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Coastal Rivals #3
High Hopes
BIRDIE Collins has a plan: finish her junior year in Dayton U’s competitive 3D4M program and secure a coveted arts fellowship. But since a car accident left her battling anxiety and chronic pain, keeping it together has become an uphill climb. The very last thing she needs? A distraction—especially not from a loudmouthed, overly charming soccer player.
LIAM Donovan is the carefree jokester everyone assumes he is. As a star right winger on Dayton’s D1 soccer team, he’s always ready with a sarcastic remark or teasing grin. But the nonstop banter? It’s a cover for the heavy weight of family expectations he struggles to bear. He doesn’t have time for a complicated artist who sees straight through his defenses.
When Birdie and Liam’s paths collide, what starts as a reluctant partnership quickly turns into something deeper. Late-night study sessions melt into midnight confessions, and they find themselves drawn into each other’s worlds in ways they never expected.
As the final stretch of soccer season heats up and Birdie’s fellowship deadline looms, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to take a chance on each other. Because sometimes, leaning on someone else isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a leap of faith.
LIAM Donovan is the carefree jokester everyone assumes he is. As a star right winger on Dayton’s D1 soccer team, he’s always ready with a sarcastic remark or teasing grin. But the nonstop banter? It’s a cover for the heavy weight of family expectations he struggles to bear. He doesn’t have time for a complicated artist who sees straight through his defenses.
When Birdie and Liam’s paths collide, what starts as a reluctant partnership quickly turns into something deeper. Late-night study sessions melt into midnight confessions, and they find themselves drawn into each other’s worlds in ways they never expected.
As the final stretch of soccer season heats up and Birdie’s fellowship deadline looms, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to take a chance on each other. Because sometimes, leaning on someone else isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a leap of faith.
324 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2025
199 people are currently reading
6480 people want to read
About the author
Ki Stephens
12 books1,448 followersKi Stephens is a romance enthusiast who finds comfort in the happily-ever-after . . . with just a little bit of angst along the way. She has a special interest in works that include neurodivergent characters like herself. When she’s not daydreaming about books, Ki enjoys working with kids, creating art in her backyard studio, and spending loads of time with her baby girl, her husband, and their three pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
June 28, 2025
— 3.5 ★
I love liam & birdie so much—they're definitely my favorite couple in this series!! liam was not only the man of words of affirmation but he also backed up his words with actions. seeing them being so supportive towards each other made my heart so full 🥹 their love was just so soft, pure & innocent. I loved how birdie saw more in liam than just a golden boy—she saw the deeper side of him that not many people got to see since he was forced by his parents to keep up a facade all the time. she made him realize that he wasn't too much as he was made to believe his whole life. on the other hand, liam was always there for birdie. whenever she started to doubt her work or lost the motivation, he was right there to show her how amazing what she was doing actually was. plus, he even had a lemon ready for her to sniff because he knew how anxious she felt and that it'd help with her anxiety—such thoughtful gestures speak volumes.
⭑𓂃 ⌗ quotes
"you were right. I am scared. but you...you make me feel like I don't have to be."
"you don't. not with me. I've got you, okay? if you don't want to call me your boyfriend, that's fine. but just know that I'm yours, no matter the title."
"you can be my boyfriend, liam."
"great, I was really hoping you'd say that."
"do you ever think I'm, like, too much sometimes?"
"too much?"
"yeah. I talk too much. say the wrong things. I don't know when to shut up. I mean...I dunno."
"no, you're not too much. not for me."
"really?"
"really. you're...exactly right, actually."
"birdie?"
"yeah?"
"you're my favorite."
"I'm not usually a touchy-feely sort of guy, either."
"really? isn't physical touch, like, every guy's love language?"
"didn't realize we were talking about love here."
"I just mean...most guys I know like to be touched. in some manner of speaking."
"oh, I like to be touched, birdie. I'm just selective about who gets the honor."
"why do I even try?"
"because deep down, you like me."
"waiting for me, birdie?"
"obviously."
"it's because I called you pretty, isn't it? careful now—you can't fall in love with me over a single compliment."
"are you that full of yourself?"
"someone has to be."
"I hope you know you don't have to that with me."
"do what?"
"self-deprecate. it's a bad habit of mine, too. feels a bit like hiding."
"you don't want me to hide from you, birdie?"
"I'd prefer it if you showed up, actually. flaws and all."
"okay. but don't say I didn't warn you."
⊹ "liam and I were...doing some light kissing before everything blew up. but it wasn't just that. it was trust. it was warmth. it was the feeling of being seen—completely—when the rest of the world felt like it didn't even notice I existed." ៹࣪⭑𓂃 ⌗ my thoughts
I love liam & birdie so much—they're definitely my favorite couple in this series!! liam was not only the man of words of affirmation but he also backed up his words with actions. seeing them being so supportive towards each other made my heart so full 🥹 their love was just so soft, pure & innocent. I loved how birdie saw more in liam than just a golden boy—she saw the deeper side of him that not many people got to see since he was forced by his parents to keep up a facade all the time. she made him realize that he wasn't too much as he was made to believe his whole life. on the other hand, liam was always there for birdie. whenever she started to doubt her work or lost the motivation, he was right there to show her how amazing what she was doing actually was. plus, he even had a lemon ready for her to sniff because he knew how anxious she felt and that it'd help with her anxiety—such thoughtful gestures speak volumes.
⭑𓂃 ⌗ quotes
"you were right. I am scared. but you...you make me feel like I don't have to be."
"you don't. not with me. I've got you, okay? if you don't want to call me your boyfriend, that's fine. but just know that I'm yours, no matter the title."
"you can be my boyfriend, liam."
"great, I was really hoping you'd say that."
"do you ever think I'm, like, too much sometimes?"
"too much?"
"yeah. I talk too much. say the wrong things. I don't know when to shut up. I mean...I dunno."
"no, you're not too much. not for me."
"really?"
"really. you're...exactly right, actually."
"birdie?"
"yeah?"
"you're my favorite."
"I'm not usually a touchy-feely sort of guy, either."
"really? isn't physical touch, like, every guy's love language?"
"didn't realize we were talking about love here."
"I just mean...most guys I know like to be touched. in some manner of speaking."
"oh, I like to be touched, birdie. I'm just selective about who gets the honor."
"why do I even try?"
"because deep down, you like me."
"waiting for me, birdie?"
"obviously."
"it's because I called you pretty, isn't it? careful now—you can't fall in love with me over a single compliment."
"are you that full of yourself?"
"someone has to be."
"I hope you know you don't have to that with me."
"do what?"
"self-deprecate. it's a bad habit of mine, too. feels a bit like hiding."
"you don't want me to hide from you, birdie?"
"I'd prefer it if you showed up, actually. flaws and all."
"okay. but don't say I didn't warn you."
February 13, 2025
I love this book with every fiber of my being, and everyone should read it RIGHT NOW!!!! 💚
I read and love everything Ki writes, but this has to be my favorite from her yet. She does soft love better than anyone I know, and she’s proved it to be true once again!
Oh my sweet and soft precious little angel babies Birdie & Liam HOW I LOVE YOU SO 😭 Birdie is the kind of person who holds the world’s weight on her shoulders, and Liam is the golden retriever puppy coded lover boy who will do anything to help her carry it and make her smile 🥺 I’m crying again just thinking about how gone he was for her — this is how down bad men should be written!
These two have such an easy, natural bond right from the start. Liam falls for her in subtle ways from the moment they meet, and it’s clear that he’s never connected with anyone else like he has with her. It is absolutely precious, and the entire time I was thinking to myself ‘now that is a man in love’! 🥲
And Birdie is just as much there for Liam! They’re both so good at assuring each other they can be themselves around one another because that’s how they prefer it. I just loved how they came into each other’s lives unexpectedly then to truly becoming one another’s biggest supporters and best friends and safe spaces to land with everything going on in their lives 🥹 Their relationship shows the importance of having someone to lean on unconditionally and to be known and loved for exactly as you are.
In case it wasn’t obvious, Birdie & Liam own my entire heart and soul! They may be fictional, but they’re real to me and you can’t convince me they weren’t put on this earth just so they could be together 🤧 Already looking forward to re-reading this one 🫶
Thank you so much to Ki Stephens & her team for an ARC of this book! 💌
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
I'M UNWELL I ADORE BIRDIE & LIAM WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING!!!! :,)
I read and love everything Ki writes, but this has to be my favorite from her yet. She does soft love better than anyone I know, and she’s proved it to be true once again!
Oh my sweet and soft precious little angel babies Birdie & Liam HOW I LOVE YOU SO 😭 Birdie is the kind of person who holds the world’s weight on her shoulders, and Liam is the golden retriever puppy coded lover boy who will do anything to help her carry it and make her smile 🥺 I’m crying again just thinking about how gone he was for her — this is how down bad men should be written!
These two have such an easy, natural bond right from the start. Liam falls for her in subtle ways from the moment they meet, and it’s clear that he’s never connected with anyone else like he has with her. It is absolutely precious, and the entire time I was thinking to myself ‘now that is a man in love’! 🥲
And Birdie is just as much there for Liam! They’re both so good at assuring each other they can be themselves around one another because that’s how they prefer it. I just loved how they came into each other’s lives unexpectedly then to truly becoming one another’s biggest supporters and best friends and safe spaces to land with everything going on in their lives 🥹 Their relationship shows the importance of having someone to lean on unconditionally and to be known and loved for exactly as you are.
In case it wasn’t obvious, Birdie & Liam own my entire heart and soul! They may be fictional, but they’re real to me and you can’t convince me they weren’t put on this earth just so they could be together 🤧 Already looking forward to re-reading this one 🫶
Thank you so much to Ki Stephens & her team for an ARC of this book! 💌
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
I'M UNWELL I ADORE BIRDIE & LIAM WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING!!!! :,)
March 9, 2025
This was sooo so so close to five stars!!!! My angel Liam was perfect and I loved him so much! I also loved birdie, but she’s a big reason this isn’t getting five stars. Her pretty much ghosting him from Thanksgiving to new years really pissed me off. I get that she was upset, but that was way too long. And then the other big reason this isn’t getting five stars is the ending. It did not feel very solid, he’s going to Cincinnati and she’ll be visiting him and they’ll “make it work”. That is so unsatisfying to me
If those two things had been different this would’ve been five stars because I loved how they bantered and actually liked each other
If those two things had been different this would’ve been five stars because I loved how they bantered and actually liked each other
February 17, 2025
3.5/5
I loved the characters tbh (autism rep!!!) but wanted more of them! The pacing felt off and every conflict was resolved a little too easily, and their moments together were idk, lacking something. Really cute though!
I loved the characters tbh (autism rep!!!) but wanted more of them! The pacing felt off and every conflict was resolved a little too easily, and their moments together were idk, lacking something. Really cute though!
February 6, 2025
this was so so cute! liam and birdie were the sweetest pair. the way liam wholeheartedly supported and appreciated birdie and her passions was so beautiful. i just can't get over how sweet this was. ki really does write the best men. thank you so much to Ki for this ARC!
February 9, 2025
Let me just start off by saying I would literally read anything that she writes because her writing is so addictive so beautiful and so fluid that I have finished most of her books in one sitting and that is saying a lot considering I’m a slow reader 🥰✨
this book was beautiful and very unique, but in the best way possible I have never read a romance book about a clay making FMC (Birdie) it was very interesting just learning about what she did and what she loved doing but there was so much more depth to her character than you would initially think with everything that’s happened to her and the way she deals with things is very relatable✨🎨💚
Now don’t even get me started on Liam because this man is everything he is a football MMC he is golden retriever energy but also very reserved. He is the sweetest and so thoughtful he is so patient with Birdie and so considerate of her feelings but he has his own issues and things that he’s dealing with as well and I feel like a lot of us will relate to him in sometimes not feeling heard or feeling that we need to dim our light for other people.🥹
Something that will definitely stick with me forever when reading this book was she suffers with migraines and there was a time where she was suffering with one and he just looked after her as if it was nothing and it was just so adorable there’s just so many things that he does that making a new favourite book BF. I also love the fact that she also included a very popular item which is jelly cats I feel like everyone owns a jelly cat other than me definitely after finishing this book I will be getting a bunny jelly cat for sure🐰✨🥰💚
well in classic fashion I could ramble on about this book forever but instead of doing that and spoiling something I will give you some of my favourite quotes✨💚
💚Quotes💚
“ when Birdie’s around I can let my guard down she pulls me out of my own head makes it easier to breathe”
“ you’re such a sap.” - “ yeah well you make me one.”
“ you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen”
“ I love you so much. I didn’t think someone like you existed until you came crashing into my life, but now I can’t imagine it any other way.”
The book releases on KU and in paperback on the 13th of February, I hope you guys love the story as much as I do✨💚🥹🐰🎨⚽️
this book was beautiful and very unique, but in the best way possible I have never read a romance book about a clay making FMC (Birdie) it was very interesting just learning about what she did and what she loved doing but there was so much more depth to her character than you would initially think with everything that’s happened to her and the way she deals with things is very relatable✨🎨💚
Now don’t even get me started on Liam because this man is everything he is a football MMC he is golden retriever energy but also very reserved. He is the sweetest and so thoughtful he is so patient with Birdie and so considerate of her feelings but he has his own issues and things that he’s dealing with as well and I feel like a lot of us will relate to him in sometimes not feeling heard or feeling that we need to dim our light for other people.🥹
Something that will definitely stick with me forever when reading this book was she suffers with migraines and there was a time where she was suffering with one and he just looked after her as if it was nothing and it was just so adorable there’s just so many things that he does that making a new favourite book BF. I also love the fact that she also included a very popular item which is jelly cats I feel like everyone owns a jelly cat other than me definitely after finishing this book I will be getting a bunny jelly cat for sure🐰✨🥰💚
well in classic fashion I could ramble on about this book forever but instead of doing that and spoiling something I will give you some of my favourite quotes✨💚
💚Quotes💚
“ when Birdie’s around I can let my guard down she pulls me out of my own head makes it easier to breathe”
“ you’re such a sap.” - “ yeah well you make me one.”
“ you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen”
“ I love you so much. I didn’t think someone like you existed until you came crashing into my life, but now I can’t imagine it any other way.”
The book releases on KU and in paperback on the 13th of February, I hope you guys love the story as much as I do✨💚🥹🐰🎨⚽️
February 5, 2025
[ arc review ]
i am so excited for high hopes to be released and for everyone to read it. it feels like it's been so long since i devoured a book so fast and loved so much. the characters, the story, the vibes, etc. were everything! this has quickly become one of my favs in the ki universe.
bridget "birdie" collins is a hard working, dedicated arts student looking to earn a prestigous and hihgly competitive arts fellowship. liam donovan is a silly guy in an adorable golden retriever way and is one of dayton's star soccer players.
when birdie and liam first meet, it's a silly little interaction and they had such good banter from the start. as the story goes on and their paths collide, yet again, they are in a situation where they can start to see each other more, i can't spoil, you'll understand what i mean when you read it. i love how easy their interactions were from the start. they could talk and joke and also get stuff done.
as they spend more time together, they become close friends... friends? definitely more than friends. they had me kicking my feet, giggling, swooning because i was rooting for them so hard. it was a semi-slow burn i'd say but i feel like the pacing of the book was perfect. like i didn't feel like it was too much of a slow burn but also wasn't so insta-lovey.
another thing i loved about this story is that, although they struggled and things didn't always go how they wanted, there wasn't a work around or an easy solution, if that makes sense, again, you'll understand what i mean when you read it. they had each other to lean on and to help get through the hard times, even if it was hard for them to let each other in at times.
liam and bridie were not only a cutesy, bantering, joking, silly, wholesome couple, they also both cared for each other so much and helped each other better themselves. from liam's family problems and birdie's past trauma and the lingering effects of the accident, the two of them lifted each other during their times of sturggle. i was so proud of liam and birdie's progress and growth throughout the story and so glad they found each other and were each other's rock.
high hopes releases feb. 13th <3
i am so excited for high hopes to be released and for everyone to read it. it feels like it's been so long since i devoured a book so fast and loved so much. the characters, the story, the vibes, etc. were everything! this has quickly become one of my favs in the ki universe.
bridget "birdie" collins is a hard working, dedicated arts student looking to earn a prestigous and hihgly competitive arts fellowship. liam donovan is a silly guy in an adorable golden retriever way and is one of dayton's star soccer players.
when birdie and liam first meet, it's a silly little interaction and they had such good banter from the start. as the story goes on and their paths collide, yet again, they are in a situation where they can start to see each other more, i can't spoil, you'll understand what i mean when you read it. i love how easy their interactions were from the start. they could talk and joke and also get stuff done.
as they spend more time together, they become close friends... friends? definitely more than friends. they had me kicking my feet, giggling, swooning because i was rooting for them so hard. it was a semi-slow burn i'd say but i feel like the pacing of the book was perfect. like i didn't feel like it was too much of a slow burn but also wasn't so insta-lovey.
another thing i loved about this story is that, although they struggled and things didn't always go how they wanted, there wasn't a work around or an easy solution, if that makes sense, again, you'll understand what i mean when you read it. they had each other to lean on and to help get through the hard times, even if it was hard for them to let each other in at times.
liam and bridie were not only a cutesy, bantering, joking, silly, wholesome couple, they also both cared for each other so much and helped each other better themselves. from liam's family problems and birdie's past trauma and the lingering effects of the accident, the two of them lifted each other during their times of sturggle. i was so proud of liam and birdie's progress and growth throughout the story and so glad they found each other and were each other's rock.
high hopes releases feb. 13th <3
February 4, 2025
ARC READ — 5⭐️ i devour anything ki stephens writes and this book? was no short of a masterpiece. the plot was so seamless and the development of their relationship felt so natural. birdie and liam just needed to be loved. i love how they didn’t overlook their own goals and ambitions once they entered each other’s lives. i loved seeing ki’s previous characters make cameos and the crossovers. birdie’s anxieties about the future were so relatable it almost felt like i was reading my own thoughts. i just loved this book so much i wish i could wipe my memory and read it for the first time
February 13, 2025
⋆˚࿔ arc review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
5 STARS !!!!!! i bet you thought it’d be another rating but sikeeeee i loved birdieliam and i hope everyone does as well (but let’s keep it a secret... i get jealous ! just kidding !!!)
thank you to my favorite author ki stephens for the arc in exchange for an honest review ! and again, thank you so much for the arc, i’m forever grateful to be a part of the ki arc team ♡
⁀➴ plot
wouldn’t you love to meet the love of your life because of a dare gone wrong? or should i say the prettiest disaster? that’s what happens during birdieliam’s junior year, but don’t worry it wasn’t that bad !!
they don’t see each for a few days but when they do, birdie learns in the most terrible way that the guy who kicked a ball and missed it is actually the son of a donor from the fellowship she desperately needs. and what could happen if she asked for his help?? well let me tell you ! they start off as friends helping each other and end up falling in love <3 but could things go wrong? read and find out !
⁀➴ characters
ᯓ★ birdie collins
my pottery girl !!!!! i loved seeing her passion for sculpting !!! with ki we always get strong fmcs and this time wasn’t different, i loved how birdie’s degree was portrayed because it was the first time we’ve seen an artistic character in the kiverse and it didn’t disappoint.
birdie’s a relatable character and i felt so bad because she’s dealing with the pressure of the fellowship while also struggling with the consequences of a car accident that left her with ptsd and migraines episodes. i could feel the tension every time she felt that kind of pain and it just broke my heart.
with a lot going on she even pushed her friends away but honestly? it’s their loss because she’s amazing ! she has been through so much and never stopped working on her art :( and now she’s surrounded by friends and a boyfriend who truly care about her.
she often thinks she isn’t good enough but bridget collins couldn’t have been more wrong ! she deserves everything in this world and i got so happy when she got contacted by claire about the future because i was cheering for her all along :,) and i need to say… i never saw the jellycats collection coming but i love it !
ᯓ★ liam donovan
my pretty boy !!!!! i had so much fun with liam in close call and i’m so glad he got his moment to shine ! it was lovely to see the birthday coupons comeback, i still can’t believe he got 143 of 366 but i mean it’s liam ! he’s the kindest person but he always thinks he’s doing things wrong like talking too much without thinking first and struggling with connecting to other people which isn’t as easy as it appears to be :( but he’s perfect !
i felt sick to my stomach when i saw how his parents treat him :( they are never happy with anything he does and when they tried to dictate his life choices??? let him be himself !!!!!! liam and james deserve better parents because a real one would never tell you that you can’t chase whatever catches your attention, such an awful person. FINE I HATE THEM.
the relief i felt when liam decided to pursue soccer after college, i swear this boy deserves going pro after all the hard work !!!!! lets go cincinnati !!!!!!
he’s also my sudoku king !!! i know it was only mentioned once but as someone who has a few sudoku books, it was everything to me okay ! it’s such a good pastime and i think people don’t know how enjoyable it actually is ! so please buy a sudoku book and complete a couple, i swear it’s easy !!!
ᯓ★ birdieliam
my green and hazel eyed couple ! they start hanging out because birdie asks for liam’s help and i truly thought he wasn’t gonna help at all considering his engineering degree but i loved seeing their process !!! we all know how the fellowship story ends and being honest we know who deserved it !!!!! i’m still mad about this but at least everything worked out in the end !
birdie described how raw, unpolished and unapologetically honest her pieces are and i need to say this is ki’s most raw book to date, with each release she impresses me even more and i couldn’t be prouder !
birdieliam? “the prettiest disaster i’ve ever met” changed my brain chemistry. their relationship is like art and i’m not even joking because birdie said how art is about pushing through the messy parts and hoping you’ll stumble onto something real, and that’s how their relationship started ! they became friends despite the fellowship drama and in the end nothing else mattered but them <3
i know liam said he’d wait for her without any pressure and i’m so sure she’d do the same for him, and i thought that was so beautiful because they never pressured each other into doing something and that’s how relationship should work !!! “i want to be with you. you want to be with me. everything else? we’ll figure it out.” and that’s life. and i love them so much.
one of my favorite scenes is when birdie had a migraine and liam did everything he could to make her as comfortable as possible, i love scenes like this :,) and him trying pottery??? i wished for a scene like that for the past two years, thank you ki for writing it !!
shout out to james for bringing up lemon and lime to help with anxiety ! it was so sweet to see how liam took the non advice and used it to calm birdie by sniffing a lemon and when she brought one to his draft <3
⁀➴ side characters
something i never thought i’d see in the ki universe is a grumpier man than luca… warren come take your award ! since i begged for liam’s book in my close call review and my wish was granted, i’ll do the same for warren because i wanna know who won his heart ! KI PLEASE WRITE A BOOK FOR THE GRUMPIEST MAN OF ALL
it was lovely to see jadetheo and emmyhayes again :( also james !!!!! i’m happy for chase because he got what he most wanted and sena is a good roommate ! and jesus when santi made the parallel park metaphor? i was cracking up, how painful it’s to watch someone struggle but you still stick around and root for their success, that’s friendship ! and i could never forget you otis ! i wish you had more screen time because you’re birdieliam’s first child
gotta love claire and hate david !!!!!!! what an infuriating character, his sons are having the best time of their lives and all he can do is judge and try to force them do live how he wants, that’s not a father and i won’t talk about their mother.
⁀➴ thoughts
and after all that, here we’re, my honest opinion on what i read. ki outdid herself with her most emotional and raw book, both main characters have their own struggles but they manage to be vulnerable with each other and help the other whenever it was needed.
in high hopes we laugh a bit but we also feel hurt for the characters, we could be laughing at one scene but in a matter of seconds start crying because birdieliam are just that intense. when we met them they were lost but i’m so glad they found each other. i just love them so much :,)
two years ago i started begging on ki’s dm for a pottery bf and ki wrote a pottery gf, in my defense i only asked for a bf because i’m straight okay !!!! but i love birdie and it’s just so her that i can’t unsee it. i don’t know if ki remembers but she wrote something like how she had an idea for a potter character in a new series only if it would make someone happy and yes ki all the readers are so happy that we’re bawling !!!! thank you for making my wish come true even though you had already planned it lmao
well if you managed to read this entire review, hi! i hope i didn’t bore you, i know this was long but i had to say everything i felt about this lovely couple from the kiverse <3
*ೃ༄ pre-read
a masterpiece (i haven’t read yet
5 STARS !!!!!! i bet you thought it’d be another rating but sikeeeee i loved birdieliam and i hope everyone does as well (but let’s keep it a secret... i get jealous ! just kidding !!!)
thank you to my favorite author ki stephens for the arc in exchange for an honest review ! and again, thank you so much for the arc, i’m forever grateful to be a part of the ki arc team ♡
⁀➴ plot
wouldn’t you love to meet the love of your life because of a dare gone wrong? or should i say the prettiest disaster? that’s what happens during birdieliam’s junior year, but don’t worry it wasn’t that bad !!
they don’t see each for a few days but when they do, birdie learns in the most terrible way that the guy who kicked a ball and missed it is actually the son of a donor from the fellowship she desperately needs. and what could happen if she asked for his help?? well let me tell you ! they start off as friends helping each other and end up falling in love <3 but could things go wrong? read and find out !
⁀➴ characters
ᯓ★ birdie collins
my pottery girl !!!!! i loved seeing her passion for sculpting !!! with ki we always get strong fmcs and this time wasn’t different, i loved how birdie’s degree was portrayed because it was the first time we’ve seen an artistic character in the kiverse and it didn’t disappoint.
birdie’s a relatable character and i felt so bad because she’s dealing with the pressure of the fellowship while also struggling with the consequences of a car accident that left her with ptsd and migraines episodes. i could feel the tension every time she felt that kind of pain and it just broke my heart.
with a lot going on she even pushed her friends away but honestly? it’s their loss because she’s amazing ! she has been through so much and never stopped working on her art :( and now she’s surrounded by friends and a boyfriend who truly care about her.
she often thinks she isn’t good enough but bridget collins couldn’t have been more wrong ! she deserves everything in this world and i got so happy when she got contacted by claire about the future because i was cheering for her all along :,) and i need to say… i never saw the jellycats collection coming but i love it !
ᯓ★ liam donovan
my pretty boy !!!!! i had so much fun with liam in close call and i’m so glad he got his moment to shine ! it was lovely to see the birthday coupons comeback, i still can’t believe he got 143 of 366 but i mean it’s liam ! he’s the kindest person but he always thinks he’s doing things wrong like talking too much without thinking first and struggling with connecting to other people which isn’t as easy as it appears to be :( but he’s perfect !
i felt sick to my stomach when i saw how his parents treat him :( they are never happy with anything he does and when they tried to dictate his life choices??? let him be himself !!!!!! liam and james deserve better parents because a real one would never tell you that you can’t chase whatever catches your attention, such an awful person. FINE I HATE THEM.
the relief i felt when liam decided to pursue soccer after college, i swear this boy deserves going pro after all the hard work !!!!! lets go cincinnati !!!!!!
he’s also my sudoku king !!! i know it was only mentioned once but as someone who has a few sudoku books, it was everything to me okay ! it’s such a good pastime and i think people don’t know how enjoyable it actually is ! so please buy a sudoku book and complete a couple, i swear it’s easy !!!
ᯓ★ birdieliam
my green and hazel eyed couple ! they start hanging out because birdie asks for liam’s help and i truly thought he wasn’t gonna help at all considering his engineering degree but i loved seeing their process !!! we all know how the fellowship story ends and being honest we know who deserved it !!!!! i’m still mad about this but at least everything worked out in the end !
birdie described how raw, unpolished and unapologetically honest her pieces are and i need to say this is ki’s most raw book to date, with each release she impresses me even more and i couldn’t be prouder !
birdieliam? “the prettiest disaster i’ve ever met” changed my brain chemistry. their relationship is like art and i’m not even joking because birdie said how art is about pushing through the messy parts and hoping you’ll stumble onto something real, and that’s how their relationship started ! they became friends despite the fellowship drama and in the end nothing else mattered but them <3
i know liam said he’d wait for her without any pressure and i’m so sure she’d do the same for him, and i thought that was so beautiful because they never pressured each other into doing something and that’s how relationship should work !!! “i want to be with you. you want to be with me. everything else? we’ll figure it out.” and that’s life. and i love them so much.
one of my favorite scenes is when birdie had a migraine and liam did everything he could to make her as comfortable as possible, i love scenes like this :,) and him trying pottery??? i wished for a scene like that for the past two years, thank you ki for writing it !!
shout out to james for bringing up lemon and lime to help with anxiety ! it was so sweet to see how liam took the non advice and used it to calm birdie by sniffing a lemon and when she brought one to his draft <3
⁀➴ side characters
something i never thought i’d see in the ki universe is a grumpier man than luca… warren come take your award ! since i begged for liam’s book in my close call review and my wish was granted, i’ll do the same for warren because i wanna know who won his heart ! KI PLEASE WRITE A BOOK FOR THE GRUMPIEST MAN OF ALL
it was lovely to see jadetheo and emmyhayes again :( also james !!!!! i’m happy for chase because he got what he most wanted and sena is a good roommate ! and jesus when santi made the parallel park metaphor? i was cracking up, how painful it’s to watch someone struggle but you still stick around and root for their success, that’s friendship ! and i could never forget you otis ! i wish you had more screen time because you’re birdieliam’s first child
gotta love claire and hate david !!!!!!! what an infuriating character, his sons are having the best time of their lives and all he can do is judge and try to force them do live how he wants, that’s not a father and i won’t talk about their mother.
⁀➴ thoughts
and after all that, here we’re, my honest opinion on what i read. ki outdid herself with her most emotional and raw book, both main characters have their own struggles but they manage to be vulnerable with each other and help the other whenever it was needed.
in high hopes we laugh a bit but we also feel hurt for the characters, we could be laughing at one scene but in a matter of seconds start crying because birdieliam are just that intense. when we met them they were lost but i’m so glad they found each other. i just love them so much :,)
two years ago i started begging on ki’s dm for a pottery bf and ki wrote a pottery gf, in my defense i only asked for a bf because i’m straight okay !!!! but i love birdie and it’s just so her that i can’t unsee it. i don’t know if ki remembers but she wrote something like how she had an idea for a potter character in a new series only if it would make someone happy and yes ki all the readers are so happy that we’re bawling !!!! thank you for making my wish come true even though you had already planned it lmao
well if you managed to read this entire review, hi! i hope i didn’t bore you, i know this was long but i had to say everything i felt about this lovely couple from the kiverse <3
*ೃ༄ pre-read
a masterpiece (i haven’t read yet
February 3, 2025
"Birdie?"
"Yeah?"
"You're my favorite."
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Ugh this book - it's the kind of book you just want to hug immediately after finishing it. I swear, Ki continues to master her craft with each book that she writes. This one was beautifully tender and sweet in ways that were beyond heart-warming.
I absolutely adored our fmc, Birdie. She had a ton of layers to her that I really enjoyed getting to uncover the more I read. For starters, her dry humor and quick wit that was funny in a more subtle way that I don't see as often and I loved that about her. She had this black-cat energy while still having this soft, gentle side and I don't think anyone understood that more than Liam did.
My heart ached for Birdie from the very beginning because of the PTSD she was dealing with from a previous car accident and the subsequent aftermath. It killed me that she not only had to deal with a particular form of grief and anxiety that she alone had to bear, but also this gut-wrenching isolation because her old friends just didn't get it. Sena's friendship was one of my favorite parts because she GOT IT - I could have cried with the way she really saw Birdie and cared for her. It was exactly what Birdie deserved in a friend and more.
Now... Liam - my heart. He was one of the most relatable mmc's I've ever read about. There were times where it legit felt like I was looking in a mirror. His sensitivity to loud noises, fumbling with small talk, generally feeling overwhelmed in big crowds, and his people pleasing tendencies was me to a goddamn T. The way his parents constantly made him feel like he was simultaneously too much yet not enough was such a gut punch. This is one of the most gentle, thoughtful, understanding, hardworking, caring men ever and they have the audacity to make him feel bad about himself?! I could murder them for it lmao.
It was honestly so sweet to see the way Liam and Birdie came together with all of their playful back and forth and subtle ways they showed up for each other. I liked how it kind of started off as just a friendship that slowly blossomed into more. I think Birdie needed someone to continuously show up for her the way that Liam did, so she could believe that she was worth the love he was offering. I liked that she challenged him and didn't let him hide behind his self-deprecation and other ways he would normally mask what he was feeling. I adored the tender ways that Liam took care of Birdie and how he really saw her. He constantly lifted her up and that was was everything!! Also... every "Birdie, baby" altered my brain chemistry.
I loved how deeply artistic this book was. The attention to detail that went into the whole process of making pottery was incredible. Like, not only the technical aspect because obviously there was a lot of research that went into that part, but the creativity to the actual art form itself!! The passion and vision shined when Birdie and Liam talked about her pieces - it felt like her art was coming to life on page, which was really so beautiful. I'm so used to Ki's characters who excel in STEM fields (which she also writes remarkably well) but I enjoyed getting to read about such an imaginative character like Birdie.
As always, the neurodivergent representation in Ki's books is so well done and greatly appreciated. It's really special to read about characters who I see so much of myself in and I feel like it just makes them feel so much more real.
Anyway, sorry I yapped so much but I couldn't help myself lmao. This one comes out on February 13 and I definitely recommend picking it up!!
"Yeah?"
"You're my favorite."
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Ugh this book - it's the kind of book you just want to hug immediately after finishing it. I swear, Ki continues to master her craft with each book that she writes. This one was beautifully tender and sweet in ways that were beyond heart-warming.
I absolutely adored our fmc, Birdie. She had a ton of layers to her that I really enjoyed getting to uncover the more I read. For starters, her dry humor and quick wit that was funny in a more subtle way that I don't see as often and I loved that about her. She had this black-cat energy while still having this soft, gentle side and I don't think anyone understood that more than Liam did.
My heart ached for Birdie from the very beginning because of the PTSD she was dealing with from a previous car accident and the subsequent aftermath. It killed me that she not only had to deal with a particular form of grief and anxiety that she alone had to bear, but also this gut-wrenching isolation because her old friends just didn't get it. Sena's friendship was one of my favorite parts because she GOT IT - I could have cried with the way she really saw Birdie and cared for her. It was exactly what Birdie deserved in a friend and more.
Now... Liam - my heart. He was one of the most relatable mmc's I've ever read about. There were times where it legit felt like I was looking in a mirror. His sensitivity to loud noises, fumbling with small talk, generally feeling overwhelmed in big crowds, and his people pleasing tendencies was me to a goddamn T. The way his parents constantly made him feel like he was simultaneously too much yet not enough was such a gut punch. This is one of the most gentle, thoughtful, understanding, hardworking, caring men ever and they have the audacity to make him feel bad about himself?! I could murder them for it lmao.
It was honestly so sweet to see the way Liam and Birdie came together with all of their playful back and forth and subtle ways they showed up for each other. I liked how it kind of started off as just a friendship that slowly blossomed into more. I think Birdie needed someone to continuously show up for her the way that Liam did, so she could believe that she was worth the love he was offering. I liked that she challenged him and didn't let him hide behind his self-deprecation and other ways he would normally mask what he was feeling. I adored the tender ways that Liam took care of Birdie and how he really saw her. He constantly lifted her up and that was was everything!! Also... every "Birdie, baby" altered my brain chemistry.
I loved how deeply artistic this book was. The attention to detail that went into the whole process of making pottery was incredible. Like, not only the technical aspect because obviously there was a lot of research that went into that part, but the creativity to the actual art form itself!! The passion and vision shined when Birdie and Liam talked about her pieces - it felt like her art was coming to life on page, which was really so beautiful. I'm so used to Ki's characters who excel in STEM fields (which she also writes remarkably well) but I enjoyed getting to read about such an imaginative character like Birdie.
As always, the neurodivergent representation in Ki's books is so well done and greatly appreciated. It's really special to read about characters who I see so much of myself in and I feel like it just makes them feel so much more real.
Anyway, sorry I yapped so much but I couldn't help myself lmao. This one comes out on February 13 and I definitely recommend picking it up!!
February 7, 2025
ki always knows how to write a book that will hit you right where it hurts and do it with ease.
birdie and liam i think genuinely made it to the top of my list of favorite ki couples. they were two lost people that weren’t exactly looking to be found, but found each other anyway.
birdie was drowning in guilt from a car accident she was in and the weight of figuring out how she was going to cover her tuition for the next school year, and liam, the chaotic mess he is, stormed right into her life and turned it upside with a swift kick of a soccer ball.
every time ki writes a new book i feel like she takes her characters right from my brain (and my diary). birdie’s panic and isolation were so well written, and i related a bit too much to her ways of coping. liam’s self doubt and worries of being too much felt like they came straight from my own head and i just wanted to wrap the both of them up in a hug and not let go.
their story was soft and sweet with the perfect amount of chaos. these are two characters that go together in ways you can’t imagine but fit together perfectly. the calm to each other’s storm and vice versa. i had so much fun with them and i love ki + team for giving me this arc and i can’t wait for her trad debut later this year <3
birdie and liam i think genuinely made it to the top of my list of favorite ki couples. they were two lost people that weren’t exactly looking to be found, but found each other anyway.
birdie was drowning in guilt from a car accident she was in and the weight of figuring out how she was going to cover her tuition for the next school year, and liam, the chaotic mess he is, stormed right into her life and turned it upside with a swift kick of a soccer ball.
every time ki writes a new book i feel like she takes her characters right from my brain (and my diary). birdie’s panic and isolation were so well written, and i related a bit too much to her ways of coping. liam’s self doubt and worries of being too much felt like they came straight from my own head and i just wanted to wrap the both of them up in a hug and not let go.
their story was soft and sweet with the perfect amount of chaos. these are two characters that go together in ways you can’t imagine but fit together perfectly. the calm to each other’s storm and vice versa. i had so much fun with them and i love ki + team for giving me this arc and i can’t wait for her trad debut later this year <3
February 21, 2025
Ahhhh thank you so much, Ki for the arc of High Hopes, out now!!!!
This was adorableeee <33333 Liam was super sweet and soft (which you can always expect with Ki's books) he was just downright obsessed and always wanting to find a way to make Birdie smile. He deserves so much better, and a better support system and I am so glad he and Birdie had each other for support and love! He just wanted to carry her around and lift that weight of her shoulder.
Birdie being a pottery girl was everything. I loved seeing her artistic side and how inspired she was with her designs and always pushing to do better and be better. Birdie had so much weight on her shoulders I just wanted to give her a hug, matter a fact, Ki, I just want to get to know all your characters in real life cause I just knowwww they'd be the best people to have around.
Lemme tell y'all I went feral for this man when he said "Birdie, baby" gasping for air, feral.
Thank you, Ki, for your patience and trust in me for this arc, I appreciate you so much and truly just love your work. Every time I read a book by Ki, I am reminded that soft love does exist, even in the midst of chaos.
- Soccer Romance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Artist FMC x Athlete MMC
- Strangers to Friends to Lovers
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- Opposites Attract
This was adorableeee <33333 Liam was super sweet and soft (which you can always expect with Ki's books) he was just downright obsessed and always wanting to find a way to make Birdie smile. He deserves so much better, and a better support system and I am so glad he and Birdie had each other for support and love! He just wanted to carry her around and lift that weight of her shoulder.
Birdie being a pottery girl was everything. I loved seeing her artistic side and how inspired she was with her designs and always pushing to do better and be better. Birdie had so much weight on her shoulders I just wanted to give her a hug, matter a fact, Ki, I just want to get to know all your characters in real life cause I just knowwww they'd be the best people to have around.
Lemme tell y'all I went feral for this man when he said "Birdie, baby" gasping for air, feral.
Thank you, Ki, for your patience and trust in me for this arc, I appreciate you so much and truly just love your work. Every time I read a book by Ki, I am reminded that soft love does exist, even in the midst of chaos.
- Soccer Romance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Artist FMC x Athlete MMC
- Strangers to Friends to Lovers
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- Opposites Attract
February 8, 2025
this was absolutely ADORABLE. one of my new favorites from ki stephens! liam and birdie’s relationship was so swoon worthy.
gosh where to begin! this literally was one the most wholesome reads i’ve read in a minute. like it has to be my favorite in the series because the slowburn aspect of this was perfection, and i love how the pacing of birdie and liam’s relationship evolved. liam is so so patient with birdie and wants nothing more but the best for her, and birdie is the thing that grounds liam when he’s at his limit. they really found solace in one another. i could read about these two forever 🥹💫
thank you ki stephens for sending me an arc of high hopes!
gosh where to begin! this literally was one the most wholesome reads i’ve read in a minute. like it has to be my favorite in the series because the slowburn aspect of this was perfection, and i love how the pacing of birdie and liam’s relationship evolved. liam is so so patient with birdie and wants nothing more but the best for her, and birdie is the thing that grounds liam when he’s at his limit. they really found solace in one another. i could read about these two forever 🥹💫
thank you ki stephens for sending me an arc of high hopes!
February 14, 2025
this book is exactly what I needed
it’s so fluffy and romantic and has a man who just loves her so much😭
I always love Ki’s books, but this might be my new favorite of hers!!
soccer player x artist, college romance and he does so many things to win her over and prove that they belong together!!
it’s so fluffy and romantic and has a man who just loves her so much😭
I always love Ki’s books, but this might be my new favorite of hers!!
soccer player x artist, college romance and he does so many things to win her over and prove that they belong together!!
March 23, 2025
3.5⭐️ This is exactly what I needed to recover from Sunrise on the Reaping. The writing was pretty good, the characters were very likable. There was really no major conflict, and no third act breakup or issues between the two main characters. Cutesy little book where she has a problem and he comes and helps her. It was good for what the synopsis is. We love. Palette has been cleansed.
May 20, 2025
“You’re just you. And that’s all I want.”
High Hopes by Ki Stephens is a college romance that follows artist Bridget Collins and right winger Liam Donnavan.
When it comes to writing about men yearning for their girl or men falling in love for the first time, Ki does an amazing job at this. The way you could tell through her writing how in love and obsessed Liam was with Bridget was so wholesome and cute.
As for Bridget, she’s my girl. I’m literally in love with her too. She was always going through something, yet she always pushed through.
The only thing I kind of expected in the book, was for Liam to walk out on his parents. I mean they were so harsh not just on Liam but on Bridget too.
I don’t know what type of witchcraft Ki has done on me or put on her books, but every time I read her books and get introduced to new characters I fall in love.
*Thank you to the author, Ki Stephens, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
High Hopes by Ki Stephens is a college romance that follows artist Bridget Collins and right winger Liam Donnavan.
When it comes to writing about men yearning for their girl or men falling in love for the first time, Ki does an amazing job at this. The way you could tell through her writing how in love and obsessed Liam was with Bridget was so wholesome and cute.
As for Bridget, she’s my girl. I’m literally in love with her too. She was always going through something, yet she always pushed through.
The only thing I kind of expected in the book, was for Liam to walk out on his parents. I mean they were so harsh not just on Liam but on Bridget too.
I don’t know what type of witchcraft Ki has done on me or put on her books, but every time I read her books and get introduced to new characters I fall in love.
*Thank you to the author, Ki Stephens, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
April 30, 2025
it was cute the characters didn’t really stick out to me 👩🦯 could’ve been a lot shorter
March 8, 2025
I won’t lie, I wasn’t really feeling this book very much. I’m not sure why, or what wasn’t working for me - especially because I generally really enjoy most of the other books by this author. But something just wasn’t clicking for me. I didn’t really connect with the characters, wasn’t a huge fan of the actual story and just felt like all round it was a little bit messy. Little bit disappointing but the book itself wasn’t bad - I just wasn’t loving it.
February 13, 2025
Ki Stephens knows exactly how to write a cozy, heartwarming romance: soft love, strong hearts, and a little bit of angst in between. I could get lost in her writing forever, and the way she writes her characters is just so beautiful.
Bridget “Birdie” Collins, art major and ceramist, is competing for the prestigious Dayton Fellowship in the Arts to make a name for herself in the art industry. If selected as the winner, the funds will help cover her medical expenses and allow her to dedicate herself to her craft. Enter Liam Donovan, a star right winger on Dayton’s soccer team, who also happens to be the son of a member of the selection committee...
Passionate, devoted and hardworking, Birdie’s the kind of girl who pushes herself to the limits in order to achieve her dreams. Suffering from survivor’s guilt and chronic pain due to a car accident, my heart absolutely broke for her when all she wanted was to find peace. I loved watching her character growth, letting people in her life, and learning to accept the love she deserves. Liam is an equally endearing character and I couldn’t have imagined a better fit for Birdie. He’s unfiltered, goofy, and would literally drop everything to come help Birdie when she needed it. I also loved how Birdie allowed Liam to be unapologetically himself and never made him feel like he is “too much”. I found myself seeing bits and pieces of myself in Birdie and Liam, especially when it comes to the self-deprecating humor and overthinking tendencies.
I adored Birdie and Liam’s romance. It’s one of those books where you can just tell the characters genuinely like each other’s company and that comfort level comes through the pages. From their accidental meet-cute to forming an unlikely friendship without them even realizing it, everything felt so natural between them. The fact that these two are so different to each other is what helps bring balance into their relationship. They were sweet and soft, but also deeply supported each other.
I can’t wait for the next book in the Coastal Rivals series! Is Warren next, perhaps? Or Sena?
Thank you to Ki Stephens and Taylor for providing the e-ARC of High Hopes!
Bridget “Birdie” Collins, art major and ceramist, is competing for the prestigious Dayton Fellowship in the Arts to make a name for herself in the art industry. If selected as the winner, the funds will help cover her medical expenses and allow her to dedicate herself to her craft. Enter Liam Donovan, a star right winger on Dayton’s soccer team, who also happens to be the son of a member of the selection committee...
Passionate, devoted and hardworking, Birdie’s the kind of girl who pushes herself to the limits in order to achieve her dreams. Suffering from survivor’s guilt and chronic pain due to a car accident, my heart absolutely broke for her when all she wanted was to find peace. I loved watching her character growth, letting people in her life, and learning to accept the love she deserves. Liam is an equally endearing character and I couldn’t have imagined a better fit for Birdie. He’s unfiltered, goofy, and would literally drop everything to come help Birdie when she needed it. I also loved how Birdie allowed Liam to be unapologetically himself and never made him feel like he is “too much”. I found myself seeing bits and pieces of myself in Birdie and Liam, especially when it comes to the self-deprecating humor and overthinking tendencies.
I adored Birdie and Liam’s romance. It’s one of those books where you can just tell the characters genuinely like each other’s company and that comfort level comes through the pages. From their accidental meet-cute to forming an unlikely friendship without them even realizing it, everything felt so natural between them. The fact that these two are so different to each other is what helps bring balance into their relationship. They were sweet and soft, but also deeply supported each other.
I can’t wait for the next book in the Coastal Rivals series! Is Warren next, perhaps? Or Sena?
Thank you to Ki Stephens and Taylor for providing the e-ARC of High Hopes!
February 13, 2025
: ̗̀➛ arc review:
thank you so much Ki for giving me an arc 🫶
⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ ⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆
ੈ✩‧₊˚ I just want to say that Ki has done it once again, another masterpiece!
ੈ✩‧₊˚ I love BirdieLiam sososo much. They’re easygoing vibes & how well they worked together, not only as friends but as lovers as well. Them together being able to laugh & have such easygoing conversation was so cute to see. Seeing them develop their crushes & how they reacted internally was so fun to see.
ੈ✩‧₊˚ I admire Birdie so much, she’s been through so much & she still going strong. Even with set backs she was able to pick herself up & try again, no matter how much it hurt her to fail. Seeing her try & try again was so motivating to. She knew her passions & even her limits, when she saw an opportunity she went for it & I really loved that about her!! I loved how she let herself be vulnerable. She let herself blossom & grow into an amazing woman! Letting Sena in & opening was cute to see & I hope we get more BirdieSena content in the future.
ੈ✩‧₊˚ Liam is so golden retriever, he’s so chill & tries to be the funniest guy ever. I’m glad to see some struggles with him, to show the good & the bad of life. Seeing Liam struggle with parents that were trying to control him & him not letting it happen was so cool!! I just know if I was him I wouldn’t have been so open & vocal about soccer & I admire him for it. I’m glad he stood his ground & he even protected Birdie against his parents. True love right there!
thank you so much Ki for giving me an arc 🫶
⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ ⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆
ੈ✩‧₊˚ I just want to say that Ki has done it once again, another masterpiece!
ੈ✩‧₊˚ I love BirdieLiam sososo much. They’re easygoing vibes & how well they worked together, not only as friends but as lovers as well. Them together being able to laugh & have such easygoing conversation was so cute to see. Seeing them develop their crushes & how they reacted internally was so fun to see.
ੈ✩‧₊˚ I admire Birdie so much, she’s been through so much & she still going strong. Even with set backs she was able to pick herself up & try again, no matter how much it hurt her to fail. Seeing her try & try again was so motivating to. She knew her passions & even her limits, when she saw an opportunity she went for it & I really loved that about her!! I loved how she let herself be vulnerable. She let herself blossom & grow into an amazing woman! Letting Sena in & opening was cute to see & I hope we get more BirdieSena content in the future.
ੈ✩‧₊˚ Liam is so golden retriever, he’s so chill & tries to be the funniest guy ever. I’m glad to see some struggles with him, to show the good & the bad of life. Seeing Liam struggle with parents that were trying to control him & him not letting it happen was so cool!! I just know if I was him I wouldn’t have been so open & vocal about soccer & I admire him for it. I’m glad he stood his ground & he even protected Birdie against his parents. True love right there!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
Arc review! 💚🧸🏈💐🎨
High hopes was something else. I always have such high expectations going into Ki’s books because everything she write is *chefs kiss* and this one easily exceeded them!
Birdie and Liam had me absolutely swooning, they are perfect together. I love how Birdie and Liams relationship bloomed so gradually and they didn’t just jump right into having feelings for each other. They met so unexpectedly, and somehow they were able to build such a beautiful friendship from that. Getting to see them slowly open up to each other and be more comfortable expressing their feelings was so special, especially because Birdie is so used to pushing all her problems aside and holding everything in. Liam is the biggest sweetheart and truly accepts Birdie for all her flaws and is willing to be by her side at any moment. Ki always sdors such a good job including representation and once again high hopes is perfect for that. Birdie struggles with migraines after an incident in her past which was represented effortlessly, as well as Liam and his struggles with loud noises and large crowds. Also not to mention Birdie is real for having a big jellycat collection, I smiled so much reading that part!
Overall high hopes was the sweetest read and I’m so grateful I got to receive an arc for this. If you love a slow burn, sports romance, grumpy x sunshine, college romance you need to read high hopes immediately!!!
High hopes was something else. I always have such high expectations going into Ki’s books because everything she write is *chefs kiss* and this one easily exceeded them!
Birdie and Liam had me absolutely swooning, they are perfect together. I love how Birdie and Liams relationship bloomed so gradually and they didn’t just jump right into having feelings for each other. They met so unexpectedly, and somehow they were able to build such a beautiful friendship from that. Getting to see them slowly open up to each other and be more comfortable expressing their feelings was so special, especially because Birdie is so used to pushing all her problems aside and holding everything in. Liam is the biggest sweetheart and truly accepts Birdie for all her flaws and is willing to be by her side at any moment. Ki always sdors such a good job including representation and once again high hopes is perfect for that. Birdie struggles with migraines after an incident in her past which was represented effortlessly, as well as Liam and his struggles with loud noises and large crowds. Also not to mention Birdie is real for having a big jellycat collection, I smiled so much reading that part!
Overall high hopes was the sweetest read and I’m so grateful I got to receive an arc for this. If you love a slow burn, sports romance, grumpy x sunshine, college romance you need to read high hopes immediately!!!
February 14, 2025
"I am scared. but you...you make me feel like I don't have to be."
I am going to need Ki to write my personal love story into existence because I continue to be obsessed with her stories of the SOFTEST, SWEETEST, HONEST love ever. The way that Liam and Birdie built their relationship from a friends-to-lovers standpoint was everything to me, their foundation of trust, safety, and overall friendship created such a gorgeous love story that I was a puddle on the floor by the end of it.
Ki is always going to write two softies who just want someone to see all of them and accept/love them for who they are and Birdie and Liam are prime examples of that. I fell in love with Birdie so fast. I understood her and was rooting for her unlike any fmc Ki has written to date. Liam was such a good friend and person, I adored the way that Birdie showed him the love he was missing, they just fit so well together that I was a soft mushy mess.
This continues to be my favorite series from Ki, each book is somehow better than the last. Ki's writing is captivating, honest and so full of soft love that I am never going to tire of it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am going to need Ki to write my personal love story into existence because I continue to be obsessed with her stories of the SOFTEST, SWEETEST, HONEST love ever. The way that Liam and Birdie built their relationship from a friends-to-lovers standpoint was everything to me, their foundation of trust, safety, and overall friendship created such a gorgeous love story that I was a puddle on the floor by the end of it.
Ki is always going to write two softies who just want someone to see all of them and accept/love them for who they are and Birdie and Liam are prime examples of that. I fell in love with Birdie so fast. I understood her and was rooting for her unlike any fmc Ki has written to date. Liam was such a good friend and person, I adored the way that Birdie showed him the love he was missing, they just fit so well together that I was a soft mushy mess.
This continues to be my favorite series from Ki, each book is somehow better than the last. Ki's writing is captivating, honest and so full of soft love that I am never going to tire of it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2025
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader’s Copy. All of thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book felt like a warm hug. It brought me so much joy and comfort.
Liam and Birdie have a quiet, slow, honest type of love. The kind filled with small thoughtful moments: a reassuring hand squeeze, remembering something the other mentioned once, showing up to soccer practices, making a list of things the other likes, having a lemon in their pocket because the smell helps with the anxiety.
Their connection started with a little spark that slowly grew as they opened up about their burdens, fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams.
In the beginning they're both struggling, Birdie with the aftermath of a traumatic car accident and the pressure of getting a fellowship. Liam feeling the odd one out of the family and not knowing what to do after college.
I loved how they were always open and direct with each other from the moment they met. They were always true to who they are. They only ever needed to show up as they were -flaws and all-for the other to love them.
The friendships in this book were also a highlight for me! Sena and Birdie; Liam and his teammates.
The snippets of the other couples made me smile so big. The bowling scene was so precious.
I love this book with my whole heart.
This book felt like a warm hug. It brought me so much joy and comfort.
Liam and Birdie have a quiet, slow, honest type of love. The kind filled with small thoughtful moments: a reassuring hand squeeze, remembering something the other mentioned once, showing up to soccer practices, making a list of things the other likes, having a lemon in their pocket because the smell helps with the anxiety.
Their connection started with a little spark that slowly grew as they opened up about their burdens, fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams.
In the beginning they're both struggling, Birdie with the aftermath of a traumatic car accident and the pressure of getting a fellowship. Liam feeling the odd one out of the family and not knowing what to do after college.
I loved how they were always open and direct with each other from the moment they met. They were always true to who they are. They only ever needed to show up as they were -flaws and all-for the other to love them.
The friendships in this book were also a highlight for me! Sena and Birdie; Liam and his teammates.
The snippets of the other couples made me smile so big. The bowling scene was so precious.
I love this book with my whole heart.
February 6, 2025
thank u ki and team for the arc <333 birdie and liam were absolutely precious and i love them very much
liam is such a lovable yet attentive himbo bf (dream combo honestly)
and birdie is so passionate and has such a good head on her shoulders (she would love folklore)
a quick sweet and fun rom com w some heavy elements mentioned
also i live for the the emmyhayes and theojade cameo chapter (so family)
- tied together with a smile
- fearless
- difficult
- maroon
- vampire (aesthetic then lyrics)
- sweet nothing
- better off
- you are in love
liam is such a lovable yet attentive himbo bf (dream combo honestly)
and birdie is so passionate and has such a good head on her shoulders (she would love folklore)
a quick sweet and fun rom com w some heavy elements mentioned
also i live for the the emmyhayes and theojade cameo chapter (so family)
- tied together with a smile
- fearless
- difficult
- maroon
- vampire (aesthetic then lyrics)
- sweet nothing
- better off
- you are in love
February 9, 2025
Thank you for the ARC in return for an honest review.
High Hopes, the third book in the Coastal rivals series, centred around Liam, a college soccer player and Birdie who loved ceramics, and had big dreams. They were amazing main characters, and I enjoyed their banter from the moment they met. This book was outstanding, I enjoyed how the relationship developed between Liam and Bridget, I also enjoyed Bridget's relationship with Sena. This book was a great addition to this series, and I enjoyed reading it.
High Hopes, the third book in the Coastal rivals series, centred around Liam, a college soccer player and Birdie who loved ceramics, and had big dreams. They were amazing main characters, and I enjoyed their banter from the moment they met. This book was outstanding, I enjoyed how the relationship developed between Liam and Bridget, I also enjoyed Bridget's relationship with Sena. This book was a great addition to this series, and I enjoyed reading it.
April 9, 2025
lovedddd this book! this one I think is my favorite of the series so far! Liam and Birdies was so refreshing and cute. I loved that their dynamic was a little different from other books. Liam is amazing and I love him so much. Birdie literally owns my heart from how much of a caring heart she has and I’m so happy she got the happiness and comfort she deserved. I really liked the soccer player x artist because I feel like it worked well and was amazing to read about. I really liked it!
February 16, 2025
This was so so so good. Just soft, and uplifting & sweet. All around golden vibes. Liam Donovan is THE guy; I adore him. I loved Birdies strength & determination & her raw moments. I loved how both of them just supported each other & let them be themselves. To be seen.
⚽️ college romance
🎨 artist/ athlete
⚽️ mental health rep
🎨 golden retriever/ black cat
⚽️ college romance
🎨 artist/ athlete
⚽️ mental health rep
🎨 golden retriever/ black cat
March 6, 2025
love it
Love Birdie n Liams relationship! Friends to lovers love it the slow burn ugh🥰
Wish we got more about how they made it work after we got drafted def would’ve made it a 5 star read
Love Birdie n Liams relationship! Friends to lovers love it the slow burn ugh🥰
Wish we got more about how they made it work after we got drafted def would’ve made it a 5 star read
February 12, 2025
3.75!!! thank you to Ki Stephens for the arc!!! 🫶🏼
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