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Backstage Pass #4
Anya and the Shy Guy
It’s always the quiet ones…
Anya Anderson doesn’t just need a big break, she needs any break. Living on the streets doesn’t leave a girl many options, so when she scores a gig reporting on the Seconds to Juliet tour, she jumps at the chance to earn enough money to sleep somewhere safe. And the paycheck will get bigger—and keep her off the streets for good—if she can dig up dirt on Will Fray, the irritatingly hot “shy guy” of the band.
Problem is, Will Fray isn't who everyone thinks he is. In fact, he’s not Will at all. Matt, Will's identical twin, is actually the guy onstage, reluctantly covering for his brother while he’s in rehab. To make matters worse, Matt’s being shadowed by a cute reporter with troubled eyes determined to get the scoop. On him. And he's having trouble finding the willpower to keep his distance…
But if the secret gets out, it won't just be his head on a platter—it’ll be the whole band’s.
This Entangled Teen Crush book contains steamy make out scenes, graphic language, and a love story so hot your copy may spontaneously burst into flames. You’ve been warned.
Anya Anderson doesn’t just need a big break, she needs any break. Living on the streets doesn’t leave a girl many options, so when she scores a gig reporting on the Seconds to Juliet tour, she jumps at the chance to earn enough money to sleep somewhere safe. And the paycheck will get bigger—and keep her off the streets for good—if she can dig up dirt on Will Fray, the irritatingly hot “shy guy” of the band.
Problem is, Will Fray isn't who everyone thinks he is. In fact, he’s not Will at all. Matt, Will's identical twin, is actually the guy onstage, reluctantly covering for his brother while he’s in rehab. To make matters worse, Matt’s being shadowed by a cute reporter with troubled eyes determined to get the scoop. On him. And he's having trouble finding the willpower to keep his distance…
But if the secret gets out, it won't just be his head on a platter—it’ll be the whole band’s.
This Entangled Teen Crush book contains steamy make out scenes, graphic language, and a love story so hot your copy may spontaneously burst into flames. You’ve been warned.
230 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2015
15 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 10, 2015
This series just keeps getting better and better. Every band member of Seconds to Juliet have a special place in my shelf and heart, but Will-- I mean Matt.. is extra special. Like, extra extra special.
I don't know if its because of the little twist in the story or because of just Matt alone, but this is really my favorite installment so far. The little twist being Will (the original member of the band) has a twin named MATT (who is in Will's place because of a minor accident) is a very genius idea. I love how the author did her own thing and even though its not the usual plotline, the trademark of the series which is the swoony and to-die-for romance is still there. Suze just added her own sprinkle of swoony goodness.
I usually talk about the guys in my past reviews in the past books (because how can you not!!?) and because this series is mainly about them anyway. But here, lets talk about Matt's love interest, Mia. Mia is also my favorite heroine so far. Everything in her character is just plain admirable that you can't help but root for her from the very beginning. She's strong despite having the saddest back story ever. She's smart and absolutely sassy. She's the kind of girl who produces sexiness vibes without even trying. (Because tennis shoes are sexy! DUH) And these are the reason why it completely makes sense that our hero got smitten.
And Matt.. who is pretending to be Will. How do I explain this guy? Just writing this review and remembering him is putting a goofy grin on my face that I don't think will be be gone immediately. So I guess you guys already have a clue on how much I love him, right? He is sooo badass and yet, his adorableness can't be denied too. I like how he's not the dark and brooding hero who is being a jerk to our love interest. He's so sweet I wish he's real so I can just keep him.
Anya and the Shy Guy is absolutely another sweet with the-right-kind-of-hot installment in the Backstage Pass series. This book is why fangirls exist!!! From the start, you'll feel the excitement of being with the band when they're not on stage. The adrenaline, the uncontrollable feels and the undeniable chemistry. Suze Winegardner just packed it all in one book for us to feast over. If you're a romance reader, this book is definitely for you. And if not? Its time to be converted! And this book will totally help you with that.
You can also read my reviews in here.
"Her eyes fluttered closed, and he kissed her. Because he could. Because there was no way he couldn't."
I don't know if its because of the little twist in the story or because of just Matt alone, but this is really my favorite installment so far. The little twist being Will (the original member of the band) has a twin named MATT (who is in Will's place because of a minor accident) is a very genius idea. I love how the author did her own thing and even though its not the usual plotline, the trademark of the series which is the swoony and to-die-for romance is still there. Suze just added her own sprinkle of swoony goodness.
I usually talk about the guys in my past reviews in the past books (because how can you not!!?) and because this series is mainly about them anyway. But here, lets talk about Matt's love interest, Mia. Mia is also my favorite heroine so far. Everything in her character is just plain admirable that you can't help but root for her from the very beginning. She's strong despite having the saddest back story ever. She's smart and absolutely sassy. She's the kind of girl who produces sexiness vibes without even trying. (Because tennis shoes are sexy! DUH) And these are the reason why it completely makes sense that our hero got smitten.
And Matt.. who is pretending to be Will. How do I explain this guy? Just writing this review and remembering him is putting a goofy grin on my face that I don't think will be be gone immediately. So I guess you guys already have a clue on how much I love him, right? He is sooo badass and yet, his adorableness can't be denied too. I like how he's not the dark and brooding hero who is being a jerk to our love interest. He's so sweet I wish he's real so I can just keep him.
Anya and the Shy Guy is absolutely another sweet with the-right-kind-of-hot installment in the Backstage Pass series. This book is why fangirls exist!!! From the start, you'll feel the excitement of being with the band when they're not on stage. The adrenaline, the uncontrollable feels and the undeniable chemistry. Suze Winegardner just packed it all in one book for us to feast over. If you're a romance reader, this book is definitely for you. And if not? Its time to be converted! And this book will totally help you with that.
You can also read my reviews in here.
December 28, 2015
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review
UPDATE: HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!! CHECK OUT MY POST FOR THE RELEASE DAY BLITZ AND GET A CHANCE TO WIN AN AWESOME PRIZE PACK! SEE THE POST HERE
OKAY I OFFICIALLY LOVE THIS SERIES.
Yo guys read this now.
Okay, I'll do the reviews (a lot of reviews) later but let me just tell you one thing I noticed.
So it seems like this and DatFM is similar in a certain way - meaning, secrets. Both books come down to that similarity. Both leads kept a secret from each other and it generally involves a lot of lying to each other and I don't know but that is a little too much of a coincidence and consistency in a series for me.
BUT I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVE THIS SERIES. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT BOOK (this is embarrassing but I forgot the title but when I edit this later, you won't know that)
**full review later**
UPDATE: HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!! CHECK OUT MY POST FOR THE RELEASE DAY BLITZ AND GET A CHANCE TO WIN AN AWESOME PRIZE PACK! SEE THE POST HERE
OKAY I OFFICIALLY LOVE THIS SERIES.
Yo guys read this now.
Okay, I'll do the reviews (a lot of reviews) later but let me just tell you one thing I noticed.
So it seems like this and DatFM is similar in a certain way - meaning, secrets. Both books come down to that similarity. Both leads kept a secret from each other and it generally involves a lot of lying to each other and I don't know but that is a little too much of a coincidence and consistency in a series for me.
BUT I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVE THIS SERIES. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT BOOK (this is embarrassing but I forgot the title but when I edit this later, you won't know that)
**full review later**
July 13, 2015
I was provide this arc by Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 Stars!
I was happy to read another installment in this adorable series! These are just so cute.
I will admit, Ryder is still my favorite! But also, I loved Matt!!! I'm not sure that I would have even liked Will as much as I did his brother.
That was also confusing to me - so far, this series has focused each book on one of the band members. Now, we are actually not getting to really know Will's story at all. So I feel like that threw things off a bit. Also, people keep saying this is the "edgier" book of the series so far, but I didn't really get that from it. Maybe I just have a different definition of edgy.
There were some harder issues faced by some of the people in this book, but I don't necessarily think that makes it edgier.
I love how everything worked out in this book, and I feel like we might have gotten a clue to who Nathans girl is going to be :) so I am pretty excited about that!
3.5 Stars!
I was happy to read another installment in this adorable series! These are just so cute.
I will admit, Ryder is still my favorite! But also, I loved Matt!!! I'm not sure that I would have even liked Will as much as I did his brother.
That was also confusing to me - so far, this series has focused each book on one of the band members. Now, we are actually not getting to really know Will's story at all. So I feel like that threw things off a bit. Also, people keep saying this is the "edgier" book of the series so far, but I didn't really get that from it. Maybe I just have a different definition of edgy.
There were some harder issues faced by some of the people in this book, but I don't necessarily think that makes it edgier.
I love how everything worked out in this book, and I feel like we might have gotten a clue to who Nathans girl is going to be :) so I am pretty excited about that!
October 3, 2019
I'm very easy to please and I thought this was okay, so take from that what you will. The story itself was predictable and cheesy but I don't dislike that at all in my romances, so that's not a problem for me. The writing was fine but not great, mostly the dialogue was a little bland sometimes.
The thing that bothered me about this book is the title. If you're gonna call a book Anya and the Shy Guy, I'm expecting Anya to meet a shy guy and very likely get with said shy guy. That doesn't happen. The shy guy (=Will)(this is stated in the synopsis, so it's not really a spoiler) is replaced on tour by his twin brother (Matt). The brother is the one Anya meets and gets with, which I'm all for, good for them. But he's not shy at all. I don't mind a non-shy guy at all, but if the title says I'm getting a shy guy and I happen to pick up this book because I'm in the mood for a shy guy, then I want a shy guy, you feel me?
The thing that bothered me about this book is the title. If you're gonna call a book Anya and the Shy Guy, I'm expecting Anya to meet a shy guy and very likely get with said shy guy. That doesn't happen. The shy guy (=Will)(this is stated in the synopsis, so it's not really a spoiler) is replaced on tour by his twin brother (Matt). The brother is the one Anya meets and gets with, which I'm all for, good for them. But he's not shy at all. I don't mind a non-shy guy at all, but if the title says I'm getting a shy guy and I happen to pick up this book because I'm in the mood for a shy guy, then I want a shy guy, you feel me?
July 23, 2015
The next installment of the Backstage Pass Series featuring the band Seconds to Juliet features Anya Anderson who is acting under false pretenses as a journalist as the thing is she is homeless and this is the only way she can earn fast money. Though it seems that she is not the only one keepinga huge secret that if it ever got out could cause harm and chaos. Matt is filling in for his twin brother Will who is the "real singer" and the one known as the "Shy Guy". Will is currently in rehab as after an injury to his shoulder, he found himself addicted to pills and one thing led to another and he found his way to rehab in order to get clean. The catch though was that Matt had to take his place otherwise Will's family would have been sued for everything they have. Can Matt keep up the game as Will especially with having Anya as his shadow and even more so that he actually likes Anya ? What will happen though when Anya's past threatens to bubble up to the surface and she is left wondering whether Matt/Will would ever love a girl like her - someone who has lived on the streets, in shelters etc ? Out of the three Backstage Pass series books I have read, I quite enjoyed this one and it could be either the journalist in me as I love books that have to do with journalism , magazines or the fact that Anya and Matt are just regular somebodies trying to immerse and disguise themselves in the world of celebrities.
If you love Teen Romance and Music Stories and Boy Bands then Anya and the Shy Guy by Suze Winegardner is the read for you.
If you love Teen Romance and Music Stories and Boy Bands then Anya and the Shy Guy by Suze Winegardner is the read for you.
shelved-to-make-witty-remark
July 16, 2015I'm seeing this title pop up over my blogosphere feeds and all I can see when I think Anya and the "Shy Guy" is this fella below:
LOL. Points for whoever thought of Nintendo/Mario too!
LOL. Points for whoever thought of Nintendo/Mario too!
July 22, 2015
At A Glance
My favorite book of the series so far.
The Good
I was completely absorbed by this story. Anya and Matt completely enchanted me the whole book. I could not put it down. I read Anya and the Shy Guy in one sitting.
Anya is my favorite character of the series. She was so strong and driven. Her story is heartbreaking and I really felt for her. She has been homeless for years but one well written article has set her on a path to money and safety. She has to find a juicy story while riding along with Seconds to Juliet. She get's in close with Will, the shy guy of the band, but her feelings start to outweigh her need for the scoop and a way off the streets. Except, Will is keeping a big secret. He's actually Matt, Will's twin brother.
I don't know much about Will yet, but I think I love Matt more. He so laid back and genuine. He has a big heart and the love for his family is huge, that's why he is helping Will out by taking his place in the band while Will gets his crap together. He may have his doubts about Anya in the beginning, since she is a reporter, but he slowly lets his guard down and doesn't regret it.
We get the same drama like the other books: misunderstandings and feelings of betrayal. But the ending was adorbale, dorky, and perfect. But this was all about the characters for me. Anya and Matt are perfect for each other.
The Bad
I felt a little deprived of the other characters. We are on book 4 so I am use to getting a lot of face-time with all the boys and some of their girlfriends. That didn't really happen much in this book.
The Snuggly
No sex here and none needed. Just some kissing. Very YA.
Final Thoughts
This is not a perfect series, but you will not be disappointed if you try it out. Anya and the Shy Guy was a great addition. It was fun, flirty, and enjoyable. Very recommended.
Quotes
"You're so beautiful," he said simply.
She looked away from him, unwilling to accept that he was being truthful. Fingers tipper her chin back up, and his lips slowly sunk into hers. She felt as if she were melting, from her legs, to her stomach, to her brain that no longer held a thought. For a few minutes, her whole world became Will, and his kiss.
He tightened his grasp on it, tugging her hair ever so lightly, pulling her head to one side. Her eyes fluttered closed, and he kissed her. Because he could. Because there was no way he couldn’t."
“What was that? What the hell was that? You can’t just go around kissing random people without notice. It’s rude. You’re rude.”
Giveaway
My favorite book of the series so far.
The Good
I was completely absorbed by this story. Anya and Matt completely enchanted me the whole book. I could not put it down. I read Anya and the Shy Guy in one sitting.
Anya is my favorite character of the series. She was so strong and driven. Her story is heartbreaking and I really felt for her. She has been homeless for years but one well written article has set her on a path to money and safety. She has to find a juicy story while riding along with Seconds to Juliet. She get's in close with Will, the shy guy of the band, but her feelings start to outweigh her need for the scoop and a way off the streets. Except, Will is keeping a big secret. He's actually Matt, Will's twin brother.
I don't know much about Will yet, but I think I love Matt more. He so laid back and genuine. He has a big heart and the love for his family is huge, that's why he is helping Will out by taking his place in the band while Will gets his crap together. He may have his doubts about Anya in the beginning, since she is a reporter, but he slowly lets his guard down and doesn't regret it.
We get the same drama like the other books: misunderstandings and feelings of betrayal. But the ending was adorbale, dorky, and perfect. But this was all about the characters for me. Anya and Matt are perfect for each other.
The Bad
I felt a little deprived of the other characters. We are on book 4 so I am use to getting a lot of face-time with all the boys and some of their girlfriends. That didn't really happen much in this book.
The Snuggly
No sex here and none needed. Just some kissing. Very YA.
Final Thoughts
This is not a perfect series, but you will not be disappointed if you try it out. Anya and the Shy Guy was a great addition. It was fun, flirty, and enjoyable. Very recommended.
Quotes
"You're so beautiful," he said simply.
She looked away from him, unwilling to accept that he was being truthful. Fingers tipper her chin back up, and his lips slowly sunk into hers. She felt as if she were melting, from her legs, to her stomach, to her brain that no longer held a thought. For a few minutes, her whole world became Will, and his kiss.
He tightened his grasp on it, tugging her hair ever so lightly, pulling her head to one side. Her eyes fluttered closed, and he kissed her. Because he could. Because there was no way he couldn’t."
“What was that? What the hell was that? You can’t just go around kissing random people without notice. It’s rude. You’re rude.”
Giveaway
This is a tour wide giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This review was originally posted on Bad Bird Reads
February 21, 2024
3.5/5 Stars
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Anya and the Shy Guy is the fourth installment in the Backstage Pass series, which chronicles the love lives of the members of Seconds to Juliet, a superstar boy band. I haven’t read the first three books in the series (those of you who know me well are gasping right now – I never read series out of order), but this book really did stand well on its own as a standalone – and now I want to read the others!
The synopsis describes the book really well, so I’m going to jump straight to my review.
What I loved:
The twin story.
I’m pretty much a sucker for a twin switch story, which is why I couldn’t resist this book even though I hadn’t read the first three. And Matt’s story definitely met all of my expectations – the pressure of the twin trying to pass himself off, the efforts to bend his personality to match his brother’s, the little details that he forgets, the one major detail that his brother forgot to tell him (oops!). I really loved Matt and I thought it was fun to watch him try so hard to be Will. His predicament also added an extra dimension to the romance with Anya because he and Will weren’t planning on ever telling people that they had switched – so where did that leave the relationship once Will came back?
Anya’s story.
I also really connected to Anya’s story – her struggle with homelessness and her fierce loyalty to the man who had helped her find her way on the streets. Plus, you just knew that eventually Anya’s cover story with her employer was all going to come tumbling down around her (I didn’t really buy that they hadn’t gotten her SSN and stuff from the first time they paid her – but I managed to suspend disbelief on that one) – so it was just a matter of when and how it was going to happen. I liked how Winegardner tied the band’s philanthropic visit to a homeless shelter to Anya’s story too – she got to see another side of the band there, and it drove her story forward as well!
The negatives:
Lack of chemistry at the beginning.
While I really enjoyed Matt and Anya’s stories separately, I felt a little bit of a lack of connection between them when it came to the romance, especially in the beginning of the book. It felt a little insta-lovey (and those of you who read my blog regularly know how I feel about instalove). There were some really sweet moments between them when I felt a connection, and I was on board with the romance by the end, but it took me a little longer to get there than I would have liked.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I’ve been convinced to read the first three books in the series, because I’m now definitely curious about the other guys in the band. I give this book 3.5/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Anya and the Shy Guy is the fourth installment in the Backstage Pass series, which chronicles the love lives of the members of Seconds to Juliet, a superstar boy band. I haven’t read the first three books in the series (those of you who know me well are gasping right now – I never read series out of order), but this book really did stand well on its own as a standalone – and now I want to read the others!
The synopsis describes the book really well, so I’m going to jump straight to my review.
What I loved:
The twin story.
I’m pretty much a sucker for a twin switch story, which is why I couldn’t resist this book even though I hadn’t read the first three. And Matt’s story definitely met all of my expectations – the pressure of the twin trying to pass himself off, the efforts to bend his personality to match his brother’s, the little details that he forgets, the one major detail that his brother forgot to tell him (oops!). I really loved Matt and I thought it was fun to watch him try so hard to be Will. His predicament also added an extra dimension to the romance with Anya because he and Will weren’t planning on ever telling people that they had switched – so where did that leave the relationship once Will came back?
Anya’s story.
I also really connected to Anya’s story – her struggle with homelessness and her fierce loyalty to the man who had helped her find her way on the streets. Plus, you just knew that eventually Anya’s cover story with her employer was all going to come tumbling down around her (I didn’t really buy that they hadn’t gotten her SSN and stuff from the first time they paid her – but I managed to suspend disbelief on that one) – so it was just a matter of when and how it was going to happen. I liked how Winegardner tied the band’s philanthropic visit to a homeless shelter to Anya’s story too – she got to see another side of the band there, and it drove her story forward as well!
The negatives:
Lack of chemistry at the beginning.
While I really enjoyed Matt and Anya’s stories separately, I felt a little bit of a lack of connection between them when it came to the romance, especially in the beginning of the book. It felt a little insta-lovey (and those of you who read my blog regularly know how I feel about instalove). There were some really sweet moments between them when I felt a connection, and I was on board with the romance by the end, but it took me a little longer to get there than I would have liked.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I’ve been convinced to read the first three books in the series, because I’m now definitely curious about the other guys in the band. I give this book 3.5/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
July 9, 2015
4.5 / 5 Fangs
This book series continues to surprise me! Each book in this series continues to get better and better. I have enjoyed all of the books so far, but this is my favorite book in the series so far. I think one of the reasons that I liked this book so much was because it had a fun twist on it. The fact that Will was actually Matt pretending to be Will was so much fun! I thought it was unique. I also really enjoyed the romance in this book. The romance was so cute! I found myself smiling multiple times in this book. It was the perfect book to put me in a great mood.
I really loved Matt/Will in this book. He wasn't the typical YA love interest. He was not a brooding bad boy that would wear leather and drive a motorcycle. Matt/Will was precious and adorable. He made me smile numerous times throughout this book. He was so sweet that he reminded me of a cupcake. I just wanted to hug him forever and never let go of him. He did a few dumb things here and there in the book, but overall, he was perfect! He made me swoon multiple times in the book. I am smiling now just thinking about him!
I really liked the main character, Anya. Anya was smart and kind person. However, she could be sassy in the perfect moments, and I loved that about her. I really liked her back story of being homeless. I thought that was really compelling and interesting. I was rooting for Anya to get her happy ending the entire time. She also did some really dumb things in the book, but I still really liked her character.
Seeing the other members of the band in this book was a nice treat! I love all of the band members, so I always enjoy scenes with them in it. I wish we would have seen a little more of the girlfriends of the band members, but I was happy with what we got. I cannot wait to see the rest of the members fall in love as well!
I loved the boyband aspect in the book and in the other books. I am a fangirl of boybands, so this book was perfect for me. The boyband aspect was so much fun to read about. I think the boyband aspect made me love this book even more. There is an extra level of excitement in this book and series because of the band. I am now a huge fangirl when it comes to Seconds of Juliet.
There were times were I found this book to be a little too dramatic and unbelievable. However, I still thought this was a fun and cute book. I would definitely recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a sweet romance.
BRING ON THE NEXT BOOK! I AM READY!
4.5 / 5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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*I received this ebook in exchange for a honest review*
This book series continues to surprise me! Each book in this series continues to get better and better. I have enjoyed all of the books so far, but this is my favorite book in the series so far. I think one of the reasons that I liked this book so much was because it had a fun twist on it. The fact that Will was actually Matt pretending to be Will was so much fun! I thought it was unique. I also really enjoyed the romance in this book. The romance was so cute! I found myself smiling multiple times in this book. It was the perfect book to put me in a great mood.
I really loved Matt/Will in this book. He wasn't the typical YA love interest. He was not a brooding bad boy that would wear leather and drive a motorcycle. Matt/Will was precious and adorable. He made me smile numerous times throughout this book. He was so sweet that he reminded me of a cupcake. I just wanted to hug him forever and never let go of him. He did a few dumb things here and there in the book, but overall, he was perfect! He made me swoon multiple times in the book. I am smiling now just thinking about him!
I really liked the main character, Anya. Anya was smart and kind person. However, she could be sassy in the perfect moments, and I loved that about her. I really liked her back story of being homeless. I thought that was really compelling and interesting. I was rooting for Anya to get her happy ending the entire time. She also did some really dumb things in the book, but I still really liked her character.
Seeing the other members of the band in this book was a nice treat! I love all of the band members, so I always enjoy scenes with them in it. I wish we would have seen a little more of the girlfriends of the band members, but I was happy with what we got. I cannot wait to see the rest of the members fall in love as well!
I loved the boyband aspect in the book and in the other books. I am a fangirl of boybands, so this book was perfect for me. The boyband aspect was so much fun to read about. I think the boyband aspect made me love this book even more. There is an extra level of excitement in this book and series because of the band. I am now a huge fangirl when it comes to Seconds of Juliet.
There were times were I found this book to be a little too dramatic and unbelievable. However, I still thought this was a fun and cute book. I would definitely recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a sweet romance.
BRING ON THE NEXT BOOK! I AM READY!
4.5 / 5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
*I received this ebook in exchange for a honest review*
July 14, 2015
This is the 4th book in the Backstage Pass series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Anya is a homeless teen who has managed to bluff her way into a gig as a reporter covering a two week stint on the Seconds To Juliet tour. Her assignment is to interview Will, the "shy" one and make daily updates to her online 'zine. Anya knows that if she uncovers a big, dark secret about the band, she can sell it and get the money to move off the Tulsa streets. She has had a few articles published, but has posed as a married woman to attain her freelance job, even though she is only 17.
Will Frey is in rehab after a pain pill addiction. In order to not be found in breach of his contract, his twin brother Matt has stepped into his shoes--only one member of the band knows Matt's true identity, and Matt's freaking out that Anya will discover his secret. In order to distract her, he attempts to seduce her--and ends up falling for her completely.
This is a fun one! Anya and Matt are both good people trapped in uncomfortable positions. Anya is so used to being on her own, she's shell-shocked at the attention of the band, and the sheer number of people that are part of the tour. She makes friends with the make-up woman, and Natasha is her first confidante in probably 5 years; surely since before her schizo mother abandoned her 3 years ago. Matt is, by turns, aggressive and reticent. He's on constant guard against letting his secret loose, but he doesn't have all the knowledge he needs to be a complete changeling. Like, Will didn't give him accurate lyrics. And, Will neglected to mention Natasha was his girlfriend on the down-low.
It's a really clean read, with only the barest suggestion of anything beyond kissing ending in discomfort and giggles. Matt discovers that Anya has learned his secret, and he does the very worst thing possible, but he's redeemed in the end--in church no less. I loved how the deception was resolved and really wanted to give Will a big smooch for fixing things, along with Matt. Plus, Anya gets a family of friends who are far better than any she could have been born to.
One snag for me: I'm very familiar with Briticisms, and I wonder why Suze Winegardner didn't write Miles' story--as he's the Brit in the group and her expertise in the application of the Queen's English would have been better used there. There were several times if I wondered how a boy from Florida would use colloquialisms common to a bloke from the North End...
Otherwise, it's a light, fun read with some tender romantic elements and two HEA's for readers to enjoy.
Anya is a homeless teen who has managed to bluff her way into a gig as a reporter covering a two week stint on the Seconds To Juliet tour. Her assignment is to interview Will, the "shy" one and make daily updates to her online 'zine. Anya knows that if she uncovers a big, dark secret about the band, she can sell it and get the money to move off the Tulsa streets. She has had a few articles published, but has posed as a married woman to attain her freelance job, even though she is only 17.
Will Frey is in rehab after a pain pill addiction. In order to not be found in breach of his contract, his twin brother Matt has stepped into his shoes--only one member of the band knows Matt's true identity, and Matt's freaking out that Anya will discover his secret. In order to distract her, he attempts to seduce her--and ends up falling for her completely.
This is a fun one! Anya and Matt are both good people trapped in uncomfortable positions. Anya is so used to being on her own, she's shell-shocked at the attention of the band, and the sheer number of people that are part of the tour. She makes friends with the make-up woman, and Natasha is her first confidante in probably 5 years; surely since before her schizo mother abandoned her 3 years ago. Matt is, by turns, aggressive and reticent. He's on constant guard against letting his secret loose, but he doesn't have all the knowledge he needs to be a complete changeling. Like, Will didn't give him accurate lyrics. And, Will neglected to mention Natasha was his girlfriend on the down-low.
It's a really clean read, with only the barest suggestion of anything beyond kissing ending in discomfort and giggles. Matt discovers that Anya has learned his secret, and he does the very worst thing possible, but he's redeemed in the end--in church no less. I loved how the deception was resolved and really wanted to give Will a big smooch for fixing things, along with Matt. Plus, Anya gets a family of friends who are far better than any she could have been born to.
One snag for me: I'm very familiar with Briticisms, and I wonder why Suze Winegardner didn't write Miles' story--as he's the Brit in the group and her expertise in the application of the Queen's English would have been better used there. There were several times if I wondered how a boy from Florida would use colloquialisms common to a bloke from the North End...
Otherwise, it's a light, fun read with some tender romantic elements and two HEA's for readers to enjoy.
July 11, 2015
Anya and the Shy Guy was such an interesting and fun read! The synopsis was really catchy so I grabbed the opportunity to read it. I kind of love this Twin-Switch Trope, it’s really entertaining for me!
This book was all sorts of fun. I have to admit that I don’t usually listen to pop and I hate overrated boybands so I sort of didn’t like the general feel of Seconds To Juliet, even though I don’t really know if they’re a legit band or a boyband. They have this One Direction feel to me, and I don’t like One Direction. The thing though, I haven’t read the first three books. I had no idea that this book was part of a series!!! I have to work my way backwards haha!
Which brings me to the characters. Anya is a journalist and she got a big scoop when she got the chance to spend sometime with Seconds to Juliet on tour, especially with Will Fray, the shy member of the band. Anya’s character is pretty awesome. I like her vibe and her personality, how strong it is. Will is really adorable and a bit quirky. I had no problem with these two, but the other characters, that’s a different story.
I felt like the other characters were deprived of exposure, like they’re pretty much extras and were only given some share of the spotlight towards the resolution of the conflict. I love books that have a great balance between character interactions. Sadly, this book isn’t one of those. Anyway, I’m hoping to get more insight about the other characters and their personality by checking out the other books from this series.
The story was fast-paced. I got a little confused with the voices in the story though, sometimes I couldn’t quite distinguish the character’s thoughts. I was looking forward to the reveal, you know when Anya learns that Will is really Matt, and I was very surprised because I love the way the conflict was presented. It was a bit heartwrenching, and I loved it.
Overall, this book is a light, heartfelt, fun and a swoony read. I’m definitely going to be on the lookout if there’s going to be a next one. For now, I have to go read the first ones from this series.
This book was all sorts of fun. I have to admit that I don’t usually listen to pop and I hate overrated boybands so I sort of didn’t like the general feel of Seconds To Juliet, even though I don’t really know if they’re a legit band or a boyband. They have this One Direction feel to me, and I don’t like One Direction. The thing though, I haven’t read the first three books. I had no idea that this book was part of a series!!! I have to work my way backwards haha!
Which brings me to the characters. Anya is a journalist and she got a big scoop when she got the chance to spend sometime with Seconds to Juliet on tour, especially with Will Fray, the shy member of the band. Anya’s character is pretty awesome. I like her vibe and her personality, how strong it is. Will is really adorable and a bit quirky. I had no problem with these two, but the other characters, that’s a different story.
I felt like the other characters were deprived of exposure, like they’re pretty much extras and were only given some share of the spotlight towards the resolution of the conflict. I love books that have a great balance between character interactions. Sadly, this book isn’t one of those. Anyway, I’m hoping to get more insight about the other characters and their personality by checking out the other books from this series.
The story was fast-paced. I got a little confused with the voices in the story though, sometimes I couldn’t quite distinguish the character’s thoughts. I was looking forward to the reveal, you know when Anya learns that Will is really Matt, and I was very surprised because I love the way the conflict was presented. It was a bit heartwrenching, and I loved it.
Overall, this book is a light, heartfelt, fun and a swoony read. I’m definitely going to be on the lookout if there’s going to be a next one. For now, I have to go read the first ones from this series.
June 20, 2015
This is such a cute and sometimes heartbreaking story! And I really love how it's a bit edgier than the previous Backstage Pass books, keeping the series fresh, and readers of the series always on their toes. Mostly, though, I LOVE the romance. :) There are so many amazing scenes with these two secretive and untrusting characters letting go and learning how to trust each other...while kissing under the stars and other tucked-away places.
"You're so beautiful," he said simply.
She looked away from him, unwilling to accept that he was being truthful. Fingers tipper her chin back up, and his lips slowly sunk into hers. She felt as if she were melting, from her legs, to her stomach, to her brain that no longer held a thought. For a few minutes, her whole world became Will, and his kiss.
He tightened his grasp on it, tugging her hair ever so lightly, pulling her head to one side. Her eyes fluttered closed, and he kissed her. Because he could. Because there was no way he couldn’t.
And there's a LOT more where that came from! Oh, and of course--like in all the other BSP books--the epilogue made me happy cry. <3
"You're so beautiful," he said simply.
She looked away from him, unwilling to accept that he was being truthful. Fingers tipper her chin back up, and his lips slowly sunk into hers. She felt as if she were melting, from her legs, to her stomach, to her brain that no longer held a thought. For a few minutes, her whole world became Will, and his kiss.
He tightened his grasp on it, tugging her hair ever so lightly, pulling her head to one side. Her eyes fluttered closed, and he kissed her. Because he could. Because there was no way he couldn’t.
And there's a LOT more where that came from! Oh, and of course--like in all the other BSP books--the epilogue made me happy cry. <3
August 17, 2015
Actual Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Same Review Also Posted here: Dreamy Addictions
I’d seen this series many times before, but I didn’t gave it much attention until someone recommended me to read this book. Well, It’s cute and entertaining read that was definitely worth reading. Every book in the series can be read as a stand-alone and that’s why I’ve bothered to check this out even though I didn’t read the previous installments.
Anya is a 17 year old tough girl who doesn’t have anyone to look after her. She lies about her age for her new reporter job because it’s either this or live on the streets. Her job requires her to get a scoop on the famous Seconds to Juliet boy band. To her surprise, Anya was only allowed to interview one member of the band named will Fray, who is also called as the shy guy of the band. Now Anya’s fate rests on getting any scoop about the shy guy who didn’t look much scandalous but she didn’t know that he was actually Matt, the twin brother of Will Fray. Matt thought he could charm the new reporter so she couldn’t able to figure out his identity but alas his charms really aren’t working on her.
Anya is pretty much likable character. I totally felt sympathetic towards her situation and I couldn’t image myself in her place it’s really a nightmare. Even with no family, no friends and no money she has always stood strong and faced the situation. I’m so glad that she befriended Natasha who is the make-up artist of the band. Matt is really adorable character in this plot. It was so funny how he always messes up whenever he tries to charm her. There is a bit of insta-love in it but not too deep and the relationship slowly develops with more time they spend together and get to know each other more. The chemistry between them is really great and they really have sinful thoughts for each other which is purely YA.
One thing I didn’t liked in it was the pacing of the plot, which I think is a bit slow.The story was written in both Anya and Matt’s POV. I loved knowing all the members of the band though they didn’t given much attention in this plot, but I’d really like to know about Ryder Brooks, the bad guy in the band. There was mention of previous books female protagonists Aimee, Daisy and Mia but there aren’t any actual appearance of them in this book.I think the plot also needs some more humor in it which I didn’t find much in this. The Author’s writing skills is simple and creative too.This book portrays the importance of friendship and love which I really liked in it.I didn’t have any expectations when I picked it up and I’m glad that it didn’t disappoint me.Even if it wasn’t perfect it’s truly a adorable read that you should definitely give it a try.
Same Review Also Posted here: Dreamy Addictions
I’d seen this series many times before, but I didn’t gave it much attention until someone recommended me to read this book. Well, It’s cute and entertaining read that was definitely worth reading. Every book in the series can be read as a stand-alone and that’s why I’ve bothered to check this out even though I didn’t read the previous installments.
Anya is a 17 year old tough girl who doesn’t have anyone to look after her. She lies about her age for her new reporter job because it’s either this or live on the streets. Her job requires her to get a scoop on the famous Seconds to Juliet boy band. To her surprise, Anya was only allowed to interview one member of the band named will Fray, who is also called as the shy guy of the band. Now Anya’s fate rests on getting any scoop about the shy guy who didn’t look much scandalous but she didn’t know that he was actually Matt, the twin brother of Will Fray. Matt thought he could charm the new reporter so she couldn’t able to figure out his identity but alas his charms really aren’t working on her.
Anya is pretty much likable character. I totally felt sympathetic towards her situation and I couldn’t image myself in her place it’s really a nightmare. Even with no family, no friends and no money she has always stood strong and faced the situation. I’m so glad that she befriended Natasha who is the make-up artist of the band. Matt is really adorable character in this plot. It was so funny how he always messes up whenever he tries to charm her. There is a bit of insta-love in it but not too deep and the relationship slowly develops with more time they spend together and get to know each other more. The chemistry between them is really great and they really have sinful thoughts for each other which is purely YA.
One thing I didn’t liked in it was the pacing of the plot, which I think is a bit slow.The story was written in both Anya and Matt’s POV. I loved knowing all the members of the band though they didn’t given much attention in this plot, but I’d really like to know about Ryder Brooks, the bad guy in the band. There was mention of previous books female protagonists Aimee, Daisy and Mia but there aren’t any actual appearance of them in this book.I think the plot also needs some more humor in it which I didn’t find much in this. The Author’s writing skills is simple and creative too.This book portrays the importance of friendship and love which I really liked in it.I didn’t have any expectations when I picked it up and I’m glad that it didn’t disappoint me.Even if it wasn’t perfect it’s truly a adorable read that you should definitely give it a try.
September 5, 2015
"It's always the quiet ones..."
Title: Anya and the Shy Guy
Author: Suze Winegardner
Series: Backstage Pass # 4
Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush on July 14, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 183
Source: Publisher
Summary:
Anya Anderson doesn’t just need a big break, she needs any break. Living on the streets doesn’t leave a girl many options, so when she scores a gig reporting on the Seconds to Juliet tour, she jumps at the chance to earn enough money to sleep somewhere safe. And the paycheck will get bigger—and keep her off the streets for good—if she can dig up dirt on Will Fray, the irritatingly hot “shy guy” of the band.
Problem is, Will Fray isn't who everyone thinks he is. In fact, he’s not Will at all. Matt, Will's identical twin, is actually the guy onstage, reluctantly covering for his brother while he’s in rehab. To make matters worse, Matt’s being shadowed by a cute reporter with troubled eyes determined to get the scoop. On him. And he's having trouble finding the willpower to keep his distance…
But if the secret gets out, it won't just be his head on a platter—it’ll be the whole band’s.
This Entangled Teen Crush book contains steamy make out scenes, graphic language, and a love story so hot your copy may spontaneously burst into flames. You’ve been warned.
My Thoughts:
I have so much to say about this book that I don’t even know where to start! I liked it, I loved it, and I hated it because I loved it so much. How dare a book make me fantasize about boy bands like a twelve-year-old girl again! You have probably guessed by now that because this is the fourth Backstage Pass novel I am reviewing on my blog I am officially a fan of the world, these characters, and the individual stories surrounding each band member. I finished this book in less than twenty-four hours; do I need any more explanation than that?
Anya and the Shy Guy is about a homeless girl, Anya, who works as a freelance reporter. When the story starts, we learn that she is about to start a job that she took on the promise of digging up dirt on Seconds To Juliet’s resident “good guy”, Will Fray. Compared to the other three books, I found this one to be a hell of a lot more interesting for two reasons. One, the female protagonist is homeless. Two, Will Fray is not Will Fray. My father is a twin, so as soon as I heard about Will Fray’s twin brother pretending to be him throughout the novel, I knew I was going to enjoy it. I grew up listening to all of my father’s stories about how he and his twin would switch places for tests in school, job interviews, and even actual work shifts. I needed this book, and boy did it deliver.
As I mentioned above, I really did enjoy the whole “twins switching places” component of the book – it was probably my favorite part of the entire book. I loved reading from Matt’s point of view. Matt is the aforementioned twin of Will Fray, and he definitely met all of my expectations of what it was like to pretend to be someone else. He nailed what the pressure of trying to be his twin all the time, he nailed the hardcore effort to try and match every aspect of his brother’s personality, and he simply blew me away. It reminded me so much of my father and his own stories that I couldn't help but to love it. Matt, even if it weren’t for the whole twin aspect, was an amazing character. He wasn’t your typical Young Adult love interest, which I loved. He wasn’t this brooding bad boy that wears leather and rides a motorcycle. Matt was what I would like to call adorably precious. Every time he was in a scene when we read from Anya’s point of view or when it was one of his chapters, he never failed to put a smile on my face. I just wanted to hug him forever and never let go of him. He did a few dumb things here and there in the book, but overall, he was perfect - maybe a little too perfect at times, which was only a result of him trying too hard to be his brother.
Anya’s story also blew me out of the water. I really connected to her; she had this fierce loyalty to her friends and the people who helped her that really hit home with me. Her struggle with homelessness was heartbreaking, it was so real and raw that it made me have step back and think about every homeless person I see on the streets on my way to work. Plus, there was this sense of impending doom. We all know that her cover story for her employer is going to tumble down faster than a deconstructed Jenga puzzle.
Now, onto the things I didn’t like as much. While I really enjoyed Anya and Matt’s separate stories, together I felt as if they were a bit lacking in the chemistry department. In this case, instead of opposites attracting it felt as if they were pushing each other so far apart that their relationship turned into the Grand Canyon. This so called rift in their chemistry was only in the beginning of the book, at least that’s the way I see it. Their romance in the beginning felt like a serious case of insta-love, and any of you who have read my reviews before know that I absolutely hate insta-love. Don’t get me wrong, there were some adorable and really sweet moments between Matt and Anya where I actually felt a real connection, and I was totally aboard their ship by the end of the book, it just took me a lot longer to get there than I normally would have liked.
Also, I felt as if the story was disjointed and convoluted at points. It would jump too quickly and then leave things that should have been explored more in the dust. I think that was my biggest issue. There was so much more that could have come out of the story, but its short length and small page count limited it almost to the point of ruining it. There was too much too fast in too little of space. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the book at its core - but sometimes it's the little things that pull you away from the bigger picture.
Overall, Anya and the Shy Guy is a sweet romance that has just the right amount of drama to keep you interested. The characters were developed well, the story both intriguing and heartwarming, and the overall message is light hearted. If you are looking for a quick and easy read that will leave you with a smile on your face, this is the book for you.
Title: Anya and the Shy Guy
Author: Suze Winegardner
Series: Backstage Pass # 4
Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush on July 14, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 183
Source: Publisher
Summary:
Anya Anderson doesn’t just need a big break, she needs any break. Living on the streets doesn’t leave a girl many options, so when she scores a gig reporting on the Seconds to Juliet tour, she jumps at the chance to earn enough money to sleep somewhere safe. And the paycheck will get bigger—and keep her off the streets for good—if she can dig up dirt on Will Fray, the irritatingly hot “shy guy” of the band.
Problem is, Will Fray isn't who everyone thinks he is. In fact, he’s not Will at all. Matt, Will's identical twin, is actually the guy onstage, reluctantly covering for his brother while he’s in rehab. To make matters worse, Matt’s being shadowed by a cute reporter with troubled eyes determined to get the scoop. On him. And he's having trouble finding the willpower to keep his distance…
But if the secret gets out, it won't just be his head on a platter—it’ll be the whole band’s.
This Entangled Teen Crush book contains steamy make out scenes, graphic language, and a love story so hot your copy may spontaneously burst into flames. You’ve been warned.
My Thoughts:
I have so much to say about this book that I don’t even know where to start! I liked it, I loved it, and I hated it because I loved it so much. How dare a book make me fantasize about boy bands like a twelve-year-old girl again! You have probably guessed by now that because this is the fourth Backstage Pass novel I am reviewing on my blog I am officially a fan of the world, these characters, and the individual stories surrounding each band member. I finished this book in less than twenty-four hours; do I need any more explanation than that?
Anya and the Shy Guy is about a homeless girl, Anya, who works as a freelance reporter. When the story starts, we learn that she is about to start a job that she took on the promise of digging up dirt on Seconds To Juliet’s resident “good guy”, Will Fray. Compared to the other three books, I found this one to be a hell of a lot more interesting for two reasons. One, the female protagonist is homeless. Two, Will Fray is not Will Fray. My father is a twin, so as soon as I heard about Will Fray’s twin brother pretending to be him throughout the novel, I knew I was going to enjoy it. I grew up listening to all of my father’s stories about how he and his twin would switch places for tests in school, job interviews, and even actual work shifts. I needed this book, and boy did it deliver.
As I mentioned above, I really did enjoy the whole “twins switching places” component of the book – it was probably my favorite part of the entire book. I loved reading from Matt’s point of view. Matt is the aforementioned twin of Will Fray, and he definitely met all of my expectations of what it was like to pretend to be someone else. He nailed what the pressure of trying to be his twin all the time, he nailed the hardcore effort to try and match every aspect of his brother’s personality, and he simply blew me away. It reminded me so much of my father and his own stories that I couldn't help but to love it. Matt, even if it weren’t for the whole twin aspect, was an amazing character. He wasn’t your typical Young Adult love interest, which I loved. He wasn’t this brooding bad boy that wears leather and rides a motorcycle. Matt was what I would like to call adorably precious. Every time he was in a scene when we read from Anya’s point of view or when it was one of his chapters, he never failed to put a smile on my face. I just wanted to hug him forever and never let go of him. He did a few dumb things here and there in the book, but overall, he was perfect - maybe a little too perfect at times, which was only a result of him trying too hard to be his brother.
Anya’s story also blew me out of the water. I really connected to her; she had this fierce loyalty to her friends and the people who helped her that really hit home with me. Her struggle with homelessness was heartbreaking, it was so real and raw that it made me have step back and think about every homeless person I see on the streets on my way to work. Plus, there was this sense of impending doom. We all know that her cover story for her employer is going to tumble down faster than a deconstructed Jenga puzzle.
Now, onto the things I didn’t like as much. While I really enjoyed Anya and Matt’s separate stories, together I felt as if they were a bit lacking in the chemistry department. In this case, instead of opposites attracting it felt as if they were pushing each other so far apart that their relationship turned into the Grand Canyon. This so called rift in their chemistry was only in the beginning of the book, at least that’s the way I see it. Their romance in the beginning felt like a serious case of insta-love, and any of you who have read my reviews before know that I absolutely hate insta-love. Don’t get me wrong, there were some adorable and really sweet moments between Matt and Anya where I actually felt a real connection, and I was totally aboard their ship by the end of the book, it just took me a lot longer to get there than I normally would have liked.
Also, I felt as if the story was disjointed and convoluted at points. It would jump too quickly and then leave things that should have been explored more in the dust. I think that was my biggest issue. There was so much more that could have come out of the story, but its short length and small page count limited it almost to the point of ruining it. There was too much too fast in too little of space. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the book at its core - but sometimes it's the little things that pull you away from the bigger picture.
Overall, Anya and the Shy Guy is a sweet romance that has just the right amount of drama to keep you interested. The characters were developed well, the story both intriguing and heartwarming, and the overall message is light hearted. If you are looking for a quick and easy read that will leave you with a smile on your face, this is the book for you.
July 16, 2015
Review also appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I've been following the Backstage Pass series for a few books now and though the past books haven't been the best books I've ever read, I like the fact that they're so addicting and that they tend to get better and better. Having different authors for each book also helps in creating the different personalities for each character, since each author has a different voice.
Anya and the Shy Guy by Suze Winegardner is, in my humble opinion, the best one in the series so far. The writing isn't as sappy and though it's still predictable at certain points and is heavy with insta-love (especially given the time span that the characters fall for each other), I liked the general gist of the storyline. Whereas the other books were a bit coincidental, this one at least had a more plausible angle.
Anya, the protagonist, is a homeless teenager who manages to score a two-week gig with Seconds to Juliet (S2J) as a reporter for a major music webzine, which is a big freaking deal. What's the catch? The webzine has no idea that Anya is only seventeen and as homeless as the people she wrote about in the article that got her noticed. From the moment Anya meets Will (there's a catch there that I'm not going to ruin for you), a possible whirlwind romance begins.
Anya is a pretty cool character. She's self-reliant and tough. I like that it took her a while to actually concede to her emotions. I like that she acted like the reporter she was and always kept a keen eye on the things Will said, rather than have her mooning all of the time about "how cute he was!" One thing about Anya, however, was that we don't really get to dwell into her past, which is the same for Will. Sure, we're given the basic information, but I would have liked to see more about their backstory. The issue with backstories and convenient conclusions is something that has plagued these books for a while. It's pretty clear that these books thrive on their cheese factor and while I want to get more from them, I know I should just appreciate them for what they are: mindless entertainment for the summer.
Also, I'm going to add that most of the books in this series share similar dramatic conclusions to the major conflicts. I mean, I enjoyed this novel, but I already knew how the climax of the story was going to happen. For once, I'd like to see one of these characters tough it out and just stay and deal with the shit that's hit the fan. Otherwise, all you get is a serious case of the boy-saves-girl trope.
I always enjoy books that focus on different characters within the same world because then I get to see how the other characters are flourishing. I also like when a storyline carries on from the last book. For example, Will's weird behavior in the previous book is explained in this one and when you see why, you realize that it's so obvious. I just love little easter eggs like that in a series.
I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to read about rockstars and cute romances. This is also a clean series for younger readers who want to get a taste of the rockstar genre without all of the kinkiness. You don't have to read all of the books in the series in order to read this one, since the stories kind of focus solely on the main characters. I mean, I still haven't read the first book in this series and I'm all good. One awesome aspect of this book that readers might enjoy as well is that the story is from both Will and Anya's perspectives. Dual narratives? Yes, please. I'm looking forward to the last one in the series and if this trend continues, then I'm hoping that the next book is even better than this one.
Happy reading!
I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I've been following the Backstage Pass series for a few books now and though the past books haven't been the best books I've ever read, I like the fact that they're so addicting and that they tend to get better and better. Having different authors for each book also helps in creating the different personalities for each character, since each author has a different voice.
Anya and the Shy Guy by Suze Winegardner is, in my humble opinion, the best one in the series so far. The writing isn't as sappy and though it's still predictable at certain points and is heavy with insta-love (especially given the time span that the characters fall for each other), I liked the general gist of the storyline. Whereas the other books were a bit coincidental, this one at least had a more plausible angle.
Anya, the protagonist, is a homeless teenager who manages to score a two-week gig with Seconds to Juliet (S2J) as a reporter for a major music webzine, which is a big freaking deal. What's the catch? The webzine has no idea that Anya is only seventeen and as homeless as the people she wrote about in the article that got her noticed. From the moment Anya meets Will (there's a catch there that I'm not going to ruin for you), a possible whirlwind romance begins.
Anya is a pretty cool character. She's self-reliant and tough. I like that it took her a while to actually concede to her emotions. I like that she acted like the reporter she was and always kept a keen eye on the things Will said, rather than have her mooning all of the time about "how cute he was!" One thing about Anya, however, was that we don't really get to dwell into her past, which is the same for Will. Sure, we're given the basic information, but I would have liked to see more about their backstory. The issue with backstories and convenient conclusions is something that has plagued these books for a while. It's pretty clear that these books thrive on their cheese factor and while I want to get more from them, I know I should just appreciate them for what they are: mindless entertainment for the summer.
Also, I'm going to add that most of the books in this series share similar dramatic conclusions to the major conflicts. I mean, I enjoyed this novel, but I already knew how the climax of the story was going to happen. For once, I'd like to see one of these characters tough it out and just stay and deal with the shit that's hit the fan. Otherwise, all you get is a serious case of the boy-saves-girl trope.
I always enjoy books that focus on different characters within the same world because then I get to see how the other characters are flourishing. I also like when a storyline carries on from the last book. For example, Will's weird behavior in the previous book is explained in this one and when you see why, you realize that it's so obvious. I just love little easter eggs like that in a series.
I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to read about rockstars and cute romances. This is also a clean series for younger readers who want to get a taste of the rockstar genre without all of the kinkiness. You don't have to read all of the books in the series in order to read this one, since the stories kind of focus solely on the main characters. I mean, I still haven't read the first book in this series and I'm all good. One awesome aspect of this book that readers might enjoy as well is that the story is from both Will and Anya's perspectives. Dual narratives? Yes, please. I'm looking forward to the last one in the series and if this trend continues, then I'm hoping that the next book is even better than this one.
Happy reading!
July 19, 2015
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Anya and the Shy Guy by Suze Winegardner is the fourth instalment in the highly addictive, wonderfully written and just plain awesome Backstage Pass series! This time following “Will” and the sassy reporter who wins him over, ensuring readers are sure to fall in love with the band all over again.
Seconds to Juliet members Miles, Ryder and Trevin have all found love and now it’s Will’s turn. Only he’d not really Will…..he’s actually Matt Fray; Will’s identical twin brother who is pretending to be Will while his brother is in rehab after becoming addicted to prescription drugs after an unfortunate accident while rehearsing. Not quite as reserved and as shy as his brother, Matt is fighting to keep his secret in order to protect his family. A fight that becomes harder than ever when he meets Anya, a reporter sent to interview Will for an online magazine and who seems determine to uncover his secrets.
Anya Anderson has spent the last few years on the streets and she’s no stranger to dealing with hard decisions. When an article she wrote earns her the chance to interview and follow Will Fray, one of the members of the most popular boy band in the world, Anya is determined to use the opportunity to get herself and someone she cares about back on their feet. Even if it means digging up dirt of Seconds to Juliet’s resident “shy guy”. Only Will doesn’t seem so shy at all and soon Anya finds herself falling this contradiction of a guy.
I was seriously surprised when I first read the description of this novel and discovered that Will wasn’t exactly “Will”. It was a unique twist to actually have Will turn out to be his brother Matt, but suddenly it made his recent actions in the last two book makes sense. Will has been a bit more outgoing than he was when we first met him and it seemed so obviously when you realise it was Matt who acted that way. It was a clever twist to the series and I liked that the authors behind Backstage Pass decided to do something outside the box with at lease one of their male leads.
Told through both Will and Anya’s POV’s, Anya and the Shy Guy was another fun book; just like the previous three. I enjoyed following Matt, or should I say Will and thought he was a likable guy. Anya was the standout for me in this novel however. I loved that author Erica Winegardner gave Anya some real depth. Anya has been through a lot; experiencing homelessness and hopelessness and it was very sweet seeing her find her feet. Anya had some very real fear issues and I think Winegardner did a nice job touching on them lightly and highlighting the plight of those without a place to call home in this YA novel.
The romance between Anya and Matt was sweet and I liked seeing them together. It wasn’t as strong as some of the others in my mind, but it still went wonderfully with the story and I thought Anya and Matt made a nice couple. Aside from the romance between Anya and Matt, I was really excited about the revelation that the real Will was with, and is now with again, Natasha—I thought they were super adorable and if any of the authors in this series are reading this……a novella or prequel featuring them wouldn’t go astray!
Sweet, entertaining and addictive reading, Anya and the Shy Guy is another great read that you won’t want to put down. With only one member to go (Nathan!) I’m looking forward to seeing him paired with the new Youtube singer the guys have seen, Abby!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Anya and the Shy Guy by Suze Winegardner is the fourth instalment in the highly addictive, wonderfully written and just plain awesome Backstage Pass series! This time following “Will” and the sassy reporter who wins him over, ensuring readers are sure to fall in love with the band all over again.
Seconds to Juliet members Miles, Ryder and Trevin have all found love and now it’s Will’s turn. Only he’d not really Will…..he’s actually Matt Fray; Will’s identical twin brother who is pretending to be Will while his brother is in rehab after becoming addicted to prescription drugs after an unfortunate accident while rehearsing. Not quite as reserved and as shy as his brother, Matt is fighting to keep his secret in order to protect his family. A fight that becomes harder than ever when he meets Anya, a reporter sent to interview Will for an online magazine and who seems determine to uncover his secrets.
Anya Anderson has spent the last few years on the streets and she’s no stranger to dealing with hard decisions. When an article she wrote earns her the chance to interview and follow Will Fray, one of the members of the most popular boy band in the world, Anya is determined to use the opportunity to get herself and someone she cares about back on their feet. Even if it means digging up dirt of Seconds to Juliet’s resident “shy guy”. Only Will doesn’t seem so shy at all and soon Anya finds herself falling this contradiction of a guy.
I was seriously surprised when I first read the description of this novel and discovered that Will wasn’t exactly “Will”. It was a unique twist to actually have Will turn out to be his brother Matt, but suddenly it made his recent actions in the last two book makes sense. Will has been a bit more outgoing than he was when we first met him and it seemed so obviously when you realise it was Matt who acted that way. It was a clever twist to the series and I liked that the authors behind Backstage Pass decided to do something outside the box with at lease one of their male leads.
Told through both Will and Anya’s POV’s, Anya and the Shy Guy was another fun book; just like the previous three. I enjoyed following Matt, or should I say Will and thought he was a likable guy. Anya was the standout for me in this novel however. I loved that author Erica Winegardner gave Anya some real depth. Anya has been through a lot; experiencing homelessness and hopelessness and it was very sweet seeing her find her feet. Anya had some very real fear issues and I think Winegardner did a nice job touching on them lightly and highlighting the plight of those without a place to call home in this YA novel.
The romance between Anya and Matt was sweet and I liked seeing them together. It wasn’t as strong as some of the others in my mind, but it still went wonderfully with the story and I thought Anya and Matt made a nice couple. Aside from the romance between Anya and Matt, I was really excited about the revelation that the real Will was with, and is now with again, Natasha—I thought they were super adorable and if any of the authors in this series are reading this……a novella or prequel featuring them wouldn’t go astray!
Sweet, entertaining and addictive reading, Anya and the Shy Guy is another great read that you won’t want to put down. With only one member to go (Nathan!) I’m looking forward to seeing him paired with the new Youtube singer the guys have seen, Abby!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2015
Living on the streets, jumping from shelter to shelter, doesn’t give seventeen-year-old Anya Anderson many options. Finally, she catches a break and scores a reporting gig on the Seconds to Juliet Tour, following around the Shy Guy, Will Fray. But Will isn’t really Will—he’s his twin brother, Matt. Matt’s job is to satisfy Anya’s journalistic curiosity, but he soon finds himself falling for her. With so many secrets between them, a actual relationship should be impossible…
This was the most unique book in the Backstage Pass series. By this book, number four, I had stopped reading what the books were about and trusted that I would enjoy the story. The twist where Matt was really Will threw me. Matt, however, was a lovely “band” member to meet. I expected the Shy Guy’s story but got something a lot different and couldn’t wait to see what the last book will entail.
Anya, from the beginning, wasn’t like any of the other girls in the series. She had been living on her own for years and didn’t know a single Seconds to Juliet song. Unlike Aimee and Daisy, she hadn’t been scorned; opposite to Mia, she was sure of herself from the beginning. Her secrets and survival instincts made her journey interesting, and I wanted her to have something good and stable in her life in the form of Matt.
I don’t really know where to start with Matt. Winegardner did a wonderful job of creating another Backstage Pass boy to love. Their getaways to the roof and shared glances during the concerts were what any fangirl desires. I would have loved for the book to have switched back and forth between Will and Matt, to see what took place in Will’s live during that time. I hope to see more of Will in the last book, as he didn’t play as big a part as I thought he was going to. Since the Shy Guy wasn’t really the Shy Guy was there ever really a Shy Guy? It’s like a boy band paradox.
A happily-ever-after doesn’t seem as likely in this story, but you’ll be rooting for one the entire time. There were a few slow areas, but the ending made up for it all—I adored the end to this story! Per the usual with this series, you can read it in any order that you desire, so find your favorite and join the S2J experience.
This was the most unique book in the Backstage Pass series. By this book, number four, I had stopped reading what the books were about and trusted that I would enjoy the story. The twist where Matt was really Will threw me. Matt, however, was a lovely “band” member to meet. I expected the Shy Guy’s story but got something a lot different and couldn’t wait to see what the last book will entail.
Anya, from the beginning, wasn’t like any of the other girls in the series. She had been living on her own for years and didn’t know a single Seconds to Juliet song. Unlike Aimee and Daisy, she hadn’t been scorned; opposite to Mia, she was sure of herself from the beginning. Her secrets and survival instincts made her journey interesting, and I wanted her to have something good and stable in her life in the form of Matt.
I don’t really know where to start with Matt. Winegardner did a wonderful job of creating another Backstage Pass boy to love. Their getaways to the roof and shared glances during the concerts were what any fangirl desires. I would have loved for the book to have switched back and forth between Will and Matt, to see what took place in Will’s live during that time. I hope to see more of Will in the last book, as he didn’t play as big a part as I thought he was going to. Since the Shy Guy wasn’t really the Shy Guy was there ever really a Shy Guy? It’s like a boy band paradox.
A happily-ever-after doesn’t seem as likely in this story, but you’ll be rooting for one the entire time. There were a few slow areas, but the ending made up for it all—I adored the end to this story! Per the usual with this series, you can read it in any order that you desire, so find your favorite and join the S2J experience.
November 7, 2015
4.5 of 5;
I have a crush on The Shy Guy. I have a crush on Will. I mean Matt. Yeah, Matt. Did you catch that?! Will is really Matt, Will's twin brother. When I first read that, I was all "What the what?" How did that happen? How can Matt pull it off? Who is in on the switch and how long can he keep it up the charade? Anya and the Shy Guy gives readers a little twist to The Backstage Pass series and it adds to the fun. I loved it!
This book has a different feel to it compared to the others. There seemed to be less interaction between the band members which makes complete sense. Matt has a huge secret to hide and the less he interacts with the band members, the less of a chance there is that he will be found out. I did want more interactions because I enjoy the comradarie with the other guys. There are some great one-liners so we do get a bit of the other guys in Seconds to Juliet (more Ryder please!)
Like not-Will, Anya has her own secrets that she must keep and must walk a fine line to keep them. I like how Winegardner addressed Anya's struggles and her needs and didn't trivialize her experience. I did want to know more about Anya's background and her relationship with her mom. We get pieces, but that is something that I would have like more of.
Some favorite moments:
*The eating contest between Matt and Anya
*Anya becoming friends with Natasha
*Rooftops at night
*"WET" serenade
Some favorite quotes:
"Anyway, if you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much room."
"I'm going to remind you that you said that."
"Don't be embarrassed. Or if you are embarrassed, get used to it because I intend on kissing you like that every chance I get." He paused, his gaze wandering over her face. "You're phenomenal, and you're mine. Wait. That didn't come out right. I meant I'm yours. If you'll have me."
Love it!!!
Each book of the series continues to compliment the others published before it. I look forward to reading each book and I love recommending them to my friends. They are fun, entertaining, and "take me back to my teens" books.
I have a crush on The Shy Guy. I have a crush on Will. I mean Matt. Yeah, Matt. Did you catch that?! Will is really Matt, Will's twin brother. When I first read that, I was all "What the what?" How did that happen? How can Matt pull it off? Who is in on the switch and how long can he keep it up the charade? Anya and the Shy Guy gives readers a little twist to The Backstage Pass series and it adds to the fun. I loved it!
This book has a different feel to it compared to the others. There seemed to be less interaction between the band members which makes complete sense. Matt has a huge secret to hide and the less he interacts with the band members, the less of a chance there is that he will be found out. I did want more interactions because I enjoy the comradarie with the other guys. There are some great one-liners so we do get a bit of the other guys in Seconds to Juliet (more Ryder please!)
Like not-Will, Anya has her own secrets that she must keep and must walk a fine line to keep them. I like how Winegardner addressed Anya's struggles and her needs and didn't trivialize her experience. I did want to know more about Anya's background and her relationship with her mom. We get pieces, but that is something that I would have like more of.
Some favorite moments:
*The eating contest between Matt and Anya
*Anya becoming friends with Natasha
*Rooftops at night
*"WET" serenade
Some favorite quotes:
"Anyway, if you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much room."
"I'm going to remind you that you said that."
"Don't be embarrassed. Or if you are embarrassed, get used to it because I intend on kissing you like that every chance I get." He paused, his gaze wandering over her face. "You're phenomenal, and you're mine. Wait. That didn't come out right. I meant I'm yours. If you'll have me."
Love it!!!
Each book of the series continues to compliment the others published before it. I look forward to reading each book and I love recommending them to my friends. They are fun, entertaining, and "take me back to my teens" books.
July 14, 2015
3.5
I've really been enjoying the Backstage Pass series, and I love the fact that each story is written by a different author, because we get to see different writing styles, different views of the overall story of the boy band, but still maintaining the continuity of the big picture story.
Anya and the Shy Guy was a great installment to this series. I felt there was some really genuine plot conflict in this one. We have a girl who is motivated to uncover one band member's deepest, darkest secret in order to get paid for a special article series she's writing... and because she's been homeless, that's a pretty good motivator to make money. So she's not just a heartless reporter out for a story. She's got some really important reasons for what and why she's doing this.
Then you have Will Fray, or should I say Matt Fray. He's taking his brother's place in the band, secretly, because his brother is in rehab. This is a huge secret that could hurt his brother if it got out. So keeping that secret is vital. Boom, good conflict!
I loved both of these characters. Anya is a sweet girl, although she could also be pretty strong. I loved how she struggled internally with her own motives and whether or not she could go through with this. I adored Matt too. He was so positive and exuberant at times, so much so that Anya kept referring to the fact that this was the shy guy who wasn't shy at all.
The only issue I had might have had with the story was that Matt fell for her awfully quickly. Not quite, but almost insta-love. The conflict between the two carried it over, however, and I wasn't really disturbed by it.
Suze Winegartner did a great job jumping into this series and giving the readers a great new perspective. I loved the conflict in this story, the characters were endearing, and the book read really quickly. I'm looking forward to future installments of this cute series!
I've really been enjoying the Backstage Pass series, and I love the fact that each story is written by a different author, because we get to see different writing styles, different views of the overall story of the boy band, but still maintaining the continuity of the big picture story.
Anya and the Shy Guy was a great installment to this series. I felt there was some really genuine plot conflict in this one. We have a girl who is motivated to uncover one band member's deepest, darkest secret in order to get paid for a special article series she's writing... and because she's been homeless, that's a pretty good motivator to make money. So she's not just a heartless reporter out for a story. She's got some really important reasons for what and why she's doing this.
Then you have Will Fray, or should I say Matt Fray. He's taking his brother's place in the band, secretly, because his brother is in rehab. This is a huge secret that could hurt his brother if it got out. So keeping that secret is vital. Boom, good conflict!
I loved both of these characters. Anya is a sweet girl, although she could also be pretty strong. I loved how she struggled internally with her own motives and whether or not she could go through with this. I adored Matt too. He was so positive and exuberant at times, so much so that Anya kept referring to the fact that this was the shy guy who wasn't shy at all.
The only issue I had might have had with the story was that Matt fell for her awfully quickly. Not quite, but almost insta-love. The conflict between the two carried it over, however, and I wasn't really disturbed by it.
Suze Winegartner did a great job jumping into this series and giving the readers a great new perspective. I loved the conflict in this story, the characters were endearing, and the book read really quickly. I'm looking forward to future installments of this cute series!
July 14, 2015
Really enjoyed it!!!
I have so much to say, I don’t know where to start! You would have guessed from my rating that I am officially a fan of this world and these characters and the story. I finished it within 24 hours….do I need an explanation?
I will be slightly (actually, not slightly at all) comparing this book to Daisy and the Front Man since it was the previous book (and the only other book that I have read in this series) . I definitely liked this one a lot better…so, there is your answer.
Now, on to the actual review, this book is about a homeless girl who lands a job of a reporter to dig up some good dirt on Will Fray, the ‘shy’ member of the ‘oh so good’ boyband, Seconds to Juliet. Did I ever mention that the name is kind of girly? Anyway, Will Fray is really not him. Its his TWIN brother, Matt Fray. Holy crap. What a scandal. The problem is, can Anya find out about this in between falling for… ‘Will’ ?
Yeah, I loved the synopsis! Its just that… these books have such amazing plots- and yes, there are a lot of amazing plots out there- but these books are contemporary romance. Light, easy reads. These types of book don’t usually have such plots. So I always appreciate a good contemporary, which is rare to the eye.
So, in this joyride, we have a crazy combo. Homeless reporter and the classic, good ol’ twin switcheroo! Those are always fun, right? This one was also slightly less dramatic than Daisy and the Front Man, which I loved. It made me like the main character even more. She was really relatable, not as funny and goofy as Daisy, but I can roll with it.
full review: https://grapefruitbooks.wordpress.com...
I have so much to say, I don’t know where to start! You would have guessed from my rating that I am officially a fan of this world and these characters and the story. I finished it within 24 hours….do I need an explanation?
I will be slightly (actually, not slightly at all) comparing this book to Daisy and the Front Man since it was the previous book (and the only other book that I have read in this series) . I definitely liked this one a lot better…so, there is your answer.
Now, on to the actual review, this book is about a homeless girl who lands a job of a reporter to dig up some good dirt on Will Fray, the ‘shy’ member of the ‘oh so good’ boyband, Seconds to Juliet. Did I ever mention that the name is kind of girly? Anyway, Will Fray is really not him. Its his TWIN brother, Matt Fray. Holy crap. What a scandal. The problem is, can Anya find out about this in between falling for… ‘Will’ ?
Yeah, I loved the synopsis! Its just that… these books have such amazing plots- and yes, there are a lot of amazing plots out there- but these books are contemporary romance. Light, easy reads. These types of book don’t usually have such plots. So I always appreciate a good contemporary, which is rare to the eye.
So, in this joyride, we have a crazy combo. Homeless reporter and the classic, good ol’ twin switcheroo! Those are always fun, right? This one was also slightly less dramatic than Daisy and the Front Man, which I loved. It made me like the main character even more. She was really relatable, not as funny and goofy as Daisy, but I can roll with it.
full review: https://grapefruitbooks.wordpress.com...
July 14, 2015
I was given an ecopy of the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. Anya and the Shy Guy is an adorable romance that is perfect for a summer read. I finished it within a few hours. It's definitely teenagey and fangirly. The storyline was adorable and I found myself wanting to race through the book to get to the storybook ending. I really liked Ayna and Natasha's instant friendship. It was great how Natasha stepped right up and helped look out for Anya, especially once she found out her age and situation. Seeing the band all rally around Matt once the Will/Matt switch secret was out was really nice. It was compelling to watch both Anya and Matt struggle with the secrets they were keeping throughout the book, and fortunately things got worse and blew up in their faces realistically before they worked through everything and forgave each other. Like I said, it's a great summer read. Romance, adorableness, and concerts...and you don't even have to get off the couch and step into reality for this backstage pass. I definitely took issue with the amount of swearing, it really wasn't necessary at all in my opinion. I also wasn't fond of how quickly everything jumped to something sexual. In my opinion it went a little too much for being YA; instead of being spicy, it went a little further to where I felt it was more mature than I, as a late twenty-something year old reader, wanted to read, as far as graphic descriptions go. Granted, we were warned, but I think it's worth bringing up again before a reader dives into the book. All in all, it was a cute story and a fun read for fangirls everywhere. When my friend finished reviewing it she sent me the emoji with hearts for eyes, so that about sums it up it’s adorableness.
July 13, 2015
This book is a fantastic addition to the Backstage Pass series. What I've loved so far about all of the books in this series is how independent and strong the female leads have been, and that has never been more true than in ANYA AND THE SHY GUY. Anya's backstory is so freaking compelling, and I loved seeing how strong she was as she makes a life for herself from basically nothing. She's no pushover, and I love that she's more than just a starry-eyed fan of Seconds to Juliet. Anya has her entire future in mind as she makes her way and seeing her have all her dreams come true is a true joy in this book.
Strong heroines aside- I loved the twist in this book. The twin switcheroo plot is always fun, and in this case it has meaning and substance to back it up. I like that this book was a little darker than the others in the series. (It feels just a little more grown up, dealing with major issues like homelessness and prescription drug addiction). The idea that Matt would be stepping in because Will struggled with pain pills floored me, and it made the switch so compelling. And boy, did I ever love Matt in all of his conflicted sweetness. He falls hard for Anya, but struggles mightily with the idea that he can't be completely honest with her. Good stuff, I tell you- good stuff.
This book has everything fans of the series have come to love, with exciting concert scenes and major boy band love. It's fast paced and fun, with all of the swoon worthy moments you could possibly ask for. Readers are going to love Anya and Matt!
Strong heroines aside- I loved the twist in this book. The twin switcheroo plot is always fun, and in this case it has meaning and substance to back it up. I like that this book was a little darker than the others in the series. (It feels just a little more grown up, dealing with major issues like homelessness and prescription drug addiction). The idea that Matt would be stepping in because Will struggled with pain pills floored me, and it made the switch so compelling. And boy, did I ever love Matt in all of his conflicted sweetness. He falls hard for Anya, but struggles mightily with the idea that he can't be completely honest with her. Good stuff, I tell you- good stuff.
This book has everything fans of the series have come to love, with exciting concert scenes and major boy band love. It's fast paced and fun, with all of the swoon worthy moments you could possibly ask for. Readers are going to love Anya and Matt!
July 11, 2015
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
I freaking love this series! I love how this story continued with the main character not even being in the band Seconds to Juliet. I thought it was a great little twist to add to the awesomeness that is the Backstage Pass series.
Anya is hanging around on the tour so that she can interview Will and write blog posts about being on the tour. But Will is actually Matt, his twin brother, taking over temporarily while he's away. When Anya meets Matt, she's surprised at how talkative he is. I mean, he's supposed to be the shy one, right? They spend time together, talking interview questions and other things. The close quarters leads them to a kiss, then another kiss, and yet another. It's all extremely romantic and made me feel all giddy. But the secrets they each keep are about to come out. Can this budding romance go the distance or will the truth tear them apart?
Anya and the Shy Guy was adorable from the start! I absolutely fell for Matt--he was totally a swoonworthy book boyfriend. And my heart went out for Anya and what she was dealing with in her life. Then add in all my favorite boys always around throughout the book... it just can't get any better! Great installment by Suze Winegardner, and can't wait for the last book.
My Rating: Very good
My Thoughts:
I freaking love this series! I love how this story continued with the main character not even being in the band Seconds to Juliet. I thought it was a great little twist to add to the awesomeness that is the Backstage Pass series.
Anya is hanging around on the tour so that she can interview Will and write blog posts about being on the tour. But Will is actually Matt, his twin brother, taking over temporarily while he's away. When Anya meets Matt, she's surprised at how talkative he is. I mean, he's supposed to be the shy one, right? They spend time together, talking interview questions and other things. The close quarters leads them to a kiss, then another kiss, and yet another. It's all extremely romantic and made me feel all giddy. But the secrets they each keep are about to come out. Can this budding romance go the distance or will the truth tear them apart?
Anya and the Shy Guy was adorable from the start! I absolutely fell for Matt--he was totally a swoonworthy book boyfriend. And my heart went out for Anya and what she was dealing with in her life. Then add in all my favorite boys always around throughout the book... it just can't get any better! Great installment by Suze Winegardner, and can't wait for the last book.
My Rating: Very good
July 13, 2015
A little far-fetched but I still loved it.
Awwww you guys! While ANYA AND THE SHY GUY had a couple of tiny continuity issues and it was pretty far-fetched, I couldn't help myself. I loved it.
There's always something fun about the twin-swap in a romance and I totally fell hard for Will/Matt. If you adore the funny types I think you'll like him too. I couldn't help but picture a teenage version of an adorable celeb who recently became a mega-star. Anya on the other hand, earned a very special place in my heart more based on circumstance than personality. I have a big soft spot for teens who are or have been homeless, especially the ones who are smart enough to pull off what Anya does. I really wanted her to get her big scoop but at the same time I hated the idea of her story destroying S2J. I think you'll be as pleased as I was with the way their story plays out.
I came in late to the series and read DAISY AND THE FRONT MAN first and I think you could almost do the same for AATSG but I would recommend starting from the beginning. There's enough back story about who the secondary characters are that felt unexplained enough I think you would enjoy it more if read in order. That said, it's going to be well worth the wait.
Notes: ARC received via NetGalley.
Awwww you guys! While ANYA AND THE SHY GUY had a couple of tiny continuity issues and it was pretty far-fetched, I couldn't help myself. I loved it.
There's always something fun about the twin-swap in a romance and I totally fell hard for Will/Matt. If you adore the funny types I think you'll like him too. I couldn't help but picture a teenage version of an adorable celeb who recently became a mega-star. Anya on the other hand, earned a very special place in my heart more based on circumstance than personality. I have a big soft spot for teens who are or have been homeless, especially the ones who are smart enough to pull off what Anya does. I really wanted her to get her big scoop but at the same time I hated the idea of her story destroying S2J. I think you'll be as pleased as I was with the way their story plays out.
I came in late to the series and read DAISY AND THE FRONT MAN first and I think you could almost do the same for AATSG but I would recommend starting from the beginning. There's enough back story about who the secondary characters are that felt unexplained enough I think you would enjoy it more if read in order. That said, it's going to be well worth the wait.
Notes: ARC received via NetGalley.
July 15, 2015
4 heartwarming stars
Anya and the Shy Guy was a sweet, fun and entertaining read.
Loved both Will/Matt and Anya! They were sweet and so cute together, their love story was a good read, I read it on one seating.
I really connected with Anya, she touched my heart with her circumstances.
Highly recommend Anya and the Shy Guy, this is the fourth book in Backstage Pass series and I've enjoyed them all.
Overall, this book is a light, heartfelt, fun and a swoony read.
Thank you to Entangled Crush via Netgalley for the advance copy.
Anya and the Shy Guy was a sweet, fun and entertaining read.
Loved both Will/Matt and Anya! They were sweet and so cute together, their love story was a good read, I read it on one seating.
I really connected with Anya, she touched my heart with her circumstances.
Highly recommend Anya and the Shy Guy, this is the fourth book in Backstage Pass series and I've enjoyed them all.
Overall, this book is a light, heartfelt, fun and a swoony read.
Thank you to Entangled Crush via Netgalley for the advance copy.
August 9, 2015
*** This ARC was received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchanged for a honest review***
I am loving this series. I love how even after a rough couple of years of beinbg homeless she is still more worried about someone else. She is striving to make life better. Matt is a great guy for stepping for his brother to get better and to make sure his mother doesn't have to go back to working three jobs.
I am loving this series. I love how even after a rough couple of years of beinbg homeless she is still more worried about someone else. She is striving to make life better. Matt is a great guy for stepping for his brother to get better and to make sure his mother doesn't have to go back to working three jobs.
August 2, 2015
Cute romance about a girl who doesn't want anyone to know who she really is and a boy who isn't who everyone thinks he is. I read it in one sunny summer afternoon. It had an "Almost Famous" meets "The Parent Trap" feel to it, and any teen who knows what it feels like to have a crush on a musician will love it.
July 8, 2015
Loved this one! Review to come...
September 3, 2015
Super cute and fun story. Characters who jump off the page and stay in your mind. Great reading experience that I will be recommending others!
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