Getting Dirty (Jailbait, #1)

by Mia Storm

[Lynn]

The idea of a sixteen year old being with a twenty five year old doesn't offend me because such a relationship doesn't break any laws where I come from. So I had to put that fact aside and read this story based on what is unlawful within the setting of the book, where the age of consent is eighteen.

Blaire Leon is the valedictorian of her high school class with ambitions to go to UC Berkeley after her graduation. She's enrolls at Sierra State to take additional classes and there she meets graduate assistant Caiden Brenner.

Caiden Brenner is an assistant to Professor Duncan whilst he finishes his dissertation to complete his PhD studies. He is drawn to a young student who seeks him out at the resource desk at the university library. She is mesmerizing and way too young considering he is twenty five and more importantly staff at the university.

The emotion I felt after reading Getting Dirty was one of sadness. Whilst we leave Blaire and Caiden in a happy place and together, I felt sorry for the pain, sacrifice and suffering both had to go through to get where they are now. I respect there are laws to protect minors from exploitation, but I never thought that Blaire was being groomed or manipulated by Caiden, that despite their relationship been consensual, the “one law fits all” caused far more damage than if they had been able to openly discuss their feelings for one another without prejudice and recrimination. Neither come out of their story blame free as Caiden shouldn't have acted on his impulses whilst still working to finish his PhD and Blaire showed her immaturity by actively pursuing someone knowing the consequences. One of the biggest surprises is the reaction Caiden and Blaine's relationship has on others. People you would expect to be at least sympathetic where the biggest critics, and support coming from the least expected ones.

I've not read a book in a while that kept my mind questioning the plot as I went along, which I absolutely loved. For me there is nothing better than reading a book where the author engages me to think beyond the boundaries of the storyline. The course of events along the time line surprised me too. I loved this thought provoking and sexy book – yes it is very steamy and intrigued to know more about the Jail Bait series.

5 stars

***arc generously received in exchange for an honest review***