Foreplay by Sophie Jordan

November 7th, 2013 Kimberly Review 78 Comments

7th Nov
Foreplay by Sophie Jordan
Foreplay
by Sophie Jordan
Series: The Ivy Chronicles #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs. Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing. Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

Foreplay by Sophia Jordan was a wonderful surprise. I knew I was getting a tattooed bad boy, and a flawed heroine but Foreplay delivered so much more than I expected. Jordan gave me a hot romance, wrapped in a coming of age tale that completely swept me away. Mini review: heart-warming, hot, and the characters totally stole my heart.

Pepper dreams of having her own family, stability, and security. Since a young teen, she has envisioned that life and most of those dreams wrap around Hunter and his nuclear family. The only problem is that Hunter sees her as his little sister’s best friend. When Hunter breaks up with his long term girlfriend, Pepper and her friends decide she needs to learn how to get his attention. She has only ever kissed one guy, so the plan is to get her some lessons. Her roomies have the perfect teacher in mind a yummy bartender named Reece. *swoons* Reece is dark and dangerous, but there is more to Reese than his drop-dead good looks. As the lessons begin the tale that unfolds swept me away, held my heart and kept me turning the pages in search of my HEA.

Both of our main characters come from troubled, dysfunctional families, and while Pepper is very naïve, she also has her shit together and doesn’t follow a lot of the typical stereo-types associated with her social class. Jordan made her vulnerable, sweet and unsure. She gave Pepper depth allowing me to identify with her emotions, desires and uncertainty. She could have come off as a player, and at times, I didn’t approve of her actions but Jordan fleshed her out and made her believable. Reese besides being seriously yummy, has a plan and at twenty-three, he has a lot of responsibility thrown his way. I loved how the author made him strong, noble and yet vulnerable which totally made me fall for him. Pepper’s college friends fall into standard clichés but had their moments to shine. Hunter was the least fleshed out, but truly represented Pepper’s dream life.

Foreplay surprised me, since, on the outside, the characters represent typical characters for new adult. Hey, I am not complaining, keep the tattooed bad boys coming! I love how Jordan gave us what we wanted but made them more. Characters that have idyllic dreams or come up with plans are always enjoyable since we all know those plans never work completely the way they expected. The romance was slow to build, and started from  passion which built slowly to friendship and respect. There was so much sexual tension the air cracked and sizzled. The tale was not without bumps, but the authors approach kept angst and drama out of the plot. This is the first in a series, and I am anxious to see whose tale the author gives us next.

Fans of Walking Disaster, Pushing the Limits and Losing It will be making Reece their new book boyfriend. Foreplay offered up a beautiful, hot, coming of age tale where happiness is in the last place you expect.

Four and half cups of coffee out of five
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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78 Responses to “Foreplay by Sophie Jordan”

  1. Ashley

    I’m glad you liked this one. I received this it for review and almost didn’t read it, but I’m really glad I did. Maybe it’s because I had low expectations for it, but it was a fun read. I liked Pepper and she didn’t annoy more how other main characters is New Adult books do.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I thought it was fun too, and a little fresher than most in this genre.

  2. Book Savvy Babe

    I’m glad you liked this one, it’s on of the books on my massive review pile (that I’m super behind on). I do love those tattooed “bad” boys 🙂 Great review

  3. Jennifer

    After hearing about this one at AADSAV back in August I’ve been wanting to check it out. Sounds really good.

  4. Kim { Book Swoon }

    Okay, you have me pretty much sold! What a great NA sounding book. I love the tattooed bad boy & flawed heroine NA combo (Nope, I’m not tired of it at all yet), it’s like my favorite goto pick for NA, kinda like I love Mexican food. The ingredients are often similar, but it’s how its put together. Glad to know Foreplay delivered so much more. Thanks Kim! 🙂

  5. Glass

    I love your review – now I want to read this book even more. You pointed out all of the things I want in my NA books::)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Glass, I love all those things in my NA too and this was a great read 🙂

  6. Braine Talk Supe

    I thought this was erotica. I started a streak of contemporary and am really enjoying it. I will have to check this out in case I want to squeeze in an NA to the mix.

  7. kimberlybuggie

    Love your review! Great!
    I felt the same way about Foreplay. I was pleasantly surprised I liked it so much! I love Reece’s position compared to Hunters. I liked how the usual roles were reversed!
    🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree Kim, I am really looking forward to the rest of this series 🙂

  8. Jenea

    I am right there with ya, keep the tattooed bad boys! I think Pepper sounds like a great girl and Reece certainly sounds delicious. I will be picking this one up as soon as I can. 🙂 Wonderful review!

  10. chelsea1626

    Awesome review! I loved this book. I picked it up on release day and read it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I adored Reece so hard. His character totally surprised me.

  11. Aly P

    I read reviews that hated it… It seems to be a love-hate book. The characters look interesting and I’ve read a historical by this author and I loved her style…

    Would you say is much different then the average NA?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I haven’t had a chance to read her historical novels and look forward to trying them. While the tale is predictable in that we know we will get our HEA, the road there was solid, and the characters complex. She writes beautifully and draws you in, so yes I would say this is one of the best NA books I have read this year.

  12. Karen

    I wasn’t going to read this one because I’m kind of burned out on NA but several of my friends said it was really good so I’m going for it.

  13. Tanja

    I’ve been avoiding this book all the time because of my dislike of NA books, but it seems to me Sophie brought something new. I love the way it sounds. Great review, Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, well I prefer NA contemps over YA, I just relate better, I have only read a few YA contemps that I truly loved and they pushed the limits of the genre. This was low angst which was good, and the characters were fresh. Apparently this author writes in YA, Adult and NA. I will be trying more of her books.

  15. Christy

    Oh, oh, oh! I saw that Kristin liked this one too. I really want to read this! I think of Lori Foster’s books when I see the names Pepper and Reece, though. lol.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      hehehe..you don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say that..I will make a romantic suspense fan out of you yet! Psst..I got Cursed by Destiny by Cecy Robson today and if I don’t tell someone I will just burst!!! …so here is my fangirl moment *dances, jumps and squees*

      • Christy

        You did?! I hope mine comes soon them. You always seem to get the book a day before me, probably because of where they’re shipped from. Because I got The Trap the day after you posted about it. lol. Are you on the tour?

        • kimbacaffeinate

          I haven’t got physical copy yet, they emailed me invite link button. Every month they email a list of like twenty books from all genres that I just click it automatically downloads from NG. Yes I am on tour, and just got one physical book for Jan tour, so I imagine they will go out soon! I think we are getting finished copies for Cecy.

      • Christy

        LOL – I literally just checked my email after I posted that and saw that a package from Penguin will be delivered tomorrow.

  16. Lark

    Great review! I seem to be headed into a mystery phase (after my HoHoHoRAT books), but I’ll keep this author in mind.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I go through phases, or ones were I am heavy on one genre..but I like to throw reads like this between the heavier ones 🙂

  17. Heidi

    I am so happy to hear that this has a fun, exciting romance that steers away from the drama and angst that has become so synonomous with the NA genre. I am thinking I just might have to give this one a whirl!

  19. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I think that is why I passed on it… it seemed like it would go the clichéd route. Glad it didn’t and I do think I’ll have to add this to my wishlist. I haven’t read too much by this author and she keeps getting recommended to me. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Not this was refreshing, low angst and the characters were real.

  20. Andrea

    Everyone seems to be loving this one! Even those who don’t typically like a lot of NA books. I’m really hoping to be able to get to my copy of this soon, because I want to see if I love it as much as everyone else. Nice review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you enjoy it Andrea and look forward to your thoughts 🙂

  21. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    I love my tattooed bad boys as much as the next girl, which makes this one very tempting, but in all honesty, I read very little NA and I didn’t much care for any of the titles you mentioned.
    I love the cover, though, it’s very tempting.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I prefer NA over YA to be honest at least in regard to contemporary romance. Thanks Maja 🙂

  22. Candace

    I’ve been hearing really great things about this! It’s not one I would have picked up but the reviews have totally convinced me!

  24. Giselle

    I’ve been seeing this one around lately and it sounds really good. Pepper seems like the kind of MC that’s easy to root for and I Reece sounds yummy! 😀 Great review, Kimba! I’ve added this one to my TBR since all the reviews have been very positive!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was my first Jordan read and I hope you get to read it 🙂 thanks sweetie!

  27. Ellen

    I have this one for review also and I plan to start it shortly. Your review has me so excited again. I keep hearing such good things about this book.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squee! I have a good feeling that you will adore this one Ellen. A lot of the things you love and mention in your reviews of other books are present.

  28. Kristin

    Spectacular review!!! So much better than mine – you mentioned all the other characters that I totally forgot, like Hunter!! You’re right, she totally missed on bringing him out but it wasn’t missed, AT ALL!!!

    I saw on her site that Emerson is next and considering how she is, I wonder how that book will go!

    Have you read any of Sophie’s historicals? I saw that she has PNR, too that I might check out… after Firelight (goodness I’m slow!!!)

    Seriously, fab review!!! I do need to get around more… miss ya!!! *hugs*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo Emerson, hmm I wonder what she will do. This was my first Sophie Jordan book, but it won’t be my last. So she does adult too? Eep, must go look. *hugs* I know you are busy being a teacher 🙂

  29. kindlemom1

    I have been debating on whether or not to grab this one and your review just totally convinced me that I need to Kim!
    Awesome review. 😀

  30. Jenny

    “Foreplay surprised me, since, on the outside, the characters represent typical characters for new adult. Hey, I am not complaining, keep the tattooed bad boys coming!”

    AGREED KIM! I’m always onboard with a tattooed bad boy, but like you said, Reece was so much more than that label and I loved him. I had a few small issues with Pepper’s stubbornness in regard to Hunter, but I’m definitely looking forward to more in this series as well! Glad this one worked so well for you:)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, she had some growing up to do, and I really think her feelings were more about the “family” then love.

  31. Melissa

    Great review! I like you was really surprised, LOVED this book, Sophie Jordan proved to me with this book that she really can write any genre and OWN it 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was my first Jordan book, as I do not read many contemporary YA books.

  32. Chene Sterckx

    Wow I did not expect such an awesome story to be described when I first saw the cover – not that there is anything wrong with the cover. This story sounds captivating and addictive. Great Review!

    Thanks for sharing Kimba 🙂

  33. Mary

    I know he’s becoming cliched and a bit of a stereotype but I just can’t resist a tattooed bad boy. So. Hot.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *snickers* I agree I will never get tired of them, but I appreciated that she made him complex, vulnerable and oh so lovable.

  34. Nick

    Yay! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this as much as I did, Kim. I agree with you. Sophie Jordan took a typical NA romance and turned into something exceptional.
    And the sexual tension between Reece and Pepper. My goodness! I couldn’t stop reading because of how intense it was and was dying for them to get together.
    Fabulous review, Kim.

  35. Silvia

    This book got me intrigued the moment its release was announced, especially because I’m particularly curious to see how Sophie Jordan works with a more adult theme. Well, from your review and the general excitement on the net it seems to me she did great, huh? I’m happy it was such a good surprise for you and I won’t lie, this Reece sounds good, too! 😉

  36. Lauren

    I’m excited to read this one, I keep seeing great reviews for it, and it seems like it takes a lot of what I love about NA, but Jordan give the character types and the trops a bit of her own style. I’m excited to meet this Reece, I have a feeling I’m going to like him! Lovely review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo enjoy Lauren, I gobbled this one up and yes Reece is a contender for book boyfriend!

  37. Naomi

    Oh man!! I’m bummed I didn’t grab this before 😉 I’ll be definitely getting it now! Awesome review!!