Review: Wait For You by J. Lynn

Title: Wait For You

Author: J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)

Publisher: Self-Published

Published: February 26, 2013

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

Series: Wait For You Book 1

I’m starting off with a proclamation: “This author, whether she writes as Jennifer L. Armentrout or J. Lynn, is simply flawless!” I don’t know what I expected when I picked up Wait For You, but it sure as heck wasn’t an emotional roller coaster ride full of well though-out characters and an in-depth storyline. I was drawn in from the first page and everything else after that is only that much more compulsively readable – I couldn’t putting it down. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I think it is more than safe to say, disappointment is not a part of Jennifer’s vocabulary.

In a lot of NA novels, the plot is generally similar. While, Wait For You also falls under that category, it still manages to carry a distinct uniqueness. Perhaps, the reasoning behind that is Armentrout’s writing style. The way this story is written, so full of depth and raw emotions, is what makes it so immensely absorbing and believable. I haven’t laughed, been teary eyed, swooned, blushed or been left breathless so quickly, but this book did it for me in seconds. The events unfold at a steady pace, and just when I thought everything predictable, I was left surprised by the details of the truths. Armentrout manages to reach a perfect balance with all aspects of this story, making it possibly her best work yet.

Besides the writing, nothing holds a candle to JLA’s characters. Avery, Cam and even Jacob and Brit are the highlight of this story, overshadowing any minor faults found in the plot. Avery is everything I love in a strong female protagonist. Despite, having gone through many emotionally draining situations in the past few years, she faces life by starting over. She has a vulnerable and innocent quality in her, and you can’t help but sympathize, yet her strength and her willingness to heal is what makes her so endearing. Her moments of feistiness and randomness are, also, a nice and entertaining touch. She is the very definition of admirable, and I truly enjoyed her character.

Then there is Cam Hamilton. Wow, oh wow...Cam is cocky (in all the best ways), sweet, charming, patient, understanding, caring and utterly swoon worthy. He has this aura about him that made my heart melt into a puddle goo. Like Avery, he too has flaws and has made mistakes, but it is these snippets of reality that make him who he is, and make it easy to connect with him and appreciate him as a character. His good-humour, relationship with his family, sexy dimple and even sexier smile, not to mention, his pet turtle, Raphael, rendered me thoughtless. It is impossible not to fall in love with him – and I did, completely and irrevocably, fall in love with Cam. He is even, dare I say, better than Daemon, Aiden and Seth combined.

The romance in this book is enjoyable to say the least. There is great build-up and anticipation between Avery and Cam, and when they finally come together, it is nothing short of beautiful. Their relationship is not based on attraction alone, but on friendship and acceptance. There is no love at first sight – the relationship is a process, one in which both characters learn about and find solace in each other before admitting their feelings. It is realistic and moving. Aside from that, what made the romance work is the banter and easy dialogue between them. It is hilarious and guaranteed several laugh out loud moments. This couple definitely stole my heart!

The secondary characters are also a great addition to the story. Jacob and Brit are what all best friends should be; funny, caring, protective and a little bit crazy. I loved their interactions with Avery, especially Jacob’s. This boy is hilarious and never misses an opportunity to crack a remark. I simply loved them, and I sincerely hope we see more of them.

Wait For You is a captivating story of finding love, hope and of overcoming. With every turn of the page, every struggle, every happy moment, every tear jerking moment, it will hold your heart prisoner. I adored Avery and Cam’ story, and I really can’t say anything more, other than give this book a try because you will love it too. 

My Rating: