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The Ex Games
Brace yourself for the battle of the exes...
Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized breakup. Now the two are "just friends," excluding the occasional flirtation.
When Hayden wins the girls' division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn't have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick's bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden's and the boys on Nick's, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated — and they might end up igniting some old flames.
303 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 8, 2009
58 people are currently reading
4791 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Echols
36 books4,892 followersJennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
September 13, 2011
A Fast Five review:
1. The Ex Games is about Hayden and Nick. Nick and Hayden started dating when Hayden first moved to Snowfall (yeah, the name is a little ridiculous) in year 7. The went on four dates then Hayden broke up with Nick. Now they hate each other, or at least thats what Hayden thinks... When Hayden wins the girls' division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick really doesn't care, saying that all the guys in the boys' division were faster then her. This then leads to a bet, a bet that has their friends taking sides. Boys vs Girls.
2. The book is a fairly light and quick read. I finished it all in two nights.
3. What makes this book different from other books from this genre is probably the fact that the characters fought a lot and the attraction was there but it wasn't a flat out 'We should get together-We shouldn't-lot's of flirting-in the end we are together-everything is resolved' it was a lot of hidden attraction and you really didn't know why/how Hayden and Nick would get together.
4. I think the end all came together to fast, but in some ways that was sort of a good thing. If it had been a slow book I probably would not have enjoyed it as much. It ended well, predictable, but nice.
5. Overall it was a good read and I recommend it to anyone that likes Jennifer Echols. I actually recommend it to anyone that likes this genre. It's worth reading :D
1. The Ex Games is about Hayden and Nick. Nick and Hayden started dating when Hayden first moved to Snowfall (yeah, the name is a little ridiculous) in year 7. The went on four dates then Hayden broke up with Nick. Now they hate each other, or at least thats what Hayden thinks... When Hayden wins the girls' division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick really doesn't care, saying that all the guys in the boys' division were faster then her. This then leads to a bet, a bet that has their friends taking sides. Boys vs Girls.
2. The book is a fairly light and quick read. I finished it all in two nights.
3. What makes this book different from other books from this genre is probably the fact that the characters fought a lot and the attraction was there but it wasn't a flat out 'We should get together-We shouldn't-lot's of flirting-in the end we are together-everything is resolved' it was a lot of hidden attraction and you really didn't know why/how Hayden and Nick would get together.
4. I think the end all came together to fast, but in some ways that was sort of a good thing. If it had been a slow book I probably would not have enjoyed it as much. It ended well, predictable, but nice.
5. Overall it was a good read and I recommend it to anyone that likes Jennifer Echols. I actually recommend it to anyone that likes this genre. It's worth reading :D
December 3, 2011
Another comedy hit for Jennifer Echols, but after reading so many of her books, I've noticed a pattern; she's good with humor, not so good with drama. The characters in The Ex Games are likable and funny (Echols creates some seriously amazing characters when she's on her game) and the plot is simple and sweet, but there's one glaring problem that keeps me from rating this book any higher than two stars; the "drama" is borderline nonsensical. I was really having a hard time getting past it. Nick likes Hayden likes Nick, so this should be resolved fairly quickly once that comes out, right? Wrong. Every time they'd get close, one of them would inevitably accuse the other of having some ulterior motive. Every.fucking.time! Just imagine: "I like you", "I like you, too", "We should make out", "OK" - kiss kiss kiss, rub rub rub - "So, the bets off now, right?" "WHAT?! Is that the only reason you made out with me?!"...this is followed by stunned silence, then either one or both of them walk away in a huff. The only thing keeping these two apart for the entire book was their own stupidity. Characters who have that particular flaw really get to me, especially when they're portrayed as pretty no-nonsense in every other area of the story. Inconsistency is a killer....and it bogs down the story something fierce.
Other than that? Cute, sweet, and funny. If you're not bothered by badly crafted hurdles like I am, you'd probably enjoy this more.
Other than that? Cute, sweet, and funny. If you're not bothered by badly crafted hurdles like I am, you'd probably enjoy this more.
May 2, 2011
What a fun read. It has everything you need in a good romantic comedy escape. Great characters, plenty of laugh out loud moments and some steamy kisses.
Highly recommend this book if you looking for an light and entertaining escape :)
Highly recommend this book if you looking for an light and entertaining escape :)
February 4, 2014
23/2014
Challenge information: This book has been in my TBR since November, 2012. It qualifies for Genre: Romance in my February Book Blast and for the Mt. Kilimanjaro challenge.
I wanted a quick romance read. This one definitely fit the bill, although the annoying factor was quite high as well.
What I liked: it was sort of cute, and very snowboardy. I am not a snowboarder, but I grew up on skis and there were a lot of aspects of this book that hearkened back to my days as a junior racer in a good way.
What I didn't like: it was just too juvenile for me. The "romance" was very simplistic and not very believable. The resolution was unconvincing.
Also, and let's get to the point: the "bet" between the girl (who was supposedly an expert professional class snowboarder) and the boy (who was a recreational snowboarder) just pissed me off. It is true that when equally skilled men and women compete head to head, typically men will beat women. However, a professional woman basketball player will blow the freaking doors off the guy who plays a round of pick up basketball once or twice a month. And Venus Williams on her worst day, sick with food poisoning, with one arm tied behind her back, is going to beat the pants off the average man at some tennis club somewhere.
The idea that Hayden - who is allegedly ready to go pro - would lose a race to Nick - who is a recreational boarder - just annoyed the shit out of me. If she is that good, then she should win. Period.
Skill wins. Unskilled penis does not beat skilled uterus. And basing an entire book on the idea that it is does annoyed me to no end.
So, yeah. That.
Challenge information: This book has been in my TBR since November, 2012. It qualifies for Genre: Romance in my February Book Blast and for the Mt. Kilimanjaro challenge.
I wanted a quick romance read. This one definitely fit the bill, although the annoying factor was quite high as well.
What I liked: it was sort of cute, and very snowboardy. I am not a snowboarder, but I grew up on skis and there were a lot of aspects of this book that hearkened back to my days as a junior racer in a good way.
What I didn't like: it was just too juvenile for me. The "romance" was very simplistic and not very believable. The resolution was unconvincing.
Also, and let's get to the point: the "bet" between the girl (who was supposedly an expert professional class snowboarder) and the boy (who was a recreational snowboarder) just pissed me off. It is true that when equally skilled men and women compete head to head, typically men will beat women. However, a professional woman basketball player will blow the freaking doors off the guy who plays a round of pick up basketball once or twice a month. And Venus Williams on her worst day, sick with food poisoning, with one arm tied behind her back, is going to beat the pants off the average man at some tennis club somewhere.
The idea that Hayden - who is allegedly ready to go pro - would lose a race to Nick - who is a recreational boarder - just annoyed the shit out of me. If she is that good, then she should win. Period.
Skill wins. Unskilled penis does not beat skilled uterus. And basing an entire book on the idea that it is does annoyed me to no end.
So, yeah. That.
March 5, 2015
THE EX-GAMES is a cute love story that with two bitter leads Hayden and Nick & their battle of the Ex's ..
After their publicized break-up back at the 7th grade,a little misunderstanding and their secret will to reconcile, is what finally throws our scroned lovers back into it,a bet..a game, something that actually broke them up in the first place...
i found the book to be both light and brezzy & defiantly a 3 star deserving for all the fun and skate-boarding this book went on about.the leads were both fun and chramastic enough to keep the book entertaing to the end with hardly any angst in the plot.
RECOMMENDATION :Try picking this up when you want something light and breezy to read through.
After their publicized break-up back at the 7th grade,a little misunderstanding and their secret will to reconcile, is what finally throws our scroned lovers back into it,a bet..a game, something that actually broke them up in the first place...
i found the book to be both light and brezzy & defiantly a 3 star deserving for all the fun and skate-boarding this book went on about.the leads were both fun and chramastic enough to keep the book entertaing to the end with hardly any angst in the plot.
RECOMMENDATION :Try picking this up when you want something light and breezy to read through.
April 22, 2019
Chick chick chick... Chick lit...
I don't remember but there was an ad of a chewing gum that sounded like that...
It was a sweet rom-com and a fast and easy read. I liked the detail about snowboarding.
Cute story!
You may need to ignore the fact that the couple moves in a never ending loop of fighting and making out for no reason.
Case 1: When Nick confesses that he always sort of saw Hayden as his girl. Fighting after that was so stupid.
Case 2: During the comp, Nick declares Hayden as girlfriend and girlfriend thinks he only said that to set an example for his father. What's with all the skepticism? I can understand that for an older girl, like myself but for teenagers, I thought that was a bit much.
I don't remember but there was an ad of a chewing gum that sounded like that...
It was a sweet rom-com and a fast and easy read. I liked the detail about snowboarding.
Cute story!
You may need to ignore the fact that the couple moves in a never ending loop of fighting and making out for no reason.
Case 1: When Nick confesses that he always sort of saw Hayden as his girl. Fighting after that was so stupid.
Case 2: During the comp, Nick declares Hayden as girlfriend and girlfriend thinks he only said that to set an example for his father. What's with all the skepticism? I can understand that for an older girl, like myself but for teenagers, I thought that was a bit much.
February 18, 2018
This book was...odd.
Plot wise, it was all over the place. I like stories about exes that secretly still care for each other so I was excited for this one, but....yeahno. I was expecting witty banter, not Hayden to think “what a hottie, we need to make out” over and over again. And Nick? My goodness, what did she see in him? He was horrid. They kiss, then fight, then kiss, then fight. This book was setting up a major battle of the sexes, but it felt like little kids fighting in the sandbox. Their fights didn’t make sense either.
Hayden was an odd character. Her entire thought process was bizarre and in one scene (which I think was supposed to be funny) she came off sounding like a creepy stalker: “not that I made a habit of standing there and staring at him as he worked out. That would be creepy. I watched him on the surveillance cameras behind the reception desk.” What???? How is that NOT creepy???? Also, what was her obsession with owning her brother’s pants with BOY TOY printed on the butt???? First of all, what girl wants to wear her younger brother’s pants??? Second of all, what girl wants to wear men’s jeans in general??? And what 14 year old boy would get “BOY TOY printed on the butt of his pants??! Surely there’s a better way to keep his sister from borrowing them than sabotaging his own clothing!!!! (I will say that despite the weird obsession with the jeans, I enjoyed the interactions between Hayden and her brother the best. I liked the little rap songs that he wrote to cheer her on.)
There were also some phrases repeated numerous times that were weird.
Examples:
“he flicked his dark hair out of his eyes with his pinkie” (I’ve never seen anyone use their pinky to push their hair back. I just tried it with my own hair and it felt awkward)
“my blood spread the life-giving oxygen throughout my body” (I mean, yes, that’s true, but it’s just a weird comment to make, and she says it at least 4 times)
“fire-crotch” (this phrase was used CONSTANTLY, probably at least 20 times. Awkward, weird, and made the characters seem really young and immature)
“tripped over Doofus” (first of all, that’s a horrible name for a dog, especially the cute Irish setter that this dog was supposed to be. Second of all, what was the point of having every single person in the family trip over Doofus whenever they walked into a room??? Literally, Hayden makes a point to tell every time someone trips over this poor dog: “Josh and I pulled on our layers of boarding clothes - tripped over Doofus - and headed outside for the bus”; “my mom headed toward me with a plate of oatmeal and fruit - tripped over Doofus - and managed not to spill anything.” The slapstick humor really annoyed me, and it’s not like Doofus is a small dog like a chihuahua. (How can you not notice a dog that big??)
This was an odd one for sure. 1.5 stars
Plot wise, it was all over the place. I like stories about exes that secretly still care for each other so I was excited for this one, but....yeahno. I was expecting witty banter, not Hayden to think “what a hottie, we need to make out” over and over again. And Nick? My goodness, what did she see in him? He was horrid. They kiss, then fight, then kiss, then fight. This book was setting up a major battle of the sexes, but it felt like little kids fighting in the sandbox. Their fights didn’t make sense either.
Hayden was an odd character. Her entire thought process was bizarre and in one scene (which I think was supposed to be funny) she came off sounding like a creepy stalker: “not that I made a habit of standing there and staring at him as he worked out. That would be creepy. I watched him on the surveillance cameras behind the reception desk.” What???? How is that NOT creepy???? Also, what was her obsession with owning her brother’s pants with BOY TOY printed on the butt???? First of all, what girl wants to wear her younger brother’s pants??? Second of all, what girl wants to wear men’s jeans in general??? And what 14 year old boy would get “BOY TOY printed on the butt of his pants??! Surely there’s a better way to keep his sister from borrowing them than sabotaging his own clothing!!!! (I will say that despite the weird obsession with the jeans, I enjoyed the interactions between Hayden and her brother the best. I liked the little rap songs that he wrote to cheer her on.)
There were also some phrases repeated numerous times that were weird.
Examples:
“he flicked his dark hair out of his eyes with his pinkie” (I’ve never seen anyone use their pinky to push their hair back. I just tried it with my own hair and it felt awkward)
“my blood spread the life-giving oxygen throughout my body” (I mean, yes, that’s true, but it’s just a weird comment to make, and she says it at least 4 times)
“fire-crotch” (this phrase was used CONSTANTLY, probably at least 20 times. Awkward, weird, and made the characters seem really young and immature)
“tripped over Doofus” (first of all, that’s a horrible name for a dog, especially the cute Irish setter that this dog was supposed to be. Second of all, what was the point of having every single person in the family trip over Doofus whenever they walked into a room??? Literally, Hayden makes a point to tell every time someone trips over this poor dog: “Josh and I pulled on our layers of boarding clothes - tripped over Doofus - and headed outside for the bus”; “my mom headed toward me with a plate of oatmeal and fruit - tripped over Doofus - and managed not to spill anything.” The slapstick humor really annoyed me, and it’s not like Doofus is a small dog like a chihuahua. (How can you not notice a dog that big??)
This was an odd one for sure. 1.5 stars
January 7, 2016
AWWWW (I'm not even surprised I'm giving it a 5/5 once more)!
December 29, 2014
You had a bet. You couldn't lose a bet. If you had a choice between me and winning, you'll choose winning every time. It's still true.
----------------------------
I had so much fun reading this book!
It was hilarious, sweet and cute.
There were a couple of times that I found myself awwwing and sighing and giggling as I was reading this book.
There was so much chemistry between Hayden and Nick.
They were scorching hot without even trying.
Hayden and Nick used to be a thing back in seventh grade.
That was until Hayden found out that it was all just a bet.
Four years after their friends started going out with each other leaving Hayden and Nick both single among their friends.
Hayden was a snowboarding enthusiast and is aspiring to go pro someday.
Nick was not impressed however which caused Hayden to challenge him on a snowboarding contest.
Their friends took side of course.
It was girls versus boys.
Would Hayden be able to prove to Nick that she could do it?
Or will Nick be able to prove to Hayden what she really means to him?
Gosh this book was cute!
I loved everything about this book.
Let me rephrase that.
I loved everything about this book except the cover.
I wasn’t exactly a fan of that but what the heck!
The story was just ooohhh ssoooo cute and hilarious.
I liked this book because I was simple.
It doesn’t have a complex plot but it still keep you hooked to its pages because how the author developed the character and their relationship with each other.
What I found really funny was how Nick despite of his natural charisma towards girls was not able to really confess to Hayden how he feels.
It was like he never outgrew 7th grade.
Some boys really do have a weird way of expressing their interest towards someone they like.
Nick was a very good example.
He made Hayden feel that he doesn’t like her when in fact he does for the longest time.
I mean OMGosh!
What the hell!
But yeah the whole up and down of their love-hate relationship was very entertaining to read.
It was silly but really amusing.
Sometimes I just find myself smiling about how ridiculous Nick and Hayden has been because both of them really doesn’t know to express each other too well and when they try to they old end up fighting.
They were a weird couple but seriously cute!
I liked their friends too.
Chloe, Liz, Gavin and Davis were equally as our weird couple Hayden and Nick.
They were fun to read too.
They were as multi-faceted as the two main characters.
Once in a while I just want to read a feel good book like this one.
I highly recommend it if you are looking for a light and amusing book that would keep you company if you’re just out in your backyard or sunbathing on the beach.
This is my first Jennifer Echols books and will definitely be reading more.
I already have Going too Far on the to-be read pile so I will need to get to that soon!
I am giving this book a perfect 5 stars!
Despite my not liking the cover, the contents wholly compensated for it.
----------------------------
I had so much fun reading this book!
It was hilarious, sweet and cute.
There were a couple of times that I found myself awwwing and sighing and giggling as I was reading this book.
There was so much chemistry between Hayden and Nick.
They were scorching hot without even trying.
Hayden and Nick used to be a thing back in seventh grade.
That was until Hayden found out that it was all just a bet.
Four years after their friends started going out with each other leaving Hayden and Nick both single among their friends.
Hayden was a snowboarding enthusiast and is aspiring to go pro someday.
Nick was not impressed however which caused Hayden to challenge him on a snowboarding contest.
Their friends took side of course.
It was girls versus boys.
Would Hayden be able to prove to Nick that she could do it?
Or will Nick be able to prove to Hayden what she really means to him?
Gosh this book was cute!
I loved everything about this book.
Let me rephrase that.
I loved everything about this book except the cover.
I wasn’t exactly a fan of that but what the heck!
The story was just ooohhh ssoooo cute and hilarious.
I liked this book because I was simple.
It doesn’t have a complex plot but it still keep you hooked to its pages because how the author developed the character and their relationship with each other.
What I found really funny was how Nick despite of his natural charisma towards girls was not able to really confess to Hayden how he feels.
It was like he never outgrew 7th grade.
Some boys really do have a weird way of expressing their interest towards someone they like.
Nick was a very good example.
He made Hayden feel that he doesn’t like her when in fact he does for the longest time.
I mean OMGosh!
What the hell!
But yeah the whole up and down of their love-hate relationship was very entertaining to read.
It was silly but really amusing.
Sometimes I just find myself smiling about how ridiculous Nick and Hayden has been because both of them really doesn’t know to express each other too well and when they try to they old end up fighting.
They were a weird couple but seriously cute!
I liked their friends too.
Chloe, Liz, Gavin and Davis were equally as our weird couple Hayden and Nick.
They were fun to read too.
They were as multi-faceted as the two main characters.
Once in a while I just want to read a feel good book like this one.
I highly recommend it if you are looking for a light and amusing book that would keep you company if you’re just out in your backyard or sunbathing on the beach.
This is my first Jennifer Echols books and will definitely be reading more.
I already have Going too Far on the to-be read pile so I will need to get to that soon!
I am giving this book a perfect 5 stars!
Despite my not liking the cover, the contents wholly compensated for it.
June 17, 2011
Hayden and Nick once dated on the seventh grade but things did not work out with the two of them. Now that their friends - Liz and Davis and Chloe and Gavin - are dating the entire school are wondering and hoping that the the two of them would rekindle their failed romance. A snowboarding challenge might be a ticket to this. But will this bring them back together or tear further apart?
FUN FUN FUN!! The book was a lot of FUN! I was laughing the entire time that I was reading this. It was a fast read for me and very light. I liked the characters in the book. Liz, Chloe, Gavin and Davis are the most supportive friends anyone could have. Liz and Chloe were able to help Hayden get over her phobia while Gavin and Davis continue to be supportive with Nivk. And together the four of them continue to patch things up between Nick and Hayden. Whether they are patching them up to become friends or something else they were always behind their back. I envy Hayden and Nick for having such great friends. This book was like a breath of fresh air. For a change? There were no popular girls trying to sabotage the lead character, no ex boyfriends or girlfriends trying to tear them apart, no third party in their love story and no parent trying to separate them. What's there are good friends trying to help them (Hayden and Nick) and them trying to move past their differences to move on or rekindle their love. It is all about fighting your own issues in this book. I will not tell you which of the two actually happened you'll just have to figure that one out by yourself. hehehe.. These things makes us see that while other novels make us picture high school as sort of like a battle field we have to survive for four years it is not always like that. High school can also be a place of true friendship, fun and love. As for Nick and Hayden I was rooting for them all the time. Their flirting was so fun to read and their retorts towards each other's so called insults makes me laugh. I don't know what to say both characters have great personalities.
This book is guaranteed frustration free. A book you can't help but love!
FUN FUN FUN!! The book was a lot of FUN! I was laughing the entire time that I was reading this. It was a fast read for me and very light. I liked the characters in the book. Liz, Chloe, Gavin and Davis are the most supportive friends anyone could have. Liz and Chloe were able to help Hayden get over her phobia while Gavin and Davis continue to be supportive with Nivk. And together the four of them continue to patch things up between Nick and Hayden. Whether they are patching them up to become friends or something else they were always behind their back. I envy Hayden and Nick for having such great friends. This book was like a breath of fresh air. For a change? There were no popular girls trying to sabotage the lead character, no ex boyfriends or girlfriends trying to tear them apart, no third party in their love story and no parent trying to separate them. What's there are good friends trying to help them (Hayden and Nick) and them trying to move past their differences to move on or rekindle their love. It is all about fighting your own issues in this book. I will not tell you which of the two actually happened you'll just have to figure that one out by yourself. hehehe.. These things makes us see that while other novels make us picture high school as sort of like a battle field we have to survive for four years it is not always like that. High school can also be a place of true friendship, fun and love. As for Nick and Hayden I was rooting for them all the time. Their flirting was so fun to read and their retorts towards each other's so called insults makes me laugh. I don't know what to say both characters have great personalities.
This book is guaranteed frustration free. A book you can't help but love!
January 4, 2016
Edited review as of January 04, 2015
Reread this book at the start of the year, and it was definitely a good decision! I was up for a feel-good book, and I suddenly remembered this and I just had the urge to read this again. Still gave me a massive laughing fit and brought the flutters inside my heart.
Review: July 04, 2013
Cute and fluffy read!
Definitely my favorite Jennifer Echols book!
Reread this book at the start of the year, and it was definitely a good decision! I was up for a feel-good book, and I suddenly remembered this and I just had the urge to read this again. Still gave me a massive laughing fit and brought the flutters inside my heart.
Review: July 04, 2013
Cute and fluffy read!
Definitely my favorite Jennifer Echols book!
February 5, 2014
Audience for this book...
Sorry book but ...
you live and you learn. Onto the next.
August 23, 2012
August 23, 2012
Super freaking cute! I think I said everything last time I read this, but, wow. Seriously adorable. I love when the hero/heroine have a history, and when they've become sorta semi-enemies, but overcome their issues by the end. LOVE it!!
May 27-28, 2010
This book was a fun romance set in Colorado over winter break. It's two main characters, Nick and Hayden are really interesting characters. Nick's rich because his family owns Krieger Meats and Meat Products (which sounds really big—like Oscar Mayer or something), so they live in a mansion, drive great cars, and Nick has girls fawning over him left and right. Hayden (who is actually a vegetarian, which is hilarious) moved to Colorado with her parents in junior high (where they opened a health club) and has learned to LOVE snowboarding after being forced to follow her little brother around on the slopes. But due to a big repelling accident back in Tennessee, in which she broke her leg in 4 places, she's REALLY afraid of heights... so she won't snowboard off any jumps. She doesn't do jumps.
And, oh yeah, Nick and Hayden dated for a month in seventh grade... And it ended BADLY. And ever since, they've been enemies of a sort—the sort who tease each other relentlessly, but who also secretly lust after each other.
Throw in a boys vs girls snowboarding competition (with jumps!) for all the marbles, some sexual tension, Hayden's two girl best friends who are dating Nicks two guy best friends (and totally want to hook Nick and Hayden up), and their complicated history, and there's a great story that has the romance but also some depth.
I rated this book 5 stars because it is REALLY REALLY GOOD for the genre. I've read a BUNCH of these Simon Romantic Comedies, and it's up there with Major Crush (also by Echols). It was awesome! Totally entertaining, I cared about the characters and was totally rooting for them, and I couldn't put the book down! And it's been a while since I read a book that I couldn't put down.
Super freaking cute! I think I said everything last time I read this, but, wow. Seriously adorable. I love when the hero/heroine have a history, and when they've become sorta semi-enemies, but overcome their issues by the end. LOVE it!!
May 27-28, 2010
This book was a fun romance set in Colorado over winter break. It's two main characters, Nick and Hayden are really interesting characters. Nick's rich because his family owns Krieger Meats and Meat Products (which sounds really big—like Oscar Mayer or something), so they live in a mansion, drive great cars, and Nick has girls fawning over him left and right. Hayden (who is actually a vegetarian, which is hilarious) moved to Colorado with her parents in junior high (where they opened a health club) and has learned to LOVE snowboarding after being forced to follow her little brother around on the slopes. But due to a big repelling accident back in Tennessee, in which she broke her leg in 4 places, she's REALLY afraid of heights... so she won't snowboard off any jumps. She doesn't do jumps.
And, oh yeah, Nick and Hayden dated for a month in seventh grade... And it ended BADLY. And ever since, they've been enemies of a sort—the sort who tease each other relentlessly, but who also secretly lust after each other.
Throw in a boys vs girls snowboarding competition (with jumps!) for all the marbles, some sexual tension, Hayden's two girl best friends who are dating Nicks two guy best friends (and totally want to hook Nick and Hayden up), and their complicated history, and there's a great story that has the romance but also some depth.
I rated this book 5 stars because it is REALLY REALLY GOOD for the genre. I've read a BUNCH of these Simon Romantic Comedies, and it's up there with Major Crush (also by Echols). It was awesome! Totally entertaining, I cared about the characters and was totally rooting for them, and I couldn't put the book down! And it's been a while since I read a book that I couldn't put down.
June 17, 2011
A fluffy little read about the battle of the sexes and a battle of the exes.
Hayden and Nick are a fun pair to read about. Echols writes great characters and these are no exception. But if you're expecting a story with the depth of Forget You or Going Too Far, you might be a bit disappointed. These characters skim along more on the surface, or maybe I should say they glide along on the surface since much of the book is about snowboarding.
I liked the chapter headings, each one a term from snowboarding and then how it applies to the story. Very cute.
All the characters, from Hayden's family, particularly her little brother, Josh, are well drawn and you get a real sense of their relationships with one another.
It is just a tad repetitive and hits you over the head with some of the basic premise of the story.
For example in a conversation about Hayden's one problem with snow boarding (this is my interpretation of the dialogue, not what's actually written):
Mom: Do you not want to compete because of your fear of heights?
Hayden: It's not my fear of heights.
Mom: If it it your fear of heights, we could get you some help for your fear of heights.
Hayden: I don't need a therapist of my fear of heights.
Mom: Okay, but this fear of heights is holding you back.
And then a bit later her father discusses her acrophobia(fear of heights) again.
I got it the first time she mentioned it, she's afraid of heights. Check. A minor complaint, but it did seem a bit overdone.
The relationship between Hayden and Nick bothered me as she makes assumptions constantly about his motives and his thoughts and she flies off at him too much over nothing, but as the cover states this is a romantic comedy, I guess that's fair. It is what it is.
Again, although I enjoy Echols writing, this one isn't my favorite, but for a brief getaway for a snowy adventure, give this one a try.
Hayden and Nick are a fun pair to read about. Echols writes great characters and these are no exception. But if you're expecting a story with the depth of Forget You or Going Too Far, you might be a bit disappointed. These characters skim along more on the surface, or maybe I should say they glide along on the surface since much of the book is about snowboarding.
I liked the chapter headings, each one a term from snowboarding and then how it applies to the story. Very cute.
All the characters, from Hayden's family, particularly her little brother, Josh, are well drawn and you get a real sense of their relationships with one another.
It is just a tad repetitive and hits you over the head with some of the basic premise of the story.
For example in a conversation about Hayden's one problem with snow boarding (this is my interpretation of the dialogue, not what's actually written):
Mom: Do you not want to compete because of your fear of heights?
Hayden: It's not my fear of heights.
Mom: If it it your fear of heights, we could get you some help for your fear of heights.
Hayden: I don't need a therapist of my fear of heights.
Mom: Okay, but this fear of heights is holding you back.
And then a bit later her father discusses her acrophobia(fear of heights) again.
I got it the first time she mentioned it, she's afraid of heights. Check. A minor complaint, but it did seem a bit overdone.
The relationship between Hayden and Nick bothered me as she makes assumptions constantly about his motives and his thoughts and she flies off at him too much over nothing, but as the cover states this is a romantic comedy, I guess that's fair. It is what it is.
Again, although I enjoy Echols writing, this one isn't my favorite, but for a brief getaway for a snowy adventure, give this one a try.
March 20, 2013
The Ex Games was a very typical, young-adult rom-com chick lit, but it was just so cute & fluffy! I really enjoyed reading this.
The story revolves around Hayden & Nick, they dated when they were in the seventh grade but it didn’t work out. Fast forward 4 years to their junior year. Throw in a boy v. girl snowboarding competition, an extra set of exes, a hilarious and endearing little brother who apparently loves to rap, matchmaker friends, a steamy sauna scene, and voila! It’s the perfect recipe for pure fluff and all smiles.
The story was kind of predictable, and it wasn’t totally original or unique or fresh. BUT I really did love that the author incorporated snowboarding. I’ve read Echol’s Endless Summer series and a major part of the story incorporated surfing. I love experiencing these ‘extreme’ sports through her books, it’s so much fun!
Also, the execution was spot on. The pacing was just right, and the main characters had so much oozing chemistry. It was a clean read that made me appreciate writers that could convey sexual chemistry/tension without the actual sex.
Highly recommended for those seeking a fluffy, lighthearted, feel-good, laugh-out-loud read.
The story revolves around Hayden & Nick, they dated when they were in the seventh grade but it didn’t work out. Fast forward 4 years to their junior year. Throw in a boy v. girl snowboarding competition, an extra set of exes, a hilarious and endearing little brother who apparently loves to rap, matchmaker friends, a steamy sauna scene, and voila! It’s the perfect recipe for pure fluff and all smiles.
The story was kind of predictable, and it wasn’t totally original or unique or fresh. BUT I really did love that the author incorporated snowboarding. I’ve read Echol’s Endless Summer series and a major part of the story incorporated surfing. I love experiencing these ‘extreme’ sports through her books, it’s so much fun!
Also, the execution was spot on. The pacing was just right, and the main characters had so much oozing chemistry. It was a clean read that made me appreciate writers that could convey sexual chemistry/tension without the actual sex.
Highly recommended for those seeking a fluffy, lighthearted, feel-good, laugh-out-loud read.
April 12, 2013
Every books I've ever read by Jeniffer Echols has been a joy... I ADORE them... days upon days I'll be thinking about the book, so freakin content and wistful about what I've been rewarded with during this read...and this book was no exception. I need to read ALL of her books!!
I'm never disappointed when I've seen that the author is Jeniffer Echols - I clap w/ glee, anxious to read get a new dose of her amazing writing. Shamefully, I drop other books am reading just to read hers because I know it's a fun and light, fast paced and entertaining read that'll having me sighing in a daze!
I'm just...Jeniffer is just...This book...GAH!
I'm never disappointed when I've seen that the author is Jeniffer Echols - I clap w/ glee, anxious to read get a new dose of her amazing writing. Shamefully, I drop other books am reading just to read hers because I know it's a fun and light, fast paced and entertaining read that'll having me sighing in a daze!
I'm just...Jeniffer is just...This book...GAH!
November 7, 2018
When the supporting characters are all, 'we're totally feminists, but he wouldn't have made such an effort to be mean to you for so long if he didn't like you, so you should totally be thrilled that he's now showing a shred of interest'...
Run away. Run away fast. Life is too short for that shit.
Also, I know nothing about snowboarding, but doesn't it seem the slightest bit unrealistic that all a girl would need to do to learn an entirely new skill category—not single skill, mind you, but skill category—is put her mind to it and stop being scared, and then she'd instantly be at a competitive level in that new skill category (snowboarding jumps, in this case) with approximately...oh...zero practice?
Run away. Run away fast. Life is too short for that shit.
Also, I know nothing about snowboarding, but doesn't it seem the slightest bit unrealistic that all a girl would need to do to learn an entirely new skill category—not single skill, mind you, but skill category—is put her mind to it and stop being scared, and then she'd instantly be at a competitive level in that new skill category (snowboarding jumps, in this case) with approximately...oh...zero practice?
April 22, 2023
খুবই লাইট রীড। হ্যান্ডসাম, ছয় ফিট হাইটের রিচকিড নিককে তার বন্ধুরা একদিন চ্যালেঞ্জ করে বসে যে সে তার এই "রিচকিড" এই পরিচয় ভেঙেই আসলে যেই মেয়ে চায়, সেই মেয়েকেই ডেট করতে পারে। নিকও উলটা সেই চ্যালেঞ্জটা অ্যাকসেপ্ট করে ফেলে, ক্লাসের যে নতুন মেয়েটা তার সম্পর্কে কিছুই জানে না, তাকে সে ডেট করে এইটা প্রমাণ করবে যে মেয়েদের তাকে পছন্দ হবার কারণ তার বাপের প্রপার্টি না।
যাই হোক, একসময় তাদের ব্রেকআপ হয়েই যায়। প্রেম তো আদৌ ছিলো না এটা। এবং একটা সময়ে একজন একজনের শত্রুই বনে যায়!
ছেলেরা নাকি মেয়েরা- কারা আসলে কাদের থেকে বেশি সেরা এই বিতর্কে এই দুইজন আবার জড়িয়ে পড়ে একটা স্নোবার্ড কম্পিটিশনে। শহরের সব মেয়েরা মেয়েটির দলে- ছেলেরা ছেলেটির। তো এই আরকি।
টিনেজ ড্রামা, তবে ড্রামাটা মনে হলো অনেকটাই বেশি। ভাষা ঝরঝরে কিন্তু পড়তে গিয়ে শেষের দিকে একটু বিরক্তই হয়েছি।
যাই হোক, একসময় তাদের ব্রেকআপ হয়েই যায়। প্রেম তো আদৌ ছিলো না এটা। এবং একটা সময়ে একজন একজনের শত্রুই বনে যায়!
ছেলেরা নাকি মেয়েরা- কারা আসলে কাদের থেকে বেশি সেরা এই বিতর্কে এই দুইজন আবার জড়িয়ে পড়ে একটা স্নোবার্ড কম্পিটিশনে। শহরের সব মেয়েরা মেয়েটির দলে- ছেলেরা ছেলেটির। তো এই আরকি।
টিনেজ ড্রামা, তবে ড্রামাটা মনে হলো অনেকটাই বেশি। ভাষা ঝরঝরে কিন্তু পড়তে গিয়ে শেষের দিকে একটু বিরক্তই হয়েছি।
December 6, 2020
This certainly wasn't what I expected but it was fun and such a quick read (there were to extracts at the end from other books throwing me off when I reached the end of this).
It was a cute YA read that was a little frustrating at times (so many misunderstandings) but I was cheering Hayden and Nick getting together. You could tell they cared for each other and were just going the long way around about revealing their feelings. I was cheering the girls on because the boys were savage about saying male athletes were better so it was fun having that competition between them too.
It was a cute YA read that was a little frustrating at times (so many misunderstandings) but I was cheering Hayden and Nick getting together. You could tell they cared for each other and were just going the long way around about revealing their feelings. I was cheering the girls on because the boys were savage about saying male athletes were better so it was fun having that competition between them too.
March 6, 2020
I've been reading Jennifer Echols' YA and NA novels in reverse order! Interesting to see her progression.
Hayden and Nick's constant battle of words had me in stitches! What a rocky road to young teen love!
I had to buy my own copy of this book, since it wasn't available in Toronto's Public Library system.
I like to pace myself with Echols novels. They are so well written, and always bring a smile to my face - she cracks me up with her sarcastic commentaries!
Highly recommended.
Hayden and Nick's constant battle of words had me in stitches! What a rocky road to young teen love!
I had to buy my own copy of this book, since it wasn't available in Toronto's Public Library system.
I like to pace myself with Echols novels. They are so well written, and always bring a smile to my face - she cracks me up with her sarcastic commentaries!
Highly recommended.
March 27, 2020
this is the second book i've read by jennifer echols,and this wasn't as good as Endless Summer,but i still liked it.
i liked how hayden and nick had a past together.&that because of a misunderstanding they hadn't really talked in years because she blamed him for making fun of her when he actually didn't.
i also like how they had a competition and that all the guys and girls took sides.
i think the definition along with the authors own definition on the chapter pages was really creative and cute!
this book definitely loses its charm after the third time reading it.
i thought the whole 'flicked his hair back with his pinkie' was a lil weird.i tried to picture a guy doing that and just couldnt see it.
the whole sauna thing was confusing.actually some things in here are confusing and a lil hard to follow.its like the main characters thought process and the way she comes to conclusions was just off.
like why nick and hayden got kicked out of yoga class when they weren't even being loud.
&here we go again with teenagers putting their hair in braids or two ponytails.i mean,what are we,7 years old?
she didn't wanna hurt him if he really liked her.but he can hurt her and she doesnt even really care.i expected her to yell at him for what he did,but she never did because she was just concerned with him touching her.
i mean nick was so mean to her in seventh grade and in the yearrs following and when she finally has a chance to yell at him she mentions the Poser concert and him not asking how the competition went. thats the least of what he's done to her.
even after he insults her and challenges her to a competition,all she's worried about is that it'll be like a date when they go to the poser concert because everyone's paired off.she's only concerned about being with nick,or him touching her or her touching him.how can she even wanna be around him after all the things he's done to her?
after the showdown happens about the competition,all liz and chloe are worried about is whether or not hayden and nick made out.i seriously doubt people act like this in real life.&then they're all 'why did you stop him from kissing you?" who would ask that after all nick's done?!
i was heartily sick of reading 'okay,they said,way too agreeably'.
hayden gave a whole speech about why she doesn't wanna be with nick and they still plan on throwing them together.wth?
&then haydens like 'now that i knew how he felt about me.' how do you know how he feels about you? thats what im talking about when i say this is confusing.one minute she doesnt know of he really likes her,the next shes like i think he really likes me,and then she's telling her brother that he obviously doesn't like her or he wouldn't say her winning the competition meant nothing.this girl is all over the place.
&haydens brother,was like "does he like you or something?" after she tells him that nick basically said she sucked at the competition.who would ask that?
&then she wanted to kiss nick just because he said he likes her hair. &hayden goes and stands outside the locker room door after nick leaves,not once,but twice.it's embarrassing,really,the way she moons after him after everything he's done to her.it's so apparent to everyone that she likes him.
&why would nick be embarrassed about offering hayden nachos? i mean he didn't know in 7th grade that she was vegetarian.it's nothin to be embarrassed about.
the main character could have been a little more..demure,maybe. instead of throwing herself at nick all the time and constantly worrying about the status of their relationship or lack thereof.
you couldnt get a clear picture in your head from the way the author was descriping stuff.i couldn't really picture the ski slopes of the mountains.she definitely could have explained things better.
the good thing is,the book definitely gets way better towards the end. they finally get together for real.and we find out the truth behind the whole 7th grade thing and find out that nick is actually really sweet and has liked hayden since middle school!
i liked how hayden and nick had a past together.&that because of a misunderstanding they hadn't really talked in years because she blamed him for making fun of her when he actually didn't.
i also like how they had a competition and that all the guys and girls took sides.
i think the definition along with the authors own definition on the chapter pages was really creative and cute!
this book definitely loses its charm after the third time reading it.
i thought the whole 'flicked his hair back with his pinkie' was a lil weird.i tried to picture a guy doing that and just couldnt see it.
the whole sauna thing was confusing.actually some things in here are confusing and a lil hard to follow.its like the main characters thought process and the way she comes to conclusions was just off.
like why nick and hayden got kicked out of yoga class when they weren't even being loud.
&here we go again with teenagers putting their hair in braids or two ponytails.i mean,what are we,7 years old?
she didn't wanna hurt him if he really liked her.but he can hurt her and she doesnt even really care.i expected her to yell at him for what he did,but she never did because she was just concerned with him touching her.
i mean nick was so mean to her in seventh grade and in the yearrs following and when she finally has a chance to yell at him she mentions the Poser concert and him not asking how the competition went. thats the least of what he's done to her.
even after he insults her and challenges her to a competition,all she's worried about is that it'll be like a date when they go to the poser concert because everyone's paired off.she's only concerned about being with nick,or him touching her or her touching him.how can she even wanna be around him after all the things he's done to her?
after the showdown happens about the competition,all liz and chloe are worried about is whether or not hayden and nick made out.i seriously doubt people act like this in real life.&then they're all 'why did you stop him from kissing you?" who would ask that after all nick's done?!
i was heartily sick of reading 'okay,they said,way too agreeably'.
hayden gave a whole speech about why she doesn't wanna be with nick and they still plan on throwing them together.wth?
&then haydens like 'now that i knew how he felt about me.' how do you know how he feels about you? thats what im talking about when i say this is confusing.one minute she doesnt know of he really likes her,the next shes like i think he really likes me,and then she's telling her brother that he obviously doesn't like her or he wouldn't say her winning the competition meant nothing.this girl is all over the place.
&haydens brother,was like "does he like you or something?" after she tells him that nick basically said she sucked at the competition.who would ask that?
&then she wanted to kiss nick just because he said he likes her hair. &hayden goes and stands outside the locker room door after nick leaves,not once,but twice.it's embarrassing,really,the way she moons after him after everything he's done to her.it's so apparent to everyone that she likes him.
&why would nick be embarrassed about offering hayden nachos? i mean he didn't know in 7th grade that she was vegetarian.it's nothin to be embarrassed about.
the main character could have been a little more..demure,maybe. instead of throwing herself at nick all the time and constantly worrying about the status of their relationship or lack thereof.
you couldnt get a clear picture in your head from the way the author was descriping stuff.i couldn't really picture the ski slopes of the mountains.she definitely could have explained things better.
the good thing is,the book definitely gets way better towards the end. they finally get together for real.and we find out the truth behind the whole 7th grade thing and find out that nick is actually really sweet and has liked hayden since middle school!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2011
If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing read, this one is perfect for you! :)
Nick and Hayden are exe’s. Four years after (four long years of insulting and bickering with each other), as singles, they have no choice but tag along with BFF’s Davis & liz and Chloe & Gavin. Somewhere along the road, sexist battle begin, leading Hayden to challenge Nick with a snowboarding competition with an expensive concert ticket at stake! not just within friends but almost the entire student body! (even parents and newspapers knew of it! ) lol. Who will win? the girl or the boy?
It was a great entertainment to read from Hayden’s perspective. She’s very funny, her family is funny (keep on tripping over Doofus,lol), and her love-hate relationship with Nick is funny, plus they (both of ‘em) gave my heart some whoosh and flip flops and warmth...:) They clearly like each other but they let their pride lead their lives for that 4 years, ending up teasing each other. Reading this was not all fun and joy, because even if this is just a chick lit, I learned or realized some things. “The Ex Games” showed how eons of male and female battles and debates, etc are caused by: PRIDE. And how to get over it? As Daisy Delaney (character from the book) said, “we are bigger than that”. We just need to be bigger than those differences, and be mature about it..if you really love each other. So, those “irreconcilable differences” they are talking about? it’s just pride baby. straight to the core. IN Nick and Hayden’s case, through their MAKE-OUT-ARGUE moments (no kiss& make-up, until the ending part), there was some serious reason why they can’t just be together. She believed he insulted her when he didn’t, she refused to acknowledge he was telling the truth, he let a false misunderstanding make him angry with her, he refused to lose,etc. Common problems yet many don’t get through it. So, that’s HONESTY & HUMILITY for every relationship. and of course
This book has been FUN + because of this book, I youtubed the snowboarding “Mctwist”, 900, 1080, etc. i learned of Shaun White. haha.
:)
Nick and Hayden are exe’s. Four years after (four long years of insulting and bickering with each other), as singles, they have no choice but tag along with BFF’s Davis & liz and Chloe & Gavin. Somewhere along the road, sexist battle begin, leading Hayden to challenge Nick with a snowboarding competition with an expensive concert ticket at stake! not just within friends but almost the entire student body! (even parents and newspapers knew of it! ) lol. Who will win? the girl or the boy?
It was a great entertainment to read from Hayden’s perspective. She’s very funny, her family is funny (keep on tripping over Doofus,lol), and her love-hate relationship with Nick is funny, plus they (both of ‘em) gave my heart some whoosh and flip flops and warmth...:) They clearly like each other but they let their pride lead their lives for that 4 years, ending up teasing each other. Reading this was not all fun and joy, because even if this is just a chick lit, I learned or realized some things. “The Ex Games” showed how eons of male and female battles and debates, etc are caused by: PRIDE. And how to get over it? As Daisy Delaney (character from the book) said, “we are bigger than that”. We just need to be bigger than those differences, and be mature about it..if you really love each other. So, those “irreconcilable differences” they are talking about? it’s just pride baby. straight to the core. IN Nick and Hayden’s case, through their MAKE-OUT-ARGUE moments (no kiss& make-up, until the ending part), there was some serious reason why they can’t just be together. She believed he insulted her when he didn’t, she refused to acknowledge he was telling the truth, he let a false misunderstanding make him angry with her, he refused to lose,etc. Common problems yet many don’t get through it. So, that’s HONESTY & HUMILITY for every relationship. and of course
This book has been FUN + because of this book, I youtubed the snowboarding “Mctwist”, 900, 1080, etc. i learned of Shaun White. haha.
:)
October 19, 2009
Okay first off, I love Jennifer Echols books. I don’t think she can write a bad book. So it stands to reason that The Ex Games was wonderful! I loved it. It was a perfect mix of seriousness, comedy, romance, and of course, battle of the exes.
One of the things I loved was that I was kept guessing. Nick and Hayden were always at each other’s throats. I never knew if they were going to start making out or hitting each other. Also, their friends were so funny. Of course both of their friends were dating each other so they were always trying to set them up together. And a couple times it seemed like it might work but then one of them opened their big mouths and managed to screw everything up, again. I was left wondering till the very end what would happen. And that is always a good thing!
Oh and the whole book wasn’t just about Hayden and Nick’s relationship status. When Hayden accidentally said something that upset Nick, he challenged her to a battle of the exes, snowboarding style. =] Now is one of those times I wish I could snowboard. It sounds so cool and there was quite a bit of it in the book. And while there was a lot of snowboarding going on, I didn’t feel confused about what they were talking about. There was just enough description to explain things without going overboard. I hate it when a book has too much information.
Overall, The Ex Games is probably the best Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy that I have ever read. Most of the time they are too predictable but this one stands out. If you haven’t read it yet, or anything else by Jennifer Echols go pick up a book. Like I said, they are all good so it doesn’t matter which one you start with. I am positive you will end up wanting more. =]
One of the things I loved was that I was kept guessing. Nick and Hayden were always at each other’s throats. I never knew if they were going to start making out or hitting each other. Also, their friends were so funny. Of course both of their friends were dating each other so they were always trying to set them up together. And a couple times it seemed like it might work but then one of them opened their big mouths and managed to screw everything up, again. I was left wondering till the very end what would happen. And that is always a good thing!
Oh and the whole book wasn’t just about Hayden and Nick’s relationship status. When Hayden accidentally said something that upset Nick, he challenged her to a battle of the exes, snowboarding style. =] Now is one of those times I wish I could snowboard. It sounds so cool and there was quite a bit of it in the book. And while there was a lot of snowboarding going on, I didn’t feel confused about what they were talking about. There was just enough description to explain things without going overboard. I hate it when a book has too much information.
Overall, The Ex Games is probably the best Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy that I have ever read. Most of the time they are too predictable but this one stands out. If you haven’t read it yet, or anything else by Jennifer Echols go pick up a book. Like I said, they are all good so it doesn’t matter which one you start with. I am positive you will end up wanting more. =]
October 20, 2009
To be completely honest, I was a bit hesitant to pick this up at first, because I'm usually not that big of a fan of Simon Pulse's Romantic Comedies. Plus, I had no prior knowledge about snowboarding. But this was by Jennifer Echols', the amazingly talented person who wrote Going Too Far, so I decided to give it the chance it deserved and let me tell you, it was definitely worth it! Since, The Ex-Games was one seriously cute novel with a funny undertone that I adored!
Hayden was a character that was easy to like from the first page, because while she was a wickedly awesome snowboarder, she still had her faults and fears that any teenager could relate too. Also, I loved reading about her two best friends, Liz and Chloe! Adding to that, Nick was a boy character that was not only drool worthy, but sweet too, which made me seriously wish I could have me own Nick Krieger in my life. :)
Further more, the plot was action packed and never lagged for a second, which definitely won points in my eyes and made me come to love Ms. Echols' books even more! And as stated above even though I had no experience with snow boarding and the terms, I still could understand the whole sport because of the chapter titles ( which were a snow boarding term defined not only with it's technical definition but how it related to the chapter at hand) but how easily Jennifer described it, which in affect made me feel like I was right there with the characters.
Overall this is yet another fabulous novel by Jennifer and I can't tell you just how much I can't wait to read her future books!
I suggest this to fans of romantic comedies or teens who loved Jen's previous novels!
Grade: A
Hayden was a character that was easy to like from the first page, because while she was a wickedly awesome snowboarder, she still had her faults and fears that any teenager could relate too. Also, I loved reading about her two best friends, Liz and Chloe! Adding to that, Nick was a boy character that was not only drool worthy, but sweet too, which made me seriously wish I could have me own Nick Krieger in my life. :)
Further more, the plot was action packed and never lagged for a second, which definitely won points in my eyes and made me come to love Ms. Echols' books even more! And as stated above even though I had no experience with snow boarding and the terms, I still could understand the whole sport because of the chapter titles ( which were a snow boarding term defined not only with it's technical definition but how it related to the chapter at hand) but how easily Jennifer described it, which in affect made me feel like I was right there with the characters.
Overall this is yet another fabulous novel by Jennifer and I can't tell you just how much I can't wait to read her future books!
I suggest this to fans of romantic comedies or teens who loved Jen's previous novels!
Grade: A
June 27, 2011
Echols has written yet another amazing book, which is really no surprise seeing as how amazing her previous books were, particularly Going Too Far. What I love about her books is that they're always much more than just strictly romance/comedies. The stories and characters have depth and there is always some big drama happening (not of the petty kind though). In this book, Echols takes on gender roles in sports and does an amazing job with talking about the issue without becoming preachy or hitting you over the head with it. Hayden is a great, multi-faceted character and I loved reading about her life. Her friends are hysterical and I loved reading their interactions.
The romance is, of course, absolutely amazing; lots of books have love/hate relationships between the main character and his/her love interest, but she manages to take it to the next level and I felt like this romance was even more sizzling than others similar to it. Nick the main characters love interest is a hottie and we get to know that he isn’t just a pretty face. At one point, I even shook my fist at the book because several times throughout the book, it looks like they'll get together and then something goes wrong and it all blows up and then they hate each other again. I got so invested in these characters and hated to see the romance be ruined for a little bit by a little incident. The ending though was really great and I absolutely loved it. This is a perfect book to be reading while sitting next to the fire as the days start getting colder.
The romance is, of course, absolutely amazing; lots of books have love/hate relationships between the main character and his/her love interest, but she manages to take it to the next level and I felt like this romance was even more sizzling than others similar to it. Nick the main characters love interest is a hottie and we get to know that he isn’t just a pretty face. At one point, I even shook my fist at the book because several times throughout the book, it looks like they'll get together and then something goes wrong and it all blows up and then they hate each other again. I got so invested in these characters and hated to see the romance be ruined for a little bit by a little incident. The ending though was really great and I absolutely loved it. This is a perfect book to be reading while sitting next to the fire as the days start getting colder.
February 17, 2018
This was really cheesy and not in a good way. Stereotypes galore.
August 21, 2010
Hayden and Nick are ex's with a past- one that includes a very messy and public break up. Four years and a million snarky flirtatious lines later, Hayden is still crushing on the boy who broke her heart. Yet when he declares that he could out board her she can't back down and the two of them agree to a comp that sparks a boy vs girl snowboarding sensation. However, with a crippling fear of heights and a mistrust for the boy whom she adores yet broke her heart, Hayden just seems to be headed for a major biff. Will love concur all on the slops or fizzle out due to the cold?
What a fun read! Echols's is a smart writer, turning a simple seemingly cheesy romance into a character driven love story about two teens dealing with the growing pains of getting older, facing your fears, and forgiving. Hayden is sweet, feisty, and flat out lovely. While, Nick is dreamy, sofa king funny, and smexy as hell. Their friends are great and add so much to the story. Plus, the setting is fantastic! As someone who is terrified of skiing and snowboarding yet loves to watch it I enjoyed getting a little look into this world.
Overall, a fantastic read! I am definitely becoming a very devoted fan of Jennifer Echols's novels!
What a fun read! Echols's is a smart writer, turning a simple seemingly cheesy romance into a character driven love story about two teens dealing with the growing pains of getting older, facing your fears, and forgiving. Hayden is sweet, feisty, and flat out lovely. While, Nick is dreamy, sofa king funny, and smexy as hell. Their friends are great and add so much to the story. Plus, the setting is fantastic! As someone who is terrified of skiing and snowboarding yet loves to watch it I enjoyed getting a little look into this world.
Overall, a fantastic read! I am definitely becoming a very devoted fan of Jennifer Echols's novels!
September 8, 2010
My Thoughts: I love the Simon Romantic Comedies! I know some of you aren't fond of the cartoon covers but I adore these books! They are sooo cute! We meet Hayden aka Hoyden and Nick. Hayden and Nick used to date in 7th grade! Some embarrassing events happened, they broke up and have been at eachother's throats ever since. They both think they are so good at snowboarding and somehow get wrapped up in a challenge, a battle of the sexes. I loved this book. I didn't know if they were going to beat up one another or start making out! The tension between them is HOT! I could see myself falling for Nick. He acts all cool and thinks he's all that, but really he's just a sweet guy who has the hots for Hayden but can't tell her because he just wants to come off as cool. So instead he picks on her constantly! This book is fun and so far the best Simon Romantic Comedie I've read so far!
Overall: Great! One of my favs! Loved it!
Cover: Very cute! I don't mind the cartoon characters. Once you start reading the comedies you'll want to read them all!!
What I'd Give It: 5/5 Cupcakes
Taken From Princess Bookie
Overall: Great! One of my favs! Loved it!
Cover: Very cute! I don't mind the cartoon characters. Once you start reading the comedies you'll want to read them all!!
What I'd Give It: 5/5 Cupcakes
Taken From Princess Bookie
January 5, 2010
Certain parts of this were really good and cute. I liked Hayden's relationship with her brother - it seemed realistic, and it added a nice other dimension to her character. There were good parts between Hayden and Nick that seemed real; parts that were funny and parts that were sexy. Overall, though, I was really frustrated by the characters. Nick is a jerk to Hayden without good reason, and someone close to the end of high school shouldn't still tease a girl because he likes her, as if he's stuck in that seventh grade situation. Hayden, in return, jumps to conclusions about everything and really does have a horrible temper (and not in a cute "I'm a hot tempered red-head" type of way; more like an "obnoxious and immature" type of way). I was rooting for Hayden and Nick, but both of them came as such idiots at times that at the end I was pretty sure they deserved each other (and not in a good way).
April 28, 2015
A pretty good book. There were plenty of emotions, some humor, exasperation and aggravation (gotta love those hormones changing everything), lots of miscommunication, some realizations, and a good ending. I liked this book ok and enjoyed reading it but there was a lot of yo-yo feelings. Overall a good read that flowed well and definitely reminded me of the not-quite so settled feelings of being younger. I liked the ending and the 'big people' perspective though that showed the growth the characters had achieved. The personalities were great and interesting and the bantering and family were definitely a plus. Good for the anytime read or for passing time.
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