While It Lasts

As I mentioned in my reviews for Breathe and Because of Low, I had been boycotting books by this author until recently. I hoped that maybe I had unfairly judged Abbi Glines and her books. I figured out with Breathe that I wasn't wrong. And I figured out that Because of Low followed the same pattern of book badness. Still, I thought that maybe I hated Because of Low so much because it featured a more misogynistic male lead. I thought that maybe womanizing Cage would be a bit more compassionate and less of a hate-filled horror show.

I was wrong.

They say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I don't think that fully covers it. This book inspired me to re-define insanity:

Insanity, n.: show more reading book after book by a particular author and expecting to make it through one without some level of degrading comments toward a particular gender, biological sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, level of ability, class, etc.

In other words, this book is so degrading toward women that I seriously started to worry about all the hate being shared. What if this sort of writing inspires more internalized misogyny? How does that help anyone? There is some serious hate going on toward Eva and all female characters. For example, the continued usage of the term "female" or "females" to degrade any woman in the book. It is used specifically and generally. No similar usage of "male" or "males" exists. What's so bad about "female"/"females"? It's a scientific term that reduces an organism down to sex. It dehumanizes women by classifying them only by their reproductive organs, it excludes the trans community and those who are not biologically female, and is used solely as a way to speak negatively about one or more female characters. There's also the grammatical faux pas of using female as a noun; it's an adjective. That's why it is 100% cool for me to say "female characters" and 0% okay for a writer to say things like "with the females"--which was actually used in this particular novel.

Cage, who I semi-respected in Because of Low, is a misogynist in this book. He makes his first ignorant observation on the tenth page because she doesn't respond positively to his flirting. I don't know why this kind of behavior is presented as acceptable for a male love interest to exhibit, but it really isn't. If a guy treats you like crap in the real world, get away from him. He's a bad dude. And if he hangs out with a group of extreme misogynists and does not call them out on it, get away from him. Quickly. This sort of thing isn't sexy behavior. He doesn't respect you, he hates you.

Eva was okay. She was a bit judgmental towards all other women her age. Her cruelty toward her female friends was appalling--even in the instances where it was exhibited solely through the narration.

There was very little respect for her personal issues that resulted from the loss of her ex-fiancé. Her grieving and behavior was presented like most of the other mental health issues that Glines tackles: like it's a character flaw. That still bothers me. And it should bother others. Any writer who suggests things like depression, grief, anxiety, trauma, suicide, drug use, alcoholism, etc. are simply signs of personal weakness is promoting ignorance and stigma. That makes struggling with these issues harder on the real patients who have them.

I did have a least favorite minor character. Eva's ex-fiancé's mother, who is also the mother of Eva's best friend, was condescending and I could not sympathize with this woman. She is so self-serving. She tears the relationship between Eva and Cage apart, which I would have supported if it had been based on legitimate factors--not Cage being poor and having a DUI. (Poor-shaming behavior is another thing I've come to expect in these books.) It strained not only Eva and Cage's relationship, but the relationships that Eva has with other individuals.

The writing in the book is horrible. Aside from the continued grammatical issues and the choice of uneducated rural phrasing, there are fact issues in this book that I would think an NCAA fan would have picked up on; especially one who is an SEC sports fan. The premise of the story is that Cage is on Eva's dad's farm as punishment from being picked up on a DUI. Who bailed him out? His baseball coach. A baseball coach, a booster, or any individual associated with the university cannot give money to a player, nor can they use their money on behalf of a player. Doing so would lead to an NCAA investigation and could lead to fines, loss of eligibility, a coach being terminated, and other not-so-great things. This flaw in the premise lowers the overall quality of the book. And, as you can probably tell, the quality was not high to begin with.

Another issue with the book is that there is a lack of depth to the story. You have a bad boy who seems like he can't hurt a fly and a good girl who is sexually and emotionally inept. In other words, you have the same exact two leads that you've had for the previous books in this series. Reinventing the wheel is pretty lazy. The shallowness of the story, as well as it's predictability, makes it so freaking boring that I was often looking for things to distract me from reading. Readers should be headed toward a book to ease boredom, not headed away from it.

I'm confused about why the Sea Breeze books are classified as Young Adult. They are quite sexually explicit. They're very descriptive of anything and everything sexual in nature. They also promote some mistaken beliefs about female sexuality: (1.) that the first time always has to hurt, (2.) that every guy can tell when the woman that they are dating is a virgin or not, and (3.) that a virginal woman is 100% naïve about sex, orgasms, etc. It's not realistic. At all. Another reason they aren't fit for YA: binge drinking. The characters in the book have a tendency to binge drink when stressed, including underage characters.

I'm sure that some people will enjoy this book, but I really think that if you've had a problem with any book by this author that you're better off just avoiding this book. show less

I really enjoyed Cage's story, the third installment in the Sea Breeze series. I will caution, while the other two book are YA/New Adult, this book is adult. There are sexual situations that cross the New Adult genre. Being an adult romance reader too, I loved it. I read it in five straight house. Glines is a smooth writing operator.

We are introduced to Cage in BECAUSE OF LOW (Sea Breeze #2). He is the ultimate bad boy that any self respecting girl will steer miles clear of. However, there is something about Cage that let's you know there is more to this guy than a great body and pretty face. In true Abbi Glines style, she writes the perfect girl who is equally as beautiful and broken, to bring about a heart filling romance. I really show more fell for the two main characters with the sweetness and healing they brought to the table. Wow, if two polar opposite broken people ever existed, it is Cage and Eva. Love, love, love Eva. I won't go into both their broken pasts as not to spoil the story, but I think Eva's story was my absolute favorite part about this book.

There is something that cage does that annoyed the heck out of me during one the rocky times with Eva, but I can't say it wasn't true to the character. I was just disappointed he wasn't as evolved at that point as I had wanted him to be. It also never comes out in the story with Eva, which I think would have added more angst, but at the same time might have sent the poor girl off the deep end. This isn't a critical critique but me talking about my personal investment of Cage and his character. I personally just like it when a guy screws up how he has to make amends to the girl. I like the heart wrenching scenes like that and then the coming to terms together that makes them more connected. While there are scenes like this in the book, the scenario I'm talking about is more an adult issue rather than the YA/New Adult issues we do get to see.

I did question Jeremy, Eva's ex-fiance's brother, a couple of times. I understand the guy needs to move on, but the history, the emotional protectiveness that had been portrayed, I didn't quite understand how he left Eva with Cage, this new bad boy nobody to them, during a couple of events. I was surprised at his choice, although he acts conflicted. Maybe if he and Cage had gotten to know each other better, I could have understood. But as is, I guess the guy really wanted out of there. haha Neither problem with Cage or Jeremy was a huge issue in the long run, but they did play around in my head while reading.

I did like how Glines brought Eva into Cage's world with his 'history' being thrown in their faces. While I think I would have had more reaction myself, being who Eva is at that age and experiences, I like that his past wasn't swept under the rug for the sake of a romance story and that he had to face it in front of Eva. I think this being an adult book, the questioning and coming to terms together with this piece, could have been played a bit more. Personal opinion for my taste in adult romance books. However, this being the third book in a series that was written for YA/New Adult, I can see where the give and take is needed.

Kudos to setting most of the story in the summer on a farm where shirtless hot Cage is a must. :D I really like Cage's banter and sense of humor. That guy would make me smile and laugh too. At the same time, Cage gave me a 'Holy cow!" moment. My favorite quote that stunned me numb and I just froze while reading:

I wasn't the keeping kind. I'd learned at a young age that women didn't keep me.

Holy heart melt! Especially when you read the rest of that paragraph. If I had heard that from a guy like Cage, I don't think there is a darn thing I wouldn't forgive that boy for. lol

I enjoyed watching Eva's budding claws come out as time went on. My favorite is how she handles Jess, a former fling of Cage's. I love her come back when Jess says, "Cage doesn't date." You just have to read Eva's response. I smiled and gave her a mental thumbs up.

Overall I think this is one of my favorite Glines books. Granted, my adult reader side likes the steamy scenes, but there is a lot of heart in this book too. We always like to see the bad boy be tamed by the right girl. Even with my own internal questions while reading, it doesn't take away that this is a sweet romance story with two characters that deserve happiness. Well worth reading. show less

Well that was a helluva ride! Dang! No need for twitchy palms or kinky f@#!ery. 'Cause Cage is smokin hot! I'm personally thinking he's hotter than Maddox and Grey. Whew!

No need to detail what the book is about. That's what the blurb is for. So. I'll start by saying The Vincent Bro's were hot tamales, and Marcus is a sweet kind of hot, but Cage? There's no hot hot enough to describe him. I think Glines has pulled off a winner with this one. It's one of those 'feel good' books that will have you smiling when you finish, and a lot of other things in between :b

Okay, so let me get my mind out of the Cage gutter, and give Eva some credit. Love how Glines introduces Eva in the prologue, which is a tear jerker. Eva reminded me a lot of Low, show more and I really liked Low's character in "Because of Low". So Eva really is the perfect match for Cage (sorry gals, I know y'all are wishing otherwise ;)). It was heartwarming to see her move forward with her life after losing her first love.

If I continue this review, I'll start rambling about Cage again, 'cause he has that effect on yah, so I'll end it by saying While it Last has everlasting effects, some foul language, naughty scenes and lots of things that will tickle your tummy... and yeah. You'll have to read it for the full effect. show less

Older YA for language and sexual content)

(My thoughts, with possible SPOILERS. Definitely swearing)

Well, crap. The prologue, and I'm already trying to keep the tears at bay. Just another reminder why Ms Glines is one of my fav authors. Ever. Plus, who can go wrong with Tammara Webber, Elizabeth Reyes and Liz Reinhardt, as critique partners?

So here he is, our bad boy, Cage, him of the pierced nipple and insolent thoughts:
"........the fucking ridiculously perfect package in front of me. Damn. May
be I should have come out to the country more often. I didn’t realize they grew girls like this out here."

Despite his cocky attitude and love-em-and-leave-em lady killer ways, (yes, he is a panty dropping player) he falls for the one girl he show more shouldn't even be looking at. His attraction to her makes him vulnerable and like many reformed bad boys he doesn't feel that he is good enough for her.

This is a sequel, so we’ve met Cage before and Ms Glines does NOT disappoint. She has carried through with the traits of Cage's personality that made us love him in Because of Low. She's kept him exactly as he was portrayed then: loyal, protective, alpha-male.....

Eva is the quintessential, innocent “country" gal. She has known deep loss at her young age, is dependent on her loved ones, sheltered and spoilt, oftentimes brutish, but comes around when she needed to. Cage brings long-overdue smiles to her face and puts butterflies in her tummy. " ......
. I forced myself not to continue gawking at him......"
She's befuddled by how much she is drawn to him.

The attraction is instantaneous and tangible. The relationship progresses speedily, typical of young adults all over the world. Lots of uneasiness stemming from misunderstandings, jealousy, etc. The intimate scenes between the H and h are believably, passionately, provocative. I don't recall ever reading a more accurate scene depicting the thoughts, words and actions of a young woman, who is giving herself for the first time to the boy she loves and that of a young man, with all his experience between the sheets, who wavers between his needs, protecting her from pain and making her first time as perfectly memorable as possible. A combination of sweet and naughty LOL.

He's possessive: "....... And Krit, this is Eva, stay the fuck away,” Cage said in way of introduction....."

He's jealous: " “I may beat his ass just because of the w
ay you’re looking at him,” Cage growled beside me."

He loves her like all us gals want to be loved: "................and I couldn’t hold back the words hammering in my head with each beat of my heart. “I love you.”........."

A cute, sexy read. Loved catching up with some characters from "Because of Low”. Do I see Jeremy's story coming next???? show less

Let me warn you in advance, I am a huge Abbi Glines fan, so when talking about her books, I tend to go all fan girl....just saying. While it Lasts.....OMG........Cage York......speechless. All I can say is prepare to stick your face, better yet your whole body in the freezer. He is so HOT! I love all of Abbi's books, but I completely and totally fell in love with Beau Vincent in the Vincent Boys...sigh....I mean Beau Vincent is totally to die for. He's the bad boy that is every girl's dream. Then Sawyer Vincent came in a close second in The Vincent Brothers. When I first met Cage in Because of Low, I wasn't overly impressed. After all, he was a man-whore. What did impress me was the way he looked out for Low. In While it Lasts, we get show more to see another side of Cage, and boy is it good. Now I am completely in love with Cage. I mean he's just like candy...candy for your eyes, and candy you want to just devour. Granted, I'm still completely in love with Beau, and I got this thing for Sawyer to, so what does that make me? I guess I'm a bit of ho to now, at least a book boyfriend ho. Forgive me guys, but I just want you all. Abbi's boys just tend to rock your world.

While it Lasts isn't just about hot sexy Cage York, it has some very deep moments. In the beginning, when we first meet Eva, I found myself crying my eyes out. Eva is absolutely precious and I'm so glad she's the one that finally got Cage. She has suffered such great loss and has been through so much, but she's also very tough and doesn't take any crap either, especially from Cage. Cage is kind of blown away by Eva, first when he sees her and how beautiful she is, then again when she puts him in his place and refuses him. That doesn't happen to often to Cage. Not to mention the fact that her dad, Wilson Brooks, has specifically told Cage that Eva is off limits. With his scholarship and future on the line, that makes things even harder. So he sucks it up, stays in his little room in the barn, and takes on the cows and farm life. Try as she may, Eva just can't help but be attracted to Cage. I mean she's only human, right. They end up growing closer, but Eva isn't ready for Cage to know her secret. She doesn't want him treating her differently or feeling sorry for her. Little does she know that Cage already knows, he's just waiting for her to tell him when she is ready. All he wants is to be there for her. Her heart melts when she finds out that he's known all along and yet treated her just like any other person. The side we see of Cage with Eva is absolutely amazing. He is so caring and sweet, still very hot and sexy mind you, but protective and loving at the same time. Not to say they didn't have their struggles, because they did, especially when they came face-to-face with the issues and people from their pasts. When Wilson Brooks gets wind of what's going on, he kicks Cage off the farm, and Cage has to decide, with a little encouragement from Low, if he's going to stand up and fight for what he wants and loves.

I think this book is by far is the most steamy, hot, and sexy book Abbi has written, not that her others weren't, because they totally are, but While it Lasts takes it to a whole new level. Just thinking about it makes me go need open the freezer again. I loved the way the relationship developed between Cage and Eva also. I really hope they get a sequel. I would love to read more about them. I loved the farm setting and the way the story came together. Abbi is such a gifted and talented writer and she makes you really feel like her story and her characters are real. I mean it wouldn't surprise me a bit to actually find she has a Cage York hidden somewhere....sigh.....smile. While it Lasts so exceeded my expectations, but then again, I don't think Abbi is capable of anything less than outstanding. She knows how to write a love story, and she knows how to create a hot guy that is completely swoon worthy. If you love a contemporary romance, hot sexy guys, steamy love scenes, and and overall great story, then While it Lasts is one book that you will want to read, and then read again. Please be aware that this is a "New Adult" book and contains scenes which are not appropriate for younger readers.

Favorite Quotes from While it Lasts:

“You see somethin' ya want, baby?"
"Maybe. I'm checking things out. Seeing if I'm interested," I shot back with my own evil grin.
"I see something I want," he drawled as he came toward me.
"You do?"
"Hell yeah, I do," he murmured. "I love chocolate." What? My excitement turned to confusion. His arm reached out beside me and took the piece of chocolate cake I'd brought him.”

“I'm worried that this is too soon. What if you get tired of having me around all the time? What if I eat your Wheaties or leave my makeup out in the bathroom or what if I snore?"
"I don't eat Wheaties, I hope you leave all your girlie shit laying all over the place so I can see it when you're not there and know you're coming back. And you don't snore. You do this soft purring thing that is so fucking cute I just want to lay awake and listen to you.”

The naughty girl inside me, that I honestly didn't know existed, bent my head down and looked up at him through my lashes as I flicked it with my tongue.
"Ah, shit," he whispered but it almost sounded like a moan.
Encouraged by his response I flattened my tongue and ran it up and over his hard nipple.

“I was taking the bad boy off the market for good.” show less

Since I read book four, Amanda's and Preston's story first from the series, I had no idea that Cage was also a playboy or a man whore too as they were so cheekily referred to.

I have some questions here. What the heck is wrong with me? Why do I keep finding myself rooting for these shameless players to get the girl and why do I keep falling in love with their characters? Either I need help or Abbi Glines is just that good at writing flawed but still lovable characters. I think I will go with the latter.

I loved Eva, she's sweet, innocent, but not annoyingly so. I was anxious for her and Cage to finally realize their crazy about each other and just give in to their feelings already. The story within this surprising love story was show more compelling and profound. Glines never disappoints. show less

I struggled a bit with this book. The main characters, Cage and Eva, have been through a lot of bad things in their twenty years. Cage has been abandoned by everyone around him and baseball is the one thing that's going to get him to college and a better life. Eva has lost the love of her life and can't move on. They come together for a summer and make an immediate connection.
My main issue with this was that I was frustrated with how little they trusted each other. Something happens, one of them takes it out of context and then overreacts. If you would just talk to each other, things would be fine. But that would take out a lot of the drama I suppose. The book wasn't bad and there were plenty of sweet scenes that I loved. I have to show more remember that they're young and the point of the book is not for everything to just be great with no problems.
I will keep reading the series, I like seeing the different characters find they're happily ever afters. show less