This is the first book I've read by Ann Aguirre, and I'm happy to say that it did not disappoint. I'm actually a huge fan of New Adult novels, so when I got the news that a review copy was on its way I was really excited.

What I Liked: Let's be honest, there's a lot of new adult books out in the world right now and most of them have the same story line (yet somehow the majority of us still love them). And then there's books like I Want It That Way. These books are the really special ones, the ones that deviate from the NA cookie cutter and make it work.
Nadia and her friends have just moved into their new apartment in 2B. On her moving day, she meets her neighbor down in 1B, who happens to be very attractive. While their first encounter is brief, there is an undeniable chemistry between the two. Juggling school, his four year old son, and the end of his previous relationship, a girlfriend is the last thing Ty wants right now.
When I first read the summary of this book, the fact that Ty had a son really drew me in. Off the top of my head, I can only think of two other New Adult novels in which the main character has a child. Two. Out of the fifty I've probably read. And I loved the fact that Ty had a son. Sam is adorable which makes him impossible not to like. He's actually a pretty important character in the novel because he's one of the reasons Ty is so hesitant to be in another relationship. Talking about relationships and Ty, Ty is an awesome dad and reading about the two of them together is so cute. While I loved the scenes between Ty and Sam, I think I liked the scenes with Sam and Nadia even more. Nadia works at a daycare as a part time job, the same daycare Sam happens to go to. At first Sam is shy around Nadia and the other kids, but as the novel goes on Sam warms up to her and treats her like family, and it's just so sweet.
I also liked the personalities of all of the characters, even Nadia's friends. Thankfully, Nadia doesn't make rash (and dumb) decisions and isn't a wishy washy character like other protagonists in NA and YA novels. Is it weird that Sam is probably my favorite character? I can't help it, his innocent four year oldness is just too much.

What I Didn't Like: I'm honestly conflicted over the romance between Ty and Nadia. Hold on, let me explain before you start throwing objects at me. I loved the interactions between the Nadia and Ty. The romance was a slow burn and the chemistry was there, but I didn't actually feel it. When it comes to the romance aspect of novels, I'm a huge fangirl and shipper of characters as long as I am emotionally connected. In I Want It That Way, I did like Ty and Nadia together and I was happy with the ending, but I never truly shipped the two of them and felt their chemistry. So I guess while I enjoyed the romance in the novel, I didn't really experience it with the characters. I'm not sure if that makes any sense at all, but hopefully you get my point.

But overall, I Want It That Way provides an unique plot line that will satisfy all readers and lovers of New Adult! I definitely recommend it to those looking for a great contemporary read. And I, myself, look forward to reading more of Ann Aguirre's novels! ( )

This required extra effort to finish because it is missing a lot of things that make a story engaging—character development, plot, setting, dialogue, ...

Take out even a major event, like the snowstorm and aftermath, the change in roommates, or the difficult class assignment, the call home, and nothing changes. The main characters aren't different and the ending isn't different. Nadia grows slightly more confident which might play into the resolution except that it isn't obvious whether she is clear-headed or blinded by love.

Dialogue? This is 99% internal monologue and Nadia is nice, but not THAT interesting. You know when you just have to tell somebody else the dialogue you just read even though they won't really get it without context but you do it anyway? That doesn't happen here.

What fantasy version of Michigan is this where from August to June it doesn't rain, doesn't snow, and the only time people sweat is when they are dancing? She puts on a hoodie or a jacket because it is cute, not because there is weather. Yes, there is the snowstorm thing, but that isn't in Michigan as far as I can tell.

Small bits of sloppy writing grate, too. When carrying a couch up stairs the person at the top does not carry most of the weight. A conversation from the second floor balcony to the first floor patio is not intimate and private. It would feel public and risky, which would be a lot more exciting than the herb tea moments we get here. And what happens to Ty's aunt after the surgery? Also, why is it OK that the second semester practicum teacher is burned out and detached? Wouldn't that be a red flag about Nadia's chosen profession, especially while the rest of her life is in upheaval?

Nadia and Ty are nice, really nice, and there is a setup and a resolution. And sex. And fireworks (really). But that doesn't make a story. ( )

4.5 stars.

I Want It That Way is the delightfully charming first novel in Ann Aguirre's new adult 2B Trilogy. This engaging series features college roommates and their sometimes rocky road to happily ever after.

I Want It That Way opens with Nadia Conrad and her friends, Lauren, Max and Angus moving from the dorms into a new apartment. Nadia's interest is immediately piqued by one of the other tenants, Daniel "Ty" Tyler, but he is definitely giving off a "stay away from me" vibe. Not at all put off by his unfriendliness, Nadia soon learns that Ty is a few years older than she is, and he's juggling work and night classes while raising his four year old son, Sam, on his own (with a lot of help from his parents). She and Ty become friends and their attraction for one another soon spills over into "friends with benefits" territory.

I absolutely adored Nadia and Ty right from the very beginning of I Want It That Way. Nadia is focused on getting her degree and although she always makes time to hang out with her friends, she is serious about her commitment to school and her job. She is sweet and friendly but she is not a pushover. She genuinely cares for her friends and she is quick to offer a shoulder to cry on when they run into problems. Nadia is pretty unflappable and remains friendly and respectful even when someone is behaving like a jerk (cough, Ty, cough :) ). Speaking of Ty, he is wounded by his past and he has a few insecurities but overall, he is a great guy. He is a wonderful father-fiercely devoted and just a tad over protective. Ty is scarred by how things ended with Sam's mom, and he has no intention of getting involved in a serious relationship.

I love how Ty and Nadia's relationship develops over the course of the story. They take the time to get to know one another and Ty reveals things to Nadia that he has never admitted to anyone else. Underlying all of their interactions is a strong sexual tension that both work hard to ignore. They respect one another's boundaries and they set ground rules when they decide to give into their sexual attraction. Their sex scenes are exquisitely sensual but also very sweet. There is a little bit of an "insta-love" feel from Nadia, but for the most part, the change in their relationship from friends to lovers is believable.

The secondary cast of characters is just as well-developed and likable as Nadia and Ty. Lauren and Nadia have been best friends for most of their lives but an unexpected distance forms between them after their move. Lauren's story is next and I cannot wait to read it. Their roommate Angus is an absolute doll and although he experiences a relationship crises, everything goes fairly smoothly for him. Poor Max gets his heart broken and I am pretty eager for his book as well.

Although classified as a New Adult romance, I Want It That Way is a wonderful novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. There is very little angst and the characters handle their problems with surprising maturity (most of the time). The plot is refreshing and the characters are engaging, likable and easy to root for. The novel is well-written with a realistic storyline that is quite compelling. All in all, Ann Aguirre's fabulous 2B Trilogy is off to a strong beginning that will leave fans very impatiently awaiting the next book in the series. ( )

Author Ann Aguirre begins her "2B Trilogy" with "I Want It That Way", a New Adult contemporary romance which took me out of my regular reading box--and I liked it that way! Nadia Conrad and her best friend, Lauren, left small town Sharon, Nebraska behind to attend college in Michigan. Living off-campus, they share an apartment with two friends, Angus and Max. While living in close quarters can be complicated, the four college buddies manage to make it work, and they eventually bond into their own little family unit. Nadia is concentrated on protecting her scholarship, with the hopes of eventually paying back her parents for their sacrifices for her future after she graduates and lands a full-time teaching job. For the time being, she is working hard on her studies and working part-time at a day care center. She shouldn't have time for the handsome, auburn-haired guy with the adorable young son--even if they live just a stone's throw away in the same apartment complex. Daniel Tyler, known as "Ty", became a single dad at just twenty years of age. His girlfriend didn't want to have a baby and become a mother--she wanted to pursue her own dreams for her life. Ty persuaded her to have the baby, but after a short time, she abandoned Ty and their son, Sam. Ty loves Sam very much, and he would never give up his son for any reason, so he struggles to work, study, and be a father. His life is complex, and he has little or no personal time, but that doesn't mean he can't wonder about the beautiful and appealing Nadia. The fact that she loves children and wants to be a special-ed teacher just makes her that much more attractive. Logic tells them not to get involved, but attraction, need, and want will have their way, and soon friendship merges with passion. Each of them has personal issues to resolve, and being together means compromise on both sides. Are they ready to take a chance on love, and on each other? Appealing characters, real-life issues, and a heaping dose of spice and sentiment make “I Want It That Way” an involving read.

Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine ( )

This was a pretty cute read. Nadia is a hard worker and so cute with the kids, especially Sam. Ty has totally isolated himself while he's working, going to school, and taking care of his son. He's a good dad, but could use another adult around to help with Sam and to love. They were a good couple and the romance scenes were pretty steamy! Ty needed some time to get over the mother of his child abandoning them and Nadia was willing to fight for their love. I also liked Nadia's friends and their drama made the story more interesting. ( )