Book Review: We are the Goldens

Synopsis From Goodreads:
Nell knows a secret about her perfect, beautiful sister Layla. If she tells, it could blow their world apart.

When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellayla. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They're a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell's a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she's happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it's wrong, and she must do something about it. 

What I Thought

This was the first book I was approved to read from Netgalley. That alone made reading this more of an experience for me. I truly believe how you feel going into a book will affect your opinion of it. I admit, I went in with low expectations and feeling the actual pressure to write a review that would be objective and fair. I refuse to bash a book, no matter how horrible I might feel, I would never jump on the internet to tell everyone I hated it.

I got lucky. We Are The Goldens was an easy read. Easy to start, easy to finish and easy to enjoy. I do wish the synopsis didn't give so much away though. "Layla is involved with one of their teachers" In my opinion this is the little secret, that the story is building up to. And isn't actually revealed until halfway through the book. I loved Nell's take on the whole situation, and how she told this story. Choosing to begin where she did, to show the reader just how strong this connection was. Nell also shows how her life was changing right alongside Layla's, sometimes because of Layla.

I am personally, a die hard romantic fan. The love aspect of the book is my favorite. I might read dystopia and sci-fi with world building and beauty artistry of words, but you better believe I'm waiting the whole time for the beautiful love story to unfold. We are the Goldens didn't have that focus. Yes, there was talk of relationships, and mild sexual content but it really focused on the friendships, the sisterly bond, and growing up to learn from mistakes and make wise decisions. I didn't even miss it.

I'm really happy I read this book. Since it wasn't focused on a relationship, I might have continued to overlook this author.

P.S. I'm not really a fan of teacher/ student in high school relationships. I basically avoid them at all costs. So I cheered Nell on when she didn't approve of her sisters involvement with the teacher. I basically feel if the teacher and student love each so much they can't be without the other, they would just wait until the student graduates. If the love is so strong, they can break the law, it should endure the test of time and distance. If it stands when the student is no longer a student, then they can be in a relationship. The only book I read that I think it was acceptable was Slammed by Colleen Hoover. Mostly because she was 18 and he was like 20 or something really young. AND she was soon to be a single parent to her younger brother, just like him. But that's just me, maybe I'm alone.