Vaden Valmont has excitedly just arrived with her sister, Yvonne, out west to visit with her aunt and uncle. As the new guests are chatting with theirVaden Valmont has excitedly just arrived with her sister, Yvonne, out west to visit with her aunt and uncle. As the new guests are chatting with their kin, a tattered looking man with ink-black hair, worn blue jeans, and a torn white shirt rides into town. Vaden, infatuated by this inconspicuous man, notices that he has an untidy black beard that hangs nearly to his chest. The man’s face is deeply frowned, which is very intimidating, but that doesn’t stop Vaden from being intrigued by this quiet, but interesting man. As he stares at her, it's as if he was striping away her privacy and invading her true identity. This man, Ransom Lake, whom Vaden finds out is his given name, facinates her. Now Vaden isn’t a nosy chit, but she is definitely mystified with Mr. Lake. So much so that the mystery of Ransom Lake is a mission that she can’t pass up. She just can’t wait to find out everything that there is to know about the mysterious individual. It’s just so exciting to her! Vaden is not a rude person, in fact, she’s honest and truthful. And, holding back from speaking her mind is just not part of who she is.
Unfortunately, though, after committing herself to this mission, she attracks the unwanted attention of Jerome Clayton, a blonde-haired brown-eyed seemingly charming handsome young man. Sadly, though, Vaden has no desire to commit herself to Jerome Clayton. He’s just not for her! Jerome, however, has other plans, as he tries constantly to insinuate himself into Vaden’s life. But, it’s Ransom that always attracts her attention. It’s Ransom that she fantasizes about. She decides, therefore, that she could never love Jerome. It would be an effort to love him, and she needed to be in love. She knew that the man she truly wanted (Ransom) was out of her reach – too far away, and she didn’t reckon that she could bring him back.
But, will Ransom find himself thinking as much about Vaden as much as she thinks about him? And, will he eventually act on those thoughts or decide that it’s not possible that someone as precious as her could want someone as damaged as him? I really enjoyed this novel – may be one of the most romantic reads that I have ever came upon. Vaden was such a spit-fire – very comical and exciting! She really didn’t seem to be frightened of anything. And, some of the things she did, one couldn’t help but shake their head and laugh because of the hilariousness of it all. Now, Ransom, he was very scary when first introduced. But, when Vaden decides to rid him of his mask of fear, the repercussions are maddening. Veden, though, has no fear, and doesn’t let Ransom scare her. And, once those whiskers were gone and that long hair cut, the man was a sight for sore eyes. What an extremely handsome man! And, Vaden found herself in love with him – she feels him.
“It’s all about the kissing” – Marcia Lynn McClure.
And my, oh my...Vaden’s first kiss – with Ransom...sigh!! So, hot! So, intoxicating! So, passionate! I don’t think that I’ve read a first kiss being so scintillatingly sensual before...probably because the heroine was just so innocent. Wow! That Ransom is one romantic dude! Hopefully he will be able to get past the tragic memory that plagues his mind repeatedly, and re-unite with a long lost family member that could ultimately provide him with rehabilitating results.
Loved both the hero and the heroine! They were meant to be together forever. Ms. McClure has written a passionately tender love story that is both mesmerizing and beautiful! Quite possibly could be my most favorite historical romance book ever!!! You will not be disappointed with this romantic tale of first love and captivating passion! ...more
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS WITHIN THIS REVIEW*** ***Warning...this novel is not for everyone. It contains explicit and disturbing situations with strong lang***POSSIBLE SPOILERS WITHIN THIS REVIEW*** ***Warning...this novel is not for everyone. It contains explicit and disturbing situations with strong language and graphic violence.***
Jeez, how do I even begin to review this book? It just blew my mind away – so emotionally draining. The book was just so intense, that in the middle, I had to take a day off from reading it, and just collect myself from the feeling of sadness and hatred that I felt at the moment. I had to get my emotions in check before I dug deeper into this novel of pure evil and extreme trauma. So, I took my day off, and didn’t read at all – absolutely reading nothing. Okay, so here I am back after taking a very much needed break from this novel...now I’m ready to fully commit to giving all my attention to Livvie Ruiz’s fictional story of survival that initially had me pretty much shocked and horrified two days ago.
Well, as I began reading the second half of the book, my mind was definitely more open, and I could begin to now understand the reason why Livvie could feel the way she did towards her captor – feeling a somewhat real connection other than just hatred to this demandingly barbaric man who just kidnapped her off the street near her home. Livvie, who lived with her mother, sisters, and brothers, didn’t have the best family life. But, she did the best that she could while living the life that she had been dealt - living largely with a mother that was hard to please and not the best role model. As she is kidnapped by an angry vengeful man, Caleb, while waiting for a bus, she realizes that her fate will now rest on accepting the fact that she will be trained as a sex slave to be sold into a human trafficking ring. She is extremely courageous and willful given her current circumstances of being held “captive in the dark”. She refuses to be broken by Caleb’s degradingly humiliating actions. And, finds herself falling for the man intimately – a victim of Stockholm syndrome. “He was my tormentor and my solace; the creator of the dark and the light within,” (pg 99). Caleb, however, is really not the monster that he proclaims to be. He believes that he was never wanted by his mother, which is a far cry from the truth that finally is devulged in Book 2 of the duet. He too was physically and sexually abused, but at a much younger age, which resulted in his uncaring and torturous behavior. Caleb, a beautifully blonde-haired blue-eyed specimen comes off as arrogant and uncaring. But, in reality, those are the only feelings that he has ever felt because of the horrific past set in motion by a man that claims to be Caleb’s brother, friend, and father - Rafiq. No person, including Rafiq (a brutally sadistic bastard that convinces Caleb that revenge must be taken upon the person responsible for both Rafiq’s mother’s and sister’s deaths), has ever shown Caleb love or compassion. Brutality and torture is all he’s ever known. Until Livvie comes along. Kitten, as Caleb nicknames her, is a beautiful brown-haired brown-eyed sensual woman that has Caleb questioning his ability to train and finally discard her when the time has come for her departure. Will he be able to just let her go? Or will his feelings get the best of him as time gets nearer to her leaving?
The novel was deep and riveting with raw eye-opening details. So much so, that when the last page was turned, I just had to sit and think. Wow! What was that about? The author didn’t hold anything back – it was emotional, it was hard-core, it was erotic and filthy at the same time. So, with all that being said, now I’m on to the second book. What will happen to Livvie and Caleb when faced with old and new demons? And, will they survive together or be ripped apart from a bond so strong and fearless? Readers will either love or hate this novel. The novel projects a horrifying topic that is very much a reality in some countries. It is an extremely dark subject matter which the author has taken great care in creating as realistic and believeable as possible. The interaction between Livvie and Caleb is astoundingly honest while also being painful to watch. This was just one of those novels that no matter how horrified I was and how many times my eyes teared up at the treatment of Livvie by Caleb, I just couldn’t tear myself away from the pages that were still left unturned. I finished reading this a week ago, and it’s still clearly on my mind. Wow! So f***ing mind-blowing is all I can say!!! I'm speechless... ...more
So Monica McCarty has done it again with another spectacular Highland Guard novel. Loved the hero, loved the heroine, and loved their story of learninSo Monica McCarty has done it again with another spectacular Highland Guard novel. Loved the hero, loved the heroine, and loved their story of learning to trust, learning to need, and learning to love each other. Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi (great name) is the epitomy of danger. His look is dangerous, his demeanor is dangerous, and most of all his outlook on life is dangerous. He is sent to rescue the Countess Isabella MacDuff. Hanging first from a cage for her betrayal to the English crown, and now imprisoned in a small room high in a tower, Bella vows to help the now crowned leader of Scotland, Robert the Bruce. Bella is the wife of Earl John Comyn, an unfeeling and dispicable ass that has no regard for her as a person. He’s tried to embarrass her and break her spirit. But nothing that he ever did, allowed him to break through that outer shell of strength and courage. She was a survivor, and a survivor she would be for her young daughter, Joan, who eventually she has to leave behind to protect. Out of all the books that I have read so far in this series, I have enjoyed this one the most. Staying up long into the night to be mesmerized and entranced by the love story, along with the excitement of their adventures in and out of being captured, I saw some new emotions developing beween the two charcters. Neither character knows what it’s like to fully love. Both have been betrayed and treated horribly by their spouses. At first I didn’t know if I was going to like the character of Lachlan. He was sarcastic and crude – dangerous and rough around the edges. He definitely spoke his mind, not hiding exactly how he felt. But he was exciting and breathtaking. A person that you would want at your back with full control - constantly thinking ahead of the unexpected. The man just rippled with muscle and scorching hotness. And, I just was in awe with the author saying just how good he always smelled...gotta love a guy who smells scrumptious!! The character of Bella was a little more hard to read. Okay, of course, she was beautiful, but first she wanted him, then she didn’t want, then what the hell, she couldn’t deny her feelings anymore. She was not afraid when things got tough, and proved to Lachlan over and over again just what a caring and compassionate woman she really was. I liked how Ms. McCarty let their intimacy simmer through their eyes and occasional touches, even though they both were lusting after each other. It was a back and forth longing from the very beginning, and when they finally did come together, it was explosive, and their feelings were just laying there right in front of them. Both were so afraid to take that chance on the other given their past experiences, which is easily understood. There were some little comical scenes thrown in the book as well. I have learned to be pleasantly entertained with the bantering back and forth between the warrior brothers. They all seem to be able to assess each other pretty well – giving jabs of humor and poking fun when the other is in a awkward situation. It’s very funny!! Can’t wait to see what is in store in the next novel...The Saint...sure to be just as romantic and gratifying as the others in the series....more
Zoe O’Shea is not the most attractive person and she doesn’t have the most appealing body...but she is honest and true, and, most important, she’s beaZoe O’Shea is not the most attractive person and she doesn’t have the most appealing body...but she is honest and true, and, most important, she’s beautiful on the inside. Life just doesn’t go her way when she loses her job for trying to tell the truth, and then, after driving home in the pouring rain, she’s upset that her window falls off its track in her car, and she can’t roll it up. And, to make matters worse, her parking spot is taken, and she gets soaked from a passing car that speeds by her. Now all she needs is for her hotshot neighbor, Trevor Bradford, to bother her too! Probably stole her newspaper again...the bugger! Uggh!! And now, to top it all off, Zoe orders a pizza to comfort herself after a dismal day, and that guy Trevor goes ahead and claims it for himself. The nerve!! Unknown to Zoe, though, is that food in itself, is a Bradford curse. The Bradford appetite is a hereditary weakness dominated by the men. It was their way to pleasure and ectasy, which in turn seems to get them in a load of trouble. The Bradfords - cousins, sons, fathers, and brothers - seem to get banned from nearly every restaurant or takeout joint within a hundred mile radius because of their obsessive compulsion for food. So when Trevor sees that Zoe has ordered a pizza and chicken tenders, he can’t seem to help himself – especially considering that there is not one morsel of food in his refrigerator. Oh, wow, I wouldn’t want to be him when she finds out what he’s done, because even though Zoe is plain and ordinary, she does not lack for that will of spunk and fending for herself! With that being said, she marches herself over across the hall to Trevor’s and makes her presence known by ripping the pizza clear out of his hand while not hesitating to call Trevor as she sees him, “a thief” for stealing her pizza and chicken tenders. And so begins the most unlikely pairing of Zoe, with her plain and average everyday looks, attracted to a man she knows that she could never claim – and, the big, rugged and attractive Trevor...he’s just way out of her league. As their friendship grows, the two end up striking a deal that promises to benefit both of them for the time being, but as time passes by, it is obvious that the pair have changed their feelings towards each other. Together they will find common ground, her realizing how special she really is, and him realizing that she is just “perfect” for him. They learn to deal with her sad and disappointing past and his on-going reading disability, which just brings them closer in the end. This novel is wonderfully enchanting! Both characters were, at times, very comical and endearing. I found myself laughing outloud whenever they were involved in some very humorous situations. A novel not to be missed, along with the first book, Playing for Keeps, in this very entertaining series by R.L. Mathewson!!!...more
Oh, this novel is just so sad and heartbreaking that I was totally stunned by the ending!! Did not see that coming at all! It’s hard to review this noOh, this novel is just so sad and heartbreaking that I was totally stunned by the ending!! Did not see that coming at all! It’s hard to review this novel without giving up how the ending is resolved. So, I’ll just say how entranced and entertained I was with this emotional and often humorous novel. The story centers around Louisa Clark, a down-on-her-luck young woman with so much potential if she just makes the right decisions, and Will Traynor, a wheelchair-bound young man who is just totally disgusted with how his higher-than-life liveliness has been cut short by being condemned to a life of constantly being dependent upon others. The two meet when Lou loses her job at a cafe and decides to interview for a job as a caretaker for the injured Will. She is offered the job and decides to take it because her parents are in dire need of extra income as a result of her father losing his job. The two individuals spar and tussle constantly as Lou tries to get Will’s mind off his troubles and introduce him to new and exciting adventures that could possibly get him out of his emotional depression...”if you can’t do what you used to do, maybe you just have to try other things that you never thought you could do”. Will resists to a point and then decides that maybe if Lou is taking her job so seriously to show him that there is more to life than just feeling sorry for himself, than maybe he should humor her and take her up on her silly adventures. I loved the constant comical ridiculing between the two as friends, and then also later as their relationship leads to feelings of love that trickles within the boundaries of their two desirous hearts. Will will not let their relationship progress further, however...as made clear during the quote illustrated below:
“I can't do this because I can't...I can't be the man I want to be with you. And that means that this - this just becomes...another reminder of what I am not.”
It’s just so sad, so much so, that you really feel for the two incredible characters that Ms. Moyes has created. So much emotion and heartbreak is depicted amongst the pages along with an understanding of truth, honesty, and affection between the couple. A book that I can’t really recommend enough if you are an emotionally romantic reader! Beautiful love story! Beware, though, this book is extremely hard to find...at least it was for me.
Okay, so I finished this novel with tears streaming down my face along with a box of Kleenex by my side. This hPOSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW
Okay, so I finished this novel with tears streaming down my face along with a box of Kleenex by my side. This has got to be the saddest, most emotional book that I have EVER read! All I can say is WOW! How did the author pull this off without crying herself...or maybe she did? I really just don’t know where she got the heart and sensitivity to write a book like this. I guess that’s why she’s the author and I’m the reader. So, with that being said, Ms. Hancock creates the story of two damaged souls...Michael “Mickey” Chandler and Lucille “Lucy” Houston - each individual carrying around enough baggage that could sink the Titantic yet again. Mickey grew up watching his mother suffer from a bi-polar imbalance, which eventually plagues Mickey himself. Lucy dealing first with the fatal shooting of her father during his employment as a police officer and then watching her mother wither away from breast cancer, which eventually consumes Lucy herself. The two meet during Lucy’s 21st birthday celebration and are immediately attracted to each other. I don’t need to tell how they end up together...they just do. But what comes next is a novel that alternates splendidly through alternating voices in the past and present, first with Mickey’s dated journal entries beginning each chapter and then Lucy immediately following him reminiscing about their ups and downs as a loving couple. Now I won’t go into what BIG THING happens in their lives to totally change it even though it is revealed on the dust jacket, but I will say that it is really something HUGE that changes everything that they had planned for their future. The book touches on relationships between sisters, relationships between parents, and especially relationships between spouses. So much so, that it had me so believing that these characters were actually real. I really felt so sorry for these two people, and I couldn’t help but wonder,”How much heartache could this two individuals actually take?”. They were both such good and honest people. They really didn’t deserve all the sadness and anguish that affected their lives. You could also tell that the author did mountains and mountains worth of research or at least was very knowledgeable about the bi-polar disorder. I really have never known anyone with this disorder, but it does sound very unpredictable and highly dependent on medication. Ms. Hancock has written a touching novel filled with sadness, heartbreak, love, and mostly hope. Hope that anyone reading this novel will understand and be compassionate about the ravaging disease of cancer and the debilitating disorder of bi-polar. It’s now been almost a week since I finished reading this novel, and I can honestly say that I am still thinking about it. It’s been a long time since a book has really touched my heart like this. Please read it, you will not be disappointed!!! Can’t wait for the next Ka Hancock book to be released!! A simply outstanding debut!!...more
This was my first Inez Kelly read, and believe me when I say, I was not disappointed none whatsoever!! This was an intriguing sort of romance whereby This was my first Inez Kelly read, and believe me when I say, I was not disappointed none whatsoever!! This was an intriguing sort of romance whereby a young adult author is depicted amongst the pages who just happens to live with an embattled turmoil that occurred during his past. John Murphy is the ghost writter J.B. Flannigan who just happens to write an illustrious young adult fantasy series that kids are yearning to read. It involves a monster, Jondi, and his best friend, Thorn, who are loyal and kind to one another. Somewhere, though, lurking in his past, John actually lives with these monstrous and dark details that he illustrates among the popular series’ pages. After moving into his new house, he meets next door neighbor, Livvy Andrews, a pastry chef that owns her own bakery. After Livvy meets John, she decides that he’s not for her and tries to nip-in-the-bud pronto any idea that he might get as them as a couple. John, though, just wants to have some fun. No commitment! No way! Not with his skeletons in the closet! But, as time passes, Livvy can’t help herself by falling for the troubled soul, John. He’s great with kids, hard-working and dependable. Besides he’s a fascinating man with an amazing body too, which is just icing on the cake!!! So goes the story of Livvy and John embroiled in an impassionate affair, but with undesirable consequences lurking in the shadows. Trust and honesty is key in their relationship along with the love they share, but John is unwilling to disclose his past to Livvy. In the beginning of this novel, I felt that this was just going to be one of those playful romantic sexy reads, but boy was I wrong. It involved so much more, especially as John’s past is painsakenly revealed. This was a man who sacrificed himself for his sister, who was plagued with unending nightmares, and who believed that ultimately he was responsible for the past torturous life his family has lead. Livvy’s life was not quite so dark, but she did have to live with the past indiscretions of her father cheating on her mother with other women repeatedly. No man was ever going to do that to her...no matter how much she loved him!! I just loved the storyline with the author being such a troubled soul while living within his characters’ lives. The love between Livvy and John was genuine. I just think that John was afraid and didn’t want to subject Livvy to his life of suffering. It was like he was trying to protect her, just like he did his sister, Gina. He had always looked out for Gina since the time she was born. Ms. Kelly’s novel was more than just a romantic interlude...it include heart, and soul, and honesty, and sacrifice. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, but honestly, I wish that there would be a sequel. There could be so many questions explored. Does John still have his demons? How has John and Livvy's relationship further developed? And, what is John, as an author, working on writing now? Just so many possibilities for a sequel to this gripping and passionate novel! Would Ms. Kelley consider writing a sequel? One could only hope!!! ...more
I just started reading another hot and steamy series by none other than romance writer, Kristen Ashley. The first novel in the Dream Man series, beginI just started reading another hot and steamy series by none other than romance writer, Kristen Ashley. The first novel in the Dream Man series, begins with Mystery Man. It was full of suspense, romance, family loyalty, and arousing sex scenes. Ms. Ashley doesn’t skimp on building up the attraction between Gwendolyn Kidd and her “Mystery Man”, Cabe “Hawk” Delgado. As Gwen carries on their affair for a year and a half with mind-blowing sexual innuendos not knowing her deliciously erotic partner’s name, it finally is revealed when Gwen’s house is shot up after a drive-by shooting takes place, which somehow involves Gwen’s younger sister, Ginger. When she finally learns her “Mystery Man’s” name, she also learns that “Hawk” has been keeping tabs on her too. There are multiple facets to this alpha-male hero...family is key, he protects those he loves, and he takes no shit from anybody. There were times during the novel, that we get other glimpses of potential suitors for the attractively bold Ms. Kidd, but her heart and soul belong to Hawk. While the romance continues between Gwen and Hawk, the storyline concerning Ginger weaves its way through the pages of this dangerous rollercoaster ride. She is wanted by the cops for questioning while being on the run from local thugs. Hawk promises Gwen that he will try and protect her sister the best he can, which seems to put Gwen’s nerves somewhat at ease, but circumstances arise that put her in harm’s way and increase the need for Ginger to be found “pronto”. Hawk also suffers from a sad and devastating past that comes to light when their relationship is tested concerning whether or not they will survive as a couple. Hawk implores the fact that Gwen should give all of herself to him if she wants them to work. But, she has been hurt in the past in a different way than Hawk, and to give him her heart and possibly see it crushed again, would be tragic. Finally, the couple admits their feelings for each other and it is a glorious occasion for both.
**page 315** - “You’re in deep with me, aren’t you, baby?” I whispered my question just confirm. “Drowning,” he whispered back. Oh my God, He felt the same as me! “I love you, Cabe.” The minute I said it, he curled me into him so we were pressed together and his face was in my neck. “Love you too, Sweet Pea.” He loved me. Thank God, he loved me.
I really loved this book! There are so many great characters that kept me so entertained...from the two lead characters, (Gwen and Hawk), to their friends (Cam, Tracy, and Elvira), to their family members (Meredith, Bax, Maria, Gus and Ginger) and, last but not least, the guys who fawn all over Gwen (Tack and Mitch). I loved the romantic banter between Gwen and Hawk, which lead to a passionate and trusting understanding. Even though Hawk was this Badass tough-as-nails hero, Ms. Ashley made sure that he didn’t lack the heartstopping tender persona...like when he talks about missing out on seeing how beautiful Gwen really was during their year and a half of meeting in Gwen’s bedroom for their sexual trysts.
**page 132** - He tenderly slid the backs of his knuckles against the skin of my cheek while he muttered, “A year and a half. Totally f****n’ missed out.”
Ms. Ashley writes novels that just ebb romance with her strong and attractive female leads and rough n’ tough smokin’ male counterparts. Looking forward to reading the next Dream Man novel, Wild Man...which features hunky Brock Lucas. ...more
This was my first read from Historical Romance author Kinley MacGregor, and boy did it not disappoint! Sin is the hero in this novel, and a brooding cThis was my first read from Historical Romance author Kinley MacGregor, and boy did it not disappoint! Sin is the hero in this novel, and a brooding chivalrous specimen of fine musculinity he is. Caledonia MacNeeley is the heroine who is generous and fearless with a trustingly compassionate soul. The two are ordered to be joined in marriage by the English King, but neither have a desire to so. Sin because of his current distaste with the Scottish that began during his childhood, and Callie because of her despisement of existent English rule. Will these two be joined in holy matrimony? Well, it stands to reason that, “Yes”, it will eventually happen but under life-altering changes for both. And, so goes the story of Sin and Callie’s romantically passionate story entertwined with a love so heartfelt and riveting. Exiled from the Scottish family that he was born into, Sin MacAllister loathes the heritage that claims him. His loyalties lie with King Henry and the English, and when told that he will marry a red-haired beauty from a Scottish clan, he does everything in his power to dissuade the young passionate vixen from the impending nuptials. But, Callie decides that she will sacrifice her honor for the goodwill of her clan so that the fighting with the English will result in a standstill with no more unmerciful bloodshed. What Sin and Callie eventually find together is a love so rare and powerful whereby they each realize that their “unwelcomed” arranged union is meant to be forever. The novel is a beautiful romantic story brimming with deep emotion and yearning for a love so breathtakenly magical. This is definitely one of my most favorite historical romance stories. Loved the hero, Sin!! He was the notorious highland soldier that was branded a demon by legend. Who would have have thought that he, a cold black-hearted rogue, would ever experience this depth of feeling towards another individual? Callie just brought out the best in him, and with that she was also vulnerable to his hidden charm and wit. Can this pair survive the hardships and tough decisions that come with being from two different backgrounds? Read this novel and you will fall in love with Sin too, while also rooting for Callie to get her man. A novel not to be missed!!!...more
The new just released young adult novel written by author, John Green, does not disappoint. Full of memorable quotations set amongst the page of a sadThe new just released young adult novel written by author, John Green, does not disappoint. Full of memorable quotations set amongst the page of a sad tender love story between two young teenagers who are living their lives day-to-day while being victims of two different types of cancer...brandishing enough humor and belief that they will lick this fatal disease. The novel is told in the first person narration of 16-year-old cancer survivor, Hazel Grace Lancaster who totes around her oxygen tank wherever she goes to backup her horrible set of lungs. Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old boy who once suffered a bout of osteosarcoma a year and a half ago, at "The Support Group" for teenagers experiencing the disease or in remission. When setting eyes on Augustus, Hazel is immediately attracted to the witty and good-looking young man. He is comedic and makes fun of the disease while admitting that he is afraid of "oblivion". Hazel immediately responds to the group with an excerpt from her favorite book, "An Imperial Affliction", about how the author appears to understand what it is like to be dying, not to have died. Augustus is impressed with this little speech, and in the weeks to come, the two become inseparable. The novel reveals many significant questions that people facing the end of their life exhibit. So many thought-provoking inspirations were affirmed between the two main characters and their families who were agonizing with grief to see these two young people dying, especially when they simply couldn't do anything else to stop this disease from claiming their loved ones. Such a sad, but yet happy novel for these two young people to have found each other while looking death straight in the eyes. Mr. Green wrote a novel that will stay with me for quite a long time. The understanding and compassion that he exhibited during the penning of this novel was expressed wholely. A novel full of heartache and tears, with courage and strength to endure even the sorrowfullest situations. I really loved his novel Looking for Alaska, but this time he really outdid himself. Astoundingly beautiful!
Memorable Quotations
pg. 217 - "There is no honor in dying of." (Augustus says that there is no meaning to dying from something like a disease because there is no glory in dying of an illness.)
pg. 236 - "Nostalgia is a side effect of dying." (I can't really elaborate on this quotation because it would give away the ending of the novel.)
pg. 272 - "Without pain, we couldn't know joy." (A great quote in Gus's house.)
pg. 286 - "Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals you." (The author of "An Imperial Affliction" admits his reason behind writing the book.)
pg. 312 - "The real heroes anyway aren't the people doing things; the real heroes are the people NOTICING things, paying attention." (Gus's letter to Von Houten discussing a reason for Von Houten to someday write Hazel's eulogy.)
pg. 313 - "You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices. I hope she likes hers." (Gus's acknowledging loving Hazel.)
The title of the book definitely reiterates the lines from Julius Caesar written by William Shakespeare "Men at sometime were masters of their fates./The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,/But in ourselves, that we are underlings."(l.ii.140-142). Certain events are beyond human control. To face death head-on is perhaps the best course when chosing to die honorably and bravely.
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