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Chasing Pretty
Ashlyn is sick of the attention her beauty brings to the point she may do something rash like smack her face against a cement wall, anything to alter her appearance.
As a senior at Mt. Timmons High, the boys date her for the bragging rights and the girls despise her out of jealousy. Even her own mother doesn't try to hide her contempt.
Mt. Timmons, Virginia is known for historical battles and colonial witch trials. Since childhood Ashlyn's been taught that this is the place where history is made. But all she wants to do is fade into obscurity when a scantily clad picture of her, that's been photoshopped by her ex, is circulated at school. As if life couldn't get any worse her car breaks down.
Zeus, the one man immune to her charms, offers her a ride home, he just has to make one quick stop. But that layover changes everything. There's a witch and a book of spells and Michael, the ideal boyfriend conjured from pure magic.
Ashlyn must choose between two men, the real thing or the dream, come to terms with her own appearance and keep her mother in the dark long enough to decide her future. All this while figuring out if the man who's stalking her is really her ex. There's magic swirling through the Virginia hills and it might just save Ashlyn's life...
As a senior at Mt. Timmons High, the boys date her for the bragging rights and the girls despise her out of jealousy. Even her own mother doesn't try to hide her contempt.
Mt. Timmons, Virginia is known for historical battles and colonial witch trials. Since childhood Ashlyn's been taught that this is the place where history is made. But all she wants to do is fade into obscurity when a scantily clad picture of her, that's been photoshopped by her ex, is circulated at school. As if life couldn't get any worse her car breaks down.
Zeus, the one man immune to her charms, offers her a ride home, he just has to make one quick stop. But that layover changes everything. There's a witch and a book of spells and Michael, the ideal boyfriend conjured from pure magic.
Ashlyn must choose between two men, the real thing or the dream, come to terms with her own appearance and keep her mother in the dark long enough to decide her future. All this while figuring out if the man who's stalking her is really her ex. There's magic swirling through the Virginia hills and it might just save Ashlyn's life...
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2013
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359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 6, 2014
This was a very pleasant surprise. After a slightly slow start it soon developed into a compelling read. Told from the point of view of 17 year old, high school student Ashlyn her problems at first seem ones to envy – a flawless beauty, a limitless credit card, a smart Lexus to drive to a school where they don't mind she skips endless classes and goes out to lunch on lobster. It seems like material girl heaven.
Unfortunately generous Daddy is so busy working as to be invisible, Mother is a manipulative drunk, her ex-boyfriend and his football team friends are macho louts, her looks make the other girls at school bully her, the school counselor is ineffectual, her private therapist just about keeps her ticking over. Okay, now resist the temptation to shout 'Just sort yourself out, girl!' - she's a teenager and if she doesn't seem to deal with her problems particularly well it's because adolescence is a different world. Chasing Pretty is a novel aimed at young adults and my guess is the character and the story will appeal to droves of them. They'll certainly find enough to entertain them. Especially after new boy Zeus arrives at school to provide a will-they won't-they romantic interest. Zeus comes from a family of hippies and his bohemian mother knows a lot about magic. The accidental conjuring of an ideal boyfriend for Ashlyn is the most underplayed part of the story – everyone oddly takes this miraculous appearance for granted, but then this is the age of Harry Potter.
It doesn't stop at high-school angst, romance and magic though, the latter part of the story develops into a fast-paced thriller that traps Ashlyn in mortal danger. In summary there's something for everyone and though it's a 'Young adult' I suspect anyone young in spirit will find this well-plotted and richly charactered book a hugely entertaining read.
Unfortunately generous Daddy is so busy working as to be invisible, Mother is a manipulative drunk, her ex-boyfriend and his football team friends are macho louts, her looks make the other girls at school bully her, the school counselor is ineffectual, her private therapist just about keeps her ticking over. Okay, now resist the temptation to shout 'Just sort yourself out, girl!' - she's a teenager and if she doesn't seem to deal with her problems particularly well it's because adolescence is a different world. Chasing Pretty is a novel aimed at young adults and my guess is the character and the story will appeal to droves of them. They'll certainly find enough to entertain them. Especially after new boy Zeus arrives at school to provide a will-they won't-they romantic interest. Zeus comes from a family of hippies and his bohemian mother knows a lot about magic. The accidental conjuring of an ideal boyfriend for Ashlyn is the most underplayed part of the story – everyone oddly takes this miraculous appearance for granted, but then this is the age of Harry Potter.
It doesn't stop at high-school angst, romance and magic though, the latter part of the story develops into a fast-paced thriller that traps Ashlyn in mortal danger. In summary there's something for everyone and though it's a 'Young adult' I suspect anyone young in spirit will find this well-plotted and richly charactered book a hugely entertaining read.
January 21, 2014
I love finding great stories from new authors. I don't read a lot of teen fiction except for the bigger hits like Harry Potter or Hunger Games, but this book was suggested to me by a friend. I wasn't disappointed. After a brief prologue, that hints at much more, we accompany high schooler Ashlyn through perhaps the roughest day any teenage girl could go through. She has many things every teenage girl fantasizes about like a flawless face and sexy body, a new car, a limitless credit card, her pick of boys, a spot on the cheerleading squad, and freedom to do about whatever she wants at school. However, everything she has just makes the other students hate her more. Combine jealous cheerleaders, cocky teenage boys, a vain, selfish mother, and absent father, and Ashlyn's life becomes painful at times. But a magical encounter with a kind, quiet classmate creates a beacon of hope for Ashlyn to hang onto as the school year goes on and her struggles become more pervasive and her enemies more dangerous.
I liked how the story involves real conflicts of everyday teenage life that run the gamut from bad parents and school popularity to drugs and sexting. Fictional elements make the story unique, comical, and engaging while a growing threat keeps you turning the pages.
The novel does have a few slips that are understandable for a new self-published author, but they don't distract from the overall amazing story. Highly recommended teen fiction from a budding young author.
I liked how the story involves real conflicts of everyday teenage life that run the gamut from bad parents and school popularity to drugs and sexting. Fictional elements make the story unique, comical, and engaging while a growing threat keeps you turning the pages.
The novel does have a few slips that are understandable for a new self-published author, but they don't distract from the overall amazing story. Highly recommended teen fiction from a budding young author.
February 27, 2014
Wow. This book took me by surprise. I honestly thought given the blurb, that this was going to be about some vain, bratty teen who was "too pretty". I've actually had the book for a month now and picked it up today. I also finished this book today. It was that good. Ashlynn is a young woman with an overbearing, over controlling, self loving mother, a father who only remembers her and her brother on Sunday who she thinks loves them and Trevor, her wonderful 14 year old brother who she is essentially raising. Essentially, she hates being so beautiful because her mother makes her life miserable over her obsessive behavior of how she must act, wear, dress, go out with, be seen with, etc. She wants a pretty doll to do what she says and is trying to keep her youth and beauty by hanging on to Ashlynn. The girls in school are jealous of her beauty and the guys think it makes her an easy lay. One miserable day at school after having her ex Photoshop a picture of her and having it go viral, her car breaks down after school. Stranded with her young brother on the side of the road, Zeus, a guy from school, comes to help them and changes everything. I'm not going to give anything away but I'm going to say that these characters won a place in my heart. I really liked this book. Well written and kept me reading. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
March 28, 2014
This book was very different from what I expected! From the blurb, I thought it was going to be the story of the spoiled little rich girl who learns what is really important in life, reminding me of Sia by Josh Grayson and The Seven Deadly series by Fisher Amelie. Those are books that I loved so the blurb appealed to me. But that is not at all what was going on here.
Ashlyn is rich and rather spoiled, but she is also emotionally damaged, thanks to neglectful parents. Everything in her life is defined by how she looks, yet somehow she remains conscious of the fact that there is more to life... even if she is powerless to change things for herself. Boys see her as a ego boost and most of the girls are full of jealous hatred, leaving Ashlyn rather isolated.
Love them or hate them, the characters in this book are fabulous. Ashlyn appears to have it all, but all she really wants is family. She finds it in a family that is very different from her own. Trevor, her little brother, is as desperate for that as she is, the two of them usually alone against the world. Zeus is everything you want in a Book Boyfriend and his family is nuts, but wonderful. Michael is, well, interesting, but entertaining in his own right. And the ones that we love to hate? The mean girls are just that... mean. The football jocks are the epitome of macho entitled jerks, most especially her ex-boyfriend. Ashlyn's mother irritated me to the point that there were times that I wished I could jump through my Kindle and slap the boogers out of her. Her father wasn't much better, replacing parenting with cash. How the situation ended with their family irritated me to no end (no spoilers), but it was as it should be in this story.
This book is a blend of romance and thriller, with a touch of magic thrown in. Underneath that, there was a lot of real issues. Bullying, neglect, self-esteem, self-worth, judgment, priorities. All of that combined with the suspense of the last half of the book created a read that I read in one sitting because I just had to know what was going to happen. I was not expecting the story to go where it did!
There were messages in this story. For one, there is the message that there is more to life than beauty, more important things. There is the message that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. On the surface, Ashlyn had everything, but in reality she had nothing.
Things to love about Chasing Pretty...
--The characters. They all reminded me of people I have known in my own life, both positively and negatively.
--Ashlyn's self-awareness. She was older than her years and had a self-awareness that was beyond her age.
--The messages. I loved that there was something to be learned from this book, a bit of a reminder.
Things I wanted more or less of...
--More Michael. There were some odd occurrences at the end of the book that weren't fully explained so I kind of wonder about that.
--More HEA. I really wanted her parents to get a grip and realize and correct their ways, but it didn't happen. It was perfect for the story, but I just wanted them to do the right thing.
Some quotastic goodness...
--But my concentration shifted away from applying makeup to a knife slicing across my cheeks. A gash deep enough to need stitches. A scar would form, a long awkward jagged looking thing (Loc. 140-141).
--My mouth opened to protest but before I could utter a single word he crushed his lips to mine. I gagged. The stagnant taste of stale beer and last night's pizza, almost made me throw up in his mouth (Loc. 353-355).
--“Love is more than just a feeling, it's a verb. If you do all those things I just said, respect, compromise, work with your partner on his dreams, then there'll be love. More love than you can even comprehend (Loc. 522-524.”
My recommendation: This is a great read that touches real issues without trying to gloss over them!
Ashlyn is rich and rather spoiled, but she is also emotionally damaged, thanks to neglectful parents. Everything in her life is defined by how she looks, yet somehow she remains conscious of the fact that there is more to life... even if she is powerless to change things for herself. Boys see her as a ego boost and most of the girls are full of jealous hatred, leaving Ashlyn rather isolated.
Love them or hate them, the characters in this book are fabulous. Ashlyn appears to have it all, but all she really wants is family. She finds it in a family that is very different from her own. Trevor, her little brother, is as desperate for that as she is, the two of them usually alone against the world. Zeus is everything you want in a Book Boyfriend and his family is nuts, but wonderful. Michael is, well, interesting, but entertaining in his own right. And the ones that we love to hate? The mean girls are just that... mean. The football jocks are the epitome of macho entitled jerks, most especially her ex-boyfriend. Ashlyn's mother irritated me to the point that there were times that I wished I could jump through my Kindle and slap the boogers out of her. Her father wasn't much better, replacing parenting with cash. How the situation ended with their family irritated me to no end (no spoilers), but it was as it should be in this story.
This book is a blend of romance and thriller, with a touch of magic thrown in. Underneath that, there was a lot of real issues. Bullying, neglect, self-esteem, self-worth, judgment, priorities. All of that combined with the suspense of the last half of the book created a read that I read in one sitting because I just had to know what was going to happen. I was not expecting the story to go where it did!
There were messages in this story. For one, there is the message that there is more to life than beauty, more important things. There is the message that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. On the surface, Ashlyn had everything, but in reality she had nothing.
Things to love about Chasing Pretty...
--The characters. They all reminded me of people I have known in my own life, both positively and negatively.
--Ashlyn's self-awareness. She was older than her years and had a self-awareness that was beyond her age.
--The messages. I loved that there was something to be learned from this book, a bit of a reminder.
Things I wanted more or less of...
--More Michael. There were some odd occurrences at the end of the book that weren't fully explained so I kind of wonder about that.
--More HEA. I really wanted her parents to get a grip and realize and correct their ways, but it didn't happen. It was perfect for the story, but I just wanted them to do the right thing.
Some quotastic goodness...
--But my concentration shifted away from applying makeup to a knife slicing across my cheeks. A gash deep enough to need stitches. A scar would form, a long awkward jagged looking thing (Loc. 140-141).
--My mouth opened to protest but before I could utter a single word he crushed his lips to mine. I gagged. The stagnant taste of stale beer and last night's pizza, almost made me throw up in his mouth (Loc. 353-355).
--“Love is more than just a feeling, it's a verb. If you do all those things I just said, respect, compromise, work with your partner on his dreams, then there'll be love. More love than you can even comprehend (Loc. 522-524.”
My recommendation: This is a great read that touches real issues without trying to gloss over them!
December 29, 2014
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review!*
This book wasn't what I thought it would be from reading the blurb. It was definitely better. It has A LOT of great things to it!
Firstly I love Ashlyn. I usually tend to hate the main girl character because I find them needy and helpless, but I really liked Ashlyn. Her personality was great. The thing I found interesting was the environment she grew up in. The way her mother taught her or tried to teach her, and her overall family life definitely had an effect on her. I also liked that she really did want to find a guy to love her for who she was not because she was the most insanely beautiful girl out there. I also felt that there was definitely character development for her, which is always a good thing!
I also really loved Zeus. He was different but not to different. He's basically what every girl needs; a guy who will love the girl for who she is and not what she looks like. Not to mention Zeus's parents were so great! He I found was the perfect male character. I also really enjoyed that he was the one to come and save her.
Now for the actually story line. Obviously it caught my attention, I couldn't put the book down. However I do wish certain parts lasted a little bit longer and didn't move so fast. I also thought that Ms.Williams would play a more important role than she actually did. Although I do have to say that the book ended fairly well. It covered all the everything and basically clarified how things played out, which is such a good thing.
Overall this book was really good, and it definitely deserves five stars, so I would totally recommend this book for people who like romance and suspense with a bit of supernatural in the mix.
March 5, 2014
Ashlyn is the pretties girl in Mt. Timmons, VA. But she doesn’t embrace her beauty, she is always dreaming up ways to make herself ‘normal’ like the other girls. The girls are all mean to her and treat her like crap. The boys, they all want to date her and be with her. She has an emotionally abusive mother who tries to push her will onto Ashlyn any chance she gets and an absent father. Her brother is the only ally she has, until she meets Zeus, who sweeps her off her feet. She meets his family, they are non-traditional, but amazing. Ashlyn feels at home with them and is welcomed with open arms. Zeus’s family brings magic and whimsy to this book, which make it more interesting.
Strange things start happening to Ashlyn, her house is broke into, her room is vandalized, sexting pics are spread thru the student body. Is her ex behind this? He has to be. Things go from bad to worse, when her ex is found dead, Ashlyn is blamed for his death on social media. So who is behind all these attacks on Ashlyn? Can she and Zeus survive all this? Does Ashlyn have it in her to fight? The end of the story had my jaw drop! No way!
The plot twist in the store had me wondering who was behind it all. This book held my interest, yes there was teenage drama and angst, but it’s a young adult book, it’s supposed too! Her best friend Beza seemed like a tag alone and she wasn’t really important to the story, at least in my opinion. It’s a quick read that I enjoyed, it would be perfect for the beach or a rainy weekend read.
Strange things start happening to Ashlyn, her house is broke into, her room is vandalized, sexting pics are spread thru the student body. Is her ex behind this? He has to be. Things go from bad to worse, when her ex is found dead, Ashlyn is blamed for his death on social media. So who is behind all these attacks on Ashlyn? Can she and Zeus survive all this? Does Ashlyn have it in her to fight? The end of the story had my jaw drop! No way!
The plot twist in the store had me wondering who was behind it all. This book held my interest, yes there was teenage drama and angst, but it’s a young adult book, it’s supposed too! Her best friend Beza seemed like a tag alone and she wasn’t really important to the story, at least in my opinion. It’s a quick read that I enjoyed, it would be perfect for the beach or a rainy weekend read.
March 1, 2014
Chasing Pretty is a young adult romance told in the first person by Ashlyn. Ashlyn is beautiful but doesn’t appreciate her beauty as it has only brought her problems – boys dating her for bragging rights and girls despising her out of jealousy. Trying to flee from yet another scandal, Ashlyn runs headfirst into Zeus, a boy that seems immune to her charms. Meeting his family opens a new and magical world for Ashlyn. But evil is lurking in Mt. Timmons and its attention is wholly centered on Ashlyn.
I liked how this book started. Ashlyn was so completely honest with herself about her problems with her beauty that it almost read like a autobiography. Despite harboring my own jealousy about (former) high school beauties, Lark’s writing is such that I actually sympathized with Ashlyn’s plight. Although the story started out slow, it gathered momentum. The various storylines about a stalker and some magical interventions were a departure from the standard romance novels and therefore more interesting and created more depth.
The teenage dramas and the angst associated therewith were a bit annoying and seemed exaggerated. Of course, teenage dramas are always exaggerated but not being a teenager myself, the dramas couldn’t hold my interest. I also had problems with the believability of the father’s character. He was clueless but stepped in without question when necessary.
I recommend this book for lovers of young adult romance that are looking for a story with more meat to it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.*
I liked how this book started. Ashlyn was so completely honest with herself about her problems with her beauty that it almost read like a autobiography. Despite harboring my own jealousy about (former) high school beauties, Lark’s writing is such that I actually sympathized with Ashlyn’s plight. Although the story started out slow, it gathered momentum. The various storylines about a stalker and some magical interventions were a departure from the standard romance novels and therefore more interesting and created more depth.
The teenage dramas and the angst associated therewith were a bit annoying and seemed exaggerated. Of course, teenage dramas are always exaggerated but not being a teenager myself, the dramas couldn’t hold my interest. I also had problems with the believability of the father’s character. He was clueless but stepped in without question when necessary.
I recommend this book for lovers of young adult romance that are looking for a story with more meat to it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.*
March 9, 2014
Ashlyn was born with a flawless face, one she has grown to hate. Being beautiful is not a blessing to her but a curse! Girls at school hate her and bully her constantly. Boys seem to care about her boobs more that her brain. More importantly her mom thinks that looks is all there is to Ashlyn. Only Zeus seems to be immune to it all.
While this story does have some paranormal aspects to it, it really doesn't focus on that. It is a great read, especially for young girls. So much pressure is put on them to be perfect. This book shows that things that look perfect can often be more flawed than we ever realize. I think my favorite character was Star, Zeus's mom. There is something to be said for being able to be a free spirit and able to walk your own path regardless of what society decides is "right".
I don't know how this author did it, but she seemed to blend a mix of current teen issues with a great teen mystery/love story. The plot is amazing. The characters are great and provoke emotion. Some your love, some you really hate by the end of the novel. There are some great underlying messages here that will reach teens in a major way. Editing is very well done. I highly recommend this book, especially to girls. It is a fast paced great read that leaves several memorable messages. I would love to read more from this author in the future.
While this story does have some paranormal aspects to it, it really doesn't focus on that. It is a great read, especially for young girls. So much pressure is put on them to be perfect. This book shows that things that look perfect can often be more flawed than we ever realize. I think my favorite character was Star, Zeus's mom. There is something to be said for being able to be a free spirit and able to walk your own path regardless of what society decides is "right".
I don't know how this author did it, but she seemed to blend a mix of current teen issues with a great teen mystery/love story. The plot is amazing. The characters are great and provoke emotion. Some your love, some you really hate by the end of the novel. There are some great underlying messages here that will reach teens in a major way. Editing is very well done. I highly recommend this book, especially to girls. It is a fast paced great read that leaves several memorable messages. I would love to read more from this author in the future.
February 4, 2014
Chasing Pretty (Kindle Edition)
I read a lot of young adult books and thought this one would be like so many others on the market, but I was wrong. This book has a nice story line that draws you in and keeps you interested. It's got some original twists and turns and keeps you guessing at what will happen next.
I truly enjoyed this book. The characters are original, artistic and fun. I love the natural feel, and the descriptions of vegan food, home made candles and all with just a touch of magic. Nothing big and flashy like Harry Potter like so many of the other stories try to do. This is more like the real magic that exists in the world of nature and those who study and are close to it.
I'll be buying a copy of this book so that my teenage daughter can read it. I know she will love the characters, the plot twist at the end and the wonderful story shared in this book. I'll be watching to see what other books Jennifer Lark comes up with. She's definitely one to watch.
I read a lot of young adult books and thought this one would be like so many others on the market, but I was wrong. This book has a nice story line that draws you in and keeps you interested. It's got some original twists and turns and keeps you guessing at what will happen next.
I truly enjoyed this book. The characters are original, artistic and fun. I love the natural feel, and the descriptions of vegan food, home made candles and all with just a touch of magic. Nothing big and flashy like Harry Potter like so many of the other stories try to do. This is more like the real magic that exists in the world of nature and those who study and are close to it.
I'll be buying a copy of this book so that my teenage daughter can read it. I know she will love the characters, the plot twist at the end and the wonderful story shared in this book. I'll be watching to see what other books Jennifer Lark comes up with. She's definitely one to watch.
August 9, 2014
Fun and easy read
I wasn't sure what the book would be like but it sounded interesting. The book is told from the point of view of a girl who is beautiful perfection but her life is far from it. A little magic, a little romance, family drama and suspense make this a fun read. I gave it 4 stars because I felt certain points were very predictable. Over all if you are looking for something fun this is it.
I wasn't sure what the book would be like but it sounded interesting. The book is told from the point of view of a girl who is beautiful perfection but her life is far from it. A little magic, a little romance, family drama and suspense make this a fun read. I gave it 4 stars because I felt certain points were very predictable. Over all if you are looking for something fun this is it.
January 4, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'd read the other reviews that said that too, but I was still pleased that it was way better than I was expecting. Ashlyn isn't your typical spoiled, rich girl and I love a good stalker mystery.
January 18, 2014
Jennifer Lark has written a wonderful YA story, imaginative and filled with the usual YA scenes. There was young love, magic and the lover's triangle. Fans of YA would find the book enjoyable.
May 17, 2014
Must read
the reason why I gave this book a 5 star is because this book kept me guessing. I could never see what was going to happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.
the reason why I gave this book a 5 star is because this book kept me guessing. I could never see what was going to happen. I would recommend this book to anyone.
May 8, 2018
This was a good book. The storyline flowed and I was left hanging on the edge of my seat until the end. I would recommend this book.
February 21, 2015
Ashlyn es la típica chica popular con padres ricos, un hermano pequeño, y un novio que está en el equipo de fútbol y, como no, es animadora. Es guapa, pero no le gusta serlo ya que eso solo le complica la vida; sus padres es como si no estuviesen juntos, viven en la misma casa pero por mantener las apariencias.
Una mañana le llega un mensaje al móvil con una foto suya modificada por Photoshop y en ese instante piensa en su novio, al cual acababa de dejar el mismo día. Eso ocurre horas antes de que conozca a Zeus, quien ya de por sí está un poco fuera de lo común¿quien no tiene un móvil en estos tiempos?, y por suerte para ella no ve su foto y se ofrece a llevarla a casa. Desde entonces empieza a surgir una amistad entre ambos, la cual poco a poco va evolucionando.
Zeus es, podríamos decir, un chico un tanto misterioso cuya madre es una "bruja" y cuyo padre se dedica a cuidar a flores (no lo llamaría exactamente un jardinero). Su familia es rica pero la forma en la que le educaron se refleja en el personaje.
Este libro lo recibí por parte de la autora para una reseña sincera.
Lo primero que pensé al leer la sinopsis fue, ¿habrá algo relacionado con la mitología? El nombre de Zeus me indicó eso nada más leer la sinopsis pero me equivoqué.
Todas las ideas que podáis tener del tipo "va a ser un libro cliché; ella no quiere ser guapa y hace algo extraño para dejar de serlo; se quiere volver fea para gustar a alguien; se quiere volver fea para sentirse más acogida; es guapa porque es una bruja" no están muy cercanaspara nada al tema del libro.
El motivo es otro muy distinto: Dejar de ser el centro de atención.
Su madre es una adicta a las cirugías y también a la moda. Si no le gusta como viste, con quien habla o relaciona su hija se lo dice para que "rectifique" eso. En otras palabras, intenta dirigir la vida de su hija y a ella no le gusta.
Ashlyn intenta llevar una vida normal tanto como puede pero de pronto aparecen notas misteriosas que poco a poco se van convirtiendo en actos violentos, e incluso esto da raíz a un grave accidente y a un secreto. Esto fue toda una sorpresa y ocurre cuando menos lo esperas.
¿Quién es el acosador de Ashlyn? Eso tampoco lo esperas, pero es cierto lo que dicen que es quien menos te lo esperas.
Siendo sincera, no lo calificaría tanto como un libro fantástico ya que la magia no se ve muy reflejada. Pero eso no quita que me impresionase bastante. Mezcla misterio e intriga.
Muy recomendado.
Una mañana le llega un mensaje al móvil con una foto suya modificada por Photoshop y en ese instante piensa en su novio, al cual acababa de dejar el mismo día. Eso ocurre horas antes de que conozca a Zeus, quien ya de por sí está un poco fuera de lo común
Zeus es, podríamos decir, un chico un tanto misterioso cuya madre es una "bruja" y cuyo padre se dedica a cuidar a flores (no lo llamaría exactamente un jardinero). Su familia es rica pero la forma en la que le educaron se refleja en el personaje.
Este libro lo recibí por parte de la autora para una reseña sincera.
Lo primero que pensé al leer la sinopsis fue, ¿habrá algo relacionado con la mitología? El nombre de Zeus me indicó eso nada más leer la sinopsis pero me equivoqué.
Todas las ideas que podáis tener del tipo "va a ser un libro cliché; ella no quiere ser guapa y hace algo extraño para dejar de serlo; se quiere volver fea para gustar a alguien; se quiere volver fea para sentirse más acogida; es guapa porque es una bruja" no están muy cercanas
El motivo es otro muy distinto: Dejar de ser el centro de atención.
Su madre es una adicta a las cirugías y también a la moda. Si no le gusta como viste, con quien habla o relaciona su hija se lo dice para que "rectifique" eso. En otras palabras, intenta dirigir la vida de su hija y a ella no le gusta.
Ashlyn intenta llevar una vida normal tanto como puede pero de pronto aparecen notas misteriosas que poco a poco se van convirtiendo en actos violentos, e incluso esto da raíz a un grave accidente y a un secreto. Esto fue toda una sorpresa y ocurre cuando menos lo esperas.
When I got back to my car, I noticed there was something on my windshield. The closer I got, I realized it was a single red rose. As I bent over the hood to pick it up I caught a glimpse of a pink envelope stuffed under the wiper.
Goosebumps broke out on my arms as I pulled the paper free and opened it. Inside there was a stationary card covered in hearts and cupid holding an arrow. I lifted the flap.
I miss you. I can't stop thinking about you. Just thought you should know.
¿Quién es el acosador de Ashlyn? Eso tampoco lo esperas, pero es cierto lo que dicen que es quien menos te lo esperas.
Siendo sincera, no lo calificaría tanto como un libro fantástico ya que la magia no se ve muy reflejada. Pero eso no quita que me impresionase bastante. Mezcla misterio e intriga.
Muy recomendado.
January 21, 2015
Full review posted in Raves and Reads
Ashlyn considers her beauty both a fortune and a curse. She can get away with anything and yet must maintain the image set out by her mother. She can never do anything that could ruin how people perceive her: beautiful. And it traps Ashlyn. It limits her identity to being just a beautiful shell without a core. But she is more than that and the only person that was able to see and look into who she really is are her brother, Trevor, and Zeus.
Story-wise, I like it a lot. The mystery as well as the magic weaved into it makes it a good read. However, there are times where I feel like a certain part can be removed and it would not be detrimental to the story such as the subplot regarding The Book of Spells. Star's eccentricity covers enough of the magical mystery that even without the book, it would still contain that sense of mystery and wonder of "Did that really happen? Or was it magic?"
Chasing Pretty might mislead you with its title but do not think twice about getting this book. This book presents mystery and magic into a tightly woven tapestry that would leave you wondering whether there's truly magic in this world or your own sense of wonder.
Ashlyn considers her beauty both a fortune and a curse. She can get away with anything and yet must maintain the image set out by her mother. She can never do anything that could ruin how people perceive her: beautiful. And it traps Ashlyn. It limits her identity to being just a beautiful shell without a core. But she is more than that and the only person that was able to see and look into who she really is are her brother, Trevor, and Zeus.
Story-wise, I like it a lot. The mystery as well as the magic weaved into it makes it a good read. However, there are times where I feel like a certain part can be removed and it would not be detrimental to the story such as the subplot regarding The Book of Spells. Star's eccentricity covers enough of the magical mystery that even without the book, it would still contain that sense of mystery and wonder of "Did that really happen? Or was it magic?"
Chasing Pretty might mislead you with its title but do not think twice about getting this book. This book presents mystery and magic into a tightly woven tapestry that would leave you wondering whether there's truly magic in this world or your own sense of wonder.
January 4, 2015
So surprisingly good. I love young adult romance but I've been getting quite disillusioned with the crap that has been allowed to be published. Simple sentences outlining even simpler plots. It literally makes me sick. So I requested this book and let it sit on my TBR list for sometime. I finally decided to read it and lo and behold it was one of the good ones!
I really liked this book. I think Jennifer Lark has the ability to take a common archetype and make it more complex than what it usually is. Ashlynn is beautiful, but her problems extend beyond the usual pretty girl problems. For one, her family in addition to some deep rooted self esteem issues she has.
Zeus makes the perfect companion to Ashlynn's character. I think he is the book boyfriend most girls should be dreaming about rather than the Edward Cullens of the world.
Four star read and much to look forward to from this author!
I really liked this book. I think Jennifer Lark has the ability to take a common archetype and make it more complex than what it usually is. Ashlynn is beautiful, but her problems extend beyond the usual pretty girl problems. For one, her family in addition to some deep rooted self esteem issues she has.
Zeus makes the perfect companion to Ashlynn's character. I think he is the book boyfriend most girls should be dreaming about rather than the Edward Cullens of the world.
Four star read and much to look forward to from this author!
March 26, 2015
Ashlyn is very beautiful. The girls envy her, the guys want to date her and someone is stalking her. All Ashlyn wants is to be normal. She dreams of disfiguring her face so that people won't be so mean to her. Her mom is a nightmare. Controlling, selfish, only cares about surface appearance.
Ashlyn meets Zeus and his strange family. Strange things start to happen. Zeus' mom says Ashlyn is in grave danger and gives her candles to burn. This is a great young adult book. It teaches that no matter what someone's life looks like on the outside, their lives could not be as picture perfect as you think.
Enjoyable book that was easy to read. I got sucked into the story and wanted to find out what was going when I wasn't near my tablet.
I want to thank the author for my free copy for my honest review.
Ashlyn meets Zeus and his strange family. Strange things start to happen. Zeus' mom says Ashlyn is in grave danger and gives her candles to burn. This is a great young adult book. It teaches that no matter what someone's life looks like on the outside, their lives could not be as picture perfect as you think.
Enjoyable book that was easy to read. I got sucked into the story and wanted to find out what was going when I wasn't near my tablet.
I want to thank the author for my free copy for my honest review.
June 18, 2015
A great book with a character I found myself not only being able to relate to but also enjoying immensely. An interesting plot keeps me engaged, and at times sent my heart racing in panic or beating the rhythm of amor. I enjoyed how real the main character was, she wasn't just some shallow beautiful main character, she had a depth to her not many saw. With the plot twist at the end I hadn't seen coming, this book was a great read.
December 22, 2014
Beauty crosses evil
I loved this book except for the first chapter. It was so boring but picked up quickly as things developed. I loved the imagery of her beauty and sweet innocence of her newest flavor. Twists and magic kept your head turning as well and an unpredictable ending that had me page turning late into the night. Worth the read.
I loved this book except for the first chapter. It was so boring but picked up quickly as things developed. I loved the imagery of her beauty and sweet innocence of her newest flavor. Twists and magic kept your head turning as well and an unpredictable ending that had me page turning late into the night. Worth the read.
February 24, 2014
Interesting
A little juvenile. I think the category for the book should have been young adult fantasy. A trifle far fetched ,however it was well written. The story was unbelievable but the characters had depth
A little juvenile. I think the category for the book should have been young adult fantasy. A trifle far fetched ,however it was well written. The story was unbelievable but the characters had depth
August 22, 2014
I was so upset near the end because i thought it won't have a second but now the ending made me think that it was okay i accused two people of doing the stuff to Ashlyn (Michael and Mr barker) but it was absolutely awesome
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2015
While I really liked this book, I wish there was more! More detail, more background and more interaction. Throwing the magic book in there, along with Michael, with very little to back it up bugs me. I loved Zeus & Ashlyn's chemistry and am hoping for a sequel, with MORE of everything!!!
December 19, 2013
This was a fun read. It was a well written story with a good plot, some romance, some suspense, and a bit of magic.
January 24, 2014
Loved it. Didn't see the identity of stalker coming until he revealed himself. Great story.
March 5, 2014
Good book with a surprising twist in the end.
Want to read
February 20, 2014Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews