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The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder
In the south, everyone has a secret--and murder is served with sweet tea.
The word's out: Ethan Wilder’s coming back to town, and the people of Bowie, Georgia are in a southern tizzy. Everyone knows the story. He shot and killed his sister four years ago, and people say his father, Jim Wilder, the biggest holy roller this side of the Mississippi, sent him packing for just that reason. Even if her death was unofficially ruled a suicide, Ethan’s return has everybody talking.
Seventeen-year-old Delilah Doherty can’t go anywhere without hearing his name. Born and raised in Bowie, Delilah knows firsthand about the gossipmongers and how they love a good scandal. The daughter of a wild child and niece of the local psychic, she’s also the only one who doubts Ethan’s guilt.
After Ethan saves her life, the two start a slow and steady burn neither can deny. But when Bowie's spiritual leader is nearly murdered, it rocks the small southern town to its core. Delilah and Ethan are caught in the crossfire, their relationship threatened before it's even begun. Someone has it out for Ethan's family. With everyone convinced of Ethan's guilt, it's up to Delilah to unravel the mystery before someone else gets hurt or worse...dead.
The word's out: Ethan Wilder’s coming back to town, and the people of Bowie, Georgia are in a southern tizzy. Everyone knows the story. He shot and killed his sister four years ago, and people say his father, Jim Wilder, the biggest holy roller this side of the Mississippi, sent him packing for just that reason. Even if her death was unofficially ruled a suicide, Ethan’s return has everybody talking.
Seventeen-year-old Delilah Doherty can’t go anywhere without hearing his name. Born and raised in Bowie, Delilah knows firsthand about the gossipmongers and how they love a good scandal. The daughter of a wild child and niece of the local psychic, she’s also the only one who doubts Ethan’s guilt.
After Ethan saves her life, the two start a slow and steady burn neither can deny. But when Bowie's spiritual leader is nearly murdered, it rocks the small southern town to its core. Delilah and Ethan are caught in the crossfire, their relationship threatened before it's even begun. Someone has it out for Ethan's family. With everyone convinced of Ethan's guilt, it's up to Delilah to unravel the mystery before someone else gets hurt or worse...dead.
Unknown Binding
First published April 5, 2018
56 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Cookie O'Gorman
21 books1,112 followersCookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, BOOKWORM, SWEETHEART, and INTROVERT are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, The Total Knockout, and The Merriest Christmas! Her newest release The Nicest Thing came out on October 9, 2025!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 28, 2018
The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder was quirky, adorable and completely entertaining. While this had some of my favorite aspects of Cookie's writing, a heroine I adored, a male I lusted after and a storyline that had me flipping through the pages, this book had a unique feel to it. So if you're a fan of books that are filled with friendships, a sweet love story and some mystery in the pages then definitely give this book a chance.
With a mom who was rumored to have a provocative past, to her Aunt being a psychic, Delilah had it rough at times. She was not only bullied by another classmate, but also by a teacher at her high school. Thankfully she had two best friends, a mom and an aunt who loved her with their whole hearts. But one day, a boy showed up and saved Delilah's life while she was drowning, and then he disappeared. Until the next day at school, and he was the new student.
I adored Delilah, she was fierce, brave and she didn't have a problem speaking her mind or standing up for those she loved. She was such a good friend, daughter and niece. So when Ethan Wilder came waltzing into her life, of course she was interested. The boy was beyond gorgeous, even if he seemed to have a ton of baggage. The rumors said he killed his sister, but Delilah knew first hand how untrue rumors could be. But Wilder could be such a jerk to Delilah. And it didn't help that he was cold and distant at times.
With Wilder at her school, he watched what Delilah experienced. And things slowly started to shift. He stood up for her. He protected her. And even though he had more walls than anyone his age ever should, every once in a while he let her have a look in. And what I saw blew me away. Ethan Wilder was a fun mystery to unravel and he was beyond intoxicating. I loved how he didn't even have to try and he oozed sex appeal. But I was desperate to get into Wilder's head! I needed to know his thoughts since he could run hot and cold.
I'm not going to say any more than that....just know that all of the characters were breathtakingly real and the story covered everything from love, friendship, bullying, family to standing up for yourself. There was a few mysteries and while I guessed them all correctly, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. And the only thing I was left wishing for was that Delilah and Wilder had more moments together. But regardless, this ends with a wonderful hfn. So I recommend this book to everyone that loves ya romance that has some mystery and quirkiness in the pages.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
“What good does lying do?” he added. “People believe what they want to believe, no matter what the truth is.”
With a mom who was rumored to have a provocative past, to her Aunt being a psychic, Delilah had it rough at times. She was not only bullied by another classmate, but also by a teacher at her high school. Thankfully she had two best friends, a mom and an aunt who loved her with their whole hearts. But one day, a boy showed up and saved Delilah's life while she was drowning, and then he disappeared. Until the next day at school, and he was the new student.
I couldn’t stay away from Wilder if I tried. I was in too deep to give him up now.
I adored Delilah, she was fierce, brave and she didn't have a problem speaking her mind or standing up for those she loved. She was such a good friend, daughter and niece. So when Ethan Wilder came waltzing into her life, of course she was interested. The boy was beyond gorgeous, even if he seemed to have a ton of baggage. The rumors said he killed his sister, but Delilah knew first hand how untrue rumors could be. But Wilder could be such a jerk to Delilah. And it didn't help that he was cold and distant at times.
“You know who I am, what I’m capable of.” A beat passed as he let the threat sink in. “Only assholes talk about girls that way. Don’t speak to her like that again.”
“You can’t tell me what to do,” Grant said—then took a step back as Ethan suddenly leaned forward.
“I think I just did,” Ethan said.
With Wilder at her school, he watched what Delilah experienced. And things slowly started to shift. He stood up for her. He protected her. And even though he had more walls than anyone his age ever should, every once in a while he let her have a look in. And what I saw blew me away. Ethan Wilder was a fun mystery to unravel and he was beyond intoxicating. I loved how he didn't even have to try and he oozed sex appeal. But I was desperate to get into Wilder's head! I needed to know his thoughts since he could run hot and cold.
My heart was still his even if he didn’t want it.
I'm not going to say any more than that....just know that all of the characters were breathtakingly real and the story covered everything from love, friendship, bullying, family to standing up for yourself. There was a few mysteries and while I guessed them all correctly, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. And the only thing I was left wishing for was that Delilah and Wilder had more moments together. But regardless, this ends with a wonderful hfn. So I recommend this book to everyone that loves ya romance that has some mystery and quirkiness in the pages.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
March 10, 2018
This is one of the longest titles for a book ever, I think. Or maybe it’s just all the long words used. Either way, after reading the description—and having loved Cookie’s debut book—I thought this sounded good. When offered the opportunity to review an early copy, I jumped on it.
This is a strange little book. At its heart is a mystery in need of solving. But that’s all buried underneath the high school life and story of Delilah Doherty. She is the main character. And while she isn’t a nerd, she’s definitely an outcast. This is due to who her mother and aunt are. Somehow, in this small southern town, who they are perceived to be reflects poorly on the teenager in their lives. But what I found to be a bit ridiculous (sorry) was the way one teacher constantly harassed Delilah with nasty comments about her mother. I may no longer be a teen, but I couldn’t fathom this actually taking place and for it to be so expected, overlooked, and allowed. It felt a little over the top. But the rest of it? Not so much. Especially the way in which football players are ‘above the law’ and given passes on every behavior.
As for the mystery, I guessed the truth about that very early on. It’s written there, clear as mud. You just need to read between all the lines. However, the one part I guessed about was never confirmed. The other death must have just been a fluke, even though I assumed THAT was what Ethan had been hiding from. (If you read the story and see the paybacks he pulls off, you’ll know what aspect I mean.)
I found Aunt B’s psychic gift to be a pretty cool addition to the story. It also made me nervous that this was going to turn into a paranormal story at one point. (The “ghost” or creature siting...) Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Just a really fun, and at times serious, mystery/contemporary.
I loved Delilah. I loved her sass. I loved that she was comfortable with who she is. And Ethan? He’s kind of a typical, brooding male. One with a past that is questionable and makes him seem like more of a bad boy than he truly is. It was clear he didn’t truly murder his sister. There was far more to him than anyone knew. But, I don’t know who I loved more: George or Aunt B. Both are hilarious. I’ll say it’s a tie and admit to them being my favorite characters in the book.
O’Gorman has penned another winner. With the addition of a mysterious death, she turned the typical contemporary into something deeper, more thought-provoking, and fun. It has plenty of humor. Compelling characters. Wit and snark are also definite highlights. Ethan Wilder is perfect for those who like their contemporary reads with a bit more spunk.
This is a strange little book. At its heart is a mystery in need of solving. But that’s all buried underneath the high school life and story of Delilah Doherty. She is the main character. And while she isn’t a nerd, she’s definitely an outcast. This is due to who her mother and aunt are. Somehow, in this small southern town, who they are perceived to be reflects poorly on the teenager in their lives. But what I found to be a bit ridiculous (sorry) was the way one teacher constantly harassed Delilah with nasty comments about her mother. I may no longer be a teen, but I couldn’t fathom this actually taking place and for it to be so expected, overlooked, and allowed. It felt a little over the top. But the rest of it? Not so much. Especially the way in which football players are ‘above the law’ and given passes on every behavior.
As for the mystery, I guessed the truth about that very early on. It’s written there, clear as mud. You just need to read between all the lines. However, the one part I guessed about was never confirmed. The other death must have just been a fluke, even though I assumed THAT was what Ethan had been hiding from. (If you read the story and see the paybacks he pulls off, you’ll know what aspect I mean.)
I found Aunt B’s psychic gift to be a pretty cool addition to the story. It also made me nervous that this was going to turn into a paranormal story at one point. (The “ghost” or creature siting...) Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Just a really fun, and at times serious, mystery/contemporary.
I loved Delilah. I loved her sass. I loved that she was comfortable with who she is. And Ethan? He’s kind of a typical, brooding male. One with a past that is questionable and makes him seem like more of a bad boy than he truly is. It was clear he didn’t truly murder his sister. There was far more to him than anyone knew. But, I don’t know who I loved more: George or Aunt B. Both are hilarious. I’ll say it’s a tie and admit to them being my favorite characters in the book.
O’Gorman has penned another winner. With the addition of a mysterious death, she turned the typical contemporary into something deeper, more thought-provoking, and fun. It has plenty of humor. Compelling characters. Wit and snark are also definite highlights. Ethan Wilder is perfect for those who like their contemporary reads with a bit more spunk.
July 18, 2025
PG-rated, YA, small-town, murder-mystery romance
Ethan and Delilah are both 17, yet despite growing up in the same tiny town of Bowie, Georgia, and attending the same schools, they’ve somehow never crossed paths until senior year. Delilah is the daughter of an unmarried mother with a reputation for promiscuity. She herself has never dated and never been kissed, but vicious local gossip has tarred her with the same brush as her mother. The novel never directly explains why, but the unspoken assumption seems to be a stubborn belief in the old adages: "blood will out," and "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Ethan, meanwhile, is the son of a self-righteous preacher and has lived for years under the shadow of a murder accusation. Several years earlier, his sister died from a brutal stab wound. Although the police ruled it a suicide, most townspeople believe Ethan killed her, despite a complete lack of evidence and every indication that he adored his sister. The way that Ethan presents himself, however, as darkly sexy as Marlon Brando in the 1953 biker movie "The Wild One," with a beat-up leather jacket, rumbling motorcycle, and brooding stare, convinces the town that he is definitely a dangerous Bad Boy. Old ladies swoon when he passes by, and teenage girls throw themselves at his feet.
Most small-town romances are modeled on Hallmark movies. The community is cozy and close-knit, bullies and bigots are nonexistent, and the big-city FMC quickly abandons her career ambitions to settle down with Mr. Small-Town Dream, who is usually a hometown hero with the best job in town. The YA genre frequently offers the teen version of this trope, but you won’t find anything resembling Hallmark, USA, in this particular novel.
Bowie, Georgia, is a hotbed of vicious gossip, bullying, misogynistic slut-shaming, and toxic religious hypocrisy. The town’s cruelty thrives on rumor and scapegoating, and Ethan Wilder is their favorite target.
Though I’m not usually a fan of unrealistically cheerful small-town romances, the opposite extreme didn’t work for me either. I appreciate the risk O’Gorman took in upending the predictable pablum of the Hallmark fantasy, but the result, for me, was alienating. The mood of this novel is more in line with the Brontë sisters’ 19th-century Gothic tragedies than a modern, YA, family melodrama and, unfortunately, I’ve never been a fan of the Brontës.
Ethan and Delilah are both 17, yet despite growing up in the same tiny town of Bowie, Georgia, and attending the same schools, they’ve somehow never crossed paths until senior year. Delilah is the daughter of an unmarried mother with a reputation for promiscuity. She herself has never dated and never been kissed, but vicious local gossip has tarred her with the same brush as her mother. The novel never directly explains why, but the unspoken assumption seems to be a stubborn belief in the old adages: "blood will out," and "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Ethan, meanwhile, is the son of a self-righteous preacher and has lived for years under the shadow of a murder accusation. Several years earlier, his sister died from a brutal stab wound. Although the police ruled it a suicide, most townspeople believe Ethan killed her, despite a complete lack of evidence and every indication that he adored his sister. The way that Ethan presents himself, however, as darkly sexy as Marlon Brando in the 1953 biker movie "The Wild One," with a beat-up leather jacket, rumbling motorcycle, and brooding stare, convinces the town that he is definitely a dangerous Bad Boy. Old ladies swoon when he passes by, and teenage girls throw themselves at his feet.
Most small-town romances are modeled on Hallmark movies. The community is cozy and close-knit, bullies and bigots are nonexistent, and the big-city FMC quickly abandons her career ambitions to settle down with Mr. Small-Town Dream, who is usually a hometown hero with the best job in town. The YA genre frequently offers the teen version of this trope, but you won’t find anything resembling Hallmark, USA, in this particular novel.
Bowie, Georgia, is a hotbed of vicious gossip, bullying, misogynistic slut-shaming, and toxic religious hypocrisy. The town’s cruelty thrives on rumor and scapegoating, and Ethan Wilder is their favorite target.
Though I’m not usually a fan of unrealistically cheerful small-town romances, the opposite extreme didn’t work for me either. I appreciate the risk O’Gorman took in upending the predictable pablum of the Hallmark fantasy, but the result, for me, was alienating. The mood of this novel is more in line with the Brontë sisters’ 19th-century Gothic tragedies than a modern, YA, family melodrama and, unfortunately, I’ve never been a fan of the Brontës.
April 2, 2018
**I received a copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
This book has a slower start to it as it sets up the exposition and introduces all the characters. This is a trend I often see when I read books set in the South. We get swept up into the mundane everyday lives of the small towns and the small cast of characters. Cookie has a talent for writing intriguing characters so I didn't mind as much as I usually would.
We get a bit of a double mystery here. You have the infamous Ethan who has just returned to town and seems to keep to himself--except for a those interactions with Delilah. He's everything you want in a swoon-worthy bad boy. I know I found a new book boyfriend.
The second mystery is the various incidences involving his family --which don't really start until the 30% mark. I thought this would start a little earlier and become the main focus of the story but it doesn't really. It's more of something that runs in the background while Delilah carries on with her everyday life in this small town.
However, the introduction of the mystery does add this tone of suspense to the novel and that suspense carries you through the rest of the novel. As for the mystery itself, I definitely didn't figure it out so that always gets bonus points in my eye!
Overall: despite a slower start, this book builds in a way that will have you wondering what is happening in this tiny town---and what the truth truly is about this mysterious Ethan Wilder.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2yK
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
This book has a slower start to it as it sets up the exposition and introduces all the characters. This is a trend I often see when I read books set in the South. We get swept up into the mundane everyday lives of the small towns and the small cast of characters. Cookie has a talent for writing intriguing characters so I didn't mind as much as I usually would.
We get a bit of a double mystery here. You have the infamous Ethan who has just returned to town and seems to keep to himself--except for a those interactions with Delilah. He's everything you want in a swoon-worthy bad boy. I know I found a new book boyfriend.
The second mystery is the various incidences involving his family --which don't really start until the 30% mark. I thought this would start a little earlier and become the main focus of the story but it doesn't really. It's more of something that runs in the background while Delilah carries on with her everyday life in this small town.
However, the introduction of the mystery does add this tone of suspense to the novel and that suspense carries you through the rest of the novel. As for the mystery itself, I definitely didn't figure it out so that always gets bonus points in my eye!
Overall: despite a slower start, this book builds in a way that will have you wondering what is happening in this tiny town---and what the truth truly is about this mysterious Ethan Wilder.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2yK
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
April 2, 2018
I loved this one. I read this blurb and knew I had to read this one. I was hooked from the beginning with this one. Delilah is a down to earth girl. She's in high school but rumors and gossiping isn't her thing. I loved her mom and Aunt, they are a little crazy but great characters.
Ethan is back in town. Delilah doesn't remember much about him. He is like the resident bad boy. There are all sort of rumors grounding him. The major rumor is that he killed his sister. Ethan seems to be a good guy. He and Delilah hit it off. His father, Jim Wilder, is the town pastor. I loved Ethan but his father gave me the creeps.
When strange things start happening in town and people start getting shot the town rumor mill starts spinning. Delilah doesn't believe the rumors and starts to investigate herself. I was right there with her. I had my guesses but was not able to figure it out. The ending was surprising and awesome. This one is a must read.
Ethan is back in town. Delilah doesn't remember much about him. He is like the resident bad boy. There are all sort of rumors grounding him. The major rumor is that he killed his sister. Ethan seems to be a good guy. He and Delilah hit it off. His father, Jim Wilder, is the town pastor. I loved Ethan but his father gave me the creeps.
When strange things start happening in town and people start getting shot the town rumor mill starts spinning. Delilah doesn't believe the rumors and starts to investigate herself. I was right there with her. I had my guesses but was not able to figure it out. The ending was surprising and awesome. This one is a must read.
July 17, 2018
Honestly more of a 2.5 which I hate to say. I loved O’Gorman’s other two books so I was really excited to read this one. I liked the mc and I loved her family, the whole mystery was even cool (up till the end where it felt a little flat and rushed) But the romance was kinda terrible. There were more scenes between the MC and her best friend then Wilder. We never really got to know him or see them interact enough it was always ‘and we met everyday that week and talked’ ... okay that’s nice and all but maybe we should see that so we can feel the relationship develop too.
July 2, 2021
Wonderful read!
Enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I read it in one sitting be ause I simply could not put it down! I would highly recommend reading!!!
Enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I read it in one sitting be ause I simply could not put it down! I would highly recommend reading!!!
September 9, 2021
I liked it, BUT -
First off, the positives. The writing was fresh and engaging. I laughed out loud a few times. I even highlighted two funny paragraphs. I smiled while I read. It was entertaining! Ethan and Delilah had chemistry. I was eating it up. Give me more!
BUT-
This was the most far fetched YA I have ever read.
Like seriously, far fetched behavior. Far fetched events.
I can overlook a lot for the sake of chemistry and angst, but this was over the top. And the chemistry didn’t make up for how many times I had to suspend belief. I mean, their chemistry was great, but the tension didn’t fully develop. Their first kiss was overshadowed immediately with the developing mystery. And Ethan never explained why he was locking lips with that DoubleD girl when he told Delilah right afterwards that he only ever wanted her. Umm?? I was hoping he would have a good explanation to refute the womanizer label she gave him. But he didn’t offer anything. I guess he just makes out with random smoking hot girls? His kiss with that girl was more passionate than any kiss he shared with Delilah. 😳
To be fair, when all was said and done, I didn’t feel like he was really a womanizer except for that really random scene. I cannot stand that kind of a hero, so I wouldn’t have made it through to the end if he really was. But it WAS irritating when he acted put-out about her sharing a flirty hug with Bruce, and then evaded her questions about Miss DoubleD by laughing and saying she’s cute when she’s jealous.
ARGH!
LET ME AT HIM!!
The chemistry was high, but I wasn’t satisfied at the end. I anticipated more the entire time, but never got enough “more.” I’m super relieved their relationship didn’t advance to sex (or anywhere near it), but I just didn’t feel fulfilled. And I know a romance can be clean and still give total satisfaction by the end.
Anywho, back to being far fetched.
- in what world would a teacher get away with sexually harassing a student, IN FRONT OF HIS ENTIRE CLASS, multiple times a week? For weeks on end?
- I know bullying and bigotry exist, but multiple characters were saying and doing awful things to multiple other characters. It was like reality x1,000.
- what high school girl actually gets a boob job to make herself a 34-DoubleD?🙄 Obviously this is on her parents’ dime. Yeah, not seeing it.
- why would self-proclaimed sexually active and promiscuous teenage girls voluntarily join a virginity club? And be so dedicated to it that they would spend a Saturday at the library trying to drum up donations? What the-??
- why the heck is everyone laughing off Willie’s habit of drunkenly aiming a REAL GUN at people and making threats?! Because they are ***assuming*** it’s not loaded?! What the crap?! Mind. Blown.
- why would Ethan and Delilah wait a couple weeks before they actually talk about what happened when they have been seeing each other every day since everything hit the fan? Doesn’t make any sense, except that the author wanted a different setting for their deep conversation.
- the entire truth behind the mystery. Who does that? Who would actually allow all that to happen?
- a nine year old is really going to grab Delilah’s butt with both hands after giving her a hug? 🤨
Furthermore, no one seems to care?
- how is it that all the rumors are baseless? For the most part, rumors come from SOMEWHERE. If you hear that a boy got busted for stealing a car, that might not be entirely true but it originated with SOMETHING related to that boy and a car and something illegal. Ethan was painted as such a bad boy - getting arrested, kicked out of school, being promiscuous, etc etc- but none of it (at least that I could tell) was true. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want him to be a bad boy- I’m not into that. But the rumors were absurd.
That’s enough of that. You get the picture.
Content:
Language- lots of use of the a-word. Some other swears but no f-words, THANK THE STARS. The swearing was definitely there, but it wasn’t atrocious. There was some use of God’s name in vain.
Sex- lots and lots of mentions of sexual activity among teens. And Delilah’s unmarried mom was sexually active still. Tons of on-page bullying/accusations about being a “slut.” Popular, gorgeous girls were painted as being sex-crazed bimbos (not my favorite). There was no specific sex scene on page, or in memory for that matter. Delilah had never been kissed.
Other- the religious leader is painted as being super hypocritical and judgmental. Purity and virtue are also touted by epically hypocritical people.
Cover- I really like it.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
First off, the positives. The writing was fresh and engaging. I laughed out loud a few times. I even highlighted two funny paragraphs. I smiled while I read. It was entertaining! Ethan and Delilah had chemistry. I was eating it up. Give me more!
BUT-
This was the most far fetched YA I have ever read.
Like seriously, far fetched behavior. Far fetched events.
I can overlook a lot for the sake of chemistry and angst, but this was over the top. And the chemistry didn’t make up for how many times I had to suspend belief. I mean, their chemistry was great, but the tension didn’t fully develop. Their first kiss was overshadowed immediately with the developing mystery. And Ethan never explained why he was locking lips with that DoubleD girl when he told Delilah right afterwards that he only ever wanted her. Umm?? I was hoping he would have a good explanation to refute the womanizer label she gave him. But he didn’t offer anything. I guess he just makes out with random smoking hot girls? His kiss with that girl was more passionate than any kiss he shared with Delilah. 😳
To be fair, when all was said and done, I didn’t feel like he was really a womanizer except for that really random scene. I cannot stand that kind of a hero, so I wouldn’t have made it through to the end if he really was. But it WAS irritating when he acted put-out about her sharing a flirty hug with Bruce, and then evaded her questions about Miss DoubleD by laughing and saying she’s cute when she’s jealous.
ARGH!
LET ME AT HIM!!
The chemistry was high, but I wasn’t satisfied at the end. I anticipated more the entire time, but never got enough “more.” I’m super relieved their relationship didn’t advance to sex (or anywhere near it), but I just didn’t feel fulfilled. And I know a romance can be clean and still give total satisfaction by the end.
Anywho, back to being far fetched.
- in what world would a teacher get away with sexually harassing a student, IN FRONT OF HIS ENTIRE CLASS, multiple times a week? For weeks on end?
- I know bullying and bigotry exist, but multiple characters were saying and doing awful things to multiple other characters. It was like reality x1,000.
- what high school girl actually gets a boob job to make herself a 34-DoubleD?🙄 Obviously this is on her parents’ dime. Yeah, not seeing it.
- why would self-proclaimed sexually active and promiscuous teenage girls voluntarily join a virginity club? And be so dedicated to it that they would spend a Saturday at the library trying to drum up donations? What the-??
- why the heck is everyone laughing off Willie’s habit of drunkenly aiming a REAL GUN at people and making threats?! Because they are ***assuming*** it’s not loaded?! What the crap?! Mind. Blown.
- why would Ethan and Delilah wait a couple weeks before they actually talk about what happened when they have been seeing each other every day since everything hit the fan? Doesn’t make any sense, except that the author wanted a different setting for their deep conversation.
- the entire truth behind the mystery. Who does that? Who would actually allow all that to happen?
- a nine year old is really going to grab Delilah’s butt with both hands after giving her a hug? 🤨
Furthermore, no one seems to care?
- how is it that all the rumors are baseless? For the most part, rumors come from SOMEWHERE. If you hear that a boy got busted for stealing a car, that might not be entirely true but it originated with SOMETHING related to that boy and a car and something illegal. Ethan was painted as such a bad boy - getting arrested, kicked out of school, being promiscuous, etc etc- but none of it (at least that I could tell) was true. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want him to be a bad boy- I’m not into that. But the rumors were absurd.
That’s enough of that. You get the picture.
Content:
Language- lots of use of the a-word. Some other swears but no f-words, THANK THE STARS. The swearing was definitely there, but it wasn’t atrocious. There was some use of God’s name in vain.
Sex- lots and lots of mentions of sexual activity among teens. And Delilah’s unmarried mom was sexually active still. Tons of on-page bullying/accusations about being a “slut.” Popular, gorgeous girls were painted as being sex-crazed bimbos (not my favorite). There was no specific sex scene on page, or in memory for that matter. Delilah had never been kissed.
Other- the religious leader is painted as being super hypocritical and judgmental. Purity and virtue are also touted by epically hypocritical people.
Cover- I really like it.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
April 5, 2018
I absolutely loved Cookie's previous two books and she is one of my favorite authors, definitely my favorite indie author, and I'll buy anything she writes. So much like Ninja Girl, her second book, I waited for this eagerly and clicked pre-order the second I knew I could. I liked this book, it was a solid four star read, I enjoyed it. But not like I loved Adorkable and Ninja Girl. There were just a couple of things I didn't like as much. I liked Delilah the main character, but the relationship between Delilah and Ethan “Mysterious Bad Boy” Wilder was only okay for me for most of the book. They don't actually spend that much time together, and the few times they do, Ethan Wilder is more tight lipped about himself than the Sphinx, so I had kind of a hard time believing that these two could even really have that much of a real relationship outside their attraction to each other by the end of the story. And they have an attraction no doubt about that, but he spends half the book getting fawned over and kissed by other girls, in front of Delilah, doing nothing at all to stop them. I was not really very sure at all that I actually liked him for at least a good three quarters of this book. I liked him at the end, but that barely changed my opinion of him from the rest of the book.
The mystery aspect of this book was good, I was actually half surprised as to who it was, but of the many possibilities of who I thought it could be, who it was did make the list. So overall I liked this book, I laughed and enjoyed it, but it wasn't like Adrokable and Ninja Girl, those books made me laugh a whole lot more and then even cry a little on top of it, they moved me so much more than I thought they would, that's why I love them so much, this was just not as good for me in the end. If you were a fan of Adorkable and Ninja Girl then you'll probably like this too, I enjoyed it but just not enough to give it the full five stars I gave Adorkable and Ninja Girl.
The mystery aspect of this book was good, I was actually half surprised as to who it was, but of the many possibilities of who I thought it could be, who it was did make the list. So overall I liked this book, I laughed and enjoyed it, but it wasn't like Adrokable and Ninja Girl, those books made me laugh a whole lot more and then even cry a little on top of it, they moved me so much more than I thought they would, that's why I love them so much, this was just not as good for me in the end. If you were a fan of Adorkable and Ninja Girl then you'll probably like this too, I enjoyed it but just not enough to give it the full five stars I gave Adorkable and Ninja Girl.
May 17, 2018
This is my third time reviewing one of Cookie’s books and I need to warn you that I have loved them all including this one!
If you are one of my regular readers, then you might have seen my reviews of Adorkable and Ninja Girl! Here we have the longest book name (Not complaining, I think it is genius!)
Cookie’s writing is on point, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder is really not that different and I am thinking that now it is my favorite!
Before it was Ninja Girl!
Now that I am thinking about it, it just means that each book is better than the one before, but really they are all feel good brilliant!
One thing I really love about them is that there is something always unexpected and I do enjoy the characters and the situations very much. I love that her characters are to type but at the same time not!
Delilah has a really entertaining family history and I will not mention poor Ethan’s one because it is terrible! So it comes as no surprise that at first, their friendship is not easy or guaranteed, but the soul of the book is them getting to know each other and finding common ground.
I read it just like the other 2 books in one go, and I really very much enjoyed it!
(Especially the end!!!!)
Hint Hint…
That was an awwwwwww moment.
I gave you a HUGE spoiler here without giving you one, so that means you need to read The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder and when you reach the end you will know what I am talking about.
I am a huge fan of Cookie and again she does not disappoint, I am going to VERY HIGHLY recommend this book to you all and I really hope you love it as much as I did!
If you are one of my regular readers, then you might have seen my reviews of Adorkable and Ninja Girl! Here we have the longest book name (Not complaining, I think it is genius!)
Cookie’s writing is on point, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder is really not that different and I am thinking that now it is my favorite!
Before it was Ninja Girl!
Now that I am thinking about it, it just means that each book is better than the one before, but really they are all feel good brilliant!
One thing I really love about them is that there is something always unexpected and I do enjoy the characters and the situations very much. I love that her characters are to type but at the same time not!
Delilah has a really entertaining family history and I will not mention poor Ethan’s one because it is terrible! So it comes as no surprise that at first, their friendship is not easy or guaranteed, but the soul of the book is them getting to know each other and finding common ground.
I read it just like the other 2 books in one go, and I really very much enjoyed it!
(Especially the end!!!!)
Hint Hint…
That was an awwwwwww moment.
I gave you a HUGE spoiler here without giving you one, so that means you need to read The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder and when you reach the end you will know what I am talking about.
I am a huge fan of Cookie and again she does not disappoint, I am going to VERY HIGHLY recommend this book to you all and I really hope you love it as much as I did!
May 10, 2018
Amazing!!!!
AHHH I LOVE ETHAN!!!! Amazing story, keeps anticipating what's gonna happen next until the end! Love this book and the author!!!
AHHH I LOVE ETHAN!!!! Amazing story, keeps anticipating what's gonna happen next until the end! Love this book and the author!!!
April 4, 2018
The Pearls – I loved the portrayal of the small town rumor mill. It ended up being a driving force in the book. Delilah was just resigned to it and it was an interesting element to the story. It impressed me immensely how it was done and earned its own paragraph in this review. I am constantly amazed at O’Gormans ingenuity in books. The rumor mill was a background to the story but it was always there.
I loved Delilah and Ethan. I am not one for book boyfriends. (I love my husband!) If one is though I’d imagine Ethan would make a good one. He’s a brooding bad boy with deep secrets and a strong moral code. Both Delilah and Ethan were anomalies of characters. Delilah was a good girl despite her families reputation. Ethan was the bad boy even though he was the preacher’s son.
Usually, I would talk about the romance. It was really good but what was even more illuminating was the mystery weaved into this story. It was super unique. I really liked it. You got the benefits of a great YA romance with a mystery that kept you on your toes.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
I loved Delilah and Ethan. I am not one for book boyfriends. (I love my husband!) If one is though I’d imagine Ethan would make a good one. He’s a brooding bad boy with deep secrets and a strong moral code. Both Delilah and Ethan were anomalies of characters. Delilah was a good girl despite her families reputation. Ethan was the bad boy even though he was the preacher’s son.
Usually, I would talk about the romance. It was really good but what was even more illuminating was the mystery weaved into this story. It was super unique. I really liked it. You got the benefits of a great YA romance with a mystery that kept you on your toes.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
April 30, 2018
This was another really fun book from Cookie O'Gorman. I love her characters, I know I say it a lot, but I am super character driven, a book can be made and broken by the characters, and O'Gorman creates good ones. I love Delilah's strength and courage, she isn't really someone who likes conflict and she has been bullied most of her life, but when it comes to standing up for what's right, she is in the fray. Even standing up to her worst bullies, when they attack someone else. She fiercely protects those she loves, and I really like that about her. She does what is right even when it could mean more trouble for her. I also love the friendship between Delilah and her friends, there isn't any drama and they know each other well and stick up for each other. There have been a lot of books I've read lately that the friendships seem good on the surface, but are really toxic and strained. I don't really like that story line of people being your friend for so long and then stabbing you in the back.
I did figure out the mystery before it was revealed, but all in all it was a great book. I can't wait for another one.
I did figure out the mystery before it was revealed, but all in all it was a great book. I can't wait for another one.
April 4, 2018
I received this book for free from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
YA Romance with lots of mystery and a bit of suspense.
Unexpected! Sweet! Cute!
This is not Ethan Wilder's story. Yes, we learn about him (he is adorable), but this is Delilah's show. She is the main character here and this book is about her daily life and how she lives it. Even her romance with Ethan Wilder.
Addictiveness: The mystery is very well written and hooked me from the beginning. There is also the cute romance in the background as a bonus.
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 4/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5 OMG! Really, they were all so good. Ethan is perfect! I love him. I love a brooding bad boy that is only tough on the outside. Delilah is also amazing. Really she is bully but she knows what she wants and she goes after it. She doesn't let others misconceived notions bother her and she is always after the truth. Gutsy girl! So many amazing secondary characters, I love Delilah's family. Now, I have to say I think the teacher/bully was a bit too much. It didn't feel quite possible to be real. They were all easy to love, connect and understand.
Cover: art 5/5, title 3.5/5, subtitle 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I love this cover. The boy is hot at the same time looks like a bit of a troublemaker. I don't know, he got a James Dean rebel's vibe. The title... I don't know. I guess I find a crazy one, but because it is so crazy I felt the attraction. I think I would buy this book by the cover only.
Freshness: Yes! Very fresh, different, original. Really, the YA romance behind this huge mystery was great. Unique!
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 4/5, pace 3.5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Great opening and wonderful ending. Perfect conflict and dialogues very well written. A bit slow-paced at the beginning, but it picks up fast. Enough subplots to enhance the story. The story was believable and wonderful. Even though I solved part of the mystery early I was kept on the edge of my seat most of the story.
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 5/5, steam 1/5 Great love story. Is very slow build, it is only one more thing going on in Delilah's life, but is undeniable. Their story is sweet and very YA how it should be. I liked it. Ethan is almost the perfect book-boyfriend. Swoon-worthy!
Writing Style: Great! Wonderful plot, with good mystery and sweet romance. Perfect characters with lots of depth. A perfect YA sweet romance.
I know bullying exist and I even can believe some teachers can be part of it. But here is was over the top, I really cringe at those moments.
A very unexpected, great surprise. I guess I didn't know what to expect of this book, since I haven't read the author before. I have truly enjoyed!
32/35 STARS – 4.5 STARS (between 31.5 and 33/35 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 5 Cover: 4.5 Freshness: 4 Plot: 4 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 4.5
Action 3/5
Angst 2/5
Darkness 0/5
Humor 3.5/5
Romance 5/5
Suspense/Mystery 5/5
Would I recommend? I would recommend this book for everyone that enjoys mystery with a dash of YA romance.
Would I re-read this book? Yes
Would I re-read this series? Is not a series.
Would I read more from the author? I really would like to read more from the author.
This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
YA Romance with lots of mystery and a bit of suspense.
Unexpected! Sweet! Cute!
This is not Ethan Wilder's story. Yes, we learn about him (he is adorable), but this is Delilah's show. She is the main character here and this book is about her daily life and how she lives it. Even her romance with Ethan Wilder.
Addictiveness: The mystery is very well written and hooked me from the beginning. There is also the cute romance in the background as a bonus.
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 4/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5 OMG! Really, they were all so good. Ethan is perfect! I love him. I love a brooding bad boy that is only tough on the outside. Delilah is also amazing. Really she is bully but she knows what she wants and she goes after it. She doesn't let others misconceived notions bother her and she is always after the truth. Gutsy girl! So many amazing secondary characters, I love Delilah's family. Now, I have to say I think the teacher/bully was a bit too much. It didn't feel quite possible to be real. They were all easy to love, connect and understand.
Cover: art 5/5, title 3.5/5, subtitle 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I love this cover. The boy is hot at the same time looks like a bit of a troublemaker. I don't know, he got a James Dean rebel's vibe. The title... I don't know. I guess I find a crazy one, but because it is so crazy I felt the attraction. I think I would buy this book by the cover only.
Freshness: Yes! Very fresh, different, original. Really, the YA romance behind this huge mystery was great. Unique!
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 4/5, pace 3.5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Great opening and wonderful ending. Perfect conflict and dialogues very well written. A bit slow-paced at the beginning, but it picks up fast. Enough subplots to enhance the story. The story was believable and wonderful. Even though I solved part of the mystery early I was kept on the edge of my seat most of the story.
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 5/5, steam 1/5 Great love story. Is very slow build, it is only one more thing going on in Delilah's life, but is undeniable. Their story is sweet and very YA how it should be. I liked it. Ethan is almost the perfect book-boyfriend. Swoon-worthy!
Writing Style: Great! Wonderful plot, with good mystery and sweet romance. Perfect characters with lots of depth. A perfect YA sweet romance.
I know bullying exist and I even can believe some teachers can be part of it. But here is was over the top, I really cringe at those moments.
A very unexpected, great surprise. I guess I didn't know what to expect of this book, since I haven't read the author before. I have truly enjoyed!
32/35 STARS – 4.5 STARS (between 31.5 and 33/35 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 5 Cover: 4.5 Freshness: 4 Plot: 4 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 4.5
Action 3/5
Angst 2/5
Darkness 0/5
Humor 3.5/5
Romance 5/5
Suspense/Mystery 5/5
Would I recommend? I would recommend this book for everyone that enjoys mystery with a dash of YA romance.
Would I re-read this book? Yes
Would I re-read this series? Is not a series.
Would I read more from the author? I really would like to read more from the author.
You MAY read this because you like mystery; you SHOULD read this because you enjoy YA romance; you MUST read this because Ethan Wilder is Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable PERFECT!!!
This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
May 18, 2018
This was a fun book, with a little murder mystery twist. I like the protagonist Delilah; she's strong without being over the top. Her best friends Ronnie and George are a lot of fun, and add a lot, as do her mom and Aunt B. I love the Southern aspects, the dialect, the mannerisms, the obsession with sweet tea.
Ethan is an interesting character from the get go, and it's clear he's meant to be, as he's long been suspected of his older sisters murder. The plot unravels slowly, keeping you interested while still allowing other aspects of the story to build. The backstory between him and Delilah was sweet.
The language was a little saltier than what I've come to expect from this author, but not so bad as to be troubling. The interactions between the teens were also more crude than what I've experienced in her past books. I hope it's more of an isolated incident than a new trend; there's already too much of that if you ask me.
Ethan is an interesting character from the get go, and it's clear he's meant to be, as he's long been suspected of his older sisters murder. The plot unravels slowly, keeping you interested while still allowing other aspects of the story to build. The backstory between him and Delilah was sweet.
The language was a little saltier than what I've come to expect from this author, but not so bad as to be troubling. The interactions between the teens were also more crude than what I've experienced in her past books. I hope it's more of an isolated incident than a new trend; there's already too much of that if you ask me.
March 31, 2018
DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THIS BOOK, THROUGH YA BOUND BOOK TOURS, AS PART OF A BLOG TOUR. THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW.
When I first read the title, I will be honest that I giggled a bit. Those are some large words. Makes the title feel longer than it is. But then the summary had me asking questions and I needed to know what the book was about. Ethan Wilder is everything. I cannot explain it, but he remind me of my best friend. Very similar personalities.
I had fun trying to solve the mystery. After I finished reading the book, I had an "Aha" moment. Everything just fell together and clicked. "I knew that," I said. No, I really didn't. Sometimes it takes me a bit to figure out a puzzle. I'm beginning to love Cookie O'Gorman's writing. I read Ninja Girl and loved it. I should definitely read Adorkable, too.
When I first read the title, I will be honest that I giggled a bit. Those are some large words. Makes the title feel longer than it is. But then the summary had me asking questions and I needed to know what the book was about. Ethan Wilder is everything. I cannot explain it, but he remind me of my best friend. Very similar personalities.
I had fun trying to solve the mystery. After I finished reading the book, I had an "Aha" moment. Everything just fell together and clicked. "I knew that," I said. No, I really didn't. Sometimes it takes me a bit to figure out a puzzle. I'm beginning to love Cookie O'Gorman's writing. I read Ninja Girl and loved it. I should definitely read Adorkable, too.
November 6, 2018
Original review: A Novel Glimpse
One of the things I love about Cookie O’Gorman’s books is that they’re all different. This one had more of a mystery than her first two books. That mystery kept me guessing. I totally wasn’t expecting it to end how it did. I really liked all of the characters in this book. I was especially fond of Delilah’s family. The only thing I wanted more of from this book was actually more about Delilah’s family history. It’s talked about a lot by secondary characters, but I would have liked to have gotten the real story from Delilah or her family members. Overall, this was a fun YA read.
One of the things I love about Cookie O’Gorman’s books is that they’re all different. This one had more of a mystery than her first two books. That mystery kept me guessing. I totally wasn’t expecting it to end how it did. I really liked all of the characters in this book. I was especially fond of Delilah’s family. The only thing I wanted more of from this book was actually more about Delilah’s family history. It’s talked about a lot by secondary characters, but I would have liked to have gotten the real story from Delilah or her family members. Overall, this was a fun YA read.
April 4, 2018
Aside from the ridiculously long title, this book was really enjoyable! Very engaging and quirky. I was on hook, line and sinker from the moment Delilah and Ethan first laid eyes on each other. Great slow burn beginning tempered with the central mystery made it a page turner for me.
Delilah is hilarious and I really enjoyed her character humor, as well as her relationship with Mom and aunt.
Honestly I was turned off by a situation involving a teacher being offensive and viciously rude to Delilah. I found it very unbelievable and every scene involving them together stuck out like a sore thumb in an otherwise well written book.
5 stars for a quirky and funny coming of age mystery!
Delilah is hilarious and I really enjoyed her character humor, as well as her relationship with Mom and aunt.
Honestly I was turned off by a situation involving a teacher being offensive and viciously rude to Delilah. I found it very unbelievable and every scene involving them together stuck out like a sore thumb in an otherwise well written book.
5 stars for a quirky and funny coming of age mystery!
April 29, 2018
-‘nothing got a small southern town going like a good piece of gossip.’-
Some good humour, fast-paced... Man, am I ever glad I never went to a high school like that! Whoa! Scary. I loved the mystery, the suspense. Just like Delilah, I was trying to figure out who was behind the murders and my suspicions were the same as Delilah’s. I thought I had it all figured out and then there was another plot twist... I was right in general but not the right person. Very well written. I enjoyed it and I recommend it. Not suitable for all readers. Swearing, some violence, and suggestive language.
Some good humour, fast-paced... Man, am I ever glad I never went to a high school like that! Whoa! Scary. I loved the mystery, the suspense. Just like Delilah, I was trying to figure out who was behind the murders and my suspicions were the same as Delilah’s. I thought I had it all figured out and then there was another plot twist... I was right in general but not the right person. Very well written. I enjoyed it and I recommend it. Not suitable for all readers. Swearing, some violence, and suggestive language.
September 7, 2020
Story centered around high schooler Delilah in a small conservative southern town. Her world is turned around when her life is saved by Ethan Wilder, an alledged murder who has come back to town after a 4 yr absence. This is a classic YA romance involving two outsiders who find eachother coupled with a mystery.
Overall I loved the book and a super quick read. Delilah is pretty awesome.... I would definitely want her in my girl squad.
I do kind of wish there was more to this book --- mostly because I enjoyed the characters and wanted more!!
Free on Kindle unlimited!
Overall I loved the book and a super quick read. Delilah is pretty awesome.... I would definitely want her in my girl squad.
I do kind of wish there was more to this book --- mostly because I enjoyed the characters and wanted more!!
Free on Kindle unlimited!
September 3, 2020
Since I'm head over heels in love with Adorkable, I thought I'd try another book by the same author.
.
While I didn't find Delilah and Ethan quite as charming as Sal and Becks, this was a solidly entertaining story.
.
I never saw the big reveal coming, which isn't surprising since I never see them even if they're super obvious.
.
This felt like a mashup of The Only Alien on the Planet and a classic I won't name for fear of spoiling the experience.
.
I'll read this one again.
.
While I didn't find Delilah and Ethan quite as charming as Sal and Becks, this was a solidly entertaining story.
.
I never saw the big reveal coming, which isn't surprising since I never see them even if they're super obvious.
.
This felt like a mashup of The Only Alien on the Planet and a classic I won't name for fear of spoiling the experience.
.
I'll read this one again.
April 6, 2018
The novel hooked me directly which is always a sign of good writing. I still like adorkable the most but I also really enjoyed the romance here. I loved the Doherty family relationship, Bruce and the friendship group and of course brooding Ethan. I figured the mystery out quite fast because it seems to be a retelling of another novel, but I still enjoyed it a lot.
April 16, 2018
Fantastic!
What can I say? I loved it. This isn't the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. Wilder is awesome and Delilah is the best kind of heroine. Throw in a quirky and completely Southern town (trust me I'd know) and you have the perfect little book. Do yourself a favor and read it!
What can I say? I loved it. This isn't the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. Wilder is awesome and Delilah is the best kind of heroine. Throw in a quirky and completely Southern town (trust me I'd know) and you have the perfect little book. Do yourself a favor and read it!
April 27, 2019
Now this was... different. :)
The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder is not your usual YA high school drama (though there is plenty of that, too, of course).
I enjoyed the mystery, the Southern small-town quirks, the cast of characters - especially the Doherty women who are truly a force to be reckoned with.
The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder is not your usual YA high school drama (though there is plenty of that, too, of course).
I enjoyed the mystery, the Southern small-town quirks, the cast of characters - especially the Doherty women who are truly a force to be reckoned with.
April 7, 2018
Great mystery, it has me guessing until the end. I was surprised with that plot twist at the end. Totally recommend for anyone who likes a sweet romance with mystery.
April 19, 2018
I finished this book in two days because I could not put it down. Loved all the characters and the story line! Very well written!
June 26, 2018
Sweet YA mystery/ romance
I enjoyed this YA mystery/ romance set in the South. It has likeable characters & relevant themes of gossip/ rumours/ bullying.
I enjoyed this YA mystery/ romance set in the South. It has likeable characters & relevant themes of gossip/ rumours/ bullying.
January 13, 2019
This book was just as great as the other author's books, with the added bonus of being a mystery. It was a quick read but possibly because I had to know the ending!
April 6, 2018
Couldn’t put the book down. It was so interesting. Ethan captured me from the beginning. He was mysterious but not in a bad boy way. His character really has alot of strength. He stood against all that was being said about him and kept going. He didn’t show it got to him either. At one point he even tried to protect Delilah from all that was going on not that she listened.
Ethan was just coming back after some time away from town. the rumors surrounding him leaving and what he did when he was gone were rampant and grew as each person told one. We see how rumors escalate and can harm someone. It doesn’t give us a accurate picture of the person only what others think they know. In reality, Ethan was quiet, smart and kind. He didn’t bother anyone and kept to himself. He worked for his uncle at the music store and had that air of mystery about him because of how he didn’t talk to anyone at school and kept them at bay. Well everyone but Delilah. She was the only one he approached. Ethan has loved her since they were eight only Delilah never knew. Didn’t even remember ever meeting him before he got her out of the water.
Delilah was a bubbly girl. She was smart and very strong. Her family were outcasts for a different reason than Ethan was. Hers was because her aunt was considered a witch how had great yummy foods at her bakery and her mom was considered easy. Many boys equated Delilah to being that as well. Delilah ignored it all and was herself. She was very focused on her goals. So when Ethan returns, she is intrigued by him and his past. He is the mystery she wants to solve. As she gets to know what he gleans to tell her, she realizes he isn’t what others think. And when strange things start happening and he is blamed she doesn’t believe he is in the wrong. She goes off to prove it to. At one point even others that were around them questioned whether he was guilty of present and past crimes people believed he was involved in. As she looked into it more, she sees the twists and turns but also that there are secrets there that when revealed could destroy many lives.
Ethan wants to protect Delilah though and she doesn’t have it. When things turn the most dangerous is when Ethan decides to truly trust Delilah. What happens next just has the jaw drop. Not what I expected. We see Ethan though stand by Delilah even as his world crumbles further. All he believed is shattered and he has to pick up the pieces only this time he has someone to stand beside him in Delilah. Their little romance is so fun to watch. You see that Ethan likes her but isn’t always going about it correctly. Delilah doesn’t believe it at first and sometimes his way of protecting her or wanting to be romantic is painful for her. In the end he is so sweet with her but it is a journey to get there for he needs to let her in first and that puts her in danger.
The story is fascinating and engrossing. Ethan and Delilah capture you from the beginning. Ethan especially because of how he truly is a mystery. Delilah because she is curious, kind and relentless. She is loyal to her friends and loves her family. As we watch the truth unfold and the mystery deepen, so does the danger and it just really grabs hold of you. YOu need to know what is really going on and why and when you find out you are really surprised.
a great twisty tale with characters you love like Delilah, Ethan and Delilah’s friends and family. Characters that you growl at like Rapier. And ones you see change like Bruce. You have surprises and twists and turns but a plot that really entrances you and has you wanting to figure out the truth all the while hoping that Delilah and Ethan finally come together because you can tell they like each other and are attracted to one another. A really great tale.
Ethan was just coming back after some time away from town. the rumors surrounding him leaving and what he did when he was gone were rampant and grew as each person told one. We see how rumors escalate and can harm someone. It doesn’t give us a accurate picture of the person only what others think they know. In reality, Ethan was quiet, smart and kind. He didn’t bother anyone and kept to himself. He worked for his uncle at the music store and had that air of mystery about him because of how he didn’t talk to anyone at school and kept them at bay. Well everyone but Delilah. She was the only one he approached. Ethan has loved her since they were eight only Delilah never knew. Didn’t even remember ever meeting him before he got her out of the water.
Delilah was a bubbly girl. She was smart and very strong. Her family were outcasts for a different reason than Ethan was. Hers was because her aunt was considered a witch how had great yummy foods at her bakery and her mom was considered easy. Many boys equated Delilah to being that as well. Delilah ignored it all and was herself. She was very focused on her goals. So when Ethan returns, she is intrigued by him and his past. He is the mystery she wants to solve. As she gets to know what he gleans to tell her, she realizes he isn’t what others think. And when strange things start happening and he is blamed she doesn’t believe he is in the wrong. She goes off to prove it to. At one point even others that were around them questioned whether he was guilty of present and past crimes people believed he was involved in. As she looked into it more, she sees the twists and turns but also that there are secrets there that when revealed could destroy many lives.
Ethan wants to protect Delilah though and she doesn’t have it. When things turn the most dangerous is when Ethan decides to truly trust Delilah. What happens next just has the jaw drop. Not what I expected. We see Ethan though stand by Delilah even as his world crumbles further. All he believed is shattered and he has to pick up the pieces only this time he has someone to stand beside him in Delilah. Their little romance is so fun to watch. You see that Ethan likes her but isn’t always going about it correctly. Delilah doesn’t believe it at first and sometimes his way of protecting her or wanting to be romantic is painful for her. In the end he is so sweet with her but it is a journey to get there for he needs to let her in first and that puts her in danger.
The story is fascinating and engrossing. Ethan and Delilah capture you from the beginning. Ethan especially because of how he truly is a mystery. Delilah because she is curious, kind and relentless. She is loyal to her friends and loves her family. As we watch the truth unfold and the mystery deepen, so does the danger and it just really grabs hold of you. YOu need to know what is really going on and why and when you find out you are really surprised.
a great twisty tale with characters you love like Delilah, Ethan and Delilah’s friends and family. Characters that you growl at like Rapier. And ones you see change like Bruce. You have surprises and twists and turns but a plot that really entrances you and has you wanting to figure out the truth all the while hoping that Delilah and Ethan finally come together because you can tell they like each other and are attracted to one another. A really great tale.
May 16, 2024
Very different than Cookie's other books but still great!
Delilah was such a strong character. She ignored people who talked poorly about her and wasn't afraid to stand up for herself when it finally mattered.
Ethan was flawed but didn't really try to pretend to be someone he wasn't. Sure, he didn't necessarily correct people about his past, but he also didn't really exaggerate it. He was also dealing with some incredibly difficult things and had to go through them pretty much on his own.
I liked most of the side characters as well.
•George was a little abrasive but a great friend to Delilah and knew what her friend needed.
•Ronnie was fun and good at persuading Delilah to go for Ethan.
•Bruce. I am conflicted about him. At the beginning, it made it seem like he was another one of Delilah's bullies, but in the end he did turn out to be a good friend. Yes, he had some ulterior motives, but he never tried to force Delilah.
•Grant was just a rude bully. Stereotypical and annoying. But probably necessary to the story.
•Coach what's-his-name. Can't even remember his name but he was a DISPICABLE character. No adult, nevermind a TEACHER, should be talking to a children/student the way he did. Not to mention he knew way to much about Delilah's mom. The fact that another classmate never said something or another teacher never heard his horrible remarks.
•Pastor was a difficult character. I get that he was .
I thought Cookie had a great balance of intrigue for both the romantic relationship between the characters and who was injuring people all over town. The pacing was great and made me want to keep reading - which is probably why I finished this in two days.
One tiny thing that irked me was how Ethan was called Wilder even when talking to his father, who obviously had the same last name. Just seemed a little odd.
Another great Cookie O'Gorman book! I hope see write more with a subplot of mystery.
Delilah was such a strong character. She ignored people who talked poorly about her and wasn't afraid to stand up for herself when it finally mattered.
Ethan was flawed but didn't really try to pretend to be someone he wasn't. Sure, he didn't necessarily correct people about his past, but he also didn't really exaggerate it. He was also dealing with some incredibly difficult things and had to go through them pretty much on his own.
I liked most of the side characters as well.
•George was a little abrasive but a great friend to Delilah and knew what her friend needed.
•Ronnie was fun and good at persuading Delilah to go for Ethan.
•Bruce. I am conflicted about him. At the beginning, it made it seem like he was another one of Delilah's bullies, but in the end he did turn out to be a good friend. Yes, he had some ulterior motives, but he never tried to force Delilah.
•Grant was just a rude bully. Stereotypical and annoying. But probably necessary to the story.
•Coach what's-his-name. Can't even remember his name but he was a DISPICABLE character. No adult, nevermind a TEACHER, should be talking to a children/student the way he did. Not to mention he knew way to much about Delilah's mom. The fact that another classmate never said something or another teacher never heard his horrible remarks.
•Pastor was a difficult character. I get that he was .
I thought Cookie had a great balance of intrigue for both the romantic relationship between the characters and who was injuring people all over town. The pacing was great and made me want to keep reading - which is probably why I finished this in two days.
One tiny thing that irked me was how Ethan was called Wilder even when talking to his father, who obviously had the same last name. Just seemed a little odd.
Another great Cookie O'Gorman book! I hope see write more with a subplot of mystery.
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