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amanda_reads13's reviews
364 reviews
Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
9 year old Avery goes missing and everyone is a suspect. Secrets are revealed, relationships are torn apart, and lives are irrevocably damaged.
This is a fast pace, twisty suspense that sucks you in from the start. My theory changed so many times throughout the first half. You really have no idea who to believe because, well, everyone is lying.
Avery has always been a difficult child; she gets into a lot of trouble and is very defiant. After getting into a fight with her dad, she goes missing. Fingers are pointed at her father William after his lies and affair come to light. Then the tide turns on Ryan, his mistress Nora's son, after an anonymous tip.
There are so many red herrings in this story. The truth is pretty twisted. After their fight, Avery wants to punish her father, so she runs away to a neighbour's house and plans to stay there until her dad is arrested for her disappearance. Little does she know that this neighbour, Marion, has her own plans for Avery. So while Avery has been hiding in her basement, Marion has been taking advantage of the situation and scheming.
Marion is in love with William and when she found out about his affair with Nora, she wanted to punish them. So, she makes an anonymous tip lying about Ryan, hoping to destroy Nora 's life. Marion knows that in order for her plan to work, Avery can never go free, so she makes a plan to kill Avery. Avery ends up getting the jump on her and it ends with Marion dead. Avery "escapes" and seeking as much attention as possible, she spins a tale about her "harrowing ordeal".
The ending was so abrupt for me.There is so much that is still unknown. Did Marion really die in the fall? Did the truth of the events come out? What happened to Avery if the truth did come out! Is Avery really a psychopath ?
This is a fast pace, twisty suspense that sucks you in from the start. My theory changed so many times throughout the first half. You really have no idea who to believe because, well, everyone is lying.
Avery has always been a difficult child; she gets into a lot of trouble and is very defiant. After getting into a fight with her dad, she goes missing. Fingers are pointed at her father William after his lies and affair come to light. Then the tide turns on Ryan, his mistress Nora's son, after an anonymous tip.
Marion is in love with William and when she found out about his affair with Nora, she wanted to punish them. So, she makes an anonymous tip lying about Ryan, hoping to destroy Nora 's life. Marion knows that in order for her plan to work, Avery can never go free, so she makes a plan to kill Avery. Avery ends up getting the jump on her and it ends with Marion dead. Avery "escapes" and seeking as much attention as possible, she spins a tale about her "harrowing ordeal".
The ending was so abrupt for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Kidnapping, and Mental illness
Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Iris meets August in a bar and they feel an instant connection, but the timing is all wrong - he is entering the NBA draft and she is dating his rival. Years later August renters her life, but she is suffering in ways August couldn't even being to imagine.
I went in blind and this book was not at all what I expected (in a good way). I was expecting a cute basketball romance... It's so much more than that. This book has so much depth and emotion. It is a story of survival, of the magnitude of motherhood, and learning to trust after trauma. There were many parts that were very hard to read, so please check the trigger warnings. This book will run you through the ringer; it is gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful and so powerful.
All of these character are incredible. Each one is so full of heart that you cannot help but love them. Iris's story is such an important one. Her story will break you. It is easy to look at people and judge, but it really shows you that we never know the battles that people are fighting.The world sees her as a ballers wife, with access to anything and everything she wants. In reality she is being controlled, tortured, and abused by her boyfriend daily.
Iris is the definition of strength. To endure what she did and to not only survive, but to find a way to thrive after all she went through gives you hope. Hope that there is life and love after such incredible trauma. Hope that you can endure the most horrific abuse, yet regain your power. This is a story of her strength, her perseverance, and her will to survive.
How can you not love August? He is so patient and empathetic. All he wants to do is protect and take care of Iris and Sarai. I love how he always puts them first and never diminishes Iris's dreams. He fights for her in every way he possibly can. His love for her is so pure.
The love between Iris and her family was a highlight in this book. Their connection highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who love you unconditionally. Lo is an incredible supporting character, she is the best friend we all need. I cannot wait to read her story.
Iris and August have an undeniable connection. Their story is about defing the odds. It is about how patience, love, trust, and strength can help us endure, to live. You can tell that Kennedy put so much time, care, and research into this book. It is truly a powerful read. She is able to create such deep and interesting characters and tackle an incredibly difficult topic with so much heart and empathy. This book will stick with me for a long time.
One small issue I had was that for the first part of the book in August's POV it felt like Iris was a "prize" in a testosterone filled competition with Caleb.
I'm.so glad that Caleb gets what he deserves. He is worse than scum.
I went in blind and this book was not at all what I expected (in a good way). I was expecting a cute basketball romance... It's so much more than that. This book has so much depth and emotion. It is a story of survival, of the magnitude of motherhood, and learning to trust after trauma. There were many parts that were very hard to read, so please check the trigger warnings. This book will run you through the ringer; it is gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful and so powerful.
All of these character are incredible. Each one is so full of heart that you cannot help but love them. Iris's story is such an important one. Her story will break you. It is easy to look at people and judge, but it really shows you that we never know the battles that people are fighting.
Iris is the definition of strength. To endure what she did and to not only survive, but to find a way to thrive after all she went through gives you hope. Hope that there is life and love after such incredible trauma. Hope that you can endure the most horrific abuse, yet regain your power. This is a story of her strength, her perseverance, and her will to survive.
How can you not love August? He is so patient and empathetic. All he wants to do is protect and take care of Iris and Sarai. I love how he always puts them first and never diminishes Iris's dreams. He fights for her in every way he possibly can. His love for her is so pure.
The love between Iris and her family was a highlight in this book. Their connection highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who love you unconditionally. Lo is an incredible supporting character, she is the best friend we all need. I cannot wait to read her story.
Iris and August have an undeniable connection. Their story is about defing the odds. It is about how patience, love, trust, and strength can help us endure, to live. You can tell that Kennedy put so much time, care, and research into this book. It is truly a powerful read. She is able to create such deep and interesting characters and tackle an incredibly difficult topic with so much heart and empathy. This book will stick with me for a long time.
One small issue I had was that for the first part of the book in August's POV it felt like Iris was a "prize" in a testosterone filled competition with Caleb.
I'm.so glad that Caleb gets what he deserves. He is worse than scum.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Kit is a caregiver who is assigned to work with Lenora, a woman who was accused of murdering her entire family.
Mind Blown! Talk about twists! I didn't know what to expect for most of the book and majority of my ideas were way off. Once the end came, it was twist after twist, and just when you thought it was done, a gigantic reveal comes outta left field. This one definitely kept me on my toes.
Lenora Hope has been confined to a wheelchair for decades. Unable to talk or move anything but her left hand. She is completely dependent on others and unable to communicate in any way except tapping her hand or t ing on a typewriter. When her caregiver disappears, Kit is hired to replace her. As Kit starts digging into Lenora's past we're led through a crazy story of betrayal and heartbreak.
I liked how the house was a character in its self. This old dilapidated mansion on the edge of a cliff slowly sliding into the ocean made for an eerie and suspensful setting.
There's so many twists in this book, which makes it both intriguing and a little over the top. There's almost too many twists. Within a couple chapters we're hit with twist after twist after twist. The majority of the twists I didn't see coming, I knew that there was something going on with Kit's father, I just couldn't pinpoint what. I think we all realized Mary was murdered.
The story ended up being Virginia was pregnant and kept it a secret from everybody in the family. After giving birth her father took the baby away from her. She then went to go confront her father and found her boyfriend accepting money to go away. Turns out the baby's father was actually Kit's father. Virgina's mother finds out about the baby and end up killing her husband. Then Kit's father ends up killing Virginia's mother. Virginia ends up trying to hang herself but survives. Virginia ends up being bed ridden.
Lenora is blamed for the murders. She decides change her name and to fake her sisters death then pass her off as herself. So for years Virginia has been living as Lenora.
Fast forward: Kit finds out that her father is a murderer. Jessie, the maid is actually Virgina's granddaughter. Kit's father killed Mary to try to keep the truth of his past hidden. The house falls into the ocean with Kits father and Lenora in it. AND: Virgina has been faking it this whole time. She can actually walk and talk but wanted to punish her sister for everything she did to her.
Mind Blown! Talk about twists! I didn't know what to expect for most of the book and majority of my ideas were way off. Once the end came, it was twist after twist, and just when you thought it was done, a gigantic reveal comes outta left field. This one definitely kept me on my toes.
Lenora Hope has been confined to a wheelchair for decades. Unable to talk or move anything but her left hand. She is completely dependent on others and unable to communicate in any way except tapping her hand or t ing on a typewriter. When her caregiver disappears, Kit is hired to replace her. As Kit starts digging into Lenora's past we're led through a crazy story of betrayal and heartbreak.
I liked how the house was a character in its self. This old dilapidated mansion on the edge of a cliff slowly sliding into the ocean made for an eerie and suspensful setting.
There's so many twists in this book, which makes it both intriguing and a little over the top. There's almost too many twists. Within a couple chapters we're hit with twist after twist after twist. The majority of the twists I didn't see coming, I knew that
The story ended up being
Lenora is blamed for the murders. She decides change her name and to fake her sisters death then pass her off as herself. So for years Virginia has been living as Lenora.
Fast forward: Kit finds out that her father is a murderer. Jessie, the maid is actually Virgina's granddaughter. Kit's father killed Mary to try to keep the truth of his past hidden. The house falls into the ocean with Kits father and Lenora in it. AND: Virgina has been faking it this whole time. She can actually walk and talk but wanted to punish her sister for everything she did to her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Grief
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Elspeth's mind is now completely taken over by Nightmare. We follow the group as the continue to search for the Twin Adler card.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first. First off, I am so glad that it switched to multiple POVs. It added so much more to the story and character development. Also, I really liked that there was a lot more world building and history of the magic throughout the book. For those who found the first book slow, the pace was a lot faster in this one.
I am so glad we got Nightmare's POV. That was exactly what I was looking for. In the first book, I found it was lacking information about his story and motivation. In book two, we got all that and so much more. We learn about the creation of the cards, his family, and the truth of what happened to him.He was betrayed by his captain, Brutus Rowan. Brutus murdered his entire family and took the crown for himself. He is definitely the most interesting character for me. We see how the magic completely twisted his priorities.
In this book, we also get Rayvn and Elm's POVs. We get to see the development of Elm and Ione's relationship. They are so cute together.I thought it was a smart choice to make Elm king over Rayvn. Though still within the Rowan line, he was so unlike any king before him.
Adding Ravyn's POV added a lot of emotion to the story. We see his story reflecting that ofThe Shepherd King. Yet while Nightmare is willing to sacrifice anything for magic, even his sister, Rayvn is only willing to sacrifice himself. Though I did see this coming, we find out that Rayvn is a descendent of the Shepherd King. The King's eldest son escaped Brutus' slaughter and went on to change his last name to Yew.
I love how they ended up using Hauth's blood to unite the deck. Justice.
Tropes: found family
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first. First off, I am so glad that it switched to multiple POVs. It added so much more to the story and character development. Also, I really liked that there was a lot more world building and history of the magic throughout the book. For those who found the first book slow, the pace was a lot faster in this one.
I am so glad we got Nightmare's POV. That was exactly what I was looking for. In the first book, I found it was lacking information about his story and motivation. In book two, we got all that and so much more. We learn about the creation of the cards, his family, and the truth of what happened to him.
In this book, we also get Rayvn and Elm's POVs. We get to see the development of Elm and Ione's relationship. They are so cute together.
Adding Ravyn's POV added a lot of emotion to the story. We see his story reflecting that of
Tropes: found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Misogyny
Moderate: Infidelity
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After surviving the fever as a child, the magic she developed has lead to her living with a 500 year old monster, Nightmare, in her head. Something she has had to hide for the last 11 years as her magic is illegal magic. The fever has been a blight over Blunder and is only getting worse. Now she must work to help collect the Providence cards... The key to the cure.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this book, it is something completely different than any other book I have read. I appreciated that there were consequences to using magic, and it wasn't just a free for all. I wanted more world building. We know a few things about Blunder, but not much.
As always, I wish this had been dual POV. I really wanted to get into Ravyns head so that I could better understand him. He is not what you expect him to be. As the Captain, you expect him to be brutal and harsh, but he is quite the opposite. Elspeth a strong and intelligent woman who has had to fight to keep her secret and stay alive for the last 11 years. Yet, she is also kind of a boring character, her banter with Nightmare is the more interesting part of her.
I really want more background on Nightmare, I find him very intriguing and the most interesting character in the book. I hope that we get more of his story in the second book. Is it weird that I wanted Elspeth to fall in love with him...?It was not a surprise that Nightmare is The Shepherd King. That was pretty expected from the beginning.
Tropes: fantasy, magic, slow burn, Found family, forced proximity
I really enjoyed the magic system in this book, it is something completely different than any other book I have read. I appreciated that there were consequences to using magic, and it wasn't just a free for all. I wanted more world building. We know a few things about Blunder, but not much.
As always, I wish this had been dual POV. I really wanted to get into Ravyns head so that I could better understand him. He is not what you expect him to be. As the Captain, you expect him to be brutal and harsh, but he is quite the opposite. Elspeth a strong and intelligent woman who has had to fight to keep her secret and stay alive for the last 11 years. Yet, she is also kind of a boring character, her banter with Nightmare is the more interesting part of her.
I really want more background on Nightmare, I find him very intriguing and the most interesting character in the book. I hope that we get more of his story in the second book. Is it weird that I wanted Elspeth to fall in love with him...?
Tropes: fantasy, magic, slow burn, Found family, forced proximity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Death
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Sexual content
Hands Down by Mariana Zapata
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Bianca and Zack grew up together but lost touch. 10 years later they are back in each other's lives.
I really wanted to love this one. I did like Zac and Bianca for the most part and the overall premise, but there were just too many issues with the book.
Bianca drove me a little crazy to be honest. She is very outgoing, funny and goofy around her family, but half of the book is her spiralling into these moments when she doesn't feel "worthy" or is feeling like she is a burden. She has a victim mentality, where she has convinced herself that people don't want to be around her. She makes assumptions about people instead of communicating with them.
Why the hell would she give her ex all her money? She just rolled over and gave him everything? What the hell?
What happened between her and Zac was so strange to me. If I couldn't get ahold of my really good friend after messaging and calling a few times, I would try another way or reach out to a mutual friend. It seems weird to me that you just give up, but I guess it goes along with her "woe is me" mentality.His jealous ex changes their phone numbers in each other's phones.
I liked Zac, but he was very flaky. I hated how he called her kiddo, it gave me the ick. While I really liked their friendship, I didn't feel a romantic connection between them. He definitely loves her like a friend and family, but there really aren't signs throughout the book that he is in love with her. I think part of the problem is that we only get her POV so I cannot really pinpoint when his feelings change or if he felt them all along.
I felt as though this could have been a little shorter as it was very repetitive and the whole "my YouTube page was hacked" part didn't add anything to the plot.
Tropes: second change, best friend, football, slow burn
I really wanted to love this one. I did like Zac and Bianca for the most part and the overall premise, but there were just too many issues with the book.
Bianca drove me a little crazy to be honest. She is very outgoing, funny and goofy around her family, but half of the book is her spiralling into these moments when she doesn't feel "worthy" or is feeling like she is a burden. She has a victim mentality, where she has convinced herself that people don't want to be around her. She makes assumptions about people instead of communicating with them.
What happened between her and Zac was so strange to me. If I couldn't get ahold of my really good friend after messaging and calling a few times, I would try another way or reach out to a mutual friend. It seems weird to me that you just give up, but I guess it goes along with her "woe is me" mentality.
I liked Zac, but he was very flaky. I hated how he called her kiddo, it gave me the ick. While I really liked their friendship, I didn't feel a romantic connection between them. He definitely loves her like a friend and family, but there really aren't signs throughout the book that he is in love with her. I think part of the problem is that we only get her POV so I cannot really pinpoint when his feelings change or if he felt them all along.
I felt as though this could have been a little shorter as it was very repetitive and the whole "my YouTube page was hacked" part didn't add anything to the plot.
Tropes: second change, best friend, football, slow burn
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In Maine, 1789, Martha Ballard, a midwife, is called to examine a dead man who was found in the frozen river. Martha immediately recognizes him as one of the men accused of raping a local woman. She's certain the two crimes are connected.
This an incredibly intriguing and thought provoking story. The author blends fact and fiction to bring this historical fiction to life. This is a heartbreaking story, and caution should be given as there is much discussion of rape.
Maine acts as its own character in this book, with its difficult winters and beautiful landscape as a backdrop. I loved the vivid descriptions of the landscape throughout the story.
During a time when women had no rights or freedoms, Martha was an outspoken advocate for her patients. She's a strong, empathetic, and courageous woman who goes to extreme lengths to protect and care for the women in her community.
This book does a really great job at exploring the role and treatment of women at this time. Martha lived in a time when women were seen as less than. You could be charged for having a baby out of wedlock, but of course there were no repercussions for the man. Martha fought for justice even when all odds are against her. Even as a midwife, she was looked down upon by the male doctors.
The murder mystery element within the story was very compelling. We were given some clues that pointed to Sam as the murderer earlier on. So I had an idea that it may have been him, but I couldn't figure out his motivation. That came as a surprise.
I'm really happy that North got what he was due. I actually burst out laughing when Martha cut off his *appendage*. As she said, he can't hurt any women now.
I felt as though the story could have been a little shorter, there were some scenes that didn't really add to the book. Also, there are a lot of characters who I lost track of and had to go back and figure out how they fit in the story.
The Frozen River was inspired by Martha Ballard (February 9, 1735 – June 9, 1812), a midwife who delivered hundreds of babies and never once lost a mother during birth.
This an incredibly intriguing and thought provoking story. The author blends fact and fiction to bring this historical fiction to life. This is a heartbreaking story, and caution should be given as there is much discussion of rape.
Maine acts as its own character in this book, with its difficult winters and beautiful landscape as a backdrop. I loved the vivid descriptions of the landscape throughout the story.
During a time when women had no rights or freedoms, Martha was an outspoken advocate for her patients. She's a strong, empathetic, and courageous woman who goes to extreme lengths to protect and care for the women in her community.
This book does a really great job at exploring the role and treatment of women at this time. Martha lived in a time when women were seen as less than. You could be charged for having a baby out of wedlock, but of course there were no repercussions for the man. Martha fought for justice even when all odds are against her. Even as a midwife, she was looked down upon by the male doctors.
The murder mystery element within the story was very compelling.
I'm really happy that North got what he was due.
I felt as though the story could have been a little shorter, there were some scenes that didn't really add to the book. Also, there are a lot of characters who I lost track of and had to go back and figure out how they fit in the story.
The Frozen River was inspired by Martha Ballard (February 9, 1735 – June 9, 1812), a midwife who delivered hundreds of babies and never once lost a mother during birth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Abandonment, Infidelity, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, Blood, Chronic illness, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
The Love You Fight For by Brit Benson
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Sam is a politicians daughter who has never wanted for anything except for her freedom.
Sam is her father's tool, at least that's how he sees her. He has spent her whole life manipulating, abusing, and attempting to mold her into a submissive woman who does his bidding. But Sam is a vicious, vengeful queen. Her heartbreaking and painful past has not made her pliant, it has made her angry. While she may look like she is her father's puppet, she is actually plotting and planning to get her revenge on the men who have abused her her entire life. She is an absolute badass who is incredibly strong, fearless, capable, and demands respect.All along she has been working with the police to gather evidence and take down her father and his buddies. The final takedown at the gala is pure brilliance.
Chris Casper is the definition of a cinnamon roll. He knows that there is more to Sam that her ice queen exterior. She pushes him away at every turn, but he is patient, persistent and so supportive. He is her peace. Hello green flags. They are waving all over the place. He is her north.
Sam has suffered years of abuse from the powerful men in her life. *This is not shown on page.* We do not need to relive Sam's trauma to experience her pain and the torment she endured. Benson is able to evoke so much emotion and depth throughout the book without recounting all those details.
I love that we get to revisit Macon and Lennon thought the story, but their addition doesn't distract us from Chris and Sam. I like how their friendships add so much depth to the story.
Tropes: Opposites attract, he falls first, found family, revenge
Sam is her father's tool, at least that's how he sees her. He has spent her whole life manipulating, abusing, and attempting to mold her into a submissive woman who does his bidding. But Sam is a vicious, vengeful queen. Her heartbreaking and painful past has not made her pliant, it has made her angry. While she may look like she is her father's puppet, she is actually plotting and planning to get her revenge on the men who have abused her her entire life. She is an absolute badass who is incredibly strong, fearless, capable, and demands respect.
Chris Casper is the definition of a cinnamon roll. He knows that there is more to Sam that her ice queen exterior. She pushes him away at every turn, but he is patient, persistent and so supportive. He is her peace. Hello green flags. They are waving all over the place. He is her north.
Sam has suffered years of abuse from the powerful men in her life. *This is not shown on page.* We do not need to relive Sam's trauma to experience her pain and the torment she endured. Benson is able to evoke so much emotion and depth throughout the book without recounting all those details.
I love that we get to revisit Macon and Lennon thought the story, but their addition doesn't distract us from Chris and Sam. I like how their friendships add so much depth to the story.
Tropes: Opposites attract, he falls first, found family, revenge
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Pucking Revenge by Brittanée Nicole
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
When Sara finds out her boyfriend is actually married, her best friend Brooks steps as her fake boyfriend.
I do love a good friends to lovers story and this one was pretty decent. I really enjoyed Sara and Brooks' chemistry and liked that it was built up through a strong friendship first. I was a little annoyed by their lack of communication, talk to each other! They could have been together way before had they just got out of their own heads and had an honest conversation.
I loved Brooks, he really was the quintessential good guy. His relationship with his brothers and their text chain is absolutely hilarious. It was truly the best part of the book.
I didn't really like Sara that much... I found her kind of annoying.
Why are they plotting petty revenge on the coach instead of going to Gavin and explaining how the coach used his position of power to manipulate another employee? Sure fire way to get the guy fired. Boom, revenge done.
Why. Are. They. Not. Exposing. Cheaters? I hate that they didn't tell the aunt and let her be bindsided. You don't want to hurt her, but you keep such a hurtful secret from her? Awful.
I really like all the side characters, even though it was hard to keep track of them at times (there are so many). But their relationships with the MCs and their personalities added a lot to the story. I love how close they all are and how they always have each other's backs.
A few things gave me a the ick though... The fact that the coach was his uncle and the scene in the office. Major ick. I wish the coach had just been a coach and not his uncle. Also I didn't like their nicknames...
Honestly, I could have done without the podcast segments. I didn't feel like they added anything to the story.
Tropes: hockey, best friends to lovers, fake dating, found family
I do love a good friends to lovers story and this one was pretty decent. I really enjoyed Sara and Brooks' chemistry and liked that it was built up through a strong friendship first. I was a little annoyed by their lack of communication, talk to each other! They could have been together way before had they just got out of their own heads and had an honest conversation.
I loved Brooks, he really was the quintessential good guy. His relationship with his brothers and their text chain is absolutely hilarious. It was truly the best part of the book.
I didn't really like Sara that much... I found her kind of annoying.
Why are they plotting petty revenge on the coach instead of going to Gavin and explaining how the coach used his position of power to manipulate another employee? Sure fire way to get the guy fired. Boom, revenge done.
Why. Are. They. Not. Exposing. Cheaters? I hate that they didn't tell the aunt and let her be bindsided. You don't want to hurt her, but you keep such a hurtful secret from her? Awful.
I really like all the side characters, even though it was hard to keep track of them at times (there are so many). But their relationships with the MCs and their personalities added a lot to the story. I love how close they all are and how they always have each other's backs.
A few things gave me a the ick though... The fact that the coach was his uncle and the scene in the office. Major ick. I wish the coach had just been a coach and not his uncle. Also I didn't like their nicknames...
Honestly, I could have done without the podcast segments. I didn't feel like they added anything to the story.
Tropes: hockey, best friends to lovers, fake dating, found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Coda by Jennifer Hartmann
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.0
Years later, Noah is happily married and Chelsie has found peace in life. When tragedy strikes they are thrown back together.
I really liked the first book and the ending. I liked the idea that they were an integral part of each other's lives, but not necessarily end game. That said, I did enjoy the continuation of their story. This book, like the first, was filled with heartbreak, angst, and tragedy.
Chelsie went through years of healing on her journey to self-love. I just really wished we saw some of that journey. She is still filled with so much self-doubt, but she has such a big heart and cares so much. Sadly, her past manages to catch up to her and threatens to undo all the hard work she has done. She is such a strong and determined woman. She makes some very dumb choices, but her heart is in the right place.
Noah has endured so much loss in this book, he is broken and on a self-destructive path. You can see how torn he is.Yes, he definitely loved his wife and their life together, but Cheslie has always been his soulmate. He struggles with the idea that being with Chelsie is betraying Beth. Considering the complex situation, this is understandable.
I love these two together. They have so much chemistry and I love how seamlessly Cheslie fits into their family. They just need to work on their communication a bit more.
I adored the supporting characters in this book. Especially the kids and Elsa. They added so much to the story and the development of the main characters. I love how her side characters have big personalities and don't just fade into the background.
As soon as wefind out that Beth has been killed, I knew right away it was Ian's brother. So, that, and Riley's involvement, didn't come as a shock at all.
The ending felt very rushed to me. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of their life together in Florida. What is their "normal" now?
Tropes: rockstar, second chance
I really liked the first book and the ending. I liked the idea that they were an integral part of each other's lives, but not necessarily end game. That said, I did enjoy the continuation of their story. This book, like the first, was filled with heartbreak, angst, and tragedy.
Chelsie went through years of healing on her journey to self-love. I just really wished we saw some of that journey. She is still filled with so much self-doubt, but she has such a big heart and cares so much. Sadly, her past manages to catch up to her and threatens to undo all the hard work she has done. She is such a strong and determined woman. She makes some very dumb choices, but her heart is in the right place.
Noah has endured so much loss in this book, he is broken and on a self-destructive path. You can see how torn he is.
I love these two together. They have so much chemistry and I love how seamlessly Cheslie fits into their family. They just need to work on their communication a bit more.
I adored the supporting characters in this book. Especially the kids and Elsa. They added so much to the story and the development of the main characters. I love how her side characters have big personalities and don't just fade into the background.
As soon as we
The ending felt very rushed to me. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of their life together in Florida. What is their "normal" now?
Tropes: rockstar, second chance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, Murder, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail