Justine's Thoughts: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

The Ex Games
By Jennifer Echols

Source: Library
Pages: 302
Book Description:

Brace yourself for the battle of the exes. . . .

Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized breakup. Now the two are “just friends”, excluding their occasional flirtation.

When Hayden wins the girls’ division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn’t have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick’s bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden’s and the boys on Nick’s, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated--and they might end up igniting some old flames.

A quote:

Nick and me riding up together right then was like George W. Bush and Barack Obama riding to Obama’s inauguration in the same limo. Relaxed!

Any thoughts:

It’s a love and hate relationship! How I love those. One moment, Nick and Hayden are arguing like there’s no tomorrow and then before you know it, they’re making out. Actually, it’s quite the opposite: they kiss, then fight. The tension between these two is so visibly obvious in a crowd and especially when they’re alone. It’s hard not to cheer for these young teens as they try to overcome their pasts.

They both are great characters. They have depth, a background behind them that makes each of them real. Hayden tends to analyze over the smallest things, like a normal teenage girl would do. That would often lead to a huge misunderstanding. Nick is the handsome and rich guy, who could have any girl he wants and who could leave them anytime he wants. Yes, he’s arrogant but gosh, the way he’s concerned for Hayden makes my heart flutter.

The plot revolves around a lodge in which the characters spend their week during winter. There were many things about snowboarding which I was clueless about but with the help of a definition at the beginning of each chapter, I was able to learn a few things. The minor characters are also enjoyable. With Nick and Hayden’s best friends going out with each other (no, not only one but two pairs), the pressure and the tension is on. It’s funny to watch.

I just realized this is my first Jennifer Echols novel! Wow. I have got to read more of hers. Romantic comedies are my fave and this one is a great start to read.