A rom com about trying to have the summer of your life before everything changes – only to realize change might be exactly what you need…
When Juniper Nash Abreheart kissed Graham Isham for the first time, she had no idea it would nearly be the end of their friendship.
More specifically, she had no idea that the terrible, unforgivable thing she did to keep their summer fling a secret wouldn’t just ruin their friendship, but also Graham’s entire life. Now, months since the fallout, Junie and Graham spend most of their time sidestepping conversational landmines on the journey back to normalcy.
Junie is sure the strangeness between her and Graham is her biggest problem – until her mom hires Tallulah, her boyfriend’s surly teenage daughter, to work at their family café, and then announces they’ll all be moving in together at the end of the summer. The only bright spot ahead is Junie’s dad’s upcoming visit, just in time for her community theater production. And then poor turnout soon threatens that.
But when Junie starts to realize the feelings she swore to take care of last summer have lingered, saving her production and managing her hostile relationship with Tallulah might be the least of her problems. Graham isn’t just off limits – their friendship has been mended to barely withstand a breeze, and the gale force of Junie’s feelings could be just what breaks them.
Samantha Markum’s You Wouldn’t Dare is about the risks and triumphs that come with being brave enough to take a chance at what you really want, including love.
Such an adorable, feel-good but turbulent young adult story. You Wouldn’t Dare literally hits all the marks of great friendship, family, growing up, and young love.
Juniper Nash is such a quirky main character that I adored following. She’s headstrong, aloof, and yet tons of fun. I really enjoyed following her story with her group of friends and family as she navigates a summer filled with changes.
With her friends group, we have Miles, Lucy, and Graham. I love the dynamic between Miles and Junie. Growing up, my close group of friends were all guys and loved seeing that portrayed in the book. Lucy is just a ball of sunlight and then there’s Graham.
“I think love is about finding a way to fit together even after the hard stuff happens,” I say. “I don’t think it’s supposed to always be easy. It’s about choosing someone in spite of the obstacles.”
Samantha Markum. You Wouldnt Dare (Kindle Locations 3317-3319). Kindle Edition.
I loved everything about Graham as soon as he’s introduced. His relationship with his friends and Junie, his hardworking attitude, and artist brain. He’s just all around a great guy and I loved seeing Junie and him grow together.
Overall such an adorable read that I blew through. This young adult story has everything you’re looking for and definitely will stay with you long after. I just want more Graham and Junie! Definitely worth a pick up.
Jotted by Jena 