• Age: 14 to 18
• Grade: 9 to 12

From the author of On the Edge and Light of Day, Run the Risk is a romantic and gritty story, perfect for fans of Simone Elkeles.

Grace has done her best to move on since her ex-boyfriend Mateo chose gang life over her. But even though years have passed, she hasn’t forgotten him—especially since she’s seen her younger brother Alex drawn to a life on the streets. She can’t bear to think of Alex making the same mistakes as Mateo, but she feels him slipping away.

So when Mateo suddenly resurfaces, insisting he’s left gang life behind him, Grace sees an opportunity. Maybe he could be the one to reach Alex and pull him away from the edge. She tells herself she’s only talking to Mateo again because of Alex, but her feelings quickly return. Can she ever trust Mateo again? And is saving her brother worth risking a broken heart? With everyone she loves in danger, Grace must decide how much to sacrifice before it’s too late.

Run the Risk is set in the same world as Allison van Diepen’s previous novels Light of Day and On the Edge (readers will recognize some of their favorite characters in this book) and features a diverse cast. With romance, action, and realistic friendships, this is a gripping story about the dangers one girl faces to save the people she loves.

Allison van Diepen is the author of Street Pharm, Snitch, Raven, and Takedown. She teaches at an alternative high school in Ottawa, Canada. Visit her at AllisonvanDiepen.com.

Allison van Diepen's profile page

“It’s fast-paced, telenovela-style drama with dance parties, poetry slams, fights, blackmail, and life-threatening peril.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Van Diepen’s story about two teens facing the complexities of love amid gang life and family problems is fast-paced, enticing, and sexy.” — School Library Journal

Praise for LIGHT OF DAY: “Taut with suspense, violence, and sexual tension.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Praise for LIGHT OF DAY: “Messages about having confidence in who you are, listening to your heart and your gut, establishing both intimacy and identity are excellent and far from didactic in the fast-paced narrative.” — Resource Links Magazine

Praise for LIGHT OF DAY: “The tangle of love and danger is reminiscent of Simone Elkeles’ PERFECT CHEMISTRY” — Booklist

Praise for LIGHT OF DAY: “LIGHT OF DAY is a fast moving read, with lots of action related in the sassy, snappy voice of the main character.” — CM Magazine

Praise for LIGHT OF DAY: “Readers who like their romance on the gritty side will fall for van Diepen’s steamy thriller.” — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for ON THE EDGE: “Heart-pounding, romantic and suspenseful. I loved it!” — NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Simone Elkeles

Praise for ON THE EDGE: “The well–drawn characters and setting make the novel stand out. The romance is equal parts sweet and hot and leads to a satisfying conclusion. Ideal for readers who prefer a high romance–to–thrills ratio.” — Kirkus Reviews