jaime_fiction_fangirl's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
I feel pretty much the same about this installment of Tru and Sloane's story as I did with the first one. This is more of a book for true YA readers, which I am not...I dabble but only occasionally as I am probably too old to relate to the characters and the story. That being said, this was a decent read that I enjoyed for exactly what it was.
The first book left me with a lot of unanswered questions but I feel like this book covered everything and wrapped up Tru and Sloane's story nicely. This was another book full of mistakes, misunderstandings, growth, forgiveness and revelations for both Sloane and Tru and their families. I was angry and hurt for Sloane, scared and upset for, and with, Tru but in the end they finally worked their mess out and I was satisfied with the outcome.
I feel pretty much the same about this installment of Tru and Sloane's story as I did with the first one. This is more of a book for true YA readers, which I am not...I dabble but only occasionally as I am probably too old to relate to the characters and the story. That being said, this was a decent read that I enjoyed for exactly what it was.
The first book left me with a lot of unanswered questions but I feel like this book covered everything and wrapped up Tru and Sloane's story nicely. This was another book full of mistakes, misunderstandings, growth, forgiveness and revelations for both Sloane and Tru and their families. I was angry and hurt for Sloane, scared and upset for, and with, Tru but in the end they finally worked their mess out and I was satisfied with the outcome.
jaimereadsromance's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
I feel pretty much the same about this installment of Tru and Sloane's story as I did with the first one. This is more of a book for true YA readers, which I am not...I dabble but only occasionally as I am probably too old to relate to the characters and the story. That being said, this was a decent read that I enjoyed for exactly what it was.
The first book left me with a lot of unanswered questions but I feel like this book covered everything and wrapped up Tru and Sloane's story nicely. This was another book full of mistakes, misunderstandings, growth, forgiveness and revelations for both Sloane and Tru and their families. I was angry and hurt for Sloane, scared and upset for, and with, Tru but in the end they finally worked their mess out and I was satisfied with the outcome.
I feel pretty much the same about this installment of Tru and Sloane's story as I did with the first one. This is more of a book for true YA readers, which I am not...I dabble but only occasionally as I am probably too old to relate to the characters and the story. That being said, this was a decent read that I enjoyed for exactly what it was.
The first book left me with a lot of unanswered questions but I feel like this book covered everything and wrapped up Tru and Sloane's story nicely. This was another book full of mistakes, misunderstandings, growth, forgiveness and revelations for both Sloane and Tru and their families. I was angry and hurt for Sloane, scared and upset for, and with, Tru but in the end they finally worked their mess out and I was satisfied with the outcome.
katrinamarie's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
It's no secret that I love the Creative HeArts series. There's only one more book after this one, and I'm sad to see it come to an end. But Tru and Sloane don't let us down.
I loved that both Tru and Sloane are dealing with their own problems. I just wish that they'd realize that fighting battles together is ALWAYS better than fighting them alone.
Sloane has a lot going on. She has someone blackmailing her about her web comic. Then she is trying to figure out how to get her brother and dad to stay in Austin. She feels like the person that drove the wedge between her family, but there may be more going on than she realized.
Tru has finally come to grips with the fact that he has a problem. He wants to be worthy of Sloane, and thinks pushing her away until he's who he wants to be is a good idea. But maybe a little outside help will allow him to see that maybe pushing her away is a stupid decision.
I love these two so much. They work so great together, and even though they are "on a break" their friendship is still there. (Even when it's awkward.)
We also get to see some of our other favorite characters in this series, and I can't wait for Finn and Willa's book!
Review
It's no secret that I love the Creative HeArts series. There's only one more book after this one, and I'm sad to see it come to an end. But Tru and Sloane don't let us down.
I loved that both Tru and Sloane are dealing with their own problems. I just wish that they'd realize that fighting battles together is ALWAYS better than fighting them alone.
Sloane has a lot going on. She has someone blackmailing her about her web comic. Then she is trying to figure out how to get her brother and dad to stay in Austin. She feels like the person that drove the wedge between her family, but there may be more going on than she realized.
Tru has finally come to grips with the fact that he has a problem. He wants to be worthy of Sloane, and thinks pushing her away until he's who he wants to be is a good idea. But maybe a little outside help will allow him to see that maybe pushing her away is a stupid decision.
I love these two so much. They work so great together, and even though they are "on a break" their friendship is still there. (Even when it's awkward.)
We also get to see some of our other favorite characters in this series, and I can't wait for Finn and Willa's book!
shahlasworld's review against another edition
3.0
This is a really sweet read its the first book ive read in the series and can be read on its own but probably best to read in order and i will be reading the rest a nice little read perfect for a lazy weekend recommended
denizyildiz's review against another edition
3.0
I love this series. And I really enjoyed Sloane and Tru's first book.
But then when I started Falling for the Girl Next Door, Sloan was back to her old antics. And I wasn't a fan of her when she had that attitude in book one, I really couldn't stomach her in this book. It really overshadowed my entire experience of Falling for the Girl Next Door. Simply because it kinda didn't mesh with what I felt Sloan had worked through...
The plot was ok. Except that I feel that Sloan did act rather annoying - which lead to Tru being jealous and mostly avoidable dramas. I do like that they did however, grow from this, that they did overcome some heavy issues together and also most importantly Tru facing up to things.
Though this is the second book of these two, it can be easily read as a standalone. Which Childs did very cleverly. I'm not sure if I personally liked this however, because as I mentioned, Sloan went through similar growth and problems in the first book. Also inevitably I kept on comparing the two books, and somehow for me book 1 just was cuter and sweeter and more swoony. However, book 2 is deeper and tackles some big issues, which is why I gave this a rather reluctant 3 stars rather than 4. I wish I wouldn't mind Sloan's attitude as much as I did. I think it would have been a really good book.
But alas for me, it wasn't.
Still Child does write interesting characters, does drama like a queen and beyond that did a good job at tackling some bigger issues without it becoming a heavy book.
So sadly not quite as enjoyable for me as I wished for, but definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
But then when I started Falling for the Girl Next Door, Sloan was back to her old antics. And I wasn't a fan of her when she had that attitude in book one, I really couldn't stomach her in this book. It really overshadowed my entire experience of Falling for the Girl Next Door. Simply because it kinda didn't mesh with what I felt Sloan had worked through...
The plot was ok. Except that I feel that Sloan did act rather annoying - which lead to Tru being jealous and mostly avoidable dramas. I do like that they did however, grow from this, that they did overcome some heavy issues together and also most importantly Tru facing up to things.
Though this is the second book of these two, it can be easily read as a standalone. Which Childs did very cleverly. I'm not sure if I personally liked this however, because as I mentioned, Sloan went through similar growth and problems in the first book. Also inevitably I kept on comparing the two books, and somehow for me book 1 just was cuter and sweeter and more swoony. However, book 2 is deeper and tackles some big issues, which is why I gave this a rather reluctant 3 stars rather than 4. I wish I wouldn't mind Sloan's attitude as much as I did. I think it would have been a really good book.
But alas for me, it wasn't.
Still Child does write interesting characters, does drama like a queen and beyond that did a good job at tackling some bigger issues without it becoming a heavy book.
So sadly not quite as enjoyable for me as I wished for, but definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
capa105's review against another edition
4.0
Read full review HERE
I KEEP LOVING THIS SERIES!
After reading Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru, I was excited to keep reading their story, and this one most definitly did not disappoint. Actually, this book was deeper and heavier than the first one, and I really appreciated that.
Once again, I really enjoyed the writing, and I especially liked that Tru’s POV was deepened a little. In fact, this is a huge book in regards of Tru, given that it deals with him coming to terms with his addiction and seeking help for it.
Both characters show maturity while dealing with Tru’s problem, with him realizing that he wants to be his best version of himself, and that it isn’t fair to Sloane what he’s doing to their relationship. And Sloane by giving him time and space to sort himself out. Yeah, both these things come to a crash eventually, but they both have enough maturity to solve out everything.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the “fake-boyfriend” thing here, though it did make me love Finn even more, and now I can’t wait for his and Willa’s book. But I didn’t feel it was really necessary the overall scheme of things. Also, Sloane needs to chill about her parents! A parent that doesn’t answer your calls, is clearly more interested in something else more than he is about you, so the whole plan of making her dad move to Austin, didn’t sit well with me, because I never saw a way that it could happen.
I keep hating all the parents in this story… I have moments when I like Sloane’s mom, but they need to actually have a meaningful conversation at some point in time, right? I thought the plot on this book was a little rushed, and the time frame was a little short. I would have liked for them to take their time.
I’m excited for the last book about Sloane and Tru, because I want to see all the loose ends being tied up. I want Tru to let go of his father, I want Tru’s mom to do more, I want Sloane and her parents to actually discuss something important, I want her art public, and I want them going off to college together.
I KEEP LOVING THIS SERIES!
After reading Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru, I was excited to keep reading their story, and this one most definitly did not disappoint. Actually, this book was deeper and heavier than the first one, and I really appreciated that.
Once again, I really enjoyed the writing, and I especially liked that Tru’s POV was deepened a little. In fact, this is a huge book in regards of Tru, given that it deals with him coming to terms with his addiction and seeking help for it.
Both characters show maturity while dealing with Tru’s problem, with him realizing that he wants to be his best version of himself, and that it isn’t fair to Sloane what he’s doing to their relationship. And Sloane by giving him time and space to sort himself out. Yeah, both these things come to a crash eventually, but they both have enough maturity to solve out everything.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the “fake-boyfriend” thing here, though it did make me love Finn even more, and now I can’t wait for his and Willa’s book. But I didn’t feel it was really necessary the overall scheme of things. Also, Sloane needs to chill about her parents! A parent that doesn’t answer your calls, is clearly more interested in something else more than he is about you, so the whole plan of making her dad move to Austin, didn’t sit well with me, because I never saw a way that it could happen.
I keep hating all the parents in this story… I have moments when I like Sloane’s mom, but they need to actually have a meaningful conversation at some point in time, right? I thought the plot on this book was a little rushed, and the time frame was a little short. I would have liked for them to take their time.
I’m excited for the last book about Sloane and Tru, because I want to see all the loose ends being tied up. I want Tru to let go of his father, I want Tru’s mom to do more, I want Sloane and her parents to actually discuss something important, I want her art public, and I want them going off to college together.
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
Tru and Sloane are back!
I really enjoyed their second installment, even though I couldn't get behind one (okay, two) of the big decisions they made in the book. They saw the error of their ways eventually, and really, who hasn't made dumb decisions while in their teens and beyond? Far be it from me to be pointing fingers!
FFTGND starts out with Sloane and Tru in a happy place--Sloane's actually liking Austin now (though she's counting the days until she's back in NYC for Christmas), and she and Tru are all kinds of cute together. You know that's not going to last, though, otherwise what would be the point of having another book? ;)
And yep, soon the drama starts (I swear, half the reason I read YA is so I can be grateful I'm no longer a teen)--one problem is a carryover from book one: it gets worse, and thankfully the person most involved decides to do something about it (yay, Tru!); another problem develops more slowly, though the reader could really see it coming way before Sloane ever does (denial. Not just a river in Egypt.) And then there's the cyber threat to out Sloane's identity as the creator of Graphic Grrl...
All in all we end up in a pretty good place again by the last page, though not everything is resolved and I'm still anxious to see how it'll all end up (though at this point, I'm more anxious for Willa and Finn's #2. When will it be released? When?? When??? Finn....)
FFTGND could probably be read as a standalone, though I'd really recommend reading book one first ([b:Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru|26101040|Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru (Creative HeArts, #1; Sloane and Tru #1)|Tera Lynn Childs|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1439823868s/26101040.jpg|46044274]) because there's definitely some elements of the story that carry over, and you'll know the characters better. Both of the Sloane and Tru books can be read independently of the other Creative Hearts series books, but why would you want to do that? Do yourself a favor and read them all! ;)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I really enjoyed their second installment, even though I couldn't get behind one (okay, two) of the big decisions they made in the book. They saw the error of their ways eventually, and really, who hasn't made dumb decisions while in their teens and beyond? Far be it from me to be pointing fingers!
FFTGND starts out with Sloane and Tru in a happy place--Sloane's actually liking Austin now (though she's counting the days until she's back in NYC for Christmas), and she and Tru are all kinds of cute together. You know that's not going to last, though, otherwise what would be the point of having another book? ;)
And yep, soon the drama starts (I swear, half the reason I read YA is so I can be grateful I'm no longer a teen)--one problem is a carryover from book one: it gets worse, and thankfully the person most involved decides to do something about it (yay, Tru!); another problem develops more slowly, though the reader could really see it coming way before Sloane ever does (denial. Not just a river in Egypt.) And then there's the cyber threat to out Sloane's identity as the creator of Graphic Grrl...
All in all we end up in a pretty good place again by the last page, though not everything is resolved and I'm still anxious to see how it'll all end up (though at this point, I'm more anxious for Willa and Finn's #2. When will it be released? When?? When??? Finn....)
FFTGND could probably be read as a standalone, though I'd really recommend reading book one first ([b:Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru|26101040|Ten Things Sloane Hates About Tru (Creative HeArts, #1; Sloane and Tru #1)|Tera Lynn Childs|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1439823868s/26101040.jpg|46044274]) because there's definitely some elements of the story that carry over, and you'll know the characters better. Both of the Sloane and Tru books can be read independently of the other Creative Hearts series books, but why would you want to do that? Do yourself a favor and read them all! ;)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
missusb21's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't read the first book about Sloan and Tru, and felt that I had missed some important back story information. But it didn't stop me from becoming involved in this pair's entanglements. It was great to be able to watch them find strength deep inside them, and be able to work through issues, both individually and as a couple.
I liked that Tru was honest about his problem and tried to fix it. Those first tentative steps alone were harsh, but necessary. While dealing with his drinking issue was handled simply and perhaps too easily, it still showed the obstacles he faced.
But Truman's story is really secondary behind Sloan's crumbling family. She feels a lot of guilt, but that turns to anger and frustration as secrets are revealed. But the family drama feels real, and Sloan's realisation that support is dovetails nicely with Tru's acceptance about the same thing.
I liked seeing all the other characters of the Creative HeArts books. It's a clever intertwining of stories. Copy provided by Netgalley. Released on November 14.
I liked that Tru was honest about his problem and tried to fix it. Those first tentative steps alone were harsh, but necessary. While dealing with his drinking issue was handled simply and perhaps too easily, it still showed the obstacles he faced.
But Truman's story is really secondary behind Sloan's crumbling family. She feels a lot of guilt, but that turns to anger and frustration as secrets are revealed. But the family drama feels real, and Sloan's realisation that support is dovetails nicely with Tru's acceptance about the same thing.
I liked seeing all the other characters of the Creative HeArts books. It's a clever intertwining of stories. Copy provided by Netgalley. Released on November 14.
justkeyreads's review against another edition
4.0
I love the Creative HeArts series and was excited to read more about Sloane and Tru even though I didn't read 10 Things Sloane Hates About Tru. I wish I had read that book so that I could see how they got their start.
Sloane is finally adjusting to Texas actually surprising herself by wanting to stay here Texas. She has a lot of things going on which includes someone blackmailing her about her web comic and trying to get her brother and dad to move to Texas with her and her mom so they can be together as a family. But Tru makes everything a little easier to deal with, but Tru is dealing with something a bit more life changing.
Tru is dealing with some demons of his own that he thinks that he can work out by his self and so he thinks pushing Sloane away will solve his problems. But he realizes he needs the ones he loves in helping him. A lot of his decisions created a lot of tension between him and Sloane that could've been avoided. But Tru seeks outside help and sees that being together with Sloane will help him. They couldn't do it alone, but needed each other.
Final Thoughts:
I'm sad that this is the end of Tru and Sloane's ending, but I'm also super excited to finally see things between Willa and Finn's relationship progress.
Sloane is finally adjusting to Texas actually surprising herself by wanting to stay here Texas. She has a lot of things going on which includes someone blackmailing her about her web comic and trying to get her brother and dad to move to Texas with her and her mom so they can be together as a family. But Tru makes everything a little easier to deal with, but Tru is dealing with something a bit more life changing.
Tru is dealing with some demons of his own that he thinks that he can work out by his self and so he thinks pushing Sloane away will solve his problems. But he realizes he needs the ones he loves in helping him. A lot of his decisions created a lot of tension between him and Sloane that could've been avoided. But Tru seeks outside help and sees that being together with Sloane will help him. They couldn't do it alone, but needed each other.
Final Thoughts:
I'm sad that this is the end of Tru and Sloane's ending, but I'm also super excited to finally see things between Willa and Finn's relationship progress.
samwlabb's review
3.0
Sloan and her mother moved to Austin after "the incident" and she fell for the bad boy next door. This book picks up with Tru and Sloan enjoying their relationship and Sloan settling into her Austin life. Just as things are looking up problems arise in her love life, family life, and personal life.
Disclaimer: I did not read the first book in this series. With that said, I do not think it is necessary to read the first book, as this book reads like a stand alone. I really liked the way the author approached Tru's issues in a way that was honest and seemingly realistic. I also really liked how the familial relationships were explored, although it was sad that both Tru and Sloan had crummy dads and both of their parents had troubled marriages. The bond between Sloan and her brother, Dylan, was very sweet. I was touched by the way they stood together and supported each other in their time of need. I thought Sloan and Tru made a great team, and liked all the scenes they shared together. The ending was very sweet, lots of feels. I especially liked the montage part.
With that said, I sometimes felt like there was too much going on in the story; it seemed unfocused at times. It wasn't necessarily the worst thing, but I felt like other parts of the story suffered because of it. I also wish there had been closure with respect to the family issues. This conflict seemed like a major part of the story and it just did not seem right to leave it open at the end.
Overall: an entertaining read dealing with some real issues, but still light hearted.
Disclaimer: I did not read the first book in this series. With that said, I do not think it is necessary to read the first book, as this book reads like a stand alone. I really liked the way the author approached Tru's issues in a way that was honest and seemingly realistic. I also really liked how the familial relationships were explored, although it was sad that both Tru and Sloan had crummy dads and both of their parents had troubled marriages. The bond between Sloan and her brother, Dylan, was very sweet. I was touched by the way they stood together and supported each other in their time of need. I thought Sloan and Tru made a great team, and liked all the scenes they shared together. The ending was very sweet, lots of feels. I especially liked the montage part.
With that said, I sometimes felt like there was too much going on in the story; it seemed unfocused at times. It wasn't necessarily the worst thing, but I felt like other parts of the story suffered because of it. I also wish there had been closure with respect to the family issues. This conflict seemed like a major part of the story and it just did not seem right to leave it open at the end.
Overall: an entertaining read dealing with some real issues, but still light hearted.