Wendy'sThoughts's Reviews > Halfway Girl

4 Short But With Layers Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
So here is my take on this short entry to the Girl series by Tessa Bailey. From what I understand, it was first an audiobook free on the partnership with Alexa Riley, Read Me Romance. I happened to love the series. I am not an audio reader so when it came out on ebook, I decided to read it. I think there may have been a bit of difference from the audio to ebook.

I read AR books and this entry from Tessa Bailey had a bit of the AR concept with the instant connection between Birdie and Jerimiah. However, after my knowledge of this being part of the partnership with AR and Read Me Romance, Bailey took this format and did a master's thesis for shorties. In the 73 pages, she packed more depth of character with flair and care.

I do think this is a story that needs the backstory of Getaway Girl to understand where Birdie's head is at...She has been grieving the loss of her twin sister and is trying to figure out how to live her life in a way honoring this sister who is no longer there. Her tie to her twin was profound even though they seem like complete opposites. Where the twin was social, "perfect" and loved girly stuff, Birdie was not one to want to hang with those she had no interest in...she was kinda Goth/Punk/Searching her own style. She was an artist and never really felt like she fit into things. The main deal was she was trying to hold onto the memory of her twin and sometimes the way she did it compromised what she wanted to do...

Like pledge for a sorority. This was something her sister would have done and Birdie decided to go for it to feel like she was doing it for herself and sister. She was surprised to actually connect with some of the girls and now she was at a frat party wishing she was back at the dorm doing her own thing.

As she decides she has been there long enough, she moves through the house and catches sight of The Hulk...This guy carrying a keg on his shoulder like it was a toothpick. His demeanor was focused and his face was looking down so as not to connect with anyone. He was HUGE...wide and tall which was a plus for he was a linebacker for the football team. He placed the keg down in the kitchen and when he did, his eyes located Birdie's and something transpired...something significant.

Jerimiah was stunned...he made sure not to look directly at any of the girls, he didn't want to make them uncomfortable or scared. He knew he was intimidating, heard it enough growing up. He knew there was only one-way people wanted him to be around, be of use like he was for the frat brothers, or play excellent football for the team. Otherwise, he never feels as if he is part of the people he is around. Because of this, he hasn't been comfortable having huge conversations or expanding his thoughts.

But when he looked directly at that girl, that beautiful girl...she looked straight at him and made him feel as if she saw Him, not the Hulk, but him the man.

Birdie did see Jerimiah and was annoyed how his frat brothers were taking advantage of him without a please or thank you. She also was struck dumb by how her body was reacting to him too. Birdie decides to follow Jeremiah down to the basement where he was getting another keg and tell this guy thank you for bringing the kegs...at least that was the excuse she told herself.

The coming together of Birdie and Jerimiah is an equal sharing of truths. Birdie tells him she sees how the frat guys take advantage of him. Jerimiah is stunned when his reaction is to share his truth of how he knows he doesn't fit and worries if he doesn't do these things, why would they have him there. Birdie shares how she doesn't fit either and how she is doing a lot of this stuff for her sister who is no longer here...

These revelations may not seem like much to the outside or reader but for these two...the depths of sharing and they understanding each other at that moment means the world...There is someone who Sees Them... who understands and does not judge..and the chemistry which both are not used to experiencing takes over...

And the need and want Birdie and Jerimiah have for each other causes them to act on it. Both not too experienced but seem to be able to light enough fires that need to be put out.

This story has each POV and although each has their own personal issues, by being there for each other... they are able to work through them and be a support and help to work through them.

As I said, this was only 73 pages. But Tessa Bailey was able to pack so much into this little tale. Also, I think those who only had the audio did not have the extra scenes which added so much. Bailey took this shortie, gave it weight, and also covered how young people are just trying to find their way.

Getaway Girl, (Girl, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Runaway Girl, (Girl, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Halfway Girl, (Girl, #2.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Oh what do we have in store for us...
A taste of Birdie's New Chapter of life...

A Fresh Start in College...
Will she be able to shake loose all of her doubts...

We are there when She is locked in a basement with Jerimiah...
Linebacker, Big Guy, he should be All in Charge...

But He never met anyone like our...

Halfway Girl, (Girl #2.5)


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