During welcome week at Hillson University, the FROSH will hit the fan.
Type-A aspiring journalist Ellie plans to take freshman year by storm. But hell-bent on breaking a huge on-campus scandal, she risks becoming one herself—and getting the mysterious, heart-melting QB in serious trouble.
Grant, star quarterback and charismatic chick-magnet, is hiding a life-altering secret. The last thing he needs is an overeager (absolutely adorable) journalist asking questions. He’s got a reputation to protect.
High-society legacy student Devon is ready to catch the football hottie of her dreams. If the tabloids feature her with the “it” boy on her arm, her tainted past will be buried—or so she thinks.
Charlie, pre-med, is done being the sweet and funny geek that girls like Devon ignore. But if he tries to impress her with a new edgy, spontaneous attitude, will his heart end up in the emergency room?
FROSH intertwines the stories of Ellie, Grant, Devon, and Charlie in Mónica B. Wagner’s sexy NA debut series, about falling in love and falling apart.
Mónica was born in a Peruvian city by a snow-capped volcano. Growing up, books were her constant companion as she traveled with her family to places like India (where she became a vegetarian), Thailand (where she *almost* met Leonardo di Caprio), France (where she pretended to learn French), and countless other places that inspired her to write. Now, Mónica lives in Chile with her husband, three boys, eleven hens, and stray dog.
***I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley.com, in exchange for honest feedback.***
This was a cute, heart-warming, college-aged romance, featuring an innocent girl, Ellie, and the star quarterback, Grant. The two meet when Ellie is given an assignment to write an article on the school's new star quarterback. Sparks fly right off the bat, only to have a series of mishaps and misunderstandings derail their relationship early on.
In addition to the love story between Ellie and Grant, there were numerous secondary characters, each with their own competing agendas. Aside from Ellie and Grant, there was: Devon, the spoiled socialite looking to redeem her family's name; Sorenson, the well-connected best friend of Devon who is always up to something; Charlie, the smart, nerdy guy that is infatuated with Devon; Tanner the hot Resident Advisor at Ellie's dorm and one of the editors for the school paper; Naomi, a friend of Ellie's from the dorms with supermodel good looks...and that's not all.
While I really enjoyed the love story between Ellie and Grant, it was easy to get lost in this story with so many moving parts. Forget love triangles, this story was like a love octagon! I swear, each character had 2+ romantic interests. It was hard to keep up with.
Furthermore, with the story being told from multiple POVs, I frequently found myself needing to reorient myself. Two, or even three, POVs would have been feasible, but literally every character seemed to take a turn. Reading the story from five or so vantage points was incredibly busy and distracting.
That being said, I did like the characters...all of them. I thought the storyline was entertaining and the characters were engaging. Despite the complex storytelling style, I am curious to see how things work out for Grant and Ellie. The book ended with a huge cliffhanger, so we'll have to wait and see how things play out.
I know I'm completely biased, but I love this book. I have a bunch of manuscripts I started but never finished because I wasn't falling in love. But with Frosh, I did! :)
Fun, sweet, a little bit sexy, completely captivating and totally addictive, FROSH: First Blush is a fantastic first book in Mónica B. Wagner’s new trilogy. It promises heated hook-ups, ulterior motives, betrayal, jealousy, a catfight, a potential love triangle, possible unrequited love, a mysterious podcaster, and a headline-making scandal. It delivers angst, heartbreak, romance, humor, a well-developed story and characters, terrific writing, and a killer cliffhanger ending. It is a story and series that will become an instant favorite and are an absolute must.
Daniella “Ellie” Martowski really didn’t want to like Grant Landry, the star quarterback for Hillson U. She’d much rather crush on Tanner, the Managing Editor for the Nexus, where she was hoping to land the editorial assistant position. Though she really wished she didn’t want to have anything to do with either of them. Getting the job was way too important for her to mess it up by getting together with the wrong guy… or guys.
Devon Connors wanted to clear her family’s name and prove to everyone that the scandals they’d been plagued by were in the past. And she knew the perfect guy to have on her arm and to be by her side to show them how over it she was. All she had to do was orchestrate an accidental meeting or two, flirt and charm him, and she’d have Grant Landry eating out of the palm of her hand. Her plan was practically foolproof. If only she could stop herself from thinking about Charlie.
Charlie Keesan never thought someone like Devon Connors would even notice him, let alone give him one of the most amazing nights of his life. He just wished it had meant as much to her as it did to him. And he really wished he could stop thinking about her. Maybe if he became someone cooler, someone fun instead of funny, she’d want him as much as she clearly wanted Grant.
Grant Landry wasn’t used to girls like Ellie Martowski. Playing football meant that he never really had to work hard, or at all, to get a girl to like him. But Ellie was definitely hard-to-get and no matter what he did, he somehow always managed to make himself look bad. She was totally worth the effort, but it would have been nice to know if he was wasting his time or if maybe she liked him back, even just a little.
With each of the story’s four key characters keeping secrets, making mistakes, hiding their feelings and sending mixed signals - and all before classes even begin - heartache, drama, tension and suspense abound, making for an exciting and incredibly entertaining and unputdownable read.
FROSH: First Blush is filled with minor deceptions and manipulations, misunderstandings, hidden truths. It introduces an array of characters, some who are driven, some who are aren’t sure about what or who they want, some who are confident or over-confident, some who are shy and awkward, some who are dealing with family issues, and others who seem to have not a care in the world. And it intertwines their lives in ways that are unexpected, at times heated, and at others heartwarming.
Author Mónica B. Wagner created a number of characters readers will love getting to know. She penned a story that is positively delightful, that offers a bit of depth, and that looks to be just as enchanting for the entirety of the series. She brought surprises. She brought the tease of things to come. She brought the sexy.
Those who enjoy their love stories complicated, their characters’ interests and personalities varied, their relationships sizzling hot one minute and tear-filled or icy cold the next, and their story ending on the sheerest of cliffs, will fall in love with this spellbinding and delicious and seriously awesome read.
Original GR comments: LOVE this. It's so cute and so much fun. Review TK!
*I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review* (And boy aren't I glad of that)
Actual Rating=4.8 stars
Wow this book was so cute. Like I loved it so much!!
I can't believe this doesn't have more reviews. I read this book in one go last night. I was that hooked by it. But then again I'm a bit biased towards contemporary romance especially if the setting is in college. I also liked how we got 4 POVs. I mean we had 2 couples though. Both stories were so cute. I really like Charlie. He was thee type of sweetheart that you can't help but like. Devon was tiny bit annoying with her schemes but it was nice she figured out her true feelings so she can be redeemed. Same with Ellie. What I really liked was that the girls or the boys as a matter of fact didn't keep being obsessed over the significant other's faults. They all were understanding rather than pulling the problems on and on but damn that cliffhanger, it just left me hanging. I really want the second one. I mean the load of sweetness and young love was overwhelmingly awesome. Cuteness Cuteness Cuteness!!!!!
My image of how Devon and Charlie would be like. I'll update it again when I find pics for Grant and Ellie too ;)
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book and I'm so glad I did.
This book was super unabashedly sexy from the start! So steamy and fun and such a quick read!
There were no clunky boring bits that just droned on. It was quick, upbeat and a lot of fun.
Monica has a way with writing voice. She has four Point of View characters, but they're all unique and their own. there honestly hasn't a character that I disliked at all.
Ellie reminded me of Rachel Barry from Glee when we first run into her- really ambitious, and frumpy, not too hip or cool or fashionable. She has motivation and goals, and I really like that about her. I had a feeling how things would turn out between her and Tanner since the beginning, but it wasn't overplayed or hyped up greatly, which I liked.
But I have to say that Charlie and Devon were my favorite little couple. I just love the funny nerdy guy/ popular pretty witty girl dynamic. Charlie was just so cute, I couldn't get enough of him. Though I had a feeling about his little secret since the beginning, it wasn't a major part or mystery in the book, just a little extra bit, which I liked. And Devon was really kick-ass in a cool way. I really liked her in the end.
That ending though... Aahh! Cliffhanger! I knew what was going to happen in the end. Just a feeling I had. But I didn't think it would leave off right THERE!
This was such a fun read! Wagner creates a great cast of characters and I loved reading each of their point of views and the many things they each go through. There's so much heart and sexiness in the story, it kept me turning the pages, and I was disappointed when it ended. I can't wait to read the next book!!
This read reminds me very much of Abbi Glines/Jessica Sorensen/Colleen Hoover style. I've read a few of theirs, I wouldn't want to make them my mainstay but sometimes I just want an easy relaxing read, with the fabulous drama and intensity that comes from books around this age group.
Oddly I'd just started reading K A Linde. Off the Record series as its on kindle unlimited ( yep - even though I get lots of review reads I still buy books and joined KU last month as several favourite authors have books there, and lots of complete series/trilogies - I hate to wait for endings) I had only got to 20% when I started this book and it's about ( older characters ) a reporter dating a politician who she's got to write a profile for... I stopped as I don't like reading two similar books at a time when one is a review - made that mistake before and got totally confused about who and what was in each book....Shall continue now I've finished this one.
So, what I love about this genre is the drama, and it's here in spades. In general the 18-21 age group make everything about them, very personal and every issue is a drama, every drama a crisis, and every crisis is simply Earth Shattering/ Heart Breaking. It makes it fun, reads like this that capture that intensity feel very real. I loved the four viewpoints way of writing too - I'm a great fan of this style as it really lets me see what each character thinks, and sometimes what one person is convinced another is doing/saying/meaning is so far from the truth.
In this read I really enjoyed the setting and the age group- sometimes authors write this group to feel more like early teens and I can't get on with that. Its fun too seeing how in US alcohol is such a large part of uni life even though legal age is 21, here in UK its 18 but it seems that it really doesn't matter, each group acts the same. I enjoyed the way Monica set out the characters at the beginning, and made me feel one way about some of them and yet I felt very differently about them by the end when I knew them better - except for Charlie. Like other reviewers I just love Charlie, he's so true to life, such a genuine and lovely person. He's a bit younger than the others, one of those bright kids who move up early and in some ways it shows. He's got an incredible intelligence and yet growing up comes to everyone differently, and he just seems to still have that naive, finding his feet air about him. I felt for Ellie, she's so determined to find The Story, and yet when she gets to know Grant better her first ideas about him as a typical Jock type seem to be wrong - or are they? They and Devon and Charlie go back and forth, thinking one thing and then seeing things that change their minds. Not everything is as it appears, and we can see already that there's some real undercurrents brewing that begin to explode by the end of the book. There's two more planned, so I'm sure we've lots more surprises and tears to come and I look forward to reading them.
Stars: Five, a really fun read with some cracking dramatic intensity and hints of future surprises unfolding
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, so I can make future reviews more helpful.
I recommend Frosh to anyone who is looking for a fun romance to read. And if you are going to college soon, I think the book will give you a perfect idea of what to expect.
Mónica Wagner is a master of characterization, and she managed to create wonderfully compelling and relatable protagonists, though not all of them are likeable at first sight—which is something I loved! It was nice for a change to see a girl who is conventionally a bitch in the spotlight, and to get a peek into what’s going on inside her head. The two male leads couldn’t be more different from each other—the dork and the quarterback—and yet I found myself swooned by both of them equally.
Another thing I really liked were the sex scenes. Steamy and sexy, yet totally true to life—sometimes awkward, sometimes insecure, but all the more exciting.
Frosh captures the very essence of frosh week, with all the heartache and headache of meeting new people and crushing on the ones we probably shouldn’t be falling for.
This book is so much fun! It follows the lives of four college freshman, each one relatable in their own way. Ellie is capable, though not always certain which path to take. Devon is kickass, but she kind of has to be with so many demons at her heels. Then there's Grant, who is the all star quarterback, yet anything but stereotyped. And Charlie...so adorkable. Each twist in their lives had me wondering what was going to happen next. What's better than suspense you ask? Steam! FROSH #1 is just as sexy as it is clever.
Just couldn't get into this. I really couldn't. I did try. Seriously I did. But it's not for me.
Mind you it's okay. Except I expected kinda something more ... well, more everything This is simply ok. It's ok written. Has quite cliche but ok characters.. the story- line is cliche not terrible but also not great. I found myself wondering why I am reading this.. over and over. Hence I did the reasonable thing: And stopped.
That was so much fun. Except for that mean, mean cliffy, I had a great time reading this novel. Oh, who am I kidding? Masochistic as I am, I even enjoyed the cliffhanger.
What initially intrigued me to read Frosh was the rather unique concept of not one or two POVs, but four. It all starts with Ellie, a good girl and aspiring journalist who gets assigned with the task of writing a portrait of the university's new quarterback, Grant (who, by the way, might be the first book jock I've ever encountered to NOT be a man-whore!). Grant soon realizes that Ellie is different from the kind of girls who usually throw themselves at him - for his looks, his name, his status. Little does he know that those are exactly the reasons for which manipulative, superficial rich girl Devon is after him. Devon is firmly set on righting her and her family's tainted reputation by hooking up with one of the university's best known and most popular students. So it's not only surprising to her when she ends up in bed with dorky Charlie instead, an awkward prodigy premed student she normally wouldn't even so much as look at, let alone crush on. Charlie can't believe his luck, either, when beautiful Devon shows interest in him. But when he learns who she's really after, he knows he needs to man up and fight for what he wants.
Wagner managed to create four completely diverse characters that were pretty cliché at first glance, but allowed them to develop and show all the different layers of their personalities as the story progressed. Obviously, there were three characters that were fairly easy to like. I was particularly fond of the two boys, but it was Devon who intrigued me and grew on me the most, as she was probably the most multifaceted of the lot. It's not often that an author manages to make me enjoy a usually rather unappealing character so much.
From the beginning, it was quite clear who would end up with whom in the end, so no real surprises there. What kept the story going for so long was mainly a series of misunderstandings between all the characters, and this might have been the first time I really enjoyed that. I'm not big on needless drama, especially when it can be avoided by a little more communication. However, it really worked here. There was a subtle humor to the misunderstandings and how one lead to another, that took away a lot of the angst that would have normally followed in their wake.
Before I started this novel, I was afraid four main characters may be too many. Even while reading the first 'round' of alternating POVs, I wasn't so sure I was enjoying it. For the first three quarters of the book, there was a set order in which the POVS swapped: Ellie - Devon - Grant - Charlie. So I found myself cursing every time the author switched the couple when all I wanted was to read more about the other. To my surprise, that never lasted long, as I was sucked right back into the 'new' character's story.
All in all, this was a wonderful debut from Mónica B. Wagner and I will most definitely read the next book in this series.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First let me start off with this book has 4 different P.O.V’s for me that is always hard to read because you can easily get confused as to what exactly is going on. The author did warn me on this book before I started reading it so I was a bit weary on if I should read it.
I am so glad I gave this book a chance I LOVED this….. the hard crushing that was going on between the two characters Ellie and Grant was awesome. The back story that seems to be behind Devon and her brother awesome. The surprise I have feelings for the nerd from Devon was to die for.
Ellie wants to be a reporter so on her first day at the college newspaper she is given an assignment she has to nail this because there is only one opening. Her assignment is to interview the quarterback Grant but we all know that is going to be hard, but Ellie doesn’t plan on giving up. What she doesn’t expect is falling for him and him for her. So when she discovers something that could hurt Grant what should she do? The ending of the book had me almost wanting to throw my kindle but I couldn’t because I am sure it would break and then I would cry. The ending left me breathless and wanting way more of this series.
The four P.O.V’s are Devon, Grant, Ellie and Charlie. They all intertwine in some way and the author did a great job of letting us readers know who was speaking so I really enjoyed that.
Now Devon is the girl you just love to hate but you can’t because once you get her backstory you just feel for her.
Charlie the hot nerd has the hot’s for one girl and one girl only but she doesn’t know or doesn’t care she has her eyes set on the main person in this book.
Grant the quarterback who every girl wants to drop their panties for but when he meets Ellie well she is the first girl not to care for his charm. We see both Grant and Ellie dance back and forth between trying to get together to being mad at each other. So when the ending came about you will see why I was left breathless and wanted more.
Looking for drama, and romance check this series out.
I was lucky enough to receive FROSH: First Blush as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review. I definitely got the better end of the deal. I would have happily paid for this book! For lovers of Colleen Hoover, Cora Carmack, and Jessica Sorensen – buy this book without question; you will not be disappointed! FROSH: First Blush is the first novel I’ve read with FOUR POV’s. Four very different, but very relatable personalities maneuver their way through the first few weeks of college. This novel was unabashedly charming, pulling you into each character. We meet Ellie, an aspiring journalist, Grant, the star quarterback, Devon, the stereotypical rich girl, and Charlie, the ”adorkably” charming premed student. The stories are sexy, dramatic, and relatable to anyone’s journey through their freshman year of college. It took me a few chapters to adjust to reading four different main characters. As soon as I became invested in one, the stories switched. As much as I LOVED the characters and their development, I couldn’t get a good physical imagery set in my head for anyone but Charlie (who, by the way, is SO relatable to any college experience; I just love him). I am so curious to see what happens in the next book. The cliffhanger ending was one of the first times I’ve dropped my jaw, looked over at my husband, and said, “NOOO! I need to know what happens now!” By the end of FROSH: First Blush, I was so excited for the development of the characters and super invested. I’m a big fan of Monica’s writing style. She pulls you in, makes you laugh, and gets your heart pumping. Her choice of four points-of-view was so refreshing, and something I have never seen before. This series is going to take off! Please hurry, Monica, you’ve got some anxious readers now! I’m so ready for book #2!
First off I was entirely too excited after I found out I'd be getting an ARC for review. This one looked fresh, new, and fun. I kinda took a break half way through and didn't get back to it for a few days, not because it was bad just got busy. But for some reason when I got back it seemed like it was speeding by and not in a good way. Some of the last half felt rushed? I loved each character individually, not sure if I liked them coupled though, maybe the second book will flesh it out more. I also think it should've been each couple in their own books just for the simple fact I felt annoyed having to wait to get back to them. By far my favorite is Charlie and I can't wait to see him developed more, he's exactly the kinda guy I'd end up falling for so its fun getting to read more of the geeky humor guy vs the hunky or bad boy. Kinda over reading them, we need more nerdy cute romancey books. Anywho interesting concept, fun idea. Can't wait to see what all gets done in book two. 3.5 stars
I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fantastic read. The story was very interesting and unique. I love how the author made the story about how opposites attract. The characters were amazing. Charlie is a premed student, and Devon is a bad-ass spoiled rich girl. I love how their relationship develops. it was very unique and different. A geek falls for a rich girl. Also, I loved Grant. He was so nice yet also arrogant. Loved it a lot. Ellie was sassy. I never thought that she would fall for Grant. However, it was interesting to see how they fall in love. The ending was shocking. I did not see that ending coming. I can't wait for book 2, Second Chances. Overall, an amazing read.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I really loved the characters in this book. We get to follow not only two characters, but four, as they begin their Freshman year of college. (Okay, one is actually a junior) I think the book was very well written, entwining all four characters stories throughout the book. I'm excited to see where the series will go.
This book was good, while I enjoyed it, I became annoyed with Ellie quickly and found that I wasn't really rooting for her. The other stories and characters I enjoyed more, and that's what kept me reading until the end. Ellie was just really boring to me, but it was still a decent read.
Fun and full of campus intrigue! Loved the different POVs and all the missed connections and cliffhangers along the way. Also, Devon. Kinda just want to hug that girl, though maybe not while she's wearing boxing gloves, just in case. :) Really interested to see where all these ships end up next... *runs off to read Book 2!*
It's freshman year at Hillson University and before classes have even started the drama is heating up. Ellie wants to be a journalist, but there is only one spot available for the campus newspaper. She may have been given the task to write about the star QB, but in order to make a splash she has to dig a little deeper. Grant may be the star QB, but he's got a secret that could affect his future and he's not sure who he is outside of football. He can't have the reporter screwing it up for him, but she's too cute to ignore. Devon's the IT girl on campus this year, she's well known thanks to her dad's name being on a building. None of that matters to her though, she wants the QB on her arm and her name in everyone's mouth. Charlie's the nerd with eyes only for Devon. He's willing to do what it takes to get in her line of sight, but he may not even need to. FROSH: First Blush is the intertwining of these four and their first week of school.
I was too excited for this book, it had a great premise and the characters seemed like my kind of people. I really enjoyed reading from Ellie's POV, her drive to succeed mixed with stumbling through her first week alone at school made for entertaining situations. I both liked and disliked Grant, he seemed to float where he fit best in the book, but as a character I wanted to read about his story separately. I disliked Devon from start to finish, but rooted for her role in Charlie's life as much as possible. It's an interesting mix of characters, all very different personalities, mashed together for an interesting first week of school. The parties were realistic, the dorm room situations exactly like I remembered, and the interactions completely believable.
Unfortunately, the changing POV was hard to follow along with from time to time and I felt like some of the characters, especially Ellie, changed during the book without any reason to. I felt her characterization changed and who she was as a person didn't connect from start to finish. While each POV was unique, it was easy to lose track of time and where I was at with each character. Additionally, it all moved almost too fast. For the first week of school there sure was a lot happening! The first football game, several parties, and a lot of twists and turns. I almost wish I had more time to spend with the characters, because we only saw glimpses of their background and how it affected them and that detail could have been useful.
Overall, it is a well written novel with a cliffhanger that absolutely left me wanting more. I'd like to see what happens to the characters in the next installment.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. You can find more of my reviews on my blog, Carlene Inspired.
'FROSH' is the first book in a sexy New Adult romance series. It follows four main characters - Ellie, Grant, Devon, and Charlie. Each of the characters is unique with distinct personalities and quirks, which makes it easy to identify with them early on. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters - their life stories, dreams, fears, hopes, and so many other aspects. The story is broken down into separate chapters for each character - which I thought was a great style to help the reader get to know them each better along with focusing on everyone's stories and how they intertwine. Being a New Adult contemporary romance, I loved watching the four characters meet one another and seeing their relationships grow. One issue I came across was the author's choice of point of view for the book. It's written in the third person POV for every character. This style does reduce the risk for confusing the reader, but we lose the deeper connection that first person POV offers. I personally love the first person POV because of the intimate knowledge we gain of the characters - in my opinion, it makes the characters more realistic and easier to identify with when a book is written in the first person POV. Again, those are just my personal thoughts.
There were lots of sweet moments - and definitely some steamy ones - throughout the book. I loved both types and I feel like the author did a great job balancing the two during the story. The writing was well done and flowed effortlessly with a quick pace. I was drawn inside the book from the first page and could easily see myself alongside each of the characters during the novel. I could barely believe it when I read that the book is the author's debut - it certainly doesn't feel or read like one. The author's talent shines through the pages and all aspects of the book. I can't wait to see where the next book will take us! I definitely recommend this novel to fans of the genre along with readers who enjoy contemporary romance, college fiction, and New Adult books.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an eArc from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is funny and sexy and I had a great time reading it. However, given that you have 4 different main characters, it wasn’t as fast a read as I was expecting, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
I really liked the four main characters, though I was getting a little exasperated by Ellie, who is very quick to come to her own conclusions and opinions and doesn’t really gives a chance for people to explain themselves. Ellie is lucky though, because Grant is patient enough to try to explain himself several times – seriously, Grant a bit swoon-worthy. Then Devon, I liked her! She’s so different :D and her relationship with Charlie is just the best. I was smiling the whole time it was one of their POVs, because Charlie is adorable!
I liked the romance a lot, it involved a lot of instant-attraction, and that’s just fine. Also, did I mention that this book is hot? Like HOT HOT! Devon’s first scene with Charlie? You’ll want a fan by your side and to not be in public for that bit… just saying…
I really liked how everything progressed, but as I said, Ellie was a little exasperating and I felt that a lot of the unnecessary drama was created by her, and I was finding it a bit much. But I really loved when each of our MC interacted with each other.
And Tanner… oh Tanner… I saw you coming miles away… “all for the story, right?“… *sigh*
And then… CLIFFHANGER!!! OMG!!! What’s going to happen next? I need to know, because I like Grant to much to see him suffer. And just when he and Ellie had sorted things out…
This book was great fun (even if I was wishing I could bang Ellie’s head into the walls sometimes). I would not only recommend it, but I will be eagerly awaiting for its sequel.
I thought this book was pretty well done. I’m not usually a huge fan of multiple POVs, but Mónica did a great job with the different characters. It was a bit predictable though, so I didn’t love it completely. I ended up giving this 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks Netgalley for giving me a copy in exchange for a honest review.
I really loved the two guys, Grant and Charlie. Usually I’m more in tune with the girls, what with being a girl myself, but I felt like the guys were better in this book. Devon was a biatch during most of the book and Ellie was cute, but she was also a little annoying at times. And I wanted to shake her during parts to make her realize how stupid she was being. This book is a pretty quick read, and I can’t wait for the next book to come out, especially with that cliffhanger ending that leaves readers wanting more. I’m not sure I’ll survive another year without finding out what happens next.
I loved the pairings in this book. I was rooting for them the entire time, and I’m glad the couples I wanted to get together ended up together. I thought there was a bit too much drama maybe, but it made the book more interesting to read, so it was fine by me. I really liked the romantic parts of the book, like Grant’s note to Ellie, etc. So cute!
A couple of my favorite lines were: “His mom’s usual saying popped into his mind: ‘The hard-to-get girls are hard to get for a reason, Granty.'” and “Pencils don’t get pregnant ’cause they wear rubbers on their ends.”
Final note: A cute NA romance read. I already purchased my ebook copy, and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Is it 2016 yet?
This was a very gripping book with all the fun of a high school drama set in college.
I enjoyed how, though the story was of four very different people, they all connected in some way. Their stories were all linked and as such they made one cohesive novel instead of four separate tales. Each event had a corresponding reaction, and it was a lot of fun to guess how these each occasion might manifest itself into another character's life.
Wagner successfully captured the feeling of being new at college, especially with Ellie. Her excitement and nervousness was palpable. Details such as her finding people to go to the dining hall with, as simple as they might seem, really resonated with me.
There were some scenes that were very college in an exaggerated way, such as Devon being invited to get ready for a party with other girls, but these were fun to read. The plot, too, was similar to a good gossippy high school novel, but it worked.
Devon and Ellie were both very distinct characters, and both a lot of fun. On the outside, Devon was extremely polished and put-together; however, it was fun seeing her inward thoughts and how she reacted to the boys and their actions. Ellie, too, looked geared for success, but in a different manner as she had a lot less confidence but just as much determination.
Though this was told with concentrations on four different characters, this was a fun and authentic new adult book.
I recevied a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
ARC Kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Holy wow that ending! Seriously? I MUST. HAVE. BOOK. TWO. NOW.
I enjoyed reading this book, it was light-hearted and fun to read, and it was great to get to know the different characters from their perspectives in their own chapters.
I must say that Ellie and Grant were my favourites, but Charlie was a very loveable character as well (and the revelation about him towards the end was something I wasn't suprised at and had kind of expected as I had read more of the book). Devon was a character that I wasn't really sure if I liked or not, mostly because of her attitude towards things. By the end though I was glad for the way she seemed to have grown and made some realisations about how she was acting, specifically about Grant and Charlie.
The big thing for me was the ending, that cliffhanger, seriously. And for it to be caused by a character that I'm sure many others, like myself, had thought was a decent person?!
This book does have the serious concepts of high school/college life included: like sex, drugs, scholarships (and how people rely on them), family scandals, self confidence among other things as well.
I enjoyed how this book was a light read but touched on these subjects without flitting over them, but still made the point of realising the consequences of specific actions when in these situations. The characters were fun to read and I look forward to the next book in the series. I definitely want to see how things play out.
Revolves around four characters who are students at Hillson University. Ellie, a freshman reporter who is trying for a high profile spot with the school newspaper, the Hillson Daily Nexus as the editorial assistant. Her first story, profile the quarterback of the football team, Grant Landry.
Grant, star QB who is trying to keep a serious injury quiet as he can't afford to lose his scholarship. He's drawn to Ellie, but is afraid of her motives. He becomes closer to her, but will Ellie destroy everything he has worked so hard for?
Devon, girl from a prominent family who lived through a horrible accident. Her bitterness and hatred touches all who come in contact with her. She wants Grant and will do anything to get him, no matter who she has to go through. Then she meets Charlie, but he simply won't do. She needs a status symbol.
Charlie, the quiet genius. He's 18, but has been in college for a few years already. After a night with Devon, he wants to fit in and win the girl. Charlie has secrets of his own though and you should never judge a book by its cover.
I didn't like the book at first as Devon was not very likable. Honesty, I abhorred her for three quarters of the book. Charlie was the only genuine character throughout. I wanted to read his story and ended up liking Grant and Ellie eventually. Loved the story from four different viewpoints. Made the book fly by for me. Not fond of cliffhangers, but I will read the second book as the author definitely left me hanging.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
FROSH: FIRST BLUSH has four completely unique main characters to fall in love with, and their romances are sweet, steamy, and full of twists that will keep you guessing right up until the very end. If you’re looking for a hot, fun NA romance to read, this is it!
2.5 stars? The 4 POVs kinda drove me crazy and took away from solid plot development. I felt half invested in each character and at the end really couldn't care less about how things turn out in the next book. I liked parts of it, but for the most part it didn't work for me.