Review: Love Ivy's fun writing style, as well as the fact I felt I was right on campus with the characters!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 2, 2014
3.5/5 starsAfter reading and loving The Hazards of Skinny Dipping, I was thrilled when I saw Alyssa was writing another novel in the series. I really enjoyed her fun writing style, as well as the fact that I felt like I was right on campus with the characters as they are navigate their way through school, relationships, and sorority life. While I didn't enjoy The Hazards of a One Night Stand quite as much as its predecessor, I still found myself completely engaged and was happy to see some familiar faces in this novel.It had been awhile since I read the first book so I didn't really remember much of Mallory, Juliet's sorority sister. We do learn that she hasn't had the best of luck in the relationship department, having had her high school boyfriend dump her and tell her she wasn't good enough and the last guy she tried to hook up with too busy mourning over his ex-girlfriend. Having returned home for the summer, the last thing Mallory ever expects is to reunite with her high school crush and younger brother to her ex-boyfriend. She can't help but notice how sexy Colton is or how he can't stop flirting with her. She also can't help the fact she drank a bit more than she planned and now finds herself in the hayloft with this incredibly sexy and willing boy. Mallory writes off that night with Colton as a one time thing never expecting him to want more. Heading back to school, Mallory is ready to start her sophomore year and forget that night. Easier said than done. Colton is NOT ready to let what happened between them just die. At first Colton annoyed me because of how clingy he was and how he didn't seem like he was acting his age. He almost seemed more juvenile than he really was and giving off that puppy love vibe.Don't get me wrong- while I felt that way about Colt in the beginning, he definitely grew on me and there was no other option for Mallory. I could not stand Tanner and I wanted to smack her for even indulging him after that one horrid date. I got very frustrated with Mallory because she refused to see what was right in front of her. Her reasons for not wanting to date Colton were really weak and I didn't like that she was so concerned about what other people would think or what she was 'supposed' to do. She kept trying to force herself to like Tanner, who is self-absorbed, boring, and way too serious. He's one of those guys who doesn't even bother to listen to you because he's going to make decisions that he feels are best. Gag.Colt cares deeply for Mallory and has way more patience with her than I can see most guys having. He likes spending time with her and is fun and confident (but not in that arrogant way). He is thoughtful and when she needs someone to be there for her, he is no questions asked. He is hurt when Mallory finally agrees to give him a chance, but wants to keep it a secret. Talk about a blow to the ego!I get that Mallory has some issues that stem from her father and he's a real piece of work. He is too concerned about appearances and what he thinks is best for his kids. Finding out what he did to Mallory really angered me and it was just low, especially given how crushed she was afterwards. Mallory craves her father's acceptance and lets his ideas ruminate in her mind and makes her doubt what she believes. I hate that this man has this much power over her, but he's her father and she just wants to be good enough for him.I love that we got to see Juliet, Reed, Cara and Aaron again! Juliet and Reed are as adorable ever, but I was a little concerned about Cara and Aaron, as they are having some issues concerning an ex-girlfriend. They are great friends to Mallory and aren't afraid to call her on her crap either.Overall, I thought this was another cute, fun read and I enjoyed myself despite my issues with Mallory. I did feel there were a few plot threads left unresolved and that the ending wrapped up a bit too perfectly. I'm glad Mallory finally realized that she alone could decide her own happiness and not let others try to control it for her, but it all just felt kind of fast. I wouldn't mind seeing another book in this series about Mallory's brother Davie, or even Jade, the sweet new pledge in their sorority!