3.5 stars 
 When it book is pitched towards the fans of Simone Elkeles, I am all over it. 
 Of all the tropes that are out there - I have a soft spot for the bad boy/good girl. This is probably because when I started reading contemporary romances more and more, these are the ones I picked up. This also has a dash of second chance romance and I ate it up! 
 Against the Wall is the story of Eric and Meghan. Eric is just getting out of prison for manslaughter. Meghan is still trying to get over Eric when he IS released. These two were together before the incident, and in order to protect Meghan, Eric cut all ties. But their attraction is palpable and it's no wonder why these two were together to begin with! 
 I want to point out that while the romance is heavy - I feel like this is more of a.. redemption story. Or better yet, a second chance at LIFE, to make the changes that you want. Eric grew up in the gang he was affiliated with, and he was trying SO HARD to turn his life around. He's an artist that has so much heart. Sure, he's rough around the edges, does things that INFURIATED me but I my heart was aching for his situation. 
 Even though pity is not something he'd like. 
 Meghan was such a fun-loving character as well. She never fully got over Eric, and the relationship she was currently in was toxic. I didn't understand WHY she was with the guy. I honestly couldn't help but feel that it was there for convenience sake. But I digress. 
 Meghan isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Sure, she had a more religious upbringing, but I never felt like it was.. a THING in the story. She's confused about her life, what she wants to do and of course, goes even more off kilter once Eric is released. She was naive in the sense that she thought everything could go back to normal for Eric - and pushed him on many levels. Still, she is a great balance for him and I loved them together. 
 I thought their situation was quite hilarious - with Eric staying with Meghan's DETECTIVE brother. There are ties there, from the previous book so it's explained. I didn't realize that this was a continuation story of sorts, having the first book be about Meghan's brother Noah and Eric's sister-in-law, April. I am not quite sure if the events leading up to Eric's incarceration were apart of that story, or if we even get these characters in that story at all. I am curious though, so I will be going back to read it. 
 I also loved the support of the secondary characters and the community. They really reached out to help Eric, and gave him the second change that he needed. The ending was well done, albeit rushed, and I am curious if there WILL be another story, maybe for Kelsea? 
 All in all - I really enjoyed Against the Wall. It's a quick read - full of drama, heart-felt moments and I can't forget, sexy too! 
 I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.