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Blocked #3
Spiked
They say
University is the time
To find yourself
But I don’t need to find myself
Just want to find you
After watching his older siblings find their love matches at Highbanks University, Mateo Ramirez feels unlikely to follow in their footsteps. What girl would want him? Unlike his brother and sister, he battles diabetes and chooses music over sports. But at least he can write songs about his life—and the girl who caught his eye when their parents ran against each other for US President.
Hey, chica! Come conmigo
And baby, why don’t we go
Down under the bridge to the water
With you it can only get hotter
Jessica Monroe is a talented swimmer who dreams of representing Team USA at the Olympics. When she earns an athletic scholarship to Highbanks, she’s excited to attend the same school as the cute boy she met two years ago: Mateo. Too bad he’s not around when a teammate spikes her drink. Jessica may never trust men again.
Trust
Is a hard-to-earn thing
Just
Try to keep listening
Swallow
Down all of the unjust
Hollow
My chest, my heart will bust
College years are the time to shake off the past and find your future. But will that future find Mateo and Jessica together? Dive in and immerse yourself in the eagerly anticipated conclusion to Jennifer Lane’s Blocked trilogy.
University is the time
To find yourself
But I don’t need to find myself
Just want to find you
After watching his older siblings find their love matches at Highbanks University, Mateo Ramirez feels unlikely to follow in their footsteps. What girl would want him? Unlike his brother and sister, he battles diabetes and chooses music over sports. But at least he can write songs about his life—and the girl who caught his eye when their parents ran against each other for US President.
Hey, chica! Come conmigo
And baby, why don’t we go
Down under the bridge to the water
With you it can only get hotter
Jessica Monroe is a talented swimmer who dreams of representing Team USA at the Olympics. When she earns an athletic scholarship to Highbanks, she’s excited to attend the same school as the cute boy she met two years ago: Mateo. Too bad he’s not around when a teammate spikes her drink. Jessica may never trust men again.
Trust
Is a hard-to-earn thing
Just
Try to keep listening
Swallow
Down all of the unjust
Hollow
My chest, my heart will bust
College years are the time to shake off the past and find your future. But will that future find Mateo and Jessica together? Dive in and immerse yourself in the eagerly anticipated conclusion to Jennifer Lane’s Blocked trilogy.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lane
16 books1,432 followersPsychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane invites you to her world of sports romance and suspense with a psychological twist!
Jen fell in love with sports at a young age and competed in swimming and volleyball in college. She went on to become the Honda Award Winner for Division III Athlete of the Year. She still gets high from the smell of chlorine and the satisfaction of smashing a beautiful volleyball set.
In Jen’s upcoming tenth novel, Low Water, a swim coach and his psychologist team up to heal from trauma. Rivals features a romance between coaches from rival universities, Ohio State and Michigan. Her Blocked trilogy also explores the transformation from hate to love. One of Jen’s favorite themes is finding common ground.
A romantic suspense trilogy (The Conduct Series) and a psychological thriller (Twin Sacrifice) complete Jen’s collection of novels. For shorter reads, check out sports romance short stories Swim Recruit and Behind the Catcher’s Mask.
She calls South Carolina home and shares writing space with her two trusted feline collaborators: Tuxedo and Tessa. Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry.
Jen fell in love with sports at a young age and competed in swimming and volleyball in college. She went on to become the Honda Award Winner for Division III Athlete of the Year. She still gets high from the smell of chlorine and the satisfaction of smashing a beautiful volleyball set.
In Jen’s upcoming tenth novel, Low Water, a swim coach and his psychologist team up to heal from trauma. Rivals features a romance between coaches from rival universities, Ohio State and Michigan. Her Blocked trilogy also explores the transformation from hate to love. One of Jen’s favorite themes is finding common ground.
A romantic suspense trilogy (The Conduct Series) and a psychological thriller (Twin Sacrifice) complete Jen’s collection of novels. For shorter reads, check out sports romance short stories Swim Recruit and Behind the Catcher’s Mask.
She calls South Carolina home and shares writing space with her two trusted feline collaborators: Tuxedo and Tessa. Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 23, 2018
Starting from the moving dedication to victims of trauma, to the very satisfying ending, this was not only a very engaging book, but also thought-provoking and inspirational.
As it is usual in this author's stories, psychological and therapeutic issues play an important role in the unfolding of the plot. Once again Dr Valentine, the sports psychologist introduced in Blocked and also appearing in Aced, has a stellar cameo in this book when working with one of the main characters. She had already counselled Lucia, Dane and Maddie, some of the main characters in previous books on the series, and her insights, her advice, and her way of handling difficult situations with tremendous potential ethical implications are a joy to read.
Besides the very accurate and realistic portrayal of both trauma and diabetes, and besides the wonderful Dr Valentine (I wonder whether she is a cherished alter-ego for the author?), some of the things that I enjoyed the most in this book were:
*Mateo's big-hearted charm as a budding musician and his two hilarious side-kicks, Fitch and Itch. They had kept me smiling very often. It is very common for anyone to have a very hard time adjusting to chronic illness, let alone youngsters, and Mateo's plight struggling with a bad case of uncontrolled diabetes filled me with warmth and compassion.
* He has it bad for the girl in this story, and the little poems to her as lyrics for his songs were also very good, and the Spanish flawless.
* The witty, easy banter and camaraderie among main and secondary characters, which flowed wonderfully, kept me engaged, and again, it was very realistically written, since after all, they are 2 sets of siblings.
*Like in previous books in this series, the characters in the security detail, who added depth to the story, where a rich ingredient in the success of the narrative as a whole, and I would gladly find out more about them, specially Johnny (wink*wink* and big swoon about him :-).
*The very sensitive manner in which the difficult subject matter is treated kept me turning the pages. As the author explains at the end, different people deal differently with this particularly horrible trauma. They need support and affection, not judgement, when trying to decide what to do about it. In any case, this is a controversial issue, surely it must be an agonising decision for victims, , and I will be using this book to fulfil the "controversial book" category in this year's reading challenge. This is a great bonus, as I had yet to find a good one for this category, and this was a serendipitous find. Mateo's sensitivity and support of Jessica was delightful and precisely what she needed. I also loved Dane's reaction and how Dr Valentine's perspective helped him see the distinction between helpful and unhelpful ways to help his sister. Wonderful stuff! *sigh*
* Like in the previous books in the series, I enjoyed very much the balanced and sympathetic way in which the author discusses politics. With two families at opposite sides of the spectrum, this is no mean feat. Her treatment of this delicate topic seems to recognise the fact that perhaps both factions have the same ultimate goals of doing what is best for the country, and that passion, integrity and genuine caring can be found at both ends of the political divide, with lots of people having their hearts in the right place, even when having wildly different ideas of how to achieve the best for the country and for the people, which after all is only the hardest job in the world. She has been impartial, and non-judgemental, managing to find good arguments for both sides. Well done!
Even her fictional Republican president seems resigned about this:
[when talking to his son Mateo, who has a new girlfriend]
"My kids will do what they want regardless of what I tell them. And that’s the way it should be, I guess.
“Looks like all three of you will marry liberals.“Proof that love really does make you loco.”
This comment from Mr President cracked me up, the poor guy will have his work cut out for him with the in-laws. Times two!
Jessica's mother, the Democrat senator Monroe on the other hand, is not dealing with her daughter dating the opposition any better, and she was also hilarious in almost wishing that her daughter rather be gay and dating a good liberal girl, than Mateo, which provoked another loud laugh.
But the jovial, hopeful tone of the ending, to me has an underlying wonderful message: that we have to learn to live with each other and tolerate each other's beliefs, especially when we don't share them.
*Just to end, I would like to dedicate a moment of reflection to Lucia's t-shirts, which are a total riot. I've wondered if they are modelled on real clothing, or whether Jennifer Lane's would also excel if she wanted to launch an athletic clothing brand. Way to go!!!!
All in all, a big smile on my face when closing the book, although I was sad to see this saga with the Ramirez kids ending. Also wondering with excitement about the new places and new people this wonderful author will introduce to us next.
Highly recommended, and most heartfelt thanks to the author for an early copy. Much appreciated.
Muchas gracias, amiga. :-)
As it is usual in this author's stories, psychological and therapeutic issues play an important role in the unfolding of the plot. Once again Dr Valentine, the sports psychologist introduced in Blocked and also appearing in Aced, has a stellar cameo in this book when working with one of the main characters. She had already counselled Lucia, Dane and Maddie, some of the main characters in previous books on the series, and her insights, her advice, and her way of handling difficult situations with tremendous potential ethical implications are a joy to read.
Besides the very accurate and realistic portrayal of both trauma and diabetes, and besides the wonderful Dr Valentine (I wonder whether she is a cherished alter-ego for the author?), some of the things that I enjoyed the most in this book were:
*Mateo's big-hearted charm as a budding musician and his two hilarious side-kicks, Fitch and Itch. They had kept me smiling very often. It is very common for anyone to have a very hard time adjusting to chronic illness, let alone youngsters, and Mateo's plight struggling with a bad case of uncontrolled diabetes filled me with warmth and compassion.
* He has it bad for the girl in this story, and the little poems to her as lyrics for his songs were also very good, and the Spanish flawless.
* The witty, easy banter and camaraderie among main and secondary characters, which flowed wonderfully, kept me engaged, and again, it was very realistically written, since after all, they are 2 sets of siblings.
*Like in previous books in this series, the characters in the security detail, who added depth to the story, where a rich ingredient in the success of the narrative as a whole, and I would gladly find out more about them, specially Johnny (wink*wink* and big swoon about him :-).
*The very sensitive manner in which the difficult subject matter is treated kept me turning the pages. As the author explains at the end, different people deal differently with this particularly horrible trauma. They need support and affection, not judgement, when trying to decide what to do about it. In any case, this is a controversial issue, surely it must be an agonising decision for victims, , and I will be using this book to fulfil the "controversial book" category in this year's reading challenge. This is a great bonus, as I had yet to find a good one for this category, and this was a serendipitous find. Mateo's sensitivity and support of Jessica was delightful and precisely what she needed. I also loved Dane's reaction and how Dr Valentine's perspective helped him see the distinction between helpful and unhelpful ways to help his sister. Wonderful stuff! *sigh*
* Like in the previous books in the series, I enjoyed very much the balanced and sympathetic way in which the author discusses politics. With two families at opposite sides of the spectrum, this is no mean feat. Her treatment of this delicate topic seems to recognise the fact that perhaps both factions have the same ultimate goals of doing what is best for the country, and that passion, integrity and genuine caring can be found at both ends of the political divide, with lots of people having their hearts in the right place, even when having wildly different ideas of how to achieve the best for the country and for the people, which after all is only the hardest job in the world. She has been impartial, and non-judgemental, managing to find good arguments for both sides. Well done!
Even her fictional Republican president seems resigned about this:
[when talking to his son Mateo, who has a new girlfriend]
"My kids will do what they want regardless of what I tell them. And that’s the way it should be, I guess.
“Looks like all three of you will marry liberals.“Proof that love really does make you loco.”
This comment from Mr President cracked me up, the poor guy will have his work cut out for him with the in-laws. Times two!
Jessica's mother, the Democrat senator Monroe on the other hand, is not dealing with her daughter dating the opposition any better, and she was also hilarious in almost wishing that her daughter rather be gay and dating a good liberal girl, than Mateo, which provoked another loud laugh.
But the jovial, hopeful tone of the ending, to me has an underlying wonderful message: that we have to learn to live with each other and tolerate each other's beliefs, especially when we don't share them.
*Just to end, I would like to dedicate a moment of reflection to Lucia's t-shirts, which are a total riot. I've wondered if they are modelled on real clothing, or whether Jennifer Lane's would also excel if she wanted to launch an athletic clothing brand. Way to go!!!!
All in all, a big smile on my face when closing the book, although I was sad to see this saga with the Ramirez kids ending. Also wondering with excitement about the new places and new people this wonderful author will introduce to us next.
Highly recommended, and most heartfelt thanks to the author for an early copy. Much appreciated.
Muchas gracias, amiga. :-)
October 21, 2016
But I don't want it to end!!!!!!! I absolutely love this series and I think this was my favorite. Jessica and Mateo both face serious issues and Jennifer isn't afraid to tackle them. This is a tender love story and you will pull for these two to work through their problems. That's not to say there isn't humor in this story, there is! And I love catching up with the other Ramirez and Monroe siblings. I don't want to give anything away, so my review is vague , but trust me, it's a completely satisfying ending to a great series. I look forward to more stories from Jennifer Lane!
November 8, 2016
I don't know how to write a review of this book, I can not find the way to put into words everything that made me feel... this story was a roller coaster of emotions, broke my heart in so many ways and still I could not get enough of it. I love the way that Mrs. Lane makes some very human characters that it's impossible not to laugh with them, love them or suffer with them. What an amazing way to close a series!
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars
Lately I've been kind of jumping around in some of the series that I read or want to read. Sometimes it works out and they can be read as stand alones and sometimes I find I have to go back or I'm totally lost. This was the last book in this series and I hadn't read the previous ones, but fear not! It's stand alone material.
This was the story of Jessica and Mateo. They are both starting college but have met a few years ago out on the campaign trail when Mateo's dad and Jessica's mom were running for president. What should be a fun and exciting time for them turns out to be awkward and painful. Mateo is having to bring Secret Service people with him everywhere he goes, not to mention he's diabetic and doesn't have it under control, and Jessica had her drink spiked and she was hurt at her very first party on campus.
I liked the friendship they started out with. He was heavy crushing on her and it was so sweet. I did like that Jessica's trauma wasn't glossed over, nor Mateo's problems with his diabetes. However, for me, there was a bit too much of Jessie's therapy and I didn't care for the political arguing in the book, at all.
Jennifer Lane is an amazing writer and truly this was a good read, it just won't go on my favorites list.
*thanks to Raven Publicity for sharing a copy of this with me in exchange for an honest review*
Lately I've been kind of jumping around in some of the series that I read or want to read. Sometimes it works out and they can be read as stand alones and sometimes I find I have to go back or I'm totally lost. This was the last book in this series and I hadn't read the previous ones, but fear not! It's stand alone material.
This was the story of Jessica and Mateo. They are both starting college but have met a few years ago out on the campaign trail when Mateo's dad and Jessica's mom were running for president. What should be a fun and exciting time for them turns out to be awkward and painful. Mateo is having to bring Secret Service people with him everywhere he goes, not to mention he's diabetic and doesn't have it under control, and Jessica had her drink spiked and she was hurt at her very first party on campus.
I liked the friendship they started out with. He was heavy crushing on her and it was so sweet. I did like that Jessica's trauma wasn't glossed over, nor Mateo's problems with his diabetes. However, for me, there was a bit too much of Jessie's therapy and I didn't care for the political arguing in the book, at all.
Jennifer Lane is an amazing writer and truly this was a good read, it just won't go on my favorites list.
*thanks to Raven Publicity for sharing a copy of this with me in exchange for an honest review*
October 28, 2016
Received from the author for a honest review. Spiked- the third book in the Blocked series and keeping true to the first two, the author takes us through tough current young adult issues. This series goes through eating disorders, depression, divorce, juvenile diabetes and even date rape. And in every book a sports psychologist helps the charaters deal with the issues. Spiked has the youngest brother & sister of Dane & Lucia finally joining them in college. Mateo has alway had a secret crush on Dane's sister Jessica. Hoping she will notice her and not see him as a sickly kid, Mateo turns to his music. Jessica is so excited to be on her own, swimming for the same college as her big brother. But one night might change all that.
I diffently think these book are great for the young women or young adult, helping them know they may not be alone in their problems. And the insight this author gives (being a psychologist) helps show a positive path.
I diffently think these book are great for the young women or young adult, helping them know they may not be alone in their problems. And the insight this author gives (being a psychologist) helps show a positive path.
December 4, 2017
As much as we want to grow up fast and belong, just when you think things are working out, life throws you a curve-ball. And its time for the younger siblings to take the world by storm. The beautiful athletic swimmer Jessica and dark brooding musician Mateo, light and dark, lively and quiet, night and day. When life sets up a handicap either due to abuse or disease afflicting the young body, there are ways to strive and conquer, tame the beast that is trying to claim your mind and life. I could not see a better couple, leaning on each other, finding strength in the rock bottom and building again from bottom to top, a strong platform to help them soar. Love springs eternal. Stay Inspired !!
September 1, 2023
Extremely moving third book in an outstanding, New Adult trilogy
Mateo (Teo) Ramirez is the 18-year-old youngest son of the Republican president of the United States. Jessica Monroe is the 18-year-old youngest offspring of a U.S. Senator, a woman who was President Ramirez's Democratic opponent in his presidential race. Both Teo and Jessica are attending a university in Ohio, which is the home state of the Monroe family, because Mateo's older sister, Lucia, and Jessica's older brother, Dane, have been attending that university for the past three years. Jessica wants to be near her brother, and has been accepted as a scholarship athlete on the university swim team. Mateo is a talented musician who will be majoring in music, and he and his two Secret Service agents will live at the highly secure house where Lucia and her SS agents have been living during her entire time at the university.
Mateo has had a crush on Jessica for the past three years, but he has never dated anyone. He is both naturally introverted and embarrassed about the fact that he has Type 1 diabetes. Jessica dated in high school, but she is currently not involved with anyone. At the very beginning of the school year, each, separately, has a life-altering personal crisis. Mateo has been refusing to get an insulin pump, which he needs badly, because he has not been managing his diabetes well. This leads to his having a diabetic crisis that lands him in the hospital, which terrifies his parents and siblings. Jessica attends a party for the members of the male and female college swim teams, and is roofied and raped by a male swimmer. These two events set off the trajectory of painful but powerful personal growth on the part of both protagonists.
Jessica's journey was difficult for me to read, but I was enormously relieved that the author, who is a professional psychologist, got her to a competent and compassionate therapist early on in the novel. This is the same therapist who appears in the first two books, and is a key subcharacter in this series.
Mateo is a completely adorable "cinnamon roll" hero. He is almost, but not quite, a virgin, mostly from lack of opportunity, rather than being as dedicated to avoiding "fornication" as his older siblings were in the previous two books. His nurturing care of Jessica is extremely moving.
Though this book is billed, as are the other two, as a "political" romance, neither Jessica nor Mateo is interested in politics or religion, and both have sweet, nurturing dispositions. Which means this is not at all an "enemies to lovers" plot as Book 1 was.
Each book in this series resolves all the issues it raises and provides an HEA for its romance plot, but because every book builds on the one before, it is much more fulfilling to read all three books in the series, in order. This book is wonderful, in and of itself, but also because it provides a terrific, heartwarming, extended epilogue for the two couples from Book 1 and Book 2.
I have read this book multiple times over the years, and I am sure I will reread it again in the future. It is a real keeper, because I love Jessica and Mateo, both separately and as a couple.
Mateo (Teo) Ramirez is the 18-year-old youngest son of the Republican president of the United States. Jessica Monroe is the 18-year-old youngest offspring of a U.S. Senator, a woman who was President Ramirez's Democratic opponent in his presidential race. Both Teo and Jessica are attending a university in Ohio, which is the home state of the Monroe family, because Mateo's older sister, Lucia, and Jessica's older brother, Dane, have been attending that university for the past three years. Jessica wants to be near her brother, and has been accepted as a scholarship athlete on the university swim team. Mateo is a talented musician who will be majoring in music, and he and his two Secret Service agents will live at the highly secure house where Lucia and her SS agents have been living during her entire time at the university.
Mateo has had a crush on Jessica for the past three years, but he has never dated anyone. He is both naturally introverted and embarrassed about the fact that he has Type 1 diabetes. Jessica dated in high school, but she is currently not involved with anyone. At the very beginning of the school year, each, separately, has a life-altering personal crisis. Mateo has been refusing to get an insulin pump, which he needs badly, because he has not been managing his diabetes well. This leads to his having a diabetic crisis that lands him in the hospital, which terrifies his parents and siblings. Jessica attends a party for the members of the male and female college swim teams, and is roofied and raped by a male swimmer. These two events set off the trajectory of painful but powerful personal growth on the part of both protagonists.
Jessica's journey was difficult for me to read, but I was enormously relieved that the author, who is a professional psychologist, got her to a competent and compassionate therapist early on in the novel. This is the same therapist who appears in the first two books, and is a key subcharacter in this series.
Mateo is a completely adorable "cinnamon roll" hero. He is almost, but not quite, a virgin, mostly from lack of opportunity, rather than being as dedicated to avoiding "fornication" as his older siblings were in the previous two books. His nurturing care of Jessica is extremely moving.
Though this book is billed, as are the other two, as a "political" romance, neither Jessica nor Mateo is interested in politics or religion, and both have sweet, nurturing dispositions. Which means this is not at all an "enemies to lovers" plot as Book 1 was.
Each book in this series resolves all the issues it raises and provides an HEA for its romance plot, but because every book builds on the one before, it is much more fulfilling to read all three books in the series, in order. This book is wonderful, in and of itself, but also because it provides a terrific, heartwarming, extended epilogue for the two couples from Book 1 and Book 2.
I have read this book multiple times over the years, and I am sure I will reread it again in the future. It is a real keeper, because I love Jessica and Mateo, both separately and as a couple.
September 7, 2016
Finally, MATEO has arrived. I must begin by saying that this book has left me in a book hangover and it has been a week and I can’t get myself to start another book. Yes, this book is that good!!!!
Where do I even begin? At the beginning sounds good. Mateo met Jessica two years ago, she made an impact and he never forgot the girl with the curls he wanted to make go “boing”. He is finally able to be close enough to see her, they are at the same school, and his sister is dating her brother. When he finally sees her, he is flooded by emotions and yet leaves when she is about to need him the most. Had he known what was to come he would have stayed.
Jennifer Lane takes us on a journey of pain, acceptance, and love. Mateo and Jessica don’t have easy lives, he has his health to deal with and she a pain so deep she needs to find healing. Healing she finds in Mateo, who knew how valuable, strong, smart and sexy Mateo would be. Regardless of his struggles with his health, he makes Jessica top priority, alongside his music. She is his muse and his words and music are nothing short of amazing, when you find the one they seem to inspire you.
Mateo finally gets what he’s been longing for, a chance with the girl that makes his heart beat. The chemistry is alive with these two; it’s so strong it is felt through the pages. Mateo and Jessica are each other’s better half, he finally feels wanted and needed. She finally feels safe and at home. Together they are PERFECT!
Jennifer Lane, the author who makes us FEEL like we are a part of the world she creates. Spiked is the perfect end to a beautiful series. Thank you for Mateo and thank you for bringing awareness to the struggles of living with Type One Diabetes. May all the Mateo’s in the world find their Jessica.
Where do I even begin? At the beginning sounds good. Mateo met Jessica two years ago, she made an impact and he never forgot the girl with the curls he wanted to make go “boing”. He is finally able to be close enough to see her, they are at the same school, and his sister is dating her brother. When he finally sees her, he is flooded by emotions and yet leaves when she is about to need him the most. Had he known what was to come he would have stayed.
Jennifer Lane takes us on a journey of pain, acceptance, and love. Mateo and Jessica don’t have easy lives, he has his health to deal with and she a pain so deep she needs to find healing. Healing she finds in Mateo, who knew how valuable, strong, smart and sexy Mateo would be. Regardless of his struggles with his health, he makes Jessica top priority, alongside his music. She is his muse and his words and music are nothing short of amazing, when you find the one they seem to inspire you.
Mateo finally gets what he’s been longing for, a chance with the girl that makes his heart beat. The chemistry is alive with these two; it’s so strong it is felt through the pages. Mateo and Jessica are each other’s better half, he finally feels wanted and needed. She finally feels safe and at home. Together they are PERFECT!
Jennifer Lane, the author who makes us FEEL like we are a part of the world she creates. Spiked is the perfect end to a beautiful series. Thank you for Mateo and thank you for bringing awareness to the struggles of living with Type One Diabetes. May all the Mateo’s in the world find their Jessica.
September 11, 2016
Wow!!! This book was awesome. It kept me hooked from page 1. I love this series. Great books
October 10, 2016
Gifted a copy for an honest review.
It was so good to see all the characters from the previous books. This is two years on from Aced and is Matty's and Jessica's story. I thought the way Jessica's trauma was dealt with was realistic and the way she gradually came to see what had actually happened to her made my heart ache. Dane's reaction was to be expected and the way she felt safe with Matty was just aaah. Their relationship went at a pace that seemed real and you could feel the love. Matty's thoughts and the way he dealt with his diabetes came across as true.
The wedding was fun - would have been good to know why Jake and Nina were arguing...
Sad to be the end of the trilogy, would be nice to have another book a few years down the line to catch up with everyone - hint hint Jenn!
It was so good to see all the characters from the previous books. This is two years on from Aced and is Matty's and Jessica's story. I thought the way Jessica's trauma was dealt with was realistic and the way she gradually came to see what had actually happened to her made my heart ache. Dane's reaction was to be expected and the way she felt safe with Matty was just aaah. Their relationship went at a pace that seemed real and you could feel the love. Matty's thoughts and the way he dealt with his diabetes came across as true.
The wedding was fun - would have been good to know why Jake and Nina were arguing...
Sad to be the end of the trilogy, would be nice to have another book a few years down the line to catch up with everyone - hint hint Jenn!
January 18, 2020
I loved how all three books in the series had relatable situations and references to present day. Enjoyed reading about the different social backgrounds and illnesses one can face due to the high pressure/difficult situations they were in. But I have to say my favorites are still Lucia and Dane.
August 28, 2017
This is an excellent story.
There is content that may be a trigger for some people , It is handled in a way that is sensitive and caring.
5 stars
There is content that may be a trigger for some people , It is handled in a way that is sensitive and caring.
5 stars
October 30, 2020
Loved it.
October 15, 2016
Jessica's and Mateo's story. I enjoyed this book probably the most out of all the others in the series. You first meet jess and Mateo in the first book of the series, Blocked, and you instantly can't help but like them. This book is when both of them are just entering college and their struggles with both health and traumatic events in their life. Like I've said before I really enjoy the incorporation of actual events going on in society. The psychological aspect in the book is also great and I can see how it can help many people. This book is my favorite of the series and I loved the ending. You have closer and a happy ending!
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review
October 9, 2016
*This review was initially published at
The Readdicts Book Blog
. For more reviews, go here.
"If you liked author Jennifer Lane's Blocked, you will love Aced." This is what I had said in my review for Aced, the second book in the Blocked series. Now I don't really know what stage comes after love, but whatever that is, you will feel that after reading Spiked. Aced still remains my favourite, but the last book in the series, Spiked was just as good as Blocked and an extremely satisfying conclusion to what has become one of my most favourite New Adult series.
Spiked is the story of the youngest children in the Democratic and Republican families, Jessica and Mateo. Their siblings got their achievements and happily ever afters in their respective novels, and while their stories were lovely, I was always curious about Lucia and Alejandro's younger brother Mateo because he seemed like such a nice and quiet boy. And when I got to know that he would be paired with Dane's little sister Jessica, I could not wait to see what Jennifer Lane would put out for us. Well, it goes to say that, like always, Jennifer didn't disappoint because this book was so bloody good.
I feel sad that this series is over, because I love how each book doesn't just focus on the main couple, but on the most important families in America. It's great to get a bit of everything like politics, sport, drama, family, friendship, psychological issues, illnesses and love in one book as that makes it so much more interesting and highly entertaining. Jennifer Lane has a knack for taking up a serious subject and portraying it in a way that is both important, from an awareness point of view and light, in the way that is it incorporated in a contemporary fiction book.
I feel like the biggest problem with books that I love is that I cannot stop talking about it. I mean, it's been three paragraphs and I haven't said anything about our main characters, Mateo and Jessica yet. It goes to say that I loved them both. While they are part of very important and prestigious families, they both seemed so normal and all the stuff they went through made them relatable and comforting. Jessica and Mateo were both total sweethearts and it was hard not to love them as individuals and even more as a couple, because they were just so perfect for each other; almost like magnets.
Spiked, just like Blocked and Aced, was a great read with a nice message. With this series, Jennifer Lane has made me genuinely appreciate the physical and mental intensity of sports people, the strength of people with physical, medical, psychological or basically any problems or issues, and a good romance; the latter being something I'm not too fond of, but hey, there's a first for everything. I don't normally furiously recommend books, but I would definitely recommend this series to everyone, because aside from being entertaining, it's important as well.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Jennifer Lane via Raven Publicity in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
"If you liked author Jennifer Lane's Blocked, you will love Aced." This is what I had said in my review for Aced, the second book in the Blocked series. Now I don't really know what stage comes after love, but whatever that is, you will feel that after reading Spiked. Aced still remains my favourite, but the last book in the series, Spiked was just as good as Blocked and an extremely satisfying conclusion to what has become one of my most favourite New Adult series.
Spiked is the story of the youngest children in the Democratic and Republican families, Jessica and Mateo. Their siblings got their achievements and happily ever afters in their respective novels, and while their stories were lovely, I was always curious about Lucia and Alejandro's younger brother Mateo because he seemed like such a nice and quiet boy. And when I got to know that he would be paired with Dane's little sister Jessica, I could not wait to see what Jennifer Lane would put out for us. Well, it goes to say that, like always, Jennifer didn't disappoint because this book was so bloody good.
I feel sad that this series is over, because I love how each book doesn't just focus on the main couple, but on the most important families in America. It's great to get a bit of everything like politics, sport, drama, family, friendship, psychological issues, illnesses and love in one book as that makes it so much more interesting and highly entertaining. Jennifer Lane has a knack for taking up a serious subject and portraying it in a way that is both important, from an awareness point of view and light, in the way that is it incorporated in a contemporary fiction book.
I feel like the biggest problem with books that I love is that I cannot stop talking about it. I mean, it's been three paragraphs and I haven't said anything about our main characters, Mateo and Jessica yet. It goes to say that I loved them both. While they are part of very important and prestigious families, they both seemed so normal and all the stuff they went through made them relatable and comforting. Jessica and Mateo were both total sweethearts and it was hard not to love them as individuals and even more as a couple, because they were just so perfect for each other; almost like magnets.
Spiked, just like Blocked and Aced, was a great read with a nice message. With this series, Jennifer Lane has made me genuinely appreciate the physical and mental intensity of sports people, the strength of people with physical, medical, psychological or basically any problems or issues, and a good romance; the latter being something I'm not too fond of, but hey, there's a first for everything. I don't normally furiously recommend books, but I would definitely recommend this series to everyone, because aside from being entertaining, it's important as well.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Jennifer Lane via Raven Publicity in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
October 29, 2016
4.5 stars. Reviewed by Gemma on behalf of Your Next Hot Read
So as with my other reviews for this trilogy – you must read them before this one. Mainly because they are both brilliant and are must reads but also because you will then fully understand where Mateo and Jessica start and how they come to know each other.
Mateo is just starting at Highbanks College studying Music. He knows he’s mainly at this college because his sister also attends and Secret Service have already secured locations for him (being the son of the President of the United States has its drawbacks!). But also the girl who he’s thought of non-stop for the past few years is also starting freshman year there.
Jessica Monroe is also following in her siblings footsteps but is earning her way on the Swim team not the volleyball court. She wants the full college experience and looks forward to parties, boys and the odd swim meet together with a challenging Art course to follow her Dad’s passion in life.
One tragic college party experience later and Jessica is not just drowning in her chosen sport but also in her own life. Her world is crashing around her but she want’s no one to notice. But Mateo does take notice and soon he is trying to rescue Jess and bring her back to life. But he has his own demons to face so will they drown together or save each other?
Yet again Jennifer has lead us into an emotionally charged story which tackles some very sensitive issues. As with her other books, she has written these issues with care and consideration to readers who may have suffered similar tragedies and I commend her on her extremely accurate storytelling. Jessica and Mateo’s love story isn’t quite as easy sailing as you think it should be given that they’ve liked each other for so long but there are some genuine LOL moments in this book and I love how humour has been woven into such a sensitive story. Again I love how the author has tied up loose ends with the other books’ characters and so I feel that all the Ramirez and Monroe siblings have had their chance to share their stories with us. This is a definite one click author for me now and I cannot wait to read Jennifer’s other works.
So as with my other reviews for this trilogy – you must read them before this one. Mainly because they are both brilliant and are must reads but also because you will then fully understand where Mateo and Jessica start and how they come to know each other.
Mateo is just starting at Highbanks College studying Music. He knows he’s mainly at this college because his sister also attends and Secret Service have already secured locations for him (being the son of the President of the United States has its drawbacks!). But also the girl who he’s thought of non-stop for the past few years is also starting freshman year there.
Jessica Monroe is also following in her siblings footsteps but is earning her way on the Swim team not the volleyball court. She wants the full college experience and looks forward to parties, boys and the odd swim meet together with a challenging Art course to follow her Dad’s passion in life.
One tragic college party experience later and Jessica is not just drowning in her chosen sport but also in her own life. Her world is crashing around her but she want’s no one to notice. But Mateo does take notice and soon he is trying to rescue Jess and bring her back to life. But he has his own demons to face so will they drown together or save each other?
Yet again Jennifer has lead us into an emotionally charged story which tackles some very sensitive issues. As with her other books, she has written these issues with care and consideration to readers who may have suffered similar tragedies and I commend her on her extremely accurate storytelling. Jessica and Mateo’s love story isn’t quite as easy sailing as you think it should be given that they’ve liked each other for so long but there are some genuine LOL moments in this book and I love how humour has been woven into such a sensitive story. Again I love how the author has tied up loose ends with the other books’ characters and so I feel that all the Ramirez and Monroe siblings have had their chance to share their stories with us. This is a definite one click author for me now and I cannot wait to read Jennifer’s other works.
October 2, 2016
www.bookworm221.tumblr.com
I’m so so so glad that I read Blocked over a year ago because that story brought me to this one; every single book in this series has been strong and amazing. Each one dealing with different issues and each one being delivered and talked about in a judgment free way.
So, a little background info, in this book we follow Jessica and Mateo, Jessica is a swimmer and Mateo a singer/guitarist who also happens to be the son of the president of the US. They have both met before and are now attending the same college. Mateo has had a thing for Jessica for a long time and Jessica thinks Mateo is cute.
On the first day on campus Jessica goes to a party and the most awful thing happens to her, now from that moment on we are in Jessica’s head, the realization of what happened to her, the ramifications of those actions and just the constant fear that she is unprotected, that she is alone and that maybe it could happen again.
Jennifer Lane did an amazing job in this book, dealing with this subject matter is hard, is hard to read about and I’m sure is hard to write about but I think the fact that she is a psychologists and that she has some experience with this type of situation helped a lot. I had never read in a book the kind of dialog that Jessica has with her therapist, I had never read about the ways that we can help, the ways that they can help themselves and the ultimate question, to report or not report?
Those chapters were so fantastically written, they were hard to read but very informative, I liked that the issue is not swiped under the rug, I liked that Jessica got better a little bit at a time and that she could be happy in the end.
On the other hand Mateo is so amazing!! He is also dealing with things but his have to do with his health; he supports Jessica and never passes judgment on her action which was so wonderful to read.
This entire book is PERFECT! I think it’s my favorite of the entire series, and I think that if you haven’t read this series you should absolutely start NOW!
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
I’m so so so glad that I read Blocked over a year ago because that story brought me to this one; every single book in this series has been strong and amazing. Each one dealing with different issues and each one being delivered and talked about in a judgment free way.
So, a little background info, in this book we follow Jessica and Mateo, Jessica is a swimmer and Mateo a singer/guitarist who also happens to be the son of the president of the US. They have both met before and are now attending the same college. Mateo has had a thing for Jessica for a long time and Jessica thinks Mateo is cute.
On the first day on campus Jessica goes to a party and the most awful thing happens to her, now from that moment on we are in Jessica’s head, the realization of what happened to her, the ramifications of those actions and just the constant fear that she is unprotected, that she is alone and that maybe it could happen again.
Jennifer Lane did an amazing job in this book, dealing with this subject matter is hard, is hard to read about and I’m sure is hard to write about but I think the fact that she is a psychologists and that she has some experience with this type of situation helped a lot. I had never read in a book the kind of dialog that Jessica has with her therapist, I had never read about the ways that we can help, the ways that they can help themselves and the ultimate question, to report or not report?
Those chapters were so fantastically written, they were hard to read but very informative, I liked that the issue is not swiped under the rug, I liked that Jessica got better a little bit at a time and that she could be happy in the end.
On the other hand Mateo is so amazing!! He is also dealing with things but his have to do with his health; he supports Jessica and never passes judgment on her action which was so wonderful to read.
This entire book is PERFECT! I think it’s my favorite of the entire series, and I think that if you haven’t read this series you should absolutely start NOW!
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
December 15, 2016
One of the things I love most about Jennifer Lane's stories is the way she explores real life experiences. She doesn't add scenes for shock value, nor does she layer on the drama. The content is compelling in its own right, delivered with honesty and compassion. This story could be happening right now, and, sadly, is likely playing out in some form today, even as I write this. But Lane doesn't give us endless pages of misery. She shines a light into the darkness, guiding us out so that we all learn and grow as we follow her path.
No matter how compelling the content, stories need great characters to keep us hooked. These characters are real people. I swear to you. They stepped off the pages and went on to live their lives. Each has his/her own complex, unique personality. I can tell which is speaking simply by the rhythm of their speech and their word choices. I feel their emotions and care what happens to them. Perhaps most important, I understand their viewpoints, even when I don't necessarily agree. Being able to truly relate to a person different from ourselves is a gift Jennifer Lane masterfully gives readers.
This book is targeted toward young adults. If I had teenagers or college-age kids, I would want to read this book with them, and then discuss the issues presented. This story really is the perfect lead-in for pertinent conversations with young adults. But being long past my own college years, with grown kids of my own, didn't prevent me from relating to and enjoying this story.
Spiked is the final book in the Blocked Trilogy. While this one can essentially be read as a stand-alone, for the best experience I recommend reading them in order. Each book has two different main characters, but all of the characters and their lives intertwine throughout the series. The subtleties in their relationships can be missed if you haven't read the previous books. Plus, all three are fantastic reads!
No matter how compelling the content, stories need great characters to keep us hooked. These characters are real people. I swear to you. They stepped off the pages and went on to live their lives. Each has his/her own complex, unique personality. I can tell which is speaking simply by the rhythm of their speech and their word choices. I feel their emotions and care what happens to them. Perhaps most important, I understand their viewpoints, even when I don't necessarily agree. Being able to truly relate to a person different from ourselves is a gift Jennifer Lane masterfully gives readers.
This book is targeted toward young adults. If I had teenagers or college-age kids, I would want to read this book with them, and then discuss the issues presented. This story really is the perfect lead-in for pertinent conversations with young adults. But being long past my own college years, with grown kids of my own, didn't prevent me from relating to and enjoying this story.
Spiked is the final book in the Blocked Trilogy. While this one can essentially be read as a stand-alone, for the best experience I recommend reading them in order. Each book has two different main characters, but all of the characters and their lives intertwine throughout the series. The subtleties in their relationships can be missed if you haven't read the previous books. Plus, all three are fantastic reads!
October 19, 2016
Rating: 3.5 Stars
--Sigh--
With this book, we say goodbye to the Ramirez and Monroe families, and it was a fine farewell.
This book focuses on the romance between the two youngest siblings, Mateo and Jessica. They had met previously, and there had been a little spark, and finally they were together at Highbanks. As with the previous books, there are some BIG issues involved in the plot. I liked that Lane selected this issue as one of the focal points, because it's an issue that demands open and honest discussions. Jessica's trauma was so real, and I loved the way everyone rallied and supported her. Teo also had to adjust to college life, and keep his diabetes under control as well. Again, family and friends were there to lend support, and encourage him to make good choices when it came to his health.
Then, there was the beautiful friendship between Mateo and Jessica. The way they valued each other and treated each other was quite special. Teo helped Jessica heal, and Jessica helped Teo feel that there was more to him than his diabetes. He helped her through her nightmares and PTSD episodes. She encouraged him with his music and helped him not feel "less than".
The real treat for us Blocked fans was the ending. The story for this book wrapped up before the ending, but Lane gave us a few more chapters. Those chapters were just for the fans. They gave us closure, and let us get a peek into the future of our three couples. Yeah, I smiled a lot those last few chapters.
Overall: a great ending to an NA series I throughly enjoyed.
--Sigh--
With this book, we say goodbye to the Ramirez and Monroe families, and it was a fine farewell.
This book focuses on the romance between the two youngest siblings, Mateo and Jessica. They had met previously, and there had been a little spark, and finally they were together at Highbanks. As with the previous books, there are some BIG issues involved in the plot. I liked that Lane selected this issue as one of the focal points, because it's an issue that demands open and honest discussions. Jessica's trauma was so real, and I loved the way everyone rallied and supported her. Teo also had to adjust to college life, and keep his diabetes under control as well. Again, family and friends were there to lend support, and encourage him to make good choices when it came to his health.
Then, there was the beautiful friendship between Mateo and Jessica. The way they valued each other and treated each other was quite special. Teo helped Jessica heal, and Jessica helped Teo feel that there was more to him than his diabetes. He helped her through her nightmares and PTSD episodes. She encouraged him with his music and helped him not feel "less than".
The real treat for us Blocked fans was the ending. The story for this book wrapped up before the ending, but Lane gave us a few more chapters. Those chapters were just for the fans. They gave us closure, and let us get a peek into the future of our three couples. Yeah, I smiled a lot those last few chapters.
Overall: a great ending to an NA series I throughly enjoyed.
February 17, 2017
Great series!
I love Marty and Jessica. This story is powerful because it involves serious issues between two kids who fall in love. The characters are well developed and there is something for everyone.
I love Marty and Jessica. This story is powerful because it involves serious issues between two kids who fall in love. The characters are well developed and there is something for everyone.
September 29, 2016
Spiked is the third book within the series and continues where the last one left of. Spiked is about the youngest Ramirez child Mateo and Jessica the sister of Dane Monroe. I have loved everything book and the emotions put into them. However, Spiked was an emotional read that dealt with a lot of sensitive issues. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a read and I loved every part of it. When I read who the characters were about, I was instantly pleased because I have waned to read a book of Mateo’s since readers were introduced to the character in the first book.
I absolutely adored Mateo and enjoyed his story so much. He was such a great guy and I loved the way he tried to protect Jessica and I felt for him when he didn’t feel good enough for her. I also loved seeing his interactions with his siblings. Jessica was a great character that suffered a horrific incident on her first night at collage. My heart broker for her and I felt for her so much with what she experienced.
Spiked was the perfect ending to the series and it had the perfect ending for all of the characters. I absolutely loved all of the characters within the series and I enjoyed reading about them all. Jennifer Lane did a fantastic job with the wonderful way she wrote these books and the way she educated her readers about metal health issues and some of the political issues that are currently happening. I loved these stories and cant wait to read more form the author.
I absolutely adored Mateo and enjoyed his story so much. He was such a great guy and I loved the way he tried to protect Jessica and I felt for him when he didn’t feel good enough for her. I also loved seeing his interactions with his siblings. Jessica was a great character that suffered a horrific incident on her first night at collage. My heart broker for her and I felt for her so much with what she experienced.
Spiked was the perfect ending to the series and it had the perfect ending for all of the characters. I absolutely loved all of the characters within the series and I enjoyed reading about them all. Jennifer Lane did a fantastic job with the wonderful way she wrote these books and the way she educated her readers about metal health issues and some of the political issues that are currently happening. I loved these stories and cant wait to read more form the author.
September 5, 2016
SO excited for this release! I was lucky to get to read an earlier draft and am happy to report that this book makes a wonderful ending to the Blocked series.
As always, the author handles delicate situations with an even hand. Nothing is glossed over and man, oh man, does she make you feel the emotions! Jessica is a strong woman forced to deal with a confidence-shattering situation. So many times I wanted to reach through the screen to give her a hug. Mateo struggles with truly forging his independence - it ain't easy being the president's son...or having a serious medical condition. Watching his growth was fascinating - and damn, does he become one dreamy man.
There are many levels to the characters in this series - they feel so real to me. Even though each book puts the spotlight on different characters, we get to interact with the ones we know from previous books - and a huge grin jumped onto my face every time an old "friend" walked onto the page.
All of the books in the Blocked series are stand-alones - focused on a different couple - so you don't need to read them in order, but the last couple of chapters in Spiked are ones you'll want to come back to after reading Blocked & Aced. They provide a great wrap-up to the series.
As always, the author handles delicate situations with an even hand. Nothing is glossed over and man, oh man, does she make you feel the emotions! Jessica is a strong woman forced to deal with a confidence-shattering situation. So many times I wanted to reach through the screen to give her a hug. Mateo struggles with truly forging his independence - it ain't easy being the president's son...or having a serious medical condition. Watching his growth was fascinating - and damn, does he become one dreamy man.
There are many levels to the characters in this series - they feel so real to me. Even though each book puts the spotlight on different characters, we get to interact with the ones we know from previous books - and a huge grin jumped onto my face every time an old "friend" walked onto the page.
All of the books in the Blocked series are stand-alones - focused on a different couple - so you don't need to read them in order, but the last couple of chapters in Spiked are ones you'll want to come back to after reading Blocked & Aced. They provide a great wrap-up to the series.
October 1, 2016
What can I say about Spiked, this book was beyond amazing, I was not able to put this book down. I finished Spiked in one sitting and let me tell you this Mateo and Jessica are my new favouite couple.
Jessica is not your typical freshman, her mother is a senator and her brother is dating the president’s daughter and she also might have a crush on the president’s youngest son Mateo.
When Jessica attends a party on her first night at campus, she wakes up the next morning not remembering any of the evens from the night before.
Mateo is trying to live a normal freshmen life, but he can’t seem to get over his feeling for Jessica, she’s the inspiration for a lot of his song lyrics and he can’t help but fall for her.
It’s with the help of Dr Valentine, and her family that Jessica unlocks the memories from that horrific night and tries to deal with her PTSD.
Spiked is an astonishing story, my favourite in the Blocked Series. Spiked is a roller-coaster of emotions that is magnificently written and Jennifer Lane creates characters that will stay with you for a long time. Spiked and the entire Blocked Series is a must read!
Jessica is not your typical freshman, her mother is a senator and her brother is dating the president’s daughter and she also might have a crush on the president’s youngest son Mateo.
When Jessica attends a party on her first night at campus, she wakes up the next morning not remembering any of the evens from the night before.
Mateo is trying to live a normal freshmen life, but he can’t seem to get over his feeling for Jessica, she’s the inspiration for a lot of his song lyrics and he can’t help but fall for her.
It’s with the help of Dr Valentine, and her family that Jessica unlocks the memories from that horrific night and tries to deal with her PTSD.
Spiked is an astonishing story, my favourite in the Blocked Series. Spiked is a roller-coaster of emotions that is magnificently written and Jennifer Lane creates characters that will stay with you for a long time. Spiked and the entire Blocked Series is a must read!
November 2, 2016
**Trigger for some***
OMG Matteo is my favorite!
Matteo and Jessica meet when both parents are competing against each other to be the President and unlike their siblings still are in high school and living with their parents. They are reunited when they both go to the same college as their siblings. On move in day they run into each other at a party that Matteo tracks Jessica down at but later leaves when he realizes that he doesn't fit in there. Later that night a Jessica is attack but doesn't completely remembers and keeps it inside. After having problems with swimming, she is sent to the psychiatrist. Matteo whom has diabetes, doesn't keep track of his numbers as well as he should and collapses. Afterwards Matteo and Jessica become close and when he figures out what happened to her, he vows to her that he will stick by her and he keeps his promise. Slowly they build their relationship while he helps her overcome her PTSD! Despite their parents warning, they love each other and stick together! This was my favorite out of the Blocked Series!
OMG Matteo is my favorite!
Matteo and Jessica meet when both parents are competing against each other to be the President and unlike their siblings still are in high school and living with their parents. They are reunited when they both go to the same college as their siblings. On move in day they run into each other at a party that Matteo tracks Jessica down at but later leaves when he realizes that he doesn't fit in there. Later that night a Jessica is attack but doesn't completely remembers and keeps it inside. After having problems with swimming, she is sent to the psychiatrist. Matteo whom has diabetes, doesn't keep track of his numbers as well as he should and collapses. Afterwards Matteo and Jessica become close and when he figures out what happened to her, he vows to her that he will stick by her and he keeps his promise. Slowly they build their relationship while he helps her overcome her PTSD! Despite their parents warning, they love each other and stick together! This was my favorite out of the Blocked Series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2020
This was definitely my favourite in the series.
Jessica has a very interesting storyline and one that had some great developments. Unlike previous novels where I felt like a lot of things weren't elaborated on when they should be, this one didn't go down that path. There was a fresh perspective on the whole matter and I thought it was an interesting approach.
While I really loved these two together, I thought a lot of their romance could have been stronger. It's a lot of lust and innate feelings and I would have liked to have seen some more to their connection.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2S8
Actual Rating: 3/5
October 28, 2016
I think this was my favorite. I liked the trilogy, but Mateo was special. He wasn't the star jock, but he had a way about him that really let you see him and his greatness. He had such a deep love for his family and siblings. He even had a special relationship with an awesome cat! No wonder Jessica couldn't help but fall for him! I liked her family ties with the rest of them, too. Mateo was a poetic genius and his music makes up for all of the things he thought were shortcomings due to his illness of diabetes. He is also quite supportive of Jessica's swimming. I really loved the sports theme throughout this set and especially that not all were athletic wonders. This was a fabulous series that did not disappoint me in the end. I was only sad to see it over.
Voluntary review of ARC
Voluntary review of ARC
September 24, 2016
What a great ending to a sweet and romantic trilogy. Mateo has been smitten with Jessica since they first met. Now they are both attending the same college. After a trauma to Jessica on her first night at school and her courage to tell some loved ones, Mateo makes it his goal to keep her safe. Can these two survive the media attention? Will his medical issue be a problem? Can she overcome her trauma? So much for 2 college freshmen to endure, but will love conquer all their issues? A great ending to the trilogy. All of the characters come back together. Well written and an enjoyable HEA for all.
October 5, 2016
I can't tell if this is my favorite book in the series or my least favorite. It was so hard to read the beginning of the book knowing what Jessica went through and her not realizing it yet. I loved Mateo. He is all around an awesome guy. It was nice that Jennifer Lane continued to incorporate real life problems that most people want to stay away from, and always what was the right way to handle them. I liked that there were also glimpses of the other couples from the previous books. I'm so sad to see the series end, I'll miss the characters, but if she wrote more books in the series (say Johnny or China & Allison's story) I'd totally read that.
October 1, 2016
I FLOVE MATEO AND JESSICA.
FLOVE, FLOVE, FLOVE.
I mean, come on, who wouldn't like this broken guy who ends up being perfectly imperfect with a girl he never thought he would chance to meet. She is beautiful, smart, and yet utterly broken as well.
They build each other up as much as they break each other's walls down.
FLOVE, FLOVE, FLOVE.
Read Mateo and Jessica's story because you will just enjoy how Jennifer Lane ended the series. I'm not bitter that it's over but definitely heart broken. <3
FLOVE, FLOVE, FLOVE.
I mean, come on, who wouldn't like this broken guy who ends up being perfectly imperfect with a girl he never thought he would chance to meet. She is beautiful, smart, and yet utterly broken as well.
They build each other up as much as they break each other's walls down.
FLOVE, FLOVE, FLOVE.
Read Mateo and Jessica's story because you will just enjoy how Jennifer Lane ended the series. I'm not bitter that it's over but definitely heart broken. <3
October 2, 2016
This book is about the younger siblings. She's a swimmer and he's a diabetic musician. They've always had chemistry from an early age. They both end up going to the same college, ironically the same one as their older siblings. But one horrific night changes everything. Were they just meant to only be friends or from this tragedy will love triumph? I love how all the family members are still present in this book. And a few surprise characters. I can see a couple different spin-off possibilities from this series happening.
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