Told in dual perspectives, we follow two authentic teen protagonists, and immediately I'm curious about this story. As I keep reading, I find it's just fine. It seems to be missing a big conflict or plot, but rather seems to be more of a day-in-the-life story that just didn't vibe with me. Writing captivating and love the diversity and representation of the characters, just overall it wasn't my type.

Opposites attract, and sometimes the good girl and the bad boy just work. Guillermo Lozano is working towards a fresh start after his third arrest charge and being on probation, this is his chance to start over and get his life together. Regan London is the girl next door, a sweet and nice girl who is constantly being pressured to “be perfect”, the perfect daughter, the perfect girlfriend, the perfect everything. Guillermo moves in next door to Regan and is part of her mother’s probation program for rehabilitation... and soon both of them find themselves constantly orbiting the other. Guillermo is determined to stay away from anything with drama and just work on himself while Regan is trying to find a way to gain some semblance of control in her life and go after what she wants. With disapproving parents, complicated relationships... these two begin to toe the line between friendship and falling in love... but there are so many rules that they would be breaking and maybe its time to be a little reckless. It’s a cute story overall and the chemistry between the two characters was nice. It’s a nice fast read and great for anyone looking for an interesting read.

*Thanks Netgalley and Inkyard Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! 3/5 stars. I really liked this book, and honestly it lost stars simply because the TOXICITY of the relationship of Troy and Regan. I know that was one of the main points of the novel, but it took FOREVER for Regan to get over her fears.

Pros: The concept? Beautiful. The diversity? Beautiful. I LOVED Guillermo and his characterization. He was well developed, and it flowed well with the plot and his rehab. I fell in love with him and his self-growth. It was also refreshing to see this in YA lit. It was new, and it was great to read it. I also liked the relationships between Regan, Mo, and all the friends. Regan's father and Troy also provided an interesting dynamic. Also, the Troy plot was well done!

Cons: I HATED how long it took in the book for Regan to stand up to her father. I also hated how long it took Regan and Troy to have a solution.

One of the things I thought was interesting about the novel was how Guillermo really did seem to want to be on the straight and narrow, and wanted to do the right thing. I think Grandison also does well to show that sometimes, the right thing might lead to trouble, too. I do feel the parents in this novel were almost overly difficult and hard on their kids, but for the target audience (teens), this might be a feature rather than a bug.

The Right Side of Reckless follows two main characters, Guillermo, a teen with some anger issues that landed him in juvie. At the start of the book, he is on probation and trying to make amends with his family by making a fresh start in life. The second main character, Regan, is a people-pleaser who does what is expected of her while sacrificing her own happiness in order to pursue the dreams her father has planned for her life. These two teens meet and find that their families and friends are starting to become intertwined and leads to a hot-and-cold friendship that might be more than that. And everyone around them has something to say about it.

I liked this book but I didn't love it. There was very little plot driving the story but I did love the main characters and their growth by the end of the book, however, it did feel like the slowest ride ever to get there.

Some of the topics addressed like not using violence to solve problems was great and encourages teens to find alternative ways to curb anger issues. The topic of not giving up one's virginity until one is completely ready was presented in an appropriate way that teens will relate to. Both of the main characters have great heads on their shoulders and give and receive excellent advice and guidance throughout the book. I believe this would be a great read for a teen in high school. It seemed very PG-13 with no explicit sexual content but briefly mentions that sex happens. If you're concerned with censoring your teenager from what happens in the real world, maybe you could use a read of this book too.

I would recommend this book for teenagers at the high school age. Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Book: The Right Side of Reckless
Author: Whitney D. Grandison
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Inkyard Press, for sending me an ARC.

Even though I am reading more and more adult books these days, I still have a very soft spot for YA contemporary reads. It just makes me feel all of the right feelings and makes me feel good. This one was no exception. While we do have the light nature of a high school romance, we also have the deeper layer of trying to discover who we are and coming back from when we hit rock bottom. I really enjoy these type of coming of age books and getting to learn about the characters as they start to discover themselves and start to get their life in order.

The characters, I thought, were well done. We start out with Rey, who just wants to make everyone happy, even if that means giving up her own happiness. She doesn’t know what she wants and is used to having her whole life planned out for her. She knows that she doesn’t like the life course that people are putting her on, but she doesn’t really want to speak up and say so. As we read and see her character change, we see a different side of Rey. We see her start to say what she doesn’t want and start to make changes. By the time the book is over, we see a much more happier and confident Rey.

Guillermo is the other lead character. He has a past and a rather difficult past. He is just trying to start fresh and rebuild his life. Unlike so many in his situation, he does have a family who loves and supports him. We see him struggle with people still judging him for his past and having to deal with what happened. Like with Rey, we see him go through a number of changes. He starts out as being this guy who sees the world as something out to get him and, then, change into someone who sees just really how lucky he is. We see him gain friendships and earn trust back.

Normally, I don’t like books where two characters are so dependent on each other, but I think it worked here. I do think that without Guillermo and Rey meeting that there characters would not have made the changes they needed and it would not have worked out so well. These two characters just make sense is what I’m getting out.

I do have a compliant against the characters though. Whitney has two non-White leads. Guillermo is of Mexican descent and Rey is Black. While I was reading the book, I had to keep reminding myself of that. I would have liked to see more of the culture included in the book. It just felt like Whitney was saying her characters were diverse for the sake of having diverse characters. Let that diversity come across the page and let the readers see it, rather than just reminding us of their skin tone every now and then.

The story itself is pretty basic. We have the good girl falling for the bad boy and changing him. We see the good girl coming out her shell and becoming the person who she wants. I mean, it’s not anything new, but it still gets to me every time. You know, sometimes you just need a charming and cliché book to make everything okay. Every now and then, you just need a book to boast your mood and that is what this book did for me.

I was able to get into the writing pretty easily. It was serious when we needed to it be and light hearted when needed. I really liked this balance. I think that is what really kept me engaged. By doing it this way, we get to see a more human side of the story and it just makes the whole experience feel more real.

This book comes out on July 13, 2021.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4w2c0bgK6j8

Cute read, loved all the different characters. Really digging the books coming out with Latinx influence. Different side of the bad boy trope.

I loved this book. The story is compelling, and the characters feel like real teenagers (even down to the sometimes frustratingly poor choices they make). The way the chapters alternate between Regan’s and Guillermo’s points of view makes the story interesting and well rounded. They are both very sympathetic characters, and you’ll definitely be rooting for things to turn out well for them.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an EArc in exchange for an honest review!

Let's start with the positive: I was really invested in this story! I got mad when I was supposed to and I grew very attached to the characters. I really liked how this book talked about "bad" kids, kids who go to juvie or get in trouble, and how so many really want to be better. We see the "bad boy" (I say that because this story is very good girl-bad boy) gets constantly judged for his past, while he is a much better person than some other people (no spoilers of course!). I also liked seeing a teenager being unsure and very teenager-y! It's hard to stand up for yourself and put your foot down when you're not being treated right, so I really empathized with our main character, Regan.

Now on to the negative: this story really dragged for me. I don't know why, but it felt like it took me agesss to finish this book, and I really felt like the story could have been condensed. It didn't even feel like interesting things were happening most of the time, just angst and filler. I also felt a bit underwhelmed when the main characters got together, I was hoping after slogging through the angst I'd be rewarded with cuteness but no!! The book is over now, sorry!! I feel torn because this definitely wasn't a bad book and I really enjoyed it at times, but I read YA romance for cuteness and a short page-turner, so this one did not hit the mark for me.

[ BLOG TOUR ] Thank you to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!

"The Right Side of Reckless" is one of those stories I wish I’d had growing up. This novel is a must-read!

Regan and Guillermo are fantastic main characters. They’re two very different but equally dynamic people to read about. Throughout the story, they prove how they are more than what others perceived or have categorized them to be.

Regan is treated more like a “trophy wife” to her football star boyfriend, Troy. Her life has also been already planned by her father to eventually marry Troy and be an accountant. These things have made life stressful and unfulfilling to her, especially because she doesn’t know what she wants nor how to stand up for herself. Sometimes it’s hard and draining for her to keep up this picture perfect appearance.

Guillermo is seen as the violent screw-up and bad influence. A monster. It’s his last chance to prove others wrong and redeem himself in the eyes of his family and the law.

Any kind of relationship between Regan and Guillermo is strictly forbidden. This makes the title of the book so perfectly accurate as the two discover more about themselves and what they want in life. Their heartfelt attraction to each other was undeniable and irresistible.

As part of his probation, Guillermo has community service with a program for juvenile offenders. I appreciate that such a program exists. Even if it’s not a 100% success rate, it’s real and does make a positive impact on some. I like how the adults Guillermo must answer to (his father, his supervisor who is Regan’s mother, his parole officer) hold him accountable to the choices he’s made in the past so that he learns from them and makes smarter choices. Guillermo seems to genuinely regret those decisions and is trying to change in order to have a better future.

He’s also a chill and open person who accepts others, flaws and all. I like how he befriends Jenaya and Regan’s little brother, Avery. He doesn’t judge them the way others have judged them and himself.

I really like Regan. She’s a kind person who always puts others first. She seems to give so much without getting much (if at all) anything back, especially from those who mean most to her. She also feels overshadowed by Troy’s fame and god-like status (but not in a jealous way). In the story, she’s expected to be a certain way, that is until she meets Guillermo.

Avery is another character I liked and whose sub storyline was an interesting but sad parallel to the main storyline. Like his sister, Avery is being pressured by their dad to be something he’s obviously not interested in being: more outgoing and into sports instead of introverted and into manga and watching anime. It was hard to watch their father pretty much treat Troy like the son he’s always wanted and be disappointed in Avery for liking things not “traditional masculine.”

Troy at times is misogynistic in the way he treats Regan (ex: pressuring her to have sex when she's clearly not ready) or refers to women (especially strong women) as female in a derogatory way. It doesn’t help that he also has an inflated ego. However, I do think deep down he's an okay and that he really does care about Regan.

"The Right Side of Reckless" was a fantastic read, so real, honest, and deep. I loved the way the story developed through various trials and tribulations. I like how everything is connected and that so many characters grow in big or small ways. Though I wish certain storylines ended differently, the story left me feeling hopeful.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for providing me with an ARC.

This book has the classic "bad boy nice girl" trope. The book follows Guillermo Lozano who is trying to have a fresh start after getting into some trouble. Him and his family move to a new town and he starts working at the local community center where he meets Regan. Regan is someone who appears to have a "perfect" life and has her future all figured out. However, she's tired of doing what everyone expects of her and not getting to make her own decisions.

I really liked how Guillermo was someone who made mistakes in his past but doesn't let that define his future. I think it was nice to see his character development throughout the book. I also really liked how Regan was able to stand up for herself and make the choices she wanted. The way that this book portrayed "troubled" characters was nice. They were seen as individuals overcoming difficult circumstances rather than bad kids. I also really liked the latinx representation in this book. I found all the spanish dialogue and cultural references to be extremely accurate. I also appreciated how Guillermo was someone who wasn't afraid to show emotion. The romance in this book was very slowburn but I didn't mind as I felt it wasn"t meant to be the focus of the story.

My one critique would be that the plot, especially in the first half, was slow at times. Other than that I would definitely recommend!

What I liked: The alternating POV. Seeing inside of Guillermo's thoughts as he reasoned through his own recovery through his probation was fascinating and insightful.
I liked Regan overall, and in many ways I identify with her as a rule-following people-pleasing girl. I am glad she finally stood up for herself.
What I didn't like: PG-13/R language. I teach in a public high school so I know kids say those words a lot. However, I felt like some of it was a bit on the gratuitous side.
Would I recommend? Yes.

I really enjoyed The Right Side of Reckless. You have a bad boy, a good girl and some disapproving parents. Throw in a "perfect Jock" boyfriend and you have a great story. I love a good bad boy story and Guillermo was a great bad boy with heart of gold. I really enjoyed his character. The chemistry between Guillermo and Reagan was awesome. I loved reading about their friendship and watching it grow. The writing was great and easy to follow. I loved the diversity of the characters. The Right Side Of Reckless was funny, charming and a blast to read.

A really sweet story about two teens from different backgrounds who are drawn to each other. Guillermo a boy with some anger issues is serving his probation at the center where off nice girl Regan works.
Regan’s mother just so happens to be the director of the center and Guillermos supervisor making her off limits. Both Memo and Regan have some things that they are dealing with and find comfort with one another. Regan’s very popular athlete boyfriend isn’t on board with her spending time with Guillermo as their relationship isn’t as picture perfect as it might seem from the outside. The main characters are all POC which was very refreshing. They all had some really interesting problems to deal with. The only thing I was super upset about in this book was that Regan lost her dog and they never found him. I felt so bad about that! Overall a really nice story.

They were supposed to ignore each other and respect that fine line between them…

Guillermo Lozano is getting a fresh start. New town, new school, and no more reckless behavior. He’s done his time, and now he needs to right his wrongs. But when his work at the local community center throws him into the path of the one girl who is off-limits, friendship sparks…and maybe more.

Regan London needs a fresh perspective. The pressure to stay in her “perfect” relationship and be the good girl all the time has worn her down. But when the walls start to cave in and she finds unexpected understanding from the boy her parents warned about, she can’t ignore her feelings anymore.

The disapproval is instant. Being together might just get Guillermo sent away. But when it comes to the heart, sometimes you have to break the rules and be a little bit reckless…- Goodreads

This was a cute story a bit predictable but an enjoyable story none the less. There is a lot of topics in this story and it is written very well. It doesn't feel overly complicated, far-fetched or dramatic. Every issue made sense with the characters, their personalities and the overall setting.

I liked Regan and was really happy to see her growth at the end of the novel. She needed it. Really badly because the things that she was allowing to happen was getting too far. I understand why her voice was so small. The author paints this picture very clearly and I understand why it took a outsider to help her gain strength in her voice but geeze it was painful to watch.

I really like Guillermo. I would have loved to see more personality from him. But his past is one of the things that keeps the book going, so it pretty much defines him until about the end. He was well written and I liked getting to know him.

The pace of the novel was a bit slow and not because it is a contemporary novel but because the author holds onto Guillermo's past and Regan's personal concerns really strongly. Guillermo doesn't go a half a page without mentioning the issue. It became a bit redundant.

But overall, this was a good read. I liked the romance. I wouldn't describe it as love at first sight but a spark that grew to be something respectable.

3 Pickles

This is such a sweet love story that tackles so many more big issues. I loved the chemistry between all the characters and got so invested so quickly!

*3.5 stars

Grumpy/Sunshine trope when a "bad" boy meets a "good" girl. Light hearted and fun romance, a fast paced read. The characters are likeable and relatable. Entertaining though a little predictable

The Quick Cut: A boy with a bad boy past and a girl who always does the right thing feel a connection they can't deny.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing the ARC for an honest review.

Sometimes you feel a pull towards someone you never expected. Chemistry can be finicky and many times unpredictable. For Guillermo and Regan, the chemistry was definitely unexpected.

Guillermo is starting over doing time for his third offense. He's in a new town and looking to start all over again, this time on a new path. That new path takes him to a community center where he meets good girl Regan. Regan is buckling under the weight of expectations from others. Can these two find their way out of their troubles? Or will being together lead to more?

This is a cute story that I wanted to enjoy more than I did. It has all the elements there to be amazing but just doesn't quite reach it's potential. The opposites attract concept isn't new but the way these two continue to struggle together with their problems makes it interesting. Having the chapters narrated by both Guillermo and Regan definitely increased the storytelling.

Unfortunately, this book also came with many issues as well. It's over 400 pages and feels like it. So much material that felt bulky where all I wanted to do was skim to get through it. In addition, I kept wanting to see more of the character's internal struggles. What ended up on the page felt a bit on the surface and left me wanting more.

A book with good intentions that doesn't reach it's height.

My rating: 3 out of 5

Typical story of a good girl who falls for a bad boy, who turns out to be a good person. I really enjoyed this book even though the storyline was fairly predictable.

Such a cute story! The bad guy meets nice girl combo is always a favorite. One character is rebellious and one is your typical A student, They are put together to help each other out and begin to grow fond of each other, Very relatable for young adults for sure. I enjoyed how this book showed both sides of the story as opposed to one perspective. We really got a good feel for what each character was dealing with and it didn't just paint Guillermo as a bad kid because of his past. I enjoyed getting to hear his thoughts and see through his eyes as well. This is different than most books I have read with this type of story line, as the 'bad' character is always made to be so mysterious they usually don't touch on their past until well into the book, but this one was a nice change. I think that so many aspects of the story are relatable to young teens. The way that this story describes the characters thoughts and feelings and also the things that the characters go through with their parents is so relatable.

This story has a lot of potential to be great but the writing could've been a little stronger. I can tell that this author has a lot of potential and I cannot wait to read more from them in the future.