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Life in November
What do a dentist, who also happens to be her country's foremost expert in identifying dental records, and a disgraced professional soccer player have in common?
The answer, as it turns out, is letters, countries, and secrets.
November never loved anyone the way she loved her best friend Arna, and she’s certain she herself will never be loved again after Arna dies suddenly. Her best friend didn’t do anything by halves—including dying—which is how November finds herself set on a quest the likes of which would only be found in the movies that sends her careening into Ethan Barclay. Literally.
Too many warm beers and a thunderstorm later, November and Ethan are moving onto the next letter, country, and secret. Together. But not every secret should be shared, and everything November thought she knew about love, life, and friendship comes crashing down.
The answer, as it turns out, is letters, countries, and secrets.
November never loved anyone the way she loved her best friend Arna, and she’s certain she herself will never be loved again after Arna dies suddenly. Her best friend didn’t do anything by halves—including dying—which is how November finds herself set on a quest the likes of which would only be found in the movies that sends her careening into Ethan Barclay. Literally.
Too many warm beers and a thunderstorm later, November and Ethan are moving onto the next letter, country, and secret. Together. But not every secret should be shared, and everything November thought she knew about love, life, and friendship comes crashing down.
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Published November 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
November 2, 2023
I haven’t shut up about this book since Haley first told me about it. I knew this one was going to be extra extra special and it didn’t let me down.
Life in November is so much more than just the love story between November and Ethan. There’s a journey of grief, a journey of self discovery, healing, and so much more.
November’s life is turned upside down when her best friend (who she thinks is the only love of her life and the only person ever capable of loving her) not only dies and leaves her with letters asking her to go on a multi-country trip, but she also meets Ethan Barclay and slowly starts to find out her best friend, Arna, was keeping many secrets from her and wasn’t who she thought she was.
LIN had me feeling every emotion known to man. Even ones I probably couldn’t name. It was a special kind of journey to be able to experience it as it was being written. Haley is such a beautiful writer and getting to see into her brain through this process was so special.
This book is for you if you like books written by Emily Henry, if you’ve ever lost a best friend(to life or death), if you like grumpy men who are only soft for her, a one bed situation, if you like open door books but just a little bit(again think EmHen vibes).
Seriously just pick up the book. You won’t regret it. It is hands down one of my absolute favorite reads of the year and I’m already itching to reread my physical copy so I can annotate all of my favorite parts.
April 2, 2025
I expected a romcom where they travelled the world together.
Got a book about grief, eating disorders and complex relationship dynamics.
So this book was very different, but I'm not mad at it. There were heavier topics, and the characters were so frustrating at times. But I also really liked their story and how they helped each other. I think it would have been more impactful if we got some of his POV, and the whole romantic interaction was overshadowed by her "problems". But the ending was really sweet and very satisfying. I would 100% read a novella or short story about these two during their happy times.
Rating : 3,5 stars.
Got a book about grief, eating disorders and complex relationship dynamics.
So this book was very different, but I'm not mad at it. There were heavier topics, and the characters were so frustrating at times. But I also really liked their story and how they helped each other. I think it would have been more impactful if we got some of his POV, and the whole romantic interaction was overshadowed by her "problems". But the ending was really sweet and very satisfying. I would 100% read a novella or short story about these two during their happy times.
Rating : 3,5 stars.
November 11, 2024
To be loved is to be seen
Real review to come later but like go read this right now
Real review to come later but like go read this right now
November 29, 2023
I won this book in a giveaway and it just felt like fate, like it was meant for me to read. Like the universe knew i needed it. Especially when i read the dedication. 🥹 Whether you have lost a friend to life (or to death) i feel like you will he able to relate to this book. And it will rip you apart and stitch you back together over and over again. Grieving the loss of a friend no matter the circumstance is something that is rarely talked about, and Haley wrote it beautifully.
“If I concentrate hard enough, I can hear us. My laughter and hers. Echoing across this backyard for eternity.”
Not only is this book about November grieving the death of her bestfriend Arna, it’s also about learning that sometimes people just aren’t who you thought they were. About trying to find yourself again. About love and learning to accept that you are worth loving (yes, you are too!)
“But I love it, just like I’ve always loved messy, broken things; and now I wonder if that’s because they remind me of me.”
After Arna dies, November discovers that she has left her with a box of letters, sending her on a journey to multiple different countries. What November doesn’t expect is while on this journey, she would float right on into Ethan Barclay’s life. Ethan Barclay is a dream and definitely will top your book boyfriend list. I love him, and he isn’t morally gray (would you believe it?!) I think we all need someone like Ethan in our lives. Someone who is patient while also gently pushing us to be better on our own terms. Someone to save us on our own physical and metaphorical paddle board.
“I think Ethan Barclay put the stars in my sky. He certainly hung the moon, and I think he’s all the oxygenated blood in my body.”
Thank you Haley for writing this book. It is what i never knew i needed. It makes me wanna reach through the pages and give a November (and you) a big hug. And thank you Esther, I’m so glad i won your giveaway and got a chance to read this book. I hope anyone out there like me who has grieved a loss of a friendship in life, reads this review and decides to give this book a chance too. I hope it helps you find the same peace. 🖤
To infinity and beyond. ♾️
As always, check content and TW before reading.
“If I concentrate hard enough, I can hear us. My laughter and hers. Echoing across this backyard for eternity.”
Not only is this book about November grieving the death of her bestfriend Arna, it’s also about learning that sometimes people just aren’t who you thought they were. About trying to find yourself again. About love and learning to accept that you are worth loving (yes, you are too!)
“But I love it, just like I’ve always loved messy, broken things; and now I wonder if that’s because they remind me of me.”
After Arna dies, November discovers that she has left her with a box of letters, sending her on a journey to multiple different countries. What November doesn’t expect is while on this journey, she would float right on into Ethan Barclay’s life. Ethan Barclay is a dream and definitely will top your book boyfriend list. I love him, and he isn’t morally gray (would you believe it?!) I think we all need someone like Ethan in our lives. Someone who is patient while also gently pushing us to be better on our own terms. Someone to save us on our own physical and metaphorical paddle board.
“I think Ethan Barclay put the stars in my sky. He certainly hung the moon, and I think he’s all the oxygenated blood in my body.”
Thank you Haley for writing this book. It is what i never knew i needed. It makes me wanna reach through the pages and give a November (and you) a big hug. And thank you Esther, I’m so glad i won your giveaway and got a chance to read this book. I hope anyone out there like me who has grieved a loss of a friendship in life, reads this review and decides to give this book a chance too. I hope it helps you find the same peace. 🖤
To infinity and beyond. ♾️
As always, check content and TW before reading.
January 8, 2024
Self-described as “P.S. I Love You” for friends
The pacing of this was a bit odd, and it was a very slow start, but there was just enough potential in the characters to keep me reading.
The pacing of this was a bit odd, and it was a very slow start, but there was just enough potential in the characters to keep me reading.
March 28, 2024
i don’t think i’ll ever read a more beautiful and well written story …
November 10, 2024
3.5⭐️
I would also fall for a man who would trade plates with me NOT because I asked but because he just knows that I do not like the food I ordered lol.
She only had to mention about her problem once on a plane and he took a mental note and was considerate about it throughout their trip.
Another hot move was when he wordlessly hands her his sunglasses when she's tearing up in public.
All these sweetness when they're just in that less-than-strangers but-barely-friends phase.
This book touches on a few heavy topics.
I don't know what to feel about Arna and November's friendship. I would say it's complicated and a little bit messed up on Arna's part but they both made each other feel 'wanted, needed and valuable' so...I guess I can understand why it's so hard for November to move on...BUT I can't find it in myself to like Arna as I read on even though I only got to know her through the letters.
I'm kind of glad she didn't read the other letters. I mean, I would want November to preserve the friendship she had always known rather then finding out hurtful truths she'd have to process about someone who has already left. :/
I would also fall for a man who would trade plates with me NOT because I asked but because he just knows that I do not like the food I ordered lol.
She only had to mention about her problem once on a plane and he took a mental note and was considerate about it throughout their trip.
Another hot move was when he wordlessly hands her his sunglasses when she's tearing up in public.
All these sweetness when they're just in that less-than-strangers but-barely-friends phase.
This book touches on a few heavy topics.
I don't know what to feel about Arna and November's friendship. I would say it's complicated and a little bit messed up on Arna's part but they both made each other feel 'wanted, needed and valuable' so...I guess I can understand why it's so hard for November to move on...BUT I can't find it in myself to like Arna as I read on even though I only got to know her through the letters.
I'm kind of glad she didn't read the other letters. I mean, I would want November to preserve the friendship she had always known rather then finding out hurtful truths she'd have to process about someone who has already left. :/
February 12, 2024
Wow. Wow. Wow. Grief, love, heartbreak, redemption, losing your way and finding a new dream…it’s all in here. My first ever book by this author and Haley didn’t disappoint. I felt very connected immediately to the FMC for many reasons, but given where I currently am in my life, her struggle with losing her way and trying to make sense of a new path (one she didn’t ask for) was a beautiful, anguished journey to finding herself and finding love in the process (okay, I’ve got the anguish and struggle covered but ummm where is my tattooed pro athlete hmmm?). Anyway, that’s beside the point BUT this book was beautifully written and really exposed that we need to look inside ourselves to see our own inner beauty and resilience instead of relying on other people’s own ideas of who we are. When you find your own worth, you can allow for all sorts of beautiful things to enter your life like love, clarity, and peace….and okay for November, a hot AF soccer player. Still waiting for mine though………
January 9, 2024
This was quite possibly one of the worst books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read some really really bad books.
To start off the actual idea and backbone of the book is great. I think the idea that your dead bff send you on a trip around the world is great, but some of the shit she admits to is fucked up.
I knew essentially nothing about the main male character ethan, and too much about the main female character November. Sentences were repeated through out the book, so many unneeded details and honestly you need a background in anatomy to understand a lot of the references which isn’t fun.
There were so many plot points that were glossed over, and so many paragraphs that could have been cut out. I skimmed the back half of this book because ultimately I just wanted to say I read another book for my yearly challenge.
To start off the actual idea and backbone of the book is great. I think the idea that your dead bff send you on a trip around the world is great, but some of the shit she admits to is fucked up.
I knew essentially nothing about the main male character ethan, and too much about the main female character November. Sentences were repeated through out the book, so many unneeded details and honestly you need a background in anatomy to understand a lot of the references which isn’t fun.
There were so many plot points that were glossed over, and so many paragraphs that could have been cut out. I skimmed the back half of this book because ultimately I just wanted to say I read another book for my yearly challenge.
December 2, 2023
Life In November;
Wow. My heart is so full. I could write an entire essay on this book and how much it made me laugh, cry, giggle and scream. But for now, I will say that Life In November is phenomenal and you should definitely read it like, right now.
Okay, bye.
Wow. My heart is so full. I could write an entire essay on this book and how much it made me laugh, cry, giggle and scream. But for now, I will say that Life In November is phenomenal and you should definitely read it like, right now.
Okay, bye.
June 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5
I won this copy of Life in November in a giveaway last year and I am SO glad I did! This was the story I didn’t know I needed to read. I enjoyed it so much! Also, how pretty is the cover on this edition?
In this book, November’s best friend, Arna, dies unexpectedly. Arna wrote November letters that send her on the adventure of a lifetime, but they also uncover secrets that her best friend had kept from her all along. On this adventure, November meets Ethan Barclay, a soccer player who lost his position on his team after an injury. He accompanies November from place to place, helping her navigate all the feelings the letters from Arna bring up.
Life in November has so much heart! It tackles some pretty tough conversations and themes in such an eloquent way. I loved the letters from beyond the grave concept as a catalyst for November and Ethan’s story. And I really enjoyed the travel aspect - the description of all those beautiful places really immersed me in the book. November is such a complex character. Her story was tough to read at times, but I loved watching her cope with Arna’s death and figure out who she is in the aftermath. And Ethan is a perfect MMC for this book - grumpy and tough, but with a patient, supportive side when it comes to November. Their chemistry was off the charts! I just adored their love story.
Read Life in November if you love romance novels with :
▫️Travel and beautiful settings
▫️Themes of grief and mental health representation (CW : disordered eating)
▫️Complex characters
I won this copy of Life in November in a giveaway last year and I am SO glad I did! This was the story I didn’t know I needed to read. I enjoyed it so much! Also, how pretty is the cover on this edition?
In this book, November’s best friend, Arna, dies unexpectedly. Arna wrote November letters that send her on the adventure of a lifetime, but they also uncover secrets that her best friend had kept from her all along. On this adventure, November meets Ethan Barclay, a soccer player who lost his position on his team after an injury. He accompanies November from place to place, helping her navigate all the feelings the letters from Arna bring up.
Life in November has so much heart! It tackles some pretty tough conversations and themes in such an eloquent way. I loved the letters from beyond the grave concept as a catalyst for November and Ethan’s story. And I really enjoyed the travel aspect - the description of all those beautiful places really immersed me in the book. November is such a complex character. Her story was tough to read at times, but I loved watching her cope with Arna’s death and figure out who she is in the aftermath. And Ethan is a perfect MMC for this book - grumpy and tough, but with a patient, supportive side when it comes to November. Their chemistry was off the charts! I just adored their love story.
Read Life in November if you love romance novels with :
▫️Travel and beautiful settings
▫️Themes of grief and mental health representation (CW : disordered eating)
▫️Complex characters
January 4, 2025
This book centers around November, a dentist who identifies the dental records of the deceased on the side to help solve forensic cases, and Ethan Barclay, a dishonored professional soccer player whom throws himself into self-imposed exile while he ruminates over the failures of his career.
November loses her best friend in a terrible accident and a box appears on her doorstep posthumously with letters and travel itineraries (think Thirteen Reasons Why-esque). During her journey of grief, she runs into Ethan and together they process their pains and learn about each other and themselves.
I enjoyed the characters. November and Ethan both had a lot going on in their lives and found each other in the right moment and the tumultuous relationships in this book were raw and beautiful.
The majority of the novel were the two main characters traveling about trauma dumping on each other and refusing to acknowledge their feelings. This got a bit repetitive and frustrating, but this was more of a pacing issue. TW: There is a lot of reference to EDs. It is done very tastefully, but not a great book to pick up if this puts someone in a bad headspace.
Overall, I’m glad I read it and I am shook I read another sports romance after the two I read last year put me off the genre seemingly for good. This was a loose sports romance done right! Definitely hope to read more from the author.
November loses her best friend in a terrible accident and a box appears on her doorstep posthumously with letters and travel itineraries (think Thirteen Reasons Why-esque). During her journey of grief, she runs into Ethan and together they process their pains and learn about each other and themselves.
I enjoyed the characters. November and Ethan both had a lot going on in their lives and found each other in the right moment and the tumultuous relationships in this book were raw and beautiful.
The majority of the novel were the two main characters traveling about trauma dumping on each other and refusing to acknowledge their feelings. This got a bit repetitive and frustrating, but this was more of a pacing issue. TW: There is a lot of reference to EDs. It is done very tastefully, but not a great book to pick up if this puts someone in a bad headspace.
Overall, I’m glad I read it and I am shook I read another sports romance after the two I read last year put me off the genre seemingly for good. This was a loose sports romance done right! Definitely hope to read more from the author.
November 20, 2024
girls don’t want flowers… they want ethan barclay!!!!
this was a very touching, emotional book that was so much more than a romance. it explores very heavy topics about grief and coming to terms with finding out your friends aren’t always how they seem, along with the mental health struggles that november faces. at times, I certainly felt like things I’ve thought about myself were being poured out onto these pages. thank you to whoever recommended me this book, i don’t see how this isn’t talked about more!
minus a star because the amount of times i read “,yeah?” was outrageous.
this was a very touching, emotional book that was so much more than a romance. it explores very heavy topics about grief and coming to terms with finding out your friends aren’t always how they seem, along with the mental health struggles that november faces. at times, I certainly felt like things I’ve thought about myself were being poured out onto these pages. thank you to whoever recommended me this book, i don’t see how this isn’t talked about more!
minus a star because the amount of times i read “,yeah?” was outrageous.
January 16, 2025
I loved November and Ethan so much😭😭😭I saw so much of myself in November and the way Ethan loves and cares for her in such simple but big ways was beautiful. The theme of the loss of a friendship could be tough to read, but was so dang validating. Such a relatable story filled with drama and love.
🌶️2
🌶️2
March 26, 2025
grew to enjoy this more than I expected
honestly the way grief is portrayed in this is excellent, it’s heartbreaking but so realistic
I also lowkey didn’t vibe with ethan at first (does he just drink beer 😭😭) but he became my favorite part of November’s whole journey
the ending was sweet and i’m glad november did the whole grand gesture because ethan deserved it
honestly the way grief is portrayed in this is excellent, it’s heartbreaking but so realistic
I also lowkey didn’t vibe with ethan at first (does he just drink beer 😭😭) but he became my favorite part of November’s whole journey
the ending was sweet and i’m glad november did the whole grand gesture because ethan deserved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2024
ripped my heart out in a good way
sobbed the entire way through the book, perfection, i craved the pain of this book the way you crave a toxic relationship when you’re in one. the way EDs are described, life “after” one, the love, the heartbreak, betrayal, couldn’t stop crying. phenomenal
sobbed the entire way through the book, perfection, i craved the pain of this book the way you crave a toxic relationship when you’re in one. the way EDs are described, life “after” one, the love, the heartbreak, betrayal, couldn’t stop crying. phenomenal
July 22, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
October 3, 2024
one of my new comfort couples 🥹❤️🩹
February 22, 2025
may the way ethan loves find me
October 8, 2023
Have you ever gone through a break up with your best friend?
What about losing that best friend forever?
Well, November Morris has, and it's the type of loss that has broken her completely. Arna was her best friend, her other half, her soulmate in every way (yes you can have platonic soulmates too!), and November loses her to a tragic accident. Not only has she had her entire world ripped from her grasp, but now she finds that Arna left her an entire box of letters and adventures to go in, in the event that she died early in life.
While November navigates the traumatic loss of losing her best friend, she realizes that she's also lost herself. She doesn't know who she's supposed to be without Arna whispering it into her ear, and that leaves November feeling even more alone than she's ever been in her life...
Enter Ethan Barclay, a swoon-worthy MMC of epic proportions. He's sexy, tattooed, and an ex/disgraced football player who is also going through the turmoil of his life being upended after a devastating injury and loss of his career.
These two meet in the most wild of ways, and in one unlikely event, they realize that they are both running from their pasts, while also chasing the ghosts that haunt them. Together they go on Arna's death-note adventures, and as they learn more about themselves, and each other, they have to decide if they are going to let those ghosts from their past ruin their chances at a future together.
Haley Warren weaves together a world of heartbreak, loss, acceptance, and forgiveness into a story that will be sure to touch your heart and soul in some kind of way. Life in November is one of those books that stays with you long after you close the book. I cannot recommend this one enough to anyone who has ever felt lost, or undeserving of love, because this one reminds you that you are. You're worthy of it all. <3
What about losing that best friend forever?
Well, November Morris has, and it's the type of loss that has broken her completely. Arna was her best friend, her other half, her soulmate in every way (yes you can have platonic soulmates too!), and November loses her to a tragic accident. Not only has she had her entire world ripped from her grasp, but now she finds that Arna left her an entire box of letters and adventures to go in, in the event that she died early in life.
While November navigates the traumatic loss of losing her best friend, she realizes that she's also lost herself. She doesn't know who she's supposed to be without Arna whispering it into her ear, and that leaves November feeling even more alone than she's ever been in her life...
Enter Ethan Barclay, a swoon-worthy MMC of epic proportions. He's sexy, tattooed, and an ex/disgraced football player who is also going through the turmoil of his life being upended after a devastating injury and loss of his career.
These two meet in the most wild of ways, and in one unlikely event, they realize that they are both running from their pasts, while also chasing the ghosts that haunt them. Together they go on Arna's death-note adventures, and as they learn more about themselves, and each other, they have to decide if they are going to let those ghosts from their past ruin their chances at a future together.
Haley Warren weaves together a world of heartbreak, loss, acceptance, and forgiveness into a story that will be sure to touch your heart and soul in some kind of way. Life in November is one of those books that stays with you long after you close the book. I cannot recommend this one enough to anyone who has ever felt lost, or undeserving of love, because this one reminds you that you are. You're worthy of it all. <3
March 25, 2024
I give this book a 4/5 because of how stupid were the decisions that the female main character, November made and how righteous Ethan was when he yelled at her. In every letter that November read from her “best friend” Arna, you can feel hatred towards her, how she wasn’t an honest friend and when Ethan and November went to Costa Rica and in the letter that Arna wrote saying that she slept with November’s ex-boyfriend, it demostrates you how shitty of a friend, she actually was. She never truly loved November as she thought, maybe it was just her conscience.
Another moment when I hated her, was when she slept with Aiden, when she knew perfectly that she starting to fall in love with Ethan, just for the next day to regret sleeping with Aiden and that she had to wash her bedsheets to clean up her sins. Later when they are on the boats in Vietnam and he wants to kiss her, but she interrupts saying that she is not ready still, like girl, are you for real?
But besides all of that, it was a very nice slow burn romance book and I would totally re-read again if I had the chance. The star of the book was without a doubt Ethan Barclay, he always accompanied November in all of her travels, got a tattoo sleeve dedicated to her, exchanged her dish because she wasn’t comfortable with it, made sure she was worth it. And if I’m being honest I was actually hoping that there was a plot twist such as that Arna didn’t actually died, but instead faked her own death, because she didn’t want to suppress her role as the shopping heiress and instead just wanted to live her life.
Another moment when I hated her, was when she slept with Aiden, when she knew perfectly that she starting to fall in love with Ethan, just for the next day to regret sleeping with Aiden and that she had to wash her bedsheets to clean up her sins. Later when they are on the boats in Vietnam and he wants to kiss her, but she interrupts saying that she is not ready still, like girl, are you for real?
But besides all of that, it was a very nice slow burn romance book and I would totally re-read again if I had the chance. The star of the book was without a doubt Ethan Barclay, he always accompanied November in all of her travels, got a tattoo sleeve dedicated to her, exchanged her dish because she wasn’t comfortable with it, made sure she was worth it. And if I’m being honest I was actually hoping that there was a plot twist such as that Arna didn’t actually died, but instead faked her own death, because she didn’t want to suppress her role as the shopping heiress and instead just wanted to live her life.
October 19, 2023
My heart is breaking for November and my heart is swooning for Ethan Barclay.
I saw so many pieces of insecurities that are relatable, and if you dig deep enough to pull them to the surface, allowing someone you trust to see you for who you really are, they’ll either hurt you—or love you.
Life in November is surely going to give you all the feels in the traditionally Haley Warren way. And before reading, you’ve been warned to grab the tissues and the bottle of wine.
I saw so many pieces of insecurities that are relatable, and if you dig deep enough to pull them to the surface, allowing someone you trust to see you for who you really are, they’ll either hurt you—or love you.
Life in November is surely going to give you all the feels in the traditionally Haley Warren way. And before reading, you’ve been warned to grab the tissues and the bottle of wine.
March 20, 2024
I started off really enjoying this book but gradually, November started to irritate me and I just couldn’t relate to her at all. I was intrigued by all her hang ups and insecurities but the adoration she had for her friend frustrated me as much as it did Ethan by 70/80%.
I also hated what she did at 51% - can’t see what that brought to the story other than giving me a huge ick.
Also, as a British reader, I couldn’t get some of Ethan’s British-isms, they didn’t make sense so therefore took me out of the story. I have never heard of sex being referred to as getting a “naff” before. Naff means uncool or rubbish so I have no idea what the author intended with the use of that phrase. There were a few other weird uses of slang that Ive genuinely never heard before.
In the end, Ethan deserved much, much better and this story left me pretty unsatisfied.
I also hated what she did at 51% - can’t see what that brought to the story other than giving me a huge ick.
Also, as a British reader, I couldn’t get some of Ethan’s British-isms, they didn’t make sense so therefore took me out of the story. I have never heard of sex being referred to as getting a “naff” before. Naff means uncool or rubbish so I have no idea what the author intended with the use of that phrase. There were a few other weird uses of slang that Ive genuinely never heard before.
In the end, Ethan deserved much, much better and this story left me pretty unsatisfied.
April 30, 2024
This was such a special novel to me. It really impacted me how someone can see you AND love you for your quirks not in spite of them.
I love that Haley showed us that you CAN live life with an ED, one that is fulfilling and kind. You just have to continue to show yourself patience as you grow. It's not about getting rid of it, it's about moving forward and supporting yourself through it, and having a partner who supports you can be such a monumental thing. It was beautiful the way that Ethan did these little things that helped November find her confidence in trying new things and building new habits for herself.
I also appreciate the fact that Nov lost herself so completely in what she learned about Arna. Completely unraveled. That was so human of her. I know how hard it is to come to terms with the person you thought you knew and then having to slot the pieces of them that you've now found into your reality. It's so difficult and heartbreaking and it can completely spin your world on its axis. Anger, love, rage, embarrassment... So many things come to you and November's journey working through that was so real and I appreciated her vulnerability so much.
Also, this book made me realize how important it is to not let your past be a barrier to having a future that is so right for you. Letting go, forgiving, healing, moving forward... They're the greatest gifts that you can give to yourself and the people who love you or want to love you.
We all deserved to be loved! And November showed me how important it is to not stand in my own way.
Thank you Haley for bringing such rich characters to life. I'm so happy that I got to be a part of November's journey. Everything worked out and I'm so happy it did. It gives me hope that it'll all work out for me too :)
I love that Haley showed us that you CAN live life with an ED, one that is fulfilling and kind. You just have to continue to show yourself patience as you grow. It's not about getting rid of it, it's about moving forward and supporting yourself through it, and having a partner who supports you can be such a monumental thing. It was beautiful the way that Ethan did these little things that helped November find her confidence in trying new things and building new habits for herself.
I also appreciate the fact that Nov lost herself so completely in what she learned about Arna. Completely unraveled. That was so human of her. I know how hard it is to come to terms with the person you thought you knew and then having to slot the pieces of them that you've now found into your reality. It's so difficult and heartbreaking and it can completely spin your world on its axis. Anger, love, rage, embarrassment... So many things come to you and November's journey working through that was so real and I appreciated her vulnerability so much.
Also, this book made me realize how important it is to not let your past be a barrier to having a future that is so right for you. Letting go, forgiving, healing, moving forward... They're the greatest gifts that you can give to yourself and the people who love you or want to love you.
We all deserved to be loved! And November showed me how important it is to not stand in my own way.
Thank you Haley for bringing such rich characters to life. I'm so happy that I got to be a part of November's journey. Everything worked out and I'm so happy it did. It gives me hope that it'll all work out for me too :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
When I was in college and had no clear direction in life, I had an Arna — what we didn’t have, we gave to each other. Our time was spent together and we were so selfish with it, not letting anyone else in. Until. Until, until, until. That changed.
Looking back now and while reading THIS book, I know that what we had was unhealthy and a little messed up. I thought she was all I had, but truly I had so much more and she wouldn’t let me see it. If our friendship didn’t die, I never would’ve had the time or energy to give to fostering a romantic relationship — the one that ended up in marriage and my true best friend.
Without her, I wouldn’t have had my Ethan.
But years later, it’s still hard to think about and move past her own version of Arna’s lies and the betrayal I felt. November…. I see you.
Life in November is about moving forward after one of the worst and most painful things in the world has happened to you. About trying new things no matter how scary. And finding the people who truly see who you are and love you despite how “weird” you might be. This book is beautifully written with imagery that I swooned over constantly, but most importantly it’s just an incredible story about figuring yourself out after the loss that fucked you up.
There are times when you read a book and you think that it was created for you, and no one else. This is that book for me.
Life in November is officially out 11.1.23. Thank you to Haley Warren for the eARC, I’m forever impressed with you.
Looking back now and while reading THIS book, I know that what we had was unhealthy and a little messed up. I thought she was all I had, but truly I had so much more and she wouldn’t let me see it. If our friendship didn’t die, I never would’ve had the time or energy to give to fostering a romantic relationship — the one that ended up in marriage and my true best friend.
Without her, I wouldn’t have had my Ethan.
But years later, it’s still hard to think about and move past her own version of Arna’s lies and the betrayal I felt. November…. I see you.
Life in November is about moving forward after one of the worst and most painful things in the world has happened to you. About trying new things no matter how scary. And finding the people who truly see who you are and love you despite how “weird” you might be. This book is beautifully written with imagery that I swooned over constantly, but most importantly it’s just an incredible story about figuring yourself out after the loss that fucked you up.
There are times when you read a book and you think that it was created for you, and no one else. This is that book for me.
Life in November is officially out 11.1.23. Thank you to Haley Warren for the eARC, I’m forever impressed with you.
February 6, 2024
A Favorite Book for Infinity
5/5 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶️
I have never stopped 30% into a book on kindle to order the physical copy because I have to be able to touch it. This book hit all the feels, had such a complex and perfect story line, and had the most imperfectly, perfect characters. Haley Warren wrote an amazing book about November’s journey healing from her bffs passing all while finding herself and finding other forms of love; self love, and romantic love.
On a crazy world journey that November’s wild and eccentric friend sends her on using 12 letters containing directions and untold secrets she comes across another broken soul, Ethan. Ethan is an injured soccer (football, or whatevs) player who is IMO absolute perfection (still imperfect- does that make sense?). He understands, protects, and cares for November. Their journey is beautiful yet messy, but so are they. ♾️
You should read this book if you love feeling all the feels. I laughed, cried, I was frustrated at times, and hardcore cringed when one chapter went a total direction that I didn’t see coming/ want to happen and I savored every single moment reading it. That’s the beauty of Haley Warren’s writing in this novel. I’m a fan for life and will instant read all of Haley’s future releases.
My husband likes to say that my top 5 books list is more than 5 books, but I can totally prove that to be FALSE and name them for street cred. I just can’t help that these last few months there have been some amazing reads! For me, when a book totally alters my brain chemistry and wrecks me in a way I never want to recover from, it’s a top 5 of all time read. This is that for me.
5/5 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶️
I have never stopped 30% into a book on kindle to order the physical copy because I have to be able to touch it. This book hit all the feels, had such a complex and perfect story line, and had the most imperfectly, perfect characters. Haley Warren wrote an amazing book about November’s journey healing from her bffs passing all while finding herself and finding other forms of love; self love, and romantic love.
On a crazy world journey that November’s wild and eccentric friend sends her on using 12 letters containing directions and untold secrets she comes across another broken soul, Ethan. Ethan is an injured soccer (football, or whatevs) player who is IMO absolute perfection (still imperfect- does that make sense?). He understands, protects, and cares for November. Their journey is beautiful yet messy, but so are they. ♾️
You should read this book if you love feeling all the feels. I laughed, cried, I was frustrated at times, and hardcore cringed when one chapter went a total direction that I didn’t see coming/ want to happen and I savored every single moment reading it. That’s the beauty of Haley Warren’s writing in this novel. I’m a fan for life and will instant read all of Haley’s future releases.
My husband likes to say that my top 5 books list is more than 5 books, but I can totally prove that to be FALSE and name them for street cred. I just can’t help that these last few months there have been some amazing reads! For me, when a book totally alters my brain chemistry and wrecks me in a way I never want to recover from, it’s a top 5 of all time read. This is that for me.
January 26, 2025
have you ever gone through a breakup with your best friend? i have.
this book started out as a concept we have heard before — “PS I love you” but for friendship. and then it takes you into a completely different journey of grief, self-discovery, and healing.
i’ve been there, death of friendships that meant something to me, and i hadn’t realise it would have been a serendipitous moment for me to choose this book out of the 19 i have in my KU on the day i was grieving lost friendships. i don’t know when i can let go yet, but in many ways that i should not, i still miss them.
i have never seen two characters be so flawed, so human like November and Ethan. not once have i felt like her grief was dragging the pacing of the story, nor did i feel Ethan’s impatience was unwarranted. it takes a special someone to be able to see you, the real you, and that’s what these two are to each other.
if you ever want to read a book that’s more than just a romance book, a journey of grief, self-discovery, and healing, this one is for you. it has depth and feelings that you rarely see in contemporary romance. and November just happens to remind all of us that we need a hug or two sometimes, and that we’re never truly alone.
no smut and only a single chili pepper on the spice scale.
i would have loved to own a physical copy of this book for a more immersive reading experience, because i feel it’s such a fucking waste not being able to annotate and have the chance to reread my favourite parts…
this book started out as a concept we have heard before — “PS I love you” but for friendship. and then it takes you into a completely different journey of grief, self-discovery, and healing.
i’ve been there, death of friendships that meant something to me, and i hadn’t realise it would have been a serendipitous moment for me to choose this book out of the 19 i have in my KU on the day i was grieving lost friendships. i don’t know when i can let go yet, but in many ways that i should not, i still miss them.
i have never seen two characters be so flawed, so human like November and Ethan. not once have i felt like her grief was dragging the pacing of the story, nor did i feel Ethan’s impatience was unwarranted. it takes a special someone to be able to see you, the real you, and that’s what these two are to each other.
if you ever want to read a book that’s more than just a romance book, a journey of grief, self-discovery, and healing, this one is for you. it has depth and feelings that you rarely see in contemporary romance. and November just happens to remind all of us that we need a hug or two sometimes, and that we’re never truly alone.
no smut and only a single chili pepper on the spice scale.
i would have loved to own a physical copy of this book for a more immersive reading experience, because i feel it’s such a fucking waste not being able to annotate and have the chance to reread my favourite parts…
March 25, 2024
I’ve had my heartbroken but never like this. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. This heartbreak was pointedly familiar in unexpected ways. Grieving the loss of friendship. Finding space for the levity of love when there are so many weights holding your heart down. Life in November was a heartbreak that surprises you in in the familiarity of things we don’t talk about outloud.
But it’s not just heartbreak, it’s healing. It’s the magic of reluctantly falling in love at the least possibly convenient time in your life. It’s poetic in the interweaving of sarcasm and words that make you feel like your heart might explode. It’s five dollar words sprinkled in with dry humor and cute nicknames and narratives you can hear in your head and feel on your skin like sunlight.
November grapples with the grief of her soul mate best friend as she takes a hard look at who her friend really was, and does her best to reconcile that with the love and loyalty she felt for her all their lives. Against the backdrop of a world tour of adventures she doesn’t really want to be on, she reluctantly falls in love with a tattooed soccer player on his own heroes journey. Together they find peace and healing, and several truths neither of them were expecting.
Haley Warren is an auto buy author for me now. Her story telling is clever and refreshing, and her characters are layered and complex and funny. Life in November was a story that will be living in my mind for a long time to come.
But it’s not just heartbreak, it’s healing. It’s the magic of reluctantly falling in love at the least possibly convenient time in your life. It’s poetic in the interweaving of sarcasm and words that make you feel like your heart might explode. It’s five dollar words sprinkled in with dry humor and cute nicknames and narratives you can hear in your head and feel on your skin like sunlight.
November grapples with the grief of her soul mate best friend as she takes a hard look at who her friend really was, and does her best to reconcile that with the love and loyalty she felt for her all their lives. Against the backdrop of a world tour of adventures she doesn’t really want to be on, she reluctantly falls in love with a tattooed soccer player on his own heroes journey. Together they find peace and healing, and several truths neither of them were expecting.
Haley Warren is an auto buy author for me now. Her story telling is clever and refreshing, and her characters are layered and complex and funny. Life in November was a story that will be living in my mind for a long time to come.
April 9, 2024
LOVED!!
I don’t generally post reviews, and most TikTok recommendations are fun quick reads, but not necessarily something I’d remember to recommend to others. But this book…this book was amazing. It pulled the heartstrings, made me laugh out loud, and made me sigh in utter contentment. If you’ve gone through loss you’ll understand November’s struggles. If you haven’t, the author does an amazing job of portraying the emotions. There were times I wanted to shake her, but she redeemed herself. Nov is the most lovable weirdo. She gave me Temperance Brennan vibes (from Bones), but a bit softer. Ethan is perfection. He’s not so morally grey that you’d be ashamed to tell your friends you’re dating him, but just enough that he’s human. He’s also not the cookie cutter, unrealistic, perfect man that some romance authors write. He’s got issues, can be a bit of a prat at times, but he’s a genuinely good human being. I like that their relationship was natural and made sense. It wasn’t love at first sight, and it grew into friendship first. The story flowed so organically. I had mediocre expectations when I started this book, and was so pleasantly surprised. 10/10 recommend and will read again.
I don’t generally post reviews, and most TikTok recommendations are fun quick reads, but not necessarily something I’d remember to recommend to others. But this book…this book was amazing. It pulled the heartstrings, made me laugh out loud, and made me sigh in utter contentment. If you’ve gone through loss you’ll understand November’s struggles. If you haven’t, the author does an amazing job of portraying the emotions. There were times I wanted to shake her, but she redeemed herself. Nov is the most lovable weirdo. She gave me Temperance Brennan vibes (from Bones), but a bit softer. Ethan is perfection. He’s not so morally grey that you’d be ashamed to tell your friends you’re dating him, but just enough that he’s human. He’s also not the cookie cutter, unrealistic, perfect man that some romance authors write. He’s got issues, can be a bit of a prat at times, but he’s a genuinely good human being. I like that their relationship was natural and made sense. It wasn’t love at first sight, and it grew into friendship first. The story flowed so organically. I had mediocre expectations when I started this book, and was so pleasantly surprised. 10/10 recommend and will read again.
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