3.5 stars
I am glad I gave Mrs. Glines a second chance, because I actually really enjoyed this book about a rock star and his maid. I definitely feel that after this, I'll check out her other works. Eventually.
Let me tell you a short story about Mrs. Glines and I: We first met when I read her book, Existence. I hated that book; it was the first book I ever gave a 1 star rating to. So, naturally, I became wary of the idea of reading other books by her. But I knew that at some point, I should, because one book doesn't mean I'll hate all of her book; and she is such a well known and loved author. So I gave this one a try.
There were two things that made me like this book, despite it also sharing two of the very worst things about Existence:
A. I liked the characters.
B. I thought the two of them were really cute together.
The book is told from Sadie's point of view, and I really like this girl; She was honest and focused, pretty but unaware of it, mostly due to her mother and her being the adult in the family - she never had time for boys, and dating. She's independent and mature, and she may fall for rock star Jax, but it's not because of his rock star statues.
"She wasn't the best mom in the world, but she did belong to me."
As for Jax, I always love when those stars are nice, and considerate, and just really lonely. Though, honestly, that's about the most I know about this guy, aside for the fact he really cares and loves Sadie. I never felt like we got to know him much, but I liked the bits of him I did see.
Now, to the two issues I had with this book... that weren't all that bad, considering. If you're a long time follower, you know I usually react to them worse because they are some of my ultimate pet peeves. But as I said before, because I actually liked the plotline, the characters and the two of them together, it didn't matter all that much, aside for the occasional eye roll.
1. Insta Love
Again, I never felt like we got to know Jax all that well; because Sadie never did. She declares to us, in her head, that she knows "Jax" after two conversations, both of which they actually talked about her and not him. By their next meeting, she's fallen in love. And while they do get to know each other a bit better on the following days, it moved way too fast. However, they were kind of adorable. Very sweet and lovey-dovey. So, in this particular case... whatever.
2. The Bella Syndrome - The Bella Syndrome is how I call the plot line where the girl completely breaks down after the break up, and starts being catatonic/suicidal/etc. Named after the first character I read of who did it; Bella Swan.
Naturally, from that description, you can guess correctly that Sadie does this. In fact, she goes to a full on no-eating no-drinking depression, dramatically declaring that she has lost her reason for breathing.
Yes, it sounds awful. Luckily for me, she get's back on her feet fairly quickly, even though she's still hurting, and again... characters, plot line and adorableness kept it from making me hate the book due to it
All in all, despite my misgivings about those two things, I really enjoyed this book, to my immense surprise. I admit I wasn't expecting much after Existence.
I recommend!
P.S - completely unrelated, but... I absolutely adore the UK version of the covers (the one you're seeing here). Some of the models in the US edition look way off and wrong, plus I hate when we have people so distinctively on the cover. This one is gorgeous, mysterious, and I can actually walk outside the house with it and not feel shame!!
Originally published on my blog. Please consider popping by :)