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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
As a quick disclaimer, I had to look up a summary of the first novel, Mistakes We Never Made, to remember exactly who Sybil was (despite having receiving an ARC of the novel on NetGalley). Once I did though, I immediately devoured the entirety of The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain.
Just like its predecessor, Brown beautifully captured the novel’s setting, sucking me in within a few sentences (and that’s coming from a beach-adverse person). It was incredibly effortless to read too; so much so that I didn’t even realize how quickly I progressed through the novel.
Sybil’s story definitely was trope-adjacent (after Sebastian made his appearance, I was sure Liam would too), but I honestly assumed that a new love interest would be introduced— one whom would allow her to move on from her previous relationships. Obviously, for those who read the novel, I was wrong. That trope made for a slightly refreshing read, for it didn’t involve two lovers who had parted years ago, but rather people who had to (briefly) split in order to find themselves again. That said, the premise of said reconnection is semi-adjacent to the relationship between Emma and Finn in the first novel. As such, perhaps Brown should have avoided repeating herself in this sequel.
While Sybil was a complicated and rich character, her propensity to not trust her instincts was incredibly frustrating at times. So too was the idea that she paled in comparison to Genevieve, when Sybil too was probably considered by other women to be beautiful, etc. However, I honestly was more frustrated by Sebastian’s presence, as I don’t think his involvement in the plot was necessary.
That said, The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain is an enjoyable read and definitely one would reach for on vacation or at the beach.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Just like its predecessor, Brown beautifully captured the novel’s setting, sucking me in within a few sentences (and that’s coming from a beach-adverse person). It was incredibly effortless to read too; so much so that I didn’t even realize how quickly I progressed through the novel.
Sybil’s story definitely was trope-adjacent (after Sebastian made his appearance, I was sure Liam would too), but I honestly assumed that a new love interest would be introduced— one whom would allow her to move on from her previous relationships. Obviously, for those who read the novel, I was wrong. That trope made for a slightly refreshing read, for it didn’t involve two lovers who had parted years ago, but rather people who had to (briefly) split in order to find themselves again. That said, the premise of said reconnection is semi-adjacent to the relationship between Emma and Finn in the first novel. As such, perhaps Brown should have avoided repeating herself in this sequel.
While Sybil was a complicated and rich character, her propensity to not trust her instincts was incredibly frustrating at times. So too was the idea that she paled in comparison to Genevieve, when Sybil too was probably considered by other women to be beautiful, etc. However, I honestly was more frustrated by Sebastian’s presence, as I don’t think his involvement in the plot was necessary.
That said, The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain is an enjoyable read and definitely one would reach for on vacation or at the beach.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This charming, beachy romance blends second-chance love, fake dating, and a well-handled miscommunication trope into a fun, heartfelt story perfect for summer. Sybil is a likable, free-spirited lead whose journey—from heartbreak to healing—is both funny and deeply emotional.
After being left at the altar, she takes herself (and her unused honeymoon vouchers) to Hawaii, only to run into both of her ex-fiancés. As old insecurities resurface, Sybil is forced to confront her past and consider what she truly wants from her future.
The book balances rom-com laughs with emotional depth, and the character development is a standout. Sybil’s growth—from her high school self to the woman she becomes—is authentic and satisfying, and the dynamics with her friends and love interests feel natural and engaging. This is an honest, feel-good story that captures the messy, beautiful reality of figuring yourself out—and maybe finding love along the way.
I really enjoyed this book—it was such an engaging mix of heart and humor. While the miscommunication trope drove me a little nuts at times, it also felt realistic and true to the characters' emotional journeys. It wasn’t just thrown in for drama; it made sense in the context of their pasts and personal growth, which made the resolution that much more satisfying.
I received an ALC copy for this and LOVED the narrator as well so binging this in less than 24 hours was a breeze!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy!
After being left at the altar, she takes herself (and her unused honeymoon vouchers) to Hawaii, only to run into both of her ex-fiancés. As old insecurities resurface, Sybil is forced to confront her past and consider what she truly wants from her future.
The book balances rom-com laughs with emotional depth, and the character development is a standout. Sybil’s growth—from her high school self to the woman she becomes—is authentic and satisfying, and the dynamics with her friends and love interests feel natural and engaging. This is an honest, feel-good story that captures the messy, beautiful reality of figuring yourself out—and maybe finding love along the way.
I really enjoyed this book—it was such an engaging mix of heart and humor. While the miscommunication trope drove me a little nuts at times, it also felt realistic and true to the characters' emotional journeys. It wasn’t just thrown in for drama; it made sense in the context of their pasts and personal growth, which made the resolution that much more satisfying.
I received an ALC copy for this and LOVED the narrator as well so binging this in less than 24 hours was a breeze!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This one was a cute little romcom with a chaotic twist! Sybil has been engaged three times but never made it down the aisle. Instead of wasting her prepaid honeymoon, she heads to the resort solo… only to run into not one, but two of her ex-fiancés. Naturally, she pretends to be dating one of them—because her most recent ex is also there with a woman he swears is just a “colleague.”
This one was a cute little romcom with a chaotic twist! Sybil has been engaged three times but never made it down the aisle. Instead of wasting her prepaid honeymoon, she heads to the resort solo… only to run into not one, but two of her ex-fiancés. Naturally, she pretends to be dating one of them—because her most recent ex is also there with a woman he swears is just a “colleague.”
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
I really enjoyed this - Sybil is fun and honest and so truthful to herself, she was so easy to root for. I thought sometimes the storytelling and flashback order was a little choppy and bounced around a bit. Definitely good beach vibes and Jamie was also so easy to love. I wish we got a little bit more of the Core Four friend group, but was happy to finally get Sybil’s version of her story. Hoping we get Willow and Nikki’s stories too. Loved the ending.