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Pen & Xander
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Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 29, 2018
***Actual rating: 4/5 Living-Colorfully Stars***
I believe Pen & Xander is going to be a heartfelt story for some people, particularly those who need to work in another country far away from their hometown just to survive and take care of other family members. It’s not easy for these hardworking people to separate from their beloved ones but sometimes, it’s even harder to work illegally without being arrested and then end up being deprived of what’s left for them. Unfortunately, reality is as mean and cold-hearted as it can be most of the time.
Pen is a teenage girl who not only has talent in cooking but LOVES to do so. She used to work in her father’s Mexican restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed creating new menus and serving customers. Sadly, her father never wants her to follow his path and instead, hopes she can at least finish school and then find a better job than running a small diner. Due to some misunderstanding andwhite lies, Pen is kicked out by her family.
Xander is undocumented and lives with his grandpa because his father had left him since he was little. Desperate to feel a daddy’s love, Xander would do anything just to have an imaginary father figure in his childhood…including running errands for the boss of a notorious gangster.
There’s one thing I absolutely LOVE about this book and that’s how vividly the author pictures and describes these commonly seen characters in reality. Laekan not only puts some relatively minor groups of people in real life in her story, but she also redefines them by giving these roles different interpretations. She speaks out the mind of those in need as well as portrays what’s going on in the bullies' heads flawlessly. Hence, I’m fairly impressed by the magic of her words in this book.
Undoubtedly, Pen and Xander’s lives aren’t easy. They’re forced to learn their lessons in the toughest way by experiencing everything in person. Sometimes those incidents are scary or life-threatening, like being robbed or having a bullet narrowly miss their heads, while other times, they’re responsible for something their family/friends are involved in.
What touches me most is that ever since Pen met Xander when she’s at her most vulnerable after she’s fired in her dad’s restaurant, both of them have been in literally everything together. Although they never confess their true feeling until the very end, the strong bond built between them is unignorable. Their love isn’t based on fluffiness, rainbows or unicorns; instead, it’s made of broken hearts, emotional pains and regretful mistakes.
All I can say is that Pen and Xander truly find solace in each other’s existence and I’m beyond happy they finally get what they deserve. By the way, that ending is pure perfection. I never see that sort of happiness coming when the entire story is basically in a swamp of sadness and desperation. Thus, the happy ending—yes, there are sacrifices in pursuit of happiness for all the characters but they’re totally worth it—really satisfies me and better yet, it shocks me in the most beautiful way.
To sum up, Pen & Xander is indeed a book worthy of reading for everyone. The characters’ stories will get you pondering on things you may not have thought about before and they’ll also give you HOPE. No matter how frustrated you feel about life in general, there’s always a way out ahead of you. Just keep going and seeking and when time comes, you’ll be utterly amazed by what’s waiting for you.
Last but not least, I want to share my most favorite quote in the book with all of you and hopefully, you’ll find your own courage like Pen and Xander do:
***Thanks to the author for kindly providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.***
No one tells you that when you become the victim of a crime you’re the one responsible for cleaning up the mess.
I believe Pen & Xander is going to be a heartfelt story for some people, particularly those who need to work in another country far away from their hometown just to survive and take care of other family members. It’s not easy for these hardworking people to separate from their beloved ones but sometimes, it’s even harder to work illegally without being arrested and then end up being deprived of what’s left for them. Unfortunately, reality is as mean and cold-hearted as it can be most of the time.
Pen is a teenage girl who not only has talent in cooking but LOVES to do so. She used to work in her father’s Mexican restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed creating new menus and serving customers. Sadly, her father never wants her to follow his path and instead, hopes she can at least finish school and then find a better job than running a small diner. Due to some misunderstanding and
Maybe it was seeing himself in me that finally ended our feud. Or maybe it was seeing himself in me that started it. Once it became clear that he didn’t want me to take over the restaurant and that I wasn’t going to give up, I stopped being his little girl and started being his shadow. We stopped talking the way we used to. We stopped joking. We stopped cooking together. But if he lets me come home, at least I’ll know I never stopped being his daughter.
Xander is undocumented and lives with his grandpa because his father had left him since he was little. Desperate to feel a daddy’s love, Xander would do anything just to have an imaginary father figure in his childhood…including running errands for the boss of a notorious gangster.
”I’ve lived in this neighborhood all my life. I know how hard it is for the people who feel invisible, who have to be in order to survive. And I know how easy it is for those people to put their faith in something…in somone who doesn’t deserve it just because he made them feel seen.”
There’s one thing I absolutely LOVE about this book and that’s how vividly the author pictures and describes these commonly seen characters in reality. Laekan not only puts some relatively minor groups of people in real life in her story, but she also redefines them by giving these roles different interpretations. She speaks out the mind of those in need as well as portrays what’s going on in the bullies' heads flawlessly. Hence, I’m fairly impressed by the magic of her words in this book.
”I keep a running tally of the things that make me uncomfortable, constantly measuring how much something makes me feel anxious or afraid or excited or…out of control.” She twists a strand of hair between her fingers. “And the only way to make that feeling stop is to do something that scares me. I have to knock on a stranger’s door and demand that they turn down their God awful music.” She lowers her voice. “Or I have to ask a cute guy out on a date.”
“So it’s like a game…”
“No.” She looks down. “It’s not a game. It’s…how I survive.”
Undoubtedly, Pen and Xander’s lives aren’t easy. They’re forced to learn their lessons in the toughest way by experiencing everything in person. Sometimes those incidents are scary or life-threatening, like being robbed or having a bullet narrowly miss their heads, while other times, they’re responsible for something their family/friends are involved in.
What touches me most is that ever since Pen met Xander when she’s at her most vulnerable after she’s fired in her dad’s restaurant, both of them have been in literally everything together. Although they never confess their true feeling until the very end, the strong bond built between them is unignorable. Their love isn’t based on fluffiness, rainbows or unicorns; instead, it’s made of broken hearts, emotional pains and regretful mistakes.
Tasting and touching and filling each other’s cracks. Needing someone who needs you back. Even if it’s just in this one moment, Pen pressed against me, her hands fighting for an even stronger hold, a deeper kiss. I can feel that she needs it just as much as I do and every cell in my body just wants to give it to her.
All I can say is that Pen and Xander truly find solace in each other’s existence and I’m beyond happy they finally get what they deserve. By the way, that ending is pure perfection. I never see that sort of happiness coming when the entire story is basically in a swamp of sadness and desperation. Thus, the happy ending—yes, there are sacrifices in pursuit of happiness for all the characters but they’re totally worth it—really satisfies me and better yet, it shocks me in the most beautiful way.
”All the money you spent…” She shakes her head. “I don’t even want to know how much. That was the money you were supposed to use to find your dad, wasn’t it?”
My mind races, searching for anything I could say or do that might prove she’s wrong, that no part of this was selfish or cowardly.
I don’t look at her as I say, “Maybe I found something better.”
To sum up, Pen & Xander is indeed a book worthy of reading for everyone. The characters’ stories will get you pondering on things you may not have thought about before and they’ll also give you HOPE. No matter how frustrated you feel about life in general, there’s always a way out ahead of you. Just keep going and seeking and when time comes, you’ll be utterly amazed by what’s waiting for you.
Last but not least, I want to share my most favorite quote in the book with all of you and hopefully, you’ll find your own courage like Pen and Xander do:
Courage isn’t a currency and claiming it isn’t a game. The things that scare us aren’t roadblocks but mirrors and bravery isn’t about shattering our reflection but it’s about having the strength to look.
***Thanks to the author for kindly providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.***
January 26, 2018
I received a copy of Pen & Xander in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Pen & Xander is a cute contemporary book about finding yourself. It has a great representation of depression and the effects it has on a person. The characters are super relatable and I really liked the connection I was able to make with them. Although it did feel like there were too many plotlines and a weird insta-love story, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Laekan’s writing, and I would love to read more of her work.
To see my full review https://www.boundtowriting.com/review...
To see my full review https://www.boundtowriting.com/review...
November 14, 2017
That's what I've learned about fear. Courage isn't a currency and claiming it isn't a game. The things that scare us aren't roadblocks but mirrors and bravery isn't about shattering our reflection but it's about having the strength to look.
Book soundtrack: Warm Blood – Carly Rae Jepsen
It's been so long, since I last read a YA bordering on NA.
For years, with very few exceptions, I've been avoiding them, because I felt that they'd stopped meaning something to me.
I've changed so much in the last four or five years, that I've somehow convinced myself that they couldn't teach me anything or move me to tears anymore.
I felt so adult, so old and cynical, that the latest popular YA plot alone pissed me off. All their first love innocence, undying and loyal friendships and epic quests made me feel like there was something wrong with me, because I couldn't seem to stay friends with people anymore or feel any genuine feeling toward someone.
I had forgotten how trusting a stranger felt like. How recalling my first crush felt like, how being obsessed with a new passion felt like. Everything bright and purposeful and filled with the wildest fantasy.
That's right, I felt little. I was a cold-hearted bitch.
And that's how I went into “Pen & Xander”. I remembered Laekan's stories and writing style from the other books she'd published that I'd read. So I knew that not only she was a remarkable storyteller, but also one fine author. And that she wrote about struggling teens.
I wasn't wrong to anticipate what I was about to read: Penelope Prado and Alejandro “Xander” Amaro are the perfect struggling teens.
Pen is the daughter of Ignacio Prado, owner of the best Mexican restaurant of the neighborhood, Nacho's. Serving real Mexican food for decades, having his own son and daughter working for him, Ignacio also hires every single young outcasts from the block, be it a girl or boy who've been targeted by the local criminal, forced into working for him as either prostitutes, drug-dealers or just doing anything the man asked of them.
Nacho's represents not only the only way the younger inhabitants of the neighborhood can get a second chance and escape a life of crime and violence, but also a sanctuary for all the other people living close. Ignacio Prado has established a long-lasting friendship with the police as well and he knows that inside his restaurant, no-one will be harassed or asked to show his documents.
Because the reason why the local criminal, El Cantil, manages to convince (or force) teens and adults to work for him, is that many of them are undocumented, or have a relative without regular documents. Their illegal status exposes people to desperation and blackmail.
They're lead to believe that, if they'll work for El Cantil, they'll earn enough money to legalize their position, or a promise that the criminal won't report them to the police.
It's a life of constant hiding and giving in to extortion.
Penelope is proud of her dad and family.
She knows that she's destined to follow in her father's footsteps. She's a talented cook and there's nothing she loves more in the world, than Nacho's.
She's often changed and updated the menu, adding recipes she felt familiar with. And everyone adores her food, so much, that they ask her to cook for them all the time.
Despite her passion for food, though, her parents think she should go to uni and get a degree. And that's what she assures them she's doing, leaving home every day for six months, giving them the impression that she's going to class. The truth is, that Pen is lying. Every morning, she drives her car to the local college and pretends she attends class. She just waits for the hours to pass and goes back home, in order to change for her shift at the restaurant.
Penelope suffers from depression and panic attacks.
Her strategy to tackle her fears is to jump head first into what scares her the most. The only thing she can't face is attending her classes.
She knows that that isn't what she's destined to do. She knows that she belongs in her family's restaurant, that she should be cooking and baking instead of studying something she isn't interested in. The mere thought of abandoning her beloved recipes drives her insane.
The light in front of me turns green. I can't move. Horns blare behind me, windows down as people shout. A man a few cars back leans out, flashing me the middle finger. I try to tell myself to ease off the brake, to push down on the gas. To breathe.
So when she finally tells her parents the truth, she's banned from the restaurant and kicked out of her house.
Without her parents support for the first time in her life, she's forced to act like an adult. She finds another job, a new apartment and, with the help of her best friend Chloe, older brother Angel and the other kids from the restaurant, she slowly finds her own path.
One of the new hires at the restaurant is 19-year-old Xander Amaro.
Like many others, he's fallen prey to El Cantil. Undocumented, without his parents and with only his old abuelo to support him, at only 12 he's approached by the criminal and slowly but meticulously convinced that the man cares about him and will be the father figure he lost as a child.
Because time doesn't heal wounds. It makes them evolve, more durable and more potent. The sting of being left never goes away, it just disguises itself, erupting in fights after school ad bloody knuckles against my bedroom wall and empty shot glasses that are numbing one second and gasoline the next.
Xander has left Mexico alone. Both his father and mother have abandoned him. The first to go work in America, never to call or come back. His mother to a new lover. He travels to Texas, risking his life, with one purpose: to find his dad and try to understand why he abandoned his family.
Pen and Xander meet at Nacho's and it's love at first sight. Sweet, passionate, young love. They feel a connection the moment they meet and they never let go.
I want to tell her that I understand. What it's like to fell invisible; to feel like all you're good for is forgetting. Even though I'll always remember her like this. Bare. Beautiful.
It's incredibly romantic and mature at the same time. They recognize and respect each other's pain, falling in love not only with their goodness, but also with their fragility and weakness.
Xander catches glimpses of the many traits of Pen: the strong persona she needs to be, when she's with her family or enduring a panic attack, the fragile young girl who has no idea how to live her life. The loving sister and talented cook. Pen shows Xander what pure, unselfish love feels like. That family means being with the people who support you every day. Who are there for you no matter what, and not just your biological parents.
“Truth,” she breathes. "Do you want to kiss me?"
I don't look away or even blink. "Yes."
She doesn't look away either. "Dare." She swallows, leans in. "Do it."
My hands move first, trusting that the only way to make them stop shaking is to press them to her skin. My thumbs graze her cheeks, fingers in her hair. It's soft and she's warm and for a long time I just look at her, closing the space centimeters at a time while I take in the lashes that are stuck together by mascara, the birthmark buried under her left eyebrow, the small dimple on her chin.
Together, they deal with their insecurities and discover they're stronger than they thought. It's a wonderful journey filled with pain, disappointment, danger, heartbreak. But in the end, it's worth it.
Like I said at the beginning, Laekan saved me this November. She gifted me with her beautiful and necessary book. She made me feel 18 again, terrified and uncertain about my future.
She showed me a simple but powerful story, and I forgot how much I hated people sometimes, the letdown they are capable of causing. I rediscovered the power of community and family.
The strength every person inherently possesses and which can turn into a real superpower.
And it's all worth it. Always.
Laekan's writing is exceptional. She was born to be a writer and is a remarkable observer. I could taste and smell Pen's mouthwatering recipes.
I close my eyes, imagining the sounds of the restaurant, the smell of food coming out on steaming plates, the tastes resting on people's lips. On my own. That's the truth. That's who I am. Not this. This pathetic puddle.
You are fearless. You are strong.
You are fearless. You are strong.
I teared up, every time Penelope or Xander were on the verge of tears, themselves. I laughed and almost screamed with rage with them.
It was all incredibly engrossing and exciting.
And I couldn't recommend her books enough, to all of you.
Book soundtrack: Warm Blood – Carly Rae Jepsen
It's been so long, since I last read a YA bordering on NA.
For years, with very few exceptions, I've been avoiding them, because I felt that they'd stopped meaning something to me.
I've changed so much in the last four or five years, that I've somehow convinced myself that they couldn't teach me anything or move me to tears anymore.
I felt so adult, so old and cynical, that the latest popular YA plot alone pissed me off. All their first love innocence, undying and loyal friendships and epic quests made me feel like there was something wrong with me, because I couldn't seem to stay friends with people anymore or feel any genuine feeling toward someone.
I had forgotten how trusting a stranger felt like. How recalling my first crush felt like, how being obsessed with a new passion felt like. Everything bright and purposeful and filled with the wildest fantasy.
That's right, I felt little. I was a cold-hearted bitch.
And that's how I went into “Pen & Xander”. I remembered Laekan's stories and writing style from the other books she'd published that I'd read. So I knew that not only she was a remarkable storyteller, but also one fine author. And that she wrote about struggling teens.
I wasn't wrong to anticipate what I was about to read: Penelope Prado and Alejandro “Xander” Amaro are the perfect struggling teens.
Pen is the daughter of Ignacio Prado, owner of the best Mexican restaurant of the neighborhood, Nacho's. Serving real Mexican food for decades, having his own son and daughter working for him, Ignacio also hires every single young outcasts from the block, be it a girl or boy who've been targeted by the local criminal, forced into working for him as either prostitutes, drug-dealers or just doing anything the man asked of them.
Nacho's represents not only the only way the younger inhabitants of the neighborhood can get a second chance and escape a life of crime and violence, but also a sanctuary for all the other people living close. Ignacio Prado has established a long-lasting friendship with the police as well and he knows that inside his restaurant, no-one will be harassed or asked to show his documents.
Because the reason why the local criminal, El Cantil, manages to convince (or force) teens and adults to work for him, is that many of them are undocumented, or have a relative without regular documents. Their illegal status exposes people to desperation and blackmail.
They're lead to believe that, if they'll work for El Cantil, they'll earn enough money to legalize their position, or a promise that the criminal won't report them to the police.
It's a life of constant hiding and giving in to extortion.
Penelope is proud of her dad and family.
She knows that she's destined to follow in her father's footsteps. She's a talented cook and there's nothing she loves more in the world, than Nacho's.
She's often changed and updated the menu, adding recipes she felt familiar with. And everyone adores her food, so much, that they ask her to cook for them all the time.
Despite her passion for food, though, her parents think she should go to uni and get a degree. And that's what she assures them she's doing, leaving home every day for six months, giving them the impression that she's going to class. The truth is, that Pen is lying. Every morning, she drives her car to the local college and pretends she attends class. She just waits for the hours to pass and goes back home, in order to change for her shift at the restaurant.
Penelope suffers from depression and panic attacks.
Her strategy to tackle her fears is to jump head first into what scares her the most. The only thing she can't face is attending her classes.
She knows that that isn't what she's destined to do. She knows that she belongs in her family's restaurant, that she should be cooking and baking instead of studying something she isn't interested in. The mere thought of abandoning her beloved recipes drives her insane.
The light in front of me turns green. I can't move. Horns blare behind me, windows down as people shout. A man a few cars back leans out, flashing me the middle finger. I try to tell myself to ease off the brake, to push down on the gas. To breathe.
So when she finally tells her parents the truth, she's banned from the restaurant and kicked out of her house.
Without her parents support for the first time in her life, she's forced to act like an adult. She finds another job, a new apartment and, with the help of her best friend Chloe, older brother Angel and the other kids from the restaurant, she slowly finds her own path.
One of the new hires at the restaurant is 19-year-old Xander Amaro.
Like many others, he's fallen prey to El Cantil. Undocumented, without his parents and with only his old abuelo to support him, at only 12 he's approached by the criminal and slowly but meticulously convinced that the man cares about him and will be the father figure he lost as a child.
Because time doesn't heal wounds. It makes them evolve, more durable and more potent. The sting of being left never goes away, it just disguises itself, erupting in fights after school ad bloody knuckles against my bedroom wall and empty shot glasses that are numbing one second and gasoline the next.
Xander has left Mexico alone. Both his father and mother have abandoned him. The first to go work in America, never to call or come back. His mother to a new lover. He travels to Texas, risking his life, with one purpose: to find his dad and try to understand why he abandoned his family.
Pen and Xander meet at Nacho's and it's love at first sight. Sweet, passionate, young love. They feel a connection the moment they meet and they never let go.
I want to tell her that I understand. What it's like to fell invisible; to feel like all you're good for is forgetting. Even though I'll always remember her like this. Bare. Beautiful.
It's incredibly romantic and mature at the same time. They recognize and respect each other's pain, falling in love not only with their goodness, but also with their fragility and weakness.
Xander catches glimpses of the many traits of Pen: the strong persona she needs to be, when she's with her family or enduring a panic attack, the fragile young girl who has no idea how to live her life. The loving sister and talented cook. Pen shows Xander what pure, unselfish love feels like. That family means being with the people who support you every day. Who are there for you no matter what, and not just your biological parents.
“Truth,” she breathes. "Do you want to kiss me?"
I don't look away or even blink. "Yes."
She doesn't look away either. "Dare." She swallows, leans in. "Do it."
My hands move first, trusting that the only way to make them stop shaking is to press them to her skin. My thumbs graze her cheeks, fingers in her hair. It's soft and she's warm and for a long time I just look at her, closing the space centimeters at a time while I take in the lashes that are stuck together by mascara, the birthmark buried under her left eyebrow, the small dimple on her chin.
Together, they deal with their insecurities and discover they're stronger than they thought. It's a wonderful journey filled with pain, disappointment, danger, heartbreak. But in the end, it's worth it.
Like I said at the beginning, Laekan saved me this November. She gifted me with her beautiful and necessary book. She made me feel 18 again, terrified and uncertain about my future.
She showed me a simple but powerful story, and I forgot how much I hated people sometimes, the letdown they are capable of causing. I rediscovered the power of community and family.
The strength every person inherently possesses and which can turn into a real superpower.
And it's all worth it. Always.
Laekan's writing is exceptional. She was born to be a writer and is a remarkable observer. I could taste and smell Pen's mouthwatering recipes.
I close my eyes, imagining the sounds of the restaurant, the smell of food coming out on steaming plates, the tastes resting on people's lips. On my own. That's the truth. That's who I am. Not this. This pathetic puddle.
You are fearless. You are strong.
You are fearless. You are strong.
I teared up, every time Penelope or Xander were on the verge of tears, themselves. I laughed and almost screamed with rage with them.
It was all incredibly engrossing and exciting.
And I couldn't recommend her books enough, to all of you.
Want to read
November 27, 2017YA Romance fans! Request an ARC of this one here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
April 20, 2018
Full review:
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
'' ''What if there's no such thing as being ready? What if the only difference between being ready and not being ready is a decision?'' -- ''A decision I make.'' '' -Pen
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
'' ''What if there's no such thing as being ready? What if the only difference between being ready and not being ready is a decision?'' -- ''A decision I make.'' '' -Pen
March 24, 2018
So, Pen and Xander. I got this one from Xpressobooktours.com. This site is one of my go to sites to get books for free. Giselle the owner of the site has a varied and interesting mix of books up for review. I usually check out her site if I feel like I need to find a hot new book. Pen and Xander is just one of the two that I signed up for. Then last February, the author herself reached out to me and asked me to review and do a post for her book. I don't know how she found me but she sent me a message through the contact us form of this blog. So long story short, I agreed to do a post for the giveaway blast and here comes the review.
I think I signed up for this book because of the title. Yes, titles always get to me. It's the first thing that I notice and then, that's when I read the blurbs. This one I think appealed to me because of food. There's a lot of food involved in this story and obviously, I love food. I call myself a frustrated chef. Not because I can't cook but because I'm a chef-in-progress. I would like to be a really good pastry chef without having to go to a cooking school or any formal training. So far, what I learned about cooking are from watching shows, practicing on recipes I got online, tips from friends and family. My father is a really good cook. I think I might have gotten from him the ability or skill (I'm not sure yet what to call it yet) to throw in whatever ingredients available in the pantry and make something. I'm proud to say, I have quite a few very creative and delicious adventures through that. And basically, this story connected to the part of me, especially the part about wanting to be a pastry chef. Pastries are my weakness. A ketogenic diet would never work for me. I can't forgo pastries.
Pen and Xander are both children of immigrants. Penelope Prado loves to cook. Taking over her father's restaurant is all she ever wants in her life but her father doesn't want that. Pen could not understand why. She has done everything for the restaurant. The items she had put on the menu are bestsellers but her dad seems to not appreciate that. Xander is a teenager with a load of abandonment issues. He grew up with his grandpa and the memories of his mom and dad leaving him kept haunting him, even in his waking hours. It consumed his existence and is even the reason why he has strayed and got involved with really nasty people. His need for love and family has gotten him in really sticky situations that only few got out alive.
This is a very relatable story, for lack of a better word. I am not an immigrant but it speaks so much of the minority of the people in the US, especially the Latinos and Asians. If I were to migrate to the US, then I would be part of this minority and would definitely be part of the people in this story. So, it was so easy for me to get into their shoes and feel a connection to the characters. Pen is an exact example of what every daughter wants or longs for. A daughter who needs approval, a daughter who needs to be seen for what she can do and not for what she can't do. A person who longs to be seen as an adult and not some 6-year old who never grew up in front of her father's eyes. As it turned out, there was a reason why his dad didn't want her to take over the restaurant. But after finding out what it was, I think it was a valid reason in her father's perspective. He doesn't want that life for Pen but I think, Pen is a strong girl and is bound to be a very strong woman and adult. I think she has it in her to take on the cares, the demands and the responsibilities that came with the restaurant. I know Mr. Prado's denial of Pen's most dire wish sprung out of his great love for his daughter. But I think it was unfair of him to think that just because Pen is a girl, she would not be as strong as her brother to take on the heavy load of the restaurant. For me, not only sons can be Atlas. Daughters are Amazons and we can be anything we want to be. Our muscles may not be bigger and stronger but our hearts are and we work smarter too.
The story is a very genuine reflection of the life of some of immigrants in the US. How they survive each day in a neighborhood they try to call home. How everyday is a literal survival of the fittest and they live by each day's pay. This is a very touching glimpse of what a lot of us know but refuse to acknowledge. And how a lot of brave people like Mr. Prado have tried to do something in order to help the community. Yes, I didn't agree with Mr. Prado's decision to not let Pen take over the restaurant but Mr. Prado is every inch a very compassionate man. It's both his strength and his downfall. But I see it more of his strength. It is what makes him every bit a hero to the immigrant community in this story. I could never fault him there.
Alejandro Amaro or Xander is a good kid who has gone astray but was fortunate enough to find angels like Officer Solis and Mr. Prado. Xander is hungry for love and attention from his parents who left him and sought it out somewhere and ended up finding it in the wrong place and in the wrong person. It took an Officer Solis to make hims see the truth and that he can live a different life. He deserves a second, third and every chance he's got because like everybody else he's a victim. Xander realized that anyone can have a life and family that doesn't need him to prove his worth or do something to prove his loyalty in ways against his good nature. He was able to find people who were in the same dirt hole with him and have managed to change their lives. So, there's still hope for him.
Pen and Xander are two souls that needed each other. They are both imperfect people who needed each other to show that they are both strong on their own. I so love what Xander did for Pen. Yes, it is truly a grand and selfless gesture. He only wanted to show Pen how much he cares for her. Pen in turn did what she thinks could make Xander happy. His most ardent wish. Yes, a happy ending but it was even sweeter because of what each character had to go through. This isn't just some sweet and cute love story but a story of how a family had to stay together and survive the most trying of times. Even building their hopes and dreams back up from the ashes.
I just love the story. Everyone reading this story could find themselves either in Pen, Xander, Angel, or Mr. Prado. Each character could be any living person going through something right now. I could perfectly fit into Pen's apron. Just like every daughter wanting to be seen as someone capable and responsible. The reality is some parents refuse to accept that their children grow up and have to learn things on their own. They wanted to spare us from some things but then, they also deprive us of that opportunity to rise up and be the best of what we can be. We have to make our own decisions and the world now is far more different than what they have experienced. Things have changed and to keep up, we have to evolve too. How we see things and how we approach things are going to be a bit or if not totally different than how they were in their time. What's important is that our values don't change.
I give the book 5/5 delectable and mouth-watering coconut cakes. Just like every triumph and success after every known hardship and experience. This story has all of that, including a mix of characters that add flavor and sweetness to it. This is a very relevant, touching, sweet and entertaining story that had squeezed and inflated my heart. Love in all its forms and that family, regardless of the fact that we share the same blood type or not, means loyalty and sometimes betraying yourself to do what's good for that family can be the best thing.
That I could be easily manipulated into thinking that pain is some sick form of love.
The depression had wilted me like a hot flame over a flower, making me malleable, and while the medication the doctor prescribed reshaped the neurons in my brain, my father's fears reshaped the structure of my heart.
- Laekam Zea Kemp, Pen and Xander -
Thank you again, xporessobooktours and Laekam Zea Kemp for the copy.
I think I signed up for this book because of the title. Yes, titles always get to me. It's the first thing that I notice and then, that's when I read the blurbs. This one I think appealed to me because of food. There's a lot of food involved in this story and obviously, I love food. I call myself a frustrated chef. Not because I can't cook but because I'm a chef-in-progress. I would like to be a really good pastry chef without having to go to a cooking school or any formal training. So far, what I learned about cooking are from watching shows, practicing on recipes I got online, tips from friends and family. My father is a really good cook. I think I might have gotten from him the ability or skill (I'm not sure yet what to call it yet) to throw in whatever ingredients available in the pantry and make something. I'm proud to say, I have quite a few very creative and delicious adventures through that. And basically, this story connected to the part of me, especially the part about wanting to be a pastry chef. Pastries are my weakness. A ketogenic diet would never work for me. I can't forgo pastries.
Pen and Xander are both children of immigrants. Penelope Prado loves to cook. Taking over her father's restaurant is all she ever wants in her life but her father doesn't want that. Pen could not understand why. She has done everything for the restaurant. The items she had put on the menu are bestsellers but her dad seems to not appreciate that. Xander is a teenager with a load of abandonment issues. He grew up with his grandpa and the memories of his mom and dad leaving him kept haunting him, even in his waking hours. It consumed his existence and is even the reason why he has strayed and got involved with really nasty people. His need for love and family has gotten him in really sticky situations that only few got out alive.
This is a very relatable story, for lack of a better word. I am not an immigrant but it speaks so much of the minority of the people in the US, especially the Latinos and Asians. If I were to migrate to the US, then I would be part of this minority and would definitely be part of the people in this story. So, it was so easy for me to get into their shoes and feel a connection to the characters. Pen is an exact example of what every daughter wants or longs for. A daughter who needs approval, a daughter who needs to be seen for what she can do and not for what she can't do. A person who longs to be seen as an adult and not some 6-year old who never grew up in front of her father's eyes. As it turned out, there was a reason why his dad didn't want her to take over the restaurant. But after finding out what it was, I think it was a valid reason in her father's perspective. He doesn't want that life for Pen but I think, Pen is a strong girl and is bound to be a very strong woman and adult. I think she has it in her to take on the cares, the demands and the responsibilities that came with the restaurant. I know Mr. Prado's denial of Pen's most dire wish sprung out of his great love for his daughter. But I think it was unfair of him to think that just because Pen is a girl, she would not be as strong as her brother to take on the heavy load of the restaurant. For me, not only sons can be Atlas. Daughters are Amazons and we can be anything we want to be. Our muscles may not be bigger and stronger but our hearts are and we work smarter too.
The story is a very genuine reflection of the life of some of immigrants in the US. How they survive each day in a neighborhood they try to call home. How everyday is a literal survival of the fittest and they live by each day's pay. This is a very touching glimpse of what a lot of us know but refuse to acknowledge. And how a lot of brave people like Mr. Prado have tried to do something in order to help the community. Yes, I didn't agree with Mr. Prado's decision to not let Pen take over the restaurant but Mr. Prado is every inch a very compassionate man. It's both his strength and his downfall. But I see it more of his strength. It is what makes him every bit a hero to the immigrant community in this story. I could never fault him there.
Alejandro Amaro or Xander is a good kid who has gone astray but was fortunate enough to find angels like Officer Solis and Mr. Prado. Xander is hungry for love and attention from his parents who left him and sought it out somewhere and ended up finding it in the wrong place and in the wrong person. It took an Officer Solis to make hims see the truth and that he can live a different life. He deserves a second, third and every chance he's got because like everybody else he's a victim. Xander realized that anyone can have a life and family that doesn't need him to prove his worth or do something to prove his loyalty in ways against his good nature. He was able to find people who were in the same dirt hole with him and have managed to change their lives. So, there's still hope for him.
Pen and Xander are two souls that needed each other. They are both imperfect people who needed each other to show that they are both strong on their own. I so love what Xander did for Pen. Yes, it is truly a grand and selfless gesture. He only wanted to show Pen how much he cares for her. Pen in turn did what she thinks could make Xander happy. His most ardent wish. Yes, a happy ending but it was even sweeter because of what each character had to go through. This isn't just some sweet and cute love story but a story of how a family had to stay together and survive the most trying of times. Even building their hopes and dreams back up from the ashes.
I just love the story. Everyone reading this story could find themselves either in Pen, Xander, Angel, or Mr. Prado. Each character could be any living person going through something right now. I could perfectly fit into Pen's apron. Just like every daughter wanting to be seen as someone capable and responsible. The reality is some parents refuse to accept that their children grow up and have to learn things on their own. They wanted to spare us from some things but then, they also deprive us of that opportunity to rise up and be the best of what we can be. We have to make our own decisions and the world now is far more different than what they have experienced. Things have changed and to keep up, we have to evolve too. How we see things and how we approach things are going to be a bit or if not totally different than how they were in their time. What's important is that our values don't change.
I give the book 5/5 delectable and mouth-watering coconut cakes. Just like every triumph and success after every known hardship and experience. This story has all of that, including a mix of characters that add flavor and sweetness to it. This is a very relevant, touching, sweet and entertaining story that had squeezed and inflated my heart. Love in all its forms and that family, regardless of the fact that we share the same blood type or not, means loyalty and sometimes betraying yourself to do what's good for that family can be the best thing.
That I could be easily manipulated into thinking that pain is some sick form of love.
The depression had wilted me like a hot flame over a flower, making me malleable, and while the medication the doctor prescribed reshaped the neurons in my brain, my father's fears reshaped the structure of my heart.
- Laekam Zea Kemp, Pen and Xander -
Thank you again, xporessobooktours and Laekam Zea Kemp for the copy.
January 18, 2018
"That, that you're feeling...is passion." She takes my hand. "And the thing about passion, Pen, is that it chooses you, born the second you are."
I was struck by how much I truly loved this story. Pen and Xander is a contemporary romance but it didn't feel like one. It had all the bells and whistles of one but it didn't feel boring or mundane. I can't really describe the feeling besides that I just really loved the story the author told. The flow and pacing were like that of an adventure story but also calm. It was romance but the story didn't feel centered on it as a contemporary romance often is. Pen and Xander were built around love, family, and food. It was built around a community where two people belonged and were broken and somehow through food, family, and love started piecing themselves together little by little with each other. I love how the story ended because although it was happy the author didn't make it like all their mental health issues disappeared. It ended with the thought of them finally starting to feel like they can work through it but, also realizing there will be days when it is all too much and THAT IS OK. If any of you deal with mental health issues I just want to tell you what Xander said to Pen in the book and that it that it is ok to not ALWAYS be ok. If you feel like it is all too much and have to cry then do it! Life is not easy and sometimes you will struggle there is nothing wrong with you. I promise if you keep fighting every day you will overcome. Maybe it will never leave you completely but, as long as on those days you still fight and don't let it break you, you will overcome. I always pray for anyone I know that is dealing with mental health so, even if I don't know your name know you are in my prayers.
1) Plot
He looks up at me. "You're coming home..." I realize that fixing what's broken isn't just about him making amends. It's about him coming home too. I take the stick, drawing a giant X in the rubble right next to my name. "We both are."
Pen & Xander was all about the struggles of this town in Texas and the people living there. The drug cartel ran the town and kept everyone in fear and this was what centered the story. This piece is what made it not feel so much like a boring every day contemporary romance because it had a series problem and solution build up. The flow of everything felt very natural and thought out. But, we also the book had a running theme about dreams and passion that was webbed so beautifully into the story regarding Pen's dream of a bakery and Xander's dream of a father who left him. The final outcome won't disappoint.
2) Writing/World Building
"She's gorgeous and despite the fact that she could sometimes be intimidating, she also makes me feel like I can say absolutely anything because I know she will too. There's a power in that that I can't get enough of."
The world building wasn't necessary here but the author still was very descriptive in helping us to imagine this community of people. The food described was so meticulous I actually got seriously hungry and now I have a major craving for cake and Arroz con habichuelas, chicharron de Pollo, tostones, mofongo, and many more of my Latin foods.
3) Characters
“He looks into my eyes, searching for the little boy who used to worship him. I search his eyes too, for the man who gave me somewhere to belong. I was just too young and desperate to know the cost."
I loved all the reading about all these Latin people that were like me. In the food, the expressions, the language, and the culture it felt very home for me as a Latin woman. I understood a lot so I connected with it especially the whole aspect of the food helping and bringing the people together because that is very big in my culture. I really loved how similar Pen & Xander were to each other with their tough exteriors but broken interiors and the growth we got to see was tremendous. I think the author touched on something big with the adults in this book and how they really wanted better for their kids but sometimes they don't look at the kids' dream. Ultimately those dreams align but people can be hard headed when they try to protect someone they love. The side characters were marvelous.
4) Romance
I don't hold back. "I think I'm in love with you, Pen."
This romance was crafted really beautifully. It wasn't instant love but it was an instant connection and it felt very realistic because it was two people with similar feelings and could see past the exteriors of one another. You saw how they built this connection into something more based on how they could see the broken parts of one another. I loved how neither pushed the other though they worked through the things together and respected each other enough to know when to push and when to let them just cry. It was so beautiful and I loved how it wasn't him taking care of her or her taking care of him. It was them taking care of each other.
If you aren't that into contemporary romance I say give this a try because it really surprised me and took my breath away. I finished it in one day and was blown away by how much it resonated with me. If you read this, what did you think?
Love, Kathryn
I was struck by how much I truly loved this story. Pen and Xander is a contemporary romance but it didn't feel like one. It had all the bells and whistles of one but it didn't feel boring or mundane. I can't really describe the feeling besides that I just really loved the story the author told. The flow and pacing were like that of an adventure story but also calm. It was romance but the story didn't feel centered on it as a contemporary romance often is. Pen and Xander were built around love, family, and food. It was built around a community where two people belonged and were broken and somehow through food, family, and love started piecing themselves together little by little with each other. I love how the story ended because although it was happy the author didn't make it like all their mental health issues disappeared. It ended with the thought of them finally starting to feel like they can work through it but, also realizing there will be days when it is all too much and THAT IS OK. If any of you deal with mental health issues I just want to tell you what Xander said to Pen in the book and that it that it is ok to not ALWAYS be ok. If you feel like it is all too much and have to cry then do it! Life is not easy and sometimes you will struggle there is nothing wrong with you. I promise if you keep fighting every day you will overcome. Maybe it will never leave you completely but, as long as on those days you still fight and don't let it break you, you will overcome. I always pray for anyone I know that is dealing with mental health so, even if I don't know your name know you are in my prayers.
1) Plot
He looks up at me. "You're coming home..." I realize that fixing what's broken isn't just about him making amends. It's about him coming home too. I take the stick, drawing a giant X in the rubble right next to my name. "We both are."
Pen & Xander was all about the struggles of this town in Texas and the people living there. The drug cartel ran the town and kept everyone in fear and this was what centered the story. This piece is what made it not feel so much like a boring every day contemporary romance because it had a series problem and solution build up. The flow of everything felt very natural and thought out. But, we also the book had a running theme about dreams and passion that was webbed so beautifully into the story regarding Pen's dream of a bakery and Xander's dream of a father who left him. The final outcome won't disappoint.
2) Writing/World Building
"She's gorgeous and despite the fact that she could sometimes be intimidating, she also makes me feel like I can say absolutely anything because I know she will too. There's a power in that that I can't get enough of."
The world building wasn't necessary here but the author still was very descriptive in helping us to imagine this community of people. The food described was so meticulous I actually got seriously hungry and now I have a major craving for cake and Arroz con habichuelas, chicharron de Pollo, tostones, mofongo, and many more of my Latin foods.
3) Characters
“He looks into my eyes, searching for the little boy who used to worship him. I search his eyes too, for the man who gave me somewhere to belong. I was just too young and desperate to know the cost."
I loved all the reading about all these Latin people that were like me. In the food, the expressions, the language, and the culture it felt very home for me as a Latin woman. I understood a lot so I connected with it especially the whole aspect of the food helping and bringing the people together because that is very big in my culture. I really loved how similar Pen & Xander were to each other with their tough exteriors but broken interiors and the growth we got to see was tremendous. I think the author touched on something big with the adults in this book and how they really wanted better for their kids but sometimes they don't look at the kids' dream. Ultimately those dreams align but people can be hard headed when they try to protect someone they love. The side characters were marvelous.
4) Romance
I don't hold back. "I think I'm in love with you, Pen."
This romance was crafted really beautifully. It wasn't instant love but it was an instant connection and it felt very realistic because it was two people with similar feelings and could see past the exteriors of one another. You saw how they built this connection into something more based on how they could see the broken parts of one another. I loved how neither pushed the other though they worked through the things together and respected each other enough to know when to push and when to let them just cry. It was so beautiful and I loved how it wasn't him taking care of her or her taking care of him. It was them taking care of each other.
If you aren't that into contemporary romance I say give this a try because it really surprised me and took my breath away. I finished it in one day and was blown away by how much it resonated with me. If you read this, what did you think?
Love, Kathryn
November 7, 2017
3.5 stars for Pen & Xander
I received this book as an ARC copy from Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review.
Thoughts and Plot
Well since I appear to be second, I should make sure I do this thoroughly... To start, I thought this was a wonderfully written book that really managed to suck me in, to the point I downloaded it onto my phone so I could read it on my lunch break. That says something about a book.
Main Characters:
Pen, is a girl who puts on a tough exterior around others but is really just trying to hold herself together. It doesn’t get any easier when her father fires her because she hasn’t been going to college like she said. All she really wants to do in life is move up to management at her family’s restaurant and maybe one day open a bakery of her own. Instead she is forced to work a dead-end job and live in a concrete box (because she refused to go to college, her parents kicked her out, in case you forgot already).
Xander, is an ex-gang member trying to keep clear of his form gang leader. Pen’s dad is generous enough to hire him on (along with a number of other needing people) and give him a chance to make something of himself. Honestly, the opening scene/intro to Xander had me picturing Baby Driver’s home life, because that was almost exactly what it was. Only he’s an illegal Mexican immigrant...
Everyone else in this book plays a supporting role and most are weird, quirky friends that pretty much come together to make the most bizarrely loveable mishmash friend/family group you ever did read about.
Story wise:
Xander’s first day on the job ends up being Pen’s last. Her dad fires her for lying about college and refusing to actually go. Her mother takes it one further and says if she won’t go to college she can’t live at home. So Pen temporarily stays with her friend Chloe while frantically looking for a job so she can afford her own place for longer than a month.
It’s quite interesting really, because you have these two people you are following around as Xander navigates his job, his fears, and his home life and Pen frantically finds herself an apartment, and a new job in order to make her way in the world after her parents boot her out. Pen struggles with her depression. Xander seems to struggle with self-doubt and no shortage of anxiety once he realizes that Jago isn’t just going to let him slide. It’s listed as a romance, but the romance doesn’t really get going until the Anti-Taco party (you will have to read this book to find out what that means). Even then, I wouldn’t call this a full blown romance. Because the romance is kind of the back story to everything that is going on in their lives and in their neighborhood.
One part that did kind of get me (meaning I stumbled reading it and had to back up and start again to make sure I didn’t miss something) was the sudden flashback used to explain how Xander got tied up with Jago. It was a bit jarring, but once I figured out what had happened it worked out fine. I just wasn't expecting it.
That said, there is a clear message in this book and it screams it at you just after 200 pages…we are all just people and we should look at each other as just people…
”I ache to know why it can’t always be like this. Why we can’t always look at another human being and see just that…We could blame it on race or politics. But the blame is on us. All of us. Because every time we assume the worst in people, we’re only proving it in ourselves. So we have to stop hiding from each other. We have to stope judging each other.
We have to forgive each other.”
I do have a few little issues with this book. Mostly the ending and how everything turned out. Spoiler alert in progress people. Other than that I didn’t mind the rest of the ending.
In Conclusion
Well this book was quite good. I think my only issue was the neat little bow that everything was tied up in at the end. Minus the illegal immigrant problem. But I can understand how that is not so easily solved in the time period that expands this book. Definitely worth the read.
Age range: high school, young adult
Profanities used: ass, fuck, bitch and every variation of them you can think of.
Other things people may not like: drinking, puking, drinking to excess, unsafe pranks, gang activity (mildly featured, nothing extreme).
I received this book as an ARC copy from Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review.
Thoughts and Plot
Well since I appear to be second, I should make sure I do this thoroughly... To start, I thought this was a wonderfully written book that really managed to suck me in, to the point I downloaded it onto my phone so I could read it on my lunch break. That says something about a book.
Main Characters:
Pen, is a girl who puts on a tough exterior around others but is really just trying to hold herself together. It doesn’t get any easier when her father fires her because she hasn’t been going to college like she said. All she really wants to do in life is move up to management at her family’s restaurant and maybe one day open a bakery of her own. Instead she is forced to work a dead-end job and live in a concrete box (because she refused to go to college, her parents kicked her out, in case you forgot already).
Xander, is an ex-gang member trying to keep clear of his form gang leader. Pen’s dad is generous enough to hire him on (along with a number of other needing people) and give him a chance to make something of himself. Honestly, the opening scene/intro to Xander had me picturing Baby Driver’s home life, because that was almost exactly what it was. Only he’s an illegal Mexican immigrant...
Everyone else in this book plays a supporting role and most are weird, quirky friends that pretty much come together to make the most bizarrely loveable mishmash friend/family group you ever did read about.
Story wise:
Xander’s first day on the job ends up being Pen’s last. Her dad fires her for lying about college and refusing to actually go. Her mother takes it one further and says if she won’t go to college she can’t live at home. So Pen temporarily stays with her friend Chloe while frantically looking for a job so she can afford her own place for longer than a month.
It’s quite interesting really, because you have these two people you are following around as Xander navigates his job, his fears, and his home life and Pen frantically finds herself an apartment, and a new job in order to make her way in the world after her parents boot her out. Pen struggles with her depression. Xander seems to struggle with self-doubt and no shortage of anxiety once he realizes that Jago isn’t just going to let him slide. It’s listed as a romance, but the romance doesn’t really get going until the Anti-Taco party (you will have to read this book to find out what that means). Even then, I wouldn’t call this a full blown romance. Because the romance is kind of the back story to everything that is going on in their lives and in their neighborhood.
One part that did kind of get me (meaning I stumbled reading it and had to back up and start again to make sure I didn’t miss something) was the sudden flashback used to explain how Xander got tied up with Jago. It was a bit jarring, but once I figured out what had happened it worked out fine. I just wasn't expecting it.
That said, there is a clear message in this book and it screams it at you just after 200 pages…we are all just people and we should look at each other as just people…
”I ache to know why it can’t always be like this. Why we can’t always look at another human being and see just that…We could blame it on race or politics. But the blame is on us. All of us. Because every time we assume the worst in people, we’re only proving it in ourselves. So we have to stop hiding from each other. We have to stope judging each other.
We have to forgive each other.”
I do have a few little issues with this book. Mostly the ending and how everything turned out. Spoiler alert in progress people. Other than that I didn’t mind the rest of the ending.
In Conclusion
Well this book was quite good. I think my only issue was the neat little bow that everything was tied up in at the end. Minus the illegal immigrant problem. But I can understand how that is not so easily solved in the time period that expands this book. Definitely worth the read.
Age range: high school, young adult
Profanities used: ass, fuck, bitch and every variation of them you can think of.
Other things people may not like: drinking, puking, drinking to excess, unsafe pranks, gang activity (mildly featured, nothing extreme).
December 31, 2017
*I received this book for free, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Pen's father has owned a Mexican restaurant for as long as she can remember and her dream is to take over one day. Apart from serving real Mexican food for the neighborhood, Nacho's is also the place where struggling teens are given a second chance in life and an escape from the dangerous criminal, who forces them into prostitution, drug-dealing and any sort of criminal activity. It's become a sanctuary for everyone who needs to get away and since Pen's father has connections everywhere, things run smoothly, there are no problems with people who don't have legal documents and those that haven't been registered, don't have to be afraid of someone reporting them to the authorities. Which is what the local criminal uses against them, in order to get these terrified people to work for him and do his dirty work. He gives them false hope and then blackmails them with it.
Pen has cooked her whole life and wants to follow on her parents' footsteps, even though they insist on her attending university and getting a degree that will help her get away from that uncertain life. When that doesn't work out and Pen comes clean to her parents for her decision to focus on cooking and coming up with new recipes, they fire her from the restaurant and kick her out of the house. Which slowly sets her on her own path in life and forces her to give up on her dreams for a while.
Xander has fallen into El Cantil's grasp, slowly but surely and is trying to get away from the violent life that follows the way of crime. He finds refuge in Nacho's and as soon as he meets Pen, it's love at first sight. Sparks fly between them and their feelings for each other are pure and untainted by everything that is inevitably going on around them. They stay together through the difficult parts and don't only recognize, but also understand each other's pain. The chemistry between them is undeniable and their love able to withstand anything that threatens it with corruption.
I was pleasantly surprised by Pen & Xander, I'm not going to lie. The premise sounded very interesting and diverse from the beginning and I went into it without really knowing what to expect. The story started off a bit slow and the pace wasn't as consistent as I would've liked but, it definitely got better as it progressed. That was my only issue with the book itself, since the writing was amazing and the characters more than likable and easy to connect with. Their struggles where extremely relatable since, the majority - if not all - of us have struggled with life and are still trying to push through the difficult parts of it!
The writing style was probably my favorite part! I haven't read any of the author's other novels but, I really want to, after falling in love with her storytelling abilities! The way she writes is extremely unique and since I have a thing with words in general, the way she weaved them together throughout the book itself made me wish for more! I was definitely impressed and the experience of reading this book reached a different level of greatness, thanks to the way it was written!
As for the characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them. Pen and Xander were very easy to relate to as struggling teens and their love story was one of the most beautiful parts of this book. It was so pure, full of hope and dreams that shined through every single page. Their journey is more than wonderful and filled with heartbreak, grief, disappointment, that lead to inner peace, tranquility and fulfillment in the end! Those small things that are worth fighting for are highlighted throughout their path to unfiltered happiness!
Pen & Xander is all about the importance and following your destiny, even if the process is painful. Their story was powerful and their love for each other, made me believe in happily ever afters again. Community itself, both as a literal and metaphorical term, plays a big part in this book and I couldn't have been more grateful about it. The strength of each individual was merged into one, in order to fight the evil in this world. Something that's usually overshadowed by things of lesser importance so, I'm extremely grateful Ms. Kemp didn't let that happen in her novel!
And what Pen's father did for everyone else made me wish there were more people like him in the world we live in! Not everyone would have the guts provide refuge for all those people, who were just trying to get away from a life of violence, make ends meet and live in peace. And kept doing it for many years, which is even more admirable. Acts of kindness, that's what this world needs. In abundance.
Overall, if you enjoy coming of age story, beautiful storytelling and characters you cannot help but admire and relate with, this book is for you! I cannot recommend it enough!
Pen's father has owned a Mexican restaurant for as long as she can remember and her dream is to take over one day. Apart from serving real Mexican food for the neighborhood, Nacho's is also the place where struggling teens are given a second chance in life and an escape from the dangerous criminal, who forces them into prostitution, drug-dealing and any sort of criminal activity. It's become a sanctuary for everyone who needs to get away and since Pen's father has connections everywhere, things run smoothly, there are no problems with people who don't have legal documents and those that haven't been registered, don't have to be afraid of someone reporting them to the authorities. Which is what the local criminal uses against them, in order to get these terrified people to work for him and do his dirty work. He gives them false hope and then blackmails them with it.
Pen has cooked her whole life and wants to follow on her parents' footsteps, even though they insist on her attending university and getting a degree that will help her get away from that uncertain life. When that doesn't work out and Pen comes clean to her parents for her decision to focus on cooking and coming up with new recipes, they fire her from the restaurant and kick her out of the house. Which slowly sets her on her own path in life and forces her to give up on her dreams for a while.
Xander has fallen into El Cantil's grasp, slowly but surely and is trying to get away from the violent life that follows the way of crime. He finds refuge in Nacho's and as soon as he meets Pen, it's love at first sight. Sparks fly between them and their feelings for each other are pure and untainted by everything that is inevitably going on around them. They stay together through the difficult parts and don't only recognize, but also understand each other's pain. The chemistry between them is undeniable and their love able to withstand anything that threatens it with corruption.
I was pleasantly surprised by Pen & Xander, I'm not going to lie. The premise sounded very interesting and diverse from the beginning and I went into it without really knowing what to expect. The story started off a bit slow and the pace wasn't as consistent as I would've liked but, it definitely got better as it progressed. That was my only issue with the book itself, since the writing was amazing and the characters more than likable and easy to connect with. Their struggles where extremely relatable since, the majority - if not all - of us have struggled with life and are still trying to push through the difficult parts of it!
The writing style was probably my favorite part! I haven't read any of the author's other novels but, I really want to, after falling in love with her storytelling abilities! The way she writes is extremely unique and since I have a thing with words in general, the way she weaved them together throughout the book itself made me wish for more! I was definitely impressed and the experience of reading this book reached a different level of greatness, thanks to the way it was written!
As for the characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them. Pen and Xander were very easy to relate to as struggling teens and their love story was one of the most beautiful parts of this book. It was so pure, full of hope and dreams that shined through every single page. Their journey is more than wonderful and filled with heartbreak, grief, disappointment, that lead to inner peace, tranquility and fulfillment in the end! Those small things that are worth fighting for are highlighted throughout their path to unfiltered happiness!
Pen & Xander is all about the importance and following your destiny, even if the process is painful. Their story was powerful and their love for each other, made me believe in happily ever afters again. Community itself, both as a literal and metaphorical term, plays a big part in this book and I couldn't have been more grateful about it. The strength of each individual was merged into one, in order to fight the evil in this world. Something that's usually overshadowed by things of lesser importance so, I'm extremely grateful Ms. Kemp didn't let that happen in her novel!
And what Pen's father did for everyone else made me wish there were more people like him in the world we live in! Not everyone would have the guts provide refuge for all those people, who were just trying to get away from a life of violence, make ends meet and live in peace. And kept doing it for many years, which is even more admirable. Acts of kindness, that's what this world needs. In abundance.
Overall, if you enjoy coming of age story, beautiful storytelling and characters you cannot help but admire and relate with, this book is for you! I cannot recommend it enough!
February 8, 2018
This is not a romance. It is a love story. Pen is eighteen and works in her father’s Mexican restaurant. She loves the work and baking – improving recipes and delicious desserts. She lives for that restaurant, but her parents want her to become a nurse, like her mother. The thought leaves her cold; she doesn’t want a life like her mother’s. Her dream is to open her own bakery. So, she pretends to attend school and lies for several months about her classes and books. One day soon, she will have to tell the truth. In the meantime, she longs to know what freedom feels like.
Zander’s father disappeared when he was very young. Then, he struggled with his mother’s painful declaration that she couldn’t love him, so she walked away, too. Thankfully, his grandfather was more than happy to take in his son’s child, but neither did he know where Zander’s father was. At the age of twelve, he met Jago, never realizing he was the leader of the neighborhood gang. He protected Zander from bullies, while Zander yearned to earn the acceptance of a father who wasn’t there. Gradually, he was being formed into a gang member – able to accept all the criminal activities and, most of all, being obedient to Jago’s commands. Zander realized he didn’t want to spend his life scaring people, and taking money from them in exchange for Jago’s so-called protection. Worst of all, Zander knew that Jago sometimes made people disappear. The only thing he could do was walk away and hope that Jago and the gang would not come after him.
Now, Zander needs a job, so he goes where everybody in the neighborhood goes: the Mexican restaurant. Mr. Prada is well-known for helping anyone in need. Zander is hired, of course, and he’s pretty far down the pecking order, but he doesn’t seem to mind, until he sees Pen. She is a beautiful, young woman with a fierce personality that is constantly evident at work. Pen has no patience for soothing customers. All she wants is to make sure everyone is doing their job, and that the food is top-notch. Of course, she takes notice of Zander, too. It isn’t long before he speaks to her and she decides, just maybe, she’s willing to talk back to him.
Zander and Pen have one thing in common: the fear of never fulfilling their dreams. Zander is capable of seeing through Pen’s facade of tough capability, and while she thinks her heart is hidden from him, she can peek through his outer layers to the childhood pain and loss. When Pen confesses her lies to her parents, she is shocked when her father fires her and her mother kicks her to the curb. She finds a shabby, little room to live in, and spends her nights there in fear. The one person who gives her a bit of stability is her elderly neighbor who loves to bake. Zander and Pen are quite close by now, and he advises her to never give up on her dream. She cannot even begin to contemplate how to make it happen without the restaurant, but she has the loving support of Zander and the varied family of employees that work for her father.
The story not only focuses on Pen and Zander, but on the restaurant employees, the surrounding neighborhood, and how two people working towards their dreams impacts the lives of others. This story is full of love – even when it isn’t obvious – supportive kindness to those in need, and striving to do the right thing, regardless of what others say. There are some areas where I was pretty sure where it was going, but it surprised me, and is such an absorbing tale that I read it in a few days. Readers will not be disappointed, and I came away with one of those rare feel good moments. As I said, this is not a romance, and it isn’t boringly focused on just two characters. A lot happens in this book, and I was reminded that a love story is much more than kiss and tell. Read it. Enjoy it. I sure did.
The rating:
Genre and general reading age – Romance for teens and adults.
Level of sexuality – Low.
Is there graphic language? There is some cursing, but it’s on average with a person’s normal day.
Did I cry? No.
Did I laugh? Yes, I did.
Is this part of a series? No.
Level of character development – They are extremely well-developed, and highly believable. There are wonderful conversations that come into play, and some chapters are just down right fun. All put together, they are relatable and you will find yourself rooting for them.
I am happy to give this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars, and look forward to the next story from Ms. Kemp.
Zander’s father disappeared when he was very young. Then, he struggled with his mother’s painful declaration that she couldn’t love him, so she walked away, too. Thankfully, his grandfather was more than happy to take in his son’s child, but neither did he know where Zander’s father was. At the age of twelve, he met Jago, never realizing he was the leader of the neighborhood gang. He protected Zander from bullies, while Zander yearned to earn the acceptance of a father who wasn’t there. Gradually, he was being formed into a gang member – able to accept all the criminal activities and, most of all, being obedient to Jago’s commands. Zander realized he didn’t want to spend his life scaring people, and taking money from them in exchange for Jago’s so-called protection. Worst of all, Zander knew that Jago sometimes made people disappear. The only thing he could do was walk away and hope that Jago and the gang would not come after him.
Now, Zander needs a job, so he goes where everybody in the neighborhood goes: the Mexican restaurant. Mr. Prada is well-known for helping anyone in need. Zander is hired, of course, and he’s pretty far down the pecking order, but he doesn’t seem to mind, until he sees Pen. She is a beautiful, young woman with a fierce personality that is constantly evident at work. Pen has no patience for soothing customers. All she wants is to make sure everyone is doing their job, and that the food is top-notch. Of course, she takes notice of Zander, too. It isn’t long before he speaks to her and she decides, just maybe, she’s willing to talk back to him.
Zander and Pen have one thing in common: the fear of never fulfilling their dreams. Zander is capable of seeing through Pen’s facade of tough capability, and while she thinks her heart is hidden from him, she can peek through his outer layers to the childhood pain and loss. When Pen confesses her lies to her parents, she is shocked when her father fires her and her mother kicks her to the curb. She finds a shabby, little room to live in, and spends her nights there in fear. The one person who gives her a bit of stability is her elderly neighbor who loves to bake. Zander and Pen are quite close by now, and he advises her to never give up on her dream. She cannot even begin to contemplate how to make it happen without the restaurant, but she has the loving support of Zander and the varied family of employees that work for her father.
The story not only focuses on Pen and Zander, but on the restaurant employees, the surrounding neighborhood, and how two people working towards their dreams impacts the lives of others. This story is full of love – even when it isn’t obvious – supportive kindness to those in need, and striving to do the right thing, regardless of what others say. There are some areas where I was pretty sure where it was going, but it surprised me, and is such an absorbing tale that I read it in a few days. Readers will not be disappointed, and I came away with one of those rare feel good moments. As I said, this is not a romance, and it isn’t boringly focused on just two characters. A lot happens in this book, and I was reminded that a love story is much more than kiss and tell. Read it. Enjoy it. I sure did.
The rating:
Genre and general reading age – Romance for teens and adults.
Level of sexuality – Low.
Is there graphic language? There is some cursing, but it’s on average with a person’s normal day.
Did I cry? No.
Did I laugh? Yes, I did.
Is this part of a series? No.
Level of character development – They are extremely well-developed, and highly believable. There are wonderful conversations that come into play, and some chapters are just down right fun. All put together, they are relatable and you will find yourself rooting for them.
I am happy to give this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars, and look forward to the next story from Ms. Kemp.
February 20, 2018
BEAUTIFUL STORY!!! Full review to come.
Pen and Xander by Laekan Zea Kemp is incredibly captivating, well-written, and absolutely so full of heart. It’s a wonderful book that inspires, teaches, and comforts you in the best possible way. I am so in love with this book and everything about it!
I started reading this book January 17 and finished February 9. It took me a while to finish not because I wasn’t engrossed in the story (because I totally was…), but I was going through so much work related stress which was making me feel down and unfortunately got in the way of my reading experience. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to give up on the story or set it aside because I was absolutely fascinated with the plot and the characters. Rather than force myself to read, I decided to take it slow. I read whenever I was feeling light and relaxed and stopped when my mind would wander off and worry about work. I read a few chapters every other day or so and let me tell you… those few chapters made me smile and feel a little better. It motivated me to keep pushing through whatever I was dealing with and focus on what's truly important in life. It’s been days since I finished this beauty and I can honestly say that Pen and Xander is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
I was really impressed with the writing style in this book. It’s gorgeous, evocative and so easy to read. There was a nice flow and grace that made reading so enjoyable. I’ve never read any other books by Laekan Zea Kemp, but I’m definitely going to be checking out her other works. There was just something so lovely and mesmerizing with her storytelling that I really loved.
The characters were fantastic! The may be outcasts, a bit damaged, flawed, and vulnerable in so many ways, but they each had something about them that was so real and relatable. Pen and Xander were very inspiring. They’re intelligent, determined, and hard-working. They made some mistakes, but they did their best to right their wrongs. I really admired them for that and just how they persevered through some of the most difficult and tragic life situations. I don’t want to give too many details, but these amazing characters will take a piece of your heart. They’re definitely the kind of characters you’ll root for all the way through and love like they were part of your family.
The romance, as Kathryn from Nosestuckinabookblog have said, was “crafted really beautifully. It wasn’t instant love, but it was an instant connection and it felt very realistic because it was two people with similar feelings and could see past the exteriors of one another.” I don’t think I could have explained it any better than that. I loved how the relationship between Pen and Xander developed. There were plenty of swoony romantic scenes and gestures that totally made my heart melt and moments that felt so raw and heartwarming. I really enjoyed all their interactions and shipped them the entire time.
There are so many great things about Pen and Xander. This book is beautifully written, incredibly realistic and wonderfully affecting. It’s a story full of so much love – love for family, friends, food, culture and everything else worth loving. Be prepared to smile, to hurt, to laugh, to dream, to cry, to hope, and feel so many emotions. If you’re looking for a great book to add on your TBR, then I highly and with all my heart recommend you choose this book. I promise you’ll find something to love about Pen and Xander.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
To read more of my reviews, visit Sincerely Karen Jo
Pen and Xander by Laekan Zea Kemp is incredibly captivating, well-written, and absolutely so full of heart. It’s a wonderful book that inspires, teaches, and comforts you in the best possible way. I am so in love with this book and everything about it!
I started reading this book January 17 and finished February 9. It took me a while to finish not because I wasn’t engrossed in the story (because I totally was…), but I was going through so much work related stress which was making me feel down and unfortunately got in the way of my reading experience. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to give up on the story or set it aside because I was absolutely fascinated with the plot and the characters. Rather than force myself to read, I decided to take it slow. I read whenever I was feeling light and relaxed and stopped when my mind would wander off and worry about work. I read a few chapters every other day or so and let me tell you… those few chapters made me smile and feel a little better. It motivated me to keep pushing through whatever I was dealing with and focus on what's truly important in life. It’s been days since I finished this beauty and I can honestly say that Pen and Xander is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
I was really impressed with the writing style in this book. It’s gorgeous, evocative and so easy to read. There was a nice flow and grace that made reading so enjoyable. I’ve never read any other books by Laekan Zea Kemp, but I’m definitely going to be checking out her other works. There was just something so lovely and mesmerizing with her storytelling that I really loved.
The characters were fantastic! The may be outcasts, a bit damaged, flawed, and vulnerable in so many ways, but they each had something about them that was so real and relatable. Pen and Xander were very inspiring. They’re intelligent, determined, and hard-working. They made some mistakes, but they did their best to right their wrongs. I really admired them for that and just how they persevered through some of the most difficult and tragic life situations. I don’t want to give too many details, but these amazing characters will take a piece of your heart. They’re definitely the kind of characters you’ll root for all the way through and love like they were part of your family.
The romance, as Kathryn from Nosestuckinabookblog have said, was “crafted really beautifully. It wasn’t instant love, but it was an instant connection and it felt very realistic because it was two people with similar feelings and could see past the exteriors of one another.” I don’t think I could have explained it any better than that. I loved how the relationship between Pen and Xander developed. There were plenty of swoony romantic scenes and gestures that totally made my heart melt and moments that felt so raw and heartwarming. I really enjoyed all their interactions and shipped them the entire time.
There are so many great things about Pen and Xander. This book is beautifully written, incredibly realistic and wonderfully affecting. It’s a story full of so much love – love for family, friends, food, culture and everything else worth loving. Be prepared to smile, to hurt, to laugh, to dream, to cry, to hope, and feel so many emotions. If you’re looking for a great book to add on your TBR, then I highly and with all my heart recommend you choose this book. I promise you’ll find something to love about Pen and Xander.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
To read more of my reviews, visit Sincerely Karen Jo
January 8, 2018
Food, growing up, romance, drama, comedy, and danger all mixed together to make this book! There seems like there would be too much going on, but it all worked well and heck of a ride.
The story follows Pen and Xander who seem to be so different, but they have so much in common in the end. Pen is the daughter of a restaurant owner. She has a hard exterior, but she is a sobbing mess like the rest of us when it comes down to it. Xander is an illegal immigrant who was abandoned by his parents and he fell into a dark place and joined the local gang. In order to make a new life for himself, he accepts a job at Pen’s Dad’s restaurant. He starts working the night that Pen is fired because she lied about going to school. Her parents kick her out and say she needs to go make on her own. For some reason, Pen and Xander stay in touch and their friendship grows to love.
Poor Pen. Yes, she lied about going to school, but she had a good reason. She was pretty much forced to go to become a nurse like her mom. However, that is not her dream. She wants to run a restaurant…either her Dad’s or her own. Firing her and kicking her out seemed to the extreme. Okay…kick her out, but at least let her keep her job!! That is just setting her up to fail. I get what they were proving…but still.
Poor Xander. He is trying to escape his troubled past and find his father. Both of his parents abandoned him and his grandfather raised him. Yes, he loves his grandpa, but he needs answers. At least his mother had the respect to tell him, “Yeaaaa….I’m leaving…bye….don’t bother finding me.” The father simply just walked away. I don’t blame Xander for needing closure and answers. Luckily the local cop sees the good in him, so he helps him walk away from the gang and get a job at the town’s favorite restaurant.
There was a little bit of an insta-love with the two. But it seemed to work and plus they didn’t know it was love-love. They went on some dates and things happen. They didn’t realize they loved each until near the end, so it worked well. They both had a lot of growing to do before they could have their HEA. I’m glad they were there for each other to help.
The side characters were entertaining. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Angel and Cloe. Ooo, I also want more of Claudia. I grew to love Claudia. She reminded me a lot of someone I used to work with when I worked at a crappy fast food joint. Luckily mine wasn’t racist like that one was though.
Reading this made me hungry. Nothing is better than authentic Mexican food or chocolate. Yum!
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were entertaining and the drama was enthralling. The parents annoyed me and I really questioned their parenting abilities. Yes, they made it up near the end…but still. Questionable decisions there for sure.
Now, I honestly read this in a couple of sittings, because I had to know how everything was going to be fixed. The ending was sad but full of hope. I liked the ending a lot. It worked well. If you like food, romance, comedy, danger, and drama…I will point to this book. In the end, I shall stamp this with 5 stars.
The story follows Pen and Xander who seem to be so different, but they have so much in common in the end. Pen is the daughter of a restaurant owner. She has a hard exterior, but she is a sobbing mess like the rest of us when it comes down to it. Xander is an illegal immigrant who was abandoned by his parents and he fell into a dark place and joined the local gang. In order to make a new life for himself, he accepts a job at Pen’s Dad’s restaurant. He starts working the night that Pen is fired because she lied about going to school. Her parents kick her out and say she needs to go make on her own. For some reason, Pen and Xander stay in touch and their friendship grows to love.
Poor Pen. Yes, she lied about going to school, but she had a good reason. She was pretty much forced to go to become a nurse like her mom. However, that is not her dream. She wants to run a restaurant…either her Dad’s or her own. Firing her and kicking her out seemed to the extreme. Okay…kick her out, but at least let her keep her job!! That is just setting her up to fail. I get what they were proving…but still.
Poor Xander. He is trying to escape his troubled past and find his father. Both of his parents abandoned him and his grandfather raised him. Yes, he loves his grandpa, but he needs answers. At least his mother had the respect to tell him, “Yeaaaa….I’m leaving…bye….don’t bother finding me.” The father simply just walked away. I don’t blame Xander for needing closure and answers. Luckily the local cop sees the good in him, so he helps him walk away from the gang and get a job at the town’s favorite restaurant.
There was a little bit of an insta-love with the two. But it seemed to work and plus they didn’t know it was love-love. They went on some dates and things happen. They didn’t realize they loved each until near the end, so it worked well. They both had a lot of growing to do before they could have their HEA. I’m glad they were there for each other to help.
The side characters were entertaining. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Angel and Cloe. Ooo, I also want more of Claudia. I grew to love Claudia. She reminded me a lot of someone I used to work with when I worked at a crappy fast food joint. Luckily mine wasn’t racist like that one was though.
Reading this made me hungry. Nothing is better than authentic Mexican food or chocolate. Yum!
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were entertaining and the drama was enthralling. The parents annoyed me and I really questioned their parenting abilities. Yes, they made it up near the end…but still. Questionable decisions there for sure.
Now, I honestly read this in a couple of sittings, because I had to know how everything was going to be fixed. The ending was sad but full of hope. I liked the ending a lot. It worked well. If you like food, romance, comedy, danger, and drama…I will point to this book. In the end, I shall stamp this with 5 stars.
January 22, 2018
Told in alternating POVs, this is the story of Pen Prado and Xander Amaro, two Mexican immigrant teens. But this book is so much more about just the two of them. Infusing the love for food, the stoicism of community, a restaurant that means so much more than a place to eat or a business to run for the small town and LIVING through bleakness of both mind and circumstance, Pen and Xander is fresh and pops of its pages. More than the bigger plot involving the druglord, it is the smaller things that leaves an impression : Pen's struggle to find a decent apartment, her struggle with depression and my favorite: the non-glamorous aspect of owning and running a restaurant. It is something that a lot of books centering around food and restaurants just don't show at all.
I rarely empathize with rebelling teens in YA, maybe it is because I never went through that phase. So, I always wonder why they end up making things complicated for themselves.. instead of just - well, finishing school, getting a degree and then deciding to "follow their passion" if they have one. But, here, I thought it was done quite well.. The parents showed "tough love", and while I still "sided" with the parents, I also liked how Pen handled herself. She was quite sorted and picked herself up and well.. I guess that's why I rooted for her. She didn't expect the entire world to surrender to her wishes.
Pen and Xander's love story leisured along in a way that didn't derail the rest of the book. It almost felt incidental and honestly, even if they just stayed close friends, the book still would have been just as lovely and wholesome. I liked Xander and how he was as strong but vulnerable as Pen, but I didn't really connect with his story as much as Pen's. The whole drugs n' gangs plot (and the way it connected to the restaurant) and its conclusion felt kind of ... outlandish? It was too "huge" a background story to be resolved in the neat way it did. Especially since El Cantil was supposed to have had the entire neighborhood/ town in his grip. There was also another plot involving Xander that wrapped up nicely. I thought it was one too many plots wrapping up in a neat little bow.
I enjoyed reading about the rest of the cast too; most of whom were employed in the restaurant. It was fun, although I wouldn't mind if there was a li'l less time spent on all the pranking instances.
This was a pretty good read, and incredibly underrated. I hope, with time, this finds the audience it deserves.
Review copy received from @XpressoReads
I rarely empathize with rebelling teens in YA, maybe it is because I never went through that phase. So, I always wonder why they end up making things complicated for themselves.. instead of just - well, finishing school, getting a degree and then deciding to "follow their passion" if they have one. But, here, I thought it was done quite well.. The parents showed "tough love", and while I still "sided" with the parents, I also liked how Pen handled herself. She was quite sorted and picked herself up and well.. I guess that's why I rooted for her. She didn't expect the entire world to surrender to her wishes.
Pen and Xander's love story leisured along in a way that didn't derail the rest of the book. It almost felt incidental and honestly, even if they just stayed close friends, the book still would have been just as lovely and wholesome. I liked Xander and how he was as strong but vulnerable as Pen, but I didn't really connect with his story as much as Pen's. The whole drugs n' gangs plot (and the way it connected to the restaurant) and its conclusion felt kind of ... outlandish? It was too "huge" a background story to be resolved in the neat way it did. Especially since El Cantil was supposed to have had the entire neighborhood/ town in his grip. There was also another plot involving Xander that wrapped up nicely. I thought it was one too many plots wrapping up in a neat little bow.
I enjoyed reading about the rest of the cast too; most of whom were employed in the restaurant. It was fun, although I wouldn't mind if there was a li'l less time spent on all the pranking instances.
This was a pretty good read, and incredibly underrated. I hope, with time, this finds the audience it deserves.
Review copy received from @XpressoReads
July 2, 2018
Original review can be found on my blog at this link.
I would like to, firstly, give a huge thank you to the author, Laekan Zea Kemp, for giving me the opportunity to review her novel. I really enjoyed reading Pen & Xander!
I haven’t read a contemporary novel in a long time. I’m really glad I get to read Pen & Xander after my ‘contemporary break’. This novel is one of a kind and it totally got me hooked right from the start. Pen & Xander is a story about two teenagers. Of which, Pen is looking for an answer to her ‘next chapter’ in life while Xander is struggling to walk away from his past and to start anew. Somehow, the two strangers’ lives collided and both of them started depending on one another to get past the hurdles they face in their lives.
Pen & Xander is not a light-hearted, fluffy and sweet contemporary novel. It actually dwells much deeper. I’m sure that those of you who have read Pen & Xander are able to relate to either one of the characters at some point in the novel.
Xander is a really sweet character. I’m surprised how Xander is still able to stay true to his values despite being brought up by a drug lord. He even tries to correct his own wrongdoings and is extremely guilty of doing them. I’m glad that he finally managed to muster up sufficient courage to walk out of his past and into a much brighter future. Xander… might seem like a tough guy on the outside. But, he is actually just a huge softie on the inside.
Pen and Xander’s personalities are really similar. The only difference would be that Pen is more short-tempered, impulsive and hot-headed. When Pen comes to a decision or when she is upset, she gets extremely stubborn and dives head first into the decision she made without thinking about the consequences. Xander, on the other hand, is more calm and composed but, at times, he allows his past to cloud his current judgments. There are instances while I’m reading the novel where I hope Xander would be more confident of himself.
All in all, Pen & Xander is one of the most unique contemporary read I’ve ever read and it will remain in one of my top favourite contemporary novels for time to come. It ventures into the territory of self-discovery and reflection. The kind of decisions and sacrifices people have to make.
I would like to, firstly, give a huge thank you to the author, Laekan Zea Kemp, for giving me the opportunity to review her novel. I really enjoyed reading Pen & Xander!
I haven’t read a contemporary novel in a long time. I’m really glad I get to read Pen & Xander after my ‘contemporary break’. This novel is one of a kind and it totally got me hooked right from the start. Pen & Xander is a story about two teenagers. Of which, Pen is looking for an answer to her ‘next chapter’ in life while Xander is struggling to walk away from his past and to start anew. Somehow, the two strangers’ lives collided and both of them started depending on one another to get past the hurdles they face in their lives.
Pen & Xander is not a light-hearted, fluffy and sweet contemporary novel. It actually dwells much deeper. I’m sure that those of you who have read Pen & Xander are able to relate to either one of the characters at some point in the novel.
Xander is a really sweet character. I’m surprised how Xander is still able to stay true to his values despite being brought up by a drug lord. He even tries to correct his own wrongdoings and is extremely guilty of doing them. I’m glad that he finally managed to muster up sufficient courage to walk out of his past and into a much brighter future. Xander… might seem like a tough guy on the outside. But, he is actually just a huge softie on the inside.
Pen and Xander’s personalities are really similar. The only difference would be that Pen is more short-tempered, impulsive and hot-headed. When Pen comes to a decision or when she is upset, she gets extremely stubborn and dives head first into the decision she made without thinking about the consequences. Xander, on the other hand, is more calm and composed but, at times, he allows his past to cloud his current judgments. There are instances while I’m reading the novel where I hope Xander would be more confident of himself.
All in all, Pen & Xander is one of the most unique contemporary read I’ve ever read and it will remain in one of my top favourite contemporary novels for time to come. It ventures into the territory of self-discovery and reflection. The kind of decisions and sacrifices people have to make.
December 10, 2017
Received from Author in exchange for honest review
Pen worked her father restaurant, since she was little. It's all she know and dream about. Her parents want her to attend college. She lies about it, pretends she is going but can't make herself go in. Her dream is to have a bakery right next to her father restaurant. All that goes to flames, when she reveals her lies. She gets fired and thrown out of the house. On her own, she need to find a place to live and new job.
Xander came to the country alone, abandoned by both parents, still in search of his father. He lives with his grandfather and is undocumented. He was looking for a father figure everywhere, even in gang leader, but when he saw what was really going on, he came out. Now determined to turn a new leaf, he gets a job at the restaurant.
Restaurant is like a symbol to the people, gives them a sense of community and belonging. There is a place for anyone that needs help.
There is violence, gangs, fear, immigration issues, and in the midst of all that Pen & Xander find something beautiful. They find love, family, somewhere to belong. There is happiness in the middle of something so horrible and heartbreaking and ugly.
Pen is inspiring she doesn't let depression and panic and anxiety held her back. She finds bravery within emotional struggles, strength because of it. And the description of mental issues... it's so accurate, I could relate so much.
This is very important book especially in this time. It's one thing to read the news, you can detach yourself, but it whole another thing to put story to each and every one of those numbers, to put humanity to faces, stories they all have. It give a whole another prospective on what is going on right now in the world.
And I loved every page. :)
Pen worked her father restaurant, since she was little. It's all she know and dream about. Her parents want her to attend college. She lies about it, pretends she is going but can't make herself go in. Her dream is to have a bakery right next to her father restaurant. All that goes to flames, when she reveals her lies. She gets fired and thrown out of the house. On her own, she need to find a place to live and new job.
Xander came to the country alone, abandoned by both parents, still in search of his father. He lives with his grandfather and is undocumented. He was looking for a father figure everywhere, even in gang leader, but when he saw what was really going on, he came out. Now determined to turn a new leaf, he gets a job at the restaurant.
Restaurant is like a symbol to the people, gives them a sense of community and belonging. There is a place for anyone that needs help.
There is violence, gangs, fear, immigration issues, and in the midst of all that Pen & Xander find something beautiful. They find love, family, somewhere to belong. There is happiness in the middle of something so horrible and heartbreaking and ugly.
Pen is inspiring she doesn't let depression and panic and anxiety held her back. She finds bravery within emotional struggles, strength because of it. And the description of mental issues... it's so accurate, I could relate so much.
This is very important book especially in this time. It's one thing to read the news, you can detach yourself, but it whole another thing to put story to each and every one of those numbers, to put humanity to faces, stories they all have. It give a whole another prospective on what is going on right now in the world.
And I loved every page. :)
January 19, 2018
Finding a place to belong is part of growing up. Pen thinks she already knows where she belongs; her father's restaurant. She loves tweaking the recipes, putting fear into her co-workers, and being close to her family. Unfortunately Pen has been lying to her parents, and when they find out she is fired and must rethink everything she thought she knew about where she belongs. Meanwhile, Zander is an ex gang member trying to redeem himself. After being abandoned by both his mother and father in Mexico, he has crossed the border and now lives with his grandfather. Things were tough until the local gang leader befriends him, becoming a father figure to Zander. The older Zander gets, the more of the gang life he seems until he is fully immersed and too late has realized it's not the place for him. Fearful for his life he leaves the gang and ends up at Pen's father's restaurant. Immediately the two are drawn together, as if they can see beneath the other's facade, but will they be too scared to be themselves or will they finally find a place they belong?
A great novel for the older YA fans. There is no sex, but there is some violence and cussing. The book is told from both Pen and Zander's points of view which I think helped solidify their connection. Both came off as realistic characters with flaws, inside and out. Sometimes the story did seem to drag a bit, and I also thought the ending was a little too perfect. These are minor complaints though, and I rated this book four out of five stars.
A great novel for the older YA fans. There is no sex, but there is some violence and cussing. The book is told from both Pen and Zander's points of view which I think helped solidify their connection. Both came off as realistic characters with flaws, inside and out. Sometimes the story did seem to drag a bit, and I also thought the ending was a little too perfect. These are minor complaints though, and I rated this book four out of five stars.
March 17, 2018
Penelope Prado and Alejandro “Xander” Amaro are the epitome of what I imagine kids today deal with. As a parent of young kids, this book kind of scares me for what my kids will go through as teenagers. Pen & Xander borders on the young adult to new adult line - it's all about growing up, taking responsibility, and deciding what kind of human you are going to be. There is also some romance, which is a bonus!
Pen is the daughter of a man that owns an authentic Mexican restaurant - a restaurant known for hiring just about anybody to give them a chance. It's also become sort of a pseudo-sanctuary, or safe place, for the neighborhood to go to get away from the drugs and crime.
The life these kids lead in this contemporary YA novel is not easy, it's a harsh reality to read, knowing that some kids out there in this country face similar demons. I was blown away with how well this story was written, and how diverse the cast of characters was. I completely got tied up in it. It was also great to see mental health play a part - depression and anxiety, and I liked how the author touched on these subjects with such care. It was beautifully done.
The romance was sweet, young love - what you would expect from a YA novel, but the lifestyle that these kids live is what made this book so dynamic. Such a fabulous read.
Pen is the daughter of a man that owns an authentic Mexican restaurant - a restaurant known for hiring just about anybody to give them a chance. It's also become sort of a pseudo-sanctuary, or safe place, for the neighborhood to go to get away from the drugs and crime.
The life these kids lead in this contemporary YA novel is not easy, it's a harsh reality to read, knowing that some kids out there in this country face similar demons. I was blown away with how well this story was written, and how diverse the cast of characters was. I completely got tied up in it. It was also great to see mental health play a part - depression and anxiety, and I liked how the author touched on these subjects with such care. It was beautifully done.
The romance was sweet, young love - what you would expect from a YA novel, but the lifestyle that these kids live is what made this book so dynamic. Such a fabulous read.
November 6, 2017
I was lucky enough to read a review copy of this wonderful and important dual POV novel, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Told in alternating chapters, Pen Prado is a girl who just wants to create kitchen masterpieces and one day take over Nacho's Tacos, her father's restaurant, while Xander Amaro is a Dreamer and ex-gang member who's given a shot at starting over with a job at the restaurant. With Pen's father and Xander's ex-boss standing in their paths to happiness, both Pen and Xander need to fight to make themselves heard and get themselves where they need to be.
I could talk for hours about the beautiful, lyrical writing, the mouthwatering descriptions of Pen's dishes and the plot that kept me turning pages late into the night, but I'll leave that for the next reader to discover!
With immigration and the threat of deportation one of the central themes, Pen & Xander is a timely, at times heartbreaking, and important novel.
I could talk for hours about the beautiful, lyrical writing, the mouthwatering descriptions of Pen's dishes and the plot that kept me turning pages late into the night, but I'll leave that for the next reader to discover!
With immigration and the threat of deportation one of the central themes, Pen & Xander is a timely, at times heartbreaking, and important novel.
January 7, 2018
I received a free eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"What if the only difference between being ready and not being ready is a decision?"
If you get into Pen & Xander thinking this is just a cute little love story, you're in for a (good) surprise.
Yes, this book contains a great romance, but it's about so much more than that - mental health, fear, dreams, and most of all, home and family.
The characters are amazingly diverse, their relationships are complicated and beautiful and the portrayal of depression is pretty spot-on. There is not one thing I can think of that I didn't like about this book.
I will definitely check out the rest of Laeken Zea Kemp's work.
"What if the only difference between being ready and not being ready is a decision?"
If you get into Pen & Xander thinking this is just a cute little love story, you're in for a (good) surprise.
Yes, this book contains a great romance, but it's about so much more than that - mental health, fear, dreams, and most of all, home and family.
The characters are amazingly diverse, their relationships are complicated and beautiful and the portrayal of depression is pretty spot-on. There is not one thing I can think of that I didn't like about this book.
I will definitely check out the rest of Laeken Zea Kemp's work.
January 1, 2019
Wonder-full
You might think this is a love story, but it's much more than that. You could think this is a story about a Mexican restaurant and the people who work there, but it's much more than that, too. This novel is about family, friends who become close enough to be family, second chances, love and fear and risks, and fighting for your dreams. I give it a 4.5.
You might think this is a love story, but it's much more than that. You could think this is a story about a Mexican restaurant and the people who work there, but it's much more than that, too. This novel is about family, friends who become close enough to be family, second chances, love and fear and risks, and fighting for your dreams. I give it a 4.5.
December 11, 2017
Fantastic!
Such a fantastic book. A great story adressing social issues. I loved every minute and page! The most satisfying book i have read in a while.
Such a fantastic book. A great story adressing social issues. I loved every minute and page! The most satisfying book i have read in a while.
May 28, 2019
So good. I am never disappointed by this author. I loved it all: the characters, the plot, the writing!
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