Dream Chaser [Kindle Edition]

This is one of my favorite love stories. It was such a delight to read and I honestly laughed out loud throughout the entire story. I sat in my room and read it in one sitting because I just didn't want to do anything else but get lost in this story. It was a wonderful diversion.

Willow is a talented cheerleader who takes her team to nationals with her fearless "flying" abilities, but while practicing a stunt, she falls and is hurt badly enough to create terror to try again. She knows she can't continue to cheer so to get her best friend off her back Willow agrees to try out for the mega theatre production that is being held in her community. The top talented show kids have been selected to participate in a play headed for Broadway written by the talent and sexy Tyson. Willow used to dance before joining cheer and was cast in the play opposite her one time best friend Eli. Eli is extremely talented and his dream is to be an actor, but he is angry at the way his friendship was ended by Willow three years ago and is not making her transition from cheer to stage very easy. But the play is a love story and these two are commanded by their director Tyson to find the spark that will set the obvious chemistry between them free. And it is delightful watching it all unfold. I loved the part imagining you want a juice box.

Clearly Maggie Stanton can write a wonderful, romantic, believable tale about the pettiness of high school, the pressure of being a teenager and the beauty of falling in love. This story reminds me of Smile for Me (A Young Adult Romance), His Kiss (Young Adult Romance) and Saving Face (a young adult romance); three stories I have enjoyed recently. I will definitely be recommending this story to my best friends and be re-reading it again soon. Just thinking about it makes me smile.

Would I/Did I buy it? Yes (2.99)
Would I read it again? Oh Yeah!
Would I recommend it to friends? Yes

Angie Stanton is an asset to young adult literature. She is an extremely talented author who has a knack for writing entertaining and engaging novels. I have read two novels by her so far, Rock and a Hard Place and Dream Chaser, and I loved both of them. Angie Stanton's novels flow so well. Her writing style is fluid, entertaining and mesmerizing. At this point, I think she could write a book about purple ants, and I would enjoy it. (Please don't. I am just saying.)

Dream Chaser was another riveting young adult romance by Angie Stanton. Willow, the main character, is a tenacious character who excels at everything she puts her mind to. Her problem is that she isn't good at sticking with things; she runs when she is scared. In her youth she was one of the best, if not the best, competitive dancers in the state. Her freshman year, she quit dance and became the best cheerleader and flyer (those are the people that get tossed in the air) on her squad. But after a really bad fall, she turns her back on the cheerleading squad and her fear of falling. Not only 24 hours later, she auditions and lands the lead for a big musical production, and the male lead is played by Eli, the reason she ran away from dance all those years ago. Passion, love and humor fill the pages of this novel.

Yes, this story focuses on a girl who is interested in dance and cheerleading. However, that isn't the necessarily what this story is about. In my opinion, this novel is about finding your passion in life, the cost of running away when you're scared, and ultimately, sticking around and facing the music when things get tough.

The characters in this novel are -WOW- amazing. You won't be able to stop yourself from falling in love with Willow, Eli, Tyson, and Willow's wacky family (basically every character in the novel). Her parents and younger sister, Breezy, put a smile on my face. You could see how much they loved one another. I must admit, I was a little envious of Willow's relationship with her parents. They have such an easy camaraderie. They openly love, laugh, and rely on one another. Her parents are also very lenient with her and have a lot of trust in her.

The relationship between Eli and Willow was really, really sweet and also very realistic. Surprisingly, they had a few steamy moments, too. It wasn't anything too crazy, but it was still unexpected.

I was a competitive dancer until my freshman year of high school. I practiced three or four days a week and had competitions almost every other weekend. My freshman year, I was forced to choose between dance and cheerleading; I picked cheerleading. My junior year we were the Grand National Champs at a major competition. Sound familiar? Fortunately, there aren't any really bad falls in my past.

Unfortunately, there isn't an Eli in my story! Regardless, I could really relate to Willow because we share some of the same passions. My connection with dance and cheerleading only increased my love for this novel. I think anyone could read and enjoy this novel, whether you are a dancer, a cheerleader, a basketball player, or don't play any sports at all.

I gave Dream Chaser by Angie Stanton 5 STARS. This young adult romance novel will sweep you off your feet. It's a charming novel that's quick and easy to read. I strongly recommend this novel to young adults.

-XOXO

READING, EATING AND DREAMING

This is the second young adult novel from talented author, Angie Stanton, and once again, Ms. Stanton hits her mark! Pulling us immediately into heroine Willow's story, we feel for this teenager who suffers a horrific fall and loses confidence in her abilities, talent, and soul. But Ms. Stanton takes Willow right back into the action where she must face her fears and learn that running away is never the answer. Add to that a sweet budding romance, and this book has something for everyone.

I was mesmerized from page one and found myself cheering for Willow throughout the entire book. Not only does Ms. Stanton write a wonderful heroine, but her side characters are equally fun, unique and entertaining.

Ms. Stanton is already a successful young adult author with her first novel "Rock and a Hard Place." "Dream Chaser" will no doubt skyrocket her to the top of the YA reading charts! Brava!