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Past the Broken Bridges
Two broken pasts. One last chance. An unforgettable story of star-crossed lovers, found family, and the fight to live fully…no matter the cost.
Sawyer Hawkins and Paxton Banks were inseparable as children, their secret bridge in Louisiana a sanctuary from the world—until Hurricane Katrina swept them apart. Thirteen years and a lifetime of battles later, fate brings them back together when Sawyer returns for college.
Sawyer, unbroken and unapologetically alive after a relentless battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is determined to seize every moment she's been denied. The bucket list she writes is her each item a rebellion against the years stolen by illness, each day a chance to taste freedom, friendship, and love.
Banks, now a reserved architecture student, carries the weight of his father's abuse and his best friend's addiction, feeling unable to save those he loves. But when he discovers his long-lost friend Sawyer is his new neighbor, her courage and warmth begin to melt through his walls.
Their reunion is electric, with witty banter, shared secrets, and a spark that refuses to be extinguished. But as their friendship deepens into a complicated, aching romance, old wounds and new tragedies threaten to tear them apart, and Sawyer's still-declining health becomes impossible to hide.
Both must confront the sometimes loving someone means letting them go.
Filled with longing, laughter, and heartbreak, this is a story about living fiercely in the shadow of loss, about the courage to love even when time is running out, and about the bridges we build—between hearts, across years, and beyond grief.
Perfect for fans of If He Had Been with Me, Five Feet Apart, and All the Bright Places, as well as readers looking
New adult contemporary romanceStar-crossed loversTragic romanceSecond chance romanceChildhood friends to loversFound familyStories that will break your heart—and heal itPraise for Past the Broken Bridges:
"Heartbreaking, beautiful, raw, inspirational, pure, deeply moving, powerful, and so personal. The snot bubbles were bubbling and the tears were just flowing endlessly. B. Celeste, where should I send my therapy bill?"
"Highly recommend for all my heart-crushing, sob-inducing, tear-jerker-loving besties!"
"It was heartbreaking yet perfect, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
"A love story worth reading and a heartache worth crying over. This will be living rent free in my head for the foreseeable future."
"This book wrecked my entire being. This is 6 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and one of my top reads of the year."
"B. Celeste wrote this from her soul and hit me square in the soul with it too."
Sawyer Hawkins and Paxton Banks were inseparable as children, their secret bridge in Louisiana a sanctuary from the world—until Hurricane Katrina swept them apart. Thirteen years and a lifetime of battles later, fate brings them back together when Sawyer returns for college.
Sawyer, unbroken and unapologetically alive after a relentless battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is determined to seize every moment she's been denied. The bucket list she writes is her each item a rebellion against the years stolen by illness, each day a chance to taste freedom, friendship, and love.
Banks, now a reserved architecture student, carries the weight of his father's abuse and his best friend's addiction, feeling unable to save those he loves. But when he discovers his long-lost friend Sawyer is his new neighbor, her courage and warmth begin to melt through his walls.
Their reunion is electric, with witty banter, shared secrets, and a spark that refuses to be extinguished. But as their friendship deepens into a complicated, aching romance, old wounds and new tragedies threaten to tear them apart, and Sawyer's still-declining health becomes impossible to hide.
Both must confront the sometimes loving someone means letting them go.
Filled with longing, laughter, and heartbreak, this is a story about living fiercely in the shadow of loss, about the courage to love even when time is running out, and about the bridges we build—between hearts, across years, and beyond grief.
Perfect for fans of If He Had Been with Me, Five Feet Apart, and All the Bright Places, as well as readers looking
New adult contemporary romanceStar-crossed loversTragic romanceSecond chance romanceChildhood friends to loversFound familyStories that will break your heart—and heal itPraise for Past the Broken Bridges:
"Heartbreaking, beautiful, raw, inspirational, pure, deeply moving, powerful, and so personal. The snot bubbles were bubbling and the tears were just flowing endlessly. B. Celeste, where should I send my therapy bill?"
"Highly recommend for all my heart-crushing, sob-inducing, tear-jerker-loving besties!"
"It was heartbreaking yet perfect, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
"A love story worth reading and a heartache worth crying over. This will be living rent free in my head for the foreseeable future."
"This book wrecked my entire being. This is 6 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and one of my top reads of the year."
"B. Celeste wrote this from her soul and hit me square in the soul with it too."
Unknown Binding
First published March 11, 2025
183 people are currently reading
1491 people want to read
About the author
B. Celeste
41 books3,204 followersB. Celeste is a new adult and contemporary romance author that gives voices to raw, realistic characters with emotional storylines that tug on the heartstrings.
She was born and raised in upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age and only grew stronger after getting a BA in English and an MFA in English & creative writing. When she’s not writing, she’s working out, binge-watching reality game shows, and spending time with her friends and family.
Email: bcdwrites@gmail.com
She was born and raised in upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen. Her love for reading and writing began at an early age and only grew stronger after getting a BA in English and an MFA in English & creative writing. When she’s not writing, she’s working out, binge-watching reality game shows, and spending time with her friends and family.
Email: bcdwrites@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
March 20, 2025
Omg this was so heartbreaking 😭😭
Wow. This story is crushing! Pull this one out when you need to feel something.
We follow our FMC, Sawyer who has been battling cancer for a good chunk of her life. She's been through four rounds of chemo and just wants to feel like a normal girl and experience life instead of just fighting for it.
Sawyer spent her early childhood years in Louisiana, but her family was forced to leave after Katrina hit and she'd always dreamt of going back. After going into remission, she gets accepted to LSU and fully intends on living her best life...
This book explores themes of chronic illness, addiction, abuse, grief, and healing. Balancing heartbreaking moments with uplifting ones. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will stay with you long after the final page. We get to witness moments of selflessness and selfishness, making them all the more relatable.
It's a character driven story, which sometimes I struggle with a bit, but this was fantastic. I thought the characters were incredible. My favorite is definitely Banks. Oh, damn how I love him. He's so damn smart for a college guy lol. Caring and sweet. Just so strong despite all the horrors he's lived through. He just absolutely warmed my heart.
Sawyer is an absolutely amazing character as well. Such a compassionate and caring person. She sees herself as this selfish person who's always taking taking taking from those she loves, but it's the cancer. The cancer just takes and takes. She's such an empathetic and selfless person and my heart aches for her.
The story really gave me the feel of an earlier 2000's romance. I really have no idea why, but there was a sense of familiarity the entire time I was reading. That's a good thing lol it was such a comfortable story to sink into, despite the heavy subject matter.
The writing is beautiful, the dialogue between characters is sharp and natural. The story is vivid and captivating. Incredibly moving and poignant story.
I've gone back and forth on whether I want to give this 4 or 5 stars, because when I tell you I was just lying in my bed tears streaming down my face just sobbing. I think I'll settle on 4.5 stars for now.
Highly recommend for all my heart crushing, sob inducing, tear jerker loving besties!
💙Emotional Read
💙Forced Proximity
💙Neighbors to Lovers
💙Cancer Rep
💙Childhood Friends to Lovers
💙College Romance
Expected Release Date - 03/11/25
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Wow. This story is crushing! Pull this one out when you need to feel something.
We follow our FMC, Sawyer who has been battling cancer for a good chunk of her life. She's been through four rounds of chemo and just wants to feel like a normal girl and experience life instead of just fighting for it.
Sawyer spent her early childhood years in Louisiana, but her family was forced to leave after Katrina hit and she'd always dreamt of going back. After going into remission, she gets accepted to LSU and fully intends on living her best life...
This book explores themes of chronic illness, addiction, abuse, grief, and healing. Balancing heartbreaking moments with uplifting ones. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will stay with you long after the final page. We get to witness moments of selflessness and selfishness, making them all the more relatable.
It's a character driven story, which sometimes I struggle with a bit, but this was fantastic. I thought the characters were incredible. My favorite is definitely Banks. Oh, damn how I love him. He's so damn smart for a college guy lol. Caring and sweet. Just so strong despite all the horrors he's lived through. He just absolutely warmed my heart.
Sawyer is an absolutely amazing character as well. Such a compassionate and caring person. She sees herself as this selfish person who's always taking taking taking from those she loves, but it's the cancer. The cancer just takes and takes. She's such an empathetic and selfless person and my heart aches for her.
The story really gave me the feel of an earlier 2000's romance. I really have no idea why, but there was a sense of familiarity the entire time I was reading. That's a good thing lol it was such a comfortable story to sink into, despite the heavy subject matter.
The writing is beautiful, the dialogue between characters is sharp and natural. The story is vivid and captivating. Incredibly moving and poignant story.
I've gone back and forth on whether I want to give this 4 or 5 stars, because when I tell you I was just lying in my bed tears streaming down my face just sobbing. I think I'll settle on 4.5 stars for now.
Highly recommend for all my heart crushing, sob inducing, tear jerker loving besties!
💙Emotional Read
💙Forced Proximity
💙Neighbors to Lovers
💙Cancer Rep
💙Childhood Friends to Lovers
💙College Romance
Expected Release Date - 03/11/25
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
March 19, 2025
💔😭OH, MY ACHY BREAKY HEART💔😭!!!!!! Past The Broken Bridges written by B. Celeste was so heart breaking, beautiful, raw, inspirational, pure, deeply moving, powerful, and so personal. B. Celeste writes the most heart breaking stores, but this novel was personally my favorite one. It took me forever to get my thoughts down because after I finished reading this heart breaking story, I couldn't do anything but stare at my ceiling and just sob for hours on end. The snot bubbles were bubbling and the tears were just flowing endlessly. B. Celeste, where should I send my therapy bill? Because this book shredded my heart and broke me to pieces. I don't think I will ever be the same after knowing this book exists because it was just so beautiful, yet so heart wrenching. I absolutely loved everything about this book, there's absolutely nothing I would change about this one. I can proudly say Past The Broken Bridges is a 2025 favorite for me. If you are looking for a book that will make you bawl your eyes out at one in the morning, mark your calendars for March 11th, 2025 because this is a book you will NOT want to miss out on. Past The Broken Bridges is more than just a romance novel, it's about finding the love of your life, living life to the fullest, not giving up when life gets tough, and forming the best friendships. ❤Sawyer and Paxton will forever hold a special place in my heart❤. I don't know how to explain my emotions, they were all over the place from crying, to full on sobbing, laughing, swooning, and clutching my chest trying to breathe because my heart was just racing with anticipation. Please please check the trigger warnings because this book deals with extremely heavy topics. The cover is just so beautifully detailed and aesthetic😍😍, I need to buy a copy immediately even though I will just look at the cover and sob thinking about the beautiful words and story inside.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND SOURCEBOOKS BLOOM BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNINGS
~Physical Abuse~
~Alcoholism~
~Drug Addiction~
~Terminal Illness~
~Gun Violence~
~Death~
~Grief~
🎵MUSICAL PLAYLIST🎵
🎶I'm The Problem (slowed)- Morgan Wallen🎶
🎶What Was I Made For?- Billie Eilish🎶
🎶LOML- Taylor Swift🎶
🎶Something In The Orange- Zach Bryan🎶
🎶Always Remember Us This Way- Lady Gaga🎶
🎶What A Time- Julia Michaels ft. Niall Horan🎶
🎶Beautiful Things- Benson Boone🎶
🎶Better Off Without Me- Kyle Hume🎶
🎶Drive- Halsey🎶
🎶Without You- The Chicks🎶
🎶Missing You- Lauren Weintraub🎶
"😭😍I think of what mom always told me when I would look into the mirror at my bald head and start crying. Better your hair than your life😭😍".
"😂💯Menstrual cycles are completely natural. It's fine to say the word "period" without being embarrassed by it😂💯".
"🖕💯Anything can happen when you least expect it, but I will be damned if I give life a reason to screw me over again🖕💯".
"Apparently, you can take the girl out of the country club, but not the country club out of the girl".
"💗How serious can teenage relationships be when you don't know shit about life or love?💗".
"❤🐥💔Try not to fall in love with me along the way, Birdie. I would hate to break your heart❤🐥💔".
"💯💫Life is never easy, no matter who you are💯💫".
"💍🎓We are college students. We have our whole lives to find significant others. I never came here expecting to meet mine💍🎓".
"💝Life is too short to be battling with yourself when you should be living💝".
"💝💎When you find things that you love, it's not always easy letting them go because they become a part of you💝💎".
"💯📢You can't experience life if you are afraid to live it💯📢".
❤Sawyer Hawkins is the most selfless, loving, supportive, sweet, kind hearted, and beautiful character I have ever met❤ . My heart aches for this poor young woman. Sawyer is the type of person who hates taking from people, but little do we know that cancer took Sawyer. Spread your wings and fly, you beautiful, selfless angel. At just sixteen years old, Sawyer was diagnosed with stage four advanced Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After five years of off again and on again remission and treatments, Sawyer is finally cancer free, but it later comes back and steals Sawyer's life. At twenty-one years old, Sawyer just wants to be a normal twenty something year old and live life to the fullest. Sawyer is a badass, a fighter, she's so brave, strong, and she has a fireball of a personality. Sawyer is always putting everybody else's happiness before her own, she hates feeling vulnerable. In 2018 at twenty-one years old, Sawyer gets accepted to Louisiana State University. At LSU, Sawyer meets Dixie Milano who is majoring in music. Dixie and Sawyer become the very best of friends, they are each others personal wing woman. I absolutely adored watching Dixie and Sawyer's friendship bloom, they were just the cutest two peas in a pod. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Sawyer the biggest hug.
❤Paxton Banks was just the sweetest soul despite all of the horrors he battled❤ . Paxton's parents were constantly fighting about everything when he was so little, but when he was just nine years old, his parents decided to get divorced. Paxton is a Clark Kent look alike, he's super handsome, wears glasses, very tall, and has muddy brown eyes. Paxton is a Mr. I'm too damaged for relationships but still does his best to make those around him the happiest. Ten years ago, Paxton's mom walked away from the family which left his father mentally unstable and he became abusive towards Paxton. Later in life, Paxton decides to go by Banks because of his abusive father. At twenty-two years old, Banks is in a five year architectural program at Louisiana State University. Dawson Gable and Banks are best friends, they have been friends since they were pre-teens, but now they attend LSU together. My poor sweet Dawson has a drug addiction. Dawson is also a history major at LSU, where he also plays basketball. Dawson has been through hell and back, Dawson overdosed on cocaine at a frat party, but Banks found him before it was too late. Despite overdosing, Dawson is given a second chance at life, but everyday is a different battle. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Dawson the biggest hug, that sweet man deserves the world, it was so hard not to root for him. I thought it was the cutest thing ever when Banks gave Sawyer the nickname Birdie after her bird pajamas.
Sawyer and Banks met in 2005 when Sawyer was just eight years old and Banks was nine years old at the special bridge they claimed as their own. Sawyer and Banks claimed this bridge as their secret hiding place where they would meet up daily and talk and share fruit snacks with each other. August 29th, 2005: Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. During the storm, Banks moved to his uncle's house in Mississippi while Sawyer and her mom were sent to North Carolina to live with her grandparents while her father served in the military. After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Louisiana was completely wiped out and ruined because the levees failed. Thirteen years later, Sawyer and Banks are reunited again when they meet at LSU one night when Banks was so drunk and he stole Sawyer's Taco Bell order. I was so happy to see Sawyer and Banks reunite after being separated for thirteen years of their lives. During their time at LSU, Banks helps Sawyer with her nose bleeds and buys her chocolate fudge pop tarts. After spending time together, Sawyer and Banks decide to go back to their favorite footbridge and see that it has been ruined during the hurricane. Again, during their time in college, Sawyer has a bucket list, she wants to attend a Mardi Gras parade and learn how to drive, of course Banks was right there by Sawyer's side to make her dreams come true. Ugh, every single character in this book was absolutely amazing.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND SOURCEBOOKS BLOOM BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNINGS
~Physical Abuse~
~Alcoholism~
~Drug Addiction~
~Terminal Illness~
~Gun Violence~
~Death~
~Grief~
🎵MUSICAL PLAYLIST🎵
🎶I'm The Problem (slowed)- Morgan Wallen🎶
🎶What Was I Made For?- Billie Eilish🎶
🎶LOML- Taylor Swift🎶
🎶Something In The Orange- Zach Bryan🎶
🎶Always Remember Us This Way- Lady Gaga🎶
🎶What A Time- Julia Michaels ft. Niall Horan🎶
🎶Beautiful Things- Benson Boone🎶
🎶Better Off Without Me- Kyle Hume🎶
🎶Drive- Halsey🎶
🎶Without You- The Chicks🎶
🎶Missing You- Lauren Weintraub🎶
"😭😍I think of what mom always told me when I would look into the mirror at my bald head and start crying. Better your hair than your life😭😍".
"😂💯Menstrual cycles are completely natural. It's fine to say the word "period" without being embarrassed by it😂💯".
"🖕💯Anything can happen when you least expect it, but I will be damned if I give life a reason to screw me over again🖕💯".
"Apparently, you can take the girl out of the country club, but not the country club out of the girl".
"💗How serious can teenage relationships be when you don't know shit about life or love?💗".
"❤🐥💔Try not to fall in love with me along the way, Birdie. I would hate to break your heart❤🐥💔".
"💯💫Life is never easy, no matter who you are💯💫".
"💍🎓We are college students. We have our whole lives to find significant others. I never came here expecting to meet mine💍🎓".
"💝Life is too short to be battling with yourself when you should be living💝".
"💝💎When you find things that you love, it's not always easy letting them go because they become a part of you💝💎".
"💯📢You can't experience life if you are afraid to live it💯📢".
❤Sawyer Hawkins is the most selfless, loving, supportive, sweet, kind hearted, and beautiful character I have ever met❤ . My heart aches for this poor young woman. Sawyer is the type of person who hates taking from people, but little do we know that cancer took Sawyer. Spread your wings and fly, you beautiful, selfless angel. At just sixteen years old, Sawyer was diagnosed with stage four advanced Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After five years of off again and on again remission and treatments, Sawyer is finally cancer free, but it later comes back and steals Sawyer's life. At twenty-one years old, Sawyer just wants to be a normal twenty something year old and live life to the fullest. Sawyer is a badass, a fighter, she's so brave, strong, and she has a fireball of a personality. Sawyer is always putting everybody else's happiness before her own, she hates feeling vulnerable. In 2018 at twenty-one years old, Sawyer gets accepted to Louisiana State University. At LSU, Sawyer meets Dixie Milano who is majoring in music. Dixie and Sawyer become the very best of friends, they are each others personal wing woman. I absolutely adored watching Dixie and Sawyer's friendship bloom, they were just the cutest two peas in a pod. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Sawyer the biggest hug.
❤Paxton Banks was just the sweetest soul despite all of the horrors he battled❤ . Paxton's parents were constantly fighting about everything when he was so little, but when he was just nine years old, his parents decided to get divorced. Paxton is a Clark Kent look alike, he's super handsome, wears glasses, very tall, and has muddy brown eyes. Paxton is a Mr. I'm too damaged for relationships but still does his best to make those around him the happiest. Ten years ago, Paxton's mom walked away from the family which left his father mentally unstable and he became abusive towards Paxton. Later in life, Paxton decides to go by Banks because of his abusive father. At twenty-two years old, Banks is in a five year architectural program at Louisiana State University. Dawson Gable and Banks are best friends, they have been friends since they were pre-teens, but now they attend LSU together. My poor sweet Dawson has a drug addiction. Dawson is also a history major at LSU, where he also plays basketball. Dawson has been through hell and back, Dawson overdosed on cocaine at a frat party, but Banks found him before it was too late. Despite overdosing, Dawson is given a second chance at life, but everyday is a different battle. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Dawson the biggest hug, that sweet man deserves the world, it was so hard not to root for him. I thought it was the cutest thing ever when Banks gave Sawyer the nickname Birdie after her bird pajamas.
Sawyer and Banks met in 2005 when Sawyer was just eight years old and Banks was nine years old at the special bridge they claimed as their own. Sawyer and Banks claimed this bridge as their secret hiding place where they would meet up daily and talk and share fruit snacks with each other. August 29th, 2005: Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. During the storm, Banks moved to his uncle's house in Mississippi while Sawyer and her mom were sent to North Carolina to live with her grandparents while her father served in the military. After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Louisiana was completely wiped out and ruined because the levees failed. Thirteen years later, Sawyer and Banks are reunited again when they meet at LSU one night when Banks was so drunk and he stole Sawyer's Taco Bell order. I was so happy to see Sawyer and Banks reunite after being separated for thirteen years of their lives. During their time at LSU, Banks helps Sawyer with her nose bleeds and buys her chocolate fudge pop tarts. After spending time together, Sawyer and Banks decide to go back to their favorite footbridge and see that it has been ruined during the hurricane. Again, during their time in college, Sawyer has a bucket list, she wants to attend a Mardi Gras parade and learn how to drive, of course Banks was right there by Sawyer's side to make her dreams come true. Ugh, every single character in this book was absolutely amazing.
February 27, 2025
The heroine has been battling cancer for the past five years, and when she starts getting better, she decides to return to Louisiana—the place where she spent her childhood and where she holds warm memories. She enrolls at a university there, makes new friends, and finds herself drawn to the sweet guy who lives next door.
This book moved me and captivated me from the very first pages. The portrayal of cancer (and more) is incredibly well done—so raw and honest that I felt every emotion alongside Sawyer and Banks. The characters are wonderful, and I also really loved the heroine’s family.
While the book has a romantic storyline, it doesn’t take center stage. This is also a story about choices, friendship, parent-child relationships, self-sacrifice for the sake of others, and the consequences that come with it.
I won’t lie—this book will break your heart and leave a lasting mark on your soul. But don’t let that stop you, because this emotional story is absolutely worth your attention.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ neighbors to lovers
✓ childhood friends
✓ forced proximity
✓ cancer rep
✓ emotional read
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book moved me and captivated me from the very first pages. The portrayal of cancer (and more) is incredibly well done—so raw and honest that I felt every emotion alongside Sawyer and Banks. The characters are wonderful, and I also really loved the heroine’s family.
While the book has a romantic storyline, it doesn’t take center stage. This is also a story about choices, friendship, parent-child relationships, self-sacrifice for the sake of others, and the consequences that come with it.
I won’t lie—this book will break your heart and leave a lasting mark on your soul. But don’t let that stop you, because this emotional story is absolutely worth your attention.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ neighbors to lovers
✓ childhood friends
✓ forced proximity
✓ cancer rep
✓ emotional read
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 12, 2025
Sometimes, it’s better to put the pen down than tragically kill off the heroine just so her so-called best friend and lover can start fucking each other to ‘cope’.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into this book hoping for something that would absolutely wreck me—and Past the Broken Bridges delivered. If you’re not looking for a story that will put you deep in your feelings, this might not be the book for you. But if you want a beautifully heartbreaking journey that will leave you in tears, then you need to pick this up immediately.
Paxton Banks completely stole my heart. He’s selfless to a fault, always putting others before himself, and watching his journey toward finally prioritizing his own happiness was incredibly rewarding. Then there’s Sawyer Hankins—her struggle to live openly and fully was tough to witness. I wanted so badly for her to lean on those who loved her, but at the same time, I understood why she held so much inside.
Their relationship was raw, messy, and breathtakingly beautiful. The push and pull between them, the way they showed up for each other despite their own struggles—it all made their love story feel so real.
And that ending? Absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. It was heartbreaking yet perfect, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. This was my first book by B. Celeste, but it definitely won’t be my last!
I went into this book hoping for something that would absolutely wreck me—and Past the Broken Bridges delivered. If you’re not looking for a story that will put you deep in your feelings, this might not be the book for you. But if you want a beautifully heartbreaking journey that will leave you in tears, then you need to pick this up immediately.
Paxton Banks completely stole my heart. He’s selfless to a fault, always putting others before himself, and watching his journey toward finally prioritizing his own happiness was incredibly rewarding. Then there’s Sawyer Hankins—her struggle to live openly and fully was tough to witness. I wanted so badly for her to lean on those who loved her, but at the same time, I understood why she held so much inside.
Their relationship was raw, messy, and breathtakingly beautiful. The push and pull between them, the way they showed up for each other despite their own struggles—it all made their love story feel so real.
And that ending? Absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. It was heartbreaking yet perfect, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. This was my first book by B. Celeste, but it definitely won’t be my last!
just-say-no
February 24, 2025not a romance
Currently reading
March 4, 2025IMPORTANT: I can't figure out how to change categories on here (I think they're automated or maybe I'm just dumb IDK), but this is NOT a "capital R Romance", so please keep that in mind. This IS a love story, but does not have your traditional Romance ending. Also, please check the triggers at the beginning before reading; as it deals with heavy topics.
TW List:
Abuse
Alcoholism
Drug Use
Addiction
Cancer
Death
Grief
“I wish I had your confidence.”
I watch her, biting the inside of my cheek. “It isn’t confidence,” I reply quietly.
Her brows furrow. “Then what is it?”
How could I possibly explain to her what it is when there’s so much she doesn’t know? When you’ve lived as little as I have, you make up for the lost moments. “I guess it’s about figuring out what you have to gain when you have nothing left to lose.”
Preorder: https://bloombooks.com/9781728272047-...
TW List:
Abuse
Alcoholism
Drug Use
Addiction
Cancer
Death
Grief
“I wish I had your confidence.”
I watch her, biting the inside of my cheek. “It isn’t confidence,” I reply quietly.
Her brows furrow. “Then what is it?”
How could I possibly explain to her what it is when there’s so much she doesn’t know? When you’ve lived as little as I have, you make up for the lost moments. “I guess it’s about figuring out what you have to gain when you have nothing left to lose.”
Preorder: https://bloombooks.com/9781728272047-...
March 8, 2025
Realistic Rating: 4.5⭐️
”Life wasn’t perfect, but the days I spent in the shade eating fruit snacks under the tree with Sawyer the redheaded adventurer were close.”
THIS BOOK IS SO SAD. I ALSO WANT TO SAY IT’S NOT A ROMANCE AS GOODREADS CATEGORIZES IT.
I received this book as an arc and honestly I barely read the blurb, I just knew B. Celeste is a very loved author and I wanted to apply for this arc and got lucky to receive it.
“Past the Broken Bridges” follows the story of Sawyer Hawkins and her childhood friend Paxton. Thirteen years ago, the two of them shared snacks and hung out on their favourite wooden bridge. When Hurricane Katrina hit town, Sawyer’s family headed north. Now in her early 20s and after a long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Sawyer returns to Louisiana for university to live a normal college life and complete her “living life” list which includes; making friends, going to parties, and finding her favourite bridge.
Sawyer’s neighbour Banks becomes her friend and he tries to help her complete the list. NOT A SPOILER, but Sawyer eventually realizes that Banks is Paxton Banks, and he realizes that Sawyer is his friend from years ago.
Side note:
This book is overall just a beautiful, yet heartbreaking love story and friendship development.
Tropes:
🌁 Found family
🌁 Heartbreak
🌁 Cancer patient
🌁 DUAL POV
🌁 College setting
Characters:
Sawyer Hawkins is the FMC and she is such a sweet, caring young girl, struggling with her long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and dealing with the guilt of her family suffering because of her. Sawyer is so strong and it was wonderful to see her go to college and get to experience that school life since she became homeschooled in high school after being diagnosed with cancer.
Paxton Banks is the MMC and he is also a caring and sweet character. He is always putting others first, before himself and all he ever wants to do is try to impress his father who treats him poorly.
Pros:
- When the readers find out that Banks is Paxton before Sawyer realizes
- DUAL POV
- Whenever Banks calls Sawyer “Birdie”
- Sawyer’s supportive family
Cons:
- The ending
Thank you NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and the author B. Celeste for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
・₊✧ Quotes ・₊✧
”But Banks is the type of boy girls fall for.” - Sawyer
”Life wasn’t perfect, but the days I spent in the shade eating fruit snacks under the tree with Sawyer the redheaded adventurer were close.”
THIS BOOK IS SO SAD. I ALSO WANT TO SAY IT’S NOT A ROMANCE AS GOODREADS CATEGORIZES IT.
I received this book as an arc and honestly I barely read the blurb, I just knew B. Celeste is a very loved author and I wanted to apply for this arc and got lucky to receive it.
“Past the Broken Bridges” follows the story of Sawyer Hawkins and her childhood friend Paxton. Thirteen years ago, the two of them shared snacks and hung out on their favourite wooden bridge. When Hurricane Katrina hit town, Sawyer’s family headed north. Now in her early 20s and after a long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Sawyer returns to Louisiana for university to live a normal college life and complete her “living life” list which includes; making friends, going to parties, and finding her favourite bridge.
Sawyer’s neighbour Banks becomes her friend and he tries to help her complete the list. NOT A SPOILER, but Sawyer eventually realizes that Banks is Paxton Banks, and he realizes that Sawyer is his friend from years ago.
Side note:
This book is overall just a beautiful, yet heartbreaking love story and friendship development.
Tropes:
🌁 Found family
🌁 Heartbreak
🌁 Cancer patient
🌁 DUAL POV
🌁 College setting
Characters:
Sawyer Hawkins is the FMC and she is such a sweet, caring young girl, struggling with her long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and dealing with the guilt of her family suffering because of her. Sawyer is so strong and it was wonderful to see her go to college and get to experience that school life since she became homeschooled in high school after being diagnosed with cancer.
Paxton Banks is the MMC and he is also a caring and sweet character. He is always putting others first, before himself and all he ever wants to do is try to impress his father who treats him poorly.
Pros:
- When the readers find out that Banks is Paxton before Sawyer realizes
- DUAL POV
- Whenever Banks calls Sawyer “Birdie”
- Sawyer’s supportive family
Cons:
- The ending
Thank you NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and the author B. Celeste for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
・₊✧ Quotes ・₊✧
”Why do you call me Birdie instead of my name?”
It feels like it goes beyond the shorts he saw m in, even though he clearly liked them based on how long his eyes locked with them the first night.
“It’s fitting. You’re adventurous, even if I didn’t know it the first time we met. You’re unafraid, which not a lot of people can say they are. Hell, I’m not. You moved from New York on a whim to experience new things. I admire that about you. Birds learn how to fly by jumping out of the nest not knowing if they’ll make it—not knowing where the flight will take them. Seems like you.”
”But Banks is the type of boy girls fall for.” - Sawyer
”My biggest risk was coming here. Leaving my family behind. And you know what I discovered?”
He stares at me.
“You.”
His jaw ticks.
“Dixie.”
He swallows again.
“Dawson,” I whisper.
His eyes close.
“I discovered what it’s like to be part of something outside me,” I tell him, hugging my legs to my chest. “I learned what it’s like to have friends. To have…more.”
February 16, 2025
Nope. Nope. Nope. Disjointed to the point I kept backtracking to see if I somehow missed pages. Juvenile to the point of eye rolls. Totally predictable. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this copy for read and review
May 5, 2025
3.5!!
Binged this in less than 24 hours, I couldn't put it down. I wasn't fully on board with the direction this took but it pulled at my heartstrings and I enjoyed the pacing and writing.
Binged this in less than 24 hours, I couldn't put it down. I wasn't fully on board with the direction this took but it pulled at my heartstrings and I enjoyed the pacing and writing.
February 22, 2025
5/5!
Past the Broken Bridges?? i think i’m forever stuck at the bridges. This book tore my heart out , I laughed, I cried and I stared at the ceiling.
A dual POV where we get to see how both main characters deal with the highs and low of life at their young age, dealing with issues such as abuse, grief, Illness and addiction (check trigger warnings). Every character has their own moments and their own story within this book, I cannot wait to buy a physical copy.
Thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for this arc!
Past the Broken Bridges?? i think i’m forever stuck at the bridges. This book tore my heart out , I laughed, I cried and I stared at the ceiling.
A dual POV where we get to see how both main characters deal with the highs and low of life at their young age, dealing with issues such as abuse, grief, Illness and addiction (check trigger warnings). Every character has their own moments and their own story within this book, I cannot wait to buy a physical copy.
Thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for this arc!
February 19, 2025
Past the Broken Bridges?? I don't think my heart will ever get passed THIS book! This WILL be one of my top reads in 2025-calling it now!
Oh my heart! Grab your tissues and buckle up for this amazing read. Past the Broken Bridges is a phenomenal tale of friendship, romance, resiliency, and sacrifice. Sawyer and Banks are two people you could easily be sitting next to somewhere with the way B. Celeste writes these characters. Sawyer is just a young woman, who just wants to live a normal college adult life, and Banks is a gem of a man who deserves so much more than he has had in his life. This book was dual POV, which made it SO much more fulfilling to read. Knowing what Banks was thinking throughout the book, had me that much more enthralled with the story. The addition of many side characters, who each brought something to the story, helped develop the main characters in different ways. We get to see how both characters can be selfless and selfish at times, and while it was not always pretty, you could emotionally relate to them.
This book represents chronic illness, addiction, abuse, cancer, sacrifice, and grief. It is emotionally raw at times, but heartwarming at others. It is a book written to make you reflect and will definitely have you in tears more than once. It took me hours after I finished before I could think about anything else.
Thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for this arc!
Oh my heart! Grab your tissues and buckle up for this amazing read. Past the Broken Bridges is a phenomenal tale of friendship, romance, resiliency, and sacrifice. Sawyer and Banks are two people you could easily be sitting next to somewhere with the way B. Celeste writes these characters. Sawyer is just a young woman, who just wants to live a normal college adult life, and Banks is a gem of a man who deserves so much more than he has had in his life. This book was dual POV, which made it SO much more fulfilling to read. Knowing what Banks was thinking throughout the book, had me that much more enthralled with the story. The addition of many side characters, who each brought something to the story, helped develop the main characters in different ways. We get to see how both characters can be selfless and selfish at times, and while it was not always pretty, you could emotionally relate to them.
This book represents chronic illness, addiction, abuse, cancer, sacrifice, and grief. It is emotionally raw at times, but heartwarming at others. It is a book written to make you reflect and will definitely have you in tears more than once. It took me hours after I finished before I could think about anything else.
Thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for this arc!
March 17, 2025
4⭐️
Tropes: not tradition HEA, chronic illness rep, friends to lovers, emotional, forced proximity, college romance, grief, addiction
I can always count on B Celeste to deliver an emotional story that will leave you thinking WTF. This beauty is no different. Please know going in this is not an actual romance, it’s more tragic love story vibes. Sawyer and Banks were raw, emotional, beautiful and oh so heart breaking. I’m not gonna say much else regarding the story because I think you should just dive in knowing the least amount possible. Please make sure to check TW though, this does cover some hard topics. If you’re looking for a heartfelt beautiful story about young love and painful moments I suggest this one.
Thank you for an arc🩵
Tropes: not tradition HEA, chronic illness rep, friends to lovers, emotional, forced proximity, college romance, grief, addiction
I can always count on B Celeste to deliver an emotional story that will leave you thinking WTF. This beauty is no different. Please know going in this is not an actual romance, it’s more tragic love story vibes. Sawyer and Banks were raw, emotional, beautiful and oh so heart breaking. I’m not gonna say much else regarding the story because I think you should just dive in knowing the least amount possible. Please make sure to check TW though, this does cover some hard topics. If you’re looking for a heartfelt beautiful story about young love and painful moments I suggest this one.
Thank you for an arc🩵
June 23, 2025
Yo empecé este libro sabiendo como iba a ser el final (porque al parecer es un detalle que le gusta a la autora escribir sobre sus personajes femeninos) pero aún así me dolió 🥺
April 12, 2025
3.5-4 ⭐️'s
I'm torn on this one. I loved all the emotional and angsty turmoil but I just felt it was too much...hit after hit. I just needed some more good times because the book is really sad.
And don't even get me started on that epilogue...WTH? In no way, shape or form am I ok with that!
I'm torn on this one. I loved all the emotional and angsty turmoil but I just felt it was too much...hit after hit. I just needed some more good times because the book is really sad.
And don't even get me started on that epilogue...WTH? In no way, shape or form am I ok with that!
March 18, 2025
4.5-5 ⭐
This was raw, heartbreaking, and beautiful, but I loved it. If you need a good cry.... This one did it for me.
This was raw, heartbreaking, and beautiful, but I loved it. If you need a good cry.... This one did it for me.
May 8, 2025
the only bad thing i have to say about this book is why is no one talking about it?! if you’re a sad book lover like myself then this is the book for you. i was hooked from the beginning and never wanted to put the book down. this was my first “sad” book from b. celeste as i’d only read her sports books prior and suddenly i need her to give me a sad story time ever night now. she has a way of writing that just amazes me. her brain needs to be studied because how can she write and slay literally every sub genre of romance? every character in this book i fell in love with. again back to the way b. celeste writes… it’s as if the characters are real people and not just fictional characters. there’s a lot of this book i could accidentally spoil so i’m just going to shut my mouth now but i think everyone should read this book. i’ll definitely be thinking about it for the rest of my life.
March 2, 2025
I think I’m gonna pass on this one…lol 😶
(*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc*)
. . . . .
(*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc*)
. . . . .
March 30, 2025
***4,25 "Birdie!!!" stars***
"Life is too short to be battling with yourself when you should be living."
This story ripped my heart out!!! It was a beautiful, but nonetheless, a soul-crushing story!!!
It was going around a very difficult matter, this one of cancer, and i could related since three months ago I lost a very beloved person to me who was battling this illness for three years!!!
My heart was aching while I was reading Sawyer and Banks' story, but I can not deny that even though the pain, it was giving us so much hope!!!
"I’m tired of swimming. I’m tired of fighting for life. I simply want to live it."
Sawyer, after battling with cancer for five years, is deciding to spread her wings and fly to a city that she used to love as a child and that she had to abandon because of Katrina...
Now, she is back into Louisiana as a college student and she wants to cross items of her "to live" list, silly things for others, such as making new friends, going to parties and finding her happy place aka the wooden bridge that she was used to sharing with a boy named Paxton...
But while in her new place, she is meeting Banks, her mysterious neighbor who is becoming more than she ever wanted for her...
"Banks is the type of boy girls fall for. And I can’t afford that."
Banks is carrying his own cross, but he is good at hiding it!!!
His new neighbor is a girl full of life and he loves spending time with her, even though the bro code is making Sawyer forbidden for him!!! But she feels so familiar and he is pulled toward her!!!
He just wants to go on with his life, but everything and everyone around him are not letting him find peace!!! His only peaceful moments is when he is around the new girl and when he is visiting the broken bridge and the memories of a girl that he used to know but lost abruptly!!!
"He says I’m his peace. But he has no idea how wrong he is. I’ll be his devastation."
I loved Sawyer and Banks very much!!!
They were both having their own cross to bare, but they were so strong!!!
Sawyer, my poor girl!!! I was breaking for her!!! But she was a fighter and a survivor!!! She was kind, lovely, courageous and selfless, even though she was feeling selfish!!!
Banks... that boy was so responsible and intelligent!!! I was hurting for him too!!!
These two never wanted to fall, but they fell without fate to ask them!!!
And how beautifully they fell!
But life is a bitch and was never at their side!!! And my heart was breaking over and over again, while my eyes were tearing up constantly!!!
“I remember what my mom told me once—that one day I’d find somebody who would make life worth living. I just hope that I don’t hurt him pretending like that’s possible.”
This was a very emotional story and it was dealing with very difficult issues...
And even though it was bittersweet, it was very easygoing to read...
From time to time, you were forgetting that an ugly turn was looming to bring you to your knees...
Yep, my heart broke in here, but the journey, even though a difficult one, was worth it!!!
Banks and Sawyer had so many potentials that they never got to explore and I was sadden by that very much!!!
Maybe... in another lifetime!!!
"“You were my favorite memory.”
“You were mine too, Birdie. Always.”
"Life is too short to be battling with yourself when you should be living."
This story ripped my heart out!!! It was a beautiful, but nonetheless, a soul-crushing story!!!
It was going around a very difficult matter, this one of cancer, and i could related since three months ago I lost a very beloved person to me who was battling this illness for three years!!!
My heart was aching while I was reading Sawyer and Banks' story, but I can not deny that even though the pain, it was giving us so much hope!!!
"I’m tired of swimming. I’m tired of fighting for life. I simply want to live it."
Sawyer, after battling with cancer for five years, is deciding to spread her wings and fly to a city that she used to love as a child and that she had to abandon because of Katrina...
Now, she is back into Louisiana as a college student and she wants to cross items of her "to live" list, silly things for others, such as making new friends, going to parties and finding her happy place aka the wooden bridge that she was used to sharing with a boy named Paxton...
But while in her new place, she is meeting Banks, her mysterious neighbor who is becoming more than she ever wanted for her...
"Banks is the type of boy girls fall for. And I can’t afford that."
Banks is carrying his own cross, but he is good at hiding it!!!
His new neighbor is a girl full of life and he loves spending time with her, even though the bro code is making Sawyer forbidden for him!!! But she feels so familiar and he is pulled toward her!!!
He just wants to go on with his life, but everything and everyone around him are not letting him find peace!!! His only peaceful moments is when he is around the new girl and when he is visiting the broken bridge and the memories of a girl that he used to know but lost abruptly!!!
"He says I’m his peace. But he has no idea how wrong he is. I’ll be his devastation."
I loved Sawyer and Banks very much!!!
They were both having their own cross to bare, but they were so strong!!!
Sawyer, my poor girl!!! I was breaking for her!!! But she was a fighter and a survivor!!! She was kind, lovely, courageous and selfless, even though she was feeling selfish!!!
Banks... that boy was so responsible and intelligent!!! I was hurting for him too!!!
These two never wanted to fall, but they fell without fate to ask them!!!
And how beautifully they fell!
But life is a bitch and was never at their side!!! And my heart was breaking over and over again, while my eyes were tearing up constantly!!!
“I remember what my mom told me once—that one day I’d find somebody who would make life worth living. I just hope that I don’t hurt him pretending like that’s possible.”
This was a very emotional story and it was dealing with very difficult issues...
And even though it was bittersweet, it was very easygoing to read...
From time to time, you were forgetting that an ugly turn was looming to bring you to your knees...
Yep, my heart broke in here, but the journey, even though a difficult one, was worth it!!!
Banks and Sawyer had so many potentials that they never got to explore and I was sadden by that very much!!!
Maybe... in another lifetime!!!
"“You were my favorite memory.”
“You were mine too, Birdie. Always.”
March 6, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
💚forced proximity
💙Emotional
💚chronic illness Rep
💙Friends to lovers
💚college romance
💙addiction
💚grief
💙dual pov
B Celeste has delivered. This is not gonna be your typical romance. She has delivered a story that is going to hurt your heart and if you have never read her books … well prepare your heart and have the tissues handy.
Sawyer was originally from Louisiana, but her family was forced to leave after Katrina. This in turn made her lose contact with the childhood boy she befriended.
Fast forward
Sawyer is now a 21 year old attending LSU. She’s been working on her living list, things she wants to do before she runs out of time. Banks is the neighbor, who is kinda a nerd. But Banks deserves a better family and cards that he’s been dealt.
While there is a light romance this story is just so much more. It deals with a lot of tough topics so please read the TW. These characters felt raw and dealt with some real issues and how they affected them and how the story was about having to make choices in love and life.
If you’re a fan of under the sycamore tree by her you won’t wanna miss this one
Tropes:
💚forced proximity
💙Emotional
💚chronic illness Rep
💙Friends to lovers
💚college romance
💙addiction
💚grief
💙dual pov
B Celeste has delivered. This is not gonna be your typical romance. She has delivered a story that is going to hurt your heart and if you have never read her books … well prepare your heart and have the tissues handy.
Sawyer was originally from Louisiana, but her family was forced to leave after Katrina. This in turn made her lose contact with the childhood boy she befriended.
Fast forward
Sawyer is now a 21 year old attending LSU. She’s been working on her living list, things she wants to do before she runs out of time. Banks is the neighbor, who is kinda a nerd. But Banks deserves a better family and cards that he’s been dealt.
While there is a light romance this story is just so much more. It deals with a lot of tough topics so please read the TW. These characters felt raw and dealt with some real issues and how they affected them and how the story was about having to make choices in love and life.
If you’re a fan of under the sycamore tree by her you won’t wanna miss this one
February 26, 2025
This was my first book by B Celeste, and I WASN'T READY! This is such a beautifully written story full of hope, heartache, courage, and love.
Our FMC, Sawyer, is battling Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. She is, however, determined to still live her life and experience things as normally as possible while undergoing treatment. When her long-lost childhood friends, Paxton, comes back into her life, he becomes an amazing support system. The support Sawyer and Paxton show each other is so touching throughout the story.
B Celeste wrote these characters in such a relatable way that it feels as if she's writing about someone who could easily be part of my life. While parts of this book were heartbreaki, g there was still an amazing undercurrent of hope and perseverance. I highly recommend this beautiful story!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloom for this free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Our FMC, Sawyer, is battling Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. She is, however, determined to still live her life and experience things as normally as possible while undergoing treatment. When her long-lost childhood friends, Paxton, comes back into her life, he becomes an amazing support system. The support Sawyer and Paxton show each other is so touching throughout the story.
B Celeste wrote these characters in such a relatable way that it feels as if she's writing about someone who could easily be part of my life. While parts of this book were heartbreaki, g there was still an amazing undercurrent of hope and perseverance. I highly recommend this beautiful story!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloom for this free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2025
I knew before even starting Past the Broken Bridges that B. Celeste would make me cry with her newest release, and I was correct.
This sweet and hearbreaking contemporary follows Sawyer and Banks, both of whom are fighting their skeletons when they reconnect at LSU without realizing the past they share.
With every book I read by B. Celeste, I fall more and more in love with her writing and storytelling. I loved getting a glimpse of both these characters as children before their lives were torn apart and everything changed. Getting to follow both perspectives in a book of this nature is always something I appreciate, so reading from both Sawyer and Bank was beautiful. Both characters were flawed and hurting, yet being together healed them. I knew the ending would hurt me, I just didn't know how it would happen. If you're looking for a book that is going to make you cry, I would definitely recommend this one.
CW for terminal illness, sexual content, drugs/gang violence, addiction, blood descriptions, abuse, abandonment, toxic relationship, death, car accident, gun use.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloom for the ARC of Past the Broken Bridges by B. Celeste.
This sweet and hearbreaking contemporary follows Sawyer and Banks, both of whom are fighting their skeletons when they reconnect at LSU without realizing the past they share.
With every book I read by B. Celeste, I fall more and more in love with her writing and storytelling. I loved getting a glimpse of both these characters as children before their lives were torn apart and everything changed. Getting to follow both perspectives in a book of this nature is always something I appreciate, so reading from both Sawyer and Bank was beautiful. Both characters were flawed and hurting, yet being together healed them. I knew the ending would hurt me, I just didn't know how it would happen. If you're looking for a book that is going to make you cry, I would definitely recommend this one.
CW for terminal illness, sexual content, drugs/gang violence, addiction, blood descriptions, abuse, abandonment, toxic relationship, death, car accident, gun use.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloom for the ARC of Past the Broken Bridges by B. Celeste.
March 11, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This book tore my heart out and shredded it to pieces. I related to this book so hard. My son is currently going through chemo, so I am seeing all the patients we pass every time we are there in this book.
After five years of treatment, Sawyer just wants to do some of the normal things a twenty-one year old does. Carrying a list of all the things she wants to experience. She is determined to get through all of them while keeping her skeletons a secret.
Banks has his own skeletons. He has successfully hidden them from everyone, even his best friend, for years. Until the blonde across the hall takes notice.
Please read the trigger warnings and get a box of tissues. It's going to be a bumpy ride. One I definitely recommend reading. 10+🌟🌟🌟
After five years of treatment, Sawyer just wants to do some of the normal things a twenty-one year old does. Carrying a list of all the things she wants to experience. She is determined to get through all of them while keeping her skeletons a secret.
Banks has his own skeletons. He has successfully hidden them from everyone, even his best friend, for years. Until the blonde across the hall takes notice.
Please read the trigger warnings and get a box of tissues. It's going to be a bumpy ride. One I definitely recommend reading. 10+🌟🌟🌟
March 5, 2025
B. Celeste never fails to deliver an emotional rollercoaster of a story that has you in tears at 2 am in the morning.
The first book I ever read by this author was Underneath the Sycamore Tree and it was the first time a book has absolutely ruined me emotionally, so to know that this book has a similar vibe I knew it would captivate every single emotion which makes a book so great.
Sawyer and Banks have such an insane connection and I got attached so quickly to them. It’s like I felt every single moment. This story is written so well and has you seated from the very beginning. I cried and cried and it’s these types of stories that stick with you forever.
p.s. get your tissues ready!
The first book I ever read by this author was Underneath the Sycamore Tree and it was the first time a book has absolutely ruined me emotionally, so to know that this book has a similar vibe I knew it would captivate every single emotion which makes a book so great.
Sawyer and Banks have such an insane connection and I got attached so quickly to them. It’s like I felt every single moment. This story is written so well and has you seated from the very beginning. I cried and cried and it’s these types of stories that stick with you forever.
p.s. get your tissues ready!
February 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bloom books for the ARC
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I haven’t read anything before by B. Celeste but this will for sure not be my only read by her! OMG the emotions! This book was so good it had me laughing, smiling and crying. Sawyer and Banks (Paxton) relationship spanned over a lifetime and it was beautiful to watch. The ending had been sobbing. I loved this book so much and highly recommend.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I haven’t read anything before by B. Celeste but this will for sure not be my only read by her! OMG the emotions! This book was so good it had me laughing, smiling and crying. Sawyer and Banks (Paxton) relationship spanned over a lifetime and it was beautiful to watch. The ending had been sobbing. I loved this book so much and highly recommend.
March 13, 2025
Heartbreaking. There is no other word to describe this book. And while I absolutely loved Past The Broken Bridges, I was a wreck through the last 10 chapters.
This book was one I had a hard time putting down but then I had to put down several times to just breathe. I am still trying to recover. The characters in this story will stick with me for a long time and this story was beautifully written. Probably one of my favorite B. Celeste books ever written, to be honest.
I cannot say enough about how well Sawyer’s entire story was written out, as heartbreaking as it is. And Banks and Dawson each have such great stories and the overall book itself is just everything! I really loved everything about this book!
This book was one I had a hard time putting down but then I had to put down several times to just breathe. I am still trying to recover. The characters in this story will stick with me for a long time and this story was beautifully written. Probably one of my favorite B. Celeste books ever written, to be honest.
I cannot say enough about how well Sawyer’s entire story was written out, as heartbreaking as it is. And Banks and Dawson each have such great stories and the overall book itself is just everything! I really loved everything about this book!
March 3, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebook Bloom Books and B. Celeste for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was a point I took a break from the book because I knew where it was going and I just didn’t want it to. Tears were shed. A few times.
This book is about grief, cancer, abuse, addiction, friendship and family. There are lots of sweet moments and some ugly ones as well.
Sawyer and Banks had flaws, trauma and insecurities and were doing what they could to get through and involve others in their struggles.
I’m a romance reader so I love a typical HEA but I was satisfied with how this ended although I wouldn’t consider it a traditional romance.
There was a point I took a break from the book because I knew where it was going and I just didn’t want it to. Tears were shed. A few times.
This book is about grief, cancer, abuse, addiction, friendship and family. There are lots of sweet moments and some ugly ones as well.
Sawyer and Banks had flaws, trauma and insecurities and were doing what they could to get through and involve others in their struggles.
I’m a romance reader so I love a typical HEA but I was satisfied with how this ended although I wouldn’t consider it a traditional romance.
March 3, 2025
5⭐️ 1🌶️
Heartache? Anxiety? Sitting here, days later, staring into the abyss and pondering the fragility of life? Yes, yes, and yes. Past the Broken Bridges may not be a romance novel but it’s a love story worth reading and a heartache worth crying over. This will be living rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.
I love a second chance romance and this childhood friends to lovers spin was so heartwarming and gut wrenching at the same time. The beautiful tangle of safety, secrets, loss, and hope between Sawyer and Paxton spoke to my soul and I could not get enough.
B. Celeste is a new to me author but this certainly won’t be my last read and I’ll be heading straight toward Underneath the Sycamore Tree asap because I think I’ve found a new sad girl favorite.
Heartache? Anxiety? Sitting here, days later, staring into the abyss and pondering the fragility of life? Yes, yes, and yes. Past the Broken Bridges may not be a romance novel but it’s a love story worth reading and a heartache worth crying over. This will be living rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.
I love a second chance romance and this childhood friends to lovers spin was so heartwarming and gut wrenching at the same time. The beautiful tangle of safety, secrets, loss, and hope between Sawyer and Paxton spoke to my soul and I could not get enough.
B. Celeste is a new to me author but this certainly won’t be my last read and I’ll be heading straight toward Underneath the Sycamore Tree asap because I think I’ve found a new sad girl favorite.
March 9, 2025
This book wrecked my entire being. This is 6 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and one of my top reads of the year. I wish you well reading this book. I wish you healing.
February 26, 2025
well this was gut wrenching 🥹
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