Night Owls by Jenn Bennett

Night Owls
Written by Jenn Bennett
Contemporary, Romance
Published August 13th 2015
272 Pages
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
Artist Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she's spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps, she's ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum sponsored scholarship contest, drawing actual cadavers. But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down.

Jack is charming, wildly attractive and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is, and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in Beatrix’s own family’s closet tear them apart?
Wanting to become the next big name in cadaver illustration, Beatrix is a girl on a mission. But having no such luck at the local hospital in which her mother works, she's forced to take the Night Owl home, a bus that travels around San Francisco taking wary travellers home each night. It's there that she meets the enigmatic Jack. Cheeky and flirtatious, Jack is a mystery wrapped in an attractive package, a vegetarian Buddhist dressed as a jewel thief and the two teens strike up a conversation. 
This was the night bus, not a Journey song. Two strangers were not on a midnight train going nowhere. I was going home, and he was probably going to knock over a liquor store.
But Jack isn't the loving and free spirited teen he seems. Behind the facade lies a troubled young man, visiting the hospital several times per week with his family always weighing heavily on his mind.

Jack paints the town gold, literally. He's one of San Francisco's most notorious graffiti artists, defacing public property while the city sleeps. Armed with only her illustration blog to communicate, Jack seems to find Beatrix wherever she goes, leaving golden messages of support and celebration. Driven together by chance and bonded by art, the two teens find themselves navigating towards one another in times of need.

Kelly's Thoughts


Night Owls was absolutely phenomenal, adventurous, heartwarming and incredibly lovely. Previously called The Anatomical Shape of a Heart for the overseas market, it follows the story of Beatrix, determined, creative and incredibly quick witted. An artist fascinated with the human body, she wants to illustrate cadavers and it's there on her way home from an interview at the hospital where she meets Jack, exuding confidence and mystery. I can't remember the last time I had read a romance so utterly lovely, where two characters were more ideal for one another. I adored both Beatrix and Jack as individuals, and even more so together. Both artists, their natural chemistry shone through the pages as the two formed an attraction, leading eventually to gentle and tentative relationship.

Reminiscent of the Australian classic Graffiti Moon, Jack is a graffiti artist. His choice of art is created by a gold spray can at landmarks around San Francisco. But Jack isn't a hooligan, his art represents a side of his life that no one understands, a secret that threatens to tear his family apart. His reasoning was beautiful, it made my heart ache that a young man would go to those kind of lengths and hence, the swooning began.

It made my heart soar.

The storyline is utterly captivating. From the first few pages, I was completely immersed and emotionally attached to both Beatrix and Jack. This is a couple you can't help but cheer on as they flirt their way through the chemistry that sizzles among the pages. There is no excess drama, but both teens have their own issues that are slowly unraveled throughout the storyline. Wonderfully paced, I read long into the early hours of the morning and simply couldn't put it down. One of the best heartwarming, contemporary romances I've read in young adult to date.

The Final Verdict

Beautifully written, Night Owls is an engaging adventure romance beginning in the most unlikely of places. Jenn Bennett has crafted an immaculate storyline to warm your heart and steal your breath away. I adored it. Madly.

47 comments

  1. Kelly, I'm so happy to see 5 stars from you for this book. I'm so excited for it to release in the US. It sounds absolutely lovely and I'm ready to experience that romance that you described asap. I'm excited to swoon over this romance. And yay for there not being much drama.
    Beautiful review, Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's absolutely beautiful Nick, one of the loveliest contemporary YA romances I've read. The adventure, the artistic elements, it was glorious I tell you. Glorious! I can't wait until it's released over there, I have a feeling you'll adore this one as much as I did.

      Delete
  2. Ooh, this looks intriguing. I'm glad you liked it, Kelly. Great to hear there's no excess of drama, either, although that's not something that really bothers me. But beautifully written? Engaging? Adventurous? SOOOOOOOLD. Very lovely review, like usual. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you enjoyed Graffiti Moon, you'll absolutely fall in love with Night Owls. I couldn't put it down Kara, so beautiful and really funny as well.

      Delete
  3. Great review! This books sounds so good! I am definitely going to add this to my TBR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're guaranteed the warm and fuzzies with this one Theresa, you definitely need this book in your life.

      Delete
  4. I'll tell you a secret Kelly: I'm not a romance person. I don't know why, but I'd much rather read something action-packed than something filled with romance. This being considered, you've managed to make me want to read this despite the fact that it's not something I'd normally pick up. It sounds like an amazing and emotional story, and I can't wait to read it for myself. Thanks Kelly, and, as always, fabulous review! ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure that's quite a secret Zoe, but we'll pretend it is...

      Oh no Zoe, not a romance person you say? Well I have just the trick to rid of you of those anti romance blues my dear friend. Take one serve of Night Owls, a blanket, perhaps some chocolate and settle in for a night of fun, laughter and swooning. Mix well and voila! A good time will be had by all.

      I think I've missed my calling in synopsis writing.

      Delete
  5. I like this cover more than the Anatomical Shape of the Heart. I'm so excited for this, it sounds lovely and fitting for the romance junkie in me. Wonderful review, Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Blessie, so much more. It's so incredibly artistic and really represents how magical the storyline is as well. Not only will romance junkies be rejoicing at how utterly lovely this one is, but fans of contemporary and young adult reads who love beautifully written and engaging storylines as well. I can't wait to see what you think of it!

      Delete
  6. Yesss, I LOVED this one too!! AFJDLK IT WAS SO CUTE AND SHIPPABLE. *ships quietly* And the art, OMG THE ART. I felt like it fairly leaped off the page and, you know me, Kelly...it's obvious that I'm gonna be cheering for the girl drawing dead things. *nods* I have that dark side we all know and fear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wasn't it beautiful! I loved that she aspired to be a cadaver illustrator, it's not something we're likely to see again in young adult any time soon. You can tell how awesome a book is when you start shipping couples. I adored it, so much. So heartwarming and absolutely lovely.

      Delete
  7. You had me at 'Night Owls was absolutely phenomenal'! Great review :) Adding this book to my TBR!
    Of Stacks And Cups
    My Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so beautiful Soudha, one of the best young adult contemporaries I've come across. I do enjoy those deep and highly emotional reads, but sometimes you just need something that's fun, warm and that makes your heart sing. This is definitely the one.

      Delete
  8. Oh hello. I need this like whoa. Thanks for the heads up, hun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well hello dear Joy. Yes you do. Get ready to be taken on an adventure of art and defacing public property. Swooning and fluttery hearts will follow. It's glorious. I already want to reread it to capture that feeling.

      Delete
  9. This reminds me of a book I read a long time ago in school. I have been trying to find one like it for a long time and have been drooling over Night Owls since I first heard of it :) Love that you enjoyed it so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved it passionately Sarah! That book wasn't Graffiti Moon was it? It's similar, but I found Night Owls to be more well rounded and Jack was so incredibly lovely. Get read to swoon yourself into a frenzy. I can't wait to see what you think of it!

      Delete
  10. This sounds gorgeous - I mean, it had me at the cover. Both characters sound so good and I love their complexity. Jack's whole vegetarian Buddhist thing sounds like a hit - I want to read this so bad now. Wonderful review as alway Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jack is one of those characters who's complex, yet really easy going. He's a little on the cocky side, but it's so endearing. I don't swoon often, but he and Beatrix were perfect for one another. I can't wait for you to grab a copy, I think you'll absolutely fall in love with Night Owls too!

      Delete
  11. Oh my this book sounds bloody fantastic! A girl who wants to become a cadaver illustrator? I have NEVER even heard of that in real life, let alone in a book. The romance also sounds awesome! I need to look into it ASAP. You always have a way of making me want to read books I previously have no interest in, Kelly! You need to take responsibility for my credit card debts :P

    Aentee at Read at Midnight + The Social Potato

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no, I merely say Oh, look at this wonderful book and how utterly precious it is. I recommend that you read it. I simply cannot be held responsible for you buying all the books my dear Aentee. But this is so, so worth it. You know those books that you fall madly in love with? Night Owls is one of those. I can't wait for you to read it and love it too!

      Delete
  12. I REALLY prefer the Australian title and cover. haha Anyway, this sounds fantastic and I'm so glad to hear that you really loved it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I adored it Lauren and couldn't agree more. The Australian and I also believe it's the UK cover as well is awesome! One of the best covers I've seen in a long time.

      Delete
  13. I'd never heard of this book before reading your post. But after reading the synopsis and your review, I know I have to read it. It sounds absolutely incredible! A must read, even. So that's what I'm going to fo now... Expand my TBR even further.

    Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's just so incredibly lovely, I can't wait to see what you think of it. Definitely a must read.

      Delete
  14. I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU LOVED THIS ONE, KELLY! Jenn is one of my favorite authors EVER and I have so much love for her adult books so I am really excited to read her YA one!

    Also, on a side note, I REALLY do like the Aus/UK title and cover better. ITS SO PRETTY and so well suited to me. I MEAN NIGHT OWLS. It's like we were mtb.

    On another side note, I ADORED Graffiti Moon and I am glad the book reminded you of it (but in a good way)

    Lovely review, hon <3

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rashika, and really looking forward to checking out her adult titles as well. She's such an incredible storyteller isn't she. Yes, if ever a book was completely written for you little hooter, it would be this one.

      Delete
  15. "One of the best heartwarming, contemporary romances I've read in young adult to date." - SOLD. You know how much I love contemporary! Adding this to my TBR right this minute - good thing I did a shelf clean-up this morning and got rid of a bunch. Gives more space to books I want to read! Great review, Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do that every once in a while too Bec, you end up accumulating so many books that you have no intention of reading don't you. I swear, someone adds them to my list while I'm asleep. You'll adore this one, it's magnificent.

      Delete
  16. It sounds like a book that I would relate to somehow, as an artist at least! I haven't read a book that is captivating or intense or memorable lately so thank you for putting this on my radar Kelly! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The artistic element just adds that little something special doesn't it. Both artists, but really creative expressions too. You'll love Night Owls Jules, I can almost guarantee it.

      Delete
  17. Wow, this book sounds amazing! I've always been fascinated by art and books that focus on some kind of art, so I am definitely going to try this one out!
    Beautiful review Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Mishma, art or music infused within a contemporary is usually a sure fire winner in my book. It was so wonderfully written as well. I can't wait for you to grab a copy to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  18. You've been having the best of luck with books lately Kelly! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. It does sound remarkable, truly. I don't typically read contemporary, but your five-star rating and that amusing gif has swayed my heart :) I've added to my TBR and wishlist! Loved the review, made me beam :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Claudia.

      Even with no reading many contemporaries, I think this book will open you up to a whole new genre. It was so genuine and lovely, I can't wait to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  19. I haven't heard of this before, but it sounds so lovely. I'm a fan of Graffiti Moon, so I will definitely check this out! Beautiful review, Kelly!
    Michelle @ The Unfinished Bookshelf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Michelle. I loved Graffiti Moon as well, but adored Night Owls and ended up reading it all in one sitting. The bags and puffy eyes the next morning were definitely worth reading into the early hours of the morning.

      Delete
  20. I got about 5 sentences into your review and added this to my TBR lol it sounds wonderful! And I think "Night Owls" is a much nicer title than "The Anatomical Shape of a Heart", it's so confusing when things get renamed for different markets :/

    Great review Kelly! I'm looking forward to this :)

    - Wattle @ Whimsical Nature

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Completely agree Wattle. I read an interview on Reviews from a Bookworm that mentioned that Night Owls was the official title, but the US publisher changed it for their market. Night Owls has a double meaning, not only the name for the night bus what they met, but both also find solace in their art at night. I can't wait to see what you think of it Wattle, it really was beautiful.

      Delete
  21. This novel sounds incredibly beautiful from the way you describe it Kelly, I'm so glad that the romance was done so well and that they had an awesome chemistry with one another. It sounds like you got really attached to the characters!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was Jeann, it truly was. I love a quirky and adventurous romance and this was perfect. I loved them both equally, flaws and all. I really hope you pick up a copy, especially if you loved Graffiti Moon.

      Delete
  22. Oh wow, you really enjoyed this book didn't you? It really doesn't sound like my kind of book but then I read reviews like yours and I'm almost won over!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What can I do to win you over fully? Oh, you have to read this one just for that incredibly loveliness and warm, feel good romance. It's a winner.

      Delete
  23. Woah this definitely sounds like a unique and artfully crafted read! I read 'drawing cadavers' and immediately thought 'Well *that's* not something I've come across in a novel before!". It's fantastic to hear the romance is swoon-worthy, and I hope to pick this up soon thanks to your wonderful review :)

    Eugenia @ Genie In A Book

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had exactly the same thoughts poppet. Really unique and kooky. It just added to how lovely the storyline was. I can't wait for you to grab a copy and see what you think of it.

      Delete
  24. Ooh, gorgeous review, Kelly. You wrote this so beautifully- I'm only sorry that my own review won't be a match for it! Unfortunately I ended up having a lot of issues with this, which I'm so sad about. The first half was gorgeous and glorious and I loved it so much, but then as the romance grew more and more heightened I lost the characters, they changed and became people whose story felt so different, and so it made the second half of the book more unlikable. I'm so bugged about it, wish I could have loved it all the way through.
    I'm glad it was ace for you, though. xx

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.