REVIEW: Foreplay by Sophie Jordan

Foreplay by Sophie Jordan (The Ivy Chronicles #1)
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Source: Edelweiss via publisher*
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N

Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs. 

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

My thoughts, feeling, and reactions

Foreplay by Sophie Jordan is exactly what New Adult should be. I believe this book completely hit all the good spots when it comes to my love for NA. I thought it had plenty of steam, sexiness, entertainment, along with a take home message about love throughout the whole book. Jordan didn’t disappoint me in her Firelight series and she sure as hell didn’t disappoint me on this new series!

I have to admit that it took some time for me to warm up to Pepper. She just didn’t stand out as much until later on in the book. She was sort of shy and quiet, inexperienced when it came to flirting, foreplay and sex and she ultimately had a set “perfect” plan for her future. She was a smart, determined, nice girl, one who wanted nothing more than a normal life. I understood why Pepper wanted her plans to work out. She wasn’t perfect and I enjoyed seeing a character that was flawed in a lot of ways because it just made her more for real for me. It was great to see Pepper learn from her mistakes and open her eyes to what she truly wanted and needed. 

I loved Reece right from the very start. He was such a breath of fresh air when it came to sexy, brooding love interests because he was such a good guy despite it all. There was some broken parts in him, but he was just absolutely loving after he shed his aloof and elusive demeanor. I really loved that he indulged Pepper, but never forced her to do anything she didn’t want to do. I thought he did a great job of helping Pepper out of her comfort zone and opened her eyes and heart to what was right in front of her. Reece was an amazing character all around. 

Foreplay had a solid plot line and had some interesting details along the way that kept me thoroughly entertained and glued to the pages. I think it had a rough start for me, but I was glad I kept going because it was well worth the read. The actual foreplay between Pepper and Reece was so freaking hot, I was about ready to take their clothes off for them! They were spicy and delicious and had me craving for more. I loved their chemistry and the awkwardness of Pepper’s innocence. The romance between them was the best kind, the unexpected kind, the type that creeped up between their foreplay. Of course I already figured these two would be getting it on, but to read how it happened was lovely and had me swooning. And I especially loved the whole fairy tale plan Pepper built up in her head and how she discovered that what she wanted for years may not be what she truly needed. The interactions, the hot scenes, coupled with the moments that leave me with a tender heart make this book an excellent read.

Overall, Foreplay was engaging, thoughtful, and a very steamy book that New Adult lovers will love and appreciate. 

*Thanks to Harper Teen for sending this book for review purposes

I was not compensated for my opinion.