The Hazards of Skinny Dipping Paperback – May 18, 2013

When a book starts out with the narrator telling me that this isn't like other stories and that it's not the story that I think it's going to be, I get nervous. Do not tell me that your book isn't like other books! Give me a book that isn't like other books! The Hazards of Skinny Dipping is exactly like other books in the genre, and that isn't a bad thing. I read NA Romance for a reason! And this is a very good one! It didn't need that little boost in the prologue!The Hazards of Skinny Dipping was so fun! Juliet's cousin gave her a list of things to do before going off to college. The final one was to skinny dip and that's the one that sets Juliet's first year of college into motion. She's interrupted by her neighbor whom she's had a crush on forever. He finally notices her, they do the deed, and....well, let's just say Dylan isn't the most attentive lover. Juliet continues to see him though since they're at school together and both part of the Greek system. However, after a few months Juliet realizes that her crush isn't just bad in bed, he's an overall bad boyfriend.I loved how The Hazards of Skinny Dipping deals with abusive relationships. It doesn't go completely dark with physical abuse or even verbal abuse. It covers a more subtle type: controlling and obsession. Juliet is an independent woman and is trying to go about college on her terms. She wants to make friends, join a sorority, and hold down a job for extra money. Dylan just wants her with him all the time and to make sure that everyone knows she's "his." That is not okay! I'm really glad the author showed that it's not okay, and that is okay to leave someone who is like that.Of course, there has to be an actual, sweet romance as well. Juliet and Reed are super cute together. I loved that they were friends first before moving onto the dating portion. I do think the "I love you"s came a bit too fast, but I still enjoyed watching their relationship develop, and that Reed continued to be supportive of Juliet. There is an inevitable fight. I didn't see it coming, but I am glad that it didn't get dragged out.The Hazards of Skinny Dipping was just a great, fun read, and deals with a serious topic without getting heavy.

When Juliet's cousin essentially dares her to break out of her shell and take a few risks before she heads off to college, she has no idea what she's gotten herself into. A few beers, a night at a bar, and a kiss with a stranger don't seem so bad, but skinny dipping? Of course someone caught her at it!But the guy she's had a crush on for years, the unexpected partner in her skinny dipping adventure isn't quite as perfect as she'd dreamed he was, and while he doesn't completely turn his back on her after their night together, she kind of wishes she would. Especially now that she's met Reed.But... There was a certain lack of connection throughout the book. While looking through Juliet's eyes, it was easy to understand what was going on, but I didn't really feel it. In fact, I would venture to say that the most I felt was sympathy for the utterly clueless and selfish Dylan, and that wasn't really the point of the story.The Verdict: At first, I just felt kind of sorry for Dylan. I mean, he was just completely clueless! The way he talked to Juliet seemed rude at times, but I assumed that was because he was so used to girls throwing themselves at him that he didn't have much skill in actually trying to pursue a girl like Juliet. And he did really seem to like her, wanting her to sleep next to him, acknowledging when everyone's assumptions about their sleeping together embarrassed her. But then he'd just be all disrespectful and borderline rude again. It's no wonder she wasn't following him around like a lost puppy.But I have to say I was also a bit annoyed with Juliet. Dylan was incredibly self-centered, not like he didn't care about Juliet's feelings but more like he wasn't even aware they existed. And Juliet, since she'd been crushing on him for ages and had built him up to some kind of fantasy man in her head, more often than not allowed him to push her around. Things never got abusive, really, but their scenes together were frustrating. Granted, Juliet's young, and eighteen-year-olds don't necessarily have a lot of wisdom when it comes to guys, but she knew she wasn't really all that happy, and still she went along with him.Reed, of course, was really sweet and funny. And when their romance finally had a chance, I was happy to expect something more. However, for all their interactions and the fun they had together, I still didn't really connect with them. My favorite stories are the ones where I almost feel like I am the main character, and my emotions tumble around along with hers. But in The Hazards of Skinny Dipping, it felt more like I was watching from the outside, being told about emotions and sometimes getting a glimpse of them but never really feeling them myself. It's still a cute, fairly quick read, and the sex scenes aren't overly graphic, so I'd say it's just about perfect for the seventeen or eighteen year old reader.

I really enjoyed this story. In here we meet Juliet. A college student who received a "bucket" list from her cousin. Juliet at the beginning seemed like a nerdy, shy and quiet person but she is anything bad. Her story is showing us that sometimes getting what you always wanted may not be the best thing. She always wanted Dylan. Handsome, popular guy. But she didn't know that he is only charming outside and inside he is a douche. After their skinny dipping the only thing he wanted was sex.... and yeah, she did wanted also but she was dreaming about the amazing sex...but it never came. On top of it he became controlling and intimidating. What I didn't like was that it took Juliet so long to stand up for herself and also she didn't do it entirely by herself...And in here we meet Reed. Sweet, attentive and just perfect. He became her friend and helped her realise what is important in the relationship. But as always there were obstacles... Betrayal, secrets.4 stars from me :)

Not bad, but the central character is quite annoying in that she will keep giving into the man she first sleeps with in the book. It's obvious from the word go that he's a control freak and not right for her at all, but she continues to fall under his spell (basically, putting a hand on her leg is enough to make her melt into his arms!!!). Anyway, the story isn't bad apart from that. Was expecting the story to be more of a beach, holiday romance kind of thing, but in fact it's all about college kids.

I have read all of Alyssas' other books and am a huge fan but something about the Hazards series didn't really appeal to me. However, I downloaded this one whilst looking for something new to try and I wasn't disappointed! I really enjoyed the simplicity of the story, I loved the main characters and I finished it in half a day!! I'm off to get me some more Hazards!!

Juliet is starting College at Eighteen she is pledging with Du Mu. Juliet has always liked Dylan when she decides to do the last thing on her list Amy gave her to follow before college starts. Juliet goes skinny dipping then Dylan sees her. Juliet starts college and meets Reed at Al's Pizza shop and gets a job. A good read about mistakes.

Hmmm, It's ok, but just ok. The author is obviously a fan of 50 Shades and tried to bring the Red Room side of things in to the story which made me giggle but wasn't particularly needed. Dylan creeped me out, but I guess he is suppose to. The whole thing is just missing something... cute little read though, if only to fill the time on the beach/pool side