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Between Now & Never
Buh boom, buh boom.
My heart thrusts with a force that takes me by surprise. Telling me something I don’t understand. A splitting pain, a longing to slip back under. They tell me I was in a hit-and-run, but I can’t remember what happened that night. All I know is that I woke up with pictures in my pocket, a card from one of those photo booths in the mall. And I’m in the pictures. Cody Rush. Me and…
Julianna.
Her brother was there that night, and my dad, the FBI agent, was the one who put her mom behind bars. What’s the connection? And why won’t Julianna talk to me now? Somehow, she holds the key to it all, and getting close–real close—to her for the answers I need will be no hardship at all…
My heart thrusts with a force that takes me by surprise. Telling me something I don’t understand. A splitting pain, a longing to slip back under. They tell me I was in a hit-and-run, but I can’t remember what happened that night. All I know is that I woke up with pictures in my pocket, a card from one of those photo booths in the mall. And I’m in the pictures. Cody Rush. Me and…
Julianna.
Her brother was there that night, and my dad, the FBI agent, was the one who put her mom behind bars. What’s the connection? And why won’t Julianna talk to me now? Somehow, she holds the key to it all, and getting close–real close—to her for the answers I need will be no hardship at all…
322 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
84 people are currently reading
1279 people want to read
About the author
Laura Johnston
7 books155 followersLaura Johnston is the author of REWIND TO YOU and BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER, contemporary YA novels published by eKensington. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, traveling, writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 2, 2015
I'm so sorry, but I didn't click with this story..at all.
Cody is about to start his senior year in another school and that's where he meets Vic. Because of Vic, Cody finds himself in a drug deal and he tries to escape, but he ends up in the hospital, injured and with a head trauma that doesn't let him recall what happened to him. From the previous night, he only has a few photos from the photo booth with Julianna, Vic's brother.
Julianna's mother is in jail because she robbed a bank in order to get money to send Vic, Julianna's drug addicted brother, to rehab. But Cody is the son of the FBI agent who sent Julianna's mother to prison..
I had many issues with this story, but there was one that didn't let me enjoy this book.
Julianna's mother really wants her to compete in the Miss City of Maricopa Pageant, BUT they both have more serious things to think about. She's in jail, her son is on drugs, her husband is untrustworthy and Julianna is the only one responsible at home. Maybe this won't be a problem for others, but I really couldn't put up with it.
I didn't like the characters, didn't feel their connection and even the romance side of this book was meh, in my opinion..
This is a YA book and YAs are usually a hit or miss for me, so it may be one of the reasons why I didn't like it.
Arc kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2015
Ms. Johnston has another winner! I quickly became a fan after reading her first novel, Rewind to You. I'm still a huge fan after finishing this one.
Cody is the son of an FBI agent and is repeatedly warned to stay away from drugs. Shortly after a move, he finds himself in a sticky situation and has to rely on his instincts to get out of it. Cody seems like the perfect guy--he has looks, talent on the basketball court, and money. Every girl wants him, yet he doesn't let it go to his head. I really like the way Cody is quick thinking and witty. He is able to put people at ease and gets along with all walks of life. He's very kind and isn't afraid to ask for help. He was injured in a hit-and-run and his future with sports is in jeopardy, but he doesn't let it bring him down.
Julianna is very resilient. She often wants to do things for herself, yet she always thinks of others and gives, gives, gives. She has a lot of talent, is very smart, and is also pretty much alone. With her mom in prison, her dad trying to earn a living with art, and with a distracted brother, she has to fend for herself more often than not. Her mother's dream has been to be in a beauty pageant and Julianna decides to help fulfill that dream by entering one herself. Julianna just happens to catch Cody's eye early on, but when she runs into him at school, he can't remember who she is. That certainly doesn't stop her from doing what she has to do--tutoring him.
I really enjoyed the way Cody's memory came back in flashes throughout the story. I loved the way the chapters went back and forth between Cody and Julianna's points of view. I felt like the reader was really able to get to know and understand the characters more completely that way. I was completely wrapped up in the storyline, even going so far as dreaming about it. I could visualize the settings and felt that the characters were good friends. I love the way it was all tied up together, but I do wish a few loose ends would have been resolved, since I was left with a few questions. Maybe there will be another book? I LOVED the characters. Of course, my favorite part was the romantic situations. There wasn't an insta-love--it was gradual and natural, even though an insta-attraction was there. I seriously couldn't read it fast enough, yet I also didn't want it to end. I can't wait to see what Ms. Johnston writes next!!
Content: Clean romance (kissing, sleeping in a guy's room when sick and he's not there); mild violence/drug deal; no language or religious elements. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Cody is the son of an FBI agent and is repeatedly warned to stay away from drugs. Shortly after a move, he finds himself in a sticky situation and has to rely on his instincts to get out of it. Cody seems like the perfect guy--he has looks, talent on the basketball court, and money. Every girl wants him, yet he doesn't let it go to his head. I really like the way Cody is quick thinking and witty. He is able to put people at ease and gets along with all walks of life. He's very kind and isn't afraid to ask for help. He was injured in a hit-and-run and his future with sports is in jeopardy, but he doesn't let it bring him down.
Julianna is very resilient. She often wants to do things for herself, yet she always thinks of others and gives, gives, gives. She has a lot of talent, is very smart, and is also pretty much alone. With her mom in prison, her dad trying to earn a living with art, and with a distracted brother, she has to fend for herself more often than not. Her mother's dream has been to be in a beauty pageant and Julianna decides to help fulfill that dream by entering one herself. Julianna just happens to catch Cody's eye early on, but when she runs into him at school, he can't remember who she is. That certainly doesn't stop her from doing what she has to do--tutoring him.
I really enjoyed the way Cody's memory came back in flashes throughout the story. I loved the way the chapters went back and forth between Cody and Julianna's points of view. I felt like the reader was really able to get to know and understand the characters more completely that way. I was completely wrapped up in the storyline, even going so far as dreaming about it. I could visualize the settings and felt that the characters were good friends. I love the way it was all tied up together, but I do wish a few loose ends would have been resolved, since I was left with a few questions. Maybe there will be another book? I LOVED the characters. Of course, my favorite part was the romantic situations. There wasn't an insta-love--it was gradual and natural, even though an insta-attraction was there. I seriously couldn't read it fast enough, yet I also didn't want it to end. I can't wait to see what Ms. Johnston writes next!!
Content: Clean romance (kissing, sleeping in a guy's room when sick and he's not there); mild violence/drug deal; no language or religious elements. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
March 23, 2015
4.25 stars for this suspenseful YA novel. I really enjoyed this story. Cody has no memory of that night, the night that he was injured. All he has is a strip of photos from the photo booth with him and a beautiful girl. That girl is Julianna. Julianna's mom went to prison for mortgage fraud. Cody's dad is the one who put her there. My heart really broke for Julianna. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and I really felt for her. I really loved Julianna and Cody and the slow build up for the two of them. My only complaint about this book - I wish it had an epilogue maybe 5-10 years in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean, suspenseful young adult story.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
June 24, 2016
Beautifully written, poignant, and at times downright heart-wrenching, this is a lovely story is appropriate for all preteens, teens and adults. Even though it delves into gritty, real-life issues, it sits firmly on the Clean and Wholesome shelf with no sex scenes and no bad language. The romance progressed at a satisfying rate, both characters underwent self discovery and self improvement, the hero was swoon-worthy, the heroine was likable, and it had a perfect, happily ever after ending.
June 17, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't influence my review in any shape or form.
It wasn’t just the title that caught my eye, it was the blurb that really made me want to read this. A FBI agent’s son hanging out with the daughter of a criminal his father put behind bars? Talk about interesting and different.
I had some high hopes for this book which unfortunately fell flat for me. But it was still a good book.
Our Story
Cody Rush has just moved to Gilbert, Arizona for his senior year. He had it all made for him back in his old high school he was even on the verge of getting a scholarship to play basketball. But now, he has to go to another school and play for another team and hope that some college offers him a scholarship. The only upside to moving is that Vic one of the most talented basketball players will be on this team. Meaning his chance at a scholarship might just become a reality.
That is until Cody discovers the truth about Vic. That talented basketball player who never played club ball ever only street ball, the one who has the raw talent is a drug addict. We’re talking full blown drug addict. Cody wants no part of it but somehow he is thrown into the mess and so is Vic’s sister Julianna.
One thing leads to another, Cody has a broken leg and can’t remember a thing only that he has photo booth pictures of him and Julianna together the night of the accident. Will she help him remember? Why isn’t she speaking to him? What happened that night?
That sounds so interesting right? The first part of the book had me on the edge of my seat but the middle part had me putting down the book and not wanting to pick it back up. To be honest I put it down for like a week and guess what? I forgot practically everything that had happened. It wasn’t memorable.
Our Characters
Cody Rush is a sweetheart, loyal and sympathetic. I loved that he played basketball. I’ve been searching for books with basketball in them but unfortunately this did not have a whole lot of basketball like I would’ve liked. But I did find him adorable.
Julianna was hard to connect with. She seemed to be the only responsible character in this book. Her mom is in jail, her dad is just doing who knows what and Vic is a drug addict. So she’s the one doing everything, plus working and going to school. I felt sorry for her but other then that I didn’t care for her.
I personally liked reading the story more from Cody’s point of view versus Julianna’s. I guess it was because I felt like he really did grow as a character throughout the whole book whereas I didn’t feel the same for Julianna.
Overall
Like I mentioned I had things come up and had to put the book down for a week and I ended up forgetting like everything that happened. This is not a memorable book, it’s a good book but not a great book.
It wasn’t just the title that caught my eye, it was the blurb that really made me want to read this. A FBI agent’s son hanging out with the daughter of a criminal his father put behind bars? Talk about interesting and different.
I had some high hopes for this book which unfortunately fell flat for me. But it was still a good book.
Our Story
Cody Rush has just moved to Gilbert, Arizona for his senior year. He had it all made for him back in his old high school he was even on the verge of getting a scholarship to play basketball. But now, he has to go to another school and play for another team and hope that some college offers him a scholarship. The only upside to moving is that Vic one of the most talented basketball players will be on this team. Meaning his chance at a scholarship might just become a reality.
That is until Cody discovers the truth about Vic. That talented basketball player who never played club ball ever only street ball, the one who has the raw talent is a drug addict. We’re talking full blown drug addict. Cody wants no part of it but somehow he is thrown into the mess and so is Vic’s sister Julianna.
One thing leads to another, Cody has a broken leg and can’t remember a thing only that he has photo booth pictures of him and Julianna together the night of the accident. Will she help him remember? Why isn’t she speaking to him? What happened that night?
That sounds so interesting right? The first part of the book had me on the edge of my seat but the middle part had me putting down the book and not wanting to pick it back up. To be honest I put it down for like a week and guess what? I forgot practically everything that had happened. It wasn’t memorable.
Our Characters
Cody Rush is a sweetheart, loyal and sympathetic. I loved that he played basketball. I’ve been searching for books with basketball in them but unfortunately this did not have a whole lot of basketball like I would’ve liked. But I did find him adorable.
Julianna was hard to connect with. She seemed to be the only responsible character in this book. Her mom is in jail, her dad is just doing who knows what and Vic is a drug addict. So she’s the one doing everything, plus working and going to school. I felt sorry for her but other then that I didn’t care for her.
I personally liked reading the story more from Cody’s point of view versus Julianna’s. I guess it was because I felt like he really did grow as a character throughout the whole book whereas I didn’t feel the same for Julianna.
Overall
Like I mentioned I had things come up and had to put the book down for a week and I ended up forgetting like everything that happened. This is not a memorable book, it’s a good book but not a great book.
May 16, 2017
4.5 stars
Between Now and Never is the second novel of new author Laura Johnston. I thoroughly enjoyed her first Rewind to You and this one did not disappoint. I'm excited to see what she comes out with next!
This is a contemporary clean romance with a little bit of mystery and suspense thrown in. Definitely tugs at the heart with some hard challenges and trials faced by the main characters but not so sad that I couldn't enjoy escaping into the story. I really enjoy Johnston's style of writing and I love that in this story we get to hear from both main characters. (Chapters change from His to Her point of view etc.) I love knowing what they are each thinking. There were a few parts that were just a bit confusing and the ending was sweet but a tad abrupt...I would have liked to read more :).... all in all I really enjoyed it.
YA Clean Romance Suspense : kissing, some talk of the girls body and how she looks ( I think the phrase was tight body etc. ) Talk of drug abuse, a drug deal, imprisonment for embezzlement fraud. No language.
Between Now and Never is the second novel of new author Laura Johnston. I thoroughly enjoyed her first Rewind to You and this one did not disappoint. I'm excited to see what she comes out with next!
This is a contemporary clean romance with a little bit of mystery and suspense thrown in. Definitely tugs at the heart with some hard challenges and trials faced by the main characters but not so sad that I couldn't enjoy escaping into the story. I really enjoy Johnston's style of writing and I love that in this story we get to hear from both main characters. (Chapters change from His to Her point of view etc.) I love knowing what they are each thinking. There were a few parts that were just a bit confusing and the ending was sweet but a tad abrupt...I would have liked to read more :).... all in all I really enjoyed it.
YA Clean Romance Suspense : kissing, some talk of the girls body and how she looks ( I think the phrase was tight body etc. ) Talk of drug abuse, a drug deal, imprisonment for embezzlement fraud. No language.
April 6, 2015
I don't know exactly what I was expecting with Johnston's sophomore release, but Between Now & Never was much more than it. I should have known after loving her debut, Rewind To You, last year. Between Now & Never had a lot of tension, both in the usual romantic sense and in a more unusual danger/suspenseful sense. The two main characters were opposites in so many ways and there was a lot that their relationship had to bridge. There was everything I look for in a contemporary YA: tension, intrigue, depth, fully-fleshed characters and ones that I loved and connected with, an interesting plot, and romance that built while remaining sweet, but also bringing some sparks. Boy, were there sparks!
Let me start off by saying that the plot was unexpected. It literally blew up and completely shocked me. I just wasn't quite prepared for it, but it was also amazing and handled so well. I felt so immersed in the story and in these characters with their thoughts and actions. The tension... I wasn't sure if I could hold in my screams. I mean run or do something or... Yeah. Definitely a roller-coaster of emotions with this one. Then things drastically change and there is a continual tension as everything builds up as Cody and Julianna (I love his nickname for her: Jules) begin to piece things together and become such great friends. The tension never really lets up because even when things are smooth for a little bit, questions lurked in the back of my mind about different characters and what would happen.
I loved these characters! Cody is such a golden boy. I loved his humor, confidence, charm, strength, determination, but also his vulnerability. He has a fantastic family. They're not perfect, but they're tight. I also loved Julianna. She hides behind her spunk and fiery temper, but it's really her coping mechanism as she tries to deal with what life has handed her. Her family is pretty much falling apart and it was so tough to watch and not want it to get fixed. I was so proud of Vic at one point towards the end. Cody and Julianna just work. They hit it off and the chemistry is there and they fit. It felt so natural, but I loved, loved that they become such good friends and they hold off on anything romantic, which also just builds that tension.
Between Now & Never was a story full of heartbreak, characters figuring out who they'll be, friendship, family, and a sweet and driven romance that brought out all of my emotions. If you enjoy reading contemporary YA then I'd highly recommend this one! I'd recommend it if you enjoy reading contemporary romance or women's fiction as well.
Content: Clean. There was some violence and innuendo, but still clean.
Source: From the author/publisher through NetGalley, which did not affect my review in any way.
Let me start off by saying that the plot was unexpected. It literally blew up and completely shocked me. I just wasn't quite prepared for it, but it was also amazing and handled so well. I felt so immersed in the story and in these characters with their thoughts and actions. The tension... I wasn't sure if I could hold in my screams. I mean run or do something or... Yeah. Definitely a roller-coaster of emotions with this one. Then things drastically change and there is a continual tension as everything builds up as Cody and Julianna (I love his nickname for her: Jules) begin to piece things together and become such great friends. The tension never really lets up because even when things are smooth for a little bit, questions lurked in the back of my mind about different characters and what would happen.
I loved these characters! Cody is such a golden boy. I loved his humor, confidence, charm, strength, determination, but also his vulnerability. He has a fantastic family. They're not perfect, but they're tight. I also loved Julianna. She hides behind her spunk and fiery temper, but it's really her coping mechanism as she tries to deal with what life has handed her. Her family is pretty much falling apart and it was so tough to watch and not want it to get fixed. I was so proud of Vic at one point towards the end. Cody and Julianna just work. They hit it off and the chemistry is there and they fit. It felt so natural, but I loved, loved that they become such good friends and they hold off on anything romantic, which also just builds that tension.
Between Now & Never was a story full of heartbreak, characters figuring out who they'll be, friendship, family, and a sweet and driven romance that brought out all of my emotions. If you enjoy reading contemporary YA then I'd highly recommend this one! I'd recommend it if you enjoy reading contemporary romance or women's fiction as well.
Content: Clean. There was some violence and innuendo, but still clean.
Source: From the author/publisher through NetGalley, which did not affect my review in any way.
March 28, 2015
1 - Trust your instincts. Stars.
DNF @ 39%.
I think if I am being honest, I kind of knew pretty early on that this book wasn't going to do it for me. The first 10% of the story gives you the reasons as to why Cody is in the place he is.
So as a reader you are then reading from his and Juliana's POVs. What happens in the aftermath of the event he cannot remember, and how she is indirectly involved in it but doesn't actually know is the forefront of the story from then on. So they are both in the dark, both scrabbling for answers, and up to where I read, both of them had gotten absolutely nowhere, with that or with each other.
I have been called 'picky' in the past, and I will happily hold my hands up to that adage when it comes to the basics, but as long as an author gives me a well written story, characters I can at least get along with, and a bit of steady development I am usually happy. But I am feeling nothing about any of it, and although the premise of this book is really good, it just hasn't worked for me in this instance.
There is nothing wrong with the writing style, I just expect things to have moved on more in relation to page count, the book may have jumped two months after the first 10% but the characters and plot didn't. The connection between the two of them was flimsy at best and nothing really stood out enough to make me want to continue reading.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.
DNF @ 39%.
I think if I am being honest, I kind of knew pretty early on that this book wasn't going to do it for me. The first 10% of the story gives you the reasons as to why Cody is in the place he is.
So as a reader you are then reading from his and Juliana's POVs. What happens in the aftermath of the event he cannot remember, and how she is indirectly involved in it but doesn't actually know is the forefront of the story from then on. So they are both in the dark, both scrabbling for answers, and up to where I read, both of them had gotten absolutely nowhere, with that or with each other.
I have been called 'picky' in the past, and I will happily hold my hands up to that adage when it comes to the basics, but as long as an author gives me a well written story, characters I can at least get along with, and a bit of steady development I am usually happy. But I am feeling nothing about any of it, and although the premise of this book is really good, it just hasn't worked for me in this instance.
There is nothing wrong with the writing style, I just expect things to have moved on more in relation to page count, the book may have jumped two months after the first 10% but the characters and plot didn't. The connection between the two of them was flimsy at best and nothing really stood out enough to make me want to continue reading.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot offer a more positive review on this occasion.
March 12, 2016
There's something about young adult fiction written in first person that just sucks me right into the story! Between Now & Never is told from the two main characters' perspectives which rounds things out nicely. I'm not one for rich pretty boys (Julianna actually calls Cody that) but he is such a good guy, you can't help rooting for him. The dynamic between them is always shifting- going from the fact that she doesn't know he exists to developing an intense attraction for each other in one afternoon, only to have Cody lose his memory of that experience... not to mention the fact that Cody's FBI father arrested her beloved mother which keeps a wedge between them for a long time. I was surprised by how quickly Cody inadvertently finds himself in such danger (thanks to Julianna's brother Vic) but that forgotten experience is the foundation for the underlying tension throughout the novel. I was biting my nails since Julianna and Cody can't see the whole picture the way the author allows the reader to as the action comes to a climax! Other parts of the book I enjoyed were the way Julianna slowly bonded with Cody's mother and sisters, the way Cody made Julianna feel special (especially in contrast to her father and brother), and her courage and sacrifice to try to hold her family together. Highly recommend! I don't read as much YA as I used to but this is one author whose books I never pass up :)
(Thank you to Kensington Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Kensington Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
February 9, 2015
Enjoyed. Took me a couple chapters to get into it and the ending was a little abrupt but otherwise a good book.
Review to come
Content: Clean
Review to come
Content: Clean
April 6, 2015
Cody Rush has just moved to Gilbert, Arizona. He plays basketball and is heading out to a party with his new friend Vic. While at Vic's house, he notices a picture of his mom and recognizes her but it takes him a while to realize that his dad was the one who put her behind bars for mortgage fraud. The night with Vic takes a wild turn and Cody is soon running for his life. He goes to the mall and sees Julianna, Vic's sister, and covertly gives her evidence which she never realizes she has. Later, he's in a hit-and-run and then loses his memory of that night.
Julianna Schultz is a tough young woman. Her mother is in prison and she has to run her household for her father who is an artist down on his luck and a brother who is all kinds of trouble. She meets a cute boy at the mall one night who flirts with her and gives her gifts and then disappears. She doesn't see him for a few months and once she figures out who he is, she wants nothing to do with him. Or does she?
The story goes back and forth between Cody and Julianna and I liked getting to know them both. Cody is athletic, handsome, charming and kind. His life isn't perfect, though. He struggles with memory loss through most of the story and he really wants to figure out what happened that night. The story Vic told him doesn't make sense and he's curious as to why he has photo booth pictures with Vic's sister, Julianna.
Julianna couldn't seem to catch a break. Her home life is less than ideal and it didn't seem like things would get better anytime soon. When she becomes friends with Cody, she starts realizing small moments of happiness, but she has a hard time trusting him and his motives. She decides to do something for her mother and Cody is a huge help to her in pulling it off. She's strong, talented and determined and I kept hoping that life would get better for her.
This was very different than what I was expecting and I really enjoyed it! The ending was fast paced but then it abruptly ended and I was left wanting a little bit more. There were also some loose ends that I wish had been tied up. Other than that, though, this is a great YA read. I loved Laura Johnston's first book, Rewind to You, and this book is another hit. She's definitely an author I look forward to reading more of in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Julianna Schultz is a tough young woman. Her mother is in prison and she has to run her household for her father who is an artist down on his luck and a brother who is all kinds of trouble. She meets a cute boy at the mall one night who flirts with her and gives her gifts and then disappears. She doesn't see him for a few months and once she figures out who he is, she wants nothing to do with him. Or does she?
The story goes back and forth between Cody and Julianna and I liked getting to know them both. Cody is athletic, handsome, charming and kind. His life isn't perfect, though. He struggles with memory loss through most of the story and he really wants to figure out what happened that night. The story Vic told him doesn't make sense and he's curious as to why he has photo booth pictures with Vic's sister, Julianna.
Julianna couldn't seem to catch a break. Her home life is less than ideal and it didn't seem like things would get better anytime soon. When she becomes friends with Cody, she starts realizing small moments of happiness, but she has a hard time trusting him and his motives. She decides to do something for her mother and Cody is a huge help to her in pulling it off. She's strong, talented and determined and I kept hoping that life would get better for her.
This was very different than what I was expecting and I really enjoyed it! The ending was fast paced but then it abruptly ended and I was left wanting a little bit more. There were also some loose ends that I wish had been tied up. Other than that, though, this is a great YA read. I loved Laura Johnston's first book, Rewind to You, and this book is another hit. She's definitely an author I look forward to reading more of in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
October 9, 2015
Well Laura Johnston does it again! This book is fantastic. There are so many things I love about this book, but probably the number one thing is that it takes place in my hometown. It was so much fun to read this book, and know exactly where things were happening. I have shopped in the mall in the book, I have driven the streets she talks about, and even attended one of the High Schools in the book. It is so awesome.
The characters in this book are wonderful. Cody, son of an FBI agent, and all around good guy. Julianna, daughter of a convict and a good girl, with messed up circumstances.
This story is told from Cody's point of view and Julianna's point of view, and it is wonderful. Cody and Julianna come from two different worlds, and when their worlds collide it gets electric.
Cody is involved in a hit and run, and looses his memory. The only "real" clue he has to what happened to him is a pack of pictures of him and a girl in a photo booth.
Cody is in search of a tutor for his art class, and Julianna happens to be the girl who is his tutor. The unlikely friendship starts from there. It is wonderful.
While trying to find the answers to what happened in his hit and run, Cody and Julianna's lives become intertwined more than they already were. Cody's memory starts to come back in flashes, and this is when it gets really exciting.
Julianna's brother Vic is bad news, and he has something to do with Cody's memory loss. As the story unfolds it is so exciting. Drug deals, hit and run, drug dealers, hidden secrets, and a lost memory. This makes for such an exciting story, and it has romance to boot.
Don't miss out on this great book. Johnston has become one of my favorite authors. Her writing is beautiful, and full of life.
Source: I received this book in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
The characters in this book are wonderful. Cody, son of an FBI agent, and all around good guy. Julianna, daughter of a convict and a good girl, with messed up circumstances.
This story is told from Cody's point of view and Julianna's point of view, and it is wonderful. Cody and Julianna come from two different worlds, and when their worlds collide it gets electric.
Cody is involved in a hit and run, and looses his memory. The only "real" clue he has to what happened to him is a pack of pictures of him and a girl in a photo booth.
Cody is in search of a tutor for his art class, and Julianna happens to be the girl who is his tutor. The unlikely friendship starts from there. It is wonderful.
While trying to find the answers to what happened in his hit and run, Cody and Julianna's lives become intertwined more than they already were. Cody's memory starts to come back in flashes, and this is when it gets really exciting.
Julianna's brother Vic is bad news, and he has something to do with Cody's memory loss. As the story unfolds it is so exciting. Drug deals, hit and run, drug dealers, hidden secrets, and a lost memory. This makes for such an exciting story, and it has romance to boot.
Don't miss out on this great book. Johnston has become one of my favorite authors. Her writing is beautiful, and full of life.
Source: I received this book in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
April 6, 2015
Two young adults who are so wrong for each other make everything right.
Cody and Julianna share a few things in common. His father was the FBI agent who put her mother behind bars. They met on the night that Cody was hit by a car and lost his memory. Julianna's brother Vic is a key to unlocking his memory and their confusion of events happening around them and to them.
There are so many odds stacked against them as a couple, but neither can deny their budding attraction and easy friendship.
I found myself easily caught up in this YA novel full of suspense and romance. Laura Johnson was able to give enough details to keep me interested and invested in the story and the characters. She was able to drop enough hints that I knew what was happening and anxiously awaited the characters to realize what was going on.
I loved that the book looked at families. They both came from very different family structures, but the overall theme was of love in a family. Choices were made by family members that were devastating, but there was love.
The book takes a look at right and wrong. The idea that people can and will make mistakes takes center stage. It how one deals with the mistakes that show true character. Lots of great characters in the book.
The book has kissing, some violence, and deals with drug addiction and it's effects and consequences.
Cody and Julianna share a few things in common. His father was the FBI agent who put her mother behind bars. They met on the night that Cody was hit by a car and lost his memory. Julianna's brother Vic is a key to unlocking his memory and their confusion of events happening around them and to them.
There are so many odds stacked against them as a couple, but neither can deny their budding attraction and easy friendship.
I found myself easily caught up in this YA novel full of suspense and romance. Laura Johnson was able to give enough details to keep me interested and invested in the story and the characters. She was able to drop enough hints that I knew what was happening and anxiously awaited the characters to realize what was going on.
I loved that the book looked at families. They both came from very different family structures, but the overall theme was of love in a family. Choices were made by family members that were devastating, but there was love.
The book takes a look at right and wrong. The idea that people can and will make mistakes takes center stage. It how one deals with the mistakes that show true character. Lots of great characters in the book.
The book has kissing, some violence, and deals with drug addiction and it's effects and consequences.
April 2, 2015
The FBI agent's son and the convict's daughter--Cody's and Julianna's story was an adventure to write! A big thanks to Kensington Publishing for the beautiful cover and to all of you who have been so supportive of this novel.
January 1, 2015
I was lucky enough to read this book in order to blurb it. Awesome book! I can't wait to read more by Laura Johnston!
March 5, 2015
This book had me from the prologue, in the photo booth. I love photo booths, and their one minute experience hooked me in completely. I couldn’t put the book down at all because I was engrossed in what was happening. Laura Johnston did a really great job with this book and I’m definitely intrigued about any other books she might have now because of this.
We meet Cody first, he just moved to a new location and is trying to make friends with the other basketball players, but he definitely picked the wrong one, Vic. Vic is Julianna’s brother and he’s trouble with a capital T, of course Cody doesn’t know this until it’s too late. The way they officially meet, Cody and Julianna, is super adorable with the photo booth and the chocolates, but the circumstances on Cody’s side is quite an adventure he didn’t want to have. Running from something bad and then getting into an accident that makes him lose his memory and the fun begins.
Cody is desperate to find out what really happened to him the day he broke his leg and he feels as if Julianna is the key. She is definitely spunky and tries to lay low from everyone, dealing with her family is not the easiest thing as you’ll see reading throughout the book. But Cody has dimples that you just can’t turn away. I can only image, sigh. Anyway so he devises a plan to get to know her better to see if he can figure out exactly what happened to him. Of course this definitely takes time, and the more time they spend together the more they feel for one another. It’s all very sweet, their relationship. You just want to push them together like a magnet.
Cody’s memory comes back in bits in pieces along with old memories he thought he long suppressed about his brother. So sad, this brother’s story but things happen that are out of your control. It’s hard losing anyone. The loss of people in both their lives Cody and Julianna definitely affect the way they are living their lives as well as what they plan to do for the future. This story was just totally fabulous, I know that sounds stupid and childish but I really enjoyed this book so much that I really couldn’t put it down and read it that quickly. I think this is something you should pick up as it has a little love, friendship, mean girls, death, police drama, friend drama and just a little bit of everything to keep you hooked from beginning to end.
I think the cover is also adorable and I can completely picture the main characters as the two on the cover, sometimes that’s hard but they described them so much in the book that it’s a good depiction of them that too is rare. Can’t wait to read another book by this author and you should definitely pick this up as soon as it comes out! Great easy quick read with a lot of attention grabbing scenes.
We meet Cody first, he just moved to a new location and is trying to make friends with the other basketball players, but he definitely picked the wrong one, Vic. Vic is Julianna’s brother and he’s trouble with a capital T, of course Cody doesn’t know this until it’s too late. The way they officially meet, Cody and Julianna, is super adorable with the photo booth and the chocolates, but the circumstances on Cody’s side is quite an adventure he didn’t want to have. Running from something bad and then getting into an accident that makes him lose his memory and the fun begins.
Cody is desperate to find out what really happened to him the day he broke his leg and he feels as if Julianna is the key. She is definitely spunky and tries to lay low from everyone, dealing with her family is not the easiest thing as you’ll see reading throughout the book. But Cody has dimples that you just can’t turn away. I can only image, sigh. Anyway so he devises a plan to get to know her better to see if he can figure out exactly what happened to him. Of course this definitely takes time, and the more time they spend together the more they feel for one another. It’s all very sweet, their relationship. You just want to push them together like a magnet.
Cody’s memory comes back in bits in pieces along with old memories he thought he long suppressed about his brother. So sad, this brother’s story but things happen that are out of your control. It’s hard losing anyone. The loss of people in both their lives Cody and Julianna definitely affect the way they are living their lives as well as what they plan to do for the future. This story was just totally fabulous, I know that sounds stupid and childish but I really enjoyed this book so much that I really couldn’t put it down and read it that quickly. I think this is something you should pick up as it has a little love, friendship, mean girls, death, police drama, friend drama and just a little bit of everything to keep you hooked from beginning to end.
I think the cover is also adorable and I can completely picture the main characters as the two on the cover, sometimes that’s hard but they described them so much in the book that it’s a good depiction of them that too is rare. Can’t wait to read another book by this author and you should definitely pick this up as soon as it comes out! Great easy quick read with a lot of attention grabbing scenes.
February 2, 2015
"I know Vic's mom all right. My Dad put her behind bars."
That is a fantastic way to introduce a book!!
I received this ARC by Kensington books via Netgalley for an honest review. Big thank you to both!
I'm not going to lie, I really liked this story! If you are a fan of Miss Congeniality, you'll LOVE this!
Here are things that are pretty awesome and similar:
1. There's a beauty pageant- Miss city of Maricopa
2. There's an FBI agent
3. A drug Deal gone wrong
4. A swoon- worthy romance
5. Lots of heart pounding thrill and danger!
6. Heart breaking loss
7. Awesome and devious bad guys!
I love everything about this book!
The romance in this book is so adorable! Who doesn't like a good story of a girl who falls for a boy she shouldn't and visa versa?
"Falling instead for the boy I can't have and shouldn't want."
There's loads of humour:
"I get a feeling the topic of Cody Rush is going to be one of those things that's never-ending. Like Laundry.
There was heart breaking moments-
Cody Rush is everything a young man should be, he's a straight up, clean cut, son of an FBI agent. He's an amazing basketball player but there's a hollowness about him, it's a hollowness that almost swallowed him whole eight years ago. No one can tell his pain, the pain of loss of a dear and loved family member.
Julliana has been dished out with some of the worst circumstances a young girl can face. Her brother Vic was a drug addict, her mom tried to help him and found herself in Jail.
Not only that but poor Jules has to handled a broke and drunk father.
Cody and his family are so different from hers.
"...Like he and I- the convict's daughter and the FBI son- are actually friends."
It's nearly impossible for them to find any commonalities.
But what can happen when the two of them are thrust together by circumstances? what can happen when events lead you down the wrong path? CAN the convict daughter and FBI son find friendship?
Can dreams happen?
can they find their way through this sand- storm? (You'll understand the pun when you read!)
and...what happens when they uncover a drug deal gone wrong and suddenly both their lives are in grievous danger?
YOU HAVE TO READ TO FIND OUT!
it's such a thrilling read! You won't regret it!
-The Book Herald
That is a fantastic way to introduce a book!!
I received this ARC by Kensington books via Netgalley for an honest review. Big thank you to both!
I'm not going to lie, I really liked this story! If you are a fan of Miss Congeniality, you'll LOVE this!
Here are things that are pretty awesome and similar:
1. There's a beauty pageant- Miss city of Maricopa
2. There's an FBI agent
3. A drug Deal gone wrong
4. A swoon- worthy romance
5. Lots of heart pounding thrill and danger!
6. Heart breaking loss
7. Awesome and devious bad guys!
I love everything about this book!
The romance in this book is so adorable! Who doesn't like a good story of a girl who falls for a boy she shouldn't and visa versa?
"Falling instead for the boy I can't have and shouldn't want."
There's loads of humour:
"I get a feeling the topic of Cody Rush is going to be one of those things that's never-ending. Like Laundry.
There was heart breaking moments-
Cody Rush is everything a young man should be, he's a straight up, clean cut, son of an FBI agent. He's an amazing basketball player but there's a hollowness about him, it's a hollowness that almost swallowed him whole eight years ago. No one can tell his pain, the pain of loss of a dear and loved family member.
Julliana has been dished out with some of the worst circumstances a young girl can face. Her brother Vic was a drug addict, her mom tried to help him and found herself in Jail.
Not only that but poor Jules has to handled a broke and drunk father.
Cody and his family are so different from hers.
"...Like he and I- the convict's daughter and the FBI son- are actually friends."
It's nearly impossible for them to find any commonalities.
But what can happen when the two of them are thrust together by circumstances? what can happen when events lead you down the wrong path? CAN the convict daughter and FBI son find friendship?
Can dreams happen?
can they find their way through this sand- storm? (You'll understand the pun when you read!)
and...what happens when they uncover a drug deal gone wrong and suddenly both their lives are in grievous danger?
YOU HAVE TO READ TO FIND OUT!
it's such a thrilling read! You won't regret it!
-The Book Herald
January 28, 2015
I got a copy from Netgalley.
Do you know what I don't like about this book? Anyone? Anyone know what I don't like? Well, let me tell you about why I don't like it...
BECAUSE THE ENDING SUDDENLY CUT OFF! Seriously, that is pretty much the only problem I have with this book. The only problem. Only, only, only. Yep. The only problem. There I was... Just reading innocently. And then all of the sudden, it cuts off! I'm like... what? That is the ending? It sure doesn't feel like one. (And I'm usually more prepared for endings... And that "ending" is not an ending... It was weird and upsetting!)
What I like about the book. Everything but the ending.
(You can obviously tell that this is going to be a major point. Yes, I mean "this" to be the ending. Gosh, I really need to stop).
I like Julianna. She is a good character that I can relate to. Messed up family. Family with problems (though they aren't extreme as mine. But I wouldn't know if my family is involved with a bunch of weird things like fraud and drugs). She is good in the end. Pure good, and she really cares about people, but she also hates people and she finds it all frustrating. So wrapped up in her pain and anger and pretty much, a lot of angst. Just like a regular teen. Almost.
(Because of the drugs. And the Mom).
Cody is a very interesting guy. I like him too. I like both of them. (Heck yeah, I would love this book if it weren't for the ending! But it is only "like" because of it!). He should be recruited into the FBI (even though he is underage). If this book was espionage, I think Cody would thrive from it. It is all awesome.
(But he isn't as relatable to me as Julianna. She is much more similar to me, in my opinion. A bit angry and soft and all in between. I'm perhaps nothing like Cody, but I like him. I like him. And I'm glad he has nothing to do with the ending).
The conflict creates good steam. A lot of drama. Amnesia... It is a bit of a far-fetched idea, because I'm not sure if that is what would happen when one has a concussion (though victims do lose their memories for a short period of time). I might have to check with a doc (or the Internet) to verify that fact.
But overall, Between Now & Never is good. It would be AWESOME AND LEGENDARY, if IT WEREN'T FOR THE DARN ENDING!
Rating: Four out of Five (Please put in a better ending, please!)
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
Do you know what I don't like about this book? Anyone? Anyone know what I don't like? Well, let me tell you about why I don't like it...
BECAUSE THE ENDING SUDDENLY CUT OFF! Seriously, that is pretty much the only problem I have with this book. The only problem. Only, only, only. Yep. The only problem. There I was... Just reading innocently. And then all of the sudden, it cuts off! I'm like... what? That is the ending? It sure doesn't feel like one. (And I'm usually more prepared for endings... And that "ending" is not an ending... It was weird and upsetting!)
What I like about the book. Everything but the ending.
(You can obviously tell that this is going to be a major point. Yes, I mean "this" to be the ending. Gosh, I really need to stop).
I like Julianna. She is a good character that I can relate to. Messed up family. Family with problems (though they aren't extreme as mine. But I wouldn't know if my family is involved with a bunch of weird things like fraud and drugs). She is good in the end. Pure good, and she really cares about people, but she also hates people and she finds it all frustrating. So wrapped up in her pain and anger and pretty much, a lot of angst. Just like a regular teen. Almost.
(Because of the drugs. And the Mom).
Cody is a very interesting guy. I like him too. I like both of them. (Heck yeah, I would love this book if it weren't for the ending! But it is only "like" because of it!). He should be recruited into the FBI (even though he is underage). If this book was espionage, I think Cody would thrive from it. It is all awesome.
(But he isn't as relatable to me as Julianna. She is much more similar to me, in my opinion. A bit angry and soft and all in between. I'm perhaps nothing like Cody, but I like him. I like him. And I'm glad he has nothing to do with the ending).
The conflict creates good steam. A lot of drama. Amnesia... It is a bit of a far-fetched idea, because I'm not sure if that is what would happen when one has a concussion (though victims do lose their memories for a short period of time). I might have to check with a doc (or the Internet) to verify that fact.
But overall, Between Now & Never is good. It would be AWESOME AND LEGENDARY, if IT WEREN'T FOR THE DARN ENDING!
Rating: Four out of Five (Please put in a better ending, please!)
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
January 13, 2015
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and Netgalley for an honest review.
This was a lot different than I was expecting and I was honestly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. The cover led me to believe this would be a cute, love story but it was a suspenseful and gripping read.
Julianna's mother was sent to jail after committing fraud to get money to send her drug addicted son to rehab. Now, Julianna deals with a distant father and brother while being the only thing holding her family upright.
Cody's father is the FBI agent that sent Julianna's mother away and is responsible for her falling apart family. Cody gets into an accident one night and wakes up with a photo booth picture of him and Julianna and vague memories of the night. This book is like a forbidden love story without being exactly that - the FBI agent falls for the convict's daughter.
I loved the two main characters, when they weren't making stupid choices and decisions. They were both opposites which resulted in a bickering yet friendly relationship that was entertaining to watch unfold. Julianna is the stubborn character that needs help, but doesn't want to admit it, and Cody is the one willing to aid.
This book had a mysterious vibe to it but the readers already knew the outcome. You just slowly watch the characters unfold clues and it was a better take on any 'mystery' I've ever read.
Character development is my favourite thing about novels and there was quite a lot in here. Instead of watching the house fall apart, Julianna takes a stand and replaces her mother. Cody is naive, rich and 'perfect' before realising there are struggles in the world that he has to face. Even Vic evolved from a drug addict/dealer to doing a selfless act to help his friend.
Overall, this was a fast and gripping read that leaves you anxious until the end. It had great and complex characters that drove the story with a little bit of drama along the way. Although it seems the ending didn't wrap up everything, I loved reading it.
This was a lot different than I was expecting and I was honestly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. The cover led me to believe this would be a cute, love story but it was a suspenseful and gripping read.
Julianna's mother was sent to jail after committing fraud to get money to send her drug addicted son to rehab. Now, Julianna deals with a distant father and brother while being the only thing holding her family upright.
Cody's father is the FBI agent that sent Julianna's mother away and is responsible for her falling apart family. Cody gets into an accident one night and wakes up with a photo booth picture of him and Julianna and vague memories of the night. This book is like a forbidden love story without being exactly that - the FBI agent falls for the convict's daughter.
I loved the two main characters, when they weren't making stupid choices and decisions. They were both opposites which resulted in a bickering yet friendly relationship that was entertaining to watch unfold. Julianna is the stubborn character that needs help, but doesn't want to admit it, and Cody is the one willing to aid.
This book had a mysterious vibe to it but the readers already knew the outcome. You just slowly watch the characters unfold clues and it was a better take on any 'mystery' I've ever read.
Character development is my favourite thing about novels and there was quite a lot in here. Instead of watching the house fall apart, Julianna takes a stand and replaces her mother. Cody is naive, rich and 'perfect' before realising there are struggles in the world that he has to face. Even Vic evolved from a drug addict/dealer to doing a selfless act to help his friend.
Overall, this was a fast and gripping read that leaves you anxious until the end. It had great and complex characters that drove the story with a little bit of drama along the way. Although it seems the ending didn't wrap up everything, I loved reading it.
March 16, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is March 31st 2015**
I knew I had to get my hands on this book after reading Johnston's first book Rewind To You (review found here). She added a voice to the YA genre that was just a little bit different than what you find out there today and it is refreshing. This book did not disappoint.
This story was quite a bit different than her first. A little bit darker but not too much so as to lose the YA audience. It is still filled with teen angst, two people from opposite sides of the track being attracted to each other and enough social and emotional drama to satisfy.
Both Cody and Julianna had plenty of emotional baggage to keep the story going. Cody with his lost memory from the accident and the death of his little brother many years ago. Julianna with her mom in prison, her brother possibly doing drugs and financial worries to boot. Then you throw in the fact that Cody's father is the one who put Julianna's mother behind bars. This should be more than enough to keep the two apart....right?
I am sure that you can guess that things are not so simple and that the two keep getting thrown back together. The story was dripping with anticipation of whether the two could overcome their hurdles and find their way to each other. As in any YA love story this is what pieced the story together. Two people who have a spark together and a million reasons why they should not act on it. You get the drift...but I enjoyed it!
I have come to appreciate Johnston's writing style and her works thus far. I hope that I have discovered her early enough in her writing career that I will be able to enjoy many more of her books in the future. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for her next work and hopefully it will not be a long wait.
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is March 31st 2015**
I knew I had to get my hands on this book after reading Johnston's first book Rewind To You (review found here). She added a voice to the YA genre that was just a little bit different than what you find out there today and it is refreshing. This book did not disappoint.
This story was quite a bit different than her first. A little bit darker but not too much so as to lose the YA audience. It is still filled with teen angst, two people from opposite sides of the track being attracted to each other and enough social and emotional drama to satisfy.
Both Cody and Julianna had plenty of emotional baggage to keep the story going. Cody with his lost memory from the accident and the death of his little brother many years ago. Julianna with her mom in prison, her brother possibly doing drugs and financial worries to boot. Then you throw in the fact that Cody's father is the one who put Julianna's mother behind bars. This should be more than enough to keep the two apart....right?
I am sure that you can guess that things are not so simple and that the two keep getting thrown back together. The story was dripping with anticipation of whether the two could overcome their hurdles and find their way to each other. As in any YA love story this is what pieced the story together. Two people who have a spark together and a million reasons why they should not act on it. You get the drift...but I enjoyed it!
I have come to appreciate Johnston's writing style and her works thus far. I hope that I have discovered her early enough in her writing career that I will be able to enjoy many more of her books in the future. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for her next work and hopefully it will not be a long wait.
February 23, 2015
Between Now & Never
****I was gifted with an ARC of this book for my honest review****
So where to begin? hmm lets start with how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved it from beginning to end. Plot twist doesn't even begin to explain what happens in this book. Like WOAH! I will not give anything away of course but wow what a great read. At the time when I got this book I was in need of a contemporary read and I got that and more. Cody & Juliana's journey together & seperate was what really made me appreciate this book. I love a good lovey story but when you have actual character development between the 2 and actual real life conflict that they must both get through on their own emotionally thats when the story really draws me in. Those are the best in my opinion. So often today contemporary love stories are so focused on getting the couple together but don't give them actual conflict and situations that they must grow from.
This book gave me everything that I look for in a contemporary read. Conflict, character development of both characters separately and together and a plot twist to give you whiplash. Thank you for letting me read this book and I hope everyone read this book because it was pretty much amazing!!! My only question would be what does Cody do with the memory card. But other then that i love love love it!
A favorite quote of mine from the book was:
Thank you again for letting me read this!
****I was gifted with an ARC of this book for my honest review****
So where to begin? hmm lets start with how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved it from beginning to end. Plot twist doesn't even begin to explain what happens in this book. Like WOAH! I will not give anything away of course but wow what a great read. At the time when I got this book I was in need of a contemporary read and I got that and more. Cody & Juliana's journey together & seperate was what really made me appreciate this book. I love a good lovey story but when you have actual character development between the 2 and actual real life conflict that they must both get through on their own emotionally thats when the story really draws me in. Those are the best in my opinion. So often today contemporary love stories are so focused on getting the couple together but don't give them actual conflict and situations that they must grow from.
This book gave me everything that I look for in a contemporary read. Conflict, character development of both characters separately and together and a plot twist to give you whiplash. Thank you for letting me read this book and I hope everyone read this book because it was pretty much amazing!!! My only question would be what does Cody do with the memory card. But other then that i love love love it!
A favorite quote of mine from the book was:
"The major problem with falling is this: Its rarely a pain-free experience."
Thank you again for letting me read this!
April 6, 2015
This captivating YA story really pulled me in and made it hard to get things done around the house (which is bad for laundry, toilets and things like that, but is the sign of an awesome book). Julianna comes from a rough family—her mom’s in jail for mortgage fraud to pay for her brother’s drug rehab and her father’s a scatterbrained artist who is lost without his wife. Cody on the other hand comes from a stable family with money. His dad’s the FBI agent who put Julianna’s mother away, so even though he finds Julianna attractive when he moves to a new high school his senior year, he figures he should stay away from her…although she is key to unlocking what he has forgotten after a hit-and-run accident. I loved how this story switched between Cody’s and Julianna’s POV. Getting into two people’s heads who are so very different from each other was intriguing, especially because I came to care for them both way too much.
March 19, 2015
I really loved this book! I fell in love with this author's writing style during her first book and she did not disappoint in this one. It's filled with young love, tragedy, and mystery. Cody is the son of the man who sent her mother to prison. Julianna is just trying to get through life, one day at a time. They should stay away from each other but the connection is too strong.
This is definitely one you want on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
This is definitely one you want on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
December 15, 2015
*I received a copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley*
For this review, I’m gonna change things up a little ’cause I think that this way the characters’ personalities just seep through.
Me: Hi guys!
Julianna: Hola!
Cody: Hey!
Me: Thanks for agreeing to do this review/interview thing! Hope you have a great time here! Okay, so what we’re gonna do is ask each other questions. I’ll ask you things like “what do you think about Julianna?”, then you’ll ask me something else. Basically, anything goes as long as it’s related to the book, kay? Oh yeah, keep it spoiler free and “clean”. Comprendes?
Cody: Yes, we understand. Now let me answer the question.
Me: Wow, you’re in a rush, aren’t you? And I haven’t even asked the question yet.
Cody: Cody Rush, remember? Now, Jules… I think she’s perfect, my spunky little fireball. She had me hooked from the beginning. Don’t get me wrong though, it wasn’t instalove, we worked very hard to get where we are now. But that photo booth incident was something else.
Me: Oh my God, yes! I loved that scene, it made the blood in my veins run hot!
Julianna: Imagine the blood in my veins.
Me: I can only imagine. ;) So, Julianna, your thoughts on Cody?
Julianna: He’s a pretty boy -not an insult- with so much heart and kindness, his body just can’t contain it all. He may be rich, but he has never made me feel small, little or less than him, you know? He just treats everyone as his equal.
Me: You guys sound head over heels in love.
Julianna & Cody: We are.
Me: Synchronized speaking. Wow, you guys have got it down pat!
Cody: You betcha. Enough questions for us, it’s time for us to interrogate you. You ready?
Me: As ready as I’ll ever be, Special Agent Cody Rush.
Cody: Okay. What did you think about the plot?
Me: I absolutely loved the plot. It was unique, fast paced, realistic, and it had just the right amount of suspense and action to keep me on my toes. The alternate POVs between Cody and Julianna gave me a sense of the story from two sides. Which I found really interesting as I got to see the story through both of the characters’ eyes and it just seemed more fair than just knowing one character’s take on it.
Julianna: In your opinion, did the characters develop throughout the book? How so?
Me: That would be an definite yes, almost all the characters underwent some sort of development. Take Cody for example, in the beginning of the book he was struggling to let go of the past and he was always so grief-stricken. I watched him slowly forgive himself and move on, which is never easy. The whole thing just pulled at my heartstrings. Julianna, she just gained so much confidence as the story went on. She was put in this really difficult situation where she had to fend for her family, she practically took over her mother’s role. I cannot begin to comprehend how it must feel to have your mother in prison and find yourself falling for the very guy whose father put her there. I imagine it’s very challenging and hard to accept. It’s amazing how she pulled through in the end.
Julianna: It definitely wasn’t easy, but Cody he just snuck his way into my heart.
Cody: It wasn’t a walk in the park, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Me: That’s exactly what I love about you two, you fought for it. The best things in life are never easy, right?
Julianna: You got that right! So, your rating for the book and would you reread it?
Me: A solid five stars and I foresee that I’ll be rereading it many times in the future. I’m also going to rewind and read Laura Johnston’s previous novel Rewind To You.
Cody: Glad you enjoyed our story.
Me: I more than enjoyed it, I loved it! Anyways, it was nice chatting with you two, I’ve gotta go now. Bye! :D
Cody: Bye!
Julianna: Adios, amigo!
Originally posted: Between Now & Never | Head in the Clouds, Heart in the Books
For this review, I’m gonna change things up a little ’cause I think that this way the characters’ personalities just seep through.
Me: Hi guys!
Julianna: Hola!
Cody: Hey!
Me: Thanks for agreeing to do this review/interview thing! Hope you have a great time here! Okay, so what we’re gonna do is ask each other questions. I’ll ask you things like “what do you think about Julianna?”, then you’ll ask me something else. Basically, anything goes as long as it’s related to the book, kay? Oh yeah, keep it spoiler free and “clean”. Comprendes?
Cody: Yes, we understand. Now let me answer the question.
Me: Wow, you’re in a rush, aren’t you? And I haven’t even asked the question yet.
Cody: Cody Rush, remember? Now, Jules… I think she’s perfect, my spunky little fireball. She had me hooked from the beginning. Don’t get me wrong though, it wasn’t instalove, we worked very hard to get where we are now. But that photo booth incident was something else.
Me: Oh my God, yes! I loved that scene, it made the blood in my veins run hot!
Julianna: Imagine the blood in my veins.
Me: I can only imagine. ;) So, Julianna, your thoughts on Cody?
Julianna: He’s a pretty boy -not an insult- with so much heart and kindness, his body just can’t contain it all. He may be rich, but he has never made me feel small, little or less than him, you know? He just treats everyone as his equal.
Me: You guys sound head over heels in love.
Julianna & Cody: We are.
Me: Synchronized speaking. Wow, you guys have got it down pat!
Cody: You betcha. Enough questions for us, it’s time for us to interrogate you. You ready?
Me: As ready as I’ll ever be, Special Agent Cody Rush.
Cody: Okay. What did you think about the plot?
Me: I absolutely loved the plot. It was unique, fast paced, realistic, and it had just the right amount of suspense and action to keep me on my toes. The alternate POVs between Cody and Julianna gave me a sense of the story from two sides. Which I found really interesting as I got to see the story through both of the characters’ eyes and it just seemed more fair than just knowing one character’s take on it.
Julianna: In your opinion, did the characters develop throughout the book? How so?
Me: That would be an definite yes, almost all the characters underwent some sort of development. Take Cody for example, in the beginning of the book he was struggling to let go of the past and he was always so grief-stricken. I watched him slowly forgive himself and move on, which is never easy. The whole thing just pulled at my heartstrings. Julianna, she just gained so much confidence as the story went on. She was put in this really difficult situation where she had to fend for her family, she practically took over her mother’s role. I cannot begin to comprehend how it must feel to have your mother in prison and find yourself falling for the very guy whose father put her there. I imagine it’s very challenging and hard to accept. It’s amazing how she pulled through in the end.
Julianna: It definitely wasn’t easy, but Cody he just snuck his way into my heart.
Cody: It wasn’t a walk in the park, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Me: That’s exactly what I love about you two, you fought for it. The best things in life are never easy, right?
Julianna: You got that right! So, your rating for the book and would you reread it?
Me: A solid five stars and I foresee that I’ll be rereading it many times in the future. I’m also going to rewind and read Laura Johnston’s previous novel Rewind To You.
Cody: Glad you enjoyed our story.
Me: I more than enjoyed it, I loved it! Anyways, it was nice chatting with you two, I’ve gotta go now. Bye! :D
Cody: Bye!
Julianna: Adios, amigo!
Originally posted: Between Now & Never | Head in the Clouds, Heart in the Books
April 3, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Between Now and Never is a standalone contemporary/realistic fiction romance story. I loved Laura Johnston's first novel, Rewind to You and I really loved it. It was a super sweet and light romance. I am going to tell you up front that Between Now and Never has a very different feel to it than Rewind to You did. It is not as sugary sweet, certainly not as light. I didn't love it as much as Rewind to You, but it was still a good story. (What can I say, I am just more of a happy and fluffy kind of gal.) Between Now and Never had kind of a forbidden romance, Montague and Capulet feuding family feel to it.
Julianna and Cody come from very different families and you can tell that it has impacted the way they grow up. Julianna's family is poor and her brother uses/deals drugs and because of that has money problems. To try and help, their mom committed a crime at her job and got sent to jail. Cody's dad is the FBI agent that sent her there. So you can see where there would be issues.
I ended up really liking and rooting for Cody and Julianna but it didn't start out that way. Cody is a really nice guy, but for some reason whenever he got around Julianna for the first couple of times, he acted like a cocky jerk. I have no idea but he wasn't like that in any other scenes or when she wasn't around. It was like he was putting on a very bad show for her. Not that it worked to impress her. It only turned her more off to him. And then there was Julianna. I get that she has had it rough, but it is a pet peeve of mine that when people get a tough break, that they act overly bitter and entitled to everyone and everything around them. Even the people that are being nice and did nothing wrong. They see the worst in everyone and think everyone is giving them the short end of the stick for no reason. Julianna grated on my nerves at the start and I had no idea how her and Cody were ever going to get a shot at working out.
But that is what kept me reading. I just had to see where the heck this story was going to go from the humdinger of a start that it had. Julianna was a little brat and Cody was involved in something so incredibly dangerous and awful. He was thrown into it. I felt so bad for him because he clearly didn't want to be in that situation but he wasn't given any choice. But Laura Johnston's writing is kind of magic. Even with my character annoyances, she made invested in their story. She made me like them. Which is incredible! When I don't initially like a character it is hard for me to come back from that. But I did.
Between Now and Never was different than my average read. But I liked that about it. It is good to step outside of your comfort zone every now and again. The character growth in Between Now and Then is the most impressive part. For these two star crossed individuals, I can guarantee you won't be able to predict their journey from the first page. Between Now and Never is a good read. Give it a try if you like your contemporaries with a little more drama and grit, and don't mind some darker issues thrown in.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Between Now and Never is a standalone contemporary/realistic fiction romance story. I loved Laura Johnston's first novel, Rewind to You and I really loved it. It was a super sweet and light romance. I am going to tell you up front that Between Now and Never has a very different feel to it than Rewind to You did. It is not as sugary sweet, certainly not as light. I didn't love it as much as Rewind to You, but it was still a good story. (What can I say, I am just more of a happy and fluffy kind of gal.) Between Now and Never had kind of a forbidden romance, Montague and Capulet feuding family feel to it.
Julianna and Cody come from very different families and you can tell that it has impacted the way they grow up. Julianna's family is poor and her brother uses/deals drugs and because of that has money problems. To try and help, their mom committed a crime at her job and got sent to jail. Cody's dad is the FBI agent that sent her there. So you can see where there would be issues.
I ended up really liking and rooting for Cody and Julianna but it didn't start out that way. Cody is a really nice guy, but for some reason whenever he got around Julianna for the first couple of times, he acted like a cocky jerk. I have no idea but he wasn't like that in any other scenes or when she wasn't around. It was like he was putting on a very bad show for her. Not that it worked to impress her. It only turned her more off to him. And then there was Julianna. I get that she has had it rough, but it is a pet peeve of mine that when people get a tough break, that they act overly bitter and entitled to everyone and everything around them. Even the people that are being nice and did nothing wrong. They see the worst in everyone and think everyone is giving them the short end of the stick for no reason. Julianna grated on my nerves at the start and I had no idea how her and Cody were ever going to get a shot at working out.
But that is what kept me reading. I just had to see where the heck this story was going to go from the humdinger of a start that it had. Julianna was a little brat and Cody was involved in something so incredibly dangerous and awful. He was thrown into it. I felt so bad for him because he clearly didn't want to be in that situation but he wasn't given any choice. But Laura Johnston's writing is kind of magic. Even with my character annoyances, she made invested in their story. She made me like them. Which is incredible! When I don't initially like a character it is hard for me to come back from that. But I did.
Between Now and Never was different than my average read. But I liked that about it. It is good to step outside of your comfort zone every now and again. The character growth in Between Now and Then is the most impressive part. For these two star crossed individuals, I can guarantee you won't be able to predict their journey from the first page. Between Now and Never is a good read. Give it a try if you like your contemporaries with a little more drama and grit, and don't mind some darker issues thrown in.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
April 10, 2015
Between Now & Never is an enjoyable YA romance story with a suspenseful twist added into the mix.
Author Laura Johnston weaves an intriguing tale set in Gilbert, Arizona, and written in the first person narrative that alternates between high school seniors Cody Rush and Julianna Schultz. The readers follow Cody and Julianna as their worlds unexpectedly collide, and they have to deal with family drama, romantic tension and angst, tragic pasts, and danger from drug dealers.
Cody and his family recently moved from Scotsdale to Gilbert. He is a high school senior and star basketball player, who is one of the top college prospects. He befriends fellow high school basketball standout and top prospect Vic Schultz, but their friendship goes downhill when Cody realizes that his FBI agent father has put Vic's mother in prison for mortgage fraud, and Cody is unknowingly drawn into a drug deal by Vic, that results in Cody becoming involved in a hit-n-run, beaten up, and left in a sand storm by a couple of local drug dealers. When Cody awakens in the hospital with a fractured leg, he doesn't remember anything that happened to him that night. Cody sees a set of photo booth pictures of him and Vic's sister Julianna that was taken at the mall that fateful night, and he tries to get Julianna to help him piece together what happened to him, but Julianna won't have any of it when she discovers that it was Cody's father who was responsible for sending her mom to prison, and putting her family's life into a downward tailspin. As Cody and Julianna fight the obvious attraction they have for each other, Cody starts having flashbacks, while Julianna unknowingly holds the key to the answers that he seeks.
Between Now & Never is more than just your usual YA romance story, it is a multi-layered tale that is full of intrigue, suspense, danger, and tragic family drama. The reader follows Cody and Julianna as their worlds unexpectedly collide and are drawn together by a set of circumstances that intertwines romance and danger as Cody tries to fill in the pieces to the puzzle of what happened to him, while Julianna is desperately trying to keep her family afloat since her mother was sent to prison. As their story unfolds, the reader gets a glimpse into their very different lives, and how their unexpected meeting brings to the surface their tragic pasts, family drama, secrets, and a dangerous run in with local drug dealers that puts them into some pretty rough situations, but it also brings an unlikely friendship and heartwarming romance.
While the story slowly builds, it does at times get to be unnecessarily repetitive (by this I mean the numerous times that the reader is reminded that Cody's dad was responsible for busting Julianna's mom), but the intriguing twists and turns intertwined with teenage angst will have you forgetting that as it keeps you turning the pages and guessing what will happen next until the satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Author Laura Johnston weaves an intriguing tale set in Gilbert, Arizona, and written in the first person narrative that alternates between high school seniors Cody Rush and Julianna Schultz. The readers follow Cody and Julianna as their worlds unexpectedly collide, and they have to deal with family drama, romantic tension and angst, tragic pasts, and danger from drug dealers.
Cody and his family recently moved from Scotsdale to Gilbert. He is a high school senior and star basketball player, who is one of the top college prospects. He befriends fellow high school basketball standout and top prospect Vic Schultz, but their friendship goes downhill when Cody realizes that his FBI agent father has put Vic's mother in prison for mortgage fraud, and Cody is unknowingly drawn into a drug deal by Vic, that results in Cody becoming involved in a hit-n-run, beaten up, and left in a sand storm by a couple of local drug dealers. When Cody awakens in the hospital with a fractured leg, he doesn't remember anything that happened to him that night. Cody sees a set of photo booth pictures of him and Vic's sister Julianna that was taken at the mall that fateful night, and he tries to get Julianna to help him piece together what happened to him, but Julianna won't have any of it when she discovers that it was Cody's father who was responsible for sending her mom to prison, and putting her family's life into a downward tailspin. As Cody and Julianna fight the obvious attraction they have for each other, Cody starts having flashbacks, while Julianna unknowingly holds the key to the answers that he seeks.
Between Now & Never is more than just your usual YA romance story, it is a multi-layered tale that is full of intrigue, suspense, danger, and tragic family drama. The reader follows Cody and Julianna as their worlds unexpectedly collide and are drawn together by a set of circumstances that intertwines romance and danger as Cody tries to fill in the pieces to the puzzle of what happened to him, while Julianna is desperately trying to keep her family afloat since her mother was sent to prison. As their story unfolds, the reader gets a glimpse into their very different lives, and how their unexpected meeting brings to the surface their tragic pasts, family drama, secrets, and a dangerous run in with local drug dealers that puts them into some pretty rough situations, but it also brings an unlikely friendship and heartwarming romance.
While the story slowly builds, it does at times get to be unnecessarily repetitive (by this I mean the numerous times that the reader is reminded that Cody's dad was responsible for busting Julianna's mom), but the intriguing twists and turns intertwined with teenage angst will have you forgetting that as it keeps you turning the pages and guessing what will happen next until the satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by I Am A Reader Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 1, 2015
I had been looking forward to this book for quite some time. Let me say that I absolutely loved Laura’s first book! What a debut novel. It was written like a Nicholas Sparks novel, filled with wonderful emotions and vivid descriptions that left me feeling the story rather than reading it. Needless to say I had high expectations. And Laura definitely met my expectations, and then some!
This story is written in 2 POV, alternating almost in each chapter between Julianna and Cody.
As you can read in the book info, Julianna’s mum has been put into prison for fraud. She committed this crime to pay for rehab for Vic, Julianna’s older brother.
Julianna is left behind trying to keep the family together. She is doing all she can to make it in school, working as a tutor, and after school in the Chocolate Shoppe. She cleans, cooks, takes care of Vic and her dad, she has too many responsibilities to deal with.
Cody is the son of an FBI agent, and a wealthy mother. He seems like the picture perfect kid, good-looking, great family, wealthy, a top-basketball player. But he has his struggles in life. He lost his brother at a young age, and is still trying to deal with all of the hurt that left in his life.
At the beginning of the book he is pulled into a drug deal that doesn’t go well, leaving him hiding and on the run from the dealers. He tries to make an escape but ends up getting run over and left in a storm with no recollection of what happened to him, including his meeting Julianna. Now he needs to try and figure out what happened to him, and all he knows is that somehow Julianna is the key to answering his many questions. Sadly she is not impressed with the guy who almost kissed her, and then disappeared for weeks, and who also happens to be the son of the FBI agent that put her mum in prison.
This book took me on a journey. It left me feeling all types of emotions. I found myself connecting with both Julianna end Cody, understanding both their fears and struggles. I could not seem to put this one down, and once I finished it, I felt changed somehow. This book has that ability. Laura’s style is so eloquent, it has a way of touching you deep inside. I look forward to sharing her books with my daughter once she is old enough to appreciate them.
For my full feature of this book, visit my blog http://mylissasreviewsandbookthoughts...
This story is written in 2 POV, alternating almost in each chapter between Julianna and Cody.
As you can read in the book info, Julianna’s mum has been put into prison for fraud. She committed this crime to pay for rehab for Vic, Julianna’s older brother.
Julianna is left behind trying to keep the family together. She is doing all she can to make it in school, working as a tutor, and after school in the Chocolate Shoppe. She cleans, cooks, takes care of Vic and her dad, she has too many responsibilities to deal with.
Cody is the son of an FBI agent, and a wealthy mother. He seems like the picture perfect kid, good-looking, great family, wealthy, a top-basketball player. But he has his struggles in life. He lost his brother at a young age, and is still trying to deal with all of the hurt that left in his life.
At the beginning of the book he is pulled into a drug deal that doesn’t go well, leaving him hiding and on the run from the dealers. He tries to make an escape but ends up getting run over and left in a storm with no recollection of what happened to him, including his meeting Julianna. Now he needs to try and figure out what happened to him, and all he knows is that somehow Julianna is the key to answering his many questions. Sadly she is not impressed with the guy who almost kissed her, and then disappeared for weeks, and who also happens to be the son of the FBI agent that put her mum in prison.
This book took me on a journey. It left me feeling all types of emotions. I found myself connecting with both Julianna end Cody, understanding both their fears and struggles. I could not seem to put this one down, and once I finished it, I felt changed somehow. This book has that ability. Laura’s style is so eloquent, it has a way of touching you deep inside. I look forward to sharing her books with my daughter once she is old enough to appreciate them.
For my full feature of this book, visit my blog http://mylissasreviewsandbookthoughts...
March 27, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Cody doesn't remember meeting Julianna at the mall, but a photo booth picture reveals they were together. Cody doesn't remember where he got the shirt in the picture, but it is cut off of him at the hospital following the hit and run accident that might kill his chance at college ball. Cody doesn't remember where he and Vic were or how they got separated, but Vic's shady story doesn't give him any extra details. What Cody does remember is that his FBI dad arrested Vic and Julianna's mom for fraud, and he needs to get closer to her if he is ever going to put the story all together again. The potential for drama and heartbreak is apparent from the beginning of this romantic suspense, but readers should be aware that this turns out to be more of a modern twist on the Romeo and Juliet theme than anything else. While potential threats swirl ominously around both Julianna and Cody, the true focus is on how two people who are fighting to overcome past tragedies begin fighting for a future for each other. This was not a book that I slipped into easily, and it wasn't until about the twenty- five percent mark that I really found the story engaging. This is because I found Julianna's life story overwhelming and a tad over the top, but I was more interested once Cody offered her some relief, direction, and security. I particularly liked how Julianna's dilemma with Vic paralleled Cody's more innocent conflict with the brother he lost. The ending was a little less tense than I expected after a books worth of buildup, but I was satisfied with the resolution. The teen relationship drama is what one would expect with high school characters, so if you don't have patience for that, pass on this one. Ultimately, it was a good story that had some interesting things to say about guilt and responsibility, but it wasn't as engaging to me as an adult as it probably will be to the target audience. I would recommend it to fans of Simone Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry series. Language and situations are appropriate for high school students.
April 9, 2015
I was excited to be a part of this tour for "Between Now & Never". I loved Laura Johnston's first book, "Rewind to You" and I couldn't wait to read her next book.
Okay, so I don't think I loved this book quite as much as I loved "Rewind to You" but I still really, really liked it. I'll tell you why.
There were some heart pounding moments. Cody finds himself into a dangerous situation and my heart was getting worked up. Then he was running and I felt like I might be running too. :) There was a bit of suspense and mystery as Cody works through slippery memories and tries to figure out what happened to him. I'm a girl who likes my suspense light and not too scary so this was perfect for me.
In between those scenes, we have a relationship growing between Julianna and Cody. Cody really needs Julianna's help to figure some things out but Julianna isn't a fan. Well, she is, then she isn't, then she is again. haha.
Julianna has a tough home life. Her mom is in prison for trying to protect and help her son. Her dad is distant and not dependable. Her brother is volatile and involved in drugs. Julianna shoulders a lot of responsibility trying to please her mother, keep her family together, work and go to school. I felt exhausted on her behalf but I really liked her. It's that inner strength that I was drawn to. That and her pluck.
I really enjoyed the way the revolving pieces of this story all slowly came together. I was interested and engaged in this book from beginning to end.
Content: No swearing or sexual content- just some kissing. Drug use and drug activity with dealers.
Okay, so I don't think I loved this book quite as much as I loved "Rewind to You" but I still really, really liked it. I'll tell you why.
There were some heart pounding moments. Cody finds himself into a dangerous situation and my heart was getting worked up. Then he was running and I felt like I might be running too. :) There was a bit of suspense and mystery as Cody works through slippery memories and tries to figure out what happened to him. I'm a girl who likes my suspense light and not too scary so this was perfect for me.
In between those scenes, we have a relationship growing between Julianna and Cody. Cody really needs Julianna's help to figure some things out but Julianna isn't a fan. Well, she is, then she isn't, then she is again. haha.
Julianna has a tough home life. Her mom is in prison for trying to protect and help her son. Her dad is distant and not dependable. Her brother is volatile and involved in drugs. Julianna shoulders a lot of responsibility trying to please her mother, keep her family together, work and go to school. I felt exhausted on her behalf but I really liked her. It's that inner strength that I was drawn to. That and her pluck.
I really enjoyed the way the revolving pieces of this story all slowly came together. I was interested and engaged in this book from beginning to end.
Content: No swearing or sexual content- just some kissing. Drug use and drug activity with dealers.
March 31, 2015
LOVE. That's the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of this book. I LOVE it. Laura Johnston has done it again! Her first novel, Rewind to You, was filled with emotion, great voice, and a butterfly inducing clean romance, and Between Now & Never definitely holds up.
The book alternates back and forth between Cody and Julianna's point-of-view and you can easily tell whose chapter is whose. The voices are distinct.
I love Cody and Julianna. They are unique and fun and are two of my favorite book characters. Johnston isn't afraid to put them in some pretty tough situations. Things just keep getting worse and worse for them, which makes them easy to relate to. They feel real.
Now, the love story. This is perhaps my favorite thing about Johnston's writing. She knows how to write romance that makes your heart beat faster and your stomach tingle. You can't help but grin like a lovestruck teenager. The romantic tension in this book is built up perfectly and the author does a great job creating swoon-worthy scenes.
The story elements in Between Now and Never weave together just right, creating a plot that keeps you guessing until it comes together in the end and characters that grow and change for the better.
Keep writing, Laura! I can't wait to read what you come up with next.
The book alternates back and forth between Cody and Julianna's point-of-view and you can easily tell whose chapter is whose. The voices are distinct.
I love Cody and Julianna. They are unique and fun and are two of my favorite book characters. Johnston isn't afraid to put them in some pretty tough situations. Things just keep getting worse and worse for them, which makes them easy to relate to. They feel real.
Now, the love story. This is perhaps my favorite thing about Johnston's writing. She knows how to write romance that makes your heart beat faster and your stomach tingle. You can't help but grin like a lovestruck teenager. The romantic tension in this book is built up perfectly and the author does a great job creating swoon-worthy scenes.
The story elements in Between Now and Never weave together just right, creating a plot that keeps you guessing until it comes together in the end and characters that grow and change for the better.
Keep writing, Laura! I can't wait to read what you come up with next.
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