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1501105779
| 9781501105777
| 1501105779
| 4.07
| 132,832
| Aug 18, 2015
| Aug 18, 2015
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really liked it
| Once there was a you and me I always had a thing for v Once there was a you and me I always had a thing for vintage and ancient things especially the love stories of 90s. Before We Were Strangers teleported me right in the New York in 90s and made me live that era through Grace and Matt's perspective. It was beautiful, nostalgic, raw and emotional. Renee's writing is exquisitely beautiful and her narrative has a poetical quality that kept me hooked and in present with Grace and Matt's story. I loved the love story of two artists living, learning, exploring New York and falling in love in with the city together and with each other. The story was realistic and raw but it was also sweet and steamy. I loved every second of it and really wished I were born in that era where humans simply just existed and enjoyed each other's company and loved the very essence of human existence and beauty of art and nature. Reading about New York in 90s was like experiencing a city that existed once in a past but can be revisited through someone's love and memories of that time. “That’s why my mother always said we memorialize our past. Everything seems better in a memory.” Garce was a Cellist and a girl who was in love with music. She loves it enough to do anything for her passion and she is really hardworking and selfless. I loved her funny and clumsy personality and how she sees the world and beauty in everything. Matt was a sweetheart. He was a photography student. I loved him more in 90s because he was this adorable and charming guy who fell in love first and harder. He was so patient with Grace and paid attention to every small detail about her and it was good to see that Grace had someone who loved her for who she was. “You’re my first muse, Grace.” “You were always with me, Grace. I never found a way to let you go.” Grace and Matt's love is timeless. Their story is a first love and second chance story. It is told in two different timelines — in 90s when they shared college dorm in New York as seniors and were 21 years old and after 15 years of their college graduation. The way they fell in love with each other was so mesmerisingly beautiful. I couldn't get enough of them learning about each other and exploring their newfound frienship and blooming love between them. They liked each other as humans before they fell in love and that's what I loved about them. It was the real representation of what first and young love feels like, why it's scary but also exciting and delightful because they found their own favourite person. “You can’t re-create the first time you promise to love someone or the first time you feel loved by another. You cannot relive the sensation of fear, admiration, self-consciousness, passion, and desire all mixed into one because it never happens twice. You chase it like the first high for the rest of your life.” Their first meet after 15 years left them with this yearning to find to find each other and find out what happened to them. I wasn't expected to be torn apart by their present but I was, because of all the what ifs scenarios that kept coming. It was heartbreaking to see them realise how much time they lost because of some selfish people in their life. Matt and Grace fell in love together and found the meaning of it in New York in 90s but they had individual character growth for years and seeing them grow together as humans, lovers and parent after 15 years was refreshing. I also loved Ash and Matt together and how they bonded together as dad and daughter. Ash was chill and funny and that little surprise she planned for her parents in the end was so thoughtful and romantic. “Three seconds doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you’re gazing into someone’s eyes, it’s long enough to make a silent promise.” Reading about Grace and Matt's fast friendship and love story made me realise that love exists in various forms and that even if you find the right person, it all depends on the right time. That sometimes ambitions and dreams and love clash together and only one of them wins but life always has a way of surprising people. That losing something or someone meaningful to you in the past will come back to you one way or another and you will have it again in your life and it will be much better second time around. That true friendships and missed connections and love oportunities don't just vanish if love and trust was the foundation of it, and Renee expertly and masterfully captured it all in this evocative story. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 29, 2024
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Sep 30, 2024
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Sep 29, 2024
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Paperback
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0349439273
| 9780349439273
| 0349439273
| 4.51
| 178,136
| Nov 29, 2018
| Aug 29, 2023
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it was amazing
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“For keeps?” I breathed. He kissed my shoulder. “For keeps.” Did I finish this book or did it finish me? Heartbreaking, soul-crushing, profound but abov “For keeps?” I breathed. He kissed my shoulder. “For keeps.” Did I finish this book or did it finish me? Heartbreaking, soul-crushing, profound but above all an unforgettable and a beautiful story. I expected this book to be full of sunshine and happiness, but it was so much intense, emotional and heartbreaking than B13. There were so many dark and heavy topics in this book and Chloe didn't hesitated to show us the raw, realistic and blatant vulnerability in this book. But above everything else, this book has one of the best, beautiful and genuine found family. The romance was tender, charming, adorably awkward sweet. K13 focused more on the family dynamics, characters' growth and development, trauma and healing of the Lynch siblings. Chloe delved deeper into Lynch's family dynamics, showed us the pain and darkness that lurked inside their house, showed us that not everything in reality is always black and white, and that sometimes freedom, forgiveness and happiness costs life and death. I can't even imagine the pain the Lynch siblings has suffered for the years and its incomprehensible until you step into their shoes and Chloe reflected their pain, trauma and unhappiness in this book and let me tell you it was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking in the worst way possible. “Well, I don’t want easy. I want you. Just the way you are. Every part and every piece.” ➸ Shannon Lynch I really liked how Shannon tried to come out of her shell in this book. It was a small growth on her part but I don't expect her to do a one-eighty in just a few months because Shannon has been through hell in her entire life. She is finally trying to let other people in her life and I liked how she's not lying to anyone even when it goes against her surviving nature. She stood up for herself against her family and her bullies when it was needed. She's so precious and strong and resilient and maybe she doesn't know it yet but she is a survivor through and through who did everything in her power to climbed back up on her feet. “I’m here for Johnny the boy. Not Johnny the rugby player. I’ll stay for both, but I’m only in love with one.” ➸ Johnny Kavanagh The Bulldozer Johnny Kavanagh the gentleman you are ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 07, 2024
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May 19, 2024
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May 07, 2024
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Paperback
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B0CFD5NCP9
| 4.26
| 57,232
| Apr 16, 2024
| Apr 16, 2024
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it was amazing
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4.75 stars “Claire Biggs had a lot of things. My back. My attention. My heart. My soul. Yeah, she had all of me and that wasn’t an exaggeration.” Jokes 4.75 stars “Claire Biggs had a lot of things. My back. My attention. My heart. My soul. Yeah, she had all of me and that wasn’t an exaggeration.” Jokes on me for thinking Taming 7 would be less painful and heartbreaking than the previous ones in this series just because it is about two sunshine emanating characters. Jokes on me for thinking Chloe can write love stories without breaking my heart in the process. I am destroyed by this series. AGAIN. For the millionth time. Taming 7 is a funny and comforting story and Gibsie and Claire definitely poured sunshine and joy in this book but it also had it's heartbreaking, dark, tragic and soul-crushing moments. I wasn't expecting this to be a heavy read with so much trauma and pain. The romance balanced the pain and angst part of the story. ➸ Claire Biggs Claire is the definition of sunshine walking on earth in human form. She is brimming with life, hope, heart and sincerity and this girl radiates happiness and sunshine on daily basis. I have always loved Claire and I love how she's very forthcoming about her feelings, how she understands people and sympathises with them and how much she cares for the people she loves, especially the boy she loved all her life. Claire’s character felt real and authentic because she always shows everyone her real side and it was refreshing because sometimes I want to read about characters who don't put a façade to keep others happy. The things she did for Gibsie for years, how she kept him alive and safe in her own safe bubble, protected him from his nightmares day and night, gave him a safe place, gave him the reasons to love and live and the way she loves him with so much passion and joy was incredible. She loved him when he was incapable of loving himself, she loved him even when she lost herself in him and it just shows that no matter what love is messy and raw and heartbreaking at times but it is always worth for the right person. “This boy was the boy. The boy my heart had been created to beat for. The boy I was made to love.” ➸ Gerard Gibson Gibsie is always seen as the class clown, the joker, the sunshine boy, the mischievous boy. The boy who can make anyone laugh with his antics and jokes but no one ever saw what he hides behind those jokes and laugh except his best-friend, Claire. He is the most thoughtful person in this series, he's the one who's always there for everyone, the one who keeps their group happy and alive. And I never thought his story would break me like this. I never expected to see this side of Gibsie — the boy with demons in his mind, monsters in past, nightmares and trauma. But it's always the people who smiles and laughs the most hides the greatest pains in the world, and Gibsie was excellent at hiding his pain, heartbreaks, burden, anger behind the jokester façade he created to tell himself and others that he's okay. The deeper exploration of him only made me love him more. It showed and explained in intricate details his trauma, the several layers he had wrapped around his heart as coping mechanisms to his trauma and his reasons behind his carefully crafted persona and it all broke my heart. He deserves the best in the world. “She was the best part of a broken childhood.” : ̗̀➛ Claire and Gibsie I never knew how much I needed sunshine-sunshine dynamic until I met Gibsie and Claire. They both compliment each other so well, fit so perfectly in each other's life, and I love how even though they both exudes warmth and happiness, they always have a balance in their friendship with their different dynamics. Their childhood friendship gives me so much comfort knowing that Gibsie always had Claire by his side, in his darkest times. Their lifelong frienship gives pure soulmatism vibes, and it's a beautiful and pure concoction of loyalty, humour, banter, comfort and love. I loved everything about Gibsie and Claire and especially the moments when they were kids and how Claire helped Gibsie healed and over come his fears. Their special bond has all my heart. “You were dreaming?” Their story was equally painful and beautiful but the way they finally let down their walls enough to give their love a chance was everything. Seeing Gibsie accepting her love and giving Claire the commitment and security she needed in return from him made me so much happy for these two. It took quiet a good scenes of jealousy and bad dates but he finally accepted his defeat. They are perfect. They are everything. “I loved her. Every part of me. With every bone in my body. Defective and all as I was. I couldn’t help it. It was instinctive. It was ever consuming. It was forever.” It's criminal how underrated Johnny and Gibsie's friendship is. They are so adorable as friends. And the scene where Johnny was holding Gibsie, telling him how much he means to him while Gibsie was crying and breaking in his arms ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 30, 2024
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Sep 04, 2024
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Apr 18, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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0349439303
| 9780349439303
| 0349439303
| 4.63
| 80,345
| Mar 24, 2023
| Nov 28, 2023
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it was amazing
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♾ stars “Ride or die, Joe.” This book wrecked my heart, shredded it in pieces, devasted my soul and mind. I will never be same aft ♾ stars “Ride or die, Joe.” This book wrecked my heart, shredded it in pieces, devasted my soul and mind. I will never be same after reading Joey and Aoife's epic and unforgettable love story. They will stay forever in my heart and soul. If I could describe what heartbreaks and devastation feel like, I'll tell you to read this book. If I could tell you what true and all consuming and emotional love feel like, I'll tell you about Joey and Aoife's love story. If you ask me if soulmates are a real thing, I'll tell you about Joey and Aoife. If you ask me the meaning of hope, I'll tell you about Aoife's love for Joey because her love is the definition of love that can bring someone back to life, love that breathes life and hope into someone who is constantly dying every day, every minute of his life. Aoife's love is the ray of sunshine, a spark of hope that gives Joey a million little reasons to survive, live, and fight for himself and for her. He exhaled and whispered, “I’m really fucking drowning here, Aoife.” “Don’t worry, Joe. I won’t let that happen,” I replied, nuzzling his nose with mine. “I won’t let your head go under.” “Promise?” I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I promise.” ➸ Joey Lynch With every page, every word, I fell for Joey Lynch a little bit more. I can never get over his story, the things he's been through, the monsters he fought in real life and inside his head everyday of his life. It was heart-rending in the worst way possible. I have never seen devastation in real life but Joey is the definition of it in every manner possible. My heart hurts for him, my heart beats for him, my heart loves him. He failed again and again but he also proved and redeemed himself again and again and he finally got his second and last chance. Joey was in a dark phase here, he couldn't fathom the idea of being alive because he was tired of his life. He was tired of living for other people, his siblings and nobody saw what he was going through all alone except Aoife. She was his hope his entire life and she brought him back to world again and again with her love, trust and believe in him. Joey was broken by his mother. She couldn't love him the way he deserved to be loved and it just breaks my heart because he is the sweetest and most thoughtful person ever and he deserves the world. He was the worst version of himself here, repeating mistakes, falling into old patterns, did so many horrible things to himself and hurt Aoife countless times but he also fought for her everyday. What really broke my heart was how he didn't believe in his own capability to get better. He was lost all the time and he missed so many things about Aoife's pregnancy. He fought so many inner battles, real ones, but he found his courage to fight for his love and his little family, started living for himself but also for them and that's all that matters. His character development wasn't done magically and he still has a long way ahead for redemption but I just know he's going to build an epic future for himself and his little family. “Something about this girl settled something deep inside of me. I couldn’t understand it, much less explain it, but when I was with her, I felt like I was drowning and breathing at once. I felt like I was riding this thrilling wave, and it didn’t matter if I fell or not because I could only land on softness.” ➸ Aoife Molloy Aoife was incredible in this book. She presented the definition of a strong and brave woman with an altruistic nature. All the horrible things she went through, all the heartbreaks she endured, she did all with a head held high and that's just amazing. I haven't seen anyone love the way she loves Joey. If it were someone other than Joey I'd be calling her a stupid fool for losing herself in loving a man this way. She brought all her love and life in one person because she saw something in him that was blinded to other people. It was so beautiful and selfless as much it was heart-rending to see her go through all the horrible things because she loves him. I saw people blaming her for the things she did, decisions she made but she was right all along. She was scared of pushing him to another deep end by telling him about pregnancy because he was in a dark phase. She gave him many chances to redeem himself and he still fucked up but she never gave up on him even when he gave up on himself and that's just admirable. I love her so much for that. Aoife will always be my favourite girl in this series. She possess strength and unwavering commitment that's so hard to find in a female protagonist. She's a woman of her own, always stood for what's right and always stood up for Joey against everyone in the world. And I also liked when she tried to put herself first in here when she needed that. She also showed insecurities related to her body changing due to this new phase in her life and her future on hold and my heart broke for her because she deserved the best but also loved how she made the best out of that situation even when she was all alone, but not once she blamed Joey because she knew how much he was hurting himself and her by succumbing to his addictions. She is an inspiration. “I was in love with him. The boy he used to be. The man he had become. All of his versions. I loved them all.” : ̗̀➛ Joey and Aoife “Hey, stud.” “Hey, queen.” Joey and Aoife. Aoife and Joey. You can't separate them from each other. They are what soulmates looks like, feels like. The way they love each other is beyond this universe. I can't even imagine going through this many struggles and heartbreaks and still be in love with other person. But they say love is beautiful and voilent at the same time. It makes you but it destroys you in other ways. Love is never perfect and what they have is raw and messy but also unforgettable, irrevocable and mesmerising. Aoife was breaking her heart everyday for the boy she loved for years and yet she couldn't stop loving him, believing in him because she knew he is worth all the heartbreaks and devastation he is causing her. I can never imagine that kind of love for myself but I also want it for me because to be loved the way they love each other and to love the way they love is just something you only get to have once in a lifetime. “Please just… please keep loving me.” “Always, Joe,” she breathed against my lips. “Always.” “What if I can’t get better, Aoife?” he choked out, holding onto my body for dear life. “What if this is who I am?” “Then you’ll still be stuck with me,” I told him. “Because I love you, stud. In all your shapes and forms.” There were hard decisions to make, selfish and heartbreaking ones, and Joey and Aoife went through hell in this book to finally get to their happy and hopeful chance at life. What really broke me was how much they hurt each other and yet kept coming back to each other because they didn't know what life meant without loving the other person. Joey so desperately wanted to heal but he couldn't because of the horrible people in his life and Aoife did everything in her power to give this boy her everything but it wasn't enough for Joey. Together they weathered the storm of destruction and darkness and they came out of it alive and together, with scars that will heal with time, love and trust. Perception is everything when it comes to understanding Joey and Aoife's love story. Some would say they are moving towards a destructive path and some would say they are healing together to have a chance at a peaceful and happy life. Me? I love the bones of them. I am so happy that they finally have the family they deserves and are surrounded by so much love and joy. It healed my broken heart. “I’ll never leave you on your own again,” he vowed, wrapping both of his arms around me. “I will never fail you again.” I could hear the sincerity in his voice, and I needed so badly for him to be right about this. For him to stay. “It’s my turn, Molloy.” He kissed my hair. “To look after you.” “Every part of me loved every part of her. The good, the bad, and the ugly.” Reading about Joey and Mammy K relationship in this book was everything. Mammy K is the best! They opened their door for Lynch siblings and gave Joey a chance at fighting for his future. She treated him the way he deserved and though Joey doesn't treat her like a mother because he never had any but Edel always treats him like a son and that's just so comforting and beautiful. “I’m not your boy.” “And I already told you that we’re keeping you.” She chuckled. “Finders keepers, Joey love. You’re mine now.” Redeeming 6 deals with some heavy topics so please read trigger warnings before reading this book. This book was a dagger straight to my heart. I couldn't stop crying for hours because of the torrent of emotions crashing through me. Chloe was very blunt with this story, she never tried to dulcify anything related to Joey and his depression and drug addiction. Everything was on-page and some scenes were so raw and heart-crushing that I couldn't breathe through my tears. That's how much devastation this book caused me. But looking back at it right now, I know every tear I shed for him was worth it because Joey Lynch is worth everything in this world. He is priceless. I loved how we got to see Joey's rehabilitation journey and to understand his past and his present better. It was an important part of his story and Chloe did an amazing job at writing about it. I am finally at peace knowing he is happy and is living his best and happy life with the people he loves and the family he deserves. I am already missing them and I already want to reread these books! I just want to inject his books so I can never get Joey and Aoife out of my system. At this point, you can call me a brainrot and that's what I have become. “It was her. It always had been. It always would be. The girl from the wall.” “Still?” ———————— I love joeyaoife with every atom of my being. You guys have no idea how much I adore them. I am already missing them and planning my reread of their books lol ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 2024
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Aug 09, 2024
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Apr 18, 2024
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Paperback
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0349439281
| 9780349439280
| 0349439281
| 4.48
| 98,421
| Feb 14, 2023
| Nov 28, 2023
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it was amazing
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♾ stars “I see you, Joey Lynch,” she continued, stroking her nose against mine. I never knew ♾ stars “I see you, Joey Lynch,” she continued, stroking her nose against mine. I never knew what devastation truly meant until I read his story. I never knew how demons inside someone's head can eat them alive until I saw his. I never knew what heartbreaks meant until I watched him break hers time and again. I never knew what this book would do to me but here we are. It's strange how one day you read a book, a character's life story, just a few thousand words and it changes your life completely. How these characters make a home inside your heart, mind and soul. Joey and Aoife's story is that for me. It's a story that I will never be able to forget in my life, one I will always keep close to my heart, in my heart, one I will be rereading for forever because I want to remember what love and healing means. “The only time that I allow myself to feel anything is when I’m with you.” Saving 6 is more than just a romance story. It is a story of a boy who is battling his darkest demons in his head every day of his life while self-destructing himself in the process. It is a story about a girl falling in love with a hopeless boy and pouring life and hope into him. It's about fighting his demons with her unwavering love and support. It is a story of soulmatism and healing through love, care and trust. ➸ Aoife Molloy Aoife is my favourite girl ever. The girl with a face of an angle and tongue of a devil. I don't know if I want to be her or be with her. She has the purest heart and gentleness that goes so well with her fierce and protective nature that just makes you instantly love her. Aoife is also wild and free-spirited as compared to Joey and this girl kept him on his toes for six years with her antics. I love how self-assured and confident she is about herself all the time. What she wanted she always got it. No matter what. Even Joey was not immune to her charming and ballsy personality. And the way she loves people? It's wholeheartedly and with every atom of her being. Once she's in and once she believes that someone is worth loving and saving Aoife would do anything to make that happen. She's just so perfect and one of the fierce and compassionate girl. She never stopped loving Joey and believing in him even though he gave her no reasons. She always gave him her best and all versions of herself to show him how much she loves him and that's the purest form of love. “The quintessential lost boy.” Her lips grazed mine as she spoke. “Don’t worry, Peter Pan, I’ll be your Wendy.” ➸ Joey Lynch Joey is the definition of devastation. The man with nightmares, demons and monsters in his head. He has been fighting to stay alive since he was just a kid, masking his pain with his temper and I can't imagine the things that happened to him in his own house and by the very people who were suppose to love him, they broke his body and mind in million pieces and then left him to deal with it own his own. I always knew he is going to be my favourite BOT boy and I was right. How can one person self-distruct himself to the level of no return and I get why he does that because he needed escape from his horrible life and that came in form of drugs, but it just breaks my heart to see him give up on himself like that. Joey is so precious and lovable and he doesn't even realise that. He is a beautiful soul with the kindest, most thoughtful and loyal heart and the things he does for his younger siblings even though he was just a child himself breaks my heart but also makes me proud of him. He was forcefully thrusted into the protector role and caring for his siblings, he became a mother, father, a brother to them and in midst of all this, he was losing himself to drugs to cope up with his trauma. Aoife was like a lifeline to him, the only person who saw good in him even though he is the definition of bad boy. “Don’t hate me, Molloy. You’re all I have to wake up for in the morning.” : ̗̀➛ Aoife and Joey “I don’t love you.” “I don’t love you back.” Aoife and Joey are the definition of soulmatism. They are twin flames, soulmates, lovers, bestfriends. I knew they had something special from their first meet cute when they literally fall for each other at first sight. Joey was a goner for her the moment he laid his eyes on Aoife and Aoife saw what nobody ever tried to see in Joey. She saw the real Joey, one who is selfless even though he acts like he's the worst person, one who knows what love and care means even though he never had that for himself and she loves all his versions. She saw him as who he truly is, she heard his silent cry for help, she peeled back all his layers and saw what an amazing and wonderful man he is behind all the terrible traits and loved him for his worst and good things. Joey made efforts to bring changes in his life and yes he messed up many times but he is trying even when his life is crumbling around him and sometimes trying is all that matters. “Please just stay.” He paused to release another slow breath before continuing. “This is the only time it’s ever stopped. Please don’t break it.” Their love story is tragic and devastating but it also is the definition of true love. No matter where they are and what situation they are put into they always find their way back to each other. They grew up together, became friends, then lovers and it was a beautiful transition because they have everything in one person. The teenage love feels here were so cute. The stolen moments, lingering touches with copious amount of sexual tension and desire between them. They explored each other's hearts, body, mind and soul together. I really love their love for music. Their banter is superior and their friendship is the proof that they'll always have each other no matter what. Seriously where do I find love and friendship like that, and even if it's heartbreaking most of the times no one can deny that Joey and Aoife's love is once in a forever kind of love. Love that consumes a person so deeply that they neither see nor hear anything except that person and it's a good kind! “You’re my favorite friend, with my favorite legs.” Their love story taught me that if a person loves you, they will see you no matter how much you try to hide yourself. They will see your pain, your destruction and they will want to help you because it hurts them as much as it hurts you. They will love all versions of you, the bad and best because that makes you, YOU. Aoife loves Joey enough to step into his complicated world, she loves him enough to make him see how wonderful he is, she loves him enough to make him feel happy and alive, and Joey loves her enough to let down his walls to give her a glimpse in his life, to give her his trust, his love, care and he loves her enough to get better for her and for himself. “I wanted to rescue him, to shield him from the horrors he had been born into. I wanted to be his armor when he couldn’t fight back. I wanted to wade into battle for him, protect his beautiful soul. But I’d been so determined to save him that I hadn’t noticed I’d lost myself in the process. Our love was toxic.” I hate Joey's mom. She broke Joey in the worst way possible but I am happy he has Tony as a father figure in his life. Lynch siblings deserves the world and my heart broke everytime Joey had to sacrifice his life for his siblings. “I’m not replacing you, Molloy.” I couldn’t. “I’m trying to fix me.” For you. The last chapters of this book were anguish and painful. The angst and heartbreaks were palpable and the way they laid their broken hearts just to make other see, to make each other realise what loving and caring for each other is doing to them. My heart cracked in my chest a million little times. I am carrying their pain and love in my heart and all I want is for them to have a happy and lovely life they deserves because I cannot survive any other way. Anyway I am jumping right into Redeeming 6 because I just need to know what's going to happen to my precious babies. ———————— so this is what devastation feels like... rtc when i am not crying just by thinking about this broken boy bcs i am heartbroken ———————— just finished mp3 yesterday and now i am ready for another heartbreaking read? do i need therapy or tissues? ...more |
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1
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Jul 26, 2024
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Aug 2024
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Apr 18, 2024
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Paperback
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9791163702795
| 4.21
| 297
| Oct 14, 2018
| Oct 14, 2018
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it was amazing
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no thoughts just Zachary De Arno
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Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 25, 2024
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Jul 25, 2024
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Mar 27, 2024
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ebook
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B00QHMU0PU
| 4.58
| 68,481
| Dec 02, 2014
| Dec 02, 2014
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really liked it
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4.5 stars "Fight because you don't know how to die quietly. Win because you don't know how to lose." This book was everything 4.5 stars "Fight because you don't know how to die quietly. Win because you don't know how to lose." This book was everything ...more |
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May 10, 2024
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May 22, 2024
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Mar 07, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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1301824291
| 9781301824298
| 1301824291
| 4.37
| 70,682
| Jul 10, 2013
| Jul 10, 2013
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really liked it
| “He was their family. They were his. They were worth every cut and bruise and scream.” This book was totally unhinged, painful, heartbreaking, masochis “He was their family. They were his. They were worth every cut and bruise and scream.” This book was totally unhinged, painful, heartbreaking, masochistic and insane, and I'd be lying if I say I don't love all the characters because I do even though they are a little fucked in the head. I was not ready for this book. I knew it would be heavy and gut-wrentching but some of the topics that were discussed in this book and how it affected the characters' life was just painful to read. My heart hurts for each and every character in this book and they better get their happy ending in book 3. At first, I thought I would hate this and was warned that if I don't like this book and then there's no way I'll like book 3 which is the best book in this series. I went with very little expectations and ignored how much I hate Nora's writing, and it went surprisingly well because this book made me love each and every character in Foxes. I loved the romance and all the couples are unique and interesting in their own way. It's not the main part of the story but it adds more to the story and the dramatics. The women in this book are something else and I admire them for their strength and power. “Your parents are dead, you are not fine, and nothing is going to be okay. This is not news to you. But from now until May you are still Neil Josten and I am still the man who said he would keep you alive.” I still don't understand the game rules and all but the matches are exhilarating and I love the determination Foxes have for Exy. Even though their team is divided in two parts they still give their bests in the game and even stood up for each other in worst times. The found family is one the best elements of this book. They all have their own traumatic and sad experiences in life and their love for Exy brought them closer. They fight and bicker all the time but in the end it's just Foxes against the whole world. “It’s about family. Not necessarily the one we were born with, but the one we choose. This one. The people we trust to be part of our lives. The people we care about.” ➸ Neil Josten: Neil my precious boy. He deserves the world and the happiness. Learning about his past always breaks my heart. He's so passionate about Exy and I love how protective he is of his team-mates. Neil is the quiet and observant type until he shows his feral side and I love it when he stand up against Riko and his team and show them their place with just his words. He's my favourite Fox. His character development is one of the best and I am so happy he's finally found the people who loves him unconditionally. He's finally coming out of socially introvert zone and I can't wait to see how that goes for him. “But Neil Josten was a Fox. Andrew called his home; Nicky called him family. Neil wasn’t going to lose any of it.” ➸ Andrew Minyard: I don't think I'll ever be same after knowing his story ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 16, 2024
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Apr 22, 2024
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Mar 07, 2024
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ebook
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Oh, Axie
*
| 0063299305
| 9780063299306
| 0063299305
| 3.92
| 4,862
| Feb 06, 2024
| Feb 06, 2024
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really liked it
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 20, 2024
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Jun 21, 2024
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Feb 13, 2024
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Hardcover
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1398721743
| 9781398721746
| 1398721743
| 4.38
| 39,133
| Feb 13, 2024
| Feb 13, 2024
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it was amazing
| “Took us a minute, took the long way home to get there but we’re here now and I wouldn’t change a fucking thing.” This review contains spoilers! So if “Took us a minute, took the long way home to get there but we’re here now and I wouldn’t change a fucking thing.” This review contains spoilers! So if you haven't read MP2 please look away! Reading this book was like falling into the darkness, completely losing sense of any reality and entering in this place where there is no hope and you are forced to witness Magnolia and Beej drown in their grief and sorrows. The pain was heart-rending. I don't how I read this book but Magnolia and Beej finally won the The Great War. I lost count of how many times I cried reading their story but it was all worth it in the end. It took them years to finally build their love again from scratch with all the broken and mended pieces of their hearts and they taught me another meaning of love with their story. Love is all about forgiveness, second chances, efforts, healing and choosing the person your heart desires the most but that doesn't mean you have to ignore their wrongdoings. Beej and Magnolia put us and their friends through some crazy fucked up emotions and wild rides but what a ride it was! “She’s the only thing I’ve ever properly wanted in my adult life and I’ve got her. She is the home I’ve spent years building.” I am still not over the ending of MP2. I still cannot believe she is not alive and it took me months to accept that fact and step out of my delutional phase and read this book. I was not ready and I grieved with Magnolia for the loss she has suffered. Bridget was her everything and the only person who knew Magnolia inside and out and to lose that person just broke something innate inside her. This book was an emotional mess of feelings and grief and it took a lot of time for Magnolia to navigate those feelings and finally step in her healing phase. The portrayal of grief, anxiety and mortality in this book was written in a very poignant and tragic way. I was depressed reading this book and Magnolia's inner thoughts and how broken she was all the time. “You know how ballerinas pick a spot to look at when they’re doing a pirouette so they don’t get dizzy? Bridget was Magnolia’s spot on the wall.” Jessa's narrative took a mournful turn in this book but it was so poetically and tragically beautiful. The story was heavy after the events that happened in MP2. It not only focused on Magnolia and Beej's realtionship and them healing their way through the mess of their lives but there was this vulnerability and complexity about Magnolia and Beej that made them more real. “My crowning achievement, probably. One of two. Being her sister, being loved by him.” ➸ Magnolia Parks Magnolia's grief and struggles in this book were a dagger straight to my heart. It was real and poignant and it reflected her inner turmoil and the reasons behind why she is the way she is. There is more depth to her character and I saw her at her worst in this book. She was always so resilient, fashionable and controlled person in previous books and definitely a dramatic rich girl but you'll finally see what had made her that way. The past chapters were heartbreaking and I hated everyone who treated with worst intentions. She was just a girl who was thrusted into this glamorous limelight just to be taken advantage. I hated how the media was tearing her down at every chance and how she felt alone all the time, grieving and healing and moving on. What I really loved was how she made efforts for herself and for her relationship as well. “BJ, I love in an unquestionable way. I love BJ like he’s the sun. Blinding, bright, unbridled, unavoidable. He’s the thing that sustains the galaxy of me. He drives the currents of me, he dictates the climates and the seasons. I feel his warmth on my face, and when he’s gone, it’s colder. He is the centre of everything, and the gravity of me is loyal to him above all.” ➸ BJ Ballentine Beej, you are a poet. His thoughts about Magnolia and the things he says to her? I swoon every damn time. There is huge character development and he finally started working on himself and his past traumas and all that was reflected in his present personality and how healing and therapy helped him to be the man Magnolia deserves. It was refreshing to see him in this new light, where he is not trying to destroy everything and making efforts to be his better version. I was amazed with how supportive and protective he was of Magnolia all the time. He truly showed her how much he loves her with his actions and words and patience. He redeemed himself and proved himself over and over again to everyone and especially, Magnolia. I was already a Baxter James Ballentine apologist and I am never leaving that title behind. “I wish I could tell you all the ways that I tell you I love you without telling you that I love you, but I don’t know what they are—” She kind of sighs and I look for her eyes. “Because I think at this point all of me is a big fucking ode to just loving you—But in case that’s not good enough, can I maybe just tell you to your face forever that I love you.” : ̗̀➛ Magnolia and Beej “Would you like to rewrite some history?” Magnolia and Beej are written in the stars. I truly and wholeheartedly love them no matter how many times they fucked up, destroyed each other in the process of finding their way back to each other. There is something about bjparks that you cannot ignore and can't help but want them to be together. It's indescribable and maybe that's what soulmatism means? Seeing them peel back layers of their unforgettable love and discovering why they broke each other in such an irreplaceable way and finally finding a way to heal their broken hearts together was something I needed so badly in this book and Jessa wrote that in such an agonisingly beautiful way. They had unresolved matters and trust issues but they worked to make it better whenever they fought. “Loving you is the thing I grab first when the house is on fire, and the house has been on fire before”— she gives me a look—“ and it might even catch on fire again. I really hope not, but if it does— how much I love you will forever and ever be the first thing I reach for.” I am also proud of them for finally getting into couple therapy because that was needed for years. I loved how Beej shielded Magnolia from every worst thing and how she tried to trust him everyday even though it was against her basic instincts. I just was so happy to see them happy and in love, building a life and healing together for the better future. The bathtub scene wrecked my heart but also healed it and their wedding vows? Absolutely mesmerisingly poetically beautiful. I can read that chapter over and over again. “How many loves do you get in a lifetime? That’s a question I’ve wondered before . . . If you ask The Sun, I’ve had far too many, and in some ways that’s true, I have. But actually, I’ve only had two great ones.” I love all these characters with all my heart and I am not ready for what's about to happen in Daisy's books but I need to know if Christian got his girl or not. Please, let them be happy because I cannot see Christian with a broken heart again. I also want Julian to have his own happy love story because man deserves that and I will never stop asking Jessa for that. ——————— I lost how many times I actually cried reading this book but bjparks are happy and in love and that's all I ever wanted ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 18, 2024
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Jul 25, 2024
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Feb 13, 2024
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Paperback
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Oh, Axie
*
| 0063025019
| 9780063025011
| 0063025019
| 3.81
| 38,265
| Jul 13, 2021
| Jul 13, 2021
|
liked it
|
— 3.5 Stars ★ “Have new experiences, make new friends. I promise you can get the life you want now, if you just live in it.” This book is for all the y/ — 3.5 Stars ★ “Have new experiences, make new friends. I promise you can get the life you want now, if you just live in it.” This book is for all the y/n who wanted to meet their favourite K-pop artists. It was cute and wholesome but not because of the romance part of the story but because of the wholesome friendship between Jenny, Sori, Angela and Gi Taek. The story is the perfect balance of fluff, cuteness and wholesome and emotional moments. The writing was easy to read and engaging to read and I liked how the plot was fast pacing. I was a bit hesitant to read this because I thought it would be some cringy fanfiction about how a girl met her favourite k-pop idol and how they fell in love but thankfully that Jenny never knew about Jaewoo and how he's the most famous member of a k-pop band group named "XOXO". “You’re my boyfriend. Don’t think for a second I haven’t seen all your videos, even the fan-made ones that point out all the evidence that you and Nathaniel are a couple.” I loved Sori and Jenny's friendship and how they were always there for each other and how Sori never felt comfortable making friends but Jenny, Angela and Gi Taek just made sure she never felt alone. “If cellists have fan clubs, Jenny, I want to join yours.” The romance was cute and adorable and I liked the connection Jaewoo and Jenny had. How they loved each other, cares for one other, looked after each other and how they always comforted each other. I also liked Jenny never knew about Jaewoo being an idol and how they just behaved like two normal teenagers throughout the book. I hook my arms around his neck. “What are we stealing?” I can feel Jaewoo’s grin against my lips. ➸ Jenny is the determined, strong willed, introvert, kind and an anxious girl who only wanted to be a successful Cello player and after being told she had no spark in her personality all she wanted was to find that spark and be the most famous cello player. I liked how she was always there for her friends even though she was a bit affraid of making friends in the first place. How she was new to Seoul but never stopped relying on other people or friends to help her navigate through her life. ➸ Jaewoo is the charming, quiet and a grumpy boy who fell first and hard for Jenny. He's cute and even endearing at times even with his usual grumpy and cold personality. I would've liked him more had this book had his pov. ➸ Sori my favourite girl. She's strong and dependent and behind all that cold and ice queen favade there exists a sweetest and the kind-hearted girl. I felt bad for her and how she was treated just because she's a rich heiress and she fell in love with one of the famous boys of XOXO. She deserves the best in the world. ➸ Nathaniel the lover boy. His charming and extrovert and flirtatious personality had me swooning. I can't wait for his and Sori's book because I am already so invested in their story because it's forbidden romance with a second chance trope ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 2024
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Feb 03, 2024
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Feb 01, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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1778027741
| 9781778027741
| B0B7PC5QBT
| 4.06
| 18,828
| Nov 29, 2022
| May 2023
|
really liked it
|
4 'Manamea' stars “Fuck, I miss you. You’ve ruined me. Do it again.” Hannah did it again with another heartfelt, exquisite, painful, inspiring and whole 4 'Manamea' stars “Fuck, I miss you. You’ve ruined me. Do it again.” Hannah did it again with another heartfelt, exquisite, painful, inspiring and wholesome story. One of the best 'friends to lovers' book I have ever read and it also has friends with benefits trope which is not my thing but the way Hannah used both the tropes — it was perfect. You give her any trope and she can write a hell of a book from it. “Are you flirting with me?” I ask. Or at least I think I do. Hannah has easily become my favourite author. I'm in love with her easy yet exquisitely writing. Her story-telling and the way she writes her soft and the complicated characters with so much efficiency is perfect. I also loved that there was bisexual representation, anxiety and PTSD representation. She portrayed grief and healing in such a realistic way and I liked how it wasn't something that happens in one day or one week. I also loved the found family trope with the friends and Matt's family and the representation of Samoan culture through Matt's family. Matt's family was the sweetest and it was so endearing to see them all together and the way they loved each other and how they accepted Lane in their family was so adorable. ➸ Lane I absolutely loved her and I felt connected to her character and her anxiety about life, decisions and future. Lane may be a successful person who is living a better life but she's just an anxious girl who never moved on from her past. She's very impulsive and takes decisions just based on how she feels in that certain moment (that's so me lol). I loved how she was outspoken about her feelings and fears with Matt and how she can't do relationships and that she needed time to be her better version, not just for herself but for him as well. I absolutely loved her character development and how she accepted that she needed to move on from her father's death and how she can only do so if she accepts that she also deserves love and happiness in life. “Sometimes it feels like everyone else has a script, and I’m doing improv.” ➸ Mattheus The perfect man doesn't exists? Wrong because Matt exists. Matt is thoughful, caring, sweet, kind-hearted, selfless, a bit grumpy, protective, patience and just... perfect. He's such a cinnamon roll with a hopeless romantic heart and would do anything in his power to make you feel comfortable. He reads, he loves classics, he recommends you books, he watched Lane's recommended movies and even reviewed them, he wrote fifty seven letters when he's apart from the girl he loved, he gifted Lane a worrying doll made by his own hands because he knew she was a very anxious person, he takes her to meet his family and treats her like his family, he's everything we want from a real man but real men are a disappointment. And he calls her 'Manamea' ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 19, 2024
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Jan 23, 2024
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Jan 19, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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Oh, Axie
*
| 125078087X
| 9781250780874
| B08WL1T8H4
| 4.10
| 76,802
| Feb 22, 2022
| Feb 22, 2022
|
really liked it
|
“Nothing extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it’s the only way for your soul to breathe.” This book was a perfect enchanting “Nothing extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it’s the only way for your soul to breathe.” This book was a perfect enchanting and whimsical escape. This gave me major studio ghibli vibes and spirited away vibes! The girl who fell beneath the sea is a feminist retelling of a Korean folk tale “The Tale of Shim Cheong”. “I am the maker of my own destiny.” The story started when Mina sacrificed herself in place of Shim Cheong the chosen bride for the Sea God to help her villagers who are tortured for over a century because of Sea God's wrath. She then swept away into the Spirit Realm of gods and mythical beats and dragons with the only motive to break Sea God's curse. “Then there are the girls like my sister, who want to be the Sea God’s bride because it hurts too much to be themselves.” This is one of best fantasy standalone I have ever read and the pacing was fast which only made me read more and more. The imagery is wonderful and an enchanting experience with the beautiful and exquisite world building which is easy to understand. “I wonder if it happens in a day, for your fate to change. Or if it takes longer for your life to be stolen from you.” I also loved reading about different houses in their magical world of fog and storms and how the gods worked and dealt in their world, what happens after death, about the red string of fate, the beauty and mysteries of their world and the way Mina breaks the curse. I also loved the found family trope in this and how they all teased and protected each other. Everything was just perfect. “Sometimes you don’t find family in your own blood, but elsewhere.” The romance between Shin and Mina was sweet and beautiful and there were times I was absolutely swooning because Shin and Mina were so endearing. Their first meet was a catastrophic disaster with Shin stealing the most important thing from her. They went from hating each other and fated soulmates to loving and choosing each other. The way they both cared for each other was so precious and I wish we got more of them in this book because it was not enough. “I was angry, but not at you. I was angry at the fate I’d been given. Because I realized that in order for you to have what you want, I’d have to lose the only thing I’ve ever wanted.” ➸ Mina: The girl who's kind, selfless and incredibly fierce and loved her family and her people enough to sacrifice herself to the raging storm as a Sea God's bride. Her determination made me realise that you can do anything as long as you believe in yourself and her courage to see through the hard times and to truly appreciate the good times in your life. I loved how she was so down to earth with all her mythical stories that her grandmother taught her. ➸ Shin: The grumpy assassin who's loyal, kind and giving and is always ready to protect Sea God with his life. He's just amazing even though he's grumpy and cold most of the times. I loved how he helped Mina even though he never believed in Gods or curse. The way he protected her and opened up to her about his feelings was beatiful. ➸ Kirin: I NEED his book! Even with his usual "You don't wanna mess with me" personality he can be sweet and caring when he wants to. ➸ Namgi: He is funny and caring and loves his brothers—Shin and Kirin with all his life. He's so precious! ➸ Dai & Miki: The cutest duo! I hate kids but Miki is the most adorable kid and the way Dai protected her everytime and loved her was so endearing. “Do you know how much I love you, Miki?” Dai whispers softly. “Even I don’t know. My love for you is endless. Deep and endless, like the sea.” ➸ Mask: I liked her and the way she and Dai and Miki guided Mina to her journey while also helping her to break the curse. The ending was a bit rushed in my opinion. The plot twist was shocking and I never expected that! And I also want Shiki the death god and Hyeri's book! Their little crumbs in this book everything and I NEED their book! Overall, this book was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who just wants a fast paced fantasy standalone! —————————— Buddy reading this with bestie Rae ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 05, 2024
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Feb 09, 2024
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Jan 18, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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B0B2L6CBXQ
| 4.41
| 268,957
| Feb 07, 2023
| Jan 2023
|
it was amazing
|
“Sometimes the quietest love is the loudest.” This book is the literal embodiment of ‘romantic masterpiece’. I have read many contemporary romances but “Sometimes the quietest love is the loudest.” This book is the literal embodiment of ‘romantic masterpiece’. I have read many contemporary romances but none like this. One of the quietest and most beautiful romance story ever written. I literally went from “Why is this book 550 pages long” to “Why the hell it's only 550 pages” and if that's not enough to convince you how much I loved this book and Ryan Shay then I don't know what can. I think this book should be read by every man as a manual on how to treat your woman right because RYAN SHAY IS THE ULTIMATE BOOK HUSBAND! This book is one of the best sports romance and fake-dating I've ever read and I'm a bit sceptical about sports romance, but this book did justice to this trope. The romance in this book was just chef's kiss and the banter was top-notch. To sum it up, it was delicious with the brimming sexual tension and the forced proximity situations only fueled the tension between Ryan and Indy and it was also comforting and contenting with how they loved each other so quietly, unconditionally, and thoroughly. “Heads-up, Shay, I’m an expensive girlfriend. Fake or not. I can’t help it.” ➸ Indy Ivers Indy is a girlies girl and a hopeless romantic at her core who just wanted to be loved for who she is. Her character was charming and I loved her from the get-go. She's intelligent, confident, fierce and loves and cares for the people she loves. She would do anything to keep them happy even if it meant ignoring her own happiness. She's a nurturer through and through. I love how joyful she is, always trying to be the social butterfly because she starved attention and loves interacting with people and I loved how unapologetic she was in that aspect. She was so ridiculously cute and adorable even when she cried almost every time and I can relate to her because girl same. Her dream for being a mother has played a huge role in her life and I liked how a sensitive topic like infertility was handled in this book. Her growth throughtout this book was amazing. She didn't hide her real personality and didn't settled for anything less because she knows her worth and I liked how she stopped belittling herself just to let others shine when she's the most stunning girl in every room. “My heart has been his even when I thought I didn't have any left of it to give. He healed it when someone else broke it, and now it’s his forever.” ➸ Ryan Shay He is the definition of perfection in human form. I never knew what bare minimum or standards meant until I met this man. He may not know how to express his emotions but this man loves hard. Ryan always came off as cold and collected who don't do social life because it's safe like that and he didn't had to deal with the repercussions of messing up. He'd been burdened with his past experience of how people only wanted him for his net worth and not for who he actually is as a human until Indy came in his life. He's hardworking, protective, down to earth, thoughtful, caring and attentive and all that made me yearn for him even though he's just a fictional man. His fears and trust issues were rational and his actions made absolutely sense. I love how emotional he is and how he let Indy see his vulnerable side, which wanted nothing more than to be loved and respected for he is. Words and reassurances only matter when they are backed by the actions and Ryan understood the assignment perfectly! He literally made me an emotional wreck in the best way possible and now my standards are even out of this galaxy. How can you expect me to accept anything that's not Ryan Shay who's a gentleman in the streets but a beast in the sheets. He's a NEED! “You’re chaotic as fuck, Blue, but you bring me more peace than anyone else.” ╰┈➤ Indy and Ryan ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 25, 2024
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May 02, 2024
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Dec 08, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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0593548426
| 9780593548424
| 0593548426
| 4.20
| 27,451
| Jul 16, 2024
| Jul 16, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
♾ 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.” 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 |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 02, 2024
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Apr 07, 2024
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Dec 01, 2023
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Paperback
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3.53
| 429,836
| Sep 07, 2021
| Sep 07, 2021
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liked it
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“Because we loved each other too much and found each other too interesting. And I love that about humanity, and in fact it's the very reason I root
“Because we loved each other too much and found each other too interesting. And I love that about humanity, and in fact it's the very reason I root for us to survive - because we are so stupid about each other.”
Beautiful World, Where Are You was my first book by Sally Rooney and it was surprisingly okay. I'm still trying to navigate my mixed feelings about this book because this is definitely not those perfect books with perfect and lovable characters. While I liked the story, loved a certain character (Simon), understood the characters and their choices and reasons, even enjoyed reading this book and to know about the realistic and flawed characters, I also kind of hate this book and the characters (not you Simon) because so many things and people frustrated me in this book.
The story is about four people—Alice, Eileen, Simon and Felix—navigating their way through life while also discovering the meaning and pleasures of life, friendships, love and sex. This is a character-driven story so you won't like it if you are here for the plot. I liked Sally's strange yet impressive writing. Also the infamous lack of quotation marks in her books didn't bother me because I read this book as an audiobook. Sally definitely has a way with beautiful words and raw and flawed characters. I could criticise them for all the choices they made but I also understand why they did what they did and the choices they made (but that doesn't mean I didn't wanted to punch them in their faces). This was written in third pov and it alternates between two stories—Alice and Eileen. The story was a little confusing in the starting because of the third pov but I also liked the way it made me feel like I was watching these people and it took me about 5 chapters to finally understand what's happening in this book.
Eileen and Alice were two best friends living just a few hours away from each other but not meeting that each other for months and months because work and life got in the way. The emails they exchanged added more depth to their stories even though they were just about random topics like climate change, environment and politics. It was more like Sally was using her own characters to share her own feelings about various philosophical ideas.
➸ Simon The best character and the only character I loved in this book. Simon was an incredible person with his sefless and loving personality but he was also the most reserved person. He finds it hard to share his feelings because he thinks he's not so easy to be taken care of. Which is the biggest lie in this world. He deserved so much better. The way he was giving and always giving all his love, care and attention to the people he loved and maybe its because of his martyr complex personality but he is always there for everyone. The way he loved Eileen only to get rejected by her everytime because she couldn't be more than just friends with him was just so annoying. Because how can anyone reject this man?
➸ Eileen She was a difficult and sad person like she said. Always thinking that something bad or worst will happen if she let herself feel happy. She was ready to sacrifice what Simon and she could have only to feel a little secure in her life. I don't really hate her and I get why she always thought that way about her but she can't always play safe when it comes to life and I'm glad she finally understood that in the end.
➸ Alice I feel like Sally tried or maybe actually did projected herself onto her characters. Especially Alice. Sad and tortured Alice who is rich but also doesn't want to be rich? The way she sometimes behaved and acted was a bit conflicting to the way she wanted things to be. I get she went through a hard time because of the mental breakdown. Yes, I felt empathy with Alice, but how she talked about her own sadnesses and predicaments didn’t have me feeling a lot of sympathy. I wish there was more development to her character because in the end its just felt like she was all okay but also not okay?
➸ Felix I literally don't know half the things he said and did in this book except that he had a dog named Sabrina. He was just a plain and boring character. ➙ Eileen and Alice Their friendship was the most precious thing in this book. They loved each other, supported each other, helped each other, understood each other, never interfered with each other's lives like some intrusive friends did. And you may think everything about their sweet little friendship is perfect but it's not. They also hide things from each other, lied to each other, never tried to meet each other even when they were just living a few hours away from each other. The fall-out was always supposed to happen but what's more important was the way they acted on their feelings when it happened. It's normal for friends to grow apart sometimes maybe it's because of the actual distance and maybe it's because of the invisible barriers they both created around each other and blame one another that one loved them more but the other loved them less but what's more important was that how willing they are to make those mistakes right. They are your friend right? So they would understand you if you just talked about it with them. That's what Eileen and Alice's friendship was like.
➙ Simon and Eileen Do I hate Eileen for the way she treated Simon? Yes. Do I ship them together? I don't want to but yes. Am I happy that they finally have found their happiness together in the end? Yes. They are one of those complicated couple whom I hate with passion but also felt miserable when they were just toying with each other's feelings. They both loved each other, even confessed that love to each other, messed with each other and with others for years, had sex many times and not "No feelings attached sex", it was the intimate kind of sex where you tell each other how much you love them and how much you think the world of them. Their dynamics frustrated me a lot because why can't they be together when they love each other so much, understand each other and trust each other. WHY?
They love each other and help each other but they never were in a exclusive relationship because Eileen was always afraid of losing whatever she presently had with Simon. She wanted him but always told him "Let's just be friends". She also hated and only showed any interest in him when he was dating some other girl. She was concerned about what would happen if she just give him and them a chance. And that's a genuine reason and concern when you have a friend like Simon who made you feel so many emotions—the bad and the good ones but that's just another way of hurting that person's feelings. There were so many things she never talked about with Simon and the way Simon always tried to ignore talking about his feelings and needs which just lead to miscommunications. He thought she didn't loved him the way he did and she was just too affraid of everything Simon could give her. They are toxic but also so right for each other. They had everything from chemistry to love. And I was happy when they finally got together in the end and Eileen actually acted on her insecurities instead of running away from them.
➙ Felix and Alice They met on Tinder and then she asked him to come Rome with her, they got closed during that time, shared their darkest secrets, had sex, Felix cared for her and treated her like a normal person, she said she loved him, she said she's not so easy to love and he said that's what she always did because she always wanted to have a upper hand in everything she did. Their realtionship was even more complicated than what Eileen and Simon had. What Felix and Alice were something in between the friends and the lovers and I don't know what I feel about them. Also I didn't felt any chemistry between them. They just clicked when they met and I liked that they both confided in each other and even took care of each other but there was just something missing between them. The ending was a bit bittersweet but a happy one, which I never expected from Sally. Everything was imperfectly perfect and a typical Sally Rooney ending. Apart from the happy ending all the characters in this book need therapy which they definitely won't agree to because not going to a therapist makes them more This book might be a hit or miss. I always thought Sally was not my type of author from what I read about her books in reviews but maybe I was wrong for all this time. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 13, 2023
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Nov 17, 2023
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Nov 13, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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1952646049
| 9781952646041
| B01KB8XC5A
| 3.77
| 456,561
| Oct 18, 2016
| Oct 21, 2016
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really liked it
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— 4.5 Stars ★ “ |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 13, 2023
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Sep 28, 2023
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Sep 13, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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B09TZZKY5V
| 4.36
| 77,801
| Nov 15, 2022
| Nov 15, 2022
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it was amazing
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4.75 stars “I laughed. Then she laughed and I wondered if this—finding someone you can laugh with when everything hurts—was the stuff happily ever afte4.75 stars “I laughed. Then she laughed and I wondered if this—finding someone you can laugh with when everything hurts—was the stuff happily ever afters were made of.” Beautiful. Powerful. Heartbreaking. Incredible. Before I let go is one of those books for me that I will never forget in my life. I have never read such a well written book which not only is devastating and heartbreaking. The journey of two broken people—Josiah and Yasmen and how they moved on from their grief, depression and the loss of their loved ones. This is my first Kennedy Ryan book and I must say I am a fan of her words and the way she wrecked my heart with those words. The writing is stellar and Kennedy wrote this masterpiece book — a poignant and compelling story about two heartbroken characters who are struggling with grief, hurt and trauma after losing their loved ones. Once a happily married couple for life are now two heart-broken people still trying to recover from their past. The romance was just so beautiful and precious but it is also super angsty and heartbreaking. The way Kennedy wrote about grief, depression and healing was so raw and realistic. I loved how she equally focused on both character's growth, mental health and healing and how therapy was one of the main topics in this story and how that helped in reforming the characters and their new phase of life after loss. This book taught me a lot and that how people struggles differently with their grief and sadness after loss. The therapy lessons taught me a lot and Kennedy did an exceptional job in including them in the storyline to give more insight to Yasmen and Josiah's healing. “Love happens in the fragile context of our mortality. That love and life occur just beyond the reach of our control. There is only one letter of difference between love and lose, and somewhere along the way, for me they became synonymous.” This is not just a romance story it's about Yasmen and how she struggled with depression and the fear of losing herself for forever to grief and agony. It's about friendships and women empowerment, about Yas rising again and trying to find her new self while also forgiving herself. It's about her finding love again with Josiah. It's about Yas taking charge of her own destiny. It's about her trying to restore her family and her tattered relationship with her kids, it's about Josiah finally coming to terms with his own complicated grief and to finally give himself time to feel all the hurt, sadness and pain he never allowed himself to feel. It's about healing after loss. “If any of you are in that place tonight, I encourage you not to give up. To give yourself time to heal, to grow, to find joy again. What a difference a year can make, and in just a few minutes, we get a brand-new one. As long as you have a new year, you have another chance.” ➸ Yasmen Wade This woman inspires me a lot and in so many ways. An amazing and affectionate mother, a loving and loyal friend, a compassionate partner but mostly the most extraordinary and exceptional woman. She's strong-willed, protective, defiant but also caring and lovely. It took her a lot of time and efforts to come out of her depression and I am so proud of her for accepting that she needed help and she took therapy and help to overcome her trauma and depression. Her personality is complicated. She is still trying to come terms with her reality and her post-depression self while also trying to save her relationship with her daughter and her ex-husband. Her self-doubts about her parenting and being a good human were so real and raw and heartbreaking at so many times and it took her time to reconcile with her past-self who had lost a part of herself while also discovering her new version of herself and realising that even if she is not capable of completing healing that wound of losing her son, she can take a next step forward in her life and not feel like she does not deserve this life. She can try to heal while also not forget about what and whom she lost in the past. I'm so so so proud of her. “Even in that new loneliness, there was a kind of relief to have only one thing to save. Not my marriage, but just myself.” ➸ Josiah Wade He may be all hard edges and level-minded, sceptical but inside he's just a protective, lovely and loyal husband and a father to his kids. His story made me understand that it's never too late to ask for help. He did infuriated me sometimes but I also understand why he developed trust issues after how Yas left him. He lost everything he ever loved in the blink of an eye. He always acted like his life is not falling apart and his need to isolate himself and drown and his feelings with work was mostly because he was afraid of breaking down like Yasmen did. He never truly knew what it meant to let yourself feel the pain of losing someone. He never let himself fully grieve the loss of his loved ones ever in his life because all his life he's been living in this cocoon he built around himself to keep him safe from all the potential hurt until he was forced to break down all his exterior walls to let himself feel something for real and tangible in his life. He's just amazing and I loved how he overcome his “I don't need a therapist because I am okay” attitude. “I was no walk in the park, Merry.” ╰┈➤ Yasmen & Josiah They were perfect until they weren't. Josiah and Yas never dealt with their grief and pain in the same way and definitely not in a healthy way. Yas felt every emotion to her core and couldn't move on while Josiah never let himself felt any and was moving on. It took them therapy sessions, and two years of being alone together to finally come to terms with each other's grief, to finally talk about how, why and what they felt during their hard times. Their relationship was painful but also so beautiful at times and I don't remember how many times I cried because there were so many heartbreaking and angsty moments. The way they relearned each other again for the second time, the way they communicated about their pain and depression. That scene where Josiah retraced every hidden and visible scar on Yas's body to tell why he loves her ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 09, 2024
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Feb 12, 2024
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Sep 08, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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B0C7B3DFJZ
| 4.12
| 204,970
| Oct 13, 2023
| Oct 13, 2023
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really liked it
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“No, sugar. When it comes to you, I’m downright hopeless.” I want to pack my bags and leave for Chestnut Springs right now. This series is the best and “No, sugar. When it comes to you, I’m downright hopeless.” I want to pack my bags and leave for Chestnut Springs right now. This series is the best and my favourite small town I've ever read. The bond all the families and the couples shared, Eaton family and brothers, female friendships, the love and friendship, siblings love, parental love and responsibility and care. Everything about this place and series was filled with love, happiness and hope. Hopeless is a perfect blend of humour, spice, banter and emotion. It's about two broken people finding their way on their own. It was bittersweet reading this book and I'm a little sad that this series is now completed but Hopeless was a beautiful read and a perfect book to end this epic small town series. Before Chesnut springs, small town romance books rarely worked for me. But the magic and beauty of chestnut springs that Elsie blended in with the relatable and amazing characters and their happy and incredible stories were everything for me to fall in love with this series. Reckless is my absolute favourite of this series and Theo is my favourite man but all the men in this series were Chef's kiss (Not the milk hater Rhett). And I like how Elsie writes her FMCs—strong willed and yet the sweetest and kindest women. “We’re symbiotic, you and me. Without you, this version of me doesn’t exist. Without the next version of you, the next version of me doesn’t exist either. We’re going to grow together.” Elsie is an amazing writer and I love how she never fails with any new tropes she writes. This book has age-gap and virgin fmc which is quite a hit or miss trope in books. I loved the fake-dating trope and all the swoon-worthy moments but I was bothered by how there was a little too much focus on Bailey being 22 year old and a virgin and how Beau can't stop thinking about how old he is and how little she is and how he didn't wanted to take advantage of her even though Bailey told him it was fine if they had sex or not. I wish of there was a bit more focus on the Bailey's character development than this whole she is virgin and I'm too old for her. I want to talk about that popular Bathtub scene but I don't know how I feel about that. It was hot but also a bit cringe for my taste or should I say unhygienic? ➸ Bailey Jensen She seems all sweet and tender but behind all that facade is a girl with bold and valiant personality. She's broken by her own family and wants to escape her past and her miserable life by leaving Chesnut Springs. Her sense of humour was quirky and she has a penchant for asking sex related questions to Beau because she's a virgin and does not shy away from that fact. Honestly, all her questions were funny and stupid in a way and I liked the effect she had on Beau with them. I also liked how determined she was when it comes to her goals and how she navigated her life after all the struggles and pain she went through. “Wherever you’re hanging from… I think I’m on the same hook.” ➸ Beau Eaton The Chesnut Spring's prince and tortured hero as Bailey and Elsie likes to call him. He is amazing no doubt and he's my third favourite Eaton brother (Jasper is second and Yes Rhett you are the last.) I was so eagerly waiting for his book and to finally know about what broke him so much that turned him into this dark and lonely person. Beau was mostly described as this boy with golden retriever energy in all the past chapter of previous books of this series and it was apparent that something big and tragic must have happened to him to break him beyond repair. Bailey was like a ray of sunshine and hope in his life and he liked to be with her because of how she never treated him differently — like he was some broken thing need to be fixed. “I adore every version of her.” ╰┈➤ Beau and Bailey Beau was so hopelessly obsessed with her and the way he was so affectionate and protective of her. I mean he waited till midnight in the bar she worked drinking chamomile tea so she could be safe and even got fake-engaged so she could have a job. Their banter was hilarious. She acts up and he calls her a brat. Their dynamics worked so well. I was laughing my ass off everytime Bailey said or ask something inappropriate and Beau was always like “what the fuck Bailey”. Bailey being a little curious cat was a threat to his sanity. They are perfect for each other. “Just ignore me. I’m having an out-of-body experience.” I loved the way they both helped each other to find their purpose in their life. It was lovely to see the way Beau always encouraged and empowered Bailey that she is whoever she wants to be and that her financial status and her family name doesn't define who she is. The way Bailey was their for him when he was having nightmares and how they made a new memories for the tragic 2.11 AM for Beau. “Bailey makes 2:11 better.” The ending didn't need that third-act breakup in my opinion and one of my reason for the 4 stars for this book. Anyway, I liked how they both are giving a try to their new future together and I loved the epilogue and it was most perfect thing in this book. Willa and Cade's wedding was the perfect ending to this series! I am gonna miss all of them so much ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 12, 2023
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Oct 20, 2023
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Jul 20, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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B00QPIM608
| 4.23
| 52,121
| Oct 06, 2015
| Oct 06, 2015
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it was amazing
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— 4.5 Stars ★ “Joseph wasn’t just my friend. I had his back. And he had mine. That’s what greater love is.” This story is gonna stay with me for a l — 4.5 Stars ★ “Joseph wasn’t just my friend. I had his back. And he had mine. That’s what greater love is.” This story is gonna stay with me for a long long time and maybe for forever. I love Joseph and Jack's friendship with all my heart. It was so beautiful and heart-aching and I couldn't stop crying because Joseph deserved all the love in this world ...more |
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Jan 12, 2024
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Jan 13, 2024
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Jun 29, 2023
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my rating |
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4.07
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really liked it
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Sep 30, 2024
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Sep 29, 2024
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4.51
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it was amazing
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May 19, 2024
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May 07, 2024
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4.26
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it was amazing
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Sep 04, 2024
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Apr 18, 2024
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4.63
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it was amazing
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Aug 09, 2024
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Apr 18, 2024
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4.48
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it was amazing
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Aug 2024
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Apr 18, 2024
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4.21
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it was amazing
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Jul 25, 2024
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Mar 27, 2024
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4.58
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really liked it
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May 22, 2024
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Mar 07, 2024
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4.37
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really liked it
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Apr 22, 2024
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Mar 07, 2024
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Oh, Axie
*
| 3.92
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really liked it
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Jun 21, 2024
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Feb 13, 2024
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4.38
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it was amazing
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Jul 25, 2024
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Feb 13, 2024
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Oh, Axie
*
| 3.81
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liked it
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Feb 03, 2024
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Feb 01, 2024
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4.06
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really liked it
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Jan 23, 2024
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Jan 19, 2024
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Oh, Axie
*
| 4.10
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really liked it
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Feb 09, 2024
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Jan 18, 2024
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4.41
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it was amazing
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May 02, 2024
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Dec 08, 2023
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4.20
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it was amazing
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Apr 07, 2024
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Dec 01, 2023
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3.53
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liked it
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Nov 17, 2023
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Nov 13, 2023
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3.77
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really liked it
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Sep 28, 2023
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Sep 13, 2023
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4.36
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it was amazing
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Feb 12, 2024
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Sep 08, 2023
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4.12
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really liked it
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Oct 20, 2023
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Jul 20, 2023
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4.23
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it was amazing
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Jan 13, 2024
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Jun 29, 2023
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