Feature and Follow #42

This is a weekly blog hop hosted by the wonderful Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Today's question is:

Q: Have you ever read a book that you thought you would hate -- ? Did you end up hating it? Did you end up loving it? Or would you never do that?

I really thought I was going to dislike (since hate is such a strong word) Easy by Tammara Webber because I tend to end up not getting into books that gain so much popularity. But it turned out to be one of the best contemporary new age books that I've read. At least, until I read something else that wins me over that much.

Great question this week. How about you?

Review: Easy by Tammara Webber

Easy

by Tammara Webber

Paperback, 310 pages

Published: November 6th 2012 

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Purchase: Amazon

*A paperback copy was provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Rescued by a stranger.

Haunted by a secret

Sometimes, love isn't easy…

He watched her, but never knew her. Until thanks to a chance encounter, he became her savior…

The attraction between them was undeniable. Yet the past he’d worked so hard to overcome, and the future she’d put so much faith in, threatened to tear them apart.

Only together could they fight the pain and guilt, face the truth—and find the unexpected power of love.

~MY REVIEW~

I loved this story. And that's the biggest understatement I've ever made. Easy was captivating, addictive, exceptionally written, intriguing, and all the other wonderful words you could find to describe a great book. The fact that it takes place in college and outlines a new age concept was just awesome because I've been drowning myself in teen YAs of late. So, thank you,Tammara. You did a marvelous job and I'm your new fanatic. 

Now, where do I start? Well, I could kick off by expressing my feelings toward the main characters and whether or not they connected with me throughout the book. Two words: they did. I enjoyed the emotions between Jacqueline and Lucas. Though, at times I cursed at how clueless the female protagonist was at deciphering the clear fact of the guy(s) she was developing feelings for. But, I loved the mystery enforced and I'm satisfied with the fact that it wasn't prolonged or overwhelming. 
Lucas was deliciously described; he fits the persona of the type of male character I like reading about. I simply cannot afford to compare him to anything because I would do him no justice. I can only say he was incredibly hot; especially since he was into the arts. *spoiler(a bit)*

The minor (not really a fan of that word) characters stood their ground as well. But I admired the characteristics of Jacqueline's friends most of all. They kept the laughter and energy high when necessary, and the drama at bay. However, the story wasn't always cheerful (or modest). There were scenes as graphic and exhilarating as they come, and words spoken that would have your  grandparents shaking their heads.*youngpeople*. But that's how realistic Easy was, and I wouldn't ask for anything less than a contemporary story that stuck to the real world. 

In terms of how I reacted to a particular subject matter in the book, my emotions were all over the place. I despised the act as much as I detested the enforcer, and hoped the main character had done a bit more to put an end to the behavior depicted in the first place. But, like the saying goes, it's easier for me to spit anything from the outside looking in. I did, however, get some fulfillment from the fact that the idiot got dealt with sweetly. And I loved how it turned out in the end.

Another factor that I considered outstanding was the pace. The story didn't lag, nor did it rush. Everything was well thought out and carefully portrayed in significant details. I've sought through long and hard but could find not one single thing to remove this book from its perfection phase. Overall, the story was super fantastic and I can't wait to devour Tammara's previous and future releases.