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Wilson Mooney #1
Almost Eighteen
Wilson Mooney, is one girl who knows what it’s like to grow up way too fast. Now, a month away from turning eighteen and orphaned by the death of her grandparents; she knows exactly what she wants. When "he" happens to show up at a party in Aspen, she gets tangled in the powerful emotions of first love, sexual inexperience, and society's principles; all while keeping their weekend a secret.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2011
42 people are currently reading
2478 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen de la O
12 books426 followersGretchen enjoys self-publishing her work and is truly learning to let go with every curve and bump in the creative process. Gretchen enjoys writing about first loves and first times, in the first person. She is a firm believer that anything is possible if you set your mind to it; and what you expect out of life, always finds a way of showing up.
http://amzn.to/1X7auM8 BROKEN GIRL (NEW RELEASE)
http://amzn.to/1SWfJsi WILSON MOONEY BOXSET
http://amzn.to/1U3OYHp ALMOST EIGHTEEN (book1)
http://amzn.to/1rcRoIK EIGHTEEN AT LAST (book2)
http://amzn.to/1U3P6GO BEYOND EIGHTEEN (book 3)
http://amzn.to/1SWgykL PROTOTYPE (Possession Series)
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http://amzn.to/1X7auM8 BROKEN GIRL (NEW RELEASE)
http://amzn.to/1SWfJsi WILSON MOONEY BOXSET
http://amzn.to/1U3OYHp ALMOST EIGHTEEN (book1)
http://amzn.to/1rcRoIK EIGHTEEN AT LAST (book2)
http://amzn.to/1U3P6GO BEYOND EIGHTEEN (book 3)
http://amzn.to/1SWgykL PROTOTYPE (Possession Series)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
February 17, 2013
Another absolute gem of a book! I honestly don't know if there is anything better than a book that makes you fall in love with it!
Especially when you go into the book with no idea what to expect, which is very often the case when reading a book to review. It's often an unknown entity that isn't widely heard of, so when I find a book that I just can't put down, it makes me so excited!
And Wilson Mooney: Almost Eighteen was one of those books.
It's a story of forbidden love between a 22-year-old teacher and a 17-year-old student. Delicious!
His career, my education, his freedom, my innocence...all tied together in a nice little package of morality.
The whole book takes place over just two days, which I would have thought would have made the book stung out and slow... but no, that couldn't be further from the truth.
"It hasn't been just a weekend for me, Wilson. I've wanted you for so long. I fought off the thoughts every day, exhausting every option to keep you off my mind; I can't do it anymore. I want you right here." He pressed his fingers to his chest, "All the time."
I literally couldn't get enough of this. It was utterly scrumptious. The sexual tension was rife, the characters desperation for one another and to preserve what they had together was moreish.
"Is this how you see me - as your government teacher? Because if I saw you as a student I wouldn't be here right now. When I look at you I see the girl I want to be with. Have since the first day you walked into my room."
Wilson is a great female lead. She is likeable, down to earth and level headed. She fantasises about her sexy teacher in her own niave, innocent mind, but of course, they are only dreams and wishes... She'd love to think that perhaps her wishes might be granted, a girl can dream, right? But of course, it's a long shot and these things just don't happen in real life, do they??
Max is perfection personified. He's mature, caring, sensitive, adoring, gorgeous... and forbidden, which makes him all the more yummy! But he's had a thing for Wilson for a long time and he's finally tired of fighting his feelings. And so the journey into the world of forbidden, secret love begins.
"There are a ton of reasons why I shouldn't be with you, but none are convincing enough to keep me from being here, tonight."
If you like your romances super hot, full of drama or riddled with angst, this might not be for you. This book is very YA. The sex scenes aren't graphic and the detail is more about how the heroine is feeling rather than what is happening. It's a fairly innocent narrative with a restrained dose of sensuality and taboo thrown in to really grip the reader. It works well and was definitely enough to hold my attention and have me chomping at the bit for the second book.
I can not wait to dive straight into the second book, which I will be doing as soon as I have finished up with this review. I need to find out what happens next, now that Max and Wilson have to face real life, the inevitable judgement of society and how Wilson's upcoming eighteenth birthday will affect their journey.
"Wilson, think of this as the beginning. Not the end."
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August 15, 2017
★★★★★! A gem! A must read! What a wonderfully told love story. Book 1 & 2, awaiting Book 3.
I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon this series. If you liked Gabriel’s (Inferno) and the Honor (Student) Series then this book is for you. Though the Hero, Max Goldstein (22 years/black hair/green eyes) is not dominant and ruthless like Gideon Cross, William Honor etc. he is memorable nevertheless. However, this series should be acknowledged for its Heroine, Wilson Mooney (17 years/blond hair/blue eyes). What a special and beautiful Heroine who, thanks to Ms. de la O’s incredible storytelling skills, wraps herself around your heart. 5 stars! A must read and an author to follow!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Story line rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I re-read this book: Yes!
I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon this series. If you liked Gabriel’s (Inferno) and the Honor (Student) Series then this book is for you. Though the Hero, Max Goldstein (22 years/black hair/green eyes) is not dominant and ruthless like Gideon Cross, William Honor etc. he is memorable nevertheless. However, this series should be acknowledged for its Heroine, Wilson Mooney (17 years/blond hair/blue eyes). What a special and beautiful Heroine who, thanks to Ms. de la O’s incredible storytelling skills, wraps herself around your heart. 5 stars! A must read and an author to follow!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Story line rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I re-read this book: Yes!
November 6, 2012
*warning some of this may be spoilerish and is without a doubt ranty*
I really feel like I'm rating this too high, but in the end, I just purchased the second book, so I guess that should count for something. I've read quite a few teacher/student romances. One of my all time favorite books falls in that category. For most of those books I was cursing the hero for being too cautious, and wishing they would flaunt all convention and just get together, taboo or not. It is terribly ironic, that I didn't feel that way with this book, since Max seems to flirt with the idea on and off.
To me, this wasn't a so much a love story, as a lust story. And really, I'm not usually one to complain about a good lust story, but given the circumstances, and what is at stake it just made me want to smack max. First, Max and Wilson seemingly go from zero to sixty in one weekend. There is no lead up, no friendship, no flirting - just Wilson lusting after Max in her head,and deciding she's going to make something happen. Then, when they start to declare their feelings, they end up sounding like middle schoolers "I like someone". "Who is it?" "You guess". (I'm paraphrasing big time ). Oh lord,and then there is Wilson's rant about how her heart had just been shredded (and this is BEFORE anything happens) which just made me want to scream at her to wake the heck up and come live with the rest of us in the real world, where you don't get your heart "shredded" over a crush. That said, Wilson was probably a good depiction of a large portion of the seventeen year old population. She was certainly not what I would have described as particularly mature. Max on the other hand, seemed well younger then his 22 years. When they start declaring what they know about each other, which consists of less then you could learn on a good half hour date, (particularly Max who confesses he had "feelings" for her since she walked into his class, and all he seems to know is her favorite color, and that she looks hot in her snow outfit) the whole thing just screams "this is LUST based on NOTHING"
I've never felt, in any of the past teacher/student books that the teacher was taking advantage of the student, but for a large part of the beginning of this one that is exactly how it felt to me. Wilson is particularly vulnerable since she is at a boarding school, and currently has no family what so ever. Max seems obsessed with making out with Wilson, though he "honorably" decided to draw the line at actually having sex with her until she turns 18. By the end I felt more like Max was a really immature 22, and was being lead around by his "little head", and Wilson was living out a fantasy where someone finally takes care of her.
I can't even say what I'd like to see happen with Max and Wilson. A large part of me wold be really satisfied to see it all fall apart, because that feels like the "real" ending. I really hate rooting against the HEA
I really feel like I'm rating this too high, but in the end, I just purchased the second book, so I guess that should count for something. I've read quite a few teacher/student romances. One of my all time favorite books falls in that category. For most of those books I was cursing the hero for being too cautious, and wishing they would flaunt all convention and just get together, taboo or not. It is terribly ironic, that I didn't feel that way with this book, since Max seems to flirt with the idea on and off.
To me, this wasn't a so much a love story, as a lust story. And really, I'm not usually one to complain about a good lust story, but given the circumstances, and what is at stake it just made me want to smack max. First, Max and Wilson seemingly go from zero to sixty in one weekend. There is no lead up, no friendship, no flirting - just Wilson lusting after Max in her head,and deciding she's going to make something happen. Then, when they start to declare their feelings, they end up sounding like middle schoolers "I like someone". "Who is it?" "You guess". (I'm paraphrasing big time ). Oh lord,and then there is Wilson's rant about how her heart had just been shredded (and this is BEFORE anything happens) which just made me want to scream at her to wake the heck up and come live with the rest of us in the real world, where you don't get your heart "shredded" over a crush. That said, Wilson was probably a good depiction of a large portion of the seventeen year old population. She was certainly not what I would have described as particularly mature. Max on the other hand, seemed well younger then his 22 years. When they start declaring what they know about each other, which consists of less then you could learn on a good half hour date, (particularly Max who confesses he had "feelings" for her since she walked into his class, and all he seems to know is her favorite color, and that she looks hot in her snow outfit) the whole thing just screams "this is LUST based on NOTHING"
I've never felt, in any of the past teacher/student books that the teacher was taking advantage of the student, but for a large part of the beginning of this one that is exactly how it felt to me. Wilson is particularly vulnerable since she is at a boarding school, and currently has no family what so ever. Max seems obsessed with making out with Wilson, though he "honorably" decided to draw the line at actually having sex with her until she turns 18. By the end I felt more like Max was a really immature 22, and was being lead around by his "little head", and Wilson was living out a fantasy where someone finally takes care of her.
I can't even say what I'd like to see happen with Max and Wilson. A large part of me wold be really satisfied to see it all fall apart, because that feels like the "real" ending. I really hate rooting against the HEA
March 20, 2017
I bought this book after briefly looking it up on here after being originally interested by the premise. I am, admittedly, rather swept away by teacher-student relationship stories and I was hoping that this one wouldn't disappoint me - and it certainly didn't (though there were some points of which I wish were different about this, which would've allowed me to enjoy it a bit more, but I enjoyed it plenty anyway - enough so that I've already bought the second and third book.)
I would like to take a second to warn you that this isn't such a love story as a lust story. There seems to be a lot of "almost sex scenes" (which get rather repetitive, or at least I thought so) and very little love scenes. I'm hoping this rectifies itself in the next couple of books. Regardless of that, this book was wonderful.
The story starts with Cindy (Wilson's rather b*tchy friend) giving Wilson a ticket to go skiing with her; and Cindy hopes that Wilson will go to clubs and parties with her. Neither of them know that, that won't actually pan out completely as Cindy would like... (I shan't go into detail lest I spoil the plot too much for y'all). I did feel it a little predictable, however, when Max (Wilson's teacher - who I pictured as Ed Westwick, purely because of the film Chalet Girl; and yes I pictured Wilson as Felicity Jones) showed up in Aspen. Despite that, I was rather pleased with how it started to pan out. The story developed really brilliantly and I did love almost everything about it. I loved the setting, I loved the characters (aside from Cindy, ugh), I loved how their relationship began, I loved pretty much all of it. I shan't go into too much detail because I really don't wanna ruin stuff. I've briefly gone into the negative things though.
For me, however, the positive outweighed the negative by a landslide.
There were many features that I was somewhat unhappy with. For example: the texts between characters... Gosh, they're so awfully written that they took me a moment or two to actually understand. It was "CU L8R, CNT W8 2 C U" kind of thing... Which was really irritating for me; and it kind of took the maturity away from the book. It's really nit picky of me but I felt that if the texts were written more maturely (particularly Max's), then it would've made the characters seem more mature.
I found that the characters in this book were really well portrayed and well written, and I particularly warmed to the character of Nick during the first leg of the novel; and even later in the novel that like for him kept up, if it didn't grow a little just because of me coming out in sympathy for him. I really loved Wilson (though I wish the whole broken family thing was written in a different way; because the amount it was used there was only one way it was really expressed and by the end it was starting to get frustrated) and Max... Well, I loved him, too; purely because of the way Wilson saw him. I mean, come on, we've all had that teacher that has made us completely fluffy inside. We can all sympathise (I hope). One character I despised, though, was Cindy. I'm sure, as you read this book, you'll all feel the same. I like how she is a catalyst to this book, but it's kind of a predictable catalyst. But either way, she's there and it's kind of necessary in this book - without her, nothing would've happened. I loved Joanie though! Joanie reminds me of my own best friend; so I grew a soft spot for her straight away. She was wonderful. It felt nice for once, in a teacher student relationship book that, there was a supportive person in there opposed to everyone running at them with pitch forks.
That said, I really did love how this was written. I loved how descriptive it was - the author described everything perfectly, and whilst I've seen people complaining about it, I absolutely loooooved it! I also loved how the characters were portrayed, the events that happened, and even down to the cliffhanger (which was rather annoying at the time). I just loved this novel.
Overall, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, more so than that, and I will definitely be reading the second book.
I would absolutely recommend you read this and enter it with an open mind!
I do hope I haven't hovered too much over the negative, for this book was actually really brilliant. ^.^
I would like to take a second to warn you that this isn't such a love story as a lust story. There seems to be a lot of "almost sex scenes" (which get rather repetitive, or at least I thought so) and very little love scenes. I'm hoping this rectifies itself in the next couple of books. Regardless of that, this book was wonderful.
The story starts with Cindy (Wilson's rather b*tchy friend) giving Wilson a ticket to go skiing with her; and Cindy hopes that Wilson will go to clubs and parties with her. Neither of them know that, that won't actually pan out completely as Cindy would like... (I shan't go into detail lest I spoil the plot too much for y'all). I did feel it a little predictable, however, when Max (Wilson's teacher - who I pictured as Ed Westwick, purely because of the film Chalet Girl; and yes I pictured Wilson as Felicity Jones) showed up in Aspen. Despite that, I was rather pleased with how it started to pan out. The story developed really brilliantly and I did love almost everything about it. I loved the setting, I loved the characters (aside from Cindy, ugh), I loved how their relationship began, I loved pretty much all of it. I shan't go into too much detail because I really don't wanna ruin stuff. I've briefly gone into the negative things though.
For me, however, the positive outweighed the negative by a landslide.
There were many features that I was somewhat unhappy with. For example: the texts between characters... Gosh, they're so awfully written that they took me a moment or two to actually understand. It was "CU L8R, CNT W8 2 C U" kind of thing... Which was really irritating for me; and it kind of took the maturity away from the book. It's really nit picky of me but I felt that if the texts were written more maturely (particularly Max's), then it would've made the characters seem more mature.
I found that the characters in this book were really well portrayed and well written, and I particularly warmed to the character of Nick during the first leg of the novel; and even later in the novel that like for him kept up, if it didn't grow a little just because of me coming out in sympathy for him. I really loved Wilson (though I wish the whole broken family thing was written in a different way; because the amount it was used there was only one way it was really expressed and by the end it was starting to get frustrated) and Max... Well, I loved him, too; purely because of the way Wilson saw him. I mean, come on, we've all had that teacher that has made us completely fluffy inside. We can all sympathise (I hope). One character I despised, though, was Cindy. I'm sure, as you read this book, you'll all feel the same. I like how she is a catalyst to this book, but it's kind of a predictable catalyst. But either way, she's there and it's kind of necessary in this book - without her, nothing would've happened. I loved Joanie though! Joanie reminds me of my own best friend; so I grew a soft spot for her straight away. She was wonderful. It felt nice for once, in a teacher student relationship book that, there was a supportive person in there opposed to everyone running at them with pitch forks.
That said, I really did love how this was written. I loved how descriptive it was - the author described everything perfectly, and whilst I've seen people complaining about it, I absolutely loooooved it! I also loved how the characters were portrayed, the events that happened, and even down to the cliffhanger (which was rather annoying at the time). I just loved this novel.
Overall, this book was thoroughly enjoyable, more so than that, and I will definitely be reading the second book.
I would absolutely recommend you read this and enter it with an open mind!
I do hope I haven't hovered too much over the negative, for this book was actually really brilliant. ^.^
February 19, 2013
3 1/2 Hot For Teacher Stars!
Wilson Moody is approaching her eighteenth birthday. Wilson has recently lost her grandparents who have raised her because her birth parents aren't dead just dead beats. She is a student at a boarding school who is completely hot for her twenty-two year old teacher, Mr. Goldstein.
When Wilson’s roommate Cindy purchases a ticket for Moody to accompany her to Aspen for the weekend, Wilson jumps at the chance since rumor has it Mr. Goldstein also has a home in the area.
During the weekend Wilson meets Cindy’s half-brother Nick, Wayne a gorgeous ski instructor and guess who makes an appearance with his brother at Cindy’s house party...Max Goldstein.
It appears Wilson isn’t the only one with a crush and the two have a whirlwind of a weekend together.
I did however find the butterfly references to be used too much and the writing to be a little wordy but overall, it was a good read. It had a cliffhanger of an ending as to how things will play out once the two return to school and whether or not the whistle will be blown on their relationship.
I will be purchasing the second book to see what the future holds for Moody and Max.
"It hasn't been just a weekend for me, Wilson. I've wanted you for so long. I fought off the thoughts every day, exhausting every option to keep you off my mind; I can't do it anymore. I want you right here." He pressed his fingers to his chest, "All the time."
Wilson Moody is approaching her eighteenth birthday. Wilson has recently lost her grandparents who have raised her because her birth parents aren't dead just dead beats. She is a student at a boarding school who is completely hot for her twenty-two year old teacher, Mr. Goldstein.
When Wilson’s roommate Cindy purchases a ticket for Moody to accompany her to Aspen for the weekend, Wilson jumps at the chance since rumor has it Mr. Goldstein also has a home in the area.
During the weekend Wilson meets Cindy’s half-brother Nick, Wayne a gorgeous ski instructor and guess who makes an appearance with his brother at Cindy’s house party...Max Goldstein.
It appears Wilson isn’t the only one with a crush and the two have a whirlwind of a weekend together.
I did however find the butterfly references to be used too much and the writing to be a little wordy but overall, it was a good read. It had a cliffhanger of an ending as to how things will play out once the two return to school and whether or not the whistle will be blown on their relationship.
I will be purchasing the second book to see what the future holds for Moody and Max.
"It hasn't been just a weekend for me, Wilson. I've wanted you for so long. I fought off the thoughts every day, exhausting every option to keep you off my mind; I can't do it anymore. I want you right here." He pressed his fingers to his chest, "All the time."
April 17, 2013
Forbidden love in it's most basic form, Almost Eighteen makes you question society's views on age differences while you wrestle with being okay about something that is completely taboo: a teacher dating a student. Taken at face value, it's wrong, but that didn't stop me from wanting two characters so clearly in love to find a way to be together. Wilson and Max's journey is certain to be full of heartache and drama before all is said and done, and I really enjoyed this opening act!
Right off the bat I loved the witty humor of Wilson's thoughts and her self-reproach as she stumbled through one embarrassing encounter after another. I love that she's had a pretty rough life, but she also recognizes how lucky she is to have what she does. Her parents were useless, but she had her grandparents who loved her. She lost them, but she's got a good life at a great school where her best friend has helped see her through the rough times. Now, there were times where I wanted to throttle her because she does have a few tear-filled melodramatic moments, but what girl doesn't at 17? She's insecure and seriously crushing over an older guy, so her emotions were all over the place; despite how irrational her reactions may have been, it was something you'd expect from an inexperienced young woman.
As for Max, I mean Mr. Goldstein, I mean Max...I am officially over-the-moon for this man!! He's so adorably sensitive and tender with Wilson, he melted my heart and then made it race right out of my chest as he showed her the benefits of having an older, more experienced partner! He has sweet and sexy both perfected, and he's the full package!! Wilson is completely tongue-tied and awkward around him when we first see them together, but it doesn't phase him in the slightest because he's so smitten with her. I do wish there was more background to their feelings for each other, because the reader is just expected to believe they've had these feelings without seeing any basis for it, but as the story went on I never doubted how strongly they felt. They shared some really beautiful moments, and even the steamier scenes were written in a way that was more about what they were sharing together than how sexy it could be. Which just made it that much sexier and had me weak at the knees all over again!
Almost Eighteen gets a definite recommend from this reader, and I look forward to more from Gretchen de la O in the future. I have the next book in this series, Eighteen at Last, queued up and ready for me to devour soon, and after reading some very emotional rave reviews I'm anxious and extremely excited to read on! I just hope the wait for the final installment isn't too long!
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
Right off the bat I loved the witty humor of Wilson's thoughts and her self-reproach as she stumbled through one embarrassing encounter after another. I love that she's had a pretty rough life, but she also recognizes how lucky she is to have what she does. Her parents were useless, but she had her grandparents who loved her. She lost them, but she's got a good life at a great school where her best friend has helped see her through the rough times. Now, there were times where I wanted to throttle her because she does have a few tear-filled melodramatic moments, but what girl doesn't at 17? She's insecure and seriously crushing over an older guy, so her emotions were all over the place; despite how irrational her reactions may have been, it was something you'd expect from an inexperienced young woman.
As for Max, I mean Mr. Goldstein, I mean Max...I am officially over-the-moon for this man!! He's so adorably sensitive and tender with Wilson, he melted my heart and then made it race right out of my chest as he showed her the benefits of having an older, more experienced partner! He has sweet and sexy both perfected, and he's the full package!! Wilson is completely tongue-tied and awkward around him when we first see them together, but it doesn't phase him in the slightest because he's so smitten with her. I do wish there was more background to their feelings for each other, because the reader is just expected to believe they've had these feelings without seeing any basis for it, but as the story went on I never doubted how strongly they felt. They shared some really beautiful moments, and even the steamier scenes were written in a way that was more about what they were sharing together than how sexy it could be. Which just made it that much sexier and had me weak at the knees all over again!
Almost Eighteen gets a definite recommend from this reader, and I look forward to more from Gretchen de la O in the future. I have the next book in this series, Eighteen at Last, queued up and ready for me to devour soon, and after reading some very emotional rave reviews I'm anxious and extremely excited to read on! I just hope the wait for the final installment isn't too long!
This and other of my reviews can be found at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
February 18, 2013
3.5 Stars!
Hmm....this was pretty good. Not great for me, but good. I found the writing to be a bit too detailed and wordy for me. I also felt like there was no build up to Max and Wilson's relationship. They have the "moment" when she is erasing his boards and then bam they're kissing in the bathroom in Aspen and are boyfriend and girlfriend. I did think they had pretty good chemistry together and there was lots of sexual tension and build up. Though the acts themselves are not written in much detail....sometimes I had to go back and re-read to see what they had actually done. :)
It almost felt like a book to prepare us for the rest of the series. I have no doubt that things could get interesting going forward. And this book has me curious and intrigued enough to want to know what happens. Are they still together? Do they get caught? What role will some of the other characters play in the remaining books? Specifically Cindy and Nick? Wayne?
Is Emily--who is clearly in love with Max--going to be an issue? Is Max holding some big secret--he almost seems to good to be true? This book left me with lots of unanswered questions that's for sure. I really liked Wayne and hope that he has a more prominent role in the next book.....
Overall, I think the writing style made it seem to drag a tad but the storyline was intriguing enough for me to continue with the series. This book kind of ended leaving you hanging a bit but I'm really afraid for the cliffhanger that comes in book 2.
Hmm....this was pretty good. Not great for me, but good. I found the writing to be a bit too detailed and wordy for me. I also felt like there was no build up to Max and Wilson's relationship. They have the "moment" when she is erasing his boards and then bam they're kissing in the bathroom in Aspen and are boyfriend and girlfriend. I did think they had pretty good chemistry together and there was lots of sexual tension and build up. Though the acts themselves are not written in much detail....sometimes I had to go back and re-read to see what they had actually done. :)
It almost felt like a book to prepare us for the rest of the series. I have no doubt that things could get interesting going forward. And this book has me curious and intrigued enough to want to know what happens. Are they still together? Do they get caught? What role will some of the other characters play in the remaining books? Specifically Cindy and Nick? Wayne?
Is Emily--who is clearly in love with Max--going to be an issue? Is Max holding some big secret--he almost seems to good to be true? This book left me with lots of unanswered questions that's for sure. I really liked Wayne and hope that he has a more prominent role in the next book.....
Overall, I think the writing style made it seem to drag a tad but the storyline was intriguing enough for me to continue with the series. This book kind of ended leaving you hanging a bit but I'm really afraid for the cliffhanger that comes in book 2.
May 30, 2021
ETA: SECOND READ NOTES - 2021 - Not sure if this is a 3.5 or 4 star review. Was good in parts and rough in parts as well. But I still enjoyed it! And will continue on with my reread of this trilogy.
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FIRST READ REVIEW - 2014 - The beginning started out a bit rough for me but after about the first quart of the book it took off and I couldn't read fast enough as I was in the edge of my seat thinking these two were going to get caught. My heart was going crazy that's for sure!!!
This is one of those trilogies that you just have to have all the books to read back to back to back and thankfully I have them all on my Kindle to do just that.
Can't wait to read more of Wilson and Max because I just know things are about to get even stickier in this pretty amazing teacher/student romance.
————————————————
FIRST READ REVIEW - 2014 - The beginning started out a bit rough for me but after about the first quart of the book it took off and I couldn't read fast enough as I was in the edge of my seat thinking these two were going to get caught. My heart was going crazy that's for sure!!!
This is one of those trilogies that you just have to have all the books to read back to back to back and thankfully I have them all on my Kindle to do just that.
Can't wait to read more of Wilson and Max because I just know things are about to get even stickier in this pretty amazing teacher/student romance.
November 15, 2014
I read the synopsis for Almost Eighteen and was pretty excited to read it. I love forbidden romances and a bit of an age gap, so this book seemed to tick the boxes for me.
The author's dedication at the beginning of the book said -
" Wilson Mooney is dedicated to all the women who want to remember what it felt like when their butterflies fluttered south for the first time."
And therein lies the problem with this book for me. It didn't give me those "butterflies". The books concept was fine, in fact it had the ability to be a great story the problem was actually in the delivery. One of the things that I really enjoy about forbidden romances is the build up, that wonderful tension as they try to deny their feelings, their inner turmoil as they grapple between what they want and what is right all culminates into intense passion when they finally cross that line. All of this was missing in this book, I felt like I was dropped in the middle of their story, they had already made a connection and were lusting after each other but I had no idea why. That background wasn't there so i did not make a connection or fall in love with them. In my opinion that's what let the story down.
From the opening scenes Wilson is in love with her teacher and not in a conflicted or reluctant way but in a confident and sort of off putting kind of way. At one point she decides he must like her because he helps her clean a black board and then goes off on a tangent in her mind about meeting his parents. Initially I thought she must be joking, but no, she was serious. Next thing you know they both end up on holiday at the same place and once again, with minimal build up they are admitting their attraction for each other. I really struggled to maintain focused it felt a bit slow, slightly childish and a bit unrealistic, it all seemed very forced and didn't flow easily for me.
I did not connect with Wilson, I know she was 17 but I just found her to be immature and annoying, so that probably didn't help with my attentiveness either.
There are some amazing teacher/student books out there (Loving Mr. Daniels, Slammed) unfortunately this just was not one of them. Overall, I liked it but I didn't love it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, easy read in this genre that isn't too deep.
**** I was gifted a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review****
The author's dedication at the beginning of the book said -
" Wilson Mooney is dedicated to all the women who want to remember what it felt like when their butterflies fluttered south for the first time."
And therein lies the problem with this book for me. It didn't give me those "butterflies". The books concept was fine, in fact it had the ability to be a great story the problem was actually in the delivery. One of the things that I really enjoy about forbidden romances is the build up, that wonderful tension as they try to deny their feelings, their inner turmoil as they grapple between what they want and what is right all culminates into intense passion when they finally cross that line. All of this was missing in this book, I felt like I was dropped in the middle of their story, they had already made a connection and were lusting after each other but I had no idea why. That background wasn't there so i did not make a connection or fall in love with them. In my opinion that's what let the story down.
From the opening scenes Wilson is in love with her teacher and not in a conflicted or reluctant way but in a confident and sort of off putting kind of way. At one point she decides he must like her because he helps her clean a black board and then goes off on a tangent in her mind about meeting his parents. Initially I thought she must be joking, but no, she was serious. Next thing you know they both end up on holiday at the same place and once again, with minimal build up they are admitting their attraction for each other. I really struggled to maintain focused it felt a bit slow, slightly childish and a bit unrealistic, it all seemed very forced and didn't flow easily for me.
I did not connect with Wilson, I know she was 17 but I just found her to be immature and annoying, so that probably didn't help with my attentiveness either.
There are some amazing teacher/student books out there (Loving Mr. Daniels, Slammed) unfortunately this just was not one of them. Overall, I liked it but I didn't love it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, easy read in this genre that isn't too deep.
**** I was gifted a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review****
April 13, 2013
Ever read a story, that despite the inappropriateness of topic, grabs you in and doesn't let you leave? Well -
Almost Eighteen
by Gretchen de la O is that book.
The premise of this story, causes you as the reader, to not want to continue at times. It almost seemed so unbelievable that the chivalrous, dashing heart throb, 22 year old high school teacher, Max Goldstein, could fall for 17 year old, intelligent and beautiful student, Wilson Mooney. Not just fall for, but seem completely beguiled by her.
In many ways, I didn't fully trust Max. He seemed attentive and delightful, yet something just didn't feel right. Perhaps I'm just a cynic - someone who has read too many books with heartache & angst. As i read further into the series, it will be interesting to identify if my intuition is correct, or whether, I read too much into a fairly light hearted romance. So far, there has been little conflict - author intended?
She wasn't the school beauty queen, nor a social misfit, and given other male reactions to her, Wilson Mooney obviously had an enchanting allure. From the outset, I liked her. She seemed to know her place in the world, and despite a deprived childhood, was independent, and secure in her own skin. Her BFF Joanie was wonderful & added a terrific breath of fresh air to each scene.
The realization of her high school crush, with her teacher, seemed a little too good to be true. Fanciful. Delicious, yet improbable.
Despite being a tad repetitive in the descriptive 'lust' scenes, and a little disturbing how right something so wrong felt, I enjoyed the story. With quite a few storyline gaps, and many unfinished scenarios, it's definitely an evolving tale, lending itself to a series. Had I not known there was a next installment when I read this, I would have been very frustrated. So, I look forward to reading Book 2.
Written in first person, the YA novel was paced well, cleverly witty and charming, and introduced characters and plot with fitting detail. I thought the author's observations on family; its disappointing shift from willing communication & time spent together, to isolation often assisted by technology; apt and sadly accurate.
The story resonates with you though, so much so, that I read it again, not ready to part from the characters. Well done Gretchen, well done. Bring on Eighteen At Last!!
Thank you Gretchen de la O for the copy of this book for an honest review. No compensation was received.
The premise of this story, causes you as the reader, to not want to continue at times. It almost seemed so unbelievable that the chivalrous, dashing heart throb, 22 year old high school teacher, Max Goldstein, could fall for 17 year old, intelligent and beautiful student, Wilson Mooney. Not just fall for, but seem completely beguiled by her.
In many ways, I didn't fully trust Max. He seemed attentive and delightful, yet something just didn't feel right. Perhaps I'm just a cynic - someone who has read too many books with heartache & angst. As i read further into the series, it will be interesting to identify if my intuition is correct, or whether, I read too much into a fairly light hearted romance. So far, there has been little conflict - author intended?
She wasn't the school beauty queen, nor a social misfit, and given other male reactions to her, Wilson Mooney obviously had an enchanting allure. From the outset, I liked her. She seemed to know her place in the world, and despite a deprived childhood, was independent, and secure in her own skin. Her BFF Joanie was wonderful & added a terrific breath of fresh air to each scene.
The realization of her high school crush, with her teacher, seemed a little too good to be true. Fanciful. Delicious, yet improbable.
Despite being a tad repetitive in the descriptive 'lust' scenes, and a little disturbing how right something so wrong felt, I enjoyed the story. With quite a few storyline gaps, and many unfinished scenarios, it's definitely an evolving tale, lending itself to a series. Had I not known there was a next installment when I read this, I would have been very frustrated. So, I look forward to reading Book 2.
Written in first person, the YA novel was paced well, cleverly witty and charming, and introduced characters and plot with fitting detail. I thought the author's observations on family; its disappointing shift from willing communication & time spent together, to isolation often assisted by technology; apt and sadly accurate.
The story resonates with you though, so much so, that I read it again, not ready to part from the characters. Well done Gretchen, well done. Bring on Eighteen At Last!!
Thank you Gretchen de la O for the copy of this book for an honest review. No compensation was received.
June 7, 2013
This was a fantastic coming of age book. Well, a better way to describe it would be a great coming of recognition book. The book follows Wilson as she goes on a spontaneous trip to ski and consequently gets what she has been dreaming of. A huge coincidence leaves her dreams in her lap and she jumps at them. It was a fantastic read. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it and share how great it was.
The characters are very real in this book. You get the girl everyone can relate to, you get the stand up guy, the bitch girl, and the true love guy. It draws you in. They were relatable and easily pictures as you went through the book. I read the book as though it was a movie. It was something I was on the edge of my seat for at some points, and laughing at the next. A truly wonderfully written book.
The story line took a little for me to get okay with. Even with the age differences with the characters being so small it was a little hard for me to feel okay with. Eventually I fell for the characters. I grew with the story and grasped a new level with the characters. It was fantastic. I really got hooked into what was happening and was left mouth open at the ending! Gretchen!! I MUST read the next book ASAP!!!! This book is a great light read to draw you in to this amazing story. Just GREAT!
The characters are very real in this book. You get the girl everyone can relate to, you get the stand up guy, the bitch girl, and the true love guy. It draws you in. They were relatable and easily pictures as you went through the book. I read the book as though it was a movie. It was something I was on the edge of my seat for at some points, and laughing at the next. A truly wonderfully written book.
The story line took a little for me to get okay with. Even with the age differences with the characters being so small it was a little hard for me to feel okay with. Eventually I fell for the characters. I grew with the story and grasped a new level with the characters. It was fantastic. I really got hooked into what was happening and was left mouth open at the ending! Gretchen!! I MUST read the next book ASAP!!!! This book is a great light read to draw you in to this amazing story. Just GREAT!
February 19, 2013
Wow, what an amazing book. The pov of Wilson was so different from most books like it. It has been a long time but I so remember my first love at that age and all the crazy thoughts and feelings you go through. Gretchen hit it out of the park with this book. I loved all the charters in this book. The flow of the story was magical. You are sucked in from the start of book and you can't put it down. There are so many parts where my heart was pounding out my chest for so many reasons. You are praying that they don't get caught then the parts where they are making out omg.. so hot and steamy but clean...I want a Max of my own.
August 25, 2012
This book was such a treat. If you are looking for a steamy read with a great storyline and irresistible character development, this is the book you NEED to read. Mmmm...talk about bringing back memories of first love and those fluttering butterflies...i couldn't put it down. The romantic chemistry between the two main characters is so addicting, and the authors steamy expressions without being vulgar, it pulled me in...so well written! I can easily say Gretchen de la O, is now on my favorite authors list.
Wilson Mooney Eighteen at last! I can't wait for it!
~A MUST READ
Wilson Mooney Eighteen at last! I can't wait for it!
~A MUST READ
October 6, 2015
This was fantastic! Loved every minute of it! The main characters were amazing. Max is the 22 year old teacher with black hair and green eyes. He is compassion, smart, and a gentleman. Wilson is the 17 year old student who had to grow up too fast. I think the journey of their relationship is what made the book memorable to me. They had amazing chemistry with each other. I would recommend this book and series to people who like books about student-teacher relationship aka forbidden love. Can't wait for Eighteen at Last!!
June 28, 2014
I hate writing bad reviews. I really do. But this was probably the most poorly written book I have ever read. It was childish and completely unrealistic. DNF @ 29%. It was a struggle to get that far.
March 24, 2013
3.5 Stars
Debating on whether to start book two. I heard its a cliffy. Ugh! Decisions, decisions :)
Debating on whether to start book two. I heard its a cliffy. Ugh! Decisions, decisions :)
July 2, 2015
Close your eyes and remember what it was like to have your very first schoolgirl crush on your hot young teacher. Having trouble? No worries, Wilson Mooney can help take you back to those glorious days, but the difference is that Ms. Wilson Mooney was actually fortunate enough to have a little taste of her hunky teacher.
❝They always say teachers shouldn’t touch their students. What a heap of steaming crap. Please, touch me all you want. How do you think he kept me coming back to my government class?❞
Every girl needs a little incentive to keep her going back to those boring old government classes – the educators of the world would do well to write this down: EYE CANDY MAKES CLASS INFINITELY MORE INTERESTING! Especially the boring ones…
ALMOST EIGHTEEN captured my interest immediately! The story contains elements that can generally lure me in, like forbidden love, a wounded main character and a virginal heroine, but the dynamic characters and amusing story are what HELD my attention.
Our heroine, Wilson is the quintessential innocent, teenaged girl, but nicer. She has had a lot to deal with in her relatively short life, so the fact that she still has a positive outlook on life is amazing in and of itself. The only thing that keeps her going back to her government class is her sexy, young teacher, Max Goldstein. Wilson basically spends her days (and nights) fantasizing about Max… err… Mr. Goldstein. So imagine her delight when she discovers that she and Mr. Goldstein will be in Aspen on the same weekend – of course, she can only dream that their paths will cross. Ha! She has no clue that her fantasy is about to become reality!
I loved Max, but the adult in me wanted to slap him upside the head for putting himself in such a predicament to begin with – GAH! Men and their penises can be so stupid!! I wanted to scream: KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS – HELL-O STATUTORY RAPE! On the other hand, the teenaged girl in me wanted him to quit messing around and to just rip those fucking panties off already!
Max was in a no-win situation. Damned if he does it and damned if he doesn’t.
I loved this book and I've GOT to see what happens next, so, I'm jumping straight into the next book, EIGHTEEN AT LAST, because Dammit! My name is I ♥ Bookie Nookie and I'm jonesing for some of that barely-legal, cherry-poppin’ action!
P.S. Love the cover – I am a big fan of butterflies & the kissing faces (yes, go ahead & go check out the cover again, it took me a minute too) are sheer genius ☺
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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April 1, 2013
I stumbled across this gem of a series on Goodreads. I instantly needed to read this. I am so glad I did. What a great story of young love. This love between Wilson (yes this girl has a traditionally boy’s name—I love it!!) and Max is so fresh and fun. But it is also forbidden. However, when you read the story, you realize it is not that their relationship is forbidden that weighs their love down. Jealousy and insecurity destine this love to fail. Wilson and Max definitely have their work cut out for them. Wilson is so new to relationships of the heart, that her insecurities, no matter how hard she tries to keep them pinned, leave her unsure of her own feelings for Max and make her question his intentions. So even though she knows exactly what she wants and whom she wants, she is often warring with her emotions.
I really enjoyed the innocence of this book. And I don’t mean sexually but just that Wilson was a soon to be eighteen year old girl who had to grow up way too fast and therefore did not experience things they way most teen girls did. She was smart, sure of herself and quick witted yet she was insecure, too serious at times, and just viewed life differently than most girls her age. I enjoyed that she was a believable character—she wasn’t too naïve or too mature. I also enjoyed that Wilson was a down to earth average girl. Even though she went to a private boarding school, she wasn’t a rich, spoiled brat. She was a loyal friend and wanted love like any teen girl. The love crush she had on Max was natural and believable.
Max’s character was hot and so sweet. I could see many a teen girl and woman developing an instant crush on him. Although his character is only 22 years old, there was a definite maturity to him that was nice to read about. I also enjoyed that he wasn’t necessarily a tatted up bad boy (don’t get me wrong—I love those) but it was nice to see a change.
Going back to the ‘innocence’ of the book—what I really found myself absorbed in, was the natural progression of Max and Wilson’s relationship. It was fun and light. It was how you would envision the initial dating phase with someone you were really into. There was definite sexual tension. And I think that Gretchen de la O did a fab job of keeping the book ‘clean’ without making it a naïve and unrealistic story.
The character of Cindy was awesome. There is always one mean girl that we have all crossed paths with. She was the perfect ‘bitch’—just thinking about her makes me want to slap her.
Gretchen de la O’s writing definitely keeps you turning the pages. I loved how she kept the forbidden love element of the story not as the center but as the catalyst to the story. Because there is so much more to Wilson and Max than that element.
This is a most definite read!!!!
April 16, 2013
"There are a ton of reasons why I shouldn't be with you, but none are convincing enough to keep me from being here, tonight."
I sure love a sweet teacher-student relationship that's not bordering on pedophilia or any gravely illegal situation of that kind. Being a huge fan of Slammed, I knew that there's no reason for me not to love Wilson Mooney's story as well.
Will Cooper and Garrick Taylor, you better watch your backs. Max Goldstein is one serious contender for being the sweetest student-teacher in the history of new adult novels! The fact that he got it bad for Wilson ever since he saw her for the first time had me swooning all over the place. In addition, the fact that he can't seem to get his hands off of Wilson was so sweet and frankly, it was really such a turn on especially with all those teasing. I honestly can't pick out anything bad about him as of this moment. He's just perfect.
Wilson Mooney. She's really your typical awkward high school girl with an over-the-moon crush on her hot teacher. At first though, I couldn't really get a grasp of her personality and character. I guess one of the reasons I didn't really get attached to her that easily was because of her obvious naïveté. It was like she was too young mentally and emotionally for someone like Max. But then again, who am I to judge, right? Other than that, I did love her easygoing personality and the fact that she has managed to stand up to that bitch of a "friend" Cindy. I honestly don't even know how and why she even bothers with that girl. Although, yeah if it wasn't for her, Wilson wouldn't have that sweet weekend in Aspen with Max. So I'll give her that.
I could've given this a full 5-star rating but I felt that there was something lacking in the story development and pacing. This is just me but I would've wanted to see more of the development of Wilson and Max's attraction to each other, while they were at Wesley. I think the better part of the book was spent on Max and Wilson's make-out sessions and I couldn't believe that I'm actually complaining about that. I think it's because some of those extra scenes could've been compressed or more time could've been given to their subtle flirting early on their relationship, which would've then been a great build-up for their sweet Aspen weekend instead. I think I just got put off a bit of how they managed to easily jump to a serious girlfriend-boyfriend relationship just within a day of being outside of Wesley.
BUT all in all, this was one sweet read for me :) I'm kind of hesitant to move on to the second book because I did read some spoilers. But I'm really looking forward for them to have their happy ever after! :)
I sure love a sweet teacher-student relationship that's not bordering on pedophilia or any gravely illegal situation of that kind. Being a huge fan of Slammed, I knew that there's no reason for me not to love Wilson Mooney's story as well.
Will Cooper and Garrick Taylor, you better watch your backs. Max Goldstein is one serious contender for being the sweetest student-teacher in the history of new adult novels! The fact that he got it bad for Wilson ever since he saw her for the first time had me swooning all over the place. In addition, the fact that he can't seem to get his hands off of Wilson was so sweet and frankly, it was really such a turn on especially with all those teasing. I honestly can't pick out anything bad about him as of this moment. He's just perfect.
Wilson Mooney. She's really your typical awkward high school girl with an over-the-moon crush on her hot teacher. At first though, I couldn't really get a grasp of her personality and character. I guess one of the reasons I didn't really get attached to her that easily was because of her obvious naïveté. It was like she was too young mentally and emotionally for someone like Max. But then again, who am I to judge, right? Other than that, I did love her easygoing personality and the fact that she has managed to stand up to that bitch of a "friend" Cindy. I honestly don't even know how and why she even bothers with that girl. Although, yeah if it wasn't for her, Wilson wouldn't have that sweet weekend in Aspen with Max. So I'll give her that.
I could've given this a full 5-star rating but I felt that there was something lacking in the story development and pacing. This is just me but I would've wanted to see more of the development of Wilson and Max's attraction to each other, while they were at Wesley. I think the better part of the book was spent on Max and Wilson's make-out sessions and I couldn't believe that I'm actually complaining about that. I think it's because some of those extra scenes could've been compressed or more time could've been given to their subtle flirting early on their relationship, which would've then been a great build-up for their sweet Aspen weekend instead. I think I just got put off a bit of how they managed to easily jump to a serious girlfriend-boyfriend relationship just within a day of being outside of Wesley.
BUT all in all, this was one sweet read for me :) I'm kind of hesitant to move on to the second book because I did read some spoilers. But I'm really looking forward for them to have their happy ever after! :)
February 20, 2013
I got a message from my friend telling me I had to read these books and that the second one was better than the first. I had been struggling to get into anything since I finished Truth so I figured at least her pushing me meant I’d get through them. Logged in, bought the first and second book and got to reading.
I’m not going to lie…this book started out S-L-O-W for me. Like, is Trish smoking something because she told me I had to read this asap and I’m not getting it?, slow. That’s how about the first half went, and then the story picked up. Thank God!
At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about Wilson. She has had a pretty hard life but seems to be able to just let things go and roll off her back. She is surrounded mostly by girls who think they are better than everyone and definitely better than her. While I couldn’t see things completely from her perspective, I wanted to know how she could be that way, how she could let things roll of her back when she should slap the hell out of some people. Her point of view on this kept me interested.
I absolutely could not stand her roommate Cindy. While she put on a façade in the very first part of the book of being just a little self-centered, from the time they get off the Wesley campus and to the “cabin” on she is every stereotypical rich kid gone bitchy!
On the flip side, it wasn’t until they left campus that we got to meet Nick. I’m not going to lie, I fell a little in like with Nick from the time he picked them up from the airport. He was sweet, sexy and although he had his own secrets, he didn’t hold Cindy’s poor behavior against her friend as most in his situation would. I was hoping maybe something would happen between Wilson and Nick because I really enjoyed him.
And then of course, there is Max… I LOVED HIM!!! I loved his family, I loved him, I loved them together… I wanted to crawl up in the book and snuggle him myself! He was a perfect mix of smart, understanding, protective and of course sexy.
Their time together is when the story picked up for me. I hated the lying, and with each person that learned the secret I would cringe expecting the worst to happen. I especially hated lying to Max’s family. I adored Nancy and felt guilty myself that they were lying to her.
The whole second half of the book I was on edge wondering how they would make this work. When it ended, I was so happy I had already bought the second book so I could start it right away. It was hard to rate this book, if it had continued on like the beginning it would have been a 3. If the first half was like the second half, easy four. So I guess the law of averages makes it a 3.5!
I’m not going to lie…this book started out S-L-O-W for me. Like, is Trish smoking something because she told me I had to read this asap and I’m not getting it?, slow. That’s how about the first half went, and then the story picked up. Thank God!
At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about Wilson. She has had a pretty hard life but seems to be able to just let things go and roll off her back. She is surrounded mostly by girls who think they are better than everyone and definitely better than her. While I couldn’t see things completely from her perspective, I wanted to know how she could be that way, how she could let things roll of her back when she should slap the hell out of some people. Her point of view on this kept me interested.
I absolutely could not stand her roommate Cindy. While she put on a façade in the very first part of the book of being just a little self-centered, from the time they get off the Wesley campus and to the “cabin” on she is every stereotypical rich kid gone bitchy!
On the flip side, it wasn’t until they left campus that we got to meet Nick. I’m not going to lie, I fell a little in like with Nick from the time he picked them up from the airport. He was sweet, sexy and although he had his own secrets, he didn’t hold Cindy’s poor behavior against her friend as most in his situation would. I was hoping maybe something would happen between Wilson and Nick because I really enjoyed him.
And then of course, there is Max… I LOVED HIM!!! I loved his family, I loved him, I loved them together… I wanted to crawl up in the book and snuggle him myself! He was a perfect mix of smart, understanding, protective and of course sexy.
Their time together is when the story picked up for me. I hated the lying, and with each person that learned the secret I would cringe expecting the worst to happen. I especially hated lying to Max’s family. I adored Nancy and felt guilty myself that they were lying to her.
The whole second half of the book I was on edge wondering how they would make this work. When it ended, I was so happy I had already bought the second book so I could start it right away. It was hard to rate this book, if it had continued on like the beginning it would have been a 3. If the first half was like the second half, easy four. So I guess the law of averages makes it a 3.5!
June 16, 2013
Ohmgeeeeeee!!!!!!!!! I have had the honor or reviewing Wilson Mooney, Almost Eighteen. Holy freakin’ cow! Okay now that I have that out of my system….
I have had this on my to read list, but have been swamped with my full time job, tours Hardcover Therapy is hosting, and just life in general. Now that school is out, I brought this book to the top of the list! Needless to say, I read it in less than 24 hours at every moment I had free! (I mean at the softball field while working the concession stand!)
Gretchen de la O does an awesome job of telling a story of a love that is forbidden. I will say that I just kept waiting for Wilson to wake up and this all be a dream… because this would never happen in real life… or maybe if it did, the consequences would outweigh the risk. In fact, I still keep thinking this relationship is too good to be true! There is NO way that this happens!
This book has everything you want in a hot romance that is defiantly off limits! I have to say that Wilson has been though a lot in her life, but she also isn’t afraid to go after what she wants and as long as she feels safe. When Wilson and “he” finally get together it makes you wanna pick your mouth up off the floor because you CAN’T believe that just happened! There are also 2 other guys that play into her love life. I honestly kept thinking that Wayne or Nick were going to beat “he” hands down!
I refuse to tell you who “he” is because that totally will give too much away. I also love the fact that even though this relationship should happen due to one little technicality, “he” is a perfect gentleman.
Joanie, Wilson’s BFF, is the best BFF ever! She is a true friend that always has Wilson’s back, reads her like a book, can fill in her sentences, keeps a secret, and is 100% trustworthy. Cindy, Wilson’s roommate, is a B****! She has so many issues I truly felt sorry for her for about lets say … 2 seconds! I will have to say that if it wasn’t for her invitation, who know’s if this relationship would have happened?
So are you totally curious about what in the heck is going on here? Who is “he”? Why is “he” off limits? What is so forbidden? Or if you have asked yourself, is she named after a volleyball? Then it’s time to 1-click Wilson Mooney, Almost Eighteen RIGHT now! I easily give this off limits romance a 4 star rating easily!
I have had this on my to read list, but have been swamped with my full time job, tours Hardcover Therapy is hosting, and just life in general. Now that school is out, I brought this book to the top of the list! Needless to say, I read it in less than 24 hours at every moment I had free! (I mean at the softball field while working the concession stand!)
Gretchen de la O does an awesome job of telling a story of a love that is forbidden. I will say that I just kept waiting for Wilson to wake up and this all be a dream… because this would never happen in real life… or maybe if it did, the consequences would outweigh the risk. In fact, I still keep thinking this relationship is too good to be true! There is NO way that this happens!
This book has everything you want in a hot romance that is defiantly off limits! I have to say that Wilson has been though a lot in her life, but she also isn’t afraid to go after what she wants and as long as she feels safe. When Wilson and “he” finally get together it makes you wanna pick your mouth up off the floor because you CAN’T believe that just happened! There are also 2 other guys that play into her love life. I honestly kept thinking that Wayne or Nick were going to beat “he” hands down!
I refuse to tell you who “he” is because that totally will give too much away. I also love the fact that even though this relationship should happen due to one little technicality, “he” is a perfect gentleman.
Joanie, Wilson’s BFF, is the best BFF ever! She is a true friend that always has Wilson’s back, reads her like a book, can fill in her sentences, keeps a secret, and is 100% trustworthy. Cindy, Wilson’s roommate, is a B****! She has so many issues I truly felt sorry for her for about lets say … 2 seconds! I will have to say that if it wasn’t for her invitation, who know’s if this relationship would have happened?
So are you totally curious about what in the heck is going on here? Who is “he”? Why is “he” off limits? What is so forbidden? Or if you have asked yourself, is she named after a volleyball? Then it’s time to 1-click Wilson Mooney, Almost Eighteen RIGHT now! I easily give this off limits romance a 4 star rating easily!
November 12, 2012
So, I will preface this review by saying that I did read both book one and two before writing the review. I say this because I feel this book was really an introduction to all the characters and their dynamics, the main dilemma and what was to come. I feel this book was not as strong as the book that will follow and I want to stress this because the second book is to die for and I would encourage you to keep reading if you are at all interested in the forbidden love aspect of this book.
I really enjoyed these characters. I think Wilson is a strong girl who came from some unfortunate circumstances. She does not seem to have let them pull her under, but lying beneath are all those insecurities that have developed because of where she came from and what she experienced as a child.
Max....damn I love him. A confindent man that early on we dont really know too much about. Later on, it becomes clear that he is also tortured by something...but it will not be laid out for us untill the second installment of this story. He is young, sexy and in the eyes of the law, doing something he should not be doing...but feels that love matters more than that.
Side characters in this book include the supportive best friend, the bitch (gotta have that chic), multitudes of handsome guys who come out of the woodwork ( why does that always only happen when you have picked your guy??) and Max's family members.
What makes this book not creepy in terms of their forbidden love, is that Wilson is (almost 18) and Max is a young 22...it is believable that this type of attaction could happen and that a young teacher could find himself blurring the lines of his profession (we saw this same thing in another book, although they did not know they were teacher/student in the beginning.)
This book is rated YA...and in this installment, I would agree with that rating.
At any rate, loved the beginning of this story and recommend it highly!
I really enjoyed these characters. I think Wilson is a strong girl who came from some unfortunate circumstances. She does not seem to have let them pull her under, but lying beneath are all those insecurities that have developed because of where she came from and what she experienced as a child.
Max....damn I love him. A confindent man that early on we dont really know too much about. Later on, it becomes clear that he is also tortured by something...but it will not be laid out for us untill the second installment of this story. He is young, sexy and in the eyes of the law, doing something he should not be doing...but feels that love matters more than that.
Side characters in this book include the supportive best friend, the bitch (gotta have that chic), multitudes of handsome guys who come out of the woodwork ( why does that always only happen when you have picked your guy??) and Max's family members.
What makes this book not creepy in terms of their forbidden love, is that Wilson is (almost 18) and Max is a young 22...it is believable that this type of attaction could happen and that a young teacher could find himself blurring the lines of his profession (we saw this same thing in another book, although they did not know they were teacher/student in the beginning.)
This book is rated YA...and in this installment, I would agree with that rating.
At any rate, loved the beginning of this story and recommend it highly!
November 1, 2013
When I read the story line , I expected there to some angst due to the teacher student thing , but the only time that came into play was the one time when he told her [on the phone no less] that they couldn’t be together because she was his student . The story really goes bland in many areas . I had stop myself from falling asleep a number of times . And this book is based on the teacher student theme , shouldn’t there be more classroom scenes ?? More of teachers and professors and other students ?? But no . There were barely 3 pages worth classroom interaction . Max and Wilson were going to wait till her 18th birthday till they went all the way , but I didn’t see any anticipation , just lots of cheesy dialogues and making out . And then there were the butterflies . Oh how could one forget them !! Anytime she was near Max or was about to be near him , the butterflies in her stomach soared/flies/did flips/got excited / made her feel giddy etc. I mean really ?? The only way you can describe how you feel about a guy is through butterflies ??
I simply couldn’t connect with the characters . Wilson had a sad past … I mean mom left her on the doorstep of her grandparents , then the recent death of both her grandparents , but the writing didn’t make me feel any remorse for her . Because her life just went on and on , her so called family problems were only mentioned when she needed something like advice or comfort .
Throughout the book the only thing they both did was make out and explore each other without going all the way . That’s ALL their relationship was about . No communication or talking about their pasts or hell even doing normal things like having a meal together or watching a movie . The book had potential but really disappointed me .
I simply couldn’t connect with the characters . Wilson had a sad past … I mean mom left her on the doorstep of her grandparents , then the recent death of both her grandparents , but the writing didn’t make me feel any remorse for her . Because her life just went on and on , her so called family problems were only mentioned when she needed something like advice or comfort .
Throughout the book the only thing they both did was make out and explore each other without going all the way . That’s ALL their relationship was about . No communication or talking about their pasts or hell even doing normal things like having a meal together or watching a movie . The book had potential but really disappointed me .
August 20, 2023
I received this book free from the author, Gretchen de la O in exchange for my honest review.
Ok. This was a fairly enjoyable read. I remember when I was in high school and I had a crush on one of my teachers. He reminded me almost like Max. Wilson Mooney is a boarding school student who really does not have anyone to turn to, except for her bestie, Joanie. Wilson and Joanie also put up with their other roomate, Cindy. Who has the most dullest personality, ever.
For a job, Wilson goes around and cleans her teachers boards. Max Goldstein, her American Government teacher, likes it when he cleans his boards. How hot, right? Cindy begs Wilson to be her pal to a trip for Aspen so she can drool all over Chase. Because all the guys love a crazy mental insane stalker chick.
Wilson is not looking forward to being her "wing man" on the trip to Aspen. When she learns that Max will be staying at his family cabin, she quickly changes her mind. Later that night when Cindy and Wilson arrive, Max shows up at Cindy's house party.
They both realize that night that it might be hard to contain that line that is off-limits.
While the book has a promising story line and it is there. I feel that the story is missing something. However, I really enjoy the story and I look forward to where Gretchen will take Wilson and Max!
Ok. This was a fairly enjoyable read. I remember when I was in high school and I had a crush on one of my teachers. He reminded me almost like Max. Wilson Mooney is a boarding school student who really does not have anyone to turn to, except for her bestie, Joanie. Wilson and Joanie also put up with their other roomate, Cindy. Who has the most dullest personality, ever.
For a job, Wilson goes around and cleans her teachers boards. Max Goldstein, her American Government teacher, likes it when he cleans his boards. How hot, right? Cindy begs Wilson to be her pal to a trip for Aspen so she can drool all over Chase. Because all the guys love a crazy mental insane stalker chick.
Wilson is not looking forward to being her "wing man" on the trip to Aspen. When she learns that Max will be staying at his family cabin, she quickly changes her mind. Later that night when Cindy and Wilson arrive, Max shows up at Cindy's house party.
They both realize that night that it might be hard to contain that line that is off-limits.
While the book has a promising story line and it is there. I feel that the story is missing something. However, I really enjoy the story and I look forward to where Gretchen will take Wilson and Max!
December 14, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Wilson (female) has led a difficult life so far. Abandoned by her mother when she was eight. Had to live with grandparents that sent her away to boarding school. And THEN, to make things even worse, her grandparents die right before she turns eighteen! So, as you can see, life's been hard for Wilson.
But Wilson is doing okay. She knows what she wants in her life. Her teacher. He's not the balding, pot bellied, older teacher of course. He's 22 and HOT as hell!! When they end up spending the weekend together things become complicated and wonderful at the same time.
I really enjoyed this book! It was very sexy. Personally, I probably would've fallen for Max if he was my teacher too! Wilson was a great character also because even though she's had to overcome a lot, she is a strong girl. Maybe her decisions are, at times, questionable, but she didn't have much guidance. I read this book in just two sittings. If I didn't have a baby that demands all my attention, I could've finished it in one. It was that good! I also really liked the "secondary" characters. I can't wait to start the next book! They're are two sequels. Woohoo! If you want a quick, fun, sexy, very steamy sex and just a great read all around....read this. You will love it too.
4*
Wilson (female) has led a difficult life so far. Abandoned by her mother when she was eight. Had to live with grandparents that sent her away to boarding school. And THEN, to make things even worse, her grandparents die right before she turns eighteen! So, as you can see, life's been hard for Wilson.
But Wilson is doing okay. She knows what she wants in her life. Her teacher. He's not the balding, pot bellied, older teacher of course. He's 22 and HOT as hell!! When they end up spending the weekend together things become complicated and wonderful at the same time.
I really enjoyed this book! It was very sexy. Personally, I probably would've fallen for Max if he was my teacher too! Wilson was a great character also because even though she's had to overcome a lot, she is a strong girl. Maybe her decisions are, at times, questionable, but she didn't have much guidance. I read this book in just two sittings. If I didn't have a baby that demands all my attention, I could've finished it in one. It was that good! I also really liked the "secondary" characters. I can't wait to start the next book! They're are two sequels. Woohoo! If you want a quick, fun, sexy, very steamy sex and just a great read all around....read this. You will love it too.
4*
April 4, 2013
Wilson Mooney is all alone at a boarding school except for her best friend. She has no family. As she is approaching eighteen, she is more fragile and vulnerable than she realizes. She has deeply rooted needs for a family and love. On a weekend away, she falls in love. Her choice in a man, may be questionable to many.
To me this book is a start, I feel like there is going to be so much to learn about Wilson Mooney. Perhaps, Wilson Mooney has so much to learn about herself.
For me this did start off a little slow, however I got over that and its pace definitely picked up.
One thing that I look for in a book that I enjoy, is do I get that tingly feeling? There are some sweet, some sensual moments where Gretchen de la O delivers the chills. By the time this book is finished I am looking forward to continuing on with her story.
To me this book is a start, I feel like there is going to be so much to learn about Wilson Mooney. Perhaps, Wilson Mooney has so much to learn about herself.
For me this did start off a little slow, however I got over that and its pace definitely picked up.
One thing that I look for in a book that I enjoy, is do I get that tingly feeling? There are some sweet, some sensual moments where Gretchen de la O delivers the chills. By the time this book is finished I am looking forward to continuing on with her story.
August 30, 2012
I really, REALLY loved this book! I read it a few months ago for the first time, but have since read it 2 more times. I check at least once a week to see if the sequel has been released yet. (HURRY!!)
First of all, Wilson Mooney is one of my favorite characters ever. She's humble and funny and I found myself cheering for her throughout the entire novel. Secondly, Max Golstein - oh so dreamy! You could really tell that he struggled with getting involved with Wilson, but what girl doesn't love it when the person that they love throws all caution to the wind to be with her? He was super sweet and patient with Wilson and that made me fall in love with him.
I read this entire book in one sitting because it was too hard to put down! Bravo, Gretchen de la O!
First of all, Wilson Mooney is one of my favorite characters ever. She's humble and funny and I found myself cheering for her throughout the entire novel. Secondly, Max Golstein - oh so dreamy! You could really tell that he struggled with getting involved with Wilson, but what girl doesn't love it when the person that they love throws all caution to the wind to be with her? He was super sweet and patient with Wilson and that made me fall in love with him.
I read this entire book in one sitting because it was too hard to put down! Bravo, Gretchen de la O!
April 30, 2013
Almost Eighteen, what a surprise! I was instantly drawn to this book by the cover. I am a major butterfly freak and I absolutely loved the cover and the darkness behind it. Gives a whole new meaning to never judge a book by its cover..haha!
Anyway, Almost Eighteen introduces us to Wilson Mooney. Roughly one month from her 18th birthday, she is an orphan, having recently lost her grandparents who raised her when it was obvious her mother was not going to be able to. She's in a boarding school on scholarship and doesn't really feel like she fits in. The only bright spot is Mr. Max Goldstein.
To read the rest of the review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
Anyway, Almost Eighteen introduces us to Wilson Mooney. Roughly one month from her 18th birthday, she is an orphan, having recently lost her grandparents who raised her when it was obvious her mother was not going to be able to. She's in a boarding school on scholarship and doesn't really feel like she fits in. The only bright spot is Mr. Max Goldstein.
To read the rest of the review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
March 14, 2016
DNF @ 43%
No suelo calificar los libros que no termino pero este es T E R R I B L E. Y no lo veía mejorando en un futuro cercano.
Los personajes son necesitados, mártires, insoportables y millonarios. Excepto la protagonista que, es todo lo demás, pero - por supuesto - es pobre.
La sinopsis dice que es una historia de amor. No se dejen engañar! Esto es una historia de OBSESIÓN. Algo así como la versión alumna-profesor de Atracción Fatal (ok, tal vez estoy exagerando pero es super creepy).
Aparte de tener uno que otro diálogo ingenioso, con eso me refiero a sólo como DOS buenas líneas, este libro es realmente malo y la única forma de que se lo recomiende a alguien, es que sea mi peor enemigo. Porque no puedo imaginarme una tortura peor.
No suelo calificar los libros que no termino pero este es T E R R I B L E. Y no lo veía mejorando en un futuro cercano.
Los personajes son necesitados, mártires, insoportables y millonarios. Excepto la protagonista que, es todo lo demás, pero - por supuesto - es pobre.
La sinopsis dice que es una historia de amor. No se dejen engañar! Esto es una historia de OBSESIÓN. Algo así como la versión alumna-profesor de Atracción Fatal (ok, tal vez estoy exagerando pero es super creepy).
Aparte de tener uno que otro diálogo ingenioso, con eso me refiero a sólo como DOS buenas líneas, este libro es realmente malo y la única forma de que se lo recomiende a alguien, es que sea mi peor enemigo. Porque no puedo imaginarme una tortura peor.
October 24, 2023
I really need to exercise DNFing from time to time. Thank you, book ocd, for allowing me to become a tad invested. I am a little curious as to how this series ends. Maybe, one of these days if I ever think back on this, but unless someone rec's it, yeah I'm not gonna go there. Decision made. I think. No, no, it's made. Pass. But don't call me out on it.
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