Thursday 30 October 2014

Review: Blocked


Blocked

Author: Jennifer Lane
Genre: New Adult, Sports, Romance
Publisher: Psyched Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 21 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 300
Source: ATOMR Promotions
Purchase: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★
College freshman Lucia Ramirez has a secret crush on Dane Monroe. He’s a tall drink of water — blond, brash, and one hell of a volleyball player. ¡Híjole! Lucia hopes her volleyball scholarship to his school will make him notice her.

Too bad what’s noticeable is Dane’s obvious hatred for Lucia. Her family’s politics contradict everything he stands for. And politics are front and center in both their families. Dane’s mother is about to face Lucia’s father in the race for US President.

When Secret Service throws them together, Dane can’t deny his frustrating attraction to Lucia’s athletic curves and sweet faith in the world. Amid the intense pressure of college athletics and presidential politics, can opposites not just attract, but overcome overwhelming odds to be together? Or do their differences block their match from the start? (Goodreads)


Opening Lines
"As I plopped down on the bleachers and scanned my new teammates around me, one word came to mind: heaven. I wasn't the tallest girl in the gym for the first time in my eighteen years on earth."

It is actually so hard to write a review for this book without giving anything away! For some reason the idea of Dane's mother and Lucia' father running for president made me hesitant to read this at first. I don't know why, but I wasn't sure how that would really be written in a way that readers could find it realistic. I didn't really know what to expect when I started this, I was really looking forward to reading something with sports playing a high role but was nervous about the election/politics. I will say this, the synopsis does NOT prepare you for the different issues Dane and Lucia encounter throughout Blocked.

We get to see this story from Lucia and Dane's perspective, which makes this story 10 times more enjoyable! I don't think I would have enjoyed this as much if this was only written from Lucia's point of view. Both character were amazing! I felt I could really relate and connect with them, especially Lucia, her insecurities made her real and easy for young readers and athletes to connect to. Their relationship was perfect! It gradually built and there was no cringe worthy insta-love. Now the secondary characters, I wanted more parts with Maddison, China, Allison and Brad! I only wish we got to see more of the friendship side of things.

Why is this not a series? I'm just going to sit her and continuously chant "SERIES!!" until it happens. On second thought, scratch that I might be here for awhile. With all the great characters we are introduced to I would love to read their stories and of course have a little Dane and Lucia in the background! Blocked made me laughing, shake my head and giggle at Lucia's awkward/embarrassing/but cute moments at the beginning with Dane, cry when things got tough, and smile at how everything played out.

The ending. OMG, I loved it!! This was the ending I wanted but didn't think I would get. Yes, I can understand why some readers might not be a fan of it but it makes the most sense and it's just a perfect tie up to everything that took place in Blocked.


What kept Blocked from getting 5 stars?

Don't let this list foul you! I'm a picky reader and the smallest things will jump out at me. These are somethings that I kept thinking about and I'm probably the only one that had a questioned it.
  • Situation overload!! - Although it all worked out in the end, I felt there were too many different things/topics covered in this standalone. Between Lucia's issues, Dane's issues, and their family  issues it just seemed like a lot of things crammed into one, mind you it did all work out in the end!
  • VP, where are you? - Now I know that Lucia's father and Dane's mother are running against each other for US President but unless I missed it, which I'm pretty sure I didn't, there wasn't a single mention or indication about a Vice President. Uh, I found this to be kind of odd. 
  • Behind the scenes - I felt like there was a lot of things that happened that we didn't know about until it's mention as an after thought. For example, when Lucia talks to Dane's Coach. Moments like this had me scrolling back thinking I missed something. 

Overall, Blocked was an awesome self discovery and coming-of-age read! This was filled with great characters, amazing character development and excellent writing. I wish this was released in paperback because this is a book I want sitting on my bookshelf! I recommend this to all Young-Adult and New Adult readers!

Giveaway!

- $15 Amazon Gift Card
- eBook of BLOCKED
- BLOCKED cover cookie
- BLOCKED bookmark



About the Author

Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she witnesses growth in her psychotherapy clients, and by night she wrangles misbehaving fictional characters as she writes sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist. She can’t decide which is more fun.

A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen wove some of her own experiences into Streamline—a military mystery about swimmers. And readers can dip their toes into Jen’s world of swimming romance by sampling her free New Adult novella Swim Recruit.

College volleyball romance Blocked is Jen’s newest release, launching 10-21-14. Peek inside big-time college sports and even bigger national politics when the offspring of two presidential candidates find out whether opposites really do attract, or their match is blocked from the start.

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The Conduct Series, a romantic suspense trilogy that includes With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior, and On Best Behavior. Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry.

In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, hanging out with her plus-size, “I’m not fat, I’m big-boned” Izzie cat, and visiting her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.





1 comment:

  1. Patty, somehow I missed your review when originally posted on the tour but I'm grateful you posted on Goodreads so I could catch it. This is such a thoughtful, thorough review--many thanks for your time and feedback. I haven't decided if I'll turn this into a series but if I do, I was indeed thinking about Alejandro's story then Mateo and Jessica's story. Smooches and hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete