Review: I Want It That Way

I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I Want It That Way was a little slow to start, but once it took off it was full speed until the last page.
Nadia is dedicated to finishing school, doing what no one in her family has done before. Her parents have sacrificed everything for her to be where she is, and she doesn't take that lightly. Maintaining her courses, her job, and student teaching is wearing on her, but knowing her family is proud of her is what keeps her moving when she'd rather not.
Ty, hot ginger, new downstairs neighbor, and young single dad has a full time job, night classes, and a rambunctious four year old. Sam is freaking adorable, and quickly wraps Nadia around his finger. Though Ty is attracted to Nadia, he knows at her age he can never be it for her. He has too many responsibilities to casually date, and could never give her the time she deserves. He's also very guarded after a bad awful experience, and may never be ready to open up to anyone.

Favorite line: "Life is real, and it's right now."

***Spoilers***
Though they try their hardest to remain just friends, they're fighting a losing battle. When the attraction is too much, and they finally give in, Ty is is insistent that Nadia knows he can only give her a fwb type relationship. Sam is his primary focus, and he doesn't want Sam to know anything about their relationship. He's afraid to allow him to get attached to Nadia, so that when they're done Sam is left hurting. They keep things a secret for a few months, spending Ty's one free weekend a month with each other, and sneaking stolen moments. Sam doesn't know about his fathers relationship with Nadia, but he's become just as attached to her since she is a teacher at his daycare. When the two of them get sick, and Sam ventures upstairs to get Nadia, she rushes into action. She calls in to work, and school for herself, and Ty, as well as passing out meds, and soup to her boys. Everything is great until Ty realizes that Sam went to get Nadia. He explains that he knew Nadia would take care of them, because she loves them. This is enough to spook Ty into pushing her away. She doesn't fight much, because she knows she isn't ready to move in and be a step mom at age 21. That doesn't make the heartbreak any easier for either of them. A few months go by before Nadia finally realizes that there is no time table. Societies idea of college, marriage, 2.5 kids, and retirement isn't for everyone. She knows that she loves both Ty, and Sam and can't possibly live without either of them. Convincing Ty is a little more difficult, but he finally comes around.



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