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When You Leave
Cass is positive that the people she cares about most will eventually leave her. Her father is gone, her mother doesn’t notice Cass exists, and her best friend’s battle with cancer was too close of a call. So when she begins her year at a wealthy new private school, Cass’s plan is to suffer through it in anonymity.
However, when her cute locker neighbor, Cooper, shows an undeniable attraction toward Cass, keeping him at a safe distance isn’t easy. Even though her Frogtown skater world and his do-gooder preppy one are so different, Cass and Cooper somehow mesh. And once Cass lets her guard down, Cooper is mysteriously murdered—thus proving her original theory.
When Cass’s close friend is suspected as the killer, she isn’t sure who she can trust anymore. Between investigating Cooper’s murder and trying to understand what she really meant to him, will Cass even find what she is looking for?
Monica Ropal’s tension-filled and emotionally-charged YA debut explores the issues of an outsider looking in, and her desperation to find the impossible answers. Why do people leave? And who will be next?
However, when her cute locker neighbor, Cooper, shows an undeniable attraction toward Cass, keeping him at a safe distance isn’t easy. Even though her Frogtown skater world and his do-gooder preppy one are so different, Cass and Cooper somehow mesh. And once Cass lets her guard down, Cooper is mysteriously murdered—thus proving her original theory.
When Cass’s close friend is suspected as the killer, she isn’t sure who she can trust anymore. Between investigating Cooper’s murder and trying to understand what she really meant to him, will Cass even find what she is looking for?
Monica Ropal’s tension-filled and emotionally-charged YA debut explores the issues of an outsider looking in, and her desperation to find the impossible answers. Why do people leave? And who will be next?
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
4 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Monica Ropal
1 book27 followersMonica Ropal lives in friendly St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and three children—whom she lovingly refers to as her three-ring circus. In addition to writing and playing ringmaster, Monica also works as a hospice nurse. You can visit her on Twitter @MonicaYAwriting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 22, 2015
2.5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Perseus Books Group, Running Press and NetGalley.)
”Are you on crack snacks? What are you doing?”
(Never heard anyone say that before! Is it bad that that was my favourite line of the whole book?)
There wasn’t anything horribly wrong with this book, it just wasn’t for me.
The characters in this just didn’t interest me, especially after that big part of the plot happened and I thought Cass a little naïve to think that she could solve a murder on her own? I mean really?
"Are you leading a double life, Cass?”
If only you knew. “I guess I am.”
The storyline in this was okay, but the story just didn’t suck me in. It was probably just a case of wrong person, wrong book, but I didn’t really enjoy this book at all.
There was some romance, but
”I feel frustrated,” he said. I want to get to know you, but I can feel your walls going up.”
The ending to this was okay, but I still couldn’t really get into the story.
5 out of 10
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Perseus Books Group, Running Press and NetGalley.)
”Are you on crack snacks? What are you doing?”
(Never heard anyone say that before! Is it bad that that was my favourite line of the whole book?)
There wasn’t anything horribly wrong with this book, it just wasn’t for me.
The characters in this just didn’t interest me, especially after that big part of the plot happened and I thought Cass a little naïve to think that she could solve a murder on her own? I mean really?
"Are you leading a double life, Cass?”
If only you knew. “I guess I am.”
The storyline in this was okay, but the story just didn’t suck me in. It was probably just a case of wrong person, wrong book, but I didn’t really enjoy this book at all.
There was some romance, but
”I feel frustrated,” he said. I want to get to know you, but I can feel your walls going up.”
The ending to this was okay, but I still couldn’t really get into the story.
5 out of 10
October 18, 2025
1 ⭐️ If I could give minus stars I would, but I guess I'll settle for one
"𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐬"
𝚜̲𝚙̲𝚘̲𝚒̲𝚕̲𝚎̲𝚛̲ ̲𝚏̲𝚛̲𝚎̲𝚎̲
12/13+
-𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖-
I hate hate HATED this book with every fiber of my being. It was recommended to me by my lovely wife, and I'm not trying to call her out, but NO. I didn't like the writing style. I hated the characters. The plot was all over the place. The plot twist was predictable. Every second I wanted to claw my eyes out.
-𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓-
Okay it was fast paced (kind of?) but not in a good way. The writing style was kind of like Katherine Center's but 10x worse. It also would spiral into random side plots and in the end not everything was wrapped up and that annoyed me.
-𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒-
𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬
↪ I hated her SO much. She was very I'm one of the girls and would put down other girls?? It got so bad that I started making a list on the notes app of my phone of things I hated about her 🤭 Here's a few of my notes: when a girl is crying she calls it embarrasing, but when a guy is crying she goes over and comforts him, makes fun of cheerleaders for wearing mascara 💀, that quote I put at the start of the review?? She says it. To a group of guys. And one more just for fun, she calls tissues girly. TISSUES. I'm sorry?
All the other characters were lowkey boring..
-𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍-
I 1000% do not recommend this book. It was so bad for me and might even be the worst book I've read!! NOT CUTE.
"𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐬"
𝚜̲𝚙̲𝚘̲𝚒̲𝚕̲𝚎̲𝚛̲ ̲𝚏̲𝚛̲𝚎̲𝚎̲
12/13+
-𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖-
I hate hate HATED this book with every fiber of my being. It was recommended to me by my lovely wife, and I'm not trying to call her out, but NO. I didn't like the writing style. I hated the characters. The plot was all over the place. The plot twist was predictable. Every second I wanted to claw my eyes out.
-𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓-
Okay it was fast paced (kind of?) but not in a good way. The writing style was kind of like Katherine Center's but 10x worse. It also would spiral into random side plots and in the end not everything was wrapped up and that annoyed me.
-𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒-
𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬
↪ I hated her SO much. She was very I'm one of the girls and would put down other girls?? It got so bad that I started making a list on the notes app of my phone of things I hated about her 🤭 Here's a few of my notes: when a girl is crying she calls it embarrasing, but when a guy is crying she goes over and comforts him, makes fun of cheerleaders for wearing mascara 💀, that quote I put at the start of the review?? She says it. To a group of guys. And one more just for fun, she calls tissues girly. TISSUES. I'm sorry?
All the other characters were lowkey boring..
-𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍-
I 1000% do not recommend this book. It was so bad for me and might even be the worst book I've read!! NOT CUTE.
February 6, 2015
The start of this YA book is engaging --(the storytelling building).
Our hearts are open to the understanding the character of Cass. She has a new stepfather. Her mother pregnant. Her read dad is gone. We also know Cass (a skater girl), is bright --but she is not comfortable with instant 'wealth' -- (instant rags to riches environment since her mother re-married).
When Cass is enrolled in a private school -- she has already made decisions of 'how-she-is-going to be'! She does not plan of getting close to others --but do her school work -and go home! She'll see the skater group -from her old public school -after school.
Cassie's best friend is Mattie since tiny tots. (also at the skate park). Mattie longer has a speaking voice -but recovered in every other way from having survived Cancer years ago. He, too, is from the public school...
Then comes Cooper -- Popular -Cute -bright -kind. He finds Cassie interesting.
My personal favorite scene of the entire book was their first introduction. (great fun reading)
A push & pull start of this young romance -- (all very cute to read) -- I'm still enjoying it. (I'm 62 years old).
The problems -for me -- with this first book by Monica Ropal is the investigation after we know Cooper is murdered. First, I think the murder came too soon in the story --and then the investigation was too long.
Parts of the investigation were enduring -- but most of it was not --(too busy --too UN-interesting).
Its the authors first book... Great start --You can see HEART in this story. The storyline has valuable messages for teens.
...Looking at fear (the cost of it and how it runs their lives)
...friends, (who to hang out with)
...Individual strength against peer pressure
...stereotyping
...communication
Congrats to the author on her first book! It must always be a combination if excitement ....and a little scary having others review their work. May Monica Ropal write many more! :)
Our hearts are open to the understanding the character of Cass. She has a new stepfather. Her mother pregnant. Her read dad is gone. We also know Cass (a skater girl), is bright --but she is not comfortable with instant 'wealth' -- (instant rags to riches environment since her mother re-married).
When Cass is enrolled in a private school -- she has already made decisions of 'how-she-is-going to be'! She does not plan of getting close to others --but do her school work -and go home! She'll see the skater group -from her old public school -after school.
Cassie's best friend is Mattie since tiny tots. (also at the skate park). Mattie longer has a speaking voice -but recovered in every other way from having survived Cancer years ago. He, too, is from the public school...
Then comes Cooper -- Popular -Cute -bright -kind. He finds Cassie interesting.
My personal favorite scene of the entire book was their first introduction. (great fun reading)
A push & pull start of this young romance -- (all very cute to read) -- I'm still enjoying it. (I'm 62 years old).
The problems -for me -- with this first book by Monica Ropal is the investigation after we know Cooper is murdered. First, I think the murder came too soon in the story --and then the investigation was too long.
Parts of the investigation were enduring -- but most of it was not --(too busy --too UN-interesting).
Its the authors first book... Great start --You can see HEART in this story. The storyline has valuable messages for teens.
...Looking at fear (the cost of it and how it runs their lives)
...friends, (who to hang out with)
...Individual strength against peer pressure
...stereotyping
...communication
Congrats to the author on her first book! It must always be a combination if excitement ....and a little scary having others review their work. May Monica Ropal write many more! :)
February 1, 2015
WHAT?! How in heaven's name did I not see this coming?!
Okay, okay. So when I got this I was thinking it would be a typical contemporary romance novel where the outcast falls for the popular jock and they have to overcome the hurdles of the school status quo before they can live happily ever after.
At first the story was as expected. It was a bit dull for me and I admit that I didn't like Cooper. But then stuff happened and the whole thing turns into a freaking murder case? Like seriously? I liked that twist but that didn't stop me from getting bored at the slow pace and the Nancy Drew sleuthing.
I liked Mattie though. No wait, I LOVE him. He was adorable.
Anyway, all in all I'd say this was a good book but for traditional contemporary lovers or mystery lovers, this one will probably test your patience.
Okay, okay. So when I got this I was thinking it would be a typical contemporary romance novel where the outcast falls for the popular jock and they have to overcome the hurdles of the school status quo before they can live happily ever after.
At first the story was as expected. It was a bit dull for me and I admit that I didn't like Cooper. But then stuff happened and the whole thing turns into a freaking murder case? Like seriously? I liked that twist but that didn't stop me from getting bored at the slow pace and the Nancy Drew sleuthing.
I liked Mattie though. No wait, I LOVE him. He was adorable.
Anyway, all in all I'd say this was a good book but for traditional contemporary lovers or mystery lovers, this one will probably test your patience.
December 12, 2014
What a heart-wrenching book! Anyone who's ever been the outsider will identify with tough girl, Cass, and her desire to stay under the radar at her new, out-of-her-league private high school. WHEN YOU LEAVE begins with a fast and furious romance with Cooper, a boy Cass wants to dislike as much as she wants to kiss, and it keeps the reader hooked in a twisty and turny whodunit. But the real heart of the story lies with Cass' mute best friend, Mattie. His ability to speak to Cass with no words is absolutely swoon-worthy, leaving the reader hoping that he will be the one to never, ever leave. If you like emotional, character-driven YA, this book is for you!
dnf
January 17, 2015A short review:
Before anything else I just want to say that this is not a bad book at all. The writing is decent, the characters are fleshed out and absolutely written well and the main character is such a badass.. in a good way.
I just found the book a little bit all over the place. The emotional rollercoaster ride is just too much! Too much! There's a lot of things going on and I don't know where to focus. There's, like, a love triangle, a freakin' murder, and there's a lot of things that got me to stop reading.
I guess this book isn't for me. That's all the explanation that is needed..
Before anything else I just want to say that this is not a bad book at all. The writing is decent, the characters are fleshed out and absolutely written well and the main character is such a badass.. in a good way.
I just found the book a little bit all over the place. The emotional rollercoaster ride is just too much! Too much! There's a lot of things going on and I don't know where to focus. There's, like, a love triangle, a freakin' murder, and there's a lot of things that got me to stop reading.
I guess this book isn't for me. That's all the explanation that is needed..
June 25, 2020
2.5 of 5 stars
Net Galley gave me a free e-copy of WHEN YOU LEAVE (WYL) by Monica Ropal in exchange for my honest review.
High school sophomore Cass isn't poor any more. Thanks to her stepfather she lives in a nice house and always has enough to eat. The downside is she has to leave all her all her skater friends behind and attend a snobby private school with an over abundance of nuns. All she wants to do is keep a low profile until the cute and popular Cooper takes an interest in her. But Cooper is murdered and one of Cass's skater friends is a suspect. She's determined to figure out her killed Cooper, but isn't quite sure who she can trust, including her lifelong friends.
I don't think the blurb is an accurate description of the book. I didn't view Cass as someone with abandonment issues that any other teen with an absent father. Her best friend's cancer years ago was barely a blip in the radar. I'm not even sure I'd describe Cass's relationship with Cooper as dating and definitely not boyfriend or a relationship.
Cass's first person narrative gives WYL a unique voice, but I didn't find her particularly likable or dislikable, there just wasn't a connection. Debut writer Ropal may have intended Cass's distance to parallel the distance she seemed to have with even her closest friends, but that made rooting for her difficult. Her supporting characters were at times confusing, to many of the prep school students and too many of Cass's skater friends seemed to overlap which confused me until the end of the novel. The only character who I found truly interesting was her best friend Mattie, who was mute from cancer surgery years before. I'm not sure why, but Mattie doesn't know sign language. He uses his eyes, facial expressions and body gestures to talk to Cass, but I can't imagine how that works in school or out in public. Not knowing sign language seems like a huge disservice to him.
Ropal has a pleasant writing style with just enough dialogue, action and background to propel the story forward. I found the first 75% somewhat slow and uninteresting. If i wasn't reviewing the novel, I would have probably stopped reading. The last 25% of WYL felt like a different book, filled with tension, and excitement. I began to care about Cass and curious who the murderer was.
I recommend WYL to readers who enjoy stories about outsiders and people who are much more than the first impression might suggest, mystery lovers, and unique characters. Most of the minor characters are boys, so WYL appeals to teenage boys and girls. The book might be perfect for reluctant readers who march to different drummers.
Net Galley gave me a free e-copy of WHEN YOU LEAVE (WYL) by Monica Ropal in exchange for my honest review.
High school sophomore Cass isn't poor any more. Thanks to her stepfather she lives in a nice house and always has enough to eat. The downside is she has to leave all her all her skater friends behind and attend a snobby private school with an over abundance of nuns. All she wants to do is keep a low profile until the cute and popular Cooper takes an interest in her. But Cooper is murdered and one of Cass's skater friends is a suspect. She's determined to figure out her killed Cooper, but isn't quite sure who she can trust, including her lifelong friends.
I don't think the blurb is an accurate description of the book. I didn't view Cass as someone with abandonment issues that any other teen with an absent father. Her best friend's cancer years ago was barely a blip in the radar. I'm not even sure I'd describe Cass's relationship with Cooper as dating and definitely not boyfriend or a relationship.
Cass's first person narrative gives WYL a unique voice, but I didn't find her particularly likable or dislikable, there just wasn't a connection. Debut writer Ropal may have intended Cass's distance to parallel the distance she seemed to have with even her closest friends, but that made rooting for her difficult. Her supporting characters were at times confusing, to many of the prep school students and too many of Cass's skater friends seemed to overlap which confused me until the end of the novel. The only character who I found truly interesting was her best friend Mattie, who was mute from cancer surgery years before. I'm not sure why, but Mattie doesn't know sign language. He uses his eyes, facial expressions and body gestures to talk to Cass, but I can't imagine how that works in school or out in public. Not knowing sign language seems like a huge disservice to him.
Ropal has a pleasant writing style with just enough dialogue, action and background to propel the story forward. I found the first 75% somewhat slow and uninteresting. If i wasn't reviewing the novel, I would have probably stopped reading. The last 25% of WYL felt like a different book, filled with tension, and excitement. I began to care about Cass and curious who the murderer was.
I recommend WYL to readers who enjoy stories about outsiders and people who are much more than the first impression might suggest, mystery lovers, and unique characters. Most of the minor characters are boys, so WYL appeals to teenage boys and girls. The book might be perfect for reluctant readers who march to different drummers.
March 24, 2015
Read Full Review Here
This book should be titled, “When You Misjudge”. There’s a whole lot of misjudging going on in this book. And I really don’t think that it was really that mysterious about who the killer was.
Cass, the skater girl, meets Cooper, the all around good guy at school. Except, Cass just writes him off as a rich kid who looks down on the lower class. I don’t understand why that kiss had to happen for them to start conversing. The author could have taken a different approach. But, then again, this is a YA book so I can see how that would appeal to those readers. Cass assumed way too much about the students at her new school. I think that if you read this, then you’ll know why she thinks the way she does. Her mom finally got them out of poverty and married a man with money. He’s nice enough but just ignores Cass and her autistic brother.
This book should be titled, “When You Misjudge”. There’s a whole lot of misjudging going on in this book. And I really don’t think that it was really that mysterious about who the killer was.
Cass, the skater girl, meets Cooper, the all around good guy at school. Except, Cass just writes him off as a rich kid who looks down on the lower class. I don’t understand why that kiss had to happen for them to start conversing. The author could have taken a different approach. But, then again, this is a YA book so I can see how that would appeal to those readers. Cass assumed way too much about the students at her new school. I think that if you read this, then you’ll know why she thinks the way she does. Her mom finally got them out of poverty and married a man with money. He’s nice enough but just ignores Cass and her autistic brother.
January 22, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
Actual rating - 2.5
I found this pretty dull all the way through unfortunately.
Cass was an okay character, but I didn't love her.
This started out to be pretty dull, So I hoped it would pick up. It did pick up in chapter nine, but unfortunately, after reading a few more chapters, I went back to feeling bored.
Thankfully, it was a pretty quick read. If it had been any longer, I would have started to really dislike it.
Overall, Not a read I enjoyed.
Actual rating - 2.5
I found this pretty dull all the way through unfortunately.
Cass was an okay character, but I didn't love her.
This started out to be pretty dull, So I hoped it would pick up. It did pick up in chapter nine, but unfortunately, after reading a few more chapters, I went back to feeling bored.
Thankfully, it was a pretty quick read. If it had been any longer, I would have started to really dislike it.
Overall, Not a read I enjoyed.
June 7, 2020
Honestly the girl shaming in this book is unfathomable. The main character is your typical "not like other girls" and honestly i feel like it wasn't even done well. The reason why I finished was because i wanted to know the ending. The ending was good hence the two stars, but not enough to redeem it.
January 12, 2015
Was so happy to receive an advanced copy to review. I thought this was a wonderful book with an excellent story line. I loved connecting with all of the characters and following Cass in her investigation through to the end. Look forward to many more books by this author.
April 11, 2020
Monica Ropal... for being her first book I think isn’t any bad! Actually, I really liked the story and all the characters.
I loved from the book that you really can feel empathy with the characters, in my case I truly understand Cass, a girl who was forced to change everything from her life, her house, her school, her neighborhood, her friends and also her family when her mom decided to re-married with a man (that isn’t a bad human being but isn’t the best either) who seems unreachable for someone like Cass mother. I’m not telling that this was wrong! I only meant to say that anybody forced to have those big changes needs a lot of family support (thing that I never saw in the story).
About cooper. Well... I was not expecting something like that! And it wasn’t fair for anyone in the story. Even if it was a little beat predictable the love story between the main characters, I loved the way they interact between each other. However, I would have loved to see more of that love story and let all the action for later. About Cass´s friends... are they really good friends? It happens all the time I guess, is so much easy to judge that understand the situation of others, even if you really love that person.
But the thing is... no matter if you were born and raised in a high or low class society, there is always going to be social prejudices that will make someone make wrong decisions.
I just want to congrats Monica Rapel for this amazing first story that keeped me awake so many hours trying to get all the answers to my questions about the reading.
I loved from the book that you really can feel empathy with the characters, in my case I truly understand Cass, a girl who was forced to change everything from her life, her house, her school, her neighborhood, her friends and also her family when her mom decided to re-married with a man (that isn’t a bad human being but isn’t the best either) who seems unreachable for someone like Cass mother. I’m not telling that this was wrong! I only meant to say that anybody forced to have those big changes needs a lot of family support (thing that I never saw in the story).
About cooper. Well... I was not expecting something like that! And it wasn’t fair for anyone in the story. Even if it was a little beat predictable the love story between the main characters, I loved the way they interact between each other. However, I would have loved to see more of that love story and let all the action for later. About Cass´s friends... are they really good friends? It happens all the time I guess, is so much easy to judge that understand the situation of others, even if you really love that person.
But the thing is... no matter if you were born and raised in a high or low class society, there is always going to be social prejudices that will make someone make wrong decisions.
I just want to congrats Monica Rapel for this amazing first story that keeped me awake so many hours trying to get all the answers to my questions about the reading.
February 21, 2016
ARE.YOU.FUCKING.KIDDING.ME?!!!!!!!
THAT'S IT!!
THAT'S THE "MYSTERY"!!
THAT'S THE "END"!!!
Review when I wake up because I am to tired to rant properly!
Okay! So it's not exactly a rant, just a few things that I didn't like in the book. First, I have to say that it was a well-written book, not great captivating writing, but not bad at all. I think that the book would have been much more interesting if the premise didn't mention that Cooper will be dead. It would have at least given me something to hold on to the book till it's finished. Anyway, it was mentioned and Cass had to play Sherlock in order to clear her best friend's name. But, let's go back a little to the beginning of Cooper and Cass. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! HE KISSED HER ONCE THEN SHE BECAME "YOU'RE JUST NOT LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS"?!! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY KIDDING ME? He knows NOTHING about her, how did SHE became NOT LIKE ALL THE OTHER GIRLS? DO YOU EVEN KNOW THE OTHER GIRLS?!! -___-
Their relationship was barely there, it was only for two weeks.
Anyway, back to the post murder part. I wonder if anyone was surprised by the killer?! That was SO OBVIOUS. From her/his (I won't spoil it) first appearance, the suspicious was clearly there. You're investigating a murder, Cass!! HOW COULD YOU HAVE BEEN SO BLIND!! I won't say anymore about that part because I don't want to spoil it for those who may read it, but the whole mystery was so predictable, at least for me. I think that when I read the premise, I was instantly gripped by the story, but then it wasn't just what I expected it would be. It wasn't a bad read at all, I think this book is really good as it's her first book.
I have one more comment, I don't know if it was mentioned and I didn't pay attention or what, but I don't know if Mattie speaks or gesture or write his lines. It was so infuriating not knowing and everyone seems to not understand him, but Cass!!
Also, that ending was shit! I hated it.
THAT'S IT!!
THAT'S THE "MYSTERY"!!
THAT'S THE "END"!!!
Review when I wake up because I am to tired to rant properly!
Okay! So it's not exactly a rant, just a few things that I didn't like in the book. First, I have to say that it was a well-written book, not great captivating writing, but not bad at all. I think that the book would have been much more interesting if the premise didn't mention that Cooper will be dead. It would have at least given me something to hold on to the book till it's finished. Anyway, it was mentioned and Cass had to play Sherlock in order to clear her best friend's name. But, let's go back a little to the beginning of Cooper and Cass. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! HE KISSED HER ONCE THEN SHE BECAME "YOU'RE JUST NOT LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS"?!! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY KIDDING ME? He knows NOTHING about her, how did SHE became NOT LIKE ALL THE OTHER GIRLS? DO YOU EVEN KNOW THE OTHER GIRLS?!! -___-
Their relationship was barely there, it was only for two weeks.
Anyway, back to the post murder part. I wonder if anyone was surprised by the killer?! That was SO OBVIOUS. From her/his (I won't spoil it) first appearance, the suspicious was clearly there. You're investigating a murder, Cass!! HOW COULD YOU HAVE BEEN SO BLIND!! I won't say anymore about that part because I don't want to spoil it for those who may read it, but the whole mystery was so predictable, at least for me. I think that when I read the premise, I was instantly gripped by the story, but then it wasn't just what I expected it would be. It wasn't a bad read at all, I think this book is really good as it's her first book.
I have one more comment, I don't know if it was mentioned and I didn't pay attention or what, but I don't know if Mattie speaks or gesture or write his lines. It was so infuriating not knowing and everyone seems to not understand him, but Cass!!
Also, that ending was shit! I hated it.
September 12, 2015
I literally could not stop reading this book once I started. I stayed up way later than I had intended to because I just couldn’t stop without finding out who it was. I have to admit that I had no idea who the killer was until right before the reveal (and it was only a guess!).
Cass is a character that I could understand and feel connected to. Although short lived the romance between her and Cooper was kind of cute. And when she overreacted I completely understood why. Even though the synopsis says what happens to Cooper I was still like “NOOOOOOOO! It can’t be! Tell me it’s a mistake!” There’s just something about his personality that I adored, yeah he has friends that do some mean stuff but after a point he would step in to make it stop. I can’t blame him for that.
The friendship between Mattie and Cass is wonderful; although Mattie can’t talk they know each other well enough that small gestures makes it seem like Cass can hear him in her head anyway. Even though he never spoke a word, he said so much. That’s definitely a friendship I’d love to have!
There were a few parts of the novel that were a little confusing and the sentence seemed like it didn’t belong…but I’m not sure if that’s just because I had an ARC that was not completely through editing. There was a moment when Cass was like “How does he know about Mattie>!?!?” and I’m like because not 10 pages ago you, Mattie and him were all standing right next to each other and had a brief conversation.
Definitely well written and worth the read.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review: https://szczepjbooks.wordpress.com/20...
Cass is a character that I could understand and feel connected to. Although short lived the romance between her and Cooper was kind of cute. And when she overreacted I completely understood why. Even though the synopsis says what happens to Cooper I was still like “NOOOOOOOO! It can’t be! Tell me it’s a mistake!” There’s just something about his personality that I adored, yeah he has friends that do some mean stuff but after a point he would step in to make it stop. I can’t blame him for that.
The friendship between Mattie and Cass is wonderful; although Mattie can’t talk they know each other well enough that small gestures makes it seem like Cass can hear him in her head anyway. Even though he never spoke a word, he said so much. That’s definitely a friendship I’d love to have!
There were a few parts of the novel that were a little confusing and the sentence seemed like it didn’t belong…but I’m not sure if that’s just because I had an ARC that was not completely through editing. There was a moment when Cass was like “How does he know about Mattie>!?!?” and I’m like because not 10 pages ago you, Mattie and him were all standing right next to each other and had a brief conversation.
Definitely well written and worth the read.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review: https://szczepjbooks.wordpress.com/20...
March 15, 2015
It starts off with Cass, a skater-girl that have started on a new preppy school. She still hangs out with her three friends, all boys, from her old school. At the new school she tries to be pretty much invisible. But when her locker neighbor starts to smile at her, and he happens to be a cute boy, she doesn't quite know what to do in the beginning.
In other words, the book starts off like many other cute contemporary reads. Cass doesn't trust easily, and knows that people often leaves. She just doesn't excepts what happens with Cooper, her locker neighbor. Because something does happen, and that is the twist I was happy with because I didn't remember the summary of the book.
It goes to show that not everyone is who you believe they are. Not everything is black and white. But good friendships are always important. The plot was good, the characters were in some ways stereotypes, and I did have a good idea about the ending. However, having an idea about the ending might have something to do with how many books I've read in my life and what kind of books I've been reading. I liked that the characters had faults, but also redeming qualities at the same time. They weren't one-dimensional. Yes, there were a lot of Mattie (Cass's best friend), but I still feel like we didn't get to know him well enough.
I liked the banter between Cass and Cooper, but the twist made it to little. I also think that the investigation took a little to long time (or space in the book).
In one sentence: Friendships and characters helpes the plot in the book along in a great way, and it's a fast, but good read :)
In other words, the book starts off like many other cute contemporary reads. Cass doesn't trust easily, and knows that people often leaves. She just doesn't excepts what happens with Cooper, her locker neighbor. Because something does happen, and that is the twist I was happy with because I didn't remember the summary of the book.
It goes to show that not everyone is who you believe they are. Not everything is black and white. But good friendships are always important. The plot was good, the characters were in some ways stereotypes, and I did have a good idea about the ending. However, having an idea about the ending might have something to do with how many books I've read in my life and what kind of books I've been reading. I liked that the characters had faults, but also redeming qualities at the same time. They weren't one-dimensional. Yes, there were a lot of Mattie (Cass's best friend), but I still feel like we didn't get to know him well enough.
I liked the banter between Cass and Cooper, but the twist made it to little. I also think that the investigation took a little to long time (or space in the book).
In one sentence: Friendships and characters helpes the plot in the book along in a great way, and it's a fast, but good read :)
December 12, 2015
After her mother remarries, Cass and her family move from a questionable neighborhood to a more affluent one, and she attends a private school. She and her friends stay close despite the fact that they are still attending her old school. Even while vowing to remain untouched by anyone or anything at St. Bernadette's, Cass is inexplicably drawn to Cooper, a popular student whose locker is close to hers and whose friends clash with her skater friends. They keep their brief romance a secret with Cass constantly trying to run away from her feelings. But when Cooper is murdered in the park and her friend Gav is accused of the crime, Cass seeks answers. She and her friends try to infiltrate the social order of the school and figure out what actually happened. While I enjoyed the start of the book and Cass's character, especially her feisty nature, my interest waned after Cooper's death. The author provides quite an array of suspects, but I was sure that I had identified the killer much earlier than was revealed. Cass's realizations and her double life were interesting enough as far as they went, but much of this became tedious and predicable in the end. Interestingly, Cass's desire to find answers to her own questions distracted her from any examination of her own fears and lack of awareness of the possibilities around her. Ultimately, there are some loose ends flapping in the wind here that kept me from enjoying the book as much as I might have otherwise. I also wondered about the connections with Mattie and how she could have missed so much there.
April 15, 2015
This is a Young Adult pick for those readers that love your less-than-typical leading lady, kicking butt and taking numbers all in the name of love, for friends and those that could have been more. There's the usual journey of learning to show others your true self regardless of what they might think. There's young love despite the fact that's it's hidden in more ways than one and by more PEOPLE than two. There's jealousy and reputation. There's rumors heard through the grapevine and the die hard search to cut through all the bull**** in order to get to the TRUTH of the matter not simply for truth's sake but also so the heart can settle. It's a labyrinth of feelings and emotions strewn across a familiar landscape made disconcerting by the mysteries running round like kids on a sugar rush. It all blends together into a story that's much bigger and better than you would ever first guess, and lives up to the buzz that's been building here of late. Though I had my gut feelings about who did what, the story was never transparent to where the journey to reach the certain end felt unnecessary. Definitely an author to watch.
**review copy was received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**
**review copy was received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**
April 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this!
The premise of this is great. Instead of just having a boy and a girl from different sides of the tracks, one of whom has real trust issues falling in love and exploring their love story, we have one of the pair murdered and the other trying to figure out what happened. Really great.
I do perhaps wish that this hadn't revealed the murder in the synopsis as i feel this could have had great plot twist potential for those expecting just a cheesy romance and i did find myself just kind of waiting in the beginning part of the novel for Cooper to be murdered and therefore i perhaps didn't feel as connected to his death as i might have. Having said that, i do understand that revealing this in the synopsis will definitely draw in readers who aren't interested in reading just a cheesy romance.
I really really enjoyed the friendship to be Cass and Mattie and this was probably my favourite aspect of the entire book.
While i don't think this is going to win any great awards, i found it to be a really quick and easy read. I finished this in one day and i really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend others pick it up.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy to review.
The premise of this is great. Instead of just having a boy and a girl from different sides of the tracks, one of whom has real trust issues falling in love and exploring their love story, we have one of the pair murdered and the other trying to figure out what happened. Really great.
I do perhaps wish that this hadn't revealed the murder in the synopsis as i feel this could have had great plot twist potential for those expecting just a cheesy romance and i did find myself just kind of waiting in the beginning part of the novel for Cooper to be murdered and therefore i perhaps didn't feel as connected to his death as i might have. Having said that, i do understand that revealing this in the synopsis will definitely draw in readers who aren't interested in reading just a cheesy romance.
I really really enjoyed the friendship to be Cass and Mattie and this was probably my favourite aspect of the entire book.
While i don't think this is going to win any great awards, i found it to be a really quick and easy read. I finished this in one day and i really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend others pick it up.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy to review.
November 8, 2015
In An Oyster Shell- Job well done Monica Ropal! I recommend that you give this author's debut a chance. It's a riveting YA mystery. A classic who-done-it with contemporary characters and settings laced with coming of age elements. It is well done and I insist this is a must-read.
The Pearls –
This book starts out as a typical YA Romance a girl that doesn't fit in then finds a reason to. Namely a hot classmate, this one just happens to be one of the popular kids. The twist... Is he get's murdered! Wow! It's brutal. To help her deal with the loss, Cass sets out to find the truth. The fun part of this mystery is you go an adventure with other characters and you have no idea who is trustworthy or not. Everyone becomes a suspect at some point. I was guessing all the time who the culprit was, it was hard to figure out, which makes it fun. The plot is suspenseful. You really start to feel with the characters, Especially Cass, and you can't forget about Mattie. He's an awesome character who says a lot without saying anything. Well played Monica Ropal! This work is truly a contemporary masterpiece.
A complete review can be foun at Writing Pearls
The Pearls –
This book starts out as a typical YA Romance a girl that doesn't fit in then finds a reason to. Namely a hot classmate, this one just happens to be one of the popular kids. The twist... Is he get's murdered! Wow! It's brutal. To help her deal with the loss, Cass sets out to find the truth. The fun part of this mystery is you go an adventure with other characters and you have no idea who is trustworthy or not. Everyone becomes a suspect at some point. I was guessing all the time who the culprit was, it was hard to figure out, which makes it fun. The plot is suspenseful. You really start to feel with the characters, Especially Cass, and you can't forget about Mattie. He's an awesome character who says a lot without saying anything. Well played Monica Ropal! This work is truly a contemporary masterpiece.
A complete review can be foun at Writing Pearls
September 2, 2015
*3.5*
Going into this book, I had no idea what it was about. Once I started reading it, I was intrigued.
I took a liking of Cass from the very beginning. She is one of those girls who hang with the guys doing things with them. I like seeing characters like that because those girls exist and we don’t get to see them enough. Cass is a strong female character. She grows into herself as the story goes on.
I also like Mattie. The relationship that he has with Cass is one that everyone should have in their lives. They are as close as two people can be.
I found the story to be quite slow. Intriguing, but slow. I feel Cooper should have played a bigger part of the story as well. I don’t like that we get introduced to him and as soon as we do, he is gone from us.
Though the story was slow, the one thing that kept me reading is who actually did the crime. Cass creates a list to try and figure out who it could be. It turns out, it was someone that none of us suspected. I like when stories and twists and turns. It keeps you thinking.
Overall, I did have my issues with the story, but I did enjoy it none the less.
“Nobody likes goodbyes. But it’s better to say it than just leave. Then everybody knows you are going.” –Cass
Going into this book, I had no idea what it was about. Once I started reading it, I was intrigued.
I took a liking of Cass from the very beginning. She is one of those girls who hang with the guys doing things with them. I like seeing characters like that because those girls exist and we don’t get to see them enough. Cass is a strong female character. She grows into herself as the story goes on.
I also like Mattie. The relationship that he has with Cass is one that everyone should have in their lives. They are as close as two people can be.
I found the story to be quite slow. Intriguing, but slow. I feel Cooper should have played a bigger part of the story as well. I don’t like that we get introduced to him and as soon as we do, he is gone from us.
Though the story was slow, the one thing that kept me reading is who actually did the crime. Cass creates a list to try and figure out who it could be. It turns out, it was someone that none of us suspected. I like when stories and twists and turns. It keeps you thinking.
Overall, I did have my issues with the story, but I did enjoy it none the less.
“Nobody likes goodbyes. But it’s better to say it than just leave. Then everybody knows you are going.” –Cass
April 5, 2015
I really did not like this book. If I could I would give it 0 stars. To me it was the sterotypical 'I'm not like other girls' girl meets 'I'm not like other boys' boy and they fall in love and then he dies. It would have been more interesting if the back of the book didn't say that he dies, since that pretty much gave away the book. Another thing that annoyed me was that the main character Cass just thought she could do a better job than the police, and that the one piece of evidence was hidden in a log near where the body was found. Because the police would just overlook a log right next to the body, also it's not like the killer would've erased the text message before hiding it, or maybe desroyed the phone all together. Another thing that bothered me was the token autistic character- Cass's little brother. It's like the author had to make sure that we understood how rough Cass's life was so she threw in an autistic brother to let Cass relate to. It was really annoying and not well written. Overall I really did not like the book. It was just run of the mill boring teenage angst. I did like Mattie though, who of course becomes the love interest, but he was pretty cool.
October 23, 2018
I received this book from Net galley in exchange for my honest review. So I’m going to be honest…I actually really liked this book. This book isn’t something I would usually pick up as I’m not that keen on murder mysteries, but the blurb sounded too good to resist. I mean you start to fall for a boy and then he gets murdered, I dare you not to be intrigued.
This did start of as a typical YA book, as girl meets boy and can’t get him out of her head. But despite that I didn’t feel like it was as much as insta-love, which can be all so common in this genre. I think Cassie reacted as any teenager would without being overly dramatic, which was nice. I’ve seen mixed reviews about the character of Cassie but I really liked her, which is rare for me as I don’t tend to like female protagonists. I think it was the fact that Cassie was so different from any female character I’ve read as she was a ‘skater’ and hung out with boys, which I thought was extremely refreshing.
This did start of as a typical YA book, as girl meets boy and can’t get him out of her head. But despite that I didn’t feel like it was as much as insta-love, which can be all so common in this genre. I think Cassie reacted as any teenager would without being overly dramatic, which was nice. I’ve seen mixed reviews about the character of Cassie but I really liked her, which is rare for me as I don’t tend to like female protagonists. I think it was the fact that Cassie was so different from any female character I’ve read as she was a ‘skater’ and hung out with boys, which I thought was extremely refreshing.
January 23, 2015
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an strange book: a bit of mistery, a bit of growing up stuff, a bit of romance, a bit of friendship issues. So the mix was interesting but I don't know why the result was only ok.
Maybe is the rhythm of the story or the fact that Cass is a contradictory character: she keeps pushing all away but she is raw honest about her feelings and her fear to be abandon... I wish Cooper and she had more time together but the plot would be a lot different then because is the fact that they only have two weeks that motivated her to investigate and set her friend free.
I think is obvious who is the murderer so early in the story, after all this is the person who dissuade her to find Cooper phone...
I like the book, the change in Cass is interesting because we can see all the process she made in the story but maybe a more defined end would help to finish the book with a better sensation about it.
This is an strange book: a bit of mistery, a bit of growing up stuff, a bit of romance, a bit of friendship issues. So the mix was interesting but I don't know why the result was only ok.
Maybe is the rhythm of the story or the fact that Cass is a contradictory character: she keeps pushing all away but she is raw honest about her feelings and her fear to be abandon... I wish Cooper and she had more time together but the plot would be a lot different then because is the fact that they only have two weeks that motivated her to investigate and set her friend free.
I think is obvious who is the murderer so early in the story, after all this is the person who dissuade her to find Cooper phone...
I like the book, the change in Cass is interesting because we can see all the process she made in the story but maybe a more defined end would help to finish the book with a better sensation about it.
January 5, 2017
This book was something new for me. I thought that it would have a more complex plot, but in reality it wasn’t difficult to solve the mystery the story revolves around. However, I absolutely enjoyed the writing style. Monica Ropal is an amazing author. Even though I wasn't surprised with how the events in the story developed, I loved this book since it began. It was a unique story and it can't be compared. I understood Cass' character perfectly, although it irritates me when a character rushes to make choices without considering the consequences, I could understand her reasons and her actions.The way her emotions were described and the manner in which her character evolved, proved to me that she was an exceptionally strong character. She believed in her friends more than she believed in anyone else, and in a deep emotional level I could connect with her. I cannot thank the publisher enough for sending me an arc of this book!
February 24, 2016
It 's a good YA, with a perfect mix of romance, mystery and social conflicts. Cass is convinced that everyone, sooner or later, abandon her. She decides to avoid to become attached to the people to not suffer more. But Connor seems different and she wants to try to open herself with him. When he dies, Cass is increasingly convinced of her theory, and especially doesn't know who she can trust. Absolutely she must find out who is the culprit. The characters are very realistic, believable and very different from each other: there are poor, rich, black people, people with disabilities. I have loved the best friend of Cass, Mattie. She's a very sweet and intelligent girl who a bad disease has removed the word but not the will to live. The plot was good and well built, above all the mystery to be solved was very intriguing and compelling. The first part was a bit slow but after the pace gets faster and reading more enjoyable.
September 26, 2017
Good story, but not the greatest writing in the world. After a clumsy and not super believable exposition the story really picked up, and I did stay up til 4am to finish it. I definitely got the sense that this was a first novel, and the writing improves over the course of the book. The cast of characters is more diverse than I'm used to in YA (characters are rich, poor, gay, straight, disabled, black, white, mixed race, etc.), but Ropal tends to tell rather than show, which makes for some awkward moments. I also got the sense that the author hasn't actually spent a lot of time with teenage skaters, but then, neither have I, so maybe that's how they actually talk. I'm not going to run around telling everyone they just HAVE to read this book, but I wouldn't recommend against it either. It was a fun diversion.
March 29, 2015
AMAZING!!!! I really loved this story. The love story between Cass and Cooper was fun to read about - skater girl and preppy boy finding common ground and a love that fit them as a couple. And then he dies!!!!! And she decides to try to figure it all out - even trying to solve the murder herself basically. She needed to follow through on that quest as it was something she needed for closure. Just an amazingly written story too. It definitely kept my interest until the end. It was not just a mystery - it was a romance, mystery, coming of age story that many could wrap their heads and hearts around. I loved Cass' struggle and felt it to be very real. She had her home struggles (mom, sibling, etc) and she had her school struggles (be who I am or who I am suppose to be). Just brillant!! A definite 5 out of 5 star rating on this one!
May 15, 2016
murder mystery + teen angst = When You Leave
This is the story of Cass, a skater girl who has started attending private school due to her mother's remarriage. When one of her classmates is brutally murdered, one of her skater friends is accused as the murderer. Cass decides to find the murderer, but as she "interviews" her friends and classmates; she discovers the truth is not always what she thinks. Who is lying and who is telling the truth? How much does she really want to know about her skater friends and her classmates? And most importantly, who can she really trust?
Teen readers or adult readers (in the Twin Cities metro) looking for a mystery story with a local feel will enjoy this one as they read about familiar places in St. Paul, MN.
This is the story of Cass, a skater girl who has started attending private school due to her mother's remarriage. When one of her classmates is brutally murdered, one of her skater friends is accused as the murderer. Cass decides to find the murderer, but as she "interviews" her friends and classmates; she discovers the truth is not always what she thinks. Who is lying and who is telling the truth? How much does she really want to know about her skater friends and her classmates? And most importantly, who can she really trust?
Teen readers or adult readers (in the Twin Cities metro) looking for a mystery story with a local feel will enjoy this one as they read about familiar places in St. Paul, MN.
January 28, 2015
I loved the wit and teenage angst in this book! The characters are uniquely adorable and you can’t help but root for them to overcome their fears and other roadblocks life hands them. I finished the book days ago but still have vivid pictures in my head of Cass and Mattie, and other characters from this story. I find myself wondering what they’re up to now… I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read YA and/or mysteries, or who just loves a book that deals with real emotions and delightful characters.
January 31, 2015
A good book that deserves a more teen-appealing cover. Cass is the skater girl transplanted to the preppy high school. She doesn't want to fit in until she meets Cooper who she gets along with in-spite of tying to keep her distance. Then Cooper is killed and the police believe it was a skater who killed him. Cass makes it her mission to prove the police wrong and find out who really murdered Cooper. Savvy readers will figure out the murderer long before Cass does but will keep reading to find out what happens when Cass puts all the pieces together.
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