Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Review: A List of Cages by Robin Roe


A List of Cages by Robin Roe
When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives.
”add
Publishes in US: January 10th 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc via Netgalley from Disney
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook


    I wanted to read A List of Cages because I am drawn to books with the psychological elements since I myself suffer from several mental illnesses. I get a sense of healing from reading about others who also deal with it-- looking at issues from a new angle as well as how they cope and their own journeys of acceptance, healing, and going on with life. Not only that, but this also had the element of family that intrigued me-- the foster brother situation. 

    It's told in dual narrative, so we get to experience the story from both of the boys. Julian is the one that struggles, and is the one who lost his parents. He has anxiety about speaking, and often skips class, which gets him into trouble. Adam is popular and feeling on top of the world, until he gets the coveted aide position for the school psychologist. He gets a glimpse of what others has to deal with and it also puts him in a spot to reconnect with and understand Julian. 



Bottom Line: Worth a read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What was/is fave elective in school?

Monday, December 5, 2016

Review: Fire in You by J. Lynn


Fire in You (Wait for You #6) by J. Lynn, Jennifer L. Armentrout
From the # 1 New York Times and International bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout writing as J.Lynn, comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…
Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.
She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the past sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

”add

Publishes in US: November 28th 2016 by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: adult/new adult contemp
Source: bought
 **   Audience alert: this is a new adult book. It does contain sex scenes that aren't fade to black, descriptions of violence and other adult situations. If you are under 18, get your parent's advice if this is a book for you.
Series? Yes Wait for You #6
My reviews;
#1 Wait for You
#1.5 Trust in Me
#2 Be with Me
#3 Stay with Me
#4 Fall with Me
#4.5 Dream of You
5: Forever with You


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Author stalk away: site Blog | Facebook Goodreads | Twitter

 


I wanted to read Fire In You because I adore JL Armentrout/J Lynn. This is no exception, it has a great main character with flaws and insecurities that has a lot of growth emotionally and through hard times. Jillian has a scar on her face from a violent attack is what it seems like at first, but we don't get the whole story until later. She also has hearing loss in one ear, and its a challenge I haven't seen addressed a lot.

The romance is a second chance one, and although she faced a lot of hurt the first time around with Brock, they are thrown back into each other's lives and she can't deny neither the powerful attraction and chemistry nor the hurt she felt years ago.

I liked their conclusion and where they ended up in their relationship, with her family and career wise. I enjoyed getting an update on the other characters as well.




Bottom Line: Worth the read, good addition to the series.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have any visible scars?

Monday, October 10, 2016

Review: If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson


If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson
Readers of Sarah Dessen, Cammie McGovern and Morgan Matson will adore this thought-provoking, complex and romantic contemporary novel from debut author Abigail Johnson, about finding the strength to put yourself back together when everything you know has fallen apart.
When sixteen-year-old Jill Whitaker’s mom walks out—with a sticky note as a goodbye—only Jill knows the real reason she’s gone. But how can she tell her father? Jill can hardly believe the truth herself.
Suddenly, the girl who likes to fix things—cars, relationships, romances, people—is all broken up. Used to be, her best friend, tall, blond and hot flirt Sean Addison, could make her smile in seconds. But not anymore. They don’t even talk.With nothing making sense, Jill tries to pick up the pieces of her life. But when a new guy moves in next door, intense, seriously cute, but with scars—on the inside and out—that he thinks don’t show, Jill finds herself trying to make things better for Daniel. But over one long, hot Arizona summer, she realizes she can’t fix anyone’s life until she fixes her own. And she knows just where to start . . .

”add

Publishes in US: October 25th 2016 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Harlequin Teen via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook


    I wanted to read If I Fix You because I liked the sound of the main characters. I have a thing for contemp genre, especially ones dealing with hurting people and their healing. It also sounded like it had a good chance for a good romance where two people support each other. 

    I liked the main character Jill. She has her issues, but she is trying to move on with life. She is close to her dad, still upset with her mom for leaving, the boy who used to be her best friend and his part in it, and their resulting distance from each other. She sleeps on the roof trying to find a way to deal with her pain, and escape her dad's pacing. But she has her own interests, cars and running. She helps in her dad's mechanic shop where she is more than tired of changing oil, but she gets to work on older cars, her passion and what she's saving up for. 

   Her new neighbor Daniel, who when she was hanging out/sleeping on the roof, overheard a huge fight between him and his mom, and begins to see where his bruises and scars come from. They had a connection from the start, but he was still trying to keep some sort of hold on his secrets, but they keep being drawn to each other, helped by their proximity to each other. 

    The romance, the deal with Sean, as well as some of her mom's issues ended up surprising me, but I appreciate the deviation from the norm. It went through a lot of emotions not only with Jill, but all of the characters had things to learn about relationships, their view of certain events, and themselves to learn. 

    While there were some heavy things in this one, it managed to not be depressing, but left me with a deeper understanding of the characters. It left Jill at a good point where she could forgive and more towards healing. I also liked the lighter moments, showing how involved and present her dad was, and the things in life that they shared and making it through her mom leaving. 

   I liked this one, and would read another by Abigail Johnson. 

   
Bottom Line: Good character growth, heavy at times but worth the read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have a favorite or dream car?

Monday, October 3, 2016

Review: The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras


The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras

A contemporary YA novel about growing up and learning that loving yourself is more important than trying to be perfect.
AP Exams – check
SAT test – check
College Application – check
Date the wrong guy and ruin everything you’ve spent your whole life working for– check
Ultra-high-achiever Viviana Rabinovich-Lowe has always had a plan—and no room to be anything less than perfect. But her quest for perfection comes toa screeching halt when her boyfriend leaks racy pictures of her to the entire school. Making matters worse, her parents are getting divorced and now her perfect family is falling apart. For the first time, Viv feels like a complete and utter failure.Then she gets a job working at the community pool, where she meets a new group of friends who know nothing about her past. That includes Evan, a gorgeous guy who makes her want to do something she never thought she’d do again: trust. For the first time in her life, Viv realizes she can finally be whoever she wants. But who is that? While she tries to figure it out, she learns something they never covered in her AP courses: that it’s okay to be less than perfect, because it’s our imperfections that make us who we are. 


”add

Publishes in US: November 1st 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Netgalley via St. Martin's
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Screen Shot 2015-08-04 at 2.02.10 PMScreen Shot 2015-08-04 at 2.02.29 PMScreen Shot 2015-08-04 at 2.03.49 PM

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog


     I wanted to read The Best Possible Answer because I liked the sound of Vivi. I am drawn to books about anxiety, young people making mistakes and how they learn from them, and the complicated family dynamics that it hints at. 
     
     Vivi is it dealing with panic attacks at the beginning of the book and her mom has finally realize how much stress she's only trying to do so much and be so much as an honor student and although she is trying to encourage her to slow down part of the problem is that she won't admit what else is going on with Vivi. We know from the synopsis that her boyfriend had leaked some pictures of her and it really affected her in a lot of ways and her mom just wants to look at the school aspect of it and tell her to calm down instead of trying to face the emotional pain that she's facing with that.


    As far as family dynamics that's pretty complicated as well. Her dad is not living with them and not on good terms with her mom even though her mom just dealt with thyroid cancer and well things are looking okay she's still got a lot of uncertainties. Vivi has a younger sister who looks up to her a lot and wants to be closer. When her mom takes away the normal academic summer camp that she usually goes to that one chance to and it also brings her new friends into the picture. Vivi's father is a story unto himself. He has a lot of secrets, and he has hurt those around him in a lot of ways. Vivi figures out some of the things that he was hiding, and it only adds to her confusion and identity issues. 

     I liked the friendship aspect in this one as well. Vivi and her best friend Sammie live in the same building and they have been friends for years. They've always been close, but their own family issues that left them hurting have allowed them to bond even more and know that someone else understands. I do wish that the whole aspect of both of them liking the same guy wouldn't have been there, but it did allow for a lot of character growth and for them to look at their relationship and how to work on it. 

    I liked the story line, how Vivi realized a lot about herself, her life, her plans for the future, and how she interacts with others. She wasn't in the best place at the beginning but she certainly learned a lot and while the main story lines were tied up, she still had a lot of room to grow, make choices, and move on with both old and new friends.



Bottom Line: Good read, had decent emotional connection, and complex family dynamics.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Did your college plans turn out how you thought?




Monday, August 15, 2016

Review: The Possibility of Somewhere by Julia Day


 The Possibility of Somewhere by Julia Day 
Together is somewhere they long to be.
Ash Gupta has a life full of possibility. His senior year is going exactly as he’s always wanted-- he's admired by his peers, enjoying his classes and getting the kind of grades that his wealthy, immigrant parents expect. There's only one obstacle in Ash's path: Eden Moore—the senior most likely to become class valedictorian. How could this unpopular, sharp-tongued girl from the wrong side of the tracks stand in his way?
All Eden's ever wanted was a way out. Her perfect GPA should be enough to guarantee her a free ride to college -- and an exit from her trailer-park existence for good. The last thing she needs is a bitter rivalry with Ash, who wants a prized scholarship for his own selfish reasons. Or so she thinks. . . When Eden ends up working with Ash on a class project, she discovers that the two have more in common than either of them could have imagined. They’re both in pursuit of a dream -- one that feels within reach thanks to their new connection. But what does the future hold for two passionate souls from totally different worlds?
”add
Publishes in US: September 6th 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from St. Martin's Griffin via netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

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Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog

 

    I wanted to read this one because I liked that it dealt with smart kids who are from different walks of life. The hint of a new romance between the rivals for valedictorian also interested me.

    To some extent the sound of Eden reminded me of myself. I grew up in trailer parks more often than not, had little money, wanted to go to college, was fairly good with grades but not as good as Eden, and I had and still have to this day problems with socialization. She is wary of others, keeps to herself a lot, and while our reasoning may be different, the results are the same. 

    Ash also was fun to read about. It's clear that he is under a lot of pressure from his parents to get good grades and they aren't happy with him being 2nd in the class. But his interactions with Eden are slightly awkward and she begins to see a side of him that he'd never shown her or that she didn't notice. 

   This was an easy read in some aspects, even when it dealt with some tough issues. Money is an issue a lot with Eden and her family and she gives them some of her college savings and it's hard for them all. Eden also babysits regularly for a family and the kids have really worked themselves into her heart. The girl, 10 is way more mature than she should be because the little boy, in 1st grade is a high functioning autistic. Eden in seeing his intelligence but also the autism that limits him and keeps hi in its cage has really made an impact on her and she wants to study special education specializing in autism. 

    Though it did begin to get really emotional and I am one who drinks angst like there is no tomorrow, so that was good for me. 

    I also liked that this book focused on family and friendship, showing that both can be imperfect but still present and a big part of the character's lives. Mundy is the new girl and she is bold in approaching Eden and doesn't let Eden use her usual maneuvers in order to evade the friendship. Its not perfect and Mundy does hide things that end up hurting Eden. But Eden also learns that even if things aren't perfect, and even if Mundy isn't going to be around physically for more than a semester, that their time and friendship still deserved to happen and that it was a good thing. Relationships can grow and change and often distance can be a factor, but it proved to Eden that even though her biological mother abandoned her and never looked back that it wasn't necessarily what would happen with every other relationship. 

    I liked how close Eden and her stepmother was, and how Marnie supported her and loved her and wanted the best for her even though they weren't blood related. Eden and her dad have it rough and there is some abusive tendencies there, but I also saw in moments that he cared for her, so even though it needed a lot of help and there should have been bigger consequences for his actions, that something might be salvageable. 

   The Possibility of Somewhere also touches on race and class, segregation and racism. It's not preachy but I do like that it is an inter-racial relationship and it examines the complexities and the stereotypes and parents that think they know what is best and push too hard. I did like that Marnie was accepting and just wanted Eden to have a man who adored her and treated her right. I think that Ash's parents, being Indian and also first generations to the US had a hard time at first putting those cultural differences aside and they treated Eden unfairly. 

    But I did like the ending, how it wrapped up certain story lines, how the couple even though young and in love, still pursued their college dreams, even while keeping things long distance and open for the future. I liked seeing the beginnings of change in their families as well. I liked that things were hopeful and open with so many possibilities while still giving me closure for the characters and the plot. 

    I look forward to reading more from Julia in the future, her characters left and impression on me, the romance was original and a slow burn, I loved Eden's inspiration for wanting to teach and seeing past Kurt (the boy she babysat for) difficulties and saw a loving child who needed people to love him, accept him, and help guide him through a scary universe to him. 

    I read this story in one sitting, and devoured all it had to offer. I haven't been much in the YA mood lately, and glad to read this gorgeously written book with characters that had a lot to learn and to offer. 

Bottom Line: Emotional, focuses on character development, romance, family and friendship. Loved the smart main character and seeing her blossom.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have any experience with autism?

Monday, August 1, 2016

Review: Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Girl in Pieces
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The thick glass of a mason jar cuts deep, and the pain washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.
Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.


”add

Publishes in US: September 6th 2016 by Delacorte Press
Genre: ya contemp heavy
Source: Delacorte via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site

 

     I wanted to read Girl In Pieces because I am drawn to the stories about mental illness and this one is about a cutter who is currently in treatment. Honestly though, I almost didn't want to stick with it because it is not in a traditional format. The "chapters" are short, generally a page or less, and it is almost like diary entries. I am not always so much on that sort of format, but it did catch my attention. 

    The intensity, emotions and eventual road to healing, understanding and some sort of life after recovery are all themes explored and what are universal in this type of story, and what kept me from not finishing. 

    Charlotte begins by mostly telling us about the others in treatment and group with her, and this works because we see what she notices, what of herself or her past that she latches on to. I felt for her, and its hard to see someone struggle with pain and depression and loss in these destructive ways. 


Bottom Line: Worth a go round if the subject interests you.


Thursday, July 21, 2016

Review: Because I Love You by Tori Rigby


Because I Love You by Tori Rigby


”add

Publishes in US: May 17th 2016 by Blaze Publishing, LLC
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Blaze via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog


    I wanted to read Because I Love You because I am drawn to books about teenage pregnancy and I haven't read one lately, besides the one that was written in prose and I can't remember the name right now. 
    
    I feel for Andie of course, because we always think especially as teens that we are immune, that things like an unplanned pregnancy is something that happens to other people. What makes it worse for her is that the father is Carter, part of a three way best friendship. They had vowed to not ever date one another because they didn't want to mess things up. Andie lies to Heather, the third best friend because she doesn't want her to know that she slept with Carter, and things go downhill from there. Of course the truth comes out and Carter even denies sleeping with her much less being the father, and things become even tougher for Andie. 

    Luckily, an old friend- actually ex-boyfriend Neil is able to be there for her when Heather and Carter turn on her. I like Neil, he has depth, and he truly cares for Andie, and now has a second chance to prove it to her. They become close, and I enjoyed the evolution of that. Neil has a tough life too, and he opens up some to Andie about it, and that makes them closer. But he hides behind a bad boy reputation and his collection of wit, and humor. 
  
    Neil is so mature and accepting, I loved him hard. He is a spectacular book boyfriend. 

   I also liked the other friendship that formed in this one, with a quiet nerd named Jill, that Andie never really noticed before in the cheerleading glory and what she'd thought was a solid friendship with Heather and Carter. 

    Andie is part of a religious family, with part of them even in the missionary. She doesn't want to tell them and feels like getting pregnant is punishment for the sin of premarital sex. But this actually only plays a role at the beginning. There was a lot of talk between Andie and her mom, and I liked seeing that relationship strengthen as well after the initial shock. But Andie's mom hid a lot from her, and one thing I can understand but it did add a twist to the story. The other thing, I think was unfair to hide and once again, for me, it came out of nowhere and I think that at that point the plot was just going in too many directions. 

   I liked the ending, and the self realization and realizing that being a good parent can look a multitude of different ways. 

Bottom Line: Liked the characters, quick but emotional read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Know anyone who's adopted?

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Review: Detached by Christina Kilbourne



Detached by Christina Kilbourne


Anna has always been so level-headed, so easy-going, so talented and funny. How could anyone have guessed she wanted to die?
Anna is not like other people. For one thing, she’s been an accomplished artist since she was a preschooler. For another, she’s always felt like she didn’t belong: not with other kids, not with her family, not in her body. It isn’t until her grandparents are killed in a tragic accident, however, that Anna starts to feel untethered. She begins to wonder what it would be like if she didn’t exist and the thought of escaping the aimless dhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26257689-detached" target="_blank">
”add

Publishes in US: August 13th 2016 by Dundurn Press
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Dundern via netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site


    I wanted to read Detached because I am drawn to stories that deal with mental illness and it sounded like one that would deal with the issue as well as suicide in a realistic way. 

   It's told in multiple narratives from Anna, perfectly normal and middle class from the outside, she even has her looks and talent with art to boost that. But it also shows that depression does not discriminate. She's never felt like she fit in, and she has an obsession with a bridge that is known as a suicide spot. She thinks that she's suffering too much, especially since the death of her grandparents, like it opened her eyes that death is an ending, and in her mind- a sweet release and escape. It's tough to get inside that mindset and the hopelessness... but it is true to life. I deal with these thoughts and bipolar--so the author has done her research. 

   The other point of view is her close friend Aliya. She's moved a lot and transferred schools a ton, and she was drawn to Anna from the first time she saw her. She said it was her beauty, but also that she looked distracted and she wanted to know what was on her mind. 

   We also heard from Anna's mom, where we got a picture of the family dynamics. Anna's grandmother was close since they shared the love of art. We also got to see some of Anna's actions--skipping school, the party where she ended up in the river freezing cold, and such from another perspective, and how worried she was. 

   The ending where we saw her go through treatment was such a transformation. To see her not numb and actually feeling was wonderful. She still had a hard time don't get me wrong, but seeing the difference that meds can  make and transform the way she sees the world, feels things and sees herself was a beautiful thing to see. 


Bottom Line: Realistic look at depression, suicidal thoughts, how mental illness can effect everyone around the person.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Are you at all artistically inclined?

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Review: Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel


Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel

This emotionally-charged novel about three high school seniors who in the midst of planning their futures after high school are instead faced with present circumstances that force them to grasp what it means to make choices, take responsibility, and truly become an adult.
Lani Kennedy has dreamed of becoming a nurse since her cousin Arie died of leukemia. Nothing will stop her from getting into the local nursing program.
Dawson Burke hasn’t dealt with his mom’s death, and he’s angry at his dad for moving them to Windemere right before senior year. He grudgingly accepts that he must wait till graduation before he leaves.
Sloan Quentin can belt out a song and knows that her band is her ticket to fame and fortune. When she discovers that her boyfriend—the band’s lead guitarist—is cheating on her, she finds comfort—and revenge—in someone else’s arms.
When the lives of Lani, Dawson, and Sloan become entangled in unexpected ways, reality hits harder than anyone could have imagined.

”add

Publishes in US: June 14th 2016 by Delacorte Press
Genre: ya contemp
Source: bought
Series? no

Buy it: sq_amazonsq_bandnsq_bam

Author stalk away: website
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   I wanted to read this one because I love Lurlene McDaniel, and have since I was preteen. She is an automatic buy for me and she delivered in Losing Gabriel.

   I def wondered how these three could be so connected, but I got lost in their stories and personalities and the changes of life that brought them all so intertwined. 

   I read this in one sitting, it had me glued to the pages, and I didn't want to stop. 

    This was hard core emotionally charged, and there was so much in in that made me want to cry. Lurlene has always know how to draw these amazing characters that have to face hard real life situations. She knows how to write heartbreak and make the reader feel it. 

    This book has romance, and it has tragedy to it, but its about so much more. Family ties, friendship, relationships, hardships. It melds three very different characters-- Lani who want to be a nurse after being by her cousin's bedside and seeing her die from cancer, Sloane, a singer who wants to make it big but who has a rough upbringing with absent and drunk mother, and at first angry Dawson, who is close with his father, but they are still reeling from the loss of his mother. 


Bottom Line: Emotional, all I expect from a book by McDaniel.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
ever in a band? want to be?