Latest Read: Easy

Here are the basics ...
Book: Easy
Author: Tammara Webber
Site: http://tammarawebber.blogspot.com/
Category: New Adult / Mature Young Adult

Summary: When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to college, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks already spent in shock, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother when leaving a party alone.  Rescued by a stranger, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night--but her savior, Lucas, sits in the back row of her econ class.  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. (Adapted from goodreads.com) 

Special thanks to Estelle for lending me the book!

My thoughts…

The good:  This book is dark, intense and focuses on a big issue in a way that was both realistic and heartbreaking.  I think the main strength of Easy was the characters and how as a reader, you immediately felt what they were feeling. Whether it was fear, passion, helplessness or strength.  I had this connection to the characters, particularly Jacqueline, from the start. I've never been in her position but I empathized with her completely.  She was scared and lost (which she had every right to be)  but then she took control of her life (with the help of an amazing best friend - loved their relationship!), didn't let fear destroy her and was still willing to open her heart to the possibility of love.  Which is where Lucas comes in.  As much as I loved all the obvious swoon-worthy moments between them, it was more than that.  It was the way he didn't just look out for her but also helped her to learn how to protect herself.  And he's got a story too.  One that provides a lot of insight into his actions and personality and adds to the depth of his character.

Overall, the combination of the (frightfully) real story + awesome characters + romance + the theme of a girl gaining back her confidence and sense of self = one great book.

The bad: Easy already deals with a lot - on a plot level and a character level.  There's this extra "twist" that the author throws in which I felt was completely unnecessary.  It probably didn't help that I had the twist figured out immediately.  As in, I could not believe that Ms. Jacqueline did not figure it out the same time I did.

Do I recommend?: Yes! It's a mature well-written book that deals with some tough issues that I think would be a good read for any female.

Happy reading!