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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was the voice of the characters that got to me. Show me anyone--anybody--who calls a club "an establishment" or a restaurant "an eatery." Anyone. One person.
Full review on my blog, Storied Adventures!
I really enjoyed this one! I usually go into contemporary romances expecting light hearted cuteness, and this surprised me with how in depth it went with serious issues. I LOVED it! I loved the banter Nandy and Trice had. I loved the character growth both characters had. I loved that Grandison wrote about issues like how a lot of times boys aren’t taught emotions so they act out in inappropriate ways as they get older. I loved how Grandison wrote about how to find beauty no matter where you are, in a uppity community that seems superficial or in a neighborhood that is extremely rough. I think she did great on touching on those issues (and others like judgement, race, feminism) to get young readers attentions!
I really enjoyed this one! I usually go into contemporary romances expecting light hearted cuteness, and this surprised me with how in depth it went with serious issues. I LOVED it! I loved the banter Nandy and Trice had. I loved the character growth both characters had. I loved that Grandison wrote about issues like how a lot of times boys aren’t taught emotions so they act out in inappropriate ways as they get older. I loved how Grandison wrote about how to find beauty no matter where you are, in a uppity community that seems superficial or in a neighborhood that is extremely rough. I think she did great on touching on those issues (and others like judgement, race, feminism) to get young readers attentions!
I only gave a 3 to this book because I learned a few things about the culture of south central LA. And I only finished it because I was hoping Nandy would get some sort of comeuppance! Not much more to say than that. Didn't really like it. Sorry.
Whitney D. Grandison has written a compelling debut. This was kind of a mash up of the friends to lovers/enemies to lovers trope. Tyson Trice has just gone through a major tragedy and the loss of his beloved Pops. Five months away from turning 18 he goes to live with old family friends who live in an affluent area of Southern California. When they were little Trice and Mandy were the best of friends, but now Mandy is not quite certain of Trice because of his background. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist or a romance aficionado to figure out where this one’s going. Even though this story was predictable and somewhat clichéd I still enjoyed the story.
Trice, (Who prefers to go by his last name rather than his first name, because he was named after his father) was a lovable sympathetic character. Although he was constantly contradicting himself, there were some definite conflicts between his words and his actions. Then there was Mandy, what a spoiled entitled princess she was. I grew up in Southern California somewhere between these fictional cities of Linderwood and Pacific Hills. This is such a diverse checkerboarded area that I really doubt anyone would automatically assume someone was a “thug“ just because they were from a bad neighborhood. Well that is with the exception of dear Mandy. Even though we were constantly told what a sweet person she was I never saw that through her actions. I honestly thought Trice could’ve done much better for himself, possibly with her best friend. But I guess the heart wants what it wants. The story was told from both characters perspectives and I really got quite annoyed when I was in Mandy’s head. While I appreciated the diversity in the story I thought occasionally it was a bit stereotypical. I guess this is all to say I’m a little conflicted on this one. On one handI thought the characters were very vivid and well drawn, but on the other hand I really was not rooting for this couple. I was definitely wanting the best for Tyson, but I could’ve cared less what happened to Mandy. So I guess the title is super appropriate, it was kind of a love-hate thing!
this book in emojis.
Trice, (Who prefers to go by his last name rather than his first name, because he was named after his father) was a lovable sympathetic character. Although he was constantly contradicting himself, there were some definite conflicts between his words and his actions. Then there was Mandy, what a spoiled entitled princess she was. I grew up in Southern California somewhere between these fictional cities of Linderwood and Pacific Hills. This is such a diverse checkerboarded area that I really doubt anyone would automatically assume someone was a “thug“ just because they were from a bad neighborhood. Well that is with the exception of dear Mandy. Even though we were constantly told what a sweet person she was I never saw that through her actions. I honestly thought Trice could’ve done much better for himself, possibly with her best friend. But I guess the heart wants what it wants. The story was told from both characters perspectives and I really got quite annoyed when I was in Mandy’s head. While I appreciated the diversity in the story I thought occasionally it was a bit stereotypical. I guess this is all to say I’m a little conflicted on this one. On one handI thought the characters were very vivid and well drawn, but on the other hand I really was not rooting for this couple. I was definitely wanting the best for Tyson, but I could’ve cared less what happened to Mandy. So I guess the title is super appropriate, it was kind of a love-hate thing!
this book in emojis.
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Excuse mee!
Ms. WHITNEY WOW! I wish I could leave it as that.... this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in my opinion to all ages. TEENAGE LOVE! this book kept me me wanting more (Will there be a sequel?) I absolutely enjoyed this book please please read it will bring out all emotions, the author also helps you understand the reality of what it is to not judge a person PERIOD! Tyson and Nandy's relationship is something I wish I had in real life today. PEOPLE GO OUT AND READ THIS!
Ms. WHITNEY WOW! I wish I could leave it as that.... this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in my opinion to all ages. TEENAGE LOVE! this book kept me me wanting more (Will there be a sequel?) I absolutely enjoyed this book please please read it will bring out all emotions, the author also helps you understand the reality of what it is to not judge a person PERIOD! Tyson and Nandy's relationship is something I wish I had in real life today. PEOPLE GO OUT AND READ THIS!
This book is so outdated, so stereotypical and so horribly written
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't stop crying and was just soo moved and touched by what was taking place in this story. I knew it was an enemies to lovers trope but didn't expect it to be like this. It definitely took me by surprise and I was hooked to see how this would play out.
Tyson deals with PTSD and grief and I find that Whitney did a great job in the way she described his inner struggles and the way he deals with himself and others. I was deeply attached and invested to see him gradually heal.
I wasn't that much a fan of Nandy because of her behavior towards Tyson but then I tried to understand her more and gradually appreciated her.
Tyson deals with PTSD and grief and I find that Whitney did a great job in the way she described his inner struggles and the way he deals with himself and others. I was deeply attached and invested to see him gradually heal.
I wasn't that much a fan of Nandy because of her behavior towards Tyson but then I tried to understand her more and gradually appreciated her.