Hi all!

Today I’m back with another book ranking. This one is for YA contemporary author, Morgan Matson. I’ve already done one for Taylor Jenkins Reid (click here)and Karen McManus (click here). Morgan is one of my favourite young adult writers. She knows to how to create the perfect, summer rom-com. Furthermore, her characters make appearances in different books. They are all connected. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) Since You’ve Been Gone 

In first place, I have: Since You’ve Been Gone. I don’t think any Morgan Matson book will top this one. When Emily’s high-school best friend, Sloane, suddenly ups and moves away, she leaves no explanation, except a to-do list for the summer. Emily, an introvert, has always relied on Sloane to bring her out of her shell. Now, she has to complete the tasks on the list, learning to survive without her. With the help of a cute boy, she tackles the dares in the hopes it will bring Sloane back. This story touched me on a personal level. Emily is such a relatable character. I went through something very similar at her age. My best friend went to another high-school and she was just like Sloane. I was devastated at the time, having to find my own identity without her. I felt really seen reading this book. I wish I had had a copy as a teen. It would’ve made the transition much smoother. Not only that, the concept is fun, the romance adorable and the ending, so wholesome. Talk about some fantastic character development! I highly recommend!

2.) The Unexpected Everything 

In second place is The Unexpected Everything. This book will make you want to quit your job, to become a full-time dog walker. Andie had her entire summer planned out. She was going to start an amazing internship, hang out with her best friends and enjoy a fling with a cute stranger. However, when a scandal hits her father (a politician), she is forced to cancel all her plans and spend time with him instead. Their relationship is strained at the best of times. Furthermore, without a paid internship, she takes up walking a large amount of pups. Needless to say, chaos ensues! This story hit me hard in the feels. I love how Andie makes the best of a bad situation and the bond that slowly forms between her and her father. The romance in this story is also perfection, plus Andie’s friendship group are serious goals. This book teaches readers that sometimes, when your dreams fall through, things work out for the better.

3.) Save The Date 

In third place, we have Save the Date. Charlie’s sister is getting married. The Grant family are all coming together to celebrate, spending one last memorable weekend together, before their parents sell their beloved childhood home. Charlie doesn’t want things to change, so she’s desperate for everything to run smoothly. What could go wrong? How about everything! I love a disaster story and Morgan does it so well. The wedding planner quits, the alarm won’t stop going off, Charlie’s biggest crush shows up unannounced, a tuxedo goes missing and the next door neighbour is hellbent on ruining everything. Amidst the chaos, Charlie learns that sometimes holding on to the past, means missing out on the future. This is one of those books you could easily picture as a Netflix mini-series. It’s anxiety-inducing, wholesome, emotional, fun and wild. Plus, who doesn’t love a good wedding?

4.) Take Me Home Tonight 

This is Morgan’s newest release. It’s another disaster story, that takes place over 24 hours. Everything that can go wrong, does go wrong and I was so here for it. Kat and Stevie are best friends, theatre kids and complete polar opposites. One night, they sneak away to New York City for an unforgettable evening. However, they’re barely off the train, before they’re dealing with destroyed phones, family dramas, and unexpected Pomeranian’s. Over the next few hours, they’ll have to grapple with old flames, terrible theatre experiences and unhelpful cab drivers. But there are also cute boys to kiss, parties to crash, dry cleaning to deliver and the world’s best museum to explore. Over the course of a wild night, in the city that never sleeps, both Kat and Stevie will get a wake-up call about their friendship, their choices and what they really want for their future. That is, assuming they can make it to Grand Central Station before the clock strikes midnight. This is told from the perspective of both Kat and Stevie. It’s hard to believe just how much happens in one book. I loved every second. You’ll laugh, cry and want to spend the night in New York City, with your best friend.

5.) Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour 

In fifth place, is Morgan’s debut novel, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour. If this book doesn’t make you want to go on a road-trip, nothing will! Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it’s Amy’s responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. But since the car accident, Amy isn’t ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger, an old family friend. He also needs to make the cross-country trip, with plenty of baggage of his own. But as they drive, Amy finds sometimes, you have to get lost, in order to find your way home. I love this story, just not as much as the others. There is a road-trip playlist at the back of the novel, if you want to recreate the drive from the west to east coast. It’s a touching and inspiring tale.

Update: This is where I would rank The Firefly Summer. Check out my dedicated review here. 

6.) Second Chance Summer 

In last place, we have Second Chance Summer. I still gave it a high rating, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the rest. It’s also really sad. Extremely sad. Keep a box of tissues nearby, because this one is a tearjerker. Sandwiched between two exceptional siblings, Taylor Edwards never felt like she stood out, except for her history of running away when things get too complicated. Then her dad receives unexpected, terrible news, and the family makes the last-minute decision to spend the summer together, at their old lake house. Taylor hasn’t been to the lake house since she was twelve, and she definitely never planned on going back. On arrival, she’s confronted with people she thought she left behind, like her former best friend, Lucy, and Henry Crosby, her first crush, who’s all grown up – and a lot cuter. Suddenly, Taylor is surrounded by memories she’d rather leave in the past, but she can’t run away this time. She has a second chance with her friends, family and maybe even love. Once the summer ends, there will be no way to recapture what she stands to lose. I don’t think I will ever re-read this one. It hurt way too much, but I still highly recommend it.

Thank you for reading! How would you rank Morgan’s books?

Peace & Love xoxo