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I’m struggling a bit with this one. I was invested and wanted to know what happened next. I liked Jude and understand Caspian was complicated and misunderstood and I was rooting for them to get together most of the time, but it wasn’t a great romance. There was a lot of hurt and they spent a majority of the book apart. The book covers like 12 years, and until the end, they were ever really only together for about two weeks. But they got me to feel for them, and worry about them, and that makes it a success for me.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Scarlett’s writing is always so emotional and beautiful, and that’s exactly what this story was.
Jude was so relatable. His self exploration and life journey was beautiful to witness. I would have loved some Cas POVs, but that would have been so tough to read. It was hard enough to go through the heartbreak from Jude’s POV but add abuse on top of it?! My poor baby Cas.
Some of these reviews on GR ain’t it. How do y’all read 600+ pages and not realize Cas was abused and manipulated?! I can forgive Jude for not realizing it because he was also 15, but y’all are grown ass adults reading this book and hating a child for being groomed. Weird behavior.
I will forever recommend Scarlett’s books to people. She’s such a rare writer with this extraordinary talent to hit you right in the soul. I knew she was special after reading Hamartia, but this was on another level.
I’ll never forget this book.
Jude was so relatable. His self exploration and life journey was beautiful to witness. I would have loved some Cas POVs, but that would have been so tough to read. It was hard enough to go through the heartbreak from Jude’s POV but add abuse on top of it?! My poor baby Cas.
Some of these reviews on GR ain’t it. How do y’all read 600+ pages and not realize Cas was abused and manipulated?! I can forgive Jude for not realizing it because he was also 15, but y’all are grown ass adults reading this book and hating a child for being groomed. Weird behavior.
I will forever recommend Scarlett’s books to people. She’s such a rare writer with this extraordinary talent to hit you right in the soul. I knew she was special after reading Hamartia, but this was on another level.
I’ll never forget this book.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an incredibly beautifully written story. From the first sentence to the very last, I was captivated. Having seen so many people read this over the last few weeks, and seeing how much they loved it, I was a little hesitant to start it, but my god I am so glad I picked it up!
Oleander is a modern reimagining of Great Expectations, and having been a long time since I read GE, I'm not going to comment on the comparison, but from what I've seen it follows the story fairly closely.
This is not your usual romance, there's hurt, suffering and pining throughout. Jude falls in love with Caspien at 15 years old, when he and his family (small appreciation for Luke here please) move into the Deveraux Estate where Cas lives with his uncle Gideon. We follow Jude as he navigates his feelings for Cas and what that means for him and his sexuality.
It was a bright, burning Tuesday in August when Caspien Deveraux broke my heart for the first time
The heartbreak follows Jude through his teens and into his twenties, Cas breaks his heart over and over but Jude keeps his promise to love him and love him and love him.
Oleander is so unique, and beautifully written. Going through my highlights after reading just made me want to pick it back up and read it again. This is the first book I've read from Scarlett Drake, but it will certainly not be the last.
Oleander is a modern reimagining of Great Expectations, and having been a long time since I read GE, I'm not going to comment on the comparison, but from what I've seen it follows the story fairly closely.
This is not your usual romance, there's hurt, suffering and pining throughout. Jude falls in love with Caspien at 15 years old, when he and his family (small appreciation for Luke here please) move into the Deveraux Estate where Cas lives with his uncle Gideon. We follow Jude as he navigates his feelings for Cas and what that means for him and his sexuality.
It was a bright, burning Tuesday in August when Caspien Deveraux broke my heart for the first time
The heartbreak follows Jude through his teens and into his twenties, Cas breaks his heart over and over but Jude keeps his promise to love him and love him and love him.
Oleander is so unique, and beautifully written. Going through my highlights after reading just made me want to pick it back up and read it again. This is the first book I've read from Scarlett Drake, but it will certainly not be the last.
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my absolute favorite book of all time. Of any genre. Of anything I've EVER read. I don't even know how to put words to the brilliance that is Oleander, but I'll try.
Caspien Deveraux is the most vile, reprehensible boy that Jude Alcott has ever met. Caspien is conniving at worst and intolerable at best, and the two are forced to get along when Jude's uncle is hired to renovate the gardens at Deveraux House, where they will live on the property. Jude can't stand Cas, and yet...he can't seem to stay away from him, either.👀
This is a "reimagining" of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, but you certainly do not need to have read this classic to enjoy Oleander. Cas and Jude's story stands wholly on its own as one of the most raw and beautiful love stories I've ever read.🥺 This is not a typical romance as we're used to in the genre these days, but pulls heavily from its classic inspiration in the style of the storytelling. These characters are flawed and broken. They make wrong choices for the wrong reasons and for the right reasons. I'm not a big crier, but this book had me ugly crying more than once.😭 The story is told in first person single POV from Jude's perspective, and we get to see him grow from a boy to a man and get to know Caspien entirely through his eyes.
And ohhhh, Caspien. My vile little disaster duckling.🥺 I can't talk much about Caspien without spoiling the story (or without crying, let's be honest), but suffice it to say that of the hundreds of books I've read, he is my favorite character ever written, and you just need to experience him - and Jude's love for him - yourself.🥲
If you're looking for a classic retelling (but make it gay) with a hard-earned HEA, this book is for you.🩷
Read if you like:
• Coming of Age
• Slow Burn
• Soulmates
Caspien Deveraux is the most vile, reprehensible boy that Jude Alcott has ever met. Caspien is conniving at worst and intolerable at best, and the two are forced to get along when Jude's uncle is hired to renovate the gardens at Deveraux House, where they will live on the property. Jude can't stand Cas, and yet...he can't seem to stay away from him, either.👀
This is a "reimagining" of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, but you certainly do not need to have read this classic to enjoy Oleander. Cas and Jude's story stands wholly on its own as one of the most raw and beautiful love stories I've ever read.🥺 This is not a typical romance as we're used to in the genre these days, but pulls heavily from its classic inspiration in the style of the storytelling. These characters are flawed and broken. They make wrong choices for the wrong reasons and for the right reasons. I'm not a big crier, but this book had me ugly crying more than once.😭 The story is told in first person single POV from Jude's perspective, and we get to see him grow from a boy to a man and get to know Caspien entirely through his eyes.
And ohhhh, Caspien. My vile little disaster duckling.🥺 I can't talk much about Caspien without spoiling the story (or without crying, let's be honest), but suffice it to say that of the hundreds of books I've read, he is my favorite character ever written, and you just need to experience him - and Jude's love for him - yourself.🥲
If you're looking for a classic retelling (but make it gay) with a hard-earned HEA, this book is for you.🩷
Read if you like:
• Coming of Age
• Slow Burn
• Soulmates
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Have you ever found a love so all encompassing and allusive? My heart will take some time to recover from this one! My first Scarlett Drake novel is superb and a favorite for 2024. It's a beautifully tragic coming of age love story that I couldn't put down.
The story revolves around the lives of Caspien "Cas" Deveraux and Jude Alcott, two young men whose paths intertwine in a tumultuous and passionate love affair. Despite facing manipulation and mind games, their undeniable attraction drives them together, leading to a love that is intense and volatile. In addition, buried secrets are unraveled and lingering questions are answered which adds an element of intrigue reminiscent of classical literature.
Jude's character is beautifully written as a young man navigating the rough waters of love and self-discovery. His journey is fraught with heartbreak and despair and encouraging moments of resilience and growth supported by his brother-in-law Luke and loyal friends. Witnessing Jude's transformation from a lovesick teenager to a mature, courageous man was both moving and inspiring.
Cas is a complex and enigmatic figure, shrouded in privilege and mystery. He is initially an unlikable character but he gradually reveals his vulnerability and inner turmoil which made me reconsider my feelings toward him. Throughout the book, the story is told in Jude's words and the brilliant kicker is when the author skillfully presents the last chapter from Cas's point of view. Bravo!
I wholeheartedly recommend this extremely beautiful novel to anyone looking for a moving and superbly written tale of self-discovery, love, and resilience. This book will leave you spellbound.
Thank you to Ms. Drake for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
The story revolves around the lives of Caspien "Cas" Deveraux and Jude Alcott, two young men whose paths intertwine in a tumultuous and passionate love affair. Despite facing manipulation and mind games, their undeniable attraction drives them together, leading to a love that is intense and volatile. In addition, buried secrets are unraveled and lingering questions are answered which adds an element of intrigue reminiscent of classical literature.
Jude's character is beautifully written as a young man navigating the rough waters of love and self-discovery. His journey is fraught with heartbreak and despair and encouraging moments of resilience and growth supported by his brother-in-law Luke and loyal friends. Witnessing Jude's transformation from a lovesick teenager to a mature, courageous man was both moving and inspiring.
Cas is a complex and enigmatic figure, shrouded in privilege and mystery. He is initially an unlikable character but he gradually reveals his vulnerability and inner turmoil which made me reconsider my feelings toward him. Throughout the book, the story is told in Jude's words and the brilliant kicker is when the author skillfully presents the last chapter from Cas's point of view. Bravo!
I wholeheartedly recommend this extremely beautiful novel to anyone looking for a moving and superbly written tale of self-discovery, love, and resilience. This book will leave you spellbound.
Thank you to Ms. Drake for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes