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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
4.25 stars. I wish I would’ve started this book earlier in the day because “Swear on This Life” is easily a story you will want to binge in a single night.
The premise of the novel was extremely clever - imagine stumbling upon a “fictional” novel that turns out to be the story of your childhood, written by the first man you ever loved, but told from your perspective.
Renée Carlino, you had me at the first page. And the way you structured the story to alternate between the present and snippets of Emiline and Jase’s past through the published “fictionalized” work of J. Colby was ingenious. The first 200-ish pages of this book were phenomenal and easily 5 stars.
The last hundred, however…
When Jase’s novel no longer followed the path of Emiline’s life - I needed to understand why. I’m not sure I really got an answer to that question though. While it seemed like part of the reason he decided to write the novel in the first place was to help her heal, I’m a little lost. Trying to read between the lines of the fictional book and Jase’s true feelings and motives for writing what he did didn’t always make the most sense. I feel like adding chapters from his perspective would’ve helped a lot. And I still feel a little confused as to why he decided to wait so long to reach out.
In addition, while I feel like there was a large emphasis on their past relationship, the present time could’ve used more development. The buildup to their reunion had me on the edge of my seat, but it was all for naught. The actual scene was lackluster and gave me weird vibes. Emi had every right to be as upset as she was, and Jase had the audacity to not only be a little shocked by her reaction, but he was also kind of a jerk? And for what?
Lastly, the ending felt extremely rushed and abrupt. Emi finally read the last chapter of the book and decided to jump on a plane to visit Jase and tell him how she felt, only to exchange a couple of words and poof - they got together??? I was expecting something far more emotionally charged. The epilogue left something to be desired as well, but a solid and unique second chance romance nonetheless.
The premise of the novel was extremely clever - imagine stumbling upon a “fictional” novel that turns out to be the story of your childhood, written by the first man you ever loved, but told from your perspective.
Renée Carlino, you had me at the first page. And the way you structured the story to alternate between the present and snippets of Emiline and Jase’s past through the published “fictionalized” work of J. Colby was ingenious. The first 200-ish pages of this book were phenomenal and easily 5 stars.
The last hundred, however…
When Jase’s novel no longer followed the path of Emiline’s life - I needed to understand why. I’m not sure I really got an answer to that question though. While it seemed like part of the reason he decided to write the novel in the first place was to help her heal, I’m a little lost. Trying to read between the lines of the fictional book and Jase’s true feelings and motives for writing what he did didn’t always make the most sense. I feel like adding chapters from his perspective would’ve helped a lot. And I still feel a little confused as to why he decided to wait so long to reach out.
In addition, while I feel like there was a large emphasis on their past relationship, the present time could’ve used more development. The buildup to their reunion had me on the edge of my seat, but it was all for naught. The actual scene was lackluster and gave me weird vibes. Emi had every right to be as upset as she was, and Jase had the audacity to not only be a little shocked by her reaction, but he was also kind of a jerk? And for what?
Lastly, the ending felt extremely rushed and abrupt. Emi finally read the last chapter of the book and decided to jump on a plane to visit Jase and tell him how she felt, only to exchange a couple of words and poof - they got together??? I was expecting something far more emotionally charged. The epilogue left something to be desired as well, but a solid and unique second chance romance nonetheless.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED! One of the best second chance romances I’ve read.
This was an addictive read that had me racing towards the end and honestly, I wish it was longer. I totally fell in love with the characters and the unexpected journey totally messed with my emotions, broke my heart and mended it all back together. There were small details within the book that bothered me in the moment but as a whole, it was a five star read for me. I know this story will stick with me for a while!!
Read if you like:
-Second chance romance
-Best friends to lovers
-A book within a book
-Confronting the past
-Forgivness and acceptance
This was an addictive read that had me racing towards the end and honestly, I wish it was longer. I totally fell in love with the characters and the unexpected journey totally messed with my emotions, broke my heart and mended it all back together. There were small details within the book that bothered me in the moment but as a whole, it was a five star read for me. I know this story will stick with me for a while!!
Read if you like:
-Second chance romance
-Best friends to lovers
-A book within a book
-Confronting the past
-Forgivness and acceptance
Absolutely loved this!!! Will definitely be reading more by this author! Such a beautiful story… coming of age, discovery, hard struggles. It was a book within a book!
Em and Jason grew up together in horrible circumstances before being torn apart. This book has Em reading a novel that Jason wrote over 10 years later that is heavily influenced on their story. Throughout, we learn what they both went through. It was a quick and enjoyable read with a predictable ending that took a little too long to get to. The epilogue was short and sweet, but for as long as it took to get there, I sorta wanted to know more of what life turned out like.
I am unwell. That was so beautiful. I couldn’t wait to see what happened and also didn’t want it to end.
I chose this book off a glowing recommendation and liked it just fine. I read it quickly - I think it’s young adult. Would make a great hallmark movie.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My only problem with this book is that there wasn’t more. It gave Seven Husbands mixed with Where The Crawdads Sing. I devoured this book and honestly may just start it again