What do you think?
Rate this book
The Foundation #2
Build Me Up
Whitney is desperate to get away from her past and build a life she can be proud of.
She’s always lived her life with her head down, until someone makes her look up.
Wyatt.
Whitney is broken, but Wyatt is nothing short of determined to prove to her that he’s nothing like the men who’ve hurt her in the past. He’s gentle, kind and caring–and he’ll do anything to help build her up.
As they spend more time together, healing their broken pieces, Whitney realizes that he might just be the happily ever after she never thought she deserved.
She’s always lived her life with her head down, until someone makes her look up.
Wyatt.
Whitney is broken, but Wyatt is nothing short of determined to prove to her that he’s nothing like the men who’ve hurt her in the past. He’s gentle, kind and caring–and he’ll do anything to help build her up.
As they spend more time together, healing their broken pieces, Whitney realizes that he might just be the happily ever after she never thought she deserved.
278 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
6 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Klassen
12 books124 followersCaitlin Klassen is a Contemporary Romance Writer from a small town in Ontario, Canada.
When she is not writing or reading, she can be found chasing her toddler around the backyard, having kitchen dance parties or building lego.
Caitlin enjoys writing books that include representation for real life topics such as neurodivergence, infertility, chronic illnesses, abuse, mental illness and beyond.
You'll enjoy her work if you're looking for novels that ground you and make you feel seen, while also pulling at your heart strings.
Find the author on Instagram/Threads & Tiktok: @authorcaitlinklassen
When she is not writing or reading, she can be found chasing her toddler around the backyard, having kitchen dance parties or building lego.
Caitlin enjoys writing books that include representation for real life topics such as neurodivergence, infertility, chronic illnesses, abuse, mental illness and beyond.
You'll enjoy her work if you're looking for novels that ground you and make you feel seen, while also pulling at your heart strings.
Find the author on Instagram/Threads & Tiktok: @authorcaitlinklassen
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 29, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
this was so sweet 😭
I love Whitney and Wyatt and their slow burn romance
I need more of this series!!
I feel like it was missing something but overall I loved every minute of it!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥Emotional Scars
❥healing
❥found family
❥a little spice
❥small town
❥slow burn
❥golden retriever MMC
❥Resilient fmc
❥Calming mmc
Thank you for the ARC, Caitlin!!
_________________________________
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:
From the Ground Up | Review
Build Me Up | Review
Change Me Up | Review
Fix Me Up | Review
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
You Used To Love Me | Review
Don't Forget To Love Me | Review
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
this was so sweet 😭
I love Whitney and Wyatt and their slow burn romance
I need more of this series!!
I feel like it was missing something but overall I loved every minute of it!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥Emotional Scars
❥healing
❥found family
❥a little spice
❥small town
❥slow burn
❥golden retriever MMC
❥Resilient fmc
❥Calming mmc
Thank you for the ARC, Caitlin!!
_________________________________
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:
From the Ground Up | Review
Build Me Up | Review
Change Me Up | Review
Fix Me Up | Review
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
You Used To Love Me | Review
Don't Forget To Love Me | Review
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
August 5, 2024
“I am going to unbreak you, I am going to build you up.”
This book took me by surprise. Let me tell you, I don’t think I have ever been emotional/close to tears while reading an author’s note. This one was the first🥹. I could already tell from reading the author's note that this was a passion project. Thank you so much Caitlin for allowing me to read this early before the rest of the world.
*Before diving into this book, definitely check the trigger warnings because it does talk about heavy topics (abuse, generational trauma, etc.) that some people might find triggering and upsetting.
Wyatt and Whitney did not have the best upbringing in life. Both came from toxic environments and carried baggage of their own, but that did not stop them to seek a life they know they deserve. And along the way, they met some angels in the form of friends that helped build them up and show them how a family should feel like. This book did the ‘found family’ trope so well. I was sad and happy at the same time–sad about what Wyatt and Whitney had to go through but happy as well because they both have an amazing support system that didn’t waiver and abandon them.
This book felt like a giant hug😭 That was what’s in my mind while I was reading this book. Even though I didn’t go through what the main characters went through, it felt like something healed inside of me as well. I guess it was reading (and knowing) that somewhere out there, there are Ellies, Aprils, and Scouts, willing to help and provide a safe space for any Wyatt and Whitneys out there.
Things I loved:
-dual pov
-no third act breakup
-found family
This book took me by surprise. Let me tell you, I don’t think I have ever been emotional/close to tears while reading an author’s note. This one was the first🥹. I could already tell from reading the author's note that this was a passion project. Thank you so much Caitlin for allowing me to read this early before the rest of the world.
*Before diving into this book, definitely check the trigger warnings because it does talk about heavy topics (abuse, generational trauma, etc.) that some people might find triggering and upsetting.
Wyatt and Whitney did not have the best upbringing in life. Both came from toxic environments and carried baggage of their own, but that did not stop them to seek a life they know they deserve. And along the way, they met some angels in the form of friends that helped build them up and show them how a family should feel like. This book did the ‘found family’ trope so well. I was sad and happy at the same time–sad about what Wyatt and Whitney had to go through but happy as well because they both have an amazing support system that didn’t waiver and abandon them.
This book felt like a giant hug😭 That was what’s in my mind while I was reading this book. Even though I didn’t go through what the main characters went through, it felt like something healed inside of me as well. I guess it was reading (and knowing) that somewhere out there, there are Ellies, Aprils, and Scouts, willing to help and provide a safe space for any Wyatt and Whitneys out there.
Things I loved:
-dual pov
-no third act breakup
-found family
September 12, 2024
DNF
So i wanted to love this book. It has a pretty cover, it sounds like a good book.
Unfortunately it wasnt for me.
To me it didn't seem well written. It felt very rushed in every aspect, trying to fit a lot of information in the first 14% (where i DNF'd). It would have been nicer to read if it would slow down a bit, adding more descriptive parts, etc. Now this does not mean the story does not have potential, but i just could not keep reading. It felt too much like i was reading wattpad books again back when i was 12.
I feel really bad for giving this review but thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
So i wanted to love this book. It has a pretty cover, it sounds like a good book.
Unfortunately it wasnt for me.
To me it didn't seem well written. It felt very rushed in every aspect, trying to fit a lot of information in the first 14% (where i DNF'd). It would have been nicer to read if it would slow down a bit, adding more descriptive parts, etc. Now this does not mean the story does not have potential, but i just could not keep reading. It felt too much like i was reading wattpad books again back when i was 12.
I feel really bad for giving this review but thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
October 4, 2025
“Focus On the Wildflowers”
Synopsis✨
Whitney is desperate to get away from her past and build a life she can be proud of.
She’s always lived her life with her head down, until someone makes her look up.
Wyatt. Whitney is broken, but Wyatt is nothing short of determined to prove to her that he’s nothing like the men who’ve hurt her in the past. He’s gentle, kind and caring–and he’ll do anything to help build her up.
As they spend more time together, healing their broken pieces, Whitney realizes that he might just be the happily ever after she never thought she deserved.
Thoughts✨
Very cute second book to the series! I really liked Whitney and Wyatt, they balanced each other well and you could see how they helped each other move forward and they were super cute together. The author tackles past trauma and abuse tactfully and honestly. It was a very quick read, once I started I couldn’t put it down.
What To Expect:
🤍Found Family
🤍Golden Retriever MMC
🤍Small Town
🤍No Third Act Breakup
🤍Past Trauma
🤍Dual POV
Synopsis✨
Whitney is desperate to get away from her past and build a life she can be proud of.
She’s always lived her life with her head down, until someone makes her look up.
Wyatt. Whitney is broken, but Wyatt is nothing short of determined to prove to her that he’s nothing like the men who’ve hurt her in the past. He’s gentle, kind and caring–and he’ll do anything to help build her up.
As they spend more time together, healing their broken pieces, Whitney realizes that he might just be the happily ever after she never thought she deserved.
Thoughts✨
Very cute second book to the series! I really liked Whitney and Wyatt, they balanced each other well and you could see how they helped each other move forward and they were super cute together. The author tackles past trauma and abuse tactfully and honestly. It was a very quick read, once I started I couldn’t put it down.
What To Expect:
🤍Found Family
🤍Golden Retriever MMC
🤍Small Town
🤍No Third Act Breakup
🤍Past Trauma
🤍Dual POV
September 5, 2025
2.5 rounded up to 3.
This is a very sweet story of Whitney and Wyatt. I could have used a bit more plot/ tension, but that is just me.
This is a very sweet story of Whitney and Wyatt. I could have used a bit more plot/ tension, but that is just me.
August 6, 2024
It took me longer than a week after reading this to gather my thoughts into cohesive words/sentences that I feel would do this book justice enough. Needless to say, I absolutely adored this book… 5+ stars and definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year!
Besides the overall plot (which is also amazing), Wyatt and Whitney are two of my all time favorite fictional characters. Even though they have both led a life that would break anyone… they’re both kind and thoughtful human beings (maybe not always towards themselves), but definitely to others! I could tell this story really meant something to the author the way she was able to depict Wyatt and Whitney’s struggles and make them so genuine and relatable to her readers. The author’s connection to her work really shines through and made me not be able to put this book down until I finished it!
This book touches on a bunch of sensitive subjects (emotional/physical abuse, addiction, self hate, etc.), so definitely think about that before you dive in. The author describes the break down of these character’s self worth over the years… and then beautifully weaves a story that has them meet and creates a safe environment that allows them to help one another put themselves back together.
I cried, I laughed (the found family in this Foundations Series is top notch), and swooned over this book the entire time I was reading. The only thing I regret about reading this book is how fast I read it because now I’ll never be able to experience the joy of reading it for the first time again. I couldn’t put it down, and I highly suggest you grab this as soon as possible so you can read it too! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Besides the overall plot (which is also amazing), Wyatt and Whitney are two of my all time favorite fictional characters. Even though they have both led a life that would break anyone… they’re both kind and thoughtful human beings (maybe not always towards themselves), but definitely to others! I could tell this story really meant something to the author the way she was able to depict Wyatt and Whitney’s struggles and make them so genuine and relatable to her readers. The author’s connection to her work really shines through and made me not be able to put this book down until I finished it!
This book touches on a bunch of sensitive subjects (emotional/physical abuse, addiction, self hate, etc.), so definitely think about that before you dive in. The author describes the break down of these character’s self worth over the years… and then beautifully weaves a story that has them meet and creates a safe environment that allows them to help one another put themselves back together.
I cried, I laughed (the found family in this Foundations Series is top notch), and swooned over this book the entire time I was reading. The only thing I regret about reading this book is how fast I read it because now I’ll never be able to experience the joy of reading it for the first time again. I couldn’t put it down, and I highly suggest you grab this as soon as possible so you can read it too! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
October 26, 2024
Build Me Up by Caitlin Klassen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Welp! I devoured this book in 2 sittings!! I will start by saying, this book does have some trigger warnings so please read those before starting this book. I then will follow that up with my own transparency to a lot of these triggers… I personally, found this book to bring healing. The dedication and authors note alone had me tearing up, but so many parts of this book I just had to stop and take a moment. When certain affirmations were said, I claimed them to, and I just feel like I owe a thank you to Caitlin for writing this book. I don’t know how many years I shed over the stories in here. There were so many different people that struggled with similar “issues”, and just reading about the support, and the therapy inclusion in this book really spoke to me.
Okay, now about the rest of the story. I absolutely loved it. I thought I loved book one but wow!! This one tops it in a whole different way! We get to meet some of the same old characters we had from book one, but also some new ones too. And you fall in love with everyone. Albeit, there are the few people that are the cause of the main pains that we don’t like, but where would a story be without them.
I cannot recommend this book enough! I read them both on my kindle but now I’m going to need to own physical copies as trophies because I’m seriously so in love.
I cannot wait for book three, Change Me Up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Welp! I devoured this book in 2 sittings!! I will start by saying, this book does have some trigger warnings so please read those before starting this book. I then will follow that up with my own transparency to a lot of these triggers… I personally, found this book to bring healing. The dedication and authors note alone had me tearing up, but so many parts of this book I just had to stop and take a moment. When certain affirmations were said, I claimed them to, and I just feel like I owe a thank you to Caitlin for writing this book. I don’t know how many years I shed over the stories in here. There were so many different people that struggled with similar “issues”, and just reading about the support, and the therapy inclusion in this book really spoke to me.
Okay, now about the rest of the story. I absolutely loved it. I thought I loved book one but wow!! This one tops it in a whole different way! We get to meet some of the same old characters we had from book one, but also some new ones too. And you fall in love with everyone. Albeit, there are the few people that are the cause of the main pains that we don’t like, but where would a story be without them.
I cannot recommend this book enough! I read them both on my kindle but now I’m going to need to own physical copies as trophies because I’m seriously so in love.
I cannot wait for book three, Change Me Up.
August 7, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and these are my thoughts:
This was such a beautiful story!
Whitney is a broken woman. After years of repeated abuse enough is enough and with the help and support of her best friends, she extrictares herself from the abusive environment she was in.
I have to admit, the first few chapters - where the abuse the FMC suffers is described, is not for the faint hearted.
Whitney goes through an incredible healing journey.
The found family in this story was very well done. Her friends were exactly what you’d want in friends and a found family (the same goes for Wyatt’s found family) and I loved how they all mingled and both Whitney and Wyatt were accepted by each other’s friends.
And Wyatt - what a wonderful, caring and supportive MMC. He was a huge green flag! He was patient and loving and I’m glad he was also able to heal with Whitney.
This is a story about overcoming trauma, finding yourself, breaking the cycle and allowing yourself to be loved and supported the way you deserve.
The MCs HEA after the “storms” they went through, was heartwarming and satisfying.
This was such a beautiful story!
Whitney is a broken woman. After years of repeated abuse enough is enough and with the help and support of her best friends, she extrictares herself from the abusive environment she was in.
I have to admit, the first few chapters - where the abuse the FMC suffers is described, is not for the faint hearted.
Whitney goes through an incredible healing journey.
The found family in this story was very well done. Her friends were exactly what you’d want in friends and a found family (the same goes for Wyatt’s found family) and I loved how they all mingled and both Whitney and Wyatt were accepted by each other’s friends.
And Wyatt - what a wonderful, caring and supportive MMC. He was a huge green flag! He was patient and loving and I’m glad he was also able to heal with Whitney.
This is a story about overcoming trauma, finding yourself, breaking the cycle and allowing yourself to be loved and supported the way you deserve.
The MCs HEA after the “storms” they went through, was heartwarming and satisfying.
August 1, 2024
Build Me Up - Caitlin Klassen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I adored Whitney and Wyatt’s in finding love within each other while also healing from their own traumas. I absolutely loved their love and patience for one another!
There’s something about found family that I will always have a soft spot for. Finding a family that loves you unconditionally is one of the most special bonds that one can find, and I’m so glad Whitney had it with April and Ellie! *hint hint Caitlin, I think we need a book on their sisterhood!!!*
This book will have you crying and giggling and kicking your feet all at the same time. My only wish is that there was more of this book 😭🥹
Thank you Caitlin for the opportunity to read this ARC! I truly appreciate it 🫶🏽
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I adored Whitney and Wyatt’s in finding love within each other while also healing from their own traumas. I absolutely loved their love and patience for one another!
There’s something about found family that I will always have a soft spot for. Finding a family that loves you unconditionally is one of the most special bonds that one can find, and I’m so glad Whitney had it with April and Ellie! *hint hint Caitlin, I think we need a book on their sisterhood!!!*
This book will have you crying and giggling and kicking your feet all at the same time. My only wish is that there was more of this book 😭🥹
Thank you Caitlin for the opportunity to read this ARC! I truly appreciate it 🫶🏽
August 18, 2024
First of all I want to thank NetGalley for accepting my request for this book! And I want to thank the author for writing such an amazing book🥹⭐️🎀
This book was like a huge comforting hug, I loved this book and I don't think I can describe the feeling of comfort and pure love that this incredible book gives us as we read it.
My heart literally broke to know how painful Whitney and Wyatt's childhood was, however it is incredible to see how even going through a childhood of those they managed to overcome. Both deserve so much love and I felt so happy to read that both found a safe place in each other and that in a way they helped to heal things that none of them had caused. This book is just wonderful and deserves an opportunity, so I highly recommend it🫶🏼
This book was like a huge comforting hug, I loved this book and I don't think I can describe the feeling of comfort and pure love that this incredible book gives us as we read it.
My heart literally broke to know how painful Whitney and Wyatt's childhood was, however it is incredible to see how even going through a childhood of those they managed to overcome. Both deserve so much love and I felt so happy to read that both found a safe place in each other and that in a way they helped to heal things that none of them had caused. This book is just wonderful and deserves an opportunity, so I highly recommend it🫶🏼
August 11, 2024
First things first- this is the second book in the Foundation series but I read it as a standalone after receiving it as an ARC.
I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting! The love experienced between Whitney and Wyatt was top tier! Both of them giving so much love to each other to help heal the wounds they received from their childhood made me WEEP happy tears. While I’ve never had to experience the hardships they did, I felt so connected to these characters.
100% will be reading the first book to be able to experience Ellie and Scott’s love story next!
I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting! The love experienced between Whitney and Wyatt was top tier! Both of them giving so much love to each other to help heal the wounds they received from their childhood made me WEEP happy tears. While I’ve never had to experience the hardships they did, I felt so connected to these characters.
100% will be reading the first book to be able to experience Ellie and Scott’s love story next!
July 30, 2024
This is a perfectly sweet romance that I think would be especially respected by anyone who came from a challenging childhood.
This story between the FMC that came from a tragic and abusive background but has friends who love her more than anything and the MMC who came from similar circumstances find each other and help one another heal their broken souls.
🔥Spice level 1
🔥 Found Family
🔥 Super sweet MMC
🔥 Trauma/ healing/ therapy
🔥 Resilient FMC
This story between the FMC that came from a tragic and abusive background but has friends who love her more than anything and the MMC who came from similar circumstances find each other and help one another heal their broken souls.
🔥Spice level 1
🔥 Found Family
🔥 Super sweet MMC
🔥 Trauma/ healing/ therapy
🔥 Resilient FMC
July 27, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. It took me a moment to get going but wow did I love Wyatt. What a golden retriever of a man, you can’t help but love him. The way Caitlin describes the trauma that Whitney and Wyatt went through was done well it made me tear up hearing it.
Now I need to read the first one !
Now I need to read the first one !
July 29, 2024
This book is such an emotional roller coaster, but in the absolute best way. I love Whitney and Wyatt’s story. The sensitive topics are handled SO well, and the growth of both characters is handled so well. Despite the trigger warnings, this really was such a feel good romance. The pacing was excellent and the epilogues were really the icing on the cake
January 3, 2025
Wow! What can I say about Build Me Up by Caitlin Klassen? First, I knew I was in for it when I read the dedication and author's note. It was beautiful, heartfelt, and held a very important message.
I had a hard time writing this review as there was true rawness in this story for the characters.
I was deeply moved and touched by this book. The gut-wrenching experiences that Whitney, the MC, went through, along with glimpses of Wyatt's past experiences, made it a truly emotional journey for the reader and, well, the characters. The story evoked a range of emotions in me - from tears of both joy and sorrow to moments of laughter, creating a profound rollercoaster of emotions. Witnessing Whitney's growth with the support of her friends was truly inspiring.
Scout's character, although not always physically present, lingered throughout the story, offering guidance, strength, and happy memories for Whitney. I feel this character helped Whitney survive her years of brǔtál ãbųse, along with her close friend Alicia.
Wyatt's character was my favorite. He slowly and gently broke down Whitney's walls. He brought out a side of Whitney that had long been concealed. He demonstrated qualities like empathy, kindness, friendship, and love. Together with the group, he helped Whitney rediscover the strength and confidence along with joy, that had withered away due to years of åbũse from her mother, her mother's men, and her ex.
I loved the way Whitney and Wyatt’s relationship started out slow and progressively grew. I hope to see more of them!
The importance of Whitney's support system became evident, highlighting the potential difference it made in her life. I have read many books, but few have left such a lasting impact on me. This book will stay with me for years to come, prompting me to visit the first book in the series that I initially skipped to read this one as it was an ARC.
I absolutely recommend this book, just prepare for some possible triggers (which Caitlin mentions in the beginning) and some possible ugly crying, mixed with laughter.
I had a hard time writing this review as there was true rawness in this story for the characters.
I was deeply moved and touched by this book. The gut-wrenching experiences that Whitney, the MC, went through, along with glimpses of Wyatt's past experiences, made it a truly emotional journey for the reader and, well, the characters. The story evoked a range of emotions in me - from tears of both joy and sorrow to moments of laughter, creating a profound rollercoaster of emotions. Witnessing Whitney's growth with the support of her friends was truly inspiring.
Scout's character, although not always physically present, lingered throughout the story, offering guidance, strength, and happy memories for Whitney. I feel this character helped Whitney survive her years of brǔtál ãbųse, along with her close friend Alicia.
Wyatt's character was my favorite. He slowly and gently broke down Whitney's walls. He brought out a side of Whitney that had long been concealed. He demonstrated qualities like empathy, kindness, friendship, and love. Together with the group, he helped Whitney rediscover the strength and confidence along with joy, that had withered away due to years of åbũse from her mother, her mother's men, and her ex.
I loved the way Whitney and Wyatt’s relationship started out slow and progressively grew. I hope to see more of them!
The importance of Whitney's support system became evident, highlighting the potential difference it made in her life. I have read many books, but few have left such a lasting impact on me. This book will stay with me for years to come, prompting me to visit the first book in the series that I initially skipped to read this one as it was an ARC.
I absolutely recommend this book, just prepare for some possible triggers (which Caitlin mentions in the beginning) and some possible ugly crying, mixed with laughter.
January 8, 2025
“You were the wild card. You were the wildflower in a world of thorns and pain.”
She did it again. Caitlin. Did. It. Again. I’m going to be thinking about this book for a long time. Please read the trigger warning list as this book does include a lot of sensitive subjects.
I would like to start off by saying, Caitlin does an excellent job of making you feel like you are right there in the story. Being from the South and knowing a bit about Nashville myself, it’s so easy to envision all of the places/things taking place because of how accurately Caitlin describes them.
Wyatt and Whitney’s story is an emotional rollercoaster I did NOT see coming. They have both endured so much in their time and it makes it so easy to want more for them. Even through all of their pain, their relationship with one another and their close friends are so captivating.
Wyatt truly is a gentle giant. He is the sweetest, most pure MMC. Whitney is so strong, and deserves the absolute world. Their relationship is so heartwarming. I feel like they healed me, and I’m not even the one in the story. I will never look at wildflowers as just flowers, ever again.
I cannot recommend this story enough.
She did it again. Caitlin. Did. It. Again. I’m going to be thinking about this book for a long time. Please read the trigger warning list as this book does include a lot of sensitive subjects.
I would like to start off by saying, Caitlin does an excellent job of making you feel like you are right there in the story. Being from the South and knowing a bit about Nashville myself, it’s so easy to envision all of the places/things taking place because of how accurately Caitlin describes them.
Wyatt and Whitney’s story is an emotional rollercoaster I did NOT see coming. They have both endured so much in their time and it makes it so easy to want more for them. Even through all of their pain, their relationship with one another and their close friends are so captivating.
Wyatt truly is a gentle giant. He is the sweetest, most pure MMC. Whitney is so strong, and deserves the absolute world. Their relationship is so heartwarming. I feel like they healed me, and I’m not even the one in the story. I will never look at wildflowers as just flowers, ever again.
I cannot recommend this story enough.
January 6, 2025
This book was both heart wrenching and heart warming.
With both MC’s having a dark past, and then finding their found family to then finding one another was just something beautiful.
Whitney Harris had a hard childhood, I won’t go into too much detail, but definitely read the authors note for trigger warnings. Luckily she had a best friend to escape to and eventually found her way out and into the arms of handsome kind hearted Wyatt Morgan, who also had a rough childhood.
This, at times was hard to read, with all the pain that they both endured, however, to see the growth and confidence grow with love and support was wonderful.
Such a well written story, I can’t wait to read more from the gang in the series.
With both MC’s having a dark past, and then finding their found family to then finding one another was just something beautiful.
Whitney Harris had a hard childhood, I won’t go into too much detail, but definitely read the authors note for trigger warnings. Luckily she had a best friend to escape to and eventually found her way out and into the arms of handsome kind hearted Wyatt Morgan, who also had a rough childhood.
This, at times was hard to read, with all the pain that they both endured, however, to see the growth and confidence grow with love and support was wonderful.
Such a well written story, I can’t wait to read more from the gang in the series.
December 22, 2024
Whitney has had a rough life and is leaning on her found family. Wyatt also has some family baggage from childhood. When they meet through their mutual friends, they bond over shared trauma. Wyatt and their friends make sure that the future is bright for Whitney.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I like the dual POV style. Wyatt was the guy every girl wishes she had in their life. I’m also a sucker for backwards baseball caps so loved that running joke. I look forward to reading more of the series even though I’m technically reading them in backwards order haha
I enjoyed this book a lot. I like the dual POV style. Wyatt was the guy every girl wishes she had in their life. I’m also a sucker for backwards baseball caps so loved that running joke. I look forward to reading more of the series even though I’m technically reading them in backwards order haha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️.5
Please check the trigger warnings as there’s topics of domestic abuse and sexual harassment in this book.
These are in relation to side characters.
Poor Whitney has gone through the wringer in this book, and before this book. I really felt her anxieties around socialising, especially when she doesn’t trust people.
Wyatt is the sweetest MMC I’ve read. He is so caught up by Whitney’s existence, it’s delicious.
I can’t put a finger on what I needed, but I have a small feeling I craved a third act drama (even if not a breakup). This series is a low stress series, which is perfect when you don’t want the heartbreak, but I think I’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop?
🌶️.5
Please check the trigger warnings as there’s topics of domestic abuse and sexual harassment in this book.
These are in relation to side characters.
Poor Whitney has gone through the wringer in this book, and before this book. I really felt her anxieties around socialising, especially when she doesn’t trust people.
Wyatt is the sweetest MMC I’ve read. He is so caught up by Whitney’s existence, it’s delicious.
I can’t put a finger on what I needed, but I have a small feeling I craved a third act drama (even if not a breakup). This series is a low stress series, which is perfect when you don’t want the heartbreak, but I think I’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop?
December 11, 2024
I love the dedication "Some of the most incredible people are made up of a million broken pieces. This book is for us. Wildflowers grow, unapologetically, without asking permission from the world around it. We, as humans, should be more like wildflowers You know. . . grow unapologetically."
This just melts my heart "“Wildflowers are everywhere, but you will always be mine. xx Scout”"
This book took me on a emotional roller-coaster when it's comes to the author's note that was a passion project.
You meet Wyatt and Whitney as they didn't have the best upbringing in life as they both came from toxic environments and carried lot of baggage of their own but that didn't stop them to be able to seek life as they know and they deserve...
They meet some amazing angels that are in form of friends that helped build them up and show them what a family should feel like ...
This book made me feel happy and sad at the same times as what Wyatt and Whittney went through but also happy as they have an amazing support system that didn't waiver or abandon them.
I'm super excited to read book 3 as I love the series so much
This just melts my heart "“Wildflowers are everywhere, but you will always be mine. xx Scout”"
This book took me on a emotional roller-coaster when it's comes to the author's note that was a passion project.
You meet Wyatt and Whitney as they didn't have the best upbringing in life as they both came from toxic environments and carried lot of baggage of their own but that didn't stop them to be able to seek life as they know and they deserve...
They meet some amazing angels that are in form of friends that helped build them up and show them what a family should feel like ...
This book made me feel happy and sad at the same times as what Wyatt and Whittney went through but also happy as they have an amazing support system that didn't waiver or abandon them.
I'm super excited to read book 3 as I love the series so much
August 3, 2025
Expect the waterworks!!
This book tugged on every heart string.
Emotionally devastating.
Healing.
Filled with love and tears.
These characters are amazing and resilient and I just want to be their friends.
I can't wait to devour the rest of the series!!
This book tugged on every heart string.
Emotionally devastating.
Healing.
Filled with love and tears.
These characters are amazing and resilient and I just want to be their friends.
I can't wait to devour the rest of the series!!
August 6, 2025
This was one of the more emotional books from this author about overcoming trauma, finding yourself, breaking the cycle, and learning how to love and be loved. I loved Wyatt and Whitney's slow burn romance and the found family in this series.
December 21, 2024
Some heavy topics but well written. Looking forward to reading Caitlin's next book!
September 21, 2025
4.5⭐️
Wyatt was the perfect golden retriever MMC! There were some heavy topics in this books but they were handled so well. It was a sweet romance.
Wyatt was the perfect golden retriever MMC! There were some heavy topics in this books but they were handled so well. It was a sweet romance.
December 2, 2024
Build Me Up is a beautifully written book encompassing how the right people in your life can heal a person after a hard past. The progression of Wyatt and Whitney's relationship right from the start was so perfectly written, that you felt as though you were watching it unfold right before your eyes. You cried when they cried, got butterflies in your stomach when they did...you felt everything the characters did while you read. This is my second book I've read by Caitlin and I truly cannot wait to read more. Her writing style is easy to read but captivating at the same time. She brings in the perfect balance of all the emotions all the whole creating the most amazing character stories.
August 13, 2025
This was a super sweet slow burn! This series has the best found family and is all about healing from trauma and I have loved every second. Whitney and Wyatt have a lot to work through but watching their journey together and with their found family was perfection!
November 21, 2024
This is the first novel by Caitlin Klassen that I've read, and I've fallen in love. I really enjoy her writing style and more down to earth, plausible romance.
Whitney is the survivor of long lasting domestic abuse that started with her mother and father figures, and continued with intimate partner violence. Most of that is detailed through memories and not experienced in real time. Because of this she has zero trust in men, until Wyatt steps into her life.
Wyatt is determined to show Whitney that not all men are like her ex. He is gentle, kind, and funny. As they grow to be friends it's becomes clear they both want more, but can Whit trust her judgements after her past experiences?
A wholesome romance full of found family, recovery from domestic/partner abuse, and perpetually searching for the wildflowers in life. The best part - no third act breakup!
A new favorite author for sure!
Whitney is the survivor of long lasting domestic abuse that started with her mother and father figures, and continued with intimate partner violence. Most of that is detailed through memories and not experienced in real time. Because of this she has zero trust in men, until Wyatt steps into her life.
Wyatt is determined to show Whitney that not all men are like her ex. He is gentle, kind, and funny. As they grow to be friends it's becomes clear they both want more, but can Whit trust her judgements after her past experiences?
A wholesome romance full of found family, recovery from domestic/partner abuse, and perpetually searching for the wildflowers in life. The best part - no third act breakup!
A new favorite author for sure!
July 24, 2024
This book was absolute romance perfection!! This is the second book to The Foundation Series and the perfect continuation of this beautiful found family story! The interconnections between From The Ground Up to this one were seamless and so heartwarming! The dedication and authors note got me tearing up before even starting and it just snowballed from there! It is a found family, breaking the cycle, gold retriever mmc, he fell first and hard kind of story that is full of so much healing, growth and a little spice too! You could feel the instant connection Whitney and Wyatt have the first time they meet and the love everyone has for both of them! I loved how bold but also cautious Wyatt was with Whitney (knowing some of her past) and how Whitney was cautious but also felt safe with Wyatt to open up about her traumas little by little. Wyatt is mmc perfection! He is "hat backwards" sexy with a whole ton of sweet mixed in and a total "woo man"! Whitney is a survivor of abuse with a heart of gold! Sunshine vs Sunshine is what I would call them with a chance of clouds and darkness along the way. I have so many favourite moments but their first "date" was so adorable and to see her trying to get through the book he bought her made me giggle! Her calling him her fork made me laugh out loud and him calling her his wildflower made my heart burst! I will never see either of those things the same way ever again, but for very different reasons! My favourite shift in their relationship was during the stars and guitar scene *swoon*, it just felt like she could finally feel worthy of love during that moment and he fell so hard for her! I loved how therapy was a huge part of both of their healing and it was talked about so openly. Both of them having such amazing found families really helped them, not only heal, but also feel truly safe and loved. There is so much more to this story but it is one you have to experience for yourself! I absolutely love every single person in this series and I can't wait to read the next book and continue seeing them all grow as a family! Go read From The Ground Up first! You won't regret it! Please note: This book discusses some heavy topics surrounding abuse, so please check out the Authors note before reading!
August 6, 2024
Wyatt and Whitney, wow what a journey it was with these two.
I think writing about emotional and physical abuse is one of the hardest topics to write about but Caitlin did it with such class and grace. The one thing I absolutely adored about this book is how well written the characters were, and how safe of a space this book was. (I highly recommend reading the trigger warnings of this book before picking it up)
This is the second book in the Foundations series, and I devoured it within a day! (unheard of these days for me!) We originally meet Wyatt and Whitney in From the Ground Up but we don't get to see them together until this book - Build Me Up. When Wyatt and Whitney meet, its instant intrigue and attraction from both but with looming pasts, trauma to heal and strength to rebuild, it this relationship going to move past a friendship?
Whitney and Wyatt have a lot more in common then they think, but as they begin to build trust and become safe spaces for each other, the attraction inevitably turns into something more romantic.
One of the MAJOR takeaways from this book is: found family, I won't go into too much detail about it but the community that both Whitney and Wyatt have surrounded themselves with is one of the best found family communities I've read to date in a book. We love to see supportive but protective friends, friends willing to lift us up when life happens to just suck.
Another thing I loved about this book was the incorporation of the characters from From the Ground Up, so often we move onto the second book in a series without getting to see much of the characters from the previous book but I am happy to report that we get all the main character from the first book as reoccurring characters in Build Me Up.
I will note at points it does feel a little instalovey however, I think when healing from trauma that both Whitney and Wyatt have, sometimes you have to hold onto the good things and really believe in the love that surrounds you.
I could go on and on about how much I adore this book, but for now I will leave you with this: it made me BAWL my eyes out at the end, this is every small town, strangers to friends to lovers, low spice, found family romance readers dream.
I think writing about emotional and physical abuse is one of the hardest topics to write about but Caitlin did it with such class and grace. The one thing I absolutely adored about this book is how well written the characters were, and how safe of a space this book was. (I highly recommend reading the trigger warnings of this book before picking it up)
This is the second book in the Foundations series, and I devoured it within a day! (unheard of these days for me!) We originally meet Wyatt and Whitney in From the Ground Up but we don't get to see them together until this book - Build Me Up. When Wyatt and Whitney meet, its instant intrigue and attraction from both but with looming pasts, trauma to heal and strength to rebuild, it this relationship going to move past a friendship?
Whitney and Wyatt have a lot more in common then they think, but as they begin to build trust and become safe spaces for each other, the attraction inevitably turns into something more romantic.
One of the MAJOR takeaways from this book is: found family, I won't go into too much detail about it but the community that both Whitney and Wyatt have surrounded themselves with is one of the best found family communities I've read to date in a book. We love to see supportive but protective friends, friends willing to lift us up when life happens to just suck.
Another thing I loved about this book was the incorporation of the characters from From the Ground Up, so often we move onto the second book in a series without getting to see much of the characters from the previous book but I am happy to report that we get all the main character from the first book as reoccurring characters in Build Me Up.
I will note at points it does feel a little instalovey however, I think when healing from trauma that both Whitney and Wyatt have, sometimes you have to hold onto the good things and really believe in the love that surrounds you.
I could go on and on about how much I adore this book, but for now I will leave you with this: it made me BAWL my eyes out at the end, this is every small town, strangers to friends to lovers, low spice, found family romance readers dream.
August 2, 2024
Rating - 4.5/5
Firstly, thank you so much to Caitlin Klassen for the eARC of this AMAZING book! I am so lucky to be one of the people who got to read it before the whole world.
Now, this book is an AMAZING addition to healing love stories. It is a story about love finding its way for two people who want to heal from the abuse they have experienced their whole life and their love helps them to do just that. I LOVED the representation of abuse victims and it actually made me cry reading about what they went through. I love love LOVE the main character, Whitney and how she is the embodiment of resilience and purity and doesn't shy away from helping anyone. She is one of the best female main characters I have read this year, and this book is definitely one of my favourites for this year.
Wyatt, the male main character though...he stole my HEART! He was THE perfect man for Whitney as they both knew what abuse feels like and he was there to support her through everything. He was a gentleman through and through and raised my standards even HIGHER than before that I KNOW no real man can ever reach up to LOL.
The writing of this book is so smooth and immersive that I was so engrossed in what I reading and always wanted to get back to reading it! Also, even though this is kind of a second book to a connected series, I didn't feel like I was missing any information I would need to read this one but still left me wanting to read the first one and I think that's what makes it special!
The only thing that I didn't like though is how fast their relationship grew and it was almost instantaneous. ALMOST. I just felt like one minute it was them just talking to each other and then the next, they were in a relationship and moving in together. (Don't worry, this is not a spoiler, just an example). But yeah, other than that, it was AMAZING!!!
I would just say that GO READ IT NOWWW!!!
Firstly, thank you so much to Caitlin Klassen for the eARC of this AMAZING book! I am so lucky to be one of the people who got to read it before the whole world.
Now, this book is an AMAZING addition to healing love stories. It is a story about love finding its way for two people who want to heal from the abuse they have experienced their whole life and their love helps them to do just that. I LOVED the representation of abuse victims and it actually made me cry reading about what they went through. I love love LOVE the main character, Whitney and how she is the embodiment of resilience and purity and doesn't shy away from helping anyone. She is one of the best female main characters I have read this year, and this book is definitely one of my favourites for this year.
Wyatt, the male main character though...he stole my HEART! He was THE perfect man for Whitney as they both knew what abuse feels like and he was there to support her through everything. He was a gentleman through and through and raised my standards even HIGHER than before that I KNOW no real man can ever reach up to LOL.
The writing of this book is so smooth and immersive that I was so engrossed in what I reading and always wanted to get back to reading it! Also, even though this is kind of a second book to a connected series, I didn't feel like I was missing any information I would need to read this one but still left me wanting to read the first one and I think that's what makes it special!
The only thing that I didn't like though is how fast their relationship grew and it was almost instantaneous. ALMOST. I just felt like one minute it was them just talking to each other and then the next, they were in a relationship and moving in together. (Don't worry, this is not a spoiler, just an example). But yeah, other than that, it was AMAZING!!!
I would just say that GO READ IT NOWWW!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews