Because of Low is the third book by Abbi Glines that I have read. I have to say, she does seem to really have a theme going through all of her books with that whole insta-love, can't live with out you, might die if you leave me thing they all seem to have. Before I can really review Low, I have to go back to the first book in the story, Breathe. Breathe is one of those candy sweet romances, with a wholesome main character named Sadie, who just can't get out of the pile of crap life keeps throwing her way... That is until the gorgeous superstar Jax Stone takes an interest in her. It's a sweet story, and you do genuinely feel bad for the girl, because she is dealt a tough life. The main characters are likable enough, and the rest of the story is peppered with strong supporting characters. Marcus who makes his first appearance in Breathe, is now one of the main characters in Low. I actually liked him in Breathe, you could understand why he really seemed to be infatuated with Sadie. He was kind, and helpful when she really need a friend. He cared about her wellbeing, even enough to put his feelings aside and just be her friend. He spend time with Sadie, got to know her, before falling in love with her. In Low, we see a much different side of Marcus... a side that is not nearly as likable as he was in Breathe.
To be blunt, I really found Because of Low to be one the most irritating and immature books I've read in a while. There really wasn't anyone in this book that was an enjoyable enough character to make the book worth while. Marcus is whiney and mostly annoying. However, compared to Willow he seemed dreamy. I really could not stand Willow. She was needy, far to dependent on others, and did nothing except wallow in how sad and difficult her life was. I know I was supposed to feel sorry for Low, and the things she was going through... but I just couldn't sympathize with her. She basically uses Cage, and always relies on him to fix her problems. I mean come on... you are a grown woman now.... grow up, and stop leaning on everyone. Yes she has an awful sister, but again... she doesn't have to rely on her... yet she chooses to do nothing about the situation, and stays with her when she can, and runs to Cage when she can't. Minor problem with Marcus? Oh Cage, please save me! It was ridiculous, and honestly insulting to girls who really do have difficult issues to deal with. I wanted to like her... really I did, but I just couldn't. The other thing that bothered me about Low... and I know this is completely trivial; is the way she seemed to dress and present herself. Now, I really don't have a problem with women dressing skimpy... I think whatever makes you feel empowered, go for it. The issue I had is that she dresses in barely there clothing fairly often... but is just oh so confused when guys seem to look at her. She just can't understand why Cage continues to talk sexy to her, or why other guys seem to be ogling her. I mean the only reason I could really see Marcus being into her, is because of how sexy she seemed to constantly be presenting herself as.
Low's relationship with Cage was so unhealthy and creepy I'm not even sure where to begin... lets try, how she constantly calls him a silly boy, whom she feels is like her brother. Ummm.... how many of you discuss what you fantasize about while masturbating with your brother? Or let him suck on your pinky... or let him crawl into bed with you, get hard, and try to feel you up. Ewwwww! It wouldn't have bugged me, if she didn't continue to say how much of a "brother" he was to her. I mean, come on!
I'm really confused as to why either of them seemed to "fall in love" with each other. There's really no relationship... it's insta-attraction, then they have breakfast... and then all of the sudden they're basically having sex on the dance floor, and trying to scare off anyone that might be competition. Then... they seem to sort of figure out their issues, but of course not really talking about anything at all, but you know having sex with each other, and poof.... everything is okay! Plus, Low never actually learns to be self-reliant at all. She simply moves from relying on Cage, to just moving in with Marcus. All she's doing in trading one unhealthy and co-dependent relationship for the next.
I know a lot of people really enjoyed this book, and of course to each their own... but I found way more negatives to this book then there were positives. I know this isn't one of my most articulate reviews... but this book bugged me so much, it was difficult to get all coherent opinions down.