Brandy Walls

“I hope you find someone you can't live without. I do. And I hope you never have to know it's like trying to live without them.”
-America Singer


I absolutely adored this book. I must admit that when I purchased it, it was only because the bookstore clerk suggested it based on another series I was reading at the time. I read the synopsis and though it seemed interesting I didn't have the urge to crack it open just yet. It took me almost a year to actually open the book and when I did I still had mixed feelings on whether or not I truly wanted to read the book. Last month I decided it was time I gave it a try and I'm glad I did.

This story follows America Singer a 5 from Carolina who is madly in love with Aspen Leger a 6. In Illea it is not acceptable for people to date outside of the caste, especially when the husband is in a lower caste than the wife. For two years America and Aspen meet in secret, the only place they can truly admit and express the love they have for one another. Despite being of low status America is absolutely in love with her life and the people in it. But their was soon to be one problem, the selection.

Prince Maxon had just turned 18 and was in need of a wife. He had no time to date so the royal family decided on “the selection” a competition for 35 lucky women who will compete in order to become Illea's next Princess. America had no desire to apply for the selection, but her mother insisted on it, and surprisingly so did Aspen. Just to make them happy she did, she would never be picked anyway and they could both stop bugging her about it. But she was picked, now what should she do? How could she compete for a hand at marrying the Prince when her love was Aspen?

America decides to go along with the competition, it would be a nice break away from home and help support her family at the same time. She is absolutely sure that she will not be in the competition for long, how could the Prince ever take her seriously? But would he? With the time spent in the palace and with time spent with Prince Maxon, will America change her mind? Will she fall in love with the Prince?

My favorite thing about this books is America's need to remain true to herself even when in the presence of royalty. I also love the Romance it's refreshingly amazing.

This story provides hope that love is not about pretty faces and financial gain, but of true chemistry and amazing friendships.

This was such an amazing book to me. I normally don't read contemporary books but this has just opened my eyes to the genre and now I want to read more. Eliza is such an amazing character and one I can relate to when it comes to anxiety, panic attacks, and being so consumed in what others think of you that you feel like you want to disappear so no one knows you exist. The ending was amazing and most importantly realistic. I absolutely loved it. This books is a must read.