by Reena Jacobs
Publisher: CreateSpace (August 6, 2011)
Format(s): Paperback, Kindle Book & eBook (ADVANCE COPY)
Number of pages: 212Read for: Author Blog Tour - August 15th until September 30th!Source: Reena JacobsISBN-10: 1463529686ISBN-13: 978-1463529680I
My Rating (out of 5):
Book Summary:
Alexandria (Alex) Carmichael guards two secrets close to her heart. One—she’s in love with her best friend, Seth. Two—he’s gay. As a freshman in college, Alex looks forward to fun times with her best friend. When Seth decides cycling through girlfriends is the way to fit in with the straight crowd, Alex must make a choice: watch Seth give his affections to another while her heart breaks or come clean with her feelings and risk losing his friendship forever. I Loved You First is a new adult love story told through the eyes of an African-American/Caucasian student who takes a journey of self-discovery while watching her best friend come to terms with his sexuality. Turn the pages and find a message of hope, new beginnings, and positive change.
(from Amazon)
My Review:
I Loved You First hooked me from the very beginning and never let me down.
Alex really loved her friend Seth. She wanted to be more than friends, but he was gay. Yes, he was still in the closet. He covered up by dating different girls and then dropping them for one reason or another.
Here is a quote from when they were on the motorcycle:
"I took off with a jerk. Seth hated when I did that, but it forced him to grip me even tighter. He scooted forward with his thighs encasing mine, and his groin pressed against my butt."
Too bad for Alex, but Seth didn't want to be anything more than friends. He seemed to be such a hot guy too. Seth had his eye on a guy named Bruce. Bruce had no idea of this and had no idea that Seth was even gay.
Something happened in the story that changes everything. Alex and Seth's friendship is tested, and Alex can't believe what Seth is about to do.
I highly recommend this book. It just goes to show that it's great to have a best friend, but you can't hide behind them forever. You have to acknowledge the facts and make a life of your own too. The story didn't end up at all how I thought it would.
I loved this bible verse quoted at the end of the book:
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 " Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)
About the Author:
Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. as an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog.
You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.
Look for her interview here tomorrow!
Where her book can be purchased:
leave a comment, then head over to Reena's blog for a chance to win a signed copy of I Loved You First.
follow the tour stops HERE
*courtesy of aobibliophileTM
Disclaimer:Thank you to Reena Jacobs for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond’s Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I agree--Seth seems like a hot guy so I really felt for Alex. But I also wondered how much of her love for him was part of her hiding behind him. She didn't have to look for a romantic relationship because she was infatuated with Seth. And she didn't have to worry about him asking for more than she was willing to give because he was not romantically interested in her?
ReplyDeleteShanan
http://thebookaddictnet.blogspot.com/
That is very true Shanan!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a refreshing break form what's out there. Great review.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Cheryl. I like books about friendship and best friends.
ReplyDelete