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Blood and Water #2
Freezing Bonds that Tie our Hearts
A child of the stars.
That's what my mother used to call me. That's also the reason behind my name, Nova.
Star.
It sounded poetic but it wasn't, not really. Mom used to say I would accomplish great things. That me and her, we were cut from the same cloth, born under the same moon.
She said we weren't like the others, that we didn't see life the way everybody else did.
She was right.
My whole life, I felt like nobody could truly reach me. Like, besides my sister Aurora, no one else could see through me, into the inconspicuous dark depths of my soul.
I certainly didn't expect him of all people to do so.
Aiden Walker was everything I shouldn't want. He fought, cussed, he had more tattoos than anyone should at eighteen and could be quite brutish to those around him. But for the life of me I couldn't keep my eyes from veering in his direction whenever he entered a room.
The fact that he liked to pick on me didn't help. He annoyed me almost as much as he fascinated me. As much as I wanted to dislike him, hate him even, I never truly could.
When tragedy struck our small town and Aiden and I found ourselves stuck together, hiding for our lives, I finally gave up on fighting him. Because there was much more to Aiden than met the eye.
For some reason, his soul called to mine. He loved like I did.
So I swore I would help him. I just didn't know how much it would cost us.
That's what my mother used to call me. That's also the reason behind my name, Nova.
Star.
It sounded poetic but it wasn't, not really. Mom used to say I would accomplish great things. That me and her, we were cut from the same cloth, born under the same moon.
She said we weren't like the others, that we didn't see life the way everybody else did.
She was right.
My whole life, I felt like nobody could truly reach me. Like, besides my sister Aurora, no one else could see through me, into the inconspicuous dark depths of my soul.
I certainly didn't expect him of all people to do so.
Aiden Walker was everything I shouldn't want. He fought, cussed, he had more tattoos than anyone should at eighteen and could be quite brutish to those around him. But for the life of me I couldn't keep my eyes from veering in his direction whenever he entered a room.
The fact that he liked to pick on me didn't help. He annoyed me almost as much as he fascinated me. As much as I wanted to dislike him, hate him even, I never truly could.
When tragedy struck our small town and Aiden and I found ourselves stuck together, hiding for our lives, I finally gave up on fighting him. Because there was much more to Aiden than met the eye.
For some reason, his soul called to mine. He loved like I did.
So I swore I would help him. I just didn't know how much it would cost us.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 27, 2024
Putting aside the few issues I had with this book, I genuinely enjoyed it and admired how it addressed important mental health issues, shedding light on these significant topics. I also loved reading about Nova and Aiden's characters. While I feel their relationship and dynamic could have been developed more towards the end, I still loved them as a couple nonetheless. I have a lot to say about this book, I'll do it soon.
June 29, 2024
UPDATE: I just realized the book is out!!! 🙃🙃🙃 So I will give you all the spoilers ❤️❤️❤️
Here’s a review that explains a little what happens while I write mine:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4’5 stars. RTC
I was CRYING with the end. Please please please check TW before reading this. I know I have said it multiple times but IT DOES DEAL WITH VERY HEAVY STUFF.
I will ask the author if I can explain and how much but if I can’t spoil anything I will explain what happens once it’s published.
So many people deserve better in this book. Pretty much everyone’s story is PAINFULLY heartbreaking 😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔
Here’s a review that explains a little what happens while I write mine:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4’5 stars. RTC
I was CRYING with the end. Please please please check TW before reading this. I know I have said it multiple times but IT DOES DEAL WITH VERY HEAVY STUFF.
I will ask the author if I can explain and how much but if I can’t spoil anything I will explain what happens once it’s published.
So many people deserve better in this book. Pretty much everyone’s story is PAINFULLY heartbreaking 😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
She never disappoints. She's here to deliver excellence, not to let us down. You can't imagine how much I adore Miss Riosa; she is so incredibly honest and exceptional at her work. If she has no fans then I’m dead.
I started this book with no expectations (well, that's not entirely true—I did have some), and it turned out to be just AMAZING. There's something about Macy's writing that's hard to put into words. Her characters, the romance, the plot twists, and even the mental depiction are so well crafted that it feels wonderful to see a writer get it so right.
“Fuck being friends, Nova,” he bit my lip, “I don't wanna be your fucking friend.”
“What do you wanna be then?”
“Yours. I want to be yours.”
I started this book with no expectations (well, that's not entirely true—I did have some), and it turned out to be just AMAZING. There's something about Macy's writing that's hard to put into words. Her characters, the romance, the plot twists, and even the mental depiction are so well crafted that it feels wonderful to see a writer get it so right.
July 17, 2024
THAT PLOT TWIST(S) WAS A FUCKING JUMPSCARE I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING IM CRYING 😭😭😭😭
June 30, 2024
Freezing Bonds that Tie our Hearts
By Macy T. Riosa
Nova and Aiden
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
-Good Girl/Bad Boy
-opposites attract
-high school romance
-she hates him/he loves her
-Mental illness rep.
-dual virgins
There are some heavy topics so definitely check the TWs before reading!
I absolutely love all of macy t. riosa books, and have read them all. I was a little worried when she said the book was a bit different from her others, the Amazon glitches, and the release date being pushed, I thought I was going to be disappointed… BUT it was worth the wait! Aiden and Nova are so cute, I love his pining for her, always being there and standing up for her no matter what or the consequences. He’s tough but blushes for her, hangs out with her siblings, makes sure she takes her meds.
CHAPTER 26!!! It took me OUT, was bawling like a baby. The ending was hard, I felt so bad for Nova, definitely wasn’t expecting that. But really made us understand her and her mental illness more as a whole.
Things I liked:
-being each other’s first every thing
-him being totally whipped about and not caring what others thought about it
-siblings relationship was cute, loved how close they were
-the kinks 🥵
Thing(s) I didn’t like:
- Mrs. Diaz’s unborn baby passing, I feel like there should’ve been a TW about that one. I know there was one that said death of children but I personally felt like there should’ve been a separate TW for those circumstances
Overall a great read, just make sure you have your tissues ready. So grateful I got to be an arc reader for one of my favorite authors. Literally finish the book the morning I got it. Macy, your books are amazing, I reread them all. the. time. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next! Thank you!!
By Macy T. Riosa
Nova and Aiden
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
-Good Girl/Bad Boy
-opposites attract
-high school romance
-she hates him/he loves her
-Mental illness rep.
-dual virgins
There are some heavy topics so definitely check the TWs before reading!
I absolutely love all of macy t. riosa books, and have read them all. I was a little worried when she said the book was a bit different from her others, the Amazon glitches, and the release date being pushed, I thought I was going to be disappointed… BUT it was worth the wait! Aiden and Nova are so cute, I love his pining for her, always being there and standing up for her no matter what or the consequences. He’s tough but blushes for her, hangs out with her siblings, makes sure she takes her meds.
CHAPTER 26!!! It took me OUT, was bawling like a baby. The ending was hard, I felt so bad for Nova, definitely wasn’t expecting that. But really made us understand her and her mental illness more as a whole.
Things I liked:
-being each other’s first every thing
-him being totally whipped about and not caring what others thought about it
-siblings relationship was cute, loved how close they were
-the kinks 🥵
Thing(s) I didn’t like:
- Mrs. Diaz’s unborn baby passing, I feel like there should’ve been a TW about that one. I know there was one that said death of children but I personally felt like there should’ve been a separate TW for those circumstances
Overall a great read, just make sure you have your tissues ready. So grateful I got to be an arc reader for one of my favorite authors. Literally finish the book the morning I got it. Macy, your books are amazing, I reread them all. the. time. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next! Thank you!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
4.75⭐️
ARC REVIEW
Thank you Macy for giving me an ARC to read about Aiden and Nova's story 🫶🥹
Nova Starling, she's such a STAR. I absolutely love her character especially she is the oldest daughter who is always there for her sister. She's the queen. Her friend group was so funny and their dynamic is so unique since everyone in her friend group has different personality. It was so refreshing to read about them(Zee is queen fr).
Aiden Walker is the EPITOME of he falls FIRST and HARDER and also was OBSESSED?!?!. This guy had crush on Nova for 3 freaking YEARS ?!?! What more a girl wants? He portrays bad boy but this guy BLUSHES the first few times they met which is super super cute. His upbringing was rough but the way he treats women especially his sisters and mom was a whole green amazon FOREST to me. He understands Nova like no other. The best bro relationship goes to him and Oscar(😭) it destroyed me when I read about him😭.
One thing about the author is that she NEVER misses when writing a swoonworthy romance and a plot-twisting romance. The balance of both was executed perfectly. I love when author incorporates romance and a good plot together. I absolutely LOVE Macy for writing siblings relationships. She encapsulates the bond between the older and younger sister so perfectly.
I literally squealed and giggled when Maddox had a appearance in the book and knowing that Aiden is related to him in a way just made me happy. Ofc the author's book are not always rainbows and sunshine, I died, come back alive then died again after the last 10% of the book. That was devastating for my poor soul😭
ARC REVIEW
Thank you Macy for giving me an ARC to read about Aiden and Nova's story 🫶🥹
Nova Starling, she's such a STAR. I absolutely love her character especially she is the oldest daughter who is always there for her sister. She's the queen. Her friend group was so funny and their dynamic is so unique since everyone in her friend group has different personality. It was so refreshing to read about them(Zee is queen fr).
Aiden Walker is the EPITOME of he falls FIRST and HARDER and also was OBSESSED?!?!. This guy had crush on Nova for 3 freaking YEARS ?!?! What more a girl wants? He portrays bad boy but this guy BLUSHES the first few times they met which is super super cute. His upbringing was rough but the way he treats women especially his sisters and mom was a whole green amazon FOREST to me. He understands Nova like no other. The best bro relationship goes to him and Oscar(😭) it destroyed me when I read about him😭.
One thing about the author is that she NEVER misses when writing a swoonworthy romance and a plot-twisting romance. The balance of both was executed perfectly. I love when author incorporates romance and a good plot together. I absolutely LOVE Macy for writing siblings relationships. She encapsulates the bond between the older and younger sister so perfectly.
I literally squealed and giggled when Maddox had a appearance in the book and knowing that Aiden is related to him in a way just made me happy. Ofc the author's book are not always rainbows and sunshine, I died, come back alive then died again after the last 10% of the book. That was devastating for my poor soul😭
July 1, 2024
I understand there was a tragic event in this book. I just didn’t see it coming. The shooting, death of a character, the rape of the h’s sister, the constant injustice of how people treated the H.
I don’t know why I thought this would be lighter (perhaps it’s what I needed). I’d suggest to read the triggers because this is not a fluffy read. While I enjoyed the couple (they’re both each other’s firsts), I thought all the issues in this book were hard to swallow.
I don’t know why I thought this would be lighter (perhaps it’s what I needed). I’d suggest to read the triggers because this is not a fluffy read. While I enjoyed the couple (they’re both each other’s firsts), I thought all the issues in this book were hard to swallow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2024
This book is so plot-twisting and deserve to be read by everyone. Young adult combining with heavy matters that turn into thrilling plot. Personal rate 4.5 stars! Full review will be up later and thanks to the author for the arc ❤️
July 4, 2024
꒰🪩⊹ ࣪
Freezing bonds that tie our hearts
ᯓᡣ𐭩
౨ৎ 5 ⊹ ࣪ ˖
⤿ .`★ The only thing i regretted was that it took me three years to realize that the guy I had built in my head was so different from reality. I regretted not seeing Aiden for who he really was, kind, protective, and oh so thoughtful.
‧ * ₊ ｡ ꒰🍁꒱ Words cannot explain how much I loved this book. There were so many plot twists (check TWs before reading!!) that I never expected 🙁 I loved that Aiden was in love with Nova the WHOLE time, no matter how much she hated him, he loved her 🥹🥹. He waited THREE years (a girl can dream 😔🤞). Macy is now one of my favorite authors (with only one book of hers read 🤭) she keep me so entertained and distracted.
BEFORE READING CHECK TWS!!!!!
————— ୨୧ —————
୨୧‧₊˚ 🎞️ pre-review ✧˖°
Thank you to Macy (idk what PR it’s from 😿) for allowing me the chance to read her new book!! 🤭🤍 It sounds so interesting!
౨ৎ 5 ⊹ ࣪ ˖
⤿ .`★ The only thing i regretted was that it took me three years to realize that the guy I had built in my head was so different from reality. I regretted not seeing Aiden for who he really was, kind, protective, and oh so thoughtful.
‧ * ₊ ｡ ꒰🍁꒱ Words cannot explain how much I loved this book. There were so many plot twists (check TWs before reading!!) that I never expected 🙁 I loved that Aiden was in love with Nova the WHOLE time, no matter how much she hated him, he loved her 🥹🥹. He waited THREE years (a girl can dream 😔🤞). Macy is now one of my favorite authors (with only one book of hers read 🤭) she keep me so entertained and distracted.
BEFORE READING CHECK TWS!!!!!
————— ୨୧ —————
୨୧‧₊˚ 🎞️ pre-review ✧˖°
Thank you to Macy (idk what PR it’s from 😿) for allowing me the chance to read her new book!! 🤭🤍 It sounds so interesting!
July 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - school shooting (on page incl murder), physical violence, death, blood, suicide (parent, mentioned throughout and recounted, drowning, FMC found the body), schizophrenia, child abuse, kidnapping, death of children, death of a loved one, police injustices, child abandonment, classism, racism, mental health issues, bullying (incl violence), fostering & adopting, child disappearances / kidnapping, FMC is medicated, islamophobic comment (among scs RE a hijab), panic attack, alcoholism (scs), nightmares, broken bones (sc), aversion to small spaces (sc, mentioned), cheating (sc, mentioned), rape (mentioned / implied, scs), murder, grief, drugging
CW - degradation
Tropes - romantic suspense, small town, bad boy x good girl, he falls first and harder
Representation - mental health (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia), BIPOC MCs
The way Aiden (MMC) had a crush crush on Nova (FMC) was literally the sweetest 😅. One thing I really liked about this book is that the characters actually acted their age. They're in high school and come from different sides of town where there is a clear class divide but they try not to let it phase them despite the creeping insecurities. The characters were very very sweet together and I loved how they got to explore each other and experience things for the first time.
Both MCs are dealing with shit in their personal lives and I liked seeing how they dealt with those situations both together and individually. Tragedy hits the town again and again and I liked they suspense aspect of the story and how the plot unfolded to that respect.
Nova's dad was a real piece of work and frustrated me to no end throughout this book, I'm glad Nova was able to work through anything.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
TW - school shooting (on page incl murder), physical violence, death, blood, suicide (parent, mentioned throughout and recounted, drowning, FMC found the body), schizophrenia, child abuse, kidnapping, death of children, death of a loved one, police injustices, child abandonment, classism, racism, mental health issues, bullying (incl violence), fostering & adopting, child disappearances / kidnapping, FMC is medicated, islamophobic comment (among scs RE a hijab), panic attack, alcoholism (scs), nightmares, broken bones (sc), aversion to small spaces (sc, mentioned), cheating (sc, mentioned), rape (mentioned / implied, scs), murder, grief, drugging
CW - degradation
Tropes - romantic suspense, small town, bad boy x good girl, he falls first and harder
Representation - mental health (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia), BIPOC MCs
The way Aiden (MMC) had a crush crush on Nova (FMC) was literally the sweetest 😅. One thing I really liked about this book is that the characters actually acted their age. They're in high school and come from different sides of town where there is a clear class divide but they try not to let it phase them despite the creeping insecurities. The characters were very very sweet together and I loved how they got to explore each other and experience things for the first time.
Both MCs are dealing with shit in their personal lives and I liked seeing how they dealt with those situations both together and individually. Tragedy hits the town again and again and I liked they suspense aspect of the story and how the plot unfolded to that respect.
Nova's dad was a real piece of work and frustrated me to no end throughout this book, I'm glad Nova was able to work through anything.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
July 1, 2024
Freezing bonds that tie our hearts
Macy T. Riosa
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t even know how to start… but I have to say - Macy, you’re absolutely brilliant and you never disappoint, all the waiting for this book was worth it. Nova & Aiden’s story was breathtaking and will forever stay in my heart and mind.
“For some reason, his soul called to mine. He loved like I did.”
Nova Starling - a child of the stars, a sweet girl and a big sister. Too good for Aiden Walker and “clearly out of my league” - as he would say, she’s the soul of this book, a character who’s been through a lot and is feeling too much, so much that when you read, her emotions get to you. Aiden is everything she shouldn’t want, her “complete opposite”. She kind of hates him, their first encounter leaving a bad impression on her, but everything changes when they’re paired together for a school project.
“I swore I would help him. I just didn’t know how much it would cost us.”
In their small town Southies and Northies don’t mingle, the prejudices are extreme and even those who should protect everyone, make differences between the poor and rich. When young kids are being kidnapped, no one but Aiden tries to search for them. And while he and Nova get closer, things take turns no one expects…
“You fall in love with flaws?”
“I mean, don’t we all? Being perfect is boring, what makes someone human is the way they’re flawed and how they manage these flaws.”
I fell in love with this book from the first pages, the characters were so real and the story too good to not live it with them. A book about sisters and black representation, something that I truly admire in Macy’s books, the love between Nova and her sisters is beyond words and makes you want to have sisters (this love being present in RRBD too and reading it made me miss Valentina & Sofia). A book about tragedy and how to deal with it, a painful story, one that will make you cry at some chapters. A book about young and innocent love, who makes you feel their butterflies, because the way they interact and every scene they have together is too beautiful and deep.
“I had no idea what she was doing to me, I had never felt this way before I met her.”
This good girl - bad boy college romance surpassed my expectations. I am not usually a fan of college romance, but the way Macy wrote it and how she, as always, messes with our heads… It is a masterpiece, one I think everyone should read (but not before checking the trigger warning, cause it deals with sensitive and hard subjects)
Aiden is now on my book boyfriends list and close to Maddox, the way he took care of Nova and how he loved her (and also his interaction with his three sisters and Nova’s when he met them)… we need an Aiden in our lives
.
If you want a story that will steal your heart and make you cry, but a good one that you will always remember, this is the one. And also, all of Macy’s books, I will recommend her every chance I get cause she deserves it, I can already see improvements in her writing style and I cannot wait for more.
.
Congrats, Macy, for this amazing book and thank you for everything ❤️❤️❤️
Macy T. Riosa
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t even know how to start… but I have to say - Macy, you’re absolutely brilliant and you never disappoint, all the waiting for this book was worth it. Nova & Aiden’s story was breathtaking and will forever stay in my heart and mind.
“For some reason, his soul called to mine. He loved like I did.”
Nova Starling - a child of the stars, a sweet girl and a big sister. Too good for Aiden Walker and “clearly out of my league” - as he would say, she’s the soul of this book, a character who’s been through a lot and is feeling too much, so much that when you read, her emotions get to you. Aiden is everything she shouldn’t want, her “complete opposite”. She kind of hates him, their first encounter leaving a bad impression on her, but everything changes when they’re paired together for a school project.
“I swore I would help him. I just didn’t know how much it would cost us.”
In their small town Southies and Northies don’t mingle, the prejudices are extreme and even those who should protect everyone, make differences between the poor and rich. When young kids are being kidnapped, no one but Aiden tries to search for them. And while he and Nova get closer, things take turns no one expects…
“You fall in love with flaws?”
“I mean, don’t we all? Being perfect is boring, what makes someone human is the way they’re flawed and how they manage these flaws.”
I fell in love with this book from the first pages, the characters were so real and the story too good to not live it with them. A book about sisters and black representation, something that I truly admire in Macy’s books, the love between Nova and her sisters is beyond words and makes you want to have sisters (this love being present in RRBD too and reading it made me miss Valentina & Sofia). A book about tragedy and how to deal with it, a painful story, one that will make you cry at some chapters. A book about young and innocent love, who makes you feel their butterflies, because the way they interact and every scene they have together is too beautiful and deep.
“I had no idea what she was doing to me, I had never felt this way before I met her.”
This good girl - bad boy college romance surpassed my expectations. I am not usually a fan of college romance, but the way Macy wrote it and how she, as always, messes with our heads… It is a masterpiece, one I think everyone should read (but not before checking the trigger warning, cause it deals with sensitive and hard subjects)
Aiden is now on my book boyfriends list and close to Maddox, the way he took care of Nova and how he loved her (and also his interaction with his three sisters and Nova’s when he met them)… we need an Aiden in our lives
.
If you want a story that will steal your heart and make you cry, but a good one that you will always remember, this is the one. And also, all of Macy’s books, I will recommend her every chance I get cause she deserves it, I can already see improvements in her writing style and I cannot wait for more.
.
Congrats, Macy, for this amazing book and thank you for everything ❤️❤️❤️
June 27, 2024
(ARC Review)
ٰ
can i just start by saying macy i love you so much but you’ll be getting my therapy bills very soon :’)
ٰ
i feel like i’ve been waiting decades to finally meet nova and aiden but you bet it was worth the wait, i’m officially adopting them as my babies too from now on.
ٰ
this book like macy mentioned, is very different from her other works but lord is it still so good and hits every spot, it was definitely and emotional roller coaster i cried so much i’m sure i’ll be waking up with puffy eyes.
ٰ
nova, our sweet girl and little star. i will fight alligators for her i swear, i love a girl that knows what she wants. she has a special place in my heart i love her forever and ever.
aiden, my lover boy! where can one get someone like him? is he available on amazon? (we love a blushing man) his caring and kind heart made me sob i love this guy will probably protect him with everything.
ٰ
the sisters bond was so precious and wholesome, it reminded me of me and my sisters, as the youngest sister it made me so emotional because my sisters practically raised me since i was a child so i truly enjoyed and loved seeing the strong bond between nova and her sisters.
ٰ
my favorite side character is probably zainab she’s literally me i loved her so much such an iconic best friend and her being a hijabi muslim is a plus! the way she was ready to shred aiden if he ever hurt nova yes that’s me with my friends and their partners.
ٰ
and to sum up my review i always write a love letter to macy because i love this woman with my whole being, macy you are a lovely genius, your stories have a whole suite tucked in my heart, you saw how much i loved this book with all the messages i sent you while reading it. i’m so happy you decided to share it despite the multiple issues that went through behind the scenes these characters deserve to be known. and i can’t wait to see what else you have for us in the future stories.
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as always, proceed with caution and check the trigger warnings before reading.
ٰ
can i just start by saying macy i love you so much but you’ll be getting my therapy bills very soon :’)
ٰ
i feel like i’ve been waiting decades to finally meet nova and aiden but you bet it was worth the wait, i’m officially adopting them as my babies too from now on.
ٰ
this book like macy mentioned, is very different from her other works but lord is it still so good and hits every spot, it was definitely and emotional roller coaster i cried so much i’m sure i’ll be waking up with puffy eyes.
ٰ
nova, our sweet girl and little star. i will fight alligators for her i swear, i love a girl that knows what she wants. she has a special place in my heart i love her forever and ever.
aiden, my lover boy! where can one get someone like him? is he available on amazon? (we love a blushing man) his caring and kind heart made me sob i love this guy will probably protect him with everything.
ٰ
the sisters bond was so precious and wholesome, it reminded me of me and my sisters, as the youngest sister it made me so emotional because my sisters practically raised me since i was a child so i truly enjoyed and loved seeing the strong bond between nova and her sisters.
ٰ
my favorite side character is probably zainab she’s literally me i loved her so much such an iconic best friend and her being a hijabi muslim is a plus! the way she was ready to shred aiden if he ever hurt nova yes that’s me with my friends and their partners.
ٰ
and to sum up my review i always write a love letter to macy because i love this woman with my whole being, macy you are a lovely genius, your stories have a whole suite tucked in my heart, you saw how much i loved this book with all the messages i sent you while reading it. i’m so happy you decided to share it despite the multiple issues that went through behind the scenes these characters deserve to be known. and i can’t wait to see what else you have for us in the future stories.
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as always, proceed with caution and check the trigger warnings before reading.
July 5, 2024
***ARC***
I am not a fan of good girl / bad girl in its traditional way, so this book was not for me but might be for you
after reading the previous 3 books from macy this one is undeniably a disappointment. it didn’t felt has flushed out as RRABD (understandably so, after all the struggles the author went through with it)
I was not a fan of the romance (from how it started, to how it developed to how it finished), I didn’t connect with both main characters and didn’t have interest in following their love story in all honesty
I also had some issues with how the little girls (5yo) talked in a unrealistic way which bothered me and the mystery which I thought would be a big part of the story being such a little thing in the story. the plot twists were not the most incredible but they surprised me a bit
although with all these comments made, this book was very easy and fast to read and the best thing about it was the depiction of family. it’s written in a very human, beautiful, funny and comforting way
ratings:
overall: 2⭐️
spice: 3🌶️
tension: 2.5⚡️
I am not a fan of good girl / bad girl in its traditional way, so this book was not for me but might be for you
after reading the previous 3 books from macy this one is undeniably a disappointment. it didn’t felt has flushed out as RRABD (understandably so, after all the struggles the author went through with it)
I was not a fan of the romance (from how it started, to how it developed to how it finished), I didn’t connect with both main characters and didn’t have interest in following their love story in all honesty
I also had some issues with how the little girls (5yo) talked in a unrealistic way which bothered me and the mystery which I thought would be a big part of the story being such a little thing in the story. the plot twists were not the most incredible but they surprised me a bit
although with all these comments made, this book was very easy and fast to read and the best thing about it was the depiction of family. it’s written in a very human, beautiful, funny and comforting way
ratings:
overall: 2⭐️
spice: 3🌶️
tension: 2.5⚡️
Want to Read
May 18, 2024if she writes, I’m going to read it
June 30, 2024
-high school romance
-he falls first
-good girl x bad boy
-dark themes
-double v!rigin mcs
-he falls first
-good girl x bad boy
-dark themes
-double v!rigin mcs
July 11, 2024
Wow….!
July 15, 2026
Dnf 88%
July 2, 2024
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my first read by Macy and it won't not be my last read. I buddy read this with Fatima and let's just say TISSUES were needed! The roller coaster of emotions that I went through while reading this was not okay. However, this was a very hard and interesting read. While it was hard to read at certain moments, the author's writing and the way the story was written and came together made me love every minute of it. Please make sure to check trigger warnings before starting.
Nova’s story broke my heart. To have your mind both protect you and be your worst enemy is a fate no one should ever have to deal with. Nova has to always be in control of her emotions and never lose her composure, is a hard way to live your life.
Aiden, our misunderstood book boyfriend. Aiden was the only one who could truly see under Nova's well-crafted persona. As we’re told at a very young age, boys tend to pick on girls that they like and Aiden is still using it now on Nova. Aiden’s main goal has been to be noticed by Nova and his wish comes true when they are made to work on a project together. Aiden became a safe space for Nova to deal with her emotions and his whole personality made me care for him so much more. Aiden wasn’t only protective, but caring, and loving, and while being kind of dark gave off major golden retriever vibes.
While this was a very heartbreaking story, it did have a happy ending. I definitely will be recommending this book as Macy's writing style brought the book to life for me. While I did not read her first book I definitely recommend doing so before starting this, so you are more aware of some of the events. I loved the mystery behind it, and I’m glad I was able to solve it and get proven right. Super excited to see what’s in store next for this series.
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my first read by Macy and it won't not be my last read. I buddy read this with Fatima and let's just say TISSUES were needed! The roller coaster of emotions that I went through while reading this was not okay. However, this was a very hard and interesting read. While it was hard to read at certain moments, the author's writing and the way the story was written and came together made me love every minute of it. Please make sure to check trigger warnings before starting.
Nova’s story broke my heart. To have your mind both protect you and be your worst enemy is a fate no one should ever have to deal with. Nova has to always be in control of her emotions and never lose her composure, is a hard way to live your life.
Aiden, our misunderstood book boyfriend. Aiden was the only one who could truly see under Nova's well-crafted persona. As we’re told at a very young age, boys tend to pick on girls that they like and Aiden is still using it now on Nova. Aiden’s main goal has been to be noticed by Nova and his wish comes true when they are made to work on a project together. Aiden became a safe space for Nova to deal with her emotions and his whole personality made me care for him so much more. Aiden wasn’t only protective, but caring, and loving, and while being kind of dark gave off major golden retriever vibes.
While this was a very heartbreaking story, it did have a happy ending. I definitely will be recommending this book as Macy's writing style brought the book to life for me. While I did not read her first book I definitely recommend doing so before starting this, so you are more aware of some of the events. I loved the mystery behind it, and I’m glad I was able to solve it and get proven right. Super excited to see what’s in store next for this series.
July 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
she did it again. MACY DID IT AGAIN. when she first said that this book gonna be heart wrenching i do not expect it to be THAT much because i am not the kind that would cry over a book so easily. Oh she proved me so wrong i cried like a b!tch
The love Nova and Aiden has for their family especially their siblings are so dear to me. All of macy’s book has that signature sister/brother’s love that is so special for me. This is the first time i read a poor boy X rich girl when its always the other way around. That one time where Aiden literally saving up for a date with nova make me so ?!:?:!;?::
the plot. One thing about macy’s book is that she has a jaw fucking dropping plot. Im not even joking. It was hit after hit on the few last chapters. When i thought RRABD was insane, FBTTOH was even crazier. At first i was scared I couldn’t finish this on time due to my fever but the plot had me changing my seat for each minutes because i have to continue or else i would be crazy thinking whats gonna happened.
im so happy to be one of the ARC receivers again and i’m proud that even after all macy went through she did so great on publishing this book, (she even dmed me asking if i got the arcs wtf im gonna cry you’re so sweet. it shall be read by everyone because i cant be suffering alone.
thats it love u macy
she did it again. MACY DID IT AGAIN. when she first said that this book gonna be heart wrenching i do not expect it to be THAT much because i am not the kind that would cry over a book so easily. Oh she proved me so wrong i cried like a b!tch
The love Nova and Aiden has for their family especially their siblings are so dear to me. All of macy’s book has that signature sister/brother’s love that is so special for me. This is the first time i read a poor boy X rich girl when its always the other way around. That one time where Aiden literally saving up for a date with nova make me so ?!:?:!;?::
the plot. One thing about macy’s book is that she has a jaw fucking dropping plot. Im not even joking. It was hit after hit on the few last chapters. When i thought RRABD was insane, FBTTOH was even crazier. At first i was scared I couldn’t finish this on time due to my fever but the plot had me changing my seat for each minutes because i have to continue or else i would be crazy thinking whats gonna happened.
im so happy to be one of the ARC receivers again and i’m proud that even after all macy went through she did so great on publishing this book, (she even dmed me asking if i got the arcs wtf im gonna cry you’re so sweet. it shall be read by everyone because i cant be suffering alone.
thats it love u macy
July 5, 2024
Arc review
(May contain spoilers)
4.25✨
Nova and me hating bullies 🤝🏻
Aiden is such a simpp
She saw him beat up a guy one time and labeled him a bully, doesn’t make much sense
Hint on AKs name 😏 cant wait for his book
Chapter 26 was wow 🤯🤯
The time jump after the reveal of aidens biological mom almost got me doing 🔪🔪🩸
Safety
Both virgins
She has went a few dates but didnt go further than a few kisses
Not much info on is past
No cheating
Hea/hfn ( they were about to start living together in new York when she goes to college)
(May contain spoilers)
4.25✨
Nova and me hating bullies 🤝🏻
Aiden is such a simpp
She saw him beat up a guy one time and labeled him a bully, doesn’t make much sense
Hint on AKs name 😏 cant wait for his book
Chapter 26 was wow 🤯🤯
The time jump after the reveal of aidens biological mom almost got me doing 🔪🔪🩸
Safety
Both virgins
She has went a few dates but didnt go further than a few kisses
Not much info on is past
No cheating
Hea/hfn ( they were about to start living together in new York when she goes to college)
July 1, 2024
♾/5 ⭐s
Rtc(I've got so much to say😭)
My eyes look swollen crying so much. Macy T. Riosa wrote a MASTERPIECE
Rtc(I've got so much to say😭)
My eyes look swollen crying so much. Macy T. Riosa wrote a MASTERPIECE
September 6, 2025
"أنا أحبكِ يا نوفا. أنا أحبكِ كثيرًا لدرجة أنني أحيانًا لا استطيع التنفس."
حبيبييييي🥹💕💕
حبيبييييي🥹💕💕
November 13, 2024
I'd say this was a successful return to FM for me🥳🥳
I cant lie, I might have came in with some biases, but FMC actually had a personality!! Like she was a normal person, talked and reacted normally! Do you know how rare that is?!!!
I thought this would be a dark story. But it was the sweetest high school romance wrapped into the most horribly traumatic experineces. The romance part was just pure cuteness. MMC was a great guy with the cutest crush. He is just seen by the FMC, due to some assumptions on her part, as this "bad boy" but really he is all around the sweetest. Nova was a girl that lived in a bit of a bubble life experince-vise. And due to his crush, Aiden's inability to try not to look cool, prevented their meet so far. But at least FMC's dislike towards MMCs was not the usual "ugh i hate him soo soo much for whatever reason but he can do anything to me". It was a reaonable, "this guys is a bit schechy, I shoud avoid him because he is attractive and I might actually be into him". Also at the begining I saw "virgin MC" content, and I thought "great, another manwhore finally finding the one and only genitelia for him in this perfect virgin"but nope. Both MCs are virgin🥰 havent read that in a while. It felt age appropriate. There are all these high school books with harcore bdsm, RHs and sure whatever, fantasy world but here it was just really two inexperineced high school kids. I would 100% hardcore crush onto Aiden if I was in highschool😅 Im still a bit giggly😊😊
BUT!!! Do not skip the trigger warnings! Romance part aside, really, there are hardcore traumatic events and the book doesnt shy away from hurting the reader.
Only real critisim I have is I guess the romance between these kids was just pure high school crush. Then they trauma bonded hard. So I guess I understand they might end up together. But I wish their bond evolved in a more adulty way. Also the epilogue with Camila was just so out of the blue😅
All in all, enjoyed the book a lot and will read more of author's book. I havent read the first book in this series because I saw some comments about annoying FMC in the reviews and I've had enough of those for a lifetime. But other books of the author (particularly Camila's even though it does have low rating) looks interesting.
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst:⭐️⭐️
Banter:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing quality:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶
I cant lie, I might have came in with some biases, but FMC actually had a personality!! Like she was a normal person, talked and reacted normally! Do you know how rare that is?!!!
I thought this would be a dark story. But it was the sweetest high school romance wrapped into the most horribly traumatic experineces. The romance part was just pure cuteness. MMC was a great guy with the cutest crush. He is just seen by the FMC, due to some assumptions on her part, as this "bad boy" but really he is all around the sweetest. Nova was a girl that lived in a bit of a bubble life experince-vise. And due to his crush, Aiden's inability to try not to look cool, prevented their meet so far. But at least FMC's dislike towards MMCs was not the usual "ugh i hate him soo soo much for whatever reason but he can do anything to me". It was a reaonable, "this guys is a bit schechy, I shoud avoid him because he is attractive and I might actually be into him". Also at the begining I saw "virgin MC" content, and I thought "great, another manwhore finally finding the one and only genitelia for him in this perfect virgin"but nope. Both MCs are virgin🥰 havent read that in a while. It felt age appropriate. There are all these high school books with harcore bdsm, RHs and sure whatever, fantasy world but here it was just really two inexperineced high school kids. I would 100% hardcore crush onto Aiden if I was in highschool😅 Im still a bit giggly😊😊
BUT!!! Do not skip the trigger warnings! Romance part aside, really, there are hardcore traumatic events and the book doesnt shy away from hurting the reader.
Only real critisim I have is I guess the romance between these kids was just pure high school crush. Then they trauma bonded hard. So I guess I understand they might end up together. But I wish their bond evolved in a more adulty way. Also the epilogue with Camila was just so out of the blue😅
All in all, enjoyed the book a lot and will read more of author's book. I havent read the first book in this series because I saw some comments about annoying FMC in the reviews and I've had enough of those for a lifetime. But other books of the author (particularly Camila's even though it does have low rating) looks interesting.
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst:⭐️⭐️
Banter:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing quality:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶
August 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot - 5/5
Characters - 5/5
Spice - 🌶️
When I tell you I leapt to read this book upon finishing Black Dahlias! Macy does is again. The introduction of the MC’s Aiden and Nova sets the scene for a fairly typical enemies to lovers high school plot line but Macy went above and beyond with this storyline and their chemistry.
Aiden is a boy absolutely fucking obsessed and I am here for it. He knows everything about his little star and decides if he can’t be loved by her, he may as well be hated. Seeing their friendship develop during the first 40% of this book was heartstopping and when I tell you this book has not one, but two climaxes?! I was absolutely screaming near the end of the book and swear I have psychological damage for how emotionally effected I was.
As always, I bow down to Macy, our lord and savior and Queen. I can’t wait to get my hands on Medusa when it’s released.
Plot - 5/5
Characters - 5/5
Spice - 🌶️
When I tell you I leapt to read this book upon finishing Black Dahlias! Macy does is again. The introduction of the MC’s Aiden and Nova sets the scene for a fairly typical enemies to lovers high school plot line but Macy went above and beyond with this storyline and their chemistry.
Aiden is a boy absolutely fucking obsessed and I am here for it. He knows everything about his little star and decides if he can’t be loved by her, he may as well be hated. Seeing their friendship develop during the first 40% of this book was heartstopping and when I tell you this book has not one, but two climaxes?! I was absolutely screaming near the end of the book and swear I have psychological damage for how emotionally effected I was.
As always, I bow down to Macy, our lord and savior and Queen. I can’t wait to get my hands on Medusa when it’s released.
May 5, 2025
Macy has once again proven that her books honestly never fail to surprise me.
Nova Starling is a kind and gentle girl with her seemingly picture perfect life - a caring father and loving sisters, while Aiden is a bad boy who lives on the other side of town. However, things aren't always what they seem. In this case, Aiden is actually a very protective and sweet guy who is willing to go to the ends of the earth for the people he loves, and Nova has a secret no one knows which has traumatized her her whole life.
This book was such an emotional roller coaster. The sisterly bond between Nova and her sisters were adorable, and the way Aiden has been simping for Nova and looking out for her for YEARS is just the sweetest. The way these two instantly clicked when they were paired together for a school project, the way all the walls they put up for the world came crashing down, the way they needed each other and found comfort in one another during difficult times...
With that being said, this book features some really dark themes and has many scenes that made me full on sobbing. I never would have guessed that twist, and I was VERY distressed.
Let me end this by saying that if you're looking for a romance combined with some psychological mystery/thriller, this is perfect for you. Thank you Macy T. Riosa for the ARC.
Nova Starling is a kind and gentle girl with her seemingly picture perfect life - a caring father and loving sisters, while Aiden is a bad boy who lives on the other side of town. However, things aren't always what they seem. In this case, Aiden is actually a very protective and sweet guy who is willing to go to the ends of the earth for the people he loves, and Nova has a secret no one knows which has traumatized her her whole life.
This book was such an emotional roller coaster. The sisterly bond between Nova and her sisters were adorable, and the way Aiden has been simping for Nova and looking out for her for YEARS is just the sweetest. The way these two instantly clicked when they were paired together for a school project, the way all the walls they put up for the world came crashing down, the way they needed each other and found comfort in one another during difficult times...
With that being said, this book features some really dark themes and has many scenes that made me full on sobbing. I never would have guessed that twist, and I was VERY distressed.
Let me end this by saying that if you're looking for a romance combined with some psychological mystery/thriller, this is perfect for you. Thank you Macy T. Riosa for the ARC.
July 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️but rounding up
Before picking up this book I highly advise checking all trigger warnings!!
I understand i normally read fluffy romance so it it important to note that Macy writes dark themes and her works deal with heavy stuff! Now with my warnings out of the way i must say she did it again! Macy wrote an absolute mindf**k that literally kept me up all night to finish. FBTTOH Is the second part of a series but can be read as a stand alone with minor ties to the first book.
The story follows two teens from opposite sides of town that are truly night and day. Nova is the perfect daughter sister and friend but even she has her own skeletons to hide. Adrien is the loyal and charming rebel with a heart of absolute gold that he hides from most and yet he can’t seem to keep his cool guy act around her. Of course their developing relationship is one of my favorite parts of this story but what Macy always manages to do in her stories is take you on a dark and bumpy ride. Truly amazed how a book full of so much tragedy and heartbreak can also house a tender and 🔥🔥🔥 love. With the perfect amount of spice to not distract from the overarching plot lines going on FBTTOH is the PERFECT dark,mysterious, and sexy story.
Before picking up this book I highly advise checking all trigger warnings!!
I understand i normally read fluffy romance so it it important to note that Macy writes dark themes and her works deal with heavy stuff! Now with my warnings out of the way i must say she did it again! Macy wrote an absolute mindf**k that literally kept me up all night to finish. FBTTOH Is the second part of a series but can be read as a stand alone with minor ties to the first book.
The story follows two teens from opposite sides of town that are truly night and day. Nova is the perfect daughter sister and friend but even she has her own skeletons to hide. Adrien is the loyal and charming rebel with a heart of absolute gold that he hides from most and yet he can’t seem to keep his cool guy act around her. Of course their developing relationship is one of my favorite parts of this story but what Macy always manages to do in her stories is take you on a dark and bumpy ride. Truly amazed how a book full of so much tragedy and heartbreak can also house a tender and 🔥🔥🔥 love. With the perfect amount of spice to not distract from the overarching plot lines going on FBTTOH is the PERFECT dark,mysterious, and sexy story.
July 24, 2024
My rating: 4.5/5 ☆
Wow what a book! This was one hell of a rollercoaster ride while reading the book. A mixture of mystery and romance together with a dark twist and Macy has done it again! I personally enjoyed every moment of it and I didn’t expect what was coming towards the plot just like the first book. I’m a dark romance girlie, and this was a good book.
This good girl - bad boy college romance surpassed my expectations. I am not usually a fan of college romance, but the way Macy wrote it and how she, as always, messes with our heads... It is a masterpiece, one I think everyone should read (but not before checking the trigger warning, cause it deals with sensitive and hard subjects) which i liked. I’m really NOT a fan of college romance (it’s just not my thing), but this one was really different as I can get into it and it makes me want to continue even more.
If you want a story that will steal your heart and make you cry, but a good one that you will always remember, this is the one.
And also, all of Macy's books, I will recommend her every chance I get cause she deserves it, I can already see improvements in her writing style and I cannot wait for more.
Thank you so much to Macy for this arc!🤍
Wow what a book! This was one hell of a rollercoaster ride while reading the book. A mixture of mystery and romance together with a dark twist and Macy has done it again! I personally enjoyed every moment of it and I didn’t expect what was coming towards the plot just like the first book. I’m a dark romance girlie, and this was a good book.
This good girl - bad boy college romance surpassed my expectations. I am not usually a fan of college romance, but the way Macy wrote it and how she, as always, messes with our heads... It is a masterpiece, one I think everyone should read (but not before checking the trigger warning, cause it deals with sensitive and hard subjects) which i liked. I’m really NOT a fan of college romance (it’s just not my thing), but this one was really different as I can get into it and it makes me want to continue even more.
If you want a story that will steal your heart and make you cry, but a good one that you will always remember, this is the one.
And also, all of Macy's books, I will recommend her every chance I get cause she deserves it, I can already see improvements in her writing style and I cannot wait for more.
Thank you so much to Macy for this arc!🤍
July 9, 2024
That one episode of criminal minds
First of all thank you Macy T. Riosa for trusting me with this ARC.
I saw a part of the plot twist coming but it didn't bother me. Macy managed to leave us clues so that we guess certain things but not everything. She kept us on our toes.
Although I found that the story focused a lot on romance and not enough on investigation, it was necessary for the impact to be poignant.
Special mention for Zainab. We all deserve to have a friend like her.
Can we talk about the fraternal bonds ?
The end iykyk
I can't wait to read her next books.
First of all thank you Macy T. Riosa for trusting me with this ARC.
I saw a part of the plot twist coming but it didn't bother me. Macy managed to leave us clues so that we guess certain things but not everything. She kept us on our toes.
Although I found that the story focused a lot on romance and not enough on investigation, it was necessary for the impact to be poignant.
Special mention for Zainab. We all deserve to have a friend like her.
Can we talk about the fraternal bonds ?
The end iykyk
I can't wait to read her next books.
July 2, 2024
I am obsessed with this web of lives and stories that Macy is weaving! Another emotional roller-coaster! As always, Freezing Bonds starts off pretty cute and fluffy. All the back and forth of high school enemies forced into a class project together. Tension, attitude, unrequited feelings, a secret make out in a janitor’s closet. Then BAM! Emotional damage! Trauma, depression, PTSD, healing, more freaking trauma!
July 27, 2024
This author truly knows how to write her books, i don't even know where to start.
The characters? the romance? the side characters? the heart-wrenching story? I haven't cried while reading a book in so long 😭
I can't wait for her next books
The characters? the romance? the side characters? the heart-wrenching story? I haven't cried while reading a book in so long 😭
I can't wait for her next books
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