Something in the Way: Something in the Way Series, Volume 1

I will start with the good and go into the bad. Spoiler warnings ahead.I have never read this author's other works, so I came into this blind, and it was recommended to me. I would have to say I bought this book without even completing the sample-- No, I didn't even finish the first chapter before I hit the buy button. The first time i bought anything over .99cents in over a year, and I did it without hesitation.Why?The start of the book is so amazing. The charterers are so REAL. The way they talk, act, move, their goals in life, interactions. Everything. In between the casual talks, the way they nervously move around or do anything in general while talking is such a real thing people do that I was blown away by how sucked into the charterers I was straight away. I blame it all on the author's amazing writing skills. It was wonderful. I could picture it all so clearly I was instantly hooked, thinking 'Alright! My first Fivestar of the year! Finally!' but sadly, I was disappointed... which completely crushes me. I don't read a book wanting to be disappointed or sad. I want to be happy and fulfilled, just like any normal person would, and sadly this book did not do that for me.I have so much I want to say about this book, but I'll try to keep it short. (I failed)I loved this book because of the charterers and the development, and I hated this book when it started to forget that and tried to be something else, forgetting what made this book so great, and opting into being a common romance book with a cliffhanger ending.Some people complained this book was boring. I'm not sure what parts they were referring to, but I did skip more then half of the book-- Probably on the parts that people thought were the best, because I'm weird. I would just like to say that what I'm complaining about and My 'boring' was not the same type of 'boring' as others thought: I skipped the horseback ridding scene and even the final 'go to pick up alcohol staring at the stars' scene. Yet I completely devoured and LOVED the stupid chapter where she goes to the collage campus with her father. I ate it up and I absolutely loved it. Why? Why did I skip the 'love' scenes and love the 'boring' collage tour scene? Why did I skip more then 30% of this book? Why did I lose interest? It was a question I kept asking myself and I didn't realize until I started writing this review, trying to understand it.I loved the campus scene because it showed the father, what he thought, why he acts the way he does and it showed more of Lake, as well as some of Lakes character development near the end. When she has the small seed of doubt in her mind, that she might like something her father might not like-- Deciding something for herself for once, and that later, it might bloom into something really amazing where she decides not to go to collage and do something she really enjoys, where she has been told all her life what to do. That small seed had me loving that scene and I wanted more. Sadly soon after that I noticed I was skipping large chucks of pages. Around when they started going to the campground thing, which I was expecting-- But I didn't expect it to last 50% of the book. That seed didn't blossom, instead it withered and died before it even bloomed into anything.What I hated and why I did those things, skipping the chapters like I did on probably the most 'romantic' parts of the book, was because they were out of charter. I hate when people don't act the way they are supposed to. By the time we are at the camp, I have gotten a good grasp on all of the characters by that point, so when Lake keeps saying things like 'I would wait two years for him.' to 'I can't wait' within a few chapters, just because she rode the horse with him and sat near his crotch? That's not normal for Lake, it was out of charterer for her. I didn't notice it until I finished the book, because it was done a little at a time from the pace, but it was. Not only Lake, but Manning as well.Lake is smart, very smart. That last scene (In the truck) wouldn't have happened when I thought about it. I think the author knew this as well, which is why she decided to write it in Manning's POV. Because Lake knew better, and she didn't have any excuse to do what she did, because it was out of character for her to do those things.Manning knows it's wrong. Lake knows it's wrong. Yet it happened like that? I don't think that is really possible. No matter what kind of 'physical' tension she might think there is, because realistically it's not there. I mean, I think Brad Pit is hot, but that doesn't mean I love him, and if I see him in public or we are alone for some odd reason I'm going to try and kiss him.It's a crush. That's what I felt when I was reading the book, so I never really thought she would try anything, but she did... and it unnerved me. And it wasn't even the age thing either. 16 is close to 18, so that wasn't it, but at the same time, you get a sense that she is younger then that, because everyone keeps saying it, and the author did that on purpose, even though this girl was also written that she is such an 'adult'.It's conflicting, and it made the characters do things they wouldn't have, only to have tension in the book that really shouldn't have been there, witch leads to the final nail in the coffin for me on this book: It's not a romance. A romance book, by default, should be a tight little package. When you see it, you know there is a couple and they will be together in the end. If not (like he dies in battle, military) It should say so or give a hint in the beginning so it doesn't blindside you.The cliffhanger and second book threw me off, because it was uncalled for and shouldn't have been there. It did so without warning, and yes, I saw the 'book one' thing, but it didn't bother me. Romance books have series, but that means that the second book or others in the series are of different couples in the same world. So I thought the second book was Tiffany and Manning, or the surfer boy and Lake or anything-- Even just someone that wasn't in the book, but someone new, but with the 'something in the way' theme. like 'student-teacher' or 'boss-coworker' 'something in the way'. Which was interesting, but that was not the case.Instead Manning gets put in jail because he wants to keep his mouth shut about Lake being with him? Then it cuts off there? That would make most romance readers angry, me included. And yes, I know the second book is coming out in a month and a half, but that doesn't matter, because I felt cheated so the author could make another buck, kinda like I do when the film makers make 'part 1 and part 2' of every book adaptation because of Harry Potters big success.No character development. She never does anything for herself, and all she thinks about is Manning, when this book could have something MORE in it. When a young female has love for a male that doesn't love her back (like the blurb says) it's a crush book. When the male returns the love, that is something completely different.It could still turn out to just be a crush book, and in the end she chooses the surfer boy, because I think he is adorable, and he hasn't gotten enough screen time to say otherwise, but the fact is, the book has been ruined because by the time the month and a half comes out for the second book, I would have already forgotten this book, and moved on. It should have been one book, and as a last note, it says 'book 1 of 2' on the title, but then the blurb says 'trilogy' so what? is 1 and 2 about Lake? Then what is the third book about? Is that just a mistake?Oh well, it doesn't matter. My rant it does now, and I hoped that I helped... someone XD maybe not.Fact is that the author's writing is top notch, and I LOVED the beginning of this book. It sadly fell flat later on, and I'm not sure why the author took it that way. I didn't like this book, but I loved the writing style and the way she wrote the characters so much, that I will look into her other books.

Something in the Way is the first book in the series of the same name, this is a series of 4 books spanning a couple’s journey with the ups, downs, and complications along the way. They aren’t even together during this book. 😅“You can’t move the stars, Manning and I were inevitable.”The story kicks off in 1993, Lake is 16 years old and lives with her parents and older sister Tiffany, who is 19 with no job or plans for her future. Lake has always been doted on by their parents, especially their father who expects so much from her academically and has pushing her since middle school to get into his college alma mater. He has big plans for Lake’s future and makes sure to let Tiffany know daily that she on the other hand hasn’t amounted to much. There is construction going on next door l and one day Lake meets Manning, one of the crew men. Lake is smitten immediately and feels a connection with Manning. He feels a pull towards Lake as well, not only does she remind him of his sister who passed away but he’s also just pulled to her and doesn’t like that he is. Manning is 23 and while Lake meets him first, it’s Tiffany who grabs his attention away. Manning is currently taking college classes for criminal justice and hopes to become a cop one day.There is soo much angst in this one! It’s messy and a bit of a love triangle between the sisters and Manning. As the reader we know that Lake isn’t mature enough or even ready for a relationship with Manning, just like he knows it too, but at the same time there is an undeniable pull to being in one another’s lives. The 3 of them spend a lot of time together, they go to the fair together and end up all being chaperones at a summer camp. While this series is inevitably about Lake and Manning, you get to know Tiffany as well throughout the series. She gets pulled in to the mess and we get to see Manning and her become a couple instead. Manning sees through her insecurities and realizes Tiffany needs someone in her corner since their father makes it blatantly obvious Lake is his favorite. Tiffany brings Manning to family dinner, a bit to get a rise out of her father but slowly she starts to want Manning as well. And since Manning feels like he needs a reason to be in Lake’s life, he kind of goes along with it at first.I just loved the angst and agony in this one between Lake and Manning, his explaining to her about the Summer Triangle constellation and star-crossed lovers. The growth of Lake’s character in this was so good and needed, the slow burn of the buildup, the cliffhanger ending!! This series makes for the perfect binge!

Lake is a 16-yr old high school student when she meets 23-yr old Manning Sutter working on construction next door. Manning is in college taking criminal justice courses to become a cop. Tiffany Lake’s 19-yr old sister also has eyes for Manning and starts dating him. Lake is the favorite child because Tiffany has no goals in her life. Manning agrees to date Tiffany but has feelings for Lake thus creating a forbidden love triangle. I really enjoyed this contemporary romance fiction novel.

Lake is 16 when she meets Ma nning. He’s wor king constr uction on her neigh bour’s house and they are insta ntly drawn to each other.

The buildup of this book, is absolutely amazing! The characters, you can feel EVERYTHING they feel!Read this book!5/5💜💜💜💜💜

Really really really amazing book! Absolutely loved everything about it. Didn’t see the ending coming and can’t wait to start book two. Wasn’t able to put this one down!

I really like Jessica Hawkins style of writing and even though the first book was more PG then I am used to I really liked the story

At first I wasn’t really feeling the book. A naïve sixteen year old with an infatuation. But the more I read about Lake and Tiffany’s life as sisters, the more intrigued I got. I knew there was a story behind Manning, and it took awhile to come out. I think the plot was great, and the character development fantastic as well. I can’t wait to read the next book.

Lake is 16 when she meets Manning. He’s working construction on her neighbour’s house and they are instantly drawn to each other. However, he’s 23 and does NOT feel good about their age difference. So when he meets her 19 year old sister, Tiffany, who is all over him, he sees a way to stay in Lake’s life that won’t be frowned upon.Imagine Lake’s heartbreak when he starts dating her sister! Her self-centred, bratty, horrible older sister. Lake still idolises Tiffany to an extent but my god did I hate her for basically all four books.Manning is suuuuuuch a good, noble man that he refuses to give into his feelings for Lake because she’s a minor, he also refuses to fall for Tiffany’s crap which their father admires about him.I felt every single emotion as if I were Lake. My heart broke for her constantly, lifted in hope when hers did, and squeezed painfully for all the what-ifs.Manning’s strong moral compass leads to a major, life-changing event - for all of them really - at the end of the book and you should go and get book 2 right now!!!

Well this was a slow read but it has to be to get the full affect of the story and what happens between Lake and Manning. Being 16 is hard but having your life worked out before you’ve had a chance to live it is harder, when Lake meets Manning she’s drawn to him but as he’s 23 she knows nothing can happen, but it doesn’t stop her feelings for him, unfortunately Tiffany doesn’t have that worry and as her older sister, makes Manning her new conquest. Manning knows it’s wrong to want to spend time with Lake but she makes him feel again, what happens when misunderstandings turn into a prison sentence???Great read, loving the story, plot, and characters. Lots of angst, fairly PG13 but the feelings are there. Really disappointed with the ending but have downloaded the series so can’t wait to see where it goes.

This book series is quite possibly my favourite series of books ever. It has all the feels. I literally read all 4 books over 4 days! So this is the first book & introduces us to Lake, Manning & Tiffany. Lake is the mc she’s so incredibly sweet, smart but very naive. She meets & falls hopelessly in love with Manning. Only problem is she’s 16 & he’s 23. She has her whole life ahead of her & Manning is jaded with his. The chemistry between the 2 of them is there from the start. Unfortunately Tiffany, Lakes 19 year old sister sees Manning & decides she wants him for herself. Thus beginning the start of a slow burn love triangle. I loved Lake, she’s hard not to like & Manning is so torn up & confused about his feelings for her. Tiffany is so unlikable I honestly wanted to climb into the book to slap her. Which is a testament to Jessica’s writing to create a character who gets under your skin.

Something in the way by Jessica Hawkins a gut-wrenching breath-taking five-star read. This is the first book in the Something in the way series, the next book isn’t released for a couple of months and Jessica Hawkins has just become number one on my most hated list, she used to be number one on my fan girl list, but agggghhhhhh. I loved this book even though I spent a large chuck of the reading time with that horrid sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am sobbing like a baby because it’s over!! May can’t come soon enough. I foresee re-reading this book several times before the next book is released. You need this book in your life, especially if you were around in the 90s, even if you weren’t you still need it to understand the pain we went through. (life was hard, no mobile phones (you generally had to talk on the house phone in front of your parents) no GPS, no internet to get more details of your latest crush. ie stalk)Sixteen-year-old Lake Dolly Kaplan is a young woman with a serious head on her very innocent shoulders, she has never been kissed, she enjoys studying and her dad has a plan for her that doesn’t involve unsuitable boys, that’s what her sister is for. Lake has never thought of boys in the way that she starts thinking of him, a hot, dark yummy older man who works construction next door.Him being Twenty-three-year-old Manning Raymond Sutter a man who knows first-hand that life isn’t fair, when he finds up a gold bracelet on site he didn’t realise it would change his life in more ways that anyone would think possible. Manning and Lake have a connection, but he knows she in innocent and he wants to keep her that way. But life doesn’t always work out the way you want, and no matter how hard you want your happy ever after you don’t always get it. Lake may have seen Manning first but her older sister Tiffany sees him next, and Tiffany is a girl who gets what she wants, just ask her daddy.I loved how this book was set in a simpler time, the 90s were my golden era so I loved all the references and remembering just how hard life was without such things as a mobile phone, things like having to rush home to make sure you didn’t miss a call from a boy you like. I was so surprised by the characters in this book, I can’t wait to see Lake come into her own more. I also surprised myself as I saw more of myself in Tiffany than I liked. I will even own up to how much I wanted to change my name to Tiffany when I was younger as mine was so boring, and I used to have a massive girl crush on Tiffany the late 80s pop star, I still sing along every time I hear the song (head hanging in shame). Most of all I want to thank Jessica Hawkins for yet another amazing book, if only she wrote faster, she would be the perfect woman and I could still fan girl over her.

Teenage girl strikes a friendship with an unlikely source. Her sister tiffany constantly overlooked by their father tries desperately to capture manning attention. Lakes friendship with manning starts to develop into something more but because she is only 16 cannot see how the world would view it and how dangerous it could be even though it is totally innocent.Beautifully written with realistic characters that leap off the page. Definitely a page turner and really pulls on the heart strings.The father is a piece of work driving the story forward.Stunning, highly recommend.