TITLE: Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Format: Audiobook (10 hours and 3 mins)
Narrators: Savannah Peachwood and Zachary Webber
Published: February 1st 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Blurb: 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.
Mature Content. Recommended for 18+.
This story will stay with me for a long time. It really touched my soul. The narrators Savannah Peachwood and Zachary Webber delivered an amazing performance. They really captured the emotion and angst with their narration. I am mind blown by this audiobook.
Ilsa Madden Mills wrote a story with broken people who still had a resilient spirit despite their pain. From the beginning, I felt Ava’s hurt but cheered her daily struggle to keeping putting one foot in front of the other. I just wanted to hug this girl. She deserved it and much more. Sometimes pride and a desire for justice can give fortitude in the midst of a hostile environment.
I always cheer for the underdog and there is nothing more satisfying that seeing Ava fight and work her butt off to put her in position for good things. Ava was dealt a crappy hand with her mom and dad, but her tenacity and love for her little brother Tyler gave her a reason to get up and hustle everyday. What a contrast of life compared to the Shark crew.
Knox was a golden boy on the surface. Leader of the sharks, #1 quarterback and rich kid. He has nothing in common with Ava, but there seemed to be a thread of connection. The author built that chemistry until it was so palpable. I was so here for it. I honestly couldn’t stop listening to this audiobook. I loved Knox because he cared so deeply for his loved ones. He had a good heart and he held on tight to protect his family. The feels in this one! What a layered story with family at the heart of it. Simply amazing! One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
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This sounds like a great story, the narrators sound like they did a great job as well. Nice review.
It was a really good one with a touchy subject but done well. I think this is my favorite book by Ilsa Madden-Mills. Definitely an awesome narration duo