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Coastal Rivals #4
Good Graces
QUINN Rose doesn’t normally make mistakes. At least, not the kind she can’t recover from. But three years ago, she made one so big it cost her everything. Now, she’s back at Sycamore Country Club, spending the last month of summer caddying for rich men with bad swings, keeping her head down, and pretending she doesn’t still feel the weight of the past pressing against her ribs. The plan is simple: work her shifts, collect her paycheck, and get the hell out.
Until she sees him again.
WARREN Mercer has spent years outrunning the ghost of Quinn Rose. He’s buried himself in the grind—early mornings in the pool, late nights training, a singular focus on finishing his senior year strong and qualifying for Nationals. The last thing he expected was to spend the summer lifeguarding at Sycamore, only to find out Quinn was back, walking the same halls, working the same job, acting like she didn’t shatter his trust and walk away like it was nothing.
Warren wants nothing to do with her. Quinn knows better than to push him. But proximity has a funny way of unraveling old wounds, of forcing them to confront the tension still crackling between them. Because no matter how much they try to ignore it—grudges burn hot, history runs deep, and first loves never really fade.
Until she sees him again.
WARREN Mercer has spent years outrunning the ghost of Quinn Rose. He’s buried himself in the grind—early mornings in the pool, late nights training, a singular focus on finishing his senior year strong and qualifying for Nationals. The last thing he expected was to spend the summer lifeguarding at Sycamore, only to find out Quinn was back, walking the same halls, working the same job, acting like she didn’t shatter his trust and walk away like it was nothing.
Warren wants nothing to do with her. Quinn knows better than to push him. But proximity has a funny way of unraveling old wounds, of forcing them to confront the tension still crackling between them. Because no matter how much they try to ignore it—grudges burn hot, history runs deep, and first loves never really fade.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
132 people are currently reading
1943 people want to read
About the author
Ki Stephens
12 books1,452 followersKi Stephens is a romance enthusiast who finds comfort in the happily-ever-after . . . with just a little bit of angst along the way. She has a special interest in works that include neurodivergent characters like herself. When she’s not daydreaming about books, Ki enjoys working with kids, creating art in her backyard studio, and spending loads of time with her baby girl, her husband, and their three pets.
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June 3, 2025
જ⁀➴ ♾️ stars ⋆⭒˚.⋆
arc review
release date: may 13 💌
⁀➴ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
🤍 second chance
🫂 grumpy x grumpy
🤍 country club / uni setting
🫂 mental health rep
🤍 english major x freestyle swimmer
🫂 angst
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠: spring into summer by lizzy mcalpine & we hug now by sydney rose ‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 may 8
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 may 9
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
this was definitely one of the 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 relatable books i’ve 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 read. like both characters were from the deepest and darkest parts of my soul. i had to keep taking a break so i wouldn't be sobbing. there’s just something about ki’s writing that draws you in and makes you stay for the whole time, i wasn’t planning to binge most of it together but i just couldn’t stop flipping the pages. after this 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 experience reading a ki stephens book, i’ll be reading my 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯 arc asap!! many many thanks to ki for sending an arc bc wdym i wouldn't have read about warren and quinn otherwise 😭❤️🩹
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞
oh.my.gosh.
i fear i’ll never listen to 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 without thinking of quinn. like that girl owns the entire album. this girl is a reflection of my messy soul. i felt 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 in a way i’m not used to. like i think ki is the one person who’d be able to write in words how i feel.
quinn deserves the whole world and more. she’s been through so much and has felt alone for most of it. the only person she’s ever let in is warren and then she messed it all up. which sounds like the most me thing ever, like you have something good and then you don’t think you deserve to fix the mess you made. because it IS easier for people to hate you and think you’re a horrible person than show your most inner parts again.
something i’ll always love is reading about a character that’s always misunderstood. walked over, just let people assume the worst about you.
quinn doesn’t let people get too close to her, always having distance in friendships. even her roommates don’t really know her, she lets them assume whatever they want since it's easier that way.
𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫
he is me. i am him.
the first time i’ve related SO deeply to both mcs, like ki i get you girl!!!! this book seems like it was from her 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭. like the way she wrote pain and feeling invisible. feeling 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 and alone. grumpy x grumpy might be my new favorite trope ever, i adore reverse grumpy x sunshine but this? much be changing that.
this is a character i’ll be thinking back on for literal months. it’s been days but i need to reread soon. there is so much depth and emotion here. like agony and sadness and then healing and finding yourself.
warren being depressed makes so much sense, it wasn’t mentioned directly until a bit into the book but like he is very much 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 coded.
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐧
both are literal halves of me. i’ve never quite related to a book couple this hard. will never ever be moving on. like ever. need them injected in my skin.
i freaking cried so much while reading this and while writing this review.
𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩
two very broken college students finding each other during a low point and finding each other once again when it gets worse. guys a couple healing each other is the best thing ever i swear. like i love them with my entire being.
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚
missing my parents right now.
i’m their literal child, like they own me now.
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥
this is out right now and it’s truly a book i’ll think about constantly, one of my all time faovrites and definitely top books of the year
ill make it longer and add quotes later bc it’s like 12 am and im tired
mwah,
joni 🤍
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
↪ thank you so so much to the author for sending me a digital arc of your latest novel!! so excited to read this 🤍
arc review
release date: may 13 💌
⁀➴ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
🤍 second chance
🫂 grumpy x grumpy
🤍 country club / uni setting
🫂 mental health rep
🤍 english major x freestyle swimmer
🫂 angst
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠: spring into summer by lizzy mcalpine & we hug now by sydney rose ‧₊˚♪ 𝄞₊˚⊹
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 may 8
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 may 9
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
this was definitely one of the 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 relatable books i’ve 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 read. like both characters were from the deepest and darkest parts of my soul. i had to keep taking a break so i wouldn't be sobbing. there’s just something about ki’s writing that draws you in and makes you stay for the whole time, i wasn’t planning to binge most of it together but i just couldn’t stop flipping the pages. after this 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 experience reading a ki stephens book, i’ll be reading my 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯 arc asap!! many many thanks to ki for sending an arc bc wdym i wouldn't have read about warren and quinn otherwise 😭❤️🩹
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞
oh.my.gosh.
i fear i’ll never listen to 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 without thinking of quinn. like that girl owns the entire album. this girl is a reflection of my messy soul. i felt 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 in a way i’m not used to. like i think ki is the one person who’d be able to write in words how i feel.
quinn deserves the whole world and more. she’s been through so much and has felt alone for most of it. the only person she’s ever let in is warren and then she messed it all up. which sounds like the most me thing ever, like you have something good and then you don’t think you deserve to fix the mess you made. because it IS easier for people to hate you and think you’re a horrible person than show your most inner parts again.
something i’ll always love is reading about a character that’s always misunderstood. walked over, just let people assume the worst about you.
quinn doesn’t let people get too close to her, always having distance in friendships. even her roommates don’t really know her, she lets them assume whatever they want since it's easier that way.
𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫
he is me. i am him.
the first time i’ve related SO deeply to both mcs, like ki i get you girl!!!! this book seems like it was from her 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭. like the way she wrote pain and feeling invisible. feeling 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 and alone. grumpy x grumpy might be my new favorite trope ever, i adore reverse grumpy x sunshine but this? much be changing that.
this is a character i’ll be thinking back on for literal months. it’s been days but i need to reread soon. there is so much depth and emotion here. like agony and sadness and then healing and finding yourself.
warren being depressed makes so much sense, it wasn’t mentioned directly until a bit into the book but like he is very much 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 coded.
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐧
both are literal halves of me. i’ve never quite related to a book couple this hard. will never ever be moving on. like ever. need them injected in my skin.
i freaking cried so much while reading this and while writing this review.
𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩
two very broken college students finding each other during a low point and finding each other once again when it gets worse. guys a couple healing each other is the best thing ever i swear. like i love them with my entire being.
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚
missing my parents right now.
i’m their literal child, like they own me now.
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥
this is out right now and it’s truly a book i’ll think about constantly, one of my all time faovrites and definitely top books of the year
ill make it longer and add quotes later bc it’s like 12 am and im tired
mwah,
joni 🤍
﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏
𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
↪ thank you so so much to the author for sending me a digital arc of your latest novel!! so excited to read this 🤍
June 7, 2025
ᝰ.ᐟ 🌀⋆. 𐙚 ˚ ┊1.9 ⭑.ᐟ
― read 06/05/25 - 06/07/25
yours truly, maelyn ‧₊˚┊my thoughts… another summer read, and this book especially makes me miss being on the swim team. the tropes convey the second change trope which has been my guilty pleasure trope for a while. I do wish the book was entirely set in the country club during the summer but nevertheless it was a decent read. the couple however, yeah they’re definitely not staying together.
⋆˙⟡🥏 ─ .✦⊹₊ ݁.୨୧‧₊˚ .𖥔 ݁ ˖
introducing….
🐟│ Quinn rose ┊she definitely deals with being the glass child. I do understand her in some ways, but at the same time I felt as though her character lacked something. communication hasn’t come easy for her as she never had the chance during her childhood. I do enjoy that she struggles with asthma since I don’t normally see that representation in books.
🌊│ warren mercers ┊hello swimming rep!! as a swimmer and someone who’s literally working at a pool this summer.. this character resonates with me. warrens character was interesting to read, I do love the fact that he preaches on honesty and integrity as those two traits could make or break a characters depth.
╰┈➤ “i like that about swimming. that even though it’s a team sport on paper, the work is mine. my lane. my time.”
⋆˙⟡ ─ .✦⊹₊ ݁.୨୧‧₊˚👥 .𖥔 ݁ ˖
DISCLAIMER ┊this review is just my personal opinion !
― read 06/05/25 - 06/07/25
yours truly, maelyn ‧₊˚┊my thoughts… another summer read, and this book especially makes me miss being on the swim team. the tropes convey the second change trope which has been my guilty pleasure trope for a while. I do wish the book was entirely set in the country club during the summer but nevertheless it was a decent read. the couple however, yeah they’re definitely not staying together.
⋆˙⟡🥏 ─ .✦⊹₊ ݁.୨୧‧₊˚ .𖥔 ݁ ˖
introducing….
🐟│ Quinn rose ┊she definitely deals with being the glass child. I do understand her in some ways, but at the same time I felt as though her character lacked something. communication hasn’t come easy for her as she never had the chance during her childhood. I do enjoy that she struggles with asthma since I don’t normally see that representation in books.
🌊│ warren mercers ┊hello swimming rep!! as a swimmer and someone who’s literally working at a pool this summer.. this character resonates with me. warrens character was interesting to read, I do love the fact that he preaches on honesty and integrity as those two traits could make or break a characters depth.
╰┈➤ “i like that about swimming. that even though it’s a team sport on paper, the work is mine. my lane. my time.”
⋆˙⟡ ─ .✦⊹₊ ݁.୨୧‧₊˚👥 .𖥔 ݁ ˖
DISCLAIMER ┊this review is just my personal opinion !
June 28, 2025
— 2 ★
⭑𓂃 ⌗ my thoughts
well...in fact, this book did NOT get into my good graces. it's the worst book in the series if you ask me. quinn & warren are the first couple that I actually wasn't invested in reading about, I couldn't care less about them—and that's a shame, because they really had so much potential. but they barely interacted in the first 100 pages—they literally talked like 4 times in which they tried to fool themselves they hated each other. like step up your game!! stop beating around the bush, I'm not even that dramatic and that says a lot 😔 on top of that, I just couldn't connect with them as characters, and I think this made the book feel so off-kilter. I loved that it touched on depression though—I think it's a super important topic & should be talked more about. nevertheless, I wish it had been explored more deeply.
⭑𓂃 ⌗ quotes
"such a gentleman. "
"only 'cause you're worth it."
"give me a name here, quinny. something to work with."
"you can't do anything. you'll get fired."
"no one touches you without your permission and gets away with it. I don't give a fuck what their last name is."
"quinny."
"don't call me that."
"you don't have to act this way. weren't you the one that said we should talk?"
"weren't you the one that said you really don't fucking care about me?"
"I lied."
"that's not fair."
"yeah? neither is this."
"if you didn't want to come—"
"I did want to come. jesus, quinny. of course I wanted to come."
"I'm not good at...at keeping people."
"you won't lose me."
"promise."
"I promise."
⊹ "I should let it go. I know I should. but every time I see her, it's like a live wire sparking under my skin. like my whole body tenses on instinct. like she flipped some old switch I forgot I still had." ៹࣪quinn & warren definitely broke up after this book ended. like no way they're going to last.
⭑𓂃 ⌗ my thoughts
well...in fact, this book did NOT get into my good graces. it's the worst book in the series if you ask me. quinn & warren are the first couple that I actually wasn't invested in reading about, I couldn't care less about them—and that's a shame, because they really had so much potential. but they barely interacted in the first 100 pages—they literally talked like 4 times in which they tried to fool themselves they hated each other. like step up your game!! stop beating around the bush, I'm not even that dramatic and that says a lot 😔 on top of that, I just couldn't connect with them as characters, and I think this made the book feel so off-kilter. I loved that it touched on depression though—I think it's a super important topic & should be talked more about. nevertheless, I wish it had been explored more deeply.
⭑𓂃 ⌗ quotes
"such a gentleman. "
"only 'cause you're worth it."
"give me a name here, quinny. something to work with."
"you can't do anything. you'll get fired."
"no one touches you without your permission and gets away with it. I don't give a fuck what their last name is."
"quinny."
"don't call me that."
"you don't have to act this way. weren't you the one that said we should talk?"
"weren't you the one that said you really don't fucking care about me?"
"I lied."
"that's not fair."
"yeah? neither is this."
"if you didn't want to come—"
"I did want to come. jesus, quinny. of course I wanted to come."
"I'm not good at...at keeping people."
"you won't lose me."
"promise."
"I promise."
May 7, 2025
ֹ ₊ 4.5 stars! ୨ৎ
thank you to bookfunnel for the arc <3 ki’s books always feel like a warm hug to me and this was no exception. the way she weaves in the plot with compelling characters will forever be so captivating 🩵
oh my god the YEARNING. i could talk about quinn and warren for hours. it was truly very beautiful to see them grow as individual characters, and as a couple. i really loved their soft moments a lot and i couldn’t help but root for them until the very last page. i mean come on, he memorised her favourite poetry quotes. are u kidding!!!
thank you to bookfunnel for the arc <3 ki’s books always feel like a warm hug to me and this was no exception. the way she weaves in the plot with compelling characters will forever be so captivating 🩵
“i never forgot the way you made me feel. the way you looked at me… like i was something good.”
oh my god the YEARNING. i could talk about quinn and warren for hours. it was truly very beautiful to see them grow as individual characters, and as a couple. i really loved their soft moments a lot and i couldn’t help but root for them until the very last page. i mean come on, he memorised her favourite poetry quotes. are u kidding!!!
May 24, 2025
Oh Ki, how you never cease to amaze me every time! 💙
With every release of hers, Ki always blows me away with how she’s able to craft such unique stories with lovable characters that I resonate with, and this book was no different! Perhaps her most beautifully written work yet 🥹
Quinn & Warren’s story is a second chance romance lover’s dream! You’re made to feel every single emotion with them — angst, yearning, pining, longing, pain, tenderness, tension, and literally everything in between — and it hurts oh-so-good 😭 The way these two still cared about each other so much even after their time apart made my heart ache. And I won’t even get started on how specifically relatable Quinn was for me (like real talk Ki, did you peek into my brain??) and how hot Warren was without even trying, I am simply obsessed with them! 🤧
This book is the epitome of being young and in love with your person and making mistakes then learning from them to come back even stronger together than before! I adore Quinn & Warren with everything in me, and this is so easily a top favorite series of mine. Ki never fails to deliver, and I will always be a fan of anything she does 🫶🏼
Thank you so much to Ki Stephens & her team for an ARC of this book! 💌
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
i've read all of ki's books, and i think this might be her most beautifully written one yet — the tension, the longing, the angst, the yearning, the pain, the tenderness, literally everything, you feel it all and it hurts SO GOOD!! i love quinn & warren with my whole heart, i'm protecting them at all costs :,)
With every release of hers, Ki always blows me away with how she’s able to craft such unique stories with lovable characters that I resonate with, and this book was no different! Perhaps her most beautifully written work yet 🥹
Quinn & Warren’s story is a second chance romance lover’s dream! You’re made to feel every single emotion with them — angst, yearning, pining, longing, pain, tenderness, tension, and literally everything in between — and it hurts oh-so-good 😭 The way these two still cared about each other so much even after their time apart made my heart ache. And I won’t even get started on how specifically relatable Quinn was for me (like real talk Ki, did you peek into my brain??) and how hot Warren was without even trying, I am simply obsessed with them! 🤧
This book is the epitome of being young and in love with your person and making mistakes then learning from them to come back even stronger together than before! I adore Quinn & Warren with everything in me, and this is so easily a top favorite series of mine. Ki never fails to deliver, and I will always be a fan of anything she does 🫶🏼
Thank you so much to Ki Stephens & her team for an ARC of this book! 💌
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
i've read all of ki's books, and i think this might be her most beautifully written one yet — the tension, the longing, the angst, the yearning, the pain, the tenderness, literally everything, you feel it all and it hurts SO GOOD!! i love quinn & warren with my whole heart, i'm protecting them at all costs :,)
May 6, 2025
thank you so much to ki for the arc!💙
another beautiful and painfully romantic book by ki! - infinite stars and a new forever favourite that i desperately adore.
as a lover of second chance romances and a huge fan of ki's writing i knew that i would enjoy this book but 'enjoy' is a massive understatement. i beyond loved it, i devoured it in less than a day and felt magnetised to quinn and warrens story.
this book was poetry, ki's writing blew my mind constantly throughout and i was addicted, hanging onto every single word. i think i practically highlighted the whole thing, there wasn't a second of it that i didn't love!
the setting of the country club was so fun and gave the hottest forced proximity vibes to kick off this book and was the perfect opportunity to give us glimpses of their past. ki really is a mastermind.
the queen of angst is so back! the tension between quinn and warren was so thick and loaded right from the start, i squealed so much when i saw that we were kicking off with warrens pov and my god what an fucking perfect first chapter!! his double take😩
"she's a force. a storm. a reckoning. it's been over two years since i've seen her, nine-hundred-something days since i told her i never wanted to again." i was SCREAMING!!!
quinny. i love her, i relate to her. everything about her character, i adore the bones of her. she was painfully real and one of those rare characters that resonate with you so much, that you connect with so deeply and feel like you’re reading a part of yourself. she was unapologetically herself and i loved her sharp edges, her grumpiness and her beautiful mind.
“A girl studying English literature? She’s useless in their minds. So, I let them think I’m one thing when I’m another. It’s not just a harmless lie; it’s survival.”
i have the biggest soft spot for black cat fmc’s because too often are they seen as bitches when men who are portrayed similarly are loveable grumps, and i think ki wrote both quinn and warren as dual black cat characters perfectly.
quinn was sharp and had a tough shell, but she was also loyal and smart. she had such a genuine soul and a softness about her that was brought out by warren, because he cared enough to really see her. i loved seeing both sides of her, the guarded and distant quinn who kept to herself and took up boxing to let her feelings free, and vulnerable, open quinn who felt comfortable enough to let down her walls when she knew she was safe and heard.
she was such a beautiful juxtaposition of soft and sharp and i loved reading about a woman who is loud about who she is, who she trusts and how strongly and fiercely she loves. her relationship with her brother was so lovely and despite being a glass child and overlooked by her parents, her bond with wesley was so precious, i wish we got to see more of them.
her love for warren was so earnest and lovely. her showing up for his meet and staying. her being so willing to confess to protect him because she loves him so much but him not letting her because he loves her back in full force. god their love is a dream and so painfully, genuinely heart wrenching that it hurts.
i love her very very much, more than i’ll ever be able to put into words. but to ki, thank you for quinn.
onto warren. from the crumbs of him we saw in high hopes i was desperate for his book and i am so happy that ki blessed us with it (and so soon too!?)
as i said i love a black cat fmc but black cat x black cat SIGN ME UP! i love that quinn and warren are grumpy x grumpy, it fit so well with their angsty relationship and really added to the tension between them.
warren was very clearly not over quinn (and vice versa) and i ate that up!! i love a desperate, pining man that hates how much he wants her but cannot resist or stop thinking about her. the way he was always grabbing her wrist and feeling her pulse, just to hold her and confirm that she was real and that they were back in each others orbit. UGH. i love them.
he was such a well written grumpy mmc & i loved that we got depression representation!! despite being closed off with people, his internal monologue was perfect and gave such a raw insight to his personal feelings about his life and future, his feelings about quinn and their past. warren is a secret/not so secret sweetheart. he learns quinns favourite poetry, just to tease her but he secretly painstaking studies it to make sure he gets it right and drops it in conversations to make her smile. GOD could this man get more perfect.
he was vulnerable with his feelings. he didn’t hide them from quinn and that was something i LOVED. he let her know that she hurt him but also made it clear that he still wanted her. despite their history, he was always there and looking out for her which shows how genuine a man he is and how much he loves her. his openness with quinn and how he allowed her to be open with him melted my heart and simultaneously gave me heart palpitations from how much i was sobbing over them.
i loved their flirty banter and the tension fueled teasing so much, it was perfect!!! and their nicknames for each other?? quinny and warren baby, i am obsessed.
but my favourite parts of this book was the softness of their past sneaking through the cracks of the walls they built around eachother. the flash back chapters had me crying and so emotional. their connection was so so beautiful and raw and added so many layers to their relationship in the present. the flashback of their first time, KI were you trying to kill me😭😭my heart was a puddle on the floor and i was crying so much warren could’ve swam through my tears
this is my petition for ki to write more second chance romances because she did it SO right and did them justice. the flashbacks, the tension, the way they could always feel eachother before they saw one another. how they just got eachother so well without having to even try, it was as if knowing the other was as natural to them as breathing.
she wrote the most imperfect yet perfect couple with the the most interlinked souls and beautiful hearts.
long story short, i love them.
i could genuinely write a whole essay about how much i adored this book but unfortunately i don’t have quinns writing ability. i doubt anyone has made it this far but if you have, thank you and i really hope you read good graces on MAY 13TH because it will change your life.
another beautiful and painfully romantic book by ki! - infinite stars and a new forever favourite that i desperately adore.
as a lover of second chance romances and a huge fan of ki's writing i knew that i would enjoy this book but 'enjoy' is a massive understatement. i beyond loved it, i devoured it in less than a day and felt magnetised to quinn and warrens story.
this book was poetry, ki's writing blew my mind constantly throughout and i was addicted, hanging onto every single word. i think i practically highlighted the whole thing, there wasn't a second of it that i didn't love!
the setting of the country club was so fun and gave the hottest forced proximity vibes to kick off this book and was the perfect opportunity to give us glimpses of their past. ki really is a mastermind.
the queen of angst is so back! the tension between quinn and warren was so thick and loaded right from the start, i squealed so much when i saw that we were kicking off with warrens pov and my god what an fucking perfect first chapter!! his double take😩
"she's a force. a storm. a reckoning. it's been over two years since i've seen her, nine-hundred-something days since i told her i never wanted to again." i was SCREAMING!!!
quinny. i love her, i relate to her. everything about her character, i adore the bones of her. she was painfully real and one of those rare characters that resonate with you so much, that you connect with so deeply and feel like you’re reading a part of yourself. she was unapologetically herself and i loved her sharp edges, her grumpiness and her beautiful mind.
“A girl studying English literature? She’s useless in their minds. So, I let them think I’m one thing when I’m another. It’s not just a harmless lie; it’s survival.”
i have the biggest soft spot for black cat fmc’s because too often are they seen as bitches when men who are portrayed similarly are loveable grumps, and i think ki wrote both quinn and warren as dual black cat characters perfectly.
quinn was sharp and had a tough shell, but she was also loyal and smart. she had such a genuine soul and a softness about her that was brought out by warren, because he cared enough to really see her. i loved seeing both sides of her, the guarded and distant quinn who kept to herself and took up boxing to let her feelings free, and vulnerable, open quinn who felt comfortable enough to let down her walls when she knew she was safe and heard.
she was such a beautiful juxtaposition of soft and sharp and i loved reading about a woman who is loud about who she is, who she trusts and how strongly and fiercely she loves. her relationship with her brother was so lovely and despite being a glass child and overlooked by her parents, her bond with wesley was so precious, i wish we got to see more of them.
her love for warren was so earnest and lovely. her showing up for his meet and staying. her being so willing to confess to protect him because she loves him so much but him not letting her because he loves her back in full force. god their love is a dream and so painfully, genuinely heart wrenching that it hurts.
i love her very very much, more than i’ll ever be able to put into words. but to ki, thank you for quinn.
onto warren. from the crumbs of him we saw in high hopes i was desperate for his book and i am so happy that ki blessed us with it (and so soon too!?)
as i said i love a black cat fmc but black cat x black cat SIGN ME UP! i love that quinn and warren are grumpy x grumpy, it fit so well with their angsty relationship and really added to the tension between them.
warren was very clearly not over quinn (and vice versa) and i ate that up!! i love a desperate, pining man that hates how much he wants her but cannot resist or stop thinking about her. the way he was always grabbing her wrist and feeling her pulse, just to hold her and confirm that she was real and that they were back in each others orbit. UGH. i love them.
he was such a well written grumpy mmc & i loved that we got depression representation!! despite being closed off with people, his internal monologue was perfect and gave such a raw insight to his personal feelings about his life and future, his feelings about quinn and their past. warren is a secret/not so secret sweetheart. he learns quinns favourite poetry, just to tease her but he secretly painstaking studies it to make sure he gets it right and drops it in conversations to make her smile. GOD could this man get more perfect.
he was vulnerable with his feelings. he didn’t hide them from quinn and that was something i LOVED. he let her know that she hurt him but also made it clear that he still wanted her. despite their history, he was always there and looking out for her which shows how genuine a man he is and how much he loves her. his openness with quinn and how he allowed her to be open with him melted my heart and simultaneously gave me heart palpitations from how much i was sobbing over them.
i loved their flirty banter and the tension fueled teasing so much, it was perfect!!! and their nicknames for each other?? quinny and warren baby, i am obsessed.
but my favourite parts of this book was the softness of their past sneaking through the cracks of the walls they built around eachother. the flash back chapters had me crying and so emotional. their connection was so so beautiful and raw and added so many layers to their relationship in the present. the flashback of their first time, KI were you trying to kill me😭😭my heart was a puddle on the floor and i was crying so much warren could’ve swam through my tears
this is my petition for ki to write more second chance romances because she did it SO right and did them justice. the flashbacks, the tension, the way they could always feel eachother before they saw one another. how they just got eachother so well without having to even try, it was as if knowing the other was as natural to them as breathing.
she wrote the most imperfect yet perfect couple with the the most interlinked souls and beautiful hearts.
long story short, i love them.
i could genuinely write a whole essay about how much i adored this book but unfortunately i don’t have quinns writing ability. i doubt anyone has made it this far but if you have, thank you and i really hope you read good graces on MAY 13TH because it will change your life.
May 18, 2025
they are 100% not staying together
May 9, 2025
"She's my something solid to hang on to. The steady point that grounds me when my thoughts won't stop spinning."
~Second chance romance
~Collegiate Swimmer MMC
~Summer/country club setting
~Grumpy x grumpy
Overall, this was slightlyyyy disappointing to me. I really enjoy all of Ki's books and the tropes were some of my favorites, but for some reason I felt like something was missing. I really enjoyed both MC's; they were both super relatable and felt "real," but there was something that didn't have me fully invested. Since it was a second chance, I felt like it was missing some more...angst?? It seemed like there could have been a little more build-up in that sense; I felt like they got back together a little too quickly/it seemed like he wasn't THAT upset about what she did. It was still a quick and enjoyable read!
Thank you to Ki for the early copy <3
~Second chance romance
~Collegiate Swimmer MMC
~Summer/country club setting
~Grumpy x grumpy
Overall, this was slightlyyyy disappointing to me. I really enjoy all of Ki's books and the tropes were some of my favorites, but for some reason I felt like something was missing. I really enjoyed both MC's; they were both super relatable and felt "real," but there was something that didn't have me fully invested. Since it was a second chance, I felt like it was missing some more...angst?? It seemed like there could have been a little more build-up in that sense; I felt like they got back together a little too quickly/it seemed like he wasn't THAT upset about what she did. It was still a quick and enjoyable read!
Thank you to Ki for the early copy <3
May 13, 2025
happy release day to book 4 in the coastal rivals series 🩵 GOOD GRACES
oh I LIVEEEEEE for me some angst and ki absolutely delivers with this one, when I say this book was a whirlwind of emotions, i mean that wholeheartedly.
ki always writes characters that I can relate too, quinn is no different. It’s so hard being the person who is always okay, and feeling like you have no choice but to always be okay. It does make you more of a guarded person who doesn’t want to let anyone too close because them finding out you’re not always as put together as you seem is scary.
and when we get to my baby boy warren! oh i loveeeee when the mmc is down bad and i mean this man was down horrendously! he wanted to be there for quinn and just love her and all her problems. He was willing to take on any burden from the people he loved if it meant he was able to help them. he’s just soooo baby boy coded.
this might have taken the cake as my favorite ki book (spring tide close your eyes) 🩵 as always thank you ki for the arc it is always a pleasure to read your work mwah mwah
oh I LIVEEEEEE for me some angst and ki absolutely delivers with this one, when I say this book was a whirlwind of emotions, i mean that wholeheartedly.
ki always writes characters that I can relate too, quinn is no different. It’s so hard being the person who is always okay, and feeling like you have no choice but to always be okay. It does make you more of a guarded person who doesn’t want to let anyone too close because them finding out you’re not always as put together as you seem is scary.
and when we get to my baby boy warren! oh i loveeeee when the mmc is down bad and i mean this man was down horrendously! he wanted to be there for quinn and just love her and all her problems. He was willing to take on any burden from the people he loved if it meant he was able to help them. he’s just soooo baby boy coded.
this might have taken the cake as my favorite ki book (spring tide close your eyes) 🩵 as always thank you ki for the arc it is always a pleasure to read your work mwah mwah
June 23, 2025
1.5 stars
another dislikable book, ki stephens you have done it again.
i don’t understand how none of her books have likeable characters. i actively hated quinn’s character and how warren was too good for her. the fact that she stole from his family, had him take the blame for it, and left him to deal with the aftermath on his own bugged me to no end. no matter what warren says about letting it go and leaving it in the past, i don’t think it’s fair to him and they should have actually done something about it rather than brush it under the rug and move on. i hate that warren’s parents will never know the truth and will continue to think of warren as a thief. warren was done so dirty with the cards he was dealt, and quinn actively made it worse.
if any book couple were to break up immediately following the end of their book, it is them. they would not last. quinn just sucks and warren’s too much of a pushover to actually deal with the issue until it eventually becomes too much of a problem and he explodes. this is not a relationship i foresee lasting.
another dislikable book, ki stephens you have done it again.
i don’t understand how none of her books have likeable characters. i actively hated quinn’s character and how warren was too good for her. the fact that she stole from his family, had him take the blame for it, and left him to deal with the aftermath on his own bugged me to no end. no matter what warren says about letting it go and leaving it in the past, i don’t think it’s fair to him and they should have actually done something about it rather than brush it under the rug and move on. i hate that warren’s parents will never know the truth and will continue to think of warren as a thief. warren was done so dirty with the cards he was dealt, and quinn actively made it worse.
if any book couple were to break up immediately following the end of their book, it is them. they would not last. quinn just sucks and warren’s too much of a pushover to actually deal with the issue until it eventually becomes too much of a problem and he explodes. this is not a relationship i foresee lasting.
May 25, 2025
5 stars !!!! arc review <3
⁀➴ plot
what would you do if you had to coexist with your ex at your summer job? welcome to quinn and warren’s life ! they haven’t seen or talked to each other for the past two years and for the next four weeks they’ll have to work at the sycamore club.
i highly recommend if you love (or are in a mood for) second chance, freestyle swimmer mmc, english major fmc, forgotten eldest daughter, lots of emily dickinson, mutual pining and denial, depression & anxiety rep, grumpy black cat (both of them. seriously.)
⁀➴ characters
ᯓ★ quinn rose
quinn !!!!!! my grumpy girl ! i was really excited to meet her and she didn’t disappoint me, she actually surprised me at a lot of aspects. i loved how she was able to find a way to cope with boxing :,)
she’s just a girl with parents that casually forget about her ! when we say she’s a forgotten eldest daughter we aren’t kidding, things aren’t looking good. of course wesley needs more attention because he has a heart condition but how could their parents just forget that quinn exists?? excuse me??
i’m glad that she found a way to cope because from time to time we always need a break :,) we stan emberline boxing co in this house !
ᯓ★ warren mercer
look i know warren isn’t new to us but he had to fill in for luca’s grumpiness okay the man i saw on high hopes?? the grumpiest of all and i’m so glad we have his book !!!!!
i’m sorry but this man reading, studying, memorizing and reciting poetry only because quinn loves poetry????? i understand you quinn. i wish i was you.
but jokes aside, warren has a lot of baggage, from his dad to his relationship with his stepdad and what happened in the past. i’ll say over and over again, “healthy relationship” and “parents and their kid” don’t exist on the kiverse so if you want main characters with healthy relationships with their parents… good luck looking !
ᯓ★ quinnwarren
they warn you about drugs but they don’t warn you about that book couple that will change your brain’s chemistry
i’d describe them in four words. quinnwarren’s angst was angsting !! and ki’s keyboard was on fucking fire when she was writing
they’re both strong characters and that’s what made them who they’re. we have quinn who doesn’t trust anyone and can do anything she sets her mind to do, at least that’s what she wants people to believe. while warren doesn’t care what people think and actually could hate everyone as liam would say, i mean everyone expect for one person…
⁀➴ side characters
omar i’m your fan, i liked you since the beginning but the “you both swim like fish with anxiety disorders. no need to prove it.” won me over !!!!!!! somebody get omar the award for best new side character, thank you !
and everybody knows (or at least should know) that i loved birdieliam cameo!!! i was really excited about this book and it was nice to see old faces BUT OH MY FUCKING GOD THEODORE WESTMAN-COOKE BEING MENTIONED WAS EVERYTHING !!!
⁀➴ thoughts
the club setting was such a good touch for the book !! it was so fun and of course i hated the rich people but i’m so glad that warren got quinn’s back because the slashed tire >>
at the beginning i felt bad about how warren felt about himself towards swimming because at one point he could’ve been ncaa champion you know and during the story the coach would be changing his style but in the end everything is okay! i also get why he didn’t want the captaincy but wish we could see him talking to omar about it
i don’t understand how people dislike flashbacks in books because they’re IT for me and please the chain??? quinn wasn’t wrong, so sexy ! what a man
warren’s relationship with his stepdad was something that i wanted to see a bit more because in my opinion he should’ve set record straight about what really happened but also a better relationship with his dad because it was messy and we don’t really know what is up with their interactions right now
i still give five stars because i fell hard for them and i’d totally read quinn’s novel and watch warren swim all day long… wouldn’t you as well? his 200 words for the assignment broke me because it’s so relatable :/ and how it’s important to the story :,)
and once again ki did an amazing job with representations, this time with anxiety and depression when she portrayed warren’s daily life and quinn’s asthma detail was also a good touch, i hope people know that we see them <3
thank you to my favorite author ki stephens & her team for the arc in exchange for an honest review !
⁀➴ plot
what would you do if you had to coexist with your ex at your summer job? welcome to quinn and warren’s life ! they haven’t seen or talked to each other for the past two years and for the next four weeks they’ll have to work at the sycamore club.
i highly recommend if you love (or are in a mood for) second chance, freestyle swimmer mmc, english major fmc, forgotten eldest daughter, lots of emily dickinson, mutual pining and denial, depression & anxiety rep, grumpy black cat (both of them. seriously.)
⁀➴ characters
ᯓ★ quinn rose
quinn !!!!!! my grumpy girl ! i was really excited to meet her and she didn’t disappoint me, she actually surprised me at a lot of aspects. i loved how she was able to find a way to cope with boxing :,)
she’s just a girl with parents that casually forget about her ! when we say she’s a forgotten eldest daughter we aren’t kidding, things aren’t looking good. of course wesley needs more attention because he has a heart condition but how could their parents just forget that quinn exists?? excuse me??
i’m glad that she found a way to cope because from time to time we always need a break :,) we stan emberline boxing co in this house !
ᯓ★ warren mercer
look i know warren isn’t new to us but he had to fill in for luca’s grumpiness okay the man i saw on high hopes?? the grumpiest of all and i’m so glad we have his book !!!!!
i’m sorry but this man reading, studying, memorizing and reciting poetry only because quinn loves poetry????? i understand you quinn. i wish i was you.
but jokes aside, warren has a lot of baggage, from his dad to his relationship with his stepdad and what happened in the past. i’ll say over and over again, “healthy relationship” and “parents and their kid” don’t exist on the kiverse so if you want main characters with healthy relationships with their parents… good luck looking !
ᯓ★ quinnwarren
they warn you about drugs but they don’t warn you about that book couple that will change your brain’s chemistry
i’d describe them in four words. quinnwarren’s angst was angsting !! and ki’s keyboard was on fucking fire when she was writing
they’re both strong characters and that’s what made them who they’re. we have quinn who doesn’t trust anyone and can do anything she sets her mind to do, at least that’s what she wants people to believe. while warren doesn’t care what people think and actually could hate everyone as liam would say, i mean everyone expect for one person…
⁀➴ side characters
omar i’m your fan, i liked you since the beginning but the “you both swim like fish with anxiety disorders. no need to prove it.” won me over !!!!!!! somebody get omar the award for best new side character, thank you !
and everybody knows (or at least should know) that i loved birdieliam cameo!!! i was really excited about this book and it was nice to see old faces BUT OH MY FUCKING GOD THEODORE WESTMAN-COOKE BEING MENTIONED WAS EVERYTHING !!!
⁀➴ thoughts
the club setting was such a good touch for the book !! it was so fun and of course i hated the rich people but i’m so glad that warren got quinn’s back because the slashed tire >>
at the beginning i felt bad about how warren felt about himself towards swimming because at one point he could’ve been ncaa champion you know and during the story the coach would be changing his style but in the end everything is okay! i also get why he didn’t want the captaincy but wish we could see him talking to omar about it
i don’t understand how people dislike flashbacks in books because they’re IT for me and please the chain??? quinn wasn’t wrong, so sexy ! what a man
warren’s relationship with his stepdad was something that i wanted to see a bit more because in my opinion he should’ve set record straight about what really happened but also a better relationship with his dad because it was messy and we don’t really know what is up with their interactions right now
i still give five stars because i fell hard for them and i’d totally read quinn’s novel and watch warren swim all day long… wouldn’t you as well? his 200 words for the assignment broke me because it’s so relatable :/ and how it’s important to the story :,)
and once again ki did an amazing job with representations, this time with anxiety and depression when she portrayed warren’s daily life and quinn’s asthma detail was also a good touch, i hope people know that we see them <3
thank you to my favorite author ki stephens & her team for the arc in exchange for an honest review !
May 6, 2025
ARC Review 4.5⭐️
Book 4 of Coastal Rivals has one of my favourite tropes - second chance romance. And Ki wrote it beautifully, as always!
We follow Warren and Quinn, who loved each other when they were 18 and then found each other again, nearly 2.5 years after the mistakes that led to their breakup.
Quinn and Warren are such interesting characters - they both went down a path of solitude as a coping mechanism, and find themselves lost in a loneliness of their own making.
Both MCs had such interesting and intense family dynamics - some more toxic than others , but it was refreshing to read about parents who are genuinely trying their best for their kids, however their best sometimes isn’t enough.
The romance was beautifully done - we have yearning , we have flirting and jealousy and we have some really thick tension! But my favourite part is that Quinn and Warren don’t just succumb to that and wake up one day thinking “all is forgiven!” and move on from what happened. They work through their issues, and there are multiple talks regarding their past and what they need moving forward (without it feeling repetitive, it just feels like healing). They are both imperfect characters, who feel perfect together.
I also love that they both have something that it’s just theirs - Quinn with boxing / writing and Warren with swimming. And they are so supportive of each other.
I can’t recommend Ki’s books enough and I’m so excited for her first trad release later this year - Game On! But for now, go enjoy Good Graces 💙
Thank you Ki for the ARC!
Book 4 of Coastal Rivals has one of my favourite tropes - second chance romance. And Ki wrote it beautifully, as always!
We follow Warren and Quinn, who loved each other when they were 18 and then found each other again, nearly 2.5 years after the mistakes that led to their breakup.
Quinn and Warren are such interesting characters - they both went down a path of solitude as a coping mechanism, and find themselves lost in a loneliness of their own making.
Both MCs had such interesting and intense family dynamics - some more toxic than others , but it was refreshing to read about parents who are genuinely trying their best for their kids, however their best sometimes isn’t enough.
The romance was beautifully done - we have yearning , we have flirting and jealousy and we have some really thick tension! But my favourite part is that Quinn and Warren don’t just succumb to that and wake up one day thinking “all is forgiven!” and move on from what happened. They work through their issues, and there are multiple talks regarding their past and what they need moving forward (without it feeling repetitive, it just feels like healing). They are both imperfect characters, who feel perfect together.
I also love that they both have something that it’s just theirs - Quinn with boxing / writing and Warren with swimming. And they are so supportive of each other.
I can’t recommend Ki’s books enough and I’m so excited for her first trad release later this year - Game On! But for now, go enjoy Good Graces 💙
Thank you Ki for the ARC!
May 21, 2025
I should’ve dnf’d this, what a snooze fest 😴
May 13, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY QUINN AND WARREN <33333 Thank you, Ki for the arc of Good Graces in exchange for my honest review!
As a Ki fan, I unfortunately cannot believe I am saying Fault Line has gotten beat. (If Kaia and Holden see this please ignore)
If you've been here a while, you would know one of my top tropes is second chances, I am a sucker for pain apparently. Top in that beautiful angst and yearning, I will be foaming at the mouth.
I love Ki's work because there's always a trope that isn't too popular. This one being grumpy x grumpy fit beautifully. Both Quinn and Warren have a hard time letting others in, they had a chance before, and it fell through. Now with life constantly throwing them in each other's path, is this a sign to reconcile? YES, MA'AM IT IS.
It took me a few days to read cause y'all my mental health is shitty atm, and reading a book about SECOND CHANCES? Girlie, I didn't stand a chance, truly took my emotional wrecked heart, and said here, we're going to bruise it a little more, hope you don't mind. There were so many little things that made this book so beautifully poetic. The way Warren did things for Quinn without mentioning simply to make her life a bit easier and be by her side. The way Quinn knew when to wrap Warren up and be there for him and when to take a step back to not overwhelm him. There were so many lines that had me gasping, like damn stop sucker punching me.
ALSO, I loveedddddddd that Quinn began boxing as a way to relieve stress, as a fellow eldest daughter I really need to do that, especially with how Ki wrote it in such an empowering way. I love Quinny, my girl needed to feel arms surrounding her when she needed a fall back and ugh, I want to be her friend. PLUS, if you love a man who so easily displays his love and affection, may I introduce you to Warren Mercer? A yearner, a lover, a swimmer <3
Will 100% be rereading them because I already miss them, okay? Okay. Thank you, Ki, adore you and your writing but especially Good Graces, can't wait to meet you at Beachside this weekend <3
- Second Chance
- FMC English Major x MMC Swimmer
- Forgotten Eldest Daughter
- Grumpy x Grumpy
As a Ki fan, I unfortunately cannot believe I am saying Fault Line has gotten beat. (If Kaia and Holden see this please ignore)
If you've been here a while, you would know one of my top tropes is second chances, I am a sucker for pain apparently. Top in that beautiful angst and yearning, I will be foaming at the mouth.
I love Ki's work because there's always a trope that isn't too popular. This one being grumpy x grumpy fit beautifully. Both Quinn and Warren have a hard time letting others in, they had a chance before, and it fell through. Now with life constantly throwing them in each other's path, is this a sign to reconcile? YES, MA'AM IT IS.
It took me a few days to read cause y'all my mental health is shitty atm, and reading a book about SECOND CHANCES? Girlie, I didn't stand a chance, truly took my emotional wrecked heart, and said here, we're going to bruise it a little more, hope you don't mind. There were so many little things that made this book so beautifully poetic. The way Warren did things for Quinn without mentioning simply to make her life a bit easier and be by her side. The way Quinn knew when to wrap Warren up and be there for him and when to take a step back to not overwhelm him. There were so many lines that had me gasping, like damn stop sucker punching me.
ALSO, I loveedddddddd that Quinn began boxing as a way to relieve stress, as a fellow eldest daughter I really need to do that, especially with how Ki wrote it in such an empowering way. I love Quinny, my girl needed to feel arms surrounding her when she needed a fall back and ugh, I want to be her friend. PLUS, if you love a man who so easily displays his love and affection, may I introduce you to Warren Mercer? A yearner, a lover, a swimmer <3
Will 100% be rereading them because I already miss them, okay? Okay. Thank you, Ki, adore you and your writing but especially Good Graces, can't wait to meet you at Beachside this weekend <3
- Second Chance
- FMC English Major x MMC Swimmer
- Forgotten Eldest Daughter
- Grumpy x Grumpy
May 13, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Good Graces by Ki Stephens
Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I'm not a fan of second chance romance, but this is one of my exceptions. Ki's writing is so beautiful- it felt like reading poetry. Good Graces was packed with emotions. You can feel the tension, the longing, the angst, the pain, the wanting. It really put me in my feels because my heart ached for Quinn and Warren.
I especially loved seeing the development of Quinn and Warren. They're both guarded people, each dealing with their own difficult situations. Since their breakup, the way they approach not only each other but others has changed. The healing process wasn't easy or linear- it was messy. But you can how much they still want each other, despite the fear of what might happen. The love between Quinn and Warren is everything. Watching them find their way back to each other after all this time was very heartwarming. The two heal individually and together as a couple.
This is my first Ki Stephens book, and I know it won't be my last. I can't get over how beautiful her writing is. It's descriptive and poetry-like. Every emotion just comes off the page. Although I finished this in a few days, this story will stick with me for a long time.
Good Graces by Ki Stephens
Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I'm not a fan of second chance romance, but this is one of my exceptions. Ki's writing is so beautiful- it felt like reading poetry. Good Graces was packed with emotions. You can feel the tension, the longing, the angst, the pain, the wanting. It really put me in my feels because my heart ached for Quinn and Warren.
I especially loved seeing the development of Quinn and Warren. They're both guarded people, each dealing with their own difficult situations. Since their breakup, the way they approach not only each other but others has changed. The healing process wasn't easy or linear- it was messy. But you can how much they still want each other, despite the fear of what might happen. The love between Quinn and Warren is everything. Watching them find their way back to each other after all this time was very heartwarming. The two heal individually and together as a couple.
This is my first Ki Stephens book, and I know it won't be my last. I can't get over how beautiful her writing is. It's descriptive and poetry-like. Every emotion just comes off the page. Although I finished this in a few days, this story will stick with me for a long time.
May 18, 2025
this is exactly why i love (well written) second chance romances & why they will ALWAYS be superior 🥹
December 29, 2025
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. This honest review was based off my experience reading this eARC, which in no way biased me. All opinions are my own.
Ki has hit it out of the park a total of 8 times and counting with her 7 full length novels (INCLUDING QUEEN’S FIRST TRAD PUB NOVEL) and her novella. Trust me I tried to think of a swimming pun that worked and I couldn’t.
One of my favorite things about this author is how unique and individual all her books and characters are. This is still the case with Warren and Quinn in Good Graces. We have a grumpy swimmer kinesiology major and an even grumpier eldest daughter English major, truly what more could you want? Oh and it’s a slowburn second chance romance.
Second chance as a trope is difficult to do successfully and yet Ki makes it feel like it’s effortless how easy and natural she crafted this story. They fell in love slowly at first and then a bad thing happened and there’s a gap before fate intervenes, often if we want to be honest, and they rekindled the flame that never truly went away.
Warren and Quinn have a raw-ness to them that makes them so real and so human. They make mistakes and they forgive this is not just a story of them falling in love with one another but being seen by another and learning yo love themselves as they are loved by each other.
Anyway, I have already read this twice since I’ve gotten my hands on it and each time is more magical than the last. Ki’s work is something I will always come back to. I’ve said it since I read Spring Tide back in 2022 and for every book since. Ki’s books feel like a hug and coming home all in one. Her work is always going to be a comfort read and reread.
Ki has hit it out of the park a total of 8 times and counting with her 7 full length novels (INCLUDING QUEEN’S FIRST TRAD PUB NOVEL) and her novella. Trust me I tried to think of a swimming pun that worked and I couldn’t.
One of my favorite things about this author is how unique and individual all her books and characters are. This is still the case with Warren and Quinn in Good Graces. We have a grumpy swimmer kinesiology major and an even grumpier eldest daughter English major, truly what more could you want? Oh and it’s a slowburn second chance romance.
Second chance as a trope is difficult to do successfully and yet Ki makes it feel like it’s effortless how easy and natural she crafted this story. They fell in love slowly at first and then a bad thing happened and there’s a gap before fate intervenes, often if we want to be honest, and they rekindled the flame that never truly went away.
Warren and Quinn have a raw-ness to them that makes them so real and so human. They make mistakes and they forgive this is not just a story of them falling in love with one another but being seen by another and learning yo love themselves as they are loved by each other.
Anyway, I have already read this twice since I’ve gotten my hands on it and each time is more magical than the last. Ki’s work is something I will always come back to. I’ve said it since I read Spring Tide back in 2022 and for every book since. Ki’s books feel like a hug and coming home all in one. Her work is always going to be a comfort read and reread.
August 31, 2025
5% about swim 5% random boxing 10% romance and like 10% tension the rest is 70% was like filler. This book had good moments but I feel like (on Apple Books) 646 pages I felt like I could have done and finshed the book in 400. I didn’t see the plot with the past and present, it was cool seeing there past but like whatever. And then like the random side quest with the boxing dude and the golf side , Warren wanting to beat them up. This could have been executed really well with the tension and hate but I feel like she was missing stuff. Also a little too much description like some parts I like when Quinn was talking about hating him or how he makes her feel but then sometime it was like and I was walked on the dark green grass and he walked side by side to me on the dark green lush grass as then we sat on the dark green grass.
It was good just like need more flavor more spice
It was good just like need more flavor more spice
May 19, 2025
Couldn’t really connect with either character, didn’t love their relationship or the plot in general.
May 9, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Oh this was everything I wanted and so much more - my new favorite Ki Stephens book.
I knew this was going to be painful going in, but I don't think I was fully prepared for my heart to physically ache as bad as it did. When I tell you it was hurting for Quinn and Warren!! The angst was the third main character in this and it was present from the get go - I LOVED IT. Second chance will always do it for me and Ki absolutely knocked it out of the park.
This is a book about two guarded people who have trouble letting the other in, and the complex, difficult circumstances that led to their breakup and subsequent time apart. Their love is filled with anger and passion. It was absolutely beautiful watching them find their way back to each other. Warren and Quinn have my whole entire heart!!
I loved the flashback chapters. Without even stepping foot in the past though, it is clear that there is still so much between Quinn and Warren. The tension was palpable and their connection was undeniable. I loved the way they still knew each other despite the years apart. It killed me to see them both hurt - whether they were hurting each other or hurting for each other, it was tough.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ki writes some of the most relatable characters. I was highlighting complete paragraphs from both Quinn and Warren's POV thinking "is this fucking play about me??" I loved how flawed, messy, and real they were. Give me more grumpy x grumpy romances because I was so here for it.
Quinn was guarded and reserved but I love how fierce she was about the people she cared about. A lot of her experiences resonated so hard with me and watching her self sabotage or push Warren away was hard, but I understood her to her core. Loved her growth by the end of it.
Warren killed meeee. Ugh his heart and the way he yearned for Quinn will be living rent free in my head for a long time. Being in his POV hurt more than anything but I was so happy with how things worked out.
Their journey wasn’t an easy one but it was so worth it. Many years were shed but I loved it. If you’re a fan of angsty, emotional second chance romances with flawed characters - def give this one a chance when it releases on May 13!!
Oh this was everything I wanted and so much more - my new favorite Ki Stephens book.
I knew this was going to be painful going in, but I don't think I was fully prepared for my heart to physically ache as bad as it did. When I tell you it was hurting for Quinn and Warren!! The angst was the third main character in this and it was present from the get go - I LOVED IT. Second chance will always do it for me and Ki absolutely knocked it out of the park.
This is a book about two guarded people who have trouble letting the other in, and the complex, difficult circumstances that led to their breakup and subsequent time apart. Their love is filled with anger and passion. It was absolutely beautiful watching them find their way back to each other. Warren and Quinn have my whole entire heart!!
I loved the flashback chapters. Without even stepping foot in the past though, it is clear that there is still so much between Quinn and Warren. The tension was palpable and their connection was undeniable. I loved the way they still knew each other despite the years apart. It killed me to see them both hurt - whether they were hurting each other or hurting for each other, it was tough.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ki writes some of the most relatable characters. I was highlighting complete paragraphs from both Quinn and Warren's POV thinking "is this fucking play about me??" I loved how flawed, messy, and real they were. Give me more grumpy x grumpy romances because I was so here for it.
Quinn was guarded and reserved but I love how fierce she was about the people she cared about. A lot of her experiences resonated so hard with me and watching her self sabotage or push Warren away was hard, but I understood her to her core. Loved her growth by the end of it.
Warren killed meeee. Ugh his heart and the way he yearned for Quinn will be living rent free in my head for a long time. Being in his POV hurt more than anything but I was so happy with how things worked out.
Their journey wasn’t an easy one but it was so worth it. Many years were shed but I loved it. If you’re a fan of angsty, emotional second chance romances with flawed characters - def give this one a chance when it releases on May 13!!
May 12, 2025
i am not okay and i mean that in the best way possible. good graces absolutely WRECKED me. quinn and warren felt real. like, painfully real. ki really brought the love, grief, guilt, and messy longing. like this is absolutely her best written so far. HER PEN WAS ON FIRE!
the angst? unreal. like i was bracing myself every time we got a flashback because it hurt and i knew we were getting closer and closer to finding out what quinn did to betray his trust. seeing how they started and fell apart. ugh, it was so much, in the best way. the chemistry, the shared history… i cry.
i found myself relating to quinn a lot. not just because of how guarded she is, but because i’ve been in that spot of feeling like i had to be okay because someone else wasn’t. being the sibling of someone with a disability shaped a lot of how i grew up, and this book made me sit with a lot of feelings i didn’t expect to come up. the way quinn holds so much love for her brother but doesn't undermine her feelings and how she felt growing up was beautiful.
watching her let people in, even when it scared her, felt personal and i related so much. i hope to be able to let more people in one day.
ALSO WARREN? absolutely ruined me. his pov was full of so much love and ache. he was just so gone for her and it made my heart hurt in the every possible way. i love him so endlessly and he was such a well written character. following the story of him with his dad 3 i was unwell. he took on the burdens of others repeatedly. ugh i just love him.
overall i love this book so much. ki, im just so in awe of you always and im so glad i can call you a friend. i love being apart of your arc team (,: thank you for the arc as always.
the angst? unreal. like i was bracing myself every time we got a flashback because it hurt and i knew we were getting closer and closer to finding out what quinn did to betray his trust. seeing how they started and fell apart. ugh, it was so much, in the best way. the chemistry, the shared history… i cry.
i found myself relating to quinn a lot. not just because of how guarded she is, but because i’ve been in that spot of feeling like i had to be okay because someone else wasn’t. being the sibling of someone with a disability shaped a lot of how i grew up, and this book made me sit with a lot of feelings i didn’t expect to come up. the way quinn holds so much love for her brother but doesn't undermine her feelings and how she felt growing up was beautiful.
watching her let people in, even when it scared her, felt personal and i related so much. i hope to be able to let more people in one day.
ALSO WARREN? absolutely ruined me. his pov was full of so much love and ache. he was just so gone for her and it made my heart hurt in the every possible way. i love him so endlessly and he was such a well written character. following the story of him with his dad 3 i was unwell. he took on the burdens of others repeatedly. ugh i just love him.
overall i love this book so much. ki, im just so in awe of you always and im so glad i can call you a friend. i love being apart of your arc team (,: thank you for the arc as always.
Read
May 13, 2025Thanks to Ki Stephens for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big fan of second chance romances, but I have to say that Good Graces didn't live up to my expectations, nor did it surprise me. I struggled to read almost 50% of the book, thinking that maybe something would happen between Quinn and Warren, but it didn't. I expected a lot more angst and banter, more communication and laughter when the characters were around each other or thinking about each other.
However, I got confused in some parts, I didn't realise straight away where the characters were or I couldn't tell that they were thinking about something else; or when it said that they still had two weeks of work (in total it was 1 month, if I understood correctly) and in that time hardly anything happened; or when Quinn was touched inappropriately and in the next chapter there is another worker who gets too close to her and she's fine and giggling, I thought she would be more aware and wouldn't want such closeness.
It was my first time reading a book by Ki Stephens and I know that this book is from a series. For ‘older’ readers, these characters may not be new at all, but for me they were and so I think there could have been things like the previous ones that could have been more thought through, as well as the characters as a whole, to better understand who they were together, since until around page 100-110 we were seeing them mostly apart.
I'm a big fan of second chance romances, but I have to say that Good Graces didn't live up to my expectations, nor did it surprise me. I struggled to read almost 50% of the book, thinking that maybe something would happen between Quinn and Warren, but it didn't. I expected a lot more angst and banter, more communication and laughter when the characters were around each other or thinking about each other.
However, I got confused in some parts, I didn't realise straight away where the characters were or I couldn't tell that they were thinking about something else; or when it said that they still had two weeks of work (in total it was 1 month, if I understood correctly) and in that time hardly anything happened; or when Quinn was touched inappropriately and in the next chapter there is another worker who gets too close to her and she's fine and giggling, I thought she would be more aware and wouldn't want such closeness.
It was my first time reading a book by Ki Stephens and I know that this book is from a series. For ‘older’ readers, these characters may not be new at all, but for me they were and so I think there could have been things like the previous ones that could have been more thought through, as well as the characters as a whole, to better understand who they were together, since until around page 100-110 we were seeing them mostly apart.
May 15, 2025
Thank you, Ki Stephens, for the ARC! Grateful for this opportunity.
My thoughts: what an intense journey! My mind was completely captured by this story.
When you spent the entire life wishing someone sees you, it becomes impossible to believe that there’s someone out there who wants to care for you. That’s what Quinny has to bear every single day. A very heavy, strenuous process that nips at her mind constantly. Quinn is also strong, capable, smart and intelligent. She’s a great strength, which helps Warren a lot. She stands by herself, about her abilities and wishes.
Warren, on the other hand, shoulders a big, uncomfortable weight: always trying to be better, always trying to make everything alright, pushing his limits despite his mental health, his self being.
He thinks he’s not enough while he’s more than enough. Warren is kind, loyal, attentive. His personality compensates Quinn’s soul perfectly.
Their story was a continuous pull: at the beginning angsty, frustrated and angry. But moving forward, their pull becomes sweet, attentive and gentle. Their love is not all hearts and flowers, but its real life struggles, life’s injustice and bumpy hurtful moments. They’re simply humans with their flaws. It’s inevitable to feel for them.
My fav quote of the book which sums it up precisely: “A cataclysmic ripple in the ordinary.”
A reading highly recommended!
My thoughts: what an intense journey! My mind was completely captured by this story.
When you spent the entire life wishing someone sees you, it becomes impossible to believe that there’s someone out there who wants to care for you. That’s what Quinny has to bear every single day. A very heavy, strenuous process that nips at her mind constantly. Quinn is also strong, capable, smart and intelligent. She’s a great strength, which helps Warren a lot. She stands by herself, about her abilities and wishes.
Warren, on the other hand, shoulders a big, uncomfortable weight: always trying to be better, always trying to make everything alright, pushing his limits despite his mental health, his self being.
He thinks he’s not enough while he’s more than enough. Warren is kind, loyal, attentive. His personality compensates Quinn’s soul perfectly.
Their story was a continuous pull: at the beginning angsty, frustrated and angry. But moving forward, their pull becomes sweet, attentive and gentle. Their love is not all hearts and flowers, but its real life struggles, life’s injustice and bumpy hurtful moments. They’re simply humans with their flaws. It’s inevitable to feel for them.
My fav quote of the book which sums it up precisely: “A cataclysmic ripple in the ordinary.”
A reading highly recommended!
May 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
arc review!!
am i 2 weeks late to my review?? yes, i'm so sorry yall 😭😭😭😭😭
warren and quinn, second chance, summer country club vibes, swimmer x writer, cuties, etc etc 😌😌😌
i liked warren and quinn together but i wasn't as connected with them like some other characters in the ki universe. i loved seeing warren break out of his shell, and quinn too tbh. like we see warren in high hopes but he was a mystery tbh, intriguing. but in this book, helloooo warren 🤭🤭🤭 and i loved that quinn broke out of her shell and hung out with her roommates and tried new things, boxing and all.
the summer country club vibes were so fun and i liked seeing some flashbacks between warren and quinn. yall know i love me a second chance romance. i think warren and quinn are good together, tbh quinn keeps warren on his toes. shes fiery and i like that!! it felt like warren was able to let his guard down when he was with quinn, even if he didnt want to/didnt realize he was doing it. but anyways. yeah i enjoyed this book but there were some parts that didnt hit as much as usual if that makes sense. i would still def recommend especially if you've ready all of the coastal rivals books thus far. warren and quinn's story is a nice addition. plus you see some familiar faces in this one 🥰
arc review!!
am i 2 weeks late to my review?? yes, i'm so sorry yall 😭😭😭😭😭
warren and quinn, second chance, summer country club vibes, swimmer x writer, cuties, etc etc 😌😌😌
i liked warren and quinn together but i wasn't as connected with them like some other characters in the ki universe. i loved seeing warren break out of his shell, and quinn too tbh. like we see warren in high hopes but he was a mystery tbh, intriguing. but in this book, helloooo warren 🤭🤭🤭 and i loved that quinn broke out of her shell and hung out with her roommates and tried new things, boxing and all.
the summer country club vibes were so fun and i liked seeing some flashbacks between warren and quinn. yall know i love me a second chance romance. i think warren and quinn are good together, tbh quinn keeps warren on his toes. shes fiery and i like that!! it felt like warren was able to let his guard down when he was with quinn, even if he didnt want to/didnt realize he was doing it. but anyways. yeah i enjoyed this book but there were some parts that didnt hit as much as usual if that makes sense. i would still def recommend especially if you've ready all of the coastal rivals books thus far. warren and quinn's story is a nice addition. plus you see some familiar faces in this one 🥰
May 13, 2025
The writing in this book was like poetry. Warren and Quinn were raw, beautiful and angsty. Their love was soft and quiet and this book represented that. They were painfully romantic and a new favourite Ki couple of mine.
Warren was down bad for Quinn, the way he yearned for her melted my heart. His POV broke my heart and I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug. He was the perfect broody quiet type, but his ability to always prioritise Quinn was insanely hot. He was just an all round sweetheart. Vulnerable with his feelings and wasn’t afraid to tell Quinn how he really felt.
Quinn was sharp and sassy, but soft at the core. She came across as guarded but I loved how fierce she was for those she loved and cared about. Loyal and smart, she had a genuine soul and a sifter side that was brought out by Warren. I loved seeing both sides to her character, she was a beautiful juxtaposition.
This book showcased their growth both as individuals and as a couple. They shared some of the softest moments and I adored them. Their love was strong and unwavering and they were just everything I wanted them to be. The tension, the longing, the angst, the yearning, the tenderness and the pain. 10/10 perfection.
If you’re a fan on angsty, emotional second chance romances, then give this one a go. It’s so worth it.
“Loving Warren Mercer had come so easily to me back then. Instinctively, like second nature, like gravity itself. Like stepping into warm water and letting myself sink.”
Tropes:
🌩️ grumpy x grumpy
🏊🏼♂️ swimmer x english major
💙 second chance
🔥 slow burn
🥹 lots of angst
💌 poetry as flirting
Thank you to Ki and team for the ARC 🫶🏻
Warren was down bad for Quinn, the way he yearned for her melted my heart. His POV broke my heart and I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug. He was the perfect broody quiet type, but his ability to always prioritise Quinn was insanely hot. He was just an all round sweetheart. Vulnerable with his feelings and wasn’t afraid to tell Quinn how he really felt.
Quinn was sharp and sassy, but soft at the core. She came across as guarded but I loved how fierce she was for those she loved and cared about. Loyal and smart, she had a genuine soul and a sifter side that was brought out by Warren. I loved seeing both sides to her character, she was a beautiful juxtaposition.
This book showcased their growth both as individuals and as a couple. They shared some of the softest moments and I adored them. Their love was strong and unwavering and they were just everything I wanted them to be. The tension, the longing, the angst, the yearning, the tenderness and the pain. 10/10 perfection.
If you’re a fan on angsty, emotional second chance romances, then give this one a go. It’s so worth it.
“Loving Warren Mercer had come so easily to me back then. Instinctively, like second nature, like gravity itself. Like stepping into warm water and letting myself sink.”
Tropes:
🌩️ grumpy x grumpy
🏊🏼♂️ swimmer x english major
💙 second chance
🔥 slow burn
🥹 lots of angst
💌 poetry as flirting
Thank you to Ki and team for the ARC 🫶🏻
May 20, 2025
“No one touches you without your permission and gets away with it. I don’t give a fuck what their last name is.”
Good Graces by Ki Stephens is a second chance romance that follows lifeguard Warren Mercer and caddy girl Quinn Rose.
The first half was amazing. The angst, the secret glances, the chemistry, all were chef’s kiss. But then we hit the 60% mark, and it kind of went downhill from there. This was because the second half was rushed especially with how fast Warren and Rose got into a relationship again.
But I mean Warren more than made up for it. Because what do you mean you had an old, yet very annotated, copy of Emily Dicksons’s poems. And that he happened to memorize them just so he could quote them to Rose. Like that is a dream man.
Don’t even get me started on my girl Rose. She was so relatable as the forgotten eldest daughter. Lots of love for her for sure though.
Ki holds a special place in my heart because her writing and characters are always chef’s kiss. This one though, just didn’t really hit like all the others did, still good though.
*Thank you to the author, Ki Stephens, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
Good Graces by Ki Stephens is a second chance romance that follows lifeguard Warren Mercer and caddy girl Quinn Rose.
The first half was amazing. The angst, the secret glances, the chemistry, all were chef’s kiss. But then we hit the 60% mark, and it kind of went downhill from there. This was because the second half was rushed especially with how fast Warren and Rose got into a relationship again.
But I mean Warren more than made up for it. Because what do you mean you had an old, yet very annotated, copy of Emily Dicksons’s poems. And that he happened to memorize them just so he could quote them to Rose. Like that is a dream man.
Don’t even get me started on my girl Rose. She was so relatable as the forgotten eldest daughter. Lots of love for her for sure though.
Ki holds a special place in my heart because her writing and characters are always chef’s kiss. This one though, just didn’t really hit like all the others did, still good though.
*Thank you to the author, Ki Stephens, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
May 8, 2025
reading ki’s book is seriously like getting the best most needed hug from someone when you didn’t know you needed it. this story is so soft and quite and so is the love. this book was exactly as it needed to be. quinn and warren are everything. i literally don’t know how to describe anything other than their love was so soft and quite but it was also so so strong. i love quinn and her sharpness and sassiness so much. i’m so proud of her and i just love her and everyone needs a quinn in their life, especially warren. my warren boy omg he has so much weight on his shoulders and i just wanted to hug him. the things this man would do and say… my god. i just love them both so much. their second chance was really just 🥹🥹. all their soft moments, their growth, their love. everything was just perfect. this book is truly a quiet, strong, unwavering soft love all wrapped up in the most stunning cover with a tiny little bow. i love them and i love ki and nobody could make me say otherwise.
May 15, 2025
A HUGE HUGE thank you to Ki Stephens for an advanced copy of this book!! I read this book so quickly after stumbling upon some artwork, why is it always those books that turn out to be some of my favorites. This book was the perfect little summer read. This one was for all the girls who love the yearning, tension, a hot summer romance, but especially the girls like me who spent their summer at a club pool in town. This book and the atmosphere of the country club portions were so nostalgic it was almost reminiscent of my summers, without the golf course and snooty club members.
I absolutely adored Quinn and Warren's relationship arc. The tension at the very beginning was delicious. Definitely raised the temperature of the (undoubtedly) already hot summer. I loved the moments where they were just biting back at each other. The banter was superb, and then all the little moments where they remembered what they used to be to each other made my heart ache. I am a sucker for a second-chance romance, and this was no exception.
On top of being obsessed with our couple, I was also obsessed with Quinn and Warren separately. They each had wonderful personal, emotional arcs. Moving on from some of their past mistakes, tackling all of their obstacles and working through their issues. Quinn taking boxing to deal with what she was mentally going through. Ki is a genius.
I enjoyed this story so incredibly much, and could 100% see myself going back for a re-read. Again a huge thank you for the early copy!!
I absolutely adored Quinn and Warren's relationship arc. The tension at the very beginning was delicious. Definitely raised the temperature of the (undoubtedly) already hot summer. I loved the moments where they were just biting back at each other. The banter was superb, and then all the little moments where they remembered what they used to be to each other made my heart ache. I am a sucker for a second-chance romance, and this was no exception.
On top of being obsessed with our couple, I was also obsessed with Quinn and Warren separately. They each had wonderful personal, emotional arcs. Moving on from some of their past mistakes, tackling all of their obstacles and working through their issues. Quinn taking boxing to deal with what she was mentally going through. Ki is a genius.
I enjoyed this story so incredibly much, and could 100% see myself going back for a re-read. Again a huge thank you for the early copy!!
May 10, 2025
Dare I say my new Ki fave???
The most unforgettable part of this book is Ki’s ability to make the enemies a gut punch without cruelty. You can feel the heartbreak that seeps out of both of them that lead them to a place where they simply can’t be civil.
When Quinn returns to her old summer job at the country club, it’s supposed to be a distraction and guaranteed cash before the new school year. What no one warned her is that her ex boyfriend Warren is back working at the same club— and she may be shocked, but he’s angry she’s back.
The tension was insane. Warren is the perfect broody, quiet type but his ability to always prioritize Quinn is insanely hot. Quinn is relatable and just all around grumpy sweetheart.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The most unforgettable part of this book is Ki’s ability to make the enemies a gut punch without cruelty. You can feel the heartbreak that seeps out of both of them that lead them to a place where they simply can’t be civil.
When Quinn returns to her old summer job at the country club, it’s supposed to be a distraction and guaranteed cash before the new school year. What no one warned her is that her ex boyfriend Warren is back working at the same club— and she may be shocked, but he’s angry she’s back.
The tension was insane. Warren is the perfect broody, quiet type but his ability to always prioritize Quinn is insanely hot. Quinn is relatable and just all around grumpy sweetheart.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2025
Ki will amaze me every time. I actually think that she should write more second chance romances. Quinn and Warren are everything. I love that they fought back getting together a little bit, but not too much. They knew that they were still in love years later. It's understandable why things ended the first time but they have both grown and learned to communicate better now. I'm obsessed with the fact that they got back together and he immediately started wearing the chain she got him years ago. Warren knew that she was it for him and no one else could compare.
I received an arc from the author.
I received an arc from the author.
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