So someone flagged my review of this book for plagiarism and gr removed the review as well as the book from 'read' shelf, when in reality i had spent So someone flagged my review of this book for plagiarism and gr removed the review as well as the book from 'read' shelf, when in reality i had spent an hour writing my own review? And it does nothing when it comes to people plagiarising my reviews?...more
“I’m in love with a dream, with a man who isn’t real, and there isn’t any coming back from it.”
Living a dream life in dreams or dreaming a real life i
“I’m in love with a dream, with a man who isn’t real, and there isn’t any coming back from it.”
Living a dream life in dreams or dreaming a real life in dreams?
This book in simple words is magical and breathtaking. This is my first Sarah Ready novel and my very first book that has magical realism as one of its main settting, and it is a masterpiece in this genre. The story is a unique combination of dream and real life that left me with feelings like warmth, happiness and nostalgia.
Sarah Ready is an incredible writer, with her unique story-telling and incisive and profound narrative, she weaved a story of a woman learning to dream and then falling in love with the man of her dreams in her dream life. It's incredibly complex yet intriguing with every passing chapter, you will find yourself reading it without stopping because the story has a quiet hypnotic rhythm to it, with its tropical paradise setting in dreams, and cozy and comforting vibes of Geneva, Switzerland, you will get sucked right into the pages of this book.
“You forget everything you experienced, everything you knew in the dream world. Sometimes you’ll remember a flash. Sometimes you’ll remember a feeling. But mostly, you forget everything. You forget your dreams. You don’t take them with you into real life.”
The plot twists are perfectly executed with no plot hole galores. The anticipation of finding the truth behind those dreams Fiona is dreaming and to know what had led her to dream about that tropical island and Aaron left me with thrilling excitement. The story stirred a spectrum of perplexing emotions inside me from nostalgia to adoration to agonising emotions. There is also drama and comedy involve, brought in by nuanced side-characters. The scenery also has all the summery and cozy atmospheric vibes that are brought to life by Sarah's vivid details in her story-telling.
➸ Fiona Abry is a heiress of a Swiss watchmaker. Fiona is an intelligent and confident woman, an incredible single mother. But she forgot what it truly felt like to dream, to trust and to fall in love. This is where a mysterious and magical watch enters, a classic and family heirloom that lets her live her greatest desires of real life in her dreams. But what happens when said dreams feels like reality, when Fiona starts irrevocably falling for the man of her dreams in her dreams, a man who is just a figment of her desires and need but feels real. Fiona has everything she wants in her dream life, kids and a husband, Aaron McCormick who loves her beyond everything, but will she ever stop dreaming about the people she came to love in her dreams?
“I’d like to feel alive,” I admit, and then, “I think I can. With you.”
➸ Aaron McCormick is a man one can so easily fall in love with. He's got the gentleness, a charming persona, an easy-going nature, an incredible man, father and a husband. Aaron loves deeply and wholeheartedly. If he's in you cannot change his mind ever. I am enamored by his character and how he shows his vulnerability to Fiona, his thoughts on life, how he loves his people and how many hardships he had been through yet still he is most compassionate and down to earth man. To simply say, I am in love and you will be too if you just read this book once.
“McCormick.” “What does it mean?” “Some say it means an almost, a never-was, a dream that didn’t happen, but I say it means an always, a dream that still goes on.”
: ̗̀➛ Aaron and Fiona
The romance was breathtaking. I fell in love with Aaron and Fiona's beautiful and whimsical love story. Fiona and Aaron are soulmates in truest meaning, finding each other even in dreams because they were fated to be together. The way Fiona fell in love in her dreams, and how she started imagining her dream people in real life, how she cared for the people she met only at night in her own magical world created by her deepest desires, everything was perfect. Every dream, every conversation between Aaron and Fiona, every little date orchestrated their newfound love and trust for each other that later turned to this fated love story. How they truly showed their vulnerable and broken parts only for the other to heal them. The found family arc that is the heart of this story was constructed perfectly and with so much elegance and comfort. It was simply so beautiful, uplifting and endearing.
“I see evidence of him everywhere. He’s invaded my world. Even when he’s not real, not here, I still feel him next to me.”
The ending was perfect and you guys are in a roller coaster ride with how the last chapters were written. I tried my best to write this review without spoiling it for you because it's better if you experience the beauty of this novel by reading it and living it with these lovely characters.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“You may not be a goddess, but nor am I a god. Despite our mundane lives, perhaps we make our own magic with words.”
Iris and Roman will forever live i
“You may not be a goddess, but nor am I a god. Despite our mundane lives, perhaps we make our own magic with words.”
Iris and Roman will forever live in my heart and in my mind rent free. Divine Rivals struck a chord in my heart and made me fall in love with Iris and Roman's beautiful and enchanting story and it's always going to be a special one for me.
Divine Rivals followed Iris and Roman and how their love story blossomed from being rivals to writing letters of enchantment to finally confessing their feelings. Ruthless Vows's narrative centered more on the world building of the magical world Iris and Roman lived in, and Rebecca explored the history behind the rivalry between the gods — how Enva's need for freedom and Dacre's animosity and hunger for power laid the foundations for the war. I was waiting for more of world building after reading DR because that book lacked that aspect of a fantasy book and Rebecca finally gave us all the insights and depth in this book. Rebecca's writing? Exquisite and divine just like this series.
“Their souls weren’t mirrors but complements, constellations that burned side by side.”
➸ Iris Winnow
She is one the fierceless character I have ever read about. One thing I admire the most about her is that she is emotional and vulnerable but she always know how to held her ground, she knows how to use that vulnerability and pain and to turn it into strength and love. Her compassionate side only wants to help and make their world a better place and she fought till her very last breath to do that.
“Let me be your secret, then. Tuck my words into your pocket. Let them be your armor.”
➸ Roman Kitt
I fell for him even more in this book. Roman is perfect but we finally saw a different side of his personage. He was held captive and fought for himself and the past he couldn't remember anymore. He is still loyal to his humanity and his beliefs and he fought the battle against Dacre while being a part of his army and that was the hardest thing he had to. My heart broke for him, for the pain and trauma he experienced and how he wanted nothing more than to be with Iris after regaining his memories, but couldn't. I will never forgive Rebecca for putting him through hell in this book when all he ever wanted was to be with his wife.
“Your words have moved me, deeply. I also hunger for them, for you, and feel as if I could devour tomes of your writing and never be satiated.”
╰┈➤ Iris & Roman
Iris and Roman didn't had many moments together in this book but the few they had have all my heart. The first time they met again was heartbreaking and full of agony on both character's part. One remembered everything and the other didn't and the longing on Iris's face and the confusion on Roman's face, it was too much. The romance was full of pain, angst, longing and mutual pining. I loved that they still exchanged the enchanted letters and it helped them know each other again. But mostly I loved how it felt, like something that was familiar but also new in the same sense, sending letters as strangers and then as lovers who yearned to be with each other. It was hopeful and beautiful to see how they made promises to each other for the life they wanted to build together after the war was over and also kept those promises. Their few stolen moments, reunions, face to face interactions, those promises and letters and their happy ending healed my broken heart.
“You believed I had come to the Bluff to outshine you. And I would speak this word back to you now, but only because I would love to see you burn with splendor. I would love to see your words catch fire with mine.”
➸ The side characters?
I liked Attie and Tobias together. They were adorable and I wish we got more of them in this book. I even liked Forest in this book. I still hate him for what he did in DR but I understand where he was coming from and he just wanted to save his sister, his only living family.
➸ The gods?
They were a joke. Enva's presence did nothing in this book and you are telling me she knew how to kill Dacre for years and she still waited years to do it? She let soldiers after soldiers die for her for no reason other than to wait and see how low can Dacre go to win this war? And people had sides in this war when both the gods were as horrible as the others in the graves? The whole thing about gods and their hunger for power was so frustrating.
I was eagerly waiting for Iris and Roman and how they'll meet again, and tackle the situation regarding Roman forgetting his memories. I wanted to fight them together side by side but Dacre had to ruin it for them. He held Roman captive because his only two brain cells couldn't write an article on his own.
The ending chapters were terrifying and I couldn't stop crying. The war scenes were raw, intense, hopeful yet so hopeless at times. I liked how Rebecca wrote those chapters in mutiple povs and gave us insight about all the sides of war zone. The ending broke my heart a little and it was bittersweet and Iris didn't deserve that in the end. But atleast Iris and Roman are happy and finally living in a cute cottage and writing letters and books for each other. We atleast deserve a few bonus scenes after the emotional turmoil they have been through.
I loved this book which I definitely wasn't expecting after reading some reviews, but maybe I had lower expectations or maybe I just simply loved it. Though I still feel like Rebecca robbed us all of Iris and Roman's angsty and wholesome moments in this book.
“Write me a story where there is no ending, Kitt. Write to me and fill my empty spaces.”
——————— pre-read review: i am so scared to read this book bcs of the mixed reviews but i need to woman up and finish this duet so here we go.......more
“For keeps?” I breathed. He kissed my shoulder. “For keeps.”
Did I finish this book or did it finish me?
Heartbreaking, soul-crushing, profound but abov“For keeps?” I breathed. He kissed my shoulder. “For keeps.”
Did I finish this book or did it finish me?
Heartbreaking, soul-crushing, profound but above all an unforgettable and a beautiful story. I expected this book to be full of sunshine and happiness, but it was so much intense, emotional and heartbreaking than B13. There were so many dark and heavy topics in this book and Chloe didn't hesitated to show us the raw, realistic and blatant vulnerability in this book. But above everything else, this book has one of the best, beautiful and genuine found family.
The romance was tender, charming, adorably awkward sweet. K13 focused more on the family dynamics, characters' growth and development, trauma and healing of the Lynch siblings. Chloe delved deeper into Lynch's family dynamics, showed us the pain and darkness that lurked inside their house, showed us that not everything in reality is always black and white, and that sometimes freedom, forgiveness and happiness costs life and death. I can't even imagine the pain the Lynch siblings has suffered for the years and its incomprehensible until you step into their shoes and Chloe reflected their pain, trauma and unhappiness in this book and let me tell you it was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking in the worst way possible.
“Well, I don’t want easy. I want you. Just the way you are. Every part and every piece.” “Even the broken parts?” He winked. “Especially the broken parts.”
➸ Shannon Lynch
I really liked how Shannon tried to come out of her shell in this book. It was a small growth on her part but I don't expect her to do a one-eighty in just a few months because Shannon has been through hell in her entire life. She is finally trying to let other people in her life and I liked how she's not lying to anyone even when it goes against her surviving nature. She stood up for herself against her family and her bullies when it was needed. She's so precious and strong and resilient and maybe she doesn't know it yet but she is a survivor through and through who did everything in her power to climbed back up on her feet.
“I’m here for Johnny the boy. Not Johnny the rugby player. I’ll stay for both, but I’m only in love with one.”
“Claire Biggs had a lot of things. My back. My attention. My heart. My soul. Yeah, she had all of me and that wasn’t an exaggeration.”
Jokes on me for
“Claire Biggs had a lot of things. My back. My attention. My heart. My soul. Yeah, she had all of me and that wasn’t an exaggeration.”
Jokes on me for thinking Taming 7 would be less painful and heartbreaking than the previous ones in this series just because it is about two sunshine emanating characters. Jokes on me for thinking Chloe can write love stories without breaking my heart in the process. I am destroyed by this series. AGAIN. For the millionth time.
Taming 7 is a funny and comforting story and Gibsie and Claire definitely poured sunshine and joy in this book but it also had it's heartbreaking, dark, tragic and soul-crushing moments. I wasn't expecting this to be a heavy read with so much trauma and pain. The romance balanced the pain and angst part of the story.
➸ Claire Biggs
Claire is the definition of sunshine walking on earth in human form. She is brimming with life, hope, heart and sincerity and this girl radiates happiness and sunshine on daily basis. I have always loved Claire and I love how she's very forthcoming about her feelings, how she understands people and sympathises with them and how much she cares for the people she loves, especially the boy she loved all her life. Claire’s character felt real and authentic because she always shows everyone her real side and it was refreshing because sometimes I want to read about characters who don't put a façade to keep others happy. The things she did for Gibsie for years, how she kept him alive and safe in her own safe bubble, protected him from his nightmares day and night, gave him a safe place, gave him the reasons to love and live and the way she loves him with so much passion and joy was incredible. She loved him when he was incapable of loving himself, she loved him even when she lost herself in him and it just shows that no matter what love is messy and raw and heartbreaking at times but it is always worth for the right person.
“This boy was the boy. The boy my heart had been created to beat for. The boy I was made to love.”
➸ Gerard Gibson
Gibsie is always seen as the class clown, the joker, the sunshine boy, the mischievous boy. The boy who can make anyone laugh with his antics and jokes but no one ever saw what he hides behind those jokes and laugh except his best-friend, Claire. He is the most thoughtful person in this series, he's the one who's always there for everyone, the one who keeps their group happy and alive. And I never thought his story would break me like this. I never expected to see this side of Gibsie — the boy with demons in his mind, monsters in past, nightmares and trauma. But it's always the people who smiles and laughs the most hides the greatest pains in the world, and Gibsie was excellent at hiding his pain, heartbreaks, burden, anger behind the jokester façade he created to tell himself and others that he's okay. The deeper exploration of him only made me love him more. It showed and explained in intricate details his trauma, the several layers he had wrapped around his heart as coping mechanisms to his trauma and his reasons behind his carefully crafted persona and it all broke my heart. He deserves the best in the world.
“She was the best part of a broken childhood.”
: ̗̀➛ Claire and Gibsie
I never knew how much I needed sunshine-sunshine dynamic until I met Gibsie and Claire. They both compliment each other so well, fit so perfectly in each other's life, and I love how even though they both exudes warmth and happiness, they always have a balance in their friendship with their different dynamics. Their childhood friendship gives me so much comfort knowing that Gibsie always had Claire by his side, in his darkest times. Their lifelong frienship gives pure soulmatism vibes, and it's a beautiful and pure concoction of loyalty, humour, banter, comfort and love. I loved everything about Gibsie and Claire and especially the moments when they were kids and how Claire helped Gibsie healed and over come his fears. Their special bond has all my heart.
“You were dreaming?” “I dream every night.” Wow. Lucky her. “What were you dreaming about?” “The usual,” she replied, cheek resting on my chest again. “Which is?” “You.”
Their story was equally painful and beautiful but the way they finally let down their walls enough to give their love a chance was everything. Seeing Gibsie accepting her love and giving Claire the commitment and security she needed in return from him made me so much happy for these two. It took quiet a good scenes of jealousy and bad dates but he finally accepted his defeat. They are perfect. They are everything.
“I loved her. Every part of me. With every bone in my body. Defective and all as I was. I couldn’t help it. It was instinctive. It was ever consuming. It was forever.”
It's criminal how underrated Johnny and Gibsie's friendship is. They are so adorable as friends. And the scene where Johnny was holding Gibsie, telling him how much he means to him while Gibsie was crying and breaking in his arms ...more
This book wrecked my heart, shredded it in pieces, devasted my soul and mind. I will never be same aft♾ stars
“Ride or die, Joe.” “Ride or die, Molloy.”
This book wrecked my heart, shredded it in pieces, devasted my soul and mind. I will never be same after reading Joey and Aoife's epic and unforgettable love story. They will stay forever in my heart and soul.
If I could describe what heartbreaks and devastation feel like, I'll tell you to read this book. If I could tell you what true and all consuming and emotional love feel like, I'll tell you about Joey and Aoife's love story. If you ask me if soulmates are a real thing, I'll tell you about Joey and Aoife. If you ask me the meaning of hope, I'll tell you about Aoife's love for Joey because her love is the definition of love that can bring someone back to life, love that breathes life and hope into someone who is constantly dying every day, every minute of his life. Aoife's love is the ray of sunshine, a spark of hope that gives Joey a million little reasons to survive, live, and fight for himself and for her.
He exhaled and whispered, “I’m really fucking drowning here, Aoife.” “Don’t worry, Joe. I won’t let that happen,” I replied, nuzzling his nose with mine. “I won’t let your head go under.” “Promise?” I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I promise.”
➸ Joey Lynch
With every page, every word, I fell for Joey Lynch a little bit more. I can never get over his story, the things he's been through, the monsters he fought in real life and inside his head everyday of his life. It was heart-rending in the worst way possible. I have never seen devastation in real life but Joey is the definition of it in every manner possible. My heart hurts for him, my heart beats for him, my heart loves him. He failed again and again but he also proved and redeemed himself again and again and he finally got his second and last chance. Joey was in a dark phase here, he couldn't fathom the idea of being alive because he was tired of his life. He was tired of living for other people, his siblings and nobody saw what he was going through all alone except Aoife. She was his hope his entire life and she brought him back to world again and again with her love, trust and believe in him. Joey was broken by his mother. She couldn't love him the way he deserved to be loved and it just breaks my heart because he is the sweetest and most thoughtful person ever and he deserves the world. He was the worst version of himself here, repeating mistakes, falling into old patterns, did so many horrible things to himself and hurt Aoife countless times but he also fought for her everyday. What really broke my heart was how he didn't believe in his own capability to get better. He was lost all the time and he missed so many things about Aoife's pregnancy. He fought so many inner battles, real ones, but he found his courage to fight for his love and his little family, started living for himself but also for them and that's all that matters. His character development wasn't done magically and he still has a long way ahead for redemption but I just know he's going to build an epic future for himself and his little family.
“Something about this girl settled something deep inside of me. I couldn’t understand it, much less explain it, but when I was with her, I felt like I was drowning and breathing at once. I felt like I was riding this thrilling wave, and it didn’t matter if I fell or not because I could only land on softness.”
➸ Aoife Molloy
Aoife was incredible in this book. She presented the definition of a strong and brave woman with an altruistic nature. All the horrible things she went through, all the heartbreaks she endured, she did all with a head held high and that's just amazing. I haven't seen anyone love the way she loves Joey. If it were someone other than Joey I'd be calling her a stupid fool for losing herself in loving a man this way. She brought all her love and life in one person because she saw something in him that was blinded to other people. It was so beautiful and selfless as much it was heart-rending to see her go through all the horrible things because she loves him. I saw people blaming her for the things she did, decisions she made but she was right all along. She was scared of pushing him to another deep end by telling him about pregnancy because he was in a dark phase. She gave him many chances to redeem himself and he still fucked up but she never gave up on him even when he gave up on himself and that's just admirable. I love her so much for that. Aoife will always be my favourite girl in this series. She possess strength and unwavering commitment that's so hard to find in a female protagonist. She's a woman of her own, always stood for what's right and always stood up for Joey against everyone in the world. And I also liked when she tried to put herself first in here when she needed that. She also showed insecurities related to her body changing due to this new phase in her life and her future on hold and my heart broke for her because she deserved the best but also loved how she made the best out of that situation even when she was all alone, but not once she blamed Joey because she knew how much he was hurting himself and her by succumbing to his addictions. She is an inspiration.
“I was in love with him. The boy he used to be. The man he had become. All of his versions. I loved them all.”
: ̗̀➛ Joey and Aoife
“Hey, stud.” “Hey, queen.”
Joey and Aoife. Aoife and Joey. You can't separate them from each other. They are what soulmates looks like, feels like. The way they love each other is beyond this universe. I can't even imagine going through this many struggles and heartbreaks and still be in love with other person. But they say love is beautiful and voilent at the same time. It makes you but it destroys you in other ways. Love is never perfect and what they have is raw and messy but also unforgettable, irrevocable and mesmerising. Aoife was breaking her heart everyday for the boy she loved for years and yet she couldn't stop loving him, believing in him because she knew he is worth all the heartbreaks and devastation he is causing her. I can never imagine that kind of love for myself but I also want it for me because to be loved the way they love each other and to love the way they love is just something you only get to have once in a lifetime.
“Please just… please keep loving me.” “Always, Joe,” she breathed against my lips. “Always.”
“What if I can’t get better, Aoife?” he choked out, holding onto my body for dear life. “What if this is who I am?” “Then you’ll still be stuck with me,” I told him. “Because I love you, stud. In all your shapes and forms.”
There were hard decisions to make, selfish and heartbreaking ones, and Joey and Aoife went through hell in this book to finally get to their happy and hopeful chance at life. What really broke me was how much they hurt each other and yet kept coming back to each other because they didn't know what life meant without loving the other person. Joey so desperately wanted to heal but he couldn't because of the horrible people in his life and Aoife did everything in her power to give this boy her everything but it wasn't enough for Joey. Together they weathered the storm of destruction and darkness and they came out of it alive and together, with scars that will heal with time, love and trust. Perception is everything when it comes to understanding Joey and Aoife's love story. Some would say they are moving towards a destructive path and some would say they are healing together to have a chance at a peaceful and happy life. Me? I love the bones of them. I am so happy that they finally have the family they deserves and are surrounded by so much love and joy. It healed my broken heart.
“I’ll never leave you on your own again,” he vowed, wrapping both of his arms around me. “I will never fail you again.” I could hear the sincerity in his voice, and I needed so badly for him to be right about this. For him to stay. “It’s my turn, Molloy.” He kissed my hair. “To look after you.”
“Every part of me loved every part of her. The good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Reading about Joey and Mammy K relationship in this book was everything. Mammy K is the best! They opened their door for Lynch siblings and gave Joey a chance at fighting for his future. She treated him the way he deserved and though Joey doesn't treat her like a mother because he never had any but Edel always treats him like a son and that's just so comforting and beautiful.
“I’m not your boy.” “And I already told you that we’re keeping you.” She chuckled. “Finders keepers, Joey love. You’re mine now.”
Redeeming 6 deals with some heavy topics so please read trigger warnings before reading this book. This book was a dagger straight to my heart. I couldn't stop crying for hours because of the torrent of emotions crashing through me. Chloe was very blunt with this story, she never tried to dulcify anything related to Joey and his depression and drug addiction. Everything was on-page and some scenes were so raw and heart-crushing that I couldn't breathe through my tears. That's how much devastation this book caused me. But looking back at it right now, I know every tear I shed for him was worth it because Joey Lynch is worth everything in this world. He is priceless.
I loved how we got to see Joey's rehabilitation journey and to understand his past and his present better. It was an important part of his story and Chloe did an amazing job at writing about it. I am finally at peace knowing he is happy and is living his best and happy life with the people he loves and the family he deserves. I am already missing them and I already want to reread these books! I just want to inject his books so I can never get Joey and Aoife out of my system. At this point, you can call me a brainrot and that's what I have become.
“It was her. It always had been. It always would be. The girl from the wall.”
“Still?” “Then. Still. Always.”
———————— I love joeyaoife with every atom of my being. You guys have no idea how much I adore them. I am already missing them and planning my reread of their books lol ...more
“I see you, Joey Lynch,” she continued, stroking her nose against mine. “Yeah,” I replied in a gruff tone. “I see you too, Molloy.”
I never knew♾ stars
“I see you, Joey Lynch,” she continued, stroking her nose against mine. “Yeah,” I replied in a gruff tone. “I see you too, Molloy.”
I never knew what devastation truly meant until I read his story. I never knew how demons inside someone's head can eat them alive until I saw his. I never knew what heartbreaks meant until I watched him break hers time and again. I never knew what this book would do to me but here we are.
It's strange how one day you read a book, a character's life story, just a few thousand words and it changes your life completely. How these characters make a home inside your heart, mind and soul. Joey and Aoife's story is that for me. It's a story that I will never be able to forget in my life, one I will always keep close to my heart, in my heart, one I will be rereading for forever because I want to remember what love and healing means.
“The only time that I allow myself to feel anything is when I’m with you.”
Saving 6 is more than just a romance story. It is a story of a boy who is battling his darkest demons in his head every day of his life while self-destructing himself in the process. It is a story about a girl falling in love with a hopeless boy and pouring life and hope into him. It's about fighting his demons with her unwavering love and support. It is a story of soulmatism and healing through love, care and trust.
➸ Aoife Molloy
Aoife is my favourite girl ever. The girl with a face of an angle and tongue of a devil. I don't know if I want to be her or be with her. She has the purest heart and gentleness that goes so well with her fierce and protective nature that just makes you instantly love her. Aoife is also wild and free-spirited as compared to Joey and this girl kept him on his toes for six years with her antics. I love how self-assured and confident she is about herself all the time. What she wanted she always got it. No matter what. Even Joey was not immune to her charming and ballsy personality. And the way she loves people? It's wholeheartedly and with every atom of her being. Once she's in and once she believes that someone is worth loving and saving Aoife would do anything to make that happen. She's just so perfect and one of the fierce and compassionate girl. She never stopped loving Joey and believing in him even though he gave her no reasons. She always gave him her best and all versions of herself to show him how much she loves him and that's the purest form of love.
“The quintessential lost boy.” Her lips grazed mine as she spoke. “Don’t worry, Peter Pan, I’ll be your Wendy.”
➸ Joey Lynch
Joey is the definition of devastation. The man with nightmares, demons and monsters in his head. He has been fighting to stay alive since he was just a kid, masking his pain with his temper and I can't imagine the things that happened to him in his own house and by the very people who were suppose to love him, they broke his body and mind in million pieces and then left him to deal with it own his own. I always knew he is going to be my favourite BOT boy and I was right. How can one person self-distruct himself to the level of no return and I get why he does that because he needed escape from his horrible life and that came in form of drugs, but it just breaks my heart to see him give up on himself like that. Joey is so precious and lovable and he doesn't even realise that. He is a beautiful soul with the kindest, most thoughtful and loyal heart and the things he does for his younger siblings even though he was just a child himself breaks my heart but also makes me proud of him. He was forcefully thrusted into the protector role and caring for his siblings, he became a mother, father, a brother to them and in midst of all this, he was losing himself to drugs to cope up with his trauma. Aoife was like a lifeline to him, the only person who saw good in him even though he is the definition of bad boy.
“Don’t hate me, Molloy. You’re all I have to wake up for in the morning.”
: ̗̀➛ Aoife and Joey
“I don’t love you.” “I don’t love you back.”
Aoife and Joey are the definition of soulmatism. They are twin flames, soulmates, lovers, bestfriends. I knew they had something special from their first meet cute when they literally fall for each other at first sight. Joey was a goner for her the moment he laid his eyes on Aoife and Aoife saw what nobody ever tried to see in Joey. She saw the real Joey, one who is selfless even though he acts like he's the worst person, one who knows what love and care means even though he never had that for himself and she loves all his versions. She saw him as who he truly is, she heard his silent cry for help, she peeled back all his layers and saw what an amazing and wonderful man he is behind all the terrible traits and loved him for his worst and good things. Joey made efforts to bring changes in his life and yes he messed up many times but he is trying even when his life is crumbling around him and sometimes trying is all that matters.
“Please just stay.” He paused to release another slow breath before continuing. “This is the only time it’s ever stopped. Please don’t break it.” “This is the only time what’s ever stopped?” I croaked out, feeling my heart thunder wildly in my chest. “And don’t break what?” “My head,” he mumbled, before adding, “The quiet.”
Their love story is tragic and devastating but it also is the definition of true love. No matter where they are and what situation they are put into they always find their way back to each other. They grew up together, became friends, then lovers and it was a beautiful transition because they have everything in one person. The teenage love feels here were so cute. The stolen moments, lingering touches with copious amount of sexual tension and desire between them. They explored each other's hearts, body, mind and soul together. I really love their love for music. Their banter is superior and their friendship is the proof that they'll always have each other no matter what. Seriously where do I find love and friendship like that, and even if it's heartbreaking most of the times no one can deny that Joey and Aoife's love is once in a forever kind of love. Love that consumes a person so deeply that they neither see nor hear anything except that person and it's a good kind!
“You’re my favorite friend, with my favorite legs.” “And just so you know, Joe…” She leaned in close and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “You’re my favorite friend, with my favorite everything.”
Their love story taught me that if a person loves you, they will see you no matter how much you try to hide yourself. They will see your pain, your destruction and they will want to help you because it hurts them as much as it hurts you. They will love all versions of you, the bad and best because that makes you, YOU. Aoife loves Joey enough to step into his complicated world, she loves him enough to make him see how wonderful he is, she loves him enough to make him feel happy and alive, and Joey loves her enough to let down his walls to give her a glimpse in his life, to give her his trust, his love, care and he loves her enough to get better for her and for himself.
“I wanted to rescue him, to shield him from the horrors he had been born into. I wanted to be his armor when he couldn’t fight back. I wanted to wade into battle for him, protect his beautiful soul. But I’d been so determined to save him that I hadn’t noticed I’d lost myself in the process. Our love was toxic.”
I hate Joey's mom. She broke Joey in the worst way possible but I am happy he has Tony as a father figure in his life. Lynch siblings deserves the world and my heart broke everytime Joey had to sacrifice his life for his siblings.
“I’m not replacing you, Molloy.” I couldn’t. “I’m trying to fix me.” For you.
The last chapters of this book were anguish and painful. The angst and heartbreaks were palpable and the way they laid their broken hearts just to make other see, to make each other realise what loving and caring for each other is doing to them. My heart cracked in my chest a million little times. I am carrying their pain and love in my heart and all I want is for them to have a happy and lovely life they deserves because I cannot survive any other way. Anyway I am jumping right into Redeeming 6 because I just need to know what's going to happen to my precious babies.
———————— so this is what devastation feels like... rtc when i am not crying just by thinking about this broken boy bcs i am heartbroken ———————— just finished mp3 yesterday and now i am ready for another heartbreaking read? do i need therapy or tissues?...more
“Every loud and perfect symphony, every immaculate clash of pastel colours in every sky that this stupid, beautiful world has ever given us—he is all “Every loud and perfect symphony, every immaculate clash of pastel colours in every sky that this stupid, beautiful world has ever given us—he is all of it.”
Loving this series and it's characters has undone me wide open.
This book should be named Julian Haites: The great undoing because this book was all about him and I am not even complaining but I NEEDED more of Christian and Daisy's romance! The romance was really so beautifully written in this book, with all the emotional, angsty and wholesome moments ever.
The new year's eve scene at rooftop is peak literature no arguement and it's my roman empire and it will forever be engraved in my mind.
She drops her head on my shoulder and my head falls back and I stare at nothing in the sky, take a big breath, breathe in how much I love her. “Happy New Year,” she says, not looking at me. I don’t say anything for a few seconds. Drop my head on top of hers, let it rest there how it always wants to. “This is the hottest thing that’s ever happened to me on a midnight.”
This book and Jessa's haunting writing again wrecked my heart in the worst way possible. The story started off good and I was hooked in Julian's side of story because Daisy and Tiller's 'normal' relationship was dragged on for more than half of this book. Honestly, I think Jessa only wanted to see Christian living a miserable life where the only true love of life is busy living her normal life because Christian couldn't do the normal with her. It's so heartbreaking to see how much he went through in this series only to get his heart shattered in the end AGAIN.
“I love this one,” she tells me. “Me too,” I say, staring at her.
The first half was a little bit boring and just dragged on with no actual content but the second half of this book is everything! The drama and the angst was to die for. I liked how Jessa focused more on Julian's story in this book and how he come to love Magnolia and what are the actual reasons for behaving the way he did in MP2. Jessa shattered my heart at first with how Daisy and Christian still loves each other but can't have their normal, then Jessa put it back together by reuniting them, only to stomp on my heart again with her six inch heels and with that punch to the gut ending —which I hate with every fiber of my being.
“Took us a minute, took the long way home to get there but we’re here now and I wouldn’t change a fucking thing.”
This review contains spoilers! So if
“Took us a minute, took the long way home to get there but we’re here now and I wouldn’t change a fucking thing.”
This review contains spoilers! So if you haven't read MP2 please look away!
Reading this book was like falling into the darkness, completely losing sense of any reality and entering in this place where there is no hope and you are forced to witness Magnolia and Beej drown in their grief and sorrows. The pain was heart-rending. I don't how I read this book but Magnolia and Beej finally won the The Great War. I lost count of how many times I cried reading their story but it was all worth it in the end.
It took them years to finally build their love again from scratch with all the broken and mended pieces of their hearts and they taught me another meaning of love with their story. Love is all about forgiveness, second chances, efforts, healing and choosing the person your heart desires the most but that doesn't mean you have to ignore their wrongdoings. Beej and Magnolia put us and their friends through some crazy fucked up emotions and wild rides but what a ride it was!
“She’s the only thing I’ve ever properly wanted in my adult life and I’ve got her. She is the home I’ve spent years building.”
I am still not over the ending of MP2. I still cannot believe she is not alive and it took me months to accept that fact and step out of my delutional phase and read this book. I was not ready and I grieved with Magnolia for the loss she has suffered. Bridget was her everything and the only person who knew Magnolia inside and out and to lose that person just broke something innate inside her. This book was an emotional mess of feelings and grief and it took a lot of time for Magnolia to navigate those feelings and finally step in her healing phase. The portrayal of grief, anxiety and mortality in this book was written in a very poignant and tragic way. I was depressed reading this book and Magnolia's inner thoughts and how broken she was all the time.
“You know how ballerinas pick a spot to look at when they’re doing a pirouette so they don’t get dizzy? Bridget was Magnolia’s spot on the wall.”
Jessa's narrative took a mournful turn in this book but it was so poetically and tragically beautiful. The story was heavy after the events that happened in MP2. It not only focused on Magnolia and Beej's realtionship and them healing their way through the mess of their lives but there was this vulnerability and complexity about Magnolia and Beej that made them more real.
“My crowning achievement, probably. One of two. Being her sister, being loved by him.”
➸ Magnolia Parks
Magnolia's grief and struggles in this book were a dagger straight to my heart. It was real and poignant and it reflected her inner turmoil and the reasons behind why she is the way she is. There is more depth to her character and I saw her at her worst in this book. She was always so resilient, fashionable and controlled person in previous books and definitely a dramatic rich girl but you'll finally see what had made her that way. The past chapters were heartbreaking and I hated everyone who treated with worst intentions. She was just a girl who was thrusted into this glamorous limelight just to be taken advantage. I hated how the media was tearing her down at every chance and how she felt alone all the time, grieving and healing and moving on. What I really loved was how she made efforts for herself and for her relationship as well.
“BJ, I love in an unquestionable way. I love BJ like he’s the sun. Blinding, bright, unbridled, unavoidable. He’s the thing that sustains the galaxy of me. He drives the currents of me, he dictates the climates and the seasons. I feel his warmth on my face, and when he’s gone, it’s colder. He is the centre of everything, and the gravity of me is loyal to him above all.”
➸ BJ Ballentine
Beej, you are a poet. His thoughts about Magnolia and the things he says to her? I swoon every damn time. There is huge character development and he finally started working on himself and his past traumas and all that was reflected in his present personality and how healing and therapy helped him to be the man Magnolia deserves. It was refreshing to see him in this new light, where he is not trying to destroy everything and making efforts to be his better version. I was amazed with how supportive and protective he was of Magnolia all the time. He truly showed her how much he loves her with his actions and words and patience. He redeemed himself and proved himself over and over again to everyone and especially, Magnolia. I was already a Baxter James Ballentine apologist and I am never leaving that title behind.
“I wish I could tell you all the ways that I tell you I love you without telling you that I love you, but I don’t know what they are—” She kind of sighs and I look for her eyes. “Because I think at this point all of me is a big fucking ode to just loving you—But in case that’s not good enough, can I maybe just tell you to your face forever that I love you.”
: ̗̀➛ Magnolia and Beej
“Would you like to rewrite some history?”
Magnolia and Beej are written in the stars. I truly and wholeheartedly love them no matter how many times they fucked up, destroyed each other in the process of finding their way back to each other. There is something about bjparks that you cannot ignore and can't help but want them to be together. It's indescribable and maybe that's what soulmatism means? Seeing them peel back layers of their unforgettable love and discovering why they broke each other in such an irreplaceable way and finally finding a way to heal their broken hearts together was something I needed so badly in this book and Jessa wrote that in such an agonisingly beautiful way. They had unresolved matters and trust issues but they worked to make it better whenever they fought.
“Loving you is the thing I grab first when the house is on fire, and the house has been on fire before”— she gives me a look—“ and it might even catch on fire again. I really hope not, but if it does— how much I love you will forever and ever be the first thing I reach for.”
I am also proud of them for finally getting into couple therapy because that was needed for years. I loved how Beej shielded Magnolia from every worst thing and how she tried to trust him everyday even though it was against her basic instincts. I just was so happy to see them happy and in love, building a life and healing together for the better future. The bathtub scene wrecked my heart but also healed it and their wedding vows? Absolutely mesmerisingly poetically beautiful. I can read that chapter over and over again.
“How many loves do you get in a lifetime? That’s a question I’ve wondered before . . . If you ask The Sun, I’ve had far too many, and in some ways that’s true, I have. But actually, I’ve only had two great ones.”
I love all these characters with all my heart and I am not ready for what's about to happen in Daisy's books but I need to know if Christian got his girl or not. Please, let them be happy because I cannot see Christian with a broken heart again. I also want Julian to have his own happy love story because man deserves that and I will never stop asking Jessa for that.
———————
I lost how many times I actually cried reading this book but bjparks are happy and in love and that's all I ever wanted ...more
“Most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her.”
This book felt like a warmest hug. My favo
“Most people would never find a love like this, and yet I was lucky enough to have found it twice with her.”
This book felt like a warmest hug. My favourite comfort book if you ask me. Words cannot describe how happy I was while reading this book, there was a constant smile and the unbridled joy on my face, it was all so nostalgic and cozy. I forgot what it felt like to be so engrossed in a book, in character's lives and I experienced exactly that with this story and Liam and Marigold's sweet but perfect love.
My expectations were high and this book surpassed every one of them. The plot is what attracted me in the first place, a story based on the movie The Parent Trap? Juliana did a wonderful job at devising the storyline based on that book. Her writing is engrossing and vivid with heartfelt emotions and characters with dimensional personalities. She is great at writing flawed and imperfect protagonists, reflecting their feelings and how their past and struggled shaped their present self.
“We weren’t exactly broken, but we were definitely in need of repair.”
The second chance romance in this is done justice. There's not a single moment I didn't love. The romance was perfectly balanced with the funny and cozy moments, and the pain and angst that's the main component of a second chance romance is evident in the pages and in Liam and Marigold's relationship. Miles and Dallas, the twins, are amazing and I love how different they are in personalities but a menace when it comes to uniting their divorced parents
➸ Marigold Wells is a sweet, shy and a humble woman but inside she's just a little lion with fierce and protective nature for her family. She would do anything in her power and beyond to keep her family safe and I love how passionate and caring she is when it comes to be a mother. Juliana portrayed the hardships of a motherhood in Marigold's character and I loved to see her not so perfect facade and to know that it's humane to feel things.
“You make me feel like more than just a mom.”
➸ Liam Wells is my new obsession and my new book husband. This man is a genuine soul and an incredible father. He is understanding and so gentle when it comes to the people he loves and the way he loves, so unabashedly and irrevocably. I love how brings Marigold's fierce side with his sarcastic comments and constant flirting and it's adorable to see how much of a goner he is for his wife. He is unstoppable and resilient when it comes to Marigold and the things he did for her? I am in love with this man.
“Marigold, let me be very clear. You are, without a doubt, the hottest woman I have ever seen. You made me a father. There is nothing sexier than that. I flirt with you because it’s impossible for me not to when every word out of your pretty mouth drives me insane.”
: ̗̀➛ Liam and Marigold
Liam and Marigold have the chance to rebuild their marriage that was broken years ago. They are forced to work together for a school project for their kids and after weekly meetings, impromptu visits, jealousy moments, and some heavy tension filled moments, they realise that it's not so bad to hang out with your ex for a school project. Liam and Marigold made mistakes in their past, unresolved issues, words left unspoken for the sake of other person, feelings left to suffocate because they couldn't find it in them to talk with each other, and it is most realistic and painful portrayal of real relationships. I couldn't hate them for the mistakes they made because those felt so reasonable and humane.
“What makes you so sure you could fall in love with me again?” My heart panged in my chest. With a small smile, I dipped my chin, then lifted it again and locked eyes with her, refusing to hold back. “What makes you so sure I ever stopped?”
There is animosity, awakardness and hatred between them for not truly acknowledging their past. But the love and longing is still effervescently present in their hearts, and they found themselves again after seven years of their separation. Their fights, jealousy for each other, yearning, mutual pining, recollection of memories through things they have kept hidden of their love forgotten, reminiscing about their teenage love and bringing those memories with them to heal their broken hearts, everything breathed life in their second chance love story. The few past moments breathed life into their love story and it was so pure and genuinely beautiful, true representation of forever kind of love. Liam and Mari are incredible parents and I love how they protected and shielded their boys from their broken relationship. That's what good parenting means!
“This moment was better than any that had come before. No matter how perfect our love had been when we were young and foolish, this was better. This was stronger, more beautiful, undying, and eternal.”
The ending was everything I wanted. I loved every second of it and the epilogue made me cry but it was everything and just perfect. I can't wait to see more of their little Wells family in next books.
I don't know what you are doing but this book is a gem and a must read for all the romance lovers.
“In every quiet whisper, every subtle and nuanced thread in the fabric of time, all the tiny ripples in the universe will tell you, that I’m actually “In every quiet whisper, every subtle and nuanced thread in the fabric of time, all the tiny ripples in the universe will tell you, that I’m actually just Parks’.”
This book is the literal embodiment of ‘romantic masterpiece’. I have read many contemporary romances but“Sometimes the quietest love is the loudest.”
This book is the literal embodiment of ‘romantic masterpiece’. I have read many contemporary romances but none like this. One of the quietest and most beautiful romance story ever written. I literally went from “Why is this book 550 pages long” to “Why the hell it's only 550 pages” and if that's not enough to convince you how much I loved this book and Ryan Shay then I don't know what can. I think this book should be read by every man as a manual on how to treat your woman right because RYAN SHAY IS THE ULTIMATE BOOK HUSBAND!
This book is one of the best sports romance and fake-dating I've ever read and I'm a bit sceptical about sports romance, but this book did justice to this trope. The romance in this book was just chef's kiss and the banter was top-notch. To sum it up, it was delicious with the brimming sexual tension and the forced proximity situations only fueled the tension between Ryan and Indy and it was also comforting and contenting with how they loved each other so quietly, unconditionally, and thoroughly.
“Heads-up, Shay, I’m an expensive girlfriend. Fake or not. I can’t help it.” “Then I guess it’s a good thing I’ve got money.” She playfully smacks the counter. “That’s what I like to hear!”
➸ Indy Ivers
Indy is a girlies girl and a hopeless romantic at her core who just wanted to be loved for who she is. Her character was charming and I loved her from the get-go. She's intelligent, confident, fierce and loves and cares for the people she loves. She would do anything to keep them happy even if it meant ignoring her own happiness. She's a nurturer through and through. I love how joyful she is, always trying to be the social butterfly because she starved attention and loves interacting with people and I loved how unapologetic she was in that aspect. She was so ridiculously cute and adorable even when she cried almost every time and I can relate to her because girl same. Her dream for being a mother has played a huge role in her life and I liked how a sensitive topic like infertility was handled in this book. Her growth throughtout this book was amazing. She didn't hide her real personality and didn't settled for anything less because she knows her worth and I liked how she stopped belittling herself just to let others shine when she's the most stunning girl in every room.
“My heart has been his even when I thought I didn't have any left of it to give. He healed it when someone else broke it, and now it’s his forever.”
➸ Ryan Shay
He is the definition of perfection in human form. I never knew what bare minimum or standards meant until I met this man. He may not know how to express his emotions but this man loves hard. Ryan always came off as cold and collected who don't do social life because it's safe like that and he didn't had to deal with the repercussions of messing up. He'd been burdened with his past experience of how people only wanted him for his net worth and not for who he actually is as a human until Indy came in his life. He's hardworking, protective, down to earth, thoughtful, caring and attentive and all that made me yearn for him even though he's just a fictional man. His fears and trust issues were rational and his actions made absolutely sense. I love how emotional he is and how he let Indy see his vulnerable side, which wanted nothing more than to be loved and respected for he is. Words and reassurances only matter when they are backed by the actions and Ryan understood the assignment perfectly! He literally made me an emotional wreck in the best way possible and now my standards are even out of this galaxy. How can you expect me to accept anything that's not Ryan Shay who's a gentleman in the streets but a beast in the sheets. He's a NEED!
“You’re chaotic as fuck, Blue, but you bring me more peace than anyone else.”
“The one thing that hasn’t changed at all is him loving me. And me loving him. It’s our tether, the thing that’s never let us drift too far.”
T♾ stars
“The one thing that hasn’t changed at all is him loving me. And me loving him. It’s our tether, the thing that’s never let us drift too far.”
This book ruined me and healed me in all the best possible ways. It touched my soul and heart in an irrevocable way. I don't why I am a masochist for second chance romances but this one is a masterpiece in this genre.
The Ex Vows is a beautiful, realistic and riveting story of two people, Eli and Georgia who after their five years of cataclysmic breakup, are on the road to reckoning to mend their broken hearts while also trying to save the cursed wedding of their bestfriend, Adam. Will they follow Georgia's lists or give in to their temptations to find love in chaos and messiness of the cursed wedding preparations. It's a heartbreaking and very raw and realistic story and it took me on a wild ride of emotions both mentally and emotionally.
“How strange it is to have a first for the second time. How lucky and messy and perfect.”
The romance. So beautiful. Just mesmerising, swoon-worthy, painful and sweet enough to love every second of it. The chemistry is palpable and Eli and Georgia has the sparks even after the five years gap that we so badly want in real life. The banter and the angst was effervescently present. I loved the wedding preparation moments and they added the fun element to the story. The friendship is one of the best thing in this book. I loved each and every side character and how they brought nuances to the story with their different personalities.
Jessica weaved a story of second chances, self-discovery and healing of broken hearts with comforting moments of warmth, happiness and joy that came with reminiscing the past and exploring present amidst the madness of cursed wedding. It stirred a spectrum of emotions, giving hope and happiness amidst the messiness of Eli and Georgia's relationship.
➸ Georgia Woodward
Georgia with people pleasing tendencies, lists for days, and hyper-independence capabilty is me. It was like looking in a mirror. She is the personification of 'mirror ball'. Georgia's monologues are so beautifully written, full of remarkable profundity and vulnerability that evidently shows her benevolence, devotion, compassionate and altruistic nature for the people she loves. She is dealing with her own anxiety and abandonment issues, she never felt enough, always doing what others wanted, suppressing her wants and love. It was beautiful to see how she leaned on Eli for help and her needs, how he made sure she felt enough.
“Because when he’s messiest, that’s when I see myself reflected in him.”
➸ Eli Mora
Eli is for the hot hyper-independent girls. He is the man who loves unconditionally and thoroughly, but will also break your heart. His need to have a stable life, supporting his family consumed him to his core. He deals with anxiety and that played a major role in this story. Eli with his newfound dediction is making efforts, finally pushing himself to be better; to be the Eli that Georgia fell for, one who loves his life and himself as he is without the burden to live for financial stability. He is a man of few words as he believes in showing his love through actions and that's the sweetest thing about Eli.
“You deserve to let yourself feel whatever you need to. You can be messy. A disaster, if you need to. The people who love you will accept every single piece of it, I promise you.”
: ̗̀➛ Eli and Georgia
Two estranged exes and a cursed wedding? What could go wrong? Apparently everything.
Eli and Georgia are the prime example of why loving someone will never be enough. Their breakup was mutual and so realistic it hit me right in the heart. They made so many mistakes but they were just new adults at that time, trying to figure out their life and dreams, navigating through hard truths of adulthood, making sensible decisions, pushing each other away for the safety of the life they craved. Their first meet almost wrecked my heart. The overwhelming and complicated emotions, hurt and love they still have for each other even after five years of their breakup were heart-rending. The lingering touches and tension that's filled with longing, hurt and suppressed desires orchestrated their newfound love and passion.
“Isn’t that the way I deserve to be loved— completely, messily, imperfectly? Isn’t that the way I deserve to love myself? And isn’t it what Eli deserves, too?”
Their previous ostentatious friendship that was for their friend's group bloomed into ardent flames of love forgotten when they were forced to plan a wedding. I loved how they slowly and steadily let each other in their lives, cultivated trust, showed messy and ugly parts of their lives, but also showed how much they still love each other with their actions and words. The emotional and vulnerable moments in this book made me question what true love is in reality and is it really enough if love is all you have to give? What about efforts, comprises and good communication skills? I loved how they struggled but didn't let their past and fears associated with it to control their present and it was hopeful and comforting.
“And maybe it’s not stupid, I think as he presses me into the mattress in a way that feels vital, like I’m being consumed by him. Maybe it’s just like going back to visit a home that isn’t yours anymore. Maybe you don’t have the key, but someone lets you in anyway, and you stay awhile, and it feels so good just to be somewhere you once belonged.”
The intimate scenes in this book deserve praise. It was very poetical and emotional. (Eli's chain also played a major role in those scenes and I was going feral everytime it made an appearance!)
I am transfixed by Jessica's exquisite, poetical, tender-hearted and deeply atmospheric writing. I resonated with the main characters and that's why this story is special for me and why this book touched my heart in a profound and true manner. Jessica delved deeper into characters' past to carefully devise their present personalities and their struggles based on it. She effortlessly reflected the frustrating decisions and heartbreaking situations with a perspicuous and rational approach.
I absolutely loved the ending. I will not talk about it much but just that it was satisfying and beautiful.
Special thanks to my bestie Rae who was there with me everytime I was crying and screaming in our dms. And special thanks to Jessica Joyce because I had a lovely time chatting with her about this book. She is the sweetest person ever ...more
My favourite and the best gothic fantasy I've ever read. Everything about this book was perfect. The vibes, plot, ro“Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”
My favourite and the best gothic fantasy I've ever read. Everything about this book was perfect. The vibes, plot, romance and action. I loved every second of it.
“Human life is short. You are not as a tree, stoic and unyielding, but a butterfly. Delicate, fleeting. Inconsequential.”
The enchanting and a mysterious duology about a cursed town, magical cards and magical trees. This book was the perfect combination of gothic, mysterious and spooky atmospherical vibes, the mystery of twin alders card and Shepherd King's past, witty banter between characters, thrilling action sequences, and the most enticing and scorching romance.
“Truth bends, Ravyn Yew. We must all bend along with it.”
I loved Rachel's exquisite writing and narrative. This was written in three povs—Elspeth, Ravyn and Elm. There were two stories nested in one storyline—Ravyn and Elspeth's quest for Twin Alders card and Elm and Ione's story. I loved the way Rachel focued on both and it didn't felt like jumping stories.
“Poetry is as judicious as violence.”
The perfect blend of romance and mystery made this book more interesting and captivating. Its not a romance fantasy but the romance in it was swoon-worthy. I loved that we got both the love stories in this series—Ravyn & Elspeth's in one dark window and Elm & Ione's in this book.
I was truly satisfied with Ravyn and Elspeth's story, their character developments and how their relationship developed in book 1 but I still missed them so much. They didn't had their moments until the very last chapter. I wish we got more of them together. The story started with Elspeth—a girl with a monster trapped inside her head. But Elspeth felt like a side character in this book. Which I didn't liked.
➸ Ravyn Yew
The dark and mysterious captain who would do anything to save his family Elspeth even sacrificing himself. I loved his protective and possessive side. The way he cared for Elspeth and protected her had me swooning everytime. I suspected his relation with the Shepherd king and I was right about it. I loved his interactions with Nightmare. At first I thought it would be a little weird to see him talk with Nightmare but through Elspeth, but their banter and the way Nightmare mocked Ravyn had me laugh out loud.
“You and I are Blunder’s reckoning, Ravyn Yew. Not its peace.”
➸ The Shepherd king
The star of this series and my absolute favourite character. His story was painful and emotional. He was trapped for centuries for his revenge against Rowan while his family passed the veil. What happened to him and his family was brutal. I loved the way he protected Ravyn, Elspeth and Jasper. Like they were his own kids. I was happy but also a little sad after the ending but it was the best ending he deserved after all the pain and rage he went through for centuries.
“Blunder’s reckoning.” The Shepherd King’s grin was worse than any snarl. “I am the root and the tree. I am balance.”
➸ Elm Rowan
There is something about him being a prince but also being a traitor to the crown. He always knew what was right and never supported what his father or brother did. He was charming and witty but also dangerous because of his Scythe card controlling powers. Elm always wanted to be seen and liked by his family. I hate Hauth so much for what he did to Elm when they were kids. I loved the way he loved and cared for Ione and saved her from King's wrath. Elm might not be able to fight with the swords or knife but he's always been the best Rowan prince with intelligent and cunning mind and kind hearted spirit.
➸ Ione Hawthorn
We get to know more about her character and what happened to her in book 1 that made her act like she didn't care about anything. I felt bad for what Hauth did to her and the way she was tortured to feel no emotions at all. Ione was always the cheery yellow haired girl with the biggest smile on her face until Hauth happened and I loved that Elm helped her all the way in this book.
╰┈➤ Elm and Ione
I desperately wanted them to be a couple ever since I read about Elm stealing those little glances at Ione in One dark window. They had chemistry from the very first moment. They both helped and healed the broken parts of each other. Ione always saw the real version of Elm and not the rude Rowan prince.
“What would you have me do? Burn the castle down with everyone in it?” “That would be a start.” A laugh rose up Elm’s throat. “Trees, Hawthorn. What a Queen you’d make.”
“I’d be your King, but always your servant. Never your keeper.”
The forced proximity, the tension between them, the way they teased each other and bantered, the way Elm wanted to see if he affected Ione in any way, the way he was obsessed with her yellow hair and the way he told her to use him if that would help her to feel anything had me melting and swooning. They were perfect for each other. And the angsty chalice scene? You are not ready for that scene. It's my favourite scene. The ending of their story was the best and the perfect one. I wish we got more of them.
“It was difficult to look at her. Beneath the ache that existed between them was a thin, fragile thread. One Ione had slipped through the eye of a needle and plunged into Elm’s chest, past all his bricks and barbs, though she didn’t yet realize it.”
This was the perfect end to this dulogy. I loved this and the characters so muc. I need more of them. *fingers crossed* Maybe Rachel can write a novella or something in future.
“For even dead, I will not die. I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream. The nightmare in the night.”
I'd definitely recommend this because this is the best fantasy duology for this spooky season.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
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