Celebrating Debutantes 2016: Liars and Losers Like Us by Ami Allen-Vath (Review+ Giveaway)

Book Details:

Title: Liars and Losers Like Us
Author: Ami Allen-Vath
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Publication Date: March 15, 2016
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover, eBooks

Keep calm and make it to prom night—without a legit panic attack.

For seventeen-year-old Bree Hughes, it’s easier said than done when gossip, grief, and the opportunity to fail at love are practically high-fiving her in the hallways of Belmont High.

When Bree’s crush, Sean Mills, gives her his phone number, she can’t even leave a voicemail without sounding like a freak. Then she’s asked to be on Prom Court because Maisey Morgan, the school outcast nominated as a joke, declined. She apologizes to Maisey, but it’s too late. After years of torment and an ugly secret shared with their class’s cruel Pageant Queen, Maisey commits suicide. Bree is left with a lot of regret…and a revealing letter with a final request.

With Sean by her side, Bree navigates through her guilt, her parents’ divorce, and all the Prom Court drama. But when a cheating-love-triangle secret hits the fan after a night of sex, drinks, and video games, she’s left with new information about Sean and the class Pageant Queen. Bree must now speak up or stay silent. If she lets fear be her guide, she’ll lose her first love, and head to prom to avenge the death of the school outcast—as a party of one.

Book Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Goodreads

 

Personal Thoughts:

Liars and Losers Like Us is a surprising read. It started as a light and fun read with all the romance and high school drama then end up with a shocking twist that I didn’t see coming and left me heartbroken and teary.

I honestly thought this is just another teen story to enjoy – something light and breeze and for the most part it is. Even with a suicide event and bullying the two main characters and their situation are just so fun to read that I almost forgot that there is one character who actually died by committing suicide. Just like the other characters in the story, I totally forgot Maisey. I set her aside because I thought she no longer important. And I am mistaken, because turns out, Maisey is the most important character in this book.

Ami Allen-Vath is so sneaky. I don’t know how she does it but she is really good in adding something unexpected in this book. The Maisey storyline was delivered in the most surprising way. I didn’t expect that type of execution. Sure, Maisey’s death is there by the sideline, looming and never leave but the other characters are so busy with all their personal dramas that I totally forgot Maisey. She’s dead and I don’t think there’s anything we can do about that. But I’m wrong, so wrong and gladly wrong, because turns out there’s more about Maisey’s storyline and that is what makes this book so special. As much as I want to tell you more about it, I think it’s best that you know nothing more. I’m afraid that the reading experience won’t be the same if you know more about the twist about Maisey story.

I’ve read a number of fiction books with bullying and suicide themes on it, like last year when almost every contemporary read that fell on my hand deals with these topics. In all those books I have read I can say that Liars and Losers Like Us has the most subtle but powerful style of handling these dark and sensitive subjects. Ami misdirected me with all the prom stuffs and drama like the other characters in this book that I totally forgot one key character of Liars and Losers Like Us.

Overall, Liars and Losers Like Us is a surprisingly solid and entertaining read. It balanced dark themes with its fun and crazy characters – characters who are all flawed but still managed to leave a mark to readers. Their lives though imperfect are carefully weaved by Ami Allen-Vath. Because beneath all the fun and prom dramas, Liars and Losers Like Us is a heart-wrenching story that shows how our actions can affect other people’s lives.

Sometimes, bullies are not only those who actually do the dirty stuff but also those who are aware of bullying but never say a word about it.

An impressive debut novel from Ami Allen-Vath.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ami Allen-Vath is a MN born writer, living in NJ and has lived in six other states and one country in between. Aside from books, Ami’s into The Walking Dead, yoga, warm vacations in the wintertime and ice cream in any season. Ami’s debut, LIARS AND LOSERS LIKE US, will be released March 22, 2016. You can check out her website, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and like her on Facebook but please ignore her if you see her in pj pants at the grocery store.

Find Ami

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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Giveaway:

What’s up for Grab?

• Liars and Losers Like Us Swag Pack
  

The Rules:

• Open to US addresses only
• There will be one (1) winner
• Winner will be chosen and announced by rafflecopter
• Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
• Ends March 25, 2016
• Prizes will be sent by the author

To enter fill out the rafflecopter form

Good Luck!!!

Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2016 experience. Click the image below for the full list of schedule and links to each feature post!