The Make-Up Test A Novel by Jenny L. Howe

 Book Excerpt:

"In this brilliant, swoony rom-com debut from Jenny L. Howe, The Make-Up Test, two college exes find themselves battling against each other—and their unresolved feelings—for a spot in a prestigious literature Ph.D. program.

Allison Avery loves to win. After acing every academic challenge she's come up against, she's finally been accepted into her dream Ph.D. program at Claymore University, studying medieval literature under a professor she's admired for years. Sure, grad school isn't easy—the classes are intense, her best friend is drifting away, and her students would instead pull all-nighters than discuss The Knight's Tale—but she's got this. Until she discovers her ex-boyfriend has also been accepted. Colin Benjamin might be the only person who loves winning more than Allison, and when they're both assigned to TA for the same professor, the game is on.

What starts as a personal battle of wits (and lit) turns into an all-out war when their professor announces a career-changing research trip opportunity—with one spot to fill. Competing with Colin is as natural as breathing, and after he shattered her heart two years ago, Allison refuses to let him come out on top. But when a family emergency and a late-night road trip—plus a very sexy game of Scrabble—throw them together for a weekend, she wonders if they could be more assertive on the same team. And if they fall for each other all over again, Allison will have to choose between a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and what could be a twice-in-a-lifetime love.

In this charmingly literary debut, The Make-Up Test embraces the truth that people can sometimes change and grow, even when you least expect it."

Title: The Make-Up Test
Author: Jenny L. Howe
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Make-Up Test" by Jenny L. Howe

My Assessment:

'The Make-up Test' read kept one's attention as the story featured Allison and Colin. These two had one be lovers, but something horrible broke them apart because they were academic rivals. They seem to have come together again due to the grad school assignment, and we see Colin trying to make amends for what had happened between them earlier. But can he be trusted after what he had pulled off earlier to Allison? While these two seemed to be getting along, we find that Allison had another problem in her life that dealt with her family and learning more about herself. After it looks like Colin and Allison are back together in this second chance romance, will this work out for them, or is he still up with the schemes? Be ready for some exciting characters where there will be illness, self-worth, relationships, family, dogs, and a cat. Shaming, death, plus size images will keep you turning the pages to see what's coming next. To see what 'The Make-Up Test" is all about, pick up this novel to see how well this author brings it out to the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced digital reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!