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The Ribbon Duet #1
The Boy & His Ribbon
“What do you do when you meet your soul mate? No wait… that’s too easy. What do you do when you meet your soul mate and have to spend a lifetime loving him in secret?
I’ll tell you what you do.
You lie.”
REN
Ren was eight when he learned that love doesn’t exist—that the one person who was supposed to adore him only cared how much he was worth.
His mother sold him and for two years, he lived in terror.
But then… he ran.
He thought he’d run on his own. Turned out, he took something of theirs by accident and it became the one thing he never wanted and the only thing he ever needed.
DELLA
I was young when I fell in love with him, when he switched from my world to my everything.
My parents bought him for cheap labour, just like they had with many other kids, and he had the scars to prove it.
At the start, he hated me, and I could understand why.
For years he was my worst enemy, fiercest protector, and dearest friend.
But by the end… he loved me.
The only problem was, he loved me in an entirely different way to the way I loved him.
And slowly, my secret drove us apart.
I’ll tell you what you do.
You lie.”
REN
Ren was eight when he learned that love doesn’t exist—that the one person who was supposed to adore him only cared how much he was worth.
His mother sold him and for two years, he lived in terror.
But then… he ran.
He thought he’d run on his own. Turned out, he took something of theirs by accident and it became the one thing he never wanted and the only thing he ever needed.
DELLA
I was young when I fell in love with him, when he switched from my world to my everything.
My parents bought him for cheap labour, just like they had with many other kids, and he had the scars to prove it.
At the start, he hated me, and I could understand why.
For years he was my worst enemy, fiercest protector, and dearest friend.
But by the end… he loved me.
The only problem was, he loved me in an entirely different way to the way I loved him.
And slowly, my secret drove us apart.
386 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2018
About the author
Pepper Winters
114 books16.6k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,704 reviews
April 16, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! The Boy and His Ribbon, book 1 of 2. A coming-of age tale of fate, survival & a burning yet forbidden love!
Books in The Ribbons duet should be read in order:
Book 1: The Boy and His Ribbon
Book 2: The Girl and Her Ren
“…the only thing I loved, the only girl I ever needed, the only friend I ever wanted…”
The Boy and His Ribbon (book 1) follows Ren Wild and Della Mclary aka Della Ribbon from childhood into adulthood. Escaping captivity, their codependent relationship evolved from a deep and pure friendship into confusing forbidden feelings that could never be. Time and time again destiny played its cards while fate intervened.
“…all I wanted to do was kneel before my tiny ribbon and beg her to forgive me…”
Told in dual POVs, alternating between flashbacks and current events, it’s a coming of age tale of survival, heart-break, betrayal, mistakes and an inevitable and doomed love. A tale so special it warmed and broke my heart in equal measures. It ends tragically leading right to book 2, The Girl and Her Ren for the conclusion of their saga.
Perseverance! Temptation! Destiny!
“A new day where even sunshine couldn’t fix what was broken. Della didn’t need me anymore, but somehow, I needed her more than ever.”
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★1/2
Sex scenes: N/A
Story ending: N/A
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | HIGH FOCUS |
Darkness: | HIGH FOCUS |
Humor: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | LOW FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Thank you Shhluts, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, Liz, Heather, LittleKitten, Ammie, Mamacita & Dayna for our ARC(F)BR!
ARC provided to me by author Pepper Winters in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2021
i completely forgot how unrealistic the vast majority of this story is, but man. it still packs a punch straight to the heart. 💔
___________________________
this book absolutely consumed me in my entirety. my heart, mind, and soul. all of it now belongs to this story.
my emotions are all over the place at the moment. from the beginning, i was rooting for della and ren. its not difficult to understand where things are headed and i wanted it to work out. i really did. but as the story progressed, as the characters grew and aged, i couldnt help but reevaluate what i wanted from this story.
i definitely feel like della was ruining everything for ren towards the end (i get it, but still). even though i wanted something to work between the two, it would be impossible for me to ignore how ren felt and not agree with his feelings/support his decisions. i dunno. im kind of a mess at the moment. its just so complicated (an understatement).
i guess i can only see where the sequel takes the story. i just wanted everyone to be healthy and happy, is that too much to ask??
↠ 4.5 stars
___________________________
this book absolutely consumed me in my entirety. my heart, mind, and soul. all of it now belongs to this story.
my emotions are all over the place at the moment. from the beginning, i was rooting for della and ren. its not difficult to understand where things are headed and i wanted it to work out. i really did. but as the story progressed, as the characters grew and aged, i couldnt help but reevaluate what i wanted from this story.
i definitely feel like della was ruining everything for ren towards the end (i get it, but still). even though i wanted something to work between the two, it would be impossible for me to ignore how ren felt and not agree with his feelings/support his decisions. i dunno. im kind of a mess at the moment. its just so complicated (an understatement).
i guess i can only see where the sequel takes the story. i just wanted everyone to be healthy and happy, is that too much to ask??
↠ 4.5 stars
March 29, 2018
"The sensation of holding her was one of coming home after being lost for so long, and I ached."
This was both one of the most unique and outrageously hooking trips I have taken in a while.
Let's see how that looks in bold.
This was both one of the most unique and outrageously hooking trips I have taken in a while.
Damn, still the same feeling....
________________
“Ah! It’s not squirms, it’s sperms!”
I think it's safe to start this review by stating a couple key things that are running through my mind.
→ Pepper Winters has always been an author that I would and will drop what I am doing and run for whatever she is offering. I think The Boy and His Ribbon is her best writing to date. Although it may not be my favourite story, I have seen her writing evolve from her earlier works and this is the epitome - it truly showcases how passionate she is about stories.
→ This was probably the closest I've come to a 4 star read in a month. A month of slow and very meh reads that I wish were better for both me and the book.
→ In the last section of her book, in her acknowledgments - Pepper writes about how effortless it was to write and finish this book. Reading it was the exact same experience. Once you pick it up, it all but begs you to finish it. Then once you get to that cliffhanger - you too, are going to be sitting here like me not knowing what the hell to do with life. Join the club, we have shirts.
→ I'd say the latter end of the book (so the last handful of chapters) were solid 4/ 5 star reads. It oozed in sorrow and emotion and it made me want to rip my heart out and tell it to stop beating like a maniac. Because it was so real and it could relate to so many others out there - the whole concept of unrequited love has been an audience favourite since Shakespearean times and hats off to Pepper for making it an unforgettable read!
→ Lastly, and this is probably the most important: The Boy and His Ribbon is probably not for everyone. This was a very different approach to romance. I'd rightly put it in the dark romance section not because it deals with the topics that we usually find in that sub section - but because it takes something light and pure like innocence and it turns it into something dark and sinful that you can't help but root for, even though you know it's probably not right. It does all of this without you knowing that you are the puppet and this book pulls the strings.
Atypical Romance
Right as it starts, you are pulled into rooting for a character that you don't even know! That's the power of this book - you find yourself being the foam finger cheerleader of these beyond broken and burnt characters and even though the romance may be 'wrong' - you're still there on the bleachers going "THAT'S MY F#@!ERS"
All through the first 75%, I couldn't help but notice how it read like Flowers in the Attic. It felt like the plot was very character driven because if it wasn't - I would say that at times, it held very stale and dull plot movements. The start when Della is a baby felt really unrealistic because kids at that age don't tend to comprehend and mentally understand all the stuff that Della could, but I shortly overlooked that as the chapters carried on.
The characters were the winning leaf for me in this clusterfuck of a tree. The romance felt weird at times, because we got to see a child being raised and in a way, I ended up being an authority figure over Della because it truly felt like I watch her grow up. So I understand where Ren's thoughts were coming from. Not to spoil much for future readers, but go into this with an open mind and read both points of views with an open heart.
I also think the blurb of the book doesn't give away much for a reason, because like me if you go into this blind - you will experience a helluva lot more than you anticipated to!
I'm glad the author showed how disturbing it was too - I'm glad she just didn't tiptoe around the subject because they weren't technically related - she faced it headfirst and dived with all the potential reviewer sharks that could come out and say she masked something inappropriate as romance.
This was both one of the most unique and outrageously hooking trips I have taken in a while.
Let's see how that looks in bold.
This was both one of the most unique and outrageously hooking trips I have taken in a while.
Damn, still the same feeling....
________________
“Ah! It’s not squirms, it’s sperms!”
I think it's safe to start this review by stating a couple key things that are running through my mind.
→ Pepper Winters has always been an author that I would and will drop what I am doing and run for whatever she is offering. I think The Boy and His Ribbon is her best writing to date. Although it may not be my favourite story, I have seen her writing evolve from her earlier works and this is the epitome - it truly showcases how passionate she is about stories.
→ This was probably the closest I've come to a 4 star read in a month. A month of slow and very meh reads that I wish were better for both me and the book.
"I knew the second the matching piece of my heart arrived."
→ In the last section of her book, in her acknowledgments - Pepper writes about how effortless it was to write and finish this book. Reading it was the exact same experience. Once you pick it up, it all but begs you to finish it. Then once you get to that cliffhanger - you too, are going to be sitting here like me not knowing what the hell to do with life. Join the club, we have shirts.
→ I'd say the latter end of the book (so the last handful of chapters) were solid 4/ 5 star reads. It oozed in sorrow and emotion and it made me want to rip my heart out and tell it to stop beating like a maniac. Because it was so real and it could relate to so many others out there - the whole concept of unrequited love has been an audience favourite since Shakespearean times and hats off to Pepper for making it an unforgettable read!
"Why do I insist on slicing through the sticky tape on my constantly breaking heart and stabbing it over and over again? "
→ Lastly, and this is probably the most important: The Boy and His Ribbon is probably not for everyone. This was a very different approach to romance. I'd rightly put it in the dark romance section not because it deals with the topics that we usually find in that sub section - but because it takes something light and pure like innocence and it turns it into something dark and sinful that you can't help but root for, even though you know it's probably not right. It does all of this without you knowing that you are the puppet and this book pulls the strings.
"My heart stopped with how perfect she was. How smart. How kind. How brave. I’d never look at the colour blue again without thinking of her. I’d never hold another ribbon again without wanting to hold her."
Atypical Romance
"My family was a single girl who I would happily die for, and lately, that was exactly what she made me want to do."
Right as it starts, you are pulled into rooting for a character that you don't even know! That's the power of this book - you find yourself being the foam finger cheerleader of these beyond broken and burnt characters and even though the romance may be 'wrong' - you're still there on the bleachers going "THAT'S MY F#@!ERS"
"In my ten measly years on this unforgiving, cruel, terrible earth, right there I found home, and no matter where we ended up, I’d always be home because I would never let her go again. “I’m sorry, Della Mclary."
All through the first 75%, I couldn't help but notice how it read like Flowers in the Attic. It felt like the plot was very character driven because if it wasn't - I would say that at times, it held very stale and dull plot movements. The start when Della is a baby felt really unrealistic because kids at that age don't tend to comprehend and mentally understand all the stuff that Della could, but I shortly overlooked that as the chapters carried on.
The characters were the winning leaf for me in this clusterfuck of a tree. The romance felt weird at times, because we got to see a child being raised and in a way, I ended up being an authority figure over Della because it truly felt like I watch her grow up. So I understand where Ren's thoughts were coming from. Not to spoil much for future readers, but go into this with an open mind and read both points of views with an open heart.
"She soaked it in, her cheeks pink, but her eyes alive and desperate for more. “Okay.” She turned the page, reading aloud, “Males have penises that grow hard with blood in order to have int—inter—” She looked up, meeting my tortured gaze. “What’s that word, Ren?”
I also think the blurb of the book doesn't give away much for a reason, because like me if you go into this blind - you will experience a helluva lot more than you anticipated to!
I'm glad the author showed how disturbing it was too - I'm glad she just didn't tiptoe around the subject because they weren't technically related - she faced it headfirst and dived with all the potential reviewer sharks that could come out and say she masked something inappropriate as romance.
"There is no me without him"
December 2, 2018
Oh wow...
March 29, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
THE BOY AND HIS RIBBON: is the first book in Pepper Winter’s ‘The Ribbon’ duet. In this we meet Ren and Della. Told in ‘Dual Perspectives’
About a boy and a girl…
2000: Ten year old Ren has escaped the terrors of his captivity, dodging bullets just to get away from the terrors that held him captive at a run down old farm house where his mother had sold him two winters before hand, with no recollection of life before he was sold. Running with only a few supplies in a backpack on his back.
He had nowhere to go
No money
No one to help him
No guarantee of survival
No known direction to head towards
N0 food or water, no tent or blanket, no spare clothes.
Nothing..
Straight away you are pulled into the story weither you wanted to be or not, at times it’s not an easy book to read, unannounced it will grab you by the throat and it won’t let go, your heart strings will be obliterated to smithereens, Pepper Winters will have you eating her words out of the palm of her hand as she weaves her spell binding magic whilst you sit there devouring all her written words, eating the pages up as you race to see what’s coming around the corner. I was hooked beyond words.
On the run, two mouths to feed, a burden weighing him down, foraging for food, stealing to survive. If it was just him things would’ve been a hell of a lot better, but it’s not just him there’s Della to take care of too. Della somehow had become his responsibility when he ran from hell.
I would die for her
I would live for her.
I would kill for her.
To Present Day:
INTRODUCTORY ASSIGNMENT FOR: Creative writing class
PROFESSOR: Diane Baxter
BRIEF: To write a non-fiction piece about our lives that reads like fiction.
Dear Professor Baxter,
I know you asked us to write something true that reads as fake, but I have a problem.
I'm not trying to be difficult and refuse to do the assignment but...well,
this problem of mine..it's a fairly big problem.
You see, I'm not allowed to tell the truth.
Ever.
This is in written form in Della’s own words for a school assignment which she debates weither she’ll even turn it in or not, we read her actual memories of when she was just a toddler to her teenage years.
It wasn’t that I hated her because she was the blood of my enemies but because, day by day, she was robbing me of my only chance at making something of myself.
I've tried to make this as spoiler free as I possibly could. All I can really say is that I highly recommend this book, so unique, a heartfelt story that is like nothing I have ever read before!!
* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page.. *
April 20, 2018
The Boy and His Ribbon is my very first Pepper Winters novel. I've been wanting to read a book by this author for quite some time now, because I've heard so many people sing her praises. Well, I finally see what all the fuss is about! It's obvious to me from this book that the author is an amazing storyteller.
This is such a unique coming of age tale/romance. The romance aspect isn't as much the focus as is the actual survival, struggle, and bonding of Ren and Della. Don't get me wrong, the love they share is front and center, but not in the way you might think. Something tells me that might change in the next book though. Now that both characters are legal adults, and their feelings are being made more clear, it's probably just a matter of time.
Spanning about 18 years, we are with Ren and Della for most of their lives watching them grow up. This book feels really long, and I think it's because we actually do get that experience of seeing them change from toddler/child to adults. The way they rely on one another and the complicated emotions and feelings they have for each another is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.
When it comes to the hero and the heroine, I have a clear favorite between the two. Ren is a remarkable character that you can't help but feel for. He suffered things a child should never have to, witnessed the worst of humanity, and still came out of it a good man. Let's not forget that he cared for and provided for a child while he was one himself. The way he sacrifices pretty much everything for Della is touching. I challenge you to find a more hardworking, loyal, and selfless hero than Ren. Above anything else, I just need him to have a happily ever after in the end.
The Boy and His Ribbon is a fantastically written and emotional tale of survival, friendship, unconventional relationships, and forbidden love. I did have to suspend disbelief many times while reading, but I was still able to enjoy the book despite that. The storytelling was so good that I got over it pretty quickly. Upon reaching the ending, I was left somewhat unsatisfied, but that's only because I want the entire story and to know how everything works out right now. I'm greedy like that. Lol Needless to say, I'm going to be reading the conclusion to this duet as soon as possible!
If you're tired of the same old romance plots and want something just a little bit different, this one's for you ! I recommend this book to fans of taboo romance and super slow burns!
ARC provided by Netgalley.
This is such a unique coming of age tale/romance. The romance aspect isn't as much the focus as is the actual survival, struggle, and bonding of Ren and Della. Don't get me wrong, the love they share is front and center, but not in the way you might think. Something tells me that might change in the next book though. Now that both characters are legal adults, and their feelings are being made more clear, it's probably just a matter of time.
Spanning about 18 years, we are with Ren and Della for most of their lives watching them grow up. This book feels really long, and I think it's because we actually do get that experience of seeing them change from toddler/child to adults. The way they rely on one another and the complicated emotions and feelings they have for each another is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.
When it comes to the hero and the heroine, I have a clear favorite between the two. Ren is a remarkable character that you can't help but feel for. He suffered things a child should never have to, witnessed the worst of humanity, and still came out of it a good man. Let's not forget that he cared for and provided for a child while he was one himself. The way he sacrifices pretty much everything for Della is touching. I challenge you to find a more hardworking, loyal, and selfless hero than Ren. Above anything else, I just need him to have a happily ever after in the end.
The Boy and His Ribbon is a fantastically written and emotional tale of survival, friendship, unconventional relationships, and forbidden love. I did have to suspend disbelief many times while reading, but I was still able to enjoy the book despite that. The storytelling was so good that I got over it pretty quickly. Upon reaching the ending, I was left somewhat unsatisfied, but that's only because I want the entire story and to know how everything works out right now. I'm greedy like that. Lol Needless to say, I'm going to be reading the conclusion to this duet as soon as possible!
If you're tired of the same old romance plots and want something just a little bit different, this one's for you ! I recommend this book to fans of taboo romance and super slow burns!
ARC provided by Netgalley.
March 31, 2018
★4.5★
The Boy and His Ribbon is the first book in The Ribbon Duet. This is a heartbreaking and beautiful story of a boy who finds himself taking care of a girl. This is the story of their journey.
Overall, I highly recommend The Boy and His Ribbon to anyone who enjoys a beautiful coming of age story blended into a forbidden and yet EPIC romance. I have high hopes for Ren and Della to find their way back to each other. No doubt the journey will be long and hard, it is certain that it will be worth the pain.
*This was an (F)BR with my Shhlutty Sisters: SueBee, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, and Dayna!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"Ren was simple. Ren spoiled me. Ren kept me in line. No one else came close."
The Boy and His Ribbon is the first book in The Ribbon Duet. This is a heartbreaking and beautiful story of a boy who finds himself taking care of a girl. This is the story of their journey.
"Humans were complicated creatures, and smiles were full of poison."Ren was eight years old when he managed to escape the brutality that existed in his world. Once he was safe and in the wild he realized that he had a stowaway in his pack. A baby girl. Although he knew it would be best to leave her somewhere safe, he simply could not seem to let her go. Della grew up only knowing the love and affection of Ren her protector. As these two navigate poverty, childhood, and building long-lasting trust, a tender connection is formed. As Della and Ren grow older unexpected emotions begin to arise in them both. On the path of their journey, they meet many friends and foes. The pain they experience as their relationship shifts are like nothing either has ever felt before. What can you do when you fall in love with the one person you can never have?
"How many times do you think a person can survive a broken heart?"Told in dual POV, The Boy and His Ribbon is a beautifully written piece that absolutely tore me apart. The emotions evoked in this reading are raw and real. Ren and Della have only ever had each other. When other people begin to stand in the way of their bond, all hell breaks loose! It is forbidden for Ren and Della to succumb to the feelings they are having for each other and yet, it appears that they cannot seem to stay apart. As the push and pull continue to increase throughout the read, my heart broke for them both. When they both find a connection in the arms of another, my heart shattered. When they both felt isolated from the other, I could barely read the text as my eyes were blurry with tears. As the story is mainly told through flashbacks, Della is crafting a story of her memories. I connected with her on a deeper level and although it may be forbidden, I feel like she deserves to be with the only man she has ever loved. Ren feels guilty, therefore, he will never be able to give her what she needs.
Overall, I highly recommend The Boy and His Ribbon to anyone who enjoys a beautiful coming of age story blended into a forbidden and yet EPIC romance. I have high hopes for Ren and Della to find their way back to each other. No doubt the journey will be long and hard, it is certain that it will be worth the pain.
*This was an (F)BR with my Shhlutty Sisters: SueBee, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, and Dayna!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 31, 2018
I'm a huge fan of Pepper Winters and this book was my 23th book of hers. Told you! I'm a big fan! :D Anyway when I first saw this book I was expecting something dark, just like her other books but this book was really surprised me in here. I really, really loved Ren. He always thinks about Della, because he cares about her so much. He always puts himself second place because of her. So why 4 stars? This is my fault actually. If this book was my 1st book of Pepper I'd give 5 stars without a doubt but because of my expectations I gave it 4 stars but still I really enjoyed it. And please don't mind my rating and go into blind this story. <3 Also I highly recommend all the books of Pepper Winters to you. :)
Ps. I'm so excited to read 2nd book soon. Thank God, we won't wait too long. (Expected publication: June 5th 2018: )
"I'm a living proof that a heart can be broken a thousand times and still function, still keep you alive— desperately hoping that it won’t happen again, all the while knowing it will."
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤
“What do you do when you meet your soul mate? No wait…that’s too easy. What do you do when you meet your soul mate and have to spend a lifetime loving him in secret?
I’ll tell you what you do.
You lie."
REN
Ren was eight when he learned that love doesn’t exist—that the one person who was supposed to adore him only cared how much he was worth.
His mother sold him and for two years, he lived in terror.
But then…he ran.
He thought he’d run on his own. Turned out, he took something of theirs by accident and it became the one thing he never wanted and the only thing he ever needed.
DELLA
I was young when I fell in love with him, when he switched from my world to my everything.
My parents bought him for cheap labour, just like they had with many other kids, and he had the scars to prove it.
At the start, he hated me, and I could understand why.
For years he was my worst enemy, fiercest protector, and dearest friend.
But by the end…he loved me.
The only problem was, he loved me in an entirely different way to the way I loved him.
And slowly, my secret drove us apart.
Read Today!
THE BOY & HIS RIBBON, Book 1
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2uIPvK6
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2GqplkM
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2uERH5l
iBooks: https://apple.co/2FAxazG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2p5Zpzj
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2p0pKQ3
Nook: http://bit.ly/2FrgcrF
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2DAOiYo
More Information: http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU
Pre-Order Book 2!
THE GIRL & HER REN, Book 2
iBooks: https://apple.co/2Fxl9v4
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2IkTtvm
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2FHfB4g
Nook: http://bit.ly/2Ii3Hwf
More Information: http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU
P.S. Teasers are taken from author's FB page. <3
Ps. I'm so excited to read 2nd book soon. Thank God, we won't wait too long. (Expected publication: June 5th 2018: )
"I'm a living proof that a heart can be broken a thousand times and still function, still keep you alive— desperately hoping that it won’t happen again, all the while knowing it will."
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤
“What do you do when you meet your soul mate? No wait…that’s too easy. What do you do when you meet your soul mate and have to spend a lifetime loving him in secret?
I’ll tell you what you do.
You lie."
REN
Ren was eight when he learned that love doesn’t exist—that the one person who was supposed to adore him only cared how much he was worth.
His mother sold him and for two years, he lived in terror.
But then…he ran.
He thought he’d run on his own. Turned out, he took something of theirs by accident and it became the one thing he never wanted and the only thing he ever needed.
DELLA
I was young when I fell in love with him, when he switched from my world to my everything.
My parents bought him for cheap labour, just like they had with many other kids, and he had the scars to prove it.
At the start, he hated me, and I could understand why.
For years he was my worst enemy, fiercest protector, and dearest friend.
But by the end…he loved me.
The only problem was, he loved me in an entirely different way to the way I loved him.
And slowly, my secret drove us apart.
Read Today!
THE BOY & HIS RIBBON, Book 1
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2uIPvK6
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2GqplkM
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iBooks: https://apple.co/2FAxazG
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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2DAOiYo
More Information: http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU
Pre-Order Book 2!
THE GIRL & HER REN, Book 2
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More Information: http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU
P.S. Teasers are taken from author's FB page. <3
November 13, 2021
5.5 RIBBON Stars
This book was absolutely fantastic! I adored the writing, the characters, the pace, and the unique storyline. This is a story that spans years of a runaway boy and a baby girl.
"Once upon a time, there was a boy and a baby.”
Ren and Della survive years in and out of society. As Ren raises baby Della being only a boy himself. It’s a story of family, responsibility, growing up and it was simply superb while grazing the taboo!
"Was she in love with me? And if she was…where the fuck did that leave us?”
"She was my one weakness, and I was determined to stay immune to her for her own protection."
I thought this first book of this duet ending perfectly. It’s heartbreaking but I think needed to happen in such a coming-of-age tale. I loved both characters and am super excited to get my hands on the ending!
"There is no me without him.”
This book was absolutely fantastic! I adored the writing, the characters, the pace, and the unique storyline. This is a story that spans years of a runaway boy and a baby girl.
"Once upon a time, there was a boy and a baby.”
Ren and Della survive years in and out of society. As Ren raises baby Della being only a boy himself. It’s a story of family, responsibility, growing up and it was simply superb while grazing the taboo!
"Was she in love with me? And if she was…where the fuck did that leave us?”
"She was my one weakness, and I was determined to stay immune to her for her own protection."
I thought this first book of this duet ending perfectly. It’s heartbreaking but I think needed to happen in such a coming-of-age tale. I loved both characters and am super excited to get my hands on the ending!
"There is no me without him.”
May 16, 2024
"I'm a living proof that a heart can be broken a thousand times and still function, still keep you alive- desperately hoping that it won't happen again, all the while knowing it will."
😭❤️🩹
“What do you do when you meet your soul mate? No wait… that’s too easy. What do you do when you meet your soul mate and have to spend a lifetime loving him in secret?
I’ll tell you what you do.
You lie.” 🎀💙💔
It has, in all honestly, been a long time since I’ve read Pepper. After the Monsters in the Dark series, I really haven’t read anything by her. But just because I haven’t doesn’t mean I haven’t kept up with her over the years. Tears of Tess had made a big enough impact on me to never forget her.
I'm such a sucker for a dark and deeply emotional romance so when I started hearing about this book, that Pepper was the author and how it will rip your heart out- well of course I had to read it.
The moment I started this book, I could physically feel my heart galloping as Ren ran away from his slavery. Like I said already, I haven’t read Winters in years. But still, right from the beginning I knew this was going to be one of her best works- even without having read a good majority of her other books.
I know reading that blurb makes you feel like it’s a romantic book, I thought it would lean more romance myself before I started it- but it’s not. Not until the last few chapters at least. The one category best fitting it is Fiction or Contemporary Fiction. I can see people being disappointed initially and I really only think that because if you go in expecting hearts and flowers romance (definitely not Winter's cup of tea) or even thinking that it's a dark romance- you will be disappointed because it's so much more.
╰┈➤ It's taboo, age gap and forbidden love. A coming of age story of two individuals who depended on each other to survive and ultimately ended up falling in love.
But don’t don’t shy away from this book just because of that. Give this a chance, because that’s all this book really begs for. After that, you’ll be the one begging it to have mercy on you.
╰┈➤ 𝓡𝓔𝓝
Ren was eight when he learned that love doesn’t exist—that the one person who was supposed to adore him only cared how much he was worth.
His mother sold him and for two years, he lived in terror.
But then…he ran.
He thought he’d run on his own. Turned out, he took something of theirs by accident and it became the one thing he never wanted and the only thing he ever needed.
╰┈➤ 𝓓𝓔𝓛𝓛𝓐
I was young when I fell in love with him, when he switched from my world to my everything.
My parents bought him for cheap labor, just like they had with many other kids, and he had the scars to prove it.
At the start, he hated me, and I could understand why.
For years he was my worst enemy, fiercest protector, and dearest friend.
But by the end…he loved me.
The only problem was, he loved me in an entirely different way to the way I loved him.
And slowly, my secret drove us apart.
I don't want to go too much into the plot as I feel like this is a journey the reader should experience on their own. I, myself had to really sit on this a couple of days after finishing it to really collect my thoughts and feelings on it.
In the last couple of days this story has just stayed clawing it's way back into my mind over and over again- I can't seem to stop thinking about it. I really wanted a little more from book 1 but I'm definitely ready to see where we go in book 2 after the cliffhanger.
╰┈➤ 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓟𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓪𝓰𝓮𝓼
"Forgotten and alone on the very same rug where I’d placed her, her little shoulders sank almost to her tiny hips. She was a puddle of despair, and it tore me up inside."
"My family was a single girl who I would happily die for, and lately, that was exactly what she made me want to do.”
“Why do I insist on slicing through the sticky tape on my constantly breaking heart and stabbing it over and over again? “
"The urge to run crippled me. But my love for Della broke me."
“What do you do when you meet your soul mate? No wait… that’s too easy. What do you do when you meet your soul mate and have to spend a lifetime loving him in secret?
I’ll tell you what you do.
You lie.” 🎀💙💔
It has, in all honestly, been a long time since I’ve read Pepper. After the Monsters in the Dark series, I really haven’t read anything by her. But just because I haven’t doesn’t mean I haven’t kept up with her over the years. Tears of Tess had made a big enough impact on me to never forget her.
I'm such a sucker for a dark and deeply emotional romance so when I started hearing about this book, that Pepper was the author and how it will rip your heart out- well of course I had to read it.
The moment I started this book, I could physically feel my heart galloping as Ren ran away from his slavery. Like I said already, I haven’t read Winters in years. But still, right from the beginning I knew this was going to be one of her best works- even without having read a good majority of her other books.
I know reading that blurb makes you feel like it’s a romantic book, I thought it would lean more romance myself before I started it- but it’s not. Not until the last few chapters at least. The one category best fitting it is Fiction or Contemporary Fiction. I can see people being disappointed initially and I really only think that because if you go in expecting hearts and flowers romance (definitely not Winter's cup of tea) or even thinking that it's a dark romance- you will be disappointed because it's so much more.
╰┈➤ It's taboo, age gap and forbidden love. A coming of age story of two individuals who depended on each other to survive and ultimately ended up falling in love.
But don’t don’t shy away from this book just because of that. Give this a chance, because that’s all this book really begs for. After that, you’ll be the one begging it to have mercy on you.
╰┈➤ 𝓡𝓔𝓝
Ren was eight when he learned that love doesn’t exist—that the one person who was supposed to adore him only cared how much he was worth.
His mother sold him and for two years, he lived in terror.
But then…he ran.
He thought he’d run on his own. Turned out, he took something of theirs by accident and it became the one thing he never wanted and the only thing he ever needed.
╰┈➤ 𝓓𝓔𝓛𝓛𝓐
I was young when I fell in love with him, when he switched from my world to my everything.
My parents bought him for cheap labor, just like they had with many other kids, and he had the scars to prove it.
At the start, he hated me, and I could understand why.
For years he was my worst enemy, fiercest protector, and dearest friend.
But by the end…he loved me.
The only problem was, he loved me in an entirely different way to the way I loved him.
And slowly, my secret drove us apart.
I don't want to go too much into the plot as I feel like this is a journey the reader should experience on their own. I, myself had to really sit on this a couple of days after finishing it to really collect my thoughts and feelings on it.
In the last couple of days this story has just stayed clawing it's way back into my mind over and over again- I can't seem to stop thinking about it. I really wanted a little more from book 1 but I'm definitely ready to see where we go in book 2 after the cliffhanger.
╰┈➤ 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓟𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓪𝓰𝓮𝓼
"Forgotten and alone on the very same rug where I’d placed her, her little shoulders sank almost to her tiny hips. She was a puddle of despair, and it tore me up inside."
"My family was a single girl who I would happily die for, and lately, that was exactly what she made me want to do.”
“Why do I insist on slicing through the sticky tape on my constantly breaking heart and stabbing it over and over again? “
"The urge to run crippled me. But my love for Della broke me."
April 4, 2018
This morning I finished The Boy and His Ribbon by Pepper Winters. I loved it. It’s a non-traditional romance, but it is definitely a love story. It pushes boundaries. It made me question everything I was feeling. It held me to the pages and that’s a very difficult thing to do. I can’t wait for the second half of this story and I HIGHLY recommend this novel. Absolutely my favorite Pepper Winters novel to date. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
April 2, 2018
This book. This god damned book. It gave me anxiety coupled with stress sweats. It is emotional. It is tragic. It is beautiful. It’s filled with relationships that are so unconditional and bonds that are so strong. The story of The Boy and His Ribbon is NOT a simple one. It’s not easy, and it will have even the most open-minded moral compass quivering at times, but Pepper Winters does a flawless job with this story. The book is told in two POV’s, and over the course of nearly eighteen years. I wouldn’t say that this is a “romance” in the traditional sense, but this is a love story mixed with a TRULY UNIQUE coming of age story that leads to the complicated taboo, in conventional theory, romance.
This is my first Pepper Winters read, but I’m going to assume that anyone reading her work isn’t looking for safe and cushy. This book is anything but. It’s heartbreaking, breath-taking, unbelievable while still making you think “is this at all possible?”
Is it June 5th yet? I need the conclusion to this story NOW.
I’ll just be off devouring the rest of this talented authors catalogue!
https://instagram.com/p/BghMgTQngcf/
https://instagram.com/p/BhEugfrAry7/
^fan edit on Instagram!
*ARC provided by NetGalley, book available April 3, 2018*
This is my first Pepper Winters read, but I’m going to assume that anyone reading her work isn’t looking for safe and cushy. This book is anything but. It’s heartbreaking, breath-taking, unbelievable while still making you think “is this at all possible?”
Is it June 5th yet? I need the conclusion to this story NOW.
I’ll just be off devouring the rest of this talented authors catalogue!
https://instagram.com/p/BghMgTQngcf/
https://instagram.com/p/BhEugfrAry7/
^fan edit on Instagram!
*ARC provided by NetGalley, book available April 3, 2018*
June 14, 2020
3.5 -3.75 stars?? lol idk
before y'all decide to read this, MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR HEARTBREAK . i don't care if that's a spoiler but im warning you guys... the second book was brutal. but of course, i decided to continue this cuz im in the mood to cry and be depressed so all is good in the world
like im fineee. just- fine. lol jk its raining and im listening to drake right now and he has me feeling some type of way.
Della and Ren are so UGH. they're just so adorable oh my god. their innocent love for one another and how they would literally do anything for each other while they're surviving made me tear up a little bit but obviously all this wholesome content went down the hill when they met Cassie and her family.
(spoiler) i think some of y'all will find this annoying cuz Ren (H) has sex with Cassie and a lot of OWs the last half of the book. obviously i hated this but i understand their circumstances. Ren was 10 years older than Della and when they met Cassie, he was like 15/16 and Della was waaay too young. but just a warning, and there are a lot of scenes here with Cassie. even when Della gets older, he wouldn't stop hooking up with ONS because he thinks he is sick for even lusting (or loving) Della when he practically raised her his whole life. she didn't lose her virginity to Ren tho as she lost it to this random dude thank god for that.
anyways, since i know what's gonna happen in the second book, I. AM. PREPARED. and this is literally me right now:
wish me luck guys!!
* * *
first read (january 2020) — dnf 44%
found a spoiler from the second book by accident and i don’t think im emotionally ready to read THAT 😂. and im just not in the mood for unrequited and OW scenes right now sooo... maybe i’ll continue reading this if i wanna be depressed.
before y'all decide to read this, MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR HEARTBREAK . i don't care if that's a spoiler but im warning you guys... the second book was brutal. but of course, i decided to continue this cuz im in the mood to cry and be depressed so all is good in the world
"They ask you how you are and you just have to say that you're fine and you're not really fine but you can't get into it."
- Katy Perry
like im fineee. just- fine. lol jk its raining and im listening to drake right now and he has me feeling some type of way.
Della and Ren are so UGH. they're just so adorable oh my god. their innocent love for one another and how they would literally do anything for each other while they're surviving made me tear up a little bit but obviously all this wholesome content went down the hill when they met Cassie and her family.
(spoiler) i think some of y'all will find this annoying cuz Ren (H) has sex with Cassie and a lot of OWs the last half of the book. obviously i hated this but i understand their circumstances. Ren was 10 years older than Della and when they met Cassie, he was like 15/16 and Della was waaay too young. but just a warning, and there are a lot of scenes here with Cassie. even when Della gets older, he wouldn't stop hooking up with ONS because he thinks he is sick for even lusting (or loving) Della when he practically raised her his whole life. she didn't lose her virginity to Ren tho as she lost it to this random dude thank god for that.
anyways, since i know what's gonna happen in the second book, I. AM. PREPARED. and this is literally me right now:
wish me luck guys!!
* * *
first read (january 2020) — dnf 44%
found a spoiler from the second book by accident and i don’t think im emotionally ready to read THAT 😂. and im just not in the mood for unrequited and OW scenes right now sooo... maybe i’ll continue reading this if i wanna be depressed.
Read
April 2, 2018It's LIVE and ready to be read :)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2H6981q
iBooks: https://apple.co/2FAxazG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2p5Zpzj
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2p0pKQ3
Nook: http://bit.ly/2FrgcrF
Amazon.uk: https://amzn.to/2H69Bkc
Amazon.ca: https://amzn.to/2GJjkz7
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Paperback: http://amzn.to/2u3lrs6
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2DAOiYo
More Information: http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2H6981q
iBooks: https://apple.co/2FAxazG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2p5Zpzj
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2p0pKQ3
Nook: http://bit.ly/2FrgcrF
Amazon.uk: https://amzn.to/2H69Bkc
Amazon.ca: https://amzn.to/2GJjkz7
Amazon.au: https://amzn.to/2EdP89O
Paperback: http://amzn.to/2u3lrs6
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2DAOiYo
More Information: http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU
March 26, 2018
*****ALL THE STARS*****
I was in the mood for an emotional love story and this delivered it in spades. Provocative and utterly mesmerizing!
Ren and Della are involved in a dangerous relationship, but they can't seem to let go of each other and what they feel when they are together. As the relationship builds and as the characters spend more time together you start to slowly question the tension of the relationship, the ethics and moral dilemmas behind the forbidden love, the confusion of lust with love or love with lust, and how people’s emotions can be played on by jealousy. It broke my heart to learn some of Ren’s experiences of violence and neglect, even by his own family. At some points I felt so sad and outraged for him that I just wanted to leap into the book and be his friend and protect him from anyone who didn't treat him properly. I was charmed by Della, her kind soul and her reasoning behind everything. Ren was the perfect hero caring, gentle, responsible, fair, protective, generous…The lengths he goes to for Della were very sweet and romantic. He goes above and beyond to allow her to live a normal life.
This book had my tears rolling. It is so touching and heartbreakingly beautiful! Every aspect of it is well executed and will easily gain a spot among your favorites. I loved this book fiercely and I strongly recommend it!
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 5/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 5/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 5/5 | Pace Steady | Action 4/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I was in the mood for an emotional love story and this delivered it in spades. Provocative and utterly mesmerizing!
Ren and Della are involved in a dangerous relationship, but they can't seem to let go of each other and what they feel when they are together. As the relationship builds and as the characters spend more time together you start to slowly question the tension of the relationship, the ethics and moral dilemmas behind the forbidden love, the confusion of lust with love or love with lust, and how people’s emotions can be played on by jealousy. It broke my heart to learn some of Ren’s experiences of violence and neglect, even by his own family. At some points I felt so sad and outraged for him that I just wanted to leap into the book and be his friend and protect him from anyone who didn't treat him properly. I was charmed by Della, her kind soul and her reasoning behind everything. Ren was the perfect hero caring, gentle, responsible, fair, protective, generous…The lengths he goes to for Della were very sweet and romantic. He goes above and beyond to allow her to live a normal life.
This book had my tears rolling. It is so touching and heartbreakingly beautiful! Every aspect of it is well executed and will easily gain a spot among your favorites. I loved this book fiercely and I strongly recommend it!
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 5/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 5/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 5/5 | Pace Steady | Action 4/5
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2018
one of my fave authors...
wrote the story of love.
unconventional love...that is NOT suppose to survive as such...NOT in a romantic sense...at least
and yet, the crushing moment when the realization hits the main characters, Ren -the boy who escaped the cruelty of a life as he was sold into a child labor at the farm among other unfortunate souls...but he escaped at age 10 and took, by a set of accidental circumstances, a little life along with him-his tormentors' little daughter Della-a girl with blonde hair and a blue ribbon in it...she would soon become his essense, responsibility, sense of living and love as he raises her like his own little sister...living on the outskrits and on the edge of existence...
Della Ribbon, as Ren named her, a girl who would grow up knowing and learning everything about surviving from her hero-Ren. A girl who would change from her childhood, young adulthood to being a woman, yearning to express her adoration - from a naive child devotion growing into deep affection and romantic love that would find a barren soil...
Unrequited emotions...set them apart...the love they both feel, MUST be WRONG and the hurt delivered from the notion brings more fissure than either of them could imagine...
At first I couldn't decifer the right tone of the storyline, I thought it would be dark, just like it sounded at first, but then it wasn't...in fact, it was just the opposite.
That brought a different dimension to my own grasp of the story as I found it riveting and angstly captivating...as Pepper delivers a heart-felt emotional mosaic of shattered pieces slowly capturing the patterns of 'coming of age' drama with the elements of forbidden taboo subject...
★ Participants: SueBee, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, Liz, Heather, LittleKitten, Ammie and Dayna
wrote the story of love.
unconventional love...that is NOT suppose to survive as such...NOT in a romantic sense...at least
and yet, the crushing moment when the realization hits the main characters, Ren -the boy who escaped the cruelty of a life as he was sold into a child labor at the farm among other unfortunate souls...but he escaped at age 10 and took, by a set of accidental circumstances, a little life along with him-his tormentors' little daughter Della-a girl with blonde hair and a blue ribbon in it...she would soon become his essense, responsibility, sense of living and love as he raises her like his own little sister...living on the outskrits and on the edge of existence...
Della Ribbon, as Ren named her, a girl who would grow up knowing and learning everything about surviving from her hero-Ren. A girl who would change from her childhood, young adulthood to being a woman, yearning to express her adoration - from a naive child devotion growing into deep affection and romantic love that would find a barren soil...
Unrequited emotions...set them apart...the love they both feel, MUST be WRONG and the hurt delivered from the notion brings more fissure than either of them could imagine...
At first I couldn't decifer the right tone of the storyline, I thought it would be dark, just like it sounded at first, but then it wasn't...in fact, it was just the opposite.
That brought a different dimension to my own grasp of the story as I found it riveting and angstly captivating...as Pepper delivers a heart-felt emotional mosaic of shattered pieces slowly capturing the patterns of 'coming of age' drama with the elements of forbidden taboo subject...
★ Participants: SueBee, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, Liz, Heather, LittleKitten, Ammie and Dayna
April 2, 2018
Live amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C9Z2JJT
5 Unique Stars
The Boy and His Ribbon is an unforgettable story!5 stars isn't enough for this one, if I could I would give it more!I fall in love with this story so much, my heart was aching all the time and I'm thinking about it all the time!!This is by far my favorite book from Pepper Winters and I have read and loved all her books but this one was something else!
The writing was poetic,beautiful and flawless and I could feel everything!My heart, omg I have so many feelings and I don't know what to say, this doesn't happened often with me!Don't read anything , I would say it's better to go blond and being open mind!This way you will enjoy it even more!
Ren and Della have a special bond,these two have a great chemistry!Ren was fantastic, I loved him so much!He cared so much for Della and he wanted to keep her safe and give her what she needed!What an emotional roller coaster!The Boy and His Ribbon was a heartwarming,emotional and intense story!
This is a must read, don't hesitate to read it!It's one of these stories I'm going to re-read!I can't wait for the next book!!
5 Unique Stars
The Boy and His Ribbon is an unforgettable story!5 stars isn't enough for this one, if I could I would give it more!I fall in love with this story so much, my heart was aching all the time and I'm thinking about it all the time!!This is by far my favorite book from Pepper Winters and I have read and loved all her books but this one was something else!
The writing was poetic,beautiful and flawless and I could feel everything!My heart, omg I have so many feelings and I don't know what to say, this doesn't happened often with me!Don't read anything , I would say it's better to go blond and being open mind!This way you will enjoy it even more!
Ren and Della have a special bond,these two have a great chemistry!Ren was fantastic, I loved him so much!He cared so much for Della and he wanted to keep her safe and give her what she needed!What an emotional roller coaster!The Boy and His Ribbon was a heartwarming,emotional and intense story!
This is a must read, don't hesitate to read it!It's one of these stories I'm going to re-read!I can't wait for the next book!!
February 6, 2023
2nd re-read 31/01/2023
Part 1
4,5 💙💙💙💙🌟🔝🌟🏕🌟🔝🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️
Powerful.
Unique.
Gripping.
Compelling.
Twisted.
This was not a love story!
As Della said:
“This is a life story.”
“This is a story of truth.
This is a story of my heart.”
If only I could find the right words to express how captivating and gripping this journey was!
How heart wrenching and staggering!
Ren, a 10 y.o. tortured boy struggling to survive with a rucksack and a baby girl in it.
His only objective was to stay alive and most of all free from capture.
Everything was on unknown territory.
Provisions were nonexistent.
Obstacles were uncounted.
Destination was obscure.
And on top of that there was the baby girl, Ren had no idea what to do with her!!!
In the end, he decided to keep her and raise her.
“She was my Della, my ribbon.” Ren
“He cared with his entire soul and committed with entire being.” Della
The characters’ depth and development were impressive. They unlocked many concerns, while allowing for a deeper insight into the human psyche that was the depth of the story.
They had been created with consuming either struggles or passions and great intensity.
”I would always be hers, but I couldn’t be what she was looking for. I couldn’t block her from growing into who she needed to become. I couldn’t put my own hopes and dreams onto her and read between lines that weren’t really there, hoping that there might be some way, some chance, that our friendship could be something more.
Something that wasn’t sick and twisted.
Something that wasn’t morally wrong.” Ren
The story was character-driven and the writing style was just exceptional.
My main issue was Della’s language and behaviour at an early stage were not relatively aligned with her age.
However, I surpassed it because the story’s flow carried me so far far away... I was simply captured under the spell that Ren and Della had put on me.
The 1st part follows the first 18 years of Ren and Della’s journey.
NOTE: This duet is not for all readers due to its uncomfortable and unconventional theme.
1st read 07/11/2018
(reposting my pov since it recently disappeared)
Part 1
4,5 💙💙💙💙🔝✨✨✨✨s❣️❣️❣️❣️
The author’s writing was exceptional, eloquent, riveting and gripped my heart completely❣️
There were times that the “forbidden” love that was blossomed between Ren and Della made me inconvenient, but I let myself get carried away by the flow of their life story.
Ren enslaved and spellbound me, heart and soul 💞💞💞.
I found Della’s behaviour and maturity not consistent with her age.
Nonetheless, their bond was heart-stirring and I was moved intensely by their story❣️❣️❣️
Part 1
4,5 💙💙💙💙🌟🔝🌟🏕🌟🔝🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️
Powerful.
Unique.
Gripping.
Compelling.
Twisted.
This was not a love story!
As Della said:
“This is a life story.”
“This is a story of truth.
This is a story of my heart.”
If only I could find the right words to express how captivating and gripping this journey was!
How heart wrenching and staggering!
Ren, a 10 y.o. tortured boy struggling to survive with a rucksack and a baby girl in it.
His only objective was to stay alive and most of all free from capture.
Everything was on unknown territory.
Provisions were nonexistent.
Obstacles were uncounted.
Destination was obscure.
And on top of that there was the baby girl, Ren had no idea what to do with her!!!
In the end, he decided to keep her and raise her.
“She was my Della, my ribbon.” Ren
“He cared with his entire soul and committed with entire being.” Della
The characters’ depth and development were impressive. They unlocked many concerns, while allowing for a deeper insight into the human psyche that was the depth of the story.
They had been created with consuming either struggles or passions and great intensity.
”I would always be hers, but I couldn’t be what she was looking for. I couldn’t block her from growing into who she needed to become. I couldn’t put my own hopes and dreams onto her and read between lines that weren’t really there, hoping that there might be some way, some chance, that our friendship could be something more.
Something that wasn’t sick and twisted.
Something that wasn’t morally wrong.” Ren
The story was character-driven and the writing style was just exceptional.
My main issue was Della’s language and behaviour at an early stage were not relatively aligned with her age.
However, I surpassed it because the story’s flow carried me so far far away... I was simply captured under the spell that Ren and Della had put on me.
The 1st part follows the first 18 years of Ren and Della’s journey.
NOTE: This duet is not for all readers due to its uncomfortable and unconventional theme.
1st read 07/11/2018
(reposting my pov since it recently disappeared)
Part 1
4,5 💙💙💙💙🔝✨✨✨✨s❣️❣️❣️❣️
The author’s writing was exceptional, eloquent, riveting and gripped my heart completely❣️
There were times that the “forbidden” love that was blossomed between Ren and Della made me inconvenient, but I let myself get carried away by the flow of their life story.
Ren enslaved and spellbound me, heart and soul 💞💞💞.
I found Della’s behaviour and maturity not consistent with her age.
Nonetheless, their bond was heart-stirring and I was moved intensely by their story❣️❣️❣️
June 5, 2018
holi crap. HOLY FRIGGIN' CRAP!
Review to come, I need to get my thoughts together and pick my jaw off the ground while simultaneously kick myself for not waiting for the second book to come out. I need the second book RIGHT NOW and this is coming from someone who normally has 0 problems with cliffhangers.
Review to come, I need to get my thoughts together and pick my jaw off the ground while simultaneously kick myself for not waiting for the second book to come out. I need the second book RIGHT NOW and this is coming from someone who normally has 0 problems with cliffhangers.
April 7, 2018
4 STARS
Before I get into all the fantastic things about this book, I want to address the one negative piece. I'd like to get it out of the way with, because if I'm being perfectly honest, something that I thought could ruin the story for me actually ended up being nothing but a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things. So confession time. I actually DNFd this book originally. Twice. Now, now, stow away those pitch forks and tomatoes and allow me to explain. See originally, I stopped reading at 20%. I felt compelled to push myself and ended up getting to 37%, only to stop again. As beautifully lyrical as the writing was and as unique as the story itself was, the amount of detail and the somewhat verbose nature of the first half of this book was difficult for this picky reader to get past. The story follows the main characters over the span of 18 years. And the reader is privy to every minute detail of their life. While it sets the stage and truly allows you to get to the heart of who these characters are, for this reader that has a penchant for instant gratification, it was a struggle. So what I'm telling you is, it's definitely a me thing. If this level of detail and description doesn't bother you, you won't bat an eyelash at this. But for me, I felt like a good 20% of the overall book could have been trimmed and not lost anything in the process. But again, that's a ME thing.
So getting to the good. For the first time in all of my reading history, I felt compelled to finish. There was just something so unique and gripping about this story, that I simply couldn't bear not knowing how it all comes together. And I have never been more grateful for pushing myself through. Because that final 60%? It turned everything around. It made me fall in love with this captivating, emotional, and unforgettable story. It made me connect with this wonderfully unique, multi-layered characters. It had me eager to reveal layer after layer of detail that the story offered. And it had me riveted to the pages from that point on.
The author warned that this is completely different from her usual dark romance. And it totally was. Though I will say, it did have that touch of the signature dark undercurrent that Winters carries in her writing style.
You get introduced to the main characters as just children. With the heroine being just a baby at one years old, and the hero being a mere boy of ten. It takes them on an unforgettable journey of struggle and nightmares, wrapped in a unique sort of bond that ultimately shifts into a love unlike any other. Over the course of the next eighteen years, you get a peek inside adult Della's head through a letter that she pens for her school. You get glimpses of how she saw their truth and the life they led. And you see a child's bond that slowly, naturally, and surely begins to morph into a woman's adoration and love.
This is not a romance, though it carries undercurrents of one. This is the set up of what's truly looking to be one epic romance in the second part of the duet. But what this book does is set that stage. It builds the blocks of the foundation that their feelings are based one. It takes you into the dark underbelly of the horrors that these characters survived and came out stronger from. It spares no detail. It leaves no stone unturned. And it's not afraid to give the gritty, emotional, and painful detail of the mistakes that both Della and Ren make along the way.
If you're looking for something different, unique and compelling, this book is certainly that. Will I be reading the next one? Absolutely! And if you're anything like me, don't judge it but the somewhat slower pace of the beginning. Because the hook of this unique story is so unsuspecting, you'll never see it coming. And before you know it, you're glued to your kindle, incapable of setting it down until the very last page.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
He touched you deeper than any hand could reach. He affected you harder than any spoken word ever could.
He cared with his entire soul and committed with entire being.
Before I get into all the fantastic things about this book, I want to address the one negative piece. I'd like to get it out of the way with, because if I'm being perfectly honest, something that I thought could ruin the story for me actually ended up being nothing but a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things. So confession time. I actually DNFd this book originally. Twice. Now, now, stow away those pitch forks and tomatoes and allow me to explain. See originally, I stopped reading at 20%. I felt compelled to push myself and ended up getting to 37%, only to stop again. As beautifully lyrical as the writing was and as unique as the story itself was, the amount of detail and the somewhat verbose nature of the first half of this book was difficult for this picky reader to get past. The story follows the main characters over the span of 18 years. And the reader is privy to every minute detail of their life. While it sets the stage and truly allows you to get to the heart of who these characters are, for this reader that has a penchant for instant gratification, it was a struggle. So what I'm telling you is, it's definitely a me thing. If this level of detail and description doesn't bother you, you won't bat an eyelash at this. But for me, I felt like a good 20% of the overall book could have been trimmed and not lost anything in the process. But again, that's a ME thing.
So getting to the good. For the first time in all of my reading history, I felt compelled to finish. There was just something so unique and gripping about this story, that I simply couldn't bear not knowing how it all comes together. And I have never been more grateful for pushing myself through. Because that final 60%? It turned everything around. It made me fall in love with this captivating, emotional, and unforgettable story. It made me connect with this wonderfully unique, multi-layered characters. It had me eager to reveal layer after layer of detail that the story offered. And it had me riveted to the pages from that point on.
The author warned that this is completely different from her usual dark romance. And it totally was. Though I will say, it did have that touch of the signature dark undercurrent that Winters carries in her writing style.
You get introduced to the main characters as just children. With the heroine being just a baby at one years old, and the hero being a mere boy of ten. It takes them on an unforgettable journey of struggle and nightmares, wrapped in a unique sort of bond that ultimately shifts into a love unlike any other. Over the course of the next eighteen years, you get a peek inside adult Della's head through a letter that she pens for her school. You get glimpses of how she saw their truth and the life they led. And you see a child's bond that slowly, naturally, and surely begins to morph into a woman's adoration and love.
This is not a romance, though it carries undercurrents of one. This is the set up of what's truly looking to be one epic romance in the second part of the duet. But what this book does is set that stage. It builds the blocks of the foundation that their feelings are based one. It takes you into the dark underbelly of the horrors that these characters survived and came out stronger from. It spares no detail. It leaves no stone unturned. And it's not afraid to give the gritty, emotional, and painful detail of the mistakes that both Della and Ren make along the way.
If you're looking for something different, unique and compelling, this book is certainly that. Will I be reading the next one? Absolutely! And if you're anything like me, don't judge it but the somewhat slower pace of the beginning. Because the hook of this unique story is so unsuspecting, you'll never see it coming. And before you know it, you're glued to your kindle, incapable of setting it down until the very last page.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
May 16, 2018
“I would die for her. I would live for her. I would kill for her.”
Once again Pepper Winters has captured our hearts and imagination with a harrowing tale of childhood abuse, its aftermath on the survivors and a moral dilemma that tears at your very soul. She does it with a compelling tale of two children, one a mere babe, surviving on their own battling hunger to the point of starvation. These poor lambs are also exposed to the harshest elements with only a tent and sleeping bag for shelter. It is incredible how these two mature having formed a bond between them beyond compare with their quick intelligence, work ethic and an inner moral compass that is amazing despite the harshness and brutality of their early lives.
Ren was sold into slavery by his mother as an eight-year-old boy. He was branded like chattel, endured hellish living conditions and starved along with 16 other children. The Mclarys went so far as to cut off his finger for stealing food to fill his aching belly. He knew he had to run. So, he planned and plotted his escape, and scrounged what he could for his journey placing it all in an old backpack. On the day he left, Ren grabbed his backpack and ran. He thought his backpack felt heavy and it was, because inside was the Mclary’s infant daughter, Della clutching a blue ribbon.
What follows is a recounting of their journeys told through Ren and Della’s POV. Della’s POV is presented as a creative writing assignment which she promises to burn once she finishes her recounting. While the ten-year-old Ren was angry that he had Della to look after and she made things twice as difficult for him, he grows to love her. He discovers the depth of his feelings early on when he tries to leave her with a family who should have offered her all the advantages. He discovers they are going to turn her over to Social Services, so he rescues her and her precious albeit dirty ribbon that this family had thrown away.
They become adept at stealing what they need from small communities and surviving in the woods. Every twist and turn of their journey engrosses the reader. Winters are by far the worst conditions for the two and Ren also wants to give Della more normalcy and a chance to go to school. When he falls seriously ill they hide in a well-tended barn and encounter the kindness of the Wilson family.
This family is most respectful of Ren and Della’s pure relationship. It is here that Ren sacrifices his need to live in solitude in the forest so that he can work for John Wilson. He asks John to keep all his earnings to spend on Della. His Della Ribbon as he calls her affectionately. In turn. he was named Ren Wild by Della. It is here that he meets Cassie Wilson who falls in love with Ren and initiates him into the lovemaking arts. Della becomes both jealous and curious as her love for Ren takes on a new dimension. She desires him as a woman desires a man.
The narrative from Ren’s POV is agonizing. He loves his Della Ribbon. He needs her. He needs her close. He needs her touch. He needs to hold on to her as she held on to her ribbon for comfort and strength. But he holds himself in check because he does not wish to defile her with his sexuality.
Ren’s goodness and kind heart are never in question. Yet, he is painfully conflicted over the stunning woman the babe and girl he raised, cared for and kept safe has become. It is also at this point that the reader’s emotions are thrust into a tailspin. Ms. Winters writes an amazing genius narrative wherein the emotions of these two characters collide and find no purchase on which to hold. The reader’s heart is cleaved in two over and over again. I can only say at this point that June cannot come fast enough.
This is a (F)BR with my Shhlutty Sisters: SueBee, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Elizabeth, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, and Dayna! I was completely honored to have participated with these exceptional Shhluts!!! Special thanks to SueBee!!!
Thank you to Pepper Winters for the ARC. As always my words and thoughts are my own. My honest review is in no way influenced by the receipt of said ARC. I will purchase this book as well.
Once again Pepper Winters has captured our hearts and imagination with a harrowing tale of childhood abuse, its aftermath on the survivors and a moral dilemma that tears at your very soul. She does it with a compelling tale of two children, one a mere babe, surviving on their own battling hunger to the point of starvation. These poor lambs are also exposed to the harshest elements with only a tent and sleeping bag for shelter. It is incredible how these two mature having formed a bond between them beyond compare with their quick intelligence, work ethic and an inner moral compass that is amazing despite the harshness and brutality of their early lives.
Ren was sold into slavery by his mother as an eight-year-old boy. He was branded like chattel, endured hellish living conditions and starved along with 16 other children. The Mclarys went so far as to cut off his finger for stealing food to fill his aching belly. He knew he had to run. So, he planned and plotted his escape, and scrounged what he could for his journey placing it all in an old backpack. On the day he left, Ren grabbed his backpack and ran. He thought his backpack felt heavy and it was, because inside was the Mclary’s infant daughter, Della clutching a blue ribbon.
What follows is a recounting of their journeys told through Ren and Della’s POV. Della’s POV is presented as a creative writing assignment which she promises to burn once she finishes her recounting. While the ten-year-old Ren was angry that he had Della to look after and she made things twice as difficult for him, he grows to love her. He discovers the depth of his feelings early on when he tries to leave her with a family who should have offered her all the advantages. He discovers they are going to turn her over to Social Services, so he rescues her and her precious albeit dirty ribbon that this family had thrown away.
They become adept at stealing what they need from small communities and surviving in the woods. Every twist and turn of their journey engrosses the reader. Winters are by far the worst conditions for the two and Ren also wants to give Della more normalcy and a chance to go to school. When he falls seriously ill they hide in a well-tended barn and encounter the kindness of the Wilson family.
This family is most respectful of Ren and Della’s pure relationship. It is here that Ren sacrifices his need to live in solitude in the forest so that he can work for John Wilson. He asks John to keep all his earnings to spend on Della. His Della Ribbon as he calls her affectionately. In turn. he was named Ren Wild by Della. It is here that he meets Cassie Wilson who falls in love with Ren and initiates him into the lovemaking arts. Della becomes both jealous and curious as her love for Ren takes on a new dimension. She desires him as a woman desires a man.
“That was what he did to me, you see? He made my entire life a jewellery box of special, sad, hard, happy, incredible moments that I want to wear each and every day. He always said the truth was ours, no one else’s.”
The narrative from Ren’s POV is agonizing. He loves his Della Ribbon. He needs her. He needs her close. He needs her touch. He needs to hold on to her as she held on to her ribbon for comfort and strength. But he holds himself in check because he does not wish to defile her with his sexuality.
"It wasn’t that I didn’t like being touched; I just became overwhelmed whenever she did. It’d gotten to the point where I was afraid that one day, I wouldn’t be able to breathe unless she touched me all the time. She was my one weakness, and I was determined to stay immune to her for her own protection.
Ren’s goodness and kind heart are never in question. Yet, he is painfully conflicted over the stunning woman the babe and girl he raised, cared for and kept safe has become. It is also at this point that the reader’s emotions are thrust into a tailspin. Ms. Winters writes an amazing genius narrative wherein the emotions of these two characters collide and find no purchase on which to hold. The reader’s heart is cleaved in two over and over again. I can only say at this point that June cannot come fast enough.
This is a (F)BR with my Shhlutty Sisters: SueBee, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Elizabeth, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, and Dayna! I was completely honored to have participated with these exceptional Shhluts!!! Special thanks to SueBee!!!
Thank you to Pepper Winters for the ARC. As always my words and thoughts are my own. My honest review is in no way influenced by the receipt of said ARC. I will purchase this book as well.
May 26, 2018
4.5 She Was My World Stars!
(ARC provided by Buoni Amici Press)
This is the story about a young boy and a baby. Ren & Della we’re never meant to be together, but became all each other had. One is a child born to monsters, and the other is a kid no one wanted. There is a ten year age difference between them, but they become the best of friends. Ren is just a kid, but he protects Della at all costs. He takes it upon himself to be responsible for her safety, happiness, and well being. She was precious to him. For better or worse, she was his, and he’d sacrifice anything for her to have everything.
The book spans many years as Ren & Della grow up together & it goes from past to present. They became family and trust only one another. Life is hard, but they have each other. Their only plan is to stay alive and hidden. As Ren raises Della she can’t help but adore him. He was her entire world. She absolutely worshipped him and their time together.
As they evolve, so do their feelings. As children things were innocent as they needed each other. As they get older Della’s love changes from infatuation to intoxication. She learns to keep her feelings to herself, and love him in secret. They both experience forbidden cravings & taboo things they think they shouldn’t feel toward the other. Truths are finally revealed and they both learn sometimes love can hurt you the most.
-She was my everything.
-She was my one weakness.
-She nicked the fortress around my stupid heart, and I had no choice but to give it to her.
-He was my entire universe, and he treated me like I was his in return.
-There was never a day in my life when I haven’t loved Ren Wild. Every memory, he’s there. Every experience, he’s with me.
This book was fantastic! One of those books you can’t put down that completely consumes you. This was my first book by Pepper Winters, & WOW!!! I still can’t stop thinking about it! I’m dying for the next book! This book was so extremely unique. It was a heartbreaking story about two soulmates trying to survive. They were the one constant in each other’s life & in each other’s heart. This book was about the most pure love. The way Ren loved Della so selflessly was beautiful!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2H6981q
(ARC provided by Buoni Amici Press)
This is the story about a young boy and a baby. Ren & Della we’re never meant to be together, but became all each other had. One is a child born to monsters, and the other is a kid no one wanted. There is a ten year age difference between them, but they become the best of friends. Ren is just a kid, but he protects Della at all costs. He takes it upon himself to be responsible for her safety, happiness, and well being. She was precious to him. For better or worse, she was his, and he’d sacrifice anything for her to have everything.
The book spans many years as Ren & Della grow up together & it goes from past to present. They became family and trust only one another. Life is hard, but they have each other. Their only plan is to stay alive and hidden. As Ren raises Della she can’t help but adore him. He was her entire world. She absolutely worshipped him and their time together.
As they evolve, so do their feelings. As children things were innocent as they needed each other. As they get older Della’s love changes from infatuation to intoxication. She learns to keep her feelings to herself, and love him in secret. They both experience forbidden cravings & taboo things they think they shouldn’t feel toward the other. Truths are finally revealed and they both learn sometimes love can hurt you the most.
-She was my everything.
-She was my one weakness.
-She nicked the fortress around my stupid heart, and I had no choice but to give it to her.
-He was my entire universe, and he treated me like I was his in return.
-There was never a day in my life when I haven’t loved Ren Wild. Every memory, he’s there. Every experience, he’s with me.
This book was fantastic! One of those books you can’t put down that completely consumes you. This was my first book by Pepper Winters, & WOW!!! I still can’t stop thinking about it! I’m dying for the next book! This book was so extremely unique. It was a heartbreaking story about two soulmates trying to survive. They were the one constant in each other’s life & in each other’s heart. This book was about the most pure love. The way Ren loved Della so selflessly was beautiful!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2H6981q
March 7, 2023
SPEECHLESS!?
Yes, I am. Give me 5 second.
*Breath in........................ *breath out..........
OK, after reading nonstop for 2 days, I finally finished the book and completely shocked (Only for 2 reasons):
◾️ Why, how is it possible that this interesting book never came to my notice? Am I getting old or is my brain having some difficulty focusing? The biggest question is "how can I protect my brain?" Hmm🙄....never mind.
◾️ For the first time, I came across a book that contained unrealistic stuff, but the author still managed to give it intensity, uniqueness, angst, and a variety of other things. I loved it. I didn't know I was capable of enjoying this kind of story. shocking!
Even though the book was beautifully written, It left me with so many deep thoughts that I really don't know what to say right now or how to properly express my feelings about this emotional rollercoaster journey. I didn't expect it to be that good. It was different, beautiful, and will be stuck in my memory for a long time.
Yes, I am. Give me 5 second.
*Breath in........................ *breath out..........
OK, after reading nonstop for 2 days, I finally finished the book and completely shocked (Only for 2 reasons):
◾️ Why, how is it possible that this interesting book never came to my notice? Am I getting old or is my brain having some difficulty focusing? The biggest question is "how can I protect my brain?" Hmm🙄....never mind.
◾️ For the first time, I came across a book that contained unrealistic stuff, but the author still managed to give it intensity, uniqueness, angst, and a variety of other things. I loved it. I didn't know I was capable of enjoying this kind of story. shocking!
Even though the book was beautifully written, It left me with so many deep thoughts that I really don't know what to say right now or how to properly express my feelings about this emotional rollercoaster journey. I didn't expect it to be that good. It was different, beautiful, and will be stuck in my memory for a long time.
March 19, 2018
★6 Stars! The boy and his Ribbon... Is the most painfully heartbreaking, soul shattering, addictive, unforgettable, and most beautiful masterpiece I have ever read!
Rating: { ★★★★★★ }
”Ren is my favourite word. I love every history attached to it. I love every pain lashed to it. I love the boy it belongs to.
This masterpiece will destroy your entire being.
As I have said time and time again, Pepper Winter never disappoints. And she continues to prove me right.
This book. God, this book is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
Without a doubt and with so much confidence I can say and will say this is the best book of 2018.
I can feel this book in my mind, body and soul.
I am heartbroken. I am confused. I am in love with every inch of the Boy and his Ribbon.
I am at loss for words and I don’t even know what else to say..so i’ll start with Ren.
Even as a boy, he was beautiful. Too beautiful to carry the depth of suspicion and guardedness he never fully shed. Too beautiful to be responsible for the wake of misdeeds left in his path. Too beautiful to be normal.
Ren Wild/The Boy.
Breathtaking. Out of all of my favorite heroes, he has placed himself in the very top.
He is truly a boy/man who holds the weight of the world on his back.
He has been through so much. Things that should never be allowed and despite all of that he still selfless. Has a heart of gold.
The way he took care of Della, sacrificed and went through a lot for and because of her, I respected that hold it close to my heart especially because he was a child himself.
Became her example, her father, brother, mother, her best friend.
He became her provider and teacher.
Throughout the entire book he proved what he said from the very beginning: She is his everything.
Even with all the responsibly he had from beginning as a 10 year old boy all the way to a 28 year old man, he still remained the same.
He is intelligent, kind, natural born leader, sufficient.
He is one of the most captivating and unforgettable heroes I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
And no amount of explaining I can and will ever do will fully allow for you to understand or know who Ren truly is.
He is a complicated, lovable work of art.
He is a boy..
A man.
Her every happiness.
Her every heartbreak.
Her every mistake.
Her love.
Ren.
She was my world and home and family.
Della Ribbon.
Della came in from the beginning as a toddler and immediately stole my heart.
With her rosy chubby cheeks, her fat little hands, her taken to Ren even as a baby, her adorable giggles and quiet nature as if she comprehend the situation.
She stole my heart and I will never get it back.
That toddler turned into a child. A child that willing to learn any and everything. A child that watching Ren’s every move, was opinionated, open, and fiercely protective.
And then that child turned into a teen and then a young women. One that was so selfless, became less open and opinionated, more guarded, and hiding all her true feelings for her Ren..knowing he would not be able to handle it. And most of all knowing she will never have a chance. Not ever.
She was a girl and then a women that knew she destined to be heartbroken.
That almost every moment of her life Ren would shatter everything in her.
She's is a girl.
A woman.
His every sacrifice.
His every hope.
His every heartbreak.
His every failure.
His every achievement.
His.
Ribbon.
Pepper Winter is one of the best writers out right now. She is a master at storytelling and effortless and poetic at her wording!
She makes you feel everything.
And once again, she never fails to disappoints.
Thank you Pepper for this...unforgettable work of art that has changed my life and perspective.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Rating: { ★★★★★★ }
”Ren is my favourite word. I love every history attached to it. I love every pain lashed to it. I love the boy it belongs to.
This masterpiece will destroy your entire being.
As I have said time and time again, Pepper Winter never disappoints. And she continues to prove me right.
This book. God, this book is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
Without a doubt and with so much confidence I can say and will say this is the best book of 2018.
I can feel this book in my mind, body and soul.
I am heartbroken. I am confused. I am in love with every inch of the Boy and his Ribbon.
I am at loss for words and I don’t even know what else to say..so i’ll start with Ren.
Even as a boy, he was beautiful. Too beautiful to carry the depth of suspicion and guardedness he never fully shed. Too beautiful to be responsible for the wake of misdeeds left in his path. Too beautiful to be normal.
Ren Wild/The Boy.
Breathtaking. Out of all of my favorite heroes, he has placed himself in the very top.
He is truly a boy/man who holds the weight of the world on his back.
He has been through so much. Things that should never be allowed and despite all of that he still selfless. Has a heart of gold.
The way he took care of Della, sacrificed and went through a lot for and because of her, I respected that hold it close to my heart especially because he was a child himself.
Became her example, her father, brother, mother, her best friend.
He became her provider and teacher.
Throughout the entire book he proved what he said from the very beginning: She is his everything.
Even with all the responsibly he had from beginning as a 10 year old boy all the way to a 28 year old man, he still remained the same.
He is intelligent, kind, natural born leader, sufficient.
He is one of the most captivating and unforgettable heroes I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
And no amount of explaining I can and will ever do will fully allow for you to understand or know who Ren truly is.
He is a complicated, lovable work of art.
He is a boy..
A man.
Her every happiness.
Her every heartbreak.
Her every mistake.
Her love.
Ren.
She was my world and home and family.
Della Ribbon.
Della came in from the beginning as a toddler and immediately stole my heart.
With her rosy chubby cheeks, her fat little hands, her taken to Ren even as a baby, her adorable giggles and quiet nature as if she comprehend the situation.
She stole my heart and I will never get it back.
That toddler turned into a child. A child that willing to learn any and everything. A child that watching Ren’s every move, was opinionated, open, and fiercely protective.
And then that child turned into a teen and then a young women. One that was so selfless, became less open and opinionated, more guarded, and hiding all her true feelings for her Ren..knowing he would not be able to handle it. And most of all knowing she will never have a chance. Not ever.
She was a girl and then a women that knew she destined to be heartbroken.
That almost every moment of her life Ren would shatter everything in her.
She's is a girl.
A woman.
His every sacrifice.
His every hope.
His every heartbreak.
His every failure.
His every achievement.
His.
Ribbon.
Pepper Winter is one of the best writers out right now. She is a master at storytelling and effortless and poetic at her wording!
She makes you feel everything.
And once again, she never fails to disappoints.
Thank you Pepper for this...unforgettable work of art that has changed my life and perspective.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 2, 2018
“There is no me without him."
Sweet baby Jesus, what a ride!! I’m so emotionally exhausted right now, I can’t even articulate the right thing to say. I knew this was going to be different story and I couldn’t wait for that, but what I never factored in, was to be so emotionally invested in these characters. They took a little piece of my heart with every heartbreak and survival mode they had to endure and if you think you know how this story is going to end, think again.
Most ten year olds have the luxury of going to school and playing with their friends, but that’s not the case for Ren. Sold by this mother to a farmer for hard labor, childhood as he knows it, is now over. Now escaping with just a backpack and sheer determination, Ren is officially on the run and he's not looking back. But what he'll soon discover, is that he’s not alone and his journey is about to get a lot more complicated.
As I’ve said before, this was a highly charged emotional read that was without a doubt, heartbreaking at times. I have no idea how this author managed to suck us into a storyline that spanned eighteen years and still made us crave more!! I felt like I was on something while reading this. My heart was beating too fast in certain chapters, my palms were sweaty, and I swear that ending took a year off my life!!
Ren and Della were not your ordinary characters that met, fell in love, and had a happily ever after. This was a story about survival, sacrifice, and not having the one thing that you love the most in a way that makes your heart bleed every time you think about it. It was forbidden, heartbreaking and even though at times, far fetched and unbelievable, it kept us on our toes. There have been a lot of times when I’ve said that I need something different in my stories, and I don’t have to say that for this one.
Now is it June yet?!!!!
*Teaser used is from the author's site.
March 25, 2018
3.75 stars
Genre: Romance
POV/s: First person, dual
Pace: Bloody slow
Taboo element?
Darkness level?
Ren ran away from his captors when he was just ten years old. He was sold by his mother to a farmer and forced to labor on the land with a group of other children who were traumatized at the hands of farmer Mclary. Ren manages to make it to the outskirts of the farm and remain hidden, but he soon realizes he isn’t alone. The backpack that he’d packed with food and other supplies also contained a baby...
Prepare yourself for a slow-burn read with this story! This book spanned eighteen years! Yes, you read that correctly. Eighteen bloody years! It’s a character-driven coming-of-age novel with the usual (and solid) PW writing style, but with an angst fest that presented itself more heavily in the second half of this book. The first few chapters (and the book’s blurb!) hinted at impending heartbreak and the tone of this story weaved that strong sense of foreboding throughout.
Minor issues?
I had to suspend disbelief frequently in the first quarter of this book. I won’t pick apart the disbelieving/grey areas, but that part of the story was a bit tedious to get through because there was quite a bit of storytelling with only a little bit of showing. Reading all of that backstory—as interesting as it was—only made me feel impatient and a bit frustrated to get to the real story, towards what was happening in the present day setting. Unfortunately, the cliffhanger ending made the entire book feel like an appetizer in preparation for book two: The Girl and Her Ren.
► I liked this story but did not love the structure of it. The time spent in the present tense was so little and even then, the female lead only retold her perspective of the past. The ending was predictable because the storyline had nowhere else to go except towards more contentious drama.
*NetGalley ARC generously provided by Pepper Winters in exchange for an honest opinion.
Genre: Romance
POV/s: First person, dual
Pace: Bloody slow
Taboo element?
Darkness level?
Ren ran away from his captors when he was just ten years old. He was sold by his mother to a farmer and forced to labor on the land with a group of other children who were traumatized at the hands of farmer Mclary. Ren manages to make it to the outskirts of the farm and remain hidden, but he soon realizes he isn’t alone. The backpack that he’d packed with food and other supplies also contained a baby...
Prepare yourself for a slow-burn read with this story! This book spanned eighteen years! Yes, you read that correctly. Eighteen bloody years! It’s a character-driven coming-of-age novel with the usual (and solid) PW writing style, but with an angst fest that presented itself more heavily in the second half of this book. The first few chapters (and the book’s blurb!) hinted at impending heartbreak and the tone of this story weaved that strong sense of foreboding throughout.
Minor issues?
I had to suspend disbelief frequently in the first quarter of this book. I won’t pick apart the disbelieving/grey areas, but that part of the story was a bit tedious to get through because there was quite a bit of storytelling with only a little bit of showing. Reading all of that backstory—as interesting as it was—only made me feel impatient and a bit frustrated to get to the real story, towards what was happening in the present day setting. Unfortunately, the cliffhanger ending made the entire book feel like an appetizer in preparation for book two: The Girl and Her Ren.
► I liked this story but did not love the structure of it. The time spent in the present tense was so little and even then, the female lead only retold her perspective of the past. The ending was predictable because the storyline had nowhere else to go except towards more contentious drama.
*NetGalley ARC generously provided by Pepper Winters in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 1, 2018
5 powerful stars
Wow, I have no words. This was a fantastic read for me. If I could categorize this book I would say it belongs more in the fiction genre, than romance. But it is a story that follows a love story. The story follows Ren a ten year old who was sold in a family and mistreated him along with other kids. One day he can’t take it any longer and runs away. Somehow he ends up with Della, the family’s infant.
We follow them throughout the years and how they survive, the things they go through, their separations and reunions. The novel is in both present tense, along with flashbacks from the past, as we find out their journey and how their relationship develops from hatred at first to a family bond eventually.
This was such an interesting story, but I didn’t expect anything less from Pepper Winters. It’s no secret that I have loved almost every book by her and this wasn’t an exception. I am so intrigued with how their story is going to continue. This is such a well written novel and I was consumed by so many emotions while reading it. It’s a story that will make you sad, angry, uncomfortable, but also happy and in love with these characters. I was invested to the story of those two kids and I didn’t want it to end, but I was also curious to see where it will lead them.
This is definitely one of my top reads for 2018 and I’m already looking forward for the next exciting part of the story. Definitely a book I would recommend.
Thank you for the (F)BR my lovely shhluts: SueBee, Liz, Timitra, C, Lu, Myla, Ann, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, and Dayna!
ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, I have no words. This was a fantastic read for me. If I could categorize this book I would say it belongs more in the fiction genre, than romance. But it is a story that follows a love story. The story follows Ren a ten year old who was sold in a family and mistreated him along with other kids. One day he can’t take it any longer and runs away. Somehow he ends up with Della, the family’s infant.
"I didn’t want this. I didn’t want her. I wanted my freedom , and she was just another form of imprisonment."
We follow them throughout the years and how they survive, the things they go through, their separations and reunions. The novel is in both present tense, along with flashbacks from the past, as we find out their journey and how their relationship develops from hatred at first to a family bond eventually.
My heart stopped with how perfect she was. How smart. How kind. How brave. I'd never look at the colour blue again without thinking of her. I'd never hold another ribbon again without wanting to hold her.
This was such an interesting story, but I didn’t expect anything less from Pepper Winters. It’s no secret that I have loved almost every book by her and this wasn’t an exception. I am so intrigued with how their story is going to continue. This is such a well written novel and I was consumed by so many emotions while reading it. It’s a story that will make you sad, angry, uncomfortable, but also happy and in love with these characters. I was invested to the story of those two kids and I didn’t want it to end, but I was also curious to see where it will lead them.
This is definitely one of my top reads for 2018 and I’m already looking forward for the next exciting part of the story. Definitely a book I would recommend.
Thank you for the (F)BR my lovely shhluts: SueBee, Liz, Timitra, C, Lu, Myla, Ann, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, and Dayna!
ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2018
4.5 Stars
I finished this a couple of hours ago and I'm still trying to come up with a way to convey everything I'm feeling without giving anything away.
Guess what? I'm not that talented of a reviewer.
This is my first (que!) Pepper Winters book and I'm absolutely kicking myself for not reading her sooner. I went into The Boy and His Ribbon blind and I'd suggest you do the same if given the chance.
Ren and Della's tale was hard for me to take from the beginning, but the writing itself and the promise of what this story could be kept me engaged and moving forward.
How was I supposed to be a man with her when I would forever be her boy?
For most of the book I wanted the pace to pick up and the relationship to progress a little quicker than it did. That ending, though. That damn ending, the history these two share and the promise of the story to come has me rethinking my stance and saying the slow going is going to be all worth it.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I finished this a couple of hours ago and I'm still trying to come up with a way to convey everything I'm feeling without giving anything away.
Guess what? I'm not that talented of a reviewer.
This is my first (que!) Pepper Winters book and I'm absolutely kicking myself for not reading her sooner. I went into The Boy and His Ribbon blind and I'd suggest you do the same if given the chance.
Ren and Della's tale was hard for me to take from the beginning, but the writing itself and the promise of what this story could be kept me engaged and moving forward.
How was I supposed to be a man with her when I would forever be her boy?
For most of the book I wanted the pace to pick up and the relationship to progress a little quicker than it did. That ending, though. That damn ending, the history these two share and the promise of the story to come has me rethinking my stance and saying the slow going is going to be all worth it.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 25, 2024
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Boy and His Ribbon is a good coming-of-age story. It's about Ren Wild, a boy sold into slavery at the age of 8 and escaped his captors two years later. He longed for freedom but his life changed when he accidentally took his captors' infant daughter, Della Mclary.
It was a depressing start for Ren and Della. I pity them for experiencing hardships at a young age. Being homeless kids, they have no choice but to survive by scavenging whatever they can. Ren almost resented Della for being his enemies' daughter but his fondness on Della prevails and he'll do everything to keep her from harm. Taking care of a child was a huge responsibility for a ten year old kid. He was a selfless boy throughout the book and I admire him for that. They have a solid familial bond and friendship but when Della gets older, it gradually develops into a taboo relationship.
The progress of the story was pretty slow and at one point it became boring and routinal. It takes a lot of patience and I'm glad I finished it. Ren and Della's relationship was thought-provoking by the time they've become grownups. I like Della's point of view, telling her story has a raw punch. She's intelligent, bold and always on point. Things got interesting on the last 30% of the book and I need to read the sequel the soonest. Overall, this is a good book. I wish some unimportant parts were cut off.
The Boy and His Ribbon is a good coming-of-age story. It's about Ren Wild, a boy sold into slavery at the age of 8 and escaped his captors two years later. He longed for freedom but his life changed when he accidentally took his captors' infant daughter, Della Mclary.
It was a depressing start for Ren and Della. I pity them for experiencing hardships at a young age. Being homeless kids, they have no choice but to survive by scavenging whatever they can. Ren almost resented Della for being his enemies' daughter but his fondness on Della prevails and he'll do everything to keep her from harm. Taking care of a child was a huge responsibility for a ten year old kid. He was a selfless boy throughout the book and I admire him for that. They have a solid familial bond and friendship but when Della gets older, it gradually develops into a taboo relationship.
The progress of the story was pretty slow and at one point it became boring and routinal. It takes a lot of patience and I'm glad I finished it. Ren and Della's relationship was thought-provoking by the time they've become grownups. I like Della's point of view, telling her story has a raw punch. She's intelligent, bold and always on point. Things got interesting on the last 30% of the book and I need to read the sequel the soonest. Overall, this is a good book. I wish some unimportant parts were cut off.
December 26, 2018
Emotionally-charged, multilayered, coming-of-age romance that deals with strife and heartache and impossible challenges. The most powerful element is the relationship between Ren and Della. It's harsh and real and sometimes painful to read, but it burrows deep, leaving a substantial, eternal imprint on the soul that separates this story from everything I've ever read. Pepper Winters is a master storyteller, and this book is a profound portrayal of her gift. 5 stars!
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