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What happens when the bad boy takes over the school advice column?
The last thing Emerick should be doing is giving anyone advice. His dad’s in prison. His mom’s buried under credit card debt. And he’s one step from failing. After everything his mom’s been through, she can’t take another disappointment. So when the guidance counselor gives him a choice, anonymously write the school’s advice column or drop out, what choice does he really have?
Student body president Nora Wilson has the perfect life. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. And with her dad running for governor . . . reputation is everything. She can’t let anyone know she’s drowning under the pressure. Except for an anonymous advice columnist.
Nora and Emerick can’t stand each other in real life. But online? They may have more in common than they ever thought possible.
Start reading Dear Adam in the Pen Pal Romance series today to see whether enemies can really become lovers. Fans of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata will love this sweet young adult romance with a diverse cast of characters that feel real enough to touch.
The last thing Emerick should be doing is giving anyone advice. His dad’s in prison. His mom’s buried under credit card debt. And he’s one step from failing. After everything his mom’s been through, she can’t take another disappointment. So when the guidance counselor gives him a choice, anonymously write the school’s advice column or drop out, what choice does he really have?
Student body president Nora Wilson has the perfect life. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. And with her dad running for governor . . . reputation is everything. She can’t let anyone know she’s drowning under the pressure. Except for an anonymous advice columnist.
Nora and Emerick can’t stand each other in real life. But online? They may have more in common than they ever thought possible.
Start reading Dear Adam in the Pen Pal Romance series today to see whether enemies can really become lovers. Fans of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata will love this sweet young adult romance with a diverse cast of characters that feel real enough to touch.
Unknown Binding
First published February 14, 2019
231 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
Kelsie Stelting
48 books1,737 followersKelsie Stelting is a body positive romance author who writes love stories with strong characters, deep feelings, and happy endings.
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
November 25, 2021
Que libro más adictivo. Es corto y tiene el drama necesario para tenerte metido en la historia.
Tiene un cliché que no es muy común, pero me gusta bastante. Dos personas que hablan por correo sin saber quién es el otro y en la vida real se llevan mal. Ese es un cliché que sí lo hacen bien es muy divertido de leer.
Me gusta que la autora haya hecho personajes variados que rompen el estereotipo que normalmente se les da. Tenemos a la protagonista que es la típica hija de millonarios que parece Regina George (a pesar de que no es así realmente) y tenemos al hijo de delincuente que todos creen es un chico malo (cuando en verdad es una ternura de persona). Adoro que haya tocado el tema de que no todo es lo que parece.
Es un libro que habla sobre temas que lamentablemente pasan y bastante. Ejemplos: Padre ausente, hijos tomando responsabilidades de padres, estrés adolescente, presión social, entre otras cosas muy comunes en esta edad.
Me sentí muy identificada con nuestra protagonista, siento que tenemos los mismos problemas en ciertas cosas (excepto que no tengo tanto dinero jaja). Pero ella tiene el complejo de mamá que no puede quitarse, lo cual entiendo totalmente.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si, es un libro muy bueno. Lo recomiendo como lectura ligera pero que igual te deja alguna enseñanza.
Tiene un cliché que no es muy común, pero me gusta bastante. Dos personas que hablan por correo sin saber quién es el otro y en la vida real se llevan mal. Ese es un cliché que sí lo hacen bien es muy divertido de leer.
Me gusta que la autora haya hecho personajes variados que rompen el estereotipo que normalmente se les da. Tenemos a la protagonista que es la típica hija de millonarios que parece Regina George (a pesar de que no es así realmente) y tenemos al hijo de delincuente que todos creen es un chico malo (cuando en verdad es una ternura de persona). Adoro que haya tocado el tema de que no todo es lo que parece.
Es un libro que habla sobre temas que lamentablemente pasan y bastante. Ejemplos: Padre ausente, hijos tomando responsabilidades de padres, estrés adolescente, presión social, entre otras cosas muy comunes en esta edad.
Me sentí muy identificada con nuestra protagonista, siento que tenemos los mismos problemas en ciertas cosas (excepto que no tengo tanto dinero jaja). Pero ella tiene el complejo de mamá que no puede quitarse, lo cual entiendo totalmente.
¿Lo recomiendo? Si, es un libro muy bueno. Lo recomiendo como lectura ligera pero que igual te deja alguna enseñanza.
March 2, 2019
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
This was my first book by Kelsie and I really wanted to like it but sadly, that wasn't the case. I'm afraid I won't continue reading Kelsie's books, at least not anytime soon.
This book follows Emerick who is close to failing his senior year, unless he takes up extra work, and Nora, who is the student body president. Emerick is then tasked to become the person behind the advice column at their high school's newspaper while keeping his identity a secret.
The premise was so cute that I couldn't wait another second to start it but all I can say is that it could've been tackled better. I didn't feel like there was chemistry between Emerick and Nora at all. If there was, I didn't believe it for a second.
Overall, this felt like a book I've read many, many times before. It was predictable and sometimes things happened do out of nowhere that it came across as confusing rather than plot twist-y. The only thing that stood out to me was the diversity representation but even that was minimal.
What angered me to no end was the fact that Emerick was referred to 'the bad boy' and honestly, he was the complete opposite. (There's nothing wrong with that but it's just annoying when the author is trying to pass off their characters as someone they're clearly not.) I just kept reading 'bad boy this' and 'bad boy that' without anything in the story to back that title. It sounded juvenile and tell-y which honestly, that was the worst recurring problem within this book. There were TONS of telling but rarely any showing, if at all.
The only reason this wasn't a one star was because the characters had me laughing a few times. Other than that, I wasn't into it enough to care about what happened to the characters.
This was my first book by Kelsie and I really wanted to like it but sadly, that wasn't the case. I'm afraid I won't continue reading Kelsie's books, at least not anytime soon.
This book follows Emerick who is close to failing his senior year, unless he takes up extra work, and Nora, who is the student body president. Emerick is then tasked to become the person behind the advice column at their high school's newspaper while keeping his identity a secret.
The premise was so cute that I couldn't wait another second to start it but all I can say is that it could've been tackled better. I didn't feel like there was chemistry between Emerick and Nora at all. If there was, I didn't believe it for a second.
Overall, this felt like a book I've read many, many times before. It was predictable and sometimes things happened do out of nowhere that it came across as confusing rather than plot twist-y. The only thing that stood out to me was the diversity representation but even that was minimal.
What angered me to no end was the fact that Emerick was referred to 'the bad boy' and honestly, he was the complete opposite. (There's nothing wrong with that but it's just annoying when the author is trying to pass off their characters as someone they're clearly not.) I just kept reading 'bad boy this' and 'bad boy that' without anything in the story to back that title. It sounded juvenile and tell-y which honestly, that was the worst recurring problem within this book. There were TONS of telling but rarely any showing, if at all.
The only reason this wasn't a one star was because the characters had me laughing a few times. Other than that, I wasn't into it enough to care about what happened to the characters.
July 21, 2020
Read for the Reading Rush 2020
February 1, 2019
Emerick Turner has had a complicated life and, unfortunately, he's used to being judged by it. His father is serving a long term prison sentence, his mother is in debt and they're struggling with financial issues. To top it all off, he's just a step away from failing this school year. So, when his guidance counselor gives him a chioce: anonymously write the advice column in the school paper or fail - he chooses to at least give it a try. Although he thinks he's the last person that should be giving anyone advice, Emerick is tired of seeing his mother disappointed.
Nora Wilson is the study body president, and from the outside, everyone would think her life is perfect. Her family is wealthy and, like her father, who's running to be the future governor, they're all successful in their own way. Appearances can be deceiving though, and while Nora looks like she has her life together, she's secretly falling apart under the pressure of it all. One misstep could destroy their perfect facade, and maybe even ruin her father's chances of being elected. Unable to voice her troubles to anyone she knows in fear of that, she keeps it all bottled up. Until, that is, when the school's paper adds a "Dear Adam" advice column. She can't cause any damage by spilling her secrets anonymously, can she?
Emerick and Nora are total opposites - they come from two different worlds, and because of that, they can't stand each other. They have a very clear idea of what kind of person the other is in their heads, and nothing can make them see each other differently. But when they begin talking to eachother using false identies, they end up forming a deep connection to one another.
What will happen when they discover that their virtual best friend is really someone they wouldn't think to confide in, in real life? Can the friendship they built anonymously withstand the trials of discovering each other's true identities, or will everything go back to how it was before?
Dear Adam by Kelsie Stelting is a clean YA contemporary romance story - there is no sex, but there is some swearing through out the book.
This book is told in the alternating POV's of both of the main characters. I love how fleshed out both of the MC's are; I found myself getting attached to them because I felt like I knew them so well. Emerick and Nora start out as characters who are so used to being judged and held at certain standards that they themselves became one of those judgemental people. However, they both end up learning a lot about themselves, each other and the people around them. These two characters grow so much through out this story, and I enjoyed seeing them evolve into better, more understanding people - I was rooting for them and was not disappointed!
The secondary characters were fleshed out pretty well, too. I enjoyed the fact that none of the MC'S family members or best friends were ever forgotten about. They all played their roles and added to the story. I liked how different their friends were, and how they supported them and even went through some changes of their own. The problems these characters face and how they overcome them were believeable, and made them easier to relate to in some ways.
There were some scenes that I felt were written a little awkwardly. That whole part with Lacey at the show, Wolf's swim in the lake, and even Nora's reaction towards Trey in the beginning (it seemed like she hated him at first, but they were still on some what friendly terms), for example. There are also a few parts in this book that were kind of left open that I wish would have been tied up. I know not everything in life gets the closure we may want, but I was really curious how a certain couple (I won't mention who) resolved their issues. Do they honestly just keep living in an unhappy relationship, despite how it effects the people around them? I can understand that being a reality for some people, but I can't see the characters who are effected by their decisions letting it go after they found out the truth.
Overall, this is a sweet YA contemporary romance about two senior students who learn to see the people around them, and themselves, for who they really are. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys fluffy teen dramas that deal with realistic issues. Fans of Kasie West should give this a try! (I was actually reminded of 'P.S. I Like You' while reading this book, although the two stories are very different).
Thank you to the author, Kelsie Stelting, for gifting me an early copy of her book!
Nora Wilson is the study body president, and from the outside, everyone would think her life is perfect. Her family is wealthy and, like her father, who's running to be the future governor, they're all successful in their own way. Appearances can be deceiving though, and while Nora looks like she has her life together, she's secretly falling apart under the pressure of it all. One misstep could destroy their perfect facade, and maybe even ruin her father's chances of being elected. Unable to voice her troubles to anyone she knows in fear of that, she keeps it all bottled up. Until, that is, when the school's paper adds a "Dear Adam" advice column. She can't cause any damage by spilling her secrets anonymously, can she?
Emerick and Nora are total opposites - they come from two different worlds, and because of that, they can't stand each other. They have a very clear idea of what kind of person the other is in their heads, and nothing can make them see each other differently. But when they begin talking to eachother using false identies, they end up forming a deep connection to one another.
What will happen when they discover that their virtual best friend is really someone they wouldn't think to confide in, in real life? Can the friendship they built anonymously withstand the trials of discovering each other's true identities, or will everything go back to how it was before?
Dear Adam by Kelsie Stelting is a clean YA contemporary romance story - there is no sex, but there is some swearing through out the book.
This book is told in the alternating POV's of both of the main characters. I love how fleshed out both of the MC's are; I found myself getting attached to them because I felt like I knew them so well. Emerick and Nora start out as characters who are so used to being judged and held at certain standards that they themselves became one of those judgemental people. However, they both end up learning a lot about themselves, each other and the people around them. These two characters grow so much through out this story, and I enjoyed seeing them evolve into better, more understanding people - I was rooting for them and was not disappointed!
The secondary characters were fleshed out pretty well, too. I enjoyed the fact that none of the MC'S family members or best friends were ever forgotten about. They all played their roles and added to the story. I liked how different their friends were, and how they supported them and even went through some changes of their own. The problems these characters face and how they overcome them were believeable, and made them easier to relate to in some ways.
There were some scenes that I felt were written a little awkwardly. That whole part with Lacey at the show, Wolf's swim in the lake, and even Nora's reaction towards Trey in the beginning (it seemed like she hated him at first, but they were still on some what friendly terms), for example. There are also a few parts in this book that were kind of left open that I wish would have been tied up. I know not everything in life gets the closure we may want, but I was really curious how a certain couple (I won't mention who) resolved their issues. Do they honestly just keep living in an unhappy relationship, despite how it effects the people around them? I can understand that being a reality for some people, but I can't see the characters who are effected by their decisions letting it go after they found out the truth.
Overall, this is a sweet YA contemporary romance about two senior students who learn to see the people around them, and themselves, for who they really are. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys fluffy teen dramas that deal with realistic issues. Fans of Kasie West should give this a try! (I was actually reminded of 'P.S. I Like You' while reading this book, although the two stories are very different).
Thank you to the author, Kelsie Stelting, for gifting me an early copy of her book!
March 4, 2021
4.5⭐
WHY IS THIS SOOOO UNDERRATED??
WHY IS THIS SOOOO UNDERRATED??
September 8, 2019
2 stars.
Bleh. I love the trope of "we hate each other irl but love each other while we talk anonymously online.", but that couldn't save this for me.
Bleh. I love the trope of "we hate each other irl but love each other while we talk anonymously online.", but that couldn't save this for me.
June 29, 2019
I enjoyed it and would read more from this author. Some of it dragged and some of it was cliche for me but enjoyable. I rolled my eyes in spots but a cute story at heart. 3/3.5 stars for this one. Will try to do a full review of this one soon.
April 2, 2020
2.5 🥵 This is a rough read. I’m a sucker for a good “love is blind” situation but this wasn’t really believable. Also, poor Adam?? I mean he really can’t catch a break!
June 3, 2019
I've always liked epistolary or partly epistolary novels and have long been intrigued by advice columns, so I was quite intrigued by this contemporary YA novel about an unexpected advice columnist and the girl who writes to him.
The book does a nice job of introducing us to its very sympathetic principals and taking us through their individual and combined journeys. Along the way, we meet and loathe a couple of pretty two-dimensional bad guys. Along with satisfying YA and romance readers, this book would be a useful read for young people -- and others -- who need a lesson in or reminder of how little we may understand about the lives and challenges others face.
The book does a nice job of introducing us to its very sympathetic principals and taking us through their individual and combined journeys. Along the way, we meet and loathe a couple of pretty two-dimensional bad guys. Along with satisfying YA and romance readers, this book would be a useful read for young people -- and others -- who need a lesson in or reminder of how little we may understand about the lives and challenges others face.
April 19, 2019
Pen Pal use to be a thing; that I still think is great
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
*Spoilers throughout this review;***••••
I can’t get over Emerick niece no cousin reading that romance book with the shirtless dude on the front; and she’s only ten ... I don’t know why I find it hilarious. But gah 😂😂😂 it reminds me of my niece trying to read books she knows she shouldn’t be reading; lol!
I died laughing when Emerick said “I glanced back at Janie, her nose already buried in some book with a shirtless man on the cover. She was only ten. What the hell did she want to do with a book like that?” 😂😂 I was thinking the same thing like what the what... her mom even knew she was reading it too. I’m dead weak!
Plus; I was glad when Nora got rid of Trey; he was just horrible. I was also glad he stopped coming around and both her parents realize how awful he was. Did that terrible thing to her over a breakup that to me I felt like he only did it for “it couple” like he stated. Like ugh; Emerick aka Adam was so right for Nora as she was to him. I still felt like she could’ve apologized for what she said about him only knowing how to fix cars etc. you can never judge a book by its cover. Because the ones you think are beneath you are way better than those who are just like you. I was just glad that Nora realizes that Emerick wasn’t a horrible person and a bad boy. & Emerick realizing that Nora wasn’t a snob etc.... Emerick deserves that certificate, and I like how he also helped his friend Wolf realize he could do better for himself. I didn’t realize this book was going to be good; just by looking at the cover... but this book was grade A 5-star book. I like it; I liked that no one judge him well they did because they assume he was a trouble black kid... but what I did like was at least her family accepted him even though he was a black boy and she was a white girl. Because often parents don’t accept two different races being together.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
*Spoilers throughout this review;***••••
I can’t get over Emerick niece no cousin reading that romance book with the shirtless dude on the front; and she’s only ten ... I don’t know why I find it hilarious. But gah 😂😂😂 it reminds me of my niece trying to read books she knows she shouldn’t be reading; lol!
I died laughing when Emerick said “I glanced back at Janie, her nose already buried in some book with a shirtless man on the cover. She was only ten. What the hell did she want to do with a book like that?” 😂😂 I was thinking the same thing like what the what... her mom even knew she was reading it too. I’m dead weak!
Plus; I was glad when Nora got rid of Trey; he was just horrible. I was also glad he stopped coming around and both her parents realize how awful he was. Did that terrible thing to her over a breakup that to me I felt like he only did it for “it couple” like he stated. Like ugh; Emerick aka Adam was so right for Nora as she was to him. I still felt like she could’ve apologized for what she said about him only knowing how to fix cars etc. you can never judge a book by its cover. Because the ones you think are beneath you are way better than those who are just like you. I was just glad that Nora realizes that Emerick wasn’t a horrible person and a bad boy. & Emerick realizing that Nora wasn’t a snob etc.... Emerick deserves that certificate, and I like how he also helped his friend Wolf realize he could do better for himself. I didn’t realize this book was going to be good; just by looking at the cover... but this book was grade A 5-star book. I like it; I liked that no one judge him well they did because they assume he was a trouble black kid... but what I did like was at least her family accepted him even though he was a black boy and she was a white girl. Because often parents don’t accept two different races being together.
May 18, 2022
2.5 stars
This is not the first time I have read something by Kelsie. Please don't let this review throw you off from reading this book. This is my opinion. I loved the other books written by Kelsie. This is nothing against her writing. I just did not like this book.
At first, I didn't like Emerick. He was a whiny brat who acted like he was the only one in this world with problems. But once he gets the Dear Adam job he is like "Oh wow, people that have rich parents have real problems too." I seriously do not like these types of characters. It makes them seem shallow and stuck in their own world. Or maybe most teenagers are like that and I just grew up knowing that people deal with their problems by either becoming total jerks or by being likable. I guess I was raised by parents who told me you never know what's going on in someone's life.
The characters didn't feel real to me. When Emerick has an accident, I didn't really care nor did it feel vital to the story. It felt more to me like the normal gimmick in the YA/NA recipe. I really want to like these characters but I, personally, didn't find anything likable. Just another story I wanted to blow through so I could put it on the read pile and move on.
While I did rate this low, it wasn't so bad of a book that I DNF. Again, please don't let this deter you from reading it. The story just wasn't for me.
This is not the first time I have read something by Kelsie. Please don't let this review throw you off from reading this book. This is my opinion. I loved the other books written by Kelsie. This is nothing against her writing. I just did not like this book.
At first, I didn't like Emerick. He was a whiny brat who acted like he was the only one in this world with problems. But once he gets the Dear Adam job he is like "Oh wow, people that have rich parents have real problems too." I seriously do not like these types of characters. It makes them seem shallow and stuck in their own world. Or maybe most teenagers are like that and I just grew up knowing that people deal with their problems by either becoming total jerks or by being likable. I guess I was raised by parents who told me you never know what's going on in someone's life.
The characters didn't feel real to me. When Emerick has an accident, I didn't really care nor did it feel vital to the story. It felt more to me like the normal gimmick in the YA/NA recipe. I really want to like these characters but I, personally, didn't find anything likable. Just another story I wanted to blow through so I could put it on the read pile and move on.
While I did rate this low, it wasn't so bad of a book that I DNF. Again, please don't let this deter you from reading it. The story just wasn't for me.
February 16, 2019
DEAR ADAM is easy to read. Meaning, it flows and it’s engaging. I’ve read books with similar premises, but this one is written so well, the I’ve-heard-before bug didn’t bother me. Don’t expect huge plot twists or anything. This isn’t that kind of novel. Instead, expect great characterization, characters that feel real, lost of “feels,” and a sweet romance between smart kids.
Although DEAR ADAM isn’t high concept, it’s very entertaining and, for those who are interested, it’s very clean, just a few little things here and there. My only gripe is that the book felt a bit disconnected at the beginning, and it took me a while to latch onto the characters.
In summary, DEAR ADAM is a good novel for people who love clean YA romance.
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
Although DEAR ADAM isn’t high concept, it’s very entertaining and, for those who are interested, it’s very clean, just a few little things here and there. My only gripe is that the book felt a bit disconnected at the beginning, and it took me a while to latch onto the characters.
In summary, DEAR ADAM is a good novel for people who love clean YA romance.
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
Want to read
May 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/25/2019)! 🎁
February 19, 2019
Dear Adam is recommended for fans of Fangirl and Dear Aaron. I haven't read Dear Aaron yet, but I definitely agree with Fangirl. This book sucks you in from the start! I read almost half of the book in one sitting! If I didn't have to work, I would've finished it in one go.
Emerick isn't your typical high school student. After his father is arrested, he feels really responsible for his mother. Going to school and working 30 hours a week is hard and when he finds out he may not graduate, he's worried his mom won't be able to handle the disappointment. Even though Emerick thinks the last thing he should be doing is giving others advice, he has to give it a go to graduate!
Nora is a popular girl and seems like she has everything: good friends, perfect family, great boyfriend and she does great at school. If only this were the case, because her life is far from perfect. Her dad is never around, because he's campaigning. Because of that, she can't slip. If Nora messes up, it could cost her father the election. Being perfect is starting to get to her though and the pressure may just be a bit too much!
Once again, Kelsie writes about an important subject. We can't always judge people by how they act to the outside world! It's clear Nora doesn't have the perfect home life that everyone thinks she does and Emerick has a lot more going on and is more motivated than anyone really realizes.
Reading the e-mails 'Adam' writes is really touching. They may be short, but are honest. He helps them the best he can. Being able to talk to someone without being judged is something everyone needs, but in high school it's so important. Finding your way in the world is already hard, but the added peer pressure school can bring, can be something students can't deal with.
Mental health is a really important subject and I loved how this book showed us that without getting too serious. In many ways it was playful, but very meaningful. I loved how through the e-mails and interactions between Nora and Emerick, you could see how much they changed during the book.
Nora and Emerick are both really strong characters I've come to love. I wouldn't complain if we got to read more about that. Many could say this plot is predictable and even if that is the case, the road getting to the ending is pretty unique! I think the world needs more stories like this one!
All in all, a book that makes you fall in love with the characters and hoping they get what they want! They both definitely deserve. And it shows, if you open up a bit it may lead you to figuring out what you really want! Sometimes you need to choose yourself instead of others. It's okay to be selfish with that at times!
Emerick isn't your typical high school student. After his father is arrested, he feels really responsible for his mother. Going to school and working 30 hours a week is hard and when he finds out he may not graduate, he's worried his mom won't be able to handle the disappointment. Even though Emerick thinks the last thing he should be doing is giving others advice, he has to give it a go to graduate!
Nora is a popular girl and seems like she has everything: good friends, perfect family, great boyfriend and she does great at school. If only this were the case, because her life is far from perfect. Her dad is never around, because he's campaigning. Because of that, she can't slip. If Nora messes up, it could cost her father the election. Being perfect is starting to get to her though and the pressure may just be a bit too much!
Once again, Kelsie writes about an important subject. We can't always judge people by how they act to the outside world! It's clear Nora doesn't have the perfect home life that everyone thinks she does and Emerick has a lot more going on and is more motivated than anyone really realizes.
Reading the e-mails 'Adam' writes is really touching. They may be short, but are honest. He helps them the best he can. Being able to talk to someone without being judged is something everyone needs, but in high school it's so important. Finding your way in the world is already hard, but the added peer pressure school can bring, can be something students can't deal with.
Mental health is a really important subject and I loved how this book showed us that without getting too serious. In many ways it was playful, but very meaningful. I loved how through the e-mails and interactions between Nora and Emerick, you could see how much they changed during the book.
Nora and Emerick are both really strong characters I've come to love. I wouldn't complain if we got to read more about that. Many could say this plot is predictable and even if that is the case, the road getting to the ending is pretty unique! I think the world needs more stories like this one!
All in all, a book that makes you fall in love with the characters and hoping they get what they want! They both definitely deserve. And it shows, if you open up a bit it may lead you to figuring out what you really want! Sometimes you need to choose yourself instead of others. It's okay to be selfish with that at times!
April 13, 2019
Stunning
I loved every word. The romance is beautiful, and the friendship is even better. I read it straight through. I wish i had a pen Pal like that in high school.
I loved every word. The romance is beautiful, and the friendship is even better. I read it straight through. I wish i had a pen Pal like that in high school.
May 9, 2019
When I was younger, and the internet and email were still new and fun, I had a pen pal. Email pal? Either way, I was talking to someone I had never met before. We had things in common and it was so much fun to do. It was even done when I was in school. We would pick a name off a list (from another class) and write to them and they'd write back to us. It was new and fun then, now it's a lot more common. That doesn't mean it's not still fun to talk to someone new, not face to face, lol.
The first of a pen pal romance series, the story starts off with Emerick. He is short a credit to graduate and is given the choice of being the school's advice columnist for their paper. Odd, right? Anyway, he's barely given the option, it's either that or he 'drops out'. That's EXACTLY what he's told. What's a guy to do when he's in such a bind? Could you write for an advice column?
Then there's Nora. Seems like she has/had it all. Student body president, good grades, great boyfriend and family. Dad is in politics (gag me). Appearances are very much deceiving. Nora is basically responsible for her younger sisters while their mother does what she can to support her family while the father is running his campaign. To top that, her boyfriend dumps her cause he doesn't want to think about a long distances relationship because she's going to a local college and he isn't. Yeah, good riddance.
Nora needs someone to talk to, but as good as her friends are, she didn't want to bring them into her world and complicate matters. So, she turns to the advice columnist, Dear Adam. Things begin to escalate and Nora talks with Adam more and more, not knowing that he's actually the guy she least likes, Emerick.
I will say this one was unique, if not a bit cliche. That's not a bad thing in this case. Emerick is bound by the rule that he had to keep his identity as Adam a secret or he would not get the credit he needs to graduate. To me, that seems a bit extreme for a school to say, but then again, it's been...gah, years since I've been in high school...I refuse to count how many.
Emerick and Nora make these obvious assumptions about each other. Emerick sees Nora as a stuck up white girl with no real problems of her own, and Nora sees Emerick as a hoodlum and a troublemaker. None of them really realize that their problems are nearly one in the same. I like the friendship they eventually build by being partners on a school project. It was cute and fun.
I was a bit put off by a few things about Nora's life and the outcome of them. Like, her father pressuring the family to be the 'perfect family' for his campaign but also being highly hypocritical and strict. I feel that wasn't entirely addressed in the book, but this is a first in the series so perhaps the second book may explore more into it, not entirely sure.
I adored Emerick and it made me happy when he was finally getting his silver linings. Nora started to grow on me when she didn't cave into the pressure of getting back with her ex-boyfriend when he came crawling back. Yeah, good for you!
This was a good way to begin a new series and it was published just a couple of months ago, so I don't know anything about the second book just yet. A nice, light read, with some sweetness to make your tooth ache. Have fun!
The first of a pen pal romance series, the story starts off with Emerick. He is short a credit to graduate and is given the choice of being the school's advice columnist for their paper. Odd, right? Anyway, he's barely given the option, it's either that or he 'drops out'. That's EXACTLY what he's told. What's a guy to do when he's in such a bind? Could you write for an advice column?
Then there's Nora. Seems like she has/had it all. Student body president, good grades, great boyfriend and family. Dad is in politics (gag me). Appearances are very much deceiving. Nora is basically responsible for her younger sisters while their mother does what she can to support her family while the father is running his campaign. To top that, her boyfriend dumps her cause he doesn't want to think about a long distances relationship because she's going to a local college and he isn't. Yeah, good riddance.
Nora needs someone to talk to, but as good as her friends are, she didn't want to bring them into her world and complicate matters. So, she turns to the advice columnist, Dear Adam. Things begin to escalate and Nora talks with Adam more and more, not knowing that he's actually the guy she least likes, Emerick.
I will say this one was unique, if not a bit cliche. That's not a bad thing in this case. Emerick is bound by the rule that he had to keep his identity as Adam a secret or he would not get the credit he needs to graduate. To me, that seems a bit extreme for a school to say, but then again, it's been...gah, years since I've been in high school...I refuse to count how many.
Emerick and Nora make these obvious assumptions about each other. Emerick sees Nora as a stuck up white girl with no real problems of her own, and Nora sees Emerick as a hoodlum and a troublemaker. None of them really realize that their problems are nearly one in the same. I like the friendship they eventually build by being partners on a school project. It was cute and fun.
I was a bit put off by a few things about Nora's life and the outcome of them. Like, her father pressuring the family to be the 'perfect family' for his campaign but also being highly hypocritical and strict. I feel that wasn't entirely addressed in the book, but this is a first in the series so perhaps the second book may explore more into it, not entirely sure.
I adored Emerick and it made me happy when he was finally getting his silver linings. Nora started to grow on me when she didn't cave into the pressure of getting back with her ex-boyfriend when he came crawling back. Yeah, good for you!
This was a good way to begin a new series and it was published just a couple of months ago, so I don't know anything about the second book just yet. A nice, light read, with some sweetness to make your tooth ache. Have fun!
March 5, 2019
This was my first novel by Ms. Stelting, and it definitely will not be my last.
This contemporary romance, had everything; love, heartbreak, action, betrayal...it was very engaging. It was definitely a quick read, the main character Nora is fascinating because she is so 'perfect'. This novel really digs deep into her life, and what she struggles with daily.
Emerick is the 'bad-boy' turned advise columnist. I really enjoyed his character. He is wise beyond his years, honest with his advise to everyone writing in...and mostly is just trying to better himself and his family.
Dear Adam, definitely has some heavier themes in regards to trust, families, the future, and real-life struggles. This novel was quick paced but will definitely leave me with a positive lasting impression. Definitely a wonderful read that everyone should indulge in.
This contemporary romance, had everything; love, heartbreak, action, betrayal...it was very engaging. It was definitely a quick read, the main character Nora is fascinating because she is so 'perfect'. This novel really digs deep into her life, and what she struggles with daily.
Emerick is the 'bad-boy' turned advise columnist. I really enjoyed his character. He is wise beyond his years, honest with his advise to everyone writing in...and mostly is just trying to better himself and his family.
Dear Adam, definitely has some heavier themes in regards to trust, families, the future, and real-life struggles. This novel was quick paced but will definitely leave me with a positive lasting impression. Definitely a wonderful read that everyone should indulge in.
January 29, 2019
Emerick does not have enough credits to graduate, so his guidance counselor offers the position of writing an anonymous advice column, Dear Adam, for the school paper. Knowing he needs to graduate so he can work full-time to help his mom with the bills, he has no choice but to accept the position. He starts answering his classmates’ emails but one in particular catches his attention.
“ThePerfectStranger” has no one else to talk to & decides to write to Dear Adam. She feels overwhelmed with being the perfect student and perfect daughter. She’s exhausted & now dealing with an ex-boyfriend who wants to get back together with her. What starts as a friendly email exchange to Adam to talk about her problems turns into a friendship they both need & crave. What happens when Emerick finds out his perfect stranger is Nora Wilson, student class president with the perfect life, who thinks he’s a slacker?
This is a great read about 2 teens who are quick to judge based on outside appearances, but in reality they have family responsibilities weighing heavily on them. Two mismatched people who do not seem so different after all. As a fan of this author, her writing style flows easily & pulls you in the story. This book is a great start to her new series! Looking forward to Fabio’s book!
“ThePerfectStranger” has no one else to talk to & decides to write to Dear Adam. She feels overwhelmed with being the perfect student and perfect daughter. She’s exhausted & now dealing with an ex-boyfriend who wants to get back together with her. What starts as a friendly email exchange to Adam to talk about her problems turns into a friendship they both need & crave. What happens when Emerick finds out his perfect stranger is Nora Wilson, student class president with the perfect life, who thinks he’s a slacker?
This is a great read about 2 teens who are quick to judge based on outside appearances, but in reality they have family responsibilities weighing heavily on them. Two mismatched people who do not seem so different after all. As a fan of this author, her writing style flows easily & pulls you in the story. This book is a great start to her new series! Looking forward to Fabio’s book!
April 14, 2021
Going from one book to another because I needed more from this author.
This book wasn’t anything like the last and that is cool this book had its own set of YA issues. I like that it talked about mental health issues as a teenager it’s not always so widely talked about.
It wasn’t used as a crutch like a lot of stories do it was real life issues and how this and that can affect you and yes even at a young age!
This author isn’t afraid of the hard topics and I liked that.
Also Emerick is so misunderstood and I loved that we see one thing but we don’t truly know unless we look deeper.
That was a really powerful message in this book.
Loved it. Great narration as well!
This book wasn’t anything like the last and that is cool this book had its own set of YA issues. I like that it talked about mental health issues as a teenager it’s not always so widely talked about.
It wasn’t used as a crutch like a lot of stories do it was real life issues and how this and that can affect you and yes even at a young age!
This author isn’t afraid of the hard topics and I liked that.
Also Emerick is so misunderstood and I loved that we see one thing but we don’t truly know unless we look deeper.
That was a really powerful message in this book.
Loved it. Great narration as well!
March 19, 2019
I received this book as an ARC. I will be honest, it was not my favorite. I am not a fan of the cliche good girl meets bad boy thing, that is hardly a thing anymore other than in books and movies and is slightly overrated to me. I also did not like that I didn't learn of the main character's race until a few chapters in if I am remembering correctly because by that point, I had already imagined him in my head, so I prefer adequate descriptions quick into a book. I did, however, like that it felt more from a guy's perspective, which was a nice change of pace and enjoyed the way he was thoughtful in his answers in the column. Even with the cliches, it was a nice story and I am hoping to be able to read another book by the author and see how they grow!
August 12, 2020
This is Emerick and Nora's story
If you love sweet YA romances that take place in HS with a penpal twist? Read these books! Every book will have different stories and some of the characters continue to the next books as well. I fell in love with all the characters in each story, laughed, cried, and swooned!
Everyone of them has a different twist but sweet HEA! Download these swoonworthy, adorkable reads today!
If you love sweet YA romances that take place in HS with a penpal twist? Read these books! Every book will have different stories and some of the characters continue to the next books as well. I fell in love with all the characters in each story, laughed, cried, and swooned!
Everyone of them has a different twist but sweet HEA! Download these swoonworthy, adorkable reads today!
March 21, 2019
Adam is Adam. He feels defeats but wants to impress. He is put in an awkward situation with no way out, but manages to land to his feet, as he usually does. I sat down to start this one afternoon and finished it that evening. Quick read, cute story. As the weather warms up, a nice enjoy the sunshine read.
Kelsie sent me this book to read and review
Kelsie sent me this book to read and review
April 7, 2020
This was ok. Nothing special but nothing really WRONG. Didn’t really care abt the characters but I am an SUCKER for the trope of people anonymously communicating whilst knowing each other in real life. This book is probably more along the lines of a 2/5 but was bumped up to a three bc if that although the execution wasn’t worth that rating
February 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! It is a quick read, and although it definitely tackles some major issues, it isn’t all sad - there is a lot of humor and hope in the story as well. I love Rick’s character, he seems like an amazing character.
This is a new to me author and I definitely want to read more of her books now!
This is a new to me author and I definitely want to read more of her books now!
March 26, 2021
La început nu prea mi-a plăcut, dar după ce am trecut de prima jumătate a început să devină mai bună. Totuși nu mi s-a părut că a avut nimic care să diferențieze de alte cărți ya contemporanity- poate e de vină și faptul că am citit multe cărți de acest gen în ultimul timp
October 22, 2019
This was a cute book. I liked how the characters had to confront their biases and learn to really know a person beyond what is apparent. The family drama and personal issues were well handled and I think it rounded up the story and characters very well.
March 21, 2019
I enjoyed this book I just didn’t like the fact that they cussed I wasn’t use to this author cussing in her books but I love the story.
July 6, 2019
I had fun reading this book. It was fast paced and easy to keep up with. There were a few things that I didn’t like though (cussing, teen drinking and drugs, and such) but that’s just me being really picky. I understand the author probably wanted to make the high schoolers feel real, and she did, so I have to give her that. Anyway, what I’m trying to get at is that it was a good read and I’m glad I took the time to read it. But in my opinion, it had a few flaws.
May 12, 2022
Two kids who have such insane preconceived ideas about each other become friends through an advice column in the school newspaper.
Emerick writes the Dear Adam letters as part of getting back on his school grades which he lost due to family problems, Nora is the student body president, daughter of the future governor and dating the most popular boy in school.
she has so much weight on her as she is her families enabler, she uses the dear adam portal as a place to vent but he writes her back and they become fast friends but in real life when they are put together in a class group project they had inhibitions about each other but they quickly warmed up and Emerick realise that Nora is his friend online but he can not reveal his identity as it will lose him his position and his trade.
After some interesting turn of events like Noras father cheating on his mother( which didn't get closure but the way), Emerick getting a huge accident which gives him a limb, Nora's ex publishing her secret emails to adam on the school paper, Nora and Emerick winning the scavenger hunt, them falling for each other going to prom etc the books ends on a very happy place
I like the book but thee was lt of loose ends in this book, which my OCD mind doesn't like a lot.
Emerick writes the Dear Adam letters as part of getting back on his school grades which he lost due to family problems, Nora is the student body president, daughter of the future governor and dating the most popular boy in school.
she has so much weight on her as she is her families enabler, she uses the dear adam portal as a place to vent but he writes her back and they become fast friends but in real life when they are put together in a class group project they had inhibitions about each other but they quickly warmed up and Emerick realise that Nora is his friend online but he can not reveal his identity as it will lose him his position and his trade.
After some interesting turn of events like Noras father cheating on his mother( which didn't get closure but the way), Emerick getting a huge accident which gives him a limb, Nora's ex publishing her secret emails to adam on the school paper, Nora and Emerick winning the scavenger hunt, them falling for each other going to prom etc the books ends on a very happy place
I like the book but thee was lt of loose ends in this book, which my OCD mind doesn't like a lot.
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