Gratest Ever After

Ever After #1

by Carissa May

After nearly escaping an abusive relationship, Maddie no longer believes in happily ever afters. A year later, she finds herself standing at the front door of her ex-best friend’s older brother’s house in hopes of refinding herself.

GEA is an open door romance with on-page panic/anxiety attacks and domestic abuse.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2023

About the author

Carissa lives in New Jersey with her husband and son. She's a special education teacher by day and creator of happily ever afters by night (and nap time). When she's not writing or reading, you can find her chasing and playing HotWheels with her son, eating her weight in Tostitos, drooling over cars, jamming out to Disney Music, going to Target, and collecting book boyfriends.

Reviews

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5/5 Stars***

Gratest Ever After was filled with an emotional richness and depth that will tug on readers hearts. This forced proximity, slow burn, spicy read was so easy to love.   With characters that felt real and a storyline that brimmed with a heartbreaking journey, this book was impossible to put down.  Especially since Gratest Ever After was also filled with all the hope.  Hope for healing.  Hope for love.  Hope for friendship.  And hope that happily ever afters exist.

“It’s okay, Maddie. I’m here. You’re safe. You’re always safe with me, remember?”
Everything went quiet again and I tried focusing on my breathing, but the silence was suffocating.

Maddie took us on an emotional journey.  Her anxiety was overwhelming and caused her to have panic attacks, so I started out with so many questions.  What happened in the past with Griffin, why hadn't she seen her best friend in two years, why her relationship with her dad felt the way it did, and so many more.  So as Maddie slowly started to let us in, my heart broke for her.  For what her past had become.  How that affected her in the present.  And it left me desperately wanting her to get the happily ever after she deserved.  When Maddie found herself living with her best friend's older brother, I couldn't help the hope that bloomed in my heart.  Yes she was attracted to Nate, and it seemed like sometimes he felt the same way, but being at Nate's house allowed Maddie to continue her path to healing.  And writing her story.

He pressed his palms into his eyes and rested his head back. “I want to help you and I don’t know how.”
I took a deep breath in through my nose and out through my mouth. Biting down on my lip, I tried to think of what part of me I was comfortable sharing with him now. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to talk about everything yet, but I wanted to give him something.

Even when Maddie was closed off and secretive, she was so easy to love. And there was this fragility about her that made us want to protect her. Nate felt the same way.  So I loved that she let us know exactly how much she wanted Nate.  And how her feelings towards him had changed.... he went from being her best friend's overprotective brother, to someone she desperately wanted.  Yet Maddie was filled with so much self-doubt and little self-worth. As the story progressed, we got to read chapters of the book she was writing. That book was her past, and it was horrific and heartbreaking.  It made us understand everything about Maddie, including how she went down that rabbit hole, and how it so adversely affected her now.  I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug.  Thankfully Nate was there to do just that.

Nate: How’s the porn?
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to stop my cheesy smile from spreading across my face.
Me: It’s called smut, not porn. If you’re going to call me out on it, at least get it right.
Nate: My apologies.
Nate: Is it even legal to read that stuff in public?
Me: That’s the beauty of cute cartoon covers. No one knows.
Nate: Your secret is safe with me ;)

Nate was the most fabulous cinnamon roll book boyfriend!  He tried his best to be kind, thoughtful, patient, and caring to Maddie.  He also tried his best to get answers about her past, so he could figure out how to help her.  So as he did little things to make her smile, the bookmarks made my heart burst with joy, we got to fall even more in love with Nate.  He was swoon worthy!  Add in the fact that he was a chef?!  Not only did he make me want all the grilled cheese, but Nate was the total package that you will easily fall head over heels in love with! He also had a cat named Tuna, who was beyond fabulous and you will adore!

“Why don’t you write a romance? It can center around new beginnings, small-towns, old friends… old friend’s brothers…” Olivia said, wiggling her eyebrows at me.
I gasped, choking yet again on my coffee. Oh god, was it coming out of my nose? I reached across to the table next to us and fumbled for a wad of napkins, holding it to my face.

This beautifully emotional book will slowly seep into your heart and consume you. I loved watching Maddie find happiness in even the littlest of things. I loved watching friendships rekindle. I loved watching Maddie heal and even those moments where she was brave and stepped outside of her comfort zone. And underneath the healing was a heartwarming romance story. One that was spicy hot and also included emotional scenes that were touching and done brilliantly. There's so much more I want to say here but just know that with grey sweatpants for the win, charm bracelet's that mean everything, and adorably cheesy goodness, this book was so easy to love. Gratest Ever After did a wonderful job of portraying all of the different sides of mental health and Carissa May has definitively created a fan for life. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

“What are you doing here?”
“Dinglehopper,” I whispered, knowing that by saying that one word it was equivalent to saying a thousand.

PS Dinglehopper ♥

I sucked in a shaky breath as he gently brushed away the tear with the pad of his thumb, exhaling softly as his eyes dropped to my mouth.

PPS I loved every single scene that revolved around the bathroom lol, they were beyond amazing!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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[Allie | booked.with.allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just realized I never posted my review! Check it out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

It has been such an honor to be a part of Carissa May’s street team for her debut novel! You guys, this story doesn’t read like a debut though. This is the work of a three-time best selling author!

I was sucked into this story right from the start! Throughout the story, we learn about Maddie’s traumatic past and a toxic ex who haunts her days and nights. We do see this ex again and their interactions are less than cordial. Please check the trigger warnings.

We also see some wonderful mental health representation, with Maddie experiencing the good and the bad. It is definitely an emotional roller coaster.

Like most books with cartoon covers, do not let it fool you. There is definitely spice! 🥵

Nate has taken over as one of my top five book boyfriends AS HE SHOULD BE! This protective, golden retriever of a man deserves every bit of praise aimed his way! He is a saint! 🥰 Not to mention he makes bomb-ass grilled cheese sandwiches that give out foodgasms by the minute. Swooooon!

I cannot wait to read more from Carissa May and I am hoping that the next is an enemies to lovers, neighbors with benefits story for Olivia and hottie fireman, Wyatt!

[Brynn | readyourworriesaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Carissa May’s debut novel and I’m truly impressed. While GRATEST EVER AFTER is a romance with a happily ever after, it’s very heavy at times. Carissa handled the topics of domestic abuse, anxiety, panic attacks, and the trauma from a car accident with such compassion.

Nate is the perfect book boyfriend! The bookmarks he leaves?! (IYKYK 🥹). Nate saying Maddie is safe with him was everything 🫶 and if that wasn’t enough, he also cooks delicious food and owns a food truck 🥪🧀

I loved Maddie’s friendship with Olivia and I’m keeping my finger’s crossed we get another Briar Oaks small town romance for Olivia 🤞

[Mandy Rush _bookstamandy_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw @hellocarissamay was looking for a street team for her debut novel, I jumped at the opportunity! The title was catchy, the cover was intriguing, and the tropes were right up my alley. I started reading with the hopes of being able to review before pub day, but unfortunately, life got in the way, and that didn't quite work out. That being said, I finished my read and without further ado, here are my thoughts:

Maddie has narrowly escaped an abusive relationship and is hiding out in a small town at her former best friend's brother's house. Due to the abuse, Maddie now suffers panic attacks but thanks to MMC cinnamon roll, Nate, she's able to work through them. Not only does Nate help her emotionally but he also cooks her delicious meals, leaves adorable postcard notes inside her books, and snuggles up for movie night. But what happens when her panic turns into reality and her past catches up with her?

Going into this book, I thought it was a light, fluffy rom-com but it was so much more. It delved deep into heavier tropes I wasn't expecting but were written with thoughtfulness and respect. Overall, I thought Gratest Ever After was a great debut novel, and I would recommend it to friends.

PS I loved the librarians and I know you will too!

read if you love:
cats
emotional scares
cinnamon roll MMC
forced proximity
best friend's brother
small town
book within a book

Q: If you owned a food truck, what would you be serving?

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tw: relación abusiva.

Con esa portada no da pista que el libro trata sobre temas serios, de Maddie quien es una sobreviviente a una relación abusiva.

Este libro no es realmente sobre romance, es sobre curación, lucha por volver a confiar en alguien, ansiedad, volver a creer en uno.

Me gustó la relación de Maddie con Nate, pero no siento que ella esté todavía preparada para una relación.

Solo quería darle un abrazo a Maddie.

Nate fue justo lo que un novio debe ser.

[Mireille (readingwithmrleo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE STORY | You can say Maddie Williams is a little book obsessed. From reading about all the best book boyfriends, she's also always dreamed of writing her own book. But after a not so perfect in real life boyfriend left her physically and emotionally scarred, she cannot find it in her to write about happily ever afters anymore. When an impulsive decision brings her to stay with her best friend's brother, she's pushed out of her comfort zone. She is determined to write her own story, and she soon finds that maybe Nate is more than just her best friend's brother cause he really feels like a safe place, her safe place.

MY REVIEW | I'm simply amazed, amazed by the fact that this is a debut novel. Really, it was so good, you'd never guess!

First things first, this book is way more than a simple rom-com, don't be tricked by the title or cute cover, it talks about deeper things. It is funny, like so funny, from twilight references, to the not so meet cute, to all the awkward things happening to Maddie that make you love her even more. But it is also quite emotional. I was a little taken aback honestly, and had to take a break from reading cause I was not prepared for this. And this is in no way negative, it's just so well done, it really hit in all the right places. I was in a denial phase and didn't want to think about my own anxiety and mental health so that's why a break was the best decision for me, but I'm glad I did cause when I went back to this book, I devoured it like it was one of Nate's grilled cheese.

The way Carissa May puts mental health issues on the page is truly moving and quite relatable. I swear at times it felt like getting your own therapy session in a book, I was suddenly full of solutions to try and full of hope that things do get better. Maddie really came a long way and it was nice to follow her through all of it.

It was so interesting the way we got to learn more about Maddie's past through her writing. I loved the back and forth between present and past. It was a nice way to do it. I have to admit though that it took me a while to get to like Maddie. But she had a wonderful character arc and I grew attached to her as I read the book and learned more about her. Nate, on the other hand, was total love at first sight. He is perfection incarnate. So attentive, caring, positive, he's everything! I loved their relationship so much. The way Nate was Maddie's safe place, it's just so precious. And I loved the notes, my gosh, it was so damn cute. Let's not forget about Tuna, cause we loooooove Tuna! (Get me a cute cat in a book to make sure I love it even more!)

So yeah, you definitely need to read this one my friends. It's fun, cute and deeply touching.

Thanks so much to the author for my eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on my Kindle and I was engulfed into the story from the first page. My jaw was on the ground on multiple occasions. This book is written so incredibly well. There were so many times in which when I wanted more, Carissa provided exactly what I was thinking. The history and mental health representation in this book is so incredible and so well written and so necessary in today's world. This book was so good.

[Bonnie (BookedWithBonnie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review and rating to come!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so so so good I read it in one sitting! It felt like an early 2000s romcom in all the best ways. MUST READ!😻

[Karina | KooksBookNook · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 stars
🔥🔥 2/5 spice (doesn't start until 80% in)

This is Maddie's story. She’s finally gotten out of an abusive relationship and has to learn how to be her own person again. How to be a writer again. How to love again. It’s not a story told very often, and I really appreciated being able to read it.

Tropes & themes:
-Mental health rep (anxiety, PTSD)
-Small town
-Best friend’s brother
-Writer FMC
-chef/food truck operator/YouTuber MMC
-Golden Retriever/Cinnamon Roll love interest
-Dual timeline

For fans of Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez.

Thank you to the author for the ARC and being a part of the street team. I loved the energy and community! Can't wait to see what the author writes next.

Roses: (highlights)
-Really loved seeing a "best friend breakup" in a book, it's SO common in real life and I feel like it is rarely portrayed in literature, especially romance. I was moved and found myself emotional over this.
-the mental health representation was really solid and portrayed accurately I felt. I appreciated how she wasn’t “magically healed” by a boy.
-Tuna the cat!! Amazing. 10/10

Thorns: (lowlights)
-Nate was great, but also a little TOO serving. I feel like I didn’t get to know him outside of he’s good at cooking and he’s the kindest person on the planet.
-The book within the book wasn't for me. I saw enough red flags about the ex that I didn't need the flashbacks. I understand it was Maddie's novel and her processing, but I didn't need to read it to understand.

[Dawn (noladawnreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRATEST EVER AFTER
𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝙼𝚊𝚢
10/20/23

📝𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚜:
Maddie, an aspiring writer, has been in an abusive relationship and through a severe accident. She’s been living with her dad but life has just been… a lot. She needs an escape from for a while so she packs a bag and heads to the only place she knows to go, her ex-BFFs brother’s house. Nate, who owns a grilled cheese food truck, has always been there for her and he promised he would be there no matter what… so Maddie figures, why not now??

🐈‍⬛𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
Carissa May has written a really special book. Not only is it an ahhhmayzing romance but it tackles mental health like not many that I’ve seen out there. It’s raw and emotional and REAL. As someone who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, reading this made me feel so represented.

And y’all…. Nate is IT. Forget all the other book boyfriends/girlfriends/dragons. He’s the one. Is it close enough to Christmas? Santa? Can I have a Nate?? I mean, I know I can’t have THIS Nate but mine doesn’t have to have gray sweatpants… they can have blue or something. 🤷‍♀️
Also, Tuna is the bestest cat.

🧀Told in alternating timelines in a really beautiful way, we get to see Maddie’s thoughts as she was going through her former relationship. It also features epistolary style, which I love.

🛁RIYL
•Alternating timelines
•Chefs & Writers
•Mental Health Rep
•Showers 🚿
•Best Friend’s Brother
•Stars Hollow vibes
•Open door
•Cats

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a debut! I’ll be back with a detailed review, but gosh I love Nate & Maddie and all the feels in this creative and clever book within a book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Debut contemporary romance author with so much talent!
🤩 I’m always here for a funny and amazing re-meet-cute!
🤩 I loved Maddie and Nate from the start. Fun vibes with them being a chef and writer.
🤩 Best friend’s brother.
🤩 Small town, coffee shop, fall festival type feels.
🤩 Cats in books.
🤩 Protector vibes, the code word, and always been you.
🤩 The flashback story within a story—so clever and captivating (and heart wrenching).
🤩 The suspense is heavy but written so well. My heart just knew when to get nervous. And when/how to let it go.
🤩 All the feels.
🤩 Open door steam in just the right places.
🤩 Anxiety, panic attack, and therapy representation—so beautifully written.
🤩 Nate totally deserves book boyfriend status—he is kind, patient, and attentive. And, he cooks.
🤩 The bookmark notecards—swoon!
🤩 I totally melted when the title came into play—pun intended!

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I’m here for the long haul & looking forward to what’s coming next—maybe Ty and Olivia or something totally new.

Trigger Warnings:
🔬 On page domestic abuse.

[🧸🎀Tiff (honeydukesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this packed a PUNCH and was so good! I could relate to Maddie, and I think that made this book even better to me because just oh my gosh. All the crap she went through for her happy ending. It gives me hope for mine.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book!!

For a debut novel, this one REALLY impressed me! From beginning to end, these characters, as well as the story line had my heart. I laughed, i cried, I swooned, wanted to throw the book across the room, felt understood and seen, with the occasional kicking my feet and giggling.

The mental health in this book was really well written, which as someone who also suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, I appreciated. I felt and understood everything Maddie was feeling in a particular moment and honestly just wanted to give her a hug 🥺

Now let’s talk about Nate… I never thought I could love a guy with a beard and man bun so much, but this guy did it😍 He’s top tier boyfriend material. He cares SO much for Maddie and you can really feel it with every page. I don’t think I’ve ever had a character so patient with their love interest and truly do whatever in their power to make them feel safe (and not in an overprotective/possessive/jealous way). He truly is one of the best ones. AND DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THE INDEX CARDS FOR BOOKMARKS 🥹

If you are interested in reading this book, please make sure to read the author’s note in the beginning for content warnings! There’s a few topics in here that can be sensitive for readers, so please take care of yourself while reading 💙

[Anne Wondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a first book, new author, this was impressive and powerful. Its hard subject matter was handled insightfully, in a way that told Maddie's story and how she was drawn into and stayed in an abusive relationship, that she didn't recognize a controlling creep. Nate was a rock, a lifeline, so gentle with Maddie. I wish there would have been some Nate POV chapters in this. Loved the ending. There was humor, banter, and playfulness as Maddie came more into herself. A good story.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

ᥫ᭡ 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ᥫ᭡

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐲
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝟒/𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄: 𝟐/𝟓🌶️

· This book was so much fun! This was @hellocarissamay debut novel and I'm so glad she brought it to my attention 😍! From the beginning I was unable to put it down and if I would've been able to I could've easily read it in one sitting! Well done! I really enjoyed the characters, Nate reminded me a lot of Noah from Say You Swear but looked like Cassian from ACOTAR!? UHM, YES PLEASE 🤌🏽. Who wouldn't love that combo?! The story really reminded me of a Lucy Score novel, specifically her Knockemout series with this book being half the size of hers! So any fans of that series would definitely love this one!

· This book is on KU for anybody wanting a great slow burn, friends to lovers, small town romance 🫶🏽😍. I definitely recommend to give it a try! So worth it & so cute!

[MaddyReads (maddy simmons) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Freaking Stars

Before you ask, yes, it is spelled Gratest. It is not a typo, it is a pun and it’s cute and just the right amount of cheesy (insert winky emoji here). This book gives you all the feels. I laughed out loud, I kicked my feet in the air, I was on the edge of my seat in a few places, and I even teared up. It was such a great book. Carissa May, I know I basically live messaged you updates while I read this book, and honestly I’m not even sorry. I am absolutely blown away. With the first book you read by an author, you never really know what to expect. I can honestly say this book was one of my favorite reads of 2023. The only thing that would have made it even better, would have been Nate’s POV. (Don’t worry, I already put in a request with the author, ladies.)

I could tell immediately that the raw emotions and abject fear of Maddie were all too real, and it makes my heart hurt for Carissa that she was writing from what was no doubt, a personal experience. I’m trying to write this without spoilers, however, I will warn that it does mention, sometimes in detail, domestic violence. If that is a trigger for you, maybe skip this book and just message me for a run down (because I will be absolutely happy to give you one!).

Our FMC is the definition of resilient, whether she sees it or not. And our MMC? Whew… Nate is the picture perfect golden retriever boyfriend. She overcomes her demons and he is patiently there for her every step of the way. He’s her soft place to land and the place she feels safe. But does she regain her faith in happily-ever-afters that her ex shattered along with her trust and heart? You should absolutely give this a read and find out.

[Kiersten Pyrtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧀 Gratest Ever After 🧀
By: Carissa May

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Maddie lost all hope in happily ever after and finding love. After her last relationship, she needed a new start—a safe start. Maddie makes a last-minute decision to pack her bags and drive to Nate’s house. Nate is her best friend’s older brother, he always looked out for her and his sister—she knows Nate won’t turn her away. While living in his house, Maddie slowly opens up to Nate about her relationship with her abusive ex-boyfriend. And as much as both try to fight it, sparks begin to fly between Nate and Maddie.
 
Will Maddie allow herself to have a GRATEST Ever After with Nate?
——
Gratest Ever After was honestly an addictive read. I read it in a day, and I BINGED it. “Just one more chapter” turned into me spending an entire Saturday engrossed in Briar Oakes and the world of Maddie & Nate. The character development was amazing, I felt like I knew the main characters (we were besties, I swear). Also, I could easily picture Briar Oakes (think Stars Hallow) and Nate’s house. Carissa made the setting come to life for me WITHOUT all the extra fluffy, imagery writing—that’s not my style and I just zone out (or fall asleep).
 
The FMC has panic attacks (f*** you, Griffin). Carissa described these occurrences with such tact. I love the way she seamlessly added some mental health awareness into the story. In my opinion, this was done in such a healthy way and that is REAL.
 
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book by Carissa May, and I cannot wait for more to come. I felt so many emotions reading this book and just couldn't put it down. I was hooked from the first chapter and just really wanted to know what happens to Maddie.

Maddie once dreamed of writing love stories filled with happily-ever-afters, but after a traumatic relationship left her scarred, she's lost faith in them. Now, staying under the same roof as her best friend's protective older brother, Nate, Maddie begins to see a glimmer of hope. Nate has always been there for her, and even after two years apart, he offers her a safe place with no questions asked. As they reconnect, Maddie feels an undeniable spark, but fears hold her back.

Despite this being a love story between Maddie and Nate, it heavily focused on Maddie's healing from her abusive previous relationship which I really loved and appreciated. Seeing Maddie's growth and recovery was so encouraging and heartwarming. I loved that it was Nate who helped her believe in happily ever afters gain. Nate, oh my gosh, Nate! He is so sweet, so amazing, and everything a girl can ask for. The perfect book boyfriend. He's patient with Maddie, is unafraid to show her how much he cares, and his protective side is perfection! Their relationship was so sweet and you just can't wait for them to be together. The town sounded like such a dream and picture perfect place to fall in love. Also, his little notes to her made the book even more enjoyable!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a good quick read. I think the representation of anxiety (and probably PTSD) was good. I think it was sweet that Nate was such a pilar of support in her life. I do think I wished the romance was explored more. I feel like it went from like roommates who are kinda into each other to just being a couple despite wanting to 'move slow' I feel like the transition was just a little quick.

I did also think the third act drama was a bit out there, I saw the build up but I did not see it going that far, but it was resolved quick. Almost too quick is the thing, there was almost no support for how quick it all happened and was resolved.

I loved the notes Nate would leave and how great of a partner he was I think maybe I just wanted to see a little more of what Madison did for him/ why he loved her??? it was really easy to see why Madison loved him I think I just wanted to see a little reciprocity, or explaination of how he fell for her. I enjoy a good "He fell first" but i do need some support for it-- an explanation or a MMC POV (which I always want tbh LOL), I think I felt like that just wasn't fully met for me.

Overall though I do think it was a good read, but just could have been a little better.

[Joslyn Kuliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie Williams had big plans to spend her life writing happily ever afters, but after an abusive relationship left her physically and emotionally scarred, she no longer believes in them.

That is, until she finds herself living under the same roof as her best friend’s older brother… Nate West has always been there for Maddie; now is no exception. It’s been two years since they last spoke, but when Maddie needs a place to stay Nate welcomes her into his home with no questions asked. Sparks fly between them as Maddie starts to write her own story. Now it’s up to her to create her own ending.

This book was SO GOOD. It was not all sunshine and roses, as Maddie works through the abuse in her past, parts of the story are dark. However, it is written so beautifully. None of the back and forth between Maddie's past and present feels clunky. The transitions are seamless.

I also appreciate that Carissa May did not skate over Maddie's trauma. The story is about her healing, and the author wrote it in a very realistic way. The ups an downs, the panic attacks, anyone who has ever gone through trauma knows it is not black and white and I appreciated the way May wrote about these hard topics.

And then there was NATE. Everyone who has been through a hard time deserves a Nate in their life to help them get through it. He was so swoon worthy. I really loved that he lived up to everything he had ever said to Maddie. Her promised her he would be a safe space, and even after time apart nothing had changed. He was so patient and caring with her. And the pining.. oh man, who doesn't want a sweet and sexy person pining after them?!

I am blown away that this was a debut novel. Carissa May wrote it so well, I look forward to reading her future work.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
“I’d come to accept that happily ever afters didn’t exist.” Maddie Williams, once a believer in fairy tale endings, faced an abusive past that shattered her faith. Then, one word (dinglehopper) brought her under the same roof as her best friend's brother, Nate West. Reconnecting after two years, they find sparks flying and Maddie starts scripting her own story. Now, it's up to her to trust Nate with her heart or stand in the way of her own happily ever after.

Wow! This was so much more than just a cute romcom. Not only did it have a funny meet disaster, sweet notecards from our mmc and hilariously embarrassing scenes (the bath! IYKYK), but it also had us following along Maddie’s journey of healing from her abuse. The chapters go back and forth between the present and chapters of the book Maddie is writing that revisit her past, and I felt like that was a clever way of telling us what actually happened to her. It also might be an unpopular opinion, but I really liked that this wasn’t dual POV. I liked that we were in Maddie’s head the whole time, despite how hard it was sometimes. All-around I really enjoyed this book!
P.S. Pay attention to the trigger warnings in the author’s note :)

[Jada West · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gratest Read to get out of a slum!

5⭐️
2.5🌶️

I was in such a bad reading slump for so long, and no popular book could get me out of it. Then I started this book, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. I love this story. I loved how relatable Maddie was. She was so real, and following along with her anxiety and everything she went through was absolutely authentic. Her calls with her therapist, her struggles while writing, her mental health—everything felt so genuine.

And then there's Nate, who helps her through it all. Her reluctance to fall for him is so relatable because, often, we don’t think we deserve good things. I’m so happy she got her happily ever after with Nate. And Nate is everything. He’s dreamy, he has his flaws, but he makes up for them. He’s so real. I loved that, despite being fictional, this story felt real. I could relate to everything—the flashbacks and everything. Gosh, I love this book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Gratest Ever After might just be my favorite romance novel of 2023. I enjoyed (most of) the characters (especially Olivia) and I found myself unable to put the book down while reading about Maddie and Nate. It was nice to have a pov still had rough times throughout the whole book - anxiety doesn't just walk away when something really good happens. Maddie said it best herself, "As much as I felt safe and happy ... I was still waiting for the other shoe to drop." If I were able to change anything about the book, I would take Maddie's novel and turn it into a novella. Instead of having tidbits of her book throughout, I think it would have been cool to put in parts of her journals instead. However, that might just be because I want to read more about Maddie, Nate, and Olivia (she is seriously the best character ever).

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love and didn't hate.

Definitely did not have Stars Hallow vibes as some reviewers claimed. Really it was your common small town with a coffee shop and food trucks. The only "characters" in town were super invasive and zero respect for personal space (and not in a cute way)

The mental health rep is the reason this has as many stars as it does. I loved how the author gave a proper TW with zero shame and even though I wasn't a fan of the DV plot, I knew it was a big part of the story. FMC spent 95% of the book either crying or having Intrusive Thoughts and it was really difficult to feel any romance through her eyes. Did she love the MMC or was she just clinging to the safety he provided?

[Michelle Marinello · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓
𝑩𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌!

🧀💙

Who knew a book could be so heartbreaking, but so beautiful at the same time? One that brings you on a journey to a happily ever after.

Indie writer Carissa May writes an amazing book including:

🔹 mental health
🔹 small town
🔹 forced proximity
🔹 best friend’s brother
🔹 he falls first

MC Maddie lost all hope in happily ever after and finding love ever again. Her last relationship left her realizing she deserves a fresh start— a safe start. Spur of the moment she makes the decision to go to Nate, her best friend’s older brother who was always a guy who would never turn his back on her and wouldn’t turn her away. While living in his house, she mends her friendship with Olivia and also slowly opens up to Nate about her abusive relationship with ex boyfriend Griffin. Although she is scared and they both try to fight it, the sparks begin to fly between Maddie & Nate. It’s up to her to trust Nate with her heart and not stand in the way of her happily ever after.

I read Gratest Ever After in one day! I could not put it down. The character development was amazing. The setting of Briar Oakes was so easy to feel like you could just be there walking around with them. Carissa writes about hard topics with such grace and respect on the matters. She added mental health awareness so flawlessly and it was just a real book.

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬:

“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙, 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙣, 𝙄’𝙢 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙎𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙚𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩.” — 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙚

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel!

[Jillian Dexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. If you’re looking for a book to take you on an incredible healing journey, this is the book for you.

Carissa had the courage to tackle sensitive topics such as domestic abuse and panic attacks, and does it in such an impactful way, but also takes the time to educate the readers. She highlights the heart wrenching struggle, but includes a variety of coping mechanisms throughout the entire book and shows Maddie’s incredible journey to find peace, happiness, and closure. I was in awe of the entire thing.

And Nate. At one point in this book I was in tears because not all women have a Nate in their life. Not all women get out. Nate is everything. There aren’t enough words to glorify this man. He is perfection in grey sweatpants.

This book will take you on an emotional ride and I loved it every step of the way.

[Kimberly Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book is SOOOOO REALLLL ---SOOOOO RAW- in all the best ways! The level of attention to detail Carissa includes about anxiety and the struggles you face when you deal with a traumatic experience= perfection.

I loved how sweet Nate is throughout the story. His sweet gruffness 😍. The man is just- whew- just there for the FMC 1000 %.

My favorite part was how she included the character retelling her past. It was super creative! I also loved that the FMC is beautifully flawed. I saw myself in Madison. Saw the mistakes I made as a young women. The friends I pushed away for 'him'. Jeez- tearing up over here! READ THIS BOOK! SO good!

Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5! 👏👏👏👏

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lovedddddd this book! Nate is the book boyfriend that everyone needs!

I loved what a real story this was. It wasn’t the typical cutesy romance novel, it was gripping, suspenseful and made me laugh out loud.

And can I just say OMG to the bathtub scene?!? Just wow🌶️😅🤫

Can’t wait to read more from this author!😍

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love best friend’s brother romances, a cinnamon roll MMC, and grilled cheese sandwiches, but Gratest Ever After isn’t on your TBR yet, add it right now! This book will make you laugh, cry, blush, and have you feeling every other emotion in between. It wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies though as the FMC, Maddie, suffers from panic attacks and anxiety due to abuse from her past. But now Maddie has Nate, her best friend’s brother, to lean on when she needs him most. And he’s there with a place to stay, delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, and the sweetest, most thoughtful messages on index cards tucked into her books. I loved how the chapters of the book were a mix of the present and chapters from the book Maddie is writing about the trauma from her past. I thought this was such a unique way for the readers to learn about what she went through.