STANDALONE NOVEL: no cliffhangers, no prior experience necessary. The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one. For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she … stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.
Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor–but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright nasty fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.
Bella doesn’t want Rafe’s help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can’t be extinguished.more
The Shameless Hour
By sarinabowen
I sound like a broken record, but seriously, this series is so dang good. Rafe and Bella are so awesome together. I keep chanting more, more, more! Im moving on to #5!
Bella and Raf are an unlikely couple and yet they are perfect for each other.
Oh Bella, Bella, Bella you are not all the things the boys say you are. This is a story of bullying, public humiliation, being cheated on and losing your V card. It is also a story of resilience, tenderness and love. So much packed into one great story. Raf is the man that Bella needs and I love that he is persistent and caring and gentle with her. He is everything she deserves. Another great book from Sarina tackling more important and real issues that students at university face. For this reason I am so glad I am not at Uni any more.
The Shameless Hour: Such angsty goodness!!! I love the push and pull in Bella and Rafe’s story. I cried more than any other book in this series but by the end, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face!!
Audible. This is probably my least favorite of the series, but it’s still pretty good. It’s slow at first, but there’s a lot to the story (maybe too much?). Bowen tackles some tough topics with a significant amount of authenticity.
My biggest problem is continuity issues with the recording. Saskia Maarleveld can’t seem to decide on a pronunciation for Rafe. Even in the same chapter she’ll alternate between “Ray-fe” (think UK pronunciation of Ralph) and “Rah-fay”. The second being the “correct” if going by the logical shortening of Raphael. Also, she pronounces Rikker as “Rye-ker” instead of “Rick-er” ~ which is incorrect based on previous book, the spelling, & Podehl’s pronunciation. It’s very distracting.
While I like Nick Podehl, it would have been really nice if they’d found a Latin narrator for Rafe. It felt cartoonish at times instead of authentic.
There is just something about a college book that makes me want to devour them. Maybe because I refuse to believe I am in my 40s and prefer to still see myself as a 20 year old? Lol! Whatever the reason I was captivated by this story.
My heart bled for Bella and her hurt and confusion. I cheered for Rafe and how stubborn he was with Bella. And all of Bella’s friends… we all need friends like that. Ones that don’t forget about you when you go MIA. Ones that keep pushing you. Friends that actually, truly care.
I was so glad to see that the next book in Sarina Bowen’s Ivy Series was going to be Bella’s book. She was very interesting in the understatement of the year.
I love that Bella is the carefree not caring what anyone thinks and pretty much does what she wants, even if that means people call her names behind her back, but why is ok for guys to sleep with whoever they want and girls get a name and that is what Bella is trying to prove.
The problem with that is she get shamed and that’s what brings Bella to a person that she isn’t and with the help of Raf and his friendship plus Graham and Ryker from UOTY she becomes and even better session of her self,
What to say about Raf he is one of the sweetest male characters i have encountered, he cares for everyone and really respects woman and he he has such a good friendship with Bella until he he wants it all with her.
This book again was so different to the other books in this series and i loved everything about it. I loved meeting Bella’s roommate and we still get some of the old characters as well.
Loving this series and thought it was the last book and was so excited to see that we get another one with the Fifthteen minute and i can’t wait to start this one next.
Another wonderful book in this series! I loved Bella and how unapologetically she lived her life. Rafe was so completely adorable and kind and just plain swoony. Their relationship was so sweet.
All the books in this series have dealt with some very realistic issues, and they’ve all been handled so well. The characters have felt so true and real. And Rafe and Bella are no different.
At times frustrating and heartbreaking, but also funny and carefree, The Shameless Hour pulled at my heartstrings.