Such a Rush

Captivating, intoxicating and addicting!

I think this is Jennifer Echols best work yet!

This book is captivating, intoxicating and addicting! A story about love, friendship and discovering that your self-worth isn't about where you come from but who you are inside.

Eighteen year old Leah Jones is from the wrong side of the tracks, or in this case, the wrong side of the airport runway. Having grown up in trailer parks her whole life with an absentee mom who manages to bring America's Most Wanted rejects with her when she is around, it's no wonder Leah's a target for the kids at school who've labeled her "trailer trash". In an effort to escape her dead end life, even if only for a short time, Leah goes searching for her next rush. She's always loved watching airplanes and taking to the skies herself gives her both the thrill and freedom she craves.

When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall offers her a job flying one of his banner planes (the kind you see flying over the beach advertising restaurant specials) she sees it as the opportunity that will put her on the fast track out of the trailer park. All that comes crashing down when Mr. Hall dies suddenly and the business is left in the care of his twin sons, Alec, who can do no wrong and Grayson the consummate screw-up. The Hall boys are no strangers to Leah. They're all the same age, all having earned their pilots licenses at the same time but things are different now. They'll be her bosses making things even more awkward considering she's harbored a crush on Grayson for the past three years.

Leah's not sure what Mr. Hall's death means for her job and her horizons darken even more when Grayson discovers a secret she's been hiding and threatens to use it against her. He forces her to fly and she ends up caught between the brothers in a fight that has them all headed into a downward spiral with no smooth landing in sight.

Grayson's plan involves having Leah get Alec to date her in an effort to protect him, but from what, Grayson won't say. Leah isn't sure his plan will work but Grayson continues to push, and reluctantly, she agrees. To her surprise though, Alec falls for her easily and what's even more startling is when Grayson begins to act jealous of their fake relationship. He can't have feelings for her can he? He spends most of his time insulting her. (That's middle school boy code for "I secretly love you but can't tell you", right?)

It's obvious that Grayson and Leah feel something for each other but their exchanges are so emotionally charged, one minute they're like a healing salve for each others wound and the next, like two cats tied together by their tales and thrown over a clothesline. Things get really complicated when Leah's BFF Molly comes to work for the week, a double date goes horribly wrong, and Leah's mom shows up and risks ruining everything. The truth will finally come out and leave a jet stream of broken hearts in it's wake.

I thoroughly enjoyed Leah! (To put it more bluntly, I LOVED HER SO HARD!) She's strong, fiercely independent and charming in her own unique way.

All of these characters are flawed or broken in some way which is what makes them so relatable and lovable. What they're reminded of (as are we) is that we're all deserving of love - it shouldn't be something we have to earn nor should it depend on our social class.

They also realize just how short life really is. Say, "I love you." Now.

10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

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This is a must read!! If you haven't purchased this book you n

This is a must read!!

If you haven't purchased this book you need to. RIGHT.AWAY. No seriously, go buy it now. It's worth it. Jennifer Echols has done it again. To start, Leah as a pilot...awesome. The title...perfect. Just reading the book is a rush. Then again that's almost to be expected with anything Jennifer writes.

Leah wants to do more with herself than living in a trailer park with her mom. So she starts taking flying lessons after saving up the money. I enjoyed the fact that Leah did what she dreamed of doing despite the difficulties that she faced. That's what made her a strong character. Grayson is a bad boy. You know, the one we all want to be around because he's fun and daring. Ahh but he can be a jerk too. There were times I wanted to choke him and times I wanted Grayson to wrap me up in a hug. Alec was the knight-in-shining-armor at times, but others it was awkward between him and Leah. That not only added to the tension, but the intrigue. With each page I had to see how things were going to play out. Grayson and Alec both had their difficult moments, and I didn't always love them. But there's goodness under all the trouble on top. Jennifer Echol's does an amazing job getting their and showing us the journey.

Jennifer's secondary characters added to the story, rather than detracting like I've seen them do in other books (none of Jennifer's though). They certainly didn't take center stage, but it wouldn't have been the same without them. Mr. Hall reminded me of a grumpy old man with a big heart buried underneath it all. Molly was...well...entertaining.

Put another mark in the win column for SUCH A RUSH. I'd recommend it for sure.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I knew I was going to love this book early into the story. I can

I knew I was going to love this book early into the story. I can't relate to Leah in life experience, but I think anyone can relate to her on an emotional level. She's had a tough life and there is a bit of a hard edge to her as a result. Leah is a survivor. She has no choice. Her poor excuse of a mother has basically abandoned her and she has no idea who her father is. Leah made the decision early on to lead a different life. She's determined to be better. So, how will she do it? By becoming a pilot of course.

Growing up near airports, Leah was always intrigued by planes. So, when they move to Heaven Beach, she gets a job at the airport and then meets Mr. Hall. He saw a spark and tenacity in her. Ultimately, I think he was a great father figure for her to look up to and really rely on. Even though he had a broken family, he showed his children love and also provided a solid ground for her to stand on. Leah needed to have someone in her life like that.

As for the romance, I remember reading the synopsis thinking that the story was going to take us through a big love triangle between brothers. That was not the case. There is a reason for both brothers to be involved with Leah, but her feelings are firmly with Grayson. And let me say, I loved, loved, loved Grayson. Yes, he's gorgeous, snarky, and overall desirable, but there is a sensitivity to him that really makes you fall hard for him. After his father dies, he really matures and I liked seeing how important keeping the family business was to him. I felt like Grayson and Leah were a perfect match for each other. Their passion for each other created the perfect amount of steam for a YA novel. I really loved the way the story ended. It was perfect.

This was the first book I've read by Jennifer Echols and I can honestly say that I can't wait to read more of her books. The writing is flawless. She literally puts you into the characters lives. I felt like I could see the story playing in my mind. I became so involved in Leah and Grayson, that I started reading the last few chapters more slowly, because I didn't want the book to end. If you're looking for a heartfelt YA romance with an equal balance of character and plot building, this is the perfect read for you.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I loved this book. very well written. Finished it very quickly

I loved this book. very well written. Finished it very quickly

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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The first thing I want to do, before mentioning anything about t

The first thing I want to do, before mentioning anything about this book is describe Jennifer Echols and her books. She does two different types – romantic comedy (Major Crush, The Ex Games, Endless Summer, The One That I Want) and romantic drama (Forget You, Going Too Far). If you’re looking for a more light hearted read, her comedy books are great. If you want a really solid contemporary book, her dramas are for you.
I am saying this because I’ve had some of you tell me you’ve read one in her comedy line-up, and liked it but didn’t fall in love. So you’re unsure of Echols. And you shouldn’t be. It’s all about the mind set you have when you go into the book, and what type of book you are choosing.

Enough blabbering, yes?

Now, Such a Rush falls into the drama category. And now I will start my official review.

I LOVED SUCH A RUSH AHHHHHHHHHHH

That’s not really an official way to say it, but oh my goodness I really loved this book. It is my new favorite Jennifer Echols book.

Leah and her mother have traveled all over the country, hopping from trailer park to trailer park at the whim of her mother and her mother’s current boyfriend. Each time they move, they end up in a trailer park right next to an airport, so Leah has developed a love for airplanes and flying. She decides that she wants to be a pilot, and gets a job at the airport next to her trailer park, which is run by Mr. Hall and his three sons.

A really emotional part of this book for me was watching how Leah’s mom treated her. Her mom’s boyfriends always had first priority. The boyfriend needs to make a car payment? Leah gets asked for money. The boyfriend says he can get a job somewhere else? They move. Not only this, but Leah’s mom makes her pay rent, and pawns off their belongings in attempt to get more cash. I was absolutely heartbroken for Leah in several instances where her mom was treating her so poorly or Leah was talking about her home life. It’s hard to convince you how badly my heart hurt, but maybe you can imagine a little bit.

Besides her home life, Leah has to constantly deal with the Hall twin brothers. Mr. Hall dies not far into the book, and if Leah wants a job flying she has to work with Grayson and Alec, who have decided to try to take over the business. Grayson kind of blackmails her into flying, and it seems like Alec could want romantic involvement.

She also has a singular friend, Molly, who is really popular at school (Leah is not). BOY did Molly make me angry a few times, refusing to realize how her other friends treat Leah among other things. I was furious.
So as you can see, I had some very intense emotion while reading this book, and I loved it. I absolutely loved it.

SUCH A RUSH is an emotional, intense story of a girl trying to find a better place in her world.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Jennifer Echols Doesn't Let Her Readers Down!!

I've always been a fan of Jennifer Echols' novels and while I certainly enjoyed Such a Rush, I can't say that I favor it over her previous dramatic romances. Leah becoming a teen pilot is the most unique part of the plot. I wasn't captured by the 'love-triangle', but I did feel my heart race from the sizzling chemistry between Grayson and Leah.

Telling the story from the beginning of Leah's interest in flying is really what sold the story to me. I was getting the depth of Leah's dreams and insecurities and not just being told how she feels about her life. I was seeing the impact of her mother's neglect and their style of living on Leah. The first few chapters were all I needed to gradually make up my mind about Leah's character. The final verdict? She has a strong will and her ability to make up her mind about her future at a rebellious and tender age makes her stand out among many contemporary female leads.

I wasn't particularly happy with the main cause of tension during the story. Grayson feels that in order to keep his twin brother, Alec, from making the biggest mistake of his life, he needs to enlist Leah to date Alec. There are so many complications that arise because of his plan that one would expect for a big blowout towards the end, but when every lie and secret comes out in the open the story feels rushed and the drama anti-climatic. The fact that Leah doesn't really want to go along with the plan casts a dark cloud over the parts of the story that I would have otherwise enjoyed. The story line felt a little similar to Echols' romantic comedy, The One That I Want where the characters are in mismatched relationships, the most obvious difference being that Such a Rush is written for an older audience.

The hope of a happy ending is strong while reading Such a Rush, and all in all, Jennifer Echols doesn't let her readers down. She brings on the heat and searing glances, giving Such a Rush just a touch more maturity than previous romantic novels.

Originally posted on Lovey Dovey Books
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Best one so far

I loved this book definitely the best one so far

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Shadow

I still play sonic but mostly shadow i got my hair exactly like his

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Hey guys

U guyz got this idea from sam n aria....

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Jen

Its up to u.

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I not like amazing & wow

I got losed in it

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To jen

I dpnt think we should be doing this i have a gf in real life and not a virtual one i made a really stupid mistake and ive been dating her since i was in fourth grade i am srry but we cab still be friends

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Jen

Wow i hope your gf dumps your a.zz

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Wasn't sure about this one, but WOW!

I started this book wanting to love it b/c I love Echols writing style & characters, but after reading only 2 chapters I put it down & thought "Oh this is not going to be a book I'd enjoy at all." About a week or 2 went by before I picked it up again deciding I'd give it another shot since I had no other unread books on my nook. I finished it in 2 days (alot of 2's I know) it was so good I hated to put it down! And to think I was so skeptical after only reading 2 chapters! Echols has done it yet again! I am in awe of her ability to write such a wonderful love story! I must say this author is simply brilliant!
The story plot is original, the characters are great & easy to relate to with their lives & feelings. Grayson was came off as cocky & uncaring but I knew he had potential & I'd love him in the end. Leah was not the usual virginal character I'm getting tired of reading about (thankfully b/c not every main female character can be a virgin!) This story felt more real than most love stories even with the planes & flying. The addition of Mark's character was nice too even though he was strange he was realistic. All in all I am so glad I picked this one back up & gave it another shot! Donot hesitate buying this one or in my case reading it!

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Great Book!!

I really enjoyed Such a Rush! I have read several Jennifer Echols books and this is her best yet, can't wait to read more from her.

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Ehhh....

It was an ok read but I felt that the sexual content took away from the story, and at times it felt as if I was reading a soap opera.

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Leah Jones is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Life ha

Leah Jones is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Life has not come easily to her; she has been the person ensuring that there is a roof over her own head as her mother is missing most of the time. They have moved from trailer park to trailer park as her mother's boyfriends say they can get her mother a job. Leah has always been drawn to flying and when she arrives in the newest town she gets a job at the airport office and starts saving her pennies to be able to convince Mr. Hall, owner of Hall Aviation, to teach her how to fly. Mr. Hall's requirement is that Leah has her mother sign a permission slip, which Leah forges. The end result is Leah learning to fly and her mother never knowing and a new father figure in her life. Despite her relationship with Mr. Hall, Leah feels like an outsider whenever his sons come to visit and they help fly the banner planes that make up the majority of Hall Aviation's business. All are attractive young men but their personalities could not be more different. Leah stays back as a silent observer, secretly crushing on Grayson, even going to the point of telling her mother that she is spending time with him (as her boyfriend) to cover her flying time. It's a shock and a blow when Mr. Hall dies unexpectedly, just a short time after his oldest son dies in the war. Leah figures that the business will be sold and that she has lost her spring break and summer job of flying the banners and she looks for other employment, which she thinks she finds with a local crop duster's nephew. When Grayson and Alec show up to run the business, Leah doesn't think it'll last for long, and Leah has no intention risking not having a job. Somehow Grayson uncovers the forged note and blackmails her to stay on to help fly the banners. Not only that, he wants Leah to persuade Alec to date her. Grayson threatens Leah's hopes of flying so she has no choice but to cooperate with his scheme. What makes it even worse he refused to tell her why.
I was immediately drawn to Leah and her drive for life. It would have been so simple for her to give into her situation and just get by, but she doesn't she takes on the rigors of keeping a roof over her head and mothering herself while setting strong goals for herself. What I was surprised by is how Leah was so unaware of how her appearance and personality affected those around her. She is so focused on surviving that she misses who she really is. That and she is so passionate about flying, she puts the boys to shame in this arena, I think because she had to earn it and the boys just expected to learn to fly.
There were some limited interactions with Alec but I did not feel like I really got to know him as a character other than how Grayson tries to use Leah to date him and why. Grayson, on the other hand, I was really frustrated with in the beginning. This bad boy seemed like all kinds of trouble and I really wanted to not like him at first, but he grew on me. Page after page, I wanted to be able to understand him and when all the pieces fell together, I found that I really liked him and understood why he was the way he was.
The only thing that I disliked about this book was how sex was portrayed. Leah had only had sex once and she was made to be this "hooker" just because she was an attractive girl who lived in the trailer park. I just had a hard time with this portion of the story.

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I really loved the book! This story starts out with Leah, the m

I really loved the book!

This story starts out with Leah, the main character talking about how she cam to be at Heaven Beach and the circumstances behind her wanting to learn how to fly.

We learn that she wants to learn to fly after living by many various airports, every where that she's lived. First, she gets a job at the nearby, little airport as a sort of jack-of-all trades. She works at this job and saves all the money she can to take at least one flying lesson. When she succeeds, she approaches Mr. Hall, the flight instructor. But, she is deterred when he hands her a parent permission slip to get signed by her mother.

Now, we learn about her mother. Her mother has moved both herself and Leah from place to place on whim, or when she found a new boyfriend. Leah's mother is neglectful and does anything she can to get money, including selling her TVs to mooching the money off of Leah. Leah knows that if she handed her form to her mother, her mother would be angry about how Leah was spending her money. So, Leah forges her mother's signature.

When she goes back to Mr. Hall with the now 'signed' form, he takes her out on her first flying lesson and she discovers how much she really loves flying. This makes Mr. Hall and Leah grow close in a father-daughter way. Mr. Hall's sons (who live with their mother after the divorce) do not like this and though jealousy, or maybe envy, they make up a malicious lie about her. She hears it and estranges herself from them...

That is, until some deaths occur that tears Leah from her flying and brings back Mr. Hall's twin sons Alec and Grayson. Grayson, the twin that Leah feels an overwhelmingly strong attraction for. Grayson, who is blackmailing Leah into doing something-- two somethings-- for him.

I REALLY, REALLY loved this book! in my opinion, this was actually the best book that Jennifer Echols has written, to date.

I liked Leah's character. She was getting bullied at school, yet she stuck through it and didn't let the bullies know if it dented her armor or not. Though she lived in a trailer home, she was not like the stereotypical trailer park people that everybody, except her friend Molly, thought she was. She was just trying to survive through her mom's flakiness and mooching while doing something that she absolutely loved, flying airplanes.

Let's not forget about Grayson! A lot of times, I wanted to punch him in the face, or know what he was thinking at a given moment. I actually wish that this story was in alternating P-O-Vs. It would've been SO much better. Closer to the end of the novel, I started to see Grayson's true colors, though, instead of what he showed on the outside. It made me understand him so much more.



On the whole, I liked Such a Rush's plot line. It was different than all of the cliched stuff in other literature. Also, I learned a lot of facts about planes, for example, that I hadn't known before. Yay to learning something new!

So, I had to, of course, give this book a five. What else would I have given it?

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Fun read

Ok, but predictable.

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ahh... I've had my doubts. I honestly am not a fan of planes. Bu

ahh... I've had my doubts. I honestly am not a fan of planes. But then
this book made me rethink it, even to the point where I'm willing to go
with Leah and Grayson for a ride. xD This book is perfect for those
relaxing days when the suns out. It wasn't a really big or long book,
perfect for traveling or what not. The plot was interesting; there was
that gut feeling where it's screaming to buy it. -grins- Leah and
Grayson's relationship really annoyed me; they wouldn't just say that
they were attracted to each other. Then again, you have to read to the
end to figure out everything. I was practically screaming at the end~
Their road together was really bumpy, and I liked how everything
actually fell into place. (cant give much away ^^) The characters had a
strong point, and that's a good thing, but there were some bad times.
With Leah, she's headstrong and gets through things, but sometimes don't
really mix with her and Grayson. And man, the boy. He's the attractive,
bad boy in town. Grayson's tough exterior had his soft, caring
personality covered and I like that because of him with Leah. hmm..
what else. Well, I loved this book no matter what. I'm a softie for love
stories, but oh well~

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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