**New Release Review ~ Fever ~ Melissa Pearl**

Fever by Melissa Pearl
Songbird #1
Release Date: June 15, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy, through Mark My Words Publicity, in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms

SynopsisSinging in the shower takes on a whole new meaning in Melissa Pearl's first Contemporary Romance. 

Ella Simmons does not want to move across the country. But she is, because her boyfriend has persuaded her to join him at UChicago to finish out her college education. Never able to tell him no, she hops on a plane and makes the trek from LA expecting to adjust to life like she's often forced to, but things are not that simple when she hears a luscious voice singing over her shower wall. His deep, sexy tenor makes her weak in the knees, spreading fire through her limbs and making her question everything about her life and relationship. Can one voice really have that much of an impact?

Cole Reynolds is on his way out. In his final year at UChicao, the only this he wants to do is finish school and get on with this life. But the sweet voice that interrupts his morning shower turns his world upside down. Compelled to find his shower songbird, he begins a search across campus. The only thing to distract him from this goal is his roommate's gorgeous girlfriend who's just arrived from LA - Ella Simmons.

Relationships are put to the ultimate test as future dreams are questioned and friendships are thrown on the line for love.

Fever - what a charming read! It had all the elements I love in New Adult - then added some of my favorite music. This introduction to Ms. Pearl's Songbird series was delightful.

Ella Simmons is a young woman who'd rather ride on the track of someone else's plans, someone else's dreams, than figure out her own. She experienced tragedy at a young age and that has left her feeling as though she has no control of her life. 

"The fact I didn't know what I really wanted scared me, and it was easier just to go along with David's plans." -Ella, Loc 903

So she floats along with others' plans for her. That's how she's ended up at UChicago - where her boyfriend, David, wants her. She's not exactly happy about it but it makes him happy, so she made the move. Her first morning after arriving, she's singing in the shower and hears a voice through the wall, singing along with her - a voice that does things to her body and mind that David never has. To make matters worse, she feels an immediate connection to Cole, David's roommate and best friend.

"What the hell was wrong with me? First shower guy, now Cole! Why was I attracted to all these other men, when the only one I really wanted was walking right beside me?" - Ella, Loc 935

Cole Reynolds is starting his last year at UChicago. He has plans and they don't include a relationship with any girl. He needs to focus on school, on work, and on making his dream reality. He stumbles a little on this path when first he hears the voice of an angel singing in the shower one morning, and second, when he meets his roommate's girlfriend, Ella. The pull he feels for her is so strong, he knows he can only ignore it for so long. He needs a distraction and so sets about looking for his songbird.

"I wanted a girl, but not just any girl, and since I couldn't have Ella, there was only one possible solution left.I had to find my songbird." -Cole, Loc 1031

Besides the music, I most enjoyed watching Ella blossom. She went from being this timid and self-conscious young woman, who did anything to please her boyfriend to a strong, self-assured woman who set out to find what she wanted out of life. I admired her for standing up for herself and taking charge. Her timidity and people-pleasing ways were things I identified with so I was proud she had her epiphany before it was too late.

I adored Cole. He'd endured tragedy as well, and he and Ella really connected on a deeper level. He was able to open up to her in ways he'd never done before and got Ella to do the same. He was patient with her, took the time to really get to know her, and could compromise.

I haven't said much about David. I didn't care for him much because he seemed very self-centered. Of course, all the blame for his and Ella's problems can't be laid at his feet. Ella could have changed things. But his reaction to something Ella did seemed to show his true colors, although he did redeem himself somewhat in the end.

Ella's best friend, Morgan, was a lot of fun to meet. The next book in the series is her story and I'm anxious for it. Morgan is quite a character. She's strong and wise, and seems to know what Ella needs to hear, when she needs to hear it.

"You're stronger than you think, and once you've had some space to breathe, you'll know. You'll know what's worth fighting for." -Morgan, Loc 3710

The music was the cherry on top. I love jazz and hearing Ella sing Ella Fitzgerald (her namesake) and Louis Armstrong was fantastic. That the music sparked childhood memories for Ella, not to mention sparking a fever for Cole, was a delight.

Fever is told in dual POV between Ella and Cole, which also added to my enjoyment. The story might have been a tad predictable - although Ella did surprise me a few times - but it was a fun read. In fact, the only things I didn't love were David and Ella's initial lack of self-confidence. But those both made for a more engaging story.

What are you waiting for? Go get the Fever!