Bookishly Ever After is that book you read when you are looking for something that is going to be light and make you smile. That’s exactly what I did. It was unbelievably adorkable. Plus it was like reading what my husband and I would be like in high school.Bookishly Ever After (Ever After #1)
by Isabel Bandeira
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Release Date: January 12th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?
Phoebe is such a cute character. I loved that she is book obsessed, knits, watches Kdramas and still has a strong group of friends. Phoebe felt like high school when there are so many times I never picture a YA character as an actual high school student. Phoebe could have been me, should could have been one of my friends. I loved that feeling it gave me. So many things Phoebe did, I remembered doing. Being such a fangirl about an author and having a bookish daydreams about a boy you like. I had a similar group of friends.
Dev as the leading man was perfect. He was so adorable and I admit he did some things that remind me of my husband. Like waiting in line at a book signing (He’s my BEA bag carrier), reading my books out loud and of course making the jokes about being in love with Vampires or dead people. So once again it was pretty easy to bond with book. You know when you go somewhere and you see two teenagers flirting (at work especially) and you can’t help smiling. That’s how I felt about this book the entire way through.
The drama is very high school crush style. So very cute and light. I liked that we get parts of the books Phoebe is reading and her notes as she uses them with relationship advice. I thought the plot moved along nicely.
I loved that Phoebe has close friends that a big part of the story. They are there when she needs help, support and just someone to hang out with. She also has a close relationship with her sister. It’s really nice to have those elements in the story.
I really enjoyed the book it made me feel bubbly reading it. So if you are tired of heavy stuff and want to read something to cleanse your palate (yes that’s how I think of it). This is the book that is going to put you in that smiley happy place.
Isabel Bandeira grew up surrounded by trees and lakes in Southern New Jersey, right on the edge of the Pine Barrens. Her summers were always spent in Portugal, where the cathedrals, castles, and ancient tombs only fed her fairy tale obsession. Between all those influences and her serious glitter addiction, it wasn’t a surprise when she started writing stories of her own.
In her free time between writing and her day job as a Mechanical Engineer who designs and develops medical devices, she reads, dances, figure skates, and knits.
Isabel lives in New Jersey with her little black cat, too many books, and a closetful of vintage hats. She is represented by Carrie Howland of Donadio & Olson. BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER is her debut novel.
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