Review: The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

The Promise of Amazing

By: Robin Constantine

Pub. Date: December 31, 2013

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Pages: 384

Source: Edelweiss

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

 I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to get approval to read The Promise of Amazing. I thought it was going to be a fun, sweet contemporary, but sadly, I was disappointed. I just found the whole plot stupid, which caused me to not enjoy it as much as I was hoping I would.

Wren is your typical shy, good girl. Grayson is your typical bad boy but whose trying to change. After he chokes on a hot dog (his fault by the way cause he's an idiot), Wren saves his life. Which follows the worst dialogue I have ever heard:

"Why did you choose to save my life?" (quote from ARC)

For real? Is this supposed to be some deep conversation. She saved you cause you were chocking on a hot dog at her family owned restaurant/party hall you idiot! It was after this that I just couldn't take the book seriously.

I did enjoy the character of Wren and watching her break out of her shell. She was sweet and funny. I could have done without Grayson though. For me, the two of them didn't have the chemistry I was expecting them too or hoping that they would have.

It might seem like I completely hated this story. But that is not the case. There were many things that I did enjoy! While the connection wasn't there, the two characters were completely relatable! I felt like I was back in high school with them, from the scenes they were in, to what they were saying. It all felt very real. I also enjoyed the alternate POV between Wren and Grayson. Even though I thought it was stupid how the two met, I loved how it ended. It was sweet and realistic!

Overall, was this a book for me? No. But that doesn't mean it isn't a book that others wont love. I completely see this story getting a lot of positive attention!