Third Degree: A Book Review

I received this book via NetGalley, and the second I started it I couldn’t put it down!  I read a majority of the book on my new Kindle!  Although I haven’t read any books by the authors that the book is compared to in the Goodreads summary (I actually haven’t read anything by Julie Cross either!), I really enjoyed this New Adult novel plus I remember reading somewhere that fans of Grey’s Anatomy will love this and I couldn’t agree more!

Title: Third Degree

Author: Julie Cross

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Publisher: Flirt

Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Pages: 240

Out in Paperback?: No

Goodreads

Amazon

My Rating: 5/5

Review:

Goodreads Summary:

Fans of Monica Murphy and Tammara Webber will savor this New Adult novel—a story about coming of age in the heat of the moment—from Julie Cross, the internationally bestselling author of the Tempest trilogy.

I used to be “Isabel Jenkins, child prodigy.” As lame as that sounds, at least it was an identity. But now I’m not sure what I am. I just failed the most important exam of my life—the emotional readiness test required to get into a medical residency program—and it turns out my parents can’t stand each other. Now I’m trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces of my life, and that means re-enrolling as a college freshman, but this time I’m shutting the books and majoring in being eighteen.

But so far, my roommate hates me and I’m not into the party scene. The only good thing about school has been getting to know my insanely hot RA. Marshall Collins makes me wonder about everything I missed while I was growing up too fast. Pretty soon we’re hanging out constantly, but for the first time, I find myself wanting more than a no-strings-attached physical relationship. And the lesson I really need is one Marsh definitely can’t teach me: love. Because I’m going to be alone forever if I don’t learn fast.

Characters:

Isabel is a prodigy when it comes to the medical field.  At age 18, she has graduated medical school and is looking at beginning her residency.  She is smart, but a tad removed from the reality of a typical 18-year-old.  She has difficulty participating in regular 18-year-old activities, like college and parties.  Her lack of knowledge is this area is entertaining and funny, and I really enjoyed watching her develop from the competition-driven medical-focused girl to the caring and more balanced Isabel.  The character development was perfectly arced in this novel.  Marshall, the attractive RA on Izzy’s floor, takes her under his wing and begins to teach her the ins and outs of being a typical college freshman.  He is funny and cute, and I really loved how his character challenges Izzy’s.  Marsh’s upbeat personality helps to balance Izzy’s focused and driven attitude, making the novel have a perfect balance of characters that the reader will enjoy.  Other characters in the novel include Izzy’s roommate and other roommates that live on the same floor.  They have minor roles, but I still felt that they had a nice development to them.

Plot:

The plot follows Isabel, an 18-year-old medical school graduate, who recently failed her emotional readiness test.  Trying to follow in her father’s footsteps to become a surgeon, she is devastated by this result and forced to attend a regular college and have experiences that are more typical to her age.  Upon moving into the dorms, Izzy meets Marshall, her new RA.  Attractive and sweet, Marsh takes it upon himself to help Izzy adjust to her new life.  Romance, intrigue, and humor keep you wanting to read more as both Isabel and Marshall get to know each other through study sessions, movie nights, and weekend trips.  This novel does contain sexual content so make sure to use your own judgment on whether it is appropriate for you!

Writing Style:

I absolutely loved the writing style!  I thought that the characters were well described, and I could easily picture the scenes in my head!  I also really liked how each chapter began with a tweet from Isabel; it was a fun introduction to the chapter and also showed who she was as a character.  I thought that the writing fit perfectly to the characters and description, being that it was mature and realistic of two college-age characters.  I just don’t think I can say enough good things about the writing style; it kept me interested, entertained, and wanting more!

Are you interested in reading this book?  Have you read anything else by Julie Cross?  Since I don’t believe this is a sequel, I am definitely interested in reading more by this author!

FTC Disclaimer:

This book was sent to me by NetGalley.  This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  No affiliate links were used.