Has To Be Love by Jolene Perry

Has To Be Love by Jolene Perry

Release Date: September 1, 2015

Publisher: AW Teen  

Age Group:  Young Adult

Pages:  272   

Summary:  Years ago, Clara survived a vicious bear attack. She's used to getting sympathetic looks around town, but meeting strangers is a different story. Yet her dreams go far beyond Knik, Alaska, and now she's got a secret that's both thrilling and terrifying--an acceptance letter from Columbia University. But it turns out her scars aren't as fixable as she hoped, and when her boyfriend begins to press for a forever commitment, she has second thoughts about New York. Then Rhodes, a student teacher in her English class, forces her to acknowledge her writing talent, and everything becomes even more confusing--especially with the feelings she's starting to have about him. Now all Clara wants to do is hide from the tough choices she has to make. When her world comes crashing down around her, Clara has to confront her problems and find her way to a decision. Will she choose the life of her dreams or the life that someone she loves has chosen? Which choice is scarier?

My Thoughts:   I liked this one, I did, but I didn’t fall in love with it as I hoped I would. We are introduced to Clara who is a survivor. She survived a pretty bad bear attack and she has scars on her face and other places. She’s brave and confident even though she does want to change her scars. Make them better. Less noticeable.

We also meet a boy named Rhodes. He comes over to her house a lot and visits her father. He’s also a student teacher. This makes it a bit awkward for Clara.  Clara also has a boyfriend.

As Clara and Rhodes get to know each other, they start to develop feelings for each other. But Clara is very religious so doesn’t want to do anything with her boyfriend but with Rhodes it’s different.

I don’t know. I just never felt the connection really with Rhodes. I didn’t love him, liked him,, but just not “enough” I guess. I read a lot of romance so this one just wasn’t everything I wanted it to be. Hopefully you’ll like it more than me!  I think Perry books are going to be a hit or miss with me because I did really like the first one of hers I read.

Overall: This one was just okay for me. I hope the next Perry book I read, I enjoy more. I did finish it but it wasn’t one of my favorites of the year. Or will be.

Cover:  Like it! Like the colors and the way she is leaning over to kiss him.  

What I’d Give It: