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Diverge
"Some people are only meant to be in our lives for a season. You and I were never meant to be apart."
Billie Quinn has spent her life working in a company she despises. She is utterly miserable with where her career is heading and her love life is practically non-existent – thanks to weekend work. Until her ex-best friend, Finn returns to Australia after spending a decade in France.
Billie and Finn spent their entire childhood and teenage years together, but when Finn left to live in France, he cut all ties with her, never contacting her once. Feeling particularly on edge the entire night she is at a party where Finn shows up at random, she decides to leave with none other than her brother's friend Nathan.
Nate’s focus is on his brother finishing school and supporting him in pursuing his career in the NBA. He is nothing like Finn, opposites in every single way, except for their interest in Billie, of course.
Life doesn’t go to plan for either of them, as promises are made – and broken. It's up to Billie to now navigate through the return of her childhood first love, a link she believed to leave in the past, and the thrilling, exciting, new connection between her and Nate.
*Standalone*
⚠️ Contains explicit language, explicit sexual content and violence.
⛔️ 18+ Only
Tropes:
- Second Chance Romance
- Brothers Friend
- Friends to Lovers
- He falls first
- Love Triangle
Billie Quinn has spent her life working in a company she despises. She is utterly miserable with where her career is heading and her love life is practically non-existent – thanks to weekend work. Until her ex-best friend, Finn returns to Australia after spending a decade in France.
Billie and Finn spent their entire childhood and teenage years together, but when Finn left to live in France, he cut all ties with her, never contacting her once. Feeling particularly on edge the entire night she is at a party where Finn shows up at random, she decides to leave with none other than her brother's friend Nathan.
Nate’s focus is on his brother finishing school and supporting him in pursuing his career in the NBA. He is nothing like Finn, opposites in every single way, except for their interest in Billie, of course.
Life doesn’t go to plan for either of them, as promises are made – and broken. It's up to Billie to now navigate through the return of her childhood first love, a link she believed to leave in the past, and the thrilling, exciting, new connection between her and Nate.
*Standalone*
⚠️ Contains explicit language, explicit sexual content and violence.
⛔️ 18+ Only
Tropes:
- Second Chance Romance
- Brothers Friend
- Friends to Lovers
- He falls first
- Love Triangle
261 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2023
17 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
C.B. Frey
6 books97 followersC.B. Frey is a dark romance author from Sydney and the author of The Casella Brothers series.
She thrives in the dark, finding beauty in the twisted and forbidden. She writes dark romance with a raw edge, filled with brooding villains and love that burns with toxic obsession. Her readers have dubbed her characters as messy, flawed and irresistibly compelling.
She thrives in the dark, finding beauty in the twisted and forbidden. She writes dark romance with a raw edge, filled with brooding villains and love that burns with toxic obsession. Her readers have dubbed her characters as messy, flawed and irresistibly compelling.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 1, 2023
My biggest problem with the story is that I never felt Billie and Nathan's relationship was initially developed enough, so I never truly felt the romance and love between them. However, I suspended belief at the end of the book and felt their connection. I really like Nathan, though, but I never felt like he knew Billie well (until the end maybe) because she was taciturn. I can't believe I'm saying this, but if the book was longer and had devoted more pages to them talking, I would have bought in their "I love you's" more easily.
I wish the author hadn't put the chapters in POV with the character's name after it on the sidelines because I knew who she'd end up with based on the guy who wasn't getting POV chapters. The story is predictable in other ways. As soon as Nathan leaves Australia, she and Finn get together. I didn't see that plot twist, though, until the page before it was revealed.
Billie hating her job and hating the corporate world was so relatable, and I loved how she finally quit and did what she loved while traveling the world. Little B was an adorable nickname, though Nate having his best friend in his phone as "bestie" was weird.
I signed up for the ARC from Facebook because the blurb sounded so interesting. Unfortunately, I felt like this book didn't live up to my expectations. I felt like it had a lot of untapped potential, but that's okay as this is a debut, and it's not easy to write a great first book. I appreciated how clean the writing was, and I could tell that the editor was great. I also loved the formatting of the text bubbles.
Even though I wish the romance (she has a romance with two different guys) had been more developed & the plot less predictable, this book still brought tears to my eyes, so kudos to the author. I also saw a screenshot about my grandfather's death, so that made me sad too.
Not that I like condoms being mentioned in books, but other readers have brought my attention to it, so in this book, I thought it was weird how she went from being condomless with one guy to being condomless with the next guy. It would have been okay if there was mention of her being on birth control, but I don't recall any.
I didn't like the TikTok reference (I don't mind Instagram references in a book, but TikTok always makes me cringe) and her watching shows like Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders is cute and relatable, but it'll age the book in 10 years.
Also, the .
I wish the author hadn't put the chapters in POV with the character's name after it on the sidelines because I knew who she'd end up with based on the guy who wasn't getting POV chapters. The story is predictable in other ways. As soon as Nathan leaves Australia, she and Finn get together. I didn't see that plot twist, though, until the page before it was revealed.
Billie hating her job and hating the corporate world was so relatable, and I loved how she finally quit and did what she loved while traveling the world. Little B was an adorable nickname, though Nate having his best friend in his phone as "bestie" was weird.
I signed up for the ARC from Facebook because the blurb sounded so interesting. Unfortunately, I felt like this book didn't live up to my expectations. I felt like it had a lot of untapped potential, but that's okay as this is a debut, and it's not easy to write a great first book. I appreciated how clean the writing was, and I could tell that the editor was great. I also loved the formatting of the text bubbles.
Even though I wish the romance (she has a romance with two different guys) had been more developed & the plot less predictable, this book still brought tears to my eyes, so kudos to the author. I also saw a screenshot about my grandfather's death, so that made me sad too.
Not that I like condoms being mentioned in books, but other readers have brought my attention to it, so in this book, I thought it was weird how she went from being condomless with one guy to being condomless with the next guy. It would have been okay if there was mention of her being on birth control, but I don't recall any.
I didn't like the TikTok reference (I don't mind Instagram references in a book, but TikTok always makes me cringe) and her watching shows like Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders is cute and relatable, but it'll age the book in 10 years.
Also, the .
March 6, 2024
Thank you C. B. Frey for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I would like to start this review with the positives from the book.
I assume that it was meant to be a fast burn romance, as this was apparent from the beginning & the author carried this out effectively. Billie & Nate’s characters were very likeable and, although their romance was rushed, I enjoyed their attraction & passion for one another. The other characters all bounced off each other well & I enjoyed the energy that they brought to the story. Although I took a little while to warm up to Finn, his character became much more affable in the second half of the book.
However, I do think that the concept was unfortunately better than the execution.
The first chapter plunged us into an intense scene between Billie & her ex Finn without any warning, and this set a rather frantic note for the story that meant the storyline wasn’t well
established in the beginning. The love triangle between Billie, Finn & Nate also wasn’t implemented that successfully and the relationships all felt very separate from each other. Nate’s seedy job wasn’t described in much detail and, whilst we did get to know the motivation behind him doing it, we didn’t get to see the complexities of it. I would have loved for the book to be longer so that we could appreciate a better padded out character arc.
Once we got past the halfway mark, the pacing got faster & therefore had a different feel which took me out of the story somewhat as the story started skipping through months & years very quickly; the flashbacks also felt randomly placed throughout the book.
Overall, this was a quick & easy read but I have too many criticisms to want to revisit it.
I would like to start this review with the positives from the book.
I assume that it was meant to be a fast burn romance, as this was apparent from the beginning & the author carried this out effectively. Billie & Nate’s characters were very likeable and, although their romance was rushed, I enjoyed their attraction & passion for one another. The other characters all bounced off each other well & I enjoyed the energy that they brought to the story. Although I took a little while to warm up to Finn, his character became much more affable in the second half of the book.
However, I do think that the concept was unfortunately better than the execution.
The first chapter plunged us into an intense scene between Billie & her ex Finn without any warning, and this set a rather frantic note for the story that meant the storyline wasn’t well
established in the beginning. The love triangle between Billie, Finn & Nate also wasn’t implemented that successfully and the relationships all felt very separate from each other. Nate’s seedy job wasn’t described in much detail and, whilst we did get to know the motivation behind him doing it, we didn’t get to see the complexities of it. I would have loved for the book to be longer so that we could appreciate a better padded out character arc.
Once we got past the halfway mark, the pacing got faster & therefore had a different feel which took me out of the story somewhat as the story started skipping through months & years very quickly; the flashbacks also felt randomly placed throughout the book.
Overall, this was a quick & easy read but I have too many criticisms to want to revisit it.
November 17, 2023
4.5/5 beautiful stars 🥹
Oh my days. This book had me swooning and giggling and sobbing and broke my heart and healed me in one emotional roller coaster of a journey. The tears were totally worth it. I was so captivated by the raw and realness of it all as well as the passion, the angst and the what ifs. I will definitely be thinking about this book forever.
The story follows our fmc Billie who, despite everything life throws at her, learns to take life by the horns and live the way she wants and deserves. She’s so relatable and has the most beautiful character development.
Finn. Oh Finn ♡ That precious soul took me a bit to get used to but like I told our lovely author, his story is beautiful yet tragically poetic and the way she writes his voice is unmatched!! Nate’s love for Billie makes me wish for a love like that. Even though he’s dealing with his own issues, he’s so unapologetic (especially when it comes to Billie) and he had me giggling and swooning at every single thing he does/ says.
The plot is very nicely fast paced. It gives you just enough to stay hooked on to every word and doesn’t make you work too hard for answers which is a breath of fresh air. There is a lot of content though and I recommend reading when you have time to sit and savour the moments because you are not gonna want to be interrupted!!
This debut novel is such a brilliant safe space! By the end it makes you think (which I love) about where you are and where you want to be. It found me exactly when I needed it. I’m so beyond grateful to have gotten a copy of this and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily <3
Oh my days. This book had me swooning and giggling and sobbing and broke my heart and healed me in one emotional roller coaster of a journey. The tears were totally worth it. I was so captivated by the raw and realness of it all as well as the passion, the angst and the what ifs. I will definitely be thinking about this book forever.
The story follows our fmc Billie who, despite everything life throws at her, learns to take life by the horns and live the way she wants and deserves. She’s so relatable and has the most beautiful character development.
Finn. Oh Finn ♡ That precious soul took me a bit to get used to but like I told our lovely author, his story is beautiful yet tragically poetic and the way she writes his voice is unmatched!! Nate’s love for Billie makes me wish for a love like that. Even though he’s dealing with his own issues, he’s so unapologetic (especially when it comes to Billie) and he had me giggling and swooning at every single thing he does/ says.
The plot is very nicely fast paced. It gives you just enough to stay hooked on to every word and doesn’t make you work too hard for answers which is a breath of fresh air. There is a lot of content though and I recommend reading when you have time to sit and savour the moments because you are not gonna want to be interrupted!!
This debut novel is such a brilliant safe space! By the end it makes you think (which I love) about where you are and where you want to be. It found me exactly when I needed it. I’m so beyond grateful to have gotten a copy of this and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily <3
November 18, 2023
❤️🩹 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 ❤️🩹
Diverge by C.B. Frey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
✅ Love Triangle
✅ Brother’s Best Friend
✅ Best Friend’s Brother
✅ Second Chance
10 years ago, Billie thought her life was changing in a major way. She slept with her best friend’s brother, the boy she’s loved since they were little. Everything seemed 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. However, Billie ends up heartbroken when Finn leaves for France with his dad right after they hook up and doesn’t contact her for 10 years. Now, he’s back. Right after she’s started seeing her brother’s best friend, Nate. She has feelings for Nate but Nate can see that there is still something between Billie and Finn.
What will happen when tempers flare and a drunk Finn makes a pass at Billie? Does he have a valid excuse for not staying in contact at all? Are two happy endings possible?
Diverge is C.B. Frey’s 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁 novel! And it’s unbelievable! Girl!!! How?! This book was so so so so good! This book broke me, put me back together, gave me new hope, had me reminiscing and feeling all the feelings! Finn’s story is tragic and beautiful all at the same time. I am so happy him and Billie got a second chance at a life together! I’m especially happy that Nate and Billie got their happy ending as well! This book proves that love after loss is possible and that you can have multiple loves in your lifetime!
"𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓲𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓼𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽. 𝓘'𝓶 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 𝓘'𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷." "𝓒𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓼 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵."
Thank you, C.B. Frey, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given!
Diverge by C.B. Frey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
✅ Love Triangle
✅ Brother’s Best Friend
✅ Best Friend’s Brother
✅ Second Chance
10 years ago, Billie thought her life was changing in a major way. She slept with her best friend’s brother, the boy she’s loved since they were little. Everything seemed 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. However, Billie ends up heartbroken when Finn leaves for France with his dad right after they hook up and doesn’t contact her for 10 years. Now, he’s back. Right after she’s started seeing her brother’s best friend, Nate. She has feelings for Nate but Nate can see that there is still something between Billie and Finn.
What will happen when tempers flare and a drunk Finn makes a pass at Billie? Does he have a valid excuse for not staying in contact at all? Are two happy endings possible?
Diverge is C.B. Frey’s 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁 novel! And it’s unbelievable! Girl!!! How?! This book was so so so so good! This book broke me, put me back together, gave me new hope, had me reminiscing and feeling all the feelings! Finn’s story is tragic and beautiful all at the same time. I am so happy him and Billie got a second chance at a life together! I’m especially happy that Nate and Billie got their happy ending as well! This book proves that love after loss is possible and that you can have multiple loves in your lifetime!
"𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓲𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪 𝓼𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽. 𝓘'𝓶 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 𝓘'𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷." "𝓒𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓼 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵."
Thank you, C.B. Frey, for an ARC of this book! My review is mine and freely given!
November 5, 2023
Diverge is one of those stories that crush your soul completely before beautifully restoring every single piece to its original place.
In this book we follow the journey of Billie Quinn as she learns about forgiveness, how to stand up for herself, the importance of following our dreams and what true love really means, and with C. B. Frey’s writing style it’s impossible not to feel as if those events were happening to ourselves.
I felt Billie’s conflicts deeply in my heart. I cried with her when her pain was too strong, I felt proud of our girl when she decided to take a whole new path in life, and cried a little more again when her happily ever after finally came (and she ended up with who I was rooting for 😂)
Diverge takes you through an emotional rollercoaster ride in the best way possible and every single chapter, every single page, every single line makes you want to know more and more about those characters and wonder what will happen next.
It’s a book I not only couldn’t put down, but also couldn’t stop highlighting all its pretty quotes, funny banter and well written spicy scenes.
Congratulations, @c.b.freyauthor on the amazing work you did with your debut novel! I’m a fan and can’t wait to see the other stories you’ll bring us in the future ❤️
In this book we follow the journey of Billie Quinn as she learns about forgiveness, how to stand up for herself, the importance of following our dreams and what true love really means, and with C. B. Frey’s writing style it’s impossible not to feel as if those events were happening to ourselves.
I felt Billie’s conflicts deeply in my heart. I cried with her when her pain was too strong, I felt proud of our girl when she decided to take a whole new path in life, and cried a little more again when her happily ever after finally came (and she ended up with who I was rooting for 😂)
Diverge takes you through an emotional rollercoaster ride in the best way possible and every single chapter, every single page, every single line makes you want to know more and more about those characters and wonder what will happen next.
It’s a book I not only couldn’t put down, but also couldn’t stop highlighting all its pretty quotes, funny banter and well written spicy scenes.
Congratulations, @c.b.freyauthor on the amazing work you did with your debut novel! I’m a fan and can’t wait to see the other stories you’ll bring us in the future ❤️
November 18, 2023
This was such a fun, steamy read.
I really enjoyed following Nate, Finn and Billie’s journey as they figured out what they were meant to do and how they found their ways back to each other in the end. It broke my heart and gave me hope for my own future all at once.
I loved this book so much, and I’m so proud of Jay for publishing her book, and I’m so ready to be her hype woman until the end of time.
I really enjoyed following Nate, Finn and Billie’s journey as they figured out what they were meant to do and how they found their ways back to each other in the end. It broke my heart and gave me hope for my own future all at once.
I loved this book so much, and I’m so proud of Jay for publishing her book, and I’m so ready to be her hype woman until the end of time.
December 13, 2023
4⭐
My review doesn't contain any spoilers.
This was honestly such a heart wrenching read.
I do wish we had more of Nate and Billie's relationship, I really craved more from that & I wish this book was longer, I just felt like I needed more for all characters. Finn especially! I would have liked to read more about their past and the life they shared.
I'm so glad that we got to see some character progression with Billie. I was happy to read that things were looking up for her & I loved that a 'certain character' was able to help Billie see the potential that she had and the life she could live happily. Very bitter sweet!
The plot twist was definitely a surprise to me, I honestly was not expecting that at all. It was great, but my tears were most definitely flowing.
This is a debut novel for C. B. Frey and she has done an excellent job! I honestly cried so much over this book. I stayed up late last night with the storm, finishing this one off.
'How can someone’s night begin with such promise only to end in renewed pain?'
I can't wait to read more from C. B. Frey!
My review doesn't contain any spoilers.
This was honestly such a heart wrenching read.
I do wish we had more of Nate and Billie's relationship, I really craved more from that & I wish this book was longer, I just felt like I needed more for all characters. Finn especially! I would have liked to read more about their past and the life they shared.
I'm so glad that we got to see some character progression with Billie. I was happy to read that things were looking up for her & I loved that a 'certain character' was able to help Billie see the potential that she had and the life she could live happily. Very bitter sweet!
The plot twist was definitely a surprise to me, I honestly was not expecting that at all. It was great, but my tears were most definitely flowing.
This is a debut novel for C. B. Frey and she has done an excellent job! I honestly cried so much over this book. I stayed up late last night with the storm, finishing this one off.
'How can someone’s night begin with such promise only to end in renewed pain?'
I can't wait to read more from C. B. Frey!
November 18, 2023
This book. Thiiiissss MF book had me in a chokehold.
I was happy, I was sad, I was angry, then I was more angry 😝
I honestly had no clue who she was going to end up with!
The emotional roller coaster 🎢 I just hopped off of, I’ll be recovering for days.
5/5 ✨
2/5 🌶️
Just…. Brilliant! 👏
I was happy, I was sad, I was angry, then I was more angry 😝
I honestly had no clue who she was going to end up with!
The emotional roller coaster 🎢 I just hopped off of, I’ll be recovering for days.
5/5 ✨
2/5 🌶️
Just…. Brilliant! 👏
November 17, 2023
It’s a beautifully written love story which showcases popular tropes such as second chance romance, love triangle, found family,
At first, I wasn't a huge fan of Fin's character, but he eventually won me over. A wonderfully executed and unexpected plot twist was seamlessly integrated into the storyline.
The writing was beautiful and the worldbuilding was easy to visualize, especially since it takes place in Melbourne, Australia, a city I've visited numerous times. I have a fondness for an authentic Aussie story set in Australia.
At first, I wasn't a huge fan of Fin's character, but he eventually won me over. A wonderfully executed and unexpected plot twist was seamlessly integrated into the storyline.
The writing was beautiful and the worldbuilding was easy to visualize, especially since it takes place in Melbourne, Australia, a city I've visited numerous times. I have a fondness for an authentic Aussie story set in Australia.
January 5, 2024
A heartbreaker
Ok I cried so much for this story! It just got me in the feels really deep! I love that Billie got to love two different loves! But saying goodbye twice hurt so so much!
Ok I cried so much for this story! It just got me in the feels really deep! I love that Billie got to love two different loves! But saying goodbye twice hurt so so much!
November 18, 2023
Diverge is a beautiful and emotionally charged story that managed to make me both smile and sob at the same time. The author did a fantastic job of showcasing life and love after loss, be it a breakup or something more permanent like death. It came with a heavy lesson: seize the day, live life hard, and love even harder.
I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, but this wasn’t your typical love triangle. Each relationship was important to the journey they had to go through, and in a way, both male characters Finn and Nate got their relationship with Billie, although it was never a smooth journey.
Billie was a fantastic female lead. My heart broke for her; she was so relatable, and I loved watching her grow through the book as she found strength to be and love who she wanted to be. When she stood up for herself at work, I actually cheered out loud. She had a lot thrown at her, and despite how broken she felt, she never gave up, and I really admired that about her.
Usually there would be a clear favourite when it comes to male characters, but I found it difficult to choose between Finn and Nate. They were both wonderfully written characters, and I fully understood why Billie was so torn between the two of them and loved them both because, as a reader absorbing CB Freys words, I loved them too. They both went through their own journeys of self-discovery, and while their journeys were emotional and I hated some of the things that happened with their characters, it was a necessary part of the journey for all of them.
The book will destroy you. It will break your heart, but it will heal you too. Read it, love it, and remember it.
“Sometimes people are only meant to be in our lives for a season, but me and you were never meant to be apart.”
I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, but this wasn’t your typical love triangle. Each relationship was important to the journey they had to go through, and in a way, both male characters Finn and Nate got their relationship with Billie, although it was never a smooth journey.
Billie was a fantastic female lead. My heart broke for her; she was so relatable, and I loved watching her grow through the book as she found strength to be and love who she wanted to be. When she stood up for herself at work, I actually cheered out loud. She had a lot thrown at her, and despite how broken she felt, she never gave up, and I really admired that about her.
Usually there would be a clear favourite when it comes to male characters, but I found it difficult to choose between Finn and Nate. They were both wonderfully written characters, and I fully understood why Billie was so torn between the two of them and loved them both because, as a reader absorbing CB Freys words, I loved them too. They both went through their own journeys of self-discovery, and while their journeys were emotional and I hated some of the things that happened with their characters, it was a necessary part of the journey for all of them.
The book will destroy you. It will break your heart, but it will heal you too. Read it, love it, and remember it.
“Sometimes people are only meant to be in our lives for a season, but me and you were never meant to be apart.”
November 18, 2023
ARC Review of Diverge by C.B. Frey
* * * * *
An epic love-triange/brother's-best friend/best friend's brother romance with enough drama to have you crying and craving!
Billie has an odd situation.
She was once in love with her best friend's brother, Finn, who after one night together left without a word to France and has not so much said a word since.
Now, she is with Nate, her brother's best friend, a charming protective man who has swooped her off her feet.
Now Finn is back, and he's desperate to tell her the truth. To tell her how he felt all those years ago and how he feel now.
Heads clash, feelings come rushing back from the past, and the conflict of Nate's current troubles, Finn's desires, and Billie's love for them both has the pot brewing.
Did not expect this read to get so emotional.
Talk about complicated also, tangling and affecting the lives of those in her family as well as the family of her best friend. Nate's dedication to Noah as well as his problems at his 'other job' make it difficult for him to come clean to Billie, as he is already facing the possibility of losing her to Finn. Finn's need to clear the air with Billie as well as be with her is very strong, which has Billie's and Nate's romance just on the verge destruction.
Billie's confrontation issues affect a lot of her life, but she will soon accept she needs to step up to get what she wants with that happily ever after.
Great weekend read!
* * * * *
An epic love-triange/brother's-best friend/best friend's brother romance with enough drama to have you crying and craving!
Billie has an odd situation.
She was once in love with her best friend's brother, Finn, who after one night together left without a word to France and has not so much said a word since.
Now, she is with Nate, her brother's best friend, a charming protective man who has swooped her off her feet.
Now Finn is back, and he's desperate to tell her the truth. To tell her how he felt all those years ago and how he feel now.
Heads clash, feelings come rushing back from the past, and the conflict of Nate's current troubles, Finn's desires, and Billie's love for them both has the pot brewing.
Did not expect this read to get so emotional.
Talk about complicated also, tangling and affecting the lives of those in her family as well as the family of her best friend. Nate's dedication to Noah as well as his problems at his 'other job' make it difficult for him to come clean to Billie, as he is already facing the possibility of losing her to Finn. Finn's need to clear the air with Billie as well as be with her is very strong, which has Billie's and Nate's romance just on the verge destruction.
Billie's confrontation issues affect a lot of her life, but she will soon accept she needs to step up to get what she wants with that happily ever after.
Great weekend read!
November 26, 2023
Diverge is an easy quick read. I fell for Nate’s charm and could understand how Billie’s feelings for him grew so quickly. I would’ve however liked to know more about him. I liked him but I wanted to love him especially since he was the character I was rooting for.
I didn’t like Finn from the start and to be honest that didn’t change. I felt like his reason for leaving her wasn’t good enough. That left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt like him coming back was selfish and he didn’t think of Billie at all. He should’ve stayed gone, especially since he came back and started a relationship with her while he had a huge secret. I just did not connect with him at all and was angry that he kept Billie from building something genuine with Nate.
I enjoyed the ending but wanted more. I wanted to learn more about Nate since we missed so much of his story while Billie was with Finn I wasn’t as attached to him anymore. To be honest I loved Noah and would love his story.
Overall a fun book but not a 5 star for me. X
I didn’t like Finn from the start and to be honest that didn’t change. I felt like his reason for leaving her wasn’t good enough. That left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt like him coming back was selfish and he didn’t think of Billie at all. He should’ve stayed gone, especially since he came back and started a relationship with her while he had a huge secret. I just did not connect with him at all and was angry that he kept Billie from building something genuine with Nate.
I enjoyed the ending but wanted more. I wanted to learn more about Nate since we missed so much of his story while Billie was with Finn I wasn’t as attached to him anymore. To be honest I loved Noah and would love his story.
Overall a fun book but not a 5 star for me. X
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
Romance: 3/5
Chemistry: 5/5
Spice: 4/5 (it's a clean on y'all)
Drama: 3/5
Suspense: 0/5
Humor: 2/5
Cry factor: 2/5
Foul language: 3/5
I don't know why, but I love a love triangle. I know it's not a favorite trope among readers, but if it's well done it can be a great story. And this was a great story. First loves will always be first loves and with B she was lucky to have that second love too. They were both there for her and they both helped her grow.
I loved the twist the story had. It made me cry, it made me want to shout out to the universe - WHY?!
It felt very real. A hard story to swallow, but life is hard at times and if you don't have the right people at you side to help you pick up the pieces, it makes you grow stronger. If you do, consider yourself lucky.
Tropes:
- love triangle
- ex is back
- MMC with a dangerous past
- second chance
- Australian setting
- Tattooed MMC
I volunteered to ARC this book for the author in exchange for an honest review.
Chemistry: 5/5
Spice: 4/5 (it's a clean on y'all)
Drama: 3/5
Suspense: 0/5
Humor: 2/5
Cry factor: 2/5
Foul language: 3/5
I don't know why, but I love a love triangle. I know it's not a favorite trope among readers, but if it's well done it can be a great story. And this was a great story. First loves will always be first loves and with B she was lucky to have that second love too. They were both there for her and they both helped her grow.
I loved the twist the story had. It made me cry, it made me want to shout out to the universe - WHY?!
It felt very real. A hard story to swallow, but life is hard at times and if you don't have the right people at you side to help you pick up the pieces, it makes you grow stronger. If you do, consider yourself lucky.
Tropes:
- love triangle
- ex is back
- MMC with a dangerous past
- second chance
- Australian setting
- Tattooed MMC
I volunteered to ARC this book for the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
This was my 1st book from C.B. Frey and won't be my last.
This book gave me all the feels as I was reading it. The twists and turns had me smiling at times and then crying. I did not expect this book to be what it was. And I mean that in a good way!
Billie runs into her old childhood love, Finn, after she had been ghosted by him for years. She ends up leaving with her brother's friend, Nate. My head went to think of how this was going to play out but honestly, you won't expect how it does.
If you are looking for a book that will take you on an emotional ride but also has a love triangle ish to it, this is it.
Tropes:
- Second Chance Romance
- Brothers Friend
- Friends to Lovers
- He falls first
This book gave me all the feels as I was reading it. The twists and turns had me smiling at times and then crying. I did not expect this book to be what it was. And I mean that in a good way!
Billie runs into her old childhood love, Finn, after she had been ghosted by him for years. She ends up leaving with her brother's friend, Nate. My head went to think of how this was going to play out but honestly, you won't expect how it does.
If you are looking for a book that will take you on an emotional ride but also has a love triangle ish to it, this is it.
Tropes:
- Second Chance Romance
- Brothers Friend
- Friends to Lovers
- He falls first
December 8, 2023
It was interesting to see Billie, Finn and Nate’s journey come to life in this second chance romance. This book was a quick read but it also made the journey feel rushed. I wished that there was more time spent developing the romance and the story/connection between the characters so that I can feel the truth in these feelings. There were a few moments that tugged at my heartstrings, the reunion after those moments happened to quickly and unrealistically for me. I do like the happy ending however.
November 1, 2023
I enjoyed this story! It is sad, but the love in the story is beautiful. And I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance.
Billie lost her first love, Finn, when he moved away. But just as she meets someone new and moves on, he returns. She has to decide between Nate and Finn. And see where life takes her.
I like how the book spans years, and you get to see how the characters change and mature as time goes on. I enjoyed the story a lot.
Billie lost her first love, Finn, when he moved away. But just as she meets someone new and moves on, he returns. She has to decide between Nate and Finn. And see where life takes her.
I like how the book spans years, and you get to see how the characters change and mature as time goes on. I enjoyed the story a lot.
January 12, 2024
listen, the book was entertaining, but it just was not the book for me. the fact that there were two love interests and she ended up with both of them(wiht one dead) was lazy, even for the love triangle trope. it wasn’t what i wanted and it made me hate everyone involved. fuck these guys, i don’t know ever want to read this again
January 17, 2024
Diverge is my first read by this author and I LOVED it! This book hits all the right spots and gives it's reader all the right feels. This ventures off into not only best friends brother but also brothers best friend. Billie, Finn and Nate take us on an intense, exciting, emotional journey that tears at your heart and completely consumes it's readers.
March 25, 2024
Are you looking for a book that has it all? Well, here it is. This story has the perfect amount of everything. From heartbreak to soulmates and with everything in between. With sensational spice speckled through in the best places, Diverge is a hidden gem you do not wish to miss.
June 3, 2024
Short little second chance story. Bit of a will she won't she between 2 guys, a spanner thrown in halfway, I cried twice but we get an HEA at the end.
Good lil read !
Good lil read !
December 31, 2023
I am fortunate enough to be a member of C.B Freys street team and ARC team and can honestly say that she will be an auto buy author for me because of this debut!!
I LOVED everything about this book!!!!
I related to the FMC on sooooooo many levels and was right there with her as she was loved, betrayed, heartbroken, healing and all that came in between….
The MMCs are delicious in every way possible…. Red flags and all!
There is spice and it is perfection!!!! It’s tasteful and beautifully written without drifting into that over the top detail and I was living for it…
I’m not generally a contemporary romance fan but this book has definitely changed my mind on the genre
I recommend this book to everyone
You will laugh, cry, rage and get the warm fuzzies plus more on the ride
I want to thank C.B Frey for the opportunity to ARC read for her and can’t wait to see what else she has in store
I LOVED everything about this book!!!!
I related to the FMC on sooooooo many levels and was right there with her as she was loved, betrayed, heartbroken, healing and all that came in between….
The MMCs are delicious in every way possible…. Red flags and all!
There is spice and it is perfection!!!! It’s tasteful and beautifully written without drifting into that over the top detail and I was living for it…
I’m not generally a contemporary romance fan but this book has definitely changed my mind on the genre
I recommend this book to everyone
You will laugh, cry, rage and get the warm fuzzies plus more on the ride
I want to thank C.B Frey for the opportunity to ARC read for her and can’t wait to see what else she has in store
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