Monday, November 2, 2015

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

Standalone
304 p.
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Published: 11/3/15
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
Artist Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she's spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps, she's ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum-sponsored scholarship contest: drawing actual cadavers. But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down. 
Jack is charming, wildly attractive . . . and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is—and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in Beatrix’s own family’s closet tear them apart?
My thoughts:

One thing that can get me to read contemporary fiction is art. This one has at least 2 artists in it so I knew I was good to go. Plus, Jen Bennett? I ADORED her Arcadia Bell series (adult) so picking this book up with those two things going for it was a no brainer.

I was not disappointed with this book. While there were things in it that made you want to check the Bex and Jack's IQ, there were also times when I thought... "well, they are more mature than I would have been!" Both have lots of love and compassion going for them so they make a great couple. I found the romance to be a bit fast but I wouldn't say it was insta-love. You really root for them in the end and yes, I will say this... you do get an HEA that feels solid.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. If you enjoy contemporary with an arty slant, pick up this book! I would say that this is YA (both HS seniors) but it does deal with some adult issues. I would say this is for the older YA crowd as well as NA. I recommend it to those that enjoy a good contemporary romance.

28 comments:

  1. Oh I so want to try this one! I loved her PNR and UF series!

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  2. I love this too. So, so much. It was actually my first book by this author, so I'm definitely reading more.

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    1. OMG! LOVED the Arcadia Bell series. Read that one too!! :)

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  3. I skimmed your review because I'm reading this one later this week. I can not wait! I love Bennett's writing.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. There shouldn't be any spoilers, but I do get that. :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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  4. Everyone is LOVING this book Melissa! I've read 4 glowing reviews for it today so it's for sure on my list. Plus, Jenn Bennett. Loved her Roaring Twenties series (I need to read the Arcadia Bell books!).

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    1. Jenn Bennett. I think you don't need to say more to us. :D

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  5. So many are loving this book and I loved her Roaring Twenties series so I just know I need to pick this up too. For some reason I didn't make the connection that this was the same author as that, maybe because it is a different genre? Or maybe my airheaded-ness is showing through LOL!

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    1. It is a moral imperative that I read the Roaring 20s series! You did need this one, and it is a different genre, so no worries. :)

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  6. Oh I have her other series on my tbr pile. Yay for this one being good too!

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  7. I liked this one too, especially because of the art. I am glad you did too.

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  8. my goodness, this book is popular. I have been thinking of picking it up, but last time I picked up a book everyone raved about, I got burned ;/

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    1. It isn't perfect but I think Jenn Bennett is a good bet. No worries there. :)

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  9. I hope I get approved! I requested it last minute, I am a fan of Bennett's fantasy books so there's no way I'm passing up on this.

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  10. I've not heard of this author. Book looks great. I'll have to give her a try.

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  11. I really want to read this! Everyone's loving it!

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  12. I do love her paranormals, so with your recommendation, I will pick this one up if it is available as paperback.

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  13. Wow, how did I not hear of this?! It sounds great! Another one to add to the list.

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  14. Bex and Jack are so cute and though the romance angle isn't original, there are a lot of great and unique concepts in this which I really appreciated. Lovely review, Melissa!

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  15. CoHo has introduced me to a lot of my favourite artsy characters, so you have me curious about this one Melissa! And you know I enjoy a good contemporary read!

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  16. This didn't really catch my eye but there are so many great reviews!!!

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  17. I think I already put this on my Amazon wish list after I read another great review. You make me want to go and look at it again on Amazon :)

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Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!