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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
1.5 stars
Came for the promising blurb, left disappointed- the story was melodramatic, lacked emotional depth and featured characters who attempted to be profound but came off as extremely juvenile.
Came for the promising blurb, left disappointed- the story was melodramatic, lacked emotional depth and featured characters who attempted to be profound but came off as extremely juvenile.
Best romance in a loooong time
Usually I make a rule for reading fiction: only at the end of the day before bed. I broke that rule for this one. You can read the blurb to know what it’s about, so I’m not going to rehash that here. This is a romance at it’s heart but it’s a deep one. Readers who’ve been unlucky enough to have a traumatic childhood and lucky enough to find that very special person for them will certainly appreciate this book.
Usually I make a rule for reading fiction: only at the end of the day before bed. I broke that rule for this one. You can read the blurb to know what it’s about, so I’m not going to rehash that here. This is a romance at it’s heart but it’s a deep one. Readers who’ve been unlucky enough to have a traumatic childhood and lucky enough to find that very special person for them will certainly appreciate this book.
“Isn’t it weird that we had nothing at the time … but somehow it felt like we had everything.”
2.5 ⭐⭐
2.5 ⭐⭐
fast-paced
100% one of my all time favorite books! Wow. I loved every second of this! This was my first book by Renee Carlino but I will definitely be reading more by her, what a masterpiece! A beautiful story about overcoming struggles and trauma to live the life you were meant to
I really enjoyed the present chapters through Emilies POV and the past chapters through Jase´s book ”all the roads between”. I loved seeing their friendship in the past and at the same time seing them reconnecting in the present. The whole story itself is so heartbreakingly beautiful! Their friendship and relationship is so beautiful and you could tell how much they truly cared for each other - in the past chapters and the present. They deserve the whole world. There isn’t only this beautiful love story there’s also beautiful friendships and family moments!
My favorite part is probably the ending, which I obviously cant go into detail with but just take my word for it that it is perfection
I really enjoyed the present chapters through Emilies POV and the past chapters through Jase´s book ”all the roads between”. I loved seeing their friendship in the past and at the same time seing them reconnecting in the present. The whole story itself is so heartbreakingly beautiful! Their friendship and relationship is so beautiful and you could tell how much they truly cared for each other - in the past chapters and the present. They deserve the whole world. There isn’t only this beautiful love story there’s also beautiful friendships and family moments!
My favorite part is probably the ending, which I obviously cant go into detail with but just take my word for it that it is perfection
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've been looking up this book on my Kindle for about 3 years now, and finally it's available on KU, so I immediately downloaded it.
The concept of the story is sooooo cool, but I kind of expected a bit more in the present time (let's say a lot more actually).
I was expecting it to be more angsty and intense. Nonetheless, it was a really captivating read.
The concept of the story is sooooo cool, but I kind of expected a bit more in the present time (let's say a lot more actually).
I was expecting it to be more angsty and intense. Nonetheless, it was a really captivating read.
3 stars ⭐️ i definitely couldn’t put this book down bc couldn’t really predict what would happen next but idk i thought this book would also make me cry and it didn’t. unpopular opinion but i feel like the MC was meh and kinda unlikeable, in fact there are many characters i did not like. the concept was definitely intriguing but the execution i feel like could’ve been a little better. it was def a good quick read but i felt like it was a lil lacking in parts. there’s also a good amt of triggers and trauma in here too
- childhood best friends
- second-chance romance
- both writers
- dual timelines (but the past timeline is told in book format!)
- no third-act breakup
- check TWs
- 🌶️/5
- single pov
Talk about a book that pulls you in from the very first page. Em’s friend shares the novel she’s currently obsessed with, only for Em to realise it’s actually about her childhood. The only person who knew those intimate details was her childhood best friend and first love, Jason. The boy next door. The one that got away. Now he’s a bestselling author, and Em is reluctantly roped into attending one of his book events, coming face-to-face with him for the first time in 12 years.
Swear On This Life is dual timeline perfection. We get to read the book-within-the-book alongside Em, slowly uncovering their messy, emotional, and often heartbreaking past. You really feel their connection, both as kids and teens on the verge of something more.
In the present day, things are much more complicated. Jason is swoony in every possible way, but Em is in a fractured relationship. The story becomes a slow burn in the best way, focusing on Em’s emotional growth and healing as she eventually finds her way back to the person who’s always known her best.
If I had one small wish, it’s that we got more time with Em and Jason actually together in the present. But sometimes the best stories leave you with a little room to dream!
Highly recommend this to second-chance romance lovers who enjoy emotional reads, dual timelines, low spice, and a focus on personal growth and healing.
- second-chance romance
- both writers
- dual timelines (but the past timeline is told in book format!)
- no third-act breakup
- check TWs
- 🌶️/5
- single pov
Talk about a book that pulls you in from the very first page. Em’s friend shares the novel she’s currently obsessed with, only for Em to realise it’s actually about her childhood. The only person who knew those intimate details was her childhood best friend and first love, Jason. The boy next door. The one that got away. Now he’s a bestselling author, and Em is reluctantly roped into attending one of his book events, coming face-to-face with him for the first time in 12 years.
Swear On This Life is dual timeline perfection. We get to read the book-within-the-book alongside Em, slowly uncovering their messy, emotional, and often heartbreaking past. You really feel their connection, both as kids and teens on the verge of something more.
In the present day, things are much more complicated. Jason is swoony in every possible way, but Em is in a fractured relationship. The story becomes a slow burn in the best way, focusing on Em’s emotional growth and healing as she eventually finds her way back to the person who’s always known her best.
If I had one small wish, it’s that we got more time with Em and Jason actually together in the present. But sometimes the best stories leave you with a little room to dream!
Highly recommend this to second-chance romance lovers who enjoy emotional reads, dual timelines, low spice, and a focus on personal growth and healing.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No