My Rating:

3.5

Favorite Quotes:

She hated labels, but the complacent doctor had slapped her with one anyway. Two awful words encompassing a mess of complications: Panic. Disorder. It sounded like knots tangled up inside a dirty throw rug.

Like how old? George Clooney old? Or like, Father Christmas, white-beard old?

A woman always knew where he stood. Even if it was on the fence.

My Review:

I struggled valiantly with this one. The pacing and writing style were unusual with an abundance of short staccato sentences and incomplete thoughts, which kept me questioning and wanting the rest of the sentence yet was also quite frustrating at times. I was intrigued by the premise, storylines, and deeply flawed characters, but exasperated with their constant waffling – they were both often locked in inner debate and ran hot and cold with each other. Both seemed riddled with personal turmoil and tension. I know many of my fellow reader friends disagree but I don’t find high angst or constant conflict an enjoyable state or an entertaining read. However, their sensual chemistry was off the charts.

Despite my frustration, I remain consumed with curiosity about the character of Cal. He was far too aloof, contradictory, and a total enigma; yet oh, so alluring and hard to resist. Perhaps if I knew his shady secrets this would no longer be a problem. My greatest consternation was with the character of Annie whom I found more than a bit tedious and not all that endearing with the scattiness, daydreaming, high anxiety and overthinking every - little - thing. She was a hot mess and even her inner musings were scattered and often fractured thoughts that were difficult to follow. And then there is the issue of a cliffhanger. Sigh. So, I’m intrigued yet remain conflicted.

I enjoyed this new author’s book. Her detailed writing sucks you in and won’t let go. Annie is a 25 year old college graduate of photography. She decides to spend her summer with friends, Maggie and John, in Florida. These friends are older (mid 40s) and helped raise her since she was nine. Annie had a tragic event happen to her a year ago and is battling anxiety. She hopes this summer can help her heal. Annie meets Maggie and John’s friend Cal at their house party. Immediately Annie is engulfed by Cal. His eyes suck her in and she is greatly affected in a very positive way. Cal in turn is captured by Annie. They decide to see where this chemistry takes them, even though they are both only in Florida for the summer and there is a 20 year age difference. The sexual tension is off the charts hot. And when they finally come together, wow. But both Annie and Cal have demons in their closet and this causes trust issues. Cal is a quiet, domineering man and Annie finds it difficult to break his walls down. Their journey is long and a hard fought one. This book does end on a cliffhanger. Both Annie and Cal realizing their life may significantly change. Will it be for the better is yet to be determined. I can not wait until Wanderlust, book 2 in the series!