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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
With a well-executed dual-timeline, Heathen & Honeysuckle follows FMC Darby and MMC Leo as they fall in love during one special summer when they’re seventeen and, simultaneously, ten years later, when they find their way back to that same breathtaking love after being torn apart. Crushed by a lifetime of spiritual and emotional abuse at the hands of her parents and haunted by the events that led to her separation from Leo just as their love was truly blossoming, Darby’s story was challenging to read at times. I felt that some important details regarding Darby’s past in particular were withheld too long and the awkward avoidance in the narrative became repetitive and frustrating, however the emotional climax as she unburdens her heart and soul was effective and powerful.
And Leo—gods, Leo, the man you are. It feels like a betrayal to my favourites, but dare I say it: Leo Graham may be the paragon of book boyfriends. I think he *actually* made me swoon a few times, and not just because of his wicked tongue. Despite being burdened by his own trauma and insecurities—and with his heart still in pieces after Darby ran away—Leo doesn’t hesitate to show up for Darby in her moment of need, even fearing he’ll suffer that same all-consuming heartbreak again. Watching Leo and Darby find their way back to each other–and finding their individual selves again through their love—was the most beautiful reward at the end of this beautifully written and utterly heart-wrenching novel that took me on an emotional journey I wasn’t prepared for, but which I am thankful for all the same.
Ratings:
4.5⭐ ~ 4🌶️ ~ 5💔
Tropes:
💛 Pro Surfer MMC
💛 Runaway bride FMC
💛 “You came” “You needed me”
💛 Road trip
💛 Forbidden first love
💛 Second chance
💛 “It’s always been you”
What I loved:
💛 Beautiful writing style
💛 Excellent dual time narrative
💛 Secret tattoo
💛 A well-placed mirror 👀
💛 The sweetest lucky charm
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
I am a sucker for “it’s always been you”
This book was everything I didn’t think I needed. Also, what took me sooooo long to dive into this book!?
I got the arc through NetGalley, I read along and listened to it on audio.
Long live Darby and Leo. Those two went through the motions and stuck with it. Their hearts always connected to each other even with the ten year gap.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for giving me the opportunity to read Heathen & Honeysuckle in advance.
Definitely gonna read book two soon! Bumped it up on my TBR!
This book was everything I didn’t think I needed. Also, what took me sooooo long to dive into this book!?
I got the arc through NetGalley, I read along and listened to it on audio.
Long live Darby and Leo. Those two went through the motions and stuck with it. Their hearts always connected to each other even with the ten year gap.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for giving me the opportunity to read Heathen & Honeysuckle in advance.
Definitely gonna read book two soon! Bumped it up on my TBR!
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
This was a super solid read for me. I enjoyed the dual timeline and the plot as a whole - lots going on but all done well. There was familial drama, romance (obvi), personal struggles, and friendship and then a lack thereof. The book follows the MC's from a summer when they were 17 to ten years later when she runs away from the altar. The rest of the book follows them in the current timeline while alternating with the summer from 10 years ago. Was this insta love? Yes. They fall in love immediately and then the rest of their relationship in total is probably like 3-4 months at most. But I'm cool with that.
Parts of this was a little slow, but it was necessary I guess for the foundation of the relationship between the two main characters. Hated the dad in this book, which you're supposed to so it's fine and I'm happy he got his just desserts at the end.
I look forward to reading the other books coming in this series. Specifically for Dahlia's book (assuming she get's a book).
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Parts of this was a little slow, but it was necessary I guess for the foundation of the relationship between the two main characters. Hated the dad in this book, which you're supposed to so it's fine and I'm happy he got his just desserts at the end.
I look forward to reading the other books coming in this series. Specifically for Dahlia's book (assuming she get's a book).
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Second chance
Spicy
Loved this second chance d romance. You get past and present views. Dual POV. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style.
This is a heartwarming story about love and obligations. I was hooked within the first few pages. I am purchasing the audiobook that comes out soon so I can relive the story via narration. It’s so good.
Spicy
Loved this second chance d romance. You get past and present views. Dual POV. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style.
This is a heartwarming story about love and obligations. I was hooked within the first few pages. I am purchasing the audiobook that comes out soon so I can relive the story via narration. It’s so good.
Leo has my whole heart. The summer vibes of this felt sooo close to home. I loved every minute of it.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Sarah A. Bailey for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Honeysuckle and Heathen is a great second chance romance that is absolutely perfect for the summer. It has a sunny and swoon worthy beach setting with lots of angst and sweetness.
This is a dual pov but also dual timelines and I feel like it worked really well. There’s a distinct shift between the timelines and it helps to establish the character growth. Leo is described as a bad boy but to me he seemed very respectful and a genuine friend. Darby is the perfect and virginal girl next door who wears a purity ring. Darby is sweet and kind and I loved seeing her come into her own and find her voice.
I really enjoyed this story and felt like the reason Darby needed to stay away from Leo was actually super valid and not just the standard miscommunication trope. I also loved the secret tattoos! I’m very eager to continue the series even tho I am sure there will be lots of heartache.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.5 🌟
Spice: open door
Low key kicking myself for not reading this one sooner. This is such a heartbreaking story with a beautiful second chance. I instantly fell in love with Leo, he is such a great example of a book boyfriend. If I could reach through this book and punch Darby's dad, I 1000% would. The hospital scene had me raging for real. My only complaint was the jumping back and forth in timelines. I often felt like I missed important stuff until we returned to the past. I would have preferred maybe the first half be the past, then the second half be now. If that makes sense.
I will definitely want to read the rest of the series.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Spice: open door
Low key kicking myself for not reading this one sooner. This is such a heartbreaking story with a beautiful second chance. I instantly fell in love with Leo, he is such a great example of a book boyfriend. If I could reach through this book and punch Darby's dad, I 1000% would. The hospital scene had me raging for real. My only complaint was the jumping back and forth in timelines. I often felt like I missed important stuff until we returned to the past. I would have preferred maybe the first half be the past, then the second half be now. If that makes sense.
I will definitely want to read the rest of the series.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
THIS IS SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!!! i usually struggle with the timeline switching of second chance romances but this story is not one of them. i will definitely reread for the feels again. leo and darby, you made me feel so much i will be forever thinking about your story