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By: Sarah M. Ross
Published: May 4, 2013
Source: InkSlinger PR
GR's Summary:
Jillian had a plan: celebrate the end of her first year of college with an amazing summer full of beaches, barbeques, and bonfires. When her mom insists she needs a summer job, and her boyfriend spends more time with his band than with her, Jillian’s plans go down the drain.
Grant had a plan: finish his Masters, get a great job at Google, and get the hell out of Georgia. He might be giving up some of the fun of his youth, but he knows his all work and no play method would be worth it when his dreams came true.
But things never go according to plan.
When temptation brings them together and tragedy tears them apart, Jillian and Grant will be forced to choose: fight for their dreams, or fight for each other.
When I first saw the book cover for this story, I was really attracted to it, and the blurb really caught my attention! I have been in a New Adult stage for quite a while, and I can't seem to read enough New Adult Contemporary Romances. For that reason, I feel that I am becoming more observant of trends, cliches, similarities, and differences, in this genre. There were elements I really enjoyed in Inhale, Exhale, and there were other elements that I felt could be improved upon.
This story is told in dual narration from the perspectives of 19 year old Jillian, and 22 year old Grant. Jillian is a college student spending the summer in Georgia, at her childhood home. Her mother gets her a temporary job answering phones at a large company for the summer, so she can earn some money. She has been in a 4 year relationship with her high school sweetheart Christian, and is stuck in a bit of a rut. Christian still lives at home with his parents, doesn't have much ambition, and is both lazy and apathetic in his life, and relationship. The only thing that seems to matter to him is his band. The two struggle to spend time with one another, and don't really appear to be trying too hard to make their relationship work. Jillian and Christian just seem comfortable, and their with each other more out of habit than anything else. Grant is in charge of technical support at Jillian's new job. His mother died when he was young, and his father has been heart broken ever since. Grant has been responsible since a young age, checks in on his father frequently, and has been taking care of his father's responsibilities since his mother died. Grant is intelligent, ambitious, hardworking, and has a "plan" for his life. His plan doesn't involve a committed relationship, because he doesn't want to become like his father, and fall apart because he falls for a woman. He is described as cute, muscular, (he's a rower,) and good-looking, but in a nerdy way. He is really good with computers, and women are always throwing themselves at him, but he doesn't really have more of an interest, other than a one night stand here and there. Grant is dedicated to his plan, which consists of finishing up his master's degree, and one day getting hired by Google. However, when Jillian and Grant meet, they share an intense attraction, and chemistry for one another, and no matter how hard they try to stay away from each other, they just can't seem to help themselves.
What I enjoyed was that the characters were not cliche, this was a fast-paced, light, and easy read that wasn't laden with drama. What I didn't feel worked in the story was the insta-love, without the two main character's building the relationship slowly. The story felt like it was being "told," and I prefer when a story is "shown." I felt, at times, some of the dialogue was a bit cheesy for my tastes. Also, Jillian didn't really have any qualms or guilt about cheating on her boyfriend. I would have liked more background information on Grant and Jillian. I didn't connect to the characters as much as I would have liked to, and didn't really feel like I knew them beyond a superficial level.
I had high expectations and hopes for Inhale, Exhale. I saw a lot of potential in the storyline, and characters. I think it could have been developed a bit more. I did enjoy the love scenes immensely. They were really hot, and Ms. Ross did a great job with the details, and descriptions of these scenes. I just felt that my preference would be for more of a storyline.
I give Inhale, Exhale by Sarah Rose 3 Fast-Paced, Fun, and Passionate Stars! If you are looking for a light, quick read, then this book is it. It isn't filled with a bunch of angst, tension, or drama! Also, the romance scenes are pretty hot, and steamy! Grant was a great character, and you will be swooning over his fun, and flirty ways. If you are looking for a unique male lead, Grant is it! He is intelligent, nerdy, in a cute way, and a really good guy! This isn't your typical bad boy meets good girl type of story. For those readers out there that love NewAdult Contemporary Romances, this is a unique take on the main characters, and is a fun, light read!
"When I was a kid and my mom was still alive, my dad use to say to me, 'Son, when you find something worth holdin' on for, your grip will become more solid than cement.' For years, I thought his love for my mom was what crippled him. That it was a hindrance and made him less of a person. But I'm starting to see now just how wrong I was. His love for her didn't make him less, it made him more."
~Grant (EARC Page 163)
"No, you will always be Cupcake because it describes you perfectly: You're the thing I crave, the thing I push myself to earn, and the thing that no matter how satisfied I am, I will always want more of you."
~Grant (EARC Page 169)
"Each touch, each brush of his lips, kindled my hunger for him until it consumed me. I no longer felt any pain, just pleasure. And I wanted more."
~Jillian (EARC Page 174)
This does seem like a sweet story, too bad you had issues with showing vs telling. I hate when that happens, and it's kind of hard to explain in reviews too.
ReplyDeleteI like the quotes you included. Great review!
I have seen Inhale Exhale around and most reviewers have the same opinion as you do. The book was nice, but there could have been more. Like you, the cover and summary have me interested. I'm glad you liked this one, Lindy! Light reads are nice sometimes and for those times, I'll definitely keep an eye out for this book. Lovely review! :)
ReplyDeleteSarika @ The Readdicts
Thanks Sarika!
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