Publishers Weekly
★ 04/03/2023
After her parents’ deaths seven years ago, 17-year-old Beatrice “Tess” Crawford now lives with her aunt and uncle. Her family has always been part of the Carnival costume industry, and with dreams of becoming a designer herself, Tess has been working for her uncle, the renowned Russell Messina, from whom she is preparing to inherit the family masquerade band, Grandeur. But newer bands are emerging on the scene, and the reappearance of an old rival holding a years-old grudge threatens Grandeur’s future. Refusing to watch the family business crumble, Tess enlists the help of her classmate Brandon Richards, a local social media influencer and the best friend of her awful ex-boyfriend. As Brandon and Tess’s relationship morphs from tense acquaintances to inseparable business partners, Tess finds space to grieve her parents’ deaths, as well as a second chance at love. Dass (Where the Rhythm Takes You) infuses this enemies-to-lovers romance with amusing dialogue, fully fleshed-out characters, and nuanced conversations surrounding loss and loneliness. The cast’s magnetic chemistry, both romantic and platonic, and the palpable love for the beauty and culture of Trinidad and Tobago stand out in this radiant depiction of love, creative passion, and closure. Ages 13–up. (May)
From the Publisher
"Dass infuses this enemies-to-lovers romance with amusing dialogue, fully fleshed-out characters, and nuanced conversations surrounding loss and loneliness. The cast’s magnetic chemistry, both romantic and platonic, and the palpable love for the beauty and culture of Trinidad and Tobago stand out in this radiant depiction of love, creative passion, and closure." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Through captivating, witty, and heartfelt prose, Dass’ sweet romance novel shows her protagonist dealing with grief and growing pains. The banter and obvious chemistry between Tess and Brandon are enthralling from the get-go; readers root for Tess and feel invested in every part of her journey. An exciting and sentimental love story perfect for romance lovers who appreciate multifaceted characters.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Dass tells a story of enemies who find they have more in common than they thought, setting the tale in Trinidad amidst the colors and energy of Carnival." — School Library Journal
School Library Journal
02/23/2024
Gr 9 Up—Tess Crawford wants nothing more than to be a renowned Carnival costumer and to one day take over her famous uncle's masquerade band. In fact, it's nearly all she can do to keep her mind focused on school and anything else that doesn't have to do with Carnival. Things seem to be going according to plan when, overnight, the future of Grandeur is put into jeopardy and the band's rivalry with a newer and more current band comes to a boiling point. Tess soon finds herself at the mercy of Brandon, her classmate and rival, who is a social media influencer. Brandon just might have what Grandeur needs to revive itself, if only he and Tess can get along. With the two forced to spend more time together in order to save her family's band, Tess begins to wonder if there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Brandon. VERDICT While Dass tells a familiar story of enemies who find they have more in common than they thought, she takes a fresh approach by setting the tale in Trinidad amidst the colors and energy of Carnival.—Whitney Bates-Gomez
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2023-03-14
A Trinidadian girl learns to open up herself to love and attachments after enduring grief and heartbreak.
Seventeen-year-old Tess is in her final year of high school. She tragically lost her parents years ago and now lives with her uncle, aunt, and Hazel, her cousin and best friend. Tess is also a designer and seamstress, working with her uncle making Carnival costumes for Grandeur, the family’s masquerade band. When a rivalry with another popular Carnival band leads to a catastrophic incident that threatens the future of Grandeur, Tess finds herself in a position where she may have to work with her sworn nemesis, Brandon, whom she maddeningly also happens to find incredibly attractive. Will Tess be able to put aside her grudge to do what it takes to save Grandeur and her dream of one day taking over the family business? How will she handle it when her feelings for Brandon start shifting from hostile to romantic? Through captivating, witty, and heartfelt prose, Dass’ sweet romance novel shows her protagonist dealing with grief and growing pains. Tess’ relationships with her family and small circle of friends highlight her dynamic personality. The banter and obvious chemistry between Tess and Brandon are enthralling from the get-go; readers root for Tess and feel invested in every part of her journey. The cast reflects the multicultural makeup of Trinidad and Tobago.
An exciting and sentimental love story perfect for romance lovers who appreciate multifaceted characters. (Romance. 13-18)
