Twenty-Five

by Rachel L. Hamm

Abigail Bronsen is sure her life is going nowhere when she turns twenty-five and realizes she hasn't done anything on a list of goals she made for herself as a teenager. Ben Harris is looking to find "the one" after his last girlfriend cheated on him. When they crash into each other, it appears they've both found exactly what they wanted. A year of firsts follows: first date, first kiss, first “I love you’s.” The first fight is inevitable, but neither of them saw a breakup coming. When Abigail is offered a job overseas, they’ll discover that no relationship is perfect and even true love sometimes finds itself separated by time and distance.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, New Adult, Contemporary Romance

322 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Rachel was born in Buffalo, NY but grew up in Burlington, NC. Raised by northern parents in the south, she likes to say she got the best of both worlds. Her writing is inspired by classic authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, as well as contemporary ones like Claire LaZebnik. She loves to read and has been known to spend an entire weekend engrossed in the adventures of her favorite characters.

Reviews

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet romance. Abigail is very much like me at 25--she can't believe she is worth the wonderful relationship she has. As a result she almost loses it. You will fall in love with Abby and Ben.

[E.M. Havens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww....to be twenty-five again! This is a no frills, no supernatural complications, no mystery, no murder, straight up ROMANCE!!! I think it's been a while since I've read one of these. It was actually quite refreshing.

Twenty-five is the story of two people falling in love. Abigail is twenty-five, sees herself as plain, works in a mail room to work her way up to columnist in a magazine. She's alone with her books and has decided that's how it's going to be. Ben is an entrepreneur from a wealthy family who's never had to work for anything. This story takes us from the moment they crash into one another (literally) to the end...which is happy, let me tell you.

Of course there are bumps along the way. About two thirds of the way through I HAD to keep reading. I mean I couldn't go to bed that night unless I got to the end. I just needed closure. LOL!

I would consider this story between sweet romance and spicy romance. While we are not given the blow-by-blow in the bedroom, there is some heat to the build up. I wouldn't recommend it for younger ages without parental guidance because there is some language and of course the bedroom stuff, BUT I think it does approach the subject of abstinence in a real way and moms, you just might want your daughters to read about a heroine who has decided to wait for all the right reasons!

This story is very fun and I really enjoyed it. I found myself smiling many times and my husband asking me what was so funny. I told him it was just really sweet! It is a well written light, easy read.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Read it twice over the 4th of July holiday...didn't want it to end. Really hoping the author writes a continuation!

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic love story! Loved it! Great addition to my collection! Made me happy....maybe cry too... And a fitting ending! Looking forward to more from the author!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read. It's really well written, with a beautiful story, and its characters are believable and likeable. It wasn't predictable and kept me hooked - I read it in one day.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book that keeps reader entranced and wanting more. Abigail and Ben make you smile, cry, laugh and make you part of their lives. Excellent reading. Loved it!

[Tim Sanders · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute garbage! So many pages are just like reading text messages. The sentence structure, vocabulary and syntax require little more than a 7th grade education to breeze through. While the chapters are short and require little concentration, the plot was phenomenally underwhelming. The characters are simply boring and not believable and there is no development. Reading the book will put the reader straight to sleep. This publication left much to be desired over all.

[The Page Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This week, Jasmine and India discuss Twenty-Five by author Rachel L. Hamm.

Twenty-Five follows both Abigail and Ben as they navigate the most romantic and heartbreaking year of their lives. From the first date to struggling with a long distance relationship, we see this couple through laughter, love, and tears. Abigail has always been unlucky in love. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, she finds a bucket list of goals, written when she was fifteen, that she has yet to accomplish. Spurred by this list and the car accident that throws the couple together, Abigail is on a hilariously sweet mission to change her life and Ben is there to help her.

Number of times it made us cry: 3

Number of times it made us laugh: 12+

Jasmine: I knew I would like this book right away because I love dual perspectives and it was written in first person. I love being plunged into a character’s head. When we are introduced to Ben, he is actually looking to find a real, meaningful relationship too. Compared to the usual books I read featuring heroes that aren’t looking for love or want to be tied down in any way, it was really refreshing to read about an all-around good guy with similar romantic goals as the heroine.

India: I related a lot to Ben and his career. I remember the stresses of running my own business and I admire his ability to fall so wholly and totally in love with someone. In work mode, I wasn't able to do that and I was left with a lot of "what could have been" relationships instead.

Jasmine: A lengthy novel, this book felt real to life. Rachel Hamm didn’t gloss over any major events in their courtship. We are treated to their first date, first kiss, meeting the parents, and a few of their fights too.

A favorite moment of mine happened well into their relationship. I am a big fan of classic literature and so is Abigail. Ben took her on a really special date and I practically swooned right along with her.

India: I loved that Ben pushed her to finish the items on her "25 Before 25" list. I think a truly fulfilling relationship is one where the two halves encourage each other to be the best version of themselves.

Jasmine: Though their relationship is based on a deep respect for each other, there are still a few hiccups along the path to happily ever after. A big part of this book has to do with Abby accomplishing some of her life goals. Once her career takes off, I was delighted to know that her bucket list would never be ignored because she always had Ben there to push her to get outside her comfort zone. I think its easy for people to become complacent with their lives and it's our loved ones that remind us that there is more to life than what is directly in front of us.

India: Exactly. A lot of the times it's easy to sort of fall into the ritual of the day-to-day. I don't think there's anything wrong with that if that's what you want, but Abigail definitely wanted more adventure. That list she made when she was fifteen wasn't just the dreams of a little girl - they were the desires of someone she wanted to be. When things get tough, it's easy to forget these "childhood dreams." Ben's deep respect for her is what made him want so much to help her see past her immediate situation.

....

For the full review and author interview go to http://www.thepagegirls.com/issues/se...

[Isabell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

*I received this book by the author in exchange of an honest review*

This book made my heart happy. It's such a heart warming love story which I didn't want to end. I spent two days of my easter weekend reading this book with only a few breaks for sleeping and eating. I could't put it down until I finished it.

Twenty-five Rachel L. Hamm's debut novel and is the story of two people falling in love with each other. Abigail Bronson is twenty-five, works in a mail room to work her way up to be a columnist in a magazine. She prefers to spend her free time alone with her books and has decided that's how it's going to be. On Abigail's 25th birthday a to do list of twenty-five she wanted to have done before she turns twenty-five falls into her lap. She realises that she hasn't done much of her life. To make her birthday even worse, she is involed into a car accident. She doesn't know it yet, but that day is going to change her life forever. Ben Harris is an young and handsome entrepreneur from a wealthy family who's never had to work for anything. He owns a sport complex with a gym, sports bar and any kind of sport field. Ben is looking to find "The One" after his last girlfriend cheated on him. The story follows from the first moment when they meet for the first time to the very end.

I laughed, I smiled, I cried, I cheered, it was just wonderful. The story is told from both characters point of view which I really enjoyed. To make a point, yes, this love story is far away from reality and predictable but these are not negative points for me. Books are here to escape from reality and to read about things which are not happening in real life.

The main characters are so real and easy to relate to. It was easy for me to releate to Abby and her fears because we have things in common. She struggles with confidence in herself and her abilities and worries that she will never measure up. I got annoyed by some of her actions, her insecuritie, but in the end she didn't let me down. Ben is such a sweatheart, I can tell you. I fell a little bit in love with him. Ben is truly the perfect man to wait for. Their love for each other is unconditionally. I loved how their relationship developed but it's a ride of a roller-coster. On the one hand, I loved them and coudn't get eough of them but on the other hand I wanted to shake them in some parts of the book.

Overall, a really lovely read. I highly recommend this book. Easy to read and easy to become totally involved in. A complete distraction from the dullness of real life. Funny, charming, great characters. Predictable and cheesy with stereotypical cliches but a great read with a satisfying feel-good factor.

Thank you Rachel for this wonderful written story. I hope great things will happen to you in the future. I can't wait to get myself a paperpack copy of this and re-read it one day!

I'm looking forward to read more of Rachel's writing.

[DelSheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Abigail Bronson takes a serious look at her life on her Twenty-fifth birthday, to say shes fallen a little short of her dreams might be an understatement. A list of "things to do before I turn 25" points out every area of her life that she's lacking. To make her birthday even worse, a rainy freeway drive leads to a car accident. Abigail doesn't realize at the moment, but the accident will change almost everything about her life.

This is one of those books that readers will start and wont be able to put down. Abigail draws readers in from the first page. So many readers will be able to relate to her feeling of being adrift, of not living up to her own expectations, never mind everyone else's. She struggles with confidence in herself and her abilities and worries that she will never measure up.

The chance car accident that brings Ben into her life has the kind of life changing affect a person can never imagine. Ben is a sweetheart. Readers will absolutely fall in love with him right along with Abigail. That hardly means he's perfect, though. Ben does his best to show Abigail what a beautiful and special person she is, but Abigail makes it plenty hard on him.

The romance that develops between these two is a serious emotional roller coaster. There were times I wanted to grab them by the shoulders and shake them until they stopped being foolish, but other times when I just couldn't get enough of them. During their developing relationship, both Ben and Abigail face some serious personal problems and huge choices. Neither one handles everything perfectly and the ups and down it causes in their relationship will have readers captivated.

This is one of the most realistic romances I have read. The characters are flawed make some bad decisions at times. They love each other, but still manage to hurt each other as well. Their love only makes those painful moments all the more agonizing. Even having been privileged enough to have read this novel during it's initial stages and knowing what was coming, I still cried at certain parts in the book. Hamm does a phenomenal job of capturing readers' heartstrings and putting them through the ringer. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for Hamm's next book.

Check out my other reviews on The Edible Bookshelf

[Heather Balog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my Chick lit book club. I joined the club because I love to read and discuss books with others and was look forward to being introduced to so new authors that I might not normally stumble upon. Now I confess, I don't usually give chick lit more than 3 stars. To me, chick lit is a diversion from reality, a fun guilty pleasure of mine (like watching Ellen). It's usually the same formula (Girl meets Boy, Girl swoons, Girl can't have Boy for some reason and then after a whole bunch of trials and uphill battles, Girl and Boy get together. What makes each book unique is the writer's humor and voice. It can get old quickly and sometimes it takes me even longer to get through such a novel than say, a Stephen King novel.
That being said, I read Twenty Five in less than twenty five hours (see what I did there?). The story was not the same old tired chick lit formula and if it was, I didn't notice. I loved both Ben and Abby (my mother had Golden Retrievers named Ben and Abby so that made me chuckle...I admit I imagined them as dogs on more than one occasion). I loved how they see less went back and forth between both characters (although on my Kindle the formatting made it difficult to follow at times). Their characters were realistic and genuine, although I did feel Ben was a little "too perfect" at first. He certain redeemed himself by being a jerk later on, which was completely believable. I loved the concept of Abigail being frightened by her fears and Ben helping her overcome them and that being the basis of her column. I though the "virgin" angle added to the story, playing up on Abigail's fears nicely. I admit, I did have tears in my eyes at one point too.
The only thing I didn't like and I always find to be the case in chick lit or romance novels, is that everyone is always so damn beautiful. Why is that? Can we have butt ugly characters that find love, please? Or maybe not but ugly, but normal people that don't make people gasp for breath when they walk by?
No? Okay, well I tried.
I highly recommend this novel if you'd like a lighthearted but sweet and poignant diversion from reality.

[Melody Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It was definitely an I-Can't-Put-It-Down read. At 50% I put it away because I needed sleep but, I was so anxious to see what happened to this couple that I got back up in the middle of the night and finished it at 5am. Needless to say I was dragging that day but it was so worth it!

Abigail turns 25 and thinks her life is going no where. Her relationships never last past the third date and she is so sure she will be alone for the remainder of her life. At her birthday party Abby's sister gives her a list she found in the attic, a bucket list of sorts that she wrote at the tender age of 15 for a school assignment. She is taken aback by how many dreams she has not even attempted to accomplish. Her daily life seems to be built around fear...and she fears most everything.

As she is traveling down the highway in a downpour, she is involved in a 4 car pile up. Ben Harris is the young gentleman that rear ended her before another car slammed into her vehicle and Ben feels responsible. He follows her to the hospital and when they look into each others eyes there is an immediate connection.

Wow, what a ride! This was an emotional read and there was quite a bit of angst, but there was no cheating or betrayal which is a big plus in my books. I have to say I wish the angst would have hit later in the book and at times, as sweet as Ben was, he said and did some stupid, heartbreaking things. He was so caught up in his own pain that he failed Abby in a big way which was totally out of his character.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a sweet, loving romance with no man-whores involved. I was very taken by this story.

June 20, 2017 ~ Just as great the third time through! Ms Hamm, this book is fantastic!

[Glynis Astie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Ms. Hamm's second book, Honor's Lark, first, so I knew from the beginning I would love Twenty-Five! At the tender age of twenty-five, Abigail Bronson is dissatisfied with herself. She takes stock of her life and realizes just how far off she is from the one she had expected to live. While struggling with this depressing reality, Abigail is involved in a car accident which brings the gorgeous and charming Ben into her life. The chemistry between Ben and Abigail is obvious from the start. Though Abigail is instantly drawn to Ben, her poor relationship history and lack of confidence make it hard for her to trust him. Ben sees the beautiful person he believes Abigail to be and is frustrated by her inability to share this view. Ben and Abigail fall for each other, all the while enduring her insecurities and his difficulty in asking for help. Their relationship is tumultuous, frustrating and even heartbreaking at times, but the ending is satisfying for all! Ms. Hamm is quite adept at creating realistic characters which you will connect with in ways that might surprise you. (Keep the tissues handy.) I truly enjoyed watching the story unfold and experiencing the joy and pain right along with the characters. I read late into the night to find out what happened!

[J.D. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet, indie published, diamond in the rough, romance captured my attention right from the start. I LOVED it.

I loved that I could relate to Abigail and her fears. It was almost as if I was looking back at a younger version of myself.

I loved that I got caught up in Abigail's emotions multiple times, finding myself sobbing when she opened Ben's very thought birthday gift, and then crying off and on throughout the last act of the book.

I loved that sometimes I got so frustrated with Ben, that I wanted to toss the book across the room. I loved that because that's what love is sometimes. It's frustration, heartache, pain, but also forgiveness, happiness, and hope all rolled up into one.

Rachel Hamm did an AMAZING job of getting down to the essence of the perfect love story. I feel very lucky to have an autographed copy of this work. It's earned its place next to my other all-time favorites on my bookshelf. It's a great pick me up to remind me that love can truly conquer all, even the darker parts of ourselves. I can't wait to read it again!

[Jasmine Tru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I found this to be an easily relatable story. The couple learned from each other the entire time they were together. Even when the distance of Abigail’s dream job caused a huge rift between the couple, you just know that somehow they will find their way back to each other. There were just too many examples of respect, sacrifice, and love before this point in the book. I felt heartbroken right along with them, sometimes feeling like the situation was impossible to solve.

I’m looking forward to Rachel Hamm’s next novel. This is an author who really explores what it means to be in a loving relationship, good and bad. If you ever want a dose of real situations and true love, Rachel Hamm may be your writer.

See our full discussion of Twenty Five at ThePageGirls.com
http://www.thepagegirls.com/issues/se...

[Charles Shanlever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truthfully, this is not my genre at all, and 99% of my pleasure reading is fantasy or Stephen King. However, it didn't take me many pages to begin to care for the characters, and I finished the book very quickly. It was a well constructed story, with more than enough ups and downs to keep the reader interested and wondering what would come next. I could see it quite easily being turned into a romantic comedy and truly enjoyed reading it. Well done, Ms. Hamm! I look very much forward to the next book!

[Tracy Banghart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, romantic book! I loved getting to know Ben and Abby, and I could totally relate to how Abby feels about her life and her prospects for love. The side characters were also really well developed and provided a good counterpoint to Ben and Abby's relationship. My only complaint is that I wish Abby had been a little less self-blaming in a couple spots, though I can understand how that behavior was true to her character. Overall I loved the novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet, affirmative romance! <3

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand, this was a cute story that I felt was at least loosely based on my life. Well, the first two thirds of it anyway. I mean, this girl is in her late twenties, she's single, loves to read and loves coffee, is unhappy about all the things she hasn't accomplished in life. I can relate. On the other hand, there were pages and pages of nothing but dialogue and I did not love that. I think a different author could have done more with the story. It was a good, easy read. Nothing to write home about.

[susieqlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! First, the author, in her debut novel, wrote a book with excellent editing. The story line flows. I really felt like the author spent two years perfecting this awesome novel that I just could not put down. Second, the story reflects a hint of Jane Austen's influence! Third, this novel involves beautiful story lines that fall into place, dating, family relationships, friends, independence, balance, and risks.

[MerseySideGirl8 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was painful to get through! The story started out really well but soon it was the same repetitive thing...Abigail's constant need for reassurance that Ben cared about her. She was selfish and needy throughout the entire book and for the life of me I can understand why he would put up with her crap.

The author dragged this story out way too long and by the end I found Ben to be just as whiney as Abigail. . This book was long and drawn out when it didn't have to be :( :(

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had originally given this book three stars because it did what it was supposed to do - Fill a couple of my days with a silly romance. But on further reflection I've downgraded it simply on the impossibility of either of the main characters existence. Call me jaded, but this book is so far from reality it borders on ridiculous.

I think I'll go read a good ripping serial killer novel next. Or indulge in a Game of Thrones marathon. Yeah. That sounds like just what I need.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this novel. The author's style of writing is weak, and prevents the reader from connecting with the characters. I liked the idea of the plot, but parts of the story just did not make logical sense.
Overall unimpressed- I have read much better romance novels with a more complex plot and more relatable characters.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The romance of Abigail and Ben wasn't really for me. I spent most of the story being really annoyed by Abigail. I felt she was defining all the rules of the relationship and had so many insecurities about Ben breaking her heart. Well she turned the tables and was the heartbreaker. Ben seriously was too good to be true....

[PRINCESS · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romance story.
The book was recommended by a colleague at work! … You might ask why (!), well Im the person who watches scary movie and sleeps so imagine reading a romance story and sleeping, it a very different world and hard to judge on the book.
Let’s say an assessed cute love story with some up and downs but the most important understanding the value by two couples.
A good, easy read

[TreLyn Cecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It started a little slow but overall it came together nicely. I was really happy to see that Abby and Ben ended up together in the end. It was a very touching story through the down times. Very good read.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the first part of the story, cute romance, but wanted to smack both characters in the head during the second half of the book. Would be a good beach read as it was light. Might look up this author on my next vacation.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to write a review for this book. At times I felt it was a little slow and that the characters could have been developed a little more, but as I kept reading, I found myself unable to put it down. It's a sweet, romantic story that is fun to read.

[P.davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what to say

This book was so soooooo sweet. I mean, it may sicken some. I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to re-read it. Thank you Ms. Hamm. I look forward to another.

[Nyssa Verde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely charming! Rachel has a gift for bringing her characters to life. The tale of being brave enough to follow a dream, love, or other detours in the pursuit of happiness will endear these characters to any reader, and I highly recommend you add this book to your own pursuit of happiness.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true delight to read and connect to the many facets of the characters virtues but even more importantly their faults. A well crafted novel. Nicely done.