Review: Good debut
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 1, 2013
Maura is 22 and just finishing College. She has plans to study Law after the Summer. Just before she finishes College her brother's best friend Ethan pays her a visit and asks her out on a date. She's a little surprised but she says yes and they begin dating. The story is told from Maura's POV. The story flicks between the present and the past as we learn about her first 'true love', Nate. When Maura was young she spent every summer staying at her grandparents home in Paradise Cove. She begins her friendship with Nate when they are very young. Nate is two years older than her but as each summer passes and they become teenagers, their attraction is obvious as is there love for one another. Nate is the son of Maura's grandparents housekeeper. Her Grandfather likes Nate but he does warn Maura to be careful she doesn't get hurt and tells her that her grandmother won't be happy if she ends up with Nate.Something happens and heartache follows. Now it's five years later, Maura is dating Ethan who comes on strong from the get go and hints at marriage. Of course Maura's parents are delighted, it would be a 'marriage made in Heaven'. Maura has very little backbone. Maura's friend is getting married and asks her to come and stay in the Cove for the summer. Maura gives in although things have changed since the death of her grandfather but what Maura didn't realise is that Nate still lives there. Once she sees him again she is surprised that Nate seems angry with her. He was the one who hurt her so why is he angry? Not wishing to give anymore away, a lot of angst ensues and whilst the story is at times predictable, I did enjoy it.Maura continues her relationship with Ethan who doesn't come across as a very nice character. Nate seems to date a different girl each night. They are both jealous. I loved Nate but not sure how I felt about Maura! She definitely needed to grow a backbone but what confused me is her continuing to date Ethan once her and Nate reconnect. There are some very mild sex scenes in this book but nothing to offend and there is some swearing but I would say it is a suitable YA/NA book.This is the authors debut novel. I think she did a good job. I would read more from her.