💘REVIEW: "Nova" by Rebecca Yarros (New Adult, Romance)

NOVA by Rebecca Yarros
	Publisher: Entangled Publishing: Embrace Genre: New Adult, Romance Publication Date: February 20th 2017 Series: The Renegades, #2 Standalone: Yes, but reading #1 first is recommended
Categories:
Second Chances, Love Abroad (Semester at Sea on a cruise ship), Adventurers, Sports (Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, etc.), Stuck with You
Other Books by Rebecca Yarros
Renegades #1
Description from Publisher:
The only heart he wants is the one he already broke... He's Landon Rhodes. The Renegade they call Nova. Sinfully gorgeous, broody, tatted-up, professional snowboarder. Four-time X Games medalist— Full-time heartbreaker. They say a girl broke him once— That's why he's so reckless, so driven, so careless with his conquests. But I'm that girl. They can call me his curse all they want. He and I both know the truth— He's the one who destroyed me, And I'm not the sucker who will let that happen again.
My Rating:	Heat Rating:
My Musings:
This was fun and sweet and had some good surprises! However, something felt a bit off for me and that made it take longer than I expected to get into the love story. I spent the first half wanting more backstory, ideally in flashbacks, of Landon and Rachel falling in love the first time. I had a harder time feeling their connection, until about 30% in. The way he immediately started groveling was sort of disappointing too. I understand his role in their past, and how much he needed to work to make his mistakes up to Rachel, but, at least at first, I wanted more banter or sniping. Or for the two of them to try to be friends first and have their feelings grow again. That said, these two had a complicated story and an intense connection that really made you root for them. They are just so very well-matched! I really enjoyed what they brought out in each other, and how supportive and just THERE they were. Sure, they had been apart for 2 years, but the reasons for that (and how they are revealed over time) just show the depth of their feelings. There were some fun stunts and good suspense in this, which mixed the story up a bit in a great way. I have to admit that adventuring heroes and heroines are some of my favorites, and Rebecca Yarros hits the spot perfectly. The settings of the cruise ship and the various locales, like Everest/Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Korea are also refreshing and described well. I enjoyed getting more of the other Renegades in this, especially Penna. From early on in this, I couldn't help but smile remembering just how much I really liked her character (and Pax and Leah, of course). The group dynamic is a lot of fun and the characters all really endearing. Ultimately a nice addition to the series (Though I have to admit that it didn't match Wilder for me. Wilder was just THAT good!). I'm not sure I'd call it entirely a standalone, though it can be read that way. Anyone who hasn't read the first book will definitely finish this one with several unanswered questions.
My Source: I received a digital ARC from the publisher to voluntarily review. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is unbiased and my 100% own.

About the Author: Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and a lover of all things coffee, chocolate, and Paleo. She is the author of the Flight & Glory series, including Full Measures, the award-winning Eyes Turned Skyward, Beyond What is Given, and Hallowed Ground. Her new Renegade Series features Wilder and the upcoming Nova, and is sure to keep your heart pounding. She loves military heroes, and has been blissfully married to hers for fourteen years. When she’s not writing, she’s tying hockey skates for her four sons, sneaking in some guitar time, or watching brat-pack movies with her two daughters. She lives in Colorado with the hottest Apache pilot ever, their rambunctious gaggle of kids, an English bulldog who is more stubborn than sweet, and a bunny named General Fluffy Pants who torments the aforementioned bulldog. They recently adopted their youngest daughter from the foster system, and Rebecca is passionate about helping others do the same.
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