Tar Heel Bibliobabe

This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.As many of you know, I have a huge love for new adult books. Something about them is just so awesome, and this was definitely different than any one I have read yet. Even though I always love the story about the ultimate bad boy falling in love with the perfect good girl, I do enjoy a nice break from it.Marina Phillips has just escaped from horrible life from her tyrant father, and she happened to escape to the busiest place on the planet, New York City, with absolutely no money or place to stay. She then meets Fitz, a performance artist, while in the middle of one of his infamous naked performances. He, along with his friends Viridian and Derek, offer Marina a place to stay. When suddenly the whole country is searching for Marina, she is transformed into Mary, a hip girl with confidence. Will her new disguise be enough to stay away from her father forever?Marina had a ghastly life growing up. Her father basically hated her and treated her like a slave. Because of this, she is a very sheltered girl, making it hard for her to be in the real world. I just felt so bad for her having everything thrust at her at once. I do admire her strength through everything she’s been through. I didn’t understand some of her reservations at being in a relationship with Fitz. I was confused by her reasoning at times, but I’m glad she found who she was meant to be.Fitz was possibly my favorite part of this book. It was hard to wrap my mind around the fact that he let a complete stranger live with him, but then I came to realize that it is just the kind of person he is. Quirky and strange, he’s immensely good looking and he knows it, hence being a naked performance artist. His ability to love fully was awesome, and I just loved his pretentious self a lot!Viridian and Derek were such great additions to the story. Viridian is a struggling artist, but I loved her spirit and drive. I know a second story has been hinted at, and I’m hoping it’s hers! Derek was the funniest part of the whole story. He’s, erm, very fashionable and adorable, and he even may get his own short story!This was a pretty fast paced book, and I read it in a couple of hours. I loved how the plot was super different from any new adult book I’ve ever read. It was a nice change. I liked the romance at times. Again, I was confused at some of the decisions that Marina made in regards to their relationship, but it all worked out in the end. I did want a little bit more steamy times.This book is a great addition to the budding NA genre, and I’d recommend it to anyone of that age! :)Favorite Swoon-worthy Quote: His heart is racing like mine. I open my mouth to tell him this, but he cups my cheek and our lips meet, feverish and full on. This is both exciting and frightening at the same time. I can do nothing but moan dreamily into his mouth as my body molds against Fitz, who has thrown all hesitancy out of the window and kisses me with such force that I almost forget how to think, how to breathe.Rating: 4/5 Tar Heels!See more reviews at www.tarheelbibliobabe.blogspot.com! :)