A review by itsmeyseniab
The Goal, by Elle Kennedy

emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Much like the first three in the series, I couldn't put this one down! I adored Sabrina and Tucker both individually and as a couple (and let's face it, we all deserve a John Tucker in our lives). I do hate the fact that his name was John Tucker though (I couldn't get John Tucker Must Die out of my head haha - side note: if you haven't seen it you definitely should, it's pure chaos in the best way.)

I appreciated how headstrong and layered Sabrina was as a character, as I've been waiting very patiently for a kick-ass heroine in this series. I loved getting to see her through different lenses as well, whether it be through her more gritty and raw pov, Tucker's adoring rose-colored glasses viewpoint and through her peers (specifically Dean's, considering he spent a good portion trashing her in the novel before). It was great finally getting to see the full picture on why she was hardened to love and why she carried herself a certain way, both in and out of the classroom. Her growth was incredible and they way that she and Tucker worked through their
Spoilerunplanned pregnancy after a one-night stand
was incredible and had me rooting for them until the very end!

That being said, the other thing I really appreciated was how seamless the "conflict" was introduced in this installment. A problem I've had with the past books in this series so far was the fact that the conflicts seemed out of left field and "shock-valuey", whereas this one was very realistic and the stakes were higher
Spoilerie. Sabrina not knowing whether or not she was going to keep the baby, how she was going to continue her path to Harvard Law as a mother to a newborn, or even if she could open her heart to love/any type of longterm relationship with Tucker
. They felt like a "real" couple facing real obstacles, and I liked that!

Honestly, the reason why I haven't been able to give any of the books 5 stars so far is the writing. While this one had a great, well thought out plot/timeline, some of the phrasing was a little too conversational for my liking. I felt like the fourth wall was broken a couple of times with corny dad jokes and it took me out of the story at times. That being said, I'm so excited that Elle Kennedy decided to write one more book in the series, but I do think that the epilogue tied the original series up nicely!
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