The Ex Games

review Hayden and Nick were sweethearts for some short weeks when they were 13. Now it's four years later and there is still something special between them. Even though Hayden has been the victim of a lot of jokes from Nick she is still interested in him. When a banter between them results in a snowboarding contest to find out if Hayden or Nick is the better snowboarder things change. While preparing for the contest they realize that the banter between them is in reality just a way to disguise their true feelings. Who will win the snowboard contest and even more importantly will they both win in the game called love? I read this book looking for a light-hearted, entertaining and cute story and that's exactly what I got. All of the main characters are likable and there are a lot of scenes that made me laugh. The love story between Hayden and Nick is predictable but in a good way. The journey to their personal happy end is cute and makes me want to read more by Jennifer Echols. "The Ex Games" is definitely a make you feel happy book. The teasings between Hayden and Nick are my highlight of the book. I also enjoyed that there is not too much drama in the book and that Hayden's parents are normal and nice. cover Bright and fun just like the book. Ok, the boy on the cover should have long hair but that's something I can live with. final appraisal Just the right book when you are in need to be entertained and want to laugh and smile a lot. The story is cute and lighthearted and brightened my mood immediately.

I loved this book. This book had everything that I looked for in a book, lots of humor, romance, and the pages kept moving. I love when I can pick up a book and not want to put it down. The book starts off with Hayden-or as Nick calls her, Hoyden- and her and Nick have been kicked out of class for talking and are sitting in the hall. Hayden and Nick had dated in 7th grade but broke up when Hayden found out she was just a bet because she was the new girl in town. Since then her and Nick are friends, but fight all of the time. Through out the book Hayden and Nick get together, then they break up. And the break ups are always funny. There is so much humor in this book I found myself laughing out loud. I also learned a lot about snowboarding. I have never snowboarded or even attempted any such sport in the snow. The furthest I have gotten is snowball fights. But this book has everything you need to know about snowboarding. And even though there is a lot about it in the book you don't get bored by it. This is just an all around awesome book and I think that everyone should read it.

Echols has written yet another amazing book, which is really no surprise seeing as how amazing her previous books were, particularly Going Too Far. What I love about her RoCom books is that they're always much more than just strictly RoComs. The stories and characters have depth and there is always some big drama happening (not of the petty kind though). In this book, Echols takes on gender roles in sports and does an amazing job with talking about the issue without becoming preachy or hitting you over the head with it. Hayden is a great, multi-faceted character and I loved reading about her life. Her friends are hysterical and I loved reading their interactions. The romance is, of course, absolutely amazing; lots of books have love/hate relationships between the MC and his/her love interest, but she manages to take it to the next level and I felt like this romance was even more sizzling than others similar to it. Nick is way hot, and I want him to be mine (and also be real, lol). At one point, I even shook my fist at the book because several times throughout the book, it looks like they'll get together and then something goes wrong and it all blows up and then they hate each other again. I got so invested in these characters and hated to see the romance be ruined for a little bit by a little incident. The ending though was really great and I absolutely loved it. This is a perfect book to be reading while sitting next to the fire as the days start getting colder.

I loved Nick and Hayden! How many times has this scenerio been played in High School....Yes, some cute-shortlived-middle school romance that goes awry-only to secretly remain hidden within the hearts of the two main characters......and through some "peer intervention" is finally put on the right track in High School!!! Wonderfully written ( but then again what Jennifer Echols book isn't) For my daughter and myself there were many "sigh" happy moments-----as well as "duh", oof and OMG she did not say that!......very few writers really capture those first gut wrenching pangs of romance or the anticipation of that first kiss that comes complete with nervous dialogue, shivers, gasps and yes, soft lips on boys................ Although Ms Echols has written from Hayden's point of view-we still manage to get a glimpse of Nick's emotional roller-coaster ride as well. That is what makes these books very enjoyable the first and 20th time you read them. Buy the book and visualize it for yourself.

Back in seventh grade, Hayden and Nick went on a few dates. Then when a secret was revealed, the relationship ended...badly. Now it's junior year and Hayden still finds herself staring at Nick and keeping up-to-date with his never-ending list of girlfriends. The two endlessly flirt back and forth, but that ends when Nick challenges Hayden to a snowboarding competition. Hayden is all for the competition. She loves snowboarding, but there's one problem: the jump. Hayden is afraid of heights, and Nick won't change his mind about the competition. So the Extreme Games begin...or shall we say the Ex Games. Jennifer Echols adds a cute and funny addition to Simon Pulse's Romantic Comedies line. She creates a unique heroine who has a few realistic flaws that get the reader to sympathize and relate to Hayden. Echols also creates a very good-looking leading man who also has depth. This entertaining story is a great read for anyone who enjoys a true chick flick tale. Reviewed by: Steph