Review: Love, Lucy by April Lindner

Love, Lucy by April Lindner

Published: January 27th, 2014

Publisher: Poppy

Pages: 304

Genre: Vacation Romance

The best books are the ones that can authentically transport you to different places. You'll find that with Love, Lucy. There are plenty of books that take you to England and France, not as many that take you to Italy. If you loved Anna and the French Kiss, I can guarantee you'll love this one!

Lucy is a likable protagonist who really grows into herself as the novel progresses. There may be points in her interactions with others (namely her parents) where you just want to push her in the right direction, but for the most part you can back her actions. I really loved to see representation of a girl, who is quiet and unassuming on her own, really shine in something like theater. There are stereotypes that you must be loud and musical to be in the performing arts, but Lucy defies that stereotype. 

Jesse remains an enigma for almost the entirety of the book. The reader gets to know Lucy very well, not as much Jesse. Nevertheless, he's still 'dreamy' and fills the role of a romantic interest. This book shined in its side characters: Lucy's roommates, and the overly-kind Shane. 

This book is enjoyable if you love 'vacation flirtations,' college settings, and, of course, romance.

Note: I received an advanced copy from the NOVL newsletter. Thanks so much!

Review: Crash by Nicole Williams

Summary: Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now. Jude is everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of. For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love is about to become the thing that tears them apart.

Marissa's Review: Aw! This was such a cute read. It was also one roller coaster of a book and I'm glad to say I pretty much enjoyed the ride for the most part. I was so surprised with this book though, because although some parts were predictable, (and to be fair, what contemporary chick-lit book isn't?) this book also had its fair share of plot twists. I think one of the things I also liked the most about this book was that towards the end, it actually had some really great substance to it. I really felt I understood the message that was trying to be brought out through the events that happened between Jude and Lucy. Honestly, I can't say that for most contemporary romance books. Of course, some parts of this book were a bit weird but I felt a sense of satisfaction at the end because they are just so cute together! Overall, if you're looking for a light, fun, and cute romance book that includes your typical bad boy going for the good girl, you should check this one out.