Paper Hearts

Ali Novak

4.5 ★ Swoon Worth Stars

Published by Sourcebooks Fire July 4, 2017

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: Paperback 384

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I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Felicity has her entire future planned. Ever since her older sister ran away, she’s had the full weight of her mother’s expectations on her shoulders. So she works hard to get straight As and save for college.

Except sometimes the best things in life are unplanned-like when Felicity meets a handsome, masked stranger while she is volunteering at a charity masquerade ball. She never thought he’d flirt with her. And she certainly never thought he’d turn out to be a member of the world-famous Heartbreakers band, Alec.

Then Felicity uncovers a shocking family secret. Suddenly, she, Alec, and her two best friends are off on a road trip to find Felicity’s missing sister. And she’s about to discover that unexpected turns have a peculiar way of landing her right where she needs to be..

4.5 Swoon Worth Stars!!!

This book is just so darn cute and had me smiling the entire time. I started Friday evening and was instantly smitten with the story. I would have finished this in one sitting over the weekend, but adulting and doing errands had to come first.

I thought all the characters were pretty great and likable. They each had their own charm and quirks and that made reading much more fun and entertaining. The friendships were just awesome and I loved that Alec and Felicity both had great friends who supported them throughout all the drama and craziness. Also, can I just say that The Heartbreakers boys were all so cute — their bond was so endearing!!

Felicity frustrated me a bit, but I loved her simple and down to earth personality. She’s also smart, creative and very passionate. Alec… where do I even begin. HE IS JUST SO ADORABLE. There’s this mystery and sweetness about him that just lures you in and make you swoon. I certainly did and I wanted to know more about him.

I love romance stories with all the FEELS and I can honestly say that Paper Hearts definitely did not disappoint. There’s enough swooning to keep you turning the pages and have you daydreaming about first crushes and first loves. While Felicity and Alec’s relationship was the main focus (and they’re soooo cute together), I appreciated that you get a glimpse at the romance between the other characters too.

Some aspect of the plot was obviously not very realistic, but the absurdity and cliches made it that much more amusing. Definitely the perfect escape that had teenage me doing a happy dance as I lived out my fangirl fantasies through Felicity. The mystery though was kind of a letdown for me. The revelation wasn’t all that shocking, the confession not really that intriguing and the confrontation not very emotional. This is probably very subjective, but I love love love drama. If there’s going to be some soap opera kind of drama, then you better make it damn crazy.

I’ve never read a book by Ali Novak, but after Paper Hearts, I can definitely see myself being a big fan. I’ll be checking out The Heartbreakers really soon because I already miss my boys and can’t wait to read about Oliver and Stella.

With swoon worthy guys, great friendships, fun antics, drama, and a cute love story, Paper Hearts is a fun delightful read. Take it with you on a road trip, to the park, at the beach or in bed before you sleep — if you have a weakness for a lighthearted YA contemporary romance, then this book is perfect for you.

Sincerely Karen Jo