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Honey
Lainey Davis thought love was supposed to feel safe.
For years, she poured herself into a relationship that left her bruised physically, emotionally, and mentally. What started as passion turned into control, and what she thought was love turned into something unrecognizable. Now, Lainey is done pretending. Done making excuses. Done being afraid.
With the help of her childhood friend, Olivia, Lainey escapes.
But freedom doesn’t come easy, and neither does healing. Letting go of her past means facing the truth about what she endured and fighting for who she wants to become. As Lainey pieces her life back together she learns that healing isn’t about forgetting, it’s about finding the strength to move forward even when the scars still ache.
Raw, emotional, and empowering, Honey is a story of survival, self-discovery, and the courage to reclaim your own story.
For years, she poured herself into a relationship that left her bruised physically, emotionally, and mentally. What started as passion turned into control, and what she thought was love turned into something unrecognizable. Now, Lainey is done pretending. Done making excuses. Done being afraid.
With the help of her childhood friend, Olivia, Lainey escapes.
But freedom doesn’t come easy, and neither does healing. Letting go of her past means facing the truth about what she endured and fighting for who she wants to become. As Lainey pieces her life back together she learns that healing isn’t about forgetting, it’s about finding the strength to move forward even when the scars still ache.
Raw, emotional, and empowering, Honey is a story of survival, self-discovery, and the courage to reclaim your own story.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
B. Wiseman
1 book36 followersB is an author who writes stories about resilience, self-discovery, and the complexities of love. From raw, emotional journeys to heart-racing romance, their books explore the strength it takes to heal, grow, and start over. Whether through poetry, fiction, or something in between, B’s work resonates with readers who crave deep emotions and unforgettable characters.
Beyond writing, B is passionate about books, fitness, and nutrition. As a certified personal trainer pursuing a career in dietetics, they believe in the power of both mental and physical strength. When they’re not crafting compelling stories, you’ll find them running their online bookstore, Miles on Paper, supporting indie authors, or working on their next project—whatever form it may take.
Follow B for updates on their latest releases, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their writing journey.
Beyond writing, B is passionate about books, fitness, and nutrition. As a certified personal trainer pursuing a career in dietetics, they believe in the power of both mental and physical strength. When they’re not crafting compelling stories, you’ll find them running their online bookstore, Miles on Paper, supporting indie authors, or working on their next project—whatever form it may take.
Follow B for updates on their latest releases, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their writing journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 9, 2025
I think this is the most I have ever highlighted a book. This book resonated with me so much. It’s full of pain, grief, survival but also full of courage, strength, healing and hope. Hope for something better.
Honey is written so beautifully. B. Wiseman didn’t stray from the hard parts, it was raw and real. This story is about finding yourself again after you thought you were lost.
A few quotes that really spoke to me:
“You don’t have to be strong all at once. You just have to start moving.”
“Fear was still there, loyal and bruised. But courage ran deeper.”
“It’s okay to still love someone who hurt you. It doesn’t mean it wasn’t abuse.”
Honey is written so beautifully. B. Wiseman didn’t stray from the hard parts, it was raw and real. This story is about finding yourself again after you thought you were lost.
A few quotes that really spoke to me:
“You don’t have to be strong all at once. You just have to start moving.”
“Fear was still there, loyal and bruised. But courage ran deeper.”
“It’s okay to still love someone who hurt you. It doesn’t mean it wasn’t abuse.”
August 25, 2025
Honey is for all of us. For the women who have fallen quietly into the grasp of physiologic abuse mistaking it for comfort. For the women who have had to watch as their friends endured far more than they ever should have had to. For the women who have made themselves smaller in hopes that one day they might just disappear all together.
Abuse isn’t always loud and blaring, sometimes it sneaks into the soft folds of life in the shape of questions with hidden meanings and insults disguised as jokes.
Honey’s story looked so much like my own that it was like staring into a mirror as I read. I couldn’t stop highlighting line after line after line because finally someone UNDERSTOOD! I was being SEEN! My heart felt like it was poured among these pages like Honey’s story was my own. And in some weird way, it was.
Abuse isn’t pretty, and it doesn’t need to be. Healing isn’t perfect, and sometimes might feel impossible, but little by little you will come back to yourself.
B, you have captured the haunting reality of abuse so elegantly and I applaud you!! Honey isn’t all smooth edges and perfect scenarios, she is raw and real and so so damn relatable it hurts. 💗
Abuse isn’t always loud and blaring, sometimes it sneaks into the soft folds of life in the shape of questions with hidden meanings and insults disguised as jokes.
Honey’s story looked so much like my own that it was like staring into a mirror as I read. I couldn’t stop highlighting line after line after line because finally someone UNDERSTOOD! I was being SEEN! My heart felt like it was poured among these pages like Honey’s story was my own. And in some weird way, it was.
Abuse isn’t pretty, and it doesn’t need to be. Healing isn’t perfect, and sometimes might feel impossible, but little by little you will come back to yourself.
B, you have captured the haunting reality of abuse so elegantly and I applaud you!! Honey isn’t all smooth edges and perfect scenarios, she is raw and real and so so damn relatable it hurts. 💗
August 23, 2025
I hope Lainey’s story gives you what you need whether it’s hope, strength, or simply the reminder that you’re not alone.
August 15, 2025
This book shined light on a part of me I didn’t know existed and helped me let it go 💛
I’m going to start gifting this book to every one I know 🫡
-Austin? Hate him. 👏🏻👏🏻
-Olivia? LOVE 👏🏻 HER 👏🏻
-Honey? Gonna stick her in my pocket.
-[redacted]?! Gonna lick his [redacted-redacted-redacted]
I’m going to start gifting this book to every one I know 🫡
-Austin? Hate him. 👏🏻👏🏻
-Olivia? LOVE 👏🏻 HER 👏🏻
-Honey? Gonna stick her in my pocket.
-[redacted]?! Gonna lick his [redacted-redacted-redacted]
September 16, 2025
For Lainey Davis, love wasn’t supposed to be like this. It wasn’t supposed to be making herself small, fearing when he came home, trying to make sure she did things a specific way as to not set him off, but that’s what it became. When Lainey runs into her childhood friend, Olivia, she pours her heart out, and with her planning and help, Lainey escapes. Just because she physically escapes, doesn’t mean her mind does nor does her body’s reactions to certain sounds. She might have escaped, but she’s not yet free. With time and help, Lainey starts to come alive again, she starts to live again. It’s not about forgetting the past, it’s about healing, strength, bravery, and accepting help and love.
Wow. this book was powerful. Like the dedication of this book says, this book is for anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship or is currently in one, and doesn’t think that there is a way out safely. It was raw, it was honest. It didn’t sugarcoat Lainey’s feelings or fear. This type of abuse, mental, emotional, financial, and physical is real. It happens every day. The controlling behavior, the isolation… and it happens so slowly that its hardly noticeable as its happening.
More than that though, this book really highlighted that there is hope beyond all that. It didn’t rush that hope, it wasn’t overnight. It took time. Slowly Lainey started to do things for herself, even if it was merely picking out something to wear in her favorite color. It was honest that she needed more help than just friends and family, and she got professional help – went to therapy. There was light at the end of the tunnel for Lainey, and there is light at the end of the tunnel for anyone else in these positions too.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. How this author taps into all of this in a debut? And made it feel so effortless, raw and honest? It’s simply amazing. I cannot wait to read the second book in the duology.
Wow. this book was powerful. Like the dedication of this book says, this book is for anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship or is currently in one, and doesn’t think that there is a way out safely. It was raw, it was honest. It didn’t sugarcoat Lainey’s feelings or fear. This type of abuse, mental, emotional, financial, and physical is real. It happens every day. The controlling behavior, the isolation… and it happens so slowly that its hardly noticeable as its happening.
More than that though, this book really highlighted that there is hope beyond all that. It didn’t rush that hope, it wasn’t overnight. It took time. Slowly Lainey started to do things for herself, even if it was merely picking out something to wear in her favorite color. It was honest that she needed more help than just friends and family, and she got professional help – went to therapy. There was light at the end of the tunnel for Lainey, and there is light at the end of the tunnel for anyone else in these positions too.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. How this author taps into all of this in a debut? And made it feel so effortless, raw and honest? It’s simply amazing. I cannot wait to read the second book in the duology.
September 25, 2025
Here's the thing - in a lot of the books I read, I enjoy a lot of them because of the emotional turmoil I go through reading the books. I am very much devil's advocate in a lot of books, waiting for it to be much harsher than I expect it to be so the ending is that much more impactful and such.
With that said, I was very focused on the story in the beginning. Reading about Lainey's life in this house that is her prison, with a guy who is absolute trash and trying to figure out when and how to ask for help and from who. Unfortunately for me, the story didn't transition in a way I could follow along with chapter-to-chapter and often got confused as to where Lainey was or who she was with, even who was talking at some points. This took me out of the story, so I couldn't enjoy her transition into this next era for her.
Part of the transition issues caused it to seem like the story was moving much faster than it should've. Obviously different people heal in different ways and each person has their own time frame of healing - I get that. But for the amount of buildup with the physical and emotional abuse made it seem like it would take a lot longer. And don't get me wrong! It could've been days, weeks or months, I don't really know and I couldn't really tell and that's just the issue with books sometimes.
Overall, the messages in this story are very powerful and very inspiring for people who have been in similar situations. It's a reminder that you can heal and you can get to a point in your life where you're happy again, and I love that. I just got taken out of the story too much with the writing style and transitions, that's all. The story itself is great!
With that said, I was very focused on the story in the beginning. Reading about Lainey's life in this house that is her prison, with a guy who is absolute trash and trying to figure out when and how to ask for help and from who. Unfortunately for me, the story didn't transition in a way I could follow along with chapter-to-chapter and often got confused as to where Lainey was or who she was with, even who was talking at some points. This took me out of the story, so I couldn't enjoy her transition into this next era for her.
Part of the transition issues caused it to seem like the story was moving much faster than it should've. Obviously different people heal in different ways and each person has their own time frame of healing - I get that. But for the amount of buildup with the physical and emotional abuse made it seem like it would take a lot longer. And don't get me wrong! It could've been days, weeks or months, I don't really know and I couldn't really tell and that's just the issue with books sometimes.
Overall, the messages in this story are very powerful and very inspiring for people who have been in similar situations. It's a reminder that you can heal and you can get to a point in your life where you're happy again, and I love that. I just got taken out of the story too much with the writing style and transitions, that's all. The story itself is great!
September 9, 2025
OH MY GOODNESS THIS BOOK WAS SO SO GOOD! I was bawling my eyes out to it at 3:00 in the morning because I couldn't put it down! It's such a powerfully written book about healing, and true friendship, and finding yourself again after finding the strength to leave an abusive relationship. B. Wiseman beautifully captured the sometimes conflicting emotion one feels after leaving, and it's so easy to relate to Lainey! I love Honey so so much, and I need book 2 ASAP!
September 9, 2025
ARC Review
Rating: 4 stars
I loved reading this book, this book really did capture the reality of toxic love and survival. The road to healing is a hard one and isn't perfect which was reflected in this book. I loved Honey's friend Olivia and her sister Lemon
Rating: 4 stars
I loved reading this book, this book really did capture the reality of toxic love and survival. The road to healing is a hard one and isn't perfect which was reflected in this book. I loved Honey's friend Olivia and her sister Lemon
September 11, 2025
This book gives you hope for many girls out there. Whether you can relate to the story or not, it's one everyone learn something from.
September 9, 2025
My gosh 😭 I loved this book!!
Honeys story spoke to me on so many levels. By the time I finished her story I was absolutely wrecked. I am in awe of this was written and it is insane to me that this is a debut release! If you need a book to emotionally wreck you and remind you that you are stronger than you feel, get this!!!!
•To the girl who stayed when she should have run, who lost herself trying to make someone else whole, who thought survival meant silence. And to anyone who sees themselves in her-this is your reminder that you are so much more than your pain. There is a way out, and on the other side is a strength you never knew you had. This is for you, because you are worth saving.
•” I don’t know what okay looks like anymore but I think I’m closer”
•I used to think love meant safety.
Warm hands. Soft laughter. I used to think it meant being held at night, not bruised. I used to think love looked like sunflowers and road trips and playlists made for long drives. Not being told to rinse a glass better. Not being yanked around like I was part of the furniture.
•I want to wear yellow without shame. I want to breathe without measuring it first. I want to be mine again.
•And for the first time in a very long time, I didn't feel like I had to look behind me. I let the light come in.
Honeys story spoke to me on so many levels. By the time I finished her story I was absolutely wrecked. I am in awe of this was written and it is insane to me that this is a debut release! If you need a book to emotionally wreck you and remind you that you are stronger than you feel, get this!!!!
•To the girl who stayed when she should have run, who lost herself trying to make someone else whole, who thought survival meant silence. And to anyone who sees themselves in her-this is your reminder that you are so much more than your pain. There is a way out, and on the other side is a strength you never knew you had. This is for you, because you are worth saving.
•” I don’t know what okay looks like anymore but I think I’m closer”
•I used to think love meant safety.
Warm hands. Soft laughter. I used to think it meant being held at night, not bruised. I used to think love looked like sunflowers and road trips and playlists made for long drives. Not being told to rinse a glass better. Not being yanked around like I was part of the furniture.
•I want to wear yellow without shame. I want to breathe without measuring it first. I want to be mine again.
•And for the first time in a very long time, I didn't feel like I had to look behind me. I let the light come in.
August 28, 2025
It was a great book about pushing through and being resilient. All while realizing you should do things at your own speed and take how ever long you need to heal.
August 29, 2025
Oh. My. Heart!!! I think I have most of this book highlighted. Honey, book 1 of The Sundust and Smoke Duology, was healing for me. B Wiseman has written such an amazingly beautiful first novel. Before reading further or reading the book, please read the TW’s. There are so many resources at the end of the book that are helpful, and B’s final words to us moved me so much. This book deals with heavy and difficult topics, but truly makes you feel seen, empowered, and for some I hope see things in a different light. You will cry, be angry, laugh, cry more, laugh, did I mention cry? Just a beautiful debut.
Lainey Davis used to shine bright like sunshine, and go by Honey. That is until she met Austin (insert all the ugly words here). We meet them in the relationship. If you have ever wondered why someone doesn’t just leave, this paints a picture for you. We also get to meet Olivia, and bless her!!! The epitome of patience, truth, and love. Olivia reminds us that you have to meet people where they are.
I want to just spill it all out here, but it is a journey you will need to take for yourself. This isn’t a story about falling in love with someone else, but one about falling back in love and finding yourself again. I cannot wait to see where the journey takes us in the next book.
I could add a million quotes here, but I will stick with my two favorites. One powerful, and one that made me laugh because it is something I would do and say.
“You’re allowed to be soft and still survive.”
“Thanks for not running after I told you I burned a letter like a witch.” [redacted] laughed. “I like witches.”
Thank you so much, B, for letting me be a part of the ARC and Honey ST. My review and opinions are my own.
Lainey Davis used to shine bright like sunshine, and go by Honey. That is until she met Austin (insert all the ugly words here). We meet them in the relationship. If you have ever wondered why someone doesn’t just leave, this paints a picture for you. We also get to meet Olivia, and bless her!!! The epitome of patience, truth, and love. Olivia reminds us that you have to meet people where they are.
I want to just spill it all out here, but it is a journey you will need to take for yourself. This isn’t a story about falling in love with someone else, but one about falling back in love and finding yourself again. I cannot wait to see where the journey takes us in the next book.
I could add a million quotes here, but I will stick with my two favorites. One powerful, and one that made me laugh because it is something I would do and say.
“You’re allowed to be soft and still survive.”
“Thanks for not running after I told you I burned a letter like a witch.” [redacted] laughed. “I like witches.”
Thank you so much, B, for letting me be a part of the ARC and Honey ST. My review and opinions are my own.
August 18, 2025
“Each breath I took didn’t belong to someone else anymore”
Beautiful, devastating, raw, real.
Honey by B. Wiseman is a literal work of art. I devoured this whole in less than 24 hours. Lainey’s story was so real and inspiring and so beautiful to read.
I absolutely adored the way our main character narrated the story - it was different than most books I have read recently… it almost felt like someone recounting their life over a fire with some loved ones. I felt like I was sitting there, listening to Lainey herself tell me her story. B Wiseman’s writing style is incredible.
My favourite part of this story was there was no rush to find a new partner. While finding love can be and is important in many many stories, I found this to be so empowering because there wasn’t a new love interest taking over the story. It was a story of healing, surviving and learning to be and exist without fear. And it was for Lainey and Lainey alone.
God I loved this story so much - it is hard to believe that this is a debut. Absolutely exceptional - writing, plot, characters… I am so excited for more.
Please be mindful of triggers. Read trigger warnings before beginning this book. It will hurt a times, but it was so beautiful.
Beautiful, devastating, raw, real.
Honey by B. Wiseman is a literal work of art. I devoured this whole in less than 24 hours. Lainey’s story was so real and inspiring and so beautiful to read.
I absolutely adored the way our main character narrated the story - it was different than most books I have read recently… it almost felt like someone recounting their life over a fire with some loved ones. I felt like I was sitting there, listening to Lainey herself tell me her story. B Wiseman’s writing style is incredible.
My favourite part of this story was there was no rush to find a new partner. While finding love can be and is important in many many stories, I found this to be so empowering because there wasn’t a new love interest taking over the story. It was a story of healing, surviving and learning to be and exist without fear. And it was for Lainey and Lainey alone.
God I loved this story so much - it is hard to believe that this is a debut. Absolutely exceptional - writing, plot, characters… I am so excited for more.
Please be mindful of triggers. Read trigger warnings before beginning this book. It will hurt a times, but it was so beautiful.
September 1, 2025
ARC review-
Honey was so beautifully written, raw, devastating, and just so real. Originally, I thought 4.5 stars, but it needs to be rounded up to 5 after writing this review and reflecting on it. I read this whole book in one sitting. Lainey’s story was one of survival and moving forward. “It’s okay to love someone who hurt you. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t abuse.”
This is not a romance book; it is a woman’s journey back from an unhealthy relationship, finding herself and who she is. Reclaiming herself.
Lainey, known as Honey, is our FMC who is vulnerable, strong, and so relatable. Her story is one of survival, taking a step forward and learning to heal.
This story wasn’t focused on finding love, it was more focused on learning to love yourself. In the end, I was so thankful that a new love interest didn’t come in and save her or take over the story.
Read trigger warnings before beginning this book. It is a story of finding your way back from an abusive relationship, and the first step is realising you are in one. So that is where this story starts, in the middle of the abusive relationship, realising what Honey is experiencing is, in fact, abuse. “Abuse isn’t loud”.
Tropes:
Healing from trauma
Survivors journey
Toxic relationship & DV
Love bombing
Found family
Reclaiming identity & empowerment
Small Town
Ranch life
Mental Health Rep
Low romance, no spice
Honey was so beautifully written, raw, devastating, and just so real. Originally, I thought 4.5 stars, but it needs to be rounded up to 5 after writing this review and reflecting on it. I read this whole book in one sitting. Lainey’s story was one of survival and moving forward. “It’s okay to love someone who hurt you. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t abuse.”
This is not a romance book; it is a woman’s journey back from an unhealthy relationship, finding herself and who she is. Reclaiming herself.
Lainey, known as Honey, is our FMC who is vulnerable, strong, and so relatable. Her story is one of survival, taking a step forward and learning to heal.
This story wasn’t focused on finding love, it was more focused on learning to love yourself. In the end, I was so thankful that a new love interest didn’t come in and save her or take over the story.
Read trigger warnings before beginning this book. It is a story of finding your way back from an abusive relationship, and the first step is realising you are in one. So that is where this story starts, in the middle of the abusive relationship, realising what Honey is experiencing is, in fact, abuse. “Abuse isn’t loud”.
Tropes:
Healing from trauma
Survivors journey
Toxic relationship & DV
Love bombing
Found family
Reclaiming identity & empowerment
Small Town
Ranch life
Mental Health Rep
Low romance, no spice
September 24, 2025
This book is not a romance.
It is a story of a woman in an increasingly abusive relationship. We follow her as she makes a decision to leave, then watch her grow into her true self.
So it is not a romance, but it is a love story…just not between two people.
Honey is a story of escape, survival, and learning to love yourself again. It is a reclaiming, a declaration of self, and a way forward one day at a time.
You cannot help but feel the ring of truth in the words of this book. This is not a hypothetical - this is a situation Ms Wiseman has either lived or witnessed first hand.
Despite the abusive nature of the relationship, the vast majority of this book is low conflict. I would definitely argue the second half should be called cosy. The use of colour - particularly yellow - to track Honey’s progress as she leaves is really beautiful. She begins in a colourless existence, and winds up in a world surrounded by colour again.
There is no sex in this book, but clearly the book deals with highly triggering subject material.
Ultimately, this is a book about hope and joy. Honey says it best with a piece of yellow chalk on a wooden beam - free. It is worth the read for anyone brave enough.
It is a story of a woman in an increasingly abusive relationship. We follow her as she makes a decision to leave, then watch her grow into her true self.
So it is not a romance, but it is a love story…just not between two people.
Honey is a story of escape, survival, and learning to love yourself again. It is a reclaiming, a declaration of self, and a way forward one day at a time.
You cannot help but feel the ring of truth in the words of this book. This is not a hypothetical - this is a situation Ms Wiseman has either lived or witnessed first hand.
Despite the abusive nature of the relationship, the vast majority of this book is low conflict. I would definitely argue the second half should be called cosy. The use of colour - particularly yellow - to track Honey’s progress as she leaves is really beautiful. She begins in a colourless existence, and winds up in a world surrounded by colour again.
There is no sex in this book, but clearly the book deals with highly triggering subject material.
Ultimately, this is a book about hope and joy. Honey says it best with a piece of yellow chalk on a wooden beam - free. It is worth the read for anyone brave enough.
September 13, 2025
I want to start this out by saying that I belive Wiseman is a talented author and this book shows so much promise. I can see this as being a deeply cathartic read for someone who has gotten out of an abusive relationship. There were so many powerful lines that make this book particularly annotate-able.
However, I just left this book wanting more. It was less than two hundred pages and I really wanted it to be fleshed out more. There was a lot of telling, not showing, and a lot of exposition but very few scenes. This could've been an easy five stars if we were left to exist in Lainey's head and truly feel what she felt. If this book was closer to 300 pages, I could see myself absolutely loving it.
As it stands, though, I wouldn't call it a bad book by any stretch of the term. I do think it's powerful and could do a world of good in the right hands.
Thanks to the author for providing a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, I just left this book wanting more. It was less than two hundred pages and I really wanted it to be fleshed out more. There was a lot of telling, not showing, and a lot of exposition but very few scenes. This could've been an easy five stars if we were left to exist in Lainey's head and truly feel what she felt. If this book was closer to 300 pages, I could see myself absolutely loving it.
As it stands, though, I wouldn't call it a bad book by any stretch of the term. I do think it's powerful and could do a world of good in the right hands.
Thanks to the author for providing a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2025
ARC Review
"Honey"
The Sundust and Smoke Duology # 1
by B. Wiseman
Oh, B. Oh. Oh my heart.
This story was so heartbreaking. Domestic violence. Emotional abuse. Toxic relationships.
How many of us are trapped in situations like this? Where we become nothing else than a shadow. A ghost of the past.
It starts small, here and there. And then a woman is not a woman anymore. She is just a reflex in a mirror: voiceless, useless, powerless.
"
I miss who I was before I started asking permission to breathe.
"
This book will shatter readers.
But it is so much more than (just) that.
Because surviving is possible. And that is what this about: survival.
Every step counts. Every tiny small is hope. Every breathe is no longer a dream.
A big shout out to the side character Olivia: she is the friend every woman needs.
This book deserves the world.
Thank you to the author for this unforgettable ARC.
"Honey"
The Sundust and Smoke Duology # 1
by B. Wiseman
Oh, B. Oh. Oh my heart.
This story was so heartbreaking. Domestic violence. Emotional abuse. Toxic relationships.
How many of us are trapped in situations like this? Where we become nothing else than a shadow. A ghost of the past.
It starts small, here and there. And then a woman is not a woman anymore. She is just a reflex in a mirror: voiceless, useless, powerless.
"
I miss who I was before I started asking permission to breathe.
"
This book will shatter readers.
But it is so much more than (just) that.
Because surviving is possible. And that is what this about: survival.
Every step counts. Every tiny small is hope. Every breathe is no longer a dream.
A big shout out to the side character Olivia: she is the friend every woman needs.
This book deserves the world.
Thank you to the author for this unforgettable ARC.
August 18, 2025
🍯 Honey by @authorbwiseman 🐝
5/5 ⭐️
“It’s okay to love someone who hurt you. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t abuse.”
A story of survival, strength, healing and learning to be soft again.
From the dedication to the authors notes, B.Wisemen had me in her grasp. Her delicate words strung together to make beautiful sentences and quote worthy highlights were a work of literary art. Honey is a story of abuse and loosing yourself to a relationship that no longer serves you. Of finding the strength to get out and saying no. Of friendships that tell you enough is enough and helps you find your voice, your softness and yourself again. Of finding the light at the end of the tunnel, of finding your yellow again.
I hope whoever reads this finds solace in B’s words, that it wraps you in a tight embrace like it did for me.
5/5 ⭐️
“It’s okay to love someone who hurt you. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t abuse.”
A story of survival, strength, healing and learning to be soft again.
From the dedication to the authors notes, B.Wisemen had me in her grasp. Her delicate words strung together to make beautiful sentences and quote worthy highlights were a work of literary art. Honey is a story of abuse and loosing yourself to a relationship that no longer serves you. Of finding the strength to get out and saying no. Of friendships that tell you enough is enough and helps you find your voice, your softness and yourself again. Of finding the light at the end of the tunnel, of finding your yellow again.
I hope whoever reads this finds solace in B’s words, that it wraps you in a tight embrace like it did for me.
August 28, 2025
⭐️✨ BookTok Review ✨⭐️
🐝 Honey by B. Wiseman is raw, real, and heartbreakingly powerful.
💔 Abuse isn’t always loud—it can be disguised as jokes, hidden meanings, or false comfort.
🌪️ This book captures the messy reality of toxic love, survival, and the hard road to healing.
🌻 With found family, emotional growth, and reclaiming identity, Honey is both painful and empowering.
💪 Healing isn’t perfect, but this story shows you can always come back to yourself.
🔥 Tropes & Themes:
🐝 Healing from trauma
🐝 Survivors journey
🐝 Toxic love & DV
🐝 Good girl x bad boy (but toxic)
🐝 Love bombing
🐝 Found family
🐝 Reclaiming identity & empowerment
💜 B. Wiseman nailed the haunting reality of abuse with elegance and honesty. Honey isn’t polished—it’s raw, emotional, and so relatable it hurts.
📚 If you’ve ever needed a reminder that healing is possible, this book is for you. 🌸
🐝 Honey by B. Wiseman is raw, real, and heartbreakingly powerful.
💔 Abuse isn’t always loud—it can be disguised as jokes, hidden meanings, or false comfort.
🌪️ This book captures the messy reality of toxic love, survival, and the hard road to healing.
🌻 With found family, emotional growth, and reclaiming identity, Honey is both painful and empowering.
💪 Healing isn’t perfect, but this story shows you can always come back to yourself.
🔥 Tropes & Themes:
🐝 Healing from trauma
🐝 Survivors journey
🐝 Toxic love & DV
🐝 Good girl x bad boy (but toxic)
🐝 Love bombing
🐝 Found family
🐝 Reclaiming identity & empowerment
💜 B. Wiseman nailed the haunting reality of abuse with elegance and honesty. Honey isn’t polished—it’s raw, emotional, and so relatable it hurts.
📚 If you’ve ever needed a reminder that healing is possible, this book is for you. 🌸
September 12, 2025
Where to even begin?! The amount of times that I violently wanted to throw my Kindle at a wall (cough Austin cough) while reading the first half of Lainey’s story… whew. Thankfully I have a little restraint, but it truly speaks to the way that this story pulls you in and makes you feel every little thing with the FMC Lainey. Without giving too much away, I strongly identified with the way Lainey was meant to feel small and her light dimmed out. It made the story resonate that much stronger with me, and also had me sobbing way more often than I’d like to admit, especially when you start to see her slowly gain some pieces of herself back.
𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 has definitely been one of my favorite reads of the year so far and I would strongly recommend it for anyone looking for an incredibly empowering and inspirational read who can handle heavier themes! Lainey’s story will speak to anyone who has ever felt stifled or extinguished by someone in any capacity, but especially in a romantic relationship. You will not regret picking this one up! I’m now anxiously awaiting the next one!!
CW: narcissistic behavior, abuse
𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 has definitely been one of my favorite reads of the year so far and I would strongly recommend it for anyone looking for an incredibly empowering and inspirational read who can handle heavier themes! Lainey’s story will speak to anyone who has ever felt stifled or extinguished by someone in any capacity, but especially in a romantic relationship. You will not regret picking this one up! I’m now anxiously awaiting the next one!!
CW: narcissistic behavior, abuse
September 10, 2025
Trapped in a toxic relationship, Laine had lost sight of who she was. She’s living inhabited by fear of displeasing the man she thought she loved. And being diminished constantly leaves her without thoughts of her own. One day, she steps out of her routine and bumps into a highschool girlfriend who understands that something is terribly wrong and offer her help.
B. Wiseman tells us a raw story of psychological and physical abuse. With meaningful details, she writes the journey toward healing and reclaiming our own identity.
I was not expecting this reading experience as I often found myself profoundly troubled and was feeling Laine’s oppression in my guts. B. Wiseman did a good job of showing the ugly truth of a toxic psychological influence without any romanticization.
Thank you, B.Wiseman for providing me with an advance copy of this book ! It was quite a trip !
B. Wiseman tells us a raw story of psychological and physical abuse. With meaningful details, she writes the journey toward healing and reclaiming our own identity.
I was not expecting this reading experience as I often found myself profoundly troubled and was feeling Laine’s oppression in my guts. B. Wiseman did a good job of showing the ugly truth of a toxic psychological influence without any romanticization.
Thank you, B.Wiseman for providing me with an advance copy of this book ! It was quite a trip !
September 24, 2025
" to all the girl who stayed when she should have run, who lost herself trying to make someone else whole, who thought survival meant silence, And to anyone who sees themselves in her- this is your reminder that you are so much more than your pain. There is a way out, and on the other side is strenght you never knew you had. This is one for you, because you are worth saving "
" this is not a love story that begins with romance, its begins with survival. But if you're willing to ride through the dust and the dark, there light on the other side
i saw lot of myself in Honey before i met my husband now . The pain and the grief that i felt in this book tore my heart up . Seeing the survival, the courage, the strength and aswell as the healing through this book.
This was so raw and real. I love the story that B has created . I coudlnt get enough of this story
" this is not a love story that begins with romance, its begins with survival. But if you're willing to ride through the dust and the dark, there light on the other side
i saw lot of myself in Honey before i met my husband now . The pain and the grief that i felt in this book tore my heart up . Seeing the survival, the courage, the strength and aswell as the healing through this book.
This was so raw and real. I love the story that B has created . I coudlnt get enough of this story
September 22, 2025
I was blessed enough to be an ARC reader for Honey, which follows Lainey as she makes the brave choice to leave an abusive relationship and begin her healing journey. What really stood out to me was how refreshing it felt, Lainey didn’t need a man to “fix” her. Instead, Honey centers on her growth, resilience, and rediscovering who she is, with support from her friend Olivia (who was my favorite!)
This book is such a different take than many books in this space where 95% of the time a girl leaves a bad situation and a man comes in to save her. I adored the focus on empowerment, healing at your own pace, and growth. I’m definitely waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book!!!!
This book is such a different take than many books in this space where 95% of the time a girl leaves a bad situation and a man comes in to save her. I adored the focus on empowerment, healing at your own pace, and growth. I’m definitely waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book!!!!
September 24, 2025
This book broke me and healed me all at once. Honey is raw, emotional, and so beautifully human. She truly is a healing journey 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
We see the pain, the trauma, the heartbreak. But we also get to see the hope, the growth, and the reminder that healing is messy and beautiful at the same time. And that everyone’s journey is different. 💛
You can feel that B wrote this with her whole heart, and it makes the story hit even deeper. I need more so I will just be here twiddling my thumbs for book 2!
We see the pain, the trauma, the heartbreak. But we also get to see the hope, the growth, and the reminder that healing is messy and beautiful at the same time. And that everyone’s journey is different. 💛
You can feel that B wrote this with her whole heart, and it makes the story hit even deeper. I need more so I will just be here twiddling my thumbs for book 2!
September 2, 2025
Honey has a powerful premise about healing and finding yourself after abuse, and I appreciated the themes. Unfortunately, the pacing felt uneven and parts of the story didn’t quite click, which made it hard to stay fully engaged. Still, readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories may find it more rewarding.
September 19, 2025
Lainey is a beautiful girl with dreams and hope. She falls in love with the wrong guy. Now she broken and lost. Then one day she goes for coffee and her child hood friend gives her hope. She sets out plan that almost sounds like perfect. Can she make it out. Because the person she was meant to be. Emotional roller coaster being tissues you’re gonna need them.
August 30, 2025
Honey wax a good read! Pretty short do you can finish in one sitting! As soon as so started the book, immediate bad feels about the situation. The author was able to be descriptive without going into a lot of detail or backstory. It was definitely a rise up story!
September 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to have read Honey and I loved it! The story pulled me in right away, the characters felt real, and the pacing kept me hooked. I can’t wait for others to discover it too! Thank you thank you B. Wiseman as this book hit home. Can’t wait for another book!
August 20, 2025
So sweet! The intense moments happened and then the rest of the book was growth and change and the beauty of moving on. I'm excited for the second book with Luke!
September 11, 2025
This book was everything I needed as a woman. Love love love 😍
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