The Dancer's Dilemma (Campus Connections #3) by CJane Elliott

 

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
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When love comes knocking, check who's there before you open the door.

Tyrone Johnson is looking for The One. But what if the two applicants are his straight ex-best friend and the man who messed with Tyrone's teenaged heart?

His best friend Nat was always there for him until he dropped Tyrone in high school to run with the jocks and date the prom queen. Now he's back and wants Tyrone's forgiveness--and his heart.

Arnaud, the French choreographer who swept eighteen-year-old Tyrone off his feet, is also back. He's eager to reignite their hot affair after leaving it in the dust four years ago.

Which one can Tyrone trust not to abandon him again? And can he trust himself to make the right choice?

If you like second chance stories and sexy dancing, you'll love The Dancer's Dilemma.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

The Dancer's Dilemma is good second chance tale by CJane Elliott. The third book in the Campus Connections series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Emotions are front and center throughout, as Tyrone is reunited with his former best friend Nat. 

Tyrone has two people pursuing him, one the former friend who he still resents for leaving him behind in high school. The other is his sleazy dance choreographer who he once was involved with. 

For the reader, there is never a doubt who he'll choose, so don't fret if you hate love triangles. For Tyrone, this is a tale of listening to Nat, accepting that he's genuine, and forgiving him. It isn't an easy journey for the two as they deal with their painful pasts. 

In addition, Tyrone has some decisions to make about his dancing career. 

I really love Tyrone, despite his mistakes. He's far too vulnerable, but downright lovable. After meeting him in the previous books in the series, it's great to see him find love. And if you've read the earlier books, you will gain a wonderful appreciation for all of his friends. 

As for Nat, it takes the reader a while to figure out what his deal is. But once we do, it's easy to forgive him for his past mistakes. I just wish I could have understood him a little sooner. 

And as far as Arnaud is concerned, I wanted him to die a painful death. The fact that Tyrone struggled so much with him ruined some of this for me.

Overall, The Dancer's Dilemma is a decent college romance. CJ Elliott adds in just the right amount of angst into this sweet tale of forgiveness. It's a sweet story of second chances at friendship, as well as love. 

Sand-Man's Family (Wild and Precious #3) by CJane Elliott

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When Sandy Nixon’s conservative Catholic parents discover he’s had sex before marriage, they are furious. But when he blurts out he’s bisexual, they go ballistic. After they threaten him with conversion therapy, Sandy does what many queer kids long to do—leaves his homophobic parents in the dust. He moves in with his Uncle Phineas and Phineas’s partner Cody in Portland, Oregon, and is finally safe to be himself. Sandy misses his siblings, though, and decides to visit his former home in Rockford for Thanksgiving. On the train, he runs into Jade Byrne.

As the only out gay kid in their Catholic high school, Jade has stared down homophobes while being fabulous in the school musicals. He’s crushed on Sandy for years. But he’s made sure never to show it, even after they had a onetime hookup, because Sandy’s the good Catholic kid, the altar boy, and the apparently straight athlete—all the things Jade isn’t. Traveling back to Rockford together sees the start of a month of adventures, a blossoming attraction, and a chance for Sandy to learn what it means to have a family that hurts and to choose a family that heals.

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

CJ Elliott's Sand-Man's Family is a sweet coming of age romance. The third book in the Wild and Precious series, I read it as a standalone, but I'm now curious about the previous books and plan to read them soon. I can tell a whole lot of background and build up is in those stories. 

We all know that covers are an important tool when trying to sell a book. This cover certainly doesn't scream "buy me," but the story is nice. So try to overlook the cover. 

Sandy's a teen with a messy past. He's on a ride home to visit his religious, homophobic family when he gets a second chance with Jade, a friend with whom he has a complicated past. Oh, how I adore Jade. He's fabulous, colorful, and outgoing. 

A whole lot of time is spent on Sandy's reationship with Dare though, as Dare is the one who helped Sandy confirm that he's bi-sexual. As much as this is interesting, I would have enjoyed more of Sandy and Jade together.

This is a tale with attempted conversion therapy, a whole lot of hate, and homelessness. Run far away if you aren't in the mood for these type of events. It's a tale with a family holiday and a slew of family issues. Basically, be prepared for some emotional moments. 

The writing is good, but it's definitely a quick read; not too descriptive. The characters are lovely, but this is more of a coming of age tale than a romance. It focuses on living one's life for themselves and finding their way. 

Sand-Man's Family is a sweet and tender YA tale in which CJ Elliott will delight you with a wonderful, happy ending. The main theme is that family is who you make it to be, which is always an uplifting message.

The Player's Protégé (Campus Connections #2) by CJane Elliott

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

When his friends bet cynical Jerry that he can’t turn sweet Arlo into a player, Jerry might win the bet but lose his heart.

College senior Jerry Helstrom survived a gay childhood in Texas by being fierce and fabulous. At school he’s known as a player and has kept his heart so guarded that he’s forgotten he has one. When his friends bet him he can’t teach inexperienced Arlo Barnes to become a stud like him, Jerry takes on the challenge and quickly finds himself drawn to his enticing trainee.

Arlo kicks butt as a Tae Kwon Do black belt, but his sexual game is lacking. He’s been dumped by his only boyfriend and needs help getting himself out there. Enter Jerry Helstrom, player extraordinaire and happy to provide Arlo with some hands-on coaching. Jerry encourages Arlo to ask for what he wants in sex and in life, something Arlo struggles with. The struggle deepens when Arlo discovers that what he truly wants is the seemingly unattainable Jerry Helstrom.

Jerry can teach Arlo to play the field, but can Arlo teach Jerry to play for keeps? 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

The Player's Protege is the second book in CJane Elliott's Campus Connections series. Ends up this is a sweet story of two men who slowly fall in love during their sexual relationship. 

Jerry agrees to mentor Arlo on his sexual side. I really enjoy the little things that bring out the emotions throughout their time together. There's gentleness and understanding through their sexual interactions. And then there are some sweet and tender conversations that really bring the men together. It's great seeing Arlo grow into someone who asks for what he wants.

In the end, these characters experience a while lot of character growth, making for a nice read. 

The Player's Protege is an enjoyable new adult, college romance. This CJane Elliott read is perfect when you're looking for an emotional slow-burn that occurs during a sexual relationship. 

After years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, award-winning author CJane Elliott finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A

psychotherapist by training, CJane writes sexy, passionate LGBTQ romances that explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.

CJane is bisexual and an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her family supports her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.

CJane is the author of the award-winning Serpentine Series, New Adult contemporary novels set at the University of Virginia. Serpentine Walls was a 2014 Rainbow Awards finalist, Aidan’s Journey was a 2015 EPIC Awards finalist, and Sex, Love, and Videogames won first place in the New Adult category in the 2016 Swirl Awards and first place in Contemporary Fiction in the 2017 EPIC eBook Awards. Her contemporary novel All The Way To Shore was runner up for best bisexual fiction in the 2017 Rainbow Awards.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Email: cjaneelliott@gmail.com

Website: http://cjaneelliott.com

Newsletter: http://cjaneelliott.com/newsletter-sign-up

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CJaneElliott

Facebook: https://facebook.com/cjane.elliott

FB Group: https://facebook.com/RainbowReadersClub

RE-RELEASE - The Kinsey Scale by CJane Elliott

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Goodreads Link

Forced roommates, fake boyfriends, fierce attraction, and a secret or two… are they fooling themselves or falling in love?

Life is good for Eric Brown, a happily single theater major with a great group of friends. But then Will Butler—fellow senior, co-RA, and the cutest guy Eric’s ever seen—walks into his dorm. Will has a sweetheart he sees off campus—a minor disappointment that becomes a major problem when a housing shortage causes Will and Eric to become roommates, and Eric is forced to witness Will’s hotness day in and day out. He persuades his ex-boyfriend to pretend they’re still together in a vain attempt to protect himself, but it doesn’t save Eric from losing his heart.

Will Butler has never believed in himself. Although he’s loved music since childhood, he’s never seriously considered pursuing it. Then he and Eric Brown become roommates, and everything changes. Eric believes in Will and his talent. He’s also gorgeous and playful and fast becoming Will’s best friend. And that’s not good, because Will is hiding some big things, not only from Eric, but from himself.

Second Edition, no significant changes

My Rating - 4 Stars!

The Kinsey Scale, a novella in CJane Elliott’s new Campus Connections series, is exactly what I was expecting from its title.

Eric and Will meet as they become fellow RA’s for their dorm, as well as roommates. What follows is a sweet tale and exploration of the Kinsey Scale (the Heterosexual–Homosexual Rating Scale).

Eric is instantly smitten with his new roommate, finding him to be one of the most attractive men he’s ever met. However, Eric’s hopes are dashed when, upon meeting, he discovers that Will is straight. Except he’s not.

Their story is adorable. I tend to enjoy journeys like this, where one is hesitant to come out until they meet someone for whom coming out is worth it. This book has it in spades, as it is explored with these college men and their friends.

Everyone needs to come out on their own terms when they are ready, and college is certainly a time when this is often done. I appreciate how well this is covered in such a short story.

Eric and Will are a sweet couple as they navigate hiding one’s sexuality and protecting oneself from getting hurt – along with so much more. Despite not being largely developed characters, one still can’t help but to root for them.

The Kinsey Scale, by CJane Elliott is definitely worth a read when you’re looking for a quick, light, college romance.

In Over Our Heads (Stories from the Shore #2) by CJane Elliott

Title: In Over Our Heads

Series: Stories from the Shore 2

Author: CJane Elliott

Publisher: CJane Elliott

Release Date: 3/1/20 re-release

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 66,364

Genre: Romance, second chance romance, vacation, contemporary, opposites attract

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Synopsis

A second chance for romance on a scuba diving vacation plunges Anthony and Walter into deep waters—will they use love’s lifeline or go under alone?

Party guy Anthony Vallen believes in happy endings—just not for himself. He hits Key West for a vacation with friends, ready for some fun in the sun. To his horror, the owner of the local scuba dive shop is Walter Elkins—former scientist, meticulous control freak, and the guy who broke Anthony’s teenaged heart. Anthony throws up his shields with jokes and banter, but Walter draws him in by admiring him and listening to him like no one else has. Despite their painful past, Anthony’s defenses soften and his reasons for shunning romance no longer hold much water. But whether Walter will come on board remains to be seen. Walter has never gotten over brilliant, fun-loving Anthony, but he’s compelled to keep Anthony safe—not just from the ocean depths but from himself.

Soon Anthony and Walter are in over their heads, their love as unstoppable as the hurricane they find themselves in the middle of. To prevent their fears from pulling them under, Anthony needs to get serious—about his worth and his heart’s true desires, and Walter needs to trust—in himself, in fate, and in Anthony.

2nd in Series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Second Edition, revised and expanded.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

CJ Elliott's In Over Our Heads is a decent second chance romance. The second book in the Stories from the Shore series, it's easily read as a standalone.

Anthony's vacation leads to finding the man of his dreams in this sweet tale. 
Walter and Anthony were high school boyfriends until Walter left without a word. Now, finding one another in Key West, they have the chance to talk again. 

Anthony's an interesting character. He both avoids and longs for love. The author does a great job delving into Anthony's inner layers. And then there's Walter, who is definitely hiding out from his feelings. He's a man who's stuck in his past, unable to forgive himself and stop worrying. 

I enjoy the author's writing and her characters. The pace is good and the story line is interesting. As well, there's a fun group of friends rounding out the tale.

This is a story that I appreciate at times, while so things feel a little forced. Although I like Walter, I found his fears over the top at times. In the end though, I appreciate their struggle to figure things out. If things were easily handled, it wouldn't have seemed realistic. 

In Over Our Heads is a sweet second chance romance. This CJ Elliott tale is ultimately a story of making sacrifices for the one you love and is a worthwhile read.

Excerpt

Miles led us onto the boat and murmured to me as we were getting settled, “You guys are getting the special treatment. Walter doesn’t usually run the cruise excursions anymore. I’m kind of surprised he’s doing it.”

“Miles.” Walter frowned at him, jerking his head in a come here gesture.

“Oops. Duty calls.” Miles gave me a wink and went to help Walter with the jibs or sails or lines or whatever.

I tried to relax and get into vacation mode. What had I told Jonathan mere hours before? I wasn’t going to give Walter Elkins one more thought! It was hard to keep that vow, though, with Walter right there, his hunky body on display, muscles bunching and lengthening as he knelt and reached and got things ready with his usual fierce concentration. Though I knew fuck all about sailing, I was willing to bet that Walter’s preparations were being done rigorously, completely, and perfectly. Even Miles had grown serious and attentive, responding to his terse directions as though it was a military operation.

Meanwhile I became aware of something happening in my body. It was the oddest thing. I’m usually a bundle of nerves and on the manic end of the energy scale. But as I watched Walter, my muscles began to loosen, like they were letting down their guard. A memory darted in of Walter, at the end of high school chemistry class, restoring everything to order in his methodical way, me chattering nonstop as I watched him, and all being right with the world. It had felt safe being around Walter. He’d taken care of everything, slowly and patiently. I could be my fluttery self—a butterfly flitting all over—because I knew he would be there when I needed to land.

Suddenly Walter lifted his eyes and gazed right at me. To my horror, I found myself smiling fondly at him, still in the glow of that long-ago time. I was probably making stupid goo-goo eyes too. He went red and dropped something on the deck with a clang.

“Walter! Watch what you’re doing,” scolded Miles with a mock scowl. He laughed, no doubt pleased that the perfect Walter had been shown to be human.

“Sorry,” Walter muttered, reapplying himself to his task.

I sat still, shaken by how easily I’d slipped into rosy Walter memories. What on earth was wrong with me? Safe? Walter was the guy who’d left me not once but twice, and so callously that I’d been protecting myself from love ever since. Screw him!

I tore my gaze away and caught Sophia watching me with a small smile. She leaned forward and whispered, “Anytime you want to tell me what that’s all about, feel free.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, doll.”

“Okay. If that’s how you want to play it.” She leaned back and lifted her face to the sun. “Ah. It’s so awesome to be back in the sunshine.”

Marco lounged in his seat, looking fucking stupendous, his arm around Jonathan, who rested his head on Marco’s shoulder. I must have been rattled by Walter’s reappearance, because my walls suddenly cracked. Pain lanced through me, and I stopped kidding myself that I wasn’t pea green with envy. I so was.

I froze for a moment, stunned at myself. Could this be true? Could Anthony the Player be merely the facade, while underneath I wanted what Jonny had? Not that I wanted Marco for myself, but was I pining for a man to hold me like that and let me rest my head on his shoulder? All signs pointed to yes. How embarrassing! And how completely unlikely.

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Meet the Author

 

After years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, award-winning author CJane Elliott finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A psychotherapist by training, CJane writes sexy, passionate LGBTQ romances that explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.


CJane is bisexual and an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality. In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her family supports her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop.

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RE-RELEASE TOUR - All the Way to the Shore by CJane Elliott

Title: All the Way to Shore

Author: CJane Elliott

Narrated by: Tim McKiernan

Publisher: Self-Published

Original Release Date: 11/23/16

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

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Synopsis

What happens when a cruise ship romance crashes on the rocky shores of reality?

Poor-little-rich-boy Jonathan Vallen is the heir to Vallen Industries, but is more interested in music and gardens. He clashes with new CEO Marco Pellegrini, a self-made man and rising star in business, who is brought in to salvage the company. Jonathan gladly leaves Vallen and moves to Cape Cod. When they meet again on an LGBTQ Caribbean cruise, Marco doesn’t recognize Jonathan, who has spent a year transforming from an ugly duckling into a very sexy swan. After Marco shows interest and sparks fly, Jonathan reluctantly assumes a false identity, egged on by his cousin Anthony. None of them expect a shipboard fling to deepen into true love.

Back on land, the romance crashes when Marco discovers his perfect man is not only a lie but the son of his boss, Frederick Vallen. Jonathan resolves to win Marco back, but Frederick takes vengeful action. Jonathan and Marco must battle their own fears as well as Frederick’s challenge to get to the future that awaits them on the horizon.

Excerpt

The strains of a steel band mingled in the air with the tantalizing aroma of meat on the grill. Jonathan was thinking about getting something to eat when Anthony suddenly clutched his arm.

“Jonny! Over there!” Anthony practically hissed the words as he jerked his head to the right.

“What?” Jonathan took another sip of his sangria, not too concerned. Anthony got worked up about everything.

“I think that’s Marco Pellegrini!”

He lifted his head and stared in the direction Anthony indicated. A tall, dark-haired man in glasses stood surveying the crowd next to a younger woman bearing a strong resemblance to him. Both were stunningly good-looking. The man’s tousled curls were longer than Jonathan remembered Marco’s being. But when the breeze lifted them from his face, his Roman nose and defined cheekbones were unmistakable. So was the amazing body clad in a tank top and shorts ensemble that managed to combine elegance with sexiness. Damn. It was Marco. “On this cruise? I thought he was engaged or something. And straight.”

“Guess not. I knew that guy was gay!”

“I think you mean bi.” Jonathan’s mouth grew dry as Marco squinted in their direction, and the humiliation of their past encounters rose in his mind. “Oh, damn, damn it, Tony. What’s he doing here?”

He was about to turn and flee to their stateroom when Anthony said, “He’s staring at you, Jonny. I think he likes what he sees. Stop fidgeting! Let’s go over and say hi.”

“Are you kidding?” Jonathan whispered. “I never want to see that guy again. And he for sure doesn’t want to see me!”

“No? Then why’s he walking over here? My God, the man is gorgeous! If you don’t want him, I get him.”

“You—” Jonathan cut himself off because Marco was indeed strolling in their direction, the woman at his side.

Anthony grabbed Jonathan by the arm and all but dragged him closer, then beamed at Marco. “Hello, there!”

While Jonathan tried not to die a thousand deaths, Marco smiled and said, “Hello.” He showed no recognition that he’d ever met Jonathan before. What he did show, shockingly, was a rather blatant interest in him, running his eyes up and down Jonathan’s body before saying, “I’m Marco.”
Jonathan had never seen Marco in shorts or a close-fitting tank before and was having a hard time breathing at the sight of his tanned shapely legs and muscled shoulders.

The woman, who had to be his sister or cousin, nodded at them and smiled warmly. “And I’m Sophia. We’re also known as the Pellegrini twins, only we’re not really twins. Just sister and brother.”

Before Jonathan could respond, Anthony jumped in. “Nice to meet you! I’m Andrew Arrington, and this is my cousin, Jonah Rutledge.”

Jonathan felt his mouth drop open. Then he gave a weak smile, still poised to flee, sure that Marco was going to recognize him any moment. “Um, hello. Where are you from?” After they got through this fiasco, he planned to kill his cousin.

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Meet the Author

After years of hearing characters chatting away in her head, CJane Elliott finally decided to put them on paper and hasn’t looked back since. A psychotherapist by training, CJane enjoys writing sexy, passionate stories that also explore the human psyche. CJane has traveled all over North America for work and her characters are travelers, too, traveling down into their own depths to find what they need to get to the happy ending.

CJane is an ardent supporter of LGBTQ equality and is particularly fond of coming out stories.

In her spare time, CJane can be found dancing, listening to music, or watching old movies. Her husband and son support her writing habit by staying out of the way when they see her hunched over, staring intensely at her laptop. Be sure to check out CJane's new Facebook Group! 

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Pattern For An Angel by CJane Elliott

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Can an angel gown for a little boy let a single dad and a drag queen stitch together a new pattern for love?

Hospice nurse Gabe Martin is bisexual but doesn’t have time for love—his main priority is raising Ian, his adopted five-year-old son. Ian loves wearing dresses at home and wants an angel gown for his kindergarten holiday pageant. When Gabe visits a sewing store to get help with Ian’s costume, he’s assisted by a bewitching employee named Loren who opens up Gabe’s focused world.

Drag queen Loren Schuster likes playing with gender norms and wearing skirts and dresses in everyday life. A bad breakup killed his interest in serious relationships, but he reconsiders that stance when gorgeous single dad Gabe walks into the shop. Loren helps young Ian see it’s okay to be himself, and together, Loren and Gabe create a new pattern for a family full of love.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

CJane Elliott's Pattern for an Angel is a beautiful Christmas story.

Gabe's raising his adopted son, Ian, who prefers to wear dresses, and wants to wear an angel dress in the pageant. Enter Loren who not only understands Ian, but also can help encourage him. 

Each character is completely loveable, and unique. They are pure delight.

This is a short and super sweet story packed with a whole lot of meaning. Despite being just 67 pages, it's full of love, support, and charm. I love this book and can't recommend it enough. Read it and enjoy. 

The Kinsey Scale by CJane Elliott

Goodreads Link

Life is good for Eric Brown. He’s a senior theater major, an RA for a freshman dorm, and has a great circle of friends. Single since sophomore year, Eric isn’t looking for love. But then Will Butler—fellow senior, co-RA, and the cutest guy Eric’s ever seen—walks into his dorm. Will has a girlfriend he sees off campus—a minor disappointment that becomes a major problem when a housing shortage causes Will and Eric to become roommates, and Eric is forced to witness Will’s hotness day in and day out. For protection, Eric asks Jerry, his ex-boyfriend, to pretend they’re still together. Jerry warns him it’s a stupid idea, but he reluctantly agrees.

Too bad it won’t save Eric from losing his heart.

Will Butler has never believed in himself. His dysfunctional family saw to that. Although Will has loved music since childhood, he’s never seriously considered pursuing it, and the person he’s dating doesn’t encourage him. Then he and Eric Brown become roommates, and everything changes. Eric believes in Will and his talent. He’s also gorgeous and playful and fast becoming Will’s best friend. And that’s not good, because Will is hiding some big things, not only from Eric, but from himself.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

The Kinsey Scale, a novella in CJane Elliott’s new Campus Connections series, is exactly what I was expecting from its title.

Eric and Will meet as they become fellow RA’s for their dorm, as well as roommates. What follows is a sweet tale and exploration of the Kinsey Scale (the Heterosexual–Homosexual Rating Scale).

Eric is instantly smitten with his new roommate, finding him to be one of the most attractive men he’s ever met. However, Eric’s hopes are dashed when, upon meeting, he discovers that Will is straight. Except he’s not.

Their story is adorable. I tend to enjoy journeys like this, where one is hesitant to come out until they meet someone for whom coming out is worth it. This book has it in spades, as it is explored with these college men and their friends.

Everyone needs to come out on their own terms when they are ready, and college is certainly a time when this is often done. I appreciate how well this is covered in such a short story.

Eric and Will are a sweet couple as they navigate hiding one’s sexuality and protecting oneself from getting hurt – along with so much more. Despite not being largely developed characters, one still can’t help but to root for them.

The Kinsey Scale, by CJane Elliott is definitely worth a read when you’re looking for a quick, light, college romance.