Jill Patten

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 Stars

Blue does bad things for good reasons, he doesn't see it as a crime, taking from the rich and helping the poor. Until he meets Phoebe. She isn't entitled or rich and he's the jerk that's ruined her vacation. Determined to make it up to her, Blue sets out to make her vacation unforgettable, but he doesn't have to try once she finds out the truth. Too bad he's already given her his heart, not that he realizes it. Once Phoebe returns to her real life she finds that nothing compares to Blue and his acceptance of her truths. When given the opportunity to try again, they both leap, but neither can predict what the future will bring.

Blue is a story filled with life lessons set in a beautiful coastal town on the water. Told from the POVs of Blue and Phoebe, we see life through their eyes and they enjoy a week long affair with secrets buried deep into the sand. The two are different, their worlds so far apart, but their personalities are similar, both are young and restless with their current circumstances. I enjoyed that a perfect storm of events seemed to occur that brought Phoebe and Blue together, though the circumstances weren't ideal. I also liked being "in" on the secrets, knowing the two were holding so much back. It allowed for me to have some sight into the coming drama, but also hold onto hope that they could fix things between them. It's definitely a younger story though and while some of the subject matter is heavy, it's the kind of book you can read on the beach over your own spring break.

Unfortunately, Blue also has all the cliche moments you've come to expect from new adult aged romances. I definitely found myself tearing up at moments, Jill does an incredible job of evoking emotions with her writing, but several parts were predictable. The relationship between Phoebe and Blue is standard boy meets girl meets drama, though the circumstances are a bit more unusual. I liked what the two saw in one another, but the way their connection played out is confusing. While Blue played the part of beach bum perfectly, Phoebe sometimes seemed like a combination of two people, confused on who she wants to be. I ended up having a hard time feeling compassion for her, because she was so outlandish in some of her ways, especially since she seemed to never make up her mind. Ultimately, I enjoyed what they shared, though how it happened seemed a bit unrealistic.

If you're looking for a new adult contemporary romance with a fair share of angst, Blue by Jill Patten is for you.… (mehr)

Holy moly this book on one big cluster. Why Courtney even entertained letting Phillip back in was beyond crazy. I will admit I was almost convinced he had turned a new leaf but then the final blow actually came as a shock to me. Then there's Jaxon, he's hotter than hot but he doesn't give much personal info away and when asked he gets angry. The biggest secret he keeps from Courtney I know will break them. The ending is heart wrenching. Some hot sex scenes. Ending was good I was glad to know that Courtney & Jaxon's story didn't end there because it was no HEA & I guess you could say it was a cliff hanger.

Quote:

"She was my favorite flavor."
… (mehr)