Review: The Start of Me and You

12:00 AM Serena 0 Comments

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
Publication Date: March 31st, 2015
Format/Source: Paperback, purchased
Rating: 5/5 stars 
Part of a series? Nope, it's a standalone. 
Goodreads | Purchase: Amazon - Barnes and Noble - The Book Depository 

It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

I've long since been a fan of Emery Lord as a person because of her social media presence (check her out on Twitter; she tweets actual gold). Because of that, I put her books on my TBR, where they've sat forever. I *finally* picked up The Start of Me and You back in May, and it was everything I thought it would be and more. 

This was me right after I finished, in case you needed to see how much it affected me. 
This book does everything right. I know I talk a lot about female friendships in YA and NA, but I can't express enough how much I love books with strong friendships. Friendships where the girls support each other and help each other through, friendships that aren't filled with back-handed comments and pettiness. Paige's group of friends in The Start of Me and You is thankfully the former. They were so good for and to each other, though they were very different. Girls supporting other girls is my favorite. 

 And wow, the romance was delightful as well. I absolutely adored Max. As much as I like the reformed bad boy trope, I like smart, nerdy, sweet boys much better. I need more boys like Max. He's just so wonderful, and I love him with Paige. Their banter was perfect. 

 Other aspects of the story that were well-done and worth a mention include Paige's relationship with her family (good families are another thing that YA is lacking), dealing with grief, dealing with high school in general, and just plain figuring yourself out. 

 The Start of Me and You is a special book. It has flawed and lovely characters, brilliant storytelling, and the most adorable love story. I've officially fallen in love with Emery Lord as an author, and now I need to read her two other books. I can't wait for more from her. 

 Have you read The Start of Me and You or anything else by Emery Lord? I'd love to read your thoughts! 

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