Joyride by Anna Banks

Joyride by Anna Banks

Release Date: June 2, 2015

Publisher: Feiwel And Friends

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 288

Summary:  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

My Thoughts: This was a very fast read for me and I liked it.  We are introduced to Carly who lives with older brother. Her mom and dad are in Mexico and the two siblings are saving up money to smuggle them over the border. Carly works and keeps to herself. Until one day when she gets thrown in Arden’s world.

I loved how this happened. I didn’t love the “exact” way but I liked how he was drawn to her like he never has been to anyone before. They start talking and Carly wants nothing to do with him but after what Arden saw in Carly he knows he has to be her friend.

I really liked this one. Some parts were sad and I wanted things to be different but I really enjoyed reading about Carly’s life. Her life wasn’t perfect but she truly did love her family and wanted to do the right thing. I also liked Arden. He wasn’t what everyone expected him to be. There was a lot more depth to him.

I loved Arden’s uncle. What a character! He made the book more delightful for me just by reading about him!

This was an enjoyable read!

Overall:  This was a real fast read and I blew my way right through it. It helped that I really liked the plot and the story line! From the title I thought maybe this was a road trip book but it wasn’t. I didn’t know what to expect when I started it, but I really liked this contemp of Anna Banks!

Cover:  Love it! Its sweet and cute!

What I’d Give It: