Foreplay (The Ivy Chronicles #1) - 96 points

Title: Foreplay
Series Info: The Ivy Chronicles #1

Author: Sophie Jordan

Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs.

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

5 HEARTS!

POINT BREAKDOWN

Plot: 49 points

While the plot of this book was very predictable, I loved every minute of it!!! I didn't want to put it down!

I think that just by reading the abstract for this book, you have an idea of what's gonna happen, but there were some unexpected twists along the way. Still a decent amount of unpredictability.

Reece and Pepper both have troubled pasts that affect their present, and also affect them being with each other. They also don't really know what it is they want or need...especially Pepper. But this book definitely has a happy ending, with the perfect touch of tension and romance along the way.

Glad I finally found a book that I'm willing to continue the series with!!!

Characters: 18 points

This is where I think I have the most to say... the characters of this book define this book even more than the plot does.

Pepper: OK... not a huge fan of the name Pepper. I just can't imagine Reece saying the Pepper and it sounding very sexy. That was one thing I wasn't too thrilled about. Also the fact that Pepper was so hurtful at times by doing and saying certain things. I wanted her to be a little nicer to Reece. Reece let her get away with WAY too much. 

What I DID love about Pepper was her innocence... it was perfect! It made her and Reece the perfect match. The way she respond to Reece during certain scenes in the book were exactly how I would imagine someone as inexperienced as her responding. And she had enough courage to set her pride aside at times and tell the truth. AND say sorry when she needed to. 

Reece: He honestly was perfect. Like, a perfect book boyfriend kind of perfect! I really can't think of anything he did that I didn't like in the book! He took his time with Pepper and didn't tease her about her lack of experience. He respected her, and genuinely wanted to eased her into to something she had never done before. And he responded perfectly to her at all times, keeping her feelings in mind. He wasn't too clingy, but he wasn't too standoffish either. Plus... he was smokin' hot!!! T.H.A.N.K. Y.O.U. Sophie Jordan! 

Writing/Depth: 29 points

I think Jordan did a great job with this book! In every scene, I really absorbed all the highs and lows... The sadness and happiness... it was all there. She didn't add tons of humor to this book, which I missed, but there was lots of whit and charm which I greatly appreciated!

Simply put, I was glued to this book the moment I started reading it! I plan on reading the other books in this series. I was going through a dry spell with books... poor writing styles and a lack of being able to keep my interest. But Jordan got me out of that funk with this book!

Good going Jordan! :)

TOTAL: 96 POINTS