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greylandreviews's review
4.0
4 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley and Random House Children's Crown Books for Young Readers for honest review
This was a cute YA summer romance with a twist. Said twist I'm speaking of I figured half way through the book. But all these characters are lovable and the two MC's are just plain adorable.
ARC provided by NetGalley and Random House Children's Crown Books for Young Readers for honest review
This was a cute YA summer romance with a twist. Said twist I'm speaking of I figured half way through the book. But all these characters are lovable and the two MC's are just plain adorable.
upallnightbookaddict's review
4.0
I am not a huge young adult reader. I do find some from time to time that peek my interest. Nicole's young adult novels have been on my must read list as of late.
I really enjoyed this real to life story. Well, the situations in this book are real to life. Jade's life itself isn't completely real to life, but that is what gives this book a more real feel to it. I was immersed from start to finish.
The little twist in this story wasn't hard to figure out. However, I don't think it was supposed to be. I think the journey to the revealing of the twist was the point of this book. It is definitely an enjoyable and a little heart breaking journey.
If you are looking for a more lighter young adult read without the consistent drama of annoying teenagers, this should be right up your alley. Although, there are a few catty moments, but they aren't the premise of this book. I, for one, was very thankful for that.
I really enjoyed this real to life story. Well, the situations in this book are real to life. Jade's life itself isn't completely real to life, but that is what gives this book a more real feel to it. I was immersed from start to finish.
The little twist in this story wasn't hard to figure out. However, I don't think it was supposed to be. I think the journey to the revealing of the twist was the point of this book. It is definitely an enjoyable and a little heart breaking journey.
If you are looking for a more lighter young adult read without the consistent drama of annoying teenagers, this should be right up your alley. Although, there are a few catty moments, but they aren't the premise of this book. I, for one, was very thankful for that.
ceena's review
5.0
*I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I have this habit of going on Netgalley, requesting a book I'm interested in, only to start doubting how much I'll like it once I receive it. I'm doing better, but this was one of those books I pushed off, not wanting to DNF another book.
Friends, this is one of those few instances where my original instincts was on point. I devoured this book.
To be perfectly honest, this is probably one of my favorite YA romances of the summer-- perhaps the year??? Like... wow.
Let me start by saying the writing was on point for me. The details aren't overdone and most words and paragraphs seem to have meaning to the story. That being said, I do think some things happened a bit too quickly?, but I also don't know how things could have been prolonged.
Besides that it was refreshing to read a book with responsible teens. They still made mistakes and did things they shouldn't, but that doesn't mean they weren't super responsible with a solid head on their shoulders. I liked and respected both the main characters so much. These were teens I recognized as ones I've talked to in real life.
The romance was a bit... quick. As I mentioned above, many things happened quickly-- it does only happen over a two month period. I found the couple so cute though, that I couldn't help but just not care how quickly they ended up liking each other. It starts based on looks, but truly we can read how they start liking each other for other qualities and growing because of the other.
Unfortunately, I kinda knew the plot twist from the beginning-- I thought I read it in the synopsis?? If I did it has been changed thankfully, so I won't ruin that for you. Where could I have read it????? Or did I just assume... I don't even know.
I started this book with apprehension and ended it totally in love with it. I will definitely be recommending this one to people looking for a cute summer romance read.
I have this habit of going on Netgalley, requesting a book I'm interested in, only to start doubting how much I'll like it once I receive it. I'm doing better, but this was one of those books I pushed off, not wanting to DNF another book.
Friends, this is one of those few instances where my original instincts was on point. I devoured this book.
To be perfectly honest, this is probably one of my favorite YA romances of the summer-- perhaps the year??? Like... wow.
Let me start by saying the writing was on point for me. The details aren't overdone and most words and paragraphs seem to have meaning to the story. That being said, I do think some things happened a bit too quickly?, but I also don't know how things could have been prolonged.
Besides that it was refreshing to read a book with responsible teens. They still made mistakes and did things they shouldn't, but that doesn't mean they weren't super responsible with a solid head on their shoulders. I liked and respected both the main characters so much. These were teens I recognized as ones I've talked to in real life.
The romance was a bit... quick. As I mentioned above, many things happened quickly-- it does only happen over a two month period. I found the couple so cute though, that I couldn't help but just not care how quickly they ended up liking each other. It starts based on looks, but truly we can read how they start liking each other for other qualities and growing because of the other.
Unfortunately, I kinda knew the plot twist from the beginning-- I thought I read it in the synopsis?? If I did it has been changed thankfully, so I won't ruin that for you. Where could I have read it????? Or did I just assume... I don't even know.
I started this book with apprehension and ended it totally in love with it. I will definitely be recommending this one to people looking for a cute summer romance read.
syofabrams's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
ashurq's review
4.0
Check out my blog for more reviews!
TL;DR – Cute summer romance, but the love interest seems overly mature and there’s some things that don’t really make sense regarding the secondary characters. Still a fun read though.
Right off the bat I really liked Jade. There’s just something about her that’s inherently likable. I thought it was refreshing how she recognized that she had a lot of freedom with her mom but that her Aunt Julie would operate by a different set of rules. Jade really seems to have her head on straight and I felt like she was very sensitive and patient with her aunt. Quentin is also a likable character–I don’t know how the author managed to make him so dang charming, but he really is. My only issue with him (and with a plethora of other love interests throughout YA) is that he seems too mature. After finishing the book it makes a little more sense why he’s so mature, but I still have a hard time finding that level of maturity believable in a teenage boy regardless of the circumstances–but maybe that’s just me. I also wonder if, all things considered, he would really be as flirtatious as he is? It just seems questionable to me that he would even be open to being in a relationship at this point.
The plot was fine. It’s your typical summer romance so there isn’t so much of a plot per se, but there are a couple of events that the reader knows is coming later in the book. Quentin has one big secret and the reader can anticipate that coming out and how Jade might react. I’m not sure if the reader is supposed to guess the secret so early in the book though? I was able to tell what it was after about a third of the way through. How Jade didn’t see it coming is beyond me.
Secondary characters were fine. Aunt Julie seems a little bit over-exaggerated, but hey, I’ve never been in her situation so maybe she’s pretty normal all things considered. Zoey was a pretty cool character and I wish that we had gotten more time with her and Jade. Something that Sarah Dessen does great is she gives her protagonists these great female friendships and then spends almost as much time developing that relationship as she does with the romantic relationship. I wish there had been more of that in this book.
One thing that really bothered me about the book though, was with the girls from Quentin’s old school. First of all, Quentin said he used to live a couple hours away, so how is Zoey friends with them? Why would they be at a bonfire by where Quentin lives now? And why do they go to the pool where Quentin works? There must be a closer pool that they could go to. So yeah, none of that really made sense. And then, if Zoey’s friends with them, how does she not know Quentin’s secret? And lastly, why the heck is Ashlyn so mean to Jade? It seemed like she was mean for no reason, to be honest. I think the author tries to make it seem like Ashlyn likes Quentin and so she’s jealous of Jade but at the same time it doesn’t really make sense that she would like him for multiple reasons.
Overall, I liked this book quite a bit. I feel like Williams always surprises me with how much I like her books. She’s not quite at Sarah Dessen or Morgan Matson’s level yet, but I could see her getting there. I’m a fan.
Overall Rating: 4
Language: Moderate
Violence: Mild
Smoking/Drinking: Mild
Sexual Content: Mild. Some innuendo.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
TL;DR – Cute summer romance, but the love interest seems overly mature and there’s some things that don’t really make sense regarding the secondary characters. Still a fun read though.
Right off the bat I really liked Jade. There’s just something about her that’s inherently likable. I thought it was refreshing how she recognized that she had a lot of freedom with her mom but that her Aunt Julie would operate by a different set of rules. Jade really seems to have her head on straight and I felt like she was very sensitive and patient with her aunt. Quentin is also a likable character–I don’t know how the author managed to make him so dang charming, but he really is. My only issue with him (and with a plethora of other love interests throughout YA) is that he seems too mature. After finishing the book it makes a little more sense why he’s so mature, but I still have a hard time finding that level of maturity believable in a teenage boy regardless of the circumstances–but maybe that’s just me. I also wonder if, all things considered, he would really be as flirtatious as he is? It just seems questionable to me that he would even be open to being in a relationship at this point.
The plot was fine. It’s your typical summer romance so there isn’t so much of a plot per se, but there are a couple of events that the reader knows is coming later in the book. Quentin has one big secret and the reader can anticipate that coming out and how Jade might react. I’m not sure if the reader is supposed to guess the secret so early in the book though? I was able to tell what it was after about a third of the way through. How Jade didn’t see it coming is beyond me.
Secondary characters were fine. Aunt Julie seems a little bit over-exaggerated, but hey, I’ve never been in her situation so maybe she’s pretty normal all things considered. Zoey was a pretty cool character and I wish that we had gotten more time with her and Jade. Something that Sarah Dessen does great is she gives her protagonists these great female friendships and then spends almost as much time developing that relationship as she does with the romantic relationship. I wish there had been more of that in this book.
One thing that really bothered me about the book though, was with the girls from Quentin’s old school. First of all, Quentin said he used to live a couple hours away, so how is Zoey friends with them? Why would they be at a bonfire by where Quentin lives now? And why do they go to the pool where Quentin works? There must be a closer pool that they could go to. So yeah, none of that really made sense. And then, if Zoey’s friends with them, how does she not know Quentin’s secret? And lastly, why the heck is Ashlyn so mean to Jade? It seemed like she was mean for no reason, to be honest. I think the author tries to make it seem like Ashlyn likes Quentin and so she’s jealous of Jade but at the same time it doesn’t really make sense that she would like him for multiple reasons.
Overall, I liked this book quite a bit. I feel like Williams always surprises me with how much I like her books. She’s not quite at Sarah Dessen or Morgan Matson’s level yet, but I could see her getting there. I’m a fan.
Overall Rating: 4
Language: Moderate
Violence: Mild
Smoking/Drinking: Mild
Sexual Content: Mild. Some innuendo.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
desertlover's review
4.0
I've been overwhelmed with emotional reads lately and needed something refreshing to cleanse my palette. I relied on one of my most beloved authors to fill the the bill, and she delivered in the best way. Almost Impossible was delightful and everything I seek in contemporary YA; lovable hero and heroine, adorable setting, strong secondary characters, and a sweet coming of age story, sprinkled with romance.
"Some people have to live with what life throws at them."
Despite her unusual upbringing, I found Jade to be relatable and the type of heroine I can't help but root for. I enjoyed watching her attempts at being a normal teenager for the summer. Quentin seemed a little more elusive, and it was likely because the story is told via Jade's POV. His laid back attitude, but sense of responsibility made him the perfect person to slowly peel back Jade's layers.
I easily devoured this book in one afternoon. The slow burning friends to something more romance was well paced and had me constantly smiling. I also enjoyed all the strong female relationships that developed throughout the book; it made the storyline more meaningful and heartfelt. Jade's mom was the best; loved their relationship.
My only complaint about this book was that it was too short. I could have easily read another 50-100 pages of Jade and Quentin's summer adventures. It never felt rushed per se, but it lacked extra depth.
I recommend this one to anyone looking for a light-hearted YA romance; it's a perfect summer read.
Thank you to Nicole Williams and Crown Books for my advanced review copy.
"Some people have to live with what life throws at them."
Despite her unusual upbringing, I found Jade to be relatable and the type of heroine I can't help but root for. I enjoyed watching her attempts at being a normal teenager for the summer. Quentin seemed a little more elusive, and it was likely because the story is told via Jade's POV. His laid back attitude, but sense of responsibility made him the perfect person to slowly peel back Jade's layers.
I easily devoured this book in one afternoon. The slow burning friends to something more romance was well paced and had me constantly smiling. I also enjoyed all the strong female relationships that developed throughout the book; it made the storyline more meaningful and heartfelt. Jade's mom was the best; loved their relationship.
My only complaint about this book was that it was too short. I could have easily read another 50-100 pages of Jade and Quentin's summer adventures. It never felt rushed per se, but it lacked extra depth.
I recommend this one to anyone looking for a light-hearted YA romance; it's a perfect summer read.
Thank you to Nicole Williams and Crown Books for my advanced review copy.
nhi_nguyen's review
5.0
*4.5
Wow, just WOW. I did not expect what just happened.
This was a cute summer read that's pretty deep, at some point. I loved all of the characters. I would've love to see more interaction between Zoey and Jade and see more of their friendship. The romance part was really well-done, I thought. It was an overall cute read. The ending just blew my mind because I never expected it, at all. That's what made this book go from four to five stars (well, 4.5).
I loved the mother-daughter relationship between Jade and Meg. I think Meg is such a cool mother. She's always there for her daughter and wants her to have fun. This was probably the best aspect of the book other than the romance.
I loved this book and if you really want a fun, summer romance read, I highly recommend this!
Wow, just WOW. I did not expect what just happened.
This was a cute summer read that's pretty deep, at some point. I loved all of the characters. I would've love to see more interaction between Zoey and Jade and see more of their friendship. The romance part was really well-done, I thought. It was an overall cute read. The ending just blew my mind because I never expected it, at all. That's what made this book go from four to five stars (well, 4.5).
I loved the mother-daughter relationship between Jade and Meg. I think Meg is such a cool mother. She's always there for her daughter and wants her to have fun. This was probably the best aspect of the book other than the romance.
I loved this book and if you really want a fun, summer romance read, I highly recommend this!
nadjsim's review
1.0
Jade is not like other girls: she buys her clothes in a thrift store, she hates the color pink, and only reads classic books. Oh, and she constantly slut-shames other girls for no apparent reason.
A very unlikable main character. A very weird paced relationship with the main love interest. Maybe I was just too old for this book, but, it was bad. Real bad. So bad I wrote my first ever review on goodreads.
A very unlikable main character. A very weird paced relationship with the main love interest. Maybe I was just too old for this book, but, it was bad. Real bad. So bad I wrote my first ever review on goodreads.