REVIEW: THE HAZARDS OF SKINNY DIPPING by ALYSSA ROSE IVY

Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Publication Date: 5/21/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from author for review

This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping is a fun, sweet, and surprising story of what happens when a girl decides to let go and gets what she's always wanted... or so she thought.

I've had high hopes for Hazards from the moment I first saw it. That cover is a total win. I'm also a fan of Alyssa Rose Ivy's books, so I expected to like this one as well. What I will first say is that this story surprised me, and I can't pinpoint exactly why. There is a decidedly different tone to Ivy's writing this time around, and I really enjoyed it.

Juliet was a fun and interesting protagonist. The story begins a few weeks before she heads to college. I was thinking she would likely be shy/awkward/naïve (not that there's anything wrong with that), but she was a really cool chick. I love how she just dove into life, and went with it. That's not to say that she was perfect or didn't get swept along, but that only made her more realistic, in my opinion.

Of course, there are guys. Two of them, but those who detest love triangles should not be afraid, this isn't so much of a love triangle as it is Juliet making some realizations and letting go of a dream. Dylan, her long time dream guy, starts out as a guy that any girl might feel happy to be with. He's hot, nice, popular, and well-off. But is he the guy for Juliet? And Reed....I loved him! He's another popular hot guy, but he's soooo much fun and so stinkin' sweet!  And I loved their progression from begrudged companions to really great friends. Reed and Juliet's friendship made this story for me.

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping was more than two guys and a girl. I loved how Juliet's story started with a leap, and came full circle by the end. It was about having fun, taking chances, and realizing that love just might be right beside you.


Favorite Quote:

  "I've wanted this for so long."
  "How long?"
  "Since laser tag." He squeezed my hand.
  "Really? You liked me all decked out?"
  "You look hot in everything, but it was your attitude that got me. Most girls would have hid from me instead of taking me out."
  "I did shoot you in the back."
  "True...I need to remember that."  ~eARC, 78%
     

About the author:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Connect with Alyssa at:
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