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Incomplete Strangers
On the surface, Molly seems to have the perfect life. She’s got a dream job, great friends and a sister who adores her. Deep down, she’s afraid, and lonely. Taking care of everyone else ensures she doesn’t have to think too closely about what’s missing from her life and the secret she’s keeping - that the smile that she exchanges with a handsome stranger on the train is the best part of her day.
After landing his dream job, Chris is adjusting to moving back to the city he grew up in, and a long commute. He’s always been the one that people turn to, but when he finds the fast pace of his job and city life hard, he struggles to open up. He finds solace in the smile of the beautiful blonde woman on his train, but he can’t seem to work up the courage to talk to her.
After a traumatic incident, Molly’s return to the commute is disrupted when the train is plunged into darkness. It isn’t the armrest she grips in fear though; it’s the arm of the handsome stranger next to her.
Trigger assault (on page and flashbacks), parental death (off page, but mentioned on page in flashbacks), grief, abusive romantic relationships (not between MC’s), abusive parental relationship,(on and off page) nightmares, flashbacks.
This is the second book in the Wilder Hearts series of linked standalones. The first book, The Ivy House is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and in paperback format from Amazon.
After landing his dream job, Chris is adjusting to moving back to the city he grew up in, and a long commute. He’s always been the one that people turn to, but when he finds the fast pace of his job and city life hard, he struggles to open up. He finds solace in the smile of the beautiful blonde woman on his train, but he can’t seem to work up the courage to talk to her.
After a traumatic incident, Molly’s return to the commute is disrupted when the train is plunged into darkness. It isn’t the armrest she grips in fear though; it’s the arm of the handsome stranger next to her.
Trigger assault (on page and flashbacks), parental death (off page, but mentioned on page in flashbacks), grief, abusive romantic relationships (not between MC’s), abusive parental relationship,(on and off page) nightmares, flashbacks.
This is the second book in the Wilder Hearts series of linked standalones. The first book, The Ivy House is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and in paperback format from Amazon.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2024
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Laura-Elise Bishop
5 books20 followersHey! I’m Laura Elise. I’m an indie author from South East England, where I live with my husband and son in a cute little village. I was the kid in the corner with a book for a lot of my childhood. Reading has always been an obsession of mine and so has writing! I love to travel and I incorporate cities, beaches and rural landscapes into my writing. I’m also a massive history geek so watch out for various historical details in my books. I’ve got a very wild taste in music and I create a playlist for every mood and each one of my books!
If I’m not reading or writing I’ll either be on the beach, having a swim in the sea, or on my sofa, doing something creative like embroidery or jewellery making.
If I’m not reading or writing I’ll either be on the beach, having a swim in the sea, or on my sofa, doing something creative like embroidery or jewellery making.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 6, 2024
Molly has been through a lot lately. After an incident on her way home from work, it takes all her courage to get back to her old routine.
When the handsome stranger she's seen a few times on her commute ends up sitting next to her during a train break down, he's the one helping her through her panic.
I just love Laura-Elise's writing so much!! The second book in the "Wilder Hearts"-Series follows Molly's and Chris' unique love story, starting with a few smiles on a train.
Both are incredibly caring and kind people, quick to help out others, but not very good at accepting help. I loved to see how they opened up to each other and let the other one help, if it was needed.
It's not all hearts and rainbows, Molly and Chris have to overcome a lot of obstacles in their way to finally be together, but the ending had me melting 🫠
Just like in "The Ivy House", the side characters are phenomenal. Laura-Elise is fantastic at writing found family friend groups. You can feel the love and care they have for each other throughout the pages.
If you like strong family/friendship bonds, cinnamon roll MMCs, kind and caring FMCs, awesome side characters and sweet and unique love stories, add "Incomplete Strangers" to your TBR!!
When the handsome stranger she's seen a few times on her commute ends up sitting next to her during a train break down, he's the one helping her through her panic.
I just love Laura-Elise's writing so much!! The second book in the "Wilder Hearts"-Series follows Molly's and Chris' unique love story, starting with a few smiles on a train.
Both are incredibly caring and kind people, quick to help out others, but not very good at accepting help. I loved to see how they opened up to each other and let the other one help, if it was needed.
It's not all hearts and rainbows, Molly and Chris have to overcome a lot of obstacles in their way to finally be together, but the ending had me melting 🫠
Just like in "The Ivy House", the side characters are phenomenal. Laura-Elise is fantastic at writing found family friend groups. You can feel the love and care they have for each other throughout the pages.
If you like strong family/friendship bonds, cinnamon roll MMCs, kind and caring FMCs, awesome side characters and sweet and unique love stories, add "Incomplete Strangers" to your TBR!!
June 4, 2024
This was a 4.5⭐️ for me.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book and these are my thoughts:
This is book two in Laura-Elise Bishop’s series.
I loved that the underlying pace was faster in book two, but it was still a slow, slow burn story. I couldn’t put it down!
After going through a traumatic experience, Molly finds herself having to face her life once again. She faces her fears and takes the train into London, from Canterbury, for work. On her way back, she sits next to “cute train dude” - as named by her sister, Saskia. After a power shortage, their interaction becomes more than just glances and smiles. Molly befriends the stranger on train and sees her life take an unexpected change.
I quite liked Molly - she was hard working and reliable. Even though she was traumatised, she never wanted to ask for help because she feared she’d be a burden on others. I really liked her boss! How he was there for her in such a sweet way. I also liked seeing her come out of her shell and heal.
Chris was just so sweet! He was so patient and caring towards all his loved one, but especially with Molly. He was truly a good friend and great boyfriend material, but alas! She had an idiot for a boyfriend.
Saskia was something else! The relationship between the sisters was delightful - they were such good friends and so very supportive of each other.
Though there is an infidelity plot, it’s brief and becomes a trigger for Molly to, assess her situation and take action; to open her eyes and stand up for what she truly wanted for her life.
This is a series I’ll definitely keep following! Can’t wait for the next book!
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book and these are my thoughts:
This is book two in Laura-Elise Bishop’s series.
I loved that the underlying pace was faster in book two, but it was still a slow, slow burn story. I couldn’t put it down!
After going through a traumatic experience, Molly finds herself having to face her life once again. She faces her fears and takes the train into London, from Canterbury, for work. On her way back, she sits next to “cute train dude” - as named by her sister, Saskia. After a power shortage, their interaction becomes more than just glances and smiles. Molly befriends the stranger on train and sees her life take an unexpected change.
I quite liked Molly - she was hard working and reliable. Even though she was traumatised, she never wanted to ask for help because she feared she’d be a burden on others. I really liked her boss! How he was there for her in such a sweet way. I also liked seeing her come out of her shell and heal.
Chris was just so sweet! He was so patient and caring towards all his loved one, but especially with Molly. He was truly a good friend and great boyfriend material, but alas! She had an idiot for a boyfriend.
Saskia was something else! The relationship between the sisters was delightful - they were such good friends and so very supportive of each other.
Though there is an infidelity plot, it’s brief and becomes a trigger for Molly to, assess her situation and take action; to open her eyes and stand up for what she truly wanted for her life.
This is a series I’ll definitely keep following! Can’t wait for the next book!
May 24, 2024
Incomplete Strangers is a story of friendship, and making your way in the world. Molly is a young professional who is recovering from a traumatic experience, and this wonderful story is about who steps up in her life and who doesn’t. Chris, an acquaintance from the train, is one of the warmest, decent heroes I have ever read. While this is definitely a lovely friends to lovers story, what impressed me most is how the author included relationships of all kinds; siblings, parents, longtime friends and new. A few fade to black steamy scenes tastefully done.
I was gifted an arc in return for my honest review.
I was gifted an arc in return for my honest review.
May 7, 2024
I was super lucky to be a beta reader for Laura, and I’m so glad I got to read this before you guys 💕
This book had me feeling all the feels! I fell in like with Chris instantly- he’s caring, kind and funny. I feel sorry for our girlie Molly and the trauma she suffered. I said to Laura, I absolutely despised a certain character, but that’s because they were well-written. Prepare to hate.
You will not be disappointed in this book.
🌶️/5
This book had me feeling all the feels! I fell in like with Chris instantly- he’s caring, kind and funny. I feel sorry for our girlie Molly and the trauma she suffered. I said to Laura, I absolutely despised a certain character, but that’s because they were well-written. Prepare to hate.
You will not be disappointed in this book.
🌶️/5
May 29, 2024
ARC Review of Incomplete Strangers by Laura-Elise Bishop📚🚊🇬🇧🍜🥞💘
The way I completely obsessed with this story was not okay, I was completely entranced by the story and Molly and Chris, I loved them from the first moment. I spent most of the book hating Mark (You’ll understand when you read it) and cursing him out.
Both Chris and Molly are the type of people who are always there for everyone but don’t let anyone help them out, so I absolutely loved how they opened up to each other and ask for help when they needed it. I loved how they overcame every obstacle thrown their way to be together.
Chris being such a good friend was the best thing in this book for me, he was always there for Molly, no questions asked, and that genuinely made my heart melt a million times.
Tropes
✨Cinnamon roll MMC
✨Strong, yet vulnerable FMC
✨Friends to lovers
✨Slow burn
✨Anxiety, grief and trauma rep
✨ADHD rep
✨Mutual pining
✨Chaotic families
✨Found family
✨Between Canterbury and London
This book was everything, it gave me all the feels, loving vibes and we all need a Chris in our lives. Obsessed doesn’t even come close, so go read it as soon as it’s out, definitely the best part of my week was reading this beautiful story!😍Super grateful to Laura for being in her team and being able to get this beautiful ARC!💗
‼️Book out June 4th and I'm already incredibly excited for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
The way I completely obsessed with this story was not okay, I was completely entranced by the story and Molly and Chris, I loved them from the first moment. I spent most of the book hating Mark (You’ll understand when you read it) and cursing him out.
Both Chris and Molly are the type of people who are always there for everyone but don’t let anyone help them out, so I absolutely loved how they opened up to each other and ask for help when they needed it. I loved how they overcame every obstacle thrown their way to be together.
Chris being such a good friend was the best thing in this book for me, he was always there for Molly, no questions asked, and that genuinely made my heart melt a million times.
Tropes
✨Cinnamon roll MMC
✨Strong, yet vulnerable FMC
✨Friends to lovers
✨Slow burn
✨Anxiety, grief and trauma rep
✨ADHD rep
✨Mutual pining
✨Chaotic families
✨Found family
✨Between Canterbury and London
This book was everything, it gave me all the feels, loving vibes and we all need a Chris in our lives. Obsessed doesn’t even come close, so go read it as soon as it’s out, definitely the best part of my week was reading this beautiful story!😍Super grateful to Laura for being in her team and being able to get this beautiful ARC!💗
‼️Book out June 4th and I'm already incredibly excited for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
May 22, 2024
Incomplete Strangers is a very sweet and veeeery swoony love story.
Molly (the FMC) is vulnerable, sweet, caring, and selfless. She has a heart of gold and she deserves to be truly loved.
Chris (the MMC) is... Ok, how much time do we have to talk about Chris?! He is kind, careful, perceptive, and a true gentleman. He is also sexy, confident, and fun. Plus, his only mission is to make the woman he loves feel adored, protected, and perfect just the way she is. Do I need to say more? He's seriously the perfect book boyfriend, and I need him to be real! As a matter of fact, it makes me so mad that in all of my years of commute (when I was a student) I've never met a stranger like him on the train. That is what happens to Molly aka the luckiest girl in the world. From the moment they meet on the train, Molly and Chris start to build a relationship based on respect and trust. The way they encourage ans support each other is pretty moving. Together, they just make one of the sweetest and lovliest couples ever.
So if you are looking for a slow burn, sweet, and swoony strangers to friends to lovers romance, Incomplete Strangers is the right book for you!
Molly (the FMC) is vulnerable, sweet, caring, and selfless. She has a heart of gold and she deserves to be truly loved.
Chris (the MMC) is... Ok, how much time do we have to talk about Chris?! He is kind, careful, perceptive, and a true gentleman. He is also sexy, confident, and fun. Plus, his only mission is to make the woman he loves feel adored, protected, and perfect just the way she is. Do I need to say more? He's seriously the perfect book boyfriend, and I need him to be real! As a matter of fact, it makes me so mad that in all of my years of commute (when I was a student) I've never met a stranger like him on the train. That is what happens to Molly aka the luckiest girl in the world. From the moment they meet on the train, Molly and Chris start to build a relationship based on respect and trust. The way they encourage ans support each other is pretty moving. Together, they just make one of the sweetest and lovliest couples ever.
So if you are looking for a slow burn, sweet, and swoony strangers to friends to lovers romance, Incomplete Strangers is the right book for you!
May 30, 2024
What a cozy, lovely story Laura Elise has written! It's set in London and has all the characteristics that bring it to life and make me feel like I'm there.
My favorite part of the plot was the relationship between the main character, Molly, and her sister. They took such good care of each other in their own ways.
The love interest was also super sweet. A complete cinnamon roll!
Grab a blanket and a hot drink, and enjoy this feel-good story about finding one's inner strength and what one really wants out of life.
My favorite part of the plot was the relationship between the main character, Molly, and her sister. They took such good care of each other in their own ways.
The love interest was also super sweet. A complete cinnamon roll!
Grab a blanket and a hot drink, and enjoy this feel-good story about finding one's inner strength and what one really wants out of life.
April 24, 2024
Right where to start with this book! I Alpha and Beta read this book after being obsessed with the Ivy house.
This book has become my all time comfort book.
Chris and Molly both have a very special place in my heart and will be there when I need to read them again!
I have been lucky enough to read this book twice and I would give anything to read this book for the first time again!
Molly is the most relatable character - stuck in a relationship that she thinks she need to be in and recovering from trauma - she’s getting used to being the person she needs to be and finding herself again alongside the loss of her mum and her sister moving away.
Chris - where to start with Chris! Lonely and looking for a smile on the train! And there she is! He’s your usual techy who is good at solving others problems! He’s cute and charming and there to look after you when you’re sad or in need! Loves drinking tea and will fall for you if you give him cookies!
If you’re looking for a cute read and some warmth I would highly recommend.
This book will be passed on to all of my friends!
This book has become my all time comfort book.
Chris and Molly both have a very special place in my heart and will be there when I need to read them again!
I have been lucky enough to read this book twice and I would give anything to read this book for the first time again!
Molly is the most relatable character - stuck in a relationship that she thinks she need to be in and recovering from trauma - she’s getting used to being the person she needs to be and finding herself again alongside the loss of her mum and her sister moving away.
Chris - where to start with Chris! Lonely and looking for a smile on the train! And there she is! He’s your usual techy who is good at solving others problems! He’s cute and charming and there to look after you when you’re sad or in need! Loves drinking tea and will fall for you if you give him cookies!
If you’re looking for a cute read and some warmth I would highly recommend.
This book will be passed on to all of my friends!
July 18, 2024
Congratulations to you, Laura, on the release of your second book!
Incomplete Strangers is the second, following The Ivy House, in the Wilder Hearts series, which will include a number of interconnected stand-alones.
In Incomplete Strangers, we met Chris and Molly, a delightful pair of fellow train passengers that become friends during a train power outage, and overtime become something much more.
Chris is goals---just an absolutely fab friend and dreamy gentleman who is not afraid to talk about his feelings. Molly worries about burdening others with her needs and learns to find that balance between caretaking and leaning on others with Chris.
If you love books that feature beautiful British settings, characters that grow together and support each other, and friends and family that are all up in each other’s business, then this is a great series for you.
These first two books in the series are fade-to-black, and any potentially triggering topics are handled sensitively, making this a delightful mood read for those of you in your cottage core era.
Find Laura’s books on Amazon, and don’t forget to rate after you read!
Incomplete Strangers is the second, following The Ivy House, in the Wilder Hearts series, which will include a number of interconnected stand-alones.
In Incomplete Strangers, we met Chris and Molly, a delightful pair of fellow train passengers that become friends during a train power outage, and overtime become something much more.
Chris is goals---just an absolutely fab friend and dreamy gentleman who is not afraid to talk about his feelings. Molly worries about burdening others with her needs and learns to find that balance between caretaking and leaning on others with Chris.
If you love books that feature beautiful British settings, characters that grow together and support each other, and friends and family that are all up in each other’s business, then this is a great series for you.
These first two books in the series are fade-to-black, and any potentially triggering topics are handled sensitively, making this a delightful mood read for those of you in your cottage core era.
Find Laura’s books on Amazon, and don’t forget to rate after you read!
September 20, 2024
A wholesome story about friendship and finding your way in this crazy world. Great for anyone who enjoys a slow burn, friends to lovers, phenomenal characters, and a friends to lovers type of story.
This series has been such a sweet ride so far, and I am loving it. I absolutely adored molly and Saskia had me laughing at her antics (I cannot wait for her story). Chris was such a sweetheart and felt like a giant hug through the book. He is just such a kind soul that several times I wanted to wrap him in buble wrap to keep him safe. Don't let that fool you cause he's also very protective and can hold his own.
Both molly and him are incredible kind caring people who have a hard time letting others help them even when they need it. I loved seeing them grow and open up to each other and let the other help them when needed.
They both had a lot of obstacles to overcome, but once they did, the ending was impossibly sweet.
Also Moron Mark can eat a dirty sock. He was written beautifully, but I still hate him. IYKYKacters, and a friends to lovers type of story.
This series has been such a sweet ride so far, and I am loving it. I absolutely adored molly and Saskia had me laughing at her antics (I cannot wait for her story). Chris was such a sweetheart and felt like a giant hug through the book. He is just such a kind soul that several times I wanted to wrap him in buble wrap to keep him safe. Don't let that fool you cause he's also very protective and can hold his own.
Both molly and him are incredible kind caring people who have a hard time letting others help them even when they need it. I loved seeing them grow and open up to each other and let the other help them when needed.
They both had a lot of obstacles to overcome, but once they did, the ending was impossibly sweet.
Also Moron Mark can eat a dirty sock. He was written beautifully, but I still hate him. IYKYKacters, and a friends to lovers type of story.
August 31, 2025
Another sweet romance from Laura Elise that I thoroughly enjoyed, and took my time savouring every night! Incomplete Strangers follows Molly and Chris, two of the nicest people in the world, in the lead up to their HEA. Bouncing between their hometown of Canterbury and London, the settings are given festive touches as the story unfolds over the Halloween and Christmas season.
Molly is trapped in a draining relationship and still recovering from a traumatic mugging incident when she meets Chris. Chris is the ultimate green flag MMC who is understanding, patient and shows Molly more care and support than her boyfriend Mark.
Supported by their friends and families, Molly and Chris reach within to find the courage to admit their feelings for one another. Readers familiar with Laura Elise’s other stories will be happy to see old friends make guest appearances at the Halloween party, Mimosa bar, and in London’s West End theatres.
I enjoyed this romantic drama peppered with light twists and unexpected revelations along the way.
Molly is trapped in a draining relationship and still recovering from a traumatic mugging incident when she meets Chris. Chris is the ultimate green flag MMC who is understanding, patient and shows Molly more care and support than her boyfriend Mark.
Supported by their friends and families, Molly and Chris reach within to find the courage to admit their feelings for one another. Readers familiar with Laura Elise’s other stories will be happy to see old friends make guest appearances at the Halloween party, Mimosa bar, and in London’s West End theatres.
I enjoyed this romantic drama peppered with light twists and unexpected revelations along the way.
July 4, 2024
This book still lives rent-free in my mind. Chris is a top tier list book boyfriend. Once you read this book, you'll find yourself booking a flight/train to Canterbury. Maybe you won't find him, waiting at the station (already tried myself) but at least, you'll discover this amazing place where Laura is setting her stories.
Molly is so relatable, so human, I just wanted to hand her a blanket and a cup of tea and then hug her. But her sister was already working on it. Their relationship is so strong and beautiful.
I could write about this book for hours so I'll stop now. Just read it. Enjoy that beautiful romance.
Molly is so relatable, so human, I just wanted to hand her a blanket and a cup of tea and then hug her. But her sister was already working on it. Their relationship is so strong and beautiful.
I could write about this book for hours so I'll stop now. Just read it. Enjoy that beautiful romance.
June 4, 2024
I thought I loved the ivy house but then I read this and I honestly couldn’t put it down. The slow burn and the depth of the friendships are phenomenal and watching the characters all interact- especially Molly and saskia! They all balence each other out so well and I was hooked from the start
The little updates of Kate and Alex from the ivy house was just the icing on the cake
The little updates of Kate and Alex from the ivy house was just the icing on the cake
June 13, 2024
DNF at 48%
June 11, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - Incomplete Strangers by Laura-Elise Bishop
It was a good story to read but personally i find it feasable for me.
No doubt connection between the main characters was very good.
Chris and Molly are total stranger who meet each other on a train and are attracted to each other.
I hated Mark(you’ll see why)
But i love the like connection Chris and Molly had with their sibblings.
If you like slow burn, friends to lovers - you can read this.❤️
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - Incomplete Strangers by Laura-Elise Bishop
It was a good story to read but personally i find it feasable for me.
No doubt connection between the main characters was very good.
Chris and Molly are total stranger who meet each other on a train and are attracted to each other.
I hated Mark(you’ll see why)
But i love the like connection Chris and Molly had with their sibblings.
If you like slow burn, friends to lovers - you can read this.❤️
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews