Review: 3 stars
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 30, 2014
Very Brief Synopsis - First, let me mention this is book 4 in this series. The couples from the previous 3 books are present throughout Making the Grade. While it could be read as a standalone title, you will probably have a better understanding of what is going on if you have read the other books in the series.This is Faith's story. We met Faith way back in the first book, as she is one of Hailey's good friends. Brian is Freddy's, from the 3rd book, brother. Brian has been hot to go out with Faith for months, but she is going through a bad break up. Finally, she relents after her friends push her to go out with Brian. Everything is going well, until a misunderstanding makes Brian put on the brakes concerning pursuing a relationship with Faith. Mind you, this doesn't stop him from you-know-whatting her silly at the end of the first date...This is when I became a bit concerned that this title wasn't going to work for me.Anyway, finally Brian and Faith get past their misunderstanding and begin to date, deciding not to have sex again until they get to know each other. Way to put the toothpaste back in the tube...They do date things, they go fishing, they go to a charity event and solidly put Faith's ex in his place. Then Faith takes Brian to meet her mother and loses her mind.What worked for me - I liked Brian's character. He seemed genuine and honest. I thought his reactions were realistic, although I think he would have been better off walking away from Faith, but hey...men get struck stupid by a pretty face every day. Like I said, realistic.I liked touching base with the couples from the first two books. I didn't care for the 3rd book in the series, and nothing in Making the Grade made me feel better about that match up.The writing was solid, if a little rushed.What didn't work as well - Faith was kind of a histrionic mess. She deflected her feelings of unworthiness onto Brian, even though his action did not suggest he was being anything but supportive.Faith interacts socially with her therapist. Yeah, no. Just no. And she needs many more hours on the couch before attempting a relationship. Our girl is an emotional mess.(I know I have already used that word, but really, she is a mess.)The odd going to the club so a "stranger" can watch Faith and Brian have sex. And the "stranger" turns out to be a known entity in Faith's professional life. Really? How awkward. Faith seems to take in in stride, which, given her over-the-top reactions throughout the book, is surprising.There are weird moments of humor. I mention this because the humor didn't really fit Faith's character. I am a big fan of the funny, but it was startling instead of natural.Bottom line - Making the Grade was okay. My favorites remain books 1 and 2. I didn't care for book 3 because of the characterizations of Dylan's partners, and I could not wrap my mind around Faith in this book. Maybe if the story had been a bit longer, I would have grown to like her, I don't know. Your experience may be different.