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How to Catch a Crush #1
Striking Out with the Star Pitcher
The high school hero offers to help his friend win the heart of the bad boy. But when he falls for her himself…? It’s no more Mr. Nice Guy.
The Bad Boy...
Simone has a plan. Well, her friends have a plan. The self-proclaimed Lonely Hearts Club has found a way for the awkward movie-quoting art geek to get the attention of the brooding bad boy in the band. This plan? It involves…studying.
When they get their hands on a stack of old magazines filled with 'how to' articles, the answer is clear. If Simone can master the fine art of flirting, her crush won't stand a chance.
Mr. Nice Guy...
The school’s beloved starting pitcher might be popular, but the nerdy chick he’s been eating lunch with every day for years…? She won’t give him the time of day. Until he’s recruited by her friends to be her practice date, that is.
Everyone knows that Andrew is a good guy. A nice guy. So of course he agrees to be Simone’s stand-in crush. But then he starts crushing on her himself…
Now, all bets are off, because Andrew might be nice but he’s not that nice. And if playing dirty means stealing kisses, well…things are about to get messy.
The Bad Boy...
Simone has a plan. Well, her friends have a plan. The self-proclaimed Lonely Hearts Club has found a way for the awkward movie-quoting art geek to get the attention of the brooding bad boy in the band. This plan? It involves…studying.
When they get their hands on a stack of old magazines filled with 'how to' articles, the answer is clear. If Simone can master the fine art of flirting, her crush won't stand a chance.
Mr. Nice Guy...
The school’s beloved starting pitcher might be popular, but the nerdy chick he’s been eating lunch with every day for years…? She won’t give him the time of day. Until he’s recruited by her friends to be her practice date, that is.
Everyone knows that Andrew is a good guy. A nice guy. So of course he agrees to be Simone’s stand-in crush. But then he starts crushing on her himself…
Now, all bets are off, because Andrew might be nice but he’s not that nice. And if playing dirty means stealing kisses, well…things are about to get messy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 9, 2020
This is a fast read that doesn´t really make a memorable impression. Its mostly forgotten after a month, it was exactly what I wanted out of a book at the moment however it was still eye-roll worthy throughout most of the pages.
January 31, 2021
Simone e le sue amiche del club dei cuori solitari, stanche di restare in panchina a guardare le coppiette felici, decidono che è arrivato il momento di imparare ad approcciare con l’altro sesso per attirare la loro attenzione.
Simone sa bene che Rose, la fidanzata del suo migliore amico Jax, potrebbe essere la persona perfetta per dare loro lezioni di flirt, e la supplica di aiutarle. Rose che non sta più nella pelle, ed essendo la ragazza più popolare della scuola, dà alle sue amiche un mucchio di riviste di moda con consigli e tattiche per conquistare l’uomo giusto, da studiare e mettere in pratica.
Simone confessa a Rose di avere una cotta per il bassista della band di Jax, ma lui sembra non notarla. Non riesce a rivolgere più di qualche parola ai ragazzi oltre al suo migliore amico, e vedendo quanto sia senza speranza, Rose pensa che sia il caso di ricorrere all’aiuto di Andrew, il tranquillo e bellissimo lanciatore della squadra di baseball, con cui Simone pranza ogni giorno senza mai avergli rivolto più di un saluto.
Invece feci l’errore di incontrare lo sguardo di Andrew. Non vi trovai alcuna pietà, ma neanche divertimento. Mi guardava fisso, inespressivo. Quei due occhi pallidi e bellissimi mi analizzavano come se fossi la cosa più interessante che avessero mai visto.
Andrew ha subito un grave lutto e adesso affronta la vita con una pacata gentilezza, cercando sempre di rimanere in disparte e guardando il mondo dalla sua lente di ingrandimento. Al momento è annoiato, non gli interessa nessuna ragazza e vista la peculiarità della sfida accetta con curiosità di essere usato da Simone come una sorta di finto fidanzato per farle apprendere le tecniche di seduzione e corteggiamento.
Che avevo di meglio da fare? Cavolo, che pensiero deprimente. La mia vita si era ridotta a quello. Ad aiutare una piccola, graziosa nerd a far centro con un altro ragazzo.
Quello che però non si aspetta, è di rimanere folgorato dalla personalità stramboide della nerd Simone, che non perde occasione quando è nervosa, di citare frasi di film famosi che lei adora guardare.
Ma mentre si mettono a proprio agio l’uno con l’altro passando pomeriggi a fare sedute di apprendimento, Andrew si rende conto che non vuole che lei conquisti il cuore dell’altro ragazzo, la vuole tutta per se, ma il problema è che la autostima di Simone quando si tratta di ragazzi è praticamente inesistente. Non pensa che sarebbe possibile che qualcuno come lui, troppo perfettino e atletico, possa piacerle, ma è fortemente determinato a dimostrarle che si sbaglia.
Non era bella in sé e per sé, ma sapevo che, se solo avesse sorriso, lo sarebbe diventata. Non che bella avesse un gran valore, nella mia modesta opinione. Conoscevo un sacco di belle ragazze. Ed avevo imparato che bella non equivaleva ad interessante
Mi sono divertita a guardare questi due personaggi corrersi intorno con mosse goffe da parte di Simone e astute battute da Andrew, senza mai raggiungere un traguardo.
Mi è piaciuta questa storia e sono contenta che Simone alla fine abbia ottenuto il suo lieto fine.
Complimenti a Maggie Dallen per la dolce e breve lettura, vorrei solo che ci fosse stata più introspezione dei personaggi principali, per capire a fondo i loro pensieri ed entrare così in empatia con la loro storia.
continua su https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
Simone sa bene che Rose, la fidanzata del suo migliore amico Jax, potrebbe essere la persona perfetta per dare loro lezioni di flirt, e la supplica di aiutarle. Rose che non sta più nella pelle, ed essendo la ragazza più popolare della scuola, dà alle sue amiche un mucchio di riviste di moda con consigli e tattiche per conquistare l’uomo giusto, da studiare e mettere in pratica.
Simone confessa a Rose di avere una cotta per il bassista della band di Jax, ma lui sembra non notarla. Non riesce a rivolgere più di qualche parola ai ragazzi oltre al suo migliore amico, e vedendo quanto sia senza speranza, Rose pensa che sia il caso di ricorrere all’aiuto di Andrew, il tranquillo e bellissimo lanciatore della squadra di baseball, con cui Simone pranza ogni giorno senza mai avergli rivolto più di un saluto.
Invece feci l’errore di incontrare lo sguardo di Andrew. Non vi trovai alcuna pietà, ma neanche divertimento. Mi guardava fisso, inespressivo. Quei due occhi pallidi e bellissimi mi analizzavano come se fossi la cosa più interessante che avessero mai visto.
Andrew ha subito un grave lutto e adesso affronta la vita con una pacata gentilezza, cercando sempre di rimanere in disparte e guardando il mondo dalla sua lente di ingrandimento. Al momento è annoiato, non gli interessa nessuna ragazza e vista la peculiarità della sfida accetta con curiosità di essere usato da Simone come una sorta di finto fidanzato per farle apprendere le tecniche di seduzione e corteggiamento.
Che avevo di meglio da fare? Cavolo, che pensiero deprimente. La mia vita si era ridotta a quello. Ad aiutare una piccola, graziosa nerd a far centro con un altro ragazzo.
Quello che però non si aspetta, è di rimanere folgorato dalla personalità stramboide della nerd Simone, che non perde occasione quando è nervosa, di citare frasi di film famosi che lei adora guardare.
Ma mentre si mettono a proprio agio l’uno con l’altro passando pomeriggi a fare sedute di apprendimento, Andrew si rende conto che non vuole che lei conquisti il cuore dell’altro ragazzo, la vuole tutta per se, ma il problema è che la autostima di Simone quando si tratta di ragazzi è praticamente inesistente. Non pensa che sarebbe possibile che qualcuno come lui, troppo perfettino e atletico, possa piacerle, ma è fortemente determinato a dimostrarle che si sbaglia.
Non era bella in sé e per sé, ma sapevo che, se solo avesse sorriso, lo sarebbe diventata. Non che bella avesse un gran valore, nella mia modesta opinione. Conoscevo un sacco di belle ragazze. Ed avevo imparato che bella non equivaleva ad interessante
Mi sono divertita a guardare questi due personaggi corrersi intorno con mosse goffe da parte di Simone e astute battute da Andrew, senza mai raggiungere un traguardo.
Mi è piaciuta questa storia e sono contenta che Simone alla fine abbia ottenuto il suo lieto fine.
Complimenti a Maggie Dallen per la dolce e breve lettura, vorrei solo che ci fosse stata più introspezione dei personaggi principali, per capire a fondo i loro pensieri ed entrare così in empatia con la loro storia.
continua su https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
October 10, 2020
I wasn`t a big fan of the front page, but i liked the blurb so i decided to give it a chance.
It was super adorable and fluffy, i really liked Simone and Andrew, they were so cute! Though, it all felt a little rushed. But sometimes love is, no? :) Look forward to the next book!
It was super adorable and fluffy, i really liked Simone and Andrew, they were so cute! Though, it all felt a little rushed. But sometimes love is, no? :) Look forward to the next book!
September 29, 2020
Sweet!
This is a cute young adult, high school age romance. First crush, first kiss. It was sweet and had an innocent feel to it. I liked the characters and I smiled a lot. It's a quick read. It's a good start to a new series about catching your crush.
This is a cute young adult, high school age romance. First crush, first kiss. It was sweet and had an innocent feel to it. I liked the characters and I smiled a lot. It's a quick read. It's a good start to a new series about catching your crush.
February 4, 2021
Se amate gli Young Adult questo libro fa ASSOLUTAMENTE per voi, si tratta di una storia delicata ed estremamente dolce, un piccolo gioiellino che vi farà riprovare il batticuore del primo amore.
Simone ed Andrew sono all'apparenza molto diversi, lui è un giocatore di Baseball, è popolare e piace molto alle ragazze. Lei è una ragazza estremamente timida, insicura e molto molto nerd. Due mondi che sembrano non avere niente in comune.. Ma sì sa, le apparenze spesso ingannano ed è quello che si troveranno a sperimentare sulla loro pelle.
Perché complice un folle piano messo in atto da alcune amiche in cerca del metodo giusto per riuscire a conquistare un ragazzo, Simone e Andrew si troveranno a trascorrere del tempo insieme e capiranno si essere più affini di quanto potessero immaginare e tra una battuta e una citazione vi assicuro che vi faranno divertire ed emozionare tanto.
È la prima volta che leggo un libro di questa autrice ed ho apprezzato molto il suo stile, scorrevole ed ironico. I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati anche se, lo ammetto, personalmente ho notato la mancanza di una maggiore introspezione, soprattutto per quanto riguarda il personaggio maschile, ho comunque pensato che fosse coerente con la natura della storia che non voleva far prevalere tristezza o eventi tragici.
Ringrazio la casa editrice @virgibooks per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questa storia. Vi ricordo inoltre che Domani (5 Febbraio) uscirà il secondo volume di questa serie di autoconclusivi, con protagonista Avery, una delle amiche di Simone, e so già che ne vedremo delle belle. 😍
Simone ed Andrew sono all'apparenza molto diversi, lui è un giocatore di Baseball, è popolare e piace molto alle ragazze. Lei è una ragazza estremamente timida, insicura e molto molto nerd. Due mondi che sembrano non avere niente in comune.. Ma sì sa, le apparenze spesso ingannano ed è quello che si troveranno a sperimentare sulla loro pelle.
Perché complice un folle piano messo in atto da alcune amiche in cerca del metodo giusto per riuscire a conquistare un ragazzo, Simone e Andrew si troveranno a trascorrere del tempo insieme e capiranno si essere più affini di quanto potessero immaginare e tra una battuta e una citazione vi assicuro che vi faranno divertire ed emozionare tanto.
È la prima volta che leggo un libro di questa autrice ed ho apprezzato molto il suo stile, scorrevole ed ironico. I personaggi sono ben caratterizzati anche se, lo ammetto, personalmente ho notato la mancanza di una maggiore introspezione, soprattutto per quanto riguarda il personaggio maschile, ho comunque pensato che fosse coerente con la natura della storia che non voleva far prevalere tristezza o eventi tragici.
Ringrazio la casa editrice @virgibooks per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questa storia. Vi ricordo inoltre che Domani (5 Febbraio) uscirà il secondo volume di questa serie di autoconclusivi, con protagonista Avery, una delle amiche di Simone, e so già che ne vedremo delle belle. 😍
October 10, 2021
3 stars because I love cheesy, cute stories. I was also entertained and oddly found it to be a relaxing read. 🤔 Maybe because the story wasn't deep even though the potential was definitely there. Author could have elaborated each character's story and created a full length novel with depth.
But I didn't mind that it was short because that just means less drama.
Andrew and Simone were adorable and POV alternated between the two. I liked Simone's group of friends and I must say, I am curious about the next book in the series with Avery trying to catch her crush.
Having said that, this was a free novella in major need of an overhaul. If I noticed it, then it's bad, really bad. In fact I don't think I've read anything that needed so much...help. I mean the writing of course.
If it was me, I wouldn't put it out there, even for free, until edited.
So if you can't stand unedited books, cheesy high school plots, you want more depth into the characters' background then I'd suggest you'd skip it.
But I didn't mind that it was short because that just means less drama.
Andrew and Simone were adorable and POV alternated between the two. I liked Simone's group of friends and I must say, I am curious about the next book in the series with Avery trying to catch her crush.
Having said that, this was a free novella in major need of an overhaul. If I noticed it, then it's bad, really bad. In fact I don't think I've read anything that needed so much...help. I mean the writing of course.
If it was me, I wouldn't put it out there, even for free, until edited.
So if you can't stand unedited books, cheesy high school plots, you want more depth into the characters' background then I'd suggest you'd skip it.
September 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
Such a cute and adorable fun read. Perfect way to catch your crush, and I sincerely something like this definitely happens to me.
The banter, movie references and the romance was just spot on perfect. ❤️❤️
Such a cute and adorable fun read. Perfect way to catch your crush, and I sincerely something like this definitely happens to me.
The banter, movie references and the romance was just spot on perfect. ❤️❤️
May 28, 2020
Flirtation-impaired fun!
A quick read with a fresh spin on the nerd/jock romance - I enjoyed it so much!
Simone is an introvert who is too shy & awkward to even talk to her crush. Amusingly, she starts quoting favorite movie lines when she gets nervous. Easy-going Andrew offers to help her out.
Simone is pretty naive about guys, and it causes Andrew to start feeling pretty protective of his quirky new friend. Of course you know where it's heading, but the entertaining part of the story is how they get there!
This is a wonderful start to a promising new series!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
A quick read with a fresh spin on the nerd/jock romance - I enjoyed it so much!
Simone is an introvert who is too shy & awkward to even talk to her crush. Amusingly, she starts quoting favorite movie lines when she gets nervous. Easy-going Andrew offers to help her out.
Simone is pretty naive about guys, and it causes Andrew to start feeling pretty protective of his quirky new friend. Of course you know where it's heading, but the entertaining part of the story is how they get there!
This is a wonderful start to a promising new series!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
Want to read
January 22, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/22/2022)! 🎁
June 27, 2025
cute, nothing special. am i going to continue this series to get my gr goal up? why, yes i am.
August 1, 2025
DNF 60%
Insecure, nerdy girl gets flirting lessons from the humble star pitcher who takes pity on her.
I’m not feeling the chemistry. There’s no humorous banter. And the FMC is cringy-pathetic.
If I’m going to read about an awkward-with-the-opposite-sex FMC, I’d like her to be uber-confident in other areas of life to make her still attractive. This FMC is too dorky and doesn’t really have any outstanding redeeming qualities that would attract a confident, hot boy. I can’t see what the guy would see in her, and the storyline hasn’t captured my interest. :/
Insecure, nerdy girl gets flirting lessons from the humble star pitcher who takes pity on her.
I’m not feeling the chemistry. There’s no humorous banter. And the FMC is cringy-pathetic.
If I’m going to read about an awkward-with-the-opposite-sex FMC, I’d like her to be uber-confident in other areas of life to make her still attractive. This FMC is too dorky and doesn’t really have any outstanding redeeming qualities that would attract a confident, hot boy. I can’t see what the guy would see in her, and the storyline hasn’t captured my interest. :/
July 15, 2020
3 stars flat.
Short, sweet, nothing incredibly exciting, but it did help pass the time.
Short, sweet, nothing incredibly exciting, but it did help pass the time.
September 27, 2021
Un libro corto, ma fresco e divertente.
Un racconto che si legge in poco tempo, ma che ti colpisce lo stesso, e ti fa amare ogni singolo personaggio.
Come primo libro che leggo della scrittrice devo ammettere che mi è piaciuto molto, soprattutto il suo modo di non perdersi e andare dritto al punto. I dettagli sono proprio tutti quelli giusti, forse mi aspettavo un qualcosa in più sul presente, ma essendo una serie non voglio giudicare ancora prima di aver letto il prossimo senza sapere se farà vedere l’evolversi delle cose nel seguito.
Consiglio di leggerlo, non vi occuperà molto tempo, ma ve lo farà piacere.
Un racconto che si legge in poco tempo, ma che ti colpisce lo stesso, e ti fa amare ogni singolo personaggio.
Come primo libro che leggo della scrittrice devo ammettere che mi è piaciuto molto, soprattutto il suo modo di non perdersi e andare dritto al punto. I dettagli sono proprio tutti quelli giusti, forse mi aspettavo un qualcosa in più sul presente, ma essendo una serie non voglio giudicare ancora prima di aver letto il prossimo senza sapere se farà vedere l’evolversi delle cose nel seguito.
Consiglio di leggerlo, non vi occuperà molto tempo, ma ve lo farà piacere.
August 3, 2024
"The worst part with Andrew was that I couldn’t act annoyed with him because it was impossible to be mean to a guy like him. He had this whole easygoing charm about him—like Josh Lucas in Sweet Home Alabama or Ryan Gosling in just about anything."
I mean Sweet Home Alabama was one of my fav movies!! This is a cute, funny, clean YA rom-com! I love anything Maggie writes!! The characters are flawed but relatable! This was a fun start to a new series!!
I mean Sweet Home Alabama was one of my fav movies!! This is a cute, funny, clean YA rom-com! I love anything Maggie writes!! The characters are flawed but relatable! This was a fun start to a new series!!
November 14, 2021
Letto come pegno per aver perso la #TheMockingjayChallenge come mentore 😂
Molto meno trash di quanto mi aspettassi. Flavia di @lamagiadiunlibroo è stata buona nel darci questo libro da leggere.
C'è di peggio, ma anche di meglio. Tuttavia, è molto breve e scorre veloce.
Molto meno trash di quanto mi aspettassi. Flavia di @lamagiadiunlibroo è stata buona nel darci questo libro da leggere.
C'è di peggio, ma anche di meglio. Tuttavia, è molto breve e scorre veloce.
December 9, 2020
It was a good read a little too cheesy for what I needed now a little too short also. I’m afraid this one will go to the good but forgettable pile which is a shame as Maggie Dallen is becoming one of my favourite authors of YA
March 3, 2021
I love this cute little story. I'm surprised it took me so long to read it. It's sweet and fun. I love ow the hero loves her and lets her figure out what she wants. Doesn't take long.
July 10, 2020
Another great YA read by Maggie Dallen! The shy, movie quoting Simone has a crush on Tony, a bass player in her bff's band...her only problem is she doesn't know how to get him to notice her! When the school's star baseball player, Andrew, offers to give her flirting lessons, she hopes that they will help her get noticed by Tony! Unfortunately for Simone, they don't work but that doesn't mean as is at a loss for her! Great YA read!
April 1, 2021
Cari lettori,
eccoci qui con il primo capitolo della carinissima serie Ops mi sono innamorata... in questo caso di un giocatore di baseball, scritto da Maggie Dallen ed edito da Virgibooks.
Pronti a vivere le emozioni del primo bacio?
Simone è una giovane ragazza alle prese con la sua prima cotta e non sa davvero come far cadere ai suoi piedi il bassista per il quale ha perso la testa. Così, decide di chiedere aiuto alla fidanzata del suo migliore amico, Rose, la quale è un mentore perfetto con la sua bellezza e spigliatezza.
Rose decide di assoldare Andrew, bellissimo giocatore di baseball, per far fare pratica a Simone in vista dell'incontro ufficiale con il bassista.
E se Andrew un giorno si accorgesse che tutte quelle finte prove di appuntamenti in realtà tanto finte non fossero?
Vi aspetto alla Lakeview High per scoprirlo!
eccoci qui con il primo capitolo della carinissima serie Ops mi sono innamorata... in questo caso di un giocatore di baseball, scritto da Maggie Dallen ed edito da Virgibooks.
Pronti a vivere le emozioni del primo bacio?
Simone è una giovane ragazza alle prese con la sua prima cotta e non sa davvero come far cadere ai suoi piedi il bassista per il quale ha perso la testa. Così, decide di chiedere aiuto alla fidanzata del suo migliore amico, Rose, la quale è un mentore perfetto con la sua bellezza e spigliatezza.
Rose decide di assoldare Andrew, bellissimo giocatore di baseball, per far fare pratica a Simone in vista dell'incontro ufficiale con il bassista.
E se Andrew un giorno si accorgesse che tutte quelle finte prove di appuntamenti in realtà tanto finte non fossero?
Vi aspetto alla Lakeview High per scoprirlo!
Il mio primo bacio. Ed era stato semplicemente...perfetto. Non c'erano altre parole per descriverlo. Non era stato solo un bacio. Era stato uno scambio simbolico. Un modo di comunicare.
Simone è una vera nerd con la passione per l'arte e per i film. Conosce a memoria centinaia di citazioni di film famosi e questa è una cosa che le invidio parecchio. È un talento che vorrei ma purtroppo non mi appartiene: citare frasi famose nel bel mezzo di un discorso è qualcosa che, a mio parere, lascia sempre le persone di stucco!
Simone riesce a frequentare la Lakeview High grazie a una borsa di studio; a differenza della maggior parte dei suoi compagni, non proviene da una famiglia benestante e tutti i traguardi che ha raggiunto se li è guadagnati con molto sacrificio.
Simone riesce a frequentare la Lakeview High grazie a una borsa di studio; a differenza della maggior parte dei suoi compagni, non proviene da una famiglia benestante e tutti i traguardi che ha raggiunto se li è guadagnati con molto sacrificio.
Ho apprezzato moltissimo questo lato della sua personalità perché, pur essendo molto giovane, mette il dovere e il successo scolastico al primo posto. Mi sono immedesimata tantissimo in lei perché anche per me la scuola veniva prima di tutto!
La sua inesperienza in fatto di relazioni sentimentali la rende molto simpatica agli occhi del lettore che sicuramente riuscirà a provare empatia con lei, ripensando alle prime esperienze adolescenziali. Almeno per me è stato così.
La sua inesperienza in fatto di relazioni sentimentali la rende molto simpatica agli occhi del lettore che sicuramente riuscirà a provare empatia con lei, ripensando alle prime esperienze adolescenziali. Almeno per me è stato così.
Fra la sua gentilezza, la prestanza sportiva e quello charme tutto suo, Andrew era probabilmente il ragazzo più amato di tutta la scuola. Senza dubbio il ragazzo più popolare di tutto il tavolo.
Andrew è il tipico giocatore di baseball, dal sorriso smagliante e desiderato da tutte le ragazze della scuola. Ma dietro a quella corazza di ragazzo in e super popolare, si nasconde una grande sensibilità e profondità. Siamo di fronte a un personaggio maschile molto interessante che, con i suoi aspetti più celati, mi ha fatto sorridere spesso ripensando al fatto che, soprattutto durante l'adolescenza, i maschi tendono a celare la loro parte più profonda per la paura di apparire meno interessanti. Sia Simone che Andrew condividono varie problematiche famigliari che sono costretti ad affrontare quotidianamente. È stato questo l'aspetto che mi ha fatto avvicinare a loro perché so cosa si prova ad dover fare i conti in giovane età con un vuoto del genere.
Dieci modi per catturare la sua attenzione. Numero sei? Condividere una bevanda calda. Si piegò in due dal ridere. “Dice che servirà a scatenargli una sensazione di calore ogni volta che penserà a voi...”
La storia è narrata in prima persona a POV alternati così da poter avere una visione totale dei pensieri e delle azioni di Simone ed Andrew.
Ho trovato questo romanzo davvero speciale perché è riuscito a farmi rivivere le emozioni del primo amore: quando non si sa ancora bene che nome dare a tutte quelle emozioni che si provano e quando non si sa per nulla come far capire al ragazzo che ci piace che è proprio lui a interessarci.
Quando Simone e le sue amiche cercavano i consigli amorosi nei giornali, mi sono rivista alla loro età quando il Cioè era il mio Vangelo e tutti i consigli della posta del cuore mi sembravano la cosa più giusta al mondo. Sono certa che anche voi avete messo in pratica con le vostre prime cotte i consigli del giornalino più amato dalle adolescenti di tutti i tempi.
Quando Simone e le sue amiche cercavano i consigli amorosi nei giornali, mi sono rivista alla loro età quando il Cioè era il mio Vangelo e tutti i consigli della posta del cuore mi sembravano la cosa più giusta al mondo. Sono certa che anche voi avete messo in pratica con le vostre prime cotte i consigli del giornalino più amato dalle adolescenti di tutti i tempi.
Consiglio questa lettura a tutti coloro che vogliono rivivere le emozioni delle prime farfalle nello stomaco, del cuore che palpita per uno sguardo e delle mani sudate per l'ansia di dire un semplice ciao!
April 20, 2022
Catch a Winner!
"Striking Out with the Star Pitcher", book one of Maggie Dallen's How to Catch a Crush series, starts with a bang (or perhaps a home run, given that the hero plays baseball...
I confess that I thought I would hate a high school romance, but Dallen develops characters with such sensitivity I found myself involved in their stories despite my earlier opinion.
Most of the characters are" good kids" who don't drink, smoke, or go further than kissing the opposite sex. (Side note: "hooking up" is hired by these students to refer to an intense kissing session--what my classmates would call "making out". On the other hand, " hooking up" was college slang for having a one-night stand. Dallen's characters are miles away from that scene. They don't even swear! Those are my kind of high schoolers.
The plot focuses on nerdy outcast Simone, who has a crush in her best friend Jax's band mate Tony. It's admiration from afar, but one of her lunch table friends suggests reading magazines with advice on that very topic. Some of the advice, such as "Find common interests", is wise, but others, like "Ask him shout out himself and let him carry the conversation" sounds silly, and "Imitate his body language ", is downright creepy.
To help Simone practice flirting with a guy before she has to face Tony, someone assigns her to Andrew, the star pitcher for the school's baseball team. He's laid back and quiet, so it seems like an easy way to get a crash course in flirting with little chance of rejection. But Andrew isn't the Mr. Nice Guy she thinks he is, and Tony isn't in her league.
Spoiler alert: The book is mistitled, in my opinion, because "striking out" indicates a bad result; someone tried to do something and didn't succeed. But Andrew and Simone end up together, so I'm not sure where the "striking out" comes in. Nevertheless, it's a satisfying conclusion to a satisfying book! Highly recommended for teens and adults with a "sweet tooth" for wholesome romance and engaging characters.
"Striking Out with the Star Pitcher", book one of Maggie Dallen's How to Catch a Crush series, starts with a bang (or perhaps a home run, given that the hero plays baseball...
I confess that I thought I would hate a high school romance, but Dallen develops characters with such sensitivity I found myself involved in their stories despite my earlier opinion.
Most of the characters are" good kids" who don't drink, smoke, or go further than kissing the opposite sex. (Side note: "hooking up" is hired by these students to refer to an intense kissing session--what my classmates would call "making out". On the other hand, " hooking up" was college slang for having a one-night stand. Dallen's characters are miles away from that scene. They don't even swear! Those are my kind of high schoolers.
The plot focuses on nerdy outcast Simone, who has a crush in her best friend Jax's band mate Tony. It's admiration from afar, but one of her lunch table friends suggests reading magazines with advice on that very topic. Some of the advice, such as "Find common interests", is wise, but others, like "Ask him shout out himself and let him carry the conversation" sounds silly, and "Imitate his body language ", is downright creepy.
To help Simone practice flirting with a guy before she has to face Tony, someone assigns her to Andrew, the star pitcher for the school's baseball team. He's laid back and quiet, so it seems like an easy way to get a crash course in flirting with little chance of rejection. But Andrew isn't the Mr. Nice Guy she thinks he is, and Tony isn't in her league.
Spoiler alert: The book is mistitled, in my opinion, because "striking out" indicates a bad result; someone tried to do something and didn't succeed. But Andrew and Simone end up together, so I'm not sure where the "striking out" comes in. Nevertheless, it's a satisfying conclusion to a satisfying book! Highly recommended for teens and adults with a "sweet tooth" for wholesome romance and engaging characters.
October 13, 2020
I loved Jax, Rose, and Simone from the book Kissing the Player. I had no idea that they were also in this book, so I was pleasantly surprised. Simone was one of my favorite characters whenever she was only a side character, so to see her have her own love story was already exciting.
At the beginning of the story, she and her friends decide they’re tired of not knowing how to flirt with guys and get the attention of their crushes. Simone knows that Rose would be the perfect person to give them flirting lessons, so she enlist her help. Rose gives the girls lots of magazines with flirting and dating tips that they devour and try to put to practice.
Simone has a crush on the bass player in Jax’s band, but he doesn’t seem to notice her. She can’t even get out more than a few words to guys other than Jax. Seeing how hopeless she is, Rose wants the help of the star picture, Andrew, pretty much the nicest guy on the planet. Because he’s so bored, he goes along with it and says that Simone can use him as a sort of practice boyfriend as she goes after her true crush.
But as they get more comfortable with each other, he realizes he doesn’t want her to win the heart of the other guy. He wants her all to himself. The problem is, her self-esteem when it comes to boys is fairly low. She doesn’t think it would be possible for someone like him to be into her. But he is determined to prove her wrong.
I had so much fun watching these two characters. Andrew is basically a cinnamon roll of a boy, and Simone is extremely relatable to girls who were not popular in high school and were shy around guys. I love how Andrew took a risk but still wanted her to make up her own mind. And I loved the other girls in Simone’s group. I can’t wait to read the rest of their stories. In fact, immediately after finishing this one, I devoured a second book in the series, which is just as good.
At the beginning of the story, she and her friends decide they’re tired of not knowing how to flirt with guys and get the attention of their crushes. Simone knows that Rose would be the perfect person to give them flirting lessons, so she enlist her help. Rose gives the girls lots of magazines with flirting and dating tips that they devour and try to put to practice.
Simone has a crush on the bass player in Jax’s band, but he doesn’t seem to notice her. She can’t even get out more than a few words to guys other than Jax. Seeing how hopeless she is, Rose wants the help of the star picture, Andrew, pretty much the nicest guy on the planet. Because he’s so bored, he goes along with it and says that Simone can use him as a sort of practice boyfriend as she goes after her true crush.
But as they get more comfortable with each other, he realizes he doesn’t want her to win the heart of the other guy. He wants her all to himself. The problem is, her self-esteem when it comes to boys is fairly low. She doesn’t think it would be possible for someone like him to be into her. But he is determined to prove her wrong.
I had so much fun watching these two characters. Andrew is basically a cinnamon roll of a boy, and Simone is extremely relatable to girls who were not popular in high school and were shy around guys. I love how Andrew took a risk but still wanted her to make up her own mind. And I loved the other girls in Simone’s group. I can’t wait to read the rest of their stories. In fact, immediately after finishing this one, I devoured a second book in the series, which is just as good.
December 19, 2024
3.5 slight spoilers
The front page is quite cheesy but it’s what made me choose this book. Stories like that, “girls and their crush” are usually quite cheesy, but I like anything with romance. Especially romance within my age group. At times I could relate to Simone because i used to be like her in a way. Especially in middle school because at that time most girls are crazy about the boys. (Of course not all, if you are reading this and had a different experience I totally understand that I’m just making a point.) I have friends from both perspectives, but that’s won’t make a connection to my review. I’m trying to say that as you grow up and realize who your heart gravitates towards, it makes your heart and mind go crazy. (Even for asexual / people who can’t relate because people who are ace, do experience crushes and stuff, or may even think they did because it happens to everyone or they felt they needed too.) When Simone fell for Tony, she had a moment of physical satisfaction rather than personality satisfaction. She was head of heels for his looks and that’s it. However, when Andrew came along, I noticed what she didn’t, even if we didn’t get his perspective. He cared for Simone, and actually wanted to get to know her. He wanted to know her physically, emotionally, he wanted to know everything about her. Tony on the other hand, didn’t even know she existed (I mean yeah they never talked but it does hurt and feel awkward when your crush/ someone you want to be friends with doesn’t even know your alive, but you know a lot about them.) I love how towards the end, she realized Andrew cared for her in many ways, and that he was the guy she should have been trying to catch. I definitely will read the second book one day to see how their relationship escalates, and what else happens.
The front page is quite cheesy but it’s what made me choose this book. Stories like that, “girls and their crush” are usually quite cheesy, but I like anything with romance. Especially romance within my age group. At times I could relate to Simone because i used to be like her in a way. Especially in middle school because at that time most girls are crazy about the boys. (Of course not all, if you are reading this and had a different experience I totally understand that I’m just making a point.) I have friends from both perspectives, but that’s won’t make a connection to my review. I’m trying to say that as you grow up and realize who your heart gravitates towards, it makes your heart and mind go crazy. (Even for asexual / people who can’t relate because people who are ace, do experience crushes and stuff, or may even think they did because it happens to everyone or they felt they needed too.) When Simone fell for Tony, she had a moment of physical satisfaction rather than personality satisfaction. She was head of heels for his looks and that’s it. However, when Andrew came along, I noticed what she didn’t, even if we didn’t get his perspective. He cared for Simone, and actually wanted to get to know her. He wanted to know her physically, emotionally, he wanted to know everything about her. Tony on the other hand, didn’t even know she existed (I mean yeah they never talked but it does hurt and feel awkward when your crush/ someone you want to be friends with doesn’t even know your alive, but you know a lot about them.) I love how towards the end, she realized Andrew cared for her in many ways, and that he was the guy she should have been trying to catch. I definitely will read the second book one day to see how their relationship escalates, and what else happens.
January 16, 2021
Striking Out with the Star Pitcher
is the first book in
How to Catch a Crush series
from Maggie Dallen.
It’s a sweet, first crush, first kiss, young adult high school romance short read.
Simone is a shy, awkward introvert and a big movie buff. Something she uses to spew out her favourite and memorable movie lines, when she’s nervous. She also happens to have her first crush on Tony, the bass player in her best friend Jax’s band.
Andrew is handsome, popular and the school’s star baseball player. He also just so happen to decide to volunteer himself with helping Simone, by offering her lessons in how to flirt so she can land her crush Tony.
What could go wrong?
Seeing Andrew help Simone come out of her shell and grow was sweet, cute and adorable. The way their friendship grew, you could definitely tell something else was blossoming between them both. And it was just so cheesy, but still you couldn’t help but sigh and swoon too because of how romantic it was. At least to me it was.
If you’re looking for a fluffy, cheesy, yet cute, sweet and adorable short read, then look no further. Maggie Dallen’s books are the way to go, with this book being an example of that.
It’s a sweet, first crush, first kiss, young adult high school romance short read.
Simone is a shy, awkward introvert and a big movie buff. Something she uses to spew out her favourite and memorable movie lines, when she’s nervous. She also happens to have her first crush on Tony, the bass player in her best friend Jax’s band.
Andrew is handsome, popular and the school’s star baseball player. He also just so happen to decide to volunteer himself with helping Simone, by offering her lessons in how to flirt so she can land her crush Tony.
What could go wrong?
Seeing Andrew help Simone come out of her shell and grow was sweet, cute and adorable. The way their friendship grew, you could definitely tell something else was blossoming between them both. And it was just so cheesy, but still you couldn’t help but sigh and swoon too because of how romantic it was. At least to me it was.
If you’re looking for a fluffy, cheesy, yet cute, sweet and adorable short read, then look no further. Maggie Dallen’s books are the way to go, with this book being an example of that.
January 2, 2023
Sweet and simple.
Simone is a quirky artist and film buff. In the highschool cafeteria she sits with her best friend/honorary big brother Dax and his sports jock popular buddies. But she's really only there as his friend, to them, she is more or less invisible. Except for Andrew, the cute, star pitcher of the school's baseball team. He's such a friendly, genuine, nice guy, he always says hello to her and tries (without much success) to draw her into conversation.
When Simone shares with Dax's girlfriend that she is crushing on one of Dax's band mates, Rose gives her plenty of advice on flirting to catch her crush. First off she ropes in Andrew to help her practice talking to a guy so she's not so shy and embarrassed. Andrew good naturedly agrees.
By spending time with the friendly and attentive Andrew Simone is able to be relaxed enough to be herself and they become friends. But when he finds out that Simone's crush is not a great guy Andrew's suddenly not so keen to help Simone potentially get her heart broken, or worse. He realises that along the way, they have become more than friends, if only he can get Simone to look at him as more than a stand in.
This is a sweet romance with no descriptive love scenes.
Simone is a quirky artist and film buff. In the highschool cafeteria she sits with her best friend/honorary big brother Dax and his sports jock popular buddies. But she's really only there as his friend, to them, she is more or less invisible. Except for Andrew, the cute, star pitcher of the school's baseball team. He's such a friendly, genuine, nice guy, he always says hello to her and tries (without much success) to draw her into conversation.
When Simone shares with Dax's girlfriend that she is crushing on one of Dax's band mates, Rose gives her plenty of advice on flirting to catch her crush. First off she ropes in Andrew to help her practice talking to a guy so she's not so shy and embarrassed. Andrew good naturedly agrees.
By spending time with the friendly and attentive Andrew Simone is able to be relaxed enough to be herself and they become friends. But when he finds out that Simone's crush is not a great guy Andrew's suddenly not so keen to help Simone potentially get her heart broken, or worse. He realises that along the way, they have become more than friends, if only he can get Simone to look at him as more than a stand in.
This is a sweet romance with no descriptive love scenes.
June 19, 2020
This quick read is super cute and a fun start to a new (spin-off) series!
Okay, I might be a bit biased here since Simone was probably my favorite character in "Kissing the Player" (sorry, Rose, sorry Jax!). So I was more than happy to read her story, too, in this first novella of the spin-off series "How to Catch a Crush". Andrew is another of Maggie Dallen's good-guy heroes, and he and Simone make a cute couple (plus, the flirting lessons range from cute to hilarious).
It was also fun to reconnect with Jax and Rose, and I really liked how the BFF-friendship between Simone and Jax has grown to accomodate Rose, too.
Also: a gazillion bonus points for quoting some amazing movies, but most of all for invoking the one and only Inigo Montoya!
Okay, I might be a bit biased here since Simone was probably my favorite character in "Kissing the Player" (sorry, Rose, sorry Jax!). So I was more than happy to read her story, too, in this first novella of the spin-off series "How to Catch a Crush". Andrew is another of Maggie Dallen's good-guy heroes, and he and Simone make a cute couple (plus, the flirting lessons range from cute to hilarious).
It was also fun to reconnect with Jax and Rose, and I really liked how the BFF-friendship between Simone and Jax has grown to accomodate Rose, too.
Also: a gazillion bonus points for quoting some amazing movies, but most of all for invoking the one and only Inigo Montoya!
June 24, 2020
Cute read following Jax’s BFF from playing Kissing The Player. Simone has a crush on one of the members of Jax’s band but has no idea how to make him see notice her in comes Jax’s actress girlfriend Rose ready to teacher her all her tricks. When Rose pairs Simone with Andrew to work on her approach he his more then willingness to help out. Andrew starts off wanting to help the shy nerdy girl but soon he’s falling for her and wanting her for himself. Loved Andrew characters who was swoon worth and so patient with Simone and loved her habit of quoting movies lines when she’s nervous. Cute short read can’t wait for more of the Lonely Hearts Club.
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book
July 27, 2020
This was a fast fun read! The reader immediately gets into the story and is transported back to their awkward high school years - it is fun, it is awkward and it is real...
Simone is trying to figure out how to let her crush, Tony, know that she exists and is given some tips from Rosie, her BFF's girlfriend. Rosie also enlists the help of Andrew, hot shot pitcher for some real life help. Sims and Andy are so unlikely to get together, but you can't help but root for them!
It's a feel good story and one that the reader can't help but love! I will be reading the rest of this series just to see what other ideas the girls come up with! A fun read that leaves the reader feeling happier. Add this to your TBR list - you won't be sorry!
Simone is trying to figure out how to let her crush, Tony, know that she exists and is given some tips from Rosie, her BFF's girlfriend. Rosie also enlists the help of Andrew, hot shot pitcher for some real life help. Sims and Andy are so unlikely to get together, but you can't help but root for them!
It's a feel good story and one that the reader can't help but love! I will be reading the rest of this series just to see what other ideas the girls come up with! A fun read that leaves the reader feeling happier. Add this to your TBR list - you won't be sorry!
September 10, 2020
A young High school girl has a huge crush on Tony the bass guitar player in her friends band, but she is very shy and has no confidence in herself to approach him to talk to him... Her friends are all the same way so they read the popular magazines and try to learn tips in how to talk to boys. The star baseball pitcher is new to town and is a hottie, he befriends Simone and tries to help her with her dilemma, he even goes so far as to stand in as a dummy boyfriend so she can practice flirting... during all this practicing he falls for Simone and he no longer wants to help her get Tonys attention, he wants to keep her for himself...
A good, sweet coming of age romance, has you hoping that she opens her eyes to whats right in front of her.
A good, sweet coming of age romance, has you hoping that she opens her eyes to whats right in front of her.
December 26, 2020
Fluffy & fun
This is a short and sweet story! It’s well-written and does provide a bit of that giddy feelings. A good break from paranormal romance stories for awhile! Maggie Dallen is so good at characters with quirky & cuteness for the heroines or duo. You can relate a little with Sims, a shy girl and you just truly dig Andrew, the jock yet it would be cool to have a little more depth about them. Then again, I believe this story is meant to be quick and easy read. It is for the younger audience, young as 12 or 13 years old. I would truly recommend it for that type of audience. I just enjoyed it as an adult due to being a clean romance and much needed a fluffy yet fun read.
This is a short and sweet story! It’s well-written and does provide a bit of that giddy feelings. A good break from paranormal romance stories for awhile! Maggie Dallen is so good at characters with quirky & cuteness for the heroines or duo. You can relate a little with Sims, a shy girl and you just truly dig Andrew, the jock yet it would be cool to have a little more depth about them. Then again, I believe this story is meant to be quick and easy read. It is for the younger audience, young as 12 or 13 years old. I would truly recommend it for that type of audience. I just enjoyed it as an adult due to being a clean romance and much needed a fluffy yet fun read.
March 12, 2022
This book is living proof that Google Play Books freebie novels aren't all trash. Quickie junk food? Absolutely. The loaded nachos of novels.
110 pages of fast reading, surprisingly nuanced, cute, quirky, funny, light and satisfying to the last page. If you've been reading heavier novels and feel like a light little change OR love a quick bit of romance this is just the thing.
Believable characters, good pace, good length. But most important of all for me was a relationship that made sense. You can see why our beloved characters like eachother. And it's nice. And it's part of a big ol' series so you know you can turn to this author again the next time you're feeling a little romance fix.
5/5 a nice time.
110 pages of fast reading, surprisingly nuanced, cute, quirky, funny, light and satisfying to the last page. If you've been reading heavier novels and feel like a light little change OR love a quick bit of romance this is just the thing.
Believable characters, good pace, good length. But most important of all for me was a relationship that made sense. You can see why our beloved characters like eachother. And it's nice. And it's part of a big ol' series so you know you can turn to this author again the next time you're feeling a little romance fix.
5/5 a nice time.
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