The Trail Rules

The Rules #2

by Melanie Hooyenga

Junior year’s looking up for sixteen-year old Mike. Her new BFF isn’t a sadistic control freak, her boyfriend adores her, and she’s learning to bike in the mountains without decapitating herself on a tree.

Well, almost.

When she meets a group of riders who welcome her into their pack, she feels like she’s finally found where she belongs. One particular rider—a boy with an amazing smile and an even more amazing ability to see what she’s truly capable of—gives her the confidence to go after what she wants: her own life with her own rules.

There’s only one problem—he’s not her boyfriend.

Just as things seem to be falling into place, her parents put on the pressure to figure out her future—one that doesn’t include riding. Mike soon realizes that having everything isn’t that great when she’s not the one choosing it. She needs to decide if she’s going to continue to be a follower or step out of the shadows and find her own trail.

*****


Gold Winner (Special Interest: Sports) 2018 -- Children's Literary Classics
Silver Winner (YA Fiction General) 2018 -- Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
Silver Winner (YA Romance) 2018 -- Readers' Favorite


"Hooyenga gives us an expertly-written, well-paced narrative and a fascinating and well-developed cast of teen and adult characters. On its surface, it's a simple romance that incorporates high school social drama with personal growth through the physical, emotional, and mental challenge of a sport. Mike is a very likable teen who hasn't yet found her own path or her inner courage. As she gains experience on the bike,she devises ten (plus one) "trail rules," which also help her face the challenges of life. ...this is an extremely positive and engaging story told in a very beautiful way." -- Readers' Favorite

"In a must-read book a target audience of teenage girls will coast through, the hilarious yet drama-fueled book THE TRAIL RULES follows one girl's adventure into self-discovery and security, leading to a goose bump-inducing conclusion that will inspire young adults to take worthy risks in their own lives that could reap a handsome reward." -- IndieReader

"A fantastic sequel from Melanie Hooyenga... A well-done portrait of life at it's finest--when things end to make way for new challenges and excitement. When love trumps disappointment. And when we find out just how limitless we really are." -- YA Books Central

"Mike's story is solidly plotted and well paced, and it shows that a change of heart is only the beginning step in understanding who you are. The characters here ring true, especially Mike, whose evolution and growing self-awareness propel the story forward. The writing has an immediacy and works to bring readers inside of Mike's head. And while there are some melodrama moments, they never overwhelm the narrative,instead, they keep the emotions raw and honest." -- The BookLife Prize

"Hooyenga continues to deliver an exciting story with page-turning plotsand sub-plots and an underlying theme of genuine female characters whoare likeably flawed." -- Children's Literary Classics

Genres: High School, Romance

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2018

About the author

Multi-award winning young adult author Melanie Hooyenga first started writing as a teenager and finds she still relates best to that age group. She has lived in Washington DC, Chicago, and Mexico, but has finally settled down in her home state of Michigan.

When not writing books, you can find Melanie enjoying the great outdoors and playing every sport imaginable with her husband Jeremy.

**Awards**
Flicker
–> 1st Place Winner (MG/YA) of the 3rd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published eBook Awards (2015)

The Slope Rules
–> Gold Winner (YA General Fiction) 2017, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
–> Silver Winner (High School Romance) 2017, Children's Literary Classics
–> Bronze Winner (YA Romance) 2017, Readers' Favorite

The Trail Rules
–> Gold Winner (Special Interest: Sports) 2018, Children's Literary Classics
–> Silver Winner (YA Romance) 2018, Readers' Favorite
–> Silver Winner (YA General Fiction) 2018, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

The Edge Rules
–> Gold Winner (Special Interest: Sports) 2019 — Children’s Literary Classics
–> Winner (YA) 2019 – Orange County RWA BBB Awards
–> Finalist / YA/MG Winner 2019 – BookLife Prize
–> Bronze Winner (YA Romance) 2019 — Readers’ Favorite

Chasing the Sun
–> Gold Winner (YA General Fiction) 2020, Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
–> Quarter-Finalist / YA/MG 2020 – BookLife Prize

Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mikayla (Mike) has finally got everything she thought she wanted. She has distanced herself from the snow bunnies aka mean girls. She is back with her ex-boyfriend, Evan and she has some new friends.

She has started cycling and is really enjoying the challenge but Evan her BF is a little too protective of her. As the new school year starts she finds everyone's expectations of her are overbearing. Her parents want her to focus on her education. Her boyfriend wants her to be the perfect girlfriend. Her old friends are acting strangely towards her. Mike tries to please everyone but something has to give.

She meets some new friends while out on a cycle trail. They don't go to her school and they aren't entangled in her life. Mike finds the step back refreshing and helps her focus on more than what others want. One of her new friends is a guy called Mica and Mike can't help but compare him to Evan. Even though Mike was desperate to get back with Evan most ex's have that title for a reason. Mica shows her that Evan might not be everything she needs.

I would say this is more a becoming of age book than a romance. Don't get me wrong it is a love story with a happy ever after but I felt Mike could easily have any guy she wanted.

I didn't really like Evan and I'm not sure if this was intentional by the author but I couldn't wait for her to get rid of him. He was controlling and condescending. I haven't read the first book and I did wonder if I would have liked him more if I had.
This is a standalone story, however, I did feel certain aspects would have made more sense if I had read Cally (Mike's BFF) story.

Overall I enjoyed The Trail Rules. It's the first mountain bike story I've read and Mike was an interesting character. Her conflict between doing what she wanted and what others expected made for an interesting story. Mica was an ok love interest and the author tried to show an intense attraction but I felt we didn't really find out enough about him. This story was more about new beginnings, breaking free and discovering it isn't as scary as you thought.

4 stars out of 5.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review as part of the Chapter by Chapter blog tour.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an avid mountain biker myself, I couldn’t wait to dive right into this book. It sounded as though it was going to be a real coming of age, discover yourself sort f read, and it was just that, with a little more. I loved every page, and really feel the author did well to capture a lot of the issues and challenges that people deal with, as they learn and grow, particularly as teens in secondary school, but it really is the same for any age.

Mike is a really wonderful character. She is trying to find herself in an ever growing world, filled with more and more pressure, on her, to become what everyone wants and expects her to. She starts to see things a new way, and wonders if the doors just might be opening, giving her a chance to become the person she wants to be, rather than everyone else, but she has to make the decision if she want to try to fit the mould or if she would rather create her own.

As we get to know her, we find out more about her style and true personality. It does make you dislike her current (and also ex) boyfriend, after she has decided to get back together with him. Well, at least it did me. He is rather suffocating, and is one of the many people who have expectations for her. As she meets a new set of mates, she finds joy in both having new friends and in a new hobby, both of which were fun to really see her find her way through, as she enjoys both.

Overall, this little read is one that will have any reader feeling like they understand what she is going through, hoping for the best and really loving Mike and her attempt to find her way.

[Patrick Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this book after thoroughly enjoying The Slope Rules, and this did not disappoint.

We got to know Mike a little in Book One, but now we delve headlong into her life. She's a typical teen in many way - she's antsy and angsty about preparing for college, putting off adulting as long as possible while she explores her new passion, mountain biking. The perfect relationship she thought she had starts to slip away (as these things often do for no obvious reason), and that's when she meets Mica, who not only shares her love of riding but looks to be Mike's match in every way.

This is a truly delightful story, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves biking, teen romance, or YA contemporary in general. I can't wait for The Edge Rules, when we get to hear Brianna's story.

Do yourself a favor and jump on Team Hooyenga! There's lots of room!

[Diana Duell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book are just as much fun to read as the first book. This is the second in a series, but could be read on its own. This book has different main characters.

I enjoyed reading about Mike finding her own way in her life. So much growth happening for her in this book. Very strong, courageous, and finding her independence.

[Sascha · Rating 3 out of 5]

review upcoming

[SD Jericho · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realise that everyone should be the hero or heroine of their own story but I have discovered that I much prefer Mike as a support or secondary character than as the main character of the book.

Mike, as a character, to me, is… Apathetic. Listless. Has no interests or direction or spine. The first half of the book she feels very much like an amoeba, or a leaf, just floating from situation to situation. Maybe I felt that I liked her as a secondary character more because even in her own life, she’s a secondary character. The bits of spark and fire that she has are all mental and she never really hits her stride in bringing that out.

And then when she finds joy and she’s happy in her space, it feels like it’s still linked to a guy and not to herself.

This book unfortunately brought out my soap box again and I was quite uncomfortable with the amount of sexualized content in this book about young kids. At one point, I truly forgot that it was a book about young high school kids because I was quite convinced that I’d inadvertently swopped to an adult romance. And truthfully, a lot of it was unnecessary and not needed for the development of the story because nothing about that changed except the boy she’s with. I believe that it was possible to have a high school romance without all the sexualized content.

I explained my thought process on this in the review of the first book so I will not go into it again but seeing it featured so predominantly in the first half of the book again, along with some other irritations, was just frustrating for me. Again, this is my personal opinion and only affects my personal rating and recommendation so others could and will feel differently.

Her parents want her to be less focused on boys and more focused on thinking for herself and figuring out what she wants to do with her life. While I don’t appreciate HOW they do it, I do appreciate WHAT they were trying to say.

Even though the focus was on Mike, I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the first book and found that my interest in the other characters and what was going on there, especially with Brianna, was enough to intrigue me and get me through this book. So, I will admit that I skipped or skimmed over some parts as I hate to not complete a book. I think that the book could even have been improved with more of Mica’s POV in certain cases but I guess this book wasn’t really about him? BUT, he was very much a catalyst for Mike finding her happy.

This book can be read as a stand-alone but it’s easier to understand the actions and motivations of the characters if you read the first book. I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed the first one because I didn’t connect with the main characters and there were just too many points of irritation for me. I understand that being a teenager is a period of growth and development as a person and I would have liked to see Mika doing some actual personal growth that was not linked to the boy in her life. As it is, I’m not sure that she did achieve her goal of having her own life with her own rules.

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Trail Rules' by Melanie Hooyenga does a great job of capturing the personality and drama of main character Mike (full name: Mikayla) and how her friends and family factor into her life in easy and not-so-easy ways. The first sequel to 'The Slope Rules,' to be followed by another sequel later in 2018 titled 'The Edge Rules,' this particular novel follows Mike and her fascination with bike riding on the trails near where she lives.

Even though her love of riding stemmed from her relationship with boyfriend, Evan, she starts feeling different about him and life in general when she realizes that she craves trust and independence from the life she has known. Having given up some friends and her former lifestyle in recent months, for what she considers the better, she finds her way back to Evan. Their relationship seems wonderful and happy on the surface, but Mike is beginning to feel that Evan doesn't understand what she wants or needs, and it is hard for her to determine how to move forward - or not - as his girlfriend. He has been what she thought she wanted for so long, and reconciling her feelings about him with these new emotions she's feeling is harder than she could imagine.

Making her decision somewhat easier - and also harder, in a sense - is her interest in another trail rider named Mica and her parents' crackdown on her time studying. Even though they feel she should be home immediately after school to start her homework and only go out on the weekends, she finds herself drawn to the trail. Being name twins with Mica is only one of the factors that draws her to him and their mutual love of riding, but knowing he's not her boyfriend makes it hard to consider starting something up with him when and if she ends things with Evan. She wants to be challenged and supported, and the fact that the grass always seems greener on the other side makes Mica all that much more appealing (not that Evan is so bad to begin with).

Mike's trouble with making up her mind, figuring out how to deal with old friends who seem "off" even though she promised herself and others she'd stay away, and doing her best to take new steps in her life causes a good amount of strife and heartache. But so is life, and Mike learns this throughout the course of the novel while Hooyenga injects a solid amount of swoon-worthy scenes, biking lingo, and senses of understanding for Mike's troubles. A fun read that is good for not only lovers of contemporary romance, but also sports enthusiasts.

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Olena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t had a chance to read the first book in the series but I will definitely be picking it up now to catch up on the other characters as I know there is a back story to some of my questions that popped up in this book.

The Trail Rules tells Mike’s (Mikayla) story and allows us to come on a journey showcasing her newfound enjoyment of biking, something she didn’t expect to give her so much freedom from her everyday life. With pressure coming from all sides ( school drama, family life, relationship), she finds solace on being on the bike and making that her focus and letting all of her worries drop away for the time being. It helps when she meets a group of bikers where she feels that she can finally fit in, especially with the help of one boy in the group, Mica. With Mica’s help, Mike pushes herself further past her limits which help her develop more as a character and show her that anything is possible.

I found it amusing that her new love interest Mica had a similar name as herself, but in some cases it was a bit confusing to follow along.

I haven’t really read any books about mountain biking so this was a first for me and it was refreshing to read about something I had no background in. It kept me interested and entertained and will do the same for fans of sports. Mike definitely develops as the story progresses and she makes some tough decisions instead of taking the easy route which helps with her development as a character. The overall story was a great fast and easy read and I would recommend it to anyone who loves biking, romance and coming of age stories.

[Samantha Bilodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars

This was a cute YA romance, with a fun cast of characters. Mike, our heroine, is a confused 16-year-old who is trying to figure out exactly what she wants to do with her life. She is dating Evan, essentially her first love, and meets a group of new friends when adopting the hobby of mountain biking. Part of that new group is Mica, a boy who catches her interest. She is also dealing with having moved on from her "mean girl" friend, Brianna.

This is standalone, but I would really recommend reading the first book, The Slope Rules, to get the backstory to this one.

So this is basically a love triangle story. The first half sort of dragged for me and had me a bit confused myself, as Mike just sort of glides through her non-committal life. There are several make-out sessions and some sweet moments with Evan, which felt a bit pointless. I had a sense of what was to come, so didn't really feel engaged until the last half.

There was also a LOT of teenage angst in the first half, and some awkward "Oh, ha, accidental innuendo! I'm so embarrassed" moments. It still felt genuine most of the time, but definitely very high school.

I was intrigued by Brianna and hope that there is a continuation so that we get more of her story. As it is, we are left with a big question mark when it comes to her.

I appreciated the "I don't know what to do with my life" aspect as being appropriate for the target audience. I do wish there had been a little more resolution though. Things speed up and then just sort of stop.

All in all, a fun YA romance! Definitely a great read for anyone who likes to read romance with sports (the mountain biking aspect was my favorite part).

[SheReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for YA Books Central

A fantastic sequel from Melanie Hooyenga.

The Story:
Juinor year is supposed to be a year of excitement. One last hurrah before life gets too serious. For Mike, it's a year of shrinking under the pressure from her parents about her future and falling out of love with the boy she thought would be hers for a long time.
Adventure comes for her in the form of a new passion- riding- and a new group of friends who push her beyond the limits she thought she had. Not to mention the boy with the intense gaze.

What I loved:
I know absolutely nothing about mountain biking and yet this story made me feel like I did. Mike is the perfect example of a teen at that point in their life. Life is about to change in a drastic way. Nothing ever stays the same, but the coming change is never so profound as it is during the final years of high school. It's that line into adulthood. Melanie Hooyenga encapsulates the tumultuous years with incredible skill.
The characters are so real, they're almost like friends.

What was just okay:
I was a bit sad for certain characters I'd loved in the first book, but I quickly got over that.

Final Verdict:
A well-done portrait of life at it's finest- when things end to make way for new challenges and excitement. When love trumps disappointment. And when we find out just how limitless we really are.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review is 3.5 Stars

The Trail Rules is a well-written, compelling, coming-of-age story. The author has a fun way of incorporating the “trail rules” for mountain bikers into the story applied to Mike’s everyday life. The theme of Mike learning not to just be a follower is subtle but woven throughout the story in a number of ways.

As the second book in the series, this book can still stand alone though Mike first appears in the previous book and the way she ended up seeking new friends is explained in much more detail there. It also appears that there will be at least one more book, as a mystery involving one of the characters remains unresolved.

There is mild swearing in the book, sexual innuendo, and more than innocent kisses. While it is not described in detail, it is mentioned that the characters are engaging in skin-on-skin kisses. There are also discussions between Mike and her best friend that make it clear that sex is perfectly acceptable to them. Personally, I have a hard time recommending this book because of my personal convictions.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads


I would like to thank Lady Amber's Reviews & PR for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.

[bookgeek607 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hit the trails with exonerated snow bunny Mike. With parents pressuring you to chose your future yesterday as a junior in high school is a lot to take in. It’s hard to map out your future when your so unsure of your now. With new friends she sets her self on a new path. He boyfriend, who she always wanted, gets her into riding where he seems to hold her back and not let her grow. They meet a group of bikers and friendships happen. In those Mike realizes there is so much more she is able to do and found her courage. She flips her life around and meet Mica a trail riding, hard working, funny guy who treats her as an equal. She finds she has more courage than she ever imagined! I use to ride when I was younger not as hard core as the characters in the book but it was fun thinking back of how I was in high school in comparison to the characters of the book. Melanie’s writing gives you that connection with them to really absorb into the story. I can not wait to read the next one!!!

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish was around when I was 17. While I wasn't a "reformed mean girl", I struggled in high school to just feel confident in my own skin. I admit things are so much different today than they were when I was a junior, but common themes are still there: the need to belong....to need to be liked....to be confident....to know that we all make mistakes and they aren't the end of the world.

What I love about this story is that it isn't your typical coming of age story that use the same ol' cliches and tropes. Nope. This story centers around the sport of extreme mountain biking--something that Mike (our female MC) took up as a way to spend time with her boyfriend, and in turn, really loving the sport. Through her desire to challenge herself and try new things (and even swim against the stream), which allowed her to find her true self.

The characters are genuine with real life situations, conversations and experiences that are written well and keep the pages turning!

[Auda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy YA stories due to the fact that they usually are about first love, first kisses, first most of the things that happen to the girls/boys etc. Most of the time I search for similar books as they are a bit naive, but still very enjoyable ( I suppose a psychiatrist would have an opinion regarding my reading preferences, but I do not care :))
The story is mostly about a girl who finally stands for herself (regarding the best friend and boyfriend, acquaintances and future college decisions) and finds a hobby she loves - riding a mountain bike.
It was an easy read, enjoyable story with no underage sexual relationship that was like a fresh breeze (sometimes the sexual intercourse is just too heavy to be real for 16-18 years old girls and/or boys).
The next story I really want to read is about Brianna, I just cannot wait for it as she was one of the most colorful characters in The Trail Rules.

[Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Melanie Hooyenga’s The Trail Rules, sixteen-year-old Mike (Mikayla) decides to give mountain biking a try, and in the process, she finds a group of people with whom she feels a strong connection. In this, the second installment of The Rules Series, we see some of the same characters from the first book, but with Mike taking center-stage. Hooyenga continues to deliver an exciting story with page-turning plots and sub-plots and an underlying theme of genuine female characters who are likeably flawed. The mountain biking elements in this story helps give this book substance as readers are introduced to the thrilling aspects of the sport. Mike has a series of personal growth experiences as she works on developing her biking skills while also addressing her own insecurities. This book will resonate with YA audiences and is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dived right into this one after finishing The Slope Rules, it could be read as a stand alone but highly reccomend reading The Slope Rules first as it flows on with gruop of friends and the drama.
Another cute mix of personnal growth, over coming fears/hurdles, romance, friendships and an extreme sport (downhill mountain biking). Once again the romance is not the main focus, Mike (Miklayla) is basically learning how to be true to her self and be her own person after finally breaking away from the 'snow bunnies' and Brianna. She thinks she has everything she ever wanted but still feels unsure. Her personnal growth within her realtionships, family and on her own was really cute, and tackling the downhill mountain biking was insiping to read.
Once again only wish there was an epilouge to read more about them.

[Heather Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give 5-star ratings. If I really like a book, 4-stars is appropriate because I want potential readers to read and trust my review.

The Trail Rules hooked me for the very first page and I spent all Saturday (with the exception of a few hours to run 4 miles, shop and feed my family) reading Mike's story. I haven't read a book in one day in years! Definitely 5 stars.

I have one requirement for sports romances: the female protagonist must be an athlete. This book was so perfect for me, even if I've never mountain biked and have no desire to. The story is expertly written and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a very well written and satisfying YA romance.

I received the ebook when I signed up for the author's newsletter, and I will definitely be buying more of her books.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this follow up to The Slope Rules. While I don’t think I connected with Mike as easily as I did with Cally, I still thought she was well developed and had a strong and clear voice, which is very important in a teen romance novel.
The story had great lessons about learning to habe your own voice, although, to be honest, I felt bad for Evan. That being said, feeling sorry for someone is definitely not a good reason to stay in a relationship.
As always, Melanie does a great job with pacing and upping the emotional intensity. The story was well developed and edited which I always appreciate. Overall a good story, and I’m so curious to see who book 3 will be about.

I received an ARC of this book for free in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

[Bridgid Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trail Rules is a GREAT follow up to The Slope Rules. Excellent writing and pacing, and fantastic characters. It's a fun read with everything you could want in a YA romance - swoony parts, muddy parts (um, I'm talking about the biking), and complicated emotional stuff, the kind of stuff I LOVE to see covered in YA.

This book was such a page-turner for me, and that's 100% because I was so emotionally invested, right from the start. I love that!

No spoilers, but there's a difficult emotional thing the MC goes through that was done so, so well... I won't ruin it for you, but wow. Loved it.

Looking forward to the next one!

P.S. I was given an advance copy of The Trail Rules. This is my honest review.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book when I recieved an arc from the author. As I begun reading it, it took a while before I understood what the book was about. For me this was a really slow read. I had a hard time getting into the book.

The book was however written good and reading the other reviews I realise that this book just wasn't for me. I did like the main character and her hobby. I have never read a book where the main character loves mountain biking. Just like most sixteen year olds, the main character is wondering what she wants in life. I think this internal process was written very realistic understandable.

I give this book three stars. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my cup of tea.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mike when we met her in book one, and while I was itching for her to get back with Evan, picking up this book I kinda wanted to see how things were gonna go. I was a littler hesitant, but Hooyenga has a way of pulling you in and making you see the realness of the characters as well as falling for the people they fall for. I adored Mica as well, loved the way he was with Mike, and the whole story, with those serious issues included, was a dream to read. I love the hint of more and will be diving into book three as soon as possible. Overall a beautifully crafted story and one I recommend!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the bike riding in the book. It was something different and I learned a few things. I did not get to read the first book but I wasn't lost at all with this story. Some of the first was explained a bit. The friend group was a mixed bag of boys and girls. That is a plus to me. Evan was not a favorite of mine but I understand the reason why he was controlling. Mica and Mike were great together. I think he has a story to be told. I received an ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Trail Rules" is a quick, enjoyable read for kids and adults alike filled with lessons about second chances, forging your own path and friendship without being obviously preach-y. The ending came too soon and I'm going to need some closure about Evan and Brianna in the next book!

[Jennifer Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this and didn't want to put it down. I liked Mike and identified with her struggle to find herself while trying to fit in and her journey to find her inner strength. I also know a lot more about mountain biking and felt I was with her on the trail. I can't wait for the next book.

[Amber Ballard · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Trail Rules by Melanie Hooyenga
This book started off slow and I wasn't too sure about the first 50% of the book but once it got going I loved it. Absolutely hated her with Evan and I wish it told more about her and Bri but the ending was just wonderful! 2 1/2 stars!!!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series.This time we have Mike's story. It takes us from skiing to cycling. Mike has some tough decisions to make. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. That's what growing up is all about.
Another page turner!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a must read. We all have those times when you don't know if you are making the right decision (or at least I know I have). This story excellently displays the thoughts and worries that you go through as a teenager while trying to navigate the highs and lows of high school.

[Alice Bottje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

[Mary Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It perfectly captured all of the "typical" high-school struggles, and I felt like Mike was easy to relate to. Being someone who grew up shy, I found myself remembering situations I was in that were similar to Mike's. And, for not being someone who bikes, I found myself very intrigued and anxious during the riding scenes! Great book, highly recommend for any age!

[Emily Kazmierski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun to read. It was a great continuation of the first book, but told from Mike’s perspective.