Today I’m sharing my review on a young adult novel called ‘Dating the It Guy’ by author Krysten Lindsay Hager. I’ve also got a fantastic exclusive author interview to share that you’ll want to check out. Enjoy!
Dating the It Guy by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My Review:
Although Dating the It Guy is a young adult novel, it read with a mature voice and is relate-able even if you’re no longer a teenager. There was an interesting dynamic between the two main characters and it was interesting to see the way young emotions played into the story. The story contained all of the drama and chaos of being in high school but it also contained a lot of home life drama that people tend to keep to themselves; ill grandparents and parents that have high expectations and dictate the direction your life is going to take.
One of the main themes of the story is the idea that you have to have open communication with your significant other and not pretend to be someone you’re not. It’s important to listen to your intuition and your inner self and build inner confidence rather than try to rely on cards and new age type stuff to tell you how to live your life. It’s also important to realize that although someone may seem happy go lucky or their life might seem easy, there’s usually a lot going on under the surface. It’s important to be mindful of the situations that other people are in and have compassion. Things aren’t as they always seem and it’s important to give people a chance to talk things through before making assumptions.
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
I received a complimentary review copy from the author via Neverland Blog Tours. All reviews 100% reflect my honest opinion.
Interview with the Author Krysten Lindsay Hager
What inspired you to write Dating the It Guy?
I was watching a TV show about JFK Jr. on TV when I started wondering what it’d be like to date someone like that back in high school. Then I started thinking about the situation from the girlfriend/main character’s point of view. From there I started getting ideas about what the Brendon character would be like and what we might not know about the challenges of being the “it” guy. Emme’s part was easy to write as I put myself in her shoes.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I wrote the book because I think it’s easy to feel alone and worry about not being accepted if you don’t fit in with the “it” crowd. The teen years are already hard enough without adding all these other elements into it like dating well-known guys who have their lives scrutinized. Dating the It Guy shows how we all worry about being accepted and have our moments of insecurity and the book also has humor to keep you laughing as well.
What character do you relate most to and why?
Emme has my sense of humor and is probably the character most like me out of all the ones I’ve written. I also loved writing her insights and feelings on having to live in the shadow of Brendon’s perfect ex-girlfriend.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I know I should say something noble, but honestly having an excuse to daydream and play make believe all day is pretty amazing.
Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes, I used to make up stories for my Barbie dolls as a kid. I always wanted to be a writer, but I knew it was a long shot.
What inspired you to start writing and what continues to inspire you?
I get inspired by writing something that will help people feel better about themselves. I started out with an idea based on something I was curious about and the characters took it from there. What inspires me now is getting those reader emails—especially the one where the girl said she know understood why all her relationships failed based on something Emme went through. She said it suddenly made sense reading about it and I thought that was awesome I got someone to see her situation in a new light and be helped by something I wrote.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
People are going to criticize no matter what you do, so at least do what makes you happy. It was secondhand advice that was given to my mom when she was planning her wedding and she shared it with me.
What are the things you can’t live without in your kitchen?
Rice, chicken broth, mint tea, chocolate.
What are the things you can’t live without in your wardrobe?
Black pants and comfy sweat pants. I also have a thing for red sweaters.
What are the things you can’t live without in your makeup bag? Lipstick, gloss, powder
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Hmm, well, I had a lot of unpleasant experiences covering sports as a reporter. The job wasn’t bad, but some of the people I dealt with were.
What would we find if we looked in your handbag right now?
My phone, lipstick, a little notebook, and for some reason a plastic spoon…
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Watching TV, chatting with friends, reading the newspaper online
What would you be doing if you weren’t an author?
Journalist
A few of your favorites
Animal: Polar bears or koalas
Season: Spring
Movie: Just Friends
Celebrity: Jennifer Lopez
Author: Judy Blume
Scent: Fresh laundry
Color: Orchid
Food: Chicken soup
Word: Noodle. I say, “Noodle on it,” or “Noodle it,” all the time.
Curse Word: Bastard
Book: The Great Gatsby
Location: NYC
Holiday: Valentine’s Day
Red or white wine? Red
Coffee or tea? Tea
Summer or Winter? Winter
Sleep in or get up early? Sleep in
Apple or PC? PC
About the Book
Title: Dating the It Guy
Author: Krysten Lindsay Hager
Published: March 21, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Book Blurb: Emme is a sophomore in high school who starts dating, Brendon Agretti, the popular senior who happens to be a senator’s son and well-known for his good looks. Emme feels out of her comfort zone in Brendon’s world and it doesn’t help that his picture perfect ex, Lauren seems determined to get back into his life along with every other girl who wants to be the future Mrs. Agretti. Emme is already conflicted due to the fact her last boyfriend cheated on her and her whole world is off kilter with her family issues. Life suddenly seems easier keeping Brendon away and relying on her crystals and horoscopes to guide her. Emme soon starts to realize she needs to focus less on the stars and more on her senses. Can Emme get over her insecurities and make her relationship work? Life sure is complicated when you’re dating the it guy.
Book Links: Amazon US
About the Author
Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | YouTube
Author Bio:
Besides mining her teen years and humiliating moments for her novels, Krysten is also a book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. Krysten writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends…Forever?, Next Door to a Star, Landry in Like, Competing with the Star (The Star Series: Book 2), and Dating the It Guy. Her debut novel, True Colors, won the Readers Favorite award for best preteen book and the Dayton Book Expo Best Sellers award. Krysten’s work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Grand Blanc View, the Bellbrook Times and on Living Dayton.
Praise for Dating the It Guy:
“Dating the It Guy is an entertaining story that is as absorbing as it is hilarious.” Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers’ Favorite
“A satisfying YA romance that is really about growing up and learning how to deal with life.” Writing Pearls book review blog
“There is so much to love about this book. Krysten Lindsay Hager knows how teens think and speak, and she understands why Emme would feel overwhelmed by everything about Brendon – his looks, his popularity, his feelings for her, his exes, his family.” Vox libris: the voice of books book review blog
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HdfnUqZPKU
Social Media Short-Link: https://wp.me/p4F2Uk-mJo
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Thanks for reading and reviewing Dating the It Guy!