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Falling Too Late
Wren Jacobson
I have been on the verge of drowning my entire life, barely keeping my head above water. Don’t get me wrong, I thought about it; letting the current pull me under. My life was a nightmare and who would keep living in this kind of misery? But I can’t give up. I refuse. If they would just die, my life would be a thousand times better. I’ve tried to run away but I’m dragged back kicking and screaming every time.
Then I met him.
He makes me feel human and for the first time I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
Then my only lifeline is ripped away from me, leaving me gasping for air.
Alexander Harper
The neighbors who live next door were always screaming, yelling and crying. I didn’t know the horrors that were happening between those walls. If I had only paid attention, if I had only said something, maybe I could have helped her sooner. Rather, I just left, spending most evenings out with friends. I didn’t want to make waves; I didn’t want to put more on my mothers’ already full plate.
But when I am put into a position to finally help the girl next door, I don’t hesitate.
I start to make plans, I want to give her the life she has always deserved, and I almost get us there, until her living nightmare plunges us back into the deep end.
I have been on the verge of drowning my entire life, barely keeping my head above water. Don’t get me wrong, I thought about it; letting the current pull me under. My life was a nightmare and who would keep living in this kind of misery? But I can’t give up. I refuse. If they would just die, my life would be a thousand times better. I’ve tried to run away but I’m dragged back kicking and screaming every time.
Then I met him.
He makes me feel human and for the first time I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
Then my only lifeline is ripped away from me, leaving me gasping for air.
Alexander Harper
The neighbors who live next door were always screaming, yelling and crying. I didn’t know the horrors that were happening between those walls. If I had only paid attention, if I had only said something, maybe I could have helped her sooner. Rather, I just left, spending most evenings out with friends. I didn’t want to make waves; I didn’t want to put more on my mothers’ already full plate.
But when I am put into a position to finally help the girl next door, I don’t hesitate.
I start to make plans, I want to give her the life she has always deserved, and I almost get us there, until her living nightmare plunges us back into the deep end.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
83 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
January 11, 2025
I went into this book somewhat blind and let me just say I was gasping and shaking my head at certain parts. This one broke my heart several times but mended it in the end. This one is a bit heavy with some definite triggers so please check trigger warnings before reading.
Some of the transitions in this book didn't really flow that well for me so in that regard I will say that this book is not perfect, but for a debut novel this was very well done.
Some of the transitions in this book didn't really flow that well for me so in that regard I will say that this book is not perfect, but for a debut novel this was very well done.
May 9, 2025
⭐️4 🌶️ 2.5
The emotional toll this book took on me is insane ! I wasn’t even six pages into the book and my girl was being broken in the most vile and despicable ways by the one person that should love you and protect you smh . I haven’t left a book broken like this since Under Your Scars , but at least this had a HEA🤧 .
”I just never knew drowning could feel this good, till I was drowning in you.”
The emotional toll this book took on me is insane ! I wasn’t even six pages into the book and my girl was being broken in the most vile and despicable ways by the one person that should love you and protect you smh . I haven’t left a book broken like this since Under Your Scars , but at least this had a HEA🤧 .
”I just never knew drowning could feel this good, till I was drowning in you.”
December 1, 2024
I typically enjoy dark reads that stay grounded in reality, but Falling Too Late felt far-fetched.
Alex's character development lacked depth and believability. The seemed out of line with his personality, and while he did we didn’t get to see that transformation unfold.
Another major flaw was all the miscommunication when Alex got out of prison. (Jon being the culprit)
The double date Alex planned to confront Jon and Wren felt ridiculous, which detracted from the story’s authenticity.
While I understand the author’s desire to add a twist by sending Alex to prison, Kevin's return felt unnecessary and over the top. At this point, the plot became too convoluted for my taste.
That all being said, the writing was good—my major issues were with the plot.
Alex's character development lacked depth and believability. The seemed out of line with his personality, and while he did we didn’t get to see that transformation unfold.
Another major flaw was all the miscommunication when Alex got out of prison. (Jon being the culprit)
The double date Alex planned to confront Jon and Wren felt ridiculous, which detracted from the story’s authenticity.
While I understand the author’s desire to add a twist by sending Alex to prison, Kevin's return felt unnecessary and over the top. At this point, the plot became too convoluted for my taste.
That all being said, the writing was good—my major issues were with the plot.
August 11, 2024
Wow....an incredibly epic story. Loved it.
August 2, 2024
Title: Falling Too Late
Author: Dae Graves
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Wren Jacobson experienced evil firsthand at a young age. Being alone was her escape until Alex Harper walked into her life. They became each other's lifeline until their past came back to haunt them and threaten to tear down everything they had built.
This story pulled no punches from start to finish. A lot of things happened throughout the book that were sickeningly heartbreaking and rage-inducing.
It’s impossible not to feel for Wren and Alex. They were forced to endure what life hurled their way. There were also plenty of supporting characters with their own appeal.
Falling Too Late is a story of resilience and unconditional love. It would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional hurt/comfort dynamics in dark romance.
🥀✖️🥀. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🥀✖️🥀
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Author: Dae Graves
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Wren Jacobson experienced evil firsthand at a young age. Being alone was her escape until Alex Harper walked into her life. They became each other's lifeline until their past came back to haunt them and threaten to tear down everything they had built.
This story pulled no punches from start to finish. A lot of things happened throughout the book that were sickeningly heartbreaking and rage-inducing.
It’s impossible not to feel for Wren and Alex. They were forced to endure what life hurled their way. There were also plenty of supporting characters with their own appeal.
Falling Too Late is a story of resilience and unconditional love. It would appeal to readers who enjoy emotional hurt/comfort dynamics in dark romance.
🥀✖️🥀. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🥀✖️🥀
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
August 15, 2025
⭐️5 🌶️2
📣 underrated gem!!!
One of my fave books of the year! The character arc in this book was absolutely phenomenal! I just wish there had been another twist at the end — it was a bit predictable, but still really good.
- suspense
- heavy trauma
- plot twists
- life struggles
📣 underrated gem!!!
One of my fave books of the year! The character arc in this book was absolutely phenomenal! I just wish there had been another twist at the end — it was a bit predictable, but still really good.
- suspense
- heavy trauma
- plot twists
- life struggles
August 17, 2024
4.5★
As a teen, Wren Jacobsen found a deep connection with Alexander Harper gifting him the love and trust she never experienced. As their lives together coalesced, it no sooner crashed down leaving them to pick up the pieces.
Narrated in dual POV, the circumstances bringing Wren and Alex together pull at the heart strings and it makes what they shared even more precious. With Alex being an innate protector, it is admirable as he tries to shield Wren from any more pain. Considering the trauma Wren endured, she is a strong character.
From the beginning, I was completely invested in Wren and Alex, including the angst of what might come. When the plot suddenly shifted, I wasn’t sure how it would further develop but I was pleasantly surprised, and couldn’t get to the end fast enough. Though some plot points needed a little more probing, the ending was fitting. Lastly, Gloria is so selfless and deserves a medal.
Falling Too Late is a story about unconditional love and strength in the face of trauma. This book would appeal to those seeking an emotional romance.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
As a teen, Wren Jacobsen found a deep connection with Alexander Harper gifting him the love and trust she never experienced. As their lives together coalesced, it no sooner crashed down leaving them to pick up the pieces.
“You are the only thing I have ever asked for. The only one I have ever wanted.”
Narrated in dual POV, the circumstances bringing Wren and Alex together pull at the heart strings and it makes what they shared even more precious. With Alex being an innate protector, it is admirable as he tries to shield Wren from any more pain. Considering the trauma Wren endured, she is a strong character.
From the beginning, I was completely invested in Wren and Alex, including the angst of what might come. When the plot suddenly shifted, I wasn’t sure how it would further develop but I was pleasantly surprised, and couldn’t get to the end fast enough. Though some plot points needed a little more probing, the ending was fitting. Lastly, Gloria is so selfless and deserves a medal.
Falling Too Late is a story about unconditional love and strength in the face of trauma. This book would appeal to those seeking an emotional romance.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
“𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕, 𝕥𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Did I say I was gonna take a break from heartbreaking books after Under Your Scars? Yes
Did () twist my rubber arm with a single IG story? Maybe 🌚
But my god this book was heartbreaking but god was it so good. Wren has been through hell and back in every sense of the phrase, watching her go through all the pain she did had me crying over and over for her. But then she met OUR SWEET BABY ANGEL Alex and his mom Gloria. They are the God sent angels in this book and genuinely saved Wrens life.
From the first moment Wren and Alex met, I knew these two were destined to be together and god I loved them so much. But that's not without its struggles and certain situations (IYKYK 👀). There is sadness, happiness, anger, grief, all wrapped up in a 398 page book, but I loved every single second of it. ❤️
PS, it does have an HEA, but please read the trigger warnings as this is a very dark book
🌶️🌶️
“𝕀 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕, 𝕥𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Did I say I was gonna take a break from heartbreaking books after Under Your Scars? Yes
Did () twist my rubber arm with a single IG story? Maybe 🌚
But my god this book was heartbreaking but god was it so good. Wren has been through hell and back in every sense of the phrase, watching her go through all the pain she did had me crying over and over for her. But then she met OUR SWEET BABY ANGEL Alex and his mom Gloria. They are the God sent angels in this book and genuinely saved Wrens life.
From the first moment Wren and Alex met, I knew these two were destined to be together and god I loved them so much. But that's not without its struggles and certain situations (IYKYK 👀). There is sadness, happiness, anger, grief, all wrapped up in a 398 page book, but I loved every single second of it. ❤️
PS, it does have an HEA, but please read the trigger warnings as this is a very dark book
August 2, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶.5/ 5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Standalone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual POV
Genre: contemporary romance
Tropes:
heroine in peril
traumatic pasts
Found Family
Friends to Lovers
Dark
abused
fated lovers
smalltown
My Thoughts: "Falling Too Late" by Dae Graves is the debut novel of this author and a phenomenal book. I am so glad to have finished my reading challenge with this one. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a novel; as a reader, you will find yourself second-guessing human beings and their morality, and realizing how evil we as humans can be. The twists and character growth of the main characters were fantastic. The hero and heroine couldn't have been more perfect, and you will find yourself rooting for them throughout the novel. I 100% recommend this book; however, it is dark and deals with extremely heavy situations, so please make sure to check the trigger warnings before deciding to read it.
Spiciness rating: 🌶.5/ 5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Standalone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual POV
Genre: contemporary romance
Tropes:
heroine in peril
traumatic pasts
Found Family
Friends to Lovers
Dark
abused
fated lovers
smalltown
My Thoughts: "Falling Too Late" by Dae Graves is the debut novel of this author and a phenomenal book. I am so glad to have finished my reading challenge with this one. It was an emotional rollercoaster of a novel; as a reader, you will find yourself second-guessing human beings and their morality, and realizing how evil we as humans can be. The twists and character growth of the main characters were fantastic. The hero and heroine couldn't have been more perfect, and you will find yourself rooting for them throughout the novel. I 100% recommend this book; however, it is dark and deals with extremely heavy situations, so please make sure to check the trigger warnings before deciding to read it.
August 17, 2024
Amazon
⚠️⚠️⚠️( Check All TW before reading) ⚠️⚠️⚠️
This book was beautifully written. In excited for what is coming next. I finish the book in two days
⚠️⚠️⚠️( Check All TW before reading) ⚠️⚠️⚠️
This book was beautifully written. In excited for what is coming next. I finish the book in two days
June 17, 2024
Review of Falling Too Late by Dae Graves.
I was given an eARC for an honest review.
*GASP* 5⭐️Dark Romance Debut‼️This book punched me in the heart so hard! I absolutely love Alex and Wren. I was quickly enmeshed in their story. I devoured this book! When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. The plot is twisty, heart-wrenching, and intense. Just when I thought what else could possibly go wrong, Dae showed me! Character development, writing style, and plot are top notch! If you are looking for a book that gives you all the feels, look no further! Highly recommended! This story is going to stick with me for a very long time! I cannot wait to read Dae’s next book. Don’t stop writing, Dae!!! ⚠️Beware the trigger warnings⚠️
I was given an eARC for an honest review.
*GASP* 5⭐️Dark Romance Debut‼️This book punched me in the heart so hard! I absolutely love Alex and Wren. I was quickly enmeshed in their story. I devoured this book! When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. The plot is twisty, heart-wrenching, and intense. Just when I thought what else could possibly go wrong, Dae showed me! Character development, writing style, and plot are top notch! If you are looking for a book that gives you all the feels, look no further! Highly recommended! This story is going to stick with me for a very long time! I cannot wait to read Dae’s next book. Don’t stop writing, Dae!!! ⚠️Beware the trigger warnings⚠️
June 11, 2025
ꜱʜᴇ ʟᴀᴜɢʜᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅ.
Did I cry reading this book multiple times? Yes. Am i still crying? Yes.
ɪ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪꜱᴇ. ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴏɴ ᴘᴜʀᴘᴏꜱᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ ɪᴛ.
Okay, I finished this book OVER a month ago & Iv been trying to make a perfect review because this book deserves nothing less honestly 😭
When I found this book, I was DESPERATE to find something to bring me out of my slump & it cured my slump from the jump! Like heartbreak starting page one?? Pleaseeee✋🏻- I loveeee devastating books. This book had its claws HOOKED inside my heart & then shredded it. I stayed up until 2am reading this & saying “one more chapter”, & I can’t tell you the last time I have done that with a book!
Also Dae-TIME JUMP?!? GIRL, I had to put my kindle in a time out for a good 30 mins😭😭😭
Wren & Alex, my god I loved them so so much. I dont want to give any spoilers but just know they are engraved in my heart forever😩🖤 The story, the writing, the characters,the plot, spice, all of it was just perfect🥹❤️🩹
🐦⬛🩵time jump
🐦⬛🩵friends to lovers
🐦⬛🩵”Let me be your first”
🐦⬛🩵trauma
🐦⬛🩵boy lives next door
🐦⬛🩵touch her and
🐦⬛🩵”that’s my girl”
Please check your triggers before you read🖤
Dae I CANNOT wait for Falling Too Far!!!! I just know Ezekiel & Foster are going to be explosive!!
Did I cry reading this book multiple times? Yes. Am i still crying? Yes.
ɪ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪꜱᴇ. ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱɴ’ᴛ ᴏɴ ᴘᴜʀᴘᴏꜱᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ ɪᴛ.
Okay, I finished this book OVER a month ago & Iv been trying to make a perfect review because this book deserves nothing less honestly 😭
When I found this book, I was DESPERATE to find something to bring me out of my slump & it cured my slump from the jump! Like heartbreak starting page one?? Pleaseeee✋🏻- I loveeee devastating books. This book had its claws HOOKED inside my heart & then shredded it. I stayed up until 2am reading this & saying “one more chapter”, & I can’t tell you the last time I have done that with a book!
Also Dae-TIME JUMP?!? GIRL, I had to put my kindle in a time out for a good 30 mins😭😭😭
Wren & Alex, my god I loved them so so much. I dont want to give any spoilers but just know they are engraved in my heart forever😩🖤 The story, the writing, the characters,the plot, spice, all of it was just perfect🥹❤️🩹
🐦⬛🩵time jump
🐦⬛🩵friends to lovers
🐦⬛🩵”Let me be your first”
🐦⬛🩵trauma
🐦⬛🩵boy lives next door
🐦⬛🩵touch her and
🐦⬛🩵”that’s my girl”
Please check your triggers before you read🖤
Dae I CANNOT wait for Falling Too Far!!!! I just know Ezekiel & Foster are going to be explosive!!
October 3, 2024
Beautiful story
I devoured this book! Wren is such a strong character after going through all she went through. So inspiring. And Alex is so amazing. There were moments I couldn't breathe it was so good and I feared for the ending.
Such a good, deep story of two best friends that take care of each other until the end! I'm tearing up. So glad I read this.
I devoured this book! Wren is such a strong character after going through all she went through. So inspiring. And Alex is so amazing. There were moments I couldn't breathe it was so good and I feared for the ending.
Such a good, deep story of two best friends that take care of each other until the end! I'm tearing up. So glad I read this.
May 11, 2025
“𝐼 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒹𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹, 𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒹𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊.”
I was recommended this book by a friend on my bookstagram and I’m so glad for that! This was such a hard read at times but it ended up being a beautiful story! The whiplash this book gave me was REAL but I loved it!
I went into this book completely blind. There were times that I was literally screaming and crying because WHAT 😭 I thought I knew what was going to happen but my assumptions were wrong. my momma heart broke within the first chapter though. I felt so bad for Wren and everything she experienced but regardless of everything she went through she ended up becoming a very strong person. And my heart.. ahh don’t even get me started on Alexander 😭 i loved him so much.. oh and the twists in this book were quite literally insane. jaw dropping.
I really hope this book starts to become more popular because it’s definitely worth it and I hope my review convinces you to add it to your TBR! It is a heavy & hard read at times so I do recommend checking triggers if you have any.
I was recommended this book by a friend on my bookstagram and I’m so glad for that! This was such a hard read at times but it ended up being a beautiful story! The whiplash this book gave me was REAL but I loved it!
I went into this book completely blind. There were times that I was literally screaming and crying because WHAT 😭 I thought I knew what was going to happen but my assumptions were wrong. my momma heart broke within the first chapter though. I felt so bad for Wren and everything she experienced but regardless of everything she went through she ended up becoming a very strong person. And my heart.. ahh don’t even get me started on Alexander 😭 i loved him so much.. oh and the twists in this book were quite literally insane. jaw dropping.
I really hope this book starts to become more popular because it’s definitely worth it and I hope my review convinces you to add it to your TBR! It is a heavy & hard read at times so I do recommend checking triggers if you have any.
January 14, 2025
After being simply satisfied with my last few reads, this one was a welcome change, because it’s such a heart breaking, attention grabbing story.
Wren is a poor, severely abused child, with a deceased father and a mother who hates her. While walking to school one day, Wren meets Alex, another financially stressed youth, and they become friends. After the at home abuse comes to a head, Alex, and his mother, Gloria, take Wren in to live with them.
Lord, that’s all I’m going to say about this because I’d hate to give away this story! My emotions while reading went from sadness to pure joy, sitting on the edge of my seat the entire ride. I almost finished it in one sitting, but I had to do something stupid that interrupted my reading (sleep). I’ve never read this author before, but damn I’m not staying away! I recommend this to anyone without triggers, such an amazing story of love, growth, strength, and survival. I can’t wait to read it again!
Wren is a poor, severely abused child, with a deceased father and a mother who hates her. While walking to school one day, Wren meets Alex, another financially stressed youth, and they become friends. After the at home abuse comes to a head, Alex, and his mother, Gloria, take Wren in to live with them.
Lord, that’s all I’m going to say about this because I’d hate to give away this story! My emotions while reading went from sadness to pure joy, sitting on the edge of my seat the entire ride. I almost finished it in one sitting, but I had to do something stupid that interrupted my reading (sleep). I’ve never read this author before, but damn I’m not staying away! I recommend this to anyone without triggers, such an amazing story of love, growth, strength, and survival. I can’t wait to read it again!
August 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
🌼Dark Trauma Romance
🖤Protective MMC
🌼Wounded FMC
🖤Slow Burn
🌼Friends to Lovers
🖤Touch Her and Di3
🌼Found Family
I was recommend this book through one of live reading sprints.
Wow! I went into this book blind. All I knew is it was heartbreaking. Falling Too Late heavily dives into dark themes (open door SA). Please check your TWs. The author wrote these scenes in a very respectful way that was heartbreaking. Wren the FMC was beautiful written! Her growth throughout the book is was my favorite part. The MMC Alex…so protective and so understanding. The perfect MMC. This book was so sad. I hurt for her. There was a surprising twist at the half way mark that I was not expecting in a good way.
Falling Too Late will break you, put you back together and break you again. Highly recommend!
🌶️🌶️
🌼Dark Trauma Romance
🖤Protective MMC
🌼Wounded FMC
🖤Slow Burn
🌼Friends to Lovers
🖤Touch Her and Di3
🌼Found Family
I was recommend this book through one of live reading sprints.
Wow! I went into this book blind. All I knew is it was heartbreaking. Falling Too Late heavily dives into dark themes (open door SA). Please check your TWs. The author wrote these scenes in a very respectful way that was heartbreaking. Wren the FMC was beautiful written! Her growth throughout the book is was my favorite part. The MMC Alex…so protective and so understanding. The perfect MMC. This book was so sad. I hurt for her. There was a surprising twist at the half way mark that I was not expecting in a good way.
Falling Too Late will break you, put you back together and break you again. Highly recommend!
August 12, 2024
4.5
I loved this one!
This was a f(br) with CC & War!
I loved this one!
This was a f(br) with CC & War!
June 20, 2024
This is my FAVORITE book of this year so far!! The chokehold Alex and Wren have on me is insane. If you are an H.D. Carlton fan I think you will fall in love with book. It is so well written and the story line is chefs kiss. Definitely check your triggers. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 9, 2024
ARC REVIEW: Books comes out June 20th
Oh man… let me just start out by saying PLEASE READ YOUR TRIGGERS WARNINGS ON THIS BOOK! This book is dark, deep, and extremely heavy. You may think you can handle it… but just prepare yourself. Now don’t let that scare you into not reading this book, because you should read this book. I cried a lot in this book. My heart broke and ached a lot. My emotions were everywhere in this book. I about threw my kindle a few times. This book is sooo devastatingly beautiful. The love story that transpires between Alex and Wren is organic and heartbreakingly devastating. Just when you think okay things cannot get worse they do. Also… listen to your gut about Jon… When I tell you I was on the edge of my seat reading this book I was. I DEVOURED this book, I could not put it down. My belly was is knots. You know when you get on a roller coaster and it makes the first drop and you get butterflies in your belly…. Ya well this book did that to me the whole way through. There are some twist in this book. That left me gasping, wide eyed, and staring straight ahead. For this being her first book.. Dae, you did not disappoint. This book left me in a book hangover and I am okay about that. Seriously one of my top reads this year.
Oh man… let me just start out by saying PLEASE READ YOUR TRIGGERS WARNINGS ON THIS BOOK! This book is dark, deep, and extremely heavy. You may think you can handle it… but just prepare yourself. Now don’t let that scare you into not reading this book, because you should read this book. I cried a lot in this book. My heart broke and ached a lot. My emotions were everywhere in this book. I about threw my kindle a few times. This book is sooo devastatingly beautiful. The love story that transpires between Alex and Wren is organic and heartbreakingly devastating. Just when you think okay things cannot get worse they do. Also… listen to your gut about Jon… When I tell you I was on the edge of my seat reading this book I was. I DEVOURED this book, I could not put it down. My belly was is knots. You know when you get on a roller coaster and it makes the first drop and you get butterflies in your belly…. Ya well this book did that to me the whole way through. There are some twist in this book. That left me gasping, wide eyed, and staring straight ahead. For this being her first book.. Dae, you did not disappoint. This book left me in a book hangover and I am okay about that. Seriously one of my top reads this year.
June 4, 2024
I don't even know where to begin with this review. I was honored to be picked as an ARC reader for this absolute MASTERPIECE.
When I tell you, I could not put this book down. I mean, I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I even burnt my food cooking because I was too preoccupied reading.
From start to finish, this book had me in a chokehold. The first chapter was a rough one to get through (make sure you read the TW's for this one), but I fell in love with the story quickly. This book tore me apart and put me back together at the same time. I couldn't get enough of the connection between Alex & Wren, and the absolute hell they grew together in. This book quickly became one of my favorite books ever. I definitely recommend reading it.. again and again... And again.
Dae Graves, you stole my heart and wrecked me with this one.
When I tell you, I could not put this book down. I mean, I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I even burnt my food cooking because I was too preoccupied reading.
From start to finish, this book had me in a chokehold. The first chapter was a rough one to get through (make sure you read the TW's for this one), but I fell in love with the story quickly. This book tore me apart and put me back together at the same time. I couldn't get enough of the connection between Alex & Wren, and the absolute hell they grew together in. This book quickly became one of my favorite books ever. I definitely recommend reading it.. again and again... And again.
Dae Graves, you stole my heart and wrecked me with this one.
September 1, 2024
Falling Too Late
by Dae Graves
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇝ ★★★★☆
🦋 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞 🦋
“I just never thought that drowning could feel this good, till I was drowning in you.” - Alex James Harper
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
✉️ “My Girl”
🪻 Slow Burn
✉️ SA Survivor
🪻 Wound FMC
✉️ Friends to Lovers
🪻 Touch Her and Die
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
If you value your mental health I suggest you avoid going into this book blind. I cannot stress this enough, check the trigger warnings before you jump into this (triggers will be down below).
This book messed me up from the very beginning. I did this to myself by going in blind . I might've gotten triggered(?) I’m not sure, I have never been triggered before. After getting all the emotions under control I went back and checked the tw to prepare myself for what was ahead (I was still caught off guard). It was just a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the entire read. Alex and Gloria Harper have a special place in my heart though, they were so supportive and they were the first people to actually care for that girl’s well-being. In my opinion, Kevin, Lloyd and Lynn didn’t suffer enough for what they put that poor girl through. I LOATHED THEM WITH EVERYTHING IN ME.
As the story went on to the MCs life after college we got to meet some great side characters, Troy and Gavin were probably my favorites. She truly found the family she never had with everyone she met during and after her college days (except for Jon, we don’t like him in this household). This was a good yet traumatic read and I enjoyed it – the parts that I could enjoy anyway – I however am not totally sure if I would want to trigger anyone by recommending this unless specifically asked for something similar to this.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Sexual assault of a child on page (𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏). Sexual assault of an adult on page, the tw page on the book says chapter 25 but that is not the case, the assault happens at the end of 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟒. Death of a family member. Blood, murder. Mental and physical abuse. Talk of suicide. Drug abuse and overdose. Discussion of abortion. Discussion of sterilization.
🫧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 🫧
This is an Advanced Reader copy. Although this book was given to me as an ARC my thoughts are my own.
🫧 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
by Dae Graves
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇝ ★★★★☆
🦋 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞 🦋
“I just never thought that drowning could feel this good, till I was drowning in you.” - Alex James Harper
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
✉️ “My Girl”
🪻 Slow Burn
✉️ SA Survivor
🪻 Wound FMC
✉️ Friends to Lovers
🪻 Touch Her and Die
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ↴
If you value your mental health I suggest you avoid going into this book blind. I cannot stress this enough, check the trigger warnings before you jump into this (triggers will be down below).
This book messed me up from the very beginning. I did this to myself by going in blind . I might've gotten triggered(?) I’m not sure, I have never been triggered before. After getting all the emotions under control I went back and checked the tw to prepare myself for what was ahead (I was still caught off guard). It was just a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the entire read. Alex and Gloria Harper have a special place in my heart though, they were so supportive and they were the first people to actually care for that girl’s well-being. In my opinion, Kevin, Lloyd and Lynn didn’t suffer enough for what they put that poor girl through. I LOATHED THEM WITH EVERYTHING IN ME.
As the story went on to the MCs life after college we got to meet some great side characters, Troy and Gavin were probably my favorites. She truly found the family she never had with everyone she met during and after her college days (except for Jon, we don’t like him in this household). This was a good yet traumatic read and I enjoyed it – the parts that I could enjoy anyway – I however am not totally sure if I would want to trigger anyone by recommending this unless specifically asked for something similar to this.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Sexual assault of a child on page (𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏). Sexual assault of an adult on page, the tw page on the book says chapter 25 but that is not the case, the assault happens at the end of 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟒. Death of a family member. Blood, murder. Mental and physical abuse. Talk of suicide. Drug abuse and overdose. Discussion of abortion. Discussion of sterilization.
🫧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 🫧
This is an Advanced Reader copy. Although this book was given to me as an ARC my thoughts are my own.
🫧 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
July 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I'm still processing this whole story. It was a book that stirred up a lot of emotions and left me with very mixed feelings. It was heavy from beginning to end. At first, it was about a "broken" girl who met a good guy that helped her heal from her trauma — but over time, everything changed and the plot took a different direction.
The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different time: the first when they’re teenagers, 16 and 17; the second, at 21 and 22; and the last, at 26 and 27.
The beginning is really sad and intense, though it has some sweet moments — like the male lead always being there for her and doing everything he can to make her happy. The second part follows the same tone, but they’re a bit more mature and slowly developing feelings for each other.
However, the last part went in a completely different direction. I was honestly surprised, because the story started to feel boring. Still, I believe that’s just my personal take.
It's definitely not an easy read. Like I said, it deals with heavy and sensitive topics, and while some of them are well developed, others felt like they were added just for shock value.
Even so, I think it’s worth giving it a try.
I'm still processing this whole story. It was a book that stirred up a lot of emotions and left me with very mixed feelings. It was heavy from beginning to end. At first, it was about a "broken" girl who met a good guy that helped her heal from her trauma — but over time, everything changed and the plot took a different direction.
The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different time: the first when they’re teenagers, 16 and 17; the second, at 21 and 22; and the last, at 26 and 27.
The beginning is really sad and intense, though it has some sweet moments — like the male lead always being there for her and doing everything he can to make her happy. The second part follows the same tone, but they’re a bit more mature and slowly developing feelings for each other.
However, the last part went in a completely different direction. I was honestly surprised, because the story started to feel boring. Still, I believe that’s just my personal take.
It's definitely not an easy read. Like I said, it deals with heavy and sensitive topics, and while some of them are well developed, others felt like they were added just for shock value.
Even so, I think it’s worth giving it a try.
July 18, 2025
5⭐️
Holy smokes. This book was devastating, emotional, raw, dark and filled with so much heartache. I was tearing up in the first chapter and then so many more times.
Wren’s childhood is utterly heartbreaking, full of abuse and will have you in tears. At 16 she meets her best friend Alex, who is her lifeline and will do anything to protect her. Him and his mother, who is an amazing woman, are by Wren’s side through her trauma and devastation. Watching Wren and Alex relationship grow was as beautiful as it was messy.
This story was full of heartache, angst, found family and a twist that nearly ruined me. Wren is the definition of a survivor. Every time she gets her head above water something pushes her back under again but she somehow keeps going.
I’m blown away that this is a debut novel. It was a rollercoaster of emotions that I will not forget anytime soon. This booked wrecked me on a level that only Jennifer Hartmann and Aly Martinez books typically do.
Tropes:
Super Protective MMC
Friends To Lovers
Found Family
Wounded FMC
Unconditional Love
Touch Her + Die
"My Girl"
Definitely check the triggers before reading
I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading.
Holy smokes. This book was devastating, emotional, raw, dark and filled with so much heartache. I was tearing up in the first chapter and then so many more times.
Wren’s childhood is utterly heartbreaking, full of abuse and will have you in tears. At 16 she meets her best friend Alex, who is her lifeline and will do anything to protect her. Him and his mother, who is an amazing woman, are by Wren’s side through her trauma and devastation. Watching Wren and Alex relationship grow was as beautiful as it was messy.
This story was full of heartache, angst, found family and a twist that nearly ruined me. Wren is the definition of a survivor. Every time she gets her head above water something pushes her back under again but she somehow keeps going.
I’m blown away that this is a debut novel. It was a rollercoaster of emotions that I will not forget anytime soon. This booked wrecked me on a level that only Jennifer Hartmann and Aly Martinez books typically do.
Tropes:
Super Protective MMC
Friends To Lovers
Found Family
Wounded FMC
Unconditional Love
Touch Her + Die
"My Girl"
Definitely check the triggers before reading
I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading.
November 23, 2024
3.5
This story was one that pulled on your heartstrings and made you want to grab these characters and hold them tight.
Wren's childhood was traumatizing. What she endured was heartbreaking to read. Despite it all she was a strong and brave young woman taking on all of the darkness on her own with no help from the one who was supposed to protect her at all costs. Money spoke, but not for the good.
One random encounter with a boy changed.... well, everything. He came into her world and showed her what true friendship really means.
The writing was so good for a debut novel. I was hooked in the first half of the book, but the writing in the second half didn't have the same feel. So much going on that it didn't feel as authentic.
Am I glad I read this? Hell yeah!
This story was one that pulled on your heartstrings and made you want to grab these characters and hold them tight.
Wren's childhood was traumatizing. What she endured was heartbreaking to read. Despite it all she was a strong and brave young woman taking on all of the darkness on her own with no help from the one who was supposed to protect her at all costs. Money spoke, but not for the good.
One random encounter with a boy changed.... well, everything. He came into her world and showed her what true friendship really means.
The writing was so good for a debut novel. I was hooked in the first half of the book, but the writing in the second half didn't have the same feel. So much going on that it didn't feel as authentic.
Am I glad I read this? Hell yeah!
January 17, 2026
ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʟᴇᴛ ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ ʙᴇ ʜᴇʟᴅ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴘʀᴏʙᴀʙʟʏ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ʜᴀᴠᴇ.
I feel like I don’t even have the right words to explain how much I loved this book. Just wow.. This was a rollercoaster. My emotions were everywhere. Crying, screaming, jaw on the floor! The storyline was devastating but also so beautiful. The love between Wren and Alex was everything. Not to sound dramatic, but these characters have my whole heart 😭
“ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅʀᴏᴡɴɪɴɢ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɢᴏᴏᴅ, ᴛɪʟʟ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴅʀᴏᴡɴɪɴɢ ɪɴ ʏᴏᴜ.”
I really can’t say much more without giving anything away, but everyone needs to read this. Check your triggers and go read this!
ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʜᴀᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟᴘ ʜᴇʀ ʟɪᴠᴇ.
🖤 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢
🦋 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
🖤 ‘𝘔𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭’
🦋 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
🖤 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 & 𝘋𝘪𝘦
🦋 𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯
I feel like I don’t even have the right words to explain how much I loved this book. Just wow.. This was a rollercoaster. My emotions were everywhere. Crying, screaming, jaw on the floor! The storyline was devastating but also so beautiful. The love between Wren and Alex was everything. Not to sound dramatic, but these characters have my whole heart 😭
“ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅʀᴏᴡɴɪɴɢ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ꜰᴇᴇʟ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɢᴏᴏᴅ, ᴛɪʟʟ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴅʀᴏᴡɴɪɴɢ ɪɴ ʏᴏᴜ.”
I really can’t say much more without giving anything away, but everyone needs to read this. Check your triggers and go read this!
ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʜᴀᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟᴘ ʜᴇʀ ʟɪᴠᴇ.
🖤 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢
🦋 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺
🖤 ‘𝘔𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭’
🦋 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
🖤 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 & 𝘋𝘪𝘦
🦋 𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯
November 20, 2024
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved the first half of this book. It was captivating and I couldn’t put it down. The things Wren overcame were horrible. She was a strong girl. Alex was the sweetest person to her. The way he loved her was amazing. The second half felt like a completely different book. There were so many things that were jammed into it that it felt like the author was trying to check off a list.
The writing was so good that I couldn’t believe it was her first book. I will definitely be reading more from her.
I absolutely loved the first half of this book. It was captivating and I couldn’t put it down. The things Wren overcame were horrible. She was a strong girl. Alex was the sweetest person to her. The way he loved her was amazing. The second half felt like a completely different book. There were so many things that were jammed into it that it felt like the author was trying to check off a list.
The writing was so good that I couldn’t believe it was her first book. I will definitely be reading more from her.
July 4, 2024
amazing
I went into this after seeing on a TikTok live, and I must say I don’t regret reading this. Wrens growth is amazing though the story and so is Alex’s.
Want a morally gray fmc and mmc? Yeah this is totally the book for you.
I went into this after seeing on a TikTok live, and I must say I don’t regret reading this. Wrens growth is amazing though the story and so is Alex’s.
Want a morally gray fmc and mmc? Yeah this is totally the book for you.
August 25, 2024
Alex and Wren are one of those fiction couples that are so well written you end of thinking of them as real. Dae did such an amazing job with this debut novel. I truly loved reading this book. You know a book is amazing when it has you pacing and cursing while you are reading. I couldn't put this baby down and I look forward to future books from this author!
December 30, 2024
well this book got me! never experienced anything in the book. must read. check your triggers
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