Lady Reader's Bookstuff: Review & Giveaway - BUTTERFLY KISSES by Mia Castile

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Review & Giveaway - BUTTERFLY KISSES by Mia Castile

8:53 AM | Posted by lady reader |

Everything changed for the Baxter sisters last spring. Lacey blew it with Henry her lifelong crush, only to discover a blooming relationship with her best friend, Chase. While he picked her up and put her back together, they grew closer over the summer. Now that school has started, he’s found popularity thanks to his band Cate’s Ashes, and he’s hiding secret phone calls and text messages. Plus, did his ex-girlfriend just appear out of the blue at his show? Forcing Lacey to wonder if he’s over the feelings he pronounced for her at the beginning of summer. Add to the tension, a realization and secret of her own to keep about her worse enemy. Lacey vows to be the bigger person and keep Byron’s revelation, but what will it cost?

Meanwhile, as Lana tries to find herself again after her suicide attempt, she’s befriended by the school’s resident bad girl, Britt, and new chicano boy, Tomas, in the same week. Britt offers unconditional acceptance that Lana didn’t realize she craved, while Tomas brings out the best in her, and makes her feel alive again. Britt is dangerous and daring, while Tomas exudes security and safety. Vices come easily when you are already addicted to something you crave, and Lana muddles through figuring out who she wants to be.

With their parents constantly arguing, and their dad moving into the guest bedroom, the pressure on the girls may explode destroying them all. Is there a place for happiness when their world is crumbling around them?

My Thoughts:

Wow. There is so much going on in this book that I'm not sure I have had sufficient time to let everything settle. First of all, I have to say that I love this story so, so much. I fell in love with it and all of the characters in the first book and reading this one just put the icing on the cake. Mia knows how to write a novel. She knows how to keep you coming back for more. So many issues are touched on. Mia isn't afraid to get deep and really go outside the box and I really like that. I didn't think it was possible but I actually think I like this book best so far.

One of the things I really enjoyed was watching as Lana grew mentally and as a person, it was so nice to see her realizing the mistakes that she had made in the past and that she was accepting of them and wanted to be the better person. I think her being able to see the difference in herself means so much and gives her so much potential to be someone other than that shallow, spoiled little girl that she used to be. However, her character deals with so much and is under so much pressure in this book, I'm almost worried for her in the next. Will she be able to handle everything? Especially now that she no longer has the moral support that she is used to. I'm very interested to see where the story will go with her.

All of the characters really have grown and have become their own in the second book. Chase and Lacey are too perfect. Byron is adorable. Henry is, well, Henry is Henry. It's fun getting to know some of the secondary characters from the first book in this one. Watching them try and form friendships with others is an interesting kick. I am already begging for the next book, for the next chapter in these kids' lives. This series is a must read.