cover image Wicked Sweet

Wicked Sweet

Mar’ce Merrell. Feiwel and Friends, $16.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-312-60749-4

A lot of wheels are turning at once in Merrell’s aptly titled debut, a story of summer romance, betrayals, and revenge that’s best served sweet, which shifts among the narration of four soon to be high school seniors. Driven and future- focused best friends Chantal and Jillian typically embark on ambitious “summer projects” each year, aiming to someday become “neurosurgeons committed to world health.” But this year, Jillian decides that their summer should include boys, too. Friends Parker and Will have a summer project of their own, a “man challenge” that entails getting the two girls to fall for them. When Chantal overhears their plan, fueled by an old grudge against Will and fear of abandonment by Jillian, she seeks revenge on Will with a complicated and secret baked goods– inspired plan. Despite the lighthearted plot, Chantal’s growth through baking and other well-constructed characters should hold readers’ interest. Merrell delves into persuasive family dynamics, finding parallels between the teens’ stressful home lives and the constantly changing emotions, alliances, and motives of each character. Ages 13–up. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (June)