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Gin's Tonic
by
What mends first? A shattered heart or a broken mind?
What began as a series of misunderstandings catapults into urgent need, as Gin finds herself forced to make an impossible choice, staying faithful to memories of the past or living for the future.
I’m not who I used to be.
Losing them turned me into someone I don’t even recognize. I’m not even sure I want to know that pe ...more
What began as a series of misunderstandings catapults into urgent need, as Gin finds herself forced to make an impossible choice, staying faithful to memories of the past or living for the future.
I’m not who I used to be.
Losing them turned me into someone I don’t even recognize. I’m not even sure I want to know that pe ...more
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Start your review of Gin's Tonic
Apr 16, 2020
Diana * burningdesire_x3 *
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
abuse,
bad-ass-heroine,
babies,
smut,
bad-ass-writing,
contemporary-romance,
family,
dialogue-on-fleek,
twisty,
mature
THIS IS MY 100th READ IN 2020!
Follow me on Instagram where I’ll be soon announcing a giveaway with this book front and center! Stay tuned!
Strong Women, Diversity & Hot Guys: My Wet Dream Come True LOL
*arc generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Me after reading this novel:
"I still get lonely
And baby, only then do I let myself recline
Can I let go, and let your memory dance
In the ballroom of my mind?
Across the county line."
13 Beaches – Lana Del Rey
What’s this book about ...more
Follow me on Instagram where I’ll be soon announcing a giveaway with this book front and center! Stay tuned!
Strong Women, Diversity & Hot Guys: My Wet Dream Come True LOL
*arc generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Me after reading this novel:
"I still get lonely
And baby, only then do I let myself recline
Can I let go, and let your memory dance
In the ballroom of my mind?
Across the county line."
13 Beaches – Lana Del Rey
What’s this book about ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Olivia Owen, good job. I love this book. It is full of angst, deep pain, lust, betrayal and love. Much love, the kind of love that sticks by you when you are at your craziest. The kind that says you are a nut job right now, but I will hang on until you are back. Gin has faced so much pain and she knows a lot of it is of her own making. Her own need to get ahead at the cost of those who love and need her. In a small town where everyone knows your secrets and still likes you, her life is starting
...more
What?!? An Asian Heroine?!
I can’t believe Gin’s Tonic has a real Asian-American heroine in the story. Usually, any mention of Asians is dimmed but Gin has recognizable traits. This story isn’t for the faint of heart, it is an angsty romance for sure. This novel is 10 stars!!!
I can’t believe Gin’s Tonic has a real Asian-American heroine in the story. Usually, any mention of Asians is dimmed but Gin has recognizable traits. This story isn’t for the faint of heart, it is an angsty romance for sure. This novel is 10 stars!!!
I'm so happy the book has a Chinese-American heroine and she actually exhibits the nuances and behaviors of an Asian- American woman. The book doesn't mute any traits and I can relate! Love!
...more
Gin's Tonic by Olivia Owen is beautiful contemporary romance. When Virginia loses her husband and one-year old son in a terrible accident, everything feels empty and hopeless for her. She blames herself for being too obsessed with her work and giving very little time for her family.
Gin goes on a road trip in search of herself and a place to call home. She reaches a small village amidst the mountains, called Jasper where she meets Roman. A man with scars on the outside, but incredibly beautiful o ...more
Gin goes on a road trip in search of herself and a place to call home. She reaches a small village amidst the mountains, called Jasper where she meets Roman. A man with scars on the outside, but incredibly beautiful o ...more
Survivor’s guilt…. Loss …. Broken Heart …. Broken Mind … Broken Soul
Will running help? Can Gin let go of the past enough to heal?
This is not a feel good read but it is a story that will grab you, draw you in from the first page. It’s a journey … a journey by the of way of a long, curvy road with cliffs on each side. It's a journey dealing with loss, dealing with grief, dealing with the past while trying to restructure a future. Gin learns it can be done…. but at what cost?
👁 OBSERVATIONS:
Loss n ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I could not put this down! Gin's Tonic is angsty, uncensored and raw. She’s relatable and damaged but fighting to find her way back. Great story and depth that connected with me. You will not be disappointed.
...more
All I can say is you JUST NEED TO READ IT. There are so many unexpected twists to this sultry romance novel. It's a fish out of water romance, but intertwined with intrigue and raw real emotions. Gin is a woman from LA who leaves everything behind to start a new life in small town Colorado….note, I said woman. This is romance for women, written by a women. I'm getting way too old to read about young virgins. She experiences heartbreak, loss, and ultimately finds her happily ever after. Again, JU
...more
full review coming up right after but let me just say these four words "Chinese-American Woman Lead"!!!!! representation is important and I had been casually looking for more love stories featuring Asian women recently, by which I mean Asian-american leads who were more than just a fetish or stereotype so I was psyched to find this gem. i think the author strikes a good balance between setting the main character in the context of her culture without reducing her to any one aspect of her identity
...more
I never post reviews, but I just couldn't get this book out of my head. There's a real Asian-American author writing about an Asian-American woman. I could relate to Gin and all the traits she exhibits, though subtle, it's very recognizable. I loved this story, especially because I'm a working mother of three children. It's heartbreaking, but has a satisfying happily ever after.
...more
The great character and storyline development kept me totally engaged throughout the entire book! I look forward to reading more from this author!
Rating: 3.5*
The writing in this book is beautiful. I enjoyed reading from Gin’s point of view and seeing her rise from her struggles by herself. What Gin went through wasn’t easy; it was heartbreaking to read about but I’m glad her story got to be told. Gin is Chinese American, as is the author herself which is why I think the representation shined. I loved Gin talking about her culture, her parent's immigration/their hard work, and the traditional Chinese food that she would make, just to name ...more
The writing in this book is beautiful. I enjoyed reading from Gin’s point of view and seeing her rise from her struggles by herself. What Gin went through wasn’t easy; it was heartbreaking to read about but I’m glad her story got to be told. Gin is Chinese American, as is the author herself which is why I think the representation shined. I loved Gin talking about her culture, her parent's immigration/their hard work, and the traditional Chinese food that she would make, just to name ...more
Heartbreakingly beautiful yet uplifting at the same time, Gin’s Tonic is everything I didn’t know I needed. I couldn’t put the book down and almost hated myself when it ended up being 3 am and I needed to sleep.
Olivia Owen’s debut novel isn’t what I expected it to be, in the best possible way. I was blown away with how deep we see into the psyche of the main character as she navigates her loss, depression, and ultimately her revival. She was strong in all the ways I want a heroine to be. While ...more
Olivia Owen’s debut novel isn’t what I expected it to be, in the best possible way. I was blown away with how deep we see into the psyche of the main character as she navigates her loss, depression, and ultimately her revival. She was strong in all the ways I want a heroine to be. While ...more
Gin has spent the better of six months not living and letting survivor’s guilt almost get the better of her. After months of anguish, she comes to the realization that she just can’t be in that house anymore, and grabbed some random items (and one not so random item) to throw in her car and just left the area.
While not really paying attention, she’s almost in an accident and comes across a brooding mass of a man, Roman, who, at first sight, shocks her. While her scars are hidden on the surface, ...more
While not really paying attention, she’s almost in an accident and comes across a brooding mass of a man, Roman, who, at first sight, shocks her. While her scars are hidden on the surface, ...more
Olivia Owen is one to watch! Her debut novel blew me away! After taking a peek at the first chapter, I abandoned the book I was reading and dove head-first into Gin & Roman's enthralling story! There was so much devastation and heartbreak, but tempered with redemption and love and healing....and a terrific supporting group of townsfolk that I'm excited to read more about! For sure one of my top five reads of 2020! I am SO GRATEFUL to Hidden Gems Books for my early review copy, and for finding a
...more
"I am yours, but you will never be mine unless you finish this journey – and find me"
3-3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed Gin and Roman's story and for me this was a solid debut novel!
Gin abandons a high paying job, social status, her house and her friends, in attempt to leave her guilt and painful memories behind. She runs right into a small town, far from home, where Roman is barely living, just going through the motions. Gin has deeps scars on the inside, while Roman displays his on his skin. Their ...more
3-3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed Gin and Roman's story and for me this was a solid debut novel!
Gin abandons a high paying job, social status, her house and her friends, in attempt to leave her guilt and painful memories behind. She runs right into a small town, far from home, where Roman is barely living, just going through the motions. Gin has deeps scars on the inside, while Roman displays his on his skin. Their ...more
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This is Olivia's debut novel and I have to say, it is intense. The opening to the book is raw, powerful and will pull the emotions out of you without even trying. You want to know more, you have to. You feel for Virginia, aka Gin. You want to reach through the book and hug her. All of these powerful emotions are evoked just from the first few pages.
As Gin moves through the story, you continue to feel every impact of emotion that Olivia is tryin ...more
This is Olivia's debut novel and I have to say, it is intense. The opening to the book is raw, powerful and will pull the emotions out of you without even trying. You want to know more, you have to. You feel for Virginia, aka Gin. You want to reach through the book and hug her. All of these powerful emotions are evoked just from the first few pages.
As Gin moves through the story, you continue to feel every impact of emotion that Olivia is tryin ...more
Apr 11, 2020
HIU KWAN
added it
Gin's Tonic - Loved it!
I love reading about diverse and complex characters and this story smashed my expectations. Very ansty and beautiful. Good job Olivia Owen. ...more
I love reading about diverse and complex characters and this story smashed my expectations. Very ansty and beautiful. Good job Olivia Owen. ...more
This novel tries to combine a psychological novel with pornography and a hot love story. Unfortunately the male hero is too perfect and the disturbed heroine is reacting in a way that doesn't seem believable.
The sex scenes were just too much for my personal liking. ...more
The sex scenes were just too much for my personal liking. ...more
This was a good book. I think I didn’t quite connect with the heroine. Her grief was very raw and well written . I think I had a hard time feeling connected because the hero barely talks (not even much signing or texting) so I felt their emotional relationship wasn’t as developed. Other than that, the story was realistic and believable. It had great twists and surprises. I loved that she saved herself. Great job!
*i received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion via hidden ge ...more
*i received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion via hidden ge ...more
Ratings (out of of 5):
Angst: 💥💥💥💥
Sensitive Alpha: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Redemption: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
⠀
Blind with grief and completely unfamiliar with the person grief has turned her into, Gin finds herself in Jasper, Colorado. There, she meets Roman, a nearly silent giant who has his own grief to bear. He sees her at a time when she can’t even see herself. But has Gin fractured into too many pieces? Is she too brittle to be whole again for herself, let alone another person?
⠀
This book is angsty. It is sad. It is hard. I’l ...more
Angst: 💥💥💥💥
Sensitive Alpha: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Redemption: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
⠀
Blind with grief and completely unfamiliar with the person grief has turned her into, Gin finds herself in Jasper, Colorado. There, she meets Roman, a nearly silent giant who has his own grief to bear. He sees her at a time when she can’t even see herself. But has Gin fractured into too many pieces? Is she too brittle to be whole again for herself, let alone another person?
⠀
This book is angsty. It is sad. It is hard. I’l ...more
If you read one book this year make sure it's Gin's Tonic. You won't be disappointed.
I loved this book. It was easy to read, it gives you all the feels, it takes you on a roller coaster ride I didn't want to get off.
Gin was the type of character you just wanted to give a hug to. She was so heart broken and lost at the start so it was heartwarming to watch her grow and mend herself during this book. Her inner monologue cracked me up a number of times as well.
Roman was just a total sweetheart an ...more
I loved this book. It was easy to read, it gives you all the feels, it takes you on a roller coaster ride I didn't want to get off.
Gin was the type of character you just wanted to give a hug to. She was so heart broken and lost at the start so it was heartwarming to watch her grow and mend herself during this book. Her inner monologue cracked me up a number of times as well.
Roman was just a total sweetheart an ...more
I have missed the art of literature, being that workaholic mother with no time for anything. If there’s one thing Covid-19 has blessed us with is time, and that’s how I got lost in the world of Gin and caught myself falling in love with the town of Jasper, Colorado.
Gin’s character is relatable on so many levels, she’s a beautiful disaster much like myself. Gin feels tremendous guilt and unworthy of more than numbing her pain with cigarettes and alcohol. Through the kindness of perfect strangers ...more
Gin’s character is relatable on so many levels, she’s a beautiful disaster much like myself. Gin feels tremendous guilt and unworthy of more than numbing her pain with cigarettes and alcohol. Through the kindness of perfect strangers ...more
HOLY EMOTIONAL HELL! Olivia Owen definitely brought me to my knees with Gin's Tonic, and I'm still quite emotional from everything to be honest. It's the story of Gin, who has suffered unimaginable loss in her life, and I'm not ashamed to say that I had real tears when experiencing her pain, which was palpable. She is now in a place where she has to move on, but she doesn't want to whatsoever, and I certainly don't blame her. Her scars run deep, and nothing will ever remove them, and now I'm rea
...more
Beautiful story. Though I've never dealt with such crippling loss like Gin, the author does a great job in connecting us readers to her, and I sympathize, especially as a mother myself. I can only imagine how debilitating grief like that could be.
I loved that her friends stuck by her through her grief. True friends never give up on you, and sometimes it takes an event like this to show you who your true friends are.
Change can be slow. Nothing wrong with taking your time getting back to "normal", ...more
I loved that her friends stuck by her through her grief. True friends never give up on you, and sometimes it takes an event like this to show you who your true friends are.
Change can be slow. Nothing wrong with taking your time getting back to "normal", ...more
Gin's Tonic is Olivia Owen's debut novel..as a HongKonger, I feel proud of her!
One of the main reasons I wanted to read this book was because heroine was a Asian woman, and Olivia surprised me with chapter 1 as the story was about a thirty-something widow instead of a youngster..
I liked the writing style..
(view spoiler) ...more
One of the main reasons I wanted to read this book was because heroine was a Asian woman, and Olivia surprised me with chapter 1 as the story was about a thirty-something widow instead of a youngster..
I liked the writing style..
(view spoiler) ...more
I came away from this book excited by the new talent that is Olivia Owen. This was a strong debut with plenty of heart and soul.
Gin is running from her past in an attempt to get her present back on track after a terrible tragedy. Her journey brings her Jasper: a small town where everyone knows everyone.Once she arrives the town is reluctant to let leave, drawing her into the community. Gin carries her scars on the inside, believing she doesn't deserve to be happy again, blaming herself for past ...more
Gin is running from her past in an attempt to get her present back on track after a terrible tragedy. Her journey brings her Jasper: a small town where everyone knows everyone.Once she arrives the town is reluctant to let leave, drawing her into the community. Gin carries her scars on the inside, believing she doesn't deserve to be happy again, blaming herself for past ...more
I would like to thank the author, BookGoSocial, with whom I have privileged access on Netgalley and the Netgalley site for allowing me to read this book.
I was immediately attracted by the beautiful cover of this book where you can see a young girl sitting on a balcony and you can see the water in the distance.
While reading this book, one asks oneself a lot of questions: what is the first thing to repair a broken heart or a broken mind?
We find Gin who seems to be lost, she must make a choice, re ...more
I was immediately attracted by the beautiful cover of this book where you can see a young girl sitting on a balcony and you can see the water in the distance.
While reading this book, one asks oneself a lot of questions: what is the first thing to repair a broken heart or a broken mind?
We find Gin who seems to be lost, she must make a choice, re ...more
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Readers also enjoyed
Olivia Owen is new to the world of writing romance novels (long time reader, first time writer). Every once in a while, she finds it is necessary to push out of her safe little box and do something that kind of scares her. This is definitely one of those things. She has a soft spot for bulky, brooding male leads and the awkward, relatable women those guys just can't help but love.
In her free time ...more
In her free time ...more
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