It’s 1986 & high school seniors Mike Ryan & Cindy Wilson have a secret totally bigger than Who Shot J.R.—their hidden interracial relationship. Cindy is cautious, but Mike longs for an end to the secrecy. Really, they’re in love, how hard can it be?
When news gets out, things turn frenzied quicker than Gremlins in the kitchen after midnight. Family & social tension, jealousy, & rumors of an unwanted pregnancy threaten to destroy everything.
Desperate to convince everyone he’s right for her, Mike makes an act of supreme sacrifice that could save a life, but just might cost him his own.
5.0 out of 5 starsThrowback + Interracial Love Story = Heck YES!
August 20, 2019
Format: Paperback
This book has everything you need for a great YA romance! Mike and Cindy are adorable and heartfelt as they tumble into teen love. Overcoming the prejudices of others is only one of the artfully-handled high school dramas that Swann masterfully narrates. And, on top of that, the reader has fun with the 80s nostalgia along the way!
Highly recommend for any age as a fun, poignant read.
4.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Rollercoaster!
August 17, 2019
Format: Paperback
This novel is another excellent 80's installment from Swann! I love Mike and Cindy. Their story made me laugh and cry and even get angry a few times. Swann handles difficult topics well and creates characters that feel so very real. Check it out!
Ljrwritenow
5.0 out of 5 starsHigh School Romance in the80s
August 30, 2019Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Swan is able to set the 80s vibe rocking with all the right reference points. This HS story of an interracial couple had plenty of twists and turns. Definitely kept me reading until the end as I wanted to know every detail. Nice to revisit the characters from her previous book in the series.
Mia B 5.0 out of 5 stars
The cool kids are nice!
August 19, 2019 Format: Paperback
This beautifully written narrative of first love is definitely a heart jerker. How can you not root for Mike, a responsible and caring teenager, who’s willing to defy society for the girl he loves. And Cindy, a young woman who still respects her parents? I’m definitely recommending Breaking The Barriers to the teenagers..and their parents, in my family.
Reviewed By:
Mamta Madhavan
Review Rating:
5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
Breaking the Barriers by B.B. Swann is the story of Cindy Wilson and Mike Ryan who are high school seniors and in a relationship. Their relationship is a secret mainly because of Cindy's mother who does not want her to be in one until she completes college. No one in the Elkwood High Class of 1986 knew they were dating, only their best friends Hayden and Molly. Mike, on the other hand, was tired of this secrecy. He wanted acceptance, understanding, belonging, and passion. Cindy was afraid she might end up hurting her family if her interracial relationship with Mike was revealed, especially to her ailing father. Finally, she agreed to be open about it in school. Will Cindy's parents find out? Will Mike's family approve of Cindy? Will Mike and Cindy have a future together?
This story is about love, social acceptance, jealousy, and more and has some interesting twists and turns that will leave readers curious to know more. This high school love story and the interracial theme will connect well with many readers in the same age group who are in high school. The characters are real and relatable and that makes the book an engaging read. All the characters in the story are well portrayed and they complement the main characters and the story well. The hardships Mike and Cindy endure while trying to break the barriers to move forward in their relationship are palpable to readers and they will experience sadness, heartbreak, humor, and happiness while reading this love story, just like the two main characters.
From October 9th-11th, get the ebook copy for only .99 cents!
