Haven (The Willows, #1)

Sep 23, 2011 Giselle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook

This wasn't really a book for me. I just couldn't get into it. There were a lot of inconsistencies and confusion around the plot. I read 70% and skimmed the rest. I just wanted to get it over with, but I hate to leave books unfinished.

Ahston, a 17 year old, just got the news that her father died from a heart-attack. She goes on a road trip to get to his funeral and comes upon a handsome guy who accompanies her and eventually tells her that she's not who/what she thinks she is.

The premise is wh...more This wasn't really a book for me. I just couldn't get into it. There were a lot of inconsistencies and confusion around the plot. I read 70% and skimmed the rest. I just wanted to get it over with, but I hate to leave books unfinished.

Ahston, a 17 year old, just got the news that her father died from a heart-attack. She goes on a road trip to get to his funeral and comes upon a handsome guy who accompanies her and eventually tells her that she's not who/what she thinks she is.

The premise is what interested me at first. The book did have a good and exciting start. It was all very mysterious and made you want to know what was going on. But the unveiling left me very confused and the realism just wasn't there. When Ashton found out that she was different, she never asked WHAT she was. She accepted that she wasn't human and that Gabe had abilities out of the ordinary. Though she never asked for definitions. She accepted plainly that she was special, without wondering what made her that way!? That was the biggest issue I had with the book. That wasn't the only occurrence of the type either. She was attacked, twice in a few days time, and never thinks anything of it. It was just a very strange way to have it play out.

The story often left you feeling like you were missing something. Details weren't readily available to the reader. I had to go back a few pages a couple of times thinking I missed a passage that explained what was happening or why the characters were acting a certain way. Because of this, I didn't grow to care for them or their situations. I found Ashton to be incredibly gullible and a little stupid. You don't go running off in the woods after someone just attacked you - twice.

Those issues aside, the lore in this book is definitely original. The world is lacking a lot of depth, but it was still different from other YA paranormals I've read. It's based on mythology. I don't want to say more in fear of giving away any unwanted spoilers. It also has quite a bit of action and the pace is steady.

Although it wasn't for me, if you like mythology and paranormal YA, you may want to give it a try. You never know. It does have a beautiful cover.(less)

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Jul 07, 2011 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had the pleasure to read an advanced review copy of Haven. I loved where this story was going that I finished it in one day. I only do that with books I REALLY get into. I was immediately taken by surprise when the female main character, Ash, has an altercation with her boyfriend. I knew this story was going to run the gamut of emotions from the initial scene and set up. Collier is definitely a character driven writer, which is fantastic for this character driven reader.

The story slowly unfold...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Joy (joyous reads) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, indie

This book started out great for me. The air of mystery surrounding the beginning of this novel left me anxious and filled with uncontainable eagerness to devour it in one sitting. I’ve read quite a lot of books and I’ve always found that the set up for the story is usually the yard stick that measures how much it will keep me at attention. And for the first quarter of the book, I was positively excited to find out more.

Unfortunately, the pacing of this book sputtered that I soon found myself di...more This book started out great for me. The air of mystery surrounding the beginning of this novel left me anxious and filled with uncontainable eagerness to devour it in one sitting. I’ve read quite a lot of books and I’ve always found that the set up for the story is usually the yard stick that measures how much it will keep me at attention. And for the first quarter of the book, I was positively excited to find out more.

Unfortunately, the pacing of this book sputtered that I soon found myself disinterested in the story. I seem to encounter the same problem when I read retellings of legends and myths. The author must be able to partake information in a way that will keep their readers engrossed. This was a huge stumbling block for me with Haven. I couldn’t keep up with the information overload. Ashton’s reaction to Gabe’s revelations didn’t help matters either. There was a lack of alarm on her part and was almost too accepting of the fact that she was a half-human. That’s not only time in the book where I found Ashton’s knee-jerk response to Gabe’s actions a bit questionable. Something happened toward the end of the book that I could not divulge where Ashton found herself betrayed. I felt that I harbored more anger than she did. She was easily placated which put her character in a weak light.

I never understood how quickly relationships developed in certain books and Haven has that insta-love syndrome as well. Ashton proclaimed her love for Gabe so quickly. There was no built up. I can understand Gabe’s ardor toward Ashton because he’d pretty much watched her since infancy. But Ashton had only met Gabe for maybe a couple of days, tops. It’s a make or break factor when I’m reading a book. It’s also a hard sell so I’d have to be completely in love with the story before I can be convinced.

For originality’s sake, Haven’s myth is definitely unique among the books on my shelves. I’ve never read anything about nymphs and tree people before. I also liked the world Ms Collier created - combining the modern with touches of whimsical elements in a fairy tale kind of way.

Overall, I wish I enjoyed this book a bit more. I wanted to love the characters but couldn’t. I was looking for some depth and found none. Perhaps if given a few more pages, this book would’ve lived to its potential.
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Jul 11, 2011 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson added it

Where oh Where do I get this book? I so want to read it!!!!!!!!!!

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Sep 04, 2011 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, received-to-review, young-adult

There are so many sharp turns in this book, my brain feels like it has whiplash. This book keeps you guessing. There were some things that I could see coming, but others took my by surprise.

Ashton leaves a party for her 18th birthday suddenly. She receives a call telling her that her father has passed away. From that point on she is chased by strange men, helped by a young man who she instantly feels a connection with, and betrayed by those who supposedly love her.

She is pulled into a world that...more

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May 04, 2013 Cyndi Goodgame rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen-paranormal-romance-favorites

I swear this book was written with me in mind. The main character is me, me, me. The ending was just how I wanted, but I feel sooooo sorry for Kyle!

No spoilers!!!!

My favorite parts were where I had to stop and ponder where Collier got her ideas from. I saw a little of all my favorite books rolled into this one just like I do as a writer. Jane Austen made her way into it even. I think I even saw a piece of The Princess Bride in it.

Overall, I love this book.

My favorite parts include any part wit...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Sarah Grace James-Miller rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ok so my thoughts on this book... AWESOME!!! This book is really unlike any other i have read in the past couple of months. Loved the plot, characters, history, and the mythology/paranormal theme going on. I laughed, I cried, I got mad (don't worry it wasn't at the book), I wanted more.:) The romance was good, the... i guess he is a villian? was good, I instantly liked the bff and Kyle (although we met the bff much later on and only for a few chapters), I was totally pulled into this book, I mea...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Layla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, favorites

Everything I look for when I pick up a novel: A world I can get lost in. A highly engaging protagonist. A hero to swoon over. Twist after twist that kept me guessing...It's all here. The Willows: Haven sucked me in from the very first word, and I couldn't put it down--despite needing to pack for an international trip! You will believe in Hope Collier's world. You hold your breath as you struggle along with Ashton, torn between love and responsibility. And you will fall in love with...someone ;)....more

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Jul 20, 2011 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-e-book, favorites

First off I would like to Thank Hope for letting me read an advanced copy of The Willows!! I started reading it this morning and could not put it down till I was finished. The Willows: Haven is such an Amazing story something new and fresh not the same ole stuff you read all the time. Ashton is an awesome heroine and I can't wait to see how her character develops in the books to come! I found myself screaming Noooo on several occasions in this book and I couldn't help but to fall in love with Ga...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

The story is about a girl names Ashton, the story begins with her father dieing and she has to go meet her dads best friend (which has been more of a father to her then her own) tor the funeral. When she is ran off the road, a Gabe stops to help her, but when she accidentally runs over his motorcycle in he process; she asks him if he'd like to ride with her. Her life is quickly turned upside down, the people she trusts turn out to be very different people, and she is thrown in to a mythical worl...more

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Jul 20, 2011 Tamara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. I read it in two days, it was so great! Hope sure can write believable and loveable characters, face them with challenges and throw in a great plot. Every page of this novel was exciting and wonderful. Plus, the scenes with Gabe are so beautifly written I made ooh and aah noises a lot ;). I even found myself screaming no! once. This book has great balance, great story, it's fresh and new, the guys are ^^ and I definatelly recommend it to everyone who love YA. I loved the endin...more

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Sep 24, 2011 carole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Haven is like a huge piece of red velvet cheesecake. Yes, that's a good thing.

Haven completely took me by surprise. It's original, fast-paced, and will keep you guessing. The characters you will meet when reading this spectacular book are some of the best villains and friends I personally have ever encountered. Hope Collier succeeds in creating a magnificent imaginative world of action and love that is sure to keep readers engaged.

The book starts off on the run, quite literally. It's Ashton's bi...more Haven is like a huge piece of red velvet cheesecake. Yes, that's a good thing.

Haven completely took me by surprise. It's original, fast-paced, and will keep you guessing. The characters you will meet when reading this spectacular book are some of the best villains and friends I personally have ever encountered. Hope Collier succeeds in creating a magnificent imaginative world of action and love that is sure to keep readers engaged.

The book starts off on the run, quite literally. It's Ashton's birthday and she's fleeing her own party. It's a page turner for sure, and a book that can be finished in one or two settings. While sometimes that's a bad thing in this case it's not. I couldn't put it down, and while I didn't want it to end I had to see what was going to happen and I was not disappointed. Hope Collier creates the perfect introduction into this book and series.

There are many well rounded and easy to love and hate characters throughout this book. My favorite would have to be the ever handsome Gabe. When we meet Gabe, in what seems like an accidental encounter, Ashton's life changes drastically. Now, weird things are happening. The fantasy aspect of the story is extremely refreshing and something I never expected. The settings described in this book are beautifully done, easy to visualize, and the mood Collier sets with well chosen words is always fitting. I will not go into what makes this book a fantasy because it's part of the surprise, there are reviews out there that will tell you and if you really want to know look for some of them. Learning Ash's past alongside her is part of the ride the reader should endure.

This book is definitely not lacking in the hot guy department or the who-should-she-choose department. It's got an amazing set of characters and the plot is unbelievable. I can't wait to read more about Ashton, the men in her life, and this new world she belongs to. It it the first book in the series, and there are few unresolved issues that I'm sure will work themselves out in books to follow.(less)

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Aug 13, 2011 Alison Hess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hope has created an enchanting world, and I found myself floating along with Ashton and Gabe as they got to know each other. Our main character, Ashton, is struggling with the death of her father when she meets Gabe, a motorcycle-riding mystery man. I wondered about this handsome stranger from the moment he appeared, and his complicated history made him one of my favorite characters. The attraction between Ashton and Gabe is well-written and sweet, and it left me wanting more time for them to be...more Hope has created an enchanting world, and I found myself floating along with Ashton and Gabe as they got to know each other. Our main character, Ashton, is struggling with the death of her father when she meets Gabe, a motorcycle-riding mystery man. I wondered about this handsome stranger from the moment he appeared, and his complicated history made him one of my favorite characters. The attraction between Ashton and Gabe is well-written and sweet, and it left me wanting more time for them to be together.

Alas, their time is cut short when Ashton is taken to The Valley. This is where Hope really hit her stride. Her descriptions of this world within our world were stunning:

The light of the full moon glistened off the water, casting shimmering reflections against the trees. A gentle wind carried the fragrance of water lilies across the bank as cattails swayed along the shoreline. [...] The effect the water possessed was more powerful than ever before. Familiar scents comforted me as I waded out into the deep. The caress felt like satin against my skin, reaching into my very essence. It was part of me, something that would never change, could never be taken away.

As Ashton becomes familiar with the family secrets that determine her fate, she turns to her friend, Kyle, for support and friendship. But Kyle has a history of his own, and his deep feelings for her overwhelm both of them:

The kiss deepened as Kyle's passion stirred. Hot hands wrapped around my waist, lifting me to his height. I threaded my fingers through his hair, allowing the months of loneliness and grief to fuel my reaction. He moaned softly as he held me tighter, and I reveled in the feeling of his love.

There's no doubt that Ashton is in a tight spot. Her feelings for the two most important people in her life, Gabe and Kyle, cannot coexist, and she feels the full weight of the decision she must make. But Hope guides us through the final twists and turns quickly and expertly. I breathed a sigh of relief for Ashton when I came to the last page, but I wasn't ready for the story to end. Luckily, this is just the beginning of Ashton's story - I can't wait!(less)

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Jul 11, 2012 Paranormal Reads rated it 4 of 5 stars

First off I will say I picked this book up because of the cover. It is so haunting and beautiful. I love the colors of it. Yes I know I am a cover lover. Then I looked at the back and thought wow this sounds interesting. So I brought it home and began reading it. It didn't take me long to read it because the author did a great job pulling you right in. The plot is very good, well written and has a great feel to it.

Ashton is a girl who gets the news her father has died. She leaves her somewhat a...more First off I will say I picked this book up because of the cover. It is so haunting and beautiful. I love the colors of it. Yes I know I am a cover lover. Then I looked at the back and thought wow this sounds interesting. So I brought it home and began reading it. It didn't take me long to read it because the author did a great job pulling you right in. The plot is very good, well written and has a great feel to it.

Ashton is a girl who gets the news her father has died. She leaves her somewhat abusive boyfriend and heads to Kentucky for her fathers funeral. Along the way she has some mishaps and meets Gabe. Gabe helps her and saves her a few times and she begins to fall for him. She begins to notice strange things about him and he reveals he isn't quite human and neither is she. After getting to Kentucky lots of things happen to make you wonder who is good and who is evil. Ashton learns she is part of an old treaty and must choice whether she will honor it or choice her own happiness.

The characters are unique. Ashton our leading lady is a 18 year old girl. I liked her but at times she got on my nerves as she believes everything she is told without blinking an eye. Gabe is a very confusing charater cause at times I loved him and at times I hated him. No spoilers but you will see if you read why. Kyle is Ashtons friend and brother to her boyfriend. Honestly I liked him the best I think. He was loyal and so sweet to Ashton. The other characters are just as good and intriguing.

I really enjoyed this book. It has so many twist and turns some you see coming some you are completely blindsided by. I liked being kept on the edge waiting to see what will happen next. The paranormal parts are original and the author did a great job writing them and the history of them in the book. The only bad part of this book is it lags a little in the middle. That is what keeps it from being a 5 instead of a 4. I will be hunting up the next book in this series. I need to see what happens next.(less)

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May 19, 2012 Aileen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: epub-nook

I REALLY liked PARTS of this book...I liked the premise, I liked Ashton MOST of the time, but sadly, somethings I saw coming a MILE AWAY and that made me kind of sad, because OTHER things I did NOT see coming and I was like "WOAH!!!!" Which was GREAT!! Okay...So Ashton has this jerk boyfriend, her father has just passed away, and she is on her way to Kentucky for his funeral, andddddd along the way she picks up a handsome stranger (smart right?????) named Gabe, andddddd chaos ensues!! Of course,...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. This books had such amazing character and a interesting plot that I was left wonder what was going to happen next. I like how Ms. Collier chose to write about something different, heck she even gave what she wrote about a spin of her own. I love it when an author is not afraid to put themselves out there with an original story. Hats off to you!

Ashlyn is a strong character, not because she can fight but because after everything she has been through she s...more I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. This books had such amazing character and a interesting plot that I was left wonder what was going to happen next. I like how Ms. Collier chose to write about something different, heck she even gave what she wrote about a spin of her own. I love it when an author is not afraid to put themselves out there with an original story. Hats off to you!

Ashlyn is a strong character, not because she can fight but because after everything she has been through she still holds it all together and doesn't let people knock her down. What she believes in is that, no matter what other people say or do. Dealing with the death of her Father she heads to Kentucky for the funeral. Along the way strange things are happening. She meets Gabe, he helps get her car out of the ditch and she runs over his bike on the way. Yeah, she ran his bike over, talk about funny! I laughed so hard at that. She offers to take him to Kentucky with her as he was heading that way as well. He agrees and together the adventure starts.

We learn a little about Ash's past and her connection to Gabe, why he seems familiar to her. They are falling for each other, much to the dismay of Harry, the man who has been like a Father to her. Someone kidnaps Harry and they demand that Ash and Gabe meet them at a certain location on a Map that was left for them.

Along the way Ash and Gabe grow closer, everything seems perfect, until Gabe learns that she is involved with a boy. He doesn't take it well and starts to put distance between them, despite the fact that she has apologized repeatedly. They almost arrive at the location on the map, when they are intercepted by the people who took Harry. They thank Gabe for bringing Ash to them and that he kept his end of the bargain and he could leave. Ash is heartbroken, Gabe betrayed her, using her to get what he wanted.

They take Ash back to The Valley where their kind lives, for her to marry their brother. Ash learns secrets that further push her into believing her whole life has been a lie. What more can one girl handle. Will she ever see Gabe again, did he really betray her? Or will she end up a pawn to a kingdoms she never knew existed.

I loved entering this world and learning some of its secrets, though I know there are a lot more to come. I liked how it came to a close, leaving us with just as many questions, but yet with enough closer that it is not really a cliff hanger. I enjoyed this story immensely, grab it, your won't regret it!

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Jan 29, 2012 Stacey O'Neale rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review was completed by Amanda Harbin, staff reviewer with the YA Fantasy Guide.

I was thoroughly impressed with Hope Collier’s debut YA novel. I have been following Hope’s blog for the past year or so, so I was aware that she is a talented writer capable of producing thoughtful musings. Yet I was still surprised when I was unable to put down my Kindle while reading Willows. To be sure there were things about the novel that I did not particularly care for, but all in all they were minor issu...more This review was completed by Amanda Harbin, staff reviewer with the YA Fantasy Guide.

I was thoroughly impressed with Hope Collier’s debut YA novel. I have been following Hope’s blog for the past year or so, so I was aware that she is a talented writer capable of producing thoughtful musings. Yet I was still surprised when I was unable to put down my Kindle while reading Willows. To be sure there were things about the novel that I did not particularly care for, but all in all they were minor issues that were easy to overlook given the engaging story and ease of reading.

I’m really big on character development, and I feel that Hope’s main character Ashton was someone with whom my eighteen year old self could identify (at least on an emotional level, I would have loved to have driven Ashton’s car, of course in all seriousness I might not have survived eighteen if I had Ashton’s car.) This girl is pretty much beat up right and left and spends most of the book in an understandable state of confusion and frustration. She is desperately trying to get a foothold in a life that has been torn to shreds and rebuilt around her without having any say in what happened. I’m pretty sure every teenager can identify with Ashton’s feeling of hopeless frustration, having so much responsibility, yet feeling as if they don’t get to choose their own fate.

With little information about her new world she tries to make the right decisions, tries to follow her heart, but inevitably ends up tripping a lot along the way. Still Ashton has a common sense about her that makes her easy to love but doesn’t over age her character. I’m very interested to see how the romantic issues ultimately play out. There is a great dynamic between Ashton and her two love interests Kyle and Gabe. It’s easy to understand how eighteen year old Ashton is swept up with passion for Gabe, but I hope that Kyle’s loyalty and knowledge of Ashton’s true self help her to understand the true nature of loving and being loved.

One of the few issues, and it was really minor was that sometimes Ashton’s angst got a little drippy. This made it occasionally difficult to truly appreciate what she was going through. All in all it wasn’t a hugely distracting problem.

Hope has created a stunning and beautiful world that is easy to imagine and clearly written with a great deal of love for the story, its characters and the world in which they live. Fans of Amanda Hocking’s Trylle series will definitely want to check this novel out. I will be aching with curiosity to find out what adventures and challenges await Ashton and her friends in the next chapter of their lives.
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Jan 01, 2012 Jewelz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Willows: Haven was my kind of book. There was romance, there was DEFINITELY surprises, and a pretty awesome ending that made you want to read for more. I literally spent all day reading it because I just couldn't put it down.

Ashton is one of those characters that used to think all about herself but then has an epiphany and changes drastically. This was a good change, though. Right off the bat Ashton has to deal with grief. She learns that her father has had a heart attack and she has to go t...more The Willows: Haven was my kind of book. There was romance, there was DEFINITELY surprises, and a pretty awesome ending that made you want to read for more. I literally spent all day reading it because I just couldn't put it down.

Ashton is one of those characters that used to think all about herself but then has an epiphany and changes drastically. This was a good change, though. Right off the bat Ashton has to deal with grief. She learns that her father has had a heart attack and she has to go to the funeral in Kentucky. While Ashton wasn't the closest with her father, it still hurt. Now, this is sort of a touchy subject for me. I know what Ashton was going through in the sense, so that just made me connect with her even more. Now, the part about her learning secrets she never knew about her father, well, not so much.

Gabe is definitely a hero to swoon over. He comes straight out of the blue and you have no indications such an amazing person was going to be gracing you with their presence. Him and Ashton had a connection that was definitely (I know I use the word WAY too much) noticeable. Let me tell you there was,beyond any doubt, romance. Gabe and Ashton had a slow time progressing with their relationship. But when they finally did get together it was TOTALLY worth the time. (Okay, I really need to expand my vocabulary from totally and definitely.) The romance was fantastic and always had you wanting to read more.

There are some major twists in this book that I NEVER in a million years thought would happen. Unfortunately, I can't really talk about this because of course, that would be SPOILING IT, and you all should just go and buy the amazing book for yourself. You will not be disappointed. At least, I wasn't!

One thing that I would say that I had a little trouble with was how fast Ashton came to trust Gabe for the second time (this may not make sense to those of you who have not read it.) But then again, I would have been saying that I wish they had gotten back together sooner. What can I say? I have conflicting thoughts. This one minor thing did not change any thoughts about how much I loved this book. Nothing major enough to phase me!

I loved that while Ashton was in this huge mess she had Kyle, her best friend, to help her out. He was the one who comforted her and helped her learn about herself and her mother's past. He expanded her knowledge on all of the wonders about herself and her family. Of course, I can't tell you the "wonders" because that would be spoiling and I don't do that.(less)

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Oct 18, 2011 Lucy Swing rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Wow. WOW. Wo-wa-wee-wa WOW.
Yes, that is EXACTLY how I feel right now. I had family over my house this weekend and it was impossible to be on the computer when I was never at home. Lucky for me, I was able to read the entire book on my phone. I could not put it down and I got a dozen dirty looks from my mom which was all very much worth it.
I am the type of person that either gets sucked into a book on the first page and am not able to put it down, or I don’t get into it at all. Sometimes it can b...more

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Sep 25, 2011 L_manning rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ashton has been a loner for a while. Her father was distant, and her mother is no longer living. Ashton is soon escaping it all. While on the road she meets Gabe, a handsome young man she is instantly drawn too. Gabe seems to know things about Ashton, and she soon finds herself in a world that she could not have possibly imagined. Ashton discovers she is a pawn in a long standing conflict, and she's not interested. Between this, new relationships, and new discoveries about herself, Ashton will h...more

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Sep 22, 2011 aobibliophile™ rated it 3 of 5 stars

“Haste thee, Nymph, and bring with thee Jest and youthful Jollity, Quips and Cranks and wanton Wiles, Nods and Becks and wreathed Smiles” - John Milton

on Ashton Blake's eighteenth birthday, she loses her father. she immediately leaves Malibu and heads for Kentucky to attend the funeral. a slight mishap on the road brings her and Gabe Willoughby together. suddenly, Ashton's life is in danger. people are after her and Gabe knows more than he lets on.
i love mythology and this debut novel focuses on...more “Haste thee, Nymph, and bring with thee Jest and youthful Jollity, Quips and Cranks and wanton Wiles, Nods and Becks and wreathed Smiles” - John Milton

on Ashton Blake's eighteenth birthday, she loses her father. she immediately leaves Malibu and heads for Kentucky to attend the funeral. a slight mishap on the road brings her and Gabe Willoughby together. suddenly, Ashton's life is in danger. people are after her and Gabe knows more than he lets on.
i love mythology and this debut novel focuses on nymphs. from what i understand, they are spirits of nature and are female divinities of lower rank. they are called different names depending on where they reside.
author Hope Collier spins an interesting tale about Naiads and Dryads. the former preside over springs and rivers while the latter are custodians of forests. although she relies on what is known about these mythological beings, she takes the liberty of going beyond the norm - nymphs can be male too. i found this actually amusing in a good way since the male equivalent of nymphs are satyrs or fauns. nevertheless, this concept made Ashton's story unique.
the writing is good and the worldbuilding has a nostalgic and vintage feel to it which i liked. there are surprises as well that i did not see coming.
overall, this book was a refreshing read. unlike other first books in a series and despite the unresolved issues, this one actually ends more or less on a happy note.

Disclosure of Material Connection: a review copy was provided by the author through A Tale of Many Reviews Book Tours. although payment may have been received by A Tale of Many Reviews Book Tours, i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.(less)

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Sep 13, 2011 Natalie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Natalie by: Julie Brazeal

It took me a little while to get into this book but when I did I really enjoyed it. Ashton was a character I could really like and sympathize with. Gabe was a little harder to understand and even after reading the whole book I am not sure what to think of him, but he was certainly intriguing. I hope the sequel comes out soon so that some of my questions about him can be answered. All of those mysterious hints.

I loved that there were naiads and dryads instead of the more "popular" supernatural cr...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars

My thoughts:
This was a marvelous read! Sat down to read a couple pages and then suddenly the book was ending! Read cover to cover in one sitting.
Fabulous characters!
Ashton - spoiled, selfish and rich. She is forced to rethink a great many things about her family, her life and herself. I was thrilled to watch as she grew tremendously throughout the course of the book. With the insight of some of the other wonderfully created characters, she was able to make great strides in an attempt to be the...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Missy LaRae rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really, really tried to get into this book. The beginning was really interesting and got me hooked right away. However, when the main character discovers that her father has died, she doesn't go home, pack, take a shower, or anything like that. She goes shopping. She goes and gets luggage and clothing for the trip to go to his funeral. She doesn't start sobbing, ruin her make up, need to take a break, or anything like that. She just goes shopping, and I couldn't understand that logic. I get th...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Willows: Haven, as the colon suggests, is the first book of a paranormal romance series featuring a spoiled heiress, Ashton, who finds a soulmate in Gabe Willoughby, a wandering nymph. Yes, nymph, as in the Greek sense. Specifically the naiad variety. Needless to say, he's charming as Hell when the devil wants something.

First I will say that I liked The Willows. The writing flowed well, and the plot revealed its secrets in timely enough fashion to keep me engaged from beginning to end. The c...more The Willows: Haven, as the colon suggests, is the first book of a paranormal romance series featuring a spoiled heiress, Ashton, who finds a soulmate in Gabe Willoughby, a wandering nymph. Yes, nymph, as in the Greek sense. Specifically the naiad variety. Needless to say, he's charming as Hell when the devil wants something.

First I will say that I liked The Willows. The writing flowed well, and the plot revealed its secrets in timely enough fashion to keep me engaged from beginning to end. The characters are solid and three dimensional. Most hints that she places in the early chapters are subtle enough to pass unnoticed, while remaining strong enough to be recalled by the reader when they become important later.

Ashton's "rich girl" persona is paper thin, a fact that is lost on her boyfriend. Kyle and Gabe see the complex woman underneath. She is smart, gracious, and thoughtful. She draws these qualities out of others around her. When Ashton is free of the superficial life she leads in Malibu, the only clue to her wealth is the money she spends. For much of the story she's just a grieving young woman, grabbing onto what remains of her family, and falling in love with the kind, mysterious stranger who tags along for the journey and makes things interesting.

The scenery is somewhat a blur at the beginning. The focus of the narration is on Ashton's shock and grief, and Los Angeles isn't really there. It's not until Texas lake house that I really felt the setting. As a current resident of Louisiana, I pictured Lake Maurepas and the marshlands as Ashton remembers her fourteenth birthday. Later, the mountains in Kentucky come alive.

There were a few places in the book that snagged my attention. Ashton's behavior breaks my suspension of disbelief twice early on in the book. The story needs to have Ashton and Gabe together for a cross-country drive to Kentucky, but I didn't buy a pampered 18-year-old making a decision on the spot to drive out of LA the way she did. It just didn't ring true for me when I considered that she just hung up on an airline booking agent prior to getting the news about her father. I think Ashton would have called her friend Kyle and told him about her dad. He would have met her on the highway and taken her home. She would have booked a flight out to Kentucky for the funeral.

Second, I didn't like the "friendly hitchhiker" set-up. An hour or so after meeting Gabe, she invites him to join her on her road trip. They share hotel rooms. She takes him to her father's lake house in Texas. Maybe it's because I'm a mom, and I'm old enough to have a daughter her age, but the warning flags going off in my head were very distracting. The road trip is crucial to the story, but I wish it had been set up differently.

That having been said, I very much liked Gabe. He's witty, strong, and wise. His care and respect for Ashton is apparent. When his secrets begin to unravel, it's easy to forgive his early misteps. Ashton is more immature in the beginning, even a little grating, but Gabe brings out lovely qualities in her that were lurking beneath the surface.

Another snag, without giving anything away, the story has two red herrings. I saw both coming and I didn't buy either. I enjoyed reading along as both misdirections were untangled by the characters, but all of the suspicions I formed in the first half of the book were confirmed by the end. I do wish the story had surprised me.

I would recommend The Willows to YA paranormal romance fans, particularly anyone fond of Rebecca Hamilton, Krystal Wade, or S.M. Boyce.(less)

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Jun 06, 2012 Elle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, own-a-copy, romance, mythology, young-adult, ebooks, didn-t-get-it, lost-me-at-hello

I'm not sure I know what to say about this book. It started off promising then slowly delved into WTF-ville and ended in complete and utter bullshit. But that may be a bit harsh. I could swear there are sentences missing, aside from the punctuation and words omitted. But damn, can anything in this story make sense? Ash completely and without any questions accepted her newfound heritage with a shrug. The whole love thing in three days, I won't really complain about, but it was unbelievable. Actua...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Cecilia (rather barefoot than bookless) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing! The author has the most beautiful way of writing that just captures you. It was really hard to put this book down. I really like that Collier does not give you every information right away, she really knows how to keep your interest. When Collier writes I can almost feel what the characters feel, and that to me is really good writing!

I love Ashton and Gabe, the characters in this book, and the tension between them is so well written you feel you can almost touch it. Ashton...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Jaiden rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, 3-stars, crushes, mermaids, e-books, arc-copy

Originally posted at: http://girlzandtheirbooks.blogspot.co...

The Willows: Haven is very different. I have not read anything in this genre before...I won't tell you the genre of paranormal it is because well, it's a secret! You'll have to read it for yourself sorry haha! The beginning is great! I loved it! It was a mystery so you HAD to keep reading! Then she meets Gabe and it all goes greater! Like I said, loved the beginning definitely kept me interested! Then it started going off the deep end...more Originally posted at: http://girlzandtheirbooks.blogspot.co...

The Willows: Haven is very different. I have not read anything in this genre before...I won't tell you the genre of paranormal it is because well, it's a secret! You'll have to read it for yourself sorry haha! The beginning is great! I loved it! It was a mystery so you HAD to keep reading! Then she meets Gabe and it all goes greater! Like I said, loved the beginning definitely kept me interested! Then it started going off the deep end for awhile and then picked up speed then it PISSED ME OFF!!! Well, I was just hurt haha it's a good book pissed off haha

Sometimes Ashton could be whiny and annoying but this book was very good! It is a good I-don't-know-what-to-read read lol Gabe was pretty cool and honestly liked him alot then.......ya anyways I liked Kyle more...ALOT more! He is so cute and once again I fall for the best friend who has loved her for awhile character. What can I say? I mean they know you! The REAL you! They have seen you at your worst and are still there for you. They lone you their shoulder when you want to bawl your eyes out. They always have your back and will kick the ass of the dude that hurt you! do I need to keep going?

~~~~~~~*My Rate*~~~~~~~

Now, don't get me wrong I really liked this book it was very interesting and kept me reading. Why did I give it three stars then? The only reason it gets three stars is because of the ending.....The pick...if you know what I mean...UGH! Ashton PISSED ME OFF SO SO SO SO MUCH! I literally through my ipod on the couch, screaming and yelling "How could she be so stupid!!! What the hell is her flipping problem!! How in the world could she.....after.....and then how the other.....and did......and said......Come on!!! WTF!!!!!!!!" Ya, I through a lil hissy fit! But that's the only reason! :) If the situation would have happened differently then I would have given it 4 stars. I know, harsh but I was seriously mad! Can you tell hahaha

~~~~~~~*Final Say-So*~~~~~~~

When you have the time definitely pick this one up! It's so cool and different. Sometimes it was lacking plot and went a everywhere at times and you were confused but past that....great e-book read! Like I said when you have the time...you shouldn't regret it.

Thanks for stopping by! :)

~Jaiden(less)

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Feb 24, 2012 Rebeca rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-series, beautiful-covers, ya, free-kindle-ebooks, dnf, awesome-lead-characters, paranormal-supernatural, mythology, ya-romance

I'm so sorry to say this, but my brain was so wrung out even after reading 30% of the book. The Willows started out amazing (because of its originality), but when the hasty "reveal" came out, I lost interest. I just couldn't get into it as much as I wanted to because of Collier's confusing and inconsistent premises. My brain suffered severe information overload that just gave me a huge headache. There should've been a build up to this (instead of all these sharp turns), so that there'd be intere...more I'm so sorry to say this, but my brain was so wrung out even after reading 30% of the book. The Willows started out amazing (because of its originality), but when the hasty "reveal" came out, I lost interest. I just couldn't get into it as much as I wanted to because of Collier's confusing and inconsistent premises. My brain suffered severe information overload that just gave me a huge headache. There should've been a build up to this (instead of all these sharp turns), so that there'd be interest, depth, and a convincing storyline (I'll talk about this topic in a sec). In a way, this book's originality destroyed itself. It was too confusing to grasp completely. I felt that this "species reveal" came way too early, and that ruined my positive preconceptions of The Willows.

Ok, now to talk about how convincing this book was..
It wasn't. At all. Not even close.

Let's pretend you met a guy that you really really liked. A couple of weeks later, you tell each other you loved one another, even though you weren't really a legit couple. A month later, you're practically soul mates.

(view spoiler)
Does that make sense?!

No way.

I don't find it believable that Ashton loved Gabe. Isn't this supposed to be a romance novel (or at least, a YA Paranormal romance)? Romances are slow and patient. This book couldn't have been less of a romance. Ashton's feelings for him came out totally rushed, fast-paced, and not to mention purely hormonal.

I was captivated at first with Gabe, but he grew kind of annoying to me. The same goes with Ashton. Now don't get me wrong, I still love these characters to pieces. Their character development impressed me, actually. Ashton is one of my all time favorite lead characters in a book, despite the fact that she fell in love with Gabe way too early on.

Now to get on to the positive stuff:
I loved Collier's way with words and characters. Wow, I've never met an Ashton in any other book. Can you say unique? She was utterly compassionate and quirky, though in the beginning she acted like a rich brat (an example of Collier's impressive character development). Ashton was mature and independent, yet submissive and she wasn't your typical annoying teen (in the beginning).

When Collier used words like correlation, reverie, taupe, ambient, surmised, derisive, interspersed, stoic, fervor, bassinet, satiated, impishly, indiscernible, spiel, placate, sheen, erratic, conceded, scrounge, and fleeting I lept for joy that I was able to come across such vocabulary. My hope for the future of young adult readers has been restored. Thank you, Collier. :)(less)

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Feb 20, 2012 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

I'm kind of in the middle on this book. There were things I liked and things I didn't like. I did like the story in general but there were parts of the story that could have been explained a little better. There were also times when I really wanted Ashton to fight for herself but she seemed to have given up. I also could've done without the insta love!! On the flip side, the story was pretty fun and I liked all the action. I'll probably read the next in the series because I'm curious to find out...more

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title link	preview: Haven
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Haven (The Willows #1)

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