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The Best of Fools #1
The Best of Fools
Best when read after No, Not that Jane Austen, the prequel to The Best of Fools
The Best of Fools: Will Jane Austen Allow Love In? Having been named Jane Austen by parents who fell in love over the words of Pride and Prejudice, Jane is a bit of a paradox and she likes it that way. She can't stand typical emotionalized romance stories. She despises Nicholas Sparks books and has only tortured herself with two romance films throughout her life. And while she'll tell you she's not anti-love, she's always turned her back on romance. When love stares her right in the face, she runs back to her ideas of self-sufficiency and anti-sensationalism. It's the pattern of her life, and in turn ... she's buried parts of herself that she intends to keep hidden.
Until ... her best friend finds the courage to dig deeper than anyone else. Together, they journey into each other and discover so much more than they ever knew before. As layers and layers are peeled back and The Big Day approaches, Jane is faced with a painful decision. Will she find a way to throw away the stack of fears piled on her heart and look love right in the eyes? Or will she blind herself to affection forever?
The Best of Fools: Will Jane Austen Allow Love In? Having been named Jane Austen by parents who fell in love over the words of Pride and Prejudice, Jane is a bit of a paradox and she likes it that way. She can't stand typical emotionalized romance stories. She despises Nicholas Sparks books and has only tortured herself with two romance films throughout her life. And while she'll tell you she's not anti-love, she's always turned her back on romance. When love stares her right in the face, she runs back to her ideas of self-sufficiency and anti-sensationalism. It's the pattern of her life, and in turn ... she's buried parts of herself that she intends to keep hidden.
Until ... her best friend finds the courage to dig deeper than anyone else. Together, they journey into each other and discover so much more than they ever knew before. As layers and layers are peeled back and The Big Day approaches, Jane is faced with a painful decision. Will she find a way to throw away the stack of fears piled on her heart and look love right in the eyes? Or will she blind herself to affection forever?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
10 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Grey
19 books236 followersDear hopeless romantic, I'm so glad you have found the Unspoken Series! This is a 10 book series ending in late 2015. You can get free books from the series and take a quiz to find out how much you'll enjoy it before reading! Go here for more info!
The Unspoken Series
Book #1: Where Love Finds You (Available Now)
Book #2: Down from the Clouds (Available Now)
Book #3: The Life I Now Live (Available Now)
Book #4: Heart on a Shoestring (Available Now)
Book #5: Bloom (Available Now)
Book #6: When the City Sleeps (August 2014)
Book #7: A Thousand Words (December 2014)
Book #8: A Starless Midnight (March 2015)
Book #9: Prism (July 2015)
Book #10: Love, Me (December 2015)
The Unspoken Series
Book #1: Where Love Finds You (Available Now)
Book #2: Down from the Clouds (Available Now)
Book #3: The Life I Now Live (Available Now)
Book #4: Heart on a Shoestring (Available Now)
Book #5: Bloom (Available Now)
Book #6: When the City Sleeps (August 2014)
Book #7: A Thousand Words (December 2014)
Book #8: A Starless Midnight (March 2015)
Book #9: Prism (July 2015)
Book #10: Love, Me (December 2015)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 10, 2023
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
I was asked to read this book, as well as the prequel: No, Not that Jane Austen, in favor for an honest review.
That. Was. Astounding! In the first couple chapters, I wasn't as hooked as I hoped to be, but when she reached contact with Alistair, that's when I started to enjoy the book even more! But.. I'm jumping too far ahead.
Let's start from the beginning! In No, Not that Jane Austen, the prequel to The Best of Fools, Jane Austen bumps into a very attractive British guy who insists on buying her coffee. Somehow, they end up spending the day together since he missed his flight until he has to go again. Back to England where he, of course, lives. He wrote a note promising to meet her in two/three years at the same place and same time to give her a proper kiss.
The Best of Fools begins just a couple weeks after the Prequel, Jane has graduated from high school and received a boat load of money from her parents. What does she do with? Start her own clothing line, love in her own apartment with an oblivious roommate, meet her birth mother, travel to the places batman was filmed, and take a plane to the UK and back home. Of course, She spends that boat load not even within a single year. She lasted longer than I would have though..
Jane Austen, No.. not that Jane Austen, never understood love. She never felt it with anyone, never been on a date, only kissed one guy, and that was her best friend Donovan, she didn't like being compared to the loving Jane Austen books/movie that she never got to be her and let love in. She was too secure, didn't want to get hurt, heart broken, or let down, especially abandoned. Maybe she took the risk with her clothing line, but falling in love.. that was too risky. She doesn't give up, which is something I can admire about her.
But of course as we all know, Life doesn't exactly go as planned. She starts to think too much about Mr. Alistair Anonymous, checking Facebook and Google to find him. Luckily, she's tracked down his Bands website and just so happens, he's been thinking of her too. Oh, and his name is Alistair Galdwyn. It's not too long before Alistair has taken Janes heart, willingly might I add. They've fallen so hard, so hard it probably hurt. Everyone told her to take the risk, take a chance on love, be alive! CARPE DIEM So, she did.
I feel connected to Jane in some ways, to the way she can close herself off to others, not let them in, especially love. I can understand that...I also have a strong love/admiration for Iron Man, instead of Batman...
When they were finally happy, something... happens. I won't spoil anything because you seriously need to read this book! A few months pass and they're reconnected again, stronger, given the circumstances. I was actually squealing and rocking back and forth in my seat within the last 10-20 chapters because, oh my goodness!!! SO. FREAKING. CUTE!
Now let's get to the critiques! I noticed there were a few grammatical and spelling mistakes, but only a few. I overlooked them due to the amazing heart felt and very ready eyed story! Maybe it was just on my ebook version..
The writing? I loved it, it was simple and easy to follow along to. I absolutely loved the graphic clips that Marilyn added, as well as the voicemail audio clips, they were such a cute add for the e-readers! I absolutely adored listening to Alistair.. (Cool thing was, Marilyn spoke for Janes parts, cool!) It gave the book a sense of reality and connective-ness, like we get to see a closer look, at least it did to me.
Might I also add how bloody fantastic Jane and Alistair are! They're so much the same, but so different as well. They just dove into their dorky lives and fit perfectly together, both huge fans of Batman! I loved how Jane would talk to herself, so much through the book. I do that too, so it was quite funny and realistic! Awesome touch, Marilyn. I can't wait for those Novellas you mentioned at the end of this book, I would absolutely love to get a closer look at Jane and Alistair's life, and his recovery.I want my very own Alistair Gladwyn!!
Also, on another note, Janes dreams really concerned me, but they always made me laugh, she had some really confusing and out of the blue dreams..
Now, I will talk about what I've highlighted and noted, because there was a lot.. They're not in order, though.
One of my favorite scenes, is in Chapter 39...
That is just so adorable, I couldn't resist highlighting it. She's a cooky girl, and she embraces it, it's so cute how he loves that about her.
Another one of my favorites is in Chapter 47...
Jane is finally visiting Alistair for the first time in England, they're at his place when he gives her a framed copy of the original Batman comic. Here's her response...
It reminded me of bibliophiles and their passion for reading, even smelling the pages of the books to get the full effect. She gets us. We get her. Unite!
Finally, my last favorite passage from Chapter 61, which is my favorite chapter by far...
I loved all the Batman references, and that Jane had a Gotham City inspired fashion line, and that she found love against all the odds. She especially didn't give up. I envy her, somewhat. She wasn't normal, and she found someone, unexpectedly, that she could finally love back.
The Epilogue is on May 10, 2075, and its a really sad Epilogue but so amazing. You must read anti find out what happens to Jane and Alistair through their journey of life and love. I honestly couldn't put it down when I got halfway through.
I was asked to read this book, as well as the prequel: No, Not that Jane Austen, in favor for an honest review.
That. Was. Astounding! In the first couple chapters, I wasn't as hooked as I hoped to be, but when she reached contact with Alistair, that's when I started to enjoy the book even more! But.. I'm jumping too far ahead.
Let's start from the beginning! In No, Not that Jane Austen, the prequel to The Best of Fools, Jane Austen bumps into a very attractive British guy who insists on buying her coffee. Somehow, they end up spending the day together since he missed his flight until he has to go again. Back to England where he, of course, lives. He wrote a note promising to meet her in two/three years at the same place and same time to give her a proper kiss.
The Best of Fools begins just a couple weeks after the Prequel, Jane has graduated from high school and received a boat load of money from her parents. What does she do with? Start her own clothing line, love in her own apartment with an oblivious roommate, meet her birth mother, travel to the places batman was filmed, and take a plane to the UK and back home. Of course, She spends that boat load not even within a single year. She lasted longer than I would have though..
Jane Austen, No.. not that Jane Austen, never understood love. She never felt it with anyone, never been on a date, only kissed one guy, and that was her best friend Donovan, she didn't like being compared to the loving Jane Austen books/movie that she never got to be her and let love in. She was too secure, didn't want to get hurt, heart broken, or let down, especially abandoned. Maybe she took the risk with her clothing line, but falling in love.. that was too risky. She doesn't give up, which is something I can admire about her.
But of course as we all know, Life doesn't exactly go as planned. She starts to think too much about Mr. Alistair Anonymous, checking Facebook and Google to find him. Luckily, she's tracked down his Bands website and just so happens, he's been thinking of her too. Oh, and his name is Alistair Galdwyn. It's not too long before Alistair has taken Janes heart, willingly might I add. They've fallen so hard, so hard it probably hurt. Everyone told her to take the risk, take a chance on love, be alive! CARPE DIEM So, she did.
I feel connected to Jane in some ways, to the way she can close herself off to others, not let them in, especially love. I can understand that...
When they were finally happy, something... happens. I won't spoil anything because you seriously need to read this book! A few months pass and they're reconnected again, stronger, given the circumstances. I was actually squealing and rocking back and forth in my seat within the last 10-20 chapters because, oh my goodness!!! SO. FREAKING. CUTE!
Now let's get to the critiques! I noticed there were a few grammatical and spelling mistakes, but only a few. I overlooked them due to the amazing heart felt and very ready eyed story! Maybe it was just on my ebook version..
The writing? I loved it, it was simple and easy to follow along to. I absolutely loved the graphic clips that Marilyn added, as well as the voicemail audio clips, they were such a cute add for the e-readers! I absolutely adored listening to Alistair.. (Cool thing was, Marilyn spoke for Janes parts, cool!) It gave the book a sense of reality and connective-ness, like we get to see a closer look, at least it did to me.
Might I also add how bloody fantastic Jane and Alistair are! They're so much the same, but so different as well. They just dove into their dorky lives and fit perfectly together, both huge fans of Batman! I loved how Jane would talk to herself, so much through the book. I do that too, so it was quite funny and realistic! Awesome touch, Marilyn. I can't wait for those Novellas you mentioned at the end of this book, I would absolutely love to get a closer look at Jane and Alistair's life, and his recovery.
Also, on another note, Janes dreams really concerned me, but they always made me laugh, she had some really confusing and out of the blue dreams..
Now, I will talk about what I've highlighted and noted, because there was a lot.. They're not in order, though.
One of my favorite scenes, is in Chapter 39...
I unfolded the blanket and put it over him (Alistair) as gently as possible. Then I sat on the floor with my back against the couch and listened to him breathe. I leaned back and whispered to myself, “I don't think he'd mind.”
“No,” my other side responded. “It would be weird if I just...”
His fingers ran down the back of my head and lingered on my neck.
“He'd like if if you came up here,” he whispered. “You nutter.”
I waited. Then turned. “Hey.”
He touched my hair again, then moved over to make room for me. “Come here, duck.”
That is just so adorable, I couldn't resist highlighting it. She's a cooky girl, and she embraces it, it's so cute how he loves that about her.
Another one of my favorites is in Chapter 47...
Jane is finally visiting Alistair for the first time in England, they're at his place when he gives her a framed copy of the original Batman comic. Here's her response...
“Alistair.” I ran my fingers over the glass. “I'd kill to open this and smell the pages.”
It reminded me of bibliophiles and their passion for reading, even smelling the pages of the books to get the full effect. She gets us. We get her. Unite!
Finally, my last favorite passage from Chapter 61, which is my favorite chapter by far...
There are things you deserve in life, but love isn't one of the . Every time you're given it, it's a gift. That's what Alistair was to me, no matter how much he though I deserved it... I didn't. And never would. . .
I loved all the Batman references, and that Jane had a Gotham City inspired fashion line, and that she found love against all the odds. She especially didn't give up. I envy her, somewhat. She wasn't normal, and she found someone, unexpectedly, that she could finally love back.
The Epilogue is on May 10, 2075, and its a really sad Epilogue but so amazing. You must read anti find out what happens to Jane and Alistair through their journey of life and love. I honestly couldn't put it down when I got halfway through.
May 10, 2015
The Best Of Fools is a beautiful book. It is a magical tale of a girl who fights her insecurities and hesitations and learns to love. It is a sweet story and its not sappy. Its simply adorkable! :D
I had no idea what to expect from The Best of Fools. Whatever idea I had., well, I did not expect that!
I genuinely love-d the book. The humour and the moments that were stretched tight. The imperfections made it perfect!
I connected with the book well, especially Jane who I feel I would like to say I am a lot like. She loves batman, I love books. She is scared, I'm more. I in fact actually learnt a lot from this book. Things like facing your feelings and things like that! It's for everybody to experience by themselves and I cannot quantify it.
I understand the characters. Their conflicts, their strengths and their life. It is a pleasure to read such things because you can live in it and that is worth alot to a reader.
I loved the story. It was new, interesting, immersive, entertaining, imaginative and really really really good.
A definite recommend for those who are suckers for a good long crazy love story. Likers of chick lit and romance.
I would also like to thank Marilyn, she's a good writer and an amazing person it seems from her epic dedication.
Thank you for sharing copies of your books with me. I appreciate it and it was an amazing reading experience. You're gonna do good with this book girl, I just know it in my heart.
Summary:
The Best of Fools revolves around our protagonist Jane Austen.
No, not that Jane Austen.
:) (I just had to do this! :P)
When Jane meets Alistair, a musician from the UK, she starts having strange lovey-feelings, she has always avoided and been uncomfortable with. We follow through her story from where it begins and where it ends. How it becomes from very tense to uncomplicated. The beginning may seem wierd but the end is just... right.
gif time... :D
WHEN ALISTAIR AND JANE MEET
Alistair:
WHEN JANE TELLS DONOVAN HOW SHE FEELS
Me:
THE BIG DAY
Everybody:
THE EPILOGUE
Alistair:
Its a great book and one of my favourites in this genre. Do read it :)
Its only fit to end with Carpe Diem.
Some parts I loved:
I had no idea what to expect from The Best of Fools. Whatever idea I had., well, I did not expect that!
I genuinely love-d the book. The humour and the moments that were stretched tight. The imperfections made it perfect!
I connected with the book well, especially Jane who I feel I would like to say I am a lot like. She loves batman, I love books. She is scared, I'm more. I in fact actually learnt a lot from this book. Things like facing your feelings and things like that! It's for everybody to experience by themselves and I cannot quantify it.
I understand the characters. Their conflicts, their strengths and their life. It is a pleasure to read such things because you can live in it and that is worth alot to a reader.
I loved the story. It was new, interesting, immersive, entertaining, imaginative and really really really good.
A definite recommend for those who are suckers for a good long crazy love story. Likers of chick lit and romance.
I would also like to thank Marilyn, she's a good writer and an amazing person it seems from her epic dedication.
Thank you for sharing copies of your books with me. I appreciate it and it was an amazing reading experience. You're gonna do good with this book girl, I just know it in my heart.
Summary:
The Best of Fools revolves around our protagonist Jane Austen.
No, not that Jane Austen.
:) (I just had to do this! :P)
When Jane meets Alistair, a musician from the UK, she starts having strange lovey-feelings, she has always avoided and been uncomfortable with. We follow through her story from where it begins and where it ends. How it becomes from very tense to uncomplicated. The beginning may seem wierd but the end is just... right.
gif time... :D
WHEN ALISTAIR AND JANE MEET
Alistair:
WHEN JANE TELLS DONOVAN HOW SHE FEELS
Me:
THE BIG DAY
Everybody:
THE EPILOGUE
Alistair:
Its a great book and one of my favourites in this genre. Do read it :)
Its only fit to end with Carpe Diem.
Some parts I loved:
There's only one person I looked at like that. Only one who made me weak when his hand grazed my back.
And it wasn't Donovan.
"What would you do in that situation?"
"Huh?"
"If you thought you lost the love of your life, only to find him at the last minute?
I thought for a few minutes.
"Would you cry?"
"Mmm ...I think I'd laugh."
"You'd laugh? Not even one tear would fall?"
"Maybe I'd laugh so hard I'd cry."
"Fair enough."
Dad stepped aside. Then Donovan. Then Mom. Then, one by one, every person formed a path in the middle until it opened up and led to...
Him.
I closed my eyes and felt his love for me. No words needed. No kiss needed. Just ... him. We had officially fallen.
April 14, 2015
The best of fools by Marilyn grey
First I'd like to say that the dedication blew me away, and we will certainly be having a cuppa and cake before our time is up, I'm sure. Also, it doesn't even feel like theirs an ocean between us sometimes, as I know if I need someone to talk to, your their, just at the end of the phone (well text) and I treasure that.
I loved this, yet Marilyn told me it was her best one yet, but I'm a sucker for the unspoken series and I found it hard to believe, but she blew the others out of the water with this one, I adored it. I'm going to try and write a review that portrays how much I liked it, without hinting at the content too much, because the whole joy of reading an amazing book is the feeling that you've discovered a hidden gem that no one else knows exists and you want the beauty of it to remain with you, just for a little bit longer and then shout to the world that you've found beautiful inspiration. (I wrote this to Marilyn too, and thought it was great!)
Jane Austin (no, not THAT Jane Austin) is a simple girl with a fascination of all things black yellow and grey! (That will make sense, read the book) she has a best friend called Donovan who has been in love with her for as long as she can remember. However, Jane doesn't do love, she doesn't care for hearts and flowers, her heart doesn't skip a beat when a boy brushes her arm with theirs and the idea of staring into someone's eyes adoringly and not needing to say a word, is totally lost on her. She likes things simple, she loves classical music, clothes design and most of all...food!
Donovan is a dreamer. He falls in love with love. He's planned to propose more times than he's had hot dinners, and he's never without a lady on his arm. Jane keeps him grounded, they both give each other what the other one lacks. Donovan gives Jane the ability to see things differently, and Jane keeps Donovan level headed. Keeping him earthed while he plans his next engagement to his next 'the one' girlfriend.
Throughout this book we get hints and clues as too which way the story might take you, but, as with all great reads, the journey is just as important as the destination, and even though the destination is amazing, it wouldn't be half the ending it is, without the way they got there. This book has had me laughing (I mean, hubby telling me I look like a crazy person because I'm in asda laughing my head off) to crying, full on sobbing at some points, to my heart swelling with love for these characters that I feel I know so well. Please read this book, the author is a friend, but she's an amazing novelist, and I wish everyone could read her work an become inspired like me.
First I'd like to say that the dedication blew me away, and we will certainly be having a cuppa and cake before our time is up, I'm sure. Also, it doesn't even feel like theirs an ocean between us sometimes, as I know if I need someone to talk to, your their, just at the end of the phone (well text) and I treasure that.
I loved this, yet Marilyn told me it was her best one yet, but I'm a sucker for the unspoken series and I found it hard to believe, but she blew the others out of the water with this one, I adored it. I'm going to try and write a review that portrays how much I liked it, without hinting at the content too much, because the whole joy of reading an amazing book is the feeling that you've discovered a hidden gem that no one else knows exists and you want the beauty of it to remain with you, just for a little bit longer and then shout to the world that you've found beautiful inspiration. (I wrote this to Marilyn too, and thought it was great!)
Jane Austin (no, not THAT Jane Austin) is a simple girl with a fascination of all things black yellow and grey! (That will make sense, read the book) she has a best friend called Donovan who has been in love with her for as long as she can remember. However, Jane doesn't do love, she doesn't care for hearts and flowers, her heart doesn't skip a beat when a boy brushes her arm with theirs and the idea of staring into someone's eyes adoringly and not needing to say a word, is totally lost on her. She likes things simple, she loves classical music, clothes design and most of all...food!
Donovan is a dreamer. He falls in love with love. He's planned to propose more times than he's had hot dinners, and he's never without a lady on his arm. Jane keeps him grounded, they both give each other what the other one lacks. Donovan gives Jane the ability to see things differently, and Jane keeps Donovan level headed. Keeping him earthed while he plans his next engagement to his next 'the one' girlfriend.
Throughout this book we get hints and clues as too which way the story might take you, but, as with all great reads, the journey is just as important as the destination, and even though the destination is amazing, it wouldn't be half the ending it is, without the way they got there. This book has had me laughing (I mean, hubby telling me I look like a crazy person because I'm in asda laughing my head off) to crying, full on sobbing at some points, to my heart swelling with love for these characters that I feel I know so well. Please read this book, the author is a friend, but she's an amazing novelist, and I wish everyone could read her work an become inspired like me.
July 7, 2015
Wow I loved this book so much, were do I even begin to describe my rapture and joy whilst reading it. I feel so lucky that I was given the chance to read this amazing book because if I hadn't I honestly feel that I would have missed out on an amazing adventure,corny eh :-)
At first you think 'oh just another teenage love story' but no don't be deceived as this book is much more than that, much more.
I loved Jane from way back in the prequel,she is just so likeable. She has her weaknesses in not letting people in to love her and holding herself back but don't we all have weaknesses along them lines, but on the other hand she is stubborn and determined, she had a life long dream to sell her designs and she sets out to do just that and still only eighteen.
But even while all this 'love story' is going on there is all the drama with her 'mum' things that you couldn't quite imagine in this story about love and relationships but it works.
I loved her best friend Donovan from the start and really hoped they would get together,to me they seemed perfect together and how could she possibly love Alastair more but then perhaps it would be too much of a cliche,girl falls in love with best friend and they live happily ever after.
But then how much more of a cliche is girl meets stranger at an airport and falls in love, but it worked though when she went to find him that one time I did think she was crazy n couldn't help saying to myself 'if that was me I'd just have let him go' lol.
I grew to love her strange friendship with Zoe and the close bond they developed, Zoe may be annoyingly rude but you can't really dislike her can you. Must say I really loved the epilogue regarding Zoe,seemed fitting.
Of all the thousands of books iv read over the years there's not very many that give you the story till the very end, most leave you with them 'living happily ever after' but sometimes like now it's nice to get the 'very end' it may be sad, like really sad, but it's kinda perfect too.
I couldn't recommend this book enough if I tried. I feel sad now that's it's finished and their gone, it's almost like I became a part of their lives, like a fly on the wall lol.
I have never read a book that had parts of it in audio and that was kinda cool.especially to hear 'their' voices. Jane sounded very normal,just like a girl chatting to her boyfriend though Alastair sounded like he was reading from a script but then I realised that that's just a normal 'posh' British accent lol.
I will definitely look up more Marilyn Grey novels though I don't think anything else will measure up to the story of Jane Austin :-)
At first you think 'oh just another teenage love story' but no don't be deceived as this book is much more than that, much more.
I loved Jane from way back in the prequel,she is just so likeable. She has her weaknesses in not letting people in to love her and holding herself back but don't we all have weaknesses along them lines, but on the other hand she is stubborn and determined, she had a life long dream to sell her designs and she sets out to do just that and still only eighteen.
But even while all this 'love story' is going on there is all the drama with her 'mum' things that you couldn't quite imagine in this story about love and relationships but it works.
I loved her best friend Donovan from the start and really hoped they would get together,to me they seemed perfect together and how could she possibly love Alastair more but then perhaps it would be too much of a cliche,girl falls in love with best friend and they live happily ever after.
But then how much more of a cliche is girl meets stranger at an airport and falls in love, but it worked though when she went to find him that one time I did think she was crazy n couldn't help saying to myself 'if that was me I'd just have let him go' lol.
I grew to love her strange friendship with Zoe and the close bond they developed, Zoe may be annoyingly rude but you can't really dislike her can you. Must say I really loved the epilogue regarding Zoe,seemed fitting.
Of all the thousands of books iv read over the years there's not very many that give you the story till the very end, most leave you with them 'living happily ever after' but sometimes like now it's nice to get the 'very end' it may be sad, like really sad, but it's kinda perfect too.
I couldn't recommend this book enough if I tried. I feel sad now that's it's finished and their gone, it's almost like I became a part of their lives, like a fly on the wall lol.
I have never read a book that had parts of it in audio and that was kinda cool.especially to hear 'their' voices. Jane sounded very normal,just like a girl chatting to her boyfriend though Alastair sounded like he was reading from a script but then I realised that that's just a normal 'posh' British accent lol.
I will definitely look up more Marilyn Grey novels though I don't think anything else will measure up to the story of Jane Austin :-)
December 31, 2019
Ugh. I hate giving bad reviews. But then I come across a book that I just have to say my piece.
*sigh* here we go.
No Not That Jane Austen, showed so much promise. Left me wanting to know what happens next. A short read but I liked where the story was headed.
The Best of Fools.
*cringe*
Sadly......it took a sharp corner and ran right off a cliff......and burned.
What? Too harsh?
*shrugs* Sorry not sorry.
Lets see...where did it go wrong for me.....
Was it the indecisiveness of Jane's character about love?
The unnecessary chapters that held no structure for the plot, paragraph after paragraph that led nowhere and made the book excruciatingly long? Winchester mansion anyone?
Or the weirdly obsessive uses of anything and everything Batman related?
Ding ding ding!!!
All of the above!
In the first book Jane's character was very likable. She didn't want a relationship because she didn't want the drama and heartache.
She meets mysterious stranger, spends the day with him. Then go their separate ways. Doesn't fall head over heels but there's something there. So I thought ok strong female character, knows what she wants. This could be good then........The end of book one. Cliffhanger - will they meet again?
Book two. All of a sudden guy best friend who has been madly in love with her since childhood is moving on with his life and isn't on the back burner anymore and suddenly she wants to "try" and feel something for him other than the platonic friendship they have.
Then the confusion happens and you are on a rollercoaster of twists and turns. Ups and downs even some loop da loops. And you finally get back on track to the actual story. And I think to myself...what? What did that have to do with anything? Ugh. Why am I still reading this?
Epiphany!!
I realize I now hate Jane's character and her love for everything Batman. And also the colors black and yellow together.
I kept asking myself why do I need to finish this? I guess I really did like Alisters character and wanted to know how he ended up. (With the short end of the stick apparently)
Alister really could have done better. And it IS all her fault that he's a cripple! I hate you not the real Jane Austen!!!
And that's the end of this rant.
I'm out! *drops the mic*
*sigh* here we go.
No Not That Jane Austen, showed so much promise. Left me wanting to know what happens next. A short read but I liked where the story was headed.
The Best of Fools.
*cringe*
Sadly......it took a sharp corner and ran right off a cliff......and burned.
What? Too harsh?
*shrugs* Sorry not sorry.
Lets see...where did it go wrong for me.....
Was it the indecisiveness of Jane's character about love?
The unnecessary chapters that held no structure for the plot, paragraph after paragraph that led nowhere and made the book excruciatingly long? Winchester mansion anyone?
Or the weirdly obsessive uses of anything and everything Batman related?
Ding ding ding!!!
All of the above!
In the first book Jane's character was very likable. She didn't want a relationship because she didn't want the drama and heartache.
She meets mysterious stranger, spends the day with him. Then go their separate ways. Doesn't fall head over heels but there's something there. So I thought ok strong female character, knows what she wants. This could be good then........The end of book one. Cliffhanger - will they meet again?
Book two. All of a sudden guy best friend who has been madly in love with her since childhood is moving on with his life and isn't on the back burner anymore and suddenly she wants to "try" and feel something for him other than the platonic friendship they have.
Then the confusion happens and you are on a rollercoaster of twists and turns. Ups and downs even some loop da loops. And you finally get back on track to the actual story. And I think to myself...what? What did that have to do with anything? Ugh. Why am I still reading this?
Epiphany!!
I realize I now hate Jane's character and her love for everything Batman. And also the colors black and yellow together.
I kept asking myself why do I need to finish this? I guess I really did like Alisters character and wanted to know how he ended up. (With the short end of the stick apparently)
Alister really could have done better. And it IS all her fault that he's a cripple! I hate you not the real Jane Austen!!!
And that's the end of this rant.
I'm out! *drops the mic*
April 27, 2015
“Never say impossible. Everything is possible. Good and bad.”
5 Big Stars!!!
((Read the prequel, No, Not that Jane Austen before reading this book))
You know those love stories, which you can sort of guess what will happen next? It’s sort of like a game I play at times when I’m reading… thinking to myself, how will this become a happy ending. Usually, one of my guesses is right. While reading “The Best of Fools”, every guess I made about what was to come, didn’t happen.
This book keeps you intrigued, and it’s emotional, but it’s real. “Sure, life may not be perfect, but maybe it’s those twists and turns that merge our oaths and bring us together.”
This book is about Jane Austen… (No, not that Jane Austen) and her journey in to adulthood with her best friend Donovan, whom she may or may not be in love with. And the question on if she is ‘in love’ with him, isn’t because she is trying to make up her mind… it’s because she truly doesn’t know what the emotion/feeling is.
She met a man named Alistair; a British musician… who awakened her in a way… opened her eyes to having feelings, etc. Jane is a very guarded person, and doesn’t have a ‘fairy tale’ background, or a ‘fairy-tale’ life. Her story is real. It’s something you can relate to.
This book not only ‘tells’ a story, but you also get to have audio within the book… as well as photos.
Jane also has a slight obsession with Batman… yes Batman… not some super hot celebrity big shot, which everyone knows about. This goes to show you just how different Jane is to other people around her. “Nerdy people are always more interesting.”
The male characters in this book are ‘real’ as well. They aren’t some huge CEO or billionaire. You have someone who works as a plumber for his dad, and then you have a musician.
“Music had a way of helping me realize how I felt when I couldn’t understand myself.”
This book didn’t have a quick resolution to the problems that came up… some parts of the book; I just wanted SOMETHING good to happen. Something to work out, but it isn’t that easy in the ‘real world’ and it wasn’t that easy in the book “The Best of Fools”. “Trust me when I say, brokenness is proof that the heart works and when it’s fixed it works better than it did before. You just need to find someone willing to fix and be fixed with you.”
I highly suggest reading this book. You won’t be disappointed. If you love reading romance novels, but are tired of the same ‘set up’ or ‘background’, you will love reading this book, and it’s prequel “No, Not That Jane Austen”
I can’t wait to read more from Marilyn Grey!
“Do you ever feel like prolonging a chapter of your life? Just drawing it out, maybe rewinding and reliving it to make sure you feel and experience every detail fully and deeper.”
5 Big Stars!!!
((Read the prequel, No, Not that Jane Austen before reading this book))
You know those love stories, which you can sort of guess what will happen next? It’s sort of like a game I play at times when I’m reading… thinking to myself, how will this become a happy ending. Usually, one of my guesses is right. While reading “The Best of Fools”, every guess I made about what was to come, didn’t happen.
This book keeps you intrigued, and it’s emotional, but it’s real. “Sure, life may not be perfect, but maybe it’s those twists and turns that merge our oaths and bring us together.”
This book is about Jane Austen… (No, not that Jane Austen) and her journey in to adulthood with her best friend Donovan, whom she may or may not be in love with. And the question on if she is ‘in love’ with him, isn’t because she is trying to make up her mind… it’s because she truly doesn’t know what the emotion/feeling is.
She met a man named Alistair; a British musician… who awakened her in a way… opened her eyes to having feelings, etc. Jane is a very guarded person, and doesn’t have a ‘fairy tale’ background, or a ‘fairy-tale’ life. Her story is real. It’s something you can relate to.
This book not only ‘tells’ a story, but you also get to have audio within the book… as well as photos.
Jane also has a slight obsession with Batman… yes Batman… not some super hot celebrity big shot, which everyone knows about. This goes to show you just how different Jane is to other people around her. “Nerdy people are always more interesting.”
The male characters in this book are ‘real’ as well. They aren’t some huge CEO or billionaire. You have someone who works as a plumber for his dad, and then you have a musician.
“Music had a way of helping me realize how I felt when I couldn’t understand myself.”
This book didn’t have a quick resolution to the problems that came up… some parts of the book; I just wanted SOMETHING good to happen. Something to work out, but it isn’t that easy in the ‘real world’ and it wasn’t that easy in the book “The Best of Fools”. “Trust me when I say, brokenness is proof that the heart works and when it’s fixed it works better than it did before. You just need to find someone willing to fix and be fixed with you.”
I highly suggest reading this book. You won’t be disappointed. If you love reading romance novels, but are tired of the same ‘set up’ or ‘background’, you will love reading this book, and it’s prequel “No, Not That Jane Austen”
I can’t wait to read more from Marilyn Grey!
“Do you ever feel like prolonging a chapter of your life? Just drawing it out, maybe rewinding and reliving it to make sure you feel and experience every detail fully and deeper.”
May 18, 2015
I'm sitting here writing this with tears still pouring out of my eyes having just finished this amazing book. What an emotional roller coaster! After the little teaser we got with "No, not that Jane Austen", I went in to this book 100% routing for Alistair. But as the story progressed and we got to learn about her dynamic with Donovan, I really wasn't sure who's team I was on anymore.
This is totally a coming of age story for Jane. It was so exciting to be on that ride with her. To watch her go from stubborn and closed off, to slowly but surely taking baby steps to let someone in to her life, to throwing all caution to the wind and being 100% guided by her heart. But like I said, all of this came at the cost of that emotional roller coaster I mentioned earlier.
There are just so many things that happen on this book! Twist and turns out the wazoo. One minute, I'm cracking up and hysterically laughing out loud. The next I'm crying my eyes out. Then I'm mad because our poor Jane can't catch a break. Pretty much that cycle on repeat the whole book. By the time I got to the last third, or so, of the book, I was more than ready for the black cloud floating over Jane to lift. Finding out about Alistair's accident was about one antagonistic twist too far for me. I want to read the "happily ever after" "hearts and flowers" love story to escape all the real life crap that life typically throws at us. I didn't want my fictional heroine to have to deal with the crap too. But, just what I was ready to be mad at this book with no turning back, I got the magical ending I needed to restore my sad heart.
The ending was perfect. I didn't see it coming (and I've read so many love stories that I oftentimes figure out the end and ruin it for myself). It was just what we all needed after the long ride this book took us on. Then there was the epilogue...heart broken AGAIN! But then we got that letter, and I'm a sucker for a good letter. And that brings us back to the tear tracks on my face. After everything we watched these characters go through during this entire story, I don't think their story could've ended in a more complete way.
Characters...loved them. From the bratty but lovable Zoe, to the chronically charming Donovan. Each supporting character had something to teach Jane, and us, the readers. The ups and downs that we watched Jane face all had a lesson inside for Jane, and us, the readers. Though I was mad about it for a minute, it was refreshing to read a story with so much diversity that really made our heroes, and us, the readers, work for the happy ending.
Great story. I'm gonna miss these guys. Sorry if this review was all over the place. I blame still being shaken up from that roller coaster ride!
This is totally a coming of age story for Jane. It was so exciting to be on that ride with her. To watch her go from stubborn and closed off, to slowly but surely taking baby steps to let someone in to her life, to throwing all caution to the wind and being 100% guided by her heart. But like I said, all of this came at the cost of that emotional roller coaster I mentioned earlier.
There are just so many things that happen on this book! Twist and turns out the wazoo. One minute, I'm cracking up and hysterically laughing out loud. The next I'm crying my eyes out. Then I'm mad because our poor Jane can't catch a break. Pretty much that cycle on repeat the whole book. By the time I got to the last third, or so, of the book, I was more than ready for the black cloud floating over Jane to lift. Finding out about Alistair's accident was about one antagonistic twist too far for me. I want to read the "happily ever after" "hearts and flowers" love story to escape all the real life crap that life typically throws at us. I didn't want my fictional heroine to have to deal with the crap too. But, just what I was ready to be mad at this book with no turning back, I got the magical ending I needed to restore my sad heart.
The ending was perfect. I didn't see it coming (and I've read so many love stories that I oftentimes figure out the end and ruin it for myself). It was just what we all needed after the long ride this book took us on. Then there was the epilogue...heart broken AGAIN! But then we got that letter, and I'm a sucker for a good letter. And that brings us back to the tear tracks on my face. After everything we watched these characters go through during this entire story, I don't think their story could've ended in a more complete way.
Characters...loved them. From the bratty but lovable Zoe, to the chronically charming Donovan. Each supporting character had something to teach Jane, and us, the readers. The ups and downs that we watched Jane face all had a lesson inside for Jane, and us, the readers. Though I was mad about it for a minute, it was refreshing to read a story with so much diversity that really made our heroes, and us, the readers, work for the happy ending.
Great story. I'm gonna miss these guys. Sorry if this review was all over the place. I blame still being shaken up from that roller coaster ride!
May 3, 2016
wooow! just big WOOOW!
At first I wasn't really hooked up with this book, I don't really get her attitude, I mean I would exchange my life just to have that kind of love her parents have for each other and her best friend's love for her.. I don't know if she's just dense. but i guess Donovan and Jane are not really meant for each other. Alistair really rocks Jane's world, he makes her feelings so confused. Then when the time comes that she reaches for Alistair, that made me so excited that I cant stop reading, I even contemplated to sleep or finished the book, but guess what won?... I finished it! lol, well this book makes me laugh, love and most especially I cried so hard, it hurts when Jane went to Alistair after knowing his new address for closure then he saw him broken, hurt, and not himself because of the accident.. I really thought Alistair was one of those guys who just leave the girl because of stupid reason, but I was wrong.. then what makes me cry the most was the last part... I never expected that to come, I never expected for Jane to die, Alistair's love for Jane is unconditional, so real, true love really does exist (not that I don't believe in love) .. I soooo love this book! one of my favorite! one of the best! two thumbs up for Marilyn Grey
At first I wasn't really hooked up with this book, I don't really get her attitude, I mean I would exchange my life just to have that kind of love her parents have for each other and her best friend's love for her.. I don't know if she's just dense. but i guess Donovan and Jane are not really meant for each other. Alistair really rocks Jane's world, he makes her feelings so confused. Then when the time comes that she reaches for Alistair, that made me so excited that I cant stop reading, I even contemplated to sleep or finished the book, but guess what won?... I finished it! lol, well this book makes me laugh, love and most especially I cried so hard, it hurts when Jane went to Alistair after knowing his new address for closure then he saw him broken, hurt, and not himself because of the accident.. I really thought Alistair was one of those guys who just leave the girl because of stupid reason, but I was wrong.. then what makes me cry the most was the last part... I never expected that to come, I never expected for Jane to die, Alistair's love for Jane is unconditional, so real, true love really does exist (not that I don't believe in love) .. I soooo love this book! one of my favorite! one of the best! two thumbs up for Marilyn Grey
April 23, 2019
This is such a beautiful love story. I feel like everyone who likes to read a good love story won't be disappointed to read this. It has a really interesting plot (with some cool twists) and the writing is so poetic, it's definitely the kind of book you leave with some amazing quotes. My favorite: "brokenness is proof that the heart works and when it's fixed it works better than it ever did before". <3
My only complaint about the book:
My only complaint about the book:
June 19, 2015
I really did enjoy the prequel to this book, but...I struggled with Best of Fools. The back and forth between Donovan and Alistair, the over abundance of Batman references, the fact that people seemed to just constantly hop on planes to and from England on a whim, and just go home before scheduled as well, that more than once the excuse was made that so-and-so couldn't check their e-mail because they didn't remember their password (um, there's pretty much always a "forgot your password?" button you can click to remedy that)... And the ending...uhhhh. I don't know. That stuff all just bugged me.
At the same time though, I liked Donovan and Alistair, I liked that weirdo Zoey, and I liked the overall message. I think the book just felt too long and unfocused to me. But to be fair, this is not my usual genre, and it's possible I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it.
Fans of romance probably won't be disappointed though! It's a sweet story for sure.
At the same time though, I liked Donovan and Alistair, I liked that weirdo Zoey, and I liked the overall message. I think the book just felt too long and unfocused to me. But to be fair, this is not my usual genre, and it's possible I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it.
Fans of romance probably won't be disappointed though! It's a sweet story for sure.
September 30, 2015
Awesome read
Great plot and the characters are relatable. Not boring and no sex scenes which didn't ruin the story. Totally recommend this book and the one before it which must be read first.
Great plot and the characters are relatable. Not boring and no sex scenes which didn't ruin the story. Totally recommend this book and the one before it which must be read first.
January 10, 2016
SO BAD! Man, I know I read bad book sometimes, and even really bad books. I've said "wow, worst book I'll ever read" a couple times, but I was wrong. This is, no doubt, definitely, the worst most ridiculous book anyone will ever read. It was so bad, I can't believe it was published, or someone liked it.
Why was it bad? There was nothing good about it. Not the story, not the writing, not the characters. It was filled with stereotypes and cliches, so many. It had grammar and spelling mistakes all over. It once changed a character's name TEN PAGES after he was first introduced. Really:
And then, ten pages later, she runs into "the guy who hit on her at the phone store" (because really, every guy in the universe hits on her) and:
True freaking story.
The characters were the worst. They were inconsistent, one dimensional and plainly crazy.
Jane. Jane is the worst. She's selfish, she's self-centered, she can only think about herself and how "the world is so unfair to her". Meanwhile, everything is served to her on a silver platter. . Also, she's so unfair to EVERYONE. She only talks about her problems, and yet her friends stay at her side. And then, she criticizes them all the time, because they're "selfish", "fake" and "mean". . And she practically described Donovan and Autumn as sluts every other chapter.
The whole "I'm not a fall in love type of girl" is so old. But it could've worked. If not for Jane's inconsistency. "Oh, I cannot possibly be in love. Ever. I'm just not like that. Love is dumb. Look at them all weaker souls who fall into such futile feelings". And then, she's in love with one guy. And she's suddenly so jealous, and life's so unfair.
In the topic of her life being so unfair because long distance relationships are tough...
But apart from Jane being the most spoiled, whiny and inconsistent girl in the world ("Oh, my whole life is my work which my parents support because they're the best ever. Now I'll leave it for a Batman trip" WTF). The book is full of "telenovela" twist plots, so many I wonder if the author made a bet on "how many twist plots I can fit in my book". These all come as spoilers, so obviously beware.
Long story short. This book is ridiculous. It's bad written. The plot is terrible. The characters are some of the worst characters I've ever seen. But the worst of all is Jane. I feel bad for her friends and family for having to deal with her. Also, she was terrible to all of them.
The book was so bad it wasn't even predictable, because who could predict things to stupid?
I don't recommend this to anyone. I only finished because I wanted to give it a fair review. I can't understand how someone would like this. It doesn't even self the purpose of giving you a good laugh. It's too cringeworthy.
Never again, Marilyn Grey, never again. "The Best of Fools", alright. You made of this reader "the best of fools" when she thought this might be entertaining... or mildly good.
PS: Using poor Jane Austen's name for this. Man, I only read it because of that. I thought "oh, it could be fun". Poor woman must be rolling in her grave.
PS2: Is it not possible to give a book 0 stars? This should be a thing.
EDIT: Forgot. Have to mention: SO MUCH CARPE DIEM. So cliche. Hurts so much. Stop it.
Why was it bad? There was nothing good about it. Not the story, not the writing, not the characters. It was filled with stereotypes and cliches, so many. It had grammar and spelling mistakes all over. It once changed a character's name TEN PAGES after he was first introduced. Really:
"I'm sorry" - I looked at his name tag - "Greg."
And then, ten pages later, she runs into "the guy who hit on her at the phone store" (because really, every guy in the universe hits on her) and:
"Cameron" the guy said.
True freaking story.
The characters were the worst. They were inconsistent, one dimensional and plainly crazy.
Jane. Jane is the worst. She's selfish, she's self-centered, she can only think about herself and how "the world is so unfair to her". Meanwhile, everything is served to her on a silver platter. . Also, she's so unfair to EVERYONE. She only talks about her problems, and yet her friends stay at her side. And then, she criticizes them all the time, because they're "selfish", "fake" and "mean". . And she practically described Donovan and Autumn as sluts every other chapter.
The whole "I'm not a fall in love type of girl" is so old. But it could've worked. If not for Jane's inconsistency. "Oh, I cannot possibly be in love. Ever. I'm just not like that. Love is dumb. Look at them all weaker souls who fall into such futile feelings". And then, she's in love with one guy. And she's suddenly so jealous, and life's so unfair.
In the topic of her life being so unfair because long distance relationships are tough...
But apart from Jane being the most spoiled, whiny and inconsistent girl in the world ("Oh, my whole life is my work which my parents support because they're the best ever. Now I'll leave it for a Batman trip" WTF). The book is full of "telenovela" twist plots, so many I wonder if the author made a bet on "how many twist plots I can fit in my book". These all come as spoilers, so obviously beware.
Long story short. This book is ridiculous. It's bad written. The plot is terrible. The characters are some of the worst characters I've ever seen. But the worst of all is Jane. I feel bad for her friends and family for having to deal with her. Also, she was terrible to all of them.
The book was so bad it wasn't even predictable, because who could predict things to stupid?
I don't recommend this to anyone. I only finished because I wanted to give it a fair review. I can't understand how someone would like this. It doesn't even self the purpose of giving you a good laugh. It's too cringeworthy.
Never again, Marilyn Grey, never again. "The Best of Fools", alright. You made of this reader "the best of fools" when she thought this might be entertaining... or mildly good.
PS: Using poor Jane Austen's name for this. Man, I only read it because of that. I thought "oh, it could be fun". Poor woman must be rolling in her grave.
PS2: Is it not possible to give a book 0 stars? This should be a thing.
EDIT: Forgot. Have to mention: SO MUCH CARPE DIEM. So cliche. Hurts so much. Stop it.
November 30, 2016
At the beginning, I was hyped because I thought it would focus on Jane growing as a person and meeting Alistair later in the future. Then Donovan was thrown into the mix and I figured it would turn into a love triangle, but that fizzled out. Then suddenly the book changed and then was super rushed. A span of 3 months at her first shop took up a large portion of the book. Then later, when she was flying back and forth, it seemed to be summed up in just a couple pages. The Batman obsession was a bit over-the-top and I rolled my eyes a lot and groaned at the excessive quotes. I liked that Jane and I share some common interests such as making clothes and film scores. Still processing everything, so I'm not quite sure how I really feel about the book as a whole.
May 22, 2020
The actual rating is 3.5. I really liked the prequel to this and expected more of a lighthearted content. I really liked Jane, she even felt kinda relatable. The story was good too but in some places, it felt like it was being dragged too long,
March 31, 2021
the book has its ups & downs. sometimes it was too slow paced or packed with too much romance, but some other times it was just perfect, the scene brought tears to well up in my eyes. i loved seeing the character growth in Jane, how she finally let go & stopped being so uptight. she was a very interesting character to follow!
August 10, 2020
I get sucked in...
Love Marilyn Grey, I get sucked into every book I have read. I am always wanting more. Even though this book has an ending I want more. I need to know more..where her children destined for Dorkdom as well?!
Love Marilyn Grey, I get sucked into every book I have read. I am always wanting more. Even though this book has an ending I want more. I need to know more..where her children destined for Dorkdom as well?!
August 14, 2017
free kindle book
January 22, 2019
The plot is quiet good, but probably I am not a very soapy person and this book is too unreal for me..
May 11, 2015
The Best of Fools is an engaging romance that addresses many of the age old questions about love: Is there such a thing as true love? Is it possible for two people to meet and immediately know they are meant for each other? What does it take for love to survive? Those are only a few that the heroine, Jane Austen, has to ponder as she ventures into adulthood. After introducing the main characters in the prequel novella, No, Not That Jane Austen, Marilyn Grey continues the story of Jane, her best friends Donovan and Autumn, and an attractive Englishman, Alistair, whom she met only once. Although Jane was raised in a loving, supportive family, she has a great deal of mistrust and questions about who she is. She discovered information at a young age that she was adopted and wonders why she was never told about this. After graduation, Jane has two immediate goals - to find her biological mother and pursue her dream of a career in fashion design. With a generous monetary gift from her parents, she immediately begins work on goal two, hiring two seamstresses and opening her own store. Since Jane has never believed in love, nor had a boyfriend, her friends and family encourage her to step out of the box she has closed around herself and open her mind to dating. While Donovan tries to convince Jane to take a chance on love by exploring a connection to Alistair (even though he's back in England and she has no idea how to contact him), everyone else thinks Donovan and Jane have always been meant for each other. Thus, the stage is set.
This is a captivating book about hopes, dreams, relationships, and discovery. Grey has built very real characters that we get to know through their thoughts, emotions, and dialogue. She has included almost every emotion - love, fear, sadness, anger, disappointment, anxiety, surprise - to give insight into her characters. This is how we get to know them and experience these emotions right along with them. I laughed, I cried, I felt things more deeply than I have in a long while. Perhaps this was because the dialogue was so believable, but I rather think it is because Marilyn Grey is a master storyteller. This was my first experience with any of her writings, so I was unaware of what to expect. However, I became engaged from the first and cared about these people who were so real to me as I followed them through triumphs and tragedies, anxious to see how the story would end. In addition to story and character development, Marilyn Grey has a beautiful writing style that flows easily and is full of quotable remarks about life, love, sacrifice, and determination. Every situation is relevant in today's world and provides valuable life lessons. Grey has a knowledge of art, music, and pop culture that she sprinkles throughout the story to enhance it. Jane loves classical music and Batman! As she struggles through many dilemmas, she often compares her situations to novels by Nicholas Sparks. There were also amazing audio links in the e-book version which I played numerous times - just couldn't get enough! I often found my thoughts returning to this story when I wasn't reading, repeating dialogue that was still on my mind. Once I finished the book, I wanted to start it all over again, because I was not ready for the story to end. Although this was my first experience with Marilyn Grey's work, it definitely will not be the last! This is an amazing story that will touch the hearts of many as you travel down the road of life and love with Jane Austen.
Thank you, Marilyn Grey, for the opportunity to read and review this book!
This is a captivating book about hopes, dreams, relationships, and discovery. Grey has built very real characters that we get to know through their thoughts, emotions, and dialogue. She has included almost every emotion - love, fear, sadness, anger, disappointment, anxiety, surprise - to give insight into her characters. This is how we get to know them and experience these emotions right along with them. I laughed, I cried, I felt things more deeply than I have in a long while. Perhaps this was because the dialogue was so believable, but I rather think it is because Marilyn Grey is a master storyteller. This was my first experience with any of her writings, so I was unaware of what to expect. However, I became engaged from the first and cared about these people who were so real to me as I followed them through triumphs and tragedies, anxious to see how the story would end. In addition to story and character development, Marilyn Grey has a beautiful writing style that flows easily and is full of quotable remarks about life, love, sacrifice, and determination. Every situation is relevant in today's world and provides valuable life lessons. Grey has a knowledge of art, music, and pop culture that she sprinkles throughout the story to enhance it. Jane loves classical music and Batman! As she struggles through many dilemmas, she often compares her situations to novels by Nicholas Sparks. There were also amazing audio links in the e-book version which I played numerous times - just couldn't get enough! I often found my thoughts returning to this story when I wasn't reading, repeating dialogue that was still on my mind. Once I finished the book, I wanted to start it all over again, because I was not ready for the story to end. Although this was my first experience with Marilyn Grey's work, it definitely will not be the last! This is an amazing story that will touch the hearts of many as you travel down the road of life and love with Jane Austen.
Thank you, Marilyn Grey, for the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 12, 2015
First off let me preface this review by saying I do not typically cry while reading. Only a few books have ever made me teary once (even while reading Bright Side by Kim Holden I didn't really get teary) with this book I found myself straight sobbing 4 times! And it wasn't always because something sad was happening. There were these epic moments to where what was happening was so life changing and adorable to witness (yes, I'll talk about it like I was right there because these characters and this environment is described so distinctly down to the smallest detail that you feel like you are living it) that I had tears of happiness!
I fell in love with these characters in "No, Not That Jane Austen" when it came out and was desperate to know more. (After six reads of that book you'd think I'd know the characters backwards and forwards and be sick of them) but you want to revisit them in this book. All of your favorites from "No, Not that Jane Austen) are back and in so much brighter focus. While that one was a fun, light bouncy read this book is more like real life.
There are some difficult subjects in this book to deal with and just like in real life it's all about who you have around you that defines how you will react to the situation and how to let it not define the rest of your life. We see more of Jane's family and how they inspire her journey, her friends are also a huge part of the story and there are plenty of hijinks. A funny quirk about this book is Jane and Alistair's Batman obsession. As a bit of a Batman obsessed person myself I could see my sparks of my personality in Jane and they made her a kindred spirit to me. Alistair is one of the most dynamic male characters I have read in quite some time and I'm sure will be memorable for many years. People will fall in love with this story and see flashes of their own lives in these characters. It has to be one of my favorite love stories of all time! This epic love and the journey Jane and Alistair have to take to be together is reminiscent of the "Notebook" to me but with a Modern take. I have such an epic book hangover right now to where I'm not sure if I will be recovering to read anything else this week. Trust me you will want to experience this book, because that's what it is. Truly an experience
I fell in love with these characters in "No, Not That Jane Austen" when it came out and was desperate to know more. (After six reads of that book you'd think I'd know the characters backwards and forwards and be sick of them) but you want to revisit them in this book. All of your favorites from "No, Not that Jane Austen) are back and in so much brighter focus. While that one was a fun, light bouncy read this book is more like real life.
There are some difficult subjects in this book to deal with and just like in real life it's all about who you have around you that defines how you will react to the situation and how to let it not define the rest of your life. We see more of Jane's family and how they inspire her journey, her friends are also a huge part of the story and there are plenty of hijinks. A funny quirk about this book is Jane and Alistair's Batman obsession. As a bit of a Batman obsessed person myself I could see my sparks of my personality in Jane and they made her a kindred spirit to me. Alistair is one of the most dynamic male characters I have read in quite some time and I'm sure will be memorable for many years. People will fall in love with this story and see flashes of their own lives in these characters. It has to be one of my favorite love stories of all time! This epic love and the journey Jane and Alistair have to take to be together is reminiscent of the "Notebook" to me but with a Modern take. I have such an epic book hangover right now to where I'm not sure if I will be recovering to read anything else this week. Trust me you will want to experience this book, because that's what it is. Truly an experience
May 12, 2015
First I have to say that I truly just didn't want this heartbreakingly beautiful journey to end. So many emotions grip your heart and squeeze the life out of it while reading. Then to fill it back up with happiness. The possibility of love and hope are waiting in the wings. If you just have a bit of faith in yourself and within your heart. Love is never perfect or well thought out it's full of surprises, sometimes a bit of sadness, but always waiting for you to find it and believe in it. It takes time and patience. Laughs, tears, heartbreak, healing, sweetness, surprises, happiness, and much love.
Ahhh, Jane and Allister with the arrival of The Big Day and how it all unfolds and comes about with such a great group of friends and family was just wonderful. Never feeling rushed with how it played out so well with twists and turns and plenty of bumps in the road you just can't help but read when you should be doing other things. I loved it.
I have truly enjoy reading anything and everything that this author has written. I honestly can't believe that it's been two years since I stumbled upon a wonderful book "Where Love Finds You" during a Romance search on Amazon and absolutely loved it, then a few months later the release of her second book "Down from the Clouds" came out. After that I searched high and low for more with nothing to be found, but thankfully they were in the works. She has a way of drawing you into each of her stories and keeping you there. So many emotions throughout that bring you right into the very core of the story and explode all around you. I've enjoyed every single book for totally different reasons. Never stop Marilyn, not everyone may get it, but those of us who do absolutely adore everything that you have written and released. Can't wait to read more. Loved, Loved, Loved : )
Ahhh, Jane and Allister with the arrival of The Big Day and how it all unfolds and comes about with such a great group of friends and family was just wonderful. Never feeling rushed with how it played out so well with twists and turns and plenty of bumps in the road you just can't help but read when you should be doing other things. I loved it.
I have truly enjoy reading anything and everything that this author has written. I honestly can't believe that it's been two years since I stumbled upon a wonderful book "Where Love Finds You" during a Romance search on Amazon and absolutely loved it, then a few months later the release of her second book "Down from the Clouds" came out. After that I searched high and low for more with nothing to be found, but thankfully they were in the works. She has a way of drawing you into each of her stories and keeping you there. So many emotions throughout that bring you right into the very core of the story and explode all around you. I've enjoyed every single book for totally different reasons. Never stop Marilyn, not everyone may get it, but those of us who do absolutely adore everything that you have written and released. Can't wait to read more. Loved, Loved, Loved : )
May 7, 2015
"It never works out the way we want it to. Life. The page always turns when we want to pause and it seems they get stuck together when we desperately want to know what happens next. Then, there are those times when the wind picks up and the pages flip and flip and flip until we're completely lost. "
'Carpe Diem,' Alistair says. And from now on, I shall remind myself to seize the moment while it lasts because when it's gone there's no way to relive it again. If I get a tattoo, I'm thinking of having Carpe Diem inked on my left wrist so as not to neglect the value of today because obviously, life is so short to worry too much about tomorrow. Cliche I know. But Carpe Diem never gets old.
The Best of Fools has its own twists and of course, Ms. Grey's signature, the never ending surprises that will put you in awe. Something that will make you wish for someone to do it for you. *sigh*
Ms. G has once again proved what great love means and how far can it go. It was the kind of love I've seen in Dad's eyes whenever he looked at Mom; how his eyes twinkled and never get tired of staring into Mom's and vice versa; the way he still loves ( yes, i use the present tense) Mom even after her death. She has written the kind of love story everyone wishes to have: the love that makes two people stick together; stronger than ever despite life's interjection.
I now understand why Grey had troubles ending the story for I, too, felt a pang in my chest upon reaching the ending. I'm overwhelmed by how it ended but I've become attached to the characters, especially to the strong bond between Don and Jane, that reaching the last word had me feeling a bit sad.
'Carpe Diem,' Alistair says. And from now on, I shall remind myself to seize the moment while it lasts because when it's gone there's no way to relive it again. If I get a tattoo, I'm thinking of having Carpe Diem inked on my left wrist so as not to neglect the value of today because obviously, life is so short to worry too much about tomorrow. Cliche I know. But Carpe Diem never gets old.
The Best of Fools has its own twists and of course, Ms. Grey's signature, the never ending surprises that will put you in awe. Something that will make you wish for someone to do it for you. *sigh*
Ms. G has once again proved what great love means and how far can it go. It was the kind of love I've seen in Dad's eyes whenever he looked at Mom; how his eyes twinkled and never get tired of staring into Mom's and vice versa; the way he still loves ( yes, i use the present tense) Mom even after her death. She has written the kind of love story everyone wishes to have: the love that makes two people stick together; stronger than ever despite life's interjection.
I now understand why Grey had troubles ending the story for I, too, felt a pang in my chest upon reaching the ending. I'm overwhelmed by how it ended but I've become attached to the characters, especially to the strong bond between Don and Jane, that reaching the last word had me feeling a bit sad.
July 5, 2016
When I started to read this book I thought it was a little boring because things were happening very slowly and Jane was kind of annoying me because well she's a very complicated young lady, you'll get it if you read it (which you should).
Anyway this was in the beggining, when things actually started happening the story became very compelling and so many things happened, my emotions were all over the place in every chapter, you just had no idea what would happen next because a lot of things were happening every second and you didn't even have time to think about what you wanted to happen.
As I said before Jane is a very complicated human and her life is even more complicated but her story is amazing and will kind of blow your mind in a way.
In regards of the british boy , gosh was he cute. And it was very cute too, to see Jane fall in love for "the first time", I truly loved them as a couple and boy, I wasn't expecting that plot twist AT ALL. I was so like 'what the hell happened?' and then I was like 'holy s***!!!' because it was so unexpected and heartbreaking. The end was so good, it was worth waiting for.
Thank you Marilyn for getting me to read this, I really enjoyed it and I'm glad you messaged me. Keep up the good work, I'll be sure to read some of your other books soon xo
Anyway this was in the beggining, when things actually started happening the story became very compelling and so many things happened, my emotions were all over the place in every chapter, you just had no idea what would happen next because a lot of things were happening every second and you didn't even have time to think about what you wanted to happen.
As I said before Jane is a very complicated human and her life is even more complicated but her story is amazing and will kind of blow your mind in a way.
In regards of the british boy , gosh was he cute. And it was very cute too, to see Jane fall in love for "the first time", I truly loved them as a couple and boy, I wasn't expecting that plot twist AT ALL. I was so like 'what the hell happened?' and then I was like 'holy s***!!!' because it was so unexpected and heartbreaking. The end was so good, it was worth waiting for.
Thank you Marilyn for getting me to read this, I really enjoyed it and I'm glad you messaged me. Keep up the good work, I'll be sure to read some of your other books soon xo
June 9, 2015
Really enjoyed this sequel to 'No, not that Jane Austen'. It had a mix of everything in it, along with the happy ever after. My biggest beef, if you could call it that, was Jane's reaction to her first day of business in her first store. She made some sales - one carried out five bags of stuff! - (from some insta-friends she'd met not much earlier) and yet it wasn't enough for her to work past the one day. All that work to get up and running and because everything hadn't been bought out the minute she opened the doors, it was all stopped and the re-imagined. I probably would have believed it more had she given it a month or so, before moving on to the Batman themed store.
Also, there was a mention of a lawsuit but we never learnt the outcome of this. Given she was able to move along and open a new place, I'm guessing it went well? And when you stop to think about it, the only people who bought something were the people she met in the tattoo parlour, so why didn't she go and see them? Or did I miss something?
These couple of things aside, I really did enjoy it, and the links to the 'voicemails' was a nice touch. Hearing a voice helped me picture the two leads a little more clearly, giving me a better sense of what was happening. Thanks to Marilyn for pointing me in her direction :)
Also, there was a mention of a lawsuit but we never learnt the outcome of this. Given she was able to move along and open a new place, I'm guessing it went well? And when you stop to think about it, the only people who bought something were the people she met in the tattoo parlour, so why didn't she go and see them? Or did I miss something?
These couple of things aside, I really did enjoy it, and the links to the 'voicemails' was a nice touch. Hearing a voice helped me picture the two leads a little more clearly, giving me a better sense of what was happening. Thanks to Marilyn for pointing me in her direction :)
May 1, 2015
"Trust me when I say, brokenness is proof that the heart works, and when it's fixed it works better than it did before. You just need to find someone willing to fix and be fixed with you " - The Best Of Fools by Marilyn Grey.
As you may see I just finish reading this book =) Well I liked it very much. I am a huge fan of Pride And Prejudice and to read a book with a charactere named Jane Austen, living a life where love is a hard thing to find and more hard thing to keep, was ... intense.
A lot of things happen in her live, and she's just 18 ! But what the hell it's a story so why not ^^
A lot of Batman references which was AWSOME and made me want to watch those movies again and again LOL
A lot of Nicholas Sparks "negative" comments !!! What the hell !!! This guy is perfect, he created a masterpiece called "The Notebook" !!!! don't touch Mr Sparks !!!! (I love a good Romance and he always delivers ^^)
Interesting fact in this book : The additionals items hid in the book, that made the reading a lot more fun. In a sens that, I never read a book with "voicemail" in it, or the hability to see scketches or pictures.
Those little facts added so much more to the reading and it made it perfect !!
Good job Mrs Marilyn, can't wait to read you'r other books =)
A French fan
Marine B.
As you may see I just finish reading this book =) Well I liked it very much. I am a huge fan of Pride And Prejudice and to read a book with a charactere named Jane Austen, living a life where love is a hard thing to find and more hard thing to keep, was ... intense.
A lot of things happen in her live, and she's just 18 ! But what the hell it's a story so why not ^^
A lot of Batman references which was AWSOME and made me want to watch those movies again and again LOL
A lot of Nicholas Sparks "negative" comments !!! What the hell !!! This guy is perfect, he created a masterpiece called "The Notebook" !!!! don't touch Mr Sparks !!!! (I love a good Romance and he always delivers ^^)
Interesting fact in this book : The additionals items hid in the book, that made the reading a lot more fun. In a sens that, I never read a book with "voicemail" in it, or the hability to see scketches or pictures.
Those little facts added so much more to the reading and it made it perfect !!
Good job Mrs Marilyn, can't wait to read you'r other books =)
A French fan
Marine B.
November 27, 2019
This was a nice follow-up to book 1, "No, Not that Jane Austen". We experience a gamut of emotions as Jane discovers many things: her origins, herself, her capacity to love, as well as the different types of love.
So we have Donovan, her male best friend, and Alistair "from across the pond" whom Jane had a brief encounter with in book 1. I'll admit I was angling for a certain outcome with one of these guys, and things went another way. But I'm still content.
She has great friends and family and, despite an unpleasant family secret, she is surrounded by so much love. So many things happen in this book as Jane tries to balance friendships, a long distance relationship, a new career, and overall just being an adult.
A great read, with some character appearances from Marilyn Grey's older books, a couple of photos/illustrations, and some audio clip links for the reader. Finish it with an emotional epilogue, and what a complete package!
So we have Donovan, her male best friend, and Alistair "from across the pond" whom Jane had a brief encounter with in book 1. I'll admit I was angling for a certain outcome with one of these guys, and things went another way. But I'm still content.
She has great friends and family and, despite an unpleasant family secret, she is surrounded by so much love. So many things happen in this book as Jane tries to balance friendships, a long distance relationship, a new career, and overall just being an adult.
A great read, with some character appearances from Marilyn Grey's older books, a couple of photos/illustrations, and some audio clip links for the reader. Finish it with an emotional epilogue, and what a complete package!
May 7, 2015
Jane isn't interested in finding love, she's not one for fairytales, but a chance meeting in a airport changes that. Alistair opens her eyes and gets Jane to actually feel. To let someone into her heart that she's been protecting for a long time.
Jane's parent are madly in love, staring into each other's eyes for hours without saying a word (can you say creepy). But is that what she wants? Could she have that? But with who, her best friend Donovan who has professed his love over the years, even going as far as to buy her a ring?? Or Alistair, the British musician that has her heart racing, shivering whenever he touches her, the guy she can't stop thinking about.
Alistair?
Jane.....
Alistair.
I absolutely loved the audio, pictures , sketches and voicemails that were added to the book. A really unexpected and amazing surprise. I fell even more in love with the characters, especially Alistair, who can resist a British accent
Jane's parent are madly in love, staring into each other's eyes for hours without saying a word (can you say creepy). But is that what she wants? Could she have that? But with who, her best friend Donovan who has professed his love over the years, even going as far as to buy her a ring?? Or Alistair, the British musician that has her heart racing, shivering whenever he touches her, the guy she can't stop thinking about.
Alistair?
Jane.....
Alistair.
I absolutely loved the audio, pictures , sketches and voicemails that were added to the book. A really unexpected and amazing surprise. I fell even more in love with the characters, especially Alistair, who can resist a British accent
October 13, 2015
I quite enjoyed the prequel to this book, but I had a difficult time with The Best of Fools. Maybe because I came to have expectations that didn't come to term. I felt like there were many aspects to the story that I could have enjoyed separetely but that were not well put together to my liking. I must say my favorite aspect was the coming of age element. The moment Jane and her friends had to leave highschool and start to make grown up decision. The evolving of their relationship as they went their separate way in the world. The way she made huge mistakes and some very poor decisions. How she failed sometimes but always found the strength to stand back up. How she learned to open herself to love.
I just hoped it hadn't been mixed with that half baked love triangle, her family situation (I am trying not to spoil here), and really that twist at the end!
Well I now come out of The Best of Fools slighty disappointed.
I just hoped it hadn't been mixed with that half baked love triangle, her family situation (I am trying not to spoil here), and really that twist at the end!
Well I now come out of The Best of Fools slighty disappointed.
May 5, 2015
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand it was cute and romantic and on the other it made me want to scream. I really loved Alastair (at moments) I just wish they had better communication. A lot of things could have worked themselves out if they had talked. Im a girl so I understand the whole jumping the gun thing, but from an outsider looking in I really just wanted them to fix their problems and be reasonable. I was kind of rooting for Donovan, they are cute together and remind me of me and my best friend. I was surprised when that twist came in. I didn't know what to think. I wanted to pull my hair out to be honest. I felt really bad for both of them, I could even imagine anything like that happening. But I'm glad they worked it out. This story almost makes me want to start watching Batman. (It's a comic book too right??) Maybe someday.
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