Crashing into you is a love letter to Latina culture, fast cars, and female power. It's about found family, outsiders finding each other, and broken families that find their way back to each other. And also it is a romance between a fiery protagonist and a boy on the spectrum. While some of the romance seemed a bit unrealistic to me, it was sweet and slow burn and the rest of it was terrific. The side characters had their own arcs and stories. Overall, one of the best YA novels I've read in a while.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.

Look, a YA novel with street racing? Yes please. BUT this is so much more than that, it has Autism rep, grief, family bonds, etc. There was so much packed into this novel where yes, it's about racing, but it's about so much more at the same time. Leti is such a strong character who has to learn about herself, her past, and her relationships. This book also made me cry at the end, both from sad tears and happy tears.

Crashing into You by Rocky Callen, 288 pages. Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan), 2024. $20. Centering me
Language: R (96 swears, 56 “f” + Spanish swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: OPTIONAL - HS
APPEALS TO: MANY
Street racing is something that Leti (16yo) is good at, and she’s determined to prove that she deserves to be there by getting invited to the underground races. Her crew is fully behind her, even if her father isn’t supportive. But when Leti and Jacob become friends, she gains another reason to win—and so much more to lose if she doesn’t.
I love the metaphors that come to life from Leti’s view of the world, from how she describes Jacob as an entire forest in one being to how her car feels like a rocket to how the entire ocean can come between people. Leti’s and Jacob’s interest in flying and in the stars are different, and yet Callen uses imagery to bring them together in a beautiful way. The street racing is exciting and the aforementioned figurative language is amazing, but the core of this book is about grief and promises—when to let them define your life and whether any good can come from letting them go.
Leti and her family are implied Latinx, Jacob is Jewish, and a couple of side characters are gay. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mentions of drugs and sex, illegal activity, innuendo, groping, and sexual harassment. The violence rating is for assault.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

I'm a huge Fast and Furious fan, although this isn't like that it is about street car racing. The rough streets of LA serve as a backdrop! Neon lights, fast cars, screeching tires! The author’s vivid descriptions put you in the driver’s seat. Feel the vibrations of the engine, taste the adrenaline, and experience the rush of acceleration. Both have family's that are less than perfect. I loved the raw emotion, unforgettable characters, and a pulse-pounding romance. This is on that makes you question which way it's going. Twisting and turning makes you turn the pages guessing.

Rocky Callen's "Crashing into You" is a fiercely moving YA romance that brilliantly intertwines the thrill of street racing with the emotional depths of love and loss. The story follows Leti Rivera, a seventeen-year-old with a passion for racing, instilled in her by her beloved brother. Callen masterfully captures Leti's exhilarating world of speed, skill, and adrenaline, painting a vivid picture of a young woman determined to carve out a name in a male-dominated arena. But the novel goes beyond the mechanics of racing to explore the complexities of Leti's heart, especially when Jacob Fleckenstein crashes into her life, bringing with him a sense of gentle honesty that challenges her resolve to keep her emotions tightly guarded.

Jacob's entrance into Leti's world is both literal and metaphorical. His presence sparks a transformation in Leti, who begins to question whether she has been running away from her grief and fears rather than facing them head-on. Callen deftly develops their relationship, creating a beautiful balance between the electrifying moments on the race track and the tender, introspective conversations that occur in the quiet of Leti’s car. The chemistry between Leti and Jacob is palpable, making their journey towards understanding and healing deeply compelling and relatable. Leti's internal struggle is portrayed with sensitivity and realism, making her a truly memorable protagonist.

The novel takes a heart-wrenching turn when tragedy strikes following a race, pushing Leti into a whirlwind of guilt and self-recrimination. Her oath to give up racing is a poignant moment that highlights the depth of her anguish. Callen's writing shines as she navigates Leti's tumultuous emotions and her ultimate realization that racing is not just a hobby but a lifeline. "Crashing into You" is a testament to resilience and the healing power of love. Leti's journey is a powerful reminder that while we may be shaped by our past, it is our courage to embrace the present and look towards the future that truly defines us. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that is as thrilling as it is heartfelt.

Crashing into You is a YA romance novel that comes out on Tuesday!

Leti Rivera loves street racing, and dreams of being a famous female street racer. Her brother, Santos, taught her how to drive so no one could catch her, and driving is how she feels like she is escaping the world around her. But when tragedy strikes after a race, her love for racing is threatened by it. Except, she has promised to win this race for a new friend who she happens to be in love with.

If she can win, he would have the money he needs to save his home, but now Leti is unsure what to do and how to not break the promises she has made to those who are import to her.

This book has two wonderfully complex characters between Leti and Jacob. Leti was always ready to run, but Jacob has started to keep her in place. She has grown up believing that her brother is her saint, but that she is the reason their mother passed away. Jacob has just lost his father, and now the house his father built might be taken away from them. When Leti and Jacob become friends, they start to feel like they are flying while they are in the car together, mixing with Jacob's love for space and astronauts, together they are in tha spaceship. When Leti gets expected into a race with a prize that could win back Jacob's house, it's a no brainer to try to help him and his mom.

While Leti is neurotypical, Jacob is autistic, with one of his 'superpowers' being information about space and spaceships. I really how their relationship progresses throughout the story, with Leti learning to understand Jacob and his feelings more, and Jacob learning to be comfortable with Leti. The two characters come together really well, and I thought it was really powerful.

As a non-autistic person, I did think having the POV be Leti's was helpful, in the way that it showed trying to understand someone while also being open to asking what they need. Leti is also a strong FMC, with a lot of depth to what she worries about but also a willingness to stand up for herself and the people she cares about. I don't know much about street racing, but the scenes were very well written and you could feel how the experience affected Leti.

Overall, I think this book did a really good job representing the differences between Leti and Jacob but also showing how they could come together. There was also Latino Rep, with Leti and her 'crew' who work on cars, as well as Jewish Rep with Jacob. The book did a really great job at showing how the characters came together.

Outstanding. There’s little more that I can say than wholeheartedly praise this masterpiece of a title. CRASHING INTO YOU has got everything you’d expect from the premise, and then some. A must-read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for an ARC.

What an endearing story about the hardships of growing up and the lesson that family and support do not always come from just those you are related to. Upon the first few chapters, I almost put it down as I assumed it was going to revolve only around Leti's racing, but the plot and characters dove so much deeper than that. With deep character development and powerful figurative language that grasps the reader, this isn't a story I'll soon forget. Being a teen is so tough, but having that support system makes all the difference - thanks so much for the ARC!

Leti Rivera is a 17-year-old street racer who aspires to be one of the greats. With a crew that's family in everything but blood by her side, Leti is so close to achieving that dream. However, when Jacob Fleckenstein squeezes his way into her life with his brigade of facts about space and everything general, Leti's life changes. As tragedy after tragedy occurs, Leti is close to giving up racing, but what will she do when she finally realizes who is waiting at the finish line if she succeeds? 

This book delves deep into the complexities of grief and its impact on individuals. Leti, the main character, is a shining example of resilience and determination. While some parts of the writing may have been cringy, I believe it added a unique charm to the story that I found endearing. 

Rocky Callen created characters I will remember forever, especially Jacob and Santos. Callen truly encompassed love and its different forms and effects. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, for this excellent ARC!

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!