I started this before bed (big mistake, HUGE), stayed up WAY too late, and devoured it in a matter of hours. Prepare to fall for Dallas because he is slightly broken but so, so easy to love! Nothing But Trouble was really great so I was looking forward to this big time, even as I was unsure of how I’d feel about Dallas. We’re introduced to him in that book and while there were glimpses of an intriguing story underneath all of his wild behavior, I knew it would take a lot to win me over. I shouldn’t have questioned it – he is without a doubt the best part of this book.
The story follows Dallas, the wild, fun-loving golden boy who doesn’t take too much about life seriously. He’s been hurt in the past and now chooses to live in the moment, but things change when he meets Dora. Shy and sheltered, Dora is a wallflower with a stutter who has decided that this year is the year she’s not going to give an eff. Dora and Dallas have a class together, and over the course of the semester they run into each other many times, sharing a connection that just gets stronger the more they interact. Starting out as strangers, they slowly develop into friends until there is a trust there that makes the progression into lovers a natural one.
This book went in a whole other direction than what I was expecting, which just made the ride that much more interesting. It’s decidedly New Adult, with relationships that match that vibe. If you haven’t read Nothing But Trouble, you’ll have a completely different reading experience than those who have – while this IS a standalone, the timelines intersect between the two books and we see scenes from NBT with a whole new perspective. I’ll admit that took a little getting used to, as I was constantly drawn back to memories of NBT, but once I settled into Dallas and Dora’s story it was easier to leave all that behind. While this isn’t my absolute favorite read by P. Dangelico (that honor is still shared by Wrecking Ball and You Can Have Manhattan), she’s set the bar so high with her past books that it was an almost unreachable target. It’s a great book that held my attention from start to finish, and absolutely flew by. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC via NetGalley (then purchased the book for my collection), and am voluntarily leaving a review of this angsty yet adorable romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yYcpul
Blurb:
Dallas Van Zant…
Water polo god.
Shameless flirt.
Beautiful disaster in the most literal sense of that label.
Trust me, it’s not hyperbole. He’s in big trouble with the law.
What does this have to do with me, you ask? Unfortunately, a lot. For some reason, which I still can’t quite wrap my brain around, I’ve been talked into driving him around as part of his plea deal.
Problem is, he makes me nervous. I’m not good with people, men in particular, popular athletes especially. I’ve worked really hard to get my disability under control and one minute in his company and all my hard work flies out the window.
To top it all off, I promised myself that I was going to make some serious changes this year. I’m tired of feeling awkward around boys. I’m tired of never having had a boyfriend. I’m tired of being lonely. And he’s wrecking my plans.
But I’m also not the type to turn away a person in need. So I’ll do what I must to help him out.
I’ll just pretend that I’m not enjoying his company. And I’ll ignore the fact that he’s sweet and funny. And I’ll tell myself every day that he’s out of my league.
Because I’m as inexperienced as they come. And Dallas Van Zant is nothing but wild.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yYcpul
About the Author:
Paola Dangelico loves romance in all forms, pulp fiction, the NY Jets, and to while away the day at the barn (apparently she does her best thinking shoveling horse poop). She was born in Milan, Italy, grew up in New Jersey watching her father paint the covers of bestselling romance authors like Danielle Steel and Amanda Quick, and after a long stint on the left coast, she returned to the right coast to write about finding love in a modern world. Presently, she resides in New Jersey with her fur family.
Connect with Paola
Website: http://www.pdangelico.com/
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