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A review by readaholicliv
You've Found Oliver by Dustin Thao
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
Reading Journal Details
Book: You've Found Oliver by Dustin Thao
Format Read: Kindle eBook (~288 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
My Quick Take Review
A beautifully written, slow burning romance filed with heart, healing, and emotional depth. You've Found Oliver really pulls at your heartstrings, even if the final twists may feel a little predictable.
Some Key Features
🏳️🌈 LGBT representation
📱 Texting
🔭 Telescope
🥐 Bakery
🔥 Slow burn romance
My Full Review
You've Found Oliver is my first run in with author Dustin Thao and I found it to be such an absolute lovely read... Tender, heartfelt, and beautifully written. I couldn't put it down, finishing it way faster than I expected, drawn in by the raw emotions, the slow burn romance, and Thao's eloquent, addictive prose.
What really resonated with me was how Sam's presence remained meaningful throughout the book, never forgotten or pushed aside. The grief, the healing, the honest conversations, everything felt incredibly thoughtful and authentic. And the chemistry between Ben and Oliver? Exquisite! Their playful banter, the gradual way they care for one another, and the emotional vulnerability between them made their relationship truly shine.
It's worth noting that this is the second book in the You've Reached Sam series, but I can attest that it is perfectly readable as a standalone. I haven't read the first book, yet I felt completely immersed. Will I go back and read the first book? Absolutely.
The big twist caught me off guard and spiked my anxiety in all the right ways, but I'll admit that after that big reveal, the remainder of the story felt somewhat predictable. That said, it didn't take away from the heartfelt sweetness or emotional impact!
And can we please take a moment to appreciate that gorgeous cover? It deserves a standing ovation! It's hands down my favorite book cover of all the books I've read this year.
All in all, if you're looking for a touching, character-driven romance that thoughtfully explores grief, healing, and love with care, You've Found Oliver is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group, Dutton Books for Young Readers, Dustin Thao, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this deeply sentimental romance in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
Book: You've Found Oliver by Dustin Thao
Format Read: Kindle eBook (~288 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
My Quick Take Review
A beautifully written, slow burning romance filed with heart, healing, and emotional depth. You've Found Oliver really pulls at your heartstrings, even if the final twists may feel a little predictable.
Some Key Features
🏳️🌈 LGBT representation
📱 Texting
🔭 Telescope
🥐 Bakery
🔥 Slow burn romance
My Full Review
You've Found Oliver is my first run in with author Dustin Thao and I found it to be such an absolute lovely read... Tender, heartfelt, and beautifully written. I couldn't put it down, finishing it way faster than I expected, drawn in by the raw emotions, the slow burn romance, and Thao's eloquent, addictive prose.
What really resonated with me was how Sam's presence remained meaningful throughout the book, never forgotten or pushed aside. The grief, the healing, the honest conversations, everything felt incredibly thoughtful and authentic. And the chemistry between Ben and Oliver? Exquisite! Their playful banter, the gradual way they care for one another, and the emotional vulnerability between them made their relationship truly shine.
It's worth noting that this is the second book in the You've Reached Sam series, but I can attest that it is perfectly readable as a standalone. I haven't read the first book, yet I felt completely immersed. Will I go back and read the first book? Absolutely.
The big twist caught me off guard and spiked my anxiety in all the right ways, but I'll admit that after that big reveal, the remainder of the story felt somewhat predictable. That said, it didn't take away from the heartfelt sweetness or emotional impact!
And can we please take a moment to appreciate that gorgeous cover? It deserves a standing ovation! It's hands down my favorite book cover of all the books I've read this year.
All in all, if you're looking for a touching, character-driven romance that thoughtfully explores grief, healing, and love with care, You've Found Oliver is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group, Dutton Books for Young Readers, Dustin Thao, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this deeply sentimental romance in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.