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The Ones That Write Themselves
Laurel Cole loves her life just as it is, thank you very much. Every day, she leaves her 1970s-style bungalow in the Hollywood Hills and commutes through the sun-kissed canyons to her job at a record company, which she loves. Despite her best friend’s gentle prodding and not-so-subtle matchmaking attempts, she has never met someone who makes her want to jeopardize the life she has built on her own. That is until her boss hands her an unexpected business trip to Ireland. On her first night in town, the band she’s there to see introduces her to a charismatic busker with an easily-earned grin and a playful glint in his eye, who may just be the man she’s been waiting for. If only he didn’t live 5,157 miles away. Talk about a deal breaker. As the quickly shrinking countdown to her flight home begins to emphasize the ever-growing pull of her heart, Laurel must decide if the difference between contentment and happiness is worth letting love change her life.
399 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2023
5 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Bolen
1 book36 followersSydney Bolen is an author and interviewer. She currently lives in Baltimore in an apartment that is quickly filling up with books. You can usually find her at a local coffee shop or concert, hanging out with her cats or getting into, honestly, very little trouble with her friends.
Connect on social @sydneybolen
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TheFemaleMainCharacter.com
Connect on social @sydneybolen
SydneyBolen.com
TheFemaleMainCharacter.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 11, 2023
"The ones that Write themselves" is a beautiful debut romance full of cheesy moments, emotional journeys and one or another life lesson. Laurel is an independent woman, who was built a life of her own but hasn't been able to find her other half. Through the book we saw her best friend trying her best to find Laurel a good match but nothing really works until she meets Nolan, the most charming musician.
Things keeps progressing between them from there, chemistry starts rising and they end up falling in love with each other. There is a slow burn in this book but it's worth it at the end. Even though I loved their relationships and the special moments that we got from them (the teasing??? The one bed trope??? Him calling her petal??? I loved 🥹) I ended up appreciating how the author incorporated the disability trope in this book.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance reader copy 💚
Things keeps progressing between them from there, chemistry starts rising and they end up falling in love with each other. There is a slow burn in this book but it's worth it at the end. Even though I loved their relationships and the special moments that we got from them (the teasing??? The one bed trope??? Him calling her petal??? I loved 🥹) I ended up appreciating how the author incorporated the disability trope in this book.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance reader copy 💚
September 27, 2024
This came to my attention in the background of a YouTube video on someone's bookshelf, because look at that cover. Would you ever assume that was self-published? I sure didn't! A quick google produced so much excellent supplemental material, from a Spotify playlist and Pinterest boards and even more on her author Instagram, that I simply had to have it.
And...it's so cute!!! The self-published status is a bit clearer in writing; I can feel where a professional editor might have smoothed and elevated certain aspects -- in particular, there's a sort of "romanticize your life" style to the writing where Laurel always details her outfits, her meals and her morning/evening routines far more than you would typically see, not to mention regularly notes the time on the clock. But I kinda liked that? Overall, this book made very, very happy.
It's not quite as long as the 400-page count looks either, between the comfortable line spacing and the combination tab-indent for paragraphs *and* double spacing between them.
This is also definitely as much "come vicariously relive my trip(s) to Ireland with me" as it is romance, but the romance is still as pure a delight as the travelogue. The writing style is more YA, both in terms of voice and in degree of intimacy, and that's just perfect for me. Is there a scene where they end up innocently falling asleep together after nothing more than a bit of kissing? You know there is! More of this in adult romance, please.
Long story short: I'm so glad I quasi-splurged and requested this as a birthday present.
P.S. It's a pity I don't find Hozier attractive, because I feel like if you do, bringing that mental casting to the table could really enhance your enjoyment. I'm just saying, he has the same kind of "I'm a folk singer and don't really wanna be part of the Hollywood fame machine" vibes. Nolan's a heartthrob even when I can't picture the face or voice of a handsome Irishman to save my life; the idea of having someone in mind...
P.P.S. If you are a fan of the movie Leap Year, Laurel is too. This will be relevant later. :)
And...it's so cute!!! The self-published status is a bit clearer in writing; I can feel where a professional editor might have smoothed and elevated certain aspects -- in particular, there's a sort of "romanticize your life" style to the writing where Laurel always details her outfits, her meals and her morning/evening routines far more than you would typically see, not to mention regularly notes the time on the clock. But I kinda liked that? Overall, this book made very, very happy.
It's not quite as long as the 400-page count looks either, between the comfortable line spacing and the combination tab-indent for paragraphs *and* double spacing between them.
This is also definitely as much "come vicariously relive my trip(s) to Ireland with me" as it is romance, but the romance is still as pure a delight as the travelogue. The writing style is more YA, both in terms of voice and in degree of intimacy, and that's just perfect for me. Is there a scene where they end up innocently falling asleep together after nothing more than a bit of kissing? You know there is! More of this in adult romance, please.
Long story short: I'm so glad I quasi-splurged and requested this as a birthday present.
P.S. It's a pity I don't find Hozier attractive, because I feel like if you do, bringing that mental casting to the table could really enhance your enjoyment. I'm just saying, he has the same kind of "I'm a folk singer and don't really wanna be part of the Hollywood fame machine" vibes. Nolan's a heartthrob even when I can't picture the face or voice of a handsome Irishman to save my life; the idea of having someone in mind...
P.P.S. If you are a fan of the movie Leap Year, Laurel is too. This will be relevant later. :)
December 7, 2023
3⭐️
ARC Review
The book perfectly immerses the reader in the atmosphere of Ireland, which made me really want to go there and visit all the places where the heroes were.
The first meeting of the heroes impressed me so much. Walking through the streets of Ireland, Laurel meets a street musician who has attracted a huge crowd of spectators. Such a strong spark ran between them that it was difficult not to feel it. I was so looking forward to their next meeting. Their next meeting did not leave me indifferent. I squealed with joy.
However, their next dates did not cause me so much awe, I got the feeling that between them there was more of a friendly relationship than something romantic. I was so waiting for that spark and chemistry that was there at the very beginning to return. I was afraid that this would be the case until the end of the book. But the ending made me go through a sea of emotions, I was so worried about their relationship, I wanted to cry from the injustice of life, because they couldn’t be together and they had to get upset. I liked that the characters went through several life lessons, realized and understood a lot. This short acquaintance became fateful for them and taught them a lot. In the end, Sydney Bolen gave the characters a happy ending and showed that no distance is an obstacle to true love.
ARC Review
The book perfectly immerses the reader in the atmosphere of Ireland, which made me really want to go there and visit all the places where the heroes were.
The first meeting of the heroes impressed me so much. Walking through the streets of Ireland, Laurel meets a street musician who has attracted a huge crowd of spectators. Such a strong spark ran between them that it was difficult not to feel it. I was so looking forward to their next meeting. Their next meeting did not leave me indifferent. I squealed with joy.
However, their next dates did not cause me so much awe, I got the feeling that between them there was more of a friendly relationship than something romantic. I was so waiting for that spark and chemistry that was there at the very beginning to return. I was afraid that this would be the case until the end of the book. But the ending made me go through a sea of emotions, I was so worried about their relationship, I wanted to cry from the injustice of life, because they couldn’t be together and they had to get upset. I liked that the characters went through several life lessons, realized and understood a lot. This short acquaintance became fateful for them and taught them a lot. In the end, Sydney Bolen gave the characters a happy ending and showed that no distance is an obstacle to true love.
December 7, 2023
This is absolutely one of those books you can’t put down. I am typically a SLOW reader, but got through this in just 2-3 days! The storyline is so compelling and real, you feel like you are transported into this book, the characters feel like they become YOUR best friends too, and you will find yourself crying happy tears in the end. LOVE this book and can’t wait to see what Sydney writes next ❤️
April 3, 2024
I love everything about this book. The music, the vibes, the Irish, the travel, the disability rep, all of it. This book is a magical little romance wrapped up in a shamrock bow. Laurel is such a fun and relatable character and Nolan is every single girl on vacations dream. I loved the writing, the characters, and the realistic progression of their relationship.
July 27, 2024
I’ve had the pleasure to read characters that I related to in some ways or another, but I have never wholeheartedly with my whole being relate to a character like I do Laurel. Like me, she has cerebral palsy. She travels to Ireland, meets Nolan and she’s leaving in ten days, but can they make it work?
This book is top 5 of the year, easily. The story is unique, with a beautiful plot and stunning characters. This book had me sobbing so hard over things others may think are small, like the wind almost knocking Laurel over. I always thought I struggled with “dumb things” losing my balance randomly, tripping, falling, but Laurel didn’t care. Her cerebral palsy was just…part of her. As a 27 year old, I still very much struggle with my identity as a woman with CP. I never thought I would read a book where I can 100% relate to the FMC. I literally thought it would never happen. But here we are. She is beautiful. She is strong. And I absolutely adore her. In so many ways she is how I see myself.
Nolan is such a beautiful human. So genuine. Without spoiling too much, he’s just the perfect MMC for Laurel.
The plot was amazing and kept me engaged. When I first sat down to read this, I thought that it was going to be a disabled FMC needing rescuing from her disability, or help finding herself and understanding her worth. That’s not what this book is. (Thank goodness for that.) As Sydney says “Cerebral Palsy is not who I am. It is simply something I have.”
Okay now that we’re all crying….
Thank you Sydney for reminding me that I am powerful, strong, and beautiful and that cerebral palsy is just something I have. It doesn’t determine my self worth or who I am.
This book is top 5 of the year, easily. The story is unique, with a beautiful plot and stunning characters. This book had me sobbing so hard over things others may think are small, like the wind almost knocking Laurel over. I always thought I struggled with “dumb things” losing my balance randomly, tripping, falling, but Laurel didn’t care. Her cerebral palsy was just…part of her. As a 27 year old, I still very much struggle with my identity as a woman with CP. I never thought I would read a book where I can 100% relate to the FMC. I literally thought it would never happen. But here we are. She is beautiful. She is strong. And I absolutely adore her. In so many ways she is how I see myself.
Nolan is such a beautiful human. So genuine. Without spoiling too much, he’s just the perfect MMC for Laurel.
The plot was amazing and kept me engaged. When I first sat down to read this, I thought that it was going to be a disabled FMC needing rescuing from her disability, or help finding herself and understanding her worth. That’s not what this book is. (Thank goodness for that.) As Sydney says “Cerebral Palsy is not who I am. It is simply something I have.”
Okay now that we’re all crying….
Thank you Sydney for reminding me that I am powerful, strong, and beautiful and that cerebral palsy is just something I have. It doesn’t determine my self worth or who I am.
January 13, 2025
Such a cute and fun rom-com by a brand new author in her debut novel! Is there any better location for a rom-com than in Ireland with a handsome Irishman?! I really enjoyed the characters in this novel and the progression of their romance. Looking forward to more from this author:)
December 14, 2023
This was such a fun read! I just love books with solo travel! Would I ever do it? Heck to the No! But I love to read about it!
The Ones That Write Themselves was a cozy and adventurous debut novel with great atmosphere, friendships and of course romance! While this one was a very slow burn, I loved to see the friendship grow between Laurel and Nolan and bloom into something so sweet.
If you are a fan of travel romances, a good sloooow burn, and a cast of great characters, I recommend giving Sydney Bolens debut novel a try!
The only reason I’m not bumping this one up is because I wish there was a bit more romance. However, the writing and storytelling was really great!
3.5 ⭐️
A big thank you to the author for sending me a copy to read and review :)
The Ones That Write Themselves was a cozy and adventurous debut novel with great atmosphere, friendships and of course romance! While this one was a very slow burn, I loved to see the friendship grow between Laurel and Nolan and bloom into something so sweet.
If you are a fan of travel romances, a good sloooow burn, and a cast of great characters, I recommend giving Sydney Bolens debut novel a try!
The only reason I’m not bumping this one up is because I wish there was a bit more romance. However, the writing and storytelling was really great!
3.5 ⭐️
A big thank you to the author for sending me a copy to read and review :)
December 11, 2023
Such a fun read!!
March 26, 2025
4.5✨I picked this up on a whim at an Indie bookstore near me. I ate this book up! I read this within one day and couldn't put it down. It gave fan fiction in the BEST way! It was definitely insta-love as it takes place within a 10 day vacation but it was done well, so I believed it. Laurel and her roommate Taylor's friendship was so adorable and added so much to the story for me. Being a debut novel, I was pleasantly surprised! It will not be for everyone but it certainly was for me. I cannot wait to see what Sydney Bolen writes next!
November 15, 2023
This travel rom com is about so much more than two people drawn together. It is light and fun, but also makes you yearn for more of the characters and their relationships both romantic and platonic.
I laughed, I cried (just enough to make it okay for this tear avoidant reader), I cheered out loud. I repeatedly wished I was Laurel, with her jet setting career in the music industry, catching a glimpse of the charismatic busker working the crowd that first time. But isn’t that why we read fiction? To be transported into the life of a character we admire.
The Ones That Write Themselves has slow burn, dual point of view and one bed tropes all wrapped up in an enchanting narrative with an undeniable connection. If you want a book which models the best best friendship, a dream of a career setting and a getaway with real life places and experiences you can actually enjoy in real life, grab this book and settle in. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I laughed, I cried (just enough to make it okay for this tear avoidant reader), I cheered out loud. I repeatedly wished I was Laurel, with her jet setting career in the music industry, catching a glimpse of the charismatic busker working the crowd that first time. But isn’t that why we read fiction? To be transported into the life of a character we admire.
The Ones That Write Themselves has slow burn, dual point of view and one bed tropes all wrapped up in an enchanting narrative with an undeniable connection. If you want a book which models the best best friendship, a dream of a career setting and a getaway with real life places and experiences you can actually enjoy in real life, grab this book and settle in. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
November 16, 2023
I got this book in the mail yesterday and thought I would just read a few chapters but I could not put it down I loved it the flow of the book was excellent and I especially liked that the characters told their stories also but was sadden when I thought love was not going to win this time but boy was I fooled
August 9, 2024
This book was SOOOOO cute! There were so many things I loved about it, including: the musician element, Ireland setting, disability representation, and swiftie references!
Perfect light, quick, summer read & great on audio!!
Perfect light, quick, summer read & great on audio!!
November 30, 2024
This is such a cute novel! It took me a few chapters to really get into it but once I did I definitely stayed up too late finishing it! I appreciate the disability representation, it was very well done! Laurel and Nolan are such great characters! Im excited to see what Sydney Bolen writes next!
April 27, 2025
In my unbiased opinion, this is a four-star read. But I did write it, so it gets bumped up a star.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews