daffodill37's review
1.0
Becca and Krista, please hire editors. Someone who can help guide and hone your stories. They've become quite messy lately.
I would like to point out that I've been a fan for several years, own nearly all their books and I'm a patreon member. I was looking forward to this book but it was not good.
-This book actually has very little romance, there's more sex than romance and there's only 2 sex scenes.
-The first sex scene was borderline abusive and very confusing.
-The climax of the story dumps a whole bunch of shit that kinda comes out of nowhere.
-We understand that these women have history but we don't get any of that history in a way that allows us as the reader to feel the bond, the love between them.
-The whole "cursed town" thing felt overwritten, overplayed.
-All the voices of their characters, not just in this book but in the last several of their books, have the same voice. I can't tell them apart.
-Adding in Like Us and Core 6 references was messy and distracting. It literally stopped a scene dead in its tracks. So unnecessary.
I would like to point out that I've been a fan for several years, own nearly all their books and I'm a patreon member. I was looking forward to this book but it was not good.
-This book actually has very little romance, there's more sex than romance and there's only 2 sex scenes.
-The first sex scene was borderline abusive and very confusing.
-The climax of the story dumps a whole bunch of shit that kinda comes out of nowhere.
-We understand that these women have history but we don't get any of that history in a way that allows us as the reader to feel the bond, the love between them.
-The whole "cursed town" thing felt overwritten, overplayed.
-All the voices of their characters, not just in this book but in the last several of their books, have the same voice. I can't tell them apart.
-Adding in Like Us and Core 6 references was messy and distracting. It literally stopped a scene dead in its tracks. So unnecessary.
booklybrittany's review against another edition
4.0
KBR has done it again, honestly. I would probably read a chicken noodle soup recipe if KBR wrote it, but regardless this was a very interesting and compelling story. I'm used to reading drawn out series by the twins, so I was nervous going into this because it is a standalone but it was advertised as having the same type of epic, soul-crushing love story we've come to expect with KBR stories. I will say, I think the epic romance between October and Zoey would have been even better if this was written as a duet (with the first book being about their relationship in high school), but I do think their love story was great regardless. I loved the coastal setting and the mystery that controlled the majority of the plot in this story, and I finished it wishing for books about the side characters. I'd love to see another book in this world about Colt specifically, and I hope one day KBR decide to grace us with that.
Side note: extra bonus points for giving the fizzle force some easter eggs about the core six and their kids. I loved reading about the Celebrity Crush gossip and the fancon tour that we got to read in the Like Us series.
Side note: extra bonus points for giving the fizzle force some easter eggs about the core six and their kids. I loved reading about the Celebrity Crush gossip and the fancon tour that we got to read in the Like Us series.
briherna's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
marreadsbooks22's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
The fact that I was more interested in Parry, Colt and Brian's plot rather than the ff main characters and that the only thing that made me go
The fact that I was more interested in Parry, Colt and Brian's plot rather than the ff main characters and that the only thing that made me go
martiniblue's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
catalinamreads's review against another edition
2.0
Let me just say how the plot could've been resolved: best friend calls girl to help her brother. She comes to town, takes said brother to rehab, goes back to Chicago and lives her best life, away from an awful town that always hated her family for no good reason whatsoever. The end.
hsecen's review against another edition
5.0
April 2023 reread:
To remember the happiest moment of our lives. Where October and I chose each other. Where we continue to choose each other.
And whatever fate has in store, we write our own legends now.
This was all the romance and mystery I never knew I needed from Krista and Becca and I'm so happy this book is finally out in the world! I tore through this book so quickly, my only complaint was that it wasn't even longer.
Zoey and October were such badass protagonists. I loved their backstory and the chemistry they had with each other. There were some intriguing town politics and dynamics with the curse surrounding Mistpoint Harbor that added complications to their relationship but from the get go, I was just rooting for these two to get and stay together.
I loved learning about all the lore and legends about how the curses work. And tied with that was this mystery that was spooled out perfectly that I was just desperate to know more, more, more, and I could not stop myself from reading the whole book in one sitting.
On top of all that were the familial relationships that Krista and Becca write about like no other. I loved October and Babette and their relationship, how much they tried to support each other in their own struggles. And I absolutely adored all the Durands and their bonds. The age gap and dynamics between them added such a perfect element to the book, and I'm desperate for more about these side characters in the future. I need their stories. Desperately.
There were so many twists and truth bombs in this book that like I said, I finished the book in one sitting. I loved every minute I got to spend in Mistpoint Harbor!
To remember the happiest moment of our lives. Where October and I chose each other. Where we continue to choose each other.
And whatever fate has in store, we write our own legends now.
This was all the romance and mystery I never knew I needed from Krista and Becca and I'm so happy this book is finally out in the world! I tore through this book so quickly, my only complaint was that it wasn't even longer.
Zoey and October were such badass protagonists. I loved their backstory and the chemistry they had with each other. There were some intriguing town politics and dynamics with the curse surrounding Mistpoint Harbor that added complications to their relationship but from the get go, I was just rooting for these two to get and stay together.
I loved learning about all the lore and legends about how the curses work. And tied with that was this mystery that was spooled out perfectly that I was just desperate to know more, more, more, and I could not stop myself from reading the whole book in one sitting.
On top of all that were the familial relationships that Krista and Becca write about like no other. I loved October and Babette and their relationship, how much they tried to support each other in their own struggles. And I absolutely adored all the Durands and their bonds. The age gap and dynamics between them added such a perfect element to the book, and I'm desperate for more about these side characters in the future. I need their stories. Desperately.
There were so many twists and truth bombs in this book that like I said, I finished the book in one sitting. I loved every minute I got to spend in Mistpoint Harbor!
jazmin's review against another edition
4.0
"One of the oldest sayings in the museum is never fall in love in a cursed town. And yet, love is the most powerful thing here."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
⇢The Plot
Okay so let’s start out with the plot, which is something that I find Krista and Becca Ritchie don’t always do perfectly. To me, they’re really character writers (which works out because I’m a character reader) and sometimes I’ve been let down by their plots, but I actually really enjoyed the plot in this book!
As they promised, the Nancy Drew vibes were on point, and Mistpoint Harbour was a fantastic setting. The cursed town elements were super unique and interesting and I can honestly say I was surprised by the various twists and turns. A few times, I screamed out loud because I was so surprised LOL.
The only thing I’ll say about the curses part that I didn’t love was that the definition of a “curse” in Mistpoint Harbour was kinda confusing. You have to read the book to really understand what I mean but in the book, people in the town can “become cursed” once they’re 18. Maybe I’m being too technical, but I just kept wondering what would be counted as a curse and why something bad happening was immediately labelled a curse. It was a bit confusing at times and I think a more definite explanation would’ve been super helpful.
⇢The Pacing
Another thing I want to talk about is the pacing. In the book, Zoey, the protagonist, returns to Mistpoint Harbour after being in Chicago for like 6 years. My complaint is, that when she came back, she sort of fell into her old patterns and relationships, and we as readers weren’t really updated. As in, she was referencing parts of her past that we didn’t know about, which made things confusing. It also made the pacing weird because although I get that she previously knew the characters, we had never seen them interact on page which made the pacing seem off. Either the relationships needed to develop slower, or we needed flashbacks.
⇢The Characters
Now, for the part I absolutely LOVED: the characters and their relationships. As I said, KB Ritchie write characters that really speak to my soul. Do I love Zoey and October and the rest as much as the characters from their series? (Addicted, CS, Like us) No, because I’ve read about those characters for like 20 books, whereas this was only a single book. But still, these characters were fantastic. The family aspect was phenomenal too.
Zoey and October were such great characters and their relationship was hilarious and super easy to root for. Both of them are icons and honestly I almost feel like we deserved more content from them, they were so great! GIVE ME MORE KB RITCHIE.
“I choose to believe it’s us, together always, at the end of our love story. I might not be a writer, but I wouldn’t want it to end any other way.”
And the side characters were awesome too, and I loved how the authors included romance between them as well. I’d love a novella about the other couples and characters! I know some people said it was hard to like them because there were too many characters, but I felt like that only made me like them more! Plus the fact that more than 50% of the characters were queer… KB Ritchie are my besties now.
*4.25
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
MY LINKTREE ❦
BOOKISH PRODUCTS: USE MY CODE JAZ10 ❦
littlemouselibrary's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve always just dreamt of her. The girl who makes me come alive again. And again.
I refuse to believe this is a standalone!!! I need more of Mistpoint Harbour and the Durands!! Truly cannot believe I waited so long to read this and then devoured it in one go. What am I meant to do now that there isn’t another book with this incredible cast of characters. If you haven’t read this yet... what are you doing, go go go!
For her. It’s always only been for her.
Zoey & October are such a beautiful couple. They’re so cute and wonderful together. Their chemistry is amazing, I love how they can’t help but gravitate towards each other. October’s protectiveness was so sweet and I loved both of their internal dialogue about each other. It was so clear how much they care for each other. Zoey was such a fun and loveable character with major Lily energy. I love how geeky she is and all the awkward little things that just endeared her more to October. They were also both so cool and badass.
The mystery aspect was fun and I liked the building suspense. The small town politics and the curses were so interesting, just the general town dynamic. Love prevails though and I really enjoyed how a lot of actions stemmed from love between people and a desire to protect them. Even if my poor Durands deserve a thousand times better.
I want to be where you are.
Krista & Becca write the best families, I have fallen in love with every one they’ve written immediately and they just remain in my heart forever. The Durands are no different and I desperately wish we had more content. Brian omg! I can’t believe it and at the same time it makes perfect sense. The development of them was so moving and that hug omg!! Tears were inevitable. When Zoey first returns I just wanted them to talk it out and be close again but this is so much better! I love him and he said so little lol. Zoey remembering all those moments from her childhood got me so emotional, and that photo too!! The time between the secret being revealed, things moving upwards and the book ending is way too short. I need more of their adorable interactions please.
All the stuff happening in the background totally reeled me in. I love Parry & Brian together, they’re adorable. All that antagonising hides such deep feelings. Parry is such a great character, I love his friendship and bond with Zoey. And I could beg for more Colt content! I don’t think he realises how great of a brother he is. The way these 3 all care for and are protective of Zoey made me melt. I’m so happy that he is starting to move up after the book’s events, he deserves sunshine and goodness, to be happy and free. All those interactions with Baby… yeah I am so ready for their book. And of course October and Baby are amazing. I love how KBR write sisterhood and this book has another beautiful bond!
Love is the most powerful thing here.
I loved all the fangirling over the Cobalt/Meadows/Hale kids! It’s so fun seeing myself in these fictional characters and their love (obsession), and also seeing a different perspective of Addicted & Like Us. The way October loves and defends Jane is so dear to me! I think they would get along so well. Worlds need to collide!
Read this read this read this, please!
I refuse to believe this is a standalone!!! I need more of Mistpoint Harbour and the Durands!! Truly cannot believe I waited so long to read this and then devoured it in one go. What am I meant to do now that there isn’t another book with this incredible cast of characters. If you haven’t read this yet... what are you doing, go go go!
For her. It’s always only been for her.
Zoey & October are such a beautiful couple. They’re so cute and wonderful together. Their chemistry is amazing, I love how they can’t help but gravitate towards each other. October’s protectiveness was so sweet and I loved both of their internal dialogue about each other. It was so clear how much they care for each other. Zoey was such a fun and loveable character with major Lily energy. I love how geeky she is and all the awkward little things that just endeared her more to October. They were also both so cool and badass.
The mystery aspect was fun and I liked the building suspense. The small town politics and the curses were so interesting, just the general town dynamic. Love prevails though and I really enjoyed how a lot of actions stemmed from love between people and a desire to protect them. Even if my poor Durands deserve a thousand times better.
I want to be where you are.
Krista & Becca write the best families, I have fallen in love with every one they’ve written immediately and they just remain in my heart forever. The Durands are no different and I desperately wish we had more content. Brian omg! I can’t believe it and at the same time it makes perfect sense. The development of them was so moving and that hug omg!! Tears were inevitable. When Zoey first returns I just wanted them to talk it out and be close again but this is so much better! I love him and he said so little lol. Zoey remembering all those moments from her childhood got me so emotional, and that photo too!! The time between the secret being revealed, things moving upwards and the book ending is way too short. I need more of their adorable interactions please.
All the stuff happening in the background totally reeled me in. I love Parry & Brian together, they’re adorable. All that antagonising hides such deep feelings. Parry is such a great character, I love his friendship and bond with Zoey. And I could beg for more Colt content! I don’t think he realises how great of a brother he is. The way these 3 all care for and are protective of Zoey made me melt. I’m so happy that he is starting to move up after the book’s events, he deserves sunshine and goodness, to be happy and free. All those interactions with Baby… yeah I am so ready for their book. And of course October and Baby are amazing. I love how KBR write sisterhood and this book has another beautiful bond!
Love is the most powerful thing here.
I loved all the fangirling over the Cobalt/Meadows/Hale kids! It’s so fun seeing myself in these fictional characters and their love (obsession), and also seeing a different perspective of Addicted & Like Us. The way October loves and defends Jane is so dear to me! I think they would get along so well. Worlds need to collide!
Read this read this read this, please!
booksumed's review against another edition
4.0
3.5-3.75 stars: I liked it! The mystery was intriguing and I never really knew if the town was actually cursed or if it had some other explanation.
Zoey: I thought it was adorable how Zoey glorified October and compared her to Wonder Woman
Zoey: I thought it was adorable how Zoey glorified October and compared her to Wonder Woman