❤ CALLING CALIFORNIA by J.P. Grider: A Midnight Fairy Book Review ❤

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Synopsis:

Cali Parker is poor. She has a lot on her plate - her father is dying, she's working to help pay the rent, and she's two-years behind in college.

Griffin Brooks is rich. He has not a care in the world - he's acing his engineering courses, his hobby is restoring his fifty-thousand dollar classic car, and he has a different girl on his arm every week.

When Cali sees Griffin on her first day of class, she's immediately smitten and thinks she's found the perfect guy. When Griffin sees Cali at the bank, he immediately forgets the blonde he was with that morning. Then they meet, and their worlds collide.

Cali doesn't belong in Griffin’s world, and he doesn't understand hers. But just when Griffin convinces Cali that their two different worlds can blend, a secret is revealed that tears them apart.

Is their love strong enough to bring them back together, or will their worlds drift further apart?

Review:

Calista "Cali" Parker is a very proud but poor young woman who works hard to finish college, help her mom to pay their bills and to take care of her dying dad. Griffin on the other hand grew up in a rich household where all his needs and wants are met. Griffin is a notorious player and loves classic cars. Cali and Griffin's lives intersect in college where they both attend. They had an instant attraction on their first meeting. Little did they know that they already share a connection in the past that neither had forgotten. Despite their differences the two tries to make their worlds unite, so that they can be together. However, there are family secrets that could threaten their happy ending.

I have read a lot of NA novels and Calling California has the right formula under it's genre-- angst, romance, drama, crude language and sex. I liked the writing style and the his/her POV. Also, I think the "flashback" in the first chapter was a nice touch. I totally fell for the "gameboy" story, it was cute and sweet. Reading Calling California is like watching a soap opera, it could be frustrating and emotional but despite the characters' faults, you'll find yourself rooting for them anyway.

Speaking of characters, let's talk about the heroine--Cali. I like Cali's determination and will to succeed. She's also a hard worker and understands the value of giving. However, Cali is too damn proud. I understand where she's coming from. I have the same issues about accepting gifts--if there is no special occasion and someone is giving me a gift, it makes me feel uneasy and a little suspicious. It's hard to explain, but like Cali, I feel like I owe them if I accept the gift. I hate owing people anything... I only ask favors from people I'm really close to (family, immediate relatives, best friends), I have zero debts, I don't even have a credit card! LOL. However, if I needed anything, I'm not too proud to ask for help. I was really annoyed with Cali (and Cali's mom) for turning down help when they were thrown out of their house.

Then there's Griffin, the perfect hero. He's too good to be true! He's rich, handsome, smart, gentleman and he changed overnight from being a player to a one-woman man. What more can you ask for? The guy could sweep you off your feet. He's like the Richard Gere to Cali's Julia Roberts (in Pretty Woman, minus the hooker part) who can provide and save her from her financial problems! But our girl Cali didn't want help from anyone, poor Griffin. Still, I liked the fact that Griffin was willing to do anything to help Cali even though Cali is refusing it (so, he did it underhandedly).

This is my first J. P. Grider book and I must say that it was a pretty entertaining read. I wasn't very convinced with the romance because i'm not a huge fan of insta-love stories but what made this work is the drama. Cali's life is rife with drama and I couldn't stop myself from turning the pages quickly. The story is gripping and emotional. I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series.

Rating: 3.5 Fairy Wings!