Když jsme se proslavili

The Ivy Years #5

by Sarina Bowen, Zuzana Ľalíková (Translator)

Lianne Challiceovou znají miliony fanoušků jako princeznu Vindi. I mocná čarodějka stříbrného plátna chce občas pověsit hůlku na hřebík, poslat svého manažera, kam slunce nesvítí, a jít studovat na vysokou. Ukáže se však, že je to těžší, než se zdá.

Lianne nikdy normální život ani studium na běžné škole nepoznala a seznámit se s klukem jí připadá příliš riskantní – její poslední přítel o ní prozradil první poslední bulváru – uhrančivým očím Daniela „DJ“ Treviho však nedokáže odolat.

DJ je hudební génius, který má na starost hudební doprovod hokejových utkání na univerzitním stadionu a dokáže i jen krátkou ukázkou písně ovlivnit atmosféru a náladu tisíců fanoušků.

S Lianne se sblížit nesmí, avšak nemůže jí říct proč. A už vůbec nedokáže uvěřit, že se jí líbí právě on.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Sports, College, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!

You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

“I want her, even though the timing is awful.”

I have to say- I’m super sad that this is the last book in The Ivy Years series. I could continue to read about this group of characters for many books to come. I’ve totally binged on the audiobooks of this entire series and I’m not quite ready to move on. The Fifteenth Minute is DJ and Lianne’s book and the 5th book in this series. Once again, Sarina Bowen picked a topic that isn’t always talked about and wrote an amazing book about it. DJ is a college student wrongly accused. And it’s changed his entire life. Lianne is a famous actress, but she’s a little geeky and awkward and I love her for it. Their story was sweet and I couldn’t get enough.

Daniel "DJ" Trevi gets his nickname honestly. He DJ’s for the hockey team's games and loves music. DJ’s college experience has changed drastically this year. He used to be a carefree student, but now, after being wrongfully accused of something he’d never do, he feels like a criminal. His story broke my heart a little. I felt for DJ. He struggles with giving a relationship with Lianne a go because of his situation.

Lianne Challice is a freshman at Harkness. She’s a well-known actress and most people know her as Princess Vindi. She hates being in the public eye that way. She only wants to be a normal freshman but that seems like an impossible task. When she meets DJ, she feels just like a normal girl who likes a normal guy. If only things were that easy for the two of them.

“I need you in my life, smalls," he says in a whisper. "No matter what happens tomorrow, that won't change.”


 I truly adored this couple. The both of them. I loved that they are friends before they become more. I love that both of them supported the other unconditionally. They are great together. Their love of music was a mutual thing that connected them. DJ had a big heart and Lianne was fantastically geeky in the best way.

After reading this entire series, I can say with absolute certainty that Sarina Bowen has become a ‘must read’ author for me. This is one of the best NA series I’ve read. If you’re looking for something sweet, sexy, low-angst and high emotion, pick this one up! It can be read as a stand-alone, but this is not a series you want to miss out on! Read them ALL!

[Rachel L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's live! http://amzn.to/1jmqQk9

5 stars!

"The only time I feel like myself is when I am with you."



First off, a HUGE thank you to Wendy who helped get me this arc. You ended my suffering!! Muah!

The fifth book in the Ivy Years series, this book can techincally be read as a standalone, but so many of the characters from the first four books appear that I highly recommend reading them in order. Plus they're awesome so you should read them anyway.

The Fifteenth Minute is the story of Lianne and DJ. We met Lianne in the previous book, she is the Hollywood star roommate to Bella who spends most of her college life in class or shut in her dorm room playing video games. DJ is the well, DJ for the hockey team and brother of one of the players. The two have always had a mutual attraction between them, but Lianne is nowhere near brave enough to act on it.

After being together for many hockey team events, DJ finally asks out Lianne. But DJ has mistakes from his past coming back to haunt his future, and his days at Harkness are limited. Lianne is dealing with the agent from hell promoting her to due nude scenes and more uncomfortable things, but not supporting her endeavors to break out into new roles. Can these two break past their issues and come together?



I am so beyond thrilled that Lianne got her own book! The previous book she was so closed off from everyone around her, I'm glad she was able to make new friends and experience new things. DJ was the perfect guy for her, he was sweet without being cheesy, and he genuinely like Lianne for her as a person and not who she was on screen.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say my heart went out to DJ in this book for the struggle he went through. It wasn't an easy or fair situation that he was in but he handled it to the best of his abilities.

Lianne and DJ together were magic, low angst, no bullshit (at least in my opinion) and a huge helping of romance cheese free (my favorite!!). They supported each other the way couples should, they accepted the other for who they were and kept the drama to the minimum... what more could you want from an NA college romance?

Anyways, I adore Sarina Bowen and will read anything she writes. The Ivy Years series is one of the most addictive I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!


ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS



I simply adore this series. Although some books are indeed slightly better than others, as a whole it’s well worth a reader’s time. This is Bella’s roommate Lianne Challice, the movie star, and Harkness’ hockey DJ, Daniel Trevi's story. These two were so damn cute together!

“The only time I feel like myself is when I am with you."



Lianne spent last semester either in classes or gaming in her room. Bella got her out of her shell and now it’s time to make friends and experience college life. Lianne is a celebrity, but on the Harkness campus she pretty much viewed as a snob or ignored. DJ is facing some serious charges and his college career is currently in limbo. It’s very damaging for him to get close to anyone at this time but Leanna is fun size adorbs and he can’t resist her.

”I want her, even though the timing is awful.”

There’s a ton of great interactions between the couple (and fun music) as Lianne struggles with what she wants for the future of her career and the hot DJ she has fallen for. DJ struggles to save his academic career and reputation.

Overall, this is fun read that does have a really serious situation that seems impossible to fight. This couple was perfectly matched and one of my favorite duos of the series.

"This is how it feels to get just what you need when you didn't even know you needed it."

[Mysza · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** 4,5 stars ****



Ah.... college, hockey, sweet heroine that can hack and play video games better than guys, swoon worthy hero, sexy times between them, little drama, cute epilogue..... perfect for all sport romance fans.

"First time I ever saw you, I wanted a kiss, now I'm totally spoiled. Forever."

Lianne is a movie star, who wants to experience normal college life, but on campus she isn't treated as a celebrity, but rather ignored or even getting picked on. Daniel is DJ at hockey games, who is currently dealing with some serious situation involving his college career. When they meet, they instantly take to each other, but the time isn't right for them because of DJ's problems. Will Daniel be able to stay away from Lianne?

Hmmm, she is, in spite of her celebrity status, down to earth, next door kind of girl, and so damn cute that DJ is unable to keep her at arm's length. Together, they are lovely, banter is nice and bedroom interactions so darn sexy. Overall, this one was on a sweet, cute, low angst side with the perfect couple to adore.

PS. So freaking thrilled that Leo will get his book, can't wait!

ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I am so, so angry I'm shaking. This is one of the rare cases where I wish I could spoil the hell of a book, even though I only read four chapters. Judge me for this, I don't care. What annoys me SO much is the fact that this kind of issues should come with a warning, and the fact that it's only revealed on chapter 4 forbids us to do so. So I'll put my reasons for not wanting to read more under a spoiler tag, but know that if you read further, you'll know why D.J., the hero, is under investigation.

*SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST 4 CHAPTERS BELOW*

WARNING : This book deals with a false accusation of rape, and I am so so tired of these books implying that it's AS common as real rape cases that it makes me very, very angry to see it here.

You can twist it as you want, say that it happens - I know it does - but you cannot forget that non-reported rapes are so much more frequent than false accusations.

I do not think that we need another book picturing that poor guy whose life is threatened by a lying bitch.

I do not think that the rape culture and victim blaming world we're living in needs further fuel.

I do think that it's irresponsible to do so.

Again, I am not saying that it never happens. It does happen, but ask ANY social worker, and he will tell you that it's very rare and that it is not commonplace like everyone wants us to think.

Oh, the false accusation of rape. It seems that everyone on Earth has a story to tell when someone accuses someone else of rape. It's like this old uncle who smoked until he was 90 and never had cancer. Cut the bullshit already. It happens, but it is not commonplace, and it shouldn't make everyone doubt when an accusation is made.

WHY? Because accusing someone of rape is HELL, mostly because it's so hard to be HEARD, and also because it means talking about personal and traumatic matters to many strangers. To think that many women would stand that out of revenge or because of family matters is just not true. Perhaps Sarina Bowen deals with it appropriately, I will never know, so judge me for this as you want, but I cannot, for the life of me, stand another story about that fucking poor guy who didn't do it. I won't.

What would you think if you read 10 books about, let's say, someone who's lying about being beaten? Don't you think that this kind of story does not help anyone? Because I do, and I won't be sorry about it.

What message is it sending? I'm being judgmental but in that case, I don't care. I respect other opinions, but I cannot do this. I just cannot.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

****4.5 ~The Princess and The DJ ~ Stars*****

(Arc kindly provided by author)

I was totally captivated by this book. College setting, sweet romance and a ton of fantastic music, combined with Sarina Bowen's magic writing style; made this the perfect story. I LOVED it!!!!!



Lianne Challice has been an actress from a young age. She's the main character in a very successful movie franchise, where she plays a princess sorceress. She's always wanted to experience life like any normal girl her age so she decides to enroll in college and pursue an arts and drama degree.

As a freshman, the life as a college student will not be as easy as she thought. Most people in school usually just make fun of her and others just give her the stink eye and think she's expecting preferential treatment. Lianne just wants to blend in and be just another student.

Lianne's roommate is a hockey super fan and took her to a game once where she met Daniel, who's the official DJ for the University's hockey team. Lianne and DJ have a ton of things in common and they are both very attracted to each other. One night they share a very romantic and intense kiss but after that DJ starts acting hot and cold around her, only making Lianne feel confused and even hurting her feelings.

DJ is going through some issues and even though he really likes Lianne and wants to be more than her friend, the timing is not right, so he finds himself battling between what he wants to do and what he should do.

Music and a beautiful friendship will make it impossible for these two to be apart. Lianne wants nothing more than to help DJ and show him that it's okay to trust again, but like some people say, timing is everything. Will DJ and Lianne get over their fears and allow the rhythm of love to take over?



Even though The Fifteenth Minute is book five in The Ivy Years series, I think it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Sarina Bowen definitely has a knack when it comes to writing amazing college romances. This one had a little bit of everything us romance readers love. Two thumbs up, I definitely recommend it!!!

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things that made me fall in love with this series was the way Sarina Bowen wrote her characters and their individual journey. Yes, this is NA romance but it's also more than that.

Lianne Challice is a Hollywood actress who came to Harkness to shed the image Hollywood had bestowed upon her. Despite being a popular actress, Lianne struggled socially at Harkness. She didn't really fit in anywhere. That is until she met Bella, who was the heroine of the previous book. Through Bella, Lianne's social circle at Harkness started expanding. It was through Bella that she met Daniel "DJ" Trevi, a student at Harkness and part of the hockey crowd at their school. He's also the team's DJ during home games. They're both attracted to each other but Daniel might not be in Harkness for long due some really unfair and heartbreaking circumstances.

This book is definitely on the sweet side. Not too much angst but the central conflict is very serious and it highlights Ms. Bowen's strength of writing authentic characters who are undergoing some really difficult circumstances. The characters act like college kids and their issues fit their age group. That is not to say that the things they are going through are shallow or trivial. Nope. On the contrary, the conflict in book was very well done. I won't spoil it for you but I applaud Sarina for handling these issues with depth and sensitivity. Which is why the ending was a bit of letdown. Don't get me wrong the ending was okay in a sense that it made the problem go away for our main characters. But I would have preferred that the person responsible and Harkness pay for the way they treated Daniel.

Nevertheless, the book held my attention. I loved Lianne and Daniel's geek out sessions. Their sexy times ain't bad either. Overall, this was just the kind of NA romance book you'd pick up if you want something sweet, low-angst romance.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]




Title: The Fifteenth Minute
Series: (The Ivy Years, #5)
Author: Sarina Bowen
Release date: 13th October, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes






Lianne Chalice is a college Freshman intent on keeping a low profile, whilst trying to fit in with the rest of the student body. Easier said then done when you also happen to be one of Hollywood's most famous actresses.

Far from being a stuck up starlet, Lianne can usually be found alone in her room battling trolls in her favourite video game, DragonFire. This semester though, she's set herself the goal to be more social and integrate with her fellow students. One student in particular, Daniel "DJ" Trevi.

"DJ" has his own personal battles which are always at the forefront of every decision he makes. Enveloped in a dark cloud of despair and uncertainty, his source of levity comes in the form of Lianne.

"Kissing my way down her hairline, I pause at her ear. “First time I ever saw you, I wanted a kiss,” I whisper, punctuating it with a kiss on her cheekbone. “Now I’m totally spoiled. Forever.”

I have to say, Lianne and DJ were such wonderful characters to read about. Sarina Bowen makes it too easy to fall in love with them. From their relatable individual personalities to the wonderful scenes of them getting to know each other, they make the perfect pair.

With the huge success that was HIM and now an equally fantastic read with The Fifteenth Minute, I've come to consider Sarina a New Adult favourite. The combination of humour and companionship not only make her characters stand out for me but make me feel included in their special moments.



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[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★ 3 Stars ★★★

Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK

Lianne Challice is a Hollywood actress, who is taking a break from her successful career to attend Harkness College and be a normal 19 year old.

Daniel 'DJ' Trevi is in the midst of a college scandal and can't afford to be in any trouble of any sort, due to the fact that he is involved in a pending investigation between him and the college.

When the two meet, there is an instant spark, they both love music and have some great banter going on. I loved the character development, and the flow and pace of the story was good. I liked the idea of a Hollywood actress falling for a relatively normal,down to earth guy.

I think the reason I only liked this book, rather than fell in love with it, was the lack of chemistry and sparkle between the pair. I am sure it was there, I just didn't personally feel it. Overall it was a pleasant enough read and I would recommend to those who love low angst, sweet NA reads.

It can be read as a standalone, I did, but it's also part of a series. Told in dual POV.

ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 This Series Just Keeps Delivering Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Every time I read one of Sarina Bowen's Ivy Years books, I understand the pull of reliving those new, fresh, nervous, exciting and scary experiences of the College age group. Those of us who have decades lived and experienced...can think back and remember what we felt like... having that feeling in your gut of first lust, first touch... kiss and then more. There are other hurdles to overcome...figuring out which group to hang with and learning about others. All of these feelings can magnify little things...making mountains of confusion, self-doubt and second guessing.

It is part of growing up... and sometimes what we bring to the college experience from our lives up to 18, well that will be the secret sauce of it all...and will flavor most of those emotions and outcomes.

In The Fifteen Minute, we have two people who are both prisoners in a way.

Lianne Challice is someone who wants to experience life on her own terms. To have grown up in the public eye as an iconic fantasy character in a series of movies should not feel like a prison sentence, hoping to be released eventually and get on with the business of being a grown up. Lianne does appreciate the life of traveling, being on sets with her famous dad, learning languages and the arts. She knows all of the perks and privileges and has not become one of those indulgent, self-entitled stars. She has understood her position in the acting world and now wants to expand and grow...although many, including her manager would like her to stay under their control.

Here at college, she has ventured out this semester. At first, everything was overwhelming; other students were not accepting, rather the opposite. They assumed it was her stardom which got her there, not academic achievement. After negative encounters, Lianne decided to just do class and hang in her dorm room. She had her computers, her games and the virtual world accepted her, talked with her and they didn't even know who she really was. By playing under another name, she was able to just be herself and she thrived there...it was her safe place.

But with the friendship of her neighbor/roommate, she became part of a little band of brothers... so to speak. Bella, her new found friend, helped move Lianne out to the events and life on campus. They bonded seriously through a very special journey Bella went through during Lianne's first semester at Harkness.(https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) Together with the budding love of Bella's boyfriend, Rafe... they pulled a comeuppance on a fraternity which mirrored a military coup... it was historic and to this day no one knows for sure it was Lianne and Bella. After that, Bella took Lianne to all her fun gatherings with the Hockey Gods, her close friends... and now Lianne has a bit more sense of belonging.

It was at one of the gatherings at the local pub/pizza joint Lianne met Daniel "D.J." Trevi. Lianne had been drinking, nothing like she was every use to...and had the courage to talk to this boy who rocked her little world... He was everything she liked... smart, lanky, the DJ who knew his tunes and best of all... he treated her like a normal girl... none of the staring and talking of movies or any of that other stuff...

Too bad she was so wasted...for she wasn't able to make much sense... and had to leave before they had a chance to exchange numbers.

So the best thing about going to this next Hockey God gathering is maybe.... DJ will be there....

DJ is going through his own personal hell. Last year he was at the top of his game. Spinning tunes, making things happen and just happy at Harkness. His brother was doing great on the Hockey team and they got into the top play offs, too.

Things were fine....and then they weren't.

Certain events, not unusual on any college campus happened...but when one of the participants claims one thing and the other knows for sure it did not happen...

What do you do...
What can you do...
And what if you are judged before you get to defend yourself.

This is the situation DJ is in when he meets Lianne again. Both reconnect and it is good...it is better than good... it is great.

For Lianne, this is the first real feeling of young lust and want...it starts like that and throughout the book grows to so much more. For DJ, he see who Lianne truly is... the majorly intelligent person who must fight everyday to not live in a fishbowl and just handle it all.

He sees the pressures of paparazzi hounding her; how just a photo taken at the wrong time can impact and color opinions...whether right or wrong...and he admires her drive and want to succeed. She learns of all the things DJ is into and they mirror her love of music. They are connecting on a deeper level and with DJ's own personal situation with the college...he will have to handle that and figure out how to be with Lianne, too.

Sarina Bowen takes a very current and serious problem which is front and center today; Sexual assault on College Campuses and how Colleges are not handling them in a fair and just way for ALL PARTIES. It is not an easy subject and I felt it was handled in the most open and understandable way.

I love these books... I have no shame in my game... Sarina Bowen has tackled over and over again current, relevant topics and laced them through the journeys of these characters we have learned to appreciate and love. None of these people are perfect... all have their flaws.... But the best part of these stories is they all have growth and it adds meaning and purpose to their lives...

And isn't that what the College Years are supposed to do....

Sarina Bowen has past the level of Masters with this book...and I can't wait for her to go for her Doctorate ...

The Year We Fell Down
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Falling from the Sky (Gravity, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Blonde Date (The Ivy Years, #2.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Understatement of the Year (The Ivy Years #3)
The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Fifteenth Minute (The Ivy Years, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~
What do you do when you are obsessed with a series...
When you think about characters as real and want to know more about them and their friends...

Well, you make sure you stay up to date with the Amazing Author Sarina Bowen creator of the Ivy Years...and countdown the days till October 13th...

For then you will have another chance to mix and mingle with the league of amazing people who inhabit her mind and books...

For me, it is years too late to do the college thing for real...
But with this author and the Ivy Years series...I am living the dream...

The Fifteenth Minute by Sarina Bowen...

A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

***ARC Kindly Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review.***

In one word? AMAZING!!!!
I loved it so so so much!
Lianne Challice, poor thing…
Wait a minute! Isn’t she like an actress just like Hermione from Harry Potter?
Yes.
And doesn’t she make like, I don’t know, millions each time a movie is released?
Yes.
Doesn’t she have fans all over the world?
Yup.
Doesn’t she hang out with famous singers and actors from Hollywood? She even has a selfie with Bono. WITH BONO for Christ sake!!!
Yes, she is all that and she has all that. She is, however, a shy, introvert young woman who just want to be something else other than Princess Vendi.


We want to believe that, because Lianne is famous, she is the most awesome person on earth and has everything she wants

She’s just a normal person: she has her insecurities, she feels lonely most of the time (unless she’s playing video-games), she is shy and she believes the guy she likes would never give her the time of the day. To summarize: she’s just like you and me.

DJ is amazing (just like all the other Sarina’s male characters)! He’s sweet and funny and charming and, because he’s not like his brother, he believes that everybody only sees him as “Travis’ little brother”. Well, personally, I haven’t met the older Trevi (arham), but the younger one is my favorite (so far). He’s just the right amount of cocky with a hint of insecurity, which makes him so charming…




Ok, I loved this one!
DJ and Lianne’s story is really good. And this comes from somebody that has read the other books from The Ivy Years and has loved each and every one of them. The only thing I don’t dare saying is that this one is my all-time favorite because, well, they all are and it wouldn’t be fair to the other books of this series…

Well, I loved Lianne’s attitude. Despite the fact that DJ was doing his best to keep her at arm’s length, she kept coming back (and not in a stalkish, kind of creepy way) and didn’t give up! I also loved the fact that DJ is a… well, DJ, and Sarina chose amazing songs that made this story complete, just like a perfect soundtrack (one that we could play while reading their story).

They were so sweet together. A kind of sweetness I’ve only seen in Blonde Date…

“Listen, I’m worried about one thing.” I put my free hand on his cheek. “If you play any more games, isn’t there a pad you could put over your dimples?” I put my thumb right there in its favorite place, feeling his evening whiskers tickle my finger. “Don’t hurt the dimple.”

My letter to the author:
Dear Sarina,
Please please please write about the other Trevi brother. I really enjoyed DJ, but I’m pretty sure that Leo’s story will be heartbreaking/heartwarming as well.
Please please please pretty please!
Sincerely,
Your biggest fan!



-----
If you can't wait for this one, raise your hand

[Anniebananie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schade, dass diese Reihe hiermit vorbei ist, aber zum Glück gibt es ja längst eine Spin-Off-Reihe mit noch mehr Bänden ;)

Ich mag Sarina Bowens Bücher rund um die Eishockey-Jungs des Harkness College einfach. Klar manches ist stärker, das andere etwas schwächer, aber an sich ist das eine durchweg gute Reihe gewesen.

Erstaunlicherweise wusste ich auch ohne den Klappentext zu lesen noch, dass es in diesem Buch um Lianne geht und das obwohl ich den Vorgängerband vor Jahren (?) gelesen habe. Sie hat damals schon Eindruck bei mir hinterlassen und auch Daniel konnte sich schnell in mein Herz schleichen. Ich nenne ihn jetzt mit Absicht Daniel und nicht DJ, weil ich den Spitznamen irgendwie echt furchtbar finde :D

Die beiden haben beide (so wie in diesem Genre typisch) mit ihren Problemen zu kämpfen. Jedoch war das hier schon mal was neues, zumindest nichts was ich schon mal gelesen hätte, das hat dem Buch einige Pluspunkte eingebracht. Auch die Auflösungen konnten mich zufriedenstellen. Vor allem mochte ich aber, dass die beiden recht schnell miteinander über ihre Probleme offen kommuniziert haben. Ich liebe Kommunikation und ich hasse nichts mehr als künstlich aufgebauschte Probleme, nur weil die Protagonisten nicht miteinander sprechen.

Der Schreibstil war wie gewohnt angenehm, auch die abwechselnde Erzählweise aus beiden Sichten war gut umgesetzt. Die spicy Szenen waren jetzt nicht soooo spicy, aber auch nicht schlecht oder unangenehm geschrieben. Für mich hätte da noch etwas mehr Prickeln sein dürfen. Außerdem kamen mir die Gefühle hier doch ein wenig zu kurz, sodass ich es wieder einfach nicht allzu sehr gefühlt habe.

Daher kein komplettes Highlight, aber immer noch eine Empfehlung (gilt für die komplette Reihe).

[D.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know Ms. Bowen's intentions were probably good when tackling this theme but the plot was soo clumsily done. I hated it from the beginning, because it perpetrates this idea that fake rape accusations are a dime a dozen. This is the kind of situation where one side was right and the other was wrong, but because the wrong side happened to be a woman, the author did some plot gymnastics to justify her behavior and paint her as victim. What she did had no excuse and she should have been shown to pay the consequences. As women we deserve equality, which means that when we fuckup, we must be shown to pay for our actions and not blame everything on our daddies.

DJ's issue was such a cloud that most of the story was very depressing and then it was solved a little too conveniently. Lianne's big problem was the harassing that comes from being a movie star. I did like a few things about the book: both MCs were short (nice change of pace! I know women like tall men but there's no need to have giant heroes all the time!), them reading Macbeth together (Bella's highlights were too hilarious!) and all the music references.

Overall though, this story left a funny taste in my mouth and I'm not sure I recommend it.

[Ela's Welt der Bücher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Der 5. Band hat mir mit Abstand am Besten gefallen. Ich mochte ja Rafe und Bella schon gerne, aber DJ und Lianne haben es mir echt angetan. Wie was für ein Abschluss. Bin schon gespannt auf die Spin-off-Reihe.
5 Sterne

[Merrin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm going to be 100% up front right now, I only read four chapters of this book. Why four chapters? Because it's in chapter four that you find out that the male protagonist was falsely accused of rape.

That, friends, is where I get off.

It's irresponsible and reprehensible for an author of young adult novels to perpetuate this narrative that false accusations of rape are commonplace and to use that as a plot device in a novel. Coming off the slut shaming in the last book, I'm just done with this series, and with Sarina Bowen.

[Tori · Rating 1 out of 5]

Surely someone could have told Sarina Bowen not to write this book.

[Anna lost in stories *A* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I decided to DNF this book at page 128, which is about 41% into the story and give it 2 stars… I’m sorry, but it’s just not for me… at this point I should feel at least somewhat connected to the main characters, and instead I’m just bored… and don’t really care about them… not individually or as a couple… and this whole situation makes me very sad… I remember loving a lot of other Sarina Bowen’s books I read in the past, but this one… just didn’t do anything for me… I’m not sure if it’s the fault of this particular story / characters, or am I just changing my reading tastes… because in recent months I started to realize more and more that I need something extra in my stories… some fantasy / paranormal / magical element… it can be something steampunk, even a historical romance will do the trick… but that something extra helps to keep my attention and I just have a better time while reading such stories… but when it comes to contemporary romances, when it’s just our current world and two people falling in love, it has to be really good for me to keep reading it… and this one was just… not… :/ the writing style was just ok… I couldn’t really connect to either Lianne or DJ, which at this point of the story was a problem for me… she she seemed too childish and all over the place, especially with the way she allowed her manager to treat her… I mean, who works for whom in that situation??? DJ had his own problems, including a very iffy situation, when he was… and I don’t really count that as a spoiler, cause it’s revealed pretty quickly in the book, but it’s not in the synopsis, so if you don’t want to know, stop reading my review now… ok… so DJ was flsely accused of some sort of sexual assault? I’m still not sure what exactly, cause it’s all very mysterious, but it happened months ago and he sort of got punished for it, even though no one really talked with him about it and listened to his version of the story… aside from one really weird phone call… I’m not sure why, but this whole handling of a very sensitive topic rubbed me the wrong way… look, maybe it gets better further into the story and gets resolved in a satisfying way, but I just don’t care… not even enough to skim the ending to find out… :/ from what I saw, I’m in the minority when it comes to my feelings… as always I highly encourage you to check out some other reviews before making your own decision about if you want to pick up this book or not…

XOXO

A

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this last story in Bowen's Ivy Years series.

Lianne Challice is a famous young actress who is taking some time away from her career to attend college at Harkness. Unfortunately, she's finding the whole experience to be way more challenging than she expected. Lianne is basically a social pariah among her new peers, with some students cruelly mocking her or downright avoiding her because of her fame. This totally sucks because Lianne is such a down-to-earth girl and somewhat of a nerd at heart, and all she wants to do is fit in and make friends.

Thankfully, Lianne's dorm neighbour Bella, from The Shameless Hour, befriends Lianne and forces her to join her regularly at various social gatherings, throwing Lianne out of her comfort zone and into a world of hot friendly hockey players.

At one such gathering Lianne meets Daniel "DJ" Trevi, who is the younger brother of hockey player and series regular, Leo Trevi. Danny is also the Harkness hockey teams' resident game day DJ, and it's through a shared love of old school music that ignites the first sparks of friendship and attraction between Danny and Lianne.

The relationship growth is fairly smooth sailing, at least internally. Externally, Danny is embroiled in an ongoing legal matter, and as such, he tries to distance himself from Lianne at first because he thinks of himself as a bad bet. Thankfully, when the truth of his situation comes to light, Lianne stands by him and offers some much needed emotional support until the matter is finally resolved.

I really liked both Danny and Lianne. As a music lover, I found their music discussions to be highlights throughout the story, and it even resulted in some serious playlist making on my part. I also loved that they were a bit nerdy (particularly Lianne); it made both characters all the more relatable to me.

In the end, this was a really sweet and enjoyable addition to this awesome NA college romance series, and I look forward to venturing into the Brooklyn Bruisers spin-off series, featuring Danny's brother, Leo.

[Luzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review may contain SPOILERS!
A grande finale for this supercute NA-series by one of my favorite romance authors! DJ and Lianne were the cherry on top of the sundae (and now I crave ice cream)! Lianne was portrayed as this innocent "girl-next-door" with a popular moviestar career, while DJ, well, a dj with a good heart and some bad luck was pushed into this really tricky situation. I honestly felt the most annoyed at this unnecessary drama, like I get why this girl did it, due to her ignorant family, but still, DJ was such a nice guy and I honestly felt he did not deserve all this. Lianne was really brave for believing him and standing by him, because that is not necessarily an easy thing to do in such a fiddly situation. I really had no idea what to expect from this cause I've never noticed either DJ nor Lianne specifically, but they were really cute and genuine characters who deserved this romantic happily-ever-after. Finally, I loved this series, some books more so than others, but overall a really spectacular series, so read it folks!
4/5 stars

[Feyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Magst du ein Mini-Snickers? Die Kalorien zählen nicht. Dazu sind die viel zu niedlich.

Ich hatte ein wenig Probleme, in die Geschichte reinzukommen. Aber nach einer Weile konnte ich das Buch einfach nicht mehr weglegen. Lianne und DJ sind tolle Charaktere, denen man gerne folgt und man will sie einfach nur umarmen. Der Schreibstil ist immer wieder toll, wie auch in ihren anderen Büchern.

[iamreadingdreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4,5/5⭐️

Es hat mir richtig Spaß gemacht! Wundervoller Abschluss der Reihe, habe es einfach nur genossen! DJ & Lianne for the win✨

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOUR POINT FIVE STARS

Right now in our court system, we are watching the Depp vs Heard defamation trial. Since the trial is televised the public has weighed in heavily with posts and tweets. In The Fifteenth Minute DJ finds himself trying to clear his name from sexual assault. Reading about how DJ is was wrongly accused and the lack of involvement of the university gives a lot of thought to how these situations are handled.

THE FIFTEENTH MINUTE
● Lianne (19) & Daniel “DJ” (20)
● actress / DJ's the hockey games
● both are college students: freshman / sophomore
● Lianne: a movie star is known as Princess Vindi
● Daniel: adopted
● Lianne: 2 half-brothers
● Daniel was falsely accused and wants his name cleared
● Lianne wants to be known as more than Princess Vindi with her acting skills

Audiobook source: Audible Plus
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld & Nick Podehl
Length: 9H 07M

[Claudia Fosca Stahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much!

I love Sarina Bowen. She always delivers. The Ivy Years series is exceptional, and The Fifteenth Minute is no different. She writes with so much heart. And she’s hilarious. Her books always bring the perfect combination of tears and laughter. Hockey romance is her jam, and she does it so well. It’s always a pleasure to read her words.

I love The Fifteenth Minute because it’s funny, sweet, and has its share of heartbreak. I really enjoyed the Shakespeare references. In my opinion, Sarina Bowen is special because she doesn’t shy away from difficult topics that are not very common in romance. She does it flawlessly, and it certainly enhances the story. Her characters are very well developed and relatable. She also writes strong female characters, women you end up loving sometimes even more than the hero. And for me, that’s her most important achievement. I would read her books forever.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mehr auf: https://xobooksheaven.wordpress.com/

Inhalt:

Bist du bereit, die Liebe für ein Geheimnis aufs Spiel zu setzen?

Die junge Schauspielerin Lianne Challice hofft, dass sie am Harkness College endlich ein ganz normales Leben abseits des Presserummels führen kann. Sie will das erste Mal in ihrem Leben richtige Freunde finden, Spaß haben und sich verlieben. Und als sie Daniel „DJ“ Trevi kennenlernt, erlebt sie, wie es sich anfühlt, Schmetterlinge im Bauch zu haben. Doch obwohl DJ ihre Gefühle erwidert, versucht er, Lianne auf Abstand zu halten. Denn er hat ein Geheimnis, das er nicht nur vor ihr, sondern vor allem auch vor der Öffentlichkeit verbergen will …
Quelle: luebbe.de

Meinung:

Ich habe mir vorgenommen, mich im zweiten Semester nicht nur in meinem Zimmer zu vergraben und DragonFire zu spielen

Das Cover von diesem Band passt, wie auch schon die anderen, zur Reihe. Nur die Farbe ist hier wieder anders, wodurch nichts vom Inhalt verraten wird.

Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist klasse zu lesen. Es gibt auch hier wieder Perspektivenwechsel, wodurch man DJ und Lianne besser kennen lernen kann. Geschrieben ist das Buch in der Ich-Form. In diesem Teil gibt es einiges an Gesülze, aber das fand ich nicht schlimm, nur hin und wieder ein bisschen übertrieben.

Zu Beginn lernt man Lianne kennen. Sie ist ein Filmstar, möchte aber nur in aller Ruhe studieren. Sie hat sich in DJ verknallt, doch dieser hat gerade ganz andere Probleme.

Wow, das ist nun schon der fünfte Band der Reihe und ich liebe die Charaktere immer noch. Hier haben wir eine andere Konstellation, da DJ nicht wirklich zur Hockeymannschaft gehört, sondern eigentlich nur die Musik auflegt. Da denkt man sich vielleicht, wieso von ihm die Rede ist und nicht von einem richtigen Spieler, aber mit der Zeit merkt man schon warum. DJ selbst ist einfach klasse. Er hat es gerade nicht leicht, macht aber trotzdem weiter. Lianne führt ebenfalls kein einfaches Leben. Sie ist berühmt, doch am College verspotten sie viele Leute und so hat sie nur Bella als Freundin.

Wie Lianne behandelt wurde, konnte ich nicht nachvollziehen. Sie wird für ihre Rolle gemobbt und das ist einfach nur kindisch. Es ist eben ihr Beruf, ist doch egal, dass sie eine Prinzessin spielt. Ich fand es wirklich stark von ihr, dass sie trotzdem weiter studiert und sich nicht unterkriegen lässt. Weiters war es schön zu lesen, dass sie gerne spielt. Also Computerspiele. Sehr selten haben Mädchen in Büchern dieses Hobby, daher fand ich es sehr cool, dass dies auch im Laufe des Buches immer wieder ein Thema wurde.

In diesem Buch gibt es einige schwere Themen. Einmal das Mobbing, dann der Prozess von DJ. Er wird angeklagt ein Mädchen vergewaltigt zu haben, obwohl er es nicht gemacht hat. Im Laufe von diesem Prozess kommen noch andere Themen, die die Familie betreffen hinzu. Die Autorin hat hier wirklich viel reingepackt und auch recht gut behandelt. Vor allem die Vergewaltigung und wie damit umgegangen wurde. DJ durfte das Gelände nicht mehr betreten und auch ansonsten war es schwer für ihn, die Wahrheit zu beweisen. Er musste sich immer fragen, was seine Freunde und Familie nun von ihm hielten und ob sie ihm glaubten. Der Zwiespalt, in dem er hier steckte, wurde wirklich gut behandelt und DJ tat mir das ganze Buch über Leid.

Die Liebesgeschichte selbst war wunderbar. Keine Liebe auf den ersten Blick oder ewiges hin und her, nein, sie stand auf ihn, hat geflirtet, er stand auf sie, hat die Versuche angenommen und sie sind ausgegangen. Natürlich gab es noch ein paar Hindernisse, aber im Großen und Ganzen war alles so, wie es auch im echten Leben passieren kann. Genau das mag ich an den Büchern der Autorin so gerne. Die Liebesgeschichte ist nie unnormal romantisch, oder komplett kitschig, sie ist sie, wie sie jeden von uns auch passieren kann. DJ hat natürlich ein schweres Päckchen zu tragen mit der Verhandlung, die immer näher rückt, aber trotzdem versucht er alles, um mit Lianne Zeit zu verbringen.

Bei Lianne bekommt man auch einen guten Einblick in ihr Leben. Immer muss sie sich fürchten, dass ein Reporter auf sie lauert, ihr Manager ist ein großer Arsch, ihre Familie ist so gut wie nicht vorhanden und sie hat hauptsächlich online Freunde. Und gerade das macht sie als Charakter so interessant. Sie hat bei weitem kein perfektes Leben, suhlt sich aber auch nicht in Selbstmitleid. Einfach weiter machen ist ihre Devise. Im Laufe der Geschichte erkennt sie zusammen mit DJ auch, was sie selber falsch macht und beginnt einige Dinge zu ändern. Straight forward. Das Mädchen ist einfach klasse und ich mochte sie total gern.

Das Ende war dann auch anders als erwartet. Der Fall rund um Dj wurde aufgelöst, Lianne hat noch einiges bei ihrer Karriere geändert und auch private Dinge. Alles schien super und fertig. Was ich dann bei diesen Büchern immer so mag ist, dass das Ende wirklich ein Ende ist. Es gibt zwar leider keinen Epilog, aber hier hatte ich das Gefühl, dass ich mit der Geschichte abgeschlossen habe.

Fazit:

Der fünfte Band konnte mich wieder sehr begeistern. Es gab nur hin und wieder ein paar Szenen, die für mich einfach zu übertrieben schnulzig waren, aber ansonsten war das Buch klasse. DJ und Lianne waren spannende Charaktere, die ganz anders waren, als erwartet. Ich vergebe für das Buch 4 Sterne.

[✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!

I LOVED this book! It's got Sarina Bowen's trademark humor, hot sex, an irresistible hero and a smart, funny, and slightly insecure heroine. And she's a gamer! Plus there's a serious, very timely message underneath the fantastic romance. This story is fresh, modern and very relevant. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Sarina Bowen's books!!

(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This wasn’t my favourites in the series by any means, but I’m glad to have completed it. It was a generally enjoyable read, with a likeable hero and an okay heroine. I’m not really a fan of anything movie-star but the heroine was grounded.

NA is a genre that I struggle with these days, so it’s not surprising that this book didn’t hit the heights of some of the earlier ones I loved. It was also pretty light on the sports element, which was a shame.

[Wil Loves Books! · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I'm a Sarina Bowen fan. I think she writes beautiful books that fully engage you and make you believe you are part of the action. Her attention to detail without overdoing it is superb. It's also no secret that I love the Ivy Years series and that I was looking forward to this book with high expectations. With that said, this book did not disappoint at all, it was great!

The Fifteenth Minute is the 5th book in the Ivy Years series, although I strongly recommend you read them all, this can totally be read as a standalone. This is the story of Lianne Chalice and Daniel (DJ) Trevi. We meet Lianne in "The Shameless Hour", she's Bella's neighbor and good friend. She's also a famous actress, widely known for playing the female lead character in a popular movie franchise based on a best-selling book series that has decided to take a break from acting and go to college. Think Harry Potter/Hermione/Emma Watson. Because of her career and upbringing Lianne didn't really have a normal upbringing and thus she doesn't have many friends, plus her popularity makes her an attraction at school and that automatically puts her in the social outcast category at Harkness. Because of that, she would rather stay in her room playing computer games and hacking. Lianne is such an amazing character though, she is so real. She's smart, nerdy funny, dorky and beautiful. Except for the beautiful movie actress part, I can totally identity with her. I connected with her right away and was so happy Sarina did this character justice. And then we have Daniel/DJ. He's beautiful, strong, loyal, simply swoony. He's Leo Trevi's (captain of the hockey team) brother, also a hockey player and the official DJ at Harkness hockey games. I instantly loved him too.

Lianne meets DJ through Bella and they instantly click. They have a lot in common including a shared passion for music. Lianne is super attracted to DJ and DJ treats Lianne like a normal person instead of a famous actress which is refreshing to her. He gets to know the real her and she got to be free for the first time in her life. Their relationship is effortless and beautiful, there's no angst or unnecessary drama. However, there's a few hurdles on their way. DJ has been accused of something he didn't do and has been put on probation, making his future at Harkness uncertain. This also influences his relationship with Lianne.

The best part of this book is that there's no unnecessary drama, all the conflicts are out in the open and the main characters actually discuss all issues like adults. That is definitely refreshing especially in NA books. As with all Ivy Years books, there's this huge underlying social awareness theme and again is handled beautifully. From the moment I started it, I loved the book, loved the story and the characters and got hooked. This book has a little bit of everything, love, sexiness, comedy,HOCKEY, serious stuff...it's simply NA done right. I totally recommend this one. And I really want a Leo and Georgia book, pretty please?




**An ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Ksenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Romance with a celebrity is one of my favorite tropes. I expect certain things when I pick up this kind of book. But The Fifteenth Minute wasn’t at all what I expected. The author used Lianne’s celebrity status to add more layers to her characters rather than to create drama and angst.

World knows Lianne as a gorgeous Hollywood star, but the real Lianne is a shy and nerdy girl, who want to be a normal college student, who want to fit in. It was great to witness her growth and transformation with the help of Bella, Rafe and of course DJ. I loved appearances of my favorite couple Bella and Rafe in this book.

DJ was a wonderful hero. He was a sweet caring guy with big heart. Lately bad-boy heroes somewhat lost their appeal for me, and I swoon over guys like DJ.

Their romance was lovely, full of chemistry and low on angst.

I liked how the author broke the usual NA stereotypes. Little touches here and there: the hero, who is not tall, but actually short; the heroine, who is a computer game player and a hacker.

I don’t want spoil the story, so I just say that the author raised a serious topic in this book and managed to do it in a sensitive way.

Though I didn’t love The Fifteenth Minute as much as the previous book The Shameless Hour (which is my favorite book in this series), it held my attention and entertained me a lot. I recommend this lovely and sexy story to all fans of NA genre.

You can find my reviews:

[ShoSho · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite book in the series.
I was not happy with the second half of the book. It got boring.At about 70% or so I was thinking that I didn't care what would happen to these characters one way or other.

Lianne's character had so much potential but she ended up being a doormat and a pushover. I hated that Daniel had to initiate the contact with her brother. I hated that it was Daniel who got angry and removed her from the party when she was getting verbally abused by her "friends". I hated the way she dealt with her manager. He was obviously taking advantage of her and she was letting him. She didn't change by the end of the book, no character progress for her at all.
Then there was the "case"! I hated everything about it, how Daniel and his family reacted to it and how it was resolved. I'm not talking about morality of the subject matter, just how it was written.
And then the tidbit about Daniel being adopted! What was the point of it? Just dumping that in there without any details and background on the biological parents, on how and why ...
This was a frustrating book ! I'm not a Christian but even I wasn't happy with the portrayal of a priest. There were so many things wrong about this book,I could rant for hours about it!

This was my least favorite book by this author. At this point I'm not sure I want to read Trevi's and Georgia story!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of things:

1. I wasn't expecting the serious aspect of this (I mean, I was expecting SOMETHING, since all the books have had something, I just wasn't expecting this particular something), but I think on the whole I was good with it. I could definitely understand being upset by it since Annie files a false report, but I think the larger point about colleges being ill-equipped to adjudicate sexual assault is a good one because they are.

2. Lianne is a DELIGHT.

3. I really liked Lianne and DJ/Daniel together. I liked their, idk, advocacy for each other. I like that in my fictional couples.

4. Good cameos without it being overwhelming, especially the Rikker/Graham ones.