Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was my first Jenn Bennett book. After years of eyeing her novels on the YA shelves of libraries and bookstores, I finally decided to pick this one up and it didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed reading this one, and yet, I question, did I really though?
Starting off with the things I liked, let me just say that I really enjoyed the writing. I also really liked the characters, especially near the end. I love seeing different family dynamics in books and it was interesting to see the function and dysfunction of Josie's family. I really liked seeing the mother/daughter relationship between Josie and her mother unfold. I also just generally liked Josie and Lucky as people. I liked them but didn't love them. I don't know what it was but I wanted more from them, especially Lucky. I wanted more emotion. More backstory. A reason for him being the way he is and why he feels the need to take the blame for everything and be seen as a failure.
Plot-wise, I felt like not mu h actually happened. And yet, a lot did? There was a lot of unnecessary events that happened, in my opinion. There was a lack of communication between the characters and nothing bothers me more than miscommunication as a plot device to start up conflict. That being said, I was definitely here for the romance part of the plot. I shipped it.
Overall, I think the book was fine. I simply wanted more from it. This isn't a book that will be memorable for me. By the end of the year in a month and a half, I probably won't even remember the character's names. That being said, I'm certain that a lot of you would really enjoy this, especially if you're a big fan of YA contemporary romance.
**I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Follow Me Here Too: My Blog || Twitter || Bloglovin' || Instagram || Tumblr || Pinterest
Starting off with the things I liked, let me just say that I really enjoyed the writing. I also really liked the characters, especially near the end. I love seeing different family dynamics in books and it was interesting to see the function and dysfunction of Josie's family. I really liked seeing the mother/daughter relationship between Josie and her mother unfold. I also just generally liked Josie and Lucky as people. I liked them but didn't love them. I don't know what it was but I wanted more from them, especially Lucky. I wanted more emotion. More backstory. A reason for him being the way he is and why he feels the need to take the blame for everything and be seen as a failure.
Plot-wise, I felt like not mu h actually happened. And yet, a lot did? There was a lot of unnecessary events that happened, in my opinion. There was a lack of communication between the characters and nothing bothers me more than miscommunication as a plot device to start up conflict. That being said, I was definitely here for the romance part of the plot. I shipped it.
Overall, I think the book was fine. I simply wanted more from it. This isn't a book that will be memorable for me. By the end of the year in a month and a half, I probably won't even remember the character's names. That being said, I'm certain that a lot of you would really enjoy this, especially if you're a big fan of YA contemporary romance.
**I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Follow Me Here Too: My Blog || Twitter || Bloglovin' || Instagram || Tumblr || Pinterest
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Five years after being whisked out of Beauty and moving around for five years, Josie and her mom are finally returning to run the family bookshop while her grandmother is away. And all Josie wants is to make it through junior and senior year while working on her portfolio so she can go to Los Angeles to apprentice for her world famous photographer of a dad. However, things change for her when she does something reckless and her former childhood best friend, Lucky, takes the blame.
This story of reunited childhood friends was adorable, and it happens to be one of my favorite tropes. People can change so much over time, so when you’re away from someone you were close to for years, it’s interesting to see how they’ve changed (not not). In this case, Lucky has changed a lot from the nerdy boy that Josie grew up with, looking more like a bad boy and having rumors floating all over town about him. But Josie has a feeling that’s exactly what they are – rumors – and her nerdy best friend is still underneath that leather jacket exterior.
In all honesty, Lucky was a swoonable character (yes, I’m making that a word). Almost right away you can tell he’s actually a teddy bear more than a real bad-boy, and his care for Josie never really went away. Especially considering he’s so willing to take the fall for something he didn’t do. It’s doubtful he’d do that for just anyone. Josie was a likable character as well, though she wasn’t my favorite. I did like her relationship with her cousin, Evie, and how it was sister-like. It reminded me of my relationship with a few of my cousins growing up. I did also love Josie’s use of “for Pete’s sake” because it’s not something used much in young-adult books, and it made me smile.
What Josie learns from her talks and prying into Lucky’s life is that it’s always best to be honest and communication is important. She and her mom keep stuff from one another, and it’s strained their relationship. Yes, they get along, but there are some topics that they stay away from because they don’t feel like the other can handle the truth of it. For instance, Josie’s plan to go to LA after graduation is one she keeps from her mother because her mom’s plan is to end up in Florida, but Josie doesn’t trust that they’d stay permanently. She’s sick of moving and running from her mother’s mistakes, but she doesn’t want to tell her mom that. By the end of the story though, Josie and her family learn this and begin to work through their issues.
Though I found this story to be adorable, I felt like there was something missing. I can’t explain what, but just something. I’m not sure if maybe more backstory for the characters would’ve helped, or seeing more of the cousin relationship with Josie and Evie… but I guess something of that nature.
Overall though, it was a good story and I did enjoy it. I would also definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good young-adult contemporary book that tugs your heartstrings, but is mostly lighthearted at the same time.
Rating: 3.5 stars
This story of reunited childhood friends was adorable, and it happens to be one of my favorite tropes. People can change so much over time, so when you’re away from someone you were close to for years, it’s interesting to see how they’ve changed (not not). In this case, Lucky has changed a lot from the nerdy boy that Josie grew up with, looking more like a bad boy and having rumors floating all over town about him. But Josie has a feeling that’s exactly what they are – rumors – and her nerdy best friend is still underneath that leather jacket exterior.
In all honesty, Lucky was a swoonable character (yes, I’m making that a word). Almost right away you can tell he’s actually a teddy bear more than a real bad-boy, and his care for Josie never really went away. Especially considering he’s so willing to take the fall for something he didn’t do. It’s doubtful he’d do that for just anyone. Josie was a likable character as well, though she wasn’t my favorite. I did like her relationship with her cousin, Evie, and how it was sister-like. It reminded me of my relationship with a few of my cousins growing up. I did also love Josie’s use of “for Pete’s sake” because it’s not something used much in young-adult books, and it made me smile.
What Josie learns from her talks and prying into Lucky’s life is that it’s always best to be honest and communication is important. She and her mom keep stuff from one another, and it’s strained their relationship. Yes, they get along, but there are some topics that they stay away from because they don’t feel like the other can handle the truth of it. For instance, Josie’s plan to go to LA after graduation is one she keeps from her mother because her mom’s plan is to end up in Florida, but Josie doesn’t trust that they’d stay permanently. She’s sick of moving and running from her mother’s mistakes, but she doesn’t want to tell her mom that. By the end of the story though, Josie and her family learn this and begin to work through their issues.
Though I found this story to be adorable, I felt like there was something missing. I can’t explain what, but just something. I’m not sure if maybe more backstory for the characters would’ve helped, or seeing more of the cousin relationship with Josie and Evie… but I guess something of that nature.
Overall though, it was a good story and I did enjoy it. I would also definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good young-adult contemporary book that tugs your heartstrings, but is mostly lighthearted at the same time.
Rating: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book. A fast and very cute read. There are a lot of scenes where I'm laughing at Josie and Lucky's banters or giggling with them. There are also scenes where I just wanted to hug the Saint-Martins. I love the characters and I would most def recommend this book. This is also my first Jenn Bennett book and I'm now off to the second one. Kablam!
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Jenn Bennett can do no wrong, as far as I’m concerned.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
I absolutely adored this book and the characters. I fell in love with the story from the very beginning. Reading a book by my favorite author again really helped get me into reading it. I'm so glad I picked this up. Everything was so good!!
Such a page-turner!!
Such a page-turner!!
I’ve only read one of Jenn Bennett’s books before Chasing Lucky and honestly I don’t know why it took me so long to read my second book. Bennett has a way of writing that completely captivates you in the story and makes you feel like you’re living alongside these characters.
When I started this book I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. I’ve been having a lot of trouble recently YA contemporary stories and was honestly scared after I found myself struggling to get into the first few chapters. However, I had faith in Bennett’s work so powered through and thank god I did. I found myself absolutely loving this story and the characters.
The banter between the two main characters were spot on and found that they both had really good character development. At times Josie and Lucky frustrated me but their teenagers who are still learning who they are and what they want from life. They’re learning from their own mistakes and I found myself loving the growth of their relationship.
This is a book about family, friendship and learning to be honest with people. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick paced, romantic contemporary and any fans of Jenn Bennett’s other books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When I started this book I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. I’ve been having a lot of trouble recently YA contemporary stories and was honestly scared after I found myself struggling to get into the first few chapters. However, I had faith in Bennett’s work so powered through and thank god I did. I found myself absolutely loving this story and the characters.
The banter between the two main characters were spot on and found that they both had really good character development. At times Josie and Lucky frustrated me but their teenagers who are still learning who they are and what they want from life. They’re learning from their own mistakes and I found myself loving the growth of their relationship.
This is a book about family, friendship and learning to be honest with people. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick paced, romantic contemporary and any fans of Jenn Bennett’s other books!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.