DNF at 37%.

So, mea culpa, this book has been sitting on my TBR pile for 30 months. In the first version I was sent the hero was so obnoxious I hated him within a few pages. Then a few weeks later the publisher sent an updated copy based on feedback from early reviews, so I felt obligated to give it another try, but in the words of toddlers everywhere I don' wanna. So there it say on my TBR pile silently judging me, until today.

So, the problem is, in 30 months I'm over NA/YA angst, the billionaires, the mean girls, the angst, the lip gnawing, the detailed clothing descriptions etc, etc.

If you like YA/NA then I think you'll enjoy this. Julianna has been dumped and belittled by her ex-boyfriend. An orphan (naturally), her only friend is the devastatingly handsome Devon, but they are just friends. Then she gets paired up with the Adonis-like Tanner in one of her college classes and it's like, yanno, like insta-lurve. She does nothing, says nothing, is nothing special but Tanner is totally smitten but she's so torn up by what her ex did/said that she won't believe this guy could like her - of course whilst having a series of non-dates with the guy in which he tells her constantly that she is beautiful and amazing.

Horses for courses, not for me but others may love it.

I was asked to give an honest review so here it is…. *drum roll sound*

This is the debut novel by this author. The story, as a whole, was a good one. There were parts that really frustrated me and characters that really frustrated me, but this was not my story to tell, just a story for me to read. So I’m really trying hard not to let my frustration color this review. Just because portions weren’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean someone else won’t love the entire thing. The writing was very good and the author wrote in a way that pulled you into the story from the beginning. She did that so well that even during the frustrating parts, I didn’t want to stop reading because by then I really, REALLY wanted to know how this all ended! This book covered a topic or two that I lived as a young adult and she did it in a way that showed the heroine grow in character and in strength, even when I wanted to totally knock some sense into her. Which just goes to show us readers that, even when the story isn’t going how we THINK it should, the author can still surprise us. I actually really liked that the hero and heroine worked through the trust issues even before the big expose (even if I saw that part coming from a mile away). I’m going to give this book 4 stars. First, because it was a good story. Second, because the writing was good and everything flowed together well. It didn’t feel choppy or make me feel lost. And third, because she did have the characters work through an issue without relying on the big expose to change everyone’s mind. I really liked that part. I am holding back a bit because she is a debut author and like all authors, I believe she’s going to improve her craft as her career moves forward and I do look forward to seeing that growth and improvement. If you like a quick read with a good bit of angst, this book is definitely for you!

I liked the premise of the book and I enjoyed the storyline, but the character Juliana just didn't do it for me. Juliana was a pain in the butt with her wavering back and forth and for her using a past relationship against Tanner. Tanner was unwavering but he let Juliana use him too much.

Overall, I found this enjoyable. Tanner was the kind of boyfriend I think most girls in college would love to have, and I loved how he focused on Julianna and winning her over. Jules' doubts and hesitancy were something anyone who has been hurt in the past can relate to. I really enjoyed seeing the two of them get to know each other better and grow as characters and in their relationship. 

I was less excited about the interactions those two had with other characters in the book. Jules' roommate was awful to an extreme, and her best friend Devon and their relationship didn't make much sense to me. Tanner was sure Devon wanted to be more than friends with Jules, and there were times when it seemed like Devon did, but then there were times it seemed like he was really rooting for Jules and Tanner. I noticed that this was a "Collins Brothers #1" book, so I wanted to end it being more excited to find out about Tanner's brothers' stories.

This review is of an ARC provided by Entangled Publishing.

Loved it ! with a suspenseful story,  engaging prose and lovely characters ,this book was a great 4 star read for me and I definitely recommend it

This is a story that is firmly in the new adult romance genre, taking place in a college setting.

Tanner and Juliana meet at college, having a few classes together. They didn’t just fall into bed together, Juliana made Tanner work for it. When a bitchy roommate comes between them, there is trouble for the couple.

Well written and paced. This is a good book for anyone looking for a NA romance read.

♥♥♥♥ 4/5 Hearts

Great book! Can't wait to read more by this author!

4.5 stars 

While attending college,  Julianna is with her best friend, Devon, when Tanner spots her and feels an instant connection. She's been hurt in the past, cheated on. Now she'll focus in school instead of boys. They aren't worth the heartache. Trust is a huge obstacle for Julianna and she's not sure she can trust enough to date anyone. 
I loved how Julianna was able to stand up for herself after she was hurt. I hated that she couldn't see the good in anyone except her best friend though. I enjoyed watching her come out of her shell slowly. 
     Tanner was amazing and truly helped Julianna see the good in others. He was a relationship kind of guy. He wasn't a player and he didn't do one night stands. He was very focused in school and didn't put up with drama. He did have an issue with Devon being the best friend. He was sure there were more feelings than friendship. When someone comes along who Tanner had turned down for a one nighter in the past, she isn't happy that he's in a relationship. On top of that, she sees Julianna as way beneath her. Just when the relationship between them is going great and moving forward, a send of a text threatens to ruin it all. How can Julianna trust Tanner when the proof is right in front of her?
     Lexi did an excellent job with this book. I loved the characters and their back stories. I really enjoyed meeting Tanners brothers as well as Devon. I hope they all get their own stories and happily ever afters. 
~Tiffany

A promising read that was let down by a deceiving blurb and cover.  I expected a slightly more romance read, but got a YA read that was at times frustratingly immature. Lots of potential but fell slightly flat unfortunately.

Although my college years are long gone, I remember those years with all the life questions and decisions that had to be made and the drama… Trusting Tanner is the first book in the new ‘the Collins Brothers Series’ by Lexi Lawton. It’s the story of Juliana and Tanner, who meet at college and gradually fall in love. I like their story.

“Do I have to?” “Do you have to what?” Slowly, she turned on her stool and faced him. Her big brown eyes were unreadable, but they were breathtaking. Damn, he never knew eyes could be so sexy. “Call you Jules? Maybe I want to call you Juliana.” “Why?”

Juliana is back for a new year at college. Last year has been difficult; she felt lonely and her boyfriend turned out to be a total douche bag. This year, she’s looking for peaceful and quiet, but the moment she meets her new roommate Rebecca, Juliana knows that will be difficult. Like Juliana, Tanner is a bit done with the party-hardy campus lifestyle. Yes, he likes the occasional party, but to focus more on his studies he rents an apartment of-campus. Despite his more serious attitude, Tanner is a popular guy with lots of friends and girls who want him. When Juliana and Tanner get teamed-up in one of their classes, it’s inevitable they start to have feelings for each other.

“My treat.” She glanced up to find Tanner standing next to her, smiling. Where the hell did he come from? Her heart raced, and she licked her lips. “You really didn’t have to do that.” “I know. I wanted to.”

After her last relationship ended with a lot of drama, Juliana has sworn off guys. She just wants to do her thing and spend some time with her best friend Devon. The moment she sees Tanner, she’s drawn to him, but she also sees he’s Mr. Popular with written potential heartbreak all over him. So when they’re paired up at one of their classes, Juliana firmly plants Tanner in the friendzone. Tanner is a persistent guy who knows what he wants and who he wants, in this case the beautiful, sweet Juliana. Because of her experience with guys he knows he really has to win her over, but Tanner knows she’s worth it. After some dancing around each other and some drama they have a shot at something real.

Trusting Tanner is a typical college love story with all the usual characters; the sweet heroine, the popular hero, the heroine’s male best friend (is he into the heroine or not?) and the skanky villain. In my country, we don’t have the campus lifestyle, so sometimes I like to read about all the college drama that you get with so many young people living together away from their parents. I understand Juliana’s issues with guys, but sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into her; Not Every Guy is your Ex, sweetie! And Tanner? I really like that despite his popularity, he isn’t the usual college manwhore.

“I. Love. You.” He punctuated each word with a kiss to her neck until he found her lips once more. Juliana gently scraped her fingernails along his nape, and he shivered. “I love you,” she whispered.

I like Juliana and Tanner. I give Trusting Tanner 4 stars.

Here is a review by wendy: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1994007782

I felt a little iffy about this one at the beginning, but I quickly got caught up in the story. I really enjoyed this one. I so loved Tanner. I thought he was the perfect guy for Juliana .  My heart goes out to Juliana  because the way she got treated by her ex and later on by another person. That a lone would break a person, but don't under estimate the power  of Tanner. I just wanted to slap Juliana's roommate. She grated on my nerves! In this book we get to see Juliana blossom with the help of her friend and Tanner.  Can she trust her feelings for Tanner or is history going to repeat itself. This book does have it emotional moments that had me tearing up, but in turn it has funny and uplifting moments.

Trusting Tanner is a story about love and trust and the complications of relationships. It's about how the past can linger and hurt us long after its over and how one small question of trust can spiral out of control and leave us questioning everything.  It's about giving to much attention to outside influences rather than trusting our instincts when it comes to our relationships. 

Julianna has been hurt in the past, she's gone through life alone for the most part, and her last serious boyfriend hurt her in many ways, but mostly by cheating on her. Because of this history, she's sort of sworn off men(boys) and decided to focus on school.  When her best friend, Devon's frat brother takes a liking to her - Julianna fights hard against it - not wanting to get hurt again, but Tanner isn't going away easily.  

Tanner liked what he saw the first time he glimpsed Julianna. He was determined to win her over, starting with friendship. I liked that he pushed himself towards her from the start but also tried to move at her pace a little.  Tanner didn't understand fully why Julianna was so put off by a relationship - but he did understand to win her over, he'd have to be careful and slow.  I liked Tanner for the most part, but I didn't fully understand his issues with trusting in Julianna's friendship with Devon. 


As their friendship grew, so did their feelings and eventually there was no denying there was more than friendship between them. Julianna and Tanner went through a lot in this book, mostly struggles with having faith and trusting in each other. At times their trust issues frustrtated me because it was clear how they felt about each other, but I also understood where those issues stemmed from.   Their growth from strangers to friends to more moved at a steady pace and was realistic and pulled me into the story. 

What Tanner and Julianna never expected was for obstacles to get in between them, for there to be someone out to hurt them both.  When a final event happens to tear them apart it was easy to see how lost and hurt both Tanner and Julianna were; how they struggled to be apart, but also that there was so much to work through before they could be back together.  The lack of complete trust between them does more harm to their relationship as it allowed for them to take info from outside sources to deepend the damage of one night. 

Trusting Tanner delivered a story of two people finding something right with one another, finding their other half, but also being fool enough to not trust their instincts.  Tanner and Julianna had to fight for each other, they had to give in to trust, believe in each other and believe in their feelings.  I really enjoyed watching as this played out, because it wasn't an easy road for them, not from teh start. Julianna's trust issues were fully relatable and believable, she sold her heartbreak and the impossibility of losing Tanner while wanting nothing more than him by her side. 

Being the first book in the series, Trusting Tanner also introduced us to Tanner's brothers, who were a fun addition to the story. Not only is their love and familial bond with their brother enjoyable but they added a little bit extra to the story; Drama at times, and humor at others. The most important thing to see was their closeness as a family and how they would do anything for each other.

4 Stars!

Jules and Tanner take us on quite a ride in Trusting Tanner, a sweet new adult romance.

After a bad breakup, Jules decides she is done with dating.  She just doesn’t trust guys anymore.  She has been through a lot of crummy relationships and it has jaded her.  Jules is a bit immature at times, but I get it.  Breakups suck and repeatedly dating losers is bound to mess with a person.  Her reaction to Tanner was believable but it drove me nuts at times.  Then there is Tanner.  He is sweet and kind and determined to get Jules to trust him.  He starts off with friendship and eases her into it.  He is great in general, but his interactions with his brothers really endeared me to him.

A satisfying read with a few ups and downs and a twist I never saw coming!  You will definitely find yourself trusting Tanner!

Juliana Shea has no desire for a relationship: her heart was broken over six months ago when she found her then boyfriend cheating on her. With only one friend - Devon - she is content to focus on her studies. However, her plans for the semester are thrown into disarray with her new roommate and Tanner Collins. Like Juliana, Tanner is a pre-med student so is in most of Juliana's classes. He's attracted to her and wants a relationship with her. Juliana struggles to keep Tanner as a friend only while he works to convince her that giving a relationship a try is the right move to make. 

I enjoyed reading this first book in the series. Tanner comes across as a little too perfect and I was never quite clear why he wanted a relationship with Juliana, beyond the physical attraction he had to her. His dogged pursuit in face of her repeated friend-zoning never reaches the level of creepy and he has a number of admirable traits. I did, however, find Juliana's back and forth regarding entering a relationship or not frustrating. It seemed as if the same arguments were repeated over and over and Tanner's patience in face of this was impressive.

There were other aspects I found frustrating. I didn't love the double standard employed by Juliana: it was fine for her to question Tanner's sincerity whenever he was around attractive women, but he couldn't question her friendship with Devon. I found it strange that Juliana had no friends beyond Devon and wouldn't know her roommate before moving in - as a junior, Juliana should have had her choice of roommate or at least a single. Instead, it seemed that the roommate was added merely for drama's sake. Juliana is wary of losing those she is close to so has few friends but it was not clear to me why she gave Tanner a chance - except that she found him attractive.

Despite this, I did enjoy reading <i>Trusting Tanner</i>. In the end, Tanner and Juliana are college kids and this is a cute college romance.

3.5 stars

Trusting Tanner is a great start to a new series. Juliana hasn't had an easy life. She doesn't trust easily, and she lets very few people in. She's got Devon, her best friend, but even he doesn't know her as well as he could. Now she's a junior in college, with a new roommate and about to meet Tanner, whom she will friend zone from the very beginning. Soon, although not immediately, Tanner's sweetness, charm and persistence is too much for Juliana to resist and that friendship morphs into more.

But, neither knows that Tanner is about to do something to shatter the fragile trust Juliana has given him. Something that she's not sure if she'll ever get past. So much angst is caused by this one little thing. They spend weeks apart and both of them are devastated. But, thanks to incredibly persistent brothers, and even Juliana's best friend, Tanner and Juliana just might get a second chance to build something special again.

I like Trusting Tanner, thanks mostly because of Tanner. He's sweet, sexy and so in love with Juliana. Juliana was harder for me to connect to. Because of all that she's gone through, she has hardened herself so much that she scrutinizes Tanner so much it's a wonder he ever passed her stringent requirements. She nitpicks every little action and word out of his mouth, and tars him with the same feather as her ex, when Tanner had never done anything to deserve her mistrust. He was pretty perfect up to his one misstep. I honestly felt as if Tanner deserved better than Juliana. She was too much for me to handle, I can't imagine why he fell in love with someone who gave him so much grief over something he wasn't guilty of. Aside from Juliana's annoying character (and that of her bitchy roommate, Rebecca) I think Trusting Tanner is a great NA romance. It's sexy, although a little angsty, as NA tends to be, emotional and well written. I can't wait for more from Lexi Lawton and more about the Collins Brothers.

I enjoy a good friends to lovers romance and was looking forward to picking up Trusting Tanner.  Lexi Lawton packs in a variety of characters in this college set romance.  Our opening is Juliana returning to campus and walking in on her new roommate, Rebecca.  Not too much time in we meet Jules' best friend, Devon, the guy best friend.  And then Tanner.  I can't forget the other Collins brothers.  I really liked Tanner.  Alot!  

I appreciate that Lawton's characters are relatable.  Jules having been in an awful relationship with a cheating ex, the awful roommate, and Tanner looking for someone who's not interested in his family money.  At times I couldn't help but feel a little frustrated with Jules' difficulty in trusting Tanner.  I couldn't stop turning the pages to see how it would all end.  Now I'm anxiously waiting for the next Collins brother.

Craving love. Craving a connection. Craving to be wanted. Jules has been wanting those things since she was 9 years old. Having lost the ones that gave that to her freely, left the void that has yet to be filled. In her journey to find the person to fill it she was burned and scarred. Vowing to set boys aside so that she could focus on her school she never thought that she would find the love and connection so soon after her vow. But can she trust him~ Tanner.
Tanner has been in love with Jules since the moment he saw her across the quad, winning her heart and trust? Well, that was something completely harder to do.
This book takes us into the emotions and passions that Tanner and Jules feel for one another. Their fears their insecurities and most of all their love.
A roller coaster of lies that will make you love Tanner more than you ever thought possible.

I can’t tell you how much I loved this book. From the very beginning you are hooked and don’t want to put this book down. This is a sweet contemporary romance with an amazing plot. Juliana is a girl who has a huge heart even though she has been repeated hurt in the past. She is guarded and only has let down her walls for her best friend Devon. Tanner is a walking wet dream but has charm and charisma to go with his good looks. He is a true gentleman and even in rough water never wavers on his feeling for Jules and stands behind the fact that he said he would wait forever! There were a few twists that I honestly didn’t see coming and then there were other parts of the book where you feel the true gut wrenching pain of Jules and Tanner. Lexi Lawton did an amazing job with this book and it is a must read!