Date of publication: May 2014
One mistake. And everything changes.
For Monroe Blackwell, one small mistake has torn her family
apart –leaving her empty and broken. There’s a hole in her heart that nothing
can fill –that no one can fill. And a
summer in Louisiana with her Grandma isn’t going to change that…
Nathan Everets knows heartache first-hand when a car
accident leaves his best friend in a coma. And it’s his fault. He should be the
one lying in the hospital. The one who will never play guitar again. He doesn’t
deserve forgiveness, and a court-appointed job at the Blackwell B&B isn’t
going to change that…
My thoughts:
Boys Like You is an enjoyable and pretty quick read. I was able to read it in one sitting. I liked this YA because while there was a lot of teen grief, there wasn't the teen love angst that so many YA novels have today. And it's a stand alone which is also a bonus. Can you tell I'm getting burnt out on YA trilogies?
Monroe and Nathan are both teenagers who have discovered that one stupid mistake can be life altering. I know I found myself tearing up more than once as I read about their tragedies. No one should have to go through something so heartbreaking like that at such an early age. I liked their relationship. While it was instant attraction, it wasn't insta-love. They were good for each other as they learned how to look to the future and move beyond the mistakes of the past. Most importantly in how to forgive themselves.
Ms. Stone has done a wonderful job with her first foray into the YA genre. I would probably keep this to over 16 as it does deal with some adult issues (sex). I look forward to seeing what comes next from her!
Kari& Autumn: What inspired you to become a writer?
Juliana: I’ve always been bent artistically. Whether it was music,
books, poetry and I think subconsciously I always knew I would write some day,
but I never thought for a second I’d be published. I think the main inspiration was my love of
books and in particular, my interest in paranormal romance. After my children
were both in school I had more free time and I picked up a Christine Feehan
book and was hooked. About a year later
I decided to try and write one myself and luckily, I found an agent who loved
it as well and we sold. So, this shows unequivocally that if you have a dream
go for it…because you never know!
Kari& Autumn: Where do you come up with the ideas for
your books?
Juliana:Ideas float in and out of my head when I’m walking the dog
or just waking up. They just find me
really, but I think that a lot of inspiration comes from things in my
life. BOYS LIKE YOU was totally inspired
by my kids, my family’s love of music and my love of lazy summers and the
hopeless romantic that exists in me.
Kari& Autumn: What exciting projects are waiting in the
wings?
Juliana: Ah, I’m always busy!
I’ve just handed in my second young adult novel and am currently working
on an adult contemporary romance, JACK, book 2 in my Family Simon series. In
addition to that I’m writing middle grade as J.A. Stone and am currently
working on a serialized novel, LOST BOY on Storybird.com
Kari& Autumn: Who is your favorite literary character
and why?
Juliana: Right now it’s Alexander, from THE BRONZE HORSEMAN. Such a
strong male character, who pretty much has everything I look for in a hero. The
story itself is an epic romance and is in my top 5 books of all time!
Kari& Autumn: Just for fun, if you could be any animal,
what would it be and why?
Juliana: I would be a cat.
Mostly because I watch my cat, Gibson, sleep and clean himself and
demand to be petted…then he eats and sleeps and cleans himself! What a life!
About the author:
ABOUT Juliana Stone: USA Today Bestselling
author, Juliana Stone’s love of the written word and ‘80s rock have
inspired her in more ways than one. She writes dark paranormal romance and
contemporary romance and spends her days navigating a busy life that includes a
husband, kids, and rock ‘n’ roll!
Boys Like You is her debut YA novel. You can find more info at www.julianastone.com
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