Review: THE LIST by Melanie Jacobson

Once I read an author and LOVE them, I will always go back. AND usually buy everything they've written. Fan for life. That's how I am with Sarah M. Eden -- that's how I feel now about Melanie Jacobson. 

From DeseretBook.com: Ashley Barrett doesn’t want to get married. At least, not anytime soon. She doesn’t care how many of her friends and family members and fellow churchgoers had weddings before they finished college — the last thing she needs in her fun-loving twenties is the dead-weight of some guy. And that’s why she created The List. By the time she completes all twenty-five goals — from learning a language to skydiving to perfecting the art of making sushi — she’ll be more ready to settle down. Maybe.

This summer in California is a prime time for Ashley to cross two items off the list: learn to surf (#13) and have a summer romance (#17). And Matt Gibson, the best surf instructor in Huntington Beach and the most wanted guy in the singles ward, is the perfect man for the job. Ashley hatches a plan to love him and leave him before heading off to grad school in the fall (#4, get a master’s degree). But when Matt decides he doesn’t like the “leaving” part, Ashley’s carefully laid plans are turned sideways. Now Ashley faces an unexpected dilemma: should she stick to the safety of The List, or risk everything for a love that may tie her down — or might set her free?

Audience: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LDS Romance, Romantic Comedy
Length: 289 pages

Rating: ***** (Loved it)

Pros: More fabulous swoon. LOVED the hero, Matt ... that's something I adore about Melanie's heroes: they don't run away from love. This is the perfect warm-you-up-summer-romance for the middle of winter. I wanted to go sit on the beach with my husband and kiss by the time I finished this. And like usual, Melanie's books have more than just the romance going on -- considering the hero is sort of off-stage for a big chunk of the middle, one would hope so! Ashley, the main character, definitely has some issues (some that I didn't understand, but everyone is different!)
One of my romance pet peeves -- I have way too many, I know -- is a too old voice for late-twenties and thirty-something protagonists. I hate to admit this, but I'm thirty and I don't talk like a middle-aged woman. I say awesome and whatever and bummer on a frequent basis. So, ramble aside, Melanie GETS THAT and her protagonists speak age appropriately. The voice is FANTASTIC.

He Said/She Said: "We need to do this again sometime," he said.
"Kiss? Sure."
"Wow, Ashley, I meant eat pizza and take a walk, but I'll make out with you if you really want me to."

Matt: "Last one in has a really big crush on the other!" I scooped my board up and headed out at a dead run, splashing in until the waves were waist high before I turned around to grin at him.

He waded up slowly, his dimples flashing again. "Guilty," he said. "So very, very guilty."

Disclaimer: Nothing.

Buy THE LIST at DeseretBook.com
Check it out on Goodreads.

AND Melanie has a new book out, SECOND CHANCES -- availiable at Deseret Book too.