When I started this book, another book popped in my head, Fault in Our Stars. I couldn’t help how it all sounded so familiar. Honestly, I almost stopped reading it. But I pushed through, kept turning the pages. I’m glad I did.

You have two characters: Cason Martin and Davis Channing. Kind of like a Romeo and Juliet. Each with their own vices. Cancer and drugs. As Cason struggles with her own vice, cancer. Knowing that her time as a dancer may be over. Coming to terms that everything she is could be over in a blink of an eye. Davis, overcoming an addiction and his own battle of cancer. Can Davis really stay on the straight and narrow?

I loved these two characters. I envisioned every part of the book. The ballet moves. Cason’s mother as your typical stage mom. Not taking the time to really understand her daughter and making the whole world around them know that Cason is the only one that matters. Their relationship is tested on every page.

I loved this book. It was heartwarming, heartbreaking, and everything else you can imagine. I”m glad I kept turning those pages because this book is no Fault in Our Stars. It is it’s own story. It takes two characters on a journey that no one should ever have to go on. It makes you fight for these characters to survive their own battles and the battle of being together.

A mixture of feelings! I wanted to like this book so much, but it just didn't sit all too well with me.

Scene: a dancer with bone cancer meets a previous cancer patient and recovering drug addict. Personal struggles, people struggles. Are they "brave enough"?

This book was nice in that it gave me the backbones of characters I wanted. We have the support systems, the wrecking balls–the buildings trying not to crumble. My problem was, that's all they were.

I had so many expectations for the emotional mess I was waiting to ease into (okay but me on a daily basis who am I kidding). The heartache and rawness I would feel for the MCs in their battles from start to finish.

I wanted so much from the descriptions; simply put, going into the book, I wanted to really feel what they were feeling. This is not to say that I felt like the characters were emotionless bricks, more like they genuinely could've been so much more than how they were portrayed.

Another issue I had with this book was the insta-love aspect of it. I get it, it's decently short to begin with + it's YA so tropes galore, doesn't really matter, but I couldn't understand why they were a thing. Chemistry was kind of a stretch to me, and I think I probably would have liked Brave Enough more if they were just friends that helped each other along their journeys.

Last small thing: I was secretly hoping for some sort of plot twist toward the end. I am really glad things turned out the way they did for the characters though!

All that aside, I did enjoy the overall pace of the book and the course of the book was definitely something fun to walk through. My appreciation to Netgalley and North Star Editions / Flux for the ARC!

I think it really says a lot about a book when you’ve read it months ago and it still continues to blow you away, and that’s exactly what debut author Kati Gardner has done. I read this book in March and I still can’t seem to find the right words to talk about how important this story is. I will admit that I did initially judge this book by it’s cover because I mean how can you not?! It’s absolutely beautiful. But I was further sold on this book after reading the synopsis for two reasons. The first, was because I can’t recall ever reading a YA book that battles drug addiction. The second, was because the only other book I’ve read that tackles cancer was TFIOS which I enjoyed.

This book was definitely more character driven than anything else but I found myself rooting so hard for both Cason and Davis, individually and together as a couple. Cason, has been hiding a leg injury in order to audition for a ballet theater telling herself “it’s just a strain”, until she can no longer put off her injury anymore and finds out it is something much worse.

"In that one moment her perfect, prima-ballerina, pink-tutu world fell off its pointe. She wasn’t Cason Martin, prima ballerina, anymore. She was Cason Martin, number T7654908, cancer patient."

With her hopes and dreams shattered Cason struggles heavily with her new reality and falls into a deep depression. Davis, a former cancer patient, is sentenced to 300 hours community service at the hospital wing he was once a patient in after getting caught and charged with an intent to distribute drugs. Although Davis has been clean and sober for almost a year he does still struggle heavily throughout this story with his drug addiction, especially on the harder days. As horrible as it is to say, that struggle is appreciated. His drug addiction was not sugar-coated as in “he once did drugs but now isn’t phased by them” it’s “he did hard drugs and still battles it every day”, which is the reality of drug addiction.

If you haven’t put two and two together yet, cancer patient + community service in cancer wing of hospital = Davis and Cason’s worlds colliding together. And although their reason for meeting is anything but happy they both seem to find healing and happiness in one another. This did feature the dreaded insta-love, but I was able to see past it very quickly because this is so much more than a love story. It’s a story about finding hope in the most unlikely places and character development like you wouldn’t believe. Speaking of character development, you’ve never seen it written so well when it comes to Cason’s mom, Natalie. She’s annoying, nagging, and unable to accept daughter’s illness in the beginning, but at the end? Oh, she was everything I hoped for and more. I really had to hold back the big fat ugly tears for her.

This is merely the tip of the iceberg of the story. There’s still so much more to be expected, like, ex-girlfriends coming around, new friendships, restraining orders, surgeries, AH-MAZING disability rep (visible and non-visible), and who knows Cason may even find a new passion in life.

All in all, you don’t want to miss this because it’s a book that will stick with you for a long time to come. And this author deserves not only Cason’s story to be told but her own as well, so don’t mind me while I go back to the author’s note and continue bawling my eyes out.

[I was given a copy for an ARC for an honest review]

This was a different book than usual, in a good way. I read this book in one sitting, about three hours, and I enjoyed it. The characters are very well developed and you can understand their behaviour and how they act. Their feelings and thoughts are conveyed in a very understanding but, at the same time, raw way, with you being able to relate to the characters and their struggles. I really liked the main character because she showed lots of strength without necessarily being afraid of showing weakness at the same time. The mother, on the other hand, annoyed me SO much! I mean her child has a life-threatening disease and THIS is how she acts? I understand her way of acting and, in perspective, I can see it was a kind of defense mechanism but still, at the moment of reading I just wanted to punch her. All other characters in the hospital are very supportive and I loved they way they acted and were around each other, giving you a sense of hope for the main character. And the end? Made me so happy. I really enjoy happy endings and this was one of them.

Overall the book is very nice and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a happy-ending story with well developed characters and a good plot.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!

I follow the author of this book on Instagram, and was excited when I got the chance to read a review copy. This isn't a subject I normally read a lot about, which was part of why I was drawn to the book. That, and the cover! Oh my goodness.

The story is a bit on the slower, quieter side, but not in a bad way. It's very much character-driven, rather than plot driven. I also appreciated that the story was driven by realistic events, both good and bad, rather than unnecessary, melodramatic, soap-opera-esque twists. Unlike books I've read in the past that deal with cancer (the Lurlene McDaniel books I loved as a preteen, The Fault in Our Stars), this book did not have moments that felt intended to make me sob. Instead, I found myself rooting for Cason, worried about Davis, and enjoying the way the characters grew over the course of the story. Overall, it's a solid YA novel.

Wow. Can we talk about this cover? Absolutely gorgeous. It was one of the reasons I decided to request this book. Well, that and the synopsis sounded pretty good! I love the white color and the water colors! It’s gorgeous.

I was a little bit shocked when I found out what the story was really about it. The book involves two different heavy topics. Although I appreciated reading about Cason and Davis’s stories, I found it hard to deal with two different heavy topics in one book. For me personally, it was a little hard to read about Cason’s life then switch over to Davis and his addiction and overcoming it. However, I did like how Kati intertwined their stories and showed the readers that the characters each come from very different backgrounds but yet the same. (I’d explain that better but I don’t want to spoil the book because it’s not mentioned in the synopsis).

The beginning of that book had me hooked. I wasn’t a fan of the immediate flirting between Cason and Davis. It felt a little instalovey for me. I wanted to learn about their own story and their own background. I found it hard to connect with the characters because the chapters were pretty short. I wanted the relationship between Cason and Davis to develop a little bit better because the book mentioned that the characters didn’t talk to each other prior to meeting.

I found myself rooting for the characters. I wanted to see them succeed. I wanted them to be happy, be brave, be a survivor of their own demons. Cason’s mom mad me extremely angry in the beginning of the book but as the story went on, I found myself having a soft spot for her.

I thought the writing was simple and easy to read. The pacing was really well. Personally, I didn’t find myself getting bored at all while reading. I think my only critic was that Davis said how much he wanted to use a lot. It almost felt like the word because really repetitive.

Overall, I thought this was a really great read. The theme I took from the book was that even if something unexpected happens in life or we’re dealt the wrong cards, we still have the ability to overcome it. We just have to set our minds to it. It was pretty empowering to read. I really recommend this book! Not just for the cover, but for the themes in the story as well!

I received a copy of this for a fair and honest review. I had heard a lot about this book before I got my hands on a copy. I was not sure that it was going to live up to what I have heard. I have to say that I am glad that I took the time to read it. It did kind of hit me hard for I have had people in my live have cancer. It made my heart race. I could not help but feel for Davis and Cason. They both have a lot of pressure on them to do what they are told. I am not sure I would be brave enough to face all they do. Cason's mother was a bit much for me to handle. I wish she was more a mother and not dancer instructor. This was a journey that is heart-swelling and emotionally painful in all the best ways. I want to keep talking about but I don't want to ruin it for those who wish to grab a copy and see what I am talking about.

I truly appreciate receiving this E-ARC, This book was both heartbreaking and uplifting. I enjoyed seeing how Cason and Davis matured throughout the story. The alternating chapters kept me turning pages. I do not have words to express how much I loved this novel.
The fact that the author writes from experience adds authenticity to the story as well. I appreciate that she wrote so honestly. Make sure to read the Author's Note at the end.

Brave Enough deals with such heavy topics, and still it was a quick and cute read. Definitely check it out!

While I couldn't connect with Davis or Cason as characters, I definitely could with what they were going through as those subjects are all too real in this day and age. Cason sees her dream of dancing (she's the youngest ballerina in the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory) slip away as an unthinkable diagnosis is revealed and Davis - a cancer survivor and now 7 months sober - fights to stay clean.

There is definite insta-love when they first meet (which I'm not a fan of) and from there they rely on each other (and their friends) to navigate their new lives and all the hardships that come along with it.

Brave Enough is a triumphant read centered around very real topics while still managing to balance young love, family dynamics, and friendships.

*Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review early.*

It follows the story of two young adults Davis and Cason. Davis was an ex-cancer patient now struggling with addiction who also works as a volunteer. Cason, with big dreams of performing ballet in front of hundreds of people to showcase her talent. Shatters when she was brought to the hospital to find out something wrong with her leg. Their worlds collide, what happens next?

It is told under Cason and Davis alternative point-of-view. Each character struggles and depth of thought were excellently displayed. Despite that depth, it was not at all difficult with each switch of point-of-view. Which immediately made me capture my feelings for them at 12% of the book. Not only for the two. But for everyone at the clinic, therapy, they were all hard-butt and I love Mari. (Wish’d get her own book.)

That depth I was talking about. It was profound. Davis battling addiction had me crying and rooting for him. And when I say crying~I really was, salty water stuff was coming out of my eyes. Then there was Cason too making it a sobfest. All I can say is that the way their story was written is driven by the person’s character. And boy it was excellently laid out for the readers to read and devour upon. Each intricacy was translated thoughtfully moving.

I admire both characters for being brave enough to go through it all. Just because the book ended the struggles ends too. It doesn’t; there are still battles to come. The portrayal of Cason and Davis character’s were fervently authentic. Surely a story I won’t be forgetting.

A demerit: All of the mention about how fun Camp Chemo it got me stoked on a detailed event of the said camp. I was expecting then, only to read scenarios that felt brief and rushed.

But overall, Brave Enough was an amaong red with such authenticity, hope and love.

"Are you ready to be remarkable?"

Cason Martin is a ballerina who's been hiding an injury that's much worse then it seems. Davis Channing survived cancer but nearly lost his life to drug addiction. Now their worlds are colliding and they must figure out if they're brave enough. Can Davis get away from his drug addicted ex girlfriend? How will Cason deal with the possibility of never dancing again?
I received an advanced ebook version of this book which comes out August 21st. When I saw the cover on netgalley it drew me in and I wanted to read this book. Upon finishing the book I can say that the story is just as wonderful as the cover design. The only other book I think I've read dealing with cancer is The Fault in Our Stars. So it was nice to see another book dealing with this tricky subject.
I really like how the characters help each other through rough times. I really connected with this book, even though I haven't dealt with cancer I have dealt with glaucoma since the age of seven and had 14 surgeries. So it was nice to see the strength and sadness of surgery and recovery portrayed in this book. I would highly recommend checking it out and I'll likely be picking up a finished copy in August!I

I was torn between four and five stars for this one, but I completely lost myself in the story while reading, so I decided it deserved the full five.

Though it was a fluffy and cute contemporary, there were also some more serious topics which were dealt with, and I appreciated that.

It deals with cancer more so than nearly any other book I've read. And the author has experience. She gets it, and that definitely comes across in the book.

It also dealt with drug addiction. This was very new for me. I mean, I knew that it happened, but I didn't get it until now. This book helped me understand so much more what people will go through, and I am so appreciative that this book went there and dealt with the topic.

What I did not appreciate was the insta-love. I say that I hate it all the time, but if I'm honest here I really don't mind if it's done well. However, in this book I did find it a bit jarring. It didn't feel like love at first sight, it was like love at third sight or something. So not long enough for either one to have a reason to like each other, but not like the destiny meet-cute which I thought was a bit strange.

I also wasn't the biggest fan of Cason. I feel like I could have liked her, if I got to know more of her personality earlier on. I get that dancing is a big part of her life, and that was something I really enjoyed in this book, but it is not the only element to her character, and I wish we got to know other stuff about her as well.

But overall, the ship was so so so so so so CUTE and I was absolutely in love, so though I can say these things now that I've had a day to think about this book, I was in love the entire time I was reading, which is EXACTLY what I look for in a book, so that was absolutely NAILED!!

Overall, loved it, highly recommend, can't wait for a realease date! 100% worth that cover!

I loved Brave Enough. Cason deals with pressure and stress all her life as a dancer with her mom as the director were she practices. During the biggest audition of her life she has the absolute worst pain and damages her knee which ultimately leads to her diagnosis of cancer and subsequent treatment. Cason meets so many incredible people in her life and learns that, even though she has faces many struggles and tribulations, she is still a dancer. I loved that the author had genuine experience on the topic and thank her for writing about something so real and giving the characters such personality.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley. Thank you!

Thank you North Star Editions and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Brave Enough tackles the hardships of not just the two main teen characters but their family, friends and the people who are there to support and heal them, about Cancer And Drugs, about falling and loosing hope, loosing their way, getting back up, finding their courage and dreams and finding each other and being brave. The struggles were so real you'll cry when they cry. I just didnt like the part where he always says he needs a hit, I already feel his struggles, the stress building up the need for him to use, I guess the use of 'I need a hit' every single time is an excess. Aside from that it's a good read for me. It's just a short read, but it still showed the parents struggle. I'm also glad that it shows how the team of healthcare providers felt, that they also struggle, that they're happy saving ones life and also in pain if they loose the battle.
So there, it's not a long read but it touched a lot of surface. I recommend for you to read this book.

Brave Enough by Kati Gardner is the kind of book my heart sings for. It is the kind of book where I, a disabled teenager, belongs.
I cannot express how cathartic and good was this book for my soul. We discover Carson, a former classical dancer who is diagnosed with a bones cancer which stops her future career as a ballerina and shatters her dream in pieces, and Davis, a cancer survivor fighting against a drug addiction.
This novel explores so many questions: disabilities, future, relationship between mother and daughter, addiction, responsibility, ambition.
Kati Gardner gets it, okay. She gets it because she is it. She is disabled and she is a cancer survivor. She knows and she has felt any of Carson’s emotions: her pain and her self-hatred, her fear and her disgust for her disability, for her own body.
I felt it too, I felt it so much.

Loved the characters, they were easy to "know". I only nicked it a couple stars because for me I like more of a plot line, this didn't have a strong one. It was emotional and beautiful story and certainly relevant to today's issues.

This topic is really hard for me. This book really great. Author did an amazing job. I cried a lot while reading it. It is meaningful, realistic and amazing. Everyone should read this.

WOW< WOW< WOW> I was not sure what to expect, but I can tell you that this is completely different and a very very special story. The reader will fall in love with the heroine early on and be rooting for her as she discovers herself and learns to heal and live again. The authors choice to alternate narrators only adds to the depth of the story. Cancer, addition, and the loss of dreams might be too much for one book, but in this case it is not. The characters that help our hero and heroine on their journey have depth and add much nto the story. The is a truly beautiful book about surviving the worst hurdles and rising above them to soar. I strongly recommend this book to readers!

"Brave Enough" deals with childhood cancer with an honesty and cautious optimism that Kati Gardner, a childhood cancer survivor herself, makes believable. Gardner does not simplify her characters to their struggle with cancer, but rather creates fully develop individuals - whose struggle with cancer is only one component. Unlike other books in the genre, it doesn't feel that cancer is being exploited to create a highly emotive book. Rather, Gardner is able to tell a moving YA story in a way that feels real. Highly recommend!