ificouldreadallday's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
emsmith14's review against another edition
2.0
This book was cute but predictable. I found myself just finishing it to finish the book show that my assumptions were correct on what would happen. The idea behind this book was great, however, it could have been executed better. I have to say that the short chapters became fairly annoying as I wished she would have just put section breaks instead for most of them and had longer chapters.
sc104906's review against another edition
1.0
I didn't finish the book because the characters annoyed me. There wasn't enough action to internal thoughts.
reviewsfromabookworm's review against another edition
1.0
For more reviews and giveaways, go to Reviews from a Bookworm
I find it quite amusing that Viking Juvenile is the publisher of this book because juvenile is a word that sums up this book for me. It felt juvenile, and not in a good way. It has content that you would expect from a YA novel but the characters and the writing make it seem like it's aimed at 10 year olds. I should have learnt my lesson from the first book by the author I read, Something Like Fate, which I absolutely hated. But, I thought this sounded good and had potential. I was wrong.
My main and biggest issue with this book, and the one I could not get over as hard as I tried, was that the main character was one of the most annoying characters that I have ever come across. I have never felt so much unexplainable rage for a completely fictional character. I really should have DNFed this one because it wasn't worth my time and it probably did terrible things to my blood pressure. Sterling was just such a ridiculous character, I wish she actually existed so that I could bitch slap the crap out of her. Seriously, my rage is too much to handle when it comes to this girl.
Sterling is like the worst grammar Nazi in the world. I feel like the author thought that this would make you connect with her, anyone who's used the internet knows what a Grammar Nazi is. But, that's not how it works out. She takes her to the absolute extreme and I just couldn't stand it. I think most bloggers and readers will admit to hating it when they see a grammatical error or spelling mistake. But, we don't go comment about it in the comments on a blog post or email the author about it because we have probably all made mistakes ourselves. I have checked and double checked a post and been satisfied, only to go back and read it after I have posted it and find a bunch of mistakes I didn't spot. So, I just found Sterling's high and mighty attitude to be utterly pathetic, juvenile and ridiculous. She emails authors to let them know that they made a mistake in one of their books, and moans that the editors must be idiots for not spotting them, she keeps a sharpie on her so she can correct ANY mistake she sees on signs. WHAT THE HELL? GET A LIFE. She also wants to be a publisher and thinks that she is better than everybody else.
Here's a few quotes:
'As a publisher, I'll have the ability to share quality work that can change the world.'
'I take out the book I'm reading. I've already marked two typos. I'll email the author to let her know about them and any others I find when I finish the book.'
Having to sit and read this for the whole book just really got to me. I just could not like this girl at all. Then there is her relationship with Ethan, another thing I absolutely hated. She just talks about him like he is the most amazing, brilliant thing to happen in the world EVER. Seriously, here are a few quotes:
'He has a unique sound no one else has ever created before.
'Ethan makes the kind of music generations have been waiting for.'
'He was strumming a new chord when he suddenly knew he was meant for insane fame. He was too young to comprehend the scope of his epiphany.'
'Melting.On.The.Floor.'
'Melting.Into.My.Chair.
'Melting.In.The.Foyer'
'Melting.At.Serendipity'
Her gushing about Ethan gets old pretty fast and just really got to me. Also, the constant use of the whole melting thing really bugged me as well. I seemed to absolutely hate nearly everything about this book and it's really hard for me to try and sugar-coat that, so I just won't bother. Ethan, to me, seemed like the most ridiculous romantic male lead ever. He is made out to be absolutely perfect, the author even makes him that way. He's super sweet, loving and treats Sterling so well. But then the author tries to just 180 him and it doesn't make much sense and just seems really silly, at least to me.
For me, the only good part of the book was the end. And that wasn't just because I had finally got to the end and didn't have to read any more. It was because the author didn't go for the stereotypical ending and it wasn't the ending I was expecting either. I enjoyed that aspect of it but it wasn't enough to save this book for me. This was quick to get through but didn't make much of an impact on me at all.
0.5/5 Butterflies
The surprising end earned this book a .5 rating. Other than that, I honestly couldn't find one redeemable part of this book. I couldn't stand the characters, Sterling is one of the worst protagonists I have ever seen. Ethan does a complete 180 as a person and I just didn't buy it. She made him too perfect and then too much of a dick. This just wasn't for me at all, it seems like a very immature story with very immature characters.
*I received a copy of this novel from the author/publisher/publicist via Edelweiss in exchange for a free and honest review and received no monetary compensation for this review.
I find it quite amusing that Viking Juvenile is the publisher of this book because juvenile is a word that sums up this book for me. It felt juvenile, and not in a good way. It has content that you would expect from a YA novel but the characters and the writing make it seem like it's aimed at 10 year olds. I should have learnt my lesson from the first book by the author I read, Something Like Fate, which I absolutely hated. But, I thought this sounded good and had potential. I was wrong.
My main and biggest issue with this book, and the one I could not get over as hard as I tried, was that the main character was one of the most annoying characters that I have ever come across. I have never felt so much unexplainable rage for a completely fictional character. I really should have DNFed this one because it wasn't worth my time and it probably did terrible things to my blood pressure. Sterling was just such a ridiculous character, I wish she actually existed so that I could bitch slap the crap out of her. Seriously, my rage is too much to handle when it comes to this girl.
 |
| I concur! |
Sterling is like the worst grammar Nazi in the world. I feel like the author thought that this would make you connect with her, anyone who's used the internet knows what a Grammar Nazi is. But, that's not how it works out. She takes her to the absolute extreme and I just couldn't stand it. I think most bloggers and readers will admit to hating it when they see a grammatical error or spelling mistake. But, we don't go comment about it in the comments on a blog post or email the author about it because we have probably all made mistakes ourselves. I have checked and double checked a post and been satisfied, only to go back and read it after I have posted it and find a bunch of mistakes I didn't spot. So, I just found Sterling's high and mighty attitude to be utterly pathetic, juvenile and ridiculous. She emails authors to let them know that they made a mistake in one of their books, and moans that the editors must be idiots for not spotting them, she keeps a sharpie on her so she can correct ANY mistake she sees on signs. WHAT THE HELL? GET A LIFE. She also wants to be a publisher and thinks that she is better than everybody else.
Here's a few quotes:
'As a publisher, I'll have the ability to share quality work that can change the world.'
'I take out the book I'm reading. I've already marked two typos. I'll email the author to let her know about them and any others I find when I finish the book.'
Having to sit and read this for the whole book just really got to me. I just could not like this girl at all. Then there is her relationship with Ethan, another thing I absolutely hated. She just talks about him like he is the most amazing, brilliant thing to happen in the world EVER. Seriously, here are a few quotes:
'He has a unique sound no one else has ever created before.
'Ethan makes the kind of music generations have been waiting for.'
'He was strumming a new chord when he suddenly knew he was meant for insane fame. He was too young to comprehend the scope of his epiphany.'
'Melting.On.The.Floor.'
'Melting.Into.My.Chair.
'Melting.In.The.Foyer'
'Melting.At.Serendipity'
Her gushing about Ethan gets old pretty fast and just really got to me. Also, the constant use of the whole melting thing really bugged me as well. I seemed to absolutely hate nearly everything about this book and it's really hard for me to try and sugar-coat that, so I just won't bother. Ethan, to me, seemed like the most ridiculous romantic male lead ever. He is made out to be absolutely perfect, the author even makes him that way. He's super sweet, loving and treats Sterling so well. But then the author tries to just 180 him and it doesn't make much sense and just seems really silly, at least to me.
For me, the only good part of the book was the end. And that wasn't just because I had finally got to the end and didn't have to read any more. It was because the author didn't go for the stereotypical ending and it wasn't the ending I was expecting either. I enjoyed that aspect of it but it wasn't enough to save this book for me. This was quick to get through but didn't make much of an impact on me at all.
0.5/5 Butterflies
The surprising end earned this book a .5 rating. Other than that, I honestly couldn't find one redeemable part of this book. I couldn't stand the characters, Sterling is one of the worst protagonists I have ever seen. Ethan does a complete 180 as a person and I just didn't buy it. She made him too perfect and then too much of a dick. This just wasn't for me at all, it seems like a very immature story with very immature characters.
*I received a copy of this novel from the author/publisher/publicist via Edelweiss in exchange for a free and honest review and received no monetary compensation for this review.
anniedelsignore's review against another edition
2.0
Um...no... This book was not what I was expecting. Sterling is annoying...so incredibly annoying, and she lets Ethan treat her like crap and continues to be obsessed with him. Nothing about it makes sense. It's such a disappointment because I remember loving all Susane Colasanti's other books :(
kkuecker218's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing and Bullying
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
Even before he started to blow up, Sterling could not believe that Ethan picked her to ask out. Even before he hit a million followers, before his single started airing on the radio, before the concerts and the sold out tour destinations, Sterling knew she was so incredibly lucky to have Ethan Cross as her boyfriend.
Ethan and Sterling click in a way Sterling didn't think possible. As much as she loves performing culinary experiments and correcting egregious grammatical errors in signs, Sterling loves spending time with Ethan more. As great as hanging out with her friends is, hanging out with Ethan is better.
Then Ethan's music starts getting noticed and suddenly Ethan is a hot commodity thrown head-first in the world of fame and celebrity. Sterling, much to her initial dismay, is thrown in right beside him.
Ethan is getting compared to Michael Jackson and getting more famous by the second. Meanwhile Sterling finds herself appearing next to Ethan in countless tabloid photos, traveling around the country to catch his sold out shows, and even garnering a small following of her own.
Between her hot boyfriend, the sudden fame, and the free couture, Sterling should be living the dream. The only problem is Sterling is no longer sure whose dream it is in Now and Forever (2014) by Susane Colasanti.
Now and Forever is a bit like an exclusive trip behind the velvet rope; a look at exactly what being famous might mean. Unfortunately, unlike other titles in a similar ilk, this book fails to offer a nuanced picture instead focusing on the glitz and glamor. While Ethan does change as he gains fame throughout the story, the implications of that change or what caused it (privilege, growing up, celebrity in general) are never discussed anymore than Sterling's own relationship with her fame by association.
While this is a sweet romance, a lot of the story is spent on a bad relationship. Although this focus on the bad makes the second romance that much sweeter, it simultaneously raises questions about why the novel's plot focuses where it does for so long.
Like all of Colasanti's heroines, Sterling is adorably romantic. While her absorption in Ethan's world and identity are troubling, it is an issue that's addressed before the story ends.
Now and Forever is a must read for any readers who are super into the latest boy band or music in general. Bonus points for anyone who is a celebrity news junkie.
Possible Pairings: Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg, Where She Went by Gayle Forman, Reunited by Hilary Weisman Graham, To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, Open Road Summer by Emery Lord, Being Friends With Boys by Terra Elan McVoy, Famous in Love by Rebecca Serle
Ethan and Sterling click in a way Sterling didn't think possible. As much as she loves performing culinary experiments and correcting egregious grammatical errors in signs, Sterling loves spending time with Ethan more. As great as hanging out with her friends is, hanging out with Ethan is better.
Then Ethan's music starts getting noticed and suddenly Ethan is a hot commodity thrown head-first in the world of fame and celebrity. Sterling, much to her initial dismay, is thrown in right beside him.
Ethan is getting compared to Michael Jackson and getting more famous by the second. Meanwhile Sterling finds herself appearing next to Ethan in countless tabloid photos, traveling around the country to catch his sold out shows, and even garnering a small following of her own.
Between her hot boyfriend, the sudden fame, and the free couture, Sterling should be living the dream. The only problem is Sterling is no longer sure whose dream it is in Now and Forever (2014) by Susane Colasanti.
Now and Forever is a bit like an exclusive trip behind the velvet rope; a look at exactly what being famous might mean. Unfortunately, unlike other titles in a similar ilk, this book fails to offer a nuanced picture instead focusing on the glitz and glamor. While Ethan does change as he gains fame throughout the story, the implications of that change or what caused it (privilege, growing up, celebrity in general) are never discussed anymore than Sterling's own relationship with her fame by association.
While this is a sweet romance, a lot of the story is spent on a bad relationship. Although this focus on the bad makes the second romance that much sweeter, it simultaneously raises questions about why the novel's plot focuses where it does for so long.
Like all of Colasanti's heroines, Sterling is adorably romantic. While her absorption in Ethan's world and identity are troubling, it is an issue that's addressed before the story ends.
Now and Forever is a must read for any readers who are super into the latest boy band or music in general. Bonus points for anyone who is a celebrity news junkie.
Possible Pairings: Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg, Where She Went by Gayle Forman, Reunited by Hilary Weisman Graham, To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, Open Road Summer by Emery Lord, Being Friends With Boys by Terra Elan McVoy, Famous in Love by Rebecca Serle
shadowin's review against another edition
1.0
I thought I’ve read uninteresting or dull books in the past. Boy was I wrong, this was the worst of the worst. Don’t waste your time or money. Skip.
viviannaaudreyjames_'s review against another edition
3.0
Re-read!
I've read this book in the past, which was like…. Jeez, I don't know when, but it was like around the 2014-2016? Around that time. And I didn't like it. It was awful to me. I remember reading it back then and all I said after I finished it was, “this is terrible. I would never pick it back up again.”
I'm a fucking liar. Not only that, but I'm a believer in second chances, so I gave this book another chance.
And I am writing these current thoughts down, with careful dissection after reading it, again.
So here are the thoughts I had while reading this:
1. The slang used in this book was killing me. But none of it hurt as much as the word 'swag'. I mean, way to show when this book published. I cringed way too many times at it, and I just cannot with every time any of the characters decided to use it.
2. The male main character, Ethan, is terrible. I mean, sure he was sweet here and there, but for him to not consider his bandmates ideas? His ego was way bigger than his heart. I didn't like Ethan as much as thought I would. Sure, he's sweet and a superstar, but honestly, it would be better if he was just a small town musician.
3. Sterling. She was cringy in the first 20+ pages. I had never cringed so much for a character in my whole entire life. But then I couldn't stop reading. I know I should stop at one point, but it didn't feel right. I realized that I was watching her life go on and seeing her grow as a person. Sure, she was still immature at some parts towards the end of the book, but I know I would do the same thing if I were to be on her place.
4. will I ever re-read this book again? Probably not. I've read and tabbed the pages, but I don't think I'll go back again, for real, this time.
To end this review, I will be showing some of my favourites lines from the book. Not because they're fantastic or mind-blowing, most of them are just straight up funny and horrible.
1. "Those stupid quotation marks annoyed me the whole time I was pushing our cart around. I almost ran over an old lady, I was so annoyed."
2. " I wonder why he has to wear earplugs. Maybe that's what happens when you're over thirty and still in a band."
3. "You'd be surprised at how many tech geeks are wannabe rock stars."
4. "But I secretly like the attention. What can I say? Classic extroverts like me are attention whores."
5. "Showing off swag is their way of arguing over who is the number one fan."
Okay, I think that's enough. I'll spare all of you any more of these horrible sentences.
I've read this book in the past, which was like…. Jeez, I don't know when, but it was like around the 2014-2016? Around that time. And I didn't like it. It was awful to me. I remember reading it back then and all I said after I finished it was, “this is terrible. I would never pick it back up again.”
I'm a fucking liar. Not only that, but I'm a believer in second chances, so I gave this book another chance.
And I am writing these current thoughts down, with careful dissection after reading it, again.
So here are the thoughts I had while reading this:
1. The slang used in this book was killing me. But none of it hurt as much as the word 'swag'. I mean, way to show when this book published. I cringed way too many times at it, and I just cannot with every time any of the characters decided to use it.
2. The male main character, Ethan, is terrible. I mean, sure he was sweet here and there, but for him to not consider his bandmates ideas? His ego was way bigger than his heart. I didn't like Ethan as much as thought I would. Sure, he's sweet and a superstar, but honestly, it would be better if he was just a small town musician.
3. Sterling. She was cringy in the first 20+ pages. I had never cringed so much for a character in my whole entire life. But then I couldn't stop reading. I know I should stop at one point, but it didn't feel right. I realized that I was watching her life go on and seeing her grow as a person. Sure, she was still immature at some parts towards the end of the book, but I know I would do the same thing if I were to be on her place.
4. will I ever re-read this book again? Probably not. I've read and tabbed the pages, but I don't think I'll go back again, for real, this time.
To end this review, I will be showing some of my favourites lines from the book. Not because they're fantastic or mind-blowing, most of them are just straight up funny and horrible.
1. "Those stupid quotation marks annoyed me the whole time I was pushing our cart around. I almost ran over an old lady, I was so annoyed."
2. " I wonder why he has to wear earplugs. Maybe that's what happens when you're over thirty and still in a band."
3. "You'd be surprised at how many tech geeks are wannabe rock stars."
4. "But I secretly like the attention. What can I say? Classic extroverts like me are attention whores."
5. "Showing off swag is their way of arguing over who is the number one fan."
Okay, I think that's enough. I'll spare all of you any more of these horrible sentences.