The hardest fight I ever faced was outside the ring. The first time I saw her, it was like being knocked out. I knew I couldn’t have her, would never be able to keep her, but then she went and made me believe in things. And suddenly, there were paths of possibilities where there used to be just dead-ends. I’ve always been a dreamer. Intent on shaping policy and improving the lives of others, an internship on Capitol Hill is my dream come true. Until I meet him. Fall for him. And I’m put in an impossible situation: choose between something essential for thousands of people or choose my heart. Coming from two different worlds, Luke and Emma are certain they can’t fit into each other’s futures. But what kind of boxer doesn’t fight for what he wants? And what kind of idealist doesn’t chase her dreams? As their hearts collide, so do their worlds... even the dark parts that threaten to keep them apart.
Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!
Before reading this book, All the While was my favorite in this series. But now it’s a tie! I absolutely loved Emma’s story. Luke was definitely not what I expected but in the best way! I could not put this book down! I loved Emma’s character and her humorous musings to herself. She has these amazing goals for herself and know what she wants to do and change in the world but is trying to figure out how to make that change. She is so passionate but also doesn’t give herself enough credit. I loved Luke and what an honorable, sweet guy he is. He is chasing after his own dream just as Emma is. Both their dreams are threatened in this book. They are both fighting for each other without even realizing it. Oh and I loved the Outlander reference too!! The reunion of all the girls in NYC was the perfect ending to this series. Oh and I can’t forget Gray! I loved Gray! It’s not often I fall in love with a supporting character! I’m starting a petition for him to have his own book! Really one click this book. You will not be disappointed!
I'm so sad this series is over. For a long time, Gina Azzi has had me entranced with this group of friends and the men they fall in love with. There's always a bit of brokenness and a whole lot of healing.
In this one, Emma is headed to DC for an internship. This is the one of the group with the seemingly perfect life. Before now, no one knew her family was falling apart, not even her. When she leaves, she's truly on her own for the first time, even financially. She wants to help her family so she gets a job at a restaurant and everything snowballs from there. Luke wants to be a professional boxer and it's finally falling into place - except he's torn between that life and the one his family needs him to have running the restaurant. It isn't until he meets Emma he thinks he could want something else.
These two are perfect together. Heartbreaking and sweet. I loved every second of my time with them.
Before reading this book, All the While was my favorite in this series. But now it’s a tie! I absolutely loved Emma’s story. Luke was definitely not what I expected but in the best way! I could not put this book down! I loved Emma’s character and her humorous musings to herself. She has these amazing goals for herself and know what she wants to do and change in the world but is trying to figure out how to make that change. She is so passionate but also doesn’t give herself enough credit. I loved Luke and what an honorable, sweet guy he is. He is chasing after his own dream just as Emma is. Both their dreams are threatened in this book. They are both fighting for each other without even realizing it. Oh and I loved the Outlander reference too!! The reunion of all the girls in NYC was the perfect ending to this series. Oh and I can’t forget Gray! I loved Gray! It’s not often I fall in love with a supporting character! I’m starting a petition for him to have his own book! Really one click this book. You will not be disappointed!
This is Book #4 in The Senior Semester Series. Book #2 (Kiss Me Goodnight in Rome) and this book are my favorites in this series. Luke and Emma come from two different worlds. Emma has not had to worry about money until her father told her not to use the credit card he gave her. Now Emma needs a way to pay for her rent while she is in DC. She gets a job at Luke's restaurant/bar. The way they both were towards one another was so sweet to me. Each cared deeply for the other that they would do anything for the other.
I noticed that each of the 4 best friends did not tell their friends everything that was happening in their lives. To me, it was something major that they were keeping back from one another.
☆☆☆☆☆ I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes! Read more from this author? Yes!
What a way to end the series! Luke and Emma are an unconventional, unlikely couple - but they are so incredibly perfect for one another. Emma gets an awesome opportunity to intern at Capitol Hill; I love her passion for the topics she discusses in the book, because they’re The same topics I’m passionate about. She comes from a wealthy background - until the tables turn unexpectedly and force her to get a job to make ends meet. That’s where she meets fighter bad boy Luke, who is just as hot as he is temperamental. While they try to deny their attraction as they fulfill the dreams they finally have within their reach, that denial doesn’t last for long. What unfolds is a dynamic story with twists, turns, love, and loss. It was the perfect way to end this awesome series.
This Series is a must read for fans of Great and real characters with virtues and flaws. I was captivated by The style of Ms Azzi. I followes each character with The same thought: what will happen next? Emma - she is a star here - SO passionate, so Lovely, so mature. Female MCs like Her makes every read worth Reader Time. With Luke I had a Little problem as i couldnt understand his motives for fighting; after understanig that i Fell for him. Great read! I need more books like that!
I enjoyed this book cover to cover! Me + You was my favorite in the series - which is really saying something! I am sad that this series is over, but I can't wait to see what author Gina Azzi comes up with next! Emma and Luke's story is beyond entertaining and touches on some very relevant topics of our time. Their driving forces are very real and relatable, and I was sad to finish it!
This was a really good book that pulled me in from the first page, and kept me hooked until I finished it. Emma and Luke were both great characters, who were relatable and worked great as a couple. The chemistry between them was perfect, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. Overall, I really liked the book. I was gifted a copy.
Nice romantic novel. What I like about the novel is, * how even at dire situation although that means costing their relationship, they both always encouraged each other to pursue your dreams and never let go of it, also if it matters so much then fight for it be it your dream or love or whatever it is that matters to you. * You don't need that big job to fulfill your dreams, sometimes it's a matter finding another way to accomplish similar outcome, say how she couldn't land herself the job even after her efforts and dedication, her dream was for the legislation to pass the parental leave, working for women and family welfare, what she first thought was to be a civil servant but that couldn't happen, she chose to work on it differently like working with an NGO that focuses on the similar issue, at the end of the day what matters is your contribution to the greater good, the mission or your purpose is what matters, sometimes we get too hooked on the idea of achieving certain milestone or a position of authority to help the public, but there are various ways in which you could be of help to the public and the state, if one doesn't work, figure out something, don't lose your heart. * Never consider yourself any less worthy bcoz of some assh**e said so, you're perfect in every which way you are, you don't need to be a size 0 or suck in your tummy and feel ashamed of yourself or your body or not the desired type based on some shitty comments from others. Block out yourself from such toxicity, do all you can , to be the best version of yourself, that is what matters.
Life becomes bearable and more enjoyable when you have a partner with whom you feel at home, with whom you can share your whole life, for whom you wish all the goodness of life, for whom you will willingly do anything in your hands to support their dreams and aspirations, it is a 2 way process.
Storyline New city, new internship, new side gig- a waitressing job for a few bucks to cover rent , new friends, adulting, the tough life being an adult and helping your parents out in shouldering responsibilities, lingering feelings mounting between Luke and Emma, one fine day caving into the frenzy and making out in the car, casual dating, unsure of what lies ahead, one hell of a greedy, manupulative prick, typical politician uncle pulling out a stunt in order to manipulate his nephew Luke, and when things go south and Emma lying on the hospital bed, succumbed to gnashes and bruises from the assault of her captivators (the politician uncle was behind all this), his son and Luke cuts off their ties with Unlcle P. She's on path to recovery from the trauma she went through, all through long Luke always by her side to support and comfort her bouts, they both were the anchors to each other. The novel ends with inking their bodies with symbols that symbolises their commited relationship and surprising each other with the tatoo, meeting with the family and friends and finally climaxing with the girl gang and their partner's reunion, and finally after & yrs the parental bill that she worked so hard for was passed at the Senate and the state and Luke with a great boxing career and Baracuda resturant expansion at various outlets and their friend handling it all very well, the happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love reading Gina Azzi's books because, more than many authors I've read, she knows how to craft genuine characters that feel and act real. Their flaws make them relatable, and the tragedies and triumphs that everyday life bring feel like events that could befall anyone.
In this series, four lifelong friends decide to part company for one semester, seeking direction and adventure in their young lives. Emma's story is the final piece to the puzzle. She is an energetic go-getter who travels to Washington D.C. to score an (unpaid) intern position in the office of an influential politician, hoping this will catapult her into a job where she can effect real change. To sustain herself during this time, she lands a job as a server in an upscale restaurant, and in doing so catches the eye of her boss, Luke.
Luke is an up-and-coming boxer who is inches away from a shot at the title. When his uncle dies and leaves Luke the restaurant, Luke is torn between fulfilling his obligation and chasing his dream. When he meets Emma - a girl from a world so different from his she might as well be from another planet - it further complicates matters, especially when sparks fly between the pair.
The question that hangs in the air as you're reading this story is fairly simple: can these two find a way to make a relationship work, or are their lives just too different? Will their career paths even allow it to happen?
Gina Azzi's delightful writing style breathes life into these characters, making you feel their plight and root for them when all seems hopeless. She can do the dramatic moments and the sweet romantic moments with equal aplomb. I would recommend this book, and this series, to anyone who enjoys slice-of-life stories with real people doing real things in real places.
I have really enjoyed this series by Ms. Azzi, I never read the original versions so I came into this series with a fresh set of eyes and an open mind.
This is the final story in the series, it's Emma's story. Her quest for her dream in Washington DC. She has a wide eyed optimism that you don't see much in the world of politics. I also empathized with her vulnerabilities. But what really wowed me was her strength of character and the evolution of her self-esteem and her confidence.
Luke is a true alpha hero, he takes care of those he loves and he will do anything to protect them. I also wanted to hug him. His sense of not being good enough just proved how lovable he really was!
The chemistry between Luke and Emma was wicked fast and unbelievably hot! I loved how Luke made Emma feel beautiful regardless of what she thought of herself.
You get a bit of angst, a dash of suspense and some heartbreaking moments in this story! It gave me all the feels!
This was a wonderful end to the series and it was lovely to see all the past characters make an appearance.
Way to go Ms. Azzi!! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!!
This story is about Emma going to DC to intern for her state senator. I'm not into politics at all. That being said, I have read and enjoyed political romances before so it didn't bother me. I like Emma. She tackles everything with a smile and open heart: making friends, the political issues she's passionate about, and even the roadblocks that are thrown in her path. I love that her DC friends have her back, as she comes to need them. Her dedication to the pact has her meeting Luke, who not only happens to be her boss, but an newly professional boxer. She is in DC, so happiness doesn't last for long and you really never know who you can trust or what their end game is. It just confirms (yes, I get it's a fictional story) why I dislike politics, but I really enjoyed this book.
Awww such an awesome ending, I'm a little sad to say goodbye to Emma and Luke - they were such a great couple! Drama, lust, bribery and corruption, love, hopes, dreams and excellent side characters await you in this quick, easy to read book.
I absolutely loved Emma and Luke! I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down! I can’t believe that The College Pact series is over! I can’t wait for Gina’s next book!