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Wilson Mooney #2
Eighteen at Last
Chained by unfortunate timing and restricted by society’s expectations, every choice Wilson and Max make becomes pivotal to their future together.
Eager to take their relationship to the next level, Wilson returns to Aspen with Max to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. When an uncontrollable situation leads to a split-second decision, both will be tested like never before. Butterflies will soar, hearts will clash, and Wilson’s relationship with Max will spin into a silken cocoon with choices that seem too impossible to overcome.
Could it be…uncovering the deep ache that lays dormant in their hearts will become the real threat to their forbidden love? Or will the pressures of keeping their relationship a secret be too much to bear?
Eager to take their relationship to the next level, Wilson returns to Aspen with Max to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. When an uncontrollable situation leads to a split-second decision, both will be tested like never before. Butterflies will soar, hearts will clash, and Wilson’s relationship with Max will spin into a silken cocoon with choices that seem too impossible to overcome.
Could it be…uncovering the deep ache that lays dormant in their hearts will become the real threat to their forbidden love? Or will the pressures of keeping their relationship a secret be too much to bear?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2012
13 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen de la O
12 books426 followersGretchen enjoys self-publishing her work and is truly learning to let go with every curve and bump in the creative process. Gretchen enjoys writing about first loves and first times, in the first person. She is a firm believer that anything is possible if you set your mind to it; and what you expect out of life, always finds a way of showing up.
http://amzn.to/1X7auM8 BROKEN GIRL (NEW RELEASE)
http://amzn.to/1SWfJsi WILSON MOONEY BOXSET
http://amzn.to/1U3OYHp ALMOST EIGHTEEN (book1)
http://amzn.to/1rcRoIK EIGHTEEN AT LAST (book2)
http://amzn.to/1U3P6GO BEYOND EIGHTEEN (book 3)
http://amzn.to/1SWgykL PROTOTYPE (Possession Series)
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http://amzn.to/1X7auM8 BROKEN GIRL (NEW RELEASE)
http://amzn.to/1SWfJsi WILSON MOONEY BOXSET
http://amzn.to/1U3OYHp ALMOST EIGHTEEN (book1)
http://amzn.to/1rcRoIK EIGHTEEN AT LAST (book2)
http://amzn.to/1U3P6GO BEYOND EIGHTEEN (book 3)
http://amzn.to/1SWgykL PROTOTYPE (Possession Series)
www.gretchendelao.com
www.facebook.com/booksbygretchendelao
www.twitter.com/gretchendelao
www.pinterest.com/delaogk
www.instagram.com/gretchendelao
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★★! A gem! A must read! What a wonderfully told love story. Book 1 & 2, awaiting Book 3.
I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon this series. If you liked Gabriel’s (Inferno) and the Honor (Student) Series then this book is for you. Though the Hero, Max Goldstein (22 years/black hair/green eyes) is not dominant and ruthless like Gideon Cross, William Honor etc. he is memorable nevertheless. However, this series should be acknowledged for its Heroine, Wilson Mooney (17 years/blond hair/blue eyes). What a special and beautiful Heroine who, thanks to Ms. de la O’s incredible storytelling skills, wraps herself around your heart. 5 stars! A must read and an author to follow!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Story line rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I re-read this book: Yes!
I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon this series. If you liked Gabriel’s (Inferno) and the Honor (Student) Series then this book is for you. Though the Hero, Max Goldstein (22 years/black hair/green eyes) is not dominant and ruthless like Gideon Cross, William Honor etc. he is memorable nevertheless. However, this series should be acknowledged for its Heroine, Wilson Mooney (17 years/blond hair/blue eyes). What a special and beautiful Heroine who, thanks to Ms. de la O’s incredible storytelling skills, wraps herself around your heart. 5 stars! A must read and an author to follow!
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Story line rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I re-read this book: Yes!
February 20, 2013
”What have I done?”
You can say that again Wilson Mooney!
This book was an utter train wreck but I couldn't stop reading it! The endless string of poor decisions by our main character, the now eighteen year old, Wilson Mooney was tough to get through.
Did I get tired constant butterfly references? Yes
Did I fall for Max the hot teacher even more in this sequel? Yes
Did I swoon at all the birthday surprises Max had lined up? Yes
Do I wish I had a best friend like Joanie? Yes
Did I enjoy the evil friend Cindy? Oh Yes, the girl sure makes things interesting!
Did I enjoy our heroine in this sequel? Absolutely Not. She makes terrible decisions based on her insecurities and wow do they come back to bite her in the end. I just wanted to yell at her to stop crying and fix things for yourself! I found her to be lacking in communication and life skills or maybe it's just her inexperience with relationships. I think Wilson has A LOT of growing up to do and I hope it wouldn't be at Max's expense.
Will I be reading the third book of this series? Yes. I have to know how things end, if not for our main character Wilson than for Max. I have a greater respect and love for him in this sequel. He is definitely someone to fight for and be proud to stand by!
P.S. Sneak peak for book three is on author's page
This book was an utter train wreck but I couldn't stop reading it! The endless string of poor decisions by our main character, the now eighteen year old, Wilson Mooney was tough to get through.
Did I get tired constant butterfly references? Yes
Did I fall for Max the hot teacher even more in this sequel? Yes
Did I swoon at all the birthday surprises Max had lined up? Yes
Do I wish I had a best friend like Joanie? Yes
Did I enjoy the evil friend Cindy? Oh Yes, the girl sure makes things interesting!
Did I enjoy our heroine in this sequel? Absolutely Not. She makes terrible decisions based on her insecurities and wow do they come back to bite her in the end. I just wanted to yell at her to stop crying and fix things for yourself! I found her to be lacking in communication and life skills or maybe it's just her inexperience with relationships. I think Wilson has A LOT of growing up to do and I hope it wouldn't be at Max's expense.
Will I be reading the third book of this series? Yes. I have to know how things end, if not for our main character Wilson than for Max. I have a greater respect and love for him in this sequel. He is definitely someone to fight for and be proud to stand by!
P.S. Sneak peak for book three is on author's page
February 17, 2013
Oh my life! Where to start...? Okay, I'll start at the end... it's a cliffhanger! Argh, I don't mind having my heart ripped out and stomped all over, as long as the characters tenderly put it back together and restore it to it's rightful place by the end... and they didn't! *sob*
But... freakin' brilliant book!!! What a difference a month can make.
This book picks up, after quite a funny epilogue from Max's POV, a month after the first book ends. On Wilson's 18th birthday.
"Yeah, well, if it wasn't your birthday and I wasn't so madly in love with you-" his voice trailed off...
Again, the book spans over a few short period of time, only a few days... but pretty much, anything that can possibly go wrong over a matter of days, does!
When everything in my gut is telling me it's right, how can it be wrong?
There are some gorgeously swoonworthy bits too... the sex scenes are much more detailed than the first, and much steamier. Like I said, the difference a month makes, hey?! I love Max and Wilson together. The sensuality of their exploration of one another, and the circumstances which lead to it, was quite emotional.
"It was perfect. You took me to a place where I didn't have to worry about being healed or fixed. It wasn't about that. We experienced something nobody will ever be able to touch or take away. What you gave me I will cherish for as long as I live."
I don't want to write too much and include any spoilers, but know that this book is so much more angsty than the first. There are a lot more dark subject matters broached and my stomach was in knots for about 50% of the book. Oh God, poor Wilson, poor Max! They both need each others' support and leave, but both are too broken and distraught to give it. It's painful.
I loved him so much, more than any moment or event could ever render. He was my air, my water, my blood pumping through my veins. I gave him every hidden spoke in my wheel. Every little thing that meant anything to me was nothing compared to him. To see him in so much pain cracked my soul.
I did absolutely love it though. I read it during one afternoon and evening... beginning at lunch time and finishing at 1am, cooking dinner and working in between. I can't find any details about a release of the third book, so I'm guessing it's nowhere near release, which just shatters my broken heart a little more... I need that third book. Wilson and Max are meant for each other and they have so much to overcome, I need to know it's all going to be okay.
"I don't want to ever have to imagine a moment without you next to me ever again."
Thank God for the Epilogue and for the sneak peak of a chapter from book #3 on the author's website. That gives you a small semblance of hope that things might be salvageable and allowed me some kind of composure... otherwise I would have been a mess.
I stood watching the warm glow of light pouring through the glass of the front door. stared at my hand as I clutched the frigid knob and wondered if, by opening it, I'd be stepping into a situation that would heal my heart or shatter it completely.
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February 20, 2013
4 Frustrating Stars!
WM18@L picks up right where WMA18 left off. Max and Wilson have returned to Wesley, have endured the last 30 days and Wilson is now 18 and they can "be together"!
They decide to celebrate the momentous occasion in none other than...Aspen! You guessed it! It's Wilson's 18th birthday and Max pulls out all of the stops to make it special. The sexual tension between them continues to build and build. And just when you think it's finally going to happen.....
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And now let the drama begin....one thing happens after another between Max and Wilson and they just can't seem to catch a break. Cindy's back, Wayne's back, Nick's back, the butterflies are back. This is when I started to get really angry...especially with Wilson. She was STUPID! The decisions she made were stupid, her reactions were stupid...I seriously wanted to slap her!
Unfortunately the story ends with very little of the drama being resolved. And once again we have another cliffhanger ending....
As angry as I was at this book, it brought out a lot of emotions which is the sign of a good book. And I honestly couldn't stop reading! I will definitely be torturing myself and reading the final installment. I have to see what happens with everyone!
PS. I
Max!!!
PSS. Thank you to the author for providing the sneak peek of WMB18! I was then able to talk myself down off of the ledge. :)
WM18@L picks up right where WMA18 left off. Max and Wilson have returned to Wesley, have endured the last 30 days and Wilson is now 18 and they can "be together"!
They decide to celebrate the momentous occasion in none other than...Aspen! You guessed it! It's Wilson's 18th birthday and Max pulls out all of the stops to make it special. The sexual tension between them continues to build and build. And just when you think it's finally going to happen.....
[image error]
And now let the drama begin....one thing happens after another between Max and Wilson and they just can't seem to catch a break. Cindy's back, Wayne's back, Nick's back, the butterflies are back. This is when I started to get really angry...especially with Wilson. She was STUPID! The decisions she made were stupid, her reactions were stupid...I seriously wanted to slap her!
Unfortunately the story ends with very little of the drama being resolved. And once again we have another cliffhanger ending....
As angry as I was at this book, it brought out a lot of emotions which is the sign of a good book. And I honestly couldn't stop reading! I will definitely be torturing myself and reading the final installment. I have to see what happens with everyone!
PS. I
Max!!!PSS. Thank you to the author for providing the sneak peek of WMB18! I was then able to talk myself down off of the ledge. :)
June 28, 2013
So... I just finished reading this. Literally. And we get the deed completed:
!*!*!*! 
But then... stupidity kicks in, all because no one wants to TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!
First thought in my mind:
And then comes:
Followed quickly with:
So now... I'm waiting for the final book. And I'm not pleased with the 'teaser' that the author provides:
"Emily pulled away; Max pushed his hands to her checks before twisting her dark curl around his finger and delicately tucking it behind her ear.God it hurt so bad to see him touching her that way. Suddenly, I couldn't help myself from hyperventilating. I watched as Emily smiled at him, her eyes twinkled as they vacillated with every word he whispered to her. Her hands clutched either side of his white dress shirt. My knees buckled causing me to lean forward; I caught myself before I fell apart in the hall. Yeah, this was my fault. I never should have left, I never should have kissed Nick, and I should have been there with him when he buried his father. I should have never left."
OMG!!! WTF?! I need a drink.
!*!*!*! But then... stupidity kicks in, all because no one wants to TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!
First thought in my mind:
And then comes:
Followed quickly with:
So now... I'm waiting for the final book. And I'm not pleased with the 'teaser' that the author provides:
"Emily pulled away; Max pushed his hands to her checks before twisting her dark curl around his finger and delicately tucking it behind her ear.God it hurt so bad to see him touching her that way. Suddenly, I couldn't help myself from hyperventilating. I watched as Emily smiled at him, her eyes twinkled as they vacillated with every word he whispered to her. Her hands clutched either side of his white dress shirt. My knees buckled causing me to lean forward; I caught myself before I fell apart in the hall. Yeah, this was my fault. I never should have left, I never should have kissed Nick, and I should have been there with him when he buried his father. I should have never left."
OMG!!! WTF?! I need a drink.
February 17, 2013
4.5 stars! WTF just happened?!?!? GAH! These 2 are going to kill me. Review to come!
April 12, 2013
I felt the butterflies cluster down in my stomach as time swirled between us. Forever existed in that moment, and tortured me into longing to taste him. ~Wilson pg 289
Oh my lord, my heart is in pieces right now!! This follow-up to Almost Eighteen was an emotion-filled, heartbreaking narrative of the next phase in Wilson and Max's romance. Watching these two characters that I have grown to love face euphoric highs and shattering lows had me smiling, swooning, and fighting back tears, and it was a beautifully written installment of their journey.
Wilson and Max have moved past the awkward beginning stages of their relationship; they've been together for a month, and now they're returning to Aspen to ring in her 18th birthday. What better way to celebrate her becoming a legal adult than to finally act on the passions that they couldn't act on before she turned 18? But fate is a twisted thing sometimes, and it always seems to have a way of ensnaring Wilson in it's cruel sense of humor. Just as Max's family is embracing her and she's beginning to feel a part of something beautiful, the floor drops out from underneath her dream world. Wilson and Max are truly tested, and I was torn apart and right along with them thanks to the intense emotions Gretchen de la O allows the reader to experience through her writing. Max and Wilson have a huge spot in my heart, and they face so much pain as this story wraps up. Betrayal and secrecy rock the foundations of their relationship, and in the end we are left uncertain if they will be able to move past the hurt, which just crushed me!! I desperately need Beyond Eighteen, but for now I'm content with the sneak peek (which I read the minute I finished this story) as a teaser for the day we can finally know Wilson and Max's fate!! With a sensuality that will have your heart racing, characters that are sure to be reader favorites, and a story that captivates your thoughts, this series is a must-read for romance fans!
“I loved him so much, more than any moment or event could ever render. He was my air, my water, my blood pumping through my veins. I gave him every hidden spoke in my wheel. Every little thing that meant anything to me was nothing compared to him. To see him in so much pain cracked my soul.” ~Wilson pg 186
Oh my lord, my heart is in pieces right now!! This follow-up to Almost Eighteen was an emotion-filled, heartbreaking narrative of the next phase in Wilson and Max's romance. Watching these two characters that I have grown to love face euphoric highs and shattering lows had me smiling, swooning, and fighting back tears, and it was a beautifully written installment of their journey.
Wilson and Max have moved past the awkward beginning stages of their relationship; they've been together for a month, and now they're returning to Aspen to ring in her 18th birthday. What better way to celebrate her becoming a legal adult than to finally act on the passions that they couldn't act on before she turned 18? But fate is a twisted thing sometimes, and it always seems to have a way of ensnaring Wilson in it's cruel sense of humor. Just as Max's family is embracing her and she's beginning to feel a part of something beautiful, the floor drops out from underneath her dream world. Wilson and Max are truly tested, and I was torn apart and right along with them thanks to the intense emotions Gretchen de la O allows the reader to experience through her writing. Max and Wilson have a huge spot in my heart, and they face so much pain as this story wraps up. Betrayal and secrecy rock the foundations of their relationship, and in the end we are left uncertain if they will be able to move past the hurt, which just crushed me!! I desperately need Beyond Eighteen, but for now I'm content with the sneak peek (which I read the minute I finished this story) as a teaser for the day we can finally know Wilson and Max's fate!! With a sensuality that will have your heart racing, characters that are sure to be reader favorites, and a story that captivates your thoughts, this series is a must-read for romance fans!
“I loved him so much, more than any moment or event could ever render. He was my air, my water, my blood pumping through my veins. I gave him every hidden spoke in my wheel. Every little thing that meant anything to me was nothing compared to him. To see him in so much pain cracked my soul.” ~Wilson pg 186
April 15, 2013
With thanks to author Gretchen de la O, my stomach is now in knots, my heart beating rapidly.
In my review of the first book, Almost Eighteen, I expressed a question regarding the lack of angst and whether it was author intended. Well, in Eighteen At Last , I received my answer. A very resounding YES! The intensity, in both passion and conflict rose exponentially in this sequel. I couldn't put it down. This author can write!
She not only explored sexual boundaries, but tackled the difficult topic of death and grief, both sensitively and successfully.
Our heroine, Wilson, a deep thinking, passionate young woman, had built strong, thick walls of self preservation around her. (Walls, Max wonderfully and delectably urged her to lower.) She desperately craved a sense of family to replace the hollow space in her heart, caused by prior loss and abandonment. The deep rooted sadness, was relentless in its search for cracks in her façade. This left her vulnerable and displaced in times of sorrow. It also caused rash decisions with regrettable consequences. Yet, I still liked and admired her.
Max - I still adore you! I loved that the author allowed you your astute perceptions to be heard in the Prologue and Conclusion. You are completely Book Boyfriend material, oh adorable one. Keep fighting!
The intimately detailed sensual dance and passion between Max and Wilson will leave you whimpering and breathless.
The sadness will cause tears, the tension keep you pinned, and the cliff hanger at the end? Can Beyond Eighteen please be released tomorrow???
Once again, the novel is written in first person only spanning a few days in time, so was very intense.
So, if you enjoy the YA genre, I urge you to start this incredible journey of Wilson Mooney - a well executed story that is merging from YA into NA. Eighteen at Last showed improved writing, so, I have no doubt, book three, Beyond Eighteen is going to be incredible. Make way for a new talent.
Thank you Gretchen de la O for the privilege of reading and reviewing your work.
In my review of the first book, Almost Eighteen, I expressed a question regarding the lack of angst and whether it was author intended. Well, in Eighteen At Last , I received my answer. A very resounding YES! The intensity, in both passion and conflict rose exponentially in this sequel. I couldn't put it down. This author can write!
She not only explored sexual boundaries, but tackled the difficult topic of death and grief, both sensitively and successfully.
Our heroine, Wilson, a deep thinking, passionate young woman, had built strong, thick walls of self preservation around her. (Walls, Max wonderfully and delectably urged her to lower.) She desperately craved a sense of family to replace the hollow space in her heart, caused by prior loss and abandonment. The deep rooted sadness, was relentless in its search for cracks in her façade. This left her vulnerable and displaced in times of sorrow. It also caused rash decisions with regrettable consequences. Yet, I still liked and admired her.
Max - I still adore you! I loved that the author allowed you your astute perceptions to be heard in the Prologue and Conclusion. You are completely Book Boyfriend material, oh adorable one. Keep fighting!
The intimately detailed sensual dance and passion between Max and Wilson will leave you whimpering and breathless.
'His lips, hot and wet, mixed with mine. Our kiss was infectious. I couldn't get enough of him - his taste, his feel, the cold air mixing with the heat of our breath - it all made me blazing hot.'
The sadness will cause tears, the tension keep you pinned, and the cliff hanger at the end? Can Beyond Eighteen please be released tomorrow???
Once again, the novel is written in first person only spanning a few days in time, so was very intense.
So, if you enjoy the YA genre, I urge you to start this incredible journey of Wilson Mooney - a well executed story that is merging from YA into NA. Eighteen at Last showed improved writing, so, I have no doubt, book three, Beyond Eighteen is going to be incredible. Make way for a new talent.
Thank you Gretchen de la O for the privilege of reading and reviewing your work.
November 12, 2012
I read both of the books in this series over the weekend and I will say I am blown away and jonesin' for more!
I absolutely adore Wilson and Max...and am dying to find out where this story leads. I am devistated at where this book ended....even the morning after I cannot get the devistation out of my bones! I am not good with cliffhangers...and this one has a doosey!
This book has dynamic characters, a forbidden love that is beautiful and sensual. Wilson and Max try so hard to keep their love a secret, but little by little the secret begins to fall apart. They both war with themselves about right and wrong and they both love each other desprately.
This book has all the right elements, a mightly love, characters that scheme to keep them from being together, scorching love scenes and a pull that keeps you entranced with what will happen.
Forces in this installment are really testing thier commitment and love for one another, a mean girl who is doing her best to expose them, several guys who all are vying for Wilson's attention and the fact that his family is not aware that she is his student.
I absolutely ADORED this story, fell in love with Max and have that feeling that only a few love stories have left me with. I am dying for the next installment!!
This book is rated YA, however as a mom of a 14 year old, I would rate this on the upper scale of YA.
I absolutely adore Wilson and Max...and am dying to find out where this story leads. I am devistated at where this book ended....even the morning after I cannot get the devistation out of my bones! I am not good with cliffhangers...and this one has a doosey!
This book has dynamic characters, a forbidden love that is beautiful and sensual. Wilson and Max try so hard to keep their love a secret, but little by little the secret begins to fall apart. They both war with themselves about right and wrong and they both love each other desprately.
This book has all the right elements, a mightly love, characters that scheme to keep them from being together, scorching love scenes and a pull that keeps you entranced with what will happen.
Forces in this installment are really testing thier commitment and love for one another, a mean girl who is doing her best to expose them, several guys who all are vying for Wilson's attention and the fact that his family is not aware that she is his student.
I absolutely ADORED this story, fell in love with Max and have that feeling that only a few love stories have left me with. I am dying for the next installment!!
This book is rated YA, however as a mom of a 14 year old, I would rate this on the upper scale of YA.
November 18, 2012
To sum up this book in one word.
Disappointed. I was excited to see it was out
Greedily downloaded it an tore into it immediately.
Wilson is planning a getaway with government teacher Max.
Max is 22 an Wilson is 18. Her birthday is Christmas Day.
I expected a sweet romance with a couple of bumps, what I got was intense off roading with a 5 minute pit stop.
Disappointed. I was excited to see it was out
Greedily downloaded it an tore into it immediately.
Wilson is planning a getaway with government teacher Max.
Max is 22 an Wilson is 18. Her birthday is Christmas Day.
I expected a sweet romance with a couple of bumps, what I got was intense off roading with a 5 minute pit stop.
December 1, 2012
Disappointing-I had such high hopes but this book fell far short of Almost Eighteen. The male character Max mentions in the beginning of this book how Wilson is not like other 18 y/o, she's so mature and doesn't think and act like her counterparts. I beg to differ, this whole book is nothing but one long teenager's insecurity rant, dumb decision and 'I'm so in love so everything I perfect' thought after another. I was skipping 3 or 4 pages at a time in an attempt to get to the interaction between the characters and to cut out Wilson's immature musings.
August 31, 2013
Yeah, a roller coaster… an emotional roller coaster. That’s exactly how I felt while reading EIGHTEEN AT LAST; it was way more emotional than I expected it to be.
❝ Sometimes I can’t believe Wilson’s only seventeen. She seems so much older.❞Yes, Max, haven’t you heard that girls mature faster than boys? I believe that is a scientific fact (sounds good anyway) – that is why you feel like you are on the same level, because mentally, you are ☺.
The story of Wilson and Max’s forbidden love affair picks up where the first book, ALMOST EIGHTEEN left off. Wilson is still sweet and semi-innocent in the month leading up to her eighteenth birthday – you know the day they can get down and dirty without Mr. Max getting arrested for having sex with a minor? Yeah, eighteenth birthday = really big day! They continue their steamy sessions of heavy petting… and licking… but they do their best to keep their romance on the down-low, but were they sneaky enough to keep their shenanigans secret? I know, but I'm not tellin'.
I loved Wilson, I felt like she had this sweet disposition that made the "girl-next door" title perfect for her. This is kind of how I pictured the Wilson we grew to love from ALMOST EIGHTEEN… the virginal Wilson:
❝ Bringing his lips to mine, he kissed me like I was a drug he craved more than life.❞Thank God! They FINALLY did it! But after a few rounds of doing the nasty, Wilson goes from the good girl next door to a wanton little hussie…
Ok, well, maybe not quite a slut, but let’s be honest here… SHE DOES NOT MAKE GOOD CHOICES AFTER GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH DICKIE! It’s like the penis made her stupid too! OH LAWD! Stupid is contagious! I was really disappointed in Wilson’s behavior once she left Max’s family home after they had sex, but honestly, without the drama, it wouldn’t have been as interesting. Predictable outcomes are never very exciting.
Oh Gretchen! Why do you torture us so? A cliffy? Boooooooo! Ok, so the dreaded cliffhanger isn’t terrible, but I am still counting down the days until the release of the third book, BEYOND EIGHTEEN. October 2nd is right around the corner, but I am keeping my fingers crossed for an ARC… *HINT* *HINT*
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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February 21, 2013
“What happened in the past…is the past. Don’t let that define you. Let right now be the most important moment in your life.”
Okay, so this book I thought was so definitely better than the first one. I thought the steaminess was definitely higher in this book and I loved all the drama adding up to her turning 18. I honestly couldn’t wait for them to get back to Colorado to get to spend some quality time together in their bubble. I feared their secrets around every corner and I absolutely hated the lying to his family. I really felt like a part of what was going on.
Have I mentioned I love Max? Because I really do. And we truly get to see many sides of him in this book.
I also loved seeing different sides of other people in this book. We got to see more of Joanie (who I will definitely be adding to my best of the best friends list), and I actually really liked her character much more in this book. She came off as kind of whiney/selfish in the first book, (not being able to be happy that Wilson was going away for the weekend and she wasn’t invited to go) but in this book she is nothing of the sort. She’s helpful and there for her best friend. She was the always the one Wilson could count on. She proves that friends really are the family we choose for ourselves.
Well also get to see a vulnerable side of Calvin in the beginning, or at least that is how I took it. He feels he’s the child who is never good enough, and that is a hard life to live.
We get to see a fun and competitive side of Frank. Between him, Camille and Nancy I just couldn’t help but fall more in love with this family in this second book. I really wanted them to be able to tell his family the truth, though I understood the reasons not to.
Cindy is an even bigger bitch in this book, but that is what she is supposed to be…that character we love to hate. And hate her I did!
Here is my only issue…Wilson drove me a little crazy in this book. I know, being driven crazy by the main character should be a big issue, not a little one. It was feeling a little reminiscent of Kiera in Thoughtless, or maybe more Kiera in Effortless. It was the insecurities and the second guessing and the wrong decisions… But like Kellan gets me through that series when Kiera is driving me crazy…Max and Joanie and even Nick (who I still have a little crush on too) and everyone got me through the parts where I wanted to slap Wilson around a little bit.
All in all I thought this book moved along better and there were even turns I truly didn’t see coming, or didn’t see coming the way they did. I got to the end, disappointed that it was over and cursing Trish for the fact that it isn’t known yet when book three will be out. I will definitely be reading on! 4 stars!!!
Okay, so this book I thought was so definitely better than the first one. I thought the steaminess was definitely higher in this book and I loved all the drama adding up to her turning 18. I honestly couldn’t wait for them to get back to Colorado to get to spend some quality time together in their bubble. I feared their secrets around every corner and I absolutely hated the lying to his family. I really felt like a part of what was going on.
Have I mentioned I love Max? Because I really do. And we truly get to see many sides of him in this book.
I also loved seeing different sides of other people in this book. We got to see more of Joanie (who I will definitely be adding to my best of the best friends list), and I actually really liked her character much more in this book. She came off as kind of whiney/selfish in the first book, (not being able to be happy that Wilson was going away for the weekend and she wasn’t invited to go) but in this book she is nothing of the sort. She’s helpful and there for her best friend. She was the always the one Wilson could count on. She proves that friends really are the family we choose for ourselves.
Well also get to see a vulnerable side of Calvin in the beginning, or at least that is how I took it. He feels he’s the child who is never good enough, and that is a hard life to live.
We get to see a fun and competitive side of Frank. Between him, Camille and Nancy I just couldn’t help but fall more in love with this family in this second book. I really wanted them to be able to tell his family the truth, though I understood the reasons not to.
Cindy is an even bigger bitch in this book, but that is what she is supposed to be…that character we love to hate. And hate her I did!
Here is my only issue…Wilson drove me a little crazy in this book. I know, being driven crazy by the main character should be a big issue, not a little one. It was feeling a little reminiscent of Kiera in Thoughtless, or maybe more Kiera in Effortless. It was the insecurities and the second guessing and the wrong decisions… But like Kellan gets me through that series when Kiera is driving me crazy…Max and Joanie and even Nick (who I still have a little crush on too) and everyone got me through the parts where I wanted to slap Wilson around a little bit.
All in all I thought this book moved along better and there were even turns I truly didn’t see coming, or didn’t see coming the way they did. I got to the end, disappointed that it was over and cursing Trish for the fact that it isn’t known yet when book three will be out. I will definitely be reading on! 4 stars!!!
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July 25, 2017DNF @ 87%
I cannot finish this book. I barely finished the first part and that too all the while banging my head on the door, it was so pathetic.
I have no clue how people are "liking" this book, Everything about this book is wrong.
the heroine is so damn immature. the whole first book and this too is just sexual tension, sex scenes and that is it.! they start a relationship, spend a weekend having kinda sexual scenes and bam, they're in love. the author doesn't even show hoe it plays out in school! when it's supposed to be a student teacher romance!! they don't even get to know each other! one month later, she has sex with him on the day his father died, is she crazy and does she have no sympathy? and then leaves him because of what his family thinks! and goes where? you guessed it! nick! not to mention the fact that cindy lives there and doesn't even know wilson is back in town, but nick likes her and she keeps leading him on! and them asks her best friend joanie to come to her as if she is the key to holding her together and she can't live without her! she lies, she cheats, she manipulates, she's a goddamn toddler in an 18 year old's body!
oh god, i fucking hated this series. urgh, I can't say anymore because it makes me so mad!!
what a joke of a book! the writing is terrible, the story line is terrible, the heroine is terrible, everything is terrible!
I cannot finish this book. I barely finished the first part and that too all the while banging my head on the door, it was so pathetic.
I have no clue how people are "liking" this book, Everything about this book is wrong.
the heroine is so damn immature. the whole first book and this too is just sexual tension, sex scenes and that is it.! they start a relationship, spend a weekend having kinda sexual scenes and bam, they're in love. the author doesn't even show hoe it plays out in school! when it's supposed to be a student teacher romance!! they don't even get to know each other! one month later, she has sex with him on the day his father died, is she crazy and does she have no sympathy? and then leaves him because of what his family thinks! and goes where? you guessed it! nick! not to mention the fact that cindy lives there and doesn't even know wilson is back in town, but nick likes her and she keeps leading him on! and them asks her best friend joanie to come to her as if she is the key to holding her together and she can't live without her! she lies, she cheats, she manipulates, she's a goddamn toddler in an 18 year old's body!
oh god, i fucking hated this series. urgh, I can't say anymore because it makes me so mad!!
what a joke of a book! the writing is terrible, the story line is terrible, the heroine is terrible, everything is terrible!
June 21, 2013
This book is just as good maybe even better than the first book.. Wilson and Max OMG! Cindy is that girl in high school you wanted to take down a notch. She was that girl that made fun of anyone, just so she could feel better about herself... Jonie Love Her, now she was my BFF in high school.. Now back to my review, Story line could not be written any better than the author did... Heartache, firsts love, and totally lose of control of self worth.. Gretchen, may I say you out did yourself with this book.. I can't wait for number three... Awesome job writing this series!!! Thanks for a most enjoyable days of reading both books!!
November 19, 2012
I didn't like this book as much as the first one, although I still plan on reading the third. I felt this book was very rushed and too much happened in a span of just a few days. Wilson and Max have only been together about a month, yet they've had so much drama. I don't understand why everything has to happen so fast!
December 15, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. I'm disappointed it had a big cliffhanger. But I'm so excited for the third book. It's been a while since I've liked a book this much. I really hope I don't have to wait to long for the third book.
January 2, 2019
Unnecessary descriptions. Filler chapters. Boring.
She gets insecure all the time: sweaty palms, clogged up throat and the whole panoply. I just can't.
First of all, the dude's father dies and they still have sex like that's the most important thing in the moment. No. Then she calls her best friend to tell how about the dad's death and the only thing the best friend manages to hear out of everything she says, is that they had sex and then the conversation revolves around that. Like, I don't think that's the moment. I'm sorry but no matter how great my first time was, I wouldn't want to talk about it after my boyfriend's father died. Heck, I wouldn't even have sex on the same fucking night.
Then, she decides to leave the guy and complains later on that he doesn't even try to come after her or contact her. First of all, you left and told him you were doing what's best. Accept that and don't expect him to come crawling and try to get you back. She's all like, I left. But why did he let me leave? He let me just walk away. Ugh. And second, he's mourning his father. I was hurting; pained by the fact that even though Max was grieving the death of his father and the pressures of his family, he hadn’t attempted to contact me. You really think you are a priority to him right now? Stop being so fucking selfish.
Then, she goes "Now I understand. The Goldstein’s don’t want me there. I get it,” I struggled to form my words as tears streamed down my cheeks. [...] Max had gone on without me…I knew he would. Oh my gosh, she is so fucking self-centered. So what? The guy was supposed to put his life on hold for you after his dad died? The family was supposed to wait for you or something to bury the man? Get over yourself.
At some point, she tries to, and I quote "fill the holes I have for Max in my soul with Nick". Like, she flings herself at him and tries to kiss him and whatever cause she's missing Max. Then, Nick, as the great friend he is, takes advantage and kisses her and all. While knowing she's hurting and isn't thinking nor acting coherently. That's definitely the kind of guy friend I want! Then she goes, "What the hell have I done? I'm not this type of girl". Yes, yes, you ate exactly this type of girl it seems.
She is immature, selfish at times, egocentric, insecure, inconsistent, dramatic, whiny and needy. Things I hate in a protagonist. I couldn't relate to her, couldn't bring myself to like her. I wanted to slap and punch her. She was so annoying to read about.
And again, the writing style. I couldn't bear with things like: But today, I haven’t felt my butterflies move at all; it was as if they’d busted out of my chest and dissolved into the blistering cold air that shredded their wings. Like, wtf? I'm sorry but she tries too much and the imagery though described enough to be pictured ends up totally ruined and bland. No. Or, his smoldering eyes traced me with an intrinsic passion. Intrinsic passion? Intrinsic ? Face palm.
Fifty shades of fucked up. Everything about this book is wrong.
Oh, and of course, most of the book happened in 2 days. Shocker!
She gets insecure all the time: sweaty palms, clogged up throat and the whole panoply. I just can't.
First of all, the dude's father dies and they still have sex like that's the most important thing in the moment. No. Then she calls her best friend to tell how about the dad's death and the only thing the best friend manages to hear out of everything she says, is that they had sex and then the conversation revolves around that. Like, I don't think that's the moment. I'm sorry but no matter how great my first time was, I wouldn't want to talk about it after my boyfriend's father died. Heck, I wouldn't even have sex on the same fucking night.
Then, she decides to leave the guy and complains later on that he doesn't even try to come after her or contact her. First of all, you left and told him you were doing what's best. Accept that and don't expect him to come crawling and try to get you back. She's all like, I left. But why did he let me leave? He let me just walk away. Ugh. And second, he's mourning his father. I was hurting; pained by the fact that even though Max was grieving the death of his father and the pressures of his family, he hadn’t attempted to contact me. You really think you are a priority to him right now? Stop being so fucking selfish.
Then, she goes "Now I understand. The Goldstein’s don’t want me there. I get it,” I struggled to form my words as tears streamed down my cheeks. [...] Max had gone on without me…I knew he would. Oh my gosh, she is so fucking self-centered. So what? The guy was supposed to put his life on hold for you after his dad died? The family was supposed to wait for you or something to bury the man? Get over yourself.
At some point, she tries to, and I quote "fill the holes I have for Max in my soul with Nick". Like, she flings herself at him and tries to kiss him and whatever cause she's missing Max. Then, Nick, as the great friend he is, takes advantage and kisses her and all. While knowing she's hurting and isn't thinking nor acting coherently. That's definitely the kind of guy friend I want! Then she goes, "What the hell have I done? I'm not this type of girl". Yes, yes, you ate exactly this type of girl it seems.
She is immature, selfish at times, egocentric, insecure, inconsistent, dramatic, whiny and needy. Things I hate in a protagonist. I couldn't relate to her, couldn't bring myself to like her. I wanted to slap and punch her. She was so annoying to read about.
And again, the writing style. I couldn't bear with things like: But today, I haven’t felt my butterflies move at all; it was as if they’d busted out of my chest and dissolved into the blistering cold air that shredded their wings. Like, wtf? I'm sorry but she tries too much and the imagery though described enough to be pictured ends up totally ruined and bland. No. Or, his smoldering eyes traced me with an intrinsic passion. Intrinsic passion? Intrinsic ? Face palm.
Fifty shades of fucked up. Everything about this book is wrong.
Oh, and of course, most of the book happened in 2 days. Shocker!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2017
Quite awful.
I have to confess I skim read much of this because the drivel was too thick. So much superfluous fluff ran through this story which I can't help but wonder was a way to boost word count.
I hated the heroine in this. Wilson was such a bloody whinger! Boo hoo, I'm all alone, I have no family, no one loves me, blah blah blah. Her reaction when Max's family discovered who she really was, was so over the top / infantile I couldn't bear to read it. FFS! Then she called her teenage friend to come and get her, despite the girl living in a different state and fully expected her to get to her asap. Was she for real? Maybe she should've grown the frig up, got her arse on a plane home and not expected her friend (still in high school ffs) to fly to her at the friend's expense. Selfish little brat!
I have part 3 on my kindle but I'm deleting it as I know EXACTLY how it'll end. More drivel, more sobbing Wilson, more spoilt little bitch friends, more tortured Max declaring love at every moment and I'm throwing in a marriage proposal in at the end for some HEA.
2017 doesn't need this crap.
I have to confess I skim read much of this because the drivel was too thick. So much superfluous fluff ran through this story which I can't help but wonder was a way to boost word count.
I hated the heroine in this. Wilson was such a bloody whinger! Boo hoo, I'm all alone, I have no family, no one loves me, blah blah blah. Her reaction when Max's family discovered who she really was, was so over the top / infantile I couldn't bear to read it. FFS! Then she called her teenage friend to come and get her, despite the girl living in a different state and fully expected her to get to her asap. Was she for real? Maybe she should've grown the frig up, got her arse on a plane home and not expected her friend (still in high school ffs) to fly to her at the friend's expense. Selfish little brat!
I have part 3 on my kindle but I'm deleting it as I know EXACTLY how it'll end. More drivel, more sobbing Wilson, more spoilt little bitch friends, more tortured Max declaring love at every moment and I'm throwing in a marriage proposal in at the end for some HEA.
2017 doesn't need this crap.
November 24, 2017
Tumultuous book!
Wow what a sequel! I loved every minute of it!! Wilson and Max are fantastic! I couldn’t put the book down!
Wow what a sequel! I loved every minute of it!! Wilson and Max are fantastic! I couldn’t put the book down!
February 5, 2014
Title: Eighteen at Last
Book number: 2
Series: Wilson Mooney
Author: Gretchen de la O
Guy: Max Goldstein, 22, teacher. Black hair, green eyes.
Girl: Wilson Mooney, 18, student. Dark blonde hair.
Locations: Aspen, Colorado.
Point of view: Hers
The story in dot points:
My thoughts: Another great story that has left me running for the next book! I wasn't 100% sure I liked where the author took part of this story, it really made me want to slap the sh*t out of Wilson! I do however still think Max is just amazing, he does everything right! Bring on book 3!
Ending:
Next book: Beyond Eighteen
Book number: 2
Series: Wilson Mooney
Author: Gretchen de la O
Guy: Max Goldstein, 22, teacher. Black hair, green eyes.
Girl: Wilson Mooney, 18, student. Dark blonde hair.
Locations: Aspen, Colorado.
Point of view: Hers
The story in dot points:
My thoughts: Another great story that has left me running for the next book! I wasn't 100% sure I liked where the author took part of this story, it really made me want to slap the sh*t out of Wilson! I do however still think Max is just amazing, he does everything right! Bring on book 3!
Ending:
Next book: Beyond Eighteen
September 11, 2016
Enjoyed this one MUCH more than the first although I prefer more in depth and steamy scenes. I've officially fallen for Wilson and Max. Ready for the third so my heart can heal.
Favorite moments and quotes:
The holes of abandonment were carved into my heart by the woman who was supposed to love me more than any chemical high. The damaging acid of neglect dissolved any memories of my mother's love.
"We'll, put it this way-I don't want to ever have to imagine a moment without you next to me ever again."
I loved him so much, more than any moment or event could ever render. He was my air, my water, my blood pumping through my veins. I gave him every hidden spoke in my wheel. Every little thing that meant anything to me was nothing compared to him.
Max knew she wasn't related to me by blood or marriage, but Joanie and I didn't need that; we were found family. A family we made by conscious choice.
There was nothing justifiable about the universe letting me taste the sweetness of perfection before it viciously ripped it from my soul.
I felt my body give up and my knees buckle under its weight. Dramatic or not, something happens when you realize your life will never be the same again.
It was over, the past. It was time to pick myself up and move on. Just like every other time I'd been disappointed in my life, my heart rolled up and my head took off. I wanna go to bed.
I had to go to the space I know exists within my soul that doesn't let me feel love or joy, the space that doesn't burn with sadness or regret. It was the space I found when my mother drove away. the same space I revisited when my grandparents died, and now the same void I felt beginning to occupy me until Joanie got here.
"Look at the last six months of your life. It's more than anyone should have to handle. You've lost both of your grandparents, you've lost your virginity, you've had to deal with such grown-up bullshit-nobody our age should have to take that all at once. A whole new world was opened up to you, and ripped away so fast, that it shattered who you are. We've gotten through everything else in our lives;we will get through this too."
"What happened in the past...is the past. Don't let that define you. Let right now be the most important moment of your life."
"He isn't your mom, honey. You have to stop waiting for Max to leave you."
"It doesn't matter who you think you've become or what mistakes you've mad. When you're with Max, you're happy. Your spark for life becomes contagious. I've never seen two people who are more perfect for one another. What can I say? You belong together. Besides, you guys are my happily ever after, damn it...so don't screw it up for me!"
We were worth fighting for.
I felt rescued in his embrace; like I'd finally made it home again.
He was the home I always want to have.
Favorite moments and quotes:
The holes of abandonment were carved into my heart by the woman who was supposed to love me more than any chemical high. The damaging acid of neglect dissolved any memories of my mother's love.
"We'll, put it this way-I don't want to ever have to imagine a moment without you next to me ever again."
I loved him so much, more than any moment or event could ever render. He was my air, my water, my blood pumping through my veins. I gave him every hidden spoke in my wheel. Every little thing that meant anything to me was nothing compared to him.
Max knew she wasn't related to me by blood or marriage, but Joanie and I didn't need that; we were found family. A family we made by conscious choice.
There was nothing justifiable about the universe letting me taste the sweetness of perfection before it viciously ripped it from my soul.
I felt my body give up and my knees buckle under its weight. Dramatic or not, something happens when you realize your life will never be the same again.
It was over, the past. It was time to pick myself up and move on. Just like every other time I'd been disappointed in my life, my heart rolled up and my head took off. I wanna go to bed.
I had to go to the space I know exists within my soul that doesn't let me feel love or joy, the space that doesn't burn with sadness or regret. It was the space I found when my mother drove away. the same space I revisited when my grandparents died, and now the same void I felt beginning to occupy me until Joanie got here.
"Look at the last six months of your life. It's more than anyone should have to handle. You've lost both of your grandparents, you've lost your virginity, you've had to deal with such grown-up bullshit-nobody our age should have to take that all at once. A whole new world was opened up to you, and ripped away so fast, that it shattered who you are. We've gotten through everything else in our lives;we will get through this too."
"What happened in the past...is the past. Don't let that define you. Let right now be the most important moment of your life."
"He isn't your mom, honey. You have to stop waiting for Max to leave you."
"It doesn't matter who you think you've become or what mistakes you've mad. When you're with Max, you're happy. Your spark for life becomes contagious. I've never seen two people who are more perfect for one another. What can I say? You belong together. Besides, you guys are my happily ever after, damn it...so don't screw it up for me!"
We were worth fighting for.
I felt rescued in his embrace; like I'd finally made it home again.
He was the home I always want to have.
April 1, 2013
OMG!!! Wow! This second book in the Wilson Mooney Series was freakin’ awesome!! I couldn’t put it down and now I can’t wait for the third book!!! Gretchen de la O what have you done?!
Wilson has finally turned eighteen and she and Max are going to celebrate in Colorado. Not everything is going to go as planned. It never does right?
Max and Wilson have kept their relationship quiet except to their close friends and family. However, the background of their relationship has not been revealed.
In this book, all of Wilson’s insecurities come crashing together and create a storm so heavy that it is possibly too much for her to wade through. She has never been close with her mother and her feelings tied to her mom cause her to second guess everything her and Max have built.
There is an unexpected event in the story that weighs down every choice they make.
Again, Gretchen de la O handles this story with such grace and sincerity. She doesn’t dilute and cheapen the story. And although this formula may have been done before, she does not make it a cliché. Her story is well developed and I did not feel rushed or eluded while reading this. Her characters fit well together, including the secondary characters. All play a pivotal role in Max and Wilson’s relationship. Nick plays a bigger role than he did in the first. His character is a good one and I’d like to see more of him and Max’s brother Calvin. Cindy is still the epic bitch and played her part perfectly.
Again I really enjoyed how ‘clean’ Gretchen wrote this story. It truly makes Max and Wilson’s relationship so much more. More sincere, more believable, more lovable… just MORE.
In this second installment, there is such intensity that you find yourself wanting to read faster and pleading with the characters to say the ‘right’ thing. I found myself trying to calm the butterflies and stop myself from holding my breath. That being said, I totally needed the Kleenex for this one. I can’t lie- book 2 grabbed my heart hard. I can’t go into detail of this book without giving spoilers and so you will just have to read for yourself to see what I’m talking about. I hope book #3 Beyond Eighteen isn’t too long a wait.. This series has angst but not so heavy that it overwhelms the story. After all it is about a first true love—there has to be angst and there has to be some drama. Definitely get this series on your TBR and if it’s already there—bump it up!
Wilson has finally turned eighteen and she and Max are going to celebrate in Colorado. Not everything is going to go as planned. It never does right?
Max and Wilson have kept their relationship quiet except to their close friends and family. However, the background of their relationship has not been revealed.
In this book, all of Wilson’s insecurities come crashing together and create a storm so heavy that it is possibly too much for her to wade through. She has never been close with her mother and her feelings tied to her mom cause her to second guess everything her and Max have built.
There is an unexpected event in the story that weighs down every choice they make.
Again, Gretchen de la O handles this story with such grace and sincerity. She doesn’t dilute and cheapen the story. And although this formula may have been done before, she does not make it a cliché. Her story is well developed and I did not feel rushed or eluded while reading this. Her characters fit well together, including the secondary characters. All play a pivotal role in Max and Wilson’s relationship. Nick plays a bigger role than he did in the first. His character is a good one and I’d like to see more of him and Max’s brother Calvin. Cindy is still the epic bitch and played her part perfectly.
Again I really enjoyed how ‘clean’ Gretchen wrote this story. It truly makes Max and Wilson’s relationship so much more. More sincere, more believable, more lovable… just MORE.
In this second installment, there is such intensity that you find yourself wanting to read faster and pleading with the characters to say the ‘right’ thing. I found myself trying to calm the butterflies and stop myself from holding my breath. That being said, I totally needed the Kleenex for this one. I can’t lie- book 2 grabbed my heart hard. I can’t go into detail of this book without giving spoilers and so you will just have to read for yourself to see what I’m talking about. I hope book #3 Beyond Eighteen isn’t too long a wait.. This series has angst but not so heavy that it overwhelms the story. After all it is about a first true love—there has to be angst and there has to be some drama. Definitely get this series on your TBR and if it’s already there—bump it up!
April 27, 2013
This book is the second in the Wilson Mooney series. It starts off where the last one ended. I am grateful for that because I personally hate when to much of the first story is retold.
This book dives more into the character of Max. I was not sold on him completely in the first book and this book quickly changed my mind on that. Max is sweet, sexy and completely in love with Wilson Mooney. I do get the sense in this book that he has her best interest at heart. There are plenty of swoon worthy lines.
Wilson is almost overwhelmed from the amount of love that she has for Max. She in her young mind has her wedding planned out in her head. She is a character who is damaged. In the first book I saw her more fearlessly and in this book I began to see a much more vulnerable side to her. By the end of the story I am left feeling like she has so much growth to do.
Now this story has an element that I look for and I love. The strong best friend relationship. Because lets face it, our girls should be as much a part of our life as any man. Joanie is Wilson's rock. Their relationship is everything you hope it to be. Her advice is sound.
"What happened in the past...is the past. Don't let that define you. Let right now be the most important moment of your life."
I am excited for the next in The Wilson Mooney series and I look forward to seeing where Max and Wilson go. I also hope that we get to see Wilson mature emotionally and really just grow into her own.
This book dives more into the character of Max. I was not sold on him completely in the first book and this book quickly changed my mind on that. Max is sweet, sexy and completely in love with Wilson Mooney. I do get the sense in this book that he has her best interest at heart. There are plenty of swoon worthy lines.
Wilson is almost overwhelmed from the amount of love that she has for Max. She in her young mind has her wedding planned out in her head. She is a character who is damaged. In the first book I saw her more fearlessly and in this book I began to see a much more vulnerable side to her. By the end of the story I am left feeling like she has so much growth to do.
Now this story has an element that I look for and I love. The strong best friend relationship. Because lets face it, our girls should be as much a part of our life as any man. Joanie is Wilson's rock. Their relationship is everything you hope it to be. Her advice is sound.
"What happened in the past...is the past. Don't let that define you. Let right now be the most important moment of your life."
I am excited for the next in The Wilson Mooney series and I look forward to seeing where Max and Wilson go. I also hope that we get to see Wilson mature emotionally and really just grow into her own.
November 1, 2013
I didn't like the first book but still I read this one as I wanted to know how Max and Wilson's relationship goes . I shouldn't have really bothered . This book too showed absolutely no classroom interaction , they just skipped those parts and went straight to Christmas . I mean what is the point of making them teacher and student ?? The author could have just made them two strangers . All the two of them were doing were doing were rounding all the three bases till her birthday . Max's father dies on Wilson's birthday but no….still they had to go home and make sure they had their first time together . Twice that too . And the next day as soon as Max's mother finds out that she is his student and is upset with it , Wilson just gets up and leaves . What a crappy girlfriend !! Your boyfriend needs you to be there to help him deal with the death of his father and what do you do ?? Just run out the moment something goes wrong in the family because you just can't deal with a mother's rejection . And then Wilson conveniently goes and falls into Nick's waiting arms . Gets drunk and kisses him . Yeah that's real honorable...go kiss and grind up against another guy within hours of leaving your boyfriend [ whom she apparently loves so much that she can't live without him ] because you are soooo lonely and cannot digest the fact that he didn’t come for you . I mean HELLO !!! She left him when he needed her the most and he has to deal with the entire family and take care of them , still she expects him to come and just fall at her feet .
I felt that Max forgave her too quick for kissing another guy . Yeah she was miserable and all but I think there are other ways to deal with your pain than kissing guys who are not your boyfriends .
this book was a 2 star book but I gave it three for the drama . At least it kept me better hooked to it than the last one .
I felt that Max forgave her too quick for kissing another guy . Yeah she was miserable and all but I think there are other ways to deal with your pain than kissing guys who are not your boyfriends .
this book was a 2 star book but I gave it three for the drama . At least it kept me better hooked to it than the last one .
November 13, 2013
“I love him so much, more than any moment or event could every render. He is my air, my water, my blood pumping through my veins.” -Wilson
I was so happy to read this after book one, Almost Eighteen. This story starts a month later with Wilson’s eightieth birthday and the two are heading back to Aspen.
I am totally in love with Max and Wilson. Their love for one another is so strong and intense. They are both so young, but you can just feel how right it is between them. Max is always expressing how much he loves her and how much she means to him.
Now that Wilson has turned eighteen they can finally be together in every sense. Tragedy strikes within Max’s family putting more and more road blocks in the way of their relationship. The secret they have been keeping from the family is revealed and guilt and shame causes Wilson to run.
What I loved about the story is how intense this love is; the connection of these two characters is off the chart hot and felt all the way to your soul. When Max and Wilson finally make love for the first time it was so tragically beautiful.
The happiness does not last for long which I knew was going to happen and I was furious at some of the choices they made. Wilson pissed me off so much, I blame it on her immaturity and her past life experiences but the amount of crying this girl does could fill a lake. This is probably the only thing that I disliked about the book. The amount of crying was beginning to turn me off a bit. Wilson’s best friend Joanie was my saving grace and said all the things I would have said Wilson. My love for Max is also what kept me going.
Unlike the first book where the love scenes were toned down a lot, this book the heat turns up. I guarantee Max will be in your dreams for many nights to come. The story is not over in this book but it is not a horrible cliff and the plus of it all is that Beyond Eighteen is coming out soon.
http://bookfri-ends.com/eighteen-at-l...
I was so happy to read this after book one, Almost Eighteen. This story starts a month later with Wilson’s eightieth birthday and the two are heading back to Aspen.
I am totally in love with Max and Wilson. Their love for one another is so strong and intense. They are both so young, but you can just feel how right it is between them. Max is always expressing how much he loves her and how much she means to him.
Now that Wilson has turned eighteen they can finally be together in every sense. Tragedy strikes within Max’s family putting more and more road blocks in the way of their relationship. The secret they have been keeping from the family is revealed and guilt and shame causes Wilson to run.
What I loved about the story is how intense this love is; the connection of these two characters is off the chart hot and felt all the way to your soul. When Max and Wilson finally make love for the first time it was so tragically beautiful.
The happiness does not last for long which I knew was going to happen and I was furious at some of the choices they made. Wilson pissed me off so much, I blame it on her immaturity and her past life experiences but the amount of crying this girl does could fill a lake. This is probably the only thing that I disliked about the book. The amount of crying was beginning to turn me off a bit. Wilson’s best friend Joanie was my saving grace and said all the things I would have said Wilson. My love for Max is also what kept me going.
Unlike the first book where the love scenes were toned down a lot, this book the heat turns up. I guarantee Max will be in your dreams for many nights to come. The story is not over in this book but it is not a horrible cliff and the plus of it all is that Beyond Eighteen is coming out soon.
http://bookfri-ends.com/eighteen-at-l...
November 8, 2013
Feelings…Nothing more than feelings!
That is the one word that describes Eighteen At Last!
I have such a deep-rooted love for Max and Wilson. Though they are young, you feel the passion, desire, need and pull they have for each other when they speak and interact. You know they are each other’s forever, each other’s breath. One another’s lifeline.
Now onto more feelings. Gretchen had me up close and personal with every possible emotion in this book. I laughed, cried, got pissed, screamed, held my breath, and even fist pumped and high-fived myself (don’t judge me, we all do crazy things in the moment).
I have to say Joanie, Wilson’s best friend, was my savour here. Everything I wanted to say to Wilson, everything I was yelling to her through my Kindle, Joanie ended up saying to her and putting her in her place. Though Wilson did aggravate me by not putting on her big girl underwear and just pushing forward, Joanie finally forced her to face reality and kept her moving. I just wish she had been able to do some of it on her own.
What continues to draw me in more and more is the intensity of Max and Wilson. When they finally make love for the first time and are able to become one with each other, it is breathtakingly loving and far beyond beautiful. I had tears of joy, love and sadness all at once. Not because of the action but the feelings that were expressed through the action. They were literally creating their love in that moment. That was beautiful to experience.
As I suspected, Wilson and Max’s happiness is short lived. Though this is not one of those cliffhangers where it throws you completely over the edge, it still has you hanging, teetering on the edge, yelling at your Kindle. Let’s just say I’m beyond anxiously waiting for book 3 Beyond Eighteen.
http://bookfri-ends.com/eighteen-at-l...
That is the one word that describes Eighteen At Last!
I have such a deep-rooted love for Max and Wilson. Though they are young, you feel the passion, desire, need and pull they have for each other when they speak and interact. You know they are each other’s forever, each other’s breath. One another’s lifeline.
Now onto more feelings. Gretchen had me up close and personal with every possible emotion in this book. I laughed, cried, got pissed, screamed, held my breath, and even fist pumped and high-fived myself (don’t judge me, we all do crazy things in the moment).
I have to say Joanie, Wilson’s best friend, was my savour here. Everything I wanted to say to Wilson, everything I was yelling to her through my Kindle, Joanie ended up saying to her and putting her in her place. Though Wilson did aggravate me by not putting on her big girl underwear and just pushing forward, Joanie finally forced her to face reality and kept her moving. I just wish she had been able to do some of it on her own.
What continues to draw me in more and more is the intensity of Max and Wilson. When they finally make love for the first time and are able to become one with each other, it is breathtakingly loving and far beyond beautiful. I had tears of joy, love and sadness all at once. Not because of the action but the feelings that were expressed through the action. They were literally creating their love in that moment. That was beautiful to experience.
As I suspected, Wilson and Max’s happiness is short lived. Though this is not one of those cliffhangers where it throws you completely over the edge, it still has you hanging, teetering on the edge, yelling at your Kindle. Let’s just say I’m beyond anxiously waiting for book 3 Beyond Eighteen.
http://bookfri-ends.com/eighteen-at-l...
October 18, 2015
3.5 stars*** I read the box set so this is a review for the whole trilogy. It's a story to remind us of what it's like to be young and in love for the first time. To experience all the firsts all over again. Wilson Mooney is not your average everyday girl...well, I guess she really is, but she is among wealthy and snobby girls at her all girl private school where she is a senior. So her experiences with life are far different than those around her. The first 2 books are told from Wilson's POV exclusively and it really is like being in the mind of a teenage girl. She runs through scenarios and over analyzes things and makes assumptions which don't always make sense to an adult. Some of her thoughts went on a little too long for me but it was good. Then there was Max. I had questioned how he got into that position throughout the whole book and then it was answered in the bonus chapter. Max was a cutie and a sweet boy, I wanted to mother him, not make him a book boyfriend, but he was perfect for Wilson. I loved the secondary characters and almost wish there was more of them. It was a long book, but once events started happening, they didn't seem to stop and I didn't want to stop until it was resolved. The final chapters tied everything up, but I felt some things were rushed or glossed over, like the issues with Wilson's mom. There could have been a lot more there. I enjoyed the book and will definitely be checking out more from this author! I won this book in an online contest from the author.
May 20, 2013
OMG! This was an emotional read. It had me smiling and thinking all was perfect in the world with the only worry being would Wilson & Max be able to keep their secret for just a little long. Then it ripped my heart out and stomped on it hard until it was crushed into a million piece. Next it didn't get better it took those pieces of my heart and stomped some more. Finally it came to an end but only to leave me hanging to wonder what was going to happen. I was cursing myself for finishing the book before the next one came out. How was I going to make it through until it comes out. Thankfully Gretchen de la O is a kind person and put a neat little password code in to the back of the book so I could get a break and read some of chapter one for the next book. OH THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS!
Now, the first book was not that great and I debated on reading this one but I am so glad that Max & Wilson's story kept nagging at me to find out what happened. This book was amazing. Although it has the forbidden love of a teacher and a student it is now between two adults and the story is great. Kind of like a modern day Romeo & Juliet. Instead of a love between two fighting families it is a love between an 18 year old student and 22 yr old teacher. Really a great story and everyone who likes a good love story should read it.
Now, the first book was not that great and I debated on reading this one but I am so glad that Max & Wilson's story kept nagging at me to find out what happened. This book was amazing. Although it has the forbidden love of a teacher and a student it is now between two adults and the story is great. Kind of like a modern day Romeo & Juliet. Instead of a love between two fighting families it is a love between an 18 year old student and 22 yr old teacher. Really a great story and everyone who likes a good love story should read it.
April 23, 2014
4.5 Stars
Wow...I knew this series had potential and I was right. This is the second in the series and it is full of heartache, deceit, and hot love. The author really blossomed with this.
It picks up where Almost 18 left off, we get a look inside Max's head and see just how much he loves Wilson. We then jump ahead a few weeks to Wilson's 18th birthday. Max sets up probably one of the best birthday's I have ever seen. But all good things must come to an end.
Wilson has felt abandoned her whole life. Left on her grandparents doorstep by a mother who didn't want her. These feeling are always present even if she is unaware of them, she is always waiting to be abandoned again.
Max knows how fragile Wilson is and even though he swore he would never abandon her, sometimes life throws us curves that prevent us from keeping our promises. Tragedy and bad decisions leaves destruction in its wake.
On a week long trip to Aspen we see Max and Wilson's love and devotion to each other. That these two young people can have a love that is all encompassing. Desires are full filled, lines are crossed and feelings are destroyed. When tragedy strikes, will there love be enough to keep them together?
A relationship built on secrets and lies can never survive, or can it?
Great second book, I am anticipating seeing what the future holds for Max and Wilson.
Wow...I knew this series had potential and I was right. This is the second in the series and it is full of heartache, deceit, and hot love. The author really blossomed with this.
It picks up where Almost 18 left off, we get a look inside Max's head and see just how much he loves Wilson. We then jump ahead a few weeks to Wilson's 18th birthday. Max sets up probably one of the best birthday's I have ever seen. But all good things must come to an end.
Wilson has felt abandoned her whole life. Left on her grandparents doorstep by a mother who didn't want her. These feeling are always present even if she is unaware of them, she is always waiting to be abandoned again.
Max knows how fragile Wilson is and even though he swore he would never abandon her, sometimes life throws us curves that prevent us from keeping our promises. Tragedy and bad decisions leaves destruction in its wake.
On a week long trip to Aspen we see Max and Wilson's love and devotion to each other. That these two young people can have a love that is all encompassing. Desires are full filled, lines are crossed and feelings are destroyed. When tragedy strikes, will there love be enough to keep them together?
A relationship built on secrets and lies can never survive, or can it?
Great second book, I am anticipating seeing what the future holds for Max and Wilson.
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