Review: Easy by Tammara Webber

Title: Easy
Author: Tammara Webber
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: November 6, 2012 (originally self-published in May 2012)
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: Publisher

Rescued by a stranger.
Haunted by a secret
Sometimes, love isn’t easy…

He always saw her, but never knew her. Until thanks to a chance encounter, he became her savior…

The attraction between them was undeniable. Yet the past he’d worked so hard to overcome, and the future she’d put so much faith in, threatened to tear them apart.

Only together could they fight the pain and guilt, face the truth—and find the unexpected power of love.

I didn't really know what to expect from Easy. All I knew was that it is a contemp about a girl in college, and that there is some guy, and that everyone seems to LOVE it. Romancey stuff isn't usually my thing, but you can put me down as one of those people who love this book. Also: there's a lot more than just a really adorable love story happening here.

Characters! Jacqueline is an authentic, sympathetic character who goes through a variety of experiences and emotions throughout the course of the story. She experiences some growth, as well. Lucas, though, is the one that surprised me with his depth. Everything that he says and does comes from a couple of very specific motivations. He has some baggage, but I wouldn't call him brooding. Maybe he brooded as a teen, but as a young man he takes a more proactive approach in dealing with the event from his past that haunts him. I also want to take a minute to mention Erin, Jacqueline's roommate and best friend, because SHE IS AWESOME. She's a good friend. She gets Jacqueline into some lighthearted shenanigans, but when serious issues come up Erin is on it. She is the epitome of support and is a proactive participant in helping Jacqueline, even at her (Erin's) personal expense. The economics professor is also really great. The characters have depth and there are plenty of issues and emotions for all of them to overcome or come to terms with.

The setting is written well. It could have been any college campus (and was very similar to my college campus). The plot is steady and there is enough mystery and suspense elements to keep readers hooked. (One more chapter!) Easy contains some mature content and sexytimes! In addition to the romance, there are some tough issues involved. Easy deals with subjects such as rape, grief, and trauma. It doesn't gloss over these things, but it does deal with them in a constructive way and handles serious issues (and the fears, assumptions, and unfortunate reactions that can go with them) with class.

Because of the mature content, Easy is probably best suited to mature young adults and adults. I'd definitely recommend it to those who like contemporary stories involving college settings, romance, and social as well as personal issues.