Thursday, April 20, 2017

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Don't Kiss the Messenger (Edgelake High School #1) by Katie Ray

Book Blurb:

For most of her teenage life, CeCe Edmonds has been dealing with the stares and the not-so-polite whispers that follow her around Edgelake High. So she has a large scar on her face—Harry Potter had one on his forehead and people still liked him.

CeCe never cared about her looks—until Emmett Brady, transfer student and football darling, becomes her literature critique partner. The only problem? Emmett is blindsided by Bryn DeNeuville, CeCe’s gorgeous and suddenly shy volleyball teammate.

Bryn asks CeCe to help her compose messages that’ll charm Emmett. CeCe isn’t sure there’s anything in his head worth charming but agrees anyway—she’s a sucker for a good romance. Unfortunately, the more messages she sends and the more they run into each other, the more she realizes there’s plenty in his head, from food to literature. Too bad Emmett seems to be falling for the wrong girl…

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book involves one fiercely scarred girl who wants the new guy in town, the new guy who thinks he wants the new girl, and the new girl who really isn’t sure what she wants, and the misunderstanding that brings them all together. This modern Cyrano de Bergerac retelling will make you laugh, swoon, and fall in love.

Add the book on Goodreads

Pick up a copy from Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo or Entangled Publishing

My Review:

4 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Romance, Teen--

CeCe has no expectations about love or acceptance, instead, she works hard and has cultivated a tough exterior to keep people at a distance so she won't be rejected when they see her large facial scar. Emmett on the other hand is incredibly attractive, has just as tough a shell, but is intrigued by what he sees in CeCe. When CeCe's incredibly attractive, sought after teammate Bryn asks CeCe for help pursuing a relationship with Emmett, CeCe is hesitant. Soon she finds herself writing to Emmett as Bryn, but the feelings she is expressing are her own. But how can he see past the beauty in front of him to the beauty inside?

I have always been interested in the cyrano de bergerac story (ala the movies Roxanne and the teen version Whatever it Takes, but still, same concept) about guy trying to woo the girl he likes, but for someone else's benefit. Gawd, it's so messed up, yet I still I am drawn to the plot. And yes, we know what is going to happen, yet I can't look away from the confusion as it is happening. I was excited to get my hands on this gender swapped version, where the girl is the one who does not feel worthy and woos the guy for her friend. Well, the plot was as expected here, and the book does have a happily ever after (no, that is not a spoiler, its a given if you know the original story aka remakes). If you are looking for a fast, engaging, emotional, angst filled teen romance, this is the perfect read to pick up.

CeCe was an interesting character, super resilient, capable and strong enough to stand on her own. I liked how the story showed strong athletic girls who did not fuss over beauty as the sought after girl, really playing up the girl-power approach. Emmett was a great mix of large, popular star quarterback meshed perfectly with the tortured, talented artist, and he had no qualms with either side of his personality. He owned who he was and did not ask for forgiveness. Both character had their stupid moments (aka when Emmett refused to see the problem with Bryn, and CeCe get giving in) where I wanted to scream or shake some sense into them, but overall I really liked them separately and together in a relationship.

It took me about a fourth of the book for me to really get into the story, but once I did, I could not put the book down and I was so wrapped up in the emotional ride. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to more from the author.

I received this title in return for my honest review.

Author Bio:

Katie Ray (also known by her previous author name, Katie Kacvinsky) writes teen and new adult fiction novels. Her books have been nominated for YALSA awards, and First Comes Love was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. Her screenplay, A High Note, was a semifinalist in the Austin Screenplay Competition in 2015. She currently lives in Ashland, Wisconsin with her husband, two children, and a slightly insane dog.

You can find her on her website, Twitter, Facebook or Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway