Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder by Cookie O’Gorman

The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder by Cookie O’Gorman releases today & I am thrilled to be a part of the blog tour! Check out all the book information, my review, and be sure to enter the tour-wide giveaway!

 

The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder by Cookie O’Gorman

Category: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mystery
Publication: April 5th, 2018
Purchase: Amazon

In the south, everyone has a secret–and murder is served with sweet tea.

The word’s out: Ethan Wilder’s coming back to town, and the people of Bowie, Georgia are in a southern tizzy. Everyone knows the story. He shot and killed his sister four years ago, and people say his father, Jim Wilder, the biggest holy roller this side of the Mississippi, sent him packing for just that reason. Even if her death was unofficially ruled a suicide, Ethan’s return has everybody talking.

Seventeen-year-old Delilah Doherty can’t go anywhere without hearing his name. Born and raised in Bowie, Delilah knows firsthand about the gossipmongers and how they love a good scandal. The daughter of a wild child and niece of the local psychic, she’s also the only one who doubts Ethan’s guilt.

After Ethan saves her life, the two start a slow and steady burn neither can deny. But when Bowie’s spiritual leader is nearly murdered, it rocks the small southern town to its core. Delilah and Ethan are caught in the crossfire, their relationship threatened before it’s even begun. Someone has it out for Ethan’s family. With everyone convinced of Ethan’s guilt, it’s up to Delilah to unravel the mystery before someone else gets hurt or worse…dead.

 

Excerpt:

“So,” Wilder said, “how much for the ride?”

I eyed him wearily. Seconds ago he’d looked like he was going to be sick. Now, he was teasing?

“Free?” He feigned surprise. “Wow Doherty, I didn’t know you cared.”

Alright, if he wanted to play, I wasn’t above a little teasing.

“Information,” I said, crossing my arms. Despite myself, I was still interested. “You like the truth so much, tell me something I don’t know, something about you. The real Ethan Wilder.”

“You mean, besides the fact that I killed my sister?”

His delivery was inspired, but I rolled my eyes.

“You did not,” I said.

“Oh?” His gaze narrowed. “You don’t believe me?”

“Not a chance.” I shook my head; no way did I believe that. “The truth, Wilder.”

Crossing his own arms, he said, “I’m gay.”

“You’re what?!” I nearly swallowed my tongue.

Ignoring my outburst, he went on.

“I’ve loved you, Delilah, half my life.”

At that, my heart skipped a beat. How could he say something like that so easily?

“I killed my sister.” He waited for his words to sink in. “If I told you only one of those statements is true,” he said, stare fastened to my face, “which would you believe?”

I thought it over. The first had to be a lie. I’d seen him with too many girls. No way Wilder was batting for the same team. I automatically discarded the second statement. It couldn’t be true either. I hadn’t met Wilder before this year, so his being in love with me for any extended period of time was simply impossible. His being in love with me at all was inconceivable. That left what he’d said about his sister. The idea flitted through my brain, in and out in less than a breath. The more I knew of Wilder, the more convinced I became that some terrible, terrible mistake had been made four years ago. I didn’t believe for a second he’d killed his sister, not even when he said it so convincingly. To think, the same person who’d jumped into that lake could be capable of such an unspeakable offense. No, whatever else he was, Ethan Wilder was not a murderer. He just couldn’t be.

Considering my options, I settled on the only possibility.

“So, you’re gay.” I shrugged. “No big deal. Next time I see Ronnie, I’ll let him know you’re fair game.”

Wilder laughed. The sound was real, filled with complete abandon. Hearing him laugh like that, knowing I’d caused that break in his cool façade, made a strange ache bloom in my chest. I wanted to hear that laugh again and again.

“You do that,” he said, stepping outside. “I’ll see you, Doherty.”

Unable to resist, I said, “Should I tell Ronnie to get your coffee from now on? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, seeing as how you love it so much.”

Wilder peered through the open door.

“I hate coffee,” he said seriously.

“You do?” I asked confused.

He nodded. “Always have.”

“Then why—?”

“I’ll see you.”

Shutting the door, he took his time walking up the stone pathway.

 

Review:

[book rating=4/5]

This is one of the longest titles for a book ever, I think. Or maybe it’s just all the long words used. Either way, after reading the description—and having loved Cookie’s debut book—I thought this sounded good. When offered the opportunity to review an early copy, I jumped on it.

This is a strange little book. At its heart is a mystery in need of solving. But that’s all buried underneath the high school life and story of Delilah Doherty. She is the main character. And while she isn’t a nerd, she’s definitely an outcast. This is due to who her mother and aunt are. Somehow, in this small southern town, who they are perceived to be reflects poorly on the teenager in their lives. But what I found to be a bit ridiculous (sorry) was the way one teacher constantly harassed Delilah with nasty comments about her mother. I may no longer be a teen, but I couldn’t fathom this actually taking place and for it to be so expected, overlooked, and allowed. It felt a little over the top. But the rest of it? Not so much. Especially the way in which football players are ‘above the law’ and given passes on every behavior.

As for the mystery, I guessed the truth about that very early on. It’s written there, clear as mud. You just need to read between all the lines. However, the one part I guessed about was never confirmed. The other death must have just been a fluke, even though I assumed THAT was what Ethan had been hiding from. (If you read the story and see the paybacks he pulls off, you’ll know what aspect I mean.)

I found Aunt B’s psychic gift to be a pretty cool addition to the story. It also made me nervous that this was going to turn into a paranormal story at one point. (The “ghost” or creature siting…) Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Just a really fun, and at times serious, mystery/contemporary.

I loved Delilah. I loved her sass. I loved that she was comfortable with who she is. And Ethan? He’s kind of a typical, brooding male. One with a past that is questionable and makes him seem like more of a bad boy than he truly is. It was clear he didn’t truly murder his sister. There was far more to him than anyone knew. But, I don’t know who I loved more: George or Aunt B. Both are hilarious. I’ll say it’s a tie and admit to them being my favorite characters in the book.

O’Gorman has penned another winner. With the addition of a mysterious death, she turned the typical contemporary into something deeper, more thought-provoking, and fun. It has plenty of humor. Compelling characters. Wit and snark are also definite highlights. Ethan Wilder is perfect for those who like their contemporary reads with a bit more spunk.

 

Author Bio: Cookie O’Gorman

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her debut novel ADORKABLE is out now! Her second book NINJA GIRL was released March 30,2017!

Links:
Website │ Twitter │ Facebook │ Goodreads

 

Giveaway:

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