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Changing Hearts #1
Without You
It's the senior year of high school. Ariana has a second chance at love, and this time, with a much better guy, Lucas.
She also sends off her application to her dream college knowing Lucas can't afford to go anywhere but the community college in their hometown. If she can get in and afford to go herself (and that's a big if), Ariana will have a tough choice to make.
Attending community college with Lucas or leaving him and everyone else behind to head off to the University of Georgia.
Which regret will she choose? Not going to the school of her dreams or possibly ruining her relationship with the guy of her dreams? Meanwhile, Ariana's brother, Jimmy, and best friend, Mayra, contemplate the idea of giving each other a chance.
She also sends off her application to her dream college knowing Lucas can't afford to go anywhere but the community college in their hometown. If she can get in and afford to go herself (and that's a big if), Ariana will have a tough choice to make.
Attending community college with Lucas or leaving him and everyone else behind to head off to the University of Georgia.
Which regret will she choose? Not going to the school of her dreams or possibly ruining her relationship with the guy of her dreams? Meanwhile, Ariana's brother, Jimmy, and best friend, Mayra, contemplate the idea of giving each other a chance.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
351 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Yesenia Vargas
32 books334 followersLife & weight loss coach. Writer. Single mama. Host of the Single Mom Glow Up Podcast.
Check out what I'm up to on IG (@thisisyeseniavargas).
Check out what I'm up to on IG (@thisisyeseniavargas).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 7, 2016
I really hate when I dislike a book. I'll do anything to make myself enjoy reading it just so I can avoid 2-star ratings or lower. And I tried, I really, really tried. The little blurb made this book sound so dang promising and after reading it I'm left wondering what on earth happened. I was often thinking I was reading a book about an eighth grader instead of a high school senior. It hasn't been THAT long since I was in high school, but dang, it could not be too different. Single filed lines? As near 18 years old? "Will you be my girlfriend?" Like seriously.... That is something that happened in middle school, most certainly not something that would happen in senior year. I felt the "relationship" happened way too quick, or just, why wasn't there ANY focus on the building up to the relationship? The writing was so focused on silly, silly things and I would have loved to see the ways they were growing to really, really like each other.
Then there's the incident where she shoves down queen snot and gets in trouble. Another reason why I felt like I was reading a middle school book. That would NOT happen in a classroom. After class? After school? Oh, most definitely. But not during class. Sure, she was provoked, but come on. That stupid shoulder shove and gossiping was not grounds to start a cat fight in the middle of class.
The list goes on... And I'm really sad this book felt so dang short of my expectations. I stopped really reading and started skimming way too early in the book and I just couldn't like it or get into it. I was rolling my eyes more than normal and getting irritated. I'll be happy if I don't read the word "groan" in any book ever again.
I give it one star, just barely.
Then there's the incident where she shoves down queen snot and gets in trouble. Another reason why I felt like I was reading a middle school book. That would NOT happen in a classroom. After class? After school? Oh, most definitely. But not during class. Sure, she was provoked, but come on. That stupid shoulder shove and gossiping was not grounds to start a cat fight in the middle of class.
The list goes on... And I'm really sad this book felt so dang short of my expectations. I stopped really reading and started skimming way too early in the book and I just couldn't like it or get into it. I was rolling my eyes more than normal and getting irritated. I'll be happy if I don't read the word "groan" in any book ever again.
I give it one star, just barely.
January 12, 2017
Everyone has fallen in love at one point or another sometimes it turned out to be the best part of your life and sometimes it is the period you regret the most.
Ariana regrets the time spent with Carlos but when she found Lucas, he gave a new meaning to her life. They have their life goals, career plans and been on a journey with someone who is your strength and weakness at the same time is amazing and painful. Ariana always have fear of loosing Lucas in the hands of his ex but she trust him to the infinity.
A love story completes when it has gone through all the tests of nature and come clear. Ariana and Lucas relationship faces all the hardships a relationship had and all the good times a relation deserves and needs to nurture.
A love story with slight high school drama but not with much twist. Fallen in love, going through all highs and lows on the way. This is what expected from a teenage love. Although the story has not much to serve you but it is still quite readable. If you don't expect/like high drama than you can go through the book. The book has a sequel too but I don't think I would like to go through the next book of the series.
Story is simple, expected and moves on a good pace.
Ariana regrets the time spent with Carlos but when she found Lucas, he gave a new meaning to her life. They have their life goals, career plans and been on a journey with someone who is your strength and weakness at the same time is amazing and painful. Ariana always have fear of loosing Lucas in the hands of his ex but she trust him to the infinity.
A love story completes when it has gone through all the tests of nature and come clear. Ariana and Lucas relationship faces all the hardships a relationship had and all the good times a relation deserves and needs to nurture.
A love story with slight high school drama but not with much twist. Fallen in love, going through all highs and lows on the way. This is what expected from a teenage love. Although the story has not much to serve you but it is still quite readable. If you don't expect/like high drama than you can go through the book. The book has a sequel too but I don't think I would like to go through the next book of the series.
Story is simple, expected and moves on a good pace.
March 26, 2018
Awesome book. Very entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 23, 2016
If I have to read the word ‘groan’ one more time, I may scream. I’m disappointed with Without You . I had no expectations for it after reading the synopsis and seeing the cover, that is to say, I wanted to see what Vargas had to offer. Vargas unfortunately didn’t offer much. I guessed the plot once I had reached the one-third mark in the story and from there I lost interest. Even the title, “Without You,” didn’t seem to tie in with the story.
I don’t quite know how I feel about Ariana because there were parts of her missing. All I knew about her, for sure, was that she wanted to go to University of Georgia, she had some kind of terrible experience with a mystery guy named Carlos, she speaks Spanish, is rather selfish, she curses when it’s not necessary, makes poor decisions, allows herself to be pressured into things, and she’s rather okay with lying to her parents and keeping serious secrets from them. I’m not sure about her hair color, eye color, her personality, why she’s the main character, or any of the basic things that make up a character. Ariana needed to be developed into a more interesting and wholesome character before she would have resembled a teenager in my perspective.
The other characters were in the same situation. I didn’t know their personalities, their interests, what they looked like, and they all (except for one!) freely lie to their parents. None of these teens are role models.
I am completely confused by this plot. There doesn’t seem to be one. There was always some type of conflict in a story, but never one that had me thinking, “ Now this is the main issue. ” I don’t recall ever reading a book where there wasn’t a conflict in some form, except maybe Without You . There were minor conflicts, like the sudden appearance of Wendy (a plot-pushing character) who was forgotten after a few pages, the love interest’s family issues (the issues were major, but treated as if they were minor until it was convenient), and Carlos who I will talk about in a few...
Read the rest of this review and more at: https://paigeturnerreads.wordpress.co...
I don’t quite know how I feel about Ariana because there were parts of her missing. All I knew about her, for sure, was that she wanted to go to University of Georgia, she had some kind of terrible experience with a mystery guy named Carlos, she speaks Spanish, is rather selfish, she curses when it’s not necessary, makes poor decisions, allows herself to be pressured into things, and she’s rather okay with lying to her parents and keeping serious secrets from them. I’m not sure about her hair color, eye color, her personality, why she’s the main character, or any of the basic things that make up a character. Ariana needed to be developed into a more interesting and wholesome character before she would have resembled a teenager in my perspective.
The other characters were in the same situation. I didn’t know their personalities, their interests, what they looked like, and they all (except for one!) freely lie to their parents. None of these teens are role models.
I am completely confused by this plot. There doesn’t seem to be one. There was always some type of conflict in a story, but never one that had me thinking, “ Now this is the main issue. ” I don’t recall ever reading a book where there wasn’t a conflict in some form, except maybe Without You . There were minor conflicts, like the sudden appearance of Wendy (a plot-pushing character) who was forgotten after a few pages, the love interest’s family issues (the issues were major, but treated as if they were minor until it was convenient), and Carlos who I will talk about in a few...
Read the rest of this review and more at: https://paigeturnerreads.wordpress.co...
September 26, 2015
Without You (Changing Heart Series #1)
by: Yesenia Vargas
Summary:
Ariana can't wait for high school to end. She is ready to graduate and start the year at the University of Georgia. She does not expect to find somebody like Lucas during seniors.
Ariana doesn't realize, by leaving for college, how much she will leave behind. Lucas is the perfect boy and everything she has ever wanted in a guy. He can't be involved with Ariana's new start. Not when his family need him so desperately at home. To make things worse, Ariana isn't sure that she can even afford to go to UGA or even get in. Ariana must choose, she is aware that she can't have it all.
Ariana realizes quickly that Lucas' ex would be more than happy to see her gone, but Ariana is ready to fight for Lucas.
Will she give up on her dream school? Or will she sacrifice Lucas?
Fave Character: Ariana. She is amazing and so similar to me, it is scary.
Unending Love
Yesenia Vargas
by: Yesenia Vargas
Summary:
Ariana can't wait for high school to end. She is ready to graduate and start the year at the University of Georgia. She does not expect to find somebody like Lucas during seniors.
Ariana doesn't realize, by leaving for college, how much she will leave behind. Lucas is the perfect boy and everything she has ever wanted in a guy. He can't be involved with Ariana's new start. Not when his family need him so desperately at home. To make things worse, Ariana isn't sure that she can even afford to go to UGA or even get in. Ariana must choose, she is aware that she can't have it all.
Ariana realizes quickly that Lucas' ex would be more than happy to see her gone, but Ariana is ready to fight for Lucas.
Will she give up on her dream school? Or will she sacrifice Lucas?
Fave Character: Ariana. She is amazing and so similar to me, it is scary.
Unending Love
Yesenia Vargas
June 15, 2017
The main character is a shy girl who learned some hard lessons in life the previous year. Her family has become a little overprotective, but that's what families do when they love you. I also enjoyed peeking into the life of Ariana's Latino family. This is a clean sweet story and I'm anxious to read the next in series about her brother.
August 15, 2017
Without you by Yesenia Vargas was a great read.after what happened in better off, Arianna is ready to graduate and attend the University of Georgia. Arianna me to Lucas with everything she's ever wanted in a man. I enjoyed reading about Ariana senior year in her first year in college. This was a great read. I can't wait to read more by Yesenia Vargas.
July 3, 2016
I loved this book. this was the first book i read of yesenia
February 21, 2018
'Without You' by Yesenia Vargas had many sweet moments. It told of a relationship between Ariana and Lucas, as well as of the friendship between Ariana and her best friend, Mayra, as well as Ariana's brother, Jimmy. These four main characters spent a lot of time together, and their parents also played a role in the story.
The relationships were told in a sweet way, even if the love between Ariana and Lucas felt a bit rushed. It was interesting to see how Lucas' ex-girlfriend, Wendy, factored into Ariana's new relationship with him, but the way she acted around her was quite different than how she was with everyone else. It tends to be true, though, that there are people who can bring out the best in you and those who can bring out the worst. Wendy seemed to be one who brought out the worst, but Ariana seemed smart enough to have been able to stand up to her in a stronger, more positive way.
The best and most strongly written relationship in the book was that between Ariana's best friend, Mayra, and Ariana's brother, Jimmy. It was nice to watch that grow, and to see how much Ariana supported it. It evolved slowly, between two people who were friends first. The truth behind this made it that much better of a plot point within the storyline.
The novel was interesting enough to keep reading, but there was quite a bit of telling and not showing within the story, which made it hard to continue at times. Many of the same words were used to explain ideas that were somewhat obvious to readers. This could have been enhanced through further description and more dialogue. As the story progressed, this began to happen more, but mostly within the last quarter of the novel. There was also the fact that Ariana's relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Carlos, was hinted at many times in terms of how hard it was for her and how she was thankfully able to get out of it, mostly unscathed. Yet, readers were not let in on what exactly happened with him. There is a prequel to this novel that tells their story for those who want to learn more about it, but incorporating some of who he was and what happened between them into 'Without You' would have been helpful in making the novel seem able to be read as a standalone, rather than an accompaniment to the prequel.
In 'Without You,' Yesenia Vargas has shown that there are some friendships meant to stand the test of time, and those that may peter out, but people can always find strength, love, and truth in each other, if they know where to look for it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
The relationships were told in a sweet way, even if the love between Ariana and Lucas felt a bit rushed. It was interesting to see how Lucas' ex-girlfriend, Wendy, factored into Ariana's new relationship with him, but the way she acted around her was quite different than how she was with everyone else. It tends to be true, though, that there are people who can bring out the best in you and those who can bring out the worst. Wendy seemed to be one who brought out the worst, but Ariana seemed smart enough to have been able to stand up to her in a stronger, more positive way.
The best and most strongly written relationship in the book was that between Ariana's best friend, Mayra, and Ariana's brother, Jimmy. It was nice to watch that grow, and to see how much Ariana supported it. It evolved slowly, between two people who were friends first. The truth behind this made it that much better of a plot point within the storyline.
The novel was interesting enough to keep reading, but there was quite a bit of telling and not showing within the story, which made it hard to continue at times. Many of the same words were used to explain ideas that were somewhat obvious to readers. This could have been enhanced through further description and more dialogue. As the story progressed, this began to happen more, but mostly within the last quarter of the novel. There was also the fact that Ariana's relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Carlos, was hinted at many times in terms of how hard it was for her and how she was thankfully able to get out of it, mostly unscathed. Yet, readers were not let in on what exactly happened with him. There is a prequel to this novel that tells their story for those who want to learn more about it, but incorporating some of who he was and what happened between them into 'Without You' would have been helpful in making the novel seem able to be read as a standalone, rather than an accompaniment to the prequel.
In 'Without You,' Yesenia Vargas has shown that there are some friendships meant to stand the test of time, and those that may peter out, but people can always find strength, love, and truth in each other, if they know where to look for it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
March 29, 2021
I’m all for stories about young love, and I don’t shy away from young adult books, but the author’s writing skills are downright juvenile. She relies too heavily on dialogue and uses too many pronouns, to where you need to read the sentence three times to figure out the “he” or “she” mentioned. At page four, I was already ready to throw in the towel.
The author makes constant reference to what happened with Carlos, which, I guess, happened in the prequel. I didn’t read the prequel and felt a little lost. If you’re going to call this Book 1 of a series, treat it as Book 1. Don’t assume the reader read a prequel they got for signing up for your mailing list.
The author was definitely guilty of telling, not showing, and some of her descriptions were bizarre and nonsensical. “She used her left hand to cup her right elbow so that her face was blocked from Lucas’s view and walked off.” What? What does that even mean?
The author also barely gave any physical description of the characters other than height. She described the food they ate in much more detail. The food sounded delicious, but I have no idea what the characters eating it looked like.
There were also issues with pacing and timelines. Months would pass, only separated by ###. It was the first day back after winter break, and then suddenly two lines later, it was March. Then it was April. In general, it’s not an issue for gaps of time, as long as the transition is smooth. Here, the transitions were nonexistent.
I understand this book was probably more geared toward teens, but I think teens deserve better writing and a plot, too.
The author makes constant reference to what happened with Carlos, which, I guess, happened in the prequel. I didn’t read the prequel and felt a little lost. If you’re going to call this Book 1 of a series, treat it as Book 1. Don’t assume the reader read a prequel they got for signing up for your mailing list.
The author was definitely guilty of telling, not showing, and some of her descriptions were bizarre and nonsensical. “She used her left hand to cup her right elbow so that her face was blocked from Lucas’s view and walked off.” What? What does that even mean?
The author also barely gave any physical description of the characters other than height. She described the food they ate in much more detail. The food sounded delicious, but I have no idea what the characters eating it looked like.
There were also issues with pacing and timelines. Months would pass, only separated by ###. It was the first day back after winter break, and then suddenly two lines later, it was March. Then it was April. In general, it’s not an issue for gaps of time, as long as the transition is smooth. Here, the transitions were nonexistent.
I understand this book was probably more geared toward teens, but I think teens deserve better writing and a plot, too.
January 6, 2018
I found this book to be a very enjoyable story that took me back to my own teenage years.
I loved getting a glimpse into what life in a Hispanic family might be like - a close-knit family, somewhat overbearing parents, siblings that are extremely close, and oh my goodness... the food! The descriptions of the family meals had me drooling! I do wish that the author had explored the cultural aspect a bit more, as she made reference to it throughout the book, and I feel like it could have enriched the story quite a bit.
While I felt like the characters themselves felt a bit flat and could have been developed further, the relationships between the characters were beautiful.
It was very easy to identify with the struggles that the main character, Ariana, faced as she approached the end of her senior year and had to decide what she wanted to do with her life - where to go to college, how to pay for it, etc.
This was an easy read with all the feels!
I loved getting a glimpse into what life in a Hispanic family might be like - a close-knit family, somewhat overbearing parents, siblings that are extremely close, and oh my goodness... the food! The descriptions of the family meals had me drooling! I do wish that the author had explored the cultural aspect a bit more, as she made reference to it throughout the book, and I feel like it could have enriched the story quite a bit.
While I felt like the characters themselves felt a bit flat and could have been developed further, the relationships between the characters were beautiful.
It was very easy to identify with the struggles that the main character, Ariana, faced as she approached the end of her senior year and had to decide what she wanted to do with her life - where to go to college, how to pay for it, etc.
This was an easy read with all the feels!
January 17, 2018
I really disliked the style,
this book is written in, also weak characters like, I thought they were so boring and even the males were mistaken as one another because they were so two dimensional. Also, don`t judge me, but I think the chemistry between them sucked. It might be close to a real high school romance, but I want some romance in my Romance novels??? And more passion pleases. Also at times the love story between her brother and her best friend was more interesting to me which is a really bad sign - right?
this book is written in, also weak characters like, I thought they were so boring and even the males were mistaken as one another because they were so two dimensional. Also, don`t judge me, but I think the chemistry between them sucked. It might be close to a real high school romance, but I want some romance in my Romance novels??? And more passion pleases. Also at times the love story between her brother and her best friend was more interesting to me which is a really bad sign - right?
July 15, 2017
Ok I read the prelude so I understood about Carlos but otherwise this just is ok. Ariana is still making bad choices and allowing others to get her into too much mischief and she hasn't learned her lesson. I was able to connect better with her in the prelude but enjoyed Mayra and Jimmy better as characters. I would like to read more of this author because she has great style and I have much hope for the series.
January 3, 2018
Not my cup of tea
This book is for teens, so I didn't get much from it. The characters were likeable, but the storyline was boring and predictable because it's something we all deal with ( college apps , boyfriends and highschool drama). I think younger minded teens would definitely enjoy it, but like I said, it's not my favorite.
This book is for teens, so I didn't get much from it. The characters were likeable, but the storyline was boring and predictable because it's something we all deal with ( college apps , boyfriends and highschool drama). I think younger minded teens would definitely enjoy it, but like I said, it's not my favorite.
April 26, 2018
I loved this book. At points, I so badly wanted to know what happened with Ariana and Carlos, but I liked the suspense of that part. I really loved the romance between Lucas and Ariana. This book was great, but I'd read Better Off, the sequel, found at (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...) which helps understand what happened between Ariana and Carlos.
September 24, 2017
I am loving these characters and the storyline. I listened to this book in audio form. The narrator is doing wonderful in narrating these characters and the story. My favorite characters are Ariana and Jimmy. I'm excited about this series.
Read
February 18, 2018The book wasn't horrible but it certainly wasn't the best. I found the book to be very basic and very cliché.
April 30, 2018
Poorly written and I found it confusing when the author was referring to the characters.
May 11, 2021
Love story
This was a good book about two high school lovers and their future. I felt like it was short but you get the whole story in the readings. Very happy ending.
This was a good book about two high school lovers and their future. I felt like it was short but you get the whole story in the readings. Very happy ending.
December 30, 2022
loved this book
I loved this story from beginning to end. Couldn’t stop reading so happy the way it ended. Lucas was such a good character.
I loved this story from beginning to end. Couldn’t stop reading so happy the way it ended. Lucas was such a good character.
October 8, 2024
I just couldn’t get into it. I tried so hard. Read through chapter 10 but there was just nothing to hold me to it.
September 26, 2017
Without You is about Ariana's senior year. After having a bad relationship with Carlos, Ariana didn't want to make the same mistakes with her parents and with Lucas who has shown some interest in her. With Lucas' ex in the background, Ariana has allowed Lucas' ex to get under her skin and ended up going to detention before it dawned on her, it might be a blight into being accepted to University of Georgia, Athens (UGA).
Ariana is also facing that she and Lucas might have to have a long distance relationship since Lucas cannot abandon taking care of his mother and two younger sisters. She is scared that she and Lucas might not be together forever.
She is also facing a dilemma of trying to finance her college education. Her parents can't pay her entire college education and the only way, Ariana can pay her way is through scholarships or go to a community college.
Without You is a story of decisions that every high school students will be experiencing and will be making as they prepare for life after high school. Some will be leaving for college, Some will be getting their first job. Some will be hoping that the boy/girl, they are dating will come with them. This would either be a beginning or an end to their relationship as they know it. Some would hope that if they are meant to be, they will come full circle when the time is right.
This story also address of trying to pay for college and knowing that financially, you can't afford to go to the top university that you want. This book address everything from dating to family to coming back home full circle and to see how you have define life. It is about hopes and dreams of a better life.
I recommend that every high school students should read this. Without You captures everything that a high school students will have to deal with when leaving home for college.
However, the relationship of Ariana and Mia seemed strange. I have thought that Ariana and Mia are senior but since Mia is left behind, I have to concluded that Mia is a junior. It is kind of strange to be best friend with a junior in high school. I could also conclude that either Mia failed a grade and have to repeated it. It would be interesting to see when Ariana's brother, Jimmy and Mia's relationship would go in the next book.
I have received this audiobook from the author. I have volunteer to write an unbiased review for the book. I was not compensated and influenced in any way for writing this review.
Ariana is also facing that she and Lucas might have to have a long distance relationship since Lucas cannot abandon taking care of his mother and two younger sisters. She is scared that she and Lucas might not be together forever.
She is also facing a dilemma of trying to finance her college education. Her parents can't pay her entire college education and the only way, Ariana can pay her way is through scholarships or go to a community college.
Without You is a story of decisions that every high school students will be experiencing and will be making as they prepare for life after high school. Some will be leaving for college, Some will be getting their first job. Some will be hoping that the boy/girl, they are dating will come with them. This would either be a beginning or an end to their relationship as they know it. Some would hope that if they are meant to be, they will come full circle when the time is right.
This story also address of trying to pay for college and knowing that financially, you can't afford to go to the top university that you want. This book address everything from dating to family to coming back home full circle and to see how you have define life. It is about hopes and dreams of a better life.
I recommend that every high school students should read this. Without You captures everything that a high school students will have to deal with when leaving home for college.
However, the relationship of Ariana and Mia seemed strange. I have thought that Ariana and Mia are senior but since Mia is left behind, I have to concluded that Mia is a junior. It is kind of strange to be best friend with a junior in high school. I could also conclude that either Mia failed a grade and have to repeated it. It would be interesting to see when Ariana's brother, Jimmy and Mia's relationship would go in the next book.
I have received this audiobook from the author. I have volunteer to write an unbiased review for the book. I was not compensated and influenced in any way for writing this review.
February 8, 2018
3.4 stars.
this book was so good except for Ariana's character. it took me a while to start loving her.
jimmy and the others were so dumn funny.
i loved the christman/ birthday/basket ball game scences.
the end was so goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood omg..
i loved lucas!!
this book was so good except for Ariana's character. it took me a while to start loving her.
jimmy and the others were so dumn funny.
i loved the christman/ birthday/basket ball game scences.
the end was so goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood omg..
i loved lucas!!
October 26, 2016
I had a hard time finishing this book. I had to listen in spurts. Nothing really happens in the story. Nothing. Except typical high school things. I kept waiting for something to happen. The last half hour of the book has the most excitement of the whole book. While the book is a sweet, first love story I would recommend reading it instead of listening.
The beginning stages of a relationship and the feelings most young girls feel. The insecurities, the hope, the excitement, the whole range of emotions. Then the changing emotions and stronger bond that evolves when a relationship grows. The struggles of a long distance relationship. The heartbreak and the eventual HEA.
Actually they are in high school for most of the book but at times it reads like they are in middle school. The characters just act too immature and naïve. It's summer, they are 18 and have graduated high school and their parents still dictate when they can see each other alone or in a group. This is just not realistic.
There is to much time spent on describing meaningless things like food, her inner dialogue of thought, everyday mundane things like where she likes to sit on a bus just to name a few.
Ramona Master does an okay job with the narration. Pleasant voice that fits the character's age. She has some good character voices. She has a voice that could be great for audiobooks with a little work. Her inflection is on the wrong words this effects the flow of the story. The narration does not flow smoothly, it's choppy. She's reading the sentence and then pauses awkwardly at the end of a sentence when she has to move her eyes down the page to the next line.
If I had purchased the book I would have returned it.
This audiobook was voluntarily provided by the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The beginning stages of a relationship and the feelings most young girls feel. The insecurities, the hope, the excitement, the whole range of emotions. Then the changing emotions and stronger bond that evolves when a relationship grows. The struggles of a long distance relationship. The heartbreak and the eventual HEA.
Actually they are in high school for most of the book but at times it reads like they are in middle school. The characters just act too immature and naïve. It's summer, they are 18 and have graduated high school and their parents still dictate when they can see each other alone or in a group. This is just not realistic.
There is to much time spent on describing meaningless things like food, her inner dialogue of thought, everyday mundane things like where she likes to sit on a bus just to name a few.
Ramona Master does an okay job with the narration. Pleasant voice that fits the character's age. She has some good character voices. She has a voice that could be great for audiobooks with a little work. Her inflection is on the wrong words this effects the flow of the story. The narration does not flow smoothly, it's choppy. She's reading the sentence and then pauses awkwardly at the end of a sentence when she has to move her eyes down the page to the next line.
If I had purchased the book I would have returned it.
This audiobook was voluntarily provided by the author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 2, 2017
The copious use of the word groan makes me want to hurl, and perfectly described my feelings for this awful book.
At first I thought this was going to be a really sweet YA love story - something easy and stupid to keep my mind off my current predicament - but then they started talking about doing it.
I'm not naive enough to know teens don't do it, but why should you make it the end-all-be-all of the relationship?
And then there was the stupid junior high cat fight between the two girls...ugh!
Not to mention, the incident with Carlos was never actually put out there. It was just kind of dangled on and on, with no resolution of the question, what really happened?
Formatting had some major problems for Nook. There were sentences that rolled off the page, and you missed a good portion of what was going on. Had to stop and think about what you missed to fill in the blanks.
Now, grammar, grammar, grammar. I get that you miss a few words here and there, it happens, but this was ALL over the book. The author makes a big deal at the end about thanking her editor and how she edits books herself, but I don't understand how she missed SO much. Words missing all over the place, problems with her timeline...things like starting the heater in the car, then starting the car (which I don't know of any car capable of such a thing that would be within this family's financial grasp), not to mention it's listed as book 2 and book 1 in several differwnt places, so which is it?
Sorry, but I just didn't like it.
It just wasn't a very good attempt.
For my clean readers:
Includes language, sex, and inappropriate humor. Would not suggest for teens.
At first I thought this was going to be a really sweet YA love story - something easy and stupid to keep my mind off my current predicament - but then they started talking about doing it.
I'm not naive enough to know teens don't do it, but why should you make it the end-all-be-all of the relationship?
And then there was the stupid junior high cat fight between the two girls...ugh!
Not to mention, the incident with Carlos was never actually put out there. It was just kind of dangled on and on, with no resolution of the question, what really happened?
Formatting had some major problems for Nook. There were sentences that rolled off the page, and you missed a good portion of what was going on. Had to stop and think about what you missed to fill in the blanks.
Now, grammar, grammar, grammar. I get that you miss a few words here and there, it happens, but this was ALL over the book. The author makes a big deal at the end about thanking her editor and how she edits books herself, but I don't understand how she missed SO much. Words missing all over the place, problems with her timeline...things like starting the heater in the car, then starting the car (which I don't know of any car capable of such a thing that would be within this family's financial grasp), not to mention it's listed as book 2 and book 1 in several differwnt places, so which is it?
Sorry, but I just didn't like it.
It just wasn't a very good attempt.
For my clean readers:
Includes language, sex, and inappropriate humor. Would not suggest for teens.
November 28, 2016
Ariana is a Latina high school girl that wants to go University of GA more than anything in the world. She seeks a adventure, independence, and a fresh start, especially after what happened last year. Who was this Carlos and what did he do to her? Unfortunately, this book doesn't go into any detail about Carlos. Probably because they want you to download the prequel.
The first chapter started well off, until we go to the basketball game. Really, we didn't need a play-by-play. (In fact, if the second book of this series centers mainly on the kid going for a basketball scholarship, then I'd better pass on it because I just know it'll go into intensive sport details - Oy!)
For the most part, this is a pretty good story. Ariana and Mayra are the best of friends and are there for each other. Ariana's family is supportive and honor their traditional Mexican values. I liked that Ariana was a smart, studious, and dedicated worker. Ariana is a great role model for today's Latino youth.
Best part about her is that she refuses to let anything get in the way of her dreams. Until...Lucas walks in. They begin their journey as awkward friends and, gradually, it turns into something meaningful and deep. Lucas and Ariana are actually great together. I liked that their romance wasn't all smutty; instead it was innocent and beautiful. There were a few lagging areas here and there, but, overall, this was an enjoyable YA story.
The first chapter started well off, until we go to the basketball game. Really, we didn't need a play-by-play. (In fact, if the second book of this series centers mainly on the kid going for a basketball scholarship, then I'd better pass on it because I just know it'll go into intensive sport details - Oy!)
For the most part, this is a pretty good story. Ariana and Mayra are the best of friends and are there for each other. Ariana's family is supportive and honor their traditional Mexican values. I liked that Ariana was a smart, studious, and dedicated worker. Ariana is a great role model for today's Latino youth.
Best part about her is that she refuses to let anything get in the way of her dreams. Until...Lucas walks in. They begin their journey as awkward friends and, gradually, it turns into something meaningful and deep. Lucas and Ariana are actually great together. I liked that their romance wasn't all smutty; instead it was innocent and beautiful. There were a few lagging areas here and there, but, overall, this was an enjoyable YA story.
May 6, 2016
Spoilers / ramblings
Besides what you'll read below; I actually enjoyed this book. Fast read. You love the characters. You get used to parts being in Spanish. There are some missing words at times but that didn't bother me much.
This book bugged me at times. It made me happy that I was mostly single in high school. I say mostly since my sophomore and junior year I was in a relationship. He didn't go to my school though. It felt annoying reading about the two characters at certain parts. Does he always have to walk you to class? Be outside the classroom door waiting for you to exit? Walk you to lunch and sit with you too? I'm sorry, but I would just want space, hangout with my friends. Feel independent. It just seemed like they didn't totally trust eachother. Rather be together outside of school.
Also Arianna just wouldn't stop talking about college. She couldn't get over how his family needed him. He made it seem like the mom was disabled or something. How he HAD to drive her places. But later on in the book, his mom has a job. Went there by herself. It just seemed weird to me.
At parts, it mentions Carlos. You don't get much detail about what happened besides her getting drunk and being half naked. It made me think that she was raped but yet, that wasn't the case.
Besides what you'll read below; I actually enjoyed this book. Fast read. You love the characters. You get used to parts being in Spanish. There are some missing words at times but that didn't bother me much.
This book bugged me at times. It made me happy that I was mostly single in high school. I say mostly since my sophomore and junior year I was in a relationship. He didn't go to my school though. It felt annoying reading about the two characters at certain parts. Does he always have to walk you to class? Be outside the classroom door waiting for you to exit? Walk you to lunch and sit with you too? I'm sorry, but I would just want space, hangout with my friends. Feel independent. It just seemed like they didn't totally trust eachother. Rather be together outside of school.
Also Arianna just wouldn't stop talking about college. She couldn't get over how his family needed him. He made it seem like the mom was disabled or something. How he HAD to drive her places. But later on in the book, his mom has a job. Went there by herself. It just seemed weird to me.
At parts, it mentions Carlos. You don't get much detail about what happened besides her getting drunk and being half naked. It made me think that she was raped but yet, that wasn't the case.
October 26, 2016
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.”
2,5 *
Oh uh how should I start?
Not a good choice in the narrator... bad, bad. Well maybe the reading material wasn't interesting enough... Let me explain. It took me more time to understand the story, it was like the characters were just bored to death... and that's so bad for the book.
I missed out on emotion, a very important part for an audiobook, right?
I was struggling to read it to the end.
Another bad thing for me, maybe I'm not used to it, but, repeating every character's name in the same sentence, easy to get lost in the words.
Ariana did this, Lucas said that... All I know is that Ariana doesn' t stop talking about college.
And it's all I know, not so much for the details, some kind of plot... was it a plot? It wasn't captivating me.
High school drama felt like middle school drama. What to expect from a teenage love?
Girl meets boy. Some highs and lows. Girl loses boy. Then live happily ever after. The end.
Nothing special or different, maybe I was expecting more?
I feel bad reviewing this, maybe if I read it instead of listening to it I would be more enthusiast now.
2,5 *
Oh uh how should I start?
Not a good choice in the narrator... bad, bad. Well maybe the reading material wasn't interesting enough... Let me explain. It took me more time to understand the story, it was like the characters were just bored to death... and that's so bad for the book.
I missed out on emotion, a very important part for an audiobook, right?
I was struggling to read it to the end.
Another bad thing for me, maybe I'm not used to it, but, repeating every character's name in the same sentence, easy to get lost in the words.
Ariana did this, Lucas said that... All I know is that Ariana doesn' t stop talking about college.
And it's all I know, not so much for the details, some kind of plot... was it a plot? It wasn't captivating me.
High school drama felt like middle school drama. What to expect from a teenage love?
Girl meets boy. Some highs and lows. Girl loses boy. Then live happily ever after. The end.
Nothing special or different, maybe I was expecting more?
I feel bad reviewing this, maybe if I read it instead of listening to it I would be more enthusiast now.
July 3, 2016
☆1 star☆
Wow, this was not good.
Without You is a YA contemporary novel by Yesenia Vargas. It was free for Kindle and since I was in the mood to read a contemporary, I decided tor read it. It's about a girl named Ariana, who goes through her senior year with her best friend Mayra, and meets a boy named Lucas.
This book was so boring, unoriginal, and very predictable. Think about every cheesy, cliché scenerio you know, because this book consists of almost all of them. Girl meets boy. Girl starts to like boy, but thinks he likes the girl's friend. Turns out he doesn't, and likes the first girl instead. Then, they fall in love. Girl then loses boy. They end up getting back together and living happily ever after. The end.
That's basically what happens. There was nothing special or different that happened. Just the same thing you've already read before.
Wow, this was not good.
Without You is a YA contemporary novel by Yesenia Vargas. It was free for Kindle and since I was in the mood to read a contemporary, I decided tor read it. It's about a girl named Ariana, who goes through her senior year with her best friend Mayra, and meets a boy named Lucas.
This book was so boring, unoriginal, and very predictable. Think about every cheesy, cliché scenerio you know, because this book consists of almost all of them. Girl meets boy. Girl starts to like boy, but thinks he likes the girl's friend. Turns out he doesn't, and likes the first girl instead. Then, they fall in love. Girl then loses boy. They end up getting back together and living happily ever after. The end.
That's basically what happens. There was nothing special or different that happened. Just the same thing you've already read before.
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