I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Such a sweet story. I really enjoy a good YA romance and this author really delivered! I was initially just interested in the cover, but this book truly sucked me in. I was so pleased with how this story turned out, specifically because for the main character and the relationships she holds and how they grew within the plot. I love a good character arc and I was super happy with this one, so I one-hundred percent recommend this book!

Brandy is in a panic. Summer is here, and she’s just been accepted to the Lucerne School of Nursing, the accomplishment her mother has been dreaming of for years. But Brandy hasn’t had the courage to tell her mom that she has no interest in medicine. Her passion is for art, specifically street art full of “colors and bold strokes and cute chibi characters.”

When her mom sends her to the mall to buy a dress for their celebratory dinner that night, Brandy runs into her classmate, Ben Nolan, who is on the brink of becoming a famous film actor . . . and who has tortured Brandy for years, in part by regularly stealing tater tots off her lunch tray.

But somehow this day is different. Brandy’s defenses are down, Ben’s got worries of his own, and they end up spending the day together. And when Brandy’s friend Shai invites Ben to join them at the town carnival that night, they start an adventurous evening that forces Brandy to reevaluate both her feelings for Ben and her unwillingness to fight for the life she wants.

We loved this one. It is such a fun love story and welcome-to-summer story, but it also captures the post-senior-year angst of having to make real decisions that will impact the rest of your life, decisions that don’t always line up with what your parents want for you. Brandy, Ben, and Shai (and Shai’s daughter Elsa) are a delight, and we enjoyed our evening at the carnival!

While there is a scene of teen drinking, this is overall a sweet love story that will be appropriate for a wide range of students (and we love finding YA romance books that we’re comfortable recommending from the front of the classroom—they’re not always easy to find).

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

Review will be posted at https://threeheads.works/category/blog/ya-books/ on July 15, 2024.

This is a great YA book for those who are falling in love for the first time! This night is ours did an excellent way of showing how college freshman are torn between following their heart and doing what others want to see of you. I loved the fair based scenery, reminded me of seeing teenage couples going on. date to the state fair!

For one teen girl, the summer before college brings uncertainty about the future, familial pressure, and a budding romance (Goodreads).

I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this book. Overall, it’s a timeless story of “It’s your dream, not mine” and the struggle between a coming-of-age teenager and their parent, but with different specifics than High School Musical.

Something that stuck out to me as a sore point was the police station scene. [SPOILER] The main character and her love interest are taken in by a police officer. The language in this scene is really modern and it reminds me of an Instagram comment section with the brainrot lingo being used. Then of course, the MC has to explain she was only trying to express herself illegally and life goes on with a happy ending.

Starting with the character of Alicia, the main character’s mom. Alicia is a good mom, no argument about it. She was left as a pregnant teen by her husband who wanted to pursue his art career, she put herself through nursing school and now wants the same success for her daughter Brandy, who could want nothing more than to be an artist. Alicia sees Brandy’s artistic success as a waste of time that will never materialize as a real career, and views her daughter’s pursuit of her father’s passion as a betrayal for all her sacrifice. But Alicia, it’s NOT ABOUT YOU! I just wanted to scream at this character every time she talked.

There seemed to be a lot of unnecessary choices in this book. At one point in the book, a character says “yes ma’am,” but it was described as having a Southern belle accent, so it sounded like “yay-us may-um,” which yes, this sometimes does happen in real life, but in a major scene like the one it’s in, it doesn’t add a lot to the plot, and distracts from the main action. There are many choices like that throughout the book. Another one is the addition of elevated words like “petrichor” meaning the smell of rain. I like the word, as we all do, but going from “IDK” and “bet” to “petrichor” really throws me off, and I don’t know if it’s something I can look past.

Also, I don’t think this book is a romance. At best, this is a young adult coming-of-age story with a side order of romance. Brandy doesn’t even admit she likes Ben until one of the last chapters of the book. Their flirty conversation is cute, but the book as a whole is not giving enough romance until the very last chapter where the characters take a romantic walk together into the night to talk about the future.

This Night is Ours by Ronni Davis is a charming and poignant coming-of-age story that beautifully captures the complexities of pursuing one's dreams. The novel follows eighteen-year-old Brandy Bailey on the longest day of the year, as she grapples with the weight of her mother's expectations and her own aspirations of becoming an artist despite being accepted to nursing school.

Davis skillfully portrays Brandy's internal struggle and the conflicting emotions she experiences, especially as she crosses paths with her former classmate, Ben Nolan, whose pursuit of an acting career contrasts with Brandy's perceived need for practicality. The backdrop of the town's summer carnival adds a delightful and whimsical touch to the narrative, creating a vivid and immersive setting for the unfolding romance.

Through the swirling emotions and the captivating atmosphere of the carnival, Davis weaves a tale of first love and self-discovery, making This Night is Ours a heartwarming and relatable read for anyone who has grappled with following their passions. Davis's evocative writing and the tender exploration of Brandy's journey make this novel a delightful addition to the young adult romance genre.

Well well well call this my new favorite romance and slap a bow on the front because this was freaking beautfiful. a wild sweet ride. I get the hype and can't wait to read more by this author.

Short Summary: a recent high school graduate must choose between a future she doesn’t want and a glimmer of a future that may or may not be out of reach for her along with her rival that may be more than just someone who annoys her.

Overall, it was a pretty quick read perfect for this time of year and with heartwarming vibes that left a smile behind!

Overall: 4/5 stars

Thanks to the publisher who provided me with an arc of the book to review!

Summery:
Brandy Bailey is a fresh out of high school graduate who is in love with art. She carries her iPad with her everywhere for when she feels the urge to draw something. Except she's dreading one thing and that's being accepted into nursing school, when she gets the email that's she's been accepted she feels a sense of overwhelming knowing this is her mom's dream not hers. She wants to chase her dream of being an artist, her mom has always made it clear she does not approve. Also, the guy from high school who she always found annoying Ben Nolan is entering her space and she doesn't know if she likes it or not.

Thoughts:
I adored this book! the book is set in the span of 24 hours which I liked because I just wanted to know what was happening next. I loved the friendship Brandy had with her best friend Shai and how they were always there for each other. I adore the romance we got with it but also glad it really wasn't the focal point of the book, yes they were alongside each other for most of the book but it was the way he helped her get the courage she's been needing that was nice. It really tells the story of the parent's expectations vs what Brandy is passionate about and if she really wants to chase after it. The descriptions of the art were also so good I felt like I could really see it. I just overall enjoy all the bonds Brandy had with everyone in this book. And how Brandy came into her own.

Closing Thoughts:
Overall, this coming-of-age book was lovely I think it would be good for young readers and old (like myself). It's a fun but emotional fast paced book for summer. I think it all tied its self-up nicely in the end. I highly recommend this book.

This night is ours was an amazingly sweet 24 hour YA romance that will teleport you back to your high school years in the best way.

I absolutely adored this story and Brandy and Ben have amazing banter throughout. If you’re looking for a quick read with cute summer carnival vibes but also has a coming of age seriousness to it you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

The romance also has a nice slow burn, even though it only takes place over 24 hours it feels realistic! I look forward to reading more books by Ronni Davis in the future!

Thankyou NetGalley and Ronni Davis for the ARC!

Thank you Netgalley, Ronni Davis, and Little Brown for an ARC of The Night Is Ours.

Full disclosure that I’d never read a 24-hour romance before, and I’m not sure if I want to dabble in it again. The story moved along at a good pace; it definitely didn’t drag — I’m just not sure it was for me.

MFC went through a lot of emotions and clearly felt confused on where to go next with her life. This is indicative of how all of us felt when we were told at a mere 18 years old to choose a path that would define the trajectory of our lives. I loved that about this YA novel.

I recommend this novel if you like more of a cozy setting in your books and prefer character development to other areas of development.

The only complaint I have about this book is that in some parts it’s painfully YA. I still really enjoyed it regardless.

(4.25)

“This Night Is Ours” by Ronni Davis is a delightful coming-of-age novel that captures the essence of a single transformative night. Set against the backdrop of a lively summer carnival, this book weaves together themes of dreams, love, and self-discovery.

Meet Brandy Bailey. At just eighteen-years-old she receives life-altering news: she's been accepted into a prestigious nursing school, a path that would make her mother incredibly proud. But Brandy harbours a secret desire to be an artist. She grapples with the practicality of chasing her dream versus the expectations placed upon her.

Meet Ben Nolan. He is Brandy’s high school classmate and aspiring actor, who seems to have no qualms about pursuing his far-fetched dreams. Brandy's emotions collide as she navigates familial pressure, uncertainty about the future, and a budding romance, all in the span of one extraordinary night.

Davis masterfully develops Brandy and Ben, infusing them with authenticity and vulnerability. Their chemistry leaps off the pages, making their interactions both heartwarming and relatable. Each chapter opens with a time stamp, creating a sense of urgency and propelling the story forward. The pacing keeps readers engaged, mirroring the whirlwind of emotions Brandy experiences.

The town carnival serves as a vivid backdrop, with flashing lights, cotton candy, and the promise of adventure. Davis paints a picture so vivid that readers can practically taste the funnel cakes and hear the carnival music. Brandy's internal struggle resonates with anyone who has faced conflicting desires. Her journey to embrace her true self is both empowering and heartrending.

This story is a gem in the contemporary YA genre. Davis successfully takes on the challenge of telling a story that unfolds over the course of a single day. Readers will find themselves rooting for Brandy as she grapples with her dreams, fears, and the unexpected connection she shares with Ben. The novel reminds us that sometimes, extraordinary moments can change the trajectory of our lives forever.

Davis' writing is lyrical, evoking the magic of fleeting moments and the courage it takes to chase our passions. Immerse yourself in Brandy's unforgettable night, it’s one that will resonate long after you turn the last page. “This Night Is Ours” is a captivating blend of romance, self-discovery, and the magic of a single night. Davis' prose invites readers to reflect on their own dreams and the courage it takes to pursue them. Don't miss out on this enchanting tale!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a nice story about coming to terms with your own dreams amidst dealing with expectations from family and anxiety. "This Night Is Ours" was far from a bad book, but it never really grabbed my attention. It took me a little over two weeks to read it because every time I put it down to do something, it was hard to garner enough interest to pick it back up. The characters are sweet, and the story has charming moments, but for me it ended up being underwhelming and nothing remarkable.

Brandy, who has just graduated, has just been accepted into nursing school, and her mother, who is a nurse, is beyond proud. Brandy doesn't want to be a nurse; instead she wants to be an artist, but her mom, who struggled for her success, wants Brandy to have a steady career. The story takes place in one day, and earlier that day she runs into Ben, who has been her nemesis all through high school. They end up hanging out together all day and into the night, and as she gets to know Ben, realizes he is actually a pretty cool guy.
I didn't think the characters were fleshed out enough; therefore, I really wasn't attached to either character. I read TONS of YA romance per year since my students love it, so in comparing this book to others; it had potential, but just didn't rise to the occasion. I will purchase this though because I am always trying to diversity my romance section.

Longest. Day. Ever lol! While I found this book to be a cute and fun read about following your dreams despite family expectations, I have mixed feelings about it. A LOT went on in the span of this one day, and for the timeframe that this story takes place, I think it caused some storylines to be rushed or pushed aside.

One example of this is the storyline regarding our M.C. Brandy's father. A particularly impactful moment happened, and I feel like it wasn't really addressed afterward. In my opinion, it needed more follow-up, but perhaps due to the timeframe of the story, there wasn't enough time to explore it with the consideration it deserved. There were other significant situations like this throughout the story that felt like they weren't talked about more than surface level, and it bothered me a bit.

Moreover, I will say that things seemed to wrap up a bit too quickly at the end. After the climax of the main conflict, that ah-ha moment hit hard, and then everything was pretty much resolved. Overall though, I thought it was an enjoyable story. The characters were interesting, and I found certain moments and thoughts Brandy had pretty relatable. Although the ending was a bit rushed, I liked the outcome and was happy that things seemed to be heading in a positive direction.

Thank you, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, NetGalley, and Ronni Davis for allowing me the opportunity to review this book!

I loved this book! 4.75/5 star read for me! This is such a cute coming-of-age romance! I flew through this book so quickly and didn't want it to end! It is written to take place in 24 hours which sounds fast if you think about it that way, but it didn't feel that fast when I was reading it. It was written so well and didn't feel awkward the way that many YA or coming-of-age romances often do. I would absolutely recommend this book! This was my first book by Ronni Davis and it certainly won't be my last!

This Night is Ours encapsulates a really special part of growing up: those random nights, the ones when inexplicable things happen, when you hang out with people you ordinarily don’t (and most likely won’t ever again,) and make memories that live with you forever. The lightning in a bottle nights that you’ll never replicate, but you’ll chase their feeling for years to come.

I’ve only read a handful of stories that give off those John-Hughes-movie vibes, and this one immediately goes to the top of that list.

Brandy experiences a coming of age in one night. Can she be an artist, or does she have no choice but to go to nursing school? Is she actually kind-of friends with her longtime frenemy, Ben, or is she actually in love with him? More than that… is he in love with her? How does life change when you say words to your parent that you can’t take back, despite how much your catharsis hurts them? In just a few hours, Brandy will answer all of those questions, and it will tug at every string in your heart because you can relate.

One aspect that I really loved was the dialogue between Ben and Brandy. The heart of the story really lives in their words to each other, words that are more honest and revealing than they are with anyone else.

Also, while she’s not the focus of the story, I’d love a spinoff story for Shai. She’s the bestie we all wish we’d had, and she deserves her own moment to shine!

This is a fast read that will leave you feeling exhilarated in a way you haven’t felt since you were 18, living nights just like this one. It’s definitely worth your time! Add it to your TBR.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

The third book by Ronni Davis is absolutely wonderful. Davis is able to bring out the anxieties that many feel about their future. The writing is well done and makes you feel like you are right there with the characters.

Thank you for the ARC.

This was just a meh book for me. I knew going into it, that this was a Young Adult book, but the writing style was a bit too cringey at times. I didn't enjoy the characters, mostly because I couldn't create a real connection with them. The MMC was sweet, but the FMC just left me with mixed messages. The book, set over one night, is fast paced which makes it easy to get through. This book might be more appealing to younger readers. I might have just been too old to enjoy it for what it is.