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Terminal 19
My dad always said you can’t run away from your problems, but I’m sure as hell going to try. And where do you go when you’re trying to escape life? You go to Europe. Or Scandinavia to be exact, because Scandinavia does have the hottest guys. Have you seen Thor? I’ve got my bucket list and I’m ready to live life to the fullest. Go abroad where no one knows my past? Check. See the sites? Check. Hook up with a Scandinavian Hottie? Check.
Despite the threat of my past hanging over my head, everything is going great…until Scandinavian Hottie wants to get serious. It was never my intention to take things to the next level. After all, I don’t want to hurt him when he finds out the truth. However, the more time we spend together, the harder I fall, and in the end I'm not sure if it's his heart or mine that's going to end up broken.
Despite the threat of my past hanging over my head, everything is going great…until Scandinavian Hottie wants to get serious. It was never my intention to take things to the next level. After all, I don’t want to hurt him when he finds out the truth. However, the more time we spend together, the harder I fall, and in the end I'm not sure if it's his heart or mine that's going to end up broken.
352 pages, ebook
First published March 8, 2018
19 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 26, 2018
*4.5/5*
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you L.R. Olson and Xpresso Book Tours!
Terminal 19 tells the story of Hope. Even though her name is Hope, she’s lost hope in living for more than a few moments. Hope has cancer and she’s dying. She goes on a trip to Scandinavia to finish her bucket list before she dies. She wants to find a Scandinavian Hottie and lose her virginity, but what about getting feelings for the Scandinavian Hottie? That wasn’t the plan…
Terminal 19 was such a beautiful book about cancer. It reminded me a bit of Before I Die, but in a good way. I couldn’t stop reading because the story was so interesting and I really liked the characters. I wanted to know how the story was going to end and I actually didn’t see it coming…
I really loved Hope and Christian, the Scandinavian Hottie. They were both so amazing and I couldn’t help falling for Christian myself. He has a past and doesn’t really want to talk about it, and that intrigues me even more. I mean, a Scandinavian guy with muscles who is also a bit secretive and romantic? SIGN ME UP!
I’m glad that the ebook ended with a note from the author that there will be two more books, Terminal 20 and Terminal 21, because I really liked L.R. Olson’s writing and I really enjoyed Terminal 19!
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you L.R. Olson and Xpresso Book Tours!
Terminal 19 tells the story of Hope. Even though her name is Hope, she’s lost hope in living for more than a few moments. Hope has cancer and she’s dying. She goes on a trip to Scandinavia to finish her bucket list before she dies. She wants to find a Scandinavian Hottie and lose her virginity, but what about getting feelings for the Scandinavian Hottie? That wasn’t the plan…
Terminal 19 was such a beautiful book about cancer. It reminded me a bit of Before I Die, but in a good way. I couldn’t stop reading because the story was so interesting and I really liked the characters. I wanted to know how the story was going to end and I actually didn’t see it coming…
I really loved Hope and Christian, the Scandinavian Hottie. They were both so amazing and I couldn’t help falling for Christian myself. He has a past and doesn’t really want to talk about it, and that intrigues me even more. I mean, a Scandinavian guy with muscles who is also a bit secretive and romantic? SIGN ME UP!
I’m glad that the ebook ended with a note from the author that there will be two more books, Terminal 20 and Terminal 21, because I really liked L.R. Olson’s writing and I really enjoyed Terminal 19!
May 16, 2023
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hope is tired. She is dying. And she is tired of people not accepting that she is dying.
So, she decides to go on a trip. The trip she has always wanted to make. She goes to Scandinavia. Denmark, Norway and Sweden are on her route.
When she is in Denmark she meets Christian. He is a gorgeous Norwegian guy. And her plans change. Because they fall in love. It was supposed to be a summer fling. So when she starts to have deeper feelings, she doesn't know what to do. Should she tell him that she is dying or not?
Although I knew Hope is really sick since the very beginning, the story is not told as a depressing tale. In fact, there were moments I totally forgot.
There are no words to describe how much I loved this book. It is the best book that I have read in a long, lond time. And believe me, I have read some very good books lately. Well, this is better. Much, much better.
I didn't know this author. But I love the way she tells the story. I love the characters she has created. All of them. Although I must admit I fell in love with Christian as soon as he appeared in the story.
I cried with this book, I laughed. And I cried some more.
Please, don't miss this one. Yo will adore it!
https://www.facebook.com/Borntoreadbo...
Hope is tired. She is dying. And she is tired of people not accepting that she is dying.
So, she decides to go on a trip. The trip she has always wanted to make. She goes to Scandinavia. Denmark, Norway and Sweden are on her route.
When she is in Denmark she meets Christian. He is a gorgeous Norwegian guy. And her plans change. Because they fall in love. It was supposed to be a summer fling. So when she starts to have deeper feelings, she doesn't know what to do. Should she tell him that she is dying or not?
Although I knew Hope is really sick since the very beginning, the story is not told as a depressing tale. In fact, there were moments I totally forgot.
There are no words to describe how much I loved this book. It is the best book that I have read in a long, lond time. And believe me, I have read some very good books lately. Well, this is better. Much, much better.
I didn't know this author. But I love the way she tells the story. I love the characters she has created. All of them. Although I must admit I fell in love with Christian as soon as he appeared in the story.
I cried with this book, I laughed. And I cried some more.
Please, don't miss this one. Yo will adore it!
https://www.facebook.com/Borntoreadbo...
June 7, 2018
5 stars
My first ARC, yaaaaay. Cheers NetGalley.
Plot: Hope, our main character and POV for 95% of the novel is a 19 year old with terminal cancer, hence the title Terminal19. The story follows hope as she sets off on a European adventure to tick off some of her bucket list items away from her worrying family before she is too sick to do so. Hope keeps everyone at arms length refusing to let them in for fear that she will burden them with her health and eventual death but can’t help falling for the amazing set of characters she meets on her journey. Hope is everything I like in a female lead and Christian, oh baby I need to do some travelling.
My thoughts: I loved this book! I read the entire thing in one day and even made myself late to an important event because I couldn’t put it down, I found myself making a spot for it on my favourites shelf before even finishing it. The first 75% was insanely good and loved all aspects of the book. The romance, the friendships, the history & travel knowledge, the character depth. The only thing I would personally change is the ending, she could have played the last 25% differently and this book would have ruined me emotionally and landed in my top 5 romances but the ending was rushed and not executed with the potential emotion it could have, without spoiling it I can’t say the outcome but I understand why the author ended it how she did. Will without a doubt be reading some of the author other novels.
I would recommend this to anyone that is after a great new adult romance with depth. A few minor editing issues but hey, we can’t all be perfect.
April 5, 2019
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 out of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was frustrated at some points because of the main character but I always knew the motivation behind the character. I thought the relationship was pretty adorable, albeit a tad unbelievable given the timeframe. I loved the fact that there was always clear consent when anything was happening between either party. Overall, I thought the setting was great and the characters were sweet and I loved the story.
4 out of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was frustrated at some points because of the main character but I always knew the motivation behind the character. I thought the relationship was pretty adorable, albeit a tad unbelievable given the timeframe. I loved the fact that there was always clear consent when anything was happening between either party. Overall, I thought the setting was great and the characters were sweet and I loved the story.
April 15, 2018
As soon as I had requested this book, I regretted it. I am so not the kind of person that enjoys reading books that feature a terminally ill character. Mainly because I was asked to read The fault in our stars by John Green by a colleague a few years ago and found it sadly lacking.
But this. This book is SO different and when I say different, I mean better.
Here we have Hope, a 19-year-old girl with a terminal diagnosis, which she has come to terms with.
I’ve no idea how, but she manages to get her mum to agree to her going to Scandinavia for a few weeks before she gets too ill. Hope is determined to be able to strike a few things from her bucket list during this trip as she’s hoping to be finding herself a Scandinavian hottie to have a little fling with.
During her stay in Copenhagen, Hope begins to drop her defences and makes some friends. None of whom are aware of her illness, including Christian, a seriously fit fella who is just perfect for a fling.
But then Hope begins to enjoy her life. She enjoys having friends, lots of fun and laughter and a real relationship that is in danger of becoming more than just a fling.
For the first time in a very long time Hope is actually living instead of just waiting to die and she’s having a great time.
There is nothing not to like here. Both Hope and Christian are likeable and are on a journey of new discoveries together. Even though they are both from different background and with wildly different life experiences, they really gel together.
The secondary characters are also nice and add some nice moments. It’s nice to see Hope interacting with other women of the same age as we are told earlier in the book that Hope has been kind of left behind as other friends of hers have moved on.
Terminal 19 is not at all what I had expected but I really enjoyed it. And then, when I got to the end, I discover that the author has at least another 2 books planned in the series. At first, I wasn’t too sure what more there is to write, but then I realised what the author has planned and I look forward to reading them.
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
But this. This book is SO different and when I say different, I mean better.
Here we have Hope, a 19-year-old girl with a terminal diagnosis, which she has come to terms with.
I’ve no idea how, but she manages to get her mum to agree to her going to Scandinavia for a few weeks before she gets too ill. Hope is determined to be able to strike a few things from her bucket list during this trip as she’s hoping to be finding herself a Scandinavian hottie to have a little fling with.
During her stay in Copenhagen, Hope begins to drop her defences and makes some friends. None of whom are aware of her illness, including Christian, a seriously fit fella who is just perfect for a fling.
But then Hope begins to enjoy her life. She enjoys having friends, lots of fun and laughter and a real relationship that is in danger of becoming more than just a fling.
For the first time in a very long time Hope is actually living instead of just waiting to die and she’s having a great time.
There is nothing not to like here. Both Hope and Christian are likeable and are on a journey of new discoveries together. Even though they are both from different background and with wildly different life experiences, they really gel together.
The secondary characters are also nice and add some nice moments. It’s nice to see Hope interacting with other women of the same age as we are told earlier in the book that Hope has been kind of left behind as other friends of hers have moved on.
Terminal 19 is not at all what I had expected but I really enjoyed it. And then, when I got to the end, I discover that the author has at least another 2 books planned in the series. At first, I wasn’t too sure what more there is to write, but then I realised what the author has planned and I look forward to reading them.
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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January 6, 2020
Yesterday, I watched the movie Ford versus Ferrari starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. It's based on a true story of Ken Miles, Carol Shelby and the Ford GT40. The only car to ever defeat Ferrari and won 4 straight years in Le Mans. Le Mans is a 24-hour car race and Ferrari always won it. It was a very inspiring story of two people who broke records and who refused to give in to bureaucracy and just followed their guts against all odds. It's a story of friendship, of the great drive to be better and to never give up in spite of everything stacked against them.
How the movie relates to this book? Just like our two heroes in the movie, Miles and Shelby, Hope is also battling something a lot bigger than her nineteen-year old self - cancer. She was diagnosed five years ago and she has given up hope of ever be cured of it. It's ironic, right? Being her name is hope, but she has come to terms that she may just have two or three years tops to live. Her family and friends on the other hand, refuses to even think of that eventuality.
So, as she might not have more years to live, Hope decided to actually do something she had long wanted to do - travel to Scandinavia. Why Scandinavia of all places? She had family there. Her dad was from Denmark. Aside from that, she just had this urgent need to go there. So, she kind of guilt-tripped her Mom to allow her to go and besides, she's meeting her cousin Faith there also. She's not exactly alone. In terms of the risk of her dying in another country, well, that might be a possibility but she refuses to dwell on that. She will have the best time of her life, if this is going to be her last. And besides, it been years ago when she last had an attack. The doctor said her cancer is on status quo. Meaning, no improvement and it's not getting worse.
So, off she went to Copenhagen and on her first day, she met a Scandinavian hottie. Yes, like model hot who for the first time in a long time made Hope embarrassed. He made her feel normal after a long time. She had gotten used to being examined by doctors wearing next to nothing that being embarrassed has become a bit alien to her. This trip, Hope wants to be anonymous, just like any other tourist. And best of all, people don't have to know that she's sick. She can be normal or pretend to be normal for a month and experience new things. To feel alive again because it's been a such long time she felt truly alive.
Ahhh...this story is so full of hope that I too wanted to rush off and go to Scandinavia. To feel as alive as Hope felt, experiencing the sights, sounds and smell of Denmark, Norway and Finland. And finding my own Scandinavian hottie would be just the icing to it all. I wouldn't even complain. My own Christian or Thor. My wanderlust and thirst for new adventures and experiences was fueled by this story. If only. Maybe someday.
This story just proved that when you step out of your comfort zone, it's when amazing and unexpected things happen. Just like Hope, going to Scandinavia was the best thing she did and if she'd only known that it was the best for her, she would have done it sooner. Scandinavia did amazing things to Hope, including to her illness. Happiness and joy are the best cure and Hope has found hope again. Hope to believe again that she might live longer. Heck, she wants to live longer and do more. She knows she can do more.
This is s a story of going beyond our limits and believing that life has a way of surprising us in the best way possible. Yes, it sucks most of the time, but when it gives out surprises, nothing will ever make you be ready for it. There's nothing else you can do but thank the universe for being generous and for being the lucky recipient of that fortune. So, if you're going something horrible and impossible right now, fear not, it's not going to be permanent. The universe will find a way to make up for your misfortunes as long as you keep hoping and have an open mind. Nothing is set in stone and the tides may yet turn in your favor.
So, with that said, I give this book 5/5 Danish kroner. Yes, this Danish coin was the key to hope meeting Christian who helped bring hope and sunshine to her almost fading life. And their first meeting was embarrassing yet funny. This story, in more ways, will make you alive and cry at the same time. But mostly, hope. You will hope that you too may find or experience something as incredible as what Hope experienced in Scandinavia. That like Hope, even if it would be the last days of your life, something amazing will blow you away and that you will no longer fear dying because you have truly lived, even for a moment or for a few days. It's in the satisfaction of knowing that I may have lived only once but hell yeah, I lived.
I wasn't supposed to come here to fall in love with life. I was supposed to come here as a last hurrah, to say goodbye to life. And suddenly, whereas before dying seemed like a relief, the thought of leaving no longer holds any appeal.
It reminded again that death doesn't just affect the dead. It affects the living much, much more.
- L. R. Olson, Terminal 19 -
Thanks again, ebooksforreview, I am a reader and L. R. Olson for the review copy. I am sorry this review took forever.
How the movie relates to this book? Just like our two heroes in the movie, Miles and Shelby, Hope is also battling something a lot bigger than her nineteen-year old self - cancer. She was diagnosed five years ago and she has given up hope of ever be cured of it. It's ironic, right? Being her name is hope, but she has come to terms that she may just have two or three years tops to live. Her family and friends on the other hand, refuses to even think of that eventuality.
So, as she might not have more years to live, Hope decided to actually do something she had long wanted to do - travel to Scandinavia. Why Scandinavia of all places? She had family there. Her dad was from Denmark. Aside from that, she just had this urgent need to go there. So, she kind of guilt-tripped her Mom to allow her to go and besides, she's meeting her cousin Faith there also. She's not exactly alone. In terms of the risk of her dying in another country, well, that might be a possibility but she refuses to dwell on that. She will have the best time of her life, if this is going to be her last. And besides, it been years ago when she last had an attack. The doctor said her cancer is on status quo. Meaning, no improvement and it's not getting worse.
So, off she went to Copenhagen and on her first day, she met a Scandinavian hottie. Yes, like model hot who for the first time in a long time made Hope embarrassed. He made her feel normal after a long time. She had gotten used to being examined by doctors wearing next to nothing that being embarrassed has become a bit alien to her. This trip, Hope wants to be anonymous, just like any other tourist. And best of all, people don't have to know that she's sick. She can be normal or pretend to be normal for a month and experience new things. To feel alive again because it's been a such long time she felt truly alive.
Ahhh...this story is so full of hope that I too wanted to rush off and go to Scandinavia. To feel as alive as Hope felt, experiencing the sights, sounds and smell of Denmark, Norway and Finland. And finding my own Scandinavian hottie would be just the icing to it all. I wouldn't even complain. My own Christian or Thor. My wanderlust and thirst for new adventures and experiences was fueled by this story. If only. Maybe someday.
This story just proved that when you step out of your comfort zone, it's when amazing and unexpected things happen. Just like Hope, going to Scandinavia was the best thing she did and if she'd only known that it was the best for her, she would have done it sooner. Scandinavia did amazing things to Hope, including to her illness. Happiness and joy are the best cure and Hope has found hope again. Hope to believe again that she might live longer. Heck, she wants to live longer and do more. She knows she can do more.
This is s a story of going beyond our limits and believing that life has a way of surprising us in the best way possible. Yes, it sucks most of the time, but when it gives out surprises, nothing will ever make you be ready for it. There's nothing else you can do but thank the universe for being generous and for being the lucky recipient of that fortune. So, if you're going something horrible and impossible right now, fear not, it's not going to be permanent. The universe will find a way to make up for your misfortunes as long as you keep hoping and have an open mind. Nothing is set in stone and the tides may yet turn in your favor.
So, with that said, I give this book 5/5 Danish kroner. Yes, this Danish coin was the key to hope meeting Christian who helped bring hope and sunshine to her almost fading life. And their first meeting was embarrassing yet funny. This story, in more ways, will make you alive and cry at the same time. But mostly, hope. You will hope that you too may find or experience something as incredible as what Hope experienced in Scandinavia. That like Hope, even if it would be the last days of your life, something amazing will blow you away and that you will no longer fear dying because you have truly lived, even for a moment or for a few days. It's in the satisfaction of knowing that I may have lived only once but hell yeah, I lived.
I wasn't supposed to come here to fall in love with life. I was supposed to come here as a last hurrah, to say goodbye to life. And suddenly, whereas before dying seemed like a relief, the thought of leaving no longer holds any appeal.
It reminded again that death doesn't just affect the dead. It affects the living much, much more.
- L. R. Olson, Terminal 19 -
Thanks again, ebooksforreview, I am a reader and L. R. Olson for the review copy. I am sorry this review took forever.
September 27, 2019
LOOKING FOR A PERFECT LOVE STORY? READ THIS BOOK! FIVE INCREDIBLE STARS!
The intriguing title caught my eye, so I read the blurb and the reviews and hesitated. Did I really want to read about a girl who's just 19 and terminally ill with cancer? It sounded pretty depressing, but I dove in anyway, not expecting much. Boy, was I wrong! This amazing story delivers all the feels and then some. I loved it so much that I devoured it in one day and then read it again, wanting to capture every description and piece of dialogue. It's that good!
(A few spoilers ahead, but I won't reveal the ending--I promise!)
After enduring years of cancer treatment--including rounds of chemo and a clinical trial--Hope receives the grim prognosis: she'll be dead in less than four years. So she writes a bucket list and plans a month-long trip to Scandinavia, where she hopes to meet a "Scandinavian Hottie," have a quick fling and lose her virginity. In Copenhagen, she meets a gorgeous college student, Christian Lund--a Scandinavian Hottie indeed. There's an undeniable attraction between them from the start, and Hope loses her virginity as they indulge in lots of steamy sex. That should be enough, right? A quick, no-strings-attached fling is all she wanted, really (or so she tells herself).
Naturally, it doesn't end there. Christian convinces her to go home with him to Norway for a week, where they see the sites, have plenty of sex and gradually fall from lust into love. Hope fights her feelings for Christian and doesn't tell him about her cancer, fearing her illness and impending death would devastate him. At least she'll have her memories of those three fantastic weeks, and he'll be free to go on with his life. It's an agonizing decision, but . . .
Okay. That's enough from me. Just read this book for yourself. Enjoy the intriguing plot twists, likable characters (except one!), enchanting locations, exquisite love scenes and realistic dialogue that isn't riddle with the f-word. I'm a very picky reader and reviewer, but I found no flaws in this book--my first by this author but definitely not my last. Highly recommended.
The intriguing title caught my eye, so I read the blurb and the reviews and hesitated. Did I really want to read about a girl who's just 19 and terminally ill with cancer? It sounded pretty depressing, but I dove in anyway, not expecting much. Boy, was I wrong! This amazing story delivers all the feels and then some. I loved it so much that I devoured it in one day and then read it again, wanting to capture every description and piece of dialogue. It's that good!
(A few spoilers ahead, but I won't reveal the ending--I promise!)
After enduring years of cancer treatment--including rounds of chemo and a clinical trial--Hope receives the grim prognosis: she'll be dead in less than four years. So she writes a bucket list and plans a month-long trip to Scandinavia, where she hopes to meet a "Scandinavian Hottie," have a quick fling and lose her virginity. In Copenhagen, she meets a gorgeous college student, Christian Lund--a Scandinavian Hottie indeed. There's an undeniable attraction between them from the start, and Hope loses her virginity as they indulge in lots of steamy sex. That should be enough, right? A quick, no-strings-attached fling is all she wanted, really (or so she tells herself).
Naturally, it doesn't end there. Christian convinces her to go home with him to Norway for a week, where they see the sites, have plenty of sex and gradually fall from lust into love. Hope fights her feelings for Christian and doesn't tell him about her cancer, fearing her illness and impending death would devastate him. At least she'll have her memories of those three fantastic weeks, and he'll be free to go on with his life. It's an agonizing decision, but . . .
Okay. That's enough from me. Just read this book for yourself. Enjoy the intriguing plot twists, likable characters (except one!), enchanting locations, exquisite love scenes and realistic dialogue that isn't riddle with the f-word. I'm a very picky reader and reviewer, but I found no flaws in this book--my first by this author but definitely not my last. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2018
I recieved this ARC from the publisher in return for a honest review.
After a reading gap of 2 weeks, this was the book I picked to read. I was really apprehensive about it as it was about a terminally ill patient, but then I was also fascinated as to how the story will play off.
Hope, is dying of cancer. It isn't exactly specified what cancer she has, but it is terminal and multiple drug trials haven't helped her. She has accepted her death and wants to have one last hurrah before she dies. So she takes an impromptu trip to Scandinavia to check off her bucket list. What plays out is one of the most touching romances I've read.
I won't say this book has no flaws. Throughout the book I kept wondering how the story would end, whether it would be a tragedy or a happy ending. It felt like a mix of The Fault in our Stars and The notebook. There were some instances which were cheesy, but I really appreciate it as that was the only relief from the seriousness of the story.
The male lead, Christian, is a rare breed of men who need more representation. He speaks what's on his mind and doesn't have any ill intentions. He is caring, understanding, romantic and adorably over the top. And I loved that about him.
This book plays out like a memoir and its a delight to read. A 19 year old suffering from terminal cancer is a hard thing to digest. I mean it's a life that could have been lived to the fullest never reaching the potential.
I won't reveal much, but the science student in me would have appreciated a wee bit more details about the cancer. Otherwise this was a beautiful book to read, as it makes you laugh and cry and Hope.
After a reading gap of 2 weeks, this was the book I picked to read. I was really apprehensive about it as it was about a terminally ill patient, but then I was also fascinated as to how the story will play off.
Hope, is dying of cancer. It isn't exactly specified what cancer she has, but it is terminal and multiple drug trials haven't helped her. She has accepted her death and wants to have one last hurrah before she dies. So she takes an impromptu trip to Scandinavia to check off her bucket list. What plays out is one of the most touching romances I've read.
I won't say this book has no flaws. Throughout the book I kept wondering how the story would end, whether it would be a tragedy or a happy ending. It felt like a mix of The Fault in our Stars and The notebook. There were some instances which were cheesy, but I really appreciate it as that was the only relief from the seriousness of the story.
The male lead, Christian, is a rare breed of men who need more representation. He speaks what's on his mind and doesn't have any ill intentions. He is caring, understanding, romantic and adorably over the top. And I loved that about him.
This book plays out like a memoir and its a delight to read. A 19 year old suffering from terminal cancer is a hard thing to digest. I mean it's a life that could have been lived to the fullest never reaching the potential.
I won't reveal much, but the science student in me would have appreciated a wee bit more details about the cancer. Otherwise this was a beautiful book to read, as it makes you laugh and cry and Hope.
July 5, 2018
I’m not sure I can accurately put into words how WONDERFUL this book was. This was such a surprise. Honestly, I had put off reading this book, because I thought it was going to be so sad and hard to get through, but I was totally wrong. This book was light and funny and such a joy to read! There was talk of death obviously, but mostly it was about what it does to the people you left behind. I thought it was all handled perfectly.
I absolutely loved Hope. She was sarcastic and funny, and you can totally understand her way of thinking. Christian was the best. I swooned so hard over him. He was so romantic and wonderful. Their first meet was hilarious. All of the side characters were so well developed and added such a depth to the story.
I really enjoyed all of the information about Scandinavia. It’s not an area visited in most other traveling abroad books.
There was definitely some drama in there towards the end, that I wanted to just shake some sense into Hope. But, she had a bit of an identity crisis towards the end, asking so many important questions, that you understand why she did what she did. I highlighted so many lines that I loved.
This was my first book by the author, but won’t be my last! I couldn’t put this book down but at the same time didn’t want it to end. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for a reread! This is definitely a new favorite! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I absolutely loved Hope. She was sarcastic and funny, and you can totally understand her way of thinking. Christian was the best. I swooned so hard over him. He was so romantic and wonderful. Their first meet was hilarious. All of the side characters were so well developed and added such a depth to the story.
I really enjoyed all of the information about Scandinavia. It’s not an area visited in most other traveling abroad books.
There was definitely some drama in there towards the end, that I wanted to just shake some sense into Hope. But, she had a bit of an identity crisis towards the end, asking so many important questions, that you understand why she did what she did. I highlighted so many lines that I loved.
This was my first book by the author, but won’t be my last! I couldn’t put this book down but at the same time didn’t want it to end. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for a reread! This is definitely a new favorite! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 3, 2018
Wow, this book was incredible. So many feels. Would happily read this again and again. I'm definitely one clicking the rest of this author's works.
May 12, 2019
Started not to get simply because of the title! Glad i thought it over again
I liked the the fact that the main character was able to deal with her illness the way she did. A bucket list is something we all should have. I know some pale handle things differently then others. How WE choose is a matter for each person. I love the ending. When we choose to leave even if we are told we are Terminal
I liked the the fact that the main character was able to deal with her illness the way she did. A bucket list is something we all should have. I know some pale handle things differently then others. How WE choose is a matter for each person. I love the ending. When we choose to leave even if we are told we are Terminal
April 25, 2018
***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher.***
Terminal 19, by L.R. Olson, pulls no punches with its title and summary. In other words, the reader knows going in they’re going to be reading the thoughts and feelings of a terminally ill young woman. I liked the idea of her having an adventure while she still could.
Hope has been given a prognosis of 2 to 4 years, and she wants to live life to the fullest. On the top of her bucket list is a trip to Scandinavia, her father’s birthplace. No one there will know she’s ill. She can get out from under all the pity, give her family a break from her illness, and enjoy a virginity-losing one-night stand. The one-night stand proves harder than she expects it to be, especially when she realizes she’s falling for Christian, and he might just be falling for her. The closer they become, the more her guilt eats at her for not being upfront about her health. A relationship is impossible. They live on different continents and she doesn’t want to saddle him with her problems. But can she escape with her heart intact? Can he?
The opening of this book threw me for a loop. It was very stream of consciousness, and it left me feeling very detached from Hope. It was a lot of doom and gloom, understandably so, but heavier and quite repetitive in ways that I didn’t think it needed to be. I quickly grew tired of how everything seemed to come back to death and her limited amount of time, page after page after page. It was not difficult to discern that she was scared and trying to come to grips with her prognosis, but it made it feel as though her death was imminent instead of years into the future. I was much happier when she switched to living in the moment.
I liked Christian very much. The 2 definitely had chemistry. He never treated Hope as though she was a one-night stand, though I admit sometimes his actions were difficult to decipher, and he gave off mixed signals. He was a bit hard to get to know, keeping so much about his history hidden. But he was also romantic and swoony.
I thought Olson did a good job voicing Hope’s concerns and fears in regard to Hope’s feelings for Christian and what their relationship could/would become. There was a part of me that understood Hope’s side of things, but she also seemed wishy-washy and indecisive at times. I quickly grew tired of her reticence to acknowledge what she was feeling. She kept talking about not getting hurt, but I couldn’t help but think she was going to hurt whether or not she named the emotion/feelings. Between this, her flip-flopping thoughts, and her deceit, she was kind of a hot mess.
The twist in the story was interesting. Zach’s situation also added an interesting perspective to the plot. Hope had some incredibly powerful thoughts during her soul searching, especially during her conversation with her counselor. Both she and Christian showed decent character growth.
Now, if you’ll allow me to be critical for a moment. There were frequent formatting mistakes that I found irritating. The author tended to overuse details in my opinion, like for instance she frequently mentioned that Hope and Christian had only known each other for a short time. For me it became annoying and repetitive.
That said, I thought it was a very thought provoking story that was definitely worth the read. Olson did a great job with the emotions, the love, and the depth of the characters with thorough introspection. Also, I loved the ending, and that’s saying something given the subject matter. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind a little angst.
Terminal 19, by L.R. Olson, pulls no punches with its title and summary. In other words, the reader knows going in they’re going to be reading the thoughts and feelings of a terminally ill young woman. I liked the idea of her having an adventure while she still could.
Hope has been given a prognosis of 2 to 4 years, and she wants to live life to the fullest. On the top of her bucket list is a trip to Scandinavia, her father’s birthplace. No one there will know she’s ill. She can get out from under all the pity, give her family a break from her illness, and enjoy a virginity-losing one-night stand. The one-night stand proves harder than she expects it to be, especially when she realizes she’s falling for Christian, and he might just be falling for her. The closer they become, the more her guilt eats at her for not being upfront about her health. A relationship is impossible. They live on different continents and she doesn’t want to saddle him with her problems. But can she escape with her heart intact? Can he?
The opening of this book threw me for a loop. It was very stream of consciousness, and it left me feeling very detached from Hope. It was a lot of doom and gloom, understandably so, but heavier and quite repetitive in ways that I didn’t think it needed to be. I quickly grew tired of how everything seemed to come back to death and her limited amount of time, page after page after page. It was not difficult to discern that she was scared and trying to come to grips with her prognosis, but it made it feel as though her death was imminent instead of years into the future. I was much happier when she switched to living in the moment.
I liked Christian very much. The 2 definitely had chemistry. He never treated Hope as though she was a one-night stand, though I admit sometimes his actions were difficult to decipher, and he gave off mixed signals. He was a bit hard to get to know, keeping so much about his history hidden. But he was also romantic and swoony.
I thought Olson did a good job voicing Hope’s concerns and fears in regard to Hope’s feelings for Christian and what their relationship could/would become. There was a part of me that understood Hope’s side of things, but she also seemed wishy-washy and indecisive at times. I quickly grew tired of her reticence to acknowledge what she was feeling. She kept talking about not getting hurt, but I couldn’t help but think she was going to hurt whether or not she named the emotion/feelings. Between this, her flip-flopping thoughts, and her deceit, she was kind of a hot mess.
The twist in the story was interesting. Zach’s situation also added an interesting perspective to the plot. Hope had some incredibly powerful thoughts during her soul searching, especially during her conversation with her counselor. Both she and Christian showed decent character growth.
Now, if you’ll allow me to be critical for a moment. There were frequent formatting mistakes that I found irritating. The author tended to overuse details in my opinion, like for instance she frequently mentioned that Hope and Christian had only known each other for a short time. For me it became annoying and repetitive.
That said, I thought it was a very thought provoking story that was definitely worth the read. Olson did a great job with the emotions, the love, and the depth of the characters with thorough introspection. Also, I loved the ending, and that’s saying something given the subject matter. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind a little angst.
July 19, 2018
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and LR Olson for giving me a copy of TERMINAL 19 in exchange for my honest opinion.
The full review can be found at www.danithebookaholic.com
~~~
"There are certain, special moments in our lives that we'll remember forever. Even when we're ninety and on our death bed. For some, it's their first kiss. Others, it's marriage. For many, it's the birth of their children. Important memories we cling to in dark moments, memories that give us strength and provide happiness at the times we need joy most."
If I'm completely honest with myself I am a romantic at heart. I believe that there is one person out there that completes each and every one of us. And I believe that if we look hard enough we'll find them and live happily-ever-after. Terminal 19 gave me hope for those people who don't try hard enough, have given up or don't believe at all.
Hope, a terminally ill cancer patient, is trying to make the most out of the months - maybe years - she has left. She travels abroad, by herself, to make up for the lost life that she never had, and never will have. With her bucket list in hand, she begins to cross the items off her list:
Don't Die
Travel Abroad
Find a Scandinavian Hottie
Go on a date with Scandinavian Hottie
Celebrate Birthday in Europe
See the Countryside
Be Morse Social and Spend Time with New Friends
Lose Virginity
Go to a Fancy Dinner
Travel to Norway
See the Sites in Norway
Go to a European Dance Club
Visit Bergen, Norway
Go on a European Shopping Excursion
Travel to Sweden
Revamp Life
Accept that I'm going to Die
She finds that Scandinavian Hottie, but she never thought she'd fall in love with him. She doesn't want more. She doesn't want forever. She has already accepted her ill fate, and he doesn't know that she's sick.
But the Hottie, Christian, falls in love with her too. To save him from having to go through the pain of her dying, she has to push him away and hard. Will Hope survive her own heartbreak, or will it kill her before the cancer does?
Terminal 19 was a sweet and uplifting romance with a serious side. While the story was light and airy at times, it's view of looking at life through the eyes of someone who's dying left a profound impression on me. It had me questioning at times what I will see on my ninety-year-old death bed.
From one bookaholic to another, I hope I’ve helped you find your next fix.
—Dani
Dani's Score out of 5: 📚📚📚📚🔖
(A bookmark:🔖, is a half a stack of books. i.e: 📚📚🔖 = a score of 2.5)
The full review can be found at www.danithebookaholic.com
~~~
"There are certain, special moments in our lives that we'll remember forever. Even when we're ninety and on our death bed. For some, it's their first kiss. Others, it's marriage. For many, it's the birth of their children. Important memories we cling to in dark moments, memories that give us strength and provide happiness at the times we need joy most."
If I'm completely honest with myself I am a romantic at heart. I believe that there is one person out there that completes each and every one of us. And I believe that if we look hard enough we'll find them and live happily-ever-after. Terminal 19 gave me hope for those people who don't try hard enough, have given up or don't believe at all.
Hope, a terminally ill cancer patient, is trying to make the most out of the months - maybe years - she has left. She travels abroad, by herself, to make up for the lost life that she never had, and never will have. With her bucket list in hand, she begins to cross the items off her list:
Don't Die
Travel Abroad
Find a Scandinavian Hottie
Go on a date with Scandinavian Hottie
Celebrate Birthday in Europe
See the Countryside
Be Morse Social and Spend Time with New Friends
Lose Virginity
Go to a Fancy Dinner
Travel to Norway
See the Sites in Norway
Go to a European Dance Club
Visit Bergen, Norway
Go on a European Shopping Excursion
Travel to Sweden
Revamp Life
Accept that I'm going to Die
She finds that Scandinavian Hottie, but she never thought she'd fall in love with him. She doesn't want more. She doesn't want forever. She has already accepted her ill fate, and he doesn't know that she's sick.
But the Hottie, Christian, falls in love with her too. To save him from having to go through the pain of her dying, she has to push him away and hard. Will Hope survive her own heartbreak, or will it kill her before the cancer does?
Terminal 19 was a sweet and uplifting romance with a serious side. While the story was light and airy at times, it's view of looking at life through the eyes of someone who's dying left a profound impression on me. It had me questioning at times what I will see on my ninety-year-old death bed.
From one bookaholic to another, I hope I’ve helped you find your next fix.
—Dani
Dani's Score out of 5: 📚📚📚📚🔖
(A bookmark:🔖, is a half a stack of books. i.e: 📚📚🔖 = a score of 2.5)
June 6, 2018
After reading The Fault in Our Stars I got a new approbation for books that had dealt with cancer. When I noticed that this book was on Netgalley I wanted to read it.
Hope is a 19-year-old that has terminal cancer, I don’t think it says what one she has. (could be wrong) and she has finally come to terms with it because the medication wasn’t helping. She finally convinces her mom that she wants to go to Scandinavia for a for a few weeks she wants to see where her dad was from, She also wants to be able to get a few things off of her bucket list.
While she’s in Copenhagen, Hope begins to make friends, but they don’t know that she’s ill. While she’s there she becomes friends with a guy name Christian and I found them to be really likeable. There completely different people and because of that they make the perfect couple. Christian is a guy that is caring, understanding and a romantic. I loved how he was with Hope.
While reading this I did got a feeling that it was like A Walk to Remember and The Fault in Our Stars. If you loved those books then you will love this one too.
I loved that there was a HEA because a book with cancer it can go either way. At the end of the book there is an author note and she says that there’s going to be 2 more books. I can’t wait to read those.
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *
Hope is a 19-year-old that has terminal cancer, I don’t think it says what one she has. (could be wrong) and she has finally come to terms with it because the medication wasn’t helping. She finally convinces her mom that she wants to go to Scandinavia for a for a few weeks she wants to see where her dad was from, She also wants to be able to get a few things off of her bucket list.
While she’s in Copenhagen, Hope begins to make friends, but they don’t know that she’s ill. While she’s there she becomes friends with a guy name Christian and I found them to be really likeable. There completely different people and because of that they make the perfect couple. Christian is a guy that is caring, understanding and a romantic. I loved how he was with Hope.
While reading this I did got a feeling that it was like A Walk to Remember and The Fault in Our Stars. If you loved those books then you will love this one too.
I loved that there was a HEA because a book with cancer it can go either way. At the end of the book there is an author note and she says that there’s going to be 2 more books. I can’t wait to read those.
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *
April 17, 2018
4+ Heart-Warming Stars
Despite quite the heart-wrenching premise (19-year-old Hope taking her bucket-list trip to Scandinavia with a terminal diagnosis), L.R. Olson keeps this novel full of... well, hope. It was nearly a 5-star read for me, but a few personal book pet peeves kept it from quite reaching that 5.
Hope's trip is part self-discovery, part love story, and part a journey in friendship. Barely into her trip abroad, she meets Christian (aka Scandinavian Hottie) at a cafe. They keep running into each other and things take off from there. Her relationship with Christian grows while she also makes new connections and new friends, and comes alive as her own person. A coming of age story with a twist, Terminal 19 is an emotional and enjoyable read.
If you're like me and you prefer to know just how much you'll be crying before you start a book, here's a mild happy-ending-or-not spoiler:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Despite quite the heart-wrenching premise (19-year-old Hope taking her bucket-list trip to Scandinavia with a terminal diagnosis), L.R. Olson keeps this novel full of... well, hope. It was nearly a 5-star read for me, but a few personal book pet peeves kept it from quite reaching that 5.
Hope's trip is part self-discovery, part love story, and part a journey in friendship. Barely into her trip abroad, she meets Christian (aka Scandinavian Hottie) at a cafe. They keep running into each other and things take off from there. Her relationship with Christian grows while she also makes new connections and new friends, and comes alive as her own person. A coming of age story with a twist, Terminal 19 is an emotional and enjoyable read.
If you're like me and you prefer to know just how much you'll be crying before you start a book, here's a mild happy-ending-or-not spoiler:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 5, 2018
At first glance, Terminal 19 may appear as just another book about a young cancer patient. Hope, our ironically named main character is refreshingly unique in the way she looks at life. Her death is inevitable, and she's okay with that. She travels to Scandinavia as her last 'hoo-rah' before she gets too sick and meets some new friends during her stay, thanks to Christian, her token hot Scandinavian fling. But the longer she stays, Hope and Christian become more attached than she originally planned. Finding herself living for the first time, Hope realizes there's more to life than waiting for death, and there's more to her relationship with Christian than she wants to admit. Terminal 19 is not what I expected in the best way. Too often, the main character in a book dealing with cancer seems to be the generic: 'woe is me, I have cancer and am going to die a virgin!' But Terminal 19 gives a whole new outlook on the situation. Personally, I loved the characters and the attitude of the book in general!
May 1, 2018
Wow. The ups and down of this are truly fantastic. The tones are so spot on that I can feel what Hope is feeling each step of the way.
The beauty of Denmark, Norway, and Florida are on diaplay just enough without being distracting, and I really loved all the little noted differences.
The romance between Hope and Christian is such a joy! Their first date had me smiling and falling just a bit in love with Christian myself. His sweetness and vulnerability were just so adorable!
I honestly wasn't entirely sure which direction this would go, and feel like there were several red herrings that ultimately just fleshed the story out. The many and varied secrets, mysteries, reveals/confidences... This was a richly developed story and I truly enjoyed it from start to finish!
4.5 Stars
The beauty of Denmark, Norway, and Florida are on diaplay just enough without being distracting, and I really loved all the little noted differences.
The romance between Hope and Christian is such a joy! Their first date had me smiling and falling just a bit in love with Christian myself. His sweetness and vulnerability were just so adorable!
I honestly wasn't entirely sure which direction this would go, and feel like there were several red herrings that ultimately just fleshed the story out. The many and varied secrets, mysteries, reveals/confidences... This was a richly developed story and I truly enjoyed it from start to finish!
4.5 Stars
March 24, 2019
L. R. Olson takes you on an emotional journey through this story. Starting from the very first page. With beautiful descriptions of her home in the USA, and across the Pacific to Denmark and Norway, you end up travelling with her. This is a story about HOPE, literally. Making you realise that life is for living, even when we are faced with something that we know will end. It is about how you interact with other people, and how you learn to be yourself. It makes you realise the importance of believing and succeeding, and what it was like to be that young and in love.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
July 2, 2018
A very emotional read. I felt so many things while reading this story by Olson. I love the writing and the character developments. It was a wonderful read all the way through with a lot of things to learn!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
July 19, 2018
A heartwarming, heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful new adult novel, and I absolutely loved it.
February 6, 2020
The good:
- Hope, the main character. I really liked her, the way she looked at life, the way her cancer shaped her life without shaping her personality.
- The other characters. I really loved Gabrielle. I loved Hope's little sister. Christian was a really interesting love interest as well.
The bad:
- The fascination/obsession with 'European'.
- The sex. And it's too bad, because most of the sexual tension was actually written really well! But using words like "That spot between my thighs" is just not sexy and throws me out of the story really fast.
- In one paragraph, the same thing erases her unease and makes her uneasy. It's a good example of the sort of chaos that I feel characterized the entire story, as if it could have done with another round of editing and some tightening up. At times it felt like Olson didn't really know which story she wanted to tell, making the whole thing just so very confusing.
- Hope, the main character. I really liked her, the way she looked at life, the way her cancer shaped her life without shaping her personality.
- The other characters. I really loved Gabrielle. I loved Hope's little sister. Christian was a really interesting love interest as well.
The bad:
- The fascination/obsession with 'European'.
- The sex. And it's too bad, because most of the sexual tension was actually written really well! But using words like "That spot between my thighs" is just not sexy and throws me out of the story really fast.
I search his gaze, looking for something, anything. A fine sheen of sweat overs his forehead. His eyes have darkened, his jaw clenched tight. And then I see it... a softness underneath the desire, a sense of familiarity when I shouldn't know him at all.
In this moment, it's not just sex. Maybe it never was. The unease fades. My uncertainty vanishes. There's a connection between us that scares me. That makes me uneasy. A connection I can't explain. But it's there. It always has been.
- In one paragraph, the same thing erases her unease and makes her uneasy. It's a good example of the sort of chaos that I feel characterized the entire story, as if it could have done with another round of editing and some tightening up. At times it felt like Olson didn't really know which story she wanted to tell, making the whole thing just so very confusing.
July 19, 2018
1.5-2 stars
This book ended up just not being for me.
I loved the start of this one and how we get to know the main character and why she is going on this trip. I was really excited about what was going to happen and seeing her be independent and having the time of her life before her time ran out.
Instead what this book ended up being after the first quarter of the book was a full-on romance novel with lots of sexy time and very little time of the main character exploring the world and actually doing what she had first set out to do when she left.
I will say that I did like the love interest and the main character. Do I wish things hadn't of kept going on, yes. But I could also tell that things were going to happen that way after they started talking to each other.
I also liked how the cancer was talked about in this book, the focus was on the main character and how much she was missing out on because of it. She is very open about her feelings to it and was fairly realistic about how you push people away because you don't want them to get hurt as bad. It's something that a lot of people do, and it's something that doesn't get talked about a lot in books.
I am interested to see what happens in the next book because of how this one ended. I also know more of what to expect going into it so I won't be as surprised.
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This book ended up just not being for me.
I loved the start of this one and how we get to know the main character and why she is going on this trip. I was really excited about what was going to happen and seeing her be independent and having the time of her life before her time ran out.
Instead what this book ended up being after the first quarter of the book was a full-on romance novel with lots of sexy time and very little time of the main character exploring the world and actually doing what she had first set out to do when she left.
I will say that I did like the love interest and the main character. Do I wish things hadn't of kept going on, yes. But I could also tell that things were going to happen that way after they started talking to each other.
I also liked how the cancer was talked about in this book, the focus was on the main character and how much she was missing out on because of it. She is very open about her feelings to it and was fairly realistic about how you push people away because you don't want them to get hurt as bad. It's something that a lot of people do, and it's something that doesn't get talked about a lot in books.
I am interested to see what happens in the next book because of how this one ended. I also know more of what to expect going into it so I won't be as surprised.
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September 11, 2023
tear jerking
I got this book from a tik tok for free and wasn’t expecting much asi tend to read much darker novels. I can say without a doubt I was wrong. Barring a few spelling errors this was well written and brings all the feels. I cried several times and wished it had not ended.
I got this book from a tik tok for free and wasn’t expecting much asi tend to read much darker novels. I can say without a doubt I was wrong. Barring a few spelling errors this was well written and brings all the feels. I cried several times and wished it had not ended.
Want to Read
June 20, 2018ARCs can be requested here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
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