jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
3.0
There's a good book in here, buried under a couple hundred superfluous pages and a main character who it took me a while to warm to. I liked the broad strokes of this story with a woman returning to her childhood home for some recentering after a difficult breakup, but it took quite a bit of patience to get through at times. My favorite characters are Amos and Rhodes; it was great to learn each new morsel of information about these two withdrawn yet stand-up guys, and I wanted so much more of them. By contrast, it was a lot to constantly be within Aurora's headspace, especially when she acted much younger than her age and kept throwing herself into situations where she needed help but resisted asking for it. That being said, the tale does hit several satisfying emotional beats in the final act that ultimately made it worth reading, and it was pleasing to see how Aurora ended up fitting so nicely with Rhodes and Amos.
Note: this book contains some pretty terrible terms of endearment. "Angel" and "sweetheart"? Very cute and acceptable. "Buddy"? NO, not even with the explanation. And don't get me started on "Tober" and "Tobers"; Tobias is a lovely name!
Note: this book contains some pretty terrible terms of endearment. "Angel" and "sweetheart"? Very cute and acceptable. "Buddy"? NO, not even with the explanation. And don't get me started on "Tober" and "Tobers"; Tobias is a lovely name!
louisesmith's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
4.0
My first Mariana Zapata book, and I have to say she definitely is the queen of the slow burn. Such a change of pace from my last few books where I felt like the characters were in love from the first page. Barely an inkling of anything between these two until the last section of the book. I liked the small town vibe, the whole hiking thing took a bit to wrap my head around as she seemed so keen, but then was never quite ready to actually do one properly. But it all fed into him coming to rescue her so I suppose that was the whole point anyway. A solid introduction to this author and really loved Rhode’s character.
karinou's review against another edition
5.0
The vibes were immaculate! It was so peaceful reading this book😌 for the entire time reading this book I imagined Rhodes as Pedro Pascal ☺️ hehe. Rhodes was such a DILF and I loved him for that and so grumpy that I understand how Aurora fell in love with him. This book was adorable and cozy and I might be going on hikes just because of this book🤔
maireadingnook's review against another edition
5.0
"The people we lose take a part of us with them… but they leave a part of themselves with us too."
I don't think I have the right words for this review. I love this book. So much. Of course this features the Mariana Zapata signature slow-burn romance. It was so sweet, and tender, and heartwarming. I loved watching not only the relationship grow between H and h, but also between h and H's son (single dad!) Even though this was a slow-burn, I felt the pacing was just right. Aurora had been through so much over the years, so it was so, so easy to root for her as we watched her character grow. And Rhodes, well...Rhodes is my kind of grump- a grumpy sweetheart.
As with MZ's other books, the little details- the sweet nothings- are what really do it for me. "His sock-covered foot nudged mine beneath the table. I swore that was better than most kisses I’d gotten over my life." I adore Rhodes+Aurora, I adore Amos, and I adore this book. Go read it.
I don't think I have the right words for this review. I love this book. So much. Of course this features the Mariana Zapata signature slow-burn romance. It was so sweet, and tender, and heartwarming. I loved watching not only the relationship grow between H and h, but also between h and H's son (single dad!) Even though this was a slow-burn, I felt the pacing was just right. Aurora had been through so much over the years, so it was so, so easy to root for her as we watched her character grow. And Rhodes, well...Rhodes is my kind of grump- a grumpy sweetheart.
As with MZ's other books, the little details- the sweet nothings- are what really do it for me. "His sock-covered foot nudged mine beneath the table. I swore that was better than most kisses I’d gotten over my life." I adore Rhodes+Aurora, I adore Amos, and I adore this book. Go read it.
chip4201's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
seriouslybookish's review against another edition
4.0
This booked showed me exactly why I love slow-burn so much. It just hits me right in the feels and this book did slow-burn justice. Rhodes made me swoon more times then I care to admit even when he called her angel face and sweet heart which normally make me gag.
Ora and I have a love hate relationship. Her tendency to spy on Rhodes and his son made me want to hurl something at her and some of her decisions left a lot to be desired. Thankfully she was more than tolerable relationship-wise.
Why wasn't this dual POV. I want to see all that's inside Rhodes head.
Ora and I have a love hate relationship. Her tendency to spy on Rhodes and his son made me want to hurl something at her and some of her decisions left a lot to be desired. Thankfully she was more than tolerable relationship-wise.
Why wasn't this dual POV. I want to see all that's inside Rhodes head.
bookash12's review against another edition
5.0
Not kidding when they say slow burn… but I thought it was worth it. I related to the daughter who lost a mom aspect. A lot of Aurora’s grieving was so familiar. When she has her (what I call) “grieving breakthrough” on one of her hikes.. it gutted me. It felt a little therapeutic to think of my mom in the spots she thought of hers.
If this book doesn’t make you want to find a little cute town and start hiking… I don’t know what will. I related to Aurora with the bats and mice but i also thought out Amazon of their hiking gear.. and I don’t even live close to trails.
How can we not mention Mr Rhodes. Hello “grumpy sunshine” book.. I didn’t realize that was what I liked reading.. but I’m not mad. Mr Rhodes… hello, yes please! I love the grumpy, has walls up, really a softie on the inside, rugged, protective guy. Mr. Rhodes was all that in a uniform!
5/5 and adding it to the re read shelf because of how relatable it was to her grieving. I took a lot of quotes from this book so it earns its spot on that shelf. And I loved the ending! Perfect ending!
If this book doesn’t make you want to find a little cute town and start hiking… I don’t know what will. I related to Aurora with the bats and mice but i also thought out Amazon of their hiking gear.. and I don’t even live close to trails.
How can we not mention Mr Rhodes. Hello “grumpy sunshine” book.. I didn’t realize that was what I liked reading.. but I’m not mad. Mr Rhodes… hello, yes please! I love the grumpy, has walls up, really a softie on the inside, rugged, protective guy. Mr. Rhodes was all that in a uniform!
5/5 and adding it to the re read shelf because of how relatable it was to her grieving. I took a lot of quotes from this book so it earns its spot on that shelf. And I loved the ending! Perfect ending!