Review: Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins

Title: Stir Me Up
Author: Sabrina Elkins
Published: Oct 1st 2013
Age Group: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC provided via Netgally for honest review
Rating: 5/5

BLURB:
Cami Broussard has her future all figured out. She'll finish her senior year of high school, then go to work full-time as an apprentice chef in her father's French restaurant, alongside her boyfriend, Luke. But then twenty-year-old ex-Marine Julian Wyatt comes to live with Cami's family while recovering from serious injuries. And suddenly Cami finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.

Julian's all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami's starting to feel. And Cami can't stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He's got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated….

REVIEW:
The story:
Cami is a very driven and passionate character. She know what she wants to do with her life and she's determined not to let anyone steer her off course. Despite her father trying to persaude her to consider going to college, all she wants to do is become a chef like her him and I really enjoyed the grit and determination that she shows.

When we first meet Julian, his surly attitude (especially towards Cami) is understandable. He struggles to adapt to having people help him with everyday things. But over the course of the book we see him figure out a new path for his life and see that his life is far from over.

Cami's father, while quite tough on her, was a caring parent. It was also really refreshing to see a warn and loving step mother! *gasp* You could see she cared for both Cami and her nephew Julian. I also really enjoyed the little arguments between her father and step mom over her 'average American' cooking skills - some very funny scenes.

The romance:
Julian & Cami don't get off to a good start, with them clashing heads numerous times. But slowly they develop a friendship that grows into something more. I loved how vunrubale Julian became when he was with her, not wanting her to see his missing leg or to see him with such a weakness. But she gained his trust and together he overcomes his injury and begins to see a future for himself...and Cami.
There are also some very passionate, and absolutely beautiful romantic moments between them, most notable was a love scene in the forest - one of the most touching and beautiful love scenes I've read.

The Writing:
I really enjoyed Sabrina's writing style, very elegant with the story flowing so naturally. I also loved the empowering messages that she included the story, with Cami deciding not to sleep with her boyfriend Luke because she wasn't ready. We hear through Cami's inner monologue, that although he is pressuring her and it is that social expectation that they would be sleeping together, that she makes the assertive choice that it doesn't feel right with him. I can't wait to read more of her books!

FINAL WORD:
Stir Me Up is a heartfelt story with relatable characters and a truly beautiful romance. With powerful messages woven into the story, this is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend picking this one up!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / sex scenes
Violence: mild
Language: mild - medium / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild / some minor underage drinking at a party

4 comments:

  1. Dreamy sigh. I loved this book SO SO much. Julian and Cami were great together!!!

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    Replies
    1. YES!!! I absolutely adored these two!! I can't wait for Sabrina's next book :)

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  2. I've honestly heard nothing but excellent things about this book! You make me want to drop what I'm reading and pick up SMU now.
    Great review!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Andrea! You should definitely read this one as soon as you get the chance!!

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