Switched by Cassie Mae

Switched by Cassie Mae - 4 STARS

Synopsis: Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla’s secret is Wesley, Talon’s best bud—and he’s got it bad for Reagan. Now they’re all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart before Talon has a chance to give Reagan the Christmas gift she’s been waiting for. Soon enough, the once happy couple is fighting. Reagan suddenly can’t get enough of Wesley’s goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who’s “only a friend” ever should. But just when everything seems to be falling into place, Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together and discover a hitch in their plan they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.


*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review 

photos --kayla, talon, wes, reagan- throwing a football, making out in van;

Overall- I REALLY liked this book!! This isn't a new idea, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying this novel. What I enjoyed most about this book, which sets it apart from many of the others similar books, is the lightheartedness and pure friendship and love that is seen throughout this book. It has an easy going feel to it, that makes the read feel smooth and goes quickly. I was pleasantly surprised throughout this book, laughing at times and letting a few tears go at others. I didn't love the progress reports but admit that those reports provided Kayla with more personality and a voice than the regular chapters, and provided more insight into her view on the situation. The interactions between the characters was believable, yet overall the book wasn't. It was a sweet romance, but doesn't quite meet the new adult category, as the sexual tension and chemistry was lacking at times. This is a great light hearted feel good read that I would recommend to anyone looking for something entertaining, sweet, friendly with a happy ever after. 

Cover - Okay, boring. 
Rating: PG-13
Overall: Sweet and light hearted romance! 
Characters:  Kayla, Reagan, Talon, Wes
Page Turner: Kind of
Series Cont.? No
Recommend if You Like...
Book Boyfriend: Talon and Wes!
Genre: Romance, New Adult 
Sex Scenes: No 
Setting - Northwest region of US college 

Plot- The overall plot here was certainly nothing new, but what was new and different was what ended up happening over the course of the book between the different characters. It was in some ways a good coming of age novel for Kayla, as she figured out who she is and what kind of friend she is post high school. The pacing of the book was really good, I never once thought it moved too slow or too quickly, and I never once questioned what was going on (in a stylistic way, plot wise of course I did, thats the point!) Generally speaking though this was one of the best post high school bests Ive read in long time because I left feeling good about the book, with a light heart and an easy mind. 


Characters--Kayla-Oh Kayla. I REALLY loved her. She makes her love square so easy to understand and follow. Her personality shows that she doesn't want to love Talon, her best friends boyfriend, but at some point she has to figure out whether she really does want Talon, or if she only wants him, because at one point in time she thought she liked him. She truly grows in this book as a character and developments are really interesting to follow! 

Wes- Eek!! I loved this guy. I mean I liked Talon, but  LOVED Wes. He's the guy that is in the background. I think of movies like Cant Hardly Wait or Never Been Kissed when I think of him. He's the guy that everyone should love because he is such a good guy, and he is good looking. He is an all around sweet, funny loving, and friendly guy! And in the end, he most definitely gets what he deserves!!! 

Talon

Talon-- Oh Talon. This poor guy is being pulled along into these crazy schemes and plots without his knowledge!! But I see what the girls saw in him, he was a gentle guy with a big heart and a lot of love. He and Reagan are sweet together, and yet, as told by Kayla you can see the "breaks" in their relationship, but in the end, I think it all works out. 

Reagan- Sometimes, I couldn't decide if I liked Reagan. I couldn't figure out her role in the book and the scheme. But in the end, everything made sense! I finally understood why she had said or done certain things that may have seemed odd or out of place for her character. I love how good of a friend she is though to Kayla, through and through Reagan loves Kayla and their overall friendship was truly heartening.