I've not read the first two books in this series, but I'm planning on going back to read those two books as well. This particular story can be read asI've not read the first two books in this series, but I'm planning on going back to read those two books as well. This particular story can be read as a standalone, and it took me through some emotions. Told in dual first person POV, the first half of the book gives us Josh and Jenny in their last couple of months of high school, and the evolution of their feelings for each other. We see the hesitance of two people who've been by each other's side for 12 years having to face the reality of one going to college and the other going into the military. Events take place the summer after graduation that change the trajectory of both Jenny's and Josh's life in a way no one was prepared for.
The second half of the book brings us to the present timeframe and the changes that both Josh and Jenny have gone through over the three years of not speaking. I had much respect for Jenny because she kept her head held high despite what the hometown residents were saying about her after she dropped out of college. Both Josh and Jenny have their secrets that eventually come to light and we see them find their way back together with a sweet epilogue....more
I liked this book enough, even though I'm not a fan of Sebastian; I understand why he felt humiliated those years ago, but his treatment of Lila curreI liked this book enough, even though I'm not a fan of Sebastian; I understand why he felt humiliated those years ago, but his treatment of Lila currently was nothing more than a turn off for me. Obviously he knew he was wrong with his "contract" for Lila (otherwise why worry about anything from a legal standpoint?) He never gave her the opportunity to discuss what had transpired years ago. I'll give Lila her props though, trying to move forward in her life after the complete mess her best friend/business partner created. I can see being attracted to the sternness of Sebastian, but not so much the a-hole he actually seems to be....more
This book had my heart racing from start to finish, and it's been a while since I've read a book that's caused that reaction. Another reaction I had fThis book had my heart racing from start to finish, and it's been a while since I've read a book that's caused that reaction. Another reaction I had frequently as I was reading was a strong desire to slap Dash.
This story is told primarily from Iris' point of view, with only the epilogue from Dash's point of view, and I'm hoping that the next book will be primarily told by Dash. We get to see Iris and Dash and the evolution of their friendship to something more when they were in high school, to the eventual demise of them after graduation. I'm not going to rehash the synopsis, but there are a couple of bombshells that are hinted at throughout the book and if you pay attention you'll figure it out before the words are actually spoken. One thing that bothered me was how long it was from when Iris' and Dash's high school romance ended and when the "1221" song was released. Talk about being in your feelings!
Understandable that both Dash and Iris have feelings of ill will towards each other, given what went down a decade earlier, but Iris seems to be paying the price presently with the release of "1221". Her one chance at redemption hinges on an interview with the God of Shock Rock, who apparently despises journalists (and it's not a stretch to figure out his disdain for journalists). There's a secondary reason why Iris is back in Dash's orbit, and that's twist that you might figure out earlier than is revealed in the story.
I have to say I was shocked by Dash's reaction to the twist, especially his retaliation (again!). I thought that act was against the law, but maybe not in all states? In any event, what he did was f*cked up to the nth degree and once the truth was revealed? I don't think there's enough begging and groveling that can be done, but I sure can't wait to get my hands on the next book to find out what's going to happen with Iris and Dash....more
Loading...
