Review: Anything To Have You by Paige Harbison

Anything To Have You

by Paige Harbison

Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Published by Harlequin Teen

Pages:304

Source: Harlequin Teen via Netgalley

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Nothing should come between best friends, not even boys. ESPECIALLY not boys.

Natalie and Brooke have had each other's backs forever. Natalie is the quiet one, college bound and happy to stay home and watch old movies. Brooke is the movie—the life of every party, the girl everyone wants to be.

Then it happens—one crazy night that Natalie can't remember and Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden, can't forget. Suddenly there's a question mark in Natalie and Brooke's friendship that tests everything they thought they knew about each other and has both girls discovering what true friendship really means.

My Thoughts 

A quick Q&A:
Did I like it reading it? Yes. Did it keep me interested throughout? Definitely. Did I see the twists coming? Yes. Some parts were predictable, but that didn't bother me. Do I think this book is for all readers? No. I think some readers will find the main characters unlikeable. Are likeable characters necessary for me to like a book? No.

It's really easy to pass judgement on the characters in Anything To Have You and find fault in many of the decisions that they make. But what needs to be asked is "what leads them to make these decisions in the first place?" I questioned the foundation of Natalie and Brooke's friendship from the very beginning - they've been friends since childhood, but by their actions, it was difficult to recognize a lifelong friendship. I saw this book as being more about their friendship growing apart which allowed both Natalie and Brooke to make the decisions that they did.

Brooke and Natalie both have damaged their relationship. Both are at fault. Both need to accept some of the blame. They both push limits to see: how far you can go without turning back and when can you admit when you are wrong. Anything To Have You isn't only about betrayal which does take up a major part of the book, but it is a story about forgiveness, not redemption, and moving forward and moving on.

I liked the alternating points of view because it allowed my to see both Natalie and Brooke's perspectives and motivations. However, the first part of the book seemed very one sided and to be more from Natalie's perspective. Readers who like to root for a character may lean toward rooting for Natalie more and that isn't fair to Brooke and everything that she goes through. 

This book isn't for all readers. If your books have to contain likeable characters, then you might have a hard time reading this book. But if you want to read a book about changing friendships, the inner workings of high school dynamics, and a forbidden and unexpected love story, then you should give Anything To Have You a chance. 

This is the first book that I've read by Paige Harbison, but it won't be the last.

 

About the Author

Paige Harbison recently graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts. She grew up on the outskirts of Washington D.C. She spends most of her time with friends--who give her constant inspiration for characters--and calls it research. The rest of her time is spent writing, painting, and following all of the worst TV shows.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from Harlequin Teen via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-RC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am providing this review as part of the Anything To Have You book tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours. Go to YA Bound Book Tours for the complete tour schedule.