Publisher: Penguin Intermix
Publish Date: Out Today
How I got this book: NetGalley
Kylie Warner prides herself on being optimistic, but after finding her best friend in bed with her boyfriend and flunking chemistry, her upbeat attitude has taken a dive. Even an impromptu hook-up with her sexy new chemistry tutor only brightens her mood slightly. After all, it’s not like she’ll ever see the tattooed scholar again…
While he’s a whiz at complex equations, Jonathon Kadisch has trouble when it comes to figuring out women. So when Kylie tells him that she’s pregnant after their night of passion, he’s at a complete loss. He’s prepared to be a good father—unlike his own deadbeat dad—but he’s less prepared to fall for the genuine and alluring blonde bearing his child.
With emotions running high, Kylie wonders if Jonathon’s devotion is out of growing love or looming obligation. And when heartbreak threatens to tear them apart, Jonathon will have to fight for the only girl who’s ever made him feel whole…
*Blurb from Goodreads*
Ever since I read the first True Believers book, I’ve been hooked. I’ve long adored McCarthy’s writing, so when she branched out into the NA genre, I was quick to follow her, and adore her latest series.
Kylie has had a rough time since she found out he boyfriend cheated on her with one of her best friends. She moved out of her apartment, is on her own, and struggling to get back into the groove with classes and life in general. Her chemistry professor decided to give her one last chance to prove she can hack it, but studying with a tutor of his choosing.
Jonathon doesn’t look like an average tutor, but something about him as Kylie ending up in bed with him after barely knowing each other. Now, she’s pregnant and dealing with the consequences of her actions. But as she begins to fall for Jonathon, she wonders if he is sticking around for the baby, or if she might be the reason he is fighting so hard to win her over.
I usually have mixed feelings about pregnancy books. I think some are amazing, and some just drive me nuts. I really liked this one. I loved the way McCarthy tackled having to deal with being knocked up so young, and by someone who was essentially a one-night stand. I liked that Kylie was realistic about her pregnancy, but wasn’t overly angsty about it either. She allowed herself a few days to mope, and then drew up every ounce of courage she had and dealt with it. I loved that about her character.
I have to say, Jonathon might be my favorite of the True heroes. He was sexy and kind, sweet and smart. He was a bit of a beta hero, and I loved him for it. He had a life plan for himself, and as Kylie and life threw him curveballs, he did his best to roll with it. He wasn’t always successful, but he tried, and I adored that about him. I loved the way he fought for Kylie, especially as their relationship progressed throughout the story. Finding out all his secrets was such fun, and I adored learning all about him.
While I was a little annoyed with Kylie in the beginning of this book (her angst over her ex-boyfriend cheating seemed a bit extreme to me), I eventually got over it as she matured rapidly on the page. I liked seeing her forgive Robin over time, although it wasn’t without difficulties. Her few interactions with her ex were great as well, especially since she refused to take his crap. I enjoyed watching her grow up instantly, and thought McCarthy did a great job of showing what a strong woman she had become.
I hope that McCarthy continues to write more within the True Believers series, or at the very least continues to write within the new adult genre. I think she does a wonderful job of writing characters within this age group, especially as they are all flawed and screwed up in some kind of way. I’ve admired the way she has tackled some of the big issues faced with college aged kids: drinking, cheating, etc. and hope to see her take on these issues and explore them more in future books.
All in all, I enjoyed Shatter more than I thought I would. I liked seeing Kylie grow and develop as a character. I adored Jonathon and thought he was a wonderful hero and addition to Kylie’s life. I can’t wait to see what McCarthy comes up with next, as the True Believers series is one of my favorites within the NA genre.
I give Shatter a B