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Sunkissed
Will the stars align?
Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can't help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her social-media-obsessed sister to a remote family camp for two months of "fun." Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets Brooks—mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks—who just happens to be on staff—which means he's off-limits.
What starts as a disaster turns into . . . something else. As the outside world falls away, Avery embarks on a journey of self-discovery. And when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.
Fan favorite Kasie West is back with another unforgettable summer romance that reminds us falling in love is full of wonder, heartache, and—most of all—surprises.
Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can't help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her social-media-obsessed sister to a remote family camp for two months of "fun." Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets Brooks—mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks—who just happens to be on staff—which means he's off-limits.
What starts as a disaster turns into . . . something else. As the outside world falls away, Avery embarks on a journey of self-discovery. And when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.
Fan favorite Kasie West is back with another unforgettable summer romance that reminds us falling in love is full of wonder, heartache, and—most of all—surprises.
305 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2021
692 people are currently reading
31248 people want to read
About the author
Kasie West
34 books19.1k followersI write YA and adult romance novels. I eat chocolate cinnamon bears. Sometimes I go crazy and do both at the same time. A few of my works are: SUNKISSED, PS I LIKE YOU, MOMENT OF TRUTH, WE MET LIKE THIS, and more. My agent is the talented and funny Michelle Wolfson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,207 reviews
August 12, 2022
Wow! Any Katie West novel guarantees you full package of 3S: softness, sweetness,swooning!
If you need something to brighten your mood after surviving at new not so normal pandemic craziness and spend your time with something motivating, inspirational, lighthearted to warm your heart , help to forget your daily stress, your worries, troubles, getting urgent appointment to be vaccinated, you find the best book which will check your boxes to give you a genuine smile!
This reminded me of innocent version of Dirty Dancing ! A family trip at the camp, young heroine’s crush to the staff member who is off limits and an annoying sister who is always in her face! Yes, did you catch the resemblances? I was expecting Brooks tell Avery’ s parents nobody puts her in a corner at the last chapter of the book!
Our sweet couple’s passion was music, instead of showing their mambo moves!
Both of the characters are sweeter than upside down pineapple cake ( which I’m devouring now after my 7 days torturous cleansing diet killed me slowly) , more relatable than your entire siblings ( or irritating aunt, wanker uncle, asocial cousin, pick any or your weird family members! )
As like the author’s previous works , this is easy to read, easy to connect with characters, easy to get lost in their story! Avery’s struggles, her personal growth was motivational and her blooming romance with Brooks makes your heart pound faster, widen your smile, brush your soul!
Overall: I got what I expected! I finished so fast ( it took only three hours of mine!) I feel lighter, relaxed, joyful! That’s the cure Kasie West books provide us! Giving my four musical notes, self discovery, growing pains, sweet liberty, camping fire stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/ Delacorte Press for providing me this digital reviewer copy in exchange my honest thoughts.
If you need something to brighten your mood after surviving at new not so normal pandemic craziness and spend your time with something motivating, inspirational, lighthearted to warm your heart , help to forget your daily stress, your worries, troubles, getting urgent appointment to be vaccinated, you find the best book which will check your boxes to give you a genuine smile!
This reminded me of innocent version of Dirty Dancing ! A family trip at the camp, young heroine’s crush to the staff member who is off limits and an annoying sister who is always in her face! Yes, did you catch the resemblances? I was expecting Brooks tell Avery’ s parents nobody puts her in a corner at the last chapter of the book!
Our sweet couple’s passion was music, instead of showing their mambo moves!
Both of the characters are sweeter than upside down pineapple cake ( which I’m devouring now after my 7 days torturous cleansing diet killed me slowly) , more relatable than your entire siblings ( or irritating aunt, wanker uncle, asocial cousin, pick any or your weird family members! )
As like the author’s previous works , this is easy to read, easy to connect with characters, easy to get lost in their story! Avery’s struggles, her personal growth was motivational and her blooming romance with Brooks makes your heart pound faster, widen your smile, brush your soul!
Overall: I got what I expected! I finished so fast ( it took only three hours of mine!) I feel lighter, relaxed, joyful! That’s the cure Kasie West books provide us! Giving my four musical notes, self discovery, growing pains, sweet liberty, camping fire stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/ Delacorte Press for providing me this digital reviewer copy in exchange my honest thoughts.
August 7, 2022
3.5 stars!! Super cute light YA summer romance. I love that it takes place at a summer camp. That is such a cute setting!!
December 28, 2022
Kasie West is my go to author when it comes to ya contemporaries. For years she's been my favourite and by now I know with her books I can't go wrong.
Sunkissed was entertaining, fun, fluffy at times and perfect pick to spend a relaxing day with.
I read it twice and enjoyed it both times.
The book was written in first person which made it so easy to flew through. Avery was a good narrator to follow and I have to say, she had good sense of humour.
You know who had even better sense of humour? Her sister. I enjoyed conversations between them and liked their relationship even more than Avery's and Brooks (who is the love interest).
If you like music and happen to like music making, this story could be the one for you because it features the bend and all the things that go along with it: writing, rehearsals, member fights, live gigs...
I wish we got to see more of family camp Avery visited with her family, and if the author decided to include at least one or two camp visitors as well, but overall it was a good book that I would recommend to ya contemporary summer reads.
Sunkissed was entertaining, fun, fluffy at times and perfect pick to spend a relaxing day with.
I read it twice and enjoyed it both times.
The book was written in first person which made it so easy to flew through. Avery was a good narrator to follow and I have to say, she had good sense of humour.
You know who had even better sense of humour? Her sister. I enjoyed conversations between them and liked their relationship even more than Avery's and Brooks (who is the love interest).
If you like music and happen to like music making, this story could be the one for you because it features the bend and all the things that go along with it: writing, rehearsals, member fights, live gigs...
I wish we got to see more of family camp Avery visited with her family, and if the author decided to include at least one or two camp visitors as well, but overall it was a good book that I would recommend to ya contemporary summer reads.
July 23, 2023
This was a cute YA summer read with a kind of coming of age subplot line.
Avery was such a people pleaser and as someone that is as well, this was very interesting to read about.
I also liked the love interest and thought the two of them had chemistry.
Yet there were some scenes where I just thought “what is happening and why are we doing this”
One being, this was supposed to be a family vacation as said in the beginning and that just wasn’t it. This was a summer camp story and it would have been better if the parents were cut out. It would have made wayyyy more sense.
Second, we didn’t get enough detail on the other main characters and why they acted the way they did.
Most of all Kai because I think he was supposed to be the funny side kick and he was ruined in the second part for me.
Avery was such a people pleaser and as someone that is as well, this was very interesting to read about.
I also liked the love interest and thought the two of them had chemistry.
Yet there were some scenes where I just thought “what is happening and why are we doing this”
One being, this was supposed to be a family vacation as said in the beginning and that just wasn’t it. This was a summer camp story and it would have been better if the parents were cut out. It would have made wayyyy more sense.
Second, we didn’t get enough detail on the other main characters and why they acted the way they did.
Most of all Kai because I think he was supposed to be the funny side kick and he was ruined in the second part for me.
July 6, 2025
—— 𝟐.𝟕𝟓 ☆ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. ☀️🕶️
❝ ”i’m goiᥒg to disᥴovᥱr mყsᥱᥣf this sυmmᥱr.” hᥱ wᥲs thᥱ first ρᥱrsoᥒ i hᥲd ᥲdmittᥱd thᥲt to. “ᥲrᥱ ყoυ missiᥒg?” hᥱ ᥲskᥱd. “i’m bᥱgiᥒᥒiᥒg to thiᥒk i ᥲm.” ❞
📖┆ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭
🏷️┆𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝕐𝔸 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
📆┆𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟞/𝟙𝟟/𝟚𝟝 - 𝟞/𝟚𝟘/𝟚𝟝
📋┆𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 “Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can't help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her sister to a remote family camp for two months of "fun." Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks, who just happens to be on staff which means he's off limits. Avery decides to embark on a journey of self discovery while at camp and when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.” 」
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★.𝟕𝟓
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟹.𝟾𝟷 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ᴏʀᴇᴏꜱ
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ▶︎•၊၊||၊|။|||||။၊|။• ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ ꜰᴏʀᴇᴠᴇʀ ♪ ᴀᴅᴅɪꜱᴏɴ ʀᴀᴇ
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: ❌
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
☀️ ʏᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🕶️ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ ʟᴏᴠɪɴ’
☀️ ꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴅɪꜱᴄᴏᴠᴇʀʏ
🕶️ ᴍᴜꜱɪᴄ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇꜱᴛꜱ
☀️ ꜱɪꜱᴛᴇʀ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘꜱ
🕶️ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ ᴄᴀᴍᴘ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
❝mყ boყ who ᥒormᥲᥣᥣყ wrotᥱ soυᥣ-sυᥴkiᥒg ᥣყriᥴs wrotᥱ ᥲ ᥣovᥱ soᥒg? i rᥱᥲd ovᥱr thᥱ words ᥲgᥲiᥒ. did hᥱ writᥱ oυr ᥣovᥱ soᥒg?❞
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
💬┆𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• I’m going to keep this review short & sweet like Sabrina Carpenter cause honestly, I don’t feel like this book needs a long one.
• There’s really not much to say other than it was just waaaay too YA for me & ya know, I had a feeling it was going to be, but I did it for the vibes ✨ I’m a sucker for a book with a summer camp setting.
• If you like wholesome, cheesy, YA romance where the characters are all young & say “frick” then this one is for you! 😃 & listen, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with not cursing in a book, but the FMC, Avery, acted like saying “screw you” to the MMC, Brooks, was the equivalent to saying she wished he was dead. Afterward, she kept saying “I can’t believe I said that,” “I’ve never said that to anyone before.” Girl, you should hear the things that I said to my boyfriend (now husband) when I was your age. A little screw you won’t hurt him.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
❝ ”whᥲt sᥴᥲrᥱs ყoυ, brooks mᥲrshᥲᥣᥣ?”
hᥱ ᥣᥲყ bᥲᥴk, too, ᥲᥒd stᥲrᥱd υρ ᥲt thᥱ ᥴhᥲᥒdᥱᥣiᥱr.
thᥱᥒ hᥱ sᥲid, iᥒ bᥲrᥱᥣყ ᥲbovᥱ ᥲ whisρᥱr, “hoρᥱ.” ❞
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
જ⁀➴₊⊹ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹:
I usually don’t have have good luck with YA summer novels, but the cute cover got me.
November 21, 2022
"Sometimes staying in the box we've made for ourselves is so easy. It's comfortable and familiar in there. And a lot of times, the people around us want us to stay in there, too, because that's how they've always known us: in that box. But sometimes we start to change, grow, and the box begins to get small and cramped. And yet, we fight to stay inside because the walls are high and climbing out seems harder than staying."
💕 🌈 🌊 ☀️
💕 🌈 🌊 ☀️
May 2, 2025
For someone who seems to outgrow YA and have read romance in a stretch, this book is surprisingly enjoyable! If I have to describe it as a movie, have to say that this kinda reminds me of Camp Rock. Indeed, perfect to be read in the summer (p/s: people been referencing it to Dirty Dancing tho but I have never watched the movie so...)
This also brings me to say that Sunkissed is my first Kasie West book and and as a first-time reader, I'm delighted it was a good one. The book starts off as cliche and neither the plot description nor the first chapter drew me in, so I am surprised at how uplifting yet moving it turns out to be.
I am foremost floored by Avery's character who I can find myself identifying with. She's timid, a people pleaser and always put herself second in which this book main takeaway is on Avery's journey to putting her needs first as well as discovering her wants and dreams. Her growth was something I take joy in reading.
Meanwhile, Brooks started on the wrong foot as I find his character petty in the beginning. Thought maybe it comes from the past wound but turns out, it was nothing as such. Opportunely, he comes to redeem himself with the sweet gestures while also giving off the 'book boyfriend' vibe. Though admittedly, it still didn't help to make his character any more entrancing. And the same could be said to his other band mates, I'm sorry.
Contrary to few others, I guessed not having any expectation into the book helps me feeling less dissatisfy. I enjoyed the premise of the book; so many real world and great family message. Nevertheless, I do find few things falling short; like Avery's dispute with her best friend as well as the conflict between Avery and the band towards the end. It's either poorly executed or felt unneccesary, that it simply there for the drama. The flow of the book is still engaging though and the pace is exemplary, making this book easier to read.
I also find Avery and Brooks adorable but their romance could be better. The chemistry between the two are mostly based on mutual interest and personableness, but for some reasons still inadequate to make readers feel connected. If the author could empower it more with interactions and moments, they would have been perfect. Still love the two of them and their first time kissing was incomparable.
I initially rated this with four stars, but after writing this review, I believe the book could be improved in some aspects. Even so, Sunkissed still and all a cute summer camp love interest and it was perfect to kick off the summer with! I finished the book with warmth and great feeling.
[3.5/5]
This also brings me to say that Sunkissed is my first Kasie West book and and as a first-time reader, I'm delighted it was a good one. The book starts off as cliche and neither the plot description nor the first chapter drew me in, so I am surprised at how uplifting yet moving it turns out to be.
I am foremost floored by Avery's character who I can find myself identifying with. She's timid, a people pleaser and always put herself second in which this book main takeaway is on Avery's journey to putting her needs first as well as discovering her wants and dreams. Her growth was something I take joy in reading.
Meanwhile, Brooks started on the wrong foot as I find his character petty in the beginning. Thought maybe it comes from the past wound but turns out, it was nothing as such. Opportunely, he comes to redeem himself with the sweet gestures while also giving off the 'book boyfriend' vibe. Though admittedly, it still didn't help to make his character any more entrancing. And the same could be said to his other band mates, I'm sorry.
Contrary to few others, I guessed not having any expectation into the book helps me feeling less dissatisfy. I enjoyed the premise of the book; so many real world and great family message. Nevertheless, I do find few things falling short; like Avery's dispute with her best friend as well as the conflict between Avery and the band towards the end. It's either poorly executed or felt unneccesary, that it simply there for the drama. The flow of the book is still engaging though and the pace is exemplary, making this book easier to read.
I also find Avery and Brooks adorable but their romance could be better. The chemistry between the two are mostly based on mutual interest and personableness, but for some reasons still inadequate to make readers feel connected. If the author could empower it more with interactions and moments, they would have been perfect. Still love the two of them and their first time kissing was incomparable.
I initially rated this with four stars, but after writing this review, I believe the book could be improved in some aspects. Even so, Sunkissed still and all a cute summer camp love interest and it was perfect to kick off the summer with! I finished the book with warmth and great feeling.
[3.5/5]
July 30, 2024
Bardzo przyjemna! Z pewnością dla młodszych, ale ja też się dobrze bawiłam (wyczuwam mocne nawiązania do Dirty Dancing i jedno drobne do Footloose)
May 4, 2021
Will I read absolutely anything Kasie West writes? Yes. Yes I will.
______
Thank you NetGalley, and Caitlin at RHCB for the e-arc for review!
Sunkissed follows Avery Young as she spends her summer before senior year at an activity camp with her family, flirts with a (very cute) off-limits staff member, and makes it her summer goal to get out of her comfort zone.
West has a way with cute teen romance. Her novels always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy. I think my reading experience of Sunkissed, however, might be a little coloured because, y'all, I LOVED Kasie's last book, Moment of Truth. I'm a sucker for romance with history behind it (whether it be childhood rivals, falling-for-your-best-friend, secret pen-pals, boy-next-door...) so it has been a long while since I've read a YA romance that just... happens.
Avery meets Brooks, the lead guitarist of the dinner band who performs every night at camp, and they arrange a deal: Avery will help Brooks with lyrics for his music, and he will help her find new experiences. Seems pretty straight forward, and it was. It was cute. The tension and conflicts were quickly resolved, the stakes never felt too high, and the pair just sort of fell together over the summer. The quick pace of the novel made the relationship feel a bit fast, but I think an entire summer in reality is a fair amount of time for a romance to bloom.
Still, everything just felt a little surface level to me. And don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that. I've read many YA novels that are pure fluff, no stakes, and sometimes, it works. I think I just expected something a little deeper from West after Moment of Truth (which, if you haven't read it, READ IT!!)
Personally, I would have liked to see a bit more inner dialogue from Avery, to really show her struggling with coming out of her shell, meeting new people, trying new things. We got a taste of it, and then the story shifted almost entirely to the music contest plot, and we lost all the other exciting things Avery could have tried. And I know that stage-fright was a massive hurdle to overcome, but with the laser focus on the band (and her budding romance), everything else that I was enjoying about the novel sort of fell away.
The characters were cute. I would have liked to see Avery spend some time with some of the other people at camp, whether it be some other staff, her sister, or her parents. Most of the chapters we did get with her family were sped through for the sake of pacing, but I think there were moments we could have lingered a bit more on, particularly in regards to Avery and her dad.
Still, West always manages to paint a pretty picture. I loved the atmosphere of the camp. It made me nostalgic for summer and sun and lake-views and everything that was so wonderful about those glorious months off from school. Sunkissed is probably a great novel to get you out of reading slump, and is the perfect length to boost your number on your Goodreads challenge. Not my favourite from West (from whom, obviously, I will STILL read ANYTHING), but about as inoffensive and breezy as you can get!
______
Thank you NetGalley, and Caitlin at RHCB for the e-arc for review!
“Sometimes staying in the box we’ve made for ourselves is so easy. It’s comfortable and familiar in there. And a lot of times, the people around us want us to stay in there, too, because that’s how they’ve always known us: in that box.”
Sunkissed follows Avery Young as she spends her summer before senior year at an activity camp with her family, flirts with a (very cute) off-limits staff member, and makes it her summer goal to get out of her comfort zone.
West has a way with cute teen romance. Her novels always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy. I think my reading experience of Sunkissed, however, might be a little coloured because, y'all, I LOVED Kasie's last book, Moment of Truth. I'm a sucker for romance with history behind it (whether it be childhood rivals, falling-for-your-best-friend, secret pen-pals, boy-next-door...) so it has been a long while since I've read a YA romance that just... happens.
Avery meets Brooks, the lead guitarist of the dinner band who performs every night at camp, and they arrange a deal: Avery will help Brooks with lyrics for his music, and he will help her find new experiences. Seems pretty straight forward, and it was. It was cute. The tension and conflicts were quickly resolved, the stakes never felt too high, and the pair just sort of fell together over the summer. The quick pace of the novel made the relationship feel a bit fast, but I think an entire summer in reality is a fair amount of time for a romance to bloom.
Still, everything just felt a little surface level to me. And don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that. I've read many YA novels that are pure fluff, no stakes, and sometimes, it works. I think I just expected something a little deeper from West after Moment of Truth (which, if you haven't read it, READ IT!!)
Personally, I would have liked to see a bit more inner dialogue from Avery, to really show her struggling with coming out of her shell, meeting new people, trying new things. We got a taste of it, and then the story shifted almost entirely to the music contest plot, and we lost all the other exciting things Avery could have tried. And I know that stage-fright was a massive hurdle to overcome, but with the laser focus on the band (and her budding romance), everything else that I was enjoying about the novel sort of fell away.
The characters were cute. I would have liked to see Avery spend some time with some of the other people at camp, whether it be some other staff, her sister, or her parents. Most of the chapters we did get with her family were sped through for the sake of pacing, but I think there were moments we could have lingered a bit more on, particularly in regards to Avery and her dad.
Still, West always manages to paint a pretty picture. I loved the atmosphere of the camp. It made me nostalgic for summer and sun and lake-views and everything that was so wonderful about those glorious months off from school. Sunkissed is probably a great novel to get you out of reading slump, and is the perfect length to boost your number on your Goodreads challenge. Not my favourite from West (from whom, obviously, I will STILL read ANYTHING), but about as inoffensive and breezy as you can get!
August 27, 2021
Not my favourite by this author. I expected something light and summery and I liked the idea of the family camp, but I found the story disappointing in the end for several reasons.
June 5, 2022
"Sometimes staying in the box we’ve made for ourselves is so easy. It’s comfortable and familiar in there. And a lot of times, the people around us want us to stay in there, too, because that’s how they’ve always known us: in that box. (...) But sometimes we start to change, grow, and the box begins to get small and cramped. And yet we fight to stay inside because the walls are high and climbing out seems harder than staying."
~ Rating- 1 star ~
Content/ Trigger Warnings- Terminal illness, Emesis
Note- I have tried to include all the content warnings that I noticed, but there is no guarantee that I haven’t missed something.
-No Mention of these in the review-
"What’s tomorrow look like from over there? Because from here it looks a lot like yesterday, and I’m tired of trying to rewrite history."
Sunkissed, by Kasie West was a book I was quite excited to read, but the moment I started reading it, I knew it wouldn't be for me. Kasie West's books had slowly become stories I was enjoying a lot, but this one missed the mark entirely and I'm not sure I will be reading more by the author. I'm keeping this brief (as I have 63 more reviews to write).
"But if you aren’t feeling like yourself lately, if you’re feeling uncomfortable and a bit cramped, maybe it’s time to start climbing."
➼The plot was very typical YA. I'm not bothering with a plot summary as there's nothing really that happens. The lack of 'diversity' also just made it harder for me to connect with anyone. This felt like a mix of On the Fence and P.S. I Like You, and it had nothing unique to offer.
➼The writing was ok, and had some good quotes, but it was cringey and cliché at times. The characters didn't really sound like teenagers, and I did not like the writing for some reason I can't explain.
➼The characters are the weakest part of the book. They have no personality, have very little development and they are just carbon cut-outs of all YA stereotypes and characters that already exist. I found it incredibly hard to relate to any of these characters, their personalities or experiences, so the book just became incredibly boring to read.
➼We have a quirky 'not like other girls' MC, a 'brooding love interest with a tragic past', a 'shallow sibling who cares for no one and is the exact opposite of the MC', etc. I'm not saying that we have to relate to characters to read a book about them, but they should still be interesting and well-written, which I felt wasn't the case here.
"Music is a love language, isn’t it?"
Overall, I am dissatisfied with Sunkissed, and wish it was a better read. However, I'd recommend it if this interests you.
"Initial impressions are stupid. Superficial. If people really cared, they’d want to know more than their first thoughts about a person."
Review written & uploaded on 15th November 2021.
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DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
..................................................
This... wasn't that good. The characters were shallow, the romance had no chemistry and this felt like a mash of Kasie West's other books. It was disappointing. Review to come.
February 20, 2024
3.5 stars
𐦍 ༘ ⋆｡˚ᝰ
easy little summer romance!!
𐦍 ༘ ⋆｡˚ᝰ
easy little summer romance!!
October 27, 2022
Want a sunny read with a bit of sass? This Kasie West book will be just what you are looking for. Avery and her family are on an adventure. They are spending two months at a summer camp without access to the internet. Is this utopia or u-torture-me? It takes a few days for Avery and younger sister Lauren to find their happy place on vacation. All that off-screen time is going to show them things about themselves and their relationships that they might not have realized before. Love the band storyline (especially their "Love Song" performance) and the clean romance. Kasie West does not disappoint.
Sometimes the stars align
Sometimes the path seems moved for you
sometimes it's just in time
Exactly when hope was almost through
And sometimes is all I need
And more than I deserved
So I read into every sign
Because sometimes, yes this time, brought me you ~ Brooks
Sometimes the moon goes dark
And the path ahead unclear
Sometimes I miss my mark
And I'm living in constant fear
But sometimes is all I need
To grow and try and learn
Because sometimes, yes this time, sometimes brought me you. ~ Avery
Sometimes the stars align
Sometimes the path seems moved for you
sometimes it's just in time
Exactly when hope was almost through
And sometimes is all I need
And more than I deserved
So I read into every sign
Because sometimes, yes this time, brought me you ~ Brooks
Sometimes the moon goes dark
And the path ahead unclear
Sometimes I miss my mark
And I'm living in constant fear
But sometimes is all I need
To grow and try and learn
Because sometimes, yes this time, sometimes brought me you. ~ Avery
July 22, 2021
this book was so wholesome! 🥺 kasie west is one of my comfort authors and this book delivered all the cozy summer feels. avery had so much character development and i was so proud of her for facing her fears. i really enjoyed the love story with brooks, the family dynamics, the friendships, the band members (especially charismatic kai!), and the fun summer camp setting.
🌞🌊🍄🪵🍃🏹
favorite quotes:
✨ “sometimes staying in the box we’ve made for ourselves is so easy. it’s comfortable and familiar in there. and a lot of times, the people around us want us to stay in there, too, because that’s how they’ve always known us: in that box. but sometimes we start to change, grow, and the box begins to get small and cramped. and yet we fight to stay inside because the walls are high and climbing out seems harder than staying.”
✨ “tonight is a new moon. it’s a chance to start over.”
“i like new moons.”
“me too.” 🌑
✨ “plus you owe me all your future children. so there’s that.”
🌞🌊🍄🪵🍃🏹
favorite quotes:
✨ “sometimes staying in the box we’ve made for ourselves is so easy. it’s comfortable and familiar in there. and a lot of times, the people around us want us to stay in there, too, because that’s how they’ve always known us: in that box. but sometimes we start to change, grow, and the box begins to get small and cramped. and yet we fight to stay inside because the walls are high and climbing out seems harder than staying.”
✨ “tonight is a new moon. it’s a chance to start over.”
“i like new moons.”
“me too.” 🌑
✨ “plus you owe me all your future children. so there’s that.”
July 13, 2024
i ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY loved this AAAA!!! the whole book feels so well formulated and written, it feels so full and alive! 📖🌸
i loved the characters, they were all so well developed and i was delighted with their relationships, histories, and banter. it was cute how Avery (a guest at the lodge) became such close friends with all (most) the staff members :)
Avery annoyed me at times, but that doesn't substract any stars or points because being a people pleaser was a big part of her character and the story, something she was trying to get past. I enjoyed reading about her adventures and new experiences, with Brooks helping her and always sticking by her side/stepping up for her, especially when it was her herself who needed to be saved from her own ways/habits/patterns (of trying to please others and bury her feelings in the process).
perfect, perfect, PERFECT summer book. i loved the setting so much as well 🥹🛶💞🏞🌲🎆
go watch my SUMMER BOOK RECS video for a full, longer, detailed review!!! 🫶💞
i loved the characters, they were all so well developed and i was delighted with their relationships, histories, and banter. it was cute how Avery (a guest at the lodge) became such close friends with all (most) the staff members :)
Avery annoyed me at times, but that doesn't substract any stars or points because being a people pleaser was a big part of her character and the story, something she was trying to get past. I enjoyed reading about her adventures and new experiences, with Brooks helping her and always sticking by her side/stepping up for her, especially when it was her herself who needed to be saved from her own ways/habits/patterns (of trying to please others and bury her feelings in the process).
perfect, perfect, PERFECT summer book. i loved the setting so much as well 🥹🛶💞🏞🌲🎆
go watch my SUMMER BOOK RECS video for a full, longer, detailed review!!! 🫶💞
March 3, 2023
”Music is a love language, isn't it?”
Avery: I'm a terrible liar
Avery: *hides literally everything she does from literally everyone with ease*
Her parents: *only find out about her lying when her jealous sister tattles bc they didn't suspect a single thing*
Avery:
Avery: yeah I'm a really crappy liar
Anyway the amount of lying in this book stunk but besides that it was kind of good.
I found Avery almost painfully relatable (except for the lying part of course....) I forget the love interest's name (really says a lot about his character) but he fell quite a bit flat for me. He was the typical cliche boy with the daddy issues and the music skills and the way-too-long hair and honestly there was nothing original about him. The romance was cute and fluffy and giggle-y, though, per usual for Kasie West, so that's good.
I will say that I prefer Kasie's older books. I've read what I think is her latest book, Places We've Never Been, and it was also not as good as some of her older ones. Some of my favorites are among her first ones. She still writes fluffy romances but her newer ones are less sweet and adorable and are becoming more repetitive and bleak.
Anyhoo, it was still a cute summery read but not my favorite from Kasie and I recommend her older books over this one.
”Initial impressions are stupid. Superficial. If people really cared, they'd want to know more than their first thoughts about a person.”
also.
#BRINGBACKTHEHEADLESSPEOPLECOVERS
Avery: I'm a terrible liar
Avery: *hides literally everything she does from literally everyone with ease*
Her parents: *only find out about her lying when her jealous sister tattles bc they didn't suspect a single thing*
Avery:
Avery: yeah I'm a really crappy liar
Anyway the amount of lying in this book stunk but besides that it was kind of good.
I found Avery almost painfully relatable (except for the lying part of course....) I forget the love interest's name (really says a lot about his character) but he fell quite a bit flat for me. He was the typical cliche boy with the daddy issues and the music skills and the way-too-long hair and honestly there was nothing original about him. The romance was cute and fluffy and giggle-y, though, per usual for Kasie West, so that's good.
I will say that I prefer Kasie's older books. I've read what I think is her latest book, Places We've Never Been, and it was also not as good as some of her older ones. Some of my favorites are among her first ones. She still writes fluffy romances but her newer ones are less sweet and adorable and are becoming more repetitive and bleak.
Anyhoo, it was still a cute summery read but not my favorite from Kasie and I recommend her older books over this one.
”Initial impressions are stupid. Superficial. If people really cared, they'd want to know more than their first thoughts about a person.”
also.
#BRINGBACKTHEHEADLESSPEOPLECOVERS
May 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Sunkissed was a cute Kasie West book. Not my favorite of hers, but I still really enjoyed Brooks and Avery's story. I love that so many of Kasie's books are inspired by 80's/90's movies and this one was inspired by Dirty Dancing which is a movie I love. Avery spends the summer with her family at a summer camp and meets Brooks, who works at the camp. This one was sweet, fun, and a tad bit predictable but overall a good listen.
Sunkissed was a cute Kasie West book. Not my favorite of hers, but I still really enjoyed Brooks and Avery's story. I love that so many of Kasie's books are inspired by 80's/90's movies and this one was inspired by Dirty Dancing which is a movie I love. Avery spends the summer with her family at a summer camp and meets Brooks, who works at the camp. This one was sweet, fun, and a tad bit predictable but overall a good listen.
Audio book source: Libby (library borrow)
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Phoebe Strole
Narration Rating:4 stars
Genre: YA romance
Length: 8 hours and 48 minutes
April 26, 2022
i genuinely love kasie west so much because she just always knows the perfect formula for a good YA book, and even though this one wasn’t my absolute favorite of hers i still really enjoyed it. this is definitely a perfect quick romance read for the summer!
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
June 21, 2022
i liked the setting. i liked the romance. i somewhat the liked the characters.
July 18, 2024
this was so good!! the perfect beach read😋😋
i loved how easy of a read this was and all of its vibes, it was so happy for the most part! the whole storyline with the band was so interesting and i’m glad that avery was able to step out of her comfort zone and realize what she wanted to do.
i also loved brooks! he was so sweet and the perfect guy for avery. i also sympathize with him very much. i just loved his character and i wish i had a longer book to get to know him better!!
sorry this review is super short but im on vacation and don’t feel like going into great detail, but read this book!!!
i loved how easy of a read this was and all of its vibes, it was so happy for the most part! the whole storyline with the band was so interesting and i’m glad that avery was able to step out of her comfort zone and realize what she wanted to do.
i also loved brooks! he was so sweet and the perfect guy for avery. i also sympathize with him very much. i just loved his character and i wish i had a longer book to get to know him better!!
sorry this review is super short but im on vacation and don’t feel like going into great detail, but read this book!!!
May 17, 2021
*4.5/5 stars*
Sunkissed was really great light summer read! On the Fence is still my #1, but Sunkissed has now become one of my favourite KW books as well alongside with The Distance Between Us, Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss or The Fill-In Boyfriend.
Sunkissed takes place at a summer camp. Avery, alongside with her parents and a sister, are spending the summer there. She is glad for the chance to get away from her life for several months, especially when she learned that her best friend kissed her recetly-ex-boyfriend who she wanted to get back together with. Avery has always been the peacemaker, the go with the flow type, the non dramatic one in comparison to her passionate sister. She doesn't know what she actually wants to do, what she's passionate about or how to stand up for herself. What awaits her is a summer full of fun, adventure, self-discovery and music.
I don't always love all of KW's main heroines (I've actively disliked only one of all of them, from Lucky in Love, but some of them were rather unmemorable, hello By Your Side), but Avery I really liked as a main character and enjoyed following her journey, she had a pretty great arc of self development and discovery. It was rather cliché sometimes of course, as these types of cute summer reads can be occasionally, but I enjoyed it for this too. A little bit of sweetness and fluff and lightness didn't hurt anybody from time to time. And that's exactly what this book was.
Brooks was a nice love interest, I enjoyed Avery's and his interections. What I really liked about this book was the relationship between Avery and Lauren, her sister. I liked how different they were from each other, how they didn't always understand each other and had some tiffs, and how much they ultimately loved each other. I liked the romance quite a bit, but Avery's journey and he journey with her sister maybe most of all.
Overall, definitely recommended if you want a dose of summer camp lightness, easy to read fluff and cuteness, themes of music, cute romance, important (and sometimes rocky) sisterly relationship.
“Sometimes staying in the box we’ve made for ourselves is so easy. It’s comfortable and familiar in there. And a lot of times, the people around us want us to stay in there, too, because that’s how they’ve always known us: in that box. But sometimes we start to change, grow, and the box begins to get small and cramped. And yet we fight to stay inside because the walls are high and climbing out seems harder than staying.”
*********************************
My rating of all KW contemporaries:
The Distance Between Us ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
On the Fence ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
The Fill-In Boyfriend ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
P.S. I Like You ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
By Your Side ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars)
Lucky in Love ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5 stars)
Love, Life, and the List ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5 stars)
Listen to Your Heart ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Moment of Truth ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Maybe This Time ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Sunkissed ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Sunkissed was really great light summer read! On the Fence is still my #1, but Sunkissed has now become one of my favourite KW books as well alongside with The Distance Between Us, Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss or The Fill-In Boyfriend.
Sunkissed takes place at a summer camp. Avery, alongside with her parents and a sister, are spending the summer there. She is glad for the chance to get away from her life for several months, especially when she learned that her best friend kissed her recetly-ex-boyfriend who she wanted to get back together with. Avery has always been the peacemaker, the go with the flow type, the non dramatic one in comparison to her passionate sister. She doesn't know what she actually wants to do, what she's passionate about or how to stand up for herself. What awaits her is a summer full of fun, adventure, self-discovery and music.
I don't always love all of KW's main heroines (I've actively disliked only one of all of them, from Lucky in Love, but some of them were rather unmemorable, hello By Your Side), but Avery I really liked as a main character and enjoyed following her journey, she had a pretty great arc of self development and discovery. It was rather cliché sometimes of course, as these types of cute summer reads can be occasionally, but I enjoyed it for this too. A little bit of sweetness and fluff and lightness didn't hurt anybody from time to time. And that's exactly what this book was.
Brooks was a nice love interest, I enjoyed Avery's and his interections. What I really liked about this book was the relationship between Avery and Lauren, her sister. I liked how different they were from each other, how they didn't always understand each other and had some tiffs, and how much they ultimately loved each other. I liked the romance quite a bit, but Avery's journey and he journey with her sister maybe most of all.
Overall, definitely recommended if you want a dose of summer camp lightness, easy to read fluff and cuteness, themes of music, cute romance, important (and sometimes rocky) sisterly relationship.
“Sometimes staying in the box we’ve made for ourselves is so easy. It’s comfortable and familiar in there. And a lot of times, the people around us want us to stay in there, too, because that’s how they’ve always known us: in that box. But sometimes we start to change, grow, and the box begins to get small and cramped. And yet we fight to stay inside because the walls are high and climbing out seems harder than staying.”
*********************************
My rating of all KW contemporaries:
The Distance Between Us ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
On the Fence ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
The Fill-In Boyfriend ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
P.S. I Like You ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
By Your Side ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars)
Lucky in Love ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5 stars)
Love, Life, and the List ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5 stars)
Listen to Your Heart ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Moment of Truth ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Maybe This Time ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Sunkissed ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
August 23, 2023
|4.5 Stars| Ages 12+|
This book definitely gave me the much-needed mood boosts, as all fluffy contemporary romance books do. (Except The Fill-In Boyfriend, that one makes me angry. Yet, I own it anyways. We stan owning books you hate.😅) I just loved that this is something I can peacefully cruise through at my own pace and know that I am going to enjoy it the whole way through. Well....except for...
The third act fight/breakup. Well, I guess I should just say fight. They never confirmed whether or not it was a breakup. But there was a fight and they didn't speak for 56 hours (or something like that.) I hate third-act drama like that because it's just so unnecessary. bUt it does keep things interesting. And I do love it when they chase each other down and declare their feelings. 🥰😍 Though there was some hand-holding and saying they liked each other in this one. It wasn't a big, grand declaration (even if they said it in front of their friends and family, it wasn't my type of 'grand declaration' it needs to be... rain, they spot each other. She stands there in shock while he starts running to her. She blinks, tears mixing in with the rain, and she starts to run to him. They meet halfway. He picks her up and spins her around before bringing her in for a kiss. 😍😍😍
Oh, then they need to say 'I love you' and all that. I'm just here for the kisses.😁)
I love the setting of this book being at a summer camp, it was so fun! But I do wish there'd been a bear spotted at some point. Why talk one up if there's not even going to be one?!
The characters were enjoyable, and I loved... wait. What's the main character's name?! Why am I blanking??? 😫 I loved... Avery! I loved Avery's character arc. I wish she would've spoken up a little more at the end about how the whole 'fire and ice' thing bothered her, but when she did stand up for herself it was still good. I liked Brookes's character enough, but he's not super memorable. 🤷🏻♀️ Not one of those book guys I'll be thinking about for the next several days. (Unlike Edward Cullen, who I'll never stop thinking about. 😆)
All in all, it's a good quick read, especially in summertime. I don't think it's one that'll leave you in awe for days, but it will have you giggling, smiling, and kicking your feet all through it.
This book definitely gave me the much-needed mood boosts, as all fluffy contemporary romance books do. (Except The Fill-In Boyfriend, that one makes me angry. Yet, I own it anyways. We stan owning books you hate.😅) I just loved that this is something I can peacefully cruise through at my own pace and know that I am going to enjoy it the whole way through. Well....except for...
The third act fight/breakup. Well, I guess I should just say fight. They never confirmed whether or not it was a breakup. But there was a fight and they didn't speak for 56 hours (or something like that.) I hate third-act drama like that because it's just so unnecessary. bUt it does keep things interesting. And I do love it when they chase each other down and declare their feelings. 🥰😍 Though there was some hand-holding and saying they liked each other in this one. It wasn't a big, grand declaration (even if they said it in front of their friends and family, it wasn't my type of 'grand declaration' it needs to be... rain, they spot each other. She stands there in shock while he starts running to her. She blinks, tears mixing in with the rain, and she starts to run to him. They meet halfway. He picks her up and spins her around before bringing her in for a kiss. 😍😍😍
Oh, then they need to say 'I love you' and all that. I'm just here for the kisses.😁)
I love the setting of this book being at a summer camp, it was so fun! But I do wish there'd been a bear spotted at some point. Why talk one up if there's not even going to be one?!
The characters were enjoyable, and I loved... wait. What's the main character's name?! Why am I blanking??? 😫 I loved... Avery! I loved Avery's character arc. I wish she would've spoken up a little more at the end about how the whole 'fire and ice' thing bothered her, but when she did stand up for herself it was still good. I liked Brookes's character enough, but he's not super memorable. 🤷🏻♀️ Not one of those book guys I'll be thinking about for the next several days. (Unlike Edward Cullen, who I'll never stop thinking about. 😆)
All in all, it's a good quick read, especially in summertime. I don't think it's one that'll leave you in awe for days, but it will have you giggling, smiling, and kicking your feet all through it.
July 9, 2025
4.25 stars!
This was a fun book, and I actually liked the main character (which can really make or break the book). There's no way the author hasn't gone to a summer camp before because the descriptions were SPOT ON. It reminded me of the camp I go to which made it even more fun 🤗
This was a fun book, and I actually liked the main character (which can really make or break the book). There's no way the author hasn't gone to a summer camp before because the descriptions were SPOT ON. It reminded me of the camp I go to which made it even more fun 🤗
May 5, 2021
Actual Rating: 4.5⭐️
I was a bit hesitant about this one because, even though I love Kasie West, her past few books have been a bit meh for me. I was really pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this one. I'd even venture to say it's one of Kasie West's best books yet.
It definitely had a different vibe from what I was expecting, which was actually for the better. A lot of YA books center on finding yourself, but there was something about the precise struggles Avery was going through that really resonated with me.
I've been thinking about the line: "It felt like it was taunting me. Like it was saying, You wish your life could be bigger and more exciting but it can't be because you're the one living it." since I read it last night. I haven't felt this called out (in a good way) by a book in a looong time.
So yes, anyway, read this book for cute summer vibes and an existential crisis.
I was a bit hesitant about this one because, even though I love Kasie West, her past few books have been a bit meh for me. I was really pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed this one. I'd even venture to say it's one of Kasie West's best books yet.
It definitely had a different vibe from what I was expecting, which was actually for the better. A lot of YA books center on finding yourself, but there was something about the precise struggles Avery was going through that really resonated with me.
I've been thinking about the line: "It felt like it was taunting me. Like it was saying, You wish your life could be bigger and more exciting but it can't be because you're the one living it." since I read it last night. I haven't felt this called out (in a good way) by a book in a looong time.
So yes, anyway, read this book for cute summer vibes and an existential crisis.
August 5, 2024
pwe-wead
trying to get over a traumatic book called 'silent waters' with this, wish me luck
Aug 5 - 5 read IN ONE DAY
And BAM. another book done. I'm unstoppable. PERIODD 💅
: ̗̀➛ Loved Avery, she's so me. I'm her. And Brooks 🤤🤤🤤
this book is so simple yet so comforting and heartwarming and motivating. The conflicts weren't dragged out but were solved nicely and in a pretty satisfying way. Loved the relationship between Avery and her sis, her parents too!! their family is so cute in all honesty. Can't forget the band too, I might have fallen for Kai... 👉👈
I highly recommend this if you want something not too heavy, summery, and wholesome—plus, it's a short read. Four happy stars from me 4.25 ⭐⭐⭐🌟
did I manage to get over silent waters after all? yes. The name Brooks is not a painful reminder anymore ❤️🩹
“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 𝙬𝙚’𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙩𝙤𝙤, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙪𝙨: 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙭.”—“𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚, 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙙. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜.”
trying to get over a traumatic book called 'silent waters' with this, wish me luck
Aug 5 - 5 read IN ONE DAY
And BAM. another book done. I'm unstoppable. PERIODD 💅
: ̗̀➛ Loved Avery, she's so me. I'm her. And Brooks 🤤🤤🤤
this book is so simple yet so comforting and heartwarming and motivating. The conflicts weren't dragged out but were solved nicely and in a pretty satisfying way. Loved the relationship between Avery and her sis, her parents too!! their family is so cute in all honesty. Can't forget the band too, I might have fallen for Kai... 👉👈
I highly recommend this if you want something not too heavy, summery, and wholesome—plus, it's a short read. Four happy stars from me 4.25 ⭐⭐⭐🌟
did I manage to get over silent waters after all? yes. The name Brooks is not a painful reminder anymore ❤️🩹
“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 𝙬𝙚’𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙩𝙤𝙤, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙪𝙨: 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙤𝙭.”—“𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚, 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙙. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜.”
June 22, 2021
3.5/5
Kasie West’s latest novel is a really sweet contemporary romance perfect for a quick summer read. Set during the summer itself, it’s a short and fluffy romance.
That being said I feel this book lacked the depth that some of Kasie’s previous books have. My personal favourite of hers, Moment Of Truth, dealt with some really important and interesting topics. This book didn’t have any deep struggles for the characters, the huge thing was ‘finding yourself’. It felt very surface level throughout the entire tale, not really diving into anything but rather skimming over and keeping everything light.
Our main character, Avery, is likeable enough. Most YA romance heroines are the same to be honest and I can’t say Avery is much different. She’s nice to read about I suppose but, again, kinda 2-D.
Brooks, the love interest, is okay. I honestly have never really fallen for any boy in a contemporary, so don’t think it’s a bad sign. But when it seemed Brooks would have some depth, it wasn’t explored.
The plot itself, again, was easy and breezy. No real problems and everything went well. The ending was really unsatisfying for me though.
At the end of the day this was an enjoyable romance but it wasn’t long enough or had enough meaning for me to be able to properly enjoy it.
Kasie West’s latest novel is a really sweet contemporary romance perfect for a quick summer read. Set during the summer itself, it’s a short and fluffy romance.
That being said I feel this book lacked the depth that some of Kasie’s previous books have. My personal favourite of hers, Moment Of Truth, dealt with some really important and interesting topics. This book didn’t have any deep struggles for the characters, the huge thing was ‘finding yourself’. It felt very surface level throughout the entire tale, not really diving into anything but rather skimming over and keeping everything light.
Our main character, Avery, is likeable enough. Most YA romance heroines are the same to be honest and I can’t say Avery is much different. She’s nice to read about I suppose but, again, kinda 2-D.
Brooks, the love interest, is okay. I honestly have never really fallen for any boy in a contemporary, so don’t think it’s a bad sign. But when it seemed Brooks would have some depth, it wasn’t explored.
The plot itself, again, was easy and breezy. No real problems and everything went well. The ending was really unsatisfying for me though.
At the end of the day this was an enjoyable romance but it wasn’t long enough or had enough meaning for me to be able to properly enjoy it.
September 11, 2021
I had to bring this book to a livestock show while I waited for my sheep to be judged, that was hard, this book was easy.
Even with hundreds of sheep, a few cows, goats, hogs, and people, my attention on the book could remain consistent. I feel like that says a lot.
Even with hundreds of sheep, a few cows, goats, hogs, and people, my attention on the book could remain consistent. I feel like that says a lot.
October 18, 2021
Thank you Penguin Random House International for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How long has it been since I last read a Kasie West book? She's one of my go-to YA authors whose novels take away effectively my reading slump. Sunkissed is a good summer themed story set in camp. Avery Young and her family spend their vacation in the mountains, no internet connection and physical activities.
Sometimes it's nice to unwind away from the social media and reflect. Avery is a quiet, talented girl who loves music but needs to overcome her stage fright. With the help of Brooks, the boy she met at the camp and is part of the band, worked together in a competition. Both worked on their music secretively.
The story is decent but something is missing. The main characters lacked the romance build up and I find them platonic. The ending was cute but I am not head-over-heels in love with it unlike The Distance Between Us or On the Fence. I miss that vibe.
How long has it been since I last read a Kasie West book? She's one of my go-to YA authors whose novels take away effectively my reading slump. Sunkissed is a good summer themed story set in camp. Avery Young and her family spend their vacation in the mountains, no internet connection and physical activities.
Sometimes it's nice to unwind away from the social media and reflect. Avery is a quiet, talented girl who loves music but needs to overcome her stage fright. With the help of Brooks, the boy she met at the camp and is part of the band, worked together in a competition. Both worked on their music secretively.
The story is decent but something is missing. The main characters lacked the romance build up and I find them platonic. The ending was cute but I am not head-over-heels in love with it unlike The Distance Between Us or On the Fence. I miss that vibe.
January 26, 2021
This was absolutely everything I needed when I needed it.
Who doesn't love a sweet coming of age story that will make you smile, melt your heart a little and wish you knew all these amazing characters in real life because, once again, West has made them seem so real. Characters that you have come to care about and most of all, love.
West has this amazing ability to make outstanding characters that stick with you long after her stories are through. Stories filled with wonderful friendships and family, with real situations that almost anyone can relate to and mixes them all together to make one heck of a feel good story.
She is one of those authors that I come to time and time again because I know I will always get a good story. One that will leave me with warm fuzzies and a smile on my face.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Who doesn't love a sweet coming of age story that will make you smile, melt your heart a little and wish you knew all these amazing characters in real life because, once again, West has made them seem so real. Characters that you have come to care about and most of all, love.
West has this amazing ability to make outstanding characters that stick with you long after her stories are through. Stories filled with wonderful friendships and family, with real situations that almost anyone can relate to and mixes them all together to make one heck of a feel good story.
She is one of those authors that I come to time and time again because I know I will always get a good story. One that will leave me with warm fuzzies and a smile on my face.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
October 27, 2021
✨This was quite atrocious✨
I didn’t connect with the story, I didn’t connect with the characters, I didn’t connect with the music, and somehow (?) I didn’t connect with the practical ADULT trying to get with the 15-year-old.
Side note: I get it, I’m 23 and this is YA so I’m not talking about a soul connection but I generally like to be invested in the story, sue me. There was no connection because this was straight up boring.
They made damn sure to mention that Kai was WAY too old for Lauren—like I said practically an adult here!—and then just GLOSSED over Brooks having to tell Kai not to and Kai had the audacity to be ANGRY about it. I’m just SO CONFUSED why this was even added to the book???? I can’t remember how old Kai was exactly (I blacked a lot of this book out) but it was said enough times to make me so uncomfortable with the fact that he WANTED to get with her even though he never did. He should never have had to be TOLD to stay away. And then Avery just IGNORED it.
Avery was also just so wishy washy. Brooks was a little shit with no personality. I cannot believe he even deigned to think Avery shouldn’t be the one to sing that motherfuckin song at that show. Instead of a mic drop she should have just punched him in the face after she was done.
Together, the two had zero chemistry. Avery’s issue with her friend was also wishy washy because she was such a pushover and how it all ended NEGATED her progress CUT 👏🏼 HER 👏🏼 OFF 👏🏼 now that’s what I call GROWTH.
Avery was also like 17-years-old but her inner thoughts and actions were just so young. I get that this is YA but it almost read like middle grade.
This did not spark joy.
⭐️⭐️/5
I didn’t connect with the story, I didn’t connect with the characters, I didn’t connect with the music, and somehow (?) I didn’t connect with the practical ADULT trying to get with the 15-year-old.
Side note: I get it, I’m 23 and this is YA so I’m not talking about a soul connection but I generally like to be invested in the story, sue me. There was no connection because this was straight up boring.
They made damn sure to mention that Kai was WAY too old for Lauren—like I said practically an adult here!—and then just GLOSSED over Brooks having to tell Kai not to and Kai had the audacity to be ANGRY about it. I’m just SO CONFUSED why this was even added to the book???? I can’t remember how old Kai was exactly (I blacked a lot of this book out) but it was said enough times to make me so uncomfortable with the fact that he WANTED to get with her even though he never did. He should never have had to be TOLD to stay away. And then Avery just IGNORED it.
Avery was also just so wishy washy. Brooks was a little shit with no personality. I cannot believe he even deigned to think Avery shouldn’t be the one to sing that motherfuckin song at that show. Instead of a mic drop she should have just punched him in the face after she was done.
Together, the two had zero chemistry. Avery’s issue with her friend was also wishy washy because she was such a pushover and how it all ended NEGATED her progress CUT 👏🏼 HER 👏🏼 OFF 👏🏼 now that’s what I call GROWTH.
Avery was also like 17-years-old but her inner thoughts and actions were just so young. I get that this is YA but it almost read like middle grade.
This did not spark joy.
⭐️⭐️/5
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