Singing in the shower takes on a whole new meaning in Melissa Pearl's first Contemporary Romance.
Ella Simmons does not want to move across the country. But she is, because her boyfriend has persuaded her to join him at UChicago to finish out her college education. Never able to tell him no, she hops on a plane and makes the trek from LA expecting to adjust to life like she's often forced to, but things are not that simple when she hears a luscious voice singing over her shower wall. His deep, sexy tenor makes her weak in the knees, spreading fire through her limbs and making her question everything about her life and relationship.
Can one voice really have that much of an impact?
Cole Reynolds is on his way out. In his final year at UChicago, the only this he wants to do is finish school and get on with this life. But the sweet voice that interrupts his morning shower turns his world upside down. Compelled to find his shower songbird, he begins a search across campus. The only thing to distract him from this goal is his roommate's gorgeous girlfriend who's just arrived from LA - Ella Simmons.
Relationships are put to the ultimate test as future dreams are questioned and friendships are thrown on the line for love.
This is the first book I've read from Melissa, and hopefully not the last. I really enjoyed the journey that Ella takes when she leaves home to follow her boyfriend, David, and his dreams. I'm going to admit that I did not like David at all. I was really disappointed with the way that he treated Ella and didn't think twice about blowing her off, even though they had made plans. Then there were the ways that he would put her down and not even think twice about it. And it really bothered me that he didn't bother to even try to find places that would be ok for her to eat, and then get upset when she had a reaction from eating something she shouldn't have - for him. Jerk!
Then there's Cole. He's gorgeous, actually asks Ella what she thinks - and listens. Can hold a conversation with her about any number of things because she doesn't feel the need to hold back because Cole would disapprove. Ella is attracted to Cole and the guy in the shower that sings with her through the wall. Cole and Ella have a lot of things in common, but they are friends first. I think talking to Cole is what gave Ella the courage to discover new things about herself. They talk and Cole shares his dream with Ella, then asks Ella what her dream is. And that's the moment when to me, things changed for Ella irrevocably. I loved that both Ella and Cole have an intense love of music, and that they both sang in the shower! Yep, Cole is shower guy. Ella and Cole have great, amazing chemistry, but fight it because of David.
I loved that Ella finally woke up and realized she was living David's dream, not hers. Her timing kind of sucked, but then there really wasn't ever going to be a good time. I really loved that Ella took time for herself after she broke things off with David, to figure out who she really wanted to be with and what she wanted to do for herself, not for anyone else.
I loved that we got to see Ella grow and change into a better person over the course of the book.I loved that Morgan was there for Ella in every way that she could be, being supportive, giving advice, just being her best friend. I loved that Cole did what he did at the end, but really wanted more of Cole and Ella together. I have always loved that song and thought that the lyrics were romantic as well. Hopefully we'll get more of Cole and Ella in the next book, which is Morgan's story. Fabulous story line, great characters, well done Melissa! I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them. Sign up for her newsletter at Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/p3g8v
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
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Thank you for such an amazing review :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the book :)
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