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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: Hearts Overboard
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WEBSITE: https://beckydeanwrites.com/
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COUNTRY: United States
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RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; children: one daughter.
EDUCATION:Baylor University, graduated.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer.
AVOCATIONS:Traveling, drinking tea, watching sci-fi television shows.
WRITINGS
Author, under the name, B.L. Dean, of “Shades of Starlight” science fiction series.
SIDELIGHTS
Becky Dean is a writer based in Texas and a graduate of Baylor University. She has written science fiction novels under the name, B.L. Dean.
In 2022, Dean released her first young adult novel, Love and Other Great Expectations. In an interview with Elise Dumpleton, contributor to the Nerd Daily website, Dean explained that she had been writing in the science fiction genre prior to beginning that book. She stated: “I thought I’d give contemporary a try because I enjoy reading the genre. My favorites have always been road trip stories, probably because I love travel and because, as a fan of fantasy books, I love the basic quest model. I combined the road trip idea with my love for British literature, and the concept was born.” In the book, Britt Hanson is a soccer star who loses her sports scholarship when she injures her knee. However, her spirits are buoyed when she receives a mysterious invitation to England to participate in a scavenger hunt with a large cash prize. During the scavenger hunt, gregarious Britt meets colorful characters and overcomes her resistance to writing, as she tries to uncover the mysteries behind the contest. In a favorable assessment of the book in School Library Journal, Kelly Jo Lasher suggested: “Readers will be drawn in and pull for Britt to see her own true potential and win.” “The romance is sweet, and Britt’s zeal for travel combined with laugh-out-loud moments will charm readers,” predicted a Kirkus Reviews critic. A reviewer in Publishers Weekly described the volume as a “lighthearted, good-humored summertime romance.”
In Picture-Perfect Boyfriend, teenage Kenzie Reed has been living an inauthentic life in order to please her parents. She has switched her pastimes, changed her personality, and even created an imaginary boyfriend called Jacob Miller. Kenzie is shocked when her parents surprise her by inviting Jacob on their family trip to Maui. A real person greets them at the airport, but Kenzie has never seen him before then. Nevertheless, she and the mystery boy pretend to be in a relationship, and they end up falling for one another in real life. In another interview with Dumpleton on the same website, Dean explained: “Inspiration for the basic premise came from an old TV show I used to watch with my mom called Remington Steele, where a female PI makes up a fictional male boss so people will take her more seriously, and then a con man shows up pretending to be that boss (hello, baby-faced Pierce Brosnan!). I wanted to use that concept in a story for a while, with an impostor pretending to be a made-up person, and it came together for this book.” “Dean … spins an immersive and romantic story about being true to oneself,” asserted a Publishers Weekly reviewer. A writer in Kirkus Reviews suggested: “The balmy setting and sweet developing relationship will appeal to teen romance fans.” A Children’s Bookwatch critic commented: “A fun read from cover to cover, Becky Dean’s new novel Picture-Perfect Boyfriend will be of immense appeal for young readers.”
Hearts Overboard finds brainy and disciplined Savannah unexpectedly going on a family vacation to Alaska with her chief rival, Tanner. On their Alaskan cruise, Savannah forces herself to do something new each day, in hopes of winning back her ex-boyfriend, Caleb. However, she finds herself interested in Tanner instead. In an interview with Cherokee Crum, writer on the YA Books Central website, Dean discussed the inspiration behind the setting, stating: “An Alaskan cruise is on so many people’s bucket lists, and I had recently been on one and it was just as amazing as I’d hoped, so I thought it would be a fun setting to explore.” She added: “The inspiration for Savannah deciding to attempt one new thing a day came from my own life a few years ago when I decided to try a new thing each month and did everything from visiting new restaurants and museums in my city to skydiving.” “There’s just enough romance and tension to satisfy young readers looking for a fun summer book,” remarked Amelia Jenkins in School Library Journal. Sarah Bean Thompson, contributor to Booklist, described the volume as “a perfect summer read for fans of rivals-to-lovers romance.” A Kirkus Reviews critic called it “a relatable story in which rivals become friends—and more—against the backdrop of a spectacular setting.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, July, 2024, Sarah Bean Thompson, review of Hearts Overboard, p. 78.
Children’s Bookwatch, July, 2023, review of Picture-Perfect Boyfriend.
Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2022, review of Love and Other Great Expectations; March 15, 2023, review of Picture-Perfect Boyfriend; May 1, 2024, review of Hearts Overboard.
Publishers Weekly, May 9, 2022, review of Love and Other Great Expectations, p. 57; March 20, 2023, review of Picture-Perfect Boyfriend, p. 83.
School Library Journal, July, 2022, Kelly Jo Lasher, review of Love and Other Great Expectation, p. 63; July, 2024, Amelia Jenkins, review of Hearts Overboard, p. 69.
ONLINE
Becky Dean website, https://beckydeanwrites.com/ (October 17, 2024).
Nerd Daily, https://thenerddaily.com/ (June 13, 2022), Elise Dumpleton, author interview; (May 23, 2023), Elise Dumpleton, author interview.
Speilburg Literary Agency website, https://www.speilburgliterary.com/ (October 17, 2024), author profile.
YA Books Central, https://www.yabookscentral.com /(July 10, 2024), Cherokee Crum, author interview.
Becky Dean is a fan of adventures both real and fictional. When she’s not writing or traveling, she can be found drinking tea, watching science fiction shows or Jane Austen adaptations, or quoting The Lord of the Rings. Though she’s a proud Baylor grad and lives in Texas with her husband and daughter, she remains a Southern California girl at heart. She is the author of four young adult contemporary romance novels, and under the name B.L. Dean, she is the award-winning author of the Shades of Starlight science fiction series.
Becky Dean writes young adult contemporary and science fiction (as B.L. Dean) full of action, humor, and romance. When she’s not busy traveling, drinking tea, or watching sci-fi shows on TV, she enjoys planning adventures for herself and her characters. She has visited over thirty countries and yet somehow her travel wish list keeps growing. Though she lives in Texas with her husband, she remains a California girl at heart. Find her online to discuss books, fandoms, and far-off places.
Represented by: Eva Scalzo
QUOTED: "Inspiration for the basic premise came from an old TV show I used to watch with my mom called Remington Steele, where a female PI makes up a fictional male boss so people will take her more seriously, and then a con man shows up pretending to be that boss (hello, baby-faced Pierce Brosnan!). I wanted to use that concept in a story for a while, with an impostor pretending to be a made-up person, and it came together for this book."
Q&A: Becky Dean, Author of ‘Picture-Perfect Boyfriend’
Elise Dumpleton·Writers Corner·May 23, 2023·4 min read
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We chat with author Becky Dean about her latest release Picture-Perfect Boyfriend, a funny beach romance with two strangers, one tropical island, and lots of lies.
Hi, Becky! Welcome back! How has the last 12 months been for you?
Thank you! The last year has been exciting and a little wild. My debut year was amazing, with meeting readers, hearing from them, seeing my first book in stores. I loved joining a local book club and visiting schools. And in the meantime, I’ve been writing lots more books! In addition to the young adult contemporary novels, I also write science fiction, and my first series came out this year. That means I’m releasing five books in 2023, so writing those and getting ready has kept me very busy. Mostly, I’ve been grateful that I get to keep writing, telling stories I love, and grateful for every person who reads my books and continues to support my journey!
Your latest novel, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Travel, adventure, quirky, romantic, immersive
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect lots of banter, gorgeous settings, and all kinds of Maui adventures. The dialogue was so much fun to write, and hopefully readers will laugh as much as I did while writing it. There’s also complicated sibling and family relationships, and hopefully good encouragement from Kenzie’s inner journey to be yourself and not let others dictate who you are. And, of course, romance!
Where did the inspiration for Picture-Perfect Boyfriend come from?
Inspiration for the basic premise came from an old TV show I used to watch with my mom called Remington Steele, where a female PI makes up a fictional male boss so people will take her more seriously, and then a con man shows up pretending to be that boss (hello, baby-faced Pierce Brosnan!). I wanted to use that concept in a story for a while, with an impostor pretending to be a made-up person, and it came together for this book.
Then I pulled inspiration from lots of places for other aspects of the story. Maui is a place I love and also one that I thought readers would enjoy visiting, with the beauty and the potential for romance. Kenzie’s love for nature and photography came from my own love for the outdoors and my husband’s interest in photography. The walls of our house are covered in photos of our travels, which I think Kenzie would like. The theme of embracing who you are developed naturally from writing about a girl who was trying to be someone she’s not.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing Gran! Kenzie’s grandmother is the wise and supportive family member who loves Kenzie just as she is and wants her to be happy. Gran also never passes up the chance to eat dessert first, dispenses good advice, and causes a bit of havoc when she gets behind the wheel. Everyone needs someone like Gran in their life.
I also just enjoyed writing all the fun things Kenzie and Jake do in Maui, from hiking to kayaking to snorkelling, and more. It was fun to relive many of my own adventures on the island!
If Picture-Perfect Boyfriend were to be adapted into a movie, what three songs would have to be on the soundtrack?
See also
Q&A: James Patterson, Author of ‘Best Nerds Forever’
“Did I Make You Up” by half*alive, “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, and “Sittin’ in the Backseat” by NEEDTOBREATHE
With this being your second book, were there any ‘key lessons’ learned between writing the two?
I think the biggest change for this book was that it was the first one I wrote on an official deadline. It was a challenge not thinking too much about publication and what readers might think, and just focusing on the story. And knowing that if I got stuck, I couldn’t move on to something else like I could before! Love & Other Great Expectations went through lots of revisions over several years, and that wasn’t an option this time. But my editor is amazing, so I was able to take things I learned from her on the first book and apply them to this one. The main thing I took away from it was, just to write the best book I can that’s something I would love to read, and trust that eventually the book will find other readers too.
What’s next for you?
My third YA rom-com with Delacorte Press is coming in the summer of 2024. Hearts Overboard is about rivals stuck on an Alaskan cruise together and will be much like the first two—full of adventures, romance, banter, and amazing settings. The final book in my science fiction series releases this summer. And I’m currently writing the first draft of my fourth travel rom-com, details coming soon!
Lastly, are there any 2023 releases our readers should look out for?
For charming and feel-good contemporary reads, I really liked What Happens After Midnight by K.L. Walther, Borrow My Heart by Kasie West, and Not Here to Stay Friends by Kaitlyn Hill. I’m also excited for some upcoming fantasy sequels to a couple of my fellow 22 Debuts authors, Never a Hero by Vanessa Len and This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede.
QUOTED: "I thought I’d give contemporary a try because I enjoy reading the genre. My favorites have always been road trip stories, probably because I love travel and because, as a fan of fantasy books, I love the basic quest model. I combined the road trip idea with my love for British literature, and the concept was born."
Q&A: Becky Dean, Author of ‘Love & Other Great Expectations’
Elise Dumpleton·Writers Corner·June 13, 2022·5 min read
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An American girl embarks on a competitive scavenger hunt in England—and along the way, meets up with a bookish British boy who can’t help her with the clues . . . but might make the trip take some unexpected turns.
We chat with debut author Becky Dean about Love & Other Great Expectations, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Becky! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m kind of eclectic, just like the books I write! I love to travel and have been to over 30 countries. I’m a science-fiction and fantasy nerd who also loves Jane Austen, and I enjoy reading and writing but also working out and hiking. I live in Texas now but grew up in Southern California, and SoCal still feels like home (go, Dodgers!). Unlike most writers, I hate coffee, but I can’t do without my iced tea. I’m always up for a good story or an adventure.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I’ve been writing stories since I was about seven years old. Starting in second grade, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said “author.” My parents still have old notebooks with those childhood stories.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
I always struggle with these questions! I’ve been reading for as long as I can remember, and I read so many books as a kid, I didn’t even have a favorite. Books have just always been part of my life, and I would read anything I could find. Lately, the one I can’t stop thinking about is actually a fantasy story I’ve had an idea for for years. The pieces won’t quite come together yet, but it won’t get out of my head, so hopefully one day, I’ll get to write it!
Your debut novel, Love & Other Great Expectations, is out June 14th 2022! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Books, Britain, banter, love, adventure
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a wild ride across Britain, filled with lots of banter, crazy hijinks, and hopefully an inspiring message about finding yourself and learning to dream again. They’ll also find lots of love for the power of stories, with many references to classic British literature. It’s kind of a love letter to books and Britain.
Where did the inspiration for Love & Other Great Expectations come from?
This was the fifth full book I ever wrote. The first four were all some variation of science fiction or fantasy, and I thought I’d give contemporary a try because I enjoy reading the genre. My favorites have always been road trip stories, probably because I love travel and because, as a fan of fantasy books, I love the basic quest model. I combined the road trip idea with my love for British literature, and the concept was born. In terms of the main character, I personally think a trip like this sounds amazing, but I thought it would be much more fun to write—and the scavenger hunt would present more of a challenge—if the protagonist was absolutely not a reader!
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
This book went through a lot! I initially wrote it in 2014, then it was accepted into a mentor contest in 2015 and I signed with an agent. We parted ways and I ended up querying again, and meanwhile, I wrote several more books before signing with my current agent. We had four different books on submission at one point. The biggest challenge was finding the determination to keep going despite the rejections. I’m blessed to have a supportive husband and family, a great group of writing friends, and a tenacious agent who didn’t give up on me. I definitely wouldn’t be here without their encouragement!
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love the side characters of Al, the sarcastic chaperone, and Ms. Carmichael, the sponsor of the contest, who’s loosely based on my favorite teacher from my high school English classes. She passed away several years ago, but I’m so grateful for everything she taught me—the writing skills and also the love for classic books.
There were so many fun scenes to write, but I think my favorite is the one set at the Roman Baths. I got to visit some of the places in the book before I started writing, and I loved the town of Bath. While I was there, I talked with a hilarious guard who ends up making a cameo in the scene because he was just too perfect.
See also
Q&A: Alexandria Bellefleur, Author of ‘Hang The Moon’
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The best: keep going! Success in publishing is about perseverance as much as writing ability, and often the difference between those who make it and those who don’t is simply, did they keep trying.
The worst: you have to write every day. I definitely believe in the importance of discipline, having a schedule, and making yourself get words on the page. But restoring your creative well is important, too. Sometimes you have to give a story time to spin in the back of your head, go for a walk, watch a movie, read a book, live life. Those times are critical for me and help make the days I write more productive.
What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It’s definitely been a long road! I’ve written lots of books and received lots of rejections, but I’m grateful for the journey and especially for the friends I’ve made. I learned a lot about myself and how determined I can, and I definitely wouldn’t be here without the great people in my life.
What’s next for you?
I have three more young adult travel romances coming out with Delacorte Press. The next one, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend, will release in summer 2023. It’s about a girl who invents a fake boyfriend to impress her family and then must play along when a stranger shows up pretending to be him on her family’s vacation to Maui. I also have a YA science fiction series releasing next year (written under the name B.L. Dean) called Shades of Starlight, with Aethon Books. It’s full of smugglers, spies, and space pirates, set in a galaxy full of colorful wormholes during a brewing galactic revolution.
Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?
I’ve been trying to keep up with my fellow 2022 debuts! There are so many great ones, but my favorite so far has been Only A Monster by Vanessa Len. I always love Kasie West’s books, and her latest, Places We’ve Never Been, fed my love for road trip stories. I can also never recommend the Calculated series enough, and the third in Nova McBee’s series, Activated, released this year, and was even more gripping than the first two.
QUOTED: "An Alaskan cruise is on so many people’s bucket lists, and I had recently been on one and it was just as amazing as I’d hoped, so I thought it would be a fun setting to explore."
"The inspiration for Savannah deciding to attempt one new thing a day came from my own life a few years ago when I decided to try a new thing each month and did everything from visiting new restaurants and museums in my city to skydiving."
Author Chat with Becky Dean (HEARTS OVERBOARD), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!
July 10, 2024No Comments
Written by Cherokee Crum, Staff Reviewer
Posted in Authors, Giveaways, Interviews, News & Updates
Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Becky Dean!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Becky Dean
Becky Dean is a fan of adventures both real and fictional. She can frequently be found drinking iced tea, watching science fiction shows, and planning exciting trips for herself and her characters. Though she’s a proud Baylor grad and lives in Texas with her family, she remains a California girl at heart. She is also the author of Love & Other Great Expectations, Picture-Perfect Boyfriend, and Love Unmasked.
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About the Book: Hearts Overboard
Set sail with this banter-filled rivals-to-lovers romance between a STEM-loving girl and a jock guy that will fill you with wanderlust…and have you rooting for love in the great outdoors!
Love is on the horizon…
After a very public breakup during which her ex, Caleb, tells her she is both (a) boring and (b) stuck in her ways, Savannah Moore decides that going with her mom on her company cruise to Alaska presents the perfect opportunity to show people how fun she is.
It won’t be easy, though. Her longtime nemesis, Tanner Woods, is also on the ship. His family and Savannah’s are friends, and Tanner knows her better than she’d like to admit. When he learns of her plan, Tanner wants to help, and he encourages her to try everything: zip-lining and dogsledding, hiking the bear-infested Alaskan wilderness, singing late night karaoke, and taking a polar plunge. That’ll show Caleb just what he’s missing.
Except after spending so much time with Tanner, Savannah’s not sure Caleb is the one she wants anymore…
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Since travel romance is what I write, when I was brainstorming new ideas, I started with the setting. An Alaskan cruise is on so many people’s bucket lists, and I had recently been on one and it was just as amazing as I’d hoped, so I thought it would be a fun setting to explore. Then, because I like to throw characters into situations that challenge them, I knew the main character had to be someone who wouldn’t necessarily be excited about all the adventures. And what’s better than two rivals forced into proximity while exploring the great outdoors??
The inspiration for Savannah deciding to attempt one new thing a day came from my own life a few years ago when I decided to try a new thing each month and did everything from visiting new restaurants and museums in my city to skydiving.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
I love both Savannah and Tanner equally! But I’ll say Tanner because he’s such a teddy bear. Once you get past the “dumb jock” role he purposefully plays, he’s a great guy who would do anything for other people and just needs a big hug.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
Without spoiling anything, I’m proud of the whitewater rafting scene. It gives readers what they expect and want in a romance novel, but I think it does so in a fun setting and in an original way.
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
The setting and the rivals-to-lovers romance were the starting points for this book. The characters and premise grew from there. Every book is different for me in terms of what I start with, so it’s always fun to see how they come together.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
Readers can expect lots of banter, fun and rich settings that play a big role in the story, humor, nerd references, and hopefully lots of swoons. My books are always lighthearted while slightly touching on deeper, uplifting themes. And readers can always count on a happy ending!
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
I’m not a big snacker, but I always have to have a giant glass of iced tea. Plain is fine, but flavored is even better.
YABC: If you were able to meet them, would you be friends with your main character?
I would definitely be friends with Savannah. We would watch science fiction shows together and drink milkshakes and visit museums. I might have to make her try some new restaurants, though.
YABC: What fandom would you write for if you had time?
I would write for Star Trek! I grew up watching it and have seen nearly every episode of all the series since the original and all the movies multiple times. I love all science fiction, but that remains my favorite fandom. And I think its overall hopeful and optimistic view of the future fits my style of uplifting stories.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I have another YA travel romance releasing with Delacorte Romance in 2025 called Love Unmasked. It’s a hidden identity romance set in Venice! I got to travel there for research last year, and I hope readers will love the romance and mystery in such an iconic city.
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thanks for having me!
Title: HEARTS OVERBOARD
Author: Becky Dean
Release Date: July 9, 2024
Publisher: Delacorte Romance
ISBN-10: 059364784X
ISBN-13: 9780593647844
Genre: YA Romance
Age Range: 12 and up
QUOTED: "Readers will be drawn in and pull for Britt to see her own true potential and win."
DEAN, Becky. Love & Other Great Expectations. 384p. Delacorte. Jun. 2022. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780593429426.
Gr 9 Up--Britt's only goal in life was to play soccer. Her life revolved around it, and since she excelled, she earned a scholarship to play at UCLA. But when an injury (and resulting serious diagnosis) sidelines her permanently during her senior year of high school, Britt is lost. Soon after, a surprise opportunity presents itself: a literary scavenger hunt across the UK with a large cash prize funded by her English teacher. Britt's not sure she's smart enough to compete against her three intelligent, literary classmates. But if it gives her the chance to still attend UCLA, she figures it's worth a shot. When the competition starts, Britt meets Al, her "nanny" during the journey, and Luke, Al's handsome, smart nephew. Luke joins her on her quest but cannot help in solving the clues. Instead, he challenges her, gives her random facts to inform her journey, and helps her contemplate her life in ways she hasn't before. As someone plots against her, and an accident slows her down, Britt struggles to write the captivating trip journal she needs to win. But with Luke by her side, she gives it her all. Britt stays true to herself and her ideals while learning more about herself. Readers will be drawn in and pull for Britt to see her own true potential and win. VERDICT Recommended for YA collections. --Kelly Jo Lasher
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Lasher, Kelly Jo. "DEAN, Becky. Love & Other Great Expectations." School Library Journal, vol. 68, no. 7, July 2022, pp. 63+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A708597808/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fbb73c68. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "The romance is sweet, and Britt's zeal for travel combined with laugh-out-loud moments will charm readers."
Dean, Becky LOVE & OTHER GREAT EXPECTATIONS Delacorte (Teen None) $17.99 6, 14 ISBN: 978-0-593-42942-6
A teen girl embarks on a literary scavenger hunt through England for a chance to win a life-changing prize.
After a knee injury ends her soccer career, 18-year-old Britt Hanson knows her college sports scholarship chances are ruined--then she receives a mysterious invitation to travel to the U.K. and compete for $100,000. Britt and three other students have been invited by their English teacher, Ms. Carmichael, who's arranging and sponsoring an all-expenses-paid 10-day scavenger hunt. On a Canterbury Tales-inspired journey, they must follow riddles that lead them to literary locations around the country and complete a journal about their adventures. Ever willing to talk to strangers, playful and outgoing Britt must face her insecurities about the way boys regard her and not being as smart as her older siblings or classmates. Accompanied by Alexis, the snarky chaperone who is in charge of ensuring she stays out of trouble, Britt also picks up Al's cute, bookish cousin, Luke, at her first stop, and he joins her on her travels. Britt's biggest challenge is filling out the journal--she struggles to put her thoughts into words--but she knows she must if she wants to win. Intriguing secrets--how can Ms. Carmichael afford this? Is someone sabotaging the students?--keep readers guessing. The romance is sweet, and Britt's zeal for travel combined with laugh-out-loud moments will charm readers. Main characters are White.
An entertaining romp. (Fiction. 12-18)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Dean, Becky: LOVE & OTHER GREAT EXPECTATIONS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Apr. 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A698656051/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=da3272df. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "lighthearted, good-humored summertime romance."
Becky Dean. Delacorte, $17.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-593-42942-6
Alter an injury ends 18-year-old Britt Hanson's soccer career, leaving her feeling unmoored and putting her UCLA scholarship in jeopardy, she finds purpose via academic competition in Dean's breezy debut. When Ms. Carmichael, Britt's Santa Barbara, Calif, high school's English teacher, announces that Britt and three other students--meticulous overachiever Amberlyn Harrsfield, football player Spence Lopez, and sullen loner Peter Finch--have been invited to compete in a British literature-inspired scavenger hunt across England for a $100,000 prize, Britt's all in. Despite insisting that she's "useless" at anything besides soccer, she's determined to take home the cash prize to help pay for college. While in England, Britt worries she's falling behind the competition, until she meets handsome, charming Englishman Luke Jackson. He agrees to accompany her on the hunt, and as the two grow closer, Britt realizes that she might not be such a one-trick pony after all. Britt's drive to overcome her insecurities--and her delight in traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing new things--are infectious in Dean's lighthearted, good-humored summertime romance. Major characters cue as white. Ages 12-up. Agent: Eva Scalzo, Speilburg Literary. (June)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Love & Other Great Expectations." Publishers Weekly, vol. 269, no. 20, 9 May 2022, p. 57. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A706390615/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=548b0ff6. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "The balmy setting and sweet developing relationship will appeal to teen romance fans."
Dean, Becky PICTURE-PERFECT BOYFRIEND Delacorte (Teen None) $12.99 5, 23 ISBN: 9780593569917
When her imaginary boyfriend appears in real life, an aspiring photographer must be honest with her family--and herself--about her dreams and ambitions.
When Kenzie Reed arrives in Maui with her family for vacation, her boyfriend, Jacob Miller, is at the airport to surprise her. He's cute and fun and knows all about her, but there's one big problem: She made him up. Knowing that her parents would be happier if she were more like her sister, Alana--organized, serious, dating the right kind of guy, and preparing to join the family optometry practice--Kenzie quashed the exuberant parts of herself, including her love of nature photography, and invented a boring, stable long-distance boyfriend. Her parents have been very happy with the changes she's made, but now that her formerly imaginary boyfriend is somehow there in the flesh, she knows time is running out until her lies are revealed. But who is this Fake Jacob? Despite this mystery, the time she spends with him makes her realize that she misses being impulsive, joyful, and creative and that being truthful about who she is is the only way forward. Kenzie's dilemma will resonate with teens trying to balance others' expectations with their own interests and desires. Main characters are cued White.
The balmy setting and sweet developing relationship will appeal to teen romance fans. (Romance. 12-18)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Dean, Becky: PICTURE-PERFECT BOYFRIEND." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Mar. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A740905388/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=9424bf46. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "Dean ... spins an immersive and romantic story about being true to oneself."
Picture-Perfect Boyfriend
Becky Dean. Delacorte, $12.99 paper (384p) ISBN 978-0-593-56991-7
Eight months before this book's start, high schooler Kenzie Reed vowed to completely change her life. Because her family didn't support her photography aspirations, she gave up the hobby to cultivate an interest in her parents' optometry business, joining her school's science club and attending meetings for future healthcare professionals. She even invented a boyfriend named Jacob Miller to impress her parents. Kenzie thinks her upcoming vacation to Maui will be a much-needed break from pretending, until she learns that her parents invited Jacob on theit vacation, too. But if Kenzie made him up, who is this stranger? Desperate to keep up the charade and uncover the mystery behind the newcomer, Kenzie stays mum. The couple explore Maui while getting to know each other, connecting over similar interests, shared conflicts, and immediate chemistry. Hawaii's natural beauty shines via Kenzie's tourist eye, and her airy narration and tendency to romanticize the world around her through her camera's lens read as a love letter ro the island. Dean (Love & Other Great Expectations) spins an immersive and romanticstory about being true to oneself that features Kenzie's intensely personal troubles amid a far-fetched premise that recalls classic rom-com tropes. Ages 12--up. Agent: Eva Scalzo, Speilburg Literary. (May)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Picture-Perfect Boyfriend." Publishers Weekly, vol. 270, no. 12, 20 Mar. 2023, p. 83. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A745887381/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=feafce8d. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "A fun read from cover to cover, Becky Dean's new novel Picture-Perfect Boyfriend will be of immense appeal for young readers."
Picture-Perfect Boyfriend
Becky Dean
Delacorte Books
c/o Random House Children's Books
https://www.rhcbooks.com
9780593569917, $12.99, PB, 384pp
https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Perfect-Boyfriend-Becky-Dean/dp/0593569911
Synopsis: Aspiring nature photographer Kenzie Reed just can't get her straitlaced family of optometrists to take her art seriously. She's resigned to putting aside her dreams and accepting the depressing life that awaits her at the family business. She even makes up a fake, boring boyfriend (Jacob) to get her parents off her back.
But when the Reeds arrive in Hawaii for spring break, Kenzie is shocked that "Jacob" shows up at the airport--and joins their vacation. Kenzie can't reveal him as a fraud without confessing her lie, so she's stuck playing along while trying to find out who he really is.
No way is she going to actually fall for him--because even though he's funny, nice, smart, and cute, he's also a liar. Isn't he?
Critique: A fun read from cover to cover, Becky Dean's new novel "Picture-Perfect Boyfriend" will be of immense appeal for young readers interested in stories of new experiences, sibling fiction, and contemporary romance. While available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99), this paperback edition of "Picture-Perfect Boyfriend" from Delacorte Press is an unreservedly recommended addition to middle school, highschool, and community library YA Fiction collections for young readers ages 12-17.
Editorial Note: As a child, Becky Dean wanted to be an author or to study whales. Now, she writes books that sometimes include whales. Still a California girl at heart, she currently lives in Texas with her husband, where their walls are covered with photos from their travels. She can frequently be found drinking iced tea, watching science fiction shows, and planning travel adventures for herself and her characters. She's never met a beach she didn't like. She is also the author of Love & Other Great Expectations. (https://beckydeanwrites.com)
Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to copyright restrictions.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/index.htm
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"Picture-Perfect Boyfriend." Children's Bookwatch, July 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A760330722/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e51313cd. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "There's just enough romance and tension to satisfy young readers looking for a fun summer book."
DEAN, Becky. Hearts Overboard. 384p. Delacorte Romance. Jul. 2024. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9780593647844.
Gr 8 Up--This gentle book is a good fit for readers who like to know what they're getting, much like its protagonist. Savannah is content with her predictable high school life. She has routines, STEM clubs, and a reliable boyfriend, Caleb. Her only complaint is the constant competition from the equally smart and STEM-centric Tanner. As the school year ends, Caleb breaks up with her because of her unwillingness to try new things. As if that's not bad enough, her mom's job sends the family on an Alaskan cruise with Tanner and his family, since their moms are work friends. Interacting with Tanner turns out to be better than expected. They even strike a deal that she'll help him declare a college major and he'll help her create an adventurous social media presence to win back Caleb. With all costs covered, the two teens sign up for photogenic shore excursions and end up broadening their horizons and falling for each other in the process. There are no surprises here, and readers will know exactly how this plot ends, but that's okay. Characters are likable and consistent. Language is bright and breezy with clever STEM references. The descriptions of Alaska tourist culture are accurate and detailed. VERDICT There's just enough romance and tension to satisfy young readers looking for a fun summer book.--Amelia Jenkins
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Jenkins, Amelia. "DEAN, Becky. Hearts Overboard." School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 7, July 2024, p. 69. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A806586530/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=2d84e26e. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "a perfect summer read for fans of rivals-to-lovers romance."
Hearts Overboard.
By Becky Dean.
July 2024. 384P. Delacorte, paper, $12.99
(9780593647844). Gr. 7-10.
When Savannah Moore's boyfriend breaks up with her in front of her classmates and the nickname "Moore the Bore" starts to circulate, she decides to prove him wrong. Joining her parents on an Alaskan cruise provides numerous opportunities for fun, but it also means spending two weeks with her nemesis, Tanner. So they make a deal: he will help her branch out and try new things if she helps him find a college major. Both Savannah and Tanner are hiding behind fears, and their time together opens them up to each other. Teens are sure to relate to the struggles of living up to parental expectations and not wanting things to change; while the characters are juniors in high school, the overall themes and the sweet romance hit the right notes for younger teens. Savannah and Tanner are funny, and their varied interests of sports, science fiction, and engineering make them more realistic and relatable. A perfect summer read for fans of rivals-to-lovers romance. --Sarah Bean Thompson
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Thompson, Sarah Bean. "Hearts Overboard." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 21, July 2024, p. 78. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A804615975/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ab7e38be. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
QUOTED: "a relatable story in which rivals become friends—and more—against the backdrop of a spectacular setting."
Dean, Becky HEARTS OVERBOARD Delacorte Romance (Teen None) $12.99 7, 9 ISBN: 9780593647844
A mathlete and a jock find common ground in Alaska.
Savannah likes routine and predictability, and she thought her boyfriend, Caleb, did as well. Which is why it comes as a horrible surprise when he dumps her, saying that she's boring and stuck in her ways. Their breakup happens right before a trip to Alaska--a cruise with the company that employs her parents as well as the mother of Tanner, the attention-seeking classmate who beat her in the election for Astronomy Club president. After they're thrown together, Tanner agrees to help Savannah with her plan to use the vacation as an opportunity to try new things. He volunteers to join her, taking photos she can share on social media to show Caleb what he's missing; in exchange, Savannah will help Tanner figure out his college major. During the two-week trip, as she experiments with zip lining, karaoke, and whitewater rafting, Savannah comes to see that there's more to Tanner than she'd realized--and that his kindness and sense of fun make him a good match for her. Savannah's aversion to risk will resonate with many teens, while Tanner's goofiness and easy charm will be familiar to others. The relationship develops at a natural pace (albeit with the requisite bumps along the way) and will have readers rooting for a happy ending. Savannah and Tanner are cued white.
A relatable story in which rivals become friends--and more--against the backdrop of a spectacular setting. (map) (Romance. 12-18)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Dean, Becky: HEARTS OVERBOARD." Kirkus Reviews, 1 May 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A791876935/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=272b1500. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.