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Lakefront Billionaires #2
Love Unwritten
Rafael
Ellie Sinclair is a hopeless romantic who writes love songs.
I’m a struggling workaholic who could inspire a hundred breakup albums.
On paper, we have nothing in common except for my son.
For eight months, I avoid her until our summer trip.
Fourteen days. Two islands. And one nanny I shouldn’t be attracted to.
Spending time with Ellie is expected, but enjoying her company?
That isn’t part of our travel plans.
After my divorce, I swore to protect my heart at all costs.
Even if it means breaking hers in the process.
Ellie
What’s worse than working for a grumpy single dad?
Admitting that I once had a secret crush on him in high school.
Thankfully, Rafael Lopez and I have changed since we graduated from Wisteria High.
He is a billionaire with a company to run and a child to take care of.
I’m an unemployed songwriter he hired to watch his son and teach music.
We coexist without any issues until a vacation changes everything.
Lines blur and old feelings for Rafael return with vengeance as I face a new dilemma.
Being his son’s nanny is one thing, but wishing for more?
Sounds like a heartbreak song waiting to be written.
Ellie Sinclair is a hopeless romantic who writes love songs.
I’m a struggling workaholic who could inspire a hundred breakup albums.
On paper, we have nothing in common except for my son.
For eight months, I avoid her until our summer trip.
Fourteen days. Two islands. And one nanny I shouldn’t be attracted to.
Spending time with Ellie is expected, but enjoying her company?
That isn’t part of our travel plans.
After my divorce, I swore to protect my heart at all costs.
Even if it means breaking hers in the process.
Ellie
What’s worse than working for a grumpy single dad?
Admitting that I once had a secret crush on him in high school.
Thankfully, Rafael Lopez and I have changed since we graduated from Wisteria High.
He is a billionaire with a company to run and a child to take care of.
I’m an unemployed songwriter he hired to watch his son and teach music.
We coexist without any issues until a vacation changes everything.
Lines blur and old feelings for Rafael return with vengeance as I face a new dilemma.
Being his son’s nanny is one thing, but wishing for more?
Sounds like a heartbreak song waiting to be written.
551 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2024
About the author
Lauren Asher
12 books47.4k followersJoin my Facebook group for exclusive content and sneak peeks: https://bit.ly/BandiniBabes
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About Me:
Lauren Asher is a New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, Globe and Mail, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of contemporary romance. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can’t help falling in love with and fictional worlds you wish were real.
Her favorite activities outside of writing include DIY projects, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenasher...
About Me:
Lauren Asher is a New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, Globe and Mail, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of contemporary romance. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can’t help falling in love with and fictional worlds you wish were real.
Her favorite activities outside of writing include DIY projects, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,458 reviews
June 30, 2024
4.25 ⭐️❤️
June 23, 2024
book had me giggling and kicking my feet! was just a little too long! but really enjoyed :)
Currently reading
April 10, 2024Releasing June 18th.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HpHtYZ
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/LoveUnwrittenLA
Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition Paperback: https://bit.ly/4851PBS
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/420Btj7
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3HpHtYZ
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/LoveUnwrittenLA
Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition Paperback: https://bit.ly/4851PBS
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/420Btj7
July 13, 2024
Rafa and Ellie broke my 1-2 star streak 🥹
___
HOPING THAT RAFA AND ELLIE WILL BREAK MY 1-2 STAR STREAK!
___
HOPING THAT RAFA AND ELLIE WILL BREAK MY 1-2 STAR STREAK!
August 2, 2024
➳
5/5 stars
"To those who see themselves as broken.
I hope you find someone who admires your scars for what they are: A sign of your struggle and a testament to your strength."
This was hands down one of my most anticipated reads of the year like I was absolutely dying to get my hands on it! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The book delivered on every level with a captivating storyline and well-developed characters. The writing was exceptional, and the plot was executed with immaculate precision.
Lauren masterfully portrayed the lingering effects of childhood trauma on adulthood, shedding light on how past experiences shape our present in the most profound way. Each page was a testament to her skill, drawing me in and keeping me hooked from start to finish.
This book is a single dad romance set in a small town near Lake Wisteria and is the second book in the Lakefront Billionaire series. Although it's a rom-com, it addresses serious topics like anxiety, trust issues, self-harm, and depression. Lauren’s handling of these themes is commendable, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The only drawback for me was the length; it felt like it could have been shorter. However, this shouldn’t stop you from appreciating the greatness of this story.
In this book, Ellie, the female main character, returns to her town after being betrayed by her best friend, Ava, who stole her songs and released them under her own name. Heartbroken, Ellie has no choice but to move back home. She finds a job as a nanny for Nico, a sweet boy with an eye disorder retinitis pigmentosa that sometimes affects his vision and they quickly bond over their love for music.
The male main character, Rafael, has been deeply hurt and betrayed by his first wife, Hillary. Her betrayal left him depressed and doubting his self-worth, but he does everything he can to make his son happy, which is something I greatly admire about him. For the first eight months, Ellie and Rafael try to avoid each other. That changes when Nico invites Ellie on their summer vacation to Hawaii.
As they spend more time together, avoiding their attraction becomes increasingly difficult. Will their time together bring them closer, or push them further apart?
╰┈➤ Rafael lopez
Rafael Lopez is a man who deserves nothing but immense love. Growing up with neglectful parents who never truly cared for him, he developed a coping mechanism of people-pleasing in a desperate bid to earn their love. However, this did not last long as they abandoned him, breaking him even more. He learned to hide his emotions, influenced by his sick father who claimed that showing emotions made one weak. Consequently, Rafael adopted a tough exterior, never letting anyone see how hurt he truly was.
Later, his uncle and aunt adopted him, but this didn't change Rafael. He continued to believe that he had to be perfect to earn their affection, even though his uncle and aunt loved him as their own. The tough childhood left deep scars, making him feel the need to prove himself constantly. And when his dumb wife Hillary left him for another man, he was completely shattered. Yet, he maintained his strong exterior for the sake of his child, striving to give him the best childhood possible. I truly admire Rafael for this resilience; despite everything he endured, he chose to heal rather than pass his trauma onto his child.
Then Ellie came into the picture, although Rafael initially tried to avoid her, he eventually stopped denying his feelings and accepted his love for her. His character development is remarkable; he worked through his emotional baggage step by step while also being a devoted father, which is incredibly challenging. What I truly love about him is his caring and loving nature. He would go to great lengths for the people he loves. Despite his own suffering, he did everything to be a good father, and if that isn't strength, I don't know what is.
— "My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn’t have any of his own."
╰┈➤ Ellie Sinclair
This woman embodies true strength, and I adored her from beginning to end. Ellie faced immense challenges: an abusive father who tormented her since childhood and a mother who fought fiercely for custody to protect her. The mental abuse Ellie endured led her to self-harm, even as her mother tried to be the best she could be.
Even after escaping her father, Ellie struggled with the trauma he inflicted. Years of therapy helped her stop self-harming and focus on her dreams. However, her trust was shattered when her friend stole her songs, leaving her betrayed and forced to return home. Taking a job as Nico's nanny, she found solace and joy in her new role and in the sweet boy, though she kept second-guessing herself. She dreamed of being a songwriter but lacked the courage to start again. Rafa, ever supportive, helped her overcome this fear, motivating and cheering her on. Their mutual support was truly heartwarming.
Ellie had always had a crush on Rafa since high school but never confessed, fearing rejection. As she worked for him, she realized he was more than just the perfect boy from school like he had his own set of flaws, which only deepened her love for him. While her character development wasn't as highlighted as Rafa's, her resilience and strength were undeniable. What truly stood out was her love for Nico. She loved him like her own, which takes immense strength and made me admire her even more. Ellie's journey of healing, growth, and love is a testament to her incredible character, and the way she and Rafa supported each other was beyond beautiful.
— "I don’t want to stop doing things I love because I’m scared.”
╰┈➤ Ellie and Rafael
I can't emphasize enough how these two were meant to be together. The chemistry, banter, and sexual tension between them were beyond perfection, and I was totally here for it. Initially, they both experienced tension—Ellie hiding her crush and Rafa denying his feelings—but avoiding the inevitable was impossible.
What I truly admired was their growth. Despite their tough childhoods, they never let that affect their love. They always tried to communicate during hard times, and even when they didn’t speak, they understood each other and i feel only few books that i have read were able to showcase this level of understanding. Rafa did everything to show his love for Ellie, and Ellie always stood by Rafa's side, knowing he often shut himself off. She always reassured him that he wasn't alone and they were in this together!
Their ability to work through their inner thoughts and discuss their fears and discomforts without holding back was remarkable. No matter the outcome, they faced it together. Their journey of mutual support, love, and growth was truly heartwarming.
— "With her in my arms, I’m happy and hopeful. Like I’m no longer stuck in reverse because I found the brightest star to guide me out of the dark. Elle Sinclair."
— "So long as Rafael and I are together, our love song will remain incomplete. Like a melody with no pause or a song with no outro. We’re a story without an ending… And I wouldn’t want it any other way."
╰┈➤ Nicolas Lopez
And how can I not mention my sweet boy! Nico, even though he's just five, he speaks with the wisdom of an adult. He had me cracking up at the things he would say. I absolutely adored his relationship with Ellie. My heart went out to him as he dealt with the life-altering diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa at such a young age. Rafael and Ellie made sure he experienced as much as possible before his vision deteriorated.
Nico's maturity for his age was touching, and watching him grow and figure out certain things pulled at my heartstrings. His relationship with Rafael was strained at first, but seeing them mend it was truly heartwarming.
— “I love you more than pianos, superheroes, and Duke Brass.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of love from such a little guy.”
“Papi says I have the biggest heart he knows.” Second-biggest heart to exist, right after his father’s.
I absolutely loved the theme of found family in this book. The appearances of Julian and Daliah were wonderful, and the addition of Willow and Cole brought even more warmth to the story. I especially cherished the deep friendship between Ellie and Willow, as they were always there for each other. The way Ellie and Rafael were surrounded by so much love from their family and friends added so much depth to the narrative and truly made my heart feel full.
This book took me through a whirlwind of emotions that I wasn’t expecting. Although it was quite lengthy, I believe the length was necessary for the story to fully explore and resolve their issues realistically, without feeling rushed. This extended depth only added to my enjoyment, as I found myself completely engrossed in every moment.
°˖➴ "Overall, this was my most anticipated read of the year, and it absolutely delivered. I'm already eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! So if you’re in the mood for a story that will make you giggle, kick your feet at 3 a.m., and also bring tears to your eyes from its sheer sweetness, then this book might be perfect for you. Enjoy!" 💌
‧₊˚🖇️ QUOTES
➳ "My toxic trait isn’t the fact that I don’t have feelings; it’s that I feel too much, all at once, so I suppress it instead of learning how to cope. I’ve always been that way, long before my mother packed her bags and left my father and me."
➳ "Physically, Rafael is one of the most attractive people I know. Scratch that. He is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying a lot after spending years living in Los Angeles amongst models, actors, and aspiring musicians."
➳ "she doesn’t seem to notice my dilemma as she slams the paper plate into Nico’s face while staring up at me with another heartclenching smile that could bring a man to his knees. I fear that, if I’m not careful, that man could most definitely be me"
➳ "Ellie Sinclair has always been pretty, but right now, she looks absolutely gorgeous in a floor-length gauzy white dress that highlights her soft curves and sun-kissed skin. I can only think of one word to describe her, and it is ethereal."
➳ "If we had met back then, I would have done everything possible to make you like me instead of hate me. He wouldn’t have had to try too hard. Just like he doesn’t have to try too hard now."
➳ “We can want a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean anything if we don’t put in the effort to make any of it happen"
➳ "That you looked so damn gorgeous, it physically hurt me to look at you because I knew you could never be mine"
➳ “One day, when you find the one you’ve been looking for, he better do everything in his power to keep you because you deserve the kind of love that they write songs about"
➳ "Because life is about finding the right people who want to stay and making sure neither of you ever let go."
➳ "If you find me using too much tongue, it better be while my head is between your legs.” My soul leaves my body.
He twists so we’re fully facing each other. “No comeback for that one?”
“Give me a minute. I’m sure one will come.”
➳ “Elle.”
“Yeah?”
“Shut up and kiss me already.”
➳ "Kissing him feels so damn right that I fear everyone else will always feel wrong. It hits me then that our deal was a stupid one from the moment we made it. A thousand kisses wouldn’t be enough, let alone one."
➳ "Letting go doesn’t mean erasing the past. It means acknowledging the person I was while working to become the man I want to be"
➳ "“Fuck off.”
“Why would I do that when I’d much rather fuck you instead?"
➳ "It is clear she could love anyone’s child, but I’m lucky she chose mine"
➳ "Rafael is everything I could ever want in a partner, and now he is mine. I’ll wait however long it takes for him to feel the same because he is
worth it."
➳ "I know what I want.”
“And what’s that?”
“You.”
➳ “You deserve to be with the one who will take the time to see you.The one who will show up time and time again to be there for you, even if you push them away because you’re scared, angry, or unhappy.They don’t quit, run, or cheat. They will fight for you, even if it means fighting against you, because life is a war zone, but love is the greatest weapon we have.”
➳ “I love every single thing about you.Your mind. Your scars. But most of all, your heart."
➳ “You may not be able to come home yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t bring home to you. One day, I’ll marry this man, and no one will stop me. Not even him."
➳ "Life brought us together when we needed each other most, and for that, I’ll always be grateful"
➳ "I never want to go a single day without him because he is the one who inspired the greatest unwritten love song of all. Ours."
➳ "These two are the center of my universe, and I plan on spending the rest of my life proving it to them every single day for as long as I live"
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
꒰🌷⊹ ࣪ pre-read review ᯓᡣ𐭩
YAYYYY MY COPY IS FINALLY HERE!!!! IM SOOO FREAKING HAPPY OMGGGG 🎀💗
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
just few more daysss, im literally sooo excited for this!!! hope this doesn't disappoint 🤞🏻💗
"To those who see themselves as broken.
I hope you find someone who admires your scars for what they are: A sign of your struggle and a testament to your strength."
This was hands down one of my most anticipated reads of the year like I was absolutely dying to get my hands on it! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The book delivered on every level with a captivating storyline and well-developed characters. The writing was exceptional, and the plot was executed with immaculate precision.
Lauren masterfully portrayed the lingering effects of childhood trauma on adulthood, shedding light on how past experiences shape our present in the most profound way. Each page was a testament to her skill, drawing me in and keeping me hooked from start to finish.
This book is a single dad romance set in a small town near Lake Wisteria and is the second book in the Lakefront Billionaire series. Although it's a rom-com, it addresses serious topics like anxiety, trust issues, self-harm, and depression. Lauren’s handling of these themes is commendable, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The only drawback for me was the length; it felt like it could have been shorter. However, this shouldn’t stop you from appreciating the greatness of this story.
In this book, Ellie, the female main character, returns to her town after being betrayed by her best friend, Ava, who stole her songs and released them under her own name. Heartbroken, Ellie has no choice but to move back home. She finds a job as a nanny for Nico, a sweet boy with an eye disorder retinitis pigmentosa that sometimes affects his vision and they quickly bond over their love for music.
The male main character, Rafael, has been deeply hurt and betrayed by his first wife, Hillary. Her betrayal left him depressed and doubting his self-worth, but he does everything he can to make his son happy, which is something I greatly admire about him. For the first eight months, Ellie and Rafael try to avoid each other. That changes when Nico invites Ellie on their summer vacation to Hawaii.
As they spend more time together, avoiding their attraction becomes increasingly difficult. Will their time together bring them closer, or push them further apart?
╰┈➤ Rafael lopez
Rafael Lopez is a man who deserves nothing but immense love. Growing up with neglectful parents who never truly cared for him, he developed a coping mechanism of people-pleasing in a desperate bid to earn their love. However, this did not last long as they abandoned him, breaking him even more. He learned to hide his emotions, influenced by his sick father who claimed that showing emotions made one weak. Consequently, Rafael adopted a tough exterior, never letting anyone see how hurt he truly was.
Later, his uncle and aunt adopted him, but this didn't change Rafael. He continued to believe that he had to be perfect to earn their affection, even though his uncle and aunt loved him as their own. The tough childhood left deep scars, making him feel the need to prove himself constantly. And when his dumb wife Hillary left him for another man, he was completely shattered. Yet, he maintained his strong exterior for the sake of his child, striving to give him the best childhood possible. I truly admire Rafael for this resilience; despite everything he endured, he chose to heal rather than pass his trauma onto his child.
Then Ellie came into the picture, although Rafael initially tried to avoid her, he eventually stopped denying his feelings and accepted his love for her. His character development is remarkable; he worked through his emotional baggage step by step while also being a devoted father, which is incredibly challenging. What I truly love about him is his caring and loving nature. He would go to great lengths for the people he loves. Despite his own suffering, he did everything to be a good father, and if that isn't strength, I don't know what is.
— "My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn’t have any of his own."
╰┈➤ Ellie Sinclair
This woman embodies true strength, and I adored her from beginning to end. Ellie faced immense challenges: an abusive father who tormented her since childhood and a mother who fought fiercely for custody to protect her. The mental abuse Ellie endured led her to self-harm, even as her mother tried to be the best she could be.
Even after escaping her father, Ellie struggled with the trauma he inflicted. Years of therapy helped her stop self-harming and focus on her dreams. However, her trust was shattered when her friend stole her songs, leaving her betrayed and forced to return home. Taking a job as Nico's nanny, she found solace and joy in her new role and in the sweet boy, though she kept second-guessing herself. She dreamed of being a songwriter but lacked the courage to start again. Rafa, ever supportive, helped her overcome this fear, motivating and cheering her on. Their mutual support was truly heartwarming.
Ellie had always had a crush on Rafa since high school but never confessed, fearing rejection. As she worked for him, she realized he was more than just the perfect boy from school like he had his own set of flaws, which only deepened her love for him. While her character development wasn't as highlighted as Rafa's, her resilience and strength were undeniable. What truly stood out was her love for Nico. She loved him like her own, which takes immense strength and made me admire her even more. Ellie's journey of healing, growth, and love is a testament to her incredible character, and the way she and Rafa supported each other was beyond beautiful.
— "I don’t want to stop doing things I love because I’m scared.”
╰┈➤ Ellie and Rafael
I can't emphasize enough how these two were meant to be together. The chemistry, banter, and sexual tension between them were beyond perfection, and I was totally here for it. Initially, they both experienced tension—Ellie hiding her crush and Rafa denying his feelings—but avoiding the inevitable was impossible.
What I truly admired was their growth. Despite their tough childhoods, they never let that affect their love. They always tried to communicate during hard times, and even when they didn’t speak, they understood each other and i feel only few books that i have read were able to showcase this level of understanding. Rafa did everything to show his love for Ellie, and Ellie always stood by Rafa's side, knowing he often shut himself off. She always reassured him that he wasn't alone and they were in this together!
Their ability to work through their inner thoughts and discuss their fears and discomforts without holding back was remarkable. No matter the outcome, they faced it together. Their journey of mutual support, love, and growth was truly heartwarming.
— "With her in my arms, I’m happy and hopeful. Like I’m no longer stuck in reverse because I found the brightest star to guide me out of the dark. Elle Sinclair."
— "So long as Rafael and I are together, our love song will remain incomplete. Like a melody with no pause or a song with no outro. We’re a story without an ending… And I wouldn’t want it any other way."
╰┈➤ Nicolas Lopez
And how can I not mention my sweet boy! Nico, even though he's just five, he speaks with the wisdom of an adult. He had me cracking up at the things he would say. I absolutely adored his relationship with Ellie. My heart went out to him as he dealt with the life-altering diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa at such a young age. Rafael and Ellie made sure he experienced as much as possible before his vision deteriorated.
Nico's maturity for his age was touching, and watching him grow and figure out certain things pulled at my heartstrings. His relationship with Rafael was strained at first, but seeing them mend it was truly heartwarming.
— “I love you more than pianos, superheroes, and Duke Brass.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of love from such a little guy.”
“Papi says I have the biggest heart he knows.” Second-biggest heart to exist, right after his father’s.
I absolutely loved the theme of found family in this book. The appearances of Julian and Daliah were wonderful, and the addition of Willow and Cole brought even more warmth to the story. I especially cherished the deep friendship between Ellie and Willow, as they were always there for each other. The way Ellie and Rafael were surrounded by so much love from their family and friends added so much depth to the narrative and truly made my heart feel full.
This book took me through a whirlwind of emotions that I wasn’t expecting. Although it was quite lengthy, I believe the length was necessary for the story to fully explore and resolve their issues realistically, without feeling rushed. This extended depth only added to my enjoyment, as I found myself completely engrossed in every moment.
°˖➴ "Overall, this was my most anticipated read of the year, and it absolutely delivered. I'm already eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! So if you’re in the mood for a story that will make you giggle, kick your feet at 3 a.m., and also bring tears to your eyes from its sheer sweetness, then this book might be perfect for you. Enjoy!" 💌
‧₊˚🖇️ QUOTES
➳ "My toxic trait isn’t the fact that I don’t have feelings; it’s that I feel too much, all at once, so I suppress it instead of learning how to cope. I’ve always been that way, long before my mother packed her bags and left my father and me."
➳ "Physically, Rafael is one of the most attractive people I know. Scratch that. He is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying a lot after spending years living in Los Angeles amongst models, actors, and aspiring musicians."
➳ "she doesn’t seem to notice my dilemma as she slams the paper plate into Nico’s face while staring up at me with another heartclenching smile that could bring a man to his knees. I fear that, if I’m not careful, that man could most definitely be me"
➳ "Ellie Sinclair has always been pretty, but right now, she looks absolutely gorgeous in a floor-length gauzy white dress that highlights her soft curves and sun-kissed skin. I can only think of one word to describe her, and it is ethereal."
➳ "If we had met back then, I would have done everything possible to make you like me instead of hate me. He wouldn’t have had to try too hard. Just like he doesn’t have to try too hard now."
➳ “We can want a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean anything if we don’t put in the effort to make any of it happen"
➳ "That you looked so damn gorgeous, it physically hurt me to look at you because I knew you could never be mine"
➳ “One day, when you find the one you’ve been looking for, he better do everything in his power to keep you because you deserve the kind of love that they write songs about"
➳ "Because life is about finding the right people who want to stay and making sure neither of you ever let go."
➳ "If you find me using too much tongue, it better be while my head is between your legs.” My soul leaves my body.
He twists so we’re fully facing each other. “No comeback for that one?”
“Give me a minute. I’m sure one will come.”
➳ “Elle.”
“Yeah?”
“Shut up and kiss me already.”
➳ "Kissing him feels so damn right that I fear everyone else will always feel wrong. It hits me then that our deal was a stupid one from the moment we made it. A thousand kisses wouldn’t be enough, let alone one."
➳ "Letting go doesn’t mean erasing the past. It means acknowledging the person I was while working to become the man I want to be"
➳ "“Fuck off.”
“Why would I do that when I’d much rather fuck you instead?"
➳ "It is clear she could love anyone’s child, but I’m lucky she chose mine"
➳ "Rafael is everything I could ever want in a partner, and now he is mine. I’ll wait however long it takes for him to feel the same because he is
worth it."
➳ "I know what I want.”
“And what’s that?”
“You.”
➳ “You deserve to be with the one who will take the time to see you.The one who will show up time and time again to be there for you, even if you push them away because you’re scared, angry, or unhappy.They don’t quit, run, or cheat. They will fight for you, even if it means fighting against you, because life is a war zone, but love is the greatest weapon we have.”
➳ “I love every single thing about you.Your mind. Your scars. But most of all, your heart."
➳ “You may not be able to come home yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t bring home to you. One day, I’ll marry this man, and no one will stop me. Not even him."
➳ "Life brought us together when we needed each other most, and for that, I’ll always be grateful"
➳ "I never want to go a single day without him because he is the one who inspired the greatest unwritten love song of all. Ours."
➳ "These two are the center of my universe, and I plan on spending the rest of my life proving it to them every single day for as long as I live"
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
꒰🌷⊹ ࣪ pre-read review ᯓᡣ𐭩
YAYYYY MY COPY IS FINALLY HERE!!!! IM SOOO FREAKING HAPPY OMGGGG 🎀💗
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
just few more daysss, im literally sooo excited for this!!! hope this doesn't disappoint 🤞🏻💗
June 17, 2024
THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE, I gave Love Redesigned 5⭐️ and dare I say it, this one was even better! 6⭐️, Rafa and Ellie are my absolute favs, AND this was so much more than just a romance book, I loved every second of it 🌺🐓🎶💌🖤
July 8, 2024
5 Stars ☆
"To those who see themselves as broken. I hope you find someone who admires your scars for what they are: A sign of your struggle and a testament to your strength."
If Lauren writes it, I will read it. This was one of my most anticipated reads, and it delivered all of my expectations. I knew that I could count on you to get me out of my slump.
Love Unwritten is the second book in the Lakefront Billionaires series. It is a small town, single dad x nanny, grumpy x sunshine romance with witty banter, tension, and a slow burn that is so good. Don't let all of this fool you as there are some heavy topics that are discussed such as negletful and loss of parents, mental abuse, and self harm that takes you through the process of healing that is navigated with so much care. There were moments that made me shed tears while others had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Ellie is an aspiring songwriter who moved back to Lake Wisteria after her long term friend since childhood stole a song that she wrote. She is offered a job to be a live-in nanny and music teacher for Rafael's son Nico. They avoid each other as much as they can for the first eight months. That is until his son invites her to go on their summer vacation to Hawaii. Now, they are finding it difficult to avoid one another. Will the time together bring them closer, giving into their attraction towards one another or push them furrher apart?
Eleanor "Ellie" Sinclair my precious girl is broken from having dealt with mental abuse from her father from such a young age, leaving her with trauma as an adult. She is compassionate, strong, emotional, has trust issues, and even has a jealous side, which I loved to see. I loved her from the start. I resonated with her on many things. One is that she is emotional because I myself am an emotional person. I cry over almost everything from being angry to upset and can try and blame it on being a cancer, but that's not it entirely. Ellie, like me, is terrified to fly. I don't have anything bad to say about her. I loved watching her character grow and begin to trust again and overcome the trauma that she has been dealing with for so long.
“I don’t want to stop doing things I love because I’m scared.”
Rafael "Rafa" Lopez is broken in so many ways from having grown up with parents that were negletful to having trust issues from a marriage gone wrong. He tends to hide his emotions from others due to the trauma that he has developed from his father, telling him that showing his emotions makes him weak when he was a child. He is so much more than all of that. He is caring and protective, and guys he saves animals. That had me swooning over him. I loved watching him work through his past baggage that haunts him and figure himself out to be better for not only himself but for his son and Ellie.The process of his growth was slow, but I felt that it needed to be as it felt so raw and real. In real life, you don't overcome these things quickly they take time.
"My toxic trait isn’t the fact that I don’t have feelings; it’s that I feel too much, all at once, so I suppress it instead of learning how to cope."
Ellie and Rafael started off with tension between the two of them due to everything they have both been through in their lives. They push each other's buttons, but with all of this, their chemistry is off the charts. Rafa does the sweetest gestures for Ellie, and he calls her "mi estrella," my star that had me swooning so hard. I loved the witty banter between them. The communication between them is on point even though neither of them want to discuss certain things at times. I loved that they worked through their inner thoughts and were able to discuss their fears and the things that made them feel uncomfortable without holding back no matter what the outcome may be. I can connect with this as I'm sure many others can as well. Where we have a pep talk with ourselves so we can try to elimate any miscommunication. In a sense, they grow together while growing separately, and I loved every minute of it. I will stand up for and protect both of them always.
“You are the one I never knew I needed.”
“I may not be the one you envisioned for yourself, but I won’t stop until I feel like I’m worthy of you.”
“You’re the one I was always meant to find.”
Nico Lopez is the sweetest boy ever I swear. He had me cracking up at the things he would say. I adored his and Ellie's relationship so much. I felt for him having to deal with a life altering diagnosis of rerinitus pigmentosa at such a young age. Rafael and Ellie made sure that he was getting to see and do many things before it progressed too much, and he lost his vision. He was so mature for his age and watching up, growing, and figuring out certain things pulled at my heart strings. His and Rafael's relationship was strained at first, but watching them mend it pulled on my heartstrings.
“I love you more than pianos, superheroes, and Duke Brass.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of love from such a little guy.”
“Papi says I have the biggest heart he knows.” Second-biggest heart to exist, right after his father’s.
I loved the found family in this so much. I enjoyed the appearances of Julian and Daliah. We were introduced to Willow and Cole, who were both good additions to the story. I adored the friendship between Ellie and her and how they were always there for one another. Both Ellie and Rafael are surrounded by so much love from their family and friends, and seeing it made my heart feel so full.
This book put me through so many emotions that I honestly wasn't expecting. It was long, but I feel like it needed to be in order for them to work through all of their issues and not be rushed for it to feel realistic so it didn't bother me much. I enjoyed this so much. I was eating up. At first, when I read the epilogue, I thought that it needed more only to discover that it wasn't done yet. Then I read the extended epilogue and Rafael's epilougue that had me in literal tears and completed the loose ends, leaving me satisfied with how it ended. This book has become my favorite from Lauren to date. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.
Favorite quotes and moments
"My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn’t have any of his own."
"I’m hit with a strong, forbidden sense of yearning for someone I can’t have but will always want. I wanted Rafael Lopez when I was in high school, and I want him now. But just like back then, I know he will never be mine. Not then. Not now. Not ever."
“One day, when you find the one you’ve been looking for, he better do everything in his power to keep you because you deserve the kind of love that they write songs about.”
“What’s the point of letting people get close, then?"
“Because life is about finding the right people who want to stay and making sure neither of you ever let go.”
“You may see a broken masterpiece, but I only see you.”
"With her in my arms, I’m happy and hopeful. Like I’m no longer stuck in reverse because I found the brightest star to guide me out of the dark. Elle Sinclair."
“All I see is someone who chose to live.” Someone who chose to keep fighting, even when they had reasons to give up. Someone who turned their scars into shooting stars.”
“If you come first, I’m going to be really mad at you.”
“Good girls always come first. I promise.”
“I love every single thing about you.”
Your mind. Your scars. But most of all, your heart.”
“You may not be able to come home yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t bring home to you.”
~~~~~~
Pre-read
AHHH it's time! 💖 Please help me out of my slump fully 🤞
~~~~~~
I'm so OBSESSED with this cover! It's gorgeous and PINK!! 💖 Ahhh Rafa, single dad and the nanny 😍 I can't wait for this!
"To those who see themselves as broken. I hope you find someone who admires your scars for what they are: A sign of your struggle and a testament to your strength."
If Lauren writes it, I will read it. This was one of my most anticipated reads, and it delivered all of my expectations. I knew that I could count on you to get me out of my slump.
Love Unwritten is the second book in the Lakefront Billionaires series. It is a small town, single dad x nanny, grumpy x sunshine romance with witty banter, tension, and a slow burn that is so good. Don't let all of this fool you as there are some heavy topics that are discussed such as negletful and loss of parents, mental abuse, and self harm that takes you through the process of healing that is navigated with so much care. There were moments that made me shed tears while others had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Ellie is an aspiring songwriter who moved back to Lake Wisteria after her long term friend since childhood stole a song that she wrote. She is offered a job to be a live-in nanny and music teacher for Rafael's son Nico. They avoid each other as much as they can for the first eight months. That is until his son invites her to go on their summer vacation to Hawaii. Now, they are finding it difficult to avoid one another. Will the time together bring them closer, giving into their attraction towards one another or push them furrher apart?
Eleanor "Ellie" Sinclair my precious girl is broken from having dealt with mental abuse from her father from such a young age, leaving her with trauma as an adult. She is compassionate, strong, emotional, has trust issues, and even has a jealous side, which I loved to see. I loved her from the start. I resonated with her on many things. One is that she is emotional because I myself am an emotional person. I cry over almost everything from being angry to upset and can try and blame it on being a cancer, but that's not it entirely. Ellie, like me, is terrified to fly. I don't have anything bad to say about her. I loved watching her character grow and begin to trust again and overcome the trauma that she has been dealing with for so long.
“I don’t want to stop doing things I love because I’m scared.”
Rafael "Rafa" Lopez is broken in so many ways from having grown up with parents that were negletful to having trust issues from a marriage gone wrong. He tends to hide his emotions from others due to the trauma that he has developed from his father, telling him that showing his emotions makes him weak when he was a child. He is so much more than all of that. He is caring and protective, and guys he saves animals. That had me swooning over him. I loved watching him work through his past baggage that haunts him and figure himself out to be better for not only himself but for his son and Ellie.The process of his growth was slow, but I felt that it needed to be as it felt so raw and real. In real life, you don't overcome these things quickly they take time.
"My toxic trait isn’t the fact that I don’t have feelings; it’s that I feel too much, all at once, so I suppress it instead of learning how to cope."
Ellie and Rafael started off with tension between the two of them due to everything they have both been through in their lives. They push each other's buttons, but with all of this, their chemistry is off the charts. Rafa does the sweetest gestures for Ellie, and he calls her "mi estrella," my star that had me swooning so hard. I loved the witty banter between them. The communication between them is on point even though neither of them want to discuss certain things at times. I loved that they worked through their inner thoughts and were able to discuss their fears and the things that made them feel uncomfortable without holding back no matter what the outcome may be. I can connect with this as I'm sure many others can as well. Where we have a pep talk with ourselves so we can try to elimate any miscommunication. In a sense, they grow together while growing separately, and I loved every minute of it. I will stand up for and protect both of them always.
“You are the one I never knew I needed.”
“I may not be the one you envisioned for yourself, but I won’t stop until I feel like I’m worthy of you.”
“You’re the one I was always meant to find.”
Nico Lopez is the sweetest boy ever I swear. He had me cracking up at the things he would say. I adored his and Ellie's relationship so much. I felt for him having to deal with a life altering diagnosis of rerinitus pigmentosa at such a young age. Rafael and Ellie made sure that he was getting to see and do many things before it progressed too much, and he lost his vision. He was so mature for his age and watching up, growing, and figuring out certain things pulled at my heart strings. His and Rafael's relationship was strained at first, but watching them mend it pulled on my heartstrings.
“I love you more than pianos, superheroes, and Duke Brass.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of love from such a little guy.”
“Papi says I have the biggest heart he knows.” Second-biggest heart to exist, right after his father’s.
I loved the found family in this so much. I enjoyed the appearances of Julian and Daliah. We were introduced to Willow and Cole, who were both good additions to the story. I adored the friendship between Ellie and her and how they were always there for one another. Both Ellie and Rafael are surrounded by so much love from their family and friends, and seeing it made my heart feel so full.
This book put me through so many emotions that I honestly wasn't expecting. It was long, but I feel like it needed to be in order for them to work through all of their issues and not be rushed for it to feel realistic so it didn't bother me much. I enjoyed this so much. I was eating up. At first, when I read the epilogue, I thought that it needed more only to discover that it wasn't done yet. Then I read the extended epilogue and Rafael's epilougue that had me in literal tears and completed the loose ends, leaving me satisfied with how it ended. This book has become my favorite from Lauren to date. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.
Favorite quotes and moments
"My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn’t have any of his own."
"I’m hit with a strong, forbidden sense of yearning for someone I can’t have but will always want. I wanted Rafael Lopez when I was in high school, and I want him now. But just like back then, I know he will never be mine. Not then. Not now. Not ever."
“One day, when you find the one you’ve been looking for, he better do everything in his power to keep you because you deserve the kind of love that they write songs about.”
“What’s the point of letting people get close, then?"
“Because life is about finding the right people who want to stay and making sure neither of you ever let go.”
“You may see a broken masterpiece, but I only see you.”
"With her in my arms, I’m happy and hopeful. Like I’m no longer stuck in reverse because I found the brightest star to guide me out of the dark. Elle Sinclair."
“All I see is someone who chose to live.” Someone who chose to keep fighting, even when they had reasons to give up. Someone who turned their scars into shooting stars.”
“If you come first, I’m going to be really mad at you.”
“Good girls always come first. I promise.”
“I love every single thing about you.”
Your mind. Your scars. But most of all, your heart.”
“You may not be able to come home yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t bring home to you.”
~~~~~~
Pre-read
AHHH it's time! 💖 Please help me out of my slump fully 🤞
~~~~~~
I'm so OBSESSED with this cover! It's gorgeous and PINK!! 💖 Ahhh Rafa, single dad and the nanny 😍 I can't wait for this!
Want to read
June 21, 2024IT'S PINK 🌸💗💞💕🎀
June 23, 2024
” I’m hit with a strong, forbidden sense of yearning for someone I can’t have but will always want.
I wanted Rafael Lopez when I was in high school, and I want him now. but just like back then, I know he will never be mine.
not then. not now. not ever.”
me and Lauren Asher are finally back in good terms🗣 that’s it, this is the review.
—————-
please be good, im begging ya😭
Currently reading
August 2, 2024FINALLY READING THIS AND I JUST KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO LOVE IT!
June 28, 2024
why was this book with a cutesy pink cover pulling at my heart strings? lauren asher you will rue the day!
one thing i love is a DILF! and the one thing i love more than that is a tortured, sad, and angry DILF! cuz i know for all his faults, he’s gonna pull a whole 180° and rock my mf world! rafael is a prime example of all that. he shows his love through his actions. from putting flowers in his girl’sp hair who’s not even his girl yet, holding her hand and distracting her because she has flight anxiety, buying her gifts with meaning and adding a cute little note attached, ect. he makes me feel so high school iykyk. the way he worked on himself to be a better man for himself and to others…who’s cutting the mf onions?!?!!! “I may not be the one you envisioned for yourself, but I won’t stop until I feel like I’m worthy of you.” and he proves just that 😖👍🏽🩷
Ellie get behind me right tf down, because i’m protecting you at all costs. it’s not everyday we end up with our high school crushes/boss but here we are. to have a man not only kiss your scars while telling you how beautiful you are but you actually believing it to the point of self healing is nothing if not poetic. to be loved is to be seen. to be loved is to me known and he fucking sees and knows tf outta her!! 😩❤️🩹
seeing these two both heal together and separately felt truly special. nico is my new favorite fictional child playing match maker. they have the kind of love they write about in songs 🩷🩷🩷
ngl the breadcrumbs he got for book 3 have me more excited than i was for this book. Lorenzo and Lilly save me a seat at the engagement party 🎉 😉😉😉
one thing i love is a DILF! and the one thing i love more than that is a tortured, sad, and angry DILF! cuz i know for all his faults, he’s gonna pull a whole 180° and rock my mf world! rafael is a prime example of all that. he shows his love through his actions. from putting flowers in his girl’sp hair who’s not even his girl yet, holding her hand and distracting her because she has flight anxiety, buying her gifts with meaning and adding a cute little note attached, ect. he makes me feel so high school iykyk. the way he worked on himself to be a better man for himself and to others…who’s cutting the mf onions?!?!!! “I may not be the one you envisioned for yourself, but I won’t stop until I feel like I’m worthy of you.” and he proves just that 😖👍🏽🩷
Ellie get behind me right tf down, because i’m protecting you at all costs. it’s not everyday we end up with our high school crushes/boss but here we are. to have a man not only kiss your scars while telling you how beautiful you are but you actually believing it to the point of self healing is nothing if not poetic. to be loved is to be seen. to be loved is to me known and he fucking sees and knows tf outta her!! 😩❤️🩹
seeing these two both heal together and separately felt truly special. nico is my new favorite fictional child playing match maker. they have the kind of love they write about in songs 🩷🩷🩷
ngl the breadcrumbs he got for book 3 have me more excited than i was for this book. Lorenzo and Lilly save me a seat at the engagement party 🎉 😉😉😉
June 22, 2024
This one was WAYYY beter i mean WAYYYYY better than the love redesigned for me!
* ˚ ✦ " You may see a broken masterpiece, but I only see you " ✦ ˚ *
4 stars! 🌟
The romance was enough, the pace was GREAT, and the characters and their stories were also much better!
Nico's character and his interaction with Ellie were TO DIE FOR!😫
ALL THAT ASIDE, I need Rafael in my life ASAP😭
-Audiobook
10/10 narrated by Noah B. Perez, Vanessa Edwin
------------------
pre-read
LET'S GOOOOOOO!!!
-----------------
Not letting this go lol! THE COVER IS UP
________
She posted the cover on her ig !!!!!! IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL 😭😭
Rafa and nanny?!!! I need this book NOW🥲😭
(GO SEE IT!!! Cuz I don't know how to add links here )😫
Ps: COVER did i add it? Have no idea
* ˚ ✦ " You may see a broken masterpiece, but I only see you " ✦ ˚ *
4 stars! 🌟
The romance was enough, the pace was GREAT, and the characters and their stories were also much better!
Nico's character and his interaction with Ellie were TO DIE FOR!😫
ALL THAT ASIDE, I need Rafael in my life ASAP😭
-Audiobook
10/10 narrated by Noah B. Perez, Vanessa Edwin
------------------
pre-read
LET'S GOOOOOOO!!!
-----------------
Not letting this go lol! THE COVER IS UP
________
She posted the cover on her ig !!!!!! IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL 😭😭
Rafa and nanny?!!! I need this book NOW🥲😭
(GO SEE IT!!! Cuz I don't know how to add links here )😫
Ps: COVER did i add it? Have no idea
Want to read
February 10, 2024Bro I haven't even read the first one yet 😩
March 15, 2024
screaming. crying. throwing up. *insert more agressive descriptions here*
let it be written in stone (or on goodreads) that i love lauren with all of my heart and soul.
this book was everything i wanted it to be + more.
some emojis that describe the vibes and my emotions:
🩷🌺🏝️✈️🥹🎶👦🏻🐓📝👙👑🐚🌤️🏡🖤💫
“your prom king”
let it be written in stone (or on goodreads) that i love lauren with all of my heart and soul.
this book was everything i wanted it to be + more.
some emojis that describe the vibes and my emotions:
🩷🌺🏝️✈️🥹🎶👦🏻🐓📝👙👑🐚🌤️🏡🖤💫
“your prom king”
July 4, 2024
It's been a complete emotional rollercoaster, and yes, there were tears.
I think it's fair to proclaim this as one of my top favorite books of the year alreadyᯓᡣ𐭩
-~*´¨¯¨`*·~-
Rafael is the kind of character you can't help but love, a single dad with a heart of gold who saves animals and despite his severe trust issues, when he finally comes around to trusting, cares deeply in his own unique way. His relatability is off the charts, and it's clear he's a standout favorite.
Ellie, with her good moments and gentle spirit, was a decent character but didn't leave a lasting impression. The music/songwriter aspect of her story didn't quite resonate, leaving her in the shadows of more memorable personalities.
Nico, the brave little boy facing health challenges far too early, tugged at the heartstrings. His story is a poignant reflection on childhood and the complexities of familial relationships—both sad and strikingly real.
Burt shone brightly as a character, and Cole? He's the epitome of 'what a man' truly a character to remember. It was also a delight to see more of Julian and Dahlia, and the anticipation for Lily and Lorenzo's story is through the roof.
Willow was the quintessential best friend, and even the brief mention of Callahan and his family added a nice touch, also references to F1. However, Hillary's character fell flat, her greed and lack of maternal warmth making her less than favorable.
In the end, this book is a solid 5 star journey. Despite its length and a few snags along the way, it was devoured in just a day and a half. Rafael and Ellie's dynamic is potentially one of the best from Lauren Asher, and their family portrait is nothing short of beautiful. This one's a tearjerker for sure ᡣ𐭩
the epilogue🥹 >>
also the bonus scene ft Elías Cruz and Jax Kingston💓 >>
would definitely recommend giving this book a shot!
-~*´¨¯¨`*·~-
𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘢𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦. 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘰. 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨…ᯓᡣ𐭩
I think it's fair to proclaim this as one of my top favorite books of the year alreadyᯓᡣ𐭩
-~*´¨¯¨`*·~-
Rafael is the kind of character you can't help but love, a single dad with a heart of gold who saves animals and despite his severe trust issues, when he finally comes around to trusting, cares deeply in his own unique way. His relatability is off the charts, and it's clear he's a standout favorite.
Ellie, with her good moments and gentle spirit, was a decent character but didn't leave a lasting impression. The music/songwriter aspect of her story didn't quite resonate, leaving her in the shadows of more memorable personalities.
Nico, the brave little boy facing health challenges far too early, tugged at the heartstrings. His story is a poignant reflection on childhood and the complexities of familial relationships—both sad and strikingly real.
Burt shone brightly as a character, and Cole? He's the epitome of 'what a man' truly a character to remember. It was also a delight to see more of Julian and Dahlia, and the anticipation for Lily and Lorenzo's story is through the roof.
Willow was the quintessential best friend, and even the brief mention of Callahan and his family added a nice touch, also references to F1. However, Hillary's character fell flat, her greed and lack of maternal warmth making her less than favorable.
In the end, this book is a solid 5 star journey. Despite its length and a few snags along the way, it was devoured in just a day and a half. Rafael and Ellie's dynamic is potentially one of the best from Lauren Asher, and their family portrait is nothing short of beautiful. This one's a tearjerker for sure ᡣ𐭩
the epilogue🥹 >>
also the bonus scene ft Elías Cruz and Jax Kingston💓 >>
would definitely recommend giving this book a shot!
-~*´¨¯¨`*·~-
𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘙𝘢𝘧𝘢𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦. 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘰. 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨…ᯓᡣ𐭩
June 23, 2024
such a sob fest in the worst way possible. in an attempt to have depth, the first 30% of the book is a whole trauma dump we’re supposed to care about, and- not to be a heartless wench- but i fear i did not…
no one was HAPPY. ever. it was always angst and crying, being angry and jealous, insecurities and withholding feelings; NONE of which are romantic in the least. i didn’t swoon once. my heart didn’t pitter patter. and there was no giggling or kicking my feet to be found!!
i don’t think im a fan of lauren asher (from what i’ve heard, because i’ve stayed away from her books). but love redesigned knocked my socks off with the banter and cute ass moments between julian and dahlia!!! i wanted that here but was unfortunately let down :(
no one was HAPPY. ever. it was always angst and crying, being angry and jealous, insecurities and withholding feelings; NONE of which are romantic in the least. i didn’t swoon once. my heart didn’t pitter patter. and there was no giggling or kicking my feet to be found!!
i don’t think im a fan of lauren asher (from what i’ve heard, because i’ve stayed away from her books). but love redesigned knocked my socks off with the banter and cute ass moments between julian and dahlia!!! i wanted that here but was unfortunately let down :(
July 18, 2024
the way i wouldn’t change a page, sentence, word in this book. rip my heart out lauren asher ♡
Shelved as 'priority-tbr'
February 9, 2024Lauren Asher just posted the cover reveal and
OH MY GOD I AM OBSESSED. SHE IS GORGEOUS IN PINK
💖🌷🐰🌸💓🫧🎀
The Cover ✨
OH MY GOD I AM OBSESSED. SHE IS GORGEOUS IN PINK
💖🌷🐰🌸💓🫧🎀
The Cover ✨
June 17, 2024
4.5 rounded up, i’m so very excited to say that being back in lake wisteria was well worth the wait & anticipation 😭
i was lucky enough to receive both the arc & alc for this book and let me just tell you, NEITHER disappointed. listening to Rafa, Ellie & Nico be brought to life was e v e r y t h i n g!! while this is a major “will they, wont they” slow burn you can feel the chemistry radiating off rafa & ellie from the very beginning 🤭
To those who see themselves as broken. I hope you find someone who admires your scars for what they are: A sign of your struggle and a testament to your strength.
be sure to have tissues at your disposal as soon as you crack this baby open because while we might get some good ole tension right away we also get TEARS. just like love redesigned, love unwritten is extremely vulnerable and feelsy. on one hand we have nico and his diagnosis, everything that comes with navigating that and the other we have two broken main characters that have been fighting inner and external battles their entire lives mostly alone because they wont let anyone in to see the real depth of this until they both begin to lean on each other to heal 🥺
love unwritten while extremely romantic is very plot driven. we get to watch ellie & rafa come to term with their feelings toward each other at a slow pace while the chaos of life inside their minds and out side of their house plays out around them.
i have to say more often than not nico was the star of the show. that boy was so freaking adorable its not even funny, to be so full of love even after all of the things he has gone through and while knowing what his future holds is no easy feat. he was the sweetest comedic relief that we needed through out this story and i do hope that with the future of lake wisteria books that never dulls 🥹
now for the reason i knocked .5 off of my rating. while i did love this book immensely i did wish that it wasnt as slow burn as it was (criminal thing for me to say yes i know) BUT i say this in the sense that because of it being single dad x nanny trope, one of my favorite things about it typically is the sneaking around/hooking up for a longer time period, stolen moments/touches, the “we shouldn't be doing this”. and i just would have loved to see more of that towards the beginning of the story.
overall this is a beautifully written story about healing, unrequited love becoming requited truly deeply madly in love, and the power of friendship/family. i whole heartedly recommend 🩷
i highly recommend checking out TW/CW on laurens website as there are a lot of sensitive topics though out the entire story before you get started 🩷
i was lucky enough to receive both the arc & alc for this book and let me just tell you, NEITHER disappointed. listening to Rafa, Ellie & Nico be brought to life was e v e r y t h i n g!! while this is a major “will they, wont they” slow burn you can feel the chemistry radiating off rafa & ellie from the very beginning 🤭
To those who see themselves as broken. I hope you find someone who admires your scars for what they are: A sign of your struggle and a testament to your strength.
be sure to have tissues at your disposal as soon as you crack this baby open because while we might get some good ole tension right away we also get TEARS. just like love redesigned, love unwritten is extremely vulnerable and feelsy. on one hand we have nico and his diagnosis, everything that comes with navigating that and the other we have two broken main characters that have been fighting inner and external battles their entire lives mostly alone because they wont let anyone in to see the real depth of this until they both begin to lean on each other to heal 🥺
love unwritten while extremely romantic is very plot driven. we get to watch ellie & rafa come to term with their feelings toward each other at a slow pace while the chaos of life inside their minds and out side of their house plays out around them.
i have to say more often than not nico was the star of the show. that boy was so freaking adorable its not even funny, to be so full of love even after all of the things he has gone through and while knowing what his future holds is no easy feat. he was the sweetest comedic relief that we needed through out this story and i do hope that with the future of lake wisteria books that never dulls 🥹
now for the reason i knocked .5 off of my rating. while i did love this book immensely i did wish that it wasnt as slow burn as it was (criminal thing for me to say yes i know) BUT i say this in the sense that because of it being single dad x nanny trope, one of my favorite things about it typically is the sneaking around/hooking up for a longer time period, stolen moments/touches, the “we shouldn't be doing this”. and i just would have loved to see more of that towards the beginning of the story.
overall this is a beautifully written story about healing, unrequited love becoming requited truly deeply madly in love, and the power of friendship/family. i whole heartedly recommend 🩷
i highly recommend checking out TW/CW on laurens website as there are a lot of sensitive topics though out the entire story before you get started 🩷
July 2, 2024
Arguably the best contemporary romance my eyes roved over for the year.
Love unwritten is an interlaced melodious story fixated on two people who are struggling with the haunting confines of their own past traumas, mistakes, and self loathing tendencies.
The remedy? Hear me out - a collision Of Ellie Sinclair and Rafael Lopez , who spark a slow burning steam, alongside this soothing comfort balm of benevolence, in other words - love that takes its slow sweet ass time to a point where it felt insatiable.
"The one does exist, but not in the way you thought I meant, like some soulmate or something cosmic. To me, the one is someone willing to do everything in their power to be the person you deserve, not because they are fated to love you but because they choose to."
^ A quote from Ellie Sinclair. A certified baddie, the best nanny, who as a matter of fact can have me 🤌.
Ellie is a woman recovering from her endured anxieties of hurt and deceit. With that being taken in mind, she is also the devoted baby sitter of this little wholesome nine year old child, Nico - who is the son of Rafael.
Without saying much, Ellie goes above and beyond to don the role of being this motherly love giving lady to a child that isn’t hers in the first place. The best part? She doesn’t do it for the money, but for the genuineness of her own tender heart.
Without saying much, Ellie confides in music as an outlet, which translated in ginger moments of her pouring her clashing nerves out through symphonies . It was simply artful to say the least because the meaning was tied into plenty of scenes. I refuse to say more. And also she has aesthetic tattoos that delve into meaning after meaning 👏.
“ I want this moment to last for as long as humanly possible. Want to bask in the look of adoration on her face and the pure sense of joy that builds in my chest when I realize I could feel like this for the rest of my life, so long as I don’t get in my own way. “
^ A quote from - Rafael Lopez, a billionaire grump at first in the slightest, for his own obvious reasons, but gradually ends up pouring out all his confessions and underlying morales that shine light on why he is exactly so closed off.
Being Ellie’s Boss - Rafael goes through his feelings of infatuation but before the love even beings to love - the best part about him was the fact he wasn’t this pretentious try hard alpha.
This man was unequivocally burning with hatred, demons, and inflicted hurtful wounds that he all brings to the surface - admitting them with intense honestly that makes you go like, wow that was fucking deep. And that exactly, was what made Rafael the star of this shit. It’s honestly rare for a male lead to be written this well, so I give my praises truly here. Rafael admitting his wrongs, wanting to right them for Ellie gave the classic lover boy down right bad for that one lady love vibes - done remarkably well may I add
Seeing Ellie and Rafael reveal each others sensitivity, causing them to be untrusting and hesitant and doubtful only for this magnificent push pull dynamic to take over as they both just give in uncontrollably and decide to take steps forward TOGETHER was a marvelous act of rhythmic romance that had its memorable ups and downs. Pun intended.
My only major complaint that low key bothered the living shit out of me was the 600 plus page length, as I felt this story could have been a bit more reduced - but the unraveling chemistry, and character development between these two love birds was honestly so praise worthy - you can consider my criticism unwritten. 👀
Five stars.
“Don’t let your fear of the past stop you from the future you want.”
“It’s called being happy, try it with me”.
Read this. 🖤
Love unwritten is an interlaced melodious story fixated on two people who are struggling with the haunting confines of their own past traumas, mistakes, and self loathing tendencies.
The remedy? Hear me out - a collision Of Ellie Sinclair and Rafael Lopez , who spark a slow burning steam, alongside this soothing comfort balm of benevolence, in other words - love that takes its slow sweet ass time to a point where it felt insatiable.
"The one does exist, but not in the way you thought I meant, like some soulmate or something cosmic. To me, the one is someone willing to do everything in their power to be the person you deserve, not because they are fated to love you but because they choose to."
^ A quote from Ellie Sinclair. A certified baddie, the best nanny, who as a matter of fact can have me 🤌.
Ellie is a woman recovering from her endured anxieties of hurt and deceit. With that being taken in mind, she is also the devoted baby sitter of this little wholesome nine year old child, Nico - who is the son of Rafael.
Without saying much, Ellie goes above and beyond to don the role of being this motherly love giving lady to a child that isn’t hers in the first place. The best part? She doesn’t do it for the money, but for the genuineness of her own tender heart.
Without saying much, Ellie confides in music as an outlet, which translated in ginger moments of her pouring her clashing nerves out through symphonies . It was simply artful to say the least because the meaning was tied into plenty of scenes. I refuse to say more. And also she has aesthetic tattoos that delve into meaning after meaning 👏.
“ I want this moment to last for as long as humanly possible. Want to bask in the look of adoration on her face and the pure sense of joy that builds in my chest when I realize I could feel like this for the rest of my life, so long as I don’t get in my own way. “
^ A quote from - Rafael Lopez, a billionaire grump at first in the slightest, for his own obvious reasons, but gradually ends up pouring out all his confessions and underlying morales that shine light on why he is exactly so closed off.
Being Ellie’s Boss - Rafael goes through his feelings of infatuation but before the love even beings to love - the best part about him was the fact he wasn’t this pretentious try hard alpha.
This man was unequivocally burning with hatred, demons, and inflicted hurtful wounds that he all brings to the surface - admitting them with intense honestly that makes you go like, wow that was fucking deep. And that exactly, was what made Rafael the star of this shit. It’s honestly rare for a male lead to be written this well, so I give my praises truly here. Rafael admitting his wrongs, wanting to right them for Ellie gave the classic lover boy down right bad for that one lady love vibes - done remarkably well may I add
Seeing Ellie and Rafael reveal each others sensitivity, causing them to be untrusting and hesitant and doubtful only for this magnificent push pull dynamic to take over as they both just give in uncontrollably and decide to take steps forward TOGETHER was a marvelous act of rhythmic romance that had its memorable ups and downs. Pun intended.
My only major complaint that low key bothered the living shit out of me was the 600 plus page length, as I felt this story could have been a bit more reduced - but the unraveling chemistry, and character development between these two love birds was honestly so praise worthy - you can consider my criticism unwritten. 👀
Five stars.
“Don’t let your fear of the past stop you from the future you want.”
“It’s called being happy, try it with me”.
Read this. 🖤
July 25, 2024
"unlike my other songs, this one is happy. Hopeful even. Like a never-ending epilogue of our unfinished love story. A love story that has only just begun, with the best parts still left to be unwritten."
I think theres something to be said about two people who might feel a little broken but genuinely want to change that narrative for themselves and those they love. no one has ever looked out for Rafael and Ellie in the way they did with each other in making them feel wanted, seen, understood, supported and inevitably loved and I liked seeing that happen
4.5 stars
The grump in Rafael was much apparent with his self sabotaging tendencies but thankfully he acknowledges them. And yes, he had his moments! but I thought his heart was always in the right place as he sought to be a better version of himself. he’s unquestionably such an exemplary dad, who if given the chance, would take his sons pain as his own if it meant he’d live a better life. Aside from a man, who, in spite of his reclusive nature, also works to become worthy of Ellie through his trying efforts. I adored how he saw her heart before anything else so early on. I mean, the way he made her feel seen and supported? it left me swooning and I cherished that.
Ellie was incredibly refreshing and had such a beautiful soul. her bond with Nico was so nurturing 🥹 the moments they had and the unconditional love between them had me in awe. her inability to regulate her emotions in the past and what resulted from that resonated entirely to my adolescence. it was nice to see the contrast there, as she had a decent grasp on them while also struggling with her own demons. i liked the fact that, regardless of her understanding and patience with Rafael—she’d put him in his place when he acted out of character lol besides making her dreams in music a reality after everything
Nico was the sweetest most wholesome angel 🥺 who literally wore his heart on his sleeve. He was deserving of all the love everyone had for him as he was dealing with his own struggles and learning to live with a condition that would only get progressively worse and I’m so glad he had the support he had. there were quite a few moments where he was such a meddler and it was pure entertainment haha
the fluffy scenes we get amidst the heavy ones were rather lovely. I honestly found more value in the little things here. Without saying much, Ellie’s flight anxiety and the support there gripped my heart as i can relate. I thought the communication between them worked interchangeably well and was reflective towards their growth (some miscommunication but not with each other). Now, while I adored LR, I can’t deny this having more emotional depth to it and the slow burn was burning since things officially happened 70-80% in and I didn’t mind as it worked for them.
It was ultimately beautiful seeing the characters peel back the layers to what’s contributed to their collective traumas both individually, jointly and it all unfolding as it did gradually in opening up. It made it all feel cathartic by the end and I definitely teared up a little lol i do believe the story could’ve been condensed by some pages because truthfully it did drag a little, but I also still enjoyed it nonetheless. The epilogues were soo wholesome and completely warmed my heart. I can’t recommend the duet narration enough as i felt more present with the characters and engaged with the story with how phenomenal it was! after this, I cannot wait for lily and Lorenzos book 🤭
some quotes
“he laughs, and it may be my favorite sound, only second to his son’s.”
“Hot single dad with more emotional baggage than London Heathrow Airport during Christmas? Check.”
“My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn’t have any of his own.”
“Ellie Sinclair has always been pretty, but right now, she looks absolutely gorgeous in a floor-length gauzy white dress that highlights her soft curves and sun-kissed skin. I can only think of one word to describe her, and it is ethereal.”
“The one does exist, but not in the way you thought I meant, like some soulmate or something cosmic. To me, the one is someone willing to do everything in their power to be the person you deserve, not because they are fated to love you but because they choose to."
"you may see a broken masterpiece, but I only see you"
June 24, 2024
2.5 rounded up. I loved the first one, so I was excited for this one until I saw it was 551 pages. I was completely shocked that a book could be 551 pages for a romance? Then I realized the page count was wrong because it was actually 616 pages!!! No romance should be this long unless it has a deeply traumatizing story or thriller type story as well. I still gave it a chance.
To be honest, I really enjoyed the first 450 pages which actually surprised me. Then it completely fell short for me. To be honest, this is the slowest burn and by time they actually got together, I just wasn’t invested anymore.
Also I kinda had the ick from the MMC. I hate germs, so how much the food thing was discussed and them discussing swapping germs gave me the ick. This definitely wasn’t my biggest problem, but I had to mention it. For some reason, I couldn’t connect with him in general. After reading other reviews, I realized that I think Rafael was just really selfish with all his choices and that he was kind-of bland and just not likable in general.
I enjoyed the story while they were in Hawaii, but once they got back, I lost interest. There should have been more romance while there & they should have gotten together in Hawaii and lived happily ever after, the End. 😂
After page 450, I was so uninvested, I kept skipping over so much stuff, because I was bored. If I could rate the first half of the book I would give a 5, but to be honest it wasn’t a 5 for the romance but simply because I enjoyed the FMC, but the rest was like a 2. I really am a strong believer that kindle unlimited needs to stop paying authors by the page, because books that could be amazing are getting ruined by unnecessary length and filler.
To be honest, I really enjoyed the first 450 pages which actually surprised me. Then it completely fell short for me. To be honest, this is the slowest burn and by time they actually got together, I just wasn’t invested anymore.
Also I kinda had the ick from the MMC. I hate germs, so how much the food thing was discussed and them discussing swapping germs gave me the ick. This definitely wasn’t my biggest problem, but I had to mention it. For some reason, I couldn’t connect with him in general. After reading other reviews, I realized that I think Rafael was just really selfish with all his choices and that he was kind-of bland and just not likable in general.
I enjoyed the story while they were in Hawaii, but once they got back, I lost interest. There should have been more romance while there & they should have gotten together in Hawaii and lived happily ever after, the End. 😂
After page 450, I was so uninvested, I kept skipping over so much stuff, because I was bored. If I could rate the first half of the book I would give a 5, but to be honest it wasn’t a 5 for the romance but simply because I enjoyed the FMC, but the rest was like a 2. I really am a strong believer that kindle unlimited needs to stop paying authors by the page, because books that could be amazing are getting ruined by unnecessary length and filler.
June 28, 2024
...he checks every box.
Hot single dad with more emotional baggage than London Heathrow Airport during Christmas? Check. Brilliant tech billionaire who teamed up with his cousin to create Dwelling, the most popular real estate app on the market? Painfully cliché yet impressive nonetheless, so check, check.
A philanthropist with a life mission to find and rescue mistreated animals before fostering them in his backyard barn? Triple check and triple threat.
June 23, 2024
5⭐️
Lauren Asher you absolute queen you did it again!!!
When I tell you that I was OBSESSED with this book, I mean it with my whole heart. This book did so many things right to the point where I was crying several times throughout this book.
I have never been able to relate more to a fictional book character than I have with Ellie. Her struggles and demons she had I sadly related to in more ways than one. I thought the chemistry between her and Rafa were off the charts and the tension? THE TENSION? Gag me please or else I will not shut up.
It was so beautiful to read of the mending relationship between Rafa and Nico. These two boys have bee through hell and back and in the end, they came out stronger than ever. Ellie and Nico's relationship was so wholesome and their countless scenes together just made my heart so full.
I'm telling y'all right now...RUN. Don't walk, run to read this series. I was very worried that there would be "second book syndrome" but that was not the case at all. I found this beautiful, deep, and warming. This is such a 5 star series for me!!
MY FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES
My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn't have any of his own.
"You know, not everyone at Wisteria High was obsessed with you."
"It's okay if you had a crush on me."
"You weren't my type."
"I was everyone's type."
Loneliness might be temporary, but heartbreak?
That emotional damage can last a lifetime.
"What's the point of letting people get close, then?"
"Because life is about finding the right people who want to stay and making sure neither of you ever let go."
"I love you more than pianos. superheroes, and Duke Brass."
"Wow. That's a lot of love from such a little guy."
"Papi says I have the biggest heart he knows."
Second-biggest heart to exist, right after his father's.
"All I see is someone who chose to live. Someone who chose to keep fighting, even when they had reasons to give up. Someone who turned their scars into shooting stars."
I could get used to this.
To her and the love she is so readily able to give.
And to the love I want to reciprocate because she is the one I can't imagine life without.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Words cannot express how EXCITED I am that this released yesterday and I got my copy 😮💨 I absolutely loved Love Redesigned, so if this is anything like that...Y’all will not hear me shut up 🥰
Lauren Asher you absolute queen you did it again!!!
When I tell you that I was OBSESSED with this book, I mean it with my whole heart. This book did so many things right to the point where I was crying several times throughout this book.
I have never been able to relate more to a fictional book character than I have with Ellie. Her struggles and demons she had I sadly related to in more ways than one. I thought the chemistry between her and Rafa were off the charts and the tension? THE TENSION? Gag me please or else I will not shut up.
It was so beautiful to read of the mending relationship between Rafa and Nico. These two boys have bee through hell and back and in the end, they came out stronger than ever. Ellie and Nico's relationship was so wholesome and their countless scenes together just made my heart so full.
I'm telling y'all right now...RUN. Don't walk, run to read this series. I was very worried that there would be "second book syndrome" but that was not the case at all. I found this beautiful, deep, and warming. This is such a 5 star series for me!!
MY FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES
My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn't have any of his own.
"You know, not everyone at Wisteria High was obsessed with you."
"It's okay if you had a crush on me."
"You weren't my type."
"I was everyone's type."
Loneliness might be temporary, but heartbreak?
That emotional damage can last a lifetime.
"What's the point of letting people get close, then?"
"Because life is about finding the right people who want to stay and making sure neither of you ever let go."
"I love you more than pianos. superheroes, and Duke Brass."
"Wow. That's a lot of love from such a little guy."
"Papi says I have the biggest heart he knows."
Second-biggest heart to exist, right after his father's.
"All I see is someone who chose to live. Someone who chose to keep fighting, even when they had reasons to give up. Someone who turned their scars into shooting stars."
I could get used to this.
To her and the love she is so readily able to give.
And to the love I want to reciprocate because she is the one I can't imagine life without.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Words cannot express how EXCITED I am that this released yesterday and I got my copy 😮💨 I absolutely loved Love Redesigned, so if this is anything like that...Y’all will not hear me shut up 🥰
June 19, 2024
The irony of 'Love Unwritten' is that it should have stayed that way.
July 26, 2024
i’m so! ready for Rafael
update: i was, in fact, not ready.
this book was everything and more and i’ve loved every single second of it.
update: i was, in fact, not ready.
this book was everything and more and i’ve loved every single second of it.
July 19, 2024
・❥・4/5 ★'s
where to start...?
i enjoyed this book since the very first page. it drew me in. i was intrigued, and wanted to see how the story would unfold.
Rafael Lopez
DON'T GET ME STARTED!!! this man is my roman empire. he was so caring, protective, kind, and loving to our girl ellie. he loved her in places no one else did. he saw all of ellie's 'flaws' and wasn't even fazed, he showed up for her everyday and if that's not commitment i don't know what is. rafael tried so hard to form a bond with nico, and eventually he started blaming himself for the divorce with nico's mother hillary. rafa marry me😭🛐 but nothing was wrong with him from start to finish. he is definitely the man any girl would dream of.
Ellie Sinclair
she is suchhh a great fmc. she had emotional depth and was fun without being annoying. we watch her self love and confidence grow throughout this story and it was beautiful. i don't have much else to say about her 😩 i admire her
•̩̩͙*˚My Thoughts˚*•̩̩͙＊
i enjoyed this one more than love redesigned i think. i need to do a re-read on that one though! i definitely did love this book, and was a sucker for all the cute moments. but the more i read the more i felt like something was missing. i don't know what but there just wasn't that... pop. the story is beautiful but.. like i said.. i feel like something is missing
i think this is a book everyone should read at least once!! it's heartbreaking but well worth the therapy
also, i literally saved so many quotes so when i get that 3am motivation you'll see my review with 282993 quotes (i would say your welcome, but it'll be you with the tissue box 🤷🏻♀️)
the reason's why it's not 5 stars;
✎ the book is too long tbh
✎ i didn't care much abt everything w/ava so it felt dragged at times
✎ the miscommunication
✎ felt like something was missing (mainly this one)
reason's why i loved it;
✧ rafa, and nico. no explanation needed.
✧ the emotional intimacy
✧ the single dad x nanny trope
✧ the amount of emotional depth
✧ how they learned to trust and love each other despite all their trauma
+ so many other things!!!
the 282993 quotes:
"All I see is someone who chose to live. Someone who chose to keep fighting, even when they had reasons to give up. Someone who turned their scars into shooting stars."
where to start...?
i enjoyed this book since the very first page. it drew me in. i was intrigued, and wanted to see how the story would unfold.
Rafael Lopez
DON'T GET ME STARTED!!! this man is my roman empire. he was so caring, protective, kind, and loving to our girl ellie. he loved her in places no one else did. he saw all of ellie's 'flaws' and wasn't even fazed, he showed up for her everyday and if that's not commitment i don't know what is. rafael tried so hard to form a bond with nico, and eventually he started blaming himself for the divorce with nico's mother hillary. rafa marry me😭🛐 but nothing was wrong with him from start to finish. he is definitely the man any girl would dream of.
Ellie Sinclair
she is suchhh a great fmc. she had emotional depth and was fun without being annoying. we watch her self love and confidence grow throughout this story and it was beautiful. i don't have much else to say about her 😩 i admire her
•̩̩͙*˚My Thoughts˚*•̩̩͙＊
i enjoyed this one more than love redesigned i think. i need to do a re-read on that one though! i definitely did love this book, and was a sucker for all the cute moments. but the more i read the more i felt like something was missing. i don't know what but there just wasn't that... pop. the story is beautiful but.. like i said.. i feel like something is missing
i think this is a book everyone should read at least once!! it's heartbreaking but well worth the therapy
also, i literally saved so many quotes so when i get that 3am motivation you'll see my review with 282993 quotes (i would say your welcome, but it'll be you with the tissue box 🤷🏻♀️)
the reason's why it's not 5 stars;
✎ the book is too long tbh
✎ i didn't care much abt everything w/ava so it felt dragged at times
✎ the miscommunication
✎ felt like something was missing (mainly this one)
reason's why i loved it;
✧ rafa, and nico. no explanation needed.
✧ the emotional intimacy
✧ the single dad x nanny trope
✧ the amount of emotional depth
✧ how they learned to trust and love each other despite all their trauma
+ so many other things!!!
the 282993 quotes:
"My toxic trait isn't the fact that I don't have feelings; it's that I feel too much, all at once, so I suppress it instead of learning how to cope."
"Because deep down, I know you're a good guy even if you try your hardest to prove the exact opposite."
"I'm not a confrontational person. Sure, I can sass back because I am my mother's daughter after all, but when push comes to shove, I'd much rather run away then stand my ground against someone who hurt me."
"I spend the next five minutes waiting for a reply, only to find myself annoyed when she leaves me on read."
"Should I get an icepack or something?"
"I've dealt with worse, darling."
"Call her darling again and I'll put that theory to the test."
"It's okay if you had a crush on me."
"You weren't my type."
"I was everyone's type,"
"You're a smart guy. I'm sure you'll figure it out."
"You think I'm smart?"
"Don't go fishing for compliments. It's unattractive."
"Loneliness might be temporary, but heartbreak? That emotional damage can last a lifetime."
"It's not like I want to be afraid."
"No one does."
"What's that like?"
"What's what like?"
"Having something that makes you feel alive."
"I made a promise to myself when I was younger."
"What was it?"
"That, no matter what happens or how hard life gets, I won't give up on myself."
"Because I have a feeling that if I let someone like Rafael get close, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from wanting the same in return. From wanting more."
"With every whispered confession, Ellie collects another one of my heartstrings in the palm of her hand, keeping me permanently tied to her."
"If we had met back then, I would have done everything possible to make you like me instead of hate me."
"I hate that whenever I feel like I'm moving on—that I'm finally making positive steps toward a better future—something drags me back into a pit of self-doubt and loathing."
"If she wants me to call her pretty, then I'll do just that, but later, when my son isn't present to hear what else I have to say."
"I wasn't about to tell my son what I was really thinking, if that's what you were wondering."
"What was that?"
"That you looked so damn gorgeous, it physically hurt me to look at you because I knew you could never be mine."
"Rafael Lopez is jealous of another man because of me."
"Sometimes people leave, no matter how much we want them to stay."
"It's not your fault someone took advantage of your trust."
"Elle."
"Yeah?"
"Shut up and kiss me already."
"Thank you "
"For what?"
"Being you."
"When I'm done with him, that piece of shit is going to wish he never laid a hand on you."
"Tried to numb the pain with the bite of steel, But only created new scars that never truly healed. Turned my body into a broken masterpiece, All because I needed temporary release."
"I never want you to hear you call yourself broken again."
"You're one of the strongest people I know."
"You may see a broken masterpiece, but I only see you."
"I want Ellie to shine like she was meant too, but that isn't possible if she stays with me in the dark."
"You're a warrior, Elle. You put up a great fight, but you don't have to handle those demons alone anymore."
"A pretty flower for a stunning woman."
"Jealous looks good on you, Elle."
"You may be the hottest man to ever exist."
"May be?"
"I'm still deciding."
"Anything I can do to help?"
"Take your shirt off?"
"I may not be the one you envisioned for yourself, but I won't stop until I feel like I'm worthy of you."
"You're the one I was always meant to find."
"Rafa?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
"If it wasn't obvious, then let me make myself perfectly clear. You're mine, Elle. In every since of the word, from here on out, because I love you."
"I love every single thing about you. Your mind. Your scars. But most of all, your heart."
"She clearly doesn't want to speak to you, so do us all a favor and go."
"And you are?"
"Your worst nightmare if you don't find the closest exit."
"I like taking care of you, and I hope to spend the rest of my life doing just that, so long as you want me."
June 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐
Idk how to feel about this book or to review it, so I'm just gonna ramble below. So looooong review ahead. 🤣
============================
Nico (9), this kid is beyond wise and mature for his age. It's commendable how he powered through the things he experienced in his young life and after his Retinitis Pigmentosa diagnosis. Rafa could actually take some lessons from him on how to deal with emotions, if I'm being honest. This kid's compassion and love for everything and everyone around him are just so heartwarming to read.
============================
Ellie (28), I love her character. The patience, understanding, and goodness of her heart could parallel those of a saint. She's one of the best things that happened in this book, and I'm really glad that things worked out for her in the end.
It was a struggle to read what she went through, but unlike Rafa, she worked so hard to make great improvements in her life. She didn't let the bad things that happened in the past hold her back. And I'm really in awe of her for taking charge and finally finding the courage to go for the things that she wanted and rightfully deserved. She has her own insecurities, too, but it's comforting to see her grow in her own time with the support and love of those around her.
While I love her, I couldn't help but feel sad for her at the same time. The love this woman encompasses is so great that I felt like she was taken advantage of at times. Her never-ending patience to accommodate Rafa every time he hurt her (intentionally and unintentionally) is so unbelievable. I could never remember how many times she had forgiven him after he had hurt her time and time again.
She's always bending backwards, doing her best to see the goodness in him that he's hiding so hard. This would've been a good thing on most occasions, but to see her kindness being taken for granted over and over again is something that will never sit well with me. She gave too much of herself in this story; I'm actually surprised there's still some left in her.
While I do have a huge problem with her relationship with Rafa, I have the opposite feeling when it comes to her relationship with Nico. I loooove the two of them together; their bonding, trust, respect, and love for one another are so adorable and sweet to read. They are the only two things that made this book enjoyable for me. 🥹
============================
Rafael (31), idk how to feel about him, tbh. He's difficult to connect with, but that's probably because I've never been in his shoes. Like Ellie said, he's a "hot single dad with more emotional baggage than London Heathrow Airport during Christmas." The baggage of this guy is so heavy and deep that it almost ruins things in this story.
He's a good father; there's no doubt about it. He'd do everything for Nico to give him all the best this world could offer. Although their relationship has been strained since his eye diagnosis, he still does his best to help his son navigate his condition. For that, there's nothing I could complain about him.
As for the romance, when Ellie (and I, I finished this so I'm gonna include myself in every assumption 😂) thought that things were starting to improve and that happier days were seemingly ahead, Rafa's insecurities and issues would get the best of him, and he'd do something stupid or frustrating to ruin what they built that would lead them back to square one.
It's always one step forward and ten steps back with him. And lemme tell you that the emotional roller coaster (thanks to his freaking whiplash) got exhausting and draining after quite some time. It even drove me at one point to consider throwing my Kindle at the nearest wall (and I looove my Kindle 🥺) because I'm so frustrated with his push and pull stunts and indecisiveness. It was understandable in the beginning because readers were being introduced to the characters and what things and personal experiences made them who they are. But to go through this emotional turmoil for the majority of the book? Yeah, it's not a good experience.
Look, I know he tried, but the thing is, it's not enough, and he needs to make more effort to change his perception about life, love, relationships—basically, almost everything. This guy's abandonment and trust issues run sooo deep that he can't move past them. 😩 What he went through is not something I take lightly. I understand that it has caused him emotional pain, but he shouldn't have allowed these fears to rule his life for so long. I think people, at some point, need to see and realize that they have to make some changes when their problems are affecting not just themselves but also those around them. And this is where Rafa fell short; he went on for years, not really working hard enough to get past his issues.
If I'm being honest, I think up until 90% of the book, he was still unsure of what the future would look like for him and Ellie. While I know he said he's sure of her, his inner monologues and actions show differently. Words are just words, empty at best, if there's no action to back them up. I think he only pulled his head out of his ass around the 92% mark, and the last 8% isn't enough (for me) to make up for all the heartache and messed up things that happened for the most part of the story.
============================
I went through so much with this book, and why does this have to be 624 pages anyway? 🥲 The writing style was good, and, as always with this author, I didn't find myself getting bored with the story. I was able to finish this within a day, so I guess that has to mean something (at least to my standards).
But I can't help feeling that there's a lot happening at once, and the heavy topics can be too much to handle sometimes. This was heavily focused on the emotional aspect, which I find good on most part but could honestly get draining at the same time.
I do enjoy the character growth of the MCs and how they slowly find themselves throughout the story. I also love the found family aspect; there's just something about the small town romance and its familial connections that makes the story more heartwarming and relatable.
Anyhoo, it was freaking loooong but it was still an enjoyable read for me, and my rating is solely for Ellie and Nico, I'm living for their interactions. And as always my review(or rant) is something I write for myself, but I hope this might give an insight into this book or at least be helpful in a way to someone else.
Overall, it worked for me somewhat, but I wasn't invested in it that much. With that being said, I hope this works for other readers and resonates with them more.
Book info:
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Small town romance
- Billionaire romance
- Retinitis Pigmentosa Diagnosis
- Abandonment issue
- Trust issues
- Self harm (past)
- Assault (past, kissing and groping)
- Copyright Infringement
- No cheating, OPD
- No Vs (h - celibate months, H - celibate 2 years)
- Slooooowburn
- Separation (LDR, 5 weeks, she has to go on a European tour while writing her songs)
- HEA?? (2 yrs later, wedding day)
Notes:
- The ex-wife was his high school girlfriend; they've been divorced for two years at the present time. And he did love her; that was why her betrayal sliced him deep, and this made his trust issue get worse. She didn't show up personally in the story because she's ashamed of her infidelity. She's a money-hungry witch who didn't care for her kid and who intentionally got pregnant in the past. Now that I think about it, there's no closure for her. I wish he would stop paying alimony because that's the only thing this woman has ever wanted.
- As for their future family, they settled to adopt because Nico's condition was a genetic disease and Rafa didn't want to pass it on to another hypothetical child. He got a vasectomy years ago. Which again, another thing that Ellie accommodated: I think she wanted her own child (biologically), but since Rafa wouldn't budge on having kids again, she suggested adoption. He said they could revisit it in a few years.
- As for the marriage, he was hellbent on not getting married again, thanks to his first experience. But Ellie once again accepted that, and she was willing to wait for him to change his mind. He eventually did after 18 months of dating.
- He's her high school crush; she was a freshman, and he was a senior at the time.
=========
I looove Ellie and Nico. 💖
As for Rafael, he could go take a hike, for all I care. 🤧
Rtc...
Idk how to feel about this book or to review it, so I'm just gonna ramble below. So looooong review ahead. 🤣
============================
Nico (9), this kid is beyond wise and mature for his age. It's commendable how he powered through the things he experienced in his young life and after his Retinitis Pigmentosa diagnosis. Rafa could actually take some lessons from him on how to deal with emotions, if I'm being honest. This kid's compassion and love for everything and everyone around him are just so heartwarming to read.
============================
Ellie (28), I love her character. The patience, understanding, and goodness of her heart could parallel those of a saint. She's one of the best things that happened in this book, and I'm really glad that things worked out for her in the end.
It was a struggle to read what she went through, but unlike Rafa, she worked so hard to make great improvements in her life. She didn't let the bad things that happened in the past hold her back. And I'm really in awe of her for taking charge and finally finding the courage to go for the things that she wanted and rightfully deserved. She has her own insecurities, too, but it's comforting to see her grow in her own time with the support and love of those around her.
While I love her, I couldn't help but feel sad for her at the same time. The love this woman encompasses is so great that I felt like she was taken advantage of at times. Her never-ending patience to accommodate Rafa every time he hurt her (intentionally and unintentionally) is so unbelievable. I could never remember how many times she had forgiven him after he had hurt her time and time again.
She's always bending backwards, doing her best to see the goodness in him that he's hiding so hard. This would've been a good thing on most occasions, but to see her kindness being taken for granted over and over again is something that will never sit well with me. She gave too much of herself in this story; I'm actually surprised there's still some left in her.
While I do have a huge problem with her relationship with Rafa, I have the opposite feeling when it comes to her relationship with Nico. I loooove the two of them together; their bonding, trust, respect, and love for one another are so adorable and sweet to read. They are the only two things that made this book enjoyable for me. 🥹
============================
Rafael (31), idk how to feel about him, tbh. He's difficult to connect with, but that's probably because I've never been in his shoes. Like Ellie said, he's a "hot single dad with more emotional baggage than London Heathrow Airport during Christmas." The baggage of this guy is so heavy and deep that it almost ruins things in this story.
He's a good father; there's no doubt about it. He'd do everything for Nico to give him all the best this world could offer. Although their relationship has been strained since his eye diagnosis, he still does his best to help his son navigate his condition. For that, there's nothing I could complain about him.
As for the romance, when Ellie (and I, I finished this so I'm gonna include myself in every assumption 😂) thought that things were starting to improve and that happier days were seemingly ahead, Rafa's insecurities and issues would get the best of him, and he'd do something stupid or frustrating to ruin what they built that would lead them back to square one.
It's always one step forward and ten steps back with him. And lemme tell you that the emotional roller coaster (thanks to his freaking whiplash) got exhausting and draining after quite some time. It even drove me at one point to consider throwing my Kindle at the nearest wall (and I looove my Kindle 🥺) because I'm so frustrated with his push and pull stunts and indecisiveness. It was understandable in the beginning because readers were being introduced to the characters and what things and personal experiences made them who they are. But to go through this emotional turmoil for the majority of the book? Yeah, it's not a good experience.
Look, I know he tried, but the thing is, it's not enough, and he needs to make more effort to change his perception about life, love, relationships—basically, almost everything. This guy's abandonment and trust issues run sooo deep that he can't move past them. 😩 What he went through is not something I take lightly. I understand that it has caused him emotional pain, but he shouldn't have allowed these fears to rule his life for so long. I think people, at some point, need to see and realize that they have to make some changes when their problems are affecting not just themselves but also those around them. And this is where Rafa fell short; he went on for years, not really working hard enough to get past his issues.
If I'm being honest, I think up until 90% of the book, he was still unsure of what the future would look like for him and Ellie. While I know he said he's sure of her, his inner monologues and actions show differently. Words are just words, empty at best, if there's no action to back them up. I think he only pulled his head out of his ass around the 92% mark, and the last 8% isn't enough (for me) to make up for all the heartache and messed up things that happened for the most part of the story.
============================
I went through so much with this book, and why does this have to be 624 pages anyway? 🥲 The writing style was good, and, as always with this author, I didn't find myself getting bored with the story. I was able to finish this within a day, so I guess that has to mean something (at least to my standards).
But I can't help feeling that there's a lot happening at once, and the heavy topics can be too much to handle sometimes. This was heavily focused on the emotional aspect, which I find good on most part but could honestly get draining at the same time.
I do enjoy the character growth of the MCs and how they slowly find themselves throughout the story. I also love the found family aspect; there's just something about the small town romance and its familial connections that makes the story more heartwarming and relatable.
Anyhoo, it was freaking loooong but it was still an enjoyable read for me, and my rating is solely for Ellie and Nico, I'm living for their interactions. And as always my review
Overall, it worked for me somewhat, but I wasn't invested in it that much. With that being said, I hope this works for other readers and resonates with them more.
Book info:
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Small town romance
- Billionaire romance
- Retinitis Pigmentosa Diagnosis
- Abandonment issue
- Trust issues
- Self harm (past)
- Assault (past, kissing and groping)
- Copyright Infringement
- No cheating, OPD
- No Vs (h - celibate months, H - celibate 2 years)
- Slooooowburn
- Separation (LDR, 5 weeks, she has to go on a European tour while writing her songs)
- HEA?? (2 yrs later, wedding day)
Notes:
- The ex-wife was his high school girlfriend; they've been divorced for two years at the present time. And he did love her; that was why her betrayal sliced him deep, and this made his trust issue get worse. She didn't show up personally in the story because she's ashamed of her infidelity. She's a money-hungry witch who didn't care for her kid and who intentionally got pregnant in the past. Now that I think about it, there's no closure for her. I wish he would stop paying alimony because that's the only thing this woman has ever wanted.
- As for their future family, they settled to adopt because Nico's condition was a genetic disease and Rafa didn't want to pass it on to another hypothetical child. He got a vasectomy years ago. Which again, another thing that Ellie accommodated: I think she wanted her own child (biologically), but since Rafa wouldn't budge on having kids again, she suggested adoption. He said they could revisit it in a few years.
- As for the marriage, he was hellbent on not getting married again, thanks to his first experience. But Ellie once again accepted that, and she was willing to wait for him to change his mind. He eventually did after 18 months of dating.
- He's her high school crush; she was a freshman, and he was a senior at the time.
=========
I looove Ellie and Nico. 💖
As for Rafael, he could go take a hike, for all I care. 🤧
Rtc...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
January 3, 2024~currently beta-reading~
Lauren confirmed Rafael Lopez is coming next June! Like he’s raising his son AND a bunch of farm animals- of course he needs some help! 🤭 I just know Lauren’s gonna kill it with this trope! And we’re going on a certain “summer trip,” so I’m already hoping for particular cameos- iykyk! 👀
Lauren confirmed Rafael Lopez is coming next June! Like he’s raising his son AND a bunch of farm animals- of course he needs some help! 🤭 I just know Lauren’s gonna kill it with this trope! And we’re going on a certain “summer trip,” so I’m already hoping for particular cameos- iykyk! 👀
June 21, 2024
another lauren asher banger! this was highly anticipated after the rafa & ellie moments in book 1, and it absolutely delivered. i always love a single dad / nanny romance, but this felt more unique than a lot of others i’ve read! ellie has been the nanny for a while when the book starts and already has such an established, sweet relationship with nico, which makes it easy to see why rafa felt like such an outsider with his own son. rafa was such a good dad and desperately wanted to mend his relationship with nico, but kept doubting himself. nico is the cutest sweetest kid who clearly admired his dad and never wanted to let him down. watching ellie do everything she could to navigate that and help bring them together only made me love her more.
despite the obvious attraction between ellie and rafa early in the book, this was such a good slow burn!! it felt so realistic for two characters who had both been through a lot and who didn’t want to rush into anything. rafa being so grumpy and standoffish while all along he had been mentally taking note of ellie’s every like and dislike!! he would literally do anything to make her happy, and ellie never failed to show up for him unlike so many people in his past. i intended to take my time and savor this book but every time i put it down, i was itching to get back to it!
despite the obvious attraction between ellie and rafa early in the book, this was such a good slow burn!! it felt so realistic for two characters who had both been through a lot and who didn’t want to rush into anything. rafa being so grumpy and standoffish while all along he had been mentally taking note of ellie’s every like and dislike!! he would literally do anything to make her happy, and ellie never failed to show up for him unlike so many people in his past. i intended to take my time and savor this book but every time i put it down, i was itching to get back to it!
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