Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for a review,

I adore Morgan Matson and her stories. Her characters are so relatable and interesting. I honestly did not read the description on this one at all before I dove in and was surprised by the characters and plot. They are teenagers in unusual circumstances who try and make the most of their connection and the short time they have together.

I really liked the theme of family in this book. This is something that runs through most of Matson's work that I've read and I like her perspective on family dynamics that don't fit in the "nuclear" category. Darcy and Russell both are in some unique situations and I liked how they leaned into their moments together, and the premise and idea of one night changing their life forever.

Can I please get a recording of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell love song! The musical love in this book was amazing! I think this is gonna be one of the top Matson books!

Darcy believes in love at first sight.
Even though it’s never happened to her, she’s spent her whole life waiting for that perfect, magical moment. But right now, her life is anything but perfect. In the aftermath of a music festival, she’s stranded at a bus station until morning—the day before she leaves for college. Her phone is dead, she has no cash, and she’s convinced nothing good can come of this night…but then she meets Russell.
Russell. Cute and nice, funny, and kind. She knows this is the moment—and the guy—she’s been waiting for. And they have until sunrise to walk and talk and connect.
Over the course of this one fateful night—filled with football field picnics, night swimming, and escape-artist dogs—Darcy and Russell’s lives will change forever. They’ll discover things they never imagined about each other…and about themselves.
But can you really know someone after only a handful of hours? Is it possible to fall in love in just one day?
And is it worth saying hello…when you know you’re destined for a goodbye?

I usually love Morgan matson novels but this one just wasn't for me. I couldn't relate or like the protagonist and the pacing was off. And the MCs expectations at the end were a bit ridiculous. Overall, not for me.

"The Ballad of Darcy and Russell" is about girl who finds herself stranded at a Nevada bus station with a dead phone and no charger. Darcy asks Russell if he has a charger.--he says he doesn't and they embark on a journey to charge their phones. They talk and connect while walking around the the rural town they're in. "The Ballad of Darcy and Russell" is a great foray into the pre-college YA romance genre. There are some twists that did genuinely surprise me, and I feel like they were pulled off well. Darcy and Russell are drawn as well-rounded and authentic teenagers.