Review: Romancing the R.A. by Ashelyn Drake
Romancing the R.A. (Campus Crush #1)
by: Ashelyn Drake
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: S.B. Addison Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: won an e-copy from the author in a Twitter giveaway
Page Count: 81 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl.
And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.
But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?
-goodreads.com descriptionAnd Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.
But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?
I first saw this book on Sheri's blog (Tangled Up in Books) for a Waiting on Wednesday post. As you can tell from my recent reviews- I am all about the NA Contemps lately. So this one appealed to me right away! I was so bummed because for the longest time it was only released for Kindle and I have a Nook. I ended up winning an e-copy when Ashelyn did a Twitter giveaway and she sent me a couple of signed postcards to hold me over until it would be released for B&N. I finally got it a couple of weeks ago and we all decided to read it for our Girls With Books read-a-thon this week.
I had no idea how short this book was. It really read as more of a novella for me and I have to say: I wanted so much more! Because of the length, I felt like we missed out on a lot of necessary character development: I didn't really have time to connect with Noelle and Andy. Everything happened so fast, it was hard for me to really believe their scenario. Sure, I believe two people can be instantly attracted to one another, and I loved that Andy was a good guy, but I guess I would have been a bit slower to trust than Noelle was. I know this is the first book in the Campus Crush series, so I'm not sure if the next book will be a continuation of Andy and Noelle's story or if it might focus on Noelle's best friend, Julie.
Julie was hilarious. She was that fun, confident best friend who conveniently disappeared when Andy was around. Gotta love a matchmaking best friend! Though, my best friend would have freaked out on me if the same scenario that happened with Noelle and Andy happened with me and a guy I met that day. I would have incurred her wrath for days.
Andy was a sweet character. I really liked him. He wasn't a jerk, he was a good guy who seemed very genuine. I was quite surprised by where Andy and Noelle's relationship went and couldn't help be feel it was a bit rushed.
Again, my biggest thing was the length. I felt like we could have explored so many avenues and had some scenes extended to add in some more flair. If you're looking for a short, sweet read- this would be a good one to check out provided you're not looking for a lot of depth.
16 comments
Totally agree, it was too short and we didn't have enough for any depth at all.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Which is a bummer. This could have had so much potential!
DeleteIt's a shame because I really liked it if only it had been more developed. Even though I only gave it 2.5 stars, I would still read the 2nd book in the series because what was there was fun to read.
DeleteI probably would too. I don't mind quick, easy reads every now and again.
DeleteAwe, this one sounds sooo good. Andy and Noelle sounds like they are great characters. Wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
Thanks Jenea! I definitely wish it were longer so we could have gotten more out of it.
DeleteI thought this was a cute book but more like a novella also. I wanted so much more and I couldn't get on board with the characters because they weren't develop enough for me. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chelsea! Yup- that was my biggest thing!
DeleteThis is on my TBR list! So glad you liked it(:
ReplyDeleteJackie
http://www.nobentspines.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-lovin-read-thon-day-1-class.html
Thanks Jackie! I did like it- it won't go on my favorites shelf, but it was enjoyable.
DeleteOh, I'm not the biggest fan of short novellas so I don't think I'll pick it up. Glad you enjoyed it, though! Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, that was the kicker! It wasn't a novella! It was enjoyable, but I don't think it will be a memorable one for me.
DeleteThis one sounds cute. Shame it's short though. I am all about being able to connect with the character and that's tough with short books. Ill deff keep this in mind when I want something quick though. Great review
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa! Yes, if you're looking for a quick light read to put a smile on your face this will do the trick.
DeleteGreat review!! Hate when a book is too short, and just leaves you with just more wondering and wanting. It does sound like a cute read though!!
ReplyDeleteMagen Corrie
Thanks Magen! Definitely a cute read, just bummed it wasn't what I was expecting.
DeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
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