Easy

I am really loving the new adult genre. It is fresh and new and I just love how many different tales there are to tell about college aged people. Easy by Tammara Webber was a fast paced book that tells an important story.

Easy deals with a topic that is so crucial to college aged students and shows the best ways to deal with it . Tammara Webber manages to get all this across while weaving a perfectly romantic love story around it. Jacqueline and Lucas's relationship isn't perfect - it is awkward at first and really changes as Easy progressed.

My one uncertainty about Easy was relationships Jacqueline had with different guys in the book. They never felt entirely authentic to me and there was one element that seemed to just be missing at times. Yet, at other times I just loved there interactions between Lucas and Jacqueline, thinking it was the most adorable thing ever. Their relationship was one that really was strengthened as the book went on.

It's been a long time since I've found a guy as hot and yummy as Lucas walking the pages of YA. It was pretty much a case of me crushing at first sight. I loved the focus on friendship in Easy as well. Erin is the best friend a girl could wish for! She stands by Jacqueline regardless of what has happened or what people are saying.

Easy was my first read by Tammara Webber and it will certainly not be my last. I was basically hooked from the start, only becoming more and more involved in the story with each chapter that passed. Easy was such a touching, heart warming story despite some of the not so pleasant things that happen within it. This is definitely one of those books I recommend everyone reads.

What I Loved:
First off, this writing in Easy was amazing across the board. I have no complaints about this book being so immensely popular. Webber knows what she's doing and I can only hope that having been picked up by Penguin will make all of her books easier to get a hold of for people like me who do not like to buy ebooks. In case the fact that this used to be self-published worries you, do not be worries, because this has been both well-written and well-edited. Oh, also, can I say how incredibly thrilled I am that the email and text conversations in this book did not involve any text speak?

Initially, Jacqueline frustrated me. Her newly ex-boyfriend, Kennedy, was so obviously an awful human being. Their relationship reminds me in every way of that of Elle Woods and her high school boyfriend in the movie Legally Blonde. A handsome, preppy guy heading for a sleazy career (lawyer/politician) dumps his beautiful, devoted girlfriend so that he can sleep around in college. On the plus side, that's better than cheating, but I had no patience for Kennedy whatsoever and could not fathom why Jacqueline stayed with him.

Thankfully, Jacqueline proves herself again and again. After the dumping, Jacqueline reverts to using her full name in place of the nickname "Jackie" that he gave her, a reference to the president he was named for and his wife (UGH, seriously, why did she not know he was awful before?). When he inevitably comes crawling back, Jacqueline's much more mature about it than I could ever be, remaining civil but consistent in her lack of interest. Heck yes, girl!

As is pretty well known by this point, Easy begins with an attempted rape, and that is a main theme throughout the book. Another reason I struggled with Jacqueline as a heroine at first was that she did not report the guy. However, I know that's completely realistic behavior. Thankfully, with the help of her completely supportive BFF, Erin (who I totally loved btw), Jacqueline manages to take charge of herself, finding new mental and physical strength. I loved that. Also, though there's a depiction of the dark side of the Greek system on college campuses, Webber does not malign it entirely. She kept everything fair, and I appreciate that, even though I'm one heck of a GDI and want nothing to do with frat guys myself.

Please, please, please do not judge the romance in this book off of the blurb. The whole bit about how "He watched her, but never knew her" sounds creepy as all get out, and, seriously, Lucas is not like that. He was in her class, so he would watch her there, the way people do when they're bored during a lecture. Since she was cute and smart, he would take note if he saw her on campus. This is completely normal and non-stalkerish behavior, okay? Lucas is not that guy; he does nothing a normal college student wouldn't do in the course of an attraction.

Obviously, I love Lucas or I would not feel the need to defend his honor thus. He's just a great guy. He does do a couple of questionable things, but, honestly, I'm glad about those because they made him real. Otherwise, he would have been in manicpixiedreamboy territory. He's got some darkness and makes stupid decisions sometimes, which is much better than if he were purely perfect. As with all the best heroes, he empowers Jacqueline, and helps her to be better in every way. Plus, he does not pressure for sex at all. Speaking of sex, wow. Webber can write a sizzling scene. Much as I love YA, I do get to missing a well done sex scene, and Easy definitely scratched that itch.

What Left Me Wanting More:
The character names. Buck as the rapist? Really? It's a bit stereotypical for my tastes. Chaz was another horrid name. You'd think at least his girlfriend would call him by something better. However, this is a seriously minor complaint.

The Final Verdict:
In case you didn't figure this out by now, I ended up loving this book, so much so that I devoured it in a matter of hours. I recommend Easy to those who enjoy sexy romances that tackle dark issues while promoting a feminist message.

This book is just, WOW! EASY was my first book by Tammara Webber and I have to admit, the cover *coughs* guy *coughs* is what caught my attention. Yes, I realize that sounds uber shallow but what-evs, I'm a sucker for fictional guys with cool hair and tats.

I was completely caught off guard with how it began but it's such a powerful opening and sets the stage for the overall tone, plot and message.

Jacqueline has not only suffered the break-up of her 3 year relationship with her High School boyfriend, Kennedy, but she also has to endure his Frat parties because her BFF and roommate is dating his "brother". Sure, one could argue that she doesn't have to go with Erin but that's easier said than done. (Been there. Done that.) Adjusting to life after Kennedy is hard enough but nothing compares to what happens on Halloween and the aftermath. Jacqueline will discover who her real friends are and that the ability to defend yourself goes beyond the physical. Having the courage to speak up regardless of the social consequences can impact more than just your own circumstances.

I think my favorite character may have been, Jacqueline's BFF, Erin. I LOVED her! She made me laugh so hard I cried (on numerous occasions). She's bold, brazen and fierce. You definitely want her on your team whether it's at a Frat Formal or in a dark alley. She's the kind of friend who always has your back and takes no prisoners as is evident here --> "So when do we get to the junk-kicking?" ~ Erin

Kennedy is a self-absorbed prick. Excuse my "French" but there's really no other way to describe him. He's used to getting what he wants and yeah, everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes apologies come just a little too late.

Lucas is a knight in shining Starbucks apron strings with his cool hair, and tats. (Don't even get me started on the lip ring.) Wielding his graphite pencil and a 'tude that exudes "coolsauce", he seems the most likely candidate to play "Rebound Guy" to Jacqueline's broken heart but Lucas proves you can't always judge a book by it's cover. He has secrets of his own and it will take more than a few coffee breaks and make-out sessions *fans face* before Jacqueline uncovers them. Once she does, she'll be lucky if she doesn't end up heartbroken all over again.

This story is one of love, friendship and learning what makes you brave. (It's also a little about *punching/kicking/stomping fear in the junk*). I think every girl AND guy needs to read this because the message is so very important. "No" means "No" and it doesn't matter what you're wearing, or not wearing, when you say the word. We are responsible for our own action or inaction, both of which can have a farther reaching impact than we could ever know.