Project Lexi by Lisa Survillas

Lexi Crandall’s world is turned upside down her junior year of high school. Her confession tears her family apart and leaves them broken. Looking for an escape after graduation, she heads out of town for college. Wracked with guilt and shame, she keeps to herself, befriending only her roommate, Paige. 

Derek Fressen experiences one tragedy after another. After learning to cope with being raised by a single mom, he and his sister, Tiffany, become closer than ever. When Tiffany escapes for college, Derek takes the opportunity to leave his past behind as well. 

San Francisco State University is where Lexi and Derek find themselves junior year, thrown into the most uncomfortable situation possible, a group project that requires each to open up about their past. Their grade depends upon the ability to prove to the professor through a class presentation that they truly learned about one another. 

Painful memories and terrifying tests of courage propel Lexi to learn how to take baby steps in the healing process, and give hope of one day feeling normal. Although he feels he’s pretty well healed from the horrible events of his past, Derek is lonely and longing for a life of more. 

Will Lexi and Derek be able to share enough of their lives with each other to pass the class? How much will Lexi let Derek help her in the process? Are their tragic pasts too much to overcome, or will love be in their future?

---

Review by Brittany

Lexi Crandall is a victim of sexual abuse. When the case goes to trial, the outcome rips her family apart, leaving her feeling as though she is an outcast. Wanting to get away from the town where she feels she’s always the center of attention, she leaves for college and attends the San Francisco State University.

            Her roommate from the beginning has been her rock. She’s the only one that knows what happened back home. She knows when the anniversary of the trial is and knows to watch for Lexi crawling into herself.

            Derek Fressen transferred to San Francisco State University after attending a community college in Seattle for a few years. Most of his credits transferred except one, a communications class. And that’s how he meets Lexi.

            The two, both who have been through tragedies, are paired up to work on a project together. The goal is to get to know the other person and that’s exactly what happens with Lexi and Derek.

            The first time she meets Derek outside of class, she faints. In Project Lexi by Lisa Survillas, you will read about the journey of these two students, who have more in common than you’d think. Watch as they really get to know each other and form a relationship that could last through the ages along the way.

            I was a beta reader for this book and I absolutely loved watching the story come together. The chemistry between Lexi and Derek is undeniable. Derek is a strong-willed, caring man who only wants what’s best for Lexi. Lexi is getting stronger each and every day, but now she has another person to lean on as she heals.

            Lisa Survillas is a really talented writer. She knows how to make the story come alive. She puts emotion into her writing and you, as the reader, can feel that. And that is what makes a story great.

            I cannot say anything bad about this book. It was perfect in all aspects. Lisa worked really hard and I know she is proud of the outcome. This book earns five stars from me! 

---

Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon UK

About Lisa Survillas

Lisa lives in sunny southern California with her wonderful husband and two teenage children. Her husband is a teacher and high school coach, daughter is a dancer, and son is a soccer player. Between everyone’s activities and schedules, Lisa works as a substitute teacher and fills her free time with books. She loves to read and recently was inspired to write. Writing was always something she loved, but never had an idea of where to start. Now that she’s started writing, there’s no stopping her.

---