Did I Mention I Love You?

In this trilogy opener, originally published serially on Wattpad, Maskame delivers a believable coming-of-age story and an unconventional romance, set against a present-day California summer. Eden Munro hasn't heard from her father in three years, so the 16-year-old is dubious when she's invited to visit his sprawling California home. She makes the trip from Portland, Ore., and meets his new wife, Ella, and her three sons, including volatile Tyler. Eden befriends a group of girls, including Tyler's girlfriend, and is drawn into a privileged world of parties and excess, with alcohol and drugs in abundance. She also struggles with a growing, taboo attraction to Tyler, whose self-destructive behavior hides profound personal pain. Eden's narration is relatable, and though her pragmatism often clashes with her new friends' irresponsibility, it doesn't diminish the wonder of self-discovery. The fallout of divorce, the insidiousness of substance abuse and family secrets, and especially the pangs of first love drive this emotionally resonant tale. Readers eager to learn what happens next in Eden and Tyler's story won't need to wait long: the subsequent books in the trilogy will be published in early 2016. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. (Dec.)