It may still be October, but we at THP are getting a quick head start on the holiday season with Light Up My Life by Kasie West! Part YA rom-com and part Christmas retelling of Romeo and Juliet, this novel is about two star-crossed lovers: Jasmine Costa and Ryan Moreno.
The Costa and Moreno families are next-door neighbors and have been feuding for as long as Jasmine can remember. Their feud escalates to the next level during Christmas, when their small town has a house decorating competition.
What makes matters worse is when she and Ryan run into each other at a holiday party and end up having more chemistry than she expected. Full of drama, secrets, and holiday cheer, here’s what we love about Kasie West‘s Light Up My Life!
Book Overview: Light Up My Life
Summary: For as long as Jasmine Costa can remember, her family has had a sworn enemy: the snobby Moreno family, who live next door. Jasmine especially can’t stand the teenage son, Ryan, who acts like he’s so much better than her.
This Christmas, the rivalry heats up when their small town holds a contest for best-decorated house. Jasmine has to take home the trophy. But then she and Ryan unexpectedly get thrown together during a holiday party…and discover that they have undeniable (and inconvenient) chemistry. Uh-oh.
As a secret romance blossoms amid the snow and the tinsel, Jasmine will have to make a choice. Can she stay loyal to her loved ones while falling for the one boy who’s off-limits?
Clandestine Meetups
For starters, we love when a romance requires some sneaking around. Jasmine and Ryan can’t risk having their families find out about their budding romance. They have secret rendezvous under the moonlight. And yes, Ryan does show up outside Jasmine’s window on more than one occasion. The two lovebirds grow closer in private while only subtly acknowledging each other in public. If they’re found together anywhere, they risk having everyone in Cherry Ridge hearing from the rumor mill.
Inside Jokes
Another thing we love about Light Up My Life is how Jasmine and Ryan have inside jokes that build up and come full circle by the end. From spying on each other through their windows to finding mice around town, their teenage love is so enjoyable to read. Despite their families’ hostility toward one another over the years, Jasmine and Ryan own up to the harsh words they’ve said in the past. And they don’t let the feud get in the way of their growing feelings.
Not-So-Tragic Ending
Finally, unlike the original Romeo and Juliet, Ryan and Jasmine do not meet a tragic end. It’s a holiday romance, so of course it will have a happy ending for these two star-crossed lovers. We won’t say what happens when the families find out or who wins the decorating competition. But we will say that after a rough patch and a few misunderstandings, these two come up with the best ways to apologize and make up. They find their way back to each other, and that is the perfect Christmas miracle.
Kasie West’s Light Up My Life gives us a head start on the holiday season with a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. With secret rendezvous, family drama, and Christmas cheer, it’s going on our wish list this year!
Light Up My Life by Kasie West comes out October 20th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of Kasie West‘s new YA romance? Are you feeling in the holiday spirit yet? Let us know on Twitter! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
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