Review: Still Team Nat
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 14, 2013
I have been following this series from the beginning, and it just gets more intense as each book is released.  I think this book is the one that had me more frustrated with the characters than any other.It is no secret that I am a Nat Nut.  I love Nat.  In all the craziness that goes on in the books, he seems to be the anchor.  He is the one who makes all the sacrifices for his family.  Any character who talks about Nat only has great things to say about him.  His team at Donovan Dynamics says he's resourceful, bright, and capable of unbelievable things.  His sister Rachel says he was always there for her and always did the right thing even if it meant he had to sacrifice his own happiness for everyone else.  The way this book turns out, Nat is still putting everyone else above himself.  He can't go back to being Nat.  It's not safe for him or his loved ones.  He's pissed off the wrong people.  He now has to be Nat 2.0, someone who is not Nat.  I'm not sure I'm okay with this.  The person he has to become goes against all that I love about Nat.  I'm going to be mourning the loss of "Nat", and I'm not sure I'm going to like the "Not Nat" who will be a student attending USC on a scholarship.  A film major, a player who goes through girls like candy.  Seriously, I want to draw the line at dying his hair blonde and putting blue contacts in his eyes.  Not my Nat.  Why don't you just rip out my heart now, Kailin Gow, and be done with it?Oh, and don't even get me started on Drew and Summer.  Are you kidding me?  Summer is so back and forth with her emotions in this book.  It was a ride I paid admission for but wanted off at the first turn.  I know Drew always loved Summer.  What a dog to swoop in and take his claim while Nat was "missing".  Summer has no loyalty.  I was disgusted.  All she had was this back and forth inner monologue of wanting closure so she could move on with Drew.  However, she didn't need that closure to jump into lust with Drew.  It was getting old fast.  One minute she was in pure lust with Drew.  The next minute she was berating herself for having feelings for Drew and Nat was missing.  Then I'd get whiplash from the comparisons she would make between Drew and Nat.  In my mind there is no contest.  I solidly choose Nat.  As if that frustration isn't enough, Kailin throws in a big twist.  Something that, if true, is going to make it impossible for Summer and Nat to ever be together.  At this point I'm not even sure I want Summer and Nat to be together.  I think Nat needs to board the bus out of Summer's crazy town and find a new love.I want to see if there is something to Rachel's crush on Astor.  I really would like to see something develop there.  Astor is a great character, and so is Rachel.  It might just make it easier for me to adjust to "Not Nat", if I could focus on a budding romance between two awesome characters like Rachel and Astor.I do love this series.  I wouldn't have such strong feelings about the characters or story line if I didn't.  Kailin knows how to get into the heart of her readers.  She writes the story that isn't going to be easy, but I appreciate that.  I want to be involved in the story and I am.  I have staked my claim.  I am awaiting the next book, but not patiently.  With so much changing with Nat, I can't wait to see what comes of it.I only have one pet peeve about this book.  Drew is not afraid to use the "F" word, so I don't understand why he would use the word "gosh" so much.  It seems out of character for him.  It brings his bad boy persona into question.  I can't picture him saying "gosh".  It brings the hot factor way down.At this point, you are either invested in this story or have checked out.  I recommend reading this series from the beginning and seeing it through.  It can get a bit frustrating at times, but that doesn't make it a bad story.  It just means that there is something there drawing out your emotions.  I for one like that I can focus in on the characters and have strong reactions to what's going on.  It makes the reading experience that much better.  Take a chance.  Choose a side.  Find out where your loyalties lie.  I have.