Review of West Virginia Boys

[Kajori Sheryl Paul]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "West Virginia Boys" by Tracey Mellert.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Young love is characterized by sweet romance and passionate love. More often than not, teenagers are unable to get a grip on their raging emotions when they fall in love. Would an isolated young girl with no prior experience in love or meaningful relationships be able to keep her head straight when she first experiences the fiery impulses of love?

In Tracey Mellert's West Virginia Boys, Neenah Valdera had led a very sheltered life. Vacationing with her grandmother in Barboursville, Virginia was her only means of escape from the tyrannical reign of her stepmother. Neenah mustered up the courage to make a change the summer before her eighteenth birthday. With the help of her grandmother and best friend, Tara, Neenah decided to live life to the fullest.

Would Neenah be able to find love and happiness? Would she be able to make the right choice? Most importantly, would she be able to stay true to herself in the midst of all the temptation?

Like most YA romance novels, West Virginia Boys makes our hearts flutter. Through Neenah, Mellert showcases the importance of making the right choices. She depicts the significance of remaining true to oneself. This sets the book apart from all other books. Truly, this was my favorite aspect.

The story is written from Neenah's point of view. This helps the reader understand Neenah's decisions. I like the way the author included excerpts from the boys' perspectives. This made them more relatable.

Devlin is a rugged hero. He is kind and protective. He is willing to do anything for his love. He is the definition of an alpha male. At the tender age of seventeen, he has his future mapped. This is truly praiseworthy. Jaxon is an absolute sweetheart. I always had a special fondness for rockstars. So, a rockstar falling desperately in love is a treat to read. However, I have to mention that both Devlin and Jaxon's possessiveness does seem exaggerated at times. I am pretty sure that such jealousy would not sit well with me in real life. I loved the bond between Devlin and his brother, Jackson.

Neenah's grandmother is my favorite character. She is always there for Neenah. Though I did not agree with some of her actions, I have to say that Tara is a great best friend. I would love to read a book revolving around Tara and Jackson.

Now, let us talk about the cons. I did find a number of errors. These errors can be easily fixed with a round of editing and proofreading. Apart from this, there was one aspect that I found to be a tad unbelievable. Every boy who met Neenah fell for her head over heels. They were enthralled by her beauty and charm at first sight. I found this baffling and somewhat unrealistic.

Keeping in mind the pros and cons, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend West Virginia Boys to fans of romance and YA novels.

******
West Virginia Boys
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Mary Lou Mills]

This sounds like a good book for a young lady to read as it would help her to get through those teenage years knowing that she's not alone.

[Elendu Ekechukwu]

This book would be very intriguing. I can't wait to satisfy my curiosity.

[Shivansh_007]

This looks like a joyful book with some teachings as well. I don't know much about the theme of the book but after reading the review I feel like looking into it a bit more. Thanks for the review.

[Jennifer C 14]

West Virginia Boys is very interesting story of lover boy, Devlin is a rugged hero. He is kind and protective. He is willing to do anything for his love. Enjoy reading.

[markodim721]

I like that there is room in the book for Devlin as a rugged hero. Thanks for the good review.

[Katso Puku]

Thanks for the review, am not much of a romance person but i will definitely read this one.

[Stephen Ikimi]

As a young person who love love,I'm interested in such a book. Describing the first love journey of the main character just follows my own life story. I like that. It's a craftily designed book with simple language

[Petra11_stacia_]

I'm so much into romance and this book is captivating. As a young girl I would want to see how a young girl like her who is naive about love would fall in love and also stay true to herself as well