Such A Rush

By Jennifer Echols

High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she's in the air, it's easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. So when her flight instructor, Mr Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. Then Mr Hall dies suddenly leaving his teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, in charge of running the business. The two brothers have always made their hostility towards her clear so she's sure that her dreams of being a pilot are over…

So when Grayson makes it clear that he wants her to stay working for him, Leah doesn't understand why. She's crushed on him for years, but always known he's out of her league… isn't he? As the summer rolls on and they spend more time together the spark between them grows, but with Alec's feelings starting to change too, suddenly things become a whole lot more complicated. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers - a battle that could have very serious consequences for all of them…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Dec 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781471118005

Jennifer Echols

Jennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. Her nine romantic novels for young adults have been published in seven languages and have won the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Aspen Gold Readers’ Choice Award, the Write Touch Readers’ Award, the Beacon, and the Booksellers’ Best Award. Her novel Going Too Far was a finalist in the RITA and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son. Visit her at Jennifer-Echols.com.

Reviews for Such A Rush

[Adesuwa Osimeoaghwe Felix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book flowed seamlessly from the beginning to the end. Thumbs up to the author

[Elize · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such an amazing book, i couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happens next! Some parts were really funny and some so sad, but Leah is an inspiration! I loved her character!

[melrailey-412132 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I went into this book blind. I hadn't read any descriptions but had seen where it received a lot of great reviews; so when I came across it in a bargain bin, I had to buy it. This was a great romance. There was lots of tension and humor. I loved Leah and Grayson. Actually, I loved most all the characters. At times the story was heartbreaking and other times it was heart warming. I had a warm, gooey feeling in my stomach when I finished this book and wanted to read it again.

[loveydoveybooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Originally posted on Lovey Dovey BooksI've always been a fan of Jennifer Echols' novels and while I certainly enjoyed Such a Rush, I can't say that I favor it over her previous dramatic romances. Leah becoming a teen pilot is the most unique part of the plot. I wasn't captured by the 'love-triangle', but I did feel my heart race from the sizzling chemistry between Grayson and Leah.Telling the story from the beginning of Leah's interest in flying is really what sold the story to me. I was getting the depth of Leah's dreams and insecurities and not just being told how she feels about her life. I was seeing the impact of her mother's neglect and their style of living on Leah. The first few chapters were all I needed to gradually make up my mind about Leah's character. The final verdict? She has a strong will and her ability to make up her mind about her future at a rebellious and tender age makes her stand out among many contemporary female leads.I wasn't particularly happy with the main cause of tension during the story. Grayson feels that in order to keep his twin brother, Alec, from making the biggest mistake of his life, he needs to enlist Leah to date Alec. There are so many complications that arise because of his plan that one would expect for a big blowout towards the end, but when every lie and secret comes out in the open the story feels rushed and the drama anti-climatic. The fact that Leah doesn't really want to go along with the plan casts a dark cloud over the parts of the story that I would have otherwise enjoyed. The story line felt a little similar to Echols' romantic comedy, The One That I Want where the characters are in mismatched relationships, the most obvious difference being that Such a Rush is written for an older audience.The hope of a happy ending is strong while reading Such a Rush, and all in all, Jennifer Echols doesn't let her readers down. She brings on the heat and searing glances, giving Such a Rush just a touch more maturity than previous romantic novels.*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

[joanab951 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Leah has always lived in run down trailer parks that happened to be near the airport. Her mom--when she bothers to stay home longer than a few hours--never stops complaining about the noise, but Leah can’t get enough. She takes advantage of her proximity to the airport and lands a job in the office at the age of 14. But still, this isn’t close enough. She doesn’t just want to watch and listen to airplanes take off and land, she wants to fly. She saves up as much as she can, forges her moms signature, and makes a deal with Mr. Hall for flying lessons. Three and a half years later she is able to get her commercial pilot’s license and can now be paid for doing what she loves. Unfortunately, Mr. Hall passes away before she is able to start working for him. His reckless son, Grayson, who is also just 18-years-old, decides he’s going to run the family business and he wants Leah to fly for him like she promised his dad. Leah refuses, but he isn’t taking no for an answer. He blackmails her into not only working for him, but also into dating his twin brother, Alec.Such a Rush sucks you in from the start. Jennifer Echols just knows what she’s doing when it comes to contemporary YA. I loved reading about the whole flying and being a pilot thing. I think airplanes are amazing. Being able to get on and, a hand full of hours later, get off in a completely different country or continent is just...wow. Echols describes everything really well and it wasn’t at all that confusing. I had no idea just how dangerous flying one of those things actually is! But it does sound like a great adrenaline rush and I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t love to try it.Leah is a great MC; she is strong, smart, and driven. She has an irresponsible mother who thinks she’s the child which has forced Leah to grow up faster than she should have had to. She actually pays most of the bills, including half the rent, because her mom can’t keep a steady job. All of this is done without complaint as she spends every free hour she has working. With help from Mr. Hall she is able to find a way out of this life; becoming a pilot allows her to fly literally and figuratively. I almost wish there were a sequel so we could see where Leah ends up. And, of course, we also have Grayson who I found to be quite pleasant when he wasn’t intentionally trying to be a douche. His feelings are obvious from the beginning and he says some really harsh things to Leah throughout the novel mostly because he is trying to push her away. I think she forgave him a bit too easily at the end...I would have made him grovel a bit. The tension between them was great. I read this so quickly because I HAD to know where their relationship was going. Besides these two and Mr. Hall, I didn’t really like any of the other characters. Alec was a bit too boring for my taste and Leah’s best friend, Molly, seemed shady from the start. 4.5 stars

[chrystina.williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great Read! Having never read anything by Jennifer Echols before, I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but I ended up loving it! It was much more than just a romance book, it was also a touching and inspirational story of a young girl's struggle to rise above her terrible upbringing through her love of flying.

The romance aspect of the book was definitely not lacking either. Grayson & Alec scream for attention with their all-American good looks and toned physiques. Alec is sweet & social. While Grayson is more of the bad boy, always getting into trouble (can you guess who I was rooting for her to end up with lol).

Leah's character was really likable and I know I really felt like I connected with her. She is such a strong young woman. Her outlook on life might be somewhat jaded but she is completely honest with herself and I really admired that.

Overall, it was an excellent read and I would definitely recommend it! If you're looking for your romance with a healthy dose of realistic drama, then this book is for you.

***Book won on GoodReads First Reads***

[ottilieweber-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After The one that I want I was a little hesitant to read this book as much as I was excited. I didn't hate The one that I want, I just really disliked the best friend in that book. However Such a Rush was gripping and realistic. Leah was a little different then some other characters that I have read, she was in charge of the family or what excuse she had of a family forcing Leah to grow up very independent. Flying is just a way for her to feel a connection and to finally be herself. Jennifer Echols created a cast a characters that is funny, sexy, sweet, and will pull the emotional strings. A book that should be picked up!

[maureene87 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my goodness, people, this is such a good book! Leah is a fantastic main character, so strong in so many ways but at the same time entirely sympathetic. Also, flying, two best friends, and a seriously hot romance. One I will re-read and re-read.

[asgwilli · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was such a sweet story! More review to come :D

[erikawastaken · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pros:
* fun read
* fluffy, teen romance

Cons:
* situations/scenes escalate and end in 3 pages
* characters switch emotional gears in seconds

Hot twins, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks with gritty determination and a spring break setting makes for a quick read.

[fueledbycoffee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I didnt read any reviews on Such A Rush before I picked it up. Im a daredevil like that. I loved the cover and while you should never judge a book by the cover, I unabashedly admit it: I totally did.

Cover Judger McJudgington

I know what you're thinking, her hair must have taken a load of shampoo to get out all that AquaNet.

After reading the back blurb, I nearly put the book back. My inner teenager - the one that tirelessly watched Top Gun - first at the theater, then burning a hole in my VHS tape - is still hooked on planes of any kind. How could she not be? My inner flygirl made everyone call her "Charlie" for a year and got mad when her Mom wouldnt let her wear seamed hose....well, "Charlie" won, and got her book even though I am NO fan of the overdone Love Triangle.

~Blergh~

Im so glad I gave it a try. i read it in a day's time while my inner Charlie put on her wedgie, sporty, two-piece suit and went to play beach volleyball in the Danger Zone with Iceman, Slider, and Hollywood. The hussy.

Such A Rush fits in the New Adult genre but is set as YA. I'd say mature YA. I discovered immediately, this wasnt your average Erhmehgerd-I-Just-Met-You-This-Is-Crazy-Im-Struck-Stupid-I-Love-You-Forevar! when they all first meet. Good Lord, I hate that. Authors need to stop doing it. Take notes from Jennifer Echols.

This is a love triange...that isn't one.

It's like Echols took a yawn-boring, overdone, love triange, threw it in the cockpit and out came this story of loyalties and love that isn't anywhere near predictable. And then throws you for another corkscrew loop. Corkscrew...get it?

~woohoo, arms in the air, airplane reference!~

There is plenty of piloting planes, not fighter planes, but still airplanes nonetheless. The reader is plunked into the life of this everyday girl who has made some silly or stupid choices to roll with the turbulence of life. She can fly a plane but cant drive car. She's dealt with a flakey parental, encountered swoony boys, gave up fighting assumptions and gossip, found herself embroiled in family dramas, learned deep loyalties, deepened friendships, and had some LOL's.

Such A Rush reminds me a bit of one of Shakespeare's plots: What you thought, isn't. How you see it happening, doesn't. But it all connects for a more interesting, twisty plot where it all works out well in the end.

Like the beauty of an F14, inverted, 4G dive."Say cheese."

~woohoo, buzzes the airport tower~

[capnrandm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I just adore Jennifer Echols. The whole "please date my brother" plot line was always a little awkward, but the big reveal really did make it fit (teenage boys don't always have the best plans).

[superducky · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh I loved this one! Leah was just so... Spunky. I honestly didn't think I would like this book, and I only bought it because of the pretty cover, but I am SO glad that my shallow cover whore-ness lead me to this book.

[taleofnight · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is definitely a hot love story that will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the character to just kiss all ready! But besides that, I thought the story kind of dragged a little. I enjoyed reading about Leah working at the airport and the whole romance side to it (because that why I picked the book up to begin with) but I really didn't like reading about Leah's life at home. I don't know why I don't like the whole trailer home, dead-beat mom who jumps from boyfriend to boyfriend kind of story, but I just don't. And that was a turn off for me, just because I feel like it's been used a lot and I'm tired of reading about it and I don't like the atmosphere overall.But, other than that, I did enjoy the story, I just wasn't completely enchanted by it.

[kwrolsen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall I enjoyed this book and thought it was a good read. The story was realistic and engaging, the characters were well developed, and the novel was appropriately paced. On a personal note, I did not agree with the way that the author portrayed the “pit bull” throughout the story. Her inclusion of the dog was to stress the poverty stricken life that Leah endured as this type of dog is often found in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. In her story this dog would be considered a property or resident dog. These abused dogs are normally used for protection purposes and not companionship. They are often not properly socialized, untrained, abused, and often bred. Contrary to what she portrayed in the novel, pit bull type dogs (pit bull is not a breed of dog) are wonderful family pets, stable, and loveable. To support that, the ATTS has been collecting data based on evaluations on many types of dogs. They point out that pit bulls fall within an acceptable range of temperamental soundness and are no different than the average dog when it comes to human interaction. The way that Echols continued to refer to the “pit bull” as vicious and lunging at the characters without acknowledgement of its circumstances only demonized and stereotyped these great dogs. This truly saddened me as I read this book. Echols is a great writer and I enjoyed her novel; however, I hope that she considers her choice of dogs and they way that she refers to them in her future books.

[reesa111 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

~After takeoff this one is sure to land your heart~ This is a book that is hard to put down & you won't regret buying for your shelves at home* Reesa***

[hrose2931 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Okay, seems a bit dramatic doesn't it? Well things are dramatic when you're a teenager and I think Jennifer Echols catches that very well. I've only read Going Too Far by her before this and it's along the same vein as this one. Troubled, strong female MC. Sex isn't an issue, it's in the book. So be prepared along with some strong language and some pretty bad parenting and other things that people might object to. None of it is stuff that doesn't occur on the news nightly or isn't written in the papers. It's just that Jennifer Echols isn't afraid to write it down in a book about teens for teens. And I think she should. Leah has been raised in trailer parks next to airports her entire life. So, at the age of 14 when they move to Heaven Beach, South Carolina, she ducks under the fence and gets a job at the airport. She watches the planes come and go. She listens to the old pilots shoot the breeze on the front porch of the small airport that doesn't even have a flight control tower. And she eats it up. It's about the only thing she's got going right in her life. And so what if she's got a huge crush on Mr. Hall's of Hall Aviation son, Grayson. Nothing will ever come of it. They don't know she exists. The boys don't. But Leah figures out how to get flying lessons from Mr. Hall and he takes her in as a daughter, his sons are too busy to come visit after the divorce. By the time Grayson, Alec and Leah are all 18 they have their commercial pilot's licences and plan to spend Spring Break and the summer flying banners for money for Hall Aviation. But bad things happen and those plans go down the drain.Now, I'll say this about Jennifer Echols characters- they are complicated. I thought I had Leah figured out. She lived in a trailer and wanted to get out of it. But she wasn't going to be handed anything, she was going to earn it. And if people thought she had been handed something because she was sexy and knew how to use it, well they could think what they wanted to, she wasn't going to correct them. But Leah was also fierce to me. And I didn't expect her to take certain things that she did. I thought she acted a little out of character in certain parts of the book.Grayson, he was exactly who I thought he would be. Cocky, self assured, good looking and always had to have everything his way. Alec, was probably the easiest to like because he wasn't in the picture that much. And Molly, well let's just say, I don't want a best friend, if that's what I have to have. They all seemed to be good and wholesome and caring, but Leah just didn't see them for who they really were. She never let her own feelings out. She had a crappy mother who was always leaving her. She rarely had food. She didn't have a car to get food. No one ever offered to take her to get food and she never asked. Her reasons were stupid.But you know what, I loved this book. For all the flawed characters, I still loved the book and I will buy my own copy. I stayed up all night with a bad eye to read this one. I guess it was because the characters didn't fit a mold. They changed up when I thought I knew them. And I had to think about them for a few days before I could even write this review. They're still swimming around in my head. I really loved this book!It's definitely for older teens. It contains, strong language, sex, drugs, drinking, and other suggestive things regarding sex. I can't say what age, my teen is old enough for it. Use your best judgement.I did read the ARC of this book supplied by Southern Book Bloggers ARC Tours. I was not compensated for this review.

[bornbookish · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

My love of the gorgeous cover is the extent of my love for this book. It was slow paced, trashy, and full of annoying characters.I couldn’t stand the main character of the book, Leah. While I admired her trying to make a better future for herself and get out of the trailer park life she’d grown up in, I just couldn’t stand her. She was always whining and complaining about being called the school slut (harsher word used in book), but does nothing to change it. In fact, she purposefully acts/dresses the way she thinks people expect her to. She gets mad at other people for thinking of her that way but thinks it herself. If I could use two words to describe the romance in this book I would say messed up.This is not your typical love triangle since Leah doesn’t actually have feeling for both guys. Leah’s been in love with Grayson since they were fourteen years old, but Grayson has never given her the time of day until now, when he blackmails her into dating his twin brother Alec. While Leah & Grayson’s feelings for each other deepen, they start to see each other in secret, while Grayson continues to make Leah go out with Alec, which made me furious!The one part about the book I did enjoy was learning about the planes and details of flying. While I myself am terrified of heights and am afraid to ride on a plane, never-mind fly one. I found it really fun to read about someone as brave as Leah and her flying experiences.As for objectionable content, there was an abundance of foul language as well as some sex scenes.Overall, I wish I hadn’t wasted my time with this one. It was all very trashy in my opinion. I definitely won’t be adding any of Jennifer Echols other books to my TBR.