I did not love this book but I did quite enjoy it. The writing was solid and the characters were likeable and complex enough to be interesting without being too complex to relate to. I think this book would appeal to a reader who likes an a story that is easy to get into without too much stress on the readers part. I am reviewing this book based on an ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. ( )

Rikki and Sam have been at odds since junior high, fighting for the valedictorian position. They may have had one moment during a game of seven minutes in heaven, but now they hate each other. Except, Rikki doesn't really hate anyone and when they end up at college together, their hatred slowly changes. From enemies they grow into friends, friends that help each other out when they need it. From late night talks to posing for Sam's art project, Rikki slowly finds her feelings becoming a bit confusing. She goes for the jock she's had her eyes on and tried being anyone but herself, but in the end, their arguments may be more than just arguments.

This book definitely makes its mark in the NA genre. The characters are freshman at college, probably the coolest college I've ever heard of, and they are a mixed bag. They're nerdy, artistic, athletic, and all a little bit strange. I really enjoyed Rikki as a character, she reminded me a lot of my friends, and so did the many other characters. The setting was realistic and so were the characters. I enjoyed reading her inner turmoil and the conversations she have with Sam just show you how nerdy they are. While it is hard to keep up with their confusing push and pull relationship, I rooted for them from start to finish. The feelings this book gave me reminded me of my high school and first years at college, trying to figure it out on my own, leaning on friends for support, and being an adult just a bit too early. There is the natural teenage awkwardness, something I think a lot of authors leave out, but Strom did so well. The emotions are overwhelming, described with great detail and as a reader, I felt like I was sitting right in the dorm room with Rikki and Sam. I loved reading this book, at times seeing the characters shatter apart, and how Strom put it all together. It's an easy read, with a good mix of growth, fun, and smut scenes. I highly recommend this one, particularly to readers coming out of high school and those in college. I feel like this book has a great message that it is okay to be yourself, even if you're 18 and a virgin or if you doubting the risk of a random roommate or if you've never taken the chance on the boy you loved forever. It's a perfect story for all those feelings and many more. ( )

Not the most original story out there, but it was fluffy, cute and entertaining... until it wasn't.

That ending?



The last 15% ruined the book for me :[ ( )

An excellent NA read. This is on the younger side of NA. Very well written with enjoyable characters. Competitors all through their school years, it would appear to everyone that Rikki Eisendrath and Sam Payne hated each other. Things are not always what they seem though. When they end up not only at the same university but in the same dorm, their relationship takes a quick turn to friendship and then so much more.

This wonderful story takes us through their freshman year as they learn that life changes are what makes living that much more interesting.

I highly recommend this one. ( )