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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
This is one of my favorite tropes!!!! Brothers best friend, sisters best friend, best friends brother, best friends sister. I am here for it! I don't know what it is about this kind of plot that gets to me. Brighton Walsh creates such great characters and she weaves a lovely story. It took me a day to read this, and that included me working a nine hour day in between reading. I'd read it all over again if I didn't want to get to the next book so bad.
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As the ending approached, I wanted to find a way to stop time and keep living inside this book. Everything from the characters and their stories to the writing left me hopelessly addicted and unable to think about anything else once I started. (And long after I finished, too.) This book was chock full o' feels and I'm not sure I can adequately express how much I loved it.
Tessa Ever After truly is the best of new adult. This is one of my top five reads of the year so far, and I'm pretty sure it'll end the year high on that list. I didn't think I could love anyone more than Cade and Winter. I couldn't have been more wrong. In reality, I actually loved Tessa and Jason even more. (Shhh… don't tell… I don't like to play favorites.) I don't know what the plan is for this series, but I hope there's more. Like, maybe a book about Paige and Adam? (hint hint) I think they could be incredible together.
In this book, single mom Tessa is feeling overwhelmed by life. Her brother Cade has left to chase his dreams – and she's happy for him – but she's struggling to raise her daughter Haley without his help. He's always been there for them and she's having a difficult time balancing everything without his help. Tessa's a great mom, but she's feeling the pressure of doing it all on her own. Cade's best friend, Jason, keeps popping in when she needed him most – even if she didn't actually ask for the help.
Jason promised Cade he wouldn't ever pursue his sister, but that's a promise he's finding more and more difficult to keep as he spends time with her and her daughter, Haley. He definitely feels a connection to both of them and it comes through in all his actions. I loved watching things develop between him and Tessa because it felt so real and right. But even more than that, I loved the scenes in which he spent time with Haley. You want to talk about things that will make you melt? OMG. My heart melted and I swooned big time. I swear, I'll never be the same.
I probably don't need to tell you I loved Tessa and Jason together, but I'm going to anyhow. As much as I adored these characters on their own, something special happened when they were together. They had tons of chemistry and a long history of friendship and supporting the other. It was natural that feelings would start to shift into something more than friendship once Cade was no longer there to police them. (Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Cade, but I think he was wrong in this situation… though I can't entirely fault him for wanting to save his sister from becoming simply a notch on Jason's bedpost. Which is exactly what I think probably would've happened had they tried anything before now. Jason wasn't ready for more before.) I loved watching Tessa, Jason and Haley become a sort of family on their own. I get all smiley just even thinking about it now.
There's not an abundance of angsty drama in this book – something I'm grateful for – but there is a little bit. Jason's family pissed me off from the start, but it only got worse. His mother. Ugh. Without getting spoilery, the biggest situation happens late in the book and it broke my heart (more than) just a little. I knew Jason's motivations were honorable, but Tessa didn't and I hated seeing her hurt. But holy grand gesture. I melt into a puddle just thinking about it… and, of course, I was in tears while reading it. *squees*
Even if you're not a huge new adult fan, you should take a chance on this book this series. You won't be disappointed. If anything, you'll fall in love and be anxiously awaiting the next book as much as I am. I wish I could give it more than five stars.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via one awesome friend, in exchange for an honest review.
As the ending approached, I wanted to find a way to stop time and keep living inside this book. Everything from the characters and their stories to the writing left me hopelessly addicted and unable to think about anything else once I started. (And long after I finished, too.) This book was chock full o' feels and I'm not sure I can adequately express how much I loved it.
Tessa Ever After truly is the best of new adult. This is one of my top five reads of the year so far, and I'm pretty sure it'll end the year high on that list. I didn't think I could love anyone more than Cade and Winter. I couldn't have been more wrong. In reality, I actually loved Tessa and Jason even more. (Shhh… don't tell… I don't like to play favorites.) I don't know what the plan is for this series, but I hope there's more. Like, maybe a book about Paige and Adam? (hint hint) I think they could be incredible together.
In this book, single mom Tessa is feeling overwhelmed by life. Her brother Cade has left to chase his dreams – and she's happy for him – but she's struggling to raise her daughter Haley without his help. He's always been there for them and she's having a difficult time balancing everything without his help. Tessa's a great mom, but she's feeling the pressure of doing it all on her own. Cade's best friend, Jason, keeps popping in when she needed him most – even if she didn't actually ask for the help.
Jason promised Cade he wouldn't ever pursue his sister, but that's a promise he's finding more and more difficult to keep as he spends time with her and her daughter, Haley. He definitely feels a connection to both of them and it comes through in all his actions. I loved watching things develop between him and Tessa because it felt so real and right. But even more than that, I loved the scenes in which he spent time with Haley. You want to talk about things that will make you melt? OMG. My heart melted and I swooned big time. I swear, I'll never be the same.
I probably don't need to tell you I loved Tessa and Jason together, but I'm going to anyhow. As much as I adored these characters on their own, something special happened when they were together. They had tons of chemistry and a long history of friendship and supporting the other. It was natural that feelings would start to shift into something more than friendship once Cade was no longer there to police them. (Don't get me wrong, I LOVED Cade, but I think he was wrong in this situation… though I can't entirely fault him for wanting to save his sister from becoming simply a notch on Jason's bedpost. Which is exactly what I think probably would've happened had they tried anything before now. Jason wasn't ready for more before.) I loved watching Tessa, Jason and Haley become a sort of family on their own. I get all smiley just even thinking about it now.
There's not an abundance of angsty drama in this book – something I'm grateful for – but there is a little bit. Jason's family pissed me off from the start, but it only got worse. His mother. Ugh. Without getting spoilery, the biggest situation happens late in the book and it broke my heart (more than) just a little. I knew Jason's motivations were honorable, but Tessa didn't and I hated seeing her hurt. But holy grand gesture. I melt into a puddle just thinking about it… and, of course, I was in tears while reading it. *squees*
Even if you're not a huge new adult fan, you should take a chance on this book this series. You won't be disappointed. If anything, you'll fall in love and be anxiously awaiting the next book as much as I am. I wish I could give it more than five stars.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via one awesome friend, in exchange for an honest review.
medium-paced
A story perfect for Tessa and Haley.
I loved Tessa in Cade's novel (book 1), the younger sister single mother, so I wanted to read her story... and I'm glad I did.
I could tell something was going on with Jason and his feelings for Tessa back in book 1, and loved that little glimpse into the future. However, I didn't expect this story to go the way it did. How can parents be so awful?
I loved Tessa in Cade's novel (book 1), the younger sister single mother, so I wanted to read her story... and I'm glad I did.
I could tell something was going on with Jason and his feelings for Tessa back in book 1, and loved that little glimpse into the future. However, I didn't expect this story to go the way it did. How can parents be so awful?
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh is one of the sweetest and sexiest brothers best friend turns to “something more” stories out there. This is the first book that I’ve read by Brighton Walsh and I have to say she knows how to write about all the angst in unrequited AND forbidden love.
There are a few things in this story, in the writing and in the plot that really stand out to me. First off, its the cast of characters. They are easy to champion. For me, the heroine is a character that I almost always allow some leeway in perceived character faults. If I’m gonna read a couple hundred pages centered on them I usually accept them. With Tessa, there was no question about it. I really did like her and saw some great characteristics; she’s funny, she’s a terrific young mother ( although she doubts herself - maybe a reason to like her more) and she keeps good company. Her friend Paige really stands out and with her we get some of the best comedic dialogue in the book. She’s also the character that gives Tessa a voice, the conversational tone between them helps to show us who Tessa is. In Jason, Brighton creates a lovable “player”. Part of "keeping his m lovable" may be attributed to the fact that we don’t see Jason out on that town, being the chick magnet that we understand him to be. We do see the an incredibly caring and supportive nature. In Tessa’s brothers absence he’s her go to. He’s called in to help in a few occasions, and with this, the two spend time together they wouldn’t have had had her brother Cade not moved away.
Then things change between them and the story gets STEAMY. Turns out Tessa and Jason have amazing chemistry and provide some incredibly sexy scenes. The change in their relationship, the change in the dynamic, is very natural and a lot of fun to watch and seemingly avoid that awkward phase of trying to understand what they mean to each other. It’s there, it’s just not something that has to be talked to death. There’s a near lifetime long element of trust that anchors things, for a while at least.
Jason is likable throughout the story but again we don’t see being the playboy. We do get a bit of Jason’s back story with his parents and not so loving and supportive family life. Not once do we see Jason as anything but a slightly misunderstood young man. Oh, he makes mistakes, but...well, you’ll see. His intentions are pure and timing seems to be everything. But, what clinched it for me, what Jason a potential BBF, was his relationship with Tessa’s’ daughter Haley . With that he COMPLETELY won me over. He could probably get away with a lot $&/% just because he treats her so wonderfully. This is what what proves that he is the type of man that Tessa is looking for, he just needs to man up/show up and prove it.
Tessa Ever After is a great young adult romance that’s simply a fun and charming read. 4 #ConnectionWithoutAnExpirationDate Stars and my recommendation.
There are a few things in this story, in the writing and in the plot that really stand out to me. First off, its the cast of characters. They are easy to champion. For me, the heroine is a character that I almost always allow some leeway in perceived character faults. If I’m gonna read a couple hundred pages centered on them I usually accept them. With Tessa, there was no question about it. I really did like her and saw some great characteristics; she’s funny, she’s a terrific young mother ( although she doubts herself - maybe a reason to like her more) and she keeps good company. Her friend Paige really stands out and with her we get some of the best comedic dialogue in the book. She’s also the character that gives Tessa a voice, the conversational tone between them helps to show us who Tessa is. In Jason, Brighton creates a lovable “player”. Part of "keeping his m lovable" may be attributed to the fact that we don’t see Jason out on that town, being the chick magnet that we understand him to be. We do see the an incredibly caring and supportive nature. In Tessa’s brothers absence he’s her go to. He’s called in to help in a few occasions, and with this, the two spend time together they wouldn’t have had had her brother Cade not moved away.
Then things change between them and the story gets STEAMY. Turns out Tessa and Jason have amazing chemistry and provide some incredibly sexy scenes. The change in their relationship, the change in the dynamic, is very natural and a lot of fun to watch and seemingly avoid that awkward phase of trying to understand what they mean to each other. It’s there, it’s just not something that has to be talked to death. There’s a near lifetime long element of trust that anchors things, for a while at least.
Jason is likable throughout the story but again we don’t see being the playboy. We do get a bit of Jason’s back story with his parents and not so loving and supportive family life. Not once do we see Jason as anything but a slightly misunderstood young man. Oh, he makes mistakes, but...well, you’ll see. His intentions are pure and timing seems to be everything. But, what clinched it for me, what Jason a potential BBF, was his relationship with Tessa’s’ daughter Haley . With that he COMPLETELY won me over. He could probably get away with a lot $&/% just because he treats her so wonderfully. This is what what proves that he is the type of man that Tessa is looking for, he just needs to man up/show up and prove it.
Tessa Ever After is a great young adult romance that’s simply a fun and charming read. 4 #ConnectionWithoutAnExpirationDate Stars and my recommendation.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
The premise for this sounded great, but I could never really get into it. I found Jason pretty frustrating. I just didn’t really understand his drama with his family? He was like “My future’s been mapped out for me, no amount of negotiating will get me a different outcome,” like… you can just GET A DIFFERENT JOB. His whole drama just boiled down to him not wanting to work for his family, and he didn’t HAVE to. He seemed to expect everything to be handed to him, and was upset his parents were threatening to cut him off if he didn’t work for them, and like… yes, his parents were obviously shitty and terrible, but they did pay for his entire tuition to college (for five years, even!), and he’s upset that they’re threatening to evict him from the apartment THAT THEY’RE PAYING FOR? He just seemed so privileged with zero awareness of it. I mean, in the end it was even revealed that he had a trust from his grandfather!!! So even if his parents did cut him off, he could easily afford to get his own apartment and would have time to find a job he liked! It seemed like he had so many options available to him that most people don’t, but he just wanted to whine about his parents wanting him to work for the family business. And the only real justification he gave for not wanting to leave them and get his own job was that shitty parents were better than no parents, which… I don’t know that I’d agree with that??? And they’re clearly never going to become LESS shitty if you just continue to do whatever they want! Which was basically the conclusion he came to, but it took the entire book to get there, and I had already lost patience with him. Tessa was fine, I had no real issues with her, but I disliked Jason enough that I could never get to a point where I was rooting for their romance.