The Introduction: Undying Love #1

Undying Love #1

by Isabelle Connors

Love is a gift, and not everyone is lucky enough to find it. Or maybe the lucky ones are those who never find it. This is not your average love story, this is a life story. Your teenage years aren't supposed to be complicated. But, sometimes they are. What happens when you're attracted to the new stranger in town. Do you just fall in love and live happily-ever-after? Do you follow through on your feelings, even though you know you shouldn't?

From the very first night, Arianna meets Skylar she experiences this indescribable deep connection that she's never felt before. She's terrified and excited all at the same time. She wants to act on these feelings, but she can't, no matter how much she wants to. Things are just too complicated!

Moving from a big city to a small town is never easy, especially for a teenager who had it all. So when Skylar's family has to leave New York for Gulfport Florida, he's not very happy. But maybe things aren't going to be so bad?! Skylar has never been in love before, but he thinks he just may have fallen in love with the girl who caught his eye on his very first night in his new hometown. Even though he's sure she feels the same connection, she keeps resisting because of her misplaced loyalty.

Will love conquer all? Or is that just another fabricated lie that people tell you as a child?

220 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2015

About the author

I've been an avid reader for a very long time. I used books as an escape and for a time it helped. I started to get interested in poetry. From there my love for writing grew. It started as just a hobby to help pass the time. Now, I get kind of twitchy if I don't write.

Reviews

[Indies Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet high school romance. Ari and Sky remind you of your first love. The one you hope and pray will last forever. The one you wish that life wouldn't interfere with. There story has it all from denial, to jealousy, to true love. When Sky graduates and leaves for college, Ari is left behind with the promise of forever. But is that a promise Sky can keep? I'm looking forward to the next book to find out how it turns out for Sky and Ari and all of their friends. Great job by the author.

[Kathryn Synoracki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC copy of this book from the author for an honest review! This is a great beginning to a new series! I totally enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in the series! Thank you Isabelle!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm...

The Introduction is the first in a new indie series (Undying Love). Chronicling Skylar's last year in high school, the year he moved to Florida and met Arianna and fell in love. I've said it before and I will say it again. Novellas are becoming very popular as of late. And it's something that I enjoy for the most part. A riveting story can be told in a much short book. Or maybe it's two or three books that equal the length of a full length novel.

So here we have the story of a boy and girl who fall in love at first sight. Okay, I usually don't go for that. It's not the most realistic. But I'll play along since it's the entire premise of the book.

Arianna's "misplaced sense of loyalty" was annoying at times. Her loyalty ended up only bringing pain to everyone around her. Including herself. But that is where she grows. Learning that she can indeed be happy. She deserves to be happy. Sky just wanted to be with Ari the entire time. Sure he made a few mistakes. Everyone does.

I don't want to say too much about the story, because almost anything I say will be a spoiler. So what I will say is that The Introduction is well written, fast paced, and a nice quick read. And I am very curious as to what happens in the next installment and to see some more character development from the lesser characters. If you enjoy contemporary fiction (particularly YA romance), then you should have an enjoyable time reading this book.

Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and that in no way changes my opinion of this book.

[Mehtap · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC for an honest review.

This was a cute romance book. I love reading about High School romance so this book was up in my alley. It was a light read, don't except sex scenes which is going to be a downer for some of you but maybe that was the author idea to keep us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next installment.

The characters are just as I remember my classmates from High School, I have read about other HS characters and truly they got on my nerves. This characters grow as I read the book. The romance was super sweet. The MMC was so sweet and you will love him right away. He has a romantic soul. The MFC has an issue with letting people in. She doesn't want to be loved or to love. So he struggles with her a bit. But is not all love and laughter people will try to tear them apart. Hard and difficult decisions will have to be made. He has to leave to college while she stays back to finish HS. He is a guy with a bright future in sports and girls throw themselves at him so thrust issues play a big issue in this book and will be one of the reasons I will be waiting to read the next book. Don't judge! I love drama and love triangles lol.

[Jalpa Williby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, the high school love...The author does a great job bringing the readers to those young, innocent days. I still remember those days, believing in the best of people, believing in love. And so we meet Ari and Sky.

Both are young and in love. Their feelings are strong for one another and it was refreshing to relive that innocence through this story. It's that sweet love when you believe in the concept, "love conquers all." Sky and Ari truly felt that nothing could ever break the special bond they had for one another.

This is an easy read and actually I read it in two days. It kept my attention because I was intrigued and interested where their story was going to go. I especially liked Sky and his mom's conversation. It captured my attention right away and it gave him a glimpse of seeing the world realistically versus idealistically. Between Sky and Ari, Sky is definitely the more idealistic one. Ari is the more cautious one (and realistic) even though in her heart she has strong feelings for Sky.

Now I'm curious where their story will go. I will be reading the sequels to find out!

[AC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undying Love is the first book I've read from this author and I cannot wait for the rest of the series to be released.
I'm a sucker for romance, so when I read the synopsis for this book I immediately hit the "want to read" button. So imagine my surprise when the author asked me to read her new book...I was in heaven.
I am in LOVE with Sky, he was so devoted and determine to get what he wanted… which was Ari. my thoughts of the heroine is still on the fence, she made me hate her at time and then when she finally followed her heart, I was happy....I think that’s what made it a good read because you have some much emotions for the lead characters. I want to see these two characters grow and mature in their relationship throughout this series.
I don't want to give too much away… I want you to read and enjoy it as much as I did. This book really is a MUST read. It's a quick, emotional and romantic read… what more could you ask for in a good book?
I cannot wait for Isabelle to release this book for you to enjoy as much as I did.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Why you should read The Introduction?
1) The Introduction was an absolutely adorable love story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

2) Skylar and Arianna are both such amazing characters. Skylar was just such a gentleman and when he saw Arianna for the first time he falls head over heels in love with her. Arianna certainly paid attention to Skylar too the first time she saw him and felt this crazy connection to him that she's never experienced in her life.

3)The Introduction has left me wanting to read more and I can officially say I'm addicted to this series. I absolutely can't wait for the rest of the series to come out now.

[Stephanie Lasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wholesome Read 4 Stars
This short but sweet story is the first book in the Undying Love series.
“The Introduction” is just that, a preamble of Skylar and Arianna’s relationship. The story begins when they meet in high school. Skylar a senior and Arianna a junior are head over heels in love. The book describes all the trials and tribulations they have faced during his last year in school. The big question is what’s going to happen to them when he leaves for college and Arianna is left behind?
Oh young love, is it the real deal or just a life lesson? Either way, everyone remembers their first love!
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.

[Mommaleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY loved reading this young love story! Starting out in a new town in the middle of the school year sucks, that is until Skylar sees Arianna at a party. He feels the pull to her from across the bonfire as soon as he gets there. Arianna feels the same pull but it scares her as much as it excites her, the major issue is that she's loyal to a fault & Rachel wants Skylar.... How will this high school love affair turn out, will it be a story of true love for a life time or just another high school fling?

Received an ARC for an honest review--- it is perpetually on my TBRA shelf!!! (To Be a Read Again)

[Vaidehi Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undying Love by Isabelle Connors.
This is a novella of arround 50-60 pages, comprising of story that revolves arround Sky, Ari and Rachel. Sky falls in love with Ari at first sight but the twist in story comes when Rachel gets obsessed with Sky and falls for him. A story of teenage love and infatuation. Writer has beautifully moulded friendship, love and life. Isabelle has described a teenager's feelings and emotions very beautifully in her book 'Undying Love'. I rate it 4/5. Looking forward for more from your pen Isabelle! Good Luck.

[Medavis66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good story. Accurate depiction of young love and that special connection. Well written in regards to the struggles Ari goes through being in love with someone for the first time. I understood the loyalty thing, but the strength and length of that relationship shoulve allowed the truth to come out earlier. Again, good examples of young love and friendship bonds. I hope this story continues soon, as I am anxious to continue it.

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you remember your first love? This book reminds me of my first love. I enjoyed a sweet love story and how love can be when you are so young. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Mani Khanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Introduction (Undying Love #1)
-By Isabelle Connors

First of all, Thank you Isabelle for the free review copy of this book.

Plot:

This story of Skylar and Arianna who are madly in love with each other but still are not together since Ari's sister-like-best-friend, Rachel, is in love with Sky too. To make her best friend happy, Ari takes the decision from sky's side to him get into a relationship with Rachel. But that one sided love doesn't take them too far and soon Rachel comes to know about Ari and Sky’s feelings for each other. Respecting their love, she steps aside from their love story. They turn out to be a wonderful couple but there are still some people who are jealous of them. Also Sky has got admission into an out-of-city college for further studies due to which Ari is afraid that distance might give rise to misunderstandings between and she might lose her love.
Leaving readers guessing that what will happen in the next part has created a feeling of curiosity in me too.

What will be the impact of this going-to be-long distance relationship?
Will they keep on loving each other or Ari’s fears will come true?

Sail through this cute little tale of love The Introduction (Undying Love #1) to get to the shores of the answers that will unfold in the coming two parts.

My Opinion:

Positives:
Targeting teenagers, this book is written in a simple and pleasing manner. Writing from Ari’s and Sky’s view in alternating chapters has created a wonderful impact. Detailing the desires and feelings of Teen-agers, this book has defined new definitions for friendships and love. The emotional turmoil through which Sky passes is written in a simple and innocent manner. Dialogue writing is done in a beautiful manner which helps its readers to connect with it.

Shortcomings:
Some points which according to me lack in this story is lack of descriptions. The story could have been written in a more descriptive manner and some part of literature would have added a cherry on this sweet-teenage-love-cake.


A tale of love, friendships, relationships and distance, this will take you to your High school days when innocence is at its best. Read this wonderful experience The Introduction (Undying Love #1) by Isabelle Connors.


Final Rating:
Book Cover: 3.5/5
Plot, language and Literature: 3/5
Character Justification: 3/5
Final Rating: 3.25/5

[J.S. Frankel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted with this novella by the author in exchange for an unbiased review. I gave it three-point-five stars, but rounded it up to a four-star affair.

Overall, I liked it. It’s a simple, sweet story told from two POV’s, Skyler’s (Sky) and Arianna’s (Ari) in first-person style. Skyler is a teenage boy in his last year of high school, living in Florida due to his father being transferred there for his job. Ari—fifteen—is the girl he meets at a party. He falls for her, instantly. She likes him, but is dating someone else. Sky dates Rachel, Ari’s best friend, and when Rachel finds out she steps aside to let true love bloom.

So far so good, but there is that pesky out-of-state scholarship thing Skyler has to contend with, and will time and distance separate him from Ari? You’ll have to tune in for book two in the series.

Okay, here’s what I liked. The emotional characters of Sky and Ari were quite well-defined, their inner thoughts clearly articulated, and the story was cute. It was a little soap opera-ish at times, but that’s how young love is. The dialogue was generally well done, particularly from Ari’s POV, and the story moved along at a decent pace, not too fast or slow. I liked the alternating chapters told from the two MC’s points of view and that improved the book as a whole.

Minor drawbacks…one, the characters could have been described better, particularly Sky. If the author was going for an every-guy kind of deal, I can see it, but we know very little about what he looks like and the descriptions of others are cursory at best or not at all. This is something the author should address in the next installment.

Ari has a “misplaced sense of loyalty”, but it ends up hurting others and she doesn’t seem to recognize it at times. I suppose that teenagers do…and she is young…so mistakes are expected.

I’m also wondering if a character like Rachel would really do the noble thing and simply step aside. Most relationships aren’t an insta-love kind of deal, but as a teenager hormones rule, so there it is once again. That’s the premise of this novella, and to the author’s credit, she brings it off with style.

Should a second novella come out, I would like to see more character development from the supporting cast. I think Ms. Connor is a talented writer and will help her characters to find their destiny in the next installment.

[Musings of A Romance Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by author Isabelle Connors, and I liked it! Anyone who knows me knows that I love my teen/young adult angst-y, tear-jerking love stories, and this one ranks up there.

Skylar is a high school senior who's just begrudgingly moved to Florida (when his father gets a promotion) with his parents. It's a totally different vibe than his life as a New Yorker, but Sky makes friends rather quickly. Upon his first social outing, he sees this beautiful girl named Arianna, or Ari, and it's a wrap-love at first sight, there's no other girl for him...Ari takes one look at Sky and she's hit by the arrow too.

Sky and Ari get off to a very rocky start because her BFF Rachel is also feeling Sky and wants him for herself, but Sky ain't feeling her like that cause Ari is the ONLY girl for him. Also, there's Colin, who's been in love with Ari since they were practically babies, and he ain't giving up without a fight either. Cue the music...

Once Sky and Ari solidify their feelings for one another and declare their everlasting love, they are faced with the challenge of Sky going away to college and attempting to maintain a long-distance relationship (Ari is a year younger, by the way). Sky is determined to make the relationship work, while Ari has serious reservations, believing they'd be better off ending things before they get too deep, while she's got that dick Colin in her ear plotting and scheming to have her for himself.

This is book 1 in the series a very good one at that. Don't expect a bunch of horny teenagers feeling, and groping and screwing like rabbits. It's a little deeper than that. This is a story about two young people who fall hard and fast and let's those feelings consume them to the point of no return. I was like whoa... The only thing that bothered me somewhat was Sky's emotional manipulation of Ari at times, but I get it. When you feel so strongly and passionately about someone, the heart overrules the head, and everything else is secondary. Can't wait to read book 2. Click it up!

[Kari (BookandCoffeeLover) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What I had hoped was an epic soul-mate type love turned out to be more of an obsessive I won't let you go love. The characters were well written and realistic, but I found it challenging to empathize with them and their problems. Still, this is a contemporary romance that will likely appeal to young adults going through the motions of first love.

[AmiNickris · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far so good

I am going to reserve judgement until I finish the series but so far I am enjoying the story of Sri and sky.my only knock is the dialogue is getting pretty thin.the constant " I love you'a" are getting to b too much.other than that I am intrigue and moving on to the next book with anticipation.

[Isabelle Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know... I have no shame! But I loved ... I wrote it. Lol

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last thing Skylar wanted was to be uprooted from his home so suddenly, but it turns out that it was the best thing that could've happened to him because otherwise he wouldn't have met...her. Ari doesn't know how or why she's feeling a certain connection with the stranger she just met.


Written in he said/she said fashion, Undying Love draws a juvenile rendition of everlasting love, as if there is such a thing. I mean, we have these two kids taking one look at each other, suddenly knowing what love is and believing that this will last forever. I guess you could call this a condensed version of a Romeo and Juliet story with each intense look and every touch having some special meaning, not to mention all the dramatic theatrics of "why can't I be with you?" Oh brother.


Most of the book centers on the two battling to get close to each other while surrounded by teenage puffery. Loneliness, pain, joy, jealousy, betrayal, --you're basically reading the diaries of these two characters. It’s Shakespeare in Love.


Overall, this is quick and easy, sweet at times but a little banal.

[Madi ~☆TheBookNerdDiaries☆~]

I received this book from the author through my blog.

The writing style combined with the addition of teens wanting to or whining about not having sex just didn't work for me. It's frustrating that this is how teens do probably act these days and it's accurate. The storyline just didn't catch me like I was hoping it would and at times seemed like the generic "I want but can't have" storyline was present. I just didn't connect with this book from the start and the Want/can't have storyline reminded me of another book I read recently called Accidental Butterfly and in that book that storyline threw me off for a little and I didn't enjoy it as much as I had wanted to.