This is a cute southern love story with a twist on the Romeo Juliet story. I really liked the characters of Ryder and Jemma who are both strong, decisive and have a clear picture of what they want to do with their lives. The backdrop of the hurricane season which transforms their hate to love relationship is very well written. I am very unfamiliar with the southern small town culture, so this book was a nice experience but I obviously can’t speak for its authenticity. On the whole, this was a light breezy cute read that I was able to finish in a single sitting and thoroughly enjoyed. ( )

This was mostly fun. It was super predictable but what book like this isn't? It was a quick and enjoyable read. Pretty good, not great but also not bad. ( )

I absolutely loved this book. And I may have read it all in pretty much one sitting. I only stopped to feed my monsters.

Magnolia is a fun book, and the characters are pretty awesome. I loved Jemma and Ryder. They pretty much despise each other while being forced to try to spend time together by their parents. Jemma has always done what her parents want, but she finds herself rebelling a little bit in order to deal with the stress of being the perfect daughter. Ryder can be such a butt sometimes. He has this “I’m smarter than you” demeanor that is liable to drive you nuts.

I’ve always been a big fan of books that take place in the south. The setting seems so much more easy going, and the south is like it’s only little world. Mannerisms are different, and you’re stuck with all the small town drama. I loved seeing Jemma and Ryder pretty much forced to spend time together because of the storms. They each learn a lot about each other, and maybe more. Both of them refuse to admit that they might like the other. I think it’s mostly because of their parents. They refuse to give in to what they want for the both of them.

Magnolia will take you on a path of discovery, and what it means to follow your dreams. It’ll also show you that you need to get the full story sometimes before you decide you’re gonna be ticked at someone. ( )

Magnolia is a cute book about Southern families and finding love unexpectedly. I was in the mood for a light read and this hit the spot. While serious situations do occur, the hurricane and tornado; her sister getting a tumor; the death of a classmate, as a whole this book is lighthearted and charming.

I liked that even though Jemma and Ryder started out disliking each other, this wasn't a story where they went from cruel acts to head over heels. Their dislike is depicted more like avoidance and probably typical for someone in their situation. I also enjoyed the involvement of their parents in their lives (even if it was meddling at times!). It's nice to see YA novels involve and portray the parents as decent instead of deadbeat or absent.

Overall, a quick easy read perfect for a lazy day. ( )

You know why I loved Pride & Prejudice? Because Darcy & Elizabeth hated each other at first. (Well, Elizabeth hated him… Darcy is debatable).

My all-time favorite trope is seeing two characters that dislike each other so much, slowly fall in love.

This book is a reverse Romeo and Juliet. Two families that love each other and basically do everything together, and two children who would rather be with anyone else in the world than each other. Ryder & Jemma are two kids who live in the south whose families have conspired all their lives to bring them together. Now there’s a storm heading towards Magnolia, and being in confined, dark spaces may surface some feelings that they don’t really want out.

Okay let’s begin by what I loved:

Firstly, the setting. This book is set in Magnolia Branch, Mississippi. This means southern accents, and farms, and big dogs, and shotguns, and churches. I loved the southern feel of this story. It was so refreshing from typical, bland, ambiguous settings in most books out there.

Jemma & Ryder definitely held their own as protagonists. Jemma is this all around awesome girl. She’s not this delicate southern flower, but a really kickass girl who can shoot guns as well as photographs. She’s smart, a cheerleader, and a self-proclaimed good girl. However she wants to break free of the expectations of her family. So she has little rebellions here and there. Basically she just wants to be able to choose her own life.
It’s not that I don’t want to live out my days here. It’s just that I want the opportunity to...I don’t know...spread my wings and fly a bit before I come back home to roost, you know? If I end up back in Magnolia Branch, I want it to be because I’ve chosen to be here.

Ryder is a southern gentleman. He’s sweet, caring, and charming. I never thought he was being a “stupid boy”. He is definitely the guy you’d love to take home to your parents. Ryder is a dream. I have a huge crush on him.

This book isn’t only about the romance, but it features strong female friendships (and absolutely NO slut shaming! YAY), while also building a believable high school atmosphere (cheerleading, football games, and *gasp* even real classes), and it deals with grief and loss as well.

I think the biggest part of this book, other than the romance, was the storm. The storm was actually a very big part of this book and I loved seeing its effects. I loved that Ryder & Jemma had to ride it out alone because of some very… unfortunate circumstances. Imagine being locked up in a very small confined storm shelter with an incredibly attractive guy who you might love/hate.

They finally had all the time in the world to talk and man, that was some pretty good talking. ;)

“I hear his breath catch. Slowly, his hand moves over mine, his fingertips brushing my knuckles until his entire hand covers mine.”

I could keep gushing about how this book was all kinds of awesome. My only issue with this book is the fact that I wanted MORE. (and that Jemma was a bit naïve at first but I forgave her because she was awesome). But, if you’re still reading my review and not rushing to buy the book, then we have a problem. ( )