Summary:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit—more sparkly, more fun, more wild—the better. But even though Lola's style is outrageous, she's a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.
When Cricket—a gifted inventor—steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
After devouring Anna and the French Kiss I was very eager to read this book. I was worried that they wouldn't have it at my library but I shouldn't have worried that much: they did have it!I really don't know why I left it so long to read this as it was such a great read.
I read this book within a day and completely fell in love with the characters. I was worried that Cricket wouldn't live up to my expectations as Etienne in Anna and the French Kiss blew my mind! Our first impressions of Cricket come directly from Lola as she recounts what happened when they were younger, and this is a recurring theme throughout. With each chapter we learn more about what happened and also see Cricket returning to Lola's life. I really enjoyed reading about Lola, even though I got mad at her a few times. She had a tendency to do what she wanted and not listen to anyone else and their thoughts. I liked how she was unique and didn't have a problem with it. She didn't try and fit in because she didn't need to: she already had everything she wanted. One character that I didn't like was Max. He was controlling and arrogant and wanted whatever he could get his hands on. Yes, he added to the story, but I really could have hit him at times!
An issue tackled in this book was homosexuality, which I think was handled very well. Although some authors avoid the subject I think it was a welcome addition. It was written just right. There were actually a lot of issues brought up in this book, but none of them were played up to seem like a big deal. They were all completely normal. And that is why I love Stephanie Perkins! She makes everything seem as if it is really happening. This could be a biography about a girl called Lola Nolan, it seems so real!
I really loved this book and don't know how I'll be able to wait until Isla and the Happily Ever After comes out! It's going to be torture!
RATING: 5/5-Favourites shelf