Elaine White's Life in Books

Book – New Heights
Author – Quinn Anderson
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 140
Cover – Super cute!
POV – 3rd person, dual character
Would I read it again – YES!
Genre – LGBT, Romance, Contemporary


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine



This is only my second foray into Quinn Anderson's writing and...I'm thrilled! The first outing didn't go according to plan, but this one was a roaring success.

Adorable. Sweet. Hilarious. Snarky. Brilliant. All inadequate ways of describing this book.

Oh, and Riptide totally knocked the presentation out the park, once again. I can't say how nice it is to read a beautifully presented, formatted and illustrated book, even if it's only cute chapter headings and scene dividers. It makes a difference.

I fell in love with uncomfortable-in-his-own-skin James, right from the start. He and I are two peas in an uncomfortable pod, in the worst ways. Always over cautious, over critical, think things through way too far, and with huge social anxiety that has him second guessing himself at every step. Yup. Basically just described myself, too. So, right off the bat, I felt it. I knew where James was coming from and I felt sad that his sister, and basically everyone else in the world, including evil-ex-boyfriend David, were so hell bent on changing him and making him feel bad for being his awkward self.

Then, in walks Mika – and really, who the heck calls someone with that name Micah? – who has all the snark and the confidence and the brazen attitude to knock James on his ass. Not literally, though at times it felt like it might escalate that far. But, no. They kept their little airport war to hilarious, but safe, proportions, pulling pranks and getting payback for silly slights that strangers give all the time. Only, here, it was personal. In the best way.

Yes, there was instant attraction. That's the basis for most good novels, because, let's be realistic, if they're not attracted to each other, there are very few other things that can bring two folk together into a budding relationship, while still being believable. Right here, the attraction is an annoying side note to the growing feud, and then arch-nemesis status, which quickly becomes grudging friendship and then HOLY HOT sex. (And, yes, that needs capitals.)

At first, they seem like total opposites, but the more they interact, the more you can see them being similar in little subtle ways, and playfully skirting around the obvious tension in the room. There was great chemistry, right from the first stolen charger to the last boat ticket. These two were off the charts perfect for each other, but not in a way that felt forced or unbelievable, or reckless. They both went in with their eyes open, both fought the tension and the inevitable as long as they could. And I absolutely love that they really, truly spent time getting to know each other, before anything hot happened. I hate when they claim to make that connection, but we don't ever get to see it, or the conversation is actually really superficial. These boys dove deep into the dark end of the secret pool and helped each other deal with some real issues.

Characterisation was spot on. From the annoying little sister (which, in this case, would be me, so I know it well) to the evil user that is David, all the side characters had their own unique personalities that were nicely explored, despite most of them never appearing on page. I loved George and his innate ability to make his first meeting with James so awkward. And, obviously, I loved James and Mika to pieces. Utterly and completely.

And I want to add a huge Thank You to the author for that Epilogue. I know that I could have been perfectly happy with the ending as it was, but the Epilogue added a little something special that had me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. So thanks for that.

~

Favourite Quote

“I get that as a little sister you're contractually obligated to be annoying, but please feel free to take some time off.”

“Perhaps this was James's punishment. This airport was Purgatory, and he was doomed to spend eternity with mysterious strangers, confused feelings, and regret.”

“Can you imagine me in prison? They'd use me as currency.”