Review: Barbie is a rock star in my book!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 17, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour.There are rarely times when I read a book and am glad I'm not the character - this was one of those times. As much as I love Barbie and Dylan, I wouldn't want to be in Barbie's shoes with everything she's facing. There's a tremendous amount of pressure on her, and I felt it, too. Things were so back and forth with Dylan and Barbie, which was frustrating to me because I could see it was all over misunderstanding after misunderstanding. I wanted them to tell each other how they were feeling and be honest, but I could also see why they didn't. They each had their own fears.With the level of emotional investment I have in these characters and this story, it was an intense ride all the way through. I was hoping things would start looking up for Barbie - I love that girl so damn much flaws and all! She takes on the weight of the world, and I don't feel pity or sympathy for her because of her strength. Instead, I empathize with her, which is different than sympathizing with her. I imagine myself in her shoes, and it isn't a pretty place to be.Now that Barbie and her brother are under the guardianship of Dylan's parents, I agree with Dylan's mom's decision that he can't date her while she's living in their house. That's what makes everything so difficult for them. They can't stay away from each other, yet Barbie has a lot to lose. She's constantly scared that she and her brother will be kicked out, leaving her to go to a facility for troubled girls and her brother to go into foster care. That fear is what tore me up the most throughout this book. I was on the edge of my seat worried she would go against the rules and mess everything up.I don't think Kai is a great guy for Barbie to be hanging around. I worried about her association with him throughout the book. She just wants to feel numb because feeling anything else is too painful for her. I can identify with her completely in that regard. I've had moments like that in my life. She does acknowledge that she and Kai won't be able to fill the void each feels, and I think that was very observant of her. She has an emotional intelligence that not many girls her age have, and that's just one of the reasons I love her to pieces. I wanted to adopt her as a little sister!Barbie is a survivor, and I always had confidence that she would work her way through any problems and issues she encountered. I do love Third, too - he's there for Barbie just about more than anyone else. He's a great guy! I'm not a huge fan of Barbie's friend, Roxie. I think the advice Roxie gives isn't what's best for Barbie.I have to say lastly that I'm sad this book is it for Barbie. I wanted more - I can't help it. I didn't want to say good-bye to these characters, but with the way it ended, I don't think there will be another book. I'll have to reread these two books, lol.