Scan barcode
A review by readingwithfefe
Exiled by Jessie Walker
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
1st person/dual pov1st person/dual pov
Spice: 4/5
I absolutely had high expectations going into this story and I can happily say I was not disappointed! Jessie crafted a compelling story that had me so immersed in this world and so invested in the outcome for these characters. The emotions that it pulled from me were intense and powerful making it such an enthralling read. Not only was it enjoyable to read through but it had quite an impact on how I view certain things about myself and my own mental health. But these characters? Gah, these characters just suck you in and make you want the world for them!
I’ll start with Nolan. At first, there is this air of mystery surrounding the gradual unveiling of his backstory. What could he have done that was so terrible it landed him here? What happened that led to all of this guilt and self-imposed harshness he carries around with him? He makes you want to peel back those layers of who he is and to see him succeed.
Then we have Skyler… this incredibly sweet and misunderstood guy who has been dealt blow after blow in his short life yet somehow still has a heart of gold. It’s a tad unclear at first why he is on the island and in this specific program but his backstory is revealed a little faster allowing you to fully grasp the importance of the way he and Nolan interact with each other. I loved the way Skyler was represented in this story as well. It was both strange and remarkable to see so many moments and traits within his character that mirror my own. It enabled me to empathize more with him and the ability to understand the emotional and physical journey he takes throughout the book. I found myself very protective of Skyler not even a quarter of the way into the story. Like I will throw some hands over him in a heartbeat! He is precious and without a doubt the major reason I loved this book so much.
Now put them together and you have magic. Being on the island having limited contact with the outside world creates an intimacy between them allowing them to explore themselves (and each other 😏) in ways they never imagined. The depth of their unexpected connection and the unique challenges they face while on the island had me so engrossed in their dynamic together as well as the growth each of their characters go through. And let me tell you the spice IS 👏🏻 ON 👏🏻 POINT. 👏🏻
I was not expecting the level of spice Jessie put into their story and I certainly didn’t hate it! These two were so freaking hot together but so understanding, safe, and trusting at the same time. It made all of their spicy moments more emotionally charged and it just hit you in the chest differently. Each second together carried with it a weight of significance and a profound sense of this bond growing between them. You can’t help but love them to pieces and hope with all of your heart they find happiness.
And lastly the storyline… I should have known it wouldn’t be a simple cut-and-dry meet on an island, fall in love, and live happily ever after with Jessie writing it. At one point my heart was falling into my stomach with tiny cracks weaving their way through it expecting to shatter at any moment. Then in true rollercoaster fashion things are up and then down and then sideways and back again. There’s passion, humor, companionship, and at the heart of it all acceptance shines bright. Flaws and quirks are embraced with open arms and a love so deep that it resonates long after the last page is read. 🥹
Amazingly written. Beautifully executed. Lovable characters. Quite possibly my favorite book from the series. Be prepared for one heck of a book hangover but I can assure you it is entirely worth it!
Spice: 4/5
I absolutely had high expectations going into this story and I can happily say I was not disappointed! Jessie crafted a compelling story that had me so immersed in this world and so invested in the outcome for these characters. The emotions that it pulled from me were intense and powerful making it such an enthralling read. Not only was it enjoyable to read through but it had quite an impact on how I view certain things about myself and my own mental health. But these characters? Gah, these characters just suck you in and make you want the world for them!
I’ll start with Nolan. At first, there is this air of mystery surrounding the gradual unveiling of his backstory. What could he have done that was so terrible it landed him here? What happened that led to all of this guilt and self-imposed harshness he carries around with him? He makes you want to peel back those layers of who he is and to see him succeed.
Then we have Skyler… this incredibly sweet and misunderstood guy who has been dealt blow after blow in his short life yet somehow still has a heart of gold. It’s a tad unclear at first why he is on the island and in this specific program but his backstory is revealed a little faster allowing you to fully grasp the importance of the way he and Nolan interact with each other. I loved the way Skyler was represented in this story as well. It was both strange and remarkable to see so many moments and traits within his character that mirror my own. It enabled me to empathize more with him and the ability to understand the emotional and physical journey he takes throughout the book. I found myself very protective of Skyler not even a quarter of the way into the story. Like I will throw some hands over him in a heartbeat! He is precious and without a doubt the major reason I loved this book so much.
Now put them together and you have magic. Being on the island having limited contact with the outside world creates an intimacy between them allowing them to explore themselves (and each other 😏) in ways they never imagined. The depth of their unexpected connection and the unique challenges they face while on the island had me so engrossed in their dynamic together as well as the growth each of their characters go through. And let me tell you the spice IS 👏🏻 ON 👏🏻 POINT. 👏🏻
I was not expecting the level of spice Jessie put into their story and I certainly didn’t hate it! These two were so freaking hot together but so understanding, safe, and trusting at the same time. It made all of their spicy moments more emotionally charged and it just hit you in the chest differently. Each second together carried with it a weight of significance and a profound sense of this bond growing between them. You can’t help but love them to pieces and hope with all of your heart they find happiness.
And lastly the storyline… I should have known it wouldn’t be a simple cut-and-dry meet on an island, fall in love, and live happily ever after with Jessie writing it. At one point my heart was falling into my stomach with tiny cracks weaving their way through it expecting to shatter at any moment. Then in true rollercoaster fashion things are up and then down and then sideways and back again. There’s passion, humor, companionship, and at the heart of it all acceptance shines bright. Flaws and quirks are embraced with open arms and a love so deep that it resonates long after the last page is read. 🥹
Amazingly written. Beautifully executed. Lovable characters. Quite possibly my favorite book from the series. Be prepared for one heck of a book hangover but I can assure you it is entirely worth it!
Spice: 4/5
I absolutely had high expectations going into this story and I can happily say I was not disappointed! Jessie crafted a compelling story that had me so immersed in this world and so invested in the outcome for these characters. The emotions that it pulled from me were intense and powerful making it such an enthralling read. Not only was it enjoyable to read through but it had quite an impact on how I view certain things about myself and my own mental health. But these characters? Gah, these characters just suck you in and make you want the world for them!
I’ll start with Nolan. At first, there is this air of mystery surrounding the gradual unveiling of his backstory. What could he have done that was so terrible it landed him here? What happened that led to all of this guilt and self-imposed harshness he carries around with him? He makes you want to peel back those layers of who he is and to see him succeed.
Then we have Skyler… this incredibly sweet and misunderstood guy who has been dealt blow after blow in his short life yet somehow still has a heart of gold. It’s a tad unclear at first why he is on the island and in this specific program but his backstory is revealed a little faster allowing you to fully grasp the importance of the way he and Nolan interact with each other. I loved the way Skyler was represented in this story as well. It was both strange and remarkable to see so many moments and traits within his character that mirror my own. It enabled me to empathize more with him and the ability to understand the emotional and physical journey he takes throughout the book. I found myself very protective of Skylar not even a quarter of the way into the story. Like I will throw some hands over him in a heartbeat! He is precious and without a doubt the major reason I loved this book so much.
Now put them together and you have magic. Being on the island having limited contact with the outside world creates an intimacy between them allowing them to explore themselves (and each other 😏) in ways they never imagined. The depth of their unexpected connection and the unique challenges they face while on the island had me so engrossed in their dynamic together as well as the growth each of their characters go through. And let me tell you the spice IS 👏🏻 ON 👏🏻 POINT. 👏🏻
I was not expecting the level of spice Jessie put into their story and I certainly didn’t hate it! These two were so freaking hot together but so understanding, safe, and trusting at the same time. It made all of their spicy moments more emotionally charged and it just hit you in the chest differently. Each second together carried with it a weight of significance and a profound sense of this bond growing between them. You can’t help but love them to pieces and hope with all of your heart they find happiness.
And lastly the storyline… I should have known it wouldn’t be a simple cut-and-dry meet on an island, fall in love, and live happily ever after with Jessie writing it. At one point my heart was falling into my stomach with tiny cracks weaving their way through it expecting to shatter at any moment. Then in true rollercoaster fashion things are up and then down and then sideways and back again. There’s passion, humor, companionship, and at the heart of it all acceptance shines bright. Flaws and quirks are embraced with open arms and a love so deep that it resonates long after the last page is read. 🥹
Amazingly written. Beautifully executed. Lovable characters. Quite possibly my favorite book from the series. Be prepared for one heck of a book hangover but I can assure you it is entirely worth it!