tmedwards's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book, but something annoyed me about it. I felt like Gurtler could have gone so much farther with the story. There was stuff that could have happened that didn't, and then the was conflict with Flynn and Jess tossed in at the very ending that made for a thrown together ending to the book. It annoyed me how she built up this relationship that end the bed never even REALLY happens because of the conflict she tossed in at the third to last chapter then hurriedly fixes to allow the reader to imagine what happens next. I enjoyed the book all the way up until the end. Wilf, a character I liked a lot, just dies abruptly and his death solves Flynn's problems. There was no resolution for Jess and her father, or Jess and Nance. I wish that Jess wouldn't have forgiven Flynn so easily after he ignores her completely for a week then unemotionally cuts ties with her and is seen kissing some random girl a day later. The characters were cute, but I only really felt attached to Kyle and Wilf, sometimes Flynn. I enjoyed the storyline though, and the beginning made up for the ending. I would read more from this author, and just hope that she better develops her endings in other novels of hers. After reading #16 Things I Thought Were True I was a little disappointed by this ending. Also, for a Sourcebooks novel, I am extremely disappointed with all of the editorial errors. They became annoying. Overall I enjoy Gurtler's writing style. She's great with YA emotions and writing even if she did repeatedly say that Flynn was, "wearing the shit out of his jeans."
Also, I called the number in the book (Jess' house number) and it's someone's actual phone number... Poor girl. I'd change my number ASAP.
Also, I called the number in the book (Jess' house number) and it's someone's actual phone number... Poor girl. I'd change my number ASAP.
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Not much to say here, except this is a good read for teens looking for romance - there's nothing really unique to make this stand out, but nothing to complain about either. It hits all the usual notes, which will keep fans of the genre happy.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
thepaperreels's review
Jess is the rich girl who is acting out. Flynn is from the wrong side of the tracks. And I'm the reader who doesn't care at all.
I kinda understand Jess. I mean I get it, you have money, you feel like nobody loves you, dysfunctional family-- you really tend to act out. An her self realizations and her desire to grow was admiring. I like that about her. She knows she's messed up and she decided to needs to change.
Now Flynn on the other hand. Oh the hurty feelings!!! Flynn is so complicated, sometimes I wonder if he has the problem of earth in his shoulders.
So tired of guys who doesn't know what he wants. He pulls her then pushes back.
WHAT DUDE?!! WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT!!!!
Look, I KNOW. He has issues.Please don't assume that life is is easy on me and I'm making fun of Flynn, we all have issues. And I get Flynn. But the way Flynn is coping is so not helping him. Jess of course doesn't get all this because she's more into her romance dilemna. I MEAN HELLO, PRIORITIES!!!! And there's also this thing that Flynn did towards the that is so unbelievable!!!! I can't believe Jess forgave him so fast. It must be ~**true love**~
Janet Gurtler does have a very beautiful way of writing. But as pleasant as that was, my annoyance just keeps popping and my supposed to be swoony feeling didn't show. I still recommend this book. I just think it's not for everybody. I had some issues but there's a chance you might enjoy it more.
I kinda understand Jess. I mean I get it, you have money, you feel like nobody loves you, dysfunctional family-- you really tend to act out. An her self realizations and her desire to grow was admiring. I like that about her. She knows she's messed up and she decided to needs to change.
Now Flynn on the other hand. Oh the hurty feelings!!! Flynn is so complicated, sometimes I wonder if he has the problem of earth in his shoulders.
So tired of guys who doesn't know what he wants. He pulls her then pushes back.
WHAT DUDE?!! WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT!!!!
Look, I KNOW. He has issues.Please don't assume that life is is easy on me and I'm making fun of Flynn, we all have issues. And I get Flynn. But the way Flynn is coping is so not helping him. Jess of course doesn't get all this because she's more into her romance dilemna. I MEAN HELLO, PRIORITIES!!!! And there's also this thing that Flynn did towards the that is so unbelievable!!!! I can't believe Jess forgave him so fast. It must be ~**true love**~
Janet Gurtler does have a very beautiful way of writing. But as pleasant as that was, my annoyance just keeps popping and my supposed to be swoony feeling didn't show. I still recommend this book. I just think it's not for everybody. I had some issues but there's a chance you might enjoy it more.
caitlin_gabrielle's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Wow ... that ending ... I actually almsot cried
This story was one of those young adult books that truly allow you to see the growth of the main character. Jess does a completely 180 and matured beyond belief. She’s kind, compassionate, and determined af.
I truly give her credit and admire her unwillingness to give up with Flynn.
Wilf - such a cool spunky OKD man who becomes jess’ friend. I was a big fan of his ! He was awesome and so wise
Flynn - oh Flynn .... he was cute and hardworking . I loved the connection he had with Jess and how he looked after his little brother. It was a bit frustrating that at times I feel like he would give up ... meanwhile Jess was DETERMINED and strong willed. He was still amazing and I fell in love with him just as much as Jess !!
Kyle - the cutest little boy ever . His relationship with Jess made my heart melt! It was the best
However , there was something at the end THAY not only made me want to cry for her but made me SO SO MAD !!!! GAH!! I wish the ending had maybe another chapter or so to deal with what happened.
Wow ... that ending ... I actually almsot cried
This story was one of those young adult books that truly allow you to see the growth of the main character. Jess does a completely 180 and matured beyond belief. She’s kind, compassionate, and determined af.
I truly give her credit and admire her unwillingness to give up with Flynn.
Wilf - such a cool spunky OKD man who becomes jess’ friend. I was a big fan of his ! He was awesome and so wise
Flynn - oh Flynn .... he was cute and hardworking . I loved the connection he had with Jess and how he looked after his little brother. It was a bit frustrating that at times I feel like he would give up ... meanwhile Jess was DETERMINED and strong willed. He was still amazing and I fell in love with him just as much as Jess !!
Kyle - the cutest little boy ever . His relationship with Jess made my heart melt! It was the best
However , there was something at the end THAY not only made me want to cry for her but made me SO SO MAD !!!! GAH!! I wish the ending had maybe another chapter or so to deal with what happened.
thewoodlandbunny's review against another edition
3.0
I give it a 3.5/ 4 stars it's was a cute book!
taylorg_1005's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
iahp_mom's review against another edition
3.0
What can I say without spoiling the book? Not much, so beware.
While the writing style is good, and the character development is decent, the plot is predictable, and the best scenes are left out. You want me to care about Jess's mom and the horrible thing that happened to her? Let HER tell us about it, not Jess telling Flynn a quick version that leaves even Jess wondering what her mom felt like. You want me to think Jess is repentant for her behavior to her best friend? Have her show it by making a grand gesture or a series of little ones, not by issuing a pitiful apology over the phone. You want to show us how much Flynn cares? Show us his conversation with Jess' dad, don't just tell us that he "really stood up for them". Characters that die and leave notes for the main character should have something to say that will advance the plot. The note that was left for Flynn was 100 times better but we don't see that until the last paragraph. The adults that are so vehement about keeping them apart fold without reason. Jess' mom gets better with no catalyst. And Flynn, who we actually trust, betrays us in the last smudge of the book, but is too easily forgiven. The betrayal seems out of character, and his apology is not good enough.
So, why 3 stars? Kyle. The only character that makes 100% sense. He is real, and he makes me like Jess and Flynn much more than they deserve.
While the writing style is good, and the character development is decent, the plot is predictable, and the best scenes are left out. You want me to care about Jess's mom and the horrible thing that happened to her? Let HER tell us about it, not Jess telling Flynn a quick version that leaves even Jess wondering what her mom felt like. You want me to think Jess is repentant for her behavior to her best friend? Have her show it by making a grand gesture or a series of little ones, not by issuing a pitiful apology over the phone. You want to show us how much Flynn cares? Show us his conversation with Jess' dad, don't just tell us that he "really stood up for them". Characters that die and leave notes for the main character should have something to say that will advance the plot. The note that was left for Flynn was 100 times better but we don't see that until the last paragraph. The adults that are so vehement about keeping them apart fold without reason. Jess' mom gets better with no catalyst. And Flynn, who we actually trust, betrays us in the last smudge of the book, but is too easily forgiven. The betrayal seems out of character, and his apology is not good enough.
So, why 3 stars? Kyle. The only character that makes 100% sense. He is real, and he makes me like Jess and Flynn much more than they deserve.
laurasaur112's review against another edition
5.0
So. Freaking. Good.
I really loved this book. I went into it thinking it was going to be just another, clique Teen Romance novels, but it was so much better than that.
The plot was amazing. I loved how it all played out, and how I couldn't put it down because I was so into it. I seriously loved how things happened; it didn't go too slow or too fast. It had everything I wanted to read about; forbidden love, angst, betrayal, great friendships, and family issues. The end happened a bit too fast, but other than that, I loved every part of this book.
The characters were so amazing!
Jess was awesome. I mean, she was pretty spoiled, but she'd been going through so much, and it was great to see her progress throughout the book. She did have spirit and wit and a lot of courage. I completely fell in love with her.
Then...there's Flynn. Oh my God. I totally loved him. He was so kind and caring, and incredibly hot. I liked how protective he was. Now, towards the end, he did make some bad decisions that made me like him less, but still...I enjoyed him for the most part.
The side characters were written very well. I loved Penny and Braxton. They pretty cool. And, I thought the Jess's dad really manned up later on, and that her mom started to get better.
So, overall, totally loved this book and will definitely be reading more from this author.
I really loved this book. I went into it thinking it was going to be just another, clique Teen Romance novels, but it was so much better than that.
The plot was amazing. I loved how it all played out, and how I couldn't put it down because I was so into it. I seriously loved how things happened; it didn't go too slow or too fast. It had everything I wanted to read about; forbidden love, angst, betrayal, great friendships, and family issues. The end happened a bit too fast, but other than that, I loved every part of this book.
The characters were so amazing!
Jess was awesome. I mean, she was pretty spoiled, but she'd been going through so much, and it was great to see her progress throughout the book. She did have spirit and wit and a lot of courage. I completely fell in love with her.
Then...there's Flynn. Oh my God. I totally loved him. He was so kind and caring, and incredibly hot. I liked how protective he was. Now, towards the end, he did make some bad decisions that made me like him less, but still...I enjoyed him for the most part.
The side characters were written very well. I loved Penny and Braxton. They pretty cool. And, I thought the Jess's dad really manned up later on, and that her mom started to get better.
So, overall, totally loved this book and will definitely be reading more from this author.
tiffybshelby's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this book from a goodreads first reads giveaway and must say I enjoyed the book. I read the book pretty fast, and had trouble putting it down. I was really attached to the characters and kept wanting to find out more about them. I liked Jess from the beginning, despite her flaws, everyone makes mistakes.