★★★★★ 4
An Amazing Debut! Dual Timeline, Second Chance Romance, and very well written!!
Format: Paperback
4.5/5 stars ⭐️ 304 pages 📚
🎶 Right Where You Left Me - Taylor Swift
“They knew. Some people are lucky like that. They meet their best friend, the love of their life, and are wise enough to never let go.”
In case you needed anyone else on Booksta to tell you to read this book, PLEASE go read this book!! I had very high expectations after seeing dozens of raving reviews and the story met every one! We follow Sam and Percy in a dual timeline (from Percy’s POV) through flashbacks of their teenage summers and their reunion over a decade later. I adored the flashback chapters. Watching Sam and Percy grow from awkward 13 year olds into early adulthood was nostalgic. It’ll take you back to your own childhood and the excitement and nerves of experiencing your first love. Though I did suspect what the cause of their breakup would be, it didn’t take away from any of the emotions or heartbreak I felt during those scenes! Carley has a very captivating writing style and you’ll fall in love with aspects of every character.
I only felt like the last 15% was a bit rushed! The buildup was fantastic, and the betrayal was anticipated, but I was hoping for a little bit more out of the conflict, how it affected other relationships, and moving on. An extended epilogue would’ve been perfect for this book! For a debut novel, Carley did outstanding and I’m excited to see what she comes up with next! Read this if you enjoy:
⏰ dual timeline
✨ second chance romance
💖 best friends to strangers to lovers
☀️ summer vibes!
🌊 small town romance
👩👦👦 emphasis on family
If you enjoyed Love and Other Words, you will LOVE this! Very similar style and vibes.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2022
