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With You All the Way
Ada’s life is a mess. She just caught her boyfriend cheating on her after a humiliating attempt at losing her virginity, and she’s had it up to here with her gorgeous older sister’s unsolicited advice.
But things really hit the fan during a family vacation in Hawaii, where Ada discovers her own mother is having an affair. Apparently, everyone is falling into bed with people they shouldn’t. Everyone except Ada. But when Ada decides she’s going to stop trying and start doing—sex, that is—her best laid plan overlooks an inconvenient truth:
Feelings, romantic or not, always get in the way.
But things really hit the fan during a family vacation in Hawaii, where Ada discovers her own mother is having an affair. Apparently, everyone is falling into bed with people they shouldn’t. Everyone except Ada. But when Ada decides she’s going to stop trying and start doing—sex, that is—her best laid plan overlooks an inconvenient truth:
Feelings, romantic or not, always get in the way.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
44 people are currently reading
7242 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Hand
28 books9,886 followersCynthia Hand is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for teens, including the UNEARTHLY trilogy, THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE, MY LADY JANE, MY PLAIN JANE, MY CALAMITY JANE, MY CONTRARY MARY, and MY IMAGINARY MARY (with fellow authors Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows), THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE, THE HOW AND THE WHY, WITH YOU ALL THE WAY, and the upcoming TIMELESS and MY SALTY MARY (also with Ashton and Meadows). Before turning to writing for young adults, she studied literary fiction and earned both an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in fiction writing. She currently resides in Boise, Idaho, with her husband, two cats, one crazy dog, two kids, and mountain of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
July 3, 2021
This book was pretty forgettable, if I'm being honest. I've read and loved a few things from Cynthia Hand before so I hoped that this one had the potential to be a new favorite, but I feel like the story really just kind of meandered and didn't catch my attention the way I was hoping it would. I didn't hate this, but it isn't one that is going to stick with me. Womp.
March 30, 2021
I won't lie, the only reason I picked up With You All the Way was because of this line the novel's description: "A Forever for a new generation." The moment I saw it, I had only one burning question - "Is there a guy in this book who calls his penis "Ralph?"
And the answer is: No.
Instead, this turned out to be a story about family and relationships between sisters, and mothers and daughters, cheating and bad decisions. There is a subplot about losing virginity, but I wouldn't say it was the main subject, just a reason to touch upon topics of consent, maturity and complications sex could bring into a relationship.
I liked it. The novel was super easy to read. It was kind and compassionate, maybe a tad safe (the comparison to Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen is quite apt). But I enjoyed it all. It was a nice diversion in the time of elections and covid.
And the answer is: No.
Instead, this turned out to be a story about family and relationships between sisters, and mothers and daughters, cheating and bad decisions. There is a subplot about losing virginity, but I wouldn't say it was the main subject, just a reason to touch upon topics of consent, maturity and complications sex could bring into a relationship.
I liked it. The novel was super easy to read. It was kind and compassionate, maybe a tad safe (the comparison to Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen is quite apt). But I enjoyed it all. It was a nice diversion in the time of elections and covid.
October 1, 2020
This book was a total drama fest. It reminded me of one of those reality tv shows, in which everything that can go wrong, does. It was addictive, and drew you right into the family drama.
This book follows Ada and her family on a business trip to Hawaii. And although they’re vacationing in paradise, the events of their trip are anything but. From breakups and heartbreak, to accusations of cheating and crashed weddings, this book is a total roller coaster ride.
Part of what made this book so enjoyable was it’s similarity to a train wreck. Don’t get me wrong, it was written super well, it’s just that there was so much drama. At times, I had to put the book down, just to take a ten second break. Of course, I dove right back in afterwards. The plot sort of reminded me of The Best Laid Plans, but I actually liked this better.
Like most family dramas, every character had their own distinct personality. I loved Marjorie, who took on the persona of the gossipy aunt. Every time she showed up, I knew some serious tea was about to be spilled. I also really liked Ada and and Nick, although Ada made some comical mistakes.
I would definitely recommend this for fans of romances, especially people who loves drama. Plus, this is set in Hawaii, so there’s a healthy dose of volcanoes, sea turtles, and paddle boarding. All in all, a great book!
Thanks to Netgalley Cynthia Hand and for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
This book follows Ada and her family on a business trip to Hawaii. And although they’re vacationing in paradise, the events of their trip are anything but. From breakups and heartbreak, to accusations of cheating and crashed weddings, this book is a total roller coaster ride.
Part of what made this book so enjoyable was it’s similarity to a train wreck. Don’t get me wrong, it was written super well, it’s just that there was so much drama. At times, I had to put the book down, just to take a ten second break. Of course, I dove right back in afterwards. The plot sort of reminded me of The Best Laid Plans, but I actually liked this better.
Like most family dramas, every character had their own distinct personality. I loved Marjorie, who took on the persona of the gossipy aunt. Every time she showed up, I knew some serious tea was about to be spilled. I also really liked Ada and and Nick, although Ada made some comical mistakes.
I would definitely recommend this for fans of romances, especially people who loves drama. Plus, this is set in Hawaii, so there’s a healthy dose of volcanoes, sea turtles, and paddle boarding. All in all, a great book!
Thanks to Netgalley Cynthia Hand and for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
April 19, 2021
This dealt with a lot of issues such as family, relationships, siblings and more. I always enjoy Cynthia Hand writing and story. B+
April 10, 2021
A autora tem livros melhores
September 18, 2020
Ada Bloom thinks she's finally ready to have sex with Leo, but she backs out at the last minute. Embarrassed, she turns to her older sister, Afton, for help, and sets a time where she knows for sure she'll be ready. But just as she's coming up to see him after his swim meet, she finds him kissing his teammate, Kayla. He then brushes her off, claiming that she wasn't really his girlfriend and that he wants more.
Afton tells Ada that having sex with Leo would've been a mistake, and that she should save her first time for someone who truly cares about her and loves her. After all, Afton's own first time wasn't great. But Ada just wants to get it over with.
Soon after, Ada's mother is called to Hawaii for an annual surgeons' conference, and brings the whole family along, except for Ada's stepdad who is left behind to work. Afton suggests that Ada find a rebound there, but Ada doesn't think that there are any cute enough boys at the resort, or even boys her age. She is enjoying her vacation until she opens the door to her mother's hotel room and finds her having sex- with her coworker, Billy.
Ada is forced to question everything she ever thought about her parents' marriage and if they don't love each other anymore, but decides to keep this finding to herself. Her five-year-old sister, Abby, would be devastated.
Right after she finds this out, she runs into Nick Kelly, the son of a conference member who she realizes is the same age as she is. She's never thought of him as cute until now, but after spending some time with him, she decides that he could be the ideal person to lose her virginity to. She asks him directly, and he agrees to meet up some time later in the week. With Nick. Ada can almost forget about her mom and Leo and have a good time.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It was basically the perfect YA. There wasn't as much romance as I expected, but everything else made up for it. You'll love the descriptions of the scenery, the resort, and the vacation activities. With travel currently posing a risk for spread of coronavirus, I wish so badly that I could go on a vacation like this one.
For fans of Have a Little Faith in Me. That was my favorite book of 2019, and this is equally as good.
Afton tells Ada that having sex with Leo would've been a mistake, and that she should save her first time for someone who truly cares about her and loves her. After all, Afton's own first time wasn't great. But Ada just wants to get it over with.
Soon after, Ada's mother is called to Hawaii for an annual surgeons' conference, and brings the whole family along, except for Ada's stepdad who is left behind to work. Afton suggests that Ada find a rebound there, but Ada doesn't think that there are any cute enough boys at the resort, or even boys her age. She is enjoying her vacation until she opens the door to her mother's hotel room and finds her having sex- with her coworker, Billy.
Ada is forced to question everything she ever thought about her parents' marriage and if they don't love each other anymore, but decides to keep this finding to herself. Her five-year-old sister, Abby, would be devastated.
Right after she finds this out, she runs into Nick Kelly, the son of a conference member who she realizes is the same age as she is. She's never thought of him as cute until now, but after spending some time with him, she decides that he could be the ideal person to lose her virginity to. She asks him directly, and he agrees to meet up some time later in the week. With Nick. Ada can almost forget about her mom and Leo and have a good time.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It was basically the perfect YA. There wasn't as much romance as I expected, but everything else made up for it. You'll love the descriptions of the scenery, the resort, and the vacation activities. With travel currently posing a risk for spread of coronavirus, I wish so badly that I could go on a vacation like this one.
For fans of Have a Little Faith in Me. That was my favorite book of 2019, and this is equally as good.
March 25, 2021
3.5 /5 stars
With You All the Way is a Young Adult contemporary novel that has some romance and some family drama.
I have enjoyed many of the author's previous books so I was very excited to get to read this book.
Since I didn't read the book blurb before starting this book I found that this book was very different from what I was expecting.
The narrator is 16 year old Ada (1st person POV).
What I did like. I liked the family aspect of this book. Ada has an 18 year old sister Afton and a 5 year old sister Abby. And they added lots of interesting drama.
I loved the setting. Much of the book is set in Hawaii. I loved that Ada is an artist. And I loved her step-father Pop.
What I liked less was her mom who had no time for the family. And all the sex drama. Maybe this book would work better for older teens. But I just didn't love that so much of the book focused on a 16 year old and her virginity.
This was a super quick read. And I did enjoy some of it. But overall this book was not what I was expecting.
Thanks to edelweiss and HarperTeen for allowing me to read this book.
With You All the Way is a Young Adult contemporary novel that has some romance and some family drama.
I have enjoyed many of the author's previous books so I was very excited to get to read this book.
Since I didn't read the book blurb before starting this book I found that this book was very different from what I was expecting.
The narrator is 16 year old Ada (1st person POV).
What I did like. I liked the family aspect of this book. Ada has an 18 year old sister Afton and a 5 year old sister Abby. And they added lots of interesting drama.
I loved the setting. Much of the book is set in Hawaii. I loved that Ada is an artist. And I loved her step-father Pop.
What I liked less was her mom who had no time for the family. And all the sex drama. Maybe this book would work better for older teens. But I just didn't love that so much of the book focused on a 16 year old and her virginity.
This was a super quick read. And I did enjoy some of it. But overall this book was not what I was expecting.
Thanks to edelweiss and HarperTeen for allowing me to read this book.
April 19, 2021
"With you all the way" é o mais recente livro da Cynthia Hand que é uma autora que gosto bastante e que leio de tempos em tempos. Este é um YA Contemporâneo e é um livro curto e bastante simples mas que consegue tocar em vários assuntos importantes da adolescência.
A história é simples, uma adolescente vai de férias com as irmãs e a mãe que vai participar num congresso. Portanto o hotel onde ficam hospedadas é onde decorre as conferências mas felizmente existe actividades para ela se divertir com as irmãs. O problema é quando Ada vê (ou pensa que vê...) a mãe a ter um caso com outro médico do congresso. A partir daí a sua vida acaba por mudar, pelos sentimentos todos que sente, a revolta por a mãe estar a trair o pai e pelas consequências que isso irá ter na sua família se algum dia os pais se separarem.
Opinião completa: https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
A história é simples, uma adolescente vai de férias com as irmãs e a mãe que vai participar num congresso. Portanto o hotel onde ficam hospedadas é onde decorre as conferências mas felizmente existe actividades para ela se divertir com as irmãs. O problema é quando Ada vê (ou pensa que vê...) a mãe a ter um caso com outro médico do congresso. A partir daí a sua vida acaba por mudar, pelos sentimentos todos que sente, a revolta por a mãe estar a trair o pai e pelas consequências que isso irá ter na sua família se algum dia os pais se separarem.
Opinião completa: https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
April 8, 2021
This book was pretty good, I just didn’t connect with any of the characters.
October 7, 2020
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
4.5 Stars
The How and the Why was one of my favorite books I read in 2019. I loved Cynthia Hand's writing style, so I couldn't wait to read With You All the Way. These two books have proven to me that Hand is a master of creating and writing complex family dramas. She tackles family dynamics in a fascinating way. This book was completely different than the first one I had read, but just as important and addictive.
With You All the Way was like driving by a car crash. Maybe that's not the best description because it wasn't brutal or sad. It was more just drama I couldn't take my eyes away from. It reminded me of a really good MTV teenage TV drama. Ada, the main character, is on a family trip to Hawaii after having broken up with her no good, cheating ex. Her feelings are all over the place. She's fighting with her perfect sister and discovers her mom is having an affair. Everything is a mess and Ada's trying to work through it all. Somehow, having sex for the first time is the answer.
I'm going to cut right to the chase: sex. It's one of the biggest topics woven through With You All the Way. Ada is considering having it or not having it throughout the entire book. You can imagine all the possible scenarios going through Ada's mind. Should she or shouldn't she have it? I appreciated all of her inner dialog and questions in relations to what her body versus mind was telling her. I also appreciated the way it was dealt with and the conversations it opened up. It was a very positively written view of what having sex with or without love could mean.
I mentioned the family dynamics before. That's the other big topic in this book. There's so much going on between all of the family members. There is talking, arguing, keeping secrets... Each and every family member (besides sweet, little Abby) has their own thing going on. I liked the way each interaction created something to further Ada's choices throughout the story.
I don't know what else to say about this book. I enjoyed it so much -- even the awkward moments when I wanted to shield my eyes. I loved the non-stop drama. I guessed where the story was headed, but that didn't bug me because the journey to get there was so entertaining. Plus, I liked all the messages it dealt.
4.5 Stars
The How and the Why was one of my favorite books I read in 2019. I loved Cynthia Hand's writing style, so I couldn't wait to read With You All the Way. These two books have proven to me that Hand is a master of creating and writing complex family dramas. She tackles family dynamics in a fascinating way. This book was completely different than the first one I had read, but just as important and addictive.
With You All the Way was like driving by a car crash. Maybe that's not the best description because it wasn't brutal or sad. It was more just drama I couldn't take my eyes away from. It reminded me of a really good MTV teenage TV drama. Ada, the main character, is on a family trip to Hawaii after having broken up with her no good, cheating ex. Her feelings are all over the place. She's fighting with her perfect sister and discovers her mom is having an affair. Everything is a mess and Ada's trying to work through it all. Somehow, having sex for the first time is the answer.
I'm going to cut right to the chase: sex. It's one of the biggest topics woven through With You All the Way. Ada is considering having it or not having it throughout the entire book. You can imagine all the possible scenarios going through Ada's mind. Should she or shouldn't she have it? I appreciated all of her inner dialog and questions in relations to what her body versus mind was telling her. I also appreciated the way it was dealt with and the conversations it opened up. It was a very positively written view of what having sex with or without love could mean.
I mentioned the family dynamics before. That's the other big topic in this book. There's so much going on between all of the family members. There is talking, arguing, keeping secrets... Each and every family member (besides sweet, little Abby) has their own thing going on. I liked the way each interaction created something to further Ada's choices throughout the story.
I don't know what else to say about this book. I enjoyed it so much -- even the awkward moments when I wanted to shield my eyes. I loved the non-stop drama. I guessed where the story was headed, but that didn't bug me because the journey to get there was so entertaining. Plus, I liked all the messages it dealt.
December 10, 2020
The night after Ada's failed attempt to lose her virginity to her boyfriend, she catches him cheating on her. But their family is soon off for a 9day stay in Hawaii at a yearly medical conference, so she hopes that will take her mind off things. But she's in a fight with her older sister and then her stepdad drops the bomb that he's staying home from this trip and Ada just feels worse.
This was a sweet story, full of high drama and I am here for it. I loved how flawed and real the characters were and this compulsively readable story kept me entertained from the start.
The only thing I'd previously read by this author was that terrible My Plain Jane book that was a Tome book last year, so I didn't have high hopes, but I really ended up liking this one.
This was a sweet story, full of high drama and I am here for it. I loved how flawed and real the characters were and this compulsively readable story kept me entertained from the start.
The only thing I'd previously read by this author was that terrible My Plain Jane book that was a Tome book last year, so I didn't have high hopes, but I really ended up liking this one.
August 26, 2021
think “breathless” by jennifer niven, but worse.
September 14, 2022
I feel like this was perfectly fine but it’s definitely not memorable for me. I loved the How and the Why and I still think about that one but this one was just ok.
July 25, 2022
I went into this book with very few expectations, and I am soooooo pleasantly surprised because I LOVED it and will definitely be putting it on my favorite books of the year list!!!
This book was just so addicting to read. I have been in somewhat of a reading slump lately and this took me right out of it. The writing is really quick and easy to read, the chapters were short, and the plot itself kept me guessing and wanting to know what was next.
Ada as a character was extremely easy to root for. I felt all of her emotions and the way that she was written made me empathize and sympathize with her almost immediately. She felt like such a real person and all the other characters too were really well-rounded. I loved how Ada had so much drive and how she always knew what she wanted and she wasn't afraid to stick up for herself and do what was right for her and her mental health. All of the characters, really, felt so real. The mom, the dad, Afton, Abby, Nick, Billy, Michael, everyone.
Every chapter of this book had something fascinating happening. Whether it was an internal moment or a memory that Ada was looking back on or an actual piece of the plot I couldn't stop reading. I think I read this whole book in 3 sittings which is saying something since I was reading the ebook and was doing it while visiting schools in Boston this past weekend. Even though I was busy, I couldn't help but devour the book.
I believe this is the first Cynthia Hand book that I've read that she's written by herself. I have really wanted to read her other contemporary books for a while now and reading this one definitely got me even more excited to do so. She discusses deep themes and messages with such care but also with such a cauterizing quality. She portrays Ada perfectly. As a high schooler myself, I was astounded by how Cynthia Hand was so flawlessly able to capture the crazy mindset of being a teenager/adolescent. Her writing is so easy to read and I felt utterly transported.
Speaking of being transported, I LOVED the Hawaii setting. I had just finished yet another reread of The Unhoneymooners which is set in Maui and I loved getting to continue living in that type of location.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Originally I was going to give it somewhere in the four-star range but after a bit of reflection after finishing it this morning, I don't have a single qualm with this book. It was extraordinary and everyone should read it.
🌺🌸🏝🌴🍹🦜
This book was just so addicting to read. I have been in somewhat of a reading slump lately and this took me right out of it. The writing is really quick and easy to read, the chapters were short, and the plot itself kept me guessing and wanting to know what was next.
Ada as a character was extremely easy to root for. I felt all of her emotions and the way that she was written made me empathize and sympathize with her almost immediately. She felt like such a real person and all the other characters too were really well-rounded. I loved how Ada had so much drive and how she always knew what she wanted and she wasn't afraid to stick up for herself and do what was right for her and her mental health. All of the characters, really, felt so real. The mom, the dad, Afton, Abby, Nick, Billy, Michael, everyone.
Every chapter of this book had something fascinating happening. Whether it was an internal moment or a memory that Ada was looking back on or an actual piece of the plot I couldn't stop reading. I think I read this whole book in 3 sittings which is saying something since I was reading the ebook and was doing it while visiting schools in Boston this past weekend. Even though I was busy, I couldn't help but devour the book.
I believe this is the first Cynthia Hand book that I've read that she's written by herself. I have really wanted to read her other contemporary books for a while now and reading this one definitely got me even more excited to do so. She discusses deep themes and messages with such care but also with such a cauterizing quality. She portrays Ada perfectly. As a high schooler myself, I was astounded by how Cynthia Hand was so flawlessly able to capture the crazy mindset of being a teenager/adolescent. Her writing is so easy to read and I felt utterly transported.
Speaking of being transported, I LOVED the Hawaii setting. I had just finished yet another reread of The Unhoneymooners which is set in Maui and I loved getting to continue living in that type of location.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Originally I was going to give it somewhere in the four-star range but after a bit of reflection after finishing it this morning, I don't have a single qualm with this book. It was extraordinary and everyone should read it.
🌺🌸🏝🌴🍹🦜
April 25, 2021
I'm feeling disappointed because I love Cynthia Hand's other contemporary works, so I feel like that's only adding to the blow. Some of the characterization and occasional joke were the redeeming factors for this book, but beyond that, I am struggling to be complimentary. "With You All The Way" was frustrating to read because of the lack of action. I feel like a majority of the book transitions awkwardly between chapters and leaves out the scenes I as a reader most wanted to see. I found myself skimming a lot and not missing much otherwise. For me it was a whole lot of nothing that happened. I wasn't entirely taken with the brief glimpses of Ada being "woke" as those thoughts came off more as virture signaling and undeveloped/out of nowhere for her character and unnecessary otherwise. Most finally and fatally though that I can't forgive is the amount miscommunication as a climatic point. I saw it coming from a 100 pages away and it was a lot of second hand embarrassment. Realizing that this book wouldn't be a book if Afton (Ada's older sister) had simply spoken up does not sit right with me. Her logic was so lacking and would have been deeply damaging to their family as a whole if this wasn't a work of fiction. Afton becomes a villain frankly, and is too easily forgiven. I'm not talking "The YA protags are acting like teens and I'm cranky about it." I'm talking that even at 18, I would have known how severe accusing my mother of having an affair would be/if I was an older sister (which I am) was caught by my younger one and didn't fess up right away. The characters were all unfortunately immature including the mother, and the only grace I can give there is Nick cuz he made me laugh at least. Just painful honestly now that I'm thinking about it, I'm feeling really let down and cranky about it. I recommend this if you want a quick read but it's definitely not one of my new favorites like most of Cynthia Hand's books usually are for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2020
Review by Lisa Pineo
*I received this eARC from HarperTeen via Edelweiss+ in return for an honest review.
My ratings: * I hated it ** It was okay *** I liked it **** Really good ***** Great
TW (trigger warnings):
"With You All the Way" is a YA dramedy filled with the word of the day: SEX. 5 stars
Description from the publisher:
"Ada’s life is a mess. She just caught her boyfriend cheating on her after a humiliating attempt at losing her virginity, and she’s had it up to here with her perfect older sister trying to give her advice about, well, sex. But things really hit the fan during a family vacation in Hawaii, where Ada makes a heinous discovery: her mom is having an affair. Apparently, no one can keep themselves from falling into bed with people they shouldn’t, so Ada decides it’s time for her to stop trying and start doing—sex, that is. But her best laid plans don’t quite leave room for the truth: feelings, romantic or not, always get in the way."
This book was chock-full of teen drama but still managed to be funny and entertaining. The main character, a teen girl with sex on the brain, is convinced she wants to lose her virginity, no matter who with. Lots of plans, distractions, a perceived affair between her mother and another doctor, fights with her sister and possibly developing real feelings for the boy she plans to have sex with while in Hawaii keep the drama flowing and my interest fully engaged. Like many teens Ada's feelings change rapidly and assumptions and miscommunication abounds. This is a fun read with positive sexual situations and nothing too graphic for younger or modest readers.
*I received this eARC from HarperTeen via Edelweiss+ in return for an honest review.
My ratings: * I hated it ** It was okay *** I liked it **** Really good ***** Great
TW (trigger warnings):
"With You All the Way" is a YA dramedy filled with the word of the day: SEX. 5 stars
Description from the publisher:
"Ada’s life is a mess. She just caught her boyfriend cheating on her after a humiliating attempt at losing her virginity, and she’s had it up to here with her perfect older sister trying to give her advice about, well, sex. But things really hit the fan during a family vacation in Hawaii, where Ada makes a heinous discovery: her mom is having an affair. Apparently, no one can keep themselves from falling into bed with people they shouldn’t, so Ada decides it’s time for her to stop trying and start doing—sex, that is. But her best laid plans don’t quite leave room for the truth: feelings, romantic or not, always get in the way."
This book was chock-full of teen drama but still managed to be funny and entertaining. The main character, a teen girl with sex on the brain, is convinced she wants to lose her virginity, no matter who with. Lots of plans, distractions, a perceived affair between her mother and another doctor, fights with her sister and possibly developing real feelings for the boy she plans to have sex with while in Hawaii keep the drama flowing and my interest fully engaged. Like many teens Ada's feelings change rapidly and assumptions and miscommunication abounds. This is a fun read with positive sexual situations and nothing too graphic for younger or modest readers.
April 26, 2021
Ada, the 16 year old protagonist, is on a quest to lose her virginity. Only problem is she just broke up with her boyfriend because he found another girl who was willing to "put out" when she was not ready for sex. Now she and her family are on their annual family vacation in Hawaii. Her sister cautions her about making sure she loses her virginity for the right reasons; but, Ada misinterprets her sisters cautioning as a criticism on her lack of maturity.
This book was full of fun and drama; It is a silly spin on a serious topic. The author did a great job crafting an age-appropriate, sex-positive book that centers around consent!
This book was full of fun and drama; It is a silly spin on a serious topic. The author did a great job crafting an age-appropriate, sex-positive book that centers around consent!
dnf-2021
May 20, 2021April 28, 2021
DNF at 10%
Unfortunately the characters in this one really didn't work for me. I really couldn't connect with Ada, and didn't find her funny.
DNF at 10%
Unfortunately the characters in this one really didn't work for me. I really couldn't connect with Ada, and didn't find her funny.
November 22, 2020
*this earc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was kind of similar to Breathless by Jennifer Niven which was also my favorite of this year. This book is about Ada who finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her before she leaves on her trip to Hawaii with her family. Later she finds her mom is having an affair and now wants to lose her virginity so she decides to make a plan. You are probably reading this and are like huh why did she read this book and how did she enjoy it. First of all the writing of this book was amazing and the story flowed really well. The pacing was perfect and I wasn’t bored at all while reading this book. The author did an incredible job bringing the story to life with her writing and also her characters.
I enjoyed the main character, Ada. She is a typical teenager and you can understand what she is going through easily. I also loved her sister who reminded me kind of like Mor from ACOTAR because of her features and a red dress she wore in this book. I also enjoyed the supporting characters in this book. Ada and her sister both developed a lot throughout the story and I loved their sisterly bond. There is also romance in this book which you might love.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The whole story was very easy to process and understand so it was kind of like a comfy read. I had no problems with this book at all. This is perfect for those who are fans of Jennifer Niven and those whole love contemporary books.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was kind of similar to Breathless by Jennifer Niven which was also my favorite of this year. This book is about Ada who finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her before she leaves on her trip to Hawaii with her family. Later she finds her mom is having an affair and now wants to lose her virginity so she decides to make a plan. You are probably reading this and are like huh why did she read this book and how did she enjoy it. First of all the writing of this book was amazing and the story flowed really well. The pacing was perfect and I wasn’t bored at all while reading this book. The author did an incredible job bringing the story to life with her writing and also her characters.
I enjoyed the main character, Ada. She is a typical teenager and you can understand what she is going through easily. I also loved her sister who reminded me kind of like Mor from ACOTAR because of her features and a red dress she wore in this book. I also enjoyed the supporting characters in this book. Ada and her sister both developed a lot throughout the story and I loved their sisterly bond. There is also romance in this book which you might love.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The whole story was very easy to process and understand so it was kind of like a comfy read. I had no problems with this book at all. This is perfect for those who are fans of Jennifer Niven and those whole love contemporary books.
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March 11, 2022DNF @pg107
Yeah... this just isn't it for me. Everything is just low key annoying me, I don't like the characters, the talks they've had about losing virginity and the cheating has given me the ick, and I just don't think this is going to be something that I'm going to enjoy so I'd rather not hate read/listen to this one.
Yeah... this just isn't it for me. Everything is just low key annoying me, I don't like the characters, the talks they've had about losing virginity and the cheating has given me the ick, and I just don't think this is going to be something that I'm going to enjoy so I'd rather not hate read/listen to this one.
April 14, 2021
*2.5 Stars
Unfortunately, this was a disappointment for me. I think that maybe I don't love books centered around losing virginity, so maybe that's my fault because I knew what it was going in. However, I've loved all of Hand's other books that I've read, so I figured it would still win me over. I don't have much to say about this, but it's not something I'll be returning to in the future.
Unfortunately, this was a disappointment for me. I think that maybe I don't love books centered around losing virginity, so maybe that's my fault because I knew what it was going in. However, I've loved all of Hand's other books that I've read, so I figured it would still win me over. I don't have much to say about this, but it's not something I'll be returning to in the future.
May 5, 2021
A student recommended this to me so I read it for her. It was a fairly good YA novel, but it just felt very familiar. Like I’ve read the book in a slightly different form several times before. Overall, not a bad read.
July 26, 2025
Once again I feel too old to read YA. I absolutely love Hawaii so I loved the setting. There were a LOT of cringey moments. I think I would have ate this up maybe when I was 16? But now I was just cringing soooo often. I didn’t LOVE any of the characters, which hurts the book for me.
April 23, 2021
Full review to follow soon!
September 6, 2022
It pains me to give this book such a low rating since I just love Cynthia Hand. But this book is just not good. The characters were painfully dull and uninteresting. The plot was slow and never went anywhere. It was just disappointing all around.
September 18, 2020
Ada Bloom thinks she's finally ready to have sex with Leo, but she backs out at the last minute. Embarrassed, she turns to her older sister, Afton, for help, and sets a time where she knows for sure she'll be ready. But just as she's coming up to see him after his swim meet, she finds him kissing his teammate, Kayla. He then brushes her off, claiming that she wasn't really his girlfriend and that he wants more.
Afton tells Ada that having sex with Leo would've been a mistake, and that she should save her first time for someone who truly cares about her and loves her. After all, Afton's own first time wasn't great. But Ada just wants to get it over with.
Soon after, Ada's mother is called to Hawaii for an annual surgeons' conference, and brings the whole family along, except for Ada's stepdad who is left behind to work. Afton suggests that Ada find a rebound there, but Ada doesn't think that there are any cute enough boys at the resort, or even boys her age. She is enjoying her vacation until she opens the door to her mother's hotel room and finds her having sex- with her coworker, Billy.
Ada is forced to question everything she ever thought about her parents' marriage and if they don't love each other anymore, but decides to keep this finding to herself. Her five-year-old sister, Abby, would be devastated.
Right after she finds this out, she runs into Nick Kelly, the son of a conference member who she realizes is the same age as she is. She's never thought of him as cute until now, but after spending some time with him, she decides that he could be the ideal person to lose her virginity to. She asks him directly, and he agrees to meet up some time later in the week. With Nick. Ada can almost forget about her mom and Leo and have a good time.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It was basically the perfect YA. There wasn't as much romance as I expected, but everything else made up for it. You'll love the descriptions of the scenery, the resort, and the vacation activities. With travel currently posing a risk for spread of coronavirus, I wish so badly that I could go on a vacation like this one.
For fans of Have a Little Faith in Me. That was my favorite book of 2019, and this is equally as good.
Afton tells Ada that having sex with Leo would've been a mistake, and that she should save her first time for someone who truly cares about her and loves her. After all, Afton's own first time wasn't great. But Ada just wants to get it over with.
Soon after, Ada's mother is called to Hawaii for an annual surgeons' conference, and brings the whole family along, except for Ada's stepdad who is left behind to work. Afton suggests that Ada find a rebound there, but Ada doesn't think that there are any cute enough boys at the resort, or even boys her age. She is enjoying her vacation until she opens the door to her mother's hotel room and finds her having sex- with her coworker, Billy.
Ada is forced to question everything she ever thought about her parents' marriage and if they don't love each other anymore, but decides to keep this finding to herself. Her five-year-old sister, Abby, would be devastated.
Right after she finds this out, she runs into Nick Kelly, the son of a conference member who she realizes is the same age as she is. She's never thought of him as cute until now, but after spending some time with him, she decides that he could be the ideal person to lose her virginity to. She asks him directly, and he agrees to meet up some time later in the week. With Nick. Ada can almost forget about her mom and Leo and have a good time.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It was basically the perfect YA. There wasn't as much romance as I expected, but everything else made up for it. You'll love the descriptions of the scenery, the resort, and the vacation activities. With travel currently posing a risk for spread of coronavirus, I wish so badly that I could go on a vacation like this one.
For fans of Have a Little Faith in Me. That was my favorite book of 2019, and this is equally as good.
April 8, 2021
2.5 stars at a stretch.
Drama, drama, drama. Even though this combines your classic YA contemporary tropes, the whole story felt very young and naive. I wasn't entirely interested in the main characters and really only had time for Pops. The obsession with sex was OTT and both Ada and Afton felt like they were caricatures of teens rather than just being real and relatable. I don't know, it just wasn't for me.
Looking at other reviews, I'm clearly in the minority so if you like the sound of this book, I would still recommend giving it a go.
Drama, drama, drama. Even though this combines your classic YA contemporary tropes, the whole story felt very young and naive. I wasn't entirely interested in the main characters and really only had time for Pops. The obsession with sex was OTT and both Ada and Afton felt like they were caricatures of teens rather than just being real and relatable. I don't know, it just wasn't for me.
Looking at other reviews, I'm clearly in the minority so if you like the sound of this book, I would still recommend giving it a go.
November 25, 2020
3.5 Stars
While this one was enjoyable and I loved the message and the stories, it wasn't my favorite by Hand. I did love Ada and her relationship with her sisters. That was the really strong part for me.
While this one was enjoyable and I loved the message and the stories, it wasn't my favorite by Hand. I did love Ada and her relationship with her sisters. That was the really strong part for me.
October 16, 2021
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the take on how your family can impact the way you view relationships, and I think the author handled the topic of virginity with great compassion. Hope Cynthia Hand writes more contemporaries because this was so entertaining and easy to read.
July 6, 2021
Likes:
That whole drama of losing your virginity can be so different for everyone, for some it’s easy peasy and they can shrug it off, and then there are those who make it into a very big deal – because in my opinion, it is. This story explores all of that awkwardness, the questions, the insecurities that comes with losing your virginity.
Ada almost had sex with her ex-boyfriend who was cheating on her. She talks to her older sister about it, but she’s had her own imperfect situations to do with sex as well. They go on a family vacation to Hawaii because their mom has a work conference there and it’s when Ada decides, this is where she will finally lose her virginity. Things don’t work out perfectly though.
Outside of the whole losing virginity plan that Ada has, she is dealing with some major family issues. Ada thinks her mom is cheating, her mom is very non-existent in their lives since she is a busy surgeon. Ada is also is fighting with her older sister and facing her own insecurities. It’s a very coming of age book that I could relate to – it reminded me of my teenage years minus the Hawaii vacation (I live in Hawaii!). I think all the questions, insecurities, feelings and awkwardness was spot on. Losing one’s virginity is not so easily done sometimes but the questions and self-reflections are good. And yay for these guys knowing condoms should be used – definitely applauded that!
Random Notes:
Triggers: cheating
I didn’t really connect to Ada, but that’s okay. I liked that she loved her family and you can tell she is close with her sisters, even though when she is fighting with the eldest one. She does get enough courage to say what she wants to her mom. I wish she wasn’t so obsessed with having sex and making a plan to just get rid of her virginity but I can see why she thought it was a burden to be a virgin.
Ada’s older sister gets involved with someone older than her – she’s 18 and hooking up with a 22 year old but it is sketchy on the guy’s part, especially if they shared a kiss when she was 17. But then again her sister was dealing with her own boy issues.
Final Thoughts:
I liked how this story had realistic sex scenes between teens – not that the deed happens, but all the things that lead up to it. It’s a sex positive book showing all the issues that can crop up when deciding to lose one’s virginity and rushing into it. The family problems are somewhat resolved in the end so in that sense we get treated to a story about a family that isn’t perfect but love is present anyway, as it should be.
That whole drama of losing your virginity can be so different for everyone, for some it’s easy peasy and they can shrug it off, and then there are those who make it into a very big deal – because in my opinion, it is. This story explores all of that awkwardness, the questions, the insecurities that comes with losing your virginity.
Ada almost had sex with her ex-boyfriend who was cheating on her. She talks to her older sister about it, but she’s had her own imperfect situations to do with sex as well. They go on a family vacation to Hawaii because their mom has a work conference there and it’s when Ada decides, this is where she will finally lose her virginity. Things don’t work out perfectly though.
Outside of the whole losing virginity plan that Ada has, she is dealing with some major family issues. Ada thinks her mom is cheating, her mom is very non-existent in their lives since she is a busy surgeon. Ada is also is fighting with her older sister and facing her own insecurities. It’s a very coming of age book that I could relate to – it reminded me of my teenage years minus the Hawaii vacation (I live in Hawaii!). I think all the questions, insecurities, feelings and awkwardness was spot on. Losing one’s virginity is not so easily done sometimes but the questions and self-reflections are good. And yay for these guys knowing condoms should be used – definitely applauded that!
Random Notes:
Triggers: cheating
I didn’t really connect to Ada, but that’s okay. I liked that she loved her family and you can tell she is close with her sisters, even though when she is fighting with the eldest one. She does get enough courage to say what she wants to her mom. I wish she wasn’t so obsessed with having sex and making a plan to just get rid of her virginity but I can see why she thought it was a burden to be a virgin.
Ada’s older sister gets involved with someone older than her – she’s 18 and hooking up with a 22 year old but it is sketchy on the guy’s part, especially if they shared a kiss when she was 17. But then again her sister was dealing with her own boy issues.
Final Thoughts:
I liked how this story had realistic sex scenes between teens – not that the deed happens, but all the things that lead up to it. It’s a sex positive book showing all the issues that can crop up when deciding to lose one’s virginity and rushing into it. The family problems are somewhat resolved in the end so in that sense we get treated to a story about a family that isn’t perfect but love is present anyway, as it should be.
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