Now That I've Found You

3.5/5 - Cute story. The FMC (Evie) was very irritating and self centered throughout the entire book. The MMC (Milo) said it best when he said she wasn't Rihanna! I think Evie being canceled over a small impression was over done. I know people on social media are obtuse, but not that much. The ending was cute, which is where the .5 is coming from.

Cute YA rom-com with lots of good lessons about finding confidence in yourself, not in other people's social media opinions. The heroine starts out pretty selfish and not particularly likable, but by the end of the story her actions show a great deal of growth and change, which is impressive given that the actions of the book take place over a week's time.

The secondary characters, specifically Milo and his band-mates, are given such full, diverse personalities that I would love to read a sequel about their climb to success and their various romantic relationships. I found myself wishing that their viral video (the wondrously named Leather Pants) was a real thing, because it sounds like a true #1 hit. And Milo is a swoony hero; how can you not love a 19 year old guy who genuinely cares about a reclusive senior citizen and takes care of her cats?

The book is appropriate for the younger age range of YA readers, with kisses only between the hero and heroine. Despite the serious themes, it's very much a rom-com that would make a darling movie.

Okay, but didn't click for me

After nineteen year old Evie Jones is betrayed by her best friend and disgraced by the media, she is forced to relocate to New York and stay with her grandmother for a while. But after a argument, her grandmother disappears and it's up to her and a boy named Milo to find her.

Pros

+fast paced. This book was very short and a very fast read.
+black romance rep. Even though the romance was really on the back burner it nice to read something with black protagonists in a contemporary setting and not surrounding by issues of race or in poverty.

+fame scene. I like the articles and transcripts sprinkles in-between the chapter it really bring the Hollywood scene to life
+Milo. I like how mostly patient and understanding Milo was. There was only a few time he got really angry. He was always down to help.

Cons

-not a lot of action. Most the book focuses on the same area or Milo's band. I was really disappointed that I didn't really get to explore more area of New York. There more standing around talking then action.
-slightly repetitive in the beginning. Near the beginning tends to state facts or backstories about the characters over and over again. It's doesn't last long but it does get a bit tiring.
-not enough development. While Evie became a bit more open, less selfish, and began to not share what people think, she is mostly still the same. We never really see her development grow over time. It just all there at the end.
-barely any chemistry. I like romance was the main focus or a huge factor but in consequence of we only get a few moments with Evie and Milo. The chemistry is too weak for them to be a full blown romance.


I don't know what about this book didn't click for me. I felt like I was slogging through it even though it was pretty fast read. I VERY appreciative for the black romance rep but this book just didn't do for me.