The Hazards of Skinny Dipping

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

[Angie]

When a book starts out with the narrator telling me that this isn't like other stories and that it's not the story that I think it's going to be, I get nervous. Do not tell me that your book isn't like other books! Give me a book that isn't like other books! The Hazards of Skinny Dipping is exactly like other books in the genre, and that isn't a bad thing. I read NA Romance for a reason! And this is a very good one! It didn't need that little boost in the prologue!

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping was so fun! Juliet's cousin gave her a list of things to do before going off to college. The final one was to skinny dip and that's the one that sets Juliet's first year of college into motion. She's interrupted by her neighbor whom she's had a crush on forever. He finally notices her, they do the deed, and....well, let's just say Dylan isn't the most attentive lover. Juliet continues to see him though since they're at school together and both part of the Greek system. However, after a few months Juliet realizes that her crush isn't just bad in bed, he's an overall bad boyfriend.

I loved how The Hazards of Skinny Dipping deals with abusive relationships. It doesn't go completely dark with physical abuse or even verbal abuse. It covers a more subtle type: controlling and obsession. Juliet is an independent woman and is trying to go about college on her terms. She wants to make friends, join a sorority, and hold down a job for extra money. Dylan just wants her with him all the time and to make sure that everyone knows she's "his." That is not okay! I'm really glad the author showed that it's not okay, and that is okay to leave someone who is like that.

Of course, there has to be an actual, sweet romance as well. Juliet and Reed are super cute together. I loved that they were friends first before moving onto the dating portion. I do think the "I love you"s came a bit too fast, but I still enjoyed watching their relationship develop, and that Reed continued to be supportive of Juliet. There is an inevitable fight. I didn't see it coming, but I am glad that it didn't get dragged out.

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping was just a great, fun read, and deals with a serious topic without getting heavy.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.