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That Thing Between Eli & Gwen
**A multicultural new adult romance from bestselling author, J.J. McAvoy**
Eli thinks he’s found the perfect woman to be his wife. She’s a doctor, like he is. She’s brilliant, like he is. And she’s wealthy, like he is.
Gwen thinks her fiancé is the perfect man. He’s handsome, successful and he was her first…
But when Eli’s bride runs off with Gwen’s fiancée on his wedding day, they are left to pick up the broken pieces of each other...
Eli thinks he’s found the perfect woman to be his wife. She’s a doctor, like he is. She’s brilliant, like he is. And she’s wealthy, like he is.
Gwen thinks her fiancé is the perfect man. He’s handsome, successful and he was her first…
But when Eli’s bride runs off with Gwen’s fiancée on his wedding day, they are left to pick up the broken pieces of each other...
278 pages, ebook
First published April 21, 2016
114 people are currently reading
4539 people want to read
About the author
J.J. McAvoy
35 books5,707 followersI’m a twenty-year-old something born in Montreal, Canada but currently living in Virginia for school. I would tell you want my major is however after two years I still have no idea what I’m doing.
So I’m a writer (duh that’s how you found me), movie enthusiast, and self-proclaimed chef. I love music even though I can’t sing or dance to save my life. (That doesn’t necessarily stop me but you’ve been warned.)
I started Ruthless People the summer of 2013 in hopes of giving myself a new type of love and crime drama. I never knew so many people thought like me! I feel truly blessed to have fans like you all! Writing is my true love and having you all enjoy my words is a dream come true.
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So I’m a writer (duh that’s how you found me), movie enthusiast, and self-proclaimed chef. I love music even though I can’t sing or dance to save my life. (That doesn’t necessarily stop me but you’ve been warned.)
I started Ruthless People the summer of 2013 in hopes of giving myself a new type of love and crime drama. I never knew so many people thought like me! I feel truly blessed to have fans like you all! Writing is my true love and having you all enjoy my words is a dream come true.
I'm on
Tumblr
and
Youtube
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 751 reviews
July 9, 2020
4.5 stars!
J.J. McAvoy did something in That Thing Between Eli & Gwen that I absolutely love. For me, there is nothing better than characters who start as frenemies and then fall for one another. I love the banter these two characters have. This Con-Artist and Dr. Asshole were good for a lot of laughs, steamy moments and in the end, a heartfelt romance. This book was a total win for me!
Gwen and Eli have something in common. Both of their fiancé’s ran off with each other. On Eli’s wedding day. After this happens, both of them deal with the heartbreak a little differently. Eli throws himself into work, determined to get over Hannah and forget about love period. Gwen is less of a workaholic and more of a free spirit. She has her art and she knows eventually she will have someone again.
You would think with the common ground Eli and Gwen have, the two of them getting along would be a sure thing. You would be wrong. They are opposite and at times, can’t stand each other. I loved their back and forth banter. I loved their quirky friendship. And even more, I loved watching that friendship develop into something more.
As characters go, Gwen is probably my favorite that JJ has written. I loved her attitude, how she embraced who she was and what she believed in. She changed for no one. Eli was great, too. He was a bit of a jerk at first, but he really grew on me as the story went on. He and Gwen together had an insane amount of chemistry. You could just feel it building and building throughout the story. Once he brought out his softer side, I fell for him, too.
This story was not only fun and fresh, it was also sweet and romantic. I love a story that can make me fall in love, laugh and feel. That Thing About Eli & Gwen is 100% a stand-alone, but I hope that JJ decides to write a book about Eli’s brother, Logan. I adored him! This story is well written, sexy, full of laughs and hit all the right enemies to friends to lovers buttons. Not to mention, the ending was wonderful and the epilogue was perfection!
J.J. McAvoy did something in That Thing Between Eli & Gwen that I absolutely love. For me, there is nothing better than characters who start as frenemies and then fall for one another. I love the banter these two characters have. This Con-Artist and Dr. Asshole were good for a lot of laughs, steamy moments and in the end, a heartfelt romance. This book was a total win for me!
Gwen and Eli have something in common. Both of their fiancé’s ran off with each other. On Eli’s wedding day. After this happens, both of them deal with the heartbreak a little differently. Eli throws himself into work, determined to get over Hannah and forget about love period. Gwen is less of a workaholic and more of a free spirit. She has her art and she knows eventually she will have someone again.
“People are sometimes unlucky in love, but I’d rather be unlucky a dozen more times than close myself off and never have the chance to have that with someone.”
You would think with the common ground Eli and Gwen have, the two of them getting along would be a sure thing. You would be wrong. They are opposite and at times, can’t stand each other. I loved their back and forth banter. I loved their quirky friendship. And even more, I loved watching that friendship develop into something more.
“I don’t know what it is. I don’t know how I got here. One moment you were just another woman who got hurt too, and them you were Guinevere. Funny, weird, talented, beautiful Guinevere… I don’t know how it happened, all I know is that I’m thinking about you, and not just like a friend.”
As characters go, Gwen is probably my favorite that JJ has written. I loved her attitude, how she embraced who she was and what she believed in. She changed for no one. Eli was great, too. He was a bit of a jerk at first, but he really grew on me as the story went on. He and Gwen together had an insane amount of chemistry. You could just feel it building and building throughout the story. Once he brought out his softer side, I fell for him, too.
“You are beautiful. You… Guinevere Aurora Poe, are the most beautiful woman in the world to me. Let me say it. You should hear it.”
This story was not only fun and fresh, it was also sweet and romantic. I love a story that can make me fall in love, laugh and feel. That Thing About Eli & Gwen is 100% a stand-alone, but I hope that JJ decides to write a book about Eli’s brother, Logan. I adored him! This story is well written, sexy, full of laughs and hit all the right enemies to friends to lovers buttons. Not to mention, the ending was wonderful and the epilogue was perfection!
March 20, 2018
★★★★ 1/2! That thing between Eli & Gwen (stand-alone). Opposite attracts when eligible surgeon & free-spirited artist are left at the altar!
Eli & Gwen would be perfect together if only they could see it themselves.
Brought together when they both find themselves literally left at the altar. They find common grounds in reeling from the deception, but they are polar opposites in personality and outlook.
Neurosurgeon Eli Davenport aka Dr. Asshole likes order and control while artist Guinevere Poe, Gwen aka Con artist is a free spirit.
An unlikely friendship with benefits is forged. Story goes on to follow them with off-the-charts contemptuous sexual tension as they push each other’s buttons and discovers each other’s secrets while gradually slipping up by liking each other.
Eli & Gwen are perfect together if only so much wouldn’t stand in their way…
Seven words to describe Eli Phillip Davenport aka Dr. Asshole: Hard-headed, privileged, smart, caring, enigmatic, private and obtuse.
Seven words to describe Guinevere Aurora Poe, Gwen aka Con artist: Independent, stubborn, smart, caring creative, honest and non-committal.
That thing between Eli & Gwen (stand-alone), told from dual POVs, offers a great blend of opposites attract with derisive sex, brewing romance, angst and hilarious bantering. After set-backs and angst it ends on a high, with peace and understanding.
Effortless story-telling! Memorable hero! Endearing plot!
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
*********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
BETA copy provided to me by author J.J. McAvoy in exchange for honest feedback & review.
July 30, 2018
J.J. McAvoy is at the top of my one-click list and this book is one of her best.
**Spoiler**
Imagine attending a wedding with your fiance; then imagine running after him as he runs away with the bride. Funny? As if. Humiliating? Heck yeah. That's exactly what happened to Gwen.
And, out of the ashes of the non-wedding, the story of Eli (the jilted groom) and Gwen was born. I adore this book.
March 1, 2016
4.5 Pixie Dust STARS
"And down by the brimming river
I heard a lover sing
Under an arch of the railway:
‘Love has no ending.
‘I’ll love you, dear, I’ll love you
Till China and Africa meet,
And the river jumps over the mountain
And the salmon sing in the street,
‘I’ll love you till the ocean
Is folded and hung up to dry
And the seven stars go squawking
Like geese about the sky." ~ W.H. Auden
There's many things I like about JJ McAvoy and one of those is her originality. You never get the same thing twice. I simply loved this!
I loved the plot, the characters, the slow build, the love-hate, the banter, Dr. Asshole, Gwen and the last line of the book *sigh* perfect!!!
This was like When Harry Met Sally mixed in with a bit of Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Seriously, I could name any number or combination of similarly great movies that just make you laugh, cry and squeee with the romance, the feels and the friendship and you'd get my drift. This book was golden!
Right from the get go, the story grabbed me. It had my stomach dropping into my knees and my heart aching from the surprise that sets the tone for the story of Gwen and Eli.
And these two...Gwen was funny, quirky, a free spirit and so likable. Eli was her opposite in so many ways with his “life plan” and disdain for disorder but with Gwen, he just clicked. Was a different person.
And their banter and the blossoming friendship...
“How is it possible to both compliment me and insult me at the same time?”
And Gwen's moniker for Eli says it all: "Dr. Asshole,Boyfriend, sexy Pussy Fucker, Eli!!" Love that girl! And Eli was adorable even when I wanted to wring his neck!
"You win."
"What?"
"This date. It's officially the best one of my whole life. You win. I admit that you, Eli Phillip Davenport, are remarkable."
There's one part towards the last third of the book that some might not like at all and I'll admit, I felt icky about it. But, for me, it worked because this story reminds you that life’s messy, people can be shitty and cut others to the core but above all else, love is wonderfully complicated.
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
"And down by the brimming river
I heard a lover sing
Under an arch of the railway:
‘Love has no ending.
‘I’ll love you, dear, I’ll love you
Till China and Africa meet,
And the river jumps over the mountain
And the salmon sing in the street,
‘I’ll love you till the ocean
Is folded and hung up to dry
And the seven stars go squawking
Like geese about the sky." ~ W.H. Auden
There's many things I like about JJ McAvoy and one of those is her originality. You never get the same thing twice. I simply loved this!
I loved the plot, the characters, the slow build, the love-hate, the banter, Dr. Asshole, Gwen and the last line of the book *sigh* perfect!!!
This was like When Harry Met Sally mixed in with a bit of Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Seriously, I could name any number or combination of similarly great movies that just make you laugh, cry and squeee with the romance, the feels and the friendship and you'd get my drift. This book was golden!
Right from the get go, the story grabbed me. It had my stomach dropping into my knees and my heart aching from the surprise that sets the tone for the story of Gwen and Eli.
And these two...Gwen was funny, quirky, a free spirit and so likable. Eli was her opposite in so many ways with his “life plan” and disdain for disorder but with Gwen, he just clicked. Was a different person.
And their banter and the blossoming friendship...
“How is it possible to both compliment me and insult me at the same time?”
And Gwen's moniker for Eli says it all: "Dr. Asshole,Boyfriend, sexy Pussy Fucker, Eli!!" Love that girl! And Eli was adorable even when I wanted to wring his neck!
"You win."
"What?"
"This date. It's officially the best one of my whole life. You win. I admit that you, Eli Phillip Davenport, are remarkable."
There's one part towards the last third of the book that some might not like at all and I'll admit, I felt icky about it. But, for me, it worked because this story reminds you that life’s messy, people can be shitty and cut others to the core but above all else, love is wonderfully complicated.
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
February 13, 2016
5.5 "Catching fireflies" Stars!
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I believe most of you know that J. J. McAvoy is one of my favorite authors. Well, I was extremely excited and happy when she send me an advanced copy of her new stand-alone novel called That Thing Between Eli & Gwen. So first I want to thank her for giving me the chance to read this fantastic book before its publication because, again, she did an amazing job with this one!
So, That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is, as I said, a stand-alone novel and it tells the story -obviously- of Eli Davenport and Guinevere 'Gwen' Poe: two people successful people that are getting married to their supposed beloved ones and at the end, they find themselves alone after Eli's bride runs away with Gwen's fiancé and they are left to pick up what is left of each other.
The scary thing about reality is all of our monsters are humans… humans who have the ability to make you drink with people you don’t know.
This novel is a little bit different from what McAvoy is known for (darker books). This is a romantic comedy, but still amazing with J. J.'s style. It was such a breath of fresh air for me but still I enjoyed it a lot because it has aspects that are the same in this author's books (some drama, twists and unexpected things). I cannot say it enough times: I freaking love J. J. McAvoy's writing style and her kick-ass characters!
“You want me to see you as sexy?” She looked confused.
“If everyone woman within my presence does not find me worth drooling over, I’ve failed as a man.”
She pretended to gag.
“Cute,” I replied.
And talking about characters, Eli and Gwen are such fabulous and complex characters! Gwen is a very famous artist, a woman who is not afraid to stand by her opinions and a romance book nerd who, on the inside, only wants to find her soulmate. Eli is a very successful doctor who decided to follow his father's footsteps, son of the chairwoman, a wealthy full-of-himself asshole (only at the beginning!) and after you get to know him: a hurt man who finds himself when he starts falling in love with his Guinevere.
“I don’t think about her. I think about you, just you. That’s why I’m here. Can’t you tell? I grow more attracted to you with each passing second. Catch up.”
“How are you doing it?” she whispered, her eyes dropping to my lips. “Why am I all of a sudden thinking about you like this?”
These two, OH MY GOD these two! I loved them together since the first page to the last one. First they have this back and forth that is so freaking funny, then they start being friends and well.. when they start being attracted to each other it gets even better! It was a great journey because they start as hurt people who don't want to like each other, then to friends and finally to lovers. Gwen and Eli have off-the-charts chemistry, inside and outside the bedroom ;) I just love McAvoy's characters so much! They are so strong-minded, original and still so sweet and hot together as a couple.
She bit her finger, looking at me with a large smile on her face.
“What?”
“Don’t mind me, I’m just watching your hotness level rise.”
I snickered. “What level was I on before?”
“Does it matter now that you’ve broken the scale?”
“The one thing I love about us, Guinevere, is that we talk, we laugh, we tease each other, we laugh more, and we drink. Before being my girlfriend, you were my friend; I love that.”
They have such wonderful moments: the debate, the fundraiser, the first date (the W.H. Auden poem.. loved it!), the sex scenes (holy moly!!! always so hot!), and obviously the drama and twists.. I was definitely not expecting that! As I said, still J. J's style! It was so dramatic but so beautiful, so so soooooooo romantic! I loved every single word. And I loved the ending and that fantabulous epilogue!!
I knew the moment his lips were on mine… it had to be fate.
It had to be him.
I loved her more than I loved myself.
Therefore, I am so happy to rate That Thing Between Eli & Gwen with 5.5 STARS because, as I said, this is still J. J. McAvoy at her best but definitely in a different environment! It was great! So funny, romantic and emotional! I did not rate this one with my especial 6 stars because I am a needy bookworm and I wanted even more of these two at the end! lol So, obviously, if you have read anything by this author or you want to try and see a different but still amazing work by her, this is definitely a very good choice! I highly highly recommend this :)
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I believe most of you know that J. J. McAvoy is one of my favorite authors. Well, I was extremely excited and happy when she send me an advanced copy of her new stand-alone novel called That Thing Between Eli & Gwen. So first I want to thank her for giving me the chance to read this fantastic book before its publication because, again, she did an amazing job with this one!
So, That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is, as I said, a stand-alone novel and it tells the story -obviously- of Eli Davenport and Guinevere 'Gwen' Poe: two people successful people that are getting married to their supposed beloved ones and at the end, they find themselves alone after Eli's bride runs away with Gwen's fiancé and they are left to pick up what is left of each other.
The scary thing about reality is all of our monsters are humans… humans who have the ability to make you drink with people you don’t know.
This novel is a little bit different from what McAvoy is known for (darker books). This is a romantic comedy, but still amazing with J. J.'s style. It was such a breath of fresh air for me but still I enjoyed it a lot because it has aspects that are the same in this author's books (some drama, twists and unexpected things). I cannot say it enough times: I freaking love J. J. McAvoy's writing style and her kick-ass characters!
“You want me to see you as sexy?” She looked confused.
“If everyone woman within my presence does not find me worth drooling over, I’ve failed as a man.”
She pretended to gag.
“Cute,” I replied.
And talking about characters, Eli and Gwen are such fabulous and complex characters! Gwen is a very famous artist, a woman who is not afraid to stand by her opinions and a romance book nerd who, on the inside, only wants to find her soulmate. Eli is a very successful doctor who decided to follow his father's footsteps, son of the chairwoman, a wealthy full-of-himself asshole (only at the beginning!) and after you get to know him: a hurt man who finds himself when he starts falling in love with his Guinevere.
“I don’t think about her. I think about you, just you. That’s why I’m here. Can’t you tell? I grow more attracted to you with each passing second. Catch up.”
“How are you doing it?” she whispered, her eyes dropping to my lips. “Why am I all of a sudden thinking about you like this?”
These two, OH MY GOD these two! I loved them together since the first page to the last one. First they have this back and forth that is so freaking funny, then they start being friends and well.. when they start being attracted to each other it gets even better! It was a great journey because they start as hurt people who don't want to like each other, then to friends and finally to lovers. Gwen and Eli have off-the-charts chemistry, inside and outside the bedroom ;) I just love McAvoy's characters so much! They are so strong-minded, original and still so sweet and hot together as a couple.
She bit her finger, looking at me with a large smile on her face.
“What?”
“Don’t mind me, I’m just watching your hotness level rise.”
I snickered. “What level was I on before?”
“Does it matter now that you’ve broken the scale?”
“The one thing I love about us, Guinevere, is that we talk, we laugh, we tease each other, we laugh more, and we drink. Before being my girlfriend, you were my friend; I love that.”
They have such wonderful moments: the debate, the fundraiser, the first date (the W.H. Auden poem.. loved it!), the sex scenes (holy moly!!! always so hot!), and obviously the drama and twists.. I was definitely not expecting that! As I said, still J. J's style! It was so dramatic but so beautiful, so so soooooooo romantic! I loved every single word. And I loved the ending and that fantabulous epilogue!!
I knew the moment his lips were on mine… it had to be fate.
It had to be him.
I loved her more than I loved myself.
Therefore, I am so happy to rate That Thing Between Eli & Gwen with 5.5 STARS because, as I said, this is still J. J. McAvoy at her best but definitely in a different environment! It was great! So funny, romantic and emotional! I did not rate this one with my especial 6 stars because I am a needy bookworm and I wanted even more of these two at the end! lol So, obviously, if you have read anything by this author or you want to try and see a different but still amazing work by her, this is definitely a very good choice! I highly highly recommend this :)
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
December 19, 2019
So even though I’m rating it 4 stars, I still fuckin loved this story. Hindsight is 20/20 and I wish the ending and resolution were expanded upon but other than that, it was a near-perfect read for me.
———————
Is this going to be my first 5-star read of 2019?
I think so.
To deny giving this book all the stars, would be to deny my feelings.
And what I’m feeling right now is pure fuckin joy and elation because of this book.
J.J. McAvoy, you’ve ruined me.
——————————————-
Buddy-reading with one of my most favourite people ever! it’s about time we did this again! ❤️
Ready to start swooning!
———————
Is this going to be my first 5-star read of 2019?
I think so.
To deny giving this book all the stars, would be to deny my feelings.
And what I’m feeling right now is pure fuckin joy and elation because of this book.
J.J. McAvoy, you’ve ruined me.
——————————————-
Buddy-reading with one of my most favourite people ever! it’s about time we did this again! ❤️
Ready to start swooning!
February 11, 2016
You may not know this but I rated this book before I even read it...and that's not something I ususally do...
Why?
Well because I've said it once before and I stand by my statement: The day that J.J. McAvoy releases a book I don't love prepare for the end of the world because it's coming!
So I just knew I was going to love Eli and Gwen...and boy did I love them because theirs was the perfect story of how...
To say they meet under horrible circumstances is an understatement...because what would you call the day that you future husband stops a weeding and runs away with the bride (0r better said future bride) and you help the other poor shmuck get his revenge by letting him know where his (ex)fiancé ran off too?
Well Gwen didn't know what to call it so she did the best she could to move on...only to end up living next door to Eli...also know as the other poor shmuck :P
Eli's reaction to that?
And that's how their relationship (if you can even call it that at the begging) started.
They went from not being able to stand each other...
...to keeping each other company...
...and finally they end up as friend...
This is J.J. McAvoy where talking about so the book can't end without some scorching hot sex...
...an unexpected secret coming out...
...and of course a HEA :D
Can't wait to see for yourself?
Well they you can preorder the book using the link below :D
That Thing Between Eli and Gwen- Amazon
Why?
Well because I've said it once before and I stand by my statement: The day that J.J. McAvoy releases a book I don't love prepare for the end of the world because it's coming!
So I just knew I was going to love Eli and Gwen...and boy did I love them because theirs was the perfect story of how...
To say they meet under horrible circumstances is an understatement...because what would you call the day that you future husband stops a weeding and runs away with the bride (0r better said future bride) and you help the other poor shmuck get his revenge by letting him know where his (ex)fiancé ran off too?
Well Gwen didn't know what to call it so she did the best she could to move on...only to end up living next door to Eli...also know as the other poor shmuck :P
Eli's reaction to that?
And that's how their relationship (if you can even call it that at the begging) started.
They went from not being able to stand each other...
...to keeping each other company...
...and finally they end up as friend...
This is J.J. McAvoy where talking about so the book can't end without some scorching hot sex...
...an unexpected secret coming out...
...and of course a HEA :D
Can't wait to see for yourself?
Well they you can preorder the book using the link below :D
That Thing Between Eli and Gwen- Amazon
February 22, 2016
I was so completely intrigued by this concept when I first heard about it. There are so many stories that explore this situation, but I have never read one from this angle. See Eli and Gwen met on Eli’s wedding day, what should have been one of the happiness days of his life turned out to be the worst.
Eli and Gwen are thrown into each other’s lives when Eli’s fiancé leaves him for Gwen’s boyfriend. Like I said I love this concept of exploring what happens to the jilted lovers. I love how JJ weaved a heartfelt story about growing, forgiveness and moving on from the things you cannot control.
If you are familiar with JJ’s works you know this isn’t going to be a cut and dry story about a boy meeting a girl and falling in love. No, That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is such an emotional journey and made me completely feel for everyone. I love how there was this love hate thing going on and how their relationship wasn’t easy. Their connection felt more real and I loved how things developed.
I definitely recommend this one, JJ is one of my favorite authors because she is always unique and thinks outside the box. I definitely recommend That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is a very special story and will make you feel!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
Eli and Gwen are thrown into each other’s lives when Eli’s fiancé leaves him for Gwen’s boyfriend. Like I said I love this concept of exploring what happens to the jilted lovers. I love how JJ weaved a heartfelt story about growing, forgiveness and moving on from the things you cannot control.
If you are familiar with JJ’s works you know this isn’t going to be a cut and dry story about a boy meeting a girl and falling in love. No, That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is such an emotional journey and made me completely feel for everyone. I love how there was this love hate thing going on and how their relationship wasn’t easy. Their connection felt more real and I loved how things developed.
"He didn’t just take my breath away, he was the air in my lungs and I had no words."
I definitely recommend this one, JJ is one of my favorite authors because she is always unique and thinks outside the box. I definitely recommend That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is a very special story and will make you feel!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.
September 7, 2018
Review in a bullet-point format:
- Okay, wow, this was heaps of awful and terrible.
- Dialogue that was either ridiculously sappy monologue or laughably bad dirty talk.
- Unnecessary drama that was blown out of proportion for the sake of extending the plot!!!
- Pet names that made me cringe so hard I'm fairly certain I started an earthquake somewhere (i.e. Dr. Asshole, Boyfriend, Sexy Pussy Fucker).
- Honestly, how in the world can anyone fall in love with someone who not only said that dating you is pitiful but also said:
- At one point, Gwen literally told Eli that she does not want to share him with his daughter. How is that okay?
- A TRANS CHARACTER'S SUICIDE WAS USED AS A MERE PLOT DEVICE!!! And being a transperson was likened to wanting to pursue a career in music. Oh my fucking god. (See spoiler to read the actual passage.)
- TL;DR: Gwen and Eli are both horrible, horrible people that bring out the toxic in each other.
- Not much of a romance; this was very lust-driven and sex-centered.
- Plenty of badly written sex scenes.
- Ultimately unsatisfying, especially that god-awful epilogue.
- I won't ever recommend this literary garbage to anyone.
Content/Trigger warnings:
Infidelity and affair; suicide of a trans character; possible misgendering; transphobia; sex; surprise pregnancy.
Quick disclosure: I received a digital ARC of That Thing Between Eli & Gwen from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 1 star
* Find more of my bookish shenanigans in my natural habitat!
- Okay, wow, this was heaps of awful and terrible.
- Dialogue that was either ridiculously sappy monologue or laughably bad dirty talk.
- Unnecessary drama that was blown out of proportion for the sake of extending the plot!!!
- Pet names that made me cringe so hard I'm fairly certain I started an earthquake somewhere (i.e. Dr. Asshole, Boyfriend, Sexy Pussy Fucker).
"So do you mind, Dr. Asshole, Boyfriend, Sexy Pussy Fucker, Eli?" She smiled so wide I couldn't help but smile back.
- Honestly, how in the world can anyone fall in love with someone who not only said that dating you is pitiful but also said:
"Yes! Especially compared to who I actually was dating! Not only was she beautiful and classy, but also extremely intelligent. How do you compare to that?"
- At one point, Gwen literally told Eli that she does not want to share him with his daughter. How is that okay?
"I can see it so clearly, me not seeing you because of work and then when I do you have to be with your daughter. Besides, I still have things I want to do with my career too... I'm selfish, Eli. I don't like that I am, but I don't want to share you with Hannah or your daughter or anyone. I feel like they are standing between us, like they are the thing between us... "
- A TRANS CHARACTER'S SUICIDE WAS USED AS A MERE PLOT DEVICE!!! And being a transperson was likened to wanting to pursue a career in music. Oh my fucking god. (See spoiler to read the actual passage.)
- TL;DR: Gwen and Eli are both horrible, horrible people that bring out the toxic in each other.
- Not much of a romance; this was very lust-driven and sex-centered.
- Plenty of badly written sex scenes.
- Ultimately unsatisfying, especially that god-awful epilogue.
- I won't ever recommend this literary garbage to anyone.
Content/Trigger warnings:
Infidelity and affair; suicide of a trans character; possible misgendering; transphobia; sex; surprise pregnancy.
Quick disclosure: I received a digital ARC of That Thing Between Eli & Gwen from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 1 star
* Find more of my bookish shenanigans in my natural habitat!
February 24, 2016
4.5 “Love In The Most Unlikely Place” Stars
That Thing between Eli and Gwen is a sweet, loving, terrific contemporary romance. A bride and a guest run off leaving the groom at the altar and his fiancé in her seat. Of course, this is a wonderful set up for the ex groom, Dr. Eli Davenport, and the ex fiancée, Guinevere Poe, to meet and form a friendship of sort.
This is a book with great dialogue and great banter between 2 characters who are very opposite. Of course they don't start out as friends but really they are alliances as they both understand what the other is feeling. But through time and sarcastic banter, these two find a way into each other's heart. It's not easy as they both have baggage of being left for others. But their story is a wonderful journey of discovering love when you least expected it.
About the ending
I will say I did loved the epilogue and it brought it all home. This story made me smile, made me laugh, and it just made me happy. It had the right amount of angst, mixed with right amount of sassy banter and perfect amount of sexiness. Like I said in the beginning, if you love a great contemporary romance, Eli and Gwen will fit the bill!!!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
That Thing between Eli and Gwen is a sweet, loving, terrific contemporary romance. A bride and a guest run off leaving the groom at the altar and his fiancé in her seat. Of course, this is a wonderful set up for the ex groom, Dr. Eli Davenport, and the ex fiancée, Guinevere Poe, to meet and form a friendship of sort.
This is a book with great dialogue and great banter between 2 characters who are very opposite. Of course they don't start out as friends but really they are alliances as they both understand what the other is feeling. But through time and sarcastic banter, these two find a way into each other's heart. It's not easy as they both have baggage of being left for others. But their story is a wonderful journey of discovering love when you least expected it.
About the ending
I will say I did loved the epilogue and it brought it all home. This story made me smile, made me laugh, and it just made me happy. It had the right amount of angst, mixed with right amount of sassy banter and perfect amount of sexiness. Like I said in the beginning, if you love a great contemporary romance, Eli and Gwen will fit the bill!!!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
March 20, 2016
★★★★4 Stars★★★★
The story revolves around Eli and Gwen, who unfortunately didn't meet under the best conditions!!
Gwen's fiance leaves with Eli's bride!!!!
I mean can you imagine that happening to you. This would be me:
Anyway, let's go back to the book!
“My name is Eli Davenport, I’m 6’1 and a half, 184 pounds, age 31 as of two days ago, born on June 23rd. I’m also a neurosurgeon at New York Presbyterian. I have a younger brother who introduced my fiancée to her lover, and she ran off with him on our wedding day. Nice to meet you.”
“Guinevere Poe, 5’9 exactly, my weight is not your concern, age 24 since February 13th. I’m also a painter and photographer. My fiancé took me as his date to a wedding only to run off with the bride, leaving me with no way of getting home. Nice to meet you, Eli.”
What I liked about the story was how they went from disliking to loving each other. I just love reading those kind of stories,you know you are in for a fun ride with some awesome banter and scorching hot sexual tension.
And damn was Dr Eli Davenport good. I admit, I didn't like him at first but as the story progresses you cannot not like him!
Gwen did find the perfect way to describe him : DR Asshole,Boyfriend, sexy Pussy Fucker, Eli!!
Don't you just love that name
So why not 5 stars, well there was a little drama at the end that for me the story could have done without! But I'm sure it won't bother other people.
So yes That Thing Between Eli & Gwen was a great read and you should definitely try it !
Thanks Denise for reading this one with me !
ღ Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ღ
April 25, 2016
That Thing Between Eli & Gwen was an entertaining, quick read - filled with great banter and nice amount of romance and steam. Eli is left at the alter when his wife-to-be takes off down the aisle with Gwen's fiancé. Needless to say Eli and Gwen's relationship gets off to an unconventional start and an unlikely friendship begins.
Frenemies who ultimately fall for one another, this story was filled with laughs and love. I really enjoyed it.
*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 21, 2016
★★★LIVE ALERT★★★
AMAZON LINK
★★★BETA READ★★★...full review to come!
J.J. you are amazing woman, I LOVED LOVED this book and cannot wait to re read it again.
This book I can honestly say is one of those standalone that you could read over and over and never get sick of it. Just loved it!! ❤❤❤
Big thank you to JJ for the opportunity and privilege of reading this amazing EPIC read. I cannot wait for everyone to meet these characters Eli and Gwen will stay with you, I promise you that! Haha
"BETA COPY provided to me by J.J. in exchange for an honest feedback and review"
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
AMAZON LINK
★★★BETA READ★★★...full review to come!
J.J. you are amazing woman, I LOVED LOVED this book and cannot wait to re read it again.
This book I can honestly say is one of those standalone that you could read over and over and never get sick of it. Just loved it!! ❤❤❤
Big thank you to JJ for the opportunity and privilege of reading this amazing EPIC read. I cannot wait for everyone to meet these characters Eli and Gwen will stay with you, I promise you that! Haha
"BETA COPY provided to me by J.J. in exchange for an honest feedback and review"
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 7, 2017
4.5 Love me enough stars
The Thing Between Eli and Gwen is a beautiful love story, of two broken souls piecing their life back together. It's unconventional, but it's real, the jabs they take at each other helps them move on and distracts them from their ex-shituations.
They love to hate each other, but they have one thing they have in common, their stronger hate for their exes. Sexual tension and sassy, assholic jabs are just the beginning of an all out love affair.
I so very much enjoyed this read, J.J. McAvoy has been a favorite of mine from the beginning, her writing is effortless as she sucks you into her world and invites you in to live each moment with her characters. She has the ability to deliver the seriousness of the situation, but lighten it up with a line or two, and it all just flows from page to page. This story is unique, which makes it memorable in my eyes, you have two strong leads who have been burned in ways no one should and the only one who can understand is each other... no matter how much they wish it not to be. Like magnets they are drawn together and like-so, me to the story. Loved this tale, that took me on a emotional roller coaster of a ride. Hope you give it a chance, especially my New Adult Romance friends!
Copy kindly provided by INscribe Digital, via NetGalley, for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book I received and may differ from published edition.
***Reviewed on March 2017***
We weren’t ending…we had only just gotten started.
The Thing Between Eli and Gwen is a beautiful love story, of two broken souls piecing their life back together. It's unconventional, but it's real, the jabs they take at each other helps them move on and distracts them from their ex-shituations.
They love to hate each other, but they have one thing they have in common, their stronger hate for their exes. Sexual tension and sassy, assholic jabs are just the beginning of an all out love affair.
I so very much enjoyed this read, J.J. McAvoy has been a favorite of mine from the beginning, her writing is effortless as she sucks you into her world and invites you in to live each moment with her characters. She has the ability to deliver the seriousness of the situation, but lighten it up with a line or two, and it all just flows from page to page. This story is unique, which makes it memorable in my eyes, you have two strong leads who have been burned in ways no one should and the only one who can understand is each other... no matter how much they wish it not to be. Like magnets they are drawn together and like-so, me to the story. Loved this tale, that took me on a emotional roller coaster of a ride. Hope you give it a chance, especially my New Adult Romance friends!
Copy kindly provided by INscribe Digital, via NetGalley, for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book I received and may differ from published edition.
***Reviewed on March 2017***
February 6, 2017
Francamente me sorprendió muchísimo!!! No esperaba que me gustara tanto y mucho menos esperaba que se volviera una de esas novelas de Friends to lovers de las que tanto me gustan.
Eli y Gwen fueron especiales, el por su ego ilimitado... ella por su frescura y jovialidad. Eran como la perfecta pareja imperfecta del otro. Si es que eso tiene algún sentido jaja
Me conmovió la parte de Toby, me conmovió el mural y me divirtió en demasía su juego de lacrosse. Lo sé, soy una fácil... pero Eli me hizo enamorarme un poquito cuando estuvo deprimido.
Tengo el complejo del idiota (ese cuando te encanta que sean un poco idiotas esos protas) pero solo algunas veces porque adoro ver cómo se redimen.
Fue una lectura, cálida, sencilla y sin tanto dramatismo pero era justo lo que necesitaba.
El único punto malo que le doy son las escenas de sexo. No me gustaron para nada. Se me hicieron descuidadas, con lenguaje soez y nada que ver. No sé, quizás soy yo que vengo saturada del libro anterior (estaba plagado de sexo) y eso por eso que ya estaba francamente un poco harta.
Ah, y tampoco me gustó la cosa esa con el bebé, sobraba. Tanto drama aparte era innecesario. Ya era bastante con que los dejaran plantados a ambos jaja
Eli y Gwen fueron especiales, el por su ego ilimitado... ella por su frescura y jovialidad. Eran como la perfecta pareja imperfecta del otro. Si es que eso tiene algún sentido jaja
Me conmovió la parte de Toby, me conmovió el mural y me divirtió en demasía su juego de lacrosse. Lo sé, soy una fácil... pero Eli me hizo enamorarme un poquito cuando estuvo deprimido.
Tengo el complejo del idiota (ese cuando te encanta que sean un poco idiotas esos protas) pero solo algunas veces porque adoro ver cómo se redimen.
Fue una lectura, cálida, sencilla y sin tanto dramatismo pero era justo lo que necesitaba.
El único punto malo que le doy son las escenas de sexo. No me gustaron para nada. Se me hicieron descuidadas, con lenguaje soez y nada que ver. No sé, quizás soy yo que vengo saturada del libro anterior (estaba plagado de sexo) y eso por eso que ya estaba francamente un poco harta.
Ah, y tampoco me gustó la cosa esa con el bebé, sobraba. Tanto drama aparte era innecesario. Ya era bastante con que los dejaran plantados a ambos jaja
April 21, 2016
In the world where the Ruthless People series, Black Rainbow, Sugar Baby Beautiful, and Childstar series exist, I have to say That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is the weakest out of all. In case you miss my multiple I-can't-wait-I'm-so-hyped comments that involved a lot of gifs, I have been waiting for this book ever since I read the first chapter on the ending section of Sugar Baby Beautiful. I was a goner after that first time reading it. I believed J.J. McAvoy has a superpower to make everyone addicted to her story. I created a ridiculously high expectation, which might have been part of the reasons I judged this so harshly.
I really love the main plot of That Thing Between Eli & Gwen. One thing that I love about J.J. McAvoy is her originality and this book does not disappoint. Eli and Gwen started as two angry people, who crossed path and just barely tolerated each other. As usual, J.J. McAvoy had outdone herself again in writing funny, wonderfully entertaining banter between the H and h.
"I was pretty much a tomboy growing up -"
"Shocker."
She glared at me. "I'm sure you were a charmer as a teenager."
Of course. Just look at me."
I just love it when there are little, non-harming insults thrown between H and h every now and then. Eli and Gwen knew each other from a very bad circumstances, making them barely civil with each other at the start. After a while, they came to know each other, even to the little things, and I love how they progressed. However, maybe around the middle, I felt the connection between Eli and Gwen was not as strong as it should have been.
I'm still feeling a bit disappointed on how J.J. McAvoy described Eli realising his feelings for Gwen. It just felt so abrupt, no build up whatsoever that I can't help but frown, although still swiping to the next page. Also, that ending is just... Ugh.
I don't know what to feel. At one point, I feel the need to punch a certain someone in her babymaker, but at another point, I just feel detached to the story and don't care anymore. The struggle.
Overall, sadly to say, I have to rate this book with 3 stars. Points to the originality and J.J. McAvoy's entertaining writing style. I would have rated more if it has an alternative ending or at least one that is more developed.
17/04 ONLY 4 MORE DAYS UNTIL RELEASE DATE!!!
12/03 So I was just casually strolling goodreads when I saw That Thing Between Eli & Gwen cover at the side bar and I just realised THE RELEASE DATE IS ALMOST HERE!! I'm so hype for this it's not even funny.
Yep, that's it. I'm officially addicted to every single story written by J.J. McAvoy
I really love the main plot of That Thing Between Eli & Gwen. One thing that I love about J.J. McAvoy is her originality and this book does not disappoint. Eli and Gwen started as two angry people, who crossed path and just barely tolerated each other. As usual, J.J. McAvoy had outdone herself again in writing funny, wonderfully entertaining banter between the H and h.
"I was pretty much a tomboy growing up -"
"Shocker."
She glared at me. "I'm sure you were a charmer as a teenager."
Of course. Just look at me."
I just love it when there are little, non-harming insults thrown between H and h every now and then. Eli and Gwen knew each other from a very bad circumstances, making them barely civil with each other at the start. After a while, they came to know each other, even to the little things, and I love how they progressed. However, maybe around the middle, I felt the connection between Eli and Gwen was not as strong as it should have been.
I'm still feeling a bit disappointed on how J.J. McAvoy described Eli realising his feelings for Gwen. It just felt so abrupt, no build up whatsoever that I can't help but frown, although still swiping to the next page. Also, that ending is just... Ugh.
I don't know what to feel. At one point, I feel the need to punch a certain someone in her babymaker, but at another point, I just feel detached to the story and don't care anymore. The struggle.
Overall, sadly to say, I have to rate this book with 3 stars. Points to the originality and J.J. McAvoy's entertaining writing style. I would have rated more if it has an alternative ending or at least one that is more developed.
*******
17/04 ONLY 4 MORE DAYS UNTIL RELEASE DATE!!!
12/03 So I was just casually strolling goodreads when I saw That Thing Between Eli & Gwen cover at the side bar and I just realised THE RELEASE DATE IS ALMOST HERE!! I'm so hype for this it's not even funny.
Yep, that's it. I'm officially addicted to every single story written by J.J. McAvoy
May 4, 2016
There were moments when I love it like A LOT and then those that not so much but J.J. McAvoy will provide you once again a good ride with not so small twist. Emotional, but also funny and refreshing.
The story of Eli & Gwen doesn't begin with the most conventional way. Gwen along with her fiancé is a guest at the Eli's wedding. The wedding, that will not happen, because the bride at the last minute escapes with Gwen fiancé.
After a short time they accidentally bump into each other in the hospital. It reminds them of the bad emotions affecting them that day. Their encounter doesn't end nicely. The universe, however, has its own plan and Gwen after moving into a new apartment, goes straight as a Eli's neighbor. And then the fun begins.
Eli is a terrible a**hole at the beginning. He hides his hurt feelings behind condescension and bad locating anger. Gwen, on the other hand, is full of life, a free spirit. She tries not to behave with bad emotions and understands what it is behind his behavior.
But anyway, until Eli comes to his senses, awaiting for them a lot of judgments and arguing. When he finally tries to make amends for his behavior, he sees how, despite their differences, they well understand and support each other. With a surprising friendship is born even more surprising genuine feeling.
You will not be able to complain about boredom. Their all exchanges and later teasing are great entertainment. We can get to know well their background and feel the gradually developing feelings. Here, where firstly was the hatred and anger grew constant and caring relationship.
In addition apart from the main love story, we also have some emerging complex cases in the hospital and in her artistic thread. It moved the story nicely to the next level.
The thing with J. J. McAvoy is that either you enjoy a books of the author, or not at all. They are very original, fast and have unexpected twists. Sometimes startling so much that not everyone is able to pass this. Perhaps That Thing Between Eli & Gwen will not be my favorite book. It's nothing fancy I can mark, I just not fell in love with the story, but I enjoy it and I'm impressed by the continuous creativity and surprising plot twist. It's something you can always count on with J.J. McAvoy.
***Quick Review:***
Series: Standalone.
Grade/Tag Tabs: Contemporary Romance.
Release Date: April 21st 2016.
Main characters: Guinevere 'Gwen' Poe, twenty-four year old, famous artist, painter and photographer. Eli Davenport, thirty-one year old, a doctor, neurosurgeon.
Secondary characters: There are a few side quests characters that fit well in the story.
Location: New York.
Steamy:
Sensitive topic:
Love triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Next in the series? No. Standalone.
If I'd recommend? Yes. Especially if you like enemies to friends to lovers stories.
***
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The story of Eli & Gwen doesn't begin with the most conventional way. Gwen along with her fiancé is a guest at the Eli's wedding. The wedding, that will not happen, because the bride at the last minute escapes with Gwen fiancé.
After a short time they accidentally bump into each other in the hospital. It reminds them of the bad emotions affecting them that day. Their encounter doesn't end nicely. The universe, however, has its own plan and Gwen after moving into a new apartment, goes straight as a Eli's neighbor. And then the fun begins.
Eli is a terrible a**hole at the beginning. He hides his hurt feelings behind condescension and bad locating anger. Gwen, on the other hand, is full of life, a free spirit. She tries not to behave with bad emotions and understands what it is behind his behavior.
“Perfectly imperfect, and the more you at look her the more confused you become but even still you can’t look away.”
But anyway, until Eli comes to his senses, awaiting for them a lot of judgments and arguing. When he finally tries to make amends for his behavior, he sees how, despite their differences, they well understand and support each other. With a surprising friendship is born even more surprising genuine feeling.
“One moment you were just that other woman who got hurt too, and then you were Guinevere.”
You will not be able to complain about boredom. Their all exchanges and later teasing are great entertainment. We can get to know well their background and feel the gradually developing feelings. Here, where firstly was the hatred and anger grew constant and caring relationship.
“You are a vixen… my vixen.” I wondered what else I would find out about her.
“Fuck me like that again, and I’ll be anything you want me to be, Dr. Davenport”
In addition apart from the main love story, we also have some emerging complex cases in the hospital and in her artistic thread. It moved the story nicely to the next level.
“People are sometimes unlucky in love, but I'd rather be unlucky a dozen more times than close myself off and never have the chance to have that with someone.”
The thing with J. J. McAvoy is that either you enjoy a books of the author, or not at all. They are very original, fast and have unexpected twists. Sometimes startling so much that not everyone is able to pass this. Perhaps That Thing Between Eli & Gwen will not be my favorite book. It's nothing fancy I can mark, I just not fell in love with the story, but I enjoy it and I'm impressed by the continuous creativity and surprising plot twist. It's something you can always count on with J.J. McAvoy.
***Quick Review:***
Series: Standalone.
Grade/Tag Tabs: Contemporary Romance.
Release Date: April 21st 2016.
Main characters: Guinevere 'Gwen' Poe, twenty-four year old, famous artist, painter and photographer. Eli Davenport, thirty-one year old, a doctor, neurosurgeon.
Secondary characters: There are a few side quests characters that fit well in the story.
Location: New York.
Steamy:
Sensitive topic:
Love triangle:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Next in the series? No. Standalone.
If I'd recommend? Yes. Especially if you like enemies to friends to lovers stories.
***
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
February 15, 2016
4.5 stars
In short
Love this romcom. But minus 0.5 stars due to the messy ending. Nice save at the epilogue, I would have appreciate it to be even longer.
In long
That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is the perfect Valentine read. I'm even imagining it to be a perfect Valentine movie. Is so entertaining from start to finish, is funny, witty, lovely and the romance is so damn good. McAvoy was famous for her bizarre twist, which is absent her, but I didn't even miss it.
She called him the Dr. Asshole, he called her the Con Artist.
The story started with Guinevere aka Gwen's fiance, Sebastian ran off with Eli's fiancee, Hannah. Complicated much? Left to pick up the broken pieces, Gwen and Eli met each other again due to their connection to Eli's brother Logan, who introduced the two cheaters to each other.
"You invited her fiance to my wedding, and when they ran off, all that was left was Guinevere and Eli, les miserable."
Gwen is quite a bubbly character. I love her sass, her kindness, her optimism in life and her talent in art. Even though she is basically loaded with her successful career, she is still a very down to earth girl from Cypress, Alaska.
On the first glance, Eli is an asshole. He is an arrogant prick with a stick up his ass. I blamed part of it due to his broken heart, but I think even with an intact heart, he will still act like the highness he is. However, once I get to know more about him, we get to see underneath his condescending barbs, lies a responsible family man and selfless doctor.
"How's your day?"
"Saved a few lives here, saved a few lives there - "
"Wow, I am surely in the presence of greatness. Should I bow?"
"If it pleases you."
The best part of the story is the relationship between Eli & Gwen that started from sorta enemy, to friends and then to lovers. Eli hates Gwen because she reminds him of a past he rather forget and when she turned up to be his new neighbor, he is force to see her day after day. That's when the undeniable friendship kick in due to their shared misery. There are simply too many laugh out loud moments between them to count. I just love reading their conversation.
"Please, you're telling me you splurge on Dickens? Let me guess, you've got everything from Pride and Prejudice to Fifty Shades of Grey."
"They are books - "
"Oh come on, it's porn on paper, and you had the nerve to knock on my door, telling me I was too loud."
Is safe to say that for almost the entire book, the story pleases me and constantly put a big smile on my face. I read the entire book in just a day. However, the conflict towards the end of the story left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm the kind of reader who prefer things to be wrap up in little neat bows. Give me weddings and babies any day, I will never be tire of that. Anyway, I did feel satisfy on Eli and Gwen's action giving the circumstances. I had a lot of respect for how Eli handle everything.
"In your books, how would the hero and heroine work this out?"
"The heroine would have gotten on the plane and we'd have to wait for book two to see them struggle to fix everything later."
p/s: Something that I noticed as a devoted McAvoy's reader, why is every couple in her books are into SPANKING. Seriously, sometimes I feel as if I'm reading the same sex scenes due to the repeated 'spanking' taking place.
In short
Love this romcom. But minus 0.5 stars due to the messy ending. Nice save at the epilogue, I would have appreciate it to be even longer.
In long
That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is the perfect Valentine read. I'm even imagining it to be a perfect Valentine movie. Is so entertaining from start to finish, is funny, witty, lovely and the romance is so damn good. McAvoy was famous for her bizarre twist, which is absent her, but I didn't even miss it.
She called him the Dr. Asshole, he called her the Con Artist.
The story started with Guinevere aka Gwen's fiance, Sebastian ran off with Eli's fiancee, Hannah. Complicated much? Left to pick up the broken pieces, Gwen and Eli met each other again due to their connection to Eli's brother Logan, who introduced the two cheaters to each other.
"You invited her fiance to my wedding, and when they ran off, all that was left was Guinevere and Eli, les miserable."
Gwen is quite a bubbly character. I love her sass, her kindness, her optimism in life and her talent in art. Even though she is basically loaded with her successful career, she is still a very down to earth girl from Cypress, Alaska.
On the first glance, Eli is an asshole. He is an arrogant prick with a stick up his ass. I blamed part of it due to his broken heart, but I think even with an intact heart, he will still act like the highness he is. However, once I get to know more about him, we get to see underneath his condescending barbs, lies a responsible family man and selfless doctor.
"How's your day?"
"Saved a few lives here, saved a few lives there - "
"Wow, I am surely in the presence of greatness. Should I bow?"
"If it pleases you."
The best part of the story is the relationship between Eli & Gwen that started from sorta enemy, to friends and then to lovers. Eli hates Gwen because she reminds him of a past he rather forget and when she turned up to be his new neighbor, he is force to see her day after day. That's when the undeniable friendship kick in due to their shared misery. There are simply too many laugh out loud moments between them to count. I just love reading their conversation.
"Please, you're telling me you splurge on Dickens? Let me guess, you've got everything from Pride and Prejudice to Fifty Shades of Grey."
"They are books - "
"Oh come on, it's porn on paper, and you had the nerve to knock on my door, telling me I was too loud."
Is safe to say that for almost the entire book, the story pleases me and constantly put a big smile on my face. I read the entire book in just a day. However, the conflict towards the end of the story left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm the kind of reader who prefer things to be wrap up in little neat bows. Give me weddings and babies any day, I will never be tire of that. Anyway, I did feel satisfy on Eli and Gwen's action giving the circumstances. I had a lot of respect for how Eli handle everything.
"In your books, how would the hero and heroine work this out?"
"The heroine would have gotten on the plane and we'd have to wait for book two to see them struggle to fix everything later."
p/s: Something that I noticed as a devoted McAvoy's reader, why is every couple in her books are into SPANKING. Seriously, sometimes I feel as if I'm reading the same sex scenes due to the repeated 'spanking' taking place.
January 20, 2019
✪✪✪✪ 1/2
The perfect mix of all things I love in my romances.
💭Pre-reading thoughts:
Buddy-reading with the love of my reading life🌹
The perfect mix of all things I love in my romances.
“A moment of peace in a life of chaos,” he said, his eyes still on the sky above us.
💭Pre-reading thoughts:
Buddy-reading with the love of my reading life🌹
April 25, 2016
~5 Loving Every Second Stars~
That Thing Between Eli & Gwen offers a refreshing plot with likeable characters and plenty of steam. When life hands you a bunch of lemons, transform them into sweet lemonade!
When Gwen and her fiancé attend a wedding, she is shattered when he runs away with the bride. Left at the alter is Eli. Both Eli and Gwen are abandoned by their lovers and instantly thrown into shock! Gwen is a free spirit who paints for a living and Eli is a doctor. The two have nothing in common and yet; you know what they say about opposites and attraction. Easy, right? Wrong! Eli is stubborn and angry. Gwen is shaken and scared.
Overall, That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is a must read for NA Romance Fans. Ms. McAvoy never disappoints with her easy writing style enhanced with plenty of passion and complex characters! This author is one of my go-to authors. Her diversity never fails to amaze me! As for Eli and Gwen, they will stay with me forever!
~BETA read for Ms. McAvoy in December 2015! Review now posted! Ms. McAvoy thank you for sharing your work with me!~
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"We are living a technicolor life, my friend."
That Thing Between Eli & Gwen offers a refreshing plot with likeable characters and plenty of steam. When life hands you a bunch of lemons, transform them into sweet lemonade!
When Gwen and her fiancé attend a wedding, she is shattered when he runs away with the bride. Left at the alter is Eli. Both Eli and Gwen are abandoned by their lovers and instantly thrown into shock! Gwen is a free spirit who paints for a living and Eli is a doctor. The two have nothing in common and yet; you know what they say about opposites and attraction. Easy, right? Wrong! Eli is stubborn and angry. Gwen is shaken and scared.
"Just a few weeks ago, I was searching for wedding dresses and honeymoon destinations. And now...now, this was my life in boxes."
"Note to self, just stay away from women, they can fuck with your head and heart way too easily. There must be a school for it."Eli and Gwen transform from enemies to friends to lovers. Set in New York City their tender tale is laced with plenty of passion and steam. Overcoming social statuses, ex-lover drama, disapproving family, and friends keep Eli and Gwen fighting for each other the entire read.
"The reason I don't say much is because when I'm with you, I like that I forget about everything else."
"Things just happen, and life is just life."Told in dual POV, That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is a true delight! Although at first glance the plot might seem similar to other reads, the character development and supporting characters make this read unique and full of heart. The passion between Eli and Gwen was both beautiful and sustaining throughout all of the emotional drama they had to work through. The story arc is well developed, and the pacing of the read was steady. The emotions evoked from this read were broad and the moments these characters experienced will stay with me forever. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this read, and I can only hope that Ms. McAvoy will bring us more from these characters.
"There was no doubt in my mind that she was the one I was meant to be with all along."
Overall, That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is a must read for NA Romance Fans. Ms. McAvoy never disappoints with her easy writing style enhanced with plenty of passion and complex characters! This author is one of my go-to authors. Her diversity never fails to amaze me! As for Eli and Gwen, they will stay with me forever!
~BETA read for Ms. McAvoy in December 2015! Review now posted! Ms. McAvoy thank you for sharing your work with me!~
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 12, 2016
Thank you so much J.J for the ARC!
I feel I should write my review closer to the release date...but guys that's like two months away.
And I'll start by saying I LOOOOVED THIS!
I mean did you expect any less from J.J?
We've been teased and tortured with little snippets of the book here and there and being given an ARC was a miracle! Because my patience is non-existent when it comes to books!
Eli and Gwen.
Gwen and Eli.
I couldn't deal with their banter! It was so funny!
I love how they started off on mocking terms, then became sort of friends, then became actual friends, then became more.
What they had both been through! God it would've been so heart breaking and so damn humiliating! Eli's 'wife to be' running off with Gwen's fiance when they were right at the alter about to say their vows.
And Eli and Gwen had no idea. They were sucker punched, blind sided, betrayed by the one person they were ready to give their life to forever.
Sucks.
So it made sense they'd find comfort in one another. Of course it hurt at first to see each other, they were constantly reminded of that horrible day, but no one else on Earth would've understood what they felt but them two.
And so the story of Eli and Gwen begins.
And no...it doesn't start off romantic. There are disputes, grudges, hostility, reluctance and hurt.
But over time, it all stops and something more starts.
It starts to hurt less and less until they don't think about it anymore. And they start smiling again. Then they start laughing.
And eventually falling.
And I'm sounding like a sappy piece of sh*t so I'm going to stop haha.
Just know this book isn't all flowers and rainbows. There are challenges and trials they both have. Twists and shocks that turn their world upside down.
But there is so much beauty and love!
As much as I didn't 100% enjoy that "shocking news" that Eli received, I'm slowly learning that life isn't always a walk in the park. Books are beautiful but may give some us a false view on love and romance and perfect guys. So when Eli's "shocking news" was revealed it was a huge slap in the face for me. Sh*t happens, (not that what happened with Eli was sh*t but I have a thing about "shocking news"...nvm) that's life and we just have to deal.
Love conquers ALL!!!! hahahaha
Not my favorite of JJ's. That will always be Ruthless People. And I enjoyed Sugar Baby Beautiful more too but don't let that deter you from reading this because IT'S AMAZING!
I feel I should write my review closer to the release date...but guys that's like two months away.
And I'll start by saying I LOOOOVED THIS!
I mean did you expect any less from J.J?
We've been teased and tortured with little snippets of the book here and there and being given an ARC was a miracle! Because my patience is non-existent when it comes to books!
Eli and Gwen.
Gwen and Eli.
I couldn't deal with their banter! It was so funny!
I love how they started off on mocking terms, then became sort of friends, then became actual friends, then became more.
What they had both been through! God it would've been so heart breaking and so damn humiliating! Eli's 'wife to be' running off with Gwen's fiance when they were right at the alter about to say their vows.
And Eli and Gwen had no idea. They were sucker punched, blind sided, betrayed by the one person they were ready to give their life to forever.
Sucks.
So it made sense they'd find comfort in one another. Of course it hurt at first to see each other, they were constantly reminded of that horrible day, but no one else on Earth would've understood what they felt but them two.
And so the story of Eli and Gwen begins.
And no...it doesn't start off romantic. There are disputes, grudges, hostility, reluctance and hurt.
But over time, it all stops and something more starts.
It starts to hurt less and less until they don't think about it anymore. And they start smiling again. Then they start laughing.
And eventually falling.
And I'm sounding like a sappy piece of sh*t so I'm going to stop haha.
Just know this book isn't all flowers and rainbows. There are challenges and trials they both have. Twists and shocks that turn their world upside down.
But there is so much beauty and love!
As much as I didn't 100% enjoy that "shocking news" that Eli received, I'm slowly learning that life isn't always a walk in the park. Books are beautiful but may give some us a false view on love and romance and perfect guys. So when Eli's "shocking news" was revealed it was a huge slap in the face for me. Sh*t happens, (not that what happened with Eli was sh*t but I have a thing about "shocking news"...nvm) that's life and we just have to deal.
Love conquers ALL!!!! hahahaha
Not my favorite of JJ's. That will always be Ruthless People. And I enjoyed Sugar Baby Beautiful more too but don't let that deter you from reading this because IT'S AMAZING!
March 25, 2016
That Thing Between Eli & Gwen is a really cute story, but it took me awhile to warm up to it. Eli and Gwen meet on their worst day ever. Gwen’s fiancé runs away with Eli’s bride on his wedding day. He’s left at the altar, she’s left without a ride home, and they’re both left to suffer the public humiliation.
I thought their common pain might bring them together, but when their paths cross again a month later, Eli is blatantly antagonistic toward Gwen. An explanation is given, but it feels flimsy, and the extent of his hostility seems unreasonable. It does, however, provide room for their relationship to grow. It also emphasizes the extreme differences in their personalities. Gwen is a gregarious, insightful, kind, and quirky artist. Eli is a polished, grumpy, anti-social, and egotistical neurosurgeon.
Once I got over Eli and Gwen unnecessarily trading jabs at each other, I enjoyed the progression of their relationship from opponents to pseudo friends and from good friends to lovers. J.J. McAvoy takes time to allow the characters to discover their misconceptions about each other. I really appreciated that they get to know each other as friends first before taking their relationship to the next level.
If you’re an impatient reader, expect to wait a long time for them to recognize their attraction to each other. There’s a lot of build-up, but when they finally get together it’s both steamy and sweet. I loved how Gwen’s presence in his life transforms Eli from someone I disliked into a great boyfriend with some swoon-worthy speeches.
The story stresses the importance of family bonds, and I enjoyed Eli’s and Gwen’s interactions with their families. They lend a sentimental mood to this feel good story. Gwen’s dog, Taigi, deserves an honorable mention as a V.I.P. (Very Important Pet).
The plot is predictable at times and the writing isn’t always sophisticated—It’s a pet peeve of mine when authors include guttural sounds like Urgh and Ahh as part of a character’s quotes, especially inside the bedroom. Still, this sweet, fun story made me smile and took me away from real life for a bit. And honestly, isn’t that why we read romance novels?
Recommended for fans of:
Enemies to lovers
Artists
Lighthearted second chance romance
**ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I thought their common pain might bring them together, but when their paths cross again a month later, Eli is blatantly antagonistic toward Gwen. An explanation is given, but it feels flimsy, and the extent of his hostility seems unreasonable. It does, however, provide room for their relationship to grow. It also emphasizes the extreme differences in their personalities. Gwen is a gregarious, insightful, kind, and quirky artist. Eli is a polished, grumpy, anti-social, and egotistical neurosurgeon.
Once I got over Eli and Gwen unnecessarily trading jabs at each other, I enjoyed the progression of their relationship from opponents to pseudo friends and from good friends to lovers. J.J. McAvoy takes time to allow the characters to discover their misconceptions about each other. I really appreciated that they get to know each other as friends first before taking their relationship to the next level.
If you’re an impatient reader, expect to wait a long time for them to recognize their attraction to each other. There’s a lot of build-up, but when they finally get together it’s both steamy and sweet. I loved how Gwen’s presence in his life transforms Eli from someone I disliked into a great boyfriend with some swoon-worthy speeches.
The story stresses the importance of family bonds, and I enjoyed Eli’s and Gwen’s interactions with their families. They lend a sentimental mood to this feel good story. Gwen’s dog, Taigi, deserves an honorable mention as a V.I.P. (Very Important Pet).
The plot is predictable at times and the writing isn’t always sophisticated—It’s a pet peeve of mine when authors include guttural sounds like Urgh and Ahh as part of a character’s quotes, especially inside the bedroom. Still, this sweet, fun story made me smile and took me away from real life for a bit. And honestly, isn’t that why we read romance novels?
Recommended for fans of:
Enemies to lovers
Artists
Lighthearted second chance romance
**ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
March 27, 2021
3.75 Stars
I've been avoiding this book bc the blurb didn't interest me, but I ended up loving both of these characters. Gwen was one of my favorite heroines I've read in a while. I loved her background, her artist soul, and how she dealt with asshole people and her whole world falling apart. We also have the same fav poem so I couldn't not love her after that 💘
I think about that poem a lot so finding it here was a treat. Eli was a little bland but he did the job as well. I have only two gripes w this story, but they both def affected my overall reading experience and enthusiasm to what was otherwise a really great book.
1. The sex scenes. It felt a little like bad porn. Gwen was pretty OTT and it kinda turned me off.
2. The plot twist at 80%. Yeah that plot twist can fuck right off 🙄
I've been avoiding this book bc the blurb didn't interest me, but I ended up loving both of these characters. Gwen was one of my favorite heroines I've read in a while. I loved her background, her artist soul, and how she dealt with asshole people and her whole world falling apart. We also have the same fav poem so I couldn't not love her after that 💘
“And down by the brimming river I heard a lover sing under an arch of the railway: Love has no ending. I’ll love you, dear … I’ll love you till China and Africa meet, and the river jumps over the mountain, and the salmon sing in the street, I’ll love you … till the ocean is folded and hung up to dry and the seven stars go squawking like geese about the sky…”—W.H. Auden
I think about that poem a lot so finding it here was a treat. Eli was a little bland but he did the job as well. I have only two gripes w this story, but they both def affected my overall reading experience and enthusiasm to what was otherwise a really great book.
1. The sex scenes. It felt a little like bad porn. Gwen was pretty OTT and it kinda turned me off.
2. The plot twist at 80%. Yeah that plot twist can fuck right off 🙄
April 29, 2016
I loved this book. Gwen was a very different character, so sweet and so unique. I really liked her. Eli seemed unpleasant at first but later he grew on me. I really liked him a lot later.
The way their relationship improved, their love and trust in one another was adorable.
There were many feelings in the book from heartbreak and pain to fun and happiness.
The only thing I disliked about the book was the plot twist. Again, it was a cliché, again it was an unoriginal and overused one. But the way they dealt with it was OK and despite that unpleasant detail, I ended up still liking the book but not as much as I would have without that plot twist.
The way their relationship improved, their love and trust in one another was adorable.
There were many feelings in the book from heartbreak and pain to fun and happiness.
The only thing I disliked about the book was the plot twist. Again, it was a cliché, again it was an unoriginal and overused one. But the way they dealt with it was OK and despite that unpleasant detail, I ended up still liking the book but not as much as I would have without that plot twist.
July 9, 2018
“Love me enough to let me go."
"Love me enough to stay.”
I usually don't read standalone books just because if I like it, and finish it; I don't know what to do with my life, so that's why I prefer series. When I read That Thing Between Eli & Gwen , I wanted to reread it hundred times. It was such a refreshing, funny book that I needed at the moment. I was beyond surprised how much I loved the book and characters to be completely honest with you.
The book starts off with two individuals Eli & Gwen with their signification other. Gwen is at her house when her fiancé picks her up, and she senses he's acting strange but doesn't think much of it. They end up reaching a wedding and then the story switches to Eli's POV, which ends up with Eli about to get married but in a matter of seconds, his fiancé runs off with a stranger who we find out is Gwen's fiancé. Both Eli & Gwen's fiancés leave them standing at the wedding watching them run off with each other.
What I loved about this book is that the moment you start reading it captures your attention! I also love how J.J McAvoy made Eli and Gwen so different from each other and how they slowly started a relationship and that it wasn't one of those "love at first sight" or "rebound" type of relationships. It, in fact, was hatred at first but along the way they became friends which turned into more. I adore how they developed as people throughout the book as well.
I don't think that it's just a happily ever book because Gwen & Eli go through difficulties along mending their hearts plus trying to start a relationship with each other later in the book.
I recommend this book! Even though it's standalone and I don't know what I'm going to do without Eli's bossy grumpiness & Gwen's down to earth optimistic personality (they became one of my favorite couples) I'm just going to have to reread it multiple times until I can't anymore... oops.
For more reviews!
Click below :)
"Love me enough to stay.”
I usually don't read standalone books just because if I like it, and finish it; I don't know what to do with my life, so that's why I prefer series. When I read That Thing Between Eli & Gwen , I wanted to reread it hundred times. It was such a refreshing, funny book that I needed at the moment. I was beyond surprised how much I loved the book and characters to be completely honest with you.
The book starts off with two individuals Eli & Gwen with their signification other. Gwen is at her house when her fiancé picks her up, and she senses he's acting strange but doesn't think much of it. They end up reaching a wedding and then the story switches to Eli's POV, which ends up with Eli about to get married but in a matter of seconds, his fiancé runs off with a stranger who we find out is Gwen's fiancé. Both Eli & Gwen's fiancés leave them standing at the wedding watching them run off with each other.
What I loved about this book is that the moment you start reading it captures your attention! I also love how J.J McAvoy made Eli and Gwen so different from each other and how they slowly started a relationship and that it wasn't one of those "love at first sight" or "rebound" type of relationships. It, in fact, was hatred at first but along the way they became friends which turned into more. I adore how they developed as people throughout the book as well.
I don't think that it's just a happily ever book because Gwen & Eli go through difficulties along mending their hearts plus trying to start a relationship with each other later in the book.
I recommend this book! Even though it's standalone and I don't know what I'm going to do without Eli's bossy grumpiness & Gwen's down to earth optimistic personality (they became one of my favorite couples) I'm just going to have to reread it multiple times until I can't anymore... oops.
For more reviews!
Click below :)
December 6, 2018
A lovely story about two betrayed people healing with the help of each other. Yes I have a few issues with it, but when didn't I ever. Besides, thanks to a lovely friend, i was prepared. I enjoyed the irony in them ending up together when they're not the couple who run away. Overall, it was a nice story about lovely MCs with sadly, an abrupt ending. I can't not mention it, but the book could've done without the stupid sex scenes, too much spanking, begging and screaming for my liking. So, it's more 2.5 stars for me than 3.
July 28, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was cute at times, but there were some things that were thrown in that really ruined it for me by the end. For example -- Please don't click this unless you want it spoiled..... I also had a problem with not fully connecting to the characters. I liked the h more than the H (which is rare for me), but still -- she was just kind of...meh. I can't justify giving it more than 3 stars with those issues.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Guinevere and Eli's story. They both are left by their fiancés at Eli's wedding, and they are bonded because of it. They keep on running into each other a month later, and their interactions aren't very friendly. Eventually they find that they both are hurting and that they can only relate to each other, and they form a friendship. The friendship turns into more and they fall in love. There are some sexy times, some ex drama, and some family drama...but they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Guinevere and Eli's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well. I do get frustrated when a book doesn't go to 100% in my app, and this ended at 89% -- but I know that's just a pet peeve of mine.
Instalove: No, they went from hate > friends > lovers > love.
H rating: 3 stars. Eli. He a was kind of a moody jerk at times, but it was obvious he was handling everything poorly...he was a hot dirty talker though ;)
h rating: 3.5 stars. Guinevere. I liked her ok. She had a great attitude for most of the book, but I did get a little frustrated with her at the end.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues required.
Push/Pull: Not really. They both pursued the relationship equally IMO.
Heat level: Moderate. Some hot chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes. They discuss birth control and std status (& went without condoms), but no mention of past practices that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Kind of
Cheating: No
Separation: Not really, closest thing is long distance for a little while (while still technically together).
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a disappointing epilogue (for me) with some closure regarding the couple, but nowhere near enough! I still had some unanswered questions at the end, so i'd have to call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon.
Safety: Safe with exception
Overall Opinion: This was cute at times, but there were some things that were thrown in that really ruined it for me by the end. For example -- Please don't click this unless you want it spoiled..... I also had a problem with not fully connecting to the characters. I liked the h more than the H (which is rare for me), but still -- she was just kind of...meh. I can't justify giving it more than 3 stars with those issues.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Guinevere and Eli's story. They both are left by their fiancés at Eli's wedding, and they are bonded because of it. They keep on running into each other a month later, and their interactions aren't very friendly. Eventually they find that they both are hurting and that they can only relate to each other, and they form a friendship. The friendship turns into more and they fall in love. There are some sexy times, some ex drama, and some family drama...but they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Guinevere and Eli's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well. I do get frustrated when a book doesn't go to 100% in my app, and this ended at 89% -- but I know that's just a pet peeve of mine.
Instalove: No, they went from hate > friends > lovers > love.
H rating: 3 stars. Eli. He a was kind of a moody jerk at times, but it was obvious he was handling everything poorly...he was a hot dirty talker though ;)
h rating: 3.5 stars. Guinevere. I liked her ok. She had a great attitude for most of the book, but I did get a little frustrated with her at the end.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues required.
Push/Pull: Not really. They both pursued the relationship equally IMO.
Heat level: Moderate. Some hot chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes. They discuss birth control and std status (& went without condoms), but no mention of past practices that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Kind of
Cheating: No
Separation: Not really, closest thing is long distance for a little while (while still technically together).
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a disappointing epilogue (for me) with some closure regarding the couple, but nowhere near enough! I still had some unanswered questions at the end, so i'd have to call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon.
Safety: Safe with exception
December 22, 2017
4.5 "Dr. Asshole & ConArtist" stars
There's no point to write a review, really. I love this author so much and her writing style pulls me in from the first sentence.
I loved the honesty and banter between MCs, and I felt their epic love.
There's no point to write a review, really. I love this author so much and her writing style pulls me in from the first sentence.
I loved the honesty and banter between MCs, and I felt their epic love.
February 8, 2016
*4.5 Stars*
I really enjoyed this book. J.J. McAvoy is a star in my eyes, everything she writes just marvel's me.
That Thing Between Eli and Gwen really had a RomCom movie feel to it. Like I could actually picture a lot of it playing out on the big screen. But even with the comedy that ran through out the whole book, it never overshadowed the deeper emotions. And there are a lot of deeper emotions in this one. The main theme of the book seemed to very much be rejection and that is always a heavy thing for a person to deal with. But I feel like there was always enough comedy that it never got too heavy.
My favourite part of this book has to be Eli and Gwen’s relationship development. From annoying the shit out of each other, to strange friends, to lovers. It was a great procession that I felt had a good pace for it, so often authors will rush through the friendship part but a good portion of the book was focused on them leaning on each other in their time of need and I just loved that.
Gwen was such a bright spirit I thought, she had such a unique way of seeing the world and I found her really refreshing. Like I would like to be friends with her because you can just tell she’d be a great friend. Eli, like he was described in the book, was very much a ‘rock’. And I loved that about him. People who are the ‘rock’ in family or relationship never get enough credit I think. We always take them for granted, when they definitely deserve to be thanked for being so steady for us. Eli was also super hot, his and Gwen’s dirty talk is probably tied as my favourite thing actually ;)
The only critic I have is the last 10%, 2 major drama’s happen and I felt like it was a little too much. Like either one or the other should have happened but not both. Or maybe have had one happen earlier in the book.
Overall a great read though! I really can’t say it enough, everything J.J. McAvoy writes amazes me and if you haven’t tried her books yet, I highly suggest you drop what you are doing and pick up one of her books. Doesn’t matter which one because they are all that good!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed this book. J.J. McAvoy is a star in my eyes, everything she writes just marvel's me.
That Thing Between Eli and Gwen really had a RomCom movie feel to it. Like I could actually picture a lot of it playing out on the big screen. But even with the comedy that ran through out the whole book, it never overshadowed the deeper emotions. And there are a lot of deeper emotions in this one. The main theme of the book seemed to very much be rejection and that is always a heavy thing for a person to deal with. But I feel like there was always enough comedy that it never got too heavy.
My favourite part of this book has to be Eli and Gwen’s relationship development. From annoying the shit out of each other, to strange friends, to lovers. It was a great procession that I felt had a good pace for it, so often authors will rush through the friendship part but a good portion of the book was focused on them leaning on each other in their time of need and I just loved that.
Gwen was such a bright spirit I thought, she had such a unique way of seeing the world and I found her really refreshing. Like I would like to be friends with her because you can just tell she’d be a great friend. Eli, like he was described in the book, was very much a ‘rock’. And I loved that about him. People who are the ‘rock’ in family or relationship never get enough credit I think. We always take them for granted, when they definitely deserve to be thanked for being so steady for us. Eli was also super hot, his and Gwen’s dirty talk is probably tied as my favourite thing actually ;)
The only critic I have is the last 10%, 2 major drama’s happen and I felt like it was a little too much. Like either one or the other should have happened but not both. Or maybe have had one happen earlier in the book.
Overall a great read though! I really can’t say it enough, everything J.J. McAvoy writes amazes me and if you haven’t tried her books yet, I highly suggest you drop what you are doing and pick up one of her books. Doesn’t matter which one because they are all that good!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
March 27, 2017
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro..... a ver:
Eli Davenport un neurocirujano de 31 años es dejado en el altar por su novia Hannah quien se va con Sebastian Evan, el prometido de Guinevere Poe, una artista plástica de 24 años.
De esta forma comienza la historia de Eli y Gwen, que tengo que decir me encantaron como estos dos se relacionaban, lo idiota que era él con ella y como esta le respondía siempre a sus comentarios odiosos.... de verdad me encantó la trama, y los personajes secundarios: la mamá de Eli, su hermano Logan, el doctor Ian (jajaja muy cómico), los padres de Gwen y muchos otros....
Tuvo sus momentos dolorosos, su partes graciosas, momentos bonitos entre los protas.... pero algunas escenas de sexo no me parecieron, era como si me hubieran cambiado a los protagonistas, no cuadraba con ellos.... Yyyyyy no me agradó lo que pasó con Hannah... de verdad que me molestó que pasara... todo iba tan bien y la c****on con eso, además que no desarrollaron esa parte quedó como medio en el aire (porque supimos la opinión que tuvo Gwen pero ajá, ¿al final decidió que no importaba? ¿O qué?
Y ese final me pareció flojo, como que faltó algo.... por esas 2 cositas no le doy las 5 estrellas que debió tener.
Eli Davenport un neurocirujano de 31 años es dejado en el altar por su novia Hannah quien se va con Sebastian Evan, el prometido de Guinevere Poe, una artista plástica de 24 años.
De esta forma comienza la historia de Eli y Gwen, que tengo que decir me encantaron como estos dos se relacionaban, lo idiota que era él con ella y como esta le respondía siempre a sus comentarios odiosos.... de verdad me encantó la trama, y los personajes secundarios: la mamá de Eli, su hermano Logan, el doctor Ian (jajaja muy cómico), los padres de Gwen y muchos otros....
Tuvo sus momentos dolorosos, su partes graciosas, momentos bonitos entre los protas.... pero algunas escenas de sexo no me parecieron, era como si me hubieran cambiado a los protagonistas, no cuadraba con ellos.... Yyyyyy no me agradó lo que pasó con Hannah... de verdad que me molestó que pasara... todo iba tan bien y la c****on con eso, además que no desarrollaron esa parte quedó como medio en el aire (porque supimos la opinión que tuvo Gwen pero ajá, ¿al final decidió que no importaba? ¿O qué?
Y ese final me pareció flojo, como que faltó algo.... por esas 2 cositas no le doy las 5 estrellas que debió tener.
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