Title: Under the Bleachers
Author: K.K. Allen
First published February 28, 2017
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Monica Stevens is a carefree girl who loves fashion, food, and boys, and she takes her dating life lightly. However, all of that changes when she has a passionate kiss with Seattle’s hottest NFL quarterback.
She fears that this could destroy everything she holds dear. Zachary Ryan is Seattle’s most eligible bachelor, an undercover entrepreneur, and a Southern gentleman at heart.
He is addicted to Monica’s sassy mouth and finds her challenging, witty, and charming. As Monica faces a crossroads in her life, Zachary becomes an unavoidable obstacle that forces her to confront her demons.
However, as their connection grows stronger, she realizes that it only brings them closer to their end. To have a future, they must first face their pasts, but what if the two are connected?
About the Author
Meet K.K. Allen, a talented contemporary romance author who has achieved both USA TODAY Bestselling and award-winning status for her heartwarming and inspiring stories. Her debut novel, Up in the Treehouse, was even named Best New Adult Book of the Year by RT Book Reviews – an incredible achievement!
But K.K. doesn’t stop there. She continues to take readers on an emotional journey with each new novel, crafting real and relatable coming-of-age stories that will make you fall in love time and time again.
Originally from Hawaii and raised in Washington, K.K. now calls Florida home. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her little guy, exploring the great outdoors, watching football, dancing to her eclectic music taste, and connecting with her readers at book signings.
If you want to stay up-to-date on K.K.’s latest events and releases, be sure to check out her website.
Editoral Review
Under the Bleachers by K.K. Allen is a young adult novel that explores the themes of friendship, love, and growing up. Published on February 28, 2017, the book is a coming-of-age story that portrays the struggles and triumphs of teenagers trying to navigate the complex world of high school.
The author, K.K. Allen, is an American author who specializes in young adult and new adult fiction. With her sharp, relatable writing style, she has amassed a dedicated fan base and a glowing reputation in the literary world.
Set in the small town of Stratton, the novel follows the lives of high school students, Scarlett and Reno. The two grew up together in the same neighborhood, but their lives take different paths when they start attending high school.
As they struggle through the challenges of growing up, they must navigate the complexities of their imperfect family lives and personal relationships. Scarlett is a talented singer with a promising future, while Reno is a football player who struggles with insecurities and self-doubt.
Despite their different interests and aspirations, their friendship remains steadfast, and they support each other through tough times. Allen uses her skillful writing to capture the essence and difficulties of being a teenager in the modern world.
With compelling dialogue and vivid descriptions, she paints a realistic picture of the joys, pains, and heartbreaks of adolescence. The book is not just a story of teenage angst, but also explores deeper themes of trust, betrayal, and the search for identity.
It deals with sensitive topics, such as mental health and domestic violence, without being gratuitous or insensitive. The novel’s pacing is excellent, with a gripping plot that keeps the reader invested in the characters’ lives.
The character development is nuanced and layered, as the author takes care to show the growth and evolution of each character. If there are any weaknesses in the book, it may be the occasional clichés and predictable plot points.
However, these are few and far between, and the overall quality of the writing more than makes up for them. Overall, Under the Bleachers is a beautifully written and engaging novel that will resonate with teenagers and adults alike.
It is a must-read for fans of young adult and new adult fiction, as well as those who enjoy stories that explore the intricacies of humanity. The Washington Post highly recommends this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking story that captures the essence of growing up.
With its lush prose, complex characters, and engaging plot, Under the Bleachers is a standout work of young adult fiction. We give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
