This book was so good! I’m so lucky I was gifted an ARC for this story because I couldn’t wait to read it! Rocky does such an incredible job of tackling all of our toughest emotions. Her stories are inspiring; they remind you what it’s like to be alive and live. There is good and bad in this life, but Rocky reminds you that it’s worth it. Her characters are so perfectly imperfect in their grief and heartache and mistakes. Crashing Into You is the perfect story for readers to know that they aren’t alone in their bad times. There is hope and love and dreams worth chasing and promises worth keeping. This novel is awesome, and I can’t wait for it to help readers all over the world. Way to go Rocky!

What a wild and beautiful ride!

Listen! A curvy Latina girl who loves street racing. An honest, sweet boy who’s on the autism spectrum. A wonderful friendship that eventually turns into something more. Doesn’t this sound good? I know because I read it and it’s fantastic!!!

You know when words just splash off the pages? Because you’re feeling like you’re in the car with Leti, and your back is pressed against the seat, and the surroundings are blurry because WOW, that car is flying!

Or when shivers run over your body? Because you want to hug that beautiful and sad boy, but you also know you’re not supposed to because that same boy doesn’t want to be touched. When tears form in your eyes because that same boy wants a pinky promise.

Leti is a fierce, badass girl, but the star of this story is Jacob. Jacob who’s called Freakenstein because he’s different. I wanted to slap those boys when they bullied this sweet, sweet boy, and my heart jumped up from joy when Jacob stood tall and came up for Leti. Those two were so wonderful together, and I loved the autism rep so, so much!

So listen! Crashing into You is an extremely powerful story and needs to be read!

Actual rating 4.5 stars rounded up to five.

Rocky Callen's "Crashing Into You" is an exhilarating YA romance that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, blending street racing with the delicate nuances of falling in love and healing past heartbreak. With her trademark insight into trauma-informed fiction, Callen crafts a story that not only explores the complexities of grief but also celebrates the power of love and self-discovery.

At the center of the story is Leti Rivera, a 17-year-old aspiring female street racer, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Jacob Fleckenstein. Leti, haunted by a negative dating experience and coping with the loss of her mother, finds solace in the world of racing, where she feels in control. However, Jacob's arrival challenges Leti's resolve, introducing a gentleness and honesty that begin to unravel the walls she's built up for herself.

Callen artfully writes a narrative that explores Leti's familial dynamics, adding layers of depth to her character. The presence of Leti's emotionally distant father and the protective role played by her brother, Santos, create a rich backdrop for Leti's personal struggles and growth.

The introduction of Jacob, an autistic young man, adds a unique and neurodiversity-affirming lens to the story. Callen skillfully incorporates elements of Jacob's autism without explicitly labeling him, allowing readers to witness the genuine connection between Leti and Jacob beyond the constraints of stereotypes. The gradual revelation of Jacob's identity emphasizes the authenticity of their bond, creating a romance that transcends preconceived notions. I love how this romance develops over time and truly enjoyed the slow burn!

The ending of "Crashing Into You" is both charming and heartwarming, offering a sense of closure and redemption for the characters. Callen navigates the complexities of grief, intertwining it with the characters' journey towards self-actualization. The symbolic dedication to Leti's late mother at the end serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring our past while embracing the possibilities of the future.

"Crashing Into You" goes beyond the conventions of the genre, offering readers a captivating love story filled with hope, redemption, and the enduring bonds of family. Callen's storytelling prowess shines through as she explores the depths of the human experience through a joyful, necessary lens in celebration of those who are wired differently at that! Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

Rocket ships, fast cars, and young love are all wrapped into this sentimental YA. Rocky Callen put the pedal to the metal and will leave readers loving these characters to the moon and back.

Leti Rivera may only be seventeen years old, but she is the queen of the streets. Everything she knows about racing and cars is because of her brother, Santos. She sets her sights on getting into a secret group of the most elite racers, The Underground. It's tough to get in and make a name for yourself, especially when you're a girl. But her determination, fiery personality, and crew will help her achieve any goal.

The new boy in school, Jacob, catches her attention. It's probably because he doesn't appear to care if he fits in, like Leti, and she won't stand around and watch people try to tear him down for who he is. Once they start talking and take a drive, it seems like they are meant to meet. He is unlike any guy she has ever met; he is nice, speaks his mind, wants to be an astronaut, and can pull out a statistic or factoid at the snap of a finger. Peers may see them as weird but I see them as what they are, extraordinary.

While Leti and Jacob begin to develop a deep friendship and even feelings for each other, the supporting characters are just as captivating. Santos, Leti's brother, really shines throughout the story. It's beautiful to read about their bond which goes way past a sibling bond. He is the father figure she never had. In both cases, each of their parents has faced a loss, and it's the people around them that have to step up. And I can't forget the crew there for Leti for everything. Sure they know cars but they bring so much more. They bring all the laughs, tears, and hard truths. Puro familia.

I always appreciate a Latinx author and appreciate characters who share a cultural background with me. I feel proud and it made the book relatable. The author also writes about a character with autism. The representation is delicately and beautifully written while not making the reader feel sympathy. Instead of pointing out the qualities of autism to make a reader feel sorry for the character, she makes the reader understand the struggles never diminishing their potential in life.

I'm excited to see what's next for this author because I can't wait to read more by Rocky Callen. I highly recommend this book to YA readers who enjoy romance, character development, and a wild ride!