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Imaginary Grace
Tanner has always gotten what he wants from girls - whether it's the co-ed sitting next to him in class or the scantily dressed groupies that follow his band, Hudson-Nash. There's only one woman immune to his charms, and that's his mother. Tired of Tanner's hard partying, she's waiting for him to grow up and settle down, preferably with a nice girl. When she refuses to finance his tour with the band, Tanner knows he'll have to find a way to change her mind. Grace Roberts is not like most college girls. Shy and bookish, she prefers sneakers to stilettos and never quite mastered the art of taming her mane of unmanageable hair. Guys are not exactly throwing themselves at her, so when Tanner Reed, the hottest guy in school (scratch that, the hottest guy anywhere!) takes an interest in her, it seems too good to be true. Bound by his deception and her girlish hopes, Tanner and Grace will be forced to question everything they believe about each other, and themselves. When these two get together, anything can happen and anyone can get hurt. Anyone can fall in love.
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
31 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Anne Holster
3 books300 followersI reside in Northern New Jersey with my husband and two children. When I'm not writing I enjoy spending time with my family, playing tennis and reading angsty romance novels. (The angstier the better!) I'm currently working on my fourth book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 11, 2015
Okay I debated a bit on the rating for this one were I going with how I felt when I finished the book I would have rated this higher, but I feel I can't discount my feelings through the beginning of the book where I questioned why I was continuing to turn pages and was convinced I was going to rate this one seriously low because of the utter loathing I felt for the "hero" of the story. I decided to rate in between and to mention despite it's beginnings if you keep reading the story turns into something really good.
Despite the dual first person narrative that alternates between Grace and Tanner at the beginning of this story it's hard to find either one of them very likeable, or maybe I should phrase that it's hard to respect either character. Grace is so freaking naive and clueless I wanted to freaking swat her. I didn't like her friends, I was kind of freaked out by her downright obsession with Tanner and there were point when I thought OMG this girl is too stupid to live. Compared to Tanner however she was a shining star of a character because Tanner is the type of guy that makes you wish human castration was legal. I mean yeah most new adult romances feature a womanizing bad boy. That's a character you kind of just expect to meet and who you also expect to become endeared with my the end of the book. Tanner was so bad that while I sort of liked him at the end I don't think I'd ever describe myself as becoming endeared with him. Even at the end of the book he's still the type of guy I'd never want my daughter dating and that's after cleaning up his act. You expect his character to be a womanizer at the beginning, you don't expect for him to continue fucking random strangers through most of the book. And not just that but to mistreat pretty much any human being not born with a penis. Disrespectful, manipulative, sexist, degrading to women and just a general douche are probably the best ways I can think to describe this character. But at least he's hot right? (Yeah I don't really feel like that excuses his behavior, nor do I feel that his past history justifies it. Oh someone cheated on you once? Boo Fucking Hoo douche, get over it.)
Grace is so blind it's not even funny and she's imagining things that aren't there. Granted he wants her to imagine those things, but if you think that a guy saying he'll see you at the gym sometime is the equivalent of the beginnings of a relationship with him you needs psychological help. He does douche things in front of her or makes slip up and she just creates his excuses for him, the reasons why the situation can't possibly be anything other than what she wishes it to be, and he doesn't need to be bothered with lying to her himself because she's doing it for him. Her source of advice is a girl who thinks it's perfectly okay to cheat if your boyfriend isn't around. Because what happens on campus stays on campus right? Uh, no. Beth's just a stellar moral compass... if you want your whole life fucked up.
Then he took her to his cousin's wedding and my opinions of both of them started to change because Grace was becoming stronger as a person, making her own decisions a bit and I started to think yeah I kind of do like her. And I started to think hey maybe Tanner might have some redeeming qualities, somewhere under all that assholeness. Grace's reaction when she finds out the truth definitely made me respect her a lot more as a character. Tanner's made me wonder if character growth was ever going to occur for the piece of shit. However I did appreciate the way he handled Gary and the things that came after that so I guess he wasn't all bad and I liked where they were when the story was over. So as a huge surprise to me I did end up actually liking the book.
The plot is long and takes you through about a year of the characters lives and even when it's pissing you off it's still interesting to read. The idea he's going to make much of a living playing 70s and 80s music is a little ridiculous. Parts of the plot were predictable because they've been done numerous times, but over all I thought it was fairly well written and an intriguing story from beginning to end.
Despite the dual first person narrative that alternates between Grace and Tanner at the beginning of this story it's hard to find either one of them very likeable, or maybe I should phrase that it's hard to respect either character. Grace is so freaking naive and clueless I wanted to freaking swat her. I didn't like her friends, I was kind of freaked out by her downright obsession with Tanner and there were point when I thought OMG this girl is too stupid to live. Compared to Tanner however she was a shining star of a character because Tanner is the type of guy that makes you wish human castration was legal. I mean yeah most new adult romances feature a womanizing bad boy. That's a character you kind of just expect to meet and who you also expect to become endeared with my the end of the book. Tanner was so bad that while I sort of liked him at the end I don't think I'd ever describe myself as becoming endeared with him. Even at the end of the book he's still the type of guy I'd never want my daughter dating and that's after cleaning up his act. You expect his character to be a womanizer at the beginning, you don't expect for him to continue fucking random strangers through most of the book. And not just that but to mistreat pretty much any human being not born with a penis. Disrespectful, manipulative, sexist, degrading to women and just a general douche are probably the best ways I can think to describe this character. But at least he's hot right? (Yeah I don't really feel like that excuses his behavior, nor do I feel that his past history justifies it. Oh someone cheated on you once? Boo Fucking Hoo douche, get over it.)
Grace is so blind it's not even funny and she's imagining things that aren't there. Granted he wants her to imagine those things, but if you think that a guy saying he'll see you at the gym sometime is the equivalent of the beginnings of a relationship with him you needs psychological help. He does douche things in front of her or makes slip up and she just creates his excuses for him, the reasons why the situation can't possibly be anything other than what she wishes it to be, and he doesn't need to be bothered with lying to her himself because she's doing it for him. Her source of advice is a girl who thinks it's perfectly okay to cheat if your boyfriend isn't around. Because what happens on campus stays on campus right? Uh, no. Beth's just a stellar moral compass... if you want your whole life fucked up.
Then he took her to his cousin's wedding and my opinions of both of them started to change because Grace was becoming stronger as a person, making her own decisions a bit and I started to think yeah I kind of do like her. And I started to think hey maybe Tanner might have some redeeming qualities, somewhere under all that assholeness. Grace's reaction when she finds out the truth definitely made me respect her a lot more as a character. Tanner's made me wonder if character growth was ever going to occur for the piece of shit. However I did appreciate the way he handled Gary and the things that came after that so I guess he wasn't all bad and I liked where they were when the story was over. So as a huge surprise to me I did end up actually liking the book.
The plot is long and takes you through about a year of the characters lives and even when it's pissing you off it's still interesting to read. The idea he's going to make much of a living playing 70s and 80s music is a little ridiculous. Parts of the plot were predictable because they've been done numerous times, but over all I thought it was fairly well written and an intriguing story from beginning to end.
September 11, 2015
Caution: anyone planning to read this book should make sure that they have a few uninterrupted hours ahead of them before even picking it up. The 400+ pages flew by and I read the whole thing in two or three parts. I was actually annoyed that real life things like work prevented me from reading the whole thing at once; this is one of those books that's incredibly addicting, pretty much from the first chapter.
Imaginary Grace is a the story of the romance between Grace and Tanner, told in alternating viewpoints. At the beginning of the book, Grace is a shy, awkward girl with long hair and an endless sweatshirt collection. We are introduced to Grace as she is moving from her parents house in New Jersey to her new college campus in Maryland, where she quickly develops a crush on Tanner. Tanner, as different as possible from Grace, is every typical bad boy/rock star stereotype in one. The two intersect when Tanner's best friend comes up with a plan to scam money from his parents to finance a summer tour with the band, and the rest of the story is predictable (but excellent).
The alternating viewpoints are well done, with the author managing to create two very distinct voices. I enjoyed the character progression throughout the book, which was slow and believable, with Grace going from hugely naive and annoying to smart and strong willed. Even more enjoyable was Tanner, starting off as the classic asshole and actually morphing in to someone caring and invested in all of his relationships.
In all, this book could have easily been incredibly cheesy, but instead it was so well written and realistic that anyone who can remember their college years will easily relate. The last few sentences are leaving me with the hope that there's a possibility of something coming from Scott's perspective, which I would read in a heartbeat.
Imaginary Grace is a the story of the romance between Grace and Tanner, told in alternating viewpoints. At the beginning of the book, Grace is a shy, awkward girl with long hair and an endless sweatshirt collection. We are introduced to Grace as she is moving from her parents house in New Jersey to her new college campus in Maryland, where she quickly develops a crush on Tanner. Tanner, as different as possible from Grace, is every typical bad boy/rock star stereotype in one. The two intersect when Tanner's best friend comes up with a plan to scam money from his parents to finance a summer tour with the band, and the rest of the story is predictable (but excellent).
The alternating viewpoints are well done, with the author managing to create two very distinct voices. I enjoyed the character progression throughout the book, which was slow and believable, with Grace going from hugely naive and annoying to smart and strong willed. Even more enjoyable was Tanner, starting off as the classic asshole and actually morphing in to someone caring and invested in all of his relationships.
In all, this book could have easily been incredibly cheesy, but instead it was so well written and realistic that anyone who can remember their college years will easily relate. The last few sentences are leaving me with the hope that there's a possibility of something coming from Scott's perspective, which I would read in a heartbeat.
February 3, 2017
I love Anne Holster’s young love, coming of age stories, because they always come with a twist. In Imaginary Grace, Grace is the typical teenager, awkward, eighteen, innocent, naive and full of life. She’s just started college and young love soon follows. Although it’s one sided at best, soon she finds out that the guy she’s fallen head over heels for may actually like her too.
Enter Tanner, the typical narcissistic bad boy you love to hate. I mean, Tanner is a true womanizing sleaze bag. I truly hated him for half of the book, which I think was supposed to happen in order to see his drastic change. His turning point in the book really gets to you and soon you find yourself rooting for him.
So, in the middle of all this I like him, I think he likes me, start of something new-Tanner’s friend Scott concocts up this crazy plan to con his parents out of money in order to fund the tour for the band. Unfortunately, Scott’s plan involves Grace and a web of lies that truly leaves you heartbroken for the girl. Tanner quickly finds himself as in love with Grace as she is for him, but will his earlier lies hinder their future together.
This book really sweeps you up and takes you by surprise. The way Anne Holster writes her characters shows their depth and major changes as they start to grow up and open their eyes. I really love her books and her writing. Imaginary Grace is one of her best works yet!
Enter Tanner, the typical narcissistic bad boy you love to hate. I mean, Tanner is a true womanizing sleaze bag. I truly hated him for half of the book, which I think was supposed to happen in order to see his drastic change. His turning point in the book really gets to you and soon you find yourself rooting for him.
So, in the middle of all this I like him, I think he likes me, start of something new-Tanner’s friend Scott concocts up this crazy plan to con his parents out of money in order to fund the tour for the band. Unfortunately, Scott’s plan involves Grace and a web of lies that truly leaves you heartbroken for the girl. Tanner quickly finds himself as in love with Grace as she is for him, but will his earlier lies hinder their future together.
This book really sweeps you up and takes you by surprise. The way Anne Holster writes her characters shows their depth and major changes as they start to grow up and open their eyes. I really love her books and her writing. Imaginary Grace is one of her best works yet!
February 5, 2017
This novel was 432 pages long, huge length for the story the author proposed to tell. I didn’t feel enough enthusiasm to keep reading, so I didn’t finish it.
I lost interest around 25% because nothing was happening, such a bad flow. But the story didn’t work because the characters weren’t worthy of empathy. I felt no connection, it was hard to find the hero or heroine likable. They were both very immature, and for the issues they go through, I would say Imaginary Grace would be more of a young adult romance than a new adult.
Imaginary Grace had serious problems which led to an unsteady execution.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 13, 2015
I won't lie here
THIS book is a difficult read. Not that its a bad read. It's must serve on edge, nail biting, head spinning, love/hate back and forth characters all the way through. At 16% I aS wondering why the hell did a buy this book? But the BIGGEST question was, why in the HELL change I stop reading it. I don't know what to say. God I needed a valium, stomach medicine, body massage, bleach for my eyes, a lobotomy for my brain. This damn thing was so addictive from page one to the last. I keep telling myself, you should hate this book...but I can't. I just can't keep my mind off of it. I can't keep my the questions from bombarding my brain about what I just read. This isn't even my type of happy in love read. But now I have to ask...since I begrudgingly loved it...maybe this is MY TYPE OF READ.
Don't expect hearts, and flowers, and happiness, and easy to love characters.. it ain't in here, but there is so much more that it doesn't need all that crap to make this a astonishing love story.
THIS book is a difficult read. Not that its a bad read. It's must serve on edge, nail biting, head spinning, love/hate back and forth characters all the way through. At 16% I aS wondering why the hell did a buy this book? But the BIGGEST question was, why in the HELL change I stop reading it. I don't know what to say. God I needed a valium, stomach medicine, body massage, bleach for my eyes, a lobotomy for my brain. This damn thing was so addictive from page one to the last. I keep telling myself, you should hate this book...but I can't. I just can't keep my mind off of it. I can't keep my the questions from bombarding my brain about what I just read. This isn't even my type of happy in love read. But now I have to ask...since I begrudgingly loved it...maybe this is MY TYPE OF READ.
Don't expect hearts, and flowers, and happiness, and easy to love characters.. it ain't in here, but there is so much more that it doesn't need all that crap to make this a astonishing love story.
April 26, 2015
Awesome! In the beginning of the story, Grace is such a nice, innocent, young girl trying to finish college. Tanner, on the other hand, is a selfish, self-centered, player! To con his parents out of money to go on tour, with his band, he devises a plan. One that will destroy Grace if she ever discovers what he is up to. The problem: Tanner never planned on falling in love and he just may lose Grace in the process!
April 9, 2015
'Imaginary Grace,' wow....what a trip! So far this has been my best read of 2015. The characters felt so real and the story brought out a lot of emotion in me. I started out hating Tanner for what he was doing to Grace, but as the story evolved I really started to fall for him. This is not a story that I will soon forget!
March 14, 2020
Awesome gritty love story! Loved it!
December 6, 2019
Loved this book.
This was a great read. The many twists and turns along with characters who were so real. Loved this book!
This was a great read. The many twists and turns along with characters who were so real. Loved this book!
January 11, 2017
Tanner is the first guy that Grace likes when she gets on her own at college. She enlists her roommate to help her find out if he likes her too. After parties and classes, it seems the feelings are mutual.
Grace wonders how that can be? She considers herself average, and has no idea how someone like him could be in to her. With them both holding pain from the past and secrets from one another - where is there a future?
This story was quite complex. It took me through half the book before I really felt like I knew the characters. I felt it was a bit wordy, and in many places could be edited down and made a more simple read. The plot and timing were terrific, and very relatable.
***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
Grace wonders how that can be? She considers herself average, and has no idea how someone like him could be in to her. With them both holding pain from the past and secrets from one another - where is there a future?
This story was quite complex. It took me through half the book before I really felt like I knew the characters. I felt it was a bit wordy, and in many places could be edited down and made a more simple read. The plot and timing were terrific, and very relatable.
***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
December 22, 2016
Imaginary Grace took me by surprise. It is my first book by Anne Holster, who was kind enough to provide me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
So, as I was saying, this book took me by surprise, it was slow in the start, excruciatingly so, there was no significant connection/interaction between the two leads, and I wont lie, it got me a bit frustrated too. And then I hit the 50% mark and the book started to lift upwards, speed up and get more emotional. It was a whole different vibe from the first half of the book. Whereas the first half focused on character development and zero emotional development, the second half was a revelation.
From that point onwards, I couldn't put the book down.
It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice, in quite an indirect manner, but still focusing on how our perceived notions about someone could be so wrong, how much different people can be when you get to know them and how can one person influence another's life so deeply, for better or for worse.
Its a book about second chances and how love can completely alter someone, how its not in the looks but the person inside and how it can change you for better.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book, oh and also, I am kinda hooked on Scott ;), he turned out to be a pretty decent guy.
So, as I was saying, this book took me by surprise, it was slow in the start, excruciatingly so, there was no significant connection/interaction between the two leads, and I wont lie, it got me a bit frustrated too. And then I hit the 50% mark and the book started to lift upwards, speed up and get more emotional. It was a whole different vibe from the first half of the book. Whereas the first half focused on character development and zero emotional development, the second half was a revelation.
From that point onwards, I couldn't put the book down.
It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice, in quite an indirect manner, but still focusing on how our perceived notions about someone could be so wrong, how much different people can be when you get to know them and how can one person influence another's life so deeply, for better or for worse.
Its a book about second chances and how love can completely alter someone, how its not in the looks but the person inside and how it can change you for better.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book, oh and also, I am kinda hooked on Scott ;), he turned out to be a pretty decent guy.
February 7, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I have read a lot of others in the new adult category and although I love them, their stories are all pretty similar. This one started out like all of the others, but it felt a little bit different.
The biggest difference I noticed was that I didn't really like either of the main characters until later in the book, but not in a way that made me want to stop reading. Now, after finishing the book, I think they both won me over. At first I was annoyed by Grace because of her "innocence" and naivety, but I don't think her response to a super hot crush showing interest in her was all that different from what I would do. Tanner's a typical sleeping with lots of different girls and forgetting them, but I even liked him in the end.
This whole book, what I really wanted was to know more about the supporting characters. I almost got tired of the main characters and their reasonably predictable behavior once we got to know them. I would have loved to hear more about the much more interesting supporting characters, including one of Tanner's friends, Grace's best friend, and Grace's younger sister.
If you want a book that is a little different and mildly unrealistic while being relatable, this is a good option.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest difference I noticed was that I didn't really like either of the main characters until later in the book, but not in a way that made me want to stop reading. Now, after finishing the book, I think they both won me over. At first I was annoyed by Grace because of her "innocence" and naivety, but I don't think her response to a super hot crush showing interest in her was all that different from what I would do. Tanner's a typical sleeping with lots of different girls and forgetting them, but I even liked him in the end.
This whole book, what I really wanted was to know more about the supporting characters. I almost got tired of the main characters and their reasonably predictable behavior once we got to know them. I would have loved to hear more about the much more interesting supporting characters, including one of Tanner's friends, Grace's best friend, and Grace's younger sister.
If you want a book that is a little different and mildly unrealistic while being relatable, this is a good option.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2016
I really liked this book, at first we I started reading it i couldn't really get into it. Grace sounded so childish and whiny and dorky for someone to be in College and Tanner; well Tanner made me want to slash his tires. It was completely unexpected house after I got to about the fourth chapter I could feel myself getting really into it. Their story was kind of a traditional sounding one at first but they way they were together and how they started to fall for each other just sucked me in. I liked how it's gave them time to be together and then there was a long time where they were apart because to be honest I would've not wanted to get back together with him after what he did either. Obviously they were meant for each other though and I can say I am ecstatic they got together in the end. What I am really looking forward to now is Scotts story or maybe even Mikes. As soon as Mike came into the book him and Lisa's relationship interested me. I mean he hangs out with guys like Tanner before Grace and one doesn't wonder how he doesn't cheat? Come on, anyway I really enjoyed this and the only reason I gave it four starts is because of the way I just couldn't connect with the characters in the beginning and how it seemed it was written weird in the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2015
Whoa! Where do I begin?? Sweet, innocent, naive Graces goes off to college and is away from home for the first time. While there, she meets fellow student Tanner who is a guitar player in a local band. What Grace thinks is a blossoming romance is actually a diabolical plan set in motion by Tanner in hopes to weasel some money out of his parents to pay for a tour with his band.
What begins to unfold is a virtual train-wreck of cringe-worthy moments from everyone involved including Tanner's roommate Scott and Grace's best friend Beth. What we watch this poor girl unknowingly endure is actually heartbreaking at times. The author takes her time setting up the story so that the plot is airtight without any faults or missteps.
This is not your mother's roses and candy hearts love story. This story is emotional and gritty and often painful at times but it is oh so worth it because what we are rewarded with in the end is an honest portrayal of two people who would've never gotten together under any other circumstances. This is truly a great love story and easily one of my best reads this year!
What begins to unfold is a virtual train-wreck of cringe-worthy moments from everyone involved including Tanner's roommate Scott and Grace's best friend Beth. What we watch this poor girl unknowingly endure is actually heartbreaking at times. The author takes her time setting up the story so that the plot is airtight without any faults or missteps.
This is not your mother's roses and candy hearts love story. This story is emotional and gritty and often painful at times but it is oh so worth it because what we are rewarded with in the end is an honest portrayal of two people who would've never gotten together under any other circumstances. This is truly a great love story and easily one of my best reads this year!
December 30, 2016
I received a gifted copy in Amazon from the author in the basis of read-to-review under New Adult Book Club.
"...together is my favorite place to be."
This might be the first time that at first I hate the male character, Tanner, because of his stupid plan and his friend, Scott because he's the one who gave an idea to Tanner. They are both selfish and big jerks. But at the middle, I slowly starting to like Tanner's personality. I like Scott's character because he's that one friend that will do anything to friend for better or worse and that will always be loyal.
I like Grace's character. She's the typical simple girl but knows how to have fun.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this although I was real slow although this is a "page-turner" book (because of things that I have to accomplish). At some point, it strikes my heart especially when Tanner screwed up. It feels like I was also hurting the way he's hurting (yes, weird). Anyway, I will definitely recommend this to my friends. They will surely enjoy this too.
Thank you Ms. Anne Holster for giving me the opportunity to read such wonderful story.
"...together is my favorite place to be."
This might be the first time that at first I hate the male character, Tanner, because of his stupid plan and his friend, Scott because he's the one who gave an idea to Tanner. They are both selfish and big jerks. But at the middle, I slowly starting to like Tanner's personality. I like Scott's character because he's that one friend that will do anything to friend for better or worse and that will always be loyal.
I like Grace's character. She's the typical simple girl but knows how to have fun.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this although I was real slow although this is a "page-turner" book (because of things that I have to accomplish). At some point, it strikes my heart especially when Tanner screwed up. It feels like I was also hurting the way he's hurting (yes, weird). Anyway, I will definitely recommend this to my friends. They will surely enjoy this too.
Thank you Ms. Anne Holster for giving me the opportunity to read such wonderful story.
February 15, 2016
I must admit, I've read this book twice now. Although its been months since I've first read it. Grace pulls you in. Her life is misunderstood. Being invisible! Wow! Her inter thoughts are just sad at the beginning. I kept reading wanting her to bloom to the woman she wants to become. In steps Tanner, the hottie she can't stop thinking about. Their relationship starts off innocent. Like junior high innocent. Grace is really Immature for an 18 year old. I can understand the author wanting Grace to discover her inter sex goddess. But book is more about the connection between tanner and grace, if they'll be able to over come all the lies that tanner built up. I'd skip over several sections between Grace and her roommate Beth, just too junior high to me. Wanting to know every detail. Geez! Tanner is just a arrogant guy, who realises he could love. Between the both of them, they change their lives for the better.
December 23, 2016
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet story from start to finish.
Grace is a college freshman who is slightly unsure of herself who falls in lust with Tanner as soon as she lays eyes on him.
Tanner is a bad boy rocker who thinks Grace is a complete dork and finds her googley eyes at him annoying until one day his roommate Scott has a idea that will get Tanner the cash he needs to fund his summer tour. Unfortunately no one informs Grace she's being used as a pawn.
Grace was so sweet and I was happy when she finally grew more confident and comfortable in her own skin. Tanner was such a jerk and I hated how he used Grace!!!! But he did redeem himself at the end after he realized how special Grace was.
I loved Scott and hope he gets his own story, maybe even we can a little more of Grace & Tanner.
I was gifted a copy of this book for a honest review
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet story from start to finish.
Grace is a college freshman who is slightly unsure of herself who falls in lust with Tanner as soon as she lays eyes on him.
Tanner is a bad boy rocker who thinks Grace is a complete dork and finds her googley eyes at him annoying until one day his roommate Scott has a idea that will get Tanner the cash he needs to fund his summer tour. Unfortunately no one informs Grace she's being used as a pawn.
Grace was so sweet and I was happy when she finally grew more confident and comfortable in her own skin. Tanner was such a jerk and I hated how he used Grace!!!! But he did redeem himself at the end after he realized how special Grace was.
I loved Scott and hope he gets his own story, maybe even we can a little more of Grace & Tanner.
I was gifted a copy of this book for a honest review
December 26, 2016
Gifted a copy for an honest review.
This book started slowly for me, I found Grace's reactions to be immature, even for a college girl and Tanner - what a horrible excuse for a human being! Then the story picked up and both MCs grew in character and you begin routing for the two of them. I no longer found Tanner annoying and felt for him as he became a victim of his own scheme and I wanted a HEA for the two. There are a few niggles
Hope we get Scott's story as was intrigued by Tanner's comments in the epilogue.
This book started slowly for me, I found Grace's reactions to be immature, even for a college girl and Tanner - what a horrible excuse for a human being! Then the story picked up and both MCs grew in character and you begin routing for the two of them. I no longer found Tanner annoying and felt for him as he became a victim of his own scheme and I wanted a HEA for the two. There are a few niggles
Hope we get Scott's story as was intrigued by Tanner's comments in the epilogue.
July 14, 2015
Do not read this book if you have any responsibility because you will ignore life until you are finished! Definitely recommend this book for all, but especially girls the summer before college; I wish I had read it then! Ann Holster did an amazing job painting a detailed picture on every page of this book, keeping me interested in every move the characters make. I was hanging on every word, spending hours at a time reading. Very rarely have I found books like this, my last being Gone Girl 3 years ago. All should read, you will not regret!
June 7, 2015
This well written love story owned me from the start. In the beginning my heart broke for Grace as she was innocently sucked into Tanner's web of lies. But as the story unfolds, the author cleverly turns the tables so that towards the end it was Tanner that my heart broke for. The change is so subtle at first that you don't even realize it's happening until....BANG! There's a lot of angst and stress along the way and it is oh so worth it. This has been my best read so far this year!
January 3, 2017
Loved this book , it's started out so wrong , how to get your parents off your back .
Then wham bam the tide had turned and guess what , when did that happening feelings .
Things you didn't want to feel. The girl got under your skin .
Grace is a great girl quite and brain box and very under confident about herself .
Having such an hotly intreasted in you makes life a whole new thing .
Giving away your virginity no can she do that .........
The whole book was great
Then wham bam the tide had turned and guess what , when did that happening feelings .
Things you didn't want to feel. The girl got under your skin .
Grace is a great girl quite and brain box and very under confident about herself .
Having such an hotly intreasted in you makes life a whole new thing .
Giving away your virginity no can she do that .........
The whole book was great
April 17, 2015
I really loved this book!. I couldn't put it down! The characters were well-developed and the plot was so well thought out. The author really pulls you into the story. I fell in love with Grace and Tanner's story. I also loved how it was told from both points of view so I was able to get to know each of the characters on a deeper level. Fabulous read!
December 23, 2016
Okay
It was an okay book. I really dislike Tanner in the beginning but started to like him at the end. Grace is a cute dork according to Tanner and Scott. Tanner was using Grace to get money from his parents. By the way is the dumbest idea. Tanner started to fall in love with Grace.
It was an okay book. I really dislike Tanner in the beginning but started to like him at the end. Grace is a cute dork according to Tanner and Scott. Tanner was using Grace to get money from his parents. By the way is the dumbest idea. Tanner started to fall in love with Grace.
June 25, 2016
Summary
This was a pretty good read. I didn't appreciate the sex scenes or the profane language. Otherwise, it was a good read.
This was a pretty good read. I didn't appreciate the sex scenes or the profane language. Otherwise, it was a good read.
September 12, 2016
Really enjoyed this book
I really enjoyed this book, it's the first one of anne holster I've read but it won't be the last, looking forward to the next one xxx
I really enjoyed this book, it's the first one of anne holster I've read but it won't be the last, looking forward to the next one xxx
January 9, 2017
Imaginary Grace by Anne Holster is a standalone novel and is told from the dual perspective of the two main characters, Tanner and Grace. Tanner and Grace couldn't be more opposite. Grace is bookish, awkward and typically stereotyped as a dork. Tanner lives his life on the wild side and plays guitar for a local band. After getting burned by a past girlfriend, Tanner vows to never get hurt again by taking on a love 'em and leave 'em attitude. Until the band offers Tanner the opportunity to tour for the summer. Tanner's parents refuse to fund the tour due to their disapproval of his lifestyle. So Tanner decides to fool his parents into thinking he has changed his ways by passing off Grace as his girlfriend. Maybe then they will see he has changed and hand over the money he needs. Unfortunately Grace thinks Tanner's interest is genuine. Only problem with Tanner's plan is he didn't account for actually meeting his match in Grace.
I really liked this book. This was the second novel I have read from Anne Holster and I definitely think this one is her best book yet. I loved the writing. It was easy to follow the story from start to finish and I found myself hooked from the beginning. The characters were great and relatable for the reader. I have to say I thought Tanner was a huge jerk at the beginning of the story! But I loved how much both Grace and Tanner evolved with the story and how the reader was taken along on the journey with each character.
I am looking forward to more books from Anne Holster and would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves New Adult novels!
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I really liked this book. This was the second novel I have read from Anne Holster and I definitely think this one is her best book yet. I loved the writing. It was easy to follow the story from start to finish and I found myself hooked from the beginning. The characters were great and relatable for the reader. I have to say I thought Tanner was a huge jerk at the beginning of the story! But I loved how much both Grace and Tanner evolved with the story and how the reader was taken along on the journey with each character.
I am looking forward to more books from Anne Holster and would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves New Adult novels!
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
December 23, 2016
3 stars because this book is overall enjoyable and entertaining.
The start of this book is slow but it does pick up. The end was a bit drawn out for me, which I suppose makes it more realistic but I just found myself annoyed. There are a few things in the story that I could nitpick but my issues with some things may not bother another reader.
The big conflict in this story is an idea that comes to be after a night of drinking. The secondary conflict didn’t move the story one way or another for me and was a bit predictable.
Grace is naive, insecure and very much a freshman in college. I never really came to like her very much. From the synopsis alone, the reader can see that Tanner is not a great guy. In the end, I did like him but I think it was mostly because we got to read from his point of view.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
The start of this book is slow but it does pick up. The end was a bit drawn out for me, which I suppose makes it more realistic but I just found myself annoyed. There are a few things in the story that I could nitpick but my issues with some things may not bother another reader.
The big conflict in this story is an idea that comes to be after a night of drinking. The secondary conflict didn’t move the story one way or another for me and was a bit predictable.
Grace is naive, insecure and very much a freshman in college. I never really came to like her very much. From the synopsis alone, the reader can see that Tanner is not a great guy. In the end, I did like him but I think it was mostly because we got to read from his point of view.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
June 27, 2017
This story I liked but I thought it could have been better, the characters I found Grace to be very immature and Tanner I began to warm up to him as the story went on but I couldn't really see the chemistry between them and their friends got on my nerves they both seemed a bit too much and seeing as Grace had a crush on Tanner I thought she would know what kind of bad boy he was but to me it seemed like she had no idea and with Tanner it seemed to be every page that he was in bed with a girl or two when I was wanting him to interact more with Grace.
Tanner I also thought was shallow due to the way he used Grace for his own means and as he only began to really like Grace when she had a makeover and was wearing dresses, I would have liked to have seen Grace being stronger too but I did like how she was a geek having a crush on the bad boy who was also a rockstar and it did make me wonder after the ending that if Grace ever did walk out on Tanner, would he go back to his manwhore ways?
Tanner I also thought was shallow due to the way he used Grace for his own means and as he only began to really like Grace when she had a makeover and was wearing dresses, I would have liked to have seen Grace being stronger too but I did like how she was a geek having a crush on the bad boy who was also a rockstar and it did make me wonder after the ending that if Grace ever did walk out on Tanner, would he go back to his manwhore ways?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2022
This book is badddddd. It's not well written and the hero is a hugeeee cheater. The heroine is a doormat as well. Their relationship is completely toxic and the book honestly reads like the start of an abusive marriage where after 10 years the husband is a drunk that cheats a whole bunch. Literally at the end of the book, they break up because the heroine finds out the hero was cheating on her....and then not 2 weeks later he precedes to become a drunk and sleeps with "faceless women." The heroine forgives him not too long after...makes no sense.
Also there is like no smut in this book. And the only smutty part of the book is when the hero is getting a blowjob from the girl he's cheating on the heroine with...so....yeah....
Also there is like no smut in this book. And the only smutty part of the book is when the hero is getting a blowjob from the girl he's cheating on the heroine with...so....yeah....
November 27, 2017
Sorry but this is just poorly written. I found the author long winded and often large sections of book didn’t advance the plot. The characters are flat and don’t develop or change. Not good
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