Micah Good
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Wattpad
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
After losing his leg in a terrible car accident, Jonas Avery can’t wait to start over and go to college.REVIEW
Brennan Davis would like nothing more than to stay home and go to school, so she can keep her anxiety in check.
When the two accidentally meet the summer before they move away, they’ll push each other to come to terms with what’s holding them back, even as they’re pulled closer to taking the biggest leap of all—falling in love.
A year after losing his leg in a car accident, Jonas got into a little fender bender, which was the start of something great, for both him and the girl whose car he hit.
Both Jonas and Brennan were supposed to be getting ready to leave for college, but they were "stuck" for different reasons.
Brennan was dealing with severe anxiety. Fear and racing thoughts were keeping her from moving forward, and she didn't seem to have a lot of support at home. While Jonas was making no progress on accepting his new normal since losing his leg. He refused therapy, would not use his prosthesis, and choose to mope around, taking out his frustrations on his family.
What I Liked...
The friendship between Brennan and Jonas was the standout element for me. Though their circumstances were different, they could relate to what the other was going through. Their relationship did not start out on solid ground. It was not an instant friendship, but because of that, it felt like a reward, when it finally formed and began to grow.
I was totally rooting for this friendship to turn into a romance, and I don't care if it's a predictable thing, because these two was too cute together. The stirrings of first love in all its glory was right there for me to enjoy, and I loved every second of it.
I also appreciated how much both Jonas and Brennan grew. Brennan gained confidence, as Jonas came to terms with his situation. It was a treat, that we got to spend such a long period of time with these two, as well as getting to tag along to college with them. The change of scenery came with new challenges for both of them, but along the way, they realized their most important resources were themselves and each other.
Good really took a lot of time to explore both Jonas' and Brennan's issues. After spending copious amounts of time in the characters' heads, I felt like I really understood what they were going through. Their struggles were palpable, and came across as authentic.
What I Wish...
This book had a LOT of introspection, and I do believe it was an important part of the story. However, I wish I had spent a little less time in the characters' heads. For me, it hampered the pacing a bit, but I would have also loved some of that page time to be allotted to seeing more of the romance play out, as I absolutely adored these two together. They were precious and adorable, and I wanted more of those heart eyes time with them.
Overall
Despite the pacing issues, I enjoyed this book very much. I found that I cared about the fate of Jonas and Brennan. It was heartwarming and touching watching these two fight to overcome some big obstacles, and work to achieve the things they wanted. I was glad to be a part of their journey.
* ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Favorite cheese?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
I think predictability can feel so good too -- especially if the cutness is just right! I like it when abook can sweep you up in that and you're rooting for the two crazy kids to get together, issues and all.
ReplyDeleteI did love this couple, and I appreciated their struggles so much. The romance was all the cuteness, and I just wanted more of it.
Deletei find when i really become enamored with a character, i get very involved, no matter the storyline. predictable can be good and i don't mind it
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
True, and as a character driven reader, this describes me to a tee
DeleteIt is hard to truly love a book if the pacing is off, still, this sounds like it was a good read and I'm glad you did enjoy it. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteThe pacing issue was only in parts of the book. So, it would happen, and then some great part would happen, and I would let it go. But, overall, I do think it kept me from reaching that full level of adoration, that I think I could have gotten to given the premise and characters.
DeleteJonas and Brennan both sound like such likable characters. And the romance sounds so sweet! Too bad the inner dialogue wasn’t shared in other way (or in smaller chunks) but it still sounds worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteJonas was tough to like in the beginning. His transformation was a lot more dramatic than Brennan's, but I did like both of them very much, and was fully invested in them both.
DeleteI enjoy predictability sometimes. This sounds like a fun one:)
ReplyDeleteI did a whole blog post about how I find comfort in predictability. I don't mind it at all
DeleteI can really relate to anxiety but it does take skill to balance introspection with pacing. This still sounds really great though.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's worth
This is a debut, so it's the author's first effort, and it's pretty solid. A good edit could have made this really fantastic though.
DeleteI'm sorry you didn't love this one more! I think I would have struggled with the pacing too though. It still sounds like a lovely read! Thanks for sharing :D
ReplyDeleteI still liked it a lot, but I always get a bit frustrated, when I think a bit of editing could have brought a book to the next level. This had the premise and the characters, but I needed a bit more in the execution.
DeleteA favorite type of cheese?! Ummm, gouda, I guess? :)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great! I'm really hoping I get to read it!
Gouda really is amazing. I feel like that was one of the cheeses Brennan pushed Jonas to try. Yes, the deli counter was where they first started to really connect with each other, and over cheese of all things
DeleteToo much inside their heads would be bothersome. I like a faster pace read, so it would probably drive me nuts.
ReplyDeleteI do like a faster paced read, but I can sit in something a bit slower. It's just that I have a limit, and I think my desire to get more romance won over wanting to rehash a lot of stuff in their heads, you know?
DeleteThat's a shame about the pacing but it still sounds like a great read, especially the evolving relationship between Jonas and Brennan.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't kill the book for me, as I did finish it, and I really like the ending, but it kept me from loving it. I still did enjoy meeting Jonas and Brennan
DeleteIt's nice these two found each other, a person to understand and lean on! Glad to hear you enjoyed it despite a pace issue. Sounds like a cute story! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd that was the beauty of the story. The idea of connection and someone out there, who could sort of understand you. I appreacitated that
DeleteI haven't seen this one around before Sam, so I'm glad you've reviewed it because it sounds like something I'll really enjoy. I love characters that overcome obstacles throughout their lives, it makes for great character building and the diversity of mental health and a physical disability readers can relate to. Would have been great to see more interactions as almost a third perspective for the reader because it sounds a little claustrophobic being in a characters head constantly. So glad you enjoyed this though Sam, brilliant review!
ReplyDeleteMental health is my realm, and I thought the way Good depicted it with Brennan rang true, but I really appreciated Jonas' story. Reading about people, who face issues I have not, give me a lot to reflect upon, and his growth was tremendous in this story, which I loved seeing.
DeleteThat summer before college can be such a stressful time! It's interesting to be able to see two perspectives on it.
ReplyDeleteI like that we are seeing more of these YA-college transition type books. A lot of young people will go through this experience, and is therefore, very relatable. Seeing these two tackle those changes with their additional challenges was encouraging. I really appreciate their journey
DeleteSounds like an interesting book, thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love having those spreadable cheeses, especially the garlic and herb kind. :)
Spreadable cheese is delish. I remember loving the port wine cheese spread, but seriously, I sort of love all cheese.
DeleteA favorite cheese? This question was so unexpected that you made me laugh. I enjoy smoked cheddar cheese.
ReplyDeleteIn the book, Jonas and Brennan connect at the deli counter, and she pushes him to branch out, cheese-wise, so the question just popped into my head. A smoky cheddar is quite yummy.
DeleteGreat review! Sorry to hear that it didn't quite focus on the romance enough.
ReplyDeleteThis book had a great premise and great characters. A good edit could have made this amazing, but I still don't regret finishing it
DeleteSometimes you know the book is going to end up with them in a romantic situation but you don't even care because they both deserve love and happiness. I am glad that this was such a book of working through things... it must be a big shift to lose your leg and I like that the book takes its time with coming to terms with that. I think I'd like this one and I am always looking for more reads with disabled rep.
ReplyDeleteThough both characters were dealing with things in their lives, I found myself more drawn to Jonas' journey. He had lost a lot in the accident, as he was a star soccer player, who was popular, and following his amputation, people drifted away. I was so thrilled with where he ended up at the end of the book.
Delete