Absinthe

The preview sucked me in - I loved the back and forth through the dating app and the unknown of who Absinthe was talking to. When she realizes her principal is the man she has shared deep and intimate moments with - it's a glorious moment. As soon as I got really into the story - it dropped from the raging river to a very calm puddle. What the heck? We had so much build-up and so much story then a bad excuse of another year past, and another year past, really???? Then the two characters finally touch one another and it was tepid. Ugh. I wanted to give more stars, but I expected a lot more. I will try another book from this author because I like the style. Three stars from me.

It was a good book. The first 75% of it was awesome.. But the last 25% it felt like I was reading a completely different story concerning the main characters. Where they end up and how, left me wanting big time. I see what you meant Princess J, about how it felt like the author was holding back in ways she really didn't need to.The story, IMO, suffered greatly because the author was afraid to truly go there. At least this is the impression the author left for me. I felt as though there were many really intense paths this story could have taken, just given the characters and their plight. It was very clear the numerous directions in which this story could have gone. But I hate to say it, the author, IMO, chose the easiest and most common route possible. The depth that you think you'll get from this one is just not there towards the end. Many things were missing, lost and quite frankly; glossed over a bit.The closing of the story was way too rushed as well. And just way to simplistic of a conclusion, considering the way the story started and what occurred in the middle of their journey.I would say the first 75% of this read is a solid 5 stars. But by the time you're done, it falls to a solid 3.It's still a good story though. Solid characters.I would still recommend this read.Happy reading :)

This is a love story of a damaged but not broken girl and a guy with some series resentment, only they have one small problem. He's the principal at her new high school. They meet online and while he means to keep things online/phone only with no intentions of ever meeting up in person, he soon realizes that is going to be impossible the moment she is sent to the principals office for misconduct on the first day of school. Although they have never met in person, and she has never seen his picture, they both know. She tries to persuade him into a intimate relationship, he holds his ground and fights the temptation trying to do the right thing, the moral thing, the professional thing. I think that was my favorite part about this book. Although he was using a dating app and ultimately had phone sex, he was still trying to be the person he needed to be for a man in his professional position. He was never going to have sex with a student. Thus breaking the girls heart.No matter what you feelings are about this type of forbidden love, these two characters are perfect for each other, and you can see that from their first interaction. These two people are made for each other. :) There's a few humorous scenes, and few ahhh moments and a couple of stab to the heart moments.My only complaint is that there are a few gaps in their lives as we skip from her high school life, to college, to career, and even though the author gave quick notes during those timelines, I would have liked to know a little more about their lives during those times. I felt like I was missing out on things.The book reads quickly and easily from alternating POVs. Although there isn't any actual sex until late in the book, there is talk (and phone sex talk) throughout, (and lets not forget all the 'F' bombs) so recommended for readers 18+.

I sat down to read a few pages early in the morning, and had to stay there, hungry, cold and with a full bladder, until it was finished. TMI?? Not sorry, I just want you to understand how much I had to finish Absinthe, Winter Renshaw’s latest release. It was every bit as intense, intoxicating and addictive that I’ve stated above.Absinthe and Kerouac, perfect partners, soul-mates with an intense passion of classic literature, and, on the edge of falling in love. They only have that connection for the other, and everyone else is a poor washed out imitation.Or it would be if it weren’t in the real world of temporary social and professional taboos, where the age gap between older students and younger principals isn’t in the way, and where Principal Hawthorne gets over the life changing shock that the breathy voice from the dating App he’s been coming to, or discussing Proust or Hemingway with, wasn’t the wild-haired student sitting in front of him.On her part, Halston can’t believe that the voice belonging to Kerouac is that of her school Principal, and he’s even more gorgeous than the stock photo he used on that dating App. She also curses the fact that at nineteen, she’s still at school at and totally off-limits, when in reality, she should already have graduated. Unfortunately for her, life gave her to meth-head parents who in turn gave her nothing: no food, clothes, warmth or even physical safety.Winter Renshaw writes intense and passionate books that are sometimes difficult to read in that her characters have had to overcome the worst circumstances that life has to offer. They are, however, strong characters with stories that just have to be read. Absinthe and Kerouac are amazingly written, and each have a journey to go through to reach their HEA. Highly recommend read - 5 Stars!

Absinthe may be cast as a forbidden romance but is actually so much more. It's about a strong, feisty, determined, intelligent young woman, wise beyond her years and a focused, career driven commitment-phobe. It's witty and sexy with just the right amount of sadness and pain. We understand Halston's background, where she's come from, but the story doesn't dwell on the bad aspects of her life. She is so courageous and I was fascinated with her. I think I would have had great fun with a friend like her. This book is different insofar as a lot of the interaction between the couple is done via messages on a dating app and I loved that. Halston is very forthright and I absolutely love the sexiness and banter between them. There were times I wanted to shake Ford for the conclusions he jumped to and the decisions he made, his worries becoming a self fulfilling prophecy. I really enjoyed the book references cleverly woven into the story, which add another dimension and give our characters even more of a connection. This story had me rooting for these two young people, hoping that in the end they would find their way back to each other and the happiness they deserved.A wonderful book, by an extremely gifted writer, and one which I highly recommend.

That's how you write a romance story. It was just so captivating, sweet and endearing. I felt so connected to helston, she had a tragic past and just wanted someone to love her and think something of her. It's fair to say it's like fate likes to kick helston down. But an opportunity presents itself and rather than receiving lemons she makes lemonade.It's beautifully written and the oppressors in the story are brutal in their abasement.. If anyone deserves a happy ending it's helston.My one disappointment is that the oppressors only get a brief paragraph near the end, I so wanted more and for helston to get some revenge or at least an apology.I get she's too classy to stoop to that level but just to show them they didn't win.Definitely worth a look.

From the very beginning I was swept up in this amazing story of two lost souls who find love, but at the wrong time. My heart hurt for these two at times, for the injustices they endured, and for the simple mistake that changed everything. Absinthe by Winter Renshaw is so much more than a teacher/student book, it's a journey of what a woman will do to be with the man she loves. It's funny at times, it's sad at times, (not ugly cry sad, but I did tear up once or twice) and it's brilliant all of the time. I loved Halston, I loved Ford. I loved the storyline. In fact I absolutely loved this book, and you will too!

What a great book. Absinthe and Kerouac start talking on a dating app, both lonely and into literature they seem to understand one another and are falling hard without even seeing one another. A new term starts and Halston has to go to the principals office and as soon as she hears his voice she knows, thing get very complicated. This book isn't about a teacher crossing the line more about keeping it in place and a friendship, but other people get involved and life's get altered.

Five stars all the way! Another great book from Winter Renshaw. Good storyline and great characters, it kept me reading non stop from start, to finish. I was sad to reach the end. Thoroughly recommend that you read this book.