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Woodlands #1
Undeclared
For four years, Grace Sullivan wrote to a Marine she never met, and fell in love. But when his deployment ended, so did the letters. Ever since that day, Grace has been coasting, academically and emotionally. The one thing she’s decided? No way is Noah Jackson — or any man — ever going to break her heart again.
Noah has always known exactly what he wants out of life. Success. Stability. Control. That’s why he joined the Marines and that’s why he’s fighting his way — literally — through college. Now that he’s got the rest of his life on track, he has one last conquest: Grace Sullivan. But since he was the one who stopped writing, he knows that winning her back will be his biggest battle yet.
Noah has always known exactly what he wants out of life. Success. Stability. Control. That’s why he joined the Marines and that’s why he’s fighting his way — literally — through college. Now that he’s got the rest of his life on track, he has one last conquest: Grace Sullivan. But since he was the one who stopped writing, he knows that winning her back will be his biggest battle yet.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2013
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July 10, 2016
I listened to the Audible version of this book and found it to be quite an enjoyable way to spend my daily commute. Centered on a college-aged heroine, Grace, the story was sweet and innocent in many ways, but it didn't have that immature, melodramatic feel that many YA/NA books do. Granted, Grace was young, so expect the typical college experience to be detailed with lots of drinking, classes and boys. However, I think this author did a good job of pulling it off without driving adult readers crazy.
The hero, Noah, was an all-around nice guy. Grace was in high school when she began writing to Noah as part of a school assignment. Noah was a Marine, deployed to Afghanistan at the time. The two corresponded for three years, eventually falling in love.
Then, when Noah returned to the US, he abruptly ended his relationship with Grace. He said some cruel things that were guaranteed to wreck their relationship and crush Grace. Needless to say, he succeeded and Grace was left heartbroken.
Fast forward a couple of years and Grace is in college. It is clear that she's never really moved past her feelings for Noah, but she's going through the motions. She finds herself constantly looking for him everywhere she goes.
One day, Noah actually appears. While Grace's hopes have been realized, she is reluctant to trust Noah again. Fearing she'll only be devastated again when he leaves, she tries to keep him at arms length and not get too emotionally involved.
Noah has spent their time apart getting his head screwed on straight. His life is heading in the direction he wants. The only thing missing is Grace.
Regardless of what he said, he loved Grace and never stopped. He knows that he's going to have to work hard to get back in her good graces after what he did, but he's willing to put the work in. Slowly but surely, he integrates himself into her life and begins chipping away at the wall she's built around her heart.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet story. There was just enough conflict to keep me interested, without making me want to roll my eyes. The storyline moved along at a slow and steady pace and I enjoyed "watching" their relationship progress. Flashbacks to their past correspondence at key points, helped to give a full understanding of the intimacy between these two and the harsh betrayal that followed.
The narration was well-done and I found this to be a good audiobook choice. As a whole, I thought this was a great read. If you're looking for a heartwarming story with a satisfying conclusion, this is a good choice.
The hero, Noah, was an all-around nice guy. Grace was in high school when she began writing to Noah as part of a school assignment. Noah was a Marine, deployed to Afghanistan at the time. The two corresponded for three years, eventually falling in love.
Then, when Noah returned to the US, he abruptly ended his relationship with Grace. He said some cruel things that were guaranteed to wreck their relationship and crush Grace. Needless to say, he succeeded and Grace was left heartbroken.
Fast forward a couple of years and Grace is in college. It is clear that she's never really moved past her feelings for Noah, but she's going through the motions. She finds herself constantly looking for him everywhere she goes.
One day, Noah actually appears. While Grace's hopes have been realized, she is reluctant to trust Noah again. Fearing she'll only be devastated again when he leaves, she tries to keep him at arms length and not get too emotionally involved.
Noah has spent their time apart getting his head screwed on straight. His life is heading in the direction he wants. The only thing missing is Grace.
Regardless of what he said, he loved Grace and never stopped. He knows that he's going to have to work hard to get back in her good graces after what he did, but he's willing to put the work in. Slowly but surely, he integrates himself into her life and begins chipping away at the wall she's built around her heart.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet story. There was just enough conflict to keep me interested, without making me want to roll my eyes. The storyline moved along at a slow and steady pace and I enjoyed "watching" their relationship progress. Flashbacks to their past correspondence at key points, helped to give a full understanding of the intimacy between these two and the harsh betrayal that followed.
The narration was well-done and I found this to be a good audiobook choice. As a whole, I thought this was a great read. If you're looking for a heartwarming story with a satisfying conclusion, this is a good choice.
April 17, 2014
1 Star
I don’t even know where to start with this one. The blurb seemed promising. A love story that started without the protagonist knowing each other, just with letters to a marine during war, until he stops writing back. And when he returns the fight for a second change. It had everything to be a great book, unfortunately… it wasn’t.
First, it was Grace. She was immature, whinny and basically all her life resumed at attending classes she wouldn’t care about, go to parties and get drunk, get insecure with everything and cry all the time. I couldn’t like her not even a bit.
Then it was Noah. Even when the girl annoys me, I almost always like the guy. In this case he was indifferent to me. I couldn’t connect with him, with them as couple and I couldn’t find any realism or appeal to their story.
The supportive characters didn’t bring anything new to the story, all of their interactions seemed too forced and too unrealistic and I found myself losing interest very quickly.
I always try to start a book with no expectations (I don’t always succeed.), so I don’t be unfairly disappointed. And I read the whole book waiting for the moment when it would finally get better and that never happened. Even the end was disappointing, after everything I was expecting it to be so much more.
I won’t say “don’t read it”, because you may like it but for me it was bad. I have an almost infinite list of books I want to read and little time to do it, so when I found myself wanting to skip some parts because I really didn’t care I realized, that this wasn’t for me. So, this series are done for me. But if you want to read them, I hope you enjoy it ;)
I don’t even know where to start with this one. The blurb seemed promising. A love story that started without the protagonist knowing each other, just with letters to a marine during war, until he stops writing back. And when he returns the fight for a second change. It had everything to be a great book, unfortunately… it wasn’t.
First, it was Grace. She was immature, whinny and basically all her life resumed at attending classes she wouldn’t care about, go to parties and get drunk, get insecure with everything and cry all the time. I couldn’t like her not even a bit.
Then it was Noah. Even when the girl annoys me, I almost always like the guy. In this case he was indifferent to me. I couldn’t connect with him, with them as couple and I couldn’t find any realism or appeal to their story.
The supportive characters didn’t bring anything new to the story, all of their interactions seemed too forced and too unrealistic and I found myself losing interest very quickly.
I always try to start a book with no expectations (I don’t always succeed.), so I don’t be unfairly disappointed. And I read the whole book waiting for the moment when it would finally get better and that never happened. Even the end was disappointing, after everything I was expecting it to be so much more.
I won’t say “don’t read it”, because you may like it but for me it was bad. I have an almost infinite list of books I want to read and little time to do it, so when I found myself wanting to skip some parts because I really didn’t care I realized, that this wasn’t for me. So, this series are done for me. But if you want to read them, I hope you enjoy it ;)
consider-later
March 29, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (3/28/2015)
BLURB:
For four years, Grace Sullivan wrote to a Marine she never met, and fell in love. But when his deployment ended, so did the letters. Ever since that day, Grace has been coasting, academically and emotionally. The one thing she’s decided? No way is Noah Jackson — or any man — ever going to break her heart again.
Noah has always known exactly what he wants out of life. Success. Stability. Control. That’s why he joined the Marines and that’s why he’s fighting his way — literally — through college. Now that he’s got the rest of his life on track, he has one last conquest: Grace Sullivan. But since he was the one who stopped writing, he knows that winning her back will be his biggest battle yet.
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May 1, 2013
ARC provided by author for an honest review
5 stars!!!
I really enjoyed this reading book. When I read the blurb the first thing that stood out for me was MARINE. Lol! I'm a sucker for a man in uniform!
Grace writes to Noah a marine she's never met as part of a school assignment. This was so cute because they literally sent each other letters via post. In the beginning the letters were quite innocent, but they slowly started becoming a ray of light for Noah and Grace and they fell in love. But unfortunately they lost contact because of demons from Noah's past. Yes people a tortured hero! Grace is devastated when she doesn't hear from Noah for almost two years.
But fate has a way of working its way into our lives and Grace and Noah see each other again in college. At first Grace doesn't believe it's him, at this point I was groaning in frustration. My internal dialogue was "Grace wake the hell up, it's Noah dammit!" But when she does realize it's him she avoids him like the plague!
But never fear Noah won't have any of that and begins to pursue her relentlessly. And boy is Noah relentless! The words that came out of his mouth had me fanning myself!
"I'd like to lay you across this table and eat you out and I don't care if the entire bar watches."
Oh my!!! Not only is Noah a Marine but he's also a fighter. When I read that, Noah's hotness skyrocketed for me! I don't know about you but reading about a hot muscly man who's a marine aaaand a mixed martial arts fighter had me in seventh heaven!
"There was only one acceptable act after fighting and that was fucking. If I didn't get Grace alone for a minute I was going to explode"
Whew!!! See what I mean! Grace was swooning and I was swooning along with her! Although Noah has this gruff and rugged exterior he is the sweetest boyfriend ever, taking care of Grace and always there for her. Sigh! But he was also possessive of her letting everyone know that she was his!
"I bent down and instead of kissing her lips, I pulled her hair aside ,exposing her neck and pressed a hot wet bite to the soft flesh right above her shoulder. Her breath hitched in surprise. I didn't even raise my head but turned my face slightly so I could could look at the guy with challenge in my eyes. She's mine I told him silently."
Yep! I was in heaven! Their relationship isn't an easy one and honestly I don't want to give the entire story away but in the end love conquers all! And now I wait in anticipation for Bo's story! Yes people there's more! Another marine to be exact! Just read it!
5 stars!!!
I really enjoyed this reading book. When I read the blurb the first thing that stood out for me was MARINE. Lol! I'm a sucker for a man in uniform!
Grace writes to Noah a marine she's never met as part of a school assignment. This was so cute because they literally sent each other letters via post. In the beginning the letters were quite innocent, but they slowly started becoming a ray of light for Noah and Grace and they fell in love. But unfortunately they lost contact because of demons from Noah's past. Yes people a tortured hero! Grace is devastated when she doesn't hear from Noah for almost two years.
But fate has a way of working its way into our lives and Grace and Noah see each other again in college. At first Grace doesn't believe it's him, at this point I was groaning in frustration. My internal dialogue was "Grace wake the hell up, it's Noah dammit!" But when she does realize it's him she avoids him like the plague!
But never fear Noah won't have any of that and begins to pursue her relentlessly. And boy is Noah relentless! The words that came out of his mouth had me fanning myself!
"I'd like to lay you across this table and eat you out and I don't care if the entire bar watches."
Oh my!!! Not only is Noah a Marine but he's also a fighter. When I read that, Noah's hotness skyrocketed for me! I don't know about you but reading about a hot muscly man who's a marine aaaand a mixed martial arts fighter had me in seventh heaven!
"There was only one acceptable act after fighting and that was fucking. If I didn't get Grace alone for a minute I was going to explode"
Whew!!! See what I mean! Grace was swooning and I was swooning along with her! Although Noah has this gruff and rugged exterior he is the sweetest boyfriend ever, taking care of Grace and always there for her. Sigh! But he was also possessive of her letting everyone know that she was his!
"I bent down and instead of kissing her lips, I pulled her hair aside ,exposing her neck and pressed a hot wet bite to the soft flesh right above her shoulder. Her breath hitched in surprise. I didn't even raise my head but turned my face slightly so I could could look at the guy with challenge in my eyes. She's mine I told him silently."
Yep! I was in heaven! Their relationship isn't an easy one and honestly I don't want to give the entire story away but in the end love conquers all! And now I wait in anticipation for Bo's story! Yes people there's more! Another marine to be exact! Just read it!
July 12, 2016
Undeclared is a sublime read. Jen Frederick did a heartwarming job penning letters between a high school student and a Marine.
Normally you’d think Dear John letters goes to the man but in this case a Dear Jane sets everything into motion.
Simply fantastic, innocent, flirty, funny and cute! Yeahhhh its one of those books that will leave you feeling good. At times I laughed because of all the playful banter and silliness, other times I was ready to throat punch a few characters. Five stars!
Normally you’d think Dear John letters goes to the man but in this case a Dear Jane sets everything into motion.
Simply fantastic, innocent, flirty, funny and cute! Yeahhhh its one of those books that will leave you feeling good. At times I laughed because of all the playful banter and silliness, other times I was ready to throat punch a few characters. Five stars!
August 20, 2013
What I liked about this book:
1. The letters at the beginning of most of the chapters. I felt like Noah was this real solider in Afghan writing home to Grace.
2. The friendship Noah and Grace built up before they started a relationship.
3. Noah only had eyes and feelings for Grace.
4. Noah was many of firsts for Grace.
5. I loved Noah's friends/roommates. Especially his friend Bo.
6. Dual P.O.V's
7. The concept of this story line.
8. H.E.A.
9. The humor in this book.
10. No cliffhanger.
11. Military aspect in the story.
This was a sweet book of first loves for Noah and Grace. They met through a writing project when Grace was in High School. She wrote to him faithfully for 4 years. She supplied Noah and his buddies with many care packages. She was always loyal and someone Noah learned he could trust and depend on. Essentially, they became each others best friend outside of their own close friends, his friend from school and her cousin.
Noah gets out of the service and friend zone's her and they don't speak for a couple of years. Now he's got his act together and he's made his way to her. Noah may have his act together, knows what he wants, and has a future all mapped out but the only uncertainty of his whole plan is Grace. Grace is undeclared in many ways in her life. In her school major, who she is as an artist, her future and just life in general. Noah's about to reappear and change her world for the better. Can she trust him again to not break her heart in to shattered pieces? Noah has his work cut out for him, he needs to fight for her and win her back in every way that counts: trust, love, friendship...and mainly her heart.
Look for book 2 coming out in September 2013:
about Bo. Content:language, drinking, and sexual situations.
June 24, 2013
"Do you think magnetic polarity can be reversed?"
"Magnets can be reversed. But, for some, their attraction is so strong that they can't be kept apart."
No, this book wasn't really like the Dear John, I mean it had some similarities but it wasn't exactly the same. But I have to admit in the very beginning it had the most similarities and it reminded me of these characters and after that they just stuck in my head. SO, I went with it....
Grace Sullivan was required her freshman year in high school to write a letter to a Marine in Afganistan. After that first letter, Noah and Grace exchanged letters back and forth every month for four years. They had confided in each other about things they had never told anyone else ever making them extremely close. But when Grace wrote Noah they should meet when he got out he sent her a Dear John letter telling her that he didn't think that was the best idea and that he really only looked at her in a brotherly way. Two years have passed and Grace is still thinking about Noah. She had been heart broken by his denial and still not completely over it even thinking she may one day run into him at college, no matter how far fetched that may seem.
"You had a chance. You had two years of chances. i don't know why you're here, but it has nothing to do with me."
"It has everything to do with you."
Noah knows that winning Grace back probably won't be a very easy feat, but after writing her that letter two years ago he has thought of nothing but making something out of his self, saving money, and getting into Central college so he can meet Grace and win her heart. He's been here a while but still hasn't got up the nerve to actually come face to face with her but knows where she lives, what classes she taking, and actually her whole schedule all together. When he finally gets up the nerve, Grace is caught by surprise and turns and bolts. Not the exact response he was wanting but he knew after the letter she probably wouldn't be as accepting of him at first. He's willing to fight now harder than ever for what he wants.
"I missed you, Grace. More than you will ever know."
I really think I could go on and on about this book but this is a basic summary of it. It was a really good read. I would sort of describe it as Dear John meets Beautiful Disaster. What I mean is after the letter writing situation it sorta turns all about Noah working on his fighting career while Grace is working out her photography career. They went to a underground fight that really reminded me of Travis and maybe that's where I get that description.
"I'll take care of you."
"I know you will. I trust you."
"You won't regret that."
I loved Noah. He knew what he wanted and went for it guns blazing. Even when he wanted more but Grace kept telling him they could only ever be friends he wasn't deterred and even went on a "double date" with her so he could help her out as friends. Such a sweet guy. Grace was fairly likeable. Toward the end when she pulled her little stunt I will say I really wanted to slap some sense into her. Her insecurities got the best of her and she needed to take a look at what Noah had done to be with her.
I'll admit, there were a few slow parts for me. But, I can't wait for the next book it's supposed to be out in September and it is Bo's. I'm always a sucker for a book about a man-whore who falls in love. :)
"Magnets can be reversed. But, for some, their attraction is so strong that they can't be kept apart."
No, this book wasn't really like the Dear John, I mean it had some similarities but it wasn't exactly the same. But I have to admit in the very beginning it had the most similarities and it reminded me of these characters and after that they just stuck in my head. SO, I went with it....
Grace Sullivan was required her freshman year in high school to write a letter to a Marine in Afganistan. After that first letter, Noah and Grace exchanged letters back and forth every month for four years. They had confided in each other about things they had never told anyone else ever making them extremely close. But when Grace wrote Noah they should meet when he got out he sent her a Dear John letter telling her that he didn't think that was the best idea and that he really only looked at her in a brotherly way. Two years have passed and Grace is still thinking about Noah. She had been heart broken by his denial and still not completely over it even thinking she may one day run into him at college, no matter how far fetched that may seem.
"You had a chance. You had two years of chances. i don't know why you're here, but it has nothing to do with me."
"It has everything to do with you."
Noah knows that winning Grace back probably won't be a very easy feat, but after writing her that letter two years ago he has thought of nothing but making something out of his self, saving money, and getting into Central college so he can meet Grace and win her heart. He's been here a while but still hasn't got up the nerve to actually come face to face with her but knows where she lives, what classes she taking, and actually her whole schedule all together. When he finally gets up the nerve, Grace is caught by surprise and turns and bolts. Not the exact response he was wanting but he knew after the letter she probably wouldn't be as accepting of him at first. He's willing to fight now harder than ever for what he wants.
"I missed you, Grace. More than you will ever know."
I really think I could go on and on about this book but this is a basic summary of it. It was a really good read. I would sort of describe it as Dear John meets Beautiful Disaster. What I mean is after the letter writing situation it sorta turns all about Noah working on his fighting career while Grace is working out her photography career. They went to a underground fight that really reminded me of Travis and maybe that's where I get that description.
"I'll take care of you."
"I know you will. I trust you."
"You won't regret that."
I loved Noah. He knew what he wanted and went for it guns blazing. Even when he wanted more but Grace kept telling him they could only ever be friends he wasn't deterred and even went on a "double date" with her so he could help her out as friends. Such a sweet guy. Grace was fairly likeable. Toward the end when she pulled her little stunt I will say I really wanted to slap some sense into her. Her insecurities got the best of her and she needed to take a look at what Noah had done to be with her.
I'll admit, there were a few slow parts for me. But, I can't wait for the next book it's supposed to be out in September and it is Bo's. I'm always a sucker for a book about a man-whore who falls in love. :)
July 4, 2016
This was another audio read…yes, I’m hooked. It was a sweet read, with the relationship between Grace Sullivan and Noah Jackson blossoming from the old fashioned writing of letters. How retro and so perfect! I still love getting a handwritten letter or a card. It just seems to hold so much more meaning, especially in this digital age. Grace starts writing to Noah as a high school assignment, becoming a pen pal to a military man. Noah’s a marine - enough said :)
This was a second chance love. Although their first round was through words, hopes and dreams, which were dashed when reality and darkness from Noah’s time away causes him to flee with a lame and hurtful excuse. Noah gets his act together and seeks out Grace. At this point, Grace is hurt and fearful and does everything to avoid Noah at every turn. His pursuit of Grace is tenacious and sweet. Noah is a gentleman through and through despite his rough exterior. I was weak kneed and gaga for him in no time at all. Really enjoyed this!
May 1, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
Story Rating 4 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Hero Rating 5 Stars
Heroine Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 3 Stars
Overall Rating 4 Stars
What a wonderful and sweet story
WOW! This was not my usual read, but you know what? I REALLYenjoyed this book and I'm very glad that I read it.
Jen Frederick did a wonderful job with this story; it captured me immediately and kept me interested all the way through. I liked that the author wrote the POV’s from both of the main characters, Grace and Noah.
This story begins with Noah in the Marines and Grace in high school. One of her assignments is to write a letter to a Marine and Noah is the recipient of her letter. They continue to write each other for the next 4 years and Grace also sends Noah care packages, which were greatly appreciated by Noah and his buddies. When Noah’s tour of duty is done, he comes back to the states and ends things with Grace, which breaks her heart. Noah has his reasons and eventually we find out why as the story moves along. Grace is devastated when Noah writes her, tells her he just wants to be friends and not pursue a relationship with her. She fell hard for him and the hope that they could be together kept her from bothering with any other guys.
Two years pass and Noah finally feels he is ready to face Grace and try for a relationship with her, so he enrolls in the same college as her. This is where the story really begins. Noah ever so slowly gets Grace to forgive him and through their friendship he is able to get closer to her. This was such a sweet romance and I loved reading how these two finally formed a relationship.
I enjoyed reading the letters that were sent to Grace while Noah was in the Marines. They were placed here and there throughout the book and added that little something extra to make this story very special. It was interesting reading about the everyday life at college and the party's that go on and how Noah made money fighting. Grace was into photography and we got a peek into that part of her life. These things really added up, making the story and the characters unique.
We also got to meet quite a few of Grace's and Noah's friends. This host of secondary characters, were all written very well and added another layer of depth to the story.
The heat level was lower than what I normally like in my reads, but there was some excellent sexual tension going on. I was so ready for these two to hit the sheets and when they did it was VERY SENSUAL! I'm glad the story took a slower path to intimacy, and that Noah took his time and made sure that Grace was ready to take their relationship to the next level. Noah was the perfect hero for Grace.
The ending was not what I was hoping for, not that it was a bad, I just wanted a bit more. I have a feeling it was done that way, because Noah and Grace will be a huge part of the next book, or at least that’s what I’m anticipating. The next book, Unspoken, is about Noah's best friend Bo and his book will be released in September 2013, and I will definitely be reading it.
*Arc provided by the author for an honest review*
Story Rating 4 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Hero Rating 5 Stars
Heroine Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 3 Stars
Overall Rating 4 Stars
What a wonderful and sweet story
WOW! This was not my usual read, but you know what? I REALLYenjoyed this book and I'm very glad that I read it.
Jen Frederick did a wonderful job with this story; it captured me immediately and kept me interested all the way through. I liked that the author wrote the POV’s from both of the main characters, Grace and Noah.
This story begins with Noah in the Marines and Grace in high school. One of her assignments is to write a letter to a Marine and Noah is the recipient of her letter. They continue to write each other for the next 4 years and Grace also sends Noah care packages, which were greatly appreciated by Noah and his buddies. When Noah’s tour of duty is done, he comes back to the states and ends things with Grace, which breaks her heart. Noah has his reasons and eventually we find out why as the story moves along. Grace is devastated when Noah writes her, tells her he just wants to be friends and not pursue a relationship with her. She fell hard for him and the hope that they could be together kept her from bothering with any other guys.
Two years pass and Noah finally feels he is ready to face Grace and try for a relationship with her, so he enrolls in the same college as her. This is where the story really begins. Noah ever so slowly gets Grace to forgive him and through their friendship he is able to get closer to her. This was such a sweet romance and I loved reading how these two finally formed a relationship.
I enjoyed reading the letters that were sent to Grace while Noah was in the Marines. They were placed here and there throughout the book and added that little something extra to make this story very special. It was interesting reading about the everyday life at college and the party's that go on and how Noah made money fighting. Grace was into photography and we got a peek into that part of her life. These things really added up, making the story and the characters unique.
We also got to meet quite a few of Grace's and Noah's friends. This host of secondary characters, were all written very well and added another layer of depth to the story.
The heat level was lower than what I normally like in my reads, but there was some excellent sexual tension going on. I was so ready for these two to hit the sheets and when they did it was VERY SENSUAL! I'm glad the story took a slower path to intimacy, and that Noah took his time and made sure that Grace was ready to take their relationship to the next level. Noah was the perfect hero for Grace.
The ending was not what I was hoping for, not that it was a bad, I just wanted a bit more. I have a feeling it was done that way, because Noah and Grace will be a huge part of the next book, or at least that’s what I’m anticipating. The next book, Unspoken, is about Noah's best friend Bo and his book will be released in September 2013, and I will definitely be reading it.
*Arc provided by the author for an honest review*
May 3, 2013
As a high school freshman, Grace starts writing to a Marine as part of a school assignment. Her and Noah end up exchanging letters for four full years, way beyond the assignment that initiated their friendship. During those years, they become extremely important to each other. Grace is Noah’s support and really helps get him through his time in Afghanistan. When Noah all of a sudden sends Grace a “Dear Jane” type letter telling her is only interested in being friends, it ruins all their plans for seeing each other someday soon.
After not speaking for over a year, Grace is going to college and trying to live a normal life. When she starts seeing a man who she thinks looks like Noah, all her emotions and loss come rushing back. Noah has come to find her and try and win her heart, but he soon finds out that might not be so easy.
This book is told in both Noah and Grace’s POV. As the story progresses we get letters from the past back and forth between the two. The reasons behind why Noah broke off contact with Grace are revealed. The issues seemed a little anticlimactic and it might have been because I wasn't super connected to the characters.
I had this idea that the letters and that part of the story would be really romantic, but it wasn't. The friendship is really the focus of their past and there's a trust and connection built. I was a bit disappointed that the romance wasn't there like I thought (through the letters). It does come later, don't worry, there are steamy scenes and everything! Either way I enjoyed their relationship building, but it felt lacking.
I really liked that throughout the story there is a theme of self discovery and the dealing with struggles of deciding what to do with your future. Taking risks, putting yourself out there, and the possibility of failures plague the characters. The excitement I felt from the blurb just didn't carry through as I read. The premise was promising, but I wish that execution had been a bit better, it just wasn't what I thought it would be.
“The Marines had made me a man but Grace had made me human. No matter what I told her in my letters, she accepted it and wrote me back something funny or sweet. She made me realize I could have more if I wanted it. And I wanted more bad.”
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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After not speaking for over a year, Grace is going to college and trying to live a normal life. When she starts seeing a man who she thinks looks like Noah, all her emotions and loss come rushing back. Noah has come to find her and try and win her heart, but he soon finds out that might not be so easy.
“I had never heard Noah’s voice before. We had never exchanged voicemails messages. Never Skyped. We had just written to each other – World War II style we had decided early on.”
This book is told in both Noah and Grace’s POV. As the story progresses we get letters from the past back and forth between the two. The reasons behind why Noah broke off contact with Grace are revealed. The issues seemed a little anticlimactic and it might have been because I wasn't super connected to the characters.
I had this idea that the letters and that part of the story would be really romantic, but it wasn't. The friendship is really the focus of their past and there's a trust and connection built. I was a bit disappointed that the romance wasn't there like I thought (through the letters). It does come later, don't worry, there are steamy scenes and everything! Either way I enjoyed their relationship building, but it felt lacking.
I really liked that throughout the story there is a theme of self discovery and the dealing with struggles of deciding what to do with your future. Taking risks, putting yourself out there, and the possibility of failures plague the characters. The excitement I felt from the blurb just didn't carry through as I read. The premise was promising, but I wish that execution had been a bit better, it just wasn't what I thought it would be.
“The Marines had made me a man but Grace had made me human. No matter what I told her in my letters, she accepted it and wrote me back something funny or sweet. She made me realize I could have more if I wanted it. And I wanted more bad.”
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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January 16, 2014
To be completely honest I felt the beginning of the book was a super slow-burn then things ignited too fast and then a random moment and then boom .... The End.
Rambling.com
But I will most definitely read the next book because my interest has been peaked for Bo ❤️
Rambling.com
But I will most definitely read the next book because my interest has been peaked for Bo ❤️
May 29, 2019
3.5 stars.
November 26, 2014
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 19, 2013
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!!!!!!
I'm having a hard time deciding about this book. Parts of it I loved completely then other parts I was just unsure about. I loved the letters that were written and the dual POV, but I still felt like certain things were missing. A few things were not answered, What happened to the yogurt shop, did he get it? I wanted more discussion on the Dear John letter. I would have liked them to talk about the 2 years they were not in contact, what happened, feelings??? I wanted Noah's POV after the argument and he walked out and while he was in Vegas. I wanted to feel his feelings. I didn't understand the point of the epilogue :( I think I just needed more depth all around, maybe.
Things I enjoyed, all the boys, specially Finn! I want more Bo and how did Mal afford that car! I also did love Noah a d Grace together just wanted more.
I'm not sure if any of this has made sense, my thoughts are a little crazy but I will be reading Bo book! I want in his head!
*ARC approved through NetGalley
Ex military, underground fighting, educated bad boy... Yup
I'm having a hard time deciding about this book. Parts of it I loved completely then other parts I was just unsure about. I loved the letters that were written and the dual POV, but I still felt like certain things were missing. A few things were not answered, What happened to the yogurt shop, did he get it? I wanted more discussion on the Dear John letter. I would have liked them to talk about the 2 years they were not in contact, what happened, feelings??? I wanted Noah's POV after the argument and he walked out and while he was in Vegas. I wanted to feel his feelings. I didn't understand the point of the epilogue :( I think I just needed more depth all around, maybe.
Things I enjoyed, all the boys, specially Finn! I want more Bo and how did Mal afford that car! I also did love Noah a d Grace together just wanted more.
I'm not sure if any of this has made sense, my thoughts are a little crazy but I will be reading Bo book! I want in his head!
*ARC approved through NetGalley
Ex military, underground fighting, educated bad boy... Yup
March 4, 2016
How is it I haven't read this author before? I do love second chance stories where the chemistry builds up and there's good tension and banter.
He's a former marine, she's an undergraduate ans up until two years ago, they wrote every month. He leaves the marines, gets his head together then sets about wooing her.
Swoon. So many happy feels.
The upbeat, belly-tingling steady burn in a college setting reminded me in some ways of The Deal and Sincerely Carter and The Hook-up, so if you enjoyed them, I think you'll love this one too.
I got a set of four of books from this series, each a complete story about a different character on ku so if the rest in this series are as good as this one, I'm set. I'll be curled up in my happy reading bubble if you want me...
He's a former marine, she's an undergraduate ans up until two years ago, they wrote every month. He leaves the marines, gets his head together then sets about wooing her.
Swoon. So many happy feels.
The upbeat, belly-tingling steady burn in a college setting reminded me in some ways of The Deal and Sincerely Carter and The Hook-up, so if you enjoyed them, I think you'll love this one too.
I got a set of four of books from this series, each a complete story about a different character on ku so if the rest in this series are as good as this one, I'm set. I'll be curled up in my happy reading bubble if you want me...
May 3, 2013
This story starts off with Grace writing a letter to a Marine, Noah who is deployed over in Afghanistan for her school. They made a instant connection being friends writing back and forth for 4 years.
Now 2 years have pasted, Grace is in college. She still has not heard anything from Noah in 2 years since he said he didn't want to meet her. She is crushed. Grace is always looking around picturing seeing Noah.
Then on day Noah shows up after Grace's class... I would think that Grace would run into his arms since it's been 2 years of silence. But instead, Grace starts to have a pain attack and runs away from him. Noah wants to explain why he hasn't talked to Grace for 2 years and try to get her forgiveness and maybe start something.
It started off as a great story and I knew I was going to like it. I wish Grace was stronger instead of finding her ground towards the end of the book. I was getting frustrated with Grace. She is a little whinny quite a bit in the book. And not telling Noah her feelings was getting to me. I felt loss of the connection between Grace and Noah by the time something finally did happen.
Overall it was a nice romance story.
I received an ARC for exchanged for an honest review.
Now 2 years have pasted, Grace is in college. She still has not heard anything from Noah in 2 years since he said he didn't want to meet her. She is crushed. Grace is always looking around picturing seeing Noah.
Then on day Noah shows up after Grace's class... I would think that Grace would run into his arms since it's been 2 years of silence. But instead, Grace starts to have a pain attack and runs away from him. Noah wants to explain why he hasn't talked to Grace for 2 years and try to get her forgiveness and maybe start something.
It started off as a great story and I knew I was going to like it. I wish Grace was stronger instead of finding her ground towards the end of the book. I was getting frustrated with Grace. She is a little whinny quite a bit in the book. And not telling Noah her feelings was getting to me. I felt loss of the connection between Grace and Noah by the time something finally did happen.
Overall it was a nice romance story.
I received an ARC for exchanged for an honest review.
February 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book a great deal. My biggest issue was the plot device (the whole not talking about our problems leading to a break up). I hate romances that use miscommunication or lack of communication to create drama. Thankfully, the entire book isn't based on that, but it did take some of the shine off the book for me.
May 1, 2013
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
4 Stars
My <3 for Noah Jackson is definitely not UNDECLARED!!
Grace Sullivan spent four years of her life writing to Noah Jackson, a then-deployed Marine whom she never met. In the course of getting to know one another over four-years' worth of letters, Grace fell in love, and, honestly, so did Noah. However, when Noah's deployment ended, the letters and all interaction between the two stopped. Noah basically wrote her a Dear Jane letter, and the two didn't communicate for two years. Grace's heart was broken, and she's never been able to forget Noah or stop looking for him in the face of every dark-haired stranger she runs across on campus. Since the day Noah shut her out, Grace has distanced herself academically and emotionally. For Noah, his goals have always been clear, and Grace is priority number one now that he's earned the cash he needed to join Grace at her expensive private college. He's literally fighting his way through school. He knows he has a long road ahead of him in order to win back Grace's affection and, hopefully, her love.
UNDECLARED is a fun, sexy, lighthearted New Adult read from author Jen Frederick! This author has an ease with writing male characters that I very much enjoyed. I LOVED Noah!!! He made this story for me! If I could only use four words to describe Noah Jackson, they would be honorable, mature, (very) sexy and *real*. The letters Noah wrote to Grace while he was a young Marine are interspersed throughout the book, and, truly, they are maybe the very best part of this story.
Grace, for me, was kind of...blah. There doesn't seem to be very much substance to her character. Though, that may have been on purpose because she is floundering in every aspect of her life, almost to the very end of the book. I feel like it took her too long and too far into the story before she stood up and made some decisions.
The secondary characters are great in UNDECLARED! Honestly, I was much more interested in Grace's cousin, and roommate, Lana than in Grace herself. Noah's Marine buddy and best friend, Bo, is another character I can't wait to find out more about, as well as the group of guys they live with.
There were absolutely some unrealistic aspects to this story, and a few odd decisions made by the characters which stuck out to me. It's best to accept this story as the fictional FUN that it is and not go into it looking for anything too deep ;-) However, I will say, overall, I really enjoyed this story, and, while reading, I didn't put it down even once!
Jen Frederick's writing style is simple and uncomplicated, and this makes for an easy and fast read. I like this author, and I'm looking forward to what she has in store for us next!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
4 Stars
My <3 for Noah Jackson is definitely not UNDECLARED!!
Grace Sullivan spent four years of her life writing to Noah Jackson, a then-deployed Marine whom she never met. In the course of getting to know one another over four-years' worth of letters, Grace fell in love, and, honestly, so did Noah. However, when Noah's deployment ended, the letters and all interaction between the two stopped. Noah basically wrote her a Dear Jane letter, and the two didn't communicate for two years. Grace's heart was broken, and she's never been able to forget Noah or stop looking for him in the face of every dark-haired stranger she runs across on campus. Since the day Noah shut her out, Grace has distanced herself academically and emotionally. For Noah, his goals have always been clear, and Grace is priority number one now that he's earned the cash he needed to join Grace at her expensive private college. He's literally fighting his way through school. He knows he has a long road ahead of him in order to win back Grace's affection and, hopefully, her love.
UNDECLARED is a fun, sexy, lighthearted New Adult read from author Jen Frederick! This author has an ease with writing male characters that I very much enjoyed. I LOVED Noah!!! He made this story for me! If I could only use four words to describe Noah Jackson, they would be honorable, mature, (very) sexy and *real*. The letters Noah wrote to Grace while he was a young Marine are interspersed throughout the book, and, truly, they are maybe the very best part of this story.
Grace, for me, was kind of...blah. There doesn't seem to be very much substance to her character. Though, that may have been on purpose because she is floundering in every aspect of her life, almost to the very end of the book. I feel like it took her too long and too far into the story before she stood up and made some decisions.
The secondary characters are great in UNDECLARED! Honestly, I was much more interested in Grace's cousin, and roommate, Lana than in Grace herself. Noah's Marine buddy and best friend, Bo, is another character I can't wait to find out more about, as well as the group of guys they live with.
There were absolutely some unrealistic aspects to this story, and a few odd decisions made by the characters which stuck out to me. It's best to accept this story as the fictional FUN that it is and not go into it looking for anything too deep ;-) However, I will say, overall, I really enjoyed this story, and, while reading, I didn't put it down even once!
Jen Frederick's writing style is simple and uncomplicated, and this makes for an easy and fast read. I like this author, and I'm looking forward to what she has in store for us next!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
May 25, 2013
Debut - 3.5 Stars
A sweet, warm romance between a young Marine coming home from deployment and a young college student who fell in love while exchanging letters. They both had to face their greatest fears before their relationship could become solid.
Noah Jackson is a swoon worthy hero both in looks and actions and made the book for me. Clare finally finds the courage needed to make an important decision about her future, thus giving a much needed boost to her self confidence.
I enjoyed the slow build of this relationship. Jen Frederick has a winning debut and I'm looking forward to Bo's story next.
A sweet, warm romance between a young Marine coming home from deployment and a young college student who fell in love while exchanging letters. They both had to face their greatest fears before their relationship could become solid.
Noah Jackson is a swoon worthy hero both in looks and actions and made the book for me. Clare finally finds the courage needed to make an important decision about her future, thus giving a much needed boost to her self confidence.
I enjoyed the slow build of this relationship. Jen Frederick has a winning debut and I'm looking forward to Bo's story next.
May 6, 2013
Sometimes I'm short, other times I'm sweet, and this time...I'll get right to the point.
Undeclared wasn't a bad book, it was good even, but during its transitional journey into being great, it hit a wall. Smacked right into it head first.
Now really, who am I to judge? Sometimes my head accidentally smacks into walls (and other things), and it hurts...usually. However, vast consumptions of enhanced beverages are usually involved, but I'm sure we've all hit a wall or two in our time.
Oh yes, I promised you a point.
The point is, when I inadvertently whack my head, it's usually against plaster, bricks, tables, stall doors, or pretty much any intimate object I manage to find within a five feet radius. Undeclared's wall was a matter of feeling. Feeling and connecting to a relationship, the relationship. Noah and Grace's relationship.
This book is told from both Noah and Grace’s POV. As the story progresses we get letters from the past, back and forth between the two. It was suppose to show the development of their relationship. Why Noah shows up after all this time. Why they fell in love from thousands of miles away. Why this relationship developed. I was expecting some great development and romance through these letters, but it never came. It was hard to connect with them after that; I never got a foundation.
Once they reunite, their relationship does progress and develop, but without a solid foundation it felt lacking.
I really did enjoy the story. The premise had so much potential. I just wish it had more of a solid foundation to build upon and better execution. I would have felt, more. The characters were very likable and the situations were entertaining, with some heartfelt scenes and some hot intimate moments, but I just needed more. Maybe not better, just...more
READ ON!
More reviews at: http://www.toughcriticbookreviews.blo...
Undeclared wasn't a bad book, it was good even, but during its transitional journey into being great, it hit a wall. Smacked right into it head first.
Now really, who am I to judge? Sometimes my head accidentally smacks into walls (and other things), and it hurts...usually. However, vast consumptions of enhanced beverages are usually involved, but I'm sure we've all hit a wall or two in our time.
Oh yes, I promised you a point.
The point is, when I inadvertently whack my head, it's usually against plaster, bricks, tables, stall doors, or pretty much any intimate object I manage to find within a five feet radius. Undeclared's wall was a matter of feeling. Feeling and connecting to a relationship, the relationship. Noah and Grace's relationship.
This book is told from both Noah and Grace’s POV. As the story progresses we get letters from the past, back and forth between the two. It was suppose to show the development of their relationship. Why Noah shows up after all this time. Why they fell in love from thousands of miles away. Why this relationship developed. I was expecting some great development and romance through these letters, but it never came. It was hard to connect with them after that; I never got a foundation.
Once they reunite, their relationship does progress and develop, but without a solid foundation it felt lacking.
I really did enjoy the story. The premise had so much potential. I just wish it had more of a solid foundation to build upon and better execution. I would have felt, more. The characters were very likable and the situations were entertaining, with some heartfelt scenes and some hot intimate moments, but I just needed more. Maybe not better, just...more
READ ON!
More reviews at: http://www.toughcriticbookreviews.blo...
August 25, 2013
Omg where can I find a Noah..he's a dream in every way!
My favorite part was when he cleaned her makeup off her face when she was drunk. He didn't have a mama so that right there even made it much more sweeter for him to have done that. I loved everything about this book because it was so refreshing to have a book where there isn't such jealousy and mistrust. The forces that tried to keep this sweet couple apart was just simple human nature. Noah messed up..made it up then got the girl and girl messed up but righted it right away and oh such hotness. Loved loved loved this book.
I might be sounding a little repetitive but I won't ever complain when I read 5 star books back to back. Looking forward to the ARC provided by Netgalley of Bo's book Unspoken. Diving right in.
My favorite part was when he cleaned her makeup off her face when she was drunk. He didn't have a mama so that right there even made it much more sweeter for him to have done that. I loved everything about this book because it was so refreshing to have a book where there isn't such jealousy and mistrust. The forces that tried to keep this sweet couple apart was just simple human nature. Noah messed up..made it up then got the girl and girl messed up but righted it right away and oh such hotness. Loved loved loved this book.
I might be sounding a little repetitive but I won't ever complain when I read 5 star books back to back. Looking forward to the ARC provided by Netgalley of Bo's book Unspoken. Diving right in.
October 2, 2017
4 Undeclared Gamble Stars
Grace & Noah
Ahhh when I first started this book, I had a inkling of where it was going to go. I was wrong and right but I have to say I loved the journey.
I feel like both characters needed each other to truly heal and be who they wanted to be. I don’t know if that makes sense but it does to me.
I think I loved that Noah knew it was going to be a hard road into Grace’s heart but he wouldn’t have had it any other way. He was all in.
I loved the fall, Grace’s fall into falling in love. Sigh that’s a favorite of mine.
Ohhh the narration was fabulous!! I think I found a new narrator to look out for Andrew Eiden <3
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Grace & Noah
Ahhh when I first started this book, I had a inkling of where it was going to go. I was wrong and right but I have to say I loved the journey.
I feel like both characters needed each other to truly heal and be who they wanted to be. I don’t know if that makes sense but it does to me.
I think I loved that Noah knew it was going to be a hard road into Grace’s heart but he wouldn’t have had it any other way. He was all in.
I loved the fall, Grace’s fall into falling in love. Sigh that’s a favorite of mine.
Ohhh the narration was fabulous!! I think I found a new narrator to look out for Andrew Eiden <3
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
November 30, 2020
This story was very sweet, lighthearted, and romantic. I was looking for a nice contemporary romance and glad I read Undeclared.
At first, Grace appeared very immature the way she thinks about her relationship with Noah, but then after much thought, I came to this conclusion. Grace is young and truly believed that this man that she had never met felt the same she did until she received a letter from him saying that he wanted to be nothing more than friends.
And this is where my opinion changed about Grace. She doesn’t just go back to Noah after he just shows up and claims he wants to “see” her. She is afraid that he will break her heart again. How could she not? I am glad that Grace did not just fall back into Noah arms just because he came back after 2 years of being absent from her life.
At first, I felt like Noah was hoping to get some normalcy back into his life by reconnecting with Grace and not that he necessarily had feelings for her outside of friendship. However, as you read the story, you begin to connect with Noah and see how protective he is of Grace and you want her to have that protection.
I loved the letters before each chapter of the book. They really set the pace for the story.
Did I skim: No.
Pace of the story: Okay
Positives: I loved how the author had the letter from Noah before each chapter. I really like Bo. So happy to hear that the next book in the series is about Bo, which is expected to be released in September 2013. You can read an excerpt at www.jenfrederick.com.
Negatives: I felt like there was a lot of inner monologue. Additionally, I felt like some parts were told to me, rather than allowing me to experience it.
Do I recommend? It is a very sweet read.
At first, Grace appeared very immature the way she thinks about her relationship with Noah, but then after much thought, I came to this conclusion. Grace is young and truly believed that this man that she had never met felt the same she did until she received a letter from him saying that he wanted to be nothing more than friends.
And this is where my opinion changed about Grace. She doesn’t just go back to Noah after he just shows up and claims he wants to “see” her. She is afraid that he will break her heart again. How could she not? I am glad that Grace did not just fall back into Noah arms just because he came back after 2 years of being absent from her life.
At first, I felt like Noah was hoping to get some normalcy back into his life by reconnecting with Grace and not that he necessarily had feelings for her outside of friendship. However, as you read the story, you begin to connect with Noah and see how protective he is of Grace and you want her to have that protection.
I loved the letters before each chapter of the book. They really set the pace for the story.
Did I skim: No.
Pace of the story: Okay
Positives: I loved how the author had the letter from Noah before each chapter. I really like Bo. So happy to hear that the next book in the series is about Bo, which is expected to be released in September 2013. You can read an excerpt at www.jenfrederick.com.
Negatives: I felt like there was a lot of inner monologue. Additionally, I felt like some parts were told to me, rather than allowing me to experience it.
Do I recommend? It is a very sweet read.
June 8, 2019
Spoilers ahead
I read this immediately after reading the Kerr Chronicles so I was very disappointed
Grace started writing Noah in high school, she eventually falls for him and confesses her feelings. Shortly after getting stopped returning her letters. For two years she's been drifting through life and unwittingly waiting for Noah.
Noah is a former Marine turned MMA fighter and finance major, two years ago he came looking for Grave unbeknownst to her and saw her uncle's mansion. Knowing he wouldn't be able to give her that lifestyle Noah disappears on her to get his life together. He then joins her college to get his woman back
This was boring and not very convincing as a romance. We get some of the letters exchanged between Noah and Grace but I just didn't get the connection between them or really why she fell for him. After reading about Ian Kerr and Jake Tanner I know this author can deliver on convincingly in love heroes Noah just wasn't up to the level of these guys. His reasoning for disappearing were dumb especially without contact. I just didn't quite "get " this couple. Noah was weak and Grace was a drunken, whiny, wishy washy mess. She loves photography but has to be convinced to pursue it at college? Then when Noah shows up after 2 years she tries to appear strong but she gave in pretty easily. Then the fact that she was so heartbroken by Noah's silence I didn't write get because those letters don't exactly show a develpong relationship. Eh I was disappointed
No cheating or OW
They started off as penpals so I think Noah may have hooked up in the earlies but basically it was only Grace for him
She was a virgin
I read this immediately after reading the Kerr Chronicles so I was very disappointed
Grace started writing Noah in high school, she eventually falls for him and confesses her feelings. Shortly after getting stopped returning her letters. For two years she's been drifting through life and unwittingly waiting for Noah.
Noah is a former Marine turned MMA fighter and finance major, two years ago he came looking for Grave unbeknownst to her and saw her uncle's mansion. Knowing he wouldn't be able to give her that lifestyle Noah disappears on her to get his life together. He then joins her college to get his woman back
This was boring and not very convincing as a romance. We get some of the letters exchanged between Noah and Grace but I just didn't get the connection between them or really why she fell for him. After reading about Ian Kerr and Jake Tanner I know this author can deliver on convincingly in love heroes Noah just wasn't up to the level of these guys. His reasoning for disappearing were dumb especially without contact. I just didn't quite "get " this couple. Noah was weak and Grace was a drunken, whiny, wishy washy mess. She loves photography but has to be convinced to pursue it at college? Then when Noah shows up after 2 years she tries to appear strong but she gave in pretty easily. Then the fact that she was so heartbroken by Noah's silence I didn't write get because those letters don't exactly show a develpong relationship. Eh I was disappointed
No cheating or OW
They started off as penpals so I think Noah may have hooked up in the earlies but basically it was only Grace for him
She was a virgin
June 2, 2013
I enjoyed this book--my first foray into the New Adult genre. The main characters, particularly the heroine, struggle with indecisiveness and at times make impulsive decisions, but I found that to be an authentic depiction of their ages. I really liked the unique set-up of the book, in which the heroine and hero *meet* while corresponding via letters while he's deployed overseas in the Marines. Loved the scene later in the book when he gives her his dog tags.
I look forward to reading more in the New Adult genre and by this author.
I look forward to reading more in the New Adult genre and by this author.
April 6, 2015
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont NA/YA Romance
Series : - Book 1 in the series.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating 4 stars
★Review★
When this popped up as free, I grabbed it straight away. Having read the Hitman series this author co wrote, and loved it, I was excited to try something else by her.
Now, I tend to avoid NA, as I prefer my main characters older, not college aged, but I was intrigued enough by the blurb to try it.
I have to admit, with the way it was written, with them meeting back up after having wrote to each other for years, then not hearing from each other, made me struggle to understand their connection. Their history was given through their letters, but again, these started with their earlier letters, so for me, the heartache the heroine felt, then their feelings for each other, felt too deep for what we knew up to that point.
But, in saying that, I still enjoyed it. Noah, not the usual type of hero I read about, but he was very endearing. And I really enjoyed their story and build up to a relationship and being together.
I would definitely continue with the series, even though as I say, I usually avoid NA.
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont NA/YA Romance
Series : - Book 1 in the series.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating 4 stars
★Review★
When this popped up as free, I grabbed it straight away. Having read the Hitman series this author co wrote, and loved it, I was excited to try something else by her.
Now, I tend to avoid NA, as I prefer my main characters older, not college aged, but I was intrigued enough by the blurb to try it.
I have to admit, with the way it was written, with them meeting back up after having wrote to each other for years, then not hearing from each other, made me struggle to understand their connection. Their history was given through their letters, but again, these started with their earlier letters, so for me, the heartache the heroine felt, then their feelings for each other, felt too deep for what we knew up to that point.
But, in saying that, I still enjoyed it. Noah, not the usual type of hero I read about, but he was very endearing. And I really enjoyed their story and build up to a relationship and being together.
I would definitely continue with the series, even though as I say, I usually avoid NA.
April 17, 2015
Title: Undeclared (Woodlands#1)
Author: Jen Frederick
Rating: 1 full star
POV: Dual
HEA:
Heat/Steam 1/5
Cliffhanger: . No.
Intolerable Heroine .Yes.
Über Douchebagery .Yes.
Taboo Subject Matter .no.
Cheating or sex outside MC's:
Love Triangle
I really hated this book. It enrages me that the heroine forgave the heroine so quickly when she had spent 2 years completely heartbroken over his dismissal. She never even tells him about her fears and how badly he hurt her. I didn't feel any connection between them and I found him to be an asshole.
Ignoring her when she told him she was worried about the illegal fight? It's like only his thoughts and feelings mattered and she was just along for the ride.
In his thoughts he even mentions how he believed he would be able to just walk back into her life when he was ready.what a jerk!
The main issue for me was that all the hurt, betrayal, etc was never discussed!! I mean he told her he thought of her like a sister on a letter and he never explains or apologizes for it. He didn't have to fight to win her back. What a pathetic heroine. I felt like things were resolved too quickly and was that really the epilogue?
April 7, 2015
A freebie read that was such a pleasant surprise. First time read by this author in the first book in her Woodlands series. Will definitely be continuing on with the next book.
Enjoyed the slow build to the passion - fit perfectly with the unique "pen pal" introduction. The letters shared and sprinkled throughout the story, along with the POVs from both main characters added such a personal and intimate feel to the story. A bit different and a good different at that!
Enjoyed the slow build to the passion - fit perfectly with the unique "pen pal" introduction. The letters shared and sprinkled throughout the story, along with the POVs from both main characters added such a personal and intimate feel to the story. A bit different and a good different at that!
March 18, 2015
I enjoyed this book but at the same time I felt the details at time were messed up by things not being told to us in detail. And the pace was irritating by going normal at times but also randomly jumping to fast.
January 27, 2022
MEH or the BAD: ***SPOILERS***
Average romance between 19yo virgin college student & her 4-yr-long penpal 23yo ex-Marine & MMA-fighter college-student H who gave her a Dear John letter 2 years ago after an unexpected visit to her house made him believe that he needed to work on making himself financially & socially-worthy of her. Meh pacing with parts that were predictable & boring & pedantic as if page-fillers of explanations re: photography/underground vs legal fighting/etc. Book overly-long so H&h's long-drawn progress to finally smexxing felt contrived. Average S chem/hot S scenes. Average chars/char development.
The GOOD:
Loved H's devotion to proving his worth to h who he felt deserved more than his crappy background so worked hard & aimed high to give her what he thought she deserved.
Dedicated Epilogue book--(Undressed (Woodlands #1.5)):
Quick skim of it & missing nothing. Basically H just continuing to prove his financial worth to h by getting over-busy with his froyo business + his finance degree + his MMA fighting. He met her family which set off more of his money issues. He wised up from her bro's wise words, when they finally met after H proposed to h. Epilogue years later with H&h with 2 sons & H rich from doing a private funding management of their friends' money. 1 of their sons married the daugther of H's BFF.
Sexual History:
virgin h had been waiting for H even after he dropped her 2 years ago with a goodbye letter. She had drunken hookups at parties but no info on what that meant except no sex. H hadn't had a GF since high school & unclear when the last time he had sex since there was some vague mention of military bars & such.
Average romance between 19yo virgin college student & her 4-yr-long penpal 23yo ex-Marine & MMA-fighter college-student H who gave her a Dear John letter 2 years ago after an unexpected visit to her house made him believe that he needed to work on making himself financially & socially-worthy of her. Meh pacing with parts that were predictable & boring & pedantic as if page-fillers of explanations re: photography/underground vs legal fighting/etc. Book overly-long so H&h's long-drawn progress to finally smexxing felt contrived. Average S chem/hot S scenes. Average chars/char development.
The GOOD:
Loved H's devotion to proving his worth to h who he felt deserved more than his crappy background so worked hard & aimed high to give her what he thought she deserved.
Dedicated Epilogue book--(Undressed (Woodlands #1.5)):
Quick skim of it & missing nothing. Basically H just continuing to prove his financial worth to h by getting over-busy with his froyo business + his finance degree + his MMA fighting. He met her family which set off more of his money issues. He wised up from her bro's wise words, when they finally met after H proposed to h. Epilogue years later with H&h with 2 sons & H rich from doing a private funding management of their friends' money. 1 of their sons married the daugther of H's BFF.
Sexual History:
virgin h had been waiting for H even after he dropped her 2 years ago with a goodbye letter. She had drunken hookups at parties but no info on what that meant except no sex. H hadn't had a GF since high school & unclear when the last time he had sex since there was some vague mention of military bars & such.
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