A Girl Like Me

TEEN/YOUNG ADULT

Title: A Girl Like Me
Author: Ginger Scott
Publication date: 05/26/2017
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Amazon blurb
I’m not supposed to be here.

Death has come for me more than once, and each time it’s been a boy who’s stood between me and my final breath.

I called him Christopher when he saved me as a child. When he came into my life again, only months ago, I knew him as Wes. Just as he did the time before, he disappeared the moment he made sure I was out of harm’s way; as if I didn’t need any more saving.

This time, though, death left me with a reminder of how powerful it is. I know it meant to strip me of my spirit again, but it failed.

Even so, I know I need Wes to survive. Our souls are woven together somehow, our every breath in sync. I feel it, even though everyone says I shouldn’t.

The world thinks he’s missing.

His loved ones don’t want to believe he’s dead.

Only I know just how special he is.

I’m going to find him and bring him home, where he belongs. Together, we’ll face impossible—we’ll rewrite our ending.

And when the bad guys come calling, we will always win.​​

My Review
This book is a total genre-bender. If there was a category for young adult paranormal sports romances, I guess that’s where I’d put it. But since I don’t really know of a category like that, I’ll label this one as a more generic teen/young adult romance.

First of all, this IS NOT a standalone romance. It’s part of a duet, and you will need to read book 1 if you want to have any clue what’s going on. (I tried to read book 2 first, was confused AF, and ended up having to go back and read book 1 first. Trust me. Don’t take on book 2 without reading book 1 first. You’ll regret it.)

What I loved most about this duet wasn’t really the characters or the writing mechanics. Sure, those things were great, as I would expect. But what I really enjoy about Ginger Scott’s style is that it’s super unique. She takes chances as an author and doesn’t ever deliver a safe, “typical” romance read. In A Girl Like Me, you’ll find characters who aren’t anything like you and me (i.e.: typical readers), but the way the author tells the story and weaves the words together makes you relate to them and root for them regardless. And the end result is a poignant story that makes you think and feel in equal measure. The plot’s also plenty twisty, so you’re never really sure where the author is taking you. All you know for sure is that you can’t wait to get there.

I personally enjoy some paranormal elements in a story, and it doesn’t bother me when every little aspect isn’t thoroughly explained. I’m OK with a few unsolved mysteries. But if you’re someone who just HAS TO KNOW how everything works, you might be a little disappointed with the ending of this one. (I know, I know. I’m being intentionally vague so that I don’t give away any spoilers. Sue me.)
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“I promised you I would tell you everything I could, but some things might be better left in boxes.”

Long-story-short, I would recommend this duet to anyone who likes a little paranormal (no sparkly vampires, or anything) in their romance, and who can appreciate a writing style that’s anything but typical. This one’s highly 1-clickable, folks. (But just do yourselves a favor and buy the whole duet right away. You won’t be able to stop after the first book, and the second book just doesn’t make sense without the first.)

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
Even with the paranormal elements, this one has a starkly “real” feel to it. It definitely crushes the romance stigma. No rehab needed.

Other reading suggestions
I would definitely recommend Ginger Scott’s backlist. But for another angsty, slightly paranormal, high-on-the-feels new adult romance, try Emma Scott’s How to Save a Life.

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