The main characters of "Smart Mouth," PhD candidate Gwen Mathews and former boy band member Tom Mendoza, were just about as opposite as opposite can be, but somehow they were still completely perfect for each other, and I adored their story. There were so many unexpected layers to each of their characters, which made them both seem incredibly realistic and relatable. Basically the only thing I didn't like about this book was its lack of an epilogue! Tom and Gwen were super cute together and I wanted more of them.
I highly recommend this book for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of these characters! I'd love to read future stories featuring Tom's sister Bex and the other members of his former band, Boys of Summer.
*Review copy provided by Smartypants Romance. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "Smart Mouth"
Smart Mouth, an all-new opposites attract romantic comedy from Emma Lee Jayne, is now available in Kindle Unlimited!
The rockstar
There are lots of assumptions people make about rockstars. Shallow. Player. Addict. The truth? I’m none of those.
The even bigger truth…the only opinion I care about is hers and she hates me. Her as in Gwen Matthews, my twin brother’s best friend, the unrequited love of my life. She thinks I’m a liar and a jerk which is why I pretend to be my brother when she needs help one night.
Except Gwen is a genius. Literally. So it doesn’t take her long to figure out it’s me and not my brother, but maybe, just maybe, she’s willing to give me a second chance. Because maybe when she looks at me, she only sees a rockstar with her best friend’s face, but when I look at her, I see my other half. She centers me in a way that no rhythm or line of lyric ever could.
The scientist
I have three priorities in life at the moment: finish my research, defend my dissertation, and get my Ph.D., so that I can actually figure out what I’m supposed to do with my life. Tom Mendoza won’t help me achieve any of those things. Yet I can’t help the sudden feeling that I’ve been completely wrong about him all this time.
The day we first met when we were both teenagers, I saw a glimpse of a sweet, funny boy that felt very much like a kindred spirit; awkward and full of energy and dreams. But that guy seemed to disappear and in his place was this stereotypical stupidly hot rock star that did not make sense in my world.
Being a scientist means being willing to admit when you’re wrong and reevaluating everything. I might not understand much about human behavior, but I can clearly see the tender underbelly that Tom protects. The subtle rituals he uses to stave off his anxiety. Yes, he’s ridiculously hot, but his soul just might be more beautiful than his face and I’m not sure what to do with that.
Especially when I find out that he’s in love with me.
"Smart Mouth" is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Work For It series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Read an Excerpt from "Smart Mouth"
I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my life, but kissing Gwen is the best stupid thing I’ve ever done.
I know it’s a mistake. I know James will probably kill me if he ever finds out—and he will find out.
Hell, Gwen will kill me herself, if she ever finds out. Plus, she’s smart enough to get away with it—and to make it painful.
Despite all of that, I can’t sit here and let her think that I don’t want her. I can’t let her believe she’s repulsive or any other ridiculous idea. I can’t fucking watch her cry over it.
I’ve never really understood James and Gwen’s relationship. I’ve never understood how he’s been friends with this gorgeous, smart, awkward, frustrating woman without hitting on her. I don’t know how he made it through high school and college without kissing her, because, fuck it, I couldn’t make it through a thirty-minute car ride without wanting to kiss her.
I sure as fuck am not going to let her climb out of this car thinking she repulses men.
I don’t have a plan when I lean across the console and pull her to me. At least not beyond ridding her of this notion that I don’t want her.
But the second my mouth touches hers, I’m a goner.
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