Review: Even If the Sky Falls by Mia Garcia

Collaborative feature with Alexa. We read ARCs together and post our reviews on the same date.

Even If The Sky Falls by Mia Garcia
pub 5/10/16 by Katherine Tegen Books
YA - Contemporary
Received ARC via Edelweiss

As much as I may sometimes rant about "insta-love" in books, there's something about that moment of feeling an immediate connection to someone that always gets to me. Who knows, maybe the two are actually the same thing but the latter just feels more real in my (humble) opinion. And I'm pretty sure Julie would agree with me. Julie is in New Orleans with her youth group to rebuild houses as a way to escape life back home. But she can't ignore her own thoughts or the annoying team leader (who can't take a hint) and the rest of her enthusiastic team. So she takes her escape one step further by losing herself in the Mid-Summer Mardi Gras. She dons fairy wings and a new name and almost immediately crosses paths with Miles, who sounds absolutely gorgeous and charming. And, of course, carrying his own set of baggage.

But I think that's what draws them together. They're not like everyone else just looking for a good time. For an entire night, we get to follow them as they eat beignets, dance, listen to music, share secrets and let themselves go. It was fun, honest, steamy (!) and intense. I loved every minute of it. (Well, not the annoying team leader parts.) The author's descriptions not only made me wish I could get on the next plane to New Orleans, but she also got me invested in Julie and Miles. What we were they running away from? And was whatever was going on right now going to last past this single night? (My vote was obviously yes, it should definitely last.)

(Super minor) reservations

My only reservations was that while I was happy with the ending overall, it did end a tad abruptly. Julie and Miles' night takes a turn when an hurricane unexpectedly hits New Orleans. It added tension and a real glimpse into the devastation that can incur. But I do think the morning after all did feel a bit jumbled. And I understand that's probably true to life however, I think I wanted a more impactful closing scene for these two.

Do I recommend?

Yes! It was a great, quick read and I wouldn't mind if the author decided to revisit these characters again in the future. (Hint hint!)

What would you dress up as for the Mid-Summer Mardis Gras?

I wish I could come up with a more interesting answer but the truth is, I'd want to dress up like a fairy. I'd want the wings and maybe even a mask (A Court of Thorns and Roses style) and a cute summer dress to go along with it.