Author: Lacey Dailey
Pages: 264
Publisher: Lacey Dailey Books
Publishing Date: September 30th 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Format: Kindle
I enjoyed this YA novel, but you have to be in the right frame of mind for a YA romance.
I liked how there were no two characters alike. The Underwood family is quirky and fun and downright funny! Alma's friend, Arthur, and her brother, Jackson had the funnies lines and attitudes. It was so fun to see the dynamic of the family and how well each character stayed true to their nature. As for Alma, she's a sweetheart, at times way too good, almost perfect, but I'd like to have her as a loyal friend.
As all well done YAs, this one deals with serious topics such as home runaway, grief, death, first love. I liked how the author threaded these and how she approached them.
There are a few things I didn't like. The first one is the language. There were a few instances where I frowned upon the words used in conversation by Rumor and his Josh. It didn't read authentic and it made Rumor, the male main character, seem shallow. Speaking of language, I wonder if this is the way people aged 17-18 speak like, all mature and deep and I-have-lived-and-seen-things wise.
Then there's a scene towards the end {Spoilers!} where Rumor learns some news and he and Alma have a fight. Actually, he yells and Alma takes the punches. Keep in mind these two kids know they love each other, but boy here, enraged as he is, spews cruel words at her. I did not appreciate that, and no matter the reason, I don't think that's normal. Honestly, that was the point where I really hoped this would not be a happy ever after. Had I been Alma, I would have packed the boys' duffel bag and send him to his grandpa in a heart beat. Don't come at me with love and stuff!
And now the thing that really bothered me - all.the.physical.touching. I get this is a YA novel and this is how they show their love. But people, these two kids don't know if they are girlfriend and boyfriend by the 85% of the novel! YET they can't keep their hands off each other. That bothered me so much! It made their relationship look like infatuation, not real love, and that is a shame because it started out cute and nice.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed in these reviews are mine.
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