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Of Apples And Trees
A teenage romance must conquer time and distance to prevail.
11 years ago, he fell for his dream girl — a girl he could never have…
…shouldn’t have desired in the first place.
Jameson and Hayley live in different worlds. While he calls the backwoods of Montana his home, she roams the halls of an elite boarding school. But the socially reserved girl isn’t like the other entitled brats at his family’s camp. She has secrets, and Jameson finds himself intrigued once he gets a glimpse behind the careful façade she has erected.
Three summers they share with stolen glances, feeding the spark of a teenage romance that can never be more. As they are doomed for tragedy, forbidden touch only stokes the flames of their unrealized cravings.
Jameson’s whole world shatters around him when their last night together comes to an abrupt end. With no one able to catch his fall, his broken heart steers him down a violent and self-destructive path.
After time and distance have kept them apart for nearly a decade, he believes fate has granted them a second chance when Hayley returns to Montana out of the blue. Their rekindled fire burns hotter than ever, but nothing has changed. She comes and goes, unpredictable as the breeze, and he knows she is hiding something. Only this time, she is not the only one with secrets, and when they come out, he is going to wish she never returned at all.
Readers are encouraged to check the author's note inside the book for trigger warnings.
11 years ago, he fell for his dream girl — a girl he could never have…
…shouldn’t have desired in the first place.
Jameson and Hayley live in different worlds. While he calls the backwoods of Montana his home, she roams the halls of an elite boarding school. But the socially reserved girl isn’t like the other entitled brats at his family’s camp. She has secrets, and Jameson finds himself intrigued once he gets a glimpse behind the careful façade she has erected.
Three summers they share with stolen glances, feeding the spark of a teenage romance that can never be more. As they are doomed for tragedy, forbidden touch only stokes the flames of their unrealized cravings.
Jameson’s whole world shatters around him when their last night together comes to an abrupt end. With no one able to catch his fall, his broken heart steers him down a violent and self-destructive path.
After time and distance have kept them apart for nearly a decade, he believes fate has granted them a second chance when Hayley returns to Montana out of the blue. Their rekindled fire burns hotter than ever, but nothing has changed. She comes and goes, unpredictable as the breeze, and he knows she is hiding something. Only this time, she is not the only one with secrets, and when they come out, he is going to wish she never returned at all.
Readers are encouraged to check the author's note inside the book for trigger warnings.
464 pages, Hardcover
Published June 21, 2024
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 10, 2025
My song for Of Apples and Trees: Oblivion by Bastille.
"He’d always loved thunderstorms. There was something compelling about the forces of nature and the destruction they could leave in their wake. Would her clouds break open and spill their secrets to him?"
I haven’t read a book like this since Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. And by a book like this I mean a perfect beach romance which is as wholesome as it is dramatic, filled to the brim with beautiful once-in-a-lifetime connections and anxiety riddling uncertainty.
"He had hopes. Dreams. A future. There was freedom in that."
This book basically has two parts: The past and the present. Renate Rowland managed to switch between those beautifully, in my opinion, divulging information at exactly the right time. She also constructed characters that will remain long after closing the book.
"In her imagination, she could do whatever she wanted. She could climb mountains. She could come back here. She could kiss Jamie, and hie would kiss her back."
Jameson – Jamie – is the perfect multi-layered MMC. Easy to fall deeply for, easier to make a life-long obsession with relatable. He is troubled, mature in ways no one should have to be, and grows into this scarred man who carries his demons as unapologetically as his virtues.
"She wanted it all. Both sides of him. The tender with the rough. The sweet with the depraved. Because that was passion. More than simply lust. More than an obsession. And far beyond any obligation. It felt like freedom."
Hayley on the other hand is more difficult to grasp, but no less consistent for it. She too carries her scars and I enjoyed seeing how she does so compared to Jamie, how they balance, challenge and ignite each other.
"He didn’t feel whole. His chest hurt. He hadn’t been able to expand his lungs fully since breaking Hayley’s heart. As if he’d lost his privilege to oxygen. Didn’t deserve to be breathing the air around him after sucking it out of her."
Of Apples and Trees is a book that burns so slow and close to reality that it constantly threw me into anxiety spirals for the first half – and yet I could not stop nor do I regret pushing through. It was all worth it – every plot twist, every missed chance, every sprout of jealousy on my end.
(At this point I would like to voice special thanks to Renate Rowland who, besides being an amazing author, also took the time and helped me with necessary spoilers when I needed them for my anxiety. <3)
I loved this book. I loved the plot and the flawless writing. I loved the smut that felt almost too wholesome to be called that. I love that I suddenly was a teenager at summer camp, felt the angst and excitement, the first love and deep heart break, the hormonal emotions and the warmth of the summer air.
Now, I really, really hope it will get the attention it deserves. And I can totally see this being a movie.👀
---
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
"He’d always loved thunderstorms. There was something compelling about the forces of nature and the destruction they could leave in their wake. Would her clouds break open and spill their secrets to him?"
I haven’t read a book like this since Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. And by a book like this I mean a perfect beach romance which is as wholesome as it is dramatic, filled to the brim with beautiful once-in-a-lifetime connections and anxiety riddling uncertainty.
"He had hopes. Dreams. A future. There was freedom in that."
This book basically has two parts: The past and the present. Renate Rowland managed to switch between those beautifully, in my opinion, divulging information at exactly the right time. She also constructed characters that will remain long after closing the book.
"In her imagination, she could do whatever she wanted. She could climb mountains. She could come back here. She could kiss Jamie, and hie would kiss her back."
Jameson – Jamie – is the perfect multi-layered MMC. Easy to fall deeply for, easier to make a life-long obsession with relatable. He is troubled, mature in ways no one should have to be, and grows into this scarred man who carries his demons as unapologetically as his virtues.
"She wanted it all. Both sides of him. The tender with the rough. The sweet with the depraved. Because that was passion. More than simply lust. More than an obsession. And far beyond any obligation. It felt like freedom."
Hayley on the other hand is more difficult to grasp, but no less consistent for it. She too carries her scars and I enjoyed seeing how she does so compared to Jamie, how they balance, challenge and ignite each other.
"He didn’t feel whole. His chest hurt. He hadn’t been able to expand his lungs fully since breaking Hayley’s heart. As if he’d lost his privilege to oxygen. Didn’t deserve to be breathing the air around him after sucking it out of her."
Of Apples and Trees is a book that burns so slow and close to reality that it constantly threw me into anxiety spirals for the first half – and yet I could not stop nor do I regret pushing through. It was all worth it – every plot twist, every missed chance, every sprout of jealousy on my end.
(At this point I would like to voice special thanks to Renate Rowland who, besides being an amazing author, also took the time and helped me with necessary spoilers when I needed them for my anxiety. <3)
I loved this book. I loved the plot and the flawless writing. I loved the smut that felt almost too wholesome to be called that. I love that I suddenly was a teenager at summer camp, felt the angst and excitement, the first love and deep heart break, the hormonal emotions and the warmth of the summer air.
Now, I really, really hope it will get the attention it deserves. And I can totally see this being a movie.👀
---
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 23, 2024
Oh my god. OH MY GOD.
Okay. So. Do you want a summer beach read? Because I think I just found your summer beach read.
How can I put this?
I am a fan of the long haul. I love the chase when it comes to romantic interests. The slowest of burns. I want to HURT. In that aspect, Renate blew it out of the park. Every other chapter, I found myself whispering “what the fuck? What the FUCKING FUCK??”
The tension building throughout was phenomenal. I was at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Every time I thought I had it figured out, WHAM, another curveball.
I am so in love with Hailey and Jameson. The banter, both in their younger years and beyond, was silly and sexy. Speaking of sexy, the spice—while not the main part of their story—was 🥵🥵
If I had to sum up Of Apples And Trees in one word, it would be SUSPENSE.
Pick. This. Book. Up. You won’t regret it xoxoxo
Okay. So. Do you want a summer beach read? Because I think I just found your summer beach read.
How can I put this?
I am a fan of the long haul. I love the chase when it comes to romantic interests. The slowest of burns. I want to HURT. In that aspect, Renate blew it out of the park. Every other chapter, I found myself whispering “what the fuck? What the FUCKING FUCK??”
The tension building throughout was phenomenal. I was at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Every time I thought I had it figured out, WHAM, another curveball.
I am so in love with Hailey and Jameson. The banter, both in their younger years and beyond, was silly and sexy. Speaking of sexy, the spice—while not the main part of their story—was 🥵🥵
If I had to sum up Of Apples And Trees in one word, it would be SUSPENSE.
Pick. This. Book. Up. You won’t regret it xoxoxo
June 21, 2024
This was such a special, twisty, emotional, feeling-provoking read. You are constantly feeling tension about what's going to happen next. Lots of wtf moments wrapped up with romance can't say much without spoiling but I truly loved this couple and Renate did a kick a$$ job of switching genres!
April 28, 2024
I'm trying to calm down after finishing this book just a bit ago. I was not expecting this! I had been reading teasers and quotes from the author for months and I was so anxious to read this. It surpassed my expectations and more. The first part was going along swimmingly, then my jaw was on the floor from chapter 31 onward, as bomb after bomb was dropped. I was already emotionally invested in Jamie and Hayley and then all that *waves hands frantically* happened?!
I was drawn into this story so quickly. The cliffhanger really got to me, because I just knew it was going to be Jamie holding that gun. I wanted to see the meeting between Jamie and Hayley so bad, but the backstory was important to see first. And what a story it was. There is just something about summer love that can be so sweet and joyful, yet achingly sad and haunting too. The feeling of never having enough time, of living in the moment and being the most free. Seeing the glimpse into the future put a bit of heaviness on everything, knowing the separation was coming, but hoping for something different. This type of story with the longing, the sense of desperation, and the wrong place and time always makes my heart ache. It's sad, but beautiful at the same time. And then what happened with Jamie? My emotions were all over the floor.
The reunion was all I could have asked for and more, and then like I said, CHAPTER 31! I was like, "He did not just say that!" But Hayley gave Jamie just as good as a response, and the chemistry between them was off the charts! I was on the edge of my seat for the rest of the book, between the secrets and sneaking around and bombshell revelations and steamy moments and guns!! I can't even say all the things I want to say because of *spoilers*. When Jamie read what he read and I thought what I thought, my mind was exploding. There was just no way to come this far and for that to be it.
I loved the growth in Jamie and Hayley. Seeing what they were like when they were young, knowing all the hardships and turmoil that they lived through, and them coming out the other side as relatively stable, good people was heartwarming. Hayley may seem weak, for having been trapped by her father and Carter and Roy, but she clung to life. When she saw her opening, she fought for her freedom and changed her fate. She did not allow her upbringing to mold her into something evil, she wanted to be good. Jamie was just....Jamie.. A wonderful, arrogant, cocky, bad boy who loved his parents and was dealt a crappy hand. I loved the life he built for himself and how he settled down, but that he still had that edge of danger. He's just perfect.
I feel like this book took me on a rollercoaster ride and I felt almost every emotion possible. I was glued to the pages and it killed me when I had to put it down. It was just absolutely wonderful.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was drawn into this story so quickly. The cliffhanger really got to me, because I just knew it was going to be Jamie holding that gun. I wanted to see the meeting between Jamie and Hayley so bad, but the backstory was important to see first. And what a story it was. There is just something about summer love that can be so sweet and joyful, yet achingly sad and haunting too. The feeling of never having enough time, of living in the moment and being the most free. Seeing the glimpse into the future put a bit of heaviness on everything, knowing the separation was coming, but hoping for something different. This type of story with the longing, the sense of desperation, and the wrong place and time always makes my heart ache. It's sad, but beautiful at the same time. And then what happened with Jamie? My emotions were all over the floor.
The reunion was all I could have asked for and more, and then like I said, CHAPTER 31! I was like, "He did not just say that!" But Hayley gave Jamie just as good as a response, and the chemistry between them was off the charts! I was on the edge of my seat for the rest of the book, between the secrets and sneaking around and bombshell revelations and steamy moments and guns!! I can't even say all the things I want to say because of *spoilers*. When Jamie read what he read and I thought what I thought, my mind was exploding. There was just no way to come this far and for that to be it.
I loved the growth in Jamie and Hayley. Seeing what they were like when they were young, knowing all the hardships and turmoil that they lived through, and them coming out the other side as relatively stable, good people was heartwarming. Hayley may seem weak, for having been trapped by her father and Carter and Roy, but she clung to life. When she saw her opening, she fought for her freedom and changed her fate. She did not allow her upbringing to mold her into something evil, she wanted to be good. Jamie was just....Jamie.. A wonderful, arrogant, cocky, bad boy who loved his parents and was dealt a crappy hand. I loved the life he built for himself and how he settled down, but that he still had that edge of danger. He's just perfect.
I feel like this book took me on a rollercoaster ride and I felt almost every emotion possible. I was glued to the pages and it killed me when I had to put it down. It was just absolutely wonderful.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2024
Of Apples And Trees
Renate Rowland
Release date: June 21, 2024
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯:
A teenage romance must conquer time and distance to prevail.11 years ago, he fell for his dream girl — a girl he could never have…
…shouldn’t have desired in the first place.
Three summers they share with stolen glances, feeding the spark of a teenage romance that can never be more. As they are doomed for tragedy, forbidden touch only stokes the flames of their unrealized cravings.
Jameson’s whole world shatters around him when their last night together comes to an abrupt end. With no one able to catch his fall, his broken heart steers him down a violent and self-destructive path
Years later, their paths cross once more. .
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
There're is something so pure about summer romances. The sweetness of the moments together and the ache of knowing it will end too soon.
This novel was wonderful. The atmospheric setting and the beautifully crafted back stories will have you tumbling back in time to your own teenage years.
Renate takes you on an emotionally charged journey through a second chance romance that began in high school.
I loved the growth of both the main characters. The story begins in the present day, then returns to the past and moves forward from there
You have a strong main female and a cocky bad boy type as the main MC. Their story will take you through an emotional, heart-wrenching journey filled with spicy moments, hardships, and suspense.
𝗢𝗳 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 is an absolute perfect summer read.
Thank you, Renate Rowland, for allowing me to read your beautiful book early.
Renate Rowland
Release date: June 21, 2024
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯:
A teenage romance must conquer time and distance to prevail.11 years ago, he fell for his dream girl — a girl he could never have…
…shouldn’t have desired in the first place.
Three summers they share with stolen glances, feeding the spark of a teenage romance that can never be more. As they are doomed for tragedy, forbidden touch only stokes the flames of their unrealized cravings.
Jameson’s whole world shatters around him when their last night together comes to an abrupt end. With no one able to catch his fall, his broken heart steers him down a violent and self-destructive path
Years later, their paths cross once more. .
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
There're is something so pure about summer romances. The sweetness of the moments together and the ache of knowing it will end too soon.
This novel was wonderful. The atmospheric setting and the beautifully crafted back stories will have you tumbling back in time to your own teenage years.
Renate takes you on an emotionally charged journey through a second chance romance that began in high school.
I loved the growth of both the main characters. The story begins in the present day, then returns to the past and moves forward from there
You have a strong main female and a cocky bad boy type as the main MC. Their story will take you through an emotional, heart-wrenching journey filled with spicy moments, hardships, and suspense.
𝗢𝗳 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 is an absolute perfect summer read.
Thank you, Renate Rowland, for allowing me to read your beautiful book early.
March 14, 2025
This novel delivers an emotional and captivating forbidden romance filled with longing, heartbreak, and second chances. Jameson and Hayley’s connection is deep yet complicated, making their story both gripping and bittersweet. The contrast between their worlds adds tension, while past secrets and present consequences keep the stakes high.
If you enjoy intense, character driven love stories with twists and emotional depth, this book is a great pick and perfect for fans of second chance romance and star crossed lovers.
If you enjoy intense, character driven love stories with twists and emotional depth, this book is a great pick and perfect for fans of second chance romance and star crossed lovers.
May 13, 2024
Renate does it again!
After previously reading a book by Rowland and seeing the tropes that were going to be featured in this novel I knew I had to get my hands on this novel asap, and I must say this book delivered on everything it promised. I adore Hayley, she's a main character i'm sure we can all see a little of ourselves in, she's strong, resilient and reading all that she's gone through to get her happy ending makes you just want to give her a big hug. Jamie is the man of my dreams and if he wasn't with Hayley I would deffo be stealing him away!
Right off the bat this romance had me hooked, this author has a way with her words that just gets you tangled up in the pages of her books, from her amazing descriptions of scenes to her character building that has you clearly seeing the people she's describing in front of you. From the second chance trope to the slow burn, everything is executed and flows so well. Pacing was amazing and there's never a dull moment in this story. Cant wait to see what to see what Renate comes up with next!
After previously reading a book by Rowland and seeing the tropes that were going to be featured in this novel I knew I had to get my hands on this novel asap, and I must say this book delivered on everything it promised. I adore Hayley, she's a main character i'm sure we can all see a little of ourselves in, she's strong, resilient and reading all that she's gone through to get her happy ending makes you just want to give her a big hug. Jamie is the man of my dreams and if he wasn't with Hayley I would deffo be stealing him away!
Right off the bat this romance had me hooked, this author has a way with her words that just gets you tangled up in the pages of her books, from her amazing descriptions of scenes to her character building that has you clearly seeing the people she's describing in front of you. From the second chance trope to the slow burn, everything is executed and flows so well. Pacing was amazing and there's never a dull moment in this story. Cant wait to see what to see what Renate comes up with next!
May 21, 2024
Wow. I'm a little speechless at the end of this book. The beginning took me a bit to get into but as it progressed I needed to know more about the couple. I was able to guess a few things but the plot twist completely threw me off guard and that's why this got a 4 from me. I'm hoping some of my friends will read it because I need someone else who gets it to talk about it. Blown away
May 14, 2024
I loved this book ! The story was captivating and well written. The story is full of twist and turns and really not predictable.
If there was one point that kept me " unbalanced" is mostly at the beguining of the books where the chapters are short and you keep bouncing in time . I must say that surprised me a little . But soon the backstory is established and the telling gains momentum.
Overall a great book , my first by this author but not my last !
I give this review freely after receiving this novel as an ARC .
If there was one point that kept me " unbalanced" is mostly at the beguining of the books where the chapters are short and you keep bouncing in time . I must say that surprised me a little . But soon the backstory is established and the telling gains momentum.
Overall a great book , my first by this author but not my last !
I give this review freely after receiving this novel as an ARC .
May 10, 2024
I was really looking forward to reading this and it did not disappoint! I almost wish I hadn't read it so fast, but it was seriously so good and I couldn't put it down.
Second chance romance is one of my faves and I loved the setting where Jamie and Hayley met as teens. Though they only had limited time together, he knew that she was different from the others and I was so happy when they were able to finally have their special moment together that had been building for several summers.
I thought it was so sweet that she was able to get to know his mom ❤️ but I couldn't believe the turn of events at one point and from there on the story just kept building and I had to know what would happen! The suspense and all of the emotions! It was so good!
This was a new to me author and I'll be looking for similar reads from her in the future!
Second chance romance is one of my faves and I loved the setting where Jamie and Hayley met as teens. Though they only had limited time together, he knew that she was different from the others and I was so happy when they were able to finally have their special moment together that had been building for several summers.
I thought it was so sweet that she was able to get to know his mom ❤️ but I couldn't believe the turn of events at one point and from there on the story just kept building and I had to know what would happen! The suspense and all of the emotions! It was so good!
This was a new to me author and I'll be looking for similar reads from her in the future!
May 11, 2024
Following a high school summer romance Hayley & Jamie find their paths crossing years later. The book starts in the present day but then drops into the past and works forward. The history is needed to make the present understood.
Such a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with twists all through the book. And chapter 31, I just had no words! Renate keeps the surprises coming and nothing can be predicted!
Everyone wants a high school summer romance like Jamie….
Such a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with twists all through the book. And chapter 31, I just had no words! Renate keeps the surprises coming and nothing can be predicted!
Everyone wants a high school summer romance like Jamie….
May 9, 2024
From the start of this book I was sucked in and couldn’t get enough. I absolutely love the way Renate writes and Of Apples and Trees is the perfect book to read this summer!
I loved how Hayley knew who she was and didn’t allow anyone bring her down. She stood out from all the others and that’s why Jameson was pulled towards her. The way Jameson cared for Hayley was the best part. He never over stepped and allowed Hayley to make her own choices.
And man those plot twists I was not expecting at all. This is by far one of my top reads for 2024!
I loved how Hayley knew who she was and didn’t allow anyone bring her down. She stood out from all the others and that’s why Jameson was pulled towards her. The way Jameson cared for Hayley was the best part. He never over stepped and allowed Hayley to make her own choices.
And man those plot twists I was not expecting at all. This is by far one of my top reads for 2024!
May 8, 2024
I’m such a sucker for a second chance romance and this book hits in all the right spots. It took me on an emotional roller coaster and I’m in my feels about it. I’m just sad that I read it all in 2 days because now it’s over.
This book has it all and will keep you on your toes- Definitely a must read!
This book has it all and will keep you on your toes- Definitely a must read!
May 8, 2024
I could not stop reading this book! The way it had me gagged! I love the way the author pulled me in and took me on a ride!
June 17, 2024
This isn't just any romance. It's nostalgic, romantic, and action packed. There was a lot crammed into this book, but it all worked well! I will say this.. pay attention! There were so many little details that alluded to other things that come up later, for example a heart carved into the dock. Such a minor detail but with significance later.
The first 40% was Hayley and Jamie's 3 years at camp as teens. I was expecting a lot less of the book to be about this time, but it helped to see them into a slow burn, friends first relationship. But I felt the pain of them having to separate every year, and couldn't believe they didn't make more of an effort to keep in touch. But then, their relationship would probably be very different.
It was also shocking they didn’t reconnect for 9 years, but I loved that when they did, their chemistry picked up right where they left off, only better. There were some pretty long spicy scenes at this time, which I thought were good.
Then their lives blew up. There were so many surprising twists. Some I saw coming, but most of them left me saying 'whaaaaaat?!'
As far as complaints, it's written in 3rd person which I do not like. Plus, when the story switched from Hayley to Jamie, there were no name headers, so it would take me a sec to figure out who that part was about. That took me out of the story a bit each time. I did find myself confused about things several times too, things that didn't get cleared up for a few pages, and this took me out of the story a bit too, but they all did eventually make sense so not a biggie.
Definitely check the author's triggers! It's not a dark romance but there are some heavy elements like murder, DV, and death of a parent.
🌶🌶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I literally never rate 3rd person POV books 5 stars because they're so much harder for me to connect with, but I have a feeling this story will be sticking with me for awhile!
ARC review 🤍 All opinions are my own.
The first 40% was Hayley and Jamie's 3 years at camp as teens. I was expecting a lot less of the book to be about this time, but it helped to see them into a slow burn, friends first relationship. But I felt the pain of them having to separate every year, and couldn't believe they didn't make more of an effort to keep in touch. But then, their relationship would probably be very different.
It was also shocking they didn’t reconnect for 9 years, but I loved that when they did, their chemistry picked up right where they left off, only better. There were some pretty long spicy scenes at this time, which I thought were good.
Then their lives blew up. There were so many surprising twists. Some I saw coming, but most of them left me saying 'whaaaaaat?!'
As far as complaints, it's written in 3rd person which I do not like. Plus, when the story switched from Hayley to Jamie, there were no name headers, so it would take me a sec to figure out who that part was about. That took me out of the story a bit each time. I did find myself confused about things several times too, things that didn't get cleared up for a few pages, and this took me out of the story a bit too, but they all did eventually make sense so not a biggie.
Definitely check the author's triggers! It's not a dark romance but there are some heavy elements like murder, DV, and death of a parent.
🌶🌶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I literally never rate 3rd person POV books 5 stars because they're so much harder for me to connect with, but I have a feeling this story will be sticking with me for awhile!
ARC review 🤍 All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2024
Oh my god....this book was everything. If you love a second chance, romance with first loves, shocking twists, and a bit of murder on the side. This book is for you.
I am utterly blown away by this book. The nostalgia of my own first love that this story has evoked in me is insane. Renate has you hooked from page one to the very last, immersed in a beautiful story of passion, heartbreak, and the battle to overcome our situations and our own trauma. This book covers some triggering content, including rape (not on page, mentioned as memories) and domestic abuse so I recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in, but once you do you will not regret it.
This story had me feeling all the feels and was an utter emotional rollercoaster of joy, ugly crying, and cheering the good guys on. Jamie is the sexy, smouldering cinnamon roll with a dark side that we all swoon over. But he's real. He could be a real life guy! There is hope ladies! Hailey is strong, fierce and reminds me a lot of myself, with what she goes through this woman isnan absolute champion. I was cheering her on the whole way.
Both Jamie and Hailey go through so much heartbreak in this book, but the way they gravitate back to each other and heal each others pain is heart melting and Renate handles the difficult topics with so much care and attention. This was written fabulously. I could literally say so much about this book, but it's really hard to without giving spoilers.
This is a must read!!!
I am utterly blown away by this book. The nostalgia of my own first love that this story has evoked in me is insane. Renate has you hooked from page one to the very last, immersed in a beautiful story of passion, heartbreak, and the battle to overcome our situations and our own trauma. This book covers some triggering content, including rape (not on page, mentioned as memories) and domestic abuse so I recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in, but once you do you will not regret it.
This story had me feeling all the feels and was an utter emotional rollercoaster of joy, ugly crying, and cheering the good guys on. Jamie is the sexy, smouldering cinnamon roll with a dark side that we all swoon over. But he's real. He could be a real life guy! There is hope ladies! Hailey is strong, fierce and reminds me a lot of myself, with what she goes through this woman isnan absolute champion. I was cheering her on the whole way.
Both Jamie and Hailey go through so much heartbreak in this book, but the way they gravitate back to each other and heal each others pain is heart melting and Renate handles the difficult topics with so much care and attention. This was written fabulously. I could literally say so much about this book, but it's really hard to without giving spoilers.
This is a must read!!!
June 22, 2024
Of Apples and Trees by Renate Rowland
This is a book that kept me wondering the entire time. Each time I thought I knew what was going to come next turned into much so more than I imagined.
With every plot twist, all of the dark secrets that were revealed, and glimpse of how summer love started and evolved over those years left me in a state of WOW! It started with POV's from the first year Jameson and Hayley met at Summer camp followed by those subsequent years to follow. Each year they'd become closer and saying goodbye became harder to do.
Then it jumps to the present and boy oh boy do those twists and dark secrets come out! I never saw the plot twists of Summer, Carl, Beth, and Tommy coming on top of everything else!
Jameson and Hayley's stories were compelling. Both of them went through a lot, both together and on their own but what they felt for each other was the light they needed to get them through it.
This book is a must read. Make sure you add Of Apples and Trees to your TBR list! You will not be disappointed!
Thank you Renate Rowland for the opportunity to read your book! I look forward to reading more from you.
This is a book that kept me wondering the entire time. Each time I thought I knew what was going to come next turned into much so more than I imagined.
With every plot twist, all of the dark secrets that were revealed, and glimpse of how summer love started and evolved over those years left me in a state of WOW! It started with POV's from the first year Jameson and Hayley met at Summer camp followed by those subsequent years to follow. Each year they'd become closer and saying goodbye became harder to do.
Then it jumps to the present and boy oh boy do those twists and dark secrets come out! I never saw the plot twists of Summer, Carl, Beth, and Tommy coming on top of everything else!
Jameson and Hayley's stories were compelling. Both of them went through a lot, both together and on their own but what they felt for each other was the light they needed to get them through it.
This book is a must read. Make sure you add Of Apples and Trees to your TBR list! You will not be disappointed!
Thank you Renate Rowland for the opportunity to read your book! I look forward to reading more from you.
May 10, 2024
First off, a big thank you to Renate Rowland for the opportunity to read the ARC of Of Apples And Trees.
For me, the story started off a bit slow, but , oh boy, did it pick up!!
Looking back, I am so happy Renate took the time to set up the history.
Both Jamie and Hayley have their own insecurities and the way they own those and find ways to tackle those is impressive.
Hayley, although faced with immense cahallenges with no support, is not beaten down and defeated. She finds a way to fight back and make things better for herself. It is a refreshing trait, not commonly seen, in a leading lady in the romance genre.
Jamie is also a refershingly likeable character. He is an alpha personality without being the usual obnoxiously overbearing alpha character.
Finally, the plot twists. OMG! They make an already amazing story even more gripping.
A great read!
For me, the story started off a bit slow, but , oh boy, did it pick up!!
Looking back, I am so happy Renate took the time to set up the history.
Both Jamie and Hayley have their own insecurities and the way they own those and find ways to tackle those is impressive.
Hayley, although faced with immense cahallenges with no support, is not beaten down and defeated. She finds a way to fight back and make things better for herself. It is a refreshing trait, not commonly seen, in a leading lady in the romance genre.
Jamie is also a refershingly likeable character. He is an alpha personality without being the usual obnoxiously overbearing alpha character.
Finally, the plot twists. OMG! They make an already amazing story even more gripping.
A great read!
April 25, 2024
𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒶𝓁𝓁… 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓋𝑒.
I can’t even put into words how amazing this book was. The emotional journey I was on reading this book, ahh I loved it so much!
I love a second chance romance and this story had it all. It was beautiful, heart wrenching, spicy, and there’s suspense.
Hayley is so strong from the start. I really loved her. Jamie is just as amazing. He’s protective and I loved his growth. Both of these characters have been through so much, my heart was hurting for them. I loved reading about the past and their journey together.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝑔𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎.”
This book was SO GOOD! It’s one that will stick with you, I’m still emotional over it. I recommend so so much! ♡
“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥.”
I can’t even put into words how amazing this book was. The emotional journey I was on reading this book, ahh I loved it so much!
I love a second chance romance and this story had it all. It was beautiful, heart wrenching, spicy, and there’s suspense.
Hayley is so strong from the start. I really loved her. Jamie is just as amazing. He’s protective and I loved his growth. Both of these characters have been through so much, my heart was hurting for them. I loved reading about the past and their journey together.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝑔𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎.”
This book was SO GOOD! It’s one that will stick with you, I’m still emotional over it. I recommend so so much! ♡
“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥.”
June 24, 2024
This book played with my emotions. Literally! There were times I was like oh this is nice but then the next I was like uhm what the heck just happened. I won’t lie and say it didn’t make me want to cry sometimes, but it did! I felt all sorts of emotions reading this book.
I loved every bit of this book and it honestly had me wanting to know what would happen next. When I got to the ending, it tore my heart! It left me so speechless that I am still in shock, in awe and it was one of the books that has left me like this.
I didn’t want it to end. I’m so happy I was able to read such an amazing book.
I loved every bit of this book and it honestly had me wanting to know what would happen next. When I got to the ending, it tore my heart! It left me so speechless that I am still in shock, in awe and it was one of the books that has left me like this.
I didn’t want it to end. I’m so happy I was able to read such an amazing book.
May 15, 2024
Let me start off by saying that contemporary romance is not my normal read. I typically read romantacy, fantasy, gothic paranormal and all the in between. Seeing as how I was already a huge fan of Renate Rowland and her writing, I decided to give it a shot… and I was NOT disappointed.
From the beautifully articulated backstories that will have you reminiscing about your own teenage years, to the reunion that rekindled the forgotten-not so forgotten romance that Haley and Jamie shared… I was sucked in and needing more.
The story follows Jamie, an angry at the world bad boy you just can't help but swoon over and Haley, the beautiful girl turned woman who goes against the grain and fights for herself, strives to be a better person and break the cycle of stereotypical unhappiness in the mold she was cast into. Heartache, second chance love, spice that will keep the pages turning and the emotional rollercoaster that will have you at the edge of your heart string, ripe for the strumming.
From the beautifully articulated backstories that will have you reminiscing about your own teenage years, to the reunion that rekindled the forgotten-not so forgotten romance that Haley and Jamie shared… I was sucked in and needing more.
The story follows Jamie, an angry at the world bad boy you just can't help but swoon over and Haley, the beautiful girl turned woman who goes against the grain and fights for herself, strives to be a better person and break the cycle of stereotypical unhappiness in the mold she was cast into. Heartache, second chance love, spice that will keep the pages turning and the emotional rollercoaster that will have you at the edge of your heart string, ripe for the strumming.
April 25, 2024
Second chance romance, the one who got away. As always everything Renate writes is amazing. I truly loved this story and the emotional journey it took me on. Another 5 star from my favorite author!
June 21, 2024
Oh, this one was SO good. I love now and then timelines, and I loved the depth and growth of the characters. They went through a lot to get their second chance, and there were many twists and turns that I didn't see coming! There were some things I didn't enjoy, the most pressing being his nickname for her, it just came off as creepy past a certain point but otherwise, a great read!
June 24, 2024
Full review to follow
June 24, 2024
review to come!
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