Review: Never Say Never by Kailin Gow

This is the IFB stop on the Kailin Gow Never Say Never blog tour hosted by SupaGurlBooks. Check out my review below:

Never Say Never (The Never Knights Series)

by Kailin Gow

Published: August 13th 2012 

Publisher: theEDGEbooks.com

Purchase: Amazon 

*Paperback ARC provided by author for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

What girl wouldn't want to be surrounded by the sexy guys from the hottest teen rock sensation in the country? 18-year-old Never "Neve" Knight, not only is surrounded by the hottest boys to hit the music charts, but she is the band's lead singer. As the band's lead singer and manager, Never formed and shaped the band to where it is today, a band on the rise and on the brink of being signed by a label. As one of the guys, she knew each of the band members since they were all snot-nose ten-year-olds. While her boys were the cutest guys and they would protect her like knights, she couldn't date any one of them and ruin the chance at being signed with the record label of her dreams.

That changes when one of the band members suddenly drops out of the band, and in walks Danny Blue, with his dreamy blue eyes, hot body, and British accent. Suddenly, Never's solid world has turned to mush, and her rule for not dating one of her band members is seriously challenged. Can she keep her head straight and get her band signed with a label without losing her heart?

~My Review~

Funny, musical, crafty, and rock out entertaining. Kailin Gow delivers a fantastic new age treat for lovers of contemporary romance with an edge. 

This is the second Kailin Gow book that I've devoured and once more I'm taken aback by the fast paced witty writing style, as well as the addicting story being unfolded. I enjoyed the idea of music being the centerfold of everything (I can't stress enough of my love for music in novels), and how intrigued the main character kept me.

Never "Neve" Knight, first of all weird name but I like different things, is the lead singer of a rock band on the verge of taking off. Being a female vocalist in a band has never been easy, especially when trying to keep your relationship with the band members on a friendly, professional level. It certainly complicates things and I've seen a few bands in "reality" shatter to pieces because of that. So, the fact that Neve tries so hard to maintain that focus on music only is indeed difficult for her and even tested once Daniel comes in the picture.

Character wise, everyone caught my attention. I immediately connected with the main character, her emotions and what her intentions were. Aside from her, You can understand other characters like the members of the band, their feelings about the situation, and of course, the guy Neve was so taken by.

The cool thing about this book is that the story isn't just about a band trying to breakout. Neve is the daughter of a musician but chooses to accomplish her goals by not using her family name.  Mind you she's also just started college as well. So, in my opinion, the novel is about working hard, going after what you want, holding on to true friendships, discovering love, and overall growth. Music was a beautiful thing in the book but I doubt I'd make it to the end if there wasn't more going on. And of course I have to mention that ending, it left me sad and pissed off. I simply can't wait to find out what happens next.

About the Author

Kailin Gow uses her author platform to bring awareness to issues affecting young adult and women. She has appeared on national radio as a regular guest on topics such as body image, self-esteem, dating and sexual relationships, bullying, and more; often brought up in her fiction books for young adults and women. She has won multiple awards from the International Book Awards and the Green Book Festival. Selling over half a million books, Kailin Gow has been a bestselling author of over 100 distinct books which includes the Desire Series, PULSE, Wicked Woods, and the Frost Series. She has been professionally published since 2001. She was one of the first authors for young readers to write books for girls with supernatural elements. Her first book series about extraordinary girls guided by an angel in 2001, was a success, selling thousands of print copies in days, and inspiring girl book clubs around the U.S. In 2003, she came out with more series, including The Fairy Rose Chronicles, about fairies in Feyland. Her books have been recommended by PBS Kids, US Mental Health Association, the PTA, and homeschooling associations in the United States. 

www.kailingowbooks.com | @kailingow

Review: Loving Summer by Kailin Gow

Loving Summer (Loving Summer Series)

by Kailin Gow

Published: May 28th 2012 

theEDGEbooks.com

Purchase: Amazon 

Review copy provided by author.

Summer has always looked forward to spending her summers at her Aunt's beach house with the Donovans. To her, summers at Aunt Sookie's beach house was magical, especially getting to spend time with the Donovans - her best friend Rachel and Rachel's brothers Nathaniel, and Drew. Here at Aunt Sookie's beach house, they can be anyone and anything they dreamed. For Summer, she had always wished to become as pretty as Rachel and for her brothers to think of her as more than Rachel's friend. For Nat and Drew, summers at Aunt Sookie's beach house meant fun and escape, a place where they go to with their mom and sister for the summer, away from city life. They never thought this summer would be different. They never thought things would change as much as they did...and it all began with them falling for and loving Summer.

~My Review~

Loving Summer was short, sweet, and believable. This is the perfect setting for the hot season, and you'll literally feel every scene come to life on each page. Kailin Gow is an outstanding author capturing every essence of a young girl trying to figure out what she wants and how to deal with love. 

What can I say? This book was indeed a loving summer. I've never read a story that included so many potentials chasing after one girl. I was tired for her, knowing she'd have to make such a huge decision in the end: which guy to choose, or if she should choose any at all? For some reason I'd probably stay by myself and choose none of them, especially when two of them were brothers. Kailin had us confused till the end, not leaving any hint at all as to who Summer's going to choose. 

I like the fact that the story wasn't only about new found love or how to come to terms with your feelings, it also portrayed the pain of a broken family, health issues, and losing a loved one. I laughed with the characters, yelled at Summer to pick Drew, and cried in their moments of sorrow. One thing I did question is the fact that the main character kissed all three of the guys in their own unique and passionate way. It's like no kiss was better than the other. Summer had butterflies for each guy and it just complicated things even more, for her at least. I already made my pick from the start and I'm never going back on my decision.

Drew's this playboy who no one takes seriously. He's the guy your parents warn you about, and everyone thinks he's this carefree person who thinks of nothing else but himself, but once he saw Summer again and was back at the beach house you got to see the real side to him. And I loved who he was underneath the star football player all the girls went for. I loved how he made an effort to just be himself, and he had no problem with being honest with his feelings. Nat, was clearly the opposite. He took on so much that he kind of stopped enjoying himself was I can't believe that even though he loved Summer that much he disregarded her feelings all those years. Jerk. I kicked him out of the competition the moment I became aware of the situation.

Astor is this star that's not far from having the same effect on girls that Drew has, only he doesn't play around the way Drew used to. I like his personality but he seemed too perfect, and we all know perfect is boring. He didn't really leave an impact on me and I wasn't interested in his scenes. 

We can't forget Rachel, though she was hardly in the story. Well, sort of. I liked how she was having fun with her new boyfriend but I hated how hard she was on her brother. In my opinion, I think she's mad at what the dad did and hates that her brother was somewhat doing the same thing. 

Aunt Sookie is awesome! Her attitude towards life is one to admire. She keeps everybody happy and appreciative. Her beautiful home brings together these old friends and allows each individual to express themselves freely. Her acting school is built on the foundation of helping young and aspiring actors get the chance to come one step closer to their dreams. It's quite sad what happened to Aunt Sookie and her character is one I will surely miss in the follow-ups. 

I can't believe I wrote so much already without addressing my impression of Summer. Do I like her, kind of. I find that she sets herself up for problem. Why would you just go around kissing guys like that when your feelings aren't sorted out. One minute she's heated for one guy, the next she's falling over for the other. Like seriously, chick get away from all of them and go somewhere to find yourself. I think she should stay single for a while. Though, like I've stated before, I'm leaning towards Drew.

Overall, Loving Summer was a fast pace and interesting book. I loved every moment of it and I can't wait for the next because the first just screams to be continued...

LOVING SUMMER BLOG TOUR~Interview with Kailin Gow

Welcome to my stop on the Kailin Gow Loving Summer Blog Tour, hosted by SupaGurlBooks. Check out my interview with the awesome author below:

1. Where are you from originally?

Everywhere. Just kidding.  I’m pretty global. Born in Taiwan, but raised and grew up mainly in Southern California since I was 1 year old.  Lived in Texas and England, but have traveled to over 24 countries.

2. What inspired you to become a writer and who are some writers that influence you?

I wanted to become a writer, not only a writer but a teen and young adult writer when I was 7 years old when I read S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. She was a teen author, and although I was 7 at the time, I was a voracious reader and early reader, that I thought I would write a book, too.  So at 9, I wrote a book that was about a magical squirrel kingdom with knights, ladies, bakers, dragons, and lots of swordfights.  I still write fantasy and medieval themed books (Wordwick Games for instance and The Alchemists Academy).   Having a childhood filled with books and reading fueled the imagination and inspiration I have today with my books.

3. You’ve written young adult fiction to business and lifestyle books. Quite the versatile author. Is there one particular genre you lead more towards?

Definitely YA fiction since that comes much faster to me.  There are some things that just flows quickly and naturally for people, and for me, it’s YA fiction and fiction in general.

4. Tell us about your new book, Loving Summer. How’d you come up with such a fresh story with lovable characters?

It’s based on a few true life experiences I have.  I did grow up spending summers with a family – a single mom who had two sons and one daughter. I always thought one of the sons was cute and was intimidated about it when I was younger.  It was until I was dating someone else (who became my husband), that we bumped into each other and he began acting interested in me.  He came to my wedding and acted jealous, and to this day, he still hasn’t gotten married.  Also, Mrs. Donovan was based on the mother of another family who stayed with us briefly during a summer, and she was undergoing a horrible divorce.  She had the most gorgeous sons and a beautiful daughter, and I had a crush on both boys.   Aunt Sookie is based on people I know in acting.  Astor Fairway, too.  Funny, but sometimes my life is stranger than fiction, and every book I write is based on some personal experience.  Loving Summer is based on my own personal experience so it is my own story, although it may sound familiar to some fictionalized stories already out there.  I’m sure others had have similar real life experiences like this.  That’s why this book has that nostalgic quality, too.
  

5. What can readers expect from this new series?

Lots of interaction between characters that are meaningful, lots of growing up, heartaches, love, joy, and new experiences for these characters.  It’s not just about the romance, but about each of them finding themselves and who they are becoming.  Definitely about their journeys.  Oh, and yes, lots of hot swoon-worthy guys.

6. A best selling author of over 100 books, and recipient of several awards. How does it feel to have achieved so much?

Thank you!  I don’t really sit back and gloat or anything.  I know there are many authors out there who have done more so to me, it’s just icing on a cake that is already so filling.  I love what I do, which is why I have so many books.  But I’m not driven by going after the accomplishments.  I’m driven because this is what I do, and to me, it’s like breathing.  I’m honored and blessed to find that what I write is enjoyed by others. 

7. Do you ever feel pressured to live up to expectations?

Good question!  Of course, it happens, but most of the time, it’s because I have set myself up for high standards, so I can only blame myself for feeling pressured on that.  All in all, though, I have recently developed a devil-may-care attitude about it.  Everyone has their own opinions, everyone has their own set of standards and norms when they pick up a book, so there is bound to be different opinions and expectations.  I can’t please everyone nor am I aiming to.  I write the kind of books I like to read, and it has to start from there. 

8. Aside from being an author, you’re also a radio host I hear. How do you balance everything while working on your next book?

Hard, but it’s about time management and dedication.  I also have an assistant who helps, and a team behind me through my publisher.

9. So, what do you do for fun when you’re not working?

Visit amusement parks, see movies, go to the beach, travel, shop, eat out, do girl things with a group of ladies I’ve been friends with for years, and spend a lot of time with friends and family.

10. Thank you Kailin, any message for your followers or tips for aspiring writers?

Enjoy life and live it to the fullest.  Life is the greatest inspiration, and when you write about something you know and have experienced firsthand, it gives that authenticity to your work.  No one can take those experiences away from you, and no one can claim they’re not your own experiences.  That’s what I love about this writing life…you find the most memorable authors are the ones who really lived – Hemingway, Steinbeck, and Lucy Maud Montgomery.  They wrote about their own experiences.

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