Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Title: Love Story

Author: Jennifer Echols

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 256

Published: July 19th, 2011 by MTV books

ISBN: 9781439178324

Source: Galley Grab program

 

Description: She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.. For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?  Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

I Give This ...

 

Jennifer Echols has a unique style of writing that I really do enjoy.  So, I was excited to be able to read her latest.  While I enjoyed the book overall, there was a whole lot of unnecessary drama, it made my head spin at times.

I think I might have put the book down if it wasn't for Erin.  I really did like her character.  I admired her determination to do things her way.  She didn't want to be bullied into fulfilling her grandmother's wishes.  She may have really loved horses, but she also didn't want to give up on her dream of being a writer.  I also enjoyed how she may have grew up privileged, but her life was far from perfect.  An absent father and the tragic death of her mother has definitely left it's scars.  I think it's a major part of the reason why she wants to choose her own path.

I enjoyed the included stories in the book for the writing class.  It gave the book an added layer.  I also liked the structure of the class.  I've never taken a writing class, but it intrigued me that they read and critiqued each others works.  I did get a little tired of the way Hunter presented himself in class.  I often thought he was more the jerk and undeserving of Erin's attention.   Which brings in the drama...I guess some people can't just help it.  But, there's a lot in this story.  Does he like me, is he trying to make me jealous, etc.  It all felt like a giant game.  It honestly left me questioning Hunter's true feelings.  But, then I think he was unsure of himself as well.

I still enjoyed the book overall and it's worthy read.  Just be prepared for the romantic drama.  I remember situations like this from when I was younger...and why I hated them.