Review ~ Pretend... (Oxley College) by Stacey Nash

eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: November 26th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Life’s easy when everything’s fake. 

Savannah West had it all: popularity, good grades and a family who loved her, but how quickly things can change. Living half a state away doesn’t stop the painful memories of her past ripping her heart in two. And sometimes lies are easier than coping with the truth.

The thing she didn’t bank on was Dane Beaumont. A blast from her horrendous past, he’s the last person she expected to run into at college … and it’s not just because he knows the truth. Hot as sin, he’s more off limits than generic brand clothing, but staying away isn’t easy when he insists on looking out for her. Dealing with the reality of finding her place in the world, Savvy must face the guy who tears down all her carefully placed walls and pull herself together. It’s time to grow up.

My Opinion

Having enjoyed Wait! last year, I eagerly accepted to read Pretend... And since I was in the mood for a NA, college romance to read I couldn't delay reading this any longer even though I have ARCs with rapidly approaching deadlines needing to be read.

Pretend... was everything I was looking for. It was an easy read with a little college drama, angst, humour, and romance. It did start off slow and took me around 20% to get into, but I quickly grew to root for Dane and Savvy. The mystery of what happened in her past kept me intrigued, especially with the flashbacks dispersed throughout.

Similarly, I liked the slightly forbidden nature of the romance--at least forbidden in Savvy's eyes. I'm glad the author chose not to go the stereotypical route with Victoria's reaction. It felt refreshing. I did wish there was a bit more detail and resolve with whatever happened between Dane and Tori though. I felt things weren't quite concluded with Savvy's aunt and such in that regard.


Saying that, overall it was exactly the book I needed. It was an easy read and I'd definitely recommend it for those who like college romances.

4

Review ~ Wait! (Oxley College) by Stacey Nash

ebook received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: April 20th 2015

Publisher: Self-published

Description:
Jordan Hays knows just how precious life is; that’s why he has his own mapped out. He’ll work to pay his way through university while he studies hard, regardless of the constant distractions. Because when it comes to becoming a nurse, he’s deadly serious. He won’t fail to save someone again.

But Hex Penton is way too similar to the sister he lost, and even though the only thing more fun than stupid dares is the crazy girl who sets them, Jordan needs to make a choice. Hex believes every moment is important; every opportunity must be taken, because you never know when the world will be yanked out from underneath you. With the foundations he’s based his life on shaken, Jordan must discover what’s more important: making sure Hex’s life isn’t wasted, or remembering how to live his. 

It’s time to play truth or dare.

***

Wait! is a story about acceptance, learning to trust and in turn love while facing life's unexpected difficulties.

NB: This book is of a mild heat level, and contains no explicit sex scenes.

My Opinion

This was a cute read. It had elements of light and dark that were balanced well and overall I enjoyed it.

Having not read Shh! I didn't really know what I was in for with this book. However, the characters instantly drew me in, especially Hex. I loved her care-free attitude and the way she lived her life not caring what people thought of her. There was something really endearing and it was is to relate to her. I liked her confidence. She didn't come across as bitchy, the author wrote her in a way that's likeable.

Similarly, Jordan was sweet. Like Hex, he has his own issues to deal with, but I could see he did genuinely care for her. They were cute together and I think they worked to bounce off one another.

As for the story, overall I like it. The majority of it held my attention well and kept me intrigued. I will admit that towards the end I did find my attention waning. I felt the secrets dragged on a bit too long and I got bored of waiting for the reveal. You know what happens with Jordan, but Hex's issues seemed a bit of an anti-climax.

The only other small issue I had was that a few times the characters seemed a bit immature. The things Hex and Jordan said or did felt a bit childish at times and it made the spark between them harder to connect with. They felt more like siblings, which is weird.


Overall this was a good read. I enjoyed the majority of it and I'd definitely recommend it.

4