Book Review: Piece of My Heart by Lynn Madelenna Menna

NOTE: I received the eARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks.

I would like to begin this review by saying that what I got from this book was definitely NOT what I had expected. I expected a huge amount of drama and physical violation over Marisol (a.k.a. Marie), but I'm glad that I was mistaken.

The writing style was flawless. I loved the narrative, as it provided just the right amount of world building. I loved the dialogues because they sounded realistic and true. I loved the concept and the story line.

Most of all though I loved Marie. She was this amazing girl - brave, creative and smart - she won me over from the first time she opened her mouth. She wasn't selfish, although her friends and on-again off-again boyfriend, Julian, always called her that. No. She was just a hard working girl with big dreams.

Marie was offered the easy way out (or in this case, 'in'), and we all know what it entails for a young girl who wants to be a pop star. There are too many movies about that (8th mile comes to mind). But she despised the idea. Marie wanted her success to be her very own, and that made me like her even more. I was also impressed by the way she stuck for herself and fought with everyone who wanted her to change her direction. No boyfriend, no friend could make her waver from her dreams.

And last, but definitely not least, Marie was not stupid. She knew exactly how far she was willing to go in every situation. She knew where her heart and mind lie.

Of course, she made some questionable choices, but she did figure out how to maneuver herself from under the consequences and shine bright again.

Marie's boyfriend, Julian, annoyed me most of the time. He was so undecided about what he wanted, I really felt like slapping some sense into him. And at one point of time he struck me as the kind of guy who'd give an ultimatum to a girl, just so she'd sleep with him. I mean, how low could you go? Then he seemed to be playing ping-pong with Marie and this other girl, leading both on. Grrr! Just figure out who you love and stick with them already! Or don't bother either one of them, you jackass!

With one exception, Marie's friends were all hypocrites. He all played good friends in front of her face, but behind her back.... it was really ugly. There was just one girl, and shame on me for not remembering her name, who really stuck by Marie and helped her out in any way she could. I admire that kind of a friend. The true kind.

So in conclusion I can only say that Piece of My Heart is a really great read. I recommend it to anyone who loves a strong lead female who knows what she wants.

My rating is: 5/5