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A review by kfriend
Call Me Yours by Elizabeth Bright
4.0
Came for the cover and stayed for the sweet romance. I’m new to Elizabeth Bright and this series, but I really enjoyed this slow-burning redemption romance. Packed with heart, the right dash of heat, and a breeze to read- this was a fun and swoony time.
I’ve not read the prior books in the series, and though this CAN be read as a standalone I do wish I had. In part because Steven’s role in prior books is hugely crucial to the way he’s viewed in this book- he’s the villain in some other stories, and so going into this I didn’t have strong negative feelings towards him like most readers (and characters) will. That said, we learn enough to understand feel his redemption. And he’s quite honestly a bit of a jerk first, so we don’t really love him either even if we don’t already dislike him.
Turns out Steven has always carried a quiet love for Chloe—even if she’s made it clear she can’t stand him. But that doesn’t stop him from showing up for her in every way he she’ll allow….including standing beside her with an unplanned pregnancy (and yes, the baby isn’t his.)
What begins as reluctant cohabitation slowly transforms into hesitant but blossoming trust, then true friendship, and finally into something deeper. Chloe is fiercely loyal to her friends and she’s also really emotionally guarded. She also isn’t used to being cared for—she’s usually the caretaker, the strong one, the selfless giver. Letting someone in, especially someone like Steven, feels unnatural for her, and it gives her real guilt, especially given the role his played in her friend’s lives. But Steven’s quiet persistence and unwavering support slowly chip away at her defenses. And we also seem him transform into a true leading man.
Chloe is a great heroine. She’s strong, witty, and deeply compassionate, but with some real ghosts that hold her back. I really loved her, and I loved seeing her work through her feelings for Steven and accept his love. Steven’s redemption arc is obviously the main focus, and it's handled with surprising nuance. I appreciate this wasn’t just some easily fixable misunderstanding, he has some real growth to do. His transformation is messy, human, and full of self-reflection. He isn’t all of a sudden perfect because we’re in his mind now—he fumbles, says and does the wrong thing (especially early on), and he rightfully doubts himself—but his sincerity and efforts make him incredibly endearing as the story progresses. I love a good redemption story, and I think his is really compelling. You DO have to stick with him though, because he made me mad at first.
Their romance is a slow burn, full of banter and quiet moments of emotional intimacy and gentle care. The chemistry is there from the start, it also grows as the story progresses, organically and authentically. Nothing feels rushed between them. Chloe needs time to understand him, and to forgive and learn to trust him—and Steven never stops giving her that space. He’s patient and giving and thoughtful in the way he nurtures their relationship.
It’s a shorter novel (at least to me), and there were parts I wish we’d gotten to go deeper or marinate in more, but overall the romance works It has some humor, plenty of heart, and all that delicious healing. I love a man down bad, and especially when he’s down bad for his pregnant lady. Steven’s devotion, especially during Chloe’s pregnancy, is tender and unwavering—and and pretty swoony. Overall a heartfelt and feel good read, and I enjoyed it enough to definitely want to check out the rest of the series.
What to expect:
-Enemies to lovers
-Hate to love
-Redemption Arc (hero is the villain in other books)
-Surprise baby/not his baby
-He falls first and HARD
-Slow Burn
-Forced Proximity/Roommates
-Banter
-Small Town
-Acts of service/care
I’ve not read the prior books in the series, and though this CAN be read as a standalone I do wish I had. In part because Steven’s role in prior books is hugely crucial to the way he’s viewed in this book- he’s the villain in some other stories, and so going into this I didn’t have strong negative feelings towards him like most readers (and characters) will. That said, we learn enough to understand feel his redemption. And he’s quite honestly a bit of a jerk first, so we don’t really love him either even if we don’t already dislike him.
Turns out Steven has always carried a quiet love for Chloe—even if she’s made it clear she can’t stand him. But that doesn’t stop him from showing up for her in every way he she’ll allow….including standing beside her with an unplanned pregnancy (and yes, the baby isn’t his.)
What begins as reluctant cohabitation slowly transforms into hesitant but blossoming trust, then true friendship, and finally into something deeper. Chloe is fiercely loyal to her friends and she’s also really emotionally guarded. She also isn’t used to being cared for—she’s usually the caretaker, the strong one, the selfless giver. Letting someone in, especially someone like Steven, feels unnatural for her, and it gives her real guilt, especially given the role his played in her friend’s lives. But Steven’s quiet persistence and unwavering support slowly chip away at her defenses. And we also seem him transform into a true leading man.
Chloe is a great heroine. She’s strong, witty, and deeply compassionate, but with some real ghosts that hold her back. I really loved her, and I loved seeing her work through her feelings for Steven and accept his love. Steven’s redemption arc is obviously the main focus, and it's handled with surprising nuance. I appreciate this wasn’t just some easily fixable misunderstanding, he has some real growth to do. His transformation is messy, human, and full of self-reflection. He isn’t all of a sudden perfect because we’re in his mind now—he fumbles, says and does the wrong thing (especially early on), and he rightfully doubts himself—but his sincerity and efforts make him incredibly endearing as the story progresses. I love a good redemption story, and I think his is really compelling. You DO have to stick with him though, because he made me mad at first.
Their romance is a slow burn, full of banter and quiet moments of emotional intimacy and gentle care. The chemistry is there from the start, it also grows as the story progresses, organically and authentically. Nothing feels rushed between them. Chloe needs time to understand him, and to forgive and learn to trust him—and Steven never stops giving her that space. He’s patient and giving and thoughtful in the way he nurtures their relationship.
It’s a shorter novel (at least to me), and there were parts I wish we’d gotten to go deeper or marinate in more, but overall the romance works It has some humor, plenty of heart, and all that delicious healing. I love a man down bad, and especially when he’s down bad for his pregnant lady. Steven’s devotion, especially during Chloe’s pregnancy, is tender and unwavering—and and pretty swoony. Overall a heartfelt and feel good read, and I enjoyed it enough to definitely want to check out the rest of the series.
What to expect:
-Enemies to lovers
-Hate to love
-Redemption Arc (hero is the villain in other books)
-Surprise baby/not his baby
-He falls first and HARD
-Slow Burn
-Forced Proximity/Roommates
-Banter
-Small Town
-Acts of service/care