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Far from Normal
“Normal girl” Maddie must repair the image of Major League Soccer’s bad boy to ace her internship.
Maddie McPherson is sick of Normal—both her hometown of Normal, Illinois and being the ‘normal’ sibling. But when she lands a summer internship with a sports marketing firm, she finally has a chance to crawl out of her genius brother’s shadow. Not to mention, a glowing letter of recommendation could secure her admission to her dream college.
But Maddie’s nickname is “CalaMaddie” for a reason, and when the company tasks her with repairing the image of teen soccer phenom Gabriel Fortunato, she wonders if she’s set herself up for embarrassment. Gabriel is a tabloid magnet, who’s best-known for flubbing Italy’s World Cup hopes. As Maddie works with him to develop “pleasant and friendly” content for social media, she also learns he’s thoughtful, multi-talented, and fiercely loyal—maybe even to a fault. Falling for a footballer is exactly how CalaMaddie would botch this internship, but with the firm pressuring her to get the job done, perhaps her heart is worth risking?
Maddie McPherson is sick of Normal—both her hometown of Normal, Illinois and being the ‘normal’ sibling. But when she lands a summer internship with a sports marketing firm, she finally has a chance to crawl out of her genius brother’s shadow. Not to mention, a glowing letter of recommendation could secure her admission to her dream college.
But Maddie’s nickname is “CalaMaddie” for a reason, and when the company tasks her with repairing the image of teen soccer phenom Gabriel Fortunato, she wonders if she’s set herself up for embarrassment. Gabriel is a tabloid magnet, who’s best-known for flubbing Italy’s World Cup hopes. As Maddie works with him to develop “pleasant and friendly” content for social media, she also learns he’s thoughtful, multi-talented, and fiercely loyal—maybe even to a fault. Falling for a footballer is exactly how CalaMaddie would botch this internship, but with the firm pressuring her to get the job done, perhaps her heart is worth risking?
Hardcover
First published September 22, 2020
27 people are currently reading
4054 people want to read
About the author
Becky Wallace
5 books409 followersIn second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything besides princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she's been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own, real-life prince charming. They have four munchkins and live in a happy little town outside Houston, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
September 22, 2020
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review HERE
This new YA summer book was a cute read. We follow Maddie during her internship in the city of Chicago. Her work includes helping Gabe, an Italian soccer player, with his public image after a few past mishaps. I enjoyed their banter and their chemistry, especially when they were alone and they could truly be themselves with each other. I must say that the last part of the book wasn't my favourite, especially because of how a character turned out to be.
Overall it was a quick and fun read, but I don't feel like it had any unique elements to really stand out from others books of the same genre.
Full review HERE
This new YA summer book was a cute read. We follow Maddie during her internship in the city of Chicago. Her work includes helping Gabe, an Italian soccer player, with his public image after a few past mishaps. I enjoyed their banter and their chemistry, especially when they were alone and they could truly be themselves with each other. I must say that the last part of the book wasn't my favourite, especially because of how a character turned out to be.
Overall it was a quick and fun read, but I don't feel like it had any unique elements to really stand out from others books of the same genre.
September 18, 2020
I'll admit the reason this book initially caught my eye was learning the character was from Normal, Illinois as I am very familiar with the town. I enjoy reading books in the YA genre so I figured might as well give this one a shot. A decent read but not exactly memorable.
High school student Maddie McPherson is ready to leave her hometown of Normal, Illinois and move on to bigger and better things. She's landed a pretty cool summer internship at a sports marketing firm in Chicago. She is assigned a pretty big project as she will be working with teenage soccer star, Gabriel Fortunato, to develop content for his social media presence. And of course working together so closely, Maddie gets to really know Gabriel. Are they going to maintain a strictly business relationship or could it develop into something more?
By far the thing I loved most about this book was the fact it featured women working in what most people would consider a male-dominated industry. I'm glad the author had most of the plot revolving around sports marketing and working with athletes as I found it fascinating. Might not have been entirely realistic Maddie was given certain responsibilities given her age and inexperience, but I just rolled with it.
Unfortunately, I thought the romance elements of the story were somewhat lackluster. There was nothing significantly wrong with the two characters, it was more I just didn't pick up on a ton of sparks between the two of them. Thankfully there is a nice balance so it's not like the romance dominates the story.
I received an advance digital copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
High school student Maddie McPherson is ready to leave her hometown of Normal, Illinois and move on to bigger and better things. She's landed a pretty cool summer internship at a sports marketing firm in Chicago. She is assigned a pretty big project as she will be working with teenage soccer star, Gabriel Fortunato, to develop content for his social media presence. And of course working together so closely, Maddie gets to really know Gabriel. Are they going to maintain a strictly business relationship or could it develop into something more?
By far the thing I loved most about this book was the fact it featured women working in what most people would consider a male-dominated industry. I'm glad the author had most of the plot revolving around sports marketing and working with athletes as I found it fascinating. Might not have been entirely realistic Maddie was given certain responsibilities given her age and inexperience, but I just rolled with it.
Unfortunately, I thought the romance elements of the story were somewhat lackluster. There was nothing significantly wrong with the two characters, it was more I just didn't pick up on a ton of sparks between the two of them. Thankfully there is a nice balance so it's not like the romance dominates the story.
I received an advance digital copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
February 9, 2020
This book was so fun to write, and I *think* it will be a blast to read! I love Maddie because she’s so earnest and tries so hard! And Gabe is perfectly imperfect and so sweet, but also has great hair. 😉
September 22, 2020
An adorable Devil Wears Prada-inspired YA Rom-Com about seventeen year old Maddie who sparks up a romance with famous soccer-playing, bad boy Gabriel Fortunato, in order to ace her internship.
I read this in one sitting, and it was such a cute book 💖Maddie was so determined, and hilarious, and relatable. Gabe was so hot too 😂 This was a great, swift, rom-com read. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t imagine Maddie’s Aunt as Lauren Graham 😂😂
I’ve also been craving reads lately that are just easy, and suck me right in, and this book gave me that!
A big thank you to MTCM Tours and Page Street Publishing for sending me an ARC of this book!
To check out my Far from Normal inspired Bookstagram post, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcMXsJgPC5/
I read this in one sitting, and it was such a cute book 💖Maddie was so determined, and hilarious, and relatable. Gabe was so hot too 😂 This was a great, swift, rom-com read. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t imagine Maddie’s Aunt as Lauren Graham 😂😂
I’ve also been craving reads lately that are just easy, and suck me right in, and this book gave me that!
A big thank you to MTCM Tours and Page Street Publishing for sending me an ARC of this book!
To check out my Far from Normal inspired Bookstagram post, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcMXsJgPC5/
August 30, 2021
Türkçe ismi Normalin Ötesinde
Okuması kolay, sıradan, orta karar bir YA idi.
Okuması kolay, sıradan, orta karar bir YA idi.
February 25, 2022
Kitabın neden düşük puanlandığını anlıyorum ve hak veriyorum (sonlara doğru olan bir olay o yüzden spoiler olabilir) ama ben genel hatlarıyla sevdim. Ünlü-hayran ilişkisi kurgularını pek sevmesem de bu kitapta aşırı gözüme batmadı. Kızımızın her fırsatta çocuğu övdüğünü yok sayarsak olgunca davranışlar sergilediğini düşünüyorum. Erkek karakter de klasik, ünlü şımarıklığına sahip ama sevimli bir tipti. Kitabın akıcı olup bir çırpıda okunabilmesi benim için artı puan oldu. Büyük bir beklentiyle okumazsanız keyif alabilirsiniz
September 29, 2020
Far From Normal is a fantastic read I loved for the relatable characters I enjoyed reading about, the laugh out loud moments, and that perfect dialogue and banter that just had my sides aching.
Maddie is a complete mess and your heart will just endear to her.
Gabe is a bad boy heartthrob who will steal your heart.
The story had great pacing and grabbed me right from the first chapter. Far from Normal is a fun, quick read to swoon over with all the feels.
Maddie is a complete mess and your heart will just endear to her.
Gabe is a bad boy heartthrob who will steal your heart.
The story had great pacing and grabbed me right from the first chapter. Far from Normal is a fun, quick read to swoon over with all the feels.
October 17, 2020
The synopsis said it is devil wears Prada inspire, so I had to read it. I was Lil bit concerned about the sport part of the story, I am a sports lover but watching a sport and reading it is different, and sometimes it is hard to balance the story. Fortunately, it wasn’t the case here.
Maddy, a normal girl from normal, got an opportunity of internship at a company where her aunt works, so yes her aunt used her contact. Maddy wants something to add on her college application but she also wants to prove that she deserves to be here. By accident, she met Gabriel Fortunato-a famous soccer player, who happens to be a client of this company. It can be something big for Maddy’s non-existent career.
I loved the story, yes it was cliché but the characters were refreshing. It was so fun to read characters who think with their brain and knows how to communicate. I really loved Maddy and it’s been so long I’ve read a clear-minded lead. I am a sucker for a good family relationship, so the bond of Maddy and Max is one of the best sibling’s bonds I’ve ever read. It is so realistic that despite all of the parent’s tiny issues they share such a good friendship and both are comfortable in their own skin.
The story of aunt Emma also made sense. Life is not always good or bad, it can be in somewhere between.
One of the most important things I noticed that after meeting Gabe, Maddy’s intern life didn’t just vanish, it was still there and she cared about it.
Maddy, a normal girl from normal, got an opportunity of internship at a company where her aunt works, so yes her aunt used her contact. Maddy wants something to add on her college application but she also wants to prove that she deserves to be here. By accident, she met Gabriel Fortunato-a famous soccer player, who happens to be a client of this company. It can be something big for Maddy’s non-existent career.
I loved the story, yes it was cliché but the characters were refreshing. It was so fun to read characters who think with their brain and knows how to communicate. I really loved Maddy and it’s been so long I’ve read a clear-minded lead. I am a sucker for a good family relationship, so the bond of Maddy and Max is one of the best sibling’s bonds I’ve ever read. It is so realistic that despite all of the parent’s tiny issues they share such a good friendship and both are comfortable in their own skin.
The story of aunt Emma also made sense. Life is not always good or bad, it can be in somewhere between.
One of the most important things I noticed that after meeting Gabe, Maddy’s intern life didn’t just vanish, it was still there and she cared about it.
July 18, 2022
I came across this when I was looking for sports books for a list and it caught my eye because the protagonist is from my hometown of Normal, IL, so I figured I'd check it out. Unfortunately for me there's basically no Normal content in here because Maddie spends her whole summer in Chicago and during the brief time when she's back in Normal she doesn't seem to leave her house. Which I understand isn't going to be an issue for most readers who don't care about Normal, IL but I am going to assume that Becky Wallace saw Normal on a map and thought "haha I'll make my character from Normal and that'll be good wordplay." But like if you are from Normal, IL you have spent your life interacting with outsiders and immediately saying, "Haha yeah it's actually called Normal...well you see the name is because colleges for teachers used to be called Normal Schools and Illinois State University was...oh you're already walking away from me, I see". Which Maddie NEVER DOES and nobody ever comments on her hometown which people definitely fucking do. If you're going to have a character be from Normal, USE IT.
>:(
Anyway again that part is just a personal pet peeve. Other than that it's like, okay. The plot leans a lil heavily on a big convenient coincidence but, fine, that's not the worst crime for a rom-com. The 17-year-old Normal girl love interest for a 19-year-old global soccer superstar is a little eyebrow raising but nothing untoward really happens. I did find it a little sus that Maddie's goal in life is to work in "sports marketing" not because she loves sports (she doesn't) but because it moves her to see pro athletes doing charity outreach for underprivileged kids who love sports. Like....could her life goal then just be to work in a YMCA or something?
The details don't really hold together but I do (and this sounds like damning with faint praise but sincerely) like that it was under 200 pages. At least it was efficient in its light summer romance.
PS if anyone else wants to write a book set in Normal, IL without stepping foot in Normal, IL, hit me up to connect you with a Normal sensitivity reading
>:(
Anyway again that part is just a personal pet peeve. Other than that it's like, okay. The plot leans a lil heavily on a big convenient coincidence but, fine, that's not the worst crime for a rom-com. The 17-year-old Normal girl love interest for a 19-year-old global soccer superstar is a little eyebrow raising but nothing untoward really happens. I did find it a little sus that Maddie's goal in life is to work in "sports marketing" not because she loves sports (she doesn't) but because it moves her to see pro athletes doing charity outreach for underprivileged kids who love sports. Like....could her life goal then just be to work in a YMCA or something?
The details don't really hold together but I do (and this sounds like damning with faint praise but sincerely) like that it was under 200 pages. At least it was efficient in its light summer romance.
PS if anyone else wants to write a book set in Normal, IL without stepping foot in Normal, IL, hit me up to connect you with a Normal sensitivity reading
September 28, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Far From Normal by Becky Wallace is a book that combines two of my interests: sports and marketing. The premise is original as the main character assists a soccer player in repairing his public image, and the main characters are both charming. This is a short and sweet read that is a perfect pick-me-up.
This book follows Maddie, who has gotten a summer internship at a sports marketing firm and has been assigned to work with a soccer player to fix his image on social media. As she gets to know him, she comes to see a different side of him and works to showcase the real Gabe through her assignment. I love books about sports, and it is also great to see representation of women in business. There is not as much soccer as I was expecting, but the focus on Maddie’s internship is also entertaining to read about.
❀ RELATABLE MAIN CHARACTER
Maddie is a relatable character who provides a great voice for the book. She is clumsy and awkward, but she knows what she wants and what she needs to do to get it. I loved how she works hard to learn new skills and to achieve her goals despite sabotage, and it is so heartwarming watching her gain confidence in herself and in her work. Gabe is also an interesting character who has been misunderstood, and I loved uncovering his true, authentic self alongside Maddie.
❀ QUICK AND WHOLESOME READ
Far From Normal by Becky Wallace is a light and cute read that sheds light on the sports marketing industry. I loved the premise as well as both the main characters. Soccer fans, and those looking for a quick and wholesome read, will enjoy this one.
Far From Normal by Becky Wallace is a book that combines two of my interests: sports and marketing. The premise is original as the main character assists a soccer player in repairing his public image, and the main characters are both charming. This is a short and sweet read that is a perfect pick-me-up.
This book follows Maddie, who has gotten a summer internship at a sports marketing firm and has been assigned to work with a soccer player to fix his image on social media. As she gets to know him, she comes to see a different side of him and works to showcase the real Gabe through her assignment. I love books about sports, and it is also great to see representation of women in business. There is not as much soccer as I was expecting, but the focus on Maddie’s internship is also entertaining to read about.
❀ RELATABLE MAIN CHARACTER
Maddie is a relatable character who provides a great voice for the book. She is clumsy and awkward, but she knows what she wants and what she needs to do to get it. I loved how she works hard to learn new skills and to achieve her goals despite sabotage, and it is so heartwarming watching her gain confidence in herself and in her work. Gabe is also an interesting character who has been misunderstood, and I loved uncovering his true, authentic self alongside Maddie.
❀ QUICK AND WHOLESOME READ
Far From Normal by Becky Wallace is a light and cute read that sheds light on the sports marketing industry. I loved the premise as well as both the main characters. Soccer fans, and those looking for a quick and wholesome read, will enjoy this one.
May 30, 2020
As soon as I saw this was a Devil Wears Prada-inspired YA romance, I was absolutely hooked. This book follows Maddie, a self-proclaimed normal girl from Normal, Illinois, as she experiences her dream internship at her aunt’s sports marketing company. After a clumsy and awkward meeting with an international soccer star named Gabe, Maddie is tasked with improving Gabe’s public image in order for her to score a stellar letter of recommendation for college.
I had so much fun reading this! It was quick and entertaining, with a perfect mix of topics.
Our characters faced a series of dilemmas, from funny little mishaps to serious real-life problems. It focused on romance as well as family dynamics and trying to create friendships in a competitive work environment.
All of these different types of relationships were explores in interesting ways, but the romance is really what captured me. I loved the banter between Maddie and Gabe and, honestly, it’s really hard not to fall for a misunderstood, hot, Italian soccer player.
I also really enjoy the sports aspect. It was really cool to get a deeper look at sports marketing and how athletes build a brand. It’s a bit of an inside look at how difficult it is to balance public expectations with someone’s real personality.
Maddie learns throughout this story that it’s okay to be normal, but it’s also okay to stand out for what you’re good at.
I could totally see this as a movie!! I think it would be so cute!
I had so much fun reading this! It was quick and entertaining, with a perfect mix of topics.
Our characters faced a series of dilemmas, from funny little mishaps to serious real-life problems. It focused on romance as well as family dynamics and trying to create friendships in a competitive work environment.
All of these different types of relationships were explores in interesting ways, but the romance is really what captured me. I loved the banter between Maddie and Gabe and, honestly, it’s really hard not to fall for a misunderstood, hot, Italian soccer player.
I also really enjoy the sports aspect. It was really cool to get a deeper look at sports marketing and how athletes build a brand. It’s a bit of an inside look at how difficult it is to balance public expectations with someone’s real personality.
Maddie learns throughout this story that it’s okay to be normal, but it’s also okay to stand out for what you’re good at.
I could totally see this as a movie!! I think it would be so cute!
May 28, 2020
Well, this was exactly the charming, quick YA contemporary I hoped it would be. I think we all know by now that if soccer is part of the premise, I will read it, and the love interest in this one is an Italian star currently playing stateside in the MLS in an attempt to keep a low profile after famously missing his high-stakes PK and costing his country the World Cup. The story picks up when, after a chance meeting, our main character Maddie gets assigned to help rehab Gabe's public image as part of her summer internship at a publicity firm. There's very little actual soccer in this book, but the romance and the main character's internship were engaging enough on their own. I don't think this book did anything remarkable or groundbreaking, but Far From Normal is a solid, well-executed YA contemporary that I think a lot of contemporary lovers are gonna enjoy. (I also flew through it in a matter of a couple hours-- def one of the quickest books I've picked up recently.)
September 23, 2020
*Thanks to MTMC tours and Page Street Publishing for the review copy. All thoughts are my own*
Far From Normal is a cute and sweet contemporary read, just what I was expecting / hoping for (and even a little bit more!).
It's a book about a young girl landing an internship in a sports marketing firm and it is hands down my favorite aspect of this book. Maddie's experience in her internship brought back memories of my own time as an intern, from so many relatable moments to the ever constant need to prove yourself worthy. Even though I loved my time as an intern, you do come across impossible co-workers just like Maddie does in Far From Normal.
Another relatable thing? All the second-hand embarrassment!!! Maddie is such a sweet and smart girl, but bad luck seems to follow her around. She always try to make the best of it though so she is very cool that way. I really liked her character.
The we meet Gabriel Fortunato who at first sight might seem like a stuck-up, but in reality he is a really nice guy. I enjoyed the banter between him and Maddie, and I will not forget that scene where they are trying to learn how to make pizza. So entertaining, I loved them! 😂❤️
All in all, I thought it was an amazing read! I had fun reading it and it's a nice window towards the ups and downs of internships 😩😂, not to mention first love and awkward relationships.
Far From Normal is a cute and sweet contemporary read, just what I was expecting / hoping for (and even a little bit more!).
It's a book about a young girl landing an internship in a sports marketing firm and it is hands down my favorite aspect of this book. Maddie's experience in her internship brought back memories of my own time as an intern, from so many relatable moments to the ever constant need to prove yourself worthy. Even though I loved my time as an intern, you do come across impossible co-workers just like Maddie does in Far From Normal.
Another relatable thing? All the second-hand embarrassment!!! Maddie is such a sweet and smart girl, but bad luck seems to follow her around. She always try to make the best of it though so she is very cool that way. I really liked her character.
The we meet Gabriel Fortunato who at first sight might seem like a stuck-up, but in reality he is a really nice guy. I enjoyed the banter between him and Maddie, and I will not forget that scene where they are trying to learn how to make pizza. So entertaining, I loved them! 😂❤️
All in all, I thought it was an amazing read! I had fun reading it and it's a nice window towards the ups and downs of internships 😩😂, not to mention first love and awkward relationships.
June 14, 2020
A huge thanks to Netgalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.
This was such a cute book. Something about it just really made me want to read it from the get-go, and I wasn't disappointed. It's got Devil Wears Prada vibes to it, and I absolutely loved that (plus, I liked Maddie better than I ever liked Andy). This was a much needed quick, fluffy contemporary read for me, and it was perfect.
Maddie spends her summer interning at her aunt Emma's sports marketing company, and ends up quite literally falling into a position where she's working alongside infamous soccer player Gabriel Fortunato in order to help him save some face with the media.
Maddie was a great character and I liked watching her really own up to things and take charge when she needed to, she was such a smart, charismatic person without even having to try. And then there was Gabe, who was equally amazing. I loved seeing him open up over the course of the book and seeing how everything played out for them.
This was such a cute book. Something about it just really made me want to read it from the get-go, and I wasn't disappointed. It's got Devil Wears Prada vibes to it, and I absolutely loved that (plus, I liked Maddie better than I ever liked Andy). This was a much needed quick, fluffy contemporary read for me, and it was perfect.
Maddie spends her summer interning at her aunt Emma's sports marketing company, and ends up quite literally falling into a position where she's working alongside infamous soccer player Gabriel Fortunato in order to help him save some face with the media.
Maddie was a great character and I liked watching her really own up to things and take charge when she needed to, she was such a smart, charismatic person without even having to try. And then there was Gabe, who was equally amazing. I loved seeing him open up over the course of the book and seeing how everything played out for them.
October 14, 2021
3 stars
simple ya romance. It was a cute book, I liked multiple of the characters in this book.
simple ya romance. It was a cute book, I liked multiple of the characters in this book.
May 6, 2020
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to come up with the words to explain how much I loved this book. Becky Wallace writes in a way that just leaves you feeling wonderfully happy.
There’s a part in this story where the protagonist describes the butterflies in her stomach... and I FELT that. Wallace sets you up to feel every single emotion and stress and swoon that her narrator is going through.
She also writes food so incredibly well. There were entire scenes that left my stomach rumbling because it was all described so deliciously.
I know all of my fellow YA contemporary readers are going to fall completely in love with this book. You need this level of joy in your lives. Add it to your TBRs right now!
There’s a part in this story where the protagonist describes the butterflies in her stomach... and I FELT that. Wallace sets you up to feel every single emotion and stress and swoon that her narrator is going through.
She also writes food so incredibly well. There were entire scenes that left my stomach rumbling because it was all described so deliciously.
I know all of my fellow YA contemporary readers are going to fall completely in love with this book. You need this level of joy in your lives. Add it to your TBRs right now!
October 13, 2021
Aslında hikayesi çok şekerdi bence.
Spor yönetimi dünyasında çalışmak isteyen bir genç kız ve kariyerini kendi elleriyle mahveden bir genç futbolcunun önce arkadaşlık sonra da tatlı bir aşka dönüşen hikayesi. Son 30 sayfasına kadar falan 4 verebilirim diye düşündüm fakat sonunu yazar bağlayamamış, fazla aceleye getirmiş o yüzden maksimum 3'ü hak etti.
Spor yönetimi dünyasında çalışmak isteyen bir genç kız ve kariyerini kendi elleriyle mahveden bir genç futbolcunun önce arkadaşlık sonra da tatlı bir aşka dönüşen hikayesi. Son 30 sayfasına kadar falan 4 verebilirim diye düşündüm fakat sonunu yazar bağlayamamış, fazla aceleye getirmiş o yüzden maksimum 3'ü hak etti.
October 3, 2020
Cute YA read, I enjoyed Maddie and Gabe banter, overall entertaining and quick read.
March 3, 2022
Cute.
September 6, 2020
"For future reference, hitting the refresh button over and over doesn't actually change the files in your history folder. Neither does shutting down your computer and restarting it. Or crying onto your keyboard."
This book surprised me with how much I adored it. I read it in one day lounging by the pool!
If you are a fan of New Adult/College Sport Romances but want it PG, this is the book.
SUMMARY
Maddie McPherson has just landed her dream internship at her Aunt's sport marketing firm in Chicago. Full of nerves, Maddie is determined to prove her worth. But after a humiliating accident, Maddie finds herself appointed as the liaison for international soccer star and "hot mess" Gabriel Fortunato, and tasked with improving his public image. Gabe is a social media dumpster fire, but Maddie begins to learn that those stories have layers he hides from the public. Suddenly Maddie is tasked with choosing between her loyalty to Gabe or her future at the company.
REVIEW
This book was a five-star read up until the last couple of chapters. The ending was way too abrupt and then skipped to an epilogue where none of the plot holes were properly fixed. Also, the timeline for the epilogue seemed off because it said the characters had been dating for six months but the book takes place the summer before Maddie's senior year and the epilogue takes place during the spring semester of her freshman year of college.... I kid you now when I say I sat with the epilogue for a good five minutes trying to figure it out.
However, other than the ending this book was absolute pure joy - a solid YA rom-com. I even found myself crying at one point (but I think that is partially because I am a single pringle and romance does that to me.) I found Maddie to be relatable. She acted how I believe I would if I landed my dream internship, full of anxiety to do everything perfectly. Maddie has always felt inferior to her genius (literally) brother. But as she begins to find her niche, Maddie's confidence grows and she learns to become a take-charge woman. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun summer contemporary read.
Being half-Italian I was happy to see an author write in correct Italian. I always catch myself saying "fa niente" on the daily, and when I see it relayed in a book it makes me smile. The same goes for the relationship between Gabe and the owner of Moretti's. It had the same aura of a Nonna and her grandson, total heart eyes from me.
I will be keeping an eye out for future books by Becky Wallace in the future because this was so cute.
This book surprised me with how much I adored it. I read it in one day lounging by the pool!
If you are a fan of New Adult/College Sport Romances but want it PG, this is the book.
SUMMARY
Maddie McPherson has just landed her dream internship at her Aunt's sport marketing firm in Chicago. Full of nerves, Maddie is determined to prove her worth. But after a humiliating accident, Maddie finds herself appointed as the liaison for international soccer star and "hot mess" Gabriel Fortunato, and tasked with improving his public image. Gabe is a social media dumpster fire, but Maddie begins to learn that those stories have layers he hides from the public. Suddenly Maddie is tasked with choosing between her loyalty to Gabe or her future at the company.
REVIEW
This book was a five-star read up until the last couple of chapters. The ending was way too abrupt and then skipped to an epilogue where none of the plot holes were properly fixed. Also, the timeline for the epilogue seemed off because it said the characters had been dating for six months but the book takes place the summer before Maddie's senior year and the epilogue takes place during the spring semester of her freshman year of college.... I kid you now when I say I sat with the epilogue for a good five minutes trying to figure it out.
However, other than the ending this book was absolute pure joy - a solid YA rom-com. I even found myself crying at one point (but I think that is partially because I am a single pringle and romance does that to me.) I found Maddie to be relatable. She acted how I believe I would if I landed my dream internship, full of anxiety to do everything perfectly. Maddie has always felt inferior to her genius (literally) brother. But as she begins to find her niche, Maddie's confidence grows and she learns to become a take-charge woman. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun summer contemporary read.
Being half-Italian I was happy to see an author write in correct Italian. I always catch myself saying "fa niente" on the daily, and when I see it relayed in a book it makes me smile. The same goes for the relationship between Gabe and the owner of Moretti's. It had the same aura of a Nonna and her grandson, total heart eyes from me.
I will be keeping an eye out for future books by Becky Wallace in the future because this was so cute.
July 7, 2020
3/5 stars
This was so cute!!
I read it on the beach for my ARC vlog in a matter of hours and liked our characters/story. I thought we could have had more development but I think this was super fun and easy to read! Plus some moments had me laughing out loud!
There wasn't anything "unique" to me that I think would make it more than a 3 but no major cons for anything below a 2! Honestly going back and forth with a 3 and 2.5! This is one that if you like the sounding of I would recommend!!
This was so cute!!
I read it on the beach for my ARC vlog in a matter of hours and liked our characters/story. I thought we could have had more development but I think this was super fun and easy to read! Plus some moments had me laughing out loud!
There wasn't anything "unique" to me that I think would make it more than a 3 but no major cons for anything below a 2! Honestly going back and forth with a 3 and 2.5! This is one that if you like the sounding of I would recommend!!
September 25, 2020
OKAY! I CANNOT STOP THINKING about this book! It's one of the best rom-coms I've read in a while and I am absolutely in love. It's one of those books that leave you with a wide grin on your face, long after you've finished it and YES I AM IN THAT PHASE😂
Being a huge sports aficionado, I knew I had to pick up this rom-com because ahem well OPPOSITES ATTRACT, is my jam and MISS WALKING DISASTER meets CELEBRITY HEARTBREAKER, sign me up please😏
And I am quite pleased to say, it did leave up to all my expectations! I am not particularly fond of 'overdone cheesy scenes' and Far From Normal had that subtle tone, that made it realistic and not tacky 😏👀
Far from Normal is about loving someone and staying in love with them despite knowing how vulnerable they are or could be!
A delightful and pleasant read that you can fly through
Being a huge sports aficionado, I knew I had to pick up this rom-com because ahem well OPPOSITES ATTRACT, is my jam and MISS WALKING DISASTER meets CELEBRITY HEARTBREAKER, sign me up please😏
And I am quite pleased to say, it did leave up to all my expectations! I am not particularly fond of 'overdone cheesy scenes' and Far From Normal had that subtle tone, that made it realistic and not tacky 😏👀
Far from Normal is about loving someone and staying in love with them despite knowing how vulnerable they are or could be!
A delightful and pleasant read that you can fly through
July 18, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
I read the book cover to cover on a long car ride. It was such a fun, sweet story and the light, engaging type of book I was in the mood for.
The heroine is someone I could relate to and wanted to root for. She had some interesting developments and relationship journeys outside of the romance as well.
There are some areas I thought could have been explored or fleshed out a bit more (especially in regards to Gabe) but overall a satisfying read that I smiled through.
I read the book cover to cover on a long car ride. It was such a fun, sweet story and the light, engaging type of book I was in the mood for.
The heroine is someone I could relate to and wanted to root for. She had some interesting developments and relationship journeys outside of the romance as well.
There are some areas I thought could have been explored or fleshed out a bit more (especially in regards to Gabe) but overall a satisfying read that I smiled through.
September 4, 2021
This was cute!
I don't like sports and I'm not usually a fan of cheesy straight contemporary romances (no offence to the straights, I've just read so many of them that they often feel redundant while also not being wishfulfilly for me because gay) but I still had a good time reading this. Is it very, very, tropey? Yes. But I think that's kind of the point.
I don't like sports and I'm not usually a fan of cheesy straight contemporary romances (no offence to the straights, I've just read so many of them that they often feel redundant while also not being wishfulfilly for me because gay) but I still had a good time reading this. Is it very, very, tropey? Yes. But I think that's kind of the point.
August 10, 2020
Read my full review on the Shannon A. Jade Books blog!
My 'Far from Normal' Top 3:
- All the best things about rom-coms
- YA writing in a new adult setting
- Easy to read (and love!)
My 'Far from Normal' Top 3:
- All the best things about rom-coms
- YA writing in a new adult setting
- Easy to read (and love!)
September 10, 2020
ACTUAL: 4.25 stars
* Thank you Manda Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *
- review to come -
* Thank you Manda Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review *
- review to come -
September 25, 2020
Very enjoyable YA rom-com that leaves you feeling happy.
May 23, 2021
What a cute, quick, summery read! I’ve read all of Becky Wallace’s books now and I have really enjoyed all of them. This was a breezy, fun contemporary. I really liked Gabe and Maddie (especially their meet-cute, which was a secondhand embarrassment overload). I’m not normally a big fan of sports romances, but this one was more on the promotion/social media managing, which made it a little more appealing to me. Maddie was a likable character, and I loved the dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
I would've enjoyed this more if Maddie had been three years older. As it was, I could not suspend my disbelief enough for the premise. It is also quite slow in places.
September 22, 2020
I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Squeals! More squeals! The most squeals! I utterly adored and entirely loved this book and I’m just starting on my overuse of adverbs.
Maddie is a normal girl from Normal, Illinois. She goes to Chicago for the summer to work as an intern at a PR company so that she can get a recommendation letter for college. Her summer starts with a crash; thanks to her aunt’s dog and her slim bicycle skills. Luckily the accident results in an charmingly awkward "meet cute" with a handsome boy named Gabe. The sparks and soccer balls fly from there when she’s tasked by the PR firm to help improve his image. But someone is trying to sabotage her at work and she worries about getting her heart too involved with a client.
I honestly loved it so much that I went back and read my favorite parts, twice.
The voice is believable and relatable. The twists are fun, some expected and others you crash in to. The romance is sweet, but steam is coming off that Chinese food if you know what I mean (#wink). This is a book you’re going to want to buy so that you can reread it often. I can’t wait for my hardback to arrive in September.
Squeals! More squeals! The most squeals! I utterly adored and entirely loved this book and I’m just starting on my overuse of adverbs.
Maddie is a normal girl from Normal, Illinois. She goes to Chicago for the summer to work as an intern at a PR company so that she can get a recommendation letter for college. Her summer starts with a crash; thanks to her aunt’s dog and her slim bicycle skills. Luckily the accident results in an charmingly awkward "meet cute" with a handsome boy named Gabe. The sparks and soccer balls fly from there when she’s tasked by the PR firm to help improve his image. But someone is trying to sabotage her at work and she worries about getting her heart too involved with a client.
I honestly loved it so much that I went back and read my favorite parts, twice.
The voice is believable and relatable. The twists are fun, some expected and others you crash in to. The romance is sweet, but steam is coming off that Chinese food if you know what I mean (#wink). This is a book you’re going to want to buy so that you can reread it often. I can’t wait for my hardback to arrive in September.
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