Ripple Effect by J. Bengtsson
Rating: 4/5 Pop: 87% Series: AnyDayNow #2 Tropes: Intsalove, pop/rock star, survival
Ripple Effect is the second story from J. Bengtsson in her AnyDayNow series. Book 1, followed Bodhi as he found love during one of the most trying times of his life. This book does the same with RJ. Post boy band RJ has tried to make it as a solo act and when he was not met with the instant approval he is accustomed to, he hides. Specifically, he hides in a typical apartment building with thin walls and a shared balcony as Chad Woodcock. His neighbor is Dani Molone, a first grade teacher and member of the Lucky Swimmers Club. The first 19 chapters take place in just a couple of days. We get to see Dani and “Chad’s” sarcastic passive aggressive relationship and a bit of their individual lives before circumstances bring them together.
I am going to be purposely vague about the circumstances surrounding the main plot line of the book, but know it has Jill’s customary shock factor. Dani and RJ go through something that would undoubtedly bond two people together no matter their relationship status. There is quite a bit of belief in instant love as the two go from feuding neighbors to soulmates. What I like most about this story is that Dani is the hero, she carries the load for most of the book and does not give up. Because of the dramatic content, we do not see a lot of physical love between these two but the emotional connection is there.
The last third of the book is the fall out from both the natural and familial circumstances of Dani and RJ. As the dust begins to settle (pun intended), the couple must learn how to cope with the aftermath. Here we see RJ become more authentic to his true self and be the hero for Dani.
I always enjoy the banter that J. Bengtsson brings to her characters and Ripple Effect does not disappoint. Although this book is a romance, I would say the relationship building is not the center focus. We have to lean on believing the characters are changed and willing to move forward together. However, the circumstances read very well and kept me reading with anticipation on how they would be resolved. The side characters are enjoyable and humorous. It will be interesting to see if any of the other former members of AnyDayNow will suffer similar fates.
If you are looking for a fast paced, dramatic, low relationship conflict read this fits. I think it would be a great palate cleanser between books of more traditional story lines. It is engaging and fast paced, while maintaining humor and thoughtfulness.
