Dex is one of six contestants on Dropped!, an internet reality show. He’s glad to escape his real life after being dumped by his girlfriend, Lola, and destroying his social life. He and the other contenders have to spend five days on a deserted island, and the person who gains the most likes and followers will be the winner. The prize is a ton of money and status as an influencer.

Keeping people watching is the challenge, and Dex will do whatever it takes. He needs to win―it’s the only way to get Lola and his popularity back. But on the island, away from his ex, he finds himself flirting with the gorgeous and popular Amina. When Dex keeps placing behind Amina, he realizes he has to be more daring to get the engagements he needs. But how extreme will he need to be? And is it worth it to win?

This quick read is ideal for inspiring a reluctant reader to engage with a book. The story is fast-paced, the topic is very relatable, and there’s a thread of humor to keep it from getting too serious. The dialogue is well done and the characters each experience an arc.

“You’re addicted to it,” Em says, next to me. She scratches at the earth with a stick.

“Not at all.” I put my phone away. But it tugs at my attention. Maybe Em is right. “What’s your story for today?” I ask.

Em shrugs.

I sit up. “What?”

“My mom is sick. I have to look after her. Cook for her. Clean for her. My aunt came to stay so I could be here. We thought the money would help. A lot.”

Em draws a smiley face on the ground with her stick. “Whatever. I don’t want to share all that.”

“You should tell everyone. People would like that.”

“That’s not who I am,” Em says. “I’m not holding my mom up for the world to look at.”

Her reply gets to me. This person is so quiet and ordinary, but Em has a strength in her that I don’t.

The ending is neither heavy nor moralistic nor overthought; it’s just simple, appropriate and… yeah, cute. Overall, recommended!

-Pam Withers