Review of Such a Rush
My Review of Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols looks at this YA Contemporary story about a girl who loves to fly.
Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
To be published by MTV Books on July 10, 2012
Source: ARC from my collection
My summary: Leah has lived in trailer parks near airports all her life, and has always dreamed of flying. So she forges her mom’s signature and convinces Mr. Hall, the head of a airplane banner advertising business, to give her discounted flying lessons. He becomes a father figure to her, until he dies and his two twin sons, golden boy Alec and brooding Grayson, take over. Grayson blackmails Leah to work for him and to date Alec. Leah’s not sure what Grayson is up to, but she needs to log more hours of flying time in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a pilot, so she reluctantly agrees. She thinks Alec is a nice guy, but the electric charge of being near Grayson is undeniable. Like flying, being with Grayson is such a rush.
Review of Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
I’m not so crazy about flying. I’m a little claustrophobic and not so fond of heights. But I was SO crazy about Such a Rush. Books are sort of like trips. Sometimes you get dragged along and they turn out better than you think. Other times, you can tell where the book is headed and can’t wait to get there. I fell in love with this book from the very first paragraph and my love never wavered.
Leah is a complicated character. Her best friend says she’s a bitch. I’d call her more of a guys’ girl. High school girls are mean, and Leah would rather just reject them before they can reject her.What makes Leah happy is flying. When she’s in the air, she’s in control and can see a world beyond her narrow one. I loved the way Leah was written. Every scene in the book revealed a slightly different side of her.
I also adored the Hall family. They’re all guys, and there’s a bunch of good-natured rivalry between them. Mr. Hall loves his sons, but after splitting from his wife, he doesn’t see them as much as he’d like. So he directs all his fatherly impulses toward Leah.
I was worried that Such a Rush was going to have an awkward, this-just-can’t-end-well brother love triangle. But that wasn’t the case. I was also a little skeptical of the whole blackmail storyline. Then, way into the book, when Leah finds out what Grayson is really up to, it hit me like an emotional punch in the stomach.
Like planes, books have a lot of moving parts. It’s not easy to make everything just right so that they soar. I felt that everything in Such a Rush worked seamlessly: the characters, the conflict, the themes, the setting. If you love contemporaries, you MUST read this book. I think it’s Jennifer Echols’ very best yet!
Nope. I fly a few times a year for work and it doesn't bother me.
I just finished Forget You. Loved Doug. Zoey pissed me off, but I think she was written well. Definitely plan on reading more Echols books
I liked Forget You. I brought Going Too Far on vacation because that's the only one of her books I haven't read.
I still have to read that one too.
I LOVE flying! Minus the ear-popping, seat-kicking passengers, and turbulence. 😉 Thank you for sharing your review & giveaway!
You are braver than I am!
I have generally enjoyed Echols' romantic comedies (The Boys Next Door, The Ex Games, Major Crush) more than her more dramatic works (Forget You, Love Story) so I am a little nervous about this. I'm very curious about the love story in this one-the two brothers love triangle is something I hate but it sounds more complicated than that.
I am not afraid of flying; as long as I'm on a big jet, I love it for the speed of getting to my destination.
I urge you to try it!! It packed a greater emotional punch than her romantic comedies but was also a great romantic story. I was very apprehensive about the brother love triangle too, but it wasn't really like that.
Am I the only scaredy-cat out there who hates to fly??
I'm not afraid of flying but then again I've only been on a plane once and that was when I was really little.
It's perfectly safe and I didn't used to be afraid of it!
Eeeep! Great review! I'm back to blogging and commenting on blogs is BACK! Great review Jen! Crossing my fingers I win! And flying is not that scary despite all those shows I love to watch were people die in a plane crash!
Welcome back – were you away on a trip, or just taking a break?
Not afraid of flying but wouldn't want to do it too often.
Ha ha — I hear you!
I used to be until I had a flying lesson! I don't mind flying now, but I woudl much rather be flying the plane than being a passenger. It's a million times better being in control. Can't afford to have more lessons though!
You had a flying lesson? Wow! I went in a flight simulator once and had to get out. It completely freaked me out.
I have to admit it is a really strange feeling when the ground drops away beneath you! It's like 'cr*p – what's holding me up?!'
No, I'm not afraid of flying. I actually love it.
After this book, I am going to try to learn to love it!
No, I'm not afraid of flying:) Wouldn't like to fly a plane myself though;)
YOu should read Going Too Far by Echols – I LOVED it:)
Thanks so much:)
It's next on my pile — I've heard that it's really good.
Heck no, I love flying. Big planes, little ones, always a rush.
Good for you!!! I'm going to try to learn to like it.
I'm not terrified of flying in planes but i am definitively afraid of flying of a building.
Yep!
No I am not afraid of flying. The take off and landing are sometimes rough but I like being in the air. Even if you can't have cell phones lol. Yea I don't blame you for keeping this book, I would too. Now I'm dying to read it even more and what you said about Grayson is making me very curious. Such a Rush is definitely a must read/much own and I'm so very excited it's out.
This book is one you will LOVE!!
Oh yes this is definitely calling my name. Lol
I am generally not afraid of flying unless the flight is verrrry bumpy.:/
-JennyC
Strangely, the bumpy doesn't freak me out. It's just if I start thinking too much about being up in the air!
Like in an airplane? Not really. I don't mind it. I really like the swooping feeling on take off and landing 😉
The take-off and landing are okay for me!
I am not afraid in a commercial jet but in a little cessna where you feel every bit of turbulance…. Yeah then I am terrified!
I once had a kind of scary flight on a small plane, but I was sitting right near the pilot and he seemed totally calm, so I was okay.
Gah, I LOVE THIS REVIEW! I need a copy of this one ASAP!
Also: afraid of flying? nope, but I *am* afraid the plane will crash, so once we hit turbulence and it's really bad (which happened to me in April flying to Denver from NY. eeeeek.) and that's when I think I'm going to die. it happens.
Turbulence doesn't bother me. It's just the idea of being trapped up in the air. I'm a huge control freak.
I'm not afraid of flying. I don't really like the idea of being enclosed with others though. I am pretty much a super germaphobic so being on a plane freaks me out because so many people in close quarters, but not the flying itself lol!!
Okay, I'm feeling better cause I'm not germophobic either. I just have my few little phobias.
This book sounds really interesting! And I'm not really afraid of flying. Even about the possibility of the plane crashing (:
I am glad you feel that way — after reading this book, I want to love it!
I actually am afraid of flying, even though I've only done it like maybe 6 times and I was a lot younger. But in 2 weeks I'm going to be on my way to Florida all by myself. I've never taken a plane ride without one of my siblings with me and that's what is most terrifying to me at the moment.
You will be fine! Hope you have a great time in Florida!!
Not at all. I've flown a number of times and I find it to be relaxing, unless there is a screaming/crying kid on board.
Ha — as a mom I am much more sympathetic to the parents of the screaming child now…
Thankfully, not afraid of flying since my parents have been flying all over the world since we were little.
That is so great!!
Yes I am afraid of flying! Especially over water. I will never get to see Europe, which is a huge bummer for me, but I just don't think I could ever do it. 🙁
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
You are my phobia twin. Flying over water is scary. I don't know why — if you crash it's bad either way….
Can't wait to read it, I <3 her books!!!
I think this one is the very best yet!
I loved this one too! I hope to read a couple more of Echols books in the future. I don't mind flying. I have skydived before and it was fun. But planes do make me sick. I have to medicate otherwise I get nauseous. Last time I flew I took a lot of Dramamine and read Harry Potter the whole time and I was fine. I think actually being in control of the plane would be different like when you drive you usually don't get car sick. I would love to take flying lessons someday. I was so worried about the love triangle and was very happy with the way all the characters and events came together and worked out. I liked Alec so I was glad with what happened. I didn't really like her friend. Why didn't she just tell Leah? Would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.
Skydiving — wow. I'm not sure I'm up for that. I did zip lining, and that was enough excitement for me.
I've been hearing such wonderful things about this book, I'm glad you approve of it too! I'm also glad to hear that the whole brother-triangle situation works out favorably, those are not my favourite in books but I'm confident this one will be fine 🙂
As for the question, I'm not afraid of flying – I love it! I grew up flying all the time since my dad was military and we moved countries a lot and visited a lot of places, and I find myself feeling quite at home on them. Something about the orderliness of the process makes me feel calm. Thank you for doing the giveaway!
I was apprehensive but it was really fine. I don't like the idea of family being torn apart like that 🙂
Nope. But everyone I know is, hence the reason I've still never been on a plane smh
Awwww. You'll get your chance 🙂
Absolutely not. I've been flying cross continental since I was a baby. German born.
I had a feeling you were fearless. If you can get a tattoo, I'm sure you can get on a plane 😉
Yep, I hate flying even though I've flown a lot of times.
My blog – http://bookbloggermom.blogspot.com
Thank YOU!!!
I was feeling like a huge wimp!
Nope. At first a little bit but because it was my first time! (ileana-rafflecopter)
I think it's great not to be afraid!!
I don't really like taking off or flying over water but otherwise I'm cool!
I can't wait to read this book. I put it on my TBR list awhile ago but I love your review! Leah sounds like such an amazing character, someone I can really relate to 🙂 Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
Yeah, you're the second person to say that and I agree. Flying over water freaks me out and it's not really rational.
Everyone here is so much braver than me. Flying scares me to death. Mostly because I'm afraid of heights, but also the thought of going so fast so far up in the sky is terrifying. I've only flown a few times in my life and I did not enjoy it.
Thank goodness there are some other people who feel like I do!
I've only flown once and wasn't at all afraid, it was kind of cool.
From your review I think I might have to really read this now! I've never read Jennifer Echols before, but have heard great things. I really like books where I can connect with the characters and contemporaries are starting to work their way into my favorites list so maybe I shouldn't miss out on this one!
Thanks for the review!
YES!!!!!
Try this book, please.
I'm not really afraid, since I manage to do it. But I do hate being cramped in the airplane with people, especially coughing and sneezing people, crying (read: screaming) babies, and tiny bathrooms. I get a little antsy about being in the air for so long, so I don't do it often!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I also prefer shorter flights. Longer ones make me very anxious!
I love to fly, but I am always glad to arrive safely back on land too.
Landing is my favorite part!
No! I love flying! I do it a few times a year, and lately I've been freaking out over exploding and stuff, but usually not!
I try not to think about that stuff!
I'm not afraid of flying, but it makes me uncomfortable. Not so much that the plane will crash or anything (well, maybe a little!) but mostly because I get motion sickness.
That's tough. In cars as well as planes?
Not at all!!
Then you will love this book!
Nope, not afraid of flying at all!
I am going to try to be braver!
OF COURSE I keep feeling like the plane's going yo crash. >_<
It could!
I am actually horribly afraid of flying. Like…I seriously need a tranquilizer to get on a plane. But I loved this book so much it made me want to start flying lessons. And then I was like…WAIT! You HATE flying! lol The power of an amazing book! hehe
OMG — we must be secretly related 🙂
Yes…I've never flown by plane. Don't be surprised I live in Bosnia after all. So I can't answer your question, but I guess I'd be surprised. 🙂
That's okay — I'm sure you'll get your chance!
Yes, I take anxiety pills before I board 🙂
I feel better that I am not the only nervous flier out there!
Terrified! I take one anxiety pill and 2 Dramamines to get on the plane.
Thank you for making me feel better. I have not tried any medication, but maybe I will!
This one looks soooo good. And I'm glad to hear I don't need to be worried about a brother-lovetriangle-trainwreck (plane crash?). I'm dying to read this now.
Nope, no wrecks or crashes of the romantic kind 🙂
This one was so good, and I'm glad that you liked it. I was a bit hesitant about the brother/love triangle thing, but I really liked the way the whole thing played out.
And to answer your question, no I'm not scared of flying. But I do tend to psyche myself out and think of the worst possible outcome.
Yep, I think my mind is my worst enemy sometimes!
I loved this book! Thank you so much for the giveaway. I am terrified of flying! Flying is not for me – I get motion sickness very easily, so it's not fun at all.
Sorry to hear that. I am lucky that way – no motion sickness. I went on a cruise where a lot of people were really seasick, but not me!
I want to read this so bad ;n; I fly all the time, and I have since a young age, so it's boring rather than terrifying.
that is good!
I've never really been afraid of flying. I mean sure, when you get on a plane there's like, a one in ten thousand chance (OK, just randomly made up that stat!) you'll crash and burn, but I've never really thought about it in that way. I mean, I don't think "I could get into a car crash" every-time I hop into a car, so why should a plane be any different?
That is the right attitude!
Since I moved to VA I fly all the time and I love it! I don't have a problem with any of the things listed in the comments (even the kids don't bother me), what bothers me are the travelers that they that they are more important than everyone else. Their entitlement attitude makes me angry.
I've only read one Echols book and I wasn't that impressed so I haven't read any of her others but I'm willing to give this one a chance so you loved it so much!
Was the book you read one of her lighter romantic books, or one of the edgier ones? I think this book actually melds the two genres!
It's more the claustrophobia I'm afraid of. Flying is fine as long as I don't think about it too much. lol
Yes — I think it is the claustrophobia that bothers me too.
No I love to fly. Now if someone with magical powers can make people fly that woulod just be AWESOME 😀
That actually would be awesome!
Yes, I sort of am. I've only done it twice, and it seems like the older I get the more afraid I am, how silly is that? :/
Same — I don't think it's silly at all!
Yes. That's why I take a Xanax everytime so I can pass out haha
–Markella
I have never tried that!
Nope – not afraid of flying, although I am still afraid of heights (when there is no visible support)! I thought skydiving would cure me of that, but still a little shaky!!! 😛
Thanks,
Leanne
I don't love heights either!
Yes, I'm afraid of flying.
I am not scared of flying in planes.
Though, I am scared of heights so I never sit by the window on planes. 😀
Nope, not at all. I love flying. I have even been to a flying class when I was 24. Very fun!
– Beckie
Not at all afraid of flying, actually enjoy it if I'm in the right mood. I'm really excited for this book!
I honestly don't know :S the last time I flew was when I was 5, so that's not much to go on 😛 I hate heights though and get uncomfortable over bridges so I don't think I'll enjoy being on a plane.
I've never flown, so I guess not! 🙂 I'd really like to, I think I would enjoy it. I'm not too afraid of heights as long as there's something separating me from the drop.
Hold on, let me recount those very few times on the plane where I've thrown up FIVE STINKING TIMES on the way there AND on the way back, so that makes TEN times in total for a round trip. No, I'm not scared of planes AT ALL -.- I've just sworn off planes because I love them 😉
Thanks for the giveaway, and excuse my sarcasm, I'm in a very snarky mood today -.-
Love this review, Jen! So I have two Jennifer Echols books now, and haven't had a chance to start either of them, but it sounds as if I will be adding a third to the pile because if you loved this one this much then I MUST read it. You know how I love my contemporaries!
And I LOVE flying! I don't know that I would necessarily want to learn to fly, my dad has his pilot's license and some of things he had to do to get it kinda make me a bit nauseated, but I really enjoy flying, and airports, in general:)
Wow, such a fabulous review! Leah definitely seems like such a layered character, and I'm SO glad the love triangle isn't awkward and all that. I haven't read a Jennifer Echols book yet, but I hope that Such A Rush will be my first!I love flying in an airplane! I just love the whole experience of going to the airport, wandering around, and flying on the airplane. I've always been fond of the whole process.
Not really. I've been flying since I was a baby.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!! I've been dying to get my hands on this book! 😀
Not overly! When you hit turbulence, that's scary though!
I'm not at all afraid of flying 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm not a huge fan of flying, as a matter of fact, I try to avoid it. Though if I have to I can suck it up for a few hours and fly. It's been a while, more like years since the last time I did.
I've been hearing such amazing things about this book. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I never fly, so I don't know!
Thank you for this giveaway I really want to read this book!
I'm not really afraid of flying – I'm more afraid or get apprehensive of the whole check-in security get on the plane with everything ordeal. I actually love the take off and landings – a little thrilling for me, but I don't care for turbulence. 🙂
Loved your review! I am requesting this from my library now and maybe I'll add it to my amazon wish list, so thanks!
I absolutely LOVE flying! It's "such a rush" hahahahahaha! The thought of travelling in a plane to a foreign place really makes me happy ^_^
I HATE flying. It doesn't help that my first flight ever was in the middle of a storm with lightning, and we had to fly round and round for like, hours until the storm stopped.
Your review makes me want to read this book more! Btw, I don't hate flying, but I don't love it either – this one is mainly because of the check-in procedure and everything – but anyway, I'm not afraid of flying 😀
Hi, thank u for this awesome giveaway. The book looks great and the loved the cover.
Oh, I hate flying. I'm afraid of height. If I have to travel, I'll choose by car or train. I'll avoiding flying as far as I could. And if I have to fly, gosh..it really stressed me out.
I'm not afraid of flying, but I´m really glad when we´re back on ground. Thank you for the giveaway.
Yup! Afraid of flying! I only flew once and although the flight was perfect, I'm not too eager to repeat that experience. I looove mother Earth thank you very much! 🙂
Thanks for a chance to win this awesome book!
I'm not afraid of flying… what I'm afraid of is falling! XD
Thanks for this awesome chance *cross fingers*
Yeah, falling is not good 😉
I used to travel a lot with the military. Flying is way better than super long convoys in a hummed w/o a/c, or worst, a lmtv.
No, I'm not afraid of flying, I actually really love it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Not afraid of flying at all, but I do get a bit apprehensive during landing. Thanks for the great giveaway!
A little but it's not a crippling fear!
Yes times a million. In fact, my fear of flying was one of the main things that kept me from booking a ticket to my sister's Vegas wedding next month. It's kind of strange since I don't have an overwhelming fear of heights or anything.
Oh, no! I'm sorry to hear that you have to miss the wedding.
only during the take-off and landing!
The take-off does kind of freak me out!
Hmmm, well, maybe I'll have to give this one a try. I'm not afraid of planes, but I'm just not interested in them. Like that movie Top Gun? Never seen the whole thing and don't care to. I know, I know, that's crazy talk. But it just doesn't interest me, plus that wacko Tom Cruise is in it. Not interested.
But since you loved Such a Rush so much, I might just have to check it out. Maybe. 😉