This is Brianna Peppins’ second novel in this series, Briarcliff Prep, I did not read the first book, but it did not hinder my enjoyment of this book. Perhaps it would add to my knowing the characters, but I felt that there was enough character development and story that I didn't really feel behind in reading the second novel in the series as a stand alone. I did listen to the audiobook, and it was well done.

I felt this was more than just a YA novel about students at a prep school, the author crafts an HBCU world inside Briarcliff by highlighting the dynamics of Black culture, creativity, and community, and inside this world. I enjoyed the characters and the character development as the author dives deeper into the psyche of the characters and unveils the many layers that mental health holds on and over Black families. However, I think it is relatable to many families and students. What I enjoyed most about this novel is the broad scope of challenges and experiences each character faced. Again, I think many students can relate to the different challenges all the characters are facing, as it reflects the life of most students I see. And how one character’s decision is never experienced in isolation, but ripples to those around them as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it dealt with a lot of difficult subjects facing many people and would recommend this book to students or adults.
Thank you NetGalley for the audio arc to preview.

This is the sequel to Briarcliff Prep, and as is typical of a sequel, it didn’t hold up to the first book. Avielle has a lot on her plate, so much that it is setting off panic attacks and causing her to be spread so thin that she becomes forgetful with her schoolwork and friends. Learning how to be a leader, how to manage her time, and be a good friend are all very important life skills to have, and all things she must get figured out in this installment of the series. Unfortunately for me, the characterization and the plot were not as compelling as in the first book, as the topic of dating abuse adds more tension in a story than a single character struggling with panic attacks. This is still worth a read for those who like boarding school stories and who want a follow up to the first book.

TBH this took me quite some time to get through because I did not like the narrator. The story seemed there but I will have to go back and physically read it to give a better review.