ARC Review: Gutter Girl by Lynn Rush & Kelly Anne Blount

this is why people always act so ridiculous in the movies when they’re getting swept off their feet by their crush. he kissed the english language right out of my brain, yet again.

lynn rush & kelly anne blount

---

Goodreads Summary: Star football player Jace Rovers has a secret. And not just any secret—a shocking secret… He writes romance. The kind with swords. And dresses. And kissing. Nobody knows. Not the other kids at Twin River High. Not his overbearing parents. And certainly not the millions of fans who’ve read his book on the writing platform Scribbles. And that’s the way he plans to keep it. Except suddenly one of the other football players grabs his notebook in jest and starts reading a kissing scene out loud…and Jace knows he’s busted. But then McKenna Storm, resident goth girl who avoids the spotlight like a virus, snatches up the notebook and tells everyone she’s the author. And lucky for Jace, she later agrees to continue the ruse…for a price. Heck, he’d give her anything not to reveal his secret. But when they start to fall for each other, he knows he’ll have to keep the biggest secret of all—his darkest character is based on her…

Rating:

Thoughts:

I had some pretty high expectations for this book going in since I loved the blurb for it so much and I was not disappointed! There are so many things to like about this book. From the way it spins stereotypes on their heads to the heavier topics it addresses such as parental and peer expectations to showing that there is always more to a person than what meets the eye. This is a great first book to what looks like a series of companion novels all taking place in the same high school.

Firstly, I really loved the way the book handled stereotypes. I found it so interesting to read about a teen jock who likes to write fantasy romance novels in his spare time and posts them online. As someone who enjoys writing as well that part really connected with me and I enjoyed the way that parts of Jace’s fantasy story were revealed throughout the main storyline as well as getting to see some of his writing process. I also really liked McKenna as a main character. Her style, personality, and sense of humor added so much color to the book and I enjoyed seeing her grow as a person after her spontaneous choice to claim Jace’s writing as her own to spare him peer embarrassment. I really felt for her in her struggles with her mom who had bipolar disorder and the way that household and adult duties often fell to McKenna. I was so proud of her as she started to let people into her “bubble” and started to trust others again. It was really clear how difficult it was for her and was one of the best aspects of the book in my opinion. Both Jace and McKenna are really interesting, unique characters which fit perfectly for a book such as this.

The storyline had the perfect balance between fluff and angst. Although there are quite a few ups and downs in the characters’ relationship, it brought such a realistic feel to the book. The romance was so sweet and cheesy and I definitely had a dumb smile on my face multiple times while reading. I also liked how the side characters grew during the book as well such as how Trinity stood up for McKenna at one point and was so solid in her friendship with McKenna. It isn’t often to see character development in anyone who isn’t a main character.

Overall, this is a great book to pick up if you’re looking for a fluffy, cheesy romance with a bit of angst. It has some unique features which adds some real charm to the storyline as well. The writing reads a bit juvenile for 17 year old main characters which is why it lost a star for me but I’m definitely interested in reading the next two novels in this series.

Goodreads | Twitter | Storygraph | Bookstagram