Cover Image: Love & Other Great Expectations

Love & Other Great Expectations

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Member Reviews

This is a fun, clever YA Contemporary coming-of-age where an injured soccer player spends the summer following literary clues around the UK. Literary-inclined readers may be able to solve the clues themselves, as an added bonus.

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This was such a cute debut novel by Becky Dean. If you enjoy Kasie West, Morgan Matson, and Jenn Bennett, this is a must read!

In this fast-paced, swoony homage to The Canterbury Tales, not only will their literary educations be tested, but past buried issues will be dug up, treacherous plans for winning will unfold, and some of them will discover more about themselves than they ever imagined.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, and Becky Dean for the opportunity to read this ARC. The opinions expressed below are my own.

What I liked about the book:
1. I loved the trip through the UK, especially with the classic literature themed hunt! As someone who has had their UK trip planned out for at least 2 decades, (which, yes!, includes going to places in some of my favorite books and the dwellings of some of my favorite authors) I will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS read books where young people traipse through Europe and find themselves. It’s definitely a favorite theme of mine, and Becky Dean didn’t disappoint! I felt like I was in the UK right along with Britt for the ride!

2. As previously mentioned, I loved the literary tie ins, but I especially liked how there were a lot of critical thinking sessions and deep conversations between Luke and Britt about how those classics relate to real life.

3. I loved the storytelling aspect that came through in Britt’s journey. She was so good at it and I hung on her every word! She was creative and a true showman without even realizing it, which I loved since she just chalked herself up to a dumb jock most of the time.

4. I absolutely adored all of the dry British humor brought in by Al and Luke. It was perfect especially contrasted to Britt’s loud and garish humor. And who doesn’t love a Monty Python reference???

5. Not only was the anxiety of being a young person captured perfectly, but the budding young romance brought me back to days of yesteryear. The fleeting glances, the constant butterflies, the “did he mean to touch my hand?!?!” moments, the intense blushing….sigh, youth truly is wasted on the young.

6. I liked how Britt and Amberlyn came to an understanding and put to bed all their old issues, but they also didn’t become fast friends after. That is so realistic and I appreciated the author not just putting a bow on it and making them BFFs again.

7. Main character Brittany “Britt” Hanson finally represented a non-toxic Brittany (that doesn’t happen as often as you would think). And yes, this gets its own bullet point because she spells her name the right way!

What didn't do it for me:
1. I wanted a bit more from the characters. We got a lot of introspectiveness with Britt, which was good, but we didn’t get too much with the other characters. I wanted to know more about Luke, Al, and Amberlyn, even Spence and Peter. This book definitely had me wanting more books to get to know the other three competitors, but that just won’t work with how this book wrapped up.

Unfortunately, I’ll probably never get an Amberlyn + Nick book, a Peter working for Ms. C book, or a Spence learning to not be a tool book. I’ve made peace with this.

2. Not to be that person, but I’m fairly certain this should be considered a treasure hunt rather than a scavenger hunt…I’ll leave now.

4 go-find-yourself stars!

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I got about halfway through and just felt bored so I gave up on this book. It seemed like it wasn’t fully flushed out as a whole Nigel while I was reading.

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If you're a fan of classic literature this book is definitely for you! While not crucial to the understanding of the plot, being familiar with these stories adds another level of enjoyment. I could hardly wait to find out which classic would be in the next clue! Britt and Luke were the perfect characters, unveiling themselves bit by bit throughout the story so you are kept wanting to keep reading, You couldn't help but root for their relationship! Al and the rest of the supporting characters added humor and depth to the story as well. It was a lovely read and I can't help but hope for a sequel to catch up with these characters down the road!

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A huge thank you to Penguin Random House International for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for the honest review.

Britt played soccer until her injury ends her dream to play in college. She now compete in a scavenger hunt in England. Then she met Luke, a bookish and very British. In scavenger the rule is you can’t ask for help but you can make new friends.

Luke didn’t help Britt with the scavenger clues but he was with her side every time. They both get to know each other too. Luke was helpful. When he saw someone who needs help, he will help. He also gave his change to the poor. Luke was amaze that Britt can read him like nobody can.

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thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
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this was a super cute and clean YA, this follows four recent graduates as they are invited to participate in a literary scavenger hunt taking place in Scotland and England.
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I loved the traveling aspect, the cute British boys, the friendly banter, and the new adventures. I loved how there was a cute and fun romance but that wasn't the primary focus of the book because it isn't too often that I find a book like that. I loved getting to see britt as a character learn and grow.
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This book would be perfect for readers just getting into YA as it is clean and the romance isn't a huge part or main focus of the story.

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*3.5

This was super cute and I enjoyed it. I feel like things with her friend didn't get fully resolved but it's not that serious. I would have liked a little epilogue at the end about Britt and Luke at college together.

I received an arc through netgalley.

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This is. Cute YA novel about Britt who travels across the UK after an unexpected injury changes her lifes dreams. Shes finds herself and falls in love. Very cute easy read, would very much recommend!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book!

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Thank you to NetGalley for this digital ARC!

"Britt Hanson has always preferred scoring goals on the soccer field to analyzing dusty old books. But when an injury ends her dream to play in college, she jumps at the chance to compete in a scavenger hunt in England that takes her to the locations of classic novels—the prize money would change her life!"

This book reminded me of "I see London, I see France" by Sarah Mlynowski, only with a less likable main character. I don't often read main characters who are jocks or sporty in the traditional sense like Britt is, and it was an interesting change. I found her stubbornness and attitude really offputting. Maybe it's because I wouldn't get along with her if she were someone I knew in real life. I love books and reading and identified more with Amberlynn than with Britt.

If I pretended like Britt was a tolerable person, the story was quite enjoyable, if not a little predictable. I love reading novels about young adults traveling for the first time because it reminds me of when I did that when I was younger. The story's premise is a UK-wide scavenger hunt with a literary theme, and the clues were quite clever! I enjoyed working them out for myself. As someone who moved to England fairly recently, following Britt and her classmates around really made me want to go out and explore my new country!

Britt's self-discovery journey was a long time coming, and her wet mop of a sidekick, Luke, seems like what every girl thinks British guys are like. But alas, I am a sucker for watching people deny their feelings for each other. Jock girl and intellectual boy is a new combo to me, and I'm not sure if I liked it. I was really excited about this book and in the end, I feel like everything just fell really flat. 2.5/5 stars.

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This is an EXCELLENT YA novel.

Britt was a star soccer player until an injury sidelined her in her senior season. When she’s offered an opportunity to take part in a literary scavenger hunt in the UK during summer break, she figures what the heck. When she arrives, she meets Luke. He’s smart, quiet, and kind. He’s free for the week and he agrees to tag along on the journey.

Both Britt and Luke are absolutely darling. Complex and fun and easy to like. The plot is interesting for literary fans, but also adventurous even if you don’t really know much about the landmarks visited.

The adventure, emotional points, banter, and the romance all work so well together in creating a novel that I would have fell head over heels for when I was in high school. This was stellar.

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When I saw British boy in the sipnosis and realized this was a ya romance I instantly knew I had to read this and it didn't disappoint, as someone who also practices sports, I found myself relating to Britt and her problems, all in all, I found this book a very cute and fun reading, I 100% recommend this.

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This was absolutely delightful. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were charming and witty. I highly recommend this fun and quick read! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Britt's journey across the UK. The way Dean combined classic British literature with an almost Amazing Race style journey was excellent. I would have liked to have understood Luke's dad's backstory better - and there were a few times where I felt like the stories from the journeys were a bit rushed. I loved the way Britt told her story in the end. Overall, a great book!

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This was a sweet story about a girl who goes on a life changing journey after her dreams are crushed due to an accident. She makes new friends, faces some things from her past, and confronts personal issues.

From falling in love, new friends, old friends, soul searching, to travel you will want to go on this journey with Britt!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for this advanced copy!

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Adorable! Light and fun YA story- I’m so excited to recommend this to my students! I also love the journey arc. Well written and the characters are flushed out (which is one of my big pet peeves with the YA Genre) HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

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Sweet, clean YA story built around a literary scavenger hunt. Four just graduated high school students are invited on an adventure to follow clues that will take them around England and Scotland. They are competing against each other and the winner is not the first to finish but the one who best summarizes the hunt and what they learn during the week. The prize is $100,000. The story is told from the POV of Britt. She had her future planned out with her soccer scholarship to UCLA and plans go professional. She had the skills until a knee injury led to the discover of a disease that makes that future no longer possible.

The format reminded me of 13 Little Blue Envelopes. While the set up is seemingly implausible, I love figuring out the clues (I got all but one). The tie in to classic literature and authors is an added hook. The characters for teen likable. Meaning they are bright, articulate and each have their own dreams for the money. But teens can be self centered too. I like how the author lets Britt learn that everything isn’t always how she sees it. She can be impulsive and has a habit of walking away from people before they can walk away from her.

The is an enjoyable YA read and very appropriate for the younger side of young adult readers. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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A literary scavenger hunt in England based on classic British literature. Life changing news at a pivotal, inexperienced age. An unusual opportunity for self discovery and how to deal with the future. We are adeptly shown how the main character reacts, deals with and adapts to this change, challenges included. A brilliant lesson in character development. This is about the importance of storytelling, in all its forms. Like in The Canterbury Tales, it’s about the journey, not the end. A perfect sprinkle of romance, mystery, bookish love, and humor.

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This book was cute, and I could see recommending it to my younger YA patrons (older teens might find the plot a little contrived, predictable and silly). A fun book for those ready for light romance, adventure/travel and who wouldn't worry too much about the loose plot setup. Definitely a fun, well-written, light read for YA patrons, particularly those who are just advancing from middle grade fare.

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Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced readers copy of Love & Other Great Expectations.
This was a cute summer YA romcom. I would definitely say this book falls on the younger side of YA. This book reminds me of 13 Little Blue Envelopes.
This book follows Britt on her literally and metaphorically journey. Britt works through her feelings of loss and abandonment as well forgiveness.
I loved how Becky Dean weaved so many classic books into the story, it makes me want to read Austen or Shakespeare. Her descriptions of England also just make me want to travel. I’m now inspired to go on my own literary journey through England.

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This book was cute and literary, just as described. Very young YA in my opinion. Pleasant and well written.

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