khairun_atika's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful tribute to football, family and first love. Harper O'Malley is the adopted daughter of acclaimed college football coach John O'Malley, whose dark past made her just a tad self-conscious about the people around her. She thinks she has finally found security in Andrew Levin, but a football scandal and a tutoring stint for Ridley Estes makes her rethink her options and to finally face the weight of her past and circumstances. The story is pretty heavy on dialogue, but that is what makes this book a winner. Harper's voice is one of the quintessential teenage girl - she is passionate and determined, yet vulnerable and shows low self-esteem. She makes up her shortfalls with her compassion and honesty, and that is what makes this a pleasant read, as we root for Harper to finally get the happy ending she deserves.
noura_rizk's review against another edition
4.0
When you feel betrayed, you start questioning everything. their words their actions, and finally you stop believing. When Harper's adoptive father cheated on her adoptive mother, Harper's fragile world crumbled around here, because she never really let go of her past, her insecurities resurfaced again and let her know she never truly recovered. You could live in your fears and let it destroy everything you have/ might have, or you could take a leap of faith and start trusting again even if you might get hurt "again". The whole time Harper lived with her adoptive family she lived in fear of them leaving her again just like her own mother did, and all that scandal(her father scandal) did was just a reason for her to think she was right after all, except she was not.
Jenny B. Jones is one of my favorite anthers she always make our own struggles real in her books, and somehow help us see the good in everything we have in our lives, and that's what I love about her books.
rating 3.5
Jenny B. Jones is one of my favorite anthers she always make our own struggles real in her books, and somehow help us see the good in everything we have in our lives, and that's what I love about her books.
rating 3.5
mb_booklady's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars-- Almost tears.
Harper O'Malley was adopted from an abusive home life to become the daughter of a college football coach and his wife and sister to their two boys. Although she has been to counselors, she still has trust and self-esteem issues.
At 16, she finally develops her first crush on a fellow band geek. Andrew is all that Harper could want, but she has no idea how to get him to notice her or even really talk to him.
She reluctantly agrees to tutor fellow high-school student, Ridley Estes, in exchange for his coaching on how to interact with Andrew. Harper is sure she knows Ridley's type--he parties all the time and changes girlfriends like he does socks. He is definitely not her type and not safe for her. Not to mention she considers him totally out of her league.
While this story follows a familiar story line, outside vents conspire to make Harper deal with her trust issues. She also realizes everything is not as it seems on the outside. Through these events, she learns to do the things she fears because it is freeing and rewarding.
Some readers may be put off by the "Christian" label that could be applied to the book, but it is not a preachy story. Nor is it nice and neat. Like life, the O'Malley's lives are messy, uncomfortable, and don't always work out perfectly.
Some of the issues dealt with are messy and may not be for sensitive readers, but I would be comfortable giving the book to my seventh and eighth graders. Although the story is a romance, it's about family, making mistakes, and fumbling through life the best you can with whatever situation you find yourself in.
I truly enjoyed the story and will be looking for it in paperback for my middle school library. It is a cute romance with a great message that my female students will love.
Harper O'Malley was adopted from an abusive home life to become the daughter of a college football coach and his wife and sister to their two boys. Although she has been to counselors, she still has trust and self-esteem issues.
At 16, she finally develops her first crush on a fellow band geek. Andrew is all that Harper could want, but she has no idea how to get him to notice her or even really talk to him.
She reluctantly agrees to tutor fellow high-school student, Ridley Estes, in exchange for his coaching on how to interact with Andrew. Harper is sure she knows Ridley's type--he parties all the time and changes girlfriends like he does socks. He is definitely not her type and not safe for her. Not to mention she considers him totally out of her league.
While this story follows a familiar story line, outside vents conspire to make Harper deal with her trust issues. She also realizes everything is not as it seems on the outside. Through these events, she learns to do the things she fears because it is freeing and rewarding.
Some readers may be put off by the "Christian" label that could be applied to the book, but it is not a preachy story. Nor is it nice and neat. Like life, the O'Malley's lives are messy, uncomfortable, and don't always work out perfectly.
Some of the issues dealt with are messy and may not be for sensitive readers, but I would be comfortable giving the book to my seventh and eighth graders. Although the story is a romance, it's about family, making mistakes, and fumbling through life the best you can with whatever situation you find yourself in.
I truly enjoyed the story and will be looking for it in paperback for my middle school library. It is a cute romance with a great message that my female students will love.
sammy234's review
I have complicated feelings towards this book.
I know that makes it sound like I'm talking about having a crush on some weird dude that plays xbox and belches but is also really attractive , but just bear with that phrase for a second.
On one hand , Jenny B. Jones is the author who influenced my childhood the most. When I was younger , I read all of her novels over and over again. My paperbacks of the charmed life series are stained and tattered. The Katy Parker series made me sob like a baby. Luke Sullivan is still my ultimate boy crush. I can remember whole passages of my favorite scenes. In fact , I used to recite them in my head when I had trouble falling asleep.
True story.
I was totally obsessed.
On the other hand , ( and this feels kind of sacrilegious to say) I didn't like this too much. I don't want to give it a bad review , though. It was really sweet and lovely , but maybe filled with too many conversations about the theme of the story .
This hurts on so many levels , so I'm just going to say that on a whole , as an author , Jenny B. Jones takes the cake. I will always have her books on pre- order and I will always be a mega - crazy fan , even if this novel wasn't my favorite of hers.
So yeah.
I recommend reading The Charmed life series and The first three books in The Katy Parker series first , then Save the date and There you'll find me ( cause they are stand -alones but also connected) , then Just Between you and Me , and by then you'll probably have a brain freakout about how good they are and want to swear your undying allegiance to Jenny B. Jones.
Just kidding. ( sort of)
I know that makes it sound like I'm talking about having a crush on some weird dude that plays xbox and belches but is also really attractive , but just bear with that phrase for a second.
On one hand , Jenny B. Jones is the author who influenced my childhood the most. When I was younger , I read all of her novels over and over again. My paperbacks of the charmed life series are stained and tattered. The Katy Parker series made me sob like a baby. Luke Sullivan is still my ultimate boy crush. I can remember whole passages of my favorite scenes. In fact , I used to recite them in my head when I had trouble falling asleep.
True story.
I was totally obsessed.
On the other hand , ( and this feels kind of sacrilegious to say) I didn't like this too much. I don't want to give it a bad review , though. It was really sweet and lovely , but maybe filled with too many conversations about the theme of the story .
This hurts on so many levels , so I'm just going to say that on a whole , as an author , Jenny B. Jones takes the cake. I will always have her books on pre- order and I will always be a mega - crazy fan , even if this novel wasn't my favorite of hers.
So yeah.
I recommend reading The Charmed life series and The first three books in The Katy Parker series first , then Save the date and There you'll find me ( cause they are stand -alones but also connected) , then Just Between you and Me , and by then you'll probably have a brain freakout about how good they are and want to swear your undying allegiance to Jenny B. Jones.
Just kidding. ( sort of)
acarpenter92's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rybass08's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was refreshing. Something new but also familiar. I loved that it was not spicy but still had a deep feeling about it. Just one of those romances that you can sit down enjoy, laugh, cry, and love.
cupcakegirly's review
4.0
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this! Fast, fun, and sweetly romantic, I'll Be Yours packs an emotional punch I didn't see coming.
Harper thinks she has it all figured out; her family, her future, and of course, guys like Ridley. Well, everything except for her love life which is non-existent. That's where Ridley comes in. He needs her help with school and she needs his to score a date with the boy she's been crushing on. Much to Harper's surprise, spending time with Ridley isn't as mind-numbing as she anticipated. In fact, the football star has a few surprises up his sleeve that come in the shape of little sisters, four-legged rescues, and swoon-worthy kisses.
Everything goes according to plan.
Until it doesn't.
When a scandal devastates Harper's family and leaves her with more questions than answers, Harper is forced to face the realization that, no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, but it's how you handle the consequences that matters. And, sometimes, what--or who--we think we want isn't always what we need.
I'll Be Yours is a story about love, loss, forgiveness and ultimately, hope.
Fans of Pride and Prejudice and Friday Night Lights will enjoy this one!
I really enjoyed this! Fast, fun, and sweetly romantic, I'll Be Yours packs an emotional punch I didn't see coming.
Harper thinks she has it all figured out; her family, her future, and of course, guys like Ridley. Well, everything except for her love life which is non-existent. That's where Ridley comes in. He needs her help with school and she needs his to score a date with the boy she's been crushing on. Much to Harper's surprise, spending time with Ridley isn't as mind-numbing as she anticipated. In fact, the football star has a few surprises up his sleeve that come in the shape of little sisters, four-legged rescues, and swoon-worthy kisses.
Everything goes according to plan.
Until it doesn't.
When a scandal devastates Harper's family and leaves her with more questions than answers, Harper is forced to face the realization that, no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, but it's how you handle the consequences that matters. And, sometimes, what--or who--we think we want isn't always what we need.
I'll Be Yours is a story about love, loss, forgiveness and ultimately, hope.
Fans of Pride and Prejudice and Friday Night Lights will enjoy this one!
science_dragon's review against another edition
5.0
The first chapter was a bit rough, and it took a while for Harper to grow on me. Later though... this girl steals dogs (from horrifically abusive situations) and deals with stress by baking and can i just say "hi Harper, my long lost sister." (to anyone wondering, no i haven't actually stolen any dogs although two of my pets have been rescues).
The heroine was broken and powerful at the same time, and it was a really realistic, gratifying take on a character. I try so hard to say I don't read love stories, but Jenny b. Jones sucks me in every time. I just can't resist her sarcasm mixed with grace, guys. Catnip, I tell you.
The heroine was broken and powerful at the same time, and it was a really realistic, gratifying take on a character. I try so hard to say I don't read love stories, but Jenny b. Jones sucks me in every time. I just can't resist her sarcasm mixed with grace, guys. Catnip, I tell you.