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Love Edy #1
Love Edy
When Edy Phelps falls hard for her best friend, she knows nothing can come from it. Forget actual chemistry, or the fact that she cherishes his mother more than her own; centuries of tradition say that Hassan will grow up, marry the girl his parents pick, and forget his best friend: the dancer with the bursting smile. Except he can't. In a world erupting with possibilities for the boy with a body of steel and dreams of the NFL, everything seems promised while nothing at all is; when he's denied the girl he wants most.
Two hearts. Two families devoted through generations of friendship. Could Edy and Hassan really risk all that? And yet ... how could they not?
Two hearts. Two families devoted through generations of friendship. Could Edy and Hassan really risk all that? And yet ... how could they not?
310 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2014
83 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Shewanda Pugh
9 books248 followersShewanda Pugh's a tomboy who's been writing romance since an inappropriate age. While she's been shortlisted for a few awards and snagged a bestsellers list or two, there's nothing she enjoys more than hearing from her readers.
In another life, she earned a BA from Alabama A&M University and an MA in Writing from Nova Southeastern University. Though a hardcore native of Boston, MA, she now lives in Miami, FL, where she sulks in the sunshine, guzzles coffee, and puzzles over her next novel.
In another life, she earned a BA from Alabama A&M University and an MA in Writing from Nova Southeastern University. Though a hardcore native of Boston, MA, she now lives in Miami, FL, where she sulks in the sunshine, guzzles coffee, and puzzles over her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 24, 2014
I had the privilege to read this book prior to its release. First of all, I don't read romance. I mean, like, at all. So this was a new experience for me. The result? THIS BOOK MADE ME ANGRY. I gnashed my teeth at it, because I just wanted these two kids, Hassan and Edy, to be happy. They deserve each other. Ms. Pugh writes an amazing tale of teen romance and unrequited love that pulls you in and reminds you of the best (and worst) moments of the first loves of your own life. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Pugh's work, and I highly recommend this one.
June 22, 2014
Whoa! Seriously, just whoa!
First things first, Shewanda Pugh, take a bow and everyone else, cue standing ovation. This book was so unbelievably amazing! The vortex of colliding emotions and raw beauty that comprise Love Edy is incomparable.
From the beginning there is a current, that only builds and builds leaving you absolutely no choice, but to drown in the plot. You want to know Edy, you want to grow with her, sympathize with her, and yet you want to give her that push she needs to realize her self-worth. Shewanda was able to brilliantly capture the plight of what is obviously the average (or not so average) teenage girl. She wants to fit in, but not to conform. She wants to be loved and have friends, but not be taken advantage of. She wants to be accepted for who she is, not because of what is expected of her and who she knows. She wants Hassan, her best friend, but how can she compete with centuries of cultural beliefs that promise the two of them could never be. Then there was Wyatt. I’m still on the fence about his character. I wanted to like him. I wanted Edy to like him. Heck, I even wanted Hassan and the boys to take him under their wings, but overall he just kind of gave me the creeps. At first I thought there would be some sort of love triangle – Edy, Hassan, and Wyatt – but I was pleasantly surprised; there was never any competition and for that I’m eternally grateful!
The characters instantly become living, breathing, everyday people caught up in a maelstrom of challenges, friendships, love, and pain. You root for them just as much as you want to haul off and slap them. The development of relationships and the pace at which the writing flowed was a refreshing distraction in an industry that has been oversaturated with lack of skill and prowess. Shewanda Pugh is an exceptional writer, by far one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
I would definitely recommend this book to others and I know that this series will be one that will have me begging for more. Bravo, Shewanda!
Lashanta Charles, The Kindle Book Review
First things first, Shewanda Pugh, take a bow and everyone else, cue standing ovation. This book was so unbelievably amazing! The vortex of colliding emotions and raw beauty that comprise Love Edy is incomparable.
From the beginning there is a current, that only builds and builds leaving you absolutely no choice, but to drown in the plot. You want to know Edy, you want to grow with her, sympathize with her, and yet you want to give her that push she needs to realize her self-worth. Shewanda was able to brilliantly capture the plight of what is obviously the average (or not so average) teenage girl. She wants to fit in, but not to conform. She wants to be loved and have friends, but not be taken advantage of. She wants to be accepted for who she is, not because of what is expected of her and who she knows. She wants Hassan, her best friend, but how can she compete with centuries of cultural beliefs that promise the two of them could never be. Then there was Wyatt. I’m still on the fence about his character. I wanted to like him. I wanted Edy to like him. Heck, I even wanted Hassan and the boys to take him under their wings, but overall he just kind of gave me the creeps. At first I thought there would be some sort of love triangle – Edy, Hassan, and Wyatt – but I was pleasantly surprised; there was never any competition and for that I’m eternally grateful!
The characters instantly become living, breathing, everyday people caught up in a maelstrom of challenges, friendships, love, and pain. You root for them just as much as you want to haul off and slap them. The development of relationships and the pace at which the writing flowed was a refreshing distraction in an industry that has been oversaturated with lack of skill and prowess. Shewanda Pugh is an exceptional writer, by far one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
I would definitely recommend this book to others and I know that this series will be one that will have me begging for more. Bravo, Shewanda!
Lashanta Charles, The Kindle Book Review
July 5, 2014
I am not sure how I feel about the ending. I am sort of on the fence. The book overall is interesting. The writing is spellbinding and the issues that are brought forth are relevant in today's society.
I have aspects I love and aspects I am meh and on the fence about. Lets do the on the fence and meh and end with the bang of loved parts.
Meh:
Edy's mom: she just didn't ring true for me. So cold and calculating. Not sure what to think but the ending just turned me off of this woman. It's hard to believe the woman gave birth to someone. She's too vicious and evil to her daughter and the jealously towards Edy is too much.
The boys protectiveness to Edy: too much. I know they all grew up together but it bordered on freakish. It was sweet to see but sometimes too much.
The Sarah connection with Wyatt: not sure what that is about or even that visit to Wyatt at the house made no sense.
the party at the end: completely gobsmacked there. What the heck? And why does Reggie have a thing about Hassan? What is up with that. At first he was all your with Hassan and when bored come to me? Hello caveman-than the all now I am after him makes no sense.
On the fence:
wyatt: loved him and didn't love him. I loved how he was trying to make the best of his situation. i loved how he tried to stand up to the boys. I loved how he was there for Edy and was non-judgmental. I didn't love the jealousy, his obsessiveness and his neediness. I didn't love the way he saw people and I didn't love the underhandedness he had in some of the things he did. The past issue not understood.
the ending: doesn't really make much sense to me. I mean it was a misunderstanding if Reggie had a issue with Edy and especially Hassan before the party he would have done something before than so why now? And Wyatt with the questions, what the heck? And the mom with the accusations and evilness towards Wyatt-huh? Also what is up with Hassan saying I hope after this you will still be with me makes no sense. Nothing indicates why he feels this way. So many open ended questions.
Hassan's actions: I understand he is confused and trying to honor his parents but seriously what were you thinking. Also sometimes a wee bit overprotective. And where girls and parties your only bad decisions????
Edy: She at times was great and at times ugh. She is spoiled and elitist but with Wyatt we see a different side. I hate how she used Wyatt. Wyatt deserved better.
What I enjoyed:
the writing: very fluid and descriptive. The writing of so many relevant issues was great.
The Ronnie Bean story: I loved how he was accepted by Edy and Hassan. I loved how he turned his anger about his dad and his situation of his dad not accepting him for who he is into his dancing. I loved how he became a friend to edy.
Wyatt: He is a nice guy who is in a bad situation. He tries to make the best of things but he is a little stalkerish as well. I hated to see the ending the way it was for him. I hope he gets something good out of all this but i don't think Edy is it.
Hassan: he can be arrogant, bullying and possessive but he is a confused guy with a lot on his shoulders. the pressure of being Hindu and the expectations of his parents and the old ways weigh heavily on him as does the expectation to succeed. His friendship and feelings for Edy are set aside at times for this but he does finally find his way question is is it too late?
The complexity of the old ways interrupting a friendship and love: this is where it is fascinating. We have two friends who love each other but know that their parents won't allow it. Why? One is Hindu and has an arranged marriage for his future. Even though Hassan is American and doesn't want this he wants Edy this elephant stands in their way the most.
Overall this is a good book. There are aspects that just put you off but only because they frustrate you to no end. The love of Hassan and Edy is fascinating to see unravel and grow. These two have a long tough road ahead of them and by the looks of it the tough road is going to be paved with some serious problems and issues. I do hope they end up together completely in the end and that their parents are accepting about their relationship. Only time will tell if that is going to happen.
I have aspects I love and aspects I am meh and on the fence about. Lets do the on the fence and meh and end with the bang of loved parts.
Meh:
Edy's mom: she just didn't ring true for me. So cold and calculating. Not sure what to think but the ending just turned me off of this woman. It's hard to believe the woman gave birth to someone. She's too vicious and evil to her daughter and the jealously towards Edy is too much.
The boys protectiveness to Edy: too much. I know they all grew up together but it bordered on freakish. It was sweet to see but sometimes too much.
The Sarah connection with Wyatt: not sure what that is about or even that visit to Wyatt at the house made no sense.
the party at the end: completely gobsmacked there. What the heck? And why does Reggie have a thing about Hassan? What is up with that. At first he was all your with Hassan and when bored come to me? Hello caveman-than the all now I am after him makes no sense.
On the fence:
wyatt: loved him and didn't love him. I loved how he was trying to make the best of his situation. i loved how he tried to stand up to the boys. I loved how he was there for Edy and was non-judgmental. I didn't love the jealousy, his obsessiveness and his neediness. I didn't love the way he saw people and I didn't love the underhandedness he had in some of the things he did. The past issue not understood.
the ending: doesn't really make much sense to me. I mean it was a misunderstanding if Reggie had a issue with Edy and especially Hassan before the party he would have done something before than so why now? And Wyatt with the questions, what the heck? And the mom with the accusations and evilness towards Wyatt-huh? Also what is up with Hassan saying I hope after this you will still be with me makes no sense. Nothing indicates why he feels this way. So many open ended questions.
Hassan's actions: I understand he is confused and trying to honor his parents but seriously what were you thinking. Also sometimes a wee bit overprotective. And where girls and parties your only bad decisions????
Edy: She at times was great and at times ugh. She is spoiled and elitist but with Wyatt we see a different side. I hate how she used Wyatt. Wyatt deserved better.
What I enjoyed:
the writing: very fluid and descriptive. The writing of so many relevant issues was great.
The Ronnie Bean story: I loved how he was accepted by Edy and Hassan. I loved how he turned his anger about his dad and his situation of his dad not accepting him for who he is into his dancing. I loved how he became a friend to edy.
Wyatt: He is a nice guy who is in a bad situation. He tries to make the best of things but he is a little stalkerish as well. I hated to see the ending the way it was for him. I hope he gets something good out of all this but i don't think Edy is it.
Hassan: he can be arrogant, bullying and possessive but he is a confused guy with a lot on his shoulders. the pressure of being Hindu and the expectations of his parents and the old ways weigh heavily on him as does the expectation to succeed. His friendship and feelings for Edy are set aside at times for this but he does finally find his way question is is it too late?
The complexity of the old ways interrupting a friendship and love: this is where it is fascinating. We have two friends who love each other but know that their parents won't allow it. Why? One is Hindu and has an arranged marriage for his future. Even though Hassan is American and doesn't want this he wants Edy this elephant stands in their way the most.
Overall this is a good book. There are aspects that just put you off but only because they frustrate you to no end. The love of Hassan and Edy is fascinating to see unravel and grow. These two have a long tough road ahead of them and by the looks of it the tough road is going to be paved with some serious problems and issues. I do hope they end up together completely in the end and that their parents are accepting about their relationship. Only time will tell if that is going to happen.
June 19, 2014
Love Edy is heartwarming, exciting, intimate, beautiful, and everything that one could possibly want in a romance. From the very first page, the novel will captivate readers and keep them along for the ride. I could not put down the book until I reached the final page (and even then, I didn't want to, there was just nothing left to read).
There are plenty of traps to fall into with romances, but Pugh manages to avoid all of them. The plot never gets boring, and I always found myself needing to read more. First, I wanted Edy and Hassan together almost as much as they did. I loved the relationship between them, and thought that they worked so well together. As a highly invested reader, I was practically pulling hair out for every moment they didn't admit their true feelings for each other. Even outside of their relationship, there was enough going on to keep the story interesting. Wyatt had a past that I wanted to learn more about, and the ending grew absolutely explosive. (I definitely didn't see it coming, but it was fantastic.)
Characters don't need to be likable for a story to be well-written, but all of the characters in Love Edy were likable to me, and I definitely cannot complain. Edy and Hassan, both coming from extremely wealthy backgrounds, were both 'spoiled' in a sense, but it didn't take away from their characters at all. They both are strong and witty in their unique ways, and I loved reading each of their perspectives. Being as wonderful of a relationship as they have, I probably should not be fond of Wyatt. But I was. I loved his character. Not only does he have a shady past and seems to get the short stick in life, but he's a wild card...you never quite know what to expect. Aside from the three perspectives the story took, all of the secondary and minor characters were interesting to read about. The Dyson twins were funny, and it was great to see the girls like Alyssa and Chloe show that they have substance (and even serve as a wake up call to Edy).
Books like Love Edy make me incredibly happy in the way that they bring diversity into YA. Not everyone in the world is one race, one socioeconomic classification and one religion, and blending cultures to more accurately mirror reality is wonderful. It also shows the conflicts that still exist between cultures and beliefs. Edy and Hassan are perfect for each other, but they have to face a difference in religions, and the tradition of arranged marriages that exists in Hassan's culture. These are real-world issues, and it is nice to see them tastefully done in a YA fiction.
Love Edy is a beautifully written novel with wonderful description and incredible dialogue. I loved every second of it, from the lighthearted scenes of friendship and the swoon-worthy romance to the portions that got darker. I can easily recommend this novel, although I would put aside some time to begin - once you do, you'll have trouble stopping. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
There are plenty of traps to fall into with romances, but Pugh manages to avoid all of them. The plot never gets boring, and I always found myself needing to read more. First, I wanted Edy and Hassan together almost as much as they did. I loved the relationship between them, and thought that they worked so well together. As a highly invested reader, I was practically pulling hair out for every moment they didn't admit their true feelings for each other. Even outside of their relationship, there was enough going on to keep the story interesting. Wyatt had a past that I wanted to learn more about, and the ending grew absolutely explosive. (I definitely didn't see it coming, but it was fantastic.)
Characters don't need to be likable for a story to be well-written, but all of the characters in Love Edy were likable to me, and I definitely cannot complain. Edy and Hassan, both coming from extremely wealthy backgrounds, were both 'spoiled' in a sense, but it didn't take away from their characters at all. They both are strong and witty in their unique ways, and I loved reading each of their perspectives. Being as wonderful of a relationship as they have, I probably should not be fond of Wyatt. But I was. I loved his character. Not only does he have a shady past and seems to get the short stick in life, but he's a wild card...you never quite know what to expect. Aside from the three perspectives the story took, all of the secondary and minor characters were interesting to read about. The Dyson twins were funny, and it was great to see the girls like Alyssa and Chloe show that they have substance (and even serve as a wake up call to Edy).
Books like Love Edy make me incredibly happy in the way that they bring diversity into YA. Not everyone in the world is one race, one socioeconomic classification and one religion, and blending cultures to more accurately mirror reality is wonderful. It also shows the conflicts that still exist between cultures and beliefs. Edy and Hassan are perfect for each other, but they have to face a difference in religions, and the tradition of arranged marriages that exists in Hassan's culture. These are real-world issues, and it is nice to see them tastefully done in a YA fiction.
Love Edy is a beautifully written novel with wonderful description and incredible dialogue. I loved every second of it, from the lighthearted scenes of friendship and the swoon-worthy romance to the portions that got darker. I can easily recommend this novel, although I would put aside some time to begin - once you do, you'll have trouble stopping. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
May 20, 2015
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Oh em gee this book was wonderful! Stayed up until 4am because I couldn't put it down!
Wyatt:
Hassan:
Bodyguards:
Edy:
This book was really wonderful and there is so much that is left unanswered that I can't wait
A couple grammar issues but overall I loved it
Oh em gee this book was wonderful! Stayed up until 4am because I couldn't put it down!
Wyatt:
Hassan:
Bodyguards:
Edy:
This book was really wonderful and there is so much that is left unanswered that I can't wait
A couple grammar issues but overall I loved it
June 17, 2014
**Disclosure: I received a copy of Love Edy for an honest pre-release review**
Not all successful stories these days require a paranormal aspect. Sometimes just the true understanding of a person's mind can turn an ordinary tale into a story you don't want to put down. Shewanda Pugh exhibits this talent for understand young minds in her young adult romance "Love Edy."
Pugh is able to give her readers such an incredible glimpse into the minds of Edy, Hassan and Wyatt that the reader is left feeling as though s/he truly knows these characters. It's as if Pugh reached into the mind of 15 year olds and pulled out every possible bit of teen angst, anxiety, wishes and dreams.
Love Edy takes the reader on a multi-year journey with Edy and Hassan as they navigate their way through high school, relationships, and family responsibilities while also struggling to decipher the changes within their own friendship. Even though these characters do come of age over the course of Love Edy, I hesitate to call this a coming-of -age story. Yes the characters are doing a lot of growing up, but they're also learning so much about who they are and how they fit in the world. They're forced to interpret unspoken communications as if learning a foreign language and find their ways through well-known situations as if they're in another city where they don't know the way.
Pugh's mastery of language is apparent in how well the reader is able to lose themselves in the story for extended periods time. I didn't want to stop reading as I found myself rooting for one outcome only to end up rooting for another.
After all of the many twists that these teens take during the years of Love Edy, Shewanda Pugh managed to make her reader need to know what's next with an interesting cliff-hanger that will definitely have me back for more.
Not all successful stories these days require a paranormal aspect. Sometimes just the true understanding of a person's mind can turn an ordinary tale into a story you don't want to put down. Shewanda Pugh exhibits this talent for understand young minds in her young adult romance "Love Edy."
Pugh is able to give her readers such an incredible glimpse into the minds of Edy, Hassan and Wyatt that the reader is left feeling as though s/he truly knows these characters. It's as if Pugh reached into the mind of 15 year olds and pulled out every possible bit of teen angst, anxiety, wishes and dreams.
Love Edy takes the reader on a multi-year journey with Edy and Hassan as they navigate their way through high school, relationships, and family responsibilities while also struggling to decipher the changes within their own friendship. Even though these characters do come of age over the course of Love Edy, I hesitate to call this a coming-of -age story. Yes the characters are doing a lot of growing up, but they're also learning so much about who they are and how they fit in the world. They're forced to interpret unspoken communications as if learning a foreign language and find their ways through well-known situations as if they're in another city where they don't know the way.
Pugh's mastery of language is apparent in how well the reader is able to lose themselves in the story for extended periods time. I didn't want to stop reading as I found myself rooting for one outcome only to end up rooting for another.
After all of the many twists that these teens take during the years of Love Edy, Shewanda Pugh managed to make her reader need to know what's next with an interesting cliff-hanger that will definitely have me back for more.
July 16, 2014
I received a copy of "Love Edy" for a fair and honest review.
I must say, that though this is categorized as a young adult novel, there is nothing young about it, it is not your run of the mill, boy meets girl meets teen angst meets love nonsense. There is real substance to this story, and it is so beautifully and powerfully written. It was a page turner from beginning to end, and I will gladly read it again.
The characters are well and fully developed leaving you wondering if, indeed they are based on people that the author has encountered in her own life. The dynamics between the Pradhans and the Phelps, are enlightening and insightful.
The love that is so unknown between Edy and Hassan, seems tangible, and the tension of approaching adulthood, the pressures of tradition as well as an arranged marriage all lend to the backbone of the story. And I must mention, though the parents of both seems so radically different from each other, you can tell that there is a bond there that is strong.
Between the writing and the characters I do not know which stands out more, and though the ending will have you on your feet, it will leave you begging for more! I am so excited to read the next installment in the series, and find out who was, as they say, caught holding the smoking gun.
I must say, that though this is categorized as a young adult novel, there is nothing young about it, it is not your run of the mill, boy meets girl meets teen angst meets love nonsense. There is real substance to this story, and it is so beautifully and powerfully written. It was a page turner from beginning to end, and I will gladly read it again.
The characters are well and fully developed leaving you wondering if, indeed they are based on people that the author has encountered in her own life. The dynamics between the Pradhans and the Phelps, are enlightening and insightful.
The love that is so unknown between Edy and Hassan, seems tangible, and the tension of approaching adulthood, the pressures of tradition as well as an arranged marriage all lend to the backbone of the story. And I must mention, though the parents of both seems so radically different from each other, you can tell that there is a bond there that is strong.
Between the writing and the characters I do not know which stands out more, and though the ending will have you on your feet, it will leave you begging for more! I am so excited to read the next installment in the series, and find out who was, as they say, caught holding the smoking gun.
June 21, 2014
I had the distinct pleasure of reading this book prior to its release. Shewanda Pugh builds character like nobody's business and infuses their worlds with culture and intelligence and amazing detail. Even if you're not a regular romance reader (like me), you want to add this one to your Must Read list. The story of Edy and Hassan's forbidden love will captivate you.
August 27, 2014
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2014/08/love-edy-blog-tour-book-review-love-edy.html
Love Edy is an interesting story about a girl named Edy. Edy is a 14 year old girl who is in love with her best friend Hassan. Hassan is quickly becoming one of the popular guys in school which means plenty of other girls have taken notice. Edy doesn't know what to do since she can't have him either. His family has already picked out his bride. Edy and Hassan start to notice their lifelong friendship dwindling because of everything and everyone around them. They have a long way to go before they figure out what they want and what they will do.
First off, give me a second to gush over that gorgeous cover again. I love it. Second, thank you "Irresistible Reads" for introducing me to a new author. I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Pugh tapped into various social issues her characters had to face. Pugh also understands the mind of a teenager. Nothing felt far fetched because I could see all the characters the way they are. This is exactly how they would act. It made the book even more interesting for me.
The characters were very interesting and surprisingly complex given their young ages. I both liked and disliked Edy. She is a smart girl, more book smart than street smart, but still. Her family is very rich and established, so Edy is very privileged. There are times when that comes through, but she isn't stuck up. Some things I disliked about her had more to do with how she treated some people. She could be a bit judgmental and is very quick to assume the worse of someone or at least the lowest of them. For instance, let's talk Wyatt. When Edy first sees him she immediately assumes he is hired help, not the actual people moving into her neighborhood. But she quickly finds out that is not the case.
I liked Wyatt a lot. He, however, also has his flaws. I loved how despite his family issues, he doesn't let it swallow him whole. That could be also because of Edy. He is so take by her after they first meet. He was a bit obsessive at times though. This could have easily turned into a stalker story. But he wasn't creepy. He was actually really sweet. Wyatt couldn't believe that Edy wanted to be his friend. Although it does piss me off for her reasoning to befriend him. Wyatt definitely doesn't have anyone in his life to depend on and I hated how Edy didn't think much on that. But the main love was Hassan. I liked Hassan, but he is in the same boat as Edy, well, at times. His protectiveness of Edy was cute, but quite hypocritical. Not to mention his decision making is awful. He loves Edy, but he doesn't ever confront it. The both of them will drive you crazy with their feelings. But I am rooting for them especially given that no on seems to be in support of them being together.
The side characters are also very interesting. Some I love, some not so much. One in particular I am convinced is the devil. I loved Ronnie. He is Hassan's cousin who Edy spends the summer with. He is going through something that no one knows about and for good reason. I would have liked an entire story of him dealing with his family especially his father. It is heartbreaking. But he was a great character. We also had parents. Yeah, parents in a young adult book. That makes me happy. The parents play actual roles here as well specifically the moms. Hassan's mom, Rani, was great, but very set in her ways. There were times I wasn't sure if she really liked Edy or was pretending. But you do kind of see the reason halfway in the book. She is still a good second mom to Edy.
Now Edy's actual mom though...oh boy. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce the devil in a pantsuit. This woman was atrocious. She treats Edy like trash every chance she gets and you don't understand why. Edy does everything her mom tells her to do. She is fourteen and acing AP classes and was accepted into a prestigious ballet school. Any real mom would be happy about that, not Edy's politically-minded mother. Actually it felt like there was some sort of jealousy on her part at times. I have heard of moms' like this, but man, what the hell. Edy's mom plays a much bigger part in the book than I thought and I can't wait to see what comes next. All I know is that it will not be good.
The story was fast paced. I love Pugh's writing style. Although I admit the transitions of the POVs were a bit weird for me. One second we woukd would be in Edy's mind and it would switch to another character without any indication. But it didn't happen to often, so it won't take you out of the book. But what I love most was how Pugh made the book feel real. I love how she brings up issues of religion, tradition, politics, and more that made the book very modern. I love how all of these played a part in Edy and Hassan's friendship and why it couldn't grow into more. I also love the mystery we are given about Wyatt and some unknown girl named Lottie. We get glimpses of it throughout the book. There is still a lot more to learn. The way we learn it is really insane though. I can't wait for the next book. I don't know what is going on, but s**t just got real.
Overall, this was a good read. I had a few issues, but they didn't take away from the story. I am very excited for book 2. The characters will drive you crazy for all sorts of reasons, but you will be enthralled. You will be put into the mind of teenagers, so it may grate on someone's nerves. But I think you will still enjoy it. It is going to be quite a journey seeing Hassan and Edy fight for each other. They are going to be pushed to their limits given the obstacles they must go through. Again, dying to get my hands on the next book.
Love Edy is an interesting story about a girl named Edy. Edy is a 14 year old girl who is in love with her best friend Hassan. Hassan is quickly becoming one of the popular guys in school which means plenty of other girls have taken notice. Edy doesn't know what to do since she can't have him either. His family has already picked out his bride. Edy and Hassan start to notice their lifelong friendship dwindling because of everything and everyone around them. They have a long way to go before they figure out what they want and what they will do.
First off, give me a second to gush over that gorgeous cover again. I love it. Second, thank you "Irresistible Reads" for introducing me to a new author. I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Pugh tapped into various social issues her characters had to face. Pugh also understands the mind of a teenager. Nothing felt far fetched because I could see all the characters the way they are. This is exactly how they would act. It made the book even more interesting for me.
The characters were very interesting and surprisingly complex given their young ages. I both liked and disliked Edy. She is a smart girl, more book smart than street smart, but still. Her family is very rich and established, so Edy is very privileged. There are times when that comes through, but she isn't stuck up. Some things I disliked about her had more to do with how she treated some people. She could be a bit judgmental and is very quick to assume the worse of someone or at least the lowest of them. For instance, let's talk Wyatt. When Edy first sees him she immediately assumes he is hired help, not the actual people moving into her neighborhood. But she quickly finds out that is not the case.
I liked Wyatt a lot. He, however, also has his flaws. I loved how despite his family issues, he doesn't let it swallow him whole. That could be also because of Edy. He is so take by her after they first meet. He was a bit obsessive at times though. This could have easily turned into a stalker story. But he wasn't creepy. He was actually really sweet. Wyatt couldn't believe that Edy wanted to be his friend. Although it does piss me off for her reasoning to befriend him. Wyatt definitely doesn't have anyone in his life to depend on and I hated how Edy didn't think much on that. But the main love was Hassan. I liked Hassan, but he is in the same boat as Edy, well, at times. His protectiveness of Edy was cute, but quite hypocritical. Not to mention his decision making is awful. He loves Edy, but he doesn't ever confront it. The both of them will drive you crazy with their feelings. But I am rooting for them especially given that no on seems to be in support of them being together.
The side characters are also very interesting. Some I love, some not so much. One in particular I am convinced is the devil. I loved Ronnie. He is Hassan's cousin who Edy spends the summer with. He is going through something that no one knows about and for good reason. I would have liked an entire story of him dealing with his family especially his father. It is heartbreaking. But he was a great character. We also had parents. Yeah, parents in a young adult book. That makes me happy. The parents play actual roles here as well specifically the moms. Hassan's mom, Rani, was great, but very set in her ways. There were times I wasn't sure if she really liked Edy or was pretending. But you do kind of see the reason halfway in the book. She is still a good second mom to Edy.
Now Edy's actual mom though...oh boy. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce the devil in a pantsuit. This woman was atrocious. She treats Edy like trash every chance she gets and you don't understand why. Edy does everything her mom tells her to do. She is fourteen and acing AP classes and was accepted into a prestigious ballet school. Any real mom would be happy about that, not Edy's politically-minded mother. Actually it felt like there was some sort of jealousy on her part at times. I have heard of moms' like this, but man, what the hell. Edy's mom plays a much bigger part in the book than I thought and I can't wait to see what comes next. All I know is that it will not be good.
The story was fast paced. I love Pugh's writing style. Although I admit the transitions of the POVs were a bit weird for me. One second we woukd would be in Edy's mind and it would switch to another character without any indication. But it didn't happen to often, so it won't take you out of the book. But what I love most was how Pugh made the book feel real. I love how she brings up issues of religion, tradition, politics, and more that made the book very modern. I love how all of these played a part in Edy and Hassan's friendship and why it couldn't grow into more. I also love the mystery we are given about Wyatt and some unknown girl named Lottie. We get glimpses of it throughout the book. There is still a lot more to learn. The way we learn it is really insane though. I can't wait for the next book. I don't know what is going on, but s**t just got real.
Overall, this was a good read. I had a few issues, but they didn't take away from the story. I am very excited for book 2. The characters will drive you crazy for all sorts of reasons, but you will be enthralled. You will be put into the mind of teenagers, so it may grate on someone's nerves. But I think you will still enjoy it. It is going to be quite a journey seeing Hassan and Edy fight for each other. They are going to be pushed to their limits given the obstacles they must go through. Again, dying to get my hands on the next book.
July 11, 2014
Blogged this review.
When the author emailed me asking if I’d review this book, I was excited to see an African American girl on the cover, but was more than a little worried about the genre–I don’t typically enjoy contemporary YA romance. However, I’m glad I gave it a chance. Shewanda Pugh is a seriously talented writer, and I was sucked in by her beautiful language from the very first page.
Love Edy centers on a girl named Edy Phelps (short for Edith) who hails from an elite African American family in Boston and who lives in a neighborhood of upper-class, uber-rich minorities living in the South End (think Gossip Girl in Boston but less snarky, and with more diversity). Next door to Edy lives the insanely hot football player Hassan Pradhan, who Edy has known since childhood. They’ve grown up together–Hassan’s mother practically raised Edy–and now she finds herself falling in love with him, despite growing parental pressures against their relationship. When a new guy, Wyatt, moves in across the street, tensions fly between the three of them, and meanwhile Edy still hasn’t even gotten her first period.
Pugh’s poetic writing style combined with her themes of excess versus poverty as well as some of the character relationships reminded me a lot of Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Boys series, which I really enjoyed (only without the paranormal treasure hunter part :) ). Edy is a wonderfully complex and believable character.
However, other than Edy, there are very few positive female characters in this book. At times, I was taken aback by the harshness of the language used about the other teenage girls in the novel who are constantly throwing themselves and their bodies at Edy’s (hot muscly) football team friends. While this is addressed somewhat in the novel, I wasn’t sure I was left with a good feeling about how girls in the novel were described.
I was also left a little unsure about Hassan’s character. While I was excited to see an Indian-American love interest with very realistic flaws in the novel, there were aspects to his portrayal that didn’t quite ring authentically for me. For example, he makes a comment about how Edy probably could count off more Indian gods than he could, something that I found an extremely strange thing to quantify, and I never really understood why Hassan and his father Ali have Muslim names when they are supposed to be Hindu (this is addressed but never truly answered). More importantly, I didn’t buy the big reason the star-crossed lovers Edy and Hassan couldn’t get together: that Hassan is supposed to marry someone else, someone he’s been promised to marry since childhood. Not only does this feel unusual in this modern day and age (a 9 year old kid taken to India to meet his future bride?), the constant references to the “centuries of tradition” keeping them apart felt very melodramatic, when in my view it would be very modern racism and prejudices keeping them apart. That said, I have a feeling that some of these questions I was left with might tie into the next book?
But perhaps the most problematic part of the novel was the plot. Somewhere around the 75% mark, the plot line takes a very strange and unnecessary turn, when what reads as a very well written, unique, and compelling contemporary teen romance turns into an action-thriller. Characters we were rooting for turn out unexpectedly, violence that wasn’t in the novel before suddenly appears, and the writing also felt like it dropped off. It felt like the author decided that the ending I was expecting—a powerful one with a parental confrontation, some character growth, and some dialogue about expectations and traditions—was too boring, and decided to insert more action in order to create a more exciting, less predictable climax (while leaving room for a sequel).
All in all, I was left completely unsure how to rate this one since the first 3/4 of the book was so wonderful and compelling. I don’t typically love romance, but I really, truly did get into this one. I loved the diversity of the cast, and I loved some of their intelligent conversations. Shewanda Pugh is clearly a talented author and definitely one I will be watching out for in the future.
Review of ebook received free from the author.
When the author emailed me asking if I’d review this book, I was excited to see an African American girl on the cover, but was more than a little worried about the genre–I don’t typically enjoy contemporary YA romance. However, I’m glad I gave it a chance. Shewanda Pugh is a seriously talented writer, and I was sucked in by her beautiful language from the very first page.
Love Edy centers on a girl named Edy Phelps (short for Edith) who hails from an elite African American family in Boston and who lives in a neighborhood of upper-class, uber-rich minorities living in the South End (think Gossip Girl in Boston but less snarky, and with more diversity). Next door to Edy lives the insanely hot football player Hassan Pradhan, who Edy has known since childhood. They’ve grown up together–Hassan’s mother practically raised Edy–and now she finds herself falling in love with him, despite growing parental pressures against their relationship. When a new guy, Wyatt, moves in across the street, tensions fly between the three of them, and meanwhile Edy still hasn’t even gotten her first period.
Pugh’s poetic writing style combined with her themes of excess versus poverty as well as some of the character relationships reminded me a lot of Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Boys series, which I really enjoyed (only without the paranormal treasure hunter part :) ). Edy is a wonderfully complex and believable character.
However, other than Edy, there are very few positive female characters in this book. At times, I was taken aback by the harshness of the language used about the other teenage girls in the novel who are constantly throwing themselves and their bodies at Edy’s (hot muscly) football team friends. While this is addressed somewhat in the novel, I wasn’t sure I was left with a good feeling about how girls in the novel were described.
I was also left a little unsure about Hassan’s character. While I was excited to see an Indian-American love interest with very realistic flaws in the novel, there were aspects to his portrayal that didn’t quite ring authentically for me. For example, he makes a comment about how Edy probably could count off more Indian gods than he could, something that I found an extremely strange thing to quantify, and I never really understood why Hassan and his father Ali have Muslim names when they are supposed to be Hindu (this is addressed but never truly answered). More importantly, I didn’t buy the big reason the star-crossed lovers Edy and Hassan couldn’t get together: that Hassan is supposed to marry someone else, someone he’s been promised to marry since childhood. Not only does this feel unusual in this modern day and age (a 9 year old kid taken to India to meet his future bride?), the constant references to the “centuries of tradition” keeping them apart felt very melodramatic, when in my view it would be very modern racism and prejudices keeping them apart. That said, I have a feeling that some of these questions I was left with might tie into the next book?
But perhaps the most problematic part of the novel was the plot. Somewhere around the 75% mark, the plot line takes a very strange and unnecessary turn, when what reads as a very well written, unique, and compelling contemporary teen romance turns into an action-thriller. Characters we were rooting for turn out unexpectedly, violence that wasn’t in the novel before suddenly appears, and the writing also felt like it dropped off. It felt like the author decided that the ending I was expecting—a powerful one with a parental confrontation, some character growth, and some dialogue about expectations and traditions—was too boring, and decided to insert more action in order to create a more exciting, less predictable climax (while leaving room for a sequel).
All in all, I was left completely unsure how to rate this one since the first 3/4 of the book was so wonderful and compelling. I don’t typically love romance, but I really, truly did get into this one. I loved the diversity of the cast, and I loved some of their intelligent conversations. Shewanda Pugh is clearly a talented author and definitely one I will be watching out for in the future.
Review of ebook received free from the author.
August 4, 2014
Disclaimer: I got thus from the publisher for an honest review.
Edy Phelps is having it hard…between dancing, which she uses as an escape, and falling in love with her best friend/neighbor, Hassan Pradhan. Hassan lives in a world full of dreams of the NFL, the only downfall is that he can’t marry the girl of his dreams, Edy, which Hassan is quickly falling for. When a new person moves in down the road, Edy soon befriends the kid, against Hassan’s wishes. With both Edy and Hassan’s family are long time friends, can they risk putting their friendship before their family?
I will straight up tell you when I started to read this book, I couldn’t quite get over the fact that they were soo young. When I started I kind of (truth be told) didn’t get into the book, I kind of got stuck and set it aside for a few days. WRONG MOVE!! I soon regretted that once I picked the book up again. I picked the book up and holy smokes did it get even better, more drama (the high school kind) started yp and boy did I love it, I’m a sucker for those things. Now when we see Edy she begins as like a tween (is that the right word?) and throughout the book she blossomed into a young teen. Hassan was another story, he was stuck between an annoying bog brother (I think that’s how they act, not sure) and someone who was trying hard not to fall for someone he couldn’t have. Overall I enjoyed this book, now keep in mind I normally don’t do teen romance, and I enjoyed reading it. There were parts where I wanted Edy and Hassan to be happy and be with each other, (but that would be too easy right?) and just forget about their parents and customs. Now the ending was something I, for sure, didn’t see coming. Normally I can predict the endings, but this one? Didn’t happen, but still was a good ending. Now I can’t wait for the second installment to come out.
Edy Phelps is having it hard…between dancing, which she uses as an escape, and falling in love with her best friend/neighbor, Hassan Pradhan. Hassan lives in a world full of dreams of the NFL, the only downfall is that he can’t marry the girl of his dreams, Edy, which Hassan is quickly falling for. When a new person moves in down the road, Edy soon befriends the kid, against Hassan’s wishes. With both Edy and Hassan’s family are long time friends, can they risk putting their friendship before their family?
I will straight up tell you when I started to read this book, I couldn’t quite get over the fact that they were soo young. When I started I kind of (truth be told) didn’t get into the book, I kind of got stuck and set it aside for a few days. WRONG MOVE!! I soon regretted that once I picked the book up again. I picked the book up and holy smokes did it get even better, more drama (the high school kind) started yp and boy did I love it, I’m a sucker for those things. Now when we see Edy she begins as like a tween (is that the right word?) and throughout the book she blossomed into a young teen. Hassan was another story, he was stuck between an annoying bog brother (I think that’s how they act, not sure) and someone who was trying hard not to fall for someone he couldn’t have. Overall I enjoyed this book, now keep in mind I normally don’t do teen romance, and I enjoyed reading it. There were parts where I wanted Edy and Hassan to be happy and be with each other, (but that would be too easy right?) and just forget about their parents and customs. Now the ending was something I, for sure, didn’t see coming. Normally I can predict the endings, but this one? Didn’t happen, but still was a good ending. Now I can’t wait for the second installment to come out.
August 8, 2014
Love Edy is the most well written book I have ever read that I didn’t enjoy. Pugh is an absolutely marvelous writer. Her descriptions of people, places, and feelings are a thing of beauty. When she describes Edy’s feelings, for example, I completely fall in love with the poor girl. But when another girl comes around and describes how she perceives Edy’s actions, I turn on Edy as quickly as a hormonal teenager. Although the thoughts and emotions of the female characters are portrayed better, the teenage males are not forgotten. They too, despite what high school girls everywhere think, have feelings and can form complete thoughts outside of football.
The idea of this story is intriguing. An immigrant growing up as American as any other but still tied to traditions of his parent’s home country. A country that is not his home. A tradition that doesn’t define him. A love for a girl that he is not allowed to have. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t flow as well as the promise of the story. It moves forward slowly, almost begrudgingly. I found myself enjoying the beauty of the words, but not the story that was being told. Pugh has such potential as a writer. Seeing as this novel ended with one doozy of a cliffhanger, I’m hopeful that the story in the next installment will be more intriguing and have more movement within it.
The idea of this story is intriguing. An immigrant growing up as American as any other but still tied to traditions of his parent’s home country. A country that is not his home. A tradition that doesn’t define him. A love for a girl that he is not allowed to have. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t flow as well as the promise of the story. It moves forward slowly, almost begrudgingly. I found myself enjoying the beauty of the words, but not the story that was being told. Pugh has such potential as a writer. Seeing as this novel ended with one doozy of a cliffhanger, I’m hopeful that the story in the next installment will be more intriguing and have more movement within it.
August 8, 2014
There were moments in this book that I wanted to just slap the characters, yell at them that they should just TALK honestly TALK to each other. But then if that happened there would be no drama and no book! HA! And beside have you ever known a high school student- boy or girl that didn't have a little drama in their life? I haven't met one yet! The story is a good one, there are moments when you think all hope is lost for these two, moments when you want to shout out in joy for them, and moments you want to slap them. I don't quit know how I feel about the ending. I feel that it's a little cut off. Kind of like the cliff hanger you are always left with when a season of your favorite T.V. show is over. When the next book comes out I plan on reading it just so I know what happens! Over all it's a good book I think for someone 16 or older. Someone that will understand about the sexual pressures they have to deal with, the coming of age, and what it's like having to deal with all of it while trying to find your self and figure out who you are. This will be a book that I plan on saving for my daughter {who is currently 13} to read when she is old enough, I think she will enjoy it.
I give it 4 stars over all.
*A copy if this book was given to me in return for my honest review
I give it 4 stars over all.
*A copy if this book was given to me in return for my honest review
July 18, 2014
I have read a few of Shewanda Pugh’s books and have liked them all and I was really excited to read her new book Love Edy, I was hooked from the start.
Edy and Hassan are best friends that live next door to each other. They are 14 at the start of the book and they both have feelings more than friends about each other but are both scared to tell the other. Each from different religion, it will never work. Hassan will be married off soon enough anyway .
How long can they last denying their feelings for each other? and when Wyatt moves in across the road and befriends Edy how much will Hassan take?
Edy was pretty ballsy, Hassan one of the lads but caring, Wyatt seemed odd, I didn’t trust him. Thinking back of when I was a teen I probably thought or said similar things that Edy did throughout the book which made me warm to her more.
The story flowed at a good even pace most of the way through the book, there were some slower moments but it did not deter me.
I love Shewanda’s style of writing and the huge shock at the end of the book has made me NEED to read book two as soon as it is available.
Edy and Hassan are best friends that live next door to each other. They are 14 at the start of the book and they both have feelings more than friends about each other but are both scared to tell the other. Each from different religion, it will never work. Hassan will be married off soon enough anyway .
How long can they last denying their feelings for each other? and when Wyatt moves in across the road and befriends Edy how much will Hassan take?
Edy was pretty ballsy, Hassan one of the lads but caring, Wyatt seemed odd, I didn’t trust him. Thinking back of when I was a teen I probably thought or said similar things that Edy did throughout the book which made me warm to her more.
The story flowed at a good even pace most of the way through the book, there were some slower moments but it did not deter me.
I love Shewanda’s style of writing and the huge shock at the end of the book has made me NEED to read book two as soon as it is available.
July 23, 2014
DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this ebook in order to facilitate a review. All opinions are 100% my own.
I love a good book series, and Love Edy promises to be a good one. I felt the plot was a bit rushed in this first installment, but that really isn’t that big a deal for me. If a book’s content is good, I can very easily overlook a small issue such as this, especially when (over-all) I enjoy the author’s writing style so much. I am excited to read Book Two. While I was not gangly or plain growing up, I still could identify with Edy as I have known many people who have (or have had) similar self-image issues. And being in love with someone you can’t have? Ditto. Two main characters being in love with each other but somehow oblivious to each others’ feelings has been done, but not with quite the level of believability in a YA novel, in my experience. I truly believed that Edy and Hassan had no idea how one felt about the other. I very much enjoyed the ethnicity of the main characters, as well as their interaction with one another. Can’t wait till Book Two!!! Hoping the second installment will establish more of a leisurely pace within the writing.
I love a good book series, and Love Edy promises to be a good one. I felt the plot was a bit rushed in this first installment, but that really isn’t that big a deal for me. If a book’s content is good, I can very easily overlook a small issue such as this, especially when (over-all) I enjoy the author’s writing style so much. I am excited to read Book Two. While I was not gangly or plain growing up, I still could identify with Edy as I have known many people who have (or have had) similar self-image issues. And being in love with someone you can’t have? Ditto. Two main characters being in love with each other but somehow oblivious to each others’ feelings has been done, but not with quite the level of believability in a YA novel, in my experience. I truly believed that Edy and Hassan had no idea how one felt about the other. I very much enjoyed the ethnicity of the main characters, as well as their interaction with one another. Can’t wait till Book Two!!! Hoping the second installment will establish more of a leisurely pace within the writing.
August 5, 2014
Fantastic!!!! This was a great YA book!! You have everything with it!! Teen angst, jealousy , anger, love and more!! Edy finds herself and a situation between making her best friend happy ( who she like likes but can never have ) and the new kid in town who is completely different then the kids she is normally around! Now let it be said I WANT HASSAN AND EDY TOGETHER!!They are so great for each other even though tradition threats to keep them apart. And Wyatt is sooo sweet around EDY!!! Oh and I'm glad Chloe and the girls ended up more the bimbos flittering around the guys and had real thoughts and feels! And the end holy cow when......ahh ahh ahh no spoilers, just know your going to freak out, and never see it coming!!This book is great because every one can relate. Maybe not with the traditions of Hassan family, but as a whole the book has everything . If your looking for a very well written, go with the flow YA book THIS IS FOR YOU!!!! I really like it and I will be reading it again!! I recommend it to everyone!! I cant wait till the next one!!!
July 14, 2014
free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
When Edy Phelps falls hard for her best friend, she knows nothing can come from it. Forget actual chemistry, or the fact that she cherishes his mother more than her own; centuries of tradition say that Hassan will grow up, marry the girl his parents pick, and forget his best friend: the dancer with the bursting smile. Except he can't. In a world erupting with possibilities for the boy with a body of steel and dreams of the NFL, everything seems promised while nothing at all is; when he's denied the girl he wants most.
Two hearts. Two families devoted through generations of friendship. Could Edy and Hassan really risk all that? And yet ... how could they not?
this book was very well-written.. had great plot... but this book more for highschool teens. I still liked it and so going to read more about edy and whats going to happen next. very powerfully feelings between edy and hassan!!
Olivia R.
When Edy Phelps falls hard for her best friend, she knows nothing can come from it. Forget actual chemistry, or the fact that she cherishes his mother more than her own; centuries of tradition say that Hassan will grow up, marry the girl his parents pick, and forget his best friend: the dancer with the bursting smile. Except he can't. In a world erupting with possibilities for the boy with a body of steel and dreams of the NFL, everything seems promised while nothing at all is; when he's denied the girl he wants most.
Two hearts. Two families devoted through generations of friendship. Could Edy and Hassan really risk all that? And yet ... how could they not?
this book was very well-written.. had great plot... but this book more for highschool teens. I still liked it and so going to read more about edy and whats going to happen next. very powerfully feelings between edy and hassan!!
Olivia R.
August 3, 2014
Shewanda Pugh crafts an intriguing and detailed story as she documents a year and half of young Edy Phelps' life as a teenager in the affluent suburbs of Boston. It weaves multicultural and socioeconomic issues with a coming of age story, creating a unique reading experience.
The characters are exquisitely drawn and come across as real people. All of us have had the feelings and urges that Edy, Hassan and Wyatt face as they grow to adulthood. The pressures of family, peers, and society are depicted realistically and with great emotional accuracy. There is no sugar coating here, it’s raw and real.
The book ends with a gigantic cliff hanger so beware. It definitely leaves me wanting more but not as if I was cheated out of a conclusion. That’s a trick that is not easy to pull off. It is part of a series and the next installment will arrive in the fall of 2014 and pick up where LOVE, EDY left off.
Please check out this wonderful book and I would pass it on to your teens as well.
The characters are exquisitely drawn and come across as real people. All of us have had the feelings and urges that Edy, Hassan and Wyatt face as they grow to adulthood. The pressures of family, peers, and society are depicted realistically and with great emotional accuracy. There is no sugar coating here, it’s raw and real.
The book ends with a gigantic cliff hanger so beware. It definitely leaves me wanting more but not as if I was cheated out of a conclusion. That’s a trick that is not easy to pull off. It is part of a series and the next installment will arrive in the fall of 2014 and pick up where LOVE, EDY left off.
Please check out this wonderful book and I would pass it on to your teens as well.
August 6, 2014
First time ever reading a book from this author and I'm not disappointed. I can't wait until the next book as this book enchants you and takes you back to the good ol' days of high school.
Mixed with high school drama, love, culture and adventure this book has a little of everything. Edy is a typical teenage girl going through many typical issues that girls go through. Most girls at that age have the issue of always longing to have what they can't have. Edy has everything she could possibly want at her fingertips, but just doesn't quite realize it until it's almost too late. When she finally has it all it appears she may lose it. That's the cliffhanger of it all and I can't wait to read the next book.
Mixed with high school drama, love, culture and adventure this book has a little of everything. Edy is a typical teenage girl going through many typical issues that girls go through. Most girls at that age have the issue of always longing to have what they can't have. Edy has everything she could possibly want at her fingertips, but just doesn't quite realize it until it's almost too late. When she finally has it all it appears she may lose it. That's the cliffhanger of it all and I can't wait to read the next book.
December 16, 2014
I received this book from the author for a honest review.
This was a interesting book. I have to be honest and parts of it were a little confusing. For example, why did Edy's mom act the way she did. She was so cold and indifferent to Edy but it never really said what was going on there. And why was Edy so mean to everyone at school who was not in her little circle? And I found myself confused and wanting more with Wyatt. I liked his character and just didn't feel like the readers really got to know him. But this book had really good parts too. I liked Edy. I thought her relationship with Hassan was interesting. Overall I enjoyed this book, there was just some parts that had me confused and wanting more.
This was a interesting book. I have to be honest and parts of it were a little confusing. For example, why did Edy's mom act the way she did. She was so cold and indifferent to Edy but it never really said what was going on there. And why was Edy so mean to everyone at school who was not in her little circle? And I found myself confused and wanting more with Wyatt. I liked his character and just didn't feel like the readers really got to know him. But this book had really good parts too. I liked Edy. I thought her relationship with Hassan was interesting. Overall I enjoyed this book, there was just some parts that had me confused and wanting more.
July 26, 2014
Nice young adult novel about coming of age, the strains of tradition and family expectations, and true/young love. Good character and plot development (especially that ending!). I could relate to the idea of having feelings for a friend and not really wanting to go there, lol! It also reminded me of some of the things I felt as a teenager, though my personality was way different than any of the characters. Lots of emotions that many people could probably relate to.Would love to get my hands on the next book to see how it all turns out! Worth reading if you are into young adult novels and stories about unrequited or forbidden love.
July 24, 2014
This wasn't my first book by this author and I couldn't wait to read this new series. Love Edy opens up with Edy and her best friend Hassan. Edy feels like she doesn't measure up to all the other girls wanting Hassan attention. Edy feelings for Hassan are growing more every day. Hassan sees Edy as his best friend until someone else enters the picture and starts to show an interest in Edy. Hassan finally deals with his feelings for Edy. I loved it and I was surprised by the ending and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next. I also loved all the secondary characters in this book!!
January 7, 2015
Shewanda Pugh had me on pins and needles and wanting to read more of "Love Edy" once I got to the end!!! This was a Great Read and I can't wait until the Fall to read the continuation of this story! Edy and Hassan definitely belong together. There is absolutely too much chemistry flowing between them for anything otherwise. I love the Dyson Boys as well and can't wait to see what's up with Cam and Rebecca!
July 21, 2014
This is the first book I have read from this author. What a lovely surprise. The book is well written and once I started it, I could not put it down. Such an intricately woven story of relationships of one girl to her friends during childhood into adolescence. Although all are American, they come from different cultures and the story exposes cultural expectations and taboos that the youngsters in this book have to weave through. I cannot wait for the follow up book. A job well done indeed.
August 26, 2014
This story had me from the beginning. I hoped that Edy and Hassan would get together and when it finally happened I almost threw a party. The love triangle was intense at times but it didn't end the way I would've thought which was good. An unusual relationship their families have but Edy's mom should have been smacked across the face. I never understood Moms being jealous of their daughters. The cliffhanger at the end. I yelled...seriously the sequel needs to be out.
August 3, 2014
The characters come to life in a story that is expertly crafted and 100% believable. I love when I can feel what the characters are experiencing and find myself pulling for one over the other at various points in the plot. I enjoy the back-and-forth of uncertainty. Shewanda Pugh's writing style is clear and realistic and powerful. I can hardly wait for the next book.
August 10, 2014
READ this book
READ this book
loved loved loved this book. It made me laugh, kept me on the edge of my seat. Felt engrossed with the characters. Can't wait to read part 2.
READ this book
loved loved loved this book. It made me laugh, kept me on the edge of my seat. Felt engrossed with the characters. Can't wait to read part 2.
August 9, 2014
Cute!
This book was cute! It is about teen love. I wasn't ok with the way it ended even though it looks like it was going to be a sequel.
This book was cute! It is about teen love. I wasn't ok with the way it ended even though it looks like it was going to be a sequel.
August 17, 2014
Amazing! So glad I came across this book. I will definitely be reading more of the author's work
March 27, 2017
I received this book for an honest review"
this book was very well-written.. had great plot... but this book more for highschool teens. I still liked it and so going to read more about edy and whats going to happen next. very powerfully feelings between edy and hassan!!
this book was very well-written.. had great plot... but this book more for highschool teens. I still liked it and so going to read more about edy and whats going to happen next. very powerfully feelings between edy and hassan!!
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