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YA Romance to end February

Katie Cotugno's How to Love was a classic love story circled around a couple who was figuring themselves out both individually, as a duo, and among all of those who surrounded them. Reena and Sawyer were the unconventional high school sweetheart couple. She had a crush for years and he decided to notice her at an inopportune time, which ended up sparking something real between the two of them. Desire overcame the relationship, realizations became apparent, and true colors were shown. Reena ended up pregnant from Sawyer and he skipped town before she got the chance to let him know, thus causing her plans for the future to bite the dust. Sawyer's lifestyle at the time of the realization for Reena wasn't the best and he left in hopes to either figure things out or fall apart altogether. This storyline is based around the "before" of Reena's pregnancy discovery and the "after" when Sawyer returns to the small town they've grown up in together after two years.

Cotugno delves into a number of different concepts throughout this YA romance. In addition to teen pregnancy being the obvious topic, there is self-value, self-destruction, and self-realization. Both Reena and Sawyer come to terms with who they are as individuals, both based on their past experiences and current futures. Love is an obvious theme and term thrown around in the story line, but not just romantic between these teens. Love for one's family when disappointment is an apparent emotion based on particular subjects: teen pregnancy. The love that comes from forgiveness and growth, in family members and past lovers. Growth is a huge topic within this YA romance. Moving away from the past, both unforgivable circumstances and just bearable blips in the road, to accepting the changes that have come and looking forward to future endeavors. Despite this summary being vague, there are a number of different aspects to this story and giving them away would give away the entire synopsis and meaning to the story. So, SORRY, but no spoilers (in a way, you're welcome!)

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in a traditional, comfortable, YA romance. Teen love, mistakes, recognition, and growth.

:)

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