tarp 4x4m wasserdicht DD Tarp 4x4 Waterproof Camping Tarp – Wylies Outdoor World
SKU: 98970054954
tarp 4x4m wasserdicht

tarp 4x4m wasserdicht DD Tarp 4x4 Waterproof Camping Tarp – Wylies Outdoor World

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tarp 4x4m wasserdicht DD Tarp 4x4 Waterproof Camping Tarp – Wylies Outdoor WorldDD Tarp 4x4 Waterproof Camping Tarp for Two Person and Group Camping The DD Hammocks Tarp 4x4 provides 16 square metres of coverage for two person camping, group shelters, and base camp setups. This 4 metre square tarp weighs 1290g with 19 reinforced attachment points for hammock camping and bushcraft. Made from 190T polyester with 3000mm waterproof PU coating. Available in Olive Green, Coyote Brown, Forest Green, Multicam, or Winter Multicam.

DD Tarp 4x4 Waterproof Camping Tarp for Two Person and Group Camping

The DD Hammocks Tarp 4x4 provides 16 square metres of coverage for two person camping, group shelters, and base camp setups. This 4 metre square tarp weighs 1290g with 19 reinforced attachment points for hammock camping and bushcraft. Made from 190T polyester with 3000mm waterproof PU coating. Available in Olive Green, Coyote Brown, Forest Green, Multicam, or Winter Multicam.

IMPORTANT: This tarp does NOT include a ridgeline. Purchase ridgelines separately from our tarp suspension accessories collection.


DD Tarp 4x4 Size Comparison for Two Person Camping

Tarp Size Coverage Weight Best For
3x3 9 square metres 790g Solo camping, ultralight backpacking
3.5 x 3.5 12.25 square metres 1050g Solo with extra gear, XL and Kingsize hammocks
4x4 (This Product) 16 square metres 1290g Two person camping, group shelters, base camps

The 4x4 provides 16 square metres of coverage, 78% more than the 3x3 and 31% more than the 3.5 x 3.5. This additional coverage makes the 4x4 the right choice for two person camping where both people and their gear need protection from weather. The 1290g weight is only 240g more than the 3.5 x 3.5, making it worth the extra weight for regular two person use.


DD Tarp 4x4 for One or Two Person Hammock Camping

The 4 metre width provides comfortable coverage for two hammocks set up side by side or at angles to each other. The 4 metre length ensures both hammocks stay protected from rain with room for gear at the ends. When set up as an A-frame or diamond configuration over two hammocks, the 4x4 provides adequate coverage without feeling cramped.

For two person hammock camping, the 4x4 allows each person to have their own space under the tarp without compromising coverage. The extra width compared to the 3.5 x 3.5 means rain does not reach the hammocks even in wind-driven conditions where smaller tarps leave the edges exposed.

The 4x4 is an excellent tarp to pair with the larger DD Frontline Hammock King Size, providing adequate coverage for the wider hammock dimensions.


DD Tarp 4x4 for Group Base Camp and Communal Shelters

The 16 square metres of coverage makes the 4x4 suitable for group base camp setups where you need communal cooking and gear storage space. Set up as a large A-frame or lean-to, the 4x4 provides covered area for multiple people to gather, cook, and organize gear out of the weather.

Scout groups, bushcraft courses, and group expeditions benefit from the 4x4 as a central shelter where the group can work together under cover. The tarp works well as a cooking shelter at base camp, keeping food preparation areas dry during prolonged rain. The large coverage also makes the 4x4 suitable for extending caravan or vehicle awnings, creating additional covered living space.


DD Tarp 4x4 for Two Person Ground Dwelling Setups

For two person ground dwelling, the 4x4 provides comfortable space for two people to sleep with gear stored inside the shelter. Set up as an A-frame with one side as a floor, the 4x4 accommodates two sleeping mats with room for packs and boots under cover. The extra space compared to smaller tarps means you do not need to sleep directly next to each other or leave gear exposed to weather.

The 4x4 also works well for solo camping when you want maximum covered space for extended stays, photography equipment, or winter camping with bulky insulation gear. The large coverage provides room to move around inside the shelter during prolonged bad weather, making multi-day trips more comfortable.


DD Tarp 4x4 Weight 1290g Only 240g More Than 3.5 x 3.5

The 4x4 weighs 1290g excluding pegs and guy lines, only 240g more than the 3.5 x 3.5 (1050g). This 240g weight difference is minimal when split between two people, making the 4x4 practical for two person backpacking trips where you share the load. Each person carries 645g of tarp weight, less than carrying a 3x3 (790g) solo.

For regular two person camping, the extra 240g over the 3.5 x 3.5 is worth the significantly more comfortable coverage. The 4x4 provides 31% more coverage for only 23% more weight, making it efficient for the space it provides. The weight becomes less important when the tarp serves as the main shelter for two people rather than a solo ultralight setup.


DD Tarp 4x4 Available in Five Colour Options

Olive Green provides natural colour that blends into UK woodland environments. Coyote Brown works well in open moorland and varied terrain. Forest Green matches deep woodland and coniferous forests. Multicam uses DD Hammocks' own camouflage pattern designed to blend into UK woodlands. Winter Multicam uses DD Hammocks' own winter camouflage pattern designed for snowy conditions, providing visual concealment when you want to stay hidden from sight at a distance in winter environments. Both Multicam and Winter Multicam cost more due to specialized printing.


DD Tarp 4x4 Specifications

  • Size - 4 metres x 4 metres
  • Coverage - 16 square metres
  • Weight - 1290g excluding pegs and guy lines
  • Weight Per Person - 645g when shared between two people
  • Material - 190T polyester with 3000mm PU waterproof coating
  • Seams - Taped central seam
  • Attachment Points - 19 reinforced points (16 sides and corners, 3 along centre ridgeline)
  • Colours - Olive Green, Coyote Brown, Forest Green, Multicam, Winter Multicam
  • Included - 4 pegs and guy lines in separate bag, stuff sack with drawcord
  • NOT Included - Ridgeline (sold separately)

When to Choose DD Tarp 4x4 Over Smaller Tarps

Choose the 4x4 if you regularly camp with two people and want comfortable coverage for both hammocks or sleeping areas plus gear. The 16 square metres provides adequate space without feeling cramped, and the 1290g weight splits to 645g per person when shared.

Choose the 4x4 if you do group camping, bushcraft courses, or expeditions where you need communal shelter space for cooking and gear organization. The large coverage works well as a base camp shelter where multiple people gather.

Choose the 4x4 if you want maximum covered space for solo camping during extended stays or when carrying extensive gear like photography equipment. The extra space provides room to move around inside the shelter during prolonged bad weather.

Choose smaller tarps if you prioritize low weight for solo ultralight backpacking. The 3x3 at 790g or 3.5 x 3.5 at 1050g provide adequate solo coverage at lower weight.


DD Tarp 4x4 Complementary Equipment for Two Person Camping

Pair this tarp with hammock suspension accessories for two person hammock camping setups. For cold weather, add hammock underblankets or quilts to insulate both sleep systems.


DD Tarp 4x4 Limitations to Consider

The 1290g weight is too heavy for solo ultralight backpacking where every gram matters. Solo campers who prioritize low weight should choose the 3x3 (790g) or 3.5 x 3.5 (1050g) unless they specifically want maximum covered space.

The 4x4 packs larger than smaller tarps, taking up more space in your pack. This matters less when two people share the load, but solo backpackers may find the pack size inconvenient compared to more compact options.

For groups larger than two people, you may need multiple tarps or larger shelter solutions. The 4x4 works for two people comfortably or three people in tight conditions, but larger groups need additional shelter.


DD Tarp 4x4 Care and Maintenance

Shake off dirt and debris after use before packing. Allow the tarp to dry completely before long term storage to prevent mildew. Rinse with clean water if muddy and hang to dry before packing.

Inspect attachment points and seams regularly for wear. Store the tarp loosely rolled or hung rather than compressed tightly for extended periods. Avoid campfires directly under the tarp or too close to edges, as the polyester fabric melts and burns when exposed to sparks or flame.


DD Tarp 4x4 Advice from Wylies Outdoor World Fife Scotland

Wylies Outdoor World's owner Drew has personally tested every DD Hammocks product over almost a decade, using them 4 nights a week in the best and worst weather the UK has to offer. This extensive field testing provides real-world knowledge of when the 4x4 size makes sense for two person camping versus when smaller tarps suffice.

Questions about choosing between 3.5 x 3.5 or 4x4 for two person camping? Need advice on setting up the 4x4 for group base camps? Contact us for guidance based on years of hands-on experience with DD Hammocks equipment.


DD Tarp 4x4 Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 4x4 worth the extra 240g over the 3.5 x 3.5 for two people?

Yes, the 4x4 provides 31% more coverage (16 square metres vs 12.25 square metres) for only 240g extra weight. When split between two people, each person carries 645g, making the weight reasonable for the comfortable two person coverage the 4x4 provides.

Can two hammocks fit comfortably under the 4x4?

Yes, the 4 metre width provides comfortable coverage for two hammocks set up side by side or at angles. The 4 metre length ensures both hammocks stay protected with room for gear at the ends. The 4x4 is the right size for regular two person hammock camping.

How many people can fit under the 4x4?

The 4x4 comfortably accommodates two people with gear. Three people can fit in tight conditions for emergency use, but two people is the practical limit for comfortable camping with adequate space for everyone's gear.

Is the 4x4 too heavy for solo backpacking?

At 1290g, the 4x4 is heavier than needed for solo ultralight backpacking. Solo campers who prioritize low weight should choose the 3x3 (790g) or 3.5 x 3.5 (1050g). The 4x4 makes sense for solo use only when you want maximum covered space for extended stays or extensive gear.

Can I use the 4x4 as a base camp shelter for groups?

Yes, the 16 square metres of coverage works well as a communal cooking and gear storage shelter at base camp. Scout groups, bushcraft courses, and group expeditions use the 4x4 as a central gathering space where people can work together under cover.

Which colour should I choose?

Olive Green and Forest Green blend into UK woodland. Coyote Brown works in open moorland and varied terrain. Multicam provides visual concealment using DD Hammocks' specialized camouflage pattern. Winter Multicam provides visual concealment in snowy conditions when you want to stay hidden from sight at a distance. Both Multicam patterns cost more due to specialized printing.

How does the pack size compare to smaller tarps?

The 4x4 packs larger than the 3x3 or 3.5 x 3.5. This matters less when two people share the load, but solo backpackers may find the pack size inconvenient. The larger pack size is the trade-off for the significantly more coverage.

Can I extend my caravan awning with the 4x4?

Yes, the 4x4 works well for extending caravan or vehicle awnings, creating additional covered living space. The large coverage provides room for outdoor cooking areas, gear storage, or additional seating space protected from weather.

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4.2 ★★★★★
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chrissycf
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Absolutely the best in the series so far!
Format: Kindle
I've been wanting to get Dean's book since we met him in The Deal, and let me tell you, this book did NOT disappoint! Dean is the playboy of the hockey team, he doesn't do relationships, and he just takes life as it goes. Allie is Hannah's best friend and roommate, and is a relationship type of girl. When she realizes her and her boyfriend are moving in separate directions and she can't do it anymore she breaks up with him. When she needs a place to hide out, Garrett offers up his house while they are away. She never expected that weekend to change everything for her. Dean and Allie definitely have amazing chemistry, but one night together doesn't change things for them, or does it? Dean can't get Allie out of his head, and Allie knows she can't do a casual hookup, but they can't seem to keep away from one another. I loved how Dean finally wore Allie down, and how Allie finally got to have someone with her that understood her and was just as adventurous as she was. I don't agree with how she didn't want anyone to know about them, but I think the way everyone found out was perfect for them. Dean and Allie's "relationship" is full of emotions, and you can slowly see this turning into something way more than what they thought it would be. Dean is amazing with Allie, he's supportive of her, he cares about her, and he's insanely jealous of anyone who dares look at her. Allie is loving how Dean makes her feel, and is also a huge supporter of his. For once in his life Dean opens up about himself and you can tell how nervous he was telling her about his ex, and everything involving the fall out of that situation. Their escapades are hilarious and sexy all at once. I loved watching them during Thanksgiving with Beau and his sister, where you can see that things definitely changed for them. I also adored their watching of the french soap opera, and all the little things they did together. Not only does this book have a true romance that you can't help but fall in love with these amazing characters, but there are some absolute laugh out loud moments. When Logan walks in on Dean and "Winston" I spit my drink out I was laughing so hard. Also the hilarious Twilight references on imprinting! There is also a very serious aspect to this book that had me in tears. My emotions were definitely all over the place while reading this book, and I must say I think I love Dean more than Garrett, and he's been sitting at the top of my BBF list for a long time! It's been a long time since I've read a book that I absolutely loved both of the main characters. I felt so connected to them, and their group of friends, that I thought I was right there with them experiencing their love, their laughs, and their heartbreak. This book definitely took me on one hell of a ride. I can't remember laughing so hard one moment, swooning and falling in love, and then balling my eyes out, only to have my heart put back together at the end. This is a beautifully written story and I could NOT put it down. I am definitely looking forward to Tuck's book, especially with the bomb-shell he dropped at the end of Dean's story! Even though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest reading each of the previous two books in this series, so you can get a good feel of how much Dean has changed since we met him, as well as how the group dynamic works. Each one of the books are 5 star reads, and trust me, you will definitely fall in love with Garrett, Logan and Dean!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2016
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Ivy D.
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
Format: Kindle
Another excellent entry: The Off-Campus series is among the very, very best in new adult romance and there is little that isn’t done well in this entry. Dean DiLaurentis is charged with watching out for Allie, Hannah’s roomie, one weekend while everyone is gone for various reasons - with, of course, the obligatory threats to his penis if he were to touch Allie. She’s just gone through a painful breakup with her boyfriend from book one, since they’ve had a fairly tempestuous relationship, she needs some time away from her apartment, where he’s been trying to get her to change her mind. Of course, Allie and Dean are young, hot, single and there’s tequila. When you do the math, it’s fairly obvious that yes, Slot A goes into Tab B, and yes, romance happens. I love their banter, the humor throughout really establishes these characters and their friendships and makes the ride all the more enjoyable. Speaking of riding... Dean’s what I expected: Dean’s the manho who beats all the previous manhoes in this series. He makes no apologies and I loved that he didn’t. He’s intrigued with Allie but he isn’t in love from the moment he lays eyes on her. When he falls, though it’s hard and it’s clearly life-altering. His moments with his friend Beau when they discuss his issues with little Dean (I can’t stop giggling at that silliness) were priceless. He has a good journey towards adulthood, though I was saddened by the events that led to this character growth. It was the perfect (sad yet realistic) touch of bitter to make the sweet all the richer. Allie was a surprise: I’ll admit, this is mostly because I didn’t remember her. Allie isn’t a big part of the first book and what I did remember of her was a bit flaky. I loved getting to know her and seeing what made her tick and as with Ms. Kennedy’s previous heroines, there is more than meets the eye. She’s concerned about being slut-shamed by the prospect of no-strings sex, considering she’s only ever been in committed, long term relationships, so I love that she has to learn to accept that there’s nothing wrong with two consenting adults doing what they want to do, damn public opinion. I found it an interesting twist that the only person truly slut-shamed is Dean, by other men and women. Beats played out as I expected: If I have any issues with this is, while it is entertaining, charming, and funny, it also felt the same as the earlier books, which were also entertaining, charming and funny. When the quality is so high, that’s not a horrible thing, but I can’t help but struggle to keep each set of heroes and heroines separate in my mind. That said... I’m really intrigued by where this series is going next: The setup for the next book is markedly different and it has me really eager to see how Ms. Kennedy handles it. The heroine for the next book is NOT in the mold of the earlier women and the hero is a bit of a wild card, since he has been more on the periphery so far. I’m looking forward to seeing what they have to contribute to this universe. The Bottom Line This is an excellent new adult romance with likeable characters, funny banter, hot sex scenes and room for the ‘verse to grow. If you haven’t read Ms. Kennedy’s series, I highly recommend it. **ARC provided by author for review**
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2016
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IslandDeb
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Ms. Kennedy Scores Again!
Format: Kindle
I am absolutely addicted to Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series. When I picked up The Deal last year I had no idea what to expect. I love her Navy SEAL series but a New Adult? I have to say, I fell so hard for that book it was ridiculous. Don’t tell anyone but I think I might even love this series more. Ack! I’m an adult. I’ve been out of college for more years than these characters have been alive! What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me is I’m a sucker for young love stories that have substance, well-developed characters, witty dialogue, and just enough angst to make it interesting without making me want to kill myself. And this is exactly what we get with Off-Campus. It’s not a given that each book in a series will top the last, or even equal its predecessors, but Ms. Kennedy has blown that theory out of the water. The Deal, The Mistake, and now The Score are all deliciously entertaining. I can’t say I love one more than the other because they are all unique. Each book focuses on one of four members of Briar University’s hockey team, all roommates in what I imagine in my head to be a large, rambling off-campus house. These guys are hardcore athletes, so of course, they’re gorgeous, sculpted of yummy muscles, confident, and can pretty much snap their fingers and the girls come running. But under those pretty exteriors and horndog antics lie endearing personalities. The thing I love most about the four guys sharing the house is they all have each other’s backs no matter what the circumstances. When it’s time to man up, be mature, and offer advice they excel at it. I love these guys. They’re also hilarious as hell. The Score is book 3, featuring self-professed man-whore Dean Di Laurentis and Allie Hayes, Hannah’s best friend (from book 1, The Deal) . These two couldn’t be more different. According to The Life of Dean, there are no repeat performances with girls. Ever. He’s not remotely interested in anything that involves the dirty word relationship. Allie, on the other hand, has dated the same guy for four years. Granted, they’ve broken up four times but this time, it’s for real. She’s even high tailed it out of the dorm she shares with Hannah and is hiding out at the guys’ house for the weekend. The couples are out of town, which leaves only Dean at home. Allie can surely smack down on his ridiculous flirting. But after some well-deserved tequila shots and a joint or maybe two, things get blurry and… "The memories come crashing back in vivid Technicolor. The terrible movie. The tequila shots. The… rest. I slept with Dean last night. Twice. My heart beats faster as I stare up at the ceiling. I’m in Dean’s room. There’s an empty condom wrapper on the end table. And… yep, I’m naked." What surprises Allie, even more, is that she seems to recall enjoying herself. A Lot. She’s got a kinky streak that her ex wasn’t on board with but Dean…wow. Regardless, it was beyond wrong and Hannah will kill her if she finds out, so Dean and Allie make a pact to keep it between them. Only problem is, Dean can’t stop thinking about Allie. It surprises the crap out of him because this is certainly a first but he needs, at least, one more taste. "After last night’s performance, Allie Hayes proved that she’s fully capable of leaving her mark on a man. Jesus. That girl can f***. Damn, and now my dick is semi-hard. It’s been doing that all day, chubbing out every time I think about Allie." Likewise, Allie can’t stop thinking about Dean. When Dean begs for more, she’s shocked. Maybe what she needs is indeed a fling. She may be a card-carrying member of the Team Boyfriend, but it hasn’t done her any favors in the last few years. A change might be good. But can she handle it? Allie and Dean are hilarious together. She isn’t the starry-eyed coed type he’s used to. She doesn’t say How high? when he says Jump. Their verbal sparring is exquisite! It’s not only entertaining, it’s also revealing. The more she treats him with nonchalance the more he falls for her. She’s not being a tease. She’s being realistic. Dean isn’t a long term keeper. He’s rich, spoiled, and gets what he wants. He’s only hanging around because she isn’t begging for his attention. Besides, she’s spent four years as a drama major, she’ll be graduating soon, and needs to focus on her acting career. But Dean is relentless, being all adorable and sexy, watching French soap operas with her and generally making her forget about her ex. Plus, Dean is just so damn HOT it’s irresistible. Dean is on a fast track to win over Allie. He can’t explain this all-consuming fascination and need and he doesn’t care. What little Dean wants, big Dean does his best to procure. Allie might consider this thing between them merely a fling but that’s not how it’s going down if he can help it. She makes him want to be a better man and, I must admit the more we learn about Dean, the harder I fell in love with him. He’s put on a good act for a long time; a Richie Rich man-whore who skates by on his charm and looks when in fact, he’s extremely intelligent, caring, and kind. Ms. Kennedy has once again given us another exceptional story that is not only fun, witty, and chock full of sexy chemistry. Unexpected and shocking surprises deepen the tension and pull at the heartstrings yet are by no means superfluous. The writing is beautiful, tight, fast-paced, and so entertaining I didn’t want it to end.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2016
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Nmmomof4
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 4
4 stars
Format: Kindle
Overall Opinion: This was a fun read. I liked it. The banter and friendship these two had was great, and I loved how Allie knocked Dean off his feet. My main criticisms are that we really didn't need to experience the almost threesome at the beginning. I mean -- we get it...he's a Manho! BUT I didn't need to know descriptive details! The other is that I needed a jump ahead epilogue -- like I always do ;). They had some great things lined up for their futures, but I really wanted to see how it all went for them when they were older. Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Allie and Dean's story. Allie has (yet again) broken up with her boyfriend, and turns to her best friend Hannah (who we met in the first book The Deal). Hannah is out of town with her boyfriend, Garrett, and he offers to let Allie stay at his house to avoid the ex that keeps on texting and saying that he is coming over. That is when she runs in to Dean because he lives with Garrett. They spend the rest of the evening together with Dean being deemed her relationship coach with the job of keeping her from texting/calling her ex and taking him back. They end up getting drunk and sleeping together. Dean is ruined after that night for other women and is hooked on Allie. They start a friendship-with-benefits of sorts that of course turns into more. There are some laugh out loud moments, some sad moments, some sexy moments, and some sweet moments...and the couple get their HFN ending. POV: This alternated between Allie and Dean's POV. Overall Pace of Story: Good. It flowed well, and I didn't skim. The major drama did happen later in the book than usual, so it was cutting it close for things to get back to good IMO, but I felt like it was sufficiently addressed and handled. Instalove:No. They had some good development before they were into love status. H rating: 4 stars. Dean. I was surprised I'd like him so much, but I really did. We got to understand why he was the way he was regarding his sexual history, so that made him a lot more likable. I loved his interactions with the kids, and he was an overall good guy regardless of his past sexual acticities. h rating: 4.5 stars. Allie. I really liked her. She was super sweet, a wildcat in the bedroom, and she was really ambitious. Sadness level: Low/moderate. I had one time that I teared up, but I didn't need tissues and it didn't turn into an ugly cry. Heat level: Moderate. They had great chemistry and had some steamy times (some were just mentions of the experiences so it didn't become just about the sex). Descriptive sex: Yes. Safe sex: Yes. Condoms were used until they were in a committed relationship, and then testing and birth control discussions happened. OW/OM drama: Surprisingly no for OW, but yes for OM. The h's ex showed up and texted trying to win her back. Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes Closure: This didn't have enough closure for me at all. I really wanted a jump ahead epilogue to see their lives when they were older. I would call it a HFN ending (which I think is the norm with this series). How I got it: I paid the $4.99 on Amazon.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2016
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descartesrocks
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 3
Too Many Problems Deterred My Enjoyment
Format: Kindle
Elle Kennedy's was one of my favorite romances from 2015. I loved the progression of the relationship between the two leads and felt that the book handled the issue of past sexual assault really well compared to other books in the genre. Then came . The romance in this story was not as compelling to me, but I appreciated how the author really put thought and effort into portraying the hero's struggle with familial obligations versus the pursuit of his dreams. Both these previous books in the Off-Campus series depict college relationships and the struggles of emerging adulthood realistically--something that I feel is oftentimes missing in New Adult novels. It is rare for me to find books in the genre relatable (ironic, given that I was a college student less than a year ago and should theoretically be the readership these books are marketed to), which makes my enjoyment of Elle Kennedy's books especially precious. I was counting down the days to its release and finished it in a matter of hours. And it was...kind of meh. The published synopsis really does not properly describe the story, so let me first quickly summarize the key points anyone needs to know: Allie is an aspiring actress who is trying to figure out whether she should aim for a television or a stage career. She recently broke up with her on-again-off-again ex-boyfriend and in her heartbreak, she cannot even imagine getting into a relationship with anyone else. She has a one-night stand with Dean, a rich college hockey star, who is only after casual sex. They decide to have a fling, but must keep it a secret because they have many mutual friends. There were so many things that bothered me about this book, I actually had to make a list. 1. The gratuitous scene involving Dean in a threesome with two girls is unappealing and unnecessary. I am not marking this as a spoiler because it is a scene found at the very beginning of the book (2% into the Kindle version) and really does not have a point. I do not understand why this scene was not cut out or at least shortened in the editing process. What does it serve to do? To show that Dean is sexually promiscuous? It is pretty clear to the reader that Dean is sexually promiscuous. He mentions it all the time. Other characters mention it all the time. Girls hit on him and he flirts with them all the time. There is no need for us to read in explicit detail his fun fun times. Perhaps the scene is there to titillate the reader? It just made me feel very uncomfortable because I was wondering the entire time whether these two women were actually into each other or whether they were merely performing for his sexual satisfaction. We later find out that, yes, these two are in fact interested in having sex with each other as well, but that is later on. During the scene I remained unsure, which makes it kind of icky. 2. The old "she ruined my penis for other women" trope. This is a convention I hate in romances. Nothing pulls me out of the story faster than this because it is not realistic, nor do I find it particularly romantic that the hero cannot get sexually aroused by anyone but the heroine. People, no matter how in love (and Dean was most definitely not in love when this occurs in the story), can still be aroused by others. It is basic biology. No one has the voodoo genitalia that can prevent their partners from feeling sexual attraction to another person. It is whether your partner will act on this attraction that will make or break a relationship. This is especially important when your partner is someone like Dean, who makes it a point to never get into serious relationships. Whether he can actually commit to Allie is a serious question, but the author decides to wave this aside by giving Allie a magical vagina. I mean, if she's the only one his penis will respond to, is it any wonder they get together? She's his last hope! 3. Neither of the characters are particularly well fleshed out. It is as if Kennedy just listed a bunch of traits she wanted the characters to have in order to keep them interesting and then just decides to write in whatever plot points she wanted without bothering to explore the characters. For example, Dean is a rich playboy who does whatever he wants. His motto is to live by his own rules and desires and outside of a few incidents here and there, his life is pretty swell. The only potential problem in his life is that he plans to attend law school after college even though he does not have an interest in it. Dean honestly bores me to tears because for most of the book nothing is done with his character. He lives in his happy Dean world and if anything disturbs his world (Allie's magical, yet elusive vagina) he rushes to solve it with a gusto, and then settles back to his happy Dean life. I mean, does this guy even have any hobbies outside of hockey and sex? I guess the previous heroes in the series were caught up in hockey and sex too, but at least they were intensely serious about hockey. Dean isn't as interested in the sport, which is fine, but that means his main interest in life that we know of is sex. Which is kind of sad (this is the last time I will mention magical genitalia, I swear!), since Allie's basically ruined his willy from sex with other people. Seriously, though, Kennedy tries to give him more interesting things to do by having him volunteer to coach a boys' hockey team but this is really something his new assistant coach forces on him and even when he finds interest in doing it, it does not even begin to fill the blank canvas that is his life. The author then, again, tries to challenge and deepen Dean's character with the story's final conflict, but it just does not work for me (see below). Allie's character is more interesting, yet more frustrating because of all the wasted potential. She's an aspiring actress who is struggling with her future career plans and worrying about how to take care of her father, who has multiple-sclerosis. Making it as an actress depends a great deal on luck and opportunity and very talented people can spend years and years without getting anywhere. It is a very risky career choice, especially when you have a dependent who requires close care-taking and high medical costs. But does the story focus--nay even attempt to address these potential problems? Noooo. Instead, Allie spends most of her time debating whether she should look at casting offers in L.A. or trying to make it on Broadway. And banging Dean, of course. Her father vaguely factors into her worries about her career, but not to an extent that one would expect him to. I mean, I guess it is great and all for her to have so many opportunities as an actress, but, really, what is the point of making this career choice a part of her character if she does not even have to struggle with one of the most basic aspects of it? 4. Interesting relationship conflicts are brought up, but never resolved satisfactorily. An ongoing worry for Allie is her inability to separate sex from relationships. She cannot keep it casual and since adolescence she has never gone long being single. She even worries later in the story whether she has a co-dependency problem. It does not appear to me, personally, that she has a co-dependency problem, since she makes most of her life and career decisions with her own interests in mind and actually breaks up with her ex-boyfriend when he wanted to dictate her future for her. Nevertheless, I think it is perfectly valid and even healthy for someone who has always had long-term relationships to want to stay single for a while. Unfortunately, Allie does not get to experience this at all. She goes from breaking up with her ex to being sex buddies with Dean (since they decide to be exclusive and she admits she has a hard time separating sex from commitment, I do not count this as being single) to being Dean's girlfriend. She does experience a minor break from Dean toward the end of the book, but that is only for about a month before she is back with him again for their happily ever after. And since this is a romance, happily ever after means permanence. While an HEA is good and all, I am left feeling a bit sad that Allie never really got to experience adult life not being romantically attached to another person. The bigger conflict of the series is whether Dean, with his pampered life, will actually be able to support Allie when the times get rough. Allie's dad does not think so, which is a huge foreshadowing that Dean's ability to be there for her will be no doubt be tested by a Tragic Incident. I will not elaborate on the Tragic Incident, because spoilers, but suffice to say that it is definitely devastating for the people affected. However, the strange thing is...the incident does not affect Allie. Instead, it is an incident that is pertinent to Dean. And he falls apart and has a very hard time coping. And Allie makes a decision that, while I think is reasonable, ruins the entire climax of the story for me (see spoiler for details). **********SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!**************** After a few weeks of not being able to pull him from his grief, Allie just leaves Dean. I have two major problems with this: firstly, how on earth does this prove that Allie's dad is right in saying Dean would not be able to support Allie in trying times? If anything, this shows that Allie might not be the best pillar of support for Dean when tragedies happen. Secondly, I honestly understand why she leaves--she has her own life and she cannot and should not be jeopardizing her future to be his caretaker. That said, it really, really baffles me that she does not make any attempt to get him any help. She reasons that he is not in a bad enough state for professional help, but couldn't she at least contact his family? She knows his sister. She should have at least given her a call to make sure someone would be there for him rather than just leaving him to his own devices. Sure, he is still highly functional when she leaves him, but his behavior is also getting more and more self-destructive. This is kind of a terrible thing to do to anyone, never mind your boyfriend. Again, perhaps she really should have tried out that single life for a while. **********END OF SPOILERS**************** 5. The ending is way too pat. Everybody gets what they want and potential conflict (Dean's changes in future aspirations, having a long distance relationship after college, etc.) is completely resolved by the rosy wand of plot. I would rejoice at this if I actually felt that the story ever attempted to explore any of its major conflicts. Alas, it does not, so the fairy tale conclusion does not feel hard-earned and just makes me feel grumpy. Whew. That was really a long rant. Now briefly on to the good things: The saving grace of this book and why, to a certain extent, I understand why other people would give it a high score is that the characters actually fare much better when they are together than when they are apart. Not only do Dean and Allie develop a happy, loving relationship, but their relationship is also one based on mutual respect, communication, and trust. Fancy that! A romance novel where characters actually talk to each other and trust that their partners will keep their promises of commitment! I especially like how their feelings of love grow not from outside forces (like jealousy over potential suitors) but from extended time spent with one another. Their conversations are quirky and fun to read and you can tell how much they genuinely like and care about each other. If this is enough to satisfy you as a reader and you are not bothered by the things I mentioned above, you would like this book just fine. I think I just have a stronger bone to chew on regarding this one because the characters are so close in age to me, so I have a harder time waving away problems with my "But it's just fantasy!" hand. What is especially disappointing to me is that this was written by an author whose work I had really enjoyed in the past. Again, I am not a huge fan of New Adult romances. College is a time of great personal development and life transitions. I wish NA books will take this setting into more serious consideration. You can have romance and still have characters dealing with complex situations that are relevant to this stage in their lives. But c'est la vie, I suppose. Oh, by the way, since I guess I should mention it: the sex scenes are pretty steamy. Unfortunately, the squick I felt from the aforementioned threesome scene poisoned any hot lovin' the rest of the book had to offer, so I just skimmed. But there was a lot of skimming, so the book is packed for those who wish to know! Rating: B-
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2016

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