Dear Ava
Get a gut punch right in the high school dark romance feels.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1. DEAR AVA by Ilsa Madden-Mills
SYNOPSIS
The rich and popular Sharks rule at prestigious, ivy-covered Camden Prep. Once upon a time, I wanted to be part of their world—until they destroyed me. The last thing I expected was an anonymous love letter from one of them.
Please. I hate every one of those rich jerks for what they did to me. The question is, which Shark is my secret admirer? Knox, the scarred quarterback. Dane, his twin brother. Or Chance, the ex who dumped me…
Dear Ava,
Your eyes are the color of the Caribbean Sea.
Wait. That’s stupid.
What I really mean is, you look at me and I feel something REAL.
It’s been ten months since you were here, but I can’t forget you.
I’ve missed seeing you walk down the hall.
I’ve missed you cheering at my football games.
I’ve missed the smell of your hair.
And then everything fell apart the night of the kegger.
Don’t hate me because I’m a Shark.
I just want to make you mine.
Still.
BOOK REVIEW
“Dear Ava, today is the beginning of anything you want...”
Ilsa Madden-Mills did an outstanding job creating such a heart-wrenching love story between two extremely damaged but still admiringly strong young people. I was enchanted by the feelings Ava shared with Knox and waited rather impatiently for their HEA. Dear Ava was an emotional roller coaster (packed with trigger warnings, including sexual assault, addiction, and even suicide), which consumed me whole, but I absolutely didn’t mind. It was breathtakingly angsty and beautifully soul-gripping. It was everything!
“I want something good. I want to not worry about a dark night in the woods, I want to replace it with beautiful things. With him.”
Ava Tulip Harris was a gorgeous girl from a fucked up family who went through an awful experience no girl should ever suffer. But she stayed strong and showed every fucking one what she was truly made of. She had an excellent understanding of how the world works, and prudence beyond her years. I was so proud of this incredible human being full of determination and passion and that pureness of heart and soul despite all the crap thrown in her face.
“Oh, I see the promise in those beautiful eyes of his. The seriousness. The heat. I see him. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t love often, but once he does, it’s with everything he has.”
Lee Knox Grayson wasn’t what everyone thought of and expected from him. He was kind, protective, and loyal to a fault. He was no liar or coward. He stole the hearts of both Ava and me, and neither one us wants them back. Like, ever!
“Scars serve as medals of honor, and the strongest hearts have the most. I like your scars. Share them with me.”
The relationship between Ava and Knox was intense. It was seriously heartbreaking but sweet and romantic at the same time. The whole process of its slow but steady development was swoony. The chemistry was dangerously explosive. The emotions were raw and real. I absolutely loved the banter, as well as the constant back-and-forth (it felt like such sexy foreplay).
“No one wanted them to be together. None of the gods approved. Who’d love the king of the underworld?”
“The right person.”
Dear Ava was all I ever want from a really good romance. But honestly speaking, no words can perfectly describe what I think about this amazing book. Don’t waste your time! Go grab this one ASAP!
PS. Did you see an alternative cover that was available through The Bookworm Box? Stunning!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ilsa Madden-Mills is a Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.
A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero. She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.
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