Bianca is the Westgate Prep quarterback’s sister—and that’s her only claim to fame. When her friends’ social experiment turns her into the It Girl of the Sopho-more class and she captures the attention of the most popular guy in her grade, though, she’s ecstatic to introduce the world to her first boyfriend. But no one’s ever told her what to do when her friends hate her boyfriend and Prince Charming starts acting like a control-freaky nightmare. It doesn’t help that being around her brother’s best friend is making her head all fuzzy, either.Goodreads | Source: Purchased
Review:
This isn’t so much a review as a standing ovation and slow clap in the authors direction.
I want to APPLAUD - throw confetti - hug & kiss Ella Martin for showing what really happens when you date a controlling boy because he’s unbelievably hot. Hallelujah for not having yet another YA where the guy is controlling and abusive but misunderstood only to be saved by a girl that just hangs in there long enough to save him with her love.
She did a great job of hitting all the points where a girl might be taken in by it all and even cover/lie for him. Ultimately, Bianca made the difficult - but right choice with the support of her friends and family.
This actually reads a little young for YA - Bianca is 15 years old but I think that's great. She's an excellent example for young girls who are just starting to date and faced with choosing boys over friends. It's a lighter kind of story even taking into account the subject matter but it will help get the message across without banging someone over the head with it.
I think the secondary romance wasn't written or developed quite as well but this was a great positive story about dating, growing up, friendships and first love.
What`A book that gets it right? No way...awesome!
ReplyDeleteI didn't love the secondary romance but telling the truth about asshole guys was so refreshing to read about.
DeleteAh that's nice to see in YA. Some of the ones I've read just leave me shaking my head going this is what we want to teach our kids is okay?! Glad to hear she did it right!
ReplyDeleteI know it's fiction but so many girls already get the message to hang in there and be a better girlfriend or whatever. It was nice to read this and hopefully young girls can get a different - healthier- message.
DeleteI've read my fair share of fan-girl / squee-ing reviews, but I think that this is the first time I've ever seen a blogger give a book a standing ovation. Hehe! Wicked cool. :) It's great that the romance worked so well, and I like that the story was super positive. We need more of these in YA!
ReplyDeleteCarmel @ Rabid Reads
I'm just so happy when authors don't glamorize that type of behavior and relationship.
DeleteOh I love when a book has an actual MESSAGE. Especially one that doesn't go over the reader's head! :) Fabulous review, I look forward to this book.
ReplyDeleteAmber Elise @ Du Livre
Yeah this wasn't preachy. Ella struggled with it too which could be frustrating to watch but felt more realistic.
DeleteUnbelievable hot is one thing -- good to look at -- but when he's (or she) controlling, all the beauty in the world can't make up for that. Sounds like a good story!
ReplyDeleteHotness seems like a free pass for all bad behavior and it's particularly troubling to me when it happens in YA.
Deleteokay I am going to add this book to the reading pile. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteYES! I will totally applaud with you. THIS sounds like a good book to have for teens... after I read it of course. ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the new look!
ReplyDeleteSounds cute but the MG feel of it might be too young for me to appreciate. Although I'm relieved to know she didn't turn slutty.