The Avery Shaw Experiment

Science Squad #1

by Kelly Oram

When Avery Shaw’s heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how—scientifically.

The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She’s going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can’t do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.

Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden’s older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He’s in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her “objective outside observer,” she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn’t need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there’s one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it’s living life to the fullest.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, High School, Chick Lit, Humor, Contemporary Romance

303 pages, ebook

First published May 2, 2013

About the author

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.

Reviews

[Kelly Oram]

Yay for new books! This one is told from both main characters' points of view--a first for me.

[Aj the Ravenous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

There really isn’t anything new about the story. It’s your typical YA romantic-comedy, definitely not free of flaws and tropes but fun and entertaining. I actually finished this in one sitting. It’s a super light read which I’m sure you will enjoy too if you wouldn’t take it too seriously. Lol!

Avery (your certified nerdy stereotype who is very pretty but is absolutely clueless about it and about almost everything else *rolls eyes*) is heartbroken and wants to process her broken heart in a “scientific” way. She is going to prove (through her science project) that the seven stages of grief will make her overcome her heartbreak. So here enters Grayson (your certified high school hottie who is impossibly perfect in every way except for his extremely agitated and raging hormones making him think and say perverted thoughts half of the time *rolls eyes*) to partner with her for said experiment.

If it were me, I’d keep it simple. I’d rather deal with heartbreak with any or a combination of the following:



or



or

Write an angry poem. You can check out one I wrote and posted on my review on Why We Broke Up. Just click the link if you want to read it. hehe


Nobody’s asking me though, so back to the story. The writing was really easy to read and there were a lot of LOL moments. Special thanks to Libby (a side character but my favorite). Just a preview of her genuine spunk.

“My intelligence is evolved far beyond fist bumps. However, as the action would involve getting to touch your godliness for however brief a moment, I will allow it.” (LMAO!)

I could already imagine the really fun movie version. Thanks to this book, reading slump was trampled on the ground even before it could make a strategic move on me. Lol!



Two or more things that might make you frown

1. Avery’s helplessness for the first 75% of the story.
2. Avery’s makeover.
3. Grayson being such a “guy”.
4. How the story at times read more like NA than YA
5. How I almost choked in cheese at Epilogue Part One! Bahahaha! (Good thing there’s Epilogue part 2 )

Don’t tell me you’ve been warned. Lol.

For a more awesome review, here’s Muse-ic’s.

[Justjay Go · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson

Grayson stepped behind me and I felt a pair of hands grip my upper arms...."Dancing, is about feeling, not thinking."

He lifted one of my arms above my head and rested it on the back of his neck. My fingers instinctively dug into his soft, thick hair. I hadn't told them to do that. I felt his cheeks lift into a smile against the side of my head, as if he fully approved of my actions.

"Now we move together."



Avery

"You think I'm gross?" Grayson asked.

"Yes, I do. You are so horny it's unhealthy. You burb in my face every time you eat onions, and you don't bother to leave the room before you fart. This afternoon you dripped your sweat on me. On purpose!"







"Yes, Avery. I hereby, demand as a completely impartial outside observer with absolutely no personal interest in the outcome of this experiment that you need to kiss me again.... Right now.... For purely scientific purposes...."







"Tell me you love me back.....Prove to them that you Avery Shaw, are cured because you are every bit as in love with me as I am with you..."

"...I love you, Grayson."


OMG THIS WAS SO DARN FUNNY!!! It held my attention from the very first page! This was hilarious and I garnered some attention when I laughed out loud in the middle of a quiet room full of people!

A popular jock fell in love with a geek, typical YA theme but Kelly Oram gave it a twist with "Scientific Experiment." I loved it when Grayson hid behind "Scientific Purpose" to get some alone time with Avery. He is such a sweet character that you can't help but fall for him too. Avery is quite the geek that she doesn't see what is before her eyes and I sometimes find her annoying coz of it. There were so many amusing scenes and witty dialogues that made me re-read it just so I can laugh again.

This was a delightful read that will be in my "All time fav" shelf. Hopefully, a 2nd book will be made for Owen and Libby's story.

[Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating : 2.5 stars (if you disagree with me, see my edit below)


My theory is that The Avery Shaw Experiment isn't a contemporary romance but a fairy tale.


Hypothesis : She is the perfect picture of a Damsel in Distress.

Evidence #1 : She doesn't know how to deal with emotions and loss alone. Like, at all. She needs everyone all the time. Of course I understand she has issues with social interactions. I get it, really. However I'd have appreciated if she had less seemed like a bag others must carry. If I'm totally fair, she does improve toward the end, I must admit.
Evidence #2 : She'd never been kissed and has big pleading eyes. Plus her scent is fruity mouth-watering. Oh, and she blushes! All the freaking time. I'm pretty sure that's her number one occupation. Blushing.
Evidence #3 : She's smart, yet beautiful in a doll way (aka all cute and soft) and of course she hasn't any clue about it. She's different and special .
Evidence #4 : She's annoying. I wanted to slap her at some point. Yes, that's totally a proof, duh.

Consequences : I had a hard time connecting with her and wasn't either keen on her personality or her behavior.


Hypothesis : He's Prince Charming.

Evidence #1 : He falls for the damsel in distress mentioned above faster than I read. Okay, I know what you think : he knew her before and hadn't fall for her but let's face it : the first time he sees her all heart-broken he's completely charmed.
Evidence #2 : He's such a symbol of acceptance and understanding. Seriously. Even when Avery abandon him in the middle of their date, he stands here, all adorable. Kind of wanted to both kiss and shake him. The guy spends the whole book helping Avery without never ever complaining while the girl is seriously aggravating sometimes.
Evidence #3 : He's perfectly handsome in a golden boy way. How boring. I'm sorry but golden boys without any freckles (yes, Avery says that) are only so damn dull in my opinion.

Here's how I picture him :

Yep. Frightening, I know.

Evidence #4 : He used to be a womanizer. Okay, we're never told about Prince Charming's love lives before they met the princesses but let's face it. Seriously. Handsome. Rich. Powerful. Duh.
Bonus point! He's called "the King of the school". Of course that's a clue, isn't it?

Consequences : I'm not saying Grayson wasn't cute or adorable or swoon-worthy. He was. But he was also completely unbelievable and well, he looks like Ken.


It was a cute read but certainly a fairy tale disguised as a contemporary romance. I wanted to read the later that's why I'm disappointed. And who says fairy tale also says more clichés.

And more clichés mean -


Edit 05/03 : Okaaaaaaay. I got a lot of messages about this one so I felt the urge to clarify something : I'm not saying it is bad written. I'm not saying it is a bad book. I'm not saying it isn't cute. If you're in the mood for a contemporary fairytale (of course that's your right), maybe this book is right up your alley. I mean, HEY, I'm just saying that it was too cliché and cheesy and unbelievable for me (and that's my fucking right). DEAL WITH IT. Thank you.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Rachel Maniacup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I was looking for to get me out of my reading slump. Good thing,I checked out AJ and MUSE-IC's reviews on this,that made me dive in it right away!^^

The story is of course about Avery Shaw's Experiment,where this 17 year old geek,who has a social anxiety disorder(a shy girl)but is so pretty,brainy,and funny has to undergo the seven stages of grief over her broken heart.

Avery had an unhealthy interconnected relationship with Andie Kennedy,her bestfriend since childhood,and her long-time crush.They have been together since they were born,'cause they share the same birthdays,and have been inseparable since then(They're practically like twins!).Until one day,Aiden decided to try something new and take a new direction without Avery..In short,Aiden wants to split off from spending all of his time with Avery.This news devastated her a lot because she loved Aiden all her life.This is why she went through the seven stages of grief using the science experiment.

What I loved most about this book was the POV of both the MC(Avery and Grayson)because it was so fun to read that I've been smiling and laughing the whole time I've been reading this book.And what cracked me up was this line(Avery,talking to Grayson): "You burp in my face every time you eat onions,and you don't bother to leave the room before you fart" hahahaha!

And though others may think this book is corny because of its cheesiness, the characters are stereotypes,and the story is predictable,it didn't matter to me. Everything in this book worked for me.I adored all the characters who were all friendly,nice and funny.My favorites are Libby and Owen!^^

And of course,I loved Avery and her chemistry with Grayson(the sweetest and the gorgeous boyfriend material of
teenaged girls!)

So,to my GR friends who are looking for something light,sweet,cute and fun to read..indulge yourselves in this book! You won't regret it,you can finish it in one sitting,I promise!^^

To my friend MUSE-IC(Sandra),thanks for your enthusiastic review that made me read this instantly!^^

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once upon a time there was a girl. She read a lot of books and wasn't really picky. Sometimes she read sci-fi, sometimes — paranormal romance, sometimes — fantasy, sometimes — contemporary novels. From time to time this girl was in a girly-girl mood and wanted to read some fluffy&sugary sweet contemporary novels. And once upon a time she came across The Avery Shaw Experiment.

I don't have any expectations when it comes to fluffy reads. They are what they are. Easy, light, short, funny. But The Avery Shaw Experiment was also annoying. Mainly, because of its main character — Avery.

Avery is an always-blushing, always-gasping-when-it-comes-to-some-relationship-or-OH-MY-GOD-sex-or-touching-kind-of-topics, always-close-to-tears (I'd say always-crying) type of girl. And when I say always, I mean it. And she's sixteen. 16, for God's sake! Are you kidding me, Avery? Never in my life I was annoyed so much with the main character in these fluffy novels. Maybe I'm wrong and in her rainbowish world full of ponies, sappy Nicholas Sparks' movies and Nerdy Princes Charming it's okay to act like this when you're 16, but sorry, obviously, my reality is harsh and brutal, so here it is, Avery: you're dumb as hell.
Yes, she's suffering from social anxiety disorder. She has panic attacks, becomes anxious when she faces a large group of people. And I know it can be really bad and it can ruin your life if you let it, but oh come on! She doesn't have to cry all the time. I can understand crying over a boy who dumped you, I can understand crying over being humiliated in front of people, but what I can't understand is crying over every. Freaking. Thing.

Her so-called-best-friend Aiden didn't see her for 16 years, yet she's sure he just hasn't figured out that they're more than friends (yet). Oh, poor you, Aves. So when Avery and her high hopes are destroyed by Aiden telling her that he needs some space AND (oh my, wait for it..) he has a girlfriend, Avery freaks out, bursts into tears in the bathroom while clinging to Aiden's Mr-Popular-School-Hottie naked brother Grayson. Yep, just like that.
And we all know what comes next. Sure thing, his jerky image is just an image. He's not a horny pervert. He's not a Casanova-who-just-wants-to-play-with-a-prude. He has a deep personality and he's thoughtful and caring and, of course, he falls for Avery. Cause who wouldn't fall for this adorable always-crying creature who was like a little sister to him? Aww.

So when Avery starts her Avery Shaw Experiment which has to prove that overcoming a heartbreak can be succeeded by going through all of The Stages of Grief, she doesn't expect to fall for her forever love's brother-and-her-new-science-fair-partner. But even Grayson, who is as far from science as he only can be, has a theory of his own: Avery is much more than she lets people see — and Grayson intends to prove it to her and not to let his brother mess things even more.

And they lived happily ever after in this sweet Ménage à trois. End of story.

The Avery Shaw Experiment could be a sweet and fluffy romance, but it didn't work for me. I was annoyed 97% of the time and I didn't really care about the characters. It's a good choice if you need to get yourself out of the reading slump, but it wasn't good enough for me. I would call it okay-ish, but even it seems to be too much for Avery and Kennedy brothers' story.

[Julezreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐️
Dieses Buch war kurzweilig und super unterhaltsam. Innerhalb von 2 Tagen konnte ich es dank des leichten, humorvollen Schreibstils durchsuchten. Die Handlung fand ich auch extrem cute, wenn auch an und an etwas unrealistisch. Mein Hauptkritikpunkt ist, dass es zu kurz und deshalb nicht 100%ig rund war. 100 Seiten mehr und einige Entwicklungen wären eventuell nachvollziehbarer gewesen und die Charaktere hätten mehr Tiefe gehabt. Außerdem waren mir einige Themen (Angststörung etc.) nicht gut genug aufgearbeitet und thematisiert.
Insgesamt bin ich trotzdem positiv überrascht🥰!

[Melanchallina · Rating 4 out of 5]

PS: Перечитала книгу... поняла что мое, что светлая и милая история, которых очень мало.

«Эксперимент Эйвери Шоу» - это типичный подростковый YA роман. Забавная, веселая, но полная клише и штампов присущих «милым романчикам» и «историям о Золушках».

Это книга для расслабления, на один вечер. Хочу отметить, что по сюжету книга напоминает мангу или аниме в жанре сёдзё. Читали или смотрели? Если да, тогда поймете, что я имею в виду. Если нет, то попробую пояснить.

Сёдзё – это особый вид японских произведений, ориентированный в первую очередь на слабый пол. Отличительными чертами являются:
- Чаще всего действие происходит в старшей и средней школе, и списывает часто ситуации, в которые читатели могли оказаться сами;
- милая и по-детски немного несмышленая героиня;

- героиня очень добрая, чудо как хороша, но не осознает своей особенности и свежести (на фоне местных мегер);
- герой обязательно (ну в 99% случаев) первый парень на деревни, ой простите, принц школы/колледжа/аки просто БОГ. Он ОБЯЗАТЕЛЬНО чудо как хорош, и все девушки тайно (и не очень) пускают слюни по нему;
- заботливый герой, который крутится вокруг героини, помогает ей раскрыться, спасает в сложных ситуациях и вообще на все руки мастер;
- много смущения между героями;

- герой богаче героини (бывает наоборот, но редко);
- у героини есть (или появляется во время событий в произведении) клевая подруга/друзья, которые помогают ей выйти из своей зоны комфорта;

- в сёдзё всегда, слышите, всегда есть любовный треугольник или намек на него. Второй парень, а чаще всего там два парня на одну девушку (она же чудо как хороша), может быть фоном, просто пробегать мимо, сказать всего пару слов, но он будет, обязательно будет;

- в сёдзё все волшебные, все милые и добрые, а побеждает любовь.


Вы спросите меня, зачем я расписываю вам тут отличительные черты каких-то японских комиксов, когда отзыв то о книге, а вот поверьте – не зря. «Эксперимент Эйвери Шоу» типичный представитель жанра сёдзё в мире книг. Эта книга сладкая, приторная, вся такая мимишная, читая ее, представляешь милую музыку на заднем фоне и лепестки роз, опадающие на героев с небес в самые милые моменты.



Главная героиня книги – Эйвери Шоу. Прилежная ученица, хорошая дочь (и вообще красавица, спортсменка, комсомолка), она с самого детства неразлучна со своим лучшим другом Эйденом Кеннеди.

Мы с Эйденом знали друг друга с рождения. Наши матери познакомились на занятиях дородовой йоги и сразу же подружились. Их сблизил одинаковый срок беременности и взаимная склонность к приступам токсикоза во время занятий.
Мы с Эйденом родились одним и тем же холодным зимним днем – одиннадцатого февраля одна тысяча девятьсот девяносто седьмого года. Будучи маленькими, мы оба ходили на одни и те же детские праздники и в группу «Мама и дитя». Немного повзрослев, мы пошли в один садик, затем в начальную, среднюю и старшую школу. У нас были общие друзья, мы принимали участие в одних и тех же общественных мероприятиях и даже все дни рождения праздновали вместе.

Но на самом деле, Эйвери испытывает к своему другу более сильные чувства. Сколько она себя помнила, девушка всегда была влюблена в своего друга. Хотя нет, речь не о влюбленности, а об искренней любви.

Я была безнадежно влюблена в Эйдена на протяжении многих лет, но, несмотря на мое неизменное тайное обожание, мы были лишь друзьями и никогда не пересекали эту черту. Зная, что в романтическом плане мальчики развиваются медленнее, я терпеливо ждала, когда Эйден созреет для моих чувств. Я никогда не сомневалась, что однажды он увидит во мне девушку, кой я и являлась, и подарит мне первый поцелуй. Затем мы вместе пойдем на выпускной бал, а в конечном счете все закончится перед алтарем мистером и миссис Эйден и Эйвери Кеннеди. Даже наши имена идеально сочетались!

Но когда Эйден сбрасывает на Эйвери бомбу, объявляя, что у него появилась девушка и он хочет немного личного пространства все переворачивается вверх дном. Решив избавиться от чувств к своему другу и найти способ жить дальше, Эйвери объединяется с Грейсоном Кеннеди, старшим братом Эйдена, и начинает социальный эксперимент. Она должна пройти и пережить 7 стадий принятия горя:
1. Шок или неверие
2. Отрицание
3. Злость
4. Вина
5. Скорбь
6. Депрессия
7. Принятие
И справиться с каждой из этих стадий, ей поможет Грейсон. Но что, если этот эксперимент для парня станет не только возможностью подтянуть свои оценки, а приобретет куда более глубокий и личный характер?



Это книга о дружбе, о том, что любовь и влюбленность совершенно разные вещи. О личном пространстве и умении двигаться вперед несмотря ни на что. Милая и добрая история о тихой, скромной девочке и ярком, популярном юноше. Забавные диалоги и ситуации, романтика и страницы полные милостей. Если вы любите такие вещи, то книга просто создана для вас – читайте и наслаждайтесь!

Моя оценка: 8/10

[Norah Una Sumner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars



Sweet and funny story but I'm giving it 3.5 stars because I didn't particularly like the main character and her naivety - seems like the only things she knows how to do is blush. The whole experiment of curing a broken heart is definitely an original and interesting aspect of this book and I loved reading about Avery overcoming her fears, no matter how (sometimes) childish they were. Aiden... I don't even know what to say about this guy. He tries to justify his actions but I still didn't believe nor trust him. You can't just go around and act like a jerk and expect everyone to forgive you later. It made me feel weird that Avery had the need to kiss him just to finally make sure she's over him. It was just plain weird and unnecessary..Grayson is a whole different story. Yes,yes,I know that the whole "jock-who-is-actually-a-nice-guy-and-is-just-waiting-for-the-right-girl" aspect is not so unique but I loved how his character was portrayed in this book. He made me laugh out loud and he's the character I connected with the most. Supporting characters were pretty cool - their moms-besties, Libby-the-Queen etc. So,overall,I enjoyed reading this feel-good contemporary romance.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! When I first heard of it I was definitely intrigued which can always be a good thing or a bad thing. In this case, it was definitely good. I am becoming a huge fan of Kelly's books. This is one of those books where anyone around you will think your crazy because you will be making some crazy faces and talking to the book (just ask my family and friends).

See what I'm saying.

Avery grew up with Aiden and Grayson Kennedy. Avery has been madly in love with Aiden. They were inseparable until one day it dumps her like a bad habit. Imagine not only was she in love but he was her best friend too (I know horrible right!). Grayson comes to the rescue and decides to make it his personal mission to mend her heart.

Even though I want to tell you guys the funniest thing that happens I'm not going to but just know that it is ... " steamy ". Well Grayson starts to look at Avery like a girl and not just his little sister but Avery being the innocent, sweet nerd is a tad clueless. Now I have to mention that Grayson is beyond yumm-a-licious. He's got piercing blue eyes, tall, broad, and an amazing body.

Well when Aiden dumps Avery, he also leaves her hanging in the science club and fair. She decided to do her project on how to heal a broken heart. She believes the way to healing a broken heart is through the seven stages of grief (genius if you ask me). Avery recruits Grayson to help by taking her out on dates and guiding her through each stage. In return, she has to tutor him which becomes the science club mission.

I could go on all day about this book. It was just so fun and adorable. I need to find me a Grayson! So if that in itself doesn't make you go get this book then listen closely ...GO READ THIS BOOK NOW!!

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[thebookelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tolle Geschichte🥰 Mag den Schreibstil von Kelly Oram auch total gerne, er ist so super leicht und die Geschichten lassen sich immer total schnell lesen

[Sabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really just for the YA age group. I liked it but would've loved it if I was in my teens.

[Fuzaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so this wasn’t exactly bad or cheesy as I’d expected. Some things rather bugged me incessantly, but in the end, I knew I’d kinda enjoyed it.

Avery Shaw is heartbroken. Her best friend since childhood – Aiden Kennedy – turned down her feelings. Sweet, naïve, plain little Avery Shaw couldn’t handle it well. To get over herself, she accepts the help of Grayson Kennedy, Aiden’s big brother, who suddenly can’t seem to take his eyes off Avery. Bonding through a science experiment meant to mend Avery’s broken heart, the two realize how they’d fallen for each other, which in turn, makes for a successful science project.

• For the record, I don’t even understand why Avery was heartbroken in the first place.
• Because SHE WASN’T EVEN IN LOVE WITH AIDEN.
• They weren’t even together.
• Avery should take up crying and blushing as her occupation.
• That’s all she ever does.
• But I thought she was cute.
• And I hated her love life. HATED.
• She had to kiss two brothers to realize one was a better kisser than the other.
• So she went after him.
• You can guess what happens; the other brother is left hopelessly dangling after her.
• Idk, I just hate the idea of siblings dating the same person, or someone dating a person they know their sibling is pining for.
• That’s an unhealthy family right there.
• Umm, can we also say that the whole science element was unbelievable?
• Because who knew, heartbreaks made for an award-winning science project?
• Also, Grayson and Libby made me want to punch them in the face a few times with their sexist comments.
• I mean, Grayson looks at Avery like she’s something to eat.
• Also Aiden was a dick most of the time, but at least he got around well in the last instead of moping.
• EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK WAS WAY TOO PREDICTABLE.
• Also, I loved that this book showed us how important it is to bring up our kids in the right way, how harmful it can be to force kids into each other’s company.

In the end, it was a cute contemporary and for once I did enjoy the romantic element in it. Go for it without a critical mind and I’m pretty sure you’ll end up liking it well enough.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

This was such a fantastic book! Sweet, funny, romantic and with such an original premise and great secondary characters, I loved it. Even being YA, it was just as enjoyable for me. The idea of taking the stages of grief and applying them to mending a broken heart was smart and interesting to watch.
Avery has been in love with her best friend since they were born. Sharing the same birthday and having moms who were best friends, it was inevitable for her to develop strong feelings for Aiden. She believes they're meant to be because everything with them is so natural. Until one day her perceptions come crashing down.

Avery and Aiden were also science nerds--which I loved!--and always entered the annual science fair together. But after their falling out, she's left with no partner and no hope. But when Aiden's older brother, Grayson, swoops in to help Avery deal with her fallout, things really start to change. In exchange for helping Grayson pass physics and not get kicked off the basketball team thus forfeiting his scholarship, Avery enlists him as her guinea pig for her science fair project: using the stages of grief to get over a broken heart.
I loved so much about this book! The way Grayson who was the school Romeo and womanizer started falling for Avery. He'd use 'science' to be together and 'experiment' for the cause. He was so sweet, so special. He said the most swoon-worthy things to Avery. I loved watching how Avery realized that just because you think you've always wanted one thing doesn't mean there's not something better for you around the corner.

I did feel bad for Aiden once he realized his transgressions, but he too realized things about himself and I think his relationship with Avery needed a new direction. This was of course very clean, being YA and such. There was kissing and touching but nothing more. I kind of wanted to learn something about their intimate life together because Grayson was so sexy. The epilogue was very sweet, very movie-like, and I loved seeing our H/h together!!! Loved it!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oram's best work YET! I picked this up for my biggest Kelly Oram fan (and no, I wasn't referring to a girl), and I've had mixed feelings about her other books, but I absolutely LOVED this one.

Five pages in, I just KNEW that I was going to love Grayson. He was SO adorably charming, and the little exchange with his mother just made me swoon! By the end of the chapter, I had just about died. I love it. I love it. I love it.

And the rest of the book? It did NOT disappoint. Grayson kept up his witty charm, and there was that vulnerable innocence to Avery that just made her so lovable. There were some really great scenes, and some awesome dialogue exchanged. It was hilarious and a lot of fun.

Yes, the book is a bit cliche and totally predictable, and the science experiment is kind of lame and dumb-sounding. But I thought Oram did an amazing job going through all of the stages and writing the perfect scenes to go with them, especially the last one. And the best part was I really loved all of Avery's and Grayson's friends. They each pitched in their own personabilities that made the story so great.

I shed a few tears. I laughed my butt off. And I was left with the high, floaty feeling and a silly grin on my face. Ah, such a delightful read, and just what I needed.

[catherine ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1. Avery is an awful main character. She’s stereotypically the clueless, smart (but doesn’t know it), beautiful (but doesn’t know it), humble, modest, shy damsel in distress. She also cries every other page and spent 80% of the book pining over Aiden. Her insistence that she was in love with him was the most annoying thing ever.

2. Grayson was an inconsistent character. It seemed as though the author wanted him to be that uncaring popular badass, but also wanted him to be pining for Avery the entire book. The result: we were told he was the former but shown he was the latter. Also he punched someone and the physical violence was glorified, which I am not down for.

3. Aiden was also an asshole. Which is the point. But some more three-dimensionality would’ve helped.

4. There’s no way the teachers would actually allow (much less love) the premise of this “experiment.” I call BS on the book’s plausibility.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG I LOOOOVED this book I loved Grayson I loved Grayson I hated the decisions Avery made but I loved how Grayson was like her protecter ... I loved how for the most part Grayson was always there for Avery I was hooked I'm so happy I read this.... AMAZING !!! Guys if ur skeptical get it u will not regret it if u love romance like I do I just HAD to say something ugh so amazing!!!!!;)

[Daiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate how it's like 2AM and I really couldn't go to sleep until I finished this book. Now I'm too happy to go to sleep. I really love Oram's light writing.

Review to come.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dieses Buch war toll, toll, toll - und hat mich wahnsinnig gut unterhalten! Es ließ sich so leicht lesen, dass ich es in wenigen Stunden an einem Stück durchgelesen habe. Ich habe es so sehr genossen zu lesen, es hat einfach Spaß gemacht. Der Humor war super, ebenso wie die Dynamik der Charaktere, und auch die Entwicklungen waren nachvollziehbar und aufeinander abgestimmt. Alles in allem einfach eine tolle Geschichte. Ich muss leider leider einen Stern abziehen, weil ich fand, dass mit den Begriffen „Panikattacke“ und „Depression“ ein wenig leichtsinnig umgegangen wurde. Das Thema wurde angeschnitten aber nicht aufbereitet, geschweige denn erklärt, was ich etwas schade finde. Die Geschichte an sich war jedoch super!

[♥ Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I.
Loved.
This.

***
+ 1 for the DUAL prologue, epilogue, and POV shifts!
+ 1 for the HUMOR, WIT, and ENDEARING dialogue! Honestly, I loved Avery & Grayson's banter. They had some serious chemistry goin' on.
+ 1 for the pacing; I loved the different "stages" of grieving, and how Avery & Grayson's relationship never felt rushed. It wasn't too slow, either.
+ 1 for the character development! Avery and Grayson were well fleshed out, and I had So. Much. Fun getting to know them :)
+ 1 for the plot and overall content of the book; it was fun, funny, and fluffy. I'm shelving this as one of my favorite YA chick-lits of all time.
= 5 STARS!!

Also, I loved all the side characters, especially Avery's best friend, Libby. Honestly, I was laughing like a wild hyena - I took ROFL to another LEVEL. My roommate busted in my room a couple of times... She insists I'm the craziest dork she's ever met :) Yup. It was just THAT funny.

I had SO much on my plate this past week with school. So, I was feeling burned out, and was extremely irritable. But, reading this instantaneously lightened up my mood. This is why I love reading YA!

A definite feel good, fun chick-lit you won't regret reading; highly recommended!! :)

[Ari · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty cute, I think.



After the beginning (that had me laughing like crazy) I was expecting a bit more battering between the main characters, but the G boy started to get all soft and sentimental and also there were some awkward/embarrassing-like-hell moments regarding Avery's long life crush. Adding to this the fact that family, friends, teachers, they all knew about her love life and interfered somehow, and you might understand why I had to hide my face in my pillow a few times.
Still, it was a quick read that put a huge smile on my face and I am pretty grateful for that.

2.5 stars, and I hope that you guys will enjoy it too, even more than I did ;)
Don't think that the rating means the books is not cute enough, but comparing with the books I've read lately.. you get what I mean.
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[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Das Avery Shaw Experiment" ist der erste Band der "Science Squad" Reihe von Autorin Kelly Oram. Da ich "Underworld Chronicles" toll fand, habe ich beschlossen, auch einmal in die Jugendromane der Autorin reinzuhören.

Ich lese selten Jugendbücher, bin hier aber wirklich positiv überrascht! Der Schreibstil ist wie bei den Büchern von Jackie May locker und fesselnd. Obwohl das Buch teilweise auch ein wenig kitschig ist, fand ich es einfach nur toll. Die Geschichte hat mich richtig gut unterhalten und auch öfter zum Lachen gebracht. Ich habe sie beinahe in einem Rutsch verschlungen. Von mir gibt es daher 5 Sterne und eine klare Leseempfehlung!

Hier folgen noch einige Infos zum Hörbuch:
6 Stunden / Ungekürzte Ausgabe / Bookbeat exklusiv
Sprecher: Chantal Busse & Michael Borgard
Die Sprecher bekommen 5 Sterne von mir.
Verlag: Lübbe Audio

[bookaholic_kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A typical young adult story that is light, fast read and a page turner. The plot and the ending is so predictable but I still enjoyed reading it and definitely love the characters.

Avery Shaw chose to experiment on love for the science fare project. If there are 7 stages of grief then maybe she can find stages to heal a broken heart through social experiments.

Her best friend, Aiden broke her heart and now Grayson, Alden's brother became her science partner to earn credits at school and is willing to help her heal her heart. And on the process, romance sparks between Avery and Grayson which is so cute.

Avery is quite a nerd and is the president of the science club while Grayson is a popular jock at school. 2 opposite characters when matched creates this interesting pair.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable YA book. Avery Shaw has finally decided to reveal her love to her life long best friend. Unfortunately he has already found a girlfriend. A girlfriend who wants him to distance himself from his best friend. So he breaks Avery's heart.
Enter his older brother. He gives her a shoulder to cry on and notices that she is just the type of girl he likes. Can he get her to see him as more than the brother of her life long crush? Can she help him pass physics with her smarts? Meanwhile her friend's departure leaves her without a partner for the science fair. Enter the older brother, again. She has decided that a broken heart must go through the stages of grief and makes the mending of her heart her science experiment, with the help of her friend's older brother.
A cute romance with excellent characters.

[Amaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The 7 stages of Grief Experiment

Aiden and Avery have been best friends since forever. Unknown to Aiden, his bff had been in love with him, until he 'broke' up with her to be with someone else. Grayson, bad boy personified and Aiden's elder brother, took it upon himself to assist Avery through her grieving process. The rest was history.
This book wasn't my favorite from Kelly Oram, yet it was a sweet, and fun read.

[Elle (Ligia) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was every bit as perfect as I thought it would be when I first read the summay and more.

Talk about warm-your-heart-cute. I absolutely loved this book. It was adorable. It has humor, cute moments that will ensure your cheeks hurt from ginning, and a little heartbreak. It is, for sure, one of those books that leave you in a happy cloud after you are done.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

This was a cute read and I enjoyed it a lot. I like the whole idea of Avery's experiment and I liked how she slowly became more confident of herself but during the early parts of the story, I found her really annoying and too immature for her age. What I liked most about the story though is Grayson! I enjoyed his character so much! Funny, cute, sexy and super sweet! Overall, this was a fun, light read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innerhalb von Stunden durchgesuchtet ❤️
Monatshighlight ❤️

[Pam Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the heck out of this book it was light-hearted but also had the emotional stuff I am coming to really enjoy from Kelly.

I am not always a fan of YA because there is usually unnecessary dramalama but the way she writes her YA she gives us the real and the drama but in a real way.

This was a sweet book of lost love and finding love. I felt for all the characters and I was happy with the way it ended.

Off to the next book in the Science Squad.

The narration was perfect for this book. Sarah has the perfect voice for a teen/young adult and Teddy well he is Teddy and his voice I adore.

[Meli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avery ist in ihren besten Freund Aiden verliebt, mit dem sie schon ihr ganzes Leben geteilt hat. Doch als sie ihm ihre Gefühle gesteht, beginnt er, sie auszuschließen. Averys Herz ist gebrochen, aber sie hat eine Theorie: Sie will den Liebeskummer in sieben Trauerphasen überwinden, so wie Menschen den Tod überwinden. Und Aidens Bruder Grayson ist ihr dabei nur zu gern behilflich.

Aiden ist hier der Bösewicht, der Avery so traurig macht und gleichzeitig verhindert, dass Grayson und Avery sich näher kommen. Er ist nämlich immer in ihren Gedanken, sodass sie nicht dazu bereit ist, sich auf etwas Neues einzulassen. Aber genau darum geht es in diesem Buch ja auch: Dass sie lernt, ohne ihn zurechtzukommen, und das nach einer so engen Freundschaft. Da sollte sie diesen Verlust auch nicht so schnell überwinden. Dabei geht es nicht nur um Liebeskummer, sondern auch um die Freundschaft, die nicht mehr so ist, wie sie mal war.

Trotzdem ist es frustrierend. Grayson gibt sich sehr viel Mühe mit Avery, ist ehrlich und eigentlich immer offen mit seinen Gefühlen, aber Avery kann das nicht sehen, weil sie noch zu sehr von ihrer Trauer eingenommen wird. Sie steckt sehr tief drin, fixiert sich auf die Trauerphasen und das Experiment, sodass sie wirklich überhaupt nicht sehen kann, was für alle anderen so offensichtlich ist. Daher dreht sich die Handlung auch die ganze Zeit im Kreis und zieht sich trotz der wenigen Seiten ein bisschen in die Länge.

Die Autorin spart auch in diesem Buch nicht an privaten Gesprächen in aller Öffentlichkeit und diese Szenen sind für mich immer ein bisschen unangenehm zu lesen. Dazu kam dann noch das Experiment, das mich leider nicht so ganz überzeugen konnte. Mal abgesehen davon, dass es verschiedene Modelle für Trauerphasen gibt und man sich selbst bei diesem Modell ein paar Freiheiten genommen hat, damit es besser zur Handlung passt, wurde das Experiment zu sehr gelobt und war zu kitschig. Warum ist der Liebeskummer eines einzelnen Mädchens einen Beitrag zur Science Fair wert und warum verbessert es eine Physiknote?

Fazit
"Das Avery Shaw Experiment" bietet wie erwartet leichte Unterhaltung mit Liebeskummer, Nerds und einem Liebesdreieck, aber es ist auch etwas oberflächlich und die Handlung dreht sich im Kreis. Wer andere Bücher der Autorin mag, wird aber wieder Spaß daran haben.