Reviews

Declan + Coraline by J.J. McAvoy

readbytee's review

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4.0

❛4.5 stars❜
It’s the diversity for me.
This was such a good quick read, it was a good introduction to the series.
Declan and Coraline made me swoon so much and honestly have my whole heart.
Declan was pretty much gone from the jump and he fought for her so hard. You could just tell they would go the distance. I wish it was a little bit longer though but it was a novella so it was to be expected.

I’m so excited to dive in and start reading[b: Ruthless People|21839603|Ruthless People (Ruthless People, #1)|J.J. McAvoy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1396504157l/21839603._SY75_.jpg|41106601]. Bring it on!

chuchi's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

miawalterss_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

gen_theromancenerd's review

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3.0

This was a pretty solid story with some grammatical errors. I don't really agree with Coraline giving the business to her uncle. Exactly, what did he do to deserve it? On top of that I can't see trusting someone to run a bank who can't even run their own finances, but whatever.

__nosestuckinabook's review

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3.0

2.5
Declan sees Coraline when she runs into a diner during a storm, she immediately catches his eye but she runs out before he can speak to her, to his luck they both wind-up in the same nightclub and literally bump into each other again — it’s all VERY insta from there.

Honestly, I struggled a bit with this book. I thought the bones of the story were good and had a lot of potential but they were never really flushed out. Even though it’s a novella I would have liked to see more plot development. Whatever plot development was set up especially with Cora’s family, was not resolved in a satisfying way IMO. I also struggled with some of the dialogue as it tended to get a bit juvenile and robotic at times.

I thought this book has some really great bright spots. I enjoyed the surprising fun-loving nature of Declan. I assumed he was going to be dark and broody just because of standard mafia trope guidelines and he was super opposite of that, I found it to be refreshing. I also really loved that the characters were diverse . And I don’t know if it speaks closely to my Joey/Pacey heart but I LOVE LOVE LOVE a shaving scene.

I’m hoping Ruthless People lives up to its hype because this one was unfortunately just meh for me.

mag_da's review

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4.0

Really enjoyed the back story of the characters. Normally I 'm not a big fan of novellas that are released as the companions to the series because most of the time they seem to lack what you love about the novels, but this novella had everything I loved about the Ruthless People series.

gamz's review

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3.0


3 Good Girl, Bad Boy Stars

“Yeah. Book nerd rule number three: never ever, leave an unfinished book at home.”

I have to confess that the interracial cover of this book caught my attention first. I wasn't sure what the story was about, and hadn't read anything from this author before. However, the interracial aspect soon became the background, and not at all relevant in the burgeoning relationship between two people.

Declan is a member of a mafia family who falls in love with a good girl. He knew from the very first time he saw her talking to her umbrella in a diner that she was it for him. He also knows that his pure Irish family will have a hard time accepting her, and she may never accept what he and his family does.

Coraline is the daughter of a banking magnate whose parents died in a tragic fire when she was thirteen. She lives with THE most disgusting relatives. She has recently returned to Chicago from Stanford University. Her father left her his bank and his brother, is jealous and not averse to using his niece as a bank account. Cora lives a very quiet life. She doesn’t drink or party, she prefers to stay at home and read. (I can so relate!) However, she is not completely happy and believes she needs something else in her life.

Then she meets Declan and her life changes. Aside from being gorgeous, Declan is also spontaneous and fun. He takes Cora out of her comfort zone and makes face up to her fears. Cora finds herself relaxing, having fun, and falling in love even while trying hard to protect her heart. Especially after the amazing week they spent together in Cancun.

Declan, having fallen completely in love with Cora, knows that he wants her as his wife. He decides to bring her to church with him, knowing that doing so is the equivalent of declaring as her as his to his family and his community. He also knows that should Cora not accept his lifestyle, his family will kill her. But his love for her is so strong, he has to take the risk and hope that she will accept him for who he is, even the negative parts.

Declan and Coraline is an enjoyable novella. It is one of the last books written in the Ruthless People series, but is written as a prelude of the series. I didn’t do my research and started with this book. It wasn’t a problem however, because you are introduced to all the characters and the story mainly focuses on Declan and Coraline’s relationship. But now I have to get the rest of the series, because I need to know everyone’s story and I am hoping there is more about Coraline’s family. Here’s hoping that she didn’t just hand her father’ company over to her disgusting uncle.

I enjoyed this book, and J.J. McAvoy’s writing. She kept the characters interesting and the storyline moved at a great pace, keeping it interesting. As it is the introduction to the series, it will leave you running to your favorite bookstore / website to get the other books. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of her work

laurabenson's review

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4.0

J.J. does no wrong...

nnana_larhy's review

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3.0

I am having a moment. I wish I had read this before reading Ruthless people was just too much blood and drama. I did not say I did not love it. (Bad) Boy "sees" (good) girl, falls in love and they get married. Basically that's the story except with a few twists and funs.
Coraline (yes, like Neil Gaiman's Coraline) is a PYT who is afraid of experiencing the world. I say afraid because why would you not go out and get wasted like other people. She enjoys reading(good for her). She runs her own bank so she has money and knows how to dress.
Declan, typical Callahan except with the drama that comes with Liam (still too much even without the crazy blood thirsty Melody). He is sweet and all that (gentlemanly, hot hot hot!!!).

laprofedelengua's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated