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tatyanavogt's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a bit of an up and down for me. At times it felt too long but others it felt just right. I was annoyed at the directions it was going, then it would switch up and I'd be into it again. I feel like this is a good coming of age YA romance that focuses on doing the right things, finding who you are, standing up for yourself, and just being a better person. I liked the conversations it was having and really liked the male love interest for the female character. I did find some things a little annoying but nothing bothered me for too long to reduce my general enjoyment. It was cute and I would recommend this.
I also like that the adults were not one dimensional and although still annoying at times were the usual YA obstacle that I'm not a big fan in. (granted I'm NOT the target audience technically). Got a netGalley copy of this ages ago but purchased my own copy for this review.
I also like that the adults were not one dimensional and although still annoying at times were the usual YA obstacle that I'm not a big fan in. (granted I'm NOT the target audience technically). Got a netGalley copy of this ages ago but purchased my own copy for this review.
dioisdabest's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
rambling_reader's review against another edition
3.0
I requested this book to see if it would work for my classroom. I can see my students enjoying the bad-boy/good-girl dynamic. The characters were relatable but very one-note. But any issues I saw with the writing were more my adult lens-I can see my students really enjoying this story.
Many thanks to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Many thanks to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
mq1ne's review against another edition
4.0
honestly loved this book , i hated a few characters like her parents but other than that i read it in one sitting so 3.5 stars :)
bookstobarbells's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I wanted to love this so much more. The premise is a running YA troupe and filled with clichés, but it doesn’t get old, per say. However, I think having two narrators was a huge detriment to this book.
I love Regan. She is dynamic, flawed, and genuine. You can really connect to her and what she’s feeling. I feel like her character shines a real light on the importance of consent and the pressures faced when dating. I thought her growth was admirable and seeing a character blossom is always welcome. It was also cool that she wasn’t a type either. She wasn’t really a nerd, she wasn’t popular, and she wasn’t a super talent. She was a normal teenager. I feel like that’s something that doesn’t happen often anymore.
I also felt like Guillermo’s story was interesting. His background was rough, but not a lost cause. You knew he would be able to pull through very quickly. He also brought in a lot of interesting characters along the way. As much as he is supposed to be the spotlight, he’s able to highlight a lot in others because he’s very observant.
However, with all of the great characters, there was a lot lacking. Pacing was an issue for me. I had a hard time figuring out how much time has passed because it’s so sporadic. Sometimes we’ll jump a few weeks ahead with little notice. Because of this, I felt as if both Regan and Guillermo’s big discoveries came way too easily and fast. It felt like there needed to be little struggles along the way, so when it all happens at the end it doesn’t feel like everything was concluded all at once.
The writing was also a bit inconsistent. While Regan read as authentic, I felt Guillermo fell in and out of sounding as if it was actually him. The language choice and descriptions sometimes didn’t fit with the character and it took me out of the story from time to time. I know his perspective was necessary for the plot to carry the way it did, but I’m not sure it’s as developed or genuine as it could be.
There were also several plot lines that I didn’t feel were necessary.
Overall, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it as it was a cute read, but I also won’t go around recommending it. It was fine, but I wasn’t thrilled with it.
I wanted to love this so much more. The premise is a running YA troupe and filled with clichés, but it doesn’t get old, per say. However, I think having two narrators was a huge detriment to this book.
I love Regan. She is dynamic, flawed, and genuine. You can really connect to her and what she’s feeling. I feel like her character shines a real light on the importance of consent and the pressures faced when dating. I thought her growth was admirable and seeing a character blossom is always welcome. It was also cool that she wasn’t a type either. She wasn’t really a nerd, she wasn’t popular, and she wasn’t a super talent. She was a normal teenager. I feel like that’s something that doesn’t happen often anymore.
I also felt like Guillermo’s story was interesting. His background was rough, but not a lost cause. You knew he would be able to pull through very quickly. He also brought in a lot of interesting characters along the way. As much as he is supposed to be the spotlight, he’s able to highlight a lot in others because he’s very observant.
However, with all of the great characters, there was a lot lacking. Pacing was an issue for me. I had a hard time figuring out how much time has passed because it’s so sporadic. Sometimes we’ll jump a few weeks ahead with little notice. Because of this, I felt as if both Regan and Guillermo’s big discoveries came way too easily and fast. It felt like there needed to be little struggles along the way, so when it all happens at the end it doesn’t feel like everything was concluded all at once.
The writing was also a bit inconsistent. While Regan read as authentic, I felt Guillermo fell in and out of sounding as if it was actually him. The language choice and descriptions sometimes didn’t fit with the character and it took me out of the story from time to time. I know his perspective was necessary for the plot to carry the way it did, but I’m not sure it’s as developed or genuine as it could be.
There were also several plot lines that I didn’t feel were necessary.
Spoiler
Tanner… just why? It seems cruel and then pointless. Sofia? Total waste of time. It didn’t help set up the other big event at that party either. Tommy J was a terrible side character too. We get half way through the book and he’s barely around anymore. It felt forced.Overall, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it as it was a cute read, but I also won’t go around recommending it. It was fine, but I wasn’t thrilled with it.
maiiah's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was not too fond of Reagan's dad and her boyfriend. Guillermo was such an interesting character. I liked how the author developed both characters' personalities and showed growth.
caylieratzlaff's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! 3/5 stars. I really liked this book, and honestly it lost stars simply because the TOXICITY of the relationship of Troy and Regan. I know that was one of the main points of the novel, but it took FOREVER for Regan to get over her fears.
Pros: The concept? Beautiful. The diversity? Beautiful. I LOVED Guillermo and his characterization. He was well developed, and it flowed well with the plot and his rehab. I fell in love with him and his self-growth. It was also refreshing to see this in YA lit. It was new, and it was great to read it. I also liked the relationships between Regan, Mo, and all the friends. Regan's father and Troy also provided an interesting dynamic. Also, the Troy plot was well done!
Cons: I HATED how long it took in the book for Regan to stand up to her father. I also hated how long it took Regan and Troy to have a solution.
Pros: The concept? Beautiful. The diversity? Beautiful. I LOVED Guillermo and his characterization. He was well developed, and it flowed well with the plot and his rehab. I fell in love with him and his self-growth. It was also refreshing to see this in YA lit. It was new, and it was great to read it. I also liked the relationships between Regan, Mo, and all the friends. Regan's father and Troy also provided an interesting dynamic. Also, the Troy plot was well done!
Cons: I HATED how long it took in the book for Regan to stand up to her father. I also hated how long it took Regan and Troy to have a solution.
hallie_luna's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Decent plot, terrible writing
gracedwithbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Arc provided by netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
W0w. For a book that started off really slow, I actually need up enjoying it so much more than I thought I would, What I dislike about a lot of romances is that they are plot rather than character-driven, and that is not the case in this book.
This book follows Guillermo, who has just gotten out of juvie and is on probation, determined not to waste his fresh start, and Regan who is the perfect daughter, student, and girlfriend but all the pressure that ends leaves Regan feeling lost ad wanting more. The book chronicles their relationship together and what I love about this book is first, the emphasis on consent and respect in relationships, two, the fact they both feel the need to grow and develop before starting a relationship, and three, the theme of second chances.
So yes, while it was slow at first, this book really picked up and turned into a wonderful romance with great character development and an ending leaving the reader with hope.
W0w. For a book that started off really slow, I actually need up enjoying it so much more than I thought I would, What I dislike about a lot of romances is that they are plot rather than character-driven, and that is not the case in this book.
This book follows Guillermo, who has just gotten out of juvie and is on probation, determined not to waste his fresh start, and Regan who is the perfect daughter, student, and girlfriend but all the pressure that ends leaves Regan feeling lost ad wanting more. The book chronicles their relationship together and what I love about this book is first, the emphasis on consent and respect in relationships, two, the fact they both feel the need to grow and develop before starting a relationship, and three, the theme of second chances.
So yes, while it was slow at first, this book really picked up and turned into a wonderful romance with great character development and an ending leaving the reader with hope.
ave_s's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5