I received an ARC for voluntary for netgalley. It was a nice coming to age story as well as a friends to more story. I always enjoy when there are a group of good friends that stand by each other and are there when you need them. I wanted to slap Luke upside the head when he got scared of his relationship with Maggie progressing and acted stupid. However, I had to remember that he was just a young teenager and acted idiotic before he realized he was to commit a dumb act before he did it. I was happy that Maggie told him about his stupidity, and stuck up for herself, and then pushed him back to just friend only spot. He did realize his mistake as soon as it was done and to read how he was emotional was heartwarming. Was a sweet story.

Maggie's life is all about swimming and eating. Yes she has friends. Her best friend Levi is also a swimmer, They met because they and two other people had to share an odd lunch hour due to their mixed up schedules. They four of them became fast friends and years later they still meet up for burgers every Friday. But ever since she went on her college tour, she has realized that she hasn't done any of the normal teen stuff and doesn't know where to begin when it comes to guys. Levi on the other hand has had the experience she is lacking, so she decides to ask him to be her teacher in the art of hooking up.

Thanks to the publisher and net galley for the advance copy of this. I always look forward to the Hundred Oaks books and have to say this in one of my favorites. I like how the characters we fell in love with in previous books always make an appearance in the new ones. I think this one could have been a bit longer, but that could just be me loving it so much that i wanted more.

Miranda Kenneally is a must-read YA contemporary author for me, I've read all of her books and thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them because they all have protagonists who are complex, smart, funny women. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to review an ARC of 'Coming Up for Air', for which I thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire.

In 'Coming Up for Air' Kenneally continues the tradition of having sports be part of the plot and protagonist Maggie King is a dedicated swimmer training to go to the Olympics. I loved seeing an ambitious, focused girl with goals and dreams that she worked hard for and for which she sacrificed traditional teenage experiences. Kenneally does a great job of portraying Maggie's questioning of what she's been missing and whether she can achieve a balance in her life that still lets her get everything she wants.

Basically, I loved that this book's message was that "yes, women/girls can have it all-whatever all means for them- if they work hard for it and are flexible and find solutions", something quite different from the constant "no" we get from media. I think it's an important message that should be said more often.

As with other Kenneally books, the friends and family of the main character are a constant presence. Maggie's parents, event planners, were funny and supportive and exactly the sort of parents you'd like to have when growing up. Her three friends, all athletes, all brought comic relief and friendship to the story and one of them,Levi, was even the main romantic interest.

As for Maggie's and Levi's relationship, I know many people don't like the best friend get together trope but it really worked here and Levi was a great male lead, funny and kind and willing to own up to his mistakes.

Maggie's journey is essentially also one of self-esteem, she starts out being very focused on competition, on bettering her rival, on how the outside perceives her and at the end she has a stronger hold of who she is, why she swims, and what it means to compete with yourself and not with others.

Another solid YA contemporary from Kenneally, with great characters, and an inspiring plot.

Coming up for Air By Miranda Kenneally
ISBN: 978-1-4926-3011-1
$10.99 US/ 7.99 UK

Maggie is a swimmer and a strong one at that. She intends on being an Olympic swimmer, but so does her best friend Levi. They follow the same stick schedule every day of every week. Maggie believes that she is leaving the best dream and life that she could ever ask for. She has her three besties, a great backstroke and supportive family; what else is there? It's not till she attends a program for athletes at Berkeley College and is face to face with her arch nemesis. The only girl who can get under her skin and in her head. They use to swim together, but when she moved away not only did she taunt Maggie at the meats enough where she lost nearly every one, but she shows her that she truly has no life. In order to get one, love life that is, she enlists the help of her corked cheerleader BFF Georgie and her best friend Levi. She attends how to style with Georgie and make out lessons with Levi; the only question is can she and Levi keep their friendship in tack? Only time will tell...

This is one of the best coming of age and teen love stories that I have read in a long time. Not only does Miranda bring back a more laid-back and believable way of falling in love, but she brings all the butterflies and stress that comes along with that young love. The story line and plot were consistent and easy to follow. Each character was alive and vibrant through out the whole book. This is just a magnificent read!

My only rant is the end of the book I am not really sure what was the reasoning of adding the coach and her husband at the end. I did enjoy knowing what was happening to Maggie and Levi, but I am sure this could have been done without the confusion of bring all the way forward two semi new characters. It's true they are the coaches from their school, however they seemed more as supportive ones and not in the way of needing to be leading ones towards the end.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! It was a wonderful read, and I believe that it will resin-gate home with pre-teen as well as teen's of both genders! I think that Miranda is a strong writer and will go far in her career!

Unfortunately this book will not be available until around Valentines 2017; but subscribe to my blog and get notified when it does; and keep up with the author on her website as well (www.mirandakenneally.com)

Writing felt a little stiff at times and there was some questionable information to do with swimming, but the story was enjoyable and I liked the characters. I don't know if I completely bought Maggie's completely forthright honesty, but her honesty brought up some interesting questions and issues faced not only by teens. It's not my favorite of the Hundred Oaks series (that's Breathe, Annie, Breathe), but, like the others, I enjoyed it. And if this is the last in the series I will be quite sad!

Charming, frank, and funny, Miranda Kenneally's Coming Up for Air is a delightful addition to her Hundred Oaks series. Maggie has spent her whole life in the pool, training for the Olympic trials, but as her senior year draws to a close and college threatens to separate her close-knit friend group, she begins to feel like she might be missing out on important life experiences. Featuring a confident heroine, pitch-perfect friendships, a simmering romance, and a refreshingly healthy and positive approach to ambition, self-confidence, and sex, Coming Up for Air is a great read. Highly recommended!

I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

Like most of Miranda Kenneally books, I read this one straight through. I love the Hundred Oaks characters and this one was no different. While Chasing Jordan is my favorite, this book is a close 2nd.
This is a great story about a group of hard working teens who sacrifice everything for their sport. I literally could not put this one down. I loved the Maggie and Levi. They were both so interesting and dynamic. I also like the story of their two best friends that was intermixed with theirs. Every year I wait until June when the next Hundred Oaks books comes out and I appreciate the publisher, author and Netgalley allowing me a chance to start 2017 off with this great book. SO GOOD!!!!!

Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I am such a huge fan of Miranda Kenneally, her books are full of fun, depth, amazingly fabulous characters and storylines that I truly connect with; I was hooked on this book from the very first page and devoured it in one sitting.

Coming Up for Air has one of my all-time favourite tropes, best friends to more and I adored how this played out despite the sometimes awkward, cringe worthy and also upsetting moments.

Our MC is Maggie who has been training to qualify for the Olympics for as long as she can remember, her best friend is Levi who has already earned his tryout. When Maggie propositions Levi to help her gain experience before heading off to college he hesitantly agrees and this is where things become complicated.

Maggie was a fabulous character, passionate and dedicated; she has a select few friends and has devoted her life to swimming but in the process has forgotten to experience fun, daily life because of her strict schedule; Levi was a great friend and support to Maggie and didn’t handle the change in their friendship as much as Maggie did, he was more conflicted but I loved how it all played out.

The side characters were all great, the swimming information was engaging and detailed without being too much, I enjoyed the routine and competing parts most; there were also many sweet and funny moments; it all flowed well and came together nicely.

One thing that did baffle me a little was the rivalry between Maggie and Roxy; nothing really came of this situation when it was highly focussed on throughout the book, I would have liked a little more closure on this.

Coming up for Air is beautifully written and is a wonderful addition to the Hundred Oaks series, I am excited for the next book! The epilogue at the end was also truly special.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy; it is greatly appreciated.

I’m a huge, huge fan of Miranda Kenneally. I’ve read the whole Hundred Oaks series except Things I Can’t Forget. Based on the other books in the series, there ware a few things I expected from Coming Up for Air:

* An awesome story about sports (that totally has me wanting to start up the sport).
* A deliiicous and fun romance.
* High school / coming of age.

You know what wasn’t on my list of expectations?

Absolutely hilarious.

Coming Up for Air met every single one of my expectations, but then it added a humour element that I totally didn’t expect! I was laughing out loud pretty much the whole time. It’s filled with some great awkward scenes or just plain funny moments.

The romance was everything I hoped it would be. Maybe even better! Maggie and Levi were BRILLIANT together. I love how they were long time friends already. They had this great history and were so adorable together!

Another thing I loved was Maggie’s interest in sex. It’s common for books to have a girl that really craves a relationship, but Maggie wanted to learn how to fool around. She was so open about her sexuality in a way you don’t usually see from girls (in real life or books). I loved it though, and I thought it was a great message that it’s okay to just want to experiment, have fun, and fool around a little.

If you’re already a fan of Miranda Kenneally, then Coming Up for Air will meet every one of your expectations. If you’re not already a fan, then what the hell are you waiting for? Catching Jordan is ready for you!

Absolutely loved Miranda's new book!! I fell in love with the whole entire story from beginning to end!! Plus who doesn't love a book about swimming and romance set in Hundred Oaks where we jump back into this world all over again and get updates on our favorite past characters! Definitely a must read! !

This book is why I ADORE YA contemporary romance! I love the butterflies I get with the feelings of young love. This story was sweet, swoony, and utterly adorable. Miranda Kenneally is one of my go-tos for young adult. I would definitely recommend this book!

I received this book from Netgalley and Source Books in exchange for a honest review:

I flew through this and it will only take you a few hours if you are looking for a quick read. However; this fell a little flat for me and the writing was a little juvinille at times (yes, I know this is about high school students, but I am talking about the writing itself.) There is not much description, and I feel most of the characters only hit the surface of what I look for in characters.

I know this is about a high school student who is an athlete. She is trying to find herself before she leaves for college including in relationships. However; I never felt the characters were 17 years old as they felt much younger to me.

Maggie wants to learn how to "hook up" before college. She has a strange encounter while on a college visit, which could have taken a totally different turn. I did not find this at all realistic. To help her lack of experience, she asks her best friend to help her. You know immediately (even before she ask hims) that Maggies loves Levi.

I also did not really understand the Roxy rivalry. Yes, she moved on and turned her head on the friendship with Maggie. But, nothing else major came out of that situation yet Maggie was acting like she wanted to change her college choice due to being at the same college. Even her parents asked her if she still wanted to go after finding out Roxy would be there. It all just did not work for me.

I feel the tone of the book does improve as you read more, but nothing much happens. It did not really keep me entertained. Since it was such a quick read, I did finish it though. It was cute, but was only ok. Nothing that blew me away. If you love high school love or swimming, I would recommend it.

I have loved every book in Miranda Kenneally's Hundred Oaks series and "Coming Up for Air" was no exception! First love, self-love, growing up, and learning what you really want out of life...Kenneally captures the emotions of all of these situations perfectly every time. I'm really going to miss Hundred Oaks. 5/5 stars.

I have read Miranda Kenneally's previous books: Chasing Jordan and Stealing Parker, and loved them. Therefore I was keen to get my hands on a copy of this book, I absolutely adored this book. Maggie is such a loveable character, and her blossoming romance with Levi made my heart swoon. A feel-good book, perfect for a rainy day!

DNF: Not for me.

To Maggie swimming is life. She's a senior in high school but has very little experience with boys. To rectify the situation she asks her swimming buddy and best friend to be her trial hook up. These Hundred Oaks High books have been nice, easy, teen romances but this installment was rather flat.

A great YA story about realizing what important in life. The two main characters have to learn about balancing the pursuit of their dreams and making lasting memories. A lot of fun and I think readers will enjoy these this story of Maggie and Levi!

Maggie lives, breathes and dies by her swimming routine; she is going to go to the Olympics after all and she doesn't have time for any of the high school nonsense. When she begins to wonder what it would be like to have a boyfriend, she asks her best friend Levi to teach her how to "hook up", she doesn't have time for a real relationship. Sparks fly when the two of them learn that maybe they aren't just friends. Cute, easy read that had me rooting for Maggie til the very end.

a good ya read