Roxanne Vaughnâa socially awkward and easily influenced young womanâ is trying to figure out how to grow up. However, this isnât your typical âcoming of ageâ story. Roxanne is 19 years old in the first book and 30 in the last. Therefore, the point Iâm trying to make is that your twenties are a mess. A second childhood where youâre considered an adult, so youâre allowed to go out with no chaperone, drink alcohol with no judgement and sleep around in order to find your âforever partner.â Told in the first person, it's not the greatest idea to believe everything the narrator, Roxanne, says. She tells stories of when she's drunk and can barely piece together the night. She is highly emotional, her judgement often clouded by how she feels at that moment in time, especially when in the presence of her tall, dark and handsome - and extremely unattainable - Cat to her Mouse, Lamont Carwyn. This is the beginning of Roxanne's story.
Roxanne Vaughnâa socially awkward and easily influenced young womanâ is trying to figure out how to grow up. However, this isnât your typical âcoming of ageâ story. Roxanne is 19 years old in the first book and 30 in the last. Therefore, the point Iâm trying to make is that your twenties are a mess. A second childhood where youâre considered an adult, so youâre allowed to go out with no chaperone, drink alcohol with no judgement and sleep around in order to find your âforever partner.â Told in the first person, it's not the greatest idea to believe everything the narrator, Roxanne, says. She tells stories of when she's drunk and can barely piece together the night. She is highly emotional, her judgement often clouded by how she feels at that moment in time, especially when in the presence of her tall, dark and handsome - and extremely unattainable - Cat to her Mouse, Lamont Carwyn. This is the beginning of Roxanne's story.
âDO YOU THINK my boobs look big enough in this?â  Claire, my new housemate, and a girl I considered one of my best friends, asked from the backseat of the black Jetta.
I looked in the rearview mirror, watching as she adjusted her right breast, then the left, before shaking them both as if practicing a move for one of her dance performances.
Although I was driving, the Jetta didnât belong to me. It belonged to my other housemate, Shannon, who now sat in the front seat, trying to keep her silver eye-lined eyes open.  I just happened to be the only one in the dormâand probably the entire universityâwho didnât drink alcohol, and therefore, could drive the vehicle without worrying about arrest. Â
âYouâre asking the wrong person,â Amber, my very well- endowed in the chest-area housemate, said from the seat behind Shannon as she gestured to her double-D cleavage.  âEven Ds look like As next to me.â
I snorted, squinting at each street sign we approached to make sure I was going in the right direction.  Although it was my second year at Sonoma State University, I was still topsy-turvy when it came to the surrounding residential streets. Â
Shannon glanced over her shoulder, her vodka breath making me cringe.  âThey look bigger than they did earlier.  Theyâre definitely big enough.â  She then set her sights on Amberâs chest.  âIâm not gonna stand next to you at the party.  Youâll make me look like a twelve-year-old boy,â she slurred.
Amber smiled and winked, her blue eyes sparkling in the headlights of passing cars.  âIâd give my left tit to be as skinny as you.â
Claire cleared her throat.  âWeâre talking about me.  Roxy, what do you think?  Big tits? Be honest.â
I shook my head. âIâm driving.  Iâm not about to crash the car to analyze whether or not that bra accentuates the size of your breasts.â  I paused, turning left when the streetlight turned green.  âBesides, isnât it a little late to be asking that question?  Itâs not like you have any other clothes to change into.â
Claireâs drunken gaze stared wide-eyed at me in the mirror. âYou can take me back to the house and I can change.â
I kept my eyes on the road, staying silent.
âItâs my car,â Shannon said, slurring.  âAnd my gas.â
âItâs not that big of a deal,â Claire asserted.
âAre we there yet?â Amber whined.  âI really need to pee.â
âDonât break the seal.  Youâll be peeing every five seconds,â Shannon warned.  âAnd you donât want to miss out on the cute boys.â
I sat up straight.Boys? My armpits began to sweat.  Donât freak out.  You knew boys are gonna be there.  You can just stay in the corner so nobody will talk to you.  Itâs not that hard.  I rubbed my palms on my jeans.  The girls aretoo drunk to notice whether Iâm next to them anyway.  I then pressed down on my big, auburn curls hoping that my hairspray would keep the inevitable frizz at bay.  Donât sweat like a pig.  Keep it together.  âDo you know these boys?â
âItâs all the baseball boys.  I know them from cheer.â Amber uncapped her water bottle and sipped from her alcoholic concoction.  âAnd Iâm not impressed.â
I wanted to tell Amber it was illegal to have opened bottles of alcohol in a car.  I especially wanted to tell her it was illegal to drink alcohol in a car.  My grip tightened on the steering wheel.  Donât be that girl, Roxy.  Nobody likes a know it all.  âNot impressed?â
âIâll text Steven,â Claire said, punching her fingers against the cell phone.  âHeâs our way in.â
âSteven?â Shannon asked.
âHeâs a baseball playerââ
âWho fucked Danielle this summer,â Amber interrupted. âWhy are you still talking to him?â
Danielle?  Likeâyour friend Danielle?  Danielle who helped you move in, Danielle?  I glanced in the rear-view mirror again, noticing that Claireâs light brown eyes never left the phone.
 âHeâs a friend,â Claire scoffed.  âAnd heâs the reason why we can get in this party.  Why donât you just chill?â
âHe fuckedDanielleâone of your bestfriends.  Why are you talking to him again?â
âI donât like him like that.  Danny can have him.â  Claireâs phone vibrated, her pale skin neon against the screenâs light.  âIf he knew I was a virgin, he wouldâve had sex with me instead of her.  Boys lovethat.â
I bit the inside of my cheek.  Yeah, Iâm not so sure about that, Claire.As I pulled next to the curb, Shannonâs head smacked against the headrest, neck lolling side to side, eyes closed tight.  Please donât throw up on me. Please donât throw up on me. Please donât throw up on me. I put the car in park.
âIs he cute?â Shannon slurred.
I turned to look out my window, watching as students walked from house to house, parties awaiting behind closed doors.  I also worried that Shannon wouldnât keep down her vodka, and any time she opened her mouth, I didnât know what would come out.
Claire shrugged.  âHeâs alright.â
âYou werenât so nonchalant about it two months ago when you called me crying your eyes out.â
I smiled to myself.  Talk yourself out of this.  You donât have to go in.  The girls wonât care.  I can pick them up when itâs over.  âWe probably shouldnât trust some guy who went behind your back and did something like that.â
Claire opened her door.  âHe still loves me.  He wouldnât have invited me here if he didnât.â
Oh great, I thought when she stumbled.  Another night comforting you over the toilet.  Just what I want.
I followed the girls down the street, gazing at three of the four housemates I would be living with for the rest of the school year.
Shannon flaunted a skin-tight, black dress that exposed her skinny frame, long legs and olive skin.  Her straight, dark brown hair was streaked with golden highlights, and hung just above her shoulder blades.  Amber wore a V-neck red dress that displayed her extreme cleavage and hid her slightly plumper midsection.  Her brunette hair fell in straight layers all the way down to the top of her round butt, her short dress hugging her muscular legs.  Claire had converted an orange, strapless shirt into a tiny dress that was held upright by a wonder bra and looked vibrant against her pale skin. Her light brown hair, which sheâd sworn sheâd never touched with dye, was pulled half up with an orange clip, her bangs bobby-pinned to the side to make her forehead appear smaller.
It was strange that Claire and I got along like we did. We were nothing alikeâIâd been forced to go to this party instead of staying at home and reading like I wanted to, while Claire downed shot after shot before she even put her party clothes onâbut weâd met the previous year at a common friendâs house and somehow clicked. Even now, as she tried to show off every inch of her skin, I was hiding beneath dark blue jeans and a baggy red t-shirt.  While the girls buckled the straps of their high heels, I laced up my black and white Converse.
I didnât know if Amber, Claireâs roommate from last year, or Shannon, a random student that fate decided to make Claireâs roommate this year, would like me because I tended to shy away from the party scene.  But I was willing to try to make an effort to get to know them better, hence why I was now pressing a button on the Jettaâs keys to make sure the doors had locked behind us, instead of driving away like a mother would after dropping her teenagers off at the school dance.
As we approached the door, it swung open, releasing a cacophony of loud music, splashing water, clinking glasses and drunken conversations. I hadnât realized how nervous I was until I examined the massive amount of people cramped inside the tight confines of the house.
âHurry up and get in here,â a boy with buzzed blonde hair ordered as he ushered us through the doorframe.  I shivered when the condensation from the beer in his hand dripped onto my arm.  After inspecting the surrounding yards one more time, he closed the door behind us.
I had to admit, the boy, Steven I presumed, was cute. His light blue eyes and straight teeth would lure any girl into his bedroom.   I blushed when he smiled at me, looking down at the white tips of my shoes.
âIâm Steven.â  His voice was raspy.  He extended his hand out to me, and unfortunately, the manners my parents instilled in me from birth forced me to return the handshake.
âIâm Roxanne,â I nearly whispered.  My hands were clammy, but his smile didnât falter, nor did he pull away from me.  I smiled at him shyly, hoping he didnât think I was some sort of freak.  Why do I care?  Heâs a complete stranger.  Iâll probably never see him again.
âYou livinâ with these party animals now?â
Amber was completely disinterested, her sapphire eyes scanning the crowds for some tall, dark and handsome man who would be able to provide her with free drinks.  Claire giggled slightly and nodded as if Steven was talking to her, her prior comments about being disinterested completely forgotten.
I timidly took a step closer to him, the music making it difficult for me to hear him and nodded.  âI didnât know they were party animals.â
He laughed.  âThen you donât know them at all.â
Claire slapped his wrist.  âDonât scare the girl, Steven.  Sheâs just getting used to us.â
I shrugged.  âIâm sure weâll be like sisters by the end of the weekend.â  Or I can hide in my room for the rest of the year if we hate each other.
I knew it wouldnât be appropriate to tell him the truth about my living situation, so again I bit the inside of my cheek, again growing nervous.  It was obvious that Amber hated me for being Claireâs new best friend, Shannon and I hadnât exchanged more than ten sentences with one another, and I had yet to engage in any real conversation with Elizabeth, the other housemate we were supposed to meet here.  School began on Wednesday morning and I was already busy with Biology, Intro to Psychology, and Anatomy homeworkâand secretly flipping through the syllabus of my token English class, eager to delve into the poetry workshop component of the semester, dreading how my Anatomy textbook seemed to loom over me as I slept.
âWell, why donât we put your compatibility to the test?â He held the beer against my lower back and snapped the fingers of his free hand.Â
My back muscles stiffened, his too friendly touch catching me off guard.  Relax, Roxy.  Heâs just trying to be nice.  Heâs their friend.  Try to fit in.  âLadies, if youâll follow me please.â  Steven walked Claire, Amber, Shannon and I over to an elongated black table where ten red solo cups were placed near the edges of both sides in the shape of a pyramid. âNothing like a game of Beer Pong to test the limits of true friendship.â
Dear Lord, get me out of here.  I shook my head and politely declined.  âNo drinking for me tonight.  Iâm driving.â  I also decided to omit that I didnât drink because I was scared to lose control of myself in public situations.  The âIâm a great DDâ card was always stacked at the top of my deck.
He frowned.  âThatâs no fun.  You can take a cab home.â
âOh, no we canât,â Shannon interjected.  âSheâs driving my car and itâs not staying here.â
Claire shrieked, waving her hand obnoxiously in the air. âIâll play!â  She latched onto my arm and tugged me into her side, nearly dislocating my shoulder.  âRoxy, you can be my partner.  Shannonâs car will be fine.â
âNo,â Shannon said.  âShe promised sheâd drive us home.â
I wanted to throw my arms around her and kiss her cheek.  Thank you, Shannon. Greatest thing youâve said to me, yet.
âWell,â Claire huffed.  âSteven Can drink for you.  Right, Steven?â
Let it go, Claire.  I donât want to play.  I pretended not to notice Amberâs chortle when Claire shimmied her breasts side to side.
Steven ate it up.  âI have no problem helping out such a pretty lady.â
When he winked, Claireâs grasp tightened around my forearm. I held back a wince.  I could sure use some help here, Amber.  Before Claire rips off my arm and beats Steven with it.  Amber was too busy mentally throwing daggers at the back of Claireâs head.
âBut that would give you an unfair advantage,â Steven continued.  âAnd I donât cheat.â
Claire released her Herculean grip, leaving behind red streaks on my white skin.  She playfully slapped Stevenâs shoulder and wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. âYouâre being so difficult right now. Just say yes.â
Steven smiled at me over Claireâs shoulder and winked. âIâd do anything for a pretty lady,â he repeated.
Rubbing my arm absentmindedly, I struggled to keep my sarcasm at bay.  When he winked at Claire, I held back a gag.  You should really get that checked out.  You might have something serious lodged in your eye.  âReally, thanks but no thanks.  Amber or Shannon can play.â
âCâmon Roxy,â Claire spat turning to face me.  âStop being such a bitch and play one game. Itâs not going to kill you.â
A sudden pang hit my eyes, making them water.  Now I remember why she and I never hung out when sheâd been drinking.  I took a deep breath and smiled, despite the want to tell Claire that she could find another ride home. âIâm flattered, really, but no thank you.  Ask someone else.â
She sighed, glaring.  âFine.  Iâm gonna see if Lizzyâs here.  Dannyâs probably driving her crazy by now.â
Once she stalked off, Steven scooted closer to me. âDannyâs here?â
Amber crossed her arms over her chest.  âWhatâs it matter?  Youâve already fucked her and fucked over Claire.  You want to do it all over again?â
I winced.  âSoââ I chirped, hoping to ease the building tension.  âSteven, where are you from?â
âThe San Francisco area,â he replied.
Shannon, whose hazel eyes barely hung open and whose cheeks shined, beamed at him.  âReally? What part?â
Iâd forgotten she was even there.
Steven smiled at her, his charm sucking her into Schmoozerville. When he winked, a giggle escaped her pale, pink lips.
Another one bites the dust.
I pulled away from her glowing complexion and studied the party around me.  Girls and boys flirted shamelessly with one another, alcohol sloshed in plastic cups and shot glasses, and ping pong balls bounced off tables in every direction. The ratio of boys to girls was skewed heavily in the boysâ direction, which was strange because Sonoma State was known for its larger female population, and the baseball team for its handsome players.  The girls in attendance didnât seem to mind multiple boys vying for their attention.
I, on the other hand, had a difficult time interacting with any member of the human species, especially those that were expecting sexual favors at the end of the night.
I glanced at Amber, who was doing everything in her power to not look at me.  Not wanting the rest of the school year to be awkward considering her bedroom door was directly across from mine, I flexed and unflexed my fingers, trying to dispel my nervous energy, and wondered what my older sister, Lucy, would do in this same situation.  Well, here goes nothing.  âHey, Amber, you see all of the hunks mingling around here?â
Her scowl deepened at the sound of my voice, her eyes somehow looking even further away from me.  âNo.  Iâm too busy standing around watching idiots talk to one another.â
I held back a flinch.  Try again.  Let her know you arenât some weird freak who purposely stole her best friend.  âWhy donât we try to change that?â
This time she looked at me, her usually light blue eyes nearing a shade of dark purple.  âAnd how are yougonna do that?â
Determined to make Amber hate me less, I continued forward. I swallowed back the beer pong ball sized lump in my throat and said something that was completely out of character. âI do believe you ladies mentioned something about a dance party in the car earlier.â
Her lips twitched.  A smile? âPretty sure that was Claireâs idea.â
âAnd Iâm pretty sure Claire is off trying to make Steven jealous. â
Amber nodded.  âWhatâs your point?â
I shrugged.  âMy point is, either you can stand here and continue to be upset at her for ditching you, or me and you can start that dance party and have some real fun.â
She blinked, just as surprised as I wasâa dance party was the furthest thing from hiding in a dark corner, but the guilt I felt about Claireâs behavior made me step out of my comfort zone to make Amber more comfortable. I really didnât want to live with someone who had the potential to make my life miserable for the rest of the school year. Â
âYouâre right.â  Amberâs sapphire eyes sparkled with life, the angry purple long gone. âLetâs go fucking dance.â  She grabbed the beer from Stevenâs hand, tilted her head back and downed the liquid before placing the bottle back in his grasp. âAnd then letâs find some boys. Iâm gonna need another drink soon.â
She linked her elbow with mine and ushered me into the living room where a DJ was playing a top 40 list of music and drunken individuals mingled with one another, not a dancing body in sight.
I frowned.  âDid I miss something?â
âWhat do you mean?â Amber asked.
I gestured to the empty circle in the middle of the room that people were consciously avoiding.  âWhy even bother paying someone to provide music if nobodyâs gonna utilize it?â
She shrugged.  âPeople are too afraid to stand out.â
I nodded.  Tell me about it.  My plan was to stand in the corner the whole night.  Taking a deep breath, I began walking to the center of the crowd.  âI guess itâs up to us then.â  You can do this.  Do it for Amber.  Do it because you want to make friends.  Do it because youâre tired of feeling so alone all of the time. Â
âAre you really suggesting we start a dance party?âÂ
I can do this.  If I can dance in front of the mirror at home, I can dance here.  I donât know any of these people.  They wonât care.  This is just to make Amber happy.  âWell, I donât think anybody else is gonna do it.â Â
Amber grabbed my hand and sauntered over to the DJâs table, elbowing me hard so that I would smile at the two boys standing behind it. One was tall, muscular and clean-shaven, his beard and sideburns trimmed to perfection.  His dark gold eyes trailed down the small V-neck that was held up by my above average sized breasts and back up to my face before he returned the smile.  I bit the inside of my cheek to refrain from covering myself and backing out of the whole thing.  When Amber squeezed my hand, reminding me that I wasnât alone, I arched my back and pushed my chest out further, hoping that some sort of false confidence exuded from my pores.  Say something sexy.  Be like Claire, or Amber, or any other girl here.  I breathed in my nose and licked my lips. âHow come no oneâs dancing?  You boys arenât doing your jobs.â
He shrugged, his dark black eyebrows rising high when he took note of my blue jeansâsomething he probably hadnât ever seen in a college party throughout his DJ career.  âWe play music, not dance.â
His Latino accent made me blush.
Amber stared at the tall DJâs shorter friend.  He had dark skin, emerald green eyes and blonde dreadlocks cascading down his wide shoulders.  âThatâs a terrible excuse.â
They raised their eyebrows at one another.
âWhat about the music?â Latino asked.
âPut it on shuffle,â Amber said.
âWhoâd we dance with?â Dreadlocks countered.
I tried not to stiffen when Amber hugged me close to her side. âI can think of two girls who might be interested.â
I can think of a million other things Iâd be more interested in doing. âHow does that sound to you?â I tried to say flirtatiously. Â
Dreadlocks and Latino nodded once to one another, walked around their table, and grabbed our hands, leading us to the opening in the middle of the crowd.  Donât think about your sweaty palms.  Donât think about what other people are thinking. This is gonna be fun.  Look at Amberâsheâs happy.  Thatâs all you wanted.  Breathe.  Stop looking at your shoes and breathe.  Soon enough, other party patrons grouped together in a gyrating mob composed of whiskey breath, the stench of stale beer and raging hormones.
I watched as Amber bent forward and shook her butt against Dreadlocks, his face radiating pleasure as he pretended to slap her butt, the crowd cheering behind her.  I, on the other hand, could taste blood on my tongue from biting the inside of my cheek so hard.  Latino had his hands moving all over my hips and stomach and thighs, his erection poking against my jeans.  I shouldnât have come.  I should just go home.  Amber grabbed onto my forearm and pulled me against her breasts, shaking them until my body moved along with her.  Before I knew it, I was sandwiched between a stranger and a girl who I thought hated me, and my hips were moving in ways I never wanted anybody in public to see. Â
Strangely, after three songs passed, I realized I was actually having fun.
Amber wouldnât let go of my hand, Latino was making me feel things Iâd only heard my older sister brag about, and the music allowed me to lose myself, forgetting about homework, about how embarrassed Iâd be if anyone in my classes saw me dancing this way, and about being a constant disappointment to my parents.
I was dizzy and lightheaded and having the time of my life.
After two more songs ended, I told Amber I needed to get some fresh air.  In reality, I needed to catch my breath because my cheek was beginning to hurt and my nerves were getting the best of meâI thanked the Latino, and blushed when some random boys raised their beers in my direction. Â
âLetâs get outside before I embarrass myself further,â I told Amber, hoping that my hair wasnât already a frizzy mess.  âMy hairspray will only last against sweat for so long.â Â
She wiped the moisture from her forehead and nodded, leading me beyond two girls groping one another, boys gawking, and through the wooden front door.  We closed out the noise and inhaled the crisp midnight air.Â
âI need a drink when we get back in there.  My buzz is fading,â Amber said fanning her face with her hand.
âHow come you didnât bring your own?â I asked.
She grimaced.  âWhy would I do that?â
âWellâIâuhâbecause?â
âOh, Roxy,â Amber sighed, resting her hand on my shoulder as if I just admitted to her that I wanted to write poetry instead of curing cancer.  âYou have so much to learn about the capabilities of a womanâs sexuality.â
I cocked my head to the side.  âYou mean, like, exploitation?â
âI mean like showing a little cleavage and having the world give you everything youâve ever asked for.â
âAnd youâre using that power forâŚâ
She winked.  âAlcohol, of course.â
I couldnât help itâI laughed and laughed and laughed, until my stomach began to hurt, Amberâs high-pitched and slightly hysteric laughter sounding pleasant to my ears.  I think Iâm one step closer to having her not completely hate my guts.
Nearly hidden by our laughter, footsteps crunched up the gravel driveway, a deep voice mumbling incoherently.Â
âI want whatever heâs having,â Amber snickered.
I nodded.  âPeople are beginning to converse with themselves.  It may be time to leave.â
âHe might just be the guy Iâm looking for.  Iâm sure heâd give me his alcohol and not think twice about it.â
An extremely tall boy came into view and shot a single wave in Amberâs and my direction.
âDo you know him?â
She nodded and threw a hand up in the air.  âHey Lamont!  Long time no see!â
Something strange overcame me.  My heart did an Irish Jig against my chest; my palms grew clammy; my fingers numbed.  Despite the chilly air, my cheeks burned a feverish pink.
With short black hair, tan skin, dark brown eyes and prime athletic height, he epitomized my expectations of tall, dark and handsome.
Really,reallyhandsome.
His face was oval shaped, his black eyebrows bushy, the workings of a goatee hugging his chin.  But it was his casual smile with those luscious, tan lips that made my jaw drop just long enough for the cold air to dry out my tongue.  I tried to look away, but my muscles had forgotten how to function.
He ended his phone call and said, âHey,â in a deep voice so delicious, I wanted to eat it for breakfast, save a little for lunch and finish off the rest for dinner. Â
âYouâre running a little late,â Amber said, pointing at an invisible watch on her wrist.  âPretty sure this thing started, like, three hours ago.â
âParty doesnât start âtil I arrive,â he replied.
Amber rolled her eyes.  âI see you havenât changed a bit since last year.â
âThen Iâm still one hell of a fucking guy.â  He smiled again, miniature crescent moons forming on his cheeks. âWhatâre you doing out here?â
I pushed my hands into my pockets, wondering what was going on with me.  My heart was beginning to hurt my chest and whatever was floating around in my stomach was making me feel nauseous.  I smiled at him when he glanced at me, growing very self-conscious when his smile faded.  Since when do you care about some strangerâs attention?  So what if his voice is so smooth, Iâd like to drink a glass of it?  That doesnât mean anything.
âItâs hot in there.  Needed a break,â Amber replied.Â
âOh, good.  I thought theyâd already run out of beer.  Want to grab one with me?â
His deep, deep voice vibrated through my core and filled my heart with warmth.  Maybe youâre not drinking, but nod.  Nod at the guy and make him think youâre cool. I stared at himâthat awkward, silent stare shared between two strangers with a mutual friend.  Stop being an idiot.  Remember what your sister told you: break out of your shell and meet some boys.  Introduce yourself already!
As his gaze moved from my hair to the pale-yellow painted toenails hidden inside of my shoes, I was consumed by a heavy wave of anxiety; I wished Iâd dressed like the other girls instead of dressing in my usual simple ensemble.  I steadied myself with a deepâyet silentâbreath and brushed my auburn bangs lowlighted with dark brown streaks behind my ear.
âHi,â I managed, blushing foolishly.
Amber smacked her forehead.  âWhere are my manners?  Lamont, this is Roxy, my new housemate.â  She pulled me against her side and squeezed.  âShe lives right down the hall from me.â
He gave a slight nod.  âRoxy, huh?  Short for Roxanne?â
I swallowed back my anxiety and smiled.  âYeah.  My parents had a thing for The Police.â
âClever.  Smart parents.  It suits you.â
âWell, they are doctors, so they have to be smââ When he cocked his head slightly to the side, I cleared my throat.  âItâs nice to finally meet you.  Iâve heard so many things.â
He turned to Amber.  âThings, huh?  What kind of things?â
Amber shook her head.  âDonât flatter yourself.â
âTrust me,â I interjected.  âThey have nothing but phenomenal things to say about you.â When I reached out to grab his arm for emphasis, his cell phone was knocked from his hand, falling toward the ground in painful slow motion.
It skipped down a cement stair with a crash.
âOh my God.â  My cheeks flushed crimson.  âI am so, so sorry!  If itâs broken, Iâll buy you a new one.â
Without thinking twice, I dropped my knees to the ground and snatched up the phone, hoping beyond all hope that I didnât destroy the thing.  There were no visible scratches and the screen hadnât shattered.  âLooks like everything isââ My face rose to meet his pantâs zipper.  Oh myâget away from the crotch, away from the crotch.  I stepped back, stood erect, placed the phone forcefully into his palm and tried not to cry. âIâm sorry.  Iâm really sorry.  Like, reallysorry,â I repeated, fingers fighting one another behind my back.  âI can be a real klutz sometimes.â
His dark eyes sparkled bright with curiosity.  âYouâre not a klutz.  I tend to make girls fall head over heels for me.  Itâs not the first time Iâve brought a girl to her knees.â
Amber laughed, completely oblivious to my sheer mortification.
I stared at the white tips of my shoes, curls dangling just over my breasts.  Way to go, Roxy.  You really know how to make a great first impression.
When a pair of white and black Nikes came into view, I shyly glanced up, surprised to find Lamont in such close proximity.  âSo,â he asked. âHow about that beer?â
#
LAMONT OPENED THE refrigerator door and handed out ice-cold beers as if he owned the place.Â
âIs he allowed to do that?â I whispered.
Amber shrugged.  âHeâs on the baseball team.  Iâm sure itâs fine.â
âHere you are ladies.â
I politely refused the beer he held toward me.  âIâm the designated driver tonight,â I said, not ready to admit I didnât drink regularly like everybody else.  âThanks, though.  I appreciate it.â
Before he could question me, Amber snatched the can from his hand.  âIâll have it.  Wouldnât want to waste it.â
âAmber!  Roxy!â
We turned around as Shannon walked toward us, her cheeks red, her fingers wound tightly with Stevenâs.Â
âDude, Lamont!  Didnât think youâd make it.  You ready to fuck shit up at the beer pong table?â  An intricate handshake-hug combination ensued.
âI take it they know each other?â I asked.
Amber nodded.  âBest friends.â
âOh my God!â Shannon shrieked, startling all those who inhabited the kitchen.  âYou have a Boobiesbracelet!â
Lamont glanced down at his wrist.  âDoesnât everyone?â
âThatâs Shannonâour other housemate.â
âCan I have it?â she asked, completely ignoring Amberâs introduction.  âIâve always wanted one.â
âItâs like, three dollars from the mall.  Whatâs stopping you?â
The black, rubber bracelet had I Love Boobiesengraved in white block letters, and it rested comfortably around Lamontâs tan wrist.
Another strange feeling overwhelmed meâa feeling that I only got when the classmate sitting next me received a higher grade.  Is she flirting with him?
âI want one now,â she whined.
I wasnât one to engage in confrontation, but something deep within my gut told me that this behavior was not okay, especiallywhen she was already holding the hand of another guy.  I also knew better than to challenge someone as intoxicated as she was but seeing Lamont smile at her made me want to fight herâwhich was definitely different from my typical ârun away and hideâ technique.  This was the first boy I was genuinely interested in getting to know since my junior year of high school, where the boy I fell in love with told me having a girlfriend would ruin his college experience.  Part of me warned that I should ignore these feelings because nothing was worth the pain Iâd experienced that year, but the other part of me said that I should stand up for myself and for my feelings.
I also had enjoyed his attentionâwhich again, was unusual for me.
âWhere did you get it from?â I asked, taking a small step toward him.
He looked down at me, lifting his arm just enough so I could see the bracelet at eye level.  I fought the urge to rest my cheek against his forearm, wanting to permanently memorize the way his skin smelled.  âProbably at Tillyâs or something.  Theyâre super cheap.â  He raised an eyebrow when he saw me staring at the black and white rubber.  âYou wanna wear it?â
I smiled over his wrist at Shannon, who raised her hands up in frustration.  âAre you kidding me?  I asked you if I could wear it first!â
âShe did ask first,â I said.  âIt wouldnât be fair if I took it.â
Lamont smiled, driving my pulse up to a dangerously high level.  I felt a bead of sweat form between my shoulder blades and begin its descent down my spine.
Shannon held out her hand.  âI promise Iâll give it back.â
I narrowed my eyes at her.  Just take it, Roxy.  He offered it to you.  âBut I mean, if you insisted, I wouldnât want to be rude.â
Shannon swayed side to side, Steven holding her waist tight. âShe doesnât even want it,â she yelled, hiccupping slightly.
Lamont surveyed me, then Shannon, then me again.  âHow about I pick a number between one and twenty?â
My shoulders slumped forward.  You are so stupid sometimes.  You shouldâve just taken it when he offered it to you.  I clenched my jaw, fighting back unexpected tears.  Just guess the right number. That way, instead of thinking about Shannan all night long because she has his bracelet, heâll be forced to think about the curly haired girl instead.
Shannon shook her head.  âHow do I know you wonât change the number to match hers?â
Before Lamont could produce an answer, Claire ran up like a bat out of hell and threw her entire body around him.  Her dress rose up around her hips, revealing her butt to all innocent bystanders.  I watched mutely as she kissed the air beside his ears and pressed her nose against his cheek.Â
âLamont, my love!  I havenât seen you in forever!â she yelled, now much moreintoxicated than when we first entered the party.
I glanced away, my body completely inundated by jealousy.  Iâve known Lamont for maybe fifteen minutes.  We havenât even had any semblance of a conversation yet.  I pushed my bangs behind my ear and frowned at Amber. Â
She shrugged apologetically.  âShe does this when sheâs drunk.  I hate to say this, but you will get used to it.â
Shannon crossed her arms over her chest.  âWhy donât you give Claire the number?  I know I can trust her.â
âWhatâre you talking about?â Claire asked still clinging to Lamontâs neck.
âThese girls both want my bracelet, so, theyâre picking numbers,â he said.
Actually, you offered me the bracelet.  I began fidgeting with the hem of my shirt, Claireâs bare butt cheeks beginning to make me feel uncomfortable.  I donât get it.  She made it quite obvious earlier today that she hates Lamont.  Did I mishear her?  âAlright, Lamont.  Pick a number,â I croaked, my voice threatening to give away my true feelings.
When she climbed off him and beamed at me, my eye twitched. âI just love games!  Turn around and Iâll tell you when to guess.â
Shannon and I turned our backs on them, but it didnât matterâI could hear every word of their exchange, which meant Shannon could too. It became quite apparent that drunk people didnât understand the meaning of the word âwhisperâ and Lamont basically announced his number to the entire room.  My only hope was that Claire would ask me to pick a number first.
Instead, she smiled at Shannon.  âOkay, you guess first.â
She smirked at me and fluttered her eyelashes at Lamont. âTwelve.â
He and Claire looked at one another and then at me.  Youâre really gonna make me guess?  âI donât careânine.â  I frowned and blushed harder, hugging my elbows.
Lamont grabbed Claireâs elbow and turned her to face him. Their noses were almost touching, but Lamontâs rushed words were audible enough for me to understand.  âClaire, help me.  I really want Roxy to have it.  I just donât want to piss off Shannon.â
I blinked.  What?
âSheâs hot and nice and funny.  I like her.  This is my chance to have her talk to me again.  Sheâll have to give it back at some pointâwhat should I do?â
Claireâs flirty demeanor changed, her forehead wrinkling with annoyance.  âWhy donât I take it instead?â
I turned toward Amber.  âWhat is she doing?â I hissed.
Amber readjusted her bra, her cleavage even more apparent than before.  âSheâs being herself.â
âBut I thought she didnât even like Lamont.â
âShe doesnât,â Amber said.  âBut she doesnât like when sheâs not the center of attention.  God forbid anybody else get a chance.â
âI just wanted to have a conversation with him.â
Amber smiled.  âOhhh the little wallflower wants to bloom.â
I shook my head.  âNo no no, thatâs notââ
 âWell, whatâs the number?â Shannon asked, impatient.
Lamont glanced at Claire.  âI canât remember.â
âThatâs not fair.â  She glared at Lamont and shook her head.  âYouâre being mean.â
âHereâdonât be like thatâIâll put it behind my backâyeahâthatâs it.  Iâll put it behind my back.  Shannon, you guess which hand you think itâs in,â Lamont said quickly, sliding the bracelet past his knuckles.Â
 âItâs a lousy three-dollar bracelet,â Amber mumbled.  âI have another one at home I could give you.â
Lamont toyed with the rubber bracelet behind his back, his eyes darting nervously in my direction.
Shannon pointed to the right hand.  âAmber, if I pick wrong, I want yours.â
A sly smile crept onto Lamontâs face.  He slowly exposed the empty right hand in front of Shannon and then revealed the band resting on his left palm.  I watched as he stretched it onto my wrist, feeling a spark ignite somewhere between his fingertips and my skin. Â
He pushed Claire to the side, wrapped his arms around my back and pulled me in tight.  Although hesitant at first, I relaxed against him, allowing his embrace to comfort me. âIâm sorry I didnât just give it to you,â he whispered.  âI didnât want to hurt Shannonâs feelings.â
My heart seeped right through my ribcage, a puddle of pitiful mush.  âI didnât really want it until you offered it, honestly.â
He chuckled.  âI just wanted another excuse to see you again.â
I pulled away from him slightly, confused.  âMe?  Really?â
âJesus you guys,â Amber shouted.  âIf youâre gonna have sex, at least get a room.â
I closed my eyes, wondering why this guy had such a pull over meâhis arms still held me tight, and for some reason, I didnât feel the need to push him away.
âNobody asked you perverts to watch.â  He nuzzled my neck with his moistened lips.
My body shivered.
I was a goner.
#
THE RED AND blue lights flickered through the living room curtains.  The music halted abruptly, the owners screamed at the attendees to shut up and those of underage status began to panic. I pushed my way through the crowd and found my housemates downing shots in the kitchen.
âCops are here.  Weâre leaving,â I ordered grabbing each glass from their grasps and placing them on the counter.
âWhat?  Are we in trouble?â Shannon slurred.
I shook my head and grabbed her elbow.  âYou will be if you donât follow me out of here.  Just be careful and avoid eye contact.â
Amber and Claire followed our lead.
As we walked through the front door, the police officers studied us suspiciously with flashlights in hand.  I smiled at them, trying to appear calm and collected, when in reality, my heart fluttered like a hummingbirdâs wings.  Once we made it to the car, we all took a collective deep breath.
I unlocked the doors.  âI need all of your help.â  I slid into the driverâs seat.  âI do my best to avoid these sorts of situationsâboys are really complicated. He hasnât stopped texting me.â Each of the girls closed their doors. âI have this inkling that maybe he wants me to come over?â
âFirst of all, who says an inkling?â Shannon asked.  âAre you drunk?â
Amber snickered.  âNo duh, he wants you to come over.  All over him.â
I gulped.  Thatâs not funny.  âIâm sure he just wants his bracelet back.â
Claire grimaced.  âAre you telling me you think heâs cute?â
I shrugged, her accusatory tone filling me with shame. âYeahâheâsâheâs okay.  Heâs tall.  He made me laugh.  Andâandââ I glanced at the bracelet.  âI need to give his bracelet back.â
âIâm down to go if they give us free booze,â Amber chimed in.
âIf youâre actuallygonna give him the bracelet after everything we went through, you might as well give it to me.â
I smiled at Shannon.  âI promise Iâll go to the mall tomorrow and buy you a brand new one.â
Claire snorted.  âIf you went through all that just to talk to him, youâre pathetic.â
âThatâs harsh,â Amber said, defending me.  âBesides, Iâve seen you do worse.  She likes him.  Whatâs the big deal?â
I smiled in the rearview mirror.  Finallyâsomeone who wonât judge me. And to think she totally hated my guts only a few hours ago.
âFirstly, heâs fugly.  Secondly, he has a girlfriend.  She canât like him.â
I chewed on my already raw cheek, again tasting blood on my tongue.  A girlfriend?  What is she talking about?
âIf you think heâs so ugly, why did you date him last semester?â
I slammed the breaks, nearly causing a collision with the headlights behind me.  âHang on just one freaking second.â
Claire glared at Amber.  âWe did notdate.  We went on onedate.  Those are two completelydifferent things.â
âIf you went on a date with him, you must have found him attractive.â
Claire made a face.  âIt was out of pity.  It was like, the fifth time heâd asked me.  Besides, he took me to a hockey game.  It was a free ticket.â
âThatâs kinda mean, donâtcha think?â Shannon added.
âI think you guys are taking this all out of proportion,â I said, signaling to get in the next lane over.  âI need to give him this bracelet backâI promised.  And besides, he seems like heâd be a good friend.â
âA friendwith benefits,â Amber teased.
I waited for a snarky reply from Claire, but she remained uncharacteristically silent.  She was texting away, a smile reflecting off the phoneâs backlight.
I furrowed my brow.  âEverything okay, Claire?â
She didnât bother to look up.  âHis nameâs Chris.  Heâs Lamontâs roommate.â
The wheels in my head began to squeal, a fresh drop of degreaser applied to the rusted gears.  Lamontâs roommate.  Thatâs how Iâll get to see Lamont againâmake this all about Claire.
âAndâŚ?â I prodded.Â
âHe has a girlfriend,â Amber laughed.  âTheyâve been together for like, three years or some shit.â
The car rolled up to a red light.
I glanced over my shoulder.  âWhatâre you doing talking to him then?â
Her smile faded.  âHe does nothave a girlfriend.  They broke up last night.  He told me all about it when we were playing beer pong.â
Amber was skeptical.  âYou actually believe that?â
âThey did!  Lamont confirmed it.â
âOh, well, if he confirmed it, then it mustbe true.â
Claire stuck her tongue out at Amber.  âStop being such a bitch.â
âHas it even been officially over for twenty-four hours?â
Claire shrugged.  âWho cares?  Heâs single.â
âOr so he says,â Shannon mumbled.
âI wouldnât hook up with someone who has a girlfriend. Iâm not that kind of girl.â
Join in on the conversation. Be their friend.  âIf he just broke up with her, shouldnât you be worried about being the rebound?â
 âSo what? He obviously thinks Iâm cute if heâs already talking to me.â
âNo,â Amber argued.  âThat means he thinks you have open legs and a ready vagina.â
Shannon and I laughed, Claireâs pout dropping to her knees.
âShannon,â I said.  âThis is your car, so you make the decision.  What do you want to do?â
She looked over her shoulder and smiled.  âJust how cute is he?â
That was the second time that night I wanted to throw my hands around her and kiss her to death.  God bless you Shannon.  Iâll buy you the entire Boobies bracelet factory.
âHeâs adorable,â Claire swooned.
âIf itâs just a kiss,â I threw in, hoping I was beginning to fit in.  âWhatâs the harm in that?â
Shannon nodded against the headrest.  âLetâs do it.â
âWhat do you think, Amber?â
She turned toward the window and shrugged.  âI already told you.  If they have free booze, Iâm in.â
My phone buzzed, an unknown number flashing on the screen. A number that had been sending me texts since we parted ways at the party.  A number that was already engrained into my memory forever.  This is it. Itâs now or never.  Donât chicken out. This is your chance to really get to know him.  âHey, Lamont?â  I answered. âWeâre heading over now.  Think you could give me some directions?â
#
WHEN WE FINALLY located the house, Lamontâs tall and lanky frame came into view.  He ushered us up the driveway asking what took so long.
âThis place is a labyrinth,â I admitted.  âI may or may not have taken a couple wrong turns.â
âYou probably shouldnât be drinking and driving then,â Lamont said opening the front door.  âCopsâll hop all over that.â
âLamont, Iâm sober.â
He snorted.  âSure, you are.  Everyoneâs in my room.  To the right.â
âNo, really,â Shannon countered.  âI wouldnât let her drive my car otherwise.â
âI was just giving her shit.  I drink and drive all the time.â
He followed us down the hallway and to the right into a room where boys were drinking, laughing and talking loudly.  Some gathered around a laptop, others lounged on the two queen beds present, and two other boys mixed drinks at the bathroom sink. They all greeted us happily, but I felt my emotional balance begin to wobble.
I donât know anybody here. Iâm the only one not drinking. Claire says Lamont has a girlfriend. What if sheâs right? I donât belong here with these people.  I belong at home, alone, with my books.  I fidgeted with the bracelet and wondered if everyone could hear my heartbeat.  I sat on the bed beside Claire and smiled bashfully at Lamont when we made eye contact.
Claire nudged me.  âWerenât you listening?  He has a girlfriend back home.  You donât even know himâstop pretending you do.â
âIâm not trying to pretend anything.  Iâd like to get to knowââ
She shook her head.  âNo, you really donât.  I know I sound like a bitch but Iâm looking out for you.  Sonoma is a tinyschool.  Do you reallywant to have home-wreckerattached to your name?â
I began rubbing my palms up and down my thighs.  âI know you say youâre trying to look out for me, but Iâm beginning to think you like Lamont.â
Claire glared at me.  âAre you crazy?â
I shrugged.  âLike you said, Iâm not trying to be a witch.  Itâs justâI saw how you interacted with him at the party andââ
âHeâs disgusting, Roxy.  How could you find him hot?  Look at his faceâokay, yeah, heâs tall, but is that what you want to look at for the rest of your life?â
I clenched my jaw, my frustration reaching its peak. âClaire, could you please shut up?â
Her head snapped back, surprised.  âWhat did youââ
âI said, please shut your mouth.â I inhaled through my nose and out my mouth, trying to slow my pulse.  âYou donât have to think heâs cute if you donât like him.  But Iâd like to get to know him, so, if youâd please excuse me, Iâm going to find Lamont.â
Before Claire could argue with me, I jumped off the bed and turned down the hallway in search of Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome.
I spotted my target rummaging through the refrigerator in the small kitchen.  He smiled when he closed the door, lifting a beer can in my direction.  âYou come looking for beer?â
My, oh my, oh my.  He is gorgeous.  Beads of sweat began to form beneath my breasts.  âActually, no.  I came looking for you.â
He raised his eyebrows.  âYeah, right. Let me grab you one.â
âLamont, no thank you.  Iâm not drinking.â
He studied me carefully.  âReally?â
My anxiety returned.  âYes, really.â  I rubbed my forearm and looked down.  âI donât drink.â  I licked my lips, worried that he would find me some kind of a freak.  âIâm sorry to bother you.â
As I turned to leave, I heard the hiss and pop of a beer can opening.  âYouâre not bothering me. Pretty girls donât talk to me unless theyâre hammered.  I doubt a knockout like you actually wants to talk to me.â
I blinked, surprised.  âMe?  A knockout?â
He sipped his beer.  âHave you looked at yourself in the mirror?  Youâre gorgeous.â
I smiled, shaking my head.  âYouâre very sweet.â  Resting my hand on the doorframe, I sucked in my stomach, hoping that my baggy shirt would hide some of the weight Iâd gained over the summer. âI just wanted to talk.â
His eyes burned a hole through my soul.  âWhy?â
âHonestly?â  I shrugged, this whole confident façade beginning to exhaust me.  Why do I want to talk to him?  Why didnât I just go home?  âWell, I didnât really get a chance to get to know you earlier.  I thought I should know more about this mysterious Lamont.â
He chuckled, holding out his free hand.  âCome outside and weâll talk.  I need fresh air.â
I timidly put my hand in his.  Our fingers laced together perfectly.  Thisâthis is nothing like the chemistry Iâve studied my entire life.  How is this even possible?  I tightened my grip and smiled when he did the same.Â
We made our way through the sliding glass door and stepped into the brisk, autumn air.  âI shouldâve brought a jacket.  I didnât realize Iâd be outside.â
He scoffed.  âYou have a perfectly capable man standing next to youâyou donât need a jacket.â
âThatâs a little presumptuous of you.â
âWhat?â
I shook my head and took in the scenery around me.  âNever mind.  Itâs not that cold,â I lied, rubbing my hands up and down my arms. âIâm just saying I donât need you to keep me warm.â  Even if just holding your hand made me feverish. The backyard was medium sized, cigarette butts and beer cans strewn about the dead grass, the cement patio protected by a white, latticework covering, and giant wooden slats separating this property from the others around it.  âYou know, this is the perfect house for a dog.â
âDogs are too expensive.â
Nodding, I took a step further, admiring the thick trunked trees sitting in the far corners of the yard.  âI have a yellow lab at home.  Molly.  I wouldâve brought her here with me, but sadly, pets are not allowed in the dorms.â
Lamont smiled.  âMolly, huh?  Sounds sweet.â
âYeah, I miss her terribly and Iâve only been here for a week.  My parents are gonna take care of her, but I still wish she were here.  Sometimes, I feel like sheâs the only one who understands me.â
After realizing how loudly the crickets were chirping, I faced Lamont and found him studying me quizzically.  Okay.  How about we donât talk about family matters?
âIâve always wanted a dog, but theyâre way too much work. Puppies are the worst.â  He sat in a plastic patio chair and patted his thigh. âCare to join me?â Â
I hesitated, eyeing the chair beside him.  âWhat do you want to talk about?â
He leaned forward, grabbed my waist and pulled me toward him.  I struggled slightly before collapsing onto his lap.  I straightened my back and tightened my stomach muscles.  Act cool. Pretend you sit on guysâ laps all of the time.  âYou know, there are plenty of other empty chairs here for me to sit on.  I donât want your legs to fall asleep or anything.â
âYou weigh like two pounds, calm down.â  He placed one of his arms on the top of my thigh and wrapped the other around my back before resting his chin on my shoulder.  âI like having you this close.â
I tried to make my body relax, but my pounding heart was making it difficult for me to sit still.  If someone could explain what is happening to me right now, thatâd be awesome.  âSo,â I squeaked.  âWâwhat did you wâwant to talk about?â
He connected his hands together and pulled me closer.  The lack of distance was going to make my heart explode.  His enlarge pupils flickered away from my lips reluctantly.  âI lied,â he whispered.  âI just wanted to kiss you.â
âYouâwhat?â I asked, my lungs working overtime to try to get a grip on my breathing.Â
He smiled, his plump, tan lips enticing me to lean in toward himâto give up fighting what I was feeling and go with it.  âYou heard me,â he breathed.
I had every intention of pushing him away because Claireâs voice kept warning me about his potential girlfriendâbut my voice remained hidden in the back of my throat.  My muscles finally relaxed.  The moment his lips touched mine, I knew something out of the ordinary had passed between us.  I pulled away slowly, eyes closed, savoring the tingling sensation lingering on my lips.
I lifted my heavy lids and stared longingly into his chocolate brown eyes; a starry night sky gazed back at me.  It had been quite some time since I felt this wayâand it had been two long years since I allowed myself to succumb to my emotions. Lamontâs kiss proved it was well worth the wait.  I wrapped my arms around his neck, silently leaning in for a second taste, forgetting the questions that plagued me earlier.  I pressed my lips hard against his, passion erupting beneath the moonlight. My world flipped upside down and right side up by a stranger I only met a few hours ago.
Iâm in way over my head.
He nibbled on my bottom lip, his teeth teasing my senses, his fingers caressing my back.  I swept my tongue against his upper lipâa seductive move Iâd seen in millions of moviesâand promised myself I would stop overthinking the situation.
But whatâwhat ifâwhat if he really has a girlfriend?
Jacquelyn Phillipsâ Cat and Mouse (The Games We Play #1) is a solid introduction to a new series. This drama-filled romance read is guaranteed to keep you turning pages. This story explores the opportunities of change that attending college can provide, and the beautiful mess that finding yourself can turn into. This novel takes the phrase âitâs complicatedâ to a whole new level, and author Jacquelyn Phillips leaves you demanding answers by the bookâs end.Â
The game of âcat and mouseâ is one many people are familiar with. When applying it to a college setting, we see this take form in two individuals wanting what they canât have. For people like the novelâs protagonist, Roxanne Vaughn, relationships donât come easy. After having her heart broken in high school, sheâs looking for a fresh start at Sonoma State University. While struggling to fit into a new crowd of people, survive pre-med classes she hates, and cope with the harsh judgment of her family, Roxanne meets Lamont Carwyn. This tall, dark, and handsome dreamboat of an athlete is truly captivating. Thereâs only one problem: heâs already in a relationship.Â
This novel is a rollercoaster of a read, and explores Roxanneâs journey to finding love, finding her voice, and finding acceptance in what she gives up along the way. Can Roxanne find herself and happiness together? Or does she have to sacrifice one to have the other?Â
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept behind this book, I found myself struggling to really enter the narrative in the beginning. Phillips crafts characters with tremendous potential, but fails to lay the groundwork in their motivations in the foundational first chapters. For me, not knowing enough about certain characters made it hard for their dialogue and actions to be truly believable later in the story. I always love complicated characters, but I felt like some characters in Roxanneâs world were written off as stereotypical simplicities when they could have added richness to the story. Likewise, certain inconsistencies in plot and structure elements also distracted me at times from the storyline. Despite these few quirks, there are some truly awesome scenes written into this story, and they make me excited about the next installment.Â
While I struggled to really invest in this story to start, I found myself captivated in Phillipsâ story by the final chapters. Phillips makes it clear Roxanneâs story is far from over, and I look forward to picking up the second installment Little Bird, Big Sky when it releases!Â