The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

Far too many book reviews, but such things happen when a book nerd like me has too much time on her hands. Our next book took me by complete and utter surprise. I'm usually not one for teen romance (unless it has some kind of supernatural element added.), but  The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen was actually really good for a non-supernatural romance story.


Callie and Kayden have known of each other since they were kids, yet neither have bothered to speak to the other since both move in different social circles. In high school, insanely handsome Kayden was the star quarterback, the most popular guy in school and dated cheerleaders.

Callie on the other hand was a social pariah. Callie had no interest in having any friends. Her classmates call her the anorexic, devil worshiping Callie due to her over usage of black eyeliner, being extremely thin and wearing all black clothing that are at least three sizes too big.

Our story starts out with Callie being forced by her mother to retrieve her brother from a graduation party. She is extremely apprehensive since everyone who ever made fun of her in high school would be there. After much brow beating by her mother she ends up going in and searching for her kid brother.

During her search Callie happens to glance out in the back yard and is witness a fight. She recognizes Kayden and his father right away. She does what most people wouldn't and runs out to stop his father from killing Kayden.

Instead of asking Kayden why his father was beating on him, Callie helps him clean and bandage his wounds. Kayden makes Callie promise she will never tell anyone what she has seen that night. Since Callie isn't a gossip she swears to keep it under wraps.

Kayden is flabbergasted by her actions. He doesn't understand how someone he's never taken the time to speak with would want to help him. It's a action he will never forget.

Skip ahead a four months later. Callie is now in college, far away from anyone who might have known her in high school (Or so she thinks). Thanks to the help of her new best friend, Seth, Callie has somewhat come out of her shell. Together the come up with the "Things you must do" list. This is made to help Callie with her confidence issues. She still wears over sized clothes, but at least they are something other than black. She has also given up on black eyeliner.

Much to her surprise she spot's Kayden and does everything she can to avoid contact with him. This is to no avail.

Ever since the night of his party, Kayden has wanted to see Callie again and thank her for helping him. The Callie he spot's on campus is much different form the Callie he knew in high school. What is most shocking is she actually smiles. He is determined to speak with her, but she hardly makes it easy. It's through the effort of Seth that Callie actually speaks with Kayden.

The two soon begin hanging out and slowly realize they have feelings for one another. Kayden is surprised at Callie's reaction every time they are about to make love. She has a massive panic attack every time they try. He doesn't want to push her, but at the same time he wants to know why she wont have sex with him. She knows he comes from an abusive family, why does she not trust him enough with her secret?

Almost the moment you get in to Callie's mind you know some bad shit went down with her. She has a hard time trusting people. The fact that she hides behind baggy clothes is a dead give away that she wishes she was invisible. Both Seth and Kayden are great guys. They work together to bring Callie out of her shell and get her to realize she is indeed a good person.

Callie returns the favor by showing Kayden that he doesn't need to live up to his father's expectations. He is his own man and doesn't have to live in fear of what his father will do next. If you're a chick reading this book you will fall in love with Kayden. Fight it all you want, but it will happen.

I love the fact that we get this story from both Callie and Kayden's point of view. It allows you to connect with both characters and feel for both situations. We don't get a glimpse in to Seth's head, I love him anyways. He's witty and pushes Callie to come out of her shell, but at her own pace.

 While I'm not going to give away the end I will say it is bittersweet. Which I think is the reason I loved this book as much as I did. I hope Sorensen decides to writes a novella, because my curiosity is getting the better of me. I want to know what happens damn it!

I don't have any complaints about this story. Other than I want to know what the hell happens after it ended.