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katekat's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Layla and Phin and I loved their story up until the end. I wanted an ending I seriously thought my galley was missing pages because it ended so abruptly. I like resolution and I felt like I was cheated by the ending. Good read I just wish it had wrapped up a bit better.
whisperingchapters's review against another edition
4.0
Review at GenGen's Book Blog
I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have to say I enjoyed reading about Layla's character. At first, I thought "This is going to be one of those books where the girl takes the guy back instantly and it could get boring." Boy, was I wrong. Let's start from the beginning, shall we?
Layla went to an internship interview and ended up getting the offer to work. Before starting to work, her friends and her decided to spend Spring Break together over at Texas. Unfortunately, Layla's car broke down and she ended up at a bar, watching Phin play pool. She decides to catch Phin's attention and goes to play pool with him, earning a few lessons from him.
Phin is a guy that never stays in one place for long. He lives on his own, without having someone to order him around or dictate his future. At night, Phin goes to different bars and plays pool and it is how he earns a part of his money. He works as a mechanic where he is currently living and decides to help Layla out—even offering her a place to stay.
The heat between these two characters is palpable right from the start. They don't waste any time getting things done, if you know what I mean. There's something more between them and once they realize it and Layla is changing her future for Phin, he makes a mistake.
And this is where it will be cleared up what I said at the beginning of the review. Phin makes a mistake and Layla walks away for good, at the time. They meet again two months later at a pool tournament and Layla is determined to win the tournament to prove she is good enough at something in life. Phin is desperate to get her back but Layla turns her girl-power on (go, Layla!) and she gives a hard time—makes him sweat for it, which is what I loved about Layla. She didn't immediately fall back into Phin's arms as is expected in every Romance book, so kudos to the author for including this into the story.
I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have to say I enjoyed reading about Layla's character. At first, I thought "This is going to be one of those books where the girl takes the guy back instantly and it could get boring." Boy, was I wrong. Let's start from the beginning, shall we?
Layla went to an internship interview and ended up getting the offer to work. Before starting to work, her friends and her decided to spend Spring Break together over at Texas. Unfortunately, Layla's car broke down and she ended up at a bar, watching Phin play pool. She decides to catch Phin's attention and goes to play pool with him, earning a few lessons from him.
Phin is a guy that never stays in one place for long. He lives on his own, without having someone to order him around or dictate his future. At night, Phin goes to different bars and plays pool and it is how he earns a part of his money. He works as a mechanic where he is currently living and decides to help Layla out—even offering her a place to stay.
The heat between these two characters is palpable right from the start. They don't waste any time getting things done, if you know what I mean. There's something more between them and once they realize it and Layla is changing her future for Phin, he makes a mistake.
And this is where it will be cleared up what I said at the beginning of the review. Phin makes a mistake and Layla walks away for good, at the time. They meet again two months later at a pool tournament and Layla is determined to win the tournament to prove she is good enough at something in life. Phin is desperate to get her back but Layla turns her girl-power on (go, Layla!) and she gives a hard time—makes him sweat for it, which is what I loved about Layla. She didn't immediately fall back into Phin's arms as is expected in every Romance book, so kudos to the author for including this into the story.
conniejoy529's review against another edition
2.0
Layla is on her way to South Padre Island to enjoy the very last spring break of her college career when her car breaks down in nowhere Georgia. To make matters even worse, her wallet with all of her cash and credit cards was stolen the same day. With no money for car repair, or even food or a place to stay, Layla was lucky she met Phin, who was more than willing to share his bed with her.
Phin makes his money by being a full time pool player and a part time mechanic. Growing up in a Gypsy family, he has never really had a place to call home, but he's always dreamed of it and has finally decided now is the time to settle down, he just needs to win one last pool tournament.
Phin thought he had it all figured out, but his feelings for Layla through his plans out of whack. Layla only has a few months left before graduation and an awesome job lined up, but the pressure to succeed is sometimes overwhelming. When she learns about Phin traveling lifestyle, and spends time with him, she begins to think that maybe that's the right lifestyle for her.
In just a few days Layla and Phin develop intense feelings for each other, but soon they realize that they each want the kind of life that the other has had. When Phin realizes how much Layla is willing to give up, he knows he must convince her otherwise, even if means ruining their relationship. But when faced with a second chance, Layla and Phin must find a way to meet in the middle.
This was a fairly short novella. I usually love novellas because i can get a complete story in one sitting. This one felt lacking to me. I felt that the end of the story was rushed, and I didn't feel as though Phin and Layla had actually resolved their issues. This wasn't a believable HEA for me because nothing had really been worked out.
Layla was just so immature, I find it really hard to believe that someone with literally weeks left of college and a potentially good job would give it all up, after thinking about it for less than a day. I also found it kind of creepy that she just decided for herself that she would not only move into Phin's place, but also "follow him" where ever.
I didn't like the way Phin "broke up" with Layla at all, it certainly doesn't seem like the actions of a guy who supposedly has deep feelings for someone. And most of all I can not get over the fact that all of this took place over the course of a few days (okay there were a few months that they didn't see each other, but still the total time they actually spent with each other equaled about a week). It just didn't do it for me.
Phin makes his money by being a full time pool player and a part time mechanic. Growing up in a Gypsy family, he has never really had a place to call home, but he's always dreamed of it and has finally decided now is the time to settle down, he just needs to win one last pool tournament.
Phin thought he had it all figured out, but his feelings for Layla through his plans out of whack. Layla only has a few months left before graduation and an awesome job lined up, but the pressure to succeed is sometimes overwhelming. When she learns about Phin traveling lifestyle, and spends time with him, she begins to think that maybe that's the right lifestyle for her.
In just a few days Layla and Phin develop intense feelings for each other, but soon they realize that they each want the kind of life that the other has had. When Phin realizes how much Layla is willing to give up, he knows he must convince her otherwise, even if means ruining their relationship. But when faced with a second chance, Layla and Phin must find a way to meet in the middle.
This was a fairly short novella. I usually love novellas because i can get a complete story in one sitting. This one felt lacking to me. I felt that the end of the story was rushed, and I didn't feel as though Phin and Layla had actually resolved their issues. This wasn't a believable HEA for me because nothing had really been worked out.
Layla was just so immature, I find it really hard to believe that someone with literally weeks left of college and a potentially good job would give it all up, after thinking about it for less than a day. I also found it kind of creepy that she just decided for herself that she would not only move into Phin's place, but also "follow him" where ever.
I didn't like the way Phin "broke up" with Layla at all, it certainly doesn't seem like the actions of a guy who supposedly has deep feelings for someone. And most of all I can not get over the fact that all of this took place over the course of a few days (okay there were a few months that they didn't see each other, but still the total time they actually spent with each other equaled about a week). It just didn't do it for me.
bookbriefs's review against another edition
4.0
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Her Best Shot is the first book in the new adult Hot & Nerdy trilogy by Shannyn Schroeder. I love so many things about the way this trilogy is set up. First, I love that the books are releasing each within a month of each other- at the ends of September, October and November of 2014. That is perfect for people that don't like waiting long in between books. Second, the books are told in dual narrative between each of the main guys and girls and I think you all know by now that is my favorite story telling narrative method. and Third, the trilogy follows a group of three friends. The books are each of their stories, BUT the cool part is that each of the books take place in roughly the same time period. For example, Her Best Shot is the story of Layla and Phin. Layla was on her way to spend spring break with her friend Felicity when her car broke down and she met Phin. The third book, Her Winning Formula is Felicity's story and it takes place on their spring break trip that Layla was supposed to go on. What a cool concept right? I can't wait to read the second and third books and see how they all fit together.
Ok, now let's talk some more about Her Best Shot. As I mentioned, it is the story of Layla and Phin. Layla is super smart. She picks up on things almost immediately, she loves to be in control and she hates losing at things. She is beyond your average nerd. I mean, she goes to MIT and the book starts out with her getting a job as a code analyst. Phin could not be more different, where Layla likes to calculate odds and plan her moves out ahead, Phin is much more a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy. And this is defiantly a story of opposites attract. Most of the book takes place over 1 week so the attraction is pretty instant. They moved a bit fast for my tastes, but it was clear to see that they had a real connection. But Layla had a panic attack and did a complete 180 of her personality at one point. I was kind of thrown. I wish we had gotten a little bit more insight into her panic attacks so that I could understand her drastic mindset change a little better. It was a strange point in the story too, and while I completely detested Phin's method, I actually think what he did to Layla was for the best. She was about to make a huge mistake in my opinion. It was right around this time in the story where everything stopped being predictable and started getting a whole lot more interesting. I really didn't know where the author was going to take us next and I was so excited to find out.
Her Best Shot is a quick read. At under 200 pages it felt more like a very short story than a novella. It was fleshed out and felt complete, which is impressive for its' length. The only thing I wish there was more of was some background on Layla's panic attacks and then the outcome of the tournament! I want to know who wins! haha. Her Best Shot is perfect for when you are looking for a quick, pick me up read. The romance is great and the characters are likable. But like I said before, the real winner here is how Shannyn Schroeder structured the trilogy. I just love that all of the stories take place in the same time frame. I can't wait to meet Layla's friends and see what they were up to while she was off falling for Phin. The Hot & Nerdy series is a very cool concept, one that I would like to see more of in New Adult.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Her Best Shot is the first book in the new adult Hot & Nerdy trilogy by Shannyn Schroeder. I love so many things about the way this trilogy is set up. First, I love that the books are releasing each within a month of each other- at the ends of September, October and November of 2014. That is perfect for people that don't like waiting long in between books. Second, the books are told in dual narrative between each of the main guys and girls and I think you all know by now that is my favorite story telling narrative method. and Third, the trilogy follows a group of three friends. The books are each of their stories, BUT the cool part is that each of the books take place in roughly the same time period. For example, Her Best Shot is the story of Layla and Phin. Layla was on her way to spend spring break with her friend Felicity when her car broke down and she met Phin. The third book, Her Winning Formula is Felicity's story and it takes place on their spring break trip that Layla was supposed to go on. What a cool concept right? I can't wait to read the second and third books and see how they all fit together.
Ok, now let's talk some more about Her Best Shot. As I mentioned, it is the story of Layla and Phin. Layla is super smart. She picks up on things almost immediately, she loves to be in control and she hates losing at things. She is beyond your average nerd. I mean, she goes to MIT and the book starts out with her getting a job as a code analyst. Phin could not be more different, where Layla likes to calculate odds and plan her moves out ahead, Phin is much more a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy. And this is defiantly a story of opposites attract. Most of the book takes place over 1 week so the attraction is pretty instant. They moved a bit fast for my tastes, but it was clear to see that they had a real connection. But Layla had a panic attack and did a complete 180 of her personality at one point. I was kind of thrown. I wish we had gotten a little bit more insight into her panic attacks so that I could understand her drastic mindset change a little better. It was a strange point in the story too, and while I completely detested Phin's method, I actually think what he did to Layla was for the best. She was about to make a huge mistake in my opinion. It was right around this time in the story where everything stopped being predictable and started getting a whole lot more interesting. I really didn't know where the author was going to take us next and I was so excited to find out.
Her Best Shot is a quick read. At under 200 pages it felt more like a very short story than a novella. It was fleshed out and felt complete, which is impressive for its' length. The only thing I wish there was more of was some background on Layla's panic attacks and then the outcome of the tournament! I want to know who wins! haha. Her Best Shot is perfect for when you are looking for a quick, pick me up read. The romance is great and the characters are likable. But like I said before, the real winner here is how Shannyn Schroeder structured the trilogy. I just love that all of the stories take place in the same time frame. I can't wait to meet Layla's friends and see what they were up to while she was off falling for Phin. The Hot & Nerdy series is a very cool concept, one that I would like to see more of in New Adult.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
thepottedplant's review
2.0
*From Net Galley in exchange for review*
I didn't love it. The plot could have been better. They were only together for like 3 days before Layla just wanted to run away from her life for a man she barely knew. I didn't feel the love for the characters. They were both just blah. And the end just ended so suddenly. Not terrible, but not the best either.
I didn't love it. The plot could have been better. They were only together for like 3 days before Layla just wanted to run away from her life for a man she barely knew. I didn't feel the love for the characters. They were both just blah. And the end just ended so suddenly. Not terrible, but not the best either.
katekat's review
4.0
I loved Layla and Phin and I loved their story up until the end. I wanted an ending I seriously thought my galley was missing pages because it ended so abruptly. I like resolution and I felt like I was cheated by the ending. Good read I just wish it had wrapped up a bit better.
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