Marná touhy snaha

Words #2

by Georgina Guthrie, Kristýna Vítková (Translator), Tomáš Vondráček (Cover)

Aubrey Priceová má před sebou posledních pár týdnů studia na Torontské univerzitě. To, co mělo být nejkrásnějším obdobím jejího života, se pro ni ale stává utrpením. Tajný vztah s Danielem Grantem, asistentem na katedře angličtiny, čelí mnoha překážkám. Jeho odhalení by obzvlášt Daniela stálo nejen pověst, ale i celou kariéru. Oba doslova odpočítávají minuty, než budou moci být konečně otevřeně spolu. Mezitím hledají útěchu v tajných vzkazech a tolik výmluvných slovech Shakespearových dramat a sonetů. Dokážou svou zakázanou lásku udržet v tajnosti?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, College, Contemporary, Ebooks, Young Adult

480 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 2014

About the author

Georgina Guthrie is a self-professed book hugger and compulsive diarist. Though GG now resides in Canada, she was born across the pond and still considers herself a Brit through and through, which may explain her frequent visits to her favourite local British import shop.

GG is often happiest when reading and writing, but she’s just as likely to be found hanging out with friends and family, almost certainly with a glass of red wine in one hand a bag of cheese and onion crisps in the other.

Reviews

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Aubrey and Daniel:


Better Deeds than Words is a story about new relationship, fresh love developing under complicated circumstances. How long will Aubrey and Daniel be able to resist the temptation of being truly together?

I loved all those hot and sensual banters between the main protagonists. Chemistry between Daniel and Aubry was palpable through out the whole story. Author apllied the know idiom "forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest" and made a good use of it in this novel.

Moreover, I can't forget to mention thoughtful Shakesperan discussions and little bit of believable drama which made reading this book an enjoyable experience for me.

If you like sensitive men and topic of forbidden love, this series is the best choice for you!

*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*

MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing

[SeaBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toto je fakt droga. Četla jsem do tří do noci a hned po probuzení tuhle dokonalost dočetla :3
Miluju tu sérii a doufám, že třetí díl vyjde co nejdříve <3

[Daramegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jsem věrným a poníženým služebníkem této série a jdu na závěrečný díl. Není to nic "světoborného", ale tak skvěle napsané, že jen slintám blahem :-)) miluju asi všechny, jen ne Aarona :D

[Katerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "defininitely definitely" stars

O!The feelings
O!The pleasure and the pain
O!Sweet longing and desire
O!Georgina Guthrie,you gave us a book about a tender and excruciating love.

Nothing can go right for them because their stars aren't aligned.They're victims of a force more powerful than their love.

If she was going to let me catch her,it wouldn't hurt to remind her that I was there,right beside her,behind her,wherever she needed me to be.

That is the story of Daniel and Aubrey.Throughout Better Deeds than Words,I experienced a variety of devastating emotions,from utter joy to complete dread.The only thing that kept them together when there were forces that tried to tear them apart was their sheer determination and certainty that they had found their other half,that they would fight for their love.There were so many things at stake,so many times you could taste the impending doom and could do nothing about it,just wait until the inevitable happens or the universe gives them a break,praying for the latter.It was both an intellectual and emotional book,I enjoyed so much the tutorials and the conversations that showed their intelligence and passion for literature!And I enjoyed even most their moments of vulnerability.

Aubrey and Daniel have grown on me,I love them both with all my heart and I really wish their happiness will last,because kites rise highest against the wind-not with it .

[Cinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-read 23/11 - <3

This surpassed all my expectations! It was everything and more :)

Im so grateful we're getting one more book <3

[Bookish Temptations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divine! Perfection!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Deeds than Words is one of those books you can’t read fast enough, but you also don’t want it to end. It’s one of those books that you think about non-stop when you’re off doing other “real life” things. It’s one of those books you carry around with you everywhere you go and read at stop lights in the car.

In The Weight of Words you meet Daniel and Aubrey who are fighting their feelings for each other and try to find a way to navigate around the forbidden “teacher/student” dilemma. There are some mis-understandings and hurtful moments along the way. But at the of end of The Weight of Words, they have forgiven and decided to pursue their relationship, as much as a student and her teaching assistant can carry on in a relationship.

In Better Deeds than Words Daniel and Aubrey have finally realized they can’t just ignore their attraction and feelings, and so they compromise on how they can get through the several weeks until Aubrey is finished with her classes and final exams. They share some steamy kisses and they take a few risks. That’s when things blow up in their faces. Who thought a lost mitten would be their downfall?


We have to plow through from some tough times with Aubrey after one incident when Daniel goes MIA for a couple days. It’s angsty times wondering if Daniel is ok or if he changed his mind and decided this whole relationship is not worth the effort and stress. The angst doesn’t last too long though before Daniel is back in the picture and he explains everything to Aubrey. Then the lovebirds begin the countdown of all countdowns…

So many books jump into the sex and have that “insta-love” feel. In Better Deeds than Words, you get more of the old fashioned love story. It’s an old fashioned romance where the guy courts the girl with love notes, gifts and romantic gestures, and maybe a few stolen kisses here and there along the way . You experience two people really learning to get to know each other and fall in love without actually being able to spend much one on one time together. Daniel proves again that he is the ultimate romantic who is definitely cut from the same cloth as his late grandfather.

There are so many likable secondary characters in this story. You gotta love Matt, Aubrey’s roommate. He is there for her when times get tough. Then there’s Patty, Daniel’s witty grandmother. You will never look at a tomato the same again after reading this book. And let’s not forget Julie, Aubrey’s “bendy” best-friend who is her support and close confident.

Better Deeds than Words is the perfect mix of romance and UST. You know these two have off the chart chemistry and it’s a kind of torture to wait until they can finally “seal the deal”. *wink wink* And boy, do they seal the deal, multiple times. It’s totally worth the wait.

I love Georgina Guthrie and would read anything she writes. I cannot wait for the final book in this series, The Truest of Words. I know it’ll be totally worth the “weight”.

[Thebreakfastblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts:

I had been waiting for Better Deeds than Words like a child waits for Christmas morning, euphoric with anticipation. The Weight of Words had left me wanting much more of these two characters and I was so happy when I was finally able to open this book.

Review:

Oh My God!!! I need a few moments to catch my breath!!!

I absolutely love Georgina Guthrie. I am always impressed with her writing, her Words are beautiful and concise (no pun intended, well, maybe a little bit) :)

This was another great story in the series. It was great to see that Daniel and Aubrey were able to finally put their differences behind and tried their hardest to not have any misunderstandings, though it was hard at times. I liked the way their relationship was portrayed, to see how much they loved and cared for each other and how much it hurt them to have to wait before they could take further steps. Why is it that the person we can't have is the one we want most? I love the concept of forbidden love in any story and Guthrie delivers it beautifully.

Daniel is oh so sexy!!! I said it before and I’ll say it again… He’s OMG so SEXY!!! I loved reading the effect Aubrey had on Daniel and vice versa. Their witty banter is always funny and sex infused. Guthrie did such an amazing job at portraying a relationship in which you want more and more but can only do a little bit. The anticipation killed me. I was left high and dry a few times until they finally… (sigh) Those were some very, very steamy scenes.

The use of Shakespeare quotes always leaves me breathless and Daniel’s obsessions with sex and bookcases??? I may need to take some notes because you know, that is just so HOT!!! My heart was racing because Daniel always make me swoon and I absolutely love every minute of it.

The secondary characters are always great and I absolutely loved Patty!!!

I cannot wait for Book 3 in this series. This was another beautifully crafted story by Georgina Guthrie who has become one of our favorite authors here at the Breakfast Blog.

[Alicia Prevost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why yes, I did read this book in a day.

It was THAT good. I just had no desire to put it down. None whatsoever. And then I finished it and had to put it down and while it was five minutes ago, I'm already sad to say goodbye to Daniel and Aubrey again.

I honestly don't think I have anything conductive to say in review of this book. I just loved every second of it. I thought it was the perfect amount of angst and worry and tension, mixed in with the perfect amount of romance and fun and everything else. There's just something about this story that feels so very very real, very human and very accessible. Neither are too damaged to relate to but neither are too perfectly put together to relate to either. They're just people...who found themselves madly in love with not the best timing and it's...perfect. Really.

And Daniel is all but my dream guy. I mean, his obsession with sex against bookcases? Dear god...

I also loved to see his panic attacks. As someone who's suffered from them, it's something you very rarely seen mentioned by anyone and if it is, it's never handled right. It was here and I appreciated that.

But god, the romance.

I loved the book. I love Daniel and Aubrey. They make me believe in things.

Oh also from a pure awesomeness stand point...I loved how the story always tied in ever so slightly to whatever Shakespear they were reading.

Seriously well done book.

Can't wait for the next one...yes, already.

(Also a Canadian reader...this book captured Canada perfectly, it felt Canadian. Maybe because of the Timmy's references...)

[Raph En Goguette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took one week to read that masterpiece.
One week because I wanted to take my time and savour every chapters. I felt sad and empty finishing it. Good books leave me sad and empty. So, I had again a lovely time with Aubrey and Daniel. And I wonder what the last part will be made of.
I should be in Toronto next month. I ll definitely go and have a look at U of T campus.

Merci pour cette jolie ballade. Encore une fois, j'ai eu l'impression d'être le temoin discret et privilégié de cette belle histoire d'amour. Les sentiments prennent de la profondeur et de l'épaisseur (sans mauvais jeu de mots) au fil des pages. Les personnages sont attachants. L'auteur tient une page pinterest ici :http://fr.pinterest.com/georgeygirl25/
Ca vaut le detour. Daniel et Aubrey sont juste parfaits.

[Kat Bastion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I've been waiting for Better Deeds Than Words since Guthrie first introduced me to Daniel and Aubrey and the author did not disappoint. Picking up right where the story left off, she took us on a wonderful ride into the next stage of their relationship. It was heartfelt, there was a bit of angst, clandestine encounters, and passion-filled moments. The ending was perfect. Thank you, Georgina! Spectacular book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely book to read - the dialogue is largely well-written, the romance charming and the additional literary touches right up my street. I found Daniel's characterisation to be somewhat unbelievable at times, but I put that down to wish-fulfilment!

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tahle série u me definitivně znovu vyvolala moji knižní závislost - 2 díly, 3 dny, 7 hodin spánku :-D Brala jsem si kindla i na procházku s kočárkem. Miluju ty dva :-)

Teď třetí díl

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Deeds than Words is the second book in Georgina Guthrie’s Words series. It picks up the morning after the conclusion of Weight of Words and finds Aubrey Price and Daniel Grant entering a new stage in their relationship. Because of their roles as student and teaching assistant, they cannot go public with their relationship until Aubrey’s graduation; but their attraction and affection for one another is palpable and the countdown to the day that they can truly be together feels like an eternity.

I loved Aubrey a lot in Weight of Words – so smart and quietly assured. In Better Deeds than Words, it feels as though she transformed overnight. Early in the book, she discovers something about Daniel and sets about to pluck his strings. It shows her mischievousness, as well as the level of affection that she has for this man, that she wants to draw him out and give him back that sense of play. She’s a smart and driven girl with an independent streak a mile long. She works her ass off because she expects nothing less from herself – she is paying her own way. It’s another facet of Aubrey that Daniel is so drawn to. Oh and one other thing – Our sweet Miss Price? She’s a little bit of a dirty talker.

But the thing that has brought Daniel and Aubrey together is the Bard and his words are a centerpiece in this story. I’ve said somewhere before that Shakespeare is the IChing of love. I defy you to find a writer whose work has been more quoted or studied. In this series, Georgina Guthrie has brilliantly woven Shakespeare’s quotes and many theories around his work into these stories. Even if you may not be a fan of his, the sheer beauty of his words is impossible to ignore.

Daniel. Daniel. Daniel. He’s the stuff of fantasies. As we come to understand him better, you can’t help but love him that much more. To me, he’s a beautiful, neurotic soul. He’s connected with someone who is his perfect match, save for the whole student/teaching assistant relationship thing – he wants to take care of her – she is his. His past is definitely impacting his present –it keeps rearing its ugly head in ways that end up strengthening their relationship and resolve. Something that I very much admire about Daniel is that he pushes through and as difficult as things are – he knows what the prize is at the end of the rainbow (semester) and he has the patience to wait it out.

The minor characters in this story are a revelation. I won’t say too much, but there isn’t a bad apple amongst them. Those that are close, as well those that are on the periphery of this relationship see it for what it is and do lovely little things to create opportunities or coincidences for Daniel and Aubrey to be together. It just heightened my Better Deeds than Words book buzz. There was also a minor character who completely took me by surprise, a lovely one at that. This character could have gone either way, but it was an excellent lesson in not always trusting perceptions and being less quick to judge.

That all said, I adored Better Deeds than Words because Georgina Guthrie rewarded her steadfast readers with a story that was rich in humor, intrigue, surprising character developments and BIG-TIME SWOONY ROMANCE. I am fully and truly invested in what’s next for Poppet and her Sailor. I can’t wait to read The Truest of Words.

[Kez11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

How pleasing it is to see that good old fashioned romance is alive and well in contemporary love stories of today.

This novel is the second in the ‘Words’ series by Georgina Guthrie and it’s an absolute delightful read. If Daniel and Aubrey’s connection didn’t capture your heart in ‘Weight of Words’ it surely will in ‘Better Deeds Than Words’. The charisma between the two main characters is enchanting.

As the love story unfolds, their liaison is not without adversities. They choose to acknowledge their growing feelings for one another, in spite of university regulations to the contrary. With such restraints on their blossoming relationship and a promise made by Daniel, it sees him going to great lengths to express his love to Aubrey. His charming and creative ways demonstrates to the reader that it is often the little things in life that leave the most impact.... food for thought I believe! 

Along with good old fashioned romance this story contains light-hearted humour and you will see new meanings to phrases such as ‘a regular oil change’ and ‘self employment’. Of course a love story is not complete without passion and desire of which there is plenty. I giggled at the ‘extra activities’ carried out in the games room...seems the dreamy Daniel has a thing for pool tables.

Half way through reading this wonderful story I knew it was going to be a five star, it’s simply something special and the way in which the author incorporates works of Shakespeare is just enchanting.

If you have not already read this book I highly recommend you do, for the story and the characters will captivate you. Congratulations Georgina Guthrie I absolutely love this series and I look forward to the final instalment ‘The Truest of Words’.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply PERFECTION!!

When I got my book in the mail, I thought I was gonna savor it and read the book slowly to absorb all the words. SAVOR!? WHAT SAVOR? How wrong was I? I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN!!! I carefully DEVOURED the whole book in ONE DAY in ONE SITTING!

Better Deeds Than Words is the second installment to The Words series, it picked up right where Book 1 ended. With just weeks of semester left for Aubrey's last semester of school, we must endured with them the days until Aubrey and Daniel can finally be publicly together.

Georgina Guthrie is a master of words. Her choices, placements, execution of words brilliantly brought the characters to life. I felt for Daniel and Aubrey as they try so hard to keep their emotions and actions in check; I fell for Daniel time over time again because of his thoughtfulness, tenderness, romantic gestures, intelligence, and all around physical hotness! And I most definitely was jealous of the passion and love Daniel and Aubrey have for each other. All of these emotions were wonderfully captured by the word genius that is GG!

Once again Shakespeare plays an important role in BDTW! Who knew Shakespeare can be this sexy and romantic! GG made Shakespeare relevant again with her books.

I can not recommend enough how amazing this series is. It's beautiful, smart, sexy, romantic, and REAL! GO READ IT, I PROMISE YOU WON"T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

[Keya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 STARS

I really liked this one compared to the first book. There was a lot more going on, like Daniel and Aubrey attempting the relationship and secondary factors getting in the way. I liked how they handled themselves and their situations which made for an enjoyable read.

There were some parts that I skim read, purely because it felt a little unnecessary. It was nice reading about a couple actually communicating instead of kissing, or having sex etc. I think it made their relationship stronger and showed more of their chemistry that I thought was missing in the first book. Daniel was very swoon worthy here.

There was this one particular chapter that i really loved and it was a class discussion about Shakespeare's plays... Yeah that helped me a lot with my work. Haha I may have used it to get my brain thinking to help me write. The discussions were great and top of the underlying messages between Aubrey and Daniel made me smile, just the way they both click and can disagree like it's so natural for them.

Overall, this was a great read. I'm looking forward to reading how their relationship will be outside of a college environment.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! The sequel is just as good as the first book ... both novels have proven to be "un-put down-able." I loved the sense of tension, of wondering whether or not Daniel would get in trouble of inappropriate conduct as a TA. Lots of people know his and Aubrey's secret, it seems, and I was on the edge of my seat just waiting for something bad to happen and for someone to spill the beans and for their passionate secret to come to light.

This was a beautiful, beautiful book. Daniel was the epitome of romance, with all his adorable gifts and thoughtful cards...he puts all other "book boyfriends" to shame! I'm so glad he and Aubrey were able to have their getaway at the end of the book... it was sexy, sweet, and super hot. And the end with the "home" keychain... totally touching and if I were Aubrey I would have wept with joy at the spot. She and Daniel are just too adorable for words, and I just know the rest of this series is going to be great and (now that they've consummated their relationship) super sexy!

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"ARC received for honest review"

I never expected this second book to be better than the first, I was wrong, This is awesome!

Aubrey is finishing college, the anti-fraternizing policy made a black mark into Daniel's record that keeps them apart. The academic restrictions and politics are putting Aubrey and Daniel in a precarious position.

Their relationship struggles with frustration, love, lust and every emotion you can imagine, making this story an amazing read. I just think this is a masterpiece for any teacher / student forbidden relationship book.

I'm so looking forward for the final book in the series!

[Detroitangel]

Ah, Poppet and Sailor have their moment.

4 Stars. Daniel continues to make me swoon. Throughout all the secrecy, he had pushed the line and risked his reputation along with his father's reputation. Now that his Poppet has graduated, he can love her and not feel like one false move could ruin all of their lives.

[Aleen - BehindTheBookmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Better Deeds (book 2) in the series more than the first installment.

End of term is near, Aubrey and Daniel have to grapple with the last 6 weeks of remaining discreet in their relationship.

Overall book was more engaging for me. Looking forward to the final book.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I can express how much I loved this effing book. I'm going to try and find the words and review this weekend. But don't wait for the review, but this one now❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. Wonderful!

[Clairol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tihle dva mě pořád nějak baví.

[Trixia Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAN"T WAIT FOR BOOK 3 YEY

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fíha. Dva dny, dvě knihy. A docela bichle... ta dnešní 480 stran. Nedokážu se odtrhnout a mám čas číst. Výborně se u toho bavím, ale první díl se mi zkrátka líbil víc. Recenze již brzy na portálu Chrudimka.cz

[Lucia Tesková · Rating 5 out of 5]

Já tuhle sérii prostě miluju! ❤️

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Rivill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really perfect story!

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hodnocení: 2,5/5