"Ever since junior high and an ill-fated game of seven minutes in heaven, Rikki Eisendrath and Sam Payne have hated each others’ guts. But when they end up at the same college—and the same dorm—they figure it’s time to declare a truce.
They even become friends… sort of. But when Sam asks Rikki to model for his sculpting project, they start spending more time together—and her feelings for him get more complicated.
She tries to focus on the guy she’s been crushing on instead. But Sam’s the one she can’t stop thinking about, even though their arguments are starting to heat up as much as the chemistry between them.
With antagonism and attraction this intense, there’s bound to be an explosion. But when the dust settles, will Sam and Rikki be enemies, friends… or something more?"
NetGalley. Thanks for the copy.
Controversial. That is the first word that springs to mind when I think about Rikki (the book). Controversial, because the love interest does a whole bunch of crappy things. Controversial, because it mentions politics and embraces some philosophies others may be uncomfortable with. Controversial, because this book is much more liberal than... well, anything I have read before. Controversial but never, ever boring.
The beginning starts off with the first kiss Rikki has with Sam. The beginning doesn't run very smoothly. We skip years, and time flies by. I feel as if there are holes in Sam and Rikki's tale even though there aren't any. Anyway, things really start heating up when Sam and Rikki finds themselves living in the same building for college. Which is at 1/3 of the book.
The love interest, Sam, is not my favorite kind of love interest. Yes, I guess that kids have their reasons for great immaturity. But... Oh, my gosh. I can't believe he did that (underwear theft), and it totally made me cold towards Sam. He does make up for it, but I can't see pass by his actions. So no, he isn't my favorite kind of love interest. (Though I have read worse.)
Social commentary. There is a lot of them spread all around the book. Do it well, and the readers would hardly notice. In-depth readers would rant all about it. Do it badly, and readers would be raising their eyebrows at the weird commentary sticking out like a sore thumb. Obvious social commentary belongs to Time Magazine. Not so apparent... Well, that is fine for novels. Don't get me wrong, the book makes excellent points. But some of them aren't necessary. Unless we are trying to make a statement that Millennials are liberal? *shrugs*
The romance between Sam and Rikki obviously is the plot and driving force of the book. Will they get together? Or will they not? Ahh, the usual questions. Despite all of Sam's misgivings and faults, they do share a strong connection. But... (here we go again)
I'm seriously concerned about Rikki. If the same thing happens to me, I won't be turned on by it (underwear theft). I would be filing a lawsuit. And winning.
In conclusion, Rikki is a stirring novel that would spark off a lot of comments. Some great moments, but they are overshadowed by the thin plot, weird love interest, and odd commentary about society and its people. But not boring.
Rating: Two out of Five
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