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The Good Guys #3
Dropout
Librarian Note: The latest edition with updated cover of this title can be found HERE
JIMMY
Over the past year, I’ve been called a lot of things. Slacker. Troublemaker. Party animal.
I thought I was on top of the world. Turns out, I was pretty close to rock bottom.
Now I have a new title: college dropout.
Talk about a reality check.
But I’ve got a chance to redeem myself. One summer to turn things around. Two months to prove I’m not a complete f*ck-up.
It’s time to change.
I want to get back to being one of the good guys.
MACKENNA
I have everything I need to live out my dream of being a reclusive songwriter—my guitar, my notebook, and blissful silence.
At least, I did until Jimmy moved in next door.
With tattoos, piercings, and mischievous green eyes, he’s got bad news written all over him. And last time I got with a bad boy, it ended horribly.
Jimmy makes me feel things I shouldn’t feel. Want things I shouldn’t want. He’s a hazard to my carefully laid plans.
But he’s only here for two months.
I can resist him...right?
Although Dropout is the third book in the Good Guys series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Due to language and sexual content, this book is intended for readers 18 and older.
JIMMY
Over the past year, I’ve been called a lot of things. Slacker. Troublemaker. Party animal.
I thought I was on top of the world. Turns out, I was pretty close to rock bottom.
Now I have a new title: college dropout.
Talk about a reality check.
But I’ve got a chance to redeem myself. One summer to turn things around. Two months to prove I’m not a complete f*ck-up.
It’s time to change.
I want to get back to being one of the good guys.
MACKENNA
I have everything I need to live out my dream of being a reclusive songwriter—my guitar, my notebook, and blissful silence.
At least, I did until Jimmy moved in next door.
With tattoos, piercings, and mischievous green eyes, he’s got bad news written all over him. And last time I got with a bad boy, it ended horribly.
Jimmy makes me feel things I shouldn’t feel. Want things I shouldn’t want. He’s a hazard to my carefully laid plans.
But he’s only here for two months.
I can resist him...right?
Although Dropout is the third book in the Good Guys series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Due to language and sexual content, this book is intended for readers 18 and older.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2017
266 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Schlosser
27 books1,562 followersJamie Schlosser writes new adult romance, romantic comedy, and fantasy/paranormal romance. When she isn't creating perfect book boyfriends, she's a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful kids. She believes reading is a great escape, otters are the best animal, and nothing is more satisfying than a happily-ever-after ending.
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RECENT WORKS BY JAMIE SCHLOSSER:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars
A couple of weeks ago I PMed my GR-friend Kiki:
me: Hi Kiki! How are you? Darling, you love to read and always write such awesome detailed reviewsI even agree sometimes, and you have so much time *grins* Would you please read a book and write a terrific review, so I could copy it in my review and we're all cool?
Kiki: Hey Alex!Are you freaking nuts, you lazy cow??? Since when I need to write a review for you? Of course, darling, you know how I love you yeah *eye roll* and I would gladly read a book and write a very long and detailed review. I have so much time yeah *eye roll* Love you, Alex! or not
me: Supi, Kiki, you are the best!!!phew! One review less I owe you! shit, I really do!
And see, we have an amazing kickass Kiki's review and everyone is cool!!!
I did't click 4 because of the pull out method...
Sorry :-(((( Not a pull-out-girl, but wrap-it-twice-girl!
A couple of weeks ago I PMed my GR-friend Kiki:
me: Hi Kiki! How are you? Darling, you love to read and always write such awesome detailed reviews
Kiki: Hey Alex!
me: Supi, Kiki, you are the best!!!
And see, we have an amazing kickass Kiki's review and everyone is cool!!!
I did't click 4 because of the pull out method...
Sorry :-(((( Not a pull-out-girl, but wrap-it-twice-girl!
March 9, 2018
4.75 Stars
James Peabody Johnson, 19, is fast on his way to becoming a college dropout. Partying, fighting, and bad grades have made his freshman year a bust. But he’s got the summer to redeem himself and Grandma Beverly to keep him on track.
“Let’s go easy on the full-name stuff, huh?”
Mackenna Connelly, 21, was dealt some rough teenage years, leaving her seeking solitude in the small Midwestern town of Tolston. She’s not looking for a relationship and Jimmy has sworn off women, but that doesn’t stop the sparks that fly when they meet...in a rather awkward but absolutely comical moment.
“That’s some romantic shit, Grandma.”
This story has it all, most importantly substance and good character development. I was not expecting it to open the way it does, but it sure pulled me in and fleshed out the characters right off the bat. Mackenna was certainly a survivor and Jimmy, poor Jimmy, was such a screw up. But he knew it and owned up to it. Their introductions took me from the edge of my seat to laughing at Jimmy’s expense as the story captured mistakes teens make and tackled some heavier life issues without putting off antsy vibes.
While there’s a few near tear jerker moments, there are also so many funny scenes. That’s not an easy balance to pull off but the author handles this juxtaposition of emotions with ease and a finesse of storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the antics in this one, and I don’t want to spoil the fun but that bird and Grandma all but stole the show in wonderfully humorous ways.
None the less, it’s Jimmy and Mack who make the romance. I really adore when love is developed like a journey and the reader gets to see the main couple get to know each other and fall in love. This story stays focused on that, interweaving how they negotiate their limited time relationship alongside plenty of hot, well developed love scenes. And notice I said love scenes and not simply sex scenes because there’s so much more captured here while still being deliciously erotic.
“You’re bigger than her prize-winning mutant pickle.”
I’ll admit, I wasn’t crazy about at least one of Mackenna’s way of handling things, but I understood she was a bit emotionally damaged from past experience. At the same time, Jimmy couldn’t have been more swoonworthy! He wowed me at every turn. I could definitely gush about what a fabulous new adult romantic hero he is because Jimmy rocks as a book boyfriend. There’s no denying he earns his place in the “Good Guys” series.
“And when she fell asleep, her ear was right over my heart—the heart that was becoming a little less mine and a little more hers every day.”
*Squeee* I’m totally jonesing for Jimmy, which is so robbing the cradle so I’d better stop while I’m ahead. Just know he’s an adorable hottie and an absolute delight. His story is one to move to the top of your TBR pile!
Dropout is the third book in The Good Guys series, told via Jimmy and Mackenna’s alternating first person POV. It can easily be read as a standalone. Characters from the previous books have cameos.
*Series Character Interview Feature: http://book-bosomed.blogspot.com/2017...
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. In order to allow me to review this title without any conditions or stipulations from the PR company, the author supplied me with this ARC. A big kudos goes out to Jamie Schlosser for taking the time to provide this copy and for valuing honest, unbiased reviews!
James Peabody Johnson, 19, is fast on his way to becoming a college dropout. Partying, fighting, and bad grades have made his freshman year a bust. But he’s got the summer to redeem himself and Grandma Beverly to keep him on track.
“Let’s go easy on the full-name stuff, huh?”
Mackenna Connelly, 21, was dealt some rough teenage years, leaving her seeking solitude in the small Midwestern town of Tolston. She’s not looking for a relationship and Jimmy has sworn off women, but that doesn’t stop the sparks that fly when they meet...in a rather awkward but absolutely comical moment.
“That’s some romantic shit, Grandma.”
This story has it all, most importantly substance and good character development. I was not expecting it to open the way it does, but it sure pulled me in and fleshed out the characters right off the bat. Mackenna was certainly a survivor and Jimmy, poor Jimmy, was such a screw up. But he knew it and owned up to it. Their introductions took me from the edge of my seat to laughing at Jimmy’s expense as the story captured mistakes teens make and tackled some heavier life issues without putting off antsy vibes.
While there’s a few near tear jerker moments, there are also so many funny scenes. That’s not an easy balance to pull off but the author handles this juxtaposition of emotions with ease and a finesse of storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the antics in this one, and I don’t want to spoil the fun but that bird and Grandma all but stole the show in wonderfully humorous ways.
None the less, it’s Jimmy and Mack who make the romance. I really adore when love is developed like a journey and the reader gets to see the main couple get to know each other and fall in love. This story stays focused on that, interweaving how they negotiate their limited time relationship alongside plenty of hot, well developed love scenes. And notice I said love scenes and not simply sex scenes because there’s so much more captured here while still being deliciously erotic.
“You’re bigger than her prize-winning mutant pickle.”
I’ll admit, I wasn’t crazy about at least one of Mackenna’s way of handling things, but I understood she was a bit emotionally damaged from past experience. At the same time, Jimmy couldn’t have been more swoonworthy! He wowed me at every turn. I could definitely gush about what a fabulous new adult romantic hero he is because Jimmy rocks as a book boyfriend. There’s no denying he earns his place in the “Good Guys” series.
“And when she fell asleep, her ear was right over my heart—the heart that was becoming a little less mine and a little more hers every day.”
*Squeee* I’m totally jonesing for Jimmy, which is so robbing the cradle so I’d better stop while I’m ahead. Just know he’s an adorable hottie and an absolute delight. His story is one to move to the top of your TBR pile!
Dropout is the third book in The Good Guys series, told via Jimmy and Mackenna’s alternating first person POV. It can easily be read as a standalone. Characters from the previous books have cameos.
*Series Character Interview Feature: http://book-bosomed.blogspot.com/2017...
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. In order to allow me to review this title without any conditions or stipulations from the PR company, the author supplied me with this ARC. A big kudos goes out to Jamie Schlosser for taking the time to provide this copy and for valuing honest, unbiased reviews!
December 23, 2017
4.5 stars, rounded up. Half a star solely dedicated to the cover. #covergasmisreal
Safety:
Has to be the sexiest and sweetest alpha heroes EVER! Except I REALLY need to stop thinking about him, he's WAY way too young for me at his 19 to my 29. *sigh*
I really like reading about young love. I don't think they're too young to know what they're doing. I knew what I wanted when I was 21. It changed yes, because people around me changed, if both of them are mature enough at their 20s there's nothing I love more (ok, I do love a lot of other things, but you get the picture)!
The story is fairly standard. Guy meets broken girl. Gentleman hero heals broken heroine. HEA.
However what was beautiful was the execution of the story.
And to be honest, Jimmy was probably as broken as Mack. Mack was emotionally broken by her past, yes, but she has a career. She has a gift. She has a definitive goal, and a house at 21. She's putting down roots.
Jimmy is a college dropout, who loves his parents and his brother, so the shame he's facing for disappointing them is monumental. He comes from a loving family, so losing the moral values that his family instilled in him was even more embarrassing. Do you know what makes you feel even guiltier? When your parents are not shouting at you, but calmly discussing how disappoint they are and what they can do to help you. Then he has a adoring free spirited grandma. Then he meets Mack. As opposed to her. He has no talent. He has no goals in life. He has no earnings or savings. He has no jobs. He was pretty useless compared to Mack to begin with.
But what this guy had was a big heart. He had this tattooed pierced exterior which people don't look at very kindly. And he swears a lot. But he is one of the decent guys. He genuinely cares about his grandmother. He loved Hank, Travis and Colton since he joined the shop and he love Mack with his whole heart from the moment he set his eyes on her. Not just lust.
Mack was a little judgemental to begin with and dead set against a relationship. But she had her reasons. Why I could forgive her was because she knew how to say sorry and how to admit her mistake. She also loved people around her, except she was desperately introvert.
I really loved how these two decided to work on loving each other. Jimmy on helping Mack trust him and Mack on letting him show her that she can trust him.
I loved the side characters. Specially Hank and JImmy's parents. Every kid needs parents like them. Do they freak out once they realised their 20 year old son is going into a real relationship, moving to a new town and changing career and probably ready to get married? NOPE! they know their son. He's a caring adult smart man. He learned from his mistake. The decisions he's taking are not impulsive. He's thinking like a adult. So they did what any loving parents should do. They told him they loved him, they're proud of him, and he should sleep on it and REALLY should discuss this with Mack as she needs to have a say in this too!
Now why the half a star was down! Please don't read if you don't want full on spoiler.
======
Actually I'll definitely read this! I mean that cover!
I apparently have a thing for tribal tattoos!
(Let's just hope for the sake of my battered iPad that dude wasn't a whore cause I'll kill it along with killing someone!)
Safety:
Has to be the sexiest and sweetest alpha heroes EVER! Except I REALLY need to stop thinking about him, he's WAY way too young for me at his 19 to my 29. *sigh*
I really like reading about young love. I don't think they're too young to know what they're doing. I knew what I wanted when I was 21. It changed yes, because people around me changed, if both of them are mature enough at their 20s there's nothing I love more (ok, I do love a lot of other things, but you get the picture)!
The story is fairly standard. Guy meets broken girl. Gentleman hero heals broken heroine. HEA.
However what was beautiful was the execution of the story.
And to be honest, Jimmy was probably as broken as Mack. Mack was emotionally broken by her past, yes, but she has a career. She has a gift. She has a definitive goal, and a house at 21. She's putting down roots.
Jimmy is a college dropout, who loves his parents and his brother, so the shame he's facing for disappointing them is monumental. He comes from a loving family, so losing the moral values that his family instilled in him was even more embarrassing. Do you know what makes you feel even guiltier? When your parents are not shouting at you, but calmly discussing how disappoint they are and what they can do to help you. Then he has a adoring free spirited grandma. Then he meets Mack. As opposed to her. He has no talent. He has no goals in life. He has no earnings or savings. He has no jobs. He was pretty useless compared to Mack to begin with.
But what this guy had was a big heart. He had this tattooed pierced exterior which people don't look at very kindly. And he swears a lot. But he is one of the decent guys. He genuinely cares about his grandmother. He loved Hank, Travis and Colton since he joined the shop and he love Mack with his whole heart from the moment he set his eyes on her. Not just lust.
Mack was a little judgemental to begin with and dead set against a relationship. But she had her reasons. Why I could forgive her was because she knew how to say sorry and how to admit her mistake. She also loved people around her, except she was desperately introvert.
I really loved how these two decided to work on loving each other. Jimmy on helping Mack trust him and Mack on letting him show her that she can trust him.
I loved the side characters. Specially Hank and JImmy's parents. Every kid needs parents like them. Do they freak out once they realised their 20 year old son is going into a real relationship, moving to a new town and changing career and probably ready to get married? NOPE! they know their son. He's a caring adult smart man. He learned from his mistake. The decisions he's taking are not impulsive. He's thinking like a adult. So they did what any loving parents should do. They told him they loved him, they're proud of him, and he should sleep on it and REALLY should discuss this with Mack as she needs to have a say in this too!
Now why the half a star was down! Please don't read if you don't want full on spoiler.
======
Actually I'll definitely read this! I mean that cover!
I apparently have a thing for tribal tattoos!
(Let's just hope for the sake of my battered iPad that dude wasn't a whore cause I'll kill it along with killing someone!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
I am a big fan of Miss Schlosser The Good Guys series. The story is min drama and min angst. Miss Schlosser usually injects some kind of sweetness, joke that makes her story alive.
In Dropout, she done the same. However I found the story and the characters a bit bland and boring. The jokes are funny. The meet cute was okay. And thats it.
Overall I still enjoy this book OK
3 stars
In Dropout, she done the same. However I found the story and the characters a bit bland and boring. The jokes are funny. The meet cute was okay. And thats it.
Overall I still enjoy this book OK
3 stars
March 15, 2018
I swear this series is just so sweet. I can’t remember reading about characters that were so entirely wholesome and cute and sexy and interesting all at the same time. This story was a bit different from the previous stories of the series in that Mackenna had a bit of a suspenseful story to add to the mix. As a teen, she was abused and then terrorized by her boyfriend. Lucky to be alive, she leaves town to put herself back together and to get away from the small-town judgment. She finds success and returns to be close to her family once again. Jimmy was your typical hot boy next door. He went off to college and did what quite a few of us do when we go away and have our first taste of freedom - squandered it. His parents then send him off to his grandmother’s for the summer to get his head back on straight. Behave and they’ll help him out with his future choices.
I really liked these characters. Their first meeting was absolutely hilarious and set the tone for the rest of their relationship. It was fun, sincere, and incredibly heartwarming, from beginning to end. I’m absolutely loving these stories, which only serve to continue giving me hope that there’s a good guy out there for each and every one of us!
Release: 04.27.2017 | Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance | POV: Dual - 1st person | Heat: 3.5 | Standalone - The Good Guys #3
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I really liked these characters. Their first meeting was absolutely hilarious and set the tone for the rest of their relationship. It was fun, sincere, and incredibly heartwarming, from beginning to end. I’m absolutely loving these stories, which only serve to continue giving me hope that there’s a good guy out there for each and every one of us!
Release: 04.27.2017 | Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance | POV: Dual - 1st person | Heat: 3.5 | Standalone - The Good Guys #3
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March 19, 2018
3.5 stars.
I adored Trucker, reeeeally liked Dancer... and kinda liked this one.
I have a feeling that my current lack of reading time may be the culprit behind my lukewarm feelings regarding this book.
I also went into it with super high expectations, so there's that too.
Still, I couldn't bring myself to focus on the story. I liked it, on paper, but I wasn't into it 100%. I didn't buy Jimmy and Mackenna's first interactions and the way she allegedly tried everything to push him away... I don't know, in my mind it was too all over the place and not... deep enough. I'm sorry if I'm not making much sense here. I get why she did not want to get involved with him, but how she put up a resistance and all... it was not only ineffective, but also confusing and immature at time IMO.
Jimmy was definitely my favorite character. He's light, good-natured and hides a romantic streak. Like in Trucker, the two MC have a deadline, something I'm not a big fan of. That combined with some of the drama and MacKenna's reaction to certain events watered down the meaning of their romance.
What I liked, a lot, was MacKenna's past story. It was slightly different than the usual trope and every time a certain detail was called forth, I wanted to high five and scream "ya go, girl!". And I really liked her character during the "happy times" of their relationship, but her doubts toward Jimmy and her lack of faith in them kinda pissed me off.
All in all, I would still recommend it. The style is good, smooth and light. Beverly is probably my first fictional granny ever, and there were some swoony moments.
I'll add a few quotes when I have more time.
I adored Trucker, reeeeally liked Dancer... and kinda liked this one.
I have a feeling that my current lack of reading time may be the culprit behind my lukewarm feelings regarding this book.
I also went into it with super high expectations, so there's that too.
Still, I couldn't bring myself to focus on the story. I liked it, on paper, but I wasn't into it 100%. I didn't buy Jimmy and Mackenna's first interactions and the way she allegedly tried everything to push him away... I don't know, in my mind it was too all over the place and not... deep enough. I'm sorry if I'm not making much sense here. I get why she did not want to get involved with him, but how she put up a resistance and all... it was not only ineffective, but also confusing and immature at time IMO.
Jimmy was definitely my favorite character. He's light, good-natured and hides a romantic streak. Like in Trucker, the two MC have a deadline, something I'm not a big fan of. That combined with some of the drama and MacKenna's reaction to certain events watered down the meaning of their romance.
What I liked, a lot, was MacKenna's past story. It was slightly different than the usual trope and every time a certain detail was called forth, I wanted to high five and scream "ya go, girl!". And I really liked her character during the "happy times" of their relationship, but her doubts toward Jimmy and her lack of faith in them kinda pissed me off.
All in all, I would still recommend it. The style is good, smooth and light. Beverly is probably my first fictional granny ever, and there were some swoony moments.
I'll add a few quotes when I have more time.
May 20, 2017
Loved this!
My favourite book in the series!
My favourite couple in the series!
This book has got it all!
My favourite book in the series!
My favourite couple in the series!
This book has got it all!
March 13, 2018
A five star read … HANDS DOWN! I love, Love, LOVE everything about this romance and I’m so happy my Goodread friends let me know about it because I could have gone forever without reading the awesomeness that is Jimmy and that would have sucked!
This is the story of . . .
Jimmy has just dropped out of college because he was too busy partying, drinking and basically not thinking about tomorrow, only the here and now. To give him time to get his shit together, his parents give him the summer to regroup, get his act together and if he can prove he can stay out of trouble, they’ll support him for another semester of school.
That’s how he finds himself in Tolsom, rooming with his eccentric grandmother, Beverly and her foul mouthed parrot Sweet Pea. That’s also how Mackenna enters his orbit.
Mackenna has lived through some scary and traumatic things in her past but with a home of her own and a career as a song writer that lets her stay in her small safe (if lonely) bubble and work from home, is pretty content with life. She doesn’t have any strong urge to date and bad boys are off the menu, for life. When she meets Jimmy, with his tattoos and piercings, cocky attitude and sinful body, Mackeena thinks he’s bad news and sets out to avoid him.
The thing about Jimmy is that he isn’t easy to ignore and once you get to know him, would you really even want too?
What I loved about it:
It’s a long list of things that went amazingly right for me while reading Jimmy and Mackeena’s story. Long story short . . . I loved Jimmy, Mackeena, Beverly and all the other secondary characters. They were so relatable and down to earth and very likable. It was nice to see a group of people that really cared and supported one another. I loved that small town/family vibe they all gave off.
I loved that Jimmy was such a genuinely nice guy. That doesn’t mean he was perfect because he does have his moments but trust me, they don’t last. Jimmy is a guy who can acknowledge his mistakes, own up to his actions and then turns around and fixes it, no matter what it takes. He never backtracks, doesn’t waffle back and forth and once his mind is made up, he’s 100% all in. I loved how mature and considerate and understanding and supportive he was with Mackeena. His sensitivity paired with his protectiveness made him perfect Hero material.
Which works out for Mackeena because she’s been burned (and bad) by a guy before and she can’t see her reclusive lifestyle workings long term for a guy like Jimmy. Her past does put up so road blocks on their journey to a HEA but when two people love like they do, the obstacles are just temporary. I’m glad that Mackeena kept the lines of communication open with Jimmy and that her issues weren’t swept under the rug or magically cured. Her trust issues were legit and working through them was a process for both of them.
If I had to gripe about something it would be their safe sex practice. It was a bit weird for me to read about these two being so okay with using the pull-out method. Like that barely passes as an excuse in historical romances but in contemporary romance? Not so much. It all worked out in the end but that small detail seemed to out of character for both MCs.
This was seriously a beautiful love story that was sweet, funny and touching. It left a huge goofy smile on my face when I finished it and I know I’ll be re-reading them again just to capture that happy go-lucky feeling of a good HEA.
Memorable Moments:
Jimmy’s reaction to hearing about Mackeena’s past . . .
I loved that fact that he knew, almost from the moment he first met Mack, that she was special and he didn’t settle for her proposed friends with benefits arrangement. He wanted a relationship and he set out to show her he was worth the risk to her heart, because he wanted the real deal with her.
And he doesn’t say it just to say it. He always proves his true intent with his actions . . .
I also really liked their habit of telling really bad jokes. It was cute that they bonded over something so innocent. And speaking of innocent, Jimmy introducing Mackeena to all those innocent firsts like holding hands, parking and making out was one of the many highlights of the book. Like Mack I was pleasantly surprised that holding hands could be such a teasing form of foreplay.
Would I recommend?
Yes, yes, and YES! I got it for free on the Kindle but it’s for a limited time and I definitely think its worth a read and then a re-read, Lol! I've read books with older MCs that don't act half as grown up as these two.
SAFETY INFO:
This is the story of . . .
Jimmy has just dropped out of college because he was too busy partying, drinking and basically not thinking about tomorrow, only the here and now. To give him time to get his shit together, his parents give him the summer to regroup, get his act together and if he can prove he can stay out of trouble, they’ll support him for another semester of school.
That’s how he finds himself in Tolsom, rooming with his eccentric grandmother, Beverly and her foul mouthed parrot Sweet Pea. That’s also how Mackenna enters his orbit.
Mackenna has lived through some scary and traumatic things in her past but with a home of her own and a career as a song writer that lets her stay in her small safe (if lonely) bubble and work from home, is pretty content with life. She doesn’t have any strong urge to date and bad boys are off the menu, for life. When she meets Jimmy, with his tattoos and piercings, cocky attitude and sinful body, Mackeena thinks he’s bad news and sets out to avoid him.
The thing about Jimmy is that he isn’t easy to ignore and once you get to know him, would you really even want too?
What I loved about it:
It’s a long list of things that went amazingly right for me while reading Jimmy and Mackeena’s story. Long story short . . . I loved Jimmy, Mackeena, Beverly and all the other secondary characters. They were so relatable and down to earth and very likable. It was nice to see a group of people that really cared and supported one another. I loved that small town/family vibe they all gave off.
I loved that Jimmy was such a genuinely nice guy. That doesn’t mean he was perfect because he does have his moments but trust me, they don’t last. Jimmy is a guy who can acknowledge his mistakes, own up to his actions and then turns around and fixes it, no matter what it takes. He never backtracks, doesn’t waffle back and forth and once his mind is made up, he’s 100% all in. I loved how mature and considerate and understanding and supportive he was with Mackeena. His sensitivity paired with his protectiveness made him perfect Hero material.
Which works out for Mackeena because she’s been burned (and bad) by a guy before and she can’t see her reclusive lifestyle workings long term for a guy like Jimmy. Her past does put up so road blocks on their journey to a HEA but when two people love like they do, the obstacles are just temporary. I’m glad that Mackeena kept the lines of communication open with Jimmy and that her issues weren’t swept under the rug or magically cured. Her trust issues were legit and working through them was a process for both of them.
If I had to gripe about something it would be their safe sex practice. It was a bit weird for me to read about these two being so okay with using the pull-out method. Like that barely passes as an excuse in historical romances but in contemporary romance? Not so much. It all worked out in the end but that small detail seemed to out of character for both MCs.
This was seriously a beautiful love story that was sweet, funny and touching. It left a huge goofy smile on my face when I finished it and I know I’ll be re-reading them again just to capture that happy go-lucky feeling of a good HEA.
Memorable Moments:
Jimmy’s reaction to hearing about Mackeena’s past . . .
This wasn’t a matter of winning her over with my charm but a matter of gaining her trust, which presented a completely different obstacle. A much more difficult obstacle.
I wasn’t deterred, though.
We just needed to get to know each other. People said the best relationships started out with a foundation of friendship.
I’d be the best fucking friend she’d ever had.
I loved that fact that he knew, almost from the moment he first met Mack, that she was special and he didn’t settle for her proposed friends with benefits arrangement. He wanted a relationship and he set out to show her he was worth the risk to her heart, because he wanted the real deal with her.
And he doesn’t say it just to say it. He always proves his true intent with his actions . . .
I can’t have sex with you if you don’t trust me, if you don’t feel safe. Don’t you see how messed up that would be? You deserve better than that . . . And so do I.”
I also really liked their habit of telling really bad jokes. It was cute that they bonded over something so innocent. And speaking of innocent, Jimmy introducing Mackeena to all those innocent firsts like holding hands, parking and making out was one of the many highlights of the book. Like Mack I was pleasantly surprised that holding hands could be such a teasing form of foreplay.
Would I recommend?
Yes, yes, and YES! I got it for free on the Kindle but it’s for a limited time and I definitely think its worth a read and then a re-read, Lol! I've read books with older MCs that don't act half as grown up as these two.
SAFETY INFO:
February 28, 2021
I had read another book by this author and liked it (Untrainable) so I checked this series. The first two books didn't sound appealing to me so I started with this one but after my disappointment with this book, I don't think I will read the others.
*********************************************
This book was a cheesy love story with a frustrating ending, which was so not my cuppa!
It was also boring half of the time. After a certain point, I skimmed and scanned to read past the filler stories that bore me to death.
*********************************************
I must say that the hero, Jimmy, made me continue reading this book. He was adorable - such a sweetheart. If he weren’t so sweet, I might have dropped the book a hundred times already. He was the only good thing about this book for me.
After he learnt about the heroine's traumatic past, he was so very patient and gentle with her that he won my heart.
*********************************************
The heroine was – well, I don’t know – she was meh, I guess. Sometimes likable sometimes annoying.
*********************************************
This book didn’t work for me because of many reasons.
Here is the most important reason why I got mad at this book:
- Our hero, Jimmy, is 19, and the heroine, Mackenna is 21.
- They date for 2 months; then, because they are a bunch of idiots forgetting to buy condoms, she gets pregnant.
- They get married, have a child and HEA!
Really????!!!! I am asking the writer here – really?
Is this your dream of a happy end to a romance book, to a love story? That would be my nightmare!!!
Why wouldn’t you give these lovers a few years to get to know each other and enjoy their relationship? They can always be parents, maybe at the age of 25 or 30. How about that?
Be a little reasonable, what is the rush?!
He is 19, for God’s sake?! Or maybe 20 when they get married but still WTF?! He is too young to be a father! He is just learning his responsibilities. He is gonna go to a school and get a diploma for his future job.
What's wrong with most writers' vision of a good love story?
And, what’s most writers’ obsession with unplanned pregnancy?
Can’t your characters be a little smart instead of being stupid creatures with hormones invading and killing their brain cells??
OK, I don’t like unplanned pregnancy in books or in real life, because it is just plain stupid not to use protection and I hate stupidity. But getting pregnant at such a young age when your relationship is only two months old tops everything else! This is so not OK in my book! Getting married so soon sounds so wrong to me, as well.
For that reason only, this is not my type of romance.
*********************************************
Other problems in the book:
The book deals with a serious problem in a “not-so-serious” manner.
1. The heroine, Mackenna had a traumatic past with an abusive psycho boyfriend.
The background story lacked credibility as I didn’t understand why her whole school and all her friends turned their back to her while she was the one being abused and he was the one who was put in jail for attempted murder.
Were all her friends too dumb to understand the meaning of “abuse” and “attempted murder”?
I just couldn’t buy that story. It wasn’t well-planned.
2. After a few years, the psycho boyfriend gets out of jail on probation and reappears in her life.
Mackenna tells her parents and the police about the threatening and disgusting note he sent her and no one thinks of a restraining order? Really!!?? She lives alone, for God's sake!
And don't get me started with how stupid it was that he comes and trashes her car but no one hears in the silence of the night. And because there are no witnesses, the police can't be sure it was the psycho ex. They don't even consider the probability of it and they don't even question him or anything. Again, really? Were they expecting him to come and achieve his attempt of murder this time to believe it?
Sorry but when they didn't take it seriously, I couldn't take it seriously, either.
And the way the psycho ex-boyfriend problem was solved in the end was like a children’s bedtime story to me; I LMAO.
So easy peasy? Really???!!!
*********************************************
Writing:
1. It is written in dual point of view.
2. The writing is mediocre. It didn’t make me feel much.
3. There is too much filling stuff in the book, too many boring moments…
Oh, can I please say that all the jokes sucked… like really sucked?!!!
*********************************************
Safety:
- No cheating, no sex with other people.
- Separation for a few days all because of the sheer stupidity of the heroine.
*********************************************
Rating:
Up until I got to the last pages, where she got pregnant after two months' into their relationship and they got married so soon and became parents at such a young age, it was max. "a 3-star book" for me, but after that ending, 2 stars it is.
*********************************************
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*********************************************
This book was a cheesy love story with a frustrating ending, which was so not my cuppa!
It was also boring half of the time. After a certain point, I skimmed and scanned to read past the filler stories that bore me to death.
*********************************************
I must say that the hero, Jimmy, made me continue reading this book. He was adorable - such a sweetheart. If he weren’t so sweet, I might have dropped the book a hundred times already. He was the only good thing about this book for me.
After he learnt about the heroine's traumatic past, he was so very patient and gentle with her that he won my heart.
*********************************************
The heroine was – well, I don’t know – she was meh, I guess. Sometimes likable sometimes annoying.
*********************************************
This book didn’t work for me because of many reasons.
Here is the most important reason why I got mad at this book:
- Our hero, Jimmy, is 19, and the heroine, Mackenna is 21.
- They date for 2 months; then, because they are a bunch of idiots forgetting to buy condoms, she gets pregnant.
- They get married, have a child and HEA!
Really????!!!! I am asking the writer here – really?
Is this your dream of a happy end to a romance book, to a love story? That would be my nightmare!!!
Why wouldn’t you give these lovers a few years to get to know each other and enjoy their relationship? They can always be parents, maybe at the age of 25 or 30. How about that?
Be a little reasonable, what is the rush?!
He is 19, for God’s sake?! Or maybe 20 when they get married but still WTF?! He is too young to be a father! He is just learning his responsibilities. He is gonna go to a school and get a diploma for his future job.
What's wrong with most writers' vision of a good love story?
And, what’s most writers’ obsession with unplanned pregnancy?
Can’t your characters be a little smart instead of being stupid creatures with hormones invading and killing their brain cells??
OK, I don’t like unplanned pregnancy in books or in real life, because it is just plain stupid not to use protection and I hate stupidity. But getting pregnant at such a young age when your relationship is only two months old tops everything else! This is so not OK in my book! Getting married so soon sounds so wrong to me, as well.
For that reason only, this is not my type of romance.
*********************************************
Other problems in the book:
The book deals with a serious problem in a “not-so-serious” manner.
1. The heroine, Mackenna had a traumatic past with an abusive psycho boyfriend.
The background story lacked credibility as I didn’t understand why her whole school and all her friends turned their back to her while she was the one being abused and he was the one who was put in jail for attempted murder.
Were all her friends too dumb to understand the meaning of “abuse” and “attempted murder”?
I just couldn’t buy that story. It wasn’t well-planned.
2. After a few years, the psycho boyfriend gets out of jail on probation and reappears in her life.
Mackenna tells her parents and the police about the threatening and disgusting note he sent her and no one thinks of a restraining order? Really!!?? She lives alone, for God's sake!
And don't get me started with how stupid it was that he comes and trashes her car but no one hears in the silence of the night. And because there are no witnesses, the police can't be sure it was the psycho ex. They don't even consider the probability of it and they don't even question him or anything. Again, really? Were they expecting him to come and achieve his attempt of murder this time to believe it?
Sorry but when they didn't take it seriously, I couldn't take it seriously, either.
And the way the psycho ex-boyfriend problem was solved in the end was like a children’s bedtime story to me; I LMAO.
So easy peasy? Really???!!!
*********************************************
Writing:
1. It is written in dual point of view.
2. The writing is mediocre. It didn’t make me feel much.
3. There is too much filling stuff in the book, too many boring moments…
Oh, can I please say that all the jokes sucked… like really sucked?!!!
*********************************************
Safety:
- No cheating, no sex with other people.
- Separation for a few days all because of the sheer stupidity of the heroine.
*********************************************
Rating:
Up until I got to the last pages, where she got pregnant after two months' into their relationship and they got married so soon and became parents at such a young age, it was max. "a 3-star book" for me, but after that ending, 2 stars it is.
*********************************************
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March 14, 2018
I loved this book. I love love loved it. Specifically James "Jimmy". Jimmy made this book for me. So it's more for him than for her, because well, I could take her or leave her.
Banter - tick
Purposely riling her up to get a reaction, a charming asshole - tick
Annoyed thus acting like an ice queen because of the sizzling attraction - tick
Preconceived judgements about his bad boy image - tick
Sexiness of both MCs - tick
One bloody funny grandma - tick
Pushes to spend time with her despite her push away tactics again and again after every reject - tick
Lying about their mutual agreement not to "fall for each other" because he wants to change her mind and knows this right from the off set.
Honest with who they are as individuals and their history's - tick
Enough drama to sustain the plot without OP - tick
Barbell on his penis during the celibacy road before he met her so she's his first with the piercing. WHEY. I love that.
Trauma from an ex being abusive causing protective instincts to come out fiercely. - tick
Genuinely tears up when he thinks he's lost her because of a misunderstanding. She was a bit brash though in the way she reacted.
“I couldn’t wait to get to know him. To hear his laugh. To watch him grow. I couldn’t wait to teach him new things, like how to box and how to change a tire. I’d tell him that it’s okay to have Twinkies for breakfast every now and then. And when Grandma slipped him twenty-dollar bills, I’d pretend to look the other way.
And when he grew up, I’d tell him not to be afraid of failure. I’d tell him that sometimes our biggest mistakes are really just blessings in disguise.
Then I’d tell him the story about how I fell in love with the moody girl next door.”
She is 21 to his 19, and even though I would like the figures reversed, come a few years and we're good. Falling in love young though is far more attractive to me as a reader than older MCs in their late 30s/40s. The jaded aspect isn't there.
Banter - tick
Purposely riling her up to get a reaction, a charming asshole - tick
Annoyed thus acting like an ice queen because of the sizzling attraction - tick
Preconceived judgements about his bad boy image - tick
Sexiness of both MCs - tick
One bloody funny grandma - tick
Pushes to spend time with her despite her push away tactics again and again after every reject - tick
Lying about their mutual agreement not to "fall for each other" because he wants to change her mind and knows this right from the off set.
Honest with who they are as individuals and their history's - tick
Enough drama to sustain the plot without OP - tick
Barbell on his penis during the celibacy road before he met her so she's his first with the piercing. WHEY. I love that.
Trauma from an ex being abusive causing protective instincts to come out fiercely. - tick
Genuinely tears up when he thinks he's lost her because of a misunderstanding. She was a bit brash though in the way she reacted.
“I couldn’t wait to get to know him. To hear his laugh. To watch him grow. I couldn’t wait to teach him new things, like how to box and how to change a tire. I’d tell him that it’s okay to have Twinkies for breakfast every now and then. And when Grandma slipped him twenty-dollar bills, I’d pretend to look the other way.
And when he grew up, I’d tell him not to be afraid of failure. I’d tell him that sometimes our biggest mistakes are really just blessings in disguise.
Then I’d tell him the story about how I fell in love with the moody girl next door.”
She is 21 to his 19, and even though I would like the figures reversed, come a few years and we're good. Falling in love young though is far more attractive to me as a reader than older MCs in their late 30s/40s. The jaded aspect isn't there.
Want to read
March 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/11/2018)!💝
Blurb:
JIMMY
Over the past year, I’ve been called a lot of things. Slacker. Troublemaker. Party animal.
I thought I was on top of the world. Turns out, I was pretty close to rock bottom.
Now I have a new title: college dropout.
Talk about a reality check.
But I’ve got a chance to redeem myself. One summer to turn things around. Two months to prove I’m not a complete f*ck-up.
It’s time to change.
I want to get back to being one of the good guys.
MACKENNA
I have everything I need to live out my dream of being a reclusive songwriter—my guitar, my notebook, and blissful silence.
At least, I did until Jimmy moved in next door.
With tattoos, piercings, and mischievous green eyes, he’s got bad news written all over him. And last time I got with a bad boy, it ended horribly.
Jimmy makes me feel things I shouldn’t feel. Want things I shouldn’t want. He’s a hazard to my carefully laid plans.
But he’s only here for two months.
I can resist him...right?
Blurb:
JIMMY
Over the past year, I’ve been called a lot of things. Slacker. Troublemaker. Party animal.
I thought I was on top of the world. Turns out, I was pretty close to rock bottom.
Now I have a new title: college dropout.
Talk about a reality check.
But I’ve got a chance to redeem myself. One summer to turn things around. Two months to prove I’m not a complete f*ck-up.
It’s time to change.
I want to get back to being one of the good guys.
MACKENNA
I have everything I need to live out my dream of being a reclusive songwriter—my guitar, my notebook, and blissful silence.
At least, I did until Jimmy moved in next door.
With tattoos, piercings, and mischievous green eyes, he’s got bad news written all over him. And last time I got with a bad boy, it ended horribly.
Jimmy makes me feel things I shouldn’t feel. Want things I shouldn’t want. He’s a hazard to my carefully laid plans.
But he’s only here for two months.
I can resist him...right?
March 18, 2018
3.5 stars
Read
April 30, 2017I am deliberately not rating this due to personal reasons one of which is the age difference. H is 19yrs old and the h is 21yrs old and the immaturity comes across strongly in the H. If I have known about the age difference before then I would not have chosen this book. I was actually enjoying it before it got immature.
Here's my ramblings until I DNF'd at chapter 14:
•I was just screaming at her to call the police! But I was proud of her for shooting him
•His grandmother was a riot!
•Their first introduction was hilarious
•Why the fuck is he so young!!! I feel like screaming because I HATE older heroines/younger heroes in romances
Here's my ramblings until I DNF'd at chapter 14:
•I was just screaming at her to call the police! But I was proud of her for shooting him
•His grandmother was a riot!
•Their first introduction was hilarious
•Why the fuck is he so young!!! I feel like screaming because I HATE older heroines/younger heroes in romances
February 4, 2022
I’m officially obsessed with this series! Don’t let the cheesy cover fool you, this book is amazing! I love, love, loved every part of it. It’s sweet, with a touch of angst. It takes a few of my favourite tropes–including the woman with the haunted past, the neighbours falling in love, and grumpy sunshine (but this time, it’s the heroine who’s the total grump!) The book even brought back Beverley and Ernie, the elderly couple who I ADORED in the first instalment in this series. There’s so much humour and heart in this series, and I ate up every single word of this book and I’m craving more.
The next book is Ezra falling in love with the girl he’s been crushing on for years, and I could not be more excited!
The next book is Ezra falling in love with the girl he’s been crushing on for years, and I could not be more excited!
March 30, 2018
AAAAAH! Are the other books in this series as good as this one? Because this one was so perfect I can’t even.
Safety Stats:
Safety Stats:
March 25, 2019
Audiobook Review
Overall 3 stars
Performance 3 stars
Story 3 stars
This was a cute romance about getting a second chance when you least expect it. Jimmy is a 19 year old recent college dropout, staying with his grandmother for the summer and Mackenna is a 21 year old song writer, living next door who is quietly battling the demons from her past. Things get off to a rocky start, but things quickly shift as they spend more time together (thanks to Jimmy's grandmother). Being together brings out the best in both of them. Mack (and the town of Tolson) don't see Jimmy as a failure and he thrives in the small town, finding not only friendship and love, but also a calling he never considered. Jimmy makes Mack not only feel safe, but also shows her what true affection and love can be. For the first time in a long time she's not viewed with pity or disdain for the events in her past. The story was pretty predictable and I did feel it lasted longer than was necessary, especially the push away and drama at the very end. Jaxon and the drama he caused was very cliche and things resolved a little too neatly with him as well as Jay, but overall this was an entertaining listen. Grandma Beverly was a hoot and though she was sometimes over the top, she brought a lot of comic relief to the story. The epilogue was very sweet and I loved the appearances by the previous characters in the series.
I really enjoyed the narration by CJ Bloom and liked both her male and female voices. She was wonderful as Mack! Unfortunately, it was hit and miss for me and Alexander Cendese. This is my first audiobook narrated by him and I thought he was actually perfect as Jimmy, but every other character he voiced just didn't work for me. They all sounded too whiny or a bit deranged to my ears. Sometimes it was difficult to determine who was speaking as well. As Jimmy, however, he really captured the youthfulness and playful side of the character. This one might be a better read than listen for some. I love the idea of this series and that the good guy finishes first, and am looking forward to reading/listening to Ezra's story next.
Overall 3 stars
Performance 3 stars
Story 3 stars
This was a cute romance about getting a second chance when you least expect it. Jimmy is a 19 year old recent college dropout, staying with his grandmother for the summer and Mackenna is a 21 year old song writer, living next door who is quietly battling the demons from her past. Things get off to a rocky start, but things quickly shift as they spend more time together (thanks to Jimmy's grandmother). Being together brings out the best in both of them. Mack (and the town of Tolson) don't see Jimmy as a failure and he thrives in the small town, finding not only friendship and love, but also a calling he never considered. Jimmy makes Mack not only feel safe, but also shows her what true affection and love can be. For the first time in a long time she's not viewed with pity or disdain for the events in her past. The story was pretty predictable and I did feel it lasted longer than was necessary, especially the push away and drama at the very end. Jaxon and the drama he caused was very cliche and things resolved a little too neatly with him as well as Jay, but overall this was an entertaining listen. Grandma Beverly was a hoot and though she was sometimes over the top, she brought a lot of comic relief to the story. The epilogue was very sweet and I loved the appearances by the previous characters in the series.
I really enjoyed the narration by CJ Bloom and liked both her male and female voices. She was wonderful as Mack! Unfortunately, it was hit and miss for me and Alexander Cendese. This is my first audiobook narrated by him and I thought he was actually perfect as Jimmy, but every other character he voiced just didn't work for me. They all sounded too whiny or a bit deranged to my ears. Sometimes it was difficult to determine who was speaking as well. As Jimmy, however, he really captured the youthfulness and playful side of the character. This one might be a better read than listen for some. I love the idea of this series and that the good guy finishes first, and am looking forward to reading/listening to Ezra's story next.
August 8, 2022
3.5 stars. There's a lot in this book that I liked, but also quite a few things that didn't work for me.
I think the standout to me in this book is the heroine. She's been through so much, but remains strong throughout all of the trials in her life. The hero was just ok imo. He definitely had his good moments, but I didn't like his backstory. I specifically found that all talk of his tattoos, nipple piercings, and dick piercing to be a huge turn off. Somehow those things have *never* bothered me in other books, but ...I just couldn't with him. 😣😣 Maybe if he was older, this wouldn't have been a problem for me. But he's 19!!! When I think of a 19 year old, I imagine a child, not the man that was described in this story.
In addition to that, I found it extremely weird how supportive everyone in his family was about him dropping out of college, getting married, and having a baby at 19 years old! That's not much of a HEA in real life, that would instead be the start of a messy and hard life.
There were some good parts of this story though. I especially liked the hero's grandmother, and her parrot, who were both such fun additions to this story.
Safe; heroine was in an abusive relationship in high school which ended with her boyfriend in jail, he causes some drama in this story, hero's hs girlfriend wants him back and causes a misunderstanding between the MCs, hero was a manwhore during his one year in college but started to turn his life around before meeting the heroine and had been celibate for a few months, no cheating, no scenes with om/ow.
I think the standout to me in this book is the heroine. She's been through so much, but remains strong throughout all of the trials in her life. The hero was just ok imo. He definitely had his good moments, but I didn't like his backstory. I specifically found that all talk of his tattoos, nipple piercings, and dick piercing to be a huge turn off. Somehow those things have *never* bothered me in other books, but ...I just couldn't with him. 😣😣 Maybe if he was older, this wouldn't have been a problem for me. But he's 19!!! When I think of a 19 year old, I imagine a child, not the man that was described in this story.
In addition to that, I found it extremely weird how supportive everyone in his family was about him dropping out of college, getting married, and having a baby at 19 years old! That's not much of a HEA in real life, that would instead be the start of a messy and hard life.
There were some good parts of this story though. I especially liked the hero's grandmother, and her parrot, who were both such fun additions to this story.
Safe; heroine was in an abusive relationship in high school which ended with her boyfriend in jail, he causes some drama in this story, hero's hs girlfriend wants him back and causes a misunderstanding between the MCs, hero was a manwhore during his one year in college but started to turn his life around before meeting the heroine and had been celibate for a few months, no cheating, no scenes with om/ow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2017
"I’ll always know it’s you."
Well, it's OFFICIAL! I hereby decree that Jamie Schlosser is the reigning diva of sweetheart romances!! DROPOUT (The Good Guys, bk 3) was so swoony I think I OD'd on awwww-worthy feeeeels!
Ultimately, for me, every topnotch romance has a tantalizing hero at its epicenter and holy friggin God...Ms. Schlosser’s heroes are positively DREAMY!!! They are just so handsome and adorable and chivalrous and gentle-hearted…not to mention sexy as sin!! And omgeee...major GIRLCRUSH alert!! Jimmie Johnson, her latest Good Guy, is the leader of the Prince Charming pack!
He is big and buff, devoted to his family and friends, a pure gentleman and is just the perfect BBF! But that does not mean he is without flaws. On the contrary, he has a wild, reckless streak and effed up his freshman year at college by parting too hard and studying too little. He feels like a failure, a disappointment to everyone he knows, including himself, but rather than continue on his downward spiral he is determined to get back on track. So when his parents give him a shot at redemption by shipping him off to his Grandma’s for the summer he readily agrees to their deal. If he cleans up his act and a stays out of trouble, his parents will pay for his fall tuition at college. A cinch, right?
Ummm…not so fast.
‘Cause not long after he arrives, he crosses paths --in his tidy whiteys no less!!--with the moody girl next door who turns his world asunder.
"I came to Tolson with a plan. No women, no partying, and no fighting. But nothing could’ve prepared me for Mackenna. She made me want to get into the best kind of trouble.”
It’s INSTA-LUST for Jimmie the moment he sets eyes on Mackenna Connelly but for some reason, the beautiful, reclusive songwriter seems immune to his potent charms. Nevertheless, he is determined to pull out all the stops in his quest to woo the pretty hermit…the old fashioned way! Of course, despite her standoffish attitude, Mackenna is wildly attracted to the dark haired, green-eyed, GORGEOUSLY TATTED thorn in her side. But she is still licking her wounds from her traumatic past, is afraid of crowds, and has a very good reason to keep her guard up around this cocky, easy-going college dropout.
"I didn’t need temptation or distraction. One thing I certainly didn’t want was heartbreak. I had a feeling Jimmy could be the trifecta of all the things I should avoid."
But try as she might to freeze Jimmie out, her pesky neighbor burrows himself under her skin, fires her lust and makes her one horny girl!!! To satiate both their needs, she proposes a friends with benefits solution with certain rules that MUST be abided by ...the most important of which is Rule #3: “WE CAN’T FALL IN LOVE!”
But you know what they say--some rules are meant to be broken…
Sigh…I adored every moment of this sweet, delightfully sexy romance that gives you a surplus of happy endorphins! Jamie Schlosser continues to astound with her innate ability to pen pure-hearted, relatable NA romances that celebrate the breathtaking euphoria of first love. Although there is some light angst woven throughout, DROPOUT is not a book that's heavy on OTT melodrama, which was very refreshing. There is a quaint Midwestern charm to this story that was so alluring I seriously wanted to take a road trip to Tolson! This is the kind of romance that envelops you like a warm blanket and a fuzzy pair of slippers. Speaking of feeling all warm and toasty, the steam factor is WAY HOTTTT! The romantic chemistry is combustible, the sexual interludes plentiful and Mackenna and Jimmie are so darn ADORABLE together I could hardly stand it!
Their arrangement may have started out as a short term hookup, but somewhere along the way their feelings become all too real. Jimmy makes Mackenna feel alive, safe and cherished, and provides a welcome reprieve from her solitary existence. Meanwhile, Mackenna looks at him like he’s hung the moon and she inspires him to be the best version of himself. But with the summer quickly winding down, can these two lovebirds find a way to make it work, especially with the specter of her vengeful ex waiting in the shadows?
Both these characters are endearing and beautifully nuanced. Jimmie is a mesmerizing combination of rugged masculinity and sweet gentlemanly charm. Beneath his rough bad boy exterior beats a kind, noble heart that makes you weak in the knees!! It's a glorious thing to behold this reformed screw-up turn his life around and try to prove that he can RISE ABOVE his mistakes. And Mackenna is a fascinating contradiction as well. She is strong and feisty yet achingly vulnerable; mature beyond her years but shy and innocent and socially awkward at the same time.
I felt a full range of emotions throughout. DROPOUT was sexy and hilarious one minute, then poignant and heartbreaking the next, and there is even an undercurrent of external danger. There are so many warm, funny, touching moments throughout…too many to name. Some of my fave highlights are: Beverly…the coolest grandmother EVER! Gorging on Ice Cream Sandwiches! Knock Knock Jokes! “Champion-level cuddling.” And, of course, Sweet Pea, the foul-mouthed, pooping parrot!
I also got all warm and gushy over Jimmy’s remarkably FUNCTIONAL relationship with his family --especially his engaging rapport with his hard drinking, fun loving grandmother as well as his big bro protectiveness toward with his physically-challenged younger sibling Ezra (who by the way need his own book one day!!!) It was also fun revisiting with Travis and Colton, Good Guys from the previous books in the series, and getting giddy glimpses into their HEAs.
Ultimately, DROPOUT scores big-time on swoon and warm fuzzy feels, and earns straight A's in my book!!
5 Starfish Stars!!
Well, it's OFFICIAL! I hereby decree that Jamie Schlosser is the reigning diva of sweetheart romances!! DROPOUT (The Good Guys, bk 3) was so swoony I think I OD'd on awwww-worthy feeeeels!
Ultimately, for me, every topnotch romance has a tantalizing hero at its epicenter and holy friggin God...Ms. Schlosser’s heroes are positively DREAMY!!! They are just so handsome and adorable and chivalrous and gentle-hearted…not to mention sexy as sin!! And omgeee...major GIRLCRUSH alert!! Jimmie Johnson, her latest Good Guy, is the leader of the Prince Charming pack!
He is big and buff, devoted to his family and friends, a pure gentleman and is just the perfect BBF! But that does not mean he is without flaws. On the contrary, he has a wild, reckless streak and effed up his freshman year at college by parting too hard and studying too little. He feels like a failure, a disappointment to everyone he knows, including himself, but rather than continue on his downward spiral he is determined to get back on track. So when his parents give him a shot at redemption by shipping him off to his Grandma’s for the summer he readily agrees to their deal. If he cleans up his act and a stays out of trouble, his parents will pay for his fall tuition at college. A cinch, right?
Ummm…not so fast.
‘Cause not long after he arrives, he crosses paths --in his tidy whiteys no less!!--with the moody girl next door who turns his world asunder.
"I came to Tolson with a plan. No women, no partying, and no fighting. But nothing could’ve prepared me for Mackenna. She made me want to get into the best kind of trouble.”
It’s INSTA-LUST for Jimmie the moment he sets eyes on Mackenna Connelly but for some reason, the beautiful, reclusive songwriter seems immune to his potent charms. Nevertheless, he is determined to pull out all the stops in his quest to woo the pretty hermit…the old fashioned way! Of course, despite her standoffish attitude, Mackenna is wildly attracted to the dark haired, green-eyed, GORGEOUSLY TATTED thorn in her side. But she is still licking her wounds from her traumatic past, is afraid of crowds, and has a very good reason to keep her guard up around this cocky, easy-going college dropout.
"I didn’t need temptation or distraction. One thing I certainly didn’t want was heartbreak. I had a feeling Jimmy could be the trifecta of all the things I should avoid."
But try as she might to freeze Jimmie out, her pesky neighbor burrows himself under her skin, fires her lust and makes her one horny girl!!! To satiate both their needs, she proposes a friends with benefits solution with certain rules that MUST be abided by ...the most important of which is Rule #3: “WE CAN’T FALL IN LOVE!”
But you know what they say--some rules are meant to be broken…
Sigh…I adored every moment of this sweet, delightfully sexy romance that gives you a surplus of happy endorphins! Jamie Schlosser continues to astound with her innate ability to pen pure-hearted, relatable NA romances that celebrate the breathtaking euphoria of first love. Although there is some light angst woven throughout, DROPOUT is not a book that's heavy on OTT melodrama, which was very refreshing. There is a quaint Midwestern charm to this story that was so alluring I seriously wanted to take a road trip to Tolson! This is the kind of romance that envelops you like a warm blanket and a fuzzy pair of slippers. Speaking of feeling all warm and toasty, the steam factor is WAY HOTTTT! The romantic chemistry is combustible, the sexual interludes plentiful and Mackenna and Jimmie are so darn ADORABLE together I could hardly stand it!
Their arrangement may have started out as a short term hookup, but somewhere along the way their feelings become all too real. Jimmy makes Mackenna feel alive, safe and cherished, and provides a welcome reprieve from her solitary existence. Meanwhile, Mackenna looks at him like he’s hung the moon and she inspires him to be the best version of himself. But with the summer quickly winding down, can these two lovebirds find a way to make it work, especially with the specter of her vengeful ex waiting in the shadows?
Both these characters are endearing and beautifully nuanced. Jimmie is a mesmerizing combination of rugged masculinity and sweet gentlemanly charm. Beneath his rough bad boy exterior beats a kind, noble heart that makes you weak in the knees!! It's a glorious thing to behold this reformed screw-up turn his life around and try to prove that he can RISE ABOVE his mistakes. And Mackenna is a fascinating contradiction as well. She is strong and feisty yet achingly vulnerable; mature beyond her years but shy and innocent and socially awkward at the same time.
I felt a full range of emotions throughout. DROPOUT was sexy and hilarious one minute, then poignant and heartbreaking the next, and there is even an undercurrent of external danger. There are so many warm, funny, touching moments throughout…too many to name. Some of my fave highlights are: Beverly…the coolest grandmother EVER! Gorging on Ice Cream Sandwiches! Knock Knock Jokes! “Champion-level cuddling.” And, of course, Sweet Pea, the foul-mouthed, pooping parrot!
I also got all warm and gushy over Jimmy’s remarkably FUNCTIONAL relationship with his family --especially his engaging rapport with his hard drinking, fun loving grandmother as well as his big bro protectiveness toward with his physically-challenged younger sibling Ezra (who by the way need his own book one day!!!) It was also fun revisiting with Travis and Colton, Good Guys from the previous books in the series, and getting giddy glimpses into their HEAs.
Ultimately, DROPOUT scores big-time on swoon and warm fuzzy feels, and earns straight A's in my book!!
5 Starfish Stars!!
October 7, 2019
I loved Jimmy from the very first page. I love how his favorite person was Ezra. And I absolutely loved how he treated his Grandma. He has the best personality. He was over the moon for Mack from the beginning and put in so much time to get her comfortable around him. And he made a huge sacrifice for her and her past.
January 27, 2019
🌟🌟🌟
SPOILERS AHEAD
This was a story about a 19 year old guy who had just been broken up with by his long time high school girlfriend right before he started college. As a result, he went off the rails- drinking and hooking up - until he woke up in bed with two girls and didn't remember a thing. he was disgusted by his behavior and that he'd put himself at risk for unprotected sex. One of the girls told him later that they hadn't done anything but sleep. He'd passed out first. He got tested anyway and swore off women, but it was too late to save his grades. His parents were made he was doing so poorly and sent him to live with his grandma for the summer. That's where he meets the heroine.
The heroine had been in a toxic relationship in high school. The guy forced her to have sex numerous times while dating and she finally broke up with him. He became even more obsessed and came after her with a bat and knife. She shot him and he went to jail. As a result of her bad experience, she had trouble trusting men. She was only with one other guy after him and the sex was unsatisfactory.
The couple ends up together after a little misunderstanding at the end. It don't think it's logical, they're both too young to be happy about a baby out of wedlock. IMHO
Safety: Hero had numerous ONS in college, but had been celibate for at least 6 mo. Heroine had boyfriend in high school and one other guy who she had a few encounters with. They used the pullout method...unsuccessfully. PEOPLE: THIS METHOD NEVER WORKS. They have STD talk and it was her idea to go bareback and chance it. They waited for so long to be together that they couldn't wait another day until he got condoms. DUMB
SPOILERS AHEAD
This was a story about a 19 year old guy who had just been broken up with by his long time high school girlfriend right before he started college. As a result, he went off the rails- drinking and hooking up - until he woke up in bed with two girls and didn't remember a thing. he was disgusted by his behavior and that he'd put himself at risk for unprotected sex. One of the girls told him later that they hadn't done anything but sleep. He'd passed out first. He got tested anyway and swore off women, but it was too late to save his grades. His parents were made he was doing so poorly and sent him to live with his grandma for the summer. That's where he meets the heroine.
The heroine had been in a toxic relationship in high school. The guy forced her to have sex numerous times while dating and she finally broke up with him. He became even more obsessed and came after her with a bat and knife. She shot him and he went to jail. As a result of her bad experience, she had trouble trusting men. She was only with one other guy after him and the sex was unsatisfactory.
The couple ends up together after a little misunderstanding at the end. It don't think it's logical, they're both too young to be happy about a baby out of wedlock. IMHO
Safety: Hero had numerous ONS in college, but had been celibate for at least 6 mo. Heroine had boyfriend in high school and one other guy who she had a few encounters with. They used the pullout method...unsuccessfully. PEOPLE: THIS METHOD NEVER WORKS. They have STD talk and it was her idea to go bareback and chance it. They waited for so long to be together that they couldn't wait another day until he got condoms. DUMB
March 31, 2018
Loved it!
This book is my favourite in the series! I thoroughly enjoyed both characters Jimmy and Mackenna. Jimmy may have gone off the rails a bit in his first year of college but he knew he messed up and vowed to become a better man. Mackenna was such a sweet girl that had been through a lot thanks to her ex. She lives next door to Jimmy's Grandma and was determined to avoid him the moment she met him even though she is extremely attracted to him. Jimmy had sworn off women for the foreseeable future but the moment he lays eyes on her he knows he has to get to know her. This story was beautiful, sweet and sexy. It was a great to read their journey to a HEA. Now on to Ezra's story!
This book is my favourite in the series! I thoroughly enjoyed both characters Jimmy and Mackenna. Jimmy may have gone off the rails a bit in his first year of college but he knew he messed up and vowed to become a better man. Mackenna was such a sweet girl that had been through a lot thanks to her ex. She lives next door to Jimmy's Grandma and was determined to avoid him the moment she met him even though she is extremely attracted to him. Jimmy had sworn off women for the foreseeable future but the moment he lays eyes on her he knows he has to get to know her. This story was beautiful, sweet and sexy. It was a great to read their journey to a HEA. Now on to Ezra's story!
July 1, 2019
‘Dropout’ is the third book in ‘The good guys’ series and just like the other two books in this new adult book series I enjoyed this story very much. Jimmy was the perfect mix of a good guy with a bad boy look (with his tattoos and piercings) but with a gentle heart underneath and who also wasn’t afraid to fight to protect his love ones. He’s just a swooning combination of things that I love in a guy. Mackenna was more cautious, not very social but she also had a gentle heart, only that heart has been hurt in the past so it’s more guarded. So Jimmy had to try very hard for her to trust him.
I loved the interaction between Mackenna and Jimmy, how Jimmy tried to get a reaction out of Mackenna, what he did to try to gain her trust. And the side characters in the story certainly created a few funny moments (Jimmy’s grandmother Beverly was something special). For the readers who have read the previous books in this series, they will see some familiar faces again but if you haven’t read them, don’t worry. You don’t have to read them to read this book.
The story is told from both POV’s. ‘Dropout’ is an easy to read new adult story with very little drama in it. It does have a hunky good guy in it and a withdrawn girl who is waiting for that one guy that can show her that love doesn’t have to hurt but can be something wonderful.
I enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to reading more stories in this series.
I loved the interaction between Mackenna and Jimmy, how Jimmy tried to get a reaction out of Mackenna, what he did to try to gain her trust. And the side characters in the story certainly created a few funny moments (Jimmy’s grandmother Beverly was something special). For the readers who have read the previous books in this series, they will see some familiar faces again but if you haven’t read them, don’t worry. You don’t have to read them to read this book.
The story is told from both POV’s. ‘Dropout’ is an easy to read new adult story with very little drama in it. It does have a hunky good guy in it and a withdrawn girl who is waiting for that one guy that can show her that love doesn’t have to hurt but can be something wonderful.
I enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to reading more stories in this series.
March 20, 2018
Had some really great elements, especially toward the end of the book, when the angst is really thrown into gear.
I liked Mack as a heroine. I get a little iffy about younger guys and older girls in a story, though he was 19 to her 21. Just me being nit-picky, but it ended up being a sticky-sweet love story that was relatively believable.
I liked Mack as a heroine. I get a little iffy about younger guys and older girls in a story, though he was 19 to her 21. Just me being nit-picky, but it ended up being a sticky-sweet love story that was relatively believable.
April 5, 2017
I have been following this author since the start of this series and each book is better then the last. With fresh plots, memorable characters and enough swoon to knock you off you feet I was really excited for this book.
Jimmy was one of those heroes that says all the right things and makes you swoon from start to finish.
Mackenna was so strong! I loved her ambition not only in what she does but also in her life.
The secondary characters rocked! I loved seeing the past characters and getting to catch up with them and also meeting new ones. Beverly has to be one of my favorites through out the series! Once you read you will find out why. (Lol)
The story starts off with holy crap moments and then it transforms into this tale of moving forward and adapting to change. I loved the drama and even though it was lighter, and took back page to the romance aspect. The passion that Jimmy has to do better and make something out of him self, was awe inspiring.
Overall; since I can't give a lot away, I love both characters family dynamic. They were so supportive that you get the feelings that makes you smile because of it. I can't wait to see what's next!!! 5 stars #2OCCJD
Jimmy was one of those heroes that says all the right things and makes you swoon from start to finish.
Mackenna was so strong! I loved her ambition not only in what she does but also in her life.
The secondary characters rocked! I loved seeing the past characters and getting to catch up with them and also meeting new ones. Beverly has to be one of my favorites through out the series! Once you read you will find out why. (Lol)
The story starts off with holy crap moments and then it transforms into this tale of moving forward and adapting to change. I loved the drama and even though it was lighter, and took back page to the romance aspect. The passion that Jimmy has to do better and make something out of him self, was awe inspiring.
Overall; since I can't give a lot away, I love both characters family dynamic. They were so supportive that you get the feelings that makes you smile because of it. I can't wait to see what's next!!! 5 stars #2OCCJD
April 30, 2017
Dropout by Jamie Schlosser a fantastic five-star read. This is the third book in the Good guys series, but they can all be read as stand alone. But all books are set in the quiet town Tolson, Illinois and we do see the other characters from the other books pop up in this book. So if you haven’t read them then you will get spoilers, but also it won’t matter, you will fall in love with everyone at Hank’s Auto Shop, and everyone at the knitting club, but most especially you will fall in love with Beverly Louise Johnson who may be a Grandma to everyone but her and a small character named Sweat Pea are well on the way to stealing the show from the main characters of this instalment, Jimmy and Mackenna.
James Peabody Johnson has become somewhat lost of the last year. A year ago he went to college with his high school sweet-heart, they had everything going for them. He was a straight A student, his was a great role model to his younger brother, a hero in his eyes. Then they split up and he became a little lost. Started partying and failed college, so now he has a new label, Dropout Jimmy. When he gets the chance to redeem himself by going and spending the summer with his Grandma Beverly. Jimmy jumps at the chance and when he meets her shy neighbour he starts to realise this summer may be his last chance to grow up.
Mackenna Connelly is a shy girl, some may call her a hermit. After living in Nashville for three years she returns to a small town near her home town, but far enough away that it’s not on the doorstep. Mackenna has chosen to live this life as a reclusive song writer after a life choice that led to an event that shook her to the core, after a rough ride she needs the peace and plans on a quiet life. But sometimes plans are meant to be broken, and tattooed bad boys with piercings in places that make your eyes and legs cross usually have a way of breaking those plans in the best ways possible.
James Peabody Johnson has become somewhat lost of the last year. A year ago he went to college with his high school sweet-heart, they had everything going for them. He was a straight A student, his was a great role model to his younger brother, a hero in his eyes. Then they split up and he became a little lost. Started partying and failed college, so now he has a new label, Dropout Jimmy. When he gets the chance to redeem himself by going and spending the summer with his Grandma Beverly. Jimmy jumps at the chance and when he meets her shy neighbour he starts to realise this summer may be his last chance to grow up.
Mackenna Connelly is a shy girl, some may call her a hermit. After living in Nashville for three years she returns to a small town near her home town, but far enough away that it’s not on the doorstep. Mackenna has chosen to live this life as a reclusive song writer after a life choice that led to an event that shook her to the core, after a rough ride she needs the peace and plans on a quiet life. But sometimes plans are meant to be broken, and tattooed bad boys with piercings in places that make your eyes and legs cross usually have a way of breaking those plans in the best ways possible.
April 27, 2017
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
There is nothing I love more than finding a new to me author’s books to love, and let me tell y’all, I loved every unputdownable bit of Dropout by Jamie Schlosser. This book was fantastic. Fan-freaking-tastic. I could not put it down, I did not want to put it down one bit, and I just loved every single moment I got with these characters as they shared what they did. Jamie Schlosser hooked me into this story from the very first page of that unforgettable and heart racing prologue, and every page that followed pulled me in more to this sweet, heart touching, and deliciously heated love story.
Dropout was a book that had it all. Two lead characters I felt so much for. The perfect blend of banter, heat, and feels. A town and world of supporting characters that were lively and so enjoyable. A story that had the right amount of twists and turns, with just enough of everything woven into a love story I could not get enough of.
Dropout is a satisfying, well written, and downright good read that will have you loving every wonderful bit you get with Mackenna and Jimmy as they see what could be between them. You won’t want to leave those two. Trust me. I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face, and I still wanted more time with those two because I loved their characters so much.
This book made me smile. It made me laugh out loud more times than I could count. It made me swoon and melt and just love what these two were sharing. It kept me so encapsulated in what this author created through every turn of the page, and that was exactly what I needed.
Let me tell y’all, Jimmy stole my heart from the very first pages of this book. I loved that man. I loved that he was trying to prove himself and turn his life back to where he wanted it to be. I loved that he was a guy with so much tenacity and determination to get what he wanted, to show Mackenna what could be, yet at the same time he had such a thoughtfulness and protective nature to him that just melted my heart. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to fight for what he knew was possible, and I loved that he did it all with a heart of gold that was good all the way through. I think the goodness of that guy shined through every page of this book, and I can’t say enough how much I loved it. I might’ve also loved the fact that he was covered in tattoos and had piercings to boot. Just saying. I am telling you, once you meet this man, you’ll love him. You’ll love his heart, his humor, and you’ll just love every single incredible bit of him.
Mackenna is one strong female character. That girl has been through so much, more than any person should, and years later she is still trying to put all the pieces back together. Since everything that’s happened she’s kept to herself, but one unforgettable encounter with her new next door neighbor Jimmy leads to things she never could’ve expected. My heart went to Mackenna through every page of this book. That girl is on a path to healing, and slowly but surely, she along with the help and thoughtful push of Jimmy, starts to heal from her past in order to fight for the future she so starts to want. I loved Mackenna’s strength, I loved her fire and that she wasn’t afraid to be honest, and I loved how she just felt. I felt it all with that girl while reading this book, and getting to be with her as she healed, as she fell, and as she fought to be where she so deserved to be was amazing.
From the moment Jimmy and Mackenna meet, there is a literal spark that fires between those two that keeps pulling them closer and closer together. What the two of them share is so real, so full of feels, and I guarantee it’ll make you blush, but more than that it’ll have you knowing and believing about the power of meeting the one right person. What Mackenna and Jimmy share just felt so right and so good. Those two have such a connection with one another that builds and grows over the course of this book. Those two grow right along with that connection, and they soon realize that what first started off with sparks, is so much more. Getting that more with them gave me it all, and had me rooting with all I had that those two would figure it all out. Their love story in Dropout will pull at your heart, while simultaneously making you blush, and you will eat up every moment of that.
Now I have to say that part of what made me love this book so much was the small town it took place in, along with the incredible and distinctive supporting characters that came along with it. Beverly, Jimmy’s grandma, is an absolute gem and there was not an instant with that spunky woman where she didn’t make me laugh out loud. The other characters of this book and world add a phenomenal layer to the story between Mackenna and Jimmy, and just pull you in more to what’s happening. I fell in love with them all, and the small town they call home. When I finished this book I knew I needed more with them all, and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series and to get back to that small and wonderful town. I am telling you, you will just love being in this book and world and the goodness that exudes from it.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was how it pushed both Mackenna and Jimmy to want more. It pushed their emotions, their hearts, and their purposes and dreams. It forced them both to really think about what they wanted, and what they were willing to do for what they desired so much. This book and its events pushed them both to their limits in different ways, and forced them to realize what was important and what they needed. Getting to be with them every step of the way as they figured it all out, as they tried to see what could be between them, and as they pushed for that more was phenomenal. It was exciting and romantic and scary and it forced them to be vulnerable and honest, but in the same breath it showed them all of what could be if they only gave it all a chance. Seeing them take that chance was what made this book so good.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jamie Schlosser, but you can rest assured it will not be the last. I loved her writing so much. I loved how it hooked me in right from the start, and allowed me to feel like I was right there with these characters experiencing what they were. I loved how her writing let me sink right into this story, how it let me get and understand these characters, and how it put me right in the thick of it with them. Her writing brought these characters and their story to life in the most consuming way, and that is just part of why I loved what she gave me so much. I look forward to reading more of her words because I have no doubt I will love them just as much as I did with Dropout.
Dropout is a story of how the one person you would have never thought would mean something, can end up being the one person who means everything. This book is a sweet, enrapturing, and humor and heat filled read that will give you a book full of life, love, healing, and the amazing things that can happen when you have all three. This book just made my heart happy. It squeezed it with what these characters go through and their struggles, and it had me loving and rooting for them through every word.
If you are looking for a story that will take you in with all it has, give you so many moments that will have you laughing and smiling and just feeling it all, all while falling head over heels for the serious connection and heart of two characters, then you need this book in your life. I can’t say enough how much I needed a book like this. It just felt good to read this story, to get to know and fall in love with these characters, and to be with them through everything that came their way.
Dropout was well written, unputdownable in the best possible way, and told a phenomenal story of two characters that may have seemed quite opposite, yet connected in all the right ways that mattered. You will love this book, and I am telling you, in the end you will finish it with a full heart and a big smile, and maybe a bit of a blush, and that is just part of what makes this book so incredible.
There is nothing I love more than finding a new to me author’s books to love, and let me tell y’all, I loved every unputdownable bit of Dropout by Jamie Schlosser. This book was fantastic. Fan-freaking-tastic. I could not put it down, I did not want to put it down one bit, and I just loved every single moment I got with these characters as they shared what they did. Jamie Schlosser hooked me into this story from the very first page of that unforgettable and heart racing prologue, and every page that followed pulled me in more to this sweet, heart touching, and deliciously heated love story.
Dropout was a book that had it all. Two lead characters I felt so much for. The perfect blend of banter, heat, and feels. A town and world of supporting characters that were lively and so enjoyable. A story that had the right amount of twists and turns, with just enough of everything woven into a love story I could not get enough of.
Dropout is a satisfying, well written, and downright good read that will have you loving every wonderful bit you get with Mackenna and Jimmy as they see what could be between them. You won’t want to leave those two. Trust me. I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face, and I still wanted more time with those two because I loved their characters so much.
This book made me smile. It made me laugh out loud more times than I could count. It made me swoon and melt and just love what these two were sharing. It kept me so encapsulated in what this author created through every turn of the page, and that was exactly what I needed.
Let me tell y’all, Jimmy stole my heart from the very first pages of this book. I loved that man. I loved that he was trying to prove himself and turn his life back to where he wanted it to be. I loved that he was a guy with so much tenacity and determination to get what he wanted, to show Mackenna what could be, yet at the same time he had such a thoughtfulness and protective nature to him that just melted my heart. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to fight for what he knew was possible, and I loved that he did it all with a heart of gold that was good all the way through. I think the goodness of that guy shined through every page of this book, and I can’t say enough how much I loved it. I might’ve also loved the fact that he was covered in tattoos and had piercings to boot. Just saying. I am telling you, once you meet this man, you’ll love him. You’ll love his heart, his humor, and you’ll just love every single incredible bit of him.
Mackenna is one strong female character. That girl has been through so much, more than any person should, and years later she is still trying to put all the pieces back together. Since everything that’s happened she’s kept to herself, but one unforgettable encounter with her new next door neighbor Jimmy leads to things she never could’ve expected. My heart went to Mackenna through every page of this book. That girl is on a path to healing, and slowly but surely, she along with the help and thoughtful push of Jimmy, starts to heal from her past in order to fight for the future she so starts to want. I loved Mackenna’s strength, I loved her fire and that she wasn’t afraid to be honest, and I loved how she just felt. I felt it all with that girl while reading this book, and getting to be with her as she healed, as she fell, and as she fought to be where she so deserved to be was amazing.
From the moment Jimmy and Mackenna meet, there is a literal spark that fires between those two that keeps pulling them closer and closer together. What the two of them share is so real, so full of feels, and I guarantee it’ll make you blush, but more than that it’ll have you knowing and believing about the power of meeting the one right person. What Mackenna and Jimmy share just felt so right and so good. Those two have such a connection with one another that builds and grows over the course of this book. Those two grow right along with that connection, and they soon realize that what first started off with sparks, is so much more. Getting that more with them gave me it all, and had me rooting with all I had that those two would figure it all out. Their love story in Dropout will pull at your heart, while simultaneously making you blush, and you will eat up every moment of that.
Now I have to say that part of what made me love this book so much was the small town it took place in, along with the incredible and distinctive supporting characters that came along with it. Beverly, Jimmy’s grandma, is an absolute gem and there was not an instant with that spunky woman where she didn’t make me laugh out loud. The other characters of this book and world add a phenomenal layer to the story between Mackenna and Jimmy, and just pull you in more to what’s happening. I fell in love with them all, and the small town they call home. When I finished this book I knew I needed more with them all, and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series and to get back to that small and wonderful town. I am telling you, you will just love being in this book and world and the goodness that exudes from it.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was how it pushed both Mackenna and Jimmy to want more. It pushed their emotions, their hearts, and their purposes and dreams. It forced them both to really think about what they wanted, and what they were willing to do for what they desired so much. This book and its events pushed them both to their limits in different ways, and forced them to realize what was important and what they needed. Getting to be with them every step of the way as they figured it all out, as they tried to see what could be between them, and as they pushed for that more was phenomenal. It was exciting and romantic and scary and it forced them to be vulnerable and honest, but in the same breath it showed them all of what could be if they only gave it all a chance. Seeing them take that chance was what made this book so good.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jamie Schlosser, but you can rest assured it will not be the last. I loved her writing so much. I loved how it hooked me in right from the start, and allowed me to feel like I was right there with these characters experiencing what they were. I loved how her writing let me sink right into this story, how it let me get and understand these characters, and how it put me right in the thick of it with them. Her writing brought these characters and their story to life in the most consuming way, and that is just part of why I loved what she gave me so much. I look forward to reading more of her words because I have no doubt I will love them just as much as I did with Dropout.
Dropout is a story of how the one person you would have never thought would mean something, can end up being the one person who means everything. This book is a sweet, enrapturing, and humor and heat filled read that will give you a book full of life, love, healing, and the amazing things that can happen when you have all three. This book just made my heart happy. It squeezed it with what these characters go through and their struggles, and it had me loving and rooting for them through every word.
If you are looking for a story that will take you in with all it has, give you so many moments that will have you laughing and smiling and just feeling it all, all while falling head over heels for the serious connection and heart of two characters, then you need this book in your life. I can’t say enough how much I needed a book like this. It just felt good to read this story, to get to know and fall in love with these characters, and to be with them through everything that came their way.
Dropout was well written, unputdownable in the best possible way, and told a phenomenal story of two characters that may have seemed quite opposite, yet connected in all the right ways that mattered. You will love this book, and I am telling you, in the end you will finish it with a full heart and a big smile, and maybe a bit of a blush, and that is just part of what makes this book so incredible.
May 19, 2018
I’ve been reading this series out of order. I started with Outcast, Book 4, and was so enchanted with it I wanted to read more by this author. So my next choice was a book that didn’t work quite so well, and then I gave this one a read. This is the story of Jimmy, older brother of Ezra from Outcast, and MacKenna, a young woman who went through a horrific situation before the start of the book.
Jimmy is a college dropout, thus the title of the book. He had his chance, but he partied so wildly his grades dropped significantly and all the money his parents spent on his education went down the drain. Now, to teach him some responsibility, he’s spending the summer with his grandmother, helping her out with all her chores. This is a sentence he doesn’t mind at all, because he adores his grandma and he’s determined to make up for disappointing his parents.
Once he arrives at his grandmother’s, he meets her Very Attactive Young Neighbour MacKenna. He’s attracted to her right from the start, but she’s giving him mixed signals. At first she seems interested and then out of the blue she turns cold. Jimmy’s never had trouble having girls interested in him, so he’s a bit thrown. But the reader knows that MacKenna had a stalker ex who abused her and then tried to kill her. In order to saver herself, she had to shoot him and he’s now in prison. When this went down, the whole town turned against her and she’s very wary now. Before the book opened, she left the small town and became a modest success as a singer, but that became too much for her to be on stage. So now she makes a good living as a rather reclusive songwriter.
She returns Jimmy’s interest, but until she tells him of her past, she’s hot and cold. But once she does, he’s very supportive of her, and their attraction turns to love.
I had issues with this book, which is their ages. Jimmy has only turned 19 and as such doesn’t have the maturity to deal with a lasting kind of love. He just bombed out of college because of his immaturity and I don’t for a moment think he gained a great deal of it overnight. He’s still being supported by his parents and currently living with his grandmother.
MacKenna has more maturity going for her. She’s older than Jimmy by a couple of years; she’s lived on her own, and I’m sure because of the trauma she went through she had to grow up quicker than most. As I closed this book, I don’t think is was a relationship that will withstand the test of time. Too much growing on the hero’s part is needed.
Jimmy is a college dropout, thus the title of the book. He had his chance, but he partied so wildly his grades dropped significantly and all the money his parents spent on his education went down the drain. Now, to teach him some responsibility, he’s spending the summer with his grandmother, helping her out with all her chores. This is a sentence he doesn’t mind at all, because he adores his grandma and he’s determined to make up for disappointing his parents.
Once he arrives at his grandmother’s, he meets her Very Attactive Young Neighbour MacKenna. He’s attracted to her right from the start, but she’s giving him mixed signals. At first she seems interested and then out of the blue she turns cold. Jimmy’s never had trouble having girls interested in him, so he’s a bit thrown. But the reader knows that MacKenna had a stalker ex who abused her and then tried to kill her. In order to saver herself, she had to shoot him and he’s now in prison. When this went down, the whole town turned against her and she’s very wary now. Before the book opened, she left the small town and became a modest success as a singer, but that became too much for her to be on stage. So now she makes a good living as a rather reclusive songwriter.
She returns Jimmy’s interest, but until she tells him of her past, she’s hot and cold. But once she does, he’s very supportive of her, and their attraction turns to love.
I had issues with this book, which is their ages. Jimmy has only turned 19 and as such doesn’t have the maturity to deal with a lasting kind of love. He just bombed out of college because of his immaturity and I don’t for a moment think he gained a great deal of it overnight. He’s still being supported by his parents and currently living with his grandmother.
MacKenna has more maturity going for her. She’s older than Jimmy by a couple of years; she’s lived on her own, and I’m sure because of the trauma she went through she had to grow up quicker than most. As I closed this book, I don’t think is was a relationship that will withstand the test of time. Too much growing on the hero’s part is needed.
February 22, 2018
Note to self:
- Dual POV
- Prologue: 3 years ago: Mack’s ex boyfriend Jaxson is trying to break into her house. He was abusive during their relationship and now that they’ve broken up he’s been stalking and threatening her. She shoots Jaxson - not sure if she get him or if she missed.. if he’s dead, injured, alive? It just switches to Chapter 1.
- Chapter 2: Mack is moving to Tolson; Jaxson is in jail.
- Mack is Beverly’s neighbour (beverly is jimmy’s grandma)
- Jimmy gets a job at Hanks Auto Shop
- Mack wants to be friends with benefits but Jimmy says no that with her he wants all or nothing
- She later convinces him to do it anyway…
- Jimmy stays with Mack after she receives a threatening letter she thinks is from her ex
- Mack overhears a conversation between Jimmy and his ex. She thinks he’s changed his mind about moving there permanently. She just found out she’s pregnant but doesn’t want to be a second choice now that he can have what he really wants with his ex. She only hears half the conversation before she goes home. Once she’s home she decides she can’t be there so she runs.
- Jimmy finds the pregnancy test in the garbage
- Jimmy thinks this means Mack thinks he’d be a bad dad and doesn’t want him in their lives. So he starts packing to go back to Ohio?
- Nope, he moves into Mack’s while she’s hiding at her parents house
Things I liked:
- “‘Okay, maybe it was on purpose. It’s just ’cause I think you’re pretty and I like it when you talk to me, even if you are scowling.’”
- Mack doesn’t get mad at Jimmy for fighting Jaxson
Things I didn’t like:
- Mack wants to be friends with benefits but Jimmy says no that with her he wants all or nothing
- She later convinces him to do it anyway…
- Jimmy has his friend set up a street fight with Jaxson
- There is a lot more sex in this book than the previous ones… it overshadows a lot of the story and I found my self skimming through a lot of this book so I could finish it
- Mack running away at 92%.. I mean reeeeeaally?
- Dual POV
- Prologue: 3 years ago: Mack’s ex boyfriend Jaxson is trying to break into her house. He was abusive during their relationship and now that they’ve broken up he’s been stalking and threatening her. She shoots Jaxson - not sure if she get him or if she missed.. if he’s dead, injured, alive? It just switches to Chapter 1.
- Chapter 2: Mack is moving to Tolson; Jaxson is in jail.
- Mack is Beverly’s neighbour (beverly is jimmy’s grandma)
- Jimmy gets a job at Hanks Auto Shop
- Mack wants to be friends with benefits but Jimmy says no that with her he wants all or nothing
- She later convinces him to do it anyway…
- Jimmy stays with Mack after she receives a threatening letter she thinks is from her ex
- Mack overhears a conversation between Jimmy and his ex. She thinks he’s changed his mind about moving there permanently. She just found out she’s pregnant but doesn’t want to be a second choice now that he can have what he really wants with his ex. She only hears half the conversation before she goes home. Once she’s home she decides she can’t be there so she runs.
- Jimmy finds the pregnancy test in the garbage
- Jimmy thinks this means Mack thinks he’d be a bad dad and doesn’t want him in their lives. So he starts packing to go back to Ohio?
- Nope, he moves into Mack’s while she’s hiding at her parents house
Things I liked:
- “‘Okay, maybe it was on purpose. It’s just ’cause I think you’re pretty and I like it when you talk to me, even if you are scowling.’”
- Mack doesn’t get mad at Jimmy for fighting Jaxson
Things I didn’t like:
- Mack wants to be friends with benefits but Jimmy says no that with her he wants all or nothing
- She later convinces him to do it anyway…
- Jimmy has his friend set up a street fight with Jaxson
- There is a lot more sex in this book than the previous ones… it overshadows a lot of the story and I found my self skimming through a lot of this book so I could finish it
- Mack running away at 92%.. I mean reeeeeaally?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2022
Smitten is the word that best describes how I feel about this book and series.....just smitten with it. I was so excited that Beverly's grandson got his own book, because I absolutely love her character. Maybe one of my favorite characters ever, she's tough as nails, straight forward and ornery as all get out.
Mackenna aka Mack is a songwriter who has had a rough go of it and Jimmy is staying with his grandma to help her out with the house maintenance and work some things out for himself. When these two meet....so damn funny. They have so much chemistry, but Mack is guarded and Jimmy wants her to drop her guard. He's pretty fun with his pursuit of her, because sometimes the simple things in life are the best. Jimmy is just a great guy, ornery like his grandma, but still a great guy. I think this quote really says it all about him "You're making ovaries explode all around this place."....very accurate.....just sayin. I also thought is was a fun concept that Mack was older than Jimmy, mixing it up...loved that.
One thing that I never review on his is grammar/errors, because it doesn't seem fair. But I did notice with every one of her books there are very few errors if any, which I really do appreciate, because sometimes that can drive me bonkers.
This book also had some of our favorite characters in it, which I appreciated. This series is proof that there doesn't need to be a lot of drawn out and unnecessary drama in a book for it to be good. I'm hoping Beverly's other grandson gets a book too.....hint, hint.
Absolutely smitten with this series.
Mackenna aka Mack is a songwriter who has had a rough go of it and Jimmy is staying with his grandma to help her out with the house maintenance and work some things out for himself. When these two meet....so damn funny. They have so much chemistry, but Mack is guarded and Jimmy wants her to drop her guard. He's pretty fun with his pursuit of her, because sometimes the simple things in life are the best. Jimmy is just a great guy, ornery like his grandma, but still a great guy. I think this quote really says it all about him "You're making ovaries explode all around this place."....very accurate.....just sayin. I also thought is was a fun concept that Mack was older than Jimmy, mixing it up...loved that.
One thing that I never review on his is grammar/errors, because it doesn't seem fair. But I did notice with every one of her books there are very few errors if any, which I really do appreciate, because sometimes that can drive me bonkers.
This book also had some of our favorite characters in it, which I appreciated. This series is proof that there doesn't need to be a lot of drawn out and unnecessary drama in a book for it to be good. I'm hoping Beverly's other grandson gets a book too.....hint, hint.
Absolutely smitten with this series.
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