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The Art of Breathing
One last summer together.
One bucket list.
One line and once it’s crossed, there’s no going back…
Luna Truly was living on bottled air and borrowed time.
She had spent most of her life in and out of hospitals.
All she wanted to do was live a typical life—one where she didn't feel like she was a burden.
Everyone treated her like she was a fragile piece of glass, except for one person.
Her best friend, her partner in crime, the boy who she loved for as long as she could remember.
Oliver Hart was the only person who treated her like she wasn’t going to break.
He was the only one who really saw the girl behind the medical diagnoses.
He breathed life into her and made her feel alive.
But their time together was quickly coming to an end.
Their lives were going in different directions with Oliver leaving for college in the fall.
It was their last summer before their lives changed forever and neither of them were prepared for what the future might hold.
One bucket list.
One line and once it’s crossed, there’s no going back…
Luna Truly was living on bottled air and borrowed time.
She had spent most of her life in and out of hospitals.
All she wanted to do was live a typical life—one where she didn't feel like she was a burden.
Everyone treated her like she was a fragile piece of glass, except for one person.
Her best friend, her partner in crime, the boy who she loved for as long as she could remember.
Oliver Hart was the only person who treated her like she wasn’t going to break.
He was the only one who really saw the girl behind the medical diagnoses.
He breathed life into her and made her feel alive.
But their time together was quickly coming to an end.
Their lives were going in different directions with Oliver leaving for college in the fall.
It was their last summer before their lives changed forever and neither of them were prepared for what the future might hold.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2024
60 people are currently reading
1172 people want to read
About the author
Cali Melle
30 books1,300 followersCali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
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July 29, 2024
🌸 𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂 🌸 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤K𝐈T𝐓Y K𝐀T𝐒 𝐂R𝐀Z𝐘 𝐀B𝐎U𝐓 𝐁O𝐎K𝐒
'𝐓H𝐄 𝐀R𝐓 𝐎F B𝐑E𝐀T𝐇I𝐍G' Is a full length standalone romance book by author Cali Melle. Luna & Oliver (18 years old)
🌤️ Best friends
🌤️ Neighbours
🌤️ Illness
🌤️ Boy obsessed
🌤️ He falls first
🌤️ Virgins
This one hit the feels, as soon as I started I became obsessed
Wanting, needing, craving that they had more time as the green eyed boy next door stole my heart.
📚 'I w𝐢l𝐥 𝐚l𝐰a𝐲s b𝐞e𝐧 𝐢n y𝐨u𝐫 𝐥i𝐟e
A𝐥w𝐚y𝐬 𝐚n𝐝 𝐟o𝐫e𝐯e𝐫'
He was an extension of her, before she even knew what she needed he’d already done it for her.
At such a young age he knew how special she was.
He didn’t see her as the broken sick girl, he saw her strength, the beauty within, and he couldn’t help but gravitate towards her, to love her, to be her strength when she needed her best friend beside her as she battled her health issues.
At only a few months old Luna was diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation and her life expectancy wasn't great. All she ever wanted was to be treated normal, and Oliver gave her that. They became fast friends since they were three years old, and had been inseparable ever since.
One last summer before Oliver goes to college and Luna stays behind to attend the local college and they are separated by distance they decide to tick things off her bucket list. Making it one memorable summer together. But Luna is also harboring a secret that she has feelings for Oliver which she doesn't want to act on because she doesn't know how much longer she'll be alive for.
August 9, 2024
"As long as I get to be a part of your life, I'll be whatever you want me to be."
This was an incredibly emotional read. Luna has a chronic illness and is predicting her life to be short. She plans a bucket list for her summer after graduating high school and her best friend Oliver wants to make sure he helps her cross off everything on her list. 🥹🥹
Oliver is legit one of the most loving young adult mmc's I have ever read. He gives Luna his entire heart and would do just about anything for her. I found myself swooning over basically everything he said.
Now, I don't typically read YA because I am in my 30's and tend to feel a disconnect BUT I will say this story is just soooo heartbreakingly beautiful, I truly enjoyed it. It truly felt like a movie in my mind.
Highlights:
"Oliver Hart was my home."
"He wanted me all to himself. And I would gladly give him every piece of me, including my very last breath."
3.5⭐
young adult
childhood friends to lovers
neighbors
pining
one bed
summer bucket list
chronic illness rep
This was an incredibly emotional read. Luna has a chronic illness and is predicting her life to be short. She plans a bucket list for her summer after graduating high school and her best friend Oliver wants to make sure he helps her cross off everything on her list. 🥹🥹
Oliver is legit one of the most loving young adult mmc's I have ever read. He gives Luna his entire heart and would do just about anything for her. I found myself swooning over basically everything he said.
Now, I don't typically read YA because I am in my 30's and tend to feel a disconnect BUT I will say this story is just soooo heartbreakingly beautiful, I truly enjoyed it. It truly felt like a movie in my mind.
Highlights:
"Oliver Hart was my home."
"He wanted me all to himself. And I would gladly give him every piece of me, including my very last breath."
3.5⭐
young adult
childhood friends to lovers
neighbors
pining
one bed
summer bucket list
chronic illness rep
Read
August 1, 2024deciding to dnf this at 52%, i dont want to put a rating on this one bc my reason for dnf really has nothing to do with the books content itself.
i dont dislike the book by any means, i think the writing is great however it just feels a little too YA for my liking and in all honesty it was also just making me a little too depressed lol.
the concept is very cute and sweet, everything that oliver is trying to do for luna is so precious. however i think that the medical diagnosis is taking up a little too much of the storyline and i would like to see more going on than talks about the MD and the activities.
the best way i can describe it is that sometimes i read books where i do like them but im not engrossed or very entertained by it and think that they would make a better tv show or movie than they do a book.
again it’s beautifully written, its going to be a very cute read for a lot of people but its just not totally for me.
i dont dislike the book by any means, i think the writing is great however it just feels a little too YA for my liking and in all honesty it was also just making me a little too depressed lol.
the concept is very cute and sweet, everything that oliver is trying to do for luna is so precious. however i think that the medical diagnosis is taking up a little too much of the storyline and i would like to see more going on than talks about the MD and the activities.
the best way i can describe it is that sometimes i read books where i do like them but im not engrossed or very entertained by it and think that they would make a better tv show or movie than they do a book.
again it’s beautifully written, its going to be a very cute read for a lot of people but its just not totally for me.
August 10, 2024
one of the sweetest books i’ve ever read but an emotional and hard-fought hea 🥹
luna has a rare disease so tomorrow is never guaranteed for her. with graduation approaching and her best friend, oliver, headed off to a college hours away, he insists on helping her complete the bucket list she’s been keeping before the summer’s over.
oliver might be the sweetest book boyfriend i’ve ever read and there story was heart-wrenching and emotional but so so sweet 🥹
luna has a rare disease so tomorrow is never guaranteed for her. with graduation approaching and her best friend, oliver, headed off to a college hours away, he insists on helping her complete the bucket list she’s been keeping before the summer’s over.
oliver might be the sweetest book boyfriend i’ve ever read and there story was heart-wrenching and emotional but so so sweet 🥹
August 14, 2024
• 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹
• 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
• 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗽
• 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁
• 𝗛𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘀
• 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗠𝗖
• 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘆 𝗙𝗠𝗖 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱
"𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝙊𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚."
My gosh! This book was beautiful. I am honestly speechless after finishing it. I couldn't put it down. These two stole my heart! Cali Melle's writing was perfect, she captured these two so well. They were some of the most loveable characters I've read about in a while.
Oliver and Luna have been best friends since they were very young. Which meant Oliver had been through countless hospital stays by Luna's side. Luna's biggest worry was burdening others with her illness. But Ollie knew exactly how to take care of Luna without making her feel like he was overstepping her independence. Which was huge for Luna because she felt like her dignity had been stripped from her at a very young age she felt like she always had to rely on others. But this sweet boy came in and knew exactly what she needed. Always boosting her up. Even when she felt like a burden the words of reassurance that came out of his mouth were pure poetry.
"𝘈𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘹𝘺𝘨𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥."
Luna was such a gentle character. You couldn't help but love her right away and route for her. She was so easy to love! I loved how everyone called her their sunshine! It was so fitting!
"𝘏𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳m𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦."
August 11, 2024
“I was also stuck in manual breathing, having to remind myself to take a breath. He seemed to have that effect on me lately and suffocating never felt this good before.”
Oh my goodness this was precious! It was so sweet, heartwarming, and just emotional! There were so many times I teared up while reading and I just think Cali did an amazing job at capturing the hearts of her readers with this one! I did not want to put it down as soon as I read the first page 🥹
“You’re going to inflate my ego if you keep calling me your queen.”
“That’s the plan, Luna. Even after you realize I’m speaking the truth, I will never stop reminding you of what you really are.”
Luna and Oliver were perfect. I loved getting to see Luna’s medical backstory and getting to follow along with all of her day to day tasks while living with a chronic genetic condition. I loved how strong she was throughout it all. Seeing how much she didn’t want to be a burden and how much she put others feelings before her own just showed how big and caring her heart is 🥲 I loved loved lovedddd Oliver. I loved how absolutely pure he was. He cared for her with such tenderness it literally brought tears to my eyes. I loved that he helped push her to live her life and fulfill her bucket list without actually pushing her beyond her comfort- he was good about leading her and having ahold of her hand the entire time, making sure she knew she was in control and could rest whenever she needed! 💖
“The world deserves to be seen by someone like you, Luna. Let me show it to you.”
This was amazing, I’m so so happy I had the chance to read this beautiful story!
Oh my goodness this was precious! It was so sweet, heartwarming, and just emotional! There were so many times I teared up while reading and I just think Cali did an amazing job at capturing the hearts of her readers with this one! I did not want to put it down as soon as I read the first page 🥹
“You’re going to inflate my ego if you keep calling me your queen.”
“That’s the plan, Luna. Even after you realize I’m speaking the truth, I will never stop reminding you of what you really are.”
Luna and Oliver were perfect. I loved getting to see Luna’s medical backstory and getting to follow along with all of her day to day tasks while living with a chronic genetic condition. I loved how strong she was throughout it all. Seeing how much she didn’t want to be a burden and how much she put others feelings before her own just showed how big and caring her heart is 🥲 I loved loved lovedddd Oliver. I loved how absolutely pure he was. He cared for her with such tenderness it literally brought tears to my eyes. I loved that he helped push her to live her life and fulfill her bucket list without actually pushing her beyond her comfort- he was good about leading her and having ahold of her hand the entire time, making sure she knew she was in control and could rest whenever she needed! 💖
“The world deserves to be seen by someone like you, Luna. Let me show it to you.”
This was amazing, I’m so so happy I had the chance to read this beautiful story!
December 16, 2024
imagine everything everything but make it friends to lovers ~
July 29, 2024
Absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking story. This is, in my opinion, Cali’s best work to date and I will die on that hill.
“One day, you’re going to fall for me and I promise you I will catch you when you do.”
🩷Best friends to lovers
🩷Neighbors to lovers
🩷First loves
🩷HS graduates
🩷Bucket list
🩷He falls first
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: no spice
Angst level: 💔💔💔
First off, I will say that no MCs pass away and there is a HEA. I was nervous when I started this book, so I feel like I need to make that known!
Luna and Oliver’s story is beautiful. Luna has been sick her entire life and has never been able to live a normal life. It is the summer before Oliver leaves for college and the two of them decide to check things off her bucket list.
Their times together are just so special and Oliver is a pure treasure. I swear anytime he opened his mouth I had tears in my eyes from swooning. And everyone Luna opened her mouth I was sobbing from being in my feels. So essentially I was crying this entire book, but in a good way. These two have absolutely captivated me and I found myself not being able to put the book down.
We see characters from Cali’s other books and that was quite the fun surprise!
I am looking forward to reading whatever Cali writes next!
“One day, you’re going to fall for me and I promise you I will catch you when you do.”
🩷Best friends to lovers
🩷Neighbors to lovers
🩷First loves
🩷HS graduates
🩷Bucket list
🩷He falls first
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: no spice
Angst level: 💔💔💔
First off, I will say that no MCs pass away and there is a HEA. I was nervous when I started this book, so I feel like I need to make that known!
Luna and Oliver’s story is beautiful. Luna has been sick her entire life and has never been able to live a normal life. It is the summer before Oliver leaves for college and the two of them decide to check things off her bucket list.
Their times together are just so special and Oliver is a pure treasure. I swear anytime he opened his mouth I had tears in my eyes from swooning. And everyone Luna opened her mouth I was sobbing from being in my feels. So essentially I was crying this entire book, but in a good way. These two have absolutely captivated me and I found myself not being able to put the book down.
We see characters from Cali’s other books and that was quite the fun surprise!
I am looking forward to reading whatever Cali writes next!
August 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💓Friends to lovers
💓It's always been you
💓Soulmates
I love a friends to lovers story, especially when both characters have been secretly crushing on each other for years but haven’t mustered up the courage to say anything.
I don’t usually go for YA, but I’m completely in love with Cali Melle’s writing, so of course, I had to pick this one up—and I’m so glad I did. Cali did an amazing job with this story; Luna and Oliver drew me in right from the start. Luna is such a strong FMC who’s overcome so much because of her illness, and Oliver is the perfect book boyfriend, totally smitten and practically worshiping the ground she walks on.
I loved Luna’s list—even though it’s filled with simple things, they carry so much meaning, and watching her and Oliver tick them off together was so heartwarming.
I wasn’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster this book put me on, but I loved every bit of it. Seeing these two finally find their happy ending was just perfect!
Thank you so much, ValentinePr and Calli Melle for sending me this ARC!
💓Friends to lovers
💓It's always been you
💓Soulmates
I love a friends to lovers story, especially when both characters have been secretly crushing on each other for years but haven’t mustered up the courage to say anything.
I don’t usually go for YA, but I’m completely in love with Cali Melle’s writing, so of course, I had to pick this one up—and I’m so glad I did. Cali did an amazing job with this story; Luna and Oliver drew me in right from the start. Luna is such a strong FMC who’s overcome so much because of her illness, and Oliver is the perfect book boyfriend, totally smitten and practically worshiping the ground she walks on.
I loved Luna’s list—even though it’s filled with simple things, they carry so much meaning, and watching her and Oliver tick them off together was so heartwarming.
I wasn’t ready for the emotional rollercoaster this book put me on, but I loved every bit of it. Seeing these two finally find their happy ending was just perfect!
Thank you so much, ValentinePr and Calli Melle for sending me this ARC!
August 10, 2024
“Let me be your life vest. Hold onto me and I’ll never let you sink.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book sucked me in immediately. Cali wrote such a beautiful love story ,it gave me all the feels. I left me obsessed with the green eyed boy next door.
Luna Truly was born with a rare genetic mutation that left her with a short life expectancy.Luna grew up with her next door neighbor Oliver who was her best friend since they were three years old. She always wanted to be treated as if she was normal and Ollie did that for her. The summer before Oliver leaves for college they decided to fulfill some items from Luna’s bucket list. They both have secret crushes for each other and the more they hung out in intimate ways, the more the lines started to blur. Will Luna finally give into her feelings or will she continue to protect Oliver’s heart?
This story sets you on an emotional roller coaster with its sweet and funny moments. It has romantic and heart wrenching moments. Oliver is the friend we all want to have. He never saw Luna as a broken sick girl,instead saw her beauty and strength. It was as if he was an extension of her. Ollie was her strength when she needed it. Together they were unstoppable. Luna Truly is the strongest person you will ever meet.
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, young adults, neighbors, best friends, pining, chronic illness, one bed.
Thank you so much Cali for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book sucked me in immediately. Cali wrote such a beautiful love story ,it gave me all the feels. I left me obsessed with the green eyed boy next door.
Luna Truly was born with a rare genetic mutation that left her with a short life expectancy.Luna grew up with her next door neighbor Oliver who was her best friend since they were three years old. She always wanted to be treated as if she was normal and Ollie did that for her. The summer before Oliver leaves for college they decided to fulfill some items from Luna’s bucket list. They both have secret crushes for each other and the more they hung out in intimate ways, the more the lines started to blur. Will Luna finally give into her feelings or will she continue to protect Oliver’s heart?
This story sets you on an emotional roller coaster with its sweet and funny moments. It has romantic and heart wrenching moments. Oliver is the friend we all want to have. He never saw Luna as a broken sick girl,instead saw her beauty and strength. It was as if he was an extension of her. Ollie was her strength when she needed it. Together they were unstoppable. Luna Truly is the strongest person you will ever meet.
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, young adults, neighbors, best friends, pining, chronic illness, one bed.
Thank you so much Cali for the ARC
July 28, 2024
This book was incredible. This is very different from anything Cali has written before, and she did a BEAUTIFUL job with Oliver & Luna’s story.
This was about two best friends growing up with each other and how they fell in love. Their love knows no bounds. The way Ollie would do ANYTHING for Luna, his girl🥹
I definitely teared up during this because it’s just such. beautiful story. We can’t let the unknown keep us from living our lives because we never know what’s going to happen.
Such a great story and everyone should read this🥹
This was about two best friends growing up with each other and how they fell in love. Their love knows no bounds. The way Ollie would do ANYTHING for Luna, his girl🥹
I definitely teared up during this because it’s just such. beautiful story. We can’t let the unknown keep us from living our lives because we never know what’s going to happen.
Such a great story and everyone should read this🥹
December 24, 2024
Sweet book, sweet characters
July 30, 2024
I was 100% in love and knew this would be an amazing story in the first 10% of this beautiful masterpiece. I loved loved loved Luna & Oliver’s love story 🩵
July 28, 2024
Cali's best book to date in my opinion.
This book was beautifully written and spoke to the soul. I can't even tell you the amount of times a tear slow rolled down my cheek because of something heartwarming or heart-wrenching Luna or Oliver said. Their love for one another is something fierce. It's wholesome, powerful, selfless, breathtaking, and had me in my feels from start to finish.
Luna suffers from a genetic condition that has left her chronically ill from birth. Her life expectancy was supposed to be short, but she has continued to outlive the expectations her doctors had set. With the help of modern medicine, she's still living and breathing, but it's always in the back of her mind that time is ticking, and life is short. So to celebrate her milestone of making in through high school and graduating, another moment she wasn't sure she would make it to, Luna and her best friend Oliver plan on checking off the items on her bucket list for the summer. One last summer of Oliver and Luna before Ollie goes off to college and Luna stays home and attends community college. But Luna has a secret, one she holds onto with all her might - she's in love with Oliver, but he can never know. Luna won't allow it because she doesn't want to subject her best friend to the heart break that comes with losing someone when they pass. It will be difficult enough for Ollie to lose his best friend when it's her time to go. She can't possibly let him fall in love. But what if that's not her choice to make?
For my friends who suffer from chronic illness - this book will make you feel seen, heard, and loved. I have not read anything quite like this in some time (my only other comparison is Underneath the Sycamore Tree & if you know, you know), but it gave me the reminder that each day is a gift to be cherished. So make that bucket list, tell your friends and family you love them, take up space, do things for yourself, and simply LIVE.
I can't believe I got to ARC read this amazing story. Cali, your writing in this book was absolutely incredible. I'm still sitting here typing this review as tears well in my eyes after getting to witness the love and selflessness between Ollie and Luna. Their story is one I will cherish forever.
This book was beautifully written and spoke to the soul. I can't even tell you the amount of times a tear slow rolled down my cheek because of something heartwarming or heart-wrenching Luna or Oliver said. Their love for one another is something fierce. It's wholesome, powerful, selfless, breathtaking, and had me in my feels from start to finish.
Luna suffers from a genetic condition that has left her chronically ill from birth. Her life expectancy was supposed to be short, but she has continued to outlive the expectations her doctors had set. With the help of modern medicine, she's still living and breathing, but it's always in the back of her mind that time is ticking, and life is short. So to celebrate her milestone of making in through high school and graduating, another moment she wasn't sure she would make it to, Luna and her best friend Oliver plan on checking off the items on her bucket list for the summer. One last summer of Oliver and Luna before Ollie goes off to college and Luna stays home and attends community college. But Luna has a secret, one she holds onto with all her might - she's in love with Oliver, but he can never know. Luna won't allow it because she doesn't want to subject her best friend to the heart break that comes with losing someone when they pass. It will be difficult enough for Ollie to lose his best friend when it's her time to go. She can't possibly let him fall in love. But what if that's not her choice to make?
For my friends who suffer from chronic illness - this book will make you feel seen, heard, and loved. I have not read anything quite like this in some time (my only other comparison is Underneath the Sycamore Tree & if you know, you know), but it gave me the reminder that each day is a gift to be cherished. So make that bucket list, tell your friends and family you love them, take up space, do things for yourself, and simply LIVE.
I can't believe I got to ARC read this amazing story. Cali, your writing in this book was absolutely incredible. I'm still sitting here typing this review as tears well in my eyes after getting to witness the love and selflessness between Ollie and Luna. Their story is one I will cherish forever.
August 8, 2024
Thanks to Cali Melle and Valentine Literary’s team for sending me a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
“Luna. You rule the goddamn universe. There is no one above you.”
Luna Truly is living on borrowed time. Being diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation as a baby means she’s spent most of her life in the hospital or in the confines of her childhood home, strapped to tubes and machines. But through it all, boy-next-door and her childhood bestfriend Oliver Hart has been by her side. And this is their last summer together before Ollie leaves for college. Will things change? Or will Luna’s fear hold her back from truly living her life to the fullest?
I had no idea that this was the very book I needed right now. The Art of Breathing is a very intimate and angsty story between childhood bestfriends who have shared every single waking experience together as children, up to their teenage years and reminds me a of a less tearjerker version of A Walk to Remember but is just as beautiful. Trope wise, these stories have been on shelves countless times, yet I can’t help but appreciate how we got a book for the hopeless romantics. Luna and Oliver’s story is both very dear and bittersweet in some parts that one can’t help but just need more of them. Not only does this book help destigmatize guilt, trauma, and terminal illness, but it emphasizes the importance of our choices, letting people in, and how all of us are spending our lives on borrowed time. What an eye-opening read.
“Luna. You rule the goddamn universe. There is no one above you.”
Luna Truly is living on borrowed time. Being diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation as a baby means she’s spent most of her life in the hospital or in the confines of her childhood home, strapped to tubes and machines. But through it all, boy-next-door and her childhood bestfriend Oliver Hart has been by her side. And this is their last summer together before Ollie leaves for college. Will things change? Or will Luna’s fear hold her back from truly living her life to the fullest?
I had no idea that this was the very book I needed right now. The Art of Breathing is a very intimate and angsty story between childhood bestfriends who have shared every single waking experience together as children, up to their teenage years and reminds me a of a less tearjerker version of A Walk to Remember but is just as beautiful. Trope wise, these stories have been on shelves countless times, yet I can’t help but appreciate how we got a book for the hopeless romantics. Luna and Oliver’s story is both very dear and bittersweet in some parts that one can’t help but just need more of them. Not only does this book help destigmatize guilt, trauma, and terminal illness, but it emphasizes the importance of our choices, letting people in, and how all of us are spending our lives on borrowed time. What an eye-opening read.
August 3, 2024
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 • 𝗲𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
releases august 9th
🏥 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 🏥
18 • has a rare genetic mutation • in & out of the hospital for most of her life • about to graduate hs • has a summer bucket list • in love with her best friend
🏈 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵 🏈
18 • football player • about to gradeuat & leaving for college in the fall • helping luna with her summer bucket list:
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
🧸 childhood best friends to lovers
🏠 close proximity (neighbors)
🥰 first love
🫠 boy obsessed
🏥 disability rep
🫶🏽 “it’s always been you”
❤️ no third act breakup
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
this book broke my heart in the best way possible…i was sobbinggg, ugh it was so flippin good 🥹 luna and oliver’s story is so sweet, wholesome, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time
•
there were so many times i just wanted to reach into the book and give luna a hug cause that girl goes through so much and some of the things she thinks about just break me 🥺 but then we have oliver who makes her see things differently and helps give her the best summer ever
•
there are so many other things that i could say about this book cause wow cali’s writing is so beautiful and after reading about the story behind the story i cried even more cause it was so sweet…ughhh my heart 🥰 so do yourself a favor and either download this book on ku or get the physical…you will not be disappointed!!!!
@tropesandblurbs
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
releases august 9th
🏥 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 🏥
18 • has a rare genetic mutation • in & out of the hospital for most of her life • about to graduate hs • has a summer bucket list • in love with her best friend
🏈 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵 🏈
18 • football player • about to gradeuat & leaving for college in the fall • helping luna with her summer bucket list:
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
🧸 childhood best friends to lovers
🏠 close proximity (neighbors)
🥰 first love
🫠 boy obsessed
🏥 disability rep
🫶🏽 “it’s always been you”
❤️ no third act breakup
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
this book broke my heart in the best way possible…i was sobbinggg, ugh it was so flippin good 🥹 luna and oliver’s story is so sweet, wholesome, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time
•
there were so many times i just wanted to reach into the book and give luna a hug cause that girl goes through so much and some of the things she thinks about just break me 🥺 but then we have oliver who makes her see things differently and helps give her the best summer ever
•
there are so many other things that i could say about this book cause wow cali’s writing is so beautiful and after reading about the story behind the story i cried even more cause it was so sweet…ughhh my heart 🥰 so do yourself a favor and either download this book on ku or get the physical…you will not be disappointed!!!!
@tropesandblurbs
August 11, 2024
My heart! 🥹 This was such a touching story and I just love Luna and Oliver. Oliver is one of the best MMC ever. I loved him immediately! He was just everything and so sweet I couldn’t get enough. From the bucket list, Luna’s talks with her mom, Luna being vulnerable and Oliver’s sweet words I had tears almost the entire time I was reading this. This was such a beautiful story and so impactful I highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Closed Door
♡ Best friends to lovers
♡ First love
♡ He falls first
♡ Disability rep (chronic illness)
♡ Golden retriever MMC
♡ Neighbors to lovers
♡ Boy obsessed
♡ One bed
♡ “It’s always been you”
“𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨.”
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞. 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝.”
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐚. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞'𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬."
Thank you so much to the author and her team for the arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Closed Door
♡ Best friends to lovers
♡ First love
♡ He falls first
♡ Disability rep (chronic illness)
♡ Golden retriever MMC
♡ Neighbors to lovers
♡ Boy obsessed
♡ One bed
♡ “It’s always been you”
“𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨.”
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞. 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝.”
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐚. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞'𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬."
Thank you so much to the author and her team for the arc!
August 4, 2024
⏳🩷
4.5⭐️
“I would give anything to see inside that beautiful mind."
"Trust me, it's a mess in there."
"What a beautiful mess it must be, though,"
This book was so beautifully written, there were so many emotions while reading this. I had to take a couple days to gather my thoughts before writing my review, I needed to sit with the story and the characters for awhile longer.
Ollie and Luna were the absolute cutest, best friends since they were kids. Growing up next door to each other, they always did everything together. Luna suffers from a genetic disorder, making her chronically ill since she was born. Beating the odds, making it to her high school graduation, they decide to check off Luna’s bucket list together.
These two had the cutest relationship ever, Ollie would do anything for Luna. He wanted to keep her safe, did whatever he needed to make that happen. He was an absolute gentleman, in every sense of the word. We need more Oliver’s in the world ❤️
“I never knew home could be a person until he burrowed himself deep within my fragile heart.”
“Oliver Hart was my home.”
4.5⭐️
“I would give anything to see inside that beautiful mind."
"Trust me, it's a mess in there."
"What a beautiful mess it must be, though,"
This book was so beautifully written, there were so many emotions while reading this. I had to take a couple days to gather my thoughts before writing my review, I needed to sit with the story and the characters for awhile longer.
Ollie and Luna were the absolute cutest, best friends since they were kids. Growing up next door to each other, they always did everything together. Luna suffers from a genetic disorder, making her chronically ill since she was born. Beating the odds, making it to her high school graduation, they decide to check off Luna’s bucket list together.
These two had the cutest relationship ever, Ollie would do anything for Luna. He wanted to keep her safe, did whatever he needed to make that happen. He was an absolute gentleman, in every sense of the word. We need more Oliver’s in the world ❤️
“I never knew home could be a person until he burrowed himself deep within my fragile heart.”
“Oliver Hart was my home.”
August 12, 2024
♾️/5 ⭐️
Tropes:
♥️Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
⏳Close Proximity
♥️First Love
⏳No Third Act Breakup
♥️Young Adult
⏳One Bed
♥️”It’s Always Been You”
⏳Chronic Illness Rep
Cali Melle HAS DONE IT AGAIN!! This was such an emotional read. I honestly have no words. I normally never cry while reading and man did Cali have me sobbing!! This was a MASTERPIECE!! This story was beautiful and Oliver & Luna are everything and they have my heart.
The Art of Breathing follows Oliver & Luna. They grew up next door to each other and became best friends. Luna was born with a rare medical condition and has been pretty fragile her whole life. They just graduated high school and Oliver finds out Luna has a bucket list and wants to help her cross off things on the list before he moves off to college. He will do anything to make sure she is happy.
The way Oliver loves Luna and will do everything in his power to keep her happy and safe. They made me believe true love can actually exist! They are soulmates. I was on such an emotional rollercoaster while reading this! Cali Melle, girl I will always love this book and this might be one of my favorites by her.
Thank you Cali and Team for this eARC!!
Tropes:
♥️Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
⏳Close Proximity
♥️First Love
⏳No Third Act Breakup
♥️Young Adult
⏳One Bed
♥️”It’s Always Been You”
⏳Chronic Illness Rep
Cali Melle HAS DONE IT AGAIN!! This was such an emotional read. I honestly have no words. I normally never cry while reading and man did Cali have me sobbing!! This was a MASTERPIECE!! This story was beautiful and Oliver & Luna are everything and they have my heart.
The Art of Breathing follows Oliver & Luna. They grew up next door to each other and became best friends. Luna was born with a rare medical condition and has been pretty fragile her whole life. They just graduated high school and Oliver finds out Luna has a bucket list and wants to help her cross off things on the list before he moves off to college. He will do anything to make sure she is happy.
The way Oliver loves Luna and will do everything in his power to keep her happy and safe. They made me believe true love can actually exist! They are soulmates. I was on such an emotional rollercoaster while reading this! Cali Melle, girl I will always love this book and this might be one of my favorites by her.
Thank you Cali and Team for this eARC!!
August 12, 2024
Friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes & this was such a sweet & emotional love story 🩷
Luna & Oliver have been best friends since they were little but both secretly have had feelings for the other for quite some time. It’s the summer before Oliver leaves for college & he is determined to make it the best summer ever and help Luna check off things from her bucket list.
Oliver was so sweet & how he treasured Luna was truly special. He would do absolutely anything for her & he was truly swoon worthy 🥹 Luna was also a great character & there were moments were she had me super emotional! They were truly perfect together & I’m so happy they got their HEA 🫶🏻
If you like these tropes, then I definitely recommend adding this to your TBR! Thank you Cali & Valentine PR for the ARC!
Tropes:
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Illness
- First love
- He falls first
- Bucket list
- “It’s always been you”
Luna & Oliver have been best friends since they were little but both secretly have had feelings for the other for quite some time. It’s the summer before Oliver leaves for college & he is determined to make it the best summer ever and help Luna check off things from her bucket list.
Oliver was so sweet & how he treasured Luna was truly special. He would do absolutely anything for her & he was truly swoon worthy 🥹 Luna was also a great character & there were moments were she had me super emotional! They were truly perfect together & I’m so happy they got their HEA 🫶🏻
If you like these tropes, then I definitely recommend adding this to your TBR! Thank you Cali & Valentine PR for the ARC!
Tropes:
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Illness
- First love
- He falls first
- Bucket list
- “It’s always been you”
August 11, 2024
“𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩. 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙠.”
🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️
I did not expect to cry as much as I did when I picked up this book. Literally the tears were enough to create a free pool.
I absolutely devoured and enjoyed this story. It was an angsty, raw, emotional young love story inspired by slightly true events -which had made me sob even more when I found out. This story was a reminder to be thankful for all the little things.
It was definitely an unexpected approach to Callie Melles writing style as I had never read a YA book by her, but I really enjoyed that aspect and the fact that the story was beyond just love, but the struggles some people go through. This is definitely worth the read and I highly recommend if you want to cry😭 definitely gives “five feet apart” vibes.
🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️🫶✨♥️
I did not expect to cry as much as I did when I picked up this book. Literally the tears were enough to create a free pool.
I absolutely devoured and enjoyed this story. It was an angsty, raw, emotional young love story inspired by slightly true events -which had made me sob even more when I found out. This story was a reminder to be thankful for all the little things.
It was definitely an unexpected approach to Callie Melles writing style as I had never read a YA book by her, but I really enjoyed that aspect and the fact that the story was beyond just love, but the struggles some people go through. This is definitely worth the read and I highly recommend if you want to cry😭 definitely gives “five feet apart” vibes.
August 14, 2024
I loved this sweet romance! This is a very touching & emotional read. One that definitely makes you think about the power of love. I fell in love with these characters & Cali's writing makes it easy to empathize with her characters. I could really feel the connections between the characters, as well as the connection between the author & this story. I love when the emotions that shine through in a story highlight the genuine emotions of the writer. It helped me feel more connected to this novel & it helped me get a better understanding of why this story is so important & close to the author's heart. Definitely recommend this one for romance readers!
August 27, 2024
This book pulled at my heartstrings so so much. It’s been an incredible journey to follow Luna’s story. The life she lives, on borrowed time, trying to do the things others do. And then boom, Ollie. Ollie isn’t treating her any different and has nothing but admiration and love for his best friend. The summer they spent on knocking down her bucket list, all the adventures they’ve had, like only best friends can get it done!
A beautiful story that will stay with me for a while. Always and forever.
A beautiful story that will stay with me for a while. Always and forever.
August 3, 2024
✨Review✨
CALI MELLE. Your are playing with my emotions girly pop… and I love it.. when I say I was sobbing at 11:00 in my bed. It because of this one right here. If the fault in our stars was redone today in the romance book world, it would be this book. With a different ending of course🥹 I seriously am just in shock because I wasn’t expecting my feelings to be so wrapped into a book. And now it’s over and like what do I do??? Oliver and Luna forever folks. I’m a golden retriever boy stan now solely for Oliver Hart.
Just do yourself a favor and read this one for me…
AVAILABLE AUGUST 9TH!!!
CALI MELLE. Your are playing with my emotions girly pop… and I love it.. when I say I was sobbing at 11:00 in my bed. It because of this one right here. If the fault in our stars was redone today in the romance book world, it would be this book. With a different ending of course🥹 I seriously am just in shock because I wasn’t expecting my feelings to be so wrapped into a book. And now it’s over and like what do I do??? Oliver and Luna forever folks. I’m a golden retriever boy stan now solely for Oliver Hart.
Just do yourself a favor and read this one for me…
AVAILABLE AUGUST 9TH!!!
August 12, 2024
This is my first Cali Melle book, but will most definitely not be my last.
The Art of Breathing was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish and was truly a beautiful story. Oliver and Luna had such a strong foundation as best friends that their love for each other was one of a kind. I loved the summer bucket list and the innocence that seemed to still exist for a young woman who had already experienced so much. Oliver gets 5 out of 5 stars for being the best human to ever exist. I love love love him.
If you're a lover of The Fault in Our Stars or A Walk to Remember, grab this one now!
The Art of Breathing was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish and was truly a beautiful story. Oliver and Luna had such a strong foundation as best friends that their love for each other was one of a kind. I loved the summer bucket list and the innocence that seemed to still exist for a young woman who had already experienced so much. Oliver gets 5 out of 5 stars for being the best human to ever exist. I love love love him.
If you're a lover of The Fault in Our Stars or A Walk to Remember, grab this one now!
July 30, 2024
The Art Of Breathing was an interesting story about a girl with a serious medical condition and the boy next door who fell irrevocably in love with her.
I signed up for the ARC because the book had all the tropes I enjoy. And even though it was a beautiful love story with cute characters, I wasn’t too impressed. I felt like it was very repetitive and the focus was a little too much on her medical condition for my taste. The storyline was very predictable and Ollie was just a little bit too perfect.
Other than that, it’s a nice book on the shorter side when you’re in the mood for all the firsts 😉
I signed up for the ARC because the book had all the tropes I enjoy. And even though it was a beautiful love story with cute characters, I wasn’t too impressed. I felt like it was very repetitive and the focus was a little too much on her medical condition for my taste. The storyline was very predictable and Ollie was just a little bit too perfect.
Other than that, it’s a nice book on the shorter side when you’re in the mood for all the firsts 😉
July 31, 2024
So beautiful and heartbreaking 🥺 this story was so good and very well written! I had so many emotions. I absolutely loved Oliver and Luna. Everyone needs an Oliver in their life. He was the absolute sweetest man. He would do anything for Luna. Oliver had me swooning. I swear he’s like one of the sweetest MMC I’ve ever read about. I teared up several times. Their love for one another was everything.
August 3, 2024
ARC review
Tropes:
❤️ Best friends to lovers
❤️ Boy/ girl next door
❤️ First love
❤️ Boy obsessed
❤️ He falls first
❤️ "It's always been you"
❤️ Soul-mates
❤️ Disability Rep
❤️“Luna. You rule the goddamn universe. There is no one above you.”❤️
❤️“You are the most important person in my life. You are always safe with me.”❤️
✨️ The way Ollie would do literally anything to make Luna happy. 😍😍 Omg 🥹🤗. I was only 5% into this book, and I was already in tears. If you love a book that will tear your heart apart and put it back together, pick this book up. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but in a good way. 👍
Would I recommend: yes - 100%
Thank you to Cali Melle and Valentine PR for allowing me to read and review this book!
Tropes:
❤️ Best friends to lovers
❤️ Boy/ girl next door
❤️ First love
❤️ Boy obsessed
❤️ He falls first
❤️ "It's always been you"
❤️ Soul-mates
❤️ Disability Rep
❤️“Luna. You rule the goddamn universe. There is no one above you.”❤️
❤️“You are the most important person in my life. You are always safe with me.”❤️
✨️ The way Ollie would do literally anything to make Luna happy. 😍😍 Omg 🥹🤗. I was only 5% into this book, and I was already in tears. If you love a book that will tear your heart apart and put it back together, pick this book up. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but in a good way. 👍
Would I recommend: yes - 100%
Thank you to Cali Melle and Valentine PR for allowing me to read and review this book!
August 20, 2024
✨book review ✨
5/5⭐️
1/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Neighbors to lovers
- One bed
- It’s always been you
- He gets a tattoo for her
- Soulmates
- Bucket list
- Disability rep
- First love
- He would give her the world
Quick thoughts:
I knew from the start of this book that it was going to get emotional and boy did it. Oliver is the definition of a golden retriever when it comes to Luna, he would literally climb and a ladder and grab every star from the sky if she asked. Lunas ability to be vulnerable and still so positive after a lifetime of dealing with a chronic illness that puts an enormous amount of uncertainty on her life is admirable and Oliver’s ability to see her through every possible obstacle is the most amazing part of their love story. The book has a plot shift but the build up is so integrated that you either catch on or you don’t. I can’t lie when I say I loved reading about Oliver and Luna and watching the grow stronger as a couple over the summer. If you like books that have heartbreaking moments and so much love then Oliver and Luna will definitely steal your heart with their HEA
Blurb:
Everyone has that one person in their life they would do anything for.
The one person who can ask for anything and they would give it.
Luna Truly was Oliver Hart’s one.
She asked and he delivered.
One bucket list.
One last summer together.
But as always, between friends, there’s one line and once it’s crossed, there’s no going back…
Luna was living on bottled air and borrowed time.
All she wanted to do was live a typical life—one where she didn't feel like she was a burden.
Everyone treated her like she was a fragile piece of glass, except for one person.
Her best friend, her partner in crime, the boy who she loved for as long as she could remember.
Oliver Hart was the only person who treated her like she wasn’t going to break.
He was the only one who really saw the girl behind the diagnoses.
He breathed life into her and made her feel alive.
Their lives were going in different directions with Oliver leaving for college in the fall.
And it was up to them to make a lifetime of memories with the time they had left together...
It was their last summer before their lives changed forever and neither of them were prepared for what the future might hold.
August 1, 2024
Thank you to Cali Melle for sending me an arc of your book! This book literally has my soul! This was such a beautiful story told in such a beautiful way! Luna Truly is the definition of a fighter! Reading about you couldn’t help but just love her! This story was about a girl who has been constantly fighting for her life, struggling to live normally and with her feelings for her best friend. There was so much emotion in this book, I really felt for the characters. It was such a sweet read. Oliver really does have my heart, he was always so sweet to Luna always saying the cutest most heart clenching things to her and always reassuring her worries. He was such a sunshine boy. Helping Luna complete her summer bucket list! Making sure she got to check everything off it, making all those wishes come true. I was actually screaming at how cute this was. Oliver would quite literally do anything for his girl🥹 he was super compassionate and understanding when Luna had her strong feelings. This was a beautiful love story between two friends who gave each other their hearts. There were such cute micro tropes 🤭🤭(the Farris wheel kiss had my heart) I absolutely love the relationship between Luna and her mom 🥹 it was so sweet that she was able to confide in her mom about anything. The last couple chapters had my heart in shambles, like I knew it was coming but the way the author wrote the following last chapters was so good! It was intense and captivating! And the epilogues 😩😩 I loved!! To me there is no other way to describe this book other than it was a beautiful story with beautiful characters and beautiful writing.
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