Love.Life.Read.: I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre Review

I Want it That Way
By Ann Aguirre
ISBN: 9780373779833
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: August 26, 2014

Reviewed from: an eARC provided by publicist--thank you!!

Purchase Notes: pre-ordered a copy for myself

GoodReads Summary:

Nadia Conrad has big dreams, and she's determined to make them come true—for her parents' sake as well as her own. But between maintaining her college scholarship and working at the local day care to support herself, she barely has time to think, let alone date. Then she moves into a new apartment and meets the taciturn yet irresistible guy in 1B….

Daniel Tyler has grown up too fast. Becoming a single dad at twenty turned his life upside down—and brought him heartache he can't risk again. Now, as he raises his four-year-old son while balancing a full-time construction management job and night classes, a social life is out of the question. The last thing he wants is for four noisy students to move into the apartment upstairs. But one night, Nadia's and Ty's paths cross, and soon they can't stay away from each other.

The timing is all wrong—but love happens when it happens. And you can't know what you truly need until you stand to lose it.

My Thoughts:

This is an excellent addition to the exploding new adult book market. This book appealed to me on so many levels--from believable characters, to the heart-wrenching journey and the laugh-out-loud moments in between it all, this book has been one of the best New Adult stories I have read.

Not just a typical love story, I appreciated the friendship that developed between Nadia and Daniel first before the undeniable chemistry that took it to another level. Both are serious, hardworking individuals and know what they want from their lives--almost to a fault. At times I wanted to yell at them that they are both too stubborn. (Boy, would my husband laugh at that statement)

I also love the family dynamics that were woven into the story. Nadia and her parents have a strong relationship but you can see that there is an added pressure on Nadia's behalf to live up to being the first to graduate college. There is an expectation to better herself because she knows how much her parents have sacrificed to help make her dreams come true. This has obviously led to some tension between her and her brother, Rob.

Family dynamics is apart of Daniel's family as well. Of course there is Ty, his son, as well as with his supportive family. He is reluctant to explore any relationship with any woman after what happened with his ex-girlfriend. And while I do not want to spoil this title for anyone (what is the fun in that--you NEED to purchase the book and read it for yourself), you can understand why Daniel feels this way, but you want him to change his mind. Ms. Aguirre could have taken it down a typical path but she did not and I appreciated the twist on the usual tropes.

Lastly--the roommates! Nadia's roommates in I Want it That Way are fantastic. At times they provide support, a reality check and great laugh-out-loud moments that we all need in our lives. I am intrigued by them and want to get to know them more. With this being the first book in a trilogy, I am looking forward to learning more about each of their stories while also hoping to catch more glances of Daniel and Nadia's relationship. I cannot wait to read As Long as You Love Me--releasing on September 30th.

Purchase the Book:

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My Favorite Quote from the Book:

I have posted quotes a time or two in reviews, but as new something I am going to pick a favorite quote from each book I review and included it. For me, it helps pull me right back into the book and for you, it might give you a sneak peak into the book even more: