ARC: The Hazards of Skinny Dipping

Expected publication: May 21st 2013

ISBN13: 9781484044179 

Summary:

  This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

 

 *This ARC was provided for me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Okay, there is a really really good possibility that I was texting my best friend through the ENTIRE book. You would think that's a bad thing, right? Wrong. She can vouch for me, I was totally reading to bash some faces in, make out with a few guys and well...fall in love. With Reed. Hey he's all kinds of amazing. Dylan...how do I put this nicely?? Is a utter and complete idiot with disgusting thoughts who cries a lot and has a strange impression that he's really manly (He's not)

Juliet is an average girl who has a not so average list. One of the things on the list is skinny dipping. Now, this skinny dipping extravaganza in the pool basically changes her entire college experience. All of it. Let's just go with he catches her in the act...did I mention she forgot a towel. Um, oops. SO EMBARRASSING!!!
Now, in college, they're together. And here is where I rant and may in fact give a few minor spoilers. Hey, this book got my my brain juice going. I had to think! *GASP*

Dylan. Let's just go with I really hate him. He's arrogant, possessive, childish and rude. He's trying to control her. Not Juliet's fault you have trust issues, mister. Let's go with a few incidents: The beach, the Kappa party, the cheating-but-not-cheating incident.

Reed. *.* Oh Reed, I love you. Please be mine forever? (He said yes, by the way)
I love him. The whole time that Juliet is dating that jerk face he is quietly, respectfully, undeniably falling in love with her. I would just like to point out that Romeo and Reed start with the same letter. Coincidence? I think not. Reed saves her from total humiliation by his house (TWO HOUSES, AGAIN NOT A COINCIDENCE) and then he gets her a job at the pizza place his uncle owns. He is so protective of Juliet, its freaking adorable. You can tell they're perfect for each other...but then...disaster strikes! No, I will not tell you. Go away. NO DON'T! I HAVEN'T FINISHED YET! DON'T WORRY NO TRAGIC ENDING!!! Bonus Points

So let's generalize. I love this book. The words totally make sense and they flow. This book could have easily been overdone..but it was perfection. It had this Romeo/ Juliet thing going on that I absolutely loved. The way they adored each other was something you had to wait for...but totally worth it. They completed each other in a way no other person would have ever been able to. When you think about college, you think a new life, parties, new experiences, new friends, a new beginning. That's what this was: a new beginning. Juliet was so stuck at first on her ties to home that she couldn't see that, maybe, what she always needed: the stability and comfort and love, was right in front of her. It was in the perfect gift wrapped package of Reed.

Reed was what she needed.

Last of all, this book was all about finding yourself. It's right. This wasn't some sappy summer romance. It was hard core, let's rock this world, one heck of a love.

 

 -Jackie