Emmy and Oliver were inseparable…until his father kidnapped him ten years ago. Emmy’s parents keep her close, afraid that something might happen to her. When Oliver comes back, Emmy expects everything to go back to normal. But is anything ever that simple?
This is my first Robin Benway book but it won’t be my last. She intertwines humor and drama is such a flawless way. This combination makes Emmy & Oliver a roller-coaster of feels. I have to admit that the story is a bit too dramatic (maybe a little soap opera-esque) but I was in the mood for a romance with a little something different added to the mix. I think I ended up liking it so much because it was exactly what I wanted to read that day.
Even though everything (from the title to the cover to the blurb) categorizes this book as a romance, in reality it is so much more. The romance is there but it isn’t as important as everything else going on. First of all, the family dynamic is pretty excellent. Every single relationship is complex and interesting. The relationship between Oliver and his mother is so fragile and heartbreaking. Then, there’s the relationship between Oliver and his father, which is super confusing but completely believable. You also get a look at Emmy’s overprotective parents and how Oliver’s disappearance changed their lives. This spotlight on the families is so great to see since most YA novels are known for having the Absent Parental Figure Syndrome. Emmy & Oliver not only includes parents but they are not flat and/or useless characters! So this one gets a big gold star in that department.
Another gold star goes to the rest of the characters. They are all amazing. Seriously, all of them. The characters’ personalities and their development is so well written. Even though I have a lot of love for Amy and Oliver, Amy’s friends are FABULOUS. You know you have a winner when the secondary characters shine just as bright as the main characters. Basically, all the elements come together to tell a pretty solid story. The only thing I didn’t like is that Emmy kind of forgets about her (fantastic) friends as soon as she starts hanging out with Oliver but I don’t consider this to be a deal-breaker.
This book warmed my heart so much that I couldn’t put it down. I barely got any sleep the night I picked it up because it hooked me from the beginning. I experienced so many emotions that I was completely drained by the end. But it was totally worth it.
Katherine
I’ve heard so many great things about this and a lot of book bloggers buzzing about this one! It sounds like something that would be right up my alley, plus I was really looking forward to this when it came out. I’ll have to pick it up soon.
Paola Carolina
I hope you do!
Linda
I’ve seen this book around youtube, and so far the reviews are mostly positive and great just like yours! I haven’t read this yet but I’ll definitely be adding this to my tbr pile 🙂
Paola Carolina
Yay! I hope you love it!!
Carina Olsen
I always hear good things about this book 🙂 Stunning review Paola. <3 I'm so glad you mostly loved it 😀 You make it seem awesome. I must read it sometime, I think 🙂 Seems so amazing.
Paola Carolina
Thank you so much, Carina! Share your thoughts with me if you read it! <3
Georgette
It was a very good book; I just think I had so much other crap going on at the time that I didn’t love it as much the first time. I could not put it down, however. Hooked me immediately. I will be giving it a second go round in a few weeks when I’m on vacation.
Paola Carolina
Right? I couldn’t put it down. Let me know if you enjoy it more the second time around! 🙂