Review: Losing It #3.5, Seeking Her by Cora Carmack

Blurb from Goodreads

A few months after being honorably discharged from the military, Jackson Hunt is still struggling to adjust back to the real world. He needs to get a job and find a sense of normalcy if he’s going to keep his own demons at bay. The job that falls into his lap, though, is anything but normal.

Bodyguard (and baby-sitter) to spoiled-rich-girl Kelsey Summers isn’t exactly what he’d been looking for, but it’s a chance to travel, to get away from the home that has felt stifling ever since his return. It would be a pretty sweet gig if it weren’t for the fact that Kelsey’s father doesn’t want Kelsey to know she’s being followed. Hunt feels guilty (and a little bit creepy) as he watches her from afar. She’s vibrant and infuriating, exciting and reckless, mysterious and familiar. When he sees her falling into the same patterns that he suffered years ago, he decides it’s time to stop watching and help her instead. But getting to know her is more difficult than he thought, especially because the more he knows her, the more he wants her.

Kindle Edition, 160 pages

Published January 28th 2014 by William Morrow Impulse

edition language: English

series: Losing It

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

As Finding It novella, I didn’t remember much about Jackson and Kelsey original story. And the fact that it was my least favorite of the series made me didn’t care much about them. On the other hand, I remember that I was quite curious of Jackson POV. So when I knew that this novella is a glimpse from his POV I didn’t hesitate to read it.

I’m glad he told his POV long before Kelsey told hers in Finding It. So I didn’t feel like I read the same story twice. First part of the novella is purely new scenes. They weren’t in Finding It. I think it’s a good think as I also got a bit about Jackson past.

However I was also bored. Knowing what he has to do for Kelsey’s father and the similar things that Kelsey does, made it quite boring while the second half, the part that I thought will be boring since I’ve already known it from Kelsey’s POV was more interesting. It was just so weird, if you ask my opinion. But maybe it was just because that was the part where they interact with each other. Hence there are conversation and all between them.

After 3 books and 2 novellas, I still think that Faking It is my favorite. And I think it’s time for Max and Cade to have their novella, as Bliss and Garret and Jackson and Kelsey have already had their own novellas.

Result: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Review: The Reed Brothers #5, Proving Paul’s Promise by Tammy Falkner

Blurb from Goodreads

He has watched her from afar…

Paul Reed has been raising children since he was a child himself, but he wouldn’t change his life, even if given an opportunity. That is, until one of his brothers says four little words that shake the foundation of his world. “She’s not a lesbian,” shouldn’t be quite so earth shattering, but suddenly the woman he loves is available, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win her over.

They call her Friday, and she’s hiding more than just her name…

Friday has worked in the Reeds’ tattoo parlor for four years. She’s become more than just an employee, and she loves being in the middle of something so wonderful. She treasures the way the Reeds live for one another, and she adores the way they take care of their family. She would do just about anything to be part of it, if not for the fact that she doesn’t deserve a family of her own. Or does she? Friday is punishing herself for her past, and by doing so, she pushes away the one man who could truly love her.

Separately, they’re strong. Together, they’re vulnerable. As a team, they rock.

234 pages

Published July 16th 2014 by Night Shift Publishing (first published June 16th 2014)

edition language: English

series: The Reed Brothers

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

I never read back to back of the Reed Brothers series before, not until I did it with this book which I read right after Maybe Matt’s Miracle. I was so eager to read Paul’s story as it has more than a glimpse in Matt’s story. Unfortunately, reading it back to back made me realized that there are similarities among them. In a way I felt like I got deja vu, what Matt said and did were also said and did by Paul. It was kinda bother me since I hope I can enjoy Paul’s story more than Matt’s which at the time was my least favorite.

And then there were things that felt like so random and happened in a rush. It was a surprise all right, I think, but it happened and solved so suddenly I felt like it was there just so the story has surprise and drama in it.

But my main problem was I couldn’t quite believe that Paul is fall in love head over heel with Friday. Yes he keeps telling me over and over that he wants her for years, but in all those years (means: in all those previous books) I didn’t see it. Even when they have already known for four years, I still felt they are fall in an insta-love. And I didn’t feel their chemistry, unlike with other couple in previous books. I also didn’t quite like Paul here. He’s disappointing me. His relationship with his ex-girlfriend is kind annoyed me. He slept with her for years because it’s convenience for them while at the same time he knows that she has boyfriend and even engage with him (her boyfriend) at one time. I mean he knows she’s with someone else and yet he kept sleeping with her. And then suddenly he realizes that he falls in love with Friday. And the fact that he still has a tattoo with his ex’s name in his body? is a no-no for me, a big no, hell to do no!

The positive thing is this book still involves other Reeds, even when I feel a bit “full and crowded” with all of their stories. But hey, I’m not complaining here, I just can’t get enough of them. And I still want to the rest of the series.

Result: 2 out of 5 stars

Review: The Reed Brothers #4, Maybe Matt’s Miracle by Tammy Falkner

Blurb from Goodreads

What he needed was a miracle…

Matthew Reed has seen his share of problems. But he’s a Reed and Reeds can overcome anything. Matt is content working in his family’s tattoo parlor with his brothers surrounding him. The only thing he’s lacking is the ability to have a family of his own. Then his battle with cancer leads him to meet a woman who just might need him as much as he needs her.

She didn’t need anything…

Skylar Morgan is happy. She has a boyfriend. Sure, he doesn’t make her heart pound faster and he really doesn’t support her when she needs it. But she doesn’t need much. Does she? She’s happy to be self-sufficient and she’s happy that she doesn’t have a tremendous amount of responsibility. She’s educated, has a great job, and she has enough money for a lifetime. But what she lacks, she doesn’t even realize until she meets him. And them. The ones who change her life forever.

ebook, First, 185 pages

Published May 1st 2014 (first published April 21st 2014)

edition language: English

series: The Reed Brothers

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

This is the fourth book of the series but it still has thing I really liked from Reed Brothers series, drama-less. I like drama in contemporary story but sometimes less drama is even better. There is no unnecessary misunderstanding kind of drama here, though I have to admit I thought there will be one, with what happens with Sky, Matt, and his ex-girlfriend, April.

Both Matt and Sky are lovable characters. I loved the way they interact with Sky’s nieces and nephew. They are so natural around them, though it wasn’t that easy for Sky in the beginning. I guess it made their relationship more make sense to me, knowing that she didn’t have a good example how to be in a good-healthy relationship. And her story was just so sad. I think in a way I see it much sadder than other female characters’ story in the series. And I can connect with her well.

One thing that I didn’t quite enjoy was the way Matt and Sky fall in love. It was way too fast, it was an insta-love. Logan and Emily also have an insta-love but they give time to know each other along the story, unlike Matt and Sky. In just a few pages Matt has already told her that he loves her and determines to make her fall in love with him. As much as it is so sweet and made me smile and giddy, I just couldn’t buy it.

Result: 3 out of 5 stars

Review: One Week Girlfriend #3.5, Drew + Fable Forever by Monica Murphy

Blurb from Goodreads

Fantasy. How I ended up with NFL player Drew Callahan, the guy every woman wants, is beyond my wildest dreams. All I know is that once he chose me as his one and only, I sure wasn’t looking back. I had past wounds and he showed patience and concern—even taking responsibility for my messed-up kid brother. Now, once again, he’s found a way to blow my mind: an exotic wedding and honeymoon miles and miles away from home. What else could a girl ever ask for?

Reality. Now the honeymoon’s over. Drew’s football schedule takes him on the road constantly, while I need to stay put and look after my brother until he finishes high school—because God knows our sorry excuse for a mother won’t. I know Drew loves me with all his heart, and I’ll always be over the moon about him. This just isn’t how I imagined our life as newlyweds . . . dealing with the distance, missing him all the time. But we’ve gone through hard times before. We can get through this, too, right? We’re Drew and Fable, together forever. At least I hope so. . . .

Kindle Edition, 130 pages

Published January 14th 2014 by Bantam

edition language: English

series: One Week Girlfriend

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

As much as I loved Drew and Fable story and felt like I want more of them, I couldn’t enjoy this novella the way I enjoyed One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend. At the same time I think it’s a good bridge between Drew & Fable story and Owen story as we can see Owen grows up and become more mature than when I first met him.

The main reason why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought before is because it’s too sweet for my taste. Fable and Drew are constantly telling each other how they love and can’t live without each other made me rolled me eyes a couple times. Don’t get me wrong, I love their lovey dovey feeling but it was just too much for my preference. Thank goodness there are also (a bit) drama in their relationship which made the story more interesting to me.

Result: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Review: One Week Girlfriend #4, Four Years Later by Monica Murphy

Blurb from Goodreads

“Over. “That about sums up everything in my life. Suspended from my college football team and forced to cut back my hours at The District bar because of my crappy grades, I can’t keep turning to my sister, Fable, and her pro-football playing husband, Drew, to bail me out. I just can’t seem to find my own way. Weed and sex are irresistible temptations–and it’s messed up that I secretly hand over money to our junkie mom. A tutor is the last thing I want right now–until I get a look at her.
Chelsea is not my type at all. She’s smart and totally shy. I’m pretty sure she’s even a virgin. But when she gives me the once over with those piercing blue eyes, I’m “really” over. But in a different way. I won’t deny her ass is killer, but it’s her brain and the way she seems to crave love–like no one’s ever given her any–that make me want her more than any girl I’ve ever met. But what would someone as seemingly together as her ever see in a screwed up guy like me?

ebook

Published February 28th 2014 by Bantam (first published February 25th 2014)

edition language: English

series: One Week Girlfriend

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

When I knew Ms Murphy is going to write Owen’s story, I was beyond excited. He’s a minor character in Fable and Drew’s story but I just loved him as much as I loved Fable and Drew and wanted his own story. So you can imagine how happy I was to get my hand on his book and had a very high expectation.

This might sounds weird but I liked that his life isn’t perfect. As Fable’s brother, I thought his life will be much easier as her life with Drew is much better. But far from it, not even when Fable and Drew’s life is so perfect there’s nothing to compare their perfectness. Owen has his own life, a life that different from his sister and brother-in-law. I think it’s what exciting me more. He’s different from Owen I knew before. I have to admit that I was surprised with it. It was like I didn’t recognize him but at the same time it made the story more interesting, with his drama and all.

However, I didn’t quite enjoy the insta-love in this book. Owen and Chelsea are surely attracted from the very first minute they met. And only in one week, they practically fall head over heels with each other, though they haven’t realized it at the time. I just couldn’t buy it. Not when he that keeps saying he doesn’t do relationship and she who keeps telling me that she doesn’t trust people easy. I liked her as his love interest, though. She’s so different from him I think she’s a perfect balance for him.

As much as I loved Owen, I don’t think this book is as good as Fable and Drew’s book. It also couldn’t live my expectation. It doesn’t mean that it wasn’t good though. In a way, I didn’t feel the feeling I thought I would feel like when I read One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend. But I think I’ll keep reading any books about those characters in the future if Ms Murphy decides she still has something to tell. Maybe Wade’s story? I’m quite curious of him now 😀

Result: 3 out of 5 stars

Review: Swept Away, volume one by J. Haymore

Blurb from Goodreads

He is everywhere. He surrounds me, wends his way under my skin. I can’t escape his strength, his intensity, his presence.

I’m trapped.

There’s nowhere to run.

Nowhere to hide.

But even if I could escape… would I be strong enough to leave?

I needed something — something big — to get myself out of the rut I’d fallen into after the car accident that killed my sister. This sailing trip was meant only to mark a new chapter in my life. Until Ethan Williams stepped on board.

Ethan radiated confidence. His darkly handsome good looks and ocean-blue eyes mesmerized me. But it was the way he looked at me that drew me in. He wasn’t looking at my past or at my scars, but the real me behind all that baggage I was trying so hard to leave behind.

But Ethan had secrets—dark, dangerous secrets. I was trapped in the middle of the ocean in a tangle of lies, sex, and violence. The problem was, I was happy to be trapped forever…if it meant I could have him.

My Thoughts

ARC was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

To be honest I still undecided what I feel about this book. First part of the book, to be exact, as it has 4 volumes to be a whole book which will release back to back each month, if I’m not wrong.

First thing that I notice and didn’t quite like is it’s (another) story with an insta-love. None of the main characters admit it, of course. They say it’s an infatuation, but usually the infatuation leads to the fall in love, right? Maybe I shouldn’t say it as an insta-love as both Tara and Ethan don’t feel it (yet) but it’s just the same pattern as most of NA stories nowadays. So whatever the characters care or not to admit, I can’t help not to think that it’s an insta-love because there isn’t much time for them to know each other. They just fall in love within minutes, within few pages, or even within few paragraphs. In Tara and Ethan’s case, they get I-can’t-stop-thinking-about-you line since their first encounter and in only four days already admit it.

And the whole infatuation thing was kinda frustrating me, especially Tara’s infatuation over Ethan as this story was told from her POV. Her infatuation clouds her priority. I just couldn’t get how her infatuation takes over herself while she’s in (sort of) important thing. And she also couldn’t see thing that is so clear in front of her eyes. All the while I mostly felt like I want to tell her to at least take a minute and think it through. Maybe it’s because she’s so naive, or it’s just me be being sarcastic, one thing for sure it made me rolled my eyes and felt like want to bang my head to desk.

That insta-love kinda killed my mood to know more about the characters. Hence it was quite hard to connect to their story. And I just couldn’t buy it easily, instead I was questioning their act and the way their thinking.

But there is also thing that made me curious and wanted to keep reading it to know how Tara and Ethan and other characters will end. I think the author did a good job deliver her story. She gives information about the characters and what the story is all about bit by bit, in between the dialogues, in other flashback chapters and in description from Tara’s POV. It’s like she tease me and dare me to keep reading it. And boy did I curious in each chapter.

I think this book can be an enjoyable NA book (I especially liked and curious about Ethan’s past), but so far I didn’t see it has something more, different from any other NA books out there. I felt like it was just the same old stories I’ve read so many times. I’m still curious of the rest of the volumes, though.

Result: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan

Blurb from Goodreads

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.

Archer’s Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

Kindle Edition, 345 pages

Published January 25th 2014

edition language: English

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

This is definitely my kind of NA contemporary romance book, character with disability and drama in the story. Hence I liked the story alright. But it’s so predictable I bet you can guess it since first few chapters. I also love the characters, can’t help not to fall in love with Archer. He’s kind, shy, quiet, and in a way naïve (but not in an annoying way, thank goodness). The way Archer reveals his past bit by bit, in each chapter kept me reading it. I’m so curious of what really happened with his family when he was just a boy which led him to his isolation. Basically he is the main reason I enjoyed reading this book. I really liked Bree too. She’s funny, smart, and kind. And I liked that she trusts and gives Archer a chance since the very first time they meet each other. They are sweet and perfect together. And I liked that there is character development in them.

And sometimes, that’s all it takes-one person who’s willing to listen to your heart, to the sound no one else has ever tried to hear.

However, just like my first Mia Sheridan book, Leo, I still didn’t quite like the writing. In first part of the story, especially in Bree’s POV, most of paragraphs and/or sentences begin with ‘I’. It’s just a teeny tiny thing but it’s kinda bothering me. And then the heroine describes everything in detail, much more detail than I think necessary. I love reading detail description but if it’s just some kind of info dump, I don’t think I like it. So here I get Bree keeps telling me that she likes curling her hair with iron curling. I know what tool I need for hair curling, so I don’t need her to tell me over and over. It’s like she assumes that I don’t have any idea what it is and how it works. And then she talks about smile too much for my taste. Maybe she and Archer loves to smile but it’s quite bothering reading she mentions their smile too many times. Out of my curiosity I count how many times she describes their smile. There are 22 ‘small smile’ and 4 ‘sweet smile’ not to mention other smiles that I didn’t count. Again, it’s just a little thing in the whole Archer and Bree story but it did bothering me.

While I really liked the characters and the story, I can easily connect with them, I didn’t quite like the writing and the way the story is told. It’s more than a good story, I think. And it’s just a matter of my preferences.

Result: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward

Blurb from Goodreads

You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.

When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be.

I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here.
I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room.
But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.

At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. Then, things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night.

Just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.

It had been years since I’d seen Elec.

When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again.

And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane.

I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.

Kindle Edition, 232 pages

Published September 28th 2014 (first published September 23rd 2014)

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

So I picked this book up because the blurb interesting me. But at the same time I was kinda worry that it doesn’t as good as what I hope, because most of the things that attracted me seem like it’s just another same old NA contemporary romance book. I like reading NA but lately they are just less appealing for me since they feel more similar one and another.

When I read part one, I thought my doubt become reality. It was just a story when the main characters, Greta and Elec, have an insta-attraction, if not an insta-love, and are lusting each other since the first time they lay on each other eyes. Despite their status as step siblings, I know instantly that it’s just about it, keeping each other distant but can’t do it so they keep backing to square one. Oh, they have their moments I liked, but I felt like it doesn’t enough for me to connect with them. I liked their banter, it is funny made me smile and even laugh out loud. And in some part I felt sorry for Greta because Elec is such a jerk. I even loved one simple thing that Elec does randomly, telling scramble letters to Greta. His anagram to her can be sweet, funny and also annoying and hurting. I really liked it because I never ever think of those anagrams before. But they didn’t make it easy to love them as characters. I didn’t like how they keep going hot and cold toward each other and didn’t just accept their feeling. It was quite frustrating reading their banter, though I was enjoying it, and at the same time made me felt like I want to scream at them to just open up to each other.

And then part one end, left me with a feeling that I should keep reading it. Fortunately part two made very opposite impact on me, though in a way I also felt bored with the repetitive dialogues from Elec’s POV which is the same as from Greta’s. I grew to love Greta and Elec and can finally connect with them. Those frustrating and annoying things in part one slowly made sense in part two. The blurb says this story span in years, from their teenage life to their adult life. The best thing is they grow as characters and I can feel and see it.

While I read, both in part one and part two I kept thinking that the story is so predictable. In part one there isn’t anything that surprised me. It’s mostly the same as in other YA/NA contemporary romance. That predictable! But apparently the author still has something in her sleeve. I really liked the twist and surprise she throws me in part two. That predictable story turns out surprising me in a very good way. I just love it.

I also love that Greta and Elec has someone else in their adult life. Although they love each other, they keep trying to move on and have another life with someone else. And the fact that that someone else are good people, not some kind of bitchy girlfriend for Elec or an ass ex-boyfriend for Greta is really refreshing. I’m glad they don’t turn to be the same old classic pattern.

In the end I can say that I really liked and enjoyed reading Greta and Elec’s story. This was my first encounter to Ms. Ward books and surely won’t be the last.

Result: 3 out of 5 stars

Review: Off The Map #2, Sideswiped by Lia Riley

Blurb from Goodreads

It was only meant to last the summer . . .

Talia Stolfi has seen more than her share of loss in her twenty-one years. But then fate brought her Bran Lockhart, and her dark world was suddenly and spectacularly illuminated. So if being with Bran means leaving her colorless NorCal life for rugged and wild Australia, then that’s what she’ll do. But as much as Talia longs to give herself over completely to a new beginning, the fears of her past are still lurking in the shadows.

Bran Lockhart knows that living without the beautiful girl who stole his heart will be torment, so he’ll take whatever time with her he can. But even though she has packed up her life in California and is back in his arms for the time being, she can’t stay forever. And the remaining time they have together is ticking by way too fast. Though fate seems determined to tear them apart, they won’t give up without a fight—because while time may have limits, their love is infinite . . .

ebook, 384 pages

Published October 7th 2014 by Grand Central/Forever

edition language: English

series: Off The Map

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

ARC was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

After I read Upside Down, I thought I couldn’t love Talia and Bran more. But they proved me wrong. They are awesome I feel like I love them even more now.

“I’ll fight for you.” I press my lips to his damp cheek. “I’ll never stop fighting for you.”

Talia, she’s one tough-brave girl. When I read about her mental illness in first few chapters, I thought this sequel is all about it. I love reading about mental illness. Most of them teach me a lot of things, make me see and think differently. So yeah…I liked that both Talia and Bran finally pay more attention to it. At the same time I want it to be described more. I was kinda hope it has bigger part in the story, though it isn’t the main focus of their story. Maybe in next installment? I hope so. One thing I love from Talia is she knows what she wants and she sticks with it. She doesn’t let her love turn her priority. I don’t mean that she doesn’t love Bran enough. I just think that her choice needs guts and yet she stays with it. No one, not even Bran can change her mind. For that I admire her.

Bran, as sweet as he can be, to be honest, I didn’t quite like him. He’s too clingy and made the same mistake as in Upside Down, though I still understand his reasons. His fear in losing Talia makes him holds her tight, barely gives her room for herself. But strangely I also love him too. He feels different than other hero in most of NA books I’ve read. He lets me see his vulnerability without being too emo and mellow. And I just love how in love he is with Talia and his willingness to give everything for her. I guess my romantic side melted with his stubborn love 🙂

As for the story, I think it’s “deeper” than Upside Down. Talia and Bran’s relationship isn’t easy to deal with. There are so many things that seem keep them away from their happily ever after. From Talia’s visa (at first I thought it would be like Like Crazy movie) to their perspective about love. I liked that it’s told from Talia and Bran’s POV, equally. One chapter from Talia’s POV and then another from Bran’s. It continues like that till the last chapter, unlike in Upside Down which was told mostly from Talia’s POV. This way makes me more understand Bran, about his love and relationship with Talia and also about his family.

However, I also have things that I’m still unclear, undecided whether they are important to the story and have connection with it. And there are things that seem too easy for the characters I wonder whether it’s that easy in real life.

All in all, despite those undecided things, I really enjoyed reading this series. In fact, I couldn’t wait to read book 3, Inside Out which fortunately also will be released this year. So happy I don’t have to wait longer to read Talia and Bran’s journey.

Result: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Off The Map #1, Upside Down by Lia Riley

Blurb from Goodreads

If You Never Get Lost, You’ll Never Be Found

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she’ll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act.

Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He’s never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.

Kindle Edition, 246 pages

Published August 5th 2014 by Forever (first published January 1st 2014)

edition language: English

series: Off The Map

genre: Contemporary, Romance, New Adult

My Thoughts

I know most readers, well…at least most of my fellow bookworms don’t like angsty story. But I have different preference. If the author can mix it with many elements in the story well, with enough amount of it, it can be a perfect ingredient for the story. I think I can say it’s my guilty pleasure, especially in contemporary romance story. This book is the case. Upside Down has enough angst that made me keep reading it. But don’t worry for those who dislike it, other elements in this book also works well.

Bran’s not perfect. Neither am I. And maybe that’s fine. Maybe that’s better than fine. We’re perfect only for the other.

My favorite thing from Talia and Bran’s story is themselves. They have flaws. They aren’t perfect, have baggage that drag their life. Thus, they feel real. I liked the way Talia tells her story, though at first I felt like there was something off. She’s awkward, shy and witty and I loved her. I especially liked whenever she doesn’t understand and/or misunderstand Aussie phrases because I was kinda lost in translation too, reading those words. I also felt like she held everything back. But the more I read the more I liked her. I can connect to her easily, including to her anxiety and OCD. As for Bran, he’s a man with few words with a lot of anger to himself. I didn’t quite like he keeps his life’s story hidden from Talia while at the same time he seems to know most of her past life. I think it doesn’t fair for her, though I understand why he does it. But he’s also sweet and I can see that he care a lot about her. I mostly liked the way he pays attention to every single thing she does.

Although there’s an insta-attraction between the two of them, I didn’t think that they fall in an insta-love. They relationship happens slowly. They give time to know and understand each other. It’s the way I like, by the way.

However, I felt the end of the story was a bit rushed. As Talia’s time to fly back to the State approaches, I felt like the drama and angst in their story was forced so that they have something to argue or let’s say as their final obstacle in their relationship. I didn’t make me think less of this book, though. In fact, it seems I just couldn’t get enough of their story. I’m heading to book 2, Sideswiped now.

Result: 3.5 out of 5 stars