Ready

Ready. Bria Felicien. 2017. 192 pages. [Source: Kindle Unlimited].

Nothing makes for an interesting love story quite like the friend zone. In this story, Jade is a college senior, and a star on her college’s soccer team. It seems fitting that her closest guy friend is a star basketball player at the rival college across town. Their friendship is one based on mutual support and understanding of the significance of athletics in their lives. And also came out of her blocking him when he tried to shoot his shot with her two years prior.

The challenge, though, comes with Jade’s failed relationship with a guy Bryce knew would let her down. Now that they’re both on the market, they can’t help but wonder if the feelings they’ve tried tamping down over time could actually amount of something meaningful. There are, of course, some wrenches. Bryce is a big deal on his campus, which comes with a lot of eager female fans that make Jade wary of taking him seriously as a partner.

Something that jumped out at me most about this book was how the author was able to hone in on some developmental issues facing college students. Jade in particular struggles to find her footing at the end of her college sports career, leaving her uncertain about her future while Bryce has clear plans to head to the NBA. The author also alludes to Jade’s mental health history, which I thought was incredibly appropriate given other issues she struggled with (relationship troubles, career uncertainty). The depiction of depression and how it interfered with her daily functioning was sensitive and a necessary advocacy effort for others to talk to someone.

Ready is all about just that — being ready and getting ready for what life brings. The story itself is interesting and the characters surprisingly likable and relatable. While there were some times where I felt I could sense what was going to happen, it’s still an enjoyable read. I think it’s great as a new adult romance, and would definitely read subsequent books about some of the characters that were introduced as friends and family to Jade and Bryce.