This book brought me right back to my study abroad days in England... the setting of the Karlston was so similar to the program I attended, it was like a step back in time. The author makes sure we know we're in 2011 with many references to the technology and pop culture. I enjoyed this book; it was a quick read and filled me with nostalgia. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who studied aboard, especially in London. I only gave this three stars because I found the 2011 references to be a bit much. There were so many, it made the book felt dated, already. I wasn't expecting the time travel bit. We moved from 2017 back to 2011 so quickly that I didn't get a good sense of the characters in the more present time. The story felt rushed at places, which left me feeling like I couldn't fully invest in the characters or root for the love story.

The premise was interesting, however the main character wasn't very relateable or likable. A lot of the plot seemed all to similar to Anna and the French Kiss to be considered original.

This wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be. I really liked the underlying story/idea, but the execution was not appealing to me at all. There was way too much description for me, it felt like the author assumed I'd never left my house before. Everything was described in almost extreme detail, and not only would I rather leave some things for my imagination to fill in, but it also made the story drag on and on. I feel like the book could have been quite a bit shorter if the description of everything was cut back, and the story might have flowed better/moved quicker. I also could have done without the constant pop culture references. A few interesting references are always nice to catch, but it just felt like overload to have them popping up as often as they did.

I did like most of the characters, though some felt more well-developed than others. Shane's parents were my least favourite characters, not only because they seemed like terrible people, but also because I didn't feel like I understood why she internally tried to justify their actions. It felt like some sort of background was missing, because from what the reader can see, they don't have any redeeming qualities, which made it hard to sympathize with or even just understand Shane's feelings about them.

I'm still on the fence about how I feel about the story taking place in two parts. It felt like things were winding down towards a satisfying ending, and then Part Two started. Without getting into spoilers, I will say that I understand the idea behind the two parts, I just didn't feel like they really worked together as well as they could have. Some of the events that develop into the beginning of Part Two felt like they came out of nowhere, and it almost felt like Part One and Part Two could have been separate books. I just don't know if the overlap in styles/elements was solid enough to really connect both parts. Part Two was less of a twist/surprise, and more of a source of confusion. I just didn't really buy into the shift in the story at that point.

The Epilogue was (by far) my least favourite part. After the story was told in two parts, I really didn't need or want an epilogue, and it just wasn't that good. It felt like too much information was crammed into a few pages, none of it really added to the story, and the characters felt like they'd lost the personalities that had developed throughout the story, and instead had just become whatever was necessary to create the unnecessary epilogue.

Overall, I liked the general story, most of the characters, and the setting, but I feel like the final product as a whole didn't come together in the best way.

I really enjoyed this book! I was such a bookworm and so shy in college that I wish I could have had a do-over! I identified so much with the main character because I'm still so socially awkward...

In all this book was sweet, funny, and a little sad- a complete coming of age story. It's a great book if you're looking for something light-hearted and enjoyable!


literarylovebooks.com

I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. From the book blurb,  I was expecting a different novel. Awkward girl who can't fit in, which is what I wanted but this is more of the girl like the stereotypical hair down glasses off pretty.
However, ignoring the expectation created by the book blurb, this book was interesting. I was not expecting the twist in the story. For the most part I enjoyed the story.

I had never heard of a Booktuber before snagging this book.

There were things that were done super well:
--this plot had a lot going on (including some magical elements) and this text was long and I didn't feel lost.
--there were parts that felt really believable
--I can see how this is someone who loves Disney, books (especially Harry Potter) that was incorporated well

My main complaint besides this likely just not being the perfect fit for me character-wise was that I didn't believe the romance/ didn't find the romance compelling. Stepping back I can see the author moves (I am not a writer so I'm sure I'm simplifying this!) where two of the love interests have multiple flirtatious conversations or interactions that bring them closer together... that was there. But it just didn't feel substantial enough for the feelings that developed... I think compelling really was the right word.

All that being said, I am really impressed by this being a debut novel, like I said there was a ton going on and this was definitely a hefty project/plot to take on for a first novel.

I can see folks loving this so I might be in the minority. For me personally, likely 2 stars, but taking into account what was done well, I'll say 3.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This premise of this book got me hooked because I have had a similar experience in college. I did not feel like being premed was what I wanted, but it was what my parents wanted me to do. Although I did not study abroad, I did change my major without my parents knowing. When they found out, it was not as an extreme reaction as Shane's parents did. I also did not make many friends but have made more once I found a major that I felt more passionate about.
I was hoping for more of the backstory before Shane left for London because that was the part that I thought I would connect with the most. The rest of the book was mostly a romance with some surprises thrown in. I did enjoy the building of friendships throughout the story and I wish that I was able to build friendships like that. Some of the events that happened seemed a little too unrealistic for me, but then again, I am not one to branch out of my world of reality. This book definitely made me think about studying abroad and I wish that I could do college over again, but I have lived throughout it.
There were many aspects of this book that I enjoyed and I liked that I was able to relate to some of the characters, but there were a few things that I did not quite enjoy as much as I hoped I would have.

This book explorers the regret most of us have and the "what if" many of us wonder about. I liked that it had many of the "firsts" of a YA book, but also a more adult perspective.
I found myself thinking and it when I wasn't reading and eager to get back to it. Highly recommended and I'll buy a copy for my high school classroom.

A quick and easy read, it didn't draw me in quite as much as I'd hoped though. I do love books with travel and it was quirky, Shane was an interesting character!

I was given an e-arc in exchange for a honest review for Netgally
Wow, what can I say, this was really good. It has Christine written all over the pages. Going into this I did try my hardest to remove myself from it being written by Christine, but I can't fault it. I will say that i was hesitant with the plot twist at first I really hated it, but it grew on me.

The Characters are what made this book so great, it was funny, sad, light heartened. The pop culture references were spot on. I will say I think there was a little bit to many pop culture references and that could have been done down a little. But other then that it was written well and it was a very easy read.

I enjoyed this so much and now all I wanted to do is go traveling thanks to this book. For a first novel Christine did a stella job. I know how hard she worked on it.

4.5 stars!!

I enjoyed this so much!! I have visited Christine Riccio's YouTube Channel occasionally over the years and I always loved her bubbly personality and her effortless ability to entertain. I knew she had been working on a book for ages, so when I saw this was available for preview- I could not wait to get my hands on it.

I loved this book! If I wouldn't have been in the middle of finishing another book at the time I started reading this, I would not have been able to put it down. The pacing of the book moved along fabulously. The plot was unexpected and different!! The characters were awesome and as much as I tried not to think of Christine while reading this- I couldn't help it. She is all over this book especially the main Character Shane. I could not help but picture her as Shane. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing- in the book writing world, but for me, it was kind of nice. I could relate to her character so much. I am pretty sure avid YA readers out there will also be able to relate to her as well. It didn't change my mind about the book at all.

All the references in Again But Better, are just a book lovers dream. I really don't want to compare her writing style to anyone because Riccio really put her own mark on this one. But- If you like books by Stephanie Perkins - I have no doubt you will like this one. The writing- as a debut was great. I'm really proud of her -can a BookTube follower be proud?? I don't know but … I AM! She did it and she did it well. She's an inspiration and I wish her all the luck in her future! Go read this!! Its totally binge worthy :)
**Thank you Netgalley for providing this advanced reader copy for preview :)**

Shane is a good kid, She does all the right things- makes good grades, listens to her parents, follows the sensible career path they chose for her. But Shane has a dream very different from her parents dreams for her, one that she's afraid to share. So she hatches a daring plan to study abroad in London, working toward her own goals while convincing her parents she is still on the track they set for her. Naturally, things go awry.

This book was a delightful romp. I loved seeing Shane evolve and grow through her study abroad experience and was crushed when she was crushed. Even as someone I had little in common with, she was extremely relatable. I appreciate that her story line was complex and her actions reflected that. Solidly enjoyable.

I loved everything about this book. The plot was amazing and different and the end had me in tears. Took me a while to get into the writing but once I was in I was invested.

Easy read, makes a reader contemplate about his own life. I would recommend that book to everyone. Written in a friendly manner.

As a complete sucker for witty banter, travel stories and song lyrics, I must go five stars on this story that goes out like a love song dedicated to every Italian Catholic girl from NJ whose overprotective parents have tried to micromanage every aspect of their life. I can relate.

Shane heads to London on a study abroad trip with a love of books, a minor obsession with Lost, and a willingness to change her life. But you can't will life to cooperate with your plans. All you can do is be honest with yourself and see what comes of it . . . even if it takes a moves and magic to alter the course of history.

Not the typical love story because the female protagonist realizes she also needs to take care of herself to make her life what she wants.

I really enjoyed this book. It's been too long since I read a book cover to cover, without putting it down. That in and of itself is saying something about the charm of Christine Riccio's debut.

This book gave me such Anna and the French Kiss vibes and the main characters were so endearing. I highly recommend anybody who's unsure of this novel to read it, once it's released on May 21, 2019!