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Healing in Cincy #1
The Night We Met
Liam Taylor
I’ve had a crush on my best friend since we were eight and I’ve been in love with her since I was twelve. When we ended up choosing the same college, I felt like the stars had finally aligned.
Until I got scared.
I sat back and watched her happiness soar until her heart was broken and I was able to help mend her heart.
This is my chance to not let her go.
Mason Brooks
I had two don’t fall in love in college and make it to the NFL.
One goal happened…but at the cost of another.
If I ever get a second chance to make her mine, I don’t plan on letting her go.
Kamryn Rawlins
When I went to college with my best friend, I never expected to fall in bed with him. I always had a crush on him and I thought this was our chance.
But you know what else I didn’t expect?
Him to ghost me, leaving me to fall head over heels for the starting quarterback of our college.
What I thought was my endgame, turned out to be a dead end.
Twice.
But what happens when one of those dead ends opens up to the open road and my forever?
I’ve had a crush on my best friend since we were eight and I’ve been in love with her since I was twelve. When we ended up choosing the same college, I felt like the stars had finally aligned.
Until I got scared.
I sat back and watched her happiness soar until her heart was broken and I was able to help mend her heart.
This is my chance to not let her go.
Mason Brooks
I had two don’t fall in love in college and make it to the NFL.
One goal happened…but at the cost of another.
If I ever get a second chance to make her mine, I don’t plan on letting her go.
Kamryn Rawlins
When I went to college with my best friend, I never expected to fall in bed with him. I always had a crush on him and I thought this was our chance.
But you know what else I didn’t expect?
Him to ghost me, leaving me to fall head over heels for the starting quarterback of our college.
What I thought was my endgame, turned out to be a dead end.
Twice.
But what happens when one of those dead ends opens up to the open road and my forever?
Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 11, 2025
Release day is on Friday!
Thank you to my ARC readers for taking the biggest chance on an indie AND debut author. To those that don't know, I sat on this book for years. Mentioning it off-handedly here and there on Instagram. Until finally I sent half of what I wrote to my bestie, who became my PA, who then instantly wanted more.
The emotions I felt while writing my book hopefully convey to the characters that you meet. It's raw, emotional, and so real.
Thank you, to the reader for picking up my debut. I hope you stick around for the rest of the series. Because, yes, I am currently working on book 2.
Thank you to my ARC readers for taking the biggest chance on an indie AND debut author. To those that don't know, I sat on this book for years. Mentioning it off-handedly here and there on Instagram. Until finally I sent half of what I wrote to my bestie, who became my PA, who then instantly wanted more.
The emotions I felt while writing my book hopefully convey to the characters that you meet. It's raw, emotional, and so real.
Thank you, to the reader for picking up my debut. I hope you stick around for the rest of the series. Because, yes, I am currently working on book 2.
April 8, 2024
This is by far, the most emotional, raw and beautiful book I’ve read in a while.
I don’t even know where to begin. I’m feeling all of the emotions right now. This book made me cry several times, but for several chapters I also just had this smile stuck on my face because I could literally feel the love. I’ve gasped, grieved, had a couple wtf moments but in the end, this book now holds my heart and will live rent free in my head for a long time.
The characters were so loveable from the beginning. Some back and forth between the main characters but it all comes together beautifully despite the challenges (I need to stop myself before I say more and spill the beans).
Kudos to Elleese Black for a beautiful love story and kudos also to my friend Kim from KBG Designs for the beautiful cover!
*Check the TW*
I don’t even know where to begin. I’m feeling all of the emotions right now. This book made me cry several times, but for several chapters I also just had this smile stuck on my face because I could literally feel the love. I’ve gasped, grieved, had a couple wtf moments but in the end, this book now holds my heart and will live rent free in my head for a long time.
The characters were so loveable from the beginning. Some back and forth between the main characters but it all comes together beautifully despite the challenges (I need to stop myself before I say more and spill the beans).
Kudos to Elleese Black for a beautiful love story and kudos also to my friend Kim from KBG Designs for the beautiful cover!
*Check the TW*
April 28, 2024
Sadly, this fell short for me.
Plot: 2 📍
Spice: 3 🌶️
Overall: 3 ⭐
I say this reluctantly, but this book just wasn’t for me. I love a good coming of age story. I adore sports romances. I relish reading about a strong woman who stands up for herself, knows her worth, and goes after her dreams. This book didn’t deliver on any of that for me.
I mostly rolled my eyes at the melodrama of the love “triangle,” the poor choices of the characters, the absolutely weak moral decisions, etc. There was so much to this story that just didn’t make sense - a sorority legacy not knowing when recruitment was, says she wants to get away from her parents’ Pan-Hellenic reputation but does join. A football player who doesn’t understand the way the NFL combine works. Best friends who are supposedly so close and in such great sync, but they can’t figure out they like each other.
The strength of character for each of the three MCs was just lacking. It read more like a CW soap than a coming-of-age story. They were weak-willed and their actions and reactions were what I’d expect in 14 and 15 years olds. Not 18-21 year olds. Their worth initially and at the end was based upon the other person, not themselves.
And the absolute cliche of 12+ inch height difference, the football player goes for the fashion designer, etc, etc., etc. It was just disappointing to see once again, a brilliant woman who was interested in psychology gives up because she’s sad. An almost psych major, who experienced full-body depression, doesn’t recognize depression in a very close person later.
The pacing felt wonky to me as well - it was incredibly fast paced in some places and seemed to finally move forward and then stalled later. And while that *could* have worked where there were highs and lows in the story, the pacing did not match those peaks and valleys.
Plot: 2 📍
Spice: 3 🌶️
Overall: 3 ⭐
I say this reluctantly, but this book just wasn’t for me. I love a good coming of age story. I adore sports romances. I relish reading about a strong woman who stands up for herself, knows her worth, and goes after her dreams. This book didn’t deliver on any of that for me.
I mostly rolled my eyes at the melodrama of the love “triangle,” the poor choices of the characters, the absolutely weak moral decisions, etc. There was so much to this story that just didn’t make sense - a sorority legacy not knowing when recruitment was, says she wants to get away from her parents’ Pan-Hellenic reputation but does join. A football player who doesn’t understand the way the NFL combine works. Best friends who are supposedly so close and in such great sync, but they can’t figure out they like each other.
The strength of character for each of the three MCs was just lacking. It read more like a CW soap than a coming-of-age story. They were weak-willed and their actions and reactions were what I’d expect in 14 and 15 years olds. Not 18-21 year olds. Their worth initially and at the end was based upon the other person, not themselves.
And the absolute cliche of 12+ inch height difference, the football player goes for the fashion designer, etc, etc., etc. It was just disappointing to see once again, a brilliant woman who was interested in psychology gives up because she’s sad. An almost psych major, who experienced full-body depression, doesn’t recognize depression in a very close person later.
The pacing felt wonky to me as well - it was incredibly fast paced in some places and seemed to finally move forward and then stalled later. And while that *could* have worked where there were highs and lows in the story, the pacing did not match those peaks and valleys.
April 22, 2024
I loved everything about this book!
Kam and Liam have been childhood friends since the age of seven. They are attached at the hip - doing everything and anything together.....including going to the same college.
Flash-forward to their freshman year in college and Kam get the idea to take their friendship to the next level. FWB. Nothing more and if one finds someone else, they end their FWB arrangement.
Things don't go smoothly for this duo. Kam meets Mason, the man of her dreams and the rest as they say is history. But things have become very complicated between her and Liam.
Decisions are made and through the years Kam has to find her way back to herself.
The Night We Met is probably the best college romance I have ever read. It's filled with all the tropes that draw us into a book: life-long friends, second chance romance, heartbreak, tragedy, spice (lots and lots of spice!), best friends, sports romance, the list goes on and on.
If you love a college romance that will make you swoon, break your heart - having you reach for a box of tissues, and cheering for the characters - then I highly recommend this book!
I'll definitely will be reading more from this author!
Kam and Liam have been childhood friends since the age of seven. They are attached at the hip - doing everything and anything together.....including going to the same college.
Flash-forward to their freshman year in college and Kam get the idea to take their friendship to the next level. FWB. Nothing more and if one finds someone else, they end their FWB arrangement.
Things don't go smoothly for this duo. Kam meets Mason, the man of her dreams and the rest as they say is history. But things have become very complicated between her and Liam.
Decisions are made and through the years Kam has to find her way back to herself.
The Night We Met is probably the best college romance I have ever read. It's filled with all the tropes that draw us into a book: life-long friends, second chance romance, heartbreak, tragedy, spice (lots and lots of spice!), best friends, sports romance, the list goes on and on.
If you love a college romance that will make you swoon, break your heart - having you reach for a box of tissues, and cheering for the characters - then I highly recommend this book!
I'll definitely will be reading more from this author!
May 12, 2024
This book truly surprised me. I enjoyed it much more than I had anticipated to. The story is so sweet and genuine, although a few things stuck out as odd to me that didn’t make sense in some relationships. Then there were really relatable components that I was able to connect with. I loved the characters, their development and story lines.
May 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
POV: First Person/Multiple POVS
Tropes: Sports romance / friends with benefits/ friends to lovers/ second chance
Review time! Okay so this is book #1 in the Healing in Cincy series and let me tell you the angst was angsting! We have our FMC Kamryn and our two MMC’s Mason & Liam that throughout the years have many ups and downs with a heaping side of pain! This is not a love triangle but it’s definitely a situation lol! The angst and miscommunication had me silently screaming at my kindle more than a few times! 😂
One of the best parts of this book for me was the way the author wrote and described the fmcs grief. It was so real that I felt like I was mourning and hurting alongside with Kam, the author beautifully described what it is to lose someone and the stages of grief and how consuming it can be. It was so well written that just thinking back I can still feel the ache in my chest for her. Second best thing was how well done the spicy scenes were! Wowzer, our girl can really and I mean REALLY write a good smutty scene. 🤌🏽👏🏽
One thing that would’ve made the book better for me would have been allotting more time in the “in between scenes” that got glossed over. It would’ve helped with getting to really know the characters as individuals. I would’ve loved to see more of Liam & Kams friendship and scenarios of them pining for one another that led to the first kiss they shared to be such an explosive moment. I would’ve also liked to see Mason and Kams relationship build more on paper. It just felt like they met, texted, and then bam got into a relationship so quickly. It felt rushed like I was ping ponging between couples/ heartache/lust & love. I think if the story was more drawn out, it would give us more time to connect to the characters. This book could’ve been broken into 3 separate books tbh.
*Thank you to the Author for this ARC read in exchange for an honest review*
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
POV: First Person/Multiple POVS
Tropes: Sports romance / friends with benefits/ friends to lovers/ second chance
Review time! Okay so this is book #1 in the Healing in Cincy series and let me tell you the angst was angsting! We have our FMC Kamryn and our two MMC’s Mason & Liam that throughout the years have many ups and downs with a heaping side of pain! This is not a love triangle but it’s definitely a situation lol! The angst and miscommunication had me silently screaming at my kindle more than a few times! 😂
One of the best parts of this book for me was the way the author wrote and described the fmcs grief. It was so real that I felt like I was mourning and hurting alongside with Kam, the author beautifully described what it is to lose someone and the stages of grief and how consuming it can be. It was so well written that just thinking back I can still feel the ache in my chest for her. Second best thing was how well done the spicy scenes were! Wowzer, our girl can really and I mean REALLY write a good smutty scene. 🤌🏽👏🏽
One thing that would’ve made the book better for me would have been allotting more time in the “in between scenes” that got glossed over. It would’ve helped with getting to really know the characters as individuals. I would’ve loved to see more of Liam & Kams friendship and scenarios of them pining for one another that led to the first kiss they shared to be such an explosive moment. I would’ve also liked to see Mason and Kams relationship build more on paper. It just felt like they met, texted, and then bam got into a relationship so quickly. It felt rushed like I was ping ponging between couples/ heartache/lust & love. I think if the story was more drawn out, it would give us more time to connect to the characters. This book could’ve been broken into 3 separate books tbh.
*Thank you to the Author for this ARC read in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2024
Y'all this book freaking destroyed me. I don't remember the last time I ever cried this hard at a book, and honestly, this might be the book that has made me cry the most.
This book was definitely gut-wrenching, but boy did it put my heart back together by the end of it.
For a debut book, this was great. I will definitely be recommending this book for a long time and I cannot wait for the next book and for my girl Emily to get her happy ending.
I still feel speechless from this one so this review is shorter but seriously, check the trigger warnings, take them seriously, and then read this freaking book. Oh, and have a box of tissues at the ready.
This book was definitely gut-wrenching, but boy did it put my heart back together by the end of it.
For a debut book, this was great. I will definitely be recommending this book for a long time and I cannot wait for the next book and for my girl Emily to get her happy ending.
I still feel speechless from this one so this review is shorter but seriously, check the trigger warnings, take them seriously, and then read this freaking book. Oh, and have a box of tissues at the ready.
April 19, 2024
Grab your tissues for this one! The Night We Met is quite the emotional journey. It frustrated me, wrecked me, and then put me back together.
The story follows multiple povs through four years of college and then jumps to several years after. I felt the pacing of the book was inconsistent at times. Some parts were slow while others felt too rushed. I honestly didn’t like the way a certain major part of the story played out, but in the end we do get a happily ever after for our FMC so that saved this book for me. The author does a beautiful job creating two loveable men which keeps you rooting for them both! I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite so I think thats why this story hit me so hard in the feels!
I won’t list the specific trigger warnings here because they could be considered major plot spoilers, but definitely read the tws if you have any!
Tropes:
▪️Sports romance
▪️Friends with benefits
▪️Friends to lovers
▪️Second chance
▪️Angst
▪️Spice
▪️HEA
The story follows multiple povs through four years of college and then jumps to several years after. I felt the pacing of the book was inconsistent at times. Some parts were slow while others felt too rushed. I honestly didn’t like the way a certain major part of the story played out, but in the end we do get a happily ever after for our FMC so that saved this book for me. The author does a beautiful job creating two loveable men which keeps you rooting for them both! I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite so I think thats why this story hit me so hard in the feels!
I won’t list the specific trigger warnings here because they could be considered major plot spoilers, but definitely read the tws if you have any!
Tropes:
▪️Sports romance
▪️Friends with benefits
▪️Friends to lovers
▪️Second chance
▪️Angst
▪️Spice
▪️HEA
September 12, 2024
This story made me swoon, broke my heart, and put it back together again. There were of elements of great friendship in this book not just romantic but platonic friendship as well. I think that’s so important! Liam and Kam’s friendship stood the test of time despite so much that transpired between them. Lastly, How could you not love Mason?? I mean my goodness.
The only reason why this wasn’t a five star read for me because I didn’t love how the author shaped the story for Kam and Mason’s rekindle. However, the author kept it 💯. Kamryn loved Mason to her core so why fake it when she knew he was it. I mean she knew best how time is so fickle.
I would recommend ❤️. This book may be triggering to some, as always take care while reading. 🫶🏾
The only reason why this wasn’t a five star read for me because I didn’t love how the author shaped the story for Kam and Mason’s rekindle. However, the author kept it 💯. Kamryn loved Mason to her core so why fake it when she knew he was it. I mean she knew best how time is so fickle.
I would recommend ❤️. This book may be triggering to some, as always take care while reading. 🫶🏾
October 10, 2024
Childhood friends Liam and Kam are inseparable growing up doing life together and going on to the same college. Till they take it that step further and go from friendship to lovers. These characters are soooo loveable and each page I found myself wanting to read on to the next and the next page. Chapter after chapter
Friends to lovers…. Does it ever work out
This has been an emotional rollercoaster for these characters and I’m not one who cries much but this book had me choked up
The raw emotion I felt with this story was unreal
But with the heartache comes the rainbow after the storm. As they say
Then Kam meets Mason the quarterback at the same college, he has goals, set goals and love isn’t one of those goals.
Ooohhh don’t you just love a sports romance
I went through every emotion reading this book
From each character pov, this story has been amazing
So easy to love these characters, the emotions, the love made me swoon, the spicy, spice is 😘🥵
Spicyyyyyyyyy
This has all the tropes I love and some
♥️ Second chance
♥️ Friends to lovers
♥️ Spicy
♥️ Sports Romance
What a book this has been and one I will never forget
Friends to lovers…. Does it ever work out
This has been an emotional rollercoaster for these characters and I’m not one who cries much but this book had me choked up
The raw emotion I felt with this story was unreal
But with the heartache comes the rainbow after the storm. As they say
Then Kam meets Mason the quarterback at the same college, he has goals, set goals and love isn’t one of those goals.
Ooohhh don’t you just love a sports romance
I went through every emotion reading this book
From each character pov, this story has been amazing
So easy to love these characters, the emotions, the love made me swoon, the spicy, spice is 😘🥵
Spicyyyyyyyyy
This has all the tropes I love and some
♥️ Second chance
♥️ Friends to lovers
♥️ Spicy
♥️ Sports Romance
What a book this has been and one I will never forget
April 26, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5
This sports romance is one I will think about for a long time. The rollercoaster of emotions I felt while reading this book were *chefs kiss*. This story is unlike any romance that I’ve read before and left me wanting to know what was next- truly unpredictable. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and liked how the book followed the characters from freshmen year of college through adulthood. I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us! Please read trigger warnings.
This sports romance is one I will think about for a long time. The rollercoaster of emotions I felt while reading this book were *chefs kiss*. This story is unlike any romance that I’ve read before and left me wanting to know what was next- truly unpredictable. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and liked how the book followed the characters from freshmen year of college through adulthood. I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us! Please read trigger warnings.
May 26, 2024
3.5⭐️ this book was just okay. While this book was definitely emotional and raw, I felt like I could not connect to the characters at all! Their decisions throughout the book were so frustrating and the lack of communication was driving me insane! I felt like I couldn’t really fully enjoy the story due to the characters acting extremely young for their age. Also the writing felt a bit childish and at points kind of gave me the ick😣 I don’t know it wasn’t all bad but there were definitely some things I would’ve changed.
April 5, 2024
The Night We Met is the first in the Healing in Cincy series by Elleese Black. We meet Kamryn, Liam, and Mason in college. Kamryn and Liam have known each other since they were seven. Kam meets Mason in college through her roommate Sarah - who I love BTW. There is so much love, courage, and heartache in this book. Kamryn is one strong FMC who goes through it all. Couldn't put it down - even when I had tears streaming down my face.
April 13, 2024
I’m literally at a loss for words. Their story was beautifully written and I can’t even count the number of times I’ve cried throughout the book. You really go on this journey with Kamryn from her first day of college to finding love to heartbreak to healing to another devastating heartbreak to more healing. The strength she has at the end of it all is incredible especially with what she has gone through. Honestly please do yourself a favor and read this book and then we can all cry together.
April 19, 2024
Make sure you grab your tissues for this one! Elleese rips your heart out and puts it back together with this love story. Oof does our FMC go through it. We follow her through her four years of college and jump forward into her adult life. My emotions definitely went on a rollercoaster ride with her. The fact that this is a debut novel is amazing and the writing is fantastic! I can't wait to continue with Emily's story.
Don't worry this is a true romance and we of course get a HEA! (Maybe add a cute emoji here)
The TWs could give away spoilers but if you have any please check them first!!
June 26, 2024
Sooooo, this was a decent book. The time line jumped wayyyyy to much and there was constant breaks to change scenes in the chapters. I didn’t connect w the FMC, but the side characters were lovable. Over all it was an okay book!
April 19, 2024
What a heartwrenching, heartbreaking, amazingly wonderful love story. The amount I cried during this book is crazy. But by the ending my heart was glued back together and very happy. I loved the storyline, the characters, the struggles, I even loved the heartbreaks. If a book can make me cry its is truely a tremendously amazing book!!!! I can definitly see myself rereading this book again!!!!
April 1, 2025
I spent most of this annoyed at the FMC. Confused at the love triangle. Annoyed by the men. Confused at the friend group. Confused at setting logistics.
My last straw should have been when the wrong name was used for the team, but I stubbornly persevered.
My last straw should have been when the wrong name was used for the team, but I stubbornly persevered.
October 14, 2024
Rating 4.5*
Spice 4
I finished this book a few days ago. I wanted to sit with it for a little while before I posted my review.
Overall I loved the idea of this book, however there were a few details that I didn't enjoy about it -- not enough items to negatively affect the rating. Without these items I don't think this book would have resonated with me as much.
First - Liam. What the Hell. Honestly, from the very beginning I didn't like him. Maybe it's because I didn't get a sense of him as they grew, but he seemed like a total F-boy that finally got the chance to hook up with his 'best-friend'. They seemed like they were friends out of convenience in highschool, and I strongly feel if they went to different colleges he would have never spoken to her again. I didn't believe his feelings for her, the showed them very poorly and that's not the authors fault. He seemed sort of shallow and arrogant.
I couldn't believe he expected to get into the MLB after he graduated college without being on a team. I'm not a baseball fan but I feel like it's common sense to keep playing in order to draw attention of MLB teams. The fact that he refused a farm team offer made me want to throw my phone across the room. If I were Kam I never would have even attempted to stay with him. He had a poor attitude and I think everyone saw it.
Mason, why why why!! I feel like his conundrum could have been handled a lot better. I'm sure if he explained the situation to Kam with his coach it could have been worked out differently. He should have made more of an attempt to keep in touch with her, he made the decision to cut the ties with her even though he wanted to stay with her. He should have made that her choice rather than his.
Once everyone grew up and things got back on track I loved everything. I loved Mason and Kam so much.
Spice 4
I finished this book a few days ago. I wanted to sit with it for a little while before I posted my review.
Overall I loved the idea of this book, however there were a few details that I didn't enjoy about it -- not enough items to negatively affect the rating. Without these items I don't think this book would have resonated with me as much.
First - Liam. What the Hell. Honestly, from the very beginning I didn't like him. Maybe it's because I didn't get a sense of him as they grew, but he seemed like a total F-boy that finally got the chance to hook up with his 'best-friend'. They seemed like they were friends out of convenience in highschool, and I strongly feel if they went to different colleges he would have never spoken to her again. I didn't believe his feelings for her, the showed them very poorly and that's not the authors fault. He seemed sort of shallow and arrogant.
I couldn't believe he expected to get into the MLB after he graduated college without being on a team. I'm not a baseball fan but I feel like it's common sense to keep playing in order to draw attention of MLB teams. The fact that he refused a farm team offer made me want to throw my phone across the room. If I were Kam I never would have even attempted to stay with him. He had a poor attitude and I think everyone saw it.
Mason, why why why!! I feel like his conundrum could have been handled a lot better. I'm sure if he explained the situation to Kam with his coach it could have been worked out differently. He should have made more of an attempt to keep in touch with her, he made the decision to cut the ties with her even though he wanted to stay with her. He should have made that her choice rather than his.
Once everyone grew up and things got back on track I loved everything. I loved Mason and Kam so much.
April 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars):
This is a great book from a talented debut author! *PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE TRIGGER WARNINGS GOING INTO THIS BOOK!*
The Night We Met is told from the perspectives of one FMC (Kamryn) and two MMC’s (Liam and Mason). The story follows the characters’ journeys over the span of a decade or so and details the many trials, tribulations, discoveries, heartbreaks, and more that they go through. There is great representation of mental health/mental illness, cultural diversity, diversity of relationships and the associated dynamics, realistic depictions of grief and loss, etc.
I really enjoyed getting to see each character at the various stages in their lives, but the time span and 3 POV’s did make some parts of the plot a bit harder to follow, or it sometimes left me wanting to know more about the respective perspectives/timeline(s). However, I do understand that there is only so much that can be covered in one book so I mention this simply as something to keep in mind as you read.
This book had various tropes and topics depicted, including:
* Mental Health Awareness/Representation (AGAIN, PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF TW)
* Grief & Loss
* Relationship Dynamics
* Diverse/Multicultural Characters & Representation
* Sports Romance
* Friends with Benefits
* Friends to Lovers
* Miscommunication versus Healthy Communication
* Second Chance Romance
* Spice (Mild to Moderate levels)
* Multiple POV’s
* Found Family
* HEA
Overall, I highly recommend that you give this book a read, and I can’t wait to see what else Elleese Black has in store for us and the rest of the •Healing in Cincy• series/universe! 🖤🩶🤍
Book Title: The Night We Met
Publication/Release Date: April 19, 2024
Author: @elleeseblack.author
~Alissa R.
This is a great book from a talented debut author! *PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE TRIGGER WARNINGS GOING INTO THIS BOOK!*
The Night We Met is told from the perspectives of one FMC (Kamryn) and two MMC’s (Liam and Mason). The story follows the characters’ journeys over the span of a decade or so and details the many trials, tribulations, discoveries, heartbreaks, and more that they go through. There is great representation of mental health/mental illness, cultural diversity, diversity of relationships and the associated dynamics, realistic depictions of grief and loss, etc.
I really enjoyed getting to see each character at the various stages in their lives, but the time span and 3 POV’s did make some parts of the plot a bit harder to follow, or it sometimes left me wanting to know more about the respective perspectives/timeline(s). However, I do understand that there is only so much that can be covered in one book so I mention this simply as something to keep in mind as you read.
This book had various tropes and topics depicted, including:
* Mental Health Awareness/Representation (AGAIN, PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF TW)
* Grief & Loss
* Relationship Dynamics
* Diverse/Multicultural Characters & Representation
* Sports Romance
* Friends with Benefits
* Friends to Lovers
* Miscommunication versus Healthy Communication
* Second Chance Romance
* Spice (Mild to Moderate levels)
* Multiple POV’s
* Found Family
* HEA
Overall, I highly recommend that you give this book a read, and I can’t wait to see what else Elleese Black has in store for us and the rest of the •Healing in Cincy• series/universe! 🖤🩶🤍
Book Title: The Night We Met
Publication/Release Date: April 19, 2024
Author: @elleeseblack.author
~Alissa R.
April 28, 2024
💫 ARC review💫
“Make peace with your broken pieces.” -r.h. Sin
Liam has been in love with his childhood best friend since he can remember. But now that they are going to the same college, maybe they can be more than best friends..
Mason is the star football QB who has the goal of going pro. He has it all planned out but that plan didn’t include falling in love, until he met her.
Kamryn has always wanted more with her best friend but has never gone
for it. But then she does, and he leaves her broken. Kamryn meets Mason, and everything just clicks and is perfect! But then she’s left broken again when she thought that would never happen again.
What happens when the pieces finally align and lead to her happiness?
Tropes
🏈Football Romance
⚾️Baseball Romance
🏈He Falls First
⚾️Second Chance
🏈Friends to Lovers
⚾️Mental Health Rep
🏈Found Family
⚾️Right Person Wrong Time
Here I am struggling to write this review because this book has literally shook my world. I didn’t think I wanted or needed an
emotional book like this but man I was so WRONG. I don’t think I have ever read such a beautiful, raw, and emotional book. It ripped my heart out and then shredded it into a billion shreds. But it put all of those damaged pieces back together better than ever.
Liam, Mason, and Kamryn are all loveable from the start! Then they develop SO much. They each go through it in their own way. But let me tell you, Kamryn is so strong. As much as both Liam and Mason had pieces of my heart, I connected with Mason more from the beginning and was always cheering him on.
The side characters are all loveable as well! Oh and the SPICE, my lanta the spice was phenomenal!
This book honestly makes you think about life and gets deep into your feelings! It also just shows to prove that everything happens for a reason. If something or someone is meant to be in our lives it will be. 🤍
For a debut novel I am BLOWN AWAY! I cannot wait to see what more Elleese has up her sleeves for us! 🫶🏼
P.S. go stock up on the kleenex!
Rating: 5 star ⭐️
!!check the content warnings as there are heavy topics within this book
“Make peace with your broken pieces.” -r.h. Sin
Liam has been in love with his childhood best friend since he can remember. But now that they are going to the same college, maybe they can be more than best friends..
Mason is the star football QB who has the goal of going pro. He has it all planned out but that plan didn’t include falling in love, until he met her.
Kamryn has always wanted more with her best friend but has never gone
for it. But then she does, and he leaves her broken. Kamryn meets Mason, and everything just clicks and is perfect! But then she’s left broken again when she thought that would never happen again.
What happens when the pieces finally align and lead to her happiness?
Tropes
🏈Football Romance
⚾️Baseball Romance
🏈He Falls First
⚾️Second Chance
🏈Friends to Lovers
⚾️Mental Health Rep
🏈Found Family
⚾️Right Person Wrong Time
Here I am struggling to write this review because this book has literally shook my world. I didn’t think I wanted or needed an
emotional book like this but man I was so WRONG. I don’t think I have ever read such a beautiful, raw, and emotional book. It ripped my heart out and then shredded it into a billion shreds. But it put all of those damaged pieces back together better than ever.
Liam, Mason, and Kamryn are all loveable from the start! Then they develop SO much. They each go through it in their own way. But let me tell you, Kamryn is so strong. As much as both Liam and Mason had pieces of my heart, I connected with Mason more from the beginning and was always cheering him on.
The side characters are all loveable as well! Oh and the SPICE, my lanta the spice was phenomenal!
This book honestly makes you think about life and gets deep into your feelings! It also just shows to prove that everything happens for a reason. If something or someone is meant to be in our lives it will be. 🤍
For a debut novel I am BLOWN AWAY! I cannot wait to see what more Elleese has up her sleeves for us! 🫶🏼
P.S. go stock up on the kleenex!
Rating: 5 star ⭐️
!!check the content warnings as there are heavy topics within this book
April 18, 2024
Wow. The only thing I can think of after reading this book is wow. When I say I was up until 4am just because I couldn’t put the book down. I. Could. Not. Put. The. Book. Down. Once I started reading I was hooked.
This one is a must add to your TBR. This was the biggest emotional roller coaster ride I’ve ever been on while reading a book, but the emotional tear down Kamryn faces during different parts of the book are so raw and intense.
Kamryn is special she walks around with this beautiful light and wears her heart on her sleeve which allows her to get hurt on a different level. She learns so much during part one of the book and goes through one of the biggest losses you can face but through that pain she grows and blossoms into a strong independent woman who in turn finds her lost love and is able to rekindle what seems to never to have never died and get her HEA.
This book was all about loss and growth and healing and it was a beautiful tragic story with a HEA. I love how in part one all you get are glimpses of the story with her and Liam and her and Mason during college then after college we get glimpses for her life before and after the loss that will change her forever and pushed her to grow the in part two we get to see the full picture of what happened after and how she was able to finally move on.
I cannot say this enough anyone who reads this will be in for a real treat because this was absolutely beautifully written and well thought out it broke my heart to read and then put it back together again, but in the end my heart was still aching.
This book has the following
Grief
Main character loss
Second chance love
A ton of spice
Healing
Found family
Mental health rep
HEA
This one is a must add to your TBR. This was the biggest emotional roller coaster ride I’ve ever been on while reading a book, but the emotional tear down Kamryn faces during different parts of the book are so raw and intense.
Kamryn is special she walks around with this beautiful light and wears her heart on her sleeve which allows her to get hurt on a different level. She learns so much during part one of the book and goes through one of the biggest losses you can face but through that pain she grows and blossoms into a strong independent woman who in turn finds her lost love and is able to rekindle what seems to never to have never died and get her HEA.
This book was all about loss and growth and healing and it was a beautiful tragic story with a HEA. I love how in part one all you get are glimpses of the story with her and Liam and her and Mason during college then after college we get glimpses for her life before and after the loss that will change her forever and pushed her to grow the in part two we get to see the full picture of what happened after and how she was able to finally move on.
I cannot say this enough anyone who reads this will be in for a real treat because this was absolutely beautifully written and well thought out it broke my heart to read and then put it back together again, but in the end my heart was still aching.
This book has the following
Grief
Main character loss
Second chance love
A ton of spice
Healing
Found family
Mental health rep
HEA
April 19, 2024
Quote: “and do everything in their power to win the forgiveness and love back for their person. Sometimes it’s a monstrous gesture and sometimes it’s small things that mean more to the couple than even the reader realizes.”
4 Star
2.5 Spice
For a debut novel, this is one heck of an emotional rollercoaster! This story explores young love, heartbreak, loss and second chances at its core, and it was beautifully done in multiple POVs.
The characters are realistic and relatable. My heart broke for Kamryn when she went through her life journey of happiness, laughter, angst, heartbreak, loss and second chances. It reminds us that we are humans as we grasp life’s journey. I also love how each character has its own set of flaws and how they work to try to overcome it. I also love how the author took themes like sudden loss - the result: the devastation, honest and raw expressions of the FL going through her healing stages of grief. Ohhh, the sadness I feel for her.
I love how this novel explores positive therapy and both women and men in sports.
It’s been a long, long time since I read a book full of messy and complicated love that brings forth emotions I don’t want to feel. Also, the spice in this book was solid and the author dove right in getting the messy feelings and consequences of the “after” part.
My only small note is that I wish there were more explored scenes about each character's emotional and messy parts, such as more building up of Kamryn’s and Mason’s relationship - it felt like they went from not being together to being together with their relationship being glossed over. The other side was the exploration of the angst and feelings that Liam and Kamryn felt for each other and the consequences - the feelings felt slightly underwhelming as I wanted to feel the intense emotions that resulted from that.
Liam, Kamryn, and Mason will stay with me forever, and I can’t wait to see where the author will take us next.
4 Star
2.5 Spice
For a debut novel, this is one heck of an emotional rollercoaster! This story explores young love, heartbreak, loss and second chances at its core, and it was beautifully done in multiple POVs.
The characters are realistic and relatable. My heart broke for Kamryn when she went through her life journey of happiness, laughter, angst, heartbreak, loss and second chances. It reminds us that we are humans as we grasp life’s journey. I also love how each character has its own set of flaws and how they work to try to overcome it. I also love how the author took themes like sudden loss - the result: the devastation, honest and raw expressions of the FL going through her healing stages of grief. Ohhh, the sadness I feel for her.
I love how this novel explores positive therapy and both women and men in sports.
It’s been a long, long time since I read a book full of messy and complicated love that brings forth emotions I don’t want to feel. Also, the spice in this book was solid and the author dove right in getting the messy feelings and consequences of the “after” part.
My only small note is that I wish there were more explored scenes about each character's emotional and messy parts, such as more building up of Kamryn’s and Mason’s relationship - it felt like they went from not being together to being together with their relationship being glossed over. The other side was the exploration of the angst and feelings that Liam and Kamryn felt for each other and the consequences - the feelings felt slightly underwhelming as I wanted to feel the intense emotions that resulted from that.
Liam, Kamryn, and Mason will stay with me forever, and I can’t wait to see where the author will take us next.
April 18, 2024
4⭐️ ARC
“Part of growing up is realizing that words don’t need to be said in a grand way. It’s the actions that are meant to do more than the words can say. *Redacted 😉* comforting me in his quiet way says way more than his words ever could.”
Read this if you like…
🖤 Second chance
🖤 Friends to lovers
🖤 Emotional/healing journey’s
🖤 Sports
I knew this book was going to be emotional but wow. 10 years of healing broken hearts will get you a little choked up, okay? I also want to make sure I’m kind of vague about details because I think this book will be best read going in a little blind. All I’m going to say is I love the precious baby that is Liam. I’m not even normally in to baseball like that. 😂 But you know what I am into? Broken boys, so I don’t think it should be a question that I would love Liam the most. There were times where the timeline felt a little rushed, I would’ve loved more details of specific events but overall I loved getting to see the characters grow up.
This was a debut novel and that’s so impressive to me! Elleese tackled some big topics in her first book and you can tell she put her heart into it. If you’re wanting a good emotional, relatable, and adorable read then pick this one up. Releases tomorrow April 19th!
Thank you so much to Elleese Black for giving me an ARC of your first baby! I can’t wait to see where the series goes.
Please check the trigger warnings before going in to this book!
“Part of growing up is realizing that words don’t need to be said in a grand way. It’s the actions that are meant to do more than the words can say. *Redacted 😉* comforting me in his quiet way says way more than his words ever could.”
Read this if you like…
🖤 Second chance
🖤 Friends to lovers
🖤 Emotional/healing journey’s
🖤 Sports
I knew this book was going to be emotional but wow. 10 years of healing broken hearts will get you a little choked up, okay? I also want to make sure I’m kind of vague about details because I think this book will be best read going in a little blind. All I’m going to say is I love the precious baby that is Liam. I’m not even normally in to baseball like that. 😂 But you know what I am into? Broken boys, so I don’t think it should be a question that I would love Liam the most. There were times where the timeline felt a little rushed, I would’ve loved more details of specific events but overall I loved getting to see the characters grow up.
This was a debut novel and that’s so impressive to me! Elleese tackled some big topics in her first book and you can tell she put her heart into it. If you’re wanting a good emotional, relatable, and adorable read then pick this one up. Releases tomorrow April 19th!
Thank you so much to Elleese Black for giving me an ARC of your first baby! I can’t wait to see where the series goes.
Please check the trigger warnings before going in to this book!
April 17, 2024
This was a phenomenal, heartbreaking, emotional read. When I woke up the next day after finishing this book, I immediately grabbed my kindle wanting to read more until I realized I had already finished the book. I didn’t want to leave this world that Elleese created and that’s when I knew it was a 5 star read. The tears I shed and the pain I felt for Kamryn put me at a loss for words. There were a few times where I had to step away just to allow myself to feel what was happening to the MCs. Kamryn is such a strong FMC and Mason & Liam put her through the wringer, but with the help of her best friends she is able to heal and mend her broken heart. Also, the spice in this book was 🔥🔥🔥. Kamryn knew what she wanted in the bedroom and I loved how confident she was. Her roommate, Sarah, was so supportive of her through it all. It was nice seeing Kamryn lean on her to help her move forward.
I would highly recommend this book if you feel like shedding a few tears, feeling heartbreak and going through a rollercoaster of emotions all while watching young adults navigate life into their adult years as they search for their happiness.
I am so excited for the next book in this series and a physical copy is definitely needed for my trophy shelf!
I would highly recommend this book if you feel like shedding a few tears, feeling heartbreak and going through a rollercoaster of emotions all while watching young adults navigate life into their adult years as they search for their happiness.
I am so excited for the next book in this series and a physical copy is definitely needed for my trophy shelf!
April 20, 2024
Arc Review:
The story follows three characters over a ten year timeline. Kamryn and Liam have been best friends since they were kids. Kamryn meets Mason when they all go to the same college. This isn’t exactly a love triangle but you’ll be wondering who she’ll end up with.
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster!! 😭 There was heartbreak, grieving, angst, friendship, growth, healing, and plenty of spice. I was not expecting it to get so spicy in chapter 2 but I wasn’t mad about it!! I could see from the beginning who she was going to end up with and I totally seen the traumatic event coming but it didn’t make it any less sad.
All the characters were very likable even though both boys break our girls heart. There were a few times I felt the timeline was rushed. I’m being kind of vague on this one but I think it’s best to go in blind. Just know you are going on an emotional journey and maybe read the trigger warnings!
Overall, this was a great debut book and I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
Read if you like:
🏈 sports romance
⚾️ second chance
🏈 emotional
⚾️ ten year timeline
🏈 friends with benefits
⚾️ friends to lovers
🏈 found family
⚾️ multiple pov
The story follows three characters over a ten year timeline. Kamryn and Liam have been best friends since they were kids. Kamryn meets Mason when they all go to the same college. This isn’t exactly a love triangle but you’ll be wondering who she’ll end up with.
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster!! 😭 There was heartbreak, grieving, angst, friendship, growth, healing, and plenty of spice. I was not expecting it to get so spicy in chapter 2 but I wasn’t mad about it!! I could see from the beginning who she was going to end up with and I totally seen the traumatic event coming but it didn’t make it any less sad.
All the characters were very likable even though both boys break our girls heart. There were a few times I felt the timeline was rushed. I’m being kind of vague on this one but I think it’s best to go in blind. Just know you are going on an emotional journey and maybe read the trigger warnings!
Overall, this was a great debut book and I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
Read if you like:
🏈 sports romance
⚾️ second chance
🏈 emotional
⚾️ ten year timeline
🏈 friends with benefits
⚾️ friends to lovers
🏈 found family
⚾️ multiple pov
April 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
First and for most, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Elleese Black and Kalie from Good Girl Author Services for this amazing copy!
Phewww😮💨 where do I even begin?! This book was beyond anything I could imagine, truly. I am still struggling to form my thoughts in to words honestly. This book is the epitome of a raw, emotional, heart - wrenching, and healing love. I felt SO deeply throughout this book and I can say, without a doubt that this will be a book that sticks with me for the rest of my life. I felt this story in the core of my being🤍
The journey this book took me on was nothing short of amazing, I experienced utter sadness, down to the depths of my heart (it really hit close to home for me in some aspects) but also SO MUCH joy, healing and happiness! I was completely sobbing but my heart was also bursting with immense love and hope. From the very beginning I was hooked and couldn’t put it down! The characters were so well written and I really felt like I knew them, we get to see them grow up and I related to them all in a lot of ways. I will say before starting, please check trigger warnings though🫶🏼
Bottom line — you need to read this emotionally gripping, truly healing story! It is one of the most beautifully written books I have EVER read.
Congratulations on your debut Kat, you deserve the world for this one. This is a special one🥹🫶🏼
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
First and for most, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Elleese Black and Kalie from Good Girl Author Services for this amazing copy!
Phewww😮💨 where do I even begin?! This book was beyond anything I could imagine, truly. I am still struggling to form my thoughts in to words honestly. This book is the epitome of a raw, emotional, heart - wrenching, and healing love. I felt SO deeply throughout this book and I can say, without a doubt that this will be a book that sticks with me for the rest of my life. I felt this story in the core of my being🤍
The journey this book took me on was nothing short of amazing, I experienced utter sadness, down to the depths of my heart (it really hit close to home for me in some aspects) but also SO MUCH joy, healing and happiness! I was completely sobbing but my heart was also bursting with immense love and hope. From the very beginning I was hooked and couldn’t put it down! The characters were so well written and I really felt like I knew them, we get to see them grow up and I related to them all in a lot of ways. I will say before starting, please check trigger warnings though🫶🏼
Bottom line — you need to read this emotionally gripping, truly healing story! It is one of the most beautifully written books I have EVER read.
Congratulations on your debut Kat, you deserve the world for this one. This is a special one🥹🫶🏼
April 18, 2024
The Night We Met captures what it's like to find love at a young age and how that love is shaped over time. We follow three main characters who are going through pivotal moments in their lives and how those moments impact one another. I think Elleese Black did a fantastic job at creating these main characters who are so similar but different when facing their realities and goals.
I found it hard to get immersed in the book as the pacing felt hot and cold. It covers a ten-year timeline and so much happens in those years that it felt like we got a very surface-level storyline that was sped through while other parts felt dragging. I feel this book could have spanned two or three books with how much happens in this story.
I wish we had more time with some of the characters as they went through their own growth periods that were separate from their relationships. On top of that, the pacing rushed through a lot of friendship relationships that I feel like could have been explored more to connect the reader to the world more.
Overall, if you're into any of the following, give this book a read:
-Second Chance Romance
-Sports Romance
-Friends to Lovers
-HEA
I found it hard to get immersed in the book as the pacing felt hot and cold. It covers a ten-year timeline and so much happens in those years that it felt like we got a very surface-level storyline that was sped through while other parts felt dragging. I feel this book could have spanned two or three books with how much happens in this story.
I wish we had more time with some of the characters as they went through their own growth periods that were separate from their relationships. On top of that, the pacing rushed through a lot of friendship relationships that I feel like could have been explored more to connect the reader to the world more.
Overall, if you're into any of the following, give this book a read:
-Second Chance Romance
-Sports Romance
-Friends to Lovers
-HEA
April 21, 2024
Oh boy this book well and truly hit me in the feels.
This story had everything, lots of steam, conficted emotions, heart break and loss. Our sweet girl only had eyes for her bestfriend but not knowing his own feelings made things much mpre complicated aftet a dare, turned them into FWB.
But Liam not so intune with his emotions pushed her away the moment he feared stepping over that friendship line... allowing hunky charming Mason to woo her heart instead.
College life is hard to allow love to flourish with the pressure of an education and to follow your dreams.
Left broken hearted her Liam eventually picks up the pieces and tries to help her heal. But nothing is always as it seems.
Mason is allowed a second chance and helps heals our broken woman and despite all the whilwind of emotions she went through all the years, she finally gets her happy ever after.
This book is well worth the read, you will fall madly in love with these boys. You will get mad them, awww at them, cry for them and woop with joy and burn for them 🥵🥵🥵 through out this wonderful story.
Was well writen and left me in utter bewilderment and feeling so many emotions.
This story had everything, lots of steam, conficted emotions, heart break and loss. Our sweet girl only had eyes for her bestfriend but not knowing his own feelings made things much mpre complicated aftet a dare, turned them into FWB.
But Liam not so intune with his emotions pushed her away the moment he feared stepping over that friendship line... allowing hunky charming Mason to woo her heart instead.
College life is hard to allow love to flourish with the pressure of an education and to follow your dreams.
Left broken hearted her Liam eventually picks up the pieces and tries to help her heal. But nothing is always as it seems.
Mason is allowed a second chance and helps heals our broken woman and despite all the whilwind of emotions she went through all the years, she finally gets her happy ever after.
This book is well worth the read, you will fall madly in love with these boys. You will get mad them, awww at them, cry for them and woop with joy and burn for them 🥵🥵🥵 through out this wonderful story.
Was well writen and left me in utter bewilderment and feeling so many emotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
A tragically beautiful second-chance romance!
Childhood friends, Kamryn and Liam fall into a FWB situation once they leave their hometown for college. Unsure how to deal with his feelings for his best friend, Liam starts to pull away and is eventually forced to take a backseat once Kamryn meets the charismatic, Mason.
Kamryn must learn to rebuild herself after a whirlwind romance comes to a heartbreaking end. Falling in love again seemed impossible until an old friend steps in to help heal her broken heart.
Mason is forced to live years of regret after choosing career over love. When his past appears in his present, he is determined to create the future he always wanted with his one true love.
⚾️ Childhood Friends to Lovers
🏈 Cinnamon-roll MMC
⚾️ Sports Romance
🏈 They Both Fall Hard and Fast
⚾️ Grief Representation
🏈 Healing Romance
Ooo, the emotional roller coaster I went through reading The Night We Met! I always enjoy a second chance romance and this book essentially has two, so I ate up every second of it! I can’t wait to read how the rest of the Healing in Cincy series characters get their HEAs.
Childhood friends, Kamryn and Liam fall into a FWB situation once they leave their hometown for college. Unsure how to deal with his feelings for his best friend, Liam starts to pull away and is eventually forced to take a backseat once Kamryn meets the charismatic, Mason.
Kamryn must learn to rebuild herself after a whirlwind romance comes to a heartbreaking end. Falling in love again seemed impossible until an old friend steps in to help heal her broken heart.
Mason is forced to live years of regret after choosing career over love. When his past appears in his present, he is determined to create the future he always wanted with his one true love.
⚾️ Childhood Friends to Lovers
🏈 Cinnamon-roll MMC
⚾️ Sports Romance
🏈 They Both Fall Hard and Fast
⚾️ Grief Representation
🏈 Healing Romance
Ooo, the emotional roller coaster I went through reading The Night We Met! I always enjoy a second chance romance and this book essentially has two, so I ate up every second of it! I can’t wait to read how the rest of the Healing in Cincy series characters get their HEAs.
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