IN REAL LIFE

High school senior Hannah has one night in Vegas to discover whether her online friendship with Nick can blossom into real-life romance.

For four years Hannah and Nick have been long-distance BFFs. She lives in Southern California, he’s in Nevada, and they’ve never met in person. Lately Hannah’s feelings for Nick have taken a romantic turn. When she find herself without plans for spring break, she rebels against her “Good Korean Girl DNA” by driving up to Las Vegas with her older sister and real-life best friend to visit Nick. However, Nick’s not the only one surprised when Hannah shows up unannounced at his rock band’s show. Hannah’s also shocked, because she meets the girlfriend Nick’s somehow failed to mention. Life-changing road trips, friendship becoming romance—this is well-trodden ground in teen literature. For the most part, Love sticks close to the usual formula. The tour of Vegas’ sights and temptations is predictable and therefore slightly boring, and Hannah’s sister is the only supporting character to leave much of an impression. Nevertheless, the story manages to find its heart when it focuses on Hannah and Nick’s relationship. The warmth and intimacy of their friendship is convincing, and readers sighing over their long history will root for their relationship.

An undemanding read for fans of the genre.