Reviewer: Sandy
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was supposed to be a punishment, a consequence for being expelled from boarding school in the UK but for Rain entering the front doors of Northbrooke High School in the U.S. of A, it was a monumental moment with phenomenal effects. Rain doesn’t want to be away from England, so she refuses to meet anyone or feel any connection to anything while she is here, she just want to do her “time” and get back home, that is until she meets Jesse. Having issues with her boyfriend in England, Rain says she has had enough with boys but has she? Jesse is one gorgeous guy which is something that Rain was not ready for or expecting to find when she entered the school. Jesse is also taken back at the likes of Rain and a flirtatious friendship emerges. Danger surfaces when Amber, Jesse’s girlfriend enters the scene and like a snake, her tongue is sharp and she strikes violently. Rain is quick too and does not back down so you can just imagine what happens between these two females. Amber claims Jesse like a prize and Jesse is confused at their relationship as he loves the comfort of having Amber on his arm but that is about as far as the relationship goes. Jesses realizes he has more in common with Rain as their friendship continues as they are both on the same soccer team and are in a lot of the same classes at school. So much happens in this part of the story as the characters are trying to juggle who they are, where they fit into each other’s lives and what they actually stand for. My favorite parts were reading about Jesse’s past and his parents, the class trip, and there is an incident with Rain and the girls in the bathroom where Rain finally meets some girls who she can actually call friends. Rain gets her moment when she speaks wholeheartedly to her male teammates on the bus as they are trying to come up with lyrics to a song for Jesse’s rock band. They love her suggestion but that is only the beginning for what’s in store for her. Jesse needs to decide what is right for him, the comforts of Amber or Rain, for which he will need to put some effort into the relationship? The future for Rain was short term in the states, now that she is making some connections, will she change her mind?
I have to say I loved the trio of Jesse, Amber and Rain. Amber was the girl that everyone wanted to date in high school and was the trophy and Jesse was comfortable until Rain came into the picture and then he started to have second thoughts. What would have happened if Rain had not arrived? Would he have continued with their relationship since she was the prized object at the school? I had to wonder this since Jesse’s eyes jumped so quickly to Rain. Jesse’s life was far from heartwarming and his determination to put it all behind him and move forward was motivating but he was so confused about love. His trip to the attic and his own revelation of his past put things into perspective and that gave him more determination instead of bitterness and anger, which made the book so enjoyable and excellent. As others bullied Rain, and eventually beat her up, I got angry at the consequences that they paid for their actions as I thought something else was warranted. This was a great, enjoyable read with realistic characters and a remarkable storyline, now if I can just get those song lyrics out of my head.
