I'll Be the One

I actually finished this two days ago, but was so involved in my game that I forgot to update this, so bear with me as I try to remember what I wanted to say.

I liked the first 40-50 percent of the book a lot - like I was agreeing with all those four star reviews, but the second half of the book really let me down. It started with the manufactured drama between Skye and Henry (and I'm going to say that it was definitely manufactured because Skye is usually grounded and Henry is really a sweetheart and the only way drama could be found if it was manufactured because, by nature, neither of these are dramatic characters).

Also, coincidentally or not, that was also about the time that the audiobook narration really started to grate in regards to certain characters. (Mostly Skye's two school friends who, from then on, couldn't seem to speak at anything lower than a shout. More than once I found myself wincing at their volume.)

I did (mostly) like Skye and Henry and, even though I wasn't a supporter of their relationship at the beginning, I was at least somewhat by the end. I also liked the message that was being sent. (Even if it felt somewhat truncated and had a somewhat vague and open-feeling slice of life ending.)

I also want to give mad props for a bisexual lead and a bisexual love interest. Not only do I personally appreciate it (especially Skye's admittance that the chances of her ever dating a girl is slim because of family, something I can personally relate to) but it also adds a nice bonding moment for them.

(Side note: Skye's dad is awesome!)

Finally, there were a couple of moments that did not make any sense - both dealing with Henry's ex, Melinda. (That was her name, right?)

First, Skye states early on that if she tries out for both singing and dancing, and fails to get in either one, she will be rejected from both. Melinda later states that she tried to get into the dancing portion and failed, yet she was somehow accepted in the singing part. I have questions.

Then, there was a moment where singers go head-to-head against another singer. One of the pair-ups had enough advance notice of who their partner would be to choose a song (the same song? I don't remember) by the same singer as their opponent. Skye was paired against Melinda, a fact that she apparently didn't know until the moment they were called on stage together. I have even more questions.

All in all, for a book that usually isn't my type, I did enjoy it - but not as much as I thought I would upon first starting it, and I can't help but wish things were just a little tighter plotted.