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Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner (ARC) - Review


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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Every Friday night, best friends Delia and Josie become Rayne Ravenscroft and Delilah Darkwood, hosts of the campy creature feature show Midnite Matinee on the local cable station TV Six. But with the end of senior year quickly approaching, the girls face tough decisions about their futures. Josie has been dreading graduation, as she tries to decide whether to leave for a big university and chase her dream career in mainstream TV. And Lawson, one of the show's guest performers, a talented MMA fighter with weaknesses for pancakes, fantasy novels, and Josie, is making her tough decision even harder. Scary movies are the last connection Delia has to her dad, who abandoned the family years ago. If Midnite Matinee becomes a hit, maybe he'll see it and want to be a part of her life again. And maybe Josie will stay with the show instead of leaving her behind, too. As the tug-of-war between growing up and growing apart tests the bonds of their friendship, Josie and Delia start to realize that an uncertain future can be both monstrous...and momentous.

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee is my first ever Jeff Zentner novel, but I now know that I absolutely need to read more from him in the future. I think this novel has become a new read of 2019 as well as a new favorite YA Contemporary. As soon as I heard about this I knew I needed to try it ASAP as a big fan of Svengoolie, so needless to say I was quite excited when I realized I managed to get approved on NetGalley. Luckily, it totally lived up to all of my expectations. There's a little bit of everything, but I loved reading about the friendship, sense of humor, love, and following your dreams. The story packs quite an emotional punch as well since it also deals with making big decisions, dealing with change, and worrying whether or not you'll get left behind. It certainly is a celebration of new beginnings and respecting endings. The title characters, aka Josie and Delia, though are what really make the story because they are so well developed and well written that they could practically walk right off of the page. Finally, I'd just like to mention how much I appreciated all of the talk of campy and cult horror and sci-fi classics as well as real life horror hosts.

Overall, Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner is an absolute must read YA Contemporary novel. If you're a fan of Scream All Night by Derek Milman, Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera, David Levithan, Svengoolie, and classic horror hosts, I have a feeling you'll enjoy this new release. I can't wait to read more from Jeff Zentner in the future. I think I've found a new favorite author. Thanks again, NetGalley!


I read this ARC from February 17 - 21, 2019 and my review is also on Goodreads.  Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner will be released on February 26, 2019.

Comments

  1. Yeah! I also LOVED this book. It was all about the friendship for me (though Lawson was a fantastic soft boy and the romance was so sweet and precious). I adored all three of Zentner's books, and can't wait for him to write more.

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  2. I don't read much YA contemporary, but everything about this book sounds so good!

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  3. I loved Jeff Zentner’s first book. I still haven’t read the second because I’m a slacker, but I’m excited for this one. Great review!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  4. Sounds like you aren't the only one that enjoyed the book.
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. That's what it looks like. Thanks for coming over, Sherry!

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  5. I'm glad that it exceeded your expectations! I've only read one other book by Zentner, Goodbye Days, which was a pretty good book. This book looks like a great read as well and I hope to get a chance to read it sometime!

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  6. I can't wait to check this one out!

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