What do you think?
Rate this book
Seasons of Change #1
Summer Demons
Jenna Shaw ran away to escape her past. In fact, she jumped on a plane and flew to Portugal to try and forget it. However, it turns out leaving everything behind isn’t as easy as it sounds.
She thought she could move on and break free of her fears—that if she had some space the pain would stop. But as memories resurface due to an ill-timed joke, the past crashes into her present once more and she didn’t see it coming.
Jenna’s plans for normality are derailed by the charismatic Ethan Brooks. She sees him as an annoyance; he sees her as a challenge. But as he tries every trick known to him to impress her, they only serve to push her further away. He’s never faced this problem before and Ethan has to work harder than he ever has if he wants to win over and help his mysterious girl.
A young adult romance, this novella would be a great book for teenagers or as a feel-good summer read.
She thought she could move on and break free of her fears—that if she had some space the pain would stop. But as memories resurface due to an ill-timed joke, the past crashes into her present once more and she didn’t see it coming.
Jenna’s plans for normality are derailed by the charismatic Ethan Brooks. She sees him as an annoyance; he sees her as a challenge. But as he tries every trick known to him to impress her, they only serve to push her further away. He’s never faced this problem before and Ethan has to work harder than he ever has if he wants to win over and help his mysterious girl.
A young adult romance, this novella would be a great book for teenagers or as a feel-good summer read.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2014
2 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Mia Hoddell
20 books339 followersInternational bestselling author, Mia Hoddell, lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.
Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder, Not Enough, and Bet On Me.
Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs.
Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder, Not Enough, and Bet On Me.
Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 2, 2014
4.5
No one really knows another person's story. Jenna has a history that causes her to be afraid of water because it not only forces her to remember the lose of a love one, but also guilt. Jenna is on a holiday with her friend Amy who will do anything to cheer her friend's low spirits after the tragedy of Jenna's boyfriend dying. Yet, fate has another thing in mind for her, that includes a knee melting grin.
This was the first Mia Hoddell book that I have read, and I'm sure there will be more in the future. Her writing is flowing in a manner that allows the readers to be planted in the scene, but not too wordy. The characters even for a short story are very well developed so that the readers are still feeling the sorrow of Jenna. As Jenna tries to find herself, it is a believable progress of emotions for someone who went through what Jenna went through. Readers will not be disappointed.
No one really knows another person's story. Jenna has a history that causes her to be afraid of water because it not only forces her to remember the lose of a love one, but also guilt. Jenna is on a holiday with her friend Amy who will do anything to cheer her friend's low spirits after the tragedy of Jenna's boyfriend dying. Yet, fate has another thing in mind for her, that includes a knee melting grin.
This was the first Mia Hoddell book that I have read, and I'm sure there will be more in the future. Her writing is flowing in a manner that allows the readers to be planted in the scene, but not too wordy. The characters even for a short story are very well developed so that the readers are still feeling the sorrow of Jenna. As Jenna tries to find herself, it is a believable progress of emotions for someone who went through what Jenna went through. Readers will not be disappointed.
June 3, 2014
'Summer Demons' is a young adult summer romance novella about a teenager who is struggling to get over a traumatic incident she blames herself for; she certainly isn't looking for a summer fling. However, she catches the attention of a guy who is determined to make her give him a chance and the story develops from there. I will admit romance is not my favourite genre but having read Hoddell's paranormal series and thoroughly enjoying it I decided to give this a try and I wasn't disappointed. It was more than just a girl-meets-boy kind of story, there was a lot of depth to it. It also has a dark twist to it as the main character has some awful things to let go of but in the end this is a feel good story. Great summer read. Highly recommended to fans of romance!
May 15, 2014
Summer Demons was the first work I read by Mia Hoddell and it certainly won't be the last. It's a YA contemporary novella and exactly what I was looking for. I read it in one sitting last night and it kept me wanting more.
I can't wait to read her other work. There is a sneak peek of her Elemental Killers series at the end of Summer Demons which prompt me to get the book.
I highly recommend Summer Demons to anyone looking for a laid back and enjoyable read.
I can't wait to read her other work. There is a sneak peek of her Elemental Killers series at the end of Summer Demons which prompt me to get the book.
I highly recommend Summer Demons to anyone looking for a laid back and enjoyable read.
March 1, 2015
This started out okay, but as the story progressed, I lost interest. Once it was revealed what actually happened to the main character, It went downhill, as nothing happened.
The main character was alright, and I did feel sorry for her because of the guilt she carried for the part she played on that day, but I didn't love her.
Overall, Not awful, but I'm glad it wasn't too long.
The main character was alright, and I did feel sorry for her because of the guilt she carried for the part she played on that day, but I didn't love her.
Overall, Not awful, but I'm glad it wasn't too long.
May 10, 2014
Hope there is more!
I already like this author's style. This seems like it will make for an interesting series of books. It was a quick read but seems to lead into more to come.
I already like this author's style. This seems like it will make for an interesting series of books. It was a quick read but seems to lead into more to come.
June 6, 2014
4.5 stars!
Overview:
Summer Demons is a sweetly written novella with good imagery and introspection, believable emotions, and an engaging plot.
Main review:
Guilt can be debilitating. For some people, it can take on such tremendous force that it manifests itself in illness and even hallucinations.
Jenna Shaw's guilt is cut from that same cloth, and her guilt comes in a stomach churning shade of crimson. Luckily for us, Jenna's guilt - however harrowing - is unfounded. You see, she blames herself for something tragic that happened to her boyfriend. In all honesty, if it were me? Yeah, I'd probably have reacted the same way.
The story opens up with author Mia Hoddell honing in on a particular scene that offers flashbacks to what happened to Jenna's boyfriend, and introspection explaining why she feels so guilty about it.
We also meet Amy, Jenna's friend who is utterly adorable, and a new holiday love interest called Ethan. Personally, I'd have liked a bit more girlie time with Jenna and Amy - perhaps an icecream on the beach or a natter at the bar - before romance was gently added to the mix, but I'm guessing not many would turn down extra time with a strapping lad like him!
With the help of Ethan and Amy, Jenna begins to work through her guilt and issues to slowly reignite her old spark... This involved some righteous kissing (even in a jacuzzi! Gasp!), some girlie chats (would have liked more of these because Amy was cool), and Jenna stepping outside the parameters of her guilt to 'allow' herself to enjoy life again.
And I think that's the take-home message here: other people can guide you, but only you have the power to transform your situation.
Overview:
Summer Demons is a sweetly written novella with good imagery and introspection, believable emotions, and an engaging plot.
Main review:
Guilt can be debilitating. For some people, it can take on such tremendous force that it manifests itself in illness and even hallucinations.
Jenna Shaw's guilt is cut from that same cloth, and her guilt comes in a stomach churning shade of crimson. Luckily for us, Jenna's guilt - however harrowing - is unfounded. You see, she blames herself for something tragic that happened to her boyfriend. In all honesty, if it were me? Yeah, I'd probably have reacted the same way.
The story opens up with author Mia Hoddell honing in on a particular scene that offers flashbacks to what happened to Jenna's boyfriend, and introspection explaining why she feels so guilty about it.
We also meet Amy, Jenna's friend who is utterly adorable, and a new holiday love interest called Ethan. Personally, I'd have liked a bit more girlie time with Jenna and Amy - perhaps an icecream on the beach or a natter at the bar - before romance was gently added to the mix, but I'm guessing not many would turn down extra time with a strapping lad like him!
With the help of Ethan and Amy, Jenna begins to work through her guilt and issues to slowly reignite her old spark... This involved some righteous kissing (even in a jacuzzi! Gasp!), some girlie chats (would have liked more of these because Amy was cool), and Jenna stepping outside the parameters of her guilt to 'allow' herself to enjoy life again.
And I think that's the take-home message here: other people can guide you, but only you have the power to transform your situation.
July 31, 2014
**Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading Summer Demons and getting to know Jenna's story. After witnessing her boyfriend die after a dare gone wrong, she's after to get into the water where she'll end up having panic attacks. She takes a vacation by going to Portugal (she's from London) and ends up meeting an annoying guy, Ethan, who doesn't get a clue and leave her alone.
Jenna's friend, Amy, was likable. She's trying to help her friend get back into the world and not feel guilty over the death of a loved one.
Ethan was just...Ethan. I loved him. He's persistent and knows what he wants and that's Jenna. He didn't mean to scare her the first time they met but since then, he wanted to make it up to her and get to know her.
Seeing their relationship blossom was nice. They've been together for only a few days but the author has a way of getting the reader to feel more. The ending was sweet and I wish we got a look into what happens next.
This book is a YA romance novella and great for teens. It's also a feel-good summer read. I would recommend it.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading Summer Demons and getting to know Jenna's story. After witnessing her boyfriend die after a dare gone wrong, she's after to get into the water where she'll end up having panic attacks. She takes a vacation by going to Portugal (she's from London) and ends up meeting an annoying guy, Ethan, who doesn't get a clue and leave her alone.
Jenna's friend, Amy, was likable. She's trying to help her friend get back into the world and not feel guilty over the death of a loved one.
Ethan was just...Ethan. I loved him. He's persistent and knows what he wants and that's Jenna. He didn't mean to scare her the first time they met but since then, he wanted to make it up to her and get to know her.
Seeing their relationship blossom was nice. They've been together for only a few days but the author has a way of getting the reader to feel more. The ending was sweet and I wish we got a look into what happens next.
This book is a YA romance novella and great for teens. It's also a feel-good summer read. I would recommend it.
July 27, 2014
Jenna has just lost her boyfriend. She blames herself for his death. He jumped off a cliff that Jenna egged him on to jump from. Except he didn’t make it and Jenna was also there to find him in the water and she froze when she saw his broken body and now doesn’t do well with water. So her friend takes her away to help her try to move on. Jenna isn’t moving on well at all. She is in the pool and some guy trying to vie for her attention turns over her float in the pool. Jenna’s friend jumps in to help her as she panics in the water. The man feels bad and does everything he can to help her overcome and maybe see him as well.
Slowly he, Ethan, and her friend help her to overcome her past and move on in the world of the living.
This is a novella. It is also written in the third person, which I don’t normally like but it worked here. The characters are believable and the setting beautiful and the story flows well. I was pulling for Ethan all the way hoping he would help her, but first she has to help herself.
Slowly he, Ethan, and her friend help her to overcome her past and move on in the world of the living.
This is a novella. It is also written in the third person, which I don’t normally like but it worked here. The characters are believable and the setting beautiful and the story flows well. I was pulling for Ethan all the way hoping he would help her, but first she has to help herself.
April 11, 2014
This is definitely not something that I would usually read, as the genre teen romance is not something I am interested in.
I was however very interested to try Mia's crossover from her usual genre of paranormal fiction, (I would be even less likely to read this genre!)
I appreciate the experiment hugely, to try a novella in a new style, to try to diversify her writing.
I was very pleased to find an eminently competent writer who can carry both narrative and theme very well, and even keep a genre-sceptic like me interested for sixty or so pages!
I would recommend this very readable work of fiction to anyone interested in teen romance genre, or indeed any teen, or anyone needing a relaxing easy summer read.
I was however very interested to try Mia's crossover from her usual genre of paranormal fiction, (I would be even less likely to read this genre!)
I appreciate the experiment hugely, to try a novella in a new style, to try to diversify her writing.
I was very pleased to find an eminently competent writer who can carry both narrative and theme very well, and even keep a genre-sceptic like me interested for sixty or so pages!
I would recommend this very readable work of fiction to anyone interested in teen romance genre, or indeed any teen, or anyone needing a relaxing easy summer read.
June 17, 2014
I just read this in one sitting today. I couldn't put it down, I needed to know how Jenna's story developed, and it was very satisfying. It's such a short read but quite intense and captivating!
I didn't expect to enjoy it this much since I don't usually love stories told in the third person, but this one is well-written and everything is as clear as it would be with a first person narrator, which was a very pleasant surprise!
I can't wait to read more of this author's books! :)
I didn't expect to enjoy it this much since I don't usually love stories told in the third person, but this one is well-written and everything is as clear as it would be with a first person narrator, which was a very pleasant surprise!
I can't wait to read more of this author's books! :)
March 2, 2014
This was the perfect, quick read I was after to distract me for a few hours while I relaxed. After enjoying the author's other books, I was delighted to see I could get this for free and loved it just as much. It was short, sweet and it put a smile on my face on a gloomy, rainy day. I liked the characters and the relationship and I love the cover.
March 2, 2014
Great, easy read. I can imagine it would be a good one to take on holiday or read in the sun.
August 13, 2014
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review. This in on way affects my opinion on the book.
Summer Demons by Mia Hoddell is a great summer read. Summer of Demons is a YA romance that is quick and easy to read. I enjoyed reading it. Summer Demons is a standalone in the A Season of Change series. It was the first book by this author that I have read and I look forward to reading more books by this author. Summer Demons was engaging and full of characters that you can easy care about.
Jenna had a good life. She had the perfect boyfriend and good friends and everything was as it should be. All of that was going to end soon. Her life was about to crash out of control and all because of a stupid dare. She has been carrying around the guilt of her boyfriend’s death since it happened. She just knows if she hadn’t of dared him to jump off the cliff he wouldn’t have. When her friend convinces her that they should go to Portugal she agrees to go to get away from everything. Everything seems to be going fine until she starts seeing the water turn red and at that moment Ethan plays a trick on her that almost sends her over the edge. After that she tries to avoid him but he is everywhere and he makes it a point to pursue her. She finally relents and gives him a try. Will she regret her choice? Or will it be just what she needed?
Ethan was just one of those guys that like to pull pranks on people. He always had fun and most of the time people didn’t freak out. That wasn’t the case with Jenna. She freaked out and her friend gave him a lecture until she was blue in the face. He doesn’t understand why one simple prank would cause so much drama. What he does know is that Jenna is a mystery and that she is a mystery that he would like to figure out. His advances not working he relishes the challenge of getting past all her boundaries. Once he breaks through the boundaries he realizes that there is more to her than he originally thought. He wants to be there for her and to help her. Will he be successful in breaking the rest of her walls down? Or will she erect them again leaving him behind wondering what happened?
I really like Summer Demons. It was a very sweet young adult romance. I thought it had the perfect balance between the romance and drama. It had characters that were believable and that you could easily identify with. I felt as if I could feel all Jenna’s emotions and I was also able to see things from Ethan’s point of view. It was written well and a fun summer read. My favorite character was Ethan because he wasn’t the typical teenaged guy. On the surface he was but there was so much more to him than meets the eye. I also liked that he had a good head on his shoulders and had good ideas to help Jenna. I also enjoyed Jenna’s character but couldn’t understand how she thought she could run away from her feelings just by flying to Portugal. I also liked the other characters as well. I would recommend Summer Demons to those who enjoy YA summer romances.
Summer Demons by Mia Hoddell is a great summer read. Summer of Demons is a YA romance that is quick and easy to read. I enjoyed reading it. Summer Demons is a standalone in the A Season of Change series. It was the first book by this author that I have read and I look forward to reading more books by this author. Summer Demons was engaging and full of characters that you can easy care about.
Jenna had a good life. She had the perfect boyfriend and good friends and everything was as it should be. All of that was going to end soon. Her life was about to crash out of control and all because of a stupid dare. She has been carrying around the guilt of her boyfriend’s death since it happened. She just knows if she hadn’t of dared him to jump off the cliff he wouldn’t have. When her friend convinces her that they should go to Portugal she agrees to go to get away from everything. Everything seems to be going fine until she starts seeing the water turn red and at that moment Ethan plays a trick on her that almost sends her over the edge. After that she tries to avoid him but he is everywhere and he makes it a point to pursue her. She finally relents and gives him a try. Will she regret her choice? Or will it be just what she needed?
Ethan was just one of those guys that like to pull pranks on people. He always had fun and most of the time people didn’t freak out. That wasn’t the case with Jenna. She freaked out and her friend gave him a lecture until she was blue in the face. He doesn’t understand why one simple prank would cause so much drama. What he does know is that Jenna is a mystery and that she is a mystery that he would like to figure out. His advances not working he relishes the challenge of getting past all her boundaries. Once he breaks through the boundaries he realizes that there is more to her than he originally thought. He wants to be there for her and to help her. Will he be successful in breaking the rest of her walls down? Or will she erect them again leaving him behind wondering what happened?
I really like Summer Demons. It was a very sweet young adult romance. I thought it had the perfect balance between the romance and drama. It had characters that were believable and that you could easily identify with. I felt as if I could feel all Jenna’s emotions and I was also able to see things from Ethan’s point of view. It was written well and a fun summer read. My favorite character was Ethan because he wasn’t the typical teenaged guy. On the surface he was but there was so much more to him than meets the eye. I also liked that he had a good head on his shoulders and had good ideas to help Jenna. I also enjoyed Jenna’s character but couldn’t understand how she thought she could run away from her feelings just by flying to Portugal. I also liked the other characters as well. I would recommend Summer Demons to those who enjoy YA summer romances.
March 6, 2015
Review also in my blog, help me out a little: http://licareads.blogspot.com/2015/03...
Summer demons is a novella with a light romance and also about forgiving yourself and facing your fears.
Jenna is a young lady haunted about a tragedy that she feels responsible for, even though her best friend, Amy and everyone else keep saying that it wasn't anyone's fault. Jenna and Amy take off to Portugal to have a vacation and leave everything else behind. And that's where the book really begins.
Jenna can't forget what happened and that makes her afraid of being inside pools, lakes, ocean, anything with too much water around.
Ethan is the whole, too good-looking and knows it, always get what he wants, and he knows the resort better than anyone else. He wants to get to know Jenna, but Jenna is only interested in having a good time with her best friend and forgetting her past, she doesn't need a boy that thinks he can get anyone and everything he wants.
Even though this novella is not too short but not too long either, it has a great story, it's a light read for someone that wants to read something that it's not too complicate, but that it's good anyway. The romance doesn't seen too rush given the fact that this book only has 160 pages, Ethan may have thought that Jenna was just another girl he could charm, but he seemed to really get intrigued about why she is so scared of water and I think he also learns a bit of how not treating woman like conquests. Jenna is reluctant in acepting Ethan advances most because she isn't over her past, and is insecure in expressing her true feelings. Amy is a really supportive friend, and the voice of reason when Jenna doesn't know what to do! She's fiercely protective and would help with anything Jenna needs.
Narration: This book has a third person narrative and unfortunately it could be better, but I guess it's not too horrible to the point of just giving up reading. The narrative goes mostly from Jenna to Ethan, but it's done mostly in Jenna's pov, Amy has a few turns in the narrative, but again it's mostly for some explaining about Jenna, and to show how Amy is sincere in her own way.
Some insight of Ethan let's us know that he doesn't see Jenna as a conquest. But the transition between each character narrative is too abrupt, so you have to pay attention to know who is talking.
Romance: Like I said, it's not exactly rushed, and it's kind of cute, so I liked it.
Story: We know how tragic the events in Jenna's past may seem, but I didn't really got too much into it, I guess when we just have some telling about an event in the past, we don't feel too connected to it. So I may imagine how bad that would be if I was Jenna, but with just a little information it's kind of hard to feel like her.
Summer demons is a novella with a light romance and also about forgiving yourself and facing your fears.
Jenna is a young lady haunted about a tragedy that she feels responsible for, even though her best friend, Amy and everyone else keep saying that it wasn't anyone's fault. Jenna and Amy take off to Portugal to have a vacation and leave everything else behind. And that's where the book really begins.
Jenna can't forget what happened and that makes her afraid of being inside pools, lakes, ocean, anything with too much water around.
Ethan is the whole, too good-looking and knows it, always get what he wants, and he knows the resort better than anyone else. He wants to get to know Jenna, but Jenna is only interested in having a good time with her best friend and forgetting her past, she doesn't need a boy that thinks he can get anyone and everything he wants.
Even though this novella is not too short but not too long either, it has a great story, it's a light read for someone that wants to read something that it's not too complicate, but that it's good anyway. The romance doesn't seen too rush given the fact that this book only has 160 pages, Ethan may have thought that Jenna was just another girl he could charm, but he seemed to really get intrigued about why she is so scared of water and I think he also learns a bit of how not treating woman like conquests. Jenna is reluctant in acepting Ethan advances most because she isn't over her past, and is insecure in expressing her true feelings. Amy is a really supportive friend, and the voice of reason when Jenna doesn't know what to do! She's fiercely protective and would help with anything Jenna needs.
Narration: This book has a third person narrative and unfortunately it could be better, but I guess it's not too horrible to the point of just giving up reading. The narrative goes mostly from Jenna to Ethan, but it's done mostly in Jenna's pov, Amy has a few turns in the narrative, but again it's mostly for some explaining about Jenna, and to show how Amy is sincere in her own way.
Some insight of Ethan let's us know that he doesn't see Jenna as a conquest. But the transition between each character narrative is too abrupt, so you have to pay attention to know who is talking.
Romance: Like I said, it's not exactly rushed, and it's kind of cute, so I liked it.
Story: We know how tragic the events in Jenna's past may seem, but I didn't really got too much into it, I guess when we just have some telling about an event in the past, we don't feel too connected to it. So I may imagine how bad that would be if I was Jenna, but with just a little information it's kind of hard to feel like her.
February 7, 2016
ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You can also find this and check out my blog here.
I didn't realize that this book was actually a novella. Once I began to get into the reading flow and really get into the story, it was already over! Summer Demons was a very quick read and I found myself wanting more once I finished it.
This read focuses on two young protagonists, Jenna and Ethan, who meet while on vacation in Portugal. Ethan is all lust when his eyes are set on Jenna but when he decides to pull an innocent prank on her, it plays out completely different than how he wanted it to go. Jenna immediately sees Ethan as another douche that basically want inside her pants and she isn't playing his game, especially since his prank brings up old memories she would rather keep buried and hidden as far from her heart as possible. But of course Ethan tries to get Jenna to forgive him but wind up finding a mystery beneath her looks and wants to figure her out and maybe help her as well.
I have decided that I really enjoy reading short stories/novellas because they wrap up a story quickly rather than drag it out and I can read the next in its series without waiting five years. This story intrigued me more so than others because I loved how the romance took its time to build up and then hit the readers as a whole rather than the insta love you would see in most books.
What made me happy most about the story was the right amount of balance of steamy scenes and drama, neither one outweighing the other. Also as Ethan progresses in the story we see a much more understanding guy who does want to help Jenna with her problems and be there for her and not for other intentions. The only problem I had while reading this was probably the POV changing, being that it switched off between Ethan and Jenna in the middle of some chapters. Of course I am all for different POV's but I was confused on some scenes, wondering who was who.
All in all I gave the book about 3 and a half-ish stars, rounding to 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for approving me for this read. Thank you readers for always reading my posts and I will have another blog post up soon!
Over and out
I didn't realize that this book was actually a novella. Once I began to get into the reading flow and really get into the story, it was already over! Summer Demons was a very quick read and I found myself wanting more once I finished it.
This read focuses on two young protagonists, Jenna and Ethan, who meet while on vacation in Portugal. Ethan is all lust when his eyes are set on Jenna but when he decides to pull an innocent prank on her, it plays out completely different than how he wanted it to go. Jenna immediately sees Ethan as another douche that basically want inside her pants and she isn't playing his game, especially since his prank brings up old memories she would rather keep buried and hidden as far from her heart as possible. But of course Ethan tries to get Jenna to forgive him but wind up finding a mystery beneath her looks and wants to figure her out and maybe help her as well.
I have decided that I really enjoy reading short stories/novellas because they wrap up a story quickly rather than drag it out and I can read the next in its series without waiting five years. This story intrigued me more so than others because I loved how the romance took its time to build up and then hit the readers as a whole rather than the insta love you would see in most books.
What made me happy most about the story was the right amount of balance of steamy scenes and drama, neither one outweighing the other. Also as Ethan progresses in the story we see a much more understanding guy who does want to help Jenna with her problems and be there for her and not for other intentions. The only problem I had while reading this was probably the POV changing, being that it switched off between Ethan and Jenna in the middle of some chapters. Of course I am all for different POV's but I was confused on some scenes, wondering who was who.
All in all I gave the book about 3 and a half-ish stars, rounding to 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for approving me for this read. Thank you readers for always reading my posts and I will have another blog post up soon!
Over and out
February 14, 2016
Received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First the good things:
1. The summery feeling, I love it. Especially with my country's weather being warm, then cold and wet, then warm, then back to cold and wet, I could use a summer book with beaches, nice boys and sun. :)
2. The romance, it was quite believable, instead of instant love, it took some time for them to warm up and get to dating. I was already slightly worried, especially with Jenna's past thing, that they might just ditch that and go for instant romance. Luckily everything was talked over and settled.
3. Amy. I really like her and how she did her best to be there for her friend. How she helped her out, how she gave her advice, how she was there when Jenna needed her.
4. The kisses. Ah so many kisses. <3
5. The background story. I really like it, while it was dramatic, I felt like it just gave the story something extra from your normal summer fling books.
The bad things;
1. The POV sometimes switched to Ethan or Amy in the middle of a chapter, and it was quite confusing at times to know whose thoughts we were seeing, or who was talking.
2. 2 dates and they already had sex? Ok... That was kind of disappointing, I had hoped they would have waited a bit longer.
3. We don't see Amy any more (or not so much) after Jenna and Ethan get to dating, and that is a shame. I really like Amy.
4. Ethan. At the beginning he was just a big meanie and rude and I really hated his attitude, how he was prying (nosy).
5. The ending, I had hoped to see them both in London/England.
All in all a decent book, and I will be sure to check out the second book in this series.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
First the good things:
1. The summery feeling, I love it. Especially with my country's weather being warm, then cold and wet, then warm, then back to cold and wet, I could use a summer book with beaches, nice boys and sun. :)
2. The romance, it was quite believable, instead of instant love, it took some time for them to warm up and get to dating. I was already slightly worried, especially with Jenna's past thing, that they might just ditch that and go for instant romance. Luckily everything was talked over and settled.
3. Amy. I really like her and how she did her best to be there for her friend. How she helped her out, how she gave her advice, how she was there when Jenna needed her.
4. The kisses. Ah so many kisses. <3
5. The background story. I really like it, while it was dramatic, I felt like it just gave the story something extra from your normal summer fling books.
The bad things;
1. The POV sometimes switched to Ethan or Amy in the middle of a chapter, and it was quite confusing at times to know whose thoughts we were seeing, or who was talking.
2. 2 dates and they already had sex? Ok... That was kind of disappointing, I had hoped they would have waited a bit longer.
3. We don't see Amy any more (or not so much) after Jenna and Ethan get to dating, and that is a shame. I really like Amy.
4. Ethan. At the beginning he was just a big meanie and rude and I really hated his attitude, how he was prying (nosy).
5. The ending, I had hoped to see them both in London/England.
All in all a decent book, and I will be sure to check out the second book in this series.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 7, 2014
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions below are completely mine.
While I'm not usually a fan of short novellas, I was intrigued by Summer Demons' description and occasionally I am a sucker for a romance novel. Also, and this might be terrible of me, the book has a really pretty cover. Hey, I'm only human, right?
Anyways, after a bit of a slow start, this book really picked up for me. I found myself intrigued by Ethan's persistence in trying to woo Jenna, despite her seeming to be vehemently against his advances. After a bit of persuasion from her friend Amy, Jenna finally gives Ethan a shot and the two turn out to be really good for one another.
Even though this was a short and quick read, Summer Demons left me thinking about many important things, like how you never really can tell what someone is going through simply by looking at them. Just because someone looks happy or at ease doesn't always mean that's the case. A simple, "harmless" action can affect people in ways unknown, and Ethan learns this when he first attempts to hit on Jenna by knocking her off of a pool raft. While his intentions were good, Ethan had no clue that Jenna was ridiculously afraid of the water due to recent experiences. This, and other events in the book, show that it is difficult to tell what someone is going through solely based on appearances and that people should think more before they act.
Overall I give the book 3.5/5 stars.
While I'm not usually a fan of short novellas, I was intrigued by Summer Demons' description and occasionally I am a sucker for a romance novel. Also, and this might be terrible of me, the book has a really pretty cover. Hey, I'm only human, right?
Anyways, after a bit of a slow start, this book really picked up for me. I found myself intrigued by Ethan's persistence in trying to woo Jenna, despite her seeming to be vehemently against his advances. After a bit of persuasion from her friend Amy, Jenna finally gives Ethan a shot and the two turn out to be really good for one another.
Even though this was a short and quick read, Summer Demons left me thinking about many important things, like how you never really can tell what someone is going through simply by looking at them. Just because someone looks happy or at ease doesn't always mean that's the case. A simple, "harmless" action can affect people in ways unknown, and Ethan learns this when he first attempts to hit on Jenna by knocking her off of a pool raft. While his intentions were good, Ethan had no clue that Jenna was ridiculously afraid of the water due to recent experiences. This, and other events in the book, show that it is difficult to tell what someone is going through solely based on appearances and that people should think more before they act.
Overall I give the book 3.5/5 stars.
August 8, 2014
Jenna Shaw is suffered a horrible tragedy, every time she closes her eyes she sees the scene replay in her head. Being near water makes it worse, almost unbearable. She thought that a vacation would help, give her a break from the guilt she feels. However her plans of sun bathing and reading by the beach are interrupted by the handsome, charismatic Ethan Brooks.
Jenna wants nothing to do with Ethan, she came to the resort to heal and forget, not to jump head first into another relationship.
Ethan however is persistent in his quest for Jenna. What started off as him chasing something- someone unattainable is quickly turning into an undeniable attraction that goes above and beyond a summer fling.
Even though Ethan wasn't what Jenna was looking for maybe he'll be just what she needed in order to overcome the guilt that is slowly drowning her and the sorrow that weighs her down.
While this was a short book I was warned about it in advance so I won't let that alter my review. Since it was so short I don't want to give anything away so all I will say is that I sincerely enjoyed the story and would have loved for it be longer.
Until next time,
Ginger
In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion.
October 15, 2014
Mia Hoddell's new novella series focuses on romances forged in each season of the year. Summer Demon's is Jenna's story, who escapes to Portugal on holiday, four months after her boyfriend's sudden death.
Jenna's grief is immediately tangible as she relives the accident at the beginning of the novella. Her fear and overwhelming emotions become something shared, as Jenna and the reader simultaneously attempt to come to terms with the events she witnessed.
Not understanding the situation, Ethan acts first on lust, then a more substantial need to know this mysterious young woman and we watch as their relationship develops.
Generally girlie holidays involve sun, sea, sand and stolen kisses, but we hold on to the hope that in Portugal Ethan and Jenna begin a romance more lasting.
I finished Summer Demons feeling undeniably torn. I loved the ease with which Mia Hoddell writes and how, even though this is a novella, each character has a depth. Yet, because I became so involved in the story, it's ending left me questioning the when and how of the future and I definitely wanted more of Ethan (and Jenna)!!!! I was comforted by the fact that in Winter Angel, the second novella, there is an overlap of characters and luckily already had this downloaded onto my Kindle!
Summer Demons is a perfect YA romance, ideal for a short but absorbing read!
Jenna's grief is immediately tangible as she relives the accident at the beginning of the novella. Her fear and overwhelming emotions become something shared, as Jenna and the reader simultaneously attempt to come to terms with the events she witnessed.
Not understanding the situation, Ethan acts first on lust, then a more substantial need to know this mysterious young woman and we watch as their relationship develops.
Generally girlie holidays involve sun, sea, sand and stolen kisses, but we hold on to the hope that in Portugal Ethan and Jenna begin a romance more lasting.
I finished Summer Demons feeling undeniably torn. I loved the ease with which Mia Hoddell writes and how, even though this is a novella, each character has a depth. Yet, because I became so involved in the story, it's ending left me questioning the when and how of the future and I definitely wanted more of Ethan (and Jenna)!!!! I was comforted by the fact that in Winter Angel, the second novella, there is an overlap of characters and luckily already had this downloaded onto my Kindle!
Summer Demons is a perfect YA romance, ideal for a short but absorbing read!
October 14, 2014
After her life is torn apart by the tragic death of her boyfriend, Jenna Shaw finds herself equally consumed by guilt and despair. In an attempt to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, she escapes from England to Portugal with her friend, Amy, for a much-needed vacation. While there, Jenna meets Ethan Brooks, who is immediately infatuated with her. Ethan is charismatic, charming, and a true ladies’ man. But can he fix Jenna’s broken spirit?
This is the second book I have read by Mia Hoddell and, like the first one, I wasn’t disappointed. Summer Demons is a sweet, well-written, feel-good novella that is loaded with witty dialogue, which kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. Ms. Hoddell’s character development is outstanding and I was impressed with how much Jenna’s character, in particular, evolved throughout the story from being in a state of utter darkness to finding herself on a path toward healing.
A standalone, Summer Demons is the first novella in Ms. Hoddell’s Seasons of Change series and, given how much I enjoyed it, I will definitely be continuing on with the next novellas in the series.
I highly recommend this novella for those lovers of YA/NA romance.
This is the second book I have read by Mia Hoddell and, like the first one, I wasn’t disappointed. Summer Demons is a sweet, well-written, feel-good novella that is loaded with witty dialogue, which kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. Ms. Hoddell’s character development is outstanding and I was impressed with how much Jenna’s character, in particular, evolved throughout the story from being in a state of utter darkness to finding herself on a path toward healing.
A standalone, Summer Demons is the first novella in Ms. Hoddell’s Seasons of Change series and, given how much I enjoyed it, I will definitely be continuing on with the next novellas in the series.
I highly recommend this novella for those lovers of YA/NA romance.
August 12, 2014
Review
I really enjoyed Summer Demons, and devoured it in a little amount of time. It's a perfect, short read that gives you a little bit of romance, heart ache, and hope.
There are dark events that plague Jenna, and it's hard for her to get past them. She tries, and I think that definitely shows a lot about her personality. She also holds guilt that isn't hers to bear. I adored Ethan. He comes off as cocky at first, but you can definitely tell he has a soft side to him.
I think the progression of the story was great. Everyone wants summer romance when they are young. Summer Demons is a perfect portrayal of that. I can't wait to see what the next book in this novella series is about.
I really enjoyed Summer Demons, and devoured it in a little amount of time. It's a perfect, short read that gives you a little bit of romance, heart ache, and hope.
There are dark events that plague Jenna, and it's hard for her to get past them. She tries, and I think that definitely shows a lot about her personality. She also holds guilt that isn't hers to bear. I adored Ethan. He comes off as cocky at first, but you can definitely tell he has a soft side to him.
I think the progression of the story was great. Everyone wants summer romance when they are young. Summer Demons is a perfect portrayal of that. I can't wait to see what the next book in this novella series is about.
February 25, 2017
I received this free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Interesting story. I enjoyed it for the most part but there were times that I just rolled my eyes. I wasn't able to connect with Jenna. Yes, I felt bad about what happened, but she seemed mighty fine when she was in Ethan's arms. It just seemed like she was acting through a lot of her problems and was almost playing hard to get.
It's been a long time since I read the viewpoint that Mia Hoddell used where she would interchange whose thoughts were perceived. Maybe that's why I had a hard time with this story.
I was going to get the second book in the series but I may just wait until later to see if I really want it.
I'm glad I got this free to read. I think a lot of readers will enjoy the story and if someone is looking for this type of book I will definitely recommend it to them.
Interesting story. I enjoyed it for the most part but there were times that I just rolled my eyes. I wasn't able to connect with Jenna. Yes, I felt bad about what happened, but she seemed mighty fine when she was in Ethan's arms. It just seemed like she was acting through a lot of her problems and was almost playing hard to get.
It's been a long time since I read the viewpoint that Mia Hoddell used where she would interchange whose thoughts were perceived. Maybe that's why I had a hard time with this story.
I was going to get the second book in the series but I may just wait until later to see if I really want it.
I'm glad I got this free to read. I think a lot of readers will enjoy the story and if someone is looking for this type of book I will definitely recommend it to them.
August 5, 2014
3.5*
This novella is absolutely perfect for beach or holiday reading, you can easily sit back, relax and read the whole story in one go.
It focuses on Jenna whose boyfriend died 4 months earlier and she blames herself for this even though it wasn't her fault. She goes on holiday with her friend Amy where she meets Ethan, can she learn to forgive herself and find love again or will she always be haunted by the past?
I enjoyed Mia's writing although one little niggle I had was the POV switched between Jenna, Amy and Ethan with no warning at all which felt a little jarring at first until I got used to it. I would definitely read another book by the author though.
This novella is absolutely perfect for beach or holiday reading, you can easily sit back, relax and read the whole story in one go.
It focuses on Jenna whose boyfriend died 4 months earlier and she blames herself for this even though it wasn't her fault. She goes on holiday with her friend Amy where she meets Ethan, can she learn to forgive herself and find love again or will she always be haunted by the past?
I enjoyed Mia's writing although one little niggle I had was the POV switched between Jenna, Amy and Ethan with no warning at all which felt a little jarring at first until I got used to it. I would definitely read another book by the author though.
April 23, 2015
Wow, I just started this book today and I was hooked from page one! Summer Demons was a quick and easy read for me and I loved it. Its a standalone book in the Season of Change series. Its the first book I have read by this author but it def won't be my last!
Its been 4 months since the death of her boyfriend and Jenna blames herself for what happened. Her friend Amy decides to take her on a trip to Portugal to take her mind off things which is where she meets Ethan. From the moment he lays eyes on Jenna he is hooked but will he be able to get thru to her and break down her walls?
I really loved this book and I can't wait for more from this series and this author.
Its been 4 months since the death of her boyfriend and Jenna blames herself for what happened. Her friend Amy decides to take her on a trip to Portugal to take her mind off things which is where she meets Ethan. From the moment he lays eyes on Jenna he is hooked but will he be able to get thru to her and break down her walls?
I really loved this book and I can't wait for more from this series and this author.
July 25, 2014
I really liked this book. It isn't my typical read or what I would even attempt to read usually and yet I found myself not able to put the book down. It was easy to read and definitely held enough intrigue to keep me going. I liked the main character and how strong the author made her. That being said, I didnt really like her love interest. There was nothing really wrong with him, its just that it all seemed to unreal.
The writing flowed well and kept me reading. Overall I liked the book and will be reading more from this autho
The writing flowed well and kept me reading. Overall I liked the book and will be reading more from this autho
August 7, 2014
Jenna has suffered a loss most people can't even imagine going thru. It's been four months and she fells the guilt in everything she does, she fells she is the only one to blame for what happened. Amy her friend takes her on a trip to Portugal to break her out of her misery. Will Ethan a beautiful, charming, with a body to die for help her shed this guilt.
I really enjoyed this book, great quick read. I wish I had more answers about their story....but I guess I'll hAve to look for book #2! I definitely would recommend this book .
I really enjoyed this book, great quick read. I wish I had more answers about their story....but I guess I'll hAve to look for book #2! I definitely would recommend this book .
September 20, 2014
3.5 stars!
I love the cover. It's colorful and and slightly haunting, meaning it matches its title, a little. Of course there is nothing eerie or creepy about the story at all. I know it's a novella, however I felt like this concept would have been much better as a full length novel. As it is, the whole story felt rushed. I was initially sympathetic to Jenna, but then felt like she and Ethan took things a little too fast. I also didn't feel like there was a complete resolution and things were left open-ended. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the second installment.
I love the cover. It's colorful and and slightly haunting, meaning it matches its title, a little. Of course there is nothing eerie or creepy about the story at all. I know it's a novella, however I felt like this concept would have been much better as a full length novel. As it is, the whole story felt rushed. I was initially sympathetic to Jenna, but then felt like she and Ethan took things a little too fast. I also didn't feel like there was a complete resolution and things were left open-ended. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the second installment.
March 1, 2014
Jenna's boyfriend Zac died horribly and she blames herself. On vacation with her friend Amy to try and get rid of the demons that make her feel guilty Jenna meets Ethan and the adventure and the trip back from her guilt begin. This was a good read and I believe young adults will enjoy reading about people their own age and see that we all have similar stories of putting past baggage behind us so we can move on and enjoy our lives.
August 5, 2016
This was okay, but there wasn't much to the story and for a lot of it I was bored. Jenna wasn't that interesting of a main character and I didn't really connect with her. I did feel bad that something so terrible happen like that, but it seemed strange that her best friend was pushing her to get over it so soon (only 4 months - seemed very short to me). Not the greatest book, but it was an okay read to pass the time.
August 25, 2014
Okay. Very short, read in one evening. Would like to have gotten a better feel of what it was like to be in Portugal - maybe interaction with the residents or description of the area, food...something? I love to read a destination into my mind, I thought Portugal would be interesting. This was like I could have been in Florida.
Beautiful cover art! Chose this over 100's of other books just because the cover was so stunning.
Beautiful cover art! Chose this over 100's of other books just because the cover was so stunning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews