Friends with ARCs | Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

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

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
pub 4/3/18 by Simon Pulse
Young Adult - Contemporary
Received ARC from pub for review

Plot • Ever since last year's homecoming dance and a feud erupted between her dad and his parents, Zorie and Lennon are no longer the best friends they once were. In fact, they outright avoid each other. But when they go on a camping trip with mutual friends, things don't go as planned and these so-called friends (who I disliked wholeheartedly) leave them stranded in wilderness. What initially seems like a disaster turns out to be a blessing in disguise. They really talk about what happened between them, their families and things started to take a predictably (but still sweet) romantic turn.

Characters • The best part of the book is when Zorie and Lennon are finally alone. Together, they bring out both the best (so much cuteness and banter) and worst (when they were still pretending to be enemies) in each other. But they are 100% the heart of the book. I also thought their relationships with their respective mothers was a huge highlight. But certain secondary characters played such a huge role in being the "conflict" that surrounded these two, so it was hard to ignore how one-dimensional they came across.

Writing • As always, Jenn Bennett's writing is quick and engaging. This is the third book of hers that I've read and every single time I'm pulled into the characters and their lives almost immediately.

Overall feelings • I liked it! It's a cute book but ultimately my favorite book of hers is still Alex, Approximately.

Favorite map • Not quite sure if this counts since it's a globe but I have a beautifully illustrated globe with the word "wanderlust" written across it. It sits on one of my shelves and is one of my favorite pieces of living room decor.