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Redefining Me #2
The N Word
One party.
One accident. Six lives changed forever.
The N Word
The C Word
One accident. Six lives changed forever.
Nari Won Song isn’t the girl anyone expects her to be. To her classmates she’s the nerd.
To her parents, she is the quiet daughter who always does as she’s told.
And the popular boy next door? The one who was once her best friend. Well, to him she doesn’t exist at all.
Yet, the weekends are her saviors. Only then does she step from the shadows to show who she’s become since the accident that changed all of them forever.
And who is she? A rock star.
Avery St. Germaine is one of the pretty people. The golden elite of Twin Rivers High. As the talented son of NFL Hall of Famer, Grayson St. Germaine, the world is Avery’s oyster.
And he doesn’t want any part of it.
Avery’s best friend died in a tragic accident almost two years ago, and since then, Avery has avoided everything from his old life. But recent events have him emerging from the fog of his mourning, and he isn’t proud of the person he’s become.
Breaking up with Meghan Lewis is the best decision he’s made in a long time, but in the aftermath, Avery has become her pathetic cast off, and he’s determined to show her and everyone else he’s a better man without her. But Avery’s not ready for a real relationship.
Can he convince the girl next door to be his fake girlfriend?
The Redefining Me series:
The N Word
The C Word
Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2019
44 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 11, 2019
Nari and Avery are characters we read a bit about in The F Word and I was excited when I knew they were next to get a story. The death of a close friend and its aftermath is something that starts in the first book, but continues these characters. Even though this event didn't have the huge consequences it did for Peyton and Cam, their lives did change. I loved that the authors still involve that part of the story in this book.
Nari has always been seen as the nerd. Her parents expect her to follow the rules, get good grades and be the quiet girl they know and love. This makes it hard for Nari though, because she doesn't see herself as this nerd. She's not as smart as everyone thinks and her happiest place is on stage playing the keyboard in a rock band.
Avery is a popular student on the football team and everyone sees him going on to make this his career. His father played for the NFL and everybody thinks he has this perfect life. Little do they know, behind closed doors he's dealing with a lot of family problems. His Dad has been drinking a lot, he's still dealing with his best friend's death and Avery just isn't sure what he wants to do.
What I love about this series and these authors is that they really approach how high school is. Stereotypes of how people should act of where they belong is something way too real. Nari and Avery are both being crushed by these expectations and I really felt for them! The way the authors wrote their story was so emotional.
Nari just wants her parents to be proud of her, but with everyone seeing her as a nerd and really smart makes her feel so insecure when her grades don't match that. Nari grows so much in this story though! She's still the timid and tad bit insecure girl we meet in the beginning, but she's learning to embrace who she is. I love how she ends up standing up for what she wants even if it's the scariest thing she's ever done.
Avery has always had money and a great life, so after losing his best friend and having his father be drunk all the time, things are hard. Football isn't something he's wanted to do, but it was expected of him. In the beginning, he was definitely the jock who feels very entitled, but we see the very human side of Avery. He's tough for quite awhile trying to protect everyone until it's just too much. I loved how strong Avery is, but I also loved him realizing that not everyone needs to bend to his world to be in his life. He also learns that it's okay to ask for help, his dad isn't just his responsibility!
Then we have some romance included in this journey. Even though it started off as a fake romance, Avery annoyed me at times. It's clear he didn't completely see Nari in the beginning and kind of took her for granted. I loved their connection though and how everything played out. My favorite thing though was that this book wasn't just the romance, but an extra thing to makes us love these characters more.
If you're looking for characters who go on an amazing journey and have the chance to find themselves and maybe even some love along the way, definitely pick this one up. There are already many characters in this book who I think need there own story! I can't wait to get the next book in my hands! I will give a warning though that this book can be a bit tough, because it includes subjects like grief, addiction and bullying!
Nari has always been seen as the nerd. Her parents expect her to follow the rules, get good grades and be the quiet girl they know and love. This makes it hard for Nari though, because she doesn't see herself as this nerd. She's not as smart as everyone thinks and her happiest place is on stage playing the keyboard in a rock band.
Avery is a popular student on the football team and everyone sees him going on to make this his career. His father played for the NFL and everybody thinks he has this perfect life. Little do they know, behind closed doors he's dealing with a lot of family problems. His Dad has been drinking a lot, he's still dealing with his best friend's death and Avery just isn't sure what he wants to do.
What I love about this series and these authors is that they really approach how high school is. Stereotypes of how people should act of where they belong is something way too real. Nari and Avery are both being crushed by these expectations and I really felt for them! The way the authors wrote their story was so emotional.
Nari just wants her parents to be proud of her, but with everyone seeing her as a nerd and really smart makes her feel so insecure when her grades don't match that. Nari grows so much in this story though! She's still the timid and tad bit insecure girl we meet in the beginning, but she's learning to embrace who she is. I love how she ends up standing up for what she wants even if it's the scariest thing she's ever done.
Avery has always had money and a great life, so after losing his best friend and having his father be drunk all the time, things are hard. Football isn't something he's wanted to do, but it was expected of him. In the beginning, he was definitely the jock who feels very entitled, but we see the very human side of Avery. He's tough for quite awhile trying to protect everyone until it's just too much. I loved how strong Avery is, but I also loved him realizing that not everyone needs to bend to his world to be in his life. He also learns that it's okay to ask for help, his dad isn't just his responsibility!
Then we have some romance included in this journey. Even though it started off as a fake romance, Avery annoyed me at times. It's clear he didn't completely see Nari in the beginning and kind of took her for granted. I loved their connection though and how everything played out. My favorite thing though was that this book wasn't just the romance, but an extra thing to makes us love these characters more.
If you're looking for characters who go on an amazing journey and have the chance to find themselves and maybe even some love along the way, definitely pick this one up. There are already many characters in this book who I think need there own story! I can't wait to get the next book in my hands! I will give a warning though that this book can be a bit tough, because it includes subjects like grief, addiction and bullying!
May 5, 2019
I have food poisoning and still I couldn't stop reading. I need more. And a book about Becks. I adore him.
I might edit this review when I am more coherent.
But highly recommended.
I might edit this review when I am more coherent.
But highly recommended.
July 10, 2019
I gave this book 4,5 stars and I really loved it!
It is the second book in a series about a group of friends coming from different places on the high school hierarchy. Cooper and Avery are football players and Addison is a cheerleader, Peyton (Coopers sister) is the “fat” girl, Julian (Coopers twin brother) is the loner, Cameron (Peyton’s best friend and love interest) the Olympic hope and Nari the quiet Asian nerd.
A drunk driving accident where Cooper dies tears them apart and Julian and Cameron leaves town for 18 month. Those left behind end in their respective hierarchys and get labeled and those lower in the hierarchy gets bullied by those highest on it.
This book is about Nari the only Korean-American student in Twin Rivers high. She is labeled as the nerd, because she is Asian, wears glasses and her father is a highly intelligent. But Nari actually has big problems understanding math and calculus and is only an average student. Her mom is very strict and she wants Nari to study every day and she can’t understand why Nari is an average student.
But in the weekends Nari transforms into a rockstar with three other students from her school and they preform at bars and parties around the town area.
Avery, Nari’s former best friend, and his younger brother Nicky fights with each their problems. Avery misses and greaves his best friend Cooper and Nicky came out as gay and got in big problems with their alcoholic father who is a former NFL star. Avery is the golden boy in school and dates the mean girl Meaghan who is a big force behind the bullying of his former friends.
How can these two very different people find back to the friendship they had before and can a fake relationship awaken feelings that they never knew existed?
It is an amazing, heartbreaking but also very heartwarming book about finding yourself in an environment where body shaming, bullying and social hierarchy is every day for the highschoolers and fighting for what you want when you feel everyone is against you.
I can definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is the second book in a series about a group of friends coming from different places on the high school hierarchy. Cooper and Avery are football players and Addison is a cheerleader, Peyton (Coopers sister) is the “fat” girl, Julian (Coopers twin brother) is the loner, Cameron (Peyton’s best friend and love interest) the Olympic hope and Nari the quiet Asian nerd.
A drunk driving accident where Cooper dies tears them apart and Julian and Cameron leaves town for 18 month. Those left behind end in their respective hierarchys and get labeled and those lower in the hierarchy gets bullied by those highest on it.
This book is about Nari the only Korean-American student in Twin Rivers high. She is labeled as the nerd, because she is Asian, wears glasses and her father is a highly intelligent. But Nari actually has big problems understanding math and calculus and is only an average student. Her mom is very strict and she wants Nari to study every day and she can’t understand why Nari is an average student.
But in the weekends Nari transforms into a rockstar with three other students from her school and they preform at bars and parties around the town area.
Avery, Nari’s former best friend, and his younger brother Nicky fights with each their problems. Avery misses and greaves his best friend Cooper and Nicky came out as gay and got in big problems with their alcoholic father who is a former NFL star. Avery is the golden boy in school and dates the mean girl Meaghan who is a big force behind the bullying of his former friends.
How can these two very different people find back to the friendship they had before and can a fake relationship awaken feelings that they never knew existed?
It is an amazing, heartbreaking but also very heartwarming book about finding yourself in an environment where body shaming, bullying and social hierarchy is every day for the highschoolers and fighting for what you want when you feel everyone is against you.
I can definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2019
At Twin Rivers High (like in most schools), stereotypes abound. People are judged on their appearances, and that label sticks no matter how untrue it is. Take Nari Won Song - born to Korean parents, wears thick glasses, is quiet and shy ... well, she must be NERD right? She's smart and is great at math and doesn't have a cool bone in her body.
Avery is still covering emotionally from a devastating accident that claimed the life of his bast friend. His alcoholic father is tearing his family apart, and he is less and less convinced that being a football hero is his path in life. He convinces Nari to be his "fake girlfriend" to make his bitchy ex Meghan jealous, but this is a smokescreen - he wants to rebuild a friendship he once had with Nari, maybe turn it into something beautiful.
A lot of wrong turns are taken in this book, but a lot of right ones are too, just like life. Nari is such an endearing character, and while it took a while for Avery to shed his toolish side and grow on me, he did. Avery and Nari are maybe the most unlikely couple you'd expect to find each other, but these two brilliant authors make it work.
Avery is still covering emotionally from a devastating accident that claimed the life of his bast friend. His alcoholic father is tearing his family apart, and he is less and less convinced that being a football hero is his path in life. He convinces Nari to be his "fake girlfriend" to make his bitchy ex Meghan jealous, but this is a smokescreen - he wants to rebuild a friendship he once had with Nari, maybe turn it into something beautiful.
A lot of wrong turns are taken in this book, but a lot of right ones are too, just like life. Nari is such an endearing character, and while it took a while for Avery to shed his toolish side and grow on me, he did. Avery and Nari are maybe the most unlikely couple you'd expect to find each other, but these two brilliant authors make it work.
May 24, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest review. Reading this and seeing Avery and Nari's points of views, you can see how other people's perceptions of you change your "voice". I went into this thinking that Nari was going to have a certain voice in my head based off of her interactions with Cam and Peyton from the first book, but I was wrong. Nari is an amazing person and the kind of person that everybody needs in their life. I didn't like Avery at first but he grew on me. Nari and Avery are the type of couple that bring out the best in each other. I need more of Nicky and Becks though, I loved those two. They definitely made this story all the more better. I cannot wait until the next book. With each book in this series, I'm starting to piece together what happened "that night".
February 24, 2020
'Dating the Boy Next Door' by Michelle MacQueen and Ann Maree Craven is a wonderful sequel to the first book in the series. Nari and Avery, the two main characters, are written well, and it is quite nice to see how the way in which they interact with each other has changed since the accident that caused their friend Cooper's death a couple of years back. While Avery disappeared into a world of popularity and athletics, Nari went on to be who she always was – a sweet, kind girl who has a lot of expectations heaped on her but wants more out of life than that. The thing is, Avery also wants more. He wants out of the town that took his friend and changed his father. While his dad used to be a professional football player and all-around good guy, his drinking has turned him into someone unrecognizable, and Avery is tired of dealing with it. Yet, he has to be there for his mother and younger brother, Nicky.
Nari's friendship with Nicky, despite his being two years younger, grows while she finds herself separated from the friendship she once had with Avery. Despite being next door neighbors, she has watched him turn into someone he never was, dating the meanest girl in school, and avoiding the past he has tried to blame everyone for ever since losing Cooper.
When they find themselves thrust into situations in which they cannot avoid being together, Avery makes a deal with Nari that he'll tutor her if she'll kiss him and make his ex-girlfriend jealous. While Nari finds herself attracted to him, she tries to warn herself against doing anything with him. She knows it will all only end in upset for her. But, predictably (in a good way), she does turn to him for help, and she finds herself falling for him, despite her deep desire not to do so. And Avery, though Nari thinks he's just trying to win his girlfriend back, is falling for her, too.
Their friendship and the surprises they have in store for each other, from her being in a band to him showing her his soft side even when she doesn't want to believe it's there, are perfect fodder for the two of them becoming friends again and finding their way back to the rest of the group that got torn apart on that fateful day when they lost Cooper.
A fantastic follow-up to 'Dating My Best Friend,' and featuring cameos by the characters from that book, Peyton and Cam, among others, 'Dating the Boy Next Door' delves into the themes of friendships lost and found, empathy, and internal struggles. Both Nari and Avery have issues they need to get past in order to move on with their lives and with each other. Their ability to work through these and find their way back to each other is one of the greatest parts of the book. Even though you think you know what's coming, the reading journey is all so very worth it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
Nari's friendship with Nicky, despite his being two years younger, grows while she finds herself separated from the friendship she once had with Avery. Despite being next door neighbors, she has watched him turn into someone he never was, dating the meanest girl in school, and avoiding the past he has tried to blame everyone for ever since losing Cooper.
When they find themselves thrust into situations in which they cannot avoid being together, Avery makes a deal with Nari that he'll tutor her if she'll kiss him and make his ex-girlfriend jealous. While Nari finds herself attracted to him, she tries to warn herself against doing anything with him. She knows it will all only end in upset for her. But, predictably (in a good way), she does turn to him for help, and she finds herself falling for him, despite her deep desire not to do so. And Avery, though Nari thinks he's just trying to win his girlfriend back, is falling for her, too.
Their friendship and the surprises they have in store for each other, from her being in a band to him showing her his soft side even when she doesn't want to believe it's there, are perfect fodder for the two of them becoming friends again and finding their way back to the rest of the group that got torn apart on that fateful day when they lost Cooper.
A fantastic follow-up to 'Dating My Best Friend,' and featuring cameos by the characters from that book, Peyton and Cam, among others, 'Dating the Boy Next Door' delves into the themes of friendships lost and found, empathy, and internal struggles. Both Nari and Avery have issues they need to get past in order to move on with their lives and with each other. Their ability to work through these and find their way back to each other is one of the greatest parts of the book. Even though you think you know what's coming, the reading journey is all so very worth it.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
June 28, 2019
This is my second book to read in this series, and I am pleased to say that I am as delighted with it as I was with the first one. I absolutely adored Nari in the first book. I believe I even mentioned her in my review of that book, calling her the “truth teller” in that installment. I see that it is ironic now, as Nari's book shows that she is full of secrets.
Nari leads a double life as a country rock keyboardist with some school bandmates. It is only when she is performing that she truly feels alive, but nobody outside of her band or a few close friends know about this… not her parents or other kids at school. Her other secret is that while the kids at school call her a nerd because she is Asian and wears nerdy glasses, she actually struggles to learn and is doing poorly in her classes. As a first-generation American, she feels pressure from her parents, especially her mother, to live their version of the American dream, whether or not it is Nari's. The other half of the romantic relationship in the story is Avery, the football star. After making a bad play that kept his team from advancing to the playoffs, he broke up with his long-term girlfriend after he determined that it was no longer working for him because the relationship was so one-sided (all about her); he came to the conclusion that same night that continuing with football may not be what he truly wants to do, either.
Both Nari and Avery are dealing with issues at home as well as problems at school. They decide to help each other out, in a trope that is familiar to romance readers. It is well done here, though. I never mind when a trope is well done!
I've got to say that I absolutely adore this series. The authors are able to explore complex and challenging issues in this series in a way that resonates with me, bringing me to tears at times or making me laugh. Themes at the forefront of this novel include the pressures of expectations, the multifaceted nature of friendship, bullying, and being your true self. It certainly looks at a variety of stereotypes, showing that perceptions are not always reality. All of this is handled beautifully, with easy-to-read prose that shows us exactly how these characters think and feel and how this informs how they act. This well-rendered story is an example of why I still continue to read young adult novels even though I am way past that age!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Nari leads a double life as a country rock keyboardist with some school bandmates. It is only when she is performing that she truly feels alive, but nobody outside of her band or a few close friends know about this… not her parents or other kids at school. Her other secret is that while the kids at school call her a nerd because she is Asian and wears nerdy glasses, she actually struggles to learn and is doing poorly in her classes. As a first-generation American, she feels pressure from her parents, especially her mother, to live their version of the American dream, whether or not it is Nari's. The other half of the romantic relationship in the story is Avery, the football star. After making a bad play that kept his team from advancing to the playoffs, he broke up with his long-term girlfriend after he determined that it was no longer working for him because the relationship was so one-sided (all about her); he came to the conclusion that same night that continuing with football may not be what he truly wants to do, either.
Both Nari and Avery are dealing with issues at home as well as problems at school. They decide to help each other out, in a trope that is familiar to romance readers. It is well done here, though. I never mind when a trope is well done!
I've got to say that I absolutely adore this series. The authors are able to explore complex and challenging issues in this series in a way that resonates with me, bringing me to tears at times or making me laugh. Themes at the forefront of this novel include the pressures of expectations, the multifaceted nature of friendship, bullying, and being your true self. It certainly looks at a variety of stereotypes, showing that perceptions are not always reality. All of this is handled beautifully, with easy-to-read prose that shows us exactly how these characters think and feel and how this informs how they act. This well-rendered story is an example of why I still continue to read young adult novels even though I am way past that age!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
July 9, 2019
*I received a free ARC of this book from the authors for my honest review.*
Alright, if you read my review of The F Word, you know how attached I already am to these characters. I loved the first book because of how real and relatable it was, but I loved this second book just as much… maybe even a tiny bit more. My favorite tropes are childhood friends-to-more and enemies-to-more, and this combined them both perfectly!
The whole story was so heartfelt. While I could directly relate to the two big issues in the first book, I could still relate to this book as well. No, I’m not a secret rock star, but I have always struggled to figure out who I am and where I fit in. Depending on who I am with, I tend to change my personality. I know this is a common occurrence, but in high school and my first attempt at college, it was extreme in my case. I often felt like two different people, which is what Nari struggles with throughout this book. Plus, like her, I don’t cuss. Every time they tease her for saying “I’m a poop” or something makes me laugh because it is 100% me.
Avery, on the other hand, is rude and popular, but deep down he’s still the sweet guy Nari grew up with. His tough exterior comes from his internal struggle with the accident, as well as dealing with an alcoholic father who expects too much from him. I have a huge soft spot for characters like this, and I always will.
Then there are the new characters: Becks, Nicky, and Wylder. We don’t get to know Wylder super well, but the other two are in the story quite a bit. Nicky is Avery’s younger brother, and Becks is Avery’s best friend. Both are wonderful characters, whom I love with all my heart. In fact, Becks is now my favorite character in the series. He’s a popular football player, but he’s nice to everyone and funny. I want more about him!
The N Word was very well written. Like the first book, it felt very real and everything was paced well. I really love the dual point of views in this series. It gives a great look into both characters.
I am absolutely loving this series and cannot wait for more. I just really need a Becks book in my life… but until then, I’ll be reading about Julian and Addison next in The C Word, which releases this week (July 11, 2019)!
*Full original review on Functionally Fictional.*
Alright, if you read my review of The F Word, you know how attached I already am to these characters. I loved the first book because of how real and relatable it was, but I loved this second book just as much… maybe even a tiny bit more. My favorite tropes are childhood friends-to-more and enemies-to-more, and this combined them both perfectly!
The whole story was so heartfelt. While I could directly relate to the two big issues in the first book, I could still relate to this book as well. No, I’m not a secret rock star, but I have always struggled to figure out who I am and where I fit in. Depending on who I am with, I tend to change my personality. I know this is a common occurrence, but in high school and my first attempt at college, it was extreme in my case. I often felt like two different people, which is what Nari struggles with throughout this book. Plus, like her, I don’t cuss. Every time they tease her for saying “I’m a poop” or something makes me laugh because it is 100% me.
Avery, on the other hand, is rude and popular, but deep down he’s still the sweet guy Nari grew up with. His tough exterior comes from his internal struggle with the accident, as well as dealing with an alcoholic father who expects too much from him. I have a huge soft spot for characters like this, and I always will.
Then there are the new characters: Becks, Nicky, and Wylder. We don’t get to know Wylder super well, but the other two are in the story quite a bit. Nicky is Avery’s younger brother, and Becks is Avery’s best friend. Both are wonderful characters, whom I love with all my heart. In fact, Becks is now my favorite character in the series. He’s a popular football player, but he’s nice to everyone and funny. I want more about him!
The N Word was very well written. Like the first book, it felt very real and everything was paced well. I really love the dual point of views in this series. It gives a great look into both characters.
I am absolutely loving this series and cannot wait for more. I just really need a Becks book in my life… but until then, I’ll be reading about Julian and Addison next in The C Word, which releases this week (July 11, 2019)!
*Full original review on Functionally Fictional.*
June 26, 2019
So after reading "The F Word" I was so excited to read anything that went in the same sphere as it!
The main characters in this tale are Nari and Avery (whom I was thrilled to see more of!)
Nari was the quiet one in the group. She's tiny but mighty and she made sure to take care of things in the first book. I was thrilled to see her character development through this books. She starts out as the shy, timid Korean-American girl next door but we soon learn that she has a hidden side to her that is just dying to break out.
After the accident Avery sulks about and turns into the biggest jerk in school. He lost his best friend Cooper and he is still adjusting to that loss even in this book. We start to see him turning the bend at the end of the first book but it really comes into focus with Nari. He seems to be the one that has everything and is cool and confident but hiding under that bravado is a sad boy that only needs someone to care for him.
As we go along this book we see the reappearance of some familiar faces from the previous installment and some that might carry on with hopes and promises for more books!
The writing has an easy flow to it that makes it easy to follow and it is a book that will take hold of you and carry you along to the end. The characters are not faultless but they are relatable and that's what makes us love them so much. It does take part in Senior year high school so we definitely can remember and empathize with that.
I highly recommend this book to pretty much everyone, but especially to fans of "To all the Boys..." or anyone who loves a story of underdogs finding their places in the world.
The main characters in this tale are Nari and Avery (whom I was thrilled to see more of!)
Nari was the quiet one in the group. She's tiny but mighty and she made sure to take care of things in the first book. I was thrilled to see her character development through this books. She starts out as the shy, timid Korean-American girl next door but we soon learn that she has a hidden side to her that is just dying to break out.
After the accident Avery sulks about and turns into the biggest jerk in school. He lost his best friend Cooper and he is still adjusting to that loss even in this book. We start to see him turning the bend at the end of the first book but it really comes into focus with Nari. He seems to be the one that has everything and is cool and confident but hiding under that bravado is a sad boy that only needs someone to care for him.
As we go along this book we see the reappearance of some familiar faces from the previous installment and some that might carry on with hopes and promises for more books!
The writing has an easy flow to it that makes it easy to follow and it is a book that will take hold of you and carry you along to the end. The characters are not faultless but they are relatable and that's what makes us love them so much. It does take part in Senior year high school so we definitely can remember and empathize with that.
I highly recommend this book to pretty much everyone, but especially to fans of "To all the Boys..." or anyone who loves a story of underdogs finding their places in the world.
June 28, 2019
This is the second book in the Redefining Me series and it's a good addition. I seriously think this should be a Teen Reads or Book Study classic series. There is so much to discuss that is well worth the time and effort to come together.
This is Nari and Avery's story. Nari is the quiet "underdog" who's parents push her academically, but she just struggles. Her escape, playing with a band that, outside of their gigs, doesn't really know each other because they are all in different circles. Avery runs in the popular crowd with the popular girlfriend and the superstar dad, but life at home is not easy with a drunk father who only cares about his next drink. This is a coming of age story that will capture your heart.
The book is an easy enough read in dual pov. The writing is smooth. The characters are complex and real. They could be my neighbors or kids my children attend school with. I liked the supporting characters as much as the main ones. It was nice that Peyton and Cam made appearances. Nicky and Beckett were great additions to the story and I hope to see more of them. This entire series speaks to perceptions and bias in a way that shows the importance of acknowledging the biases that we have, individually and culturally.
This book fixed some things that I didn't feel were fully addressed in the first book. This book contains under aged drinking, adult language, mean girls, and a superstar or two in the making. The authors did a beautiful job painting the struggles of these students and their coping. 4.5-5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout in exchange for an honest review.
This is Nari and Avery's story. Nari is the quiet "underdog" who's parents push her academically, but she just struggles. Her escape, playing with a band that, outside of their gigs, doesn't really know each other because they are all in different circles. Avery runs in the popular crowd with the popular girlfriend and the superstar dad, but life at home is not easy with a drunk father who only cares about his next drink. This is a coming of age story that will capture your heart.
The book is an easy enough read in dual pov. The writing is smooth. The characters are complex and real. They could be my neighbors or kids my children attend school with. I liked the supporting characters as much as the main ones. It was nice that Peyton and Cam made appearances. Nicky and Beckett were great additions to the story and I hope to see more of them. This entire series speaks to perceptions and bias in a way that shows the importance of acknowledging the biases that we have, individually and culturally.
This book fixed some things that I didn't feel were fully addressed in the first book. This book contains under aged drinking, adult language, mean girls, and a superstar or two in the making. The authors did a beautiful job painting the struggles of these students and their coping. 4.5-5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2019
*** 4.5 Stars ***
The N Word (Redefining Me Book 2) by Michelle MacQueen and Ann Maree Craven is a small-town, fake relationship, enemies to lovers, young adult romance told in third person dual POV.
Nari Won Song and Avery St. Germaine were next door neighbors and childhood best friends until a tragic accident tore their group of friends apart. It's now almost two years later. Avery is a star player on the football team and part of the popular crowd but nobody knows what it's like at home when his father drinks. Nari is quiet, shy, and tries to keep a low profile. Her classmates call her a nerd, assuming she's a good student because she's Asian and wears glasses, but nobody knows about her academic struggles or her secret identity.
When Avery dumps his "mean girl" girlfriend, he looks like the cast-off because she immediately starts dating his teammate. So when he overhears that Nari is having trouble in her classes, Avery offers to tutor her in exchange for help making his ex-girlfriend jealous. Will they be able to pull it off? How will their classmates react to Avery and Nari as a couple? Will Avery's home life become public knowledge? What about Nari's secret identity?
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well-developed, relatable, flawed, and endearing. It beautifully tackled subjects of grieving and self-discovery. Full of depth and emotion, it's a story about forgiveness, friendship, and being true to yourself. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
The N Word (Redefining Me Book 2) by Michelle MacQueen and Ann Maree Craven is a small-town, fake relationship, enemies to lovers, young adult romance told in third person dual POV.
Nari Won Song and Avery St. Germaine were next door neighbors and childhood best friends until a tragic accident tore their group of friends apart. It's now almost two years later. Avery is a star player on the football team and part of the popular crowd but nobody knows what it's like at home when his father drinks. Nari is quiet, shy, and tries to keep a low profile. Her classmates call her a nerd, assuming she's a good student because she's Asian and wears glasses, but nobody knows about her academic struggles or her secret identity.
When Avery dumps his "mean girl" girlfriend, he looks like the cast-off because she immediately starts dating his teammate. So when he overhears that Nari is having trouble in her classes, Avery offers to tutor her in exchange for help making his ex-girlfriend jealous. Will they be able to pull it off? How will their classmates react to Avery and Nari as a couple? Will Avery's home life become public knowledge? What about Nari's secret identity?
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well-developed, relatable, flawed, and endearing. It beautifully tackled subjects of grieving and self-discovery. Full of depth and emotion, it's a story about forgiveness, friendship, and being true to yourself. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
June 20, 2019
This is one of the best YA series I have read in a long time. Not only does it draw back the curtain on many of high school’s problems, it touches you deeply, all in an entertaining package that will have you waiting eagerly for the next book!
Nari has always been considered a nerd at her school. Her parents make sure she takes all the advanced classes and push her to do excel. The reality is that Nari is struggling. If she can’t bring her grades up, she may not be able to graduate.
School isn’t Nari’s only struggle. She is trying to reconcile what she wants for her life with what is expected of her. Her parents expect her to graduate and move on to college. But Nari only feels truly alive when she is on stage. This is her secret life. It is the one thing that has picked her up and made her feel good since a terrible accident took the life of one of the members of what used to be a circle of close friends. The death of one broke them all.
Even though Nari has gotten her friendship back with two of her circle, there are still painful absences. Avery, the boy next door, who had been Nari’s closest friend most of her life, is still painfully absent from the group. The accident may have changed him the most.
Nari’s secret band, their practices and playing gigs keep Nari sane. But how long can something so big remain a secret? Will her group of friends ever come back together, become friends again? Do some events change you for life?
I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nari has always been considered a nerd at her school. Her parents make sure she takes all the advanced classes and push her to do excel. The reality is that Nari is struggling. If she can’t bring her grades up, she may not be able to graduate.
School isn’t Nari’s only struggle. She is trying to reconcile what she wants for her life with what is expected of her. Her parents expect her to graduate and move on to college. But Nari only feels truly alive when she is on stage. This is her secret life. It is the one thing that has picked her up and made her feel good since a terrible accident took the life of one of the members of what used to be a circle of close friends. The death of one broke them all.
Even though Nari has gotten her friendship back with two of her circle, there are still painful absences. Avery, the boy next door, who had been Nari’s closest friend most of her life, is still painfully absent from the group. The accident may have changed him the most.
Nari’s secret band, their practices and playing gigs keep Nari sane. But how long can something so big remain a secret? Will her group of friends ever come back together, become friends again? Do some events change you for life?
I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2019
4.5 stars! Another great read in this book series. I loved the first one but it broke my heart a few times. This one didn't disappoint either. I was crying and laughing throughout this story.
The second one is about Nari and her life. You learn what her connection is to the accident which kinda surprised me. Also this is another fake relationship YA which seems to be the plot of a lot of YA's lately. I still enjoyed this story and the characters though. It was nice that Peyton and Cam were included along with the rest of the group. I actually wasn't expecting this book to be about Nari and Avery. I honestly thought Nari was going to get with Julian at the end of the first one but then you figure out what is actually going on. I loved how Nari was written and her little secret life she had. I definitely enjoyed Avery more in this story than the first one. He has a lot going on in his life between the accident, him blaming everyone for the accident and his home life with his father. I loved the chemistry between the characters though and the brotherly love between Avery and Nicky. I also really enjoyed Becks character and the way he seemed to fit in with everyone even though I don't really remember him in the first one. He is sorta taking place of Cooper but in a good and different way. I'm looking forward to seeing who the next book is about. Really interested in the little tidbit of information you get at the end about Julian and what's going on with Addison.
The second one is about Nari and her life. You learn what her connection is to the accident which kinda surprised me. Also this is another fake relationship YA which seems to be the plot of a lot of YA's lately. I still enjoyed this story and the characters though. It was nice that Peyton and Cam were included along with the rest of the group. I actually wasn't expecting this book to be about Nari and Avery. I honestly thought Nari was going to get with Julian at the end of the first one but then you figure out what is actually going on. I loved how Nari was written and her little secret life she had. I definitely enjoyed Avery more in this story than the first one. He has a lot going on in his life between the accident, him blaming everyone for the accident and his home life with his father. I loved the chemistry between the characters though and the brotherly love between Avery and Nicky. I also really enjoyed Becks character and the way he seemed to fit in with everyone even though I don't really remember him in the first one. He is sorta taking place of Cooper but in a good and different way. I'm looking forward to seeing who the next book is about. Really interested in the little tidbit of information you get at the end about Julian and what's going on with Addison.
May 31, 2019
Avery and Nari are neighbors and they used to be close friends. But after the accident, everything changed. Avery became a golden boy, one of the popular crowd. Nari fell into the shadows as a nerd, trying to avoid any interaction with the "in" crew, especially Avery's girlfriend Meghan who's a grade A mean girl.
When Avery gets sick of Meghan's antics, he dumps her, but is surprised when she immediately starts dating another guy. To make her jealous, Avery enlists Nari's help. A kiss for tutor sessions. But things don't go as expected, and Nari and Avery have to come up with a new plan, mostly with Avery's insistence.
After reading The F Word, I was so excited to see Nari getting her own book. Nari's character is quiet and reserved, but she has a secret identity as a band member. I love that little added bonus. Avery is insufferable in the beginning, but I was expecting that from what I saw in The F Word. Also as expected, he grows on you. Nari and Avery are made for each other and I love watching their relationship grow. I also have to say that I love Becks. He better get a story too!
Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance, grieving and overcoming loss, and real characters with real problems that many can relate to.
This review can also be found on YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
When Avery gets sick of Meghan's antics, he dumps her, but is surprised when she immediately starts dating another guy. To make her jealous, Avery enlists Nari's help. A kiss for tutor sessions. But things don't go as expected, and Nari and Avery have to come up with a new plan, mostly with Avery's insistence.
After reading The F Word, I was so excited to see Nari getting her own book. Nari's character is quiet and reserved, but she has a secret identity as a band member. I love that little added bonus. Avery is insufferable in the beginning, but I was expecting that from what I saw in The F Word. Also as expected, he grows on you. Nari and Avery are made for each other and I love watching their relationship grow. I also have to say that I love Becks. He better get a story too!
Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance, grieving and overcoming loss, and real characters with real problems that many can relate to.
This review can also be found on YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
July 27, 2020
High School Senior Life
This is book 2 in the redefining me series. I have not read the first book, but I think I will because I really enjoyed this one. It's a typical high school book about a bunch of seniors trying to get through their last year, decide what college to go to (or not) and high school drama. There is the hot football player with the mean cheerleader girlfriend; the nerdy girl, who is secretly an amazing keyboard player in a band (that nobody knows Anot); the other members in the band; and some of them struggling with things at home, as well as, the loss of a friend. I'm guessing there are some things that happened it the first book that carried over into this book, but is a standalone. I never felt like I didn't understand anything. So, yes, while I say it has typical high school drama, it is well written, with very likable characters (except for the mean girl). There are moments that will make you laugh, as well as, possibly shed a little tear. By the end, everything falls in place for the football player and the nerdy girl. A good read for teens and up.
This is book 2 in the redefining me series. I have not read the first book, but I think I will because I really enjoyed this one. It's a typical high school book about a bunch of seniors trying to get through their last year, decide what college to go to (or not) and high school drama. There is the hot football player with the mean cheerleader girlfriend; the nerdy girl, who is secretly an amazing keyboard player in a band (that nobody knows Anot); the other members in the band; and some of them struggling with things at home, as well as, the loss of a friend. I'm guessing there are some things that happened it the first book that carried over into this book, but is a standalone. I never felt like I didn't understand anything. So, yes, while I say it has typical high school drama, it is well written, with very likable characters (except for the mean girl). There are moments that will make you laugh, as well as, possibly shed a little tear. By the end, everything falls in place for the football player and the nerdy girl. A good read for teens and up.
June 28, 2019
How do you find the you that was stripped away by tragedy?
McQueen and Craven are an incredible writing duo. I am not frivolous with 5 star reviews and this book is definitely not your typical YA fluff novel.
This is the second installment in the Redefining Me series and it did not disappoint. This writing team can write the heck out of a story! Losing one of their “team” in a tragic accident tore them apart. The six survivors lost a close friend, their entire group fell apart, and they lost themselves as a result.
This book tells Nari and Avery’s journey to themselves. It explains what each did to cope with “the accident” and shines further light on details from the fateful night. Coping, however, is not healing. Can these best friends finally heal? They have a long road to follow. I enjoyed reading all they overcame.
Nothing is what it seems and stereotypes and castes are shattered.
McQueen and Craven are an incredible writing duo. I am not frivolous with 5 star reviews and this book is definitely not your typical YA fluff novel.
This is the second installment in the Redefining Me series and it did not disappoint. This writing team can write the heck out of a story! Losing one of their “team” in a tragic accident tore them apart. The six survivors lost a close friend, their entire group fell apart, and they lost themselves as a result.
This book tells Nari and Avery’s journey to themselves. It explains what each did to cope with “the accident” and shines further light on details from the fateful night. Coping, however, is not healing. Can these best friends finally heal? They have a long road to follow. I enjoyed reading all they overcame.
Nothing is what it seems and stereotypes and castes are shattered.
July 1, 2019
Another great one - rollercoaster of emotions
What I liked about this part most is that the author was able to provide story connected with the first instalment and the tragedy from the past but to shape characters completely different and the story is also unique.
World of teenage people who are in the brink of adulthood but are struggling with what eats them inside. How to stay true to yourself, how to reconcile past and to face what is troubling their families and friends. I love how author presented, I dare to say, universal truth that if parents love their kids they will understand when they come to talk and say what the problem is. They will help and they will support no matter what.
Story is a bit bittersweet, gives all the vibes of perfect YA novel and really touches problems and issues of the young people. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait the read next in the series.
What I liked about this part most is that the author was able to provide story connected with the first instalment and the tragedy from the past but to shape characters completely different and the story is also unique.
World of teenage people who are in the brink of adulthood but are struggling with what eats them inside. How to stay true to yourself, how to reconcile past and to face what is troubling their families and friends. I love how author presented, I dare to say, universal truth that if parents love their kids they will understand when they come to talk and say what the problem is. They will help and they will support no matter what.
Story is a bit bittersweet, gives all the vibes of perfect YA novel and really touches problems and issues of the young people. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait the read next in the series.
July 10, 2019
This book was amazing and I loved it so much! This is the second book after "The F Word", about Nari who's always been called a nerd. Whereas the first book was in Peyton and Cam's POVs, this book is in Nari and Avery's POVs. Nari, the "nerd", is much more than people expected of her. Avery, the popular football player, is more than just a jock. I loved the characters and how we got to learn so much more about them than in book 1. It was also SO cute and so satisfying to read! The author did everything right in this book and I'm a fan girl over it! I'm excited to see what book 3 brings!
March 8, 2021
I loved this! Once childhood best friend and turned enemies. One fateful night changes everything in their lives and the community. This is part of a series book 2? The stories are standalone but revolve around 6 close neat friends. This deals with underage drinking and driving and the repercussions of it. How they all were dealing with it or lack of and how support of their friends is needed so they can heal. Anyways, I am probably not making sense. But, This series is worth reading. I highly recommend.
June 7, 2019
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review...
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first book, The F Word, which I definitely recommend reading before The N Word. This book is just filled with great examples of loyal friendship and families. I admire Nari's character and how she overcomes her discomfort in certain situations. She learns who she is and that she doesn't have to be one person or the other but that she can be a little bit of both.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first book, The F Word, which I definitely recommend reading before The N Word. This book is just filled with great examples of loyal friendship and families. I admire Nari's character and how she overcomes her discomfort in certain situations. She learns who she is and that she doesn't have to be one person or the other but that she can be a little bit of both.
June 4, 2019
Fans of The F Word are sure to enjoy this next book in the series. It is well written with a great story line and good pacing through out the book. The characters are well developed and extremely relatable. While the exact circumstances of the whole book might not have happened in real life, most people who have gone through high school have experienced one or more situations covered in the story and can relate to the characters. Two books in and this series has not disappointed.
June 27, 2019
I'm crushing real bad on MacQueen's writing. In The N Word, we get to follow the aftermath of the accident for Nari and Avery, whose lives or the meaning of it have dramatically changed. The story, characters, and plot are engaging, heartbreaking and so so real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2019
Again, I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! An excellent YA contemporary romance. I really loved Nari and Avery's story. A well written sequel to Peyton and Cameron's story that started off the series. I highly recommend both of these books. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2019
This was a great continuation of The F Word, delving into some of the mysteries and relationships left unexplored in the first book. It's a must read for the series! My full review for YABooksCentral can be found here:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
June 11, 2019
In this second book of this series we see how the death of a friend affects even more people and how they deal with the aftermath. It is a story of friendships and of unexpected love I highly recommend this book and the series itself.
July 17, 2019
An excellent sequel
I love the stories of self discovery. The characters are raw and real. Of course there is a happy ending which might not really exist in real life, but it is sweet and a wonderful read.
I love the stories of self discovery. The characters are raw and real. Of course there is a happy ending which might not really exist in real life, but it is sweet and a wonderful read.
July 26, 2019
she seems to failing everything and she is even a rockstar but No one knows. He was the golden boy and he failed and now he is looked down on. Can these two people make a future together? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2020
Growing up together
Friends are friends, but these stayed connected. They went thru many hard situations. They were experiencing life situations. But they kept trying, and growing up in intervals The bond came together at the end of the last year of high school
Friends are friends, but these stayed connected. They went thru many hard situations. They were experiencing life situations. But they kept trying, and growing up in intervals The bond came together at the end of the last year of high school
January 26, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed it. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because I felt it was a tad slow paced and dragged on a little bit.
I enjoyed it. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because I felt it was a tad slow paced and dragged on a little bit.
January 8, 2023
Not so fake
I don't know yet how I feel about the current trend in books and Hallmark-type movies using the fake boyfriend/girlfriend/finace as a plot device to help couples finally realize how much they live each other. Apparently it works well enough that I keep reading the books and watching the movies. But I have to admit that such stories are becoming awfully cliche. *sigh* So, yeah. I'll keep reading and watching such stories and enjoying every moment. Lol.
I don't know yet how I feel about the current trend in books and Hallmark-type movies using the fake boyfriend/girlfriend/finace as a plot device to help couples finally realize how much they live each other. Apparently it works well enough that I keep reading the books and watching the movies. But I have to admit that such stories are becoming awfully cliche. *sigh* So, yeah. I'll keep reading and watching such stories and enjoying every moment. Lol.
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