Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Title: Love Story

Author: Jennifer Echols

Published: July 19, 2011

Pages: 256

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it’s her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family’s racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin’s college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she’s sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He’s joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin’s heart with longing. Now she’s not just imagining what might have been. She’s writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

**REVIEW**

I re-read 'Love Story' to write this review and despite the year long gap I still don't feel any differently about it, and I actually thought I would. 

I remember reading the synopsis for this book (before it was out) and how attracted I was to the plot - it was fresh and simple and could go in just about any direction with, not only Echols's imagination, but the characters' as well.

I usually feel a little strange about novels featuring aspiring writers - you know, the thought of an author writing about someone wanting to be an author. Usually it makes me crinkle my nose a little, though, Echols writes about it in a polished and believable way and I actually really enjoyed reading about the creative writing class and the students' discussions and critiques. It was very interesting and organic.

The narrator wasn't particularly to my liking. Erin was made of assumptions, she would assume this, assume that.. believe things I absolutely wouldn't have made the connection to on my own and that seemed to only birth unnecessary drama and tension, or lead the reader astray.

The one example I can recall would be when Hunter wrote a story in which for the last millisecond of it it's mentioned that the boy spots a girl riding a horse down by the hills (or something along those lines) and that clearly translated to meaning that Hunter looked down on Erin, she thought.

A lot of times I found that Erin's line of thoughts were just far-fetched. I didn't understand her, she seemed confused.

Neither did I wrap my head around Erin and Hunter together. I can't particularly say it screamed romance. It was an odd relationship where they were supposed to be enemies but clearly couldn't keep out of each other's business.

I can't say if Hunter just wasn't the most charming guy or if it was Erin's point-of-view that had him not be the most charming guy, but he didn't really do it for me.

The college setting for this book was suitable and I found myself quite comfortable in it (tropical shower party, anyone?) As for the secondary characters, Summer was a breath of fresh air - energetic and blunt - and Manohar.. what can I say, the dude got on your nerves but I loved how much character he had. He definitely stood out and brought a lot of diversity.

The little twist in the plot did surprise me and I appreciated that, but it didn't have the time to rile up and become anything. Erin should've been outraged, walls should've been crumbling down. Or something, just something more.

Where 'Love Story' ended should've at least been the beginning of the last third of the story. There should've been a falling out and a chance of reconciliation and resolution. I won't say it was a bad ending, but it wasn't nearly thorough enough or complete so it's a good thing Echols knows impeccable writing.

(3/5)

Review: Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

Title: Such a Rush

Author: Jennifer Echols

Published: July 10, 2012

Pages: 336

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: 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.

**REVIEW**

I'm a loyal fan of Echols, though frankly, I haven't loved any of her books in quite a while. I can say that 'Such a Rush' gave me my faith back that I will love her books again.

What truly baffled me about this book was how it screamed JENNIFER ECHOLS in every way possible as she's known as a writer (which I guess is a statement only those who've read more than a couple of her books might be able to relate to) - but I absolutely loved that.

Echols do what she does best: handsome boys, secretive plot, independent heroine, and of course, the familiar witty banter (it's simply not an Echols novel without it.)

Leah, the protagonist, has led a struggling life and goes by on a daily basis barely having enough to eat, but there was something oddly calm about her and her situation. She knew how to deal with it in a way that didn't make you feel sorry for her.

Leah was level-headed, determined, and safe in her own skin. Even though there were qualities that made her appear rebellious or troubled, she was rather a teenager trying to find her way.

I really enjoyed the flying. Echols made me believe I could do it; literally made me believe I would be able to fly a plane. Maybe I will. I don't know much (or anything) about planes or businesses within that field, but I intentionally chose to overlook the odds of eighteen-year-olds in the air (what do I know) and running a banner-flying business. I couldn't imagine Greyson doing paperwork, for one.

The big damning secret Greyson used to blackmail Leah with was a little silly, really, if you were to compare it to the size of his goal with the whole thing. It was just a little far-fetched.

[Spoilers starting!] I didn't understand why his way of trying to make Alec stay was by attempting to make him fall for Leah. It felt so out of the blue to get such an idea. Why on earth would Greyson believe it'd work? It was never mentioned Alec might've had a crush on Leah back in the days or anything like that, so the odds of him not falling for Leah and the plan backfiring was the majority. [Spoilers ended!]

I have two feelings about the plot: one, there wasn't enough backstory or reason behind what originated Greyson's idea to blackmail Leah for it to have seemed logical. And two, the whole thing ultimately should've been twice as dramatic and complicated. Emotions should've been flying about (ha, no pun intended) when everything revealed itself.

I'd thought Greyson and Alec would be equally appealing, despite their differing characteristics, that there'd be some back and forth before knowing who Leah would "end up with", but soon enough (well, too soon) you realize nothing is meant to happen with one of the boys. I would've wanted to see him make more of an impact and difference in the story.

I did like the small cast of characters that it ultimately came down to and the simple but close moments shared.

Then we have Mark - a loose end. There was a lot that wasn't explained about Mark, he should've been more active in the story since his character did carry some weight. I feel that important scenes between him and Leah were skipped.

Despite having rambled on about all my "should'ves", I really did found myself responding to 'Such a Rush' more than anticipated. I did indeed enjoy it.

(4/5)

Review: The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

Title: The One That I Want

Author: Jennifer Echols

Pages: 290

Published: February 7, 2012

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

**REVIEW**

I’d been looking forward to reading this one by Echols since it’s her first romantic comedy in a while (and it was her romantic comedy that got me hooked on her writing in the first place.)

Since I only gave this book two stars, I can regretfully say, I was extremely underwhelmed by the story, as much as I wanted to love it! I’ve got to note that this didn’t have anything to do with Echols' writing.

I was skeptical about the plot which proved me right when you later learn is all trigged by the one misunderstanding. It was all so simple and underworked. I just found it to be silly. There was never anything exciting and I felt the story didn’t really take you with it but dropped you in various places.

None of the characters had any effect on me nor did I particularly find any liking in them. I do like that Echols usually try to create unlikely heros and heroines - which in this case rings true - but there was no build-up to Gemma and Max as a couple, it was crazy rushed (they loved each other pretty much by the second time they met..) to the point it was ridiculous. I just didn’t feel the intense chemistry that was supposedly there.

Gemma had a lot of potential to be a relatable character on many different levels (being punk, struggling with weight, being the underdog, etc) but it all ended up making a 180 for me. It was a little too forced and I ultimately didn’t connect with her at all.

I basically didn’t think there was a strong base to the story and that it lacked a good support. The story felt very young and silly. I will go ahead and say that I’ve so far only read wonderful reviews about ‘The One That I Want’ so either this just wasn’t my cup of tea or I’m insane.

My disinterest in the book had nothing to do with the author's writing skills.

(2/5)

Review: The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols

Title: The Boys Next Door (#1)

Author: Jennifer Echols

Published: May 25, 2010

Pages: 339

Series: yes (sequel 'Endless Summer' holds both volumes)

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: “Two irresistible boys. One unforgettable summer.

Lori can’t wait for her summer at the lake. She loves wakeboarding and hanging with her friends—including the two hotties next door. With the Vader brothers, she’s always been just one of the guys. Now that she’s turning sixteen, she wants to be seen as one of the girls, especially in the eyes of  Sean, the older brother. But that’s not going to happen—not if the younger brother, Adam, can help it.

Lori plans to make Sean jealous by spending time with Adam. Adam has plans of his own for Lori. As the air heats up, so does this love triangle. Will Lori's romantic summer melt into one hot mess?”

**REVIEW**

Firstly, the cover for ‘The Boys Next Door’ has a mile to go from making the book any justice.

A story about a love triangle between a girl and two brothers she’s known all her life is in itself already incredibly intriguing. Being new to YA novels and spontaneously picking up a copy of 'The Boys Next Door' in my mid teens, I found my absolute favorite book. And I’ve re-read it so many times I’m almost embarrassed to admit.

The book description already does a very good job of summing the story. It’s a deliciously summer-y novel. I’ve never wanted to live by a lake or pack my bags and move to Alabama this much - the setting is so inviting. The plot definitely went by my expectations. It's a great coming-of-age story.

Lori’s so entertaining - she’s witty and sarcastic, stubborn and naive. You’ll wish you were as gutsy and independent as Lori. Echols has done a fantastic job of creating a character whose voice will live on long after finishing the book.

As for two of the three Vader brothers, Sean and Adam - say mind candy? Echols will constantly keep reminding us of exactly how hot and tan and six-packed these brothers are and of ALL the supposedly ”hot boys” I’ve read about, these two still top the list.

As for Adam alone, he’s a conflicted character - pained and impulsive. I fell in love with Adam. His friendship with Lori was subtle and very natural; I enjoyed every step of it. And the bond (or lack thereof) between the brothers was a realistic and good kick to the story.

'The Boys Next Door' will certainly surprise you with emotions you hadn’t geared for. There will be heart-aching moments as well as heartwarming. It'll leave you smiling to yourself.

(4.5/5)