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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Definitely 3 1/2. Not sure I enjoyed having to read about 17 year olds doing it. But kyland is a king…every girl deserves a kyland of their own
These books never disappoint, and I rate this one up with Archers Voice.
I'll have a book hangover with this for a while to come yet.
Kyland and Tenleigh's story is a sweet and innocent coming of age in an environment that would destroy the strongest person. These two need to overcome major obstacles if they are going to make it.
I'll have a book hangover with this for a while to come yet.
Kyland and Tenleigh's story is a sweet and innocent coming of age in an environment that would destroy the strongest person. These two need to overcome major obstacles if they are going to make it.
5 HUGE STARS :)
Have you ever read an author that totally gets you, EVERY.SINGLE.TIME? I have, and her name is Mia Sheridan. I first read Mia’s book Leo in 2013 when it came out. I couldn’t believe it was her first book, it was so well written- and I loved every single word of it. Her stories are highly emotional, and the characters are always beautifully written. Kyland was absolutely no exception.
Every time Mia writes she one ups herself, in different ways each time. I can’t judge her characters together on which one I like the best, because I love all of them in different ways. If there was a way to have ten favorite characters from Mia’s books, I would have them all. Each character means so much to me, and the way they are weaved together and destined to be with one another makes me fall again and again. I couldn’t wait to start this book, yet I never wanted it to end, and with Mia’s books- I always feel that way.
“The first time I really noticed Kyland Barrett, he was swiping someone’s discarded breakfast off a cafeteria table. I’d looked away, attempting to preserve his dignity, a gut reaction on my part.”
Kyland Barrett lives in a poverty stricken town in Dennville, Kentucky. This setting really hit home to me, because I am from Louisville, Kentucky- a much bigger city, and not impoverished, but knowing that places like this exist and are very real, makes me hurt. To not know what a home cooked meal feels like, or the warmth from a heater, is something we very much take for granted. Reading Mia’s book is more than a story, written and typed on paper, it’s an experience.
“A beautiful girl with a spirit so bright I wanted to squint when I looked at her was not going to derail me now.”
Tenleigh Falyn also lives in this same town and she notices Kyland, because like her- she can sense he comes from a hard upbringing. Like two kindred spirits- waiting to find each other. They both knew what hopelessness felt like. And to me, it seems so sad that such young people had to struggle so hard. Her home life wasn’t the greatest, like Kyland’s- but she at least had her sister Marlo, who was a great additional character to the story.
And even though the place of Dennville is where these two live, they don’t really feel like it’s a home. They both want something bigger and better for their lives. And to them- it means winning the coal scholarship that pays a full ride to college- and getting the heck out of dodge. But only one person can win, so it leaves Tenleigh and Kyland vying for the same goal.
“I think about that line sometimes. I think about how that little fire is hope. I think about how you have to keep it burning to get you through the hard times, the times that seem so painful you don’t want to continue one.”
I opened my eyes. “What keeps your fire burning?”
“The hope that life won’t always hurt so badly. The belief that I’ll get out of her someday- that I won’t be cold or hungry forever. It keeps me going. It’s my fire. It helps me do the things I need to do to survive,, and it helps me hate myself less for doing them.”
And to top it off, they start feeling a mutual attraction for one another that can’t be stopped, even if they tried to. And it complicates things even further. I loved their loved story- how sweet and innocent it was. With them, love is never a mistake. But it does make things more difficult.
“I’m going to leave here, Tenleigh. Nothing is going to stop me. Not you, not anything. Not anyone. Do you hear me? … I’m leaving this place behind when I go. Everything about this place. Even you.”
And that’s when Mia hits you in all the feels. I felt so many things at once!! And Kyland- God love him, I fell so hard for him, and everything he went through. He was absolutely beautifully written.
“I do go to hell. Every day. For you."
They may start out as teenagers, but the magic of Mia happens, and we fast forward four years into the future- and all the pieces that were left hanging were tied nicely in a little bow- but not without some crazy sobbing moments, some sweet “awwwwws,” and some moments where I just hugged my loved ones a little tighter.
“My love for her was everything… and all at once.”
Never once have I purchased a Mia Sheridan book and thought to myself- what a waste! Never. She never disappoints me, and she is always there to brighten my reading list. Archer’s Voice was my number one last year for a reason- and it’s safe to say out of the 30 books I have read this year so far- Kyland graces that same top spot.
Mia is a force to be reckoned with, because not only is she an uber talented writer- she is a fantastic human being, and I thank my lucky stars that the interwebs put us in each other’s path. Mia you slay me with words yet again, and I am thankful to call you a friend, and it gives me so much pleasure to write you an honest review in exchange for this glorious book!
Continue on your path to greatness, and just know- never stop getting nervous before each release, never stop thinking people might not like your hero, or your setting, never stop writing. It is truly your gift to us all.
Have you ever read an author that totally gets you, EVERY.SINGLE.TIME? I have, and her name is Mia Sheridan. I first read Mia’s book Leo in 2013 when it came out. I couldn’t believe it was her first book, it was so well written- and I loved every single word of it. Her stories are highly emotional, and the characters are always beautifully written. Kyland was absolutely no exception.
Every time Mia writes she one ups herself, in different ways each time. I can’t judge her characters together on which one I like the best, because I love all of them in different ways. If there was a way to have ten favorite characters from Mia’s books, I would have them all. Each character means so much to me, and the way they are weaved together and destined to be with one another makes me fall again and again. I couldn’t wait to start this book, yet I never wanted it to end, and with Mia’s books- I always feel that way.
“The first time I really noticed Kyland Barrett, he was swiping someone’s discarded breakfast off a cafeteria table. I’d looked away, attempting to preserve his dignity, a gut reaction on my part.”
Kyland Barrett lives in a poverty stricken town in Dennville, Kentucky. This setting really hit home to me, because I am from Louisville, Kentucky- a much bigger city, and not impoverished, but knowing that places like this exist and are very real, makes me hurt. To not know what a home cooked meal feels like, or the warmth from a heater, is something we very much take for granted. Reading Mia’s book is more than a story, written and typed on paper, it’s an experience.
“A beautiful girl with a spirit so bright I wanted to squint when I looked at her was not going to derail me now.”
Tenleigh Falyn also lives in this same town and she notices Kyland, because like her- she can sense he comes from a hard upbringing. Like two kindred spirits- waiting to find each other. They both knew what hopelessness felt like. And to me, it seems so sad that such young people had to struggle so hard. Her home life wasn’t the greatest, like Kyland’s- but she at least had her sister Marlo, who was a great additional character to the story.
And even though the place of Dennville is where these two live, they don’t really feel like it’s a home. They both want something bigger and better for their lives. And to them- it means winning the coal scholarship that pays a full ride to college- and getting the heck out of dodge. But only one person can win, so it leaves Tenleigh and Kyland vying for the same goal.
“I think about that line sometimes. I think about how that little fire is hope. I think about how you have to keep it burning to get you through the hard times, the times that seem so painful you don’t want to continue one.”
I opened my eyes. “What keeps your fire burning?”
“The hope that life won’t always hurt so badly. The belief that I’ll get out of her someday- that I won’t be cold or hungry forever. It keeps me going. It’s my fire. It helps me do the things I need to do to survive,, and it helps me hate myself less for doing them.”
And to top it off, they start feeling a mutual attraction for one another that can’t be stopped, even if they tried to. And it complicates things even further. I loved their loved story- how sweet and innocent it was. With them, love is never a mistake. But it does make things more difficult.
“I’m going to leave here, Tenleigh. Nothing is going to stop me. Not you, not anything. Not anyone. Do you hear me? … I’m leaving this place behind when I go. Everything about this place. Even you.”
And that’s when Mia hits you in all the feels. I felt so many things at once!! And Kyland- God love him, I fell so hard for him, and everything he went through. He was absolutely beautifully written.
“I do go to hell. Every day. For you."
They may start out as teenagers, but the magic of Mia happens, and we fast forward four years into the future- and all the pieces that were left hanging were tied nicely in a little bow- but not without some crazy sobbing moments, some sweet “awwwwws,” and some moments where I just hugged my loved ones a little tighter.
“My love for her was everything… and all at once.”
Never once have I purchased a Mia Sheridan book and thought to myself- what a waste! Never. She never disappoints me, and she is always there to brighten my reading list. Archer’s Voice was my number one last year for a reason- and it’s safe to say out of the 30 books I have read this year so far- Kyland graces that same top spot.
Mia is a force to be reckoned with, because not only is she an uber talented writer- she is a fantastic human being, and I thank my lucky stars that the interwebs put us in each other’s path. Mia you slay me with words yet again, and I am thankful to call you a friend, and it gives me so much pleasure to write you an honest review in exchange for this glorious book!
Continue on your path to greatness, and just know- never stop getting nervous before each release, never stop thinking people might not like your hero, or your setting, never stop writing. It is truly your gift to us all.
Deserves a read because of the characters, but there's too much drama.
Loved this book! Mia Sheridan has a way to bring hope to the hopeless. The setting in Appalachia was bleak and beautiful. Kyland and Tenleigh's story was heartbreaking and sweet. Mia Sheridan is our go to writer that brings us such hope and love. Her words and stories are just amazing.
4.5 stars!!
Till it Happens to You by Corrine Bailey Rae
Wow, this book really put me on an emotional roller coaster! Mia Sheridan is an auto-buy author for me and the moment I heard this book was live I one-clicked so fast my hand was a blur. Kyland was such a great book, even though at times I wanted to pull my hair out in frustration. But it in the end, Mia reminded me why I love her books so much and why I should never doubt her.
Right in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains there is a town. And in this town are people who have lost all hope. Life is at a standstill, poverty is everywhere and food and clean clothes are a luxury. If this book wanted to make me feel guilty for ever complaining about my life, it succeeded. The life that these people live is so heart-wrenching and makes me want to hug them. Kyland and Tenleigh have never hand easy lives, but it's all they know so it's nothing new. But instead of just accepting the life set out for them, they both fight for more. There is a scholarship that pays for your college for four years but only one person can win. Both are determined to win and nothing will stand in their way...until love strikes and makes them question everything.
That's When I Knew by Alicia Keys
This book has two parts (or at least that's how I like to look at it): Ten and Ky as teenagers and Ten and Ky as adults. I'm not going to lie, the teenage years drove me insane and gave me emotional whiplash but the adult years more than made up for every little thing that annoyed me. First love can be overwhelming and this book really made me feel every thing they felt: hope, joy, frustration, anxiety, insecure, free. Kyland is closed off as a teenager and honestly, it took me a really long time to fall for his character. I found him to be a bit of an a-hole as a teenager even though I did understand where he was coming from. While both have had hard lives, Kyland has lived a far worse life than Tenleigh. My god, the things that poor kid went through, I just want to console him every time I think of it. Tenleigh was so strong and was everything Kyland needed in a lover. She shows us the hope young teenagers have and despite how much she's been through, she still was naive when it came to love.
"I couldn't hate Kyland. He wasn't a bad person. He'd just been bad to me. He wasn't incapable of love. He just had been incapable of loving me."
I felt so many conflicting feelings while reading the beginning of their love story. I felt so much angst over young Ten and Kyland I didn't know if I wanted to cry or scream at them in anger. Kyland pissed me off so much but then with one word he'd have me back in his hold, unable to stop wanting to give him more chances. Brain against heart. My brain said to wait things out, that there was an explanation for everything but my heart was done. It wanted answers NOW or it was finished with giving Kyland chances. It was a battle between the two for me but I'm so glad that my brain won over and I kept reading. Because there was a reason for everything and when I got the answers I so desperately needed, it made me love Kyland more than I ever thought was possible.
While the teenage Ky and Ten drove me crazy at times, the adult versions of them really won me over. This is where I went from enjoying the book to falling deep in love with it and every scene I read. It's hard to really talk about this part without giving spoilers but it was everything I needed and everything I didn't even know I was looking for. The writing throughout this whole book is just spectacular and I found myself wanting to highlight practically every other sentence I read. I definitely need to get my hands on a paperback so I can reread and mark all my favorite quotes. I love that with every Mia Sheridan book you're guaranteed to get not only a beautiful love story that will stay with you forever, but a realistic one too. I've been a fan of hers since her first book Leo and came out and I'll be a fan until the very end.
"I'm going to make all your dreams come true. All my life."
I cannot recommend this book enough. While it may not be my absolute favorite (Archer will always be number one in my heart) Kyland is just as amazing and beautiful. I can't wait to see what's next from this author!
On a side note, I need to thank my favorite person ever, my Sosi, Nicole!! Thank you so much for reading this with me and listening to my emotional rants over Kyland. And more importantly thank you for taking me down from the metaphorical ledge when it came to this book. You are a gem, my friend and I look forward to being friends with you for a long time to come!! <3
Till it Happens to You by Corrine Bailey Rae
Wow, this book really put me on an emotional roller coaster! Mia Sheridan is an auto-buy author for me and the moment I heard this book was live I one-clicked so fast my hand was a blur. Kyland was such a great book, even though at times I wanted to pull my hair out in frustration. But it in the end, Mia reminded me why I love her books so much and why I should never doubt her.
Right in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains there is a town. And in this town are people who have lost all hope. Life is at a standstill, poverty is everywhere and food and clean clothes are a luxury. If this book wanted to make me feel guilty for ever complaining about my life, it succeeded. The life that these people live is so heart-wrenching and makes me want to hug them. Kyland and Tenleigh have never hand easy lives, but it's all they know so it's nothing new. But instead of just accepting the life set out for them, they both fight for more. There is a scholarship that pays for your college for four years but only one person can win. Both are determined to win and nothing will stand in their way...until love strikes and makes them question everything.
That's When I Knew by Alicia Keys
This book has two parts (or at least that's how I like to look at it): Ten and Ky as teenagers and Ten and Ky as adults. I'm not going to lie, the teenage years drove me insane and gave me emotional whiplash but the adult years more than made up for every little thing that annoyed me. First love can be overwhelming and this book really made me feel every thing they felt: hope, joy, frustration, anxiety, insecure, free. Kyland is closed off as a teenager and honestly, it took me a really long time to fall for his character. I found him to be a bit of an a-hole as a teenager even though I did understand where he was coming from. While both have had hard lives, Kyland has lived a far worse life than Tenleigh. My god, the things that poor kid went through, I just want to console him every time I think of it. Tenleigh was so strong and was everything Kyland needed in a lover. She shows us the hope young teenagers have and despite how much she's been through, she still was naive when it came to love.
"I couldn't hate Kyland. He wasn't a bad person. He'd just been bad to me. He wasn't incapable of love. He just had been incapable of loving me."
I felt so many conflicting feelings while reading the beginning of their love story. I felt so much angst over young Ten and Kyland I didn't know if I wanted to cry or scream at them in anger. Kyland pissed me off so much but then with one word he'd have me back in his hold, unable to stop wanting to give him more chances. Brain against heart. My brain said to wait things out, that there was an explanation for everything but my heart was done. It wanted answers NOW or it was finished with giving Kyland chances. It was a battle between the two for me but I'm so glad that my brain won over and I kept reading. Because there was a reason for everything and when I got the answers I so desperately needed, it made me love Kyland more than I ever thought was possible.
While the teenage Ky and Ten drove me crazy at times, the adult versions of them really won me over. This is where I went from enjoying the book to falling deep in love with it and every scene I read. It's hard to really talk about this part without giving spoilers but it was everything I needed and everything I didn't even know I was looking for. The writing throughout this whole book is just spectacular and I found myself wanting to highlight practically every other sentence I read. I definitely need to get my hands on a paperback so I can reread and mark all my favorite quotes. I love that with every Mia Sheridan book you're guaranteed to get not only a beautiful love story that will stay with you forever, but a realistic one too. I've been a fan of hers since her first book Leo and came out and I'll be a fan until the very end.
"I'm going to make all your dreams come true. All my life."
I cannot recommend this book enough. While it may not be my absolute favorite (Archer will always be number one in my heart) Kyland is just as amazing and beautiful. I can't wait to see what's next from this author!
On a side note, I need to thank my favorite person ever, my Sosi, Nicole!! Thank you so much for reading this with me and listening to my emotional rants over Kyland. And more importantly thank you for taking me down from the metaphorical ledge when it came to this book. You are a gem, my friend and I look forward to being friends with you for a long time to come!! <3
I melted. This book was so cute and I really loved just everything about it. I love that this is a standard love story but there is so much depth to it. I also love that Mia Sheridan is just a really good story teller in general.
The book takes place in a small town in the Appalachian Mountains, which, yes. Chef's kiss on location. There are these two high schoolers who are competing for the same scholarship that will pay their 4 years college tuition and essentially give them an entirely new life. After finding out why they both desperately need this scholarship or even deserve this scholarship, there is this sense of dread because someone is going to win the scholarship and leave the other behind.
I am totally shocked by all the layers each character has in the story. Even small side characters are given insight into their daily struggles as well as their joys in life. There is a sense of community and the smallest kernel of hope being kept safe in everyone's hearts. The book romanticizes not only the love shared by these two high schoolers but also blood family and chosen family members. The entire book is one large tear jerker!
The only reason why this isn't 5 stars is because I wished it was longer, I felt like the ending was slightly rushed, I could have easily seen another 100 pages for the ending.
The book takes place in a small town in the Appalachian Mountains, which, yes. Chef's kiss on location. There are these two high schoolers who are competing for the same scholarship that will pay their 4 years college tuition and essentially give them an entirely new life. After finding out why they both desperately need this scholarship or even deserve this scholarship, there is this sense of dread because someone is going to win the scholarship and leave the other behind.
I am totally shocked by all the layers each character has in the story. Even small side characters are given insight into their daily struggles as well as their joys in life. There is a sense of community and the smallest kernel of hope being kept safe in everyone's hearts. The book romanticizes not only the love shared by these two high schoolers but also blood family and chosen family members. The entire book is one large tear jerker!
The only reason why this isn't 5 stars is because I wished it was longer, I felt like the ending was slightly rushed, I could have easily seen another 100 pages for the ending.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
what a beautiful love story. Very pleased with the ending
I live in Lexington so I know many people from Appalachia. I have Kin-in-law there. This book was fantastic. It conveys the beauty and pride of the region while also portraying the poverty and dire desperation. A beautiful love story.
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