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abbypeekreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Physical abuse
murphy_overbooked's review against another edition
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
jenahrain's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
angelinereviews's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kyliegh_reads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
A cliffhanger, really?! How dare you? I guess I’ll forgive you since there was no third act break up. This book was a sweet and fun read. Ember and Graham’s banter was adorable. Graham and Ember were perfect for each other and really helped the other come out of their comfort zones.
This book dealt with some heavier topics (respectfully), but still felt like a light romance. I really identified with Ember. I was adopted out of foster care, love reading, have a bookstagram, hate touching other people, and I ramble when I’m nervous.
I loved reading about the Bryant and Del Ray families and can’t wait to read what happens next!
P.S. I got super excited when I saw my IG handle in the book!
* This is a closed door romance that contains non descriptive kisses and light swearing.
**I was sent an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A cliffhanger, really?! How dare you? I guess I’ll forgive you since there was no third act break up. This book was a sweet and fun read. Ember and Graham’s banter was adorable. Graham and Ember were perfect for each other and really helped the other come out of their comfort zones.
This book dealt with some heavier topics (respectfully), but still felt like a light romance. I really identified with Ember. I was adopted out of foster care, love reading, have a bookstagram, hate touching other people, and I ramble when I’m nervous.
I loved reading about the Bryant and Del Ray families and can’t wait to read what happens next!
P.S. I got super excited when I saw my IG handle in the book!
* This is a closed door romance that contains non descriptive kisses and light swearing.
**I was sent an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
buenobooks's review against another edition
4.0
"If there's one thing that has always made me smile, it's the sun. And you've become the sun to me."
Possibly the sweetest romance I have read in a LONG time. The love and friendship in this story is so gentle, caring and kind.
This book was emotional, Witty and romantic. I love Embers personality and her being a bookstagrammer made the whole story extremely relatable to me.
Graham is possibly my new number one book boyfriend. So sweet and successful.
The last chapter had me shook, I need to know what happened immediately!! Can’t not wait to read the rest of the series.
This book is the perfect light read, although it deals with heavier topics, it was refreshing to have no break ups or broody men ruining their own relationships. It was a cliche love story but so well executed I could read about Ember and Graham all day long.
Would highly recommend to romance readers! A truly refreshing read.
Ps. I would like my own little Magnolia!
Merged review:
"If there's one thing that has always made me smile, it's the sun. And you've become the sun to me."
Possibly the sweetest romance I have read in a LONG time. The love and friendship in this story is so gentle, caring and kind.
This book was emotional, Witty and romantic. I love Embers personality and her being a bookstagrammer made the whole story extremely relatable to me.
Graham is possibly my new number one book boyfriend. So sweet and successful.
The last chapter had me shook, I need to know what happened immediately!! Can’t not wait to read the rest of the series.
This book is the perfect light read, although it deals with heavier topics, it was refreshing to have no break ups or broody men ruining their own relationships. It was a cliche love story but so well executed I could read about Ember and Graham all day long.
Would highly recommend to romance readers! A truly refreshing read.
Ps. I would like my own little Magnolia!
Possibly the sweetest romance I have read in a LONG time. The love and friendship in this story is so gentle, caring and kind.
This book was emotional, Witty and romantic. I love Embers personality and her being a bookstagrammer made the whole story extremely relatable to me.
Graham is possibly my new number one book boyfriend. So sweet and successful.
The last chapter had me shook, I need to know what happened immediately!! Can’t not wait to read the rest of the series.
This book is the perfect light read, although it deals with heavier topics, it was refreshing to have no break ups or broody men ruining their own relationships. It was a cliche love story but so well executed I could read about Ember and Graham all day long.
Would highly recommend to romance readers! A truly refreshing read.
Ps. I would like my own little Magnolia!
Merged review:
"If there's one thing that has always made me smile, it's the sun. And you've become the sun to me."
Possibly the sweetest romance I have read in a LONG time. The love and friendship in this story is so gentle, caring and kind.
This book was emotional, Witty and romantic. I love Embers personality and her being a bookstagrammer made the whole story extremely relatable to me.
Graham is possibly my new number one book boyfriend. So sweet and successful.
The last chapter had me shook, I need to know what happened immediately!! Can’t not wait to read the rest of the series.
This book is the perfect light read, although it deals with heavier topics, it was refreshing to have no break ups or broody men ruining their own relationships. It was a cliche love story but so well executed I could read about Ember and Graham all day long.
Would highly recommend to romance readers! A truly refreshing read.
Ps. I would like my own little Magnolia!
shelvedthoughts's review against another edition
5.0
Reader’s Notes:
– this is the first of a series & ends in a bit of a Del Ray centered cliffhanger (meaning there isn’t too much details yet to determine if it affects anyone outside of the Del Ray boys/father as it is the very last thing in the book to happen/be mentioned)
– this is mainly told from Ember & Graham’s points of view with a few chapters from Hazel & Sam (Graham’s father)’s points of view
– there are about 23 curse/not nice words (this number does not include ‘damn’ or ‘hell’ which are both used about 20 times each)
– Graham deals with feeling responsible for his mother abandoning them
– Ember deals with anxiety when it comes to physical touch due to her past (abuse from biological parents; she was adopted to a much better family at a young age due to the abuse, but still struggles with unconsented/unexpected touch no matter how small – like being helped up into a tall car); she has a panic attack & remembers some past abuse when a drunk tries to ‘flirt’ with her & get her attention by grabbing & holding onto her wrist
Review:
I was a little distracted by the multiple uses of damn, hell, and the curse words while reading this book, but not enough to take me out of it/make me want to deduct a star or partial star from my review.
From their very first meeting, I loved the chemistry between Ember & Graham! Though they both struggled with very real things from their pasts, they were still so kind and caring towards one another and their families. I loved that even when they didn’t know exactly what it was that each other were struggling with, they were willing to step back and give space and a listening ear when the other needed it. I adored Graham & Ember with their siblings and nieces/nephews so much as well! It made Graham extra cute to Ember & to me as the reader whenever he spent time with kids and patiently talked to them or cared for them. And their relationships with their siblings led to a few embarrassing moments (as only siblings can provide) as well as some heartfelt ones that made their sibling bonds all that much stronger. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: when they first actually meet, the sibling teasing on both sides, how gentle Graham is with Ember, the county fair, flashbacks for Sam & Hazel, Graham & Ember with nieces/nephews, Graham’s struggle with the rooster, the rained out date day, dancing at the birthday party, visiting each other at work, and time on the lake.
Summary:
Ember was lovingly adopted into the Bryant family when she was young, but not without struggles from her past. Even now as an adult, she still struggles but hopes to find her happily ever after with a person who can see past her brokenness. Until she is able to find her love, Ember is content as a barista at the local coffee shop and an avid romance reader/bookstagrammer. But when an opportunity to work on a project as an interior designer for a well known Balsam Falls’ resident is presented to her, Ember decides to take a risk and step out into the unknown. Leading her further into the path of Graham Del Ray, a contractor who is gruff and yet also an enigma to Ember. After an unexpectedly candid first meeting, Ember can’t get the man she shouldn’t fall for out of her mind. And with each little bend in Graham’s demeanor towards her and her ideas for the project they’ll be working on together, Ember isn’t sure she can stop herself from falling…
Graham has had his focus on work since he became the VP of his family’s company. He tries to prove himself and gain approval from his father in his work, but his heart isn’t truly with his job. When an offer to work as the contractor on a project is offered to Graham, he finds it difficult to refuse what he wishes he’d pursued. After accepting the job, Graham discovers that the barista he developed a crush on four years ago will be working alongside him to make the owner’s dreams come true. Which makes thing more difficult. Because Graham doesn’t want their forced proximity to further his feelings for Ember when he feels that he could never provide the loving relationship she deserves…
Merged review:
Reader’s Notes:
– this is the first of a series & ends in a bit of a Del Ray centered cliffhanger (meaning there isn’t too much details yet to determine if it affects anyone outside of the Del Ray boys/father as it is the very last thing in the book to happen/be mentioned)
– this is mainly told from Ember & Graham’s points of view with a few chapters from Hazel & Sam (Graham’s father)’s points of view
– there are about 23 curse/not nice words (this number does not include ‘damn’ or ‘hell’ which are both used about 20 times each)
– Graham deals with feeling responsible for his mother abandoning them
– Ember deals with anxiety when it comes to physical touch due to her past (abuse from biological parents; she was adopted to a much better family at a young age due to the abuse, but still struggles with unconsented/unexpected touch no matter how small – like being helped up into a tall car); she has a panic attack & remembers some past abuse when a drunk tries to ‘flirt’ with her & get her attention by grabbing & holding onto her wrist
Review:
I was a little distracted by the multiple uses of damn, hell, and the curse words while reading this book, but not enough to take me out of it/make me want to deduct a star or partial star from my review.
From their very first meeting, I loved the chemistry between Ember & Graham! Though they both struggled with very real things from their pasts, they were still so kind and caring towards one another and their families. I loved that even when they didn’t know exactly what it was that each other were struggling with, they were willing to step back and give space and a listening ear when the other needed it. I adored Graham & Ember with their siblings and nieces/nephews so much as well! It made Graham extra cute to Ember & to me as the reader whenever he spent time with kids and patiently talked to them or cared for them. And their relationships with their siblings led to a few embarrassing moments (as only siblings can provide) as well as some heartfelt ones that made their sibling bonds all that much stronger. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: when they first actually meet, the sibling teasing on both sides, how gentle Graham is with Ember, the county fair, flashbacks for Sam & Hazel, Graham & Ember with nieces/nephews, Graham’s struggle with the rooster, the rained out date day, dancing at the birthday party, visiting each other at work, and time on the lake.
Summary:
Ember was lovingly adopted into the Bryant family when she was young, but not without struggles from her past. Even now as an adult, she still struggles but hopes to find her happily ever after with a person who can see past her brokenness. Until she is able to find her love, Ember is content as a barista at the local coffee shop and an avid romance reader/bookstagrammer. But when an opportunity to work on a project as an interior designer for a well known Balsam Falls’ resident is presented to her, Ember decides to take a risk and step out into the unknown. Leading her further into the path of Graham Del Ray, a contractor who is gruff and yet also an enigma to Ember. After an unexpectedly candid first meeting, Ember can’t get the man she shouldn’t fall for out of her mind. And with each little bend in Graham’s demeanor towards her and her ideas for the project they’ll be working on together, Ember isn’t sure she can stop herself from falling…
Graham has had his focus on work since he became the VP of his family’s company. He tries to prove himself and gain approval from his father in his work, but his heart isn’t truly with his job. When an offer to work as the contractor on a project is offered to Graham, he finds it difficult to refuse what he wishes he’d pursued. After accepting the job, Graham discovers that the barista he developed a crush on four years ago will be working alongside him to make the owner’s dreams come true. Which makes thing more difficult. Because Graham doesn’t want their forced proximity to further his feelings for Ember when he feels that he could never provide the loving relationship she deserves…
– this is the first of a series & ends in a bit of a Del Ray centered cliffhanger (meaning there isn’t too much details yet to determine if it affects anyone outside of the Del Ray boys/father as it is the very last thing in the book to happen/be mentioned)
– this is mainly told from Ember & Graham’s points of view with a few chapters from Hazel & Sam (Graham’s father)’s points of view
– there are about 23 curse/not nice words (this number does not include ‘damn’ or ‘hell’ which are both used about 20 times each)
– Graham deals with feeling responsible for his mother abandoning them
– Ember deals with anxiety when it comes to physical touch due to her past (abuse from biological parents; she was adopted to a much better family at a young age due to the abuse, but still struggles with unconsented/unexpected touch no matter how small – like being helped up into a tall car); she has a panic attack & remembers some past abuse when a drunk tries to ‘flirt’ with her & get her attention by grabbing & holding onto her wrist
Review:
I was a little distracted by the multiple uses of damn, hell, and the curse words while reading this book, but not enough to take me out of it/make me want to deduct a star or partial star from my review.
From their very first meeting, I loved the chemistry between Ember & Graham! Though they both struggled with very real things from their pasts, they were still so kind and caring towards one another and their families. I loved that even when they didn’t know exactly what it was that each other were struggling with, they were willing to step back and give space and a listening ear when the other needed it. I adored Graham & Ember with their siblings and nieces/nephews so much as well! It made Graham extra cute to Ember & to me as the reader whenever he spent time with kids and patiently talked to them or cared for them. And their relationships with their siblings led to a few embarrassing moments (as only siblings can provide) as well as some heartfelt ones that made their sibling bonds all that much stronger. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: when they first actually meet, the sibling teasing on both sides, how gentle Graham is with Ember, the county fair, flashbacks for Sam & Hazel, Graham & Ember with nieces/nephews, Graham’s struggle with the rooster, the rained out date day, dancing at the birthday party, visiting each other at work, and time on the lake.
Summary:
Ember was lovingly adopted into the Bryant family when she was young, but not without struggles from her past. Even now as an adult, she still struggles but hopes to find her happily ever after with a person who can see past her brokenness. Until she is able to find her love, Ember is content as a barista at the local coffee shop and an avid romance reader/bookstagrammer. But when an opportunity to work on a project as an interior designer for a well known Balsam Falls’ resident is presented to her, Ember decides to take a risk and step out into the unknown. Leading her further into the path of Graham Del Ray, a contractor who is gruff and yet also an enigma to Ember. After an unexpectedly candid first meeting, Ember can’t get the man she shouldn’t fall for out of her mind. And with each little bend in Graham’s demeanor towards her and her ideas for the project they’ll be working on together, Ember isn’t sure she can stop herself from falling…
Graham has had his focus on work since he became the VP of his family’s company. He tries to prove himself and gain approval from his father in his work, but his heart isn’t truly with his job. When an offer to work as the contractor on a project is offered to Graham, he finds it difficult to refuse what he wishes he’d pursued. After accepting the job, Graham discovers that the barista he developed a crush on four years ago will be working alongside him to make the owner’s dreams come true. Which makes thing more difficult. Because Graham doesn’t want their forced proximity to further his feelings for Ember when he feels that he could never provide the loving relationship she deserves…
Merged review:
Reader’s Notes:
– this is the first of a series & ends in a bit of a Del Ray centered cliffhanger (meaning there isn’t too much details yet to determine if it affects anyone outside of the Del Ray boys/father as it is the very last thing in the book to happen/be mentioned)
– this is mainly told from Ember & Graham’s points of view with a few chapters from Hazel & Sam (Graham’s father)’s points of view
– there are about 23 curse/not nice words (this number does not include ‘damn’ or ‘hell’ which are both used about 20 times each)
– Graham deals with feeling responsible for his mother abandoning them
– Ember deals with anxiety when it comes to physical touch due to her past (abuse from biological parents; she was adopted to a much better family at a young age due to the abuse, but still struggles with unconsented/unexpected touch no matter how small – like being helped up into a tall car); she has a panic attack & remembers some past abuse when a drunk tries to ‘flirt’ with her & get her attention by grabbing & holding onto her wrist
Review:
I was a little distracted by the multiple uses of damn, hell, and the curse words while reading this book, but not enough to take me out of it/make me want to deduct a star or partial star from my review.
From their very first meeting, I loved the chemistry between Ember & Graham! Though they both struggled with very real things from their pasts, they were still so kind and caring towards one another and their families. I loved that even when they didn’t know exactly what it was that each other were struggling with, they were willing to step back and give space and a listening ear when the other needed it. I adored Graham & Ember with their siblings and nieces/nephews so much as well! It made Graham extra cute to Ember & to me as the reader whenever he spent time with kids and patiently talked to them or cared for them. And their relationships with their siblings led to a few embarrassing moments (as only siblings can provide) as well as some heartfelt ones that made their sibling bonds all that much stronger. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: when they first actually meet, the sibling teasing on both sides, how gentle Graham is with Ember, the county fair, flashbacks for Sam & Hazel, Graham & Ember with nieces/nephews, Graham’s struggle with the rooster, the rained out date day, dancing at the birthday party, visiting each other at work, and time on the lake.
Summary:
Ember was lovingly adopted into the Bryant family when she was young, but not without struggles from her past. Even now as an adult, she still struggles but hopes to find her happily ever after with a person who can see past her brokenness. Until she is able to find her love, Ember is content as a barista at the local coffee shop and an avid romance reader/bookstagrammer. But when an opportunity to work on a project as an interior designer for a well known Balsam Falls’ resident is presented to her, Ember decides to take a risk and step out into the unknown. Leading her further into the path of Graham Del Ray, a contractor who is gruff and yet also an enigma to Ember. After an unexpectedly candid first meeting, Ember can’t get the man she shouldn’t fall for out of her mind. And with each little bend in Graham’s demeanor towards her and her ideas for the project they’ll be working on together, Ember isn’t sure she can stop herself from falling…
Graham has had his focus on work since he became the VP of his family’s company. He tries to prove himself and gain approval from his father in his work, but his heart isn’t truly with his job. When an offer to work as the contractor on a project is offered to Graham, he finds it difficult to refuse what he wishes he’d pursued. After accepting the job, Graham discovers that the barista he developed a crush on four years ago will be working alongside him to make the owner’s dreams come true. Which makes thing more difficult. Because Graham doesn’t want their forced proximity to further his feelings for Ember when he feels that he could never provide the loving relationship she deserves…
katiedawn18's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Cleopatra for this arc!
This book was so comforting! I felt like I was reading a hallmark movie
This book was so comforting! I felt like I was reading a hallmark movie
adimweber's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 ⭐️ What a SWEET book!!! Graham and Ember are such sweet characters just trying to learn to love and trust another person, and man it’s beautiful. Beautifully written characters, and just such a sweet romance. This is the epitome of “he falls first” and I’m so obsessed with it!!!! Graham is my MAN, I’m telling you. Also… the fact that Ember is me????? I related to her so much, so I can’t help but be in love with her.
Grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, he falls first. This also has no spice which was a REALLY nice surprise!
**My only critiques on this, are every once in a while we got two other characters’ POVs and that felt a bit unnecessary to me. Those POVs weren’t really hashed out as much as they could’ve been, so I feel like they weren’t essential to the story. Also the ending????? What the heck lol, I’m confused and upset. We didn’t really get any closure to anything and there’s a major (and very random) cliffhanger that I’m not a fan of.. But, I do look forward to reading about Colton and Jordan in the next books in the series!
Merged review:
3.75 ⭐️ What a SWEET book!!! Graham and Ember are such sweet characters just trying to learn to love and trust another person, and man it’s beautiful. Beautifully written characters, and just such a sweet romance. This is the epitome of “he falls first” and I’m so obsessed with it!!!! Graham is my MAN, I’m telling you. Also… the fact that Ember is me????? I related to her so much, so I can’t help but be in love with her.
Grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, he falls first. This also has no spice which was a REALLY nice surprise!
**My only critiques on this, are every once in a while we got two other characters’ POVs and that felt a bit unnecessary to me. Those POVs weren’t really hashed out as much as they could’ve been, so I feel like they weren’t essential to the story. Also the ending????? What the heck lol, I’m confused and upset. We didn’t really get any closure to anything and there’s a major (and very random) cliffhanger that I’m not a fan of.. But, I do look forward to reading about Colton and Jordan in the next books in the series!
Grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, he falls first. This also has no spice which was a REALLY nice surprise!
**My only critiques on this, are every once in a while we got two other characters’ POVs and that felt a bit unnecessary to me. Those POVs weren’t really hashed out as much as they could’ve been, so I feel like they weren’t essential to the story. Also the ending????? What the heck lol, I’m confused and upset. We didn’t really get any closure to anything and there’s a major (and very random) cliffhanger that I’m not a fan of.. But, I do look forward to reading about Colton and Jordan in the next books in the series!
Merged review:
3.75 ⭐️ What a SWEET book!!! Graham and Ember are such sweet characters just trying to learn to love and trust another person, and man it’s beautiful. Beautifully written characters, and just such a sweet romance. This is the epitome of “he falls first” and I’m so obsessed with it!!!! Graham is my MAN, I’m telling you. Also… the fact that Ember is me????? I related to her so much, so I can’t help but be in love with her.
Grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, he falls first. This also has no spice which was a REALLY nice surprise!
**My only critiques on this, are every once in a while we got two other characters’ POVs and that felt a bit unnecessary to me. Those POVs weren’t really hashed out as much as they could’ve been, so I feel like they weren’t essential to the story. Also the ending????? What the heck lol, I’m confused and upset. We didn’t really get any closure to anything and there’s a major (and very random) cliffhanger that I’m not a fan of.. But, I do look forward to reading about Colton and Jordan in the next books in the series!
hannuhreads's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars.
☀️ The vibes:
- Opposites attract
- bookish FMC
- Found family
Merged review:
4 stars.
☀️ The vibes:
- Opposites attract
- bookish FMC
- Found family
☀️ The vibes:
- Opposites attract
- bookish FMC
- Found family
Merged review:
4 stars.
☀️ The vibes:
- Opposites attract
- bookish FMC
- Found family