Jules Carmichael needs to get her life together. Pronto. School's been hell, there was that tiny stint in rehab, and worst of all, she's lost her cushy summer job. The only available work is at Office Jax, home of horrid 90s music and the biggest jerk on this side of the galaxy...
Recovering from a brutal break-up and taking a hiatus from college, Ryan DeShane has just discovered the “6 Ultimate Steps to the Perfect Summer Fling.” It's a brilliant distraction, and Jules is a tantalizing target. But the “steps” work a little too well, because he and Jules are definitely, uh, flinging. And it's only a matter of time before Ryan's foolproof plan starts to seriously unravel...
Jennifer Blackwood is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Oregon with her husband, son, and poorly behaved black lab puppy. When not chasing after her toddler, you can find her binging on episodes of Gilmore Girls and Supernatural, and locking herself in her office to write.
Jules Carmichael is home from school and after a little stint in rehab is required work at Office Jax’s. The worse part of the office supply store is the hideous green shirts and the 90’s pop music on repeat. Jules already not loving her job begins to despise it even more when the office manager’s son shows up and treats her like dirt.
Ryan DeShane has been kicked out of college and recently found out his girlfriend was cheating on him. To add insult to injury now Ryan is back in town required to work at his dad’s store. Bored out of his mind Ryan decides to follow an article he sees in a magazine: “6 Ultimate Steps to the Perfect Summer Fling” on none other than his hot coworker, Jules.
Jules and Ryan begin to develop a relationship that in the beginning that is similar to six year olds on a playground, their form of flirting is mostly bantering back and forth. Things do eventually heat up as their flirting becomes more sexual. I love bantering and flirting, it is usually my favorite part of the build up to a couple but in this one the banter was cheesy and overdone.
I did enjoy the moments of this story, I think I could have enjoyed it more had bantering been less corny and more mature. I love 90’s music, but even I was tired of hearing about it by the time I got to the end of this one. I felt like there was a lot of story that could have been developed that made me more endeared to the the characters. Both of them had a lot of issues but in my opinion things were overshadowed by their immature banter.
Foolproof is told in dual POV and is the second book in the Drexler University Series, but can be read as a stand alone. This story is predictable, but I like that sometimes. It is nice to sit down and know what you are getting. With this one you are getting a sweet, predictable romance, with some hot moments. If that is what you are looking for I definitely recommend.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking for an easy story to read, without too many complications, with two endearing characters, this is a perfect book for you.
Jules is a young lady who is studing to be a doctor. She doesn't really know if she sees her future in there but her mother who is herself doctor tells that it is the promising field which provide her an income. During summer, she has to find a job and the only one available is at "Office Jack". Ryan is a guy a bit lost lately. He decides to take a break from college. He doesn't know what to do with his life and he found his girlfriend cheating with his roommate. To top it all, he must spend the summer with Jack, his father with whom he has words half of the time. From his arrival, Ryan is forced to work at his father's business.
The first meeting between the two MC is quite electric. Ryan acts like an asshole handing his bitterness towards Jules. Fortunately for her, Jules is not the type to let it go.
"- Are you always an asshole? Or only on Mondays? - Mondays and Wednesdays. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for compliments. "
A few days passed and during one of his breaks, Ryan finds a girl magazine with an article: "Six foolproof Steps to the Ultimate Summer Fling". As he's not looking for a long term relationship, he doesn't see any arm to have some fun... + he like Jules a little, so why not? I've kinda like this book event if it was sometimes too sweet for me. It feels like I'm sometimes in total contradiction with myself. I like a book without too much fuss and when I have one I still complain.
Both characters are simple people with normal problems for their age and so every difficult is dealt quite well without too much drama. Jules can be a little irritating sometimes because she doesn't know what she wants with Rya. At one point, she complains and starts a little jealousy scene when overhears part of a conversation from ryan with his ex but at the same time their relation is not even serious. Overall I found them both cute because as I read I found these two are truly soulmates. They are good for each other. They are bringing out the best of them both without really meaning it and that was beautiful.
**Foolproof generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
2 Witty Stars
Foolproof is the second installment in Jennifer Blackwood’s Drexler University series but can be read as a standalone novel. This New Adult story, told from the points of view of both the hero and heroine, is college based about two people fighting to discover what they want from their future while struggling to make their families understand it’s a decision each of them has to make on their own. Ryan and Jules meet while working in an office supplies store Ryan’s father owns. After a shaky start to their friendship, endless banter and flirting ensues.
The banter and flirting between these two characters is definitely my favorite part of the story. Without the spark of snark the author provides or the clever flirting I'm not sure I would have finished Foolproof. Ryan and Jules, together, are quite witty and irresistible to each other even though they’re each fighting that undeniable attraction. I also enjoyed how their relationship developed even though at times it was juvenile. However, I felt disconnected from the characters. The depth of the story being not much more than a current, fast-paced situation. I didn’t feel as if I was being told a story and couldn’t get into the flow of the writing so it was just on okay New Adult read for me. I have not read book one in the series and being I wasn’t enthralled completely with Ryan and Jules’ story I’m not in any hurry to read book one or continue with the series.
Jennifer Blackwood brings witty dialogue, flirtation, and an air of lightness to a usually-angsty genre. Such a refreshing read! She handles the realistic issues of defining who you really are, and not who your parents want you to be - which is the true heart of New Adult. The repartee had me rolling, the heat had me swooning and I wanted to stand up and cheer when they both finally determined not only who they are, but who they want to be in the world and to each other. High five, Jennifer!!!!
As the second novel in the Drexler University series, Foolproof is the story of Jules, Payton’s best friend, and Ryan, Blake’s best friend. The two meet under circumstances no one could have predicted but that’s first reason the two start an unlikely fling.
Jules and Ryan are fantastic. Everything we learned about Jules from Unethical is multiplied and added to in Foolproof. She’s grown so much from the first book to this one and even to the end of the novel. She learns what it means to true to yourself and follow your heart. The same with Ryan. We only knew so much about him from Unethical but it was enough to leave me super curious to learn more. Ryan was just as lost as Jules in Foolproof. Not knowing what to do but knowing he had to do something. He hated feeling like he was letting those around him down, letting himself down, but nothing ever felt right. Until he met Jules and the two brought out the best in each other.
I really have one complaint about Foolproof and that has to do with the sexier or sex scenes in the story. They were hot, don’t get me wrong, but I found myself skimming them more than enjoying them. They just felt awkward at times. I think it had more to do with the wording, the euphemisms used.
In the end though, I loved learning Jules and Ryan’s story. They grew so much from when we first met them.
I have been in the mood for lighter New Adult and Foolproof scratched this itch. Blackwood writes fantastic guy POV and creates a fun, heartfelt, offbeat romance between Ryan and Jules in an unlikely setting (an office supply store) that provides the perfect fodder for sexual innuendos. While there's a lot of fun and flirty goodness (and terrible 90's muzak), there's also a poignant element of personal discovery and coming of age. Put it all together and this book is a total delight. Highly recommended, especially if you are looking for a New Adult that's more on the fun, light-hearted side of the emotional spectrum.
Fantastic book! Completely enjoyed this group of characters and loved the fact that Ryan uses a magazine article to help him get the girl. Great writing kept this story moving along while letting us really get to know the characters. Couldn't help but pull for Jules to find her own way. This is definitely one I would recommend.
Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Foolproof is the second novel in the Drexler University series by Jennifer Blackwood and turns the spotlight on the respective best friends of the lead characters from book one. Jules and Ryan know what it's like to live a life that isn't really your own, adhering to the dictates and trying to live up to the expectations of your parents. The pressure has gotten to both of them in their own respective ways and when their paths cross for the summer, all they're looking for is someone to fool around with. Sometimes, though, all it takes is a few weeks for your life to change in ways you never saw coming.
Six months ago, Jules Carmichael's life imploded, forcing her to leave medical school in order to enter rehab for an addiction to a prescription drug that helped her deal with all the studying necessary. Now, she's trying to get her life back in order, or rather, the life that her parents expect her to be leading. She's spending the summer working at Office Jax because the idea of spending even a few months at her parents' home is something she doesn't want to go through. The last thing she needs right now is having to work side by side with the arrogant and cocky, albeit good looking and hot, son of her boss.
Three years in, Ryan DeShane has nothing to show for in terms of a college diploma. He finds himself having to spend the summer with his father after being unceremoniously kicked out of school. Given an ultimatum to figure out what it is he wants to do with the rest of his life, Ryan is forced to work at Office Jax, the store his father owns. Not only does he have to deal with his father getting on his case but he's also got a pesky cheater of an ex-girlfriend who doesn't seem to understand he's done with her. The last thing he needs is a blonde princess who makes him think she's all high maintenance.
The more they push each other's buttons, the less the irritation they feel and the more into the game of one-upmanship they become. Add to that the fact that they're both realizing that their first impressions of one another were oh-so-wrong and the summer truly begins to heat up between Jules and Ryan. Ryan hasn't done much flirting or dating in a long while so he decides to rely on a magazine article to help him get Jules, thinking that all of this is going to be temporary. Jules needs a stress reliever and she sees Ryan as the perfect cure to her present woes, believing a fling will heal what's ailing her.
As the summer progresses, so do their feelings for one another, falling for the one person they thought would be their summer fling. They provide the support the other needs and even inspires them to make certain choices that will put their lives on new paths and finally standing up for what they want. Just as they find the firm footing they've been seeking, Jules discovers a couple of things that make her begin to question whether any part of their relationship was real or if it was all just a game. Ryan desperately needs to prove to her that what they have is the real thing and that he wasn't playing her for a fool.
I absolutely LOVED this book! Jules was an interesting secondary character in the first book, Unethical, and I so wanted her to have her own story told and Ryan, who was mentioned several times as well, is the perfect partner for her. They were funny and authentic and simply had this chemistry that leapt off the pages. Their life stories resonated with me and their love story plus the eighties and nineties songs (which I could so relate to...and yes, I know that I'm dating myself here) had me smiling like silly. Foolproof is one of my favorite reads for 2015 (I've pre-ordered my own copy!) and gets five stars! ♥
Jennifer Blackwood has done it again! I stayed up to 5am finishing Foolproof. I loved this book and just couldn't seem to put it down once I started reading it. It's cute, sexy, witty and just an all around a fantastic read that left me wanting to read more from Jennifer Blackwood.
Let me just say that Ryan was sexy. SEXXXYYY! Not only is he sexy but he's also witty AND a dirty talker. Yep Ryan has a dirty mouth and I freaking loved it. Most times when I read about dirty talking characters it seems really cheesy or not realistic but that was definitely not the case here. Ryan comes across genuine and like someone that I could actually know.
Ryan wasn't the only one that I loved in Foolproof, I have a serious girl crush on Jules. She's not what I was expecting at all especially after reading Unethical. She's witty, smart and I liked that she keeps Ryan on his toes. Oh and let's not forget that she's got the mouth of a sailor. Who can't help but love that?
The chemistry between Ryan and Jules is hot and I loved watching these two interact with one another. I found myself smiling a lot while reading this, these two were just so damn cute together. Not only were they cute together, these two were freaking HOT. Some of their scene had me blushing like crazy and quickly turning the pages for more. I just couldn't get enough of these two.
What I liked about Foolproof is that it was more than just a cute and sexy romance. It also focuses on the journey both Ryan and Jules go through to find themselves. They both start off lost and not really sure of themselves. It was great to watch them grow and come into themselves.
Foolproof was a fantastic read and I just can't say enough good things about it. I love this book so hard and I NEED more from Jennifer Blackwood and I NEED it now. Believe me, you WANT to read this!
It is summer break and Jules (Payton's best friend and roommate from first book Unethical) is out of rehab and working at an office supply store. It's not what she wants but it will pay the rent so she is there for the summer suffering through the god-awful 90's pop hits that play over the store's sound system.
Ryan, who just happens to be Blake's best friend and who grew up with Blake and Payton, is also back for more than the summer. He flunked out of his third year in college. He has no idea what he wants to do with his life, his career. He's drowning in his own inability to decide.
The build up between the two characters is slow at first but the banter is cute. They both have a lot of baggage they need to work out in their own lives and careers before they want to tackle a relationship. But as relationships go, this one sneaks up on them pretty quick.
A sweet romance with some smexy lovin' and an inspiring story line: You are responsible for your own happiness and always trying to please others will not work towards making you happy.
Jules Carmichael needs to get her life together. Pronto. School's been hell, there was that tiny stint in rehab, and worst of all, she's lost her cushy summer job. The only available work is at Office Jax, home of horrid 90s music and the biggest jerk on this side of the galaxy...
Recovering from a brutal break-up and taking a hiatus from college, Ryan DeShane has just discovered the “6 Ultimate Steps to the Perfect Summer Fling.” It's a brilliant distraction, and Jules is a tantalizing target. But the “steps” work a little too well, because he and Jules are definitely, uh, flinging. And it's only a matter of time before Ryan's foolproof plan starts to seriously unravel.
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--FOOLPROOF is the second installment in Jennifer Blackwood’s new adult, contemporary Drexler University erotic romance series. This is former business student Ryan DeShane and pre med student Jules Carmichael. Although FOOLPROOF is the second installment in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Told from alternating first person points of view (Jules and Ryan) FOOLPROOF follows the building relationship between two twenty something university students Jules and Ryan. Off for the summer break, Jules and Ryan will find themselves as co-workers at Ryan’s father’s retail office supply store-Office Jax. What follows is a nasty introduction between two people whose immaturity and indecisions play a major role in their respective dysfunctional family visits, work habits, and previous relationships. When Jules tries to befriend the boss’s son, she gets snarky attitude and a cold shoulder in return. This is going to be a long summer!
The relationship between our couple begins combatively but their attraction to one another is immediate. Ryan is unhappy; his life is a mess; his girlfriend cheated on him with his roommate: and he has to spend the summer working for his dad. Enter Juliette (Jules) Carmichael-a feisty pre med student who doesn’t take any crap from the boss’s son. With her future all but planned out by her parents, Jules is on the verge of self-destruction and walking away without a backward glance. The $ex scenes are erotic, spontaneous and little bit risky! When Ryan uncovers an article about the ‘6 Ultimate Steps to the Perfect Summer Fling’, he will use this to his advantage only to have Jules discover that perhaps everything about their relationship has been based on a lie and a magazine article.
There is a playful banter between Jules and Ryan throughout the storyline-one using 90s music as the basis for many a comment or text. Ryan’s father likes to play 90s music in the store and our couple use this for fun and mutual enjoyment.
The secondary and supporting characters include Ryan’s father and uncle who battle one another over Ryan’s future; Jule’s mother whose need to control her child’s future pits mother against daughter; and Blake and Payton (the couple from book one UNETHICAL)-Ryan and Jule’s best friends. The world building focuses on the friendship between our couples; family disappointment and support; as well as a summer spent falling in love. In the end, Jules and Ryan’s future plans will have changed and we watch as our couple learns that if you want something, go for it, because in the end, ‘you are the key to your own happiness.’
FOOLPROOF is an imaginative and realistic storyline with a little bit of humor, romance, sex and fun. There are moments of heartbreak for two adult children whose parents see failure and disappointment; blended with a building romance between two lost souls who have found one another when they needed it the most.
I picked up Foolproof in December last year, and decided to read it because I was after something lighter read. At the time, I didn’t realise it was the second book in a series, but because it features a different couple, it can easily be read as a standalone. And what a fun read it was! Ryan following advice about a summer fling from a girls magazine, the flirting at work and the use of 90’s songs to get their feelings across! I enjoyed every moment of reading this book!
Jules is working at Office Jax over the summer and is enrolled into medical school. I could see from the first chapter that it may not be a good fit for her, as she fumbles through a co-workers problem. Then in rocks Ryan, the boss’s son, who comes across as arrogant and spoiled, but extremely hot! Their working relationship gets off to a rocky start, but after Ryan reads an article, he decides to test out the steps to hook his sassy co-worker, Jules.
I really enjoyed the growing relationship between Jules and Ryan. There was plenty of playful banter between them, the flirting was fun and their attraction to one another continued to grow, and a few times almost went too far. But I could see that they were both struggling about what they wanted for their futures. Jules was able to help Ryan find what he needed, but Jules doesn’t want to face her parents in regards to her career decisions, and avoids conflict as much as possible.
This is the first book that I’ve read by Jennifer Blackwood, and she did a remarkable job of pulling me into her world. It’s told from the first person perspective, alternating between both Jules and Ryan. I was able to see what they were feeling for one another and what decisions they wanted to make for their futures. Jules and Ryan had sizzling chemistry, and were able to let their walls down when they were alone together. I had a smile on my face the whole time I read this book; I’m glad that I’ve found a new author to stalk!
I really enjoyed Jennifer Blackwood's first novel- Unethical. And I was happy to say that her second book was also a good read. Foolproof is a sweet romance, with a hint of angst thrown in, ultimately ending happily.
Jules is studying to be a doctor. She doesn't know if she wants to go down the same path as her mother to be honest. But her mother assures her that it will provide her with a hefty income. But Jules doesn't really seem like one to be caught up in the material things anyway. During the summer, Jules gets a job at an office supply company, Office Jack. Little did she know that her boss's son Ryan,would turn out to be totally hot.
Ryan has just had his heart ripped from his chest. He is taking a break from college as he just found his girlfriend in a compromising position with his roommate. He is going to spend the summer working for his father's business. And from the first day he meets Jules, sparks fly. Even though Ryan is acting unaffected by her- he has just a little crush.
When he finds a magazine article about having foolproof steps to a summer fling, he thinks it's perfect, and since he has a bit of a crush on Jules, why not? And so a relationship unfolds, one that started as just a summer fling, and can turn into something more.
Foolproof is a well written story without a lot of drama. There was a little bit of jealousy thrown in there, but who doesn't love a little angst now and then? I really enjoyed the writing, and I wanted a sweet story, and I got it. No cliffhanger, and a happily ever after! Who could ask for anything more?
Foolproof is the second book in the Drexler University series but can be read as a standalone.
After a brief stint in rehab, Jules is at a bit of a crossroads with her life at the moment. Her future has always been planned for her, she is going to follow in her parent’s footsteps and become a doctor. On top of that, she needs to find a summer job and unfortunately for her, the only job available is at Office Jax. Office Jax is home to 90s music (which personally I love) and to Ryan…the ultimate jerk.
Ryan also hasn’t had it that great lately. He is nursing his wounds from his ex-girlfriend cheating on him. There is also the slight problem that he flunked out of college and needs to do something with himself. Thankfully he has his father’s company, Office Jax to fall back onto before he decides about the Police Academy.
"- Are you always an asshole? Or only on Mondays? - Mondays and Wednesdays. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for compliments. "
Of course, Ryan and Jules do not get along at first… But once Ryan finds an article about a summer fling, he is determined to turn fiction into real life. Their relationship starts off very argumentative and banter-filled but it was super adorable and enjoyable. Oh and there is some serious hotness going on too!!
“You’re the best thing that’s happened to me all summer long.”
Foulproof was a journey for Ryan and Jules to find themselves not to live up to what their parent’s expected from them. If you are looking for a fun, sweet, with some fun 90’s references, definitely check this one out.
After loving Book #1 Unethical , I couldn't wait to read Foolproof so when I saw it available on Netgalley I had to request it and I am glad I did. Just like Book #1 , I loved Foolproof. Unlike Book #1 though Foolproof takes place during Summer Break and focuses on Jules whom we meet in Unethical - she is Payton's friend and roommate. Those who have read Book #1 will remember Andrew who was selling prescription drugs , he sold some to Jules which caused her to go to rehab and now she is out of rehab and busy squirrelling away at Office Jack's. Enter Ryan - he is the son of Jack - the owner of Office Jack's and home for the Summer till he decides what to do with his life. He is due to head to the Police Academy after the break, but unsure that it is the actual direction he wants to take. Sick of relationship drama but hot on Jules , he discovers in a girly magazine an article titled "The Six Foolproof Tips to a Summer Fling" . He tries this on Jules and soon the two of them are having fun and things have the possibility of becoming serious . What will happen though when Ryan's psycho high maintenance ex-girlfriend Lexi comes back into the picture and Jules finds the article ? Will Ryan get a second chance with Jules or has he blown it ? If you love College New Adult stories, then Jennifer Blackwood's Drexer University Series should be at the top of your reading lists.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review and let me be honest I truly and fully enjoyed it.
Ryan has been known to be immature and not well liked by those around him. However he still has his friends. He doesn't have the best relationship with his dad, and he doesn't quite know what he wants from life. The only thing he does know, is that he's done with the female population and falling in love.
Jules has lived a life as her mother wants. Her family isn't perfect and she doesn't want it to be, but she just wants to stop being compared to her brother. She's a great student with a 4.0 gpa but she's not happy. Working the summer in an office supply store seems to be pretty dull.....until Ryan shows up.
From the start nothing is smooth for these two and thanks to a Cosmo article it goes way off the charts. Jules and Ryan are hot for each other right away and the cliche lines and sexy witty banter starts. It makes you laugh out loud at times because of how corny some of the sayings are but it's fun to read. This may be one of the shorter reads, but I just insanely enjoyed it.
Foolproof is the second book in the Drexler University series, but the book can be read out of order. I never read Unethical, but that did not stop me from enjoying Foolproof, it only made me want to read the first installment to find out more about Blake and Payton.
When Ryan and Jules first meet they have the worse first impressions of each other. Ryan thinks that Jules is a stuck up princess like his cheating ex-girlfriend and Jules think that Ryan is an asshole. After Ryan reads an article about a summer fling, he decides Jules is the perfect girl for the job. I loved all the corny jokes between Ryan and Jules, it was something I would do and using parts of song made them even better.
Foolproof was a very sweet romance, I like that wasn’t a lot of drama, they were just two normal college students with normal problems. Who brought out the best in each other, and helping read other along the way.
This is the second book in the Drexler University Series, but can be read as a stand alone. It's Jules story after her rehab stint. Jules is now working at Office Jax for the summer. She is trying to sort out whether to go to med school as her parents wish or study what her heart desires. Ryan, the owner's son shows up one day after flunking out of college. His father gives him no choice but to work the summer at Office Jax and have a decision by summer's end as to what he is going to do with his future. Jules and Ryan clash at first. After noticing a magazine article in the break room about summer flings Ryan decides to follow the steps and Jules is his target. Jules and Ryan's chemistry is hot and their banter is very entertaining.
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I loved this novel. It is set at the fictional Drexler University and stars Ryan and Jules. They instantly rub each other the wrong way, each thinking the worst of each other... Eventually Ryan realizes that Jules isn't a stuck up princess, and Jules realizes that Ryan isn't just a party-boy player. They slowly become friends and lovers. I loved how the story should a normal college experience, including character growth, humor, and steamy attraction.
This is one of the best written new adult novels that I have read in the last few years, if features funny dialogue, realistic characters, and a realistic plot. I recommend it to anyone who loves a great romance!
I really loved this book Ryan had no filter in him what so ever, "you don't know how bad I want to bend you over this counter right now." I mean he just says how he feels, "I've been thinking about you since last night." He ran his hand over my thigh and gripped my hip tightly. "You're driving me insane. Next time you stick your a** in front of me, I won't hesitate to take you right there." The innuendos in this book were funny and I loved reading them, "as you've seen, my rod is more than capable." To emphasize, he grinded his erection into my hip." I really did enjoy this book.
Jules and Ryan are so much fun, and Blackwood's hilarious 90s song references and the way the characters use them for innuendo had me laughing out loud on several occasions. This is a great NA read if you are looking for a love story with some great laughs (with emotion and heat sprinkled throughout) and a couple you can't wait to see make it to a happily ever after.
This is just the kind of New Adult I like. I really enjoyed the easy banter and chemistry between Jules and Ryan! They were developed and fleshed out, and FOOLPROOF didn't disappoint. As things change between Ryan and Jules, we see their layers, and the emotions between the lines. Such a refreshing, enjoyable read.
I loved everything about this book from the bad 90s music references to Ryan and Jules undeniable attraction to each other this was a great read I laughed and cried It was perfect !!!even her addiction to coffee and oreos was perfect i was given this book for review via netgalley
I received this from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I loved it! This was such a cute story. I loved reading about Jules and Ryan growing closer together. Their relationship was just awesome. It was sweet and just awesome.
This book is incredible! I enjoyed UNETHICAL, the first installment in the series featuring Payton and Blake and their second chance at romance. UNETHICAL put Jennifer Blackwood on my TBR radar and Foolproof, the second installment, blew me away! Foolproof is the story of Jules and Ryan. Jules is in the first book, introduced as Payton’s best friend and roommate. Ryan is Blake’s friend from high school. When they meet, it is a chance encounter and anything but sweet. There is angst, drama, innuendos, and frustration between these two in the work place. Yet as the summer continues they cannot deny their attraction and something sparks between these two characters. It all comes down to this: is it just a summer fling or something so much more? How do I even begin to describe this book? Let’s start with the humor. There are some books that make you smile with their jokes and humor, but Foolproof drove me to snorting laughter that would, no joke, spontaneously come out of my mouth. The humor would always take my by surprise and the jokes were hilarious. The references to the 90s, both musical and cultural, was an incredible bonus while reading this story! The humor and fun made this book my favorite read so far in 2015. Those golden nuggets added a whole new level of perfection to this story. I will never be able to look at office supplies the same again! Ryan and Jules are two characters with a lot going on emotionally in this story. Ryan is struggling with plans for his future and trying to find out what his options are and which one he will ultimately take. He is the sexy flirt that seems to not have a care in the world, when he is really just trying to stay afloat in life. Jules is on a career path she wants nothing to do with and it is slowly eating her happiness alive. She has overcome some major issues and is attempting to put her life back together. She is strong and sweet, learning to trust herself again. The drama and angst from those situations is perfectly portrayed in such a way that is well portioned and not over the top or overwhelming. Their struggle is real and their strife and confusion draws the reader into their lives. I was cheering these two on, wanting them to embrace their future and run after the things they wanted to do with their lives. One of my absolute favorite parts of this book was the growth that took place in Ryan and Jules. They grew together, but more importantly they had personal growth. These two were wandering in life with no clear direction of where to go. They had to make the hard choices for their future, and what I appreciated most, is that they did it for themselves and not for each other. They both had so many powerful moments of self-discovery, which made them stronger and more equipped to deal with their life ahead. Being together may have been the catalyst to finding the strength to make these hard choices, but in the end, it was all about who they were individually and what they wanted. Foolproof is a story of self discovery but it is also a story of love. I could not get enough of Ryan and Jules. Their flirting was epic and their fling turned love story was perfect. There were sweet moments and sexy moments. Their connection started as something to pass the time but grew deeper and stronger as their personal problems and drama weaved their lives and emotions together. These two make each other better and I loved that! Jennifer Blackwood has given us another incredible story in the Drexler University series, filled with new characters, weaving in and out with our old favorites. I am ready for whatever she has next and attempting to wait patiently. With both UNETHICAL and Foolproof under her belt, the sky is the limit for this wonderfully talented author!
After living life as others want them to live it, Jules and Ryan finally take their own happiness into their own hands and start making decisions that will make themselves happy. Jules needs a distraction and Ryan wants to get over the pain of his ex. The two work together at Office Jax, an office supply store that only plays 90's music. They find common ground to start from and slowly become what the other is looking for, even though it may not be exactly what either one is thinking of. With Jules' parents dictating every step of her life and Ryan's father and uncle fighting over what his future should be the two become a force to be reckoned with.
I loved the authors fun and quirky writing style, which made the story even better.
Favorite lines:
"Like only one Oreo left in the sleeve and all the grocery stores are closed screwed."
"Sweet baby cheeses, get it together."
"Dad made it clear about his stance on my arrival- pure disappointment and disdain. The only double D's I didn't enjoy."
"Bend me over and call me Betty. This summer was going to such ass."
"Ryan was sporting the Coors Light blue mountain equivalent of a first impression: ice cold."
"I learned quickly that when life have you lemons, it squeezed them in your eye and rubbed some salt in there for good measure."
"Just one kiss senta tsunami of endorphins flooding my arteries. If I wasn't careful, I'd drown in the wake."
"Progress sometimes doesn't always feel like progress during the process."
"Ryan's lips plus my neck yielded infinite endorphins named please give me sexy times."
"It was like an Oompa Loompa was smiling at me. A sexy Oompa Loompa, if that was even possible."
"Check the thermostat, because it's ice cold up in this joint."
" "P.S. You rock my world." I giggled and rolled my eyes. "Enough nineties lyrics tonight, Casanova." "
"My heart about jumped ship, and that was when I knew I was in too deep."
"I will snap that rod in half of you don't continue."
"I know it doesn't seem like it now, but you are the key to your own happiness."
"If I could make a soundtrack of those words and listen to them on repeat, my heart would go into cardiac arrest from palpitations."
"Ryan felt like home should be, how I wish mine was- warm and comfortable. I wanted to bottle up this feeling and keep it forever."
"Miracles were real. If there ever was a time to buy a lottery ticket, I should do it while my luck was running high."
"She'd want you to show her you love her, you moron."
"I knew how to show her I cared. Even if there was a good chance I was going to be shoot down, it was a risk I was willing to take."
"She can't hurt you. Do this for you."
"You are the key to your own happiness. God dammit, girl don't give in."
"Even on her tippy toes and her arms fully extended, she couldn't reach the truffles. My pint-sized sugar fiend."
"Player alert. Do not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars."
We got to meet Jules in the previous book and after all her difficult situation there, I was curious to read more of her.
I got my wish with this one and overall I liked the story.
Jules lived to please people, mostly her mother, but she pretty much lived for everyone else. Because if this, and her episode last semester, she starts to really think about on what SHE wants. I thought her story was really realistic regarding choosing your path. How many people just go with the flow, never thinking and pursuing what they really want? I thought the theme was well played in the story and believable. I could really see myself in Jules sometimes, being scared to speak her mind because she’d disappoint her mother.
I was also very happy when she finally realized that it’s HER life that she’s living. So suck it, Mom! And I gotta tell you, what an ass of a Mom. I couldn’t stand her, at all. However, I did think the resolution of Jules’ relationship with her mother was rather rushed and kind of anticlimactic. I loved that she spoke her mind and told her mother her feelings, but after that, I just expected more. Considering the Mom had years of assholeness behind her.
Still, I liked Jules a lot and I could really relate to her to some extent.
Then we have Ryan. Man, this guy was lost. Not only he needed to start standing up for himself and stop letting his Dad taking charge of his life, but he also was in desperate need to find out what he wanted. Unlike Jules, Ryan had NO idea what he wanted in life. No idea. And like Jules’ story, I thought Ryan’s frustration with this was believable and handled well. How many kids have no idea what they wanted in life and found themselves feeling the pressure from every side? I also found myself relating with Ryan in this regard as well.
I particularly liked the side he showed when he was with Jules. They both had an idea about the other, but that slowly vanished as they got to know each other. They discovered things about themselves they didn’t know were capable of doing and feeling. They were really sweet with each other and I loved their time together.
There was some drama, mostly coming from missed communication, but it was resolved rather quickly. And come on, isn’t communication THE issue most couples deal with?
All in all, I found it entertaining and a nice second book to this series.
*Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*