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Jackson High #4
The Shy Girl & the Jock Next Door
Shay MacNeil
One girl, hiding her scars, ready to escape the stares & whispers of her small town.
TJ Devlin
One boy, burying his dreams, ready to live up to the grand expectations of his small town.
Shay & TJ
One girl & one boy, best friends since forever, might just be able to help save each other.
One girl, hiding her scars, ready to escape the stares & whispers of her small town.
TJ Devlin
One boy, burying his dreams, ready to live up to the grand expectations of his small town.
Shay & TJ
One girl & one boy, best friends since forever, might just be able to help save each other.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2022
346 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Collins
11 books106 followersM.L. Collins has done stuff. Good stuff. Bad stuff. Fun stuff. Boring stuff. She believes in true love, laughing loud and often, being kind, and assuming the best in people until they show her otherwise.
She loves classic rock, old Motown, and ’90s country music. Just try to stop her from dancing. Although, please don’t, because she loves dancing. (But, for the love of Pete, do stop her from singing; only people who love her dearly should have to suffer through that.)
She hates naps, dill pickles, and scary movies. Loves windy days, dogs, and LOTR. She’s an unashamed lover of sprinkles on cupcakes.
M.L. loves reading and writing quirky sweet romance novels that makes you snicker, swoon, and sigh.
She loves classic rock, old Motown, and ’90s country music. Just try to stop her from dancing. Although, please don’t, because she loves dancing. (But, for the love of Pete, do stop her from singing; only people who love her dearly should have to suffer through that.)
She hates naps, dill pickles, and scary movies. Loves windy days, dogs, and LOTR. She’s an unashamed lover of sprinkles on cupcakes.
M.L. loves reading and writing quirky sweet romance novels that makes you snicker, swoon, and sigh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 7, 2022
Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears. - Rudyard Kipling
I've loved this series from the beginning. Each one has the protagonists overcoming something & this one has a really tough challenge. Shay was badly burned in a car accident & has scars on one side of her face.
I had a teacher in 7th grade who had major burn scars on most of his face (former military guy at an airbase school). He handled it so well. The 1st day of class, while he was introducing himself, he matter of factly let us know that he had been burned during his service & then moved on. It took a little getting used to - it's really hard to see what's basically melted skin when you're not used to it - but we did get used to it pretty quickly, and then we didn't really notice it so much anymore. He was a great teacher & was several times voted favorite teacher by the students over the many years he was there. He also was single and dated pretty regularly (airbases in foreign countries are like small towns, so it's common for people to know everyone else's business). We were so impressed by how he went on and lived his life without letting that tragic occurrence hold him back.
All that to say, I was thinking about my old teacher as I read Shay's story & could really sympathize with her self-consciousness & vulnerability. I would probably be more like Shay than my former teacher. It was really easy to be engaged in her story, TJ was a wonderful hero, however, I loved the way it played out where Shay was supported by TJ & her friends but found her strength from within herself.
It's predictable for the most part, but when a story is done well enough that doesn't matter much. My one complaint is that the pacing of the story wasn't as good as the previous books, so it did drag in places - mostly in the first half. But it improves and the ending makes it worth it.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
I've loved this series from the beginning. Each one has the protagonists overcoming something & this one has a really tough challenge. Shay was badly burned in a car accident & has scars on one side of her face.
I had a teacher in 7th grade who had major burn scars on most of his face (former military guy at an airbase school). He handled it so well. The 1st day of class, while he was introducing himself, he matter of factly let us know that he had been burned during his service & then moved on. It took a little getting used to - it's really hard to see what's basically melted skin when you're not used to it - but we did get used to it pretty quickly, and then we didn't really notice it so much anymore. He was a great teacher & was several times voted favorite teacher by the students over the many years he was there. He also was single and dated pretty regularly (airbases in foreign countries are like small towns, so it's common for people to know everyone else's business). We were so impressed by how he went on and lived his life without letting that tragic occurrence hold him back.
All that to say, I was thinking about my old teacher as I read Shay's story & could really sympathize with her self-consciousness & vulnerability. I would probably be more like Shay than my former teacher. It was really easy to be engaged in her story, TJ was a wonderful hero, however, I loved the way it played out where Shay was supported by TJ & her friends but found her strength from within herself.
It's predictable for the most part, but when a story is done well enough that doesn't matter much. My one complaint is that the pacing of the story wasn't as good as the previous books, so it did drag in places - mostly in the first half. But it improves and the ending makes it worth it.
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
May 10, 2023
The HEA felt a little rushed/too easy at the end, but still a sweet book.
May 26, 2022
Dudeeee, this was the emotional book in the series.
I cried a little with all the love in this book.
"Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears."
As much as I love a bad boy the good boy will always have my heart.
TJ was simply amazing.❤
Shay was so strong and so sweet.❤
And Garry had my heart since the beginning.❤❤❤❤❤
I cried a little with all the love in this book.
"Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears."
As much as I love a bad boy the good boy will always have my heart.
TJ was simply amazing.❤
Shay was so strong and so sweet.❤
And Garry had my heart since the beginning.❤❤❤❤❤
June 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this. One of my favorite books is the tomboy and the movie star so I was so excited to read the next book in this series. Some parts were a bit repetitive but overall a very cute romance story.
February 3, 2022
This can be a stand alone. (It references characters from another book but not in an I-have-no-clue-why-these-people-are-important way; it was all very natural and went along with the book.) I was worried at the beginning because Shay’s mom is such a helicopter parent and she clearly isn’t doing her mom-job of making so her kids can live independently as adults. I was also worried that TJ was semi-abusive in the way of not letting Shay get to know other guys because if he can’t have her no one can. Things turned out nicely though and it was a real feel good book in the end. I liked the struggles of each character, the self-reflection, and the growth that they went through. Kisses only.
March 5, 2022
A sweet story about Shay who survived a car accident and coming to terms as a senior in High School with how she looks. TJ lives next door and supported his best friend every step of the way and also learns that all dreams are futile. A lovely story about coming to terms with who you are - with a twist of romance and humor.
QUOTE
I do. I need to do this…” I picked her up from where she sat on the step next to me and lifted her until she sat sideways on my lap with her head tucked under my chin and my arms wrapped around her. “Sometimes, Shay, I don’t have the right words to tell you. But I’ve got strong arms to hold you. I can sit here all night holding you—as long as we both need.”
QUOTE
I do. I need to do this…” I picked her up from where she sat on the step next to me and lifted her until she sat sideways on my lap with her head tucked under my chin and my arms wrapped around her. “Sometimes, Shay, I don’t have the right words to tell you. But I’ve got strong arms to hold you. I can sit here all night holding you—as long as we both need.”
June 15, 2022
Sweet story
This story is about finding the strength within oneself to face one's fears. Everyone has insecurities and this reminds the readers that no one is alone. If we opened up, we may find that we're not really ask that different from each other. That understanding is what will get us through the tough stuff in life. People need to find those who would lift us up and be around them more while staying away from those who are trying to tear us down. Despite how insecure Shay feels about herself,
she never let Linda bully her into choosing the "popular" road and surrounded herself with awesome people. Love the H and h and their supportive friends.😊
This story is about finding the strength within oneself to face one's fears. Everyone has insecurities and this reminds the readers that no one is alone. If we opened up, we may find that we're not really ask that different from each other. That understanding is what will get us through the tough stuff in life. People need to find those who would lift us up and be around them more while staying away from those who are trying to tear us down. Despite how insecure Shay feels about herself,
she never let Linda bully her into choosing the "popular" road and surrounded herself with awesome people. Love the H and h and their supportive friends.😊
February 2, 2022
loved it!
This whole series is YA gold! I loved Shay and TJ’s story. Shay has had to deal with a lot in her life due to an accident she was in when she was in the fifth grade. TJ has been a constant friend for her. She doesn’t see her beauty, but TJ does. He’s patient and kind. He’s been waiting on her for years, so when Shay accidentally tells her parents they are dating, he finally sees the chance to let his best friend know how he really feels. The story is a fake relationship and best friends to lovers.
Loved the writing and all of the characters.
This whole series is YA gold! I loved Shay and TJ’s story. Shay has had to deal with a lot in her life due to an accident she was in when she was in the fifth grade. TJ has been a constant friend for her. She doesn’t see her beauty, but TJ does. He’s patient and kind. He’s been waiting on her for years, so when Shay accidentally tells her parents they are dating, he finally sees the chance to let his best friend know how he really feels. The story is a fake relationship and best friends to lovers.
Loved the writing and all of the characters.
April 9, 2022
Not exactly what I was expecting, and that’s a good thing!
I’m not going to lie, the first couple pages had me worried. I thought I wasn’t going to like the book. I was worried there would be a lot of self-hate (insecurities yes, hating herself no). I wasn’t sure how TJ’s feelings were going to come into play, I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I’ll just say that TJ’s thoughts and feelings about Shay were perfect. Loved it.
I’m not going to lie, the first couple pages had me worried. I thought I wasn’t going to like the book. I was worried there would be a lot of self-hate (insecurities yes, hating herself no). I wasn’t sure how TJ’s feelings were going to come into play, I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I’ll just say that TJ’s thoughts and feelings about Shay were perfect. Loved it.
April 3, 2023
awwww, that was really adorable, I really like TJ the moment we got introduced to him in the first book
In this book ( I think it's the last one as far as I know) we will finally get TJ and Shay's story, Shay has been in a huge accident which made a huge scar on her face, so she was homeschooled since middle school, and TJ is her best friend since Kindergarten and he is also her neighbor and has been in love with her for years, now it's their senior year and Shay finally got the courage to reenroll in Jackson high and it's TJ only chance to prove his feelings for her .. by pretending to fake date her !!
I really liked how everything tied together nicely, and the character development that Shay has gone throw is nice, TJ is an angel and I loved him so much, I think my problem with the series overall is that the romance was a bit lacking, I LOVE clean romances and it was really nice, but I feel like there is more romantic gestures can be made in a very cute way (like Kasie West books)
all and all I really enjoyed my time in Jackson high thanks for having me live with you :D
In this book ( I think it's the last one as far as I know) we will finally get TJ and Shay's story, Shay has been in a huge accident which made a huge scar on her face, so she was homeschooled since middle school, and TJ is her best friend since Kindergarten and he is also her neighbor and has been in love with her for years, now it's their senior year and Shay finally got the courage to reenroll in Jackson high and it's TJ only chance to prove his feelings for her .. by pretending to fake date her !!
I really liked how everything tied together nicely, and the character development that Shay has gone throw is nice, TJ is an angel and I loved him so much, I think my problem with the series overall is that the romance was a bit lacking, I LOVE clean romances and it was really nice, but I feel like there is more romantic gestures can be made in a very cute way (like Kasie West books)
all and all I really enjoyed my time in Jackson high thanks for having me live with you :D
July 17, 2024
Once again it was cute and appropriate, I enjoyed this one much more than the first book(I don't know why I read them in this order).
TJ: If I had three words to describe him I would say, caring, understanding, and loyal. Did he make mistakes....yes...but who doesn't. I love how he sticks up for Shay but is not overly protective and lets her do her own things independently, something her parents are having trouble letting her do ever since she had her accident.
SHAY: She really grows throughout the book, from not wanting anyone to see her third degree burns, therefore she wears baggy clothes, to being confident enough to go to TJ football's teams dinner party in a dress that showed her burns. She also is just funny, and when Tj told her about the football's team of creating an alter ego with someone you know could be brave and speak their mind, she chose....Elizabeth Bennett. I love her choice.
Amanda: I loved her and her and Shays friendship redemption after a stupid thing that happened in the fourth grade.
TJ: If I had three words to describe him I would say, caring, understanding, and loyal. Did he make mistakes....yes...but who doesn't. I love how he sticks up for Shay but is not overly protective and lets her do her own things independently, something her parents are having trouble letting her do ever since she had her accident.
SHAY: She really grows throughout the book, from not wanting anyone to see her third degree burns, therefore she wears baggy clothes, to being confident enough to go to TJ football's teams dinner party in a dress that showed her burns. She also is just funny, and when Tj told her about the football's team of creating an alter ego with someone you know could be brave and speak their mind, she chose....Elizabeth Bennett. I love her choice.
Amanda: I loved her and her and Shays friendship redemption after a stupid thing that happened in the fourth grade.
February 6, 2024
This book took me much longer than the other books I currently read and it didn't quite captivate me.
The whole series is a bit ... slow and quick at the same time.
There's too much happening while some scenes just drag on and I'm not really "living" the situations.
But I liked TJ and Shay a lot and the issues they are dealing with are serious and not too easily solved.
I also liked their relationship and for me a friends to lovers trope is always easier to "feel" than romances between strangers.
I know they fell for each other a long time ago because they know each other very well. But with these too I also understood why they loved each other. They were great characters.
It was a really nice clean read. I won't reread it but it could be a book I recommend to a teen because there is no bad language, talk of sex and the kisses aren't too descriptive.
The whole series is a bit ... slow and quick at the same time.
There's too much happening while some scenes just drag on and I'm not really "living" the situations.
But I liked TJ and Shay a lot and the issues they are dealing with are serious and not too easily solved.
I also liked their relationship and for me a friends to lovers trope is always easier to "feel" than romances between strangers.
I know they fell for each other a long time ago because they know each other very well. But with these too I also understood why they loved each other. They were great characters.
It was a really nice clean read. I won't reread it but it could be a book I recommend to a teen because there is no bad language, talk of sex and the kisses aren't too descriptive.
June 2, 2025
3.8 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️- - - -> 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rounded to
*This book was 💯 clean read [no explicit sexual content/scenes]
This book was overall enjoyable even if the cover didn’t give me the same impression, and that folks is why you literally should not judge a book by its cover …
But hey that’s what most people do and I can’t blame them because sometimes I do it too.
I liked how not only the FMC had her own problems and flaws and had a hard time getting through it but all the others also had to battle their own demon as whether or not it was vividly mentioned or portrayed.
Honestly my ABSOLUTE favorite part of the book is the last page from chapter 14… IT WAS soo smoooth ughhhh 🙈
I have to say that even though I didn’t get crazy over the book it was thoroughly enjoyable :]
Rounded to
*This book was 💯 clean read [no explicit sexual content/scenes]
This book was overall enjoyable even if the cover didn’t give me the same impression, and that folks is why you literally should not judge a book by its cover …
But hey that’s what most people do and I can’t blame them because sometimes I do it too.
I liked how not only the FMC had her own problems and flaws and had a hard time getting through it but all the others also had to battle their own demon as whether or not it was vividly mentioned or portrayed.
Honestly my ABSOLUTE favorite part of the book is the last page from chapter 14… IT WAS soo smoooth ughhhh 🙈
I have to say that even though I didn’t get crazy over the book it was thoroughly enjoyable :]
February 23, 2022
a beautiful story
This was such a beautiful story of accepting yourself, imperfections and all. Shay was strong, brave, and most importantly kind. TJ was the perfect best friend to more. I also really liked that the mean girl played a role, but not a huge one. The battle was more internal.
This was such a beautiful story of accepting yourself, imperfections and all. Shay was strong, brave, and most importantly kind. TJ was the perfect best friend to more. I also really liked that the mean girl played a role, but not a huge one. The battle was more internal.
June 7, 2022
Good but cheesy
Overall, the book kept me interested. It was a little too cheesy for me and I didn’t really like the writing too much. It didn’t feel detailed or felt like it flowed too well. But I think the point was for it to be light hearted. Regardless, I couldn’t stop reading it! Haha I guess that’s the fun of cheesy books. Would still recommend!
Overall, the book kept me interested. It was a little too cheesy for me and I didn’t really like the writing too much. It didn’t feel detailed or felt like it flowed too well. But I think the point was for it to be light hearted. Regardless, I couldn’t stop reading it! Haha I guess that’s the fun of cheesy books. Would still recommend!
August 5, 2022
Best friends
Tj and Shay have an amazing friendship. From young children through high school. A horrible accident, left scars on a large part of Shay'.s face and shoulder. Th was there for her but she hid from the world. but going back to high school is making them both face the challenges of youth.
Tj and Shay have an amazing friendship. From young children through high school. A horrible accident, left scars on a large part of Shay'.s face and shoulder. Th was there for her but she hid from the world. but going back to high school is making them both face the challenges of youth.
March 24, 2023
Such a cute, fun, and heartwarming read! I loved seeing Shay’s evolution and the strength she realized she had. I loved the perspective that I hadn’t considered of everything she went through over the YEARS of her recovery. I loved the quote, “Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.”
January 31, 2022
awesome story
I totally loved this book . I liked everyone except The chad , Her frenemy Linda or whatever her name is and darla she’s on another level god they are some. Miserable scamming people TJ is so sweet . Oh and Gary 😍
I totally loved this book . I liked everyone except The chad , Her frenemy Linda or whatever her name is and darla she’s on another level god they are some. Miserable scamming people TJ is so sweet . Oh and Gary 😍
May 29, 2022
Beautiful Romance
This is an amazing and endearing as well as loving little love story that will touch your very soul as these loveable and adorable characters journey to unconditional love
This is an amazing and endearing as well as loving little love story that will touch your very soul as these loveable and adorable characters journey to unconditional love
June 19, 2022
When TJ said “I had been in love with Shay MacNeil since the third grade. I know some people might laugh at that, being that we were kids but what I felt for her was real. And the older we got and the more we grew up the deeper I fell for her.” 😭💓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
OH. MY. GOD. this book gave me butterflies every single page. first of all i feel in love with every single character. TJ is my new book boyfriend and i will always love Gary. this book is so incredibly good i cannot
July 9, 2023
Swoon-worthy
This book is absolutely adorable. I loved how even though Shay was struggling, TJ was always there for her and she learned to love herself just as she is. Truly amazing book!!!
This book is absolutely adorable. I loved how even though Shay was struggling, TJ was always there for her and she learned to love herself just as she is. Truly amazing book!!!
October 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book better than the first in this series. Shay and TJ were really sweet. This book was more wholesome than the first, which I appreciated too. The first book wasn't graphic but had more language and snark.
August 20, 2024
This is a fantastic book! It’s more than just a cute romance (though it’s definitely that too!) it’s a beautiful story about not letting your scars physical and/or mental/emotional hold you back. It’s a tough journey to embark on but so worth it in the end.
February 3, 2022
Wonderful book but not a great end to the book series
February 4, 2022
Cute and really nice
February 8, 2022
This was cute - so very cute -
February 22, 2022
Heartfelt
I was so glad that Shay finally saw the beauty in herself. I loved her and Tj. Also I was hoping Wanda would get a story of her own.
I was so glad that Shay finally saw the beauty in herself. I loved her and Tj. Also I was hoping Wanda would get a story of her own.
February 28, 2022
I just really enjoyed how this was about TJ. In the previous books TJ has always been portrayed as a good guy. This story just builds up on how great of a character he is. Clean read
May 21, 2022
DNF.
had potential, but just couldn’t hook me in.
had potential, but just couldn’t hook me in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews