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The Beckett Effect
A notorious playboy. A girl on a mission. A juicy YA revenge romance impossible not to fall for. John Tucker Must Die meets Lynn Painter’s Better than the Movies.
‘If you’re a fan of witty, tension-filled romcoms, that will have you snort-laughing one moment and sighing longingly the next, this is absolutely the book for you.’ Sophie Jo, author of Red Flags
Beckett Lane . . . How do you begin to explain Beckett Lane?
Beckett Lane is a legend.
He has more ex-girlfriends than letters in the alphabet.
He once dated twins at the same time . . . without either of them knowing.
I hear he has a secret love child with a supermodel in Colorado.
One time he starred in a toothbrush commercial . . . It was awesome.
There’s no one Wren Richardson hates more than notorious playboy Beckett Lane. Everyone is under his spell because of his Greek god-like looks and famous dad, but Wren sees through it and can’t stand the guy. So when Beckett humiliates her angelic sister, Kennedy, in front of the entire high school, Wren vows revenge.
Teaming up with Beckett’s exes to make a documentary, she plans to show the world exactly who he really is. Because she’s the only one not susceptible to The Beckett Effect. Isn’t she . . . ? Only, as she gets closer to Beckett, Wren wonders if there’s more to the school’s biggest womaniser than she realised. Is the line between hate and love as clear-cut as she once thought?
‘If you’re a fan of witty, tension-filled romcoms, that will have you snort-laughing one moment and sighing longingly the next, this is absolutely the book for you.’ Sophie Jo, author of Red Flags
Beckett Lane . . . How do you begin to explain Beckett Lane?
Beckett Lane is a legend.
He has more ex-girlfriends than letters in the alphabet.
He once dated twins at the same time . . . without either of them knowing.
I hear he has a secret love child with a supermodel in Colorado.
One time he starred in a toothbrush commercial . . . It was awesome.
There’s no one Wren Richardson hates more than notorious playboy Beckett Lane. Everyone is under his spell because of his Greek god-like looks and famous dad, but Wren sees through it and can’t stand the guy. So when Beckett humiliates her angelic sister, Kennedy, in front of the entire high school, Wren vows revenge.
Teaming up with Beckett’s exes to make a documentary, she plans to show the world exactly who he really is. Because she’s the only one not susceptible to The Beckett Effect. Isn’t she . . . ? Only, as she gets closer to Beckett, Wren wonders if there’s more to the school’s biggest womaniser than she realised. Is the line between hate and love as clear-cut as she once thought?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Nashae Jones
3 books111 followersNashae Jones is a freelance writer and an educator. Her pieces have appeared in publications such as HuffPost, McSweeney’s, Yahoo Voices among others. Currently she lives in Virginia with her husband, two kids, two cats, and one dog. She is passionate about diversity initiatives, especially in children’s literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 8, 2026
3.5 ★— I’m always here for a referential YA romance that plays with tropes in a self-aware way, but while this one sets out to do that, I felt like the book was ultimately just okay.
Wren is 18 and dealing with a sisterly relationship that is tested as the plot unfolds, alongside her desire to work in film clashing with her mother’s wish for her to pursue something more stable in college. These are very relatable teenage experiences, and I appreciated how the author took the time to flesh them out!
The book faltered for me when it came to her bond with Beckett, her love interest and the boy she wants to use for a class project that exposes his heartbreaker tendencies, as she pretends to be romantically interested in an effort to get close to him. This is a great setup! But I felt like the story really did not give me enough scenes of these two genuinely connecting and ultimately failed to sell me on their chemistry.
I did enjoy the many teen movie and book references (we get a 10 Things I Hate About You one that I really loved!), but I also got the sense that the author was spoon-feeding the themes and messaging in the last chapter and epilogue. Yes, this is a young adult novel, but it felt so heavy-handed at times that it almost took some of the joy out of the reading experience. Comparing this to something like Better Than the Movies, it’s kind of insane how much more this book felt like it was overexplaining itself to its readers.
So still cute, but this is definitely a book that would work best for the younger end of the YA spectrum.
_______________
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the gifted copy.
Wren is 18 and dealing with a sisterly relationship that is tested as the plot unfolds, alongside her desire to work in film clashing with her mother’s wish for her to pursue something more stable in college. These are very relatable teenage experiences, and I appreciated how the author took the time to flesh them out!
The book faltered for me when it came to her bond with Beckett, her love interest and the boy she wants to use for a class project that exposes his heartbreaker tendencies, as she pretends to be romantically interested in an effort to get close to him. This is a great setup! But I felt like the story really did not give me enough scenes of these two genuinely connecting and ultimately failed to sell me on their chemistry.
I did enjoy the many teen movie and book references (we get a 10 Things I Hate About You one that I really loved!), but I also got the sense that the author was spoon-feeding the themes and messaging in the last chapter and epilogue. Yes, this is a young adult novel, but it felt so heavy-handed at times that it almost took some of the joy out of the reading experience. Comparing this to something like Better Than the Movies, it’s kind of insane how much more this book felt like it was overexplaining itself to its readers.
So still cute, but this is definitely a book that would work best for the younger end of the YA spectrum.
_______________
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the gifted copy.
Read
May 17, 2026thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review all thoughts are my own
i don't know if it was me or if it was the time that i read this book but i fear it did not hit enough for me. the reason i'm not rating this one is for one reason and one reason only. i literally dont know what to rate it. because on one hand, it deeply annoyed me. but on another hand i had a great time! and then i also genuinely was so annoyed because the fmc was insufferable at times but i also saw myself in her (great...self reflection time....) and i wasn't a fan of how the playboy plot with beckett because he...really was a playboy? like he was full on making out with this girl at the fair (like get a room pls) and then the fmc is like "well....maybe he's not" but he lowk is? he moved on from girls so fast? like sure all the rumors about him were false rumors or spun but i am not defending a man in 2026. sorry not sorry.
on that note, i loved the multi media level in this novel with the script and how that flowed with the plot, i love when books have that because it just enhances the reading expierence. i did find wren (fmc) insufferable but she did truly just love her sister and genuinely depised beckett (real) so i can't even hate on her for standing her ground. however her plot to "fake date" him was kind of...just lost because they ended up just dating?? idk it was confusing.
all in all this was a confusing book for me because i really can't place how i feel about it. its a fun romcom though and it is quite funny at times. pick up if you want a fun romance!
i don't know if it was me or if it was the time that i read this book but i fear it did not hit enough for me. the reason i'm not rating this one is for one reason and one reason only. i literally dont know what to rate it. because on one hand, it deeply annoyed me. but on another hand i had a great time! and then i also genuinely was so annoyed because the fmc was insufferable at times but i also saw myself in her (great...self reflection time....) and i wasn't a fan of how the playboy plot with beckett because he...really was a playboy? like he was full on making out with this girl at the fair (like get a room pls) and then the fmc is like "well....maybe he's not" but he lowk is? he moved on from girls so fast? like sure all the rumors about him were false rumors or spun but i am not defending a man in 2026. sorry not sorry.
on that note, i loved the multi media level in this novel with the script and how that flowed with the plot, i love when books have that because it just enhances the reading expierence. i did find wren (fmc) insufferable but she did truly just love her sister and genuinely depised beckett (real) so i can't even hate on her for standing her ground. however her plot to "fake date" him was kind of...just lost because they ended up just dating?? idk it was confusing.
all in all this was a confusing book for me because i really can't place how i feel about it. its a fun romcom though and it is quite funny at times. pick up if you want a fun romance!
September 30, 2026
My favourite thing about this was the sister relationship! They both had a lot of learning to do, but it felt like a realistic exploration of overprotectiveness stemming from a place of love and their family history.
The romance was very sweet. Beckett is a wonderful love interest and I couldn't help finding it cute.
I pretty much knew everything that would unfold in this book after the first two chapters. Which is fine! But it's definitely something I've read before tropes wise, with its own spin on things. Still fun but not necessarily unique.
There were some filming style chapters which didn't quite work for me and felt unnecessary.
The ending was sweet. I appreciated the side storyline between her mum and her about pursuing dreams. Especially when it comes to the creative arts industries.
The romance was very sweet. Beckett is a wonderful love interest and I couldn't help finding it cute.
I pretty much knew everything that would unfold in this book after the first two chapters. Which is fine! But it's definitely something I've read before tropes wise, with its own spin on things. Still fun but not necessarily unique.
There were some filming style chapters which didn't quite work for me and felt unnecessary.
The ending was sweet. I appreciated the side storyline between her mum and her about pursuing dreams. Especially when it comes to the creative arts industries.
May 18, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Overall, I thought this was a cute read.
I really enjoyed parts of it, though other parts, especially in the beginning, annoyed me a bit.
Both main characters had moments where I really liked them and moments where I didn’t.
I think if I had read this in high school, I would’ve liked it a lot more.
Still it was a cute story and I loved all the movie references.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the E-ARC!
Overall, I thought this was a cute read.
I really enjoyed parts of it, though other parts, especially in the beginning, annoyed me a bit.
Both main characters had moments where I really liked them and moments where I didn’t.
I think if I had read this in high school, I would’ve liked it a lot more.
Still it was a cute story and I loved all the movie references.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the E-ARC!
Did Not Finish
May 27, 2026DNF - 30%
Read
May 26, 2026Now THIS is how you write a YA romcom!!
Seriously, this is about to become *the* YA I hand to teens (including middle schoolers!) wanting to giggle and squeal and kick up their feet.
10/10 would recommend.
Seriously, this is about to become *the* YA I hand to teens (including middle schoolers!) wanting to giggle and squeal and kick up their feet.
10/10 would recommend.
May 30, 2026
4.5 Stars
Bursting with banter, high school drama and a redemption arc that I was (surprisingly) rooting for. Nashae Jones’ The Beckett Effect felt like a nostalgic love letter to Teen Rom-Coms, that I confess utterly charmed me.
Going into it, I knew the premise was based on John Tucker Must Die (whose titular character’s downfall I relished in back in 2006), but didn’t know much else. Though really enjoyed, and found our protagonist (aspiring filmmaker, Wren) such an intriguing character to explore.
A cynical, emotionally guarded malcontent of a teen, Wren gave off strong Kat (from 10 Things I Hate About You) vibes. Particularly when it came to her bond with sister Kennedy, who she’s so protective of.
I won’t go into specifics, but it’s that protectiveness that fuels most of her obsessive need for revenge. Which unfortunately puts Beckett in the line of fire.
Yet, despite being described as the resident heartthrob (and a “walking red flag”), Beckett was less a John Tucker and more a misunderstood cinnamon roll. Whose life is a blend of rumours, stereotypes and objectifications.
But as Wren spends more time with Beckett, she sees behind the myth. Leading her to confront her own biases, realise people are far more nuanced (and complex) in real life than in the movies, And even take accountability for her actions.
Given the topics explored, I feel this would also be great for starting further discussions on personal biases, and how rumours and label can warp perceptions. Especially in an age where misinformation is already alarmingly common.
I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just say I loved the evolving dynamics between Beckett and Wren. And found it a fun, witty and heartfelt read that YA Rom-com fans should consider checking out.
Also, thanks to Nina Douglas & Penguin/House of YA for the PB copy.
Bursting with banter, high school drama and a redemption arc that I was (surprisingly) rooting for. Nashae Jones’ The Beckett Effect felt like a nostalgic love letter to Teen Rom-Coms, that I confess utterly charmed me.
Going into it, I knew the premise was based on John Tucker Must Die (whose titular character’s downfall I relished in back in 2006), but didn’t know much else. Though really enjoyed, and found our protagonist (aspiring filmmaker, Wren) such an intriguing character to explore.
A cynical, emotionally guarded malcontent of a teen, Wren gave off strong Kat (from 10 Things I Hate About You) vibes. Particularly when it came to her bond with sister Kennedy, who she’s so protective of.
I won’t go into specifics, but it’s that protectiveness that fuels most of her obsessive need for revenge. Which unfortunately puts Beckett in the line of fire.
Yet, despite being described as the resident heartthrob (and a “walking red flag”), Beckett was less a John Tucker and more a misunderstood cinnamon roll. Whose life is a blend of rumours, stereotypes and objectifications.
But as Wren spends more time with Beckett, she sees behind the myth. Leading her to confront her own biases, realise people are far more nuanced (and complex) in real life than in the movies, And even take accountability for her actions.
Given the topics explored, I feel this would also be great for starting further discussions on personal biases, and how rumours and label can warp perceptions. Especially in an age where misinformation is already alarmingly common.
I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just say I loved the evolving dynamics between Beckett and Wren. And found it a fun, witty and heartfelt read that YA Rom-com fans should consider checking out.
Also, thanks to Nina Douglas & Penguin/House of YA for the PB copy.
April 24, 2026
In her 3rd book, Nashae Jones leaves the middle grade romance arena of her Courtesy of Cupid and As You Wish and turns to romance clearly targeted towards high school/young adult readers. Her main characters are high school seniors at a private school and, as the publisher summary details, features a film class documentary that wreaks havoc on siblings, friends and classmates at a private school where most of the students have known each other for years.
Quite honestly, I completely disliked the female main character Wren/Sunny at the beginning and her over the top hatred of the womanizing, popular Beckett made her look so petty and mean that I almost stopped reading. But as she and her best friend really began to dive into their film project, I found myself pulled in and intrigued by how many relationships would get fouled up and how they would resolve. I also found myself laughing frequently at how awkward Beckett and Wren often acted around one another, not to the level of the awesome On Again, Awkward Again by Kelly and Mbalia, but enough that this became a fun romance. And if the reader is interested in acting producing, and directing, all the references to those careers and the inclusion of mini-scripts with scenes from Wren’s imagination will be an added bonus. By the book’s end, the distinct changes in Wren, and some in those around her, all came together with the romance and friend/family drama to make a solid choice for those in grades 9 and up.
Personal comment: In the author’s notes, Nashae Jones acknowledges that The Beckett Effect is a nod to 90s movies, specifically John Tucker Must Die. Being a wife plus mom to 2 littles in the 90s, I didn’t watch many movies then but one of Wren’s movie script entries is virtually a rewrite of Cat’s big essay read scene from 1999’s Ten Things I Hate About You, discovered and loved later when watching movies with my then teen daughter.
*Profanity: gd-2, shit-4, ass/asshat/hole-6, hell-2, damn-1 in 1st 100 pages. Regular but not terribly excessive profanity continues but no F-bombs until two when everything is beginning to fall apart and the drama escalates at the book’s end.
*Representation: Wren, her mom and sister are Black; Beckett is biracial Samoan/White; Serenity and Trinity are White; most other characters’ ethnic identities are vague or completely unknown; family configurations are widely varied
*Underage drinking at a classmate’s party
*LBGTQ+:
-Wren’s best friend Chelsie states she is gay & likes girls as she turns down a rich classmate who propositions her; later develops a crush on Serenity, one of the twins who are interviewed for documentary and by the end of the book is dating her
-Chelsie lives with her two moms
-one of the twins who are part of Wren and Chelsie’s film documentary makes a brief reference to their two dads
*Sexual content: lots of kissing, some of it quite passionate, but no nudity or intercourse
*Violence: none
Quite honestly, I completely disliked the female main character Wren/Sunny at the beginning and her over the top hatred of the womanizing, popular Beckett made her look so petty and mean that I almost stopped reading. But as she and her best friend really began to dive into their film project, I found myself pulled in and intrigued by how many relationships would get fouled up and how they would resolve. I also found myself laughing frequently at how awkward Beckett and Wren often acted around one another, not to the level of the awesome On Again, Awkward Again by Kelly and Mbalia, but enough that this became a fun romance. And if the reader is interested in acting producing, and directing, all the references to those careers and the inclusion of mini-scripts with scenes from Wren’s imagination will be an added bonus. By the book’s end, the distinct changes in Wren, and some in those around her, all came together with the romance and friend/family drama to make a solid choice for those in grades 9 and up.
Personal comment: In the author’s notes, Nashae Jones acknowledges that The Beckett Effect is a nod to 90s movies, specifically John Tucker Must Die. Being a wife plus mom to 2 littles in the 90s, I didn’t watch many movies then but one of Wren’s movie script entries is virtually a rewrite of Cat’s big essay read scene from 1999’s Ten Things I Hate About You, discovered and loved later when watching movies with my then teen daughter.
*Profanity: gd-2, shit-4, ass/asshat/hole-6, hell-2, damn-1 in 1st 100 pages. Regular but not terribly excessive profanity continues but no F-bombs until two when everything is beginning to fall apart and the drama escalates at the book’s end.
*Representation: Wren, her mom and sister are Black; Beckett is biracial Samoan/White; Serenity and Trinity are White; most other characters’ ethnic identities are vague or completely unknown; family configurations are widely varied
*Underage drinking at a classmate’s party
*LBGTQ+:
-Wren’s best friend Chelsie states she is gay & likes girls as she turns down a rich classmate who propositions her; later develops a crush on Serenity, one of the twins who are interviewed for documentary and by the end of the book is dating her
-Chelsie lives with her two moms
-one of the twins who are part of Wren and Chelsie’s film documentary makes a brief reference to their two dads
*Sexual content: lots of kissing, some of it quite passionate, but no nudity or intercourse
*Violence: none
May 3, 2026
Thank you @simonteen #simonteeninfluencer for my free finished copy. Also thank you to @simon.audio for my free audiobook copy!
“A girl pledges revenge on her school’s playboy—only to start falling for him—in this hilarious teen rom-com”
This one reminded me of high school dramas, and over exaggerated imaginations teenagers can have. But, it was fun to read/listen to.
Being in Wren vindictive mind while she plays cinematic scenes in her head plotting against Beckett was so fun! She was such the drama queen but all for the love of her sister and hate for Beckett. But, she gets caught up in “The Beckett Effect” in more ways than one.
What I liked about this one is that it shows readers young and old how sometimes people aren’t always what they are portrayed to be. Maybe there is rhyme or reason why they act the way they do. This is so prevalent in teens when they are trying to be popular or just find out who they really are. It also shows forgiveness and being honest.
The audiobook was also fun while in Wren’s head. Tyla Collier did a fantastic job of shows the young teen’s mindset in the book. But with this one, you can’t go wrong with either format.
“A girl pledges revenge on her school’s playboy—only to start falling for him—in this hilarious teen rom-com”
This one reminded me of high school dramas, and over exaggerated imaginations teenagers can have. But, it was fun to read/listen to.
Being in Wren vindictive mind while she plays cinematic scenes in her head plotting against Beckett was so fun! She was such the drama queen but all for the love of her sister and hate for Beckett. But, she gets caught up in “The Beckett Effect” in more ways than one.
What I liked about this one is that it shows readers young and old how sometimes people aren’t always what they are portrayed to be. Maybe there is rhyme or reason why they act the way they do. This is so prevalent in teens when they are trying to be popular or just find out who they really are. It also shows forgiveness and being honest.
The audiobook was also fun while in Wren’s head. Tyla Collier did a fantastic job of shows the young teen’s mindset in the book. But with this one, you can’t go wrong with either format.
July 3, 2026
This is the second book that I've read by Nashae Jones and I plan to read my third sometime soon. The Beckett Effect starts as a smear campaign started by Wren to avenge the notorious Beckett Lane. Through a series of conversations and interviews, Wren quickly learns that everything isn't always as it appears. Jones does a wonderful job illustrating the complexity behind human behavior (i.e. perceived personality versus reality) as well as the frustrating and heartbreaking reality of not being seen, respected, and/or noticed by a parent/caregiver. Though I enjoyed the characters and the pacing of the book, it was quite predictable and clear how Wren and Beckett would eventually feel about each other as well as what would happen during their "third act break up." Nevertheless, I think this book is a solid recommendation for teens who are fans of the "enemies to lovers" trope in their romances.
March 19, 2026
This book was a very cutesy YA rom-com! I won’t lie, the characters did annoy me a bit in the beginning but the book won me over in the end. Beckett’s entire first date that he thought of was so perfect and honestly I love a guy who pays attention and remembers what a girl loves! He’s definitely a “let me show you how much I like you” kind of guy rather than just simply saying it. I also really liked the hate-to-love/fake dating aspects of the story!
If you’re looking for a quick, light hearted young adult rom-com, then this book is for you!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the advanced copy! The Beckett Effect releases on May 5th, so be sure to check it out!
If you’re looking for a quick, light hearted young adult rom-com, then this book is for you!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the advanced copy! The Beckett Effect releases on May 5th, so be sure to check it out!
June 22, 2026
Good plot but the character was so annoying. She was super self absorbed and even though Beckett is 'mean' to her doesnt men she needs to be unnesccatilay mean back. I liked the plot and story just the main character is very annoying and has no growth.
Did Not Finish
May 11, 2026I felt like I was being lectured.
May 21, 2026
Such a fun read. Seeing herself through the lens of film scenes gives this book a unique voice, and she's so good at making my rooting interests change throughout the story.
July 12, 2026
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a classic enemies to lovers romance with lots of creative twists.
June 14, 2026
Cute. Flawed and loveable main character. Great character depth of multiple characters. Also, a great portrayal of what accountability can and should look like.
September 17, 2026
Thank you goodreads for the giveaway win!!
This book was cheesy, predictable, and very teenager. Plus it was worth every second! Classic enemies to lovers and a great way to reach 100 books for the year!!
This book was cheesy, predictable, and very teenager. Plus it was worth every second! Classic enemies to lovers and a great way to reach 100 books for the year!!
May 20, 2026
When Wren's sister Kennedy falls for the wrong guy and ends up in an embarrassing mess, Wren is desperate to make things right. But everything she does seems to make her sister more mad at her. Wren is sure playboy Beckett is the root of all of her problems and sets out to prove what a terrible person he is. Except she ends up falling for him instead!
This is one of those books where it's obvious the main character is going about everything in the wrong way, but you still can't help but feel for her because she's trying so darn hard to make everything right (even if she's failing). It's easy to see how Beckett is misunderstood (the rumor mill works overtime for people in any sort of limelight), and it becomes apparent early on that he's not as terrible as Wren thinks he is, so it's easy to root for them together--and to wait anxiously while Wren figures out there's more to her nemesis than she thought. The chemistry and banter makes this a fantastic YA romance, and it will especially appeal to younger YA readers (works great for kids who've just graduated beyond Jones's middle grade books).
This is one of those books where it's obvious the main character is going about everything in the wrong way, but you still can't help but feel for her because she's trying so darn hard to make everything right (even if she's failing). It's easy to see how Beckett is misunderstood (the rumor mill works overtime for people in any sort of limelight), and it becomes apparent early on that he's not as terrible as Wren thinks he is, so it's easy to root for them together--and to wait anxiously while Wren figures out there's more to her nemesis than she thought. The chemistry and banter makes this a fantastic YA romance, and it will especially appeal to younger YA readers (works great for kids who've just graduated beyond Jones's middle grade books).
June 6, 2026
Wren sets out to expose her school's most popular playboy after he embarrasses her sister. But as she gets to know him while making a documentary, she starts to wonder if she judged him too quickly.
June 1, 2026
John Tucker Must Die is one of my favourite movies ever. I was only ten when the movie was released (so probably not the target audience) but I have religiously re-watched it several times a year ever since—and I’ve always wanted to find that same je ne sais quoi in a book that I first fell in love with in the movie. So when The Beckett Effect dropped in my mailbox, I was absolutely thrilled to get giddy with a likeminded story. In this story, we have the legend that is Beckett Lane. Untouchable, flirty and god-like, he’s pretty much every girl’s crush at Ryland Prep. Well, everyone except for Wren. She couldn’t hate him more if she tried. He gets on her last nerve pretty much all the time, and even though her sister has a crush on him, she just can’t see what everyone else does when they stare at the same pretty-boy that is Beckett.
So when he humiliates her sister publicly, Wren sees fire, vowing to get revenge on the golden boy—whatever it takes. That’s how she ends up in the team-up with his exes to put those filmmaking skills she’s been honing at Ryland Prep to the test and make a documentary to show everyone who he really is, a shameless womaniser—just in a particular way that doesn’t give away the endgame. Of course, Wren is the best to rub shoulders with him to get the best angle for the documentary, because she’s absolutely immune to The Beckett Effect, right? Only, it turns out that the Beckett Effect might be something that isn’t all that real. Is Beckett really the person she thought he was? The longer she spends in his orbit, the more it’s clear Wren has something deeply wrong about him. And as she gears up to throw the whole thing out the window, hurt boomerangs around everyone like a force she cannot stop. But is it too late to rewrite the final act before the curtain call or is the connection they had destined for the cutting room floor?
When I say that I felt like I was right back in a noughties teen rom-com reading The Beckett Effect, I truly mean it in all the most amazing ways. Film references, pitch-perfect banter and a truly sparkling cast of lovable characters made for a story I blissfully breezed through in one day. Just like in John Tucker Must Die, there are layers to playboy Beckett that Wren doesn’t see until she’s fully immersed in his world. I really loved their connection, which grew out from underneath any movie resemblance and stood tall and beautiful on their own. There are friendships in this story that had my heart (I loved Chelsie!) and of course, Wren’s relationship with her sister, Kennedy, and the growth they went through, was such a touching testament to true sisterhood and protectiveness. This was my first novel from Nashae, but definitely not my last—it was such a whip-smart, cinematic page-turner with all the sharp wit and chemistry of a classic teen rom-com, and a definite must-read.
So when he humiliates her sister publicly, Wren sees fire, vowing to get revenge on the golden boy—whatever it takes. That’s how she ends up in the team-up with his exes to put those filmmaking skills she’s been honing at Ryland Prep to the test and make a documentary to show everyone who he really is, a shameless womaniser—just in a particular way that doesn’t give away the endgame. Of course, Wren is the best to rub shoulders with him to get the best angle for the documentary, because she’s absolutely immune to The Beckett Effect, right? Only, it turns out that the Beckett Effect might be something that isn’t all that real. Is Beckett really the person she thought he was? The longer she spends in his orbit, the more it’s clear Wren has something deeply wrong about him. And as she gears up to throw the whole thing out the window, hurt boomerangs around everyone like a force she cannot stop. But is it too late to rewrite the final act before the curtain call or is the connection they had destined for the cutting room floor?
When I say that I felt like I was right back in a noughties teen rom-com reading The Beckett Effect, I truly mean it in all the most amazing ways. Film references, pitch-perfect banter and a truly sparkling cast of lovable characters made for a story I blissfully breezed through in one day. Just like in John Tucker Must Die, there are layers to playboy Beckett that Wren doesn’t see until she’s fully immersed in his world. I really loved their connection, which grew out from underneath any movie resemblance and stood tall and beautiful on their own. There are friendships in this story that had my heart (I loved Chelsie!) and of course, Wren’s relationship with her sister, Kennedy, and the growth they went through, was such a touching testament to true sisterhood and protectiveness. This was my first novel from Nashae, but definitely not my last—it was such a whip-smart, cinematic page-turner with all the sharp wit and chemistry of a classic teen rom-com, and a definite must-read.
May 6, 2026
Content Warning: divorce
+~ Wren wants to make movies, so she’s always thinking of life in scenes, which made this an interesting but fun story to read. She’s also over protective over her sister Kennedy and despises school heartthrob Beckett Lane (who her sister has a crush on). I loved Wren, but yes there were times she did a little too much when it came to her sister or Beckett and it leads her to some disastrous situations. I think some readers will not Wren as much as I did, she is so stubborn.
+ This story reminded me of my favorite teen rom-coms that dominated the early 2000’s. II kept thinking they should make this into a movie on Netflix because I’d totally watch it for all the shenanigans Wren and her bestie was up to while doing this school project that revolved around Beckett Lane. You already know it’s a bad a idea but Wren was on a revenge kick. And though things blow up in Wren’s face, I loved seeing her trying to fix everything and acknowledge that she was in the wrong. I loved the humor throughout the story and it made for such a quick read.
+ The romance is so cute – Wren hates Beckett, but Becket is a heartthrob for a reason – he’s gorgeous but such a charmer too! I can see why he was so hard to resist. So as much as Wren is using Beckett, he eventually gets under his skin when she learns the real him.
Final Thoughts:
I had a fun time reading this one because it reminded me of early 2000’s teenage rom-coms, and would love to see this made into a movie. Wren is a stubborn FMC who has a lot to learn but the main thing is she does learn in the end. I thought the romance was super cute because Beckett is such a charmer – how could Wren resist? Overall, I enjoyed this one.
Read if you like:
high school drama
humor, banter
sweet dislike to like romance
+~ Wren wants to make movies, so she’s always thinking of life in scenes, which made this an interesting but fun story to read. She’s also over protective over her sister Kennedy and despises school heartthrob Beckett Lane (who her sister has a crush on). I loved Wren, but yes there were times she did a little too much when it came to her sister or Beckett and it leads her to some disastrous situations. I think some readers will not Wren as much as I did, she is so stubborn.
+ This story reminded me of my favorite teen rom-coms that dominated the early 2000’s. II kept thinking they should make this into a movie on Netflix because I’d totally watch it for all the shenanigans Wren and her bestie was up to while doing this school project that revolved around Beckett Lane. You already know it’s a bad a idea but Wren was on a revenge kick. And though things blow up in Wren’s face, I loved seeing her trying to fix everything and acknowledge that she was in the wrong. I loved the humor throughout the story and it made for such a quick read.
+ The romance is so cute – Wren hates Beckett, but Becket is a heartthrob for a reason – he’s gorgeous but such a charmer too! I can see why he was so hard to resist. So as much as Wren is using Beckett, he eventually gets under his skin when she learns the real him.
Final Thoughts:
I had a fun time reading this one because it reminded me of early 2000’s teenage rom-coms, and would love to see this made into a movie. Wren is a stubborn FMC who has a lot to learn but the main thing is she does learn in the end. I thought the romance was super cute because Beckett is such a charmer – how could Wren resist? Overall, I enjoyed this one.
Read if you like:
high school drama
humor, banter
sweet dislike to like romance
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 50
Dates read: 03.11.2026 – 03.11.2026
Title: The Beckett Effect
Author: Nashae Jones
Format: digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
This book was so much fun.
Like genuinely laugh-out-loud, shake-your-head-at-these-kids fun.
Now… as a YA, yes, these teens will get on your nerves. But as the mom of a 17-year-old? Every single thing tracked. The decisions, the drama, the logic that is not logic-ing… all of it felt very real.
At the center, you’ve got Wren, who is fully committed to her one-sided beef with Beckett. Meanwhile, the whole school is under the “Beckett Effect,” and she’s determined to prove he’s not who everyone thinks he is.
What unfolds feels like your favorite early 2000s teen movies in book form. If you loved She’s All That, Clueless, or John Tucker Must Die, this is absolutely your vibe. It’s funny, a little messy, and surprisingly sweet underneath it all.
But what I appreciated most is what’s happening beneath the surface.
This story quietly explores how rumors, gossip, and perception shape the way teens see each other. And how quickly narratives can form without truth being a factor. It creates space for conversations around emotional intelligence, accountability, and actually getting to know people beyond what you’ve heard. The overall growth in that area was one of my favorite parts of the book. It is also what makes this book a perfect summer read or even a buddy read with your favorite teen while they are on break.
This author is new to me, but this one definitely has me ready to check out her backlist.
Releases May 5.
Thank you Simon Pulse for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Book: 50
Dates read: 03.11.2026 – 03.11.2026
Title: The Beckett Effect
Author: Nashae Jones
Format: digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
This book was so much fun.
Like genuinely laugh-out-loud, shake-your-head-at-these-kids fun.
Now… as a YA, yes, these teens will get on your nerves. But as the mom of a 17-year-old? Every single thing tracked. The decisions, the drama, the logic that is not logic-ing… all of it felt very real.
At the center, you’ve got Wren, who is fully committed to her one-sided beef with Beckett. Meanwhile, the whole school is under the “Beckett Effect,” and she’s determined to prove he’s not who everyone thinks he is.
What unfolds feels like your favorite early 2000s teen movies in book form. If you loved She’s All That, Clueless, or John Tucker Must Die, this is absolutely your vibe. It’s funny, a little messy, and surprisingly sweet underneath it all.
But what I appreciated most is what’s happening beneath the surface.
This story quietly explores how rumors, gossip, and perception shape the way teens see each other. And how quickly narratives can form without truth being a factor. It creates space for conversations around emotional intelligence, accountability, and actually getting to know people beyond what you’ve heard. The overall growth in that area was one of my favorite parts of the book. It is also what makes this book a perfect summer read or even a buddy read with your favorite teen while they are on break.
This author is new to me, but this one definitely has me ready to check out her backlist.
Releases May 5.
Thank you Simon Pulse for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
May 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and Simon Pulse for an early digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I apologize for being two days late with this. I am just restarting using NetGalley again and I am a little rusty... BUT I am here now and I LOVED everything about this book!
This book was just such a fun read from start to finish and I could not stop smiling or laughing throughout the entire story. A few times I even wanted to cry... BUT this is a spoiler free review, so if you would like to know why you are going to have to go read the book! :)
I thought that Wren was an amazing MC. She is smart and witty and talented and you just can't help but root for her.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows in Wren's world.
And the main reason for the lack of the sunshine and the rainbows at all times has a name and his name is Beckett Lane.
I do not want to go into many more details to give out any spoilers for the book because I absolutely hope that everyone who sees this review will just want to read it instead. I can't recommend it enough.
I also just requested the author's previously published books as well from my local library and I can't wait to dive into them.
The formatting of this book was also really fun and I absolutely LOVED and had so much fun with each and every movie reference in this book. (I even knew about 95% of them which is AMAZING for me actually!).
I was able to read this book in about 24 hours because once I started I did not want to put it down.
I think that is all for right now, but I do hope that if you pick up this book that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I apologize for being two days late with this. I am just restarting using NetGalley again and I am a little rusty... BUT I am here now and I LOVED everything about this book!
This book was just such a fun read from start to finish and I could not stop smiling or laughing throughout the entire story. A few times I even wanted to cry... BUT this is a spoiler free review, so if you would like to know why you are going to have to go read the book! :)
I thought that Wren was an amazing MC. She is smart and witty and talented and you just can't help but root for her.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows in Wren's world.
And the main reason for the lack of the sunshine and the rainbows at all times has a name and his name is Beckett Lane.
I do not want to go into many more details to give out any spoilers for the book because I absolutely hope that everyone who sees this review will just want to read it instead. I can't recommend it enough.
I also just requested the author's previously published books as well from my local library and I can't wait to dive into them.
The formatting of this book was also really fun and I absolutely LOVED and had so much fun with each and every movie reference in this book. (I even knew about 95% of them which is AMAZING for me actually!).
I was able to read this book in about 24 hours because once I started I did not want to put it down.
I think that is all for right now, but I do hope that if you pick up this book that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
May 1, 2026
Wren despises Beckett Lane, even though all of the girls seem to swoon over him. He has a terrible reputation of being a playboy. Her sister, Kennedy, is “in love” with him the way that all of the other girls are. So when Beckett embarrasses Kennedy, Wren wants revenge. With her friend Chelsie, for her film class, they decide to make a documentary about how terrible Beckett is. Except, the plan seems to backfire a bit. Wren seems to think she’s immune from “The Beckett Effect” but as they conduct interviews and she gets close to him, she may not have been right about him after all.
This is such a cute YA read! It’s wholesome, so absolutely perfect for teenage girls, especially those in high school as this takes place in high school. I found Wren to be a bit annoying at times, but maybe she was supposed to be. She just couldn’t let go how terrible of a person that she thought Beckett was. Beckett on the other hand seemed to be a typical high school boy, but he was more than that. He riled Wren up because it was fun for him. For their first date, he was so thoughtful and sweet. I absolutely loved his out of the box idea for the date.
This book is definitely more than just a sweet YA romance book, though. Once you really sit with the book, you realize that this book explores the idea of how much rumors will shape views of people – especially when you’re in high school. One of my favorite relationships in the book was between Kennedy and Wren. Because of Wren’s obsession with revenge on Beckett, it drives a wedge between the two, but it also makes them grow.
Make sure to check this out if you like YA romance!
This is such a cute YA read! It’s wholesome, so absolutely perfect for teenage girls, especially those in high school as this takes place in high school. I found Wren to be a bit annoying at times, but maybe she was supposed to be. She just couldn’t let go how terrible of a person that she thought Beckett was. Beckett on the other hand seemed to be a typical high school boy, but he was more than that. He riled Wren up because it was fun for him. For their first date, he was so thoughtful and sweet. I absolutely loved his out of the box idea for the date.
This book is definitely more than just a sweet YA romance book, though. Once you really sit with the book, you realize that this book explores the idea of how much rumors will shape views of people – especially when you’re in high school. One of my favorite relationships in the book was between Kennedy and Wren. Because of Wren’s obsession with revenge on Beckett, it drives a wedge between the two, but it also makes them grow.
Make sure to check this out if you like YA romance!
May 5, 2026
If you already worship at the altar of Lynn Painter's teen romcoms, this one hits best!
10 things I hate about You x pop culture references x sassy FMC x prince charming MMC x every fund teeny bopper movie you ever watched!!
Nashae Jones has dones fabulous job in marrying the teenage x movie lover genre into its own dreamscape for the angry, willful and sassy Wren Richardson, whose scene cuts are laugh out loud escapades to escape the drudgery of reality. I mean, as booklovers, are we any different? Do we not also dive headfirst into the pages of a book to outrun our emotions?
With that deep analysis, I will stop. This book was BRILLIANT!! Between the sisterhood of Kennedy and Wren, the brocode of Jeffrey and Beckett, the friendship bonds that bound Chelsea and Wren, everything was perfect!! From delving into her own personal hell, to the unpacking of the change in her mom post the divorce, to being her sisters' keeper and her wonderful obstinacy to not see the obvious, Wren is a character after my own heart! And Beckett plays her foil as the mischievous, dreamy and often soulful friend, who listens and reciprocates with kindness and grace despite his social status defining him as a womanizer and the rumors that abound.... The only miss was where am i supposed to get the mini raspberry croissants????
My wicked thank yous to Simon and Schuster Childrens Publishing and Netgalley for this opportunity. This was a delicious and sweet escape!!
10 things I hate about You x pop culture references x sassy FMC x prince charming MMC x every fund teeny bopper movie you ever watched!!
Nashae Jones has dones fabulous job in marrying the teenage x movie lover genre into its own dreamscape for the angry, willful and sassy Wren Richardson, whose scene cuts are laugh out loud escapades to escape the drudgery of reality. I mean, as booklovers, are we any different? Do we not also dive headfirst into the pages of a book to outrun our emotions?
With that deep analysis, I will stop. This book was BRILLIANT!! Between the sisterhood of Kennedy and Wren, the brocode of Jeffrey and Beckett, the friendship bonds that bound Chelsea and Wren, everything was perfect!! From delving into her own personal hell, to the unpacking of the change in her mom post the divorce, to being her sisters' keeper and her wonderful obstinacy to not see the obvious, Wren is a character after my own heart! And Beckett plays her foil as the mischievous, dreamy and often soulful friend, who listens and reciprocates with kindness and grace despite his social status defining him as a womanizer and the rumors that abound.... The only miss was where am i supposed to get the mini raspberry croissants????
My wicked thank yous to Simon and Schuster Childrens Publishing and Netgalley for this opportunity. This was a delicious and sweet escape!!
July 20, 2026
Really great YA novel! I think this is a book that would be great for the true YA audience; it covered themes of self-discovery, growing up, and young love and did all in a really nice way. As others have commented on, I think the multi-media aspect to this book was a special touch. The movie scenes spread throughout were something unique and added nicely to the storytelling from Wrens’s perspective. Her ability to give the story account in a movie script format added to her reliability as a blooming creative director but was a great contrast to her naive views of life. From the very first few pages of the novel, I felt like Wren had a clear and unique voice, and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective.
There were a few little aspects of the story that kept it from a higher rating for me. The first would be Wren’s extreme rigidity with Beckett at the beginning. The character took such a strong stance that I found it hard to believe that her feelings about him were dismantled that easily. I think the earlier story Wren could’ve still felt similarly about him without needing to cause as much conflict. Some of the text message dialogue was also labeled with the incorrect person texting, and for some reason I was annoyed that Chelsie kept acknowledging Wren as “hermana” at the end of almost every sentence.
All in all, definitely an enjoyable read!! Thank you GoodReads for the giveaway.
There were a few little aspects of the story that kept it from a higher rating for me. The first would be Wren’s extreme rigidity with Beckett at the beginning. The character took such a strong stance that I found it hard to believe that her feelings about him were dismantled that easily. I think the earlier story Wren could’ve still felt similarly about him without needing to cause as much conflict. Some of the text message dialogue was also labeled with the incorrect person texting, and for some reason I was annoyed that Chelsie kept acknowledging Wren as “hermana” at the end of almost every sentence.
All in all, definitely an enjoyable read!! Thank you GoodReads for the giveaway.
May 13, 2026
THE BECKETT EFFECT – by Nashae Jones
Yes, Yes There Was Crying—My Heart!
‘There’s no one Wren hates more than Beckett Lane.’
‘Girls love Beckett because of his famous dad, and Beckett revels in the unearned attention. It seems like everyone except Wren is susceptible to the Beckett Effect—the phenomenon that makes people, most of all teen girls, fall for him despite his glaring red flags. Unfortunately for Wren, her sister, Kennedy, is vulnerable to Beckett’s charms, and she has a huge, misguided crush on him.’
Wearing a mask is commonplace in life; when you think about it, one for each role we play in our day-to-day lives. But are the different masks we wear forged by our hands alone, or are some placed upon us created by others without regard to the fact or fiction they depict?
THE BECKETT EFFECT centers around family, love, relationships, friendship, revenge, truth, lies, fear, hope, forgiveness, and being true to yourself—who you really are in the world.
Thank you, NetGalley and Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division), for providing me with an eBook ARC of THE BECKETT EFFECT at the request of an honest review.
Grade Level: 7 – 9
Reading Age: 12 years and up
Yes, Yes There Was Crying—My Heart!
‘There’s no one Wren hates more than Beckett Lane.’
‘Girls love Beckett because of his famous dad, and Beckett revels in the unearned attention. It seems like everyone except Wren is susceptible to the Beckett Effect—the phenomenon that makes people, most of all teen girls, fall for him despite his glaring red flags. Unfortunately for Wren, her sister, Kennedy, is vulnerable to Beckett’s charms, and she has a huge, misguided crush on him.’
Wearing a mask is commonplace in life; when you think about it, one for each role we play in our day-to-day lives. But are the different masks we wear forged by our hands alone, or are some placed upon us created by others without regard to the fact or fiction they depict?
THE BECKETT EFFECT centers around family, love, relationships, friendship, revenge, truth, lies, fear, hope, forgiveness, and being true to yourself—who you really are in the world.
Thank you, NetGalley and Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division), for providing me with an eBook ARC of THE BECKETT EFFECT at the request of an honest review.
Grade Level: 7 – 9
Reading Age: 12 years and up
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC for this book.
I think this book is fun but probably not for me. It's definitely meant for high schoolers and not adults based on the themes and the setting of the book.
The story follows Wren, an aspiring filmmaker who is tasked with creating an independent film about Byronic heroes similar to Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. In steps, Beckett Lane, he appears to be a womanizer with lots of unsavory rumors swirling around him. Wren hates him for most of the book and especially when he appears to humiliate her sister at a party. Wren takes it upon herself to use her film project to take down Beckett. Over the course of it, she learns that appearances and rumors aren't at all what they seem.
While I usually like enemies to lovers as a trope, there was something over the top in this book. Wren's reasons for hating Beckett are really lame and don't rise to the level of epic disgust she has for him. It just doesn't make any sense. I also found the movie scenes interspersed throughout the book to be too much and I started skipping them after the first few. I didn't find that they added anything interesting to the story.
I think this book is fun but probably not for me. It's definitely meant for high schoolers and not adults based on the themes and the setting of the book.
The story follows Wren, an aspiring filmmaker who is tasked with creating an independent film about Byronic heroes similar to Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. In steps, Beckett Lane, he appears to be a womanizer with lots of unsavory rumors swirling around him. Wren hates him for most of the book and especially when he appears to humiliate her sister at a party. Wren takes it upon herself to use her film project to take down Beckett. Over the course of it, she learns that appearances and rumors aren't at all what they seem.
While I usually like enemies to lovers as a trope, there was something over the top in this book. Wren's reasons for hating Beckett are really lame and don't rise to the level of epic disgust she has for him. It just doesn't make any sense. I also found the movie scenes interspersed throughout the book to be too much and I started skipping them after the first few. I didn't find that they added anything interesting to the story.
July 26, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book mostly because of the witty banter between Wren and Beckett. I loved how completely unaware Wren is that Beckett has always had a thing for her and that's why all his other relationships are flings (he didn't really see all the other girls as serious partners, they wanted be with him only because of his dad's fame).
Each time Wren had a proof of Beckett playing against her he was actually enjoying her company or trying to spend time with her.
But when at the party there is an incident involving Wren's sister that's the moment when Wren wants to prove ro the whole school that Beckett is the incarnation of the Byronic hero.
In order to do that she gets closer to Beckett as well as his ex girlfriends just to find that surprisingly Beckett is quite a decent guy. But in the meantime Wren's video is being taken over and distributed completely destroying the bond she created with her former arch enemy. Will Beckett ever forgive her? Will they ever get back to being more than enemies, more than friends? Well, it's for you to find out.
I loved how suspenseful this book is. I read it at one go.
Each time Wren had a proof of Beckett playing against her he was actually enjoying her company or trying to spend time with her.
But when at the party there is an incident involving Wren's sister that's the moment when Wren wants to prove ro the whole school that Beckett is the incarnation of the Byronic hero.
In order to do that she gets closer to Beckett as well as his ex girlfriends just to find that surprisingly Beckett is quite a decent guy. But in the meantime Wren's video is being taken over and distributed completely destroying the bond she created with her former arch enemy. Will Beckett ever forgive her? Will they ever get back to being more than enemies, more than friends? Well, it's for you to find out.
I loved how suspenseful this book is. I read it at one go.
May 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of The Beckett Effect.
I really enjoyed the creative touch of having the main character slip into imagined screenplay moments—it added a fun, introspective layer that made the story feel personal and relatable. It actually reminded me of my teenage self, replaying and rewriting moments in my head to make sense of them.
Wren, the main character, is definitely someone who may test your patience at times. Her “I have to fix everything” mindset can feel overwhelming, especially when it affects how she shows up for others. But that complexity also makes her growth feel meaningful, as she begins to better understand herself and the people around her.
Beckett was a standout for me. From early on, there’s more to him than meets the eye, and his dynamic with Wren added depth and warmth to the story.
The ending felt just right for a YA romance—satisfying and emotionally grounded. I’d recommend this for teens and young adults, especially those navigating relationships, self-awareness, and emotional growth.
I really enjoyed the creative touch of having the main character slip into imagined screenplay moments—it added a fun, introspective layer that made the story feel personal and relatable. It actually reminded me of my teenage self, replaying and rewriting moments in my head to make sense of them.
Wren, the main character, is definitely someone who may test your patience at times. Her “I have to fix everything” mindset can feel overwhelming, especially when it affects how she shows up for others. But that complexity also makes her growth feel meaningful, as she begins to better understand herself and the people around her.
Beckett was a standout for me. From early on, there’s more to him than meets the eye, and his dynamic with Wren added depth and warmth to the story.
The ending felt just right for a YA romance—satisfying and emotionally grounded. I’d recommend this for teens and young adults, especially those navigating relationships, self-awareness, and emotional growth.
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