Published by Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan on 2015-06-02
Genres: General, Love & Romance, Social Issues, Young Adult
Pages: 288
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.
It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.
Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.
All Carly wants 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 others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.
There are some authors I just adore and will read anything they write. Anna Banks (The Syrena Legacy) is one of these for me, and I was super excited when she announced to write a Contemporary story!
Fun times with deep undertones!
What I love most about Anna’s Books are the funny, witty and snarky characters she creates and Joyride does not disappoint her either. The characters were fantastic (coming to them later, stay tunes….), but the fun times and witty moments they created didn’t district from the more serious themes in Joyride. It just was the perfect balance – with some series Immigrant and immigration as well as family drama (well, let’s say lots of family drama!).
Arden and Carly – the unlike pair that just ends up fitting perfectly!
Adorable, adorable Arden
Adorable, adorable Arden – this boy will sneak into your heart so very easy! From the outside, he’s the perfect boy, star quarterback and super popular – but then his sister died and he changed! Amber was Arden’s sister and together they were the perfect sibling team that did all kinds of fun together when he lost her he missed not just his sister but also his best friend and he thinks Carly could be that for him again. So he pursues her to go on Joyrides with him – basically he needs someone to trust, to forget his worries and he hopes this could be Carly.
Of course .. he didn’t intend to fall for this sweet strong girl!
Strong, restrained Carly that needs to let loose!
Carly is the opposite. Always flying under the radar, never letting anyone getting close. Many kids even don’t know she exists! And it has to be that way for her if she ever wants to see her family again (as I said – big family drama and some truly serious issues here!). But it feels like Carly never really let herself live and be a kid. Initially of course very hesitant when Arden approaches her, but then she finally lets loose and finally starts living.
I loved seeing Carly change so much, I loved how Arden made her finally see her life and herself in a different way – it was an incredibly journey!
Bewitched Rating
Bottom Line
Joyride by Anna Banks is a snarky, witty story with deep and serious undertones! Arden and Carly are the central characters (yes, there will be romance!!) and they are a delightfully unlike pair that just ends up fit perfectly! Joyride is an amazing story, well-rounded completely adorably and a true page turner!
Additional Info
And, please please check this adorable Love Letter Arden send to Carly!
Latest posts by Danny (see all)
- INTENSITY by Sherrilyn Kenyon – Excerpt & Giveaway - September 8, 2017
- Locked in Temptation – Q&A withBrenda Jackson & Giveaway - August 4, 2017
- Locked in Temptation by Brenda Jackson – Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway - July 26, 2017
This sounds really good… I can’t wait until it comes out. I love contemporaries like this where 2 people have fun together despite all their problems. I’m glad you liked it… it’s always fun when an author I like jumps genres… I’m curious to see what this is like after the mermaid stuff.
Michelle @ Pink Polka Dot Books recently posted..So Obsessed… (5)
Reply »
It’s different than the Serena books. But Anna banks has just a way with creating amazing characters and she did this here in joyride again. Arden was such a great an amazing character and Carly so different, but her development throughout the book was phenomenal. I truly hope you’re going to love it!
Reply »