No Interest in Love by Cassie Mae

No Interest in Love by Cassie Mae
Series: All About Love #2
Source: E-Arc from Netgalley
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: December 22nd 2015
Age Genre: New Adult

When Jace Carver snags a minor part in his buddy’s zombie flick, he suddenly starts getting noticed all over the place. Even Hollywood megastar Carletta Ocean—known for her extensive “research” with her male co-stars—wants Jace for her new rom-com. The role could be a game-changer . . . if Jace nails the audition.
As Jace’s agent, Shaylene Kwak is all business, and isn’t about to let her favorite client blow this opportunity. Since their college years, Shay has been immune to Jace’s charm and rock-hard body. But long hours in close company have a way of wearing down even the best defenses, and when their platonic teasing turns into serious flirting, Jace and Shay are no longer able to resist what’s been right in front of them the entire time.
Shay knows Jace’s love-’em-and-leave-’em history with women. She’s not about to be just another notch in his belt. And it’s true, Jace has never wanted more than a one-night stand—until now. But at the end of the line, he’s got a choice: sleep with Carletta and seal the deal, or risk his career for a shot at true love with Shay.

For those of you who don't know, I love Cassie Mae and her stories. I love her romances. I love her characters, and the plots. So, it's really no surprise that I quite enjoyed No Interest in Love. 

The story here is quite simple - it's a road trip story, where two people who have known each other for years are now forced to be in such close proximity for such a long time that they start noticing each other's... appeal. Even if they swore they will never go there with each other. 

Telling the story is Jace, an aspiring actor who is really all about the women acting will get him. He follows the "Stinson" approach to life--Barney Stinson. And while he had a heart of gold underneath it all, I didn't like his attitude about his job. Was he serious about it? Absolutely. Did he do it from the right reasons? Nope. 

The most interesting aspect about Jace was his struggles with reading and writing, and I kind of wish we got to see more of that. It gave his character much needed vulnerability that helped ease his otherwise slight douche-ness and making him more of a lovable jerk. 

Shay is a strong girl known mostly for being Elmo girl. You know, from the meme? Yep. She's also Jace's manager. She is this strong girl who never shows weakness and is known for her (attempt at) poker face. 

The best part about this book is hands down seeing two people fall in love. This book really does bring across the little moments that make them attracted to one another. The small things the other person does that makes it impossible not to fall in love with them. 

That said, I didn't like this one quite as much as I did Doing It For Love... though maybe I'm being unfair, because I freakin' ADORED that one. 

Mostly because of a couple of things. 

The most prominent one was the lack of actual showbiz in this book. I love a good road-trip story, but the motivation behind this one is an audition. It's a love story between an actor and his manager for god's sake! But we get very little about showbiz. Barely any line rehearsals, with only one being meaningful. 

We get almost nothing on Shay's side of things, either. Like, the managing bit. I still don't quite understand what Shay's role is, because apparently she is not exactly Jace's manager. In general I felt like we got very little on Shay's side of things. I didn't get to know her half as well as I did Jace.

And then at the end... what happened with that uber important job? We learn nothing about it! It's like the whole subject of their careers is used as nothing more than a MacGuffin--a plot device, and therefore it's not really important what happens with it. But it shouldn't be this way. At least not to me. 

All these things bothered me. They were like little nuggets of information that I needed for the experience to be complete but didn't actually get to experience. 

However, I still enjoyed this book. And I would definitely read the next one Mae writes. 

 Nitzan★

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Doing it For Love by Cassie Mae

UPDATED VERSION OF THIS REVIEW CAN BE FOUND HERE

Doing It For Love by Cassie Mae
Series: All About Love #1
Source: E-Arc from Netgalley
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication Date: Sep 29, 2015
Age Genre: New Adult

Elizabeth Fanning’s life looks pretty perfect, judging by the diamond ring on her finger. Her fiancé, Landon, is sweet, handsome, and hilarious. The trouble is, before they’ve even tied the knot, their sex life has gone from mind-blowing to “meh”—and Liz isn’t ready to be part of an old married couple. After a cathartic call to her best friend, Liz comes up with a brilliant idea. She and Landon may never be able to re-create the magic of their first time, but how amazing would their wedding night be if everything below the neck was off-limits until then?
Liz thinks it’ll bring them closer together. Landon’s convinced she’ll cave first. So they raise the stakes: Whoever lasts longer gets to pick their honeymoon destination. With her heart set on the Bahamas and Landon fighting for snowbound Utah, Liz simply has to win. But pretty soon, her body is screaming for attention, and Landon’s never seemed so far away. Has Liz’s experiment backfired? Losing their little competition would be frustrating—but the one thing she can’t afford to lose is him.

Before I start this review, I'd like to thank Cassie, Loveswept and Netgalley for giving me an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion! 

This review is going to be slightly different than my usual thing, because this book just inspires this type of feedback.

I honestly want more stories just like this in literature; 

Stories that make you smile so widely and so often your cheeks hurt, but in the best way possible. The kind of way you don't care because dammit, I really needed this. The kind of smiles that linger for entire scenes. That make your entire face scrunch up.

Stories that show established couple just... being happy, living their lives, dealing with silly couple-stuff - not epic misunderstandings/angst/pain. Things you can relate to. Things that make your heart occasionally ache because of how normal and real they are without being overly dramatic or nerve-wrecking.

Stories with couples who are fun, and funny, and teasing and you can't imagine them anymore apart than their friends can, because they are just that perfect for one another and you never once doubt their relationship. Their love. Their rightness.

Stories that make you so damned jealous, because my god, you want to be carrots and peas with someone too!

Stories with nerdy, sweet, messy, real guys that you can crush on and know you can also get in RL, if you look hard enough, because they're not made-up. They are not perfect. And in someway, that makes them perfect in it's own.

Stories that make you feel like part of the gang, a friend to the characters. And as a friend, you see their good and bad parts and you adore them anyway.

Stories that just... make you plain happy.  

So go get on it, authors. Cassie Mae can teach you a few things. 

And as for you, reader... if any of the above interest you - this a book you cannot miss out on.

 Nitzan★

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First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

So as you guys know, I wasn't always part of The Book Babe's Reads. I had my own personal blog before - which now lies abandoned... alongside all my old reviews. But because I feel like some of them don't deserve such an awful treatment, I'm going to slowly move my favorite reviews here! (though some editing may occur, as I'm a little OCD about my reviews, and the older they originally are, the more likely I am to have things I want to rephrase). 

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
Series: Charley Davidson #1
Source: Bought paperback copy
Publisher: Piatkus Books
Publication Date: November 3rd 2011
Age Genre: New Adult
Original Review: May 22, 2013

Private investigator Charlotte Davidson was born with three things: looks; a healthy respect for the male anatomy; and the rather odd job title of grim reaper. Since the age of five, she has been helping the departed solve the mysteries of their deaths so they can cross over. Thus, when three lawyers from the same law firm are murdered, they come to her to find their killer.
In the meantime, Charley's dealing with a being more powerful - and definitely sexier - than any spectre she's ever come across before. With the help of a pain-in-the-ass skip tracer, a dead pubescent gangbanger named Angel, and a lifetime supply of sarcasm, Charley sets out to solve the highest profile case of the year and discovers that dodging bullets isn't nearly as dangerous as falling in love.

When it comes to New Adult books (or really, any age genre), it's hard to come across unique, interesting voices. From the cluster of NA I've read since the label was invented, few have stood up amongst the rest. Charley Davidson's voice, however, shines like a bacon. 

Charley is a grim reaper, but there is nothing grim about her. In fact, how do the departed know to find her? she freakin' glows. Yes, folks - glows. Like looking at the sun full on. She's sarcastic, hilarious and has a big case of ADD, is easily distracted, kind of silly and is so quotable I can't even! 

"Maybe if I hovered over the pot, it would develop an inferiority complex and brew faster just to prove it could."

And even though she is possibly the funniest character I've ever read of, her story had some dark undertones. The way she views herself made me tear up, and was so shocking considering the positive person that she is, showing how human nature really is complex and layered.

But Charley is not the only shining star of this production. Oh no, we've got a huge, colorful and unique cast of characters, all who are important to the plot. From uncle Bob (or Ubie), to sexy Swoops, to mysterious Reyes, to Angel, Cookie, the Lawyers and more!

“Maybe I needed sensitivity training. I once signed up for an anger management class, but the instructor pissed me off.”

A small part of the book has to do with Charley's romance with Reyes. The two have been engaging in a physical relationship for a while... via dreams. Yes, I know... whaa? Don't expect me to explain that one. Let's just say it's... a unique relationship. It's also a bit of insta love ish, but the upside of paranormal series like these is that there are a lot of room for the romance to grow and base itself throughout the books, so I have faith!

As for Reyes himself... we don't get to see much of him, yet, but I liked what I saw. (And no, him being sexy had nothing to do with that. Humph!)

“My fore-parts, as you so eloquently put it, have names." I pointed to my right breast. "This is Danger." Then my left. "And this is Will Robinson. I would appreciate it if you addressed them accordingly.” 

The story had many angles and directions, all of which flowed together perfectly. The pace was perfect: not too fast, but with no dull moments either. The worldbuilding was subtle, happened throughout the story, and didn't overshadow or empower it. At the same time, you know Jones isn't done with showing you this world. There is a lot more hidden, for us to find out in the next books.

And I don't know about you, but I am ready for that ride!

Nitzan★

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Tattoo Thief by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Tattoo Thief by Heidi Joy Tretheway 
Series: Tattoo Thief #1
Source: Free kindle copy
Publisher: Jasper Ridge Press
Publication Date: October 6th 2013
Age Genre: New Adult 
Challenges: TBR-Read Your Freebies
Challenges: Contemporary

22-year-old Beryl doesn't know why Gavin Slater trashed his penthouse, abandoned his dog and fled the country. But as his house sitter, she must pick up the pieces for the front man of the white-hot rock band Tattoo Thief.
When ultra-responsible Beryl confronts the reckless rock star, she wants to know more than just what to do with his mess. Why is he running? What’s he searching for? And is he responsible for the death of his muse?
New York newbie Beryl must find her footing in Gavin’s crazy world of the ultra-wealthy to discover her own direction and what can bring him back.

If Tom says so, it must be right ;)

Okay, color me shocked. I never really expected to like this book much. Maybe that's mean of me (who am I kidding? It's definitely mean of me), but I just... I was apprehensive. Still, I'm a sucker for the Rock Star x Normal Girl trope (and, if anybody knows of a book featuring this trope but opposite, please share), but it's also not a secret that I've been disappointed by some of the so called best of the lot.

Tattoo Thief tells the story of Beryl, a twenty two years old woman who feels stuck in her job, so when her late dad's best friend shows up and offers her a job in NY, she takes it. And then her roommate deal falls off, and a house sitting gig falls in her lap...

And not just any house - Gavin Slater's. Oh, c'mon. Don't pretend you don't know who that is. Just the hottest lead singer in the hottest rock band alive - Tattoo Thief. He seems to have gone through some form of meltdown, though, and Beryl might be just the person to bring him back.

Now Beryl... she's a tough one for me. I both loved her and hated her. I loved the brave, takes-shit-from-no-one kind of girl she proved herself to be in New York. I loved that she looked at houses and saw people, and that she often wanted to fix them. I liked her dynamics with Dan, Charles and Jasper (who is the most perfect doggie ever!).

I didn't like her shameless snooping. I didn't like that she went on that drive with Peter (seriously?!). And I supremely didn't like the Lulu's Clothes thing. It's a relatively small thing to be so putout by, but I couldn't suppress my distaste and disdain with the fact she was wearing a dead woman's clothes.

Now the love story... I did feel like they fall for each other a bit too fast. I mean, I loved their email chats, but every conversation kind of ended with them mad at each other, so why are you also falling in love? But they were cute. Even if there was way too little of actual Gavin.

Stella... Stella reminds me of Stella from winx club. Same type of person; self-centered, kind of boy-crazy, easily hurts her friends without noticing (and sometimes, definitely noticing and still does it). See what you did there, character? You made me draw Winx Club analogies. Shame on you!

I don't think I could've forgiven Stella if I were in Beryl's shoes... though, she clearly uncovered something earth shattering about herself to Beryl at the end there to gain her forgiveness... and I can't wait to find out what! (Sadistic of me, I know)

And the ending.. well, I feel cheated! I was reading along, my kindle telling me I still have 48 minutes in the book when BAM the end and turns out those 48 minutes are previews for the next book. Seriously?! Bad book, you fooled me!

I wanted more time with Beryl and Gavin just being Beryl and Gavin together!

 Nitzan★

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Tuesday Oldie: The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

So as you guys know, I just moved here. And that means my old blog now lies abandoned... alongside all my old reviews. But because I feel like some of them don't deserve such an awful treatment, I'm going to slowly move my favorite reviews here, especially if my opinion differs than Megs. (though some editing may occur, as I'm a little OCD about my reviews, and the older they originally are, the more likely I am to have things I want to rephrase). 

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen 
Series: The Coincidence #1
Source: Bought Paperback (after reading kindle)
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: August 6th 2013
Age Genre: New Adult
Originally Published: Dec 27, 2012

For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck-and his life-might finally end... until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.
Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.
When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved...

If you hop by the original review, you'd see I gave this book 5 stars when I originally read it, which is a significant change from the three displayed here. The truth is, I debated writing this review. I haven't re-read this book, but my feelings of it have considerably changed, once the shock of the ending wore off.

The alarming drop of rating also has to do with the fact I've read many NA books since this one. And I've come to realize... this is not one of the best ones I've read. It's not even close to top ten.

When I first read it, I wasn't used to books dealing with abuse, with the worst kind of human nature. Book where the heroine and hero did not win, were not saved, but lost and got lost in the clatter. The kind of plot where two broken people try to ducktape the broken pieces with each other to create a whole.

And still, it did not move me, unlike other books later on the road. In my review, I tried to excuse the lack of response. I told the readers I couldn't allow myself to connect fully so I wouldn't get hurt. Took the blame on myself, instead of saying - this book just didn't work for me on the emotional level. I even said I did manage to connect later on. And while, yes, I warmed to the characters, I never shed a tear for them. Never felt that tug that let's me know I'm with them, 100%

My whole review back then was a huge cover up, steaming from the fact I wasn't comfortable with not agreeing with the majority at the time, especially considering I just couldn't point my fingers on why I wasn't agreeing with them. I just... wasn't as impressed. I was shocked witless by the ending those.

By all accounts, I should've loved the book. It had good characters.

Callie is a sweet and innocent girl, who only allows those she trusts to see those parts of hers, too afraid and closed off after what has been done to her. For the rest of the world she is a freak, an "anorectic devil worshiper".

Kayden is numb inside, maintaining the facade of the perfect, laid-back jock. The only thing he knows how to deal with is pain. But honestly, he wants to be needed. Needs to be wanted.

Seth is Callie's best friend. He knows her secret, and has a few of his own as well. He was probably my favorite character in the book.

Luke is Kayden's best friend, and he's another great character, accepting Kayden as he is and later on embracing Seth and Callie.

It had a sweet romance, that doesn't develop overnight, but took time and effort on both sides to create. A healing kind of romance. They made me grin despite the horribleness that is their lives, and they had a lot of chemistry.

It had a killer ending.

I mean, seriously. How could Sorensen close the book on that note? It gave me an effing heart attack! But I did think it was kind of bloody brilliant, though I've read this type of endings since then.
The crazy reaction I had to the ending was what made me 5 star the book, even though I planned to give it four stars. (Funny how that works... from four to five to three...)

I will probably never read book two, even though at the time I thought I desperately needed it. I don't feel compelled or interested in it. Maybe one day I'll convince myself to read it just for the sake of crossing it off my lists, but...

   Nitzan★

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Smolder by Lacey Weatherford

Smolder by Lacey Weatherford
Series: Crush #4
Source: bought Kindle
Publisher: Moonstruck Media
Publication Date: April 12, 2014
Age Genre: New Adult (not explicit)
Challenges: Prequel-Sequel
Challenges: Contemporary
Challenges: TBR - Paid For
Find on Leafmarks!

The last thing Russ Weston ever wanted was to be called a hero. A normal guy, out doing the job he was trained to do, he’s nothing special—at least he doesn’t think so. All that changes, though, on the day he rescues renowned psychiatrist, Evelyn McKnight, from drowning.
Suddenly thrown in the spotlight, Russ becomes the center of media frenzy and he hates it. One thing he doesn’t hate, however, is the good doctor. Unable to deny the sparks between them, Russ wants Evie in a bad way. Unfortunately for him, Evie seems determined to continue nursing the broken heart she’s been clinging to for years, since the death of her fiancé.
Always up for a good challenge, Russ pursues her anyway, steadily chipping away at her walls of resistance. Just when he thinks he finally has her in his grasp, everything falls apart and Russ discovers that love can be messy, messy, messy.
Desperately trying to pick up the pieces, Russ realizes sometimes when you love someone you have to set them free—even if doing so may cost him Evie, permanently.

 

Sadly, Smolder was definitely the weakest of the series. Even my infinite love for Russ couldn't make me give the book more than three stars. And you've no idea how sad I am for this.

Unlike the first three books in the series, Smolder doesn't continue the tale of Cami and Dylan, which I consider fortunate because how much crap can you put one couple through, really?! Ahem. Anyways, this one tell's Russ's story - Cami and Dylan's loyal best friend. He's been there since book one. He's moved around with them every time. He was ready to sacrificial his life for theirs. Really, what's not to like?

Surprisingly, a lot. Not with Russ himself. Russ himself is a sweetheart (though a really horny one). The thing is, this book was typical. It was unbelievable. It was rushed. It had too much going around. And those are really just the headers.

Russ deserves some love, and he finds it in the form of beautiful and smart Evelyn. But is their road smooth? Ha. You make me laugh, you optimistic you!

Everything is going good for the first half of the story. Which, naturally, means we're heading into Danger: Lot's of Crap Ahead! zone. First, we have the SPOILER miraculous return from the dead. END SPOILER Not really surprising, completely unoriginal, and frankly utter bullshit. What are the odds? Right when everything is going great, when they're going to speak the L word, THAT happens. Yeah. No.

Speaking of L words, why did they have to happen so soon? I know Cami and Dylan have the whole love-at-first-sight thing, and I can't recall how long it took them to get together, but I felt like it happened way too quickly here. They know each other maybe a month. Their relationship has been physical at best. They've been irrationally possessive from the get-go, even though they don't know anything about each other. Me no likey.

And then, so much happened! Because of twist number 1, twist number 2 had to be included so we could get rid of the result of twist number 1 on one end. Then we had to get rid of a character, because she was in the way and twist #1 is finally solved! Then, we had to put in a 3rd event to catalyst the solution of twist #2, and if we can also solve some of the original issues the hero has been dealing with, so the better!

I would've liked it more if the story focused on just one thing instead. I would've liked it more if the story really focused on them getting to know each other more, than all this other... crap. I'm being so vocally angry with this because I love this author. I highly enjoy her books and stories. So I know she can do a lot better than this. That's why I'm angry.

I will say this - I read the book in one day. It was fun, and they were cute together when they weren't busy not being together/being physically together. It was great seeing Cami and Dylan truly content for once, without anything to mar their happiness. That's why it's a three stars, and not lower - despite my angry ranting.

Nitzan★

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Love by Lacey Weatherford

Love by Lacey Weatherford
Series: Crush #3
Source: bought Kindle
Publisher: Moonstruck Media
Publication Date: April 12, 2014
Age Genre: New Adult (not explicit)
Challenges: Prequel-Sequel
Challenges: Contemporary
Challenges: TBR - Paid For
Find on Leafmarks! 

Living happily ever after has always been part of the plan for Cami and Dylan, but when strange things begin happening around the Wilcock household, Cami simply believes she’s becoming forgetful.
However, when the incidents begin to escalate, both are left feeling vulnerable. Unable to figure out what’s going on, Dylan delves deeper into the mysterious happenings. But when the truth comes out, he finds himself faced with the biggest decision of his life—how far will he go to protect the one he loves?

*To see spoilers, mark them with your mouse*

Love is the final book in the Cami x Dylan chronicles. We've watched these two since high-school (sort of), battling maniac after maniac, surviving and being even more in love after that. I enjoyed this book. I loved seeing Cami and Dylan happy together, in blissful matrimony. However, if I'm being completely honest with myself, I'm not sure if this book was 100% necessary.

I mean, as much as I love Dylan and Cami, I could've done without it. I didn't feel like there was a need to put them through all that - or maybe I should say THAT -  especially since it didn't add to their relationship. No need to strengthen an already unbreakable love, you know?

Writing this, after having read the companion novel Smolder, I feel almost like this book was written soley for Russ's story, so he'll have something traumatic to set everything in motion. And it was truly traumatic, I'll give it that.

I think I could've gotten over that feeling if the book was believable... but it wasn't. I mean, first of all - I watch ton of cops shows. It's not really that easy to move someone to witness protection. Sure, there is the fact that Dylan is a cop (or ex cop, whatever), but still. It was a bit too easy for my tastes.

Then there was SPOILER the way they've been found. It was a bit too arbitrary (and way too quick). And, again, way too easy - I mean, seriously, what are the chances the villain has been happening to watch tv about a fair held not in her city, and just happened to notice a couple of people in the background, after these two have changed their appearance? END SPOILER Give me a break.

However, they were adorable together. And their love for one another a bit overwhelming, and all inspiring. I wish I had a relationship like that (though, at this point, any relationship will do lol).

All in all, not Weatherford's best work, but still enjoyable.

Nitzan★

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A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
Source: bought paperback
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: August 26th. 2014
Age Genre: New Adult (no sex)

Fourteen viewpoints.
One Love Story.
Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is a little aloof, Gabe is shy, and it looks like they are never going to work things out.
But something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at the local Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV series. The bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes Lea and Gabe are meant to be together.

You'll be rooting for Gabe and Lea too, in this irresistibly romantic, completely original novel!

As Ryan Gosling so wonderfully put it, this book was Adorable. With a capital A. If you're looking for a cute story that will make you AWWW out-loud, grin stupidly, and generally make you forget all your worries (worries? What worries?) A Little Something Different is a safe bet.

Seriously, I spent the majority of this book smiling goofily, be it at the couple in question, or merely from the interactions between everyone, because they were all funny, and witty, and real. Like, those were conversations I could see myself having with my friends. I could see myself being their friend.

The greatest achievement in this book, for me, is how Hall managed to make me invested in all the characters. Be it Lea and Gabe, whom--yes, I got into big time. Like, screaming-"KISS-ALREADY"-in-harmony-with-the-rest-of-the-cast into--or the Squirrel, or even Victor (Which is really something, cause the guy was pretty annoying).

There are fourteen points of view in this book, y'all. Fourteen. That's, like... a ton. But I never felt one was unnecessary, or too much, or confusing. I loved each POV, and I honestly think each and everyone of the supporting characters deserve his/her own story, even though Hall has managed to sneak in a bit of their story (or at the very least, their romantic prospect), into the mix through their interactions alone.

A Little Something Different is different. It's unique. It's a love story when the couple doesn't narrate a single part. You have parts where a bench tells the story. And I actually wished there was more of Mr. Bench.

I think it's worth reading just for the freshness of it, even if you don't want the unfortunate side effect of suffocating your pillow due to massive overdose of cuteness. Luckily for me, A Little Something Different was exactly what the doctor ordered!

   Nitzan★

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Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols 
Source: bought paperback
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: June 6th, 2013
Age Genre: Due to sexual situations and themes, I would rate this NA

Heaven Beach, South Carolina, is anything but, if you live at the low-rent end of town. All her life, Leah Jones has been the grown-up in her family, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, letting any available money slip out of her hands. At school, they may diss Leah as trash, but she’s the one who negotiates with the landlord when the rent’s not paid. At fourteen, she’s the one who gets a job at the nearby airstrip.
But there’s one way Leah can escape reality. Saving every penny she can, she begs quiet Mr. Hall, who runs an aerial banner-advertising business at the airstrip and also offers flight lessons, to take her up just once. Leaving the trailer park far beneath her and swooping out over the sea is a rush greater than anything she’s ever experienced, and when Mr. Hall offers to give her cut-rate flight lessons, she feels ready to touch the sky.
By the time she’s a high school senior, Leah has become a good enough pilot that Mr. Hall offers her a job flying a banner plane. It seems like a dream come true . . . but turns out to be just as fleeting as any dream. Mr. Hall dies suddenly, leaving everything he owned in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. And they’re determined to keep the banner planes flying.
Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly.

I came into Such a Rush weary. I've read Echols's Dirty Little Secret and I wasn't exactly a big fan of it. But I knew she was considered a really great contemporary writer, so I decided to give her another shot. And ultimately, I'm really glad I did.

I have to admit, Echols has the best and most interesting settings. Like in Dirty Little Secret, which was all about fiddle playing, Such a Rush brings to the plate the unique setting of piloting planes. I've never read such a book and I enjoyed the ride--or, well, the flight--even though I'm one of the people who go "hmm, plane" rather than watching it fly.

I'm beginning to understand Echols writes really humane characters. And that means, you're going to hate them sometimes. You're going to want to shake them, or slap them, or tell them to 'snap out of it!'.

Take Leah, for example. For the most part, she's a really great character. She cares greatly, and she's doing everything in her powers to get away from the bad place she was born in and live a good and happy life doing something she truly and honestly loves. But then there will be all the parts with Mark, when you'd be like 'how can you do that?' especially since she usually has more respect toward herself.

Then there's Grayson. He was the reason I was not sure about this book at first, because at page 86 it seems like he was becoming Sam, the male protagonist of Dirty Little Secret whom I completely hated. But he wasn't. I could relate and understand Grayson. I could even swoon for him, even though the majority of the time I wanted to throttle him and tell him to stop what he's doing.

The only two things I really didn't like were A. the time span of this book. It seems like a lot of time passes in this book, but it doesn't. It was kind of a complete shock to realize it's been a week. One effing week, and all this stuff happened, and they fall in love (p.s - don't let the summary fool you. There is no "love triangle"), and it somehow helps them heal, even a little bit. While I didn't feel it was so short while reading (kudos for that, Echols!), it did bother me when I realized that.

B. Would they really be allowed to take over the business? They are not even out of high-school. It seemed kind of bizarre to me, but maybe that's because I've never had a family business and I don't know how they really work.

All in all, I really liked this one. I can certainly see myself picking up more of her books after reading it.

Nitzan★

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