The best kind of characters, an amazing story and genuine heart... this book has it all.
This book is amazing! A unique twist on my favorite pretending trope, there is so much packed into this story. It's my favorite contemporary read of the year by far!
I'm a character driven reader and these characters blew me away! Michael has the biggest heart. Convinced he's like his dad (something he doesn't want to be), he will do anything to help those he loves. His relationship with his family is genuine and sweet. He sets aside his own dreams to help his mom and hold his family together. And then you see him care about Stella even from the first meeting. He sees her as special and wants to protect her from others that would take advantage. The fact that he's gorgeous and skilled makes him perfection.
Stella is adorable. She has no filter and it makes social situations very difficult for her. She prefers work. But her mom wants grandchildren. So Stella goes about figuring out sex and dating the way she does everything else. Practice till she gets it right.
Noting the author understands the issues that Stella has helps me see how she got her just right. But really she got all the characters right so really this author is all about amazing characters!
As a debut book, this one is beyond five stars goodness. The writing is strong. The story perfections. I was pulled in from the first chapter and wanted more. I loved how the relationship progressed and revealed the characters personalities. The author does a good job of revealing just enough about Michael and Stella to help the reader understand them and why they do what they do. And the plot moves at the perfect pace. A relationship develops between them despite the pretense.
The best kind of characters, an amazing story and genuine heart... this book has it all.
I'm a character driven reader and these characters blew me away! Michael has the biggest heart. Convinced he's like his dad (something he doesn't want to be), he will do anything to help those he loves. His relationship with his family is genuine and sweet. He sets aside his own dreams to help his mom and hold his family together. And then you see him care about Stella even from the first meeting. He sees her as special and wants to protect her from others that would take advantage. The fact that he's gorgeous and skilled makes him perfection.
Stella is adorable. She has no filter and it makes social situations very difficult for her. She prefers work. But her mom wants grandchildren. So Stella goes about figuring out sex and dating the way she does everything else. Practice till she gets it right.
Noting the author understands the issues that Stella has helps me see how she got her just right. But really she got all the characters right so really this author is all about amazing characters!
As a debut book, this one is beyond five stars goodness. The writing is strong. The story perfections. I was pulled in from the first chapter and wanted more. I loved how the relationship progressed and revealed the characters personalities. The author does a good job of revealing just enough about Michael and Stella to help the reader understand them and why they do what they do. And the plot moves at the perfect pace. A relationship develops between them despite the pretense.
The best kind of characters, an amazing story and genuine heart... this book has it all.