Hi readers! I have SO SO much to share with you today! a Review, a guest post from the main character in Subject to Change, the sexy and handsome HAWK! PLUS an incredibly awesome GIVEAWAY!
*Phew* so let's get right to it, shall we?
*Spoiler-Free* REVIEW: Subject to Change by Alessandra Thomas
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: June 25th, 2013
*DISCLOSURE: ARC was provided in exchange for a fair and honest review
Subject to Change by Alessandra Thomas
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: June 25th, 2013
Synopsis:
Joey made her dad a deathbed promise that she would become a doctor, and dedicate herself to fighting the very cancer that took his life. There’s just one problem -three years into her pre-med classes, she's struggling to stay on top of the curve, let alone prove she's dazzling enough to earn a spot in an Ivy League medical school. In a Hail Mary move, she throws a basic Business 101 class into her semester schedule, banking on a perfect score to boost her GPA.
That is, until she’s paired for a final project with Hawk, the bartending, motorbike-riding, gorgeously bedheaded loser who falls asleep in class and communicates in one-word sentences. Hawk does whatever he wants, whenever he wants, which sets Joey on edge – in every possible way. As they get to know each other, her urge to scream at him is curbed only by her fantasies of tearing his clothes off. Soon those fantasies become reality, and Joey realizes Hawk makes her feel more fully herself than any of the rich boys her mother and sorority sisters approve of.
But the promise to her father hangs over her head, and the harder Joey tries to succeed in her chosen career, the faster everything falls into a hopeless tailspin of bad grades, broken promises and guilt. It doesn't help to have Hawk sitting like a devil on her shoulder, insisting she should be free to live however she wants to live - like he does.
The only thing Joey knows is that her neatly organized life is crushing her - and Hawk's bad attitude might be the only thing that can save her.
My Thoughts:
Struggling down a path and to a destiny that has been put upon her by a deathbed promise to her late father, Joey is dismayed to discover that all that she has worked so hard for could be derailed by her new slacker business class partner. Though, an extremely good looking one at that. Hawk is perpetually late, if he deigns to show up at all, sleeps in class, and always seems to MIA when she needs him. After a couple chance meetings and a bit of thawing in their mutual frostiness towards each other, Joey and Hawk discover that maybe their original impressions weren’t completely accurate.
I had no chance to think about just how bold that was because when their ice blue color flashed at me, it felt like a knife in my chest and the thrill of riding a rollercoaster all at the same time. I thought eyes like that only happened on models and movie stars in magazine photo shoots and, even then, only because they were Photoshopped.
It was so far beyond cheesy, but this guy’s eyes took my breath away.
This is a story of two very broken people bogged down by the expectations of others. Through their connection with each other and their growing understanding of one another, they begin to forge a new path... to discovering themselves.
Being with Hawk-- or around Hawk or in a fight with Hawk -- made me question every single thing about myself and my life. And I didn’t know whether I loved it or hated it.
The Final Verdict:
Alessandra Thomas has written yet another engaging and heartfelt novel. Though I found both characters to be frustrating at times, it is because they are flawed, they make mistakes, they act irrationally....in other words, they act like real people. This is not a glossed up love story. There are real issues at play, and a lot of growth in the characters. The friction, both out of anger and passion, lights up the pages and makes this a quick and immersing read.
Alessandra Thomas has written yet another engaging and heartfelt novel. Though I found both characters to be frustrating at times, it is because they are flawed, they make mistakes, they act irrationally....in other words, they act like real people. This is not a glossed up love story. There are real issues at play, and a lot of growth in the characters. The friction, both out of anger and passion, lights up the pages and makes this a quick and immersing read.
Rating: 
About the Author:
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.
And now, come along with me as I go to meet Hawk!
As I enter the local hot spot, Hawk’s Bar and Restaurant, I’m instantly enveloped in a sense of warmth and comfort. Though it’s packed with people, it’s not overwhelming. It’s homey and inviting.
I scan the restaurant looking for my tall, dark, and handsome interview subject. My eyes flit from person to person when suddenly my eyes catch on him striding towards me, and I freeze. Wow. Just. Wow.
Stopping in front of me, Hawk awkwardly rubs the back of his neck and holds out his hand in introduction.
Hawk: Hey, you must be Christine. I don’t know how interesting an interview I’ll be, but ...well, let’s get started, huh?
Christine: So nice to meet you! Don’t worry, this won’t be too bad. And my readers are dying to hear more about you.
Hawk just give a small smile as he leads me to a table in the back.
Hawk: *smiles* Ah…I like it, you know? It’s not exactly what my Dad would have pictured for his bar, I’m sure, but this feels more like me – more like what I want to be doing. And I sure as hell am making more money than he did.
Christine: It’s a fantastic achievement having spawned from a class project. That’s the class where you first met Joey. What was your first impression of her?
Hawk: Honestly? I thought she was just another rich prissy bitch that never would have set foot near me. And the truth is, she probably wouldn’t have if she didn’t have to. But I’m damn sure she did.
Christine: What would you say was your proudest achievement of this year?
Hawk: Definitely getting into the business school. I never thought of myself as a businessman type, you know? But Joey helped me see that it would help me understand how to make this bar successful.
Christine: Without giving anything away...what is one regret that you have? One thing that you wish you could change?
Hawk: Aw, geez. Well, I guess I regret not being more involved with my little sister, Olivia, when she was a younger teen. We were both trying to deal with some tough stuff and I just sort of focused on myself. Even though our relationship is getting better now, and she’s doing better, I wish I had been there for her. I wonder if she would have grown up any calmer.
Christine: I think you're doing a great job. I really love the person she is growing into. On to something a little happier...can you tell me what you wrote about for your application for school?
Hawk: Wow, you are ALL about the personal questions! Yeah, I wrote about how I learned that something that seems like an obstacle can really steer you onto the right course – the course you were supposed to be on. I was really overwhelmed when I inherited the bar from my dad, and it didn’t turn out like he would have imagined it, but it’s turned out to be a great opportunity for me. I want to make the most of it.
Christine: *sheepish grin* SORRY!! My readers are dying to know all about you! But thank you for answering my nosy questions. *cough* here's another...Tell us something about you? Something that we might not know already?
Hawk: I’m obsessed with Saturday morning shows from when I was a kid. Pokemon and Power Rangers – I can’t live without ‘em.
Hawk: I wanted to be the red ranger, obviously. And noooo the pink ranger was too prissy. I wanted the yellow one.
*excuse me while I fall in love just a little bit more*
Suddenly Hawk’s attention seems to be caught over my shoulder. I glance back and see that Joey has come out from the kitchen and is laughingly chatting with Olivia.
I smile to myself and Hawk reluctantly turns back to me.
- Celebrity crush?
Ahhh…right. *lowers voice* Rachel Bilson. But don’t tell Jo or she’ll think I don’t like blonds.
- Favorite thing in the world?
What kind of a question is that? My girl, of course!
- Biggest pet peeve?
Cars that are assholes on the road. Let me drive my damn bike in peace.
- Best memory?
Hiking around Valley Forge with my dad when I was a kid. I didn’t worry about much then.
- Olivia?
*laughs* pain in the ass.
- Joey?
beautiful, inside and out.
Christine: And that’s it, Hawk! That wasn’t too bad, now was it?
Hawk: No! It was actually nice to get off my feet for a second. Even if I do feel like I’ve been to the damn shrink now. So…thanks? I guess?
Christine: *snicker* And how do you feel about that? *wink* sorry sorry! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. SERIOUSLY! Before you head off to your woman...can I get a hug? I’m a hugger.
Hawk: Aw, of course. Come here. I’ll give you a big bear hug.
Christine: Say hi to Joey for me! And...*stomach growls* any way I can get some of those famous potato skins? I’ve been craving them since I first heard how well you make them.
Hawk: Hey, we’re friends now! Anything for you. I’ll make some up right now. You want beer or soda with those?
All I can do is nod and he walks away with a smile. I don't think he hears me when I wistfully whisper, "You are the perfect man..."
Where to purchase & learn more:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Alessandra's Website | Alessandra's Twitter | Alessandra's Facebook
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Alessandra's Website | Alessandra's Twitter | Alessandra's Facebook
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all the best, dear readers!
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