Comet Caldwell is a girl who likes to write poetry and is isolated from her parents. She falls for Tobias, a bad-boy American who has a tragic past. There is lots of drama at school from people who don’t want them together. The setting by the Scottish coast is definitely delightful and cool to read. I liked the elderly neighbor!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader. ( )

This book was unlike anything I've ever read by Samantha Young.

Comet is a character that can be very relatable. First, she's got a bedroom every book lover wants and envies—a bookshelf that goes from ceiling to floor, with a rolling ladder from the library scene in Beauty and the Beast. However, the life of a wealthy girl in a book is never an easy one.

Comet struggles to have a relationship with her parents that most teenagers have in the world. Her parents neglect her, forgetting she's even there half the time. Her mother—Carrie—makes it her mission to keep Comet's father—Kyle—on her and only her.

Though this bothers her, Comet doesn't really speak up about it. She's shy, soft-spoken, and often keeping to herself. And like a lot of people, she also struggles with confidence. She hides her poems from everyone, and she refuses to do anything that draws attention to herself.

However, this all changes when the American boy—Tobias (love that name! = +3 brownie points)—comes into her life. Like every romantic interest in every book, he is handsome and absolutely perfect in the context of bookish boyfriends. But something not so perfect is that he hangs out with the bad crowd. That kills Comet's crush on him, or so she hoped.

"Those are my words, my thoughts, my soul
You took them from me without apology.
So why do I want to forgive what you stole,
And hope that you like my ideology? —CC"

At the beginning of every chapter is a poem written by Comet. I love how Samantha interpreted the character and wrote poems by the character to make do with what happened in the last chapter, or what the current chapter would bring.

I'm not a poetry fan by any means. But this poem spoke to me. I'm not going to go in depth about why it spoke to me, but let's just say the truth lies between the words.

Comet has a way of bringing her everyday happenings alive in so many different ways in her poems. I love that that is what she uses for release, that that is where she goes to and escapes when she needs to. I love the fact that she kept these poems to herself, as a belonging that she couldn't let go.

Throughout this book, Samantha Young surprised me. Then again, this author never fails to do so (one of my favorites). During every chapter, I was entranced. I was addicted to the characters, and I found myself wishing and hoping that I would also find a book-boyfriend worthy love. This contemporary drove me nuts, and I am proud to give it the five stars it deserves. ( )

Another wonder YA book. I just can't get enough of the awkward Comet, she is like my spirit animal. The book takes place in Scotland, and I loved it, I thought it was super charming. Comet is awkward, a book worm, and generally feels unloved, and when the new boy (an American) starts school, it sets everyone off in a tizzy. I loved the by play, I loved how Comet was in her head so, so much, she really needed to reached mentally and Tobias, understood her. There is no sex, it's alluded to and talked about(not graphically) this is totally safe for 14 years of age. There is some language, but not a lot, I mean it is a book about teenagers, they cuss.
This book was beautifully written, and executed. There were a few spots when the author seemed a little more focused on history lesson of the area, which for me, since yeah I am never going to go to Scotland, I enjoyed it, but it might lull for others. Other than that, this is a beautiful story of love, fulfillment, wishes, hopes, dreams, death and regrets. Told only in Comets POV. ( )

The Fragile Ordinary

I Picked Up This Book Because: I like the author.

The Characters:

Comet Caldwell: loner and bookworm
Tobias King: new guy, delinquent reformed to his previous good guy statis
Comet’s friends Vicki and Steph.

The Story:

Comet would rather be lost in a fictional world than out in the world with real people until Tobias King transfers to her school. The troubled American teenager is running with a rough and fast crowd while living with his cousin. After being assigned to work together on a class project Tobias and Comet get to know each other and even become friends. Their relationship further blossoms into the romantic variety. Both have issues in their home life that must be forced and overcome but they find they can do these things as they lean on each other.

Of course it’s not all sunshine and roses but they find a way to persevere. I liked Comet almost right away, Tobias too once we got to know him a bit. They both came from situations that made them have to grow up quick. That can do a number on anyone and I think they handled it the best they could.

The Random Thoughts:

4 Stars ( )