Much thanks to Swoon Reads from Xpresso Tours for sending me a copy for review and for inviting me to be a part of this tour. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may or may not appear in the final published copy.

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Book Details

If You Only Knew
by Prerna Pickett
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: February 11th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Book Blurb

A boy recently released from jail and the daughter of a prosecutor fall for each other against the odds in this YA novel.

Corey has just been released from jail, and all he wants is a new beginning. But when his former gang comes knocking, Corey agrees to vandalize the home of Kent Hopper, the prosecutor who put him away.

To erase the guilt she carries from getting away with a crime, Tessa spends most of her nights riding her motorcycle. When she catches Corey destroying her father’s car, she doesn’t see a criminal: She sees a way to finally right her own wrongs. So instead of turning Corey over to the police, she convinces her father to give Corey a second chance.

As Tessa and Corey spend more time with each other, it becomes difficult to ignore the pull between them. But they’re both keeping secrets, and when those secrets come to light, they’ll each have to face their demons in order to have a future together.

About the Author

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I’m a wife, mom, writer, reader. Lover of foods, beaches, the ocean, shoes, starry nights. Sometimes I pretend like I’m good at drawing.

Review

If You Only Knew is a slow burn YA Contemporary with elements of growing up, maturity, drama, moving on from mistakes, and understanding oneself.

It tells the story of Corey and Tessa, and their journey amidst secrets, lies, and the gang life.

It takes a while before the plot buildz, but the chemistry between the two main characters is truly worth the wait. It is sweet and sexy and funny at times, but there are a lot of violence & gang-related themes.

This story began as a seemingly enemies to lovers tale, a somewhat forbidden romance, but it then evolves into a love story that with twists and turns and tension.

If you go crazy over gang novels, you are in for a treat! It offers you romance with so drama, family elements, and a strong pacing.

My Book Rating Breakdown

🌼 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆