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Dear Adam
“You’re the more real to me than any man I’ve ever known … ”
To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else.
But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after.
They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like.
Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding?
Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else.
But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after.
They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like.
Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding?
Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
386 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2013
3 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
About the author
Ava Zavora
7 books73 followersIn my childhood, I rode water buffaloes and waded in swamps. Nowadays, I travel and write romantic stories about adventurous women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 18, 2013
5++++ emotional, captivating, obsessively readable stars!!
SEPTEMBER 17 IS RELEASE DAY!! :)
Summary:
“You’re the more real to me than any man I’ve ever known … ”
To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else.
But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after.
They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like.
Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding?
Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's not often that I come across a book that so completely consumes my life. This book had me from the first paragraph, and completely captivated me.
"The best things in life are worth waiting for. When it's right," he said in a voice that was unshakably certain, "Name the place. Name the date. Name the hour. And I will fly anywhere in the world to meet you."
Going into this story, I wasn't sure what to expect really. Honestly, I was kind of looking forward to reading a story that might, in some way, mirror an episode of my favorite guilty pleasure TV show.
~For those of you unaware of the term "Catfishing" - it describes a person who deceives someone they are in an online relationship with by lying about their appearance, age, location etc~
Such a silly, silly girl I am.
While the summary of the book was definitely intriguing, it in no way prepared me for the true emotional rollercoaster that Dear Adam turned out to be.
"How I wish I could explore the labyrinth of your strange mind..."
Eden is a 34 year old book blogger (you go girl!!), raising her teenage son. One day, she ends up having a conversation via Twitter with a man who complimented her on one of her reviews. What starts out as a seemingly random encounter with a fellow bibliophile, turns into an intense friendship between two seemingly lost and broken souls desperate for a connection.
"I don't want to interfere with your life. I want to be your life."
Adam tells Eden that he is an Englishman living in Sicily. He owns several properties, is extremely vague about his profession, but that he plans on retiring in 2 years when he's 30.
Naturally, Eden is skeptical of what Adam tells her. But, as he begins to open up about himself, his past and his life...she completely falls under his spell and wants so desperately to believe that what he's telling her is true... so she is willing to go along with him on faith. The two have conversations via Skype almost every night, but Adam stubbornly refuses to allow Eden to see his face. He has a seemingly viable if far-fetched reason for this, but Eden tries to overcome her doubts.
If you think you know how this story plays out after reading this far into my review...you'd be wrong. Like I was. Even though I was totally hooked on this story, I had it set in my brain that I knew exactly what was going to happen and how. I was wrong. Almost at every turn.
There was a point, at about the half-way mark...when the story takes a decidedly unexpected turn. It wasn't a complete shift in the overall plot, just an added element to the story that I never saw coming. And it added a whole new dimension to this already intense story, and I loved it.
It was like a magician had peered into my soul, divined it's secrets, then conjured you - a mysterious, masked man from a distant land drawn to me by my writing.
He had picked her from a dusty bookshelf and read her as easily as an open book.
This book held my attention in a steel vice from the moment I started reading. I dreamt about the story. I thought about it while working. It just completely overwhelmed my senses in the best possible way. Ava Zova is such a talented author. She managed to weave so much intensity, and emotion into a book that never stopped surprising me.
There are so many things I want to talk about regarding this book. But honestly, I refuse to allow myself to spoil the story for anyone. No matter how many times my emotions got twisted, no matter how many times I wanted to yell at both Eden and Adam about various things they were both holding back from each other...I never, for one second stopped caring. And that speaks volumes.
And while finding a happy ever after is next to impossible in the Catfish world, sometimes miracles happen.
But, as with every other element of this book...the ending wasn't at all traditional. Ava decided to included an additional chapter...an epilogue...that proceeds to turn the entire story upside down. Again.
And...it...was...fucking...brilliant.
It has been a long time since I have been this excited to get people to read a book as I am about Dear Adam. I consider it my mission to get as many people as possible to give this author, and this book a shot. It will be a ride you will never forget.
You were all the books I had ever read, all the fairy tales I wished were true, everything I had ever wanted. Someone strong, principled, honorable, intelligent, soulful, funny, poetic...
If you are a fictional character, then I am spellbound by a lie.
**This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review**
ETA 9/11/13: Just finished this book for the second time, and I loved it just as much the second time around. <3 <3
**Read more of my reviews at my blog:**
http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com
SEPTEMBER 17 IS RELEASE DAY!! :)
Summary:
“You’re the more real to me than any man I’ve ever known … ”
To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else.
But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after.
They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like.
Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding?
Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's not often that I come across a book that so completely consumes my life. This book had me from the first paragraph, and completely captivated me.
"The best things in life are worth waiting for. When it's right," he said in a voice that was unshakably certain, "Name the place. Name the date. Name the hour. And I will fly anywhere in the world to meet you."
Going into this story, I wasn't sure what to expect really. Honestly, I was kind of looking forward to reading a story that might, in some way, mirror an episode of my favorite guilty pleasure TV show.
~For those of you unaware of the term "Catfishing" - it describes a person who deceives someone they are in an online relationship with by lying about their appearance, age, location etc~
Such a silly, silly girl I am.
While the summary of the book was definitely intriguing, it in no way prepared me for the true emotional rollercoaster that Dear Adam turned out to be.
"How I wish I could explore the labyrinth of your strange mind..."
Eden is a 34 year old book blogger (you go girl!!), raising her teenage son. One day, she ends up having a conversation via Twitter with a man who complimented her on one of her reviews. What starts out as a seemingly random encounter with a fellow bibliophile, turns into an intense friendship between two seemingly lost and broken souls desperate for a connection.
"I don't want to interfere with your life. I want to be your life."
Adam tells Eden that he is an Englishman living in Sicily. He owns several properties, is extremely vague about his profession, but that he plans on retiring in 2 years when he's 30.
Naturally, Eden is skeptical of what Adam tells her. But, as he begins to open up about himself, his past and his life...she completely falls under his spell and wants so desperately to believe that what he's telling her is true... so she is willing to go along with him on faith. The two have conversations via Skype almost every night, but Adam stubbornly refuses to allow Eden to see his face. He has a seemingly viable if far-fetched reason for this, but Eden tries to overcome her doubts.
If you think you know how this story plays out after reading this far into my review...you'd be wrong. Like I was. Even though I was totally hooked on this story, I had it set in my brain that I knew exactly what was going to happen and how. I was wrong. Almost at every turn.
There was a point, at about the half-way mark...when the story takes a decidedly unexpected turn. It wasn't a complete shift in the overall plot, just an added element to the story that I never saw coming. And it added a whole new dimension to this already intense story, and I loved it.
It was like a magician had peered into my soul, divined it's secrets, then conjured you - a mysterious, masked man from a distant land drawn to me by my writing.
He had picked her from a dusty bookshelf and read her as easily as an open book.
This book held my attention in a steel vice from the moment I started reading. I dreamt about the story. I thought about it while working. It just completely overwhelmed my senses in the best possible way. Ava Zova is such a talented author. She managed to weave so much intensity, and emotion into a book that never stopped surprising me.
There are so many things I want to talk about regarding this book. But honestly, I refuse to allow myself to spoil the story for anyone. No matter how many times my emotions got twisted, no matter how many times I wanted to yell at both Eden and Adam about various things they were both holding back from each other...I never, for one second stopped caring. And that speaks volumes.
And while finding a happy ever after is next to impossible in the Catfish world, sometimes miracles happen.
But, as with every other element of this book...the ending wasn't at all traditional. Ava decided to included an additional chapter...an epilogue...that proceeds to turn the entire story upside down. Again.
And...it...was...fucking...brilliant.
It has been a long time since I have been this excited to get people to read a book as I am about Dear Adam. I consider it my mission to get as many people as possible to give this author, and this book a shot. It will be a ride you will never forget.
You were all the books I had ever read, all the fairy tales I wished were true, everything I had ever wanted. Someone strong, principled, honorable, intelligent, soulful, funny, poetic...
If you are a fictional character, then I am spellbound by a lie.
**This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review**
ETA 9/11/13: Just finished this book for the second time, and I loved it just as much the second time around. <3 <3
**Read more of my reviews at my blog:**
http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com
September 23, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Really loved this one. Loved that it read like one big conversation--through chats, emails, texts and phone calls. Loved how there was mystery surrounding Adam. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen between Adam and Eden.
Eden is a book blogger. She's 35(ish), divorced and has a 17(ish) year old son. By day she's a legal secretary. Eden meets Adam through Twitter one day when he comments on one of her reviews. Adam is 28(ish) lives in Sicily and is cryptic and mysterious. And so begins their cyber relationship.
I have always loved coversations--whether text, e-mail, etc--in my books and almost the entire book read that way. I would say maybe 10-15% of the book wasn't in the form of a conversation between Adam and Eden. Their "relationship" begins via Twitter and eventually moves to e-mail, chat, and Skype calls.
Eden has only been in one relationship since her divorce. Adam doesn't date and finds that most women are with him for what he can provide for them. Over time they grow closer and closer. But Adam remains guarded with his identity. Putting off video chats, meeting in person, etc. He won't give a lot away about himself and he's very skittish when it comes to sending information electronically.
Eventually, Adam and Eden become consumed with one another. Spending all of their free time talking to each other, the relationship continuing to progress and their feelings growing stronger and stronger. Eden wants more....she wants to meet Adam in person. But Adam keeps stalling causing Eden to question everything about her feelings, his feelings and their relationship.
While at dinner with friends, Eden learns that one of her closest friends was a victim of an internet dating scam. Which makes Eden question her relationship with Adam....is she being scammed too? Is Adam real?? And are things really as a great as they seem to be? And of course now I'm asking myself the same thing....
So now I HAVE TO KNOW what happens with Adam and Eden. At this point in the story things get really exciting. Eden decides to take matters in to her own hands and find Adam.....but will he be where he says he is? Will Adam want to see Eden? Was their relationship all a lie???
I really loved how everything played out. I loved Adam and Eden. Now....one other matter to discuss. The epilogue. For me, this was more of an alternate ending as opposed to an epilogue. And the author warns the reader ahead of time, that if you are happy with the way things ended prior to the epilogue to not continue on. I was happy with the way the story ended; however, me being the masochist that I am...I HAD to read the epilogue. And while I didn't hate that "ending" I prefer the ending prior to the epilogue.
Really loved this one. Loved that it read like one big conversation--through chats, emails, texts and phone calls. Loved how there was mystery surrounding Adam. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen between Adam and Eden.
Eden is a book blogger. She's 35(ish), divorced and has a 17(ish) year old son. By day she's a legal secretary. Eden meets Adam through Twitter one day when he comments on one of her reviews. Adam is 28(ish) lives in Sicily and is cryptic and mysterious. And so begins their cyber relationship.
I have always loved coversations--whether text, e-mail, etc--in my books and almost the entire book read that way. I would say maybe 10-15% of the book wasn't in the form of a conversation between Adam and Eden. Their "relationship" begins via Twitter and eventually moves to e-mail, chat, and Skype calls.
Eden has only been in one relationship since her divorce. Adam doesn't date and finds that most women are with him for what he can provide for them. Over time they grow closer and closer. But Adam remains guarded with his identity. Putting off video chats, meeting in person, etc. He won't give a lot away about himself and he's very skittish when it comes to sending information electronically.
Eventually, Adam and Eden become consumed with one another. Spending all of their free time talking to each other, the relationship continuing to progress and their feelings growing stronger and stronger. Eden wants more....she wants to meet Adam in person. But Adam keeps stalling causing Eden to question everything about her feelings, his feelings and their relationship.
While at dinner with friends, Eden learns that one of her closest friends was a victim of an internet dating scam. Which makes Eden question her relationship with Adam....is she being scammed too? Is Adam real?? And are things really as a great as they seem to be? And of course now I'm asking myself the same thing....
So now I HAVE TO KNOW what happens with Adam and Eden. At this point in the story things get really exciting. Eden decides to take matters in to her own hands and find Adam.....but will he be where he says he is? Will Adam want to see Eden? Was their relationship all a lie???
I really loved how everything played out. I loved Adam and Eden. Now....one other matter to discuss. The epilogue. For me, this was more of an alternate ending as opposed to an epilogue. And the author warns the reader ahead of time, that if you are happy with the way things ended prior to the epilogue to not continue on. I was happy with the way the story ended; however, me being the masochist that I am...I HAD to read the epilogue. And while I didn't hate that "ending" I prefer the ending prior to the epilogue.
January 20, 2016
Leído para el 2015 Reading Challenge: #41. Un autor nunca antes leído
4.5
Primero que nada, debo decir que esa portada es muy fea, no me gusta nada y por eso no me daban muchas ganas de leerlo.
La historia de Eden y Adam me pego por un motivo personal en el que he estado por más de 3 años de mi vida y simplemente me sentí bastante identificado con mucho, la mayoría de todo eso. Un libro bastante original que nunca había leído o escuchado un libro similar a este, con un estilo de escritura original y actual, entre: Tweets, mensajes de texto, correos electrónicos, Skype, llamadas telefónicas, mensajes instantáneos y es algo que me gusto bastante del libro.
Unos giros bien inesperados en el libro y cosas que no esperaba para nada enserio me sorprendieron, y creo que este libro es de uno de esos que entre menos sepas mucho, mucho mejor, solo adentrarte a la historia sin esperar nada y que te deje con un buen sabor de boca es increíble.
Si no le doy las cinco estrellas a este libro es por algunas cosas que no me agradaron del todo que, no diré porque son spoiler y obviamente, porque ya dije, entre menos sepan, creo es mejor, simplemente léanlo, creo que no se arrepentirán.
PD: Ese epilogo simplemente fue sklajdlsajd maravilloso. Lo ame.
4.5
Primero que nada, debo decir que esa portada es muy fea, no me gusta nada y por eso no me daban muchas ganas de leerlo.
La historia de Eden y Adam me pego por un motivo personal en el que he estado por más de 3 años de mi vida y simplemente me sentí bastante identificado con mucho, la mayoría de todo eso. Un libro bastante original que nunca había leído o escuchado un libro similar a este, con un estilo de escritura original y actual, entre: Tweets, mensajes de texto, correos electrónicos, Skype, llamadas telefónicas, mensajes instantáneos y es algo que me gusto bastante del libro.
Unos giros bien inesperados en el libro y cosas que no esperaba para nada enserio me sorprendieron, y creo que este libro es de uno de esos que entre menos sepas mucho, mucho mejor, solo adentrarte a la historia sin esperar nada y que te deje con un buen sabor de boca es increíble.
Si no le doy las cinco estrellas a este libro es por algunas cosas que no me agradaron del todo que, no diré porque son spoiler y obviamente, porque ya dije, entre menos sepan, creo es mejor, simplemente léanlo, creo que no se arrepentirán.
PD: Ese epilogo simplemente fue sklajdlsajd maravilloso. Lo ame.
May 10, 2014
4 1/2 Stars!
If I knew how to add gifs to my reviews, this one would have at least one: Tom Cruise jumping off Oprah's couch, uh, huh...that one. Seriously, this book was incredible. And for reasons you wouldn't expect. Yeah, the writing was good, the storyline even better but what really caught my attention from the first turn of the page was the intelligence in Ms. Zavora's main characters, Eden and Adam. A breath of fresh air is what it was. Their dialogue was witty, flirtatious, honest - even one upping each other's book-savvy elitism. Though, their banter evolved into a completely different feel later on, which kept me flipping the pages like a mad woman. You know it's a good book when you take your iPad..ahem, *cough* everywhere you go.
The fluidity of Zavora's writing was immensely enjoyable. You were actually witnessing Adam and Eden's formality towards each other soften up, becoming more relaxed and playful. Hey, batter, batter!! Even their differences of opinions though fiercely debated, were respectful, intellectual and usually continued into flirtatious undertones - a delicious combination in a true romance book.
I will admit that toward the end I felt a little robbed of one ultimate scene I was so desperately awaiting. Huh? What just happened? Unfortunately, it's lack in their storyline affected my giving it a full five star rating. No worries, though, this book was seriously fantastic and the love story was like drinking a new kind of delicious Chardonnay. It's familiar, but so unique it's now your new favorite.
If I knew how to add gifs to my reviews, this one would have at least one: Tom Cruise jumping off Oprah's couch, uh, huh...that one. Seriously, this book was incredible. And for reasons you wouldn't expect. Yeah, the writing was good, the storyline even better but what really caught my attention from the first turn of the page was the intelligence in Ms. Zavora's main characters, Eden and Adam. A breath of fresh air is what it was. Their dialogue was witty, flirtatious, honest - even one upping each other's book-savvy elitism. Though, their banter evolved into a completely different feel later on, which kept me flipping the pages like a mad woman. You know it's a good book when you take your iPad..ahem, *cough* everywhere you go.
The fluidity of Zavora's writing was immensely enjoyable. You were actually witnessing Adam and Eden's formality towards each other soften up, becoming more relaxed and playful. Hey, batter, batter!! Even their differences of opinions though fiercely debated, were respectful, intellectual and usually continued into flirtatious undertones - a delicious combination in a true romance book.
I will admit that toward the end I felt a little robbed of one ultimate scene I was so desperately awaiting. Huh? What just happened? Unfortunately, it's lack in their storyline affected my giving it a full five star rating. No worries, though, this book was seriously fantastic and the love story was like drinking a new kind of delicious Chardonnay. It's familiar, but so unique it's now your new favorite.
December 24, 2021
1st Read: Feb.22nd.2015 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2nd Read: Dec.24th.2021 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MOTHER OF PLOT TWISTS, SHIT WHAT DID I JUST READ.
That was one beautiful, sweet, romantic, thrilling read. Eden and Adam's story is different and quite interesting.
A love story that flourished and evolved in the cyber world. It's so bizarre that doubts of a happy ever after ending will never cross your mind, because let's be true cyber love is almost nonexistent. And Eden and Adam's story is no different, it's like watching the TV show CATFISH and your well aware that there would be no light at the end of the tunnel.
However the book is freaking interesting, all set around mystery from beginning till the end. I was on the edge of my seat till the very end. Adam's character is so mysterious that we readers didn't even know how he looks like.
I finished the book wondering about Adam's features and how he looked. The need to actually know more about his personality is unbearable because there's something really deep about him and it needs to be let out. That's why I hope the author reconsiders the though of writing a book from his POV.
2nd Read: Dec.24th.2021 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MOTHER OF PLOT TWISTS, SHIT WHAT DID I JUST READ.
That was one beautiful, sweet, romantic, thrilling read. Eden and Adam's story is different and quite interesting.
A love story that flourished and evolved in the cyber world. It's so bizarre that doubts of a happy ever after ending will never cross your mind, because let's be true cyber love is almost nonexistent. And Eden and Adam's story is no different, it's like watching the TV show CATFISH and your well aware that there would be no light at the end of the tunnel.
However the book is freaking interesting, all set around mystery from beginning till the end. I was on the edge of my seat till the very end. Adam's character is so mysterious that we readers didn't even know how he looks like.
I finished the book wondering about Adam's features and how he looked. The need to actually know more about his personality is unbearable because there's something really deep about him and it needs to be let out. That's why I hope the author reconsiders the though of writing a book from his POV.
August 22, 2018
Wow! 4.5 stars!
I find that I really enjoy well-written stories with that email and texting back and forth trope...lol
I was totally sucked into 'Dear Adam' and didn't want to put it down (to do mundane things like go back to work after my break, go to the bathroom, eat, etc...lol).
There were a few editing issues with tense use. With bits of the story becoming annoying - like Adam NEVER revealing his physical self (face) to Eden until the very end - and with the reader not really getting a well-enough description of his face. Still, I loved this story, with its likeable characters, intrigue, action, and a 'two-for-one' HEA!
I find that I really enjoy well-written stories with that email and texting back and forth trope...lol
I was totally sucked into 'Dear Adam' and didn't want to put it down (to do mundane things like go back to work after my break, go to the bathroom, eat, etc...lol).
There were a few editing issues with tense use. With bits of the story becoming annoying - like Adam NEVER revealing his physical self (face) to Eden until the very end - and with the reader not really getting a well-enough description of his face. Still, I loved this story, with its likeable characters, intrigue, action, and a 'two-for-one' HEA!
September 17, 2013
You can also find my review on my blog, www.Read-Love-Blog.com
Dear Adam is the second work of author Ava Zavora’s that I have read and I’m really, really hoping that I can adequately convey how much I adored this book in my review…..here goes nothing!
A thirty-something single mom, Eden has taken her love and comfort in books to the blogging world and for the past three years, it has been her happy place. She’s tried the relationship route, but the thought of spending time with a good book usually beat out any of her dating prospects. And that was enough for her. Until she starts chatting with Adam. Not one to be very chatty in on-line forums, Eden is surprised with herself when she finds the friendly banter between her new on-line friend, Adam, something she increasingly looks forward to. Before she realizes it, they have formed quite a meaningful relationship…even if they haven’t actually met in person. After months of phone calls, emails and messaging, Eden and Adam seem to be a perfect match in every way possible. Their interests and personalities just click, and even with opposing views on some issues, they still have a special and undeniable connection. Or do they? As open as Eden eventually becomes, Adam is equally secretive at times and she starts to wonder if he really is who he says he is. Will Adam ever truly open up to Eden and let her see all of him? Will Eden wait around long enough to find out?
So, I read a lot of books. Most of the stories I read are somewhat similar, which is fantastic and keeps me happy and my library full. Then, every so often, a book comes out that is completely unlike anything I have ever read and keeps me in my seat, e-reader in hand, for hours, from start to finish….Dear Adam is one of those books. I’m not sure exactly what I loved most. Maybe it was that in the digital age, and the heroine being a book blogger like myself, it was easy to relate to? I understand her reluctance to reveal too much about herself but understand how it’s equally as easy to fall into fun, lively conversation and friendship on-line. Maybe it was that this book was written so differently in that we read much of Eden and Adam’s email interactions and we got to see the relationship blossom from innocent chatting to something much deeper? Maybe it was the way Ava had me going back and forth the entire time between being afraid Adam wasn’t real, the suspicions that came and went about him and the desperate hopes I had for Eden that he was real and she get her happy ending. Perhaps it was the entire package. I can’t exactly put my finger on just one thing that I loved about this book….I simply loved it all! I will tell you one part I can say I loved a tad bit more than the others though. The epilogue. Completely surprising and not at all what I had expected but so amazingly perfect….I think I have lost count as to how many times I have re-read the epilogue. Five? Ten? Who knows, honestly. The epilogue was like the fluffy, sweet icing on the deliciously decadent cake otherwise known as the book Dear Adam…..deliciously perfect.
I hope that if you’ve gotten one thing from this review, it’s how much I am imploring you to read this book. It’s different and smart and entertaining and adventurous and relatable and well written and romantic and so truly refreshing and amazing. People, this book will NOT disappoint!
Ava, thank you for bringing us Dear Adam and for bringing me on an emotional, sweaty palmed (those last few chapters had me a nervous wreck!) journey with some awesome sigh worthy moments. Such a treat!
Dear Adam is the second work of author Ava Zavora’s that I have read and I’m really, really hoping that I can adequately convey how much I adored this book in my review…..here goes nothing!
A thirty-something single mom, Eden has taken her love and comfort in books to the blogging world and for the past three years, it has been her happy place. She’s tried the relationship route, but the thought of spending time with a good book usually beat out any of her dating prospects. And that was enough for her. Until she starts chatting with Adam. Not one to be very chatty in on-line forums, Eden is surprised with herself when she finds the friendly banter between her new on-line friend, Adam, something she increasingly looks forward to. Before she realizes it, they have formed quite a meaningful relationship…even if they haven’t actually met in person. After months of phone calls, emails and messaging, Eden and Adam seem to be a perfect match in every way possible. Their interests and personalities just click, and even with opposing views on some issues, they still have a special and undeniable connection. Or do they? As open as Eden eventually becomes, Adam is equally secretive at times and she starts to wonder if he really is who he says he is. Will Adam ever truly open up to Eden and let her see all of him? Will Eden wait around long enough to find out?
So, I read a lot of books. Most of the stories I read are somewhat similar, which is fantastic and keeps me happy and my library full. Then, every so often, a book comes out that is completely unlike anything I have ever read and keeps me in my seat, e-reader in hand, for hours, from start to finish….Dear Adam is one of those books. I’m not sure exactly what I loved most. Maybe it was that in the digital age, and the heroine being a book blogger like myself, it was easy to relate to? I understand her reluctance to reveal too much about herself but understand how it’s equally as easy to fall into fun, lively conversation and friendship on-line. Maybe it was that this book was written so differently in that we read much of Eden and Adam’s email interactions and we got to see the relationship blossom from innocent chatting to something much deeper? Maybe it was the way Ava had me going back and forth the entire time between being afraid Adam wasn’t real, the suspicions that came and went about him and the desperate hopes I had for Eden that he was real and she get her happy ending. Perhaps it was the entire package. I can’t exactly put my finger on just one thing that I loved about this book….I simply loved it all! I will tell you one part I can say I loved a tad bit more than the others though. The epilogue. Completely surprising and not at all what I had expected but so amazingly perfect….I think I have lost count as to how many times I have re-read the epilogue. Five? Ten? Who knows, honestly. The epilogue was like the fluffy, sweet icing on the deliciously decadent cake otherwise known as the book Dear Adam…..deliciously perfect.
I hope that if you’ve gotten one thing from this review, it’s how much I am imploring you to read this book. It’s different and smart and entertaining and adventurous and relatable and well written and romantic and so truly refreshing and amazing. People, this book will NOT disappoint!
Ava, thank you for bringing us Dear Adam and for bringing me on an emotional, sweaty palmed (those last few chapters had me a nervous wreck!) journey with some awesome sigh worthy moments. Such a treat!
October 1, 2013
HOLY HELL! It's HOURS later and I still can't stop thinking about it! Epilogue is EPIC!
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4 ½ stars
I started Dear Adam very excited. Without going into detail it is a subject I have a touch of person experience, and well, happen to be a book blogger J . I started to read the emails and got to know our characters and thought well, this is alright. Adam was a little more "polished" in the beginning than my usual taste. Yes, grab me and drag me back to your cave and I’m good to go. Ok so that’s a slight exaggeration but I like a little more alpha. So I’m reading, the writings good even though we’re essentially reading emails, it’s still entertaining and real. As the story progresses along with the feelings, you start to experience them; the story sucks you in only to spit you back out while you’re trying to peace your heart back together. It’s really hard not to go off on a tangent about why this book turned out to be so amazing I had to call Jillian and vent and scream (in a good way). Adam was not at all what I expected, and while extremely intelligent his dark side perked my interest and was more than I predicted. Eden was so realistic I could easily put myself in her place, feel the rawness of her emotion and live her life with her. There were teases thrown in regarding true identities and I was constantly guessing the twists and turns, never getting them right. The "true" ending before the epilogue I was disappointed in but I understand why it went that way. The epilogue was EPIC! I loved that the author basically gave us the option of how we wanted to complete our journey, per the warning before the epilogue started. What a tease though! I’m pretty sure I could have read another 100 pages and not batted an eye.
So let me explain how this book went from a 4 star to a 4 ½ star. When I started I thought oh this is good writing, especially considering how well it flowed when we were reading emails, characters are likeable, nothing I’m in love with, predicting a 3- 3 ½ star rating (which still isn’t bad). Then I went to a wow this is getting really good, to having to call Jillian and I thought well it’s not a 5 because of my feelings in the first part(I’m very stingy about my 5’s and the book has to grab me from page 1), but definitely a solid 4, it was excellent. However, when hours later I was thinking about it, dreaming about it, and now it’s Monday and I’m still thinking about it and texting friends about it, it’s a 4 ½ and a damned tempting almost 5 . This book has had such an emotional impact on me that I never saw coming, and haven’t had a book do that to me in quite a while. Sure I’ve had books I’ve loved everything about, but they didn’t stay with me like this one. The emotional impact of this book is phenomenal for me personally. Will I read it again? Yes, and let me tell you when I have piles of ARCs and released books to read, I have no time to re-read a book but I will with this one.
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4 ½ stars
I started Dear Adam very excited. Without going into detail it is a subject I have a touch of person experience, and well, happen to be a book blogger J . I started to read the emails and got to know our characters and thought well, this is alright. Adam was a little more "polished" in the beginning than my usual taste. Yes, grab me and drag me back to your cave and I’m good to go. Ok so that’s a slight exaggeration but I like a little more alpha. So I’m reading, the writings good even though we’re essentially reading emails, it’s still entertaining and real. As the story progresses along with the feelings, you start to experience them; the story sucks you in only to spit you back out while you’re trying to peace your heart back together. It’s really hard not to go off on a tangent about why this book turned out to be so amazing I had to call Jillian and vent and scream (in a good way). Adam was not at all what I expected, and while extremely intelligent his dark side perked my interest and was more than I predicted. Eden was so realistic I could easily put myself in her place, feel the rawness of her emotion and live her life with her. There were teases thrown in regarding true identities and I was constantly guessing the twists and turns, never getting them right. The "true" ending before the epilogue I was disappointed in but I understand why it went that way. The epilogue was EPIC! I loved that the author basically gave us the option of how we wanted to complete our journey, per the warning before the epilogue started. What a tease though! I’m pretty sure I could have read another 100 pages and not batted an eye.
So let me explain how this book went from a 4 star to a 4 ½ star. When I started I thought oh this is good writing, especially considering how well it flowed when we were reading emails, characters are likeable, nothing I’m in love with, predicting a 3- 3 ½ star rating (which still isn’t bad). Then I went to a wow this is getting really good, to having to call Jillian and I thought well it’s not a 5 because of my feelings in the first part(I’m very stingy about my 5’s and the book has to grab me from page 1), but definitely a solid 4, it was excellent. However, when hours later I was thinking about it, dreaming about it, and now it’s Monday and I’m still thinking about it and texting friends about it, it’s a 4 ½ and a damned tempting almost 5 . This book has had such an emotional impact on me that I never saw coming, and haven’t had a book do that to me in quite a while. Sure I’ve had books I’ve loved everything about, but they didn’t stay with me like this one. The emotional impact of this book is phenomenal for me personally. Will I read it again? Yes, and let me tell you when I have piles of ARCs and released books to read, I have no time to re-read a book but I will with this one.
July 13, 2014
4.5 stars
Dear Adam blew my freaking mind. From almost the very first second that I started this book, I was hooked. I was obsessed.
I eventually had to literally force myself to put this down so that I could get to sleep, but I immediately picked it right back up again as soon as I woke up (thank God I chose to read this book on a Friday night!).
Dear Adam was magic. I don't know how else to explain it besides saying that it felt like I was in the story myself. I was experiencing everything that Eden was experiencing, as it was happening to her. My heartbeat sped up, I lost my breath...this book completely consumed every part of me, every part of my soul.
In this book, Zavora has created such an incredibly tangible experience of an online relationship. I've had an online relationship in the past, and I felt like I was back in that time of my life. The way I felt reading this book was so similar to the way it felt in real life. I can't help but think that Zavora's book is based (at least partially, if not totally) on her own personal experience. How could it not be?
Dear Adam is just so real. And Adam himself was real, too. I felt like he was a real person the entire time. He was honestly one of the best male book characters I've ever come across. I usually don't find myself being able to relate to the male characters, or picture them as being real people. But, Adam? Adam was there. He was with me the whole time. He was sexy, sweet, arrogant, annoying, confident, loving, beautiful, hurtful. He was REAL. He did things I didn't like and had opinions that I didn't agree with, but I still loved him the whole time. Because Adam was a guy that I could have fallen in love with. And maybe I did a little bit...
I can't finish this book review without addressing its flaws. There are some spectacularly unbelievable things that happen. And then there's the whole issue of the epilogue...which, honestly, I'm so torn and confused about that I'm not even going to address it. I think that I kind of wish that I hadn't read it? But I just don't care about any of the negative aspects of this book. Because it was just too perfect. It was amazing. I can't think of words to describe how much I love this book, and how much I think that everybody should read it (especially if you, too, have experienced the obsessive and narcotic experience of an online relationship).
Why does it feel like time is our enemy? That we will never have enough?
**ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Dear Adam blew my freaking mind. From almost the very first second that I started this book, I was hooked. I was obsessed.
I eventually had to literally force myself to put this down so that I could get to sleep, but I immediately picked it right back up again as soon as I woke up (thank God I chose to read this book on a Friday night!).
Dear Adam was magic. I don't know how else to explain it besides saying that it felt like I was in the story myself. I was experiencing everything that Eden was experiencing, as it was happening to her. My heartbeat sped up, I lost my breath...this book completely consumed every part of me, every part of my soul.
In this book, Zavora has created such an incredibly tangible experience of an online relationship. I've had an online relationship in the past, and I felt like I was back in that time of my life. The way I felt reading this book was so similar to the way it felt in real life. I can't help but think that Zavora's book is based (at least partially, if not totally) on her own personal experience. How could it not be?
Dear Adam is just so real. And Adam himself was real, too. I felt like he was a real person the entire time. He was honestly one of the best male book characters I've ever come across. I usually don't find myself being able to relate to the male characters, or picture them as being real people. But, Adam? Adam was there. He was with me the whole time. He was sexy, sweet, arrogant, annoying, confident, loving, beautiful, hurtful. He was REAL. He did things I didn't like and had opinions that I didn't agree with, but I still loved him the whole time. Because Adam was a guy that I could have fallen in love with. And maybe I did a little bit...
I can't finish this book review without addressing its flaws. There are some spectacularly unbelievable things that happen. And then there's the whole issue of the epilogue...which, honestly, I'm so torn and confused about that I'm not even going to address it. I think that I kind of wish that I hadn't read it? But I just don't care about any of the negative aspects of this book. Because it was just too perfect. It was amazing. I can't think of words to describe how much I love this book, and how much I think that everybody should read it (especially if you, too, have experienced the obsessive and narcotic experience of an online relationship).
Why does it feel like time is our enemy? That we will never have enough?
**ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
September 17, 2013
I love a book that will engage you and wrap you in, as oppose to feeling like someone is telling a story. One thing I know for sure, Ava Zavora knows how to write a story that will keep you captive until the very end. She is also a master of writing stories of romance and love without graphic or over the top scenes.
Dear Adam makes you a fly on the (virtual) wall of a budding relationship that starts out on Twitter, and quickly moves through email, messenger, and even Skype. You learn about Adam and Eden and their lives through these communications, both are very well rounded characters that easily become real people. Even with Adam's private nature, you can relate to him and his emotions, as well as Eden's. There are a few short interludes where you might get Eden’s thoughts, or a little on the side dialogue with her friends or family, but I’d say 90% of this book is cut down to the choppiness of an email or messenger conversation. To me this would seem like a very difficult challenge to have taken on, because while interaction between characters is what makes or breaks a book in my opinion, emotions and reactions from the same characters are also quite important - and this could be a difficult undertaking with this scenario. While the emotions are definitely present within Dear Adam, sometimes it’s more than a few words typed out to create a sentence, and sometimes the emotions are written “between the lines” of the messages that Adam and Eden are communicating with one another, so you have to look for it. Establishing this online relationship and making it real was something Ava Zavora accomplished quite well. I was hard pressed to put down the book once I started it, because finding out what witty remark Eden may come up with, or how bold and forward Adam might be in his next email was too intoxicating. I could just imagine both characters sitting around the house just waiting on the “bing” of a new email or messenger, and the smiles on their faces as they read the other’s reaction or react themselves to the latest communication.
There were times when I felt a little left out of the other aspects of Eden’s (since this really is her story) life. I wanted more information about how her son was reacting to her strange fascination to a man she’d never actually met, and I wanted to know more about what was happening at work or with her friends. Things like that. I did kind of miss the filler that is present in normal books at times, however in the end you truly don’t feel like much was missing from the book.
Dear Adam makes you a fly on the (virtual) wall of a budding relationship that starts out on Twitter, and quickly moves through email, messenger, and even Skype. You learn about Adam and Eden and their lives through these communications, both are very well rounded characters that easily become real people. Even with Adam's private nature, you can relate to him and his emotions, as well as Eden's. There are a few short interludes where you might get Eden’s thoughts, or a little on the side dialogue with her friends or family, but I’d say 90% of this book is cut down to the choppiness of an email or messenger conversation. To me this would seem like a very difficult challenge to have taken on, because while interaction between characters is what makes or breaks a book in my opinion, emotions and reactions from the same characters are also quite important - and this could be a difficult undertaking with this scenario. While the emotions are definitely present within Dear Adam, sometimes it’s more than a few words typed out to create a sentence, and sometimes the emotions are written “between the lines” of the messages that Adam and Eden are communicating with one another, so you have to look for it. Establishing this online relationship and making it real was something Ava Zavora accomplished quite well. I was hard pressed to put down the book once I started it, because finding out what witty remark Eden may come up with, or how bold and forward Adam might be in his next email was too intoxicating. I could just imagine both characters sitting around the house just waiting on the “bing” of a new email or messenger, and the smiles on their faces as they read the other’s reaction or react themselves to the latest communication.
There were times when I felt a little left out of the other aspects of Eden’s (since this really is her story) life. I wanted more information about how her son was reacting to her strange fascination to a man she’d never actually met, and I wanted to know more about what was happening at work or with her friends. Things like that. I did kind of miss the filler that is present in normal books at times, however in the end you truly don’t feel like much was missing from the book.
November 11, 2013
Let me start by saying when I first started reading this book it reminded me of the TV show
"catfish".
If you have never seen the show "catfish" is about two people that meet online and one or both of them lies pretending to be someone else. Lying about the way she or he looks using fake pictures and false information about themselves. They make up the use of resources, meeting their partner face to face and having no camera to video call on Skype. They always start as friends and the relationship involves into more. These "catfish" usually intend to trick and enamor the other person. Some of them last years dating and it's all been a setup of lies. They end up falling in love and in the process getting hurt.
The book takes us off on the world of online relationships, it begins with Eden getting a tweet on twitter. Eden has a blog, that she writes reviews on books she's has read. Adam finds Eden interesting, they have books in common and he reads her reviews online. He ends up tweeting her and they start chatting, they find it very easy for them to communicate and they give each other's emails and the relationship starts off. Eden gets a little suspicious because when she chats with Adam he seems like he's telling her the truth. How truthful are you? Do you always tell the truth? She's starts getting these feelings for him and vise versa. They live in different parts of the world, she hasn't even seen a picture of the real Adam. They email and Skype but they don't use video call they use phone call. He seems like a mystery to her. Adam does described himself, he tells her he has a shaved bald head, his height, to the color of his eyes and type of clothing he wears. He tells her that he's a 28 year old that likes his privacy and he's being truthful with her. Eden is not so private she has pictures of her self online, with her (Blog, Facebook and twitter). She is a 35 year old, divorced with a 17 year old son.
3.5-4 stars. The writing was great, I enjoyed it.
The book takes us off on the world of online relationships, it begins with Eden getting a tweet on twitter. Eden has a blog, that she writes reviews on books she's has read. Adam finds Eden interesting, they have books in common and he reads her reviews online. He ends up tweeting her and they start chatting, they find it very easy for them to communicate and they give each other's emails and the relationship starts off. Eden gets a little suspicious because when she chats with Adam he seems like he's telling her the truth. How truthful are you? Do you always tell the truth? She's starts getting these feelings for him and vise versa. They live in different parts of the world, she hasn't even seen a picture of the real Adam. They email and Skype but they don't use video call they use phone call. He seems like a mystery to her. Adam does described himself, he tells her he has a shaved bald head, his height, to the color of his eyes and type of clothing he wears. He tells her that he's a 28 year old that likes his privacy and he's being truthful with her. Eden is not so private she has pictures of her self online, with her (Blog, Facebook and twitter). She is a 35 year old, divorced with a 17 year old son.
3.5-4 stars. The writing was great, I enjoyed it.
October 12, 2013
First of all, a big fat thanks to Holly for recommending this book, otherwise I'm pretty sure my radar would have skipped it. Having said that, I'll start my brief review.
I was ready to give Dear Adam 4 stars because even though I enjoyed it I kept feeling something didn't quite click, till I got to the epilogue (which was BRILLIANT ). I liked both Eden and Adam, and even though there were times I wanted to punch them both, the book was written in a way that just made me keep going (and not stop caring about it for a single second). It did drag a bit at around 70% (I don't want to spoil anything), but it was still good.
Eden is a 35-year-old single mother (divorced actually) that is all but the typical lady in distress. I can relate to her in many ways, specially when she says sometimes she'd rather stay at home reading a good book instead of going out. She has her book blog, where she posts all her reviews, and that's how Adam gets to find her. They start communicating through Twitter and they rapidly move on to email, text messaging and Skype calls. That's how their relationship evolves really fast and they end up falling in love.
Adam is a complete mystery . He's a 29-year-old englishman living in Sicily, well read, with a privacy concern that goes a bit overboard, attentive and has a great voice. He has a dark past which we get glimpses of, but never the whole story. He captivated Eden from the start (hell, he even captivated me at the beginning) and shows a lot of affection for her. He also develops a dependence that in my opinion is a bit too much, but let's just think all his insecurities and such are because of the tough life he's had.
The story is consuming, intense, with lots of twists and turns that will keep you wondering the same thing till the very end: Who is Adam?
I was ready to give Dear Adam 4 stars because even though I enjoyed it I kept feeling something didn't quite click, till I got to the epilogue (which was BRILLIANT ). I liked both Eden and Adam, and even though there were times I wanted to punch them both, the book was written in a way that just made me keep going (and not stop caring about it for a single second). It did drag a bit at around 70% (I don't want to spoil anything), but it was still good.
Eden is a 35-year-old single mother (divorced actually) that is all but the typical lady in distress. I can relate to her in many ways, specially when she says sometimes she'd rather stay at home reading a good book instead of going out. She has her book blog, where she posts all her reviews, and that's how Adam gets to find her. They start communicating through Twitter and they rapidly move on to email, text messaging and Skype calls. That's how their relationship evolves really fast and they end up falling in love.
Adam is a complete mystery . He's a 29-year-old englishman living in Sicily, well read, with a privacy concern that goes a bit overboard, attentive and has a great voice. He has a dark past which we get glimpses of, but never the whole story. He captivated Eden from the start (hell, he even captivated me at the beginning) and shows a lot of affection for her. He also develops a dependence that in my opinion is a bit too much, but let's just think all his insecurities and such are because of the tough life he's had.
The story is consuming, intense, with lots of twists and turns that will keep you wondering the same thing till the very end: Who is Adam?
October 17, 2013
Loved it.
September 29, 2013
5++++ emotional, captivating, obsessively readable stars!!
Summary: “You’re the more real to me than any man I’ve ever known … ” To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else. But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after. They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like. Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding? Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's not often that I come across a book that so completely consumes my life. This book had me from the first paragraph, and completely captivated me.
"The best things in life are worth waiting for. When it's right," he said in a voice that was unshakably certain, "Name the place. Name the date. Name the hour. And I will fly anywhere in the world to meet you."
Going into this story, I wasn't sure what to expect really. Honestly, I was kind of looking forward to reading a story that might, in some way, mirror an episode of my favorite guilty pleasure TV show.
~For those of you unaware of the term "Catfishing" - it describes a person who deceives someone they are in an online relationship with by lying about their appearance, age, location etc~
Such a silly, silly girl I am. While the summary of the book was definitely intriguing, it in no way prepared me for the true emotional rollercoaster that Dear Adam turned out to be.
"How I wish I could explore the labyrinth of your strange mind..."
Eden is a 34 year old book blogger (you go girl!!), raising her teenage son. One day, she ends up having a conversation via Twitter with a man who complimented her on one of her reviews. What starts out as a seemingly random encounter with a fellow bibliophile, turns into an intense friendship between two seemingly lost and broken souls desperate for a connection.
"I don't want to interfere with your life. I want to be your life."
Adam tells Eden that he is an Englishman living in Sicily. He owns several properties, is extremely vague about his profession, but that he plans on retiring in 2 years when he's 30.
Naturally, Eden is skeptical of what Adam tells her. But, as he begins to open up about himself, his past and his life...she completely falls under his spell and wants so desperately to believe that what he's telling her is true... so she is willing to go along with him on faith. The two have conversations via Skype almost every night, but Adam stubbornly refuses to allow Eden to see his face. He has a seemingly viable if far-fetched reason for this, but Eden tries to overcome her doubts.
If you think you know how this story plays out after reading this far into my review...you'd be wrong. Like I was. Even though I was totally hooked on this story, I had it set in my brain that I knew exactly what was going to happen and how. I was wrong. Almost at every turn.
There was a point, at about the half-way mark...when the story takes a decidedly unexpected turn. It wasn't a complete shift in the overall plot, just an added element to the story that I never saw coming. And it added a whole new dimension to this already intense story, and I loved it.
It was like a magician had peered into my soul, divined it's secrets, then conjured you - a mysterious, masked man from a distant land drawn to me by my writing. He had picked her from a dusty bookshelf and read her as easily as an open book.
This book held my attention in a steel vice from the moment I started reading. I dreamt about the story. I thought about it while working. It just completely overwhelmed my senses in the best possible way. Ava Zova is such a talented author. She managed to weave so much intensity, and emotion into a book that never stopped surprising me. There are so many things I want to talk about regarding this book. But honestly, I refuse to allow myself to spoil the story for anyone. No matter how many times my emotions got twisted, no matter how many times I wanted to yell at both Eden and Adam about various things they were both holding back from each other...I never, for one second stopped caring. And that speaks volumes. And while finding a happy ever after is next to impossible in the Catfish world, sometimes miracles happen.
But, as with every other element of this book...the ending wasn't at all traditional. Ava decided to included an additional chapter...an epilogue...that proceeds to turn the entire story upside down. Again. And...it...was...fucking...brilliant. It has been a long time since I have been this excited to get people to read a book as I am about Dear Adam. I consider it my mission to get as many people as possible to give this author, and this book a shot. It will be a ride you will never forget.
You were all the books I had ever read, all the fairy tales I wished were true, everything I had ever wanted. Someone strong, principled, honorable, intelligent, soulful, funny, poetic... If you are a fictional character, then I am spellbound by a lie.
**This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review**
ETA 9/11/13: Just finished this book for the second time, and I loved it just as much the second time around.
Summary: “You’re the more real to me than any man I’ve ever known … ” To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else. But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after. They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like. Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding? Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's not often that I come across a book that so completely consumes my life. This book had me from the first paragraph, and completely captivated me.
"The best things in life are worth waiting for. When it's right," he said in a voice that was unshakably certain, "Name the place. Name the date. Name the hour. And I will fly anywhere in the world to meet you."
Going into this story, I wasn't sure what to expect really. Honestly, I was kind of looking forward to reading a story that might, in some way, mirror an episode of my favorite guilty pleasure TV show.
~For those of you unaware of the term "Catfishing" - it describes a person who deceives someone they are in an online relationship with by lying about their appearance, age, location etc~
Such a silly, silly girl I am. While the summary of the book was definitely intriguing, it in no way prepared me for the true emotional rollercoaster that Dear Adam turned out to be.
"How I wish I could explore the labyrinth of your strange mind..."
Eden is a 34 year old book blogger (you go girl!!), raising her teenage son. One day, she ends up having a conversation via Twitter with a man who complimented her on one of her reviews. What starts out as a seemingly random encounter with a fellow bibliophile, turns into an intense friendship between two seemingly lost and broken souls desperate for a connection.
"I don't want to interfere with your life. I want to be your life."
Adam tells Eden that he is an Englishman living in Sicily. He owns several properties, is extremely vague about his profession, but that he plans on retiring in 2 years when he's 30.
Naturally, Eden is skeptical of what Adam tells her. But, as he begins to open up about himself, his past and his life...she completely falls under his spell and wants so desperately to believe that what he's telling her is true... so she is willing to go along with him on faith. The two have conversations via Skype almost every night, but Adam stubbornly refuses to allow Eden to see his face. He has a seemingly viable if far-fetched reason for this, but Eden tries to overcome her doubts.
If you think you know how this story plays out after reading this far into my review...you'd be wrong. Like I was. Even though I was totally hooked on this story, I had it set in my brain that I knew exactly what was going to happen and how. I was wrong. Almost at every turn.
There was a point, at about the half-way mark...when the story takes a decidedly unexpected turn. It wasn't a complete shift in the overall plot, just an added element to the story that I never saw coming. And it added a whole new dimension to this already intense story, and I loved it.
It was like a magician had peered into my soul, divined it's secrets, then conjured you - a mysterious, masked man from a distant land drawn to me by my writing. He had picked her from a dusty bookshelf and read her as easily as an open book.
This book held my attention in a steel vice from the moment I started reading. I dreamt about the story. I thought about it while working. It just completely overwhelmed my senses in the best possible way. Ava Zova is such a talented author. She managed to weave so much intensity, and emotion into a book that never stopped surprising me. There are so many things I want to talk about regarding this book. But honestly, I refuse to allow myself to spoil the story for anyone. No matter how many times my emotions got twisted, no matter how many times I wanted to yell at both Eden and Adam about various things they were both holding back from each other...I never, for one second stopped caring. And that speaks volumes. And while finding a happy ever after is next to impossible in the Catfish world, sometimes miracles happen.
But, as with every other element of this book...the ending wasn't at all traditional. Ava decided to included an additional chapter...an epilogue...that proceeds to turn the entire story upside down. Again. And...it...was...fucking...brilliant. It has been a long time since I have been this excited to get people to read a book as I am about Dear Adam. I consider it my mission to get as many people as possible to give this author, and this book a shot. It will be a ride you will never forget.
You were all the books I had ever read, all the fairy tales I wished were true, everything I had ever wanted. Someone strong, principled, honorable, intelligent, soulful, funny, poetic... If you are a fictional character, then I am spellbound by a lie.
**This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review**
ETA 9/11/13: Just finished this book for the second time, and I loved it just as much the second time around.
October 21, 2013
Adam and Eden
Different and interesting. I liked it. I think I would like more though. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Two things caught my eye when we were offered Dear Adam for review. First, the heroine is a book blogger. I can’t remember the last time I saw a book with a story about a book blogger, if ever. Second, the hero and heroine have never met. How can you have a romance novel with the H/h never meeting you ask? Well I was intrigued enough to want to know the answer to that question so I picked up Dear Adam.
Eden is our blogger and she run her own blog. She has an extensive social media presences with her blog, Facebook, Twitter and contact with similar people. One day when she posts a review she receives a comment on Twitter about the review. The commenter is someone named Adam and his words prompt her to respond. The two start to converse back and forth on Twitter and Eden decides to check his profile. Strangely enough he has no friends and has only responded to one person, her.
For a while they talk on Twitter but then move to DM’s. Adam tells Eden he is writing his own book and she is disappointed to think he only contacted her because he was going to ask for a review. That ends up not being the case and they continue to talk. Adam is very vague in his answers to her only giving up the information that he is 28 and will retire, financially secure, at age 30. Eden is 35 with a teenage son so she is immediately conscious of the age difference between them. Adam sounds, acts, different though so they move to an even more intimate form of communication.
Email is the next step for them and it quickly consumes Eden’s life. She starts to lose focus at work and emails him back obsessively. The good news is that Adam seems to be in just as deep even if he won’t give up much information about himself. Eden has pictures of herself on the internet because of her blog and has sent Adam certain pictures but he will not send her anything. At one point he sends her a voice recording but asks her to delete it after several days.
She should have guessed from his evasive e-mail. He knew what his voice would do to her. She felt ambushed.
Slowly, we read the pair falling into a deeper relationship yet never seeing each other whether on video Skype or face to face. Adam claims he is on the other side of the world and stays up all hours of the day just to chat with Eden. Eventually it comes to the point where Eden wants to meet Adam. He puts her off saying that in 6 months he will be able to see her. He will have all his business in order and they will be safe. With everything that Eden has learned of him she knows his previous business dealings have not been on the right side of the law and he is trying to change that. Knowing these small things only adds to her frustration (and mine) because it is hard to trust someone you can’t see.
“The best things in life are worth waiting for. When it’s right,” he said in a voice that was unshakably certain, “Name the place. Name the date. Name the hour. And I will fly anywhere in the world to meet you.”
There comes a times where Eden can’t take the secrecy anymore and cuts off all contact. She thinks she is doing the right thing and that she has been played but that isn’t the case. She takes dramatic measures to erase her social footprint even deleting her blog. In his last contact with her Adam tells her that he will leave her alone and should she ever want it he will restore her blog.
I will leave you here to find the rest of the story on your own. I was completely drawn in by this book. I am such a sucker for touch in romance that I found it interesting that even though I didn’t have that here, I never felt anything was missing. Reading Eden and Adam live out their relationship only on paper and voice and never in person was strangely fulfilling and compelling. I have questions, yes. I was never satisfied with who Adam was or how he became that way. He has serious computer skills but I don’t know how he got them or what he was going to do with them.
The end has two paths. There is the ending and then the second ending. The author leaves a note that says if you are happy with the original ending then stop. She says the extra chapter might change how you feel. Strangely enough, me who always reads the last chapter first, stopped. I was happy with the way it ended and I don’t want anything to ruin that. Maybe if someone else reads that last part they can report back if it changed anything for them.
Overall, this book was a very different concept and I enjoyed it. I am glad I read it and would encourage others to do so also. Final grade- B
Favorite Quote:
“My dear, you’re staring.”
And she would say, unashamed, unable to hold back, “I can’t help it. I still can’t believe you’re here. I’m afraid I’ll wake up and I’ll find it was all a beautiful, wicked dream.”
And she’d cling to him tightly, as if to prove to herself his reality. He would never fail to take her in his arms and gently say, “I am here, and I will stay. I love you, Edie.”
Different and interesting. I liked it. I think I would like more though. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Two things caught my eye when we were offered Dear Adam for review. First, the heroine is a book blogger. I can’t remember the last time I saw a book with a story about a book blogger, if ever. Second, the hero and heroine have never met. How can you have a romance novel with the H/h never meeting you ask? Well I was intrigued enough to want to know the answer to that question so I picked up Dear Adam.
Eden is our blogger and she run her own blog. She has an extensive social media presences with her blog, Facebook, Twitter and contact with similar people. One day when she posts a review she receives a comment on Twitter about the review. The commenter is someone named Adam and his words prompt her to respond. The two start to converse back and forth on Twitter and Eden decides to check his profile. Strangely enough he has no friends and has only responded to one person, her.
For a while they talk on Twitter but then move to DM’s. Adam tells Eden he is writing his own book and she is disappointed to think he only contacted her because he was going to ask for a review. That ends up not being the case and they continue to talk. Adam is very vague in his answers to her only giving up the information that he is 28 and will retire, financially secure, at age 30. Eden is 35 with a teenage son so she is immediately conscious of the age difference between them. Adam sounds, acts, different though so they move to an even more intimate form of communication.
Email is the next step for them and it quickly consumes Eden’s life. She starts to lose focus at work and emails him back obsessively. The good news is that Adam seems to be in just as deep even if he won’t give up much information about himself. Eden has pictures of herself on the internet because of her blog and has sent Adam certain pictures but he will not send her anything. At one point he sends her a voice recording but asks her to delete it after several days.
She should have guessed from his evasive e-mail. He knew what his voice would do to her. She felt ambushed.
Slowly, we read the pair falling into a deeper relationship yet never seeing each other whether on video Skype or face to face. Adam claims he is on the other side of the world and stays up all hours of the day just to chat with Eden. Eventually it comes to the point where Eden wants to meet Adam. He puts her off saying that in 6 months he will be able to see her. He will have all his business in order and they will be safe. With everything that Eden has learned of him she knows his previous business dealings have not been on the right side of the law and he is trying to change that. Knowing these small things only adds to her frustration (and mine) because it is hard to trust someone you can’t see.
“The best things in life are worth waiting for. When it’s right,” he said in a voice that was unshakably certain, “Name the place. Name the date. Name the hour. And I will fly anywhere in the world to meet you.”
There comes a times where Eden can’t take the secrecy anymore and cuts off all contact. She thinks she is doing the right thing and that she has been played but that isn’t the case. She takes dramatic measures to erase her social footprint even deleting her blog. In his last contact with her Adam tells her that he will leave her alone and should she ever want it he will restore her blog.
I will leave you here to find the rest of the story on your own. I was completely drawn in by this book. I am such a sucker for touch in romance that I found it interesting that even though I didn’t have that here, I never felt anything was missing. Reading Eden and Adam live out their relationship only on paper and voice and never in person was strangely fulfilling and compelling. I have questions, yes. I was never satisfied with who Adam was or how he became that way. He has serious computer skills but I don’t know how he got them or what he was going to do with them.
The end has two paths. There is the ending and then the second ending. The author leaves a note that says if you are happy with the original ending then stop. She says the extra chapter might change how you feel. Strangely enough, me who always reads the last chapter first, stopped. I was happy with the way it ended and I don’t want anything to ruin that. Maybe if someone else reads that last part they can report back if it changed anything for them.
Overall, this book was a very different concept and I enjoyed it. I am glad I read it and would encourage others to do so also. Final grade- B
Favorite Quote:
“My dear, you’re staring.”
And she would say, unashamed, unable to hold back, “I can’t help it. I still can’t believe you’re here. I’m afraid I’ll wake up and I’ll find it was all a beautiful, wicked dream.”
And she’d cling to him tightly, as if to prove to herself his reality. He would never fail to take her in his arms and gently say, “I am here, and I will stay. I love you, Edie.”
August 28, 2013
Sometimes I am just absolutely amazed. Authors are such awesomely creative folk. Ms. Zavora wrote about a heroine that was dear to my heart before I even cracked open the book. Eden is a book reviewer and she admits in the story that she would rather curl up with a book hero rather than go out with a real guy.
Here see?
“When asked out, I am hesitant, my glance straying to the beeefy, 400-page mystery thriller lounging seductively on the nightstand next to my bed, with come hither eyes that promise an exciting evening of one climax after another. Never had a chance. Staying in Saturday night.”
Cool right?
Yeah, I couldn't wait to get to this baby.
Now why was I so amazed (Beyond the fact that it doesn't take much to impress me)? Well it was the format in which this story was told. There are pockets of third person narration by Eden, but the bulk of the book is an exchange of tweets, emails, IMs, audio Skypes and texts between the heroine, Eden and the hero, Adam. And then the end has one of those epic mind blowing epilogues where you just go 'What the heck?!?' Creative writing just doesn't quite describe it.
So here's the plot... Eden is a divorced, middle-aged woman with a son. She is a court record transcriber during the day and a book review blogger amongst other things in her down time. One day, she receives a tweet from a new Twitter follower in response to a recent review. Ordinarily, this would be a matter of a polite exchange and then she would move on. In this instance, it is the beginning of something more. She and this Adam are having a real conversation and she is reluctant to end it as is he. So they don't- end it that is. They continue on into private messages and then advance to emails. They have a connection that extends beyond the books. Their communications becomes the most important thing in her life. But, yeah there's a but. Adam is open about many things with the glaring exception of his appearance and willingness to meet up. Eden's life hasn't been a picnic and her past has left deep scars. One of those is an insecurity that won't allow her to let go of the suspicion that things are just too wonderful with Adam so they can't be real until she sees him. Adam claims to have strong reasons for them to keep to a slow, but true plan and puts off her requests. Eden has to ask the sixty-four million dollar question. Is he or isn't he?
Now while, I was enthralled with plot elements, pacing and characters along with the format, I will say that I did end up with some unresolved feelings because of the denouement. When the end comes, I felt that there was a portion that was condensed that I wanted more resolution on. I don't want to go into details that would be spoilerish, but it seemed to go from the pinnacle of the huge climax to the very end without all that lovely information in between that would have explained some stuff that I was left wondering about. Not to say that the story's finish was dissatisfying, but my nosey curious nature just wanted all my questions answered.
I do want to back up the bread truck a bit and speak of the characters and their relationship a bit. Eden and Adam were sheer bliss to spend time with. I had that moment in the beginning when I groaned and thought it was another one of those insecure cougar with the awesome guy books where you spend half the book trying to talk her down from the guilt over being with a younger guy ledge. Things with these two is never what it seems. Eden had her hang-ups, but they were absolutely understandable and Adam had his areas of secrecy that left you wondering is he for real or isn't he. Gotta say that after a short time, I was really hoping hard that he was the real deal. Not only was he abso-fab as the hard alpha male with the gentle side who treasured Eden, but I just couldn't abide the thought of him crushing Eden's vulnerable heart. He was everything to her and it seemed that she was the same for him.
Lest you think that the passion was non-existent because of the type of relationship these two were carrying on. Just stop right there because these two were hotter than Hades when they really got rolling. They could talk each other into a sweaty lather with just a few sentences.
Okay, so in conclusion, I was fully-engaged in this story and am recommending it to those who are open to a spicy Contemporary Romance told not in the usual way.
Here see?
“When asked out, I am hesitant, my glance straying to the beeefy, 400-page mystery thriller lounging seductively on the nightstand next to my bed, with come hither eyes that promise an exciting evening of one climax after another. Never had a chance. Staying in Saturday night.”
Cool right?
Yeah, I couldn't wait to get to this baby.
Now why was I so amazed (Beyond the fact that it doesn't take much to impress me)? Well it was the format in which this story was told. There are pockets of third person narration by Eden, but the bulk of the book is an exchange of tweets, emails, IMs, audio Skypes and texts between the heroine, Eden and the hero, Adam. And then the end has one of those epic mind blowing epilogues where you just go 'What the heck?!?' Creative writing just doesn't quite describe it.
So here's the plot... Eden is a divorced, middle-aged woman with a son. She is a court record transcriber during the day and a book review blogger amongst other things in her down time. One day, she receives a tweet from a new Twitter follower in response to a recent review. Ordinarily, this would be a matter of a polite exchange and then she would move on. In this instance, it is the beginning of something more. She and this Adam are having a real conversation and she is reluctant to end it as is he. So they don't- end it that is. They continue on into private messages and then advance to emails. They have a connection that extends beyond the books. Their communications becomes the most important thing in her life. But, yeah there's a but. Adam is open about many things with the glaring exception of his appearance and willingness to meet up. Eden's life hasn't been a picnic and her past has left deep scars. One of those is an insecurity that won't allow her to let go of the suspicion that things are just too wonderful with Adam so they can't be real until she sees him. Adam claims to have strong reasons for them to keep to a slow, but true plan and puts off her requests. Eden has to ask the sixty-four million dollar question. Is he or isn't he?
Now while, I was enthralled with plot elements, pacing and characters along with the format, I will say that I did end up with some unresolved feelings because of the denouement. When the end comes, I felt that there was a portion that was condensed that I wanted more resolution on. I don't want to go into details that would be spoilerish, but it seemed to go from the pinnacle of the huge climax to the very end without all that lovely information in between that would have explained some stuff that I was left wondering about. Not to say that the story's finish was dissatisfying, but my nosey curious nature just wanted all my questions answered.
I do want to back up the bread truck a bit and speak of the characters and their relationship a bit. Eden and Adam were sheer bliss to spend time with. I had that moment in the beginning when I groaned and thought it was another one of those insecure cougar with the awesome guy books where you spend half the book trying to talk her down from the guilt over being with a younger guy ledge. Things with these two is never what it seems. Eden had her hang-ups, but they were absolutely understandable and Adam had his areas of secrecy that left you wondering is he for real or isn't he. Gotta say that after a short time, I was really hoping hard that he was the real deal. Not only was he abso-fab as the hard alpha male with the gentle side who treasured Eden, but I just couldn't abide the thought of him crushing Eden's vulnerable heart. He was everything to her and it seemed that she was the same for him.
Lest you think that the passion was non-existent because of the type of relationship these two were carrying on. Just stop right there because these two were hotter than Hades when they really got rolling. They could talk each other into a sweaty lather with just a few sentences.
Okay, so in conclusion, I was fully-engaged in this story and am recommending it to those who are open to a spicy Contemporary Romance told not in the usual way.
October 27, 2013
Originally given 3.5 hearts at Rookie Romance.
I found this book interesting and certainly different. At first I found it engrossing, then the middle lagged a bit, before picking up pace again in the last quarter of the book.
Eden is a thirty something single mum with a teenage son, and she's also a book blogger (woop woop). She starts talking to Adam via twitter, and it quickly becomes an intense online friendship, before taking a turn for the romantic. Eden is understandably wary about getting too close to Adam. She's been hurt so much in the past, and she doesn't want to be hurt by Adam, but he seems to good to be true.
Adam is enigmatic, to say the least. He places a great deal of importance on privacy, and won't even send Eden a picture of himself. You can understand why Eden would have so many doubts! He's blunt and straight forward, except when it come to some personal details about himself. He definitely stirs your interest, and leaves you wondering just who he is, and why his life is so mysterious.
In a book world filled with insta-love mostly based on lust, it was very refreshing that their relationship develops without Eden knowing what Adam looks like. The connection they had was very genuine, and it's filled with passion- which surprised me, considering that most of the communication is via email or talking on the phone.
Overall, I found this very interesting, but during the middle of the book I found it hard to keep my reading momentum and it took away from my enjoyment of the book. There were plenty of twists, and the ending was a perfect way to wrap up the story.
There is a second ending, which you can choose to read or not. I read it, but I preferred the original ending. I thought it was more romantic.
*I received a review copy from the author, for my honest review. Thank you!
I found this book interesting and certainly different. At first I found it engrossing, then the middle lagged a bit, before picking up pace again in the last quarter of the book.
Eden is a thirty something single mum with a teenage son, and she's also a book blogger (woop woop). She starts talking to Adam via twitter, and it quickly becomes an intense online friendship, before taking a turn for the romantic. Eden is understandably wary about getting too close to Adam. She's been hurt so much in the past, and she doesn't want to be hurt by Adam, but he seems to good to be true.
Adam is enigmatic, to say the least. He places a great deal of importance on privacy, and won't even send Eden a picture of himself. You can understand why Eden would have so many doubts! He's blunt and straight forward, except when it come to some personal details about himself. He definitely stirs your interest, and leaves you wondering just who he is, and why his life is so mysterious.
In a book world filled with insta-love mostly based on lust, it was very refreshing that their relationship develops without Eden knowing what Adam looks like. The connection they had was very genuine, and it's filled with passion- which surprised me, considering that most of the communication is via email or talking on the phone.
Overall, I found this very interesting, but during the middle of the book I found it hard to keep my reading momentum and it took away from my enjoyment of the book. There were plenty of twists, and the ending was a perfect way to wrap up the story.
There is a second ending, which you can choose to read or not. I read it, but I preferred the original ending. I thought it was more romantic.
*I received a review copy from the author, for my honest review. Thank you!
September 20, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
I really don't know how to describe Dear Adam by Ava Zavora. I mean it's one of those books you go "Whoa". To tell you the truth, I don't believe I have ever come across something like this before.
I don't know how many of you would take a chance on a guy you have never met, but only communicated with through the internet? It is amazing what technology has done for love lives. First off, I thought Dear Adam was incredible. Especially with all the corresponding via twitter, email, instant messaging, and eventually with Skype. Honestly, I didn't know you could Skype without seeing the person. Anyway, I'm digressing. So, Eden and Adam develop this relations solely on internet interaction. However, Adam keeps so very deep dark secrets that jeopardize more than just the relationship.
So, throughout the story, I'm trying to figure out the secret. By the end of the story, I was truly surprise and ended up having mix feelings about the epilogue. However, I did like how the author gave a bit of a warning which kind of prepared me, but not really.
Overall, Dear Adam was mind-blowing story about two people who happen to meet over the internet and gain a real connection. Beautifully written that has you waiting to see what the next conversation will bring you. So, if you are looking for something different and not afraid to take a chance, you might want to give Dear Adam a try.
Copy provided by author
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
I really don't know how to describe Dear Adam by Ava Zavora. I mean it's one of those books you go "Whoa". To tell you the truth, I don't believe I have ever come across something like this before.
I don't know how many of you would take a chance on a guy you have never met, but only communicated with through the internet? It is amazing what technology has done for love lives. First off, I thought Dear Adam was incredible. Especially with all the corresponding via twitter, email, instant messaging, and eventually with Skype. Honestly, I didn't know you could Skype without seeing the person. Anyway, I'm digressing. So, Eden and Adam develop this relations solely on internet interaction. However, Adam keeps so very deep dark secrets that jeopardize more than just the relationship.
So, throughout the story, I'm trying to figure out the secret. By the end of the story, I was truly surprise and ended up having mix feelings about the epilogue. However, I did like how the author gave a bit of a warning which kind of prepared me, but not really.
Overall, Dear Adam was mind-blowing story about two people who happen to meet over the internet and gain a real connection. Beautifully written that has you waiting to see what the next conversation will bring you. So, if you are looking for something different and not afraid to take a chance, you might want to give Dear Adam a try.
Copy provided by author
September 24, 2013
I was drawn in by the idea of someone meeting someone on line and “falling in love” without ever meeting. I have always been taught that if it seems too good to be true then it probably is. That is exactly how Adam sounded. He had all the right words at the right time, but refused to show who he really was. I was very worried at the beginning that Eden would just believe it all. The relief I felt when she started questioning who Adam really was, was huge. I had to keep reading. I had to know if she ever found her truth and knew who she was and who he was. Never did I dream that Adam was what he was.
The layout of this book was probably the biggest turn off to me. It is very hard to keep the story flowing when you have to read from, to, and time to know who is saying what and when they are saying it. It was hard for me to get the feelings and emotions through these forms. The challenge of writing a book all in emails, texts, Skype conversations, and tweets was not lost on me, but it is not my favorite form of reading. I found that I would put the book down after reading an email, where I feel if it was written in a different style I would have felt the need to keep reading.
I will recommend this book and I will talk about this book, due to the content and the writing style. It being different than what I am use to will make it a book I will not forget.
The layout of this book was probably the biggest turn off to me. It is very hard to keep the story flowing when you have to read from, to, and time to know who is saying what and when they are saying it. It was hard for me to get the feelings and emotions through these forms. The challenge of writing a book all in emails, texts, Skype conversations, and tweets was not lost on me, but it is not my favorite form of reading. I found that I would put the book down after reading an email, where I feel if it was written in a different style I would have felt the need to keep reading.
I will recommend this book and I will talk about this book, due to the content and the writing style. It being different than what I am use to will make it a book I will not forget.
September 30, 2013
Quite a different take on romancing, courting and falling in love. I wasn't sure of what to expect from a novel that focused so much on a relationship that was developed through social media. I will say this much up front, I absolutely loved it!
Eden and Adam's "relationship" was so very real to me. As a matter of fact, I felt like I was Eden. Ava Zavora successfully looped me into the novel. Not only did Eden fall for this guy that she'd never glimpsed, I did as well. Talk about finding a book boyfriend. I took this emotional ride with Eden; her highs and lows were mine to share. I found myself curling up with my e-reader, laughing along with the quirky things that came about with their discussions, and becoming totally enthralled by our fascinating love interest. (And yes, please notice that I said "our" fascinating love interest.)
I was rooting for them the entire way. I didn't allow my reality to dampened the mood of the story, even when all that was became quite doubtful. I still believed in the "relationship" that Eden and Adam built through electronic means. And at the very end, when Ms. Zavora concluded the main story but gave readers the option to continue on (I'm assuming, for a possible alternative ending), I shut down my e-reader and called it a day, because I was totally satisfied at how this romance began and ended.
Eden and Adam's "relationship" was so very real to me. As a matter of fact, I felt like I was Eden. Ava Zavora successfully looped me into the novel. Not only did Eden fall for this guy that she'd never glimpsed, I did as well. Talk about finding a book boyfriend. I took this emotional ride with Eden; her highs and lows were mine to share. I found myself curling up with my e-reader, laughing along with the quirky things that came about with their discussions, and becoming totally enthralled by our fascinating love interest. (And yes, please notice that I said "our" fascinating love interest.)
I was rooting for them the entire way. I didn't allow my reality to dampened the mood of the story, even when all that was became quite doubtful. I still believed in the "relationship" that Eden and Adam built through electronic means. And at the very end, when Ms. Zavora concluded the main story but gave readers the option to continue on (I'm assuming, for a possible alternative ending), I shut down my e-reader and called it a day, because I was totally satisfied at how this romance began and ended.
October 4, 2013
“You’re the more real to me than any man I’ve ever known … ”
To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else.
But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after.
They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like.
Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding?
Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
What a great synopsis! I'll read this asap OHMYGAD!
Review:
Somehow I have a very deep connection with Dear Adam. I know the feeling with the talking with a person you never met. The feeling you get whenever he replies or if he didn't. It's like waiting for the rainbow after the rain. It's really surreal and.... fascinating to read.
To book blogger Eden, Adam is the embodiment of every literary fantasy she’s ever had. Intelligent, wickedly funny, sexy, and attentive – he and his fascinating life seem right out of a novel. Their whirlwind relationship is so intense and all consuming that soon she can’t imagine being with anyone else.
But there’s one little thing that’s keeping Adam and Eden from their happily ever after.
They’ve never met. She doesn’t even know what he looks like.
Despite how hard she’s fallen for him and how he makes her feel, Eden’s doubts begin to threaten their passionate love affair. Why is he so mysterious? Why does he seem reluctant to meet her? What is Adam hiding?
Afraid that she’s being made a fool of, Eden is forced to choose between her heart and her head. Is Adam too good to be true, as her common sense is telling her, or is the truth more startling than fiction?
What a great synopsis! I'll read this asap OHMYGAD!
Review:
Somehow I have a very deep connection with Dear Adam. I know the feeling with the talking with a person you never met. The feeling you get whenever he replies or if he didn't. It's like waiting for the rainbow after the rain. It's really surreal and.... fascinating to read.
September 21, 2013
I recieved this book through a Goodreads first Giveaway. What a very interesting way to write a book. I really enjoyed it. I found the beginning to be a little confusing but other than that It was really good. I have wondered before if a romance could develop without meeting the other person face to face because often people are not truthful and hide behind the computer. I loved the romance that developed in this book. I also loved the first ending as I love fairy tale endings. I did not like the second ending, although it does turn out good. I found the first ending to be something Adam would totally do and it was soo romantic. A very good book. I would urge anyone who finds the beginning hard to get into to please stick with it, it gets soooo much better and you will be missing out on a really good book.
September 24, 2013
This isn't really that much of a romance except they're getting to know each other on-line in hopes of having a face to face relationship in the future. It's more suspenseful than romantic because we're wondering if Adam is really know he says he is.
I know from the reviews that a few people are really thrown by the epilogue but it does come with a warning not to read it if you're happy with the ending. Honestly to me the epilogue makes more sense than ending #1.
I know from the reviews that a few people are really thrown by the epilogue but it does come with a warning not to read it if you're happy with the ending. Honestly to me the epilogue makes more sense than ending #1.
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January 9, 20154:16am. (No leí el final alternativo porque presentí que se iba a cagar el libro, idk. ¿Por qué existen los finales alternativos? No me gustaaaaaaaaaaaa). Bue, me engancho muchísimo, muy muy muy entretenido y lindo. Ame con mi alma todas sus conversaciones. En fin, creo que tengo que dormir, so Jajajaja.
September 28, 2013
I really wish that at least the tiniest fraction of the book would have featured Eden and Adam having met and interacting in person. I was disappointed about that. I also wish the League of Librarians was real!
September 22, 2013
This was good...beginning was great...middle I found him a bit patronizing...and I really hate the word darling..lol...and the ending was fantastic!
September 22, 2013
HOLE. EE. SHIT. THAT EPILOGUE. MY MIND IS FUUUUUUUUCKED. What just happened. Amazing book. It was nothing that I expected. NOTHING. 5 Stars. I need a sequel of some sort. PLEASE.
November 8, 2013
Check out my review of Dear Adam on http://lettersandnotesblog.blogspot.c...
J.
J.
October 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Was wanting to turn the pages fast. Very well done:)
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