When the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis

Abstract

Reviewed by: When the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis Alaine Martaus Davis, Ronni When the Stars Lead to You. Little, 2019 [400p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-316-49070-2 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-316-49068-9 $9.99 Reviewed from galleys Ad Gr. 9-12 Their first romantic round ended in her getting ghosted, but now eighteen-year-old Devon has fallen for Ashton all over again. Their love heats up fast, and Devon has faith that this time she's older and wiser. She soon finds herself navigating Ashton's struggles with depression and his parents' race- & class-based disapproval (Devon is biracial), all while keeping her own future on track. Then a close call with tragedy forces her to decide: is love strong enough to keep them together or can she be strong enough to let him go? Whether it's love, lust, school stress, or family drama, this novel of first loves, first times, and first heartbreaks plays up the emotional intensity. With so much going on, the story is sometimes cluttered and unfocused, but the mess also lends an air of realness to Devon's experiences. Unfortunately, the narrative style is more tell than show, including a few descriptive sex scenes, distancing readers from the emotion and undermining the chemistry between the leads. Meanwhile, characters face the many life-changing moments with an unfailing maturity that belies their years, ultimately giving the novel the vibe of a very special episode about depression. Still, readers who love a good soapy drama-romance may find their hearts a-flutter from the twists and turns of Devon and Ashton's love. Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois