[Review] Deal Breakers (Dealing with love #1) - Laura Lee

e-galley offered by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed this more than I had expected, I have to admit.

First, nonetheless, I would like to express some points of concern.


The story was written in alternate points of view between the two main characters but most scenes are of them together. Was there really a need for Devyn's? Riley's was surprisingly entertaining, so I would have chosen just him to narrate this, and very little would be missed with this change.

In the beginning, each chapter represents a year in their friendship and it's nice to see how they develop. It would have been nice to have a little more indication of what year we are reading, however as I tended to lose count until it finally settled on a year.

What I really don't understand though is why the author didn't start from the deal, as the story really starts from there and all scenes before can be easily summarized in sexual tension. Talking about it, how come Devyn notices, um... Riley's physical reactions to her and even once when he is about to kiss her, moreover in the beginning when he is all about flirting and then when she suggests the deal she acts like she thinks she isn't attractive enough for him? This made little sense, as though the initial chapters were written a long time after the one when she finally makes the request and the author had already forgotten how they really were supposed to be.

Lastly, despite being an enjoyable story with just the right rhythm I feel the ending was too long. The climax was already a bit of a let-down though thankfully not over dramatic. Then, what followed were a good 15% of a never-ending babble. Maybe a new order of the scenes could have solved the issue.

On the positive notes, have I mentioned I fell in love with Riley from the beginning? He does sound like a nice guy for a change from what most New Adult titles portray the main guy. And his chemistry with Devyn was nice too, I appreciated their dialogs quite a lot.

Nathan is also so lovely! I think the problems in his speech are a little bit weird for the age but that makes him even cuter.

And also the characters are not really dumb. I won't spoil anything explaining but even though the main couple made mistakes out of stubbornness they were quite smart most of the time. It makes me frustrated when things are obvious and yet they won't have a clue. I thought the reactions were quite credible in this story.

By the end there is a list of companion books to be released. I have to say I'm looking forward to reading Drew's as Brody and Rainye's story was already shown a lot here. Also I really enjoyed Drew's character.

Rate: 3 out of 5.