Headstrong by L.B. Carl features Matt Jerue, who was wondering how he could ask Taryn out on a date. Matt, Chris, and Rahn were watching a football game when Rahn announced he was going to date Kellye. After the game, Rahn drove them to the local hangout for high school students. In awe, Matt and Chris watched Kellye agree to go out with Rahn. Kellye then prompted Matt to talk to Taryn and ask her out, but her friends interjected and told him to go away. Before he could return to his table, two seniors intercepted him, and a fight ensued. The following school day, Matt had gained in popularity. This confidence boost helped him form their band. Rahn's father encouraged the boys by allowing them to practice at his house. But Matt still had feelings for Taryn and was curious as to why she didn't like him.

L.B. Carl penned a story that shows how high school cliques operate. Matt, Chris, and Rahn were called "heads," which classified them as stoners or drug addicts. This term was used when other students would mock the group. Oddly, Rahn was elevated in status because of his rich family. Matt’s parental guidance was lacking and I could understand why he had self-doubts and questioned his ability to love. The transitions between every event that occurred were easy to follow. The dialogue between the boys did not seem forced, and their personalities were distinctive. I found the vivid descriptions of the surroundings and the music to be filled with emotion. Unexpected, shocking twists kept me on edge. This unpredictable story concluded in a way that I would never have imagined. I recommend Headstrong to readers who enjoy following the development of the outsider.

Headstrong is the first installment in the Headstrong series by L. B. Carl. It’s 1975, and our protagonist Matt Jerue is slowly surviving high school. However, the 15-year-old seems to attract trouble everywhere he goes. Matt lives alone at home because his parents are never there. At school, he is constantly bullied, and apart from his friends, Chris and Rahn, Matt has no one. He smokes and has a bad reputation, but that doesn’t stop him from dreaming of two big goals. He wants to play guitar in a band and date the girl of his dreams, cheerleader Taryn McIntyre. She despises him, but Matt adores her. However, things change when their friends start dating, and suddenly Taryn and Matt are always together. The story takes a turn when Taryn gets in trouble, and Matt finally has a chance to prove himself to her. But can he show Taryn who he is when trouble seems to find him?

Entertaining and written to perfection, Headstrong is an excellent coming-of-age young adult story of a young man trying to find a place to call his own. Matt is not in a good space when the story begins. He dreams big, but he is insecure about everything. The only things Matt is sure about are his feelings for Taryn and his musical abilities. They seem to be the lifelines he clings to for most of the story. L. B. Carl writes short yet impactful chapters that encourage us to read on. I like how Matt interacts with his friends and then turns the charm on for Taryn. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like Taryn in the beginning, but things change as the plot progresses. Emotions run high, and you cannot help but feel sympathy for Matt as he struggles with his sensitivity, feelings, and insecurities that haunt him every step of the way. The narrative style is fun, the pace is fast, and the ending is fantastic. I cannot wait for Headstrong II!