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celjla212's review
3.0
Adorable novella that revolves around best friends Emma and Jason. When Jason takes Emma out on her 21st birthday, she learns to expect the unexpected as they enter a magical world she never knew existed.
I thought Emma and Jason were both great characters, and I loved the banter and energy between them. For such a short story, you could really feel the chemistry between the two main characters.
I had a couple of problems: it didn't seem realistic that it took Emma no time at all to accept that such things as unicorns, elves, and more were real. Other than that, I called the whole ending to the story about halfway through. But I enjoyed the ride.
I'd be happy to read more novellas involving Emma and Jason!
I thought Emma and Jason were both great characters, and I loved the banter and energy between them. For such a short story, you could really feel the chemistry between the two main characters.
I had a couple of problems: it didn't seem realistic that it took Emma no time at all to accept that such things as unicorns, elves, and more were real. Other than that, I called the whole ending to the story about halfway through. But I enjoyed the ride.
I'd be happy to read more novellas involving Emma and Jason!
nannyf's review
4.0
It is Emma's 21st birthday and her sister arrives singing Happy Birthday, with Emma's best friend Jason in tow. Jason has planned a very special day for Emma, and she plays hooky from college to spend the day with him.
Emma likes Jason, Jason likes Emma, but neither seem willing to admit it to each other for fear of losing the friendship they have built up.
Jason has been keeping a huge secret from Emma, and he has chosen this day to share it with her. But he doesn't tell her as such, instead he takes her somewhere, and lets her see for herself.
Jason takes Emma to a circus, but not just any circus. This is a very special circus, with mythical creatures such as unicorns, dwarves, and a siren.
Unfortunately the siren has escaped, and it is up to Jason to find her, with Emma helping.
I managed to figure out the culprit while they were talking to Mama Maria, but I didn't work out why until I read it!
This is a short story so it didn't take too long to read, but there is a lot packed into its pages. The author has managed to write a story which captures the imagination of the reader very quickly with what appears to be a story of friends finding love, then quickly turns it into something far more. A well written story with just one fault, it ends too quickly! I look forward to the next story to find out if Jason and Emma manage to get it together, and what other secrets he has been hiding.
Emma likes Jason, Jason likes Emma, but neither seem willing to admit it to each other for fear of losing the friendship they have built up.
Jason has been keeping a huge secret from Emma, and he has chosen this day to share it with her. But he doesn't tell her as such, instead he takes her somewhere, and lets her see for herself.
Jason takes Emma to a circus, but not just any circus. This is a very special circus, with mythical creatures such as unicorns, dwarves, and a siren.
Unfortunately the siren has escaped, and it is up to Jason to find her, with Emma helping.
I managed to figure out the culprit while they were talking to Mama Maria, but I didn't work out why until I read it!
This is a short story so it didn't take too long to read, but there is a lot packed into its pages. The author has managed to write a story which captures the imagination of the reader very quickly with what appears to be a story of friends finding love, then quickly turns it into something far more. A well written story with just one fault, it ends too quickly! I look forward to the next story to find out if Jason and Emma manage to get it together, and what other secrets he has been hiding.
tartbarbie's review
4.0
It's Emma's birthday, her best friend shows up at the door with a surprise in store that will shed some light on Jason's life that she doesn't already know. He takes Emma to a fair that is unlike any she has every seen before with magical unicorns and even elves, but something is wrong at the fair a Siren has gone missing. Jason and Emma set out to find the missing Siren knowing that the reason she was taken is because her blood can be used for a love potion. Will they find and stop the person casting the powerful spell or will they be too late?
I liked Emma a lot she's super sweet and accepts the world that Jason shares with her super well. I think if I was faced with a unicorn as my first supernatural being I think I would have been eased into it a lot easier. I adore Jason he doesn't know much of his past but now he's determined to find out where he's come from.
I've had this one on my kindle for years and decided it was time to check it out. The concept for Playing Hooky is interesting a supernatural world hidden among the humans but set in Alaska. I actually finished Playing Hooky in one sitting it was hard to put down and I had to know how it was going to play out. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help cheering them on through the story. This is my first book by the author but I have the next two on my kindle ready to go. I enjoyed the authors writing style she tells a beautiful captivating story. I can't wait to dive into Emma's world again and learn more about Jason.
I liked Emma a lot she's super sweet and accepts the world that Jason shares with her super well. I think if I was faced with a unicorn as my first supernatural being I think I would have been eased into it a lot easier. I adore Jason he doesn't know much of his past but now he's determined to find out where he's come from.
I've had this one on my kindle for years and decided it was time to check it out. The concept for Playing Hooky is interesting a supernatural world hidden among the humans but set in Alaska. I actually finished Playing Hooky in one sitting it was hard to put down and I had to know how it was going to play out. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help cheering them on through the story. This is my first book by the author but I have the next two on my kindle ready to go. I enjoyed the authors writing style she tells a beautiful captivating story. I can't wait to dive into Emma's world again and learn more about Jason.
zinokato's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Emma was supposed to be at school, instead she spent the day chasing down a siren with her bestfriend/crush in a magical world filled with unicorns and other magical creatures. Yeah, I wouldn't have gone to school either.
I was so suprised at how quickly I finished this, even though it's a novella I finished the book faster than I thought I would.
Emma was a likeable character, from the beginning we know that she's had this crush on Jason for a long time and throughout the book I kept wanting them to get together.
They had a pretty wacky adventure and things happened fast, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around why certain events happened. Like how did Angelina find out about the magical world? I'm assuming before Emma did. And what is Jason? If he's not human.
But I loved Gruff and Taylon. I thought Taylon was cute and I found Gruff to be funny for a grumpy dwarf.
Overall, I thought this was a good story. It had adventure, romance, humour and was an entertaining read.
Thanks to Rita Webb for providing me with a free copy :)
Emma was supposed to be at school, instead she spent the day chasing down a siren with her bestfriend/crush in a magical world filled with unicorns and other magical creatures. Yeah, I wouldn't have gone to school either.
I was so suprised at how quickly I finished this, even though it's a novella I finished the book faster than I thought I would.
Emma was a likeable character, from the beginning we know that she's had this crush on Jason for a long time and throughout the book I kept wanting them to get together.
They had a pretty wacky adventure and things happened fast, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around why certain events happened. Like how did Angelina find out about the magical world? I'm assuming before Emma did. And what is Jason? If he's not human.
But I loved Gruff and Taylon. I thought Taylon was cute and I found Gruff to be funny for a grumpy dwarf.
Overall, I thought this was a good story. It had adventure, romance, humour and was an entertaining read.
Thanks to Rita Webb for providing me with a free copy :)
emilyhei's review
4.0
On Emma's 21st birthday she just wanted to hit the snooze button but when her best friend shows up she knows she is in for an adventure. Jason is about to reveal something about himself and the doors it opens to Emma and it will leave her completely enchanted.
For the first time since they were old enough to date both are single, but what would happen if they began to date? The question is out there but both Jason and Emma are entwined in another adventure that reveals a betrayal neither saw coming.
Very fun read. There was a magical quality to the story that sweeps you away immediately.
For the first time since they were old enough to date both are single, but what would happen if they began to date? The question is out there but both Jason and Emma are entwined in another adventure that reveals a betrayal neither saw coming.
Very fun read. There was a magical quality to the story that sweeps you away immediately.
lenoreo's review
4.0
Cute and quick little read. With short stories, it can be hard to get sucked in b/c you have to just go with their assumptions...the author tends to just jump right in. Like how easily Emma believed everything about the new world. It worked for me and I let it go, but my major complaint was with her sister....I don't know if the author will delve into it more in later stories, but I would spend a little more time being shocked about that whole turn of events if I were Emma....
lifeandliterature's review
5.0
I hope she likes it. The place we're going. Today, I'm bringing her deeper into my life than I ever have before. I'm laying all my cards on the table, revealing all my deepest secrets.
Except that I love her.
Wow, this book was so different to others that I have read lately or probably anything that I've ever read. Imagine a fairytale filled with adventure and the throw in a nice yummy dose of New Adult steaminess and what you have is Playing Hooky.
It's Valentines day and Emma's 21st birthday. Her friend since Kindergarten Jason, turns up at her door to spend the day with her. He's about to introduce her to a part of himself that he's kept hidden all these years. He takes her to the circus and introduces her to a hidden world filled with unicorns, sirens and magic. And even though he lets Emma into his world we still have much to learn about exactly what Jason is.
Now I stand in a circus tent with my insane best friend and seven white unicorns.
Playing Hooky is a super quick read at just 100 pages long, although I was so caught up in the story it seemed much less than that. It took me no time at all to finish it. But even though it is a breeze to read, Rita Webb still manages to pack a whole lot into it's pages. Sometimes with novella sized books you can come away without feeling that you know the characters very well, but I didn't feel that at all here. Oh, there is definitely still lots to learn about them and I have many questions but I definitely felt connected to them.
That's my girl, plunging into the craziest adventures by my side. She hasn't changed much over the years. Tell her to stay safe and she'll go in the opposite direction.
That's what I love about her.
Emma and Jason, both have feelings for each other. Emma doesn't want to ruin their friendship so keeps those feelings to herself. Jason is much more forthcoming with his actions but still holds back in letting his true feelings be known. But they have a wonderful connection. Their friendship and the banter between the two was fantastic. The familiarity that they have from being friends for so long was one of the things that I loved most about the book.
"Last time I tried to kiss you, you ran away screaming about my 'girl cooties' "
There was also a surprising twist coming in their search for the siren. One that really threw me because I sure didn't see that one coming.
This was the first book that I had read by Rita Webb and it was such a wonderful read. I was really surprised at the amount of humour and I found myself having a laugh on more than one occasion. And while I was completely swept up in the paranormal aspect of the story it was Emma and Jason that sold it for me. Looking forward to reading the next book and having some of my questions answered especially in regards to getting to know Jason on a greater level.
4.5/5 Stars!!
Except that I love her.
Wow, this book was so different to others that I have read lately or probably anything that I've ever read. Imagine a fairytale filled with adventure and the throw in a nice yummy dose of New Adult steaminess and what you have is Playing Hooky.
It's Valentines day and Emma's 21st birthday. Her friend since Kindergarten Jason, turns up at her door to spend the day with her. He's about to introduce her to a part of himself that he's kept hidden all these years. He takes her to the circus and introduces her to a hidden world filled with unicorns, sirens and magic. And even though he lets Emma into his world we still have much to learn about exactly what Jason is.
Now I stand in a circus tent with my insane best friend and seven white unicorns.
Playing Hooky is a super quick read at just 100 pages long, although I was so caught up in the story it seemed much less than that. It took me no time at all to finish it. But even though it is a breeze to read, Rita Webb still manages to pack a whole lot into it's pages. Sometimes with novella sized books you can come away without feeling that you know the characters very well, but I didn't feel that at all here. Oh, there is definitely still lots to learn about them and I have many questions but I definitely felt connected to them.
That's my girl, plunging into the craziest adventures by my side. She hasn't changed much over the years. Tell her to stay safe and she'll go in the opposite direction.
That's what I love about her.
Emma and Jason, both have feelings for each other. Emma doesn't want to ruin their friendship so keeps those feelings to herself. Jason is much more forthcoming with his actions but still holds back in letting his true feelings be known. But they have a wonderful connection. Their friendship and the banter between the two was fantastic. The familiarity that they have from being friends for so long was one of the things that I loved most about the book.
"Last time I tried to kiss you, you ran away screaming about my 'girl cooties' "
There was also a surprising twist coming in their search for the siren. One that really threw me because I sure didn't see that one coming.
This was the first book that I had read by Rita Webb and it was such a wonderful read. I was really surprised at the amount of humour and I found myself having a laugh on more than one occasion. And while I was completely swept up in the paranormal aspect of the story it was Emma and Jason that sold it for me. Looking forward to reading the next book and having some of my questions answered especially in regards to getting to know Jason on a greater level.
4.5/5 Stars!!
seeingnight's review
4.0
GENRE: New Adult Fantasy
THEME: Romance, Magic
RECEIVED: Publisher
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
Playing Hooky follows Emma on her 21st birthday, as always she’s excited to spend this day with her best friend Jason on some sort of adventure. But Jason has a special day planned for her that she’ll likely never forget.
Emma is a typical college girl; she’s not perfect and seems to be the total opposite of her pretty and perfectly sweet sister. But her friend Jason, likes her for who she is. Which is rough around the edges and ready for adventures. Jason introduces her to what he’s grown up knowing is real, magic. Emma actually takes the news of his secret with stride and not as many questions as I would have. But I guess it might have to settle in a bit more.
Jason has been best friends with Emma since they were kids, always harboring a soft spot for her. On her birthday he wants to tell her one of his big secrets and introduces her to a world he’s tried to tell her about for forever. But things take a turn when a mystical creature goes missing and they set off looking for it. I loved how much he cared for Emma, they had some cute moments of chemistry and you can just see the sparks.
The hard part about this story is that since it’s a novella, the readers only get a sneak peak into this magical world. We do learn a little backstory about Jason and of course some great chemistry with Emma and him. Luckily this is only the beginning, as with this being a series, I can’t wait to find about more about Jason and this world he’s brought Emma too. I don’t want to say much more since it will spoil the story.
Overall this was a great introduction, I can’t wait to see more chemistry bloom with Emma and Jason, plus get more of a background story. There were a lot of unique characters introduced that I can already tell they’ll be coming back in the future books. We do get a very shocking villain and I so can’t wait to get more detail about that one. In the end a fast read with mystery, romance, magic, and a promising start to a new series.
THEME: Romance, Magic
RECEIVED: Publisher
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
Playing Hooky follows Emma on her 21st birthday, as always she’s excited to spend this day with her best friend Jason on some sort of adventure. But Jason has a special day planned for her that she’ll likely never forget.
Emma is a typical college girl; she’s not perfect and seems to be the total opposite of her pretty and perfectly sweet sister. But her friend Jason, likes her for who she is. Which is rough around the edges and ready for adventures. Jason introduces her to what he’s grown up knowing is real, magic. Emma actually takes the news of his secret with stride and not as many questions as I would have. But I guess it might have to settle in a bit more.
Jason has been best friends with Emma since they were kids, always harboring a soft spot for her. On her birthday he wants to tell her one of his big secrets and introduces her to a world he’s tried to tell her about for forever. But things take a turn when a mystical creature goes missing and they set off looking for it. I loved how much he cared for Emma, they had some cute moments of chemistry and you can just see the sparks.
The hard part about this story is that since it’s a novella, the readers only get a sneak peak into this magical world. We do learn a little backstory about Jason and of course some great chemistry with Emma and him. Luckily this is only the beginning, as with this being a series, I can’t wait to find about more about Jason and this world he’s brought Emma too. I don’t want to say much more since it will spoil the story.
Overall this was a great introduction, I can’t wait to see more chemistry bloom with Emma and Jason, plus get more of a background story. There were a lot of unique characters introduced that I can already tell they’ll be coming back in the future books. We do get a very shocking villain and I so can’t wait to get more detail about that one. In the end a fast read with mystery, romance, magic, and a promising start to a new series.
cpliego's review
1.0
I think my first problem with this one was that Playing Hooky was too short. I already know I don’t like short stories, but I decided that a novella was worth a shot. From the synopsis it sounded like something I would really be pulled into, but unfortunately, Playing Hooky turned out to quite annoying and I barely got through it.
For starters, I had a problem connecting with Emma and Jason. I was also annoyed with their conversations, because half the time they spent talking about past events as a filler on their relationship and that bugged me so much.
I also had a time really getting into the paranormal aspect into the story. Since there were under 100 pages to this novella, the story was rushed right to the dwarves and unicorns, sirens and elves, and Emma just sort of accepted everything as it came without much surprise.
The ending was rushed and the villain was a little surprising, but overall predictable. I was really disappointed in how rushed Playing Hooky was, since there were so many elements to be included, and delivered rather poorly.
In conclusion, I didn’t find Playing Hooky to be good. Although I am fond of paranormal and friendships turned into love interests, I didn’t enjoy it all. I have seen many positive reviews though, so if it sounds like something others might enjoy, I say give it a shot. Overall, this one was not for me at all.
For starters, I had a problem connecting with Emma and Jason. I was also annoyed with their conversations, because half the time they spent talking about past events as a filler on their relationship and that bugged me so much.
I also had a time really getting into the paranormal aspect into the story. Since there were under 100 pages to this novella, the story was rushed right to the dwarves and unicorns, sirens and elves, and Emma just sort of accepted everything as it came without much surprise.
The ending was rushed and the villain was a little surprising, but overall predictable. I was really disappointed in how rushed Playing Hooky was, since there were so many elements to be included, and delivered rather poorly.
In conclusion, I didn’t find Playing Hooky to be good. Although I am fond of paranormal and friendships turned into love interests, I didn’t enjoy it all. I have seen many positive reviews though, so if it sounds like something others might enjoy, I say give it a shot. Overall, this one was not for me at all.
very_vero's review
3.0
Rating: 3/5
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Playing Hooky is the first book in the Paranormal Investigations series. This is a very short story about Emma and Jason. On Emma's 21st birthday Jason decides it's about time he shares his secret world with her. A world filled with magical creatures, elves, dwarves and many more. Together they visit the Circus and get tangled up in a search for one of the missing creatures.
This was a short and amusing story. I really enjoyed the world that Rita Webb created. The circus atmosphere was really magical and I wish we'd seen more of it. Also Emma was a pretty fun character and someone I didn't mind following around.
However, I think that there were a few holes in the plot, things that would be spoilers if I shared them, but didn't really make sense. Also, I wasn't really convinced of how easy Emma accepted everything and just got along with what Jason said. Finally, the whole romance between Jason and Emma was something I didn't really care about.
Still, this was a quick and light read. I can see people really liking it if they can get past the things that really bothered me.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Playing Hooky is the first book in the Paranormal Investigations series. This is a very short story about Emma and Jason. On Emma's 21st birthday Jason decides it's about time he shares his secret world with her. A world filled with magical creatures, elves, dwarves and many more. Together they visit the Circus and get tangled up in a search for one of the missing creatures.
This was a short and amusing story. I really enjoyed the world that Rita Webb created. The circus atmosphere was really magical and I wish we'd seen more of it. Also Emma was a pretty fun character and someone I didn't mind following around.
However, I think that there were a few holes in the plot, things that would be spoilers if I shared them, but didn't really make sense. Also, I wasn't really convinced of how easy Emma accepted everything and just got along with what Jason said. Finally, the whole romance between Jason and Emma was something I didn't really care about.
Still, this was a quick and light read. I can see people really liking it if they can get past the things that really bothered me.