The Fifteenth Minute (The Ivy Years Book 5)

This book was a winner for me, I thoroughly enjoyed it, the only thing I'm upset about is the fact that I haven't read the previous 4 books. However it's not necessary to read the previous books in the series, this can be enjoyed and read as a standalone. Written in dual POV the story follows two college freshmen, Lianne (who also happens to be a Hollywood actress), and Daniel (DJ) who both meet at a college get together. Lianne and DJ hit it off straight away, and things are looking good, but things are not quite as they seem. DJ is struggling with a false accusation that could be the end of his college life. Lianne is struggling with her fandom at college and her career choices. Both are in there own private hell, so when they find they have music in common they start spending time together. I loved the characters (a lot), the chemistry between Lianne and DJ was off the charts for me. A sweet college YA/NA light, easy and enjoyable read.


Sarina Bowen definitely knows how to craft interesting story lines around controversial and relatable topics, and her characters are also realistic in the struggles they go through and the variety of ways they handle them, and in the fifth book of her The Ivy Years series, she explores subjects that are current hot button topics in the media – sexual conduct on college campuses, aggressive paparazzi, and the price of fame at a young age, and while Bowen does a great job of shedding light on all of those issues, I felt like they overshadowed the actual relationship and feelings that were forming between DJ and Lianne, not allowing me to truly see/feel the chemistry between them nor understand why, particularly DJ, is willing to risk so much to be together despite how easily it could blow up in his face.

As separate characters, I really enjoyed learning about who DJ and Lianne really are and the insecurities that Lianne has despite being a well-paid actress. They both seem to overanalyze everything and due to the positions they find themselves, it makes sense and Bowen makes sure that readers understand DJ’s reasons for keeping Lianne at arm’s length for so long and what being in that position is costing him.

Another aspect of the text that I liked is the way Bowen inserts humorous parts as a kind of comic relief after heavy situations, and she also includes all of the previous characters in multiple scenes as a way to catch up with the characters we’ve grown to love and also to illustrate how much of a family the hockey team is and how far their reach goes. That’s one of the main reasons why I love reading a series where each book focuses on a different couple; readers don’t have to completely say goodbye to characters because they pop up in the other books and give us a bit more insight into how they’re doing.

Overall, the Fifteenth Minute is an enjoyable new adult read. It’s angsty, sexy, and entertaining, and it even has parts in it that gamers and athletes will love. It’s not my favorite of the series, but it is one that has some important life lessons in it that readers can easily learn from and find applicable.

A complimentary copy was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Poison Apples

Bowen knows NA. Her character development in each of her stories is so complete. From the main H and h to the extras she makes them so real for us readers. Even the shirt vendors could have their own story down the road if she chose! I don't like having spoilers in my reviews because I want everyone to read them and not worry it will ruin their own experience. My goal as a reviewer is to share the books I love and hope it helps others do the same. I loved Lianne and DJ's story and the steps they take to work through their issues. As a mother of four, three of which are young men just like DJ, I truly appreciate the subject matter in this book regarding DJ. It touched on a real fear for me. I felt that even though both Lianne and DJ had very different problems to deal with, the lesson for us was the same. Treat people how you want to be treated. There is always two sides to a story and you should base your decisions on fact not rumor or hearsay. I'm looking forward to what comes next from Sarina. She is 10 for 10 so far and a one-click author for me.

I love everything Sarina Bowen writes,not because I'm a stalker,but because her writing skills are amazing and her stories are all so unique even if all her characters are college students and athlets.
Lianne and Daniel (I prefer that to DJ) are unbelievably cute.They have their problems to solve but they accepts each other with their flaws and even if they are scared to fall in love in the end they understand that there isn't anything they can do other than try and trust each other.

I really enjoyed "the Fifteenth Minute" by Sarina Bowen. I am fast becoming a big fan of this author's work. Having devoured the Ivy Years series in the course of a week, I couldn't put them down. I love her writing style and the characters are real and deal with gritty real life problems. Her words speak to me and I can't wait to read more of her books.
Happy Reading... enjoy!

Sarina Bowen has done it again with The Fifteenth minute. It's impossible not to fall in love with Lianne and DJ, and root for them throughout the book. Sarina shines light on a tough topic with a splash of humor and the results are incredible. You don't want to miss this hilarious, heart touching and sexy book.

Please note this review may contain spoilers.

Lianne is a freshman heading into her second semester at school and after keeping mostly to herself during the first semester, she wants to get out there a little more and have a normal college experience. But that's hard to do when the actress is openly mocked by male and female students for the role that made her famous. DJ is a sophomore whose college years may be over sooner than he ever expected after he's placed on social probation for a crime he didn't commit. With the school not in a position to handle the investigation properly, yet all but considering him guilty, he's spent the past several months waiting for the hammer to drop. This has left him very depressed and withdrawn, afraid that his family and friends also question his innocence.

DJ is the primary character in this book, with most of the story revolving around what he's been accused of and waiting for the case to be resolved. He's a young man who is hurt, confused and angry, who has been through the wringer and just wants it to be over with already. Lianne has some issues, but they're pretty minor in comparison and while they were seemingly resolved by the end of the story, they weren't very deep or delved in to. It's because of that I found that she's a little forgettable. But she's very nice and it was cute to read about her crush on DJ.

THE FIFTEENTH MINUTE is another good addition to The Ivy Years series and we once again see a very sensitive issue addressed. We got a little insight into DJ's older brother Leo, so I'm wondering if he'll get the next book, assuming there will be a book # 6 of course.

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent installment in The Ivy Years series.

We meet DJ in The Shameless Hour. He's Trevi's younger brother and he's caught the attention of the resident movie-star, Lianne Chalice.

Yep, Lianne Chalice has a crush on Daniel Trevi. It's almost too good to be true for DJ. And as much baggage as Lianne has, DJ seems to come with more.

I enjoyed watching these two fall in love. They're both sweet and kind and compassionate. They care what other people think and they'd do anything to make others happy. Lianne is constantly trying to please her manager. DJ is trying to please Harkness AND his family, all while keeping secrets from his friends, family, and Lianne.

We all know secrets don't bode well for relationships, but this relationship isn't like the others. This relationship seems more real, more intense, just more. I'm not sure why, but this whole relationship is a challenge and I think they face each challenge with dignity, pride, and caution.

They aren't in this to quit; they're in it to last.

Sarina Bowen is one of my favorite authors to write young adult, college aged books. The latest addition to the series is as well done as any of the other books. She has never not knocked one out of the park with me. The Fifteenth Minute is book 5 in the Ivy Years series. In this book, we meet Daniel Trevi, better known as DJ. DJ gets his nickname from doing the music during his brother's and the women's hockey games. But there are other issues with DJ that make him the way he is. Lianne Challice is an actress trying her best to fly as under the radar as she can. But she cannot help but be attracted to DJ, who knows who she is, but begins to fall for her because of what she is on the inside. Will DJ ever be able to confide in Lianne or will Lianne's acting career interfere? So much happens during the course of this book that it would be impossible to cover it all, nor would I give it all away. Read this book to find out what happens to these two!!