In the first book in this series, Lauren leaves college and her party life behind to return home to Nebraska. It isn't long before she meets up with her friend Nadia's older brother Rob and they start spending time together. 
 Rob's in construction and builds furniture during the off-season, but in spite of his popularity and good looks, he's not entirely confident in his abilities until Lauren comes along. She boosts his confidence, building him a website and filming little segments of his home improvement projects that she puts online. Lauren has always had a crush on Rob and as they work together, their friendship blossoms. 
 When Rob's girlfriend Avery finds out about his new friend, there's a breakup which paves the way for Rob and Lauren to take their relationship to a new level. I really liked them together. They take things slow. Lauren's getting her life together too, finding a job, starting school and recognizing her anxiety issues. I loved how Rob understood that part of Lauren and his sensitivity in helping her. 
 Rob's website and videos get the attention of a TV producer and their relationship is tested when he gets an out-of-state job offer. Lauren has to make a very difficult decision that had my heart breaking. I think I sniffled the last 20% of the book until the final chapters. 
 I really liked the story surrounding Lauren and Avery's improbable friendship. I found myself admiring Avery by the end of the story. The way the two women support each other was refreshing and not something typically found in other books of this type. 
 There's something I really like about this series that's hard to put my finger on. Maybe it's that I recognize these characters from my hometown or my own friends. I could personally relate to Lauren's experiences in attaining her computer science education. 
 The stories in this series focus on everyday trials and challenges and how sometimes you screw things up. Rob and Lauren stumble over some of their relationship issues, but there is a core of goodness and understanding that just warmed my heart. Brava to Ann Aguirre for crafting this refreshingly sweet and sometimes heartbreaking new adult series that takes on some important issues in a very subtle manner. 
 I'm looking forward to the final book in this series. 
 This review also appears on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-giveawayas-long-as-you-love-me.html