April 1, 2014
A light romantic romp from Hubbard begins in medias psychodrama. Mackenzie is returning for another summer at Serenity Ranch and Spa, working in the stables, where her red- and blue-striped hair won't be noticed by the ritzy spa's guests. Also returning is Landon, the boy Mack had a summer romance with last year--and who dumped her on the first day of school. Mack is struggling with her still-unresolved feelings when Landon takes a bad fall, hitting his head and getting amnesia. Landon now thinks it's last summer and that he and Mack are still dating. That gives Mack's best friend, Bailey, an idea: Mack should get Landon to fall in love with her, then dump him and break his heart. It's the perfect revenge, except for one problem. This time around, things are different between Mack and Landon. And since she never really got over him, it's even easier to fall for him again. But what will happen when Mack reveals the truth? The characters are fairly stock, with Mackenzie in particular feeling flat. That the girls can keep Landon's amnesia a secret from him requires a monumental suspension of disbelief. Still, this book, which launches the If Only series along with Kristin Rae's Wish You Were Italian, isn't really about realism. As romances go, it's harmless enough. (Romance. 14-18)
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May 1, 2014
Gr 9 Up-It's another summer of lesson coordinators and tending to horses at the Serenity Ranch and Spa for Mackenzie, Bailey, and Landon before they head off to college in Washington State. The previous summer, Landon and Mackenzie were the perfect couple until he dumped her for another girl. Now Mackenzie has plans to hang out with Bailey, go shopping, and play the field. However, that changes when Landon bumps his head and loses his memory. He thinks that he is 17 again and he and Mackenzie are still dating. Bailey convinces Mackenzie to take advantage of his accident and get back at Landon for dumping her by pretending they are back together for the summer. After several pranks and lots of deception, the protagonist finds herself falling for Landon all over again, making this a great summer read for teens looking for a love story. Mackenzie is a sly, spunky character who is relatable and authentic. Readers who like horses will also find this enjoyable.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI
Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2014
In Twice, Mackenzie plots revenge against, then falls for, an amnesiac ex when he thinks they're still together; Italian centers on Pippa, who's drawn to an American during her summer abroad. Neither of these wish-fulfillment fantasies provides a lot of character development or unique plot lines (classic misunderstandings occur throughout), though romance fans won't be disappointed by the mushy happy endings.
(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)