I swear, this series keeps getting better and better. I wasn't necessarily expecting the turn of events in this book but I think that is wh4.5/5 Stars
I swear, this series keeps getting better and better. I wasn't necessarily expecting the turn of events in this book but I think that is what makes this book so great. The unexpected. The journey that Lara Jean goes on.
The love triangle in this book was even more tantalizing than the one in the first book. I admit, I liked Josh and the whole crushing on your sister's boyfriend thing that was going on in the first book. It was great. There was so much angst and emotion floating around because of the circumstances. It made for great reading. I think that this love triangle was even more intense and made for equally great reading because Lara Jean and John Ambrose actually had a lot in common and had great chemistry. If Lara Jean and Peter had never gotten together then John Ambrose would have been perfect for Lara Jean in pretty much every way. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
Lara Jean has a lot of character development. She is dealing with a lot in this book. She navigates through a lot both internally and externally.
I didn't like a lot of Peter's behavior in this book if I'm being honest. Then again, though not defending or excusing Peter's behavior by any means, there is a lot of gray area involved. Unfortunately, you just have to read the book to understand where I am coming from with that.
Overall, this was a cute continuation of Lara Jean and Peter's story with a bit more angst than the first book. This is such a great series and I highly recommend it!
Wow, I didn't expect this book to bring on the waterworks but I turned into a weeping mess there at the end. This was definitely an emotion3.5/5 Stars
Wow, I didn't expect this book to bring on the waterworks but I turned into a weeping mess there at the end. This was definitely an emotional story.
As with the last book in this series, I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It was easy to slip into this book and get lost in the pages. And the same as the last book, this book is also wrapped in a layer of bubblegum and sprinkles. I know that this is a wholesome sort of book but the wholesomeness feels a bit over the top. Especially for a book about teenage pregnancy. I like the overall positive message but some of the wholesome elements of the story make it feel a bit unbelievable. That said, I think that the plot of the story was well written. It definitely kept my interest.
I liked the characters but I felt that Juliette's character was a bit more fleshed out than Easton's. In fact, I don't think that I would have liked his character as much if I had not read the previous book in this series where I learned about the family dynamics in his home. Both characters had some great character growth. They both go through a life-changing experience. I enjoyed the secondary characters too but I wish that they played a bigger role in this book.
This was a second-chance romance. I really liked the progression of it. At first, Juliette was keeping her pregnancy a secret and then she was only keeping the real father of her baby a secret. And then it's all out in the open. I think that the story showed how much they each cared about the other. They had initially fallen in love while spending time together and getting to know one another. It was clear that even after Juliette was back from her Paris trip they admired each other and still cared. I also think that the pregnancy really brought them closer as well. Even if it was a difficult experience. I really loved how swoon-worthy Easton could be with Juliette. It was obvious that he adored her.
Overall, this was an emotional story that is definitely worth reading. I don't think that this book is especially realistic when it comes to teenagers, hormones, and sex but it does have a positive message. If you are looking for a wholesome book with great writing and an interesting story then I would definitely pick up a book from this series.
This was a cute story. I always love a fake relationship story and this one was adorable with its added-on brother's best friend trope.
I e3.5/5 Stars
This was a cute story. I always love a fake relationship story and this one was adorable with its added-on brother's best friend trope.
I enjoyed the author's writing style though I felt like the story was wrapped up in bubblegum and fairy dust. It's not a totally bad thing but when stories are so squeaky clean they lose their sense of reality for me. Even so, the writing was easy to fall into. The plot of the story was compelling. I definitely felt myself latched on to the story.
The characters were well written, though I thought that Noah's character was a little more fleshed out. Both main characters were easy to form a connection with. I also loved the secondary characters and what they brought to the story.
The only thing that I didn't care much for was how mushy and perfect the ending was. It kind of made things feel highly unbelievable. I am not saying that I didn't want a happy ending or that they aren't possible but life isn't all sunshine and roses and that ending was.
Overall, this is an adorable story with some heavy topics that are handled with kid gloves. The author explores heavy topics but not in great detail. The characters are relatable and the plot flows really smoothly. I definitely want to pick up the next book in this series to see Easton's story.
I am always jazzed when Cookie O'Gorman releases a new book. I can always expect an adorable and swoony story that will leave me with a smile on my faI am always jazzed when Cookie O'Gorman releases a new book. I can always expect an adorable and swoony story that will leave me with a smile on my face. Bookworm did just that.
O'Gorman has impeccable writing skills that always leave me enamored. I adore her writing style and I love how well I mesh with it. The plot of this book really drew me in. I mean, who doesn't love a book about a bookworm? I am also a huge fan of fake romance as well as stories with nerdy girls that end up with alpha athlete boys. So this one was a win for me on so many levels. This one also had a dose of the grumpy/sunshine trope that was delightful. The world-building was very vivid as well. I loved the flower shop and the library scenes.
These characters were just great. I really connected with Charlotte and grew to really adore Bo. Charlotte has this vibrant personality that you can't help but fall for. She is so bubbly and she speaks her mind so she was always amusing. Bo was definitely a grump-like character but deep down he had a heart of gold, or as Charlotte puts it, a marshmallow center. The cast of secondary characters was excellent. I really loved Bo's halmeoni. She cracked me up with her seriousness. I loved seeing the crossover characters from other Cookie O'Gorman books as well.
The romance in this book really tickled my heart to pieces. I loved the chemistry between Bo and Charlotte. Charlotte never let Bo's grumpy demeanor get her down. She always let her smile shine through, even in his company. I adored their first memories of each other. They really melted my heart. And the fact that Bo has been pining over Charlotte since they were kids is just too adorbs. I loved when she asked him why he didn't have a girlfriend and he basically replied that there was no point when he only wanted one person. (Her!) Their romance was so cute and so swoony. So many feels going on.
Overall, this was another YA romance from Cookie O'Gorman that captured my heart completely. O'Gorman has such a relatable writing style that makes me feel so content. Her stories are always expertly crafted and her characters always win me over. I can't recommend her books enough and I can't wait for the next one!
06/14/2023: Reread! (view spoiler)[This book has been on my mind ever since I read it the first time. When my teenage son asked me to read him a conte06/14/2023: Reread! (view spoiler)[This book has been on my mind ever since I read it the first time. When my teenage son asked me to read him a contemporary high school story, this was the first one on my mind! The emotion that this book elicits from me is substantial. It made me cry this time just like it did the first time. I love the message in this book. It is so heartwarming and special. This book certainly deals with a lot of heavy topics but the author presents them so gracefully. Lily and Noah warmed my heart all over again. I am really highly anticipating the author's next release! (hide spoiler)]
Cue the waterworks because this book had me in a grip of emotions. I honestly wasn't expecting this book to hit me so hard in the feels but I was a sobbing mess while reading this. And just to be clear, that's a good thing because this book was amazing.
I've read Oram before so I wasn't surprised by how much I adored and connected with her writing style. She has a very smooth and polished style that I really love. Before I started this book I was a bit skeptical if this was even going to work for me. I was intrigued by the premise and the synopsis definitely piqued my interest but I wasn't certain if this type of story and I would mesh well. I needn't have been worried though because this story blew me away. I was so impressed with the storytelling and how the plot was executed.
The characters in this book really make this book stand out. They are so well-written and have so much depth. The character development was insanely personal and thorough. The characters felt so real and tangible. All of the secondary characters in this book also brought a layer of depth to the story and added a balance that just fit perfectly in the story.
I am not personally familiar with traumatic brain injuries but I felt that the disability representation was respectful and accurate. It was clear that the author put in the time to research the topic and presented a realistic depiction for her story. She was thoughtful and sensitive about the topic and made it feel wholly genuine and authentic in her story. I was impressed.
I also felt like the bullying aspect in this book was also written in a realistic and sensitive way. It could potentially be triggering for anyone that has experienced bullying but Oram is compassionate while staying true to the facts. She doesn't pull her punches but she is also very tactful.
Don't get me started on the romance in this book because LAWD. Be prepared to cry yourself a river when reading this. This love story is truly one of the great ones. The way that Noah and Lily come together is tragic and full of pain but it is also beautiful and uplifting. I love how Noah and Lily were a spot of strength in each other's lives. They truly brought out the best in each other and, my god, it was heartwarming. They had a natural chemistry that was undeniable. I loved that Lily just got Noah and didn't have a hard time communicating with him as other people did. She saw past his disability and saw Noah. Thinking back on it to write this review just makes my heart ache because it was so beautiful.
Forgiveness was also a huge theme in this story. Not only between Noah and Lily but there were many characters that sought forgiveness for various reasons. It was a really emotional read but so satisfying.
Overall, I want to shout my love for this book from the rooftops because wow. If you love impactful stories that touch your heart and have immeasurably memorable characters then you'll want to pick this one up ASAP. I really can't express how much I adore this book. This book packs on the feels and you will be grateful for all the emotions you experience and all the tears that you shed while reading this.
This was a really cute story. Any time a science nerd and a jock fall for each other I am totally there.
I liked the writing right off the 3.5/5 Stars
This was a really cute story. Any time a science nerd and a jock fall for each other I am totally there.
I liked the writing right off the bat. The author's writing style felt personal and easy to read. The book could have used another round of edits for grammatical errors but nothing too heinous. The plot was intriguing and executed perfectly.
Both main characters were so relatable. I really liked the journey that the two main characters take together. I think that they both experienced a lot of character growth. I loved all of the secondary characters and felt they added a lot to the story.
The romance was too cute for words. The older brother of your BFF helping you get over your crush and then the two of you falling in love? Yes, please. I liked that Avery and Grayson had known each other their whole lives so there was already that familiarity there. I liked that they were in different social circles and all the tension and opportunities it presented in the story. Most of all I loved how the two main characters fall in love after spending so much time together and really seeing each other's true colors.
Overall, this was an awesome opposites attract romance that brought a smile to my face. This is a short novel that packs quite a punch. If you enjoy young adult contemporary romance with nerdy girls and alpha jocks then you'll want to add this one to your TBR.
This one didn't really work for me. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the execution of the story but I didn't really like either of the main chThis one didn't really work for me. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the execution of the story but I didn't really like either of the main characters. They annoyed me and I just couldn't connect with them. I thought that the secondary characters were well-developed and added a nice touch of depth to the story. I didn't care for the romance in the story. This is an opposites-attract trope and I didn't think it was executed very well. The two main characters enjoyed the time that they spent together and admired certain things about each other but there was a lot of back and forth where their feelings were concerned. Bryce especially seemed to flitter back and forth on whether or not he even liked Haley. His indecision was a little nerve-wracking. And if I am being honest, I didn't think that their romance was all that believable. The fake relationship trope was not convincing because Bryce never seemed to take a sincere interest in Haley. Overall, I think that this is an adorable story that will work for a lot of people but it missed the mark for me. I would definitely consider reading something else from this author because I did enjoy the writing style.
Well, this was damn cute. I admit, I watched the Netflix movie when it first came out but this is the first time that I have picked up the 4.5/5 Stars
Well, this was damn cute. I admit, I watched the Netflix movie when it first came out but this is the first time that I have picked up the book. I am glad that I did.
Reasons why I loved this: - A well-orchestrated fake dating trope. - Childhood friends to fake dating to lovers! - My husband's mom is from Korea and his father is white so I felt an immediate kinship with this amazing family. Even if those demographics don't fit your life, the author really brings these characters to life and you instantly love them. - I loved the family dynamic that the Coveys had. - Lara Jean and Peter can be real with each other and they had great chemistry. - The premise for this story is so great and it amused me to no end. - Han's writing style is awesome! I was so drawn into the story and I couldn't stop reading. - I adored Peter and Kitty's relationship! Kitty was such a great character, period.
Reasons why this book tortured me: - That (minor-ish?) cliffy!
And there you have it! This book was just so delightful and I immediately wanted to pick up the second book. Jenny Han has definitely garnered a new fan with this book!
This was so adorable. It really was. I haven't read this author before so I didn't really have many expectations going into this one. I was pleasantlyThis was so adorable. It really was. I haven't read this author before so I didn't really have many expectations going into this one. I was pleasantly surprised with a charming love story that melted my heart.
Anne-Marie Meyer has a very easy-to-read storytelling style. I liked that I could pick the book up and feel right at home. The plot of the story was interesting and played out nicely. The execution was perfect aside from the feeling that the book needed a little more detail in some areas. There wasn't a whole lot of world-building outside of characters but this was in a high school setting so I didn't need to use my imagination for that.
Destiny's character was one that I waffled with liking in the beginning. There were things about her character that irked me and then there were times when I could really empathize with her. Ultimately, I feel that made her very realistic. The same can be said for Tyson. It was easy for me to put myself in his shoes even if he didn't always do what I would do. There weren't that many secondary characters but I really liked the ones that made an appearance. I felt like the book lacked depth because of the lack of secondary characters though. Tyson didn't even have a best friend which I thought was so odd for a popular high school boy. It seemed like he should at least have acquaintances or people that he was friendly with at school. While there was a lack of depth, the main characters did have some nice character growth and much of it was rather touching.
The romance was, quite frankly, the cutest freaking thing. I was really shipping Tyson and Destiny from the start. They had some great chemistry right from the beginning, even if Destiny tended to be a bundle of awkwardness at the start. I loved how organically their relationship developed. You could see their relationship forming and their feelings growing by the page. They spend time together and they shared parts about their lives that no one else saw. I loved it!
Overall, this was a clean and absolutely adorable teen romance that I very much enjoyed reading. If you are looking for a quick read in this genre then I recommend picking this one up. The book may not be perfect but there is so much to like about it.
This really was such an adorable story. While the cover leaves a lot to be desired, the synopsis really drew me in. I am a sucker for a you3.5/5 Stars
This really was such an adorable story. While the cover leaves a lot to be desired, the synopsis really drew me in. I am a sucker for a young adult sports romance and this one was delightful.
Right off the bat, I fell right into the author's storytelling. There was such an ease to it that really made the pages fly by. I really loved the plot of the story. I think that it was executed very well. The pacing of the story was a little off in some places. There were just some parts of the story that felt a little unbelievable because of timing issues. For instance, Ali makes friends with her bowling team in a matter of minutes and they are ride or die from that point on. Normally, it takes time to trust someone new and build a meaningful friendship so that part of the story, while endearing and quite lovely on the page, felt a little unbelievable due to timing in the story. The world-building was adequate for the character-driven story.
I really loved the main characters and their backstories in this book but I felt that they could have used a little more development to really sell it. Especially Dax. He could have really used a little more complexity. I identified with his struggles but he didn't really feel "real" to me. And that could have also been because of his personality. He was sweet but it almost felt like he was too sweet and that made it feel unrealistic. Teenage boys are not sweet one hundred percent of the time so it was like he had no flaws. Which again is unrealistic. His upbeat attitude did put a smile on my face, I just wish that there was more to it. I very much connected with Ali's character and could feel her pain and struggles right along with her. Some of the secondary characters stood out to me in the story while others kind of faded into the background or just didn't feel distinct. In the end, Dax and Ali had some significant character growth.
The romance in this book was so stinking cute. Dax was pretty much every mother's dream date for their daughter. He was kind, thoughtful, and very romantic. He was a gentleman and treated Ali with respect and reverence. Watching him fall for Ali was the most darling thing ever. I loved the bantering between Ali and Dax. They had very organic chemistry with one another.
Overall, this was an adorable young adult sports romance with a wonderful plot but could have used a little more development in some areas. I really enjoyed the story as a whole and I will more than likely pick up another book from this author in the future.
I really think that I've found a new favorite author! This is the second book from this author that I have picked up in two days and I am o4.5/5 Stars
I really think that I've found a new favorite author! This is the second book from this author that I have picked up in two days and I am on cloud nine right now.
I feel so at home with this author's storytelling. It is like having a conversation with a good friend. It's just natural. The plot of the story was equal parts predictable and unpredictable, and I mean that in the best way. While the world-building was vague enough to not divulge the city these characters reside in, it is detailed in other areas. The reader gets a good sense of what life is like for these characters.
I admit that I didn't really like Logan at first. He pretty much acted like a selfish jerk at the start of the story. He did grow on me though. I don't know that I ever really got over his douchebaggery at the beginning of the book but I will say that he definitely had a nice transformation. His character growth was really evident by the end of the book. I connected well with Emma's character. After all, she was a nerdy bookworm so how could I not? I really enjoyed her narrative in the story. I also enjoyed the secondary characters in the story. Logan's BFF and his BFF's cousin were interesting characters that brought a lot to the story. Emma's best friends had a part in the story, though most of them were over the phone since her two best friends take a vacation in the book. I did enjoy their supportive and close friendship, even if they weren't physically present in the story.
I rather enjoyed the romance in the story. I really love the trope in this book- childhood friends/next-door neighbors that drift apart or become enemies and then fall in love. So kind of like a friends-to-lovers story meshed with an enemies-to-lovers story. They are always so interesting and have so much conflict and emotion. I think that Emma and Logan's story definitely had those elements. There was so much sexual tension between the two of them and they definitely had a lot of chemistry.
Overall, this is a young adult romance that really gives you the feels. This author has very down-to-earth storytelling that sucks you in. The characters are quite relatable and the plot is one that makes you want to keep reading. I am definitely jumping on this author's bandwagon and I have already downloaded the next backlist book from this author onto my kindle app.
I just keep hitting home runs when I pick up one of Amanda Abram's books! It's been a long while since I was so happy to try a new author. It's also aI just keep hitting home runs when I pick up one of Amanda Abram's books! It's been a long while since I was so happy to try a new author. It's also another instance, as with her other books, that you really can't judge a book by its cover. While the covers for Abram's books aren't horrible, they also aren't covers that would typically draw me in. I am so glad that I took a chance on them!
This author's writing style is one that really speaks to me. I really love it to pieces. It is comfortable and flows perfectly. I am also a fan of the way that Abram stages her plot. The story was so compelling and addicting. I read this book in a single sitting because I couldn't pull myself away. The world-building is adequate for this type of story. It isn't too detailed because the story is very character-driven. But this type of story doesn't really need to have intense world-building.
These characters, just wow! They were honestly the highlight of this book. I was so engrossed in their lives. I loved the two main characters, Lexi and Jase. I loved the history between them. And the secondary characters were so vibrant and distinct. I really connected with the characters and loved living their lives through them.
The romance was so tantalizing, it really was! Lexi and Jase have so much history and then they weren't even friends all throughout high school so there was so much chemistry and sexual tension. I really loved Jase's love declaration in the end and how he showed he cared. Their love story really did give me all the feels.
Overall, this book greatly impressed me! I was so enmeshed in the lives of these characters that I could hardly come up for air while I was reading this book. Time truly escaped me as I was turning the pages. If you enjoy stories with complex characters, a compelling plotline, and welcoming storytelling then you'll want to pick this book up! I really can't recommend it enough! And while you're at it, pick up this author's other books because they are so worth it!
Fake romance is one of my absolute favorite tropes and Cookie O'Gorman always pulls it off magnificently.
I adore O'Gorman's writing style 4.5/5 Stars
Fake romance is one of my absolute favorite tropes and Cookie O'Gorman always pulls it off magnificently.
I adore O'Gorman's writing style because it is so relatable. I always feel a strong connection to the characters that propel me through the story effortlessly. The plot of the story unfolded quite well and I loved the execution of ideas. I did feel like there could have been more conflict in the story though. The world-building was minuscule since this is a contemporary story. The story was mostly character driven.
I really liked both main characters. Magnolia and Hayden were such delights! I felt like Magnolia could have used a little more character development. We get to see what she is passionate about but she still felt a little flat to me in some respects. I did love that she was a character that knew her worth and wouldn't settle for less. She was also well-spoken and informed. There was actually a lot to like about her and I really admired her character. Hayden was a mysterious sort of character at first. We know that something happened in his past that made him close himself off from love so we know there is some past trauma. Hayden was passionate about his music and his band and wanted to do well. He was a gentleman, funny, and all-around charming. I think that both main characters experienced nice character growth in the story. Magnolia's growth came early on in the story when she became more self-aware after certain events take place. Hayden's growth is evident at the end of the story after he realizes what his heart was really telling him. Both characters felt very realistic and genuine. I also really loved the side characters in this book. They were all incredible and unique. I would really love to see some of them in their own stories. Especially Hayden's band.
The romance was simply quite adorable. I loved how comfortable Hayden and Magnolia always felt with each other. Even when they first met there was a feeling of ease between them. Their chemistry was taut with attraction from the start. Their relationship developed very naturally and I loved that.
Overall, this was another fantastic fake romance from Cookie O'Gorman! I can't stress enough how much I love this author's books! If you enjoy witty and romantic young adult stories with lovable and memorable characters then you'll want to pick this one up!
This was such an exceptional book! OMG, seriously. I am one of those people that will sometimes pick up a book just because of the pretty cover and soThis was such an exceptional book! OMG, seriously. I am one of those people that will sometimes pick up a book just because of the pretty cover and sometimes I do the opposite and just pick up a book because of the enticing synopsis. This book was definitely the latter for me. While the cover of this book isn't all that impressive and it didn't really pull me in, I read the synopsis and knew I had to read it. And I am definitely glad that I did.
The thing that struck me first about this book once I started reading it was that the storytelling was incredible. It was so polished with clever prose and a welcoming voice. I instantly fell in love with Abram's writing style. I loved the plot of the story. It was full of drama but in all the best ways. The conflict was enticing and it was so great to see the characters grow throughout it. This is a book that I literally could not put down. I picked this book up and I didn't put it down until I had read the last words. This book is character-driven so the world-building isn't too extensive but the reader definitely had a sense of these characters' surroundings and lives.
I was well and truly smitten with these characters. Especially the two lead characters. They really warmed my heart. Each character had a very distinguishable personality that made them stand out in the story. I loved the character growth, and not only for the two main characters. There were other characters that had some significant changes throughout the story. I felt very connected to these characters and I fully fell into their world while reading this book.
The romance in this book was so heartwarming. It was very drama-filled but so worth it in the end. It was so evident to the reader that Cassie and Dylan were perfect for each other. Their banter and chemistry had me swooning. My heart ached for them when it seemed like the world was against them and my heart soared for them each and every time they shared a special moment together. The two of them really were relationship goals and the author did a fantastic job of bringing that to the page.
Overall, this is a young adult romance that you should definitely take a chance on. Don't be fooled by the cover because it honestly doesn't fit the story as well as it could. But this story is phenomenal and you shouldn't pass it up. I am definitely going to read more from this new-to-me author. I am hooked on the writing style and the memorable characters.
This was such an adorable story. The synopsis really drew me in. I am such a sucker for fake dating tropes so I knew I had to give this book a shot.
TThis was such an adorable story. The synopsis really drew me in. I am such a sucker for fake dating tropes so I knew I had to give this book a shot.
This is a fast-paced story, which usually works well for the young adult contemporary genre. I thought that it worked well in this case as well but the fast-paced did draw attention to the size of the story. It felt like it needed to have more padding if you get what I'm saying. The world-building is great but it felt like there should have been more details in certain places to thicken things out and strengthen the story. I loved the premise for this story and I thought that the plot was carried out well. I loved the small mystery at the root of the story as well. The storytelling was lovely. It was engaging and comforting.
The characters weren't faceless by any means but I felt that they could have used a little more depth. They were likable and relatable but they weren't that memorable. That said, I enjoyed the character development for both Abby and Chase. Their journeys were significant and the change in their characters was evident at the end of the story. I would have liked to see a little more development where their home lives were concerned. The reader certainly gets the gist of things for both Abby and Chase but I would have loved a bit more. I enjoyed the side characters for the most part but they were also not that memorable. They weren't filler characters or anything like that but I just didn't feel an overt connection with any of the characters.
I admit that the romance in the story was cute. It really was. The connection between Chase and Abby was noticeable but it wasn't electrifying. They certainly meshed well together and you could tell that they enjoyed each other's time and brought out the best in each other. I loved the fake dating trope in this story and it was executed quite well.
Overall, this was an adorable story that was engaging but not quite memorable. I definitely enjoyed reading about Abby and Chase and I would definitely read another book by this author when I'm in the mood for a young adult romance.
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am lDisclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
When I first read Varsity Heartbreaker I was completely enamored with Lucas Fuller. Varsity Heartbreaker is told from the heroine's point of view but I could tell that there was so much going on behind the scenes when it came to her love interest, Lucas Fuller. I was so delighted when I saw that Ginger Scott had decided to bring us Lucas's point of view.
I am fairly certain that this book is considered a companion novel though I suppose it could be read all on its own without having read Varsity Heartbreaker. I definitely think that it would be beneficial and more enjoyable if you read Varsity Heartbreaker first though. Since I have read the entire series already, for the purpose of this review I will be reviewing it as a companion novel and not a standalone.
First of all, I just adore Lucas. He really did have so much on his shoulders and he was trying to make everyone else happy. He sacrificed the one thing that was most important to him, his friendship with his next-door neighbor June, to satisfy his parents and ultimately pay the price for their mistakes. After his father has an affair and his mother heads into a downward spiral because of it, Lucas's life changes. He changes to cope with everything happening in his life and I don't think that he liked the person that he became. He ghosted his best friend and lived the next two years trying to please his parents. His father has been trying to live vicariously through him since he received an injury playing football in college and he pushes Lucas to the extreme in football. Lucas has other dreams though and he struggles with trying to please his dad and hiding his true passion to go to MIT when all his dad wants is for him to go to Tennessee and play football. He is also concerned about his mother's mental state and has been sort of looking out for her since his father's affair. June had switched to a private school but circumstances lead her to return to public school again her senior year. With June so close, Lucas is having trouble keeping his feelings under wraps. Everything in his life culminates and Lucas has to make tough decisions and ultimately decide if he is going to live his life for someone else or for himself.
I really loved the emotional aspect of the story. It was so easy to slip into Lucas's shoes and feel his torment over the circumstances in his life. The author does an excellent job of making the reader empathize with Lucas.
This book centers around Lucas, but I would have loved to see more of the other characters as well. Tory is a big part of Lucas's life and while we do get to see a lot of him in this book, his character didn't feel as tangible as Lucas's character.
I really thought that the plot of the story was orchestrated quite well. All the bits and pieces of the story were just where they needed to be and came together nicely in the end. The author did a great job of creating conflict and mystery. The storytelling is excellent. The story flows perfectly in a steady rhythm that makes the reader feel completely comfortable. I have really love that quality in all of the books that I have read from Ginger Scott. I always know that I am going to get a quality story that is going to tick off all the boxes for me.
Overall, this was an excellent addition to the series that added a lot of value, especially for Lucas's character. If you are a fan of this series then I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR. If you haven't read the series yet then I would start with Varsity Heartbreaker, the first book in the series. If you are a fan of mature young adult stories with incredible writing and wonderful characters then you'll want to get in on this series!
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my rev3.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
Since the first book that I have read by Cookie O'Gorman, I have been hooked! When this #ownvoices book was announced by the author I was ecstatic!
I have always enjoyed O'Gorman's writing style. Her words are polished and I always fly through the pages of her stories. She keeps her readers wanting more. The pacing felt a little off to me in this book. I can't quite place my finger on it, but it feels like there are some key scenes missing from the book. Nothing in particular that I can pinpoint in terms of the story arc, but more of a feeling that there should have been more.
I liked the characters well enough but I didn't feel especially connected to them. Especially Rhys's character. I felt like he could have used a lot more character development. We get bits and pieces of him but I never truly felt like I knew him. Ariel's character development was much better. She was easy to understand and I was rooting for her throughout the entire book. I really loved the strong female friendship in this book. It was so nice to see Ariel and her best friend Toni and how supportive and caring they were with each other. I also really loved the close relationship that Ariel had with her mother. Rhys also seemed to have a good relationship with his parents and brother which was also nice to see.
The romance in the story was adorable. I felt that their relationship could have used more build-up, but overall it was very positive and endearing. Rhys really seemed to like Ariel and he was a gentleman even as he pursued her. Ariel had reservations about Rhys but deep down she cared just as much for him. I liked how they spent time together getting to know each other.
Overall, this was a delightful story with representation that I love seeing. While I enjoyed the story and there's not really anything wrong with it, I also didn't connect to it as much as I would have liked to. It is a good book but perhaps not that memorable to me. I think that a lot of people will find this book uplifting and on point with body image issues and the stigma attached to them. O'Gorman tells an emotional story about self-worth while keeping things light-hearted. I can't wait to pick up Cookie O'Gorman's next book!
Wow, this book absolutely took me by surprise. I honestly didn't have any expectations going into this book. I was merely drawn to the blur4.5/5 Stars
Wow, this book absolutely took me by surprise. I honestly didn't have any expectations going into this book. I was merely drawn to the blurb and my mood-reading mode got switched on. I am ever so glad that I took a chance on this book because I was so delighted with it.
As I said, the blurb really drew me in and so did the story. I was transplanted into this story with effortless grace. I felt so at home in the pages of this story. The world-building in this is so atmospheric and consuming. Not simply the world surrounding the characters but what happens within it. The mystery at the core of the story sits inside you and you can feel the emotional tug. It's one thing to simply read a ghost story and another thing to experience it. The plot of this book is clever and compelling. It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and primed for more. The mystery will get inside your head until you crave this story. Creagh's writing style really impressed me as well. Her words are lyrical and at times very poetic. She has a way with words that really struck a chord with me. I found myself highlighting passages on my tablet continuously because they were just too beautiful or clever not to want to memorialize. The dual narrative worked incredibly well for this book. There are so many layers to this story and the reader gets to see things unfold through more than one set of eyes. The reader gets to peek inside the head of the pivotal character in this story which added a lot of depth to the story. This was almost a five-star read for me but there were a couple of nit-picky things that I felt were left unresolved. Nothing that diminished the story by any means, but enough to make me come back to them in my mind.
I loved getting to know these characters. Even more so because of the central mystery surrounding the story. I was so intrigued to know more. I don't want to get spoilery so I won't go into explicit details about the characters individually. I will say that I felt the characters were extremely well-developed. They each had their own voice and personality with excellent character growth. I loved the secondary characters and I am hoping to see more of them in future books in this series.
The romance in this book was endearing and I enjoyed it very much. It felt very wholesome, which may sound off since this is essentially a ghost story. All the same, the love story felt so special because it truly came from the heart. From getting to know someone and their soul. The romance in this book kind of has a love triangle but also sort of not. You'll just have to read it to see for yourself. And that isn't a spoiler since both boys are mentioned in the synopsis. The way that the romance develops is very organic and has a very star-crossed lovers vibe. The way that the romance was wrapped up is something that I am still pondering over. Overall, I liked everything that happened and the final outcome but at the same time, it wasn't the sparkly rainbows and hearts ending that some may expect. However, it is beautiful in its own way and I actually applaud the author for ending things the way that she did.
Overall, this was a book that totally shocked my senses. I fell so in love with the beautiful storytelling, gripping plot, and relatable characters. I definitely have a new author to stalk. I am looking forward to the next book by Kelly Creagh. If you haven't picked this one up yet then I can't encourage you enough to add it to your collection! This book is truly a little gem!
Vanessa Gayle ⚔️
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Books:
high-school
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