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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195601057-the-other-side-of-together” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Other Side of Together” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691013988l/195601057._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195601057-the-other-side-of-together”>The Other Side of Together</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15203418.Emily_Cox”>Emily Cox</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6264927075″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Mei Li moved from Vietnam to the United States when she was 8. She’s been helping run the family business her whole life. She wants to go to culinary school and be the best of the best. Then there is Marcus, he fell face first in love with Mei Li.<br />The way they passed notes to each other, or the texting. Omg!! This was an absolute devour book!!
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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Amber Howard

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started this book I thought it was going to be a cheesy romance book. The teen coming of age type of book. But it was so much more. I was hooked immediately. Every turn of the page just put me deeper in. I thought the authors did a great job touching upon the difference of cultures between Mei and Marcus. The romance between the two was very natural and sweet. The secret behind Nick, her parents! Mind blown and we just touched the tip of the iceberg. I really cannot wait for the sequel. Please be a sequel. I have questions and need answers!

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by M Policicchio

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I shoulda given it a 4 for making me have all the feels and leaving me hanging the way you did but …I guess that’s why you deserve the 5. Just so you know I am mad about all the feelings that you made me have while reading this book. I was happy, I remember that just falling in love feeling, the hormones racing making out with my then boyfriend, the anger I felt at Nick (the stupid jerkface!), and the shock at Mei Li’s mom. Oh, almost forgot to mention the love for and humor from Guo Mama. She was almost my favorite character.

Mei Li moved to the United States when she was 8 years old with her parents. She lives in Chinatown, San Francisco. Her parents own and run a local Chinese/Taiwanese restaurant. She has friends in the neighborhood, goes to the Chinese speaking neighborhood school, works at the family restaurant, and has a crush on the boy around the corner. Mei Li was a typical senior in high school. Except her family expected her to marry a family friend that was 7 years older than her.

Marcus Miller (or as Guo Mama called him “Marcus Miller”) was not a typical high school senior. Marcus was a straight A student, star soccer player, but did not date. He made a deal with his father freshman year of highschool to avoid girls, girlfriends and mess that his father said came with girls. If Marcus accomplished this feat, his father would buy him a motorcycle. One day while visiting Guo Mama, Marcus met Mei Li. Marcus was smitten. They started exchanging notes until Marcus finally got brave enough to give Mei Li his phone number. They both fell so fast.

The relationship should not be a problem for either one except for the secrets each is keeping. As Mei and Marcus spend more time together, the closer they become. The more dangerous their relationship becomes. When the secrets start to boilover, Mei Li must make some difficult choices. The biggest and hardest involves Marcus. When the choices are made, it may surprise you.

I was shocked at the ending. I can’t believe that was how it ended. I have so many questions. Is it too much to hope for a sequel?? I want to know what happened to Mei Li’s father. What does Mei Li do with all the info from the envelope? And so many other things. This was a beautifully written story. The teenage angst dripped from every page. Not my usual but tremendously enjoyed!!!

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202897707-the-other-side-of-together” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Other Side of Together” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701206299l/202897707._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202897707-the-other-side-of-together”>The Other Side of Together</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15203418.Emily_Cox”>Emily Cox</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6264105962″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Who would have ever thought of writing notes to a love interest through fortune cookies? Marcus and Mei Lei are so very different but yet they are the same. Both of them have big dreams and a lot is riding on them. Mei Lei finds herself tied to a man that is a few years older. He has shown her family kindness in their situation, however he may not be what or who he is portraying to the outside world. Marcus has seen his father have disaterous luck in relationships and finds himself making a bet not to get caught up in any girls. That all changes one day when these two have a chance meeting at the one spot they share in common. Marcus wants to honor the bet but he is also finding himself wanting the relationship. This book was definitely a bit outside of what I have been reading lately but it was a nice change up. I like the way the story flowed and how we got to see things from each character POV. Normally I am not a huge fan of that however the authors made that part flow effortlessly and it was not an issue. It started out a bit slow but picked up in no time. I do hope there is a book 2!
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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Krista Moulthrop

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute YA read. I really enjoyed the characters and how they came together, passing notes and sneaking more time to see each other whenever possible. I loved Mama Guo sort of pushing them in the right direction to make the moves they were afraid to. Marcus is focused on trying to graduate school, earn a motorcycle from his dad, and keep away from girls. But Mei pulls him in and he can’t resist. Mei feels like she owes another man (Nick) whatever he wants from her because he helped her stay in the country and is helping her career, but everyone can see that he’s up to no good and he is gross and abusive toward her. Praying on her before she was even of legal age. There are a few scenes in the story that might be triggering so just be aware or read through it before giving it to your teen but in the end it was such a great read and I really enjoyed it. Would definitely read more from this author, and I do hope there’s a part two to this story in particular.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Robin Rankin

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Other Side of Together

Be prepared to ignore everything in your life to read this book cover to cover, because that is exactly what I did.

Mei Li’s family is traditional and they expect certain things from her. The first is for her to marry. She’s only a senior in HS and her family has their expectations, none of her hopes and dreams matter.

Marcus is also a senior in HS, he is also having to deal with parental pressure, while they’re not as bad as Mei Li’s they are still pretty unreasonable.

This was so much more than a young adult romance. There was danger & suspense while these kids dealt with more then anyone their age should.

I definitely recommend giving it a try.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Jennifer Ramos

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This YA story has a great romance story and mystery behind it. It focuses on Max, an up and rising soccer star with many future prospects in his path, and Mei Li, a hard worker who is being threatened to keep her life as is for her family’s sake. Even though Max and Mei Li have grown up in the same neighborhood they have barely spoken to one another until a chance conversation and the start of passing notes via fortune cookies. I’ve always had a soft spot for romance stories where one feels inadequate of being admired, especially by those who are admired by many. They end up a more heartfelt connection as they start investing in time with the other and the circumstances that follow them. Mei Li starts opening up on the circumstances that follow her family and she must do what she can to protect them. This is a great story and recommended to anyone who enjoys the romance as well as the intrigue behind Mei Li’s story.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Shannen Kern

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an absolutely heart-wrenching emotional rollercoaster. I sat down to start this book and couldn’t put it down until I was finished! I hadn’t read anything from these authors before, but I will absolutely look out for more from them after this. I always love a book that contains dual points of view as it allows you to get different feelings from each perspective. With this book in particular I think the duality helped me get into Marcus’ and Mei Li’s mind and experience their emotions. These characters are incredibly well-developed, and I loved every moment of getting to know them. Picking up this book is an easy decision as it is one of the best YA Romances I have read in a very long time. I will be (impatiently) waiting for the next book because I need more!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging YA romance which kept me hooked throughout. This heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. Marcus and Mei Li have been drawn to each other ever since they met at a trolley stop in Chinatown. However, that is all they have in common as Marcus is a boy with an enviable future, whilst Mei Li is a secretive girl with a dark destiny. They are prevented from ever being together by family and dark forces, but this does not stop them from communicating in secret. They then meet up secretly and as their feelings grow, they share their first kisses, and start to talk of love. Then one night a combination of dark connections and opposing futures tears them apart. Marcus is left longing for Mei Li and keeps asking himself if he will ever find her again. Such an emotional romance about love against impossible odds. I loved both Marcus and Mei Li as they are likeable and relatable characters. Their chemistry really came across in the narrative, and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the book. This is a wonderfully written story, and the author really sets the scene and brought the setting and characters to life through the descriptive narrative.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen. This is a great young adult romance but its not all rainbows and butterflies so be prepared. Marcus has a bet with his dad that he will leave girls alone until he graduates so he can concentrate on soccer. If he holds up his end of the deal he will get a motorcycle when he graduates high school. Mei Li involved with Nick a adult who is helping her with her Chef dreams and also helping her family make a go in the US. When Marcus meets Mei Li at the bus stop and then when Marcus and his father dine in the restaurant Mei Li works. Marcus is interested and starts sending her secret messages. Nick is not my favorite character and I felt he really used Mei Li and her family to his advantage. Marcus is smitten with Mei Li and will do anything to make her his. This is more than just a young adult romance as it deals with some sticky topics so be aware. Such a good book though!

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A light but real romance full of heartache, love and everything that can come in between. This story brings you back into those first love feels and makes you want to cuddle up and scream at the same time. It was a first kind of book for me. I had so many feelings and emotions but absolutely loved it. I really hope that Emily Cox and Nicole Allen write a second and make a series, a set, something for sure!

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so NOT okay with that ending. Seriously?! I was not prepared for a cliff hanger. There better be a followup book! I loved The Other Side of Together, and did not want to put it down. However, it did turn a little deeper than I expected. In the beginning I was talking it up to my 14 year old, saying how I thought she would love it. But now I’m second guessing because it was not the light-hearted teen love story I expected. Mei Li and Marcus develop a strong bond, very quickly. They are practically neighbors, but grew up totally different lives. Mei Li feels obligated to make choices, to keep her family safe. But perhaps her parents don’t even want the same things for her, we don’t know the whole story yet. I knew Nick was a bad guy, but it went beyond what I expected. And now I want to know how everyone else is involved. Not so patiently awaiting a continued story….

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Alison Risher

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, wow! This story could have come straight from today’s headlines! At the center is the budding romance between an undocumented immigrant and the son of a police detective. Both young people are hampered by family secrets- the ones they, as well as the ones they are unaware of. Family loyalty competes with the urge on the parts of the couple to forge their own path together. The end of the story is actually a new beginning.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen-Review by Victoria McQuigg

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen is a beautiful and consuming YA love story. Mei Li and Marcus are well written and fully developed characters. Their story is complicated, heart breaking, and will make you feel all the emotions. The issues they are dealing with in the book are so real and raw and make it that much more complex and heartfelt. Definitely recommend this beautiful story. 5 out 5 Stars!

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Angela Hayes

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen proved to be everything the blurb promised, and more. Emotionally charged with raw and gritty developments, these authors stummed my emotions and delivered an captivating angsty YA romantic drama.
This has a bit of a forbidden romance x star-crossed lovers feel and the darker elements worked beautifully. Marcus and Mei Li are a case of opposites attract, but will face challenges that will test them- so will they risk it all for love? Their story is set to continue, so bring on Book #2 ASAP!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Emily Cox and Nicole Allen!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Ayla Phipps

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mmm. a-Mei-zing. COULD NOT PUT DOWN. Both Emily Cox and Nicole Allen are new authors to me, and I don’t even have words. The fact that this book was written by two amazing authors but more so the fact that it was so seamless, honestly if not for the front having both names you would think this was written by one incredible author. Dual perspectives Mei Li and Marcus.
Mei Li is from Taiwan but moved to San Fransisco when she was eight years old and now lives in Chinatown with her parents and they own a family restaurant, Zheng’s. Marcus is the son of Detective Ray Miller, a star student and soccer star. Both have big dreams but after ten years of living on the same block one day, one tiny “insignificant” moment changes everything. Mei deals with the secrets of her family’s status in the US while trying to show gratitude to the “man” that helped them stay here. But now since meeting Marcus she no longer wants to just play the part and settle for the grown man seven years older than her that isn’t who he pretends to be. Her dreams are to be a chef, to go to L.A., find an internship and go to culinary school. Only Nick has suffocating ropes attached to his “kindness”. Marcus has a dream to go to Stanford with a full scholarship in soccer, to play. Only he fears abandoning his father like his mother did so long ago. Finding Mei, he still cares about school, soccer, and finishing the deal with his dad for his motorcycle but he wants the girl now too. His parents went zero to a hundred quick, and it burned them both, Marcus being the only good thing to come from it. Marcus doesn’t want that he wants every day to begin, end and be filled with Mei in his life. To take things slow and steady for the win-win.
When secrets start to come to light, will anyone be left standing in the ashes? Can Mei Li escape the nightmare she’s “trapped” in? How will Marcus complete the deal and get the girl? This world is a reality based one with countless people living in similar moments every day. Mei Li and Marcus were brought together right when it was their moment, when their lives were supposed to truly begin. Not the lives their parents tried to force on them but their own. I absolutely LOVED the characters of Mei Li and Marcus their innocents and curiosity, coming into their emotions and not running from them when they felt they should. I especially have a personal understanding of Marcus as I was also the product of teen “love” that burned out too quickly. While my mom wasn’t as extreme as Marcus’s dad I had similar rules, my mother was terrified I would be a teen mom too, but I did things the “proper” way, married and then kids. Life is what you make it, our decisions shape them and when parents feel they made mistakes and force those changes on their kids they create unimaginable fears. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more books from these authors, they have captured my heart with Mei Li and Marcus, and I will eagerly devour anything that comes next.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Kayla Octaviano

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really interesting plot. This book has a little bit of everything. Family troubles, in my different ways, forbidden love different than you’ve read it before, and a hope for the future that differ drastically. So fun to read that I couldn’t put the book down!

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars
Young adult authors Emily Cox and Nicole Allen bring us a sweet tale. It is my first time reading anything they have written, and I was pleasantly surprised.
This is a clean YA romance that has a lot of raw emotions involved because it has some pretty dark heavy hitting content, but the authors do this well. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. A nail biting, rollercoaster of emotions kind of story.
The story is told in my favourite way of writing characters, dual POV which gives the story much more depth and insight and the characters are much more believable. There are characters you will absolutely love and then there are characters you will absolutely hate.
You always remember your first love and The Other Side of Together is a raw and beautiful yet heartbreaking story of young teenage love.
I will not give away any spoilers but suffice it to say the tension is palpable, have tissues on hand, a stiff drink or three and expect a laugh or two at times.
There are a few twists and there is a cliffhanger so now I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Tanya Wall, February 2024

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an absolute gem! Mei Li and Marcus are like the dream team of characters, especially Marcus – total heartthrob material. The story takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from heartbreak to those sweet teenage love vibes. The characters and plot mesh together so seamlessly, and there are some serious curveballs thrown in – I did not see them coming at all! The ending will leave you feeling wrecked, but in a good way.

I want to add that this isn’t a typical love story. It dives into some heavy stuff, – real life stuff. And there is no cursing or steamy scenes, which keeps it light.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Kerry Baker

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book utterly captured my attention from the moment I ready the blurb and yet nothing could have prepared me for how emotional I actually found this story to be! I loved Marcus and Mei Li. Their connection, their story and everything they were battling made them easily some of the best characters I have read about.
Everything in this story was so well told. It was artfully crafted by an author who clearly not only has a passion for writing by the skills to produced an amazing book. As soon as I started reading this book, I could not wait to see how things would turn out. I had to read it all in one sitting. This is a fantastic story and I would highly recommend it.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Kerry Carr

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really emotional, raw read which covered so many topics from young forbidden love to secrets about immigration, pressure to confirm and do what your parents wish all the while putting your wants to the side. This book is beautifully written and I like how each chapter is told from either Marcus or Mei so you get the here the story from both of them.

Marcus has everything going for him. A heartthrob, great grades and a full scholarship with football. He could have any girl he wants, however his dad has put a stipulation in place. If he doesn’t get distracted by girls he will get a bike. So far this hasn’t been a problem until Mei.

Mei has family issues of her own. Her family have already got her paired up with Nick who is a lot older than her. However he is the way she can get access to the culinary school she so wishes to join. There is also something dark and sinister about Nick that by displeasing him could place her whole family at risk. Mei had settled her mind to the fact that Nick was her future until Marcus came and showed her another way.

Both of them feel a strong connection and as their secret communications increase these feelings grow. Do they even stand a chance to be together or are they setting themselves up for heartbreak? Can two people from different backgrounds and circumstances really work?
My heart broke several times reading this book as they both fight to be with each other, will they succeed? You’ll have to read it to find out.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Other Side of TogetherThe Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing story. I was pulled in shortly after I started it. This will have you feeling all the emotions. There are secrets being hdiden from these two. All they want is to be able to go on with their lifes and things are so out of their control. Can they make the right decision? Is it worth the cost. The story is written in such a beautiful way. It’s engaging and you can’t put it down once you start. You want to know what happens with them. I can’t recommend this story enough. I would love to read more from these two authors.

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The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen

〰️ 🌹 💕 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 💕 🌹 〰️
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – YA Romance
Page Count – 301
Cover Designer – Asombra Studios
BOOKBUB – The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen
An evocative story of first love, possibility, and rewriting our destinies, this YA romance captures the ache of Laura Nowlin with a romantic innocence reminiscent of Jenny Han.
Marcus is destined for big things. He’s a star soccer player, a straight-A student, and gorgeous beyond the hopes of most girls. Especially since they’re off limits. Because of his detective dad’s painful past with women, Marcus made a bet with him to avoid girls until after high school. So far, so good.
Mei Li’s world is anything but bright. She’s a pawn in a dangerous game to keep her and her family in America but dreams of a very different life. However, dreams turn to fear when she discovers the guy she’s supposed to trust with her heart is more disturbed than she could ever imagine.
Even though Mei Li and Marcus live around the corner from each other in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the only thing they have in common is a trolley stop. Until the day they step through the same shop door and into a new possibility.
What starts as secret notes and texts quickly becomes a desperate attempt to be together. But together is impossible. Opposing futures, a tangle of dark connections, and one big secret come between them, forcing them to risk their safety for love or leave the possibility of together behind forever.

~ AMAZON ~

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We’re Emily Cox and Nicole Allen, and our book The Other Side of Together will be released in January 2024 by Monster Ivy Publishing. We’ve been co-writing “Clean Steam” YA novels for twelve years and have been picked up, dropped, hopeful, and discouraged but always fearless.

Emily Cox is a fast-walking cloud watching, big thinker who believes in aliens, has superior hearing, a mostly-titanium face, and a rhyming maiden and married name (Box-Cox). She lives in Utah in a house of all boys and two fluffy writing assistants. She had a hard time choosing only one dream job so she has three: counselor, teen social/emotional wellness coach, and author. She loves to plan all kinds of trips then take them, read multiple books at a time, and explore new places, cultures, and ideas.  The inside of her head is the craziest place she’s ever dared explore.

Nicole Allen is a crime podcast junkie, travel enthusiast, and Diet Coke addict who not-so-secretly hopes heaven looks exactly like Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. She fills her head with and likes to share useless, random facts and news headlines, has crazy-vivid dreams almost nightly, believes in karma, but is skeptical about dinosaurs (sorry paleontologists). When she’s not writing novels, she loves acting in and watching live theater, is president of a local theater company and runs a youth theater group. She resides in Utah with her supportive rockstar husband (and webmaster), three amazing kids, and two adorable cats. 

Author Interview With Emily Cox and Nicole Allen

~PINTEREST ~INSTAGRAM~