Stir Me Up

Oh my goodness, where to begin. I adored this book. I loved how Cami worked for her father in his French restaurant. I loved how her father was a part of her life in such a huge way. It's nice to see a father care so much about his daughter in a book.

The characters are written really well. I felt like I knew these characters and honestly could understand their feelings. I really never got Luke and Cami's relationship. Luke kind of made me mad because he was being selfish and was a bit pushy, especially in a physical way. But I understood his feelings and even towards the middle of the book when I was really mad at him, I understood why he was acting that way. I think that says a lot about the author's writing! I really enjoyed Estella's (Cami's step mother) character. She was loving, kind, supportive and a really cook step mom! A lot of books I've read have the step mother trying to get the daughter out of the picture, and I was very pleased that this was not one of those books! Julian...oh Julian. First of all, his name is almost my name, so he's got that going for him. Secondly, the boy is a hero, even though he doesn't think he is. And thirdly, he's gorgeous. His character is so complicated and I would really love to read a few scenes from his perspective (hint hint). From the first time we meet him, screaming at Cami to the more down to earth, kind and thought provoking intelligent man, I adored him. I would love to read more about their story! Please Sabrina Elkins, tell me there is more of their story!

Overall, a fantastic book. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it!

What I Liked: You had me at wounded soldier. STIR ME UP is well written, with endearing characters and a story line that will break your heart in the best way possible. It will also make you extremely hungry, so I don't advise reading on an empty stomach.

Cami has spent her life in the kitchen of her father's french restaurant and wants more than anything to be a chef herself, although not necessarily one who focuses solely on french cuisine. Dad wants what's best for her which, in his opinion, is to go to college.

Then there's Luke, whose not only Cami's boyfriend, but also her co-worker. He wants what's best for her too, which he thinks is hitting a home run and planning a life with him. Cami isn't sure what she wants, not really. She just knows she's getting pressure from all sides and if she could just have some time to think, to breathe, she might be able to figure it all out.

And then Julian enters the picture, upending her house and her life. He's obnoxious, rude, insulting, and more than a little nice to look which just makes everything worse. He pushes Cami too and she pushes him right back. (She even throws food at him.) But as mad as Julian makes her, he also makes Cami think - about her future, her relationships and what she wants most out of life.

With Julian's help, Cami might actually be able to envision a future full of flavor and promise. And with Cami's help, Julian might be able to start putting his past behind him.

Sabrina Elkins did a great job of capturing the "realness" of relationships. Teens and parents don't always see eye to eye and it's never easy to end a relationship with someone. Figuring out how to balance and navigate feelings and hormones is awkward sometimes too.

I REALLY liked that Julian pushed Cami to pursue her own dreams despite what that could mean for their future. So often, people can get caught up in the feeling of not being able to live without the other person that they set aside what they really want.

What Left Me Wanting More: There were times when Cami's words and actions seemed to contradict each other and I had to remind myself that she was a teenager.

I liked the ending but I wanted an epilogue. (And by epilogue, I really mean, I needed more Julian.) Julian still had a ways to go to work through his issues and I felt like I needed to see how he was doing a year down the road.

Final Verdict: Witty, romantic and heartrending debut!