Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Review : Joyride by Anna Banks


*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

PublisherFeiwel & Friends

Release Date: June 2, 2015
Pages: 288
Source: ARC

The Story:

Who says opposites don't attract?

It's been several years since Carly Vega's parents were deported. Carly lives with her older brother, studies hard, and works the graveyard shift at a convenience store to earn enough to bring her parents back from Mexico. 

Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He used to date popular blondes and have fun pranking with his older sister. But now all that's changed, and Arden needs a new accomplice. Especially one his father, the town sheriff, will disapprove. 

All Carly wants, at first, is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to not do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they've been living according to the wishes of others. Carly and Arden's journey toward their true hearts -- and one another -- is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh. Just like real life.
via Amazon
RatingTHREE Gold Stars!!!


My Review

Opening Line:

Mr. Shackleford shuffles in the front door of the Breeze Mart, jingling the bells to a velvet string on the handle.

Plot:

Where to start? Joyride was a decent ride. There were some cool parts. The best aspect about the story was the presence of the characters. They were so realistic and vivacious - they came off the page. I also appreciated the strong Latina lead. As an Afro-Latina is nice to read, not only interracial couples, but one with such a strong Latina taking command of the story.

As for what I didn't like, it is hard to pinpoint. It is hard for me to say what exactly stopped Joyride from receiving a higher rating than 3-stars. Unfortunately, I suppose because the story just didn't have the "je ne sais quoi" that makes me fall in love with the story.

The premise of Joyride was catchy enough. Interracial couple, illegal immigration, evil sheriff dad, Yada Yada. The pacing was decent. It did not keep me on the tips of my toes but it did not bore me to sleep either.

Character Breakdown:

Carly Vega - Carly's character was a badass. She was a feisty, caring, teenage girl who wasn't afraid to stand up for those she cares about even if the consequences were high.


Sheriff Dwayne Moss - The Sheriff was well-written as a villain. His character tug at my insides - I despised him. When I read a story, I think 

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Joyride:

Carly: "He just holds me. Holds me, and kisses me like I'm the thing he's been craving since life began" (page 169). 

Cletus: "'Spending every waking minute with her. And when you're not, you're at my house keeping busy, until you can spend your next waking minutes with her" (page 182).

Meet the Author:



Anna Banks is a young adult author whose primary goal is to entertain smart, funny gals like herself. You can expect her works to be centered around a love story, freckled with humor, and seasoned with sarcasm. 

Anna grew up in a small town called Niceville (yes, really) in the Florida Panhandle. She now lives with her husband and daughter close to her hometown. The youngest of seven children, she was spoiled beyond comprehension growing up. Before she started writing, Anna worked as a banker and a waitress. She loves old movies, fried chicken, and Simon Cowell, but loathes exercise, licorice, and haters.

She also spews sarcastic, romantic fiction under pen name Anna Scarlett.



***Check out Anna Banks' website for more information about her and the JoyrideHERE

Happy Reading!



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