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Last Time We Met: Roman
Manchmal braucht die Liebe ein paar Dekaden für ein Happy End ...
EIN VERSPRECHENIm Alter von dreizehn Jahren sind die besten Freunde Eleanor und Fin unzertrennlich. Überzeugt davon, dass das immer so bleiben wird, schließen sie einen Sie wollen zusammen zur Uni gehen, immer in der Nähe des anderen wohnen und heiraten, wenn sie mit 35 noch Single sind.
ZWEI JAHRZEHNTE
Eleanor und Fin haben seit fünfzehn Jahren nicht mehr miteinander gesprochen. Das Leben ist ihnen dazwischen gekommen, und sie sind beide weit von dem entfernt, wovon sie vor all den Jahren geträumt haben.
DIE GROSSE LIEBE?
Durch tragische Umstände tritt Fin wieder in Eleanors Leben. Seit ihrer letzten Begegnung hat sich alles verändert. Ist es zu spät, um ihre Verbindung zu kitten? Oder gibt es eine Chance für die beiden, ihr Versprechen doch noch zuhalten?
EIN VERSPRECHENIm Alter von dreizehn Jahren sind die besten Freunde Eleanor und Fin unzertrennlich. Überzeugt davon, dass das immer so bleiben wird, schließen sie einen Sie wollen zusammen zur Uni gehen, immer in der Nähe des anderen wohnen und heiraten, wenn sie mit 35 noch Single sind.
ZWEI JAHRZEHNTE
Eleanor und Fin haben seit fünfzehn Jahren nicht mehr miteinander gesprochen. Das Leben ist ihnen dazwischen gekommen, und sie sind beide weit von dem entfernt, wovon sie vor all den Jahren geträumt haben.
DIE GROSSE LIEBE?
Durch tragische Umstände tritt Fin wieder in Eleanors Leben. Seit ihrer letzten Begegnung hat sich alles verändert. Ist es zu spät, um ihre Verbindung zu kitten? Oder gibt es eine Chance für die beiden, ihr Versprechen doch noch zuhalten?
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2022
124 people are currently reading
15211 people want to read
About the author
Emily Houghton
5 books266 followersEmily Houghton is an ex digital specialist and full-time creative writer. She originally comes from Essex but has been living in London for the past 8 years. Emily is a trained yoga and spin teacher, completely obsessed with dogs and has dreamt of being an author ever since she could hold a pen..
Houghton’s debut novel, BEFORE I SAW YOU, is a commercial love story and will be published by Transworld in the UK in January 2021 and by Simon & Schuster in the US. Translation rights have also sold in Brazil, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Israel, Poland,
Houghton’s debut novel, BEFORE I SAW YOU, is a commercial love story and will be published by Transworld in the UK in January 2021 and by Simon & Schuster in the US. Translation rights have also sold in Brazil, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Israel, Poland,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 484 reviews
September 6, 2022
The problem with so many romance books is that they try to skate on the popularity of the trope, rather than the strength of the characters. To be honest, I don't think this book is truly a three-star book, but I don't want to give it two stars either, which would make it seem as if I disliked the book when in reality, I think I'm just more disappointed.
If I could describe this book bluntly, I would say, Eleanor and Fin are not in love. We literally get no interaction with them that shows their feelings for each other, there is no chemistry, they barely have four conversations after not seeing each other for fifteen years. I will not take their word that their childhood feelings have remained after this much time. I didn't particularly find any part of this book entertaining, but I didn't actively dislike it either, so this rating will have to do.
And I'm out.
If I could describe this book bluntly, I would say, Eleanor and Fin are not in love. We literally get no interaction with them that shows their feelings for each other, there is no chemistry, they barely have four conversations after not seeing each other for fifteen years. I will not take their word that their childhood feelings have remained after this much time. I didn't particularly find any part of this book entertaining, but I didn't actively dislike it either, so this rating will have to do.
And I'm out.
September 7, 2022
I don’t know what to say except that these two, Fin and Eleanor has no chemistry at all. I like Ben better but of course he didn’t stand a chance since he is a second male lead.
July 16, 2022
Fin returns to London after more than 15 years of living in LA. He ran away from his prior life, and his best friend Eleanor, who he had been inseparable from as a child.
As Eleanor learns of his return an uneasy but civil friendship begins and we start to learn through flashbacks and rotating POVs why it is he left in the first place.
A character driven novel, Houghton takes us through tragedy, families, friendship and love. There is a bit of fun and a few tears along the way, and the novel moves at a good pace. I found myself frustrated with both characters actions a number of times, but that is a sign of a good novel, when we think of characters as people we know!
My second Houghton book and won't be my last. Recommended for fans of novels about people that don't need to be shocking, bound in mystery, or awful characters.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
As Eleanor learns of his return an uneasy but civil friendship begins and we start to learn through flashbacks and rotating POVs why it is he left in the first place.
A character driven novel, Houghton takes us through tragedy, families, friendship and love. There is a bit of fun and a few tears along the way, and the novel moves at a good pace. I found myself frustrated with both characters actions a number of times, but that is a sign of a good novel, when we think of characters as people we know!
My second Houghton book and won't be my last. Recommended for fans of novels about people that don't need to be shocking, bound in mystery, or awful characters.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2022
I didn't enjoy this. I don't think I'm a fan of the friends to lovers tropes. It was far too slow paced for me and I would have liked more signs of Fin's feelings to Eleanor when they were younger. I ended up skipping through a lot of the book as I just found it a bit boring and the main characters hardly interacted which I didn't like.
The other part about this book that made me furious was the brushing over of Eleanor being emotionally abused by Oliver. The way it was handled was weird and especially the way those closest to her handled it. I hated Sal, nagging her "best friend" to get out and date after 3 months of being single from a 16 year relationship where she was emotionally abused and then abandoned... Like what no. The pressure from all fronts for Eleanor to date again was just weird and I feel like it was used to move the plot forward but it just made me hate the characters. I would have liked to see more honest conversations with Eleanor and her younger sister to show that not everyone in her life treated her like that...
Don't even get me started on the random relationship with Ben. It was so obvious that Eleanor wasn't into him... Not replying to his texts for days and weeks. I'm not sure what 35 year old man would then ask someone to be his girlfriend after that. It was just weird and I didn't really understand the point of the relationship for the story.
Overall I'd give this 1.5 stars.
The other part about this book that made me furious was the brushing over of Eleanor being emotionally abused by Oliver. The way it was handled was weird and especially the way those closest to her handled it. I hated Sal, nagging her "best friend" to get out and date after 3 months of being single from a 16 year relationship where she was emotionally abused and then abandoned... Like what no. The pressure from all fronts for Eleanor to date again was just weird and I feel like it was used to move the plot forward but it just made me hate the characters. I would have liked to see more honest conversations with Eleanor and her younger sister to show that not everyone in her life treated her like that...
Don't even get me started on the random relationship with Ben. It was so obvious that Eleanor wasn't into him... Not replying to his texts for days and weeks. I'm not sure what 35 year old man would then ask someone to be his girlfriend after that. It was just weird and I didn't really understand the point of the relationship for the story.
Overall I'd give this 1.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
if i could give this zero stars, i would
May 22, 2023
literally kill me rn because i am lonely
August 26, 2022
3.75 out of 5 stars.
September 16, 2022
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK for approving me for an ARC of this book. I read Emily Houghton’s debut, Before I Saw You, and loved it so I couldn’t wait to give this one a read.
Told from alternating POV we dive into the world of Eleanor and Fin. Two friends who were inseparable throughout childhood right up until they embarked on their university lives. The story is set in the present day with flashbacks to their childhood but throughout the whole story there is an underlying mystery as to what caused them to lose touch for so long and become so distant. As we experience these flashbacks of childhood memories it is clear just how much they both mean to each other and what a perfect pair they made so it must of been something drastic to tear them apart? Emily Houghton orchestrates the perfect reveal and it was one I hadn’t been expecting.
Our two protagonists couldn’t be more different from each other. Fin is always late and happy to let a bit of spontaneity rule his life, hence why the decision to return from America was a quick and easy choice from him. His childhood was painful to witness, particularly his relationship with both his parents. You could understand why he needed to get away but I’m so pleased he returned to support his mother during her final days. The relationship between these two was raw and honest and their final scenes together absolutely broke my heart.
Eleanor on the other hand leaves nothing up to chance. Stubborn in her ways and obsessively planning her life you get the sense that she needs control and as we learn more about her you can understand why. Eleanor is stuck in a rut and is what we would call a people pleaser, mostly at the expense of her own happiness. Her lovely friend Sal and the people she meets in the story, such as Reggie, go some way to helping her but ultimately she has to help herself.
What can I say? Once again Emily Houghton has delivered a story that is packed with humour, love, friendship and heart. I blubbed my way through some of the pages and laughed at the stubborn attitude of Heidi, this is a story that sends your emotions all over the place. I cannot wait to see what Emily produces next, this is another author that has made it to my watch list!
Told from alternating POV we dive into the world of Eleanor and Fin. Two friends who were inseparable throughout childhood right up until they embarked on their university lives. The story is set in the present day with flashbacks to their childhood but throughout the whole story there is an underlying mystery as to what caused them to lose touch for so long and become so distant. As we experience these flashbacks of childhood memories it is clear just how much they both mean to each other and what a perfect pair they made so it must of been something drastic to tear them apart? Emily Houghton orchestrates the perfect reveal and it was one I hadn’t been expecting.
Our two protagonists couldn’t be more different from each other. Fin is always late and happy to let a bit of spontaneity rule his life, hence why the decision to return from America was a quick and easy choice from him. His childhood was painful to witness, particularly his relationship with both his parents. You could understand why he needed to get away but I’m so pleased he returned to support his mother during her final days. The relationship between these two was raw and honest and their final scenes together absolutely broke my heart.
Eleanor on the other hand leaves nothing up to chance. Stubborn in her ways and obsessively planning her life you get the sense that she needs control and as we learn more about her you can understand why. Eleanor is stuck in a rut and is what we would call a people pleaser, mostly at the expense of her own happiness. Her lovely friend Sal and the people she meets in the story, such as Reggie, go some way to helping her but ultimately she has to help herself.
What can I say? Once again Emily Houghton has delivered a story that is packed with humour, love, friendship and heart. I blubbed my way through some of the pages and laughed at the stubborn attitude of Heidi, this is a story that sends your emotions all over the place. I cannot wait to see what Emily produces next, this is another author that has made it to my watch list!
July 16, 2022
3.25 ⭐️
This was quite a sweet reconnection read.
Childhood friends reconnected after 15 years apart with zero communication.
Over the course of the story, told in now time and flash backs, we discover that The H had problems with alcohol after his dad left his mother for the woman he’d been cheating with and the teenage H was left to listen to his mum grieve for his dad every night. His dad went on to marry the new woman. The H really struggled with this and the loss of the relationship with his dad.
One night, after helping the H clean up wounds due to him drinking too much, 18 year old h tells H’s mother who tells H’s father who confronts his son about his drinking. The H feels attacked and decides to travel around the world to get away from his broken family and their interventions.
He leaves the country, and the h behind.
The story begins when the characters are both 34 and the H returns to the UK to see his sick mother and runs into his ex best friend, the h.
Some parts are written very well, flowing, good detail and other parts have threads hanging.
Overall a solid read.
This was quite a sweet reconnection read.
Childhood friends reconnected after 15 years apart with zero communication.
Over the course of the story, told in now time and flash backs, we discover that The H had problems with alcohol after his dad left his mother for the woman he’d been cheating with and the teenage H was left to listen to his mum grieve for his dad every night. His dad went on to marry the new woman. The H really struggled with this and the loss of the relationship with his dad.
One night, after helping the H clean up wounds due to him drinking too much, 18 year old h tells H’s mother who tells H’s father who confronts his son about his drinking. The H feels attacked and decides to travel around the world to get away from his broken family and their interventions.
He leaves the country, and the h behind.
The story begins when the characters are both 34 and the H returns to the UK to see his sick mother and runs into his ex best friend, the h.
Some parts are written very well, flowing, good detail and other parts have threads hanging.
Overall a solid read.
December 9, 2023
flat main characters kill me every time 😅
i didn’t mind this book, and if you happen to be a friends to lovers fiend, maybe go for it. but ultimately, with boring main characters comes a boring book.
2.5⭐️
i didn’t mind this book, and if you happen to be a friends to lovers fiend, maybe go for it. but ultimately, with boring main characters comes a boring book.
2.5⭐️
October 7, 2022
an absolute waste of a read. would have dnf if I didn’t buy the book.
February 18, 2022
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: friends to lovers
TOPICS & THEMES: family, childhood friends, loss of a loved one, alcoholism, another chance at love, mental health issues
Eleanor and Finley were best friends growing up. When they were 13 they made a pact of marrying each other when they are 35. This story picks up when they are 34. Life doesn't work according to plans. Not only they are not in contact but they are living on different continents. One thing that can make that pact work is - they are both single. Eleanor recently broke up with her long-time boyfriend, and Fin broke up with his girlfriend so he can go back to the UK to see his dying mother.
How will their meeting go? What about that deal now that they are grown-ups?
This book is told from past and present perspectives. So, we meet our leading couple in numerous situations and how they end up where they are now.
I think that the author presented the friendship aspect of the story very well. There are a plethora of side characters that enrich this storyline with complex and bittersweet moments, but also sweet and endearing ones.
I would recommend this book to all readers who love the friends-to-lovers trope.
* Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of this book
TROPES: friends to lovers
TOPICS & THEMES: family, childhood friends, loss of a loved one, alcoholism, another chance at love, mental health issues
Eleanor and Finley were best friends growing up. When they were 13 they made a pact of marrying each other when they are 35. This story picks up when they are 34. Life doesn't work according to plans. Not only they are not in contact but they are living on different continents. One thing that can make that pact work is - they are both single. Eleanor recently broke up with her long-time boyfriend, and Fin broke up with his girlfriend so he can go back to the UK to see his dying mother.
How will their meeting go? What about that deal now that they are grown-ups?
This book is told from past and present perspectives. So, we meet our leading couple in numerous situations and how they end up where they are now.
I think that the author presented the friendship aspect of the story very well. There are a plethora of side characters that enrich this storyline with complex and bittersweet moments, but also sweet and endearing ones.
I would recommend this book to all readers who love the friends-to-lovers trope.
* Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of this book
September 24, 2025
Chulo ligerito y aunque no tienen nada de química pues guay
January 23, 2022
I loved Before I Saw You, and was thrilled to be asked to review the next release from Emily Houghton, Last Time We Met.
A kinda second chance romance, but with a whole lot of other circumstances to navigate through.
Eleanor and Finley have been best friends since they were dots, then life happened, and Fin disappeared from Eleanor's life.
Fast forward to fifteen or so years later, and Eleanor is feebly trying to get over an awful break-up with her long-standing partner Oliver. No amounts of tea and sympathy from her mother, sister Freya, or even her best friend Sal are helping her get over him.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Fin is reeling from a phone call from England, telling him his mother is at the end of her life. A mother he left behind and hasn't spoken to for many years. As well as many other people who were precious to him at one point. Oh, and he's just ended his current relationship, too.
It's inevitable, isn't it, that the two former best friends end up meeting, and they haphazardly work their way through the difficulties they both faced, both at the end of their former friendship and over time they had no contact.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that when they were young and innocent, they signed a contract that if they were both singles at 35 years old, they would have to marry one another?
As it is, they are both 34, and not in relationships.
That would just segue into such a predictable ending for the story.
No. I shall not spoil it for you, and tell you that they live happily ever after, but I will say that I finished the book with a smile on my face, but not before shedding some tears, too.
So much covered, from alcoholism to estrangement, and how hiding your feelings can be the worst thing you could ever do.
I whizzed through this in a day and loved each moment of the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House UK and Transworld for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A kinda second chance romance, but with a whole lot of other circumstances to navigate through.
Eleanor and Finley have been best friends since they were dots, then life happened, and Fin disappeared from Eleanor's life.
Fast forward to fifteen or so years later, and Eleanor is feebly trying to get over an awful break-up with her long-standing partner Oliver. No amounts of tea and sympathy from her mother, sister Freya, or even her best friend Sal are helping her get over him.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Fin is reeling from a phone call from England, telling him his mother is at the end of her life. A mother he left behind and hasn't spoken to for many years. As well as many other people who were precious to him at one point. Oh, and he's just ended his current relationship, too.
It's inevitable, isn't it, that the two former best friends end up meeting, and they haphazardly work their way through the difficulties they both faced, both at the end of their former friendship and over time they had no contact.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that when they were young and innocent, they signed a contract that if they were both singles at 35 years old, they would have to marry one another?
As it is, they are both 34, and not in relationships.
That would just segue into such a predictable ending for the story.
No. I shall not spoil it for you, and tell you that they live happily ever after, but I will say that I finished the book with a smile on my face, but not before shedding some tears, too.
So much covered, from alcoholism to estrangement, and how hiding your feelings can be the worst thing you could ever do.
I whizzed through this in a day and loved each moment of the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House UK and Transworld for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
Childhood besties Fin and Eleanor haven’t seen each other in 15 years. Fin comes back to town to see his ailing mom and reconnect with Eleanor. There were triggers of death, alcoholism, and controlling partners. Definitely keep tissues handy. The romance between the two leads wasn’t very convincing. They didn’t have much chemistry and I thought they were better off as friends. I also was hoping for a light romance and this wasn’t it. Too many death elements in this, which made it more of a sad book. The ending was okay. Overall, it was an okay book, that I wished I knew more about before reading it.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2023
I really wanted to like it but I don’t like the slightly cheating trope and all the miscommunication
The discussion of parental death however and the moment in the care home made me tear up.
Also I preferred Ben, he had his priorities straight
The discussion of parental death however and the moment in the care home made me tear up.
Also I preferred Ben, he had his priorities straight
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
i love finley taylor
April 19, 2023
I've had more chemistry with a bowl of soup
October 5, 2023
There was no chemistry in this whole book
I wanted to love it 😭
I wanted to love it 😭
August 22, 2023
3.5 Stars
The things I liked about this book. Finn the unpredictable, wreckless man who stole the heart of Eleanor back in her youth. It just takes them multiple more years to both admit it.
This is not a light read you may expect it deals with alcoholism, Dementia, relationship abuse so on. The bond between Finn and his mum was one of the best in the book. Eleanor's family were slightly annoying however Freya grew on me.
The worst thing about the book was everyone thinking they knew what was best for Eleanor. Eat more, get into another relationship. When are you two getting married. It spoiled it a little for me.
Another character worth a mention was Ben he solely became side plot. He deserved more.
The things I liked about this book. Finn the unpredictable, wreckless man who stole the heart of Eleanor back in her youth. It just takes them multiple more years to both admit it.
This is not a light read you may expect it deals with alcoholism, Dementia, relationship abuse so on. The bond between Finn and his mum was one of the best in the book. Eleanor's family were slightly annoying however Freya grew on me.
The worst thing about the book was everyone thinking they knew what was best for Eleanor. Eat more, get into another relationship. When are you two getting married. It spoiled it a little for me.
Another character worth a mention was Ben he solely became side plot. He deserved more.
May 19, 2023
this was super cute!
I really loved the storyline, and it was definitely serving all the friends-to-lovers vibes. it was also clean, so the only thing that really annoyed me was all of the swearing towards the end. other than that though, i for sure recommend!
I really loved the storyline, and it was definitely serving all the friends-to-lovers vibes. it was also clean, so the only thing that really annoyed me was all of the swearing towards the end. other than that though, i for sure recommend!
April 28, 2023
3.75 🥲
August 20, 2022
Ahh I loved this! When I saw Emily Houghton had a new book being published I was SO excited as I LOVED her other book Before I Saw You. This one didn’t disappoint 🤍
Lots of emotions through this read, the story takes us through families, love, friendship, hope, sadness and new beginnings. It had a great pace and I enjoyed the whole journey of the story.
This is one of those books that even though you know how things will go - it doesn’t take the enjoyment away. Loved every minute of reading this.
It was full of lovely characters, with an enjoyable, realistic and uplifting feel to it.
Lots of emotions through this read, the story takes us through families, love, friendship, hope, sadness and new beginnings. It had a great pace and I enjoyed the whole journey of the story.
This is one of those books that even though you know how things will go - it doesn’t take the enjoyment away. Loved every minute of reading this.
It was full of lovely characters, with an enjoyable, realistic and uplifting feel to it.
July 24, 2023
Now im in a fucking reading slump. All because of this book. I hate it. DONT READ IT. ALSO IT TOOK ME A MONTH TO FINISH THAT SAYS ENOUGH.
June 19, 2025
Sorry but it should have been Ben, end of discussion.
February 7, 2023
*I received a free DRC of this book, with thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Last Time We Met is a romantic drama that flits back and forth between past and present timelines, as flashbacks fill us in on background that is relevant to the current plot, but not in chronological order. Which sounds a bit confusing, but it does actually work!
I really enjoyed the two main characters, Eleanor and Fin, and their individual stories/development. Eleanor has family issues to work through, plus is struggling to get her love life on track and regain her passion for her life and work. Fin has a history of addiction and has his own family troubles to deal with, and he is clearly feeling disconnected from his hometown having spent so long in the US. We follow them both as they make new friends, paint, take photographs, work, flirt and keep bumping into each other.
The story covers some big issues – especially substance abuse, addiction, loss/estrangement of family members – and does so thoughtfully and sensitively. I really felt for Fin and Elles with everything they went through; they were very believable and engaging, and all aspects of their story are engaging and well-written.
Except (for me) one. But it is quite a big one!
Eleanor and Fin do not make a good romantic couple. I even struggled to see them as ‘good’ friends. They have an unhealthy co-dependent relationship as addict and enabler for most of the story, which we see them intending to change but with no actual change to show for the years they have known each other. Their communication is poorer than any ‘best friends’ I have ever known, seen or read about. They don’t seem to be able to talk to each other about anything, other than via big dramatic scenes when they are drunk, angry or grief-stricken. Both of them have closer, healthier friendships with other people (Sal, Rob, Reggie, Nurse Clara) and I didn’t feel much chemistry between them either – I felt Eleanor had much more chemistry with Ben, and I kept expecting Fin to realise that he was actually gay or asexual as I got no vibes that he was attracted to any of the women we see him with.
In fact, I thought this was going to be one of those stories where they realised they loved each other as friends/siblings but not as romantic partners and their HEA comes from growing up, moving on and conquering their issues to head for a more positive future. This book actually does end on a hopeful note for the characters, but as a reader I found it hard to envision that hope translating into a happy future together. If anything, it was because I loved and believed in the characters so much… I just wanted better for them both!
Despite this rather major disconnect between me and the main romance, however, I still really enjoyed this novel for the writing, characters and ‘adult coming of age’ storyline and would definitely read more from Emily Houghton in future.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Last Time We Met is a romantic drama that flits back and forth between past and present timelines, as flashbacks fill us in on background that is relevant to the current plot, but not in chronological order. Which sounds a bit confusing, but it does actually work!
I really enjoyed the two main characters, Eleanor and Fin, and their individual stories/development. Eleanor has family issues to work through, plus is struggling to get her love life on track and regain her passion for her life and work. Fin has a history of addiction and has his own family troubles to deal with, and he is clearly feeling disconnected from his hometown having spent so long in the US. We follow them both as they make new friends, paint, take photographs, work, flirt and keep bumping into each other.
The story covers some big issues – especially substance abuse, addiction, loss/estrangement of family members – and does so thoughtfully and sensitively. I really felt for Fin and Elles with everything they went through; they were very believable and engaging, and all aspects of their story are engaging and well-written.
Except (for me) one. But it is quite a big one!
Eleanor and Fin do not make a good romantic couple. I even struggled to see them as ‘good’ friends. They have an unhealthy co-dependent relationship as addict and enabler for most of the story, which we see them intending to change but with no actual change to show for the years they have known each other. Their communication is poorer than any ‘best friends’ I have ever known, seen or read about. They don’t seem to be able to talk to each other about anything, other than via big dramatic scenes when they are drunk, angry or grief-stricken. Both of them have closer, healthier friendships with other people (Sal, Rob, Reggie, Nurse Clara) and I didn’t feel much chemistry between them either – I felt Eleanor had much more chemistry with Ben, and I kept expecting Fin to realise that he was actually gay or asexual as I got no vibes that he was attracted to any of the women we see him with.
In fact, I thought this was going to be one of those stories where they realised they loved each other as friends/siblings but not as romantic partners and their HEA comes from growing up, moving on and conquering their issues to head for a more positive future. This book actually does end on a hopeful note for the characters, but as a reader I found it hard to envision that hope translating into a happy future together. If anything, it was because I loved and believed in the characters so much… I just wanted better for them both!
Despite this rather major disconnect between me and the main romance, however, I still really enjoyed this novel for the writing, characters and ‘adult coming of age’ storyline and would definitely read more from Emily Houghton in future.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 28, 2022
‘Can a promise still stand after fifteen years?’
When they were aged thirteen, Eleanor Levy and Finley (Fin) Taylor were inseparable best friends.
They intended to stay close, to go to university together and, if they were both still single at 35, to marry.
Twenty years later, Eleanor and Fin have not spoken for fifteen years. Their lives have diverged: Fin lives in the USA while Eleanor, in the UK is trying to recover from the break-up of a long-term relationship. Fate intervenes when a family tragedy brings Fin back to the UK. And then their paths cross.
While there may be no real surprises in the way this story ends, the journey is far from smooth. Fin and Eleanor each must navigate some difficult personal terrain including issues such as alcoholism, family dysfunction and mental health issues.
While I enjoyed the fairly predictable path taken by this story, I was wrenched out of the story every time someone smirked (smirk or smirked appears 24 times in the narrative). Now, I do realise that smirking has more than one meaning but I had to keep stopping while I wondered if the smirker was grinning, sneering, or leering.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
When they were aged thirteen, Eleanor Levy and Finley (Fin) Taylor were inseparable best friends.
They intended to stay close, to go to university together and, if they were both still single at 35, to marry.
Twenty years later, Eleanor and Fin have not spoken for fifteen years. Their lives have diverged: Fin lives in the USA while Eleanor, in the UK is trying to recover from the break-up of a long-term relationship. Fate intervenes when a family tragedy brings Fin back to the UK. And then their paths cross.
While there may be no real surprises in the way this story ends, the journey is far from smooth. Fin and Eleanor each must navigate some difficult personal terrain including issues such as alcoholism, family dysfunction and mental health issues.
While I enjoyed the fairly predictable path taken by this story, I was wrenched out of the story every time someone smirked (smirk or smirked appears 24 times in the narrative). Now, I do realise that smirking has more than one meaning but I had to keep stopping while I wondered if the smirker was grinning, sneering, or leering.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 23, 2022
20 years ago, Fin & Eleanor were best friends. Then life happened and with it came hindrances, problems & heartbreaks. Now tragic a circumstance for Fin made him come back into Eleanor's life, but everything has changed since the last time they met. Is it too late to mend their friendship?
Emily's writing allows the readers to both grieve & root for the characters.
This was an emotionally gripping friends-to-lovers romance. Through 2 decades, Eleanor & Fin's lives have gone through so much that it's beyond imagination.
In the present day, Eleanor goes through a tragic breakup that left her devastated. And Fin returns back to England after hearing his mom has few days to live.
Through a rollercoaster of emotions, these 2 are thrown into the same vicinity while they figure out what caused them apart. The lack of communication broke my heart.
But fear not, the ending was delightful & of course filled with HEA.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Emily's writing allows the readers to both grieve & root for the characters.
This was an emotionally gripping friends-to-lovers romance. Through 2 decades, Eleanor & Fin's lives have gone through so much that it's beyond imagination.
In the present day, Eleanor goes through a tragic breakup that left her devastated. And Fin returns back to England after hearing his mom has few days to live.
Through a rollercoaster of emotions, these 2 are thrown into the same vicinity while they figure out what caused them apart. The lack of communication broke my heart.
But fear not, the ending was delightful & of course filled with HEA.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2022
i loved the side characters (like reggie, sal and rob) they really did add a lot to the story. i also enjoyed the development between the main characters but i just wish that we saw more of them, like towards the end. overall it was a really cute and enjoyable read although it was a bit slow at times.
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