Book Review: Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally

Four Days of You and Me
By: Miranda Kenneally
Release Date: May 5, 2020
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
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Source: eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Synopsis:

A new swoon-worthy romance following a couple's love story on the same date over four years. 

Every May 7, the students at Coffee County High School take a class trip. And every year, Lulu’s relationship with Alex Rouvelis gets a little more complicated. Freshman year, they went from sworn enemies to more than friends after a close encounter in an escape room. It’s been hard for Lulu to quit Alex ever since. 

Through breakups, make ups, and dating other people, each year’s class trip brings the pair back together and forces them to confront their undeniable connection. From the science museum to an amusement park, from New York City to London, Lulu learns one thing is for sure: love is the biggest trip of all.

My Thoughts:

Four Days of You and Me was a spectacular story, and confirmed why Miranda Kenneally is one of my absolute favorite young adult contemporary romance authors.  In this book, we are gifted a beautiful love story, that encompasses so much more than I could have expected or wished for.  Kenneally delivers on themes of love, and friendship; as well as the challenges of growing up, and becoming an adult. 

Every year, the students take a class field trip in May.  Four Days of You and Me is told through the eyes of Lulu Wells.  This story is formatted by painting a story of what takes place between Lulu and Alex Rouvelis every year on the school trip, as well as giving us the major highlights of what took place between our main characters during the school year.  

Lulu and Alex are an opposites attract scenario.  She is a strict vegetarian.  Lulu marches to the beat of her own drum, and I loved her strong sense of self.  She doesn't have any friends except for her best friend Max, and her cousin Grace, (who she gets closer to after freshman year.)  She is referred to as "weird," and "a hippie" by her classmates.  Lulu loves graphic novels, works hard on creating her own, and hopes to one day make a living by doing what she is so passionate about. 

In contrast, Alex is an extremely popular baseball player.  He works hard at his family's pizzeria, and is very diligent in honing his baseball skills, because he needs to earn a scholarship if he wants to attend college after graduation.  Lulu and Alex aren't off to the best start when they both decide to run for freshman class president.  

However, after getting locked in an escape room during their freshman class field trip at a science museum, things become complicated between these two.  As they navigate four years of high school, readers get a front row seat to first love, breakups and makeups, as well as the two of them going out with other people.  However, through it all, there is never a doubt that these two are meant to be together.

Four Days of You and Me was fast paced, highly entertaining, and gave me a ton of "feels."  I was completely invested in Lulu and Alex's story, and didn't want it to end.  It was an excellent reading escape, and now I'm suffering from a major book hangover.  I can't recommend this story enough!  Romance readers are in for a real treat, as this story is going on my favorites shelf!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Audible | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Google

About the Author:

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Waiting on Wednesday (110)

https://www.wishfulendings.com

Four Days of You and Me

By: Miranda Keneally

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: May 5, 2020

Add to Goodreads

Book Synopsis:

A new swoon-worthy romance following a couple's love story on the same date over four years. 

Every May 7, the students at Coffee County High School take a class trip. And every year, Lulu’s relationship with Alex Rouvelis gets a little more complicated. Freshman year, they went from sworn enemies to more than friends after a close encounter in an escape room. It’s been hard for Lulu to quit Alex ever since. 

Through breakups, make ups, and dating other people, each year’s class trip brings the pair back together and forces them to confront their undeniable connection. From the science museum to an amusement park, from New York City to London, Lulu learns one thing is for sure: love is the biggest trip of all.

Why I'm Eagerly Waiting:

Miranda Keneally is one of my top favorite Y.A. contemporary romance authors.  I have loved every single one of her books, and if I see her name on a book, it's an auto-buy for me!

What Are You Waiting On?

Did I Mention I Miss You? (DIMILY #3) by Estelle Maskame

Did I Mention I Miss You?
DIMILY #3

By:
Estelle Maskame

Publisher:
Sourcebooks Fire

Published:
December 6, 2016

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Goodreads

Book Synopsis:
One last chance for love. 

It’s been a year since Eden last spoke to Tyler. A year since he left her all alone after nearly destroying their family. But Eden picked herself up and headed to Chicago for college where she found a new boyfriend—someone who doesn’t run when things get tough. She’s finally moved on from Tyler…right? 

Despite their breakup, Tyler’s determined to rekindle what they once had. He’s restarted his life in Eden’s hometown of Portland, and he wants her in it. But when a tragedy draws them together, Eden must search her heart and decide if Tyler is worth the risk once and for all. 

The DIMILY Series:

My Review

My Review

My Thoughts:

Tyler left Eden behind to get his head on straight.  Even though he had matured a lot, he still had a lot of anger from the abuse he had endured, and couldn't keep it in check.  He felt that often times Eden was the reason why he made better decisions; that is he didn't want to upset her.  He realized that he needed to learn to be a better person on his own, and promised her that he would return when he felt like he had accomplished that.  

Eden was extremely upset by his decision and begged him not to go.  Nevertheless, he left her, and she was forced to deal with the fallout due to everyone knowing about their relationship.  She had to deal with her father, friends and step-brother Jamie's anger, as well as the staring and sarcastic comments from acquaintances and people on the street.  Tyler didn't keep in touch or return any of her phone calls.  

When he shows up a year later, tells her he's changed, and wants to be with her; she is livid.  To top it off, their family is in an even bigger uproar with his return.  Eden's step-mother, Ella forces the family to take a vacation to Sacramento, hoping that she can help mend her family back together.  In the meantime, Tyler is working on Eden's forgiveness, and begging for her to go back with him to his new home in Portland, and to give their relationship another chance.  Eden decides to go for it.  Will Eden and Tyler finally stay together, or is their relationship doomed to end in heartbreak again?

The first half of the story was slow moving for me, as it took a long time for Eden to stop being angry at Tyler, and to take another chance on their love.  Character wise, Tyler completely grew up.  He was faced with challenging situations, but he was patient, and managed to keep his cool.  His character really grew on me.  I love when we see character growth, and Tyler was the perfect example!  I was satisfied with the second half of the story, and loved the ending.  Loose ends were wrapped up, and there was a bit of nostalgia for me as this series came to an end.  I really enjoyed the reappearance of secondary characters that I had grown attached to, the fact that Tyler and Eden's romance had matured, and that I got to see them enter a new phase in their lives.  Best of all, I got my happily ever after!  

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

About the Author:

Estelle Maskame started writing at the age of 13 and completed her DIMILY trilogy when she was 16. She has already built an extensive and loyal fanbase for her writing around the world by sharing her work in instalments on the digital platform Wattpad. Estelle's trilogy will now be available for the first time in book and ebook formats. 

The DIMILY Trilogy has had more than 4 million hits on Wattpad, and Estelle tweets to almost 170,000 followers as @EstelleMaskame.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 

Did I Mention I Need You? (DIMILY #2) by Estelle Maskame

Did I Mention I Need You?
DIMILY #2

By:
Estelle Maskame

Publisher:
Sourcebooks Fire

Published:
March 1, 2016

Add to:
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from Publisher

Book Synopsis:

Love has no rules. 

It’s been a year since Eden Munro last saw Tyler Bruce: her stepbrother…and secret love. Although they swore to ignore their feelings and put their family first, Eden can’t help but feel excited when Tyler invites her to join him in New York City for the summer. 

But it’s not like anything is going to happen. Eden is happy with her boyfriend Dean, and she knows gorgeous, green-eyed Tyler must have moved on as well. But as they spend the long, hot summer in the city that never sleeps, it becomes obvious that those old feelings are still there…simmering beneath the surface. Will Tyler and Eden be able to resist temptation? 

Did I Mention I Need You? is book two in Wattpad sensation Estelle Maskame’s DIMILY trilogy: three unforgettable summers of secrets, heartbreak and forbidden romance. 

The DIMILY Series:

My Review

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My Thoughts:

Did I Mention I Need You? is the second book in the DIMILY Series.  The stories in this series need to be read in sequential order.  It's been two years since Eden and Tyler's first summer together.  Eden broke it off with Tyler that first year, because of the fact that they were step-siblings.  Tyler has lived in New York for the last year traveling with an organization that speaks to raise awareness about child abuse.  

Despite the distance, and not being together, Eden and Tyler never stopped loving each other.  Life has moved on and Eden has been living in Santa Monica splitting time between her mom and dad's homes.  Her mom bought a house there a year ago and now has a steady boyfriend.  Eden has been going out with Tyler's best friend, Dean, a really nice guy, for the last year and a half.  She is best friends with Rachel and spends time with the group of friends she met when she first came to visit her father, with the exception of Tyler's ex-girfriend, Tiffany and playboy Jake.

When Tyler invites Eden to spend six weeks of her summer in New York, before she heads off to Chicago for college in the fall, she nervously, but excitedly accepts.  Eden doesn't know if she misses her stepbrother or the person that she was in love with.  She doesn't know how she's going to feel when she see's Tyler again after all of this time.  Will old feelings return?  Has she moved on?  Has he?  Does he have a girlfriend?  These are all thoughts that are going through her head before she see's him, and as the reader we can feel Eden's worry, anxiousness, confusion, and excitement 

When Eden arrives in New York, she meets Tyler's roommate and good friend Snake, and soon after his good friend Emily that he toured with.  Tyler gives Eden his room, and sleeps on the couch.  While in New York, he takes her to all of the amazing sites, such as, Times Square, Central Park, Union Square, and Grand Central Station.   They go shopping, try out different restaurants, and go to a Yankees versus Red Socks baseball game.  I loved the setting of New York.  I felt like I was right beside Eden and Tyler getting in to the crowded subway system, playing baseball in Central Park, and seeing all of the touristy sites!

Jealousy rears it's ugly head, when Emily ends up crashing in Tyler and Snakes apartment due to personal problems.  Eden quickly realizes that while she loves Dean, she is still in love with Tyler, and wants to be with him.  Yet, there are too many complications.  She knows their parents would never accept them as a couple, and she doesn't want to hurt Dean.  However, the temptation of spending every day with the person you are in love with is there for her to deal with on a daily basis.  Will she give in to her feelings?  How does Tyler feel about her?

I enjoyed this book in the series.  Tyler matured a lot as a character, and it make me like him a lot more than when I met him in the first book.  As a character, Eden frustrated me.  She was selfish and cowardly.  I loved Dean when I met him in the first book, and I felt like Eden strung him along.  She needed to woman up and make a stand if Tyler was who she really wanted to be with, and not treat Dean like crap.

I didn't feel sorry for Eden (even though I felt like that's what the story intended), because I felt like she made poor decisions, and put herself in her current predicament.  Dean and Tyler were the one's that I felt bad for.  Plus, Eden didn't have any qualms about cheating.  She wanted what she wanted, regardless of who she hurt in the process.  Whereas, Tyler wanted to do things the right way.  He wanted to be with Eden, but not by cheating, lying to, and disrespecting his best friend, Dean.

Overall, I enjoyed this story.  It was a little slower than the first book in the series, and Eden irritated me, but I liked the story.  I'm excited to begin the final book in the series, after a very upsetting cliffhanger ending.... I need to see how Eden and Tyler's story ends, and as a romantic at heart, am hoping for my happily ever after.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

About the Author:

Estelle Maskame started writing at the age of 13 and completed her DIMILY trilogy when she was 16. She has already built an extensive and loyal fanbase for her writing around the world by sharing her work in instalments on the digital platform Wattpad. Estelle's trilogy will now be available for the first time in book and ebook formats. 

The DIMILY Trilogy has had more than 4 million hits on Wattpad, and Estelle tweets to almost 170,000 followers as @EstelleMaskame.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 

Book Review: Did I Mention I Love You? (DIMILY #1) by Estelle Maskame

Did I Mention I Love You?
DIMILY #1

By:
Estelle Maskame

Publisher:
Sourcebooks Fire

Published:
December 1, 2015

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Goodreads

Source:
Purchased

Book Synopsis:

Love is everything but expected. 

Eden Monro came to California for a summer of sun, sand and celebrities – what better way to forget about the drama back home? Until she meets her new family of strangers: a dad she hasn't seen in three years, a stepmonster and three stepbrothers. 

Eden gets her own room in her dad's fancy house in Santa Monica. A room right next door to her oldest stepbrother, Tyler Bruce. Whom she cannot stand. He's got angry green eyes and ego bigger than a Beverly Hills mansion. She's never felt such intense dislike for someone. But the two are constantly thrown together as his group of friends pull her into their world of rule-breaking, partying and pier-hanging. 

And the more she tries to understand what makes Tyler burn hotter than the California sun, the more Eden finds herself falling for the one person she shouldn't... 

Did I Mention I Love You? is the addictive first book in Wattpad sensation Estelle Maskame's DIMILY trilogy: three unforgettable summers of secrets, heartbreak and forbidden romance.

The DIMILY Series:

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My Thoughts:

Did I Mention I Love You, was a fast-paced, easy, and entertaining read.  I enjoyed the story and read it in one day.  It is about dysfunctional family relationships, drug and alcohol addiction, unhealthy body image, and the challenges of growing up.

Sixteen year old Eden Monro hasn't seen or heard from her father, Dave, since he walked out three years ago.  She still lives in Portland, Oregon with her mother, and her father now lives in Santa Monica in the lap of luxury with his new wife Ella, and three step-children, Tyler (seventeen), Jamie (fourteen), and Chase (eleven).  When Dave becomes insistent that Eden come spend the summer with him, she finally agrees because she's a huge movie aficionado, and has always dreamed of seeing Los Angeles.  Plus, she is dealing with some friend drama.

When Eden arrives in Santa Monica, she is shocked to see her father's new and improved lifestyle.  He lives in a wealthy neighborhood, has a beautiful and luxurious house, and his family owns expensive top of the line vehicles.  This makes Eden upset, because even though Dave pays child-support, her mother works herself to the bone, and is always struggling to make ends meet.

Eden expects her step-mother, Ella, to be the typical step-monster, but eventually realizes that she is a good person, and mother to her children.  Jamie's a sweet step-brother, Chase keeps to himself, and Tyler is a nightmare.  He is constantly rude, brash, and appears to resent her presence.  When Eden arrives, Dave and Ella have a BBQ so that they can introduce Eden to their neighbors and friends.  

At the BBQ, she meets friendly and upbeat Rachel, who is one of the neighbors children.  Rachel invites Eden to hang out and introduces her to her best friends Meghan and Tyler's long term-girlfriend Tiffany.  All of these girls spend a lot of time with Tyler, Dean and Jake, soon to be seniors in high school, and they form a group of best friends.  

As Eden spends time with the group she quickly see's that Tyler has a substance abuse problem.  His vices of choice are hard liquor, marijuana, and cocaine.  His friends don't question his addiction, and Eden is highly disturbed by what she sees.  She calls him out on his destructive behavior, and is disgusted by him.  Simultaneously, Tyler doesn't respect any boundaries set up by his mother and Dave.  He ignores the fact that he's grounded, stays out all hours of the night, does what he wants when he wants, and is very disrespectful.  While initially, Eden thinks Tyler is a repulsive excuse for a human being, based on his behavior, she soon starts to break down his walls and see's glimpses to another side of him.  

As readers, along with Eden, we see that Tyler is a protective older brother that loves his siblings.  We see his walls, and that his reason for his addiction lies in the fact that he has a secret that is eating away at him.  Tyler constantly needs a distraction, or a way to "escape" something that has been the catalyst for his destructive and addictive behavior.  As Eden and Tyler get closer, we start to see a different side to Tyler; a vulnerability, and the fact that he is truly "lost."  

Eden also has her own individual struggles.  She has a lot of anger towards her father, because he hasn't apologized or acknowledged the pain he's caused her.  Dave doesn't have  meaningful conversation or rebuild his relationship with his daughter; and it's hard to see if it's from a lack of caring or a lack of know how.  Also, Eden struggles with a healthy body image after being bullied and harassed about her weight a few years back.  Therefore, she is always running long distances for exercise, doesn't eat much, and never indulges in sweets.  

Eden is determined to help Tyler with his addiction, and he is there for her also.  We do see cheating in this story, as a warning for those who don't like to read books that contain this.  It is due to the fact that Tiffany is holding a lot over Tyler's head, and he's scared to make her mad.

Did I Mention I Love You? is a coming of age story that deals with a lot of serious issues.  It is a good book to use to open up dialogue between a parent and their teen, since we are dealing with issues such as addiction, unhealthy body image/eating disorder, partying, drinking excessively, and regular sexual activity.  I enjoyed it for it's entertainment value, and am looking forward to continuing this series and seeing what happens next...

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

About the Author:

Estelle Maskame started writing at the age of 13 and completed her DIMILY trilogy when she was 16. She has already built an extensive and loyal fanbase for her writing around the world by sharing her work in instalments on the digital platform Wattpad. Estelle's trilogy will now be available for the first time in book and ebook formats. 

The DIMILY Trilogy has had more than 4 million hits on Wattpad, and Estelle tweets to almost 170,000 followers as @EstelleMaskame.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter 

Book Review: Coming Up for Air (Hundred Oaks #8) by Miranda Kenneally

Coming Up for Air
Hundred Oaks #8

By:
Miranda Kenneally

Release Date:
July 1, 2017

Publisher:
Sourcebooks Fire

Source:
eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

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Goodreads

GR's Summary:

Swim. Eat. Shower. School. Snack. Swim. Swim. Swim. Dinner. Homework. Bed. Repeat. 

All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool. 

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

Hundred Oaks Series:
My Review of Racing Savannah Here
My Review of Breathe, Annie, Breathe Here
My Review of Jesse's Girl Here
My Review of Defending Taylor Here

*Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

The Hundred Oaks Series is still going strong!  I love reading young adult contemporary sports romance.  Ms. Keneally's series is both light and fun, while at the same time delivering significant and meaningful insight in to various social issues pertaining to teens today.  I never tire of Ms. Keneally's stories, as she always delivers in her ability to spark and hold my interest, as well as giving me subject matter with depth to contemplate.  As an individual whom loves both Psychology and Sociology, her stories always offer me something special to treasure.

Coming Up for Air can be read as a standalone, as can the rest of the books in this series.  Yet, sometimes we'll see characters from other books.  I really enjoyed Coming Up for Air.  It is the story of Maggie King and Levi Lucassen.  Both of these characters are serious student athletes.  They have been swimming since they were toddlers, and are both trying to get a tryout for the olympics.  Maggie and Levi have been best friends since a young age, and they are close to each others families, due to being in the same social circles as swimmers and athletes.

Maggie feels like she has missed out on a social life.  Her whole life revolves around swimming, and now that she will be going to college next year, she feels like she is behind and too inexperienced in being intimate with guys.  Therefore, she propositions Levi to teach her how to "hook up."  Levi is experienced, and has had sex before.  Plus, he makes her feel safe, comfortable, and like he wouldn't judge her.  It takes Levi a short time to agree to a no-strings arrangement with Maggie, that is suppose to be strictly physical and not interfere with swimming which is both of their top priority.  However, what will happen when unexpected feelings get involved?

This story had a entertaining and fun secondary cast.  I enjoyed both Maggie and Levi's families, as well as their best friends Georgia (a competitive cheerleader,) and Hunter (a star baseball pitcher.)  I would be overjoyed if these two get their own book and end up together.  

I loved the themes in this story.  One main lesson had to do with putting your best foot forward, and trying to better yourself, as opposed to focusing on competing against others. Another theme I enjoyed was the fact that everybody grows, mature's, and experiences things best at their own pace, and shouldn't worry about keeping up with the crowd.  There were so many wonderful themes in this story and I recommend it for mature young adult readers and older. 

My Rating:

Coming Up for Air, and the whole Hundred Oaks Series is fantastic.  Readers that are enthusiastic with the young adult contemporary romance genre will love this light-hearted, feel-good, and meaningful set of stories!  I give, Coming Up for Air, by Miranda Kenneally, 5 Competitive Athlete, Friends to Lovers, Romantic, Growing Up Filled Stars!!!   

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

About Miranda Kenneally:

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter