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The Never Trilogy #1
The Beginning of Never
Twilight meets Eleanor and Park in this contemporary romance story about a love that insists on forever.
When Lenora Baker and Nathan Roqué run into each other in their boarding school courtyard, they have no idea that they are about to begin a journey that will take them the rest of their lives to recover from. Both scarred from parents who were once in love but ended up destroying each other, they are sworn off the possibility that there can truly exist a love that will never end.
But when with each other they find a passion so strong that it heals as powerfully as it burns, a love that will run out is no longer an option for them. Together, they discover just how far they are willing to go to preserve what they know they will only find once in their lifetime.
This is the start of their journey, and here you will come to realize, that falling in love is only the first part of the story...
When Lenora Baker and Nathan Roqué run into each other in their boarding school courtyard, they have no idea that they are about to begin a journey that will take them the rest of their lives to recover from. Both scarred from parents who were once in love but ended up destroying each other, they are sworn off the possibility that there can truly exist a love that will never end.
But when with each other they find a passion so strong that it heals as powerfully as it burns, a love that will run out is no longer an option for them. Together, they discover just how far they are willing to go to preserve what they know they will only find once in their lifetime.
This is the start of their journey, and here you will come to realize, that falling in love is only the first part of the story...
326 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2015
3 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 5, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author O.E. Boroni, and her publicist Paula Micahella.)
"As I suspected, it was a trap door. And it was also time for me to leave, but I wasn't going to. My curiosity wasn't going to let me."
There wasn’t anything awful about this book, but I did have a couple of issues with it.
Lenora was a character that made me shake my head. She just didn’t seem to really consider the situation she found herself in, and instead made rash, very unadvisable decisions, which generally just landed her in hot water. I couldn’t quite believe how violent she was at points, just randomly hitting people! And just wandering into places where you know you’re not supposed to be! Being rude to people just because you feel like it? So not a good idea!
"Before I realised what I was doing, I had risen to my feet and was swinging the black tray towards him. It hit the edge of his shoulder with a resounding smack, and let out a terrifying cracking sound."
The storyline in this was okay, but I felt like the pace was too slow, and it seemed like all that was happening with Lenora being rude or violent. Then we got a bit of romance, and Lenore seemed at times clueless, and at other times like she liked the boy back, and it just didn’t really do it for me unfortunately.
"As he softly stroked my cheek with the back of his fingers, I saw the complete admiration for me that shone in his eyes; I threw myself back into his arms."
The ending was then another let down, because it didn’t feel like an ending at all, it just stopped leaving us with a cliff-hanger, and even that was a tad dull.
5 out of 10
"As I suspected, it was a trap door. And it was also time for me to leave, but I wasn't going to. My curiosity wasn't going to let me."
There wasn’t anything awful about this book, but I did have a couple of issues with it.
Lenora was a character that made me shake my head. She just didn’t seem to really consider the situation she found herself in, and instead made rash, very unadvisable decisions, which generally just landed her in hot water. I couldn’t quite believe how violent she was at points, just randomly hitting people! And just wandering into places where you know you’re not supposed to be! Being rude to people just because you feel like it? So not a good idea!
"Before I realised what I was doing, I had risen to my feet and was swinging the black tray towards him. It hit the edge of his shoulder with a resounding smack, and let out a terrifying cracking sound."
The storyline in this was okay, but I felt like the pace was too slow, and it seemed like all that was happening with Lenora being rude or violent. Then we got a bit of romance, and Lenore seemed at times clueless, and at other times like she liked the boy back, and it just didn’t really do it for me unfortunately.
"As he softly stroked my cheek with the back of his fingers, I saw the complete admiration for me that shone in his eyes; I threw myself back into his arms."
The ending was then another let down, because it didn’t feel like an ending at all, it just stopped leaving us with a cliff-hanger, and even that was a tad dull.
5 out of 10
July 22, 2015
“You saved me life, she tried to tell him. Not forever, not for good. Probably just temporarily. But you saved my life, and now I'm yours. The me that's me right now is yours. Always.”
----Rainbow Rowell
O.E. Boroni, a new writer on the YA block, pens her debut book, The Beginning of Never that happens to be the first book in The Never Trilogy , which spins a tale like Rowell's famous contemporary YA romance, Eleanor and Park, that centers around two teenagers trying make peace with their broken family life, thus in a way finding each other.
Synopsis:
When Lenora Baker and Nathan Roqué run into each other in their boarding school courtyard, they have no idea that they are about to begin a journey that will take them the rest of their lives to recover from. Both scarred from parents who were once in love but ended up destroying each other, they are sworn off the possibility that there can truly exist a love that will never end.
But when with each other they find a passion so strong that it heals as powerfully as it burns, a love that will run out is no longer an option for them. Together, they discover just how far they are willing to go to preserve what they know they will only find once in their lifetime.
This is the start of their journey, and here you will come to realize, that falling in love is only the first part of the story...
To control her anger and to make peace with herself as well as with her mother's death, Lenora ‘Nora’ Baker's father sends her to a boarding school, Lancaster Academy. Three years down the line, Nora still couldn't manage to control over her anger on her mother's death anniversary, resulting on a beat-up of the most popular and dashing guy of the school, Alex ‘Nathan’ Roqué. Instead of fighting back with Nora, Nathan helps her to calm herself down. And from that day, they form a bond of friendship which helps them to not only fall in love but also helps them to find each other.
Before reading the book, I though this would be a typical teenage high school love story that has lots of angst over a parent's death. Anyhow, the book proved me wrong and I was glad the I got to read it till the end. The writing quality is very nice and evocative with lots of layers of deep, nostalgic emotions and pain that has an ability to strike the readers right into their hearts. Since the story is set in UK, the author has structured her narrative with that of British English that is free flowing and catchy with modern usage of words from teenage vocabulary. The prose is fine with a fast pace.
The characters here are all first class that are sketched with lots of realism especially the fact about their torn souls because of a torn up family back ground. Nora has an annoying as well as pissed off demeanor, but her flaws make her look perfect in the eyes of the readers. She can't cope up with her mom's death and she is still grieving in her own way. The author have in fact captured Nora's voice who has only suffered from loss and pain and someone with no friends in a high school quite strikingly and no doubt the young readers will be able to connect as well as relate to Nora. Nathan, delicious with perfect looks, kind, caring not only towards Nora but to other girls too, slight problem with his character is that his emotions are not too up front and the depth is lacking from his strange demeanor of once-caring-next-moment-cold towards Nora. Still like they say "two negatives make a positive", Nora and Nathan paints the story so perfectly with their insecurities, past and pain.
The author have captured the essence of first love as well as first kiss way too perfectly with enough emotions and an ability to stop the readers heart beat for a moment. The romance is over-the-top, a tear-drop is sure to be found among the eyes of the readers. The chemistry is beautifully depicted with teenage insecurities, first-time emotions and compassion. Unfortunately, this book ends with a major cliffhanger that might force the readers to pull off their hair from their heads. Keep calm and Wait for the next book in this emotional as well as poignant series, which will release very soon.
Verdict: A must read for every teenagers!
Courtesy: Thanks once again to YA Bound Book Blog Tour for the review copy.
----Rainbow Rowell
O.E. Boroni, a new writer on the YA block, pens her debut book, The Beginning of Never that happens to be the first book in The Never Trilogy , which spins a tale like Rowell's famous contemporary YA romance, Eleanor and Park, that centers around two teenagers trying make peace with their broken family life, thus in a way finding each other.
Synopsis:
When Lenora Baker and Nathan Roqué run into each other in their boarding school courtyard, they have no idea that they are about to begin a journey that will take them the rest of their lives to recover from. Both scarred from parents who were once in love but ended up destroying each other, they are sworn off the possibility that there can truly exist a love that will never end.
But when with each other they find a passion so strong that it heals as powerfully as it burns, a love that will run out is no longer an option for them. Together, they discover just how far they are willing to go to preserve what they know they will only find once in their lifetime.
This is the start of their journey, and here you will come to realize, that falling in love is only the first part of the story...
To control her anger and to make peace with herself as well as with her mother's death, Lenora ‘Nora’ Baker's father sends her to a boarding school, Lancaster Academy. Three years down the line, Nora still couldn't manage to control over her anger on her mother's death anniversary, resulting on a beat-up of the most popular and dashing guy of the school, Alex ‘Nathan’ Roqué. Instead of fighting back with Nora, Nathan helps her to calm herself down. And from that day, they form a bond of friendship which helps them to not only fall in love but also helps them to find each other.
Before reading the book, I though this would be a typical teenage high school love story that has lots of angst over a parent's death. Anyhow, the book proved me wrong and I was glad the I got to read it till the end. The writing quality is very nice and evocative with lots of layers of deep, nostalgic emotions and pain that has an ability to strike the readers right into their hearts. Since the story is set in UK, the author has structured her narrative with that of British English that is free flowing and catchy with modern usage of words from teenage vocabulary. The prose is fine with a fast pace.
The characters here are all first class that are sketched with lots of realism especially the fact about their torn souls because of a torn up family back ground. Nora has an annoying as well as pissed off demeanor, but her flaws make her look perfect in the eyes of the readers. She can't cope up with her mom's death and she is still grieving in her own way. The author have in fact captured Nora's voice who has only suffered from loss and pain and someone with no friends in a high school quite strikingly and no doubt the young readers will be able to connect as well as relate to Nora. Nathan, delicious with perfect looks, kind, caring not only towards Nora but to other girls too, slight problem with his character is that his emotions are not too up front and the depth is lacking from his strange demeanor of once-caring-next-moment-cold towards Nora. Still like they say "two negatives make a positive", Nora and Nathan paints the story so perfectly with their insecurities, past and pain.
The author have captured the essence of first love as well as first kiss way too perfectly with enough emotions and an ability to stop the readers heart beat for a moment. The romance is over-the-top, a tear-drop is sure to be found among the eyes of the readers. The chemistry is beautifully depicted with teenage insecurities, first-time emotions and compassion. Unfortunately, this book ends with a major cliffhanger that might force the readers to pull off their hair from their heads. Keep calm and Wait for the next book in this emotional as well as poignant series, which will release very soon.
Verdict: A must read for every teenagers!
Courtesy: Thanks once again to YA Bound Book Blog Tour for the review copy.
April 27, 2015
First of all I want to thank the author O.E. Boroni for sending me an E-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Second of all... HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? I went into this book thinking it will be a standalone, so naturally I died a few times when I read the ending. Thank God I just found out there will be a sequel!
Going into this book I was pretty sure I am going to like it, but I was still surprised to see myself being invested after only a couple of pages.
Both main characters were in no way perfect, but that's exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to books. I love seeing them making mistakes, because that's exactly what humans do. Our main protagonist Lenora is an angry young woman and while I didn't agree with a lot of her actions, I still found myself understanding her in the end. Sometimes there just is no logical explanation for the things that we do. We're all just emotionally driven creatures and it was nice to follow a character like this. The same goes for Nathan. It's difficult to see your parents destroy each other and still be able to believe in a love that lasts forever. I loved how this was the overall topic of this book.
The Beginning of Never is O.E. Boroni's debut novel and I'm impressed with her way of writing. I can't wait to see how Lenora's and Nathan's story continues and I hope we'll be able to find out soon!
Second of all... HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? I went into this book thinking it will be a standalone, so naturally I died a few times when I read the ending. Thank God I just found out there will be a sequel!
Going into this book I was pretty sure I am going to like it, but I was still surprised to see myself being invested after only a couple of pages.
Both main characters were in no way perfect, but that's exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to books. I love seeing them making mistakes, because that's exactly what humans do. Our main protagonist Lenora is an angry young woman and while I didn't agree with a lot of her actions, I still found myself understanding her in the end. Sometimes there just is no logical explanation for the things that we do. We're all just emotionally driven creatures and it was nice to follow a character like this. The same goes for Nathan. It's difficult to see your parents destroy each other and still be able to believe in a love that lasts forever. I loved how this was the overall topic of this book.
The Beginning of Never is O.E. Boroni's debut novel and I'm impressed with her way of writing. I can't wait to see how Lenora's and Nathan's story continues and I hope we'll be able to find out soon!
July 20, 2015
First, I want to thank Paula M. of Her Book Thoughts! and O.E. Boroni for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lenora Baker is still mourning on the loss of her mother. Her anger and depression consumes her to the point it becomes disturbing. Her father decided to send her to a boarding school as the only option to figure out herself and as well as an opportunity to heal after such tragedy and family drama. It's been three years since she first stepped in Lancaster Academy. Still, she finds it difficult to cope especially when her mom's death anniversary is celebrated. She isolates herself and her grades starts to fail because she can't focus. Until one day, she met this popular, brooding but charming, attractive guy, Alexandre "Nathan" Roque. He'd become her motivator and pulled her out of the darkness. He was simply her light. Together they healed and appreciate life.
My goodness. I need a moment to gather my thoughts and appreciate these two characters.
They're so beautiful even if they're flawed. Sometimes I can't help being frustrated on Lenora for being too hard-headed. I want to smack her for pretending she didn't like Alex. (Duh. You're so obvious *winks*) On the other hand, I'm amused because she got this angst and her emotions just felt natural and real to me. Plus, the love story just gave me butterflies. Nathan makes me feel giggly!! *fangirl mode activated* Gaah! I just love this guy! Fluffy, giddy-yeah!! \(^^,)/ \(^^,)/ \(^^,)/ Their awkward, sweet moments are so cute and adorable.
THAT ENDING: I don't know what to write right now because this book is a sucker punch on my heart. THAT CLIFFHANGER! OMG! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK! It's one of the books that made me hooked and I really didn't expect it. The writing style is simply beautiful. I had to say this book got an Eleanor & Park vibe, but the story is different. All I want is the sequel. I can't wait to read the sequel.
This is indeed a great debut novel and I am definitely recommending it.
Lenora Baker is still mourning on the loss of her mother. Her anger and depression consumes her to the point it becomes disturbing. Her father decided to send her to a boarding school as the only option to figure out herself and as well as an opportunity to heal after such tragedy and family drama. It's been three years since she first stepped in Lancaster Academy. Still, she finds it difficult to cope especially when her mom's death anniversary is celebrated. She isolates herself and her grades starts to fail because she can't focus. Until one day, she met this popular, brooding but charming, attractive guy, Alexandre "Nathan" Roque. He'd become her motivator and pulled her out of the darkness. He was simply her light. Together they healed and appreciate life.
My goodness. I need a moment to gather my thoughts and appreciate these two characters.
They're so beautiful even if they're flawed. Sometimes I can't help being frustrated on Lenora for being too hard-headed. I want to smack her for pretending she didn't like Alex. (Duh. You're so obvious *winks*) On the other hand, I'm amused because she got this angst and her emotions just felt natural and real to me. Plus, the love story just gave me butterflies. Nathan makes me feel giggly!! *fangirl mode activated* Gaah! I just love this guy! Fluffy, giddy-yeah!! \(^^,)/ \(^^,)/ \(^^,)/ Their awkward, sweet moments are so cute and adorable.
THAT ENDING: I don't know what to write right now because this book is a sucker punch on my heart. THAT CLIFFHANGER! OMG! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK! It's one of the books that made me hooked and I really didn't expect it. The writing style is simply beautiful. I had to say this book got an Eleanor & Park vibe, but the story is different. All I want is the sequel. I can't wait to read the sequel.
This is indeed a great debut novel and I am definitely recommending it.
April 26, 2015
I have to say, this book surprised me in the best way. Sometimes I hesitate accepting review copies of books only because I have never liked feeling pressured to read a book in a certain time frame (just to clarify, there was absolutely no pressure from this author in particular). However, with The Beginning of Never, I had no trouble with that. Once I started reading, it didn't take me long to be completely sucked into the story.
I think that any one who likes the Night School series by C. J. Daugherty will love this! They both have the same "gothic-boarding-school" vibe.
This book has enough romance and mystery to keep you both giddy and in suspense simultaneously.
I became extremely invested in these characters and their story, and I came to love most of them. I found myself quite partial to our main character by the end of the story, even though at the beginning I wasn't sure which way that was going to go. I often was annoyed with Alex, though. I still don't really understand him and his reasoning for acting the way he did all throughout the book. I felt the reasons he gave for his actions were weak and still inexcusable. Hopefully we will learn more about him in the sequel and I hope there will be more depth behind his reasoning.
I think it should be clarified, this is a contemporary. When I read the comparison to twilight in the blurb, I found myself expecting to find a paranormal element to the book - I was surprisingly a little disappointed when there wasn't one, however that mostly just came from me not knowing a whole lot about this book before reading it. I figured I would mention it, though, in case anyone came to the same conclusion as I had.
I thought the writing was really great. It isn't 100% perfect or as polished as it maybe could be, but the author is clearly talented, and on every page - every paragraph, even - there were sentences that were absolute gems that made the writing sparkle and come to life.
Honestly, this story will stick with me, and I am finding myself eagerly awaiting the second book, "The Way to Never".
I recommend giving this book a read for sure!
I think that any one who likes the Night School series by C. J. Daugherty will love this! They both have the same "gothic-boarding-school" vibe.
This book has enough romance and mystery to keep you both giddy and in suspense simultaneously.
I became extremely invested in these characters and their story, and I came to love most of them. I found myself quite partial to our main character by the end of the story, even though at the beginning I wasn't sure which way that was going to go. I often was annoyed with Alex, though. I still don't really understand him and his reasoning for acting the way he did all throughout the book. I felt the reasons he gave for his actions were weak and still inexcusable. Hopefully we will learn more about him in the sequel and I hope there will be more depth behind his reasoning.
I think it should be clarified, this is a contemporary. When I read the comparison to twilight in the blurb, I found myself expecting to find a paranormal element to the book - I was surprisingly a little disappointed when there wasn't one, however that mostly just came from me not knowing a whole lot about this book before reading it. I figured I would mention it, though, in case anyone came to the same conclusion as I had.
I thought the writing was really great. It isn't 100% perfect or as polished as it maybe could be, but the author is clearly talented, and on every page - every paragraph, even - there were sentences that were absolute gems that made the writing sparkle and come to life.
Honestly, this story will stick with me, and I am finding myself eagerly awaiting the second book, "The Way to Never".
I recommend giving this book a read for sure!
May 28, 2016
4.5 stars
Firstly I want to say thank you to the lovely O.E. Boroni for sending me an E-ARC of this book.
I definitely wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. It was such an honest story of first love and how it affects you. I will say the characters annoyed me at times and I wanted to jump into the book and push them together. I cannot wait for the sequel to this book because that ending left me wanting more of Lenora and Nathan and most of all to see how things turned out!
Full Review:
http://thebookishescape.blogspot.co.u...
Firstly I want to say thank you to the lovely O.E. Boroni for sending me an E-ARC of this book.
I definitely wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. It was such an honest story of first love and how it affects you. I will say the characters annoyed me at times and I wanted to jump into the book and push them together. I cannot wait for the sequel to this book because that ending left me wanting more of Lenora and Nathan and most of all to see how things turned out!
Full Review:
http://thebookishescape.blogspot.co.u...
April 21, 2015
Where do I even start?
After starting almost 5 books last week and being unable to finish, I started this one today and finished it today. I have been looking for a book that would have a similar type of romance that Eleanor & Park has (one of my all-time favs), and although the stories are pretty different, it was even more heartwarming in my opinion. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it had lots of surprises and I deeply connected with both of the main characters.
Don't wanna spoil too much of the plot, but the story starts with Nora, the fiery, short-tempered girl with a hidden sadness. Her "idgaf" behavior is a bit frustrating (in a good way), but ultimately makes her such a lovable character and the perfect fit for the patient Nathan. Through a series of events that continuously bring them together, Nathan and Nora begin to develop a deep relationship that had me melting from the cuteness. Also let me just state that this is not an instalove story, you are able to understand their connection and truly believe their love which is really important for me as a reader. Seriously recommending this to everyone, & also so happy to hear that there's gonna be a sequel!!
Also huge thank you to Miss O.E Boroni for the early copy, you are a truly talented writer :)
After starting almost 5 books last week and being unable to finish, I started this one today and finished it today. I have been looking for a book that would have a similar type of romance that Eleanor & Park has (one of my all-time favs), and although the stories are pretty different, it was even more heartwarming in my opinion. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it had lots of surprises and I deeply connected with both of the main characters.
Don't wanna spoil too much of the plot, but the story starts with Nora, the fiery, short-tempered girl with a hidden sadness. Her "idgaf" behavior is a bit frustrating (in a good way), but ultimately makes her such a lovable character and the perfect fit for the patient Nathan. Through a series of events that continuously bring them together, Nathan and Nora begin to develop a deep relationship that had me melting from the cuteness. Also let me just state that this is not an instalove story, you are able to understand their connection and truly believe their love which is really important for me as a reader. Seriously recommending this to everyone, & also so happy to hear that there's gonna be a sequel!!
Also huge thank you to Miss O.E Boroni for the early copy, you are a truly talented writer :)
May 23, 2015
OMG,this book was pretty amazing. I loved how I could relate to the main character, and the story line was absolutely beautiful!! I can’t describe how much I’ve loved this book. :)
August 2, 2015
More reviews at Daydreaming Books
I have to start by saying that I just don't like reading comparisons like this which is stated at the beginning of the blurb. I believe each book is unique in its own way and this book particularly charmed me with its uniqueness. I fell in love with this book and I cried myself to sleep at that cruel ending, believe me it completely crushed me. I'm actually having a hard time writing this review but I'm going to try.
The story revolves around Nora who's still having a hard time to adjust and control her anger issues after her mother's death. She's lives in a boarding school where she hardly has any friends. This changes after she meets Nathan. These two have quite a few memorable but hilarious incidents together before they are actually social with each other. They were both scarred from their past, because they have seen their parents being destroyed because of love and they don't want to repeat that mistake yet they can't help but fall for each other. But something happens at the end which changes the whole course of action. (And left me crying like a little baby!)
The plot was great. It was an unusual love story. They sort of had a hot and cold relationship. Nathan was unpredictable and that made their relationship complicated. But still it was something unique because I was constantly rooting for them. Their chemistry was undeniable. Whenever they were together, they could just be themselves. He did those little things for her which were really cute. You can't help but fall for these two.
I loved Nora and Nathan, they were great and unique characters. Nora usually liked staying away from everyone but that became unavoidable after she met Nathan. They would bump into each other now and often and those interactions were really something to read about. Nathan, well as I previously said he was unpredictable as hell. One moment he was nice and sweet, and then suddenly he acts like he doesn’t know her at all. That really pissed her off sometimes. But when he gave her the actual reason for his behaviour that melted my heart before breaking it off into pieces. I'm not going to say anything more, you have to read the book to find it out.
The writing was beautiful and addictive, I couldn't put the book down and was up until 3:30 in the morning. This book was just awsome, I was overwhelmed by the whole lot of emotions I felt while reading this book. This is definitely one of my new favourites.
Overall, the plot was great, the characters were unique, the romance was awsome! I'm definitely a fan of the author now. And the way this book ended I can't wait to know what happened after that. I'm in dire need of book 2, otherwise I will die.
Recommend it?
I can't recommend this book enough, all of you should definitely read this, specially the ones who love contemporary.
I have to start by saying that I just don't like reading comparisons like this which is stated at the beginning of the blurb. I believe each book is unique in its own way and this book particularly charmed me with its uniqueness. I fell in love with this book and I cried myself to sleep at that cruel ending, believe me it completely crushed me. I'm actually having a hard time writing this review but I'm going to try.
The story revolves around Nora who's still having a hard time to adjust and control her anger issues after her mother's death. She's lives in a boarding school where she hardly has any friends. This changes after she meets Nathan. These two have quite a few memorable but hilarious incidents together before they are actually social with each other. They were both scarred from their past, because they have seen their parents being destroyed because of love and they don't want to repeat that mistake yet they can't help but fall for each other. But something happens at the end which changes the whole course of action. (And left me crying like a little baby!)
The plot was great. It was an unusual love story. They sort of had a hot and cold relationship. Nathan was unpredictable and that made their relationship complicated. But still it was something unique because I was constantly rooting for them. Their chemistry was undeniable. Whenever they were together, they could just be themselves. He did those little things for her which were really cute. You can't help but fall for these two.
I loved Nora and Nathan, they were great and unique characters. Nora usually liked staying away from everyone but that became unavoidable after she met Nathan. They would bump into each other now and often and those interactions were really something to read about. Nathan, well as I previously said he was unpredictable as hell. One moment he was nice and sweet, and then suddenly he acts like he doesn’t know her at all. That really pissed her off sometimes. But when he gave her the actual reason for his behaviour that melted my heart before breaking it off into pieces. I'm not going to say anything more, you have to read the book to find it out.
The writing was beautiful and addictive, I couldn't put the book down and was up until 3:30 in the morning. This book was just awsome, I was overwhelmed by the whole lot of emotions I felt while reading this book. This is definitely one of my new favourites.
Overall, the plot was great, the characters were unique, the romance was awsome! I'm definitely a fan of the author now. And the way this book ended I can't wait to know what happened after that. I'm in dire need of book 2, otherwise I will die.
Recommend it?
I can't recommend this book enough, all of you should definitely read this, specially the ones who love contemporary.
July 31, 2015
The Beginning of Never is dubbed as Twilight meets Eleanor and Park, and I can vouch for that. I don't usually see the connections of these in other books, but in The Beginning of Never, it was definitely accurate. I was thrown off by the Twilight reference at first, but I felt intrigued by the synopsis so I gave it a shot.
Man, the Nora and Nathan's relationship is the most complicated relationship I've ever read. I don't know if you want to know this, but it ended That was annoying, but at least there's a second book. It was clear that both parties liked each other, but they just couldn't be together. It was annoying, but I couldn't help but find most of their moments sweet and romantic.
I must say, this book is a cliche. The not-so-popular girl with no friends and the popular guy who everyone pines for likes each other. Then there are evil girls who are jealous, thus being a bitch to the unpopular girl. This is exactly what happened with this book, only with a few more additions in between.
Saying those things, I should not like this book, however after closing the book, I realized that I actually enjoyed it and couldn't wait to read the next one. Although I did find some errors in grammar in the beginning of the book, I still liked the story. It's kind of beyond reason since I have no idea why I enjoyed this book, but I did.
Overall, this is a book that I would recommend for those looking for a quick read to pass the time, but only if you don't mind cliches.
**Edit: Huh, so I just found out that this book has over 300 pages, although I swear I felt like it was a quick read! I guess that's a point to add tho why I liked the book, yay!
Man, the Nora and Nathan's relationship is the most complicated relationship I've ever read. I don't know if you want to know this, but it ended That was annoying, but at least there's a second book. It was clear that both parties liked each other, but they just couldn't be together. It was annoying, but I couldn't help but find most of their moments sweet and romantic.
I must say, this book is a cliche. The not-so-popular girl with no friends and the popular guy who everyone pines for likes each other. Then there are evil girls who are jealous, thus being a bitch to the unpopular girl. This is exactly what happened with this book, only with a few more additions in between.
Saying those things, I should not like this book, however after closing the book, I realized that I actually enjoyed it and couldn't wait to read the next one. Although I did find some errors in grammar in the beginning of the book, I still liked the story. It's kind of beyond reason since I have no idea why I enjoyed this book, but I did.
Overall, this is a book that I would recommend for those looking for a quick read to pass the time, but only if you don't mind cliches.
**Edit: Huh, so I just found out that this book has over 300 pages, although I swear I felt like it was a quick read! I guess that's a point to add tho why I liked the book, yay!
September 8, 2015
This review can also be found here: http://booksaremychildren.blogspot.co...
The synopsis for The Beginning of Never is very misleading, Twilight meets Eleanor and Park, first of all I loved Eleanor and Park, but Twilight, I haven't read it nor do I care to. Already before reading this story I was extremely skeptical. I thought the Twilight craze was over but apparently not. The Beginning of Never felt nothing like Twilight or Eleanor and Park, which is a very misleading tagline, for people who are interested in reading this novel.
The Beginning of Never follows Nora and her school year at a boarding school across seas. Nora isn't very likeable and her backstory was very confusing. The author states that her mother died and because of this Nora has some anger issues of some sort, so her father sends her to a boarding school because he can't handle her anymore. The anger issues that Nora has is sort of showed in the beginning of the book, but after that the author doesn't really show it anymore. I was also confused on Nora's mom's death, at the beginning of the book Nora is sad because of her mother's death a few years back, but as we progress Nora doesn't really show those emotions anymore. The whole part with Nora being at boarding school across seas was confusing as well. Her father just sends her across seas without even trying to understand why his daughter is acting out. This part felt really unbelieveable.
Nathan (Alex) is introduced part way through the book as Nora's love interest. To be honest I really didn't like Nathan he came off as too controlling. He was always telling Nora what to do and he acted more like a dad to Nora than a potential boyfriend which is really creepy if you think about it. Plus I kept expecting Nathan to come out and say he was a vampire, since this book is sold as Twilight meets Eleanor and Park. What was also really annoying about Nathan was the fact that he kept disappearing on Nora and wouldn't even give a plausible explanation as to why. His name was also really confusing, I really felt like the author should've stuck to one name instead of multiple names throughout the novel.
The overall plot of The Beginning of Never was sort of just thrown together. It mostly consisted of Nathan disappearing on Nora and the two of them fighting over something silly. This isn't really a paranormal or romantic novel so if you're expecting that you should definitely turn away right now. The ending was also a bit anti-climatic everyone kept saying it would be a huge cliff-hanger, but it really wasn't, it sort of just ended.
Overall The Beginning of Never was a huge let down, I really don't recommend it but if you want to try it out go ahead.
*I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
The synopsis for The Beginning of Never is very misleading, Twilight meets Eleanor and Park, first of all I loved Eleanor and Park, but Twilight, I haven't read it nor do I care to. Already before reading this story I was extremely skeptical. I thought the Twilight craze was over but apparently not. The Beginning of Never felt nothing like Twilight or Eleanor and Park, which is a very misleading tagline, for people who are interested in reading this novel.
The Beginning of Never follows Nora and her school year at a boarding school across seas. Nora isn't very likeable and her backstory was very confusing. The author states that her mother died and because of this Nora has some anger issues of some sort, so her father sends her to a boarding school because he can't handle her anymore. The anger issues that Nora has is sort of showed in the beginning of the book, but after that the author doesn't really show it anymore. I was also confused on Nora's mom's death, at the beginning of the book Nora is sad because of her mother's death a few years back, but as we progress Nora doesn't really show those emotions anymore. The whole part with Nora being at boarding school across seas was confusing as well. Her father just sends her across seas without even trying to understand why his daughter is acting out. This part felt really unbelieveable.
Nathan (Alex) is introduced part way through the book as Nora's love interest. To be honest I really didn't like Nathan he came off as too controlling. He was always telling Nora what to do and he acted more like a dad to Nora than a potential boyfriend which is really creepy if you think about it. Plus I kept expecting Nathan to come out and say he was a vampire, since this book is sold as Twilight meets Eleanor and Park. What was also really annoying about Nathan was the fact that he kept disappearing on Nora and wouldn't even give a plausible explanation as to why. His name was also really confusing, I really felt like the author should've stuck to one name instead of multiple names throughout the novel.
The overall plot of The Beginning of Never was sort of just thrown together. It mostly consisted of Nathan disappearing on Nora and the two of them fighting over something silly. This isn't really a paranormal or romantic novel so if you're expecting that you should definitely turn away right now. The ending was also a bit anti-climatic everyone kept saying it would be a huge cliff-hanger, but it really wasn't, it sort of just ended.
Overall The Beginning of Never was a huge let down, I really don't recommend it but if you want to try it out go ahead.
*I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
April 22, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This book was amazing. From beginning to end it kept me trapped within it's pages. Alexandre (Nathan) and Lenora (Nora) are the perfect example of first love and how terrible, scary, wonderful, and profound it truly is! The emotions throughout this story are raw and intense. This was probably one of THE best coming of age love stories I've ever read. It was incredibly well written. The characters (main and secondary) each had their part to play and they did so effortlessly. I can not wait to read the next installment!
This book was amazing. From beginning to end it kept me trapped within it's pages. Alexandre (Nathan) and Lenora (Nora) are the perfect example of first love and how terrible, scary, wonderful, and profound it truly is! The emotions throughout this story are raw and intense. This was probably one of THE best coming of age love stories I've ever read. It was incredibly well written. The characters (main and secondary) each had their part to play and they did so effortlessly. I can not wait to read the next installment!
April 22, 2015
First of all, I want to thank O.E. Boroni for giving me an ARC! Second of all... This book was so good that I couldn't put it down! That ending was so sad and depressing and then I saw other books by her, and I say a book called "The Way to Never" and I need it. Now! It is about 13 years later and I need to know! This is so much ARGHHHH I JUST I CANT. The feels!!! Anyway I think this book was a SUCCESSFUL book and that the writing was beautiful and heart wrenching in a good way!
April 27, 2015
The Beginning of Never is a read that is quite different from other ya contemporary books. I found it delightful that the author found a way to write a cute romance! At parts in the book I smiled at the cheesy romantic gestures, and felt the anticipation of a missing character. While this was an enjoyable read, there were major drawbacks. When I first started reading, I found myself despising Lenora. Lenora meets Nathan once and simply cannot stop thinking of him. Lenora turns around and Nathan is always there no matter what!! Another thing that I really didn't like is when Nathan just decided whenever he wanted to talk to Lenora or not. He treated her like an option most of the times. But all in all, I would love to read the sequel. Thank you so so much for the author who sent me this to review! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2015
Thank you to the lovely O.E. Boroni for sending me an ARC of this brilliant book.
Definitely one of my favorites this year. Amazing!!!
Beautiful story.
I loved the characters and their names Nathan, Lenora (Nora). Also there were some characters that I did’t like and wanted to punch them in the face, but I don’t want to name names, I think we all know who they are. I really enjoyed this book and the story. This is a MUST read, people!
I can’t wait for the sequel I need to know how the story will end.
Definitely one of my favorites this year. Amazing!!!
Beautiful story.
I loved the characters and their names Nathan, Lenora (Nora). Also there were some characters that I did’t like and wanted to punch them in the face, but I don’t want to name names, I think we all know who they are. I really enjoyed this book and the story. This is a MUST read, people!
I can’t wait for the sequel I need to know how the story will end.
October 6, 2015
I received a copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Actual Rating: 4.05
I really enjoyed the book. I thought the characters were cool. Nathan has the Edward Cullen vibe especially with the whole pushing her away, but staying close to her thing. Lenora has experienced so many tragedies in her life such as . I thought the ending was exactly like in New Moon. .
Actual Rating: 4.05
I really enjoyed the book. I thought the characters were cool. Nathan has the Edward Cullen vibe especially with the whole pushing her away, but staying close to her thing. Lenora has experienced so many tragedies in her life such as . I thought the ending was exactly like in New Moon. .
July 31, 2015
(I received a copy from the author, In exchange for an honest review.)
The characters in this were okay, although I did find Lenora quite annoying at times. I didn't love the romance, but it was alright.
This started out a bit slow and it took me a while to get into it. It did get a bit better after a while, but there was still a few parts where I thought it dragged.
This ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I may read book two.
Overall, An okay read.
The characters in this were okay, although I did find Lenora quite annoying at times. I didn't love the romance, but it was alright.
This started out a bit slow and it took me a while to get into it. It did get a bit better after a while, but there was still a few parts where I thought it dragged.
This ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I may read book two.
Overall, An okay read.
April 28, 2015
OH MY GOD it was so good.
I NEED MORE !
I NEED MORE !
July 27, 2015
The last thing Lenora Baker was looking for was love. Wracked with anger, confusion and guilt toward her mother’s abrupt passing, it is all she can do just to keep herself together and out of trouble. But soon it becomes apparent that no matter how hard she tries to hide and how aloof she appears to be, both love and trouble are headed her way, and his name was Nathan Roqué.
The story follows these two characters as they try to navigate their own lives while testing the possibility of living life in tandem. This is not your typical love story full of flowery words and happy endings, but rather a stark depiction of how love can really unfold. Wrapped in tragedy, insecurities, and uncertainty, Nora and Nathan try their best to give of themselves and be what the other needed, yet they always came up short. This story was advertised as a sweet love story, and on that basis I was left wanting.
I found it incredibly difficult to like these characters. While I empathized with Nora and her frustration with suffering a sudden loss which drove her into the arms of anyone that offered anything remotely resembling acceptance, I wished that she would have wanted more for herself. I was heartened when she had moments of standing up for herself, but just as quickly I found her reverting back to chasing a boy whom she knew nothing of and treated her poorly simply because he was attractive and the object of everyone’s affection.
As much as I wanted to like Nathan, as a whole I wanted more from him. I tried to harken him to Mr. Darcy or Beast from Beauty and the Beast, but I couldn’t get past the fact that he knowingly hurt Nora without first explaining his reasoning.
I did however appreciate the truthfulness to the story and enjoyed the story itself. It was an easy read and the arch flowed nicely. It was something I was able to read without effort, and sometimes that is nice. What has piqued my interest is the premise surrounding the second installment of the series. I feel as a whole body of work, this will be much more comprehensible than simply this half of the story along. It feels like I am reviewing only half of the story and am left without vital information to give any marks in one direction or the other.
Having said this, I give this 3 out of 5 stars. The story feels incomplete, because in essence it is. I hope to read the second book of this series so that I can make a solid verdict. The premise shows incredible promise, and I suspect the body of work as a whole will be something very special.
The story follows these two characters as they try to navigate their own lives while testing the possibility of living life in tandem. This is not your typical love story full of flowery words and happy endings, but rather a stark depiction of how love can really unfold. Wrapped in tragedy, insecurities, and uncertainty, Nora and Nathan try their best to give of themselves and be what the other needed, yet they always came up short. This story was advertised as a sweet love story, and on that basis I was left wanting.
I found it incredibly difficult to like these characters. While I empathized with Nora and her frustration with suffering a sudden loss which drove her into the arms of anyone that offered anything remotely resembling acceptance, I wished that she would have wanted more for herself. I was heartened when she had moments of standing up for herself, but just as quickly I found her reverting back to chasing a boy whom she knew nothing of and treated her poorly simply because he was attractive and the object of everyone’s affection.
As much as I wanted to like Nathan, as a whole I wanted more from him. I tried to harken him to Mr. Darcy or Beast from Beauty and the Beast, but I couldn’t get past the fact that he knowingly hurt Nora without first explaining his reasoning.
I did however appreciate the truthfulness to the story and enjoyed the story itself. It was an easy read and the arch flowed nicely. It was something I was able to read without effort, and sometimes that is nice. What has piqued my interest is the premise surrounding the second installment of the series. I feel as a whole body of work, this will be much more comprehensible than simply this half of the story along. It feels like I am reviewing only half of the story and am left without vital information to give any marks in one direction or the other.
Having said this, I give this 3 out of 5 stars. The story feels incomplete, because in essence it is. I hope to read the second book of this series so that I can make a solid verdict. The premise shows incredible promise, and I suspect the body of work as a whole will be something very special.
June 2, 2015
☆ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
3.75 stars!!
*GASP!* How could it end like that?!
I’ve always had an infatuation with school-themed romances and this one piqued my interests.
The Beginning of Never is a tale of first love and the joys and woes that come with it.
It’s heartbreaking and heart wrenching, as how can you build up something when you have no faith that it will succeed in the first place?
It was a mirage of old and new, as both protagonists battle scars from their pasts and struggle to forge their futures..that is, if their futures include the other without other outside external forces coming in the way between them. Ah, life.
I really liked the whole composition of it, although, in some retrospect I didn’t always like or agree with Nathan or Lenora and their motivations, behaviors, and or actions. It was quite a conflicted toss up for me.
I hope that bk2 will expand on certain inquiries that I have and will not leave us in a cliffy for its third and final installation.
A perfectlyimperfect read.
3.75 stars!!
*GASP!* How could it end like that?!
I’ve always had an infatuation with school-themed romances and this one piqued my interests.
The Beginning of Never is a tale of first love and the joys and woes that come with it.
It’s heartbreaking and heart wrenching, as how can you build up something when you have no faith that it will succeed in the first place?
It was a mirage of old and new, as both protagonists battle scars from their pasts and struggle to forge their futures..that is, if their futures include the other without other outside external forces coming in the way between them. Ah, life.
I really liked the whole composition of it, although, in some retrospect I didn’t always like or agree with Nathan or Lenora and their motivations, behaviors, and or actions. It was quite a conflicted toss up for me.
I hope that bk2 will expand on certain inquiries that I have and will not leave us in a cliffy for its third and final installation.
A perfectly
April 30, 2015
I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It's filled with emotions of angst and confusion but it's a good story. There are definitely heart wrenching moments for Nathan and Nora. And deep down I felt everything that Nora felt. It's that type of heart-wrenching that I enjoy and want to experience over and over again while reading a good book. I felt trapped as I read The Beginning of Never. I had to keep reading to see what would happen to these mysterious characters. The writing was done well. The characters are complex and they seem to connect well because they both have such complications in their lives.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series. I highly recommend that you read this book by this new author. She did a great job keeping me entertained so I'm giving this book four stars. Though there is a cliff hanger which I hate, this one wasn't too bad. I would love for these amazing characters to have a HEA. Nathan and Nora deserve some happiness.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series. I highly recommend that you read this book by this new author. She did a great job keeping me entertained so I'm giving this book four stars. Though there is a cliff hanger which I hate, this one wasn't too bad. I would love for these amazing characters to have a HEA. Nathan and Nora deserve some happiness.
January 12, 2016
I started reading this only few hours ago,and i've finished it already. It was a quick read, and i really liked it.
I was confused between giving it 3 or 4 stars,but keeping the overall impact of the book in mind,i ended up giving it 3 stars.
I don't know what i expected from this book,but this was surely a surprise. The characters were not perfect and were still struggling with their emotions.
Nora was annoying at times,but then i understood the reason behind it. Nathan and Nora's relationship was cute. Nora liked him,but she always kept denying.
Nathan's mood swings were really confusing. i mean one day he'll be all over her,and next day he won't even acknowledge her presence.
The story was simple,i even felt sometimes that it was being dragged.but i also enjoyed reading it.
Overall it was a good book,and it ended with a Cliffhanger so i HAVE to read the next book.
I was confused between giving it 3 or 4 stars,but keeping the overall impact of the book in mind,i ended up giving it 3 stars.
I don't know what i expected from this book,but this was surely a surprise. The characters were not perfect and were still struggling with their emotions.
Nora was annoying at times,but then i understood the reason behind it. Nathan and Nora's relationship was cute. Nora liked him,but she always kept denying.
Nathan's mood swings were really confusing. i mean one day he'll be all over her,and next day he won't even acknowledge her presence.
The story was simple,i even felt sometimes that it was being dragged.but i also enjoyed reading it.
Overall it was a good book,and it ended with a Cliffhanger so i HAVE to read the next book.
December 28, 2015
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review
THIS BOOK IS SSSSOOOOO.
Do you know that I had to stare blankly in the dark *last night* because of this book? I'm just. This book is just. JUST.
**speechless**
THIS BOOK IS SSSSOOOOO.
Do you know that I had to stare blankly in the dark *last night* because of this book? I'm just. This book is just. JUST.
**speechless**
May 3, 2015
Ahh WTF????? What the hell!!Is that it?Is there another book after this? More questions than answers grrrr!!!
May 1, 2015
Thank you to the author, O.E. Boroni, for sent me an E-ARC of this book :D
“Each time I thought of him, something warm would heat up the pit of my stomach and excitement would flutter in my chest. I didn't yet know what to make of any of it but one thing was for sure; I didn't like it.”
Lenora ‘Nora’ Baker sent to a boarding school by his father due to her anger behavior toward her mother’s death. Three years later, Nora still cannot manage the feeling. It causes her to have bad grades in several classes and has not good relationship with other students. In her mother’s death anniversary, she accidentally beats Alex ‘Nathan’ Roqué with a lunch tray for ruining her lunch. Instead give a fight back; he brings her a new meal. After that Nathan always present when Nora fight her bad mood. They then have a close yet weird relationship. They spend time a lot to study or go to secret place that Nathan discovers. Just like Nora’s parents, Nathan’s parents have a tragic ending.
Nathan’s status as the most handsome and popular senior gives Nora a hard time. She is being bully by other seniors. To solve that, Nora spreads fake information that she and Nathan are far relatives. However, Nora is not so happy with that lie. She is always looking forward to spend time with him and does not like when Nathan being so kind to other girls. But Nathan tends to gives her confusing reaction. One time he is very care, next time he is super cold.
--
The Beginning of Never successfully delivered a beautiful yet realistic story about young love. It is easy to fall in love, but to stay in love is very difficult. In one moment, you could be so happy. One moment later, it could be all gone. Nobody can control or figure how to do with it, moreover for someone who falls for the first time. I really liked how the main characters act based on that. Nora’s anger problem and Nathan’s hot and cold treatment made sense in the end. For such a young age, they already think love as serious matter, not only for explore new things or have fun experiences. It was sad to think that their parents’ kind of responsible for that. If they had a happy family, would they act and think like that? Beside that idea, I found the setting very interesting. The boarding house with all the names gave me a Hogwarts vibe hahaha. Then Nora and Nathan’s escape to the stream were super fun. But my favorite parts are food fight that randomly happened and their first kiss. I lost myself when Nora and Nathan lost themselves in that kiss. It was so romantic and sweet.
Read the complete review here http://dhynhanarun.blogspot.com/2015/... ;D
“Each time I thought of him, something warm would heat up the pit of my stomach and excitement would flutter in my chest. I didn't yet know what to make of any of it but one thing was for sure; I didn't like it.”
Lenora ‘Nora’ Baker sent to a boarding school by his father due to her anger behavior toward her mother’s death. Three years later, Nora still cannot manage the feeling. It causes her to have bad grades in several classes and has not good relationship with other students. In her mother’s death anniversary, she accidentally beats Alex ‘Nathan’ Roqué with a lunch tray for ruining her lunch. Instead give a fight back; he brings her a new meal. After that Nathan always present when Nora fight her bad mood. They then have a close yet weird relationship. They spend time a lot to study or go to secret place that Nathan discovers. Just like Nora’s parents, Nathan’s parents have a tragic ending.
Nathan’s status as the most handsome and popular senior gives Nora a hard time. She is being bully by other seniors. To solve that, Nora spreads fake information that she and Nathan are far relatives. However, Nora is not so happy with that lie. She is always looking forward to spend time with him and does not like when Nathan being so kind to other girls. But Nathan tends to gives her confusing reaction. One time he is very care, next time he is super cold.
--
The Beginning of Never successfully delivered a beautiful yet realistic story about young love. It is easy to fall in love, but to stay in love is very difficult. In one moment, you could be so happy. One moment later, it could be all gone. Nobody can control or figure how to do with it, moreover for someone who falls for the first time. I really liked how the main characters act based on that. Nora’s anger problem and Nathan’s hot and cold treatment made sense in the end. For such a young age, they already think love as serious matter, not only for explore new things or have fun experiences. It was sad to think that their parents’ kind of responsible for that. If they had a happy family, would they act and think like that? Beside that idea, I found the setting very interesting. The boarding house with all the names gave me a Hogwarts vibe hahaha. Then Nora and Nathan’s escape to the stream were super fun. But my favorite parts are food fight that randomly happened and their first kiss. I lost myself when Nora and Nathan lost themselves in that kiss. It was so romantic and sweet.
Read the complete review here http://dhynhanarun.blogspot.com/2015/... ;D
July 21, 2015
Check out all of my reviews on my blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
3.5 Stars!
I was really excited to read this book. The fact that it was compared to Eleanor and Park made me really look forward to it. I’ve never read Twilight (yes, I know, I’m among like the five people in this world who haven’t read it, but I honestly never had an interest in it), so I can’t compare it to that, but I can honestly say that I didn’t exactly see the Eleanor and Park reference here. And that could be a good thing, because in my opinion, this book did its own thing entirely. The writing was incredibly unique and it made for a reading experience that was kind of brand new to me.
The book starts of with Nora, a teenage girl who was sent away to London to live at a boarding school. Her mother had died three years prior to the start of the book, and she’s a very angry, unhappy girl. She doesn’t have any friends, and she barely gets by grade-wise. And then she meets Alex (or Nathan, as she calls him, because she likes his middle name), and everything changes for her. She slowly falls in love with him, despite everyone who simply does not want them to be together. Which is…pretty much everyone. Nora concocts the lie that she and Nathan are cousins, so that she can avoid the drama the other girls (who are swooning over him) are creating by saying that she and Nathan are together. Meanwhile, they’re doing the typical teenage dance of “he likes me” “he doesn’t like me” over and over again. It definitely is a teenage love story, and while I kind of got annoyed by the characters quite often (I guess I’m more or less a little old to be looking at love that way…for me these days it’s kind of a “Hey, either you like me or you don’t, whatever” kind of situation), but I guess everyone can relate to having had this type of experience at one point or another.
The ending left a little to be desired, but I guess since it’s a trilogy that could be why! You’ll definitely want to pick up the next book in the series if you read this one, because you’ll really be curious to know what happens next (I know I am!)
Overall, this book was a pretty good read, and it would make a great book for over the summer. It deals a lot with discovering who you really are, dealing with grief, and moving on and becoming something you didn’t expect for yourself. I enjoyed it, and I look forward to the second book!
3.5 Stars!
I was really excited to read this book. The fact that it was compared to Eleanor and Park made me really look forward to it. I’ve never read Twilight (yes, I know, I’m among like the five people in this world who haven’t read it, but I honestly never had an interest in it), so I can’t compare it to that, but I can honestly say that I didn’t exactly see the Eleanor and Park reference here. And that could be a good thing, because in my opinion, this book did its own thing entirely. The writing was incredibly unique and it made for a reading experience that was kind of brand new to me.
The book starts of with Nora, a teenage girl who was sent away to London to live at a boarding school. Her mother had died three years prior to the start of the book, and she’s a very angry, unhappy girl. She doesn’t have any friends, and she barely gets by grade-wise. And then she meets Alex (or Nathan, as she calls him, because she likes his middle name), and everything changes for her. She slowly falls in love with him, despite everyone who simply does not want them to be together. Which is…pretty much everyone. Nora concocts the lie that she and Nathan are cousins, so that she can avoid the drama the other girls (who are swooning over him) are creating by saying that she and Nathan are together. Meanwhile, they’re doing the typical teenage dance of “he likes me” “he doesn’t like me” over and over again. It definitely is a teenage love story, and while I kind of got annoyed by the characters quite often (I guess I’m more or less a little old to be looking at love that way…for me these days it’s kind of a “Hey, either you like me or you don’t, whatever” kind of situation), but I guess everyone can relate to having had this type of experience at one point or another.
The ending left a little to be desired, but I guess since it’s a trilogy that could be why! You’ll definitely want to pick up the next book in the series if you read this one, because you’ll really be curious to know what happens next (I know I am!)
Overall, this book was a pretty good read, and it would make a great book for over the summer. It deals a lot with discovering who you really are, dealing with grief, and moving on and becoming something you didn’t expect for yourself. I enjoyed it, and I look forward to the second book!
July 13, 2015
When I read the write-up of this book, I was eager to read it as it said Twilight meets Eleanor and Park. Two very different books but in saying that two of my favourite reads. I found this book more Eleanor and Park like rather than Twilight and it could have something to do with the fact it is set in the UK rather than America but also the fact that the main couple never "officially" get together hence the title of "The Beginning of Never". In this book, which is set at a boarding school we meet Lenora aka Nora whose story reminded me of the movie Wild Child which starred Emma Roberts. Girl's mother dies, Girl plays up and father sends her to boarding school in England. The boy is Alex but whom we later know as Nathan throughout the novel as to Nora he looks more like a Nathan than an Alexandre or Alex. The pair of them keep meeting in the most unfortunate circumstances which leads them to both think that A) they hate each other as they always bring the worst out of each other , this however works in their favour as it draws the pair to become good friends and close ones, so much to think to the outsider that they are dating but that idea hasn't crossed either of their brains. What will happen though when they discover their feelings and it's too late for them both to start something ?
If you aren't one for cliffhangers, then this book isn't the one for you . If you aren't one for sad , open-questioned endings then this isn't the book for and if you were really hoping for a romantic teen love story - then folks, put this book down as this is not a teen romance love story where the characters end up happily together in fact this is one of those love stories that the characters should be together but they never realise - in fact it's a tragic love story - very similar to the ending of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.
I did however really enjoy this book so much , that after reading it I hopped on Amazon and I one-clicked and pre-ordered Book #2.
If you aren't one for cliffhangers, then this book isn't the one for you . If you aren't one for sad , open-questioned endings then this isn't the book for and if you were really hoping for a romantic teen love story - then folks, put this book down as this is not a teen romance love story where the characters end up happily together in fact this is one of those love stories that the characters should be together but they never realise - in fact it's a tragic love story - very similar to the ending of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.
I did however really enjoy this book so much , that after reading it I hopped on Amazon and I one-clicked and pre-ordered Book #2.
July 28, 2015
Read Full Review Over At fANGIRLconfessions!
When you put a tagline like " Twilight Meets Eleanor & Park, " idc. idc. idc. you HAVE TO DELIVER!! I'm a huge fan of Twilight, (talk about Edward and I will kick your ass) and come on, Rainbow Rowell is one of the queen's of contemporary, so you can't just give me anything less of perfection. It wasn't so much the plot I had a problem with, but the characters. I just didn't care for them, and they kind of made it impossible to do so in the first place.
In the beginning, I loved Lenora's attitude. She was still dealing with the death of her mother, making her closed off to everyone. She was a bit standoffish, resulting in her having no friends (you seriously can't count Kate as a friend) until Nathan (Alexandre) comes along. The thing is, she began to annoy me with her demeanor. I mean I understand, trust me I do, but this girl was always so. damn. angry. all. the. damn. time and after awhile I was ready to kick her out of the story.
Nathan did nothing for me, and I couldn't understand why all the girls in their school was obsessed with him. I did like how he didn't take any shit from Lenora, so I guess that's one thing I enjoyed about our love interest. Speaking of love, I just didn't get their relationship. It wasn't as genuine or realistic like Eleanor & Park's, and the only similarity I pulled from Twilight was Nathan's constant need to protect Nora. I found myself desperately seeking some type of compassion from the two -- some type of emotional connection between themselves and others, but of course with my bad reading luck, I never got it . . .
When you put a tagline like " Twilight Meets Eleanor & Park, " idc. idc. idc. you HAVE TO DELIVER!! I'm a huge fan of Twilight, (talk about Edward and I will kick your ass) and come on, Rainbow Rowell is one of the queen's of contemporary, so you can't just give me anything less of perfection. It wasn't so much the plot I had a problem with, but the characters. I just didn't care for them, and they kind of made it impossible to do so in the first place.
In the beginning, I loved Lenora's attitude. She was still dealing with the death of her mother, making her closed off to everyone. She was a bit standoffish, resulting in her having no friends (you seriously can't count Kate as a friend) until Nathan (Alexandre) comes along. The thing is, she began to annoy me with her demeanor. I mean I understand, trust me I do, but this girl was always so. damn. angry. all. the. damn. time and after awhile I was ready to kick her out of the story.
Nathan did nothing for me, and I couldn't understand why all the girls in their school was obsessed with him. I did like how he didn't take any shit from Lenora, so I guess that's one thing I enjoyed about our love interest. Speaking of love, I just didn't get their relationship. It wasn't as genuine or realistic like Eleanor & Park's, and the only similarity I pulled from Twilight was Nathan's constant need to protect Nora. I found myself desperately seeking some type of compassion from the two -- some type of emotional connection between themselves and others, but of course with my bad reading luck, I never got it . . .
January 1, 2016
One of the best things to happen while reading a new book is when I get surprised by the writing and story. This is the second day I was impressed by a book after Nowhere But Here.
This book resembles Nowhere but Here in terms of the MC's relationship. They first meet each other in a very unfortunate circumstances that transpire deep resentment. But later the closer they become the more they gravitate towards becoming something substantial. I love these kinds of stories.
The two, Alex/Nathan and Lenora aren't 100% likable all the time. They have their own faults and sometimes they're confusing and annoying. However, when reading their story together, I liked the effect they have on each other. But one thing still annoys me, with both their troubled pasts, there isn't enough emotional scenes that relates to their pasts. I also don't understand Nathan enough since this is mostly told from Nora's POV. He's very aloof and mysterious and he's a very interesting character.
The writing was very easy to follow and even though the pace was a bit slow but I enjoyed it.
This book end with a pull-your-hair-out cliffhanger and I'm having different thoughts about how this will go in the second book.. which I need right now..
This book resembles Nowhere but Here in terms of the MC's relationship. They first meet each other in a very unfortunate circumstances that transpire deep resentment. But later the closer they become the more they gravitate towards becoming something substantial. I love these kinds of stories.
The two, Alex/Nathan and Lenora aren't 100% likable all the time. They have their own faults and sometimes they're confusing and annoying. However, when reading their story together, I liked the effect they have on each other. But one thing still annoys me, with both their troubled pasts, there isn't enough emotional scenes that relates to their pasts. I also don't understand Nathan enough since this is mostly told from Nora's POV. He's very aloof and mysterious and he's a very interesting character.
The writing was very easy to follow and even though the pace was a bit slow but I enjoyed it.
This book end with a pull-your-hair-out cliffhanger and I'm having different thoughts about how this will go in the second book.. which I need right now..
August 4, 2015
I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
When the blurb described this book as "Twilight meets Eleanor and Park", I read it against my better judgment. I hate book comparisons, so comparing this book to Twilight made me fear the worst. Thankfully, I was wrong(or maybe not).
However, I'm giving it 3 stars due to the high amount of cliché throughout the whole story: unpopular girl with no friends and no interest in having any; ridiculously popular guy every girl in school pines for; awful "friend" who's jealous of MC; bitchy mean girl who harass and bullies MC because of popular guy and so on.
I have mixed feelings about this book since I did find this book quite entertaining yet frustrating. Nora could be annoying at times, but not as much as Nathan who was just plain confusing. The hot/cold relationship was getting on my nerves and how the hell did Nathan know things about Nora (like when she had an upcoming exam) was just creepy.
I admit this book is not supposed to be my cup of tea but it was an interesting read. I'll definitely read the next book because I can't live with the gigantic cliffhanger at the end.
3 out of 5 stars
When the blurb described this book as "Twilight meets Eleanor and Park", I read it against my better judgment. I hate book comparisons, so comparing this book to Twilight made me fear the worst. Thankfully, I was wrong
However, I'm giving it 3 stars due to the high amount of cliché throughout the whole story: unpopular girl with no friends and no interest in having any; ridiculously popular guy every girl in school pines for; awful "friend" who's jealous of MC; bitchy mean girl who harass and bullies MC because of popular guy and so on.
I have mixed feelings about this book since I did find this book quite entertaining yet frustrating. Nora could be annoying at times, but not as much as Nathan who was just plain confusing. The hot/cold relationship was getting on my nerves and how the hell did Nathan know things about Nora (like when she had an upcoming exam) was just creepy.
I admit this book is not supposed to be my cup of tea but it was an interesting read. I'll definitely read the next book because I can't live with the gigantic cliffhanger at the end.
3 out of 5 stars
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