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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
it was meh. mainly just the writing and flow of the story was the issue
A Loving, Angst Filled & Thought Provoking Read...
I've written several times in my reviews this year about the concept of fate bringing people together for very specific reasons. This idea, that there is a partner, a most perfect life mate created for us by the universe at large. It's an intriguing concept, one I've pondered often throughout my forty-plus years on this planet.
However, even if you believe the universe creates a matching soul for every being, our literal "other half", a fated mate born designed to complete you. The reality exists that the pair still have to recognize it for themselves down here in the real world. And deeper still, they have to be brave enough to accept it, to allow it to play out, and to not let fear or uncertainty dissuade them from grabbing hold of it when they find it.
And THAT is what this book is really about.
Yes, "Entice" by Ava Harrison is, on the surface, an older man/younger woman "daddy" trope-sque story. Complete with some of the silly stereotypical "trope" trappings all too common within this domain. But wonderfully it also offers readers much beyond the typical. In fact "Entice" is more so, a book about overcoming fears. And not just everyday ordinary fears, this story is about overcoming the deeply rooted fears brought on by trauma. It's about overcoming those life experiences so troublingly, so damaging, that they literally stitch themselves into your soul and prevent you from truly living life, accepting and giving love, and being happy in the here and now.
And honestly it was hard to read. But not because it was a bad story, but rather, because it's was so painfully relatable. So straight forward and honest is Harrison's prose, the story will niggle at your mind for days. It will make you wonder about what you've allowed to pass you by in life because of fear. This book nonchalantly, unflinchingly strikes a proverbial chord by stroking your innermost insecurities. It reminds you that family traumas, especially with your parents, scar deeply and often permanently. And the inner battles often fought to overcome the emotional armor erected to protect ourselves from the pain, are hard to actually win.
And despite finding River to be a bit more whimpering and weak than truly necessary, I enjoyed this book immensely. It made me stop and ponder in addition to sigh longingly River and Grayson. And any romance that can easily intertwine a bigger message, a bigger meaning, and life lesson, is a good and necessary read in my opinion.
I've written several times in my reviews this year about the concept of fate bringing people together for very specific reasons. This idea, that there is a partner, a most perfect life mate created for us by the universe at large. It's an intriguing concept, one I've pondered often throughout my forty-plus years on this planet.
However, even if you believe the universe creates a matching soul for every being, our literal "other half", a fated mate born designed to complete you. The reality exists that the pair still have to recognize it for themselves down here in the real world. And deeper still, they have to be brave enough to accept it, to allow it to play out, and to not let fear or uncertainty dissuade them from grabbing hold of it when they find it.
And THAT is what this book is really about.
Yes, "Entice" by Ava Harrison is, on the surface, an older man/younger woman "daddy" trope-sque story. Complete with some of the silly stereotypical "trope" trappings all too common within this domain. But wonderfully it also offers readers much beyond the typical. In fact "Entice" is more so, a book about overcoming fears. And not just everyday ordinary fears, this story is about overcoming the deeply rooted fears brought on by trauma. It's about overcoming those life experiences so troublingly, so damaging, that they literally stitch themselves into your soul and prevent you from truly living life, accepting and giving love, and being happy in the here and now.
And honestly it was hard to read. But not because it was a bad story, but rather, because it's was so painfully relatable. So straight forward and honest is Harrison's prose, the story will niggle at your mind for days. It will make you wonder about what you've allowed to pass you by in life because of fear. This book nonchalantly, unflinchingly strikes a proverbial chord by stroking your innermost insecurities. It reminds you that family traumas, especially with your parents, scar deeply and often permanently. And the inner battles often fought to overcome the emotional armor erected to protect ourselves from the pain, are hard to actually win.
And despite finding River to be a bit more whimpering and weak than truly necessary, I enjoyed this book immensely. It made me stop and ponder in addition to sigh longingly River and Grayson. And any romance that can easily intertwine a bigger message, a bigger meaning, and life lesson, is a good and necessary read in my opinion.
3.5 stars.
This was fine, I honestly don't remember a lot of what happened.
I listened to this on audiobook, the narrators were really good. I enjoyed listening to this.
Something I'm noticing with this author's books is that, the tropes and scenario's that are happening are things that are normally right up my alley. I love it and I devour it. However, with the two books I've read by this author there is something with the writing and the execution that just doesn't work for me.
Also, the blurb is a little misleading, to me. From the blurb, it makes it seem like Grayson and River met at least once before, when River is an adult and he flirts, there is some chemistry, and they go their separate ways or not. Or something along those lines. What actually happens is, he is going to dinner with his former best friend (River's father) and River shows up before her dad and stepmom. Grayson briefly talks to her, finds her attractive, I think (if I'm remembering correctly) he might have asked her to have a drink with him. And then her father shows up, and Grayson realizes that River is his former best friend's daughter.
I understood why River felt so abandoned, first her mother just drops her off at her father's that she never met, when she was a kid. Plus the multiple times her mother flaked on her as a child and adult. Then as adult there were moments where people (her father and stepmother) would not tell her that they were leaving, a restaurant, the house, whatever, and it was just weird. I could definitely see why River had a hard time not feeling abandoned, even in innocent situations. How often she freaked out, did annoy me, but I still understood.
Overall this was fine, I enjoyed it but it'll probably be another year or more before I read another one.
This was fine, I honestly don't remember a lot of what happened.
I listened to this on audiobook, the narrators were really good. I enjoyed listening to this.
Something I'm noticing with this author's books is that, the tropes and scenario's that are happening are things that are normally right up my alley. I love it and I devour it. However, with the two books I've read by this author there is something with the writing and the execution that just doesn't work for me.
Also, the blurb is a little misleading, to me. From the blurb, it makes it seem like Grayson and River met at least once before, when River is an adult and he flirts, there is some chemistry, and they go their separate ways or not. Or something along those lines. What actually happens is, he is going to dinner with his former best friend (River's father) and River shows up before her dad and stepmom. Grayson briefly talks to her, finds her attractive, I think (if I'm remembering correctly) he might have asked her to have a drink with him. And then her father shows up, and Grayson realizes that River is his former best friend's daughter.
I understood why River felt so abandoned, first her mother just drops her off at her father's that she never met, when she was a kid. Plus the multiple times her mother flaked on her as a child and adult. Then as adult there were moments where people (her father and stepmother) would not tell her that they were leaving, a restaurant, the house, whatever, and it was just weird. I could definitely see why River had a hard time not feeling abandoned, even in innocent situations. How often she freaked out, did annoy me, but I still understood.
Overall this was fine, I enjoyed it but it'll probably be another year or more before I read another one.
This age gap story left me speechless, a phenomenal read, I thought it was difficult to raise the bar, but Ava Harrison knocked it out of the park. River and Greyson story is so deep, there are a lot of issues they have to overcome. All the layers are unveiled, Grayson a tortured man with so many issues going back to his childhood, River a confused girl with abandonment issues that makes some decisions she makes. The audiobook is phenomenal, narrated by Virginia Rose and Sebastian York, they portrayed each emotion perfectly.
Merged review:
This age gap story left me speechless, a phenomenal read, I thought it was difficult to raise the bar, but Ava Harrison knocked it out of the park. River and Greyson story is so deep, there are a lot of issues they have to overcome. All the layers are unveiled, Grayson a tortured man with so many issues going back to his childhood, River a confused girl with abandonment issues that makes some decisions she makes. The audiobook is phenomenal, narrated by Virginia Rose and Sebastian York, they portrayed each emotion perfectly.
Merged review:
This age gap story left me speechless, a phenomenal read, I thought it was difficult to raise the bar, but Ava Harrison knocked it out of the park. River and Greyson story is so deep, there are a lot of issues they have to overcome. All the layers are unveiled, Grayson a tortured man with so many issues going back to his childhood, River a confused girl with abandonment issues that makes some decisions she makes. The audiobook is phenomenal, narrated by Virginia Rose and Sebastian York, they portrayed each emotion perfectly.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Holy moly, what a great book. I absolutely love the angst queen which is Ava Harrison. It took me a while to warm up to River, she at times is a little whinny, woefully needy, and hard to relate to. Then out of nowhere, BAM, you connect. I love the age gap trope, and this was fantastic. It wasn't seedy, or skeezy. The angst is real.
There are issues that both characters have to deal with, and they are actually the same type of issues whether they realize it or not. Like always the world that the author has built is nothing short of amazing. You feel like you are part of this book. This story is told in dual pov.
Merged review:
Holy moly, what a great book. I absolutely love the angst queen which is Ava Harrison. It took me a while to warm up to River, she at times is a little whinny, woefully needy, and hard to relate to. Then out of nowhere, BAM, you connect. I love the age gap trope, and this was fantastic. It wasn't seedy, or skeezy. The angst is real.
There are issues that both characters have to deal with, and they are actually the same type of issues whether they realize it or not. Like always the world that the author has built is nothing short of amazing. You feel like you are part of this book. This story is told in dual pov.
There are issues that both characters have to deal with, and they are actually the same type of issues whether they realize it or not. Like always the world that the author has built is nothing short of amazing. You feel like you are part of this book. This story is told in dual pov.
Merged review:
Holy moly, what a great book. I absolutely love the angst queen which is Ava Harrison. It took me a while to warm up to River, she at times is a little whinny, woefully needy, and hard to relate to. Then out of nowhere, BAM, you connect. I love the age gap trope, and this was fantastic. It wasn't seedy, or skeezy. The angst is real.
There are issues that both characters have to deal with, and they are actually the same type of issues whether they realize it or not. Like always the world that the author has built is nothing short of amazing. You feel like you are part of this book. This story is told in dual pov.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
- 3.5 stars -
Entice was a straight-forward, a bit taboo, contemporary romance. The main character is River, who has a crush on her father's friend Grayson, who is 15 years older than her. She first met him when she was 12, but then her father and Grayson had a falling out, so it has been years since she last saw him. When River hears that her father is meeting Grayson after all these years, she can't resist and tags along. Grayson feels a strong attraction towards her, however, he doesn't remember her at first. After the realization that River is his old friend's daughter, he does whatever is in his power to keep her at a distance. River wants him now more than ever, but will keep her dignity when dealing with him. Grayson tries to stay away but the more he gets the know her the stronger his feelings get for her.
This book was a nice contemporary romance without too much drama. River has her insecurities and so does Grayson, but I think they were a good match. Even though River is only 20, I think she acted pretty mature most of the time. She could keep up with Grayson, and loosened him up, which he definitely needed. He came across as broody, cold, and too serious. I enjoyed reading about Grayson's relationship with his siblings, and I am intrigued to know more about his younger brother Jaxson. I was happy that the book wasn't just straight up sex, and that the author took the time for the characters to grow as individuals and as a couple.
Merged review:
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
- 3.5 stars -
Entice was a straight-forward, a bit taboo, contemporary romance. The main character is River, who has a crush on her father's friend Grayson, who is 15 years older than her. She first met him when she was 12, but then her father and Grayson had a falling out, so it has been years since she last saw him. When River hears that her father is meeting Grayson after all these years, she can't resist and tags along. Grayson feels a strong attraction towards her, however, he doesn't remember her at first. After the realization that River is his old friend's daughter, he does whatever is in his power to keep her at a distance. River wants him now more than ever, but will keep her dignity when dealing with him. Grayson tries to stay away but the more he gets the know her the stronger his feelings get for her.
This book was a nice contemporary romance without too much drama. River has her insecurities and so does Grayson, but I think they were a good match. Even though River is only 20, I think she acted pretty mature most of the time. She could keep up with Grayson, and loosened him up, which he definitely needed. He came across as broody, cold, and too serious. I enjoyed reading about Grayson's relationship with his siblings, and I am intrigued to know more about his younger brother Jaxson. I was happy that the book wasn't just straight up sex, and that the author took the time for the characters to grow as individuals and as a couple.
- 3.5 stars -
Entice was a straight-forward, a bit taboo, contemporary romance. The main character is River, who has a crush on her father's friend Grayson, who is 15 years older than her. She first met him when she was 12, but then her father and Grayson had a falling out, so it has been years since she last saw him. When River hears that her father is meeting Grayson after all these years, she can't resist and tags along. Grayson feels a strong attraction towards her, however, he doesn't remember her at first. After the realization that River is his old friend's daughter, he does whatever is in his power to keep her at a distance. River wants him now more than ever, but will keep her dignity when dealing with him. Grayson tries to stay away but the more he gets the know her the stronger his feelings get for her.
This book was a nice contemporary romance without too much drama. River has her insecurities and so does Grayson, but I think they were a good match. Even though River is only 20, I think she acted pretty mature most of the time. She could keep up with Grayson, and loosened him up, which he definitely needed. He came across as broody, cold, and too serious. I enjoyed reading about Grayson's relationship with his siblings, and I am intrigued to know more about his younger brother Jaxson. I was happy that the book wasn't just straight up sex, and that the author took the time for the characters to grow as individuals and as a couple.
Merged review:
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
- 3.5 stars -
Entice was a straight-forward, a bit taboo, contemporary romance. The main character is River, who has a crush on her father's friend Grayson, who is 15 years older than her. She first met him when she was 12, but then her father and Grayson had a falling out, so it has been years since she last saw him. When River hears that her father is meeting Grayson after all these years, she can't resist and tags along. Grayson feels a strong attraction towards her, however, he doesn't remember her at first. After the realization that River is his old friend's daughter, he does whatever is in his power to keep her at a distance. River wants him now more than ever, but will keep her dignity when dealing with him. Grayson tries to stay away but the more he gets the know her the stronger his feelings get for her.
This book was a nice contemporary romance without too much drama. River has her insecurities and so does Grayson, but I think they were a good match. Even though River is only 20, I think she acted pretty mature most of the time. She could keep up with Grayson, and loosened him up, which he definitely needed. He came across as broody, cold, and too serious. I enjoyed reading about Grayson's relationship with his siblings, and I am intrigued to know more about his younger brother Jaxson. I was happy that the book wasn't just straight up sex, and that the author took the time for the characters to grow as individuals and as a couple.
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes