Book Review: The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

The Promise of Amazing
Author: Robin Constantine
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: December 31st 2013
Review Source: Balzer + Bray

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

The moment I first saw the cover of this book I just couldn’t help it but fall in love it with. I just love the cover and even the letters of the title. When I received my mail from Yara and saw this book I just thanked her right away! Because yes, I’ve been anticipating this book! Just look at that adorable cover! Now to the honest part… I didn’t love the story as much as I love the cover.

Why?

Okay, I did like the beginning of the story because it was funny and a bit unique. Who starts a book with someone hurling all over someone else’s shoes? Robin Constatine! I found this a bit comical. This happens when Wren Caswell saves the life of Grayson Barrett.

My issue after this is… Grayson just became obsessed with her. The non-cute type of obsessing. Life after meeting Grayson became also obsessively for Wren. He is all she thought of.

Their relationship was rushed and with lack of chemistry.

There are many things I didn’t like about Grayson. One of them was a gift he gave to Wren. A gift that wasn’t his to begin with. Not really romantic. At all.

Then, Wren forgives him easily, she seriously was foolishly in love with him. I just didn’t get their relationship. It was just confusing and rushed.

Overall, I felt this story was all over the place. I usually don’t mind the “insta-love” attraction between characters as long as we get a good deal of swooning moments. Sadly, this story just went straight to the weird obsessing and confusing stages. Truthfully, I didn’t hate the story, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I was anticipating.