Rurouni Jenni Reads: Blog Tour: Always Forever Maybe by Anica Mrose Riss (Review+Fave Quotes+Giveaway)

Welcome to my stop for the blog tour of Always Forever Maybe by Anica Mrose Riss.

Thanks Fantastic Flying Book Club for organizing the blog tour.

About Always Forever Maybe

When Betts meets Aiden at the candy store where she works, their connection is like a sugar rush to the heart. Betts already knows the two of them are infinite. Inevitable. Destined to become an us.

Betts has only ever kept one secret from her best friend, Jo, but suddenly there’s a long list of things she won’t tell her, things Jo wouldn’t understand. Because Jo doesn’t see how good Aiden is for Betts. She finds him needy. Possessive. Controlling.

She’s wrong. With a love like this, nothing else matters.

Series: Standalone

Publisher: HarperCollins/HarperTeen
Expected Publication date: June 5th 2018
Source/Format: eARC via Edelweiss
Pre-order links: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | Book Depository | iBooks

Advance Praise for the book:

“Anica Mrose Rissi masterfully conveys the irresistible power of physical attraction and how that intoxication can unexpectedly turn toxic. I’m afraid too many readers will relate to this unflinchingly honest portrayal of an abusive first love, which is precisely why Always Forever Maybe is an essential book.” —Megan McCafferty, New York Times bestselling author of the Jessica Darling series

“Equal parts crackling tension and sparkling humor; the worst relationships have to offer and the best. It’s the rarest book that manages to be so important, so emotionally resonant, and so utterly propulsive and compelling all at the same time. You won’t be able to put it down.” —Jeff Zentner, Morris Award-winning author of The Serpent King and Goodbye Days

“Rissi’s extraordinary YA debut wraps you up with beautiful writing and complicated, yet all too realistic characters. Both heartbreaking and stunning, Always Forever Maybe will stay with you long after turning the last page.” —Elizabeth Eulberg, author of Better Off Friends

“Relatable and realistic, hopeful and empowering, Always Forever Maybeaddresses an important subject: when ‘love’ isn’t what it seems.” —Deb Caletti, author of National Book Award finalist Honey, Baby, Sweetheart

“Anica Mrose Rissi’s debut novel is a masterful mix of light and dark—sometimes tender, often funny, always brutally honest. Always terrifyingly real. This book will break your heart—then piece it back together, even stronger than before.” —Robin Wasserman, author of Girls on Fire

About Anica

Writer, storyteller, editrix. Author of the Anna, Banana chapter-book series, the picture book The Teacher's Pet, the forthcoming YA novel Always Forever Maybe, and more. Fan of dogs and ice cream.

Anica Mrose Rissi grew up on an island off the coast of Maine, where she read a lot of books and loved a lot of pets. She now tells and collects stories, makes up songs on her violin, and eats a lot of cheese with her friends in Princeton, New Jersey. As a former book editor turned full-time writer and storyteller, Anica has spoken with kids and adults across the country about all pieces of the writing process. Her essays have been published by The Writer magazine and the New York Times. She tweets about bookish things and her dog, Arugula, at @anicarissi, which is also her handle on Instagram. Find out more at http://anicarissi.com

My Thoughts+Fave Quotes:

Looming trepidation

I find the Goodreads synopsis somewhat giving away too much plot. Even the first chapter is kinda spoilery. But there is a reason for that. It‘s because “Always Forever Maybe” is not your regular contemporary romantic YA. It’s more of a cautionary tale that not all meet-cutes lead to happily ever afters.

So the whole time, while Betts and Aiden are having their hearty-eyes first encounter at the candy shop to having caffeinated getting-to-know strolls along the lake to having a more intimate relationship, there is that looming trepidation that everything will soon take a dark turn. The reader could only hope and cross fingers that Betts would be able to rise above it.

Friendship as the relationship to root for
Betts is understandably blind and close-minded because she believed that what she and Aiden have is true love. And a love like that is all that matters. She had this us-against-the-world mentality with Aiden. She began telling lies to her parents so she can continue seeing him. She started making excuses for some of Aiden’s questionable behaviors. She started pushing away other people.

It’s a good thing that Betts’ childhood bestfriend, Jo, is fiercely loyal and stubborn. For a while, Betts seems to lost control and became a rag doll in a tug of war between Aiden and Jo. Of course, I am all aboard Team Jo. Betts’ and Jo’s friendship is something that I want to root for. ‘Coz you know what, I am tired of witnessing too many real-life women friendships ruined and driven apart just because of a guy. I really hate it when that happens, so for a change, I want the friendship to win over the romance.

Worth reading for its relevant messages

I have a few quibbles though. The pacing is a bit uneven for me. And there are times when characters magically pop up on the scene when the plot needs them (for example, Jo appearing at the right moment when Betts needs saving). I also find it not fair that the narrative lacks a representation of a “proper” nice guy. Tyson, the ex-boyfriend, is a cheater. Aiden is well, bad news as bad news can be. And even Eric, Jo’s twin brother and the supposedly nice guy, has the propensity to be a player (he switches girlfriends too quickly).

“Always Forever Maybe” is far from perfect but I will not undermine its heart and empowering ending. It is worth reading for its relevant messages of valuing friendships and having the courage to walk away from a toxic relationship even if doing so means pain and heartbreak.

Diversity Watch:

Betts – racially indeterminate

Aiden – Betts’ love interest, described as green eyed

Jo Metmowlee-Rubens – Betts’ bestfriend, described with straight black bangs, dad’s family is Jewish, mom’s family is Thai. She is either bi or gay: kissed a boy, has a crush on a girl.

Eric Metmowlee-Rubens – Jo’s twin brother, described with jet black hair.

Tyson – Betts’ ex, described with black skin.

Lexa – Betts’ co-worker and Eric’s girlfriend, racially indeterminate.

Sydney MacKenna – Jo’s crush, described as white and blond.

A side character is mentioned to have two moms.

My Rating:★★★☆☆

Giveaway