The Ballad of Darcy and Russell

From New York Times bestselling author Morgan Matson comes a “strongly plotted romantic comedy with plenty of…pitch-perfect drama to dig into” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) about love, fate…and that one night that can change everything.

Darcy believes in love at first sight.

Even though it’s never happened to her, she’s spent her whole life waiting for that perfect, magical moment. But right now, her life is anything but perfect. In the aftermath of a music festival, she’s stranded at a bus station until morning—the day before she leaves for college. Her phone is dead, she has no cash, and she’s convinced nothing good can come of this night…but then she meets Russell.

Russell. Cute and nice, funny and kind. She knows this is the moment—and the guy—she’s been waiting for. And they have until sunrise to walk and talk and connect.

Over the course of this one fateful night—filled with football field picnics, night swimming, and escape-artist dogs—Darcy and Russell’s lives will change forever. They’ll discover things they never imagined about each other…and about themselves.

But can you really know someone after only a handful of hours? Is it possible to fall in love in just one day?

And is it worth saying hello…when you know you’re destined for a goodbye?

About the author

Morgan Matson is the New York Times bestselling author of six books for teens, including Since You’ve Been Gone and Save the Date, and the middle grade novel The Firefly Summer. She lives in Los Angeles but spends part of every summer in the Pocono Mountains. Visit her at MorganMatson.com.

Product details

• Authors: Morgan Matson, Morgan Matson
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster USA
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 14 to 17
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.05.2025
• EAN: 9781481499026
• ISBN: 978-1-4814-9902-6
• No. of pages: 400
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / General, Romance & relationships stories (Children's / Teenage), Family & home stories (Children's / Teenage), Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / General, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Relationship stories