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Unconventional by Maggie Harcourt is new and unlike any Young Adult novel you’ve read before. Interested? Scroll for an honest review! 😉
Title: Unconventional
Author: Maggie Harcourt
Pages: 450 (paperback)
Point of View: 1st person
Genres: (UK)YA Contemporary
Installment: stand alone
Lexi, daughter to event planner Max Angelo, is well-known at her dad’s conventions for she’s the girl with the clipboard, the glue which holds everything together on such weekends. A person inside the green room without a pass? Lexi is the one to take care of him. However, Aidan Green might turn out to be more than just a crazy fan. And when nervous Aidan becomes smug Haydn and annoyance becomes attraction, will Lexi step out of the shadows and into the storm? What happens when the girl in control of everything is faced with things she has no control over?
Unlike Your Usual High School Love or Summer Crush
Though close to 450 pages this YA novel went by so fast. I loved the family dynamic with her mum in France and her dad who’s still learning how to be a dad. I’ve never been to a convention before and have also never read a novel in which the concept was explained. It’s safe to say that I now have a better understanding and appreciation for event staff. It isn’t your usual high school love or summer crush book. It’s new and exciting, funny and fresh, and yes also a little nerdy (as a nerd myself, I enjoyed those moments immensely).
Enjoyable Romantic Aspect, but…
Personally, the way Lexi handled things emotionally was very relatable in most instances. As I also know a thing or two about control freaks in a familial setting. To be honest, however, I would have appreciated a bit more interaction between Lexi and Aidan. I’m not sure when it started, but at some point, I just felt like something was missing. A tiny gap that ached to be filled with conversation and affection appeared. Granted, I probably feel this way because of the monthly jumps. And even though phone interactions are mentioned, it felt like I was somewhat still in the previous part of their relationship. Overall, however, I enjoyed the romantic aspect as well. Lexi and Aidan are a good fit.
New & Refreshing
I don’t feel like there’s one bit of cliché in this novel. It is very different and unlike any YA book I’ve ever read. However, I did feel like the ending was a bit short, as after I thought the drama was over and resolved, the tiniest spark of it returned once more.
Overall, Unconventional is about friendship and family, fandom, authors, and pineapples. As the name lets on, Unconventional is indeed quite unconventional.
Did I succeed in making you want to read Unconventional by Maggie Harcourt? If so, you can buy a copy here: Thalia| Amazon USA
