2022
WISE Score
Amazon
A trope-filled, 'clean' YA romance that swaps spicy scenes for puppy love and genuine emotional growth.
4.2
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If your teen is starting to browse the romance section but you aren't ready to let them loose on BookTok's more explicit recommendations, this is a fantastic 'safe' harbor.
It hits every classic trope—the bad boy, the klutzy girl, the 'stuck together' scenario—but it does so with a clean, wholesome heart. The inclusion of animal rescue gives it more depth than your average high school drama, making it a solid choice for a light weekend read.
Best for ages 12 to 16. It’s perfect for that middle-to-high-school transition where readers want romance but aren't looking for the 'spicier' content found in older YA or New Adult books.
The story centers on animal rescue and features a redemptive arc for a 'bad boy' through community service. It avoids toxic 'alpha' behavior in favor of emotional connection and a 'sweet' (no explicit content) tone.
It leans heavily on well-worn YA tropes: the 'clumsy' protagonist, the 'bad boy' with a heart of gold, and forced proximity. It's a comfort read, not a groundbreaking one.
Explicitly marketed as a clean romance. There is no graphic violence, sex, or heavy profanity. The 'toxic home life' mentioned in the synopsis involves parental neglect and substance abuse, but it's handled at a level appropriate for the YA genre.
Provides a relatable look at navigating difficult family dynamics and the importance of volunteering. It encourages looking past social reputations to find a person's true character.
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