Sweet & Spicy

These saucy titles, filled with love and romance, are sure to please...

Books-turned-Movie

by Nicholas Sparks

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Lock & Key

by Sarah Dessen

Lock & Key was my first experience with Sarah Dessen’s work. To be honest, I think I went into this book expecting her book to mimic the romance-driven love stories of Nicholas Sparks. I couldn’t have been more inaccurate in my thinking. Though this book does involve a teenage girl learning to trust and love again after being hurt by those she cares for most, it is not the typical boy-meets-girl love story at all. In fact, this story is more about the development of character than anything else.

This story is focused on Ruby, a nearly 18-year-old teen who has been picked up by Social Services after her mother abandons her without warning. She lived alone for about two months and was doing pretty good until a few unfortunate events got the attention of her nosy landlords. Ruby’s older sister, Cora, comes to the rescue though Ruby doesn’t really want to be rescued. She’s afraid she’ll owe her sister something… and that’s the last thing she wants!

Nevertheless, Cora and her bubbly husband, Jamie, take Ruby to live in their suburban mansion. Feeling betrayed and out of place, Ruby tries to run away. She packs her small bag and tries to jump the fence at the edge of the property. She doesn’t get very far though, because the family dog, Roscoe, draws attention to her escape route. To make matters worse, she runs into a neighborhood boy, Nate. He covers for her saying she was only telling him to turn down his late-night music. Nate befriends Ruby when she is most unlovable. He is everything she’s not: outgoing, helpful, and friendly. Yet, over time, the friendship develops into something more.

When Ruby finally allows Nate to get close to her, she realizes that he too has skeletons in his closet. Though he seems to lead happy life, the truth about his relationship with his own parents, especially his dad, is too painful for him to admit. This is a great story with a happy ending. A must-read for any teen who is struggling to accept themselves and/or an unconventional family situation.

Other books by Dessen

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Kissing in America

by Margo Rabb

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Between Us and the Moon

by Rebecca Maizel