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The Best Part of Hello
Some people just can't stand each other. Kayla and Evan are definitely one of those people. It's annoying enough that they are plane partners and have to sit next to each other through the entire flight to Italy for their senior class trip, but things go from bad to worse when their plane makes an emergency stop. Their lives unexpectedly change as soon as Kayla follows Evan into a dark corridor and, right after, things just escalate from worse to tragic. “I won't begin to suggest that I know what you're feeling, but I know what it feels like to love someone who doesn't love you back.” To add icing to Kayla’s wretched cake, she finds out that that Ben, her perfect boyfriend, isn’t so perfect after all and has been hiding a basket full of dirty secrets from her. Dead set on getting back at him, she turns to the only person she thinks who is just as hurt as her and crazy enough to sign up and play along with her plan―Evan. “Be my fake boyfriend, Evan Winters. I promise never to love you, care for you or…well…you get the idea.” But they’re just pretending. Except when one of them is suddenly isn’t… A freak storm, stolen chickens, a language barrier and a big adventure. The senior trip of their life. But will they ever be the same people once they go back? Find out in this unexpected romantic comedy that has Kayla and Evan butting heads as they meet interesting people, end up in jail, learn valuable les-sons, and experience heartaches and new beginnings—together.
- GenresYoung AdultAudiobook
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2018
42 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 3, 2019
Great Story, Great Audible Listen🎧 Original & Heartfelt!
The Best Part of Hello
A Young Adult Novel
By: Hollie Armstrong
Narrated by: Sarah Sampino
This is a terrific young adult novel, the storylines and characters are interesting and well developed. Hollie Armstrong captures the essence of the teenage mind in this wonderful story she created. She presented issues teens face, peer pressure, issues with friends and then thrown into a situation where they have to be responsible adults. Kayla, seemed mature for her age, as did Evan. The two became unlikely allies in the tragic situation they landed in as well as when Kayla finds out her long term boyfriend is a liar and a cheat. I liked the chemistry between the two. I really liked these two characters and her friend Sophie too. I also liked how they stepped up to help others when many did not or could not. Hollie Armstrong put a lot in to this story, drama, angst, some thrillling, suspenseful moments, she also lightened it up with some fun moments. Loved the friendships and romance she brought to the story as well. A great YA, enemies to friends to lovers. She also did a great job covering PTSD after they returned home. Thanks for this great story Hollie Armstrong, it is a heartfelt & entertaining one. It is a great accomplishment to be published at such a young age, I hope you keep it coming.
I listened to the Audible edition, narrated but the talented Sarah Sampino. She performs the voices of all of the characters, gives each their own unique voice and personality. She does a wonderful job covering both the male and female parts as well as the different accents. She brought a lot to this story, including heart. She is entertaining and a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for another great listen🎧
The Best Part of Hello
A Young Adult Novel
By: Hollie Armstrong
Narrated by: Sarah Sampino
This is a terrific young adult novel, the storylines and characters are interesting and well developed. Hollie Armstrong captures the essence of the teenage mind in this wonderful story she created. She presented issues teens face, peer pressure, issues with friends and then thrown into a situation where they have to be responsible adults. Kayla, seemed mature for her age, as did Evan. The two became unlikely allies in the tragic situation they landed in as well as when Kayla finds out her long term boyfriend is a liar and a cheat. I liked the chemistry between the two. I really liked these two characters and her friend Sophie too. I also liked how they stepped up to help others when many did not or could not. Hollie Armstrong put a lot in to this story, drama, angst, some thrillling, suspenseful moments, she also lightened it up with some fun moments. Loved the friendships and romance she brought to the story as well. A great YA, enemies to friends to lovers. She also did a great job covering PTSD after they returned home. Thanks for this great story Hollie Armstrong, it is a heartfelt & entertaining one. It is a great accomplishment to be published at such a young age, I hope you keep it coming.
I listened to the Audible edition, narrated but the talented Sarah Sampino. She performs the voices of all of the characters, gives each their own unique voice and personality. She does a wonderful job covering both the male and female parts as well as the different accents. She brought a lot to this story, including heart. She is entertaining and a pleasure to listen to. Thanks for another great listen🎧
October 6, 2019
The Best Part of Hello was my first Hollie Armstrong novel. This clean YA novel held my interest until the very end and I very much enjoyed the story. The characters were likable and very much relatable and it was interesting to see their development after the situation they were thrust into. This novel included both enemies to lovers and fake relationship tropes into one fascinating story. I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to all lovers of YA romance.
The audible version of this story was narrated by Sarah Sampino. She did a fantastic job with the narration of these characters. She was able to portray varying voices and personalities for the different characters and really brought the story to life. I absolutely loved listening to her narrate this book.
AudiobookObsession
The audible version of this story was narrated by Sarah Sampino. She did a fantastic job with the narration of these characters. She was able to portray varying voices and personalities for the different characters and really brought the story to life. I absolutely loved listening to her narrate this book.
AudiobookObsession
March 23, 2019
Fair weather enemies
A well-handled story of teen relationships. There are friendships made and broken, disasters and triumphs, international affairs, and enough storms and tempests to keep the weather bureau going for years.
A group of teens flies into Italy (spoiler note. Susy's behaviour in the first paragraph is a warning sign) and into the middle of a national disaster. What should be a school trip full of culture and good eating becomes something quite different.
In the land of opera, Kayla and Evan - enemies since childhood - find their relationship shifting and changing in tune with the weather. The police have to step in at one point. A low point. Involving poultry and revenge.
I found a couple of minor points a little hard to swallow, but for a nineteen-year-old author, I reckon she has done a fantastic job at telling a story of tangled if not tortured relationships. Then again, that's high school romances for you, I guess.
Looking forward to more from Hollie. Keep up the good work!
A well-handled story of teen relationships. There are friendships made and broken, disasters and triumphs, international affairs, and enough storms and tempests to keep the weather bureau going for years.
A group of teens flies into Italy (spoiler note. Susy's behaviour in the first paragraph is a warning sign) and into the middle of a national disaster. What should be a school trip full of culture and good eating becomes something quite different.
In the land of opera, Kayla and Evan - enemies since childhood - find their relationship shifting and changing in tune with the weather. The police have to step in at one point. A low point. Involving poultry and revenge.
I found a couple of minor points a little hard to swallow, but for a nineteen-year-old author, I reckon she has done a fantastic job at telling a story of tangled if not tortured relationships. Then again, that's high school romances for you, I guess.
Looking forward to more from Hollie. Keep up the good work!
May 12, 2019
Let me preface by saying that I am not a young adult, but nonetheless, I truly enjoyed this book. Tapping into the emotions from my teenage years, I felt Kayla’s desolation in finding out her boyfriend had betrayed her. I remembered the annoyance of that one boy who irritated to no end and wishing he would just disappear. I also felt the disappointment of a long-awaited for class trip to Europe, thwarted by disaster.
(The Mom in me read anxiously, wondering when those children would be able to get word to their parents that they were safe.)
In the meantime, … there was a whole lot of shenanigans happening during an emergency situation - no food, outside contact or real medical treatment.
I liked how the writer, Holly Armstrong, developed the relationship between the two adversaries, Kayla and Evan. Slowly, they began to trust one another, understand each other and form a bond. I don’t want to say too much and give away any spoilers but there were times when I grew a little frustrated and sad for the two of them. The Best Part of Hello is a romance, so you know there has to be a happy ending but when it finally happened, it came all too abruptly, making me wish for just a little bit more. For only this reason, I gave the book four stars. I felt it warranted an epilogue. After all the angst, I wanted to know what became of them five or ten years later.
I won a copy of the audiobook in a Goodreads giveaway. I absolutely adored the narrator. Sarah Sampino did a fabulous job with the various male and female voices as well as how she enacted the story.
(The Mom in me read anxiously, wondering when those children would be able to get word to their parents that they were safe.)
In the meantime, … there was a whole lot of shenanigans happening during an emergency situation - no food, outside contact or real medical treatment.
I liked how the writer, Holly Armstrong, developed the relationship between the two adversaries, Kayla and Evan. Slowly, they began to trust one another, understand each other and form a bond. I don’t want to say too much and give away any spoilers but there were times when I grew a little frustrated and sad for the two of them. The Best Part of Hello is a romance, so you know there has to be a happy ending but when it finally happened, it came all too abruptly, making me wish for just a little bit more. For only this reason, I gave the book four stars. I felt it warranted an epilogue. After all the angst, I wanted to know what became of them five or ten years later.
I won a copy of the audiobook in a Goodreads giveaway. I absolutely adored the narrator. Sarah Sampino did a fabulous job with the various male and female voices as well as how she enacted the story.
May 15, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
A clean YA romance. The characters are likeable and relatable, especially for that age group. I really enjoyed watching the characters grow into their feelings and learn how to deal with tough situations. This seemed kind of like it was written as an enemies to lovers but felt more like a friends to lovers romance. Well written sweet story!
I have listened to a couple of this narrator's performances and have been impressed with each of them. She gave an excellent performance for this book as well and was able to exhibit the various emotions the characters go through.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review
A clean YA romance. The characters are likeable and relatable, especially for that age group. I really enjoyed watching the characters grow into their feelings and learn how to deal with tough situations. This seemed kind of like it was written as an enemies to lovers but felt more like a friends to lovers romance. Well written sweet story!
I have listened to a couple of this narrator's performances and have been impressed with each of them. She gave an excellent performance for this book as well and was able to exhibit the various emotions the characters go through.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review
September 21, 2019
This story is intense.Going on a senior school trip should be fun, enlightening not fearful and full of tragedy. Kayla Has more experiences in life in that short time , than what she could handle. She started out as fun loving and adventurous, coming home broken hearted , broken spirited, and withdrawn. The Hollie Armstrong touches on the subject of depression and how getting help is important. She did an amazing job developing the story and building the relationship between Kayla and Evan. its a story of love , trust, betrayal, lies , hope and despair. Sarah Sampino narration is excellent in this story. She is a great voice performer, depicting all the emotions, accents and giving each character their own personality and bring the story to life. I was gifted this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
February 21, 2020
Interesting and entertaining story. The narrator did a good job and I’d recommend listening. I do wish there was more with the disaster scenario and a lot more of an ending. It ends fine, but is way too short after having to wait so long. I was loving the whole trapped because of a massive storm scenario; it added an interesting layer to the story between the characters. I liked the main characters for the most part and felt they were written well. Kayla is a little neurotic, but she has a big heart. These are teens so they do some stupid things sometimes, I was extremely disappointed with some of Evan’s actions; the club situation and his friendship with the girl that sleeps around. His actions made the feelings not seem as deep as I would have liked and his excuses weren’t up to par, but I still liked him. I liked the banter between Kayla and Evan; they have both had animosity towards the other, but mainly because they are both hard headed. It was great to see their friendship grow. Overall, entertaining story that didn’t quite go my favorite route, but was still an enjoyable story.
April 20, 2019
This was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I can't imagine going through everything these kids went through and not being more traumatized. If fact I feel like a lot of the feelings they should have been having were down played a bit especially considering the circumstances that they were in. Literally dealing with a life or death situation for DAYS with no medical or outside help, and then going on about their business once it was done was a bit hard to believe. Kayla seemed to be more effected once she was home then she was in the middle of it all happening.
I love the dynamic between Kayla and Evan, the hate to love, enemies to friends and more. I dont think I would have been as forgiving as Evan was. Especially since it was hinted at that maybe his home life was more traumatic then we knew about.
The audio performance by Sarah Sampino was really well done. I enjoyed the different accents and being able to distinguish each character clearly.
Overall I would recommend this book to any of my friends to read.
I love the dynamic between Kayla and Evan, the hate to love, enemies to friends and more. I dont think I would have been as forgiving as Evan was. Especially since it was hinted at that maybe his home life was more traumatic then we knew about.
The audio performance by Sarah Sampino was really well done. I enjoyed the different accents and being able to distinguish each character clearly.
Overall I would recommend this book to any of my friends to read.
April 11, 2019
Audible Edition
So this one was out of my wheel house as far as what I enjoy listening to and reading. I was honestly kind of shocked that it pulled me in right away since young adult isn't really my thing. I loved getting to know Kayla and Evan - a huge misunderstanding making them enemies who eventually through catastrophe end up friends and eventually lovers (I use the term lovers loosely as there is no sex in this book nor was it eluded to, but in my mind, that's what they became). The secondary characters, while playing a big roll in how the story unfolded, never took away from the main characters..
Kayla was a typical teenage girl with the steady boyfriend and Evan was the brooding neighbor. Never really interacting until they were forced into leaning on each other through a series of tragic events. Great story building and character development - I felt like I was right there with them. There was just enough angst to keep me coming back for more. I almost wish there would have been more at the end because I felt so invested in both of them.
Sarah Sampino did a phenomenal job of narrating both female and male parts. Her ability to change her voice to reflect several different characters was flawless. I will definitely be looking into more books with her as the narrator.
So this one was out of my wheel house as far as what I enjoy listening to and reading. I was honestly kind of shocked that it pulled me in right away since young adult isn't really my thing. I loved getting to know Kayla and Evan - a huge misunderstanding making them enemies who eventually through catastrophe end up friends and eventually lovers (I use the term lovers loosely as there is no sex in this book nor was it eluded to, but in my mind, that's what they became). The secondary characters, while playing a big roll in how the story unfolded, never took away from the main characters..
Kayla was a typical teenage girl with the steady boyfriend and Evan was the brooding neighbor. Never really interacting until they were forced into leaning on each other through a series of tragic events. Great story building and character development - I felt like I was right there with them. There was just enough angst to keep me coming back for more. I almost wish there would have been more at the end because I felt so invested in both of them.
Sarah Sampino did a phenomenal job of narrating both female and male parts. Her ability to change her voice to reflect several different characters was flawless. I will definitely be looking into more books with her as the narrator.
June 6, 2019
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this book transcends the usual bickering found in these types of stories. The precarious situation they are in gives them bigger problems to worry about than being stuck together. I really liked the characters, and the narrator did an excellent job with all the voices and accents. She has a strong, clear voice, and her male voices are also very believable and honestly kind of sexy as well.
I enjoyed the build up of the romance, which was accomplished through deeds and time spent together rather than lust. I found that I didn't miss the charged tension and barbs being flung back and forth that makes up the bulk of many love/hate stories. This one snuck up on me with emotion, and I felt their connection and yearning. I got the impression that it had been a lot longer for Evan while Kayla had been oblivious. I would have liked to find out exactly how their animosity began.
The only problem I had with this book was the odd choice to skip ahead sometimes and then go back and explain what happened. I think the story would have flowed better if the author would have kept it all in sequence. I'm also torn between loving the ending with its sexy and emotional impact and wanting more beyond that point after waiting so long for it.
I enjoyed the build up of the romance, which was accomplished through deeds and time spent together rather than lust. I found that I didn't miss the charged tension and barbs being flung back and forth that makes up the bulk of many love/hate stories. This one snuck up on me with emotion, and I felt their connection and yearning. I got the impression that it had been a lot longer for Evan while Kayla had been oblivious. I would have liked to find out exactly how their animosity began.
The only problem I had with this book was the odd choice to skip ahead sometimes and then go back and explain what happened. I think the story would have flowed better if the author would have kept it all in sequence. I'm also torn between loving the ending with its sexy and emotional impact and wanting more beyond that point after waiting so long for it.
April 5, 2019
New to me author Hollie Armstrong has written an action packed, coming of age story. Kayla and Evan are on their senior class trip to Italy when a horrible storm hits. Now stranded in the airport, this unlikely pair come together to help others and in the end really save each other. I loved this story for a couple of reasons. Armstrong has woven in the childhood friends into teenage years and how times and relationships change. Peer pressure,different interests and just growing up all leads to new feelings. It also adds in the dynamic of people teenage relationships as we see Kayla and her boyfriend and Evan and his good friend who is a girl. We get to experience all of this as it brings our own frame of reference to such times. She also adds in some witty banter, gallantry and real feelings of growth and love. It's a wonderful story.
Sarah Sampino gives an excellent performance of this story. I love her voice, and she has a great talent for being able to switch between the male and female voices. I really thought she did well with the teen voices, giving them the credibility and feelings that teenagers have. A great listen!
Sarah Sampino gives an excellent performance of this story. I love her voice, and she has a great talent for being able to switch between the male and female voices. I really thought she did well with the teen voices, giving them the credibility and feelings that teenagers have. A great listen!
April 12, 2019
4.0 Star Review The Best Part of Hello by Hollie Armstrong
Audio Review:
Both the author Hollie Armstrong and narrator Sarah Sampino were new to me. This one was a bit out of my comfort zone as I do not normally read or listen to New/Young adult. However I went into it with and open mind and was pleasantly surprised.
The story was engaging and drew me in from the start. The narration was very good and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
This was a story filled with suspense, drama and emotions that plenty of chemistry sizzling between Kayla and Evan. There was also plenty of humour which had many laugh out loud moments whilst I was listening.
An enemies to friends to so much more this was a good story and I look forward to reading/ listening to more from Hollie Armstrong and narrator Sarah Sampino
Audio Review:
Both the author Hollie Armstrong and narrator Sarah Sampino were new to me. This one was a bit out of my comfort zone as I do not normally read or listen to New/Young adult. However I went into it with and open mind and was pleasantly surprised.
The story was engaging and drew me in from the start. The narration was very good and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
This was a story filled with suspense, drama and emotions that plenty of chemistry sizzling between Kayla and Evan. There was also plenty of humour which had many laugh out loud moments whilst I was listening.
An enemies to friends to so much more this was a good story and I look forward to reading/ listening to more from Hollie Armstrong and narrator Sarah Sampino
October 7, 2019
Audio book review
This is a YA story that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are many levels and by that I mean lots of action and anticipation with what will happen next . Holly writes about what any teenager goes through, trying to fit in at school . Trying to connect with all the cool kids . Who do you follow.
Heroine is Kayla. Hero is Evan
Evan and Kayla has always been eating away at each other . Kayla has only eyes for her boyfriend. Until she finds out what her boyfriend is all about . Something happiness , a tragedy that will bring Kayla and Even together, they depend on each other to help those that can't. Because of that , they start to bond strongly .
Sarah performance was great . Her tone for each character was great. Her voice brought justice to the audio
This is a YA story that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are many levels and by that I mean lots of action and anticipation with what will happen next . Holly writes about what any teenager goes through, trying to fit in at school . Trying to connect with all the cool kids . Who do you follow.
Heroine is Kayla. Hero is Evan
Evan and Kayla has always been eating away at each other . Kayla has only eyes for her boyfriend. Until she finds out what her boyfriend is all about . Something happiness , a tragedy that will bring Kayla and Even together, they depend on each other to help those that can't. Because of that , they start to bond strongly .
Sarah performance was great . Her tone for each character was great. Her voice brought justice to the audio
October 16, 2019
Audio book review
This is a YA story that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are many levels and by that I mean lots of action and anticipation with what will happen next . Holly writes about what any teenager goes through, trying to fit in at school . Trying to connect with all the cool kids . Who do you follow.
Heroine is Kayla. Hero is Evan
I’m reviewing this as part of audio book obsession and the view is my own
Evan and Kayla has always been eating away at each other . Kayla has only eyes for her boyfriend. Until she finds out what her boyfriend is all about . Something happiness , a tragedy that will bring Kayla and Even together, they depend on each other to help those that can't. Because of that , they start to bond strongly .
Sarah performance was great . Her tone for each character was great. Her voice brought justice to the audio
This is a YA story that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are many levels and by that I mean lots of action and anticipation with what will happen next . Holly writes about what any teenager goes through, trying to fit in at school . Trying to connect with all the cool kids . Who do you follow.
Heroine is Kayla. Hero is Evan
I’m reviewing this as part of audio book obsession and the view is my own
Evan and Kayla has always been eating away at each other . Kayla has only eyes for her boyfriend. Until she finds out what her boyfriend is all about . Something happiness , a tragedy that will bring Kayla and Even together, they depend on each other to help those that can't. Because of that , they start to bond strongly .
Sarah performance was great . Her tone for each character was great. Her voice brought justice to the audio
April 3, 2019
This book was full of emotions, suspense, and bad weather! I was hooked within the first two chapters and couldn’t put it down. It was very unique, especially the setting and first half of the book. There was never a dull moment and it kept you wanting more. I really enjoyed Kayla and Evan’s chemistry and how it changed throughout the book. Sarah did another amazing job with her narration! I love the way that her voice brings the characters and story to life with how much emotion she puts into her performance. She managed to do multiple character voices and the transition between each was flawless. I really hope that there will be more for these characters later on!
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 19, 2019
This setting and story was very unique. From being stuck in a life changing storm to having your heart tug in multiple directions. I understood wanting to get revenge but I agree that it is immature especially if when she returns she experiences so much depression from adult like thoughts. I just felt like she hurt him as much as others and kept making prideful decisions. There was a rough ending but I did love the letter and of course I love the hero! I absolutely loved the narrator and she really brought me into the book and kept me hooked with so much emotion and passion that she gave to the characters.
April 4, 2019
WOW. This book has so many thing going on that I am going to have a book hangover for a while. The tragedy that these two as well as their classmates go through is something that even adults have a hard time getting over if they even do at all. The strength that you see in these two is phenomenal, but there is some parts that remind you that they are just teenagers and not hit full maturity yet. I absolutely loved this book and can only hope to find more with this author.
Narration is amazing in this book. Emotions are played perfectly throughout.
Narration is amazing in this book. Emotions are played perfectly throughout.
April 19, 2019
The Best Part of Hello, written by Hollie Armstrong and narrated by Sarah Sampino.
Hollie did a great job in the development of the characters, while Sarah takes the listener through there experience on a not so pleasant school trip to Italy. This Young Adult, coming of age, hate to love romance was well worth the time to listen, Sarah did a great job telling the story, where Kayla Burns finds that the dislike she originally felt for her long time neighbor Evan Winter is now something else entirely.
Hollie did a great job in the development of the characters, while Sarah takes the listener through there experience on a not so pleasant school trip to Italy. This Young Adult, coming of age, hate to love romance was well worth the time to listen, Sarah did a great job telling the story, where Kayla Burns finds that the dislike she originally felt for her long time neighbor Evan Winter is now something else entirely.
August 7, 2019
I liked the way this story was written! The characters of Kayla and Evan were well developed and the meshed so well. There were so many wonderful parts of this story! The storm and the plot... the friendships! I loved listening to them develop. Hollie Armstrong is an author I’ve never met before, but I would read / listen to her again.
There were some really complex feelings and “issues” dealt with in the aftermath of what these students lived through... and it drew me in and made me want to know what happens next!!
There were some really complex feelings and “issues” dealt with in the aftermath of what these students lived through... and it drew me in and made me want to know what happens next!!
April 6, 2019
Audio: WOW! I absolutely LOVED this story! It kept me completely entertained from start to finish! Not a movement went by that my mind would wonder. Nope, I was completely invested in the story, the characters and their growing friendship and love for each other. Very impressed with this author and the narrator Sarah Sampino. I will be looking for more from her! Highly recommend this one!!!
I received this audiobook and agreed to give an honest review.
I received this audiobook and agreed to give an honest review.
June 17, 2019
This was a good sweet YA read. The characters were likeable and believable as teenagers. I enjoyed watching Kayla grow and learn. It had the sweetness of a friends to lovers romance.
They went through a lot and dealt with some difficult situations in the beginning. They went through that surprisingly well and proved to be mature and relatively level headed in an emergency situation.
Sarah Sampino gave a wonderful performance, it was easy to tell the characters apart.
They went through a lot and dealt with some difficult situations in the beginning. They went through that surprisingly well and proved to be mature and relatively level headed in an emergency situation.
Sarah Sampino gave a wonderful performance, it was easy to tell the characters apart.
August 4, 2019
The Best Part of Hello is an incredible coming of age book by Hollie Armstrong. I really enjoyed this story with its unexpected events. The imagery in the story was so well done, and the narration was spectacular! Sarah Sampino brought the characters to life. She performed them with distinguishable voices and sounded realistic in emotions and age inflection. I loved Kayla and Evan's chemistry in this book.
April 13, 2019
This was my first Hollie Armstrong's book. This is a great, sweet and cute YA Romance. Kayla and Evan's story is well written, fun, action packed, and original, filled with twists and turns. Their journey is captivating! I absolutely love the ending. Sarah Sampino did an amazing job with the narration. All characters were easy to distinguish. I enjoyed my listening.
January 1, 2020
3.5 Stars
This book was different than what I was expecting. The storyline was unique with it focusing on a group of teens getting through a natural disaster in a foreign country. Kayla goes through a lot on this trip and she finds friendship from an unexpected source, Ethan, the boy next door who has never been a friend until she needs one most.
- Narration by Sarah Sampino was great
This book was different than what I was expecting. The storyline was unique with it focusing on a group of teens getting through a natural disaster in a foreign country. Kayla goes through a lot on this trip and she finds friendship from an unexpected source, Ethan, the boy next door who has never been a friend until she needs one most.
- Narration by Sarah Sampino was great
April 4, 2019
This is a lovely coming of age read. Sarah really portrays the characters well and gives them personality. The book is written well and has a good level of adventure and humour.
January 30, 2021
I listened to this book on audible. I chose this book because the title intrigued me. I thought of the adventures I could read about in this back. The genre of this book is fiction/romance. The main characters are Kayla and Evan, Sophie, Jess, Ben. The setting is in Italy.
In the book “The Best Part of Hello” two neighbors Evan and Kayla “hate” each other. They take a class trip to Italy and they sit together the entire flight. A very bad storm hits and the class is stuck with nowhere to go. Kayla follows Evan into this dark hallway where they are staying because of the storm and things become even more unfortunate. They go through many adventures together although they still can’t stand each other. There are certain parts where these two connect, they’re more alike than different. They start to get closer when Kayla discovers many secrets about her boyfriend Ben. Evan isn’t one to show much emotion although with Kayla that starts to change, he helps her get back at Ben as well as getting over him. Kayla gets hurt in the storm but Evan stayed by her side day and night. She also becomes a hero helping people out, like injecting a kid who had an allergic reaction in the middle of the storm. Kayla also helps Evan get over Jess as stubborn as he is. Ben cheats on Kayla multiple times with the love of Evan’s life aka Jess. This hurts Kayla in multiple ways but Evan helps her though all of this and her best friend Sophie. Evan made this one plan to get back at Ben which involved chicken. Evan lied and said he paid for the chickens then got arrested. This made Kayla and him even closer. She hated him for it at first but sitting in that cell made them connect while expressing their feelings. They were broken out thanks to Kayla’s phone call to Adam, a handsome guy who also helped Kayla out while being stranded because of the storm. Kayla realizes she has started this hatred against Evan because she judged him. Kayla asks Evan if he could be her fake boyfriend. He promises to never love her or care for her, obviously jokingly. Kayla knows she catches feelings for Evan and says people can't control who they catch feelings for. Pretending to be dating Evan is to get at Ben. Kayla sees Adam who has caught feelings for him. He sees her and Evan together, this angers him. It takes a while for Adam to believe that they aren't actually dating. Kayla also admits her feelings for Adam this day. Adam could tell she has feelings for Evan as well and gives her space, but they were on good terms. Kayla tells Evan she kissed Adam because she somehow found the need to. Evan acts as if he doesn't care but Kayla has seen this before from him so she already knows part of him does care. Evan admits to Jess while defending Kayla that he can’t believe he ever thought he loved her, Jess stays shook and leaves the room. Seeing this made Kayla catch more feelings. Adam is now leaving and gives a goodbye to Kayla. They stay talking and laughing until it's time to go.
Sophie brings great news to Evan and Kayla. Their teacher has got them a plane back home. Part of Kayla doesn't want to leave as much as she’d love to see her family, she worries her and Evan’s bond will not be the same. It hurts to think about Evan leaving her. Jess notices how Evan has become overly protective of Kayla and says that he loves her and it’s obvious. This came to a surprise to Kayla. The class arrives back home and tries to get their lives back to normal. Kayla’s mom puts Kayla in therapy but Kayla finds it pointless since she thinks she wont understand anything that happened in Italy. She also has this desperate need to see Evan again. Evan knows Kayla needs him because he needs her as well. One night he goes through her window and lays with her and they have multiple conversations until they go to sleep, they need this. Kayla sees Evan kissing Sophie at a club they go to for Kayla’s birthday. This makes Kayla question everything but she remembers her and Evan aren’t dating. He says he was drunk and it didn’t mean anything because he didn’t remember it until his friend Damon told him. Kayla’s therapist made her realize Evan was her great change and she loves him. Kayla now leaves for college and Evan goes over and tries to say goodbye, he admits his love for her. One year later, Evan visits home from college around the same time Kayla did. He finds a letter written by Kayla explaining when she knew she fell in love with him. He goes to her house and after a year they still love each other, he kisses her and this makes them feel both complete after it all.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and people who like reading about Romance. I specifically recommend the book to my friend Sarah, she'd enjoy it. I think girls would most likely like this book.
In the book “The Best Part of Hello” two neighbors Evan and Kayla “hate” each other. They take a class trip to Italy and they sit together the entire flight. A very bad storm hits and the class is stuck with nowhere to go. Kayla follows Evan into this dark hallway where they are staying because of the storm and things become even more unfortunate. They go through many adventures together although they still can’t stand each other. There are certain parts where these two connect, they’re more alike than different. They start to get closer when Kayla discovers many secrets about her boyfriend Ben. Evan isn’t one to show much emotion although with Kayla that starts to change, he helps her get back at Ben as well as getting over him. Kayla gets hurt in the storm but Evan stayed by her side day and night. She also becomes a hero helping people out, like injecting a kid who had an allergic reaction in the middle of the storm. Kayla also helps Evan get over Jess as stubborn as he is. Ben cheats on Kayla multiple times with the love of Evan’s life aka Jess. This hurts Kayla in multiple ways but Evan helps her though all of this and her best friend Sophie. Evan made this one plan to get back at Ben which involved chicken. Evan lied and said he paid for the chickens then got arrested. This made Kayla and him even closer. She hated him for it at first but sitting in that cell made them connect while expressing their feelings. They were broken out thanks to Kayla’s phone call to Adam, a handsome guy who also helped Kayla out while being stranded because of the storm. Kayla realizes she has started this hatred against Evan because she judged him. Kayla asks Evan if he could be her fake boyfriend. He promises to never love her or care for her, obviously jokingly. Kayla knows she catches feelings for Evan and says people can't control who they catch feelings for. Pretending to be dating Evan is to get at Ben. Kayla sees Adam who has caught feelings for him. He sees her and Evan together, this angers him. It takes a while for Adam to believe that they aren't actually dating. Kayla also admits her feelings for Adam this day. Adam could tell she has feelings for Evan as well and gives her space, but they were on good terms. Kayla tells Evan she kissed Adam because she somehow found the need to. Evan acts as if he doesn't care but Kayla has seen this before from him so she already knows part of him does care. Evan admits to Jess while defending Kayla that he can’t believe he ever thought he loved her, Jess stays shook and leaves the room. Seeing this made Kayla catch more feelings. Adam is now leaving and gives a goodbye to Kayla. They stay talking and laughing until it's time to go.
Sophie brings great news to Evan and Kayla. Their teacher has got them a plane back home. Part of Kayla doesn't want to leave as much as she’d love to see her family, she worries her and Evan’s bond will not be the same. It hurts to think about Evan leaving her. Jess notices how Evan has become overly protective of Kayla and says that he loves her and it’s obvious. This came to a surprise to Kayla. The class arrives back home and tries to get their lives back to normal. Kayla’s mom puts Kayla in therapy but Kayla finds it pointless since she thinks she wont understand anything that happened in Italy. She also has this desperate need to see Evan again. Evan knows Kayla needs him because he needs her as well. One night he goes through her window and lays with her and they have multiple conversations until they go to sleep, they need this. Kayla sees Evan kissing Sophie at a club they go to for Kayla’s birthday. This makes Kayla question everything but she remembers her and Evan aren’t dating. He says he was drunk and it didn’t mean anything because he didn’t remember it until his friend Damon told him. Kayla’s therapist made her realize Evan was her great change and she loves him. Kayla now leaves for college and Evan goes over and tries to say goodbye, he admits his love for her. One year later, Evan visits home from college around the same time Kayla did. He finds a letter written by Kayla explaining when she knew she fell in love with him. He goes to her house and after a year they still love each other, he kisses her and this makes them feel both complete after it all.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and people who like reading about Romance. I specifically recommend the book to my friend Sarah, she'd enjoy it. I think girls would most likely like this book.
February 4, 2025
I picked this up because the author has left horrible reviews for other authors. Her reviews had me thinking she must be an amazing writer herself to trash so many good authors. But sadly, no. It was boring, and the writing was rather sophomoric. I was shocked. Surely she wouldn't trash authors without being a better writer herself, right? That wasn't the case. The plot itself was ok, but it was like reading the ramblings of child. I wish I could say her writing lived up to what I would have expected based on her reviews. But it did not and I have since picked up other books she's trashed that I hadn't read. And those were also superior to this book. (reviews forthcoming) I won't be reading more from her.
October 29, 2023
I bought this book on Kindle because I wanted to read it so bad. I thought it was going to be an amazing book.
I was proven wrong. So so wrong.
The only part I remember about this book is that they got stuck in an airport and the main girl that super injured I think?? The writing seemed so juvenile to me and the plot was just nonexistent to me.
I was proven wrong. So so wrong.
The only part I remember about this book is that they got stuck in an airport and the main girl that super injured I think?? The writing seemed so juvenile to me and the plot was just nonexistent to me.
March 13, 2021
Loved it
It's amazing what you don't see even though its right under your nose until it is usually way too late, and this was this story of Kayla and Evan. Off to read the bonus book
It's amazing what you don't see even though its right under your nose until it is usually way too late, and this was this story of Kayla and Evan. Off to read the bonus book
February 8, 2023
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected I thought the setting was different to something I have read before. I found the romance predictable which is why I have knocked a star off.
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