Waiting on Wednesday: Moment of Truth (Kasie West)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: Moment of Truth

Author: Kasie West

Release Date: March 3, 2020
Publisher: HarperTeen

Summary:

(formerly titled Hearts, Heroes, and Heath Hall)

At sixteen, Hannah Moore knows exactly who she is—a swimmer who will earn a scholarship to college. Totally worth all the hard work, even if her aching shoulders don’t agree. So when a guy dressed as Hollywood’s latest action hero, Heath Hall, crashes her swim meet, she isn’t amused. Instead, she’s determined to make sure he doesn’t bother her again. Only she’s not sure exactly who he is.

The swim meet isn’t the first event the imposter has interrupted, but a little digging turns up a surprising number of people who could be Heath Hall, including Hannah’s ex-boyfriend and her best friend’s crush. She soon finds herself getting caught up in the mysterious world of the fake Heath Hall.

As Hannah gets closer to uncovering the masked boy’s identity she also discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself—like she might resent the long shadow her late brother has cast over her family, that she isn’t as happy as she pretends to be with her life choices… and that she is falling for the last guy she ever thought she would like.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: Unmasking an event-crashing action hero: such fun! Also it's a Kasie West story (phasers set to auto-buy) so I know I'll be in for a quick read with great banter and a sweet romance. 

So what book are you waiting on?

Reviews That Might Interest: 

By Your Side by Kasie West

On the Fence by Kasie West
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Review: By Your Side (Kasie West)

Title: By Your Side
Series: standalone
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Told: First Person (Autumn), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (kissing)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

*          *          *

By Your Side is a sweet teen contemporary romance about situational relationships and self-care. After accidentally getting locked in the library for three days, Autumn imagines her biggest worry will be explaining how she survived the time with the sullen and mysterious Dax. But as circumstances and obligations strain her secret anxiety disorder, she finds herself turning to him for comfort and more as she starts to question how she's been living and who she should be living for.

With its library setting I expected this to be my favorite Kasie novel yet, but due to the limited location, limited opportunity for action, and a lone boy with a limited desire to speak, there was little for the story to offer other than Autumn's reflections and flashbacks. Luckily the library was only a third of the book, and once they were outside of it Autumn and Dax's friendship and subsequent romance were engaging and engrossing. Realistically I'm not sure if they would last as a couple past high school, but despite a bit of volatility on Dax's part the fall was sweet and they were really good for each other in the moment.

The highlight of the book for me, which was imprudently missing from the cover summary, was Autumn's anxiety disorder. As a sufferer myself I completely related to her struggles, and especially her reluctance to tell her friends. Her journey to accept herself as she was and start putting her health first was one I really connected with, and [upon first read] it even helped me understand myself and my own condition a little better.

Conclusion: Although the surprisingly unfortunate library setting proved a little too limiting, I really related to Autumn's anxiety struggles and her relationship with Dax was sweet. As I do with all of Kasie's books I highly recommend By Your Side for contemporary romance readers, especially if you like them a little heavier on the contemporary.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Kasie West Reviews That Might Interest: 

The Distance Between Us

On the Fence
Love, Life, and the List

Release Spotlight: MAYBE THIS TIME (Kasie West)

Today I spotlight the second 2019 Kasie West release: MAYBE THIS TIME from Scholastic! I was able to read an early copy and really enjoyed the year-long setup and strong character depth (feel free to read my full review here). Kasie continues to be one of my favorite authors so I highly recommend you check out her books if you haven't already - and there's no book like her present, info and links below!

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Title: Maybe This Time
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 7/9/19

One year. Nine events. Nine chances to . . . fall in love?

Weddings. Funerals. Barbecues. New Year's Eve parties. Name the occasion, and Sophie Evans will be there. Well, she has to be there. Sophie works for the local florist, so she can be found at every big event in her small hometown, arranging bouquets and managing family dramas.

Enter Andrew Hart. The son of the fancy new chef in town, Andrew is suddenly required to attend all the same events as Sophie. Entitled, arrogant, preppy Andrew. Sophie just wants to get her job done and finish up her sketches so she can apply to design school. But every time she turns around, there is Andrew, getting in her way and making her life more complicated. Until one day she wonders if maybe complicated isn't so bad after all . . .

Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

And check out Kasie West's other Scholastic titles!

P.S. I Like You

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | My Review

Lucky in Love

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | My Review

Listen to Your Heart

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Review: Maybe This Time (Kasie West)

Title: Maybe This Time
Series: standalone
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Point (Scholastic)
Release Date: July 9, 2019
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Told: First Person (Sophie), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (kissing)
Format Read: ARC
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:

One year. Nine events. Nine chances to . . . fall in love?

Weddings. Funerals. Barbecues. New Year's Eve parties. Name the occasion, and Sophie Evans will be there. Well, she has to be there. Sophie works for the local florist, so she can be found at every big event in her small hometown, arranging bouquets and managing family dramas.

Enter Andrew Hart. The son of the fancy new chef in town, Andrew is suddenly required to attend all the same events as Sophie. Entitled, arrogant, preppy Andrew. Sophie just wants to get her job done and finish up her sketches so she can apply to design school. But every time she turns around, there is Andrew, getting in her way and making her life more complicated. Until one day she wonders if maybe complicated isn't so bad after all . . .

Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places.

*          *          *

Like Sophie with Andrew, I didn't get along with this book at first. I was put off by their antagonistic banter, defensive personalities, and strained parental situations. Although it had the easy style and engaging plot Kasie West is known for, her signature banter was too sharp to be fun for me - inflicting pain instead of encouraging play - and unexpectedly heavier contemporary elements weighted the story.

But as Sophie and Andrew grew on each other so did they grow on me, not only as messy and therefore realistic characters but as a cute couple. And as the heavier elements brought realization to the struggling teens, they added a lot of character depth that I've found missing in Kasie's last few books. I still wasn't a complete fan of Sophie (or Andrew), but I became fully invested in their lives was very satisfied with their sweet end.

Conclusion: Was I glad I read it? Heck yes. And while these weren't my favorite characters, thanks to some strong character depth I'm once more excited to continue reading every book Kasie puts out. Would I recommend it? Definitely, especially if you enjoy hate-to-love relationships and like your contemporary romances a little heavier on the contemporary.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Snow in Love (Kasie West, Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, Melissa de la Cruz)

Title: Snow in Love
Series: standalone
Author: Melissa de la Cruz, Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, Kasie West
Publisher: Point (Scholastic)
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance
Content Rating: Teen (kissing)
Format Read: Paperback (library)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

What's better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them, from some of today's bestselling authors.

From KASIE WEST, a snowy road trip takes an unexpected detour when secrets and crushes are revealed.

From AIMEE FRIEDMAN, a Hanukkah miracle may just happen when a Jewish girl working as a department store elf finds love.

From MELISSA DE LA CRUZ, Christmas Eve gets a plot twist when a high school couple exchange surprising presents.

From NIC STONE, a scavenger hunt amid the holiday crowds at an airport turns totally romantic.

So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to fall in love...

*          *          *

I'm generally not one for short story collections. There are very few authors or themes that would cause me to pick one up, and to my knowledge I've never read one in its entirety. But then Snow in Love came along. With only 4 stories, one by a favorite author (Kasie West), and promises of fluffy holiday teen romances, I decided to give the entire collection a try. Admittedly after Kasie's story I struggled a bit to get into the rest (they weren't familiar authors), but in the end I did read the entire collection and was glad I did.

"Snow and Mistletoe" by Kasie West - 5 Scribbles. Kasie is one of my few "will read anything" authors, so I naturally picked up Snow in Love for her story. Although I sadly haven't been as enamored of her last few novels, Snow and Mistletoe reminded me why I continue to read her work as I thoroughly enjoyed the snowy roadtrip romance. It is now my second favorite story of hers. <3

"Working in a Winter Wonderland" by Aimee Friedman - 3 Scribbles. It took a while to get into the writing style but I'm glad I persevered because the story was a cute and fun workplace romance, even if said romance escalated way too quickly at the end (but so is the short story beast).

"The Magi's Gifts" by Melissa de la Cruz - 2.5 Scribbles. A retelling of O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi, aged down and modernized for the teen market. The writing style was a little juvenile for me, but it was a sweet story about giving from the heart.

"Grounded" by Nic Stone - 3 Scribbles. I'm a sucker for texting in books so I rather enjoyed this story of self discovery and airport scavenger hunts. It almost makes me wish I'll get snowed into a major airport one day so I can discover all its wonders too (almost).

Conclusion: An enjoyable teen short story collection of super-fluffy romances set around Christmas. Definitely recommend for a cozy winter holiday read - or any time of year, really. I hope this is a portent of more smaller teen short story collections with engaging themes in the near future.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss (Kasie West)

Title: Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss
Series: companion to Love, Life, and the List
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Told: First Person (Lacey), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (kissing, zombies)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Fan favorite author Kasie West delivers an effervescent story about chasing your dreams and following your heart, perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Huntley Fitzpatrick. 

Lacey Barnes has dreamed of being an actress for as long as she can remember. So when she gets the opportunity to star in a movie alongside one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, she doesn’t hesitate to accept the part.

But Lacey quickly learns that life in the spotlight isn’t as picture perfect as she imagined. She’s having trouble bonding with her costars, her father has hired the definition of a choir boy, Donavan Lake, to tutor her, and somewhere along the way she’s lost her acting mojo. And just when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, it looks like someone on set is deliberately trying to sabotage her.

As Lacey’s world spins out of control, it feels like the only person she can count on—whether it’s helping her try to unravel the mystery of who is out to get her or snap her out of her acting funk—is Donavan. But what she doesn’t count on is this straight-laced boy becoming another distraction.

With her entire future riding on this movie, Lacey knows she can’t afford to get sidetracked by a crush. But for the first time in her life Lacey wonders if it’s true that the best stories really do happen when you go off script.

*          *          *

As I say like a broken record in every Kasie West review, Kasie is one of my favorite authors and I will read anything she writes. That said, Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss was probably my least favorite Kasie book to date.

I really enjoyed Lacey's small part in companion novel Love, Life, and the List and was excited for her to have her own story, but despite being an actress in the middle of shooting a zombie movie I found her surprisingly rather bland. Also, while the book mainly took place on a movie set - one of my favorite settings - there was little to it and we only got a few interesting tidbits offhand. I think both of these problems were due to a serious lack of description: the story all but took place on a minimalist low-budget stage in my mind, or just plain white space - so any location description or character movement stood out awkwardly because there was so little of it.

The biggest disappointment though was a distinct lack of Kasie's signature wit. What little banter there was to speak of mainly happened between Lacey and the love interest, and even then it just didn't click like it usually does. This left Lacey to be little more than a somewhat awkward newbie teen on a film set of much more experienced adults, and sadly that didn't make for a very interesting main character for me.

All that said, Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss was still a signature easy and breezy Kasie West read that I devoured over a weekend. And then there was Donavan, the story's saving grace: he was quiet and serious and I adored his strength and gentle smolder. I also enjoyed the slow build and soft nature of the romance, both Lacey and Donavan focused on their careers but also excited to find happiness in being together.

While I will continue to read Kasie's new books and re-re-read old favorites, I must admit I'm losing the thrill I used to feel about her stories. Hopefully the next one will renew my love.

Scribble Rating: 

3 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Love, Life, and the List (Kasie West)

Title: Love, Life, and the List
Series: standalone
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: December 26, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Told: First Person (Abby), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (kissing)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

What do you do when you’ve fallen for your best friend? Funny and romantic, this effervescent story about family, friendship, and finding yourself is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han.

Seventeen-year-old Abby Turner’s summer isn’t going the way she’d planned. She has a not-so-secret but definitely unrequited crush on her best friend, Cooper. She hasn’t been able to manage her mother’s growing issues with anxiety. And now she’s been rejected from an art show because her work “has no heart.” So when she gets another opportunity to show her paintings, Abby isn’t going to take any chances.

Which is where the list comes in.

Abby gives herself one month to do ten things, ranging from face a fear (#3) to learn a stranger’s story (#5) to fall in love (#8). She knows that if she can complete the list, she’ll become the kind of artist she’s always dreamed of being.

But as the deadline approaches, Abby realizes that getting through the list isn’t as straightforward as it seems... and that maybe—just maybe—she can’t change her art if she isn’t first willing to change herself.

*          *          *

In a Sentence: A quick and fun teen contemporary romance with an engaging contemporary story but cheesy romance I sadly didn't ship.

When it comes to teen contemporary romances, you can never go wrong with Kasie West thanks to her breezy writing style and signature witty banter. That said, the romance in Love, Life, and the List was not for me.

The contemporary part was awesome - girl creates and tackles a list of activities based on traits she admires in her loved ones to gain life experience and broaden her heart and her art for a show. I adored Abby and as a fellow creative could relate to her drive to expand her emotional range for her art, and really enjoyed following her adventures as she gained new perspective about her family, her friends (old and new), and herself.

But then there was Cooper. Don't get me wrong, Cooper was cute and energetic and generally a great best friend for Abby. But as a romantic interest, considering how he treated her and what happened over the course of the book, I did not ship him and Abby at all. I could see why she would be attracted to him, but didn't understand why she loved him. And Cooper's realization and end confession... it was so cheesy (complete girl service and not guy-realistic at all, in my opinion) that it just put me off them as a couple even more. I never felt the chemistry Abby insisted was between them, and don't feel they should have ever left the friend zone.

Now the requisite contrast boy, Elliot, was sweet and thoughtful and artistic, and if Abby had given up on Cooper like the smart girl I knew she could be and given Elliot a chance, I think they really could've been great together. Kasie perfectly set it up for him to win, but sadly that's not how these kinds of books work. Still, I hold out hope for that unicorn where the (truly) unexpected but totally worthy love interest actually wins. The day I finally find it, I will be the author's devoted reader forever.

Conclusion: While I enjoyed the artsy and inspiring contemporary story, the cheesy, chemistry-lacking romance just wasn't for me. I'm still a devoted Kasie West fan though and will continue to read anything she writes.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Release Spotlight: Lucky in Love (Kasie West)

Today I spotlight the second 2017 Kasie West release: LUCKY IN LOVE from Scholastic! I myself was lucky enough to receive an advance copy from the publisher (thanks again, Scholastic! <3) and can recommend it as a sweet light romance about family, friends, future, and the troubles of money (you can check out my full review here!). If you haven't yet looked into Kasie's latest, do so below!

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Title: Lucky in Love
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 7/25/17

In this new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love comes into the picture. 

Maddie doesn't believe in luck. She's all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment --

She wins!

In a flash, Maddie's life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she's talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun... until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn't sure who she can trust.

Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn't seem aware of Maddie's big news. And, for some reason, she doesn't want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

And check out Kasie West's other Scholastic title!

P.S. I Like You

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository | My Review

Review: Lucky in Love (Kasie West)

Title: Lucky in Love
Series: standalone
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: July 25, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Told: First Person (Maddie), Past Tense
Content Rating: Teen (kissing)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

In this new contemporary from YA star Kasie West, a girl who wins the lottery learns that money can cause more problems than it solves, especially when love comes into the picture. 

Maddie doesn't believe in luck. She's all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment --

She wins!

In a flash, Maddie's life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she's talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun... until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn't sure who she can trust.

Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn't seem aware of Maddie's big news. And, for some reason, she doesn't want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

With tons of humor and heart, Kasie West delivers a million-dollar tale of winning, losing, and falling in love.

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Scholastic!

In a Sentence: A sweet if predictable contemporary romance about family, friends, future, and the uncertainty of money.

While Kasie West is and will always be one of my favorite authors, Lucky in Love was kind of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand it was a Kasie West novel, which meant a light writing style with great banter, relatable characters, and a sweet romance. But on the other hand, the predictable "naive young girl wins lottery" plot gave me an uneasy sense of dread through most of the book, which wasn't the greatest reading companion for a contemporary romance.

The story began a little dispiriting as Maddie's family struggled with money problems and the tension it can cause. When she won the lottery the mood lightened, but with Maddie's naivete it was obvious the disasters that would unfold and so I read in a constant state of cringe. I'm not one who enjoys watching a train wreck, so I spent most of the book dreading when everything would inevitably fall apart. Luckily Seth was there with his innocence and banter to lighten the tense mood, but even he could not fully buffer what was to come. To my relief the conclusion was not as bad as I'd expected, although given it was a Kasie West story I really should've anticipated a lighter touch. There was some inevitable sadness, but ultimately a lot of happiness as Maddie finally started making some smart decisions about the money and her future.

Conclusion: While not my favorite Kasie West story, I did enjoy the read despite some dread at the predictable young lottery winner disasters. Overall with its fun premise, relatable characters, and sweet romance, I recommend Lucky In Love as a great summer read and any time you need a light romance with heart.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Top Ten Best Books I've Read In 2017 So Far

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

Top Ten Best Books I've Read In 2017 So Far

1. Murder, Magic, & What We Wore (Kelly Jones)
2. Tash Hearts Tolstoy (Kathryn Ormsbee)
3. Roar (Cora Carmack)
4. Geekerella (Ashley Poston) (review)
5. Duels & Deception (Cindy Anstey) (review)
6. The Crown's Game (Evelyn Skye)
7. Lucky in Love (Kasie West)
8. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Marie Kondo)
9. Spark Joy (Marie Kondo)
10. The Ancient Magus' Bride vol. 6 (Kore Yamazaki)

So what are your best books of 2017 so far?

Release Spotlight: By Your Side (Kasie West)

Today I spotlight the first of two 2017 Kasie West releases, that of BY YOUR SIDE from HarperTeen! As this contemporary romance takes place in a locked library, it is unquestionably my most anticipated of hers yet, and I cannot wait to get my hands on my long pre-ordered copy later this week for immediate consumption! Have you checked it out yet? If not, do so below!

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Title: By Your Side
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 1/31/17

In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository