A review by gamz
Declan + Coraline by J.J. McAvoy

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