I haven’t read a book written by this author before. I was intrigued by its plot. It’s been a while since I read a New Adult Fiction novel. Easy (Contours of the Heart #1) by Tammara Webber is the love story of Jacqueline and Lucas, a college romance.
Jacqueline has followed her boyfriend to the state college. After dating each other for three years, he breaks up with her to explore other options. She is left shaken by this. She has fallen behind in her Economics class after her break up and now needs help. Landon Maxfield is the tutor recommended by her professor to help get her grades back up. Jacqueline has become self-reflective after her break up with Kennedy. She realizes that she did a lot of things to make him happy, putting him first and even declining her dream music college.
Jacqueline meets Lucas in a very tricky situation when he helps her. He takes self-defense classes on campus which she decides to join due to her friend Erin’s insistence. She starts emailing Landon Maxfield about her Eco class, and they hit it off. Meanwhile, she feels curious and attracted to Lucas, who is a mystery. It starts with attraction, but they do get along well. Lucas intrigues her, and slowly, the layers he hides beneath start peeling off but not completely.
As Jacqueline interacts more and more with Landon and Lucas, she starts being herself again. She slowly starts getting back the confidence in herself and her identity other than being Kennedy’s girlfriend. The characters in the books are realistically portrayed. They act maturely and sensibly when faced with tough situations but still are trying to figure out their place in the world. The college setting has a positive environment; Erin, Jacqueline’s friend, is so supportive of her and vice versa.
The relationship between Jacqueline and Lucas is an example of a healthy relationship. They deal with problems sensibly and, realistically; there is minimum drama. Lucas is a little cautious Jacqueline but then you realize that it is for the right reasons. I liked the character of Lucas so much more than I thought I would. In the beginning, I thought he might be a little typical; he is anything but typical. He is caring and respectful of Jacqueline and her decisions. They have a very cute and realistic relationship. There is no toxic behavior from either side.
Reading Young Adult or New Adult novels can be predictable at times for me because I have read a lot of them. Easy was like a breath of fresh air. The characters, the writing, and the setting is so grounded; it keeps you hooked. Once I started reading it, I had to force myself to keep the book down. It is engaging, cute, and positive. I enjoyed reading it.
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