Kirkus Reviews QR Code
WHEN THE VIBE IS RIGHT by Sarah Dass Kirkus Star

WHEN THE VIBE IS RIGHT

by Sarah Dass

Pub Date: May 30th, 2023
ISBN: 9780063018570
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

A Trinidadian girl learns to open up herself to love and attachments after enduring grief and heartbreak.

Seventeen-year-old Tess is in her final year of high school. She tragically lost her parents years ago and now lives with her uncle, aunt, and Hazel, her cousin and best friend. Tess is also a designer and seamstress, working with her uncle making Carnival costumes for Grandeur, the family’s masquerade band. When a rivalry with another popular Carnival band leads to a catastrophic incident that threatens the future of Grandeur, Tess finds herself in a position where she may have to work with her sworn nemesis, Brandon, whom she maddeningly also happens to find incredibly attractive. Will Tess be able to put aside her grudge to do what it takes to save Grandeur and her dream of one day taking over the family business? How will she handle it when her feelings for Brandon start shifting from hostile to romantic? Through captivating, witty, and heartfelt prose, Dass’ sweet romance novel shows her protagonist dealing with grief and growing pains. Tess’ relationships with her family and small circle of friends highlight her dynamic personality. The banter and obvious chemistry between Tess and Brandon are enthralling from the get-go; readers root for Tess and feel invested in every part of her journey. The cast reflects the multicultural makeup of Trinidad and Tobago.

An exciting and sentimental love story perfect for romance lovers who appreciate multifaceted characters.

(Romance. 13-18)