Oh, sweet Elle.
Elle is a 23 year old social worker, whose job is not just a job but a calling. She worked hard throughout college and training to get this dream job, but didn’t take the time to date. Now, though, she is tired of being the Virgin Friend but wants her first time to be special.
In the past, she had a crush on her somewhat older mentor/trainer Luke. They developed a friendship and flirtation, but never went beyond that. He transferred to another office and that was the end of that. Abi, Elle’s best friend and coworker, runs into Luke and he asks about Elle, and she soon gets in touch with him and they pick up their friendship. Things soon progress, and they are in a relationship of sorts.
Luke.
I spent most of the book HATING Luke. He is a selfish, manipulative asshole. I wondered for so long how he would be redeemed, but also not quite wanting it to happen. The last thing I want is for young women to read about a woman in a bad relationship who changes him with her love – that’s not reality and is quite the dangerous message. But then again, I’m a sucker for happy endings.
Enter Ben. Ben is a match from an internet dating site that Elle’s friends set up for her. They message back and forth for a long time before finally meeting. Ben seems like everything Luke isn’t, but is he too good to be true?
I had such mixed feelings throughout much of this book because of the Elle/Luke relationship. But then, the beautiful redemption. There was a lot of growth for Elle and her suitors (one way more than the other). In the end, Elle made the perfect choice for her.
Side note: her friends are amazing and I want an Abi!
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Get it here
#AmReading 