Series: Contours of the Heart #1
Published by Penguin on November 6, 2012
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 321
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
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When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night - but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.
When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.
Easy really surprised me. As a rule, I don’t read self-published books and I don’t read ebooks. I made an exception to both of those rules so I could read Easy and I am so glad that I did. (I obviously read this one before Penguin published it.) There has been quite a bit of hype surrounding this book and I am so happy to say that the book lives up to that hype
Jacqueline starts off as a very dumb girl. I don’t mean that in a bad way I just mean that she starts off the book doing some very stupid things. First, never follow a guy anywhere, especially not somewhere as important as college. Second, never go in a dark parking lot by yourself with no form of protection. I mean, isn’t that kind of common sense these days? Still, these are really the only issues I had with Jacqueline and they didn’t bother me all that much. She was well-rounded, likable, smart (even though she did stupid things), and kind. She was pretty much just a normal girl which was what I loved so much about her. I could see myself being friends with a girl like her in real life. As for Lucas, his realness was also very much appreciated. He wasn’t your typical pretty boy with no substance and no reason for liking this random girl. He was smart (actually kind of nerdy), funny, kind, sexy, and a really good guy. Sure he was a little stereotypical but not enough to annoy me. Also, while he and Jacqueline have instant attraction, they don’t fall in love instantly which I appreciated.
The story is super fast-paced and so easy to get into. This is one contemporary with quite a bit of action and mystery and it made it impossible to put down. Between Jacqueline’s stalker, her romance with Lucas, the mystery tutor Landon, and normal everyday college stuff, there was never a dull moment in the book. I stayed up way too late reading this one.
The writing was good. I wouldn’t call it fantastic or anything above average but it was easy to read, not overly descriptive, and just well-written. It helped the story flow better and it was fast-paced. I will definitely be checking out Tammara Webber’s other books based on how much I enjoyed her writing in this one.
Overall, Easy is one that I definitely recommend. I think it will greatly appeal to older young adult fans and I would warn that there is some mature content that would be better for older young adult readers.
Dreaming in Books’ review: “I am another blogger that is going to rave about this amazeballs book.”
Once Upon a Twilight’s review: “I really enjoyed reading this book and absolutely adore Lucas.”
Jess Hearts Books’ review: “Steamy, romantic and empowering this is a book about things not ending up as you might have originally planned, only to find that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”
Great review! You definitely made this sound like a book that is well worth any reader’s time. I’ll be looking for it.
I sampled New Adult books a lot when they first started coming out but I somehow missed Easy. Despite all the raving and the meh reviews, I still want to read it and your reviews says exactly why. I just hope it doesn’t disappoint me like New Adult usually does.
I was debating whether or not to read this book for a while. I mean it’s on my tbr but I pretty much decided that I was never going to get around to it. I might give it a chance. Like you, I don’t really read books that were self published 🙂
Aly @ My Heart Hearts Books
I have been meaning to read Easy forever! I actually bought the paperback copy more than a year ago, but it’s just sitting on my shelf. In fact, I think that was one of my reading goals – to actually read Easy.
I’m so glad you liked it, and still liked Jacqueline even when she makes some silly decisions. I need to get to Easy soon rather than later.
Wonderful review. Glad you enjoyed the story. I did 🙂
Great review, very honest. Love that. I have the paperback and have had it for awhile now. Bought it when all the hype was going on, just haven’t gotten around to it, Will definitely move it up on my TBR list now.
I love this book! I also find myself going back to parts of it all the time 🙂
I too really liked this one. It was so interesting to see Lucas’ dual persona – and why he had to develop it. I loved Jaqueline too – I know she did silly things, but she did learn from them and she did grow stronger.
Love how we’ll get his perspective too!!