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A review by hiddenirises
Solar Eclipse of the Heart by Alanna Fraser
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.