Delicate by Steph Campbell Review

Delicate by Steph Campbell-YA Contemporary Romance

Kindle format purchased on Amazon

Sydney Pierce has just met the guy of her dreams…just don’t tell her psycho boyfriend, Trevor.With a gorgeous boyfriend, a thriving gymnastics career and a stellar academic record, anyone would assume that Sydney has it all. That's precisely what the seventeen-year-old perfectionist wants you to believe, and she works hard to keep up the pretense. Especially now that there are cameras following her for a documentary on Olympic hopefuls.

When Grant, the charming new student, disrupts her carefully crafted routine, the cracks beneath her perfect façade begin to rise to the surface and despite Trevor's objections to their friendship, she can't stay away from him.As her connection to Grant pulls her closer to him, the once lighthearted relationship with Trevor takes an intense and dark turn, forcing her into a position in which not only her happiness, but her safety is at stake. Can Sydney learn to let go of everything she is clinging to in order to gain everything she has ever wanted, or will she realize her breaking point too late?

My Take:

Well, this was an emotional book, that I honestly wasn't prepared for. I mean, I knew it was going to have some serious issues, but this book was a bit more intense that I thought it would be. I mean that in a good way. It brought attention to teen abuse. You don't often think about physical abuse happening between high school couples, but it does. While this book deals with a very serious issue, there was a light at the end.

My heart broke for Sydney. She is dealing with the loss of her mother and training for gymnastic Nationals. I wasn't a gymnast, but I did swim competitively. I also had a demanding training schedule, which can leave little time for outside activities. It takes a an extremely dedicated person to stay disciplined in a training regimen like Sydney had. She's focused on her gymnastics career, but still wants to have a life. Sydney thought Trevor had been a great boyfriend for her, even if he did get jealous from time to time. But, after she meets the new kid, Grant, their picture perfect relationship doesn't look as pretty as it once did. 

I simply adored Grant. There is just something magnetic about his character that drew me in. Yes, he's cute, sweet, and attentive, but there's just that special something about him that you love. It's probably just the simple fact that he showed Sydney respect and love. Whatever it was, I loved him and thought he was perfect for Sydney. He's the type of kid that you'd be thrilled to have your daughter dating. 

The story was emotional and had me on the verge of tears a few times. I was happy with the ending and was sad to say goodbye. If you are a fan of YA romance that also deals with some heavier issues, this is a great pick for you. This is the second book I've read by Steph Campbell and I will continue to read more of her work. Definitely check it out. 

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