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Just Shelby
A secret note square found in a handmade guitar proves that small town gossip is not only ubiquitous but occasionally true. This gossip comes with strings rivaling those on Ace Cooper’s guitar, the safest strings he will ever have around his heart.
Ace’s father warns him to stay away from the Lynn girl. Daughter of a deceased bootlegger and a barely living addict, Shelby Lynn is no stranger to small town contempt. She keeps her nose in the books and feet to the ground, a college scholarship the only escape from her tumultuous life.
As Ace’s heartstrings unravel, so does his family’s role in Shelby’s broken past. Thrust into a precarious journey of their roots brimming with music and betrayal, the two have never been closer…to the truth of how Shelby’s father died. One truth transforms every facet of their lives forever.
A dual POV friends-to-first-love story, Just Shelby is an unsuspecting mystery that depicts how growing together can sometimes hurt worse than growing apart.
Ace’s father warns him to stay away from the Lynn girl. Daughter of a deceased bootlegger and a barely living addict, Shelby Lynn is no stranger to small town contempt. She keeps her nose in the books and feet to the ground, a college scholarship the only escape from her tumultuous life.
As Ace’s heartstrings unravel, so does his family’s role in Shelby’s broken past. Thrust into a precarious journey of their roots brimming with music and betrayal, the two have never been closer…to the truth of how Shelby’s father died. One truth transforms every facet of their lives forever.
A dual POV friends-to-first-love story, Just Shelby is an unsuspecting mystery that depicts how growing together can sometimes hurt worse than growing apart.
290 pages, ebook
First published October 27, 2020
About the author
Brooklyn James
11 books227 followersWife, mother, author, singer-songwriter, daydreamer, night-thinker!
Brooklyn's first novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me, has an original music soundtrack, making for a unique Audible experience. Out of Boots grew a platform where it was her honor to serve as a guest speaker with a focus on awareness and prevention of domestic violence and suicide.
She holds an M.A. in Communication, and a B.S. in both Nursing and Animal Science.
www.brooklyn-james.com
@brooklynjamesauthor
Brooklyn's first novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me, has an original music soundtrack, making for a unique Audible experience. Out of Boots grew a platform where it was her honor to serve as a guest speaker with a focus on awareness and prevention of domestic violence and suicide.
She holds an M.A. in Communication, and a B.S. in both Nursing and Animal Science.
www.brooklyn-james.com
@brooklynjamesauthor
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 6, 2020
“It’s easier for people to reject those who live, think, and behave differently than it is to try and understand, question the assumptions on which they have built their own lives. It doesn’t help that the definition of ‘different’ varies by location and culture and community.”
We fell in love with Brooklyn James’s writing when we read The Boots My Mother Gave Me back in 2012. Her writing is flawless and ensures that you experience the characters’ stories as well as making you feel the words and see the scenery before you. Just Shelby is a complex friends to lover’s small-town romance which has a sense of deep-rooted foreboding and heartbreak. It immediately gripped us and we felt for the characters who are struggling with family rifts, poverty, buried secrets and small-town menacing gossip. Ace and Shelby stole our hearts early on in this YA romance.
“Don’t say it,” I whisper back. Those fucking strings tightening and just like a song, all they need are the right words before I lose myself to them. “I want you, Ace.” Yep. She said it, so innocent, so trusting. And I’m gone. There is no coming back from this.
First love is always one of the most remarkable of loves, they’re the ones we never forget, the newness of romantic love and the heightened feelings. Whilst Ace and Shelby experience young love, they experience it with ‘old souls’. Their childhoods marked by trauma and struggle – having to grow up before their time. Theirs is no ordinary love, rather it is kismet. The beauty of their entwined path from birth was unique and quite frankly one of the most heartfelt romances we’ve read in a while. It was truly the most wonderful thing about this book. In a story that felt at times extremely hopeless with its sombre undertones and a grim snapshot of life. Rock & Roll, suspense, and darkness, Just Shelby had it all!
‘Picture, love letters, sheets we slept in. Soaked in better days, saltwater, and gin. It was here forever, now it’s gone. Nothing left worth keeping, stand back and throw it on. Bonfire and whiskey, going out the way it came. We never looked better, baby, going up in flames.’
You can absolutely tell that Brooklyn James is a lyrical poet at heart. Her musings are intricately woven into a tapestry of realism and fiction. The story of Ace and Shelby was so deeply fleshed out, as were they as characters, that despite it starting as a steady beat, the middle of the book slowed considerably losing its momentum, before hitting a fast-paced crescendo of dramatic revelations and heart-breaking twists. We almost wished the latter part had come sooner as the rollercoaster went too quickly at the end. And that’s the best bit when you’re hooked on a ride! Despite this, we fell in book love and once again Brooklyn James proved that when she has a story to tell, she tells it from the heart.
“Connected to each other, you breathed and Shelby’s heart beat…”
Available to purchase below
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Amazon UK
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October 31, 2020
A few years back I read Brooklyn's debut novel at that stage "The Boots My Mother Gave Me" and enjoyed it and when I saw the cover of the book "Just Shelby". I knew I wanted to read it as the cover drew me in and at that stage, I hadn't fully connected that the authors of the books were the same, that came a bit later in conversation. The book Just Shelby starts with Shelby and Ace who are neighbors and best friends living in a small town which is part of the Appalachians. Shelby has always felt that she is better than the town and can't wait to escape as this town killed her father and got her mother hooked on drugs and it is also going to have everyone she loves have their lives ruined. Shelby is an amazing track star and her best friend Ace Cooper is an amazing musician but like her, if he isn't lucky he will be stuck in the town working in the mines like his previous four generations of men. The book has Ace discovering an old band called "Bootleg" which featured Shelby's parents and a friend. The friend ended up making it big and in a new band called Contra Band and soon the pair will track down parts of the band's equipment and in doing so uncover dangerous secrets that surround both Shelby and Ace's conceptions, the day they were born and how all their sets of parents are connected which will then unfold some dangerous truths that the town has tried to hide. I have to admit the book started good, but near the end, it started having a bit too many tangents for my liking and in the end felt like a jumbled mess and left me feeling confused as I finished the book. Overall, I have a bag of mixed feelings about Just Shelby by Brooklyn James which puts this review as a borderline 3 star.
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September 10, 2020ARCs can be requested here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
November 5, 2020
“It’s easier for people to reject those who live, think, and behave differently than it is to try and understand, question the assumptions on which they have built their own lives. It doesn’t help that the definition of ‘different’ varies by location and culture and community.”
We fell in love with Brooklyn James’s writing when we read The Boots My Mother Gave Me back in 2012. Her writing is flawless and ensures that you experience the characters’ stories as well as making you feel the words and see the scenery before you. Just Shelby is a complex friends to lover’s small-town romance which has a sense of deep-rooted foreboding and heartbreak. It immediately gripped us and we felt for the characters who are struggling with family rifts, poverty, buried secrets and small-town menacing gossip. Ace and Shelby stole our hearts early on in this YA romance.
“Don’t say it,” I whisper back. Those fucking strings tightening and just like a song, all they need are the right words before I lose myself to them. “I want you, Ace.” Yep. She said it, so innocent, so trusting. And I’m gone. There is no coming back from this.
First love is always one of the most remarkable of loves, they’re the ones we never forget, the newness of romantic love and the heightened feelings. Whilst Ace and Shelby experience young love, they experience it with ‘old souls’. Their childhoods marked by trauma and struggle – having to grow up before their time. Theirs is no ordinary love, rather it is kismet. The beauty of their entwined path from birth was unique and quite frankly one of the most heartfelt romances we’ve read in a while. It was truly the most wonderful thing about this book. In a story that felt at times extremely hopeless with its sombre undertones and a grim snapshot of life. Rock & Roll, suspense, and darkness, Just Shelby had it all!
‘Picture, love letters, sheets we slept in. Soaked in better days, saltwater, and gin. It was here forever, now it’s gone. Nothing left worth keeping, stand back and throw it on. Bonfire and whiskey, going out the way it came. We never looked better, baby, going up in flames.’
You can absolutely tell that Brooklyn James is a lyrical poet at heart. Her musings are intricately woven into a tapestry of realism and fiction. The story of Ace and Shelby was so deeply fleshed out, as were they as characters, that despite it starting as a steady beat, the middle of the book slowed considerably losing its momentum, before hitting a fast-paced crescendo of dramatic revelations and heart-breaking twists. We almost wished the latter part had come sooner as the rollercoaster went too quickly at the end. And that’s the best bit when you’re hooked on a ride! Despite this, we fell in book love and once again Brooklyn James proved that when she has a story to tell, she tells it from the heart.
“Connected to each other, you breathed and Shelby’s heart beat…”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come and say hi, at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
December 16, 2020
---4.5 Stars---
This book was such a fun, enjoyable, captivating, entertaining, and engaging young adult/coming of age read!!
I was quickly taken with the author’s writing style as she fully grabbed hold of my attention, immersed me into the story line, and not only did I completely lose track of time, but didn’t even notice the dozen or so texts and social media alerts that were buzzing on my phone. Thankfully, none were emergency related lol!!!
This book was so intriguing I could not put it down and read it in just one sitting!!!
I really liked the main characters Shelby and Ace. I loved that Shelby was smart, athletic, bold, sassy, feisty, daring, stubborn, caring, compassionate, responsible, hardworking, considerate, and ambitious. I liked that Ace was strong, handsome, protective, easygoing, carefree, creative, encouraging, warmhearted, and of course, a bit mischievous. I also really enjoyed all the supporting characters as they each brought something special and unique to the story.
I think the author did an amazing job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels! Shelby certainly had not had the easiest life. She was a very believable character and I absolutely felt for her and easily connected with her. Shelby’s mom, Maisy, is definitely not the dream mom every kid hopes for. Maisy is a struggling drug addict that is in and out of rehab with a track record of many setbacks and relapses. Shelby’s father was a bootlegger with his own record who was shot and murdered allegedly over a deal gone wrong. Shelby often avoids sharing these unmentionables, or as she puts it “airing out her dirty laundry.” Further proof, that Shelby is a strong, fierce character that is driven and doesn’t let her family drama bring her down or dictate her future.
This book is told from each of the main character’s POV’s. While every chapter features prominent headers to indicate whether it is Shelby or Ace’s POV, each character felt easily recognizable in the story dialogue as their established character profile and character traits significantly stood out.
I really liked that the author was able to write in a young, popular, playful tone that matched the high school student’s vocabulary, attitude, and mindset.
I really enjoyed the music lyrics and references that are keenly featured throughout the book.
I also enjoyed the handwritten notes that were included over the course of the book. This introduced a cool, new, exciting medium to the book.
I really liked the small gray guitar images that were placed throughout the book. They were super cute and added an extra fun, playful, lighthearted, and entertaining component to the book.
I really liked the mystery elements that were weaved into the story. I enjoyed trying to find out the truth about Shelby’s father’s murder – why he was really killed and who killed him. I love murder mysteries, so this definitely brought on extra excitement for reading this book and solving this case!!
I love that this book takes real-life issues head on and allows the reader to easily connect with the characters and the situations they get into.
This book is truly and appropriately classified as a young adult/coming of age read. This book delves into everything from first kisses, first loves, the birds and the bees, birth control, teen pregnancy, applying for college, touring college campuses, bullying, mean girls, and everything in-between. These are all important topics that need to be addressed and sometimes can be difficult to approach and/or discuss with parents so this book is a great way to get the ball started as a gateway to beginning these conversations.
I was shocked to read that Shelby and Destiny were only making $2.13 an hour plus tips!!! That is insanely low!!! Especially when many parts of the country are almost at $15.00 an hour – well pre-COVID-19. This definitely makes me think twice when I complain about my wages lol. And I am so adding Kentucky to my list of places NOT to move to if wages are that bad lol. Which on another note, made me curious of all the rich and well-off customers of Hot Brown and characters throughout the story. Doesn’t sound like the pay is well there, even with a county rich in coal, so it seemed a bit odd to have so many wealthy residents.
There is one element of this book that I was not particularly fond of. I did not enjoy the paternity story line. I don’t want to give away too much info, no spoilers here. But I will say that I felt it was an unnecessary story line that only added confusion, disconcerting emotions, and disappointing character shortcomings. There was so much going on in this book and this particular plot point just felt flat, inappropriate, and nonessential.
I loved that this book featured a social and charitable platform, Operation UCAN – Uniting Communities Against Narcotics. Even though there is a bit of a scandal and downfall in the story, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a real charity. So, I totally Googled it. Unfortunately, I did not find that organization. Surprisingly though, there is an organization, UCAN – United Community Action Network that is a few counties over and its mission is: “Creating solutions to poverty, improving lives in our community.” I am very active with several non-profits in my community and am always looking for new charities to partner with. I will definitely have to further look into the nearby UCAN and I am very interested in finding an organization with similar principals to the fictional UCAN from the book to work with.
I am still not sure about my final thoughts of the ending. It certainly did not end the way that I expected. Perhaps that is a positive as it was unpredictable. I really enjoy HEA’s, especially if the book hits in the romance genre, even though I know that is not always real life. This book is definitely about the more realistic, practical, and reasonable side of life which is probably why it ended the way it did and why the author chose not to make it a sappy, mushy ending. Furthermore, I do feel that the author was able to tie up most of the loose ends and answer any remaining unanswered questions which allowed the ending to feel more cohesive and provide the reader with a deeper, meaningful closure.
This book has a creative story line, evenly paced plot points, intriguing mystery elements, detailed scenes, relatable and well-developed characters, important and useful coming of age life lessons, and keeps you fully engaged through the last page!!
This book does have quite a few predictable scenes. However, there are still some surprising, unexpected twists and turns that you won't see coming!
Currently, this book is not listed to be part of a book series. This book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all young adult readers, coming of age readers, romance readers, and romance with a dash of mystery fans will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**
This book was such a fun, enjoyable, captivating, entertaining, and engaging young adult/coming of age read!!
I was quickly taken with the author’s writing style as she fully grabbed hold of my attention, immersed me into the story line, and not only did I completely lose track of time, but didn’t even notice the dozen or so texts and social media alerts that were buzzing on my phone. Thankfully, none were emergency related lol!!!
This book was so intriguing I could not put it down and read it in just one sitting!!!
I really liked the main characters Shelby and Ace. I loved that Shelby was smart, athletic, bold, sassy, feisty, daring, stubborn, caring, compassionate, responsible, hardworking, considerate, and ambitious. I liked that Ace was strong, handsome, protective, easygoing, carefree, creative, encouraging, warmhearted, and of course, a bit mischievous. I also really enjoyed all the supporting characters as they each brought something special and unique to the story.
I think the author did an amazing job on her character development as these characters were so real and personal on many levels! Shelby certainly had not had the easiest life. She was a very believable character and I absolutely felt for her and easily connected with her. Shelby’s mom, Maisy, is definitely not the dream mom every kid hopes for. Maisy is a struggling drug addict that is in and out of rehab with a track record of many setbacks and relapses. Shelby’s father was a bootlegger with his own record who was shot and murdered allegedly over a deal gone wrong. Shelby often avoids sharing these unmentionables, or as she puts it “airing out her dirty laundry.” Further proof, that Shelby is a strong, fierce character that is driven and doesn’t let her family drama bring her down or dictate her future.
This book is told from each of the main character’s POV’s. While every chapter features prominent headers to indicate whether it is Shelby or Ace’s POV, each character felt easily recognizable in the story dialogue as their established character profile and character traits significantly stood out.
I really liked that the author was able to write in a young, popular, playful tone that matched the high school student’s vocabulary, attitude, and mindset.
I really enjoyed the music lyrics and references that are keenly featured throughout the book.
I also enjoyed the handwritten notes that were included over the course of the book. This introduced a cool, new, exciting medium to the book.
I really liked the small gray guitar images that were placed throughout the book. They were super cute and added an extra fun, playful, lighthearted, and entertaining component to the book.
I really liked the mystery elements that were weaved into the story. I enjoyed trying to find out the truth about Shelby’s father’s murder – why he was really killed and who killed him. I love murder mysteries, so this definitely brought on extra excitement for reading this book and solving this case!!
I love that this book takes real-life issues head on and allows the reader to easily connect with the characters and the situations they get into.
This book is truly and appropriately classified as a young adult/coming of age read. This book delves into everything from first kisses, first loves, the birds and the bees, birth control, teen pregnancy, applying for college, touring college campuses, bullying, mean girls, and everything in-between. These are all important topics that need to be addressed and sometimes can be difficult to approach and/or discuss with parents so this book is a great way to get the ball started as a gateway to beginning these conversations.
I was shocked to read that Shelby and Destiny were only making $2.13 an hour plus tips!!! That is insanely low!!! Especially when many parts of the country are almost at $15.00 an hour – well pre-COVID-19. This definitely makes me think twice when I complain about my wages lol. And I am so adding Kentucky to my list of places NOT to move to if wages are that bad lol. Which on another note, made me curious of all the rich and well-off customers of Hot Brown and characters throughout the story. Doesn’t sound like the pay is well there, even with a county rich in coal, so it seemed a bit odd to have so many wealthy residents.
There is one element of this book that I was not particularly fond of. I did not enjoy the paternity story line. I don’t want to give away too much info, no spoilers here. But I will say that I felt it was an unnecessary story line that only added confusion, disconcerting emotions, and disappointing character shortcomings. There was so much going on in this book and this particular plot point just felt flat, inappropriate, and nonessential.
I loved that this book featured a social and charitable platform, Operation UCAN – Uniting Communities Against Narcotics. Even though there is a bit of a scandal and downfall in the story, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a real charity. So, I totally Googled it. Unfortunately, I did not find that organization. Surprisingly though, there is an organization, UCAN – United Community Action Network that is a few counties over and its mission is: “Creating solutions to poverty, improving lives in our community.” I am very active with several non-profits in my community and am always looking for new charities to partner with. I will definitely have to further look into the nearby UCAN and I am very interested in finding an organization with similar principals to the fictional UCAN from the book to work with.
I am still not sure about my final thoughts of the ending. It certainly did not end the way that I expected. Perhaps that is a positive as it was unpredictable. I really enjoy HEA’s, especially if the book hits in the romance genre, even though I know that is not always real life. This book is definitely about the more realistic, practical, and reasonable side of life which is probably why it ended the way it did and why the author chose not to make it a sappy, mushy ending. Furthermore, I do feel that the author was able to tie up most of the loose ends and answer any remaining unanswered questions which allowed the ending to feel more cohesive and provide the reader with a deeper, meaningful closure.
This book has a creative story line, evenly paced plot points, intriguing mystery elements, detailed scenes, relatable and well-developed characters, important and useful coming of age life lessons, and keeps you fully engaged through the last page!!
This book does have quite a few predictable scenes. However, there are still some surprising, unexpected twists and turns that you won't see coming!
Currently, this book is not listed to be part of a book series. This book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all young adult readers, coming of age readers, romance readers, and romance with a dash of mystery fans will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**
October 20, 2020
Brooklyn James not only challenges herself as a storyteller in her newest release, Just Shelby (2020), but she challenges her readers with a writing style that reveals a mysterious plot of whodunnit at the end.
Just Shelby may not be everyone’s flavor of a read in 2020 while we’re pausing in the quarantine life as it is a slower read told with dual perspectives; however, slow doesn’t equate to poor art; it’s a matter of taste and delight. The hurry-up-and-get-there type may be looking for a whodunnit murder mystery to be upfront in your face with a character reveal like Game of Thrones (2011-2019) with relentless jousting and jolting with no hesitation to kill the main character in Act 1 Scene 1 of an Emmy Award-Winning television series.
Just Shelby is more like the Emmy Award-Winning television series, Breaking Bad (2008-2013), taking a slower pace to really nail down the details that it might take a reader more than a minute to gain momentum in the storyline, but the surprise ending makes me appreciate the intricacies of the space utilized in character development and plot setting.
At its core, Just Shelby is a love story of twists and turns and chasing dreams. A guitar in one hand and a boy in the other. Young love lingers yet it aches from the battered bruises. Childhood. I have yet to meet that person who isn’t unhurt from their introduction into existence. Outrunning your childhood without forgiving the very people that placed you on earth in the first place is impossible. Just Shelby proves that forgiveness is essential to living with one another in order to love ourselves so that we can invite room in our hearts to love someone else.
Brooklyn James’ deft ability to tell a story from dual perspectives while keeping the plot intact is in the same ballpark as Jodi Picoult’s, My Sister’s Keeper (2004) with more plot ambition that satiates a mature pallet. The reader keeps reading because she’s being pushed in a direction of resolve. Then...Bam. The next thing I know is that the wrong sister died, and I’m left teary-eyed in sheer disappointment with a sneering gut reaction screaming NOOOOO as I throw the book across the room. Now that’s a reaction. A product of wonderful storytelling. Just Shelby is that. A product of wonderful storytelling. Stick with the read because the investment is worth the reaction while pausing in quarantine bliss.
Just Shelby may not be everyone’s flavor of a read in 2020 while we’re pausing in the quarantine life as it is a slower read told with dual perspectives; however, slow doesn’t equate to poor art; it’s a matter of taste and delight. The hurry-up-and-get-there type may be looking for a whodunnit murder mystery to be upfront in your face with a character reveal like Game of Thrones (2011-2019) with relentless jousting and jolting with no hesitation to kill the main character in Act 1 Scene 1 of an Emmy Award-Winning television series.
Just Shelby is more like the Emmy Award-Winning television series, Breaking Bad (2008-2013), taking a slower pace to really nail down the details that it might take a reader more than a minute to gain momentum in the storyline, but the surprise ending makes me appreciate the intricacies of the space utilized in character development and plot setting.
At its core, Just Shelby is a love story of twists and turns and chasing dreams. A guitar in one hand and a boy in the other. Young love lingers yet it aches from the battered bruises. Childhood. I have yet to meet that person who isn’t unhurt from their introduction into existence. Outrunning your childhood without forgiving the very people that placed you on earth in the first place is impossible. Just Shelby proves that forgiveness is essential to living with one another in order to love ourselves so that we can invite room in our hearts to love someone else.
Brooklyn James’ deft ability to tell a story from dual perspectives while keeping the plot intact is in the same ballpark as Jodi Picoult’s, My Sister’s Keeper (2004) with more plot ambition that satiates a mature pallet. The reader keeps reading because she’s being pushed in a direction of resolve. Then...Bam. The next thing I know is that the wrong sister died, and I’m left teary-eyed in sheer disappointment with a sneering gut reaction screaming NOOOOO as I throw the book across the room. Now that’s a reaction. A product of wonderful storytelling. Just Shelby is that. A product of wonderful storytelling. Stick with the read because the investment is worth the reaction while pausing in quarantine bliss.
November 17, 2020
Just Shelby is a young adult, coming of age tale that takes the reader on an emotional journey.
Shelby Lynn is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is the daughter of a deceased bootlegger father and a drug addict mother. She faces challenges that most people struggle with - peer pressure, small-town gossip and job prospects that are rather lacking. However, she has plans, big ones, to get a running scholarship and go to college so that she can escape from the judgement of the townsfolk. Her one saving grace is her friendship with Ace.
Ace Cooper is a fantastic character. I loved him too. He works in the mine with his father, but would much rather play music. When an opportunity to own a guitar belonging to one of the members of a band that once lived in the town appears, Ace takes it, little realising the secrets the guitar holds.
I enjoy a story where the protagonist grows, and this story both of them do. I love the chemistry these two have. Not fiery passion, but love that grew from a shared history, including the sole incubator (which they called the box) in the hospital when they were born on the same day. It came as no surprise to me that I fell in love with these two. They are the boy and girl next door, with family issues and day to day worries.
I knew going in that this book would take me on an emotional roller coaster, as I've previously read a few other books by this author. My only regret is that the book ended. The difficulty is trying to write a review without giving too much away, though I want to know more about what happened to Shelby and Ace, and whether they managed to find the happiness they wanted with their chosen paths. However, I can say that this story is incredibly touching, with surprising twists that had me gasping in shock, laughing and or crying, depending on the situation. The mystery surrounding the death of Shelby's father is revealed, and the culprit is a surprise.
Brooklyn James has written a story that touched me deeply. I love her fast-paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. I am now looking forward to reading more of her books as soon as I can.
Due to the mention of drug abuse, I do not recommend this book to younger readers under 13, or those of a sensitive nature due to triggering. However, I highly recommend this book if you love older YA, Coming of Age and Romance genres. - Lynn Worton
Shelby Lynn is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is the daughter of a deceased bootlegger father and a drug addict mother. She faces challenges that most people struggle with - peer pressure, small-town gossip and job prospects that are rather lacking. However, she has plans, big ones, to get a running scholarship and go to college so that she can escape from the judgement of the townsfolk. Her one saving grace is her friendship with Ace.
Ace Cooper is a fantastic character. I loved him too. He works in the mine with his father, but would much rather play music. When an opportunity to own a guitar belonging to one of the members of a band that once lived in the town appears, Ace takes it, little realising the secrets the guitar holds.
I enjoy a story where the protagonist grows, and this story both of them do. I love the chemistry these two have. Not fiery passion, but love that grew from a shared history, including the sole incubator (which they called the box) in the hospital when they were born on the same day. It came as no surprise to me that I fell in love with these two. They are the boy and girl next door, with family issues and day to day worries.
I knew going in that this book would take me on an emotional roller coaster, as I've previously read a few other books by this author. My only regret is that the book ended. The difficulty is trying to write a review without giving too much away, though I want to know more about what happened to Shelby and Ace, and whether they managed to find the happiness they wanted with their chosen paths. However, I can say that this story is incredibly touching, with surprising twists that had me gasping in shock, laughing and or crying, depending on the situation. The mystery surrounding the death of Shelby's father is revealed, and the culprit is a surprise.
Brooklyn James has written a story that touched me deeply. I love her fast-paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. I am now looking forward to reading more of her books as soon as I can.
Due to the mention of drug abuse, I do not recommend this book to younger readers under 13, or those of a sensitive nature due to triggering. However, I highly recommend this book if you love older YA, Coming of Age and Romance genres. - Lynn Worton
January 3, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the first book to hold my attention in a while. Part of that is that I have been sick. But really, it's because this was an intriguing story. I was drawn to Shelby from the get-go and her desire to get out of Appalachia and do something different with her life, escape from her difficult home life. But then we also started to get to know Ace and how their histories were so deeply entwined from the very beginning. Life choices were made about them and all around them that shaped who they are and what their destinies are supposed to be. The more they unravel the truth, though, they find that their destinies are actually something different than they had ever imagined.
The story of these two friends who fall for each other has plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing as everyone is trying to sort out the truth. And just like the characters, I was unsure about which direction I wanted some of it to go.
There's a lot being said about the power of friends and family, and those friends who are actually your family. Is blood really thicker than water? Can you really change your perceived destiny in life and do something different? Can you learn to trust and to love again, even after betrayal throughout your life? Can you really start over? And are people always the way they seem? Can't someone change?
So much was happening in this book and the two characters had so much growth. They're so good together and learn so much. And then of course, there is the power of music. I wish my exhausted brain could better articulate all of my thoughts right now. But this is a story that is going to stick with me and one I will be quick to recommend to others to pick up and read.
Thank you to the author and to Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book to hold my attention in a while. Part of that is that I have been sick. But really, it's because this was an intriguing story. I was drawn to Shelby from the get-go and her desire to get out of Appalachia and do something different with her life, escape from her difficult home life. But then we also started to get to know Ace and how their histories were so deeply entwined from the very beginning. Life choices were made about them and all around them that shaped who they are and what their destinies are supposed to be. The more they unravel the truth, though, they find that their destinies are actually something different than they had ever imagined.
The story of these two friends who fall for each other has plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing as everyone is trying to sort out the truth. And just like the characters, I was unsure about which direction I wanted some of it to go.
There's a lot being said about the power of friends and family, and those friends who are actually your family. Is blood really thicker than water? Can you really change your perceived destiny in life and do something different? Can you learn to trust and to love again, even after betrayal throughout your life? Can you really start over? And are people always the way they seem? Can't someone change?
So much was happening in this book and the two characters had so much growth. They're so good together and learn so much. And then of course, there is the power of music. I wish my exhausted brain could better articulate all of my thoughts right now. But this is a story that is going to stick with me and one I will be quick to recommend to others to pick up and read.
Thank you to the author and to Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2020
Shelby has always wanted to get out of the small town she lives in. She works hard at school and is hoping to score a scholarship to a prestigious college. She might have been able to achieve it but with her mother being in and out of rehab, Shelby doesn’t know if she will ever be able to leave this town.
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Ace knows he can never get out of this place. Mining being the most successful profession in Appalachia along with his family being a generation of miners, his dad wants him to carry in his footsteps. He has accepted this fate and was content being a miner until he falls for Shelby, his next door neighbour with whom he might have a deeper connection than he thought he had.
.
This was a roller coaster ride of emotions! Shelby went through so much. Her mother being a drug addict and her father who was killed left her with only a grandpa who tried his best but couldn’t fill the role of the parents she desperately needed. Shelby was self dependent, confidant, smart and caring. She cared for her mum despite her not being there for her. She saved money to support herself.
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I liked the storyline, the links between Shelby and Ace and their families, the connection to music and it’s part in Shelby’s life. The way the details about the town, the band and instruments as well as the music all created a well defined picture. The writing could have been better as at times I was weary of continuing and felt I didn’t connect to the characters enough. While there was enough chemistry between Shelby and Ace, there story felt rushed and a case of instant love.
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Overall an entertaining read with some vivid characters and creative storyline.
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Ace knows he can never get out of this place. Mining being the most successful profession in Appalachia along with his family being a generation of miners, his dad wants him to carry in his footsteps. He has accepted this fate and was content being a miner until he falls for Shelby, his next door neighbour with whom he might have a deeper connection than he thought he had.
.
This was a roller coaster ride of emotions! Shelby went through so much. Her mother being a drug addict and her father who was killed left her with only a grandpa who tried his best but couldn’t fill the role of the parents she desperately needed. Shelby was self dependent, confidant, smart and caring. She cared for her mum despite her not being there for her. She saved money to support herself.
.
I liked the storyline, the links between Shelby and Ace and their families, the connection to music and it’s part in Shelby’s life. The way the details about the town, the band and instruments as well as the music all created a well defined picture. The writing could have been better as at times I was weary of continuing and felt I didn’t connect to the characters enough. While there was enough chemistry between Shelby and Ace, there story felt rushed and a case of instant love.
.
Overall an entertaining read with some vivid characters and creative storyline.
October 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, and I thought it was quite different than most other books I've read this year. The main characters had spunk and chemistry that was unmatched, the plot was something I've never read before, and the ending felt perfect for the story. Just Shelby is a romance of ups and downs and day dreams. A love for music and a love for a boy. Young love and trauma is written very strongly in this book.
Overall, I think this is a great Taylor Swift-esque book, my only problem would be how slow the pacing felt. However, I think how much I loved the characters makes up for that.
You can read my full blog post here: https://abbottcantwrite.wordpress.com...
Overall, I think this is a great Taylor Swift-esque book, my only problem would be how slow the pacing felt. However, I think how much I loved the characters makes up for that.
You can read my full blog post here: https://abbottcantwrite.wordpress.com...
November 4, 2020
Oh I love Brooklyn James! Her books are so full of heart and music and they just sweep you away!
Shelby, Ace and their families are so engaging and captivating that I instantly warmed to them. I wanted the best for all of them, I wanted to know more. I wanted the story to unfold a certain way and I wasn't disappointed. This story is dramatic, sweet, sad, funny and romantic. It's heartbreaking in parts, uplifting in others. Just beautiful!
Brooklyn has a way of storytelling that is uniquely hers. The settings and language she uses are perfect and her characters are so believable. It all just leaps off the page and transforms into a movie in front of your eyes. It's truly incredible.
Thank you for another gorgeous story, Brooklyn!!
Shelby, Ace and their families are so engaging and captivating that I instantly warmed to them. I wanted the best for all of them, I wanted to know more. I wanted the story to unfold a certain way and I wasn't disappointed. This story is dramatic, sweet, sad, funny and romantic. It's heartbreaking in parts, uplifting in others. Just beautiful!
Brooklyn has a way of storytelling that is uniquely hers. The settings and language she uses are perfect and her characters are so believable. It all just leaps off the page and transforms into a movie in front of your eyes. It's truly incredible.
Thank you for another gorgeous story, Brooklyn!!
December 13, 2020
This is the first book I have read, by James. I saw the cover and liked the look, and then the blurb pulled me in, as Love with a little mystery sounded like just what I needed. I must say it is a good read.
The characters are good, with a decent level of detail and background, a lot of which you discover along the way, the same time as they do. They have great personalities and really make getting to know them fun.
The pace was good and the flow of the story went decently well. I found the first 3/4 flowed really nicely and then the last quarter seemed to take in a lot of different pieces, making the flow a bit tricky. Even still, it was enjoyable and I really liked the overall storyline.
This is definitely a good read and one I recommend.
The characters are good, with a decent level of detail and background, a lot of which you discover along the way, the same time as they do. They have great personalities and really make getting to know them fun.
The pace was good and the flow of the story went decently well. I found the first 3/4 flowed really nicely and then the last quarter seemed to take in a lot of different pieces, making the flow a bit tricky. Even still, it was enjoyable and I really liked the overall storyline.
This is definitely a good read and one I recommend.
November 23, 2020
3 1/2 stars for me. I felt the story lagged a bit too much throughout. Shelby and Ace did care about each other despite their different circumstances and families. I felt for Shelby's pain, enjoyed her strength, but it got to be a little too much. Ace was a mix of good and bad for me, and it took a bit for me to care about him. As things came to a head, there were some genuine emotional moments. I am sure that others will enjoy this story, so take the time to check it out.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
December 7, 2020
Author Brooklyn James wrote that Just Shelby is “an unsuspecting mystery that depicts how growing together can sometimes hurt worse than growing apart.” Since reading her debut, coming-of-age novel, The Boots My Mother Gave Me, I have enjoyed reading all of her books because of the way she develops her characters throughout their storyline. Her latest hit home because it makes you think about how your actions, and the subsequent reactions, will continue to affect you long after the event.
October 26, 2020
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
While it was a fine story, it wasn’t amazing. A bit slow for my liking but that made the story incredibly deep. The characters were fun to read about and really brought my emotions out.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
While it was a fine story, it wasn’t amazing. A bit slow for my liking but that made the story incredibly deep. The characters were fun to read about and really brought my emotions out.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
April 23, 2021
"This book was intriguing I could not put it down and read it in just one sitting!" —fabulousandbrunetteblogspot.com
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