Published by Balzer + Bray, Harper Collins on December 31st
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Source: Publisher
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Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.
Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.
One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love
And … amazing was what I was hoping for as it seemed like the perfect book for me! Love, romance with a cute badboy.
The Cute and The Normal Girl
Wren is just the average girl. She’s plain and honestly a little boring and she’s very very quite. This she’s been told by so many people over and over again, from her family to her teachers. More so, Wren starts believing it herself. But, when she meets Gray she begins to change, finally beginning to speak out for herself. The problem was that I didn’t believe this change, it was nothing that felt like a natural development for me and rather felt like a forced change and development.
Gray – Bad Boy out for redemption?
When we meet Gray in the beginning he seemed like the perfect bad boy wanting to change…. He was just thrown out from his old school for something he did that was borderline criminal. As I do not want to spoil this, I want to say that this was something I could live with, especially since he realized that he needed to change his path.
When Gray meet Wren, the cute girl he realizes that there for her, he needs to change. It was actually super cute seeing this bad boy full of attitude falling for the good girl Wren.
And, I truly enjoyed their romance. As different as they were, there was chemistry between them! Sdaly, the chemistry was a little instant and had no room to develop past this initial spark.
Love … but not much else?
As I said, I really liked the romance and there was definitely a spark between them. I love the opposites attrack theme here, and it was definitely played well. However, I felt like there was not much else to this story. There was a little drama with parents about growing up, but nothing that felt really deep for me. Moreover, Gray did something I still think he needs to face what he did. It ends with having no consequences for him, which felt a little wrong as much as I liked him! Also, there are some scenes which felt totally forced. Like, there is not enough drama, so lets add some but it was so stupid that this whole scene made no sense.
Bewitched Rating
Bottom Line
The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine was unfortunately the opposite of amazing. As much as I wanted to love this book, it was just not as amazing as promised. Wren was a flat and boring character and the whole story had not much substance apart from the two teenagers falling in love.
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That’s disappointing. This sounds like it could have been very good. There aren’t enough “normal” girl books – where the MC is neither popular nor hated. I’d like to see more of that.
Alison (@AlisonCanRead) recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday: Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater
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yes, I was so eager and excited to read it. It sounded so damn cute and exactly like a book I’d love! but then .. ;(
Danny recently posted..The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine
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I loved the idea of a Camelot themed banquet hall, but I gave up when Grayson swore so much. I’m always looking for romance books for middle school, but a lot of YA books have a bit too much information!
Ms. Yingling recently posted..Enders
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yeah this also doesn’t feel like a good book for MG – for this Grayson would have had to be taken responsible for his actions right?
too bad!
Danny recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday – Nil by Lynne Matso
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I’ve read a bunch of reviews who feel the same way — just doesn’t quite do it. Sadly, because the premise sounds really good!
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Ach I was so sad when I didn’t like it. I picked it up and was super excited but then . .. *sigh*
Danny recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday – Nil by Lynne Matso
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I kinda disappointed that the romance was the only point to the story. I do like the sounds of Wren though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.
Jenea @ Books Live Forever recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday #70
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I really didn’t connect to the story and the forced drama was the worst. I like conflict – it belongs to a good story, but forcing in some drama? but then again, the main point was sadly the romance…
Danny recently posted..The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine
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While YA contemporaries are not my thing reviews have not been promising for this and so many people felt exactly like you. So sorry this disappointed.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Ruined by Jus Accardo
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I have been putting off starting this one just because of the title. I mean – I expect an epic, amazing love story lol
I’ve read quite a few reviews that agree with your opinion. I’ll probably skip it or wait awhile so that my expectations aren’t so high based on the title.
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