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k_huskic's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really sweet friends-to-lovers romance story. Gio and Sam had been friends forever, with an attraction simmering below the surface. However Sam moved away many years ago for work, so nothing ever came of it. Now she's back, for a not-so-great reason - she has cancer.
I liked the friendship between Gio and Sam, it just seemed so natural. Gio was definitely the friend you'd need around you if you went through something like that. He was supportive and caring and did his best not to overstep.
I got a little frustrated with them both constantly wondering how the other felt - I thought they were pretty clear with that early on! - but I otherwise enjoyed the story. It was sweet and emotional.
I need to go back and read the first two now!
I liked the friendship between Gio and Sam, it just seemed so natural. Gio was definitely the friend you'd need around you if you went through something like that. He was supportive and caring and did his best not to overstep.
I got a little frustrated with them both constantly wondering how the other felt - I thought they were pretty clear with that early on! - but I otherwise enjoyed the story. It was sweet and emotional.
I need to go back and read the first two now!
messing_with_book's review against another edition
5.0
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
Ranking: 4.5⭐
Gio & Sam have a love story that I really enjoyed, it's full of sweet, funny, complicated and moving moments. But one of my favorite things to read was the way in which [a:Daphne Elliot|21191191|Daphne Elliot|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1614071449p2/21191191.jpg] developed Sam's diagnosis as sensitively and realistically as possible, and while fortunately I've never experienced nothing like it in my life, I think Daphne managed to capture Gio & Sam's journey very well, especially her fight.
Gio is officially my second favorite Rossi, after Nora of course, and so far he's the cutest, nicest, tender and understanding of the Rossi men that I have read and it's the type of characters that make me fall in love. I loved his whole story with Sam, and knowing from the beginning that he is hopelessly in love with her was something I really liked about his story, plus I really enjoyed reading him with Valentina and learning much more about the type of relationship he has with her family, especially with Matteo, but definitely the best thing about his character, and Sam's, was know the important moments in their friendship, how much they love each other, how important they have been in each other's lives, and the moments they let go for fear of destroying their unconditional friendship.
Sam is a true warrior, an independent, hard-working woman and Gio's best friend, she always wanted to run away from Havenport and was able to achieve her dreams, however, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she finds herself having to return to her hometown to seek the support & comfort of her mother and Gio. Sam has a long way to go throughout Embracing You, as her illness makes her put many things into perspective: her job, her nomadic personality, everything she thought about the place in the one she grew up, and most importantly, her feelings for Gio and everything that could happen if he agrees to have casual sex with her.
Sam & Gio don't have it easy on their way, from Sam's diagnosis, to the fear they both have of letting themselves be carried away by their feelings for the other and ruining the friendship they have shared throughout their lifes. One of the things I liked the most about Gio was that he always tried to take care of Sam and give him what she needed from him at all times, even when that wasn't the way in which he wanted to do things, but the most beautiful of all was that Gio never stopped fighting to show Sam how much he needed her in his life, permanently. Sam's situation was heartbreaking, but I loved the way Daphne went to great lengths and research to tell her story in the best way possible, in the most respectful, real, and touching on many of the most important issues experienced by women who go through this terrible disease. Also, I loved the strength & vulnerability of her character, the way her perspective on Havenport changed, and how she decided to let go of that attraction she's always had felt for Gio.
Ranking: 4.5⭐
Gio & Sam have a love story that I really enjoyed, it's full of sweet, funny, complicated and moving moments. But one of my favorite things to read was the way in which [a:Daphne Elliot|21191191|Daphne Elliot|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1614071449p2/21191191.jpg] developed Sam's diagnosis as sensitively and realistically as possible, and while fortunately I've never experienced nothing like it in my life, I think Daphne managed to capture Gio & Sam's journey very well, especially her fight.
Gio is officially my second favorite Rossi, after Nora of course, and so far he's the cutest, nicest, tender and understanding of the Rossi men that I have read and it's the type of characters that make me fall in love. I loved his whole story with Sam, and knowing from the beginning that he is hopelessly in love with her was something I really liked about his story, plus I really enjoyed reading him with Valentina and learning much more about the type of relationship he has with her family, especially with Matteo, but definitely the best thing about his character, and Sam's, was know the important moments in their friendship, how much they love each other, how important they have been in each other's lives, and the moments they let go for fear of destroying their unconditional friendship.
Sam is a true warrior, an independent, hard-working woman and Gio's best friend, she always wanted to run away from Havenport and was able to achieve her dreams, however, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she finds herself having to return to her hometown to seek the support & comfort of her mother and Gio. Sam has a long way to go throughout Embracing You, as her illness makes her put many things into perspective: her job, her nomadic personality, everything she thought about the place in the one she grew up, and most importantly, her feelings for Gio and everything that could happen if he agrees to have casual sex with her.
Sam & Gio don't have it easy on their way, from Sam's diagnosis, to the fear they both have of letting themselves be carried away by their feelings for the other and ruining the friendship they have shared throughout their lifes. One of the things I liked the most about Gio was that he always tried to take care of Sam and give him what she needed from him at all times, even when that wasn't the way in which he wanted to do things, but the most beautiful of all was that Gio never stopped fighting to show Sam how much he needed her in his life, permanently. Sam's situation was heartbreaking, but I loved the way Daphne went to great lengths and research to tell her story in the best way possible, in the most respectful, real, and touching on many of the most important issues experienced by women who go through this terrible disease. Also, I loved the strength & vulnerability of her character, the way her perspective on Havenport changed, and how she decided to let go of that attraction she's always had felt for Gio.
retrogirlreads's review
5.0
Oh. My. Gosh. Gio and Sam’s love story was everything I didn’t know I needed. Sam hasn’t been back to Havenport for a long period of time in years, and she prefers it that way. But when she gets a diagnosis that changes everything, she runs back to Havenport - and Gio, her childhood best friend. Gio’s been in love with her for decades, and he’s done his best to be exactly what she needs. I loved this book because the relationship between Sam and Gio was extremely well developed, and you could tell there was so much love and trust there, even before anything romantic happened between them. I’ve been waiting for Gio to get his own happily ever after, and this did not disappoint!!! Also, the steamy scenes were *chef’s kiss* I completely recommend!!!
beastreader's review
5.0
This book really struck a personal cord with me in the fact that Sam was dealing with breast cancer. While the cancer is non-terminal, it was personal in the way that my mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer several months ago. I went with her to her chemo treatments, and we are still as a family working through day-to-day life. My mom had her surgery and is "cancer free" at this time. The range of emotions that Sam was expressing in this story were very relatable.
I am glad Sam had someone like Gio in her life. The friends to lovers really played out nicely in this book. It was a good transition that heated up to something steamy filled with genuine love. Gio experienced emotions to that were real. Yet, he was able to still be a strong rock for Sam. I loved these two together. Grab your tissues as you might shed some tears but happy ones as Embracing You is a must read!
I am glad Sam had someone like Gio in her life. The friends to lovers really played out nicely in this book. It was a good transition that heated up to something steamy filled with genuine love. Gio experienced emotions to that were real. Yet, he was able to still be a strong rock for Sam. I loved these two together. Grab your tissues as you might shed some tears but happy ones as Embracing You is a must read!
kelmel's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
booknerdy2020's review
4.0
EMBRACING YOU By Daphne Elliot
Gio and Sam have been best friends since they were kids , but Gio has been in love with Sam for as long as he can remember.
Gio and Sam have been best friends since they were kids , but Gio has been in love with Sam for as long as he can remember.
sparky25's review
5.0
Emotional Whiplash... in the best way!
Sam and Gio have been the best of friends since the first time they laid eyes on each other... in grade school. They spent all their time together, did everything together, the only thing that was off limits was the physical. They'd never kissed, but the feelings that had always been there are about to explode.
When she gets the worst news a woman could receive, she decides to take a leap and ask Gio to cross that line between friends and lovers. Asking her best friend who has held her above all others in their heart could be a very big mistake, but Gio is all in. Will anything be the same?
Sam's fierce independence and stubborn streak took some time for me to get into. There are so many factors for her feelings. She broke me completely when she finally understands what really matters in life.
Gio is not a pushover. He just loves so much that he sacrifices his heart and time for the ones he cares for most. I know he's not going to leave my heart anytime soon.
10 stars!
Sam and Gio have been the best of friends since the first time they laid eyes on each other... in grade school. They spent all their time together, did everything together, the only thing that was off limits was the physical. They'd never kissed, but the feelings that had always been there are about to explode.
When she gets the worst news a woman could receive, she decides to take a leap and ask Gio to cross that line between friends and lovers. Asking her best friend who has held her above all others in their heart could be a very big mistake, but Gio is all in. Will anything be the same?
Sam's fierce independence and stubborn streak took some time for me to get into. There are so many factors for her feelings. She broke me completely when she finally understands what really matters in life.
Gio is not a pushover. He just loves so much that he sacrifices his heart and time for the ones he cares for most. I know he's not going to leave my heart anytime soon.
10 stars!
fortheloveofbooksandwine's review
5.0
**I received this as an ARC**
I am so in love with Daphne's books. Gio and Sam's story hit really close to home. Sam and Gio have been best friends their entire lives, and have always had feeling towards each other. When Sam comes home to visit, she drops the news to Gio that she has breast cancer. This story is about Sam trying to figure out who she is after her diagnosis, and Gio making sure that she knows she is still the same person that he has loved his whole life. The reason this book hits home for me is because my grandfather passed from cancer 10 years ago. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, and is currently in remission. So, this was such an emotional book for me. I have yet to read a book that Daphne has written that I have not fallen in love with. She was able to make sure that her words conveyed every single thing Sam or Gio were feeling. Whether it be Sam in regards to the way her body was going to be changing, or the way Gio reassured her that no matter what happened to her body, she would still be beautiful to him. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
To Daphne, you did an incredible job writing this story, and I am so glad I was able to read it. <3
I am so in love with Daphne's books. Gio and Sam's story hit really close to home. Sam and Gio have been best friends their entire lives, and have always had feeling towards each other. When Sam comes home to visit, she drops the news to Gio that she has breast cancer. This story is about Sam trying to figure out who she is after her diagnosis, and Gio making sure that she knows she is still the same person that he has loved his whole life. The reason this book hits home for me is because my grandfather passed from cancer 10 years ago. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, and is currently in remission. So, this was such an emotional book for me. I have yet to read a book that Daphne has written that I have not fallen in love with. She was able to make sure that her words conveyed every single thing Sam or Gio were feeling. Whether it be Sam in regards to the way her body was going to be changing, or the way Gio reassured her that no matter what happened to her body, she would still be beautiful to him. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
To Daphne, you did an incredible job writing this story, and I am so glad I was able to read it. <3
brianamaewrites's review
4.0
Hearts are worn upon sleeves in Daphne Elliot’s latest release about intimacy, strength, and community.
Sam had a fierce stubbornness to her that I loved to hate, and the big feelings and battles she confronted were raw and heavy, my heart aching with each word. Elliot has respectfully and realistically tapped into the individuals battle with cancer, and the pain and uncertainty that flanks this. At no point did this portrayal or Sam’s journey feel overly dramatised or exploited, and Elliot is to be commended for this.
There was an outpouring of support from Gio and the community of Havenport, and my heart and my eyes were equally moved by these displays. Gio’s presence brought a genuine sweetness, and I admired his patience and understanding towards Sam, always present in whatever capacity she needed at that time. Even when it meant waiting for her heart (and her mind) to catch up to the possibility of them on the other side of her recovery.
While I wasn’t a personal fan of the few flashback chapters interspersed throughout, the depth of Sam and Gio’s friendship this helped convey further cemented my belief that these two really were meant for one another, and that is something I just love to see dominating with the always been you trope. Theirs was an all consuming chemistry, their happy ending uplifting to see, as Elliot once more hit all the right spots.
An authentic tale of best friends turned lovers and it’s always been you, the heart beating within this read is strong and emotionally resounding; the perfect follow up for the Rossi Family series!
CW: Non-terminal breast cancer.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. 4⭐️
Sam had a fierce stubbornness to her that I loved to hate, and the big feelings and battles she confronted were raw and heavy, my heart aching with each word. Elliot has respectfully and realistically tapped into the individuals battle with cancer, and the pain and uncertainty that flanks this. At no point did this portrayal or Sam’s journey feel overly dramatised or exploited, and Elliot is to be commended for this.
There was an outpouring of support from Gio and the community of Havenport, and my heart and my eyes were equally moved by these displays. Gio’s presence brought a genuine sweetness, and I admired his patience and understanding towards Sam, always present in whatever capacity she needed at that time. Even when it meant waiting for her heart (and her mind) to catch up to the possibility of them on the other side of her recovery.
While I wasn’t a personal fan of the few flashback chapters interspersed throughout, the depth of Sam and Gio’s friendship this helped convey further cemented my belief that these two really were meant for one another, and that is something I just love to see dominating with the always been you trope. Theirs was an all consuming chemistry, their happy ending uplifting to see, as Elliot once more hit all the right spots.
An authentic tale of best friends turned lovers and it’s always been you, the heart beating within this read is strong and emotionally resounding; the perfect follow up for the Rossi Family series!
CW: Non-terminal breast cancer.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. 4⭐️