30 Jul 2012

Review: A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger
June 5th, 2012 ∙ Poppy
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 304
Whitley Johnson's dream summer with her divorcé dad has turned into a nightmare. She's just met his new fiancée and her kids. The fiancée's son? Whitley's one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin' great.

Worse, she totally doesn't fit in with her dad's perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn't even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she's ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn't "do" friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn't her stepbrother...at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together.

Filled with authenticity and raw emotion, Whitley is Kody Keplinger's most compelling character to date: a cynical Holden Caulfield-esque girl you will wholly care about.
Review:

When I first heard Kody had a new book releasing I was excited and after reading A Midsummer’s Nightmare I am pleased to say that it doesn’t disappoint!

Kody has written yet another splendid novel full of swoon and doesn’t disappoint with her newest male lead. Introducing Nathan, Whitley’s one night stand and soon to be stepbrother. Cue drama! I can understand why some people might find it hard to accept it but I personally didn’t have a problem with it. Sure it’s awkward but it’s not like she did it on purpose. You can’t help who you fall in love with and that certainly applies in this case.

Whitley acts up – a lot. She parties, she drinks and whilst I didn’t necessity approve of her behaviour and decisions, I understand why she did; it was her way of coping. Although it does take her awhile to get it together she eventually does. If you’re looking for some great character building you’ve come to the right place!

I love everything about Nathan. He’s caring, sweet, supportive and not to mention hot, but more than that, he never gave up on Whitley. Bailey is such a cute, fun, sweet sister; I really enjoyed her role throughout the book. 

Kody has out done herself. This book deals with a lot of things and I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s about family; growing and finding yourself and becoming the person you want to be; meeting your problems and fears face on; taking control; dropping your guard and letting people in rather than shutting them out. And yet Kody does it in such a subtle way that she touches on all these issues without overdoing it and trying too hard. It’s impressive. This isn’t a dark or gritty contemporary, there’s still plenty of laughter, wit, smiles and fun amongst these pages for sure, but it does have a bit more depth than her previous two books.

If you’re a fan of Kody’s work or love a good contemporary, this book is for you!

4.5/5

10 comments:

  1. totally awesome review Rebecca!!!
    Im so happy you loved this one as much as I! Im a huge fan of Kody and I totally agree with you that this book is has more depth than her previous ones. I love The Duff and Shut Out, but this one is even better than those.
    Great review my dear! ^.^ XOXOXO

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    1. Thanks, Natalia! Yay! I'm SO glad to hear your a Kody Keplinger fan! I love her but it seems that, just browsing the comment's, not enough people have read anything by her. I really hope to spread some Kody love this month during AAA :)

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  2. I've never read any of Kody's books before but you make this one sound really exciting. I'd probably pick this one up first before the other two. I love the cover too, even though that gal is giving someone some seriously wicked eyes!

    Great review!! Thanks. :)

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    1. I really hope you pick up a book by Kody soon! She's one of my favorite authors and writes amazing, honest, addictive contemporary stories! She does look rather wicked doesn't she... ;D

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  3. BRILLIANT review Beccaaaa! I haven't read ANY of Kody's books (I know, i can't believe it myself!) but EVERYONE seems to love her books, so I can't wait to start this :D heheeee I'm so glad you loved it so much :) I'm looking forward to it!!

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    1. Aw, thanks Shirley! You really must pick up a book by Kody super soon, she's such an amazing author :D I hope you enjoy this when you read it! <3

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  4. Oh, Becca, this sounds AMAZING. I know you adore Kody (Kristin does, too), but... I just really love this sound of this. I love how... damaged Whitley sounds. I kind of feel for her already--I WANT TO KNOW HER. And... would you say this is a good place to start, or definitely start with DUFF?

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    1. LOOK AT ME! REPLYING! EEEEEEEEEEE!

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    2. It is! Oh and the sexy scenes! *fans self* Wherever you want to start! Just pick up a book by the amazing Kody, READ and I'll be more than happy! :D Um, The DUFF is amazing. I think it's my favorite... Maybe start with her debut and make your way through her books in the order they were published?

      EEEEEEEEEE! Your replying! *sqee* YAY :D

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  5. I like the idea of Kody's books and appreciate what she's trying to say so I'm glad you liked this so much! Nathan was really sweet, I enjoyed him a lot. Fantastic review, Rebecca! :)

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