Review: Scorched by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Scorched by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Frigid #2
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: June 16, 2015 by Spencer Hill Press
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon 

Jennifer Armentrout has kicked it up a notch with Scorched. This is new adult at its best, with depth and heart.

Readers who enjoyed Frigid will remember Andrea, Sydney's best gal pal, and Tanner, best friend to Kyler. The two have long had a relationship built on bickering, snarky comments, and put-downs. But things are changing and they're seeing each other in a new light.

Andrea first noticed Tanner in freshman year and has harbored feelings for him ever since. But he's a major player and doesn't do relationships. Add to that the fact that they can't be in the same room without throwing barbs, and obviously there's no future there. Andrea is smart and funny and can be the life of the party, but inside she is struggling. Plagued by feelings of doubt and uncertainty, too often she finds that having a drink (or five) is the best way to quiet her thoughts and just forget. Concerned friends are just making a big deal over nothing. They drink too, so what's the problem?

It was impossible not to fall for Tanner. He was charming and funny and cocky and as the story progressed I saw a softer side to him that was positively swoon worthy. Early on, when he showed up at Andre's apartment to check on her and to make an apology face to face, he showed that he was a stand-up guy. I'm a sucker for dual POV and I loved getting in Tanner's head. His thoughts and feelings about Andrea, especially when he was appreciating her curvy figure, added so much. I loved both his persistence and his patience. Over and over again he proved himself to be the kind of guy who knew what he wanted and was willing to work for it and, when needed, wait for it.

I really enjoyed the way Andrea and Tanner's relationship progressed. It felt completely realistic. Both were hesitant to start anything - and rightfully so. Andrea was well aware of Tanner's player status. And Tanner was attracted to Andy and feeling like there could be more, but he was perplexed by her hot and cold demeanor. Watching as these two navigated this new relationship was so satisfying. Tanner was more willing to put his heart on the line but Andrea was dealing with so much more than her feelings for Tanner. She opened up to him, and she shut him out. She allowed herself to hope, and she was convinced she was not worthy of a relationship.

"Usually the people who smile the most and 

laugh the loudest are the ones who suffer the most."

Scorched tackles some serious topics without being heavy-handed. There's Armentrout's signature banter and humor but here it is balanced with the sobering tale of a young woman struggling with issues that even she cannot understand. Andrea is a character worthy of admiration as she shows a strength and resolve to make changes in her life.

Fans of Armentrout will love her latest release and be fully invested in Angela and Tanner's story. Readers who have been wary of new adult can pick up Scorched with confidence. Highly recommended.

(Note: The nod to Armentrout's Lux series in the first chapter was priceless!)