Reviews

Providence by Jamie McGuire

ecemces's review against another edition

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3.0

3.3

devansbooklife's review

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3.0

This was a rather unique story. The plot was well developed, and the characters were written with clarity and thoroughly. There were moments that were exceptionally fast paced and thrilling, and other moments that bored me to death. The ending was incredible. Yet, I have mixed feelings. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. So I think I'll move on to something else on my TBR and maybe visit book two at another date.

sarahlreadseverything's review

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1.0

Unfortunately, I really, really didn't enjoy Providence. Although there was nothing wrong with the writing, the story was problematic. The love triangle was particularly problematic, with both of the male love interests showing little regard for the female love interests wishes - Ryan in particular, spends a vast majority of the book effectively trying to force himself on Nina, mentally if not physically. Jared is unfortunately little better in this regard. Generally the lack of agency Nina has throughout the whole of the novel just made me slightly sick feeling.

These factors are in themselves pretty much unforgivable, but are combined with a complete and utter lack of plot. Foreshadowing of plot is not enough. The actual story, which the main characters spend much of the novel discussing as something that "might eventually happen, but we really shouldn't worry about it that much" kicked in at 91% according to my Kindle. Before that, the whole thing is just a muddly mess of instalove (x2), couples fighting over nothing, emotional drama and pretend conflict. I haven't even read Twilight, and it still felt like Twilight fanfiction.

If this wasn't a book club pick, I definitely would have given up on it. As it is, I'm glad I didn't take the kindle trilogy bundle deal up, because I won't be returning to find out what happens to these characters.

sevbetweenpages's review

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4.0

Jared Ryel... the book was beyond perfect.. Jared, uhm yes Jared Jared Jared.

heatherliz86's review

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5.0

Loved it !!! One of my top ten books... I can't wait for EDEN !!!!!!

nessyfg's review

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2.0

I really enjoyed it in the beginning, but then the main character and the plot started feeling silly. Like if the author wanted to make so many plot twists about the romance and the fantasy part (*not to spoil what exactly happens).. didn't work for me.

keberwick's review

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2.0

Jamie McGuire, why have you failed me? Okay, maybe not failed, but this certainly isn't on the same level as the Beautiful Disaster series.

Nina meets Jared while reeling from her father's death. Nina soon begins to realize that Jared knows way more about her than most people do. As her father's former associates begin to show up out of nowhere, Nina begins to question what she knew about her father and what role Jared plays in all of this.

Bleh. If you couldn't tell, I don't exactly approve of the whole "stalker-becomes-lover" bullshit plot.
Spoiler even if Jared isn't really a stalker in this case
That's literally my only issue with the book. Nina is a fairly okay role-model in the sense that she's very determined, but she's not willing to see things from other perspectives. I just can't bring myself to be okay with the way that Jared and Nina's relationship begins. It weirds me out. It's reminiscent of Twilight, and I'm not down with that.

The writing of Providence is just as good as the Beautiful Disaster series, but the plot just bothered me so much that I really can't bring myself to recommend this book or to continue the series.

willeh's review

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3.0

This book was infuriating! Granted, I am a sucker for love stories but it dragged on so bad and I am not, at all, looking forward to the next. I will put it on hold and will read it 300 books from now IF EVEN!
Ugh. If it wasn't for the sucky love -__-

redentrapy's review

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5.0

So I loved this book. There was never a dull moment. I read this book because it was our book of the month and I'm grateful we picked this one.

This book gives us a spunky, follow her own path, college student named Nina. Her dad just passed away. At the funeral a handsome, charismatic, and caring guy sits down on the bench next to her while she's crying. Little does Nina know that this is the start of secrets and adventures with said guy Jared Ryel along for the ride. Jared seems to pop up everywhere she goes and then one day he asks her to lunch. Nina is unable to resist the charming, gorgeous, kind guy and accepts. As they get closed Jared starts pushing her away but then her and her friends are attacked and Jared saves their lives now she's more confused then ever. Jared decides to let Nina in. He tells her his secrets and why he seems to know her so well even though they just met even though he knows its against the rules.

Wow I loved these characters. Nina is spunky, feisty, and strong, she won't take no for an answer, and is stubborn to a fault. She is also loyal to her friends and filled with so much love and care for those she cares about. Jared wow this guy is the whole package. He has the looks, the charm, and is kind, caring, and sweet. He truly loved this girl and he hid it for so long because it might put her in danger. Not only that but he has awesome powers to boot. I won't tell you why but a wow this guy. Jamie did an incredible job showing the love these to have for each other the chemistry between these two was off the charts.

I also have to give a shout out to Nina's awesome friends. They remind me of my friends a little while I was reading and I couldn't help but put my friends faces with their names. Poor Ryan though he never had a chance with Jared as the competition. It just wasn't going to happen. I loved Ryan he was so lovable and he honestly tried to do everything in his power to make Nina happy. And OMG Beth I just want to jump into the story and hug her she is the best kind of friend anyone could ask for and Nina is so damn lucky. She is caring, loving, and honestly would do anything for Nina.

Ok so now that I've gushed about the romance let's talk about the incredible story behind the romance. This world is full of angels and demons. Nina's dad stole something from a very powerful demon and that demon wants it back. So Nina is being chased down and hunted through a good portion of the book. Not only that but because of Jared and Nina's taboo relationship the angels refuse to help them so now their on their own against a horde of demons. Jared will do anything to protect Nina, but will it be enough? Will they finally get their happy ending or will one die saving the other? Read and find out.

bucherwurmchen's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0