Published: May 17, 2016 by: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 474
Rating: 5/5 stars
For all the years that she had been rescued from her abusive foster home, Mallory has been silent to almost everyone except for her new foster parents. When she starts high school for the first time in her life, her adoptive parents worry that she won't let her voice be heard. Until, Mallory finds her former protector and foster brother Rider going to the same school. Mallory begins to confide in Rider again, but his new life is more secretive than she remembers, and he might be getting into some serious danger, that could put both of their lives in danger.
This was my first Armentrout novel I have ever read. I know a lot of people love her, and I can definitely say that I fell in love with her writing in this book. She tackles harsh issues so well, and this book kept me captivated from page to page.
I loved all of the issues in this book. This book handles adoption, abuse, gangs, drugs, and ptsd all in one extremely emotional read. These issues were so raw and also incredibly realistic. I thought that it was so important for books like these to exist, and this book did the issues at hand justice.
Even though there are romantic elements to this book, the romance was not the be all and end all of everything. which I really liked. Rider and Mallory's chemistry went a lot deeper than high school crushes. I loved how Armentrout captured their relationship as a friendship, a family, and romantically all in one. They cared so much for each other and the lengths that these two went to protect each other was amazing.
There's also a lot of cultural diversity in this book, particularly Puerto Rican. While I can't vouch to say that it was accurate, I did appreciate the diversity and the fact that Armentrout didn't just go for the typical white characters. There was a lot of language and customs put in there as well, which was cool to learn.
Overall, a very emotional book that captures a relationship unlike any other. This book was so intriguing and kept me interested every step of the way, and I think that the issues were so well done.
Have you read The Problem with Forever? What did you think?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
Oh no, my review was kind of exactly the opposite of this :D While I normally love JLA's books, this one somehow failed to make an impact n me, though I do agree the subjects it deals with ARE important. ANyhoo- have you tried the Dead List by her? It was amazing!
ReplyDeleteAw no :((( I'm sorry this didn't work out for you! This was my first book from her, so I haven't read The Dead List, but I'll definitely check it out!
DeleteI love JLA!! This book is definitely one of her better ones in my opinion. Great review!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bryce! I'm hoping to read more from her.
DeleteAlso, whenever I try to reply to your comments on my blog, it won't let me :(. Can you look in your setting on your google account and see if it's something there? I don't wanna keep using the commenting system I'm using if it doesn't allow me to reply to some people!
DeleteSure, Bryce, sorry about that! I'll look in to see if it's something on my part.
DeleteOk I think I fixed it. I'm not too sure but you can try :)
DeleteSounds interesting! :) I've never read any Armentrout books but I know a lot of people love her.
ReplyDeleteYeah everyone seems to love her books so I knew I had to give her a shot. I'm happy I did :)
DeleteOh I've never read of this author's books (I believe hehe?). But I've defibately heard about this book many times, or well I've seen it around a lot because I never really know the full concept of this story. I'm happy to hear about the diversity, and the fact that you seem to have enjoyed it might just make me finally pick this up someday!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, keep up the good work!- Sam .x
I would definitely recommend it! I'm happy this was my first Armentrout book because it really made me want to read more from her lol!
DeleteI must add this to my TBR. I read a bad review of it a while ago which turned me off but your review has me think I'll have to give it a go
ReplyDeleteI would definitely recommend it!
DeleteI read this book in January and I did like most of the book. I wasn't a massive fan of the relationship between Mallory and Rider though, it felt a bit unhealthy to me. I think I would of preferred if they'd of just been friends. I still really enjoyed it though, and I love Jen's other books. Really great review!
ReplyDeleteI was conflicted throughout the book on whether or not I liked them better as friends or in a relationship, but in the end, I loved how it kind of intertwined them both. Thanks for stopping by Kirsty!
DeleteThe Problem with Forever was one of my favorite contemporaries last year. JLA is a pretty good author; she's really consistent with her writing style. I can't say I love everything she puts out, but I do like everything, which I still think is saying a lot! In my opinion, The Problem with Forever is one of her strongest books. I recommend reading The Dark Elements trilogy next! It's my favorite series by her. :D Great review Emily! I'm interested to see what you would think about her previous novels. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations Gennifer! I'm definitely keen on reading more from her since I like her writing style so far :)
DeleteJennifer L. Armentrout! I love her books. She is hands down my favorite author. That being said, The Probleme with Forever is one of my least favorites from her. I much prefer her paranormal books. I love the Covenant series, Lux series, and I just started Wicked and love it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, a lot of people have been recommending her paranormal books! I guess for me, I'm just more of a contemporary person.
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