In a Nutshell Reviews: YA Edition

In a Nutshell Reviews are my version of mini-reviews, because sometimes, you just want the highlights.

Say Yes Summer
Lindsey Roth Culli
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Rating:  5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

Perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Netflix/Hallmark Channel rom-coms, this is the story of a girl who decides to give in to the universe and just say yes to everything, bringing her friendship, new experiences, and, if she lets her guard down, true love.

The perfect book to kick off summer! For as long as Rachel Brooks can remember, she's had capital-G Goals: straight As, academic scholarship, college of her dreams. And it's all paid off--after years of following the rules and acing every exam, Rachel is graduating at the top of her class and ready to celebrate by . . . doing absolutely nothing. Because Rachel Brooks has spent most of high school saying no. No to dances, no to parties, and most especially, no to boys.

Now, for the first time in her life, there's nothing stopping Rachel from having a little fun--nothing, that is, except herself. So when she stumbles on a beat up old self-help book--A SEASON OF YES!--a crazy idea pops into her head: What if she just said yes to . . . everything?

And so begins a summer of yes. Yes to new experiences and big mistakes, yes to rekindled friendships and unexpected romances, yes to seeing the world in a whole new way. This book is a fresh and fun take on the coming-of-age novel that explores the quintessential themes of growing up: taking risks, making mistakes, and, of course, love. And who knows? Lindsey Roth Culli's hilarious and heartwarming debut may just inspire your own SAY YES SUMMER.

She worked hard for the past four years, earning the title of valedictorian and a spot in the freshman class at Northwestern University, but in order to accomplish her goals, she had to miss out on many things. That was why Rachel decided to stop saying NO, and to make this her SAY YES SUMMER.

• Pro: This book was the super-fun rom-com I was hoping for. It was great watching Rachel expand her social circle, as well as, reconnecting with a childhood friend. We went to parties, crossed the boarder, and even climbed over 300 steps together. I had a terrific time sharing all these experiences with her, and I, more or less, had a smile on my face the whole time.   
• Pro: There was also some substance to this book. As Rachel said YES, she was experiencing many notable firsts and teen rites of passage. All this YES led to some mistakes, and she sort of lost herself in all of it for a bit. But, have no fear, she quickly found her way back. This idea of risk taking, but staying true to yourself was prevalent, and I quite liked the way Culli wove it into Rachel's tale. 
• Pro: I adored Rachel. Her determination, focus, and dedication were admirable, but I also liked seeing her explore new options. I loved being in her head, because Rachel with no filter was fantastic, and I just found her so honest and real. 
• Con: Alert! Love triangle! I am not a huge fan of these, though, it was, thankfully, short lived, and I was ok with the way it worked out.  
• Pro: Rachel's family was so fabulous! They had some ups and downs with Rachel during her summer of yes, but they were patient, and always loving. I especially adored her Nonna, who was wise, and often, hilarious. She was a straight shooter, and had no problem setting Rachel straight, but she did it with lots of love and affection. 
• Pro: I already mentioned the love triangle, and I have to admit, both the suitors were pretty wonderful. On the one hand, there was her crush, who she had pined for throughout high school. On the other hand, there was the boy she grew up with, shared a million memories with, and who she suddenly started seeing in a different light. I will admit, I enjoyed the bit of romance she shared with both of them, and that sort of made me this particular triangle a bit difficult for me. 

Overall: You know what I don't regret? Saying YES to this book, because I had the BEST time reading it! It was fun, sweet, touching, and it left me with a gigantic case of the warm-fuzzies and a HUGE grin on my face.

I'll Be the One
Lyla Lee
Series: I'll Be the One, #1
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Rating:  4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

The world of K-Pop has never met a star like this. Debut author Lyla Lee delivers a deliciously fun, thoughtful rom-com celebrating confidence and body positivity—perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Julie Murphy.

Skye Shin has heard it all. Fat girls shouldn’t dance. Wear bright colors. Shouldn’t call attention to themselves. But Skye dreams of joining the glittering world of K-Pop, and to do that, she’s about to break all the rules that society, the media, and even her own mother, have set for girls like her.

She’ll challenge thousands of other performers in an internationally televised competition looking for the next K-pop star, and she’ll do it better than anyone else.

When Skye nails her audition, she’s immediately swept into a whirlwind of countless practices, shocking performances, and the drama that comes with reality TV. What she doesn’t count on are the highly fat-phobic beauty standards of the Korean pop entertainment industry, her sudden media fame and scrutiny, or the sparks that soon fly with her fellow competitor, Henry Cho.

But Skye has her sights on becoming the world’s first plus-sized K-pop star, and that means winning the competition—without losing herself.

Skye was fierce, and she was here to show the haters, that size doesn't define her.

• Pro: Skye was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I ran for president of her fan club after just the first chapter. That's how much I adored her. She was the type of person I would gravitate towards, because of the good vibes and confidence she exuded. But, the more I learned about her and her mother, the more I admired her, and was actually quite shocked by how well adjusted she was. 
• Pro: Though she was fat shamed by her mother, and considered unattractive by many for being plus-sized, Skye still loved herself. She thought of herself as cute, and on some days, pretty. Which was wonderful, but I also appreciated that Lee included the idea that being fat doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy, and that genetics also play a role in body type.
• Pro: It was great being on the show. I loved the rehearsals, the performances, and everything that had to do with competition. I found myself completely wrapped up in all the excitement and drama, and I loved getting carried away by it all. 
• Pro: Henry was one the best surprises for me. I wasn't sure how to receive him at first, or how he would fit into this story, but he ended up being a sweet little cinnamon roll, who won my heart. 
• Con: I did wish there was more resolution regarding the situation with Skye's mother, and though I was smiling as I read the last page, I found myself wanting a bit more.  
• Pro: Watching the romance unfold was so satisfying for me. It happened slowly and sweetly, and they were so gooey and cute together. LOVED IT! 

Overall: I think everyone will find it easy to cheer for Skye as she defies the odds, and shows the world, that a plus-sized girl can love herself AND be a K-pop star.


** ARCs received in exchange for honest reviews.

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