What do you think?
Rate this book
Absolute #2
Absolute Lovers
Professor Stephen Worthington has been schooled in the bedroom by free-spirited student Julia Wilde. But what started as a casual arrangement has turned into so much more—at least for Stephen.
Head over heels, Stephen is tired of being just “sex buddies.” Julia’s resisting, but her blithe attitude towards keeping it casual may just be a front. Can he prove to her that their amazing sexual chemistry can mix with romance and ultimately win her heart?
In this eagerly awaited sequel to S.J. Hooks’ successful first novel, Absolute Beginners, readers will find themselves riding alongside Stephen and Julia’s highs and lows as their friends-with-benefits relationship reaches a crossroads. Absolute Lovers’ humor and romance will tease and delight both dedicated fans and new readers alike.
Absolute Lovers is the final installment in the Absolute Novels series.
This novel contains mature content.
Head over heels, Stephen is tired of being just “sex buddies.” Julia’s resisting, but her blithe attitude towards keeping it casual may just be a front. Can he prove to her that their amazing sexual chemistry can mix with romance and ultimately win her heart?
In this eagerly awaited sequel to S.J. Hooks’ successful first novel, Absolute Beginners, readers will find themselves riding alongside Stephen and Julia’s highs and lows as their friends-with-benefits relationship reaches a crossroads. Absolute Lovers’ humor and romance will tease and delight both dedicated fans and new readers alike.
Absolute Lovers is the final installment in the Absolute Novels series.
This novel contains mature content.
268 pages, ebook
First published June 24, 2015
About the author
S.J. Hooks
4 books248 followersAlthough she is a native of Denmark, SJ Hooks has always had a keen interest in the English language. She has a BA in English Literature and Masters degree in American Studies. As a working mother of two special needs children, her days are busy. At night, when she isn’t passed out on the couch, she’s in front of her computer, writing stories of love, humor and passion – the best things in life. Her dream is to build a career as a full-time author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
November 18, 2017
Esto no tiene ni chicha ni limoná. La historia necesita algún tipo de conflicto para darle vidilla. Todo lo que me gustó en el primer libro aquí me ha terminado cansando.
June 11, 2015
Title: Absolute Lovers
Series: Absolute, #2
Author: S.J Hooks
Release Date: 24 June, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
*2.5 disappointing stars
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?
I'm sorry, i really am... This review is not supposed to be an attack towards the author but i'm so frustrated, especially since i absolutely adored the first book in this series Absolute Beginners but I'm really disappointed with the sequel to the story i loved so much.
Why do i feel this way?
Because it was like reading a book with different MCs and i honestly can't say how many times I've read the sentence "I love you" throughout the book. I mean OK, i get it, they are in love... but do they have to declare their love to one another every 3 minutes?
I don't know, maybe I'm just unreasonable and had high expectations but i was set on reading a fantastic sequel according to the standards of the first book. I felt that this book was something that had to be written in order to wrap things up with a fairytale-like epilogue.
And what's up with the whole long distance relationship BS? They've been apart for only two months and couldn't handle it? I don't get it, I really don't and what angers me the most is that this is a pretty common concept in NA reads. Well, I've been in a long distance relationship for TWO YEARS and even though it is difficult it IS manageable!!!
Anyway, i think i should stop my rambling now... And now that I've read both books i think i would've stopped with the first one. Don't get me wrong the writing was good but i did not enjoy how the story developed in the second book and that's my honest opinion!
*I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Series: Absolute, #2
Author: S.J Hooks
Release Date: 24 June, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
*2.5 disappointing stars
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?
I'm sorry, i really am... This review is not supposed to be an attack towards the author but i'm so frustrated, especially since i absolutely adored the first book in this series Absolute Beginners but I'm really disappointed with the sequel to the story i loved so much.
Why do i feel this way?
Because it was like reading a book with different MCs and i honestly can't say how many times I've read the sentence "I love you" throughout the book. I mean OK, i get it, they are in love... but do they have to declare their love to one another every 3 minutes?
I don't know, maybe I'm just unreasonable and had high expectations but i was set on reading a fantastic sequel according to the standards of the first book. I felt that this book was something that had to be written in order to wrap things up with a fairytale-like epilogue.
And what's up with the whole long distance relationship BS? They've been apart for only two months and couldn't handle it? I don't get it, I really don't and what angers me the most is that this is a pretty common concept in NA reads. Well, I've been in a long distance relationship for TWO YEARS and even though it is difficult it IS manageable!!!
Anyway, i think i should stop my rambling now... And now that I've read both books i think i would've stopped with the first one. Don't get me wrong the writing was good but i did not enjoy how the story developed in the second book and that's my honest opinion!
*I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
June 11, 2015
Absolute Lovers is the follow-up to Absolute Beginnings. In Absolute Beginnings, we got to meet Stephen and Julia. Stephen is a professor and is pretty inexperienced sexually. Julia is his student and she's a bit on the wild side. They start a casual sex relationship but soon Stephen develops deeper feelings. Absolute Lovers starts with Stephen wanting to explore a relationship with Julia but is afraid that she only wants to keep things casual. What I loved so much about this series is that it's written from Stephen's POV and I loved him. He's insecure but has such a good heart. Some of the thoughts that went through his head were hilarious and so typically male. Other times, he was so sweet and kind of cheesy. I love teacher student romances and this is one of my very favorites! This was really hot but also a really sweet romance. I can't wait to read what this author writes next!!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 15, 2017
Una pena.- Es un libro para el coma diabético.- Sin conflicto, sin originalidad, sin nada.- Puro azúcar!
November 18, 2017
Pues esta segunda parte baja la media de los dos a un 3....La primera me encantó, pero esa obsesión por alargar las historias con relleno innecesario las acaba destrozando. ..En esta segunda parte es que no pasa nada de nada ....he pasado páginas de amor mio, mi amor, si te pierdo. ..que si te adoro...Un poquito más largo el primero y seria una historia de 4...pero esta no llega ni a las dos estrellas. ..En fin lo que pudo haber sido y no fue
June 10, 2015
*********ARC received by Netgalley********
Genre: Humorous Teacher/Student Fluff Romance
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 7/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero/s: 7/10
Humour: 5/10
Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Hero POV only; 1st person. 2nd & final book in the series.
Bow tie clad Professor Stephen Worthington can't keep his hands of filthy-mouthed, dressed to excess, student Julia Wilde.
But now his heart is invested too.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Absolute Lovers is essentially a Teacher-student romance with a twist, filled with humour, sex and love, and told entirely from the Heroes POV.
This second book in this series was almost as good, I wasn't overly keen with the love-overdose, and at points I wanted Stephen to man up a bit. But it was just as entertaining as the first. Fluffy, easy to read and fun. I would have loved to heard a bit from Julia, just to even things out, but I can't help but adore Stephen and his uniqueness.
3.5 STARS
Genre: Humorous Teacher/Student Fluff Romance
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 7/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero/s: 7/10
Humour: 5/10
Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Hero POV only; 1st person. 2nd & final book in the series.
Bow tie clad Professor Stephen Worthington can't keep his hands of filthy-mouthed, dressed to excess, student Julia Wilde.
But now his heart is invested too.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Absolute Lovers is essentially a Teacher-student romance with a twist, filled with humour, sex and love, and told entirely from the Heroes POV.
This second book in this series was almost as good, I wasn't overly keen with the love-overdose, and at points I wanted Stephen to man up a bit. But it was just as entertaining as the first. Fluffy, easy to read and fun. I would have loved to heard a bit from Julia, just to even things out, but I can't help but adore Stephen and his uniqueness.
June 29, 2015
Wow! Finally a second book that is as good as the first! And the author didn't ruin the characters by having them act stupid and get sexual with other people. I really loved getting more of Stephen and Julia and watching their relationship get even more serious. I loved being able to see their day to day and how they got along. I especially enjoyed Stephen being more take charge in the bedroom. He is such a wonderful hero! And even though she is young Julia is the perfect match for Stephen. I enjoyed the brief chapter or 2 in Julia's POV and I loved the epilogue. This is a terrific series! Safety gang safe
June 8, 2015
ARC from Netgalley for an honest review
S.J. Hooks is firmly on my 'will read anything she writes' list.
I loved Absolute Beginners, and Absolute Lovers did not disappoint. I love Stephen and Julia!
The best part is the total lack of genre cliches: no big misunderstanding for characters to break up and to reconcile at the end; no surprise pregnancy; no terrible secret from the past that is a deal breaker for one of the main characters...
Seriously, wonderful book.
S.J. Hooks is firmly on my 'will read anything she writes' list.
I loved Absolute Beginners, and Absolute Lovers did not disappoint. I love Stephen and Julia!
The best part is the total lack of genre cliches: no big misunderstanding for characters to break up and to reconcile at the end; no surprise pregnancy; no terrible secret from the past that is a deal breaker for one of the main characters...
Seriously, wonderful book.
December 29, 2017
Al igual que el anterior es un libro que me ha enganchado un montón. Muy rápido de leer y ameno.
Sigue estando narrado por parte de Stephen, pero me ha gustado ese capítulo al final donde nos remonta al inicio de la historia entre ambos pero quien nos la cuenta es Julia
Sigue estando narrado por parte de Stephen, pero me ha gustado ese capítulo al final donde nos remonta al inicio de la historia entre ambos pero quien nos la cuenta es Julia
June 23, 2015
I didn't think I could continue to be surprised but the second and final book in this series did just that. It's so refreshing to read a romance novel in a male's POV. Even more so, when that male voice is not the alpha in an action/adventure setting with huge muscles who is rescuing a damsel in distress. To see Stephen not only open up to love but grow in his confidence was pretty cool to see. I loved the emotions that were shown by both characters. Relationships are scary and hard work and I loved seeing Stephen get emotional at times. He wasn't a crybaby by any means but real emotions make you feel and it was so wonderful to see this. The fear and love where real.
Julia and Stephen rescued each other and that was beautiful to witness. If you're looking for a non traditional romance with lots of sexy times and some humor this is the book for you!
Julia and Stephen rescued each other and that was beautiful to witness. If you're looking for a non traditional romance with lots of sexy times and some humor this is the book for you!
November 26, 2017
Continúa la historia del profesor Stephen Worthington y su alumna Julia Wilde, ahora él tiene algo más de experiencia y… está enamorándose, pero puede ser que Julia no lo tenga tan claro.
Si el primer volumen de esta bilogía me sorprendió y gustó a partes iguales, tengo que decir que esta segunda parte bajó un poco el listón y a lo mejor hubiese sido mejor reunirlo todo en un solo volumen.
En esta parte esa chispa de proyecto de formación sexual para el tímido y poco experimentado profesor queda en el olvido, ahora el argumento se centra en los sentimientos de Stephen y de si puede hacer que Julia sienta lo mismo por él y no se marche corriendo por algo que ella lleva en su interior y que la frustra en su relación.
Lo de siempre también aparece y son las excesivas escenas sexuales, que vale entiendo que estos libros son así y no debería quejarme porque ya sé de lo que van pero he visto otros en los que la contención ayuda bastante y hace mejor la novela, a mí no me hace falta leer todas las posturas del kamasutra posibles sino disfrutar de una historia sencilla con sentido por lo menos que me haga desconectar por unas horas.
En este desenlace poco puede sorprendernos ya, la trama está más que resuelta simplemente tenemos bastante relleno, pasteleo y repetición constante de “te quiero”, “te amo” y demás adjetivos que se proclaman los tortolitos que poco más y me da un subidón de azúcar en sangre. Por si acaso no llegamos al número de páginas pues ponemos un poco de la versión de Julia y listo, libro listo para publicar.
No puedo darle mucha puntuación porque esta parte no me encandiló, si hubiese sido un solo tomo sí se hubiese llevado por lo menos cuatro o las cinco estrellas. Lo breve si bueno dos veces bueno.
Si el primer volumen de esta bilogía me sorprendió y gustó a partes iguales, tengo que decir que esta segunda parte bajó un poco el listón y a lo mejor hubiese sido mejor reunirlo todo en un solo volumen.
En esta parte esa chispa de proyecto de formación sexual para el tímido y poco experimentado profesor queda en el olvido, ahora el argumento se centra en los sentimientos de Stephen y de si puede hacer que Julia sienta lo mismo por él y no se marche corriendo por algo que ella lleva en su interior y que la frustra en su relación.
Lo de siempre también aparece y son las excesivas escenas sexuales, que vale entiendo que estos libros son así y no debería quejarme porque ya sé de lo que van pero he visto otros en los que la contención ayuda bastante y hace mejor la novela, a mí no me hace falta leer todas las posturas del kamasutra posibles sino disfrutar de una historia sencilla con sentido por lo menos que me haga desconectar por unas horas.
En este desenlace poco puede sorprendernos ya, la trama está más que resuelta simplemente tenemos bastante relleno, pasteleo y repetición constante de “te quiero”, “te amo” y demás adjetivos que se proclaman los tortolitos que poco más y me da un subidón de azúcar en sangre. Por si acaso no llegamos al número de páginas pues ponemos un poco de la versión de Julia y listo, libro listo para publicar.
No puedo darle mucha puntuación porque esta parte no me encandiló, si hubiese sido un solo tomo sí se hubiese llevado por lo menos cuatro o las cinco estrellas. Lo breve si bueno dos veces bueno.
June 21, 2015
Absolute Lovers is the sequel to Absolute Beginners, SJ Hooks debut novel.
The story picked up where the first left off, and followed the unlikely duo as they both grew and changed, admitted their feelings, and learned the ways of love together. And not only the physical aspect. Emotionally, they both had a lot of growing up to do, and by allowing themselves to open up to each other, they did just that.
There was no huge twists or plot developments, but a story of two people falling in love. It was a lovely read, and even the sadder moments taught them to appreciate the life they had found with each other even more.
His inner musings made me smile often, and I admit, giggle out loud at times. I know some found them juvenile, but in truth this was his first relationship, and his younger self needed to catch up and find a way of expressing his thoughts. His pure joy at discovering that life had more to offer than lonely nights and solitary hours was uplifting. His need to care and be good for her was honest and sincere. She taught him life is meant to be lived, and he showed her it that loving someone didn't make you less of an independent, strong person. It only added to your strength.
A great read.
Both books are worth checking out.
The story picked up where the first left off, and followed the unlikely duo as they both grew and changed, admitted their feelings, and learned the ways of love together. And not only the physical aspect. Emotionally, they both had a lot of growing up to do, and by allowing themselves to open up to each other, they did just that.
There was no huge twists or plot developments, but a story of two people falling in love. It was a lovely read, and even the sadder moments taught them to appreciate the life they had found with each other even more.
His inner musings made me smile often, and I admit, giggle out loud at times. I know some found them juvenile, but in truth this was his first relationship, and his younger self needed to catch up and find a way of expressing his thoughts. His pure joy at discovering that life had more to offer than lonely nights and solitary hours was uplifting. His need to care and be good for her was honest and sincere. She taught him life is meant to be lived, and he showed her it that loving someone didn't make you less of an independent, strong person. It only added to your strength.
A great read.
Both books are worth checking out.
June 7, 2015
Absolute perfection! Ms. Hooks has given us, ME, a perfectly wonderful, lovely, and sexy version of her fan fiction story that I loved so much. Stephen and Julia warm my heart with their love, struggles both individually and as a couple, and ultimate bliss together. Opposites attract in a big way. Their journey is a fun ride and I'm glad I went along!
May 20, 2015
This author is fantastic - I love it!
May 26, 2015
Lovely story, couldn't put it down.
June 19, 2015
Julia and Stephen are back and this book opens with them together after the funeral of her grandfather (pops). She is for the most part stating with Stephen at his place and other than a surprise visit by his mom and step father their relationship though neither of them calls it that is going good. They have made up for Stephen’s drunk night when he graded one of her papers wrong. If you have not read the first book Absolute Beginnings, you will find that Julia is 10 years younger and is one of Stephens’s students in his Lit. Class in college. She has been flirting with him and then one night outside of his step brothers sports bar he gives her a ride home and from their they start meeting each other just causally, for her anyway for him he still can’t get her out of his mind. The second book they actually grow together as a couple and during finals he cooks dinner for her and lets her study and use his office. They go on a few trips together over the summer because she now is no longer his student and if they are scene together it is not a big deal. Two thigs happen that make them come together emotionally more than just the sex part. The first being the annual 4th of July party at his mother’s and step father’s house. He has now changed into a more confident man with her and her when she meets one old friend of his that hurt him she takes charge and puts her in her place. They did not see it but as a couple they were stronger and better for each other than either one realized. The next was when he finds out that she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and she was going to pass on it but he would not let her. After four months apart her friends come over to tell him they think she is having trouble over in London, not eating or sleeping. He sees it that night and decides to do something about it and it is something he would not have had the courage to do from the beginning of the first book. A fantastic story of two people coming together and giving the other one what they are lacking and becoming a couple with all of the fears of what people are thinking but doing it any way. A good book. i got this book from net galley.
November 9, 2017
La trama es sencilla y sin complicaciones, un chico enamorado que intenta que la chica que ama, y de la que no está seguro de sus sentimientos, lo corresponda. Una historia mucho más romántica que la anterior donde dos personas totalmente distintas que se aceptan y se aman como son, sin intentar cambiarse y fortaleciéndose mutuamente.
Seguimos con la formula que tanto me gustó en el libro anterior con una lectura amena y ligera. El cambio de roles es un elemento original, que nos muestra que no todos los hombres tienen que ser machos alfa, que hay hombres sensibles, tímidos y tiernos que valen mucho la pena. Quizá me ha gustado algo menos que el primer libro porque esperaba que tener la oportunidad de conocer el punto de vista de Julia algo más de las dos intervenciones que hace, y porque, al ser un libro más romántico, en ocasiones he encontrado a Stephen demasiado empalagoso y derrochando miel por todos los rincones, y esa actitud a veces me llegaba a cansar un poco.
Reseña completa en: https://bibliotecariarecomienda.blogs...
Seguimos con la formula que tanto me gustó en el libro anterior con una lectura amena y ligera. El cambio de roles es un elemento original, que nos muestra que no todos los hombres tienen que ser machos alfa, que hay hombres sensibles, tímidos y tiernos que valen mucho la pena. Quizá me ha gustado algo menos que el primer libro porque esperaba que tener la oportunidad de conocer el punto de vista de Julia algo más de las dos intervenciones que hace, y porque, al ser un libro más romántico, en ocasiones he encontrado a Stephen demasiado empalagoso y derrochando miel por todos los rincones, y esa actitud a veces me llegaba a cansar un poco.
Reseña completa en: https://bibliotecariarecomienda.blogs...
July 3, 2015
This will be quick - while the first book wasn’t perfect, this entry pretty much exemplifies why I think serials or multi-book romances are a) not my favorite; and b) not easy to pull off. I struggled to keep reading it, putting it down several times to complete other books because I couldn’t keep my focus on the story.
There were alot of declarations of love and plenty of sex, but no real excitement. I truly believe there is a good story here that would have been so much better with some good editing.
It was an ok read that suffered from a lack of storyline. I would only recommend for those hardcore lovers of student/teacher romances.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
June 5, 2015
Yay part two I enjoyed the first book so much I could hardly wait to get my hands on this one. I liked that Julia was starting to learn to trust and soothe her man at times, "Stephen," she said with a laugh. "I know about morning wood. You don't have to be embarrassed. I was enjoying the show." Stephen is the type of man that cares about his wants feelings and actions and always wants to do right by her, "I blinked. “I didn’t make you come before I did. That’s what you’re supposed to do. What a real man is supposed to do." I liked that Julia can still surprise him, it's funny to see his reactions, "hmm?" I murmured distractedly as I turned around to face her. Oh my God! "You're naked!" I gasped, even though that was obvious." I loved this book I loved these two Juia is just what Stephen needed.
September 15, 2015
Review was initially posted here
I enjoyed the first book, and wanted to see how Stephen and Julia's relationship would progress.. This book though was a little sappy and draggy for me. I really think it could have ended with the first book. Stephen came off a little girly, but I must say that the author has written other masculine characters just fine. I'm excusing that to Stephen's insecurities and nature. There weren't much of much of a plot per say, the challenges were minimal (no major plot twist).
I hoped we'd get more of Julia's POV, and there was a little bit of it closer to the end, it just wasn't enough to get much of Julia's way of thinking.
Overall, Absolute Lovers was a cute read.
*This arc was kindly provided by Full Fathom Five via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I enjoyed the first book, and wanted to see how Stephen and Julia's relationship would progress.. This book though was a little sappy and draggy for me. I really think it could have ended with the first book. Stephen came off a little girly, but I must say that the author has written other masculine characters just fine. I'm excusing that to Stephen's insecurities and nature. There weren't much of much of a plot per say, the challenges were minimal (no major plot twist).
I hoped we'd get more of Julia's POV, and there was a little bit of it closer to the end, it just wasn't enough to get much of Julia's way of thinking.
Overall, Absolute Lovers was a cute read.
*This arc was kindly provided by Full Fathom Five via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 2, 2015
How can you not love Stephen or Julia? Spunky girl meets dorky teatcher, whats not to love? They grow together and make the perfect couple <3 I want more.. Pretty please with a cherry on top
June 29, 2015
4.75***
January 3, 2018
Perdió toda la gracia que tenía el primero...
December 14, 2017
Tú y Yo, Nivel: Avanzado es la segunda parte de una bilogía que comenzó con buen pie, cambiando las tornas típicas en el género erótico y siendo el hombre el inseguro e inexperto en cuanto al sexo y al amor, así como el narrador en primera persona. Pero esta segunda parte me ha resultado totalmente innecesaria y, en mi opinión, no ha aportado nada nuevo a la trama y se me ha hecho repetitiva y pesada. Vayamos por partes...
Julia y Stephen continúa con su relación sin etiquetas, disfrutando de la compañía el uno del otro y con momentos de locura sexual en la cama. Pero con el fallecimiento del abuelo de Julia, su única familia, ésta necesita apoyarse más que nunca en alguien y Stephen está ahí para ofrecerle todo lo que le haga falta, razón que la lleva a replantearse sus sentimientos y a dónde quiere llegar en su relación sin etiquetas con él. Además, las clases han terminado y el semestre ha llegado a su fin, lo que llevará a que la parejita formalice públicamente la relación y proclamen a los cuatro vientos lo felices que son. Sin embargo, la temida distancia pronto hará acto de presencia y tendrán que averiguar si la distancia es el peor enemigo del amor. [...]
Seguir leyendo en: https://eraseunlibro.blogspot.com.es/...
Julia y Stephen continúa con su relación sin etiquetas, disfrutando de la compañía el uno del otro y con momentos de locura sexual en la cama. Pero con el fallecimiento del abuelo de Julia, su única familia, ésta necesita apoyarse más que nunca en alguien y Stephen está ahí para ofrecerle todo lo que le haga falta, razón que la lleva a replantearse sus sentimientos y a dónde quiere llegar en su relación sin etiquetas con él. Además, las clases han terminado y el semestre ha llegado a su fin, lo que llevará a que la parejita formalice públicamente la relación y proclamen a los cuatro vientos lo felices que son. Sin embargo, la temida distancia pronto hará acto de presencia y tendrán que averiguar si la distancia es el peor enemigo del amor. [...]
Seguir leyendo en: https://eraseunlibro.blogspot.com.es/...
July 25, 2018
Al igual que el primero me gustó mucho. Lo único malo, el tono meloso y súper romántico que adquirió a mitad del libro.
Adoro a Stephen pero esa actitud tan romántica, tan azucarada, me dió nauseas, claro soy algo particular.
Jules lo máximo como en el primero, y acá se entiende su forma de ser. Es una mujer tremenda.
Me gustaron los demas personajes, las descripciones, la narrativa.
Adoro a Stephen pero esa actitud tan romántica, tan azucarada, me dió nauseas, claro soy algo particular.
Jules lo máximo como en el primero, y acá se entiende su forma de ser. Es una mujer tremenda.
Me gustaron los demas personajes, las descripciones, la narrativa.
June 12, 2015
Review: 3.5 Stars
I really loved Absolute Beginners. I raved all about it here and was really looking forward to the sequel, Absolute Lovers. When I received an ARC, I jumped to read it. Was it a good read? Yes. Did I enjoy it as much as the first book? No.
I still loved Stephen. He's sweet, endearing, loyal and sexy (when he shows his confidence in the bedroom). He never wavered in his adoration for Julia and proved himself to be a standup guy again and again. I also liked that we got to learn more about Julia's past and what makes her tic.
For me, this book had some pretty big shoes to fill to compete with Absolute Beginners. There is something about the initial transformation, in any book, that draws me in. Watching Stephen come out of his shell is a big part of why I liked that book so much. So, where does the next book go from there? How do you keep that momentum going?
I think the author tried to keep the momentum going by making the transformation become a shift in their relationship from sex buddies to lovers. I don't know if I just have less interest in the man's perspective in chasing his love interest (as opposed to the female perspective) or if the chase didn't do very much for me in this book. I found Stephen's internal dialogue over the top in terms of his love for Julia. Also, there wasn't as much steaminess in this book. Is it just less interesting to read about people making love vs. discovering each other's bodies and the newness of that pairing? That's probably part of it. I also think there was just less detail in this book; fewer descriptions about positions, oral, booty calls...all that fun stuff. Also, as a side note, I found the one chapter from Julia's POV to be a bit random since the rest of both books are entirely from Stephen's perspective.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My full review can be found here.
I really loved Absolute Beginners. I raved all about it here and was really looking forward to the sequel, Absolute Lovers. When I received an ARC, I jumped to read it. Was it a good read? Yes. Did I enjoy it as much as the first book? No.
I still loved Stephen. He's sweet, endearing, loyal and sexy (when he shows his confidence in the bedroom). He never wavered in his adoration for Julia and proved himself to be a standup guy again and again. I also liked that we got to learn more about Julia's past and what makes her tic.
For me, this book had some pretty big shoes to fill to compete with Absolute Beginners. There is something about the initial transformation, in any book, that draws me in. Watching Stephen come out of his shell is a big part of why I liked that book so much. So, where does the next book go from there? How do you keep that momentum going?
I think the author tried to keep the momentum going by making the transformation become a shift in their relationship from sex buddies to lovers. I don't know if I just have less interest in the man's perspective in chasing his love interest (as opposed to the female perspective) or if the chase didn't do very much for me in this book. I found Stephen's internal dialogue over the top in terms of his love for Julia. Also, there wasn't as much steaminess in this book. Is it just less interesting to read about people making love vs. discovering each other's bodies and the newness of that pairing? That's probably part of it. I also think there was just less detail in this book; fewer descriptions about positions, oral, booty calls...all that fun stuff. Also, as a side note, I found the one chapter from Julia's POV to be a bit random since the rest of both books are entirely from Stephen's perspective.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My full review can be found here.
June 26, 2015
3.5 stars
Stephen and Julia , I love them together. They are perfectly imperfect as they say.
The first book ended with Julia coming to Stephen for comfort after her Grandfather's funeral and Stephan figuring out he was in love with Julia. He was determined to show her that they can be more than their no-strings arrangement and boy did he !!
I liked seeing their connection progress more and more and I enjoyed seeing each one of them grow up in his/her own way.
Stephan was simply perfect, he was loving,caring and understanding of how hard it was for Julia to open up.
“I'll wait forever to hear you say those words to me again," I whispered. "And when you do I'll say them back to you. You may not be ready to hear them right now, but know that I feel them—every moment.”
And I loved seeing Julia's vulnerable side as well, she really opened up to Stephan and embraced her feelings for him. It was actually easier than I thought, yeah she had her freak-out moments but we did understand her reasoning for being the way she was.
The reason I didn't give it higher rating has nothing to do with the characters themselves because like I mentioned, I really loved them and I enjoyed the first part more than the second because I felt that it got redundant and too fluffy for my taste. The "I love you"s and "don't leave" were being said too much and I felt like it became a long happy epilogue. Although to be fair, I did like that they were a strong couple and the usual drama didn't affect them.
Overall , If you're read the first book and you're in the mood for a light romantic read that is really low on the angst, then I really think you should give this a try. And if you didn't read the first one, what are you waiting for ?! :D
Stephen and Julia , I love them together. They are perfectly imperfect as they say.
The first book ended with Julia coming to Stephen for comfort after her Grandfather's funeral and Stephan figuring out he was in love with Julia. He was determined to show her that they can be more than their no-strings arrangement and boy did he !!
I liked seeing their connection progress more and more and I enjoyed seeing each one of them grow up in his/her own way.
Stephan was simply perfect, he was loving,caring and understanding of how hard it was for Julia to open up.
“I'll wait forever to hear you say those words to me again," I whispered. "And when you do I'll say them back to you. You may not be ready to hear them right now, but know that I feel them—every moment.”
And I loved seeing Julia's vulnerable side as well, she really opened up to Stephan and embraced her feelings for him. It was actually easier than I thought, yeah she had her freak-out moments but we did understand her reasoning for being the way she was.
The reason I didn't give it higher rating has nothing to do with the characters themselves because like I mentioned, I really loved them and I enjoyed the first part more than the second because I felt that it got redundant and too fluffy for my taste. The "I love you"s and "don't leave" were being said too much and I felt like it became a long happy epilogue. Although to be fair, I did like that they were a strong couple and the usual drama didn't affect them.
Overall , If you're read the first book and you're in the mood for a light romantic read that is really low on the angst, then I really think you should give this a try. And if you didn't read the first one, what are you waiting for ?! :D
July 17, 2015
Having originally read this story online in its entirety, I was initially reluctant to read it again as a published work. However, I found myself completely inhaling Absolute Beginners, realising that a good, well-written story is always going to be exactly that, no matter the format or the character names. As soon as I finished Beginners, I pre-ordered Absolute Lovers, and have similarly devoured it. Even knowing the plot, I could hardly bear to put it down, and it was such a delight to get a final chapter from the perspective of the heroine - an insight denied the reader when it was written as an episodic online piece. I have always loved Ms Hooks' writing, and have to admit that I would read anything and everything she produces. Her characters are always well-developed and, as a Dane, she has what may well be a genetic predisposition to story-telling. She captivates the reader's attention from the first page and keeps hold of you until the very last page.
We first met Stephen, a professor of American literature, and Julia, his student, in Absolute Beginners, which described the genesis of their seemingly unlikely relationship. In Absolute Lovers we observe their growing connection and the inevitable ups and downs of a love affair between two such disparate characters. With a ten or eleven year age gap and diametrically opposed backgrounds, it would seem to be a relationship which has no hope of achieving longevity. However, as told by this author, it never seems impossible or unrealistic.
This two-part sexy romance is a delight from beginning to end and I highly recommend it.
We first met Stephen, a professor of American literature, and Julia, his student, in Absolute Beginners, which described the genesis of their seemingly unlikely relationship. In Absolute Lovers we observe their growing connection and the inevitable ups and downs of a love affair between two such disparate characters. With a ten or eleven year age gap and diametrically opposed backgrounds, it would seem to be a relationship which has no hope of achieving longevity. However, as told by this author, it never seems impossible or unrealistic.
This two-part sexy romance is a delight from beginning to end and I highly recommend it.
July 14, 2015
3.5 Stars
I absolutely loved the first book and had been anticipating the sequel since I finished book one and while I absolutely loved the back story some things didn't work for me.
The characters seemed different from the first book when it's picking up where we left off. I know characters evolve and change in the course of a book but not this much and not that fast.
I still do love how the heroine is the strong character and Stephen is a bit more reserved but comes out of his shell after spending time with Julia. It's a nice change in the typical stories.
The story was a bit too mushy to me. Saying I love you every couple of pages was a bit too much but I guess it goes with Stephens insecurities which I totally loved. It shows a more sensitive side to a man and it was a nice change. I like that this story is told in a man's POV.
The characters and story should have been developed a bit more but overall it was a good read.
I'd totally recommend for student/teachers lovers. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I absolutely loved the first book and had been anticipating the sequel since I finished book one and while I absolutely loved the back story some things didn't work for me.
The characters seemed different from the first book when it's picking up where we left off. I know characters evolve and change in the course of a book but not this much and not that fast.
I still do love how the heroine is the strong character and Stephen is a bit more reserved but comes out of his shell after spending time with Julia. It's a nice change in the typical stories.
The story was a bit too mushy to me. Saying I love you every couple of pages was a bit too much but I guess it goes with Stephens insecurities which I totally loved. It shows a more sensitive side to a man and it was a nice change. I like that this story is told in a man's POV.
The characters and story should have been developed a bit more but overall it was a good read.
I'd totally recommend for student/teachers lovers. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews