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justkeyreads's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
themargherita_s's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely adore the family and I'm seriously so jealous of such a big group of extremely loving and caring people (I did find Alex a bit pushy at times tho).
Leo and Kamaria were amazing together and I really loved them. The way they care for each other was so beautiful. I did, however, think their initial fights were a bit childish. But I guess that could be normal depending on the personalities of the people involved. It was just not what I usually like to see. (but again, this was mostly in the beginning when they weren't friends yet).
Content warnings: abandonment, child neglect, strained guardian/parent-child relationship, mention of drug addiction, alcohol consumption, car accident, stalking, abusive relationship, gaslighting, domestic abuse (physical and mental), sexual assault, sexually explicit content, graphic violence, death of parents, child abuse, depression, panic attacks, C-PTSD.
Leo and Kamaria were amazing together and I really loved them. The way they care for each other was so beautiful. I did, however, think their initial fights were a bit childish. But I guess that could be normal depending on the personalities of the people involved. It was just not what I usually like to see. (but again, this was mostly in the beginning when they weren't friends yet).
Content warnings: abandonment, child neglect, strained guardian/parent-child relationship, mention of drug addiction, alcohol consumption, car accident, stalking, abusive relationship, gaslighting, domestic abuse (physical and mental), sexual assault, sexually explicit content, graphic violence, death of parents, child abuse, depression, panic attacks, C-PTSD.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, and Abandonment
Moderate: Drug abuse, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
ladylaurenexplorer's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This took me a little bit to read, because I usually can read a book in one to two days.
I don’t know where about this plot made me want to stop reading and just consume what I just read and then read a couple days later and do the same process.
This is just like a lot to take in and I’m not saying this as a bad thing it’s just I couldn’t read this in one sitting because I had too many emotions.
I sometimes felt the plot was going to slow and it didn’t make me stop reading for a minute, but then I would come back to it because I wanted to see where everything was going.
I love the relationship and I love how he make sure that he had her trust when it comes to almost everything that they were doing together. I was also very proud of her when it came time for her to fight back and stand up for herself.
This is really good and soulful.
I don’t know where about this plot made me want to stop reading and just consume what I just read and then read a couple days later and do the same process.
This is just like a lot to take in and I’m not saying this as a bad thing it’s just I couldn’t read this in one sitting because I had too many emotions.
I sometimes felt the plot was going to slow and it didn’t make me stop reading for a minute, but then I would come back to it because I wanted to see where everything was going.
I love the relationship and I love how he make sure that he had her trust when it comes to almost everything that they were doing together. I was also very proud of her when it came time for her to fight back and stand up for herself.
This is really good and soulful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
bingereadmara's review
5.0
I have been a reader for as long as I could remember. I think sometimes with the amount of books I have read, I can go a little numb to book and just get through it. This book made me really feel something. I was crying. I was giggling with my feet in the air. I was punching an invisible figure. I felt the love and pain within the pages of this book. Alanna is a real talent and I have to give her her flowers. This book was a genuine work and an absolute joy to read. Leon and Kam are stamped on my heart and this book will stay with me for a while. Kam was put through so much and I may have never gone through what she went through but her pain was all over these pages but so was her healing. She wasn't the only one to heal either Leon was healing just the same. These two characters fit together and made sense even when they "may" have not liked one another.
I'm just gonna sum it up with this, I bought the paperback before I even hit the halfway mark in this book. It belongs on my shelf, just like it deserves to be read by so many others.
I'm just gonna sum it up with this, I bought the paperback before I even hit the halfway mark in this book. It belongs on my shelf, just like it deserves to be read by so many others.
hiddenirises's review
5.0
I would like to begin by thanking the author for providing an e-ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. As always this is my genuine opinion and I voluntarily write this review.
My rating is closer to a 4.25-4.5
Welp the author started the book by breaking my heart. Absolutely no breathing room. That being said, it was a fantastic way to get the reader immediately hooked because that is what happened to me. I simply could not stop reading and being invested in the story. This book has it all best friend's brother, dislike to lovers, diversity, forced proximity, he falls first and hard, a satisfying slow burn and so much more!!!!!! When I started I felt like I was in absolute wonderland because these are literally all some of my favorite tropes.
This book was such a cute, hilarious, heartwarming and incredibly emotional read. One of my absolute favorite things about the book was the very real depiction of trauma and mental health. The author handled these sensitive topics with such care and consideration. The entire journey for all of our characters was so raw and authentic. I definitely found myself nodding, relating, and crying at the representation of mental health and the toll it takes.
Kam is such an incredibly strong character and while reading I desperately wish I could give her a hug. She suffered and endured so much, but to see her continuously try to keep the shadows at bay to live her life, was nothing short of inspiring. Moreover, Kam was so relatable when it came to her mannerisms. She is this dorky book worm, lover of music, and and we absolutely love that for her. I would literally fight anyone for her. Its on sight with Jack because he is a manipulative piece of trashhhhhhh.
Leo was such a grumpy asshat at first, but we later realize that it's a form of protective reflex. To see him also be added to the Sinclair chaotic goodness is so beautiful. He seamlessly becomes a part of the family and begins to establish relationships that he was never given to begin with. I loved his character wholeheartedly. Leo is well aware of how smart, handsome, and successful he is ( to Kam's annoyance). BUT HE IS SUCH A SWEETHEART. Leo is so freaking attentive and such a literal dream. I undeniably adore him with my whole chest. UGHHH the nickname Stellina was everything to me too. It's so attractive when men in books use foreign terms of endearment, like yes now whisper it in my ear !!!!!
The romance felt so incredibly natural. We see Leo and Kam go from dislike to friends to lovers and all of their moments had me squealing so badly. Kam was so badly treated in her previous relationship that she was rightfully terrified and hesitant to jump into another one. However, this did not deter our baby Leo in any way shape or form. Once he became more comfortable with Kam, he was nothing but honest and communicative with his feelings. Communication, vulnerability, and honesty is so hot in a man and Leo has it all. THEIR STEAMY MOMENTS ! Oh my lord, Leo was so patient with Kam but this man certainly knows how to make a woman weak in the knees. He would be so sweet one minute and then have me gasping for air with some of the things he would say.
The Sinclair family was everything to me. The ways in which they embraced all parts of Kam was so beautiful to see. They saw her as a vital member of their family and made it their mission to make sure that she never felt unloved. All of their chaotic family moments and traditions never failed to bring a smile on my face. They may not be Kam's biological family but they are her chosen one and thus the only ones that really matter.
I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking for an intensely emotional yet beautiful story about overcoming trauma, finding strength, family and love. This was a spectacular debut by the author and cannot wait to see what else Alanna will write for us.
My rating is closer to a 4.25-4.5
Welp the author started the book by breaking my heart. Absolutely no breathing room. That being said, it was a fantastic way to get the reader immediately hooked because that is what happened to me. I simply could not stop reading and being invested in the story. This book has it all best friend's brother, dislike to lovers, diversity, forced proximity, he falls first and hard, a satisfying slow burn and so much more!!!!!! When I started I felt like I was in absolute wonderland because these are literally all some of my favorite tropes.
This book was such a cute, hilarious, heartwarming and incredibly emotional read. One of my absolute favorite things about the book was the very real depiction of trauma and mental health. The author handled these sensitive topics with such care and consideration. The entire journey for all of our characters was so raw and authentic. I definitely found myself nodding, relating, and crying at the representation of mental health and the toll it takes.
Kam is such an incredibly strong character and while reading I desperately wish I could give her a hug. She suffered and endured so much, but to see her continuously try to keep the shadows at bay to live her life, was nothing short of inspiring. Moreover, Kam was so relatable when it came to her mannerisms. She is this dorky book worm, lover of music, and and we absolutely love that for her. I would literally fight anyone for her. Its on sight with Jack because he is a manipulative piece of trashhhhhhh.
Leo was such a grumpy asshat at first, but we later realize that it's a form of protective reflex. To see him also be added to the Sinclair chaotic goodness is so beautiful. He seamlessly becomes a part of the family and begins to establish relationships that he was never given to begin with. I loved his character wholeheartedly. Leo is well aware of how smart, handsome, and successful he is ( to Kam's annoyance). BUT HE IS SUCH A SWEETHEART. Leo is so freaking attentive and such a literal dream. I undeniably adore him with my whole chest. UGHHH the nickname Stellina was everything to me too. It's so attractive when men in books use foreign terms of endearment, like yes now whisper it in my ear !!!!!
The romance felt so incredibly natural. We see Leo and Kam go from dislike to friends to lovers and all of their moments had me squealing so badly. Kam was so badly treated in her previous relationship that she was rightfully terrified and hesitant to jump into another one. However, this did not deter our baby Leo in any way shape or form. Once he became more comfortable with Kam, he was nothing but honest and communicative with his feelings. Communication, vulnerability, and honesty is so hot in a man and Leo has it all. THEIR STEAMY MOMENTS ! Oh my lord, Leo was so patient with Kam but this man certainly knows how to make a woman weak in the knees. He would be so sweet one minute and then have me gasping for air with some of the things he would say.
The Sinclair family was everything to me. The ways in which they embraced all parts of Kam was so beautiful to see. They saw her as a vital member of their family and made it their mission to make sure that she never felt unloved. All of their chaotic family moments and traditions never failed to bring a smile on my face. They may not be Kam's biological family but they are her chosen one and thus the only ones that really matter.
I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking for an intensely emotional yet beautiful story about overcoming trauma, finding strength, family and love. This was a spectacular debut by the author and cannot wait to see what else Alanna will write for us.
solitudeinbook's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
SOLAR ECLIPSE OF THE HEART (THE SINCLAIRS' SERIES #1) | ALANNA FRASER
★★★★★
KAMARIA ♡ LEON
TROPES
Banter, Interracial Relationship (black fmc × white mmc), Brother's Best Friend, Dislike to Lovers (very well done), Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Mental Illness Representation, Healing journey from Trauma, SA Awareness, Dual POV, He falls first and harder, Found Family, Amazing side characters, Green Flag MMC, Sweet & Swoon Worthy Moments, Character Development
Thank you Alanna Fraser for giving me the ARC opportunity.
This has become one of my favorite books, this is an AMAZING debut by Alanna. It was funny, the banter between the characters were so good, I love the entire Sinclair family, and I can't wait to meet them again.
I was interested in the book from the start, couldn't put it down, I complete in a day.
The book has amazing found family trope, the Sinclair family is really one of the best, they are so precious, kind and loveable.
I adore the way Leo and Kam grew throughout the book, they had the connection from the beginning and I enjoyed watching it grow into something. Leo is definitely one of a kind. I love how Leo immediately connected the Sinclairs and how he became part of the family.
The mental health, mental illness representation was amazing. This book also shows how difficult/traumatic past can effect the present and the future, it was still effecting Kam and Leo, and I admire their strength for all they have gone through. It also showed the importance and positive effects of therapy, how it can help with life and problems.
I'm so happy that Kam had the Sinclair family and their support, they didn't give up on her, and were always there for her. I also liked that she realized how she could become stronger, and improve herself.
Dislike to Lovers trope was very well done, I enjoyed and loved watching their banter, the way they both try to understand each other.
One of the parts of the book that I really liked was that it showed the importance of trigger warnings, and the effects if the trigger warnings are not given.
I enjoyed reading this so much, I can't wait to read more books by her. It was beautiful. I'm so excited for more books by her, and incredibly happy that I gave this book a chance.
★★★★★
KAMARIA ♡ LEON
TROPES
Banter, Interracial Relationship (black fmc × white mmc), Brother's Best Friend, Dislike to Lovers (very well done), Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Mental Illness Representation, Healing journey from Trauma, SA Awareness, Dual POV, He falls first and harder, Found Family, Amazing side characters, Green Flag MMC, Sweet & Swoon Worthy Moments, Character Development
Thank you Alanna Fraser for giving me the ARC opportunity.
This has become one of my favorite books, this is an AMAZING debut by Alanna. It was funny, the banter between the characters were so good, I love the entire Sinclair family, and I can't wait to meet them again.
I was interested in the book from the start, couldn't put it down, I complete in a day.
The book has amazing found family trope, the Sinclair family is really one of the best, they are so precious, kind and loveable.
I adore the way Leo and Kam grew throughout the book, they had the connection from the beginning and I enjoyed watching it grow into something. Leo is definitely one of a kind. I love how Leo immediately connected the Sinclairs and how he became part of the family.
The mental health, mental illness representation was amazing. This book also shows how difficult/traumatic past can effect the present and the future, it was still effecting Kam and Leo, and I admire their strength for all they have gone through. It also showed the importance and positive effects of therapy, how it can help with life and problems.
I'm so happy that Kam had the Sinclair family and their support, they didn't give up on her, and were always there for her. I also liked that she realized how she could become stronger, and improve herself.
Dislike to Lovers trope was very well done, I enjoyed and loved watching their banter, the way they both try to understand each other.
One of the parts of the book that I really liked was that it showed the importance of trigger warnings, and the effects if the trigger warnings are not given.
I enjoyed reading this so much, I can't wait to read more books by her. It was beautiful. I'm so excited for more books by her, and incredibly happy that I gave this book a chance.
theoceanrose's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Child abuse and Grief
teeclecticreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This book highlights so many themes that can be difficult to read, however, the romance between Leo and Kam is palpable. I loved the Sinclairs and their fierce loyalty to each other as well. Despite the heaviness, I found myself chuckling at times and I really enjoyed the book overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Violence