Ever
by Jessa Russo
ebook, 295 pages
Expected publication: October 1st 2012
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository
*ebook approved by Netgalley.
Synopsis via Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Ever’s love life has been on hold for the past two years. She’s secretly in love with her best friend Frankie, and he’s completely oblivious.
Of course, it doesn't help that he’s dead, and waking up to his ghost every day has made moving on nearly impossible.
Frustrated and desperate for something real, Ever finds herself falling for her hot new neighbor Toby. His relaxed confidence is irresistible, and not just Ever knows it. But falling for Toby comes with a price that throws Ever’s life into a whirlwind of chaos and drama. More than hearts are on the line, and more than Ever will suffer.
Some girls lose their hearts to love.
Some girls lose their minds.
Ever Van Ruysdael could lose her soul.
~My Review~
A ghostly, romantic, and riveting story. Ever is an exceptional debut portraying the indescribable writing skill and fascinating ideas of an impeccable author.
To say that I enjoyed this story is quite the understatement. To say that it made quite an impression? Not even close. I was completely emotional while reading, and honestly, I can't seem to find the right words to describe my feelings about the novel.
Let's see...
I was torn between Frankie and Toby. At first I was all for the ghostly guy but then this dark and mysterious creature appeared next door and entered a world Ever was closed off to. For so long she kept herself tied to Frankie and neglected the land of the living; she was so devoted to staying by his side and protecting her love for him that she completely missed out on what reality had to offer. And sadly enough, Ever was detached from anything outside of Frankie even when he was alive, with her friend and parents being the only exception. It's such a shame that not even in death did she have the courage to tell Frankie how she truly felt, and obviously he couldn't express himself either. Both were silly, in my opinion, from the start.
In comes Toby...
Ever's sudden attraction is understandable; from the very descriptive words throughout the chapters Toby was obviously hot. But his reaction to her always made me suspicious. I questioned his motive in everything he said or did. I just couldn't trust him that fast. Towards the end, I figured out why. And those reasons are best left unsaid and for you to find out for yourselves. Regardless, I liked him and his secretive persona. It made me want to dig deep into his mind and uncover his story.
I liked Ever's parents, and her best friend Jess. It's not a lot of people that could accept, better yet remain cool with the fact that a ghost was lingering around and that you could actually see him. I think its great that Jessa made them so chilled with the idea, while leaving some of the supernatural elements intact and unveiled. The connection she established between the characters was quite astonishing as well, simply believable.
As for the plot and what was taking place? I had no idea. I kept reading and drowning myself with questions about what it could possibly be that's shaking up Frankie so much and what was going to happen further in the book. I loved the anticipation and felt extremely satisfied with the results.
Now let's get down to the pace and writing style. Ladies and gentlemen I saw fireworks. Things weren't rushed but went by in a well balanced and quick manner, while entertaining and taking me by surprise along the way. Every scene, every emotion, down to a piece of clothing or an object was creatively if not carefully described. Jessa hadn't missed a thing, even if she did I didn't notice because from what I've read it was absolute perfection. Is this really your first novel Ms. Russo? It's like you've been writing for centuries.
My final thoughts? Oh jeez just make sure to get yourselves a copy. Do I have to spell it out any further. I loved it and will re-read it for years to come.
Jessa Russo is an unashamed super fan of all things paranormal romance. She reads, writes and breathes paranormal YA, rarely straying from her comfort zone. Seriously. She loves the stuff. When not writing or reading, Jessa's out and about making memories with some seriously awesome people - for an introvert, she's pretty extroverted. ;-) You can bet that she's also ALWAYS secretly planning her next trip to New Orleans. (If her eyes glaze over, she's in one of her stories, or NOLA.)
Interesting!! I really like romantic books! and wow.. seems like i would be torn between Toby and Frankie as well! Great review love!
ReplyDelete- Farah @ MajiBookshelf
Hope you read it soon. Thanks for coming by.
DeleteIt sounds really good. Ghost stories always get me, especially if the ghost is someone you love. Great review..
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Thnx
DeleteThis sounds like a good romantic mystery. Awesome review, Shane!
ReplyDeleteOkay Shane! You just convienced me to go get it whenever it comes out because this sounds like an amazing one, I'm definitely interested now ;) But brilliant review Shane and thanks for sharing <3
ReplyDeletexoxo, Mariam
Book-A-Holic
You're welcome :) Happy I persuaded you and hope you'll love this one as well.
DeleteGreat review. I just got this from Netgalley yesterday. I am glad you enjoyed it so much. I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen. Hope to read yours soon.
DeleteLove your review :) I saw this as someone's WoW yesterday and thought it sounds great, but now that I've read your thoughts I'm sold. Glad it's out in 2 weeks already!
ReplyDeleteThanks :) You should give it a try and I promise you'll enjoy it.
DeleteWow, that cover is amazing! I have no idea this book existed and reading your awesome review, I can safely say that I am so going to read this.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a ghostly story? More wow.
Sana @ artsy musings of a bibliophile