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Chasing Fireflies
Everything happens for a reason.
Rainey Collins has heard this a thousand times, but when it comes to her sister Maverick, who was born with a serious heart defect, the reason has always been a mystery. The idea of a future without her sister terrifies Rainey so much, she hasn’t even thought about life after high school. However, on the first day of senior year, Rainey winds up sitting next to Liam Hayes, a rumored delinquent with a dangerously dysfunctional family. Convinced that people shouldn’t be judged by their relatives, or by the price tag on their clothes, Rainey slowly begins to breach Liam’s defenses, and finds herself wondering if some dreams—and some futures—are worth the risk.
Rainey Collins has heard this a thousand times, but when it comes to her sister Maverick, who was born with a serious heart defect, the reason has always been a mystery. The idea of a future without her sister terrifies Rainey so much, she hasn’t even thought about life after high school. However, on the first day of senior year, Rainey winds up sitting next to Liam Hayes, a rumored delinquent with a dangerously dysfunctional family. Convinced that people shouldn’t be judged by their relatives, or by the price tag on their clothes, Rainey slowly begins to breach Liam’s defenses, and finds herself wondering if some dreams—and some futures—are worth the risk.
- GenresYoung Adult
Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 12, 2021
What a very sad story.
Liam's eloquent grief at the end of this novel just about broke my heart; however, I didn't shed any tears because I would get distracted by the weighty dialogue and Liam's repeated quotations from Moby Dick (with one reference to C.S. Lewis, comparing grief to fear.) Whenever I've been grief-stricken after a loved one's passing, my mind was pretty much a directionless blob of incoherent heartbreak. (These passages came across as contrived and as a showcase to the author's stellar reading habits.)
In many instances, this novel brought to mind Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. Admittedly, a fair amount of the plot line is different: Rainey doesn't have to donate blood or bone marrow to her young sister. Rainey even prays to all the gods in the heavens to allow her sister to grow old and live life fully. (Unfortunately, those gods decided to grant Rainey's wish - at a horrific price.)
The author writes well, but sections of this novel - especially the dialogue - made me feel like I was reading a Regency novel. Rainey loves Jane Austen's novels, but why did Rainey have to speak like a Regency heroine? "Would you be so kind as to...."
Seriously!?!
Liam also used plenty of "fifty cent words" that in anyone else would have made him appear conceited. Rainey often didn't know the meaning of many of the words that Liam would use in everyday conversation with her - - "disconsonant" being a prime example. I don't think the author realizes how distancing, not to mention disconcerting, it can be to use vocabulary that is above an average audience's level. (I, too, had a love affair with my dictionary when I was a teen and even I had to look up that last word: it sounded odd and seemed so out of context in Liam's sentence.)
Your average teenagers don't speak like tragedian actors. Liam was undoubtedly intelligent - I will grant him that - but using "high fallutin" language that is above even many adults' understanding is, as I've said, snobby and alienating. This was the opposite of what most newbie authors do: here, we had too much convoluted showing and not enough telling.
I did predict the tragic conclusion of this novel and I have to say that I found the exact method that the author used to engineer her tragic ending a bit contrived. All of the main characters were left wracked with abysmal guilt for one reason or another. At one point, I had to laugh inappropriately, because I thought: this is straight out of the Looney Tunes cartoon Boyhood Daze. Young Ralph Phillips is sent to his room for breaking a window. Feeling mighty sorry for himself, little Ralph whines indignantly: "I get blamed for everything I do!"
Then he starts daydreaming about how sorry his parents will be when they need him most, but he can't do anything to save them, because he has been grounded. (Watch this short episode on Youtube for yourself and you'll see why I laughed...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8k4J...
This plot felt a bit like this cartoon episode: "NOW everyone will feel sorry that they lavished all their attention on Maverick, with none to spare for Rainey.... Waaaaah!"
There were many fine speeches about grief and guilt in the last few chapters - but they were too pat and and came across as rehearsed. Such long, eloquent speeches are more aptly found in a Shakespearean play.
I also objected to the inappropriate handling of certain violent acts in this story. There is a scene in the beginning of the novel where young Joshua Ramos is taunted by the school's "rich boy bully." Chase taunts Joshua, inviting him to engage in a sexual act with Chase and his gang of bullies behind the bleachers. This is a criminal offense (enticing a minor) but the principal of the school is not advised of this crime and Liam ends up getting detention when he fought off these bullies. (Very stereotypical.)
Later on, Rainey's father, Dr. Collins, makes a statement that there are no wholly evil people, but the author certainly painted herself into a corner when Chase and Carson almost beat Liam to death. Chase's backstory was no excuse for his criminal behaviour: it did not give him a license to vent his fear, rage and frustration on everyone else. I also did not buy Chase's and Carson's reformation at the end of this story. More work needed to be done to show their remorse and their decision to stop their bullying ways. Many of the characters in this novel were similarly stereotypical and one-dimensional.
Summation: I enjoyed many parts of this story: it was a decent debut effort. But there were times when I wondered if this was a YA novel, a Regency romance, or a Shakespearean tragedy, with a bit of Moby Dick thrown in for good measure. I'm rating this 3.5 out of 5, rounded down to a 3 because Liam's character should not have had to resort to using 50 cent words to prove his intelligence. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
You can check out this and many other reviews in my partnered blog: Crossing the Pond Reviews. https://crossingthepond.reviews/2021/...
Liam's eloquent grief at the end of this novel just about broke my heart; however, I didn't shed any tears because I would get distracted by the weighty dialogue and Liam's repeated quotations from Moby Dick (with one reference to C.S. Lewis, comparing grief to fear.) Whenever I've been grief-stricken after a loved one's passing, my mind was pretty much a directionless blob of incoherent heartbreak. (These passages came across as contrived and as a showcase to the author's stellar reading habits.)
In many instances, this novel brought to mind Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. Admittedly, a fair amount of the plot line is different: Rainey doesn't have to donate blood or bone marrow to her young sister. Rainey even prays to all the gods in the heavens to allow her sister to grow old and live life fully. (Unfortunately, those gods decided to grant Rainey's wish - at a horrific price.)
The author writes well, but sections of this novel - especially the dialogue - made me feel like I was reading a Regency novel. Rainey loves Jane Austen's novels, but why did Rainey have to speak like a Regency heroine? "Would you be so kind as to...."
Seriously!?!
Liam also used plenty of "fifty cent words" that in anyone else would have made him appear conceited. Rainey often didn't know the meaning of many of the words that Liam would use in everyday conversation with her - - "disconsonant" being a prime example. I don't think the author realizes how distancing, not to mention disconcerting, it can be to use vocabulary that is above an average audience's level. (I, too, had a love affair with my dictionary when I was a teen and even I had to look up that last word: it sounded odd and seemed so out of context in Liam's sentence.)
Your average teenagers don't speak like tragedian actors. Liam was undoubtedly intelligent - I will grant him that - but using "high fallutin" language that is above even many adults' understanding is, as I've said, snobby and alienating. This was the opposite of what most newbie authors do: here, we had too much convoluted showing and not enough telling.
I did predict the tragic conclusion of this novel and I have to say that I found the exact method that the author used to engineer her tragic ending a bit contrived. All of the main characters were left wracked with abysmal guilt for one reason or another. At one point, I had to laugh inappropriately, because I thought: this is straight out of the Looney Tunes cartoon Boyhood Daze. Young Ralph Phillips is sent to his room for breaking a window. Feeling mighty sorry for himself, little Ralph whines indignantly: "I get blamed for everything I do!"
Then he starts daydreaming about how sorry his parents will be when they need him most, but he can't do anything to save them, because he has been grounded. (Watch this short episode on Youtube for yourself and you'll see why I laughed...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8k4J...
This plot felt a bit like this cartoon episode: "NOW everyone will feel sorry that they lavished all their attention on Maverick, with none to spare for Rainey.... Waaaaah!"
There were many fine speeches about grief and guilt in the last few chapters - but they were too pat and and came across as rehearsed. Such long, eloquent speeches are more aptly found in a Shakespearean play.
I also objected to the inappropriate handling of certain violent acts in this story. There is a scene in the beginning of the novel where young Joshua Ramos is taunted by the school's "rich boy bully." Chase taunts Joshua, inviting him to engage in a sexual act with Chase and his gang of bullies behind the bleachers. This is a criminal offense (enticing a minor) but the principal of the school is not advised of this crime and Liam ends up getting detention when he fought off these bullies. (Very stereotypical.)
Later on, Rainey's father, Dr. Collins, makes a statement that there are no wholly evil people, but the author certainly painted herself into a corner when Chase and Carson almost beat Liam to death. Chase's backstory was no excuse for his criminal behaviour: it did not give him a license to vent his fear, rage and frustration on everyone else. I also did not buy Chase's and Carson's reformation at the end of this story. More work needed to be done to show their remorse and their decision to stop their bullying ways. Many of the characters in this novel were similarly stereotypical and one-dimensional.
Summation: I enjoyed many parts of this story: it was a decent debut effort. But there were times when I wondered if this was a YA novel, a Regency romance, or a Shakespearean tragedy, with a bit of Moby Dick thrown in for good measure. I'm rating this 3.5 out of 5, rounded down to a 3 because Liam's character should not have had to resort to using 50 cent words to prove his intelligence. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
You can check out this and many other reviews in my partnered blog: Crossing the Pond Reviews. https://crossingthepond.reviews/2021/...
October 27, 2021
Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review. Rainey has always felt blessed to have a little sister even if the little sister takes all her parents attention because she has a heart disease that makes her really sick at times. When Rainey meets Liam Hayes she never knew that she would fall so fast in love. All Liam wants to do is keep his Skeltons in closet because of Rainey knew she wouldn't think he was all that great.
I loved this read was a really great book with enjoyable characters.
I loved this read was a really great book with enjoyable characters.
October 8, 2021
Thank you, Netgalley for providing me the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"About the fact that life is coming at us so damn fast? And we're... we're racing towards it with our heads down, and we're so busy running that we won't even notice when it hits us? I wonder what happens to us when it does. I mean, what if the impact completely annihilates us, and we just disappear into dust without even realizing what happened?”
At the beginning, I thought this book was just going to be a YA Romance, with typical teenage characters. But there was a bit more to the story than that. Along with the love story of two teen-agers, it showed the relationship between two sisters and also the problems faced by each character in the story. I really liked all the characters in this story specially the main characters, Rainey and Liam.
Rainey is a sweet and innocent teenage girl, who loves photography. She is afraid of the future as her sister has a serious heart problem.
"I guess I like the idea of capturing time. It never stops. It's always slipping through our fingers. Photography is my way of trying to slow it down."
As for Liam, despite the problems he faced, he was such a generous person.
"But the truth is, no one is wholly good or wholly bad. We all have a bit of both in us, and we all struggle to find our way."
Towards the end, it got a bit predictable, but the ending got me all emotional.
"You might not be able to see it now, but one day, you'll notice that even though it can be painful, life can also be beautiful."
"About the fact that life is coming at us so damn fast? And we're... we're racing towards it with our heads down, and we're so busy running that we won't even notice when it hits us? I wonder what happens to us when it does. I mean, what if the impact completely annihilates us, and we just disappear into dust without even realizing what happened?”
At the beginning, I thought this book was just going to be a YA Romance, with typical teenage characters. But there was a bit more to the story than that. Along with the love story of two teen-agers, it showed the relationship between two sisters and also the problems faced by each character in the story. I really liked all the characters in this story specially the main characters, Rainey and Liam.
Rainey is a sweet and innocent teenage girl, who loves photography. She is afraid of the future as her sister has a serious heart problem.
"I guess I like the idea of capturing time. It never stops. It's always slipping through our fingers. Photography is my way of trying to slow it down."
As for Liam, despite the problems he faced, he was such a generous person.
"But the truth is, no one is wholly good or wholly bad. We all have a bit of both in us, and we all struggle to find our way."
Towards the end, it got a bit predictable, but the ending got me all emotional.
"You might not be able to see it now, but one day, you'll notice that even though it can be painful, life can also be beautiful."
October 10, 2021
Sucky ending
November 8, 2022
“I guess I like the idea of capturing time. It never stops. It’s always slipping through our fingers. Photography is my way of trying to slow it down, you know?”
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read the eArc of “Chasing fireflies”.
This book made me shed a few tears not only because I was sad but also due to happiness. I absolutely loved the realistic side to this story and how it made me emotional.
While reading the first 50 pages, I thought it was going to be a bit of a sappy romance story with the “good girl falls for the guy from the wrong side of the tracks” trope.
I was wrong.
Yes this trope was in the story and it’s still one of my favorite tropes ever but there was more.
This book has the subplot of a love story between two teenagers.
The main plot of this book is rather the relationship between two sisters as well as showing how everyone, even if you don’t know, has their own struggles.
Character wise, I thought that Liam had the best thought out storyline. I really liked how he grew closer to not only Rainey but also Maverick throughout the story.
I did not really enjoy Rainey by herself but her relationships to not only Jo, Liam, Maverick but also Carson showed how she was a very caring, kind and selfless but still quite insecure person.
Plot wise, I thought the middle was the strongest.
Mid-way into the story, the plot thickened and got even better. Her friendship to Jo was tested and her relationship with Liam developed into something I quite enjoyed.
The ending and plot-twist made me shed a few tears. Yes, it was a bit predictable after the original turning point but overall, I thought it rounded off the story in a very good way.
The story wouldn’t have made sense if it hadn’t turned sad at one point, so I am very happy (even though I cried) that this plot twist happened.
I think the book could’ve been a bit longer just to further expand on some of the subplots: Jo’s story, Maverick post surgery as well as Carson’s storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and will probably buy the paperback version when it releases in October.
The story made me emotional because I could relate to some of the problems that Rainey had to deal with and I did really enjoy the full turnout of the plot.
The characters were well written and thought through.
My favorite part was definitely the relationship of the two sister and their entire story revolving around her sister’s illness.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read the eArc of “Chasing fireflies”.
This book made me shed a few tears not only because I was sad but also due to happiness. I absolutely loved the realistic side to this story and how it made me emotional.
While reading the first 50 pages, I thought it was going to be a bit of a sappy romance story with the “good girl falls for the guy from the wrong side of the tracks” trope.
I was wrong.
Yes this trope was in the story and it’s still one of my favorite tropes ever but there was more.
This book has the subplot of a love story between two teenagers.
The main plot of this book is rather the relationship between two sisters as well as showing how everyone, even if you don’t know, has their own struggles.
Character wise, I thought that Liam had the best thought out storyline. I really liked how he grew closer to not only Rainey but also Maverick throughout the story.
I did not really enjoy Rainey by herself but her relationships to not only Jo, Liam, Maverick but also Carson showed how she was a very caring, kind and selfless but still quite insecure person.
Plot wise, I thought the middle was the strongest.
Mid-way into the story, the plot thickened and got even better. Her friendship to Jo was tested and her relationship with Liam developed into something I quite enjoyed.
The ending and plot-twist made me shed a few tears. Yes, it was a bit predictable after the original turning point but overall, I thought it rounded off the story in a very good way.
The story wouldn’t have made sense if it hadn’t turned sad at one point, so I am very happy (even though I cried) that this plot twist happened.
I think the book could’ve been a bit longer just to further expand on some of the subplots: Jo’s story, Maverick post surgery as well as Carson’s storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story and will probably buy the paperback version when it releases in October.
The story made me emotional because I could relate to some of the problems that Rainey had to deal with and I did really enjoy the full turnout of the plot.
The characters were well written and thought through.
My favorite part was definitely the relationship of the two sister and their entire story revolving around her sister’s illness.
October 26, 2021
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t the best either. I feel like if you scrolled through Netflix’s teen romance dramas, you would probably find a lot of movies like Chasing Fireflies. The writing was actually very good and engaging, but as I was reading the book, I was almost having flashbacks of all the books I’ve read and movies I’ve seen that were exactly like the story portrayed here, with only a few tweaks.
I wish I enjoyed this one more, but since I liked the writing so much I look forward to read more from the author in the future.
I received an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Chloe Fowler and Netgalley!
I wish I enjoyed this one more, but since I liked the writing so much I look forward to read more from the author in the future.
I received an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Chloe Fowler and Netgalley!
July 8, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Chasing Fireflies in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't like the narrative style of Chasing Fireflies (in my opinion, a combination of bluntness and excess adverb use made it feel stilted and ruined immersion) which would normally ruin my enjoyment of the book as a whole since narrative beauty of compelling writing is often the thing I seek out in the genre, but the ending got me all emotional anyways so I can't justify not giving this at least 3 stars.
I didn't like the narrative style of Chasing Fireflies (in my opinion, a combination of bluntness and excess adverb use made it feel stilted and ruined immersion) which would normally ruin my enjoyment of the book as a whole since narrative beauty of compelling writing is often the thing I seek out in the genre, but the ending got me all emotional anyways so I can't justify not giving this at least 3 stars.
October 4, 2021
Actual rating: 2.5 Stars.
Before I get into this review, I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a chance to read this cute contemporary romance in exchange for an honest review. Chasing Fireflies follows Rainey and Liam who could not come from more different worlds. She’s the smart, talented student with the doctor parents and the nice house. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks where his intelligence and compassion are seen as negatives. Their worlds collide in first period math class and nothing will ever be the same. Chasing Fireflies comes out on October 25th and is available for preorder now.
The highlight of this story for me comes from the characters. I think Fowler does a good job making all of her characters shine no matter how small they are in the story. I really enjoyed all of them, even Mercy who could be a little of a bitch sometimes. I also loved Rainey’s family and their dynamics. I think the romance was sweet and cute and I enjoyed seeing these characters fall in love.
It’s hard to pin point exactly what was wrong with this novel for me. I think the biggest problem I had was that these characters were constantly suffering. We would see one good moment or day in the story and then everything went to hell in a hand basket. It was way too much for a less than 350 page novel. I read for the most part in order to escape from my own worries or problems. It was to the point where I had to force myself to pick the book up after the first day. It’s just too much drama and sadness and death and accidents. I wouldn’t be surprised if this happened to someone IRL. It would suck but life sucks sometimes. But in fiction it feels forced, over the top, and unnecessary. I felt like the characters had enough to be getting on with without the seriously over the top drama.
In my opinion, this would work as a CW show or a movie, but as a book it was too much and it was something I had to force myself to read. But when I was reading it, the book was easy to get through and I was still rooting for the two main characters.
Before I get into this review, I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a chance to read this cute contemporary romance in exchange for an honest review. Chasing Fireflies follows Rainey and Liam who could not come from more different worlds. She’s the smart, talented student with the doctor parents and the nice house. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks where his intelligence and compassion are seen as negatives. Their worlds collide in first period math class and nothing will ever be the same. Chasing Fireflies comes out on October 25th and is available for preorder now.
The highlight of this story for me comes from the characters. I think Fowler does a good job making all of her characters shine no matter how small they are in the story. I really enjoyed all of them, even Mercy who could be a little of a bitch sometimes. I also loved Rainey’s family and their dynamics. I think the romance was sweet and cute and I enjoyed seeing these characters fall in love.
It’s hard to pin point exactly what was wrong with this novel for me. I think the biggest problem I had was that these characters were constantly suffering. We would see one good moment or day in the story and then everything went to hell in a hand basket. It was way too much for a less than 350 page novel. I read for the most part in order to escape from my own worries or problems. It was to the point where I had to force myself to pick the book up after the first day. It’s just too much drama and sadness and death and accidents. I wouldn’t be surprised if this happened to someone IRL. It would suck but life sucks sometimes. But in fiction it feels forced, over the top, and unnecessary. I felt like the characters had enough to be getting on with without the seriously over the top drama.
In my opinion, this would work as a CW show or a movie, but as a book it was too much and it was something I had to force myself to read. But when I was reading it, the book was easy to get through and I was still rooting for the two main characters.
October 31, 2021
4/5 stars
I kindly received this as a ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review :)
“Im Not sure I can bear it.. I’m afraid. I’m afraid I’ll just crumble into a million little pieces and get blown away by the wind, and all the kings men won’t be able to put me back together again.”
It was quiet for a moment, the enormity of my looming grief pulsing like a living beast, waiting to burst out of my chest.
“If that happens, and you crumble into a million little pieces, I’ll pick up every single one, and I’ll hold you in my hands so you don’t get blown away.” -chasing fireflies page 284
This started out as ‘just another’ love story, just another cute troubled boy and nice, shy girl meet and fate happens. This ended as a story that captured my heart, will stay in my heart forever. A boy named Liam who is literally oh so perfect (but with a troubled life), and of a girl named Rainey who views the world from such extraordinary lenses that I can’t help but relate and love her. Rainey has a sister named Maverick with a heart issue who feels so very real and uniquely herself, and I love her outgoing and sassy attitude, and I feel for how much Rainey loves her. A ‘ordinary’ story that is uniquely its own, with such a twist
I so very wish the ending would have been different, but it was a lovely read, and the writing was good overall!
Follow my Bookstagram @hannahs_rainydayreads !
I kindly received this as a ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review :)
“Im Not sure I can bear it.. I’m afraid. I’m afraid I’ll just crumble into a million little pieces and get blown away by the wind, and all the kings men won’t be able to put me back together again.”
It was quiet for a moment, the enormity of my looming grief pulsing like a living beast, waiting to burst out of my chest.
“If that happens, and you crumble into a million little pieces, I’ll pick up every single one, and I’ll hold you in my hands so you don’t get blown away.” -chasing fireflies page 284
This started out as ‘just another’ love story, just another cute troubled boy and nice, shy girl meet and fate happens. This ended as a story that captured my heart, will stay in my heart forever. A boy named Liam who is literally oh so perfect (but with a troubled life), and of a girl named Rainey who views the world from such extraordinary lenses that I can’t help but relate and love her. Rainey has a sister named Maverick with a heart issue who feels so very real and uniquely herself, and I love her outgoing and sassy attitude, and I feel for how much Rainey loves her. A ‘ordinary’ story that is uniquely its own, with such a twist
I so very wish the ending would have been different, but it was a lovely read, and the writing was good overall!
Follow my Bookstagram @hannahs_rainydayreads !
October 9, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Chloe Fowler for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
Do you hear that? That is the sound of my heart shattering. I absolutely devoured this book in the past 24 hours and then sobbed for 30 minutes as I read the last ~15%, then again for 5 minutes as I explained why I sobbed for 30 minutes to my roommate. Ms. Fowler, you did not need to go so hard and rip my heart out like this - I just wanted a nice YA romance book, you know, the whole overcome triumph and adversity for love type of thing, but no, that is not what this is, at all.
This book follows Rainey and Liam as they endure their own heartaches, trying to make tribulations into triumphs, and turning their suffering into joy, finding love and light in darkness. The worst thing that I can say about this book is that it is just painful; there is really very little joy/bright spots in this book, but that isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes you want a good cry and this book is very realistic of some people's life & suffering. The writing is a bit different from other books that I have read, but I still appreciated the back and forth views between Rainey and Liam. This book reminds me why I was happy to leave high school, but I still wish that everyone had been happy in the end.
This book is a 5/5 for sure, anything that can make me as invested & emotional as this book did deserves nothing less. I don't think I will be able to reread it anytime soon (I don't think my heart can take it) but I am going to keep it in my back pocket for when I need a good cry.
Do you hear that? That is the sound of my heart shattering. I absolutely devoured this book in the past 24 hours and then sobbed for 30 minutes as I read the last ~15%, then again for 5 minutes as I explained why I sobbed for 30 minutes to my roommate. Ms. Fowler, you did not need to go so hard and rip my heart out like this - I just wanted a nice YA romance book, you know, the whole overcome triumph and adversity for love type of thing, but no, that is not what this is, at all.
This book follows Rainey and Liam as they endure their own heartaches, trying to make tribulations into triumphs, and turning their suffering into joy, finding love and light in darkness. The worst thing that I can say about this book is that it is just painful; there is really very little joy/bright spots in this book, but that isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes you want a good cry and this book is very realistic of some people's life & suffering. The writing is a bit different from other books that I have read, but I still appreciated the back and forth views between Rainey and Liam. This book reminds me why I was happy to leave high school, but I still wish that everyone had been happy in the end.
This book is a 5/5 for sure, anything that can make me as invested & emotional as this book did deserves nothing less. I don't think I will be able to reread it anytime soon (I don't think my heart can take it) but I am going to keep it in my back pocket for when I need a good cry.
July 27, 2021
“Do you ever wonder about that? About the fact that life is coming at us so damn fast? And we’re…we’re racing towards it with our heads down, and so we’re so busy running that we won’t even notice when it hits us? I wonder what happens to us when it does. I mean, what if the impact completely annihilates us, and we just disappear into dust without even realizing what happened?”
Well, I was damn near annihilated when that ending came out of nowhere and slapped me in the tearducts.
With apologies to author Chloe Fowler, I requested this book from Netgalley thinking that it would be a fluffy YA romance with the typical teen angst and a heartfelt, yet predictable ending. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong! Holy Unexpected Twist, but I did not see that ending coming. I thought it would be one of those 11th hour, miraculous donor-comes-through and everyone lives happily ever after, but apparently Fowler does not like clichés. Neither do I, which is why this was surprising and refreshing, and hopefully only the first book in a series of many with these characters, who were well written and well developed.
I liked that Rainey was a socially awkward wallflower who preferred baking cookies with her little sister to attending drunken parties full of football thugs and the typical bitchy high school girls that wallflowers tend to avoid by any means necessary. I found it funny that she read “trashy” romance novels, yet was completely overcome when she finally kissed the boy she was crushing so hard on. And it was cute that she had no idea when boys liked her. Her obvious love for her chronically ill sister and her fear of a future without her really tugged the heartstrings. There was an innocence and sweetness about Rainey that was endearing, something uncommon in a world where children seem to grow up so fast.
My heart went out to Liam who didn’t have a single person in his life who truly cared about him. I am not counting Mercedes because she acted like a selfish bitch, and she is definitely on my Not Real People Who I’d Slap If I Could list. With a mother who had given up, a father in prison for murder, and a step-father who was a drunk, abusive ass, Liam was completely alone in the world until he finally let some of his walls come down when he met Rainey. Despite his terrible upbringing and his life that no one would envy, he was a caring and generous person who deserved something good in his life.
This book exceeded my expectations, and I hope that Chloe Fowler will write more. I am very curious about some of the other characters. What happened to Carson? He could’ve been sweet if he hadn’t been so easily influenced by Chase. And, as much as an ass, as he was, I do wonder about Chase. His father seemed like an overbearing bully (probably where Chase learned it from) and that situation with his mother was terrible. So, did Chase get sent to boarding school? Will he suffer the same hereditary fate as his mother? What will become of this cast of characters? Will life annihilate them or will it give them a better path to follow as it did with Liam? I hope we all get to find out.
Well, I was damn near annihilated when that ending came out of nowhere and slapped me in the tearducts.
With apologies to author Chloe Fowler, I requested this book from Netgalley thinking that it would be a fluffy YA romance with the typical teen angst and a heartfelt, yet predictable ending. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong! Holy Unexpected Twist, but I did not see that ending coming. I thought it would be one of those 11th hour, miraculous donor-comes-through and everyone lives happily ever after, but apparently Fowler does not like clichés. Neither do I, which is why this was surprising and refreshing, and hopefully only the first book in a series of many with these characters, who were well written and well developed.
I liked that Rainey was a socially awkward wallflower who preferred baking cookies with her little sister to attending drunken parties full of football thugs and the typical bitchy high school girls that wallflowers tend to avoid by any means necessary. I found it funny that she read “trashy” romance novels, yet was completely overcome when she finally kissed the boy she was crushing so hard on. And it was cute that she had no idea when boys liked her. Her obvious love for her chronically ill sister and her fear of a future without her really tugged the heartstrings. There was an innocence and sweetness about Rainey that was endearing, something uncommon in a world where children seem to grow up so fast.
My heart went out to Liam who didn’t have a single person in his life who truly cared about him. I am not counting Mercedes because she acted like a selfish bitch, and she is definitely on my Not Real People Who I’d Slap If I Could list. With a mother who had given up, a father in prison for murder, and a step-father who was a drunk, abusive ass, Liam was completely alone in the world until he finally let some of his walls come down when he met Rainey. Despite his terrible upbringing and his life that no one would envy, he was a caring and generous person who deserved something good in his life.
This book exceeded my expectations, and I hope that Chloe Fowler will write more. I am very curious about some of the other characters. What happened to Carson? He could’ve been sweet if he hadn’t been so easily influenced by Chase. And, as much as an ass, as he was, I do wonder about Chase. His father seemed like an overbearing bully (probably where Chase learned it from) and that situation with his mother was terrible. So, did Chase get sent to boarding school? Will he suffer the same hereditary fate as his mother? What will become of this cast of characters? Will life annihilate them or will it give them a better path to follow as it did with Liam? I hope we all get to find out.
August 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first started but I loved reading it. It really pulled on the heartstrings, especially near the end. It has some twists which were unpredictable. I feel this book is a solid YA contemporary read.
I loved both Rainey and Liam as main characters, although they are very different, they both have similar characteristics. The book is told in the perspective by both Rainey and Liam. I did get confused by a certain scenario by who was narrating it because I was expecting it to have come from the other character. I feel like Liam is influenced by Rainey’s kindness which is why I thought I was reading in her perspective. Rainey is such an interesting character, she has a wonderful family and has a somewhat seemingly perfect life. She, however, has a sister with a heart condition so that causes some complications for her and her family. Liam has a troubled past and has some deep trauma. He is reminded of his families past by members of his class which I can imagine to be very frustrating. I found how the pair came together to be generic but their story is wonderful. I only wish we could hear more of them two.
The story line was very intriguing and it was such an easy story to fall into. I love how easy YA books are to read. It was very descriptive and eventful. I enjoyed learning more and more about Rainey, Liam and their friends and family. It was lovely to read about the blossoming relationship between the two main characters. I don’t want to give any spoilers but it is a rollercoaster of emotions, it had me smiling, laughing and crying.
I loved the writing style of the author, it was easy to understand and easy to follow. The journey the characters go on is very unique and the ending is very dramatic. I loved the Epilogue and it left a lot to the imagination for the reader.
I loved both Rainey and Liam as main characters, although they are very different, they both have similar characteristics. The book is told in the perspective by both Rainey and Liam. I did get confused by a certain scenario by who was narrating it because I was expecting it to have come from the other character. I feel like Liam is influenced by Rainey’s kindness which is why I thought I was reading in her perspective. Rainey is such an interesting character, she has a wonderful family and has a somewhat seemingly perfect life. She, however, has a sister with a heart condition so that causes some complications for her and her family. Liam has a troubled past and has some deep trauma. He is reminded of his families past by members of his class which I can imagine to be very frustrating. I found how the pair came together to be generic but their story is wonderful. I only wish we could hear more of them two.
The story line was very intriguing and it was such an easy story to fall into. I love how easy YA books are to read. It was very descriptive and eventful. I enjoyed learning more and more about Rainey, Liam and their friends and family. It was lovely to read about the blossoming relationship between the two main characters. I don’t want to give any spoilers but it is a rollercoaster of emotions, it had me smiling, laughing and crying.
I loved the writing style of the author, it was easy to understand and easy to follow. The journey the characters go on is very unique and the ending is very dramatic. I loved the Epilogue and it left a lot to the imagination for the reader.
October 17, 2021
4.5 stars
Sad realistic fiction. Yep, that's what this was. But was it romance? It certainly wasn't the typical YA romance novel. And in fact, this story was about much more than the story of Liam and Rainey falling in love. It was about Rainey and her sister Maverick. About being born on the wrong side of the tracks and being judged for who your parents are. As depressing as this story was (and it was pretty depressing at times), I couldn't put this down and I just had to see how it was going to end. I just didn't expect my heart to be ripped out along the way. For those of you who enjoy sad realistic YA fiction, you'll very likely approve of this one. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to spoil the ending. But you should probably make sure you have some tissues standing by for the latter half of the book. I really loved Rainey and Liam, of course, and Maverick was an absolute ray of sunshine. I also loved Rainey's parents and while I didn't start liking Jo all that much, I did start to feel sorry for her and eventually to cheer her on.
My only criticism of this book was how little the school did to address bullying and harassment, in part because of privilege, and that a bullying incident that included sexual harassment completely ignored the sexual harassment. And as much as I know that Chase and Carson were more than just their bullying behaviors, I felt like in many ways they never truly understood how much they were responsible for their own actions. I wanted a little bit more accountability for what they did.
As a debut novel, I thought this was wonderful! Even though it felt like it was solidly YA, I felt that there was more to it than the typical YA and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sad realistic fiction. Yep, that's what this was. But was it romance? It certainly wasn't the typical YA romance novel. And in fact, this story was about much more than the story of Liam and Rainey falling in love. It was about Rainey and her sister Maverick. About being born on the wrong side of the tracks and being judged for who your parents are. As depressing as this story was (and it was pretty depressing at times), I couldn't put this down and I just had to see how it was going to end. I just didn't expect my heart to be ripped out along the way. For those of you who enjoy sad realistic YA fiction, you'll very likely approve of this one. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to spoil the ending. But you should probably make sure you have some tissues standing by for the latter half of the book. I really loved Rainey and Liam, of course, and Maverick was an absolute ray of sunshine. I also loved Rainey's parents and while I didn't start liking Jo all that much, I did start to feel sorry for her and eventually to cheer her on.
My only criticism of this book was how little the school did to address bullying and harassment, in part because of privilege, and that a bullying incident that included sexual harassment completely ignored the sexual harassment. And as much as I know that Chase and Carson were more than just their bullying behaviors, I felt like in many ways they never truly understood how much they were responsible for their own actions. I wanted a little bit more accountability for what they did.
As a debut novel, I thought this was wonderful! Even though it felt like it was solidly YA, I felt that there was more to it than the typical YA and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2021
Chasing Fireflies was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Chasing Fireflies is a new YA novel by Chloe Fowler. It is a story about a young girl named Rainey Collins and part of her senior year in high school. While a lot of this book was cute flirtation, sibling love, and high school friendships, there was also a lot of over the top drama and a plethora of YA novel cliches. Chasing Fireflies is predictable in its entirety. It almost felt like I had read this book before because of how many cliches I recognized from other media. Unfortunately, I think that really took away from the originality and the potential engagement of the novel. There was also a lot of problematic behavior throughout the book from multiple characters that never really got addressed or dealt with with any sense of consequence. While parts of it were still sweet and emotionally moving, the predictability of Chasing Fireflies was disappointing. Even the fallout from the biggest plot twist in the book was predictable. Cliches and predictability aside, I do think the main characters, Rainey and Liam were both quite well written. The way they interacted with supporting characters and with each other really helped progress their character development and made you want to see them together and happy. The relationship between Rainey and her sister, Maverick, was one of my favorites in this book. Their sisterly bond was so sweet, and the dialogue between them was fun and witty. It feels like “life is short” is what we are supposed to take from this book, and while it took awhile to make that point, overall, it was well made. Even though the story itself was rather banal, the characters are what really shine and make this novel an emotional narrative on first love and loss.
2.5 stars
Chasing Fireflies is a new YA novel by Chloe Fowler. It is a story about a young girl named Rainey Collins and part of her senior year in high school. While a lot of this book was cute flirtation, sibling love, and high school friendships, there was also a lot of over the top drama and a plethora of YA novel cliches. Chasing Fireflies is predictable in its entirety. It almost felt like I had read this book before because of how many cliches I recognized from other media. Unfortunately, I think that really took away from the originality and the potential engagement of the novel. There was also a lot of problematic behavior throughout the book from multiple characters that never really got addressed or dealt with with any sense of consequence. While parts of it were still sweet and emotionally moving, the predictability of Chasing Fireflies was disappointing. Even the fallout from the biggest plot twist in the book was predictable. Cliches and predictability aside, I do think the main characters, Rainey and Liam were both quite well written. The way they interacted with supporting characters and with each other really helped progress their character development and made you want to see them together and happy. The relationship between Rainey and her sister, Maverick, was one of my favorites in this book. Their sisterly bond was so sweet, and the dialogue between them was fun and witty. It feels like “life is short” is what we are supposed to take from this book, and while it took awhile to make that point, overall, it was well made. Even though the story itself was rather banal, the characters are what really shine and make this novel an emotional narrative on first love and loss.
2.5 stars
October 16, 2021
I enjoyed this one a lot. I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars, so probably more like 3.5 stars but I rounded up since it's really good for a debut.
This book started out seeming like just another heart wrenching YA. I thought I knew where the plot would go but it managed to surprise me. It wasn't the typical insta-love, the characters did follow some familiar patterns but still seemed unique and the ending definitely surprised me.
I thought the characters in this were really good and ultimately what made me round up. Maverick was such a spitfire, I wished she'd played a larger part. Rainey seemed like an average high school student but caring and very important to those around her. Liam's story was interesting and I liked that he was portrayed as not being a bully or getting in trouble. The smart guy from the wrong side of town is usually a guy getting in trouble and needs a girl to realize his potential and this thankfully wasn't that same old storyline.
There's a lot of plot to this book as well. A lot of things happen and it kept my attention throughout. Although the romance is throughout, there's more going on than just that, I strangely could have used a few more scenes between Rainey and Liam to really sell their relationship because there was so much jammed into this 300 page book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It did have scenes and characters that reminded my of the typical YA tragic romances (Walk to Remember, Six Feet Apart, etc.) but it has its own voice and characters and writing to stand among those without getting lost.
* I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out seeming like just another heart wrenching YA. I thought I knew where the plot would go but it managed to surprise me. It wasn't the typical insta-love, the characters did follow some familiar patterns but still seemed unique and the ending definitely surprised me.
I thought the characters in this were really good and ultimately what made me round up. Maverick was such a spitfire, I wished she'd played a larger part. Rainey seemed like an average high school student but caring and very important to those around her. Liam's story was interesting and I liked that he was portrayed as not being a bully or getting in trouble. The smart guy from the wrong side of town is usually a guy getting in trouble and needs a girl to realize his potential and this thankfully wasn't that same old storyline.
There's a lot of plot to this book as well. A lot of things happen and it kept my attention throughout. Although the romance is throughout, there's more going on than just that, I strangely could have used a few more scenes between Rainey and Liam to really sell their relationship because there was so much jammed into this 300 page book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It did have scenes and characters that reminded my of the typical YA tragic romances (Walk to Remember, Six Feet Apart, etc.) but it has its own voice and characters and writing to stand among those without getting lost.
* I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2021
The Review
Wow, what an emotional roller coaster. The author did such a beautiful job of layering this YA contemporary romance novel with not only drama, but gripping themes of hope in the face of adversity, when one door closes another one opens, and opening ourselves up to new possibilities. The atmosphere and tone felt realistic and heartbreaking to read and watch come to life.
What defined the heart of this narrative was the character development of the protagonist and the supporting cast. So many readers will be able to relate to these characters and their struggles, from protagonist Rainey and her budding romance with Liam while struggling with her sister’s failing health, to Liam and his hardships with his abusive stepfather and his natural distrust of people overall. The characters felt like they could just walk right off the page and into our lives, making this a truly engaging story.
The Verdict
Emotional, heartfelt, and gripping in the narrative’s delivery, author Chloe Fowler’s “Chasing Fireflies” is the tear-inducing YA Contemporary Romance/Drama that readers never knew they needed this fall. The shocking twist in the main characters and their story will have readers left with tears in their eyes and highlights the impact that people can have on our lives overall.
Wow, what an emotional roller coaster. The author did such a beautiful job of layering this YA contemporary romance novel with not only drama, but gripping themes of hope in the face of adversity, when one door closes another one opens, and opening ourselves up to new possibilities. The atmosphere and tone felt realistic and heartbreaking to read and watch come to life.
What defined the heart of this narrative was the character development of the protagonist and the supporting cast. So many readers will be able to relate to these characters and their struggles, from protagonist Rainey and her budding romance with Liam while struggling with her sister’s failing health, to Liam and his hardships with his abusive stepfather and his natural distrust of people overall. The characters felt like they could just walk right off the page and into our lives, making this a truly engaging story.
The Verdict
Emotional, heartfelt, and gripping in the narrative’s delivery, author Chloe Fowler’s “Chasing Fireflies” is the tear-inducing YA Contemporary Romance/Drama that readers never knew they needed this fall. The shocking twist in the main characters and their story will have readers left with tears in their eyes and highlights the impact that people can have on our lives overall.
August 15, 2021
Chasing Fireflies is an incredibly well-written book about first love, financial hardships, high school bullies, and childhood illness. Rainey seems to have it all. Her father is a neurosurgeon. She lives in a beautiful home in an elite neighborhood but she has her hardships. Her little sister, born with a serious heart defect, is living on borrowed time. Her best friend Jo has issues. Liam, good-looking, hard-working, and extremely smart lives in run-down trailer miles from town. His father is in prison for murder, his stepfather is violent and mean and Liam wonders if he has inherited a violent tendency from his father. They are an unlikely couple but somehow, as real love always does, they find each other. Can they work thru the serious problems that each of them faces? Will they have a future together? It is worth the journey to find out by reading this incredible teen young adult novel. A startling end to the story will make this one stay with you and think about life and the startling turns it often makes. Engaging characters, great plot, and well-developed narrative make this a book that should be on the reading list for everyone that loves a good story. Thanks to #ChasingFireflies#NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this excellent book.
August 21, 2021
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was just going to be a cute romance book that showed the lives of a group of teenagers. The characters in this story did so much more than that. They talked about what it was like to be poor and not know what was going to happen when you went home. It talked about absent parents and how even though a child can do everything their parents ask for, they can still feel like it's not enough. I loved the characters in this book and how the main characters, Rainey and Liam, went through two completely separate lives but came together perfectly. Everything they went through together, from the bullying to their first date, helped them grow closer and learn what love was. I knew that the ending was not going to be happy, but I had no idea that it would turn out the way it did. I sat on my bed sobbing while reading the last 10 percent of the book. I recommend this book to everyone, even though I haven't stopped crying yet. Chasing Fireflies shows the reality of teenagers in high school that have to deal with more than just classes. It feels like a book written by a teenager from their own point of view and I think that is what made it so good to me. Also the dog helped. I am going to be thinking about this book for a very long time.
November 5, 2021
I would like to say thank you to netgalley and author/publisher for the opportunity to read this book early.
At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy chasing fireflies or was it too young adult for me. But I will say this book kept me interested through out the whole book and when it ended it broke me. I even have tears right now. Liam and Rainey were not a pair that you would expect. But faith brought them together and they quickly bonded. Liam being from what people would call wrong side of the tracks. Life has a funny way though of changing at the drop of a dime which is a stark reminder to grab a hold of those you love and never let them go because well bad things happen. I don't want to spoil the story but I will say the ending really had me moved to tears.
There was a quote in the book that also moved me. "no one is wholly good or wholly bad, We all have a bit of both in us we all struggle to find our way. So true, if you think looking on the outside someone has the perfect life, think again, because no one is perfect.
Such a great book, I will definitely look for more from this author. Be sure and grab your copy because it is available now at a book store near you.
At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy chasing fireflies or was it too young adult for me. But I will say this book kept me interested through out the whole book and when it ended it broke me. I even have tears right now. Liam and Rainey were not a pair that you would expect. But faith brought them together and they quickly bonded. Liam being from what people would call wrong side of the tracks. Life has a funny way though of changing at the drop of a dime which is a stark reminder to grab a hold of those you love and never let them go because well bad things happen. I don't want to spoil the story but I will say the ending really had me moved to tears.
There was a quote in the book that also moved me. "no one is wholly good or wholly bad, We all have a bit of both in us we all struggle to find our way. So true, if you think looking on the outside someone has the perfect life, think again, because no one is perfect.
Such a great book, I will definitely look for more from this author. Be sure and grab your copy because it is available now at a book store near you.
November 25, 2021
3.5⭐
✨ "Sometimes it didn't matter what we told ourselves, feelings had a sneaky way of prevailing over cooler heads."
Chasing Fireflies is a debut YA novel that follows Rainey and Liam, two teens from opposite walks of life who fall in love. I found it to be more coming-of-age than romance, and quite a heavy read even though I'd expected it.
I really felt for Rainey and Liam, especially when it comes to their family and the various predicaments they find themselves in. The struggles they face are so human and made me think about how fortunate I am in comparison.
While the story was engaging, I did wish all of the characters were more developed. The book mentions how "no one is wholly good or wholly bad", but I found most of the characters (particularly the two main leads and their peers) to be rather one-dimensional. I liked Carson a lot and think he had a lot of potential.
Some of the themes in the book are also quite distressing. I was a bit uncomfortable with the extent of bullying and sabotage, and think they could have been handled better.
Overall, a great debut and I look forward to more from the author!
I received an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley.
✨ "Sometimes it didn't matter what we told ourselves, feelings had a sneaky way of prevailing over cooler heads."
Chasing Fireflies is a debut YA novel that follows Rainey and Liam, two teens from opposite walks of life who fall in love. I found it to be more coming-of-age than romance, and quite a heavy read even though I'd expected it.
I really felt for Rainey and Liam, especially when it comes to their family and the various predicaments they find themselves in. The struggles they face are so human and made me think about how fortunate I am in comparison.
While the story was engaging, I did wish all of the characters were more developed. The book mentions how "no one is wholly good or wholly bad", but I found most of the characters (particularly the two main leads and their peers) to be rather one-dimensional. I liked Carson a lot and think he had a lot of potential.
Some of the themes in the book are also quite distressing. I was a bit uncomfortable with the extent of bullying and sabotage, and think they could have been handled better.
Overall, a great debut and I look forward to more from the author!
I received an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley.
July 3, 2021
Chasing Fireflies is a dual narrative between Rainey, a shy girl who is incredibly close with her family, and Liam, whose family life is less than stellar to say the least. Rainey and Liam form a connection, and begin to navigate the makings of a relationship. Will the obstacles they encounter keep them from the possibility of happily ever after?
Chasing Fireflies is a read in one sitting kind of book. Rainey's family bond is so sweet, especially her relationship with Maverick and how they handle Maverick's health issues. Liam's story is nothing short of heartbreaking; the reader will easily become frustrated with his family dynamic over and over again.....and again. The relationship between Rainey and Liam is fragile and innocent, and it feels like the odds are constantly stacked against them. And no spoilers here, but the ending is unexpected and definitely a stunner. YA fans should check out Chasing Fireflies, and be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.
Thanks to Netgalley and Chloe Fowler for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review.
Chasing Fireflies is a read in one sitting kind of book. Rainey's family bond is so sweet, especially her relationship with Maverick and how they handle Maverick's health issues. Liam's story is nothing short of heartbreaking; the reader will easily become frustrated with his family dynamic over and over again.....and again. The relationship between Rainey and Liam is fragile and innocent, and it feels like the odds are constantly stacked against them. And no spoilers here, but the ending is unexpected and definitely a stunner. YA fans should check out Chasing Fireflies, and be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.
Thanks to Netgalley and Chloe Fowler for this ARC; this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 26, 2021
Rainey is just trying to finish high school. Her younger sister has a heart defect and has to be homeschooled. Both are envious of what the other has. When LIam sits beside Rainey on the first day of school in math class, she is intrigued by him. As her crush grows, his own problems grow as well. Being from the wrong side of town, Liam does not want to bring Rainey down with him even though he is interested in her. However, her interest continues to grow.
Opinion
This book is a big roller coaster of emotions. If you do not want to wear your heart on your sleeve while reading a book, best to leave this one on the shelf. I had to face people immediately after reading an emotional scene and ended up throwing on sunglasses to hide the fact that the book got to me so much.
This book is a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone really but especially those who like an underdog story. Be careful though, it doesn't end up like you will want it to and you will scream at Chloe Fowler for writing it that way.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Opinion
This book is a big roller coaster of emotions. If you do not want to wear your heart on your sleeve while reading a book, best to leave this one on the shelf. I had to face people immediately after reading an emotional scene and ended up throwing on sunglasses to hide the fact that the book got to me so much.
This book is a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone really but especially those who like an underdog story. Be careful though, it doesn't end up like you will want it to and you will scream at Chloe Fowler for writing it that way.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
October 13, 2021
This book just gutted me. If there were a 6 star rating, I would give it 6 stars!
I requested this book thinking it would be a sweet, typical high school romance but this was so much more!
I loved the writing, I loved the characters and I loved the story. Were some of the people too black and white - meaning pure and good, or really bad? Sure. Did I care? Nope.
I could NOT stop reading it, and devoured it in one sitting. I giggled, and I cried. I mean ugly crying... And I closed the book saying "wow". I have that book hangover that comes from reading a book you just loved.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and to #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.
I requested this book thinking it would be a sweet, typical high school romance but this was so much more!
I loved the writing, I loved the characters and I loved the story. Were some of the people too black and white - meaning pure and good, or really bad? Sure. Did I care? Nope.
I could NOT stop reading it, and devoured it in one sitting. I giggled, and I cried. I mean ugly crying... And I closed the book saying "wow". I have that book hangover that comes from reading a book you just loved.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and to #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.
December 1, 2021
When I requested this book, I expected it to just be a regular ya romance but as I was reading it I realised that it’s more than that. Rainey, the female mc, was so sweet and I like how it showed the effect that her sisters serious heart problem has on her, as people often think these things only affect the person with the condition, Liam, the male mc, was also super sweet and generous which was nice to see as I think a lot of ya is full of selfish teenagers so this book provided a breath of fresh air.
The plot was a bit predictable towards the end but it still made me emotional. It was just an overall nice read, not amazing but still enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with an eARC!
The plot was a bit predictable towards the end but it still made me emotional. It was just an overall nice read, not amazing but still enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with an eARC!
December 5, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a cute YA romance with a dash of heavier topics sprinkled throughout and what I got was a pretty heavy book with a cute teen romance sprinkled throughout. The fact is the issues in the book are issues that kids have to face and deal with and I thought the author did a good job of humanizing the characters.
Trigger warnings: bullying, violence, domestic violence, parental abuse/neglect
This book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a cute YA romance with a dash of heavier topics sprinkled throughout and what I got was a pretty heavy book with a cute teen romance sprinkled throughout. The fact is the issues in the book are issues that kids have to face and deal with and I thought the author did a good job of humanizing the characters.
Trigger warnings: bullying, violence, domestic violence, parental abuse/neglect
June 30, 2021
Loved, loved, loved this book! Couldn't put it down and had to finish it in two days! Characters are so well developed and the writing is so down to earth and believable. Can't wait to read more from this author!
July 24, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy. I loved the characters and found them believable and likable, and the storyline kept me turning pages. I binge-read this one and it makes for a perfect YA read.
September 4, 2021
Some books touch your heart and stick with you for a while, and then there is this book, this is the book that you won't forget, the one that will break your heart into hundred pieces and you will remember with joy and satisfaction.
October 4, 2021
This was such a good, solid read. It had everything- emotions were all over the place! My only wish is that I had listened to the audio version because I think it would have added so much more depth.
Read
October 6, 2021The Chasing Fireflies e-book is now available for preorder on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HSKNT2Q?...
Official release of the paperback is October 25th.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HSKNT2Q?...
Official release of the paperback is October 25th.
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