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The Summer We Found Us
Could one summer at the lake house change everything?
Elijah Thorne
Tobias was my best friend. My everything. We swore nothing would break us.
Then high school started, and he shattered that promise—trading me for a perfect image and people who never really mattered.
After a traumatic event tore apart what little bond we had left, I did the only thing I could—I ran. Left our small town for school, desperate to erase Tobias and the feelings I never wanted to name.
But now I’m back for the summer. And he’s still here. Still tangled in everything I tried to leave behind. Still breathtaking. Still impossible to ignore.
Tobias Voss
Elijah doesn’t get it. Maybe he never will.
He doesn’t know the truths I’ve had to bury. The secrets I’ve had to keep. He doesn’t understand that I never wanted to hurt him. How he’s always been the most important person to me. That I’ve never stopped—
No. I can’t go there.
But summer came too fast, and the longer we’re stuck in this lake house, the harder it is to keep pretending.
Pretending that we were the problem when, in reality, it was everything else.
Maybe this summer is our last chance to get it right.
The Summer We Found Us is a mature, college/new adult, childhood best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers MM romance with dark themes. There will be triggering content for some readers. If you have triggers—any at all—please proceed with caution. This book is intended for readers 18+. It is Book 1 in a duet and has a guaranteed HFN/HEA, with the second book releasing this fall.
Elijah Thorne
Tobias was my best friend. My everything. We swore nothing would break us.
Then high school started, and he shattered that promise—trading me for a perfect image and people who never really mattered.
After a traumatic event tore apart what little bond we had left, I did the only thing I could—I ran. Left our small town for school, desperate to erase Tobias and the feelings I never wanted to name.
But now I’m back for the summer. And he’s still here. Still tangled in everything I tried to leave behind. Still breathtaking. Still impossible to ignore.
Tobias Voss
Elijah doesn’t get it. Maybe he never will.
He doesn’t know the truths I’ve had to bury. The secrets I’ve had to keep. He doesn’t understand that I never wanted to hurt him. How he’s always been the most important person to me. That I’ve never stopped—
No. I can’t go there.
But summer came too fast, and the longer we’re stuck in this lake house, the harder it is to keep pretending.
Pretending that we were the problem when, in reality, it was everything else.
Maybe this summer is our last chance to get it right.
The Summer We Found Us is a mature, college/new adult, childhood best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers MM romance with dark themes. There will be triggering content for some readers. If you have triggers—any at all—please proceed with caution. This book is intended for readers 18+. It is Book 1 in a duet and has a guaranteed HFN/HEA, with the second book releasing this fall.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
118 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Ella Kit
5 books118 followersElla Kit is a writer of LGBTQA+ romance novels who loves giggling and kicking her feet over charming characters, crying happy tears over love declarations, and celebrating those hard-earned happily-ever-afters.
Through her stories, she brings to life heartfelt romances that dive deep into love, growth, and self-discovery.
When Ella isn’t writing, you can find her reading, exploring new adventures, and chatting with readers who adore sweet love stories as much as she does.
Through her stories, she brings to life heartfelt romances that dive deep into love, growth, and self-discovery.
When Ella isn’t writing, you can find her reading, exploring new adventures, and chatting with readers who adore sweet love stories as much as she does.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 17, 2025
This was cute, but it felt like a long book. I mean, it’s 367 pages, but it dragged so much. The idea of the plot was good, I loved the tropes, and I know this book has some emotionally heavy moments, but the writing took me out of them, and I couldn’t fully feel the emotions as deeply as I was meant to.
It was the same with the spice and the romantic moments between Tobias and Elijah. I know their relationship was sweet and cute, but everything they said felt so freaking cliché that I didn’t really feel their connection. I don’t even know how to explain it, it just didn’t feel deep to me. I didn’t have those “aww” moments that melt your heart, and with how their story was written, I know it was supposed to make me feel that way, so I’m sad that it didn’t.
That doesn’t mean I hated it, because I did enjoy reading it, and I liked both Elijah and Tobias. Their friendship was strong, and there was so much tension between them. When they “hated” each other—well, more like when Elijah hated Tobias—that tension was even better. I loved how they reconnected and rebuilt their friendship while falling in love. For me, though, Jude’s relationship with both of them was one of the best parts of this book. The way he accepted and cared for Tobias as if he were his own son was beautiful. Jude was such an amazing father, I don’t even want to talk about Tobias’s father, I just hate that he’s still around.
To be honest, I don’t think this book should’ve been a duet. With this first one, I already felt like it dragged, and even though it ended with a cliffhanger, I wish it had just wrapped up. It’s not the greatest book, but it was still really sweet and had its good moments, along with some that I think shouldn’t have been there. The writing might just not be my style, but that’s okay. I’m still going to read the second book because I need to know how their story ends.
It was the same with the spice and the romantic moments between Tobias and Elijah. I know their relationship was sweet and cute, but everything they said felt so freaking cliché that I didn’t really feel their connection. I don’t even know how to explain it, it just didn’t feel deep to me. I didn’t have those “aww” moments that melt your heart, and with how their story was written, I know it was supposed to make me feel that way, so I’m sad that it didn’t.
That doesn’t mean I hated it, because I did enjoy reading it, and I liked both Elijah and Tobias. Their friendship was strong, and there was so much tension between them. When they “hated” each other—well, more like when Elijah hated Tobias—that tension was even better. I loved how they reconnected and rebuilt their friendship while falling in love. For me, though, Jude’s relationship with both of them was one of the best parts of this book. The way he accepted and cared for Tobias as if he were his own son was beautiful. Jude was such an amazing father, I don’t even want to talk about Tobias’s father, I just hate that he’s still around.
To be honest, I don’t think this book should’ve been a duet. With this first one, I already felt like it dragged, and even though it ended with a cliffhanger, I wish it had just wrapped up. It’s not the greatest book, but it was still really sweet and had its good moments, along with some that I think shouldn’t have been there. The writing might just not be my style, but that’s okay. I’m still going to read the second book because I need to know how their story ends.
April 1, 2025
ARC Review
This book honestly had a bit of everything. Friends to Enemies to Lovers. Found family. Break your heart and put it back together. And so much more
We begin with young MCs making promises to being together for life and then WAM BAM they hate each other
MC1 has so much to wave through and life for but it’s just so hard for him to life
MC2 is at uni being the best son to the best Dad to ever live
An amazing read from top to bottom. The feels, the drama, the MC, the characters, the spice, it just had everything and it was so so so good. I’ve never said this about a book but I wish it was longer so I could have more MC love I miss them already ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This story is just so well written from the feelings to the spice - in my opinion when the MC first bottomed for the first time EVER we read his feelings from the shyness of cleaning to the awkwardness to the pain to the good part - this for me was so well done I was amazed at how well the author did it
The story telling was so so so beautifully done I just couldn’t put the book down (I started reading at 5pm and finished at 3am) the plot, the drama, the side characters, the MCs, everything so just well done I still have goosebumps from the book
The spice is so well done; the MC are young adults so they are leaning what they like in bed and it’s done it a good way nothing forced and you get to see how they try new things and experiment on some “kinks”
Honestly this book, I came to it blind with no summary, no tropes, no clue what it was about to read and I was so surprised to what I read. One of my top reads in a very long time
I can’t wait for the author the write more. She is wonderful and represents her MCs amazing you actually feel them and live through them
This book honestly had a bit of everything. Friends to Enemies to Lovers. Found family. Break your heart and put it back together. And so much more
We begin with young MCs making promises to being together for life and then WAM BAM they hate each other
MC1 has so much to wave through and life for but it’s just so hard for him to life
MC2 is at uni being the best son to the best Dad to ever live
An amazing read from top to bottom. The feels, the drama, the MC, the characters, the spice, it just had everything and it was so so so good. I’ve never said this about a book but I wish it was longer so I could have more MC love I miss them already ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This story is just so well written from the feelings to the spice - in my opinion when the MC first bottomed for the first time EVER we read his feelings from the shyness of cleaning to the awkwardness to the pain to the good part - this for me was so well done I was amazed at how well the author did it
The story telling was so so so beautifully done I just couldn’t put the book down (I started reading at 5pm and finished at 3am) the plot, the drama, the side characters, the MCs, everything so just well done I still have goosebumps from the book
The spice is so well done; the MC are young adults so they are leaning what they like in bed and it’s done it a good way nothing forced and you get to see how they try new things and experiment on some “kinks”
Honestly this book, I came to it blind with no summary, no tropes, no clue what it was about to read and I was so surprised to what I read. One of my top reads in a very long time
I can’t wait for the author the write more. She is wonderful and represents her MCs amazing you actually feel them and live through them
February 18, 2025
ARC Review - I must say that i didnt expected to be this good, i had to put it down a few times because my heart was breaking and i wanted to cry:))). The love between Elijah and Tobias was so beautiful,it broke my heart at the beginning at the book but when they let it go and loved each other was everything, if i could i would give 10 ⭐️
May 12, 2025
Kind of obvious that it was written by a strait woman. The whip lash between traumatic events and spicy stuff got repetitive and tiering. Not my cup of tea.
September 2, 2025
Character- 4.75/5
Plot- 4.5/5
Pacing- 4.5/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 4.75/5
What can I say, this book is emotional, spicy, fun and immensely gratifying to read. Ella Kit has constructed some very convincing characters, and made you fall in love with each and every one of them (except Tobias' dad who can rot in Hell).
So lets start first with the main vocal point of this book, and that's the two characters of Elliot and Tobias, childhood friends turned reluctant acquaintances. Elliot is a clever and artistic character who struggles with regulating his reactions to situations, often letting his emotions get the better of him. But he is deeply loyal and has a tremendous amount of love for the people he cares about in his life, and no shortage of sass. He feels very relatable and plays an important antagonistic role in the story initially, that adds some much needed depth to the relationship between him and Tobias.
Tobias, is my baby boy, and sweet summer child that has unfortunately been inflicted with one of literature's scummiest dads. Tobias is naturally kind, and often seeks affection and validation from those in his life. But he is fearful of his true self, which is a result of the abuse he's suffered at the hands of his father. But underneath the layers is someone seeking love and a paternal and romantic connection that he's been missing most of his life. Elijah fills that role for him, with Jude (greatest dad in the world) meeting those greatly neglected needs as well. His journey to self-confidence and discovery is wonderful to witness and is my second favourite part of this book.
My favourite part is how the theme of found family is depicted in this book, particularly through the character of Jude. Jude exhibits all the most positive aspects of masculinity, and has such an open heart and kind nature. He shows exactly what it takes to be a good father, and is a role model to any parent looking to emulate him. The love and dedication he shows towards his boys is deeply touching, and I loved his role in the story.
The plot sets up the perfect conditions to have a friend-enemies-lovers story unfold, with plenty of opportunities for high stakes angst, emotionally heart wrenching moments and steamy spice. The character growth is paced perfectly alongside the story, and you can't help but get engrossed. Truly this is a well thought out and executed story that does justice to the authors vision.
And on that note, this is a writer with an excellent eye for structure, who is able to balance nicely the needs of her characters with the needs of the story. She executes her themes in a way that is thorough and believable, and does justice to her ideas. This book is great, and a highly recommended story for me, Ella Kit, well done your book was fantastic.
Plot- 4.5/5
Pacing- 4.5/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 4.75/5
What can I say, this book is emotional, spicy, fun and immensely gratifying to read. Ella Kit has constructed some very convincing characters, and made you fall in love with each and every one of them (except Tobias' dad who can rot in Hell).
So lets start first with the main vocal point of this book, and that's the two characters of Elliot and Tobias, childhood friends turned reluctant acquaintances. Elliot is a clever and artistic character who struggles with regulating his reactions to situations, often letting his emotions get the better of him. But he is deeply loyal and has a tremendous amount of love for the people he cares about in his life, and no shortage of sass. He feels very relatable and plays an important antagonistic role in the story initially, that adds some much needed depth to the relationship between him and Tobias.
Tobias, is my baby boy, and sweet summer child that has unfortunately been inflicted with one of literature's scummiest dads. Tobias is naturally kind, and often seeks affection and validation from those in his life. But he is fearful of his true self, which is a result of the abuse he's suffered at the hands of his father. But underneath the layers is someone seeking love and a paternal and romantic connection that he's been missing most of his life. Elijah fills that role for him, with Jude (greatest dad in the world) meeting those greatly neglected needs as well. His journey to self-confidence and discovery is wonderful to witness and is my second favourite part of this book.
My favourite part is how the theme of found family is depicted in this book, particularly through the character of Jude. Jude exhibits all the most positive aspects of masculinity, and has such an open heart and kind nature. He shows exactly what it takes to be a good father, and is a role model to any parent looking to emulate him. The love and dedication he shows towards his boys is deeply touching, and I loved his role in the story.
The plot sets up the perfect conditions to have a friend-enemies-lovers story unfold, with plenty of opportunities for high stakes angst, emotionally heart wrenching moments and steamy spice. The character growth is paced perfectly alongside the story, and you can't help but get engrossed. Truly this is a well thought out and executed story that does justice to the authors vision.
And on that note, this is a writer with an excellent eye for structure, who is able to balance nicely the needs of her characters with the needs of the story. She executes her themes in a way that is thorough and believable, and does justice to her ideas. This book is great, and a highly recommended story for me, Ella Kit, well done your book was fantastic.
February 15, 2025
I got to read this before release and all I can say is WOW! This book gave me a whirl wind of emotions. Ella truly knows how to hit you in the feels. 😂❤️
March 8, 2025
ARC Review
I had so much fun reading this book! It took me through a roller coaster of emotions. I was very invested in what was happening. The relationship between Elijah and Tobias is hot, sweet, fun, but most of all, authentic.
I loved watching things progress from their childhood, to teenage years, to adults. All of the characters in this book felt real and I would've loved to meet them (minus Harry and Derrick of course I'd meet them just so I could deck them in the face).
Special shoutout to Jude for being the best father!!! This book will either heal your daddy issues or make them worse depending on how you look at it😉 I can't wait to read the next installment in 2 days just like I did with this one!
I had so much fun reading this book! It took me through a roller coaster of emotions. I was very invested in what was happening. The relationship between Elijah and Tobias is hot, sweet, fun, but most of all, authentic.
I loved watching things progress from their childhood, to teenage years, to adults. All of the characters in this book felt real and I would've loved to meet them (minus Harry and Derrick of course I'd meet them just so I could deck them in the face).
Special shoutout to Jude for being the best father!!! This book will either heal your daddy issues or make them worse depending on how you look at it😉 I can't wait to read the next installment in 2 days just like I did with this one!
March 10, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.6
Okay this book has all my favourite trope, friends to lovers, found family, childhood friends.
This book is okay for me. Like there were lot of moment I like . Some part was rushed.
Tobias and Elijah were childhood friends who get apart when the enter in senior school. All because of Tobias's dad(piece of shit).
When Elijah's dad brought Tobias to their home to help him to get away from his dad. The things between starting change.
They took this time to correct their miscommunication they have from the oast year. Elijah already left the town but comes to spend a vacation with his dad.
It was cute and sweet with full of summer vibes and supportive friendship and family.
As the story progress their friendship turned into something else.
They realized , what they've are more than friendships.
Everything was okay but not something exaggerate . I feel like their can be more characters development.
Plot was okay. In the beginning it was promising but in the mid it start diverted or feel like nothing happening.
Otherwise it was good.
For now they got HFN . It will duet . I am looking forward to second to see more growth.
I received ARC in exchange of honest review.
Okay this book has all my favourite trope, friends to lovers, found family, childhood friends.
This book is okay for me. Like there were lot of moment I like . Some part was rushed.
Tobias and Elijah were childhood friends who get apart when the enter in senior school. All because of Tobias's dad(piece of shit).
When Elijah's dad brought Tobias to their home to help him to get away from his dad. The things between starting change.
They took this time to correct their miscommunication they have from the oast year. Elijah already left the town but comes to spend a vacation with his dad.
It was cute and sweet with full of summer vibes and supportive friendship and family.
As the story progress their friendship turned into something else.
They realized , what they've are more than friendships.
Everything was okay but not something exaggerate . I feel like their can be more characters development.
Plot was okay. In the beginning it was promising but in the mid it start diverted or feel like nothing happening.
Otherwise it was good.
For now they got HFN . It will duet . I am looking forward to second to see more growth.
I received ARC in exchange of honest review.
July 18, 2025
Wouldn’t have read it if I knew it was a duet..I hate a cliffhanger
Was giving me Never Let Me Go (fave😩)vibes but 1/2 as good. I needed my heart torn out and stomped on and this storyline could have done it but it just didn’t follow through. I skimmed a lot bc it just wasn’t hitting as hard as I wanted it to. Felt very dramatized/movie ish and I don’t like that - the dialogue, gestures, wording. I also don’t even get why they had a falling out and “hated” each other either? It didn’t really seem like there was bad blood between them besides “growing apart” and Tobias starting to hang out with the “cool kids”… if his dad telling him to stay away was his reason it wasn’t emphasized and it should have been… we should have seen that play out.
Gwen and Jude were amazing tho ❤️ I really loved Gwen actually and I usually don’t like a lot of fmcs. And I love that her and the boys stuck together after Jude’s death. I wish elijah wasn’t so completely blind to the abuse that Tobias was going through both in childhood and when they were grown.. that’s just odd that he and his dad “didn’t know” and really Tobias never told them everything either
Was giving me Never Let Me Go (fave😩)vibes but 1/2 as good. I needed my heart torn out and stomped on and this storyline could have done it but it just didn’t follow through. I skimmed a lot bc it just wasn’t hitting as hard as I wanted it to. Felt very dramatized/movie ish and I don’t like that - the dialogue, gestures, wording. I also don’t even get why they had a falling out and “hated” each other either? It didn’t really seem like there was bad blood between them besides “growing apart” and Tobias starting to hang out with the “cool kids”… if his dad telling him to stay away was his reason it wasn’t emphasized and it should have been… we should have seen that play out.
Gwen and Jude were amazing tho ❤️ I really loved Gwen actually and I usually don’t like a lot of fmcs. And I love that her and the boys stuck together after Jude’s death. I wish elijah wasn’t so completely blind to the abuse that Tobias was going through both in childhood and when they were grown.. that’s just odd that he and his dad “didn’t know” and really Tobias never told them everything either
April 12, 2025
I dont know if I took too long breaks while reading this (usually these type of books I read in a day but this took 4 days to finish) but this wasn’t as good as I thought it would be. It had very good moments and I liked the main characters but it just felt out of place most of the time and at times their behaviour was a bit childlike. The events and plot just jumped weirdly. Also I was bored a lot which explains the 4 days it took to read this and in the end I just wanted to skim it -it just didnt give anything new at the end of the book. Also the death of Jude was odd as well, just out of nowhere he had cancer and just died. I dont even know what to write, almost feel like I forgot the plot already. However the relationship between Tobias and Elijah was cute and they were perfect for each other. Other than that this book didnt give me anything. Maybe I read it at wrong time who knows. Its hard to see how this can have a second book? Maybe I will give it a second chance then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
The storyline really interested me but I couldn’t get invested because the writing would start in past tense and switch to present tense mid sentence/paragraph. Needed a good edit because the duet intrigued me but I couldn’t read another book with the same format.
March 30, 2025
This was an enjoyable read, it felt fast paced and I just wanted to see what would happen next.
Elijah and Tobias were best friends growing up, and I felt like it was important for us to get to see their history before getting to the present time when they are back in each others orbits. Personally, I would have liked more time to elapse between the end of high school(when a traumatic event occurs that shatters what little bond they still had) and when they are at the lake house for a month. There was only a year between those two events and maybe it would have been better if there was more time between them. Elijah and Tobias' bond was so strong, that I don't doubt they would have found their way back to each other no matter the time. I enjoyed their journey of reconciliation and it was great to see them talk through their issues. It was also great to see Tobias feeling safe enough to open up about his past with his father. Elijah gave Tobias the unconditional love and acceptance that he never got, but desperately needed. Tobias made Elijah realize that he was also at fault for them drifting apart. Tobias also became Elijah's rock when unforseen events occurred and he was there to help Elijah through it all, take care of him and love him fiercely.
I know their love and bond was strong, but I didn't always see that. I would have enjoyed more pining between them.
There are still unanswered questions, and I'm excited to see those answered in the second book of this duet. Elijah and Tobias are still only 19/20 and I'm excited to see what the future holds for them.
Elijah and Tobias were best friends growing up, and I felt like it was important for us to get to see their history before getting to the present time when they are back in each others orbits. Personally, I would have liked more time to elapse between the end of high school(when a traumatic event occurs that shatters what little bond they still had) and when they are at the lake house for a month. There was only a year between those two events and maybe it would have been better if there was more time between them. Elijah and Tobias' bond was so strong, that I don't doubt they would have found their way back to each other no matter the time. I enjoyed their journey of reconciliation and it was great to see them talk through their issues. It was also great to see Tobias feeling safe enough to open up about his past with his father. Elijah gave Tobias the unconditional love and acceptance that he never got, but desperately needed. Tobias made Elijah realize that he was also at fault for them drifting apart. Tobias also became Elijah's rock when unforseen events occurred and he was there to help Elijah through it all, take care of him and love him fiercely.
I know their love and bond was strong, but I didn't always see that. I would have enjoyed more pining between them.
There are still unanswered questions, and I'm excited to see those answered in the second book of this duet. Elijah and Tobias are still only 19/20 and I'm excited to see what the future holds for them.
May 8, 2025
I cried in public reading this book.
I absolutely loved it so much and will be reading anything and everything by Ella in the future!
I absolutely loved it so much and will be reading anything and everything by Ella in the future!
August 16, 2025
DNF at 60% wayyyy too cliche!!! lost me as soon as they got together 🥱🥱
March 31, 2025
My ARC review of The Summer We Found Us by @ellakitauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Overall Rating
🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spice Rating
This book is a MM romance book.
The Summer We Found Us is the debut novel by Ella Kit. I enjoyed this book very much. Tobias Voss & Elijah Thorne pulled on my heart strings. The chemistry between them was very enthralling to read. The evolution of their relationship from childhood friends to eniemes, then to lovers, was well done.
The spicy scenes were also well done. I felt the heat between Tobias and Elijah. I also felt the emotional connection between them too.
Ella did a beautiful job of breaking them up as friends in school to bring them back together after graduation. One summer really did bring these soulmates back together. Tobias, Jude, and Gwen with Elijah were a great found family dynamic. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes.
The Summer We Found Us does have a little bit of everything. Tropes featured in the book are romance, friendship, second chances, hurt/comfort, found family, and more.
Favorite Character :Tobias Voss
Quote: “I can start.” He said, cutting into the cheese. “I think it’s safe to say that I like you…like, a lot.” He sliced off another slice. “I like you too… a lot.” I smiled, buttering the bread.
This book does have some trigger warnings such as suicide (thoughts/attempts), child abuse, and cancer.
I recommend this book MM romance readers. I got ARC of The We Found Us. This is my honest review. The Summer We Found Us is coming out on April 1st.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Overall Rating
🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spice Rating
This book is a MM romance book.
The Summer We Found Us is the debut novel by Ella Kit. I enjoyed this book very much. Tobias Voss & Elijah Thorne pulled on my heart strings. The chemistry between them was very enthralling to read. The evolution of their relationship from childhood friends to eniemes, then to lovers, was well done.
The spicy scenes were also well done. I felt the heat between Tobias and Elijah. I also felt the emotional connection between them too.
Ella did a beautiful job of breaking them up as friends in school to bring them back together after graduation. One summer really did bring these soulmates back together. Tobias, Jude, and Gwen with Elijah were a great found family dynamic. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes.
The Summer We Found Us does have a little bit of everything. Tropes featured in the book are romance, friendship, second chances, hurt/comfort, found family, and more.
Favorite Character :Tobias Voss
Quote: “I can start.” He said, cutting into the cheese. “I think it’s safe to say that I like you…like, a lot.” He sliced off another slice. “I like you too… a lot.” I smiled, buttering the bread.
This book does have some trigger warnings such as suicide (thoughts/attempts), child abuse, and cancer.
I recommend this book MM romance readers. I got ARC of The We Found Us. This is my honest review. The Summer We Found Us is coming out on April 1st.
February 15, 2025
Okay I was not expecting this book at all! It really took me by surprise and for very good reasons! Tobias and Elijah are childhood best friends who grow apart when they start high school. Tobias joins the popular football crowd and Elijah is the artist! Tobias father is pure evil and that’s the reason why Tobias is too afraid to do a lot of things! As they get older and finally graduate Elijah moves away for art school and Tobias tried to get out from under his father and moves in with Jude ( Elijah’s Dad). The tension between them at first is so good and when that moment finally happens it’s fire!!! A beautiful story with some beautiful characters and a tear jerker for sure!!!! The only reason it’s not a 5 for me is I wished we got more of their childhood friendship and more high school drama cuz I like for that! But a solid high 4 stars.. it’s the perfect childhood best friends to enemies to lovers, and the perfect t found family’s! Please read the trigger warnings there is a few in there that hit hard!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
This book was so good!! It was REAL and that is what makes it so great. So many books seem unrealistic to happen in everyday life but this one has every possibility of happening. They found their way together, lost eachother and found their way back. It showed real insecurities, real fears and real love. Absolutely recommend. I don't cry but this book got me choked up a few times. I cannot wait for part 2!
December 17, 2025
Elijah and Tobias were just perfect for each other! Their childhood friendship and the challenges that pulled them apart were super engaging. Their connection was so strong, and all that tension just highlighted how perfect they were for each other. Despite the hostility, the sexual tension and chemistry between them was 👌🏽
There was definitely a character I despised (had so many violent thoughts!) So many emotions throughout this story! The happy for now ending was perfect, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!
Jude is everything and more✨🫶🏽
There was definitely a character I despised (had so many violent thoughts!) So many emotions throughout this story! The happy for now ending was perfect, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!
Jude is everything and more✨🫶🏽
dnf
April 14, 2025Dnf 47% (4/14/25)
Was looking forward to this. It sounded really good and was a debut. The writing style started out strong. Then the dialogue got awkward and unrealistic.
The time jumps were odd. I thought it would be strong if more was expanded on the enemies and the big, traumatic event that happened. It just felt like neither boy had much depth and everything was smoothed over quickly (which was confusing after apparently four years of animosity)
Idk how there are two parts to the book AND it is a duet. It got boring and felt like it should be wrapped up already.
Was looking forward to this. It sounded really good and was a debut. The writing style started out strong. Then the dialogue got awkward and unrealistic.
The time jumps were odd. I thought it would be strong if more was expanded on the enemies and the big, traumatic event that happened. It just felt like neither boy had much depth and everything was smoothed over quickly (which was confusing after apparently four years of animosity)
Idk how there are two parts to the book AND it is a duet. It got boring and felt like it should be wrapped up already.
April 18, 2025
Dnf 30%. The writing was terrible, repetitive and dull. The mixture of present and past tense in the same sentence/paragraph made it feel like a first draft. All of these issues distracted from the story so much. Did my head in.
July 16, 2025
I was losing interest at about 60% just due to the pacing of this book. It wasn’t a terrible read by any means but just wasn’t written super well. Definitely skimmed towards the end.
Read
August 25, 20255 stars
From the get, I had a feeling I knew how this would go, I knew what to expect, and I got it—But I did not expect it to be this good. This story proves that you could take the most basic premise and still find a way to shock people. The things that happen in this book I could not see coming—the "prank" scene is one of them. Jude Thorne's ending, another. Tobias and Elijah had such a gripping love story that I rooted for pretty fast, but theyre also just really good characters and I didnt mind just hanging out with them in slower parts. The slower parts ended up being some of my favorite scenes. I'll save the rest for spoilers but if you were thinking of reading this, READ IT. You won't be disappointed.
Spoilers
I need to talk about that Dad. Jude Thorne. Oh my god. I never loved a fictional dad so much. And his "ending"?
My jaw dropped. I kept wondering, is the author really gonna do this? And they did! I was so pissed! I actually had to put it down a couple times because I kept tearing up. I had no idea why they would do that to such an amazing kind character. Then I read the acknowledgements. It all made sense. I respect it, and I understand.
Elijah and Tobias were very lovable, as was Gwen. I loved that the story felt very cozy and familiar so quickly in the beginning. It just felt like we were in for a good ride after that prelude chapter with the boys as kids before they got older.
As for the steam, the cøme as lübe, hot. Hot af. And yeah, I love that Elijah was the primary bottom.
I said it.
I have mixed feelings about the prank scene to be honest, it was shocking, and a good catalyst story-wise, but i felt like there should have been more consequence. They showed p*rn on school grounds. It's also revenge p*rn. That is illegal and treated much more seriously than general p*rn exposure. Surely there could have been more significant consequences. I know its acknowledged again at the end, but still. Rubbed me the wrong way. It is a little unsatisfying seeing the villains get off relatively unscathed, and then my good man Jude just drops dead.
I guess thats to show how life is unfair but my god, this book was so bleak at times.
I didnt know a sequel was coming until I found out scrolling on tiktok, and i was more than halfway done with the book. I will be reading, definitely, and hopefully the antagonists get the earned karma they deserve, because why oh why is Tobias' father still alive and Jude is dead.
That physically hurts me.
10/10
5/5 ⭐️'s
From the get, I had a feeling I knew how this would go, I knew what to expect, and I got it—But I did not expect it to be this good. This story proves that you could take the most basic premise and still find a way to shock people. The things that happen in this book I could not see coming—the "prank" scene is one of them. Jude Thorne's ending, another. Tobias and Elijah had such a gripping love story that I rooted for pretty fast, but theyre also just really good characters and I didnt mind just hanging out with them in slower parts. The slower parts ended up being some of my favorite scenes. I'll save the rest for spoilers but if you were thinking of reading this, READ IT. You won't be disappointed.
Spoilers
I need to talk about that Dad. Jude Thorne. Oh my god. I never loved a fictional dad so much. And his "ending"?
My jaw dropped. I kept wondering, is the author really gonna do this? And they did! I was so pissed! I actually had to put it down a couple times because I kept tearing up. I had no idea why they would do that to such an amazing kind character. Then I read the acknowledgements. It all made sense. I respect it, and I understand.
Elijah and Tobias were very lovable, as was Gwen. I loved that the story felt very cozy and familiar so quickly in the beginning. It just felt like we were in for a good ride after that prelude chapter with the boys as kids before they got older.
As for the steam, the cøme as lübe, hot. Hot af. And yeah, I love that Elijah was the primary bottom.
I said it.
I have mixed feelings about the prank scene to be honest, it was shocking, and a good catalyst story-wise, but i felt like there should have been more consequence. They showed p*rn on school grounds. It's also revenge p*rn. That is illegal and treated much more seriously than general p*rn exposure. Surely there could have been more significant consequences. I know its acknowledged again at the end, but still. Rubbed me the wrong way. It is a little unsatisfying seeing the villains get off relatively unscathed, and then my good man Jude just drops dead.
I guess thats to show how life is unfair but my god, this book was so bleak at times.
I didnt know a sequel was coming until I found out scrolling on tiktok, and i was more than halfway done with the book. I will be reading, definitely, and hopefully the antagonists get the earned karma they deserve, because why oh why is Tobias' father still alive and Jude is dead.
That physically hurts me.
10/10
5/5 ⭐️'s
March 26, 2025
The Summer We Found Us is the type of book you go into expecting to enjoy, but you’re still caught off guard by just how much you end up falling in love with it.
Eli and Tobias were inseparable as children. Best friends from the moment they met and convinced their friendship would last a lifetime, only to have it torn apart during high school. Tobias became someone who Eli could barely recognise, and after being humiliated by Tobias’ friends, Eli left town. The two of them are forced to confront their past when they find themselves under the same roof for an entire summer.
My heart broke for both of the boys. Tobias’ home life was a nightmare and because his father was also his coach, that nightmare followed him to school and had a massive influence on who he became during high school. Eli on the other hand, was constantly being attacked by Tobias’ friends. It hurt to watch Tobias witness their behaviour and do little about it, but given the influence his father had on his entire life, it’s also a very understandable reaction for a teenager to have and that’s something I really loved about this book.
The way both boys were written and the way they interacted and responded to the situations they were put in felt very natural and believable and it made it easy to relate to them and to root for them. Nothing was over dramatised. They felt like two teenagers who were trying their best to figure themselves out while also trying to heal the broken relationship between them.
Honestly, this had everything I love in a good book. Best friends to enemies to lovers, a second chance, amazing found family as well as a good dose of angst, longing and spice that leaves you desperate for more.
Eli and Tobias were inseparable as children. Best friends from the moment they met and convinced their friendship would last a lifetime, only to have it torn apart during high school. Tobias became someone who Eli could barely recognise, and after being humiliated by Tobias’ friends, Eli left town. The two of them are forced to confront their past when they find themselves under the same roof for an entire summer.
My heart broke for both of the boys. Tobias’ home life was a nightmare and because his father was also his coach, that nightmare followed him to school and had a massive influence on who he became during high school. Eli on the other hand, was constantly being attacked by Tobias’ friends. It hurt to watch Tobias witness their behaviour and do little about it, but given the influence his father had on his entire life, it’s also a very understandable reaction for a teenager to have and that’s something I really loved about this book.
The way both boys were written and the way they interacted and responded to the situations they were put in felt very natural and believable and it made it easy to relate to them and to root for them. Nothing was over dramatised. They felt like two teenagers who were trying their best to figure themselves out while also trying to heal the broken relationship between them.
Honestly, this had everything I love in a good book. Best friends to enemies to lovers, a second chance, amazing found family as well as a good dose of angst, longing and spice that leaves you desperate for more.
July 7, 2025
This is the kind of story that quietly wraps itself around your heart and then squeezes.
Tobias and Elijah were inseparable as kids, the kind of best friends who felt like two halves of the same soul. But as they got older, something fractured between them. A falling out turned them from best friends to strangers, their bond buried under years of hurt and unresolved tension. That is, until Elijah’s compassionate father pulls them back into each other’s orbit. When Jude finds Tobias at his lowest, he doesn’t hesitate to bring him home, and suddenly the boys are forced back in each other's lives.
This story gutted me in the most beautiful way. Tobias and Elijah have a kind of chemistry that simmers because it is raw, and undeniable. No matter how much time or pain has passed, there's a magnetic pull between them that neither can resist. The slow burn is deliciously torturous, and when the walls finally come down, it feels so earned and satisfying
The found family aspect was one of my favorite parts. Jude is an absolute gem of a man, and watching him and his girlfriend Gwen take Tobias in so openly and tenderly cracked me wide open. Their home so full of love and warmth becomes a safe haven.
This book does have some heavy topics. There are moments that will break your heart clean in two but Ella Kit handles these topics with such sensitivity.
Her writing is beautiful and quietly powerful. This book lingers long after the last page and it’s absolutely one to add to your TBR if you’re craving a heartfelt, emotional journey of second chances, healing, and love that refuses to be forgotten. I know I will take a while to move on from these beautiful boys.
Tobias and Elijah were inseparable as kids, the kind of best friends who felt like two halves of the same soul. But as they got older, something fractured between them. A falling out turned them from best friends to strangers, their bond buried under years of hurt and unresolved tension. That is, until Elijah’s compassionate father pulls them back into each other’s orbit. When Jude finds Tobias at his lowest, he doesn’t hesitate to bring him home, and suddenly the boys are forced back in each other's lives.
This story gutted me in the most beautiful way. Tobias and Elijah have a kind of chemistry that simmers because it is raw, and undeniable. No matter how much time or pain has passed, there's a magnetic pull between them that neither can resist. The slow burn is deliciously torturous, and when the walls finally come down, it feels so earned and satisfying
The found family aspect was one of my favorite parts. Jude is an absolute gem of a man, and watching him and his girlfriend Gwen take Tobias in so openly and tenderly cracked me wide open. Their home so full of love and warmth becomes a safe haven.
This book does have some heavy topics. There are moments that will break your heart clean in two but Ella Kit handles these topics with such sensitivity.
Her writing is beautiful and quietly powerful. This book lingers long after the last page and it’s absolutely one to add to your TBR if you’re craving a heartfelt, emotional journey of second chances, healing, and love that refuses to be forgotten. I know I will take a while to move on from these beautiful boys.
December 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.25 / 5
🔥🔥🔥🔥
I need to start saying that the plot idea is very interesting. The whole concept is beautiful and all the planning regarding events were clearly well-done. The characters are lovable and I could really feel all the love Ella poured on this book. I'm so glad you were able to bring it to life, Ella, for real! The life you gave to these characters was lovely.
There were, however, some things that could've been done for the book to be executed with more depth in my opinion. Some people talked about the editing, and yes, that is something that's missing. Both regarding grammar, verbal tenses and punctuation, but also feedbacks on pacing and some dialogues. What I felt was that this would've been a very good fanfic or serialized story, but it needed more adaptation into the novel world. This is not to say that fanfics or webnovels are anything less than novels or novellas; they just have different formats and, therefore, need different structures, or else the story will feel off.
I feel like the characters were well-built and we did get to know them and their specificities. I did understand those characters, and their actions made sense for them. The connection between the MCs was amazing and the spicy scenes had some very interesting and hot ideas to them. This was really good. But this book also contains some very heavy topics that I think needed more sensitive reading and editing feedback regarding how to make the scenes work in a deeper, more meaningful way. It's not about the idea, it's just about having the right kind of feedback to help polish the book. That's what I felt: like it was a diamond in the rough that needed to be extracted and polished so it could show all its sparkle to the world.
I do think a re-write with proper editing would be so good. I'd be more than willing to re-read it and see this beautiful idea bloom into its full potential 💚
🔥🔥🔥🔥
I need to start saying that the plot idea is very interesting. The whole concept is beautiful and all the planning regarding events were clearly well-done. The characters are lovable and I could really feel all the love Ella poured on this book. I'm so glad you were able to bring it to life, Ella, for real! The life you gave to these characters was lovely.
There were, however, some things that could've been done for the book to be executed with more depth in my opinion. Some people talked about the editing, and yes, that is something that's missing. Both regarding grammar, verbal tenses and punctuation, but also feedbacks on pacing and some dialogues. What I felt was that this would've been a very good fanfic or serialized story, but it needed more adaptation into the novel world. This is not to say that fanfics or webnovels are anything less than novels or novellas; they just have different formats and, therefore, need different structures, or else the story will feel off.
I feel like the characters were well-built and we did get to know them and their specificities. I did understand those characters, and their actions made sense for them. The connection between the MCs was amazing and the spicy scenes had some very interesting and hot ideas to them. This was really good. But this book also contains some very heavy topics that I think needed more sensitive reading and editing feedback regarding how to make the scenes work in a deeper, more meaningful way. It's not about the idea, it's just about having the right kind of feedback to help polish the book. That's what I felt: like it was a diamond in the rough that needed to be extracted and polished so it could show all its sparkle to the world.
I do think a re-write with proper editing would be so good. I'd be more than willing to re-read it and see this beautiful idea bloom into its full potential 💚
March 31, 2025
ARC REVIEW
We start with Tobias and Elijah as best friends, the kind of friendship where, if one isn't around, people ask, "Where's your other half?" or "Where's your twin?" Tobias loves spending time with Elijah and Elijah’s dad; he feels at home with them, safe and comfortable. You'd think their friendship would last forever… until it doesn't.
High school changes everything. Suddenly, these two aren’t best friends anymore, no, they become complete opposites. The pain, the resentment, the heartbreak, everything keeps building between them. That unbreakable bond they once shared? Shattered.
But fate isn’t done with them yet. When Elijah’s dad decides to take Tobias in as if he were another son, they’re forced to face the past they’ve both been trying so hard to forget.
This book is packed with angst, enemies to lovers, second chances, and found family, and you will love every second of it. I absolutely adored how both characters slowly found their way back to each other, how that broken bond began to mend, piece by piece. It’s a bit of a slow burn, yes, but it needed to be, because healing takes time.
And the best part? This is only the beginning. Their love story isn’t over yet; they still have more obstacles to face, more battles to fight. And I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.
If you like to read:
☀️Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
☀️Forced proximity
☀️Second Chance
☀️Hurt/Comfort
☀️Forbidden Love
☀️Found Family
Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice Rating: 3.5/5 🔥🔥🔥.5
We start with Tobias and Elijah as best friends, the kind of friendship where, if one isn't around, people ask, "Where's your other half?" or "Where's your twin?" Tobias loves spending time with Elijah and Elijah’s dad; he feels at home with them, safe and comfortable. You'd think their friendship would last forever… until it doesn't.
High school changes everything. Suddenly, these two aren’t best friends anymore, no, they become complete opposites. The pain, the resentment, the heartbreak, everything keeps building between them. That unbreakable bond they once shared? Shattered.
But fate isn’t done with them yet. When Elijah’s dad decides to take Tobias in as if he were another son, they’re forced to face the past they’ve both been trying so hard to forget.
This book is packed with angst, enemies to lovers, second chances, and found family, and you will love every second of it. I absolutely adored how both characters slowly found their way back to each other, how that broken bond began to mend, piece by piece. It’s a bit of a slow burn, yes, but it needed to be, because healing takes time.
And the best part? This is only the beginning. Their love story isn’t over yet; they still have more obstacles to face, more battles to fight. And I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.
If you like to read:
☀️Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
☀️Forced proximity
☀️Second Chance
☀️Hurt/Comfort
☀️Forbidden Love
☀️Found Family
Star Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice Rating: 3.5/5 🔥🔥🔥.5
April 1, 2025
if there was EVER a book I wish I could rate over 5 stars … this. would. be. it.
This book was BEAUTIFUL. Even that word doesn’t do it justice. Who doesn’t love a good love story like cmoooon. You have ANGST. boy do you have angst. Friends to enemies to lovers say WHAAAAAAT 🤩 Second chance. Ugh. Just to name a few.
Elijah was such a perfectly written character. You love him so much sometimes you wanted to just shake some sense into him fr. A lot of his feelings were justified tho he just didn’t always go about them the right way? None the less. He was growing. His development was nothing short of beautiful. His heart was beautiful. And his love for Tobias even through all the difficulties never truly wavered no matter how much he may have thought it did.
Tobias —- I just wanted to give him a big hug. The entire time. That poor boy went through so much and ugh. You just want to pour so much love into him. He made mistakes as well. When you uncover the depth of the why and how you just … understand. All the pieces fit. Tobias is a beautiful soul and his character growth was phenomenal. He loved Elijah with every fiber of his being.
JUDE — I can’t spoil him for you. But all I can think of is how much he reminds me of my dad. How refreshing to find such an amazingly written parental figure. Ugh.
This book deserves all the praise. The love. This is one for the awards for real. I could read it a thousand times. Thank you Ella!!! For pouring your heart and soul into it. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
This book was BEAUTIFUL. Even that word doesn’t do it justice. Who doesn’t love a good love story like cmoooon. You have ANGST. boy do you have angst. Friends to enemies to lovers say WHAAAAAAT 🤩 Second chance. Ugh. Just to name a few.
Elijah was such a perfectly written character. You love him so much sometimes you wanted to just shake some sense into him fr. A lot of his feelings were justified tho he just didn’t always go about them the right way? None the less. He was growing. His development was nothing short of beautiful. His heart was beautiful. And his love for Tobias even through all the difficulties never truly wavered no matter how much he may have thought it did.
Tobias —- I just wanted to give him a big hug. The entire time. That poor boy went through so much and ugh. You just want to pour so much love into him. He made mistakes as well. When you uncover the depth of the why and how you just … understand. All the pieces fit. Tobias is a beautiful soul and his character growth was phenomenal. He loved Elijah with every fiber of his being.
JUDE — I can’t spoil him for you. But all I can think of is how much he reminds me of my dad. How refreshing to find such an amazingly written parental figure. Ugh.
This book deserves all the praise. The love. This is one for the awards for real. I could read it a thousand times. Thank you Ella!!! For pouring your heart and soul into it. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
April 7, 2025
I would give this book a 3.5-3.75. Overall, I love the themes of found family, the main characters exploring their sexuality, and overcoming loss/abuse. I teared up a few times in scenes with Tobias and Elias's dad Jude.
But I feel like there wan't always a feeling of cohesiveness in the story. We jump from a quick scene of them as children, then high-school, then jump to them spending the summer together, then time just kind of speeds up and slows down at different parts of the rest of the book to fit into the story. It wasn't a huge issue, I just wish it felt more like a well rounded time line.
This one I fully admit is my fault, but I totally missed this book was part of a duet. I was at 90% of the book and couldn't figure out how the hell it was going to wrap up with only 10% left. The author does state it is a duett at the bottom of the description of the book and I missed it. I wish it was more clearly stated on the cover of the book though.
There are several phrases that seem to get repeated a lot like the characters feeling 'dizzy' during sex scenes, or the main characters saying each other's names to each other every other sentence which is a pet peeve of mine in writing. People don't talk like that in real life, and it always takes me out of the writing. I also struggled a few times to feel like some of the dialog between the love interests would be how real 20 year old men would talk to each other, especially one that came from an extremely abusive household.
I will read the 2nd half when it comes out though!
But I feel like there wan't always a feeling of cohesiveness in the story. We jump from a quick scene of them as children, then high-school, then jump to them spending the summer together, then time just kind of speeds up and slows down at different parts of the rest of the book to fit into the story. It wasn't a huge issue, I just wish it felt more like a well rounded time line.
This one I fully admit is my fault, but I totally missed this book was part of a duet. I was at 90% of the book and couldn't figure out how the hell it was going to wrap up with only 10% left. The author does state it is a duett at the bottom of the description of the book and I missed it. I wish it was more clearly stated on the cover of the book though.
There are several phrases that seem to get repeated a lot like the characters feeling 'dizzy' during sex scenes, or the main characters saying each other's names to each other every other sentence which is a pet peeve of mine in writing. People don't talk like that in real life, and it always takes me out of the writing. I also struggled a few times to feel like some of the dialog between the love interests would be how real 20 year old men would talk to each other, especially one that came from an extremely abusive household.
I will read the 2nd half when it comes out though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
Honestly, I have to say, I can’t find the words.
This book shattered my heart into pieces more than once, and just as many times put it back together in the sweetest possible way.
What Tobias went through because of his father, starting from his childhood, was horrible — and yet he still grew into such a sweet, respectful, and lovable boy that I just want to pull him into a tight hug and never let him go, shower his head with a million kisses, and tell him that he is not worthless, not useless, but a RARE TREASURE that must be protected and cherished at all costs 🥹.
Elijah’s life wasn’t perfect either, but at least he had a wonderful father who did everything for him and supported him — and that’s already more than Tobias could ever say for himself.
The way the two boys found each other again and their journey toward happiness was beautiful, and their relationship with Elijah’s father… my god, I wish everyone had a father as wonderful as Eli’s.
The things they went through together — losing their friendship and finding it again, their love, processing grief, and the steps they took on their path toward healing — were all absolutely beautiful.
Oh please, who am I kidding? This book is pure magic.
If I had to summarize it briefly (though anyone who follows my page knows I’m terrible at being brief 🫣):
it’s beautiful, sweet, and yet heartbreaking for so many reasons — reasons you’ll understand once you read this masterpiece.
@ellakitauthor congratulations — this book is a true miracle.
This book shattered my heart into pieces more than once, and just as many times put it back together in the sweetest possible way.
What Tobias went through because of his father, starting from his childhood, was horrible — and yet he still grew into such a sweet, respectful, and lovable boy that I just want to pull him into a tight hug and never let him go, shower his head with a million kisses, and tell him that he is not worthless, not useless, but a RARE TREASURE that must be protected and cherished at all costs 🥹.
Elijah’s life wasn’t perfect either, but at least he had a wonderful father who did everything for him and supported him — and that’s already more than Tobias could ever say for himself.
The way the two boys found each other again and their journey toward happiness was beautiful, and their relationship with Elijah’s father… my god, I wish everyone had a father as wonderful as Eli’s.
The things they went through together — losing their friendship and finding it again, their love, processing grief, and the steps they took on their path toward healing — were all absolutely beautiful.
Oh please, who am I kidding? This book is pure magic.
If I had to summarize it briefly (though anyone who follows my page knows I’m terrible at being brief 🫣):
it’s beautiful, sweet, and yet heartbreaking for so many reasons — reasons you’ll understand once you read this masterpiece.
@ellakitauthor congratulations — this book is a true miracle.
March 30, 2025
The Summer We Found Us completely took me by surprise—in the best way. I went in blind, and by the time I finished, I was obsessed. This book had everything: childhood best friends to enemies to lovers, found family, hurt/comfort, and just the right amount of angst and spice.
Eli and Tobias were inseparable as kids, convinced their friendship would last forever—until high school tore them apart. Tobias changed, and Eli bore the brunt of that transformation, bullied by the same friends Tobias refused to stand up to. But once you learn about Tobias’ home life and the control his father had over him, it’s impossible not to feel for him. When Eli’s dad takes Tobias in after finding him at rock bottom, their worlds collide again, forcing them to face the past they’ve been running from.
Their journey from resentment to reconciliation was so well done. Tobias, for all his struggles, became Eli’s rock, while Eli gave Tobias the safe space and unconditional love he’d never had. They grew together and as individuals, making their romance feel all the more rewarding. The spice? Perfection. It felt natural—two young adults figuring out what they like, exploring without anything feeling forced.
If I had one complaint, it’s that I needed more. Some scenes felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved even more time with these characters. But overall, this book was emotional, beautiful, and completely unputdownable. I’ll be thinking about Eli and Tobias for a long time, and I need the next book ASAP!
Eli and Tobias were inseparable as kids, convinced their friendship would last forever—until high school tore them apart. Tobias changed, and Eli bore the brunt of that transformation, bullied by the same friends Tobias refused to stand up to. But once you learn about Tobias’ home life and the control his father had over him, it’s impossible not to feel for him. When Eli’s dad takes Tobias in after finding him at rock bottom, their worlds collide again, forcing them to face the past they’ve been running from.
Their journey from resentment to reconciliation was so well done. Tobias, for all his struggles, became Eli’s rock, while Eli gave Tobias the safe space and unconditional love he’d never had. They grew together and as individuals, making their romance feel all the more rewarding. The spice? Perfection. It felt natural—two young adults figuring out what they like, exploring without anything feeling forced.
If I had one complaint, it’s that I needed more. Some scenes felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved even more time with these characters. But overall, this book was emotional, beautiful, and completely unputdownable. I’ll be thinking about Eli and Tobias for a long time, and I need the next book ASAP!
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