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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Review and Giveaway: I Want It That Way (2B Trilogy #1) by Ann Aguirre

I Want It That Way (2B Trilogy #1) 

Series: 2B Trilogy #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: 8/26/14
Format: ARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 stars

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  BN  |  iBooks

Nadia Conrad has big dreams, and she's determined to make them come true—for her parents' sake as well as her own. But between maintaining her college scholarship and working at the local day care to support herself, she barely has time to think, let alone date. Then she moves into a new apartment and meets the taciturn yet irresistible guy in 1B…. 

Daniel Tyler has grown up too fast. Becoming a single dad at twenty turned his life upside down—and brought him heartache he can't risk again. Now, as he raises his four-year-old son while balancing a full-time construction management job and night classes, a social life is out of the question. The last thing he wants is for four noisy students to move into the apartment upstairs. But one night, Nadia's and Ty's paths cross, and soon they can't stay away from each other. 

The timing is all wrong—but love happens when it happens. And you can't know what you truly need until you stand to lose it.

My Review

Okay, like almost everyone else, I was drawn to I Want it That Way because of
the title. Yep, I was a Backstreet Boys fan and I loved this song. And yes, I did sing it in my head every time I looked at the book and the entire time I was reading. FUN. As for the book, I did like it, but felt it was another that fell into the "Fine, Just Fine" category. It was good, but didn't truly grab my heart.
 

I was excited to have a single dad romantic lead in Ty. As a mom, the surest way to my heart is a dude who loves his kid and puts them first. How Ty became a single father was pretty interesting, explained a lot of his abandonment issues as well as his desire to remain single. I did feel he took this too far as far as his "rules" and life plan. I've known a lot of great single parents who didn't have these sorts of rules, but hey, it offers character growth, so I can't complain too much. . His hot-and-cold personality would not work for me, neither would having to convince someone to give me a chance, but that just may be that I'm a) extremely self-assured as to what I deserve in a relationship (and yes, I was this way at Nadia's age) and b) am too lazy to even consider trying to convince someone I am worthy of their love when they are against it.
 
 
I thought I Want It That Way was a good love story, very thoughtful and in-depth, character-wise. I liked both Nadia and Ty, their layered personalities, how well they communicated with each other, and the maturity both embodied. I like that the author expressed how exhausting Ty's life was, and that it did affect his relationship with Nadia. Nothing was glossed over in this book, in regards to the demands of Ty's and Nadia's responsibilities as working students. I just really liked these two together, talking and loving, and wishing for a way to be together. That was by far my favorite aspect to I Want It That Way.



As much as I liked it, there were parts that got to me and at times I felt annoyed. The length of the story was my biggest issue. It's not that I can't appreciate a big, beautiful book, as long as it's filled with plot. I felt that much of this book was filled with tedious details that I personally didn't need. I didn't need to know the specifics on how Nadia makes her mac and cheese casserole, or how many green shirts were in her closet. I also felt there was too much about Nadia's work at a preschool, and the education details in becoming a teacher. I admire an author who gives realism to their story, but if I accidentally wander into a conversation with an education student, I may hurt them. Especially if I hear the word "practicum" (ohmygod I just convulsed typing that word, I hate it so much).  There was also way too much about Nadia's roommates. It was fine to include them in her story, but I didn't need to hear about her roommates' love lives every time they entered the room. The story could've easily been chopped down by fifty pages, leaving out so many details that lost my attention.

You know what, I think I would have loved this story if it was written from Ty's point-of-view.
On the whole, I did like I Want It That Way. The prologue promises a much darker story than what's delivered, with an epilogue that touches back on that, with what felt like a "Gotcha!" message. It's not dark or twisty, or especially complicated, and it didn't need to be, so I have no idea why this was included.

The hype for this book is heavy, and I have no doubt it will deliver for most readers. It was fine, not spectacular, in my opinion.
 
 

Favorite Quotes

  A muscle flexed in his jaw and he closed his eyes for a few seconds, as if I'd stroked him in an unspeakably intimate place. My fingers curled against the urge to touch him, brush the bright hair away from his brow or test the gold bristles on his jaw. A rush of longing hammered at my composure, a visceral attraction unlike any I'd ever known. He rubbed his palm over his mouth, and I could've sworn he whispered something like, make it stop, I don't have time for this right now, but it was more of a breath or a sigh, and it could've been my imagination. 
  "Nadia..." There was a world of loneliness and longing in that tone.
  I knew it immediately; I wore it like a charm about my neck. "If you send me away today, I'll knock tomorrow. I'll say this again. And again. Until you're ready to believe me, and I don't care how long it takes. I do not fucking give up on the things that matter, and nobody's ever mattered to me more than you."





The 2B Trilogy


I Want It That Way (2B Trilogy #1)  As Long As You Love Me (2B Trilogy #2)  The Shape of My Heart  (2B Trilogy #3)

(covers lead to GoodReads pages)



Must be 18+ years of age; open to US only.

 About Ann Aguirre 

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Doctor Who. She writes all kind of fiction in multiple genres, both YA and for adults.


Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads  | Tumblr





 photo AndreaSig_zps3f75055b.jpg

30 comments:

  1. I didn't put the title and song together until it was mentioned, wow talk about the past. Thank you for the giveaway. The story looks like a book I could indulge in.

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  2. Everyone has been mentioning how this was a cute book, but not really the kind of book you could say that you loved. While I like the sound of both Ty and Nadia, I don't think this is a book I want to purchase. I'll probably wait for it to become available at the library.
    Lovely review, Andrea!

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  3. I have been so torn on this book.. I mean the title grabs you and it sounds good but there was something stopping me. I'm kinda glad I didn't jump to read it since you had mixed feelings on it- maybe one day but its not going to the top of the tbr. Great review!

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  4. I'm glad I wasn't the only one - I couldn't even finish it. Kinda disappointing because I was pretty excited to read this series. Oh well...not every book is going to be my favorite.

    Great review!

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  5. It sounds like there were too many digressions...Still, I'm happy you liked it overall. I was a Backstreet Boys fan but I honestly wasn't thinking about the song until you pointed it out, haha. Oh boy, now I'm singing along...LOL Great job with the review, Andrea! :)

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  6. I actually became interested in this book b/c I love Ann's other books. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. I am glad it was ok, and I agree in my romances I more likely to skim the bit about mac and cheese, or her job. The characters sound good, and I to can fall for a man who loves his child. Great review Andrea.

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  8. Do love the cover and title but sad that it was just okay for you instead fo amazing

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  9. I stopped at your mild gripes because I'm reading this today. I like the idea of a single dad, I just hope that I like it as much as you did if not better. My relationship with stories like this is always hit or miss.

    *Tell me why?! Ain't nothing but a mistake..* Actually the titles of the books are BSB or boy band-ish songs right?

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  10. I guess I wasn't that big a fan of BSB because I didn't make the connection until you referred to it...now I can't stop singing it in my head. ;) I'm sorry this missed a few marks for you, Andrea. I think it's interesting that you said it might have worked better if it'd been from Ty's POV. I'm still gonna give this one a go even if the reviews are iffy. Thanks for the great review!

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  11. I didn't realize all the books are titled after BSB songs. I loved them too so it seems we have something else in common. This still sounds good even with your peeves. I love a single father :)

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  12. I'm sorry to hear you didn't love this, Andrea. I don't like it when I feel like a book is dragging either, and I don't like the sound of Nadia having to convince Ty to love her. I have this for review as well, but now I'll lower my expectations a bit. I hope I like it more! Great honest review. :)

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  13. I was reading Glass' review for this one just few minutes ago and yeah you both agree about the length of this one. I love big books but like you said when there is a strong and well-developed plot in it. So yeah. But I'm glad you enjoyed this one overall :)

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  14. Yes I was attracted to this series because of the songs, I used to loveeee the Backstreet Boys.

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  15. You know...yeah. What you said. I really did enjoy the story, having closed the book with a sense of satisfaction but now that I need to review it...there are some issues. Still, it's a good story and I'm looking forward to the next one!

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  16. Yep, the title draws me in. And I'm like Nereyda, I see kids in books and run the other way, but I do want to read this. The guy sounds sweet and I mean, come on....BSB.

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  17. OH that's disappointing. So hard when the hype is there and the book just doesn't make it for you. Those gripes would gripe me too so guess I'll give this one a pass for now. Plus I was more of an N'Sync girl ;)

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  18. I was interested because I've heard amazing things about Ann Aguirre, but the titles definitely caught my attention!

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  19. Lol not really. I was interested because of Karen's recomendation. I didn't connect the dots until everyone kept talking about. (I'm entering for a friend).

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  20. No, I am interested in the book because it sounds like a great read. Thanks for having the giveaway.

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  21. I enjoy the author's books, I don't know what the song is!! Thanks for your giveaway.

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  22. Anything remotely connected to Back Street Boys attracts me, lol. So of course this title hooked me instantly.

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  23. I am kind of glad I didn't sign up to review this one now. I really wanted to, but just didn't have time.

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  24. No, I am just interested in reading the series. Thank you

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  25. I didnt love it but i think i liked it a little bit more than you. I really liked Ty. But, i did just dnf as long as you love me :(

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  26. Christina R. in the rafflecopter

    I did think of the song!!

    Also because Jennifer Armentrout loved the book, she said it was unique.

    thank you :)

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  27. I actually DID very much love this book. I just finished it last night. I agree with your points that there were moments that could've been left out. But I think that I really just fell in love with Ty and Sam and enjoyed Ann Aguirre's writing style. :) I haven't read enough stories with good single dads. I am apparently a sucker for them!

    ahah...and I actually don't think I consciously made the Backstreet Boys reference. I think I was grabbed by the cover first.

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