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Diner waitress Allison Abraham had no idea her mundane life was about to dramatically change the day she serves a devastatingly handsome customer.
Allison is immediately captivated by the mysterious man who stared through her soul with his electric blue eyes. After he abruptly leaves the restaurant, she can’t get him out of her head.
She has no idea that he had actually come on a mission to find her.
Cedric Callahan wasn’t expecting to fall in love at first sight with the pretty waitress he’d set out to find. In fact, she was the last woman on Earth he should be having feelings for. But his selfish heart had other plans. Feeling compelled to know her before revealing himself, he makes her believe their meetings are coincidental.
After a passionate romance ignites, Cedric’s lies and secrets are finally revealed, changing both of their lives forever.
Diner waitress Allison Abraham had no idea her mundane life was about to dramatically change the day she serves a devastatingly handsome customer.
Allison is immediately captivated by the mysterious man who stared through her soul with his electric blue eyes. After he abruptly leaves the restaurant, she can’t get him out of her head.
She has no idea that he had actually come on a mission to find her.
Cedric Callahan wasn’t expecting to fall in love at first sight with the pretty waitress he’d set out to find. In fact, she was the last woman on Earth he should be having feelings for. But his selfish heart had other plans. Feeling compelled to know her before revealing himself, he makes her believe their meetings are coincidental.
After a passionate romance ignites, Cedric’s lies and secrets are finally revealed, changing both of their lives forever.
Audible Audio
First published May 21, 2013
378 people are currently reading
8571 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Ward
98 books25.8k followersPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 970 reviews
June 21, 2013
2.5 stars
This book sadly just wasn't for me which is kind of sad especially since Cedric was hot with blue eyes and guess whose face came to mind??
This was sooo not the case because I could never imagine my beloved acting this way. There could've been good potential here if they acted more grown up.
I just couldn't not connect to it at all and I found myself counting the chapters till I got to the end.
For the first half the book I kept asking who the fcuk is Cedric and how does he know Allison because she sure doesn't know him???!!
Allison saw him ONE time and was drawn to him like a moth to a flame?
"Every day in life, people we will likely never encounter a second time, pass us by. For some unknown reason, I just couldn’t accept that he was one of them."
I get why Cedric was drawn to her because of the past to an extent but he even went way overboard in his thoughts of her.
Let me tell you about their hook up-
It was not extraordinary at all. I didn't feel any fireworks, Nada, nothing...
So if the sex is also bleh I know its downhill for me.
"I want it all. I want to wake up in the morning next to someone who rocks my world in every way. Someone who I am so physically attracted to that I can’t keep my hands off her but who at the same time fulfills me in other ways, emotionally, on a deeper level. I want to be with someone who makes me never want to be with another single soul and someone who makes me want to be a better person.”
The absolute worse for me was the way they carried on. The swooning while skyping and texting. I kept asking myself is Cedric 34 or 14?
Hell I'm 27 and I sure as hell do not perform like that.
After skim reading waiting for something great to happen it just got worse.
The break up and the moping after the big reveal was shocking!!!
To get depressed like that for such a small relationship??
Also the whole star sign thing? I didn't see the point of it.
This is my reaction at the end...
July 20, 2013
Hmmm I'm not entirely sure where I stand on this book. I have mixed feelings about it. I really enjoyed parts of it and kind of disliked other parts.
I read this book because I heard that there was this crazy insane plot twist in it that nooooooobody saw coming and that really intrigued me because I just love it when books can surprise me like that.
And I really have to give the author props because admittedly, I did not see this one coming and it kept me guessing and wondering and going all over the map trying to figure it out.
I had every kind of idea going through my mind (even as far fetched as him being an alien, which - don't laugh - actually did fit! I swear, it did!) and I could have sworn I thought of everything but nope! This twist took me completely by surprise!
The story is basically about a woman named Allison whose life changes when a certain gorgeous man, Cedric, walks into her diner. Something about him is indescribably alluring to her but despite their connection, he's holding back a big secret... one that could change everything between them.
The story was a little rough around the edges - bits of stilted dialogue and repetitiveness but for the first while I was completely willing to overlook it because I did feel invested in their story and wanted to know what his damn secret was!
"My draw to Allison is not a choice. It's a completely uncontrollable pull that won't go away, despite the consequences of acting on it. I will never stop wanting her. And I will inevitably hurt her either way, once she learns the truth, whether I am involved with her or not. She is going to find out with or without me. Maybe just maybe, if I can show her who I am and get her to trust me, she will find it in her heart to see past everything."
I kept thinking 'well gee, how bad can it be??'
And yup, again - it took me completely by surprise!! Total shocker!
I was torn about the hero - there were so many qualities about him that I loved... he was caring, protective, sweet and totally into Allison but there were also elements that came out about him that made my eyes squint a little. There was never any doubt that he was crazy for her but still there were a lot of character traits that didn't make him a bad guy or anything, but just kind of pulled him away being the kind of guy I'd fully fall for so... *squint*
But if you took them out of any of the drama surrounding them, I did really like Cedric and Allison as a couple. They really worked well together and there were several adorable, sweet, steamy scenes that had me smiling.
I guess my initial reaction to the explanation about the twist was shocked but then a little negative because of some implications that were made... but, the more I think about it, the more I realize that maybe the actions/reactions were just kind of honest and real. I guess it wasn't quite the romance I was hoping for because of the implications it gave but I guess life never is perfect...
As the story progressed though, the little things that bothered me kept building. But here's thing - I can't really fault them though 'cuz looking back it's not really something I can blame the character for. I mean, it was fully within his right to do those things but they just still bothered me. And I know that's insanely vague but really, if I say anything specific I'll give the whole thing away and I know that a lot of readers really enjoyed this book more than me and so I don't want to ruin the experience in case you want to give it a shot.
I'll admit though that towards the end, there were some very sweet and touching moments and the ending itself was very well wrapped up and perfect but still, there were just 'things' that bothered me.
I rate parts of this book 2.5 - 3 stars and parts of the book 4 stars which I guess round it off to a final rating of 3 - 3.5 stars.
Here's my casting for Cedric:
Diner waitress Allison Abraham had no idea her mundane life was about to dramatically change the day she serves a devastatingly handsome customer.
Allison is immediately captivated by the mysterious man who stared through her soul with his electric blue eyes. After he abruptly leaves the restaurant, she can’t get him out of her head.
She has no idea that he had actually come on a mission to find her.
Cedric Callahan wasn’t expecting to fall in love at first sight with the pretty waitress he’d set out to find. In fact, she was the last woman on Earth he should be having feelings for. But his selfish heart had other plans. Feeling compelled to know her before revealing himself, he makes her believe their meetings are coincidental.
After a passionate romance ignites, Cedric’s lies and secrets are finally revealed, changing both of their lives forever.
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July 13, 2014
5 stars for this AMAZING book
I don't even know where to begin. There is just so much to say. I was intrigued with the blurb but I truly had no idea the depths this story would take me.
It starts off with Cedric meeting Allison at the diner where she's working. He knows who she is but she doesn't know that. He's there for one reason only but once he sees her he can't help but put aside his true reason for being there.
They are both instantly attracted to each other. He knows it's wrong, but he just can't help it.
"My draw to Allison is not a choice. I will never stop wanting her. And I will inevitably hurt her either way, once she learns the truth."
I spent a good part of this book trying to figure out what this "Truth" was. It drove me nuts! (In a good way) I loved the mystery that surrounded Cedric.
The author did an amazing job building the mystery that was Cedric Callahan. In fact, it was so good that I was worried the big secret would be a big let down.
Well.......Shame on me for even thinking that! I felt like someone smacked me up side my head. I'm sorry I doubted you Penelope Ward. Trust me, it won't happen again!
BTW - I will never look at Wonder Woman the same again
So now I've gotten to the big reveal and I'm thinking (like most romance novels) this is where we wrap it up, right?
That would be a big HELL TO THE NO.
I'm not going to go any further because it will just be filled with spoilers, but I will say this. I'm am exhausted!
Penelope Ward put me through the wringer! I just wanted it to stop (not really) but it was like one hit after another!
I became so attached to these characters that my emotions got the best of me. I found myself sobbing during both sad and happy parts. That rarely ever happens to me.
I can't express how much I loved this story. You just have to read the book for yourself. It truly is an amazing love story. I will not forget it any time soon.
"When I saw you, I fell in love and you smiled because you knew."
I don't even know where to begin. There is just so much to say. I was intrigued with the blurb but I truly had no idea the depths this story would take me.
It starts off with Cedric meeting Allison at the diner where she's working. He knows who she is but she doesn't know that. He's there for one reason only but once he sees her he can't help but put aside his true reason for being there.
They are both instantly attracted to each other. He knows it's wrong, but he just can't help it.
"My draw to Allison is not a choice. I will never stop wanting her. And I will inevitably hurt her either way, once she learns the truth."
I spent a good part of this book trying to figure out what this "Truth" was. It drove me nuts! (In a good way) I loved the mystery that surrounded Cedric.
The author did an amazing job building the mystery that was Cedric Callahan. In fact, it was so good that I was worried the big secret would be a big let down.
Well.......Shame on me for even thinking that! I felt like someone smacked me up side my head. I'm sorry I doubted you Penelope Ward. Trust me, it won't happen again!
BTW - I will never look at Wonder Woman the same again
So now I've gotten to the big reveal and I'm thinking (like most romance novels) this is where we wrap it up, right?
That would be a big HELL TO THE NO.
I'm not going to go any further because it will just be filled with spoilers, but I will say this. I'm am exhausted!
Penelope Ward put me through the wringer! I just wanted it to stop (not really) but it was like one hit after another!
I became so attached to these characters that my emotions got the best of me. I found myself sobbing during both sad and happy parts. That rarely ever happens to me.
I can't express how much I loved this story. You just have to read the book for yourself. It truly is an amazing love story. I will not forget it any time soon.
"When I saw you, I fell in love and you smiled because you knew."
July 23, 2013
DNF at 30%
I tried. I really, really did. Honestly, i can't remember the last time I gave up on a book this early on, but I just couldn't take it any more.
I don't feel like sitting here and writing out all of the problems I had with this book, but I feel the need to mention a couple of things. First of all, the H & h were in their 30's. But they came off sounding so incredibly juvenile. Their inner monologues sounded like the thoughts of love-sick teenagers, which made it really awkward for me - especially with Cedric, who sounded more like a 13 yr old girl with a crush, than a 34 year old successful businessman.
This story also featured one of the fastest cases of insta-love that I have come across in a very long time. After one brief encounter, both Cedric and Allison are (internally at least) declaring how connected they feel and how they want no one else but each other.
There was much talk about a huge twist that happens at some point in the book, and that was the reason I attempted to keep going even though this book was on my bad side almost from the beginning. But frankly, I don't really care what the twist was, and I doubt it would have been able to save this reading experience for me.
Read more of my reviews at my blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com
I tried. I really, really did. Honestly, i can't remember the last time I gave up on a book this early on, but I just couldn't take it any more.
I don't feel like sitting here and writing out all of the problems I had with this book, but I feel the need to mention a couple of things. First of all, the H & h were in their 30's. But they came off sounding so incredibly juvenile. Their inner monologues sounded like the thoughts of love-sick teenagers, which made it really awkward for me - especially with Cedric, who sounded more like a 13 yr old girl with a crush, than a 34 year old successful businessman.
This story also featured one of the fastest cases of insta-love that I have come across in a very long time. After one brief encounter, both Cedric and Allison are (internally at least) declaring how connected they feel and how they want no one else but each other.
There was much talk about a huge twist that happens at some point in the book, and that was the reason I attempted to keep going even though this book was on my bad side almost from the beginning. But frankly, I don't really care what the twist was, and I doubt it would have been able to save this reading experience for me.
Read more of my reviews at my blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com
July 12, 2019
WHAT THAT F LIVING FUCK WAS THIS?
So it started good and then the so-called “plot twist/secret” that Cedric has hiding was just SHIT!
I absolutely hate that trope and it shouldn’t even exist in my opinion.
That simply ruined the book for me.
JUST A BIG FAT NO.
Read
October 19, 2013First those who know me here at GR know what I have always said... I respect writers.
Period. They put their ideas to paper or now Ebooks and send them out into the world. It takes courage and a willingness to have their concepts and ideas evaluated. Most people will never experience what it is like.
I think those of us who love to read should really appreciate how these people leave themselves open to hear the good, the bad and the indifferent.
I really love reading and am pretty open to all types and levels of books; romantic sweet; complicated angst; strong rough language MC, thought provoking series, etc... I am very patient in my reading.
As I mentioned in my updates for this read, I came to this book because of a blurb about this author's upcoming book, Jake Undone. Really liked what it described and looked to see what else the author had written. Turned out I had Gemini and started it blind.
The concept from what I could tell was main fella was looking to meet main girl. He had some huge mysterious circumstance causing him to find her but not "deserve" her. There was the assumed insta desire from both parties and hiccups in them actually talking and getting to know one another. It had some secondary characters which did not frustrate and seemed interesting. It touched on important topics such as adoption and Autism.
If handled differently, in my opinion, there were enough elements to make this a more successful read for me.
Here is where it lost me:
Main fella was wishy washy... supposed to be powerbroker agent for Newscasters, etc. but in all of his actions there was the continual back and forth of "I want her... she is everything... but when she finds out ... it will be over etc." I understand if he feels this... but how many times do I have to experience it?
Also... If there is some big huge reveal... give me something... please do not tease me for most of the book if the character is not the greatest guy.
Because this fella, not the greatest guy...
He wants girl A but is in a sort of relationship with girl B.
He actually has sex with girl B while thinking of girl A.
Then he finally dumps girl B and because he does not know how to handle all of this mysterious stuff with girl A, which we as readers still have no clue about, he practically gets a BJ from girl C because he can not push her away.
That does not make me like this fella - that makes me think this fella is weak, a possible cheater, liar and no one I would want to be with.
Girl A, main love interest, starts out as ok... stays sort of ok but then suffers from the non communication disease - no one ever says what they should.
Question: I saw you were in the newspaper with Girl B on your arm... Gee is that your girlfriend... and if she is why are you hanging out with me???
Why can characters do that?
It really isn't difficult... and I have to share, I recently read another book which I will be reviewing soon, and those characters did confront each other and it was such a relief to experience it.
We eventually find out what the big mystery is.. and both main characters are crushed by it. The book has a resolution but for me, it just did not.
I truly hope the upcoming book, Jake Undone, works. The character was introduced in this book and has the foundation to be a very cool guy.
Period. They put their ideas to paper or now Ebooks and send them out into the world. It takes courage and a willingness to have their concepts and ideas evaluated. Most people will never experience what it is like.
I think those of us who love to read should really appreciate how these people leave themselves open to hear the good, the bad and the indifferent.
I really love reading and am pretty open to all types and levels of books; romantic sweet; complicated angst; strong rough language MC, thought provoking series, etc... I am very patient in my reading.
As I mentioned in my updates for this read, I came to this book because of a blurb about this author's upcoming book, Jake Undone. Really liked what it described and looked to see what else the author had written. Turned out I had Gemini and started it blind.
The concept from what I could tell was main fella was looking to meet main girl. He had some huge mysterious circumstance causing him to find her but not "deserve" her. There was the assumed insta desire from both parties and hiccups in them actually talking and getting to know one another. It had some secondary characters which did not frustrate and seemed interesting. It touched on important topics such as adoption and Autism.
If handled differently, in my opinion, there were enough elements to make this a more successful read for me.
Here is where it lost me:
Main fella was wishy washy... supposed to be powerbroker agent for Newscasters, etc. but in all of his actions there was the continual back and forth of "I want her... she is everything... but when she finds out ... it will be over etc." I understand if he feels this... but how many times do I have to experience it?
Also... If there is some big huge reveal... give me something... please do not tease me for most of the book if the character is not the greatest guy.
Because this fella, not the greatest guy...
He wants girl A but is in a sort of relationship with girl B.
He actually has sex with girl B while thinking of girl A.
Then he finally dumps girl B and because he does not know how to handle all of this mysterious stuff with girl A, which we as readers still have no clue about, he practically gets a BJ from girl C because he can not push her away.
That does not make me like this fella - that makes me think this fella is weak, a possible cheater, liar and no one I would want to be with.
Girl A, main love interest, starts out as ok... stays sort of ok but then suffers from the non communication disease - no one ever says what they should.
Question: I saw you were in the newspaper with Girl B on your arm... Gee is that your girlfriend... and if she is why are you hanging out with me???
Why can characters do that?
It really isn't difficult... and I have to share, I recently read another book which I will be reviewing soon, and those characters did confront each other and it was such a relief to experience it.
We eventually find out what the big mystery is.. and both main characters are crushed by it. The book has a resolution but for me, it just did not.
I truly hope the upcoming book, Jake Undone, works. The character was introduced in this book and has the foundation to be a very cool guy.
June 12, 2013
This was one of those feel-good kind of books....a really sweet love story with some twists thrown in to keep things interesting.
Gemini is the story of Cedric and Allison. It's told in alternating POVs, which really gives you a feel for what the characters are thinking and feeling.
Allison is in her early twenties....she dropped out of her Masters program at school after the death of her mother and a bad break-up with her abusive, alcoholic boyfriend. She finds herself working at a diner to pass the time and save money for college.
One Monday morning at the diner, a man walks in with the most beautiful blue eyes...Cedric. He proceeds to seek out Allison and he is captivated. Only, Cedric was there looking for Allison specifically. And so the mystery begins...why was Cedric there looking for Allison??
Cedric continues to look for excuses to see and get to know Allison and over time they start to fall in love with each other. All the while, Cedric continues to keep from Allison his reason for showing up in the diner to begin with. Eventually, the pressure of keeping the secret becomes too much for Cedric and he pushes Allison away. Only for Allison to find out the secret anyways.
The whole book I kept thinking, what is going on? What is Cedric hiding? And the further and further I got in to the story I began to have some guesses. The secret is life-changing for Allison. Finding everything out, causes her to question everything she has known about herself and her life up to this point.
I thought this was a very touching story. The love that Cedric felt for Allison and vice versa was so sweet. You couldn't help but root for them. After everything they went through, would Cedric and Allison be able to find their way back to each other??
I think my only complaint about this story would be that the writing style didn't allow the reader to feel the story so much as read it being told. It also was just a tad bit too drawn out. Overall, I found it to be a very sweet read. Despite the writing style, there was definitely chemistry between Cedric and Allison.
Gemini is the story of Cedric and Allison. It's told in alternating POVs, which really gives you a feel for what the characters are thinking and feeling.
Allison is in her early twenties....she dropped out of her Masters program at school after the death of her mother and a bad break-up with her abusive, alcoholic boyfriend. She finds herself working at a diner to pass the time and save money for college.
One Monday morning at the diner, a man walks in with the most beautiful blue eyes...Cedric. He proceeds to seek out Allison and he is captivated. Only, Cedric was there looking for Allison specifically. And so the mystery begins...why was Cedric there looking for Allison??
Cedric continues to look for excuses to see and get to know Allison and over time they start to fall in love with each other. All the while, Cedric continues to keep from Allison his reason for showing up in the diner to begin with. Eventually, the pressure of keeping the secret becomes too much for Cedric and he pushes Allison away. Only for Allison to find out the secret anyways.
The whole book I kept thinking, what is going on? What is Cedric hiding? And the further and further I got in to the story I began to have some guesses. The secret is life-changing for Allison. Finding everything out, causes her to question everything she has known about herself and her life up to this point.
I thought this was a very touching story. The love that Cedric felt for Allison and vice versa was so sweet. You couldn't help but root for them. After everything they went through, would Cedric and Allison be able to find their way back to each other??
I think my only complaint about this story would be that the writing style didn't allow the reader to feel the story so much as read it being told. It also was just a tad bit too drawn out. Overall, I found it to be a very sweet read. Despite the writing style, there was definitely chemistry between Cedric and Allison.
June 18, 2013
4.5 amazing stars!!
This book turned out to be a really nice surprise. I honestly wouldn't have know about it had I not stumbled across the title while surfing a blog. It was a unique story that captivated me and held my attention from the first page to the very last. Oh and what an awesome epilogue. It really wrapped the story up nicely. I would highly recommend this book.
This book turned out to be a really nice surprise. I honestly wouldn't have know about it had I not stumbled across the title while surfing a blog. It was a unique story that captivated me and held my attention from the first page to the very last. Oh and what an awesome epilogue. It really wrapped the story up nicely. I would highly recommend this book.
November 7, 2013
What happens when you finish your book on the way in to the office and face a dreary bus ride home later? Well, you download some random book from the Kindle Owners Lending Library, that's what.
20% into the book and this is what I've got so far:
No lie - I almost gave up on this book in the first chapter after she name checks Christian Gray - yeah, I'm a snob, I don't want to read about a woman who thought that book was "delicious". But I got over myself. And now I'll go into something else that bugs me in contemporary setting books - constant brand name dropping. iPod, Cool Water cologne, Honda Accord. A character can't just "grab a beer", no, they have to "grab a LandShark beer" - every single time I read stuff like that it pops me right out of the story - and it's like that scene in Wayne's World. I don't know if authors' think that makes the story more authentic or something, but I find it distracting - and also means the book is going to sound completely dated in about five years.
Also, it's Berklee College of Music. BerkLEE. BERKLEE - not Berkeley. The author is from Boston so she should know this - and if it's a mistake - EDITORS NEED TO CATCH THIS STUFF.
60% done:
Contrary to what Alanis Morisette would like you to believe, irony does not mean coincidence - stop using it that way.
There is something seriously hinkey about Allisons' therapist jobs
I also do not need to know the name and artist of every song that ever plays anywhere in this book.
P.S. It's still BERKLEE.
Sex scene: I weep that this is what passes for "erotica" these days.
Oh yeahhhh, baby! Gag her with your tongue! Sexy sexy - That's HOT
That's another problem I'm having - both of these people are in their 30s, or close to, yet almost everything that comes out of their mouths or minds is so juvenile.
I've been reading about this big mind blowing twist. Is it because if so, that's not mind blowing - that's fucking creeptastic. I am really wishing I went with my gut and quit this at the Christian Gray reference.
I'm just skimming now
First person POV has never been my favorite, especially like this. Bouncing back and forth between the characters, where the beginning of each segment is a recap of what happened in the last from the other POV is tedious.
Annnnd that was the twist with an added subtwist. Gag.
Much like other heroes of this genre (who shall remain nameless but you know who I mean) - I just do NOT get the appeal of Cedric. He's hot! He's rich! He's a total douchebag - he's a 34 year-old frat guy.
No.
I was actually planning to give this one an extra pity star before that load of tripe above. Nope.
Well, this is the state of post-50 Shades erotic fiction, I guess. It's no surprise that the author lists E.L. James among her inspirations and apparently, a lot of people love this book based on the number of five star reviews and the fact that there is already one sequel and another in the works. It's a shame, really - I like that e-books have caused a kind of renaissance for erotic fiction but where is the quality? Portia Da Costa, Emma Holly, Juliet Hastings - pretty much anything from Black Lace - that's Golden Age by comparison.
Or is this part of the dreadful "new adult" genre that is basically warping an entire generation of young women into thinking these assholes are romantic and dreamy? I'm getting too old for this shit...
20% into the book and this is what I've got so far:
No lie - I almost gave up on this book in the first chapter after she name checks Christian Gray - yeah, I'm a snob, I don't want to read about a woman who thought that book was "delicious". But I got over myself. And now I'll go into something else that bugs me in contemporary setting books - constant brand name dropping. iPod, Cool Water cologne, Honda Accord. A character can't just "grab a beer", no, they have to "grab a LandShark beer" - every single time I read stuff like that it pops me right out of the story - and it's like that scene in Wayne's World. I don't know if authors' think that makes the story more authentic or something, but I find it distracting - and also means the book is going to sound completely dated in about five years.
Also, it's Berklee College of Music. BerkLEE. BERKLEE - not Berkeley. The author is from Boston so she should know this - and if it's a mistake - EDITORS NEED TO CATCH THIS STUFF.
60% done:
Contrary to what Alanis Morisette would like you to believe, irony does not mean coincidence - stop using it that way.
There is something seriously hinkey about Allisons' therapist jobs
I also do not need to know the name and artist of every song that ever plays anywhere in this book.
P.S. It's still BERKLEE.
Sex scene: I weep that this is what passes for "erotica" these days.
"I placed my hand on her chin, pulled her mouth straight into mine and buried my tongue down her throat"
Oh yeahhhh, baby! Gag her with your tongue! Sexy sexy - That's HOT
"I felt his hot tongue invade me down there suddenly and fiercely"Down there? Seriously? Is Allison 29 or 12?
That's another problem I'm having - both of these people are in their 30s, or close to, yet almost everything that comes out of their mouths or minds is so juvenile.
I've been reading about this big mind blowing twist. Is it because if so, that's not mind blowing - that's fucking creeptastic. I am really wishing I went with my gut and quit this at the Christian Gray reference.
I'm just skimming now
First person POV has never been my favorite, especially like this. Bouncing back and forth between the characters, where the beginning of each segment is a recap of what happened in the last from the other POV is tedious.
Annnnd that was the twist with an added subtwist. Gag.
Much like other heroes of this genre (who shall remain nameless but you know who I mean) - I just do NOT get the appeal of Cedric. He's hot! He's rich! He's a total douchebag - he's a 34 year-old frat guy.
No.
I was actually planning to give this one an extra pity star before that load of tripe above. Nope.
Well, this is the state of post-50 Shades erotic fiction, I guess. It's no surprise that the author lists E.L. James among her inspirations and apparently, a lot of people love this book based on the number of five star reviews and the fact that there is already one sequel and another in the works. It's a shame, really - I like that e-books have caused a kind of renaissance for erotic fiction but where is the quality? Portia Da Costa, Emma Holly, Juliet Hastings - pretty much anything from Black Lace - that's Golden Age by comparison.
Or is this part of the dreadful "new adult" genre that is basically warping an entire generation of young women into thinking these assholes are romantic and dreamy? I'm getting too old for this shit...
April 27, 2017
Re-read this and completely forgot that he slept with the h's identical twin sister as well as the h
Also, he was in a long term relationship with the h's twin and also took her virginity and he loved the twin
...and he cheats on the twin with another woman (not the h)
Also, he was in a long term relationship with the h's twin and also took her virginity and he loved the twin
...and he cheats on the twin with another woman (not the h)
January 29, 2017
I remember: the book with the twins. One alive and the other dead. Heroes found the alive one because of reasons and falls for her. I didn't like this
February 9, 2017
5 yummy stars!!!
September 14, 2013
4 Did Not See That Coming Stars
Oh I knew there was a secret. A surprise. Something we were not being told. I tried to figure it out. I'm usually pretty good at that. But this one. Big Bus Surprise.
Allison is working at a diner while saving money to finish her Masters. Her mom has passed away and she is basically alone. She has friends but no family. She is living her life. Then one day HE walks into the diner. And he is beautiful. And a good tipper. But seeing as how he's not a regular and she doesn't even know his name, its not like it can go anywhere, right?
Every day in life, people we will likely never encounter a second time, pass us by. For some unknown reason, I just couldn't accept that he was one of them.
Cedric is a successful talent agent. He has worked his way through lot of women but not given his heart to anyone since The Chicago Incident. (see the first paragraph RE: secrets and surprises) When he sees Allison, he knows that he is going to be in deep. But can he win her trust. More importantly...will he keep her trust after she finds out about The Chicago Incident. Cedric is sweet, romantic, sexy and has a tattoo. Another secret. The tattoo.
That's the thing about lies; you have to keep covering them with more lies.
There are great secondary characters. You really get to know the characters and love them. As the story unfolds, you get the many layers of the Allison and Cedric. And you are blown away. Like being hit by a bus.
Oh I knew there was a secret. A surprise. Something we were not being told. I tried to figure it out. I'm usually pretty good at that. But this one. Big Bus Surprise.
Allison is working at a diner while saving money to finish her Masters. Her mom has passed away and she is basically alone. She has friends but no family. She is living her life. Then one day HE walks into the diner. And he is beautiful. And a good tipper. But seeing as how he's not a regular and she doesn't even know his name, its not like it can go anywhere, right?
Every day in life, people we will likely never encounter a second time, pass us by. For some unknown reason, I just couldn't accept that he was one of them.
Cedric is a successful talent agent. He has worked his way through lot of women but not given his heart to anyone since The Chicago Incident. (see the first paragraph RE: secrets and surprises) When he sees Allison, he knows that he is going to be in deep. But can he win her trust. More importantly...will he keep her trust after she finds out about The Chicago Incident. Cedric is sweet, romantic, sexy and has a tattoo. Another secret. The tattoo.
That's the thing about lies; you have to keep covering them with more lies.
There are great secondary characters. You really get to know the characters and love them. As the story unfolds, you get the many layers of the Allison and Cedric. And you are blown away. Like being hit by a bus.
July 8, 2013
Allison - Working as a waitress at a diner.
Cedric - Talent Agent Playboy
This was a fantastic book! Although there were times I found myself nodding off, it was back to being awesome on the next page. Throughout this book you will continue to beat your head against the wall and want to skip ahead to find out about their past "connection" DON'T DO IT. Trust me once the cat is out of the bag you will be all
Well played Ms. Ward, Well played..
This is not your typical romance. There are twists and turns that you will keep you from putting it down :)
The ending ties up everything BEAUTIFULLY, and no cliff hanger.
Cedric - Talent Agent Playboy
This was a fantastic book! Although there were times I found myself nodding off, it was back to being awesome on the next page. Throughout this book you will continue to beat your head against the wall and want to skip ahead to find out about their past "connection" DON'T DO IT. Trust me once the cat is out of the bag you will be all
Well played Ms. Ward, Well played..
This is not your typical romance. There are twists and turns that you will keep you from putting it down :)
The ending ties up everything BEAUTIFULLY, and no cliff hanger.
June 21, 2013
I thought this book was AMAZING!!!! I loved every page from beginning to end. This book kept me completely interested all the way through. I know that the thought of Insta-love turns a lot of people off but I would have to say that this book handled it differently. Yes Cedric and Allison felt an instant connection but they slowly grew their relationship....mostly because of a secret Cedric was keeping. I will say that you know right off the bat that Cedric has a secret he is keeping and it drove me crazy not knowing, but that was also the amazing part of this book, it kept you invested to keep reading to find out what he was hiding. I have to say I never would've guessed his secret. I tried to figure it out before the reveal in the book and I couldn't come up with anything that worked. And now I know why ;) I loved the secondary characters in this book. I also loved that this book touched on the subject of Autism in children and adults. It was fabulous to see how Allison worked with these adults and helped them through their daily life. Although I will never think of Wonder Woman the same way again. You'll have to read the book to know what I am talking about.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is one I will for sure read again in the future.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is one I will for sure read again in the future.
November 5, 2013
★★★★★Gemini by Penelope Ward
While working her shift at the diner, Blue Eyes walks in and Allison's world is forever changed. Is there such a thing as love at first site? Or are things fated to end badly?
When Wonder Woman and Kent Clark get together they can't keep their hands to themselves. But when someone threatens to expose him, their lives are spun from lust to betrayal.
How could this possibly be true?
When shock takes a hold, you are paralyzed within yourself.
And everyone's heart breaks.
You're emotionally drained and shut down.
Once your new reality is realized, it's time to deal with it or move on.
But in the end, tears can also bring great joy.
I read this after Jake Undone, but wish I read it first. While not a big deal, I do have a greater appreciation for the characters and their relationships after reading this.
While working her shift at the diner, Blue Eyes walks in and Allison's world is forever changed. Is there such a thing as love at first site? Or are things fated to end badly?
When Wonder Woman and Kent Clark get together they can't keep their hands to themselves. But when someone threatens to expose him, their lives are spun from lust to betrayal.
How could this possibly be true?
When shock takes a hold, you are paralyzed within yourself.
And everyone's heart breaks.
You're emotionally drained and shut down.
Once your new reality is realized, it's time to deal with it or move on.
But in the end, tears can also bring great joy.
I read this after Jake Undone, but wish I read it first. While not a big deal, I do have a greater appreciation for the characters and their relationships after reading this.
November 15, 2013
Wow, what a story
I read "Jake Undone" by this author first and when I fell in love with that unique story, I knew I just had to read Gemini. Boy am I glad that I did! This book was amazing! Let me start off by showing you who I see as the cast for Allison and Cedric
Allison Abrahams dream was to get her graduate degree in special education so she could work with kids with special needs and make a difference. Now because of some life circumstances and the high cost of school, Allison is working at a diner waitressing and saving money until she is ready to return to school. While on her shift the most gorgeous man with the most amazing blue eyes walks in. She can't seem to take her eyes off of him and he can't seem to take his eyes off of her! There is an instant connection with them and after he leaves the diner, leaving a $50 tip, Allison can't stop thinking about the no name, blue eyed man that took her breath away.
Every day in life, people we will likely never encounter a second time, pass us by. For some unknown reason, I just couldn't accept that he was one of them Allison
But was their encounter coincidental or was it by chance?
Cedric Callahan was not at Allison's diner by chance, he was there to find her, but once he took one look at her he was instantly attracted to her and decided not to tell her the truth of why he was there. Instead he decided he would follow his heart to be with her and tell her later why he was really at the diner and hope that once she got to know him she would be able to forgive him for not telling her the truth.
I kept thinking I knew Cedric's secret, but with every passing chapter I started to second guess my prediction and then when his secret came out I was like whoa! This book kept me captivated and at the edge of my seat trying to figure out what Cedric was hiding. I laughed, cried and just fell in love with the way this story unfolded. Your heart will break and then it will be put back together piece by piece once you get to the end. Looking forward to reading more from Penelope Ward!
I read "Jake Undone" by this author first and when I fell in love with that unique story, I knew I just had to read Gemini. Boy am I glad that I did! This book was amazing! Let me start off by showing you who I see as the cast for Allison and Cedric
Allison Abrahams dream was to get her graduate degree in special education so she could work with kids with special needs and make a difference. Now because of some life circumstances and the high cost of school, Allison is working at a diner waitressing and saving money until she is ready to return to school. While on her shift the most gorgeous man with the most amazing blue eyes walks in. She can't seem to take her eyes off of him and he can't seem to take his eyes off of her! There is an instant connection with them and after he leaves the diner, leaving a $50 tip, Allison can't stop thinking about the no name, blue eyed man that took her breath away.
Every day in life, people we will likely never encounter a second time, pass us by. For some unknown reason, I just couldn't accept that he was one of them Allison
But was their encounter coincidental or was it by chance?
Cedric Callahan was not at Allison's diner by chance, he was there to find her, but once he took one look at her he was instantly attracted to her and decided not to tell her the truth of why he was there. Instead he decided he would follow his heart to be with her and tell her later why he was really at the diner and hope that once she got to know him she would be able to forgive him for not telling her the truth.
I kept thinking I knew Cedric's secret, but with every passing chapter I started to second guess my prediction and then when his secret came out I was like whoa! This book kept me captivated and at the edge of my seat trying to figure out what Cedric was hiding. I laughed, cried and just fell in love with the way this story unfolded. Your heart will break and then it will be put back together piece by piece once you get to the end. Looking forward to reading more from Penelope Ward!
August 14, 2018
Well, I ve finally read this, after I have shelved it on my TBR list in 2014.
WAY TO GO! *high fives to herself*
Anyway, I ll be short with the review...
It was quite a bit overwhelming drama and not in a way I usually anticipate.
First of all, I didnt like Cedric.
I mean, the man felt meh in everything he did and the lack of 'man-ing it up' for the sake of reasonable action, he lacked in each department that I usually find appealing in male characters.
So, that was off...😕
Now, considering everything mentioned above, it was mainly his actions that actually put all the fucked up drama in the storyline...so, I guess, since the two were so much interlinked I had a hard time focusing on anything else...
I cant say that the main plot wasn't intriguing but it seemed like too much drama with a less of a man hero that just wanted to find his peace of heaven on Earth, twice...with not so memorable, manly actions, and yet it can only happen in fiction.
So, there...
August 7, 2018
This book is bad
1. It should be editing better. We do not need chapters about Cedric client and the nature of his job. It creates more confusion since none of Cedric's clients has major contribution on the plot.
2. There is no chemistry between Cedric and Allison. No character development.
3. 300 pages is too long. I read this on audio book. The audio book is more than 10 hours.
4. The writing is unpolished. It should be edit it better.
5. After a sexual assault on Allison, she immediately jumping on Cedric lap.
1 star
1. It should be editing better. We do not need chapters about Cedric client and the nature of his job. It creates more confusion since none of Cedric's clients has major contribution on the plot.
2. There is no chemistry between Cedric and Allison. No character development.
3. 300 pages is too long. I read this on audio book. The audio book is more than 10 hours.
4. The writing is unpolished. It should be edit it better.
5. After a sexual assault on Allison, she immediately jumping on Cedric lap.
1 star
June 4, 2013
3.5* As a whole I enjoyed this book which has a good storyline and for me was different than other books. My few -ves were the overstated descriptions in the beginning to describe Cedric and Cedric indecisiveness. Maybe it's be as I like strong alpha males who just do what needs to be done and take charge do maybe, wrongly, I was looking for that from Cedric. That said I enjoyed the love between the couple and the families. Enjoyable read.
June 2, 2013
What an endearing bittersweet story, loved the twist plots but the romance shown through. I love feeling a connection with book characters and loved Allison and Cedric so much. Will be looking out for more from Penelope Ward.
March 2, 2016
This is a three star read at best, because, while sweet, it was kind of fucked up.
Really kind of fucked up.
Really kind of fucked up.
April 18, 2018
Sul blog trovate la mia opinione qui --->
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
“Nei tuoi occhi c'è tutto" è un contemporary romance autoconclusivo che si presenta con una trama interessante perché piuttosto vaga.
Non sapevo di preciso cosa aspettarmi da questo romanzo, ma dopo un inizio abbastanza lento e titubante, la storia ha preso piede e devo dire che nel complesso mi è piaciuta.
Il libro è scritto interamente in prima persona dal punto di vista alternato dei protagonisti, Cedric e Allison, due trentenni che rimangono entrambi folgorati l'uno dall'altra sin dal primo sguardo.
Il romanzo inizia con il primo incontro di Allison e Cedric, ma si capisce subito che c'è qualcosa sotto.
Dopo aver interrotto la sua specializzazione in pedagogia per mettere da parte i soldi che le servono per continuare gli studi, Allison lavora come cameriera in una tavola calda, ma il suo sogno ed obiettivo rimane quello di concludere gli studi e lavorare con i ragazzi affetti da disabilità. Quando Cedric, da lei soprannominato Occhi Azzurri, entra nella tavola calda per la prima volta, Allison ne rimane totalmente affascinata, anche se il suo strano comportamento e la sua rapida fuga la lasciano un po' spiazzata.
Oltre ad essere un figo pazzesco, Cedric è un agente televisivo, ma la sua professione non ha nulla a che vedere con il proseguire della trama.
L'attrazione verso Allison scatta a prima vista, ma il primo pensiero di Cedric riguarda la consapevolezza che quella ragazza non potrà mai essere sua.
Allison non ha la minima idea di chi sia Cedric, per lei è un completo sconosciuto, ma per lui a quanto pare non è così.
Cosa nasconde Cedric in realtà? Perché non dovrebbe desiderarla? Perché le spezzerà il cuore quando lei scoprirà la verità? Questi sono i quesiti che mi hanno intrigato e spinto a continuare interrottamente a leggere questo romanzo.
L'autrice è stata brava a tenermi in sospeso fino alla rivelazione finale e, anche se ho tentato di fare diverse congetture durante la lettura, questa volta il colpo di scena mi ha sorpreso. Si poteva vagamente immaginare qualcosa, ma sicuramente non nei dettagli.
I due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti, Allison è una ragazza semplice, altruista e simpatica, l'ho trovata davvero dolcissima in molte scene. Cedric a volte mi ha fatto storcere il naso con i suoi dubbi comportamenti, capisco però che la sua non sia una posizione facile, inoltre i suoi sentimenti verso Allison sono palesemente autentici e intensi, quindi lo si perdona facilmente.
Nel corso della trama la Ward non ci fa mancare una buona dose di scene passionali, ma prima di arrivarci, ed anche dopo, ci fa penare un bel po' per via della complicata situazione che si verrà a creare una volta che la verità verrà a galla.
La narrazione è scorrevole come al solito ma un po' acerba, probabilmente perché questa è una delle sue prime storie, ma io l'ho trovata lo stesso una lettura piacevole.
Se siete curiose di scoprire quale sia questo segreto, e la direzione vera e propria di questo romance, allora non vi resta che leggerlo!
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
“Nei tuoi occhi c'è tutto" è un contemporary romance autoconclusivo che si presenta con una trama interessante perché piuttosto vaga.
Non sapevo di preciso cosa aspettarmi da questo romanzo, ma dopo un inizio abbastanza lento e titubante, la storia ha preso piede e devo dire che nel complesso mi è piaciuta.
Il libro è scritto interamente in prima persona dal punto di vista alternato dei protagonisti, Cedric e Allison, due trentenni che rimangono entrambi folgorati l'uno dall'altra sin dal primo sguardo.
Il romanzo inizia con il primo incontro di Allison e Cedric, ma si capisce subito che c'è qualcosa sotto.
Dopo aver interrotto la sua specializzazione in pedagogia per mettere da parte i soldi che le servono per continuare gli studi, Allison lavora come cameriera in una tavola calda, ma il suo sogno ed obiettivo rimane quello di concludere gli studi e lavorare con i ragazzi affetti da disabilità. Quando Cedric, da lei soprannominato Occhi Azzurri, entra nella tavola calda per la prima volta, Allison ne rimane totalmente affascinata, anche se il suo strano comportamento e la sua rapida fuga la lasciano un po' spiazzata.
Oltre ad essere un figo pazzesco, Cedric è un agente televisivo, ma la sua professione non ha nulla a che vedere con il proseguire della trama.
L'attrazione verso Allison scatta a prima vista, ma il primo pensiero di Cedric riguarda la consapevolezza che quella ragazza non potrà mai essere sua.
Allison non ha la minima idea di chi sia Cedric, per lei è un completo sconosciuto, ma per lui a quanto pare non è così.
Cosa nasconde Cedric in realtà? Perché non dovrebbe desiderarla? Perché le spezzerà il cuore quando lei scoprirà la verità? Questi sono i quesiti che mi hanno intrigato e spinto a continuare interrottamente a leggere questo romanzo.
L'autrice è stata brava a tenermi in sospeso fino alla rivelazione finale e, anche se ho tentato di fare diverse congetture durante la lettura, questa volta il colpo di scena mi ha sorpreso. Si poteva vagamente immaginare qualcosa, ma sicuramente non nei dettagli.
I due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti, Allison è una ragazza semplice, altruista e simpatica, l'ho trovata davvero dolcissima in molte scene. Cedric a volte mi ha fatto storcere il naso con i suoi dubbi comportamenti, capisco però che la sua non sia una posizione facile, inoltre i suoi sentimenti verso Allison sono palesemente autentici e intensi, quindi lo si perdona facilmente.
Nel corso della trama la Ward non ci fa mancare una buona dose di scene passionali, ma prima di arrivarci, ed anche dopo, ci fa penare un bel po' per via della complicata situazione che si verrà a creare una volta che la verità verrà a galla.
La narrazione è scorrevole come al solito ma un po' acerba, probabilmente perché questa è una delle sue prime storie, ma io l'ho trovata lo stesso una lettura piacevole.
Se siete curiose di scoprire quale sia questo segreto, e la direzione vera e propria di questo romance, allora non vi resta che leggerlo!
April 26, 2018
RECENSIONE A CURA DEL BLOG CAMMINANDO TRA LE PAGINE
http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
Vi è mai capitato di sentir parlare benissimo di un libro e non vedere l’ora di leggerlo, aspettare con ansia e trepidazione che qualche editore si decida, finalmente, a pubblicarlo? E poi quando ne viene annunciata la pubblicazione siete così felici che contate le settimane che vi separano dall’uscita?
A me sì, è capitato diverse volte, l’ultima volta in ordine di tempo che mi è successo è stato poco tempo fa, con “Gemini”, alias “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto” – di Penelope Ward.
Ma se tutto ciò mi è capitato diverse volte, fortunatamente mi è capitato molto meno di frequente che un romanzo tanto atteso si verificasse, poi, una grande delusione. E “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto” di Penelope Ward purtroppo lo è stata!
Un libro questo, di cui avevo sentito dire meraviglie e che ero certa mi sarebbe piaciuto da impazzire, infatti, non avevo minimamente ipotizzato l’eventualità che potesse non piacermi e proprio per questa ragione il giorno di uscita sono corsa in libreria per acquistarne subito una copia.
Non mi importava che il romanzo costasse, la bellezza, di venti euro perché ero sicura che ne valesse la pena, ma invece è stata una delusione immensa e non solo per i venti euro totalmente buttati nel water. So bene che venti euro non sono un ingente somma di denaro, ma da lettrice compulsiva quale sono, valuto sempre molto attentamente quali libri comprare in carta e quali prendere in e-book e, in genere, i romanzi cartacei li scelgo con estrema attenzione e sono quelli di cui non posso fare a meno, quelli che voglio assolutamente vedere esposti nella mia libreria e ci rimango sempre malissimo quando scopro che un romanzo cartaceo è un autentica delusione. Ed è proprio questo che è stato “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto”, un grosso, grande flop!
Un folp talmente grosso che avrei tanto voluto mollare il romanzo a metà, ma la curiosità di scoprire cosa nascondesse il protagonista maschile ha vinto su tutto il resto e, così, ho stretto i denti e sono arrivata alla fine, anche se ammetto in tutta onestà che una volta concluso ho sospirato di puro sollievo per essermi tolta quel supplizio libroso.
In questa mia recensione non mi concentrerò troppo sulla trama, in quanto la sinossi è abbastanza esaustiva e trovo che non ci sia niente da aggiungere, ma mi concentrerò sull’elencarvi su cosa mi ha spinto a dare a questo libro un'unica e solitaria stellina. Come ho detto anche su GoodReads in uno dei miei tanti aggiornamenti di stato deliranti e rabbiosi, il primo grosso NO è per la storia narrata dall’autrice.
Assurda, è la parola che meglio la rispecchia secondo il mio modesto parare, perché tutto è un gigantesco no sense. Tuttavia, devo ammettere, che l’autrice ha il merito di saper incuriosire, in quanto è stato solo per il grande segreto che nascondeva il protagonista maschile se non ho mollato il libro prima della metà e se mi sono costretta a terminare il romanzo.
Per tutta la lettura mi sono chiesta quale fosse il suo segreto e tra i mille scenari che avevo ipotizzato non avevo minimamente intuito cosa potesse nascondere e non perché la trovata dell’autrice sia geniale ed originale, ma proprio tutto il contrario perché è talmente senza senso che proprio non può venire in mente. Vi dico solo che dopo averlo scoperto avrei tanto voluto lanciare il libro dalla finestra e se mi sono trattenuta è solo perché in strada giocavano i figli dei miei vicini di casa, non avrei mai voluto colpirli con un libro anche se orrendo.
Altro elemento che proprio non sono riuscita ad apprezzare sono i personaggi.
Devo ammettere che sulla protagonista femminile, Allyson, non ho niente da dire. Mi ha lasciato più che altro indifferente; non è una di quelle protagoniste odiose e non è nemmeno una ragazza che travolge con la sua esuberante simpatia. Ecco, a dirla tutta, forse averi preferito trovarla odiosa, almeno qualche emozione me l’avrebbe suscitata piuttosto che il nulla più assoluto. Ma veniamo al protagonista maschile – Cedric. Lui è l’altro grosso flop del romanzo.
Viene descritto come un adone di bellezza ultraterrena, con i suoi capelli neri perfettamente scompigliati e i suoi occhi di una meravigliosa sfumatura di verde, ma nonostante ciò ha la stessa sensualità di una prugna secca.
Si definisce un play boy della specie peggiore, uno di quelli che non ama impegnarsi in relazioni durature e che fa le cosacce con le ragazze per poi piantarle quando si stufa di loro, e fin qui niente di starno in quanto il 70% dei protagonisti maschili in romanzi rosa sono così e io sono solita adorarli. Ma lui è una grande contraddizione perché i play boy, per definizione, sono sfacciati e sfrontati mentre Cedric è timido e insicuro, non che sia un male essere timidi e insicuri, talvolta queste caratteristiche in un personaggio maschile mi fanno provare una tenerezza estrema, ma i pensieri di Cedric non sono i pensieri tipici di uomo, ma sono quelli di una donna e, ragazze, hanno lo stesso effetto di una doccia fredda; passa tutta la poesia.
Onestamente mi dispiace aver fatto a pezzi, spero con garbo, questo romanzo perché “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto” è il romanzo di esordio della Ward e si percepisce in modo chiaro e lampante tutta la sua inesperienza. Si vede chiaramente che il suo stile di scrittura è ancora molto acerbo e immaturo, ma per quanto avrei voluto essere più indulgente con l’autrice, purtroppo non posso ignorare che il romanzo non mi ha appassionata permettendomi di entrare in sintonia con la storia e i personaggi.
Fortunatamente so per esperienza che Penelope Ward scrive molto meglio di così, con il tempo la sua scrittura è evoluta e sa come conquistare il lettore. Se non avete mai letto la Ward vi consiglio di cominciare con altri romanzi scritti da lei come per esempio “OdioAmore” (click sul titolo per la mia recensione) o magari con “Non avrai segreti”, tuttavia non voglio dirvi non leggere questo libro, perché in moltissimi lo hanno adorato e forse lo adorerete anche voi, ma se posso darvi un consiglio: leggetelo solo dopo aver letto altro di questa autrice.
http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
Vi è mai capitato di sentir parlare benissimo di un libro e non vedere l’ora di leggerlo, aspettare con ansia e trepidazione che qualche editore si decida, finalmente, a pubblicarlo? E poi quando ne viene annunciata la pubblicazione siete così felici che contate le settimane che vi separano dall’uscita?
A me sì, è capitato diverse volte, l’ultima volta in ordine di tempo che mi è successo è stato poco tempo fa, con “Gemini”, alias “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto” – di Penelope Ward.
Ma se tutto ciò mi è capitato diverse volte, fortunatamente mi è capitato molto meno di frequente che un romanzo tanto atteso si verificasse, poi, una grande delusione. E “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto” di Penelope Ward purtroppo lo è stata!
Un libro questo, di cui avevo sentito dire meraviglie e che ero certa mi sarebbe piaciuto da impazzire, infatti, non avevo minimamente ipotizzato l’eventualità che potesse non piacermi e proprio per questa ragione il giorno di uscita sono corsa in libreria per acquistarne subito una copia.
Non mi importava che il romanzo costasse, la bellezza, di venti euro perché ero sicura che ne valesse la pena, ma invece è stata una delusione immensa e non solo per i venti euro totalmente buttati nel water. So bene che venti euro non sono un ingente somma di denaro, ma da lettrice compulsiva quale sono, valuto sempre molto attentamente quali libri comprare in carta e quali prendere in e-book e, in genere, i romanzi cartacei li scelgo con estrema attenzione e sono quelli di cui non posso fare a meno, quelli che voglio assolutamente vedere esposti nella mia libreria e ci rimango sempre malissimo quando scopro che un romanzo cartaceo è un autentica delusione. Ed è proprio questo che è stato “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto”, un grosso, grande flop!
Un folp talmente grosso che avrei tanto voluto mollare il romanzo a metà, ma la curiosità di scoprire cosa nascondesse il protagonista maschile ha vinto su tutto il resto e, così, ho stretto i denti e sono arrivata alla fine, anche se ammetto in tutta onestà che una volta concluso ho sospirato di puro sollievo per essermi tolta quel supplizio libroso.
In questa mia recensione non mi concentrerò troppo sulla trama, in quanto la sinossi è abbastanza esaustiva e trovo che non ci sia niente da aggiungere, ma mi concentrerò sull’elencarvi su cosa mi ha spinto a dare a questo libro un'unica e solitaria stellina. Come ho detto anche su GoodReads in uno dei miei tanti aggiornamenti di stato deliranti e rabbiosi, il primo grosso NO è per la storia narrata dall’autrice.
Assurda, è la parola che meglio la rispecchia secondo il mio modesto parare, perché tutto è un gigantesco no sense. Tuttavia, devo ammettere, che l’autrice ha il merito di saper incuriosire, in quanto è stato solo per il grande segreto che nascondeva il protagonista maschile se non ho mollato il libro prima della metà e se mi sono costretta a terminare il romanzo.
Per tutta la lettura mi sono chiesta quale fosse il suo segreto e tra i mille scenari che avevo ipotizzato non avevo minimamente intuito cosa potesse nascondere e non perché la trovata dell’autrice sia geniale ed originale, ma proprio tutto il contrario perché è talmente senza senso che proprio non può venire in mente. Vi dico solo che dopo averlo scoperto avrei tanto voluto lanciare il libro dalla finestra e se mi sono trattenuta è solo perché in strada giocavano i figli dei miei vicini di casa, non avrei mai voluto colpirli con un libro anche se orrendo.
Altro elemento che proprio non sono riuscita ad apprezzare sono i personaggi.
Devo ammettere che sulla protagonista femminile, Allyson, non ho niente da dire. Mi ha lasciato più che altro indifferente; non è una di quelle protagoniste odiose e non è nemmeno una ragazza che travolge con la sua esuberante simpatia. Ecco, a dirla tutta, forse averi preferito trovarla odiosa, almeno qualche emozione me l’avrebbe suscitata piuttosto che il nulla più assoluto. Ma veniamo al protagonista maschile – Cedric. Lui è l’altro grosso flop del romanzo.
Viene descritto come un adone di bellezza ultraterrena, con i suoi capelli neri perfettamente scompigliati e i suoi occhi di una meravigliosa sfumatura di verde, ma nonostante ciò ha la stessa sensualità di una prugna secca.
Si definisce un play boy della specie peggiore, uno di quelli che non ama impegnarsi in relazioni durature e che fa le cosacce con le ragazze per poi piantarle quando si stufa di loro, e fin qui niente di starno in quanto il 70% dei protagonisti maschili in romanzi rosa sono così e io sono solita adorarli. Ma lui è una grande contraddizione perché i play boy, per definizione, sono sfacciati e sfrontati mentre Cedric è timido e insicuro, non che sia un male essere timidi e insicuri, talvolta queste caratteristiche in un personaggio maschile mi fanno provare una tenerezza estrema, ma i pensieri di Cedric non sono i pensieri tipici di uomo, ma sono quelli di una donna e, ragazze, hanno lo stesso effetto di una doccia fredda; passa tutta la poesia.
Onestamente mi dispiace aver fatto a pezzi, spero con garbo, questo romanzo perché “Nei tuoi occhi c’è tutto” è il romanzo di esordio della Ward e si percepisce in modo chiaro e lampante tutta la sua inesperienza. Si vede chiaramente che il suo stile di scrittura è ancora molto acerbo e immaturo, ma per quanto avrei voluto essere più indulgente con l’autrice, purtroppo non posso ignorare che il romanzo non mi ha appassionata permettendomi di entrare in sintonia con la storia e i personaggi.
Fortunatamente so per esperienza che Penelope Ward scrive molto meglio di così, con il tempo la sua scrittura è evoluta e sa come conquistare il lettore. Se non avete mai letto la Ward vi consiglio di cominciare con altri romanzi scritti da lei come per esempio “OdioAmore” (click sul titolo per la mia recensione) o magari con “Non avrai segreti”, tuttavia non voglio dirvi non leggere questo libro, perché in moltissimi lo hanno adorato e forse lo adorerete anche voi, ma se posso darvi un consiglio: leggetelo solo dopo aver letto altro di questa autrice.
October 2, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Penelope Ward con questo libro mostra tutto il suo talento. Io amo già da anni quest'autrice, nei suoi libri ho sempre trovato emozioni e personaggi unici, uniti a trame che mi fanno accapponare la pelle per quanto sono belle. Con questo libro credo che abbia fatto bingo, uno di quei libri che leggi mille volte e mille volte ti lasciano una sensazione diversa. Nei tuoi occhi c'è tutto è un libro carico di significati, già dal titolo si capisce che tratta una storia profonda, dalla trama si capisce e non si capisce, ma leggendo il libro. Ragazzi sono quasi impazzita! Le notizie si mischiavano nella mia testa e più i personaggi prendevano vita, più non riuscivo a staccarmi dal libro! Allison è una donna che dalla vita ha avuto tutto e niente. E' stata adottata e la sua mamma adottiva ha colmato tutti i suoi buchi neri, le mancanze e i vuoti che una figura genitoriale può causare. Allison è fragile e forte, è un personaggio che fin da subito mi ha presa con sé, nel suo mondo fatto di colori. Perché è così che vedo Allison, come una scatola di colori. E' un personaggio da cui ho imparato molto, perché la vita dà e toglie, come una bilancia. Allison è devastata dalla morte della madre adottiva, non ha la minima idea di chi siano davvero i suoi genitori e ogni giorno vive la vita sperando di poter aiutare i bambini affetti da autismo. Un giorno incontra Cedric nella tavola calda dove lavora e subito prova una forte attrazione per quell'uomo così misterioso. Cedric però non è lì per caso, è lì per conoscere Allison. Il libro è narrato da entrambi i punti di vista e se Allison crede che la loro storia stia crescendo perché l'oroscopo gira nella giusta direzione, Cedric sa bene che è tutta una messa in scena, niente è casuale ma mai credeva possibile amare Allison. Il libro è un susseguirsi di eventi che sveleranno poco a poco chi è Cedric e il passato di Allison fino ad arrivare ad un finale fantastico. Adoro i finali dove ogni pezzo del puzzle va al suo posto. Penelope Ward è stata in grado di fare un vero e proprio quadro con colori ed emozioni…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Penelope Ward con questo libro mostra tutto il suo talento. Io amo già da anni quest'autrice, nei suoi libri ho sempre trovato emozioni e personaggi unici, uniti a trame che mi fanno accapponare la pelle per quanto sono belle. Con questo libro credo che abbia fatto bingo, uno di quei libri che leggi mille volte e mille volte ti lasciano una sensazione diversa. Nei tuoi occhi c'è tutto è un libro carico di significati, già dal titolo si capisce che tratta una storia profonda, dalla trama si capisce e non si capisce, ma leggendo il libro. Ragazzi sono quasi impazzita! Le notizie si mischiavano nella mia testa e più i personaggi prendevano vita, più non riuscivo a staccarmi dal libro! Allison è una donna che dalla vita ha avuto tutto e niente. E' stata adottata e la sua mamma adottiva ha colmato tutti i suoi buchi neri, le mancanze e i vuoti che una figura genitoriale può causare. Allison è fragile e forte, è un personaggio che fin da subito mi ha presa con sé, nel suo mondo fatto di colori. Perché è così che vedo Allison, come una scatola di colori. E' un personaggio da cui ho imparato molto, perché la vita dà e toglie, come una bilancia. Allison è devastata dalla morte della madre adottiva, non ha la minima idea di chi siano davvero i suoi genitori e ogni giorno vive la vita sperando di poter aiutare i bambini affetti da autismo. Un giorno incontra Cedric nella tavola calda dove lavora e subito prova una forte attrazione per quell'uomo così misterioso. Cedric però non è lì per caso, è lì per conoscere Allison. Il libro è narrato da entrambi i punti di vista e se Allison crede che la loro storia stia crescendo perché l'oroscopo gira nella giusta direzione, Cedric sa bene che è tutta una messa in scena, niente è casuale ma mai credeva possibile amare Allison. Il libro è un susseguirsi di eventi che sveleranno poco a poco chi è Cedric e il passato di Allison fino ad arrivare ad un finale fantastico. Adoro i finali dove ogni pezzo del puzzle va al suo posto. Penelope Ward è stata in grado di fare un vero e proprio quadro con colori ed emozioni…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
August 1, 2013
Sorry...this just...didn't do it for me. It started out kinda ...slow...then it picked up but got confusing and took a wicked turn there toward the end and then it was like..."what?!"
Basically, we don't know who Cedric is. This was a serious issue for me. I understand keeping your audience in the dark, I understand the dramatic big reveal--and Lord is it ever, but I couldn't help but feel like if we had known from the beginning what was going on with him, then I would have felt differently about him...because to be honest...my feeling were lukewarm at best.
Allison was okay, not great, but not super annoying either, she had a personality and overall I did like her, but again she wasn't strong enough to carry the entire book for me.
I did like the side characters, Caleb especially. I appreciated that Cedric was the type of character that recognized how blessed he was to have his family, but I gotta be honest, he didn't have a whole lot of redeeming qualities in my book. Being hot with gorgeous blue eyes simply isn't enough, and I'm not even talking about the lying, I'm talking about the .
Having said that, I don't think Allison's reaction was, well, I don't want to say it was inappropriate or unwarranted because who knows how I would react in such a situation, but people and their damn...oh, i feel this way, or I did, but apparently that was conditional because now I don't want to ever talk to you again. Oh gag me.
I know a lot of people loved this story and I'm in the minority here. The writing wasn't the issues, for me it was the characters, I just couldn't get into them.
Basically, we don't know who Cedric is. This was a serious issue for me. I understand keeping your audience in the dark, I understand the dramatic big reveal--and Lord is it ever, but I couldn't help but feel like if we had known from the beginning what was going on with him, then I would have felt differently about him...because to be honest...my feeling were lukewarm at best.
Allison was okay, not great, but not super annoying either, she had a personality and overall I did like her, but again she wasn't strong enough to carry the entire book for me.
I did like the side characters, Caleb especially. I appreciated that Cedric was the type of character that recognized how blessed he was to have his family, but I gotta be honest, he didn't have a whole lot of redeeming qualities in my book. Being hot with gorgeous blue eyes simply isn't enough, and I'm not even talking about the lying, I'm talking about the .
Having said that, I don't think Allison's reaction was, well, I don't want to say it was inappropriate or unwarranted because who knows how I would react in such a situation, but people and their damn...oh, i feel this way, or I did, but apparently that was conditional because now I don't want to ever talk to you again. Oh gag me.
I know a lot of people loved this story and I'm in the minority here. The writing wasn't the issues, for me it was the characters, I just couldn't get into them.
December 11, 2013
Great story! Slow start but amazing finish.
Favorite Quotes:
"Every day in life, people we will likely never encounter a second time, pass us by. For some unknown reason, I just couldn't accept that he was one of them."
"I want it all. I want to wake up in the morning next to someone who rocks my world in every way. Someone who I am physically attracted to that I can't keep my hands off her but who at the same time fulfills me in other ways, emotionally, on a deeper level. I want to be with someone who makes me never want to be with another single soul and someone who makes me want to be a better person."
"I would have been all over him like Ben Gay on an old person."
"I met her in a diner. Never seen finer. She gave me such a thrill. I left a fifty dollar bill. Left my credit card behind. But you know I didn't mind. Took a ride unplanned. Wrote her digits on my hand. Found out she works with my SIS-ter...Before I even kissed her. She tastes so divine. Now, I want to make her mine."
"I came to the realization that if this didn't work out, it would be the biggest heartbreak of my life."
"And you can tell Frederic that if he ever breaks your heart, I will kick his ass military-style."
"That's the funny thing about lies, you have to keep covering them up with more lies."
"He gave me some good advise and urged me to take one day at a time and that everything would work out. He told me only worry about the day at hand."
"It makes you wonder about how divine intervention plays into our lives."
"When I saw you, I fell in love and you smiled because you knew."
Favorite Quotes:
"Every day in life, people we will likely never encounter a second time, pass us by. For some unknown reason, I just couldn't accept that he was one of them."
"I want it all. I want to wake up in the morning next to someone who rocks my world in every way. Someone who I am physically attracted to that I can't keep my hands off her but who at the same time fulfills me in other ways, emotionally, on a deeper level. I want to be with someone who makes me never want to be with another single soul and someone who makes me want to be a better person."
"I would have been all over him like Ben Gay on an old person."
"I met her in a diner. Never seen finer. She gave me such a thrill. I left a fifty dollar bill. Left my credit card behind. But you know I didn't mind. Took a ride unplanned. Wrote her digits on my hand. Found out she works with my SIS-ter...Before I even kissed her. She tastes so divine. Now, I want to make her mine."
"I came to the realization that if this didn't work out, it would be the biggest heartbreak of my life."
"And you can tell Frederic that if he ever breaks your heart, I will kick his ass military-style."
"That's the funny thing about lies, you have to keep covering them up with more lies."
"He gave me some good advise and urged me to take one day at a time and that everything would work out. He told me only worry about the day at hand."
"It makes you wonder about how divine intervention plays into our lives."
"When I saw you, I fell in love and you smiled because you knew."
October 30, 2013
Gemini by Penelope Ward
When I saw you, I fell in love and you smiled because you knew.
This book was such a pleasant surprise for me. I fully expected for it to be an “okay” kind of book but it was so much more and I love when that happens! I fully enjoyed the storyline from start to finish and I kept guessing at what “the secret” could be, but I was wrong! So kudos Penelope Ward, you got me! ALL the characters were great from start to finish. Allison and Cedric where both likeable main characters that never annoyed me (which is rare for me) I want to kick myself in the ass for not reading this book sooner as it sat on my TBR forever! It was a “feel good” book. No I didn’t say “sweet” I don’t do “sweet” it was just a very good all around read. If I have to be honest there was only one small part at the end that I found a teeny tiny bit sappy but I know most will find it endearing. Anyway it was not anything that changed the way I felt the whole way through this book. I liked the flow of writing and the alternating POV. So don’t be a dumbass like me and let it keep getting pushed down your TBR you might be as pleasantly surprised as I was. I can’t wait to read the next book Jake Undone which is already out. 4.5 stars for me :)
My Allison
My Cedric
When I saw you, I fell in love and you smiled because you knew.
This book was such a pleasant surprise for me. I fully expected for it to be an “okay” kind of book but it was so much more and I love when that happens! I fully enjoyed the storyline from start to finish and I kept guessing at what “the secret” could be, but I was wrong! So kudos Penelope Ward, you got me! ALL the characters were great from start to finish. Allison and Cedric where both likeable main characters that never annoyed me (which is rare for me) I want to kick myself in the ass for not reading this book sooner as it sat on my TBR forever! It was a “feel good” book. No I didn’t say “sweet” I don’t do “sweet” it was just a very good all around read. If I have to be honest there was only one small part at the end that I found a teeny tiny bit sappy but I know most will find it endearing. Anyway it was not anything that changed the way I felt the whole way through this book. I liked the flow of writing and the alternating POV. So don’t be a dumbass like me and let it keep getting pushed down your TBR you might be as pleasantly surprised as I was. I can’t wait to read the next book Jake Undone which is already out. 4.5 stars for me :)
My Allison
My Cedric
June 6, 2013
What an AMAZINGLY gut-wrenching tear-jerker!
I'm always picking up free books, and let me tell you how rare it is to stumble across a book like this...
All the emotional highs, lows and laughs, and then you just want him to fess up and tell his secret to get it over with and then when the secret comes out it's nothing you ever expected it to be....
What an amazing book. I'm absolutely certain I'll be reading more from Ms. Ward very soon.
I'm always picking up free books, and let me tell you how rare it is to stumble across a book like this...
All the emotional highs, lows and laughs, and then you just want him to fess up and tell his secret to get it over with and then when the secret comes out it's nothing you ever expected it to be....
What an amazing book. I'm absolutely certain I'll be reading more from Ms. Ward very soon.
June 30, 2016
OMG how did I not have one of my all time favourite books on my 'Read' shelve!!
Read over a year ago and still one of the best books I've ever read<3
Read over a year ago and still one of the best books I've ever read<3
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