Review: Great story, but....
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 8, 2013
I will start by saying that I could not put this book down. It was even better than the first book in the series.  The writing was excellent, the dialogue was very realistic, and the author took her time with the story buildup and character development.  I give the first 80% a solid 5 stars. What sort of changed my mind about the 5 star review was the underlying message that emerged towards the end about saving yourself until you find the person you are going to marry and then settling down young.  All of the characters in these books essentially find their soulmate in the first romantic relationship they ever have and they are only 19-21 years old.  They go from being carefree college students to owning homes, running households, and talking about marriage and babies. While I do appreciate the message it gives to young girls (and guys) about respecting their bodies and not just giving sex away,  I found that to be a little too hokey and goody-goody for my taste.  I am in my mid 30's and have two young children of my own, I would like to see them experience life a little before committing to one person and taking on domestic roles. The relationships in these books were just a little too fairy-tale-ish for me.  I like to see a little more grit in the books I read.  Overall though, I would still recommend this series and this author and I am looking forward to Sawyer's story. I have a feeling I will like it best of all!