The Shameless Hour by Sarina Bowen

The Shameless Hour (Ivy Years, #4)

by Sarina Bowen

She's not looking for a hero. He's not looking for a hookup.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright nasty fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

4 of 5 stars

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I am a fan of this series, and liked the way Bowen explores various issues in these books. This book focuses on Bella, who likes sex, has a lot of casual sex, and Rafe, a 20 year old virgin, who believes in monogamous relationships. One night their worlds collide, and that is the beginning of these two denying their feelings for each other.

At the heart of the "issues" in this book is slut shaming. When men in their 20s have lots of sex, it is socially acceptable. When a woman in her 20s does the same exact thing, she is a slut. I love that Bowen called out society on their double standard. This is not my lifestyle, but if it is a lifestyle someone chooses, it is not a crime. I really appreciate that Bowen made Bella face some consequences, to show some of the risks, and she gave Bella Rafe. Rafe, was a prince, who did not judge Bella, although her lifestyle was not for him. He did not hold it against her or let it deter him from wanting her as his own.

Bella was everything - strong, soft, bitchy, vulnerable, funny, loyal. She was flawed, but she was amazing still. "That Night" broke my heart, but I was happy she had such wonderful friends to support her, and they never gave up on her.

The Ivy Years brings the drama, but we also get great characters, who can be really funny. I did my favorite three things: I laughed, I cried, I swooned.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 24 May, 2016: Finished reading
  • 24 May, 2016: Reviewed