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Inconceivable!
A popular, young royal couple can't produce an heir? INCONCEIVABLE!
When Ozarks native Hatty goes “whole hog” during karaoke, she catches the eye of Prince John. He isn’t what she expects the heir to a small European nation to be: he's affable, witty, and isn’t put off by her tell-it-like-it-is demeanor. Their flirtation should be short lived, but a force stronger than fate—Hatty’s newspaper editor—assigns her to cover the royals. After spending time together, she and John soon begin dating, and Hatty finds herself making headlines instead of writing them.
But challenges loom that are even more complicated than figuring out how to mesh Hatty's journalism career with life at Belvoir Palace. Hatty and John soon find themselves embroiled in an unusual sex scandal: they can't produce an heir. Tabloids dub Hatty a “Barren-ess,” and the royals become irate. Hatty politely tells them to shove it. But beneath her confident exterior, she struggles to cope with a heartbreak that invades her most intimate moments with John. Pressured to choose between invasive medical procedures and abandoning John’s claim to the throne, the couple feels trapped until a trip to Ethiopia shows them happy endings sometimes arrive long after saying “I do.”
When Ozarks native Hatty goes “whole hog” during karaoke, she catches the eye of Prince John. He isn’t what she expects the heir to a small European nation to be: he's affable, witty, and isn’t put off by her tell-it-like-it-is demeanor. Their flirtation should be short lived, but a force stronger than fate—Hatty’s newspaper editor—assigns her to cover the royals. After spending time together, she and John soon begin dating, and Hatty finds herself making headlines instead of writing them.
But challenges loom that are even more complicated than figuring out how to mesh Hatty's journalism career with life at Belvoir Palace. Hatty and John soon find themselves embroiled in an unusual sex scandal: they can't produce an heir. Tabloids dub Hatty a “Barren-ess,” and the royals become irate. Hatty politely tells them to shove it. But beneath her confident exterior, she struggles to cope with a heartbreak that invades her most intimate moments with John. Pressured to choose between invasive medical procedures and abandoning John’s claim to the throne, the couple feels trapped until a trip to Ethiopia shows them happy endings sometimes arrive long after saying “I do.”
354 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2015
40 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
Tegan Wren
2 books147 followersThe best compliment Tegan Wren ever received came from her sixth grade teacher: “You always have a book in your hand!”
Guided by her love of the creative process, Tegan grew up acting in theatre productions and writing poetry, short stories, and plays. She turned her eye to writing about real life when she worked as a journalist, producing reports for various radio and television stations in medium and large markets in the Midwest and also filing some stories for a major national news network. She spent several years writing online content, which ranged from creating descriptions of toilets for a retail website to composing a blog post about visiting Maui.
She’s had the opportunity to travel overseas, and uses those adventures to inform her writing. She also draws inspiration from her own struggles and life experiences. Tegan and her husband, Patrick, experienced infertility for five years before becoming parents through adoption.
Tegan is excited to have her debut novel, INCONCEIVABLE!, included in the launch of the new romance imprint Curiosity Thrills. She's a proud member of Romance Writers of America.
Guided by her love of the creative process, Tegan grew up acting in theatre productions and writing poetry, short stories, and plays. She turned her eye to writing about real life when she worked as a journalist, producing reports for various radio and television stations in medium and large markets in the Midwest and also filing some stories for a major national news network. She spent several years writing online content, which ranged from creating descriptions of toilets for a retail website to composing a blog post about visiting Maui.
She’s had the opportunity to travel overseas, and uses those adventures to inform her writing. She also draws inspiration from her own struggles and life experiences. Tegan and her husband, Patrick, experienced infertility for five years before becoming parents through adoption.
Tegan is excited to have her debut novel, INCONCEIVABLE!, included in the launch of the new romance imprint Curiosity Thrills. She's a proud member of Romance Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 20, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
INCONCEIVABLE by Tegan Wren is a raw, realistic, poignant, beautiful and touching tale that sophisticatedly touches elements of romance and the sensitive subject of infertility. With Ms. Wren's eloquently, clean, and crisp writing she has captured my heart as she was able to tug all the heartstrings as she delicately weaves and captures the raw emotions of jealousy, hurt, sadness, understanding, compassion, and honesty of a couple's journey struggling with infertility. I applaud Ms. Wren for writing a book that raises awareness and brings light to couples like Hatty and John who are having difficulties with fertility. I loved that the author didn't gloss over this sensitive subject but gave a raw, honest, realistic portrayal. Though this book highlighted the issue of infertility, Ms. Wren was still able to incorporate the importance of Hatty and John's love for each other. Their love was the backbone as to why they stood united in the forefront of the obstacles that stood in their way. Inconceivable is a reminder to see that there is a silver lining to everything and for Hatty and John their happily ever after ending just got a little sweeter when they both were able to see where their lives took them on whole new unexpected path. So if you are looking for a fresh modern fairytale romance that is brimming with raw characters, heart, and emotions then INCONCEIVABLE is the book for you. And thank you Tegan Wren for reminding readers that we make our own fairytales and to not let setbacks derail us from achieving and pursuing our happiness.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tegan Wren
INCONCEIVABLE by Tegan Wren is a raw, realistic, poignant, beautiful and touching tale that sophisticatedly touches elements of romance and the sensitive subject of infertility. With Ms. Wren's eloquently, clean, and crisp writing she has captured my heart as she was able to tug all the heartstrings as she delicately weaves and captures the raw emotions of jealousy, hurt, sadness, understanding, compassion, and honesty of a couple's journey struggling with infertility. I applaud Ms. Wren for writing a book that raises awareness and brings light to couples like Hatty and John who are having difficulties with fertility. I loved that the author didn't gloss over this sensitive subject but gave a raw, honest, realistic portrayal. Though this book highlighted the issue of infertility, Ms. Wren was still able to incorporate the importance of Hatty and John's love for each other. Their love was the backbone as to why they stood united in the forefront of the obstacles that stood in their way. Inconceivable is a reminder to see that there is a silver lining to everything and for Hatty and John their happily ever after ending just got a little sweeter when they both were able to see where their lives took them on whole new unexpected path. So if you are looking for a fresh modern fairytale romance that is brimming with raw characters, heart, and emotions then INCONCEIVABLE is the book for you. And thank you Tegan Wren for reminding readers that we make our own fairytales and to not let setbacks derail us from achieving and pursuing our happiness.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tegan Wren
November 15, 2015
This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review
This was such a great read!
It's so well written and I loved the plot so much. It's both lighthearted and really deep.
It's just a massive roller coaster, in a good way. I was so emotionally invested in the characters and their struggles. This is such a short review but I really only have good things to say about this book. I was so caught up in the characters and the story that I forgot to be a critical reader (like I normally am). I really just loved this book so much and I highly recommend it.
This was such a great read!
It's so well written and I loved the plot so much. It's both lighthearted and really deep.
It's just a massive roller coaster, in a good way. I was so emotionally invested in the characters and their struggles. This is such a short review but I really only have good things to say about this book. I was so caught up in the characters and the story that I forgot to be a critical reader (like I normally am). I really just loved this book so much and I highly recommend it.
August 8, 2015
***The best happy endings are the unexpected ones!***
I had so much fun writing this book. And as someone who experienced infertility, it was cathartic to write about it through the lens of my characters. I'm thrilled to see my novel move into the hands of readers. Enjoy, my loves!
I had so much fun writing this book. And as someone who experienced infertility, it was cathartic to write about it through the lens of my characters. I'm thrilled to see my novel move into the hands of readers. Enjoy, my loves!
November 17, 2015
Before we get started with this review, look at that cover. LOOK AT IT. Admire its beauty and as you read the novel, learn how it is so applicable.
This meant so much to me, mostly because I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. This book is fun and flirty, and yet has a meaningful story to it as well. When it comes to romance and royals it kind of is my weak point. I went into this novel not knowing anything about it, so it made me interested!
The main character, Hatty, stole my heart straight away. She’s the kind of girl who says what is on her mind immediately and has absolutely no filter. She does have her shaky moments but she is mostly confident and fun, really upbeat! When we meet her she belts her heart a karaoke at a bar while singing a Natasha Bedingfield song. If that doesn’t steal your attention right away, then maybe the flirting and banter that happens between her and Prince John before she even knows who he is will. I love when flirting and banter is playful and humorous, and this book masters it. She also finds herself in awkward situations pretty often which was a good laugh.
Seeing as Hatty is a reporter it brought a good insight into the journalism life and what happens there – the inner workings and how it goes. Hatty being a reporter also created a bit of conflict seeing as she was supposed to be the one reporting on John’s life and all, and well, the royal family doesn’t usually take too well to reporters. So her profession did put a spin on things.
John was a nice character and even though he did have his difficult moments where he was struggling himself, his love for Hatty was always evident. There was a constant war waging in him when it came to what he was required to do as a successor to the throne and what he wanted to do. He also played harp like me so YAY bonus points for him! Hatty is someone who likes reading as well, so double bonus points all round!
The writing style was fun and playful which perfectly reflected Hatty’s personality and matched the tone of the story too. The romance was a bit explicit. It wasn’t exactly an NA romance but it wasn’t an entirely clean one either, if you get what I mean.
The secondary characters were nice and all, but they fell a bit flat to me which is why I had to give the book four stars. They were simply there and I wanted some more detail to go into them. Halfway through the book we get a five month time jump which was a bit jarring but it was completely necessary so I understood why the author included it. It did mean that we skipped over Hatty adjusting to suddenly being in the limelight as she dated John and having all the reporters flock to her as well. I wish we had seen that, but I guess one book can’t always include absolutely everything.
The author herself writes that she has struggled with infertility herself, and that theme is so perfectly handled and portrayed in this book you can tell it is tapping into some personal emotion and thoughts. It must have taken a lot of strength for her to right this, so I commend Wren for doing so. The pressure, the emotions, the pain… everything that women go through trying to get pregnant when nothing seems to be working. As well as that, Hatty is a royal so she has the pressure of needing to deliver a successor for the throne or some very harsh consequences are applied. It feels wrong to call it ‘suspense’ but that was what was building as I was basically hoping that with every medical treatment something would work and Hatty would be pregnant. The stress tore at me.
I don’t feel like my review does this book justice. Throughout it all, the love between John and Hatty was never doubted. I liked seeing a couple who rode over their hard times together instead of taking a break of pushing each other away. It was a nice change and I do believe in relationships like that too. This book was the first book I have read in a while where all I wanted to do was read. I pushed away other things that kind of needed doing so that I could finish this book!
My wrap up note is based on the authors note of the book. Tegan Wren is donating half the royalties that this book earns to two charities which help cover the costs for treatment that is given to women who are having trouble conceiving and need to pay costly treatments in attempts to get pregnant. It’s a very worthy cause, and you would get to read this wonderful book as well. So if that doesn’t sway your judgment, I hope this review and the charity addition has. I loved it and I hope you would too. The author is too kind.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
This meant so much to me, mostly because I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. This book is fun and flirty, and yet has a meaningful story to it as well. When it comes to romance and royals it kind of is my weak point. I went into this novel not knowing anything about it, so it made me interested!
The main character, Hatty, stole my heart straight away. She’s the kind of girl who says what is on her mind immediately and has absolutely no filter. She does have her shaky moments but she is mostly confident and fun, really upbeat! When we meet her she belts her heart a karaoke at a bar while singing a Natasha Bedingfield song. If that doesn’t steal your attention right away, then maybe the flirting and banter that happens between her and Prince John before she even knows who he is will. I love when flirting and banter is playful and humorous, and this book masters it. She also finds herself in awkward situations pretty often which was a good laugh.
Seeing as Hatty is a reporter it brought a good insight into the journalism life and what happens there – the inner workings and how it goes. Hatty being a reporter also created a bit of conflict seeing as she was supposed to be the one reporting on John’s life and all, and well, the royal family doesn’t usually take too well to reporters. So her profession did put a spin on things.
John was a nice character and even though he did have his difficult moments where he was struggling himself, his love for Hatty was always evident. There was a constant war waging in him when it came to what he was required to do as a successor to the throne and what he wanted to do. He also played harp like me so YAY bonus points for him! Hatty is someone who likes reading as well, so double bonus points all round!
The writing style was fun and playful which perfectly reflected Hatty’s personality and matched the tone of the story too. The romance was a bit explicit. It wasn’t exactly an NA romance but it wasn’t an entirely clean one either, if you get what I mean.
The secondary characters were nice and all, but they fell a bit flat to me which is why I had to give the book four stars. They were simply there and I wanted some more detail to go into them. Halfway through the book we get a five month time jump which was a bit jarring but it was completely necessary so I understood why the author included it. It did mean that we skipped over Hatty adjusting to suddenly being in the limelight as she dated John and having all the reporters flock to her as well. I wish we had seen that, but I guess one book can’t always include absolutely everything.
The author herself writes that she has struggled with infertility herself, and that theme is so perfectly handled and portrayed in this book you can tell it is tapping into some personal emotion and thoughts. It must have taken a lot of strength for her to right this, so I commend Wren for doing so. The pressure, the emotions, the pain… everything that women go through trying to get pregnant when nothing seems to be working. As well as that, Hatty is a royal so she has the pressure of needing to deliver a successor for the throne or some very harsh consequences are applied. It feels wrong to call it ‘suspense’ but that was what was building as I was basically hoping that with every medical treatment something would work and Hatty would be pregnant. The stress tore at me.
I don’t feel like my review does this book justice. Throughout it all, the love between John and Hatty was never doubted. I liked seeing a couple who rode over their hard times together instead of taking a break of pushing each other away. It was a nice change and I do believe in relationships like that too. This book was the first book I have read in a while where all I wanted to do was read. I pushed away other things that kind of needed doing so that I could finish this book!
My wrap up note is based on the authors note of the book. Tegan Wren is donating half the royalties that this book earns to two charities which help cover the costs for treatment that is given to women who are having trouble conceiving and need to pay costly treatments in attempts to get pregnant. It’s a very worthy cause, and you would get to read this wonderful book as well. So if that doesn’t sway your judgment, I hope this review and the charity addition has. I loved it and I hope you would too. The author is too kind.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
December 16, 2015
The biggest problem with this book is it's really two stories. The first half is your standard royal romance story, and the second half is the "inconceivable" story . Shockingly, this means neither story gets the page time it deserves. But even more the page time, they didn't get the story time they deserved. They get married a few months after they met and the infertility worries start when they've been married about 9 months.
I just . . . wish both stories had taken their time. I'm not trying to get pregnant (and may never be!) and I don't want to be insensitive, but as a 32-year old woman, it kind of rubbed me the wrong way to have 22 year old Hatty being SO obsessed about getting pregnant in her first year of marriage. That's so young! That's so early! Give it some time! And John's family also made it an unbelievably huge deal, especially considering John DOES have a brother. The succession will be okay!
And Hattie's character went through a weird transition between the halves.
Also sex.
I just . . . wish both stories had taken their time. I'm not trying to get pregnant (and may never be!) and I don't want to be insensitive, but as a 32-year old woman, it kind of rubbed me the wrong way to have 22 year old Hatty being SO obsessed about getting pregnant in her first year of marriage. That's so young! That's so early! Give it some time! And John's family also made it an unbelievably huge deal, especially considering John DOES have a brother. The succession will be okay!
And Hattie's character went through a weird transition between the halves.
Also sex.
May 21, 2016
Liked reading Hatty and John's romance. The author captured their fertility struggles very well. Tegan Wren went through her own fertility issues and is donating some of the books profits to charity. You go Tegan!!
July 30, 2015
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I am a total sucker for "royals" stories, and this one did not disappoint. INCONCEIVABLE tells the story of Hatty, a college student from Missouri doing an internship abroad in a small European country. One night at a bar, she accidentally meets Prince John Meinrad, the heir to the throne. It isn't long before the two fall in love and get married. However, they find themselves in a predicament; the prince's wife's only role is to produce an heir, yet Hatty and John can't conceive. This causes John's prince father and queen grandmother to threaten a forced annulment of their marriage.
The first half of this story centers on Hatty and John's romance, courtship, and marriage. Their banter and chemistry was awesome. I loved watching their relationship unfold. I loved Hatty's character, and how she always said whatever was on her mind (even if that means dropping f-bombs in front of the queen...). I also loved the voice of this book.
The second half of the book shows Hatty and John's struggle with infertility. It was gritty and realistic, and I love that the author didn't shy away from this topic. Wren shows Hatty going through emotional reactions like disconnecting from her religion, blaming herself, and feeling jealous of her sister-in-law's pregnancy - and then feeling guilty of feeling jealous. I love that these feelings weren't glossed over - they were real.
While I've never personally struggled with infertility, I've had close friends who had. Not only was this a very well written and entertaining story (I flew through it), but I feel it's also a very important story. Miscarriages and infertility are so common, yet so rarely discussed in our culture. Also, I appreciate that this book has a happy ending - I feel like so many books about infertility end tragically, which is sad. While Hatty and John's relationship isn't perfect, and they definitely have their ups and downs throughout the book, they really love each other. INCONCEIVABLE shows that being able to physically birth a child isn't the only path to motherhood and happiness - a very important and very true message.
I would recommend this book to anyone - especially anyone who might be going through this difficult situation. I will definitely be checking out future books from this author!
I am a total sucker for "royals" stories, and this one did not disappoint. INCONCEIVABLE tells the story of Hatty, a college student from Missouri doing an internship abroad in a small European country. One night at a bar, she accidentally meets Prince John Meinrad, the heir to the throne. It isn't long before the two fall in love and get married. However, they find themselves in a predicament; the prince's wife's only role is to produce an heir, yet Hatty and John can't conceive. This causes John's prince father and queen grandmother to threaten a forced annulment of their marriage.
The first half of this story centers on Hatty and John's romance, courtship, and marriage. Their banter and chemistry was awesome. I loved watching their relationship unfold. I loved Hatty's character, and how she always said whatever was on her mind (even if that means dropping f-bombs in front of the queen...). I also loved the voice of this book.
The second half of the book shows Hatty and John's struggle with infertility. It was gritty and realistic, and I love that the author didn't shy away from this topic. Wren shows Hatty going through emotional reactions like disconnecting from her religion, blaming herself, and feeling jealous of her sister-in-law's pregnancy - and then feeling guilty of feeling jealous. I love that these feelings weren't glossed over - they were real.
While I've never personally struggled with infertility, I've had close friends who had. Not only was this a very well written and entertaining story (I flew through it), but I feel it's also a very important story. Miscarriages and infertility are so common, yet so rarely discussed in our culture. Also, I appreciate that this book has a happy ending - I feel like so many books about infertility end tragically, which is sad. While Hatty and John's relationship isn't perfect, and they definitely have their ups and downs throughout the book, they really love each other. INCONCEIVABLE shows that being able to physically birth a child isn't the only path to motherhood and happiness - a very important and very true message.
I would recommend this book to anyone - especially anyone who might be going through this difficult situation. I will definitely be checking out future books from this author!
August 14, 2015
"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Hatty with the baby carriage." That's how it's supposed to go, right? So, what about when it doesn't? There's love, there's marriage, but there's no baby, despite the wanting and trying. And what if the husband is a crown prince?
Inconceivable! balances a light, romantic feel with the grittier realities of a couple in crisis over fertility. Since the groom in this story is a crown prince, the pressure is even more intense than for more ordinary folk. Wren's main character, Hatty, is now one of my favorite fictional people. Throughout the book, she felt very real in her reactions first to a courtship with a prince and the impact that had on her career and future plans, then with her struggles to become a mother. I was in suspense throughout, worried about what might happen next, what additional roadblocks and obstacles Hatty and John would have to overcome.
I loved reading a romantic story about royals that didn't end at the wedding, showing us that there's more to love than falling in it. There's also staying in it, even when troubles come. For better and for worse.
Inconceivable! balances a light, romantic feel with the grittier realities of a couple in crisis over fertility. Since the groom in this story is a crown prince, the pressure is even more intense than for more ordinary folk. Wren's main character, Hatty, is now one of my favorite fictional people. Throughout the book, she felt very real in her reactions first to a courtship with a prince and the impact that had on her career and future plans, then with her struggles to become a mother. I was in suspense throughout, worried about what might happen next, what additional roadblocks and obstacles Hatty and John would have to overcome.
I loved reading a romantic story about royals that didn't end at the wedding, showing us that there's more to love than falling in it. There's also staying in it, even when troubles come. For better and for worse.
November 21, 2015
Full video review!
https://youtu.be/YH79bm9B4RI
https://youtu.be/YH79bm9B4RI
February 19, 2016
I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. I mean, I'm a huge fan of royal romances, especially when they take place in modern times. This book had a big vibe reminiscent of the hit TV show 'The Royals'.
But I just couldn't get into a good spot to like Hatty and root for her. I was already past the 1/3rd mark and it struck me that she was waffling - she wants to be a reporter and expose meaningful scandals that involve politics and the big guns, and in the case of the world of Toulene, this means the monarchy. So despite dating the Crown Prince, she still wants to report on said monarchy and exposing political machinations - and she gets miffed when she is told she cannot expose politicians, the National Assembly, and the monarchy because she is now 'part' of it. Then one second she is miffed, and the next she is so totally in love with John that all is forgotten and it's rainbows and unicorns again (also never got over how hot and cold John was - the man veered through states of mind faster than you can say 'Twister!').
I just couldn't get the characterization, and then the notion of Mary-Sue-ish-type entered the fray, because Hatty is 'normal' and 'chubby' and 'not traditionally beautiful' and everyone loves her, all the men want her, and the prince falls in love with her when she is supposedly nothing special. Nuh-uh, sorry, you lost me there...
But I just couldn't get into a good spot to like Hatty and root for her. I was already past the 1/3rd mark and it struck me that she was waffling - she wants to be a reporter and expose meaningful scandals that involve politics and the big guns, and in the case of the world of Toulene, this means the monarchy. So despite dating the Crown Prince, she still wants to report on said monarchy and exposing political machinations - and she gets miffed when she is told she cannot expose politicians, the National Assembly, and the monarchy because she is now 'part' of it. Then one second she is miffed, and the next she is so totally in love with John that all is forgotten and it's rainbows and unicorns again (also never got over how hot and cold John was - the man veered through states of mind faster than you can say 'Twister!').
I just couldn't get the characterization, and then the notion of Mary-Sue-ish-type entered the fray, because Hatty is 'normal' and 'chubby' and 'not traditionally beautiful' and everyone loves her, all the men want her, and the prince falls in love with her when she is supposedly nothing special. Nuh-uh, sorry, you lost me there...
November 22, 2015
Inconceivable is a lovely story that will create a warm spot in your heart. It's not often we hear about couples struggling with infertility and reading about Hatty and John really made me think about the subject and how much couples like them must suffer in silence. I loved the surprising direction the story took.
November 12, 2015
This review was originally posted on [www.125pages.com]
Inconceivable! was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a fun romp with a dreamy prince, a naive young American woman and some royal hi-jinks. What I got was the dreamy prince, a strong woman who speaks her mind and, of course the required tension and hi-jinks. Hatty is an American journalism student in the small European country of Toulene. She then has a meet-cute with heir to the throne Prince John and shenanigans ensue. The world building was a little shaky at the start as I was unsure of where it was supposed to be set; but once resolved was quite good. The plot and characters were well done and well detailed. I really enjoyed that Inconceivable! was not a typical cookie-cutter romance. Yes the first half was devoted to the romance, dating and family drama, but it story really came into its own in the second half. I am not sure if I have ever read a book detailing the struggle with infertility so candidly as Inconceivable! does. It painted the struggle in realistic strokes; and the pain felt by the characters was palpable. What I enjoyed most about Inconceivable! was the ending. I am a spoiler free zone, so I will just say that it was not at all what I expected in the best way. It did not wrap up the story in a neat bow but rather wrapped it in shades of reality; and for that I must applaud Tegan Wren for such an honest and heart-felt book.
Favorite lines - "I sat on our bed, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window, seeing nothing. Thinking nothing. Feeling nothing. My heart thumped inside a cocoon of numbness. I’d unpacked my emotions and reached the bottom of the suitcase. Instead of finding a secret stash of peace or comfort, I found nothing. It was empty. Barren. The only emotion that sometimes crept up on me was a sense of wonder at my inability to cry more."
Biggest cliche - My favorite book cliche is back! "I must believe this other person over the one I love because they said something that makes me sad/mad. And I won't bother checking with my love, I'll just leave."
Have you read Inconceivable!, or added it to your TBR?
Inconceivable! was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a fun romp with a dreamy prince, a naive young American woman and some royal hi-jinks. What I got was the dreamy prince, a strong woman who speaks her mind and, of course the required tension and hi-jinks. Hatty is an American journalism student in the small European country of Toulene. She then has a meet-cute with heir to the throne Prince John and shenanigans ensue. The world building was a little shaky at the start as I was unsure of where it was supposed to be set; but once resolved was quite good. The plot and characters were well done and well detailed. I really enjoyed that Inconceivable! was not a typical cookie-cutter romance. Yes the first half was devoted to the romance, dating and family drama, but it story really came into its own in the second half. I am not sure if I have ever read a book detailing the struggle with infertility so candidly as Inconceivable! does. It painted the struggle in realistic strokes; and the pain felt by the characters was palpable. What I enjoyed most about Inconceivable! was the ending. I am a spoiler free zone, so I will just say that it was not at all what I expected in the best way. It did not wrap up the story in a neat bow but rather wrapped it in shades of reality; and for that I must applaud Tegan Wren for such an honest and heart-felt book.Favorite lines - "I sat on our bed, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window, seeing nothing. Thinking nothing. Feeling nothing. My heart thumped inside a cocoon of numbness. I’d unpacked my emotions and reached the bottom of the suitcase. Instead of finding a secret stash of peace or comfort, I found nothing. It was empty. Barren. The only emotion that sometimes crept up on me was a sense of wonder at my inability to cry more."
Biggest cliche - My favorite book cliche is back! "I must believe this other person over the one I love because they said something that makes me sad/mad. And I won't bother checking with my love, I'll just leave."
Have you read Inconceivable!, or added it to your TBR?
October 28, 2015
Oh boy, this book was a roller coaster.
I’m a sucker for stories involving royalty. There is always so much potential for drama (and not the unnecessary kind), twists and turns. This book was no exception. Plus, who doesn’t love a good story about a prince falling in love with a common girl?
This book started out awesome, a total 5 star read. I was addicted, I couldn’t put it down. Then something in the book shifted, something changed, and everything started feeling rushed. I realize that the author wanted to cover a lot of time for the couple…the book starts with the hero and heroine meeting and covers their courtship, wedding, honeymoon, marriage and their attempts to get pregnant.
It was so much stuff to cover (not that I’m complaining) but at some point, I felt like the personalities of some characters started to change.
The first instance of this was with John, our hero. After he and Hattie officially started dating, he went from a fun guy that would banter with Hattie, to an uber serious prince, even while at home and in private. I just missed the connection they had and the banter.
John’s family was the other instance of personalities changing. John’s dad went from a charming father (albeit with a commanding personality) to a judgmental douche bag. John’s grandmother, the queen, went from a surprisingly warm and caring woman to a cold witch.
My biggest complaint was how John’s family turned on Hattie when she and John were having trouble getting pregnant. I get that their biggest concern was continuing the line of succession, but it’s not like John and Hattie were in their 40s and running out of time for kids. They were in their 20s and had only been married for just around a year. They had plenty of time to keep trying, yet his family acted like it had been 10 years or more.
While the end was satisfactory, I also wish it had been different. I was really hoping that things would turn around for John and Hattie since they had less stress in their life.
Overall, I think the book should have been longer. That way their friendship and later relationship could really have been seen.
September 17, 2015
This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review
YAY A BOOK ABOUT ROYALS! So I never read a book like this. And I’m not sure if it was just I was in the mood for this, but from the moment I picked this book up, I COULD NOT put it down! I envisioned John is such a way that just kept me so engaged with this book that it got to a point where I was shushing my boyfriend when he even TRIED to start a sentence while I had this book in my hands. It was very much glued to me for the days it took me to read this.
I loved the transition from the light and fluffy and romantic walk through of John courting Hatty and their romance and love growing and into their marriage and the stress and difficulties of infertility. I’ve never really thought of this subject being a main focal plot point for a book, I’ve never read anything remotely close to the severity of this topic. Well, I have but I haven’t felt the weight of a topic like this that I’ve never dealt with hands on before. It was impressive how I felt the weight of Hatty’s grief on myself throughout her difficult times.
I’m glad that Wren gave Hatty and James a nice ending. I’m glad that there was a solution and happiness in the end. I think it was all wrapped up in a lovely little package and I’m super happy with this book as a whole. NOT TO MENTION THE ABSOLUTE GORGEOUS COVER! OMG. I couldn’t get over the beauty of the cover.
But as previously noted in other reviews, a contemporary/romance book I get through with ease, and read eagerly is an A++ in my book. So a round of applause for Tegan Wren on a wonderful and amazing job on this book. Can’t wait to read anything else you write!
YAY A BOOK ABOUT ROYALS! So I never read a book like this. And I’m not sure if it was just I was in the mood for this, but from the moment I picked this book up, I COULD NOT put it down! I envisioned John is such a way that just kept me so engaged with this book that it got to a point where I was shushing my boyfriend when he even TRIED to start a sentence while I had this book in my hands. It was very much glued to me for the days it took me to read this.
I loved the transition from the light and fluffy and romantic walk through of John courting Hatty and their romance and love growing and into their marriage and the stress and difficulties of infertility. I’ve never really thought of this subject being a main focal plot point for a book, I’ve never read anything remotely close to the severity of this topic. Well, I have but I haven’t felt the weight of a topic like this that I’ve never dealt with hands on before. It was impressive how I felt the weight of Hatty’s grief on myself throughout her difficult times.
I’m glad that Wren gave Hatty and James a nice ending. I’m glad that there was a solution and happiness in the end. I think it was all wrapped up in a lovely little package and I’m super happy with this book as a whole. NOT TO MENTION THE ABSOLUTE GORGEOUS COVER! OMG. I couldn’t get over the beauty of the cover.
But as previously noted in other reviews, a contemporary/romance book I get through with ease, and read eagerly is an A++ in my book. So a round of applause for Tegan Wren on a wonderful and amazing job on this book. Can’t wait to read anything else you write!
March 12, 2016
First of all, I absolutely love, love, love this cover!!!! Inconceivable is a fairy tale romance with an unexpected journey to happiness. Hatty, with her American Midwestern roots, her journalistic instincts, and her penchant to speak her mind, catches the eye of John, a sexy, witty, and charming man. Not just another John, though. Prince John. After a flirty exchange in a local karaoke bar, the two begin an epic romance that would capture the heart of any contemporary romance reader.
I think my favorite part about this story is how real the characters are. I love the fact that Hatty isn't beautiful in the expected way with the Barbie Doll body and movie star good looks. She has curves and John loves them. More importantly, John loves her.
The author does a great job making you fall in love with them and their relationship. I really appreciate the fact that we get their background. It really helps you connect with them in a way that is necessary to properly empathize. You feel their anguish, frustration, anger, jealousy, and sadness. It's not easy to portray such an array of emotions centering around this very sensitive topic. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that the ending made me very happy. More than anything, I love the message. I look forward to reading another Tegan Wren book.
I think my favorite part about this story is how real the characters are. I love the fact that Hatty isn't beautiful in the expected way with the Barbie Doll body and movie star good looks. She has curves and John loves them. More importantly, John loves her.
The author does a great job making you fall in love with them and their relationship. I really appreciate the fact that we get their background. It really helps you connect with them in a way that is necessary to properly empathize. You feel their anguish, frustration, anger, jealousy, and sadness. It's not easy to portray such an array of emotions centering around this very sensitive topic. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that the ending made me very happy. More than anything, I love the message. I look forward to reading another Tegan Wren book.
December 15, 2015
FULL REVIEW UPDATE
This review can also be found at The Nocturnal Fey
My previous read was a high fantasy which severely affected my whole being, so it's a big leap for me to read a contemporary romance novel about royalties shortly after. This was unplanned. I have a number of books on my list which I planned to read for this month, but Inconceivable wasn't on that list. Well, I've known myself as someone who don't usually stick with my list and always mess up my TBR, so yeah, not really surprising *awkward laugh*. Anyway, unexpected reads are mostly good.
And yes! I'm kind of surprised how Inconceivable pulled me to the story like a boss! I started reading the night before and finished it the morning after (sleep is important too, c'mon). Not that I didn't expect Inconceivable to be good --- it's just since I'm still coping from the overflowing emotions what my previous read gave me, I wasn't quite sure I was ready to read a new book. But voilà! Thanks, Tegan Wren!
Inconceivable somewhat gave the "Prince and I" vibe. An American girl and a royalty from a monarchy in Europe. Except in Prince and I, there's really a monarch in Denmark, but Inconceivable wren created the fictional monarchy, the Meinrad royal family in Toulene.
Prince John and Hatty's relationship is more on the mature side. To tell you honestly, I didn't swoon that much. The first 50% of the story involved courting, flirting and their moments of getting-to-know-each-other. Their relationship is really on the adult side and most of the time they talk a lot about politics and journalism and stuff which quite frankly I don't really fancy and bored me at some point. At least, hats off to Hatty (pun intended) for being hilarious most of the times. Her being blunt and energetic made the mood of the story a lot lighter considering the sensitive topic of infertility.
The next 50% was their story as a married royalty and their struggles to conceive a child. This is the first time I've ever read something with this topic so I was enticed (I wasn't able to finish Arsen which I think has the same topic, I think?). I still think that I'm still too young for marriage and building a family (not that I have a boyfriend. lol), so I never really thought about these kind of topics and I literally have no idea about the terms used here. But somehow, I can feel the pain of the royal couple here and there's this weird feeling about being aware of the possible circumstances that will befall a married couple.
The turn of events were mostly unexpected (at least for me). I was expecting a different ending, I was expecting a really bright light that will shine upon Prince John and Hatty. And honestly, I'm quite disappointed and happy at the same time with the ending. Disappointed because Wren didn't give me the ending I want --- the happy ending I looked forward. But happy, because the ending was unexpected, and sometimes, unexpected endings are much better.
It's a bitter-sweet ending, but a really good story nonetheless. This is a really great debut novel for Tegan Wren and for that, I want to congratulate her!
I totally recommend this for married couples who are suffering from infertility. This novel will give you courage and light so bright! *winks*
---------------------------------
12/14/15
Well, wow. That was not the ending I expected but it's what made this book even better.
FULL REVIEW LATER
This review can also be found at The Nocturnal Fey
My previous read was a high fantasy which severely affected my whole being, so it's a big leap for me to read a contemporary romance novel about royalties shortly after. This was unplanned. I have a number of books on my list which I planned to read for this month, but Inconceivable wasn't on that list. Well, I've known myself as someone who don't usually stick with my list and always mess up my TBR, so yeah, not really surprising *awkward laugh*. Anyway, unexpected reads are mostly good.
And yes! I'm kind of surprised how Inconceivable pulled me to the story like a boss! I started reading the night before and finished it the morning after (sleep is important too, c'mon). Not that I didn't expect Inconceivable to be good --- it's just since I'm still coping from the overflowing emotions what my previous read gave me, I wasn't quite sure I was ready to read a new book. But voilà! Thanks, Tegan Wren!
Inconceivable somewhat gave the "Prince and I" vibe. An American girl and a royalty from a monarchy in Europe. Except in Prince and I, there's really a monarch in Denmark, but Inconceivable wren created the fictional monarchy, the Meinrad royal family in Toulene.
Prince John and Hatty's relationship is more on the mature side. To tell you honestly, I didn't swoon that much. The first 50% of the story involved courting, flirting and their moments of getting-to-know-each-other. Their relationship is really on the adult side and most of the time they talk a lot about politics and journalism and stuff which quite frankly I don't really fancy and bored me at some point. At least, hats off to Hatty (pun intended) for being hilarious most of the times. Her being blunt and energetic made the mood of the story a lot lighter considering the sensitive topic of infertility.
The next 50% was their story as a married royalty and their struggles to conceive a child. This is the first time I've ever read something with this topic so I was enticed (I wasn't able to finish Arsen which I think has the same topic, I think?). I still think that I'm still too young for marriage and building a family (not that I have a boyfriend. lol), so I never really thought about these kind of topics and I literally have no idea about the terms used here. But somehow, I can feel the pain of the royal couple here and there's this weird feeling about being aware of the possible circumstances that will befall a married couple.
The turn of events were mostly unexpected (at least for me). I was expecting a different ending, I was expecting a really bright light that will shine upon Prince John and Hatty. And honestly, I'm quite disappointed and happy at the same time with the ending. Disappointed because Wren didn't give me the ending I want --- the happy ending I looked forward. But happy, because the ending was unexpected, and sometimes, unexpected endings are much better.
It's a bitter-sweet ending, but a really good story nonetheless. This is a really great debut novel for Tegan Wren and for that, I want to congratulate her!
I totally recommend this for married couples who are suffering from infertility. This novel will give you courage and light so bright! *winks*
---------------------------------
12/14/15
Well, wow. That was not the ending I expected but it's what made this book even better.
FULL REVIEW LATER
July 6, 2016
When I first read the summary for Inconceivable, I was intrigued because it's a story about infertility. My husband and I battled infertility for 6 1/2 years; I am now finally pregnant after doing IVF!
I'm not particularly fond of anything involving royalty, however, as I feel that it is an antiquated system, and the majority of people just can't relate. One of the biggest struggles with infertility is how expensive treatments are, so my initial reaction is that a royal couple would never have to worry about money. They could do multiple treatments without stressing about how they're going to be able to afford it all. But then I reminded myself that infertility hurts, no matter what. Even if you can afford to do multiple IVF cycles, it doesn't mean that you'll get pregnant. And to go through all that and to end up with empty arms, it is heart wrenching. Plus, I thought of the pressure they must face to produce an heir, and how horrible it would be to have your struggles with infertility plastered all over tabloids.
So once I got over my initial judgments, I ended up really enjoying the story. It was well-written and easy to read. I quickly got pulled in and didn't want to put the book down. While at work, I'd even be thinking about how I couldn't wait to get home so I could read more.
The first half of the story was more about Hatty and John's initial courtship - which didn't last long before they got married! To be an ordinary American girl marrying into a royal family would be quite the adjustment. And it was. I liked Hatty's character, and I liked John's as well. You could tell he genuinely loved her.
When their infertility struggles began, all of the emotions I felt while going through it were brought to the surface. I remember the constant negative pregnancy tests and how empty and hopeless I felt. Hatty googled a lot and went on infertility support boards - I did the same. John was a bit emotionally distant at first, and she felt like she couldn't talk to him about it. My husband has been great honestly, but thinking back to earlier in our struggles, I remember times when he made me feel like I was overreacting. And he just didn't seem to fully get how much this was killing me.
What John ended up doing blew me away. It was beautiful. The pressure they faced to produce an heir was overwhelming. I couldn't even imagine what that would be like and to have people literally treat you were like you were less than because you couldn't perform a basic biological function. Infertility made me feel broken, but no one ever told me I was. That was something I assessed myself; I was fortunate enough to never have anyone else judge me that way.
Infertility is a very painful, life changing, and heartbreaking experience, and the author, who struggled with it herself, captured that well. There are so many emotions involved from anger to jealousy to just pure sadness. It consumes your life to the point where you feel like you barely even have one anymore. I was pleased to see that part of the proceeds goes to help couples with infertility.
Highly recommended.
I'm not particularly fond of anything involving royalty, however, as I feel that it is an antiquated system, and the majority of people just can't relate. One of the biggest struggles with infertility is how expensive treatments are, so my initial reaction is that a royal couple would never have to worry about money. They could do multiple treatments without stressing about how they're going to be able to afford it all. But then I reminded myself that infertility hurts, no matter what. Even if you can afford to do multiple IVF cycles, it doesn't mean that you'll get pregnant. And to go through all that and to end up with empty arms, it is heart wrenching. Plus, I thought of the pressure they must face to produce an heir, and how horrible it would be to have your struggles with infertility plastered all over tabloids.
So once I got over my initial judgments, I ended up really enjoying the story. It was well-written and easy to read. I quickly got pulled in and didn't want to put the book down. While at work, I'd even be thinking about how I couldn't wait to get home so I could read more.
The first half of the story was more about Hatty and John's initial courtship - which didn't last long before they got married! To be an ordinary American girl marrying into a royal family would be quite the adjustment. And it was. I liked Hatty's character, and I liked John's as well. You could tell he genuinely loved her.
When their infertility struggles began, all of the emotions I felt while going through it were brought to the surface. I remember the constant negative pregnancy tests and how empty and hopeless I felt. Hatty googled a lot and went on infertility support boards - I did the same. John was a bit emotionally distant at first, and she felt like she couldn't talk to him about it. My husband has been great honestly, but thinking back to earlier in our struggles, I remember times when he made me feel like I was overreacting. And he just didn't seem to fully get how much this was killing me.
What John ended up doing blew me away. It was beautiful. The pressure they faced to produce an heir was overwhelming. I couldn't even imagine what that would be like and to have people literally treat you were like you were less than because you couldn't perform a basic biological function. Infertility made me feel broken, but no one ever told me I was. That was something I assessed myself; I was fortunate enough to never have anyone else judge me that way.
Infertility is a very painful, life changing, and heartbreaking experience, and the author, who struggled with it herself, captured that well. There are so many emotions involved from anger to jealousy to just pure sadness. It consumes your life to the point where you feel like you barely even have one anymore. I was pleased to see that part of the proceeds goes to help couples with infertility.
Highly recommended.
October 15, 2015
** I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Hatty leaves her home in the Ozarks to study journalism abroad in the small country of Toulene. She has aspirations of becoming an investigative reporter, but lands an internship at a tabloid. She accidentally runs into the Prince, John Meinrad, at a bar, and it isn't long before fate has them head over heels for each other.
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage. Except, it doesn't for John and Hatty. It's not for lack of trying. Their struggle to conceive is heart-wrenching.
The writing is strong and clever, and Hatty is very easy to sympathize with. However, I couldn't get past how much she willingly gives up to be with John. I understand they're in love, but the sacrifice is very one-sided. In order to "be allowed" to marry John, Hatty must abandon her internship, the research she has conducted for what was to be her first big story, her degree (they won't even let her graduate!), and her U.S. citizenship. She does it with hardly any fuss. Hatty is so strong in her struggle with infertility, willing to go to great lengths to be a mother. Where was that passion for her career and education? I almost abandoned the book after Part One because I was so pissed at Hatty for how quickly she caved to the royal demands.
The latter half of the book is worth it though. It is touching and emotional, and even brought a few tears as I read. Hatty seems to grow stronger as she faces increasing pressure from the monarchy to produce an heir, and even blackmails the King when he threatens to have her marriage to John annulled. In her desperation to conceive, she seems to find herself, and it's beautiful to see.
If you are looking for a whirlwind, fairytale romance, this is definitely not the book for you. Yes, our heroine gets her prince, but it's not the flippant happy ending you might expect. It's so much more.
Hatty leaves her home in the Ozarks to study journalism abroad in the small country of Toulene. She has aspirations of becoming an investigative reporter, but lands an internship at a tabloid. She accidentally runs into the Prince, John Meinrad, at a bar, and it isn't long before fate has them head over heels for each other.
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage. Except, it doesn't for John and Hatty. It's not for lack of trying. Their struggle to conceive is heart-wrenching.
The writing is strong and clever, and Hatty is very easy to sympathize with. However, I couldn't get past how much she willingly gives up to be with John. I understand they're in love, but the sacrifice is very one-sided. In order to "be allowed" to marry John, Hatty must abandon her internship, the research she has conducted for what was to be her first big story, her degree (they won't even let her graduate!), and her U.S. citizenship. She does it with hardly any fuss. Hatty is so strong in her struggle with infertility, willing to go to great lengths to be a mother. Where was that passion for her career and education? I almost abandoned the book after Part One because I was so pissed at Hatty for how quickly she caved to the royal demands.
The latter half of the book is worth it though. It is touching and emotional, and even brought a few tears as I read. Hatty seems to grow stronger as she faces increasing pressure from the monarchy to produce an heir, and even blackmails the King when he threatens to have her marriage to John annulled. In her desperation to conceive, she seems to find herself, and it's beautiful to see.
If you are looking for a whirlwind, fairytale romance, this is definitely not the book for you. Yes, our heroine gets her prince, but it's not the flippant happy ending you might expect. It's so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2016
To start I have to gush about that beautiful cover. Doesn’t it just lure you in? Add to this the fact that the start of each chapter contains that very silhouette and you’re in heaven (Just as I’d reach the first page of each chapter, I’d smile, thinking of that beautiful picture. I know, I know!)
From the start of this book I was very much taken. Meeting Hatty, a journalism intern, I warmed to her immediately, her strength, her intelligence, her sense of fun. She was loud and bright and yet not irritating and I warmed to her, enjoyed her fun parts, and felt for her when the chips were down. I loved how she and Prince John Meinrad, Toulene’s most popular royal, were put together, and the chaos that followed. By the way I suppose I should throw in here that the banter between the two was lovely, and the chemistry great. I wasn’t always sure about John, but given his status that just made him all the more three dimensional to me. The detail into the royal family’s customs, traditions and nuances were captivating, especially when taken with the descriptions of relevant royal locations and tales of various family members.
If you look at the blurb and recommendations above, the hype is nearly fully devoted to the fertility issues that Hatty and John have, understandable, of course, given the title of the book, however I feel this is selling the rest of the book short. All of this happens later on, and the prequel to this, the story of John and Hatty, of a prince dating a journalist who wants to be recognised for the mark she wants to make on the world as opposed to who she’s with, the Royal family’s reaction to her; THESE are what makes the book for me. I know the fertility issue is so important, but I just don’t think that that needs to be the hook for ‘Inconceivable,’ which I found to be an intelligent, giggle out loud, satisfying read with good characters, lovely romance and some great sticky situations. Very enjoyable.
Rating4.5/5
From the start of this book I was very much taken. Meeting Hatty, a journalism intern, I warmed to her immediately, her strength, her intelligence, her sense of fun. She was loud and bright and yet not irritating and I warmed to her, enjoyed her fun parts, and felt for her when the chips were down. I loved how she and Prince John Meinrad, Toulene’s most popular royal, were put together, and the chaos that followed. By the way I suppose I should throw in here that the banter between the two was lovely, and the chemistry great. I wasn’t always sure about John, but given his status that just made him all the more three dimensional to me. The detail into the royal family’s customs, traditions and nuances were captivating, especially when taken with the descriptions of relevant royal locations and tales of various family members.
If you look at the blurb and recommendations above, the hype is nearly fully devoted to the fertility issues that Hatty and John have, understandable, of course, given the title of the book, however I feel this is selling the rest of the book short. All of this happens later on, and the prequel to this, the story of John and Hatty, of a prince dating a journalist who wants to be recognised for the mark she wants to make on the world as opposed to who she’s with, the Royal family’s reaction to her; THESE are what makes the book for me. I know the fertility issue is so important, but I just don’t think that that needs to be the hook for ‘Inconceivable,’ which I found to be an intelligent, giggle out loud, satisfying read with good characters, lovely romance and some great sticky situations. Very enjoyable.
Rating4.5/5
February 18, 2016
Five Stars. I adored this book. It took me one night to read it. I loved Wren’s warm and humorous writing style. I wanted to hang out with Hattie and swoon over John with her. I especially liked that this wasn’t a stereotypical commoner-falls-in-love-with-a-prince story. There was so much more to it. I felt, truly felt, for the characters.
I can’t even can’t fathom what it would be like to BE a royal or to DATE a royal. I can’t imagine calculating every move because of the spotlight (in general) and royal duties (in particular). It’s both politics and celebrity magnified to the one millionth degree. This story shows that side and more—because Hattie is a journalist. How the check you gonna fall for a journalist, Prince John?! :) But I love Hattie for her backbone, her journalistic ethics and staying true to who she is. And like anyone who has never even been close to royalty before, you don’t understand all of the chess-like precision that goes into every single decision until you’re in the thick of it.
I could tell in the first couple pages that this book was well written. I couldn’t tell that it would tackle infertility in such a realistic and heart wrenching way. Wren portrays of a couple trying to conceive, and how hard it is for some people to start a family. She captures the highs and lows of infertility. In all honesty, I’ve never read a book that even mentions infertility. I applaud Wren for tackling a sensitive subject without glossing over the struggles.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I can’t even can’t fathom what it would be like to BE a royal or to DATE a royal. I can’t imagine calculating every move because of the spotlight (in general) and royal duties (in particular). It’s both politics and celebrity magnified to the one millionth degree. This story shows that side and more—because Hattie is a journalist. How the check you gonna fall for a journalist, Prince John?! :) But I love Hattie for her backbone, her journalistic ethics and staying true to who she is. And like anyone who has never even been close to royalty before, you don’t understand all of the chess-like precision that goes into every single decision until you’re in the thick of it.
I could tell in the first couple pages that this book was well written. I couldn’t tell that it would tackle infertility in such a realistic and heart wrenching way. Wren portrays of a couple trying to conceive, and how hard it is for some people to start a family. She captures the highs and lows of infertility. In all honesty, I’ve never read a book that even mentions infertility. I applaud Wren for tackling a sensitive subject without glossing over the struggles.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 25, 2015
I went into reading Inconceivable thinking that I would be reading a fun, lighthearted book that would take one sitting to get through. While it had many lighthearted and funny moments, Inconceivable delved much deeper into the politics of monarchy, ethical journalism, and struggling with infertility. Tegan Wren is a debut author, but her writing felt like a seasoned pro. I wanted to stay immersed in her world of Toulene (a fictional English country) and inside Hatty’s head. Wow. I was completely and pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this.
My gut reaction to Hatty’s initial compliance to all of Prince John’s demands regarding their relationship and giving up her journalism career was “nuh uh,” but Hatty learned to stand her ground and fight for what she believed in. Including blackmailing the future king of Toulene into letting she and John stay married. She grew from a passive, love-stricken college student to a strong leader with the power to reform laws with her writing.
While Inconceivable had been pitched as royals who could not conceive an heir, I had no idea how in-depth and heartbreaking reading through the second part of the novel would be. It felt so real and I empathized with Hatty’s character even though I’d never personally gone through what she had. Tegan Wren stated in her acknowledgements that half of the proceeds for this novel would go to charities helping women with infertility. Though I read this book as an advanced reader’s copy, I will be so happy to purchase it in November and help her to support this cause.
My gut reaction to Hatty’s initial compliance to all of Prince John’s demands regarding their relationship and giving up her journalism career was “nuh uh,” but Hatty learned to stand her ground and fight for what she believed in. Including blackmailing the future king of Toulene into letting she and John stay married. She grew from a passive, love-stricken college student to a strong leader with the power to reform laws with her writing.
While Inconceivable had been pitched as royals who could not conceive an heir, I had no idea how in-depth and heartbreaking reading through the second part of the novel would be. It felt so real and I empathized with Hatty’s character even though I’d never personally gone through what she had. Tegan Wren stated in her acknowledgements that half of the proceeds for this novel would go to charities helping women with infertility. Though I read this book as an advanced reader’s copy, I will be so happy to purchase it in November and help her to support this cause.
November 18, 2015
***I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review***
I spent a day curled in bed with a sore throat, hot tea, and this wonderful, wonderful book. INCONCEIVABLE was such a beautiful journey to go on with Hatty and John. I loved every minute of it.
Hatty is a strong female character who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself, even to the Queen if needs be. And John, I love that he wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes, but he always tried to make things right with Hatty. And toward the end, he turned into a downright badass.
At the start I was a slightly miffed that Hatty had to give up so much just to be with John, but the ending more than made up for that. Boy did it ever. The course of their relationship was fun to watch. And of course John being a prince added such a fun angle to their tale. I couldn’t even imagine going through the scrutiny they went through in the press, but it sure was fun to read about.
Ms. Wren weaves a beautiful tale of courtship, marriage, and the struggle of infertility. It was at times heart-wrenching to watch Hatty’s journey to motherhood, but the end result was absolutely lovely. And I have to say, I love the fact that Hatty . . .
Trust me, you want to read this book. It’s so worth it. :)
I spent a day curled in bed with a sore throat, hot tea, and this wonderful, wonderful book. INCONCEIVABLE was such a beautiful journey to go on with Hatty and John. I loved every minute of it.
Hatty is a strong female character who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself, even to the Queen if needs be. And John, I love that he wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes, but he always tried to make things right with Hatty. And toward the end, he turned into a downright badass.
At the start I was a slightly miffed that Hatty had to give up so much just to be with John, but the ending more than made up for that. Boy did it ever. The course of their relationship was fun to watch. And of course John being a prince added such a fun angle to their tale. I couldn’t even imagine going through the scrutiny they went through in the press, but it sure was fun to read about.
Ms. Wren weaves a beautiful tale of courtship, marriage, and the struggle of infertility. It was at times heart-wrenching to watch Hatty’s journey to motherhood, but the end result was absolutely lovely. And I have to say, I love the fact that Hatty . . .
Trust me, you want to read this book. It’s so worth it. :)
November 16, 2015
Inconceivable! by Tegan Wren is a moving and heartfelt story of a royal couple dealing with real life challenges.
Tegan Wren’s debut novel does not disappoint. This is a story that will make you laugh, make you rethink your pre-conceived notions of the royal life, and help you empathize with the real world challenges of infertility.
The writing is smooth, the characters are real, the dialogues witty, and their challenges rendered by an experts scalpel. I was pulled deep into the world, very quickly. I’ve always enjoyed stories of the rich and famous, so when I saw that this story is about a Royal Prince, falling for just an average American woman, I wanted to see how this story would evolve. The book did not disappoint. The impact of the paparazzi, the pressure of expectations from the royal family, and the potential betrayal of anyone was front and center. And when the couple face conception challenges, the world around them implodes.
On another note, I think most people don’t really get how hard it is on a couple who are dealing with infertility. Whether you’ve gone through it or not, the author puts the reader deep into the heart of the matter. You will walk alway with empathy and a renewed respect for those who are trying so hard to build a family.
I highly recommend this book!
Tegan Wren’s debut novel does not disappoint. This is a story that will make you laugh, make you rethink your pre-conceived notions of the royal life, and help you empathize with the real world challenges of infertility.
The writing is smooth, the characters are real, the dialogues witty, and their challenges rendered by an experts scalpel. I was pulled deep into the world, very quickly. I’ve always enjoyed stories of the rich and famous, so when I saw that this story is about a Royal Prince, falling for just an average American woman, I wanted to see how this story would evolve. The book did not disappoint. The impact of the paparazzi, the pressure of expectations from the royal family, and the potential betrayal of anyone was front and center. And when the couple face conception challenges, the world around them implodes.
On another note, I think most people don’t really get how hard it is on a couple who are dealing with infertility. Whether you’ve gone through it or not, the author puts the reader deep into the heart of the matter. You will walk alway with empathy and a renewed respect for those who are trying so hard to build a family.
I highly recommend this book!
August 23, 2015
Inconceivable from Tegan Wren is a sometimes funny, sometimes sweet, sometimes emotionally raw love store.
Hatty is studying in a small country when she accidentally crosses paths with Prince John. A whirlwind romance ensues, and the reader is able to follow the happy couple as they fall in love, get married and start their lives together. But being a royal isn’t all balls and tiaras, as Hatty soon finds out. When pressure to produce an heir—from both the country and John’s family—Hatty finds herself in the worst position possible: unable to conceive.
As a mother of four, there were a lot of things about this book that tugged at my heartstrings, especially since I currently have a good friend struggling to conceive. Hatty’s sorrow felt raw, and her intense loneliness as she desperately searched for a solution made her a very sympathetic character. I definitely felt the ups and downs of this couple’s journey!
Hatty is studying in a small country when she accidentally crosses paths with Prince John. A whirlwind romance ensues, and the reader is able to follow the happy couple as they fall in love, get married and start their lives together. But being a royal isn’t all balls and tiaras, as Hatty soon finds out. When pressure to produce an heir—from both the country and John’s family—Hatty finds herself in the worst position possible: unable to conceive.
As a mother of four, there were a lot of things about this book that tugged at my heartstrings, especially since I currently have a good friend struggling to conceive. Hatty’s sorrow felt raw, and her intense loneliness as she desperately searched for a solution made her a very sympathetic character. I definitely felt the ups and downs of this couple’s journey!
October 24, 2015
In INCONCEIVABLE, a scrappy Missouri girl marries into royalty, and we get to follow their love story through the ups and downs of dating, marriage, and starting a family.
As a Missouri girl myself, I loved seeing the familiar cities on the page. And I found myself nodding along with lines like "You can take the girl out of the Ozarks, but you can't take the love of fries out of the girl."
I also appreciated seeing a couple struggle with fertility and the grief of mourning the biological family they'd always imagined. Something I see a lot of in every day life, but not so much of in literature. Tegan handles it with care but without kid gloves, and I found myself feeling the grief along with John and Hatty.
A solid debut. Looking forward to reading her next book!
As a Missouri girl myself, I loved seeing the familiar cities on the page. And I found myself nodding along with lines like "You can take the girl out of the Ozarks, but you can't take the love of fries out of the girl."
I also appreciated seeing a couple struggle with fertility and the grief of mourning the biological family they'd always imagined. Something I see a lot of in every day life, but not so much of in literature. Tegan handles it with care but without kid gloves, and I found myself feeling the grief along with John and Hatty.
A solid debut. Looking forward to reading her next book!
September 28, 2015
The story line of Inconceivable was quite catching, a fairy tale of an American girl becoming a princess because she meets her prince, gets whisked away into an almost surreal life and learns how to cope with it. The tone of the book was lighthearted romance with its meet cute and witty and charming dialogue. But as Hattie and John's story progresses it becomes a bit darker because of what they're going through. Overall this was a good read especially when the subject of infertility was raised.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
*ARC provided thru NetGalley by the publisher*
February 7, 2017
A beautiful story about love and a couple's struggle with infertility.
February 3, 2017
This is a beautiful story on finding love in the most unexpected places. Hatty meets the Prince in a bar and unexpectedly falls in love with him, even if her profession is the enemy of the royal family.
Once married the story follows Hatty and John's journey of trying to produce an heir to the throne. With the pressure of the tabloids and the royal family the couple struggles to conceive a child. Their marriage is at stake.
This books gives you an insite on the emotional journey couples endure when going through to conceive a child by any possible means. It's filled with hope that you can find love in the most unlikely place and through the most unlikely people.
Once married the story follows Hatty and John's journey of trying to produce an heir to the throne. With the pressure of the tabloids and the royal family the couple struggles to conceive a child. Their marriage is at stake.
This books gives you an insite on the emotional journey couples endure when going through to conceive a child by any possible means. It's filled with hope that you can find love in the most unlikely place and through the most unlikely people.
November 29, 2015
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***
Inconceivable is a touching story that was both realistic and romantic that would ultimately leave you wanting for more.
What immediately attracted me the most was the beautiful cover and the synopsis. I'm a sucker for these types of books that I just couldn't wait to read the book. From the start we get to meet Hatty, she is a reporter who has absolutely no filter when it comes to the things she believes in. She is at a karaoke bar when she stumbles upon a mysterious stranger who ends up been Prince John. His fun personality is magnetic and they both flirt with each other, until is time for them to go their separate ways. When she is assigned to cover the royals, Hatty doesn't know what to do, especially since the royals don't always react well with the press. But it is after they spend time together, that the two start to realize that they are meant to be with each other. Soon their relationship blossoms as the two start dating, but the pressure and rumors that they start to get thrown into starts to shake their relationship. Now Hatty is forced to make a choice of whether to keep pursuing her career or marry the man she loves and leave everything behind. The real thing that starts to make things worse is after they get married, and that is her inability to produce an heir.
There were a lot of things that I liked about the story, it's one of the books that has a very realistic feel to it that makes it that much more intriguing to read. The characters have a lot to overcome and their struggles as individuals and partners is what keeps them stronger. John is your typical charismatic character that is full of live when he first meets Hatty. On the other hand, she is confident and has no filter saying what she thinks. Overall their personalities brings them closer, but it is when they start dating that everything changes. The pace of the story becomes rushed and the characters change very quickly. We get playful at the beginning and serious later on that for me changed the mood of the book. Having to read the struggles that Hatty went through were touching and sad. The theme of infertility was well written in the story that I applaud the author for bringing a sensitive subject to the book. Though I wished some things that happened in the book were better answered at the end, I still liked how the author ended the book. It's not what I expected and that made it even better. I would highly recommend the book to those that are looking for something different in your typical romance books. It's worth picking up. : )
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Inconceivable is a touching story that was both realistic and romantic that would ultimately leave you wanting for more.
What immediately attracted me the most was the beautiful cover and the synopsis. I'm a sucker for these types of books that I just couldn't wait to read the book. From the start we get to meet Hatty, she is a reporter who has absolutely no filter when it comes to the things she believes in. She is at a karaoke bar when she stumbles upon a mysterious stranger who ends up been Prince John. His fun personality is magnetic and they both flirt with each other, until is time for them to go their separate ways. When she is assigned to cover the royals, Hatty doesn't know what to do, especially since the royals don't always react well with the press. But it is after they spend time together, that the two start to realize that they are meant to be with each other. Soon their relationship blossoms as the two start dating, but the pressure and rumors that they start to get thrown into starts to shake their relationship. Now Hatty is forced to make a choice of whether to keep pursuing her career or marry the man she loves and leave everything behind. The real thing that starts to make things worse is after they get married, and that is her inability to produce an heir.
There were a lot of things that I liked about the story, it's one of the books that has a very realistic feel to it that makes it that much more intriguing to read. The characters have a lot to overcome and their struggles as individuals and partners is what keeps them stronger. John is your typical charismatic character that is full of live when he first meets Hatty. On the other hand, she is confident and has no filter saying what she thinks. Overall their personalities brings them closer, but it is when they start dating that everything changes. The pace of the story becomes rushed and the characters change very quickly. We get playful at the beginning and serious later on that for me changed the mood of the book. Having to read the struggles that Hatty went through were touching and sad. The theme of infertility was well written in the story that I applaud the author for bringing a sensitive subject to the book. Though I wished some things that happened in the book were better answered at the end, I still liked how the author ended the book. It's not what I expected and that made it even better. I would highly recommend the book to those that are looking for something different in your typical romance books. It's worth picking up. : )
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
October 23, 2015
I received an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review is more of a 3.5/5 stars. A really great debut novel for Tegan Wren, and can we take a moment to swoon over how beautiful the cover is?
Inconceivable! is the story of Hatty, an american student studying Journalism in a small European nation. After an eventful evening of karaoke with her friends at their favorite pub, she meets John. John is, as Hatty soon realizes, a prince and the future heir to Toulene. After the two share a "chocolate kiss" their first evening, Hatty suspects that will be the end of their relationship, and never guesses she'd end up married to the prince and trying to produce their own heir.
Wren did a really incredible job of giving us a good sense of the characters in the first half of her debut novel. I loved how witty and charismatic both Hatty & John were, and I was rooting for their relationship right from their paper napkin get-go. Their playful banter left me smiling, and I appreciated Hatty's independent and driven spirit. This girl knows what she wants and she's not afraid to go for it. I've recently realized that romance is probably not the best genre for me as it's so hit and miss, and I can become bored quickly, but the characters and humor kept me hanging in there.
"I wanted to say 'Hey lady. He and I only met for the first time a couple of weeks ago. We're not even really dating yet. I haven't signed the paperwork!'"
Though not unrealistic given the situation, I hated to see how Hatty seemed to lose a bit of herself when she set aside the things she enjoyed for John. Especially her journalism career. Although the ending hints at more of a happier ending for her side of things, I wish that had been more fully realized.
Now, I've never really had any personal brushes with infertility for myself or anyone I've known, but I feel as though Tegan Wren did an incredible job at capturing the roller coaster of a ride that it must be. The second half of Inconceivable! became much more mature feeling and I can't deny shedding a few tears at times over how frustrating the whole situation became. This isn't a very common theme in fiction (that I've noticed at least) and it felt good to shed some light on a new topic while still being lighthearted about things. Hatty's hope is incredibly palpable and her journey is heartbreaking, though she continues to hold out and prove how strong she really is.
"I did my best to bring an optimistic spirit to our baby-making efforts, but a hollow sensation in the pit of my stomach grew more intense with each passing month."
Infertility is not the only hot topic in this book, Wren shines a positive light on the possibilities of adoption, proving that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
This review is more of a 3.5/5 stars. A really great debut novel for Tegan Wren, and can we take a moment to swoon over how beautiful the cover is?
Inconceivable! is the story of Hatty, an american student studying Journalism in a small European nation. After an eventful evening of karaoke with her friends at their favorite pub, she meets John. John is, as Hatty soon realizes, a prince and the future heir to Toulene. After the two share a "chocolate kiss" their first evening, Hatty suspects that will be the end of their relationship, and never guesses she'd end up married to the prince and trying to produce their own heir.
Wren did a really incredible job of giving us a good sense of the characters in the first half of her debut novel. I loved how witty and charismatic both Hatty & John were, and I was rooting for their relationship right from their paper napkin get-go. Their playful banter left me smiling, and I appreciated Hatty's independent and driven spirit. This girl knows what she wants and she's not afraid to go for it. I've recently realized that romance is probably not the best genre for me as it's so hit and miss, and I can become bored quickly, but the characters and humor kept me hanging in there.
"I wanted to say 'Hey lady. He and I only met for the first time a couple of weeks ago. We're not even really dating yet. I haven't signed the paperwork!'"
Though not unrealistic given the situation, I hated to see how Hatty seemed to lose a bit of herself when she set aside the things she enjoyed for John. Especially her journalism career. Although the ending hints at more of a happier ending for her side of things, I wish that had been more fully realized.
Now, I've never really had any personal brushes with infertility for myself or anyone I've known, but I feel as though Tegan Wren did an incredible job at capturing the roller coaster of a ride that it must be. The second half of Inconceivable! became much more mature feeling and I can't deny shedding a few tears at times over how frustrating the whole situation became. This isn't a very common theme in fiction (that I've noticed at least) and it felt good to shed some light on a new topic while still being lighthearted about things. Hatty's hope is incredibly palpable and her journey is heartbreaking, though she continues to hold out and prove how strong she really is.
"I did my best to bring an optimistic spirit to our baby-making efforts, but a hollow sensation in the pit of my stomach grew more intense with each passing month."
Infertility is not the only hot topic in this book, Wren shines a positive light on the possibilities of adoption, proving that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
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