The Boy and His Ribbon

<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522300855i/25288995._SX540_.jpg" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1520997877ra/25210253.gif" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522105332ra/25278642.gif" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522104603ra/25278583.gif" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522104603ra/25278584.gif" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522104603ra/25278585.gif" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522104603ra/25278586.gif" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><b>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! The Boy and His Ribbon, book 1 of 2. A coming-of age tale of fate, survival &amp; a burning yet forbidden love!</b><br><br><u>Books in The Ribbons duet should be read in order:</u><br><b>Book 1: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2297588212" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Boy and His Ribbon</a><br>Book 2: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2324726478" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Girl and Her Ren</a></b><br><br><a> <blockquote> <i> <b>“…the only thing I loved, the only girl I ever needed, the only friend I ever wanted…”</b> </i> </blockquote> </a><br><b>The Boy and His Ribbon</b> (book 1) follows <b>Ren Wild</b> and <b>Della Mclary aka Della Ribbon</b> from childhood into adulthood. Escaping captivity, their codependent relationship evolved from a <b>deep and pure friendship</b> into <b>confusing forbidden feelings</b> that could never be. Time and time again destiny played its cards while fate intervened.<br><br><a> <blockquote> <i> <b>“…all I wanted to do was kneel before my tiny ribbon and beg her to forgive me…”</b> </i> </blockquote> </a><br>Told in dual POVs, alternating between flashbacks and current events, it’s a <b>coming of age tale</b> of survival, heart-break, betrayal, mistakes and an <b>inevitable and doomed love.</b> A tale so special it warmed and broke my heart in equal measures. It ends tragically leading right to book 2, <b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2324726478" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Girl and Her Ren</a> </b> for the conclusion of their saga.<br><br>Perseverance! Temptation! Destiny!<br><br><a> <blockquote> <i> <b>“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.”</b> </i> </blockquote> </a><br>***<br>Hero: ★★★★★<br>Heroine: ★★★★★<br>Plot: ★★★★★<br>Storytelling: ★★★★★<br>Sexual tension: ★★★★1/2<br>Sex scenes: N/A<br>Story ending: N/A<br>******************************************<br><b>OVERALL RATING:</b> ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2<br>Angst: <b>| HIGH FOCUS |</b><br>Darkness: <b>| HIGH FOCUS |</b><br>Humor: <b>| MEDIUM FOCUS |</b><br>Kink: <b>| LOW FOCUS |</b><br>Romance: <b>| MEDIUM FOCUS |</b><br>Sex frequency: <b>| LOW FOCUS |</b><br>Suspense: <b>| MEDIUM FOCUS |</b><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522104603ra/25278582.gif" width="420" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b>Thank you</b> Shhluts, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, Liz, Heather, LittleKitten, Ammie, Mamacita &amp; Dayna for our ARC(F)BR!<br><br><b> <i>ARC provided to me by author Pepper Winters in exchange for an honest review.</i> </b>

i completely forgot how unrealistic the vast majority of this story is, but man. it still packs a punch straight to the heart. ?<br /><br />___________________________<br /><br />this book absolutely consumed me in my entirety. my heart, mind, and soul. all of it now belongs to this story. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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 (<i>an understatement</i>). <br /><br />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??<br /><br /><b>↠ <i>4.5 stars</i></b>

<i> <b>"The sensation of holding her was one of coming home after being lost for so long, and I ached."</b> </i><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522163294ra/25281099.gif" width="600" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522345509ra/25292359.gif" width="600" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>This was both one of the most unique and outrageously hooking trips I have taken in a while. <br>Let's see how that looks in bold. <br><br><b>This was both one of the most unique and outrageously hooking trips I have taken in a while. </b><br><br>Damn, still the same feeling.... <br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522345509i/25292360._SX540_.png" width="600" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br>________________<br><br><u> <b>“Ah! It’s not squirms, it’s sperms!”</b> </u><br>I think it's safe to start this review by stating a couple key things that are running through my mind. <br><br>→ 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 <i>The Boy and His Ribbon</i> is her best <u>writing</u> 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. <br><br>→ 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. <br><br><blockquote> <b> <i>"I knew the second the matching piece of my heart arrived."</i> </b> </blockquote><br><br>→ In the last section of her book, in her acknowledgments - Pepper writes about how effortless it was to write and finish this book. <u>Reading it was the exact same experience. </u> 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. <br><br>→ 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 <u>made me want to rip my heart out and tell it to stop beating like a maniac.</u> 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! <br><br><blockquote> <b> <i>"Why do I insist on slicing through the sticky tape on my constantly breaking heart and stabbing it over and over again? "</i> </b> </blockquote><br><br>→ Lastly, and this is <u>probably the most important</u>: <i>The Boy and His Ribbon</i> 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 <b>you are the puppet and this book pulls the strings. </b><br><br><blockquote> <b> <i>"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."</i> </b> </blockquote><br><br><br><br><u> <b>Atypical Romance </b> </u><br><blockquote> <b> <i>"My family was a single girl who I would happily die for, and lately, that was exactly what she made me want to do."</i> </b> </blockquote><br><br>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" <br><br><blockquote> <b> <i>"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."</i> </b> </blockquote><br><br>All through the first 75%, I couldn't help but notice how it read like <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/43448.Flowers_in_the_Attic__Dollanganger___1_" title="Flowers in the Attic (Dollanganger, #1) by V.C. Andrews" rel="noopener">Flowers in the Attic</a>. 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. <br><br>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. <br><br><blockquote> <b> <i>"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> </b> </blockquote><br><br>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! <br><br>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 <i>technically</i> 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. <br><br><blockquote> <b> <i>"There is no me without him"</i> </b> </blockquote>

<blockquote> <b>Oh wow...</b> </blockquote>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2e0pm6g" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1517634761i/24993460._SX540_.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=200y3ac" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522010664i/25274022._SX540_.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2zejcl3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1517460716i/24978302._SX540_.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=o09lwl" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1516565283i/24897365._SX540_.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2ir3yw5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1515209538i/24840577.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br><b> MY REVIEW </b> can also be found on my blog: <br> <a href="http://katfenton.blogspot.co.nz/2018/03/review-arc-boy-and-his-ribbon-ribbon.html" rel="nofollow noopener"> <b>KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS</b> </a><br><br><b> THE BOY AND HIS RIBBON: </b> is the first book in Pepper Winter’s <i>‘The Ribbon’</i> duet. In this we meet Ren and Della. Told in ‘Dual Perspectives’ <br><br>About a boy and a girl…<br><br><b>2000:</b> 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.<br><br>He had nowhere to go<br>No money<br>No one to help him<br>No guarantee of survival<br>No known direction to head towards<br>N0 food or water, no tent or blanket, no spare clothes.<br>Nothing..<br><br>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.<br><br><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=10pulqe" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522193530i/25282673._SY540_.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br>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. <br><br><i> I would die for her<br>I would live for her.<br>I would kill for her. </i><br><br><b>To Present Day:</b> <br><b> INTRODUCTORY ASSIGNMENT FOR:</b> Creative writing class<br><b> PROFESSOR: </b> Diane Baxter<br><b> BRIEF: </b> To write a non-fiction piece about our lives that reads like fiction. <br><br><i> Dear Professor Baxter, <br>I know you asked us to write something true that reads as fake, but I have a problem.<br>I'm not trying to be difficult and refuse to do the assignment but...well,<br>this problem of mine..it's a fairly big problem.<br>You see, I'm not allowed to tell the truth.<br>Ever. </i><br><br>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. <br><br><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=24lq6p2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522193530i/25282674._SY540_.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br><i> 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><br><br>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!!<br><br>* Teasers used are off the authors facebook page.. *<br><br><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2ir3yw5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1515209538i/24840577.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2a0guva" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1515981059i/24879210._SX540_.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> <br> <blockquote> <div> <a href="http://katfenton.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1511218918i/24493308.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1511218918i/24493307.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a>  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kittykats003/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1511218918i/24493310.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/107310326196782383941" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1511218918i/24493311.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KitKatCrzyBooks" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1511218918i/24493309.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a> </div> </blockquote>

<b>★4.5★</b><blockquote> <b>"Ren was simple. Ren spoiled me. Ren kept me in line. No one else came close."</b> </blockquote><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522507709i/25301646._SX540_.jpg" width="" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b>The Boy and His Ribbon</b> 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.<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1466701540i/19510149._SX540_.gif" width="" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><blockquote> <b>"Humans were complicated creatures, and smiles were full of poison."</b> </blockquote> 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?<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522508076i/25301656._SX540_.jpg" width="" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><blockquote> <b>"How many times do you think a person can survive a broken heart?"</b> </blockquote> Told in dual POV, <b>The Boy and His Ribbon</b> 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. <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1466701540i/19510149._SX540_.gif" width="" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Overall, I highly recommend <b>The Boy and His Ribbon</b> 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. <br><br><b><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521254260i/25226375._SX540_.jpg" width="300" height="" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521254476i/25226378._SX540_.jpg" width="300" height="150" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>*This was an (F)BR with my Shhlutty Sisters: SueBee, Lu, Timitra, C, Myla, Ann, Sophie, Susan, Akd, Snow, Megan, Tina, and Dayna!<br><br>For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:<br><a href="https://craziesrusbookblog.wordpress.com//" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1483747845i/21645810.jpg" width="320" height="160" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1450764696i/17467413.jpg" width="" height="30" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/CraziesRus" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1450633462i/17450183.png" width="60" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/craziesrus/" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1450763751i/17467332.jpg" width="60" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Crazies-R-Us-Book-Blog-171506803016307/timeline/" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1450633462i/17450182.png" width="60" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/110273454171852792166/posts" rel="nofollow noopener"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1451963666i/17626541.png" width="55" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1450764696i/17467413.jpg" width="" height="30" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></b>

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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!<br /><br />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!<br /><br /><i>ARC provided by Netgalley. </i>

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. &lt;3 Also I highly recommend all the books of Pepper Winters to you. :)<br><br>Ps. I'm so excited to read 2nd book soon. Thank God, we won't wait too long. (Expected publication: June 5th 2018: )<br><br><br><i> <b>"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."</b> </i><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1502707868ra/23586092.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> <br><br><i> <b>*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤</b> </i><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522746309i/25315396._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> <br><br><br><i>“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?<br>I’ll tell you what you do.<br>You lie."</i><br> <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522759350i/25316350._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><br>REN<br> <br>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.<br>His mother sold him and for two years, he lived in terror.<br>But then…he ran.<br>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.<br> <br>DELLA<br> <br>I was young when I fell in love with him, when he switched from my world to my everything.<br>My parents bought him for cheap labour, just like they had with many other kids, and he had the scars to prove it.<br>At the start, he hated me, and I could understand why.<br>For years he was my worst enemy, fiercest protector, and dearest friend.<br>But by the end…he loved me.<br>The only problem was, he loved me in an entirely different way to the way I loved him.<br>And slowly, my secret drove us apart.<br><br><br>Read Today! <br>THE BOY &amp; HIS RIBBON, Book 1<br>Amazon US: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/2uIPvK6">https://amzn.to/2uIPvK6</a><br>Amazon UK: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/2GqplkM">https://amzn.to/2GqplkM</a><br>Amazon CA: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/2uERH5l">https://amzn.to/2uERH5l</a><br>iBooks: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://apple.co/2FAxazG">https://apple.co/2FAxazG</a><br>Kobo: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2p5Zpzj">http://bit.ly/2p5Zpzj</a><br>Google Play: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2p0pKQ3">http://bit.ly/2p0pKQ3</a><br>Nook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2FrgcrF">http://bit.ly/2FrgcrF</a><br>Goodreads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2DAOiYo">http://bit.ly/2DAOiYo</a><br>More Information: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU">http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU</a><br><br>Pre-Order Book 2!<br>THE GIRL &amp; HER REN, Book 2<br>iBooks: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://apple.co/2Fxl9v4">https://apple.co/2Fxl9v4</a><br>Kobo: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2IkTtvm">http://bit.ly/2IkTtvm</a><br>Google Play: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2FHfB4g">http://bit.ly/2FHfB4g</a><br>Nook: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2Ii3Hwf">http://bit.ly/2Ii3Hwf</a><br>More Information: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU">http://bit.ly/2D2D0YU</a><br><br>P.S. Teasers are taken from author's FB page. &lt;3

<b> <i>5.5 RIBBON Stars</i> </b><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1522952610i/25330413._SX540_.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>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. <br><br><b> <i>"Once upon a time, there was a boy and a baby.”</i> </b><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522952610ra/25330418.gif" width="430" height="200" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>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!<br><br><b> <i>"Was she in love with me? And if she was…where the fuck did that leave us?”</i> </b> <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522952610ra/25330419.gif" width="430" height="200" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b> <i>"She was my one weakness, and I was determined to stay immune to her for her own protection."</i> </b> <br><br>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! <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1522952610ra/25330417.gif" width="430" height="200" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b> <i>"There is no me without him.”</i> </b>

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!