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Piece by Piece
Aliena isn't one to turn down a party, even those thrown by her best friend’s preppy classmates... but the last thing she expected to find there was for the man she met at the nursing home weeks before to be the host. Especially when the gentleman she was so attracted to turns out to be a bully, acting as though they’ve never met.
Forced to spend time together because of their shared friends and bound by a shared secret, Aliena and Sebastian try their best to deny their attraction. But emotions run high and things change, as does the relationship between the two until eventually, they don't feel so much like enemies anymore.
Piece by Piece is a slow burn, super spicy enemies to lovers romance part of the Hartford U series. The series doesn't have to be read in a specific order, although the books are interlinked so be ready to see more of your favourite characters in the other stories.
Forced to spend time together because of their shared friends and bound by a shared secret, Aliena and Sebastian try their best to deny their attraction. But emotions run high and things change, as does the relationship between the two until eventually, they don't feel so much like enemies anymore.
Piece by Piece is a slow burn, super spicy enemies to lovers romance part of the Hartford U series. The series doesn't have to be read in a specific order, although the books are interlinked so be ready to see more of your favourite characters in the other stories.
286 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2025
612 people are currently reading
3773 people want to read
About the author
Jarah Aurel
9 books177 followersJarah Aurel is an indie author known for writing emotionally rich romance and romantasy that blend sharp storytelling with immersive worldbuilding. From heartfelt contemporary love stories to high-stakes magical academies, her novels explore themes of resilience, vulnerability, and connection with striking clarity.
Her work is available on platforms like Amazon, Kindle, ku. When she isn’t writing, she connects with readers through visual storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights on Instagram.
Her work is available on platforms like Amazon, Kindle, ku. When she isn’t writing, she connects with readers through visual storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 25, 2025
1 ⭐️*spoilers*
I am never trusting a blonde girl on TikTok ever again.
*Negative review, I’m going to complain. I really don’t know if I’ll say anything positive about this*
I hate this book. I hate it. Shoutout to my worst read of 2025 (so far).
Characters:
I just dislike them all, ESPECIALLY the FMC & MMC. The only one that seemed fine was Matteo (I think that was his name), at least he was kind of fun. No hate to the other friends but:
Lily: She was okay, but in the last half of the book we saw her maybe twice and in neither of those instances was she interesting.
Andrew: Nothing to say about him. He was in the book.. that’s about it. Apparently Sebastian was his best friend but he was only relevant when he was with Lily, and a character that can’t be written as an individual just pisses me off.
Matteo: Honestly, this man deserves a better friend. Sebastian was so bad to him lmao. He didn’t do much, mostly present in the first half of the book and I didn’t mind him!
—
Aleina (I think that’s how you spell it): she was fucked over a lot, like way too many times especially by my least fav (coming soon). She wasn’t terrible, but she was just boring. Literally, so much but so little happened. She was way too forgiving, girl had all these boundaries but why because when least fav character strolled in she literally forgave him. i don’t know, I really don’t know about her. So, I read this on my Kindle btw so I finally used a highlighting feature, and one of girly’s lines had a weird misogynistic undertone.
‘It get’s awkward asking a tiny woman to knead me more thoroughly again and again until I eventually have to accept that she simply doesn’t have the right leverage or strength for that.’
Um.
The villain of this book, my number #1 opp (Sebastian): Jeez, I hate this guy. Like, I cannot stand this man. Not only is he just a piece of shit, to literally everyone. But, he left her tied to a fucking bed and just left ?? I could not comprehend that scene. In the first half he was okay, in the second half however… AND the icing on the cake is THAT THEY END UP TOGETHER. Here are a few Sebastian quotes;
When Aleina locks the bathroom door:
‘To say I’m not slightly put off by it would be a lie.’
LOCKING A BATHROOM DOOR IS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR???
After he leaves Aleina tied up and leaves to go to his parent’s house:
‘In the end, I convince myself she’s fine.’
YOU ARE A RED FLAG.
When Aleina walks into his room and catches him smoking after she’s confided in him that her mother is a literal addict and she does not want to be around drugs (he also saw her react badly to when her friend was doing them):
‘I didn’t know you’d come back so soon.’
KILL YOURSELF?
When he finds out Aleina was assaulted, not in fact sleeping with another guy which he assumed:
‘That’s not true.’
A quote that made me laugh out loud!:
‘What if I’m the reason behind her sadness?’
YOU’RE THE REASON BEHIND MY SADNESS I HATE YOU.
Yeah, I hate him. Here’s a little quote from Aleina that should sum him up:
‘But the reminder that he got high in his room while I was being assaulted, all because he was so eager to think I would actually sleep with another man…’
I need to move on otherwise I’m going to crash out.
Writing:
The writing is terrible, like really, really bad. The grammatical errors make it worse.
I just have a highlight that says ‘torse’ and I feel like it’s supposed to be torso. Listen, this wouldn’t bother me if it was the only mistake but I’m convinced this was published without editing.
Sebastian loves unnatural dialogue, like I get that he’s rich but it comes across as weird. ‘Accompany’, ‘Address’, ‘Declined’. SPEAK NORMALLY.
The conversations are also really weird between the characters?? It’s not entire snippets of conversation, but just the wording used that feels unnatural.
‘Why didn’t you tell me you were attacked on your way home after you declined my ride?’ Declined is so unnatural to use in characters dialogue?? It would be fine if it wasn’t in dialogue, but it was and it sounds weird. This word is used multiple times in dialogue and it just sounds odd every time.
‘I know she’s just scared that he’ll leave her as he did with his last wife.’ This is so wordy, I read it out loud twice and it’s just a stupid sentence.
‘Maybe you’ll accompany me on once of my visits and you may meet her yourself.’ Another weird dialogue choice.
‘I’d have accompanied…’ sounds stupid, and even worse it’s dialogue.
‘When my mother succumbed to addiction..’ that is just not dialogue friendly ?? It sounds like the author is trying to use “big words” to make the book sound smart but it isn’t working.
In the first few pages, they used the term ‘heavenly assault’ during a sex scene. Listen, it’s fine BUT in this book it feels insensitive?? Like three pages earlier there was a trigger warning list with sexual assault labelled as one of them. I know it’s just a word, but it rubbed me the wrong way in this book.
‘With or without condom?’ It just sounds weird as dialogue ?? I keep saying that but it’s true.
‘Tingles exploded in my womb,’ Enough said.
‘Where’s your pajama,’ This is actually my favourite line in the book. It is straight up written exactly like that and then he stares at her. This is just the dialogue. Where’s your pajama? I’m going to cry, I’m really, seriously going to cry.
Special mention: ‘painfully against my sipper.’ I seriously hope that was a spelling error.
The writing is also really vague at times. The communication between the two main characters is really bad, and it IS how they’re written but also scenes like the below:
‘After staying a bit and talking until things felt normal between us,’ There was a small snippet of this conversation. Could we not have more context? Why does it have to be stripped down? It’s a vulnerable conversation and it’s clipped in a way where we just have to move on and be happy it worked out.
Plot:
I seriously don’t know what the plot was. I’m really sorry. I had so much to say about the characters and the writing that I cannot comprehend what the plot was. Halfway through I read the description and it confused me more. Like, okay I guess I get it but surely that isn’t it. And yeah, maybe if this book was good I wouldn’t be complaining about this. Maybe just maybe if the author hadn’t asked Where’s your pajama I wouldn’t be so angry.
In conclusion, please like whatever book you want. Seriously, if you like this book it’s fine but stay away from me. That’s all I ask. Stay far away or just keep it to yourself because I think I’ve aged 40 years by reading this.
I am never trusting a blonde girl on TikTok ever again.
*Negative review, I’m going to complain. I really don’t know if I’ll say anything positive about this*
I hate this book. I hate it. Shoutout to my worst read of 2025 (so far).
Characters:
I just dislike them all, ESPECIALLY the FMC & MMC. The only one that seemed fine was Matteo (I think that was his name), at least he was kind of fun. No hate to the other friends but:
Lily: She was okay, but in the last half of the book we saw her maybe twice and in neither of those instances was she interesting.
Andrew: Nothing to say about him. He was in the book.. that’s about it. Apparently Sebastian was his best friend but he was only relevant when he was with Lily, and a character that can’t be written as an individual just pisses me off.
Matteo: Honestly, this man deserves a better friend. Sebastian was so bad to him lmao. He didn’t do much, mostly present in the first half of the book and I didn’t mind him!
—
Aleina (I think that’s how you spell it): she was fucked over a lot, like way too many times especially by my least fav (coming soon). She wasn’t terrible, but she was just boring. Literally, so much but so little happened. She was way too forgiving, girl had all these boundaries but why because when least fav character strolled in she literally forgave him. i don’t know, I really don’t know about her. So, I read this on my Kindle btw so I finally used a highlighting feature, and one of girly’s lines had a weird misogynistic undertone.
‘It get’s awkward asking a tiny woman to knead me more thoroughly again and again until I eventually have to accept that she simply doesn’t have the right leverage or strength for that.’
Um.
The villain of this book, my number #1 opp (Sebastian): Jeez, I hate this guy. Like, I cannot stand this man. Not only is he just a piece of shit, to literally everyone. But, he left her tied to a fucking bed and just left ?? I could not comprehend that scene. In the first half he was okay, in the second half however… AND the icing on the cake is THAT THEY END UP TOGETHER. Here are a few Sebastian quotes;
When Aleina locks the bathroom door:
‘To say I’m not slightly put off by it would be a lie.’
LOCKING A BATHROOM DOOR IS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR???
After he leaves Aleina tied up and leaves to go to his parent’s house:
‘In the end, I convince myself she’s fine.’
YOU ARE A RED FLAG.
When Aleina walks into his room and catches him smoking after she’s confided in him that her mother is a literal addict and she does not want to be around drugs (he also saw her react badly to when her friend was doing them):
‘I didn’t know you’d come back so soon.’
KILL YOURSELF?
When he finds out Aleina was assaulted, not in fact sleeping with another guy which he assumed:
‘That’s not true.’
A quote that made me laugh out loud!:
‘What if I’m the reason behind her sadness?’
YOU’RE THE REASON BEHIND MY SADNESS I HATE YOU.
Yeah, I hate him. Here’s a little quote from Aleina that should sum him up:
‘But the reminder that he got high in his room while I was being assaulted, all because he was so eager to think I would actually sleep with another man…’
I need to move on otherwise I’m going to crash out.
Writing:
The writing is terrible, like really, really bad. The grammatical errors make it worse.
I just have a highlight that says ‘torse’ and I feel like it’s supposed to be torso. Listen, this wouldn’t bother me if it was the only mistake but I’m convinced this was published without editing.
Sebastian loves unnatural dialogue, like I get that he’s rich but it comes across as weird. ‘Accompany’, ‘Address’, ‘Declined’. SPEAK NORMALLY.
The conversations are also really weird between the characters?? It’s not entire snippets of conversation, but just the wording used that feels unnatural.
‘Why didn’t you tell me you were attacked on your way home after you declined my ride?’ Declined is so unnatural to use in characters dialogue?? It would be fine if it wasn’t in dialogue, but it was and it sounds weird. This word is used multiple times in dialogue and it just sounds odd every time.
‘I know she’s just scared that he’ll leave her as he did with his last wife.’ This is so wordy, I read it out loud twice and it’s just a stupid sentence.
‘Maybe you’ll accompany me on once of my visits and you may meet her yourself.’ Another weird dialogue choice.
‘I’d have accompanied…’ sounds stupid, and even worse it’s dialogue.
‘When my mother succumbed to addiction..’ that is just not dialogue friendly ?? It sounds like the author is trying to use “big words” to make the book sound smart but it isn’t working.
In the first few pages, they used the term ‘heavenly assault’ during a sex scene. Listen, it’s fine BUT in this book it feels insensitive?? Like three pages earlier there was a trigger warning list with sexual assault labelled as one of them. I know it’s just a word, but it rubbed me the wrong way in this book.
‘With or without condom?’ It just sounds weird as dialogue ?? I keep saying that but it’s true.
‘Tingles exploded in my womb,’ Enough said.
‘Where’s your pajama,’ This is actually my favourite line in the book. It is straight up written exactly like that and then he stares at her. This is just the dialogue. Where’s your pajama? I’m going to cry, I’m really, seriously going to cry.
Special mention: ‘painfully against my sipper.’ I seriously hope that was a spelling error.
The writing is also really vague at times. The communication between the two main characters is really bad, and it IS how they’re written but also scenes like the below:
‘After staying a bit and talking until things felt normal between us,’ There was a small snippet of this conversation. Could we not have more context? Why does it have to be stripped down? It’s a vulnerable conversation and it’s clipped in a way where we just have to move on and be happy it worked out.
Plot:
I seriously don’t know what the plot was. I’m really sorry. I had so much to say about the characters and the writing that I cannot comprehend what the plot was. Halfway through I read the description and it confused me more. Like, okay I guess I get it but surely that isn’t it. And yeah, maybe if this book was good I wouldn’t be complaining about this. Maybe just maybe if the author hadn’t asked Where’s your pajama I wouldn’t be so angry.
In conclusion, please like whatever book you want. Seriously, if you like this book it’s fine but stay away from me. That’s all I ask. Stay far away or just keep it to yourself because I think I’ve aged 40 years by reading this.
April 25, 2025
*sigh* this book was a four star read for me up until the ≈ 60% mark. I won't even mention what happened but when I tell you I was gasping in outrage and indignation in behalf of Aliena (btw what is that name lmao) because, dearest Sebastian, little schweetie, how absolutely dare you leave her in that state TWICE? I'm so disappointed. so here I go, subtracting all the stars because this story is unworthy of my initial reverence and adoration of it. now if you'll excuse me, I'll leave and try to forget those scenes.
March 9, 2025
So, this book was okay. 3⭐️ for me. It was really, really slow. Like, I love a good slow burn, they have a special place in my heart. Some of my favorite books are slow burns. But this? This was another level. Jesus. I waited so long for them to actually talk about their feelings that it started getting annoying. I wanted more moments of them as an actual couple, to experience that dynamic more. But we literally got just a few pages of them in a relationship, and that was frustrating.
That said, if you take that part out, it’s not as slow because they do get together around the 50% mark. But when it comes to actually confessing their feelings, talking about emotions, and figuring out where they stood? That part was really slow.
Now, onto the spice. I actually liked it! It was good. I’d say it’s more steamy than full on spicy. I’d rate it a 🌶️🌶️/5 on the spice level. The details were good and it was not excessive.
I wanted way more about Sebastian’s past. We got little glimpses of what he went through, but not enough. Especially compared to how much we got of her backstory. That said, I did like the way the book jumped between past and present, it helped a lot of things make sense. But something still felt off about her story. Like, something didn’t quite add up. I’m not saying it wasn’t well written, just that I had a feeling things were happening for a different reason than what we were told. But nope, turns out it was exactly what was presented. That kind of threw me off.
There were also some errors in the book, and they were hard to miss. Sometimes they took me out of the story, which was annoying. I don’t know how this book was originally published, but the mistakes were noticeable. That said, they didn’t ruin the book for me, so I can look past them.
Would I recommend it? Maybe. It depends on what you like. I wouldn’t say it’s an intense book with deep emotions or a strong connection, but it was okay. It was entertaining. I enjoyed their chemistry and their little flirting game, that part was fun.
I really liked Sebastian. I loved how supportive he was, how he always tried to make her feel better and help in any way he could. And the way he dropped everything when she needed him? That was amazing. They both made a lot of mistakes, but I liked when they finally sat down, talked it out, and moved past it.
Now, one thing about Sebastian, he definitely has a filthy mouth, but he was so shy about it. I kept wanting to be like, Come on! Speak up! I know it’s in you, don’t hold back! I just wanted him to go for it. But he was still great. Protective in that touch her and I’ll end you way (not literally, but you know what I mean).
Other than that, it was okay. I don’t really have much else to say about it. I thought it was going to be better, but I still had a good time reading it. Would I reread it? Probably not. But I don’t regret reading it either. It was just fine.
That said, if you take that part out, it’s not as slow because they do get together around the 50% mark. But when it comes to actually confessing their feelings, talking about emotions, and figuring out where they stood? That part was really slow.
Now, onto the spice. I actually liked it! It was good. I’d say it’s more steamy than full on spicy. I’d rate it a 🌶️🌶️/5 on the spice level. The details were good and it was not excessive.
I wanted way more about Sebastian’s past. We got little glimpses of what he went through, but not enough. Especially compared to how much we got of her backstory. That said, I did like the way the book jumped between past and present, it helped a lot of things make sense. But something still felt off about her story. Like, something didn’t quite add up. I’m not saying it wasn’t well written, just that I had a feeling things were happening for a different reason than what we were told. But nope, turns out it was exactly what was presented. That kind of threw me off.
There were also some errors in the book, and they were hard to miss. Sometimes they took me out of the story, which was annoying. I don’t know how this book was originally published, but the mistakes were noticeable. That said, they didn’t ruin the book for me, so I can look past them.
Would I recommend it? Maybe. It depends on what you like. I wouldn’t say it’s an intense book with deep emotions or a strong connection, but it was okay. It was entertaining. I enjoyed their chemistry and their little flirting game, that part was fun.
I really liked Sebastian. I loved how supportive he was, how he always tried to make her feel better and help in any way he could. And the way he dropped everything when she needed him? That was amazing. They both made a lot of mistakes, but I liked when they finally sat down, talked it out, and moved past it.
Now, one thing about Sebastian, he definitely has a filthy mouth, but he was so shy about it. I kept wanting to be like, Come on! Speak up! I know it’s in you, don’t hold back! I just wanted him to go for it. But he was still great. Protective in that touch her and I’ll end you way (not literally, but you know what I mean).
Other than that, it was okay. I don’t really have much else to say about it. I thought it was going to be better, but I still had a good time reading it. Would I reread it? Probably not. But I don’t regret reading it either. It was just fine.
May 22, 2025
Was gonna rate 3.5 until that horrible ending. The ending was just disgusting honestly in both characters parts. Also the writing was shit. Was eating up the vibes at first I can’t lie but other than that this book sucked. Tell me why the first 30% was scenes like once a month only in clubs. Then up until like 90% it’s just scenes of them living together and her sucking him every morning like wtf?? Ugh and no way he did drugs and then had the audacity to say “I didn’t think you’d see, it’s cause I heard u fucking another guy” no sir actually she was almost raped!!! AND WHERE WAS HER BESTIE. Lily DO NOT act surprised when u know jack shit about ur supposed bff when u haven’t seen her for months!! ARGHH anywho whoever suggested this on TikTok as “a boys of tommen vibe” u are my #1 opp! This was not even close to boys of tommen. We didn’t even know her dad was abusive until like the last chapter and even then nothing else was similar AT ALL. Welp that’s the review byeeee
May 17, 2025
She was cute! Gives 2014 wattpad energy. The drama, the depressing backstories, the betrayals, it was EXACTLY what I needed rn. 16 year old me would’ve given this a 6/5 stars fr, I mean at a certain point I was picturing Harry as the mmc. Like yeah he would’ve eaten this role UPPPP
May 3, 2025
I need to reread a favorite to cleanse my brain after this
May 28, 2025
3/5⭐️
This was basically a book about two people with more baggage than Heathrow Airport who, OUT OF NOWHERE, decided they’re both healed enough to start a relationship… Immediately no. How about we start with therapy??? Or maybe just admitting we have issues that need sorting?? Like the insta love mixed with magically healed trauma was just ridiculous to me.
That said, Sebastian’s acts of service were adorable so three stars for that I guess!
This was basically a book about two people with more baggage than Heathrow Airport who, OUT OF NOWHERE, decided they’re both healed enough to start a relationship… Immediately no. How about we start with therapy??? Or maybe just admitting we have issues that need sorting?? Like the insta love mixed with magically healed trauma was just ridiculous to me.
That said, Sebastian’s acts of service were adorable so three stars for that I guess!
May 18, 2025
3 ⭐️ the beginning of this book has me so confused on the relationship dynamics, so it took me a while to piece everything together. I also feel like the book missed out on so many details. I wish it had been longer and that the author went into more detail about the side characters. I picked this book up because I saw someone say it was like Binding 13 and I don’t agree with that statement but the book was good on its own.
July 20, 2025
while the concept was clearly there the execution was most definitely not. the entire book was genuinely interrupted by like 8 chapters of sex and then returned to the regular schedule programming? did not make any sense lmfao
March 11, 2025
I really liked how short it was! It‘s one thing I can always count on with this author, so I‘m not afraid to admit I RAN here after reading Arcane. (Anything to bridge over my need for the second book)
I really loved how Seb took care of Allie at all times. He was patient and forthcoming, everything I‘d need in a man so he‘s an automatic 10!!
Her backstory flashbacks were both heartbreaking yet sooo necessary and beautiful. I‘m not usually a fan of interruptions but since these chapters were short and void of unnecessary info, it was fantastic.
In short, I thought it was a great short read and I‘ll definitely reread!
I really loved how Seb took care of Allie at all times. He was patient and forthcoming, everything I‘d need in a man so he‘s an automatic 10!!
Her backstory flashbacks were both heartbreaking yet sooo necessary and beautiful. I‘m not usually a fan of interruptions but since these chapters were short and void of unnecessary info, it was fantastic.
In short, I thought it was a great short read and I‘ll definitely reread!
July 27, 2025
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ good & quick read
March 12, 2025
Great book!
Absolutely Loved it ! Can't wait to read the next books in this series ! ! Sebastian is a dream 🤩
Absolutely Loved it ! Can't wait to read the next books in this series ! ! Sebastian is a dream 🤩
March 24, 2025
such a good book
Very spicy but yet will hit you dead in the heart with how low and how high the emotions go in this book it was well written
Very spicy but yet will hit you dead in the heart with how low and how high the emotions go in this book it was well written
April 8, 2025
great story!
Felt a bit rushed at 80% of the book… would have loved some more groveling but overall I loved the characters and story line.
Felt a bit rushed at 80% of the book… would have loved some more groveling but overall I loved the characters and story line.
April 15, 2025
Book was a little exhausting… like half the book was conflict.
May 20, 2025
This was probably one of the worst books I've ever read. Firstly, the FMC had zero self respect, she literally let the MMC walk all over her just because he's hot. She starts off the whole book with her being independent and strong, but as soon as he’s in the equation, loses all of her strength and resilience.
Secondly, he is literally one of the worst MMC’s I've ever had the displeasure of reading about, like what do you mean he bully's her, basically calls her a sl*t and he doesn't even properly apologises for it? No. That's just not gonna work for me thanks but no thanks.
Thirdly, and, arguably, most importantly, HE’S NOT EVEN THAT HOT.
Also, while we're on a negative note (we were always here and NEVER leaving), I just wanna say that this is some of THE worst writing I’ve ever seen. I know this book may have started at Wattpad, but I've seen better writing from almost ever 16 year old writing shitty porn.
Please think again about writing literally anything like this ever again.
Kind regards and happy (or unhappy?) reading!
Secondly, he is literally one of the worst MMC’s I've ever had the displeasure of reading about, like what do you mean he bully's her, basically calls her a sl*t and he doesn't even properly apologises for it? No. That's just not gonna work for me thanks but no thanks.
Thirdly, and, arguably, most importantly, HE’S NOT EVEN THAT HOT.
Also, while we're on a negative note (we were always here and NEVER leaving), I just wanna say that this is some of THE worst writing I’ve ever seen. I know this book may have started at Wattpad, but I've seen better writing from almost ever 16 year old writing shitty porn.
Please think again about writing literally anything like this ever again.
Kind regards and happy (or unhappy?) reading!
August 26, 2025
Okay... What is this book? TikTok convinced me to read this, and so I did.
Did it live up to my expectations? Somewhat yes, but mostly no.
First of all, this book is a typical Wattpad type of book. The grammatical errors - they were putting me off so much.
The plot? I mean, what is there? The book seemed to be jumping here and there with no proper scenes. How do they start with partying and hating each other, to jumping into each other's bed not even a while later?
And what is the point of having characters that have no identity? Or have pretty much no scene in the book?
Mind you, I enjoyed parts of this book, which were the sweet and wholesome scenes between Aliena and Sebastian. But the characters were just not it. The story was just not it.
I thought Sebastian was decent enough, a gentleman, until the last parts of the book - like WTF??
Poor Aliena went through a lot, but then she went to forgive Sebastian straight away? 'Missed his absence' and all? Just say you missed his body.
And I just love the wholesome and sweet scenes, but whilst imagining some other characters in my head that are actually green flags and gentlemen.
The plot wasn't bad, if only written properly and with proper scenes, and not just jumping about like frogs.
Did it live up to my expectations? Somewhat yes, but mostly no.
First of all, this book is a typical Wattpad type of book. The grammatical errors - they were putting me off so much.
The plot? I mean, what is there? The book seemed to be jumping here and there with no proper scenes. How do they start with partying and hating each other, to jumping into each other's bed not even a while later?
And what is the point of having characters that have no identity? Or have pretty much no scene in the book?
Mind you, I enjoyed parts of this book, which were the sweet and wholesome scenes between Aliena and Sebastian. But the characters were just not it. The story was just not it.
I thought Sebastian was decent enough, a gentleman, until the last parts of the book - like WTF??
Poor Aliena went through a lot, but then she went to forgive Sebastian straight away? 'Missed his absence' and all? Just say you missed his body.
And I just love the wholesome and sweet scenes, but whilst imagining some other characters in my head that are actually green flags and gentlemen.
The plot wasn't bad, if only written properly and with proper scenes, and not just jumping about like frogs.
August 25, 2025
Ok so, some wattpad books don’t deserve to be OUT of wattpad.
i hate this book, to say the least.
first off, this was advertised on tiktok as a “shannonjohnny” coded couple. EXCUSE ME?
I thought this was gonna be a cute grumpy x sunshine romance, but no, it’s literally JUST miscommunication, manipulation, toxic masculinity, and s*x.
The characters pmo to the point that I don’t even know what to do. I don’t like a single person in this book. I got weird icky vibes from every single person.
The plot? what is the plot? I hate you! I’m jealous. Let’s fck. Let’s not. I’m sad. You’re not. Okay, I love you. Aight, the about sums it up.
Not to mention, the dedication legit says “May you find your Sebastian” Um. No, thank you. I would rather peel my skin off from my limbs and shave my head.
I would rather die alone.
Finally, the writing is ATROCIOUS. Some moments are fine but you can tell that the author probably just stole the lines from well-known books. I’m 99.9% sure this book wasn’t edited, I just can’t prove it.
Anyway, that’s 24hrs of my life wasted on this… whatever this is… that I’ll never get back.
If I could block a book, this would the first on my list.
i hate this book, to say the least.
first off, this was advertised on tiktok as a “shannonjohnny” coded couple. EXCUSE ME?
I thought this was gonna be a cute grumpy x sunshine romance, but no, it’s literally JUST miscommunication, manipulation, toxic masculinity, and s*x.
The characters pmo to the point that I don’t even know what to do. I don’t like a single person in this book. I got weird icky vibes from every single person.
The plot? what is the plot? I hate you! I’m jealous. Let’s fck. Let’s not. I’m sad. You’re not. Okay, I love you. Aight, the about sums it up.
Not to mention, the dedication legit says “May you find your Sebastian” Um. No, thank you. I would rather peel my skin off from my limbs and shave my head.
I would rather die alone.
Finally, the writing is ATROCIOUS. Some moments are fine but you can tell that the author probably just stole the lines from well-known books. I’m 99.9% sure this book wasn’t edited, I just can’t prove it.
Anyway, that’s 24hrs of my life wasted on this… whatever this is… that I’ll never get back.
If I could block a book, this would the first on my list.
May 28, 2025
❣ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.2✨
❣ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- enemies to lovers
- college romance
- slow burn
- secret past
- found family vibes
❣ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Okay but how did this book break me and heal me at the same time? Aliena and Sebastian’s story is one of those that quietly wraps around your heart and refuses to let go. From their awkward, bitter first reunion to the slow, intense unraveling of their history, I was hooked. And don’t even get me started on the soft moments—Sebastian’s hidden layers?? I wanted to scream.
I docked one star because I wanted a little more from the side characters and the writing felt inconsistent at times—some parts were a bit hard to follow. But the storyline made up for it, and that’s exactly why this still gets a solid 4 stars from me. The ending left me teary in the best way. If you love a college romance that’s more emotional than cliché, read this now.
❣ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- enemies to lovers
- college romance
- slow burn
- secret past
- found family vibes
❣ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Okay but how did this book break me and heal me at the same time? Aliena and Sebastian’s story is one of those that quietly wraps around your heart and refuses to let go. From their awkward, bitter first reunion to the slow, intense unraveling of their history, I was hooked. And don’t even get me started on the soft moments—Sebastian’s hidden layers?? I wanted to scream.
I docked one star because I wanted a little more from the side characters and the writing felt inconsistent at times—some parts were a bit hard to follow. But the storyline made up for it, and that’s exactly why this still gets a solid 4 stars from me. The ending left me teary in the best way. If you love a college romance that’s more emotional than cliché, read this now.
June 4, 2025
The plot was undeveloped and their relationship came out of no where. They meet each other a couple times at the nursing home and then at the party and he pretends he doesn’t know her and is just mean. They don’t call or hangout outside the friend group but barely interact within it and all of a sudden he’s calling her sweetheart and rushing to pick her up. They forget about their friends as soon as they are together and she falls off the face of the planet. He then keeps saying he won’t be in a relationship and won’t be a boyfriend but they are living together acting as a couple and we never really get a good reason as to why. She just had bad daddy issues and then he hated her and was rude and she wanted his approval just like she wanted her dads. Red flags all around underdeveloped plot.
July 29, 2025
I've read better and I've read worse, so I have mixed opinions. I liked the hook and some of the energy, the beginning and the way it took off. Chemistry and spice were good, too, but I much preferred the dynamic she had with Matteo. This book had so much potential.
However, a little later in the story, it felt a bit bizarre, and the one-off incidents with Aliena and Seb didn't quite feel right. Girl gave in too easily, and this man didn't grovel nearly enough for it to even be okay, never mind getting together. The ending felt a little too rushed and didn't wrap everything up either. I was unsatisfied with the end, and the writing felt abrupt because of the time gaps and abrupt pacing.
However, a little later in the story, it felt a bit bizarre, and the one-off incidents with Aliena and Seb didn't quite feel right. Girl gave in too easily, and this man didn't grovel nearly enough for it to even be okay, never mind getting together. The ending felt a little too rushed and didn't wrap everything up either. I was unsatisfied with the end, and the writing felt abrupt because of the time gaps and abrupt pacing.
March 10, 2025
Full of errors
It starts off with sentence structure and grammar faults. Then the words in sentences are out of order. Then theres just plain old mistakes like "9pm" instead of 9am. She says the day passes in a blur but it's still the same day...
The continuity is so messed up. She panics about having to sell her apartment to help out her parents. Then talks about paying her rent. Then selling again. Then she has a landlord. Sorry I don't mind a bit of spelling mistakes but please keep your story straight.
It starts off with sentence structure and grammar faults. Then the words in sentences are out of order. Then theres just plain old mistakes like "9pm" instead of 9am. She says the day passes in a blur but it's still the same day...
The continuity is so messed up. She panics about having to sell her apartment to help out her parents. Then talks about paying her rent. Then selling again. Then she has a landlord. Sorry I don't mind a bit of spelling mistakes but please keep your story straight.
September 4, 2025
I didn’t expect this book to hit me so hard 💔. Piece by Piece felt like watching two broken people slowly find peace in each other — messy, painful, but so real 🖤.
Sebastian stole my heart without even trying
, and Aliena... God, I just wanted to hug her 🤍.
Their connection felt raw and real, and some moments literally made my chest ache 🥹.
Their story isn’t perfect, but that’s what made it beautiful ✨. It literally gave Binding 13 vibes 📚 — a and I just loved it! It made me feel everything.
Sebastian stole my heart without even trying
, and Aliena... God, I just wanted to hug her 🤍.
Their connection felt raw and real, and some moments literally made my chest ache 🥹.
Their story isn’t perfect, but that’s what made it beautiful ✨. It literally gave Binding 13 vibes 📚 — a and I just loved it! It made me feel everything.
April 4, 2025
Rating: 3/5
I could give this 3.5 stars. I did like the MMC, other than his occasional bad moments but also they always have them.
I personally am not a fan of sharing. And though it’s not in the harem or polygamy sense, I don’t like when the main character has been sexual with the friends of their partner. It just bothers me. However, it’s not a super major point in the book or made awkward.
The book was solid. I probably wouldn’t read again and don’t think I’ll recommend it honestly.
I could give this 3.5 stars. I did like the MMC, other than his occasional bad moments but also they always have them.
I personally am not a fan of sharing. And though it’s not in the harem or polygamy sense, I don’t like when the main character has been sexual with the friends of their partner. It just bothers me. However, it’s not a super major point in the book or made awkward.
The book was solid. I probably wouldn’t read again and don’t think I’ll recommend it honestly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 The book started off pretty good but then it just got boring and the writing kept getting worse in my opinion. I’ve read some of this authors books on wattpad but this was my first physical book from her and it definitely gives off wattpad vibes, I did enjoy her other books way more than this one.
June 12, 2025
I believed I picked this book up from a tiktok recommendation. I had put it down for a few days after about 70%. I was getting very frustrated with the characters as they were very immature and the connection between them weak IMO. I wanted to finish it off to see if it got better but it felt really rushed.
August 5, 2025
DNF. this book was really cute starting off but after she moved in with him it was straight ass. i really wanted to love the book but the constant getting together threw me off. i even skipped pages because i didn’t want to read it. i don’t understand the chemistry that the characters actually have and once they lived together, no mention of the other friends. absolutely not never again.
September 9, 2025
Remind me to never read books just bcz of ONE scene ever againnn
Bcz this was shit
Both of them were loaded with trauma and the girl had severe daddy issues
SHE ALSO HAD NO SELF RESPECT
oh god don’t get me started
It’s one of those books that after u read them u have to cleanse your soul with a good 5 star read
Bcz this was shit
Both of them were loaded with trauma and the girl had severe daddy issues
SHE ALSO HAD NO SELF RESPECT
oh god don’t get me started
It’s one of those books that after u read them u have to cleanse your soul with a good 5 star read
March 19, 2025
it was okay. I feel like only the fmc had somewhat adequate backstory while mmc only had brief glimpses. I wish we got more at the end. Wdym we never addressed her mom going to rehab and just never get the dad in trouble for abuse??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
this book is exactly like wattpad- entertaining and terrible. also there is only so many times a man can colossally fuck up and still be forgiven- like babe get some self respect pls ✋. anyways not great but gets an extra star for the nostalgia
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