Because of Low by Abbi Glines

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York.
Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there.
Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

Stumbled on this one! It's apparently the second in a series (I didn't realise until after!) but it was fine to read as a stand alone.
I loved it, it was sweet and quick to read.

What I loved:

• Marcus and Low- I loved them as separate characters and they were so cute together! I really loved how they were both devoted to their families in their own way. Marcus was such a good guy in general and to Low, I liked how he carefully but determinedly moved her from Cage's room to his, which was necessary but complicated . Low was a really nice down to earth girl, she saw through Cage's womaniser persona but didn't encourage his delusions!
• Side Cast!- I always enjoy well formed side characters as books are more than main characters. Because of Low is the second in a series and there was links to the previous book which worked perfectly. Marcus and Low's friends were witty, varied and all around fun to read. The ones that caught my attention the most were Cage, Preston, Amanda and Larissa.  I unwittingly picked out the three of the main characters of the next two books- obviously they were written in so well on purpose. I also loved Larissa, Low's niece who is one of the best written children I've read in YA.
• Premise- I liked all the little elements of the plot. Cage and Low's relationship which was based primarily on two lonely neglected children. All the family drama. The careers/lives of all the characters. All of which fit perfectly into a simple yet perfect plot!
• Ending- I liked how it was slightly in the future so everyone had time to adjust and reconcile realistically for the happy ending! It was refreshing compared to the quick warp up of tensions and issues which usually happens.

What I didn't love as much:

• Tawny- Low's sister had next to no redeeming qualities or morals. I had her figured out straight away but I was hoping she could redeem herself or end up out in the cold!
• Jefferson- He was a more redeeming person than Tawny but he had an annoying superior manner which made it seem like he'd done nothing wrong....

The characters in this book were so well written and easy to relate to that they really made the book!

I jumped straight in While It Lasts which I loved even more, and I'm now eagerly awaiting the next Sea Breeze book!

Are you an Abbi Glines fan? Should I go back and read Breathe?

Much Love!
Lettie
xx