Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: YA Contemporary
Published By: Bloombury (June 25, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!
Book Description:
When his dad is caught embezzling funds from half the town, Rob goes from popular lacrosse player to social pariah. Even worse, his father’s failed suicide attempt leaves Rob and his mother responsible for his care.
Everyone thinks of Maegan as a typical overachiever, but she has a secret of her own after the pressure got to her last year. And when her sister comes home from college pregnant, keeping it from her parents might be more than she can handle.
When Rob and Maegan are paired together for a calculus project, they’re both reluctant to let anyone through the walls they’ve built. But when Maegan learns of Rob’s plan to fix the damage caused by his father, it could ruin more than their fragile new friendship...
This captivating, heartfelt novel asks the question: Is it okay to do something wrong for the right reasons?
Kemmerer won me over years ago with her Elemental series and with each new book, regardless of the genre, she continues to wow me. With her fleshed out characters, stand out story lines and heartfelt messages, she is an author I count on to give me a good story that is every bit as irresistible as it is hard to put down once started.
I adored this book. So different from what I was expecting. So much more heart. So many emotions that so many people, regardless of being in the same shoes as the characters or not, can some how relate to and I think it is also, one of the reasons, Kemmerer is so good at what she does. You can relate to every aspect of the story without actually having been through any of it. Because regardless of the situation, we've all experienced the emotions. The feelings behind the actions and that is what makes this story, these characters so fabulous and so relatable.
What I loved most of all about this story was that it was so darn believable. Not just the storyline but the way the characters dealt with (or not dealing with) the things that were thrown at them. The way it ended. It was realistic without being overly so.
I love the way Kemmerer made me care for them, feel for them, and want to reach through the very pages and give them all a great big hug. I laughed, I frowned, I got teary eyed. I really truly experienced this story, not just read it. Another stand out and hit it out of the park novel for Kemmerer.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
Kemmerer is such a wonderful author! I love when a story can be so relatable to different people with different backgrounds. And I love all the feels!
ReplyDeleteGenesis @ Whispering Chapters
I agree on both counts. I really do look forward to all her books.
DeleteYES! I've really loved her contemporary books, so I have no doubt that this will be a hit. I'm going to pick it up this week!
ReplyDeleteYay! You will love it Nick!
DeleteI really enjoyed one of her books but I didn't know about this one I confess
ReplyDeleteSo glad I could tell you about it!
DeleteI haven't read it but it sounds good. Glad to hear you liked it.
ReplyDeleteI love it when a book can really touch on the emotions. Sounds like a fabulous read!
ReplyDeleteMe too, they are the best!
DeleteI just finished this book the other day, and it was a 4.5 from me as well. I love Kemmerer's contemporaries. The family dynamics and the examination of grey areas was done really well, and the book had a lot of heart too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it as well!
DeleteI love when a story feels real an d relatable even if I haven't gone through the same things as the characters. The fact that this story made you feel so many emotions sounds like it was such an exquisite story! Wonderful Review!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Thank you so much Lindy and I agree, they really are the best and the best authors. ;)
DeleteI so love Kemmerer! And it's fantastic when a book truly makes you experience the story.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I couldn't agree more!!
DeleteI've never heard of this book or author, but it sounds like a good one. I especially like that it surprised you with more depth than you thought. I love it when that happens!
ReplyDeleteShe is a fantastic writer and if you like her genres, I can't recommend her enough!
DeleteSounds like a really emotional read, which I love! I'm glad you liked this one so much.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Thanks, me too!
DeleteOMG what a heartbreaking tale Kindlemom thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletei'm sorry I've been awol for awhile but dealing with the flood has been all consuming. I'm hoping to have a blog post about it soon
xo
Glad you are safe Debbie!!
DeleteI will have to try and check this one out. It sounds wonderful, and this author does write some amazing characters.
ReplyDeleteShe truly does. I hope you like it as well!
DeleteI've not read one of her books yet, but I'm always tempted each time I read a blurb for them. The way you describe it sounds like it hits just the right emotional chords.
ReplyDeleteIt did! All her books do really, even the fantasy ones.
DeleteI love it when books make me feel like I'm a part of the story! When the characters are sad, I'm sad. When they're angry, I'm angry on their behalf. It means you feel connected to them and what they're going through. I'm glad this one was such a fantastic read! I have it coming up (seriously, you're always one book ahead of me). <3
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
LOL that is so funny that we seem to be doing that!
DeleteI'm almost finished with Soul of Swords, and then I'm starting Call It What You Want. If you're reviewing Kingdom of Exiles next... or have you already reviewed that one, too? ;)
DeleteNope, don't have that one to read LOL! That would have been funny though if I had gotten it!
DeleteI am yet to read one of her books. This sounds heart warming. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteReally all her books are fabulous. I don't think you would regret trying them. ;)
DeleteI read her fantasy series, but haven't got to her contemporaries yet. I must do that because I see a lot of love for them. These poor kids having to deal with the fallout from their parents actions! Wonderful review! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel and definitely try one of these as well, they really are so good.
DeleteI've only read one book by this author, but I really enjoyed it and I have a ton of her books on my TBR. This sounds like a really good read that tugs at the heartstrings. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt really as and she is one of my favorites so I'm glad you've tried her!
DeleteThis had to be an emotional one. People define you by the actions of others. If your Dad is bad, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. If your child does something wrong..you must be bad parent. Great review Ali!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim and it was. So much judgment and stereotypes in this. It was definitely hard at times.
DeleteI got my copy from the library and I can't wait to dig in. I really love her contemporaries.
ReplyDeleteThey really are the best! Hope you love it!
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