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fatimareadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my views and opinions.
Argh, this book had so much potential, which is like the most frustrating feeling ever. Don't get me wrong, there are parts of the book where my expectations were met, yet I still struggled to finish this book. The only reason I was able to finish was because I had no other books with me (plus no internet) and I couldn't go home for, like, 10 more hours.
So, Finley is a model, but she struggles with getting big jobs because of her "good girl" persona. Enter Eddie. He's handsome, edgy, and charming, but just as lost as Finley. He may seem shallow on the surface, but a big secret lurks beneath. To shed her good girl rep, Finley decides to have a one-night stand with "edgy" Eddie. Ehh...
First of all, let's just ignore the implausibility of the fact that hooking up with someone will make you look "edgy" in the eyes of modeling agencies and get you booked for more jobs. At the beginning, I found Finley & Eddie to be a tad bit bland; I just couldn't relate to them! They kind of grew on me later on, though.
Still, I prefer my characters a bit more complex. Finley was so unrealistically sweet and nice AT ALL TIMES, and I don't mean it in the way that, "oh she's such an unproblematic character". Her reactions to situations that would have tested even the most patient person were so.... sweet. It gets boring, man.
The thing is, the story started out great! It was on the right track and all, but then around 60% (?¿) Eddie's "big secret" comes out and from then on, everything starts going downhill. I felt like the tone of the story really changed after that, what with the and I just- *yawn*. This is a good book, but I just disliked the direction it went in.
What I did like was the secondary characters. I liked them so much better than the main characters. Eve and Alex and Elana and Summer (oh especially Summer!) and French Mama and Toby. To me, their dynamics shone through on the page even more than that of the two MCs. I really wanted more insight into the whole Elana x Adam x Eve dynamic. So interesting!
I also like how the ending turned out. The middle of the book kinda dragged on due to an excess of internal conflict. Honestly, it got so repetitive! By the time the end rolled around, I was just so ready to see a resolution and be done with the book. The book's conclusion was satisfying, I'll give it that.
So, on one hand, the dialogue of the book felt iffy, the plot's movement struggled through a few rough patches, and the characters were a bit bland. On the other hand, the secondary characters were well-written, the romance started out great, and the conclusion was pretty satisfying.
In conclusion, this book has elements that will appeal to some readers. The story & characters were engaging enough (in the loosest sense of the word) and the romance was kind of cute. If you're looking for a quick contemporary read with a happy ending, then this could be for you. Just wasn't for me, though.
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Argh, this book had so much potential, which is like the most frustrating feeling ever. Don't get me wrong, there are parts of the book where my expectations were met, yet I still struggled to finish this book. The only reason I was able to finish was because I had no other books with me (plus no internet) and I couldn't go home for, like, 10 more hours.
So, Finley is a model, but she struggles with getting big jobs because of her "good girl" persona. Enter Eddie. He's handsome, edgy, and charming, but just as lost as Finley. He may seem shallow on the surface, but a big secret lurks beneath. To shed her good girl rep, Finley decides to have a one-night stand with "edgy" Eddie. Ehh...
First of all, let's just ignore the implausibility of the fact that hooking up with someone will make you look "edgy" in the eyes of modeling agencies and get you booked for more jobs. At the beginning, I found Finley & Eddie to be a tad bit bland; I just couldn't relate to them! They kind of grew on me later on, though.
Still, I prefer my characters a bit more complex. Finley was so unrealistically sweet and nice AT ALL TIMES, and I don't mean it in the way that, "oh she's such an unproblematic character". Her reactions to situations that would have tested even the most patient person were so.... sweet. It gets boring, man.
The thing is, the story started out great! It was on the right track and all, but then around 60% (?¿) Eddie's "big secret" comes out and from then on, everything starts going downhill. I felt like the tone of the story really changed after that, what with the
Spoiler
lawyers and legal talkWhat I did like was the secondary characters. I liked them so much better than the main characters. Eve and Alex and Elana and Summer (oh especially Summer!) and French Mama and Toby. To me, their dynamics shone through on the page even more than that of the two MCs. I really wanted more insight into the whole Elana x Adam x Eve dynamic. So interesting!
I also like how the ending turned out. The middle of the book kinda dragged on due to an excess of internal conflict. Honestly, it got so repetitive! By the time the end rolled around, I was just so ready to see a resolution and be done with the book. The book's conclusion was satisfying, I'll give it that.
So, on one hand, the dialogue of the book felt iffy, the plot's movement struggled through a few rough patches, and the characters were a bit bland. On the other hand, the secondary characters were well-written, the romance started out great, and the conclusion was pretty satisfying.
In conclusion, this book has elements that will appeal to some readers. The story & characters were engaging enough (in the loosest sense of the word) and the romance was kind of cute. If you're looking for a quick contemporary read with a happy ending, then this could be for you. Just wasn't for me, though.
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julie_reads15's review against another edition
3.0
Summary
You Before Anyone Else by Julie Cross and Mark Perini is a young adult contemporary romance novel, with themes on the brink of the new adult genre.
It alternates between the first person points of view of 19-year-old Finley and Eddie who meet at a party through mutual friends.
Finley wants to reopen her mother's dance studio in Connecticut. She's working as a model in New York City trying to earn money. She isn't landing any high paying jobs due to her good girl demeanour.
Eddie is working as a model at the same modelling agency as Finley, in order to earn money. He's hiding a big secret from Finley.
Finley and Eddie start falling in love with each other. However, Eddie's having a hard time keeping his secret from Finley and worries when it surfaces, it will break them apart.
Review
The first half of the novel was filled with intense romance. It abruptly changed to intense drama in the second half.
I liked the secondary characters. They were well developed and had distinct personalities. I especially liked Finley's strong relationship with her family and modelling friends.
After the announcement of Eddie's secret and his plan to handle it, I could see where he was coming from. Although, his plan wasn't very logical and it kind of annoyed me.
I loved how the story ended. It was positive and hopeful.
I liked the messages the authors portrayed of doing what you want to do and not what others want you to do.
The story was long for a romance novel. There were times where I felt it dragged on and it could have been cut down.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 16 years and older and wants to read a romance with familial drama and new adult themes.
You Before Anyone Else by Julie Cross and Mark Perini is a young adult contemporary romance novel, with themes on the brink of the new adult genre.
It alternates between the first person points of view of 19-year-old Finley and Eddie who meet at a party through mutual friends.
Finley wants to reopen her mother's dance studio in Connecticut. She's working as a model in New York City trying to earn money. She isn't landing any high paying jobs due to her good girl demeanour.
Eddie is working as a model at the same modelling agency as Finley, in order to earn money. He's hiding a big secret from Finley.
Finley and Eddie start falling in love with each other. However, Eddie's having a hard time keeping his secret from Finley and worries when it surfaces, it will break them apart.
Review
The first half of the novel was filled with intense romance. It abruptly changed to intense drama in the second half.
I liked the secondary characters. They were well developed and had distinct personalities. I especially liked Finley's strong relationship with her family and modelling friends.
After the announcement of Eddie's secret and his plan to handle it, I could see where he was coming from. Although, his plan wasn't very logical and it kind of annoyed me.
I loved how the story ended. It was positive and hopeful.
I liked the messages the authors portrayed of doing what you want to do and not what others want you to do.
The story was long for a romance novel. There were times where I felt it dragged on and it could have been cut down.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 16 years and older and wants to read a romance with familial drama and new adult themes.
sweetcass20's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
kaylareadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it. I binge read it in one sitting. It became an obsession. This was the first new adult book I have ever read and not felt completely uncomfortable reading. Yes, there scenes that are pretty steamy but it’s beautifully written and tastefully explained.
Finley and Eddie. Two models, neither of them want to do this full time. But its their only choice at the moment.
Finley is a cautious model who has finally decided to break out of her good girl shell. Eddie is an upper class Manhattanite bad boy who needs to make money without using his last name to get it.
I see a lot of myself in Finley. Finley has the need to fix everything and take care of everyone, something I tend to do too. She sees Eddie as a lost puppy and is very close to making him her project.
I think the fact that the book is co-written but Mark and Julie brings something new to the table. Mark is a model, which gives us the ability to know what the modeling world is like and that is what makes the book all the more realistic.
(There will be spoilers coming up, you have been warned. Read at your own risk.)
Finley decides that the way to get rid of her good girl image is to have a one night stand. Her one night stand, Eddie, turns out to live upstairs and she sees him all the time. Finley’s plan of having one night stand seems to backfire and Eddie becomes so much more than that to her.
All in all, I give this book a 5/5 and I will be definitely recommending it to all my friends.
Finley and Eddie. Two models, neither of them want to do this full time. But its their only choice at the moment.
Finley is a cautious model who has finally decided to break out of her good girl shell. Eddie is an upper class Manhattanite bad boy who needs to make money without using his last name to get it.
I see a lot of myself in Finley. Finley has the need to fix everything and take care of everyone, something I tend to do too. She sees Eddie as a lost puppy and is very close to making him her project.
I think the fact that the book is co-written but Mark and Julie brings something new to the table. Mark is a model, which gives us the ability to know what the modeling world is like and that is what makes the book all the more realistic.
(There will be spoilers coming up, you have been warned. Read at your own risk.)
Finley decides that the way to get rid of her good girl image is to have a one night stand. Her one night stand, Eddie, turns out to live upstairs and she sees him all the time. Finley’s plan of having one night stand seems to backfire and Eddie becomes so much more than that to her.
All in all, I give this book a 5/5 and I will be definitely recommending it to all my friends.
susetereads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
4.0
"Life gets in the way."
I really enjoyed this one. Alternating POV, this is the story of Eddie and Finley. They meet at a party in the midst of the modeling world chaos. But they are both at a weird crossroad. Each has their own struggles and have enough drama. Neither of them have the time for a relationship but how can you avoid each other when you both model and keep getting thrown together.
The chemistry is there, even if they don't have the time for it.
I really appreciated that this story wasn't like a lot of the other New Adult stories. Each character had depth and personality (and neither of them were all pure and innocent, which was a nice change too!) I liked the twists and turns and the slow burn after that one night. Their relationship was wonderful to read. I loved this one.
I really enjoyed this one. Alternating POV, this is the story of Eddie and Finley. They meet at a party in the midst of the modeling world chaos. But they are both at a weird crossroad. Each has their own struggles and have enough drama. Neither of them have the time for a relationship but how can you avoid each other when you both model and keep getting thrown together.
The chemistry is there, even if they don't have the time for it.
I really appreciated that this story wasn't like a lot of the other New Adult stories. Each character had depth and personality (and neither of them were all pure and innocent, which was a nice change too!) I liked the twists and turns and the slow burn after that one night. Their relationship was wonderful to read. I loved this one.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Julie Cross is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, including the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm (St. Martin’s Press).
She’s also the author of Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, and many more to come!
Julie lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She’s a former gymnast, longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former Gymnastics Program Director with the YMCA.
She’s a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres.
Outside of her reading and writing credibility’s, Julie Cross is a committed–but not talented–long distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar weather survivor, expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym shoe addict.
Mark Perini is a New York City based author debuting his first YA novel, Halfway Perfect. Additionally, Mark is a featured author in the NA anthology, Fifty First Times.
Mark began his career as an international fashion model when he was 18 years old, while simultaneously obtaining a business degree from Seton Hall University. He has a passion for traveling the world, and he’s made a blood pact with friends to see all seven ancient wonders of the world before he’s thirty. Four down three to go.
There was so much about YOU BEFORE ANYONE ELSE that I loved. The characters, the storyline and even the backdrop for this story were perfect. But what I loved most about this book were Finley and Eddie. Their unmistakable draw to each other. The uncanny way they knew when the other needed them, even when they were trying to stay away. It was remarkable that two people so young could know exactly what they wanted from the other...even when they didn't know what they wanted from themselves.
Finley and Eddie find themselves, at the tender age of 18, trying to breakaway. Eddie from his controlling family, desperate to have something that is his. And Finley, desperate to make money to re-open the one place that always brought her happiness...her parents' dance studio. They both turn to modeling and suddenly are running in the same circles, living in the same building and finding themselves drawn to each other.
Both these characters have pieces of them that are broken, but Eddie is by far the wrose off of the two of them. Modeling for him is a way to runaway from his family and the nightmare that has been his life for several months. Typecast as a "bad boy" by the modeling agencies, Eddie is anything but. He's thoughtful, sweet and determined to do the right thing no matter what the cost. When Eddie's full story is revealed, it's hard to not admire a kid who was so willing to stand up for what he wanted, even if that meant leaving the comforts he had known before behind.
Finley was instantly likable and as we got to know her, we understand why she carried the burdens that she did. But as she carried those burdens, she also forgot what it was that she loved before her world fell apart. It took Eddie's belief in her, his gentle pushing and a good friend with a camera to show Finley that she could follow her dream and still achieve the goal she set out for herself.
This was such a great story and it's one I know I'll be telling people to read. The book is charming and sticks with you well after you turned to the last page.
Be a #ModelCitizen and Enter to Win!
BUY NOW
Julie Cross and Mark Perini, along with Tasty Book Tours, are celebrating those who have taken the steps in Breaking the Mold on society’s expectations, like Finley, the heroine from YOU BEFORE ANYONE ELSE! We are looking for anyone who would like to share their story and be entered to win a 2017 Erin Condren Life Planner!
Head over to fb.me/TastyBookTours and leave a comment with your story. Feel free to share picture of your journey and use #breakingthemold at the end of your comment!
Entries must be in by 11:59pm, Aug 15th, 2016. No purchase necessary to enter. If under 12 years old, you must have approval by a guardian to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Julie Cross is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, including the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm (St. Martin’s Press).
She’s also the author of Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, and many more to come!
Julie lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She’s a former gymnast, longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former Gymnastics Program Director with the YMCA.
She’s a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres.
Outside of her reading and writing credibility’s, Julie Cross is a committed–but not talented–long distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar weather survivor, expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym shoe addict.
Mark Perini is a New York City based author debuting his first YA novel, Halfway Perfect. Additionally, Mark is a featured author in the NA anthology, Fifty First Times.
Mark began his career as an international fashion model when he was 18 years old, while simultaneously obtaining a business degree from Seton Hall University. He has a passion for traveling the world, and he’s made a blood pact with friends to see all seven ancient wonders of the world before he’s thirty. Four down three to go.
Don't miss the companion novel
HALFWAY PERFECT
avery_21's review against another edition
3.0
This book was hard to rate. This because it felt to me like i was reading two books that were stuck together. The start of the book was more of a romance novel. Two people meet, they have a one night stand and than they are throw together in their regular lives. They need to find a way to deal with eachother and from that point on something starts to blossom.
In the second part of the book we find out that Eddie has a secret and the story becomes something different. The main characters have to make choices and this is where the book starts bothering me a little bit.
We start up a romance and we end up somewhere completely different. Both the start and the ending could have been great but they didn't match together. And in my opinion some storylines could have used some depth. They were introduced but not given the body they needed to carry the story to greatness.
I rate this book 3 stars, because 2 stars seemed to little but it's a a bit of a stretch.
In the second part of the book we find out that Eddie has a secret and the story becomes something different. The main characters have to make choices and this is where the book starts bothering me a little bit.
We start up a romance and we end up somewhere completely different. Both the start and the ending could have been great but they didn't match together. And in my opinion some storylines could have used some depth. They were introduced but not given the body they needed to carry the story to greatness.
I rate this book 3 stars, because 2 stars seemed to little but it's a a bit of a stretch.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
You Before Anyone Else by Julie Cross & Mark Perini is an absolutely delightful young adult/new adult romance that has a substantive plot, a sweet love story and charming characters.
Eddie Wells stumbles onto a modeling career just as he is trying to make some much needed improvements to his life. He never takes himself or his photo gigs too seriously and this blasé attitude makes him an instant sensation so he scores some pretty impressive modeling jobs. There is much more to Eddie than meets the eye and it is impossible not to like him as he tries to leave behind his troubled past while at the same time attempting to make a serious decision that will forever change his life. He is a likable, sympathetic character that is impossible not to root for as he stands up to his wealthy family and refuses to acquiesce to his father's self-serving demands.
Finley Belton is frustrated by her inability to get more modeling jobs because she is viewed as sweet rather than edgy. Like Eddie, modeling is just a stepping stone to help her achieve her goal of making enough money to re-open her family's ballet studio. Devoted to her father and two younger brothers, Finley is a kind-hearted, compassionate young woman who unexpectedly finds herself revisiting an old dream when she begins dancing again. Torn between her desire to stay close to home, she is unexpectedly conflicted about which dream she should pursue. Adding to Finley's confusion is her unexpected romance with Eddie.
Eddie and Finley's relationship begins as an out of character one night stand. Trying to change her image and shake up her boring routine, Finley meets Eddie at party and eventually invites him to her place. Neither of them typically indulge in hookups so the morning after is quite awkward for both Finley and Eddie. As their paths continue to cross, their discomfort slowly evolves into a reluctant friendship that gradually becomes a summer romance. While Finley is aware of some of Eddie's secrets, she has no idea what precipitated his split from his family. Just as their romance deepens into a real relationship, Eddie's past collides with his present and he finally reveals the troubling truth about himself and his family. Their lighthearted, fun romance now takes a serious turn as both Finley and Eddie try to make important decisions about their future both as a couple and as individuals.
Written in alternating points of view, You Before Anyone Else by Julie Cross & Mark Perini is an engaging novel that beautifully blends romance with true to life, relatable subject matter. The characters are wonderfully developed and although flawed, they are sympathetic and easy to like. The dialogue is snappy with plenty of laugh out loud humor. The plot is unique and compelling with elements that are common to both young adult and new adult genres. An all around fantastic read that I highly recommend to readers of all ages.
You Before Anyone Else by Julie Cross & Mark Perini is an absolutely delightful young adult/new adult romance that has a substantive plot, a sweet love story and charming characters.
Eddie Wells stumbles onto a modeling career just as he is trying to make some much needed improvements to his life. He never takes himself or his photo gigs too seriously and this blasé attitude makes him an instant sensation so he scores some pretty impressive modeling jobs. There is much more to Eddie than meets the eye and it is impossible not to like him as he tries to leave behind his troubled past while at the same time attempting to make a serious decision that will forever change his life. He is a likable, sympathetic character that is impossible not to root for as he stands up to his wealthy family and refuses to acquiesce to his father's self-serving demands.
Finley Belton is frustrated by her inability to get more modeling jobs because she is viewed as sweet rather than edgy. Like Eddie, modeling is just a stepping stone to help her achieve her goal of making enough money to re-open her family's ballet studio. Devoted to her father and two younger brothers, Finley is a kind-hearted, compassionate young woman who unexpectedly finds herself revisiting an old dream when she begins dancing again. Torn between her desire to stay close to home, she is unexpectedly conflicted about which dream she should pursue. Adding to Finley's confusion is her unexpected romance with Eddie.
Eddie and Finley's relationship begins as an out of character one night stand. Trying to change her image and shake up her boring routine, Finley meets Eddie at party and eventually invites him to her place. Neither of them typically indulge in hookups so the morning after is quite awkward for both Finley and Eddie. As their paths continue to cross, their discomfort slowly evolves into a reluctant friendship that gradually becomes a summer romance. While Finley is aware of some of Eddie's secrets, she has no idea what precipitated his split from his family. Just as their romance deepens into a real relationship, Eddie's past collides with his present and he finally reveals the troubling truth about himself and his family. Their lighthearted, fun romance now takes a serious turn as both Finley and Eddie try to make important decisions about their future both as a couple and as individuals.
Written in alternating points of view, You Before Anyone Else by Julie Cross & Mark Perini is an engaging novel that beautifully blends romance with true to life, relatable subject matter. The characters are wonderfully developed and although flawed, they are sympathetic and easy to like. The dialogue is snappy with plenty of laugh out loud humor. The plot is unique and compelling with elements that are common to both young adult and new adult genres. An all around fantastic read that I highly recommend to readers of all ages.