I enjoyed this book mostly. Although I’m not really a fan of books where the guy is older. Not that he was a lot older, but it was still a bit more than I’d prefer. However we still had all the angst and feelings that were in the last book as well. It makes complete sense why Xander won’t give in to Peyton’s overtures, or even his own feelings for her. He is like 10 years older than her, so with her only being 17, going on 18, it is something that is frowned upon. Especially with him working at a high school. But the coach that is a jerk to him, man I’d like to see that guy get what’s coming to him in a future story.

You can see the differences between Xander and Peyton whenever their with her friends, friends who include his own niece. So obviously that is weird for her. But Peyton has been through a lot. I can see some people having a problem with certain things she tries, however I get why she felt the need to try them. I definitely think it is possible for someone to then realize that even though they might understand someone’s reasoning after trying it, they don’t want to do it themselves. I felt bad for Bryan too. I really hope at some point he will get his HEA, whether it is with the girl in this story that likes him, or someone else. He was a good guy. I liked how Peyton decided to take charge of her life too. It was realistic and definitely a good thing to show that can be a positive thing for some high schoolers. Not everyone has to be on the exact same college and career path as everyone else is, or as is made normalized.

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.