Review: What can I say? LOVED it!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 4, 2013
Copy provided by the author for reviewHead over Wheels was perfect, and I absolutely loved it. There is nothing better than starting a book, where right from the first page you know you want to read more. It doesn't always mean that a story has to start off with a bang, it can simply be due to what's written on that first page or the way it's written. I hoped that it would continue in this light, and it did.Jewelia or Jewel, as her friends call her, works part-time in a department store as security. The kind of security where a girl can dress up fancy as all get out, have hair and make-up done and whatever else the store provides... for free. But then, the whole point is to look like a regular customer. She's also studying Forensic and Political Science, loves to watch CSI (me, too) and well, aspires to be just like them. Who better than to clean up the streets of Manhattan? Jewel, like most young women, has experienced the 'break-up'. It's been six months and the gorgeous guy, Nikos, she'd been dating is no more. Life must go on. Jewel locks eyes one morning at Kelley's, where she buys her daily dose of coffee, with a guy even more gorgeous than her ex. A curious game of checking each other out ensues. Jewel is quick to message her best friend, Emma, with a pic nonetheless of the hotness she's come across. The things girls do! I loved Emma, she's a true best friend and one who comes up with lines like this one: "He's hotter than my Honda before the engine blew." They met before Jewel started college, at a time when she was apartment hunting. She saw the ad, they met and the rest as they say is history. Emma is kind of her psychologist, but then she's in the right profession - mental health.Jewel can't get this guy out of her mind, and is back for her ritualistic coffee posthaste the next day, without being too darn obvious that is. He eventually shows up, but after her most embarrassing and hilarious entry, nothing comes of it.Both Jewel and Emma take part in a bike-a-thon (with loads of grumbling from Jewel), where they come across none other than this gorgeous guy with a friend who have stopped to fix one of the bikes. Nothing like the present to make the most of what's in front of her, and up to them she goes. 'Cause you know, she's completely qualified where bike fixing is concerned. Not! By the end of this meeting, not only have Jewel and Indigo (James Ballou - pronounced Blue, hence the Indigo) met without any concrete future confirmed plans,  Emma and Arkana, Indigo's friend apparently went to the same school years ago. A spark between these two is also ignited.Short of telling you where this is all going, I can only but reiterate that it was wonderful and I loved it. It's not a simple love story, but then how many really are? There's the inevitable baggage carried around, more so where Indigo is concerned. He has trust issues, which when you read 'Head Over Wheels', you'll know why. It's sad and heart wrenching, but then he is the way he is due to his loss including his parents' marriage and the not so pleasant environment he grew up in. Tragedy has a way of either pulling people together, but at times completely rips them apart. Here you will also see the difference between Indigo's parents and Jewel's family.Added to this mix is Vanessa - a 'good' friend of not only Indigo's, but his family. She's the uber viper bitch we all hope we never come across in our lives, or relationships. She made me want to get downright and dirty with her, bringing out a really nasty side we are all capable of when faced with someone as horrible as she is. But, let me tell you, although at times Jewel becomes fed up with the whole Indigo-feeling-sorry-for-Vanessa-moments because of her circumstances, Jewel is not one to take crap. In fact, she's quite capable of looking after herself, is strong in more ways than most of us are, and she has the quickest tongue and comebacks I've come across. Loved her to bits.There are a number of other characters in this story that make it even greater. I loved Pete and Casey (a gay couple), but more so Pete as he always has Jewel's best interests at heart. He's a real mother hen. A bit of everything has been added to this story making it more than just a romance or love story, as it's riddled with obstacles that need to be overcome, frustrations that will drive you crazy and it's also full of humour - something I always love. There's even some suspense! But, make no mistake that this is primarily, a love story. A hot and spicy love story.If you've read 'The Edge of Never' or 'Hearts in Darkness', any romance really - you will love this one, too. And, can I say that Ms. Valentine has a way of writing that is just fabulous. Everything flows, the right amount of snarkiness is peppered here and there throughout the story, when it's supposed to be funny it is, but when those hurtful, sad and tender moments are needed? they have been placed in exactly the right place.I'd love to read (if there will ever be one), an installment about Emma and Arkana (Billy) born from their school days up to this point. I did mention this in an e-mail to the author, but (lol) this sentence was quietly side-stepped. Guess I'll have to wait and see. I can beg if the need be, Ms. Valentine. Just say the word.Fabulous! Read it. I recommend it. I love romance.I have to add this. A note from Indigo to Jewel at a time when things had gone haywire. Isn't it lovely? She kept it under her pillow. Brought tears to my eyes. I'm soppy that way. Sigh."To the part of my world that shines brightest;Jewelia, my joy.Love is a gentle song which leads a heart to a meadowThe fragrance of paradise, a thoughtful hand on a shoulderLove is every perfect note in the sound of your voiceThe lifetime I've spent in search of youEach breath I take missing youYour sigh when you're fast asleepMemories I'll forever keepLove is your eyes when they gaze into mineA traveler of sorrow, a soul lost in time.I love you, Jewelia.Always, Jimmy."