase her dream of being an artist, her mom has always made it clear she does not approve. Also, the guy from high school who she always found annoying Ben Nolan is entering her space and she doesn't know if she likes it or not.
Thoughts:
I adored this book! the book is set in the span of 24 hours which I liked because I just wanted to know what was happening next. I loved the friendship Brandy had with her best friend Shai and how they were always there for each other. I adore the romance we got with it but also glad it really wasn't the focal point of the book, yes they were alongside each other for most of the book but it was the way he helped her get the courage she's been needing that was nice. It really tells the story of the parent's expectations vs what Brandy is passionate about and if she really wants to chase after it. The descriptions of the art were also so good I felt like I could really see it. I just overall enjoy all the bonds Brandy had with everyone in this book. And how Brandy came into her own.
Closing Thoughts:
Overall, this coming-of-age book was lovely I think it would be good for young readers and old (like myself). It's a fun but emotional fast paced book for summer. I think it all tied its self-up nicely in the end. I highly recommend this book.
April 15, 2024
Longest. Day. Ever lol! While I found this book to be a cute and fun read about following your dreams despite family expectations, I have mixed feelings about it. A LOT went on in the span of this day, and for the timeframe that this story takes place, I think it caused some storylines to be rushed or pushed aside.
One example of this is the storyline regarding our M.C. Brandy's father. A particularly impactful moment happened, and I feel like it wasn't really addressed afterward. In my opinion, it needed more follow-up, but perhaps due to the timeframe of the story, there wasn't enough time to explore it with the consideration it deserved. There were other significant situations like this throughout the story that felt like they weren't talked about more than surface level, and it bothered me a bit.
Moreover, I will say that things seemed to wrap up a bit too quickly at the end. After the climax of the main conflict, that ah-ha moment hit hard, and then everything was pretty much resolved. Overall though, I thought it was an enjoyable story. The characters were interesting, and I found certain moments and thoughts Brandy had pretty relatable. Although the ending was a bit rushed, I liked the outcome and was happy that things seemed to be heading in a positive direction.
Thank you, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, NetGalley, and Ronni Davis for allowing me the opportunity to review this book!
One example of this is the storyline regarding our M.C. Brandy's father. A particularly impactful moment happened, and I feel like it wasn't really addressed afterward. In my opinion, it needed more follow-up, but perhaps due to the timeframe of the story, there wasn't enough time to explore it with the consideration it deserved. There were other significant situations like this throughout the story that felt like they weren't talked about more than surface level, and it bothered me a bit.
Moreover, I will say that things seemed to wrap up a bit too quickly at the end. After the climax of the main conflict, that ah-ha moment hit hard, and then everything was pretty much resolved. Overall though, I thought it was an enjoyable story. The characters were interesting, and I found certain moments and thoughts Brandy had pretty relatable. Although the ending was a bit rushed, I liked the outcome and was happy that things seemed to be heading in a positive direction.
Thank you, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, NetGalley, and Ronni Davis for allowing me the opportunity to review this book!
May 23, 2024
Brandy finds herself trapped in a spiral when one day she gets the email of a lifetime: she has been excepted into nursing school. Just like her mom and grandmother before her. But the problem? Brandy wants to get as far away from hospitals, blood, and nurses as possible. She wants to become an artist and have her art change the world.
Ben is an aspiring actor who comes back into town after an audition that could potentially land him in Hollywood. When Brandy and Ben reunite for the first time since graduation, they feel some sparks fly. Brandy finds herself on a 24 hour adventure with Ben that leads them to her favorite place: the carnival 🎡
With the help of Brandy’s best friend, Shai, the three try to forget the big decisions looming over them. At least for one night. Things will get messy, chaos ensues, and pasts will be uncovered for both Ben and Brandy. Yet the two have never felt closer…
Ronni has done it yet again! This was the most heartfelt read about following your dreams and making them come true. Ben and Brandy’s story was adorable and I loved how their adventure took place in one day! Such a clever and beautiful story. Congrats again on the release and go check it out now! 💜
Ben is an aspiring actor who comes back into town after an audition that could potentially land him in Hollywood. When Brandy and Ben reunite for the first time since graduation, they feel some sparks fly. Brandy finds herself on a 24 hour adventure with Ben that leads them to her favorite place: the carnival 🎡
With the help of Brandy’s best friend, Shai, the three try to forget the big decisions looming over them. At least for one night. Things will get messy, chaos ensues, and pasts will be uncovered for both Ben and Brandy. Yet the two have never felt closer…
Ronni has done it yet again! This was the most heartfelt read about following your dreams and making them come true. Ben and Brandy’s story was adorable and I loved how their adventure took place in one day! Such a clever and beautiful story. Congrats again on the release and go check it out now! 💜
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed this but mainly didn’t. I didn’t know going into the book it was going to go over 24 hours, I did read the summary but clearly it didn’t stick that much. Even then I was like okay … that’s fine. It was not fine.
I feel as though the issues/problems got resolved too quickly and other things didn’t bring up more of an issue.
I get why Mom (Alicia) didn’t want her daughter to pursue art due to the father who left them to but her daughter isn’t her father. Just because nursing would help her financially doesn’t mean it’s not gonna hurt or be grueling just like starting as an artist in the world.
I did like the relationships between the characters it was cute and sweet but at the same time they annoyed me quite a bit. Especially the main character, Brandy. She annoyed me a little bit and sometimes I wish she could just take charge, I did connect to her in the fact that she gets numerous panic attacks throughout the book and same. Shai and Ben did annoy me too because sometimes they were too pushy and too tiring.
I do think the narrator added to me not loving this book, since she couldn’t do a male voice at all. I’ve just been blessed by books having a male and female voice for books, forgetting most don’t since that’s expensive.
I feel as though the issues/problems got resolved too quickly and other things didn’t bring up more of an issue.
I get why Mom (Alicia) didn’t want her daughter to pursue art due to the father who left them to but her daughter isn’t her father. Just because nursing would help her financially doesn’t mean it’s not gonna hurt or be grueling just like starting as an artist in the world.
I did like the relationships between the characters it was cute and sweet but at the same time they annoyed me quite a bit. Especially the main character, Brandy. She annoyed me a little bit and sometimes I wish she could just take charge, I did connect to her in the fact that she gets numerous panic attacks throughout the book and same. Shai and Ben did annoy me too because sometimes they were too pushy and too tiring.
I do think the narrator added to me not loving this book, since she couldn’t do a male voice at all. I’ve just been blessed by books having a male and female voice for books, forgetting most don’t since that’s expensive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
The blurb promises a whirlwind summer romance and this book absolutely delivers. I mean all of the events take place in a 24 hour window… it doesn’t get much more whirlwind than that.
The main character Brandy really wants to be an artist but the problem is that her mom has really poured her all into making sure Brandy can get into nursing school. Now her worst nightmare has come true, a nursing school acceptance letter with her name on it, and Brandy is instantly thrown into this pit of anxiety that I can definitely relate to. Now Brandy is left trying to figure out how to break the news to her mom and she also ends up spending the afternoon with Ben an aspiring actor from school.
This was just such a sweet romance with all of the summery aspects I love (especially cotton candy and Ferris wheels), with all of the tension that comes with standing up for yourself and following your dreams. It was a pretty quick read and I also enjoyed the single, teen mom rep that comes in the form of Brandy’s bestie Shai who is seriously the sweetest friend.
Thank you to the author, Storygram tours, and the publisher for the gifted copy.
The main character Brandy really wants to be an artist but the problem is that her mom has really poured her all into making sure Brandy can get into nursing school. Now her worst nightmare has come true, a nursing school acceptance letter with her name on it, and Brandy is instantly thrown into this pit of anxiety that I can definitely relate to. Now Brandy is left trying to figure out how to break the news to her mom and she also ends up spending the afternoon with Ben an aspiring actor from school.
This was just such a sweet romance with all of the summery aspects I love (especially cotton candy and Ferris wheels), with all of the tension that comes with standing up for yourself and following your dreams. It was a pretty quick read and I also enjoyed the single, teen mom rep that comes in the form of Brandy’s bestie Shai who is seriously the sweetest friend.
Thank you to the author, Storygram tours, and the publisher for the gifted copy.
October 29, 2024
I finished it, but so many little annoyances added up that I won't be reading more from this author or from this micro genre.
1. Multiple phrases repeated ad nauseam, especially "shit-eating grin" throughout, but also other words and actions that became obnoxious with overuse.
2. Characters that are the best! ever! without even trying, who never fail. I get it's fiction. I guess I just need to stay away from wish-fulfillment fantasies. Billionaire romances are not for me, and I need to add "teen heartthrob" romances to that list, too.
3. Brandy is an art prodigy who thinks pencils are made of granite (it's graphite) and whose chibi cartoons are so fantastic, everyone fawns over how good her art is. She laments that she can't draw people and she never does it and hair is so hard. That might be relatable if she hadn't JUST AN HOUR BEFORE drawn a portrait of a world-famous artist who, you guessed it, fawned over how amazing it was and how talented she is.
Maybe I'm just jaded and all hope has died from my soul, but I'd love to read about an artist protagonist set in a reality not so disconnected from our own.
1. Multiple phrases repeated ad nauseam, especially "shit-eating grin" throughout, but also other words and actions that became obnoxious with overuse.
2. Characters that are the best! ever! without even trying, who never fail. I get it's fiction. I guess I just need to stay away from wish-fulfillment fantasies. Billionaire romances are not for me, and I need to add "teen heartthrob" romances to that list, too.
3. Brandy is an art prodigy who thinks pencils are made of granite (it's graphite) and whose chibi cartoons are so fantastic, everyone fawns over how good her art is. She laments that she can't draw people and she never does it and hair is so hard. That might be relatable if she hadn't JUST AN HOUR BEFORE drawn a portrait of a world-famous artist who, you guessed it, fawned over how amazing it was and how talented she is.
Maybe I'm just jaded and all hope has died from my soul, but I'd love to read about an artist protagonist set in a reality not so disconnected from our own.
June 24, 2025
*SPOILERS* I need a second book with these 2 instantly. I finished this book in one setting, and can feel a reading slump brewing. This romance was so cute and YA because the love interests took their time with each other, and slowly explored their connection. I feel that everyone can relate to the family dynamics Brandy had going on; trying to please her mother, while also trying to chase her dream. The whole plot, characters, and character development was spectacular, that I am BEGGING for another book to come out with Brandy and Ben. I need to see their lives in college for Brandy, and the movie Ben is currently working on. We also all need a good friend like Shai. She was able to have a baby, support herself, finish high school, and care for Brandy. I literally just can't get enough of this book. This is an AMAZING summer read, and wish that I could read it again for the first time.
April 15, 2024
Brandy, who has just graduated, has just been accepted into nursing school, and her mother, who is a nurse, is beyond proud. Brandy doesn't want to be a nurse; instead she wants to be an artist, but her mom, who struggled for her success, wants Brandy to have a steady career. The story takes place in one day, and earlier that day she runs into Ben, who has been her nemesis all through high school. They end up hanging out together all day and into the night, and as she gets to know Ben, realizes he is actually a pretty cool guy.
I didn't think the characters were fleshed out enough; therefore, I really wasn't attached to either character. I read TONS of YA romance per year since my students love it, so in comparing this book to others; it had potential, but just didn't rise to the occasion. I will purchase this though because I am always trying to diversity my romance section.
I didn't think the characters were fleshed out enough; therefore, I really wasn't attached to either character. I read TONS of YA romance per year since my students love it, so in comparing this book to others; it had potential, but just didn't rise to the occasion. I will purchase this though because I am always trying to diversity my romance section.
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