Coming Up For Air by Miranda Kenneally

Coming Up For Air by Miranda Kenneally
Release Date -  July 4, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincost Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  320 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Swim. Eat. Shower. School. Snack. Swim. Swim. Swim. Dinner. Homework. Bed. Repeat.

All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

This is a standalone novel. 

Reading a new installment of Miranda Kenneally's 100 Oaks series is like putting on a favourite cozy sweater. There is a comfort to be found within these pages. Getting glimpses of past characters we've come to love is something I look forward to, and only adds to the nostalgia feel that surrounds these books. Coming Up For Air hit all those sweet spots while still entertaining with a new couple to root for and their story to become invested in.

Maggie is a driven young woman with dreams of qualifying for the Olympics. Swimming is one of the most important things for her, and she is prepared to do what it takes to win. Most of the time she's more than happy to miss out on the 'typical' high school experience to get up early for swim practice. Maggie's journey is one of balance. She, through a college visit, realizes she might have missed out on things in high school that she wants to experience before she leaves (like making out with a guy, for example). Her story arc has her caught between different wants and the pull of what is expected of her, and what she expects for herself. I think her story will be wonderful for those teens who are just as driven as Maggie is, and wondering how they can fit in dating, and other teenage experiences. I admired Maggie's sense of self, and what she wanted. She may get a little lost along the way, but she never looses sight of what she is willing (or not willing) to sacrifice.

Each of these companion novels make some of kind of statement on sex. I was immediately struck with how sex positive this one was. Particularly for the readers who happen to be teen girls. Maggie's desire to hook up and explore that side of herself is presented as being entirely valid, but this novel also explores other choices teens can make and they are made to shown as just as valid. We see people with different view points to relationships, sex, and making out within this novel. It was also refreshing to see a novel address the fact that when you're a teen you feel like everyone is doing the things you're not. That you're the only one who hasn't kissed someone, or had sex, or a million other things. It showcases that everyone experiences things at their own pace, and that you don't have to do something just because you think it is expected of you. It should be because you want to and are ready. It's a message that I don't recall seeing in another novel, and I was glad that it was approached in such a sex positive way.

Romance is something Miranda Kenneally fans have come to expect from her novels, and this one delivers in a big way. If you're a sucker for the 'friends to lovers' trope I predict that Maggie and Levi will be one of your favourite Hundred Oaks couples. The bond of friendship that these two share really is the highlight of the novel, and the move to something more felt entirely natural. It also seems effortless, and I think it takes a lot of skill to make the chemistry that apparent and easy.

While this wasn't my favourite of the Hundred Oaks series it still is a solid contemporary read. I appreciate how this series tackles important issues in each of the books without feeling preachy, or making anyone feel judged. This is easily a series that I could see continue for as long as Miranda wishes to write them. Her fans will love checking in with their favourite characters and falling in love with some new ones.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

A small but exciting mailbox post this week.

I received an eARC of Miranda Kenneally's latest book!

Coming Up For Air by Miranda Kenneally (goodreads)

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and Negalley for the chance to review this.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally

Defending Taylor by Miranda Kenneally
Release Date - July 5, 2016

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

There are no mistakes in love.

Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor's always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that's what is expected of a senator's daughter. But one impulsive decision-one lie to cover for her boyfriend-and Taylor's kicked out of private school. Everything she's worked so hard for is gone, and now she's starting over at Hundred Oaks High.

Soccer has always been Taylor's escape from the pressures of school and family, but it's hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she's going through is her older brother's best friend, Ezra. Taylor's had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it's hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?

Defending Taylor, at its core, is a story we've all heard before. One of self discovery and the expectations of those around you compared with what you want for yourself. It is about discovering and growing into your own beliefs and voice. This story is done in a way, however, that keeps it feeling completely fresh and new.

Miranda Kenneally allows her characters, particularly her female ones, to be imperfect. She allows them to make mistakes, and make decisions that have regrettable outcomes. She also manges to never allows this to define her characters. They are shown to still be worthy, mistakes and all. The message that your value is not attached to one thing is so important and it is one that is a current theme in Miranda's books.

The judgement and scrutiny that Taylor is faced with is perfectly back dropped with the rightful consequences of her action. She tried to do the right thing and protect someone she loves while blinded to the this HTML class. Value isepercussions.

While I enjoyed both Taylor and Ezra as characters, I didn't feel the chemistry between them the way I have with some of the other couples that Miranda has written. Their relationship didn't spark for me the way I imagine it was supposed to, but the romance in this one is still pleasant and you are invested enough in both characters to care about their romance.

The glimpses of characters from previous novels allows that connection between the reader and the story to stay intact. They will feel they've seen these characters grow and change long past their stories as we check in on their happily ever afters. These cameos are their own reward for loyal readers, and subsequently insure that this series fan base will continue to follow Miranda anywhere she wants to take them.

Another novel in which Miranda Kenneally shows her trademark heart, and breezy writing. She's created a fun world where her readers have gotten to experience the characters they have come to care about grow up and change along with them. I, personally, cannot wait to see what the next Hundred Oaks story brings.

Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Release Date - July 7, 2015

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Practice Makes Perfect.

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?

It's no secret that Miranda Kenneally knows her way around a sports novel. Her previous books have focused heavily on various sports and have done so with much success. Jesse's Girl offered a departure into the world of music and Miranda Kenneally once again immerses you into the world, and uses music to the same effect that she used sports as the backdrop and heart of the setting and story.

There is a whole lot of 80's nostalgia worked into this novel and I loved every single page of it. There is a Ferris Bueller's Day Off vibe throughout the story, particularly in the middle, and it's filled with 80's references and songs. The playlist at the end are all songs you could easily find in my collection. This element was pretty much tailor made to appeal to me, and made loving this book all the easier.

Fans of the series are rewarded with a fun, and welcome look at some beloved characters. Miranda's novels all create a feeling of community and family and the little cameos only add to it's charms. It allows readers to feel anchored in the story in a way that is really unique to a series like this. It rewards long time fans in the best ways while allowing new fans to jump into the series.

Those looking for the deeper, sometimes gritty elements, of her previous novel may be disappointed to find more lighter fare gracing these pages. This felt and read more like a John Hughes movie (wish fulfilment scenes included) and was simply fun. There is so much humour in this from Sm and Jordan's interactions, the banter between Jesse and Maya, and lots more. While it still tackles some serious issues that teens will relate to, it has a much more relaxed, summer pool side read vibe than any of her previous books.

Miranda Kenneally tackles teen sex and sexuality in a really honest, and forthright manner. This novel is no exception. She lays it out there rather than pretending it doesn't happen and uses it to encourage safe sex. These novel do a pitch perfect job of capturing the teen voice, and exploring some of the issues may of them are facing.

While this has quite a different feel than her previous books, there is still that heart you would expect from a Miranda Kenneally book.This novel's core is a sweet romance wrapped in the message of striving for your dreams, and not giving up on yourself. 

Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Release Date - July 15, 2014

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 306 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

Breathe, Annie, Breathe is one of those books that is both heart crushing and healing all at once. A beautifully touching novel of how those we lose never really leave us, and how we learn to let someone else in after a devastating loss, one little step at a time.

Annie's guilt is crippling. It feels like an oppressive force holding her down. It trickles from the pages until I could almost feel it myself. Losing someone is never easy, and blaming yourself is even worse. Her character heaps on more guilt as she begins to let someone else into her heart. Her journey is one filled with remorse, determination, and eventual understanding. All of Miranda Kenneally's characters are wonderfully flawed, and Annie has her share of them. Part of her journey is forgiving herself, and others for things in her past. It's all about making amends and learning what it means to truly live life.

It's hard to get into a new relationship when a significant other dies. Miranda Kenneally delicately shows that letting someone new in doesn't lessen the previous love. The way Kyle is woven into everything is achingly beautiful. It evident that he'll always be in Annie's heart. The relationship that blossoms with Jeremiah is separate and different, but no less important. The author manages to make of these boys both vital to Annie's story without diminishing either of them.

Running becomes a character in it's own right over the course of this novel. It's such a force within Annie's story that it becomes all encompassing. The author obviously loves running, particularly distance training, and it shows. Seeing it through Annie's eyes, and the rush she gets from it, you begin to see it in a new light. The good, the bad, and the ugly parts of it are all lovingly splayed out and dissected.  It's like a wonderful love letter to running. One that even fully embraces those ugly parts.

Annie and Jeremiah balance each other. He helps her loosen up a bit. He gets her to take some risks. He helps her see what it's like to live again. She helps calm his recklessness, and centers him a little. It's this balance that made their relationship work. I immediately understood why they would be attracted to each other, and what being together gave each of them. I admit that in novels like this I tend to get attached to the wrong relationship. I have a hard time connecting with the new love interest. I stubbornly hold on to the one who died. In this case, as much as I liked Kyle, it just made sense that Jeremiah would be in her life.

Jeremiah is crafted as the perfect compliment to Annie's character. Fans of Miranda's previous novels know that her boys are always pretty incredible, and he is no exception. Flawed, endearing, and supportive. He's exactly what Annie needs.

The brief cameos that pepper these novels make me feel like I am reuniting with old friends. Getting a chance to check in on characters we've grown to love in previous novels is the icing on an already awesome cake. It's always a thrill when one of those characters makes an appearance, and it's one of the most endearing aspects of the novel. Every author cares about her characters, but Miranda knows her readers do too.

A delightful addition to this series, and one of the best out of these companion novels that started with Catching Jordan. It offers a realistic look at guilt, loss, and moving forward. Breathe, Annie, Breathe captures the heartbreak of losing someone, and the bittersweetness of learning to love again.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

My mailbox is SUPER small this week, only two books. My 'to be read' pile is insanely happy about this though.

First up is a book I borrowed from Emilie at Emilie's Book World

Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally (goodreads)

I also received an e-ARC of a novel from Raincoast Books. A huge thank you to them for setting me up with one of my recent Waiting on Wednesday choices.

Beyond The Pale Motel by Francesca Lia Block (goodreads)

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally

Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally
Release Date – December 3, 2013
Publisher Website – Raincoast Books/Sourcebooks Fire
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…

If I had to sum up my reaction to Racing Savannah in one sentence I would probably chose 'Miranda Kenneally does it again'. Four books in and she's still creating wonderful characters, and still writing some of the most touching contemporary fiction out there.

I loved Jordan. I ADORED Parker, and was lukewarm on Kate. Savannah brings back the love in a big way. Her drive, her desire, and her unwillingness to let anyone else determine her life made me instantly root for her happiness. She respected herself, and others, and wasn't about to compromise in what she believed in. A wonderful message that comes across  in not only the upstairs/downstairs romance, but her love of horse jockeying as well. She is someone that many teens will see themselves in. She's falling in love for the first time. She has to find herself, and in doing so learn what that means for her family, her future and for herself. It's a story about growing up, and everyone can relate to Savannah in that respect.

Jack Goodwin is anything but your typical rich, privileged kid. He, like Savannah, has determination. He wants to do right by his father's farm, and learn to run it successfully. He avoids the stereotypical attributes of his status and instead came across as down to earth. He and Savannah have an easy nature with each other, and their relationship feels authentic. The have obstacles to overcome together, and apart that shape and define their relationship. These obstacles make the relationship that much more worth while, both for the reader and the characters. If you like your romance on the realistic, and sweet side this book will be sure to please.

Family is always interwoven into Miranda's storylines. Family plays a huge part in Savannah's life, and they are a factor in many of her choices. Rather than having the usual 'missing parent' syndrome that is so often prevalent in Young Adult novels, it's embraced in all of Miranda's books. It's something that I adore about the writing, and how easily they are factored into the story. Racing Savannah showed that family can be supportive, stifling, loving, smothering, and your biggest supporters all at once. Savannah's father, and his new wife, both want what is best for her, and I anticipate may remind some people of their own families.

A dose of the familiar creates a feeling of warm comfort. Getting to see beloved characters and see how they are doing is one of the delights of these companion novels. Racing Savannah is no exception. As these cameos are part of the charm I won't spoil who makes an appearance, but long time readers will be rewarded. This aspect of these novels allows the reader to feel immersed in the story immediately. These novels part of the reason companions are working their way into my heart. Miranda does them so well, and interweaves them flawlessly so that the reader can't help but feel like they're part of Hundred Oaks themselves.

Miranda Keneally keeps providing true to life characters, honest plots, and constantly good writing. Racing Savannah is another brilliant companion in a quickly growing world that will keep readers coming back time and time again.

In My Mailbox

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

Another week of awesome egalleys! A huge thank you to HarperTeen, Raincoast Books, Netgalley, and Edelweiss for the chance to review these amazing titles.

Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally (Goodreads)
Great by Sara Benincasa (Goodreads)
Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd (Goodreads)

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

Things I Can’t Forget by Miranda Kenneally
Release Date – March 1, 2013
Publisher Website - Sourcebooks Fire
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  304 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**Received from publisher for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Intense. Provocative. Thought Provoking. Miranda Kenneally’s novels are some of the most real, raw and realistic novels. They capture the roller coaster that the formative teenage years are. They don’t shy away from the complicated, messy and sometimes destructive choices that people can make.

Kate is written to get under your skin. Judgmental, unwavering, and unwilling to acknowledge other perspectives than her own. Her narrow view point ends up isolating her, and tearing a part friendships. Her faith is a huge part of her character, and it defines everything she sees, does and thinks. She has a hard time reconciling how to be a good faithful follower of god, and be part of a world where shades of grey exist.

As a reader I felt pushed away from her, and could feel myself bristle in reaction to her. Her growth eventually led me to a place of acceptance, and hope for a character who came across of self involved. As the character is revealed I slowly started to see the good in her. There are reasons her character was written this way, and the fact that the story still pulls you in shows that the journey is part of the charm of this particular plot.

Her guilt over something she’s done causes her to question herself, her faith, and whether or not she can ever be forgiven for a sin she perceives are unforgivable. I could sympathize with her distress over compromising something she so fully believes in, and could also understand why she saved in the first place.

Her journey is eye opening, life changing one for the character. I appreciated that the changes she made were for herself. The author also didn’t handle these changes lightly. The character doesn’t all of a sudden see things differently. It’s a gradual shift, and even in the end her journey is ongoing.

Matt is the most patient, understanding, and relaxed character in the story. When I was hoping someone would really give Kate a piece of their mind, Matt was supportive, and kind. He opens Kate’s eyes in a way that is both romantic, and natural.

The surprising addition of Parker induced a minor freak out. I really liked Parker and was thrilled to find out the next part of her story. The way that these novels are interconnected adds to the high school ambiance. In a story where so much of the plot examines friendship and what being a good friend really means, Parker's acceptance and willingness to forgive helps Kate on her own self discovery.

Miranda Kenneally’s novels are filled with intense emotions, and achingly real life situations and characters. A main character that brought forth many emotions in me, and a story that is deep, thought provoking read. One that I enjoyed despite the main character

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

This week is a big one for bookish goodness. I met with some of the Ottawa blogettes this week and borrowed books from them, and also got a package of awesome from Raincoast Books.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)

Thanks Katie (from Bookishly Yours) for lending these!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)

I got this one from the library after hearing how amazing it is.

Package of awesome from Raincoast included

Unremembered by Jessica Brody (goodreads)
Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington (goodreads)
Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally (goodreads) *not pictured as it was promptly borrowed by another blogger*

Thank you so much to the people at Raincoast. I was so excited to get these.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally
Release Date – October 1, 2012
Publisher Website –  Sourcebooks Fire/Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 245 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Red-hot author Miranda Kenneally hits one out of the park in this return to Catching Jordan's Hundred Oaks High.

After a scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back.

Forbidden romance, family drama and realistic characters are what you can expect from Stealing Parker. A story that dives into topics such as faith, love,  and family bonds. Stealing Parker was a wonderful, quick read that left me in awe of Miranda’s characters.

Miranda Kenneally has this ability to make each character feel real. They behave like real teenagers, flaws and all. The story has such realism that you quickly loose yourself in it. Each of the characters, even the secondary ones, are treated this way. None of them feel like an after-thought or throw away. It makes your connection to the story and characters that much deeper. A few authors have such realism and Miranda has it in spades.

The character of Parker is immediately engaging. Her struggle with faith and coming to terms with her parents separation made her a sympathetic character. The treatment of her family after her mother’s announcement was crushing. I did like that Miranda showed varying degrees of religion and that acceptance and faith can be found in many churches. It also touched on the idea that faith and your connection to it can exist outside of an organized structure which I found beautiful.

The relationship between Parker and Brian (the coach) is handled wonderfully. The author never ventures into preachy territory but shows exactly why these types of relationships are harmful. The balance of power, and the different life experiences are glaringly apparent. Parker’s willingness to be led by an older man who is a little lost himself is not only believable, but true to her character. The sexual side to dating an older, much more experienced guy is dealt with honestly, and tastefully. It does make for a more mature theme that is quite thought provoking. Nobody is the villain or victim in this scenario, and it does not romanticize this type of relationship.

The other romances in this novel is painted quite realistically. I, sadly, can not go into much detail without giving spoilers, but the pacing is perfect. None of them are love at first sight. Lust at first sight maybe, but not love. The act of getting to know someone and having feelings deepen as that happens is not only explored, but the basis for a lot of the relationships in the novel.

Fans of Jordan will delight in the brief glimpses that we get of her. Careful readers will notice a few references to characters in the first novel in this “series”. They are tied together subtly and allow the reader to feel like an insider when they recognize someone.

Stealing Parker is a  companion novel that surpasses the original. Heart touching characters, realistic development and some sweet romance made this a hit with me. If you enjoyed Catching Jordan this follow up is not be missed.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
Release Date – December 1 , 2011
Publisher Website –  Sourcebooks/Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 284 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. 

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?

Jordan Woods has just one dream - to play college level football at her dream university. Catching Jordan introduces us into some memorable characters, and a fun, refreshing voice for a teenage girl character.

Jordan is such a great character. She is a mixture of confidence and insecurity that rings true for a lot of girls. She doesn’t have a lot of experience dating boys, even though she’s always surrounded by them. Her determination, focus and passion were some of my favourite qualities in her. She could handle sexist jerks as well as she could handle a football and yet she had this softer side to her.  Jordan’s voice and journey feels authentic. Not just to the character, but the experiences of a lot of teenagers.

Miranda Kenneally took a subject I knew very little about and made me care. I wanted Jordan to succeed. I wanted her to get into the college/university of her dreams and play college football. I was indignant on her behalf when someone expected her to behave “like a girl” and told her to quit football. The author managed to capture of essence of having a passion and what is means to strive for our dreams. I also loved the message that sometimes our dreams can be met in different ways.

Sam Henry, Jordan’s best friend and team mate. I loved their friendship. The bond between these characters is shown by the characters actions rather than by having the author tell us. Fiercely loyal to each other, and always there when needed. Their friendship has ups and downs and is tested. It’s worth it to both of them though, and they each make the effort when it counts. I was wanting Jordan to stop making lusty eyes at Ty and focus on the incredible guy already in front of her.

Ty is most girl’s definition of a catch. Good looking, charming, and friendly. He also happens to share Jordan’s love of football. His character is likeable enough, and I found him really charming at first.  However, he is completely shattered by the connection and chemistry between Jordan and Henry.

The romance is cute, and has a few little surprises along the way.  I loved the descriptions of how Jordan feels right after meeting Ty. It brought back memories of high school and being smitten with the cute guy in my class.

Each of the characters in this novel, even the minor side characters, were given a lot of depth. Miranda Kenneally focused on flushing out her characters, and using the plot to reveal them to us. It is impressive that with all the characters we meet that each of them is anything but one dimensional.

The Woods family dynamic was another of my favourite parts of the novel. An imperfect family that care about each other. I don’t think we see enough of strong family relationships in YA novels so I was happy to see it done so wonderfully in this novel. Jordan’s parents are a large part of the story, and she has a pretty amazing relationship with her mother.

Catching Jordan reminds us that taking chances is worth it, to never judge someone based on outside appearances and  that sometimes love is the biggest surprise of all.