Shark Out Of Water (Grab Your Pole #3) by Jenn Cooksey {Review}

Genre: Mature YA

 Publication Date: July 30th 2013

Series: Grab Your Pole #3

Pages: 357

Format: Kindle eARC

Source: provided by author for review

With the Amazon Bestseller Shark Bait, the first novel in the Grab Your Pole series, debut author Jenn Cooksey delivered a fun, snarky, and realistic beginning to a larger story that has found its way into the hearts of readers everywhere. Thus, many were unprepared for what was coming in the second installment of the GYP series, The Other Fish in the Sea, when Cooksey took us on a runaway roller coaster ride of emotion and solidly landed hit after hit, including a brutal sucker punch that left readers around the globe reeling. In Shark Out of Water, the highly anticipated third installment in this humorous yet honest and real coming of age story, we delve even further into the lives of the GYP gang and many questions are sure to be answered, however, are you really ready for what lies ahead in the continuation of their adventure? Well, grab your pole and let’s find out.

My Take:

When The Other Fish In The Sea ended we were left wondering what the hell happened between Cami and Tristan. The book ended on a cliffhanger that was so epic it left me frustrated and nervous for the next book. Shark Out Of Water picks up where TOFITS leaves off and the nerve wracking, stomach churning drama begins..

Being told from the guys perspective this go around, Tristan is dealing with something within himself that causes him serious distress. Constantly remembering that drunken night with Cami that lead to the  supposed "Breakup" the next day haunts him for reasons we don't see yet. As you read, you are taken through the spectrum of emotions that Tristan goes through. This was really hard for me to read because I love Tristan so much and I hated watching him so torn apart by his actions. Without spoiling too much I will say that he is dealing with something he feels was inexcusable that happened with Cami the night they almost consummated their relationship. Something he feels is so despicable that he tortures himself relentlessly about what could have happened had he not stopped himself. Cami feels that Tristan breaks up with her because she wouldn't sleep with him and he is more than happy to let her continue to think that. He doesn't acknowledged their breakup and is so disgusted with himself that he stays away for most of the book. It took me a little while longer to fall in love with Tristan's character than it did other fans of the series but once I did that was it. He's fantastic and his story broke me down. He makes some pretty crazy, life changing, jaw dropping decisions in this book that shocked me a little. 

When the supporting gang can't keep quiet about their opinions on the matter, battle lines are drawn and we find best friends Tristan and Jeff at odds over Tristan's perceived behavior. I hated that Jeff didn't have any more faith in his best friend when their bond was tested. I could understand how he felt though only hearing one side from Camie. With Jeff being the most amazing guy in the series (in my opinion) having been with the same girl throughout his life, he can't understand why Tristan would break up with the girl he loves just because she didn't sleep with him. Despite how tough the strain between Jeff and Tristan is to read, they prove just how close they are when everything comes out and they end up with a stronger bond than they have ever had before. It broke my heart when the revelation about that night came out and how devastated Tristan was. Watching these two in this particular moment was just as funny and endearing as it was emotional and intense. Cooksey does a fantastic job of balancing all the emotions without making you feel overwhelmed.

The surprising coupling between Melissa and Brandon in TOFITS continues in SOOW and their relationship is tested as Brandon wants to follow his dream and Melissa becomes a little clingy. I fell in love with these two and started to worry about them in this book with all the problems they faced. Melissa became slightly annoying to Brandon because he's never been in a serious relationship and having someone to be accountable to was a big change for him. Brandon is one sexy bastard, and I loved getting to read his perspective. He genuinely loves Melissa and doesn't want to end things but her clingy, desperate behavior starts to push him away. Luckily Brandon proves just how devoted he is in a Romeo/Juliet type move that had my heart beating wildly in my chest the entire time. 

Jillian. I look forward to every book in this series because of this girl. Camie's sister proves in Shark Out Of Water that she is not only the most amazing ninja sleuth EVER but behind her tough facade she has a big heart. Jillian discovers a secret that ultimately saves Camie from a nightmare situation with another guy she goes to a school dance with. I always salivate with anticipation when I know Jill is gong to be in a scene because you never know just what to expect. I love that her character keeps you  on your toes throughout the entire story and I honestly can't wait for the next book where hopefully we get even more Jillian. Her relationship with Pete, who is a few years older than her is still on the down low and I wonder if in the next book someone doesn't discover their secret. 

Throughout the misunderstandings and the lines drawn in the sand between friends, Cooksey delivers another winner in this amazing series full of real characters, depth and heartwarming moments. Every story feels fresh and exciting as you live vicariously through each character. Camie and Tristan prove to be a passionate and intense couple who fight through their issues and to be so young within the story it was nice to see them keep working at their relationship. I was so happy with how everything turned out in this book and needed a pan of brownies and a zanax after the emotional roller coaster these kids took me on. Camie and Tristan may bring the drama to the table but with Jeff and Kate bringing the stability, Pete and Jillian bringing the excitement and Melissa and Brandon bringing the sexy the story never becomes stale or drags at all. This was another wonderful addition to the series and I honestly can't recommend it enough. Shark Out Of Water was intense and emotional but it also had light hearted moments and funny quips to balance out this eclectic group. This is one of my favorite series' of books and with every addition I fall harder for these crazy characters and even crazier situations they end up in. Shark Out Of Water was exactly what I have come to expect from this author, it was funny, extremely witty and emotionally intense. If you haven't read it yet I suggest grabbing Shark Bait and dive in!

Quotes:

This is the kind of bullshit I try to avoid. I like hearing all the dirt just as much as the next guy, but when it comes down to taking sides in something like this, it’s just better to stay the fuck out of it if at all possible. ~ Brandon eARC 4%

I swear the chick does this shit on purpose! She’s almost worse than that fuckin’ Ferb, who I seriously fucking think files her own goddamned nails down so they don’t make any clicking noises while she hunts me. I’m predicting it now; I’m gonna have a fuckin’ heart attack one of these days and it’ll be because of Jillian or Ferb. Maybe both, because I could just see the two of them in cahoots against me. ~ Jeff eARC 16%

 “I saw her face… I saw her beautiful face. She was so scared. I’m a fucking monster… I shouldn’t even be allowed to live for hurting her like that!” ~ Tristan eARC 27%

“No, I got that, but you know just as well as I do that Disney wasn’t actually frozen so I thought you were saying you and Walt were both perverted in some way by being turned on by Minnie Mouse or some shit.” ~ Pete eARC 52%

About the Author:

Jenn Cooksey is a Southern California girl born and bred, however she’s no longer a resident of heaven on earth, but instead she currently resides in the 7th Ring of Hell with her husband, their three daughters, and a goodly number of pets. Aside from her husband, one cat, and three out of five fish, everyone living under the Cooksey’s roof is female. She’s sure her husband will not only be awarded sainthood when he kicks the bucket, but that Jesus will welcome him into heaven with a beer and a congratulatory high-five. Jenn is also of the belief that Bacon should be capitalized and that just being yourself is the best way to go. That is, unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

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