If Only by
A.J. Pine
Release Date: March 24, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Source: Rockstar Book Tours and A.J. Pine
Reviewed by: Nahomi
Links:
Amazon /
Barnes & Noble /
Goodreads
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
My rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars
Synopsis:
Sometimes it takes crossing an ocean to figure out where you belong.
It's been two years since twenty-year-old Jordan had a boyfriend—which means it's been forever since she, well, you know. But now she’s off to spend her junior year in Aberdeen, Scotland, the perfect place to stop waiting for Mr. Right and just enjoy Mr. Right Now.
Sexy, sweet (and possible player) Griffin may be her perfect, no-strings-attached match. He’s fun, gorgeous, and makes her laugh. So why can’t she stop thinking about Noah who, minutes after being trapped together outside the train’s loo, kisses Jordan like she’s never been kissed before? Never mind his impossible blue eyes, his weathered, annotated copy of The Great Gatsby (total English-major porn)…oh, and his girlfriend.
Jordan knows everything this year has an expiration date. Aberdeen is supposed to be about fun rather than waiting for life to happen. But E. M. Forster, Shakespeare, and mistletoe on Valentine’s Day make her reconsider what love is and how far she’s willing to go for the right guy.
If Only is one of those books that makes you feel glad you took the time to read and enjoy it. What really got me to read this story in the first place was the synopsis. I have always wanted to study abroad, but was unable to, so I jumped at the chance to read about Jordan Brook's experience abroad. There were several aspects I really enjoyed about this book and only one little thing that was annoying, but I will talk about that more towards the end of the review. For now I would like to focus on all of the good, and there is plenty of that!
I really fell in love with these characters and their experiences; although sometimes Jordan comes across as really intense and a bit dramatic. She is really easy to identify with. She tends to over think situations, and is also a total book nerd which I can relate to as well. Jordan to me felt like a kindred spirit, in the sense that I felt like I understood where she's coming from during her journey to start living her life. Noah and Griffin the "love" interests are HOTT and kind of the complete opposites of each other. They were both are equally nice Noah is dark and a little more serious, where Griffin is light, fun and free. The chemistry between these three characters is palpable especially between Jordan and Noah.
Noah oh sweet swoony Noah, he makes my heart go pitter patter with every time he talks and is awkward or messes something up. I love all of the friends Jordan makes on her journey. Elaina and Duncan are awesome in their own right and could probably have their own book that is just how great they are. Griffin is another character that I would love to read more about.
The book references and different locations throughout the story really made this story more interesting. I like the pacing and the story line and thought, overall that this was really a great story and experience. I had mentioned earlier that there was something that was annoying to me and it kept me from giving this book a higher rating. On occasion especially towards the beginning I felt like the drama was to overwhelming for me. Also Jordans lack of communication with Noah was frustrating. Other than that I am truly happy that I read this book! Well done Ms. Pine, on a lovely story.
P.S. There were some quotes I just had to share, because they are too good to keep to myself.
"There is a little known truth that a two-year dry spell can earn a girl her virginity back. I myself was unaware of this fascinating nugget of wisdom until Sam, my roommate and best friend, so graciously bestowed it upon me." ~Jordan p. 1
~B&S~
"I’m suddenly aware that my lack of success in the male/female relationship department might have something to do with my preference for boys made from words. My book boyfriends have been plentiful over the years. And George Emerson, he’s near the top of the list." ~Jordan p.94
~B&S~
"She’s your friend, and she’s protecting you. I’m pretty sure I’m the one in trouble, or at least I get the sense that I will be if I mess this up.”She looks him up and down. “He is smart. I like that. But I will kill him while he’s sleeping if he hurts you. That may sound brutal, but he is bigger than me and would probably fight back if he was awake. So, I do it in the sleep.”
~Noah & Elaina p. 190
~B&S~
The Giveaway
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About the Author:
AJ writes stories to break readers’ hearts, but don’t worry—she’ll mend those hearts with a happily ever after…maybe. The first book she wrote was YA, but now she’s two-timing her first love Pine4BWwith NA. She’s always in the middle of reading two to three books, adores online shopping (everything from groceries to shoes), and she still loves vampires, whether it’s Eric Northman or the Salvatore brothers. When she’s not writing, AJ is sneaking off to her day job as a high school English teacher or hanging with her husband and kids in the Chicago burbs.
Author Links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads
