Finley O'Connell is a shy, reserved college student, who has no intention of ever trusting another man. At nineteen, Finley spends her Friday nights alone, studying clinical psychology to ease her mind of the abusive childhood she has yet to overcome. Her new professor, the young, charismatic Cabel Jones, begins to take an interest in Finley, whose first instinct is to run. But when an ordinary experiment turns to bloodshed, Finley must rely on Cabel, as the two hide away in a rustic, secluded cabin in the wilderness. Plagued by deception and fear, Finley soon finds herself in the arms of the one man on campus who can never truly be hers.
*May Contain Spoilers*
Me & Mr. Jones by Lindsay Marie Miller was not what I expected... at all. The synopsis does explain what the book is about, but there's so much more. This psychological thriller turns into a search for closure followed by a happily ever after that is immediately threatened. Needless to say, I couldn't put it down.
Finley has finally declared a Psychology major in her second semester of college. Nineteen years old with a past that's bruised by an alcoholic father and a murdered mother, Finely definitely has the sympathy of readers. Her dream of helping others like her will likely gain their respect as well. For everything that happens to Finley, it's impressive that she has the will to continue fighting. She's a strong character with an extraordinary amount of determination.
Cabel Jones is a professor at Finley's college. At only 25 years old, his academic work is commendable. It's clear that he's intelligent and a hard worker. Readers might giggle at his 'golden boy' label, awarded by Finely, but they surely won't laugh when he rescues her from a mortal threat. Readers will enjoy the back and forth between him and Finley. Though I was unsure of their blooming relationship because of his professor status, I did start to like Cabel. However, he's not the easiest character to trust because he tends to be secretive.
The plot of Me & Mr. Jones begins with Finley's crush on her Psych professor. During a class experiment, the campus building is attacked by 'terrorists'. Cabel rescues Finely and they escape to a cabin in the woods. They lay low for a while, but are still found. Turns out that Cabel knows a little bit too much about a certain political candidate. Throughout this attempt at survival, Finley continues to have nightmares about her father. Each of them know that they're falling for the other, but Cabel knows that if he can ever have Finley in his life, then he must wait until she's no longer a student. Their love story plays out with heartache and fear and eventually, relief. Though the novel ends with a large cliffhanger that promises a sequel.
Rating: 4/5 Cups
