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Nevermore
Aurore Bardot is not the main character. She is stuck on the bad side of the tale, identifying way more with the villainess, which is inconvenient for a romance author. Her lack of inspiration is a curse she’ll have to end to give hope to her sister by proving to her that reality can be just like a fairy tale.
But there is a plot twist in the shape of the man she loathes most in the entire universe.
Spectre, an anonymous artist, who made a name for himself by unwittingly making her his masterpiece known worldwide as The Sad Girl in a moment she would have preferred to forget forever. On a whim, Aurore decides to write this stranger a polite letter by flattering his qualities as a despicable person.
She would have never expected him to reply to her.
Even less, for him to offer her a golden opportunity in exchange for being his muse.
On paper, he’s the opposite of her chaotic self—he is icy-cold, unemotional, and leaves no room for imperfection. And yet, they have more in common than it seems. One thing being that neither of them was ready to feel their heart flutter.
Even worse than that, he may be Aurore’s only chance to get her happy ending in a way she never imagined.
After all, the man she hates had always wanted her, and this time, he won’t let her go.
But there is a plot twist in the shape of the man she loathes most in the entire universe.
Spectre, an anonymous artist, who made a name for himself by unwittingly making her his masterpiece known worldwide as The Sad Girl in a moment she would have preferred to forget forever. On a whim, Aurore decides to write this stranger a polite letter by flattering his qualities as a despicable person.
She would have never expected him to reply to her.
Even less, for him to offer her a golden opportunity in exchange for being his muse.
On paper, he’s the opposite of her chaotic self—he is icy-cold, unemotional, and leaves no room for imperfection. And yet, they have more in common than it seems. One thing being that neither of them was ready to feel their heart flutter.
Even worse than that, he may be Aurore’s only chance to get her happy ending in a way she never imagined.
After all, the man she hates had always wanted her, and this time, he won’t let her go.
Unknown Binding
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About the author
Shanen Ricci
7 books568 followersShanen Ricci likes to think of herself as a witch. Her books are love potions destined to make you fall in love with morally grey villains and alpha males who will burn down the world for the girl. The recipe? A dash of a dark fairytale brewed with mythology. An ounce of drama and angst. A lot of spicy scenes’ magic dust. And she never forget to swirl everything for a passionate romance.
She began her journey by touching millions of readers online. When she's not using her cauldron — aka her computer — she's either acting on set, competing on 5k races, petting her cats, traveling the world, or overthinking her next book.
Follow her if you dare: @authorshanenricci
She began her journey by touching millions of readers online. When she's not using her cauldron — aka her computer — she's either acting on set, competing on 5k races, petting her cats, traveling the world, or overthinking her next book.
Follow her if you dare: @authorshanenricci
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
April 3, 2023
First of all, I’m Shanen’s boyfriend!!
So yes… my opinion about Nevermore may not seem honest because it’s inspired by my own story and that I have designed the cover and drew the illustrations. This book means a lot to me and Goodreads can’t propose me enough stars for me to rate it.
But I’m ranking the passion and dedication that Shanen put into this novel. I’m 24/7 with her and I see her working hard every day in order to invite girls/readers into her lovely world with her overflowing imagination where true love (and mysterious male alpha) reigns.
*To be honest sometimes I was jealous to see her spend more time with Ajax than me even if he’s a part of me lol*
Anyway, as I said she’s really passioned and dedicated to writing. She talks everyday for hours about romance, analyzing every words and every actions of her characters countless time. But I LOVE this part of her because she does it with all her heart, she gives everything she has for her stories.
*As you probably seen with Ajax I’m not a good talker but I’m pretty good at listening haha*
If you read Nevermore or not and if you liked it or not what you need to know is that this love story is who we are Shanen and I. These personal moments added to others imaginary ones form a unique story that represents us. She wrote and I drew it to freeze in time our love story.
I’m so proud of her ❤️
So yes… my opinion about Nevermore may not seem honest because it’s inspired by my own story and that I have designed the cover and drew the illustrations. This book means a lot to me and Goodreads can’t propose me enough stars for me to rate it.
But I’m ranking the passion and dedication that Shanen put into this novel. I’m 24/7 with her and I see her working hard every day in order to invite girls/readers into her lovely world with her overflowing imagination where true love (and mysterious male alpha) reigns.
*To be honest sometimes I was jealous to see her spend more time with Ajax than me even if he’s a part of me lol*
Anyway, as I said she’s really passioned and dedicated to writing. She talks everyday for hours about romance, analyzing every words and every actions of her characters countless time. But I LOVE this part of her because she does it with all her heart, she gives everything she has for her stories.
*As you probably seen with Ajax I’m not a good talker but I’m pretty good at listening haha*
If you read Nevermore or not and if you liked it or not what you need to know is that this love story is who we are Shanen and I. These personal moments added to others imaginary ones form a unique story that represents us. She wrote and I drew it to freeze in time our love story.
I’m so proud of her ❤️
May 23, 2023
NEVERMORE REVIEW. IT HAS SAFETY INFO WITH SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
I thought this book was more popular. The book is written by someone that it has appeared multiple times in my feed before I started to follow her. She seems like someone that has her life in order in the sense that she has a pretty feed, is super talented, her photos are gorgeous, and has an even more gorgeous bf (that was the one that did the cover and the illustrations inside the book + was the inspiration for this hero and I think the rest of her books) Long story short, they seem like the perfect couple that it got out of a romance book. Love that. But sadly it hasn’t received the attention that deserves.
The writer has said that this book is inspired by her and her boyfriend’s love of history and has a 40% truth. I think that’s brave. To put out there a similar story that the one you went through.
At first, I rated it 4 stars bc there were some stuff that I wanted to know and things that I didn’t love love but after some days I realize the book deserves 5 stars (a 4’5 rounded up)
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Let’s talk about safety.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Sadly, there are no celibates after meeting. H and h meet 6-8 years ago when H was a painter student and h was modeling for his art classes. H even tho comes from a super-rich family and has no money bc he was outcasted. People bully him in class. At this point there are in early 20 I will say. So, one-day h and H meet and H is smitten by her. h tries to find H again but can’t find him. h meets soon after a guy. This OM became her bf. They date for some months (maybe a year) but then he breaks up with her bc he has fallen in love with ow. Some people in H’s class make fun of h bc they say that OM has a crush on Ow but stays with h for the fcking. H hit the asshole. Points for H.
So, h receives horrible news and H goes after her to see if she is okay and saw her heartbroken. H does a painting of her in that state and the painting became famous. H published this painting as an anonymous artist. Anyway, the book starts 6-8 years later when h messages the account of H (bc of the paint) and decides to meet to talk about it. At the same time, H saw h again and decide to invite her to an exhibition. h doesn’t remember him and can’t understand why this random (but hot) stranger would want to invite her (I didn’t remember this part but obv he did know who she was and invited her bc he has been having a crush on her for years) So, they have an amazing night together and then H disappears for some days. Then, h meets with the painter and realizes it was the guy that she had an amazing night with (nothing happened on that night)
H decides to give her an offer. h would be her muse and H will show her new book to the big corporations he’s going to work with (think Disney) and pay her. She says yes and the rest is history.
No ow/om drama in the present.
There is a separation but no people for either of them.
H falls first and harder. We don’t know if he is celibate during those years. We know that he is NOT a manho and people never has seen it with a woman. Not even his bff and he lived with him for a while but he is not a virgin.
h was with OM (first relationship) and then some ons I think. Both celibate for quite some time.
CHECK TW: H’s mom has Alzheimer’s (or dementia) and dies, h’s dad was a cheater and abandoned them when they needed him the most (when h’s sis tried to suicide after being bullied for the cheating of their dad), h’s dad has another family.
Rtc (I changed my review from 4 stars to 5 after thinking about this book. I will try to publish my review today🫶)
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
I thought this book was more popular. The book is written by someone that it has appeared multiple times in my feed before I started to follow her. She seems like someone that has her life in order in the sense that she has a pretty feed, is super talented, her photos are gorgeous, and has an even more gorgeous bf (that was the one that did the cover and the illustrations inside the book + was the inspiration for this hero and I think the rest of her books) Long story short, they seem like the perfect couple that it got out of a romance book. Love that. But sadly it hasn’t received the attention that deserves.
The writer has said that this book is inspired by her and her boyfriend’s love of history and has a 40% truth. I think that’s brave. To put out there a similar story that the one you went through.
At first, I rated it 4 stars bc there were some stuff that I wanted to know and things that I didn’t love love but after some days I realize the book deserves 5 stars (a 4’5 rounded up)
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Let’s talk about safety.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Sadly, there are no celibates after meeting. H and h meet 6-8 years ago when H was a painter student and h was modeling for his art classes. H even tho comes from a super-rich family and has no money bc he was outcasted. People bully him in class. At this point there are in early 20 I will say. So, one-day h and H meet and H is smitten by her. h tries to find H again but can’t find him. h meets soon after a guy. This OM became her bf. They date for some months (maybe a year) but then he breaks up with her bc he has fallen in love with ow. Some people in H’s class make fun of h bc they say that OM has a crush on Ow but stays with h for the fcking. H hit the asshole. Points for H.
So, h receives horrible news and H goes after her to see if she is okay and saw her heartbroken. H does a painting of her in that state and the painting became famous. H published this painting as an anonymous artist. Anyway, the book starts 6-8 years later when h messages the account of H (bc of the paint) and decides to meet to talk about it. At the same time, H saw h again and decide to invite her to an exhibition. h doesn’t remember him and can’t understand why this random (but hot) stranger would want to invite her (I didn’t remember this part but obv he did know who she was and invited her bc he has been having a crush on her for years) So, they have an amazing night together and then H disappears for some days. Then, h meets with the painter and realizes it was the guy that she had an amazing night with (nothing happened on that night)
H decides to give her an offer. h would be her muse and H will show her new book to the big corporations he’s going to work with (think Disney) and pay her. She says yes and the rest is history.
No ow/om drama in the present.
There is a separation but no people for either of them.
H falls first and harder. We don’t know if he is celibate during those years. We know that he is NOT a manho and people never has seen it with a woman. Not even his bff and he lived with him for a while but he is not a virgin.
h was with OM (first relationship) and then some ons I think. Both celibate for quite some time.
CHECK TW: H’s mom has Alzheimer’s (or dementia) and dies, h’s dad was a cheater and abandoned them when they needed him the most (when h’s sis tried to suicide after being bullied for the cheating of their dad), h’s dad has another family.
Rtc (I changed my review from 4 stars to 5 after thinking about this book. I will try to publish my review today🫶)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2023
This story... It's more than a love story. It's about knowing yourself, realizing your dreams, achieving your goals and believing in yourself🦋
This book is one of the few that inspired me not to be afraid to live in reality❤️
And what illustrations. They synchronize so well with the text, feed the reader's attention💔
I'm sincerely grateful for the fairy tale that gives a new breath of life❤️🔥💔
This book is one of the few that inspired me not to be afraid to live in reality❤️
And what illustrations. They synchronize so well with the text, feed the reader's attention💔
I'm sincerely grateful for the fairy tale that gives a new breath of life❤️🔥💔
June 22, 2023
3,5/5
Спочатку мені дуже важко йшла ця історія. Першу половину книги я весь час закочувала очі через дивні і, якоюсь мірою, безглузді діалоги головних героїв. Мене дратував стиль написання і в якийсь момент хотілося залишити книгу і не дочитувати. Героїня здавалася або занадто сміливою, або безрозсудною, а головного героя я просто не розуміла. До того ж було занадто багато кліше, зокрема, ситуація з батьком, яку я зустрічала в багатьох інших історіях, аукціон, що також нагадав мені одну досить відому книгу.
Але наступна половина книга мене здивувала. Сюжет почав стрімкіше розвиватися і, дійсно, стало цікавіше читати. Мені сподобалося, що авторка пояснила причину холодності і відстороненості Аякса, розкрила його минуле і він постав чоловіком, який, незважаючи на всі удари долі, зміг досягти своїх мрій. Аврора, натомість, для мене, є дівчиною, яка всіма силами намагалася ощасливити свою сестру і підтримати сім'ю, що часто забувала про власне щастя, потопаючи у болі минулого, жаліючи і водночас ненавидячи себе. Врешті-решт головні герої стали порятунком один для одного. Аврора наповнила життя Аякса емоціями, яких він так потребував, а він зробив її головною героїнею їхньої історії і показав, що вона дійсно заслуговує на кохання.
В книзі було багато смішних моментів, які змушували сміятися в голос, були й сумні, через які хотілося співчувати героям, але загалом це дуже позитивна історія, про віру в себе, здійснення мрій і досягнення цілей. А також про те що кожен заслуговує бути героєм своєї власної історії життя.
Спочатку мені дуже важко йшла ця історія. Першу половину книги я весь час закочувала очі через дивні і, якоюсь мірою, безглузді діалоги головних героїв. Мене дратував стиль написання і в якийсь момент хотілося залишити книгу і не дочитувати. Героїня здавалася або занадто сміливою, або безрозсудною, а головного героя я просто не розуміла. До того ж було занадто багато кліше, зокрема, ситуація з батьком, яку я зустрічала в багатьох інших історіях, аукціон, що також нагадав мені одну досить відому книгу.
Але наступна половина книга мене здивувала. Сюжет почав стрімкіше розвиватися і, дійсно, стало цікавіше читати. Мені сподобалося, що авторка пояснила причину холодності і відстороненості Аякса, розкрила його минуле і він постав чоловіком, який, незважаючи на всі удари долі, зміг досягти своїх мрій. Аврора, натомість, для мене, є дівчиною, яка всіма силами намагалася ощасливити свою сестру і підтримати сім'ю, що часто забувала про власне щастя, потопаючи у болі минулого, жаліючи і водночас ненавидячи себе. Врешті-решт головні герої стали порятунком один для одного. Аврора наповнила життя Аякса емоціями, яких він так потребував, а він зробив її головною героїнею їхньої історії і показав, що вона дійсно заслуговує на кохання.
В книзі було багато смішних моментів, які змушували сміятися в голос, були й сумні, через які хотілося співчувати героям, але загалом це дуже позитивна історія, про віру в себе, здійснення мрій і досягнення цілей. А також про те що кожен заслуговує бути героєм своєї власної історії життя.
May 18, 2023
This book is about overcoming difficulties, believing in yourself, and how to "not be like everyone else." 🥹
It acknowledges that going against the grain can often work against you, but emphasizes that at the right time, everything can turn into an advantage ❤️🩹
Thank you for taking me on this inspiring journey ❤️🔥
It acknowledges that going against the grain can often work against you, but emphasizes that at the right time, everything can turn into an advantage ❤️🩹
Thank you for taking me on this inspiring journey ❤️🔥
June 4, 2023
Така ніжна і романтична казка для дорослих. Мені в ній сподобалась усе. Адже щоб досягнути чогось в житті потрібно мати підтримку, яка надихне тебе на створення нових картин, чи історій з хорошим фіналом.
December 21, 2023
“Let me tell you the story of how I fell in love with you while you didn’t even know I existed.”
I've been trying to finish this book since april and today I finally continued it and I'm glad I did. The first half of the book (200 pages) flowed slowly and that's why I've abandoned it like 2 times, however, the second half makes up for it and now that I finished I UNDERSTAND why it was slow at first: it was just a strong build-up for what would come next.
Aurore is the muse of a painter named "Spectre", he captured a sad moment she was having alone in a famous painting titled "The Sad Girl" and she hated that intrusion. Years later, she meets Ajax (a.k.a. Spectre) and they start a beautiful dynamic because he needs her as his muse (forever). This leads to a romance between them and near the end, we all just find out that he knew her 7 years earlier and he has been in love with her ever since.
There are some amazing drawings in this book, and while reading the acknowledgments I found out her boyfriend did this for her, I've also read more about their relationship and how some parts of this book happened in real life for her and I'm glad because Shanen Ricci seems to be such an amazing person. (I rarely read the acknowledgments but I had to read this one).
For me, what touched me the most about this book was the love this author has for women, all kinds of them, every girl, doesn't matter how sunshine, grumpy, sad, and traumatized she is, is deserving of love and a happy ending. She defends us with a passion that I couldn't help but admire Miss Ricci. I hope to read more of her romance books in the future.
I also related so much to Aurore's family dynamic. Deeply.
There's smut, fluff, deep emotional scenes in this book, family issues, and the heroine standing up for her boyfriend and him defending her too. This serves. As I said, you have to put up with the slow beginning of the book so you can reach the gold after 50%.
I'm glad Aurore, Ajax, and Lucky will live in a beautiful place and be a perfect family and that's what they deserve.
⋆🎧✮⋆ As for the Taylor Swift songs that fit this book and AuroreAjax perfectly is The Lakes, for so many reasons but "I'm setting off, but not without my muse" was written for them. And also invisible string because both characters were at the same place seven years earlier and just ended up being together in the future, love that for them.
CW: mentions of suicide attempts, parental abuse/rejection, Alzheimer's, misogyny.
Come chat with me about books and Taylor Swift on my Twitter .
I've been trying to finish this book since april and today I finally continued it and I'm glad I did. The first half of the book (200 pages) flowed slowly and that's why I've abandoned it like 2 times, however, the second half makes up for it and now that I finished I UNDERSTAND why it was slow at first: it was just a strong build-up for what would come next.
Aurore is the muse of a painter named "Spectre", he captured a sad moment she was having alone in a famous painting titled "The Sad Girl" and she hated that intrusion. Years later, she meets Ajax (a.k.a. Spectre) and they start a beautiful dynamic because he needs her as his muse (forever). This leads to a romance between them and near the end, we all just find out that he knew her 7 years earlier and he has been in love with her ever since.
There are some amazing drawings in this book, and while reading the acknowledgments I found out her boyfriend did this for her, I've also read more about their relationship and how some parts of this book happened in real life for her and I'm glad because Shanen Ricci seems to be such an amazing person. (I rarely read the acknowledgments but I had to read this one).
For me, what touched me the most about this book was the love this author has for women, all kinds of them, every girl, doesn't matter how sunshine, grumpy, sad, and traumatized she is, is deserving of love and a happy ending. She defends us with a passion that I couldn't help but admire Miss Ricci. I hope to read more of her romance books in the future.
I also related so much to Aurore's family dynamic. Deeply.
There's smut, fluff, deep emotional scenes in this book, family issues, and the heroine standing up for her boyfriend and him defending her too. This serves. As I said, you have to put up with the slow beginning of the book so you can reach the gold after 50%.
I'm glad Aurore, Ajax, and Lucky will live in a beautiful place and be a perfect family and that's what they deserve.
⋆🎧✮⋆ As for the Taylor Swift songs that fit this book and AuroreAjax perfectly is The Lakes, for so many reasons but "I'm setting off, but not without my muse" was written for them. And also invisible string because both characters were at the same place seven years earlier and just ended up being together in the future, love that for them.
CW: mentions of suicide attempts, parental abuse/rejection, Alzheimer's, misogyny.
Come chat with me about books and Taylor Swift on my Twitter .
April 10, 2023
"What do you see in me, Ajax?"
"I see life, Aurore. I'd take me an eternity to paint every facet of you."
I don't have enough words to express how much I liked this book. I didn't know the author but I loved her way of writing and creating her characters, I plan to read many more of her books.
And what to say about the characters?
First, I loved Aurore, her personality, her vulnerabilities, her fears... I loved her whole character. I was able to connect super well with her. I've never read a character like her before.
On the other hand, Ajax has totally made me fall in love with him. I don't know what to say about him but he has become one of my favorite male characters I've read. His way of loving Aurore is super pure and real. I wish I could find a man like him, who goes out of his way to make sure the woman he loves gets her happy ending.
To sum it up, this book made me feel a lot of things. I couldn't stop highlighting moments of both characters because they made me connect with them so much and the way they had of expressing their thoughts and feelings was super real. I'm happy I found this book by chance on this app. I couldn't have loved it more.
4.75/5
"I see life, Aurore. I'd take me an eternity to paint every facet of you."
I don't have enough words to express how much I liked this book. I didn't know the author but I loved her way of writing and creating her characters, I plan to read many more of her books.
And what to say about the characters?
First, I loved Aurore, her personality, her vulnerabilities, her fears... I loved her whole character. I was able to connect super well with her. I've never read a character like her before.
On the other hand, Ajax has totally made me fall in love with him. I don't know what to say about him but he has become one of my favorite male characters I've read. His way of loving Aurore is super pure and real. I wish I could find a man like him, who goes out of his way to make sure the woman he loves gets her happy ending.
To sum it up, this book made me feel a lot of things. I couldn't stop highlighting moments of both characters because they made me connect with them so much and the way they had of expressing their thoughts and feelings was super real. I'm happy I found this book by chance on this app. I couldn't have loved it more.
4.75/5
June 1, 2023
i love this book with all my heart. it was an emotional rollercoaster. and yea, everyone can be the main character of their story.
May 18, 2023
— Можливо, тобі самотньо жити у власному світі, але принаймні ти не безсила перед життям у світі, створеному для тебе іншими. Ти створюєш свою власну історію.
July 22, 2023
This book was trying SO HARD to be a romcom movie. It almost ruined fairytales for me.
It’s very clear the author was trying to please everyone but Aurore is a bad main character. She’s mean, period. Unnecessarily rude to people, but hey SHE’S AN AUTHOR (in case anyone missed all the million times she mentioned that). Also the “comedy” is forced and unnatural.
It’s very clear the author was trying to please everyone but Aurore is a bad main character. She’s mean, period. Unnecessarily rude to people, but hey SHE’S AN AUTHOR (in case anyone missed all the million times she mentioned that). Also the “comedy” is forced and unnatural.
May 31, 2023
4.5
Let me tell you the story of how I fell in love with you while you didn't even know I existed
TROPES:
Enemies to lovers (kind of)
Anonymous artist bf x romance author gf
Forced proximity
He's obsessed with her
I read many romance books, but I have never read one between a romance author who thinks she's the side character and an anonymous artist (please let me know if you know similar books).
I saw myself quite reflected in Aurore, the way she was, the way she acted (the only thing I know it's her closet) and I fell in love with Ajax, our artist, and he's my new book boyfriend.
The relationship between them was amazing, and I love every scene between them (you should see my book).
Another highlight was the side characters, I loved Emma, Luna, Archibald and Isaac and I need a book for each one, Shanen.
And now let's talk about the fact that the cover and the illustrations in the book are by Lucas, Shanen's boyfriend, did you see it? An author and an artist, i'm dyin here! Also, the book is inspired by some aspects of their relationship (I want what they have)
Ps: go to read the dedication and the acknowledgment, they're cute, like really really cute.
Can't wait for another book of Shanen!
Let me tell you the story of how I fell in love with you while you didn't even know I existed
TROPES:
Enemies to lovers (kind of)
Anonymous artist bf x romance author gf
Forced proximity
He's obsessed with her
I read many romance books, but I have never read one between a romance author who thinks she's the side character and an anonymous artist (please let me know if you know similar books).
I saw myself quite reflected in Aurore, the way she was, the way she acted (the only thing I know it's her closet) and I fell in love with Ajax, our artist, and he's my new book boyfriend.
The relationship between them was amazing, and I love every scene between them (you should see my book).
Another highlight was the side characters, I loved Emma, Luna, Archibald and Isaac and I need a book for each one, Shanen.
And now let's talk about the fact that the cover and the illustrations in the book are by Lucas, Shanen's boyfriend, did you see it? An author and an artist, i'm dyin here! Also, the book is inspired by some aspects of their relationship (I want what they have)
Ps: go to read the dedication and the acknowledgment, they're cute, like really really cute.
Can't wait for another book of Shanen!
May 15, 2023
this book had so much potential but well..
i didnt like Aurore, she jus played the victim card and she's impulsive and rude.
the timeline could've been coordinated better, i feel like if we'd see a little bit of Augustus and her times at the art school, it would give more context to what she was going through.
i didnt like Aurore, she jus played the victim card and she's impulsive and rude.
the timeline could've been coordinated better, i feel like if we'd see a little bit of Augustus and her times at the art school, it would give more context to what she was going through.
July 3, 2023
This feels like a Shrek fanfiction
May 1, 2023
LIVED UP TO THE HYPEEEEEEEE I LOVED IT AUROREAJAX DESERVES EVERYTHING<3
July 6, 2023
Here is the thing I was hyped and influenced via Tik Tok because Shanen and her man were serving and I do love that she based the love interest off of her man. The premise was great, but I just felt like this was the rough draft, because it fell for me. There was a lack of development of the characters, and the story felt very disjointed.
Most importantly the main female character was a struggle to like. Aurore was immature, rude, and unnecessarily mean sometimes, where I was like damn girl chill and how old are you??? The timelines were confusing at times when the art school plotline was introduced.
Full of promise, but I really think this could have benefited from being revised and edited a few times.
Most importantly the main female character was a struggle to like. Aurore was immature, rude, and unnecessarily mean sometimes, where I was like damn girl chill and how old are you??? The timelines were confusing at times when the art school plotline was introduced.
Full of promise, but I really think this could have benefited from being revised and edited a few times.
June 3, 2023
Story started off interesting but fell flat about 1/3 in, the constant talking about how much a ‘villain’ the FMC is just got annoying and the grumpy vs sunshine trope kept switching between characters which was also frustrating
So many pages on how they don’t deserve happiness could have been wrapped up in a couple of chapters and moved on - the point went on for to long
So many pages on how they don’t deserve happiness could have been wrapped up in a couple of chapters and moved on - the point went on for to long
November 20, 2023
I absolutely loved this story and knowing that 40% of it was inspired by real-life events between the author and her boyfriend, "who also illustrated the book!!!" Makes this a 4 star read for me. This funny fairy tale was perfect in every way. It was so funny and heartwarming yet showed real issues, family trauma, and medical conditions. This wasn't sweet sugary and fake like a hallmark movie because true loves stories aren't.
April 4, 2023
Shanen has done it again! You are in for a treat. As the reader, you are automatically drawn into the story with the first sentence. Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions! I feel as if Shanen wrote this story for me. From Aurore’s relationship with her sister to wanting to be an example of hope in happy fairy tale endings, I found so much of myself in Aurore. Let’s not forget the heated romance in this book! The whole time I couldn’t help but think of a modern day Persephone finally meeting her Hades. Overall, this book is a MUST read and you will not be disappointed.
Thank you, Shanen for allowing me to be a participant of your ARC. This meant so much to me! ♥️🥹
Thank you, Shanen for allowing me to be a participant of your ARC. This meant so much to me! ♥️🥹
May 29, 2023
DNF at 25%
Honestly, I think this book could have been good if it had gone through more revisions.
It felt like the author wrote it and never went back to edit... very first draft feels.
Honestly, I think this book could have been good if it had gone through more revisions.
It felt like the author wrote it and never went back to edit... very first draft feels.
July 28, 2023
3.50 ⭐️
In Aurore Bardot's universe, traditional roles are reversed: she is not the heroine but rather a romance novelist whose inspiration has mysteriously vanished. She finds herself stuck on the wrong side of the tale, identifying more with the villainous characters, which deeply troubles her.
On the other hand, her sister lives in a magical world where fairy tales come to life. Aurore wants to prove to her sister that reality can also be beautiful and enchanting. To achieve this, she must break free from her curse of inspiration. That's when an unexpected element comes into play: an anonymous artist known as "Spectre," who unintentionally immortalized her in his masterpiece called "The Sad Girl." This work was broadcast worldwide, making her a captivating and melancholic character.
Deciding to confront her demons, Aurore chooses to contact Spectre by writing him a polite and sarcastic letter, not expecting to receive a response from him. Even less so to discover that Spectre offers her an incredible opportunity: he wants her to become his muse.
At first glance, Spectre seems to be Aurore's total opposite: cold, emotionless, and obsessed with perfection. However, beyond their differences, they have more in common than they think. Neither of them wants to let their hearts be vulnerable and fall in love.
Nevertheless, Aurore realizes that Spectre might be her chance to find happiness in an unexpected way. After all, he has always desired Aurore, and this time, he is determined not to let her escape. As they explore their complex relationship, Aurore discovers that her arch-nemesis could become her ally in her quest for a happy ending, an ending she could have never imagined possible.
Aurore will have to confront her own demons, embrace the contradictions of her heart, and allow herself to be guided by the unexpected to fully embrace this golden opportunity that could turn her life into a true fairy tale.
I found the story to be original and interesting, with a basic concept that plays on the conventions of fairy tales by reversing the traditional roles of the characters. Aurore being stuck on the wrong side of the tale offers an intriguing starting point.
The author's writing style is smooth and fairly easy to read. However, I felt like there was something missing in my reading experience that would have made it a favorite for me.
In Aurore Bardot's universe, traditional roles are reversed: she is not the heroine but rather a romance novelist whose inspiration has mysteriously vanished. She finds herself stuck on the wrong side of the tale, identifying more with the villainous characters, which deeply troubles her.
On the other hand, her sister lives in a magical world where fairy tales come to life. Aurore wants to prove to her sister that reality can also be beautiful and enchanting. To achieve this, she must break free from her curse of inspiration. That's when an unexpected element comes into play: an anonymous artist known as "Spectre," who unintentionally immortalized her in his masterpiece called "The Sad Girl." This work was broadcast worldwide, making her a captivating and melancholic character.
Deciding to confront her demons, Aurore chooses to contact Spectre by writing him a polite and sarcastic letter, not expecting to receive a response from him. Even less so to discover that Spectre offers her an incredible opportunity: he wants her to become his muse.
At first glance, Spectre seems to be Aurore's total opposite: cold, emotionless, and obsessed with perfection. However, beyond their differences, they have more in common than they think. Neither of them wants to let their hearts be vulnerable and fall in love.
Nevertheless, Aurore realizes that Spectre might be her chance to find happiness in an unexpected way. After all, he has always desired Aurore, and this time, he is determined not to let her escape. As they explore their complex relationship, Aurore discovers that her arch-nemesis could become her ally in her quest for a happy ending, an ending she could have never imagined possible.
Aurore will have to confront her own demons, embrace the contradictions of her heart, and allow herself to be guided by the unexpected to fully embrace this golden opportunity that could turn her life into a true fairy tale.
I found the story to be original and interesting, with a basic concept that plays on the conventions of fairy tales by reversing the traditional roles of the characters. Aurore being stuck on the wrong side of the tale offers an intriguing starting point.
The author's writing style is smooth and fairly easy to read. However, I felt like there was something missing in my reading experience that would have made it a favorite for me.
August 25, 2023
SPOILERS:
why did no one tell me to read this sooner
~ i read it on wednesday and it was amazing i binged it in one day. if i knew it was gonna be this good i would have read it earlier ( i brought it in july but i only read it this month in august) it definitely deserves 5 stars in my opinion ~ there was no petty third act breakup although there was one it wasn’t petty ( and it kind of made sense) i love that it was he falls first because i absolutely adore that . HIM BEING A anonymous PAINTER who got famous because of a painting of her he made ( without her permission) and her hating him for so long and then reaching out on insta saying how much she hates him only for hjm to say ive found you finally and telling her to schedule a call with him so she can continue saying insults to him. only for them to meet the next day completely by accident ( her not knowing its him but he knows it her and then they go to an art gallery date he invites her on it was >>
and then her literally saying someone’s painting looks like trash and then him agreeing with her but then him having to sit through her insulting his art omfg it was so funny reading his pov during this . yes this book is dual pov ~ omfg this book engrossed me so much i didnt wanna put it down.
omg her reaction when she realised that the artist she hates is the guy she went on a date with was to die for .
the slowburn in this book was to die for
this book did everything right ( it had everything i like in a book) if i could give it 10 stars i would) unfortunately i can only give it 5. the ending of this book was also amazing. i loved the romance . i loved the whole back and forth and her pushing and pulling him away )
why did no one tell me to read this sooner
~ i read it on wednesday and it was amazing i binged it in one day. if i knew it was gonna be this good i would have read it earlier ( i brought it in july but i only read it this month in august) it definitely deserves 5 stars in my opinion ~ there was no petty third act breakup although there was one it wasn’t petty ( and it kind of made sense) i love that it was he falls first because i absolutely adore that . HIM BEING A anonymous PAINTER who got famous because of a painting of her he made ( without her permission) and her hating him for so long and then reaching out on insta saying how much she hates him only for hjm to say ive found you finally and telling her to schedule a call with him so she can continue saying insults to him. only for them to meet the next day completely by accident ( her not knowing its him but he knows it her and then they go to an art gallery date he invites her on it was >>
and then her literally saying someone’s painting looks like trash and then him agreeing with her but then him having to sit through her insulting his art omfg it was so funny reading his pov during this . yes this book is dual pov ~ omfg this book engrossed me so much i didnt wanna put it down.
omg her reaction when she realised that the artist she hates is the guy she went on a date with was to die for .
the slowburn in this book was to die for
this book did everything right ( it had everything i like in a book) if i could give it 10 stars i would) unfortunately i can only give it 5. the ending of this book was also amazing. i loved the romance . i loved the whole back and forth and her pushing and pulling him away )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2023
First I want to Thank Shanen for this ARC! It was such a beautiful experience 🤍
I am obsessed with Significant of Shanen Ricci, so I was so excited to read this one!! And wow! It was amazing!
It’s a story about a romance author and an artist who both need inspiration. She is his muse for his next painting while he helps her to find inspiration for her romance book.
It’s such a beautiful story! It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. The fact that this books is based on real life experiences made is so beautiful.
Also the chemistry these two have is incredible!! ❤️🔥
Those two deserve each other so much!
And also those illustrations are so beautiful!! It made this book so beautiful ❤️
I am obsessed with Significant of Shanen Ricci, so I was so excited to read this one!! And wow! It was amazing!
It’s a story about a romance author and an artist who both need inspiration. She is his muse for his next painting while he helps her to find inspiration for her romance book.
It’s such a beautiful story! It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. The fact that this books is based on real life experiences made is so beautiful.
Also the chemistry these two have is incredible!! ❤️🔥
Those two deserve each other so much!
And also those illustrations are so beautiful!! It made this book so beautiful ❤️
June 30, 2023
I'm tired for a review right now. but this books aspects were great except the only down side was the degradation of the characters consciences. I believe we all relate to some characters being the second lead of ur own story. And I hated the pictures they are not what I was expecting of the book
But it was good neverless. The changing randomly of how ajax was addressed had me scrolling back to see where it started.
But I am a sucker for the she's mine
But it was good neverless. The changing randomly of how ajax was addressed had me scrolling back to see where it started.
But I am a sucker for the she's mine
November 20, 2023
I just finished this book. I was so hooked I finished it in one day. I absolutely loved it!!!! Wonderful romance, learning to believe in yourself, family trauma. Yet it was so heartwarming and funny. It was truly one of the best fairy tales I've read in a long time.
March 27, 2023
Firstly I want to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this book.
It was incredible. I loved every minute of it. It has an amazing writing and a powerful message.
Everyone can be the main character of their story. Everyone is worthy. Everyone is special.
I laugh out loud, I cried, I smiled, I couldn’t put it down!
I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to read this book before release date. I can’t wait to see where it goes.
I wish all the success to the Author and the book, she definitely deserves.
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!!! 💕
It was incredible. I loved every minute of it. It has an amazing writing and a powerful message.
Everyone can be the main character of their story. Everyone is worthy. Everyone is special.
I laugh out loud, I cried, I smiled, I couldn’t put it down!
I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to read this book before release date. I can’t wait to see where it goes.
I wish all the success to the Author and the book, she definitely deserves.
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!!! 💕
November 20, 2023
“How do I look?”
“Like mine.”
SWOONING!!!
I am a sucker for couples collaborating on art. Like in “Everything Everything” By Nicola Yoon and David Yoon. I hadn’t seen a collaboration of writing and art this beautiful since I read that one in 2015 and Nevermore was just that, such a beautiful collaboration.
You might like this book if:
✍️ If you’re a writer who loves books about the writing process, such as “The American Roommate Experiment” I have to say, Nevermore gave the same vibe.
🧚♀️👗 If you’re a girlie who loves to dress up in dresses and feel like a fairy princess.
🎨 If you loved chapter 55 IYKYK
Things I loved:
Dual POV
The formatting was beautiful
Slow Burn 🔥
Sweet AND Spicy
Kissing in the rain 💋
OMG mirror spice!🪞
The mouth on Ajax!!! “Trust me, Aurore. Next time I make you wet, it won’t be because of a fountain or the sea.” HELLO 🥵
There was so much depth to this romance novel. My favorite quote that brought tears to my eyes was,
“Broken means you survived. It means whatever life threw at you, you were stronger and beat it. It means you won.”
Brava Shanen, Brava! 🤩
This was my favorite read of April. 🤩
“Like mine.”
SWOONING!!!
I am a sucker for couples collaborating on art. Like in “Everything Everything” By Nicola Yoon and David Yoon. I hadn’t seen a collaboration of writing and art this beautiful since I read that one in 2015 and Nevermore was just that, such a beautiful collaboration.
You might like this book if:
✍️ If you’re a writer who loves books about the writing process, such as “The American Roommate Experiment” I have to say, Nevermore gave the same vibe.
🧚♀️👗 If you’re a girlie who loves to dress up in dresses and feel like a fairy princess.
🎨 If you loved chapter 55 IYKYK
Things I loved:
Dual POV
The formatting was beautiful
Slow Burn 🔥
Sweet AND Spicy
Kissing in the rain 💋
OMG mirror spice!🪞
The mouth on Ajax!!! “Trust me, Aurore. Next time I make you wet, it won’t be because of a fountain or the sea.” HELLO 🥵
There was so much depth to this romance novel. My favorite quote that brought tears to my eyes was,
“Broken means you survived. It means whatever life threw at you, you were stronger and beat it. It means you won.”
Brava Shanen, Brava! 🤩
This was my favorite read of April. 🤩
June 28, 2023
Although I was intrigued by the plot of this novel, especially given the author took inspiration from her own real-life artist / writer romance, I think it was executed poorly. The FMCs anger is completely over the top, so the whole premise of the set-up with the sad girl painting and FMC/MMC meeting again isn't really believeable and makes her come across as much younger than she is supposed to be in the book. Otherwise, generally, I can accept the plot is basically "romance reasons," but all the fairytale talk is too much. I love fairytales, I completely understand what the author was trying to do here but there's just constant dialogue about the FMC being an evil fairy godmother, evil queen or villian but it's not really demonstrated why the FMC would think of herself in this way, she just tells you she does over and over and over again, and all the characters buy into it. I would've liked this to be shown in a few scenes and having made this connection as a reader myself rather than told over and over again. I did like the general comments about not feeling like the main character in your own life, and Ajax/Spectre was beautiful.
May 2, 2023
100/5 ✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥. 𝓐𝓳𝓪𝔁
𝐇𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝓐𝓾𝓻𝓸𝓻𝓮
I don't know how to start...I admire this book ❤️✨
You will forget that you're reading and you will feel that you are the main character.
Aurore was the main character in her own life who felt like a side one and not worthy while Ajax the grumpy one who lost seven years from his life because he thought that he isn't good enough for his fairy.
You really need to read this book now because you will feel everything...although the book is inspired from the author's love story (60% fiction).
Finally, I want to say that I admire Shanen & Lucas relationship and hope it will last forever. 💜✨
𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥. 𝓐𝓳𝓪𝔁
𝐇𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝓐𝓾𝓻𝓸𝓻𝓮
I don't know how to start...I admire this book ❤️✨
You will forget that you're reading and you will feel that you are the main character.
Aurore was the main character in her own life who felt like a side one and not worthy while Ajax the grumpy one who lost seven years from his life because he thought that he isn't good enough for his fairy.
You really need to read this book now because you will feel everything...although the book is inspired from the author's love story (60% fiction).
Finally, I want to say that I admire Shanen & Lucas relationship and hope it will last forever. 💜✨
November 28, 2023
книга з казковим вайбом
мотивує тебе, що треба бути головним героєм свого життя, продовжувати мріяти та що ти сам відповідаєш за своє щастя
мотивує тебе, що треба бути головним героєм свого життя, продовжувати мріяти та що ти сам відповідаєш за своє щастя
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