Lovin' los libros

Subject to Change (Picturing Perfect #2)
   by: Alessandra Thomas

Publication Date: June 25, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received from InkSlinger PR and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 300 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars



My Review:

I actually got to be a part of the cover reveal for this book and the cover redesign for Aless's Picture Perfect, and ever since I read the blurb- I knew. I had to read this book. I jumped at the chance to do the blog tour and I am so excited to share Aless's dream cast with you!

This is the second book in Alessandra's Picturing Perfect series, so yes folks: you do get to see some of Cat and Nate from Picture Perfect. Cat is such an awesome best friend to Joey and she really reminded me of my best friend. It's amazing to have that one person who knows you so well and knows exactly what you need when you're hurting and how to make dismal situations look a little brighter. Nate also reminds me of my best friend's husband. He knows how much Joey means to Cat and therefore watches out for her and cares when she's hurting too.

Subject to Change is Joey's story however and we find out her back story right away. She lost her father to cancer and now wants to follow in his footsteps and become a doctor just like he was. She wants him to be proud of her and so she has thrown herself into her school work and going pre-med. However, her classes are kicking her butt (Orgo II especially). She is scraping by with B's, when she knows she should be making A's. Joey's life is turned upside down when she is forced to take an Intro to Business class. She has no desire to take the class, but does still care about her grade. Her first day in the class she is less than impressed when the seat next to her is filled by a guy running late smelling like stale cigarette smoke. Hawk definitely gives off that bad boy vibe with his tattoos, 'I don't give a shit' attitude, and his rough around the edges appearance. However, fate throws Joey a curveball and she is partnered with this "loser piece of trash". (Her words not mine!) Oh, Joey. Didn't anyone tell you not to judge a book by its cover? I can't say I wouldn't have thought the same things if I were in her position though.

Hawk and Joey really get off to a very rocky start. She lets her preconceived notions of him form her opinion early on- she thinks he is unreliable and is not taking their project seriously. What Joey doesn't realize is that this guy has a lot going on. His focus isn't 100% on school like hers is. He has a job and family stuff to deal with. His priorities are quite different than hers. However, he does feel bad that he's blown her off twice and he tries to make up for it by taking the reigns on their project idea.  Yet, as much as they infuriate one another, they can't help the attraction that's between them. They push and challenge one another and aren't afraid to tell each other the hard truths.

Hawk does not open up to her right away and she ends up making assumptions and jumping to conclusions where he is concerned. Hawk is not used to having anyone to lean on or care about him and he does handle some situations badly. He has the added stress of dealing with his sister, Lexi who is a bit of a nightmare. She is a teenager dealing with the pressures that come with being a teen, and living with her aunt and uncle. She gets in trouble quite often, when really I think she's crying out for attention. She has gone through a lot for a kid her age.

Both Joey and Hawk are extremely hard- headed, but ultimately want what's best for the other. I loved watching their relationship develop into something precious and meaningful. Watching them learn to trust and open up to one another is a huge part of this story. Both also show so much self-growth. Joey had her life planned out- but at what point do you stop and ask yourself, 'What do I want? What is best for me?' She really struggled with these questions, as she did not want to let her father down. Hawk struggled with those two questions, as it wasn't just about him. He has responsibilities to take care of and he can't let them fall to the wayside. However, he learns that just because he has responsibilities doesn't mean he can't make changes and improve things either.

Overall, I really loved reading about Hawk and Joey because it's not a simple love story. There are real challenges here to overcome and they have to work hard to get what they want. But hard work makes everything that much more worthwhile, doesn't it?

 

Those are the three main characters that I want you to see! I hope that if you picture them while you’re reading Subject to Change, they help you enjoy it just a little more.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today! You’re such a dear and it’s been a pleasure working with you!!! (Aww, thanks sweetheart! <3 So glad to have had you here!!)

Xx

Aless

Author Bio:

Alessandra Thomas is a New Adult writer who swears she was in her twenties yesterday. Since she's not, she spends her time looking back on her college years fondly, and writing sexy stories about guys and girls falling in love and really living life for the first time. When she's not writing, you can find her with a spoonful of ice cream in one hand and the newest New Adult release in the other.

 

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