I WANT IT THAT WAY BY ANN AGUIRRE
Genre: New Adult- Contemporary Romance
Source: The author/publisher in return for an honest review.
“Not all love stories end happily. Sometimes they just end.”
― Ann Aguirre, I Want It That Way
Series: 2B Trilogy
Synopsis:
Nadia Conrad has big dreams, and she’s determined to make them come true—for her parents’ sake as well as her own. But between maintaining her college scholarship and working at the local day care to support herself, she barely has time to think, let alone date. Then she moves into a new apartment and meets the taciturn yet irresistible guy in 1B….
Daniel Tyler has grown up too fast. Becoming a single dad at twenty turned his life upside down—and brought him heartache he can’t risk again. Now, as he raises his four-year-old son while balancing a full-time construction management job and night classes, a social life is out of the question. The last thing he wants is for four noisy students to move into the apartment upstairs. But one night, Nadia’s and Ty’s paths cross, and soon they can’t stay away from each other.
The timing is all wrong—but love happens when it happens. And you can’t know what you truly need until you stand to lose it.[Goodreads]

*I would like to thank Ann Aguirre and her publisher for the copy of the book I received!*

This book reminded me of my time in college and hit on so many aspects of life that happen during those year in school, it provided even more evidence that some guys with children are just too adorable (Dilf status!) also this was based in Michigan!

I have been a little hesitant recently to pick up new adult books because the romancey type books have never been my thing. Most times they are all too corny, cheesy and have no real storyline, but that has not been the case with the new adult books I have picked up recently. Although I do love reading young adult books I have this certain connection with new adult because I just went/going through that point in my life.

Aguirre definitely nailed college life in Michigan and in general. Her writing style gave the story such fun and playful feel. It was light and completely gripping. There were a few times that the story lacked some substantial information,but her writing and the overall story made me keep reading. The way the book was set up played out like Nadia was sitting there telling you the story herself. I loved how the book started by her talking about a meet-cute and then went to tell her own story of how she met and fell in love with Ty. At times there were the cliches and corny sentences that are usually found in romance novels, but there was also sassy dialogue and humor that I could totally understand. I enjoyed that although it was kind of insta-attraction, the relationship had struggles and obstacles that it went through. The situation was complex and gave the story more depth and made it more believable. I know there is a certain point in which something happens (the decision that Ty and Nadia come to at first) that I have heard people complain about in this book, but the fact of the matter is that is a situation that happens all the time in college so it is true to real life.

Aguirre developed a great dynamic of friendships and characters that were in this book.I felt a connection to the characters and really understood them and their struggles because I have been there (for most of the issues). I enjoyed the relationships and the overall dynamic between all of those living in 2B! Ty was a great love interest and so swoon worthy (and a total DILF!) His relationship with Sam was incredible and makes you want to jump him even more. Sam was one amazing little kid and I love that he developed a bond with Nadia completely on his own. The situation between Ty and Nadia was hot and passionate and complicated. I was shocked by the twists and not sure how I feel about how it all ended. I’m pretty cynical and in a way I was hoping it would end a certain way, but the ending was fantastic.

Overall this was a gripping, raw book that displayed the struggles of being in college, struggling with money, classes, friendships and finding/keeping love. It was layered with humor and some steamy hot moments! The characters were full of life and had big personalities. The story was overall captivating, a roller coaster of emotions and heartwarming!