Cover For someone who isn’t a fan of people on the covers, I love this one! I think even more so after I read the book. It fits Emmy perfectly. Definitely don’t mess with the girl with the perfect lipstick!

Plot I’m still not sure if this book is better than Queens of Geek, but it’s definitely amazing. This book sucked me in from the start, because this author has an amazing way with words. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like Emmy. The partying type and Jessie (the girlfriend I knew would be trouble), who knew what to expect? The Brightsiders is a fun, but serious book. Emmy has a lot to deal with and it’s not always easy. Parents who care more about themselves really messed with her. Her band and fans mean the world to her, so she luckily gets an amazing support system. Jen Wilde wrote a very diverse book, but in a way that fit really well. Everyone is accepted for who they are, exactly the way they should be. To be that young and have more of a break with your band must be an amazing ride. This book is filled with amazing friendships, characters who find themselves and who fight for what they need. It’s a mix of funny and serious moments. The Brightsiders had me tearing up a few times. I hope this author writes many more books in the future. It’s clear this author knows what she’s talking about. The Brightsiders even sound amazing. Reading some of the song lyrics, really make me think I would love music like that!

Characters Emmy didn’t have an easy childhood. This becomes very clear in the beginning and her parents do some unforgivable things. I felt so bad for her. Her problems come from this relationship. Emmy needs people to love her, so she tries to give them what they want. A few times during this story, I just wanted to shake her and tell her she deserves better. What I loved about this book is how well the character development is displayed. Emmy grows in to a strong young woman who knows what she deserves. It took her awhile, but she gets there. Emmy is proud of who she is!

Alfie is Emmy’s best friend (for quite some time) and he’s amazing! While he seems to have everything under control, even he has things to deal with. I thought it was amazing that the author brought these topics to life. There are still many people who frown upon mental illness. People are looked at so differently, when that’s so wrong. Alfie is a wonderful friend who learned that even he can use some support at times.

Ryan is a character I would’ve liked to know more about. He’s mentioned in this book quite often, but I couldn’t really get a complete plicture of him. Ryan seemed like an amazing friend and person who is figuring out his way in life as well.

Other than these three characters, there is an amazing group of friends who love all three of them. They all have an amazing support sytem of wonderful friends. I wouldn’t mind having these characters as friends.

First, I want to thank the author, publisher and Xpresso Book Tours for letting me participate in this blog tour. And of course, for giving me the opportunity to read early. I’m not the only stop on this tour, so if you want to see the rest of the posts click here. That will take you to the schedule and links for the other tour hosts.

This tour also has an international giveaway (not hosted by The Book Dutchesses). You have a chance to win a print copy of The Brightsiders. The giveaway is open until May 31st.

Jen Wilde is a writer, geek and fangirl with a penchant for coffee, books and pugs. She writes YA stories about zombies (AS THEY RISE), witches (ECHO OF THE WITCH) and fangirls (QUEENS OF GEEK). Her debut series reached over three million reads online and became an Amazon bestseller. Her next book, THE BRIGHTSIDERS, comes out May 2018, and GOING OFF-SCRIPT releases Summer 2019.

When she’s not writing, Jen loves binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix, eating pizza, traveling to far away places and going to conventions in Marty McFly cosplay.

So far Jen Wilde has impressed me with both of her books. Seeing that another book is going to be published next year is exciting! Going Off- Script is definitely going on my TBR! If you’re a fan of the contemporary genre, this book is for you.