Alexis + men = disaster. At least, that’s how it’s always been. Still, she’s easily tempted by her new surroundings at the University of California to put a foot forward into the dating pool; just not her best one. Relationships and situation-ships quickly become a balancing act as she tries to survive her freshman year. Jaden is something like an “it guy”, but not by choice. He would much rather live a quiet, normal life exactly opposite of the one the media portrays. So when he meets Alexis by chance, he instantly falls for her beauty, charm, and… normalcy. But he learns very quickly that dealing with her is anything but normal. Tyree isn’t a man of many words; he prefers action. When, sweet, sexy, naive Alexis Martin becomes a resident in his dorm, he can’t help trying his hand at getting with her, even if she is a freshman. Attractions and Distractions will take you on a bumpy ride through the struggles and triumphs of finding love on the college scene.
Alexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
This book is so damn messy! And let me tell you, I loved every single second of the mess. If you're looking for a contemporary romance series that is full of nothing but drama I would definitely recommend picking this up.
Attractions & Distractions: Freshman Year is told from the perspective of three characters: Alexis, Jaden, and Tyree. All three attend the University of Southern California. Alexis has moved cross country to get away from her family. She has sworn off all men based on the rocky relationship that she's had with her own father. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that it's not going to be as easy as it seems when she starts school. There she meets Jaden who is famous thanks to his socialite family and Tyree who works in her residence hall. The two men have contrasting personalities, but they both feel an attraction to Alexis. What follows is a novel full of ups and downs as Alexis attempts to balance her first year of college and relationships.
When I started reading this book, I could instantly tell that it was Warren's first book as I've read some of her older books, but it didn't detract from the story. It was clear that she's been talented since day one. I loved Alexis as a character. She's imperfect and frustrating. She's indecisive about her feelings, guarded, and naive--everything that I would expect from a college freshman as well as someone who's experienced some things that she's experienced. But I also appreciated the chill and carefree spirit that she had. Honestly, it is this very personality trait that drew both Jaden and Tyree to her. There are so many ups and downs in this novel and a lot of back and forth between the two men. Honestly, there really wasn't much debate for me in who I wanted her to choose. I did appreciate that Warren gave each character pros/cons in terms of their personality. This book is also easy to digest. It’s over 300 pages, but I finished it in 24 hours because I just couldn't put the book down. The pacing was good as well considering that we're following these characters over the course of an entire academic year. I think that some people may find the drama to be a lot, but I honestly ate it up and I enjoyed the fact that there were elements of the book that were reminiscent to things I've seen done in street lit.
If there is one thing that I would have liked to see different in this book it would definitely be the way Warren handled Tyree. I don't want to spoil the book, but I feel like his character could have used just a tad bit more development towards the end of the book. He seemingly disappears which is slightly weird considering the role that he plays in the majority of the book. Overall, this was a great read. I literally can't wait to dive into the rest of the series and more of Warren's backlist.
This was a really great book! It made me think about my college years and the fun I had. I loved the chemistry between Alexis and Jaden; I just wished she would admit her true feelings to him. Hopefully she realize that not everyone is like her father (which I'm sure we'll learn more about in the next book). Patiently waiting for book 2 and how things will go for Alexis in her sophomore year!
This is a great book. I hope Alexis & Jaden end up together. I'm glad I gave this book a chance because going by the cover I would have never read it. I can't wait for part 2.
Alexis was blowing me but I kind of get it based off of her past. If you feel like the one person in the world who was supposed to love you unconditionally and care for you failed you in all aspects I’m pretty sure that would impact the type of woman you turn into. Or even how you respond to situations and your own feelings. She spent so much time not allowing herself to feel and love that she sabotaged herself. The only person I ever felt like she was genuinely interested in was Jayden yet that’s the person who she was faking on the most. But at the same time, I guess that makes sense seeing as though she probably just didn’t know how to process or fully deal with her feelings. I can’t wait to see what happens once they’re living under the same roof! I low key feel like Alexis is doing this on purpose to get her man back LMAO I can’t even blame sis 😂 The cover for this book did this book no justice at all. I only decided to read it because I've read other novels by this author and she's AMAZING so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed!
The only thing I can say I didn't like about this story is that it made me yearn for my youth. I dropped out of school at 19 because I got pregnant and was too sick to make it to class. I had my daughter and never got to get the full college experience. I'm still working on my degree. It makes me sad, but it is what it is. She's a freshman in college now, and I have to live life from where I'm at, not where I wish I was.
This story seemed so true to life, which I enjoyed. The trials that come with figuring out who your supposed to be to whom while balancing responsibilities at that age.
I love the dynamic between Alexis and Jaden. I don't know how this plan of hers is going to pan out, but I am about to find out.
Oh my goodness 😮💨Alexis, slow your roll, pace yourself gurrrrrl, you’re just a freshman 🤦🏾♀️🥴‼️”Attractions & Distractions: Freshman Year” was a good read, but I’m scared for Alexis. …Emotionally detached & lies of omission! Jalen, Tryee, Jordan, Dex and or Mason etc. are not cannot be a plausible substitute for the fractured relationship (non) between you & your father! ..confront your “daddy issues”!
I loved loved loved this book! It was hard to put it down! I enjoyed Alexis, Jaden, and Tyree! I'm glad I didn't have to pick between Jaden and Tyree, both were great guys! I think Alexis should have been more open about her parents with both guys, that way they would have understood why Alexis acted the way she did! On to the next Book!
Off the rip, I like Jaden more than Tyree. I low key think they both playing her though. I was going to say the characters exchanges were childish but they’re in college and this is exactly how it goes. I don’t like how Jaden make it seem like Alexis was a drunk. I think she’s going to end up with Tyree. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Alexis definitely had an interesting 1st year of college! 2 men falling love with her, being away from her loved ones on the other side of the country, and doing it up in Cali! I can't wait to see what is in store for sophomore year! I'm still team Tyree even though it's becoming more apparent she'll end up with jaden
Woooowwww Alexis played too many games with my boo Jaden. Although Jaden isn't completely innocent, Lex gotta let certain things go. She also needs to open up to him and let him actually get to know her and stop pushing him away. Tyree needs to let go frfr.
I was drawn to the story, but some of the main characters actions are so silly and nonsensical I tend to become disenchanted with the tale. Are there people out there that are that dense and stupid? Unfortunately, we all know that the answer is YES!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Good from beginning to end . Tyree not bad but I don’t like him , kinda creepy falling for a freshman and beside I like Jaden more for Alexis . I hope Alexis and Jaden get it together the back and forth is killing me
It was definitely a great read but a slow burn but once it got going I was all in... Alexis still has a lot of growing up to do and so do Jaden but I’m rooting for them especially for #teamjaden... can’t wait for what’s next
I really enjoyed the book but hated the back and forth between Jaiden and Alexis. For Alexis to be a virgin, she wasted NO time going back and forth between two guys. Hopefully by senior year they will be in a committed relationship.
The only word I can think to describe Alexandra is genius! She’s brilliant and I’m so excited I finally decided to read this series! So I hate Alexis. I’ll let you know how I feel by the end of book 2.
I thought this book was really good. It's a lighthearted, quick, cute read. Loved all of the characters which is rare. Because I'm sure to dislike someone. The storyline to me was universal. If it wasn't something we experienced we know somebody who has.
This was a really good book. All the back and forth between Jaden and Alexis was draining. Looking forward to seeing how this all ends! I’m hoping they get it together.
Alexis...couldn't get her at first, but learned to like her almost mid-way through the story. She took a while to let go and open up. Jaden...I liked him from the start. He was an open book; too bad Alexis was so wrapped up in her thang to realize it. Tyree...borderline perv if you ask me. Him and Alexis had a weird chemistry. This is very reminiscent of those fresh meat daze. I enjoyed rethinking choices I made and the newness of the college experience. Recommended.
A good solid young adult romance.Like the next reader I like a good young adult romance but what I don't think I like is an young heroine who runs hot then cold the next.Alexis had me wanting to shake just a little sense into her,I mean girl was raised by a grandma she didn't get any smarts.But I also remember that age and just discovering yourself and having to make hard decisions on your on and hoping it's the right one.An excellent start to what promises to be a wonderful series.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed her writing voice. I even liked that she told the story from three different POV's, which you often don't find in romance books. The downside...Alexis got under my skin at times with the back and forth. She was young so I chalked it up to that. But that isn't going to deter me from moving onto the next book. Can't wait!