Review: Hummingbird by Kasey Millstead


Note: This ARC was provided by Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

I finished reading Hummingbird, a standalone young adult story and my very first read from bestselling author Kasey Millstead, earlier today and I'm still trying to process what happened in this book. This wasn't just a love story between teenagers Belle Morgan and Xander Duke; this was a story of Belle's everyday survival in two different environments. At school, she was the victim of bullying, gossip-mongering, and hurtful taunts from her peers. At home, she was more of a resident than an actual member of the family, what with parents who spent more time perpetuating an image of perfection for the world to see but couldn't be bothered to ask how their own daughter was faring with life. She was the recipient of unwarranted ridicule and rumors among her peers, garnering attention she didn't want or need, while she wasn't receiving any sort of acknowledgment or assistance from the adults around her, whether at school or at home. And then Belle meets Xander in the library and her world changes forever.

I can't go into detail because it will ruin the whole reading experience for you. What I will say is that there is one heck of a major twist in the story--one that I suspected but desperately wished I was wrong about--and even though I had a feeling it was coming, it nonetheless shattered my heart. I so sympathized with Belle because no one deserves the treatment she got from her classmates and the lack of guidance from her own parents. When Xander came along, it was as if she had finally found a kindred spirit, someone who got her and wasn't waiting for the opportunity to knock her down. It's easy to tell someone to just brush off the demeaning taunts and salacious lies and to not be affected. The fact is, you can't help but be affected, regardless of age, but more so when you're still figuring out who you are. The good and bad shape you and when it gets overwhelming, all you wish for is one person to be by and on your side...but sadly, not all wishes come true and hope withers away. Hummingbird is heartrendingly honest. Five stars. ♥

Release Date: 01 May 2016

Date Read: 01 May 2016

Learn more about Kasey Millstead.

Purchase Hummingbird on Amazon | B&N | Kobo.

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