Scan barcode
khanson's review against another edition
5.0
This debut novel by Sara Tallary is a fantastic friends to lovers novel with a super swoonworthy MMC.
Mason and Mackenzie have a strong friendship, creating some serious friendship goals on their own. The dynamic they have with Mason’s twin brother Luke creates an incredible support system for all three. The intensity is then raised when Mason and Mackenzie are forced to face very non-friendly feelings they have for one another.
This slow burn novel makes you root for the characters along the way as you become fully committed in their story and with them. I can’t wait to see what comes next out of Quaint!
Mason and Mackenzie have a strong friendship, creating some serious friendship goals on their own. The dynamic they have with Mason’s twin brother Luke creates an incredible support system for all three. The intensity is then raised when Mason and Mackenzie are forced to face very non-friendly feelings they have for one another.
This slow burn novel makes you root for the characters along the way as you become fully committed in their story and with them. I can’t wait to see what comes next out of Quaint!
ashyourbookbestie's review
4.0
I Choose You is Sara Tallary’s debut novel and first in the Quaint Series. The characters were real, lovable, and you could feel the complexities of all their relationships between. Mason and Mackenzie are best friends. Sarah sells the hell out of the best friends to lovers trope between these two. You can feel the push and pull of not wanting to ruin the friendship, the fight they’re both having internally to restrict themselves of a desire they both want but won’t allow themselves to have.
The side characters were amazing as well. Everyone needs an Owen in their lives, I won’t be convinced otherwise! He’s a someone who is by your side and on your side but won’t give you crap advice because it’s what you want to hear.
There were some areas of description that felt drawn out or misplaced but this is a debut novel so I expect that to happen. It didn’t pull me out of the story but it felt like a flow is still being worked out.
However, the spice in I Choose You was perfectly steamy and delicious. There were moments I laughed so hard that I woke my husband up, even after I took a minute to gather myself, I was laughing as soon as I started reading again. I love that for me!
This was a much needed and refreshing read for me. I urge you to pick it up yourself!
The side characters were amazing as well. Everyone needs an Owen in their lives, I won’t be convinced otherwise! He’s a someone who is by your side and on your side but won’t give you crap advice because it’s what you want to hear.
There were some areas of description that felt drawn out or misplaced but this is a debut novel so I expect that to happen. It didn’t pull me out of the story but it felt like a flow is still being worked out.
However, the spice in I Choose You was perfectly steamy and delicious. There were moments I laughed so hard that I woke my husband up, even after I took a minute to gather myself, I was laughing as soon as I started reading again. I love that for me!
This was a much needed and refreshing read for me. I urge you to pick it up yourself!
marissajames's review
5.0
I enjoyed the book and couldn’t put it down! This is Sara Tallary’s debut novel and it is amazing. The book was so well written you could tell there was a lot of hard work and love put into it.
I loved the dynamic between Mackenzie and Mason and how their relationship changed. The build up to them finally confessing their feelings and doing something about it was perfect. Loved all the side characters and can’t wait to see their stories unfold.
There were a couple of things that I wish were explored more but not huge things. I wish Mackenzie’s issues with her father were talked about in more depth sooner. It kept getting glossed over and I think it would have helped me better understand her. Also the scene where her Mom shows her a box of her father’s things he left behind felt like it was missing something. I felt like there was more to the story or something more should have come of it (she takes the envelope of cards with her) because it felt like a big deal but nothing happened. I was left wondering if the cards would show up again (was she going to sell them? Give them away? Burn them?) but they didn’t.
Otherwise I loved the story.
I loved the dynamic between Mackenzie and Mason and how their relationship changed. The build up to them finally confessing their feelings and doing something about it was perfect. Loved all the side characters and can’t wait to see their stories unfold.
There were a couple of things that I wish were explored more but not huge things. I wish Mackenzie’s issues with her father were talked about in more depth sooner. It kept getting glossed over and I think it would have helped me better understand her. Also the scene where her Mom shows her a box of her father’s things he left behind felt like it was missing something. I felt like there was more to the story or something more should have come of it (she takes the envelope of cards with her) because it felt like a big deal but nothing happened. I was left wondering if the cards would show up again (was she going to sell them? Give them away? Burn them?) but they didn’t.
Otherwise I loved the story.
whenitrainsitpoes's review
5.0
Friends to Lovers! Slow Burn… 4.5 ⭐️
Sara’s Debut novel hit the feels! Mason and Mackenzie share an authentic friendship that naturally develops into a love unlike any other.
Great character development, story building, some spice, and was very well written.
We learn a lot regarding Mackenzie’s back story but I feel like there could have been more of a back story on Mason, but I don’t feel like this took from the overall story at all.
Looking forward to reading whatever Sara puts out next! Congratulations Sara!
Sara’s Debut novel hit the feels! Mason and Mackenzie share an authentic friendship that naturally develops into a love unlike any other.
Great character development, story building, some spice, and was very well written.
We learn a lot regarding Mackenzie’s back story but I feel like there could have been more of a back story on Mason, but I don’t feel like this took from the overall story at all.
Looking forward to reading whatever Sara puts out next! Congratulations Sara!
sammymurray81's review
5.0
Mason and Mackenzie were friends to lovers the ultimate choice always go take things further , this story was good liked the paintball part (spicy) this is was a major slow burn , would love to have seen a little more of masons backstory , overall liked it a lot ! Great job sara !
brianamaewrites's review
5.0
Friends to lovers is an all time favourite of mine, and Sara Tallary’s stunning debut ticked all the boxes!
Mason and Mackenzie shared a delightful and unbreakable bond, their friendship authentic and the complexities to their characters raw. Mackenzie’s fear and past especially was clear, the battle between a heart that wants to lose itself in an all-consuming love, while simultaneously seeking to protect itself from the looming loss that had maimed it once before, compelling. She was a relatable character and her pain believable. And Mason - he was just perfect in his love and tender care for Kenzie. Definitely book boyfriend (and best friend) material! I just wish we could have learned a little more about him through his pov.
There was a natural transition to their relationship and an undeniable chemistry that simmered between these two, and the sprinkle of spice was crafted to perfection. I adored the wise addition of sweet Owen’s friendship, and appreciated that Kenzie’s deep friendships went beyond Mason and continued to feature heavily alongside the romance arc. Add some hot twins, a bit of action on the paintball field, a cheeky dare, and the beauty of a found family and you’ve got yourself a beautiful and enticing read.
There is no denying that Tallary has sold the heck out of Mason and Kenzie’s compelling love story, and I cannot wait to see whose story will be told next in this hot new series!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this gripping debut. 4.5⭐️
Mason and Mackenzie shared a delightful and unbreakable bond, their friendship authentic and the complexities to their characters raw. Mackenzie’s fear and past especially was clear, the battle between a heart that wants to lose itself in an all-consuming love, while simultaneously seeking to protect itself from the looming loss that had maimed it once before, compelling. She was a relatable character and her pain believable. And Mason - he was just perfect in his love and tender care for Kenzie. Definitely book boyfriend (and best friend) material! I just wish we could have learned a little more about him through his pov.
There was a natural transition to their relationship and an undeniable chemistry that simmered between these two, and the sprinkle of spice was crafted to perfection. I adored the wise addition of sweet Owen’s friendship, and appreciated that Kenzie’s deep friendships went beyond Mason and continued to feature heavily alongside the romance arc. Add some hot twins, a bit of action on the paintball field, a cheeky dare, and the beauty of a found family and you’ve got yourself a beautiful and enticing read.
There is no denying that Tallary has sold the heck out of Mason and Kenzie’s compelling love story, and I cannot wait to see whose story will be told next in this hot new series!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this gripping debut. 4.5⭐️
carissasbooksncoffee's review
4.0
This was a debut win for me. Sara wrote a beautiful friends to lovers story that was full of so much heart. Mackenzie may have had issues with her blood family, but her found family was utterly amazing! I love the interactions between all the characters. They are witty and made me laugh, but also knew when to have the serious talks. I challenge you not to fall in love with Mason by the end of the book. Will definitely be looking for more from Sara!
ebookedbabe's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I Choose You is Sara Tallary’s debut novel and first in the Quaint Series. The characters were real, lovable, and you could feel the complexities of all their relationships between. Mason and Mackenzie are best friends. Sarah sells the hell out of the best friends to lovers trope between these two. You can feel the push and pull of not wanting to ruin the friendship, the fight they’re both having internally to restrict themselves of a desire they both want but won’t allow themselves to have.
The side characters were amazing as well. Everyone needs an Owen in their lives, I won’t be convinced otherwise! He’s a someone who is by your side and on your side but won’t give you crap advice because it’s what you want to hear.
There were some areas of description that felt drawn out or misplaced but this is a debut novel so I expect that to happen. It didn’t pull me out of the story but it felt like a flow is still being worked out.
However, the spice in I Choose You was perfectly steamy and delicious. There were moments I laughed so hard that I woke my husband up, even after I took a minute to gather myself, I was laughing as soon as I started reading again. I love that for me!
This was a much needed and refreshing read for me. I urge you to pick it up yourself!
marissaisbooked's review
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
3.75
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
I'm honestly impressed for a debut novel by an author. I felt like the story was well written and felt realistic. I read a lot of spice and sometimes the spicy scenes are so over the top. The scenes in this book really felt like real life best friends taking it to the next level.
This book made me love both MCs while simultaneously yelling at them for being idiots. I love friends to lovers and I'm glad this was dual POV. dual POV really adds to stories for me, especially when its a storyline of characters both having feelings and not knowing the other felt the same way.
I don't typically like the accidental pregnancy trope, but a positive in this story line was that it forced the FMC to realize the care the people around her have for her: Luke, Nelly, and Owen as well as Mason (obviously) and that not everyone leaves like her father did. I'm a sucker for a good found family and this sweetened the accidental pregnancy for me.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I'm honestly impressed for a debut novel by an author. I felt like the story was well written and felt realistic. I read a lot of spice and sometimes the spicy scenes are so over the top. The scenes in this book really felt like real life best friends taking it to the next level.
This book made me love both MCs while simultaneously yelling at them for being idiots. I love friends to lovers and I'm glad this was dual POV. dual POV really adds to stories for me, especially when its a storyline of characters both having feelings and not knowing the other felt the same way.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
More...