The Pleasure of Panic was a wild, twisted ride in which it was close to impossible to figure out what was real and what was not!
Story:
At the beginning of The Pleasure of Panic, I got so incredibly angry at Jordan on Issy's behalf! He really acted like an arse, because she didn't really want to play the game with him. But when she finally dared to tell him what she might want - if she decided to play - he told her that wouldn't do, and that there would be no game for her.
From there on, The Pleasure of Panic was an incredibly fast-paced, action-filled adventure. And I have to say that trust is what was the most difficult to come by. Issy changed her mind about Finn many times - and I think I managed to change my mind even more than she did! Hiding parts of the truth, not being totally open, but still always just there, he managed to keep the mystery alive. Even when at times it was unintended.
The Pleasure of Panic kept me at the edge of my seat, especially when the proverbial shit hit the fan! There was a lot going on over just a few days. Issy, especially, proved that she was a very strong person. Even when she wanted to run, she was able to fight for herself, and it was amazing!
Characters:
Issy was the kind of take-charge character I just love to read about. She'd sure had a hard life, but she turned it all around by creating Go F*ck Yourself - a self-help course to help women get their lives back on track.
Finn was difficult to get to know - and frankly, I'm still not sure if he's good or if he's bad, or if he's just a little bit (or a lot) of both...
Jordan is still mysterious, and quite removed from the other characters. He acted like a jackass in The Pleasure of Panic, and I can't wait to see what Huss has hidden to make me like him.
Chella was as sweet as ever, even if she didn't have a big role in this story.
Writing style :
The Pleasure of Panic is written in first person point of view, mostly in present tense. There are chapters from both Issy's and Finn's perspective, and even a couple from Jordan's. The quick dialogues brought glimpses into other characters' mindset, and they also brought some comic relief at times.
Feels :
I felt the confusion, the excitement, the fear, the anger, the anguish, the tenderness... All the feels for The Pleasure of Panic!
"You too, Finn. Have a nice Valentine's Day." I stop, look over my shoulder at her as I reach for the door handle. "What?"
She's smiling back at me. Cute girl, especially in her pink Cookie's Diner waitress uniform. Kinda short and tiny. Red hair - a little bit wavy - and blue eyes. "You didn't even know, did you?"
I shake my head. "So glad I gave up on you ages ago. You'd just break my heart, Finn."
After, I wash her hair as she washes mine. It's weird. She's a stranger, yet she feels like she's always been in my life. Like this is just what we do.