YA Bloggers Want...No more instant love! Reading Angel

Today I'm welcoming Angela from the beautiful Reading Angel blog to talk about what she'd like to see on the YA shelf.

I met Angela when she started dropping by the blog to chat about story secrets and YA reads (plus she gave five butterflies to TMAS!), so I'm very excited to get to spotlight her as she tells us about the meaningful relationships she'd like to see in YA lit.

Welcome, Angela!

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What do I, as a YA reader, like to see in YA?

The number one thing that reaches me is a character that I can connect to in some way. Whether it's the life they are leading, the friends they have, or their attitude, the characters have to speak to me in some way for me to really enjoy the book.

As for the niche, I like so many different things! Contemporary, paranormal, horror, action, I love them all. As I stated above, the thing that really matters to me is that character connection, and the story needs to keep me entertained.

Something I'm tired of seeing in YA books? I'm sick to death of characters who "fall in love" within hours of meeting each other. I need to see a relationship grow and blossom into love. The trend of instant devotion and love is really starting to grate on my nerves.

Thanks for having me Holly!

My top 5 favorite YA reads of 2010?

Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder


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Thanks, Angela! (And by the way, this What YA Bloggers Want series is in honor of YALSA's Teen Read Week and National Book Month!).


Readers, what makes a YA relationship believable to you? Do you like to see the sparks fly, or kinships develop, or friendships that turn into surprise romance? (Or hey, all of the above...?)

Comment for a chance to win yummy book prizes! There are lots up for grabs, plus a big book drop finale. (US residences only...sorry!)