Review: Head Over Heels by Jennifer Dawson

HEAD OVER HEELS
by Jennifer Dawson
Series: Something New #5
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Zebra
Publication Date: September 26th 2017
Source: ARC received for review
Rating: ★★★★
Amazon - Barnes & Noble

Country and city, strapping and petite—these new neighbors have literally nothing in common. Are the fireworks crackling between them pure irritation—or something a whole lot hotter?

With her professional reputation in tatters—and her boss in jail—Sophie Kincaid has no choice but to move to small-town Revival, Illinois, until the dust settles, where her best friends have arranged a job and a house for her. For six months, she’s pretty sure she can handle anything—even her new landlord and neighbor, Ryder Moore. A magnetic 6’4” deputy sheriff, Ryder’s good looks and habit of flirting with intent to seduce are an infuriating distraction—and, to Sophie’s alarm, an undeniable temptation. Ryder knows Sophie’s type—entitled city girl—and it’s not one of his favorites. Add in her snarky sass and her propensity for trouble and she’s not exactly his ideal tenant. But something about the curvy little blonde fires Ryder’s imagination, not to mention his desire. Soon enough their verbal sparring seems like a prelude to something much more physical—and far more pleasurable. Is love right around the corner—or just right next door?

I’ve been waiting forever for this book, and Jennifer Dawson did not disappoint!

This story follows Sophie who moved to Revival following a scandal involving the company she worked for in Chicago that ended up with her losing her job and her reputation tainted. She rented a house next to sexy Ryder Moore, Revival’s deputy sheriff who also happened to be her landlord. Sparks instantly flew when these two met, and despite knowing he was bad for her, Sophie just couldn’t stay away…

Gosh, I love a great romance! Ryder and Sophie seemed to have nothing in common outside their huge lusts for each other. She’s a big-city girl who views Revival as a pit stop before she returns to Chicago, and Ryder can’t imagine living anywhere else. She’s a reformed wild girl, and he’s a bad boy down to the bone. And yet Jen did a great job showcasing Sophie and Ryder building a friendship, bonding over TV shows and takeout meals. Sure, they can’t take their eyes (and hands) off each other, but I appreciate that they also have a relationship that isn’t just pure lust. They truly liked each other and had a great time in each other’s company.

Sophie and Ryder’s romance is oh so hot! They remind me of Griffin and Darcy, also a bit of James and Gracie. Sophie is a headstrong and snarky woman, and Ryder loves to tease and goad her. Their verbal fights are my favourite part of their relationship; it’s just a huge foreplay, and everyone knows it’s only a matter of time before they fall into each other’s arms and (excuse my crassness) start screwing. I love that with Ryder, Sophie realizes that losing control isn’t that bad when you have the right person to do it with. I also love that Ryder loves Sophie as she is: smart mouth, wild streak and everything. One of my favourite scenes in this book is when Darcy says that Griffin is a bit in love with Sophie because she’s so smart and talented, and suggests that they all have a four-way with each other to let off steam. BOY AM I MAD THAT THIS DIDN’T HAPPEN because they’re all kinky enough for this to actually happen I AM SO MAD. [Highlight for spoiler!] 

Reading Head Over Heels makes me realized how much I’ve missed the world of Something New. I’m so going to reread this series later. Also, I’m still holding out for Sam’s book, Ms. Dawson!

Have you read books by Jennifer Dawson?
Let me know in the comments below!