Good Choice Reading: Review: Joyride by Anna Banks

Joyride
by Anna Banks
Hardcover, 288 pages
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015
by Feiwel & Friends

Received via NetGalley

A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.

It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.

Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.

All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.

I am so torn over this book. I did not hate it, but I did not love it. I think the problem is I jumped into JOYRIDE with high expectations since I loved Anna Banks SYRENA LEGACY series. There were plenty of moments that made me laugh out loud, blush, and want to bite off my nails, but I don’t think the chemistry between the two main characters was there. I liked both of them, a lot actually, but as a couple not so much. I think they would have been great best friends.

I think Arden fell for Carly for all the wrong reasons. He was struggling with losing his sister, and with his life pretty much changing. When he meets Carly he immediately clings to her and the idea of her being his pranking partner. He needed someone, so bad, to take his sister’s place.

Carly is also dealing with some issues. She is constantly working trying to save money to help her parents and brother out, and at the same time continue her education. When she meets Arden she learns to loosen up a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I think they were both perfect for each other, but as best friends.

Aside from that, I did enjoy it. Enough to finish the entire book and rate it 3 stars. One of the things I liked most was how much I laughed while reading. Arden is one funny character!! Loved him!

JOYRIDE was a fast read for me, It's filled with plenty of family drama, suspenseful moments, laughter, and more! I recommend it! Even though I had a slight issue with it, I think a lot of YA/NA readers will love it! A Good Choice for Reading. ;)