NOTHING BUT TROUBLE (Malibu University #1) by P DANGELICO

“Most girls jump at the chance to stroke my ego. This one couldn’t wait to insult me.”

Nothing But Trouble by P. Dangelico is an angsty slow burn romance that puts an emphasis on friendship, vulnerability, dreams, sweet romance, and funny banter. We love this Author, she writes the most -easy to read- romances and we do have a sweet compulsion for a college romance every so often which made us excited to pick up this story. Told in dual POV Nothing But Trouble had a bit of everything from funny interactions to really hit you in the heart emotion.

‘He’s a barnacle. A monkey on my back. Toilet paper stuck to my shoe. All the metaphors for shit you can’t get rid of.’

Alice is a wonderful heroine, we completely connected with her introverted personality, her drive, her compassion, and her maturity. Her story was emotional and inspiring. A girl fighting for the future she wants, whilst learning about friendships and love through sarcastic girlie banter and a minor car accident involving ‘big deal’ Reagan Reynolds.

“You know what possessiveness is?”
“Toxic?”
“Nah, man. It’s the soul’s recognition that the object of your affection is so precious and singular you know you’ll never find another.”

What begins as an accident leads to an unlikely friendship between an extroverted and rich college sports hero, and a girl who is his exact opposite in so many ways. Reagan looks like he has everything anyone could want. Great looks, a sports hero with a fun and sweet personality. However, looks can so easily be deceiving and Reagan sure has some heavy emotional baggage resting on his broad shoulders.

‘What nobody ever tells you is that heartbreak is not a one and done deal. It happens in small, slow increments every day. A hairline fracture that compounds, branches until it becomes a map of all the pain you’ve endured. Until there’s nothing left of your heart other than a few sharp pieces you can’t keep together.’

Alice and Reagan had intense chemistry but too many complications between them, so a beautiful friendship is the next best thing right? Whilst real life rears its ugly head at both of them they must not only navigate the bumps it throws but also face the realisation that the heart wants what it wants. Love.

‘Love doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s inextricably intertwined with self-sacrifice, vulnerability, risk…and yes pain. Maybe that’s why we’re so often disillusioned by it. We demand it to be perfect when in essence love can’t exist without the risk of pain and the cost of safety.’

We really enjoyed this first book in a new series by P. Dangelico and cannot wait for more as we thought the rest of the team players were fab-u-LUSH and we need their stories! Not only that, there were some sassy girls in the mix too!  Right….we’re off to google water polo players…le sigh! Not that we’re into that whole speedo bunnies thing though….