If you only read one of my contemporary stories – make it this one. I wrote it more than 10 years ago, but Joy is still my favorite child. If you finish this and want more like it – do Love Blind next.

“Perry’s descriptions of Joy’s intense turmoil are vivid… A moving survival story” – Booklist

“Perry deftly avoids the problem-novel label thanks to complex characters and a well-structured plot. Joy’s story is very affecting, and her voice is suitably self-effacing without being ostentatious; most readers will be engrossed.” —Kirkus Reviews

Shy high schooler Kyle Jamieson and Hailey Bosler, a musician with degenerative blindness, team up to tackle a bucket list of greatest fears in this compelling novel that explores what it means to take risks.

“As the teens set out to conquer their fears, the sexual tension quickly builds, with both refusing to accept the depth of their mutual attraction. Hailey is confident, stubborn, and funny and isn’t afraid to show her sassy side. Meanwhile, Kyle is shy and awkward. The authors combine perfect pacing with spot-on character development that will leave readers empathizing with the characters from the very beginning.” – Erin Holt, Library Journal.

Kate, seeking distraction from her recent diabetes diagnosis, begins dating Aidan, a young veteran who lost an arm in Afghanistan, and the two soon realize that they might mean more to each other than they first thought.

“Through realistic dialogue, believable scenarios, and candid reflections, this story offers insight on both the personal trauma of a young, wounded warrior and the multiple challenges of teen diabetes.” School Library Journal, April 2014

“The romance is sweet and believable. . .” Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2014

Rock star drummer Bishop Riley just needs a few months to relax and detox before his band’s next tour. But the last place he expected to do it is in Seldon, Alaska. And the last person he wants to do it with is Penny Jones.

“Without giving too much away, the story of Penny and Bishop is a tale of friendship, trust, letting go, finding your inner strength and love. Their story takes the reader on a beautiful journey. The supporting characters enhance the story and create a perfect balance for Bishop and Penny. The issues discussed in the book are real and relatable. This is published for the young adult/ teen line and is appropriate for young readers. There are some make out scenes and discussion of sex. If you are looking for a growing up and coming of age love story, that is real, this is the book for you. Out Of Play is Outstanding!”

“Perry has crafted vivid, round characters who navigate complicated, mature questions about death and dying with sincerity . . . . A layered novel about love and forgiveness in the face of loss.”―Booklist

“Larger than just a story about broken friendship, new romances, and death. Both the ending and the funeral home setting make this book stand out.”―VOYA

“An interesting and unusual romance.”―Kirkus Reviews

Act strong. Feel strong. Be strong.

Are the words that London chants to herself to get through the day. She lives in a house where rules are enforced with fists, and drugs change hands in a near steady flow.

Cole uses his carefully placed camouflage of studious athlete to cover up a past he wishes he could erase, constantly counting down to keep himself in check. At school he pretends. At home, he hides.

The two have a friendship based on an unspoken knowledge of past and present secrets. But when London’s dad sends her to the hospital, and Cole’s stepmom has the backstory, Cole steals the chance to help a friend.

Running away together feels like the perfect plan to keep London safe, but with Cole’s stepmother working on an investigation against London’s father, the two are being attacked from all sides.
Soon, it might not be a matter of fighting to stay together, but fighting to stay alive.

This YA novel walks the line between thriller and contemporary love story. The Story of Us explores the dark world of meth dealing, abusive relationships, and first love.

“Wow. This story left me feeling so many emotions. Heartbreak for some harsh realities, love for true heroes, hope for pure and healing love. The storytelling swept me up, leading me on a hard but beautiful journey…”

“…the kind of book that just digs in and rests inside your heart for awhile…”

Honor is finally setting out on her own—away from her mother and away from the modeling career she isn’t sure she wants. What she doesn’t plan for is her new roommate.

Libby is honest and fearless and adorable. She’s the girl on campus that everyone knows. The life of every party. But standing under this shadow isn’t always easy—especially when Libby doesn’t approve of the artist that Honor begins dating.

But with their new friend, Toby, Libby’s attention is finally divided rather than focused on what Honor should (or shouldn’t) be doing with her freshman year.

Toby finds himself falling for Libby as things heat up between Honor and her artist, but when Libby’s unpredictability turns dangerous, Toby and Honor realize there might be a lot more going on with everyone’s favorite party girl. Facing an illness no one can predict, the three are torn between keeping their friendships, finding their independence, and falling in love.

Hard to Love focuses on navigating friendships while stepping into new romantic relationships and dealing with the perils of serious mental health issues.

A broken heart. A best friend. A first love.

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He’s her soul mate. He’s more uptight every day, but it’s not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she’s adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he’ll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.
Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch movies in her large blanketopias. He’s the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she’s playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close, but is Ronnie falling for him…or Juliet?
The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does. Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.

This novel is a friend to lovers, coming of age story that involves situations of violent abuse.

“Sometimes a book gets you where it counts. It makes your heart speed up, your breathing a little uneven and your stomach is in knots. This is absolutely one of those books. I am in awe of the spectrum of emotions that filtered through my body while reading Ronnie’s story…”

Sometimes you meet the right person at the right time in your life to split the world wide open.

Antony loves his life in New York.

He loves living with his mother and wearing designer clothes. He loves his private tutors for home school. It’s practically necessary since his mom travels the world as a reporter.
When an assignment overseas gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, she sees it as a chance for Antony to get to know his dad – a guy strange enough to live on a boat. Near dreary Seattle.
Antony’s sure that the next few months will feel like a lifetime. He and his dad can’t even fill up a five minute conversation on his birthday call.

When he meets Amber, the girl from five boats down, his prospects perk up, but when it becomes very clear, very fast, that all she’s after is friendship, Antony wonders if he’ll survive the next three months.

He is absolutely. Completely. Totally. Displaced.
And then tragedy hits. Antony Falls is a story about love, loss, and learning what’s actually important.