Bookishly Ever After
By: Isabel Bandeira
Release Date: January 12th 2016
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Format: Print ARC
Source: Publisher
My Rating:
Summary:
In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?
My Thoughts:
I was drawn to this book because of that beautiful cover and summary- a bookish main character? Yes, please. This was a quick and fun read that I enjoyed though it read a bit too young for my taste. Admittedly, at 35 years old, I’m probably not the target audience.
The book was from the main character, Phoebe’s, point of view. She’s a junior in high school and hasn’t had much experience dating. Really she had zero experience even liking a guy that’s not found in a book. Her best friend, Em, gets her to realize this and so launches Phoebe’s crush on Dev, a boy she’s been friends with. Using her bookish inspirations she tries to figure out a way to get the guy.
This was a super cute read and had sweet relationships and some very nice moments between the characters. It was a lot different than my usual reads and had a very uplifting, innocent vibe to it. As you can guess the setting and story rely heavily on the character’s (lack) of experience in high school so some of the elements sort of grated on me. Such as, the lack of communication and understanding between the characters. I felt a tad frustrated here and there but I think others won’t find it the same way.
There are many, many book references that some will probably feel are a tip of the hat to them personally. I felt that these references veered on the cliché but it was still very cute and did tie into the story well.
The relationship was very cute and you can feel the chemistry between all the characters. I enjoyed that the friendships were also focused on and truly, this was such a sweet read that proved to be highly entertaining.
Final Thoughts:
I think that Bookishly Ever After will easily find an audience of readers that will adore the fast pacing, enjoyable characters and overall sweet vibe of this book. For me, personally, it was a bit too young though I did find it to be fun and engaging.
Well if this one is a bit young for you, then it may be a bit young for me as well. LOL! I’m glad you enjoyed it still and it sounds like my kind of book. 😀 Great review!
It was a really cute read and well worth it! I hope you enjoy it.
I’m above the age range of the target audience, too, but it does sound like a cute read. Great review!
It was super cute. I think even if it reads a tad young it’ll still be entertaining and fun.
Aw, it’s a shame that it’s a bit too young… but it does sound cute.
Let me try this comment thing again…lol. I just basically said that I’ve seen this book around and it looked cute. Like you, I don’t read a ton of contemporary but bookish themed contemporary books kinda intrigue me. But that being said, I don’t have it and never really planned on reading it. And I’m 33, so I trust your opinion about it feeling too young. I’ve DNF a few books that felt like the audience was junior high girls (The Hollywood Witch Hunter and Blood and Salt). Great review as always 🙂
Yeah, this one was super cute but some of the innocence and such was less enjoyable to me. I don’t know…it was super cute though. I never felt like DNFing so that’s good. I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts. And I’m so sorry you had so much trouble getting your comment to come through!
Aw, sweet review Kristen 🙂 I’m glad you liked this book. Despite it feeling a bit young 😉 I don’t think it would be for me. I don’t like my YA books to be that young, lol. But you do make it seem pretty cute 🙂 Thank you for sharing sweet girl. <3
It was super sweet and a quick read. I think if I were into contemporary reads more I prob would have liked it much more. I think most people are rating it very highly.
I know my co-blogger has been eyeing this one pretty hard since she saw the cover. Honestly, it never appealed to me. Your review has me thinking though that maybe it would be something I like? Who knows, my taste is always changing! Great review as usual!
You are killing me with all these reviews of books that sound wonderful!
Since we are both the same age, I feel like I’d probably have the same issues that you did, but I’m still feeling that a cute book with a bookish main character is something I’d love to read!
This one seems like a very nice lighthearted kind of romance book for when you need a bit of a pick me up read between all the heavy stuff. I don’t think I would pick it up for much else though, even though the bookworm aspect of this one does appeal to me quite a bit.
It sounds amazing! I will definantly put it on my “to read”-list!
After reading your post I think I might read the book. Thanks!!