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Boys Like You
IF
If I hadn't fallen asleep.
If I hadn't gotten behind the wheel.
If I hadn't made a mistake.
For Monroe Blackwell, one small mistake has torn her family apart--leaving her empty and broken. There's a hole in her heart that nothing can fill. That no one can fill. And a summer in Louisiana with her grandma isn't going to change that...
Nathan Everets knows heartache firsthand when a car accident leaves his best friend in a coma. And it's all his fault. He should be the one lying in the hospital. The one who will never play guitar again. He doesn't deserve forgiveness, and a court-appointed job at the Blackwell B&B isn't going to change that...
There's No Going Back
Captivating and hopeful, this achingly poignant novel brings together two lost souls struggling with grief and guilt--looking for acceptance, so they can find forgiveness.
If I hadn't fallen asleep.
If I hadn't gotten behind the wheel.
If I hadn't made a mistake.
For Monroe Blackwell, one small mistake has torn her family apart--leaving her empty and broken. There's a hole in her heart that nothing can fill. That no one can fill. And a summer in Louisiana with her grandma isn't going to change that...
Nathan Everets knows heartache firsthand when a car accident leaves his best friend in a coma. And it's all his fault. He should be the one lying in the hospital. The one who will never play guitar again. He doesn't deserve forgiveness, and a court-appointed job at the Blackwell B&B isn't going to change that...
There's No Going Back
Captivating and hopeful, this achingly poignant novel brings together two lost souls struggling with grief and guilt--looking for acceptance, so they can find forgiveness.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2014
About the author
Juliana Stone
58 books1,252 followersJuliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.
USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.
USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
May 11, 2014
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
Boys Like You isn't a bad read. It's gratifying and the characters are not particularly irksome, the story line is engaging enough to keep you till the very end and the romance is relatively sweet. Not particulary, engaging enough, relatively: I use these words because nothing here is really meeting the full potential. I have quibbles with every aspect in Boys Like You, but taking a step back and under a less critical eye, this is a decent novel about two broken teens who find love and recovery through each other.
And that's just exactly that. Two teens who recover from their dark pasts by leaning on each other. That's real sweet, but that's just not realistic. It might have been true for what, 7 out of 1000 people but you want to read a book that feels genuine and feels like something you can possibly relate to. This novel was not that. Boys Like You is told by the two love interests, Monroe and Nathan. Monroe went to live with her Gram for the summer in hopes that she would be able to recover from the tragic incident that damaged her family. Nathan is still reeling from the accident that sent his best friend, who he loved like a brother, to hospital. He's still in a coma. And his family blames Nathan. He was meant to be the responsible one, yet he failed to deliver this time.
The characterisations in Boys Like You were authentic. I could definitely empathise for each of the characters' dark and mistake-ridden tragedies. Monroe has a snarky personality and doesn't take crap from anyone. Nathan might seem like a player but his heart is loyal once he can find it. What annoyed me was how both Monroe and Nathan had to mention how gorgeous or hot the other looked in pretty much every chapter. He's hot, she's fucking beautiful. That's nice. Let's get on with the plot now. But no. Sure, of course you can talk about how people are staring at Monroe for more than 3 times. Once is enough. We know English. Therefore, once is enough.
I am so so about the romance. In my view, it moved too quickly. Their first kiss is quite early on in the novel. And there is instant attraction. And then there's this line:
And like I aforementioned, I wanted to see the characters deal with their demons by themselves. Also, I was especially not happy how Monroe healed in the end. I won't go into any details of how as that would be spoiling it. But seriously, it felt way too simple.
To sum up, I found Boys Like You to be an alright read but I know that it won't be leaving a mark. I had to check Goodreads for the names of the main characters even though I only just finished this novel. It still has notable themes and morals, but I think the execution with novel in general could have had a harder try.
"No one is perfect. Remember that."
Boys Like You isn't a bad read. It's gratifying and the characters are not particularly irksome, the story line is engaging enough to keep you till the very end and the romance is relatively sweet. Not particulary, engaging enough, relatively: I use these words because nothing here is really meeting the full potential. I have quibbles with every aspect in Boys Like You, but taking a step back and under a less critical eye, this is a decent novel about two broken teens who find love and recovery through each other.
And that's just exactly that. Two teens who recover from their dark pasts by leaning on each other. That's real sweet, but that's just not realistic. It might have been true for what, 7 out of 1000 people but you want to read a book that feels genuine and feels like something you can possibly relate to. This novel was not that. Boys Like You is told by the two love interests, Monroe and Nathan. Monroe went to live with her Gram for the summer in hopes that she would be able to recover from the tragic incident that damaged her family. Nathan is still reeling from the accident that sent his best friend, who he loved like a brother, to hospital. He's still in a coma. And his family blames Nathan. He was meant to be the responsible one, yet he failed to deliver this time.
The characterisations in Boys Like You were authentic. I could definitely empathise for each of the characters' dark and mistake-ridden tragedies. Monroe has a snarky personality and doesn't take crap from anyone. Nathan might seem like a player but his heart is loyal once he can find it. What annoyed me was how both Monroe and Nathan had to mention how gorgeous or hot the other looked in pretty much every chapter. He's hot, she's fucking beautiful. That's nice. Let's get on with the plot now. But no. Sure, of course you can talk about how people are staring at Monroe for more than 3 times. Once is enough. We know English. Therefore, once is enough.
I am so so about the romance. In my view, it moved too quickly. Their first kiss is quite early on in the novel. And there is instant attraction. And then there's this line:
Our fingers touched briefly, and I liked the little zing that shot through me.
And like I aforementioned, I wanted to see the characters deal with their demons by themselves. Also, I was especially not happy how Monroe healed in the end. I won't go into any details of how as that would be spoiling it. But seriously, it felt way too simple.
To sum up, I found Boys Like You to be an alright read but I know that it won't be leaving a mark. I had to check Goodreads for the names of the main characters even though I only just finished this novel. It still has notable themes and morals, but I think the execution with novel in general could have had a harder try.
~ Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for sending me this copy!~
December 7, 2013
I was lucky enough to read this one early. Monroe and Nate have amazing chemistry and tons of layers to their characters. Super emotional, sexy, heartwrenching... I LOVED IT.
November 26, 2017
Boys Like You Review
Book Rating: 4 stars out of 5.
Story Line: 4 stars out of 5. Monroe is visiting her grandmother for the summer. Her grandmother wants to help her get back to the way she used to be. She is very cold to other people. She ended up that way because of the death of her younger brother. Her grandmother is having work done on her plantation that she owns. She meets Nathan. Nathan has some issues going on in his life as well. He got into an accident that left his best friend in the hospital. This book had super cute moments and super sad moments. It made me laugh and want to cry. This book reminded me a little bit of Collision Course because of the car accident. Nathan felt the same way that Lucas felt. I really was surprised how fast the two characters ended up falling in love. They kissed within the first three days of knowing each other. They started to fall for each other in two weeks. I don't feel that's enough time for a person to really get to know the other. Reading that kind of annoyed me. If they hadn't fallen in love so fast I would probably have enjoyed it a bit more. I would have loved to see there relationship blossom slowly instead of fast. To be fair though their first kiss was cute. I loved reading their point of views about it. Other than them falling in love to fast I enjoyed the book very much.
Characters: 4.5 stars out of 5. Monroe was really cold in the beginning because of that I didn't like her that much. She ended up growing on me when she actually opened up to Nathan. It was so cute and sad at the same time. I actually felt bad for her. She lost her brother so I understand that was hard for her to go through. Losing anyone is really hard to get through. I understand that people grieve in different ways. I just wish that she didn't treat others horribly. She ended up being pretty cool.
Nathan was so sweet from the beginning. I felt bad for him because he was going through a lot of stuff too. He didn't need Monroe's attitude. I instantly loved him from the get go. I loved reading his point of view. At the end he gave me a scare. My heart almost broke. Ugh! Thanks for that Nathan...
Monroe's grandmother made me laugh a lot at some scenes. She was a cool cold lady. I enjoyed reading with her in it.
Trevor's Dad was in this book. He was angry. I understand why, but Trevor definetly wouldn't have wanted him to act the way he was acting towards his best friend. Monroe got to him though. That's when I truly started liking her more.
Favorite Quotes: “That was before I learned my charmed life could bleed. That pain could become an every day kind of thing, and that the thought of happiness was just a word that didn't mean anything.”
“I've learned in my sixteen and a half years that there are things that will surprise you because you don't see them coming. They can be hard, painful things, and it's those ones that will live with you forever, bound to you soul in layers that grow thicker each year. Hopefully those layers will eventually dull the pain.”
Writing Style: 4.5 stars out of 5. The writing was beautiful. I really enjoyed the cute fluffy scenes. Not a big fan of instalove though...if only she had made the book a little longer. I would have loved it more.
Book Rating: 4 stars out of 5.
Story Line: 4 stars out of 5. Monroe is visiting her grandmother for the summer. Her grandmother wants to help her get back to the way she used to be. She is very cold to other people. She ended up that way because of the death of her younger brother. Her grandmother is having work done on her plantation that she owns. She meets Nathan. Nathan has some issues going on in his life as well. He got into an accident that left his best friend in the hospital. This book had super cute moments and super sad moments. It made me laugh and want to cry. This book reminded me a little bit of Collision Course because of the car accident. Nathan felt the same way that Lucas felt. I really was surprised how fast the two characters ended up falling in love. They kissed within the first three days of knowing each other. They started to fall for each other in two weeks. I don't feel that's enough time for a person to really get to know the other. Reading that kind of annoyed me. If they hadn't fallen in love so fast I would probably have enjoyed it a bit more. I would have loved to see there relationship blossom slowly instead of fast. To be fair though their first kiss was cute. I loved reading their point of views about it. Other than them falling in love to fast I enjoyed the book very much.
Characters: 4.5 stars out of 5. Monroe was really cold in the beginning because of that I didn't like her that much. She ended up growing on me when she actually opened up to Nathan. It was so cute and sad at the same time. I actually felt bad for her. She lost her brother so I understand that was hard for her to go through. Losing anyone is really hard to get through. I understand that people grieve in different ways. I just wish that she didn't treat others horribly. She ended up being pretty cool.
Nathan was so sweet from the beginning. I felt bad for him because he was going through a lot of stuff too. He didn't need Monroe's attitude. I instantly loved him from the get go. I loved reading his point of view. At the end he gave me a scare. My heart almost broke. Ugh! Thanks for that Nathan...
Monroe's grandmother made me laugh a lot at some scenes. She was a cool cold lady. I enjoyed reading with her in it.
Trevor's Dad was in this book. He was angry. I understand why, but Trevor definetly wouldn't have wanted him to act the way he was acting towards his best friend. Monroe got to him though. That's when I truly started liking her more.
Favorite Quotes: “That was before I learned my charmed life could bleed. That pain could become an every day kind of thing, and that the thought of happiness was just a word that didn't mean anything.”
“I've learned in my sixteen and a half years that there are things that will surprise you because you don't see them coming. They can be hard, painful things, and it's those ones that will live with you forever, bound to you soul in layers that grow thicker each year. Hopefully those layers will eventually dull the pain.”
Writing Style: 4.5 stars out of 5. The writing was beautiful. I really enjoyed the cute fluffy scenes. Not a big fan of instalove though...if only she had made the book a little longer. I would have loved it more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
נער ונערה שבורי לב, שמנסים להתאושש מאסונות שהותירו אותם באבל, אשמה ודיכאון, עוזרים זה לזה לחזור לחיים.
ספר מקסים, נוגע ללב, ומאד רומנטי. לקראת הסוף אפילו נחנקתי קצת מדמעות.
המחברת ייעדה את הספר לבני נוער, אך הוא מתאים גם למבוגרים שלא התחספסו והפכו ציניים מדי.
נערים כמוך/ג'וליאנה סטון
ספר מקסים, נוגע ללב, ומאד רומנטי. לקראת הסוף אפילו נחנקתי קצת מדמעות.
המחברת ייעדה את הספר לבני נוער, אך הוא מתאים גם למבוגרים שלא התחספסו והפכו ציניים מדי.
נערים כמוך/ג'וליאנה סטון
December 17, 2017
Der Titel und auch die Gestaltung haben mich vermuten lassen, dass es hier um eine süße Liebesgeschichte geht, aber das Buch hat mir so viel mehr geboten und hatte sehr viel Tiefgang, ich liebe es einfach<3
August 6, 2017
ok this bool is different from another YA novel which touch issues of death and blame. i read history u left me, the last time we said goodbye, pushing limits.
this ine somehow lack of chemistry. maybe because the writing?? even the story is good, but i can not feel that connectiob with 2 main characters.
and there is too much physical stuff here that i found disturbing. its like when u are in despair u need to find a biy/ girl who just as despair as u to be saved.
this ine somehow lack of chemistry. maybe because the writing?? even the story is good, but i can not feel that connectiob with 2 main characters.
and there is too much physical stuff here that i found disturbing. its like when u are in despair u need to find a biy/ girl who just as despair as u to be saved.
September 23, 2014
An incredible story full of hope, Boys Like You is a heart-breaking read that is impossible to put down.
Monroe Blackwell makes one mistake and everything changes with devastating results that has left her family a broken mess, struggling to move on with their lives. For Monroe, the guilt and pain eats away at her and she can’t find the means to take part in her normal day-to-day activities or even getting dress and out of bed. Spending time in Louisiana with her gran might be just what her family think she needs, but Monroe disagrees.
Nathan Everets makes one mistake and everything changes with devastating results that leaves his best friend fighting for his life in a coma and it’s all Nathan’s fault. Struggling to deal with his guilt, Nathan pushes everyone away. When he takes a job at a plantation, it’s there that he meets Monroe Blackwell and he realises that he may have found the one person who knows what he’s going through.
Together Monroe and Nathan come together and try to work through their pain – but it’s harder than they realize.
I wish I’d read this sooner! It’s been sitting on my kindle for a good few months and now I’m kicking myself for not reading it SOONER! It is simply an amazing read, full of pain, angst and real life situations that make your heart ache. But it’s also a story about finding first love, moving on and above all else – hope, hope that something good can good from all the sadness. It’s not often that I read a YA Contemporary story that really moves me but this did and I really want you to go read it for yourselves.
I loved the dual narratives really worked great together and I absolutely loved both Monroe and Nathan. They are both dealing with so much and I was glad that together they could finally find some relief and peace. Their story is well written, swoon worthy and so sweet. It’d probably say it was for the more mature audience that read YA and I loved that the author held nothing back and everything fit so well within the story. I’d definitely say Juliana Stone could give the likes of Katie McGarry a run for her money because for me, this was definitely on par with that.
In all, Boys Like You is a fantastic read and I really hope Juliana Stone writes more YA. I want more!
Favourite Quote: "It had been so long since I'd let anyone touch me, let alone hold me like this. Like we were already a part of each other. "Are you done waiting?" "Yeah," he said throatily. "I am."
Thank you to Sourcebook Fire for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
Monroe Blackwell makes one mistake and everything changes with devastating results that has left her family a broken mess, struggling to move on with their lives. For Monroe, the guilt and pain eats away at her and she can’t find the means to take part in her normal day-to-day activities or even getting dress and out of bed. Spending time in Louisiana with her gran might be just what her family think she needs, but Monroe disagrees.
Nathan Everets makes one mistake and everything changes with devastating results that leaves his best friend fighting for his life in a coma and it’s all Nathan’s fault. Struggling to deal with his guilt, Nathan pushes everyone away. When he takes a job at a plantation, it’s there that he meets Monroe Blackwell and he realises that he may have found the one person who knows what he’s going through.
Together Monroe and Nathan come together and try to work through their pain – but it’s harder than they realize.
I wish I’d read this sooner! It’s been sitting on my kindle for a good few months and now I’m kicking myself for not reading it SOONER! It is simply an amazing read, full of pain, angst and real life situations that make your heart ache. But it’s also a story about finding first love, moving on and above all else – hope, hope that something good can good from all the sadness. It’s not often that I read a YA Contemporary story that really moves me but this did and I really want you to go read it for yourselves.
I loved the dual narratives really worked great together and I absolutely loved both Monroe and Nathan. They are both dealing with so much and I was glad that together they could finally find some relief and peace. Their story is well written, swoon worthy and so sweet. It’d probably say it was for the more mature audience that read YA and I loved that the author held nothing back and everything fit so well within the story. I’d definitely say Juliana Stone could give the likes of Katie McGarry a run for her money because for me, this was definitely on par with that.
In all, Boys Like You is a fantastic read and I really hope Juliana Stone writes more YA. I want more!
Favourite Quote: "It had been so long since I'd let anyone touch me, let alone hold me like this. Like we were already a part of each other. "Are you done waiting?" "Yeah," he said throatily. "I am."
Thank you to Sourcebook Fire for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2016
Provided by the publisher via NetGalley
A book about two broken-soul teenagers, Monroe and Nathan, being tormented by their pasts, trying to find a way to help each other get through it all...
To be honest, even it was not a bad read, there wasn't much about this book that made it special. There are way too many books out there with so much similar plots as this one. I really have no idea how many books I have read that have been about remorseful/broken people helping each other live again, trying to redeem themselves and whatnot. Therefore, I have to say that I wasn't impressed.
It was a decent book, anyway. The characters were nice; though, I wasn't too keen on perfect characters. Based on the descriptions from the book, they both were absolutely perfect, living picture-perfect lives if their broken souls were not mentioned. Hard to say, this is not the only book with perfect characters, so I think I can let that slide.
As for the romance, I don't think I was into that much either. While it was sweet (a little bit cheesy) and all, it felt a little too fast for me. They moved from barely saying more than a few sentences to completely in love in just a few weeks.
The writing and the pace were okay, I guess. It wasn't neither draggy nor too fast-paced. However, the story was not that realistic in my idea.
Blog: YA Obsession
May 10, 2014
3.5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and Netgalley.)
Monroe and Nathan are both hiding secrets, deadly secrets. Can they help each other to work their way through their problems over the summer? And maybe find love on the way?
This was an okay story, but it took a while to get good.
I liked Monroe and Nathan, although it took me a while. I didn’t really like either of them to start with, but when they started baring their souls I finally started to like them.
The storyline was okay, but again, it took a while to get going. I found the first half of the book pretty boring, and even the mystery over who Malcom was and what happened to him couldn’t keep me interested. When Monroe confessed all though, I finally understood what she was going through, and began to like her.
The romance also took a while to find its feet, but once we got there I did like it.
The ending was good, and I was glad that we got a happy ending. It was just a shame that this book took so long to get interesting!
Overall; okay story, but took a long while to get interesting,
7 out of 10
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Fire and Netgalley.)
Monroe and Nathan are both hiding secrets, deadly secrets. Can they help each other to work their way through their problems over the summer? And maybe find love on the way?
This was an okay story, but it took a while to get good.
I liked Monroe and Nathan, although it took me a while. I didn’t really like either of them to start with, but when they started baring their souls I finally started to like them.
The storyline was okay, but again, it took a while to get going. I found the first half of the book pretty boring, and even the mystery over who Malcom was and what happened to him couldn’t keep me interested. When Monroe confessed all though, I finally understood what she was going through, and began to like her.
The romance also took a while to find its feet, but once we got there I did like it.
The ending was good, and I was glad that we got a happy ending. It was just a shame that this book took so long to get interesting!
Overall; okay story, but took a long while to get interesting,
7 out of 10
February 10, 2022
רומן נעורים חביב.
מונרו ונייט רדופים ע"י טעות שעשו ושגבתה מהם מחיר קשה. הם נפגשים וכנגד כל הסיכויים מתאהבים ועוזרים זה לזו להחלים מהכאב ומרגשות האשם.
קהל היעד של הספר הזה הוא בני נוער, ולכן קצת קשה לי לשפוט אותו. מצד אחד הספר זורם, קליל לקריאה, מרגש ומעורר מחשבה. מצד שני, ההתנהלות של הדמויות מאוד רחוקה ממני, ובגלל פער הגילאים היה לי קשה להזדהות או להבין את הדמויות. בנוסף, הסופרת העמיסה על הדמויות (בעיקר של מונרו) המון בירבורי פסיכולוגיה בשקל.
בשורה התחתונה: ספר נחמד שמתאים בעיקר לבנות 14+.
מפלס סקס נמוך מאוד כיאה לרומן לבנות נעורים.
מונרו ונייט רדופים ע"י טעות שעשו ושגבתה מהם מחיר קשה. הם נפגשים וכנגד כל הסיכויים מתאהבים ועוזרים זה לזו להחלים מהכאב ומרגשות האשם.
קהל היעד של הספר הזה הוא בני נוער, ולכן קצת קשה לי לשפוט אותו. מצד אחד הספר זורם, קליל לקריאה, מרגש ומעורר מחשבה. מצד שני, ההתנהלות של הדמויות מאוד רחוקה ממני, ובגלל פער הגילאים היה לי קשה להזדהות או להבין את הדמויות. בנוסף, הסופרת העמיסה על הדמויות (בעיקר של מונרו) המון בירבורי פסיכולוגיה בשקל.
בשורה התחתונה: ספר נחמד שמתאים בעיקר לבנות 14+.
מפלס סקס נמוך מאוד כיאה לרומן לבנות נעורים.
May 26, 2014
3.5 stars
This is the perfect summer read. For me, it's not summer yet, but reading this, I did feel like I was in summer. Everything was so cute and wonderful.
So in a nutshell, Boys Like You is a fun summer read with some cliches and flaws, but still enjoyable.
Monroe and Nathan both have their secrets. Nate's secret is known from the very beginning, that he put his friend into a coma when they were driving hone. However, we don't know Monroe's secret until the third quarter of the book. I get that there's supposed to be some suspense, but keeping something like this away for this long of a time just gave me no connection to Monroe during the time I didn't know her secret, and her character wasn't so interesting to me. However, things improved when her secret was revealed.
So the two main characters are both physically attractive. In fact, that's the first thing they notice about each other. Hmmmmmmm. And they love each other too. Hmmmmmmmmmm. I wasn't a big fan of the romance. I saw the chemistry in the beginning, but when they actually were a couple, I didn't really see it. They mostly seemed to notice how hot their opposite was, and had this sort of "we both have dark secrets so we'll get along perfectly" sort of thing going on. The thing that bothered me was that in the beginning, building up to the first kiss, their was no building up. It just happened. And the romance is just wayyyyyy tooo perfect. Like Monroe has to go back to New York at the end, since she just stayed wherever Nate was over the summer, but later, we see an all too perfect ending. Don't get me wrong, I hate sad endings, but this was all rainbows and sunshine and laughter and puppy dogs, but I wanted rainbows and sunshine and clouds. Like a sort of bittersweet ending.
I could really relate to Monroe and Nate. Maybe I don't really get their actions, but I get what they feel, they're interesting characters, and they could be people I know. Especially Nate and Trevor, the guy he put in a coma. How Trevor's family treated him and all that stuff was so well written-all the pain the family was going through. I could sympathize with each characters. Especially at the end,
But I did feel like the book had a lot of tropes, like the too-perfect ending, two teenagers with dark secrets ending up together, absent parents, and there was also some slut-shaming.
And I wish there was more music involved, as Nate DOES play the guitar (but how typical of him to play the guitar in the first place).
Even with all those things, I highly enjoyed this book. Maybe it's not the highest in quality, but it does make you feel things and it's a great summer read.
This is the perfect summer read. For me, it's not summer yet, but reading this, I did feel like I was in summer. Everything was so cute and wonderful.
So in a nutshell, Boys Like You is a fun summer read with some cliches and flaws, but still enjoyable.
Monroe and Nathan both have their secrets. Nate's secret is known from the very beginning, that he put his friend into a coma when they were driving hone. However, we don't know Monroe's secret until the third quarter of the book. I get that there's supposed to be some suspense, but keeping something like this away for this long of a time just gave me no connection to Monroe during the time I didn't know her secret, and her character wasn't so interesting to me. However, things improved when her secret was revealed.
So the two main characters are both physically attractive. In fact, that's the first thing they notice about each other. Hmmmmmmm. And they love each other too. Hmmmmmmmmmm. I wasn't a big fan of the romance. I saw the chemistry in the beginning, but when they actually were a couple, I didn't really see it. They mostly seemed to notice how hot their opposite was, and had this sort of "we both have dark secrets so we'll get along perfectly" sort of thing going on. The thing that bothered me was that in the beginning, building up to the first kiss, their was no building up. It just happened. And the romance is just wayyyyyy tooo perfect. Like Monroe has to go back to New York at the end, since she just stayed wherever Nate was over the summer, but later, we see an all too perfect ending. Don't get me wrong, I hate sad endings, but this was all rainbows and sunshine and laughter and puppy dogs, but I wanted rainbows and sunshine and clouds. Like a sort of bittersweet ending.
I could really relate to Monroe and Nate. Maybe I don't really get their actions, but I get what they feel, they're interesting characters, and they could be people I know. Especially Nate and Trevor, the guy he put in a coma. How Trevor's family treated him and all that stuff was so well written-all the pain the family was going through. I could sympathize with each characters. Especially at the end,
But I did feel like the book had a lot of tropes, like the too-perfect ending, two teenagers with dark secrets ending up together, absent parents, and there was also some slut-shaming.
And I wish there was more music involved, as Nate DOES play the guitar (but how typical of him to play the guitar in the first place).
Even with all those things, I highly enjoyed this book. Maybe it's not the highest in quality, but it does make you feel things and it's a great summer read.
June 17, 2015
Find more of my ranting review on my blog, No Bent Spines
Review
GUYS. THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I'VE READ FROM MY #BOOKSFORTRADE HAUL. It's rather exciting. And my oh my are we off to a rather spectacular start.
Boys Like You is basically what I hoped it would be, with a few minor infractions. Monroe made a mistake and because of it she is consumed by a guilt she can't seem to drag herself out from. Anything besides sleeping is more work than it's worth. Then she meets Nathan. She meets Nathan when she moves down to her Grandmother's home for the summer in order to heal. At least that is what her family and friends are hoping for.
She meets Nathan and she finds herself reflected in his eyes. Or her finds himself reflected in hers. It the same hollowness and the same sadness and the same hopelessness.
Julia Stone composed a fantastic tale of...what do I even call this? Self redemption. It felt a whole lot like redemption. Monroe and Nathan have lost hope in themselves because they believe that they caused the tragedies that sort of destroyed what they used to be. They tragedies changed them- I mean how can tragedies not change a person? And people react to tragedies in different ways. Unhealthy ways. Healthy ways. But neither of these characters were able to keep themselves healthy.
I think it took seeing the other- Nathan seeing Monroe and Monroe seeing Nathan- for them to realize how far they fell.
So, lovely reader, why should you read this book? Although the story- I felt- should have been slowed down, it was heart-breakingly real and totally butterfly inducing. And honestly, what could be better? I mean, yes, of course there were things I wish I could change.
The story pace (too rushed). Okay, so maybe it's really only a thing. I think if it had been slowed down a bit, all the reactions by the characters would have been slowed down a bit as well. Which I would have appreciated.
I loved the character interactions. I love the friends, I love Monroe's grandmother, I love the angry father and the sad mother and the nostalgic girlfriend. Yes, even her.
This was just a genuinely good book. It wasn't fantastic and isn't going to stop the world, but it was totally worth trading for and totally worth reading.
Later gators,
Jackie
Review
GUYS. THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I'VE READ FROM MY #BOOKSFORTRADE HAUL. It's rather exciting. And my oh my are we off to a rather spectacular start.
Boys Like You is basically what I hoped it would be, with a few minor infractions. Monroe made a mistake and because of it she is consumed by a guilt she can't seem to drag herself out from. Anything besides sleeping is more work than it's worth. Then she meets Nathan. She meets Nathan when she moves down to her Grandmother's home for the summer in order to heal. At least that is what her family and friends are hoping for.
She meets Nathan and she finds herself reflected in his eyes. Or her finds himself reflected in hers. It the same hollowness and the same sadness and the same hopelessness.
Julia Stone composed a fantastic tale of...what do I even call this? Self redemption. It felt a whole lot like redemption. Monroe and Nathan have lost hope in themselves because they believe that they caused the tragedies that sort of destroyed what they used to be. They tragedies changed them- I mean how can tragedies not change a person? And people react to tragedies in different ways. Unhealthy ways. Healthy ways. But neither of these characters were able to keep themselves healthy.
I think it took seeing the other- Nathan seeing Monroe and Monroe seeing Nathan- for them to realize how far they fell.
So, lovely reader, why should you read this book? Although the story- I felt- should have been slowed down, it was heart-breakingly real and totally butterfly inducing. And honestly, what could be better? I mean, yes, of course there were things I wish I could change.
The story pace (too rushed). Okay, so maybe it's really only a thing. I think if it had been slowed down a bit, all the reactions by the characters would have been slowed down a bit as well. Which I would have appreciated.
I loved the character interactions. I love the friends, I love Monroe's grandmother, I love the angry father and the sad mother and the nostalgic girlfriend. Yes, even her.
This was just a genuinely good book. It wasn't fantastic and isn't going to stop the world, but it was totally worth trading for and totally worth reading.
Later gators,
Jackie
October 12, 2014
Monroe leaves NYC and moves in with her grandmother to Louisiana for the summer. She meets Nate who is working on her grandmother's plantation. Both Monroe and Nate have had something tragic happen to them and this kind of bonds them. It was a nice read but nothing that I have not read before AND it just kind of ended. I guess as a reader I am supposed to come up with my own epilogue. The story ends three months after Monroe moves back to NYC. Will there be a sequel??
March 25, 2016
I liked both the main characters in this. They were both dealing with a lot of guilt, and I'm glad they could help each other sort through it.
This was a good read, which had likable characters, a sweet romance, and a nice ending.
This was a good read, which had likable characters, a sweet romance, and a nice ending.
February 6, 2017
the book had lots of detail and kept a good plot
March 19, 2019
Wunderschön und so traurig!
Mein Herz ist beim Lesen übergequollen vor lauter Emotionen...ich habe gelacht, einen Kloß im Hals gehabt, gelitten und einige Tränen verdrückt!
Die Geschichte von Monroe und Nathan hat mich emotional wirklich tief bewegt...die beiden haben so furchtbare Schicksalsschläge erlebt, sind so tief gefallen und finden sich doch in dem Schmerz und der Liebe des anderen wieder!!
Das Buch hat mich zuerst gebrochen und wurde dann durch die beiden langsam und vorsichtig wieder zusammengesetzt! Ich liebe es und habe es viel zu lange auf meinem SuB schmoren lassen! ♥️
Mein Herz ist beim Lesen übergequollen vor lauter Emotionen...ich habe gelacht, einen Kloß im Hals gehabt, gelitten und einige Tränen verdrückt!
Die Geschichte von Monroe und Nathan hat mich emotional wirklich tief bewegt...die beiden haben so furchtbare Schicksalsschläge erlebt, sind so tief gefallen und finden sich doch in dem Schmerz und der Liebe des anderen wieder!!
Das Buch hat mich zuerst gebrochen und wurde dann durch die beiden langsam und vorsichtig wieder zusammengesetzt! Ich liebe es und habe es viel zu lange auf meinem SuB schmoren lassen! ♥️
May 20, 2014
For more reviews and giveaways, go to http://reviewsfromabookworm.blogspot....
I keep notes now when I read a book, it makes reviewing it easier and helps me remember specific parts I liked, disliked or want to quote. Now, on average, most books will have 3-4 pages filled with notes, but Boys Like You just got one. I can't decide if that's because not very much happens in it or because I just didn't really have many feelings about what happened in it. It was an okay read, but I guess it just didn't make me really invest in the story.
Monroe has gone to spend the summer with her Grandmother in Louisiana, and it's clear that she is dealing with a death that she feels somehow responsible for. But we don't know the who, why, where, when or what as far as that event is concerned. I liked that mystery surrounding it and the wanting to discover and find out more about Monroe and what she had done. I thought her pain felt realistic and how she handled it, for the most part, seemed realistic too.
This book is told in both Monore's and Nathan's point of view, which I think was really important for this story. This allows you to get inside Nathan's head and see exactly how he feels about what he did and how much responsibility he feels for driving drunk, resulting in his best friend being in the hospital in a coma. Their romance kind of falls into the insta-love territory but when you take into account what they are both going through it kind of makes sense why they instantly connect. They both seem to latch on to eachother because they recognise their own pain and suffering in the other, and I guess when you feel all alone in that it must be nice to find someone you think might actually understand what you are going through.
This book got a little preachy nearer the end, and I really, really, really hate being preached too. It just went a little too much into the God aspect when it came to what they went through. It was basically saying that if anything bad happens in your life then that's on you, not God... but, wait, if anything good happens in your life then it's God doing it for you. I mean, come on, please don't get me started on that logic and don't preach to me, don't need it and don't want it. Clearly, me and religion in books just don't get on.
My other main issue with the book was the romance. It wasn't bad or anything, it was just a bit too much for me. This is so sickly sweet and romantic, especially nearer the end, and I know it will have so many people gushing and swooning. I'm just not one of those people, I'm not. I come from a family that go out of their way to buy funny birthday cards for each other instead of the gushy, gag-inducing ones. So, technically, that isn't a problem with the book it's more a problem with me. I can't handle when a romance gets too heavy in books and the whole I love you down to my soul crap. I actually cringe when I read that stuff, but I know a lot of people will really love that aspect of it.
2.5/ 5 Butterflies
I was going to give it a three, which would be that I liked that book but had some problems with it. But, ultimately, this didn't leave much of an impression on me. I almost forgot to review it and only remembered I'd read it after seeing my notes in my book. It was an okay read, but it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I thought it would make me feel something for the characters and their situations, but I didn't. I thought I might get wrapped up in the romance aspect, but I didn't. It just wasn't what I was expecting at all. I don't like being preached at and I don't like when a romance makes me cringe. I feel it's one that just wasn't for me, but others may absolutely love.
*I received a copy of this novel from the author/publisher/publicist via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review and received no monetary compensation for this review.
I keep notes now when I read a book, it makes reviewing it easier and helps me remember specific parts I liked, disliked or want to quote. Now, on average, most books will have 3-4 pages filled with notes, but Boys Like You just got one. I can't decide if that's because not very much happens in it or because I just didn't really have many feelings about what happened in it. It was an okay read, but I guess it just didn't make me really invest in the story.
Monroe has gone to spend the summer with her Grandmother in Louisiana, and it's clear that she is dealing with a death that she feels somehow responsible for. But we don't know the who, why, where, when or what as far as that event is concerned. I liked that mystery surrounding it and the wanting to discover and find out more about Monroe and what she had done. I thought her pain felt realistic and how she handled it, for the most part, seemed realistic too.
This book is told in both Monore's and Nathan's point of view, which I think was really important for this story. This allows you to get inside Nathan's head and see exactly how he feels about what he did and how much responsibility he feels for driving drunk, resulting in his best friend being in the hospital in a coma. Their romance kind of falls into the insta-love territory but when you take into account what they are both going through it kind of makes sense why they instantly connect. They both seem to latch on to eachother because they recognise their own pain and suffering in the other, and I guess when you feel all alone in that it must be nice to find someone you think might actually understand what you are going through.
This book got a little preachy nearer the end, and I really, really, really hate being preached too. It just went a little too much into the God aspect when it came to what they went through. It was basically saying that if anything bad happens in your life then that's on you, not God... but, wait, if anything good happens in your life then it's God doing it for you. I mean, come on, please don't get me started on that logic and don't preach to me, don't need it and don't want it. Clearly, me and religion in books just don't get on.
My other main issue with the book was the romance. It wasn't bad or anything, it was just a bit too much for me. This is so sickly sweet and romantic, especially nearer the end, and I know it will have so many people gushing and swooning. I'm just not one of those people, I'm not. I come from a family that go out of their way to buy funny birthday cards for each other instead of the gushy, gag-inducing ones. So, technically, that isn't a problem with the book it's more a problem with me. I can't handle when a romance gets too heavy in books and the whole I love you down to my soul crap. I actually cringe when I read that stuff, but I know a lot of people will really love that aspect of it.
2.5/ 5 Butterflies
I was going to give it a three, which would be that I liked that book but had some problems with it. But, ultimately, this didn't leave much of an impression on me. I almost forgot to review it and only remembered I'd read it after seeing my notes in my book. It was an okay read, but it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I thought it would make me feel something for the characters and their situations, but I didn't. I thought I might get wrapped up in the romance aspect, but I didn't. It just wasn't what I was expecting at all. I don't like being preached at and I don't like when a romance makes me cringe. I feel it's one that just wasn't for me, but others may absolutely love.
*I received a copy of this novel from the author/publisher/publicist via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review and received no monetary compensation for this review.
July 19, 2014
4.5 Stars
It's not often that I pick up a Y.A. but when Juliana told me that she was writing one I knew that I had to read it!
A young girl and a young boy. Both who made mistakes that will forever change their lives. Each struggling with the consequences. Only together can they step out of the dark and reach for the possibility of forgiveness that they so desperately seek.
Boys Like You was a wonderful story from Juliana Stone. Full of heart-wrenching emotion; it's a story of pain, desperation, hope and forgiveness. Driving drunk has left Nathan's best-friend in a coma and not only his best-friend's parents hating him, whom have been a second home for him, but Nathan hating himself as well. Living life on auto-pilot, Nathan is wracked with guilt over the fact that he walked away from the wreck and his friend didn't. Monroe lives in a zombie like state, not evening bothering to change out of her pajamas most days and visiting her grandmother for the summer isn't likely to change that. Never did Monroe or Nathan expect to meet another as broken as they felt, but as they know one choice can change a lifetime, so can one summer.
Boys Like You is told from alternating view-points. Right away readers know Nathan's story and pain but Monroe is a mystery until farther into the story-line and when her secret is revealed, it hits you right in the gut. Both Monroe and Nathan are living in darkness, a darkness that eats away at them. But somehow, when these two come together they shine bright and together they learn to forgive themselves. There is a blatant chemistry between Monroe and Nathan but the romance is slow to build. That doesn't stop Monroe from supporting the Nathan she sees under the player persona he puts out. Each character was multi-layered and even the supporting characters were nice to read about.
There was just the right amount of sensuality between Monroe and Nathan for a Y.A. Enough to leave me satisfied but written so it was suitable for younger readers as well. I wouldn't wince at my teenage step-daughter picking up this one. The ending left me smiling and I can't wait to read the sequel to this story. Boys Like You makes for a great contemporary romance perfect for summer reading.
It's not often that I pick up a Y.A. but when Juliana told me that she was writing one I knew that I had to read it!
A young girl and a young boy. Both who made mistakes that will forever change their lives. Each struggling with the consequences. Only together can they step out of the dark and reach for the possibility of forgiveness that they so desperately seek.
Boys Like You was a wonderful story from Juliana Stone. Full of heart-wrenching emotion; it's a story of pain, desperation, hope and forgiveness. Driving drunk has left Nathan's best-friend in a coma and not only his best-friend's parents hating him, whom have been a second home for him, but Nathan hating himself as well. Living life on auto-pilot, Nathan is wracked with guilt over the fact that he walked away from the wreck and his friend didn't. Monroe lives in a zombie like state, not evening bothering to change out of her pajamas most days and visiting her grandmother for the summer isn't likely to change that. Never did Monroe or Nathan expect to meet another as broken as they felt, but as they know one choice can change a lifetime, so can one summer.
Boys Like You is told from alternating view-points. Right away readers know Nathan's story and pain but Monroe is a mystery until farther into the story-line and when her secret is revealed, it hits you right in the gut. Both Monroe and Nathan are living in darkness, a darkness that eats away at them. But somehow, when these two come together they shine bright and together they learn to forgive themselves. There is a blatant chemistry between Monroe and Nathan but the romance is slow to build. That doesn't stop Monroe from supporting the Nathan she sees under the player persona he puts out. Each character was multi-layered and even the supporting characters were nice to read about.
There was just the right amount of sensuality between Monroe and Nathan for a Y.A. Enough to leave me satisfied but written so it was suitable for younger readers as well. I wouldn't wince at my teenage step-daughter picking up this one. The ending left me smiling and I can't wait to read the sequel to this story. Boys Like You makes for a great contemporary romance perfect for summer reading.
May 9, 2014
This book is a great read about two damaged teenagers. When Nathan puts his best friend in a coma from a drinking and driving accident Nathan spends the rest of his time praying for his best friend to be back with him, and thinking he should be the one in a coma not his best friend. When Nathans friend is in the hospital he stops playing guitar in which he would only do if his friend was there. Nathan begins to hide things and not become as open as he was with his friends. Nathan hides out at his uncle's work all summer helping with painting jobs. When Nathan gets a job at Mrs.Blackwell's house he meets Monroe.
Mrs. Blackwells house is in a place called oak run plantation it’s a cottage back in the country of Louisiana. Mrs.Blackwell lived behind the main house in oak run plantation and behind Mrs.Blackwell's house is a garden where Nathan had to paint for his summer job. Monroe is forced to spend the summer at her grandmas because Monroe has had depression problems since a mistake she made back in New York and has felt as if she tore her family apart. Monroe is a caring teenager that hides her feelings like Nathan.
When Monroe’s grandma sets them to up to go to a carnival together they both agree its nothing more than just friends. They both didn't want to socialize or even talk but when they're forced to talk they find out each others dark secrets and warm up to one another.The both of them both made mistakes in there past and are ready to help each other look passed it .They both were looking for someone to help them in life forget about their mistakes. Nathan and Monroe have a connection unlike any other couple, both of them have tragic stories and that's what draws them together.
This book is a fantastic heroic read , it teaches the readers a lot, it teaches them that there is always hope and to never give up on life. I enjoyed reading this book because it was a quick read and a good romance book. I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up because at first I didn't quite understand the book and some of the text content is violence. If you're looking for a light romance read this book is a great book for you.
June 15, 2014
I feel like you almost get everything that you need to know about Boys Like You from the summary. It isn't very brilliant and despite it's attempt at getting deep, I still think it's very shallow.
I knew from very early on that it wasn't going to be the book for me. I didn't like the voice and it was one of those attempts at getting having a secret that was supposed to carry the novel on and once Monroe's secret gets revealed...I don't know. I believe it but I don't believe the emotions behind the secret. I felt like Stone should've gone deeper. The same goes for what makes Nathan feels extremely guilty. He feels responsible because of his best friend is in a coma and doing poorly.
I just didn't believe the emotions despite their guilt.
I also didn't like how Monroe and Nathan got together. I believe the obstacles. There's the whole their opposites thing. Which I can possibly believe. But there's also Nathan has a girlfriend in the beginning of the novel and even though he's lackluster about that relationship, I don't feel like it was utilized properly. Basically it's like, "hey, here's this big obstacle, but turns out it's not really a problem". Maybe Stone deliberately chose to downplay that angle because everything that was going on in the novel, but I wasn't impressed with everything else that was going on.
I ultimately wouldn't recommend this book, but from the reviews that I've seen around, others have enjoyed it.
e-ARC provided publisher via Netgalley.
I knew from very early on that it wasn't going to be the book for me. I didn't like the voice and it was one of those attempts at getting having a secret that was supposed to carry the novel on and once Monroe's secret gets revealed...I don't know. I believe it but I don't believe the emotions behind the secret. I felt like Stone should've gone deeper. The same goes for what makes Nathan feels extremely guilty. He feels responsible because of his best friend is in a coma and doing poorly.
I just didn't believe the emotions despite their guilt.
I also didn't like how Monroe and Nathan got together. I believe the obstacles. There's the whole their opposites thing. Which I can possibly believe. But there's also Nathan has a girlfriend in the beginning of the novel and even though he's lackluster about that relationship, I don't feel like it was utilized properly. Basically it's like, "hey, here's this big obstacle, but turns out it's not really a problem". Maybe Stone deliberately chose to downplay that angle because everything that was going on in the novel, but I wasn't impressed with everything else that was going on.
I ultimately wouldn't recommend this book, but from the reviews that I've seen around, others have enjoyed it.
e-ARC provided publisher via Netgalley.
April 14, 2014
I don't normally pick up books like this, I tend to shy away from the heartfail and angst, but there was just something about the synopsis that I couldn't resist.
I loved Monroe and Nathan. They're both struggling alone, but find strength in each other. There's some banter, some swoons and some hot as hell kisses. There's also lot of emotion and a whole lot of healing.
Gran is a fantastic character. I loved her feistiness and the way she could put someone in their place with just a look or the tone of her voice.
All in all, it was a bit of a roller coaster on the feels, but absolutely worth it.
**Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I loved Monroe and Nathan. They're both struggling alone, but find strength in each other. There's some banter, some swoons and some hot as hell kisses. There's also lot of emotion and a whole lot of healing.
Gran is a fantastic character. I loved her feistiness and the way she could put someone in their place with just a look or the tone of her voice.
All in all, it was a bit of a roller coaster on the feels, but absolutely worth it.
**Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
January 25, 2016
I've learned in my sixteen and half years that there are things that will surprise you because you don't see them coming. They can be hard, painful things, and it's those ones that will live with you forever, bound to your soul in layers that grow thicker each year. Hopefully those layers will eventually dull the pain.'
Boys Like You is my first book that I've read by this author and it was so freaking good. The characters & the plot were the perfect YA mix and it was a emotional but great novel. Nate & Monroe are Swoon. I need to find 'Some Kind Of Normal' which is somewhere in my TBR piles as I need Trevor's story!!
Boys Like You is my first book that I've read by this author and it was so freaking good. The characters & the plot were the perfect YA mix and it was a emotional but great novel. Nate & Monroe are Swoon. I need to find 'Some Kind Of Normal' which is somewhere in my TBR piles as I need Trevor's story!!
March 14, 2014
Awwww. Swoony and sweet:) I have a giant crush on Nathan. And Monroe:) More soon!
June 12, 2021
The book was...weird.
They met 4 days ago and they were swimming together and they had their first kiss.
The relationship between the characters grows so fast. And it seems like an unhealthly relationship, but in the end it is a long period relationship.
Trevor's coma was too much. It was like a just imagined one, an invented one. Bcs that can't happen in the real life. If u have really bad infection in blood, u can't remain alive after or fight with it.
They met 4 days ago and they were swimming together and they had their first kiss.
The relationship between the characters grows so fast. And it seems like an unhealthly relationship, but in the end it is a long period relationship.
Trevor's coma was too much. It was like a just imagined one, an invented one. Bcs that can't happen in the real life. If u have really bad infection in blood, u can't remain alive after or fight with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2019
Ich habe nicht viel von diesem Buch erwartet, doch es war eine süße Geschichte, die auch ein wenig Tiefgang hatte.
4 Sterne
4 Sterne
July 7, 2017
A sweet young adult romance. Enjoyed the story.
April 23, 2014
If you're looking for easy, light and fluffy, this is definitely not it, but if you're looking for something that will move you and challenge you then proceed. It is a painful, touching and sweet story of how these two kids manage to find their way back after going through separate tragedies in their lives and, in a sense, it is the stories of all those others who were touched by the circumstances.
Monroe Blackwell has arrived in Louisiana to spend the summer with her Gram. It is a relief to her in ways but for the most part it is just a change of scenery and a new place to 'not care' and 'not feel'. From her perspective, nobody understands what she is going through and she is alone. Her parents react to what happened in different ways, but both leave Monroe angry and irritated. Not even her best friend can touch her. Then she encounters the hired guy who is there to fix things up around her Gram's family plantation property. Monroe bristles and gets snarky. She is a rude Princess B because she knows just what kind of guy this is and she won't be the next victim of his devastating looks and charm.
Nate Everets feels the need to stay isolated from everyone. The whole town knows what he did and they all believe that he should be rotting in juvie for it. They can't blame him more than he blames himself for what happened to his best friend that night he got behind the wheel drunk. His girlfriend just wants to party and get wasted, but that's the last thing that Nate wants. It's pretty much over between him and Rachel and has been for some time. It has little to do with what sparks between him and that rude girl from NYC that has the same expression or lack of expression in her eyes that he knows is in his own.
Over time, Nate and Monroe slowly reach out and discover that shared pain and understanding allow them to open up a little when nothing else has worked. It's one painful baby step at a time. Monroe swears she'll never talk about her pain, but fears when Nate starts talking about his that it will force open her own floodgate. And when that happens? She doesn't know. Just like Nate doesn't know what will happen if Trevor slips out of his coma into death.
The story is a character-driven process of two teens through their trauma and grief. It is told first person from alternate perspectives. It's a story in which the reader has to be patient. Neither of these two are very likeable in the beginning particularly Monroe. The walls and bristling defense mechanisms are up and in full force. Even when the tide starts to turn, its not a quick fix. So yes, it needs the time to spin out slowly and authentically. It's a cautionary tale of the consequences of behavior and because a death is involved and the prospect of death both teens end up doing some philosophical thinking.
I really liked the supporting characters in this one particularly Monroe's Gram who was a wealth of wisdom. I also like the presence of the parents. Both teens have that skewed perspective going in of the 'nobody understands what I'm going through' attitude and its true a little, but in this case, the parents of all the teens involved suffer right along with them. I'm glad that dynamic was included.
As to my cautions, this would be for mid-to older teens and adults due to the heavier theme of death, guilt and partying scenes, the presence of language and some sexual situations that were behind the closed bedroom door.
In the end, my heart was warmed and I was left satisfied with how the long dark tunnel ended and there was some sunshine to the story. It was engaging from cover to cover and I was extremely impressed with the author's first attempt at YA storytelling.
My thanks to Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
Monroe Blackwell has arrived in Louisiana to spend the summer with her Gram. It is a relief to her in ways but for the most part it is just a change of scenery and a new place to 'not care' and 'not feel'. From her perspective, nobody understands what she is going through and she is alone. Her parents react to what happened in different ways, but both leave Monroe angry and irritated. Not even her best friend can touch her. Then she encounters the hired guy who is there to fix things up around her Gram's family plantation property. Monroe bristles and gets snarky. She is a rude Princess B because she knows just what kind of guy this is and she won't be the next victim of his devastating looks and charm.
Nate Everets feels the need to stay isolated from everyone. The whole town knows what he did and they all believe that he should be rotting in juvie for it. They can't blame him more than he blames himself for what happened to his best friend that night he got behind the wheel drunk. His girlfriend just wants to party and get wasted, but that's the last thing that Nate wants. It's pretty much over between him and Rachel and has been for some time. It has little to do with what sparks between him and that rude girl from NYC that has the same expression or lack of expression in her eyes that he knows is in his own.
Over time, Nate and Monroe slowly reach out and discover that shared pain and understanding allow them to open up a little when nothing else has worked. It's one painful baby step at a time. Monroe swears she'll never talk about her pain, but fears when Nate starts talking about his that it will force open her own floodgate. And when that happens? She doesn't know. Just like Nate doesn't know what will happen if Trevor slips out of his coma into death.
The story is a character-driven process of two teens through their trauma and grief. It is told first person from alternate perspectives. It's a story in which the reader has to be patient. Neither of these two are very likeable in the beginning particularly Monroe. The walls and bristling defense mechanisms are up and in full force. Even when the tide starts to turn, its not a quick fix. So yes, it needs the time to spin out slowly and authentically. It's a cautionary tale of the consequences of behavior and because a death is involved and the prospect of death both teens end up doing some philosophical thinking.
I really liked the supporting characters in this one particularly Monroe's Gram who was a wealth of wisdom. I also like the presence of the parents. Both teens have that skewed perspective going in of the 'nobody understands what I'm going through' attitude and its true a little, but in this case, the parents of all the teens involved suffer right along with them. I'm glad that dynamic was included.
As to my cautions, this would be for mid-to older teens and adults due to the heavier theme of death, guilt and partying scenes, the presence of language and some sexual situations that were behind the closed bedroom door.
In the end, my heart was warmed and I was left satisfied with how the long dark tunnel ended and there was some sunshine to the story. It was engaging from cover to cover and I was extremely impressed with the author's first attempt at YA storytelling.
My thanks to Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
September 1, 2015
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
This is a love story that Nicholas Sparks would be proud of to write or even read about. It's something that stands up to the rest of the contemporary romances that are found all over the place. It's unique and hopeful, dealing with subjects that come so close to heart to many people out there. It's a love story that's completely believable and beautiful. I can imagine something like this happening and real life and it wouldn't sound like some kind of stupid story that is impossible.
Juliana Stone's Boys Like You hit me and I couldn't stop tearing up in my heart. It was happy and sad, all at the same time, where the two beautiful characters needed each other more than everything else happening to them. It's such an inspirational novel that means so much to me and there isn't one wrong thing about it.
This is one of those perfect summer love stories between two people who are kind of attracted at first sight. But I wouldn't classify it as instalove, either. It's between Monroe, a girl from New York City who's trying to get away from the rest of the world after her extreme mistake that she feels is all her fault and Nathan, who's trying to get over the fact that his best friend is in the hospital, in a coma, all because of him. It's a beautiful story that just kind of forms out of nowhere, but it's truly memorable.
The plot was completely entertaining and intriguing from the start. I felt mesmerized with all of it from start to finish, leaving me truly believing that it's the most enchanting story about first love from the time I began it to the last page, and even after. It'll leave you with a hole in your heart—because there's no more to the story than the pages that you've already flipped. It's exhilarating and interesting.
We always look for chemistry in a fictional relationship, right? Some characters don't have that; Nate and Monroe did. Their relationship turned out to be healing, though completely sexy as one with two wild individuals would be. As Monroe's grandmother says, they caught each other and are meant to be. It's not something you'll read about in a movie or have issues with because of corniness. It's charismatic, as every portion of the novel is.
Boys Like You initially gave out the vibe of a girly, chick-lit, ordinary contemporary novel that I only read because I own another novel by the same author. It's more than chick-lit, it's beauty, and I'm so excited to continue to read Stone's work in the future as it's unlike anything else I've read in the past. Every girl or book lover would find something special in this novel, and it's now your turn to explore Monroe and Nate's electrifying story.
This is a love story that Nicholas Sparks would be proud of to write or even read about. It's something that stands up to the rest of the contemporary romances that are found all over the place. It's unique and hopeful, dealing with subjects that come so close to heart to many people out there. It's a love story that's completely believable and beautiful. I can imagine something like this happening and real life and it wouldn't sound like some kind of stupid story that is impossible.
Juliana Stone's Boys Like You hit me and I couldn't stop tearing up in my heart. It was happy and sad, all at the same time, where the two beautiful characters needed each other more than everything else happening to them. It's such an inspirational novel that means so much to me and there isn't one wrong thing about it.
"I've learned in my sixteen and a half years that there are things that will surprise you because you don't see them coming. They can be hard, painful things, and it's those ones that will live with you forever, bound to your soul in layers that grow thicker each year. Hopefully those layers will eventually dull the pain." (186)
This is one of those perfect summer love stories between two people who are kind of attracted at first sight. But I wouldn't classify it as instalove, either. It's between Monroe, a girl from New York City who's trying to get away from the rest of the world after her extreme mistake that she feels is all her fault and Nathan, who's trying to get over the fact that his best friend is in the hospital, in a coma, all because of him. It's a beautiful story that just kind of forms out of nowhere, but it's truly memorable.
The plot was completely entertaining and intriguing from the start. I felt mesmerized with all of it from start to finish, leaving me truly believing that it's the most enchanting story about first love from the time I began it to the last page, and even after. It'll leave you with a hole in your heart—because there's no more to the story than the pages that you've already flipped. It's exhilarating and interesting.
We always look for chemistry in a fictional relationship, right? Some characters don't have that; Nate and Monroe did. Their relationship turned out to be healing, though completely sexy as one with two wild individuals would be. As Monroe's grandmother says, they caught each other and are meant to be. It's not something you'll read about in a movie or have issues with because of corniness. It's charismatic, as every portion of the novel is.
Boys Like You initially gave out the vibe of a girly, chick-lit, ordinary contemporary novel that I only read because I own another novel by the same author. It's more than chick-lit, it's beauty, and I'm so excited to continue to read Stone's work in the future as it's unlike anything else I've read in the past. Every girl or book lover would find something special in this novel, and it's now your turn to explore Monroe and Nate's electrifying story.
May 5, 2014
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 6, 2014
One mistake.
And everything changes.
For Monroe Blackwell, one small mistake has torn her family apart –leaving her empty and broken. There’s a hole in her heart that nothing can fill. That no one can fill. And a summer in Louisiana with her Grandma isn’t going to change that…
Nathan Everets knows heartache first-hand when a car accident leaves his best friend in a coma. And it’s his fault. He should be the one lying in the hospital. The one who will never play guitar again. He doesn’t deserve forgiveness, and a court-appointed job at the Blackwell B&B isn’t going to change that…
Captivating and hopeful, this achingly poignant novel brings together two lost souls struggling with grief and guilt – looking for acceptance, so they can find forgiveness.
~~~~~~
REVIEW: BOYS LIKE YOU is a contemporary, young adult storyline that focuses on two teens who have experienced more heartache and pain than many adults.
Sixteen and half year old New Yorker Monroe Blackwell is spending the summer with her Grandmother in Louisiana. Still grieving from a loss that will haunt her the rest of her life, Monroe will meet seventeen year old local bad boy Nathan Everets-a young man whose life took a sudden turn when a car accident left his best friend in a coma and near death. With the Nathan as the driver, the blame has been placed squarely on the shoulders of a teenager who thought he was okay to drive. Choices were made and consequences were delivered. Now two lost souls will find one another in a summer of romance, resolutions and love.
Juliana Stone pulls the reader into a heartbreaking storyline about two teens who have had to experience loss and the startling realization that one mistake can snowball with fatal results. BOYS LIKE YOU is a story that is emotional in its’ presentation, traumatic in its’ content, and passionate in its’ ideals. Monroe and Nathan are your average teenagers, with families, friends and hobbies until one day each will experience the horrific loss that will result in two broken souls who have no hope of ever finding peace in their own little corner of the world.
The characters are relatable, likeable and you can empathize with the pain and suffering for two families whose losses are different but no less traumatic. The storyline is fast paced, well structured and told from alternating first person points of view (Monroe and Nathan). The building summer romance between Nathan and Monroe will culminate with a Labor Day goodbye but one that will see promises made forever. Because this is a young adult storyline, there is no graphic sex but sex does happen behind the scenes and it is implied. And unlike many YA storylines there is NO love triangle to interfere with this reader’s enjoyment of the book.
BOYS LIKE YOU by Juliana Stone is a tale taken from many of today’s headlines. Where choices are made without forethought or implication; and where guilt overrides any sense of self worth when the family left behind must face the ones who have survived every day of their life. This is a story of letting go and allowing a stranger to catch you when you fall.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
One mistake.
And everything changes.
For Monroe Blackwell, one small mistake has torn her family apart –leaving her empty and broken. There’s a hole in her heart that nothing can fill. That no one can fill. And a summer in Louisiana with her Grandma isn’t going to change that…
Nathan Everets knows heartache first-hand when a car accident leaves his best friend in a coma. And it’s his fault. He should be the one lying in the hospital. The one who will never play guitar again. He doesn’t deserve forgiveness, and a court-appointed job at the Blackwell B&B isn’t going to change that…
Captivating and hopeful, this achingly poignant novel brings together two lost souls struggling with grief and guilt – looking for acceptance, so they can find forgiveness.
~~~~~~
REVIEW: BOYS LIKE YOU is a contemporary, young adult storyline that focuses on two teens who have experienced more heartache and pain than many adults.
Sixteen and half year old New Yorker Monroe Blackwell is spending the summer with her Grandmother in Louisiana. Still grieving from a loss that will haunt her the rest of her life, Monroe will meet seventeen year old local bad boy Nathan Everets-a young man whose life took a sudden turn when a car accident left his best friend in a coma and near death. With the Nathan as the driver, the blame has been placed squarely on the shoulders of a teenager who thought he was okay to drive. Choices were made and consequences were delivered. Now two lost souls will find one another in a summer of romance, resolutions and love.
Juliana Stone pulls the reader into a heartbreaking storyline about two teens who have had to experience loss and the startling realization that one mistake can snowball with fatal results. BOYS LIKE YOU is a story that is emotional in its’ presentation, traumatic in its’ content, and passionate in its’ ideals. Monroe and Nathan are your average teenagers, with families, friends and hobbies until one day each will experience the horrific loss that will result in two broken souls who have no hope of ever finding peace in their own little corner of the world.
The characters are relatable, likeable and you can empathize with the pain and suffering for two families whose losses are different but no less traumatic. The storyline is fast paced, well structured and told from alternating first person points of view (Monroe and Nathan). The building summer romance between Nathan and Monroe will culminate with a Labor Day goodbye but one that will see promises made forever. Because this is a young adult storyline, there is no graphic sex but sex does happen behind the scenes and it is implied. And unlike many YA storylines there is NO love triangle to interfere with this reader’s enjoyment of the book.
BOYS LIKE YOU by Juliana Stone is a tale taken from many of today’s headlines. Where choices are made without forethought or implication; and where guilt overrides any sense of self worth when the family left behind must face the ones who have survived every day of their life. This is a story of letting go and allowing a stranger to catch you when you fall.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 12, 2014
This story was so much more than I expected. Monroe is battling with overwhelming guilt revolving around an incident that happened in the immediate past. Though at first we don’t know what happened, we are given little hints and slight insight into what the tragedy was. She meets Nathan, who at first comes off as overly confident and somewhat annoying, but she soon warms up to him and realizes that he too is suffering from some guilt surrounding an incident himself. They soon find they have a strong bond, both suffering from unbearable guilt. It wasn’t simply about the romance between the two, but so much more than that. Both broken and flawed, Monroe & Nate must learn to move on from their own shady pasts and find out how to live life again.
The alternating points of view was an added bonus. It was great getting to see Monroe’s side of things, as well as Nate’s. The two sides gave us much more of the story, bringing on all the feels along with it. And this story definitely had all the feels. I was laughing, then a chapter later sobbing. There were times when such anger was pouring out of me, only to be overtaken by grief a second later. And before I knew it, I was giggling again. All over the spectrum as far as emotions go.
The romance between Monroe and Nate was such an innocent and sweet one. They were both fighting the connection, yet acknowledging it was present. Both had issues they were battling, making them question themselves, the decisions they made in the past, and their current worth. This was the almost torturous slow burn type of romance I love so much in books with flawed characters. Where they’re so hesitant to love and give themselves. They constantly pull away and feel the need to flee. Yet it’s inevitable that they will have to give in to the feelings at some point. One of my very favorite types of romances.
This was a powerful story about finding answers, accepting prior mistakes, forgiving others as well as forgiving yourself, and looking forward to bettering your life in the future. Strong family bonds were present, which was a nice change from so many books these days. And as always, I love seeing friendship as a strong story element. This is my first Juliana Stone book, but I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.
(Thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
The alternating points of view was an added bonus. It was great getting to see Monroe’s side of things, as well as Nate’s. The two sides gave us much more of the story, bringing on all the feels along with it. And this story definitely had all the feels. I was laughing, then a chapter later sobbing. There were times when such anger was pouring out of me, only to be overtaken by grief a second later. And before I knew it, I was giggling again. All over the spectrum as far as emotions go.
The romance between Monroe and Nate was such an innocent and sweet one. They were both fighting the connection, yet acknowledging it was present. Both had issues they were battling, making them question themselves, the decisions they made in the past, and their current worth. This was the almost torturous slow burn type of romance I love so much in books with flawed characters. Where they’re so hesitant to love and give themselves. They constantly pull away and feel the need to flee. Yet it’s inevitable that they will have to give in to the feelings at some point. One of my very favorite types of romances.
This was a powerful story about finding answers, accepting prior mistakes, forgiving others as well as forgiving yourself, and looking forward to bettering your life in the future. Strong family bonds were present, which was a nice change from so many books these days. And as always, I love seeing friendship as a strong story element. This is my first Juliana Stone book, but I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.
(Thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
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