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Cherry Stems #1
86 Love
Hailey never would have guessed her darkest moment would save her from an even darker future.
Hailey is a people pleaser and class clown. No matter how stormy her days, she always tries to make everyone around her smile. Unfortunately, her boyfriend, Gage, doesn't have the same priorities. He isn't supportive of her goofy personality, her dreams of being a fantasy author or her part-time jobs. He's even less supportive of her playing on the Cherry Stems co-ed soccer team. Everyone has been trying to convince her to leave Gage, but it's not as easy as they think. And her inner demons sure aren't helping.
Avery has been one of Hailey's closest friends since high school, but they've never had a romantic connection. They're both dorks, and Avery loves Hailey's playful personality when they play for the Cherry Stems together. Her friends seem to think they'd be perfect for each other, but Hailey is positive Avery has never looked at her that way. Right?
There's only one way to find out, but Hailey isn't sure she has the courage to go for it, not when Gage and her own fears keep telling her to just give up.
86 Love is a friends-to-lovers love triangle romance with no cheating, found family, an athletic and dorky FMC trying to find the strength to face her fears, and spicy open door scenes.
Hailey is a people pleaser and class clown. No matter how stormy her days, she always tries to make everyone around her smile. Unfortunately, her boyfriend, Gage, doesn't have the same priorities. He isn't supportive of her goofy personality, her dreams of being a fantasy author or her part-time jobs. He's even less supportive of her playing on the Cherry Stems co-ed soccer team. Everyone has been trying to convince her to leave Gage, but it's not as easy as they think. And her inner demons sure aren't helping.
Avery has been one of Hailey's closest friends since high school, but they've never had a romantic connection. They're both dorks, and Avery loves Hailey's playful personality when they play for the Cherry Stems together. Her friends seem to think they'd be perfect for each other, but Hailey is positive Avery has never looked at her that way. Right?
There's only one way to find out, but Hailey isn't sure she has the courage to go for it, not when Gage and her own fears keep telling her to just give up.
86 Love is a friends-to-lovers love triangle romance with no cheating, found family, an athletic and dorky FMC trying to find the strength to face her fears, and spicy open door scenes.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
13 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 16, 2024
Honestly, all I can say about this book is that it is truly a gem. Yes, there’s a few difficult topics it handles, but it does so truly beautifully. I loved that Hailey is given a strong bunch of crazy friends because let’s be honest, crazy friends are what keep us sane in this big bad world.
There is nothing I can say to praise the way Avery is written. Just like magic, he is exactly what Hailey needs and I’m glad he had it in him to wait for her. I quite appreciate that she treats him right too with all the compliments and reassurances. I would have absolutely loved to have a peek into his POV every now and then despite knowing that he’s a complete goner. Just, you know, a reassurance, if nothing else. So I’m definitely waiting for the bonus content to reach me 🙈
However, I will not let anything stop me from giving this story a full five stars. It successfully made me feel all of Hailey’s feelings and that is a feat not every book accomplishes. Kudos for a brilliant story ♥️ The friend group is such a lovely bunch, I can’t wait for their stories to reach us too!!!
Thank you for my advance copy!!
There is nothing I can say to praise the way Avery is written. Just like magic, he is exactly what Hailey needs and I’m glad he had it in him to wait for her. I quite appreciate that she treats him right too with all the compliments and reassurances. I would have absolutely loved to have a peek into his POV every now and then despite knowing that he’s a complete goner. Just, you know, a reassurance, if nothing else. So I’m definitely waiting for the bonus content to reach me 🙈
However, I will not let anything stop me from giving this story a full five stars. It successfully made me feel all of Hailey’s feelings and that is a feat not every book accomplishes. Kudos for a brilliant story ♥️ The friend group is such a lovely bunch, I can’t wait for their stories to reach us too!!!
Thank you for my advance copy!!
May 22, 2024
Sweet, heartfelt, sometimes heartbreaking, and really funny! I loved this debut from Lauren Kohout. Hailey is a super lovable and extremely relatable character. I was rooting for her and really identified with her struggles with depression and self-esteem. I'm glad that it was a single POV, because this really was Hailey's story above all else and I enjoyed seeing her get her much-deserved happy ending.
The author deals with difficult topics with a lot of sensitivity, realism, and heart. The supporting characters add a ton of humor and I want be friends and eat Old Bay fries with all of them. I'm really excited to read the next book(s) in this series!
The author deals with difficult topics with a lot of sensitivity, realism, and heart. The supporting characters add a ton of humor and I want be friends and eat Old Bay fries with all of them. I'm really excited to read the next book(s) in this series!
May 22, 2024
This book is beautifully written. The author has great skill at making you feel and experience everything Hailey goes through. The captivation of feelings keeps you sucked in where you can’t put the book down. I truly loved reading this book and became very attached to the characters and their love story. I can’t wait to read more!
May 14, 2024
Hailey, the focus of the book, is a very Iikeable person. The author has the skills to create honest reactions to the people she encounters.
May 16, 2024
4/5 ☆
2.5/5 🌶️
This book was outside of my normal genres, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it! I think that Lauren did a great job of giving us realistic characters and did a fabulous job of writing the struggle of leaving a relationship that no longer serves you.
I definitely want to make sure that other readers take head of the TW in this as there is on page SA and it is hard to read. I had to take a break after that chapter, but I also appreciate that it is a chapter that is 100% skippable if you do not have the ability to read it.
However, there is definitely a HEA ending and I am glad to say that I read this novel from first time author Lauren! Hope to keep seeing new stories from her in this series!
2.5/5 🌶️
This book was outside of my normal genres, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it! I think that Lauren did a great job of giving us realistic characters and did a fabulous job of writing the struggle of leaving a relationship that no longer serves you.
I definitely want to make sure that other readers take head of the TW in this as there is on page SA and it is hard to read. I had to take a break after that chapter, but I also appreciate that it is a chapter that is 100% skippable if you do not have the ability to read it.
However, there is definitely a HEA ending and I am glad to say that I read this novel from first time author Lauren! Hope to keep seeing new stories from her in this series!
May 14, 2024
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Hailey loves her group of friends and playing with them on their co-ed soccer team, the Cherry Stems. What she doesn’t love is how unsupportive her boyfriend, Gage, is. He doesn’t like that she plays on a co-ed team and he doesn’t like the fact she needs two part-time jobs to make ends meet while she’s pursuing her dream of being a fantasy author. Her friends think she should dump him but her mind’s convinced her she won’t find anyone better. But someone better may be closer than she thinks. Avery, her best friend since high school and teammate, and Hailey have been circling each other for years but never had their timing right. If Hailey can manage to get away from Gage, she may find that her “person" has always been right there just waiting for his chance.
I found Hailey to be a very relatable and down-to-earth character. She’s the kind of person you can see yourself being friends with. It was easy to see why all her friends liked having her around and only wanted the best for her. That’s how I felt too. When we first meet her she’s in an awful relationship. Gage was a piece of trash and I couldn’t wait for her to get away from him. She didn’t have an easy go of it (be sure to check the content warnings at the start), but she was a fighter. Even more than the eventual love story between her and Avery, I enjoyed seeing her find her way back to herself after she escapes Gage’s clutches.
Avery was a total sweetheart. He was so supportive and patient when it came to Hailey. It was clear to everyone except Hailey how he felt about her. I love how all their friends banded together to try and push them together. Their group chats were very entertaining! I would have loved to have seen more of them falling for each other but they were so sweet once they finally do get together. Hailey’s HEA was hard-earned but it made it extra satisfying to see her finally get it!
There was a whole host of fun side characters who I imagine will feature in future books and I look forward to reading about them!
She really had to relearn how to be her own person. At least these days she had more reasons to smile instead of faking it half the time.
Hailey loves her group of friends and playing with them on their co-ed soccer team, the Cherry Stems. What she doesn’t love is how unsupportive her boyfriend, Gage, is. He doesn’t like that she plays on a co-ed team and he doesn’t like the fact she needs two part-time jobs to make ends meet while she’s pursuing her dream of being a fantasy author. Her friends think she should dump him but her mind’s convinced her she won’t find anyone better. But someone better may be closer than she thinks. Avery, her best friend since high school and teammate, and Hailey have been circling each other for years but never had their timing right. If Hailey can manage to get away from Gage, she may find that her “person" has always been right there just waiting for his chance.
Hailey could do nothing but gape at Avery. Who was this man and how was he standing here in front of her offering her something so thoughtful?
I found Hailey to be a very relatable and down-to-earth character. She’s the kind of person you can see yourself being friends with. It was easy to see why all her friends liked having her around and only wanted the best for her. That’s how I felt too. When we first meet her she’s in an awful relationship. Gage was a piece of trash and I couldn’t wait for her to get away from him. She didn’t have an easy go of it (be sure to check the content warnings at the start), but she was a fighter. Even more than the eventual love story between her and Avery, I enjoyed seeing her find her way back to herself after she escapes Gage’s clutches.
She didn’t want to say she was crazy about this man, but she wasn’t not saying it.
Avery was a total sweetheart. He was so supportive and patient when it came to Hailey. It was clear to everyone except Hailey how he felt about her. I love how all their friends banded together to try and push them together. Their group chats were very entertaining! I would have loved to have seen more of them falling for each other but they were so sweet once they finally do get together. Hailey’s HEA was hard-earned but it made it extra satisfying to see her finally get it!
There was a whole host of fun side characters who I imagine will feature in future books and I look forward to reading about them!
"I need you to know that I’m here and I’ll wait for you if you need me to, if you want that. If you want … me.”
May 22, 2024
Characters:
Hailey and Avery are wonderfully developed characters whose journey from longtime friends to soulmates is heartwarming and relatable. Hailey's transformation from a woman searching for happiness to finding it in Avery is beautifully portrayed. Her growth from uncertainty to confidence in love is inspiring. Avery is the epitome of a supportive and loving partner, and his unwavering devotion to Hailey is both endearing and admirable. The secondary characters, including Mia, Trevor, and Cole, add depth and richness to the story, each bringing their own unique personalities and dynamics to the narrative.
Journey:
The journey of Hailey and Avery's relationship is a captivating and emotional rollercoaster that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. From their initial meeting in high school to their surprise wedding, every moment is filled with tension, anticipation, and ultimately, love. The story beautifully captures the ups and downs of their romance, from the tender moments of connection to the challenges they face along the way. Their decision to foster children adds another layer of depth to their journey, highlighting their capacity for love and compassion.
Scenery:
The vivid descriptions of the scenery throughout the story paint a rich and immersive picture of the world Hailey and Avery inhabit. From the quaint suburban neighborhoods to the bustling soccer fields, each setting feels alive and vibrant, providing the perfect backdrop for their love story to unfold. Whether it's the cozy warmth of Hailey's parents' kitchen or the excitement of Mia's first soccer game, the scenery enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, making it feel all the more real and immersive.
Standout Elements:
Several elements make this story truly stand out. The surprise wedding twist adds an element of excitement and spontaneity, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The inclusion of foster children Mia and Trevor adds depth and complexity to the story, exploring themes of family, love, and belonging in a meaningful and poignant way. Additionally, the humor and banter between characters, particularly Cole's antics and witty remarks, injects a delightful sense of levity into the narrative, balancing out the more emotional moments with laughter and joy.
Overall, "Hailey and Avery's Journey" is a beautifully crafted story filled with heart, humor, and romance. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, vivid scenery, and standout elements come together to create an unforgettable reading experience that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Cherry Stems series.
Hailey and Avery are wonderfully developed characters whose journey from longtime friends to soulmates is heartwarming and relatable. Hailey's transformation from a woman searching for happiness to finding it in Avery is beautifully portrayed. Her growth from uncertainty to confidence in love is inspiring. Avery is the epitome of a supportive and loving partner, and his unwavering devotion to Hailey is both endearing and admirable. The secondary characters, including Mia, Trevor, and Cole, add depth and richness to the story, each bringing their own unique personalities and dynamics to the narrative.
Journey:
The journey of Hailey and Avery's relationship is a captivating and emotional rollercoaster that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. From their initial meeting in high school to their surprise wedding, every moment is filled with tension, anticipation, and ultimately, love. The story beautifully captures the ups and downs of their romance, from the tender moments of connection to the challenges they face along the way. Their decision to foster children adds another layer of depth to their journey, highlighting their capacity for love and compassion.
Scenery:
The vivid descriptions of the scenery throughout the story paint a rich and immersive picture of the world Hailey and Avery inhabit. From the quaint suburban neighborhoods to the bustling soccer fields, each setting feels alive and vibrant, providing the perfect backdrop for their love story to unfold. Whether it's the cozy warmth of Hailey's parents' kitchen or the excitement of Mia's first soccer game, the scenery enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, making it feel all the more real and immersive.
Standout Elements:
Several elements make this story truly stand out. The surprise wedding twist adds an element of excitement and spontaneity, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The inclusion of foster children Mia and Trevor adds depth and complexity to the story, exploring themes of family, love, and belonging in a meaningful and poignant way. Additionally, the humor and banter between characters, particularly Cole's antics and witty remarks, injects a delightful sense of levity into the narrative, balancing out the more emotional moments with laughter and joy.
Overall, "Hailey and Avery's Journey" is a beautifully crafted story filled with heart, humor, and romance. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, vivid scenery, and standout elements come together to create an unforgettable reading experience that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Cherry Stems series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2024
86 Love is a love story with some dark turns and spicy scenes! Hailey is working 2 part time jobs while trying to write a book, in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend Gage, and the best part of her life is playing on a soccer team with her friends. I liked all of the details about being a waitress and also the soccer terminology that I was completely unfamiliar with. The text message chains were fun to read and I also loved drunk Hailey’s personality! Her relationship with Gage is obviously unhealthy and all of her friends can see it but she talks herself into staying for the wrong reasons over and over again. Her friendship with Avery, her apparently very attractive guy friend that supports her in everything she does, is enjoyable to watch bloom into something more. The book has a satisfying ending, but I’m interested in seeing what is up with her friend Elena. Maybe we’ll know more in the next book!
May 29, 2024
4.5* - Rounded up to 5...
I could relate SO strongly with Hailey... Her experiences with Gage and Scott are intense and brutal. PLEASE check trigger warnings before reading this book!
That said, the portrayal is done SO well, and the importance of mental health is shared, along with acknowledging the proper support structures, etc needed. I loved the support Hailey received after her incident with Scott, and also how her friends helped her to better recognise things related to Gage, and yet they support her decisions regardless.
This is a great story about learning more about yourself, and standing up for your own happiness. I seriously admire Hailey's character for that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I could relate SO strongly with Hailey... Her experiences with Gage and Scott are intense and brutal. PLEASE check trigger warnings before reading this book!
That said, the portrayal is done SO well, and the importance of mental health is shared, along with acknowledging the proper support structures, etc needed. I loved the support Hailey received after her incident with Scott, and also how her friends helped her to better recognise things related to Gage, and yet they support her decisions regardless.
This is a great story about learning more about yourself, and standing up for your own happiness. I seriously admire Hailey's character for that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2024
3 ⭐️
This book brings up some serious subjects like abuse, rape, mental health issues. It does it in a good way and it still ha a HEA.
What I have troubles with is the writing. The conversations doesn’t feel realistic. Like some of the things they say. I am also not a fan of the sex scenes, even though they are few.
I did enjoy the epilogue, it wrapped the story up well.
A good first novel for this writer 😊
This book brings up some serious subjects like abuse, rape, mental health issues. It does it in a good way and it still ha a HEA.
What I have troubles with is the writing. The conversations doesn’t feel realistic. Like some of the things they say. I am also not a fan of the sex scenes, even though they are few.
I did enjoy the epilogue, it wrapped the story up well.
A good first novel for this writer 😊
May 30, 2024
📚 **Book Review: "86 Love" by Lauren Kohout** 📚
If you’re a fan of soccer and romance, "86 Love" by Lauren Kohout is the debut novel you won’t want to miss! This captivating story revolves around our protagonist, Hailey, who’s juggling the chaos of life with an arrogant boyfriend while her best friend harbors deeper feelings for her.
Set against the thrilling backdrop of soccer, this book dives deep into challenging and sometimes difficult topics. What stands out is the single POV narrative, giving us an intimate look into Hailey's thoughts and emotions as she navigates her tumultuous relationships and the ups and downs of her journey.
Despite the heartache and challenges, "86 Love" is a sweet and compelling read that promises a satisfying HEA. It’s a perfect blend of drama, romance, and sports, making it an ideal pick for your next weekend read. ⚽❤️
If you’re a fan of soccer and romance, "86 Love" by Lauren Kohout is the debut novel you won’t want to miss! This captivating story revolves around our protagonist, Hailey, who’s juggling the chaos of life with an arrogant boyfriend while her best friend harbors deeper feelings for her.
Set against the thrilling backdrop of soccer, this book dives deep into challenging and sometimes difficult topics. What stands out is the single POV narrative, giving us an intimate look into Hailey's thoughts and emotions as she navigates her tumultuous relationships and the ups and downs of her journey.
Despite the heartache and challenges, "86 Love" is a sweet and compelling read that promises a satisfying HEA. It’s a perfect blend of drama, romance, and sports, making it an ideal pick for your next weekend read. ⚽❤️
February 8, 2025
Super cute read! Met the author at the collingswood book festival and finally got around to reading this. Excited to continue the series
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews