Book Review: She Laughs in Pink by Jessica Calla

ASIN: B01D1XC96A
Publisher: BookFish Books LLC. (May 17, 2016)

Blurb

Four years after her twin is murdered, Juliet Anderson still struggles with guilt, her parents, and her

relationships. Two things keep her from falling into a deep, dark place—dancing and her best friend, Ben.

So when Ben decides to play football for New Jersey University, Juliet doesn’t hesitate. She follows.

Finally away from her past, there is nothing to stand in the way. Juliet will win Ben’s heart.

Then she meets Ben’s roommate, Chase.

On probation and hell-bent on adhering to a “new life plan,” aspiring artist Chase leaves his New York

City home for New Jersey University and meets Juliet before even stepping foot on campus. For him,

their connection is instant. She’s the most vibrant girl he’s ever seen. Her colors explode on his canvas,

and he’s never been more inspired in his life.

Too bad she’s madly in love with his seemingly perfect, good guy roommate.

Links: Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | Kobo

Review:

This is the first novel I’ve read by Calla, and I must admit, I’m impressed. I was a little worried at first as I’m more partial to a somewhat older crowd, but I’m so glad I got to meet the Sheridan Hall gang. The characters are well-developed, and their behavior is understandable and real. I was surprised by the whole “color” thing – happily surprised. I didn’t expect it. I won’t elaborate because I want you all to be happily surprised, as well.

Chase has his flaws, and I couldn’t help but to love him, even when he was messing up. I’m glad his flaws were clear, and his recovery was not immediate. He’s made mistakes, but he has a good heart. His life hasn’t been easy by any means, and his determination to do better is admirable. Juliet’s life hasn’t been easy either, but with a somewhat different kind of turmoil. Although, I didn’t agree with some of their actions, I expected them, and to have them to behave any other way would’ve been traitorous to the generation. They both had some learning and growing up to do (don’t we all at that age?), and their emotional development is paced and believable.

I experienced a plethora of emotions while reading. I even found myself playing matchmaker – deciding who I wanted to be together, and now eagerly awaiting the remaining stories. The connection between Chase and Juliet was intense, and the relationship actually developed nicely. I’m pleased Ben didn’t have to be the bad guy to turn the situation in the right direction. The other characters added vibrancy to the story, and I felt as if I was a student. It was nice to be welcomed into the group.

There is a twist, and sad turn, and the story comes together winningly. The dialogue was on point for the age group – entertaining without being juvenile, and the descriptions are just as bright as the colors described. The pace is steady, and I never found myself with the urge to scan. That really says a lot.

This is a true welcome-to-adulthood story that I highly recommend. I’ll definitely be reading the next in the series.

Rating system: Cups of Coffee (the less the better)

0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.

My rating: 0 cups of coffee

About the Author:

Jessica Calla is a lawyer by day, author by night. Her favorite time is the kids’ bedtime, when she’s free to

open the laptop, battle with the blinking cursor, and pour out the contents of her heart.

Jessica is a member of Romance Writers of America, involved in the Contemporary, Young Adult, and

New Jersey Chapters, and is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She recently became

the oldest marketing intern ever at BookFish Books, and was named a Team Member for the inaugural

FicFest writing contest. She also mentors unpublished writers as part of the Young Adult Romance

Writers’ mentoring program.

Besides reading and writing, Jessica enjoys movies, yoga, coffee, and chocolate, but has a serious

addiction problem when it comes to Diet Coke, Twitter, and Netflix. Always a Jersey Girl, she lives in the

central part of the state with her husband, two sons, and her dog.

Jessica’s first book, The Love Square, an adult contemporary romance, was published by Limitless

Publishing in January of 2016 and continues to receive positive reviews. She can’t wait for Book 2 of the

Sheridan Hall Series, She Runs Away, to be released in November 2016 by BookFish Books. She can be reached at jessicacallaauthor@gmail.com

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads