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Until Forever Falls
The thing about the past?
You can’t outrun it.
No matter how far you go, it always finds a way to catch you.
Ten years ago, I never thought I’d end up in Rockport—another move, another school, another fresh start I didn’t ask for. Then I met him. Brooks Holland. The boy who saw past my defenses and made me dream of a life beyond what I’d known. But one mistake was enough to tear it all apart. So, I ran, believing that distance was the only way to ease the pain.
Now, fate has other plans. A chance encounter forces me to face him again, and suddenly I’m on a plane back to Oregon for a high school reunion I swore I’d never attend.
I keep telling myself it’s just a weekend, a chance to finally move on. But as the plane descends, I can’t shake the fear that the anger I’ve carried all these years will never truly fade.
As old feelings resurface and buried truths come to light, I have to decide.
Will returning to the place that broke me finally set me free? Or could it give me a second chance at the life—and the love—I thought I’d lost forever?
*Until Forever Falls is a contemporary second chance romance packed with simmering tension and enough emotional gut punches that might just leave you ugly crying in your pajamas. Along the way, you'll find a charming vintage diner, an unshakable love for art, and a heartfelt journey of rediscovery through heartbreak.*
No matter how far you go, it always finds a way to catch you.
Ten years ago, I never thought I’d end up in Rockport—another move, another school, another fresh start I didn’t ask for. Then I met him. Brooks Holland. The boy who saw past my defenses and made me dream of a life beyond what I’d known. But one mistake was enough to tear it all apart. So, I ran, believing that distance was the only way to ease the pain.
Now, fate has other plans. A chance encounter forces me to face him again, and suddenly I’m on a plane back to Oregon for a high school reunion I swore I’d never attend.
I keep telling myself it’s just a weekend, a chance to finally move on. But as the plane descends, I can’t shake the fear that the anger I’ve carried all these years will never truly fade.
As old feelings resurface and buried truths come to light, I have to decide.
Will returning to the place that broke me finally set me free? Or could it give me a second chance at the life—and the love—I thought I’d lost forever?
*Until Forever Falls is a contemporary second chance romance packed with simmering tension and enough emotional gut punches that might just leave you ugly crying in your pajamas. Along the way, you'll find a charming vintage diner, an unshakable love for art, and a heartfelt journey of rediscovery through heartbreak.*
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
22 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Micah Riley
1 book34 followersMicah Riley, a former photographer who once captured love stories through her lens, has traded her camera for a pen–or more accurately, a keyboard. ♡ Now, she brings small town romances to life, creating characters you can’t help but root for as they navigate life’s twists and turns, only to discover love when they least expect it.
A self proclaimed coffee addict and daydreamer, Micah has found her passion in writing stories that remind readers of one simple truth. Sometimes, love really is a little magical. ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
A self proclaimed coffee addict and daydreamer, Micah has found her passion in writing stories that remind readers of one simple truth. Sometimes, love really is a little magical. ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
May 2, 2025
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 5 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
"There’s an inexplicable pull toward her, one I can’t get rid of, even without knowing who she is. It’s like she’s stamped herself onto my soul, a mark that won’t fade, even if our paths never cross again."
"He’s my only constant in a world where nothing else seems to stay in place."
"He’s my better. The kind of better I never thought I deserved, never thought I’d see. But now, I do. I see it— he’s the answer I never knew I was waiting for."
“Even now, in this room full of your art, my eyes are drawn to only you.”
"I will continue to love you beyond what is possible, until forever itself ceases to exist. Until forever falls."
just finished the book and woah, what a rollercoaster of emotions this has been! i swear my heart is still healing from everything that has happened. also, happy release day!!
this book was so beautifully written, i cannot believe this is the author's first book because it was soo good. some things i loved about the book was that it was dual pov and dual timeline, and that was carried out so well! the writing was incredible and easy to follow, and the descriptions the author used made the story feel so real. seriously, reading this book made me feel as though i knew the characters, and i was also able to feel their emotions through the writing.
the two plot twists caught me off guard because i wasn't expecting them and i didn't think they would be that heartbreaking, but they were. my heart was breaking for both brooks and dylan because they went through so much. brooks and dylan's relationship was so special. the way they loved, saw, and just understood each other was everything to me.
i must admit, at the beginning dylan annoyed me a little bit because i thought she was being dramatic, especially about going to the high school reunion, but after reading the whole story it made sense at the end why she felt that way. also, this might just be me, but i felt like the spicy chapter was unnecessary.
highly recommend reading until forever falls if you like second chance romance, he falls first, small town, beach vibes, dual pov, and dual timeline!
i already included a lot of quotes but here are some more!
“Maybe the most memorable moments are the ones we never see coming.”
"I’m the rain that never stays, and he’s the earth drawing me in like I was always meant to fall for him."
"It’s one of the things I can’t help but admire about him. He spots what everyone else misses, sees the world in ways that make it feel a little less ordinary."
"A pause isn’t an ending, and love isn’t something that time can steal."
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Grey's Promotions and Micah Riley for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
"There’s an inexplicable pull toward her, one I can’t get rid of, even without knowing who she is. It’s like she’s stamped herself onto my soul, a mark that won’t fade, even if our paths never cross again."
"He’s my only constant in a world where nothing else seems to stay in place."
"He’s my better. The kind of better I never thought I deserved, never thought I’d see. But now, I do. I see it— he’s the answer I never knew I was waiting for."
“Even now, in this room full of your art, my eyes are drawn to only you.”
"I will continue to love you beyond what is possible, until forever itself ceases to exist. Until forever falls."
just finished the book and woah, what a rollercoaster of emotions this has been! i swear my heart is still healing from everything that has happened. also, happy release day!!
this book was so beautifully written, i cannot believe this is the author's first book because it was soo good. some things i loved about the book was that it was dual pov and dual timeline, and that was carried out so well! the writing was incredible and easy to follow, and the descriptions the author used made the story feel so real. seriously, reading this book made me feel as though i knew the characters, and i was also able to feel their emotions through the writing.
the two plot twists caught me off guard because i wasn't expecting them and i didn't think they would be that heartbreaking, but they were. my heart was breaking for both brooks and dylan because they went through so much. brooks and dylan's relationship was so special. the way they loved, saw, and just understood each other was everything to me.
i must admit, at the beginning dylan annoyed me a little bit because i thought she was being dramatic, especially about going to the high school reunion, but after reading the whole story it made sense at the end why she felt that way. also, this might just be me, but i felt like the spicy chapter was unnecessary.
highly recommend reading until forever falls if you like second chance romance, he falls first, small town, beach vibes, dual pov, and dual timeline!
i already included a lot of quotes but here are some more!
“Maybe the most memorable moments are the ones we never see coming.”
"I’m the rain that never stays, and he’s the earth drawing me in like I was always meant to fall for him."
"It’s one of the things I can’t help but admire about him. He spots what everyone else misses, sees the world in ways that make it feel a little less ordinary."
"A pause isn’t an ending, and love isn’t something that time can steal."
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Grey's Promotions and Micah Riley for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
November 14, 2025
DNF AT 51%
I am so disappointed in this book. I must be the unpopular opinion(or not an ARC reviewer 🙄) because I don't see the hype.
The writing is very basic. Cuts off scenes. No smooth transitions. We're told rather than shown. Romance is down to a minimum.
There was no buildup to the story. Up until the 44% mark they were still just friends. All of a sudden they share their first kiss and he's here as long as she'll have him even if it is forever. 🤔
For half of the book, the ex was always present. Brookes, the MMC, was still hung up on her and he was deeply hurt when she cheated on him with his best friend.
There was one scene that really riled me up and made no sense whatsoever. One minute he was with Dylan, the MFC, at a party and suddenly he is upstairs with the ex. Why put yourself in such a position? Why give the ex a chance to see you in private where she made a move on you? Why give her the time of day and go upstairs where everybody hooks up?
This made absolute no sense and further convinced me that he was still hung up on her.
There was no chemistry between the MCs, no emotions, no tension. No character development. It was pretty bland.
I have a notion what is going to happen in the second half of the book and I am not here for it because if there was one good thing in this book it was, Beckett, the MFCs twin brother. 😢
I am so disappointed in this book. I must be the unpopular opinion
The writing is very basic. Cuts off scenes. No smooth transitions. We're told rather than shown. Romance is down to a minimum.
There was no buildup to the story. Up until the 44% mark they were still just friends. All of a sudden they share their first kiss and he's here as long as she'll have him even if it is forever. 🤔
For half of the book, the ex was always present. Brookes, the MMC, was still hung up on her and he was deeply hurt when she cheated on him with his best friend.
There was one scene that really riled me up and made no sense whatsoever. One minute he was with Dylan, the MFC, at a party and suddenly he is upstairs with the ex. Why put yourself in such a position? Why give the ex a chance to see you in private where she made a move on you? Why give her the time of day and go upstairs where everybody hooks up?
This made absolute no sense and further convinced me that he was still hung up on her.
There was no chemistry between the MCs, no emotions, no tension. No character development. It was pretty bland.
I have a notion what is going to happen in the second half of the book and I am not here for it because if there was one good thing in this book it was, Beckett, the MFCs twin brother. 😢
May 12, 2025
Thank you to Ember Literary and Micah Riley for an eARC of this book! For starters, debut novel?! This was captivating from the start, and so well thought out. I absolutely LOVE a second chance romance, but lately I’ve been struggling to understand why I haven’t felt connected to this trope - Until Forever Falls has made me realize it’s dual timelines that really make it for me.
Dylan and Brooks are going to be living in my head for a hot minute, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes.
P.S. bring tissues.
Tropes:
- Beach Romance
- Second Chance
- Small Town
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
Dylan and Brooks are going to be living in my head for a hot minute, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes.
P.S. bring tissues.
Tropes:
- Beach Romance
- Second Chance
- Small Town
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
April 18, 2025
**Beta Reader**
The way I will never be able to forget this book!
Honestly can’t believe this is the first book this author has published because HOLY MOLYYYY it is perfection.
Not only is the writing just insanely phenomenal but this story will have you feeling EVERYTHING.
I am a sucker for dual timelines so I ate this up. I love how much angst there is with that type of story.
The plot twist was TWISTING!!! This story had me sobbing so hard I literally couldn’t breatheeeeeee
But getting to that ending was so worth it. I hope you all give this debut author a chance because I promise this one won’t disappoint
#MicahsMess 🥹🥹🥹
PS any one that’s reading it and needs to discuss feel free to slide into my DMs on IG (same name)
The way I will never be able to forget this book!
Honestly can’t believe this is the first book this author has published because HOLY MOLYYYY it is perfection.
Not only is the writing just insanely phenomenal but this story will have you feeling EVERYTHING.
I am a sucker for dual timelines so I ate this up. I love how much angst there is with that type of story.
The plot twist was TWISTING!!! This story had me sobbing so hard I literally couldn’t breatheeeeeee
But getting to that ending was so worth it. I hope you all give this debut author a chance because I promise this one won’t disappoint
#MicahsMess 🥹🥹🥹
PS any one that’s reading it and needs to discuss feel free to slide into my DMs on IG (same name)
May 2, 2025
5 ⭐️:
This book 🥹💜 it will definitely live rent free in my head. It was beautifully written. I loved the dual timeline aspect of the book as well as the second chance, small town romance tropes. Dylan and Brooks’ story is an achingly beautiful exploration of love and loss. It captures the heartbreak of letting go while celebrating the power of true, meaningful connection. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this book. From the first page I was sucked in (so sucked in I read it in one sitting) and completely torn apart. Lots and lots of tears were shed and lots of emotions were felt. I loved this book with my whole heart. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have received this as an ARC and to have read such a beautiful story.
If you love second chance, small town romance with angst, twists, and a book FULL of emotion you have found your next read 💜🤍🥰
This book 🥹💜 it will definitely live rent free in my head. It was beautifully written. I loved the dual timeline aspect of the book as well as the second chance, small town romance tropes. Dylan and Brooks’ story is an achingly beautiful exploration of love and loss. It captures the heartbreak of letting go while celebrating the power of true, meaningful connection. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this book. From the first page I was sucked in (so sucked in I read it in one sitting) and completely torn apart. Lots and lots of tears were shed and lots of emotions were felt. I loved this book with my whole heart. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have received this as an ARC and to have read such a beautiful story.
If you love second chance, small town romance with angst, twists, and a book FULL of emotion you have found your next read 💜🤍🥰
April 21, 2025
Wow. This book was so gut wrenchingly beautiful. I felt so many different emotions reading this and could not put it down. This story showed teenage love, adult love, tragic love, and forever love. Brooks and Dylan were every single one. I loved being an ARC for this one, and cannot wait to see what else Micah puts out!
April 19, 2025
Thank you to Grey’s Promotions and Micah Riley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. Until Forever Falls is beautifully written and incredibly impressive for a debut—Micah Riley delivers a story that feels both timeless and haunting in the best way.
Told in dual POV and across alternating timelines, the story of Dylan and Brooks unfolds with so much heart and nuance. Watching their connection grow in high school, and then watching them reconnect a decade later, was a rollercoaster of emotions. The second chance, friends-to-lovers dynamic, mixed with a slow unraveling of past wounds, had me hooked. And let’s not forget: he falls first.
Dylan’s journey of self-discovery—figuring out what she truly wants in life—was inspiring, and the air of mystery surrounding what happened ten years ago kept me completely invested. This story is going to stick with me for a while. Emotional, raw, romantic, and full of gut-punch moments.
Highly recommend if you love second chances, small-town nostalgia, and love stories that make you feel everything.
Spice Count: 1 chapter (3 peppers)
This book pulled me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. Until Forever Falls is beautifully written and incredibly impressive for a debut—Micah Riley delivers a story that feels both timeless and haunting in the best way.
Told in dual POV and across alternating timelines, the story of Dylan and Brooks unfolds with so much heart and nuance. Watching their connection grow in high school, and then watching them reconnect a decade later, was a rollercoaster of emotions. The second chance, friends-to-lovers dynamic, mixed with a slow unraveling of past wounds, had me hooked. And let’s not forget: he falls first.
Dylan’s journey of self-discovery—figuring out what she truly wants in life—was inspiring, and the air of mystery surrounding what happened ten years ago kept me completely invested. This story is going to stick with me for a while. Emotional, raw, romantic, and full of gut-punch moments.
Highly recommend if you love second chances, small-town nostalgia, and love stories that make you feel everything.
Spice Count: 1 chapter (3 peppers)
April 21, 2025
2,75 ⭐️
This was kind of a mess.
The characters were very dramatic, which was okay for their teenage years and the stuff they went through. But their adult lives were dramatic too, which kinda threw me off.
Dylan really couldn’t catch a break at all and Brooks… I don’t even know.
I feel like a lot of things happened but nothing really at the same time.
Like you get the situation, you feel for them but you can’t really see the connection.
Everything happened super fast, but you still guessed pretty quick what was going on.
This was kind of a miss for me but that’s okay because I know that a lot of people will love this.
This was kind of a mess.
The characters were very dramatic, which was okay for their teenage years and the stuff they went through. But their adult lives were dramatic too, which kinda threw me off.
Dylan really couldn’t catch a break at all and Brooks… I don’t even know.
I feel like a lot of things happened but nothing really at the same time.
Like you get the situation, you feel for them but you can’t really see the connection.
Everything happened super fast, but you still guessed pretty quick what was going on.
This was kind of a miss for me but that’s okay because I know that a lot of people will love this.
note-to-self-no-go-books
November 14, 2025Note to self: don’t read it and if you don’t remember why, read Olga’s review!😏
Bye
Bye
May 5, 2025
From the moment I picked up this book, I was hooked! What a great novel from Micah Riley. You follow Dylan and Brooks and unravel the history of their relationship with a jumping timeline through the story. The switch’s from present day to past events kept me on my toes the whole time (like I said ‘hooked’).
Dylan, who rightly so, has her walls built up high. Her don’t fuck with me’ demeanour made me adore her even more! This story explores teenage love, tragic love, adult love in the most beautiful and unapologetic way.
I loved being an ARC reader for this book and I can’t wait to see what else Micah rights in this series! Bring on the next book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Dylan, who rightly so, has her walls built up high. Her don’t fuck with me’ demeanour made me adore her even more! This story explores teenage love, tragic love, adult love in the most beautiful and unapologetic way.
I loved being an ARC reader for this book and I can’t wait to see what else Micah rights in this series! Bring on the next book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
May 3, 2025
Just finished 💜 Until Forever Falls 💜 by Micah Riley and wow… my heart is still recovering. This book had me hooked from page one—so emotional, so real, and so beautifully written. The characters felt like actual people, and their story had the perfect mix of heartbreak, healing, and swoon-worthy moments. I could physically feel each of the characters emotions and sobbed my heart out. If you’re into romances that really make you feel something, definitely add this one to your TBR. Absolutely 5 stars!
May 15, 2025
Was sent an ARC copy 🫣 can’t wait to see what this is about
First, I’m thankful to have received this ARC (my very first ARC I should add too)
Okay, I feel like with a little bit more depth this story could really grow into a 4 to 5 star read for me. I enjoyed the premise of the book, and I honestly felt some raw emotions during part of the story. However, I think there was a lot missed with Aaron, he kind of appears and disappears. We don’t hear or see much about him or the FMC’s life back in New York.
I did enjoy the dual POV in both past and present. I feel like it made the story interesting to see things from both sides in both eras of their life. I would have liked to see a little bit more of Brook’s life outside of just running into Dylan and what happened prior to running into her.
Overall, I think that this would be a very enjoyable read for a lot of readers. While it was not my favorite, I still enjoyed it.
First, I’m thankful to have received this ARC (my very first ARC I should add too)
Okay, I feel like with a little bit more depth this story could really grow into a 4 to 5 star read for me. I enjoyed the premise of the book, and I honestly felt some raw emotions during part of the story. However, I think there was a lot missed with Aaron, he kind of appears and disappears. We don’t hear or see much about him or the FMC’s life back in New York.
I did enjoy the dual POV in both past and present. I feel like it made the story interesting to see things from both sides in both eras of their life. I would have liked to see a little bit more of Brook’s life outside of just running into Dylan and what happened prior to running into her.
Overall, I think that this would be a very enjoyable read for a lot of readers. While it was not my favorite, I still enjoyed it.
April 24, 2025
First of all I want to say a massive thank you for the ARC copy of this book 📖 I really enjoyed it!
Until Forever Falls by Micah Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I need to remind people to please check the trigger warnings ⚠️ as there is some topics in this book that can be upsetting! (I sobbed)
I really like Dylan and Brook, both lovely characters and I was totally rooting for them in the past and present timelines! I really like the different timelines, they gave alot of context to the story and helped me understand alot.
I did guess both plot twists but that didn't stop them from ripping my heart out and making me sob 😪
I didn't understand why Aaron was in the book 😕 he was a flat character that I wouldn't have missed If he wasn't there 🙈
On the whole a really good book that I would definitely recommend 💜
Until Forever Falls by Micah Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I need to remind people to please check the trigger warnings ⚠️ as there is some topics in this book that can be upsetting! (I sobbed)
I really like Dylan and Brook, both lovely characters and I was totally rooting for them in the past and present timelines! I really like the different timelines, they gave alot of context to the story and helped me understand alot.
I did guess both plot twists but that didn't stop them from ripping my heart out and making me sob 😪
I didn't understand why Aaron was in the book 😕 he was a flat character that I wouldn't have missed If he wasn't there 🙈
On the whole a really good book that I would definitely recommend 💜
April 21, 2025
⭐️ARC Review⭐️
Oh god, this book…. It had my heart in a vice and pulled me through the deep emotional and overwhelming story of Dylan and Brooks. 😩❤️ It was searing and raw and everything I knew it would be from the teasers and blurb I had read. It has officially left me in an emotional book hangover in the best way. It was real, visceral and cutting in a way that lets the reader feel how genuinely human these characters are. I devoured this book, I read it as an addiction to wanting, needing to know what happened and what will come from each of these characters. I absolutely loved it!❤️🔥
Micah takes us on a dual timeline trip through young love to adult healing, showing us the mirrors that get held up as we grow and have to look back to deal with the hurts that need healed, the cracks that need acknowledged and filled and the love that can stand the tests of time and pain. 😍 Dylan is incredible, strong, brave, stubborn and also vulnerable. Her brother and her have suffered most of their lives due to bad decisions on their Mothers part but when they set down in a small town to finish out their senior year she had no idea how her world would shift and turn upside down in the best and worst ways. Brooks is gentle, kind and adventurous, seeing the new girl as someone he just has to know and show her the beauty of his hometown between little trips in nature to sitting in the bleachers as he take the football field by storm. He falls hard and fast, but sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Jump ahead 10 years where it’s high school reunion time and Dylan makes her way back not just to see old friends but to heal. For closure on the most painful memories that have shaped her life down to her core. So what comes from a broken heart when she learns that the truth might not be what she thought and that she ran for years from something that never actually left her no matter the miles between. 😩❤️ Brooks and Dylan’s story is captivating and breathtaking, it’s filled with mistakes and regrets but reading them push and pull to find the answers they need was perfection.
I loved every word, every chapter, every second of this book… I didn’t put it down till I finished and then I just sat in it, letting their journey settle in and take up a special place in my heart. Thank you Micah Riley, this book was phenomenal. ❤️🔥🤩
We get second chance, trauma healing, friends to lovers, small town, beach romance with he falls first and hard. This book brought it all to the page and didn’t leave you wanting it left you feeling whole. 📖🤗
A must read!‼️⭐️🤩
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
Oh god, this book…. It had my heart in a vice and pulled me through the deep emotional and overwhelming story of Dylan and Brooks. 😩❤️ It was searing and raw and everything I knew it would be from the teasers and blurb I had read. It has officially left me in an emotional book hangover in the best way. It was real, visceral and cutting in a way that lets the reader feel how genuinely human these characters are. I devoured this book, I read it as an addiction to wanting, needing to know what happened and what will come from each of these characters. I absolutely loved it!❤️🔥
Micah takes us on a dual timeline trip through young love to adult healing, showing us the mirrors that get held up as we grow and have to look back to deal with the hurts that need healed, the cracks that need acknowledged and filled and the love that can stand the tests of time and pain. 😍 Dylan is incredible, strong, brave, stubborn and also vulnerable. Her brother and her have suffered most of their lives due to bad decisions on their Mothers part but when they set down in a small town to finish out their senior year she had no idea how her world would shift and turn upside down in the best and worst ways. Brooks is gentle, kind and adventurous, seeing the new girl as someone he just has to know and show her the beauty of his hometown between little trips in nature to sitting in the bleachers as he take the football field by storm. He falls hard and fast, but sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Jump ahead 10 years where it’s high school reunion time and Dylan makes her way back not just to see old friends but to heal. For closure on the most painful memories that have shaped her life down to her core. So what comes from a broken heart when she learns that the truth might not be what she thought and that she ran for years from something that never actually left her no matter the miles between. 😩❤️ Brooks and Dylan’s story is captivating and breathtaking, it’s filled with mistakes and regrets but reading them push and pull to find the answers they need was perfection.
I loved every word, every chapter, every second of this book… I didn’t put it down till I finished and then I just sat in it, letting their journey settle in and take up a special place in my heart. Thank you Micah Riley, this book was phenomenal. ❤️🔥🤩
We get second chance, trauma healing, friends to lovers, small town, beach romance with he falls first and hard. This book brought it all to the page and didn’t leave you wanting it left you feeling whole. 📖🤗
A must read!‼️⭐️🤩
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
April 19, 2025
Beta Reader! Thanks to Micah Reilly and her team!)
This book!! I couldn’t put it down (finished in a few hours). It took me on this beautiful, emotional adventure. The dual POV, the flash backs, the heart warming and heart wrenching moments were all so powerful and well done.
I absolutely loved this book. I cried and I laughed. And I cried some more. This is one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time. The depth was there and it was more than just romance, it was a whole story and plot.
Dylan’s journey through self discovery and then grief and healing were so relatable and raw.
This book!! I couldn’t put it down (finished in a few hours). It took me on this beautiful, emotional adventure. The dual POV, the flash backs, the heart warming and heart wrenching moments were all so powerful and well done.
I absolutely loved this book. I cried and I laughed. And I cried some more. This is one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time. The depth was there and it was more than just romance, it was a whole story and plot.
Dylan’s journey through self discovery and then grief and healing were so relatable and raw.
May 14, 2025
i understand i am meant to leave a in detail review for this book as i was luck enough to read it as an ARC however….
i cannot spoil it, i cannot do that to anyone. i have read over 50 books this year alone and this is HANDS DOWN my favourite book of the year so far.
i just- you know when you read a book that good you are at a loss for words? that’s genuinely me right now. i’m going to need a book boyfriend on speed dial or bottomless mimosas to cope with the LOVE in this book.
the MC’s characters? perfection. the character development? amazing. the progression with them both individually and as a couple? chefs bloody kiss. i want to weep and kiss random people and bottle this book up.
re-read pending asap i’m genuinely not kidding with this review. it was everything and more.
“A pause isn’t an ending, and love isn’t something that time can steal.”
(weeping again)
i cannot spoil it, i cannot do that to anyone. i have read over 50 books this year alone and this is HANDS DOWN my favourite book of the year so far.
i just- you know when you read a book that good you are at a loss for words? that’s genuinely me right now. i’m going to need a book boyfriend on speed dial or bottomless mimosas to cope with the LOVE in this book.
the MC’s characters? perfection. the character development? amazing. the progression with them both individually and as a couple? chefs bloody kiss. i want to weep and kiss random people and bottle this book up.
re-read pending asap i’m genuinely not kidding with this review. it was everything and more.
“A pause isn’t an ending, and love isn’t something that time can steal.”
(weeping again)
May 9, 2025
This is Micah Riley’s first book and it was so good.
Best romance book I’ve read in 2025!!! This was my review as an ARC reader
What an emotional, powerful story about love, loss and how we handle grief.
“When the past collides with the present, can love survive the impact?”
Beckett and Dylan Rivers haven’t had the best life, but they have had each other. Moving to a new place their senior year, the twins do what they do best in hard times, lean in to one another.
But sometimes life provides ways of helping us deal with hard times. Beckett dives into football, and Dylan uses her art to get her through her senior year before they plan their great escape.
Brooks Holland loves football, his family and friends; but when he sees Dylan in a diner, he realizes his heart just started to beat, for her.
Some secrets are best not hidden, but brought out in the open so you can grieve, heal and survive.
This was an incredible story, I didn’t know what to expect when I read this story, it was so beautifully written. It’s not just a story about a boy and a girl, it’s about survival, it’s about having the courage to stand still and take a breath and know you survived and it will be ok.
This author took a chance to write this beautiful story, I really do hope she brings more thought-provoking heart feeling, and real emotional stories to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌊 Beach Romance
💌 Second Chance
🌊 Small Town
💌 Friends to Lovers 🌶️🌶️
🌊 He Falls First
💌 Dual Timeline
Notable:
“Tomorrow never came for you.”
“Every smile felt borrowed, every love story belonged to someone else.”
Triggers:
Intimate Scenes & Sexual Content
Parental Alcoholism
Emotional Neglect & Familial
Struggles Childhood SA (Referenced, Not Detailed)
Grief & Loss (Off-Page Death)
Cancer Diagnosis & Illness
Best romance book I’ve read in 2025!!! This was my review as an ARC reader
What an emotional, powerful story about love, loss and how we handle grief.
“When the past collides with the present, can love survive the impact?”
Beckett and Dylan Rivers haven’t had the best life, but they have had each other. Moving to a new place their senior year, the twins do what they do best in hard times, lean in to one another.
But sometimes life provides ways of helping us deal with hard times. Beckett dives into football, and Dylan uses her art to get her through her senior year before they plan their great escape.
Brooks Holland loves football, his family and friends; but when he sees Dylan in a diner, he realizes his heart just started to beat, for her.
Some secrets are best not hidden, but brought out in the open so you can grieve, heal and survive.
This was an incredible story, I didn’t know what to expect when I read this story, it was so beautifully written. It’s not just a story about a boy and a girl, it’s about survival, it’s about having the courage to stand still and take a breath and know you survived and it will be ok.
This author took a chance to write this beautiful story, I really do hope she brings more thought-provoking heart feeling, and real emotional stories to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌊 Beach Romance
💌 Second Chance
🌊 Small Town
💌 Friends to Lovers 🌶️🌶️
🌊 He Falls First
💌 Dual Timeline
Notable:
“Tomorrow never came for you.”
“Every smile felt borrowed, every love story belonged to someone else.”
Triggers:
Intimate Scenes & Sexual Content
Parental Alcoholism
Emotional Neglect & Familial
Struggles Childhood SA (Referenced, Not Detailed)
Grief & Loss (Off-Page Death)
Cancer Diagnosis & Illness
April 22, 2025
This was a great second chance romance / found family book. It follows Dylan the FMC and Brooks the MMC. This is a dual timeline story of when they were meeting as seniors in high school to 10 years later. You get to follow along their journey of finding eachother and then a fall out that leaves them not speaking for 10 years until a high school reunion. This was such a good read. The writing and story flowed wonderfully and I highly recommend that you read it. There is a little spice as well.
May 28, 2025
ARC review:
tropes:
•friends to lovers
•small town romance
•second chance romance
omg this book made me feel so many things. i don’t think i’ve ever cried over a characters story and heartbreak the way that i cried over Dylan’s. everything she goes through is so heartbreaking but the way the author tells her story is what really gets you to feel all the emotions in the book. every single part of this book is so descriptive and well written in a way that really allows you to fall into the story and the characters.
Dylan and Brooks are definitely made for each other. you can tell through their POV’s the way they understand each other and can see into each other without any words. they love each other so deeply that they still stayed intertwined through each others lives despite spending years apart from each other.
i don’t really know how to describe this book other than it being raw. it is so full of emotion that it keeps you captivated while absolutely destroying but then it also builds you back up in a wholesome way. i love Dylan. she is such a strong FMC and i haven’t read a lot of stories like hers but i definitely want to.
tropes:
•friends to lovers
•small town romance
•second chance romance
omg this book made me feel so many things. i don’t think i’ve ever cried over a characters story and heartbreak the way that i cried over Dylan’s. everything she goes through is so heartbreaking but the way the author tells her story is what really gets you to feel all the emotions in the book. every single part of this book is so descriptive and well written in a way that really allows you to fall into the story and the characters.
Dylan and Brooks are definitely made for each other. you can tell through their POV’s the way they understand each other and can see into each other without any words. they love each other so deeply that they still stayed intertwined through each others lives despite spending years apart from each other.
i don’t really know how to describe this book other than it being raw. it is so full of emotion that it keeps you captivated while absolutely destroying but then it also builds you back up in a wholesome way. i love Dylan. she is such a strong FMC and i haven’t read a lot of stories like hers but i definitely want to.
April 19, 2025
I was given an ARC for this book and honestly I was expecting a lot more than what was given. The story overall felt very tedious and dull. It’s took a while for me to grasp who was the FMC and who was the MMC based on the names given (which is fine) but still not the best since it got confusing.
The story, especially at the beginning didn’t feel like I was reading a romance novel but rather reading a whole complete opposite genre in the beginning.
The story, especially at the beginning didn’t feel like I was reading a romance novel but rather reading a whole complete opposite genre in the beginning.
May 2, 2025
Until Forever Falls is a story that follows Brooks and Dylan in two timelines—two adults who were high school sweethearts that cross paths when Dylan returns to her hometown with her current boyfriend.
Brooks and Dylan had such good chemistry, the dual POV added to their history + made it all the more sweeter when they re-kindle their flame. Dylan’s past is an emotional roller coaster and will pull some tears from your eyes. The story was extremely well played out, and both character had the emotional depth a great book needs.
Second chance romance is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes and Micah Riley did an excellent job of displaying the emotional turmoil that comes with reconnecting with your high school sweetheart—the dual POV allows you to see how they fall in love and the emotional hardships and tragedy that ensues which disconnects them, and the feelings that come with crossing paths with that person after 10 years of distance.
The representation of how loss and grief shapes us as humans was portrayed excellently. This plays a vital role in the dis- and re-reconnection of Brooks and Dylan. It’s complicated, it’s messy, these topics are fully embraced and not shied away from. They shape Dylan as a person, and these topics can be triggering and difficult to read—please check content warnings.
Dylan’s letter… IYKYK—I was crying 😭
“I’d spent my entire life moving through the world in grayscale, and then there you were—color, brightening everything I thought I knew. I didn’t just see you. I recognized you, like some part of me had been waiting for the moment our world would collide.”
Overall, 4.25 stars! This was one of my favorite ARC reads so far. The writing was excellent and plot + character development felt adequately paced. This book hooked me and kept its hold on me. EXCELLENT read.
My favorite side character was Colt, and I do hope to see more of him in future books.
Release day was today, May 2nd, and this is such a sweet and raw story, it’s emotional and tear-jerking and would make an excellent addition to your TBR 🤍
Thank you to Micah Riley and Ember Literary PR for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: second chance romance | small town romance | he falls first | dual POV + timeline | trauma healing
Brooks and Dylan had such good chemistry, the dual POV added to their history + made it all the more sweeter when they re-kindle their flame. Dylan’s past is an emotional roller coaster and will pull some tears from your eyes. The story was extremely well played out, and both character had the emotional depth a great book needs.
Second chance romance is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes and Micah Riley did an excellent job of displaying the emotional turmoil that comes with reconnecting with your high school sweetheart—the dual POV allows you to see how they fall in love and the emotional hardships and tragedy that ensues which disconnects them, and the feelings that come with crossing paths with that person after 10 years of distance.
The representation of how loss and grief shapes us as humans was portrayed excellently. This plays a vital role in the dis- and re-reconnection of Brooks and Dylan. It’s complicated, it’s messy, these topics are fully embraced and not shied away from. They shape Dylan as a person, and these topics can be triggering and difficult to read—please check content warnings.
Dylan’s letter… IYKYK—I was crying 😭
“I’d spent my entire life moving through the world in grayscale, and then there you were—color, brightening everything I thought I knew. I didn’t just see you. I recognized you, like some part of me had been waiting for the moment our world would collide.”
Overall, 4.25 stars! This was one of my favorite ARC reads so far. The writing was excellent and plot + character development felt adequately paced. This book hooked me and kept its hold on me. EXCELLENT read.
My favorite side character was Colt, and I do hope to see more of him in future books.
Release day was today, May 2nd, and this is such a sweet and raw story, it’s emotional and tear-jerking and would make an excellent addition to your TBR 🤍
Thank you to Micah Riley and Ember Literary PR for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: second chance romance | small town romance | he falls first | dual POV + timeline | trauma healing
May 23, 2025
Until forever falls is the first book of Pain and Promises series, that I cannot wait to read more of!
Micah Riley is a total gut-punch romance that’ll have you crying and smiling, no regrets! This book! My between the eyes wrinkles increased because of it, but no regrets! You got to read it!!! It is gripping, emotional, traumatic, sad, happy, hopeful!
Set in Rockport, Oregon, it flips between past and present, following Dylan, a closed-off artist with a rough past, and Brooks, the cute guy who broke her heart. The book follows the life of Dylan, her twin brother Becket, and Brooks. Dylan and Becket have endured trauma thanks to their alcoholic mother who drags them to new places, every time she needs a breather. The last place where they end up in their senior year is in Rockport, Oregon. They meet Brooks there, a social butterfly football-er, who dreams of escaping the little town, where his fate is set by his dad working in construction. Friendship blooms between Dylan and Brooks, and a little bit more. Until Brooks shatters Dylan’s heart. Ten years later, they bump into each other in Maine, and Dylan’s like, “Running into you’s a curse!” But Brooks keeps at it, chipping away at her fear that “people always leave.” Dylan and Brooks finding their way back is like coming home.
I loved the writing! So gripping! Didn’t want to put the book down, but alas… life had other plans. The book’s chapters alternate between then and now, gently immersing us in their lives. Riley’s writing is raw—think bonfires, smeared paint—and Dylan’s journey from heartbreak to love hits hard.
Why should you read it—if you are a fan of second chances, emotional rollercoasters, and finding strength after trauma—this is for you! If you’re into emotional thrillers and “what happened to her” vibes, this one’s for you! Grab this if you love messy, real romance.
Micah Riley is a total gut-punch romance that’ll have you crying and smiling, no regrets! This book! My between the eyes wrinkles increased because of it, but no regrets! You got to read it!!! It is gripping, emotional, traumatic, sad, happy, hopeful!
Set in Rockport, Oregon, it flips between past and present, following Dylan, a closed-off artist with a rough past, and Brooks, the cute guy who broke her heart. The book follows the life of Dylan, her twin brother Becket, and Brooks. Dylan and Becket have endured trauma thanks to their alcoholic mother who drags them to new places, every time she needs a breather. The last place where they end up in their senior year is in Rockport, Oregon. They meet Brooks there, a social butterfly football-er, who dreams of escaping the little town, where his fate is set by his dad working in construction. Friendship blooms between Dylan and Brooks, and a little bit more. Until Brooks shatters Dylan’s heart. Ten years later, they bump into each other in Maine, and Dylan’s like, “Running into you’s a curse!” But Brooks keeps at it, chipping away at her fear that “people always leave.” Dylan and Brooks finding their way back is like coming home.
I loved the writing! So gripping! Didn’t want to put the book down, but alas… life had other plans. The book’s chapters alternate between then and now, gently immersing us in their lives. Riley’s writing is raw—think bonfires, smeared paint—and Dylan’s journey from heartbreak to love hits hard.
Why should you read it—if you are a fan of second chances, emotional rollercoasters, and finding strength after trauma—this is for you! If you’re into emotional thrillers and “what happened to her” vibes, this one’s for you! Grab this if you love messy, real romance.
May 6, 2025
First of all thank you for the ARC.
I liked this story :) I think the characters are relatable and the plot/storyline is really awesome! I know how hard it can be to have a good and compelling story and Micah Riley did an amazing job with that! She covers some difficult topics in very respectful but accurate ways and I can really appreciate that. The story is a tad slow but not everyone likes a fast paced story so that’s fine! Overall this isn’t a bad book and I would recommend reading it if it sounds like a story you’d enjoy. I would have given this book a 3-4 star review if not for one glaring issue for me. ⬇️
MY ONLY CAVEAT:
Unfortunately despite the AMAZING bones that this story had, I couldn’t get passed the fact that there was, very obviously, some use of AI here. It really pulls me out of the story when every-other paragraph ends in some vague emotional comparison “like it belongs to someone else” “barely there, but enough” “like a splinter under skin” “like a misplaced step on an uneven sidewalk” the amount of simile is truly exhausting. There is a lot of “almost as if” and “like a [blank] I can’t quite [blank]” And there’s an absurd amount of Em dashes on every page. The inner dialogue is repetitive to the point of frustration and everything is described in exactly the same format. Lots of vague language that doesn’t actually lend to the story in any way. (This— but absolutely this— and then this vague emotional description— and a final thought that could have been the entire thought) It really is giving- a program that is ATTEMPTING to sound poetic, lyrical, and introspective.
Either that or this author writes exactly like a ChatGPT response by sheer coincidence which to be fair, is entirely possible. Although I swear I can pick out the parts that are self written vs prompted into AI. It’s jarring. Some scenes are beautifully written, emotional and gorgeously descriptive pulling you into the moment as if you experienced it yourself. But others are just following the same model over and over and over again. Like I said, she could just write in a way that is so similar to AI that I’m confused and way off base, that’s a real possibility and I’m not going to sit here and die on this hill, it’s just hard to look past that’s all.
I liked this story :) I think the characters are relatable and the plot/storyline is really awesome! I know how hard it can be to have a good and compelling story and Micah Riley did an amazing job with that! She covers some difficult topics in very respectful but accurate ways and I can really appreciate that. The story is a tad slow but not everyone likes a fast paced story so that’s fine! Overall this isn’t a bad book and I would recommend reading it if it sounds like a story you’d enjoy. I would have given this book a 3-4 star review if not for one glaring issue for me. ⬇️
MY ONLY CAVEAT:
Unfortunately despite the AMAZING bones that this story had, I couldn’t get passed the fact that there was, very obviously, some use of AI here. It really pulls me out of the story when every-other paragraph ends in some vague emotional comparison “like it belongs to someone else” “barely there, but enough” “like a splinter under skin” “like a misplaced step on an uneven sidewalk” the amount of simile is truly exhausting. There is a lot of “almost as if” and “like a [blank] I can’t quite [blank]” And there’s an absurd amount of Em dashes on every page. The inner dialogue is repetitive to the point of frustration and everything is described in exactly the same format. Lots of vague language that doesn’t actually lend to the story in any way. (This— but absolutely this— and then this vague emotional description— and a final thought that could have been the entire thought) It really is giving- a program that is ATTEMPTING to sound poetic, lyrical, and introspective.
Either that or this author writes exactly like a ChatGPT response by sheer coincidence which to be fair, is entirely possible. Although I swear I can pick out the parts that are self written vs prompted into AI. It’s jarring. Some scenes are beautifully written, emotional and gorgeously descriptive pulling you into the moment as if you experienced it yourself. But others are just following the same model over and over and over again. Like I said, she could just write in a way that is so similar to AI that I’m confused and way off base, that’s a real possibility and I’m not going to sit here and die on this hill, it’s just hard to look past that’s all.
April 27, 2025
3.25/5
I received an ARC of Until Forever Falls in exchange for my honest review. As Micah Riley’s debut novel, I went into this with an open mind, and overall, I enjoyed seeing her take on the second-chance romance trope—one of my favorites. She definitely delivered on the emotional tension and the complicated feelings that come with reconnecting with a first love.
That said, I did find it challenging at times to follow the transitions between the past and present. The back-and-forth structure made the pacing feel a little disjointed, and I think the story might have flowed more smoothly if the past had been written first and then transitioned into the present timeline.
The setup—where the FMC is already in a relationship when she crosses paths with her high school sweetheart—was interesting but left me wanting a little more depth. The way the FMC handled her current relationship felt a bit unfair to the boyfriend, and the ending of that relationship could have been expanded on to give more emotional closure and weight to the FMC’s decisions.
One aspect I’m genuinely excited about is Colt’s storyline. Colt played a significant role in the FMC and MMC’s journey, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the author develops his character in future books.
Until Forever Falls is an emotional rollercoaster packed into a quick read, and for a debut novel, it shows a lot of potential. I’m excited to see how Micah Riley’s storytelling and character development continue to grow in her future work.
I received an ARC of Until Forever Falls in exchange for my honest review. As Micah Riley’s debut novel, I went into this with an open mind, and overall, I enjoyed seeing her take on the second-chance romance trope—one of my favorites. She definitely delivered on the emotional tension and the complicated feelings that come with reconnecting with a first love.
That said, I did find it challenging at times to follow the transitions between the past and present. The back-and-forth structure made the pacing feel a little disjointed, and I think the story might have flowed more smoothly if the past had been written first and then transitioned into the present timeline.
The setup—where the FMC is already in a relationship when she crosses paths with her high school sweetheart—was interesting but left me wanting a little more depth. The way the FMC handled her current relationship felt a bit unfair to the boyfriend, and the ending of that relationship could have been expanded on to give more emotional closure and weight to the FMC’s decisions.
One aspect I’m genuinely excited about is Colt’s storyline. Colt played a significant role in the FMC and MMC’s journey, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the author develops his character in future books.
Until Forever Falls is an emotional rollercoaster packed into a quick read, and for a debut novel, it shows a lot of potential. I’m excited to see how Micah Riley’s storytelling and character development continue to grow in her future work.
May 3, 2025
Oh, this one’s going to linger for a while. Until Forever Falls grabbed me by the throat from page one and refused to let go. I still can’t believe this is a debut because Micah Riley writes with the kind of soul and precision that feels timeless. Told in dual POV and split between past and present, Dylan and Brooks’ story is a gorgeous mess of heartbreak, healing, and hope.
We get to watch them fall hard in high school, fall apart, and then slowly find their way back to each other a decade later. The second chance, small-town, friends-to-lovers magic had me hooked. There’s angst, twists, and a whole lot of emotional wreckage, but also that quiet, slow-burn tenderness that makes you believe in love again. And yes, he absolutely falls first.
This isn’t just about romance either. It is about family, friendship, and learning how to let people love you even when you feel broken. It wrecked me in the best way and then gently put me back together. If you want something raw, beautiful, and unforgettable, you have to pick this one up.
We get to watch them fall hard in high school, fall apart, and then slowly find their way back to each other a decade later. The second chance, small-town, friends-to-lovers magic had me hooked. There’s angst, twists, and a whole lot of emotional wreckage, but also that quiet, slow-burn tenderness that makes you believe in love again. And yes, he absolutely falls first.
This isn’t just about romance either. It is about family, friendship, and learning how to let people love you even when you feel broken. It wrecked me in the best way and then gently put me back together. If you want something raw, beautiful, and unforgettable, you have to pick this one up.
April 27, 2025
Where do I even begin?
I still cannot believe this is a debut novel, the way it's written, the storyline, the characters. Every single part of this book stood out and stuck with me.
The dual timeline and pov gave a full picture of what was and what is. Feeling their hardships and helplessness at times through the pages as I read on.
The pain, the strength, the struggle, the love, the underlying tension that surfaced every now and again. This isn't just a story about the love of a couple but also about the love of siblings, the love of friendship.
Dylan and Brooks are 2 people you can't help but love and break for and their story shows that yes, life can be hard, but we can still choose to make it beautiful and let in the ones who love us unconditionally, for who we are and share the load to be able to truly live again.
This book broke my heart many times and then pieced back together 🤍
ARC Review - 5⭐️
Thank you, Micah Riley and Ember Literary PR
I still cannot believe this is a debut novel, the way it's written, the storyline, the characters. Every single part of this book stood out and stuck with me.
The dual timeline and pov gave a full picture of what was and what is. Feeling their hardships and helplessness at times through the pages as I read on.
The pain, the strength, the struggle, the love, the underlying tension that surfaced every now and again. This isn't just a story about the love of a couple but also about the love of siblings, the love of friendship.
Dylan and Brooks are 2 people you can't help but love and break for and their story shows that yes, life can be hard, but we can still choose to make it beautiful and let in the ones who love us unconditionally, for who we are and share the load to be able to truly live again.
This book broke my heart many times and then pieced back together 🤍
ARC Review - 5⭐️
Thank you, Micah Riley and Ember Literary PR
April 27, 2025
Oh my gosh! I don’t even know where to start on this review. I’m still crying!😭This book tore at my heartstrings. Being a twin myself, I literally cried starting at chapter 25. I had to call my twin sister, just to hear her voice. For anyone who has a twin, call them now and tell them you love them! You never know when it will be your last!
As I’m reflecting on this book, I feel like I know the characters in real life. The author does a wonderful job telling the story in dual POV, in the past when Dylan was younger, then retelling the story by reminiscing on the details as she returns to the town she graduated high school in for her class reunion. But when avoiding a town, that was once a town you couldn’t wait to leave, may end up being a place of comfort you can’t wait to get back to!
This book has already reached the top of the list for favorite books of the year! If I’m being honest, it’s on the top of my favorite books of all time!
As I’m reflecting on this book, I feel like I know the characters in real life. The author does a wonderful job telling the story in dual POV, in the past when Dylan was younger, then retelling the story by reminiscing on the details as she returns to the town she graduated high school in for her class reunion. But when avoiding a town, that was once a town you couldn’t wait to leave, may end up being a place of comfort you can’t wait to get back to!
This book has already reached the top of the list for favorite books of the year! If I’m being honest, it’s on the top of my favorite books of all time!
May 13, 2025
This book being a part of a series titled “pain and promises” is so freakin fitting because the emotional damage that this book caused CERTAINLY is, as promised INCREDIBLY painful.
Sobbing aside… this book has so much more to offer within its pages other than just a need for tissues. It’s a beautiful story of heartbreak, grief, and second chances. It’s so openly raw and written with so much love and care that the story really feels so painfully real. This book so perfectly captures the themes of love and loss and how both can splinter a person in different ways and if given the opportunity can also help them rebuild into a version of themselves that’s whole again. I think this is one of the most beautiful parts of this story. There are so many layers to this one, each one bringing the reader closer to the characters and understanding the complexity that is not just grief and trauma but life as a whole.
There is much to be said about the way in one way or another the pain of losing someone leaves no one untouched. Its impact never truly leaves us, it ripples through the rest of our lives in unexpected ways and becomes a part of who we are… but that’s not a bad thing. This story is a beautiful magnifying glass pointed at the concept that without pain there is no love. Grief means to have loved someone and that is a beautiful thing in itself.
Our FMC shows us that it’s ok to grieve yourself alongside those you have loved. It’s ok to get stuck. It’s ok to fall apart. As long as at the end of the day you pick yourself up and live your life not afraid of the pain that comes from love, but embrace it wholly and with the understanding that while life may take away the things you hold most important to you, it will always find a way to give them back to you, just in different forms.
If you can’t tell I’m a soppy freaking mess after reading this book. This was an incredible read and while it did cause me to cry my eyes out for longer than I’d care to admit… I 1000000/10 recommend it to anyone, especially if they like their books to make them feel something lol fml.
Sobbing aside… this book has so much more to offer within its pages other than just a need for tissues. It’s a beautiful story of heartbreak, grief, and second chances. It’s so openly raw and written with so much love and care that the story really feels so painfully real. This book so perfectly captures the themes of love and loss and how both can splinter a person in different ways and if given the opportunity can also help them rebuild into a version of themselves that’s whole again. I think this is one of the most beautiful parts of this story. There are so many layers to this one, each one bringing the reader closer to the characters and understanding the complexity that is not just grief and trauma but life as a whole.
There is much to be said about the way in one way or another the pain of losing someone leaves no one untouched. Its impact never truly leaves us, it ripples through the rest of our lives in unexpected ways and becomes a part of who we are… but that’s not a bad thing. This story is a beautiful magnifying glass pointed at the concept that without pain there is no love. Grief means to have loved someone and that is a beautiful thing in itself.
Our FMC shows us that it’s ok to grieve yourself alongside those you have loved. It’s ok to get stuck. It’s ok to fall apart. As long as at the end of the day you pick yourself up and live your life not afraid of the pain that comes from love, but embrace it wholly and with the understanding that while life may take away the things you hold most important to you, it will always find a way to give them back to you, just in different forms.
If you can’t tell I’m a soppy freaking mess after reading this book. This was an incredible read and while it did cause me to cry my eyes out for longer than I’d care to admit… I 1000000/10 recommend it to anyone, especially if they like their books to make them feel something lol fml.
May 3, 2025
*ARC*
“He’s different. He knows how to just be here, and that’s enough.”
“It only took one person—him—to crack through the walls I’ve stacked so high around myself. To show me that I’m worth more than the scraps I’ve been settling for, that I deserve better than the endless ache I’ve lived with for so long.”
“Some things are worth any excuse to show up. You’re one of them.”
I FREAKING LOVED THIS.
Micah Riley hit it out of the park with this book. The heartbreak & every emotion I felt throughout this made me feel like I was truly invested with Dylan and Brooks. Dylan experienced more trauma than necessary in her life but Brooks always showed up… until he didn’t. The wrap back around and second-chance of this book has me in a chokehold forever and always. I will 1000% be continuing to read from her ❤️
“He’s different. He knows how to just be here, and that’s enough.”
“It only took one person—him—to crack through the walls I’ve stacked so high around myself. To show me that I’m worth more than the scraps I’ve been settling for, that I deserve better than the endless ache I’ve lived with for so long.”
“Some things are worth any excuse to show up. You’re one of them.”
I FREAKING LOVED THIS.
Micah Riley hit it out of the park with this book. The heartbreak & every emotion I felt throughout this made me feel like I was truly invested with Dylan and Brooks. Dylan experienced more trauma than necessary in her life but Brooks always showed up… until he didn’t. The wrap back around and second-chance of this book has me in a chokehold forever and always. I will 1000% be continuing to read from her ❤️
May 1, 2025
This book wrecked me. This book was a series of twists and turns. It was done beautifully to keep you compelled to find out what is happening. All the friendship and relationships are deep and fully formed. Dylan and Brooks relationship is everything. The trust they have in each other and their own ability to grow.
I absolutely sobbed during this book. My heart really hurts for Dylan. I completely understand what she’s going through. It’s only been 6 months for me, and he was my best friend too.
If you enjoy a good book that completely wrecks you and leaves you ugly crying, this book is for you. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Micah Riley for allowing me to read your book! This was an ARC read, these thoughts are my own!
I absolutely sobbed during this book. My heart really hurts for Dylan. I completely understand what she’s going through. It’s only been 6 months for me, and he was my best friend too.
If you enjoy a good book that completely wrecks you and leaves you ugly crying, this book is for you. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Micah Riley for allowing me to read your book! This was an ARC read, these thoughts are my own!
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