Jason Reynolds can do no wrong. I love Neon, I love the concept of this novel, I loved every single second.

This will be great for the classroom! I am always looking for SCHOOL APPROPRIATE novels. Jason Reynolds can be hit or miss with this, but that’s because my district is rather split on politics. I hope this does very well. I love Jason Reynolds!

Jason Reynolds is a master of his craft. No one connects with teenagers better than him, and this book not only touches on a sensitive topic, but in such a way that provides words of wisdom that is perfect for any parent that needs help engaging with their teens about sex.

Neon and Aria have been dating for two years and are on the cusp of taking their relationship to the next level. Neon’s in his own head and so nervous about the prospect, so much so that he enlists the help of his older sister. He also receives advice from his parents and peers, some helpful, some definitely not.

I really enjoyed the premise of the book, moving backward from the first chapter, sharing the journey of Neon and Aria’s relationship. Some moments had me laughing out loud, and I found myself really enjoying Neon’s parents and grandmother. This story was really well done.

Thank you to Jason Reynolds, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance e-copy for an honest review.

Interesting premise as this book moves backward from the first chapter. Two teens are deciding the question of having sex and what it will mean . We see each of the their lives, their parents, their school life and their friends. Cute story and well done covering the subject.

I typically love anything that Jason Reynolds creates, but this one just didn't hit for me. (Granted, I'm not part of the intended YA audience.) The back and forth timeline didn't flow that well; I understand it's purpose to provide backstory, but it seems like a linear progression would've been just as-if not more- effective. I wasn't particularly drawn to any character and kept having to re-focus myself.

Overall: 3 stars (I liked it)

**Thank you to NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

A romance from the teenage boy's perspective which is so seldom done that I'm hard-pressed to think of a similar title! The story is broken down into increments of time around the 24-- our male lead begins the book pep talking himself in the bathroom as he and his girlfriend are about to have sex for the first time. So it begins as 24 seconds from now, then 24 minutes from now, 24 hours, and so forth. You get to see the relationship develop in reverse before the book ends back at present time.

Jason Reynolds might be one of my favorite authors for teenage readers. He just gets their voices so well!

Jason Reynolds is a master at writing for teenagers. I was surprised to see he was now entering the romance genre. But, it was just as brilliant as his other novels. There are not many people who can connect with teenagers the way that Jason can. He not only is telling of this love story and taking the next steps but it is sprinkled with lessons and words of wisdom woven so perfectly into the story.

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC of this novel.

Neon and Aria have been dating for two years, and they've finally committed to having sex. At least, if Neon can get out of his own head. Follow their relationship backwards as Neon gets dating and relationship advice from various people in his life. Some of it better than others.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Tweny-Four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds to review! Of course, I'm going to automatically want to read anything Jason Reynolds puts out because he's such a gifted writer. And this book definitely doesn't disappoint! Reynolds nails those teenage relationship emotions from the beginning.

One of the things I liked best about this book is the variety of advice that Neon gets as he talks to different people in his life. It shows that having these open conversations with teens better prepares them than just ignoring it. This book is an excellent framework for those conversations with teens, but also allows teens to explore just by reading this book.

In true Jason Reynolds fashion, this book is lyrical, with great dialogue and characters that absolutely leap off the page. It's not a long read, but it's definitely an important one. It might be one of my favorite Jason Reynolds books to date!

Jason Reynolds did it again! Not normally a "romance" author, but this one takes on a new look at romance. Love his writing and how he hits on topics that are real for teens.

This is the story of Neon and Aria experiencing their first love, and Neon anticipating their first time. Neon lives with his parents, sister, and grandmother, and their dog Denzel Jeremy Washington. Between high school and spending time with Aria, he can be found at his family’s bingo hall working. His anticipation for his first time comes with a lot input from his parents after his mom finds her bra in his room. Even if Neon is nervous, he is getting a lot of advice, and it’s really refreshing reading about a boy’s perspective.
He is also the sweetest boyfriend. He has a lot on his mind including that Aria will be going away to college. The fact that they haven’t discussed what will happen also weighs heavy on him.
I have read so many books about the female perspective it is nice to know that at least some boys have the same nervousness when it comes to taking a relationship to the next level. And how lucky for him to have parents that don’t shy away from discussing sex.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. I adore Jason Reynolds and I devoured this book in a couple of hours. I loved the structure of the story told in reverse and Neon was the loveliest male teenage character I think I have ever read. I need a follow up to make sure he and Aria are still together once she goes off to college.

I am always looking for young adult romance books to suggest to readers and coming from Jason himself I knew this was going to be amazing. A reverse love story, with Jason’s storytelling made for a book full of emotion, changes, experiences, and relatability.
I can’t wait for young adults to have this book in their hands!

4.5 stars. A fantastic coming-of age romance novel that does a great job with all the emotions of planning and preparing for a young couple's first time. I loved that this is written from a 17 year old boy's perspective about his first serious relationship, but also focuses on the different relationships that he has with his friends, sister, parents, and grandmother.

In Twenty-Four Seconds from Now... Neon and his girlfriend Aria are planning on having sex for the first time. The problem? Neon is just a bit... nervous. What follows is a series of flashbacks that led up to this points. Snippets of conversations with friends, with family, with total strangers, all dealing with relationships, and love, and sex.

Jason Reynolds is just a phenomenal writer. He sucks you right in with the stories and writes characters so well that you can find that connection quick. Neon is a sensitive soul that cries when others do, who listens to what others need, and who isn't afraid of dogs... he just doesn't get along with them. His deep connection with his family allows for open conversation and you learn about SO many different elements of relationships and love through several generations and from a variety of perspectives. He has open minded, realistic thinking parents who are able to admit where they have made mistakes and give advice without being overbearing. I love hearing from his Mom and his sister about consent and a woman's needs - advice I think the intended audience of this book could really use. I think it's great that Neon and Aria's core friend group has all the stereotypes laid out so you understand that there is more than one way to be when it comes to thinking about sex. Honestly, I just think that this book covers so many sex/relationship topics, some that I wasn't even expecting, in such a seamless, flowing way. All in just over 100 pages.

SO well done, as always.

All hail Jason Reynolds, reigning YA King.
Is Neon going to throw up or pull it together and lose his virginity? What is going on and how did we get here?
Over the course of the novel we work backwards in time - 24 seconds ago, 24 minutes before, and eventually 24 months before - to see all the life that preceded Neon’s choice to have sex for the first time with his girlfriend Aria. We meet those closest to Neon, his family, his friends, Aria and Denzel Jeremy Washington (a scene stealing dog).

This book is such a necessary addition to the young adult cannon. Neon is a character that's going to be instantly relatable to young people, especially young men, and to be able to go on the years-long journey leading up to (potentially) losing his virginity is an important story for young adults to have access to.Throughout the book Neon gets “the talk” from different people and the lessons learned help him prepare and make thoughtful decisions alongside Aria.

This book is the exact reason why books should not be banned!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with Twenty-four Seconds from Now….
You make my YA dreams come true!

"Twenty-Four Seconds from Now" offers a refreshing and heartfelt exploration of male sexuality, focusing on themes of respect, love, and tenderness, which are often missing from typical narratives. The rewind structure, taking readers from the pivotal moment back through various stages of Neon and Aria’s relationship, is engaging and effective. It allows us to see the development of their bond, emphasizing the emotional depth behind their physical connection.

The character of Neon is well-written, showing vulnerability and thoughtfulness, particularly as he seeks guidance from his sister instead of just relying on peer pressure or societal expectations. This approach to sex is wholesome and focuses on the importance of emotional intimacy rather than just the physical act.

However, depending on the reader, the constant rewinding could feel repetitive, potentially disrupting the flow of the narrative. But overall, this structure adds to the depth of Neon's journey and helps provide crucial context to his feelings and growth.

The book’s strength lies in its message: that first sexual experiences, especially from a male perspective, should be grounded in respect and love. It's a timely and important narrative that shifts away from harmful stereotypes. This story would be a great fit for readers who appreciate coming-of-age tales that focus on the emotional aspects of relationships and first experiences.

As this novel opens, Neon is in his girlfriend's bathroom contemplating losing his virginity with his longtime girlfriend Aria in 24 seconds. That's quite a hook to get us into the story of Neon and Aria's relationship. Working backward--24 minutes, 24 hours, 24 days, 24 weeks, etc. the reader gets inside Neon's head and the thoughts and feelings of this endearing young man leading up to this moment. The portrait of his relationships with family and friends is well-rounded and believable, and we'd like to know what happens in the next 24 days and months.

A wonderful book dealing with something we all experience. I loved that it was told from a male character’s perspective as I can’t recall another YA book that has done this. Jason Reynolds’s, you have done it again!

I was not the target audience for this, but it is so well written. Reynolds is great at characterization and this is no exception.

This was an interesting read. I’d definitely recommend to everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this arc.