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Starting Today
The trauma Elle hides is buried deep beneath her carefree smiles and her reckless behavior.
When she meets Jake, Elle feels a spark for the first time in almost a year. With Jake, she starts to believe she can rebuild herself, reclaiming the future she thought was lost.
However, despite his best intentions, he struggles to be the knight in shining armor Elle has made him out to be. Elle convinces herself that Jake saved her, and she keeps giving him second chances, even when the cracks in their relationship begin to show.
But everything changes one night when Jake does the unthinkable—crossing a line that shatters Elle's trust.
As they both fight their way through their darkest days, Elle must decide if she can truly forgive him.
Will Elle and Jake be able to rebuild their love, or is some damage too deep to heal?
Starting Today is the first book in the Healing Us Trilogy, a raw and heartfelt story of second chances, redemption, and the complicated road to healing.
When she meets Jake, Elle feels a spark for the first time in almost a year. With Jake, she starts to believe she can rebuild herself, reclaiming the future she thought was lost.
However, despite his best intentions, he struggles to be the knight in shining armor Elle has made him out to be. Elle convinces herself that Jake saved her, and she keeps giving him second chances, even when the cracks in their relationship begin to show.
But everything changes one night when Jake does the unthinkable—crossing a line that shatters Elle's trust.
As they both fight their way through their darkest days, Elle must decide if she can truly forgive him.
Will Elle and Jake be able to rebuild their love, or is some damage too deep to heal?
Starting Today is the first book in the Healing Us Trilogy, a raw and heartfelt story of second chances, redemption, and the complicated road to healing.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2025
10 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 22, 2025
The heartbreak and pain in this story were written so beautifully, it left me absolutely wrecked in the best way. Jake and Elle gave everything they had to each other, trying desperately to be enough — even when it pushed them to their limits.
Supporting someone through addiction is excruciating. Watching them pull you under with them is even harder if you’re not strong enough to keep your head above water. Parenthood brings a kind of strength that’s unshakable, and Elle’s journey to find and hold onto that strength was raw, real, and deeply moving. In the end, love triumphed — and Jake realized Elle was worth every battle he had to fight.
Elle’s character is stunning. Her internal battles — the constant pull between losing herself and staying loyal to the man she loved — felt so real, so honest. Her resilience and vulnerability were written with such care that I found myself crying through several chapters.
This has been my top read of the year so far. If you’ve ever been in a relationship where you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel unless your partner is holding it for you, you will feel this story deep in your soul.
If you were ever an “Elle” — if you fought to find your strength and demanded what you deserved — then know that your journey is seen and honored.
And if you’re looking for a book that reminds you you’re not alone in your struggles, Starting Today is for you.
Keep fighting. You deserve your happy ending.
Supporting someone through addiction is excruciating. Watching them pull you under with them is even harder if you’re not strong enough to keep your head above water. Parenthood brings a kind of strength that’s unshakable, and Elle’s journey to find and hold onto that strength was raw, real, and deeply moving. In the end, love triumphed — and Jake realized Elle was worth every battle he had to fight.
Elle’s character is stunning. Her internal battles — the constant pull between losing herself and staying loyal to the man she loved — felt so real, so honest. Her resilience and vulnerability were written with such care that I found myself crying through several chapters.
This has been my top read of the year so far. If you’ve ever been in a relationship where you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel unless your partner is holding it for you, you will feel this story deep in your soul.
If you were ever an “Elle” — if you fought to find your strength and demanded what you deserved — then know that your journey is seen and honored.
And if you’re looking for a book that reminds you you’re not alone in your struggles, Starting Today is for you.
Keep fighting. You deserve your happy ending.
April 28, 2025
I finished this book on April 26th and I had to let it marinate in my brain for a bit.
This is a RomTraum! Jake and Elle's story is fast paced and chaotic as they are both trying to make it through each day while addicted to ecstasy or alcohol. You will definitely feel all of the emotions while reading this. I don't know how many times I wanted to throat punch Jake or how many times I wanted to shake Elle for taking him back. They go through all of this while taking care of their kids from previous relationships. Seeing Elle grow and get past her addiction with the mind set of being better for her kid is inspiring. The fact that she had faith in Jake to get clean and stuck with him, even though she was a recovering addict, shows how strong Elle is.
I gave this a 4 chilli pepper because the absolute filth that comes out of Jake's mouth made me want to yeet my
kindle...
Despite the chaos, Echo's beautiful writing and emotional journey of chaos kept me hooked until the very end where they have an HEA for now.
Amazing job, Echo!
This is a RomTraum! Jake and Elle's story is fast paced and chaotic as they are both trying to make it through each day while addicted to ecstasy or alcohol. You will definitely feel all of the emotions while reading this. I don't know how many times I wanted to throat punch Jake or how many times I wanted to shake Elle for taking him back. They go through all of this while taking care of their kids from previous relationships. Seeing Elle grow and get past her addiction with the mind set of being better for her kid is inspiring. The fact that she had faith in Jake to get clean and stuck with him, even though she was a recovering addict, shows how strong Elle is.
I gave this a 4 chilli pepper because the absolute filth that comes out of Jake's mouth made me want to yeet my
kindle...
Despite the chaos, Echo's beautiful writing and emotional journey of chaos kept me hooked until the very end where they have an HEA for now.
Amazing job, Echo!
June 19, 2025
I was invited to be a member of the Echo Chamber Street team for A. Echo. This is book #1 in the Healing Us series following Elle & Jake. It's based on the true story of the author and her husband. It's a quick read. And it sucks you in from the very beginning. I finished in one sitting, which kept me up till 3 a.m., but I did not care, lol.
This book has all the feels. I went from laughing to clutching my pearls(my nice way of saying hot & spicy), to anger toward the MMC, to crying for both the MMC and FMC. And when I say crying, it was an ugly cry many times.
This book is about the hardships in relationships that would usually tear two people apart. It follows their struggles with addiction, mental health struggles, unconditional love, and DV. (read the TW)
I don't want to give anything away, but just know this book is real, it's raw, and if you have ever struggled with any of the things above, you will feel all those emotions again. I saw myself in Elle many times in this book. I felt her pain. And many times, I felt sorrow for Jake. Even when I didn't want to because I was mad at him, lol. The writing is beautiful. The story and plot are so relatable. I will be recommending this to all my platforms.
This book has all the feels. I went from laughing to clutching my pearls(my nice way of saying hot & spicy), to anger toward the MMC, to crying for both the MMC and FMC. And when I say crying, it was an ugly cry many times.
This book is about the hardships in relationships that would usually tear two people apart. It follows their struggles with addiction, mental health struggles, unconditional love, and DV. (read the TW)
I don't want to give anything away, but just know this book is real, it's raw, and if you have ever struggled with any of the things above, you will feel all those emotions again. I saw myself in Elle many times in this book. I felt her pain. And many times, I felt sorrow for Jake. Even when I didn't want to because I was mad at him, lol. The writing is beautiful. The story and plot are so relatable. I will be recommending this to all my platforms.
April 27, 2025
What a profoundly moving dark contemporary romance that explores the complexities of second chances, trauma, recovery, and love.
Elle, flawed yet resilient, battles her demons - substance abuse, alcohol dependency, and destructive relationships. Through her struggles, she's vulnerable & has moments of strength, making her journey raw and relatable.
Her relationship with Jake is an intense collision of love, hate, addiction, and self-destruction, devastatingly intoxicating as it is toxic. Abuse with unrelenting honesty. It explores the darkest parts of their relationship but also shows tenderness & growth that gleams hope and redemption.
It's a reminder that even in the darkest corners of life, love and recovery are possible, but not without pain and sacrifice.
Elle, flawed yet resilient, battles her demons - substance abuse, alcohol dependency, and destructive relationships. Through her struggles, she's vulnerable & has moments of strength, making her journey raw and relatable.
Her relationship with Jake is an intense collision of love, hate, addiction, and self-destruction, devastatingly intoxicating as it is toxic. Abuse with unrelenting honesty. It explores the darkest parts of their relationship but also shows tenderness & growth that gleams hope and redemption.
It's a reminder that even in the darkest corners of life, love and recovery are possible, but not without pain and sacrifice.
May 10, 2025
Read. This. Book. Read it.
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Jake’s mouth is FILTHY and that’s who we love as the MMC!!!)
Man… I’ve been sitting here trying to create the perfect review to do this book justice but WOW. I don’t know if anything will…
How beautiful. Intense. Demanding. I cried and laughed and smiled and I think I went through every emotion in the span of the few hours it took me to read this honestly. Elle is such a relatable character to a lot of women - Diving through motherhood with postpartum complications and turning to a release on accident and flipping everything on its toes. A broken soul meeting a broken soul and not even knowing just how broken until she was in so deep its all she could breathe. Through all the brokenness - coming out a million times stronger than she would’ve ever been if the situation had been different.
I’m a firm believer in things happen for a reason - no excusing the topics at hand but I do truly believe Elle and Jake were fated from the very moment at the club. They needed each other. Their hearts and souls knew
Jake was broken. He was hurting-self dissolving. While I wanted to wack him a couple times up side the head myself I just kept thinking WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!!!
Strong, resilient characters. Violence is never the answer but sometimes people truly change , I’m so happy for Echo & her family for being able to say “I MADE IT”. They made it and they deserved their happy endings.
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Jake’s mouth is FILTHY and that’s who we love as the MMC!!!)
Man… I’ve been sitting here trying to create the perfect review to do this book justice but WOW. I don’t know if anything will…
How beautiful. Intense. Demanding. I cried and laughed and smiled and I think I went through every emotion in the span of the few hours it took me to read this honestly. Elle is such a relatable character to a lot of women - Diving through motherhood with postpartum complications and turning to a release on accident and flipping everything on its toes. A broken soul meeting a broken soul and not even knowing just how broken until she was in so deep its all she could breathe. Through all the brokenness - coming out a million times stronger than she would’ve ever been if the situation had been different.
I’m a firm believer in things happen for a reason - no excusing the topics at hand but I do truly believe Elle and Jake were fated from the very moment at the club. They needed each other. Their hearts and souls knew
Jake was broken. He was hurting-self dissolving. While I wanted to wack him a couple times up side the head myself I just kept thinking WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!!!
Strong, resilient characters. Violence is never the answer but sometimes people truly change , I’m so happy for Echo & her family for being able to say “I MADE IT”. They made it and they deserved their happy endings.
April 28, 2025
Starting Today is a deeply emotional and powerful read set in my home state of Washington, which made the story feel even more personal and grounded. A. Echo crafts a heartfelt journey centered around Elle, a woman whose strength and devotion—especially to the kids—turned her into an unstoppable force. Watching her growth and determination unfold was one of the highlights of the book.
Elle’s relationship with Jake is a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak. While she gave him more chances than he deserved, it’s hard not to root for her desire to believe in love and redemption. Jake, for all his flaws, delivers vows that absolutely shattered me—they were raw, honest, and painfully beautiful.
This story doesn’t shy away from the complexities of relationships, parenting, and healing. It's a reminder that love can be messy, people can disappoint you, and yet there’s still room for forgiveness and new beginnings.
PLEASE I can't stress this enough, continue beyond the story and into the Acknowledgments. It gives very important now information on how things are. I promise you won't regret it.
Elle’s relationship with Jake is a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak. While she gave him more chances than he deserved, it’s hard not to root for her desire to believe in love and redemption. Jake, for all his flaws, delivers vows that absolutely shattered me—they were raw, honest, and painfully beautiful.
This story doesn’t shy away from the complexities of relationships, parenting, and healing. It's a reminder that love can be messy, people can disappoint you, and yet there’s still room for forgiveness and new beginnings.
PLEASE I can't stress this enough, continue beyond the story and into the Acknowledgments. It gives very important now information on how things are. I promise you won't regret it.
May 7, 2025
Elle's concealed trauma is deeply embedded beneath her carefree facade and reckless behavior. Upon meeting Jake, Elle feels a spark for the first time in almost a year. With Jake, she begins to believe she can rebuild herself, reclaiming the future she thought was lost.
I found this book to be deeply affecting, as it shared an emotional story of overcoming adversity and demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of numerous mental health issues and drug addiction.
In my opinion, Jake was not the primary catalyst for this transformation; rather, it was her readiness to assume the responsibilities of motherhood that presented the most significant challenge. Her patience and ability to navigate complex situations, including her relationship with Jake, are truly praiseworthy traits.
It is evident that she, like many others, is not merely a survivor; she is a fighter who has emerged stronger and more determined.
I found this book to be deeply affecting, as it shared an emotional story of overcoming adversity and demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of numerous mental health issues and drug addiction.
In my opinion, Jake was not the primary catalyst for this transformation; rather, it was her readiness to assume the responsibilities of motherhood that presented the most significant challenge. Her patience and ability to navigate complex situations, including her relationship with Jake, are truly praiseworthy traits.
It is evident that she, like many others, is not merely a survivor; she is a fighter who has emerged stronger and more determined.
May 11, 2025
Amazing read. I can relate to the character but the difference was I didn't have hope. I had to do what I had to do to get out. Everyone is different in situations like this. But I give this book a 5 stars. Get this book! Amazing!
May 17, 2025
This emotional story of a person who went through everything to get her life back and get her happy ending. The emotions you feel through it all. The feelings you feel for each character. Thank you Echo for sharing it.
April 30, 2025
I recently had the pleasure of reading Starting Today, and I must say, it started off with a bang. The initial chapters were captivating, and I found myself deeply connected with the protagonist, Elle. Her journey and experiences resonated with me on a personal level, making the beginning of the book truly enjoyable.
One of the most commendable aspects of this book is that 90% of the story is based on the author's own life and real experiences. It takes a lot of courage to share so much of yourself, and I am incredibly proud of her for doing so. This personal touch added a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative that I truly appreciated.
The book's potential and the strong start kept me engaged. Elle's character remained a bright spot throughout, and her development was a highlight. Overall, Starting Today is a commendable effort with a lot of promise, and I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.
One of the most commendable aspects of this book is that 90% of the story is based on the author's own life and real experiences. It takes a lot of courage to share so much of yourself, and I am incredibly proud of her for doing so. This personal touch added a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative that I truly appreciated.
The book's potential and the strong start kept me engaged. Elle's character remained a bright spot throughout, and her development was a highlight. Overall, Starting Today is a commendable effort with a lot of promise, and I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.
April 30, 2025
I was blown away by the emotional angst that this debut novelist was able to capture. I had the immense pleasure of Beta reading Starting Today and when I say that I could not put it down, I mean it! I finished this in roughly 3 hours, it is a very fast paced and quick read. You will feel all the things as Elle experiences them. I can’t wait to see how the next book unfolds and will immediately be adding it to my TBR when it’s announced.
May 18, 2025
Let me start off by saying that while this book is a short and quick read, this is not a book for people who can't read about abusiveness in a relationship. There is some very strong adult language used in this book in both an abusive way and a sexual way. This book covers very sensitive topics when it comes to relationships and there are explicit sex scenes throughout this book.
With that said , this book is about Elle whose life hasn't necessarily been an ideallic one. She has some trauma and scars from her life and when she meets Jake he seems like he's everything that she wanted and needed in her life. The problem is underneath it all Jake comes with his own baggage. I did like how the book really touched on the fact that when you care about someone and you love someone you're willing sometimes to give them numerous chances in the relationship. Maybe it's not always the best decision but it's the decision that you feel you need at that time.
The problem is that as time goes on, the issues that are festering underneath the facade of this relationship keep getting bigger and bigger. It's almost like a volcano that's festering underneath and you have the rumbles off and on until finally the volcano explodes. That's this relationship.
So the question is, when you get to that level in a relationship can the people within it truly change? This book is about as raw as it can get. Absolutely nothing in this book is sugar coated. The author really encompassed what relationships like this can truly look like when no one is watching. I felt like I was an emotional wreck after reading this. I give this four out of five stars.
With that said , this book is about Elle whose life hasn't necessarily been an ideallic one. She has some trauma and scars from her life and when she meets Jake he seems like he's everything that she wanted and needed in her life. The problem is underneath it all Jake comes with his own baggage. I did like how the book really touched on the fact that when you care about someone and you love someone you're willing sometimes to give them numerous chances in the relationship. Maybe it's not always the best decision but it's the decision that you feel you need at that time.
The problem is that as time goes on, the issues that are festering underneath the facade of this relationship keep getting bigger and bigger. It's almost like a volcano that's festering underneath and you have the rumbles off and on until finally the volcano explodes. That's this relationship.
So the question is, when you get to that level in a relationship can the people within it truly change? This book is about as raw as it can get. Absolutely nothing in this book is sugar coated. The author really encompassed what relationships like this can truly look like when no one is watching. I felt like I was an emotional wreck after reading this. I give this four out of five stars.
May 17, 2025
Let me start by saying that this story is not the normal type of story that I choose to read. 📚 The topics tackled by the FMC, Elle, and MMC, Jake, are tough and quite triggering. There were sections of the book that had me angry, furious, and upset. I cried… it was an emotional roller coaster. I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to see how the story ended. I wanted to see if Jake stopped being selfish. I wanted to see if Elle discovered strength and courage. I am glad that I finished her story.
It was raw, straightforward, emotional, and triggering. It reminded me that although happily ever afters do occur, the road to reach them is not always easy and fun. I give the author lots of credit for choosing to tell her story in this manner.
‼️Before you read this story, ensure that you read the trigger warnings. If you are okay with them, I suggest you give this a read. It was incredibly well written.
It was raw, straightforward, emotional, and triggering. It reminded me that although happily ever afters do occur, the road to reach them is not always easy and fun. I give the author lots of credit for choosing to tell her story in this manner.
‼️Before you read this story, ensure that you read the trigger warnings. If you are okay with them, I suggest you give this a read. It was incredibly well written.
July 6, 2025
I want to start off my saying check your trigger warnings. This books doesn’t just have spice but it has a lot of emotional triggers that could be triggering to a lot of people.
Secondly I want to say thank you to the author for telling us this story. This is based on her and her husband’s journey of healing both individually and together. I am so glad you guys made it out on the other side. It takes a strong woman to be able to choice to stay because she sees the potential in a man. Not all of us change the way Elle and Jake do. Thank you for being raw and unfiltered. I’m so thankful Booktok brought us together. I want to also thank her husband for letting her tell their story! I am so proud of both of you for overcoming addiction, you are both truly amazing!
I finished this book in under 48 hours. It deserves all 5 stars because someone writing their own life story and the hardest parts is a badass! I can’t wait to continue to hear about your journey together! Amazing book. 🤍
Secondly I want to say thank you to the author for telling us this story. This is based on her and her husband’s journey of healing both individually and together. I am so glad you guys made it out on the other side. It takes a strong woman to be able to choice to stay because she sees the potential in a man. Not all of us change the way Elle and Jake do. Thank you for being raw and unfiltered. I’m so thankful Booktok brought us together. I want to also thank her husband for letting her tell their story! I am so proud of both of you for overcoming addiction, you are both truly amazing!
I finished this book in under 48 hours. It deserves all 5 stars because someone writing their own life story and the hardest parts is a badass! I can’t wait to continue to hear about your journey together! Amazing book. 🤍
May 13, 2025
Starting Today is Indie Author A. ECHO's debut novel and the first installment in the Healing Us Trilogy, a poignant Contemporary Romance exploring second chances, redemption, and the complex journey of healing.
I was completely absorbed from page one, and I couldn't put it down until I read from cover to cover.
Elle's story is a powerful exploration of vulnerability and resilience as she confronts her struggles, including substance abuse and troubled relationships, and discovers moments of strength throughout her journey. This emotional tale delves into the complexities of addiction, abuse, and relationships as two lovers strive to overcome their challenges and rebuild their lives together.
For a deeper understanding, be sure to read the acknowledgments following the story.
Thank you, I'm grateful to have been a part of your journey.
Highly recommend!!
I was completely absorbed from page one, and I couldn't put it down until I read from cover to cover.
Elle's story is a powerful exploration of vulnerability and resilience as she confronts her struggles, including substance abuse and troubled relationships, and discovers moments of strength throughout her journey. This emotional tale delves into the complexities of addiction, abuse, and relationships as two lovers strive to overcome their challenges and rebuild their lives together.
For a deeper understanding, be sure to read the acknowledgments following the story.
Thank you, I'm grateful to have been a part of your journey.
Highly recommend!!
June 24, 2025
Set in the Pacific Northwest, Starting Today by A Echo is an angsty, raw & heartfelt read. To know that this is a contemporary romance inspired so deeply by the authors own experience, is an honor in itself. Echo transports you into her main character’s, Elle’s, honest struggle with addiction, cravings to be a better person, and yummy sexual appetite for a man who both saved her & struggles himself. Jake, our white knight, has all intent to help Elle, but he’s not perfect. Pick up this book and become immersed in the story that is Jake & Elle. Not only will you find spice, but you will also feel all the feels.
Always read TWs prior to reading. Keep you and your mental health safe, happy and in mind.
Always read TWs prior to reading. Keep you and your mental health safe, happy and in mind.
July 20, 2025
Starting Today, had me all up in my feels. A person with traumas, I took a lot longer to read this than my usual reads. Taking the long recovery with the characters was not only cathartic to my soul, but also tore me down to take a better look at the things I went through personally and allowed me to heal in a more healthy way.
A. Echo my heart and soul was left on the pages of this story, along with my tears, chuckles and pain. You are amazing in sticking with your thoughts and feelings, staying strong and standing by awaiting what only you knew would and could happen.
That takes so much. You are one strong woman and deserve all the praises.
Girl I felt HEARD, SEEN and LOVED after reading your words on those pages.
Can't wait for the next one!!
A. Echo my heart and soul was left on the pages of this story, along with my tears, chuckles and pain. You are amazing in sticking with your thoughts and feelings, staying strong and standing by awaiting what only you knew would and could happen.
That takes so much. You are one strong woman and deserve all the praises.
Girl I felt HEARD, SEEN and LOVED after reading your words on those pages.
Can't wait for the next one!!
April 26, 2025
This book covers the trauma that Elle goes through. How she can go from "rock bottom" and get to the top. Learning her way through her addiction and coming out on top. Finding love with a man (Jake) who also has addition issues and helping him through the ropes of conquering his own issues. The story between these two lovers is fantastic as they find there ways back to each other all the while battling mental and physical abuse. To write a story like this I give mad props to the author! This retelling story of Elle and Jakes life is one to read! But make sure you check out the trigger warnings at first. I would recommend this book to those who like dark romance with the tropes I listed.
May 11, 2025
This book seriously wrecked me. It had me sobbing and crying in several chapters.... Elle's story really got me in the feels. Her journey of sobriety and loving an addict enough to help him get clean and remain sober, doesn't happen as often as we like, but reminds the reader, there is always hope. I don't think I realized when I started reading this book just how much of it that I can relate to. I am so glad to have read this, and would recommend to others to read it as well. I will say that before you do read it, check the trigger warnings. It may be sensitive material for some readers. As always, Happy Reading!
May 19, 2025
This was such a great read. This goes into the struggles of having an addiction, falling in love with someone who has an addiction, and the growth that comes from getting clean. A. Echo goes into so much emotional depth to understand the mind of someone who is an addict and the relationships that can happen.
I applaud this author for being so vulnerable as this story comes from personal experience. Along with addiction, DV is also a big part of this storyline so please check those trigger warnings!
For a debut book, this was great. And I truly cannot wait to read the next one!
Thank you A. Echo for trusting me to receive an ARC.
I applaud this author for being so vulnerable as this story comes from personal experience. Along with addiction, DV is also a big part of this storyline so please check those trigger warnings!
For a debut book, this was great. And I truly cannot wait to read the next one!
Thank you A. Echo for trusting me to receive an ARC.
May 24, 2025
I finished this book today and I was hooked from the very first page. A. Echo’s writing pulled me in and didn’t let go. It’s raw, it’s heavy, and it hit close to home in ways I wasn’t prepared for. I cried, I smiled, and I felt every word. It played in my mind like a movie.
What made it even more powerful were the diary entries, getting that glimpse into her inner world, not just what was happening on the outside, made it so real. Knowing that most of this actually happened, with only a small part dramatized, just adds another layer. I’m so proud of this author for being brave enough to share her story. I can’t recommend it enough.
What made it even more powerful were the diary entries, getting that glimpse into her inner world, not just what was happening on the outside, made it so real. Knowing that most of this actually happened, with only a small part dramatized, just adds another layer. I’m so proud of this author for being brave enough to share her story. I can’t recommend it enough.
May 8, 2025
This book is definitely no ordinary story but it’s the story of how my father and my bonus mom met it touches your soul in so many different ways but this story is beautifully written by an amazing women as a kid you never really know what struggles your parents went through as a couple that’s the way it should be but this book opened my eyes to the rawness of there relationship in the past and makes me appreciate every second of their relationship now thank you for sharing your guy’s story
Also 10/10 would RECOMMEND!!!!
Also 10/10 would RECOMMEND!!!!
May 11, 2025
This is a read that maybe hit home the most with strong topics that many don’t truly see both sides of and this book shows that, writing this putting so much heart and thought must have been such an experience but I thank you for doing it, so many people will feel how real this is that life isnt just in the good moments and that loving someone isn’t easy it’s a choice you have to make everyday so I recommend this book make sure you read the triggers as it’s very important in this book but the care this author took is nothing short of amazing!
May 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5 stars)
This one hit hard in all the best ways. Starting Today is raw, emotional, and unfiltered. It deals with addiction, trauma, and recovery without holding back, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Elle’s journey is messy and painful, but it’s also full of heart. The romance is complicated, sometimes toxic, but real. And yes—the spice is spicing hard. The tension, the chemistry, the vulnerability… it’s all there.
Some parts felt heavy, but the story stuck with me. It’s not always pretty, but it’s honest and unforgettable.
This one hit hard in all the best ways. Starting Today is raw, emotional, and unfiltered. It deals with addiction, trauma, and recovery without holding back, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Elle’s journey is messy and painful, but it’s also full of heart. The romance is complicated, sometimes toxic, but real. And yes—the spice is spicing hard. The tension, the chemistry, the vulnerability… it’s all there.
Some parts felt heavy, but the story stuck with me. It’s not always pretty, but it’s honest and unforgettable.
May 17, 2025
This book is amazing! It’s so very realistic and detailed and makes you feel like you’re watching it play by play infront of you! This book feels like the real list equivalent to a romance book with spice, but it has sensitive topics and is written about DV so it can be too much for some readers. I do love how realistic it is and how it is a real life and very common issue, I highly recommend this book it definitely has spice but I wouldn’t call it smut! I wanted to beat Jake’s a$s 97% through, to me this is a TRUE HEA one you have to work through some serious stuff to get there!
November 16, 2025
This book really caught me by surprise and I'll tell you why
first of all this is the authors first book (you could never tell )
secondly this story is based on the authors own life experiences and it honestly consumes your soul when your reading it,
the emotion that is seeping from this book will pull you in and spit you out , its inviting while also keeping you 100 percent invested, this was a book that i couldn't put down and literally took 3 hours reading time
very excited and hopeful that the author will continue this book as a series because this was amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
first of all this is the authors first book (you could never tell )
secondly this story is based on the authors own life experiences and it honestly consumes your soul when your reading it,
the emotion that is seeping from this book will pull you in and spit you out , its inviting while also keeping you 100 percent invested, this was a book that i couldn't put down and literally took 3 hours reading time
very excited and hopeful that the author will continue this book as a series because this was amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 12, 2025
This book brings so many emotions from start to finish. Elle goes through so much at such a young age. She puts up a front with so much pain she hides. She is so good at putting up a front so she doesn’t hurt anyone along the way. This is a debut novel and I can’t believe this the first the author wrote. If you are looking for an emotional and page turner this one’s for you. I can’t wait to read more n this series.
May 19, 2025
Definitely read your trigger warnings before diving in. I wouldn’t recommend going in blind. The language used in abusive ways as well as sexually is really strong.
All and all, it’s a terrifically told story of love and trauma. Addiction in the relationship and recovery. It has a really strong start and captivates you right away. There’s so many emotions throughout.
It’s a difficult story to tell and thank you to A. Echo for doing so.
All and all, it’s a terrifically told story of love and trauma. Addiction in the relationship and recovery. It has a really strong start and captivates you right away. There’s so many emotions throughout.
It’s a difficult story to tell and thank you to A. Echo for doing so.
May 23, 2025
What a deeply touching story. I found myself feeling a mix of emotions while reading, especially wanting Elle to find her way to safety. Many of us can relate to the pain of being in abusive relationships, so this narrative resonated profoundly—raw, powerful, and at times quite frustrating. The writing is beautiful and manages to portray this type of relationship without romanticizing it.
It's important to check the trigger warnings.
It's important to check the trigger warnings.
May 24, 2025
TALK ABOUT A WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS!
The story of Ella and Jake had me wrapped up so tight that I shamefully admit that I read this entire book in one setting, refusing to put it down in exchange for sleep.
The pain, the sorrow, the countless tears I’ve had for Elle and Jake all night. The development and the story telling made it all so worth it!
Let’s not even talk about those spice scenes 😩🥰 5/5🌶️
I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
The story of Ella and Jake had me wrapped up so tight that I shamefully admit that I read this entire book in one setting, refusing to put it down in exchange for sleep.
The pain, the sorrow, the countless tears I’ve had for Elle and Jake all night. The development and the story telling made it all so worth it!
Let’s not even talk about those spice scenes 😩🥰 5/5🌶️
I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
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