Blog Tour: Save the Date by Morgan Matson

Hi everyone today I'm pleased to be taking in part in the Save the Date by Morgan Matson blog tour hosted by Fantastic Flying Book Club. Before I share my review with you here's a bit about the book. 

Save the Date by Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 
Publication Date: June 5th 2018. 
My rating: 4 stars. 

Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can’t wait—for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend before the house issold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster—all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect. The only problem? The weekend is shaping uptobean absolute disaster. There’s the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won’t stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge. There are the relatives who aren’t speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo. Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner’s nephewis unexpectedly, distractingly...cute. Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she’ll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future.

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I really do love books which put a family and its dynamics at the forefront, I have to admit I didn’t realise that this would be the case with going into Save the Date, I knew it was a Morgan Matson book and that I had to read it. But it was a lovely surprise, as Matson really made this family for me, yes, the Grant’s like any other family, didn’t come without the ups and downs, but I loved how despite the size of the family (8 if you include the son in law to be Rodney), I came to adore each member in their own way. With the Grant’s it could be hard to get your voice in edgeways, with everyone being such big individual’s, but Matson was able to give each family member their own personality and voice that made them stand out from the rest, but also took the time out for you to get to know each character too which I greatly appreciated. 

With so many quirky personalities, it was hard for me to choose a favourite character, as I said before I adored them all, but Charlie was a great MC, she was the only Grant sibling still living at home, and so was still figuring things out. I liked how through Charlie, we were able to experience this big anticipation of her family all being reunited together, it had been a long time coming. I liked how we were told there were some unresolved family issues but weren’t give insights into what exactly had gone down to bring this about, the way Matson decided to reveal this over the course of the story I appreciated, as it had me constantly guessing about what could have gone down to cause this rift in the first place. 

Save the Date in my opinion had everything going for it, amongst the family antics, there were the unresolved mysteries, heated gardening competitions and of course so much upheaval at Charlie’s sister’s wedding, that I had my doubts that she would even get married. But the Grant’s came through once again and went to show they could withstand almost anything. The Grant family thoroughly reminded me of the Baker family in Cheaper by the Dozen, they always had something going on, nonetheless, the Grant’s made this book a truly epic one!

About the author: ฀Morgan Matson was born in New York City and grew up there and in Greenwich, Connecticut. She attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, but halfway through a theater degree, she started working in the children’s department of Vroman’s Bookstore and fell in love with YA literature. Following college graduation (and the proud bearer of an incredibly useful theater/English degree) she received her M.F.A. in Writing for Children from The New school and worked as an editor for YA novels. She received a second M.F.A. (for reasons that made sense at the time) in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California. Her novels have been translated into dozens of languages, and published all over the world. Morgan’s first novel, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, was inspired by her love of road trips, snacks, and the quest for the perfect playlist. It was named an ALA Top Ten Best Book, a Publisher’s Weekly Flying Start book, and was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Prize. Her second novel, Second Chance Summer, was inspired by her experiences spending summers in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. It was the winner of the California Book Award (YA category) and was named to the ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults List, selected for the Oklahoma Sequoya List, and selected as a School Library Journal Best Book. Her third novel, Since You’ve Been Gone, was published in 2014, and was a Publisher’s Weekly and international bestseller. It was named to the YALSA Teens Top Ten list, and the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award List. Morgan’s fourth novel, The Unexpected Everything, was published May 3rd, 2016. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Murphy.

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Blog Tour: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

 

Hi everyone today I'm pleased to be taking in part in the Starry Eyes blog tour by Jenn Bennett hosted by Fantastic Flying Book Club. Before I share my review with you here's a bit about the book. 

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett 
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: April 3rd 2018. 
My rating: 4 stars. 

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets. But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together. What could go wrong? With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely. And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?

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I've been devouring Bennett's books lately, they've just been satisfying the need for great Contemporary YA books, they're refreshingly fun, bring such swoony relationships and I just don't want to put them down. So, when I first heard about Starry Eyes, I knew it would be a book that I couldn't wait to have in my hands and let me just say this book is so worth it. I love books that feature best friends to enemies trope, especially more so here, as Bennett really gave us this story between Zorie and Lennon well. I liked how we didn't really know what had caused this rift between them, but I was dying to know, as they had been the best of friends for a long time, and then things just came to an end one night. And Zorie's dad didn't really like Zorie spending time with Lennon either and what was up with that? 

I liked the whole set up that we got from this book, with Zorie and her friends going on a glamping (glamourous camping) trip with her friends and Lennon turns up unexpectedly. But in a way it was probably good that he did, as everyone else seems clueless with what to do. And when they got kicked out and had to go on their own, Lennon's the one that takes the lead and tries to keep everyone on track. This glamping trip didn't really turn out the way that Zorie was expecting, she thought she'd be able to spend time with friends, but she ends up being ditched and stuck with Lennon instead. But to be honest for me, this was really the better alternative for Zorie, there were still so many unresolved issues between her and Lennon and I really wanted to get to the bottom of them, also what she had with Lennon before everything hit the fan, was amazing, and I was hoping that there would be the chance for Zorie and Lennon to salvage some of it at least. When the truth was actually revealed about what really went down, I was quite surprised, as I wasn't expecting it, but it really explained and justified the reasoning behind one of the characters behaviour. It really was an emotional upheaval for our characters having to deal with this, but I think Bennett did an excellent job giving us this aspect of the story. 

I'm glad to say that I was actually right in my assessment of characters for once, I had an inkling of which characters were about to kick off and which weren't worth the time either. It was kind of awful these characters living up to some of the things that I expected to happen, especially when they hurt a lot of other people along the way, but you know those self-absorbed characters that only really think about themselves? seriously they weren't worth it, but they riled me up either way, like how can you be completely clueless? This minor annoyance aside, Starry Eyes really was a beautiful read, I loved the whole stargazing aspect that Zorie was interested in, but also how emotional and raw this story could be too. Bennett's storytelling was again done eloquently and I loved getting lost on this trip with Zorie and Lennon.

About the author: Jenn Bennett is an award-winning author of young adult books, including: Alex, Approximately; The Anatomical Shape of a Heart (aka Night Owls in the U.K.); and Starry Eyes. She also writes romance and urban fantasy for adults. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award, and been included on Publishers Weekly Best Books annual list. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two dogs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.

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Blog Tour: Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman

Hi everyone, today I get to share my review of Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman as part of Xpresso Book Tours, before that though here's a bit about the book. 

Kissing Max Holden by Katy Upperman
Publisher: Swoon Reads 
Publication Date: August 1st 2017
My rating: 4 stars. 

Kissing Max Holden was a terrible idea... After his father has a life-altering stroke, Max Holden isn't himself. As his long-time friend, Jillian Eldridge only wants to help him, but she doesn't know how. When Max climbs through her window one night, Jill knows that she shouldn't let him kiss her. But she can't resist, and when they're caught in the act by her dad, Jill swears it'll never happen again. Because kissing Max Holden is a terrible idea. With a new baby sibling on the way, her parents fighting all the time, and her dream of culinary school up in the air, Jill starts spending more and more time with Max. And even though her father disapproves and Max still has a girlfriend, not kissing Max is easier said than done. Will Jill follow her heart and allow their friendship to blossom into something more, or will she listen to her head and stop kissing Max Holden once and for all?

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Kissing Max Holden really took me by surprise, I went into the book expecting a light, cute, fluffy read, but I appreciated the depth and serious issues that Upperman dealt with. Jill and Max have been friends forever, although they’ve sort of drifted apart at school, they’d never imagined something more than their friendship until one night, they end up kissing. It comes completely out of the blue, as Max has a girlfriend and with everything being chaotic for Max at home, maybe it was just the comfort that he needed? But really what I loved most after was the turmoil of emotions that it left our characters in afterwards. Jill is constantly denying it that it’s just a onetime thing, but she really can’t get it out of her head or go back to the way things were between her and Max. It was obvious to me, that there was the potential for great things between Max and Jill if they ever decided to go down that route, but with so many obstacles in the way, was that even possible? 

Both Max and Jill had a rough time over the course of this book, Max’s dad had a stroke, he was the light of the family, but now that he was restricted to a wheelchair, things weren’t the same as they used to be. On top of that there’s the conflicted feelings between him and Jill, Max also has a girlfriend, so shouldn’t it be best that they stay away from each other. I know Max wasn’t in the best of situations, with him kissing Jill whilst having a girlfriend, I don’t condone cheating at all, but with the way things were going with Max and his girlfriend I just wanted him to finally sort things out and be with who he wanted to really be with instead of going behind other people’s back and hurting a lot of people in the process. There was Max’s girlfriend, Max’s sister (who was his girlfriend's best friend) and even Jill’s dad to consider who didn’t want Jill to be anywhere near Max, which I could understand especially with the reputation he had. But with all the stuff going on, I was glad that Max and Jill were able to find solace with each other. If you thought Max’s situation was bad, I really felt for Jill as the story progressed, it completely changed my assumptions about how I felt regarding certain characters. 

Kissing Max Holden really had a lot going for it, it had the boy next door forbidden romance vibe going on, one which I was fully rooting for, but the depth and number of issues that was tackled by Upperman was really done well too. I loved watching Jill and Max grow into wonderful characters over the course of the story and also the meaningful relationships that they developed along the way with people I didn’t expect. Also I was completely won over by Max by the end, he’d gone from this uptight guy who was hell bent on destroying his life, to someone who was sweet and wanted the very best for those he loved, I for one wouldn’t mind Max popping in through my bedroom window! ;) I’ve only read a handful of debuts this year, but Kissing Max Holden will definitely be one of the most memorable!

Katy Upperman is a graduate of Washington State University, a former elementary school teacher, and an insatiable reader. When not writing for young adults, Katy can be found whipping up batches of chocolate chip cookies, or exploring the country with her husband and daughter. Kissing Max Holden is her debut novel.

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Blog Tour: Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Hi all, today I get to share my review of Dumplin' by Julie Murphy as part of the Dumplin' Blog Tour, before that though here's a bit about the book. 

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy
Publisher: Balzer + Bray 
Publication Date: January 28th 2016. 

Willowdean Dickson lives in Texas and abides by the Dolly Parton mantra ‘Find out who you are and do in on purpose’. She accepts herself for what she is – fat. But in her town The Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant is a way of life and skinny and pretty are considered paramount. Although Will is comfortable in her own skin, no-one else seems to accept her for the way she is. With a group of friends who are also categorised as ‘misfits’ in her town, she embarks on a mission to change perceptions– entering The Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant in a bid to show that she deserves to be there as much as any twiggy girl does.

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I don’t know why I assumed that Dumplin’ wouldn’t be my sort of read, but Murphy really surprised me with this book. Willowdean isn’t your typical MC, she’s a big girl compared to others, but I admired the confidence and spunk that Murphy gave her character. When she found her back against the wall, I loved how she came fighting back. With the annual pageant around the corner, no one’s expecting Will to enter, I don’t think Will was expecting it herself, but before you know it Will and a couple of girls from school end up signing up. I liked how Will’s reason for entering wasn’t just to win, but just to show that she could.

Will and her friends really had a lot to deal with, but I enjoyed how this pageant actually made these girls find a friendship in the most unexpected of places, how it gave them the encouragement and belief to believe in themselves. It was a learning curve for them, but the character development which came out of it was fantastic. At the beginning of the story I thought I knew the way things would end up for Will, but I appreciated the problems that Will had to deal with along the way, her unexpected feelings for Bo, her topsy turvy relationship with her best friend and still trying to deal with the death of her aunt, because they made Will the person that she was. Like I mentioned before Will was a tough person, but the support she received in the most unlikely of places, from the girls or Bo was super sweet to watch play out.

I adored Bo, he was the moments of sweetness that Will needed when things were tough at home and confusing with her best friend. Their scenes together gave me the assurance and belief that everything was going to be okay and it was great to see Will happy. I’m not going to mention how things ended up, but Bo’s continual presence in the story really made my day, like I know a lot of things were happening for Will and although I didn’t agree with some of her decisions, all I wanted was for Will and Bo to be together.

Dumplin’ was such a rich and complex story which really had so much to offer. I appreciated the take home messages that Murphy had scattered throughout this story, how Murphy gave such a resilient character in Willowdean that I know a lot of readers would appreciate and look up to.

About the author: Julie Murphy is a potty-mouthed Southern belle who was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but found her home in Fort Worth, Texas. She's never seen Star Wars, but has yet to meet a made for TV movie she didn't love. When she's not writing, Julie can be found cruising Costco for free samples, watching Sister Act 2, stalking drag queens on instagram, obsessing over the logistics of Mars One, and forever searching for the perfect slice of cheese pizza. She lives with her bearded husband, two vicious cats, and one pomeranian that can pass as a bear cub. DUMPLIN' is her second young adult novel.

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The Blog Tour for Dumplin' just kicked off this week, so make sure you check out the rest of the fantastic tour stops!

 

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Every Word by Ellie Marney

 

Every Word (Every #2) by Ellie Marney
Publisher: Tundra books
Publication date: September 8th 2015
My rating: 4.5 stars 
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James Mycroft has just left for London to investigate a car accident similar to the one that killed his parents seven years ago...without saying goodbye to Rachel Watts, his 'partner in crime'.

Rachel is furious and worried about his strange behaviour - not that Mycroft's ever exactly normal, but London is the scene of so many of his nightmares. So Rachel jumps on a plane to follow him...and lands straight in a whole storm of trouble.

The theft of a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio, the possible murder of a rare books conservator, and the deaths of Mycroft's parents...Can Watts help Mycroft make sense of the three events - or will she lose him forever?

Sparks fly when Watts and Mycroft reunite in this second sophisticated thriller about the teen sleuthing duo.

My Thoughts:

In Every Word, James Mycroft and Rachel Watts are back for more Sherlock Holmesesque sleuthing. We’re eight weeks in time past the first book.  Mycroft and Rachel are young and in love with Rachel settling more into Melborne, and Mycroft working at a forensic pathology lab.  When news comes through of a carjacking/murder with similarities to his parent’s accident in England, Mycroft flees in the night with just a short text message to Rachel saying ‘Going to UK with Walsh. Don’t’ be mad. Will stay in touch.’  

Rachel is understandably panicked because Mycroft has been known to go off the rails when anything comes up about the death of his parents.  She knows he’s haunted and obsessed with conspiracy theories and determined to get to the bottom of their murder.  Rachel’s also very hurt that he would just up and leave without breathing a word to her beforehand. It’s a punch to the gut, and I couldn’t help but feel her pain.  In a spur of the moment decision, Rachel hops on a plane and journeys to the UK knowing full well Mycroft probably won’t be happy to see her.  Tough, she’s going to be there to support him no matter what.

I was ticked at Mycroft at first, but as you get his side and see how the memories just gut him, it was hard to be mad.  Thankfully, their strong bond carries them through some tough times.  Even with everything going on, their romance was hotter than ever!  Their chemistry would spark and ignite with just a touch or a glance!

Ellie Marney has a beautiful way of writing, talented in making you feel her characters love, lust, pain, and despair profoundly.  There was a surprising amount of emotion and depth considering this was an action/mystery/suspense novel, but it made the characters come alive for me.  

I adored the relationship Rachel had with Mike, her brother.  He’s supportive, sweet, and protective. I’m happy to see how his relationship is developing with Alicia.  I’m again a little put off by Rachel’s mother, although, I guess I shouldn’t be too judgmental, because I’d probably be pretty upset if I were in her shoes.  But hey, after everything that happened I’d like to think I couldn’t hold a grudge like that.

Every Word was more than Every Breath in so many ways.  In a good way, Rachel and Mycroft’s relationship became more intense and, by the end, rooted.  But it was also more heart wrenching, raw, and brutal in parts!  Man these two were put through the ringer, and I know they’ll have a tough time dealing with the fallout.  I’m looking forward to finding out (hopefully soon) how it all plays out in Every Move.

About the author:

Ellie Marney was born in Brisbane, and has lived in Indonesia,Singapore and India. Now she writes, teaches, talks about kid’s literature at libraries and schools, and gardens when she can, while living in a country idyll (actually a very messy wooden house on ten acres with a dog and lots of chickens) near Castlemaine, in north-central Victoria. Her partner and four sons still love her, even though she often forgets things and lets the housework go.

Ellie’s short stories for adults have won awards and been published in various anthologies. Every Breath is her first novel for young adults.

 Connect with Ellie Marney:

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 A copy of Every Word was generously provided to one Readers Den follower.  The giveaway is open to US or CA residents only.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Friction by Sandra Brown

I'm excited to participate in the Blog Tour for Friction by Sandra Brown because I'm a big fan! This tour is hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.  Click here for the complete tour schedule, and be sure to scroll down to the bottom for a chance to win a SIGNED copy of Friction and Coffee Mug!

Friction by Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central
Publication date: August 18th 2015
My rating: 4 stars 
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a gripping story of family ties and forbidden attraction.

A Texas Ranger, relegated to deskwork due to past recklessness, petitions to regain custody of his five-year-old daughter, and his case is assigned to a family court judge who is as attractive as she is ambitious. When a masked gunman barges in during the custody hearing with his sights on the judge, the Ranger reacts instinctually and goes after him. But authorities apprehend the wrong man, and the real gunman remains unknown, at large, and a threat. Will this take-charge lawman jeopardize his chances of custody by going after the would-be assassin? And will this unlikely pair be able to deny the forbidden attraction building between them?

My Thoughts:

While I’m relatively new to Sandra Brown’s writing, she has fast become one of my all-time favorite romantic suspense/mystery writers! I’ve quickly gobbled up several of her stories after reading and LOVING Mean Streak last year, and I’ve discovered she’s is a pro at reeling you into a story and keeping you hooked until the very last page. Friction was no exception; the story was exciting, hot, and captivating!

Crawford Hunt is battling his in-laws for custody of his five-year old daughter, Georgia.  As a Texas Ranger he’s been in dangerous situations that have required rapid-fire judgment, and Crawford is able to rush in a take charge.  Now his father-in-law, Joe, is using this quality to call into question his ability to care for his daughter, accusing him of being too reckless to raise a child.  During the custody hearing a masked man barges in and shoots the place up, leaving Judge Holly Spencer shaken to the core.  Crawford’s quick action limits the lethal damage, but still she barely escaped with her life. The investigation thrusts Holly and Crawford into an uneasy partnership, and side by side they work on finding the culprit before he strikes again.

Any relationship or dealings between Holly and Crawford are pretty bad idea seeing as Holly is presiding over his custody case, but the intense circumstances overrule logical thinking, and their magnetic attraction takes over every time they’re together. I loved every stolen lusty kiss, every desperate, hot encounter they shared, all the while trying to keep one step ahead of the killer! 

He slid his fingers up into her hair until his hands were closed around her head, then he tilted it and brushed his mouth across hers. “A word of caution, judge. Don’t show up at my back door looking like you do unless you want to get manhandled.”

I wouldn’t mind a little manhandling, Crawford! 

Not only was Crawford one hot-sexy-take-charge-kind-of-guy, he could melt your heart of the love and devotion he had for his daughter, Georgia!  It’s a joy to have a strong female MC and Holly was exactly that: intelligent, accomplished, and compassionate.  She had no problem standing up for herself and Crawford when needed, and I enjoyed her quick, smart thinking.

With all that going on, there wasn’t much time to fret over relationship angst or wonder whether the couple will be able to overcome the obstacles keeping them apart. Holly and Crawford had more than a few, but I was never worried that it wouldn’t all fall into place.  This is a romance with Sandra Brown at the helm, after all, and she hasn’t steered my wrong so far!

Friction was a thrilling, fast paced read, and as a reader I was trying to solve the mystery right along with the characters, nervous with tension over what would happen next.  I enjoyed every surprise and twist!  

AUTHOR BIO

Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including DEADLINE(2013), LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011), TOUGH CUSTOMER (2010), SMASH CUT (2009), SMOKE SCREEN (2008), PLAY DIRTY (2007), RICOCHET (2006), CHILL FACTOR (2005), WHITE HOT (2004), & HELLO, DARKNESS (2003).

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.

A lifelong Texan, Sandra Brown was born in Waco, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in English. Before embarking on her writing career, she worked as a model at the Dallas Apparel Mart, and in television, including weathercasting for WFAA-TV in Dallas, and feature reporting on the nationally syndicated program “PM Magazine.”

In 2009 Brown detoured from her thrillers to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.

Brown recently was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Connect with Sandra Brown:

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Blog Tour: Most Likely to Succeed by Jennifer Echols

Hi all, today I'm thrilled to be taking in The Most Likely to Succeed Blog Tour hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club. I have become a fast fan of this series by Jennifer Echols so far, so was delighted to be with this fantastic set of characters once again. Before I share my review here's a bit about the book. 

Most Likely to Succeed (Superlatives #3) by Jennifer Echols
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: August 4th 2015. 

In this sexy conclusion to The Superlatives trilogy from Endless Summer author Jennifer Echols, Sawyer and Kaye might just be perfect for each other—if only they could admit it. As vice president of Student Council, Kaye knows the importance of keeping order. Not only in school, but in her personal life. Which is why she and her boyfriend, Aidan, already have their lives mapped out: attend Columbia University together, pursue banking careers, and eventually get married. Everything Kaye has accomplished in high school—student government, cheerleading, stellar grades—has been in preparation for that future. To his entire class, Sawyer is an irreverent bad boy. His antics on the field as school mascot and his love of partying have earned him total slacker status. But while he and Kaye appear to be opposites on every level, fate—and their friends—keep conspiring to throw them together. Perhaps the seniors see the simmering attraction Kaye and Sawyer are unwilling to acknowledge to themselves… As the year unfolds, Kaye begins to realize her ideal life is not what she thought. And Sawyer decides it’s finally time to let down the facade and show everyone who he really is. Is a relationship between them most likely to succeed—or will it be their favorite mistake?

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The Superlatives series by Echols is one of my favourite series yet, in the two previous books Echols has created endearing characters which have been hard not to fall for, I love how each book so far has focused on one couple, but still kept the secondary characters an integral part of the story. Sawyer was the class clown, always goofing off or getting on people’s nerves, but on occasion he was known to show a softer side and this was one side that I couldn’t wait to see more of in Most Likely to Succeed.

Sawyer had had his eyes on Kaye for the last two years, although he was found messing around with a different girl so often, it was clear to tell that around Kaye he was a totally different person, he could be sincere, considerate and most of all he was completely vulnerable. It was strange seeing him like this as before I’d never taken him seriously, but I loved how with this book we got to know the real Sawyer underneath the pelican costume a whole lot more.  Kaye like her friend Harper found herself in the situation where things weren’t really working out with her boyfriend and she was sort of getting conflicted feelings about somebody else. Like Harper’s ex Kennedy, Kaye’s boyfriend Aidan was a right piece of work, he liked to have control and dominate most situations as he was class president. It was awful how he felt he could say whatever he wanted to Kaye. Boyfriends are meant to be supportive, cheer you up when you’ve had a crap day and just be your pillar of support, Aidan was neither of these things and so I really couldn’t wait for Kaye to stand up to him and end things with him. Kaye could do so much better, and although she didn’t know where she stood with Sawyer, I wanted her to find out.

Sawyer and Kaye’s relationships wasn’t one of the easiest ones, there was a lot of hot and cold signs, parents getting involved when they didn’t need to and Sawyer of course was a totally different person when he was dressed as the mascot pelican and when he was being himself. I couldn’t understand how Sawyer and Kaye’s feelings were genuine for one another, but they were just scared about wrecking things. In some of the sweet scenes we got to see between them, it was obvious they were made for one another, I wish so much crap and miscommunication didn’t have to get in the way. Sawyer had so much of his own stuff to deal with in this book, and so I could understand why he was scared about getting his heart trampled on.

Family once again played a big part in this book and it was one aspect I truly appreciated. Kaye had such a great family, yes her mother could be a little over bearing at times, but she only wanted what was best for her daughter, she wanted to give her the best life possible, something which she really had to fight for when she was younger. I loved how Kaye’s parents always balanced each other out, how Kaye’s mum would get vexed in a instant and her dad would help her simmer down, even though there was a lot of tension whenever Kaye’s family popped up in a scene, you knew it would never be a dull moment!

Alongside the family aspect, I was grateful to be back again with the great set of characters that Echols had introduced to us in the previous books, especially my favourite Brody. All six characters: Sawyer, Kaye, Harper, Brody, Tia and Will had such great personalities that they were characters that could cheer you up in no time, they were certainly friends that I wish I had by my side when I was in high school, it actually makes me kind of sad that this will be the last that we will see of them! *cries* (just a hint Jennifer, I would totally read a book following these wonderful characters to college if you wanted to go there)

Most Likely to Succeed was another fantastic instalment for the amazing Superlative series. I loved the character growth that Echols showed in this series, but most of all the wonderful relationships amongst friends and family that Echols was able to explore. I never usually end up liking all the books in a series, but I have loved every single book in this series, so honestly I can’t recommend this series highly enough!

 

GIVEAWAY:

Win ALL three books in the Superlatives series by Jennifer Echols (Biggest Flirts, Perfect Couple and Most Likely To Succeed) [US Only]