Dugan, Jennifer - The Last Girls Standing

• Title: The Last Girls Standing
• Author: Jennifer Dugan
• Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, Romance, LGBTQ+
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc.
• Release Date: August 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9780593532096

Description

• Synopsis: A gripping thriller about two survivors of a brutal massacre who form a bond while unraveling the dark secrets behind the attack. Along the way, they navigate their growing feelings for each other, challenging societal norms and embracing their true selves.
• Blurb: Sloan and Cherry are the only survivors of a horrific attack on their summer camp. As they try to piece together the events of that night, they discover that the killer may be closer than they think. Amidst the danger and uncertainty, they find solace and strength in each other, leading to a forbidden romance that challenges their expectations and the expectations of those around them.

Relevant Tags

young adult, mystery, thriller, romance, survival, trauma, coming of age, LGBTQ+, queer romance, forbidden love

Themes

• Trauma and Healing: Explores the psychological impact of trauma and the process of healing.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Examines the power of friendship and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about.
• Identity and Self-Discovery: The characters undergo journeys of self-discovery as they confront their pasts, navigate their changing identities, and come to terms with their feelings for each other.
• LGBTQ+ Representation: The novel features a same-sex romantic relationship between the two female protagonists, challenging societal norms and providing representation for queer youth.