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I received a free ebook copy of this tile from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a cute romance story, loosely inspired by Cinderella, and reworked. The heroine of the story is Mattie, the 'ugly stepsister', who is in love with her stepsister Ella's boyfriend, Jake. Mattie is incredibly relatable- an awkward teen who compares herself negatively to others, especially her stepsister. I prepared myself for girl-hate, but Mattie's relationship with Ella was always supportive, and only grew throughout the book. The book was predictable, but enjoyable. There are a lot of references/plot points that deal with manga and 80s movies, so if that's your thing, you'll love this.
This novel felt like it was a mix of middle grade and YA, so I believe younger teens might like it more than older ones. The romance was tame, so it's safe for anyone who might be worried about whether or not it's appropriate.
This is a cute romance story, loosely inspired by Cinderella, and reworked. The heroine of the story is Mattie, the 'ugly stepsister', who is in love with her stepsister Ella's boyfriend, Jake. Mattie is incredibly relatable- an awkward teen who compares herself negatively to others, especially her stepsister. I prepared myself for girl-hate, but Mattie's relationship with Ella was always supportive, and only grew throughout the book. The book was predictable, but enjoyable. There are a lot of references/plot points that deal with manga and 80s movies, so if that's your thing, you'll love this.
This novel felt like it was a mix of middle grade and YA, so I believe younger teens might like it more than older ones. The romance was tame, so it's safe for anyone who might be worried about whether or not it's appropriate.
4 1/2 stars. Very fun and enjoyable book. Adults will enjoy it as much as teens will. My daughter loved it too, even as much as me. Characters were fun. Ella was my favorite.
Great story! I loved the characters, especially Mattie. I can't tell you how many times her thoughts and comments made me laugh out loud. I am so glad I read this. Very light and funny read with the coveted HEA.
Cute with different patterns..
Than other books. It had more of a YA feel, which was great. I thought the storyline with the step siblings was very sweet.
Than other books. It had more of a YA feel, which was great. I thought the storyline with the step siblings was very sweet.
I feel like the blurb for this one doesn’t do it justice. Mattie has been in love with Jake since she was 9 and he knocked her off the swing with a rogue kickball to the face. She’s a zaftig gal with pink hair and a love for manga, John Hughes movies, and The Princess Bride. And, ok, I will admit that my love for this book mayyyybe has something to do with feeling a lot like Mattie for most of my life, right down to her fandoms and pink hair, haha. But I digress.
Mattie has some understanding hang-ups that create problems, and there are the obligatory misunderstandings to do timing and unfortunate circumstances. I really appreciated the inclusion of a bonus section at the end that gives the reader things from Jake’s point of view. I almost skipped this section but boy, am I sure glad I read it anyway!! I loved Jake’s take on Mattie, especially the reveal on when he fell for her.
Set in Mattie and Jake’s senior year of high school, this is YA/NA but written in a very relatable way that I thoroughly enjoyed at almost-32.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This review was cross-posted to my blog, Elley The Book Otter. Check it out for more reviews!
Mattie has some understanding hang-ups that create problems, and there are the obligatory misunderstandings to do timing and unfortunate circumstances. I really appreciated the inclusion of a bonus section at the end that gives the reader things from Jake’s point of view. I almost skipped this section but boy, am I sure glad I read it anyway!! I loved Jake’s take on Mattie, especially the reveal on when he fell for her.
Set in Mattie and Jake’s senior year of high school, this is YA/NA but written in a very relatable way that I thoroughly enjoyed at almost-32.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This review was cross-posted to my blog, Elley The Book Otter. Check it out for more reviews!
3.75 stars. Makes no attempt to hide its John Hughes-esque roots, which adds a fun little cultural feedback loop. It was refreshing to see Mattie stand up for herself in some of her weakest moments, much earlier than I expected her to (and I was grateful not to have to cringe through those weaknesses and the self-loathing that would come later). Though the storyline felt a little convenient at times, I couldn't help but feel that I should be seeing this as a movie; I admit to partially casting it without realizing I was doing so.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A lighthearted, funny book that's good for when you need a laugh or are feeling down.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes