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Prude
Rebecca Washington is a girl in control. Well, at least when it comes to acing her college classes. The rest of the time, she seems to be at the mercy of everyone else. Like when she’s dumped in front of her peers, hit on right afterwards by a jerk for some stupid bet, and then paired up with the same jerk for a lit project. In order to maintain her perfect GPA, Rebecca will need to give a stellar presentation while ignoring the prodding eyes that will be staring at her. When her partner, Derek, starts to ease her fears of public speaking with his laid back attitude, she’s forced to confront her new feelings about him and his charming smile. Rebecca knows falling for a guy who teases her for being a prudish nerd can only end badly, but what if it’s just another thing out of her control?
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
3 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Jordan S. Gray
2 books55 followersJordan S Gray is a full time mother, college student, and writer. She never did grow out of that emo stage and considers punk music, coffee, and Taylor Swift to be the necessary fuel for her writing. If you happen to run into her at the library or book store, the only places she leaves the house for, she's probably dressed head to toe in black. Actually, if it weren't for the purple hair, she would probably be shunned as a total goth- not that she has a problem with that.
PRUDE is her debut novel, and its standalone sequel, EASY, will be out January 2017. You can stalk her online via Twitter @JordanStephanie where she procrastinates most of her adult responsibilities and all of her schoolwork.
PRUDE is her debut novel, and its standalone sequel, EASY, will be out January 2017. You can stalk her online via Twitter @JordanStephanie where she procrastinates most of her adult responsibilities and all of her schoolwork.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 3, 2017
Okay, this may be a little jumbled so I apologize.
First off, I did like this book. Sure, it's a story that's been done before but it still has cutesy moments and fun little snippets between either the heroine and her friends or the hero and heroine.
I like the concept of breaking last labels to see what someone really is like, and in this story we have Rebecca the Prude (true) and Derek the Jerk (facade). I liked Derek when he would actually show a sweeter and more vulnerable side, I'd say the second half was definitely where he hit his stride. My problem in this category lies solely on the shoulders of Rebecca. This is in no way a blanket statement or rash judgement, but you know in movies or in TV and there's a homeschooled girl who is a little rough around the edges? The one who doesn't understand makeup or boys or social cues, wears some strafe clothes and has unruly eyebrows? Yes... That's Rebecca. Almost to a tee. She was the most naive and oblivious heroine I've ever read and it was frankly pretty freaking obnoxious and unbelievable. I don't care that she's a virgin but she couldn't have been this clueless unless she was literally living in a place with no civilization. She was ridiculous, and not in a cute way.
The beginning of this story was a little choppy for me, but I'm happy to say the writing and plot smoothed out significantly at about the 50% mark. It felt like this is where the author hit her stride and started to feel comfortable with the story.
Like I said earlier, it's not a surprising kind of book. The plot has been done many times, you know what you're getting into when you start this book. Good, smart girl vs bad boy with a reputation. What do you think will happen?
While it was still enjoyable (minus the heroine's cluelessness) I wasn't a fan of the climax or resolution. I felt like it didn't match with either characters traits or personalities and it was just done to wrap up the book. The reasoning made zero sense at all, and the resolution was hardly enough to make it better. Cute, sure, but if I was in that situation, I would need a hell of a lot more grovelling than what happened.
All in all, a decent read. Not going to win any awards, but I breezed through it fairly quickly and was entertained in the meantime. Now I can't wait to read the next story, Shayler's book!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I did like this book. Sure, it's a story that's been done before but it still has cutesy moments and fun little snippets between either the heroine and her friends or the hero and heroine.
I like the concept of breaking last labels to see what someone really is like, and in this story we have Rebecca the Prude (true) and Derek the Jerk (facade). I liked Derek when he would actually show a sweeter and more vulnerable side, I'd say the second half was definitely where he hit his stride. My problem in this category lies solely on the shoulders of Rebecca. This is in no way a blanket statement or rash judgement, but you know in movies or in TV and there's a homeschooled girl who is a little rough around the edges? The one who doesn't understand makeup or boys or social cues, wears some strafe clothes and has unruly eyebrows? Yes... That's Rebecca. Almost to a tee. She was the most naive and oblivious heroine I've ever read and it was frankly pretty freaking obnoxious and unbelievable. I don't care that she's a virgin but she couldn't have been this clueless unless she was literally living in a place with no civilization. She was ridiculous, and not in a cute way.
The beginning of this story was a little choppy for me, but I'm happy to say the writing and plot smoothed out significantly at about the 50% mark. It felt like this is where the author hit her stride and started to feel comfortable with the story.
Like I said earlier, it's not a surprising kind of book. The plot has been done many times, you know what you're getting into when you start this book. Good, smart girl vs bad boy with a reputation. What do you think will happen?
While it was still enjoyable (minus the heroine's cluelessness) I wasn't a fan of the climax or resolution. I felt like it didn't match with either characters traits or personalities and it was just done to wrap up the book. The reasoning made zero sense at all, and the resolution was hardly enough to make it better. Cute, sure, but if I was in that situation, I would need a hell of a lot more grovelling than what happened.
All in all, a decent read. Not going to win any awards, but I breezed through it fairly quickly and was entertained in the meantime. Now I can't wait to read the next story, Shayler's book!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2019
The name of this is what caught my attention first, and so I asked to read a copy for review. And as you can see by my 5 star rating, I loved it! So, if you promise not to give my secret away, I downloaded this while I was at work one day, and I actually read about 36% just while I was at work that day. I couldn't stop! This book made me tear up, it made me laugh, I just loved it!
The book starts with one of the main characters, Rebecca, gets dumped by her boyfriend in front of a bunch of people on campus, and one thing he does is calls her a prude. Right afterwards, another guy comes up, and he tries to ask her out, but he's only doing it for a bet. Shortly after that, she gets to one of her classes and it turns out that the jerk who asked her out on a bet, Derek, is in that class. Even worse, they end up getting paired together on a class project.
Now Rebecca just wants to keep her perfect GPA, and when Derek picks a presentation to do, instead of a paper like she wants to do, she is so worried about if it will cause her grade to go down. She's not good with speaking in front of people.
Of course, Derek continues to tease her about being a prude, and in a way she keeps acting that way. Rebecca does things that make me crazy, like spooning with him one night, and then telling him the next morning that she just wants to be friends. And then he is really secretive about his family, and really you have no idea why. Towards the end something comes around that scared me that it might be another bet. But the way it goes definitely makes the last 10% edge of your seat. I read this book in 2 days. There were gushy romantic parts that made me smile like a love-sick idiot. The kind that I love in a book. In the end I was even more happy to find out that there will be another book featuring one of the other characters in the book. I'm actually getting ready to read and review it soon!
If you enjoy a hard to put down read with lots of emotional ups and downs, and an HEA, this is the book for you!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
The book starts with one of the main characters, Rebecca, gets dumped by her boyfriend in front of a bunch of people on campus, and one thing he does is calls her a prude. Right afterwards, another guy comes up, and he tries to ask her out, but he's only doing it for a bet. Shortly after that, she gets to one of her classes and it turns out that the jerk who asked her out on a bet, Derek, is in that class. Even worse, they end up getting paired together on a class project.
Now Rebecca just wants to keep her perfect GPA, and when Derek picks a presentation to do, instead of a paper like she wants to do, she is so worried about if it will cause her grade to go down. She's not good with speaking in front of people.
Of course, Derek continues to tease her about being a prude, and in a way she keeps acting that way. Rebecca does things that make me crazy, like spooning with him one night, and then telling him the next morning that she just wants to be friends. And then he is really secretive about his family, and really you have no idea why. Towards the end something comes around that scared me that it might be another bet. But the way it goes definitely makes the last 10% edge of your seat. I read this book in 2 days. There were gushy romantic parts that made me smile like a love-sick idiot. The kind that I love in a book. In the end I was even more happy to find out that there will be another book featuring one of the other characters in the book. I'm actually getting ready to read and review it soon!
If you enjoy a hard to put down read with lots of emotional ups and downs, and an HEA, this is the book for you!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
January 4, 2017
This story starts with college student Rebecca Washington being unceremoniously dumped, very publicly, by her first boyfriend who announces to everyone just how boring being with her is. She’s always been shy, introverted and reticent about being in the public eye and this places her centre stage! When another of her peers, Derek, then comes to try to get her number as part of a bet, well she’s really had enough! Then, to make matters worse, she’s paired up with Derek for an English Lit project. As a straight A student, Rebecca is determined to continue to maintain her perfect GPA so needs to work with him, even if he is a manwhore! As attraction between them grows, she’s certain things will end badly for her - but his very different attitude to life and school together with his teasing all start to break down her resistance. However his intermittent disappearances really don’t help!
This is a laugh out loud page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. It helps show how appearances can be deceptive and labels applied to folk aren’t always correct or really appropriate. The character development is first class, making it a real pleasure to read how Rebecca’s and Derek’s attitudes to life and others change as their relationship develops through all their trials and tribulations , thanks to love. There are plenty of the secondary characters now waiting to have their stories told - and I hope to be able to read them, too! This is a brilliant debut novel and one that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel. This is my honest review.
This is a laugh out loud page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. It helps show how appearances can be deceptive and labels applied to folk aren’t always correct or really appropriate. The character development is first class, making it a real pleasure to read how Rebecca’s and Derek’s attitudes to life and others change as their relationship develops through all their trials and tribulations , thanks to love. There are plenty of the secondary characters now waiting to have their stories told - and I hope to be able to read them, too! This is a brilliant debut novel and one that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel. This is my honest review.
September 15, 2016
A fun, funny, new adult romance that explores the misconceptions of the pesky labels we (and others) give us. A+ for lots of sexual tension and a fun group of friends.
October 6, 2016
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****
Found another gem! This book is so good I finished it in one sitting. I can’t believe it’s a debut novel.
The story follows Rebecca after she had been so publicly dumped by her boyfriend, Sean. Ok, so break ups happen every day, no biggie. But if you’re socially awkward and painfully shy like Rebecca, it is a catastrophe.
To make matters worse, her tongue has a bad habit of spitting out verbal diarrhoea when she’s nervous...which was exactly what happened when Derek approached her right after THE breakup.
Suffice to say, their first meeting wasn’t great. As well as finding out that they shared a class in University and had been assigned as partners in a Lit project. If it was up to Rebecca, she would send this hot, uber cool and extremely confident guy off to the other end of the world but she needed him to maintain her perfect GPA.
Trying to heal a broken heart, keeping track of her academic records, participating in her friends’ social activities and dodging the advances of a guy completely out of her league was just too much for a girl to handle. Thankfully, she had awesome friends in Shayler and Ansley, the best girlfriends a person can have.
I found myself laughing, cringing and falling absolutely in love with this book. I identified with Rebecca straight-away. She was me when I was younger: socially awkward, eager to please and a prude. Boy, I wish I had met a Derek back then so he could get me to loosen up and enjoy life.
There is no great dilemma in this book, no complicated twists, no heart-breaking drama (well, just a bit) and no cliff-hanger. It’s just one solid love story that will creep up on you, grab hold of your attention until you find yourself completely and totally enamoured with Rebecca and Derek.
I can’t gush over it enough. You would be missing out if you don’t pick up this one!
November 13, 2016
After Rebecca, who is painfully shy and doesn’t like public attention, is so publicly dumped she thinks things can’t get any worse! But when she’s hit on by the popular, hot, out of her league, but also big jerk Derek straight after for a bet and then realises they are in the same class and paired up with him for a project…Rebecca realises things are only just beginning. But when Derek starts bringing Rebecca out of her shell and slowly starts making her a little bit more confident, she soon realised that maybe she is falling for Derek but is this just another story that will end in her public humiliation?
“I hate you so much,” Rebecca moaned, noticing his obnoxiously cheerful expression. “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Rebecca.” She stared at the ceiling. “It’s a partnership.” “Is it? Already?” Derek wiggled his eyebrows. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
This was a fun, flirty, funny young adult romance that was easy to read and easy to enjoy. With loveable characters and a story line that just flowed from word to word, I was quick to get hooked in and it was a great read for a lazy Sunday afternoon!
“So you came here to check up on me? Thanks for the vote of faith, Prude.” “Original nickname,” Rebecca said. “If the shoe fits…” “I’m not a prude.”
Rebecca was easily relatable to me. Being quite shy myself when I first meet people I was able to understand how awkward and annoying it can be to be that way. I loved watching her becoming more confident as the story went on. She slowly becomes a confident and independent woman who realises she may actually have be worthy when it comes to Derek after all.
“I…” He shook his head. “I was a fucking asshole. I know it doesn’t make things better, but if I could go back and … if I could do it over, I wouldn’t have…” He seemed at a loss for words. “Teased me?”
Derek was also really likeable. He teases Rebecca at the start and I wasn’t sure if he was going to go the way of being a jerk- one of those popular kinds who knows he’s popular and uses it. But he wasn’t. He does tease Rebecca but he just wants to bring her out, make her more confident and learn that it’s okay to laugh at yourself sometimes. As the story goes on we learn more and more about Derek, we start to see he has a lot to give and maybe he wants to give what he has to give to Rebecca!
“Just because Derek was good-looking and had done a nice thing didn’t mean he wasn’t bad news anymore. He was still the same man-whore that he’d always been. Even if she felt something for him—and no way in hell did she—he could never give her what she wanted…”
The secondary characters such as Shayler and Ansley, Rebecca’s best friends, also provide great laughter in the story, adding in another element of this easy, fun, read. This story really was just about the love that can grow between two young people, while we also saw the two young people grow within themselves becoming better, more confident people.
~BETHANY
“I hate you so much,” Rebecca moaned, noticing his obnoxiously cheerful expression. “This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Rebecca.” She stared at the ceiling. “It’s a partnership.” “Is it? Already?” Derek wiggled his eyebrows. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
This was a fun, flirty, funny young adult romance that was easy to read and easy to enjoy. With loveable characters and a story line that just flowed from word to word, I was quick to get hooked in and it was a great read for a lazy Sunday afternoon!
“So you came here to check up on me? Thanks for the vote of faith, Prude.” “Original nickname,” Rebecca said. “If the shoe fits…” “I’m not a prude.”
Rebecca was easily relatable to me. Being quite shy myself when I first meet people I was able to understand how awkward and annoying it can be to be that way. I loved watching her becoming more confident as the story went on. She slowly becomes a confident and independent woman who realises she may actually have be worthy when it comes to Derek after all.
“I…” He shook his head. “I was a fucking asshole. I know it doesn’t make things better, but if I could go back and … if I could do it over, I wouldn’t have…” He seemed at a loss for words. “Teased me?”
Derek was also really likeable. He teases Rebecca at the start and I wasn’t sure if he was going to go the way of being a jerk- one of those popular kinds who knows he’s popular and uses it. But he wasn’t. He does tease Rebecca but he just wants to bring her out, make her more confident and learn that it’s okay to laugh at yourself sometimes. As the story goes on we learn more and more about Derek, we start to see he has a lot to give and maybe he wants to give what he has to give to Rebecca!
“Just because Derek was good-looking and had done a nice thing didn’t mean he wasn’t bad news anymore. He was still the same man-whore that he’d always been. Even if she felt something for him—and no way in hell did she—he could never give her what she wanted…”
The secondary characters such as Shayler and Ansley, Rebecca’s best friends, also provide great laughter in the story, adding in another element of this easy, fun, read. This story really was just about the love that can grow between two young people, while we also saw the two young people grow within themselves becoming better, more confident people.
~BETHANY
September 21, 2016
In Ms. Gray's debut novel, we meet college student Rebecca Washington. Her perfect world is turned upside down when her boyfriend publicly dumps her amid claims of their relationship having been too boring for him. Still stinging from humiliation and rejection, she is once again thrown for a loop when resident hunk Derek Byrnes hits on her moments after the breakup. It turns out to be a dare, which only makes Rebecca's day all the more terrible and embarrassing.
Soon thereafter, she is paired with Derek for a Lit class project. In the weeks that follow, she slowly lets go of her pre-conceived notions about love, timeliness, and order as Derek's carefree attitude rubs off on her. Her aching heart hurts less and her skeptical mind opens itself to the idea of feelings for the flighty frat boy who seems equally interested in her. And in a surprising turn of events, she gains independence and strength from yet another bad experience.
I truly enjoyed this story. The writing was solid, with plenty of character development and description. As a former college student, I strongly identified with many of the situations and settings. I found the supporting cast to be strong and intriguing. Imagine my delight when I found out they would get their own stories in the months to come. I sincerely cannot wait to read them. I also enjoyed watching Rebecca's transformation from a rigid, meek, by-the-rules girl to an adaptable and assertive woman. When the tables are turned toward the end of the book, I waved an imaginary pom-pom and cheered her on as she stood her own ground and called out someone who had wronged her.
I'm eager for the next book, which will give us Shayler's (one of Rebecca's best friends) story.
Soon thereafter, she is paired with Derek for a Lit class project. In the weeks that follow, she slowly lets go of her pre-conceived notions about love, timeliness, and order as Derek's carefree attitude rubs off on her. Her aching heart hurts less and her skeptical mind opens itself to the idea of feelings for the flighty frat boy who seems equally interested in her. And in a surprising turn of events, she gains independence and strength from yet another bad experience.
I truly enjoyed this story. The writing was solid, with plenty of character development and description. As a former college student, I strongly identified with many of the situations and settings. I found the supporting cast to be strong and intriguing. Imagine my delight when I found out they would get their own stories in the months to come. I sincerely cannot wait to read them. I also enjoyed watching Rebecca's transformation from a rigid, meek, by-the-rules girl to an adaptable and assertive woman. When the tables are turned toward the end of the book, I waved an imaginary pom-pom and cheered her on as she stood her own ground and called out someone who had wronged her.
I'm eager for the next book, which will give us Shayler's (one of Rebecca's best friends) story.
September 30, 2016
Beautiful!!
I love this story. It made me laugh, then it made me cry, then it made me awwwww.
It is such a sweet story of young love. A humorous look at life and its complexities.
An amazing first novel from Jordan S. Gray. I can not wait to see what she writes next.
I love this story. It made me laugh, then it made me cry, then it made me awwwww.
It is such a sweet story of young love. A humorous look at life and its complexities.
An amazing first novel from Jordan S. Gray. I can not wait to see what she writes next.
February 6, 2017
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
My Rating: 4 big huge Prude stars!
"Don't be a prude."
"I am not a prude."
Lots of angst? Yep.
A cocky but loveable lead guy? Yep.
A quirky female lead with a rambling problem? Yep.
A group of friends that makes you feel like you wish you were besties in real-life? Yep.
PRUDE has all this and more...
Rebecca Washington was just publicly humiliated by her (now ex) boyfriend. Did I mention that it was publicly? Because yeah, her jerk of a boyfriend, Sean, dumped her in front of a whole group of fellow college peers. And the best part? Sean blamed it on her being too...
BORING.
Yep. How nice. *sarcastic voice*
And to top it all off, a green-eyed, dark-haired cutie sees it all and comes over to comfort Rebecca. For her to only find out that Mr. Cutie was just trying to win a bet that he could get the "boring" girl's number! Ha.
Enter a few coincidental circumstances and you have yourself a pretty angst-filled love story!
Rebecca just so happens to be paired with green eyes, Derek Byrnes, for a class presentation. She doesn't like this. At. All.
As Derek & Rebecca spend more and more time together, Rebecca starts to see different sides to Derek. He's still a cocky player, but maybe there's more to him that meets the eye.
"She, Rebecca Washington, was in love with Derek Byrnes, grade-A jerk with an insufferable smirk."
But maybe Derek's past will make staying in love with the player quite difficult...
(Won't say anything else 'cause ya know...spoilers.)
I REALLY, like, really enjoyed Derek & Rebecca's rollercoaster romance! And I loved the supporting cast of characters too! I thought the author did a wonderful job with the pacing and character development. I loved how Derek always seemed to show up as a knight-in-shining-armor for Rebecca! Enjoyed their funny banter/bickering back and forth. Derek & Rebecca's chemistry was undeniable! I personally had a love/hate relationship with Derek. Hahaha! Some things he said & did made me cringe, but by the end of the book I was like "YESSSSS. Love. Him."!
I recommend PRUDE for New Adult readers 18 & over.
~KristaMae~
November 30, 2016
I stumbled upon Jordan S Grey through Twitter one day and, after a bit of light stalking, realized that I needed to read Prude asap. And boy am I glad I did!
So, we're introduced to Rebecca, a socially awkward college student, being dumped by her boyfriend in public. That's a terrible situation to be in even if you aren't socially awkward. A guy named Derek waltz right on up and tries to get her number (as a bet) and obviously she realizes it and he's now a douche. bye bye Derek (until we see you again in a lit class and then later begin to swoon for you. but bye bye).
I found myself laughing throughout this book and loving the development of Rebecca's and Derek's relationship, as well as Rebecca's relationship with her friends. If I had to say one flaw about this, it's that I hated her friend Shayler for a quick moment because she just abandoned a drunk Rebecca at a bar in order to drop off their other super drunk friend. Like what??? You don't do that, Shay!!!!!
I have to say, I absolutely loved how there was no great big fight between Rebecca and Derek. I love myself drama, but it's refreshing to read a book that has an accurate representation of an actual relationship.
So, we're introduced to Rebecca, a socially awkward college student, being dumped by her boyfriend in public. That's a terrible situation to be in even if you aren't socially awkward. A guy named Derek waltz right on up and tries to get her number (as a bet) and obviously she realizes it and he's now a douche. bye bye Derek (until we see you again in a lit class and then later begin to swoon for you. but bye bye).
I found myself laughing throughout this book and loving the development of Rebecca's and Derek's relationship, as well as Rebecca's relationship with her friends. If I had to say one flaw about this, it's that I hated her friend Shayler for a quick moment because she just abandoned a drunk Rebecca at a bar in order to drop off their other super drunk friend. Like what??? You don't do that, Shay!!!!!
I have to say, I absolutely loved how there was no great big fight between Rebecca and Derek. I love myself drama, but it's refreshing to read a book that has an accurate representation of an actual relationship.
September 18, 2016
Prude was a cute love story that hooked me quickly and I couldn't put it down. Originally I just downloaded a sample, but I bought the full book before I'd even finished the sample. I don't always enjoy stories with college students, but this one was great. If you're looking for a feel-good story, this is a good one!
January 8, 2017
Possible spoilers ahead…
The action starts from the first sentence in this fun, sexy novel. Rebecca finds herself in the middle of a crowd, being insulted, humiliated and ultimately dumped by her (now ex) boyfriend. Rebecca is so shy that she didn’t even like holding hands with her boyfriend of six months, she much preferred to blend into the background and to avoid being noticed at all costs. This of course makes this public tongue lashing that much more devastating.
When she is trying to collect herself, she is approached by a handsome young man who asks if she is alright. Beside herself with sadness and anger, with no one else to vent to, she starts into a long, rambling speech (as she often does when uncomfortable in social situations) to this stranger. He’s sweet and charming and seems to find her quirks endearing, but the small glimmer of hope in this rotten day is smashed when she finds out his friends bet him to see if they could get the “Prude” to give him her phone number.
Thankfully, Rebecca has a strong support system with her 2 best friends and they do their best to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Determined to get back on track, she focuses on school, but is thrown for a loop when the handsome, mocking stranger ends up in one of her classes. Then, worst of all, she is randomly assigned to him as her partner for a huge project worth a large percentage of their grade. Rebecca can’t imagine working alongside this jerk, Derek, but has no choice.
He ends up being brighter than she expected and quite chivalrous (coming to her rescue publicly on numerous occasions), but Derek also loves to tease her and to make her push her limits. Deep down he’s a sweet man, but perpetually troubled by his disturbing home life, he hides his emotions and refuses to get attached to anyone.
Spending more time with Derek as friends, Rebecca realizes that maybe she wasn’t in love with her ex after all. She never felt the spark or the butterflies that she feels when she’s with Derek. Their chemistry is electric and they both try to fight the attraction, guarding their hearts, but eventually she gives Derek her ultimate gift, the symbol of her trust in him and her love for him and as she feared, he destroys her.
Is there any hope for Derek and Rebecca? Is he even capable of loving someone? How could she possible forgive him for this latest transgression?
This book was ripe with sexual tension, witty banter and strong emotions. Excellent new adult/college love story!
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I am now counting down the days until the next book in this series is released.
No cliffhanger. Standalone, but the first book in a series. Next book features one of Rebecca’s friends. HEA.
The action starts from the first sentence in this fun, sexy novel. Rebecca finds herself in the middle of a crowd, being insulted, humiliated and ultimately dumped by her (now ex) boyfriend. Rebecca is so shy that she didn’t even like holding hands with her boyfriend of six months, she much preferred to blend into the background and to avoid being noticed at all costs. This of course makes this public tongue lashing that much more devastating.
When she is trying to collect herself, she is approached by a handsome young man who asks if she is alright. Beside herself with sadness and anger, with no one else to vent to, she starts into a long, rambling speech (as she often does when uncomfortable in social situations) to this stranger. He’s sweet and charming and seems to find her quirks endearing, but the small glimmer of hope in this rotten day is smashed when she finds out his friends bet him to see if they could get the “Prude” to give him her phone number.
Thankfully, Rebecca has a strong support system with her 2 best friends and they do their best to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Determined to get back on track, she focuses on school, but is thrown for a loop when the handsome, mocking stranger ends up in one of her classes. Then, worst of all, she is randomly assigned to him as her partner for a huge project worth a large percentage of their grade. Rebecca can’t imagine working alongside this jerk, Derek, but has no choice.
He ends up being brighter than she expected and quite chivalrous (coming to her rescue publicly on numerous occasions), but Derek also loves to tease her and to make her push her limits. Deep down he’s a sweet man, but perpetually troubled by his disturbing home life, he hides his emotions and refuses to get attached to anyone.
Spending more time with Derek as friends, Rebecca realizes that maybe she wasn’t in love with her ex after all. She never felt the spark or the butterflies that she feels when she’s with Derek. Their chemistry is electric and they both try to fight the attraction, guarding their hearts, but eventually she gives Derek her ultimate gift, the symbol of her trust in him and her love for him and as she feared, he destroys her.
Is there any hope for Derek and Rebecca? Is he even capable of loving someone? How could she possible forgive him for this latest transgression?
This book was ripe with sexual tension, witty banter and strong emotions. Excellent new adult/college love story!
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I am now counting down the days until the next book in this series is released.
No cliffhanger. Standalone, but the first book in a series. Next book features one of Rebecca’s friends. HEA.
January 14, 2017
3.5 stars.
“You don’t do girlfriends, and I don’t do casual flings. You joke that I’m a prude, but you’re right….we want different things. Truth is, you scare me, and you’re a real asshole sometimes, but I like you. And that just makes me more scared because I should know better.”
Rebecca meets Derek for the first time literally just after she’s been dumped by Sean, her boyfriend of six months. At first, she thinks he’s nice but then she realises that he’s approached her as a bet to get her number. Then, he suddenly happens to be everywhere she goes, and she ends up being partnered with him for a project.
“You drive me crazy. You’re boring, cowardly, stubborn….In theory, you’re not my type. You’re shy, completely unaware of your beauty and charm, and you think love is this robotic routine…I like you too. And it’s not in spite of all that shit, it’s because of it.”
He thinks she’s a prude. She thinks he’s a jerk. She’s not his type. He’s definitely not her type. But, they do have chemistry.
As she deals with her break-up, she also had to contend with Derek’s hot and cold behaviour.
So, overall, I liked the premise of this story and I liked the humour, but there were a few things that niggled me.
On the whole, I liked Rebecca’s cute, rambling personality but I did feel that, sometimes, she seemed pretty self-absorbed and I was put off by her constant need to talk about EVERYTHING with her girlfriends. It felt like she was still a young teenager rather than an adult. Also, even though she was so obviously NOT into her ex, she certainly expended a lot of energy being upset over him. I didn’t get it.
Derek was a mystery. He was a smirky jerk, who seemed to come across as ‘take her or leave her’, eyeing up other girls when he was with her. However, then he’s coming to her rescue whenever she seemed to need it. Even though we get to the reason for his behaviour near the end of the novel, most of the time I felt I needed more convincing that he really wanted to be with her, and that they would actually work as a couple.
My favourite part of the story was when Rebecca bit back in a massive, public way, and Derek’s subsequent attempt to win her back. I thought their words were heartfelt and brave.
“You don’t do girlfriends, and I don’t do casual flings. You joke that I’m a prude, but you’re right….we want different things. Truth is, you scare me, and you’re a real asshole sometimes, but I like you. And that just makes me more scared because I should know better.”
Rebecca meets Derek for the first time literally just after she’s been dumped by Sean, her boyfriend of six months. At first, she thinks he’s nice but then she realises that he’s approached her as a bet to get her number. Then, he suddenly happens to be everywhere she goes, and she ends up being partnered with him for a project.
“You drive me crazy. You’re boring, cowardly, stubborn….In theory, you’re not my type. You’re shy, completely unaware of your beauty and charm, and you think love is this robotic routine…I like you too. And it’s not in spite of all that shit, it’s because of it.”
He thinks she’s a prude. She thinks he’s a jerk. She’s not his type. He’s definitely not her type. But, they do have chemistry.
As she deals with her break-up, she also had to contend with Derek’s hot and cold behaviour.
So, overall, I liked the premise of this story and I liked the humour, but there were a few things that niggled me.
On the whole, I liked Rebecca’s cute, rambling personality but I did feel that, sometimes, she seemed pretty self-absorbed and I was put off by her constant need to talk about EVERYTHING with her girlfriends. It felt like she was still a young teenager rather than an adult. Also, even though she was so obviously NOT into her ex, she certainly expended a lot of energy being upset over him. I didn’t get it.
Derek was a mystery. He was a smirky jerk, who seemed to come across as ‘take her or leave her’, eyeing up other girls when he was with her. However, then he’s coming to her rescue whenever she seemed to need it. Even though we get to the reason for his behaviour near the end of the novel, most of the time I felt I needed more convincing that he really wanted to be with her, and that they would actually work as a couple.
My favourite part of the story was when Rebecca bit back in a massive, public way, and Derek’s subsequent attempt to win her back. I thought their words were heartfelt and brave.
September 20, 2016
Prude is a fun, flirty tale. The main character goes through a roller coaster of emotions and events that are enough to leave your head spinning. Characters are well-developed, believable, and likeable. A great book, and an AMAZING first book from new author Jordan Gray!
October 1, 2016
I was provided a free copy for review by the author. This in no way affected my review.
PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT
Honestly, I connect rave about Jordan Gray's debut PRUDE enough. This book was one of my favorite reads of September 2016 and I cannot wait for Shayler's story in the second installment of the Labeled series.
PRUDE follows Rebecca and the aftermath of a very humiliating, and public, breakup. One of my favorite things about Rebecca, was just how much alike we were. She is very much a planner and perfectionist, always thinking things through and enjoying routines. Rebecca felt like such a real person to me, and I could envision us being best friends. Though Rebecca was the main character, she didn't entirely steal the show. Ansley and Shayler, Becca's best friends, were just as wonderful and added so much to the story. They really helped keep Rebecca in check with all her quirks, and added so much comedy.
Though this is Gray's first novel, her way with words is impressive. The sexual tension that was present throughout the majority of the book was perfectly done. Derek would mercilessly tease Rebecca at times, but you couldn't help but love him. The more Becca fell for Derek, the more I found myself falling for him too. I loved how the entirety of Derek's story was not given to us all at once. Instead, it was slowly brought out through not only Derek himself, but other characters. What on the surface seems like a guy who uses girls, turns out to be a deep character with so much to give, if only provided with a chance.
If you are looking for a New Adult romance with plenty of humor, look no further. PRUDE will blow you away. Just make sure to cancel all your plans before starting, because I guarantee you will not want to put this book down. The characters will stay with you, and you'll be wishing they were your real life friends.
PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT
Honestly, I connect rave about Jordan Gray's debut PRUDE enough. This book was one of my favorite reads of September 2016 and I cannot wait for Shayler's story in the second installment of the Labeled series.
PRUDE follows Rebecca and the aftermath of a very humiliating, and public, breakup. One of my favorite things about Rebecca, was just how much alike we were. She is very much a planner and perfectionist, always thinking things through and enjoying routines. Rebecca felt like such a real person to me, and I could envision us being best friends. Though Rebecca was the main character, she didn't entirely steal the show. Ansley and Shayler, Becca's best friends, were just as wonderful and added so much to the story. They really helped keep Rebecca in check with all her quirks, and added so much comedy.
Though this is Gray's first novel, her way with words is impressive. The sexual tension that was present throughout the majority of the book was perfectly done. Derek would mercilessly tease Rebecca at times, but you couldn't help but love him. The more Becca fell for Derek, the more I found myself falling for him too. I loved how the entirety of Derek's story was not given to us all at once. Instead, it was slowly brought out through not only Derek himself, but other characters. What on the surface seems like a guy who uses girls, turns out to be a deep character with so much to give, if only provided with a chance.
If you are looking for a New Adult romance with plenty of humor, look no further. PRUDE will blow you away. Just make sure to cancel all your plans before starting, because I guarantee you will not want to put this book down. The characters will stay with you, and you'll be wishing they were your real life friends.
February 17, 2017
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Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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I received this ARC from Xpresso Book Tours Review Opportunity!
In this extraordinary debut novel Prude (Labeled #1) by Jordan S. Gray we meet Rebecca Washington, a college student who is publicly humiliated by her boyfriend of six months dumps her in front of all their peers. If that wasn’t bad enough enter in Derek, a pretty boy jerk who asks for her number immediately following her public humiliation for a stupid bet. Unfortunately, avoiding him isn’t so easy when they are paired together for a class project. She must put their differences aside in order to maintain her GPA and get through their semester project together.
I absolutely adored this story because it was refreshing change from the traditional college romances on the market today. Once I started reading this book, I could hardly manage to put it down because I wanted to know how their story ended! I cannot wait until the second book in this series releases so I can dive back into their world and see how Shayler’s story unfolds...
To find out what happens in this amazing story pick up your copy of Prude (Labeled #1) by Jordan S. Gray today!
I received this ARC from Xpresso Book Tours Review Opportunity!
In this extraordinary debut novel Prude (Labeled #1) by Jordan S. Gray we meet Rebecca Washington, a college student who is publicly humiliated by her boyfriend of six months dumps her in front of all their peers. If that wasn’t bad enough enter in Derek, a pretty boy jerk who asks for her number immediately following her public humiliation for a stupid bet. Unfortunately, avoiding him isn’t so easy when they are paired together for a class project. She must put their differences aside in order to maintain her GPA and get through their semester project together.
I absolutely adored this story because it was refreshing change from the traditional college romances on the market today. Once I started reading this book, I could hardly manage to put it down because I wanted to know how their story ended! I cannot wait until the second book in this series releases so I can dive back into their world and see how Shayler’s story unfolds...
To find out what happens in this amazing story pick up your copy of Prude (Labeled #1) by Jordan S. Gray today!
November 23, 2016
This book begins with an attitude and keeps it through the end. We first meet Rebecca Washington and Sean. Sean and Rebecca are arguing in public and are causing quite a scene. Sean is holding no skeletons in the closet about their relationship. I loved the reference to Sir Cuddles (spoiler alert... it's not Sean). The end of their argument results in Rebecca not only being overly embarrassed, but also single.
Boys will be boys and frat boys will be worse as Derek Byrnes is dared to ask Rebecca out as soon as Sean walks off. This of course leaves Rebecca more devastated.
As fate would have it Rebecca and Derek are paired up shortly after for a class project. Sparks fly and the humor and drama continue from there.
Oh my Jordan, Jordan, Jordan. You must write faster as I need the stories of multiple people we met in this book. This book flowed very well. The character development was believable. This book did not have the feel of a new author. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Christina for Book Haven Book Blog
Boys will be boys and frat boys will be worse as Derek Byrnes is dared to ask Rebecca out as soon as Sean walks off. This of course leaves Rebecca more devastated.
As fate would have it Rebecca and Derek are paired up shortly after for a class project. Sparks fly and the humor and drama continue from there.
Oh my Jordan, Jordan, Jordan. You must write faster as I need the stories of multiple people we met in this book. This book flowed very well. The character development was believable. This book did not have the feel of a new author. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Christina for Book Haven Book Blog
January 4, 2017
I received this book as part of a giveaway in a reading group I am. I promised the author Jordan, I would leave a review when I finished.
I can say that I too fell in love with Derek. He was such a charismatic guy and everything about him made me want more. I surely know why that sweet Rebecca Washington fell for him.
Shayler, her humor and her "tendencies" had me laughing through the book. Her analogies are the best.
I felt like I blossomed with Rebecca as she eloped from a shy girl to this beautiful confident woman.
This book is best version of you got dumped by some loser and you think you wanted him but in the end it turns out, he wasn't what you needed. I think all readers can identify with that.
I didn't realize until the epilogue that this book was part one of a series and I plan on reading the others as soon as my hetic schedule frees up my time.
Good job, Jordan.
I can say that I too fell in love with Derek. He was such a charismatic guy and everything about him made me want more. I surely know why that sweet Rebecca Washington fell for him.
Shayler, her humor and her "tendencies" had me laughing through the book. Her analogies are the best.
I felt like I blossomed with Rebecca as she eloped from a shy girl to this beautiful confident woman.
This book is best version of you got dumped by some loser and you think you wanted him but in the end it turns out, he wasn't what you needed. I think all readers can identify with that.
I didn't realize until the epilogue that this book was part one of a series and I plan on reading the others as soon as my hetic schedule frees up my time.
Good job, Jordan.
February 7, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this NA romance! I laughed out loud so many times!
PRUDE was funny, romantic, emotionally charged & heart-warming.
I loved how Rebecca and Derek had this hilarious love/hate relationship. The author did a great job with the flow of this story and the believability of the couple's love.
And the supporting characters were just as entertaining to read about.
I loved how the author put together two completely opposite characters:
Rebecca, being a so-called "prude" who likes to keep to herself and not step out of her comfort zone.
And Derek, a frat boy who likes to go from woman to woman, is outgoing & loud.
There was a great HEA and the epilogue was a sneak peak into the next book in the Labeled series, "Easy". Which I look forward to reading.
I'd recommend this book for those 18 and over.
***I received this book free for an honest review.***
PRUDE was funny, romantic, emotionally charged & heart-warming.
I loved how Rebecca and Derek had this hilarious love/hate relationship. The author did a great job with the flow of this story and the believability of the couple's love.
And the supporting characters were just as entertaining to read about.
I loved how the author put together two completely opposite characters:
Rebecca, being a so-called "prude" who likes to keep to herself and not step out of her comfort zone.
And Derek, a frat boy who likes to go from woman to woman, is outgoing & loud.
There was a great HEA and the epilogue was a sneak peak into the next book in the Labeled series, "Easy". Which I look forward to reading.
I'd recommend this book for those 18 and over.
***I received this book free for an honest review.***
September 25, 2016
You were a new author to me. I happened across this book by accident and am so glad I did! After reading the blurb, I read until the wee hours of the morning until I had read the whole thing! I really enjoyed it and can't wait for more! :) I especially loved how Rebecca and Derek grew over the span of the book!
February 6, 2017
'Prude' was such a fun, fluffy read that was really enjoyable and cute. I'm a complete sucker for hate to love relationships and this book did not let me down.
There were times when the main character, Rebecca, came across as really immature and annoying, she would just be really dramatic about everything and make a mountain out of a molehill. Sometimes it was endearing but a lot of the time it just caused a lot of eye rolls. However, the character development was really great and Rebecca became more and more of a likeable character the more we got to read about her and the more she was pushed out of her comfort zone. Derek was also similarly characterised where at first I couldn't really connect to his character but the more the story went on the more we got to see and understand him.
The one thing I really loved about this book was that it didn't feel like other NA contemporary books. So many stories that fall under this genre feel so recycled in the tropes and tools they use but in this book there was no dramatic twist or tragic childhood it was just a story about love and character growth and I really loved and appreciated that.
Rebecca's best friends were so great and it was nice to see so many strong female friendships in NA. It was also great to read the scenes in which her big friendship group got together it just made it a lot more fun and provided a lot of laughter.
All in all, a really fun book that you could easily fly through, really impressed with the fact this is a debut book and can't wait to read Shayler's story in the next book!
*Thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for a review
There were times when the main character, Rebecca, came across as really immature and annoying, she would just be really dramatic about everything and make a mountain out of a molehill. Sometimes it was endearing but a lot of the time it just caused a lot of eye rolls. However, the character development was really great and Rebecca became more and more of a likeable character the more we got to read about her and the more she was pushed out of her comfort zone. Derek was also similarly characterised where at first I couldn't really connect to his character but the more the story went on the more we got to see and understand him.
The one thing I really loved about this book was that it didn't feel like other NA contemporary books. So many stories that fall under this genre feel so recycled in the tropes and tools they use but in this book there was no dramatic twist or tragic childhood it was just a story about love and character growth and I really loved and appreciated that.
Rebecca's best friends were so great and it was nice to see so many strong female friendships in NA. It was also great to read the scenes in which her big friendship group got together it just made it a lot more fun and provided a lot of laughter.
All in all, a really fun book that you could easily fly through, really impressed with the fact this is a debut book and can't wait to read Shayler's story in the next book!
*Thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for a review
March 31, 2017
It’s refreshing to read about a character who is entirely realistic. Rebecca is a character who is studious and introverted and not entirely comfortable with intimacy. Through the book Rebecca develops and slowly comes out of her shell. The great thing is that she does not miraculously change overnight and the quirks that make Rebecca herself remain with her through the book.
I particularly enjoyed the friendship between Rebecca, Shayler and Ansley was a relationship that I found particularly endearing. These three friends acted more as sisters. They fought, they loved, and they cared for each other. These girls are entirely different in personality yet their friendship is unbreakable.
Now we come to Derek. He is painted at the beginning of the book as being unkind, teasing Rebecca after she is publicly dumped and labelling her with the title “prude”. The development of his character is another element that was astounding. It is very easy to find Derek unlikable. However, he develops into an understandable character with his own flaws that is inexplicably drawn to Rebecca.
This NA novel had tremendous character development, a plot that was interesting and quirky and a pace that kept me reading. This was a book I could not put down.
I particularly enjoyed the friendship between Rebecca, Shayler and Ansley was a relationship that I found particularly endearing. These three friends acted more as sisters. They fought, they loved, and they cared for each other. These girls are entirely different in personality yet their friendship is unbreakable.
Now we come to Derek. He is painted at the beginning of the book as being unkind, teasing Rebecca after she is publicly dumped and labelling her with the title “prude”. The development of his character is another element that was astounding. It is very easy to find Derek unlikable. However, he develops into an understandable character with his own flaws that is inexplicably drawn to Rebecca.
This NA novel had tremendous character development, a plot that was interesting and quirky and a pace that kept me reading. This was a book I could not put down.
March 12, 2017
4.5 stars
I was given this book for an honest review.
"Prude" is the debut book of Jordan S. Gray and it deals with a college girl, Rebecca Washington, as she has just been dumped in front of many students at campus because her ex said she was too prude and annoying. Right then she meets a mysterious guy, Derek, who ends up becoming her partner for a British lit project. She dreads this because she doesn't want to threaten her GPA, but as they see each other to prepare the presentation, a bond grows between them.
Rebecca is one-of-a-kind, she is not the usual heroine of a NA story, and I liked this. She truly is prude, and she is very naive and innocent for her age. This is probably the first time I've seen a protagonist like this and I appreciate the change for once in a while. There were some times I couldn't put up with her mind but understood her reasons, since I was similar to her when I was in high school. It wasn't a surprise she would feel attracted to a guy like Derek: he is your campus hottie with daddy issues and fears just like her, except they are different. He is one of those guys you can't never figure out until the end, but when they show themselves, you're gonna like them. He did some things that made my eyes roll, but they were in character so I don't mind. At first he wants Rebecca to get out of her comfort zone, but habits die hard so I was glad that she changed but for herself and not for him. I can understand why these two work. Rebecca is a "maternal" type. Among her friends, she is like the mature figure, always trying to be controlled not to let anything happen to her because she's scared something might hurt her and her planned-out life will blow up. Like I said I used to be like her, so I can see her point. On the other side, we have Derek who has had a rough past and has the fear of losing the people he loves so he doesn't commit. Rebecca embodies that maternal figure he lost and that he craves, the one that stands up to him when he's being a jerk. And she likes him because he's her opposite: he dares to do stuff. We can see this with the other characters as well. Rebecca's best friend, Shayler (who is the protagonist of the next book of the series) looks like a female Derek more or so, and they've been besties for years. Guess why? Because they are different and complete each other. I like this. And I liked the evolution of Rebecca and Derek, they made me anxious until the last pages. LOL.
I can't wait to read Shayler's story now. I think it would be interesting because she is such a quirky girl who is looking for love under the surface.
The story was more of a coming of age and young adult in some parts and not new adult, but there isn't a defined line. If you love light romances set in college with interesting characters, that's the story for you. :)
RATING: 4.5/5 stars
I was given this book for an honest review.
"Prude" is the debut book of Jordan S. Gray and it deals with a college girl, Rebecca Washington, as she has just been dumped in front of many students at campus because her ex said she was too prude and annoying. Right then she meets a mysterious guy, Derek, who ends up becoming her partner for a British lit project. She dreads this because she doesn't want to threaten her GPA, but as they see each other to prepare the presentation, a bond grows between them.
Rebecca is one-of-a-kind, she is not the usual heroine of a NA story, and I liked this. She truly is prude, and she is very naive and innocent for her age. This is probably the first time I've seen a protagonist like this and I appreciate the change for once in a while. There were some times I couldn't put up with her mind but understood her reasons, since I was similar to her when I was in high school. It wasn't a surprise she would feel attracted to a guy like Derek: he is your campus hottie with daddy issues and fears just like her, except they are different. He is one of those guys you can't never figure out until the end, but when they show themselves, you're gonna like them. He did some things that made my eyes roll, but they were in character so I don't mind. At first he wants Rebecca to get out of her comfort zone, but habits die hard so I was glad that she changed but for herself and not for him. I can understand why these two work. Rebecca is a "maternal" type. Among her friends, she is like the mature figure, always trying to be controlled not to let anything happen to her because she's scared something might hurt her and her planned-out life will blow up. Like I said I used to be like her, so I can see her point. On the other side, we have Derek who has had a rough past and has the fear of losing the people he loves so he doesn't commit. Rebecca embodies that maternal figure he lost and that he craves, the one that stands up to him when he's being a jerk. And she likes him because he's her opposite: he dares to do stuff. We can see this with the other characters as well. Rebecca's best friend, Shayler (who is the protagonist of the next book of the series) looks like a female Derek more or so, and they've been besties for years. Guess why? Because they are different and complete each other. I like this. And I liked the evolution of Rebecca and Derek, they made me anxious until the last pages. LOL.
I can't wait to read Shayler's story now. I think it would be interesting because she is such a quirky girl who is looking for love under the surface.
The story was more of a coming of age and young adult in some parts and not new adult, but there isn't a defined line. If you love light romances set in college with interesting characters, that's the story for you. :)
RATING: 4.5/5 stars
November 28, 2016
This is Jordan S. Grey's debut novel and so my first time reading her work. I feel really bad because sadly this book was not for me but I will try ensure my review is a constructive one.
I can't fault the writing as the story was well edited and had all the required elements for this type of book. However, in my opinion, the characters at times weren't well portrayed and to me that presented a dilemma as it hindered my ability to connect and to completely believe in the story.
At the beginning of the book we meet Rebecca Washington who gets dumped by her boyfriend for being boring and prudish. As I started reading the first few pages I assumed we were dealing with 15/16 year old kids because the dialogue and behaviour were so immature that I just didn't understand what was going on. Then as I continued on and found out that the characters were actually in their late 19-20's I struggled to take them seriously and sadly it just went down hill from there onwards.
Rebecca's character is supposed to be shy and she is a complete introvert and bordering on OCD behaviour. If the author intended for her character to come across as totally obnoxious and socially inept then she totally nailed it. The rambling got on my nerves and at times I wanted to close the book, but Derek made it all bearable: on the outside a typical womanising manwhore but as you read on, you see he is hiding a lot of emotional baggage. I felt his character could have had a bigger story and he should have been given his own chapters so the reader could have fully understand where his broody mood was coming from. I say the best dialogues came from the secondary characters but still I had mixed feelings with their childish behaviour.
To summarise, as this is not an original plot, I feel the Author could have delivered a solid and high rated story if the characters would have been stronger and acted within the storyline, I hope my comments only help her see other people's perceptions thus providing us readers with a well rounded book next time round.
ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion.
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog
I can't fault the writing as the story was well edited and had all the required elements for this type of book. However, in my opinion, the characters at times weren't well portrayed and to me that presented a dilemma as it hindered my ability to connect and to completely believe in the story.
At the beginning of the book we meet Rebecca Washington who gets dumped by her boyfriend for being boring and prudish. As I started reading the first few pages I assumed we were dealing with 15/16 year old kids because the dialogue and behaviour were so immature that I just didn't understand what was going on. Then as I continued on and found out that the characters were actually in their late 19-20's I struggled to take them seriously and sadly it just went down hill from there onwards.
Rebecca's character is supposed to be shy and she is a complete introvert and bordering on OCD behaviour. If the author intended for her character to come across as totally obnoxious and socially inept then she totally nailed it. The rambling got on my nerves and at times I wanted to close the book, but Derek made it all bearable: on the outside a typical womanising manwhore but as you read on, you see he is hiding a lot of emotional baggage. I felt his character could have had a bigger story and he should have been given his own chapters so the reader could have fully understand where his broody mood was coming from. I say the best dialogues came from the secondary characters but still I had mixed feelings with their childish behaviour.
To summarise, as this is not an original plot, I feel the Author could have delivered a solid and high rated story if the characters would have been stronger and acted within the storyline, I hope my comments only help her see other people's perceptions thus providing us readers with a well rounded book next time round.
ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion.
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog
September 18, 2016
For the first time in a long while I didn't want to put a book down. I wanted to keep reading. There are a few bits/words missed in the editing process but that's the norm these days.
Derek is a bit of an anti-hero in my opinion. (Bit of a spoiler warning)He is supposed to be attracted and falling for Rebecca but she walks in on him fooling around with some chick and later in the book after their drama, she again walks in on him and a chick and neither of them have their shirts on. I'm wondering why she didn't asking him how many chicks he was with after they had their drama and before he crawled back...pretty good grovel, but still.
There is really only one sex scene in the entire book and you have to really wait for it. There is a bit of sexual tension leading up to it but I would have liked them to do more.
Rebecca's friends are intriguing and I liked Derek's friend Damien.
The story is told entirely from Rebecca's point of view and several times I missed not being able to get Derek's thoughts and more about his family and past...actually the story is very much in the present with only bits about their families and the relationship they have with their families.
I can't say I loved Derek or Rebecca but obviously something about this story made me want to keep reading. I think some of Rebecca's quirks and fears were relatable for me.
Derek is a bit of an anti-hero in my opinion. (Bit of a spoiler warning)He is supposed to be attracted and falling for Rebecca but she walks in on him fooling around with some chick and later in the book after their drama, she again walks in on him and a chick and neither of them have their shirts on. I'm wondering why she didn't asking him how many chicks he was with after they had their drama and before he crawled back...pretty good grovel, but still.
There is really only one sex scene in the entire book and you have to really wait for it. There is a bit of sexual tension leading up to it but I would have liked them to do more.
Rebecca's friends are intriguing and I liked Derek's friend Damien.
The story is told entirely from Rebecca's point of view and several times I missed not being able to get Derek's thoughts and more about his family and past...actually the story is very much in the present with only bits about their families and the relationship they have with their families.
I can't say I loved Derek or Rebecca but obviously something about this story made me want to keep reading. I think some of Rebecca's quirks and fears were relatable for me.
December 22, 2016
I got this book through review opportunity of Xpresso Book Tours.
Rebecca, a A grader college student gets dumped by her first boyfriend Sean. Derek, a Dean Lister and 6 ft full of hotness, he, as per a bet to get Rebecca’s number approaches her with sympathy. She starts rambling, pouring out her emotions, but soon she discovers his real intentions, and that pisses her off. Then as the story advances, in many instances Rebecca and Derek meet (they also get paired for a project), Rebecca’s opinion about Derek changes, and they fall in love with each other.
I really liked the different layers of Derek’s character. His fear of losing someone he loves, his dread of attachment, the way he understood Rebecca, encouraged her, will sometimes make you hate him, sometimes love him, but he will surely make you heart him . Rebecca through her innocence, her fondness for routines, and her love for Derek, will definitely create a mark in your heart.
Another plus point about this novel is the awesome group of friends, Rebecca had, who stood with her through thick and thin.
Overall I would say the love story is well written, the emotions of all characters, excellently expressed. Prude is beautiful, sweet and romantic. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of happy ending romance novels.
Rebecca, a A grader college student gets dumped by her first boyfriend Sean. Derek, a Dean Lister and 6 ft full of hotness, he, as per a bet to get Rebecca’s number approaches her with sympathy. She starts rambling, pouring out her emotions, but soon she discovers his real intentions, and that pisses her off. Then as the story advances, in many instances Rebecca and Derek meet (they also get paired for a project), Rebecca’s opinion about Derek changes, and they fall in love with each other.
I really liked the different layers of Derek’s character. His fear of losing someone he loves, his dread of attachment, the way he understood Rebecca, encouraged her, will sometimes make you hate him, sometimes love him, but he will surely make you heart him . Rebecca through her innocence, her fondness for routines, and her love for Derek, will definitely create a mark in your heart.
Another plus point about this novel is the awesome group of friends, Rebecca had, who stood with her through thick and thin.
Overall I would say the love story is well written, the emotions of all characters, excellently expressed. Prude is beautiful, sweet and romantic. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of happy ending romance novels.
January 23, 2017
This was such a good book for a debut novel. All the characters are adorable. This book had so many laugh out loud moments I couldn't keep count.
Poor awkward, shy Rebecca was just dumped by her boyfriend in the worst way possible especially if you're Rebecca (I wanted to break Sean's nose for being such a prick) and to make matters worse a handsome jerk asks for her number afterwards and then she found out it was a bet he made to get the "prudes" number. Later in class Rebecca finds out Mr handsome jerk face aka Derek is in her class and then they get paired up for a project which only makes matters worse.
I loved how Rebecca was a socially awkward nerd who had a horrible case of verbal diarrhea when she gets nervous, it was just so funny when she got flustered.
Derek grew on me throughout the book and I enjoyed watching him grow in the book.
This book was funny, sweet & steamy and i can't wait to read more from this author in the very near future.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this book
Poor awkward, shy Rebecca was just dumped by her boyfriend in the worst way possible especially if you're Rebecca (I wanted to break Sean's nose for being such a prick) and to make matters worse a handsome jerk asks for her number afterwards and then she found out it was a bet he made to get the "prudes" number. Later in class Rebecca finds out Mr handsome jerk face aka Derek is in her class and then they get paired up for a project which only makes matters worse.
I loved how Rebecca was a socially awkward nerd who had a horrible case of verbal diarrhea when she gets nervous, it was just so funny when she got flustered.
Derek grew on me throughout the book and I enjoyed watching him grow in the book.
This book was funny, sweet & steamy and i can't wait to read more from this author in the very near future.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this book
November 23, 2016
I was super excited to read this book, being a giant fan of Romcom books. I wasn't dissapointed at all! I did feel the book could have had a few more comedic scenes, but overall feel it was very well written, and the characters very relatable and well developed. I especially loved the ending of the book, and appreciate the opportunity to have read such a fun book!. I look forward to the second installment in the series featuring the best friend Shaylor, who was a side character aka best friend of lead female Rebecca in Prude. This book has a little bit of everything, and doesn't get overly sexual, and I would say is appropriate for YA and older. I rate this book a solid five star rating, and will be recommending to others as well!
January 14, 2017
I got a copy of this book for an honest review ....so here it goes...
The story is about a relationship between a hot commitment-phobe boy and a 'nerdy' 'prudish ' introvert girl.
It wasn't one of my favourite college romance novels. I really wanted to love it ..I did...But I just couldn't especially since the rest of the world seemed to give it a five star rating.
I hate to admit it but I didn't fall in love with the relationship between the characters aka the guy and the girl RATHER I fell in love with the friendship between the girl and her two best friends. Don't even get me started on the rather abrubt dramatic ending.
Overall....not my favourite but I'm going to keep an open mind regarding this author cause I liked her way of writing.
The story is about a relationship between a hot commitment-phobe boy and a 'nerdy' 'prudish ' introvert girl.
It wasn't one of my favourite college romance novels. I really wanted to love it ..I did...But I just couldn't especially since the rest of the world seemed to give it a five star rating.
I hate to admit it but I didn't fall in love with the relationship between the characters aka the guy and the girl RATHER I fell in love with the friendship between the girl and her two best friends. Don't even get me started on the rather abrubt dramatic ending.
Overall....not my favourite but I'm going to keep an open mind regarding this author cause I liked her way of writing.
October 28, 2016
Very cute love story, I enjoyed all the characters and the story is very believable.
I was so entertained by the storyline and the characters I finished in one sitting. I loved the emotional rollercoaster because it made the story feel more real to me. One of the main characters Derek, I hated him through half of the story and the ended up surprising me and I fell in love with his character too.
The ending leaves room for a second book following another character and let's just say that I am intrigued and would definitely want to read it and follow more of the storyline and hopefully get more of a look into their future.
I was so entertained by the storyline and the characters I finished in one sitting. I loved the emotional rollercoaster because it made the story feel more real to me. One of the main characters Derek, I hated him through half of the story and the ended up surprising me and I fell in love with his character too.
The ending leaves room for a second book following another character and let's just say that I am intrigued and would definitely want to read it and follow more of the storyline and hopefully get more of a look into their future.
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