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Love and Skate #1
Love and Skate
On the rink she’s tough, she’s a leader, she’s fast and she’s the epitome of a rebellious girl. But Nellie’s been hurt, only once, but it was enough to make her look at life through different eyes and off the rink she’s a timid girl who loves with no pretenses.
A long time ago Owen Black was betrayed by the girl he thought he loved and the guy he called his best friend. The anguish set off a domino effect of negativity in his life and he never has fully recovered. He meets Nellie Forrester and thinks he can let it go for her.
But how can you love someone when the wounds from your past are still wide open?
A long time ago Owen Black was betrayed by the girl he thought he loved and the guy he called his best friend. The anguish set off a domino effect of negativity in his life and he never has fully recovered. He meets Nellie Forrester and thinks he can let it go for her.
But how can you love someone when the wounds from your past are still wide open?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2012
51 people are currently reading
2441 people want to read
About the author
Lila Felix
62 books857 followersLila Felix is full of antics and stories. She refused to go to Kindergarten after the teacher made her take a nap on the first day of school. She staged her first protest in middle school. She almost flunked out of her first semester at Pepperdine University because she was enthralled with their library and frequently was locked in. Now her husband and three children have to put up with her rebel nature in Louisiana where her days are filled with cypress trees, crawfish, and of course her books and writing. She writes about the ordinary people who fall extraordinarily in wild, true love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
April 5, 2013
Before you read my thoughts, you might want to know that everyone else seems to have loved this book, which means that you might want to take my review as one negative among many positives. Chances are, you could fall in love with Love and Skate, and you should probably read other reviews in order to get both sides of the picture. My mood was not there, so I'm not sure how much of my dislike stemmed from real life crap, and how much came from an actual dissatisfaction with what was going on in the story.
That said, I really wanted to like this book. Roller Derby - really? I was so on board! The story started off pretty darn cute with a sort of "he said, she said" thing happening. It wasn't hard to feel a little happy sappy over watching a new couple find an interest in one another.
But then...the story went round in circles. Not a whole lot happened. Feelings came out of nowhere, some stuff happened in the middle, there was a bit of drama closer to the end and then we were back to a whole lot of nothing. The chemistry turned out to be pretty one-note after I found myself getting over the sweet start.
And the writing. I felt like I was reading one of my own reviews, it was that painfully embarrassing to witness (yes, I know that I use okay and so way too much, but I am not trying to sell half-assed reviews for profit).
Exhibit A : The oh, ok.
Exhibit B : How many sentences can we start with I?
I would give you exhibit C, which would be something along the lines of how many non-useful text messages can we fit into one book? However, that would have required me to have been far less lazy and actually screen-cap more stuff, which I wasn't in the mood to do.
Again, I'll just refer you back to paragraph one of this review.
That said, I really wanted to like this book. Roller Derby - really? I was so on board! The story started off pretty darn cute with a sort of "he said, she said" thing happening. It wasn't hard to feel a little happy sappy over watching a new couple find an interest in one another.
But then...the story went round in circles. Not a whole lot happened. Feelings came out of nowhere, some stuff happened in the middle, there was a bit of drama closer to the end and then we were back to a whole lot of nothing. The chemistry turned out to be pretty one-note after I found myself getting over the sweet start.
And the writing. I felt like I was reading one of my own reviews, it was that painfully embarrassing to witness (yes, I know that I use okay and so way too much, but I am not trying to sell half-assed reviews for profit).
Exhibit A : The oh, ok.
Exhibit B : How many sentences can we start with I?
I would give you exhibit C, which would be something along the lines of how many non-useful text messages can we fit into one book? However, that would have required me to have been far less lazy and actually screen-cap more stuff, which I wasn't in the mood to do.
Again, I'll just refer you back to paragraph one of this review.
July 27, 2013
Like most books I read...I just go into them blind (don't read the synopsis or reviews). I had no clue what this book would be about or what genre it was in.
With all that said it was a sweet and innocent read (young adult).
Nelli and Owen
Will they be able to control their urges so she can wear a white
and have a
???
SERIES:
No cliffhangers
With all that said it was a sweet and innocent read (young adult).
Nelli and Owen
Will they be able to control their urges so she can wear a white
and have a
???SERIES:
No cliffhangers
November 7, 2012
This, along with Lila's other books, are amazing.
They have depth, soul, meaning, characters who are real and believable, NO love triangles, and swoon. Lots of swoon!
Owen was amazing!!! And the skating parts, though small, was really interesting and funny. I like how the conflict didn't drag on for chapters after chapter after chapter. Lila has a point and she gets there in perfect timing.
6 out of 5 stars!!
They have depth, soul, meaning, characters who are real and believable, NO love triangles, and swoon. Lots of swoon!
Owen was amazing!!! And the skating parts, though small, was really interesting and funny. I like how the conflict didn't drag on for chapters after chapter after chapter. Lila has a point and she gets there in perfect timing.
6 out of 5 stars!!
November 8, 2012
This book was great! I don't think Lila Felix can write anything but great! I loved Owen... do guys like that really exist? I know he wasn't perfect but still wonderful. His family was great too. Nellie was so fun and spunky but had a really sweet side! Great read!
February 16, 2013
A book that put a curve in my reading, I needed something different. Its cute, adorable, and completely a love story of two people who fall in love. You follow Owen and he woos his Nellie...
I have to say the girl on the cover does not go with the Nellie in my head... but Owen is another story...
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Owen has feared to trust again falling in love... he thinks that if he falls in love again, he will get his heart broken and not be able to survive this time around.
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Nellie was a sweet girl who followed the rules, obeyed her parents and never cut curfew...Then she gets her heart broken by her ex-boyfriend and she vows to be different. To stop being boring and start living life, so she Roller Derby's. She becomes the roller derby queen, with bruises and muscles soreness to prove it. She molds herself into portraying a tough exterior while all while still being sweet and soft. Owen is the first guy she lets in. Then this story is really about their courtship and finding love again with each other . This is not a steamy read by all means, so please don't go in thinking your going to get any of that. I felt the change of pace made me realize how sweet and amazing pure simple love can be.
March 22, 2016
You can read this review and more on my blog:
It has been a REALLY long time since I read this book, but since I am trying to take a trip down memory lane and review books I read a while ago, I had to review Love and Skate.
I am always searching for the perfect cute read, a book that gives me the gift of a smile that last for an entire day. But you would be surprised how difficult it is to find a book that fits this description. It seems like 90% of books find it necessary to put the reader through the emotional wringer and traumatize them for life.
I am unapologetic about my love of love stories, but they are without a doubt some of the greatest perpetrators of traumatizing me. It’s like authors think love isn’t worth reading about unless the hero and heroine suffer for most of the book, and don’t truly get together until the end of the book. Most romantic books are filled with more mindless sex scenes, violence, and misunderstandings than any Horror novel I have ever read. Alright, maybe I am slightly exaggerating, but you get the point I am trying to make. Some books have a very jaded attitude when it comes to love.
I don’t mind reading books that tug on my heart-strings or even scare the pants off of me so I’m not complaining about books like that, in fact I like them. But when I’m in the mood for something lighthearted that still has heart, the search isn’t an easy. Thankfully I stumbled upon the amazing Lila Felix one day. She is the queen of cute reads, and I love her books for the happy feelings they provide.
Love and Skate is the first book in the Love and Skate series, and it is also the first Lila Felix book that I fell in love with. I read this so long ago that I can’t tell you a that much about the plot. I remember that there is a man named Owen who is a gentle giant, and an adorable, blue haired woman named Nellie who Owen falls in love with. I remember that Owen has a wonderful but complicated family and that Nellie is wounded and a little jaded when he first meets her. I remember that Owen falls for Nellie right away, but it was not your traditional insta love moment. They have an actual courtship that makes sense and takes it’s time. But mostly I just remember how I felt while reading this book.
I read a ton of New Adult Romances before I got to this one, and I was getting a little weary. All of the horribly damaged main characters and angsty relationships were wearing me down, and I needed more than just a happy ending, I needed a happy story. And that’s what this was. The romance wasn’t cheesy, it was just sweet. It was innocent and passionate at the same time, and even though Owen and Nellie spent a lot of time together in this book, I never got bored with them. They did simple things like cuddle on the couch while watching a movie, but because they did also have some very realistic problems that they dealt with, it was nice to read about them being happy together in simple, peaceful moments.
I love my angsty books, I really do, but it is nice to read a book once in a while that makes you smile more than cry, and lets you feel hopeful and happy. Owen and Nellie do have issues, but those issues are not the main focus of this story. This book is basically about a good, healthy relationship, and I think those can be pretty entertaining sometimes too don’t you?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic books, and is in the mood for a nice easy read.
Because of language and mild sexual content, I recommend this book for ages 14 and up. The main characters choose not to have sex, but there are some nice kissing scenes in the book. Don’t worry! Everyone keeps their hands in the safe zones.
It has been a REALLY long time since I read this book, but since I am trying to take a trip down memory lane and review books I read a while ago, I had to review Love and Skate.
I am always searching for the perfect cute read, a book that gives me the gift of a smile that last for an entire day. But you would be surprised how difficult it is to find a book that fits this description. It seems like 90% of books find it necessary to put the reader through the emotional wringer and traumatize them for life.
I am unapologetic about my love of love stories, but they are without a doubt some of the greatest perpetrators of traumatizing me. It’s like authors think love isn’t worth reading about unless the hero and heroine suffer for most of the book, and don’t truly get together until the end of the book. Most romantic books are filled with more mindless sex scenes, violence, and misunderstandings than any Horror novel I have ever read. Alright, maybe I am slightly exaggerating, but you get the point I am trying to make. Some books have a very jaded attitude when it comes to love.
I don’t mind reading books that tug on my heart-strings or even scare the pants off of me so I’m not complaining about books like that, in fact I like them. But when I’m in the mood for something lighthearted that still has heart, the search isn’t an easy. Thankfully I stumbled upon the amazing Lila Felix one day. She is the queen of cute reads, and I love her books for the happy feelings they provide.
Love and Skate is the first book in the Love and Skate series, and it is also the first Lila Felix book that I fell in love with. I read this so long ago that I can’t tell you a that much about the plot. I remember that there is a man named Owen who is a gentle giant, and an adorable, blue haired woman named Nellie who Owen falls in love with. I remember that Owen has a wonderful but complicated family and that Nellie is wounded and a little jaded when he first meets her. I remember that Owen falls for Nellie right away, but it was not your traditional insta love moment. They have an actual courtship that makes sense and takes it’s time. But mostly I just remember how I felt while reading this book.
I read a ton of New Adult Romances before I got to this one, and I was getting a little weary. All of the horribly damaged main characters and angsty relationships were wearing me down, and I needed more than just a happy ending, I needed a happy story. And that’s what this was. The romance wasn’t cheesy, it was just sweet. It was innocent and passionate at the same time, and even though Owen and Nellie spent a lot of time together in this book, I never got bored with them. They did simple things like cuddle on the couch while watching a movie, but because they did also have some very realistic problems that they dealt with, it was nice to read about them being happy together in simple, peaceful moments.
I love my angsty books, I really do, but it is nice to read a book once in a while that makes you smile more than cry, and lets you feel hopeful and happy. Owen and Nellie do have issues, but those issues are not the main focus of this story. This book is basically about a good, healthy relationship, and I think those can be pretty entertaining sometimes too don’t you?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic books, and is in the mood for a nice easy read.
Because of language and mild sexual content, I recommend this book for ages 14 and up. The main characters choose not to have sex, but there are some nice kissing scenes in the book. Don’t worry! Everyone keeps their hands in the safe zones.
May 22, 2013
Honestly, this was delightful!
Nellie Forrester is the epitome of a roller derby queen. When she's facing off against competitors, she's rebellious, tough, nasty, out front, and immensely talented. Away from the rink, things are a little different. Misunderstood and unaccepted by her family, Nellie's been hurt, personally, and it's taken a toll. Owen Black understands all too well. Betrayal and hurt lead him to experiment with all sorts of negative influences. He's made it most of the way back, but there are still wounds to be healed.
Love & Skate is book one in Lila Felix's series of the same name, and it introduces us to the amazing Black family, as well as quirky, feisty and lovable Nellie Forrester. I fell in love with the Black family, most especially. Owen and Nellie are a charming and fun couple, and I enjoyed them a great deal. You can tell, though, that it's Owen's mother who holds their family together, and, for me, she felt like home.
Love & Skate is a very clean, wholesome coming-of-age story. There were moments when I questioned the reality of a young man Owen's age repeatedly holding back from making his relationship with Nellie a sexual one. However, in his case, because of his background, I came to understand why he wanted to wait. In the end, though, none of that truly mattered. Why? Because this is a lovely, quirky, sweet story of two kids growing up and maturing into the people they seek to be rather than the people life events might have made them. This is a story of young, pure, innocent love. This is a story of letting go of your past. This is also a story that stayed with me long after I finished reading, and it did so because of the wonderful characters that Lila Felix has created.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Nellie Forrester is the epitome of a roller derby queen. When she's facing off against competitors, she's rebellious, tough, nasty, out front, and immensely talented. Away from the rink, things are a little different. Misunderstood and unaccepted by her family, Nellie's been hurt, personally, and it's taken a toll. Owen Black understands all too well. Betrayal and hurt lead him to experiment with all sorts of negative influences. He's made it most of the way back, but there are still wounds to be healed.
Love & Skate is book one in Lila Felix's series of the same name, and it introduces us to the amazing Black family, as well as quirky, feisty and lovable Nellie Forrester. I fell in love with the Black family, most especially. Owen and Nellie are a charming and fun couple, and I enjoyed them a great deal. You can tell, though, that it's Owen's mother who holds their family together, and, for me, she felt like home.
Love & Skate is a very clean, wholesome coming-of-age story. There were moments when I questioned the reality of a young man Owen's age repeatedly holding back from making his relationship with Nellie a sexual one. However, in his case, because of his background, I came to understand why he wanted to wait. In the end, though, none of that truly mattered. Why? Because this is a lovely, quirky, sweet story of two kids growing up and maturing into the people they seek to be rather than the people life events might have made them. This is a story of young, pure, innocent love. This is a story of letting go of your past. This is also a story that stayed with me long after I finished reading, and it did so because of the wonderful characters that Lila Felix has created.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
February 26, 2013
This one was pretty good...I wish it had more steam to it but it was very sweet.. good beach read
December 19, 2012
I love love stories, I mean who doesn’t love those cliché sweet stuffs from time to time? And I also love skating (though I'm really not a pro at it), so stumbling into a book with a love and skate at the title, I immediately added it up to my TBR pile and luckily, the author Lila Felix gave me a copy and voila! I finally get the chance to review it for y'all.
Diving into the world of Love and Skate, I really didn’t know what to expect. It was like when its your first time to step into a skating rink with your skates on – you don’t know what to do or how to take your first step or even how to balance. Love and Skate offers a typical yet exceptional story of a girl and a boy who’s both been through a lot but find a home in doing what they love and in each other company.
Nellie is the tough character with blue hair and piercings and she’s a roller derby player. However, she's not really that, I mean she liked the piercings and hair colors but the outer exterior of toughness is really not her. She’s vulnerable, sweet and very kind to her friends and people around her. I really do love her character and envy her for being able to color her hair any outrageous color that she wants tho.
Owen was one of those guys that you would surely want to add to your fictional boyfriend list. My my, he's tall and handsome and got some tattoos at the same time he’s sweet, caring and unbelievably charming.
Nellie and Owen were both hurt by their former significant other and best friends and they both rebelled into it after wards and its one of the things that brought them together because they understand one another. I really love watching their relationship develop slowly but surely. Another thing is that even they spend most of their time apart their feelings just seems to grow more and it reminds me of the saying 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' and when the time came when they saw each other again the scene was just priceless, Sigh.
The story was really doing great for me until the sudden twist and turn of event slapped my easy going mind while reading it. Oh My! I never expected to shed tears in reading this but ugh the tears still come. Nellie and Owen made me cry my eyes out. The sudden twist on the story really caught me off guard since I'm really not expecting it what with everything seems to be going on with the plan.
In all, it was a fantastic read; a sweet and funny story that would surely capture your heart. It was a good start for me with Lila Felix’s works and I’ll surely see more from her.
*Copy kindly provided for review*
*Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.
Diving into the world of Love and Skate, I really didn’t know what to expect. It was like when its your first time to step into a skating rink with your skates on – you don’t know what to do or how to take your first step or even how to balance. Love and Skate offers a typical yet exceptional story of a girl and a boy who’s both been through a lot but find a home in doing what they love and in each other company.
Nellie is the tough character with blue hair and piercings and she’s a roller derby player. However, she's not really that, I mean she liked the piercings and hair colors but the outer exterior of toughness is really not her. She’s vulnerable, sweet and very kind to her friends and people around her. I really do love her character and envy her for being able to color her hair any outrageous color that she wants tho.
Owen was one of those guys that you would surely want to add to your fictional boyfriend list. My my, he's tall and handsome and got some tattoos at the same time he’s sweet, caring and unbelievably charming.
Nellie and Owen were both hurt by their former significant other and best friends and they both rebelled into it after wards and its one of the things that brought them together because they understand one another. I really love watching their relationship develop slowly but surely. Another thing is that even they spend most of their time apart their feelings just seems to grow more and it reminds me of the saying 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' and when the time came when they saw each other again the scene was just priceless, Sigh.
The story was really doing great for me until the sudden twist and turn of event slapped my easy going mind while reading it. Oh My! I never expected to shed tears in reading this but ugh the tears still come. Nellie and Owen made me cry my eyes out. The sudden twist on the story really caught me off guard since I'm really not expecting it what with everything seems to be going on with the plan.
In all, it was a fantastic read; a sweet and funny story that would surely capture your heart. It was a good start for me with Lila Felix’s works and I’ll surely see more from her.
*Copy kindly provided for review*
*Blog Tour deets posted at Reads and Thoughts.
September 30, 2013
NA romance is like a packet of Allen's Lollies - sometimes, you'll get a handful of your faves, and sometimes you'll get one or two liquorice flavoured jelly babies which will ruin your day.
Well Love and Skate was definitely not a liquorice jelly baby! (unless you happen to love liquorice flavoured confectionary) Love and Skate is a NA romance with a punk twist, introducing two characters who you will grow to love, root for, and cry over during the course of this novel.
The first of them, being our main protagonist/roller derby gal, Nellie Forrester:
"Yes Mom, I know that I'll never find anybody who loves me with blue hair. That's why I dyed it pink."
Nellie's straightforward personality, wit and charm create a character who has depth and a brain where most female characters only have air and 'feelings'. She has the rare female character ability to see the difference between love and lust - and to only accept the former. With a strength built up from years of heartache and a lack of acceptance from her family, Nellie is ready to take on anything.
Including Owen Black:
'I stood stunned. She had known me less than a week and had me all figured out. She pecked me on the lips and left me standing there in the parking lot, standing on the line that marked where her car was. But instead of feeling betrayed, I felt freed.'
Owen and Nellie are basically two peas in a pod. With his own skeletons in the closet, Owen has a hard time with trust - something that he admits he struggles to come to terms with on a daily basis. Yet, be ready to throw your fangirl pom-poms up and down, because this tattooed mountain of maleness is...
*drum roll*
Chivalrous!
That's right, ladies! He may have tats, but the guy has more chivalry packed into his frame than most clean-cut guy characters have at the end of a novel.
Owen and Nellie's relationship spans across a little over 200 pages, and is allowed to grow, and to be explored by the reader in all its facets - good, bad, ugly. And downright adorable.
So if you like novels about cute guys who meet feisty girls who happen to like playing at roller derbies, you'll definitely like Love and Skate.
Although, be prepared to do this more than once:
Well Love and Skate was definitely not a liquorice jelly baby! (unless you happen to love liquorice flavoured confectionary) Love and Skate is a NA romance with a punk twist, introducing two characters who you will grow to love, root for, and cry over during the course of this novel.
The first of them, being our main protagonist/roller derby gal, Nellie Forrester:
"Yes Mom, I know that I'll never find anybody who loves me with blue hair. That's why I dyed it pink."
Nellie's straightforward personality, wit and charm create a character who has depth and a brain where most female characters only have air and 'feelings'. She has the rare female character ability to see the difference between love and lust - and to only accept the former. With a strength built up from years of heartache and a lack of acceptance from her family, Nellie is ready to take on anything.
Including Owen Black:
'I stood stunned. She had known me less than a week and had me all figured out. She pecked me on the lips and left me standing there in the parking lot, standing on the line that marked where her car was. But instead of feeling betrayed, I felt freed.'
Owen and Nellie are basically two peas in a pod. With his own skeletons in the closet, Owen has a hard time with trust - something that he admits he struggles to come to terms with on a daily basis. Yet, be ready to throw your fangirl pom-poms up and down, because this tattooed mountain of maleness is...
*drum roll*
Chivalrous!
That's right, ladies! He may have tats, but the guy has more chivalry packed into his frame than most clean-cut guy characters have at the end of a novel.
Owen and Nellie's relationship spans across a little over 200 pages, and is allowed to grow, and to be explored by the reader in all its facets - good, bad, ugly. And downright adorable.
So if you like novels about cute guys who meet feisty girls who happen to like playing at roller derbies, you'll definitely like Love and Skate.
Although, be prepared to do this more than once:
December 28, 2013
Love & Skate is my first exposure to Lila Felix's books. After reading this book I had to ask myself, why am I just now reading her work???
Love & Skate weaves a beautiful love story between Nellie & Owen (Owen *sign*). These two first set eyes on each other across the room in their American Lit class & it's love at first sight for both of them. Fate however, is not on their side as the two literally keep missing each other around campus. When Nellie & Owen do finally meet, they discover their missing half & soulmate.
A sweet, natural, love story follows. As Nellie & Owen grow closer they learn to trust each other & try to overcome their insecurities & emotional scares from other relationships. When a person from Owen's past shows up it threatens his & Nellie's relationship. Can Owen learn to overcome his demons before he looses the best thing that's ever happened to him??
Read Love & Skate to find out!
November 22, 2012
“The first time I proposed we were in your bed, the second time in front of my family and this time, it’s just me and you again. I hurt you once, broke your heart. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to fix it. Will you marry me, take a chance on me again?”
This is another case of literally not judging the book by it's cover or title (because I kinda not like the cover though the girl is gorgeous so I wasn't really expecting anything). But oh boy, this was actually so good! And this is the first time that I loved the heroine more than the hero. The only problem I have with this book is that the conflict is too shallow that it didn't leave a great impact in the story. But overall, I loved it and you guys should give this a try ;)
February 14, 2015
Cliché teen romance - tattoos, angst, sad heroine, tall dark handsome hero. Meh - I got bored and stopped readin git
The characters are so thick and stupid that I couldn't get into this at all. All they have is INSTA-LUST and that's about it.
You may feel it drags A LOT (you are kind of waiting for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN).
IT;S INSTA-LUST/LOVE COMBO.... SNORE... the story is that the two lovebirds are pretty much infatuated immediately. ON FIRST SIGHT.
That's fine in forbidden romances e.g. Teacher-Student romances that involve overwhelming attraction. But in this instance it didn't create the tension, friction and chemistry I usually enjoy in a romance.
The Characters
Hero: He reminds me of an EMO type - punk but soft punk, emotional, a quiet thinker - expresses his feelings openly (in a lyrical confession) - in fact he reminds me of a Crush I had at school. Black hair, pale skin, tats, and a quiet but deep personality. He's sort of poetic with all his "she's so beautiful like stars" type prose.
At times he was a bit too saccharine (there is a fair amount of "I miss you" etc that's occurring despite them only knowing each other a week). But I liked it because this type of hero is always the best friend (suffering unrequited love) so it's nice that the sensitive guy who's open about his emotions finally wins the girl! Yay!!!
Heroine - I loved her crazy hair and no-nonsense personality. She's not wild or silly. And she's captain of her skating team. She's vulnerable but not the weepy type or giggly type (eurgh hate them). She's not all STRONG and Butch either. Or crude or loud. She's mature and caring. I liked how the author manifests her feelings without creating any melodramatic soap opera.
Supporting Cast - I don't think supporting cast were good. They were pretty one dimensional ($lutty and playboy type friends).
Overall it's a nice sweet book. I think a younger audience will love it.
============
The writing style is rather formal and stilted at time. It reminds me of Gabriel's Inferno. Examples:
"I woke the next day and went to my morning classes. I ate lunch with Dylan and we were both relieved that we were almost at mid-term...After I went to the gym I grabbed dinner and went to the commons area in the dorms."
The whole "I went to the and then I went to the and then I grabbed" - it was like a whole monologue of a person's chores. I don't need a recitation of your daily activities "I went for a p*ss and then I ate my dinner and then I went for a fag" isn't exciting or interesting in the slightest.
Overall it's a GREAT read if you like sweet romances featuring a sensitive and affectionate hero. NO alphas present
The characters are so thick and stupid that I couldn't get into this at all. All they have is INSTA-LUST and that's about it.
You may feel it drags A LOT (you are kind of waiting for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN).
IT;S INSTA-LUST/LOVE COMBO.... SNORE... the story is that the two lovebirds are pretty much infatuated immediately. ON FIRST SIGHT.
That's fine in forbidden romances e.g. Teacher-Student romances that involve overwhelming attraction. But in this instance it didn't create the tension, friction and chemistry I usually enjoy in a romance.
The Characters
Hero: He reminds me of an EMO type - punk but soft punk, emotional, a quiet thinker - expresses his feelings openly (in a lyrical confession) - in fact he reminds me of a Crush I had at school. Black hair, pale skin, tats, and a quiet but deep personality. He's sort of poetic with all his "she's so beautiful like stars" type prose.
At times he was a bit too saccharine (there is a fair amount of "I miss you" etc that's occurring despite them only knowing each other a week). But I liked it because this type of hero is always the best friend (suffering unrequited love) so it's nice that the sensitive guy who's open about his emotions finally wins the girl! Yay!!!
Heroine - I loved her crazy hair and no-nonsense personality. She's not wild or silly. And she's captain of her skating team. She's vulnerable but not the weepy type or giggly type (eurgh hate them). She's not all STRONG and Butch either. Or crude or loud. She's mature and caring. I liked how the author manifests her feelings without creating any melodramatic soap opera.
Supporting Cast - I don't think supporting cast were good. They were pretty one dimensional ($lutty and playboy type friends).
Overall it's a nice sweet book. I think a younger audience will love it.
============
The writing style is rather formal and stilted at time. It reminds me of Gabriel's Inferno. Examples:
"I woke the next day and went to my morning classes. I ate lunch with Dylan and we were both relieved that we were almost at mid-term...After I went to the gym I grabbed dinner and went to the commons area in the dorms."
The whole "I went to the and then I went to the and then I grabbed" - it was like a whole monologue of a person's chores. I don't need a recitation of your daily activities "I went for a p*ss and then I ate my dinner and then I went for a fag" isn't exciting or interesting in the slightest.
Overall it's a GREAT read if you like sweet romances featuring a sensitive and affectionate hero. NO alphas present
November 8, 2012
Where to start with this review????? Man can I just first start by saying that Lila Felix has an incredible knack for writing! She writes these incredible stories with these kick butt girls and these swoon worthy bad boys. Lord Love and Skate had me on a roller coaster of a ride. I was laughing one minute then crying the next.
Have you ever loved someone so hard and given your all for them to turn around and rip your heart out and stomp on it? Have you ever had a best friend betray you by dating your ex? Well if you have ever experienced that this book is for you. This story is about love, loss, and finding oneself. It is about finding true love in the midst of all the doubts and hurts and anger that has consumed your heart.
Nellie is in college starting a new life. She is enjoying college as well as her roller derbying with her team. She avoids her family and close relationships because she had her heart torn out and she was humiliated by the two people she trusted. That is until she sees a guy in one of her classes and she wants to get to know him better. When she is finally introduced to this mysterious class mate she finds out his name is Owen Black. Owen is GORGEOUS and full of tattoos and piercings and Nellie is instantly drawn to him. But Nellie knows that bad boys are just what they are and that is her red flag to stay away from Owen.
Owen is enjoying his time in college. He just wants to go to classes and graduate and start his new life as a Marine Biologist.He had a horrible experience with a girl he loved and an ex-best friend that he avoids partying and drinking and relationships. That is until he meets Nellie with her blue hair looking all sexy. He can't get his mind off of her and needs to find out her name but every time he tries to she disappears. So whe they are finally introduced Owen has made up his mind that he wants her and he is ready to have that relationship and closeness he craves.
The funny thing about old wounds is when you try and suppress them it never fails that the ugly old feelings come back to haunt you. They come to the surface when you least expect it. For Owen and Nellie they will love hard but Owen's insecurities and hurts come to the forefront of their relationship and try it. Will they make it? Will they break it? Will Owen open up to Nellie? Will Nellie love Owen? This story made me laugh and cry and the things the two went through were real and the outcome was well worth it! I am so Team Owen Matthew Black!
Have you ever loved someone so hard and given your all for them to turn around and rip your heart out and stomp on it? Have you ever had a best friend betray you by dating your ex? Well if you have ever experienced that this book is for you. This story is about love, loss, and finding oneself. It is about finding true love in the midst of all the doubts and hurts and anger that has consumed your heart.
Nellie is in college starting a new life. She is enjoying college as well as her roller derbying with her team. She avoids her family and close relationships because she had her heart torn out and she was humiliated by the two people she trusted. That is until she sees a guy in one of her classes and she wants to get to know him better. When she is finally introduced to this mysterious class mate she finds out his name is Owen Black. Owen is GORGEOUS and full of tattoos and piercings and Nellie is instantly drawn to him. But Nellie knows that bad boys are just what they are and that is her red flag to stay away from Owen.
Owen is enjoying his time in college. He just wants to go to classes and graduate and start his new life as a Marine Biologist.He had a horrible experience with a girl he loved and an ex-best friend that he avoids partying and drinking and relationships. That is until he meets Nellie with her blue hair looking all sexy. He can't get his mind off of her and needs to find out her name but every time he tries to she disappears. So whe they are finally introduced Owen has made up his mind that he wants her and he is ready to have that relationship and closeness he craves.
The funny thing about old wounds is when you try and suppress them it never fails that the ugly old feelings come back to haunt you. They come to the surface when you least expect it. For Owen and Nellie they will love hard but Owen's insecurities and hurts come to the forefront of their relationship and try it. Will they make it? Will they break it? Will Owen open up to Nellie? Will Nellie love Owen? This story made me laugh and cry and the things the two went through were real and the outcome was well worth it! I am so Team Owen Matthew Black!
April 18, 2013
The only thing I know of roller derby is from Ellen Page's movie Whip It and honestly it looks vicious. But besides being Nellie's hobby, it doesn't play that big of a role in this book actually. The gruesome details are, maybe for the best, kept to the minimum.
Nellie has indeed been hurt in the past, which made her stop pretending and now she's finally being herself, piercings, colorful hair and all that. So she has this whole badass look going on, but really she's just the very opposite on the inside.
Owen Black is pretty much the same really. Totally badass with his tattoos and piercings, but the boy is whipped even before Nellie utters one word. The only difference is, he's got some major trust issues, which he needs to let go off if they ever want to work it out.
What also surprised me about this book was how PG 13 everything was. Since they both have this edgy look about them and the obvious attraction, I would have expected more. Even the kissing scene were pretty goody-goody.
Lucky for them, but it kind of annoyed me, pretty much from the beginning it's all rainbows and sunshine until about three quarters into the book. Like they are the nicest people ever, they do everything for each other etc. so a total lack of drama for the most part, which you need to keep it more interesting.
Owen's family, precisely the same, all very loving, welcoming and accepting. But it's all so nice and good, it's nearly nauseating. Now don't get me wrong I actually like the characters and it's interesting there is such a contrast between who they are and what they try to portray.
One thing I really would have liked to know is, what tattoos they have. It is mentioned they have tattoos, but no further details are given. This only confirms even more how all the badass stuff is kind of fake, that it's not really who they.
It was a good book and well written, but I still feel it could have been more. Of course this wont stop me to read the sequels, 'cause I really do like the characters and I want all the Black boys to find their happiness.
For more reviews and other book news you can always visit my blog :)
Nellie has indeed been hurt in the past, which made her stop pretending and now she's finally being herself, piercings, colorful hair and all that. So she has this whole badass look going on, but really she's just the very opposite on the inside.
Owen Black is pretty much the same really. Totally badass with his tattoos and piercings, but the boy is whipped even before Nellie utters one word. The only difference is, he's got some major trust issues, which he needs to let go off if they ever want to work it out.
What also surprised me about this book was how PG 13 everything was. Since they both have this edgy look about them and the obvious attraction, I would have expected more. Even the kissing scene were pretty goody-goody.
Lucky for them, but it kind of annoyed me, pretty much from the beginning it's all rainbows and sunshine until about three quarters into the book. Like they are the nicest people ever, they do everything for each other etc. so a total lack of drama for the most part, which you need to keep it more interesting.
Owen's family, precisely the same, all very loving, welcoming and accepting. But it's all so nice and good, it's nearly nauseating. Now don't get me wrong I actually like the characters and it's interesting there is such a contrast between who they are and what they try to portray.
One thing I really would have liked to know is, what tattoos they have. It is mentioned they have tattoos, but no further details are given. This only confirms even more how all the badass stuff is kind of fake, that it's not really who they.
It was a good book and well written, but I still feel it could have been more. Of course this wont stop me to read the sequels, 'cause I really do like the characters and I want all the Black boys to find their happiness.
For more reviews and other book news you can always visit my blog :)
March 9, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 25th February 2013:
RATING : 4.25 OWEN & FALCON STARS!
Big thankyou to Lila Felix for my review copy of Love and Skate, I love the cover it gave me a nice visual for Nellie.
Nellie and Owen are two people who have individually had their hearts broken by an ex. This story is told in alternating pov’s, which I enjoyed.
Nellie claims a different hair colour when the mood arises. She attracts Owen’s attention wearing smurfette blue...... and he is blown away.
I had never seen her before and I couldn’t for the life of me comprehend why. She was drop dead gorgeous with the most perfect pair of legs not to mention she had hair the color of a smurf’s ass.
I really liked Nellie’s style. She is a roller derby captain and she skates to win, often ending in injuries. I would have loved the roller derby to have been more in this story as it was an awesome idea for a character.
I found Nellie to be an eclectic character. Tattooed, pierced, works at Cindi’s Indie Bookstore, Captain of her roller derby team, doesn’t put out for the guys, goes to College and is a good student.
She works hard and plays harder.
Owen is big and muscle packed, he sports his own tattoos and piercings, and is studying to be a Marine Biologist. He comes from a very loving family of boys and parents who love each other. You really feel how much in this book, but they needed to sort some things out.
Owen blames himself. His past affected him greatly.
Nellie has her own family issues, namely her mother. I loved how well connected Nellie was with Sylvia.
I have my eye on Falcon too. I think he may have a story to tell us.
Owen and Nellie both love with all their heart, and sometimes that isn’t enough.
“Tonight is the most beautiful I have ever seen you. And I’ve been blown away by your beauty a couple of times already.”
As the reader we watch these two sweet characters work through their demons and hope for that HEA. Their love is careful and hesitant but then it can escalate and ride a wave that comes crashing down.
Michelle
RATING : 4.25 OWEN & FALCON STARS!
Big thankyou to Lila Felix for my review copy of Love and Skate, I love the cover it gave me a nice visual for Nellie.
Nellie and Owen are two people who have individually had their hearts broken by an ex. This story is told in alternating pov’s, which I enjoyed.
Nellie claims a different hair colour when the mood arises. She attracts Owen’s attention wearing smurfette blue...... and he is blown away.
I had never seen her before and I couldn’t for the life of me comprehend why. She was drop dead gorgeous with the most perfect pair of legs not to mention she had hair the color of a smurf’s ass.
I really liked Nellie’s style. She is a roller derby captain and she skates to win, often ending in injuries. I would have loved the roller derby to have been more in this story as it was an awesome idea for a character.
I found Nellie to be an eclectic character. Tattooed, pierced, works at Cindi’s Indie Bookstore, Captain of her roller derby team, doesn’t put out for the guys, goes to College and is a good student.
She works hard and plays harder.
Owen is big and muscle packed, he sports his own tattoos and piercings, and is studying to be a Marine Biologist. He comes from a very loving family of boys and parents who love each other. You really feel how much in this book, but they needed to sort some things out.
Owen blames himself. His past affected him greatly.
Nellie has her own family issues, namely her mother. I loved how well connected Nellie was with Sylvia.
I have my eye on Falcon too. I think he may have a story to tell us.
Owen and Nellie both love with all their heart, and sometimes that isn’t enough.
“Tonight is the most beautiful I have ever seen you. And I’ve been blown away by your beauty a couple of times already.”
As the reader we watch these two sweet characters work through their demons and hope for that HEA. Their love is careful and hesitant but then it can escalate and ride a wave that comes crashing down.
Michelle
November 17, 2014
This book was sooooo cheesy omg. At first, I was ok with it because it was a basic happy go lucky, instalove type of romance. Unfortunately, the book takes a big nose dive when Ayden Lucas appears. His role made no sense, and then he just disappears after the incident, like nothing happened. Seriously, he doesn't even explain anything, or apologize for putting the moves on Owen's fiancee. He just gets beat up and that's where his 15 minutes of fame ends. That whole scene was so melodramatic. In my opinion, Owen had a legit reason to act the way he did. It sucks that he called her Amy but common, that's not enough to break up a wedding over. Then his family starts to get all judgmental and preachy with him after the break up, like give him a break! He's going through a tough time and yet, they are treating him like an outsider. I'm glad he left for the summer because he needed to reflect on his life. Overall, the story was sweet and ended on a happy note.
Major things I disliked:
1. The romance was PG. I'm happy the book wasn't oozing sexual content but at the same time, all they did was kiss and oh, at one point he kind of touched her bum. That was it. I wanted more.
2. I didn't like the overlapping pov's. Sometimes an event would occur and the pov would change but instead of picking up where the other left off, it sometimes started by the person recounting an event that took place earlier on in the day that the other person already talked about.
3. I hated how Owen's mom kept telling Nellie everything that went on behind the scenes. Hello?! give your son some privacy.
4. It was odd that Amber and Dylan disappeared for most of the story. There was no mention of their reaction to the news of Nellie and Owen's engagement. In fact, they were barely there for most of the progression of the mc's relationship so I was a bit pissed that Amber wanted to assert her best friend duties effectively only after the Ayden Lucas incident.
Major things I disliked:
1. The romance was PG. I'm happy the book wasn't oozing sexual content but at the same time, all they did was kiss and oh, at one point he kind of touched her bum. That was it. I wanted more.
2. I didn't like the overlapping pov's. Sometimes an event would occur and the pov would change but instead of picking up where the other left off, it sometimes started by the person recounting an event that took place earlier on in the day that the other person already talked about.
3. I hated how Owen's mom kept telling Nellie everything that went on behind the scenes. Hello?! give your son some privacy.
4. It was odd that Amber and Dylan disappeared for most of the story. There was no mention of their reaction to the news of Nellie and Owen's engagement. In fact, they were barely there for most of the progression of the mc's relationship so I was a bit pissed that Amber wanted to assert her best friend duties effectively only after the Ayden Lucas incident.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2013
I absolutely love Lila Felix. I have read all of her books and have thoroughly enjoyed every single one. I thought Love and Skate was the best one so far. I don't know if I can pinned exactly what made this book the best, but I guess I would have to say it was the characters....Owen and Nellie. I thought they were amazing characters. I truly connected with both of them. Owen was so sweet and kind to Nellie. His only problem was that he couldn't get out of his own head. Once he did that things got much better. I thought Nellie was a strong female character. She knew who she was and didn't make any apologies for it. I have to say I really didn't care for Amber and Dylan....for being Owen and Nellie's BFF's....they sure did a crappy job of it.
I will say that I still find reading Lila's books refreshing. She truly knows how to write a love story that truly focuses on the love story. Not all of the extra drama and angst you find with other books. It is nice to have that break. I will definitively be reading any future books Lila produces. She hasn't let me down yet. I look forward to reading How it Rolls (Falcon's story). I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great love story without the drama!!!!!
I will say that I still find reading Lila's books refreshing. She truly knows how to write a love story that truly focuses on the love story. Not all of the extra drama and angst you find with other books. It is nice to have that break. I will definitively be reading any future books Lila produces. She hasn't let me down yet. I look forward to reading How it Rolls (Falcon's story). I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great love story without the drama!!!!!
August 18, 2013
It seems like almost everyone loved this book. I didn't. It started out sweet enough with both characters falling for each other. And I liked Nellie as well as Owen, they were both good characters. And Owen's family was a joy, Nellie's not so much. All this I liked. What bothered me was that everything was happening so fast. They fell in love, they said 'I love you' after a week, they got engaged shortly after that etc. Everything was going super fast and with their similar backgrounds I expected both of them to be more guarded. The whole book was too lovey dovey for me and not much happened. Everything was ok, there was a bit drama at the end and then we were back to the lovey dovey part. It was nice and it was lovely, yes, but I wanted more.
September 10, 2013
Got it for free on kindle. Some glaring editorial errors. Overall a fairly well done self published piece. It definitely could have used some editing for grammar and story flow. That said it was interesting enough to keep me going.
March 1, 2013
test
July 26, 2016
DNF,rather boring
March 24, 2019
2,5 stars
November 12, 2012
Both Owen and Nellie have been hurt by someone they cared very deeply for. And each carry the hurt still years later. But getting past that hurt will be harder on one more than the other. Dive in and see a beautiful relationship tested over a short time. Dive in and see if true love really does conquer all. Dive in and fall head over heels in love with these amazing characters Felix has brought to life.
If I am ever granted 3 magical wishes in my life...I know that one of them will be to have more time so I can reread certain books. Ever since I started blogging and reviewing finding that time is but a far off dream. But if I do...Love and Skate is definitely the top book I will want to reread.
Lately I have been finding myself wanting to read contemporary fiction more and more, a genre that I really never cared for until recently. Love and Skate is a perfect example of why I want to read more of it. Felix is not afraid to send her beloved characters through the ringer before they find their happiness.
I have said it before, that Felix knows what the reader wants when it comes to romance and she delivers it with perfect execution in her books. If given the time I could go on and on about how much I adore the romance that flows perfectly through the story. With each book, her writing and storytelling has gotten better and better. And with each book I am more in awe of her as an author.
The relationship between Owen and Nellie is charming and so unbelievably cute. Felix really did a great job giving the readers some awesome characters that become like a 2nd family to you. Felix is kinda fabulous in that regard. How does she do it? What is her secret? I don’t know…but she better never stop.
Go read Love and Skate. Then try to tell me you didn't love it. Cause I will promise you...you are gonna love it!
Fav scene..
I put my arm under her head and grabbed the back of her thigh to move her even closer as gently as possible. Just hours ago I would’ve given anything to have my hand on her thigh but this was not sexy. This was making sure that if she was cold, I would warm her. If she was in pain, I would ease her. And if her heart ached, I would mend her. Somehow the things that I could do for her were just the things that she needed. She could’ve found them anywhere but she chose to seek them in me.
SEE! Swoony romance! Owen= sexiness!
If I am ever granted 3 magical wishes in my life...I know that one of them will be to have more time so I can reread certain books. Ever since I started blogging and reviewing finding that time is but a far off dream. But if I do...Love and Skate is definitely the top book I will want to reread.
Lately I have been finding myself wanting to read contemporary fiction more and more, a genre that I really never cared for until recently. Love and Skate is a perfect example of why I want to read more of it. Felix is not afraid to send her beloved characters through the ringer before they find their happiness.
I have said it before, that Felix knows what the reader wants when it comes to romance and she delivers it with perfect execution in her books. If given the time I could go on and on about how much I adore the romance that flows perfectly through the story. With each book, her writing and storytelling has gotten better and better. And with each book I am more in awe of her as an author.
The relationship between Owen and Nellie is charming and so unbelievably cute. Felix really did a great job giving the readers some awesome characters that become like a 2nd family to you. Felix is kinda fabulous in that regard. How does she do it? What is her secret? I don’t know…but she better never stop.
Go read Love and Skate. Then try to tell me you didn't love it. Cause I will promise you...you are gonna love it!
Fav scene..
I put my arm under her head and grabbed the back of her thigh to move her even closer as gently as possible. Just hours ago I would’ve given anything to have my hand on her thigh but this was not sexy. This was making sure that if she was cold, I would warm her. If she was in pain, I would ease her. And if her heart ached, I would mend her. Somehow the things that I could do for her were just the things that she needed. She could’ve found them anywhere but she chose to seek them in me.
SEE! Swoony romance! Owen= sexiness!
March 23, 2013
So, I opened up book one, Love and Skate, wondering what in the world was I going to encounter. I mean, ok, so we have a derby skater...what kind of story am I gonna get??
Well, let me say, it is a mind blowing story. From start to finish, I was captivated by the two main characters, Nellie and Owen, and highly intrigued with secondary characters that really added flair in some interesting scenes.
But, lets focus on the main ones for this point. We start out being introduced to Nellie, our derby skater, who is eccentric, kind, hard-working, and a hard-ass derby girl. And, did I mention she has blue hair?? Yep, she sure does...*chuckles* and she changes the color quite frequently. I actually loved that about her too!! I was always curious as to what was coming next....Anyway, completely staying away from the dating scene from a past relationship of being burned, her life consists of school, work, and practices/bouts.
That all changes with the chance meeting of Owen.
One of the great things about the book is that we get both characters POV. So, being inside both of their heads really give you a chance to connect to both. While reading from Owen's POV, we see how he was already infatuated with Nellie. Just a glimpse of her and BAM, he just had to get to know her...
So, of course, this is a beautiful love story. It is not all bells and whistles...they each have their faults and make mistakes...but watching two people grow and learn...finding strength in themselves to overcome the adversities set before them...I mean, it is just a story that you absolutely fall in love with. It reaches in to your heart, allows you to get carried away in the romance, and ache when things don't go the way they are planned.
I literally couldn't put it down. I was wrapped up in this love affair of real people, who have real issues, and don't fit to the norms of society. It is a book that is now a piece of your soul, that you carry around with you everywhere...feeling that warm emotion when you think about the loving tale of Nellie and Owen...
Highly recommend
www.tsktsjwhattoread2.blogspot.com
Well, let me say, it is a mind blowing story. From start to finish, I was captivated by the two main characters, Nellie and Owen, and highly intrigued with secondary characters that really added flair in some interesting scenes.
But, lets focus on the main ones for this point. We start out being introduced to Nellie, our derby skater, who is eccentric, kind, hard-working, and a hard-ass derby girl. And, did I mention she has blue hair?? Yep, she sure does...*chuckles* and she changes the color quite frequently. I actually loved that about her too!! I was always curious as to what was coming next....Anyway, completely staying away from the dating scene from a past relationship of being burned, her life consists of school, work, and practices/bouts.
That all changes with the chance meeting of Owen.
One of the great things about the book is that we get both characters POV. So, being inside both of their heads really give you a chance to connect to both. While reading from Owen's POV, we see how he was already infatuated with Nellie. Just a glimpse of her and BAM, he just had to get to know her...
So, of course, this is a beautiful love story. It is not all bells and whistles...they each have their faults and make mistakes...but watching two people grow and learn...finding strength in themselves to overcome the adversities set before them...I mean, it is just a story that you absolutely fall in love with. It reaches in to your heart, allows you to get carried away in the romance, and ache when things don't go the way they are planned.
I literally couldn't put it down. I was wrapped up in this love affair of real people, who have real issues, and don't fit to the norms of society. It is a book that is now a piece of your soul, that you carry around with you everywhere...feeling that warm emotion when you think about the loving tale of Nellie and Owen...
Highly recommend
www.tsktsjwhattoread2.blogspot.com
June 11, 2013
2.5 Stars
Pre-Falling in Love Review
“Sorry.”
“For what?” I couldn’t imagine what he was sorry for.
“A girl once told me that the amount of food I ate was sickening.”
“She was nuts. I want some pom-poms so I can cheer you on. It’s mesmerizing.”
Nellie and Owen both believe that they scare off the opposite gender with their tattoos and piercings. Both are crushing on each other before they even meet. I love how cool they play it when they do actually meet. But they also don't waste anytime acknowledging their insta-like. Their besties are pretty lame self-centred daters.
The book has snappy POV switches between Nellie and Owen every couple of pages so I have this urge to format my review in a similar way. Bear with me.
Nellie used to be the straight-laced girl and hated it so now she's let her inner wild child out and does her own thing including different hair colours every month.
Owen is just the opposite. He's had his crazy highschool days and now wants to be responsible.
Nellie is sarcastic and easy to like.
Owen is likeable too. He keeps Nellie's feet warm.
Nellie novelty is that she's team captain of her skate team and she takes her role very seriously.
Owen's is that he eats a lot.
And then they fell in love...
And I just wanted it to end.
It starts out strong, gets a bit sappy as the insta-love kicks in. The “missing u” texts after one week of acquaintance had me gagging. I was glad that there was some tension going on with Nellie's parents or else it would've just turned into a maudlin mooning.
And DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED after they fell in love? (I apologise for being rude with the caps lock, but this was really quite unforgiveable). They lost their personalities. They stopped being Nellie and Owen and just became Ollie, or something. It was all just, “I love him, he loves me. Whatever dearie wants.”.
Pre-Falling in Love Review
“Sorry.”
“For what?” I couldn’t imagine what he was sorry for.
“A girl once told me that the amount of food I ate was sickening.”
“She was nuts. I want some pom-poms so I can cheer you on. It’s mesmerizing.”
Nellie and Owen both believe that they scare off the opposite gender with their tattoos and piercings. Both are crushing on each other before they even meet. I love how cool they play it when they do actually meet. But they also don't waste anytime acknowledging their insta-like. Their besties are pretty lame self-centred daters.
The book has snappy POV switches between Nellie and Owen every couple of pages so I have this urge to format my review in a similar way. Bear with me.
Nellie used to be the straight-laced girl and hated it so now she's let her inner wild child out and does her own thing including different hair colours every month.
Owen is just the opposite. He's had his crazy highschool days and now wants to be responsible.
Nellie is sarcastic and easy to like.
Owen is likeable too. He keeps Nellie's feet warm.
Nellie novelty is that she's team captain of her skate team and she takes her role very seriously.
Owen's is that he eats a lot.
And then they fell in love...
And I just wanted it to end.
It starts out strong, gets a bit sappy as the insta-love kicks in. The “missing u” texts after one week of acquaintance had me gagging. I was glad that there was some tension going on with Nellie's parents or else it would've just turned into a maudlin mooning.
And DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED after they fell in love? (I apologise for being rude with the caps lock, but this was really quite unforgiveable). They lost their personalities. They stopped being Nellie and Owen and just became Ollie, or something. It was all just, “I love him, he loves me. Whatever dearie wants.”.
November 9, 2012
So, I know that y'all have seen my previous post of Lila Felix's other books, Emerge and Perchance, and how much I loved them.When she contacted me about this book I jumped at the chance. However, there is a problem with this book that got me so upset at Lila. I mean really upset! Let me explain: In Emerge she gave us Carlos and in Perchance she gave us Cooper. Now, I was hoping to "downsize" my Fictional Boyfriend list. Well, HOLY STARS Lila did not help with this goal of mine. Because she wrote this amazing story and introduced me to Owen!! I swear Lila has such talented for writing amazing fictional boyfriend.
Best part of the book: I love the whole story. This is a very different read but with a great love story. On the outside Nellie looks tough, with her blue hair, piercings and being a roller derby player. However, she is not that girl at all. She is sweet, kind and loves her friends. The one thing that is missing is a boyfriend. ENTER OWEN!! Oh, sexy, yummy OWEN!! I just love a fictional man with tattoos and so sweet. Owen and Nellie both have a a lot of sadness in their past but still are both so kind. You can really tell they love and care for each other. There are times when the past is too much.
Not so great part of the book: *stomps foot* *crosses arms* *pouts* LILA MADE ME CRY! Right in the middle of my office at work. I couldn't stop the tears! Lila put a twist in the story I didn't see coming and I just busted into tears. Just another reason why I should be upset with her! (I'm not really upset with her! She is an awesome person)
IN ALL SERIOUSNESS: This is a fantasic read and Lila Felix is such an talented and amazing story. You will love this book and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
Best part of the book: I love the whole story. This is a very different read but with a great love story. On the outside Nellie looks tough, with her blue hair, piercings and being a roller derby player. However, she is not that girl at all. She is sweet, kind and loves her friends. The one thing that is missing is a boyfriend. ENTER OWEN!! Oh, sexy, yummy OWEN!! I just love a fictional man with tattoos and so sweet. Owen and Nellie both have a a lot of sadness in their past but still are both so kind. You can really tell they love and care for each other. There are times when the past is too much.
Not so great part of the book: *stomps foot* *crosses arms* *pouts* LILA MADE ME CRY! Right in the middle of my office at work. I couldn't stop the tears! Lila put a twist in the story I didn't see coming and I just busted into tears. Just another reason why I should be upset with her! (I'm not really upset with her! She is an awesome person)
IN ALL SERIOUSNESS: This is a fantasic read and Lila Felix is such an talented and amazing story. You will love this book and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
February 9, 2014
Im really not sure how I feel about this book. It started out great. The characters introduced were interesting & at first I thought we were building up to something great.
But I felt like the story didn't go anywhere. It was pretty much a book about two people who insta-loved each other in a week's time, while the male protagonist agonized over his bad breakup & resulting "bad" past... it was all so trite.
Yes, I just used the word trite.
As far as female leads go, Nellie was ok. Cute, quirky, sweet, caring & softhearted, bluh bluh bluh.... True I loved her crazy hair colors & spider bite piercings but that doesn't dim the fact that Nellie's character felt weak to me.
Owen was also ok. I didn't like him as much as I would have liked. He was such a whiner. I just didn't understand why he was ashamed about his past. My standard of fucking up must be off because Owen didn't even graze the bar of "shameful things done in life".
Romance wise, things started off cute, I couldn't stop smiling when Nellie saw Owen at the diner & tried so hard to get his attention.
While we are on the subject of the diner -
These two ate a lot of freaking food!that was all they did!! I would have liked to see them do something together other then eat... Things just got really cheesy & drug out...
But it was a cute story. There really isn't much more to say about it. There was nothing great about this book & the characters kind of fell flat for me. 2 Stars.
This book was part of my Rainbow Challenge - February Pink
But I felt like the story didn't go anywhere. It was pretty much a book about two people who insta-loved each other in a week's time, while the male protagonist agonized over his bad breakup & resulting "bad" past... it was all so trite.
Yes, I just used the word trite.
As far as female leads go, Nellie was ok. Cute, quirky, sweet, caring & softhearted, bluh bluh bluh.... True I loved her crazy hair colors & spider bite piercings but that doesn't dim the fact that Nellie's character felt weak to me.
Owen was also ok. I didn't like him as much as I would have liked. He was such a whiner. I just didn't understand why he was ashamed about his past. My standard of fucking up must be off because Owen didn't even graze the bar of "shameful things done in life".
Romance wise, things started off cute, I couldn't stop smiling when Nellie saw Owen at the diner & tried so hard to get his attention.
While we are on the subject of the diner -
These two ate a lot of freaking food!that was all they did!! I would have liked to see them do something together other then eat... Things just got really cheesy & drug out...
But it was a cute story. There really isn't much more to say about it. There was nothing great about this book & the characters kind of fell flat for me. 2 Stars.
This book was part of my Rainbow Challenge - February Pink
March 1, 2013
I actually enjoyed this one. There was no huge dramabut I felt it was a simple cute love story.
Owen and Nellie both had come from bad relationships, they were both betrayed by there best friend and there boyfriend/girlfriend. They find it hard to trust and he strongly believes she deserves someone better
AS MUCH AS I NEEDED TO STOP TOUCHING HER, I COULDN'T. AND AS MUCH AS I NEEDED TO LEAVE HER ALONE AND LET HER FIND SOMEONE GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER,I WOULDN'T.SHE DESERVES SO MUCH MORE, BUT THE THOUGHT OF SOME OTHER GUYS HANDS ON HER WAS CRIPPLING.-owen
but somehow around each other they found a connection they couldn't deny and hit it off right away. They admit there pasts and insecurities and try to get past them. He even asks her to be his wife. Unfortunately a friend of Nellies just so happened to be Owens ex best friend who fucked him over, and Owens insecurities resurface and he kinda loses it and in the process loses Nellie. but luckily everything happens for a reason
BUT SOMETIMES THINGS MUST BE BROKEN AND PUT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.
and through it all they make there love and relationship work!
"THE FIRST TIME I PROPOSED WE WERE IN YOUR BED, THE SECOND TIME IN FRONT OF MY FAMILY AND THIS TIME, ITS JUST ME AND YOU AGAIN. I HURT YOU ONCE, BROKE YOUR HEART. ILL SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE TRYING TO FIX IT. WILL YOU MARRY ME, TAKE A CHANCE ON ME AGAIN?"-owen
Owen and Nellie both had come from bad relationships, they were both betrayed by there best friend and there boyfriend/girlfriend. They find it hard to trust and he strongly believes she deserves someone better
AS MUCH AS I NEEDED TO STOP TOUCHING HER, I COULDN'T. AND AS MUCH AS I NEEDED TO LEAVE HER ALONE AND LET HER FIND SOMEONE GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER,I WOULDN'T.SHE DESERVES SO MUCH MORE, BUT THE THOUGHT OF SOME OTHER GUYS HANDS ON HER WAS CRIPPLING.-owen
but somehow around each other they found a connection they couldn't deny and hit it off right away. They admit there pasts and insecurities and try to get past them. He even asks her to be his wife. Unfortunately a friend of Nellies just so happened to be Owens ex best friend who fucked him over, and Owens insecurities resurface and he kinda loses it and in the process loses Nellie. but luckily everything happens for a reason
BUT SOMETIMES THINGS MUST BE BROKEN AND PUT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.
and through it all they make there love and relationship work!
"THE FIRST TIME I PROPOSED WE WERE IN YOUR BED, THE SECOND TIME IN FRONT OF MY FAMILY AND THIS TIME, ITS JUST ME AND YOU AGAIN. I HURT YOU ONCE, BROKE YOUR HEART. ILL SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE TRYING TO FIX IT. WILL YOU MARRY ME, TAKE A CHANCE ON ME AGAIN?"-owen
March 28, 2013
What a refreshingly sweet, romantic story.
This NA novel about college students, Nellie and Owen, is like wussy coffee- light and sweet. I found the simple, clean (but not the lame kind of clean where there's no heat at all) and romantic storyline quite refreshing. However, I ultimately felt deprived of the character depth and plot complexity I need in my usual reading fare, so I won't be moving on to the second one in spite of how cool I think Falcon's name is. That said, I think I would have adored these books when I was younger, like high school age.
I'm pretty sure I would have gobbled them up like so much Pop Rocks and McRibs.
If you are a young reader who adores feel-good stories about falling in love and you don't feel like dealing with too much emo-drama, this little gem is for you. Its not a total cake walk- there's a little conflict that shows up, but its pretty tame (in fact its so tame that its hard to believe it would cause any conflict at all, which was a bit irritating).
My only other complaint is that this book takes the easy route for just about everything: Nellie's parents are like bad guy wallpaper, her boss makes an extraordinarily benevolent gesture that would never, ever happen in real life and the hero is too good to be true. Really.)
This NA novel about college students, Nellie and Owen, is like wussy coffee- light and sweet. I found the simple, clean (but not the lame kind of clean where there's no heat at all) and romantic storyline quite refreshing. However, I ultimately felt deprived of the character depth and plot complexity I need in my usual reading fare, so I won't be moving on to the second one in spite of how cool I think Falcon's name is. That said, I think I would have adored these books when I was younger, like high school age.
I'm pretty sure I would have gobbled them up like so much Pop Rocks and McRibs.
If you are a young reader who adores feel-good stories about falling in love and you don't feel like dealing with too much emo-drama, this little gem is for you. Its not a total cake walk- there's a little conflict that shows up, but its pretty tame (in fact its so tame that its hard to believe it would cause any conflict at all, which was a bit irritating).
My only other complaint is that this book takes the easy route for just about everything: Nellie's parents are like bad guy wallpaper, her boss makes an extraordinarily benevolent gesture that would never, ever happen in real life and the hero is too good to be true. Really.)
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