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Malachi and I
A Contemporary Mystical Romance
What if I told you the greatest love stories ever told—Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Salim and Anarkali, Romeo and Juliet and so many more—are far greater tragedies than anyone has ever realized?
What if I told you that you haven’t been reading a new story… just a new chapter in one epic saga?
If I told you…all of those lovers…were actually the same two souls seeking their happily ever after over and over again, would you believe me?
Would you believe them?
Born again,
Love again,
Part again,
Was their curse.
In this modern era, will they find eternal love or will they be doomed to repeat the cycle forever?
What if I told you the greatest love stories ever told—Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Salim and Anarkali, Romeo and Juliet and so many more—are far greater tragedies than anyone has ever realized?
What if I told you that you haven’t been reading a new story… just a new chapter in one epic saga?
If I told you…all of those lovers…were actually the same two souls seeking their happily ever after over and over again, would you believe me?
Would you believe them?
Born again,
Love again,
Part again,
Was their curse.
In this modern era, will they find eternal love or will they be doomed to repeat the cycle forever?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2017
29 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
J.J. McAvoy
35 books5,709 followersI’m a twenty-year-old something born in Montreal, Canada but currently living in Virginia for school. I would tell you want my major is however after two years I still have no idea what I’m doing.
So I’m a writer (duh that’s how you found me), movie enthusiast, and self-proclaimed chef. I love music even though I can’t sing or dance to save my life. (That doesn’t necessarily stop me but you’ve been warned.)
I started Ruthless People the summer of 2013 in hopes of giving myself a new type of love and crime drama. I never knew so many people thought like me! I feel truly blessed to have fans like you all! Writing is my true love and having you all enjoy my words is a dream come true.
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So I’m a writer (duh that’s how you found me), movie enthusiast, and self-proclaimed chef. I love music even though I can’t sing or dance to save my life. (That doesn’t necessarily stop me but you’ve been warned.)
I started Ruthless People the summer of 2013 in hopes of giving myself a new type of love and crime drama. I never knew so many people thought like me! I feel truly blessed to have fans like you all! Writing is my true love and having you all enjoy my words is a dream come true.
I'm on
Tumblr
and
Youtube
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 25, 2017
4 stars!
Malachi and I is a love story that transcends time. It’s original, historical, and beautiful. JJ McAvoy gave us a thousand love stories all in one, and I loved the way it was told! It’s not every day you read a romance that’s different from the ones you normally read. I love that this was out of the box and it kept my attention from the start.
The story starts with Malachi, an author who has been the leading man in many of the great and tragic love stories of all time. His goal in this life is to stay away from his one great love. He doesn’t want that tragic ending. But fate has other plans…
I don’t want to delve too deep into this one, because I liked the surprised turn it took. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. It made me laugh, made me tear up at times, and made me swoon! I think JJ did an excellent job researching all the ‘past lives’ and I found that part so interesting. Definitely a unique read!
Malachi and I is a love story that transcends time. It’s original, historical, and beautiful. JJ McAvoy gave us a thousand love stories all in one, and I loved the way it was told! It’s not every day you read a romance that’s different from the ones you normally read. I love that this was out of the box and it kept my attention from the start.
“The secret to a long life, Malachi, is loving to live, knowing suffering for the sake of that love isn’t suffering, and finding joy in that.”
The story starts with Malachi, an author who has been the leading man in many of the great and tragic love stories of all time. His goal in this life is to stay away from his one great love. He doesn’t want that tragic ending. But fate has other plans…
I don’t want to delve too deep into this one, because I liked the surprised turn it took. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. It made me laugh, made me tear up at times, and made me swoon! I think JJ did an excellent job researching all the ‘past lives’ and I found that part so interesting. Definitely a unique read!
October 6, 2017
Title: Malachi And I
Author: J.J. McAvoy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Apples... Bloody Apples. Who knew just a boring fruit could start so many tragedies?
Who loves romance? Me!
It all started with one truth... a feeling we, as readers all understand.. why do we continue to buy books that are so similar? The same love, same romance, the never ending vicious cycle of finding a version of happily ever after? Its because when we pick up a novel we are doing it knowing that our feelings are going
"to be wretched and also to have to good ugly cry"
and also because
" The pain he puts his characters through allows me to live optimistically. I read it and re-read it, sobbing over the pages. Afterwards, I take a deep breath and smile, because I get to live on even though the characters died"
Esther was a character I really enjoyed reading about... She's sarcastic, a klutz, a chatterbox. She can be a tad immature but when need be, she is serious and when that time come...she's like a life coach on steroids and BOOM! You really have an A-HA moment yourself! Esther has this 'Joie de Vivre' about her that I love! She is intrusive in a , the-sun-is-always-shinning-even-when-it's-pouring-outside type of way. Hahaha!
Malachi is broody, stubborn and kind of a jerk (at first...sort of) but considering his past ...who won't be.
If Esther was the bright daylight, Malachi is the dark night.
This book was suppose to be a 'light' read people...and it was but by the time you are at the end of the last chapter..you realise a truth. A truth you took for granted. Freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedom to love.
Malachi and I was such an amazing, original and beautiful novel.
"The secret to long life, Malachi, is loving to live, knowing suffering for the sake of love isn't suffering, and finding joy in that."
PS: I envy Esther's job...truly! I also envy her relationship with her grandfather...their banter and seriousness is envy worthy.
For more reviews, updates and Giveaway follow my blog sentrancedjem or my social media :Facebook and Instagram
September 25, 2017
3 Stars
First off, thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an ARC for this book!
Well, this book had such a rocky start. I couldn't find any way to connect to the characters. Esther was a girl who seemed so flaky and plain boring and indecisive, just your regular young adult. Not at all impressive nor could I relate to her despite being the same age.
Malachi, well at least your name was cool? He was such a blank page and that's so ironic since he had 999 lives to pull from. He got better as time progressed and I seriously felt bad for his soul.
The story, once it kicked off, was awesome! I loved their interactions in the first half because they were just so funny! The juxtaposition of their relationship was great. Her craziness complimented his sombre and serious tone and it was just what I needed.
The flashbacks were the shiners! I loved learning about their past lives and UGH, my heart broke.
The writing was rocky at times and I know some errors were due to the fact that this is an early copy to this book but they caused enough of a hiccup to hinder my reading experience since I didn't know what she was trying to say. The message got lost in the wrong words. The pacing was great though, I loved their progression of their love story and the second half was a lot more seamless than the first half.
Will I read more from this author? I dunno, I might. I hope her published books are more better with errors and more relatable characters.
First off, thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an ARC for this book!
Well, this book had such a rocky start. I couldn't find any way to connect to the characters. Esther was a girl who seemed so flaky and plain boring and indecisive, just your regular young adult. Not at all impressive nor could I relate to her despite being the same age.
Malachi, well at least your name was cool? He was such a blank page and that's so ironic since he had 999 lives to pull from. He got better as time progressed and I seriously felt bad for his soul.
The story, once it kicked off, was awesome! I loved their interactions in the first half because they were just so funny! The juxtaposition of their relationship was great. Her craziness complimented his sombre and serious tone and it was just what I needed.
The flashbacks were the shiners! I loved learning about their past lives and UGH, my heart broke.
The writing was rocky at times and I know some errors were due to the fact that this is an early copy to this book but they caused enough of a hiccup to hinder my reading experience since I didn't know what she was trying to say. The message got lost in the wrong words. The pacing was great though, I loved their progression of their love story and the second half was a lot more seamless than the first half.
Will I read more from this author? I dunno, I might. I hope her published books are more better with errors and more relatable characters.
October 23, 2017
I am a true fan of J.J. McAvoy and enjoy many of her stories. I did like this one yet not as much as some of her others. This story had a different take on what she usually writes, it shows how diverse her writing style is. This is a love story of two people whose love and lives have surpassed time. Unfortunately their love is strong but each time they meet, tragedy happens. To be born again, suffer again, which brings us to present times. Malachi has learned that to stay away from her will prolong their lives. But, time is a fickle thing and no matter how hard he tries to stay away they are always bound to come together. This is the story of their last life.
September 25, 2017
4.5 STAR Spoiler Free Review
“We’ll make it. You’ll see. This is the last one. Our last life.”
We absolutely love when an Author takes what can be considered a risk, writing something completely different to what came before. Daring to be brave and following the path on which her characters tread. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, however it is always such a wonderful thing to experience. This time it completely worked for us.
“I’m a firework. Only here briefly and then I fade. While the stars stay where they are.”
JJ McAvoy wrote a story that we have a feeling is going to be a bit of a marmite book; it was so unique yet a tale as old as time, it was original and intelligent. It was without question one of the most well researched stories we’ve come across in a long time. It was an epic journey of grand proportion. It was a story of love through time. It was a story where you felt the Author’s intense love of literary history.
‘It was as though the ground beneath me broke away when he kissed me. I was falling and he was falling with me. All around me I felt the sun rise on us. I felt snow and rain and the wind blowing. I felt the sand under my feet, then grass and I couldn’t help but hold on to him tighter.’
We fell in love with Malachi and Esther as the story progressed, both inhabiting characteristics of that JJ McAvoy personal stamp to her characters. They had such depth, such inner strength and eccentric idiosyncrasies. The subject matter is at times heart-breaking yet well timed sparks of humour eases the heart.
“Our next life shall be our last.”
The premise of this story was fabulous, the message it brought absolutely brilliant. It was relevant whilst steeped in history and so very intriguing; we loved every moment spent travelling an epic history of love. Bravo JJ McAvoy for daring to be bold and brave.
‘Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away. Doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But it is!’ – Louis de Bernieres
We read an unedited ARC copy of Malachi and I, and did find a few chapters to be confusing with sporadic errors.
Available to purchase below
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September 26, 2017
4.5 STAR Spoiler Free Review
“We’ll make it. You’ll see. This is the last one. Our last life.”
We absolutely love when an Author takes what can be considered a risk, writing something completely different to what came before. Daring to be brave and following the path on which her characters tread. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, however it is always such a wonderful thing to experience. This time it completely worked for us.
“I’m a firework. Only here briefly and then I fade. While the stars stay where they are.”
JJ McAvoy wrote a story that we have a feeling is going to be a bit of a marmite book; it was so unique yet a tale as old as time, it was original and intelligent. It was without question one of the most well researched stories we’ve come across in a long time. It was an epic journey of grand proportion. It was a story of love through time. It was a story where you felt the Author’s intense love of literary history.
‘It was as though the ground beneath me broke away when he kissed me. I was falling and he was falling with me. All around me I felt the sun rise on us. I felt snow and rain and the wind blowing. I felt the sand under my feet, then grass and I couldn’t help but hold on to him tighter.’
We fell in love with Malachi and Esther as the story progressed, both inhabiting characteristics of that JJ McAvoy personal stamp to her characters. They had such depth, such inner strength and eccentric idiosyncrasies. The subject matter is at times heart-breaking yet well timed sparks of humour eases the heart.
Click here for full review at TBB
We read an unedited ARC copy of Malachi and I, and did find a few chapters to be confusing with sporadic errors.
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
November 7, 2017
I don't think I've ever rated J.J McAvoy such a low rating but sadly this book was a disappointment, I was looking forward to a gut-wrenching sad story but instead, I was left with a disorientated haphazard love story that felt very meh?
I'm a hypersensitive person, I get emotional after watching those less than 30seconds adds on Facebook or WhatsApp with all those cute puppies & babies, so Yes I won't deny that I didn't tear up a little whilst reading this book but it still didn't feel enough? Like I wanted something more, maybe it isn't the author's fault but mine for expecting something entirely different.
In Conclusion, this book was just a miss for me, It left me feeling sad for even picking it up.
September 27, 2017
**Copy received through Netgalley in exchange for voluntary review.**
I'm a huge fan of the life McAvoy brings to her characters. She has a knack for dialogue, it's so natural and it makes her stories a pleasure to read. I don't want to say too much about the relationship between Malachi and Esther. It's otherworldly, I'll leave it at that.
The middle started to drag a little and I skimmed a bit through the scenes of the past but overall I really enjoyed it. I was impressed with the ending because I had no clue how their problem was going to be resolved and I thought McAvoy handled it beautifully, especially in today's cynical world. It made me smile. I highly recommend.
I'm a huge fan of the life McAvoy brings to her characters. She has a knack for dialogue, it's so natural and it makes her stories a pleasure to read. I don't want to say too much about the relationship between Malachi and Esther. It's otherworldly, I'll leave it at that.
The middle started to drag a little and I skimmed a bit through the scenes of the past but overall I really enjoyed it. I was impressed with the ending because I had no clue how their problem was going to be resolved and I thought McAvoy handled it beautifully, especially in today's cynical world. It made me smile. I highly recommend.
March 19, 2018
This was such a unique plot that when I read the blurb months ago I couldn’t wait to read it. It kept me engaged from start to finish and with being a historical fan, I loved that aspect of the story. I enjoy Ms. McAvoy’s writing and her characters, who’s flaws make them real and likable. I would have loved an epilogue to see Malachi and his lady’s life in the future but I was still happy with the ending. 4 Stars!
September 25, 2017
3.5 stars
This novel was definitely unique and different. It reminded me a lot of My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares. The beginning was great, lots of tension, but the further I read the more the romance just wasn't there for me.
This novel was definitely unique and different. It reminded me a lot of My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares. The beginning was great, lots of tension, but the further I read the more the romance just wasn't there for me.
September 24, 2017
I'm a hardcore fan of J.J. McAvoy and I can't even explain you how I long for and anticipate her upcoming books with near-cardiac-arrest excitement.
I have been reading excerpts of Malachi and I on her website and every week, my excitement grew. I even asked her on Twitter about what her angle of this story was, and now that I've read it - Malachi and I didn't disappoint me.
J.J. McAvoy is one of the those authors who does not shy away from writing something new. Malachi and I is going to be one of those books you'll have to read with an open mind, just as you must've read her Mafia Romance series throwing your morals out of the window (at least I did).
It's not a hidden fact that Malachi and I is about reincarnation. Again, a concept many have read about. I could totally understand the concept because in India (where I am from), this concept is the core of every living being existence in Hindus and Buddhists. I can tell that J.J. McAvoy went through a lot of research and the stories she's added as flashbacks have actually taken place, because again, I've read a few of them. I am a sucker for tragic love stories and torture myself from time to time.
But, thank J.J. McAvoy, this book didn't end like one. With Malachi and I, J.J. McAvoy has definitely tapped into an uncharacteristically unknown genre which you'll have to explore to understand. This is the first time she's executed concepts of spirituality or spiritual being that may sit well with some and can get totally ignored by others. It's a major risk to write something so unique and different without deviating from the plot.
I personally felt that the story ended too soon. I didn't want to stretch, but I did have questions when I finished reading it. Let me know if you have them too. I'll be happy to discuss.
I have been reading excerpts of Malachi and I on her website and every week, my excitement grew. I even asked her on Twitter about what her angle of this story was, and now that I've read it - Malachi and I didn't disappoint me.
J.J. McAvoy is one of the those authors who does not shy away from writing something new. Malachi and I is going to be one of those books you'll have to read with an open mind, just as you must've read her Mafia Romance series throwing your morals out of the window (at least I did).
It's not a hidden fact that Malachi and I is about reincarnation. Again, a concept many have read about. I could totally understand the concept because in India (where I am from), this concept is the core of every living being existence in Hindus and Buddhists. I can tell that J.J. McAvoy went through a lot of research and the stories she's added as flashbacks have actually taken place, because again, I've read a few of them. I am a sucker for tragic love stories and torture myself from time to time.
But, thank J.J. McAvoy, this book didn't end like one. With Malachi and I, J.J. McAvoy has definitely tapped into an uncharacteristically unknown genre which you'll have to explore to understand. This is the first time she's executed concepts of spirituality or spiritual being that may sit well with some and can get totally ignored by others. It's a major risk to write something so unique and different without deviating from the plot.
I personally felt that the story ended too soon. I didn't want to stretch, but I did have questions when I finished reading it. Let me know if you have them too. I'll be happy to discuss.
October 15, 2017
J.J. McAvoy never disappoints <3 I always loved reincarnation romance books, and this one is one of the best I've read!
September 30, 2017
All the stars!!
My favourite book of the year so far. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already thinking about buying a few copies for Christmas gifts.
A beautiful yet tragic love story, that takes us on a journey into the past. The two main characters are destined to be together, and they are over and over again. A thousand times, to be exact, they find each other and die shortly after, doomed to repeat this cycle in their next lives.
As tragic as it may sound, the book is rather amusing at times thanks to Esther, who is just one of those people who you can’t help but to like.
The bottom line is, you are getting a thousand epic love stories for a price of one.
September 30, 2017
What if I told you...I usually enjoy this author's writing style, but this time around it felt so completely off, I'm still dazed and confused why that happened.
What if I told you...The storyline seemed to jump around all over the place to the point I found it to be, well, pointless and unengaging.
Well, that's how I honestly felt about this one, my fellow romance book loving friends. I guess the first red flag to me should have been in the original synopsis Pocahontas and John Smith were listed as a great legendary romance that compares to Cleopatra/Mark Anthony and Romeo/Juliet. Well, someone must have tapped the author on the shoulder and whispered in her ear, "Uh, this is rather embarrassing, but we'll need to edit that since that actually didn't happened. The Disney cartoon version you loved and grew up completely misrepresented history. Pocahontas eventually ended up married to John Rolfe, and she was only eleven years old when she met John Smith. They were never a romantic couple. Oh, and besides all that, she did marry an Indian named Kocoum before meeting Rolfe, but they basically divorced so she could marry Rolfe, after being taken and held for ransom."
Yeah, life and love can be messy. Poor Pocahontas was living proof of that. Don't even get me started on the Salim and Anarkali reference. There appears to be quite a bit of controversy regarding what did and didn't happen there, as well. Either way, I had never heard of them until now, so not so legendary in my personal book of reference.
What I do know is this book unfortunately was miss for me. Here's to hoping others really enjoy it. It was a clever idea for a twist on a romantic read, but the delivery of it just wasn't there.
Title: Malachi and I, Author: J.J. McAvoy, Pages: 400, 9/27/17
(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
What if I told you...The storyline seemed to jump around all over the place to the point I found it to be, well, pointless and unengaging.
Well, that's how I honestly felt about this one, my fellow romance book loving friends. I guess the first red flag to me should have been in the original synopsis Pocahontas and John Smith were listed as a great legendary romance that compares to Cleopatra/Mark Anthony and Romeo/Juliet. Well, someone must have tapped the author on the shoulder and whispered in her ear, "Uh, this is rather embarrassing, but we'll need to edit that since that actually didn't happened. The Disney cartoon version you loved and grew up completely misrepresented history. Pocahontas eventually ended up married to John Rolfe, and she was only eleven years old when she met John Smith. They were never a romantic couple. Oh, and besides all that, she did marry an Indian named Kocoum before meeting Rolfe, but they basically divorced so she could marry Rolfe, after being taken and held for ransom."
Yeah, life and love can be messy. Poor Pocahontas was living proof of that. Don't even get me started on the Salim and Anarkali reference. There appears to be quite a bit of controversy regarding what did and didn't happen there, as well. Either way, I had never heard of them until now, so not so legendary in my personal book of reference.
What I do know is this book unfortunately was miss for me. Here's to hoping others really enjoy it. It was a clever idea for a twist on a romantic read, but the delivery of it just wasn't there.
Title: Malachi and I, Author: J.J. McAvoy, Pages: 400, 9/27/17
(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
December 31, 2017
★4 Stars★
What we have here is an addictive, unique, new take on ALL the tragic love stories throughout history! The concept was brilliant. I mean, how could you go wrong, when many of these couples are so universally loved and renown?! and Malachi and his Love's story goes alllllllllllll the way back to Adam & Eve. That's a lot of history, a lot of love and heartache, and a heck of a story to be told.
My LOVES
This has to be one of the ultimate romance stories of the year? I mean, Malachi and his Love literally loved and died together, over thousands of years! They were every tragic famous couple you could think of throughout history, and no matter how many times they lost one another, fate always bought them back together. It was in a new body, one wiped clear of memory, in a new time, era and situation, but they were doomed to keep falling in love, then repeat the fateful mistakes of their past which would once again tear them apart. It was just all so brilliantly tragic! Gah.
Malachi was a mystery man trying his hardest NOT to meet his beloved. He'd had his heart ripped out repeatedly and remembered every single time. He did what he could to avoid their meeting, and once he felt her near, he sensed it and disappeared... but not for long. God, I loved Malachi! I totally understood his pain and fear, but I still wanted him to go through it all over again (lol).
I loved the frequent flashbacks to Malachi's past. It really smacked you in the face how heartbreaking it was to be him and remember seeing his love die over and over again. Imagine being reincarnated and remembering your last life and how strange that would be... but then imagine being Malachi, who that had happened to repeatedly for centuries, and he remembered every life. Urgh. My head hurts just thinking about it.
Final Thoughts
This story took a minute for me to get into, but once I did, I was addicted. This was something very different from J.J. and IMO it was a great success.
What we have here is an addictive, unique, new take on ALL the tragic love stories throughout history! The concept was brilliant. I mean, how could you go wrong, when many of these couples are so universally loved and renown?! and Malachi and his Love's story goes alllllllllllll the way back to Adam & Eve. That's a lot of history, a lot of love and heartache, and a heck of a story to be told.
My LOVES
This has to be one of the ultimate romance stories of the year? I mean, Malachi and his Love literally loved and died together, over thousands of years! They were every tragic famous couple you could think of throughout history, and no matter how many times they lost one another, fate always bought them back together. It was in a new body, one wiped clear of memory, in a new time, era and situation, but they were doomed to keep falling in love, then repeat the fateful mistakes of their past which would once again tear them apart. It was just all so brilliantly tragic! Gah.
Malachi was a mystery man trying his hardest NOT to meet his beloved. He'd had his heart ripped out repeatedly and remembered every single time. He did what he could to avoid their meeting, and once he felt her near, he sensed it and disappeared... but not for long. God, I loved Malachi! I totally understood his pain and fear, but I still wanted him to go through it all over again (lol).
I loved the frequent flashbacks to Malachi's past. It really smacked you in the face how heartbreaking it was to be him and remember seeing his love die over and over again. Imagine being reincarnated and remembering your last life and how strange that would be... but then imagine being Malachi, who that had happened to repeatedly for centuries, and he remembered every life. Urgh. My head hurts just thinking about it.
Final Thoughts
This story took a minute for me to get into, but once I did, I was addicted. This was something very different from J.J. and IMO it was a great success.
October 15, 2017
I often use the word "smart" when I am referring to Ms. McAvoy 's writing, and so is the case with Malachi and I .
What a wonderful trip through time, visiting the original love stories that have spanned time. There are certain bullet points that I like to be checked off when I am reading and reviewing a book . This one meets, and exceeds most of them.
We get just enough angst to keep going, wondering how it is going to pan out.
The vivid picture Ms.McAvoy painted with her spot on storytelling and her natural ability to paint a clear picture.
Esther is so captivated by Malachi's stories, not knowing that they are a retelling of lives he has lived. She is so funny in the first half of the book, I laughed so much. Oh, but Malachi, he broke my heart! The retelling of his past lives, although BRILLIANT writing... My heart was so heavy and hurting for poor Malachi. The flashbacks were the high point of this story, so wonderfully written. I wish there had been more.
Esther's character grows throughout the book and that NEEDED to happen. She was a bit aloof at times and that didn't sit well with me. I loved that she became more, serious throughout the second half of the story. The heartbreaking stories that Malachi retold her were like torture. I was deeply moved by the way it played out.
The midway point in this story was a bit lagging, but it is brought back to life in the second portion of the book.I did miss the "hot factor" in this book, but really was this the book for that kind of thing?
I did enjoy this but I do honestly believe there is a definite audience for this book. I would say the 16-25 age range, with a vivid imagination, a lover of fairy tales, with a splash of angst!
What a wonderful trip through time, visiting the original love stories that have spanned time. There are certain bullet points that I like to be checked off when I am reading and reviewing a book . This one meets, and exceeds most of them.
We get just enough angst to keep going, wondering how it is going to pan out.
The vivid picture Ms.McAvoy painted with her spot on storytelling and her natural ability to paint a clear picture.
Esther is so captivated by Malachi's stories, not knowing that they are a retelling of lives he has lived. She is so funny in the first half of the book, I laughed so much. Oh, but Malachi, he broke my heart! The retelling of his past lives, although BRILLIANT writing... My heart was so heavy and hurting for poor Malachi. The flashbacks were the high point of this story, so wonderfully written. I wish there had been more.
Esther's character grows throughout the book and that NEEDED to happen. She was a bit aloof at times and that didn't sit well with me. I loved that she became more, serious throughout the second half of the story. The heartbreaking stories that Malachi retold her were like torture. I was deeply moved by the way it played out.
The midway point in this story was a bit lagging, but it is brought back to life in the second portion of the book.I did miss the "hot factor" in this book, but really was this the book for that kind of thing?
I did enjoy this but I do honestly believe there is a definite audience for this book. I would say the 16-25 age range, with a vivid imagination, a lover of fairy tales, with a splash of angst!
January 13, 2020
2.5 ⭐️ walking on Maze
Some part are not bend well with history
I appreciate the author good works on research
Don’t feel the sex scene intense enough
Guess what try to walk on big maze, it’s challenging but it’s makes you so done and decide to call 911 to get out just after all those hours reading you just walking in the same spot
This just not my cup of tea
Some part are not bend well with history
I appreciate the author good works on research
Don’t feel the sex scene intense enough
Guess what try to walk on big maze, it’s challenging but it’s makes you so done and decide to call 911 to get out just after all those hours reading you just walking in the same spot
This just not my cup of tea
September 13, 2017
3.5
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I absolutely love J.J. McAvoy’s books and usually I’m pretty up to date with her release dates so I was quite surprised when I came across this book on NetGalley because it was the first time I’m heard about it. Anyway I automatically requested it and not just because I know that the author has an astonishing writing style but because the synopsis intrigued me quite a bit, not to mention the stunning cover.
I was happy when I got approved and I started the book immediately and finished it in one day. This story is a really beautiful mystical romance with a hint of supernatural in it. I enjoyed the story quite a bit but it wasn’t my favorite. The writing style is brilliant and smooth, easy to read and follow and it has quite a few little clever and hidden messages and clues (like the name of the publishing house Penohxi, which is the anagram for Phoenix or the apple motives) in it that gives the whole thing a different almost witty atmosphere. I really liked this.
What I liked even more is the small flashes from the reincarnating couple other lives; it was really interesting I just wish we saw more of them other than their deaths.
The story is told from dual point of views. One is Esthers the young, sometimes even immature, klutzy, introverted but happy and open woman, who is the granddaughter of the owner of the publishing house. She is a really funny character and I liked her. She has a really traumatic event happen to her in her childhood but she didn’t let this to drag her down, she is incredible forgiving and stubborn. She is an eternal dreamer and optimist. But she also changes a lot during the story; she became a bit more serious but still had the spark in her.
The other point of view is Malachi’s, who is one part of the reincarnating duo. He is more gruff, blunt and insensitive towards other people. He acts like a jackass but he has his reasons, since he remembers all of his life and relives them daily. So he does everything in his power to avoid meeting his other half and to spare her the unending death circle. He loves her but he is also tired of living in fear of the inevitable.
The relationship between the two starts out on a rocky path, it’s almost reaches into the hostile territory but with time Esther stubbornness breaks down Malachi walls. Slowly they build a friendship which gradually becomes something more, but their story is nowhere near easy, it’s really complicating. How could something be easy when the shadow of fate is looming over them?
I could separate the book into two parts. The first one is the funnier one, full of easy banter between the characters but its also the part which filled me with frustration because its seemed like the story is not going in the direction I wanted it too. However the second parts has a heavier atmosphere and while it has a lot of surprising twist in it and even happy ending. I liked this one less because it not only was quite predictable but I also think it was missing the usual spark I find in the author books.
I enjoyed the story but it’s not my favorite for some reason I expected something a bit more emotional with the premise of the book, or maybe the emotions just didn’t came through for me. Still it’s a great read
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I absolutely love J.J. McAvoy’s books and usually I’m pretty up to date with her release dates so I was quite surprised when I came across this book on NetGalley because it was the first time I’m heard about it. Anyway I automatically requested it and not just because I know that the author has an astonishing writing style but because the synopsis intrigued me quite a bit, not to mention the stunning cover.
I was happy when I got approved and I started the book immediately and finished it in one day. This story is a really beautiful mystical romance with a hint of supernatural in it. I enjoyed the story quite a bit but it wasn’t my favorite. The writing style is brilliant and smooth, easy to read and follow and it has quite a few little clever and hidden messages and clues (like the name of the publishing house Penohxi, which is the anagram for Phoenix or the apple motives) in it that gives the whole thing a different almost witty atmosphere. I really liked this.
What I liked even more is the small flashes from the reincarnating couple other lives; it was really interesting I just wish we saw more of them other than their deaths.
The story is told from dual point of views. One is Esthers the young, sometimes even immature, klutzy, introverted but happy and open woman, who is the granddaughter of the owner of the publishing house. She is a really funny character and I liked her. She has a really traumatic event happen to her in her childhood but she didn’t let this to drag her down, she is incredible forgiving and stubborn. She is an eternal dreamer and optimist. But she also changes a lot during the story; she became a bit more serious but still had the spark in her.
The other point of view is Malachi’s, who is one part of the reincarnating duo. He is more gruff, blunt and insensitive towards other people. He acts like a jackass but he has his reasons, since he remembers all of his life and relives them daily. So he does everything in his power to avoid meeting his other half and to spare her the unending death circle. He loves her but he is also tired of living in fear of the inevitable.
The relationship between the two starts out on a rocky path, it’s almost reaches into the hostile territory but with time Esther stubbornness breaks down Malachi walls. Slowly they build a friendship which gradually becomes something more, but their story is nowhere near easy, it’s really complicating. How could something be easy when the shadow of fate is looming over them?
I could separate the book into two parts. The first one is the funnier one, full of easy banter between the characters but its also the part which filled me with frustration because its seemed like the story is not going in the direction I wanted it too. However the second parts has a heavier atmosphere and while it has a lot of surprising twist in it and even happy ending. I liked this one less because it not only was quite predictable but I also think it was missing the usual spark I find in the author books.
I enjoyed the story but it’s not my favorite for some reason I expected something a bit more emotional with the premise of the book, or maybe the emotions just didn’t came through for me. Still it’s a great read
September 13, 2017
3 stars!
From the blurb you can tell this is a story about the same people being reincarnated and I was so excited for that, I haven’t read that many reincarnation stories and I wanted to read something different from the author.
The story starts in modern times, one of our main characters is Malachi and he is going through his 99th life, he’s obviously been through so many thing in life, we visit a lot of popular love stories and he offers a bit of inside info which I found utterly cute, like a little time traveling movie commentary. Our other character is supposed to be a mystery, from the title but Malachi and us know who she is. She doesn’t though. The story goes like this, each lifetime, they meet and fall in love but die shortly after, so now Malachi is doing the opposite, staying away and have no contact whatsoever.
That obviously doesn’t happen here.
Up until a certain moment of the book, Malachi and I was a solid 4 star, but after that happened, I had to go back to 3. Have you ever predicted an utterly cliché twist, or revelation and thought to yourself, nah that’s too easy, that would never happen and then BAM it happens? Yeah…
I don’t want to spoil it because it’s a big reveal and you see it coming from a mile away but I was still hoping it wouldn’t because it was too easy and even the book itself was kind of pointing out that this wasn’t happening. And when it did, I was like, really book? Really?
This was unlike anything McAvoy has done before, the flashback scenes of other love stories were done to perfection, I wish they were longer because I loved being in different times and different places with all these people, I just loved it. The story itself had a unique twist and a few intense moments that made me tear up to be honest. I wish it had gone down a bit different and not go from zero romance to 100 in just a few pages but overall it was decent.
From the blurb you can tell this is a story about the same people being reincarnated and I was so excited for that, I haven’t read that many reincarnation stories and I wanted to read something different from the author.
The story starts in modern times, one of our main characters is Malachi and he is going through his 99th life, he’s obviously been through so many thing in life, we visit a lot of popular love stories and he offers a bit of inside info which I found utterly cute, like a little time traveling movie commentary. Our other character is supposed to be a mystery, from the title but Malachi and us know who she is. She doesn’t though. The story goes like this, each lifetime, they meet and fall in love but die shortly after, so now Malachi is doing the opposite, staying away and have no contact whatsoever.
That obviously doesn’t happen here.
Up until a certain moment of the book, Malachi and I was a solid 4 star, but after that happened, I had to go back to 3. Have you ever predicted an utterly cliché twist, or revelation and thought to yourself, nah that’s too easy, that would never happen and then BAM it happens? Yeah…
I don’t want to spoil it because it’s a big reveal and you see it coming from a mile away but I was still hoping it wouldn’t because it was too easy and even the book itself was kind of pointing out that this wasn’t happening. And when it did, I was like, really book? Really?
This was unlike anything McAvoy has done before, the flashback scenes of other love stories were done to perfection, I wish they were longer because I loved being in different times and different places with all these people, I just loved it. The story itself had a unique twist and a few intense moments that made me tear up to be honest. I wish it had gone down a bit different and not go from zero romance to 100 in just a few pages but overall it was decent.
October 2, 2017
This is one book that I had been waiting to read, and as soon as I saw it come up on NetGalley, I was so excited. It's taken me a couple of weeks though to write the review as Malachi and I is a hard one to write I have found. The one thing that readers need to know is that this book was amazing and will set your hearts alight as you are drawn into the different stories of the past. The book starts off in present times with Malachi Lord being a hero and rescuing a woman from a car crash and then flipping over to a small publishing company owned by Esther's grandfather who raised her. Esther lives and breathes Malachi's words but doesn't realize they are true stories. When a chance arises for Esther to stay with Malachi, her grandfather sends her to stay with him. Malachi sees no harm and reluctantly accepts and thus starts a tumultuous relationship as they seem to bring out the worst in one another. We learn that every thirty years Malachi seems to die as also his true love and then they are reborn - Malachi still with his memories but his true love's slate is wiped clean until they meet and all comes flooding back, only to die again and love to be lost for another three decades. If you love soulmate romances with love and tragedy - just like all the greatest romances in the world, then you will not be disappointed with Malachi and me. A book that will keep you reading as you wait in hope for this time that Malachi and his true love finally get an HEA ending.
March 19, 2019
Exceptional. . . I knew this autho was good I mean hello? Ruthless People! From then I was hooked and I have read every book of this author ( The only author I can honestly say this about) every romance novel that was standalone was amazing and had me in my feels but none had me bawling for the entire final 3 chapters! And I mean that including the view points of both Esther and Malachai. . . From the incident at the frozen lake right up until the very last page had me crying out my eyes for completely different reasons. . . I cried in pain and heartache then I cried in complete jubilation and while smiling the biggest freaking smile I could manage wiping my eyes and fanning the tissue over my eyes to prevent the waterworks I kept on bawling! It was so good! I read it from start to finish in one day it captured my very soul and suck me in like nothing ever did since learning of Mel and Liam (The only other story I’m so obsessed with) . . . Melechai and Esther were perfect and amazing and funny and adorable and sweet and I always say it but I’m so fully jealous! And sorry to copy the words of Esther but when she explained how Malachai’s books made her feel like nothing could make her feel the way his words did I could not help feeling like that’s exactly how I feel about all of J. J. McAvoy’s works! When she stops writing I really honestly don’t know what I’ll do with myself! Gah! I’m still in my feels! But it was so good! Just amazing really !
March 18, 2018
I wanted to like this book SO much more than I actually did. I loved the idea - two people who live a thousand lifetimes and fall in love in each one, inspiring some of the world-famous romance stories throughout time - and there were moments where J.J. McAvoy stunned me with her words and knowledge of history, and made me literally laugh out loud at some of the funny stuff Esther said and did. But there were also times where the writing was juvenile and disjointed and I found myself wondering if it was the same person writing it. I loved Esther's goofiness, but I never really got any deep emotion from her, which made it hard to be invested in her storyline with Malachi. The Yamauchi backstory was really interesting, but it didn't seem to really "go" with the rest of the book and I wondered why it got so much space. I think McAvoy herself summed it up really well in the words she wrote Malachi saying to Esther:
"You're a terrible writer... (but) You're a beautiful thinker. I can see what it is you want to say but you're just making things complicated."
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"You're a terrible writer... (but) You're a beautiful thinker. I can see what it is you want to say but you're just making things complicated."
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2017
From the intriguing cover to the heart-wrenching blurb, Malachi and I is unlike anything J.J. McAvoy has done before. A story between two lovers, who are destined to fall. Only to be brought back to life, and relive the tragedy all over again.
In each life, Malachi is drawn to his lost love like a moth to a flame. Due to his own selfishness he can't let her go. But this time, he swears an oath that he will keep his distance. No matter how hard it will be, his love will finally have a life filled with happiness and joy, while he wallows in despair.
It doesn't last long.
Esther and Malachi are given another chance at life, to live the life they were meant to have. . .
Together.
Why 3 stars?
Don't get me wrong I liked the storyline, especially with all the hidden messages. But I felt the ending was too cliché. I could see where the story was going a mile away, sadly. But overall it was a cute love story, that totally reminded me of the KDramas I like to watch every now and then.
*Special thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy.*
In each life, Malachi is drawn to his lost love like a moth to a flame. Due to his own selfishness he can't let her go. But this time, he swears an oath that he will keep his distance. No matter how hard it will be, his love will finally have a life filled with happiness and joy, while he wallows in despair.
It doesn't last long.
Esther and Malachi are given another chance at life, to live the life they were meant to have. . .
Together.
Why 3 stars?
Don't get me wrong I liked the storyline, especially with all the hidden messages. But I felt the ending was too cliché. I could see where the story was going a mile away, sadly. But overall it was a cute love story, that totally reminded me of the KDramas I like to watch every now and then.
*Special thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy.*
January 15, 2019
I finally got to this book and while I thought it was relatively solid read, I did find that it was not my favorite from this author. I first discovered J.J. when I read That thing between Elit & Gwen which I loved. With this particular story, I was waiting for the chemistry to click a little better than it seemed to and for things to just be more intense and thrilling. I liked seeing some of their past lives and the main characters butt heads in the beginning, but I did grow bored with the past lives recaps that continued to happen till the end. I don’t frequently read a lot of romance so it might just be me but things got really dramatic towards the end (lol) and I couldn’t help but laugh at certain parts. So if you like books with even more drama than the intended premise, you’ll like this book.
September 30, 2017
Romance:4
Steaminess:1
Action/suspense:2
Overall:3
I have mixed feelings about this book.
I liked both main characters well enough. Although, I think I'd have like a little more description and back story to them. The romantic concept was very cool. The whole soulmate thing really melted my heart. I just wish it was executed a little better. I understood the need for those jumps in time but the writing was unclear and confusing. The steaminess in this book was practically non existent. So kindda disappointed there.
So yeah. Cool concept. Very sweet. But writing didn't feel up to par and it kind of dragged on towards the middle.
Steaminess:1
Action/suspense:2
Overall:3
I have mixed feelings about this book.
I liked both main characters well enough. Although, I think I'd have like a little more description and back story to them. The romantic concept was very cool. The whole soulmate thing really melted my heart. I just wish it was executed a little better. I understood the need for those jumps in time but the writing was unclear and confusing. The steaminess in this book was practically non existent. So kindda disappointed there.
So yeah. Cool concept. Very sweet. But writing didn't feel up to par and it kind of dragged on towards the middle.
October 5, 2017
I admit that i knew what i was getting into reading this book....
1. Not putting this book down
2. Huge bags under my eyes
3. Falling in love with another J.J. mcAvoy book
4. Pep talking myself into not freaking out (hahaha)
I am not actually an emotional person but if it’s a J.J. McAvoy book then i become a bag full of emotions. This book surprised me! The characters are more then what you think and in my opinion a short paragraph cannot describe how brilliant this book is. The only way you (the curious reader probably debating whether to read it or not) can experience the trip of love and pain, humour and sadness... you just have to read...
1. Not putting this book down
2. Huge bags under my eyes
3. Falling in love with another J.J. mcAvoy book
4. Pep talking myself into not freaking out (hahaha)
I am not actually an emotional person but if it’s a J.J. McAvoy book then i become a bag full of emotions. This book surprised me! The characters are more then what you think and in my opinion a short paragraph cannot describe how brilliant this book is. The only way you (the curious reader probably debating whether to read it or not) can experience the trip of love and pain, humour and sadness... you just have to read...
April 4, 2018
‘Will you die for me? Will you walk through fire for me? Would you forsake the sweetest of wines and the greatest of feasts to never let go of my hand?’
And I said yes.
First of all - it's not a bad book but the book just didn't work for me personally.
I've been really excited to read this book because the idea is unique and I have enjoyed McAvoy's previous books but the story didn't wow me. The characters were bland and I hated those flashbacks into their past lives (which I skimmed by the end of the book).
Still, I'd recommend to read it if you are looking for something original.
September 29, 2017
it started out really strong and i was totally excited reading the first 50 pages .but the introduction of japanese characters was abrupt and confusing . took some time to get used to it . halfway through the twist was good and then it kinda fizzled out and I was skimming the pages . its the same result over and over again we get it , would have loved the interactions btw the original present characters rather than the past discussions and the sudden transferring of feelings from one person to another could have been better .
expected a lot but turned out to be a ok read
expected a lot but turned out to be a ok read
December 31, 2017
There was so much potential in the book. The cover, main plot gives you this dream of a love saga that's turned into a tragedy.
I left for the past lovers in the book. But felt no passion for the present. Also I dnf the book. When I first read the description I was looking for a passionate love story. Which I never got in this book.
Its just a contemporary fictional book. What annoys me the most is the plot. When you read the plot you can easily imagine it to be a deep, passionate love.
Which sadly it's not this book has no passion in it.
I left for the past lovers in the book. But felt no passion for the present. Also I dnf the book. When I first read the description I was looking for a passionate love story. Which I never got in this book.
Its just a contemporary fictional book. What annoys me the most is the plot. When you read the plot you can easily imagine it to be a deep, passionate love.
Which sadly it's not this book has no passion in it.
September 27, 2017
4.5
WOW....What did I just read?
JJ McAvoy has outdone herself with this mystical story.
Love transcends time. Love transcends life and death.
I was captivated from the first page onward. JJ is one of the authors I just read. I don't read blurbs or synopsis, I JUST READ. So I had no idea what this book was about. As I continued to read the story slowly began to unfold. A thousand lives, a thousand deaths and a love story with each one.
I don't want to give you too much in the story because, like me, you deserve to watch this unfold, over and over again.
This beautiful story was written by an author who has proven herself over and over again. She has written contemporary romance, to mystical romance to my all time favorite MOB series - The Untouchables. Her versatility is beyond anything I have seen in another author in a long time!
WOW....What did I just read?
JJ McAvoy has outdone herself with this mystical story.
Love transcends time. Love transcends life and death.
I was captivated from the first page onward. JJ is one of the authors I just read. I don't read blurbs or synopsis, I JUST READ. So I had no idea what this book was about. As I continued to read the story slowly began to unfold. A thousand lives, a thousand deaths and a love story with each one.
I don't want to give you too much in the story because, like me, you deserve to watch this unfold, over and over again.
This beautiful story was written by an author who has proven herself over and over again. She has written contemporary romance, to mystical romance to my all time favorite MOB series - The Untouchables. Her versatility is beyond anything I have seen in another author in a long time!
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