“You know, I used to have this theory that if I wanted something badly enough, the universe would make sure to keep it just out of my reach.
4.75 stars
“You know, I used to have this theory that if I wanted something badly enough, the universe would make sure to keep it just out of my reach. Like a cruel joke, or a trick. But . . . maybe the cruelest trick the universe can play on us is to give us exactly what we wish for.”
I wish I could travel back ten years and gift my younger self all the books written by Ann Liang because she just gets me. The story feels so raw and real, focusing on the struggles students face with failure, success, and the pressure to be the best.
Liang was brutally honest about everything in this book, and I felt stripped to the bone while reading this story. It’s as if she can see into my soul and then puts it into her books. I feel vulnerable and exposed reading her work, but in a healing way. I hold a special place for Liang’s stories in my heart because, even though I’m no longer that teenage girl striving for the best academic results, her writing heals parts of me that never felt validated or comforted. She’s an incredible and exceptional writer.
“That’s the problem. I’m not sad because I don’t love life enough, but because I love life too much. I always want more of it.”
Jenna Chen, is the second-best student, always struggling to be the best, putting in multiple efforts to achieve success and perfection. Jessica Chen, on the other hand, the stunning girl with a golden future ahead of her, has paved the way for her success through her extraordinary intelligence. From the outside, her life appears effortless and luxurious, filled with success that seems to come easily. Both characters resonated with me deeply, and I loved how real and vulnerable they felt to read about. Jessica’s achievements and superiority were often seen as the definition of an exemplary scholar. Jenna has spent years living in her cousin Jessica’s shadow, always striving and yearning to be just like her, but never quite meeting the high standard Jessica set.
Jenna always wished to be like Jessica, and that one wish upon a falling star led her into a life she thought she wanted, only to discover the challenges and sacrifices that came with it. She navigated her personal struggles, confronting her insecurities and sense of disillusionment, especially through the lens of Jessica’s version of the perfect student life. However, Jessica’s life, from the outside, was merely a myth, a dream that didn’t hold up in reality. Watching Jenna finally accept her own life, with all its flaws and imperfections, was a deeply emotional yet insightful journey.
“I miss it all. I miss my life, because even when I felt like I had nothing, I had everything. I just didn’t know it at the time. You never do, until it’s in hindsight.”
Aaron Cai, the male protagonist, was such a kind, supportive, and sweet character. I adored how he was always there for Jenna, especially when things got complicated with her soul in Jessica’s body.
“You came over and stood next to me. And suddenly—suddenly I didn’t feel alone. I realized I would never have to be alone again, if you were there.”
The romance between Aaron and Jenna was subtle yet perfect, with just the right touch of young love and longing for a second chance. Their connection was sweet and heartfelt, and I loved their friendship, how they cared for each other in the smallest, most meaningful ways.
“When he was around, the world seemed safe, the kind of place that was worth everything, all the little disappointments and injustices and chips at my pride. The kind of place that could be beautiful if we really tried.”
The stories of Jenna and Jessica depicted the beautiful, profound and transformative journey of self-awareness and self-acceptance. I also loved reading about Jessica’s struggles, not only from Jenna’s perspective but also from her own, seeing how she was tired of the relentless pursuit of success and optimism and longed to simply be a normal person for once, outside the expectations placed on her.
The comparison between life and academics highlighted an important truth: everyone has something they wish to change about their life, but it’s not until we step into the shoes of those we admire or envy that we realize the challenges they face. Nothing and no one is truly perfect. We often get lost in the pursuit of perfection and success, believing these are the only things that define our worth in the real world. In reality, this is just a perfectly constructed mirage—a dream designed to make people feel miserable and discontented.
This is easily my favourite book by Ann Liang. It’s more than just a story; it’s a reflection of what so many people go through. It reminds us that the pinnacle of achievements isn’t everything and that failure or being underachieving doesn’t define our true worth. It’s a book I wish I’d had during my own school years. It’s healing, thoughtful, and something I believe everyone should read.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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I LOVED IT I LOVED IT I LOVED IT! rtc near release date.
it's giving "this is me trying" vibes and i am here for it ...more
“I’m in love with a dream, with a man who isn’t real, and there isn’t any coming back from it.”
Living a dream life in dreams or dreaming a real life i
“I’m in love with a dream, with a man who isn’t real, and there isn’t any coming back from it.”
Living a dream life in dreams or dreaming a real life in dreams?
This book in simple words is magical and breathtaking. This is my first Sarah Ready novel and my very first book that has magical realism as one of its main settting, and it is a masterpiece in this genre. The story is a unique combination of dream and real life that left me with feelings like warmth, happiness and nostalgia.
Sarah Ready is an incredible writer, with her unique story-telling and incisive and profound narrative, she weaved a story of a woman learning to dream and then falling in love with the man of her dreams in her dream life. It's incredibly complex yet intriguing with every passing chapter, you will find yourself reading it without stopping because the story has a quiet hypnotic rhythm to it, with its tropical paradise setting in dreams, and cozy and comforting vibes of Geneva, Switzerland, you will get sucked right into the pages of this book.
“You forget everything you experienced, everything you knew in the dream world. Sometimes you’ll remember a flash. Sometimes you’ll remember a feeling. But mostly, you forget everything. You forget your dreams. You don’t take them with you into real life.”
The plot twists are perfectly executed with no plot hole galores. The anticipation of finding the truth behind those dreams Fiona is dreaming and to know what had led her to dream about that tropical island and Aaron left me with thrilling excitement. The story stirred a spectrum of perplexing emotions inside me from nostalgia to adoration to agonising emotions. There is also drama and comedy involve, brought in by nuanced side-characters. The scenery also has all the summery and cozy atmospheric vibes that are brought to life by Sarah's vivid details in her story-telling.
➸ Fiona Abry is a heiress of a Swiss watchmaker. Fiona is an intelligent and confident woman, an incredible single mother. But she forgot what it truly felt like to dream, to trust and to fall in love. This is where a mysterious and magical watch enters, a classic and family heirloom that lets her live her greatest desires of real life in her dreams. But what happens when said dreams feels like reality, when Fiona starts irrevocably falling for the man of her dreams in her dreams, a man who is just a figment of her desires and need but feels real. Fiona has everything she wants in her dream life, kids and a husband, Aaron McCormick who loves her beyond everything, but will she ever stop dreaming about the people she came to love in her dreams?
“I’d like to feel alive,” I admit, and then, “I think I can. With you.”
➸ Aaron McCormick is a man one can so easily fall in love with. He's got the gentleness, a charming persona, an easy-going nature, an incredible man, father and a husband. Aaron loves deeply and wholeheartedly. If he's in you cannot change his mind ever. I am enamored by his character and how he shows his vulnerability to Fiona, his thoughts on life, how he loves his people and how many hardships he had been through yet still he is most compassionate and down to earth man. To simply say, I am in love and you will be too if you just read this book once.
“McCormick.” “What does it mean?” “Some say it means an almost, a never-was, a dream that didn’t happen, but I say it means an always, a dream that still goes on.”
: ̗̀➛ Aaron and Fiona
The romance was breathtaking. I fell in love with Aaron and Fiona's beautiful and whimsical love story. Fiona and Aaron are soulmates in truest meaning, finding each other even in dreams because they were fated to be together. The way Fiona fell in love in her dreams, and how she started imagining her dream people in real life, how she cared for the people she met only at night in her own magical world created by her deepest desires, everything was perfect. Every dream, every conversation between Aaron and Fiona, every little date orchestrated their newfound love and trust for each other that later turned to this fated love story. How they truly showed their vulnerable and broken parts only for the other to heal them. The found family arc that is the heart of this story was constructed perfectly and with so much elegance and comfort. It was simply so beautiful, uplifting and endearing.
“I see evidence of him everywhere. He’s invaded my world. Even when he’s not real, not here, I still feel him next to me.”
The ending was perfect and you guys are in a roller coaster ride with how the last chapters were written. I tried my best to write this review without spoiling it for you because it's better if you experience the beauty of this novel by reading it and living it with these lovely characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“She was like this compass, constantly pointing me toward her. Never wavering, never faulty, always to her. Every piece of her felt like hom
4.25 stars
“She was like this compass, constantly pointing me toward her. Never wavering, never faulty, always to her. Every piece of her felt like home.”
This series is slowly becoming my new comfort series, one I can read whenever I want something cute, light, funny with romantic and sweet moments. There is also an emotional side to every story and it flows really well with the romantic aspect of the story.
I love Juliana's writing. It's very atmospheric, vivid, and metaphorically beautiful. The characters have depth, added dimensions that comes with their experiences and how it shaped their present persona. The story constructed in two timelines, past and present which beautifully orchestrated Adam and Rachel's friendship and love, their newly accidental marriage in convenience to them finally realising that love stays no matter what.
➸ Rachel Keller is personification of sunshine in human form. She is a confident and high maintenance girl who has a song for every moment. Rachel with her love for records and music is a genuine and beautiful soul who tends to have an altruistic nature to help people. I loved her relationship with her dad, it was heartbreaking but also beautiful in its own way to see how much they cared for each other, how they cultivated frienship in their father-daughter relationship. I also liked seeing Rachel's growth and how Adam encouraged her to believe that some people are meant to stay no matter what.
“She was the kind of woman that made you forget there were even other females out there.”
➸ Adam Wells is my new obsession. He's a sweetheart with grumpiest and broody personality, but is a total cinnamon roll inside. I loved his povs, how he was obsessed with Rachel for years, how he always helped her navigate her life amidst the messiness of her father's diagnosis. He is her person as much as she is. He is a listener but always says the right words at the right time. He showed with his little actions how much he cares for the people he loves, and he is truly one of most amazing and loyal people I have read about. Simply my new favourite book boyfriend ...more
“If you give me the space to grow, I’ll plant myself next to you. Always.”
Another masterpiece from Hannah, and I’m not even surprised by my rat5 stars
“If you give me the space to grow, I’ll plant myself next to you. Always.”
Another masterpiece from Hannah, and I’m not even surprised by my rating. I don’t know what it is about this book, but it healed parts of my life I didn’t even know needed healing. That’s the beauty of certain books. They touch your soul in ways you never expected, offering comfort and perspective.
Hannah did an amazing job with this beautiful and impactful novel. The story was told through dual timelines—past and present. Hannah's narrative was effortlessly beautiful and engaging. She seamlessly blended all the elements of the story into a swoon-worthy yet realistic tale that explored the challenging and messy realities of life. She didn’t shy away from portraying a marriage in trouble, offering realistic and brutally honest storytelling that made me love this book even more. Often, when writing a marriage-in-crisis trope, authors tend to romanticise the situation, allowing unresolved feelings to overshadow the characters’ struggles. But here, Hannah gave equal focus to every aspect of Caleb and Sarah’s relationship. She showed us the hardships they were facing and how a wilderness retreat for couples could help them work through those issues. I also appreciated the emphasis on therapy and the sessions the couple had with Helen and Yvonne.
“He’s so familiar to me now that I feel myself having to concentrate to truly see him. As if he was a mural passed every morning on the way out the door or the lyrics to a favorite song I’ve sung along to a million times. Beautiful. Special, even. But known.”
Sarah Linwood is so precious to me. Her character had so much depth and authenticity that she felt incredibly real, like I could feel her pain and emotions. Sarah is confident, funny, and spontaneous, but she's been going through a very difficult phase in her life that forced her to reflect on her decisions and the life she’s lived so far, including her marriage. Her struggles with self-esteem and being hard on herself due to a perceived lack of personal accomplishments were pivotal to her background and her journey in this book. I love how soft and emotional Sarah is, and how she strives to be strong and courageous for her loved ones. I adore characters like her, who embrace their vulnerability and complexity without being afraid of being “too much”. I truly loved her growth throughout the story, and how she gained insightful perspectives from Helen and how she reflected on her struggles and dilemmas. It was perfect and completely genuine for her character.
“Life kept going, the Earth kept spinning, everyone moved on, but I stayed still.”
Caleb Linwood is an intelligent nerd, a gentleman, a man with the sweetest, funniest, and kindest soul. I love this man, and it’s impossible not to love a man written by HBY. Caleb is the caretaker, the most stable and consistent person in their group of friends. I loved him back in Out on a Limb, when he was just a side character helping his fellow nerd friend find love, and I love him even more now because this book revealed a deeper, more complex side of him. Caleb thrives on caring for his loved ones, always taking on the role of giver and protector. But beneath that, he’s a man quietly battling the fear of never being enough. He’s driven, and I loved seeing his struggles and his dream of becoming someone he could be proud of. Caleb as a nerd was amazing, but Caleb as a husband trying to win his wife back? Absolutely swoon-worthy!
“I hope that if you have to rewrite your life, you won’t erase my part in it, that you’ll let me stay a part of your story.”
Caleb and Sarah are are such a beautiful couple and they make me believe that love like theirs truly exists. Their love story more than a decade ago, they found their soulmates when most people can only dream of such a connection. It was heartwarming to see how they loved and uplifted each other as teenagers, all while finding their own paths in life and navigating the transition into early adulthood. The simplicity and comforting vibes they share are soothing, and they’ve lived in a bubble of security and mutual understanding for so long that Sarah never gave herself the opportunity to explore her own life as an individual—hence, the existential crisis. Every conversation, every interaction, cut deep into my heart—it was both emotionally devastating and incredibly beautiful at the same time. The familiarity, intimacy, and friendship they shared were so heartwarming.
“It is you. And your heart is mine in the way that our home or our neighborhood or my favorite movie is mine. Mine but not for me alone. Your heart is mine to care for, to treasure. But it will never be just mine.”
I loved how they worked through their issues by putting in effort and truly trying to understand each other’s situations. It’s not easy to acknowledge your mistakes in a marriage, but Caleb was so patient with Sarah, doing everything in his power to understand her dilemma, her situation, and her needs. They communicated when necessary and worked together to heal their relationship while also helping each other heal and grow. There was a new warmth and confidence in their newfound reality, and I loved how everything unfolded for them during their retreat into the outdoor wilderness.
“I don't want to wait ten years to have the life we want. You are the only thing that matters to me, and I'm tired of pretending otherwise.”
I also want to highlight the beautiful friendships and the sense of found family in this book. Sarah and Caleb both have incredible, honest friends in their lives who would do anything to keep them happy and safe. Bo and Win stood unwaveringly by their sides, offering help and support when it was needed most, and keeping them grounded through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Then there’s Nina, Helen, Yvonne, and Libby—each one lovable and amazing in their own way. I couldn’t help but adore them and root for them throughout the story.
The epilogue was the cutest and most wholesome part of the book. I just loved everything about this book. Truly a masterpiece!
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
5 billion stars for calebsarah and this masterpiece ...more
“The one thing that hasn’t changed at all is him loving me. And me loving him. It’s our tether, the thing that’s never let us drift too far.”
T♾ stars
“The one thing that hasn’t changed at all is him loving me. And me loving him. It’s our tether, the thing that’s never let us drift too far.”
This book ruined me and healed me in all the best possible ways. It touched my soul and heart in an irrevocable way. I don't why I am a masochist for second chance romances but this one is a masterpiece in this genre.
The Ex Vows is a beautiful, realistic and riveting story of two people, Eli and Georgia who after their five years of cataclysmic breakup, are on the road to reckoning to mend their broken hearts while also trying to save the cursed wedding of their bestfriend, Adam. Will they follow Georgia's lists or give in to their temptations to find love in chaos and messiness of the cursed wedding preparations. It's a heartbreaking and very raw and realistic story and it took me on a wild ride of emotions both mentally and emotionally.
“How strange it is to have a first for the second time. How lucky and messy and perfect.”
The romance. So beautiful. Just mesmerising, swoon-worthy, painful and sweet enough to love every second of it. The chemistry is palpable and Eli and Georgia has the sparks even after the five years gap that we so badly want in real life. The banter and the angst was effervescently present. I loved the wedding preparation moments and they added the fun element to the story. The friendship is one of the best thing in this book. I loved each and every side character and how they brought nuances to the story with their different personalities.
Jessica weaved a story of second chances, self-discovery and healing of broken hearts with comforting moments of warmth, happiness and joy that came with reminiscing the past and exploring present amidst the madness of cursed wedding. It stirred a spectrum of emotions, giving hope and happiness amidst the messiness of Eli and Georgia's relationship.
➸ Georgia Woodward
Georgia with people pleasing tendencies, lists for days, and hyper-independence capabilty is me. It was like looking in a mirror. She is the personification of 'mirror ball'. Georgia's monologues are so beautifully written, full of remarkable profundity and vulnerability that evidently shows her benevolence, devotion, compassionate and altruistic nature for the people she loves. She is dealing with her own anxiety and abandonment issues, she never felt enough, always doing what others wanted, suppressing her wants and love. It was beautiful to see how she leaned on Eli for help and her needs, how he made sure she felt enough.
“Because when he’s messiest, that’s when I see myself reflected in him.”
➸ Eli Mora
Eli is for the hot hyper-independent girls. He is the man who loves unconditionally and thoroughly, but will also break your heart. His need to have a stable life, supporting his family consumed him to his core. He deals with anxiety and that played a major role in this story. Eli with his newfound dediction is making efforts, finally pushing himself to be better; to be the Eli that Georgia fell for, one who loves his life and himself as he is without the burden to live for financial stability. He is a man of few words as he believes in showing his love through actions and that's the sweetest thing about Eli.
“You deserve to let yourself feel whatever you need to. You can be messy. A disaster, if you need to. The people who love you will accept every single piece of it, I promise you.”
: ̗̀➛ Eli and Georgia
Two estranged exes and a cursed wedding? What could go wrong? Apparently everything.
Eli and Georgia are the prime example of why loving someone will never be enough. Their breakup was mutual and so realistic it hit me right in the heart. They made so many mistakes but they were just new adults at that time, trying to figure out their life and dreams, navigating through hard truths of adulthood, making sensible decisions, pushing each other away for the safety of the life they craved. Their first meet almost wrecked my heart. The overwhelming and complicated emotions, hurt and love they still have for each other even after five years of their breakup were heart-rending. The lingering touches and tension that's filled with longing, hurt and suppressed desires orchestrated their newfound love and passion.
“Isn’t that the way I deserve to be loved— completely, messily, imperfectly? Isn’t that the way I deserve to love myself? And isn’t it what Eli deserves, too?”
Their previous ostentatious friendship that was for their friend's group bloomed into ardent flames of love forgotten when they were forced to plan a wedding. I loved how they slowly and steadily let each other in their lives, cultivated trust, showed messy and ugly parts of their lives, but also showed how much they still love each other with their actions and words. The emotional and vulnerable moments in this book made me question what true love is in reality and is it really enough if love is all you have to give? What about efforts, comprises and good communication skills? I loved how they struggled but didn't let their past and fears associated with it to control their present and it was hopeful and comforting.
“And maybe it’s not stupid, I think as he presses me into the mattress in a way that feels vital, like I’m being consumed by him. Maybe it’s just like going back to visit a home that isn’t yours anymore. Maybe you don’t have the key, but someone lets you in anyway, and you stay awhile, and it feels so good just to be somewhere you once belonged.”
The intimate scenes in this book deserve praise. It was very poetical and emotional. (Eli's chain also played a major role in those scenes and I was going feral everytime it made an appearance!)
I am transfixed by Jessica's exquisite, poetical, tender-hearted and deeply atmospheric writing. I resonated with the main characters and that's why this story is special for me and why this book touched my heart in a profound and true manner. Jessica delved deeper into characters' past to carefully devise their present personalities and their struggles based on it. She effortlessly reflected the frustrating decisions and heartbreaking situations with a perspicuous and rational approach.
I absolutely loved the ending. I will not talk about it much but just that it was satisfying and beautiful.
Special thanks to my bestie Rae who was there with me everytime I was crying and screaming in our dms. And special thanks to Jessica Joyce because I had a lovely time chatting with her about this book. She is the sweetest person ever ...more
Found this on netgalley. A sweet fantasy short story about a Duban girl Lily who is born without a twin means she is born with a shadow twin. EveryoneFound this on netgalley. A sweet fantasy short story about a Duban girl Lily who is born without a twin means she is born with a shadow twin. Everyone has shadows but Dubans' shadow twin are a dangerous thing so her the villagers wants to kill her “Because Dubans are born together, and they die together”
Well I had fun reading this and it was cute. I liked how Lily find the people who cared for her and survived in the end with the help of her shadow twin and her old man.
Thanks to Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
My favourite and the best gothic fantasy I've ever read. Everything about this book was perfect. The vibes, plot, ro“Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”
My favourite and the best gothic fantasy I've ever read. Everything about this book was perfect. The vibes, plot, romance and action. I loved every second of it.
“Human life is short. You are not as a tree, stoic and unyielding, but a butterfly. Delicate, fleeting. Inconsequential.”
The enchanting and a mysterious duology about a cursed town, magical cards and magical trees. This book was the perfect combination of gothic, mysterious and spooky atmospherical vibes, the mystery of twin alders card and Shepherd King's past, witty banter between characters, thrilling action sequences, and the most enticing and scorching romance.
“Truth bends, Ravyn Yew. We must all bend along with it.”
I loved Rachel's exquisite writing and narrative. This was written in three povs—Elspeth, Ravyn and Elm. There were two stories nested in one storyline—Ravyn and Elspeth's quest for Twin Alders card and Elm and Ione's story. I loved the way Rachel focued on both and it didn't felt like jumping stories.
“Poetry is as judicious as violence.”
The perfect blend of romance and mystery made this book more interesting and captivating. Its not a romance fantasy but the romance in it was swoon-worthy. I loved that we got both the love stories in this series—Ravyn & Elspeth's in one dark window and Elm & Ione's in this book.
I was truly satisfied with Ravyn and Elspeth's story, their character developments and how their relationship developed in book 1 but I still missed them so much. They didn't had their moments until the very last chapter. I wish we got more of them together. The story started with Elspeth—a girl with a monster trapped inside her head. But Elspeth felt like a side character in this book. Which I didn't liked.
➸ Ravyn Yew
The dark and mysterious captain who would do anything to save his family Elspeth even sacrificing himself. I loved his protective and possessive side. The way he cared for Elspeth and protected her had me swooning everytime. I suspected his relation with the Shepherd king and I was right about it. I loved his interactions with Nightmare. At first I thought it would be a little weird to see him talk with Nightmare but through Elspeth, but their banter and the way Nightmare mocked Ravyn had me laugh out loud.
“You and I are Blunder’s reckoning, Ravyn Yew. Not its peace.”
➸ The Shepherd king
The star of this series and my absolute favourite character. His story was painful and emotional. He was trapped for centuries for his revenge against Rowan while his family passed the veil. What happened to him and his family was brutal. I loved the way he protected Ravyn, Elspeth and Jasper. Like they were his own kids. I was happy but also a little sad after the ending but it was the best ending he deserved after all the pain and rage he went through for centuries.
“Blunder’s reckoning.” The Shepherd King’s grin was worse than any snarl. “I am the root and the tree. I am balance.”
➸ Elm Rowan
There is something about him being a prince but also being a traitor to the crown. He always knew what was right and never supported what his father or brother did. He was charming and witty but also dangerous because of his Scythe card controlling powers. Elm always wanted to be seen and liked by his family. I hate Hauth so much for what he did to Elm when they were kids. I loved the way he loved and cared for Ione and saved her from King's wrath. Elm might not be able to fight with the swords or knife but he's always been the best Rowan prince with intelligent and cunning mind and kind hearted spirit.
➸ Ione Hawthorn
We get to know more about her character and what happened to her in book 1 that made her act like she didn't care about anything. I felt bad for what Hauth did to her and the way she was tortured to feel no emotions at all. Ione was always the cheery yellow haired girl with the biggest smile on her face until Hauth happened and I loved that Elm helped her all the way in this book.
╰┈➤ Elm and Ione
I desperately wanted them to be a couple ever since I read about Elm stealing those little glances at Ione in One dark window. They had chemistry from the very first moment. They both helped and healed the broken parts of each other. Ione always saw the real version of Elm and not the rude Rowan prince.
“What would you have me do? Burn the castle down with everyone in it?” “That would be a start.” A laugh rose up Elm’s throat. “Trees, Hawthorn. What a Queen you’d make.”
“I’d be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper.”
The forced proximity, the tension between them, the way they teased each other and bantered, the way Elm wanted to see if he affected Ione in any way, the way he was obsessed with her yellow hair and the way he told her to use him if that would help her to feel anything had me melting and swooning. They were perfect for each other. And the angsty chalice scene? You are not ready for that scene. It's my favourite scene. The ending of their story was the best and the perfect one. I wish we got more of them.
“It was difficult to look at her. Beneath the ache that existed between them was a thin, fragile thread. One Ione had slipped through the eye of a needle and plunged into Elm’s chest, past all his bricks and barbs, though she didn’t yet realize it.”
This was the perfect end to this dulogy. I loved this and the characters so muc. I need more of them. *fingers crossed* Maybe Rachel can write a novella or something in future.
“For even dead, I will not die. I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream. The nightmare in the night.”
I'd definitely recommend this because this is the best fantasy duology for this spooky season.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
"In rehab, she was known as Ms Perfectly Fine,” But Autumn Adler was everything except Ms Perfectly Fine.
This book is about two people Autumn and Elija"In rehab, she was known as Ms Perfectly Fine,” But Autumn Adler was everything except Ms Perfectly Fine.
This book is about two people Autumn and Elijah and their first encounter was not so amazing. They became Enemies the moment they met. But what would happen when two people who hated each other the moment they met are forced to live together?
This has enemies to lovers, reverse grumpy X sunshine and likable characters, forced proximity and has cozy vibes with suspence as sub plot. I liked the book and even enjoyed some parts. It was cute because of Autum and Elijah's bantering and their cute big furry dog Brinkley.
The writing was simple and smooth and while this has both Autumn and Elijah's pov the whole story is written in third pov. The characters were written well but it felt like the story was rushed and so much happening so I didn't see Autumn's character development in this. Which was the most important part in this because she was dealing through grief and chronic pain because of the traumatic incident.
➙ Relationship: Elijah and Autumn
Their story started with them bickering over their living arrangement but ended up falling in love with each other. I enjoyed their funny and flirty banters. Elijah never treated her like she's some broken girl. He bursts the safety bubble that Autumn is so used to for the past years and forces her to come out of it.
While Autumn hated Elijah with passion she loved the comfort and safety he provided her. He helped Autumn heal a part of her while being there for her and helped her to deal with all her fears and grief. I liked how patience he was with her and also that he knew that he wanted Autumn and he would never let her go not until he tell her what she meant to him. I'm glad they both are happy and in love.
“There is no part of you I’d ever want to avoid,” he assured her. “You’ve no idea how much I’ve longed to touch and taste every inch of you. Scarred or not, it’s part of you and deserves to be cherished.”
Elijah fell first and he fell harder for Autumn!!!
✦ Autumn Adler A famous painist who is ready for her comeback after the traumatic incident. She is stubborn, introvert and used to handling things herself. She went through so much in the last few years of her life and this was the journey of how she finally let go of all her fears and grief that was holding her from being who she always wanted to be.
✦ Elijah Wells He's Charming, thoughtful and loving. He's trying to build his own tech company while also trying to severe ties from his controlling father. At first he seemed like cocky to me but after reading some chapters I saw how caring and kind he is and especially towards his mother and Autumn and also his dog Brinkley.
The ending was satisfying because Autumn and Elijah were happy and in love and also there was no third act breakup so no extra unnecessary drama in the end. But the suspense part felt rushed to me. But I also didn't see it coming and it was a bit shocking. And I definitely didn't suspected that person!!!
Thanks to Kate Callaghan and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
“What do you want from me?” I repeated her words softly. “You,” she replied just as softly, eyes stuck on my lips.
Don't I deserve a Wil— 4.5 Stars ★
“What do you want from me?” I repeated her words softly. “You,” she replied just as softly, eyes stuck on my lips.
Don't I deserve a William to my Charlie who would leave sweet notes for me and brings me my favourite food and looks at me like I'm everything he's ever wanted ...more