Easy (Contours of the Heart, #1)

by Tammara Webber

[Angie]

I’ll admit that I never read the blurb for Easy until after I read it. I’m not sure how likely I would have been to read the book if had read the description prior. It’s very vague, and I’m surprised that there’s no mention of the major conflict. Although I think I would have avoided it altogether if it had been. I am glad that I did read Easy though. Yes, the beginning had me totally out of my comfort zone, but the author handled the topic quite respectfully, so I was less antsy as the story moved forward and Jacqueline (don’t call her Jackie!) dealt with her assault.

One thing that I really loved about Easy was how balanced it was. It could be categorized as an issues book, since it deals quite heavily with sexual assault. But it’s also very much a romance book, with plenty of steam and swoon! I was amazed how seamlessly both of these plots fit together, since Lucas also has experience with rape, although very different than Jacqueline’s. They’re each able to comfort each other about their demons, and Lucas pays a pivotal role in helping Jacqueline become empowered.

The romance was also great! I absolutely loved the set up of Lucas being Jacqueline’s tutor. It’s a forbidden romance without being totally over-the-top or cliche. I actually wasn’t even aware that tutors couldn’t be involved with students in the class they tutor for. It makes perfect sense, but it’s not something I ever thought about. It definitely adds some tension to the relationship, since we know they’re not suppose to be having one. It’s hard to want them to follow the rules though, because holy crap, their chemistry is through the roof! I was dying waiting for them to finally go all the way!

I guess I’ll end with one negative, and that was how in the beginning Jacqueline seems more concerned about being dumped than being almost raped. This drove me crazy, probably because I was still dealing with reading the assault and couldn’t care less about her ex-boyfriend. It was just frustrating, and made me not like her for several chapters. Other than that, Easy is a great read. It takes a tough subject and educates readers about it, while still providing entertainment.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.