Monday, January 6, 2014

The Promise of Amazing
Author: Robin Constantine
Release date: December 31st 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Series: N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Add to your library: Goodreads

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.


Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how. 


One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love. (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Balzer + Bray through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

It's unfortunate that I have to say this but I was kinda disappointed with this one. Sure, I ended up giving it 3 stars because truth is, I liked it. But I cannot disregard the fact that I literally counted days (I'm not kidding) before I can read my review copy and review it. I even featured it in one of my WoWs because that's how much I badly anticipated it. I even wanted to cry because I really want to love this and all. But no can do. Though don't worry, I won't be harsh.

Just the cover itself screamed amazing. I mean, who wouldn't swoon with that? It''s dying from its inner cuteness. Ugh. It's so cute my heart is aching. And with that kind of premise, what's not to swoon about? Just. Sounds. Too. Cute. But that's not the case with the story itself. 

So what went wrong? Its way of insta-love. Sure, it's insta-love but I never felt that they had the spark or something. I felt it too stiff the way they said they were attracted to each other. It did not feel genuine to me at all. Period. But hey, they were cute together. I know, I know. It's kind of ironic, right? I didn't feel their love but I find them cute together. That's just it. I never felt how their connection developed. It was just given in front of me in a silver platter. All ready to go. But that doesn't mean, the product wasn't good. That's why I find them cute together. They were silly, normal and just their own person.

I enjoyed the dual POV from Grayson and Wren. Yet somehow I felt like their stories were always rushing to the end. It's fast-paced for me. Especially when Grayson did something and Wren just forgave him in a snap. Not that I'm saying she shouldn't forgive him but really! Usually girls would be drama queens first then they would come around. But hey, Wren's unique.

For me, there were a lot of sub-problems in here. School problems, Grayson's past, business problem, sister's pregnancy, failing grades and stuff. They were mixed all together that I just can't pinpoint what really was the problem. I mean it's about Grasyon and Wren being together but I think some of the mini-problems were a little inappropriate. That's why maybe the story was rushed just so everything will be solved already! 

The thing I liked most about this is its uniqueness. Like how Wren really judged Grayson just after meeting him. That's what happens in reality. You just don't get to think of the good stuff. You also go with the not-so-good ones. I liked how Wren and Grayson saw the world. They were the pair of teenagers who were searching for the love and were trying to make their way into the world. I don't know about the romance part but Grayson and Wren's character were realistic in more ways than one. Of course, it's because of Robin Constantine! I'm pretty sure I'd check out her future novels.

Despite me not loving this so much, I still liked it. Even if I didn't connect with their insta-love, it was unique, raw and honest. It's a pretty much realistic take of a YA contemporary novel. Yes, I'm not adding up the romance part. Better give this a chance if you want a light and cute YA insta-love contemporary novel.



About the Author
Robin Constantine
Robin Constantine is a born and bred Jersey girl who moved down South so she could wear flip-flops year round. She spends her days dreaming up stories where love conquers all, well, eventually but not without a lot of peril, angst and the occasional kissing scene. 



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