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Isaac's Bar #1
Let Life Happen
The campus flirt and the bartender with a chip on her shoulder should result in disaster, right?
Jenna Smithson and Aiden Chad agree to disagree on just about everything—everything except for their mutual annoyance of each other. They both agree on that. A whole lot. Jenna works at a campus bar and knows exactly the kind of guy Aiden is, and Aiden… well he can charm just about anyone. Except her.
So when they get paired up for a project, it’s a forced truce. They both have too much to lose and getting the grade is more important than their dislike for each other. Her sassy attitude is the perfect match for his confidence and humor and both like having the last word. No matter what.
But long nights, a friendship they neither expected, and a slow transition from enemies to something more has two people question everything.
Jenna Smithson and Aiden Chad agree to disagree on just about everything—everything except for their mutual annoyance of each other. They both agree on that. A whole lot. Jenna works at a campus bar and knows exactly the kind of guy Aiden is, and Aiden… well he can charm just about anyone. Except her.
So when they get paired up for a project, it’s a forced truce. They both have too much to lose and getting the grade is more important than their dislike for each other. Her sassy attitude is the perfect match for his confidence and humor and both like having the last word. No matter what.
But long nights, a friendship they neither expected, and a slow transition from enemies to something more has two people question everything.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2017
46 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Jaqueline Snowe
37 books1,238 followersJaqueline Snowe lives in Arizona where the "dry heat" really isn't that bad. She prefers drinking coffee all hours of the day and snacking on anything that has peanut butter or chocolate. She is the mother to two dogs who don’t realize they aren’t humans and a = mom to the sweetest boy. She is an avid reader and writer of romances and tends to write about athletes. Her husband works for an MLB team (not a player, lol) so she knows more about baseball than any human ever should.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 22, 2023
Kind of too childish (especially the conversations) for a new adult and unfortunately not a fan of the FMC
|DNF 27%
|DNF 27%
Want to read
May 15, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/15/2020)! 🎁
June 28, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ while I enjoyed parts of this some parts felt a bit repetitive. I might still try other books by this author and see if the rest are any better.
July 31, 2023
Take a shot every time someone said "Hellz Yeah!" lol
June 19, 2020
As the old saying goes . . .
Never judge a book by its cover
Jaqueline Snowe is a new author to me and one that I took a chance on to read more in NA romance. Usually, my experience with NA romance are either a hit or miss for me. Particularly, this one I had mixed emotions on but I still enjoyed the read. Sure, some of the plot is predictable and common tropes such as -- friends to lovers, reformed male whore/player were present in this novel; however, this is a light and easy read.
Summary:
Jenna Smithson and Aiden Chad both attend college but run in different circles. Aiden is Mr. Popular rather the big man on campus, as he is the current President for a fraternity. Aiden appears cocky, confident, and well assumes the "douchebag" persona. Jenna is very laidback, guarded, quick with sarcastic remarks. Jenna works at the bar on campus and this is where she has her first interaction with Aiden. During their first interaction, Jenna appears to be immune to his charm and this only peaks Aiden's interest as he is used to girls "falling at his feet." However, these two are deeper than the stereotypes that they perceived for each other. When becoming paired as lab partners, these two form a sort of bond that neither of them knew how to handle or realized needed in their life. Jenna is very reluctant at first to get close to Aiden as she assumes he is what others perceive and say about him. Yet, little by little Aiden chips at her walls and they come tumbling down. Jenna is a tough person to win over but once Aiden wins her, can he keep her?
This book made me want to re-watch the show Greek as I truly felt that greek life effect that I had when watching the show as well as John Tucker Must Die. As this book had those themes running through this book.
Anyways ~~~
Things I liked about the book:
➤THANKKKK YOU for writing a strong-willed and independent heroine. Jenna is no "damsel-in-distress" heroine. She speaks her own mind and is never ever afraid to stand her ground.
➤I loved the banter between the main characters. Some of their back and forth comments reminded me of the humor from the show New Girl. Particularly, the asshole points and d-bag points conversation reminded of Schmidt douchebag jar.
➤I felt that the love and friendship between the h and H was developed well. I also feel that respect was brought to light in this books. I liked that Aiden really put in the effort to earn the respect from Jenna.
Things I did NOT like about the book:
➤I felt at times that I was not able to fully connect with the characters. Some of the backstories for the main characters could of been developed a little better. The author could have dived in more depths for these characters.
➤I felt some secondary characters showed promising plots to be explored slightly in order to lay the groundwork for other books. But I felt that it fell flat for some of the characters. Some of the characters showed a large presence in the beginning but they would intermittently show for a little then disappear again.
➤I felt the author really tried to not enforce gender roles with having Jenna as someone liking things that are classified as "masculine" but much of the dialogue really instilled the traditional gender stereotypes more than anything. I also was not a fan of the slut shaming as well. Therefore, some of the dialogue left me frustrated.
➤The "big" plot. I do not want to say, it'll spoil everything else. But honestly it was so hastily done in the last 90% and soooooo rushed. It was also a bit predictable and left me disappointed. Jenna had a bad reaction to it, which I really felt was out of character and did not make a lot of sense to me.
OVERALL -- I feel that this book was an okay read. It is a good novel if you are looking for a light and easy NA college romance.
Jaqueline Snowe is a new author to me and one that I took a chance on to read more in NA romance. Usually, my experience with NA romance are either a hit or miss for me. Particularly, this one I had mixed emotions on but I still enjoyed the read. Sure, some of the plot is predictable and common tropes such as -- friends to lovers, reformed male whore/player were present in this novel; however, this is a light and easy read.
Summary:
Jenna Smithson and Aiden Chad both attend college but run in different circles. Aiden is Mr. Popular rather the big man on campus, as he is the current President for a fraternity. Aiden appears cocky, confident, and well assumes the "douchebag" persona. Jenna is very laidback, guarded, quick with sarcastic remarks. Jenna works at the bar on campus and this is where she has her first interaction with Aiden. During their first interaction, Jenna appears to be immune to his charm and this only peaks Aiden's interest as he is used to girls "falling at his feet." However, these two are deeper than the stereotypes that they perceived for each other. When becoming paired as lab partners, these two form a sort of bond that neither of them knew how to handle or realized needed in their life. Jenna is very reluctant at first to get close to Aiden as she assumes he is what others perceive and say about him. Yet, little by little Aiden chips at her walls and they come tumbling down. Jenna is a tough person to win over but once Aiden wins her, can he keep her?
This book made me want to re-watch the show Greek as I truly felt that greek life effect that I had when watching the show as well as John Tucker Must Die. As this book had those themes running through this book.
Anyways ~~~
Things I liked about the book:
➤THANKKKK YOU for writing a strong-willed and independent heroine. Jenna is no "damsel-in-distress" heroine. She speaks her own mind and is never ever afraid to stand her ground.
➤I loved the banter between the main characters. Some of their back and forth comments reminded me of the humor from the show New Girl. Particularly, the asshole points and d-bag points conversation reminded of Schmidt douchebag jar.
➤I felt that the love and friendship between the h and H was developed well. I also feel that respect was brought to light in this books. I liked that Aiden really put in the effort to earn the respect from Jenna.
Things I did NOT like about the book:
➤I felt at times that I was not able to fully connect with the characters. Some of the backstories for the main characters could of been developed a little better. The author could have dived in more depths for these characters.
➤I felt some secondary characters showed promising plots to be explored slightly in order to lay the groundwork for other books. But I felt that it fell flat for some of the characters. Some of the characters showed a large presence in the beginning but they would intermittently show for a little then disappear again.
➤I felt the author really tried to not enforce gender roles with having Jenna as someone liking things that are classified as "masculine" but much of the dialogue really instilled the traditional gender stereotypes more than anything. I also was not a fan of the slut shaming as well. Therefore, some of the dialogue left me frustrated.
➤The "big" plot. I do not want to say, it'll spoil everything else. But honestly it was so hastily done in the last 90% and soooooo rushed. It was also a bit predictable and left me disappointed. Jenna had a bad reaction to it, which I really felt was out of character and did not make a lot of sense to me.
OVERALL -- I feel that this book was an okay read. It is a good novel if you are looking for a light and easy NA college romance.
March 29, 2023
Was very slow and long, they drank a lot, and not a lot of chemistry going on between the two main characters.
January 21, 2023
I loved this enemies to lovers romance. It was also fun and really entertaining fir this bad weather Saturday. Somethong to dream about for us that are not so young anymore. But still dream a lot.
May 23, 2023
1.5 stars. Meet cute was not cute. The book throws you right in there and expects you to just pick up so many characters immediately. Extremely cringey dialogue for all the characters. Read as very high school.
She was very pick me/not like other girls type. The cool and bitchy to frat guys type. She keeps using Spanish words to sound cool but she is not Hispanic and the narrator does a poor job of pronunciation.
He was not very compelling. Nepo baby that doesn't want to be in the family business. Except the family isn't that much of an obstacle. Bad promposal.
List of eyebrow raising parts:
- low maintenance with naturallty curly hair???
- green eyes are apparently exotic
- "ghetto"
- "Pothead" as in Potterhead????
She was very pick me/not like other girls type. The cool and bitchy to frat guys type. She keeps using Spanish words to sound cool but she is not Hispanic and the narrator does a poor job of pronunciation.
He was not very compelling. Nepo baby that doesn't want to be in the family business. Except the family isn't that much of an obstacle. Bad promposal.
List of eyebrow raising parts:
- low maintenance with naturallty curly hair???
- green eyes are apparently exotic
- "ghetto"
- "Pothead" as in Potterhead????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
The dialogue was the MOST annoying… idk if the author ever went to college or just doesn’t remember being a young 20-something, but I don’t remember anyone ever saying “hells yeah” to EVERY. SINGLE. QUESTION.
November 23, 2022
Horrible DNF @60%
June 21, 2020
Aiden is the frat prez, a rich boy, the king of the one-night stands, used to women falling at his feet. So when he flirts with Jenna and she turns him down, in a most fun way, he can’t help but be intrigued by this shirt dark-haired beauty.
Jenna has had to fight to get everything she has. She lost her parents as a child and has been raised by her uncle and grandfather, she studies on a scholarship and works in a bar to cover her expenses. She is a tough girl, but a very good friend of her friends. So when Aiden tries something with her, it is clear how she will answer-
But when they partner up in a class they start to get to know each other a little better and it turns out that they end up becoming friends. Although Aiden wants more, he is incredibly attracted to her, but when he suggests being friends with benefits, Jenna sends him to hell. Aiden doesn’t want to lose Jenna’s friendship and life without Jenna in it is not a possibility. But these 2 have more barriers around their hearts that it will take the help of their friends to finally take the step of being together.
Jenna is super fun, she always has to say the final word, she has no filter, but she is the kind of person you always wants to have in your corner.
“No, we’re both just assholes who call each other out on our shit. That’s why we’re friends. Plus, we like science, so we’re supercool.”“Sure, shorty. It’s not at all because we’re attracted to each other but are avoiding the issue.”
I’d decided I needed to win her over. I didn’t know what it meant, because the relationship word frightened the hell out of me. But, I needed to make her mine.
“Aiden?” I whispered, snuggling deeper into the comforter. “Hmm?” His rough voice sounded sexy as hell. “Am I in your bed again?” My eyes remained closed. It was pitch-black outside. “Yes.” “Why am I here?” I had no plans to leave, but I was desperate to know why. He could’ve woken me, taken me to my apartment, or, hell, let me sleep in the car. “I needed you here.” “Okay.” I smiled into the pillow, and he pulled me into his arms.
As soon as I woke up, I watched her sleeping in my bed and knew I needed her in my life. Not just as a friend or fuck buddy. I wanted all of her for myself, and I refused to lose her.
“Yes. She’s taught me a lot about life and fighting for what I want. I respect her more than anyone in the world for what she’s done for herself. She makes me want to be the best version of myself. Now, next on my list is to convince Jenna to be my girl.” His eyebrows dipped in confusion. “You have to convince her? I thought women fell at your feet.” I pressed my lips into a thin line and shook my head. “The one that matters doesn’t.” Dad chuckled lightheartedly. “Then I respect her even more.”
Jenna has had to fight to get everything she has. She lost her parents as a child and has been raised by her uncle and grandfather, she studies on a scholarship and works in a bar to cover her expenses. She is a tough girl, but a very good friend of her friends. So when Aiden tries something with her, it is clear how she will answer-
But when they partner up in a class they start to get to know each other a little better and it turns out that they end up becoming friends. Although Aiden wants more, he is incredibly attracted to her, but when he suggests being friends with benefits, Jenna sends him to hell. Aiden doesn’t want to lose Jenna’s friendship and life without Jenna in it is not a possibility. But these 2 have more barriers around their hearts that it will take the help of their friends to finally take the step of being together.
Jenna is super fun, she always has to say the final word, she has no filter, but she is the kind of person you always wants to have in your corner.
“No, we’re both just assholes who call each other out on our shit. That’s why we’re friends. Plus, we like science, so we’re supercool.”“Sure, shorty. It’s not at all because we’re attracted to each other but are avoiding the issue.”
I’d decided I needed to win her over. I didn’t know what it meant, because the relationship word frightened the hell out of me. But, I needed to make her mine.
“Aiden?” I whispered, snuggling deeper into the comforter. “Hmm?” His rough voice sounded sexy as hell. “Am I in your bed again?” My eyes remained closed. It was pitch-black outside. “Yes.” “Why am I here?” I had no plans to leave, but I was desperate to know why. He could’ve woken me, taken me to my apartment, or, hell, let me sleep in the car. “I needed you here.” “Okay.” I smiled into the pillow, and he pulled me into his arms.
As soon as I woke up, I watched her sleeping in my bed and knew I needed her in my life. Not just as a friend or fuck buddy. I wanted all of her for myself, and I refused to lose her.
“Yes. She’s taught me a lot about life and fighting for what I want. I respect her more than anyone in the world for what she’s done for herself. She makes me want to be the best version of myself. Now, next on my list is to convince Jenna to be my girl.” His eyebrows dipped in confusion. “You have to convince her? I thought women fell at your feet.” I pressed my lips into a thin line and shook my head. “The one that matters doesn’t.” Dad chuckled lightheartedly. “Then I respect her even more.”
June 7, 2017
I really didn't know how to rate this one. This is your classic new adult college romance (guy is a player, meets girl, falls in love and ends his whorish ways) without any new ideas really. The writing was actually pretty good and my inner Monk wasn't nagging at me the whole time because of unnecessary spelling or grammatical errors (no one's perfect, but having someone proofread your work can go a long way). The story itself was solid, not too bad while also nothing new.
So why did I give only 3 stars?
Too be honest, I found it quite hard to relate to the main characters. I realize that the author wanted to give them more dimensions but somehow they didn't work for me. I even have a hard time remembering their names besides having finished only 30 minutes or so ago.
While the h was supposed to be this hardworking, cool, beautiful, badass but also tomboyish girl, for the most part she came off as self-righteous, judgmental, pretentious and simply not likeable.
The H wasn't half-bad. I just didn't like the way he lashed out und blamed his brother and dad for everything that was wrong in his life.
What also bothered me was the constant slut shaming in the beginning. This kind of thing frustrates me to no end. Why do some authors still think that it is necessary to put other girls down by calling them skank or slut for sleeping with the main male character only to show that the h tamed the big time player H? This grated on my nerves so much, I almost didn't finish. The slut shaming was probably a large contributor to me not liking Jenna and Aiden.
If you can live with the slut shaming and don't deem it too offensive or anything and enjoy the basic college romance, you may like "Let Life Happen". It just sort of ruined the main characters' personalities for me and I wasn't too invested in their HEA.
So why did I give only 3 stars?
Too be honest, I found it quite hard to relate to the main characters. I realize that the author wanted to give them more dimensions but somehow they didn't work for me. I even have a hard time remembering their names besides having finished only 30 minutes or so ago.
While the h was supposed to be this hardworking, cool, beautiful, badass but also tomboyish girl, for the most part she came off as self-righteous, judgmental, pretentious and simply not likeable.
The H wasn't half-bad. I just didn't like the way he lashed out und blamed his brother and dad for everything that was wrong in his life.
What also bothered me was the constant slut shaming in the beginning. This kind of thing frustrates me to no end. Why do some authors still think that it is necessary to put other girls down by calling them skank or slut for sleeping with the main male character only to show that the h tamed the big time player H? This grated on my nerves so much, I almost didn't finish. The slut shaming was probably a large contributor to me not liking Jenna and Aiden.
If you can live with the slut shaming and don't deem it too offensive or anything and enjoy the basic college romance, you may like "Let Life Happen". It just sort of ruined the main characters' personalities for me and I wasn't too invested in their HEA.
June 20, 2020
I received this book as a read and review and I was not disappointed. I have not read a book written by Jaqueline Snowe that I haven’t liked. This book is funny and playful and such an easy read. It took me about 24 hours and I couldn’t put it down. It was wonderful to read a book in this genre with a great female character. Jenna is smart, quick witted and just a tough chick, she doesn’t take any crap. She has great friends and a loving family. Aiden is the sexy, cheeky, playboy frat boy, who at first introductions seems like he is going to be a “douche” but I was quickly pleasantly surprised. I love how easy the story flowed and didn’t seem to have any unnecessary fillers. I love that Jenna pushes Aiden to stand up for himself and with all her support he turns into a great guy and she learns to let her guard down and act like a college student. I love the other characters in the book and hope some of them get their own stories, because I would love to know how their stories progress.
June 21, 2020
This is my first book by the author and in general it’s good. What I enjoyed the most was the relationship between Jenna and her friends and family, despite not growing up with her parents she had a normal childhood and amazing friends so I really liked that part.
Aiden was amazing too, even though at the beginning he was the typical playboy in a frat house, but it was nice to read how Jenna changed him and how she helped him to confront his dad in order to have the future he wanted.
It was an easy read but I thought it would be more drama, especially towards the end, the problem was solved too easy and I really like when there’s a lot more groveling.
ARC kindly provided by the NA Reading Group, in exchange for an honest review.
Aiden was amazing too, even though at the beginning he was the typical playboy in a frat house, but it was nice to read how Jenna changed him and how she helped him to confront his dad in order to have the future he wanted.
It was an easy read but I thought it would be more drama, especially towards the end, the problem was solved too easy and I really like when there’s a lot more groveling.
ARC kindly provided by the NA Reading Group, in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2020
I received a free ARC from the New Adult Reading Group for the promise of an honest review.
It was very meet-cute romance. I liked Aiden and Jenna. Jenna was a sarcastic strong woman. Aiden was your typical frat boy with a heart of gold. They both had baggage left over from their childhood but was good to see them grow as their relationship develops.
The story is nicely written. The characters you will love. Not a lot angst, just the right amount for people with emotional baggage. I do recommend.
It was very meet-cute romance. I liked Aiden and Jenna. Jenna was a sarcastic strong woman. Aiden was your typical frat boy with a heart of gold. They both had baggage left over from their childhood but was good to see them grow as their relationship develops.
The story is nicely written. The characters you will love. Not a lot angst, just the right amount for people with emotional baggage. I do recommend.
February 17, 2023
I did enjoy this book. I loved the college setting and the drinking games! It took me back as I have not played Circle of Death in years. I was laughing at the Jenga Dares.
I struggled with the slang that was used. You would think that the book was written in the early 2000s, but it wasn't. It made me cringe sometimes. It also drug on in the middle. I think a lot of their daily life could have been cut out and still made the story and relationship believable.
I would love to see more from the side characters.
I struggled with the slang that was used. You would think that the book was written in the early 2000s, but it wasn't. It made me cringe sometimes. It also drug on in the middle. I think a lot of their daily life could have been cut out and still made the story and relationship believable.
I would love to see more from the side characters.
February 5, 2023
I listened to this on scribd and I absolutely loved it! I loved the characters and the dynamic of the friendships throughout the story. Aiden and Jenna's story was so cute and it was a great audiobook! Also the spicy scenes were top notch lol! I can't wait to listen to more of this authors work, she's getting to be one of my favorites!
March 5, 2023
Jenna and Aiden 😍. Such a sweet couple and fun story. Yes, super predictable but I still enjoyed it. Both characters were likable and their banter was fun and flirty. Very little spice, so not my usual book, but a good palate cleanser. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I enjoy her writing style!
January 16, 2024
Given that this book was written over 10 years ago, I have to say I loved it! Let me explain why I mentioned that. There is a lot of slang from back in 2016 that is now a little cringe lol but I feel in love with the characters and it was an overall good storyline. If there was a series to this book I would definitely read it. Worth the read
March 6, 2024
I wish I could leave more than just 5 stars
This is probably the first honest story that had me really laughing with the characters. I adore the funny banter and how real these characters feel.
100% perfect book to kick off Spring Break with.
I love everything ❤️ how the characters are, their friends, the realness of it all, and how Snowe was able to bring all of this to life in her story.
This is probably the first honest story that had me really laughing with the characters. I adore the funny banter and how real these characters feel.
100% perfect book to kick off Spring Break with.
I love everything ❤️ how the characters are, their friends, the realness of it all, and how Snowe was able to bring all of this to life in her story.
March 27, 2024
This book was okay, nothing specifically BAD about it. I just felt it was predictable, boring, and immature at times. It's about 2 college students who meet through an argument and quickly become friends and then get together.
The college kid slang was just too much for me. Overall not the worst thing ever but also nothing great.
The college kid slang was just too much for me. Overall not the worst thing ever but also nothing great.
May 1, 2024
This was a quick audio book, it was a friends to lovers. FMC is a petite mouthy girl who says whatever is on her mind and is always up for anything and MMC is a player in the beginning and doesn't want to settle for a relationship. Then the more they hang out the more they realize they like one another.
June 12, 2024
Disclamer: My opinion is subjective
Note: 2.5
I found this audiobook on Everand. I really needed something fun and easy to listen why doing the most boring task ever, cleaning.
I am writing this review 4 months later, and I can’t even remember the plot. I just remember that I eyerolled a loooot, and trust me, not a wise thing to do while dusting. 😀
Note: 2.5
I found this audiobook on Everand. I really needed something fun and easy to listen why doing the most boring task ever, cleaning.
I am writing this review 4 months later, and I can’t even remember the plot. I just remember that I eyerolled a loooot, and trust me, not a wise thing to do while dusting. 😀
January 2, 2025
This book was okay, nothing specifically BAD about it. I just felt it was predictable, boring, and immature at times. It's about 2 college students who meet through an argument and quickly become friends and then get together.
The college kid slang was just too much for me. Overall not the worst thing ever but also nothing great.
The college kid slang was just too much for me. Overall not the worst thing ever but also nothing great.
November 22, 2022
Listened to the audiobook. I liked the book and I really liked how both of the characters grew throughout the book. The secondary characters were great as well. I was not a huge fan of the way some of the characters spoke and it just felt off to me.
May 20, 2023
The story was good, one of my favorite tropes. However I did not like some of the cringy slang words used like 'shorty', 'fo sho' (
August 24, 2023
This book was a cute story, but really had no business being as long as it was for the plot. It's college kids- popular, rich boy and girl that focuses on work and can't be bothered to date.
Most spice scenes weren't very graphic and for a book this long, there were very few.
Most spice scenes weren't very graphic and for a book this long, there were very few.
November 29, 2023
This book was ok. It was a pleasant story, a bit drawn out, and very realistic. It was not very attention grabbing, or innovative.
If you are looking for a sweet story, and an easy read with believable characters and situations then this is for you.
If you are looking for a sweet story, and an easy read with believable characters and situations then this is for you.
December 1, 2023
It was cringy and predictable, seemed like the author was trying to sounds like they were “young & hip” but really just made it blatantly obvious that they were trying to sound young but it also had its cute moments.
Not my favourite but it was fun
Not my favourite but it was fun
February 13, 2024
It’s a really good book. A great example of a cheesy, rom-com college love story. Realistic drama, and commendable handling of situations.
Predictable in a lot of ways, but the character development stayed on track and the story flowed.
Predictable in a lot of ways, but the character development stayed on track and the story flowed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews