Gemini

Interesting story: emotional and heartfelt. You feel for both characters and know that Cedric is hiding something terrible from Allison. What he reveals is so tragically beautiful that is hard to digest at first. It is the true essence of their love that allows them to overcome this challenging situation, learn about what true family love is and what they truly meant for each other. A lovely story to read and enjoy with a cup of your favorite tea while it's pouring outside!

Read this in two days..could NOT put it down......very angsty..has twists and turns and its a great one! I loved Jake Undone this was just as good if not better. Th only thing I have a slight problem with is the way the guys talk..they do t actually talk exactly like she writes they are very in touch with their feelings!! But it's very romantic....really good book.I'll probably buy this next authors book sought unseen I really like her

Wow, I was blown away by the story from beginning to end. Everything was perfect - the story, the mystery, the characters, and the romance. I loved how this author developed the plot without giving away hints of the mystery. This is one of those books that I would gladly read again.

The picture of the front cover is actually one emotional scene of the book right towards the end.

I love, love this book and will be buying more from this author. I would recommend it to others.

This book will totally captivate you and bring you to tears. It's well written, the characters are well developed, and it's full of emotion. This book is very close to heart because I am very familiar the topic of Autism. I completely fell in love with Allison character and her dedication to her job. It sent a great message about dealing with children with special needs. Its romantic and sexy all in one. A must read.

Penelope Ward, you are a literary genius! I bow at your fingers!!

I wish I would have read this before Jake's books. It added so much wonderful background information to his story.

Cedric and Allison have an incredible journey. I am so glad I got to join them in it. Such a powerful, beautiful, and heartwarming storyline.

This is the first book in the series, which comes before Jake Undone. It's very slow and not as entertaining and unpredictable as Jake Undone, which has better twists. Still, it's interesting to read about Jake's sister's past, and the hero is a sexy wealthy corporate man who sweeps a young waitress into a better life...which I love. Worth checking out, but if you only read one book by this author, make it Jake Undone.

This book is so awesomely written, you feel like you're inside the main characters heads,
live through their emotions, good and bad. The inclusion of "special needs" adults and children
was absolutely amazing. I have a special needs grandson, and the author describes them spot on.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great book. The author did a tremendous
job on writing this one!!

I was hesitant at first to purchase this story, so I started reading the sample and couldn't put it down! In all honesty, I never thought it would go the way it did, but I couldn't be more thrilled with how the author made all the connections so meaningful. By the end of the story, I was captivated by these characters. Thank you, Penelope Ward, for your beautiful story. I look forward to more wonderful reads!

Gemini by Penelope Ward
Series: Standalone (Companion Novel - Jake Undone)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
POV: Dual, First Person
Release Date: May 24th 2013
Print Length: 328 pages
Steam Rating: Scorcher
Overall Rating: 4.5 STARS

Review:
I downloaded this book back when it was first released as a freebie. It was only free for a few days and a ton of people downloaded it and read and loved it. I kept hearing that there was this big "shock" or "surprise" in it that you'll never see coming and it made me want to dig in immediately. But time constraints have made it hard, and as you know TBR lists are long. So I signed up for the Blog Tour for the companion novel Jake Undone and I wanted to read this one first. Both books are standalones but I am thinking if you read Jake Undone first it may spoil the big shocker in Gemini.

The one thing that stood out the most in Gemini was it uniqueness. The storyline and the main characters were not your "average" New Adult and it was refreshing. The main characters were so "normal" and their upbringing was pretty "normal" too. There was no traumatic childhoods or demon's stemming from this period. And it didn't need that to be interesting and keep me wanting more.

Cedric is your average thirty-something guy (well his looks aren't average) he grew up in a middle-class stable family with good moral and values. "Something" happened to him when he was a senior in college which has forever changed him. We are given small clues as to what this may be but we don't find out until later in the book. Was I shocked, unfortunately no. I really wanted to be but I felt like the clues were all there early on and I just so happened to guess right. So I think if you don't try and figure it out (impossible right?) then you may be more surprised than I was. Even so it kept me on the edge of my seat, and no it was not predictable--I just figured out the secret, not how everything would pan out.

Allison is in her mid-twenties and also had a stable upbringing. She was adopted as a baby by a single professional woman who loved and cherished her dearly until she died about a year before the novel begins. She meets Cedric while working as a waitress at a diner and they feel an immediate attraction to each other. Now if you're the type of person who hates insta-love don't worry, although they have an instant connection things progress slowly and most of the novel takes place over about a year. I absolutely LOVED them together and was rooting for them to have their HEA from very early on. But it would not come easy for them.

And I would not be doing this novel justice if I did not mention the unbelievable chemistry between Cedric and Allison. It was smokin hot but tender and emotional at the same time. I mean I FELT their chemistry deeply.

Quote:
My draw to Allison is not a choice. It's a completely uncontrollable pull that won't go away, despite the consequences of acting on it.

And the sex was HOT and beautiful ;)
Quote:
"I love...this...being inside you. You're the most beautiful woman in the world,"

But most of all I fell in love with Cedric--his gentle nature, protectiveness, and overall perfectness.

Quote:
"I'm not the type of guy who can give my heart to someone twice. You are the only woman who has ever claimed it. It's yours forever, take it or leave it."

If I had to critique anything it would be the use of overly descriptive statements that were slightly crass, which I don't usually mind but felt a little out of place in this otherwise "non-crass" novel. An example of this is how the heroine's inner monologue consisted of how her armpits were getting sweaty in the presence of Cedric (she thought this more than once). But most of the time her inner monologue was fine, and at times LOL funny--overall I really liked her, thought she was a genuine person, and connected with her.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes the New Adult genre, especially if you feel bored with it because this one is unique--but still has the NA feel.
~StacyHgg
Books Unhinged Book Blog
Format: Kindle
Source: Free on the store (no longer free)
Review Date: November 4th 2013

Riveting story with twist and turns and a secret to reveal. Couldn't put it down and had to read it in one sitting!! Also, one of the rare time I cried reading a book. The story of Allison and Caleb makes you go through many emotionless you get wrap up in their story. Emotions such as heartache, frustration, desire, shock,love, empathy...all come into mind. Great read if you want a book to get lost in on a quiet day to yourself!

just finish reading this book and woo what a surprise it was love the twist that has this book love the character in it and how they fell in love at first sight love how it felt feeling the way they felt for each other so strong and so tense I could put the book down this book make me laugh and cri tears of joy love the ending I recommend for u too read it and love it as much as I did

This was a captivating read!! An edge of your seat can't wait to turn the page to find out what happens next, read!! Cedric and Allison have so much chemistry, it just blew me away. I was certain I had the mystery figured out, but boy was I wrong. The anguish that Cedric feels over his desire to be honest with Allison and his desire to have her for himself, just tore me up. These characters were so easy to love. I had laugh out loud moments, sigh with contentment moments, heart palpitating moments and sobbing my heart out moments. Those are the best compliments I can give any book, ever. I felt everything they felt, good or bad, happy or sad. The writing was awesome, the story line amazing and surprising, the couple was perfect and the ending was everything I needed. I give it 5 stars and will most definitely recommend it to everyone I know. Thank you Penelope Ward for an amazing journey.

This story is not only different plot wise, it is also well knitted together. The secret when it came I thought I suspected, but not that. My heart breaks for the young Cedric, but also for Allison. I like the fact that Allison got her healing and peace of mind the way she did. This book is full of surprises and I don't want to spill. My advice? You need to read this yourself!

A well written story. Romantic, but not the same old storyline rehashed. I liked the way it incorporated serious topics of adoption and special needs. The only negative was too many brand names mentioned early in the tale. As the female lead was not materialistic these references felt slightly false.
I suppose I bought this because I am a Gemini, but I think all star signs will enjoy it ;)

This book is AMAZING! What a romantic love story between both characters. Allison and Cederic were truly meant to be together! This book is so passionate you can't get enough of it! I would recommend this book if you want to read an excellent love story!

I started reading it at 11:00pm yesterday and finished today at 9:30am... I haven't sleep at all!!!!!! An incredible story; l laughed, cried and surprised during my lecture... I will not give spoilers!!!!!! You must read it!!!! Looking forward for more stories of Penelope Ward....

I really enjoyed this book. This was just a random pick for me while waiting on another book I have been waiting to read to be released. I am so glad I picked Gemini to read. It was really good. I am not sure this author has written any other books but I will be looking forward to reading more from Penelope Ward.

I really enjoyed this book, not because I myself is a Gemini. I was glad to have stumbled upon this book. Really good concept and characters. When you usually read a book about secrets, the ending sucks,but this was a really hard to believe secret and I was glad to have read it. Please read it was funny in some parts as well.

Jake undone was better, the author honed her writhing skills with Jake. Cedric is charming but all the angst and looking back takes away from the main characters. Overall goo, but read Jake if you want interesting, funny, sexy fast paced romance.

Great story. Throughout the book, you know that Cedric has a big "secret". Boy, does he ever! I kept thinking throughout the story, "how bad could it be??", but yeah, I get it now. I read other reviews saying they never would have guessed his secret and so I was determined to figure it out...but I didn't. That was a good twist!

Awesome is the only word to describe this book. I am such a fan of Ms. Ward and this just knocked it out the park. I had already read Jake Undone so I was kind of shocked when he ended up Allison's brother was such shock. Loved the twist!!!

I started reading Penelope Ward's books with My Skylar and since I liked her style if reading so much that I tried Gemini. I noticed that her stories have many similar turn of events. Therefore I will not be reading Jake Undone. Overall Gemini is a good read

Gemini was a tale that I had trouble putting down. Very emotional and my heart hurt for both Allison and Cedric. But they found their way back to each other.
Penelope Ward is one of the most talented writers I and I have had the pleasure to read all her books.

I enjoyed reading this book, middle chapters made me not want to stop reading but it slowed down from there, which is great for me because it gave me a break. If you enjoy a good love story where you're heart race for anticipation of what's going to happen next then you should read this book. So easy to read. You too will fall in love.

Must read story about an amazing love affair. This story is so different than other romance stories. I thought I knew... But I didn't. So worth the read. Would love more from this author. The way Cedric loves Allison is unreal! This book has sensuality, love, tenderness and yes.. A bit of angst, but we get our HEA and no cliffhanger .

I got this book because the story looked good, it was free, and I'm a Gemini. : )

It was a quick read, because I couldn't put it down. I got a bit impatient with the story switching every other chapter from the Heroine to the Hero's point of view, and I think the end was a bit schmaltzy, but overall it was still a great read.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The story line was good and it would hold your interest because you really want to know what happened in college to so effect Cedric's life.

For most of his life, Cedric was somewhat of a Jackass. He reminds you of someone you knew in school, etc. Good looking as sin, has girls after him to the point that he can be an ass and there is still another girl willing to give it a go. Yet, for a guy that has finished college, lived in Chicago for 8 years and is now very successful and working in Boston, he seems to have the maturity of an 11 yr. old. His brother is 2 yr. older and the two of them seem to act like s0 year olds just experimenting with how many ways they can use the word s***! Even to discussing their bathroom habits. WHAT? This seems immature for even young adults.

I liked the story but at times I just wanted it to end. It just seemed to go on and on. In many cases you have to wonder, do any of these people just sit down and tell the truth? At the end, I nearly lost it when he proposes, she drags him outside the restaurant to tell him something, he is about to pass out thinking it is something awful and to just get on with it and she asks him to go back inside and get her a glass of water! Are you kidding me, just say it for god's sake. So I am about half ok and half stinks. I think at 17 this book would have been immature to me!

My first five star in a while...this book totally earned it. I couldn't put it down. All the characters come together so well to tell a story of hope, love, loss, forgiveness and happiness. It ticks all the boxes for me. I love there is no cliff hanger and it's a full story! Looking forward to reading the next book.

Wow this book was well written. I loved it. This is one of those books you never want to end. I was so into the book I loved that I could not guess what the secret was and no im not saying what it is. Would I recommend this book......yes I already have 10 stars my hat goes off to you Mrs. Ward on the beautiful well told story.

I read Jake Undone before actually reading this one so I knew how it was going to end but even though I knew they would be together in the end it still didn't stop my heart from beating faster and breaking for these characters. And the whole Wonder Woman thing had be dying from laughter. This book is amazing.

Truly an amazing read. At the beginning I anxiously wanted to know the connection between Cedric and Allison. It blew my ind once I finally figured it out. It was even more than what I thought I knew. Love the characters and the storyline. Very passionate and intriguing. Would definitely read more by Penelope Ward.

This book told from two different points of view was a heart turning book I just was not able to put down, I hope that those who read this review will buy and read this book. This is a work of art about life, family and tragedy, a must read! S. Russell, a new fan of this author.

Great read! The character development was spot on so you grew to care about the characters. Couldn't put it down because I had to find out the secret, which I thought when revealed, was a little creepy. Loved how she pulled it together at the end and will probably read the next book, Jake Undone.

A solid read. it's unique with the horoscope chapter intros but not overly done to be offensive if that's not your thing.  A really challenging story from several points of view and touches on several controversial issues that are handled in a very good way.  It has an ending & that's a good thing.

I was looking for something new and different. This was a GREAT refreshing read! So glad I found this little gem! Double bonus, I got it when it was free! :)

I am a hopeless romantic & love all types of romance books. I just needed something a little different than boy meets girl, insta love, HEA. This book certainly delivered. It was quirky, angsty, lovey, hot & steamy, & the twist I never saw coming. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed. Cedric was a perfect hero, and Allison was a love able character, not really sure who saved whom though... Lol.. You can read & decide for yourself.

It's been a few days since I read this book, and it still lingers in my mind. It's a great read & I would definitely recommend it.

Also, it is a nice quick read without a cliff hanger. It's like a pretty little present from the author, all wrapped up in a shiny bow. :)

Awesome book..... definitely a must read. No cliffhanger....I couldn't put this book down. The book made me cry, made me laugh and made me think. The author did an awesome job. Highly recommend the book.