What do you think?
The Highlight
After years of alienation in her small town, Violet is finally getting out. Equipped with a can-do attitude and a fondness for silver linings, she’s determined to reunite with her older sister, Mel, who left to go “find herself” nearly a decade ago. Easier said than done. Mel’s new upscale life is a far cry from the way they grew up, and her sister’s entitled, self-important whatever-he-is doesn’t help matters—especially when Landon Blair seems more content to glower and grimace than roll out the welcome wagon.
Though Violet tries to see the best in Landon, it’s difficult. He makes little effort to hide his aversion to her unyielding optimism, and she finds his arrogance and his ego kind of offensive. She is confident, though, that with her people-pleasing nature and ability to befriend anyone, she can navigate this new world of wealth, reconnect with Mel, and win over Landon in no time.
But the longer she spends in their lives, the more secrets she uncovers, and she suddenly finds herself in the last place she ever wanted to be…smack dab in the middle of their turbulent relationship. When new discoveries about the past threaten her idealistic views, her confidence, and her entire reality, she finds an ally in the most unlikely person. The question is, can she really trust Landon, or will he destroy her (and her heart) altogether?
Though Violet tries to see the best in Landon, it’s difficult. He makes little effort to hide his aversion to her unyielding optimism, and she finds his arrogance and his ego kind of offensive. She is confident, though, that with her people-pleasing nature and ability to befriend anyone, she can navigate this new world of wealth, reconnect with Mel, and win over Landon in no time.
But the longer she spends in their lives, the more secrets she uncovers, and she suddenly finds herself in the last place she ever wanted to be…smack dab in the middle of their turbulent relationship. When new discoveries about the past threaten her idealistic views, her confidence, and her entire reality, she finds an ally in the most unlikely person. The question is, can she really trust Landon, or will he destroy her (and her heart) altogether?
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2024
About the author
Alyssa Wilde
3 books425 followersAlyssa Wilde has an obsession with forbidden romance and doesn’t care who knows. Designer by day and writer by night, she currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with her amazingly supportive husband and their cat, Kevin. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys watching reality TV, consuming an insane amount of sushi, and occasionally stepping out into the light of day. Her new book, Before the Exhale, is coming March 10th!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
February 18, 2024
4.5/5
This book is the definition of a hidden gem. I don't remember the last time I cried during an epilogue.
This book is the definition of a hidden gem. I don't remember the last time I cried during an epilogue.
July 15, 2024
i literally couldn’t put this book down it was so good
August 3, 2023
Wow! Warning: This book will control your life. I stayed up sooo late, I canceled plans, I ignored my cat when she wanted to play. I could NOT put this book down. I absolutely 100% recommend this book.
First of all the main characters were written so strong and with such depth and emotion. The plot was different and not common and I loved that. It wasn’t too corny, it wasn’t too fluffy, and I wanna add that I yelled NO a few times (my husband doesn’t bother asking “what?” anymore 😂). My one complaint to this book is that I could have used a couple more steamy scenes. But I love the slow burn 🔥, if you like Mariana Zapata you will love this story.
First of all the main characters were written so strong and with such depth and emotion. The plot was different and not common and I loved that. It wasn’t too corny, it wasn’t too fluffy, and I wanna add that I yelled NO a few times (my husband doesn’t bother asking “what?” anymore 😂). My one complaint to this book is that I could have used a couple more steamy scenes. But I love the slow burn 🔥, if you like Mariana Zapata you will love this story.
March 5, 2024
I truly madly deeply hate the sibling’s ex trope. If I knew this were the case I wouldn’t have bothered reading this book. It’s so wrong on so many different levels. I just can’t!
No matter how toxic his previous relationship with her sister was. Matter of the fact remains that at one time, they were enamoured enough to live happily for two years and actually get married. Moving from one sister to another just doesn’t do it for me.
On a different note, I just hate it when FMCs don’t have a backbone. Girls and women should be taught how to defend themselves both verbally and physically. No woman should be anyone’s doormat. We have more dignity and self respect than that.
Finally, it was such a sloooooow burn that it’s not even funny.
All in all, Alyssa Wilde is a good writer but I would not recommend this book.
No matter how toxic his previous relationship with her sister was. Matter of the fact remains that at one time, they were enamoured enough to live happily for two years and actually get married. Moving from one sister to another just doesn’t do it for me.
On a different note, I just hate it when FMCs don’t have a backbone. Girls and women should be taught how to defend themselves both verbally and physically. No woman should be anyone’s doormat. We have more dignity and self respect than that.
Finally, it was such a sloooooow burn that it’s not even funny.
All in all, Alyssa Wilde is a good writer but I would not recommend this book.
May 15, 2025
If there is one thing Violet doesn’t have, it’s shame. Despite the author’s attempts, she did not come across as a sunshine girl. It was actually the opposite. From the second she landed on her sister‘s doorstep I felt nothing but rage for that girl. She’s desperate, selfish and has no sense of boundaries. She’s literally the villain. Satan personified. No amount of baking, people pleasing or smiling could hide the fact that at her core, Violet was an insecure loser who was deeply jealous of her sister‘s accomplishments.
Melanie could tell Violet that she had to go on a business trip and next thing you know Violet is deeply hurt because how dare her sister continue to go to work after Violet dropped off at her older sister‘s doorstep unannounced after eight years of no contact. 🤡
She also always had negative thoughts about her sister, literally anything she did bothered Violet on some personal level. Drinking a harmless glass of wine= Melanie being on a liquid diet whereas when Landon drank a whole bottle, Violet would go out of her way to take care of him and cover him with a blanket.
Or the instance when Violet baked lemon cookies for her sister and upon finding out that Landon was gluten intolerant+eating no sugar she’d bake him special cookies (without criticizing his eating habits) but when Melanie mentioned that she couldn’t eat the cookies since she was on a diet, Violet didn’t offer any alternatives for her. And mind you this was at the 20% mark, Landon was a stranger to her at this point.
At the 30% mark he literally called her words like whore, trashy, charity case on a daily basis berated her for wearing revealing workout clothes in the rich neighborhood…the list goes on and on and on, but this doesn’t seem to bother Violet much because she was preoccupied with playing housewife for him. It was like she was craving these interactions with him because poor wittle Violet just couldn’t cope with the fact that someone didn’t like her (mind you the people in her hometown didn’t like her, she‘s been an outcast all her life so his reaction wasn’t out of the ordinary for her. There were more people who disliked her than liked her so this obsession with him didn’t make any sense and seemed lazy on the author’s part).
I made it to the 58% mark before I decided to tap out. I’m sure that I’d would have rated this differently if the book would have been written from Melanie‘s POV. At least then the book would have been interesting.
Ps to the people saying this reads like a Mariana Zapata book? *Insert when an ugly stranger calls you twin meme*
Melanie could tell Violet that she had to go on a business trip and next thing you know Violet is deeply hurt because how dare her sister continue to go to work after Violet dropped off at her older sister‘s doorstep unannounced after eight years of no contact. 🤡
She also always had negative thoughts about her sister, literally anything she did bothered Violet on some personal level. Drinking a harmless glass of wine= Melanie being on a liquid diet whereas when Landon drank a whole bottle, Violet would go out of her way to take care of him and cover him with a blanket.
Or the instance when Violet baked lemon cookies for her sister and upon finding out that Landon was gluten intolerant+eating no sugar she’d bake him special cookies (without criticizing his eating habits) but when Melanie mentioned that she couldn’t eat the cookies since she was on a diet, Violet didn’t offer any alternatives for her. And mind you this was at the 20% mark, Landon was a stranger to her at this point.
At the 30% mark he literally called her words like whore, trashy, charity case on a daily basis berated her for wearing revealing workout clothes in the rich neighborhood…the list goes on and on and on, but this doesn’t seem to bother Violet much because she was preoccupied with playing housewife for him. It was like she was craving these interactions with him because poor wittle Violet just couldn’t cope with the fact that someone didn’t like her (mind you the people in her hometown didn’t like her, she‘s been an outcast all her life so his reaction wasn’t out of the ordinary for her. There were more people who disliked her than liked her so this obsession with him didn’t make any sense and seemed lazy on the author’s part).
I made it to the 58% mark before I decided to tap out. I’m sure that I’d would have rated this differently if the book would have been written from Melanie‘s POV. At least then the book would have been interesting.
Ps to the people saying this reads like a Mariana Zapata book? *Insert when an ugly stranger calls you twin meme*
January 15, 2025
I loved the grumpy/sunshine, air of mystery, slow burn, forced proximity, travel one bed and her neurotic nonstop rambling.
My one qualm was how a character or group of characters would be brought up for a good portion of the story but then for the book rarely ever mentioned again. Kinda like when a tv show would have a guest character on for a couple episodes but then left off and you’re left wondering what happened to them. (Hilary Duff on GG anyone?!)
My one qualm was how a character or group of characters would be brought up for a good portion of the story but then for the book rarely ever mentioned again. Kinda like when a tv show would have a guest character on for a couple episodes but then left off and you’re left wondering what happened to them. (Hilary Duff on GG anyone?!)
Read
June 21, 2023COVER REVEAL & PRE-ORDER
I am so excited to reveal the cover and blurb for my new book, The Highlight!
PRE-ORDER EBOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8V5CRHY
What to expect:
✨ Grumpy / Sunshine
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Forbidden
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Standalone
Release Date: August 5, 2023
I've been working on this book for sooo long, and I can't wait to finally share Violet and Landon's story with you. August can't come fast enough! ✨☀️🌊
BLURB
After years of alienation in her small town, Violet is finally getting out. Equipped with a can-do attitude and a fondness for silver linings, she's determined to reunite with her older sister, Mel, who left to go “find herself” nearly a decade ago. Easier said than done. Mel's new upscale life is a far cry from the way they grew up, and her sister's entitled, self-important whatever-he-is doesn’t help matters—especially when Landon Blair seems more content to glower and grimace than roll out the welcome wagon.
Though Violet tries to see the best in Landon, it's difficult. He makes little effort to hide his aversion to her unyielding optimism, and she finds his arrogance and his ego kind of offensive. She is confident, though, that with her people-pleasing nature and ability to befriend anyone, she can navigate this new world of wealth, reconnect with Mel, and win over Landon in no time.
But the longer she spends in their lives, the more secrets she uncovers, and she suddenly finds herself in the last place she ever wanted to be…smack dab in the middle of their turbulent relationship. When new discoveries about the past threaten her idealistic views, her confidence, and her entire reality, she finds an ally in the most unlikely person. The question is, can she really trust Landon, or will he destroy her (and her heart) altogether?
I am so excited to reveal the cover and blurb for my new book, The Highlight!
PRE-ORDER EBOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8V5CRHY
What to expect:
✨ Grumpy / Sunshine
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Forbidden
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Standalone
Release Date: August 5, 2023
I've been working on this book for sooo long, and I can't wait to finally share Violet and Landon's story with you. August can't come fast enough! ✨☀️🌊
BLURB
After years of alienation in her small town, Violet is finally getting out. Equipped with a can-do attitude and a fondness for silver linings, she's determined to reunite with her older sister, Mel, who left to go “find herself” nearly a decade ago. Easier said than done. Mel's new upscale life is a far cry from the way they grew up, and her sister's entitled, self-important whatever-he-is doesn’t help matters—especially when Landon Blair seems more content to glower and grimace than roll out the welcome wagon.
Though Violet tries to see the best in Landon, it's difficult. He makes little effort to hide his aversion to her unyielding optimism, and she finds his arrogance and his ego kind of offensive. She is confident, though, that with her people-pleasing nature and ability to befriend anyone, she can navigate this new world of wealth, reconnect with Mel, and win over Landon in no time.
But the longer she spends in their lives, the more secrets she uncovers, and she suddenly finds herself in the last place she ever wanted to be…smack dab in the middle of their turbulent relationship. When new discoveries about the past threaten her idealistic views, her confidence, and her entire reality, she finds an ally in the most unlikely person. The question is, can she really trust Landon, or will he destroy her (and her heart) altogether?
December 19, 2024
Now that I think about it, this book is an injustice to all older sisters. It’s personal. Our whole life we have to do everything for younger siblings but if we ever do anything for ourselves we are villains and selfish.
Maybe I am sexist but Landon is a weak man. Also going for your girlfriend’s 10 years younger sister who is barely legal is embarrassing.
Maybe I am sexist but Landon is a weak man. Also going for your girlfriend’s 10 years younger sister who is barely legal is embarrassing.
March 11, 2025
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise and the side characters .
The Not-So-Good: The fact we don't get the H's POV. I think this could've made him more relatable and their connection feel stronger.
The Bad: The chemistry -- I found it lacking. Super slow burn and tbh I kinda skimmed the scene once we got it.
Overall: This was alright. I was really hoping for an angst fest with that blurb! Sadly, I didn't get there. I wanted more tension! I wanted more angst! I didn't hate it or anything, but I just found it okay. It very well could be this humongous book slump too...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Violet and Landon's story. Violet leaves her small town in search of her older sister in Florida. Only she doesn't get the warm welcome she was expecting and Landon, whose house her sister is living in, really isn't happy to learn about her existence. She has to rely on both Landon and her sister to get on her feet in the new town but her sister is hardly around and Landon doesn't hide his feelings of frustration about her being there. There are some secrets revealed, some initial impressions changed, some sweet moments, and some big life changes...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Violet's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Mostly good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part, but the ending felt a little too rushed.
Instalove: No, more like hate to friends to more.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Landon. He was a mega jerk but we learn why and kind of understand by the end. I would've liked to have his POV.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Violet. She wasn't a little too much of a doormat for me, but I did appreciate her ability to see the bright side...sometimes.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some mild tension, chemistry, and a scene at the end -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Majorly slow burn as they are not intimate until ~97%.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes IMO
Separation: No, since they are not "together"
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but with what I would call a HFN ending since I need more closure
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise and the side characters .
The Not-So-Good: The fact we don't get the H's POV. I think this could've made him more relatable and their connection feel stronger.
The Bad: The chemistry -- I found it lacking. Super slow burn and tbh I kinda skimmed the scene once we got it.
Overall: This was alright. I was really hoping for an angst fest with that blurb! Sadly, I didn't get there. I wanted more tension! I wanted more angst! I didn't hate it or anything, but I just found it okay. It very well could be this humongous book slump too...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Violet and Landon's story. Violet leaves her small town in search of her older sister in Florida. Only she doesn't get the warm welcome she was expecting and Landon, whose house her sister is living in, really isn't happy to learn about her existence. She has to rely on both Landon and her sister to get on her feet in the new town but her sister is hardly around and Landon doesn't hide his feelings of frustration about her being there. There are some secrets revealed, some initial impressions changed, some sweet moments, and some big life changes...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Violet's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Mostly good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part, but the ending felt a little too rushed.
Instalove: No, more like hate to friends to more.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Landon. He was a mega jerk but we learn why and kind of understand by the end. I would've liked to have his POV.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Violet. She wasn't a little too much of a doormat for me, but I did appreciate her ability to see the bright side...sometimes.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some mild tension, chemistry, and a scene at the end -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Majorly slow burn as they are not intimate until ~97%.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes IMO
Separation: No, since they are not "together"
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but with what I would call a HFN ending since I need more closure
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
January 1, 2025
"I didn’t realize that I was still the same outsider I’d always been."
"You give too much to people who don’t want it. To people who don’t deserve it.
I know I do, but I don’t know how to change.
How do I change?"
First 5 star of the year 🥳🥳 This type of book that I've been searching for months. Angsty, slow burn, more angst, and definitely the FMC having the exact same personality as me (which is sad 🙂 so I relate a LOT).
And oh my Landon Blair. Keeping the standards so up high with this one 😩
"You give too much to people who don’t want it. To people who don’t deserve it.
I know I do, but I don’t know how to change.
How do I change?"
First 5 star of the year 🥳🥳 This type of book that I've been searching for months. Angsty, slow burn, more angst, and definitely the FMC having the exact same personality as me (which is sad 🙂 so I relate a LOT).
And oh my Landon Blair. Keeping the standards so up high with this one 😩
July 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Jag vill på ett sätt ge denna högre betyg för jag ändå var så investerad i storyn. jag menar hallå systerns ex och han är världens otrevligaste?? Men den var lite utdragen i början, några trådar som inte alls fångades upp, en del onödiga (och långa) scener. Men! En helt okej bra bok som absolut är läsvärd.
August 31, 2026
i couldn’t put this down I LOVED IT 🥹🥹
July 28, 2023
❤️5/5 📚190/120
🇺🇸It’s been a while since I haven’t read a book in one setting but I made an exception for this one and hid in a cave for twenty-four hours just to read it and finish it. It’s the tension of the slow burn, speckled with the taboo/kinda forbidden romance, it was incredible and made me want to read more, more, MORE. The character development in this is one of a kind, I absolutely enjoyed the journey, even though it was sometimes very painful to read. I think Violet is a character people can easily relate to, and Landon’s vulnerability (the one he never lets people see) moved me to tears sometimes.
Their story is special, and I was happy to see them overcome their hardship and accept to be happy together in the end.
Also, kudos for the very enjoyable side characters. The found family trope was amazing too!
🇫🇷Cela fait un moment que je n'ai pas lu un livre en une seule fois, mais j'ai fait une exception pour celui-ci et je me suis cachée dans une grotte pendant vingt-quatre heures pour le lire et le terminer. C'est la faute de cette tension imposée la lenteur de l'intrigue, mêlée à la romance taboue/en quelque sorte interdite, qui était incroyable et qui m'a donné envie d'en lire plus, plus, PLUS.
Le développement des personnages est unique en son genre, j'ai absolument apprécié le voyage, même si c'était parfois très douloureux à lire. Je pense que Violet est un personnage auquel on peut facilement s'identifier, et la vulnérabilité de Landon (celle qu'il ne laisse jamais voir) m'a parfois émue jusqu’aux larmes.
Leur histoire est spéciale, et j'ai été heureuse de les voir surmonter leurs épreuves et accepter enfin d'être heureux (ensemble) à la fin.
Une petite mention aux personnages secondaires qui sont très agréables. Le thème de la famille retrouvée est également très intéressant !
🇺🇸It’s been a while since I haven’t read a book in one setting but I made an exception for this one and hid in a cave for twenty-four hours just to read it and finish it. It’s the tension of the slow burn, speckled with the taboo/kinda forbidden romance, it was incredible and made me want to read more, more, MORE. The character development in this is one of a kind, I absolutely enjoyed the journey, even though it was sometimes very painful to read. I think Violet is a character people can easily relate to, and Landon’s vulnerability (the one he never lets people see) moved me to tears sometimes.
Their story is special, and I was happy to see them overcome their hardship and accept to be happy together in the end.
Also, kudos for the very enjoyable side characters. The found family trope was amazing too!
🇫🇷Cela fait un moment que je n'ai pas lu un livre en une seule fois, mais j'ai fait une exception pour celui-ci et je me suis cachée dans une grotte pendant vingt-quatre heures pour le lire et le terminer. C'est la faute de cette tension imposée la lenteur de l'intrigue, mêlée à la romance taboue/en quelque sorte interdite, qui était incroyable et qui m'a donné envie d'en lire plus, plus, PLUS.
Le développement des personnages est unique en son genre, j'ai absolument apprécié le voyage, même si c'était parfois très douloureux à lire. Je pense que Violet est un personnage auquel on peut facilement s'identifier, et la vulnérabilité de Landon (celle qu'il ne laisse jamais voir) m'a parfois émue jusqu’aux larmes.
Leur histoire est spéciale, et j'ai été heureuse de les voir surmonter leurs épreuves et accepter enfin d'être heureux (ensemble) à la fin.
Une petite mention aux personnages secondaires qui sont très agréables. Le thème de la famille retrouvée est également très intéressant !
January 26, 2026
4.25
that was….surprisingly amazing, just some really good romance! perfect amount of conflict, tension, and angst that makes you feel all the emotions. also a great set of characters that you connected to, which i feel romance lacks a lot of nowadays. the slow-burn and banter was there and i appreciated the lack of smut (don’t shoot me).
i’m surprised this isn’t more popular, makes me think of how many other hidden gems are out there 😔.
that was….surprisingly amazing, just some really good romance! perfect amount of conflict, tension, and angst that makes you feel all the emotions. also a great set of characters that you connected to, which i feel romance lacks a lot of nowadays. the slow-burn and banter was there and i appreciated the lack of smut (don’t shoot me).
i’m surprised this isn’t more popular, makes me think of how many other hidden gems are out there 😔.
March 28, 2024
“You, Violet James, are all light. You brighten every single room you enter, and don’t you ever say anything otherwise. People are drawn to you like moths to an absolutely stunning flame, and when you smile, fireworks erupt. I believe with my entire heart that there were other demons at work and that your mother loved you more than anything. How could she not? You are the fucking highlight…of the day, of the hour, of the minute.” His thumb brushes light across my cheekbone. “You’re my highlight.”
😭💗
August 18, 2023
Loved it!! This was such an amazing read!
If you like enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, angsty, emotional reads with some twists and turns you will love this book! It’s going straight to my favorites of 2023.
If you like enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, angsty, emotional reads with some twists and turns you will love this book! It’s going straight to my favorites of 2023.
April 23, 2025
SO cute and SO underrated! loved it
August 1, 2026
This book is the definition of a slow burn done RIGHT. Watching Violet and Landon go from constantly butting heads to slowly breaking down each other’s walls was so rewarding. Landon honestly ended up being one of my favourite book boyfriends. He starts off so grumpy and closed off, but once you understand him and see the way he quietly cares for Violet, it’s impossible not to fall in love with him. Every tiny gesture, every protective moment, every time his walls cracked just had me kicking my feet.
The chemistry between them builds so naturally, and the payoff is SO worth the wait. Their relationship never felt rushed—it felt earned, which made every sweet moment hit even harder. I was completely invested in them from start to finish.
And can we PLEASE talk about that epilogue?! 😭 It was the cutest, most heartwarming ending and wrapped up their story perfectly. I finished the last page with the biggest smile on my face (and maybe a few happy tears). It’s exactly the kind of epilogue I hope for after getting so attached to characters.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, incredible slow burn, emotional character growth, and a hero who slowly becomes the sweetest man ever, this is 100% worth the hype. Landon Blair, you have my whole heart. 🩷
“𝒀𝒐𝒖, 𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒆𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕.
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇***𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕… 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆.
𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.” ✨
The chemistry between them builds so naturally, and the payoff is SO worth the wait. Their relationship never felt rushed—it felt earned, which made every sweet moment hit even harder. I was completely invested in them from start to finish.
And can we PLEASE talk about that epilogue?! 😭 It was the cutest, most heartwarming ending and wrapped up their story perfectly. I finished the last page with the biggest smile on my face (and maybe a few happy tears). It’s exactly the kind of epilogue I hope for after getting so attached to characters.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, incredible slow burn, emotional character growth, and a hero who slowly becomes the sweetest man ever, this is 100% worth the hype. Landon Blair, you have my whole heart. 🩷
“𝒀𝒐𝒖, 𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒆𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕.
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇***𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕… 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆.
𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.” ✨
August 5, 2024
Infinity stars⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️………
I cannot express how much I LOVED this book!!!! I read this on KU and purchased it immediately so I would always have it. I may even break down and buy the paperback version I loved it so much!!
The writing in the book is SO good!! I felt like I was living in this book. It’s 500 pages of perfect character and story development. I would compare it to a Marianna Zapata book without the endless inner monologue. I was sucked in immediately and every time I had to stop to do something, I couldn’t wait to get back to this. This is single POV, and normally I hate that, but I’m actually happy we only get Violet’s viewpoint-it made this book so much better to not know what was going on in Landon’s head.
This is a true grumpy/sunshine. Landon was truly awful (I hated him for a while). Violet was the epitome of sunshine. She may have been a little naive about some things but I loved her perseverance. She never once felt sorry for herself even when everything was falling apart. She was adorable and funny and everyone who came in contact with her, fell in love with her.
The side characters were hilarious. I got so attached to all of them. (I really hope Eli gets a book!!! I loved him so much!!). The villains were villainous but in a believable way. (Not cartoony or over the top). I know some people are put off by the “sister’s ex” trope. Don’t be—- I don’t think it could have been done any better than it was here.
This is a slow burn, but the tension and chemistry between Violet and Landon was so intense and superbly done throughout this entire book. The push and pull never got old or repetitive. It was perfectly written IMO.
This book made me laugh, it made me cry. It was gut wrenching at times. Now that I’ve finished it, I miss these characters so much and I just want more of them.
I cannot express how much I LOVED this book!!!! I read this on KU and purchased it immediately so I would always have it. I may even break down and buy the paperback version I loved it so much!!
The writing in the book is SO good!! I felt like I was living in this book. It’s 500 pages of perfect character and story development. I would compare it to a Marianna Zapata book without the endless inner monologue. I was sucked in immediately and every time I had to stop to do something, I couldn’t wait to get back to this. This is single POV, and normally I hate that, but I’m actually happy we only get Violet’s viewpoint-it made this book so much better to not know what was going on in Landon’s head.
This is a true grumpy/sunshine. Landon was truly awful (I hated him for a while). Violet was the epitome of sunshine. She may have been a little naive about some things but I loved her perseverance. She never once felt sorry for herself even when everything was falling apart. She was adorable and funny and everyone who came in contact with her, fell in love with her.
The side characters were hilarious. I got so attached to all of them. (I really hope Eli gets a book!!! I loved him so much!!). The villains were villainous but in a believable way. (Not cartoony or over the top). I know some people are put off by the “sister’s ex” trope. Don’t be—- I don’t think it could have been done any better than it was here.
This is a slow burn, but the tension and chemistry between Violet and Landon was so intense and superbly done throughout this entire book. The push and pull never got old or repetitive. It was perfectly written IMO.
This book made me laugh, it made me cry. It was gut wrenching at times. Now that I’ve finished it, I miss these characters so much and I just want more of them.
August 3, 2023
This book will be going on my best books of the year list for sure. I used to regularly read books that I had a hard time putting down, ones that I would stay up late to finish even when I had to get up early for work. It had been so long since I felt that inclination that I forgot how wonderful it is - to get so lost in a story that time (and responsibilities) have no meaning.
The Highlight has that slow-burn romance magic I love, the kind where I turn page after page in anticipation of the next low-key but oh-so-meaningful interaction between the heroine and hero. It also has grumpy/sunshine vibes, a teeny bit of forbidden relationship and a heroine who is a baker (something I love too, though with nowhere near the success of heroine Violet).
I had come across this author a while back by accident, and loved her book Crash Course a ton too. I am very, very happy to find it wasn't a one-off gem, and I will be eagerly awaiting this author's next book.
The Highlight has that slow-burn romance magic I love, the kind where I turn page after page in anticipation of the next low-key but oh-so-meaningful interaction between the heroine and hero. It also has grumpy/sunshine vibes, a teeny bit of forbidden relationship and a heroine who is a baker (something I love too, though with nowhere near the success of heroine Violet).
I had come across this author a while back by accident, and loved her book Crash Course a ton too. I am very, very happy to find it wasn't a one-off gem, and I will be eagerly awaiting this author's next book.
August 6, 2023
You've gotta stick with this one. The author pits our FMC and MC at extremes on the grumpy-sunshine spectrum. Like EXTREME extreme. If you're a reformed people-pleaser like me, the hyper-sunshiney personality of the FMC might chafe and be hard to swallow at times. But like I said, stick with it. The character development and depth is beautiful. It has a very gradual arc and the romance is a SLOW-burn. It's all very subtle and done very well. I've seen a review saying that it could use more spice, but I feel the exact opposite. I would even go so far as to say that the little spice that we did get could've been left out. It was such a sweet slow-burn that I would've been totally happy with just a "closed-door" scene and feel that it would've been more aligned with the whole book. And this comes from someone who enjoys reading copious amounts of smut. Overall, a well developed, character driven romance.
August 5, 2023
This books writing was superb. I was so engrossed in the story, I stayed up late in to the night to finish. The chemistry, the plot, and the banter was so amazing. I’m obsessed with Alyssa’s writing. It’s very heart felt, and compelling. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes. The secret at the end was shocking. Even tho it does happen, a lot of people don’t talk about it, let alone write about it in romantic fiction. I highly recommend this book, if you want a book to make you forget your life for a while. I’m not just saying that either. This book pulls you into the story, and you live in the pages.
August 18, 2024
estou mt triste por não ter lido esse antes mas feliz por ter lido agora!!!! muuuuuuito bom serio é bem slowburn mas uma versão melhorada de qualquer livro da mariana zapata
serviu talaricagem entre irmãs serviu enemies to lovers serviu rico/pobre serviu grumpy/sunshine serviu age gap(8anos) e personagens carismáticos!!!! ai amei a literatura está de volta
serviu talaricagem entre irmãs serviu enemies to lovers serviu rico/pobre serviu grumpy/sunshine serviu age gap(8anos) e personagens carismáticos!!!! ai amei a literatura está de volta
October 1, 2024
Story is okay, but FMC is absolutely insufferable - I know she is 20, but she acts 13, extremely naive, has no backbone, and plays the martyr but not in a way you sympathize with. It's so frustrating. I was actually rooting for the couple to not get together so the FMC could learn how to be her own person, alas. Felt like a low-budget Mariana Zapata book.
July 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️/5
I couldn’t believe this was Alyssa’s SECOND book.
The characters were so well thought out and written.
I do wish that there was more chapter development in Violet throughout the book instead of all in the last 10%.
I couldn’t believe this was Alyssa’s SECOND book.
The characters were so well thought out and written.
I do wish that there was more chapter development in Violet throughout the book instead of all in the last 10%.
April 11, 2024
Amazing forbidden romance book that had me laughing and smiling the whole way through!
May 3, 2024
I binged this into the wee hours of the night. I wouldn’t describe this book as angsty, but I was still very emotionally invested in the main characters. Eff her sister tho fr.
October 13, 2024
What a surprise! I loved this book and hope the author keeps writing!
August 25, 2025
Every single choice made here was perfect
August 26, 2024
4.5 really fucking slow but OH so CUTE
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