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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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
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:
Website | GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon
 
 
 
 
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20 comments:

  1. I loved your review! Now, I want to read this story even more! I love Alyssa Rose Ivy, and can't wait to read this story :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  2. Loved the review! The quote sounds super cute. I really want to read this!

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  3. LOVED this book! Reed was amazing! Dylan was okay too but just one of those guys we all need to be with to then realize what we truly want and need in a relationship. I loved Juliet too. She felt real and many of her college experiences reminded me of my own life. Except sorority life. Never wanted to join one although if there was a Reed in the fraternity I might have been more into frat guys and becoming a sorority girl!

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  4. Eeeek!!! YAY you loved it:)))) I cannot wait to read this once my exams are over. I love the sound of it, the cover and everything that meets the eye. I'm also a tiny bit in love with Reed already thanks to you;) Thanks for making me super excited, Andrea!!!

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  5. My favorite Alyssa Rose Ivy book to date! Seriously! Loved every thing about this one. Great review Andrea!

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  6. I have to read this one! Actually, I need to read something by ALyssa Rose Ivy soon! I hear nothing but great things. Awesome review ANdrea!

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  7. I am really looking forward to this. I have it an plan to start it in a few days. I haven't read one of Alyssa's books that I didn't like. Wonderful review.

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  8. hahaha who can go wrong with "stinkin' sweet" This sounds really good! I like that you mention that the writing took you by surprise because I did want to read this one but I wasn't a fan of Derailed so you have given me new hope that I would fare better with it. I totally agree with you about the cover it just screams PERFECT SUMMER READ to me, and it sounds like it delivers!

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  9. I so need to read this one. I wish I had more time. I will definitely be getting this when it comes out though.

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  10. Sounds like a good one! I'd never heard of it. I'm glad it's not too much of a love triangle, and Reed sounds like the perfect guy; just the type of person I normally crush on. ;)

    Love the official summary- grabs you and makes you curious, which is nice.

    -Lauren

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  11. I haven't read any of her books yet, new author to me but this one is on my TBR list! It does look great. Wonderful review! Reed sounds interesting :D

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  12. Oh this one does sound great! I'm glad that she's a pretty cool chick and isn't to naive. I haven't read this author yet, but this actually sounds like a great place to start!

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  13. I've heard good things about this author. And I agree, I don't really count it as a love triangle if the girl is in love with someone from afar and then finds another guy…
    You can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics

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  14. EEP! Wasn't sure about this one but I am now! Great review. I love how you said it's more than 2 boys and a girl. Sounds fabulous.

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  15. I did the cover reveal and LOVE the cover!! I was hoping it was good bc I love the description.... it's snarky!! I'm glad you liked it!! I've been wanting to read a book by this author bc I've featured them on my blog several times... plus I really want to find a book about a girl in college that is good, they're so rare!

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  16. I'm reading this one early next week. I'm even more excited and curious. Especially after you said this: "There is a decidedly different tone to Ivy's writing this time around, and I really enjoyed it. "

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  17. I was hooked by the cover of this one as well, Andrea! I'm glad that Alyssa was able to surprise you...in a good way! ;) I'm looking forward to reading this one even more now.

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  18. I've been seeing more and more from this author, lately, and I'm more and more interested in her books. This sounds god, and it may just have to be a summer read for me!

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  19. I'm so excited you enjoyed Hazards, and that I surprised you in a good way. :) Thanks so much or reading and reviewing it!!

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  20. I love the sound of this story and that is was unexpected for you, Andrea. Yay for no triangle!! The cover is amazing! I'm going to have to pick this up. Great review, Andrea! :)

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