Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols Book Review and Giveaway

Book: Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols, MTV Books/Gallery Books, On Sale July 10, 2012

Book Info: YA Contemporary Romance, HC 320 pg, received for review

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

More Info: Goodreads | IndieBound | Amazon

Such a Rush is a perfect summer read and probably my favorite Jennifer Echols book. Prior to reading Such a Rush I had only read Love Story by this author, but after finishing her latest I immediately picked up (and finished) Going Too Far and Forget You. Not even my painful broken wrist could keep me from finishing this one! Echols’ blend of romance, interesting characters, witty dialogue and dramatic intrigue makes her latest book a favorite of mine.

Echols writes romantic dramas and romantic comedies, and Such a Rush is her latest drama. One thing I’ve enjoyed in her books is the interesting careers/hobbies she features, from law enforcement, swim team, and creative writing, and with Such a Rush, aviation.

In Such a Rush, the cards are stacked against Leah Jones. Her mom frequently leaves her alone in the trailer they share in Heaven Beach, South Carolina. To help make ends meet, Leah takes a job as a receptionist at the nearby airport. But soon Leah falls in love with airplanes and sees flying as her ticket out of town. Leah’s boss Mr. Hall sees potential in Leah and agrees to give her flying lessons. Flash forward a few years, and Leah’s flying is coming along great, but she suddenly loses her mentor, and Mr. Hall’s teenage sons Grayson and Alec want to take over. Leah’s welcome to stay and fly for the brothers, but there are strings attached, and the added complication of a long-time crush Leah’s had on Grayson.

I love the concept of this one – Leah has had a rough time of it no question, but flying is her escape. She goes to school with kids wealthier than her and has to buy her own groceries and help her mom pay the bills. She has a certain reputation at school that has given her peers the wrong impression. She has one close friend named Molly, but there’s always a divide between them as well. Flying planes is the best thing that has happened to her, along with learning from her mentor/father figure Mr. Hall. Leah is strong and wants to make something of her life, even though she has a lot of obstacles in the way. She’s not the type to ask for help and I admired her work ethic and self-motivation.

The twin brothers Grayson and Alec also made some assumptions about Leah that make their working relationship awkward. Grayson is arrogant and reckless but is trying to change his ways, while Alec is the more sweet and even-tempered brother. Not to worry though, there is not a traditional love triangle per se, which is not to say things are not complicated between the three of them.

Echols knows how to write romantic tension and this book is exploding with it. Besides the flying and family drama going on with Leah, sparks will fly and there is plenty of heat. It is on the A side of YA so keep that in mind.

The scenes with Leah flying planes are awesome and made me feel a sense of freedom right along with her. The airport setting works really well and along with the romance delivers the rush that the title promises.

Echols’ fans will eat this one up, and if you’re looking for the perfect summer beach read look no further. It even snapped me out of a mini reading rut. Such a Rush is fun and exciting but has some depth to it as well. Look for Such a Rush to hit shelves on Tuesday July 10. Look for Echols’ first romantic comedy for adults called Star Crossed in February 2013.

Congrats to Brittany who has won a copy of SUCH A RUSH!