Run Away with Me

September 1, 2017
After a traumatic event cleaves their bond in their early teens, two friends reunite in their early 20s. Jake and Emerson were childhood BFFs who shared a love of hockey. When Emerson is assaulted in the locker room at age 13, she never plays again. Soon after, Jake suddenly leaves their small town. Seven years later, with a professional hockey contract and unresolved feelings for Em, Jake returns to win her back. Can Em forgive the past and let Jake back into her heart? The story is told in alternating chapters from Jake's and Emerson's viewpoints, also switching from the past and present, but their voices sound entirely too similar for the technique to work. True to genre, Jake, with his rugged, athletic looks and determined spirit, is a typical alpha-male archetype who, despite his own melodramas, is able to repeatedly save the day for Emerson. Gray's secondary characters lack any real development, instead relying on unfortunate stereotypes for plot propulsion. Likewise, the narrative demands that its readers suspend disbelief when it depends on nearly inconceivable and all-too-convenient leaps. However, those willing to overlook the more preposterous plot points should delight in Jake and Em's building romantic tension and sizzling sex scenes. Those seeking diversity in their romance may want to skip this; Gray's offering focuses on two white, hetero, cisgender main characters. A fairly conventional new-adult romance perhaps best suited for die-hard fans. (Romance. 16-adult)

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October 1, 2017

Gr 10 Up-Emerson Lowe's summer starts off as usual: working at her family's business and helping take care of her sick father. She is thrown off her game when Jake McCallister, her ex-best friend who just happens to be a super hunky ice hockey player, pops back up in town. Emerson can't seem to shake her resentment at Jake for up and leaving her seven years ago, right when she needed him most. Misunderstandings and lost words leave Emerson and Jake dancing around their undeniable chemistry. Their romance, along with the past, demands to be set free. Palpable romantic tension will leave teens gasping, anxiously turning the pages, and begging for these two to get together. Gray manages to balance a passionate romance with a more serious backstory of sexual assault. Emerson shows what a meaningful and loving sexual relationship can look like while struggling with the mental scars of abuse. Sex is on page, detailed, and suited to older audiences, making this selection most appropriate for readers looking to graduate from YA to adult shelves. Fans of Nicholas Sparks will fall in love with this heart-pounding tale. VERDICT For hopeless romantics ready to step up from puppy love. A good choice for older teen and new adult collections.-Carrie Finberg, South Park High School, PA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
Emerson was a happy tomboy until her middle-school hockey coach sexually assaulted her. Emerson pressed charges, was publically shamed, and her best friend Jake moved away without saying goodbye. Seven years later, Jake--now a NHL hopeful--returns to make amends. In alternating-perspective chapters (present-day and flashbacks), the two muddle through misunderstanding after misunderstanding. A straightforward, steamy romance with a textbook happy ending.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)