Tammara Webber

Literally everyone on my GR friends list gave this a high star ranking. (Okay, there was one three-star review, but it was mostly a positive three stars, so it doesn't count.) I appreciate the message behind this book. I appreciate that the romantic interest was not an abuser hiding behind charming good looks and a motorcycle. And I appreciate the female solidarity that came towards the end of the book. But beyond all that, there's nothing I liked about this book.

For the first few chapters I show more thought I would like it. By the 50% mark, I was unsure - was it me? Was it because I'm not the biggest contemporary fan? Am I reading the wrong, unedited version of this book? But no, it's not me this time. It's the book.

The biggest drawback for the entire thing was that I really couldn't believe any of it was happening. In the opening chapter, Jacqueline (hereby known as Jackie because that's too damn hard to type repeatedly) is assaulted leaving a frat party. She is rescued by the dark, muscular, broody Lucas, who promptly kicks the would-be rapist's ass. He takes her home, and then lurks around the next 100 pages, being his broody self. This part is fine. Someone saved her - that happens. But her reactions to almost being raped (TWICE) are just unrealistic. She does nothing beyond taking a self-defense course on the weekends. She doesn't exhibit any of the behaviors of real-life rape/assault victims, and many times actually puts herself in the same place as her rapist. What's more is that she does not report him, even after the second attempt, because she seems to think that it's all about HER and not HIM and HIS issues and tendency to RAPE.

I couldn't connect to any of the characters - not Jackie, not Lucas. Jackie's character is so bland. She is apparently a musician but there is only one scene where she is playing her instrument. For someone who is a music major, who lives and breathes music, and regrets not going to a music school, she sure spends little time actually playing music. In fact, her whole life seems to surround one thing - and it's not her assault. No, it's the bad-boy lurking at the back of her classroom, and honestly, in the periphery of her entire life. Does no one think it's weird that he's literally EVERYWHERE. I mean, lots of people commented on it, but no one thought it was strange.

Lucas was another one of those boys who are too good to be true. Perfect student, perfect body, tattoos, motorcycle, sensitive and mysterious - and only interested in being with Jackie. (Though I HAVE TO SAY THIS: every time I learned more about him, he did seem like the answer to Travis Maddox. He was everything JM tried to write Travis to be, without the anger issues and abusive tendencies.) However, it turns out that Lucas is a big, giant jerky-jerky liar who lies. And Jackie forgives him! She forgives him! For leading a double life, for lying to her, for betraying her trust!

Later on we learn that Lucas has this horrific past, and it's all the reason why he's so passionate about protecting women and teaching women to protect themselves. I loved that part about him, but honestly, I could have done without the terrible things that happened to him as a child, and really, we DID NOT need those disgusting descriptions of the entire happening. Also: I'm really mad at Jackie for fucking Googling him, instead of letting him come to her with such big confessions.

There were a few other issues - the characterizations of the girls who were attracted to Lucas (down to the fucking barista at Starbucks), the self-centeredness of Jackie; the ridiculous idea that engineering majors and music majors would be required to take the same classes (seriously, why couldn't he be an art major, since he was always sketching, and why did it have to be economics?).

Finally, I thought the writing was seriously lacking. I honestly thought maybe I'd downloaded the unedited version. But no, it was just that bad. For the most part the writing was bland. But interspersed throughout the text were these ridiculous, flowery, ludicrous, over-written sentences. It was like Webber was screaming in my ear, "SEE! I AM A WRITER!" It really ticked me off, and jarred me right out of the story.

I know there is an audience out there for Easy, as evidenced by the overwhelming praise for the book found on Goodreads. Like I said earlier, I do appreciate the message Webber was trying to convey. But I thought the execution was poor. However, I can say this: if you're looking for a decent NA book (hahaha) I would start here. show less

So with the exception of the first two of the Lux series (contemporary, paranormal) and the first of the Divergent series and Hunger Games (dystopian), I haven't read another book that wasn't historical fiction in a few years I think. And the last thing that wasn't fantasy/paranormal/contemporary? I can't even remember. So basically this was my first foray into a regular contemporary book in I-don't-know-how-long. And after reading this...I think I've been missing out!

What a great book! It show more was well written, the plot moved the story along and, here's something new for me, I could actually relate to the characters. Not just understand their motives kind of relate, but literally, like I have been in that situation kind of relate (b/c as I said, I read historical fiction almost exclusively). The characters were normal people going to college - navigating school, friends and relationships. This probably won't seem like an epiphany to most, but to me this is almost brand new. I think I can see myself getting into this New Adult genre.

Anyway, I flew through this book in probably about 24 hours - and that's only because I had that annoying 9-5 job eating into most of my reading time ;) There were some great scenes, especially the ending (swoon, much?) I absolutely loved Lucas and I literally envied Jaqueline that that she got to be with him. What do I have to do to get some hot guy unable to keep his eyes off me? Be my knight in shining armor and save me from bad guys? *sigh* Well a girl can dream.

After reading some other reviews here, I noticed some heated dicussion about how the rape theme was handled here and it got me thinking. In the very first scene Jaqueline is attacked and almost raped before being saved by Lucas. Afterward, she decides not to call the cops on him because she's right outside the frat house she left her friends at, there's underage drinking and she 's worried people will be mad at her for ruining the party. I was a little disappointed that this is how the author choose to handle this, but given that rape is one of the least reported crimes, Jacqueline's reaction is actually probably the more true to nature.

This led me to ask myself, is the job of the author only to tell a good, realistic story? Or does the author have a responsibility to be using this platform at their disposal to educate people? As a fellow person, is it everyone's responsibility to raise the level of social discourse and start a conversation?

I gave this a lot of thought and ultimately I could see validity to both sides of the argument. So I have no answer to these questions. What I can say in defense of this book though, is that although Jaqueline originally makes the decision she does, the plot line does come back around and eventually resolve itself. And I think ultimately, the author makes a stronger statement about the issue than if Jacqueline had just called the police in the first place. Instead, by following the path she set for herself Jaqueline is attacked by Buck again and doesn't feel safe. Buck is then eventually successful in raping someone else. Because this happens within the Greek community, there is a great scene where the sorority girls are debating whether to report Buck or handle it internally. The sorority president ends up making a powerful speech about women sticking up for each other, creating a precedent and establishing the boundary line between what is acceptable and what is criminal behavior. And Jaqueline, who feels guilty for not having spoken up sooner, recognizes that she should have. So in the end I would say that the story actually does carry a lesson in it. And it doesn't feel preachy and it doesn't detract from the story as a whole. It's slipped in there and in the end, I think it was even more powerful. show less

I had never read any of Tammara's books before, but I had been eyeing this one and waiting for the release date since I stumbled upon it. I actually had it on my Kindle for a few days before reading it, and after reading it, all I can say is, "Why in the heck did I not read this sooner?" It was fantastic, and I know it is one of those books that I will read over and over again!

Easy reminded me of Beautiful Disaster--just the right amount of romance blended seamlessly with the right amount of show more action. There were only a few times (maybe 2) where I thought it dragged, but then it picked right back up and I was hooked again!

I loved Tammara's characters. She brought life to the--even the smaller roles. I really loved Erin, Jacqueline's roommate. She was passionate, opinionated, and was one of those girls that knows what they want. She was funny and I really enjoyed watching her take Jacqueline under her wing and help her through her situation. I imagine her as the perfect college roommate--fun and social, but totally willing to help you kick a guy's ass--if need be.

The story centers around Jacqueline, who in a few short weeks, experiences a heart-wrenching break-up, an attempted sexual assault, and a possible class failure. She's real in every aspect--from her emotions to her actions. But, I really liked that she wasn't whiney. She took charge or her situations and tried not to let them ruin her life. Even though I have never been in any situation remotely similar, I still felt like I related to her.

And then there's the hottie--Lucas. He's the yummy bad boy that rides a motorcycle, has tatooes and body piercings, and can reduce a man to rubble in a fight. You'd think he's the type you wouldn't want to bring home to mommy, but that's not true. In fact, everything on the outside rivals what's on the inside. He's full of pleasant surprises, and trust me, you will totally fall for him!

This is definitely for mature readers, as the first chapter starts with an attempted sexual assault. But for those who can handle the adult situations, this is a great, MUST READ book.

I will admit, I've already re-read my favorite parts!

Tammara interweaves a chilling plot line with brilliant and swoon-worthy romance, and I just couldn't get enough! show less

My God, this story went above and beyond. I had seen this book mentioned all over, and was in the mood for this type of story, so I jumped in with middling expectations...and didn't come back up for a breath until the end. This book was simply wonderful. It dealt seriously and accurately with rape and abuse, teenage-related issues, peer pressure, relationships, and deep guilt. It was so emotional--and kept digging down to deeper levels--that I teared up several times and was made so angry, show more hurt, happy--all around emotionally touched--by this story.

Nothing in this book was cliché or felt too fast, instead everything built slowly, from Lucas saving Jacqueline from attack, to them becoming closer, to J dealing with her ex, to every twist and turn--some of which I saw a mile off, and some that blindsided me--everything felt real, could have been a true account. The characters were all very smart, as well. Not once did I roll my eyes or throw this book aside in exasperation at them or the storyline. I picked this up and was hooked. All of their problems were real and hard to deal with, and it was all accomplished beautifully.

Jacqueline=simple and sweet looking :)

And Lucas=my hero ;)

This was beautifully written (and grammatically perfect--thank you!) as well...

"He sat me down to dry my hair, and I watched as thin rivulets snaked over his inked skin, flowing over the rose, cutting thought the scripted words, and moving into the line of hair on his abdomen before soaking into the towel."

...very funny at several points...

"Erin and Maggie insisted that I should elude his grasp for a few days more, make him pursue me -- but he wan't going to literally give chase."

"...couldn't imagine a bigger tragedy in that moment than having ticklish breasts..."

and just so raw, true to life, that it felt unique from most other books in this genre I've read.

"Alcohol removes inhibitions. It doesn't trigger criminal violence where there was none before."

"Dr. Heller had begun the lecture, so i slipped into my seat, accepted Benji's smile of hello, and gave myself credit for becoming a survivor."

This book also inspired the most highlights I have ever done for one book (as you can see above!) because the writing is so poignant and gorgeous. There is no filler in this story, rather every sentence placed as is for a reason, to add to the story.

This story was easily a five-star for me, and I recommend it highly. It is now one of my favorites from the YA/NA genre. It's a gem.

I'll leave you with this last lovely quote:

"Love is not the absence of logic
but logic examined and recalculated
heated and curved to fit inside the contours of the heart." show less