Livie has always been the stable one of the two Cleary sisters, handling her parents' tragic death and Kacey's self-destructive phase with strength and maturity. But underneath that exterior is a little girl hanging onto the last words her father ever spoke to her. “Make me proud,” he had said. She promised she would...and she’s done her best over the past seven years with every choice, with every word, with every action.Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy that she’s going to someday marry. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots, a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say ‘no’ to, and Ashton, the gorgeous captain of the men’s rowing team. Definitely him. He’s an arrogant ass who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare and everything she doesn’t want in a guy. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who happens to fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton?
As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.
The Story...
If you haven't read Ten Tiny Breaths, this review will be a little spoilerish for you. You can check out my review of Ten Tiny Breaths HERE.
The Cleary sisters are back only this time Livie has grown up. She's heading to her first year at Princeton, and she is is ready to make some changes. With the help of her sister, Kacey, and Reagan, her new roommate, Livie's first night at Princeton is one she will never forget.
Besides having her first Jell-o shots, Livie wakes up to her first hangover, realizes she has gotten her first tattoo, and gets her first look at a naked male. Not the way she expected to start her first year away from home.
Ashton Henley is immediately captivated by the beautiful dark headed girl who blushes at his heated glances and nearly dislocates his jaw after a stolen kiss. But, for
the man who seems to have everything he could ever want, he isn't free to take the only thing he has ever desired.
Ashton and Livie have a hesitant friendship that is fraught with sexual tension plus that something extra. While Livie begins to date Ashton's roommate, Connor, it is Ashton who is always on her mind. Connor is perfect and sweet. He always seems to say the right thing, but Ashton is always there in the background with an arrogant smile and a teasing touch.
As the school year continues, Livie begins to question everything she has ever planned for her life. But who is she if she isn't a straight A student? What will she do if she doesn't become a doctor? Could she set aside the "perfect" boyfriend and go after what she wants for once in her life?
What Worked...
First I have to say, "Damn you, Kathleen, for making me love Ashton." Ashton is the epitome of everything I hate in a guy. He is a manwhore and I cannot believe that Livie even looks at him twice. BUT there is just something about this man. Even from the beginning you can tell that there are extenuating circumstances and that if it were possible, he would find a way to be with Livie. Somehow you just know that he's not jerking her around and that he really wants what is best for her.
I loved that Dr. Stayner is back. If you've read Ten Tiny Breaths, you will remember his unconventional approach to therapy. I was extremely happy to see him helping Livie this time.
The entire cast of characters was perfectly written. I could picture every single person in my mind and I felt like they had become my friends as well as Livie's.
What Didn't...
I guess I was hoping to see more of Kacey and Trent to see how they were able to work things out after all that they experienced in Ten Tiny Breaths. It wasn't necessary to enjoy this book, it was just something I was wishing for.
5 out of 5 stars
Important Links...
Blush by Plumb
I chose this song because Ashton has the ability to make Livie blush in ways that no one else can. Plus, she is torn. trying to make a relationship with Connor which is what she thinks her parents would want, but deep down she knows that it is really Ashton who holds her heart.
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