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Midnights at Pemberley #2
Absolute Certainty
Opposites attract in a slow burn romance that's life-changing in more ways than one.
After a pattern of toxic exes who've constantly belittled her, hopeless romantic Sahar Peck is done with love. She's taking time for herself, focusing on her friends, and soaking up every minute at her dream job as Jane Bennet in Broadway's hit musical Midnights at Pemberley. That is, until she starts falling for Jay, the prickly but sweet screenwriter she sees every day at the local coffee shop.
Jay Callahan is spending the summer with his eight-year-old daughter while he's fighting burnout and frustration from the lack of stability in the film industry. But when Sahar, the woman he's been falling for since they met, wants to read his screenplay, he jumps at the opportunity to share his work and spend more time with her.
As Jay and Sahar rework his screenplay, their friendship slowly evolves into a partnership neither has known before. But with the disappointments they've both experienced in their pasts, can they finally accept that this love is here to stay?
After a pattern of toxic exes who've constantly belittled her, hopeless romantic Sahar Peck is done with love. She's taking time for herself, focusing on her friends, and soaking up every minute at her dream job as Jane Bennet in Broadway's hit musical Midnights at Pemberley. That is, until she starts falling for Jay, the prickly but sweet screenwriter she sees every day at the local coffee shop.
Jay Callahan is spending the summer with his eight-year-old daughter while he's fighting burnout and frustration from the lack of stability in the film industry. But when Sahar, the woman he's been falling for since they met, wants to read his screenplay, he jumps at the opportunity to share his work and spend more time with her.
As Jay and Sahar rework his screenplay, their friendship slowly evolves into a partnership neither has known before. But with the disappointments they've both experienced in their pasts, can they finally accept that this love is here to stay?
- GenresSlow Burn
ebook
First published August 19, 2025
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Gissane Sophia
3 books22 followersGissane Sophia is a hopeless romantic who ceaselessly champions that vulnerability is a strength. She's a fan of complex characters, found families, her bright, brilliant family and friends, coffee, forests, and all things autumn. When she isn't dabbling in writing romance novels, she's reading them. And when she's doing neither, she's devouring fiction through TV and film, working full-time as an entertainment editor and writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 16, 2025
Gissane Sophia’s books have been some of my favorite romance novels and I think Absolute Certainty is my favorite of the three! Jay and Sahar are couple goals and they were a true love match even if it took a little while to get there. Plus, I love when he falls first and Jay’s longing for and patience with Sahar while she figures out she is worth his love is everything a romance reader wants. I also loved seeing Willa and their other theater friends again and their unwavering support for Sahar and I enjoyed meeting Jay’s family and friends and reading about how warm they were to Sahar from the start. Thank you to Gissane Sophia and Beyond the Books PR for the opportunity to read this early.
August 19, 2025
IT'S RELEASE DAY!!
All I want to say about "Absolute Certainty" is that I am in love... I am in love with the book, the writing style, the romantic story line (i am all for the soft romantic giggles as well as the burning desire type love!)
For those who don't know, Absolute Certainty is the second book to the Midnights at Pemberley series.. (Go read the first part super soooooonnn, if you are a romantic, you won't regret it, i swear!)
Short review - Absolute Certainty is an amazingly written, tender and heartfelt story. Jay (mmc) completely stole my heart (single dad trope done ABSOLUTELY right), and I loved how Sahar’s warmth and optimism slowly broke through his walls. The tension, the sweet moments, and that one big ‘just go for it’ scene—it all landed perfectly for me. An awesome comfort read for all my slow burn romance loverssss!!!
P.S. – my favourite part? The text chains!
I always love books that include heartfelt messages shared between the protagonists.
All i can say is - the author did a wonderful job! Loved being a part of your ARC Team! Thank you for the opportunity♥️♥️
Congratulations for the book release!!
Until my next read,
Xoxo
~A💅🏼
All I want to say about "Absolute Certainty" is that I am in love... I am in love with the book, the writing style, the romantic story line (i am all for the soft romantic giggles as well as the burning desire type love!)
For those who don't know, Absolute Certainty is the second book to the Midnights at Pemberley series.. (Go read the first part super soooooonnn, if you are a romantic, you won't regret it, i swear!)
Short review - Absolute Certainty is an amazingly written, tender and heartfelt story. Jay (mmc) completely stole my heart (single dad trope done ABSOLUTELY right), and I loved how Sahar’s warmth and optimism slowly broke through his walls. The tension, the sweet moments, and that one big ‘just go for it’ scene—it all landed perfectly for me. An awesome comfort read for all my slow burn romance loverssss!!!
P.S. – my favourite part? The text chains!
I always love books that include heartfelt messages shared between the protagonists.
All i can say is - the author did a wonderful job! Loved being a part of your ARC Team! Thank you for the opportunity♥️♥️
Congratulations for the book release!!
Until my next read,
Xoxo
~A💅🏼
August 19, 2025
I just finished reading this book and I don't feel my words will make justice of it.
"Absolute Certainty" is the second book of the series "Midnights at Pemberley" by the talented Gissane Sophia. The question might arise from any potential readers: do I need to read the first book prior to reading this one? Even when familiar characters appear, both stories would be complementary but not strictly required reading material. However, the reading of "Absolute Certainty" would be tremendously enhanced by being introduced properly to this world the author gifted us with via the previous one. Long story short: you might not need to read it, but you definitely should.
This book keeps the same warm environment of a fictional Broadway play and what happens backstage and when the lights are out: we get to witness these characters, the daily lives out of stage and their hopes and fears, pursuits and struggles as part of the entertainment industry. And if the previous book puts the spotlight on two of those actors - Ethan and Willa - now the focus is for Sahar, castmate of both and Willa's roommate. We get to learn more about her and how her story intertwines with the story of Jay, the manager of the coffee shop they go to, who is also a writer and film director. The way their stories come together is so organic and nice to read, while showing the challenges and particular struggles people in the entertainment industry face.
I appreciate how the author does not shy away from bringing current topics like the harmful effects of AI in the entertainment industry and the lives of those who are part of it, but I found really engaging how this is part of the story and has an effect in these characters but does not take away the focus on the main storyline or overpowers the narrative. And perhaps that's one of the main takeaways you can get from this story: entertainment has such an important purpose in our lives as both creators and spectators but it also has a mission of providing us with hope and understanding, as well as the consideration that even if reality poses a lot of challenges in our lives, and things might be bleak and difficult, entertainment can motivate us and shine a light in our personal journeys.
And talking about journeys, I truly enjoyed learning more about these two characters, Jay and Sahar, and how they play such an important role in each other's lives. Seeing the way Jay and Sahar complement each other and how especially Sahar's broken heart pieces start mending back together by the presence of Jay in her life as if it were threads of gold - and Sahar has the same effect in Jay - made me think of kintsugi and how the resulting piece is way more precious and valuable.
If there is something I didn't enjoy as much was Jay and Sahar's football team of choice lol. (Joking! Not a Manchester City fan).
Definitely a must-read book! Truly recommend it!
Absolute Certainty by Gissane Sophia is being released on August 19th, 2025 both in physical and digital formats. Thank you Beyond the Books PR and Gissane Sophia for the ARC!
"Absolute Certainty" is the second book of the series "Midnights at Pemberley" by the talented Gissane Sophia. The question might arise from any potential readers: do I need to read the first book prior to reading this one? Even when familiar characters appear, both stories would be complementary but not strictly required reading material. However, the reading of "Absolute Certainty" would be tremendously enhanced by being introduced properly to this world the author gifted us with via the previous one. Long story short: you might not need to read it, but you definitely should.
This book keeps the same warm environment of a fictional Broadway play and what happens backstage and when the lights are out: we get to witness these characters, the daily lives out of stage and their hopes and fears, pursuits and struggles as part of the entertainment industry. And if the previous book puts the spotlight on two of those actors - Ethan and Willa - now the focus is for Sahar, castmate of both and Willa's roommate. We get to learn more about her and how her story intertwines with the story of Jay, the manager of the coffee shop they go to, who is also a writer and film director. The way their stories come together is so organic and nice to read, while showing the challenges and particular struggles people in the entertainment industry face.
I appreciate how the author does not shy away from bringing current topics like the harmful effects of AI in the entertainment industry and the lives of those who are part of it, but I found really engaging how this is part of the story and has an effect in these characters but does not take away the focus on the main storyline or overpowers the narrative. And perhaps that's one of the main takeaways you can get from this story: entertainment has such an important purpose in our lives as both creators and spectators but it also has a mission of providing us with hope and understanding, as well as the consideration that even if reality poses a lot of challenges in our lives, and things might be bleak and difficult, entertainment can motivate us and shine a light in our personal journeys.
And talking about journeys, I truly enjoyed learning more about these two characters, Jay and Sahar, and how they play such an important role in each other's lives. Seeing the way Jay and Sahar complement each other and how especially Sahar's broken heart pieces start mending back together by the presence of Jay in her life as if it were threads of gold - and Sahar has the same effect in Jay - made me think of kintsugi and how the resulting piece is way more precious and valuable.
If there is something I didn't enjoy as much was Jay and Sahar's football team of choice lol. (Joking! Not a Manchester City fan).
Definitely a must-read book! Truly recommend it!
Absolute Certainty by Gissane Sophia is being released on August 19th, 2025 both in physical and digital formats. Thank you Beyond the Books PR and Gissane Sophia for the ARC!
August 16, 2025
Sahar, a Broadway actress recovering from toxic relationships, has sworn off love. Until she meets Jay, a burned-out screenwriter spending the summer with his daughter. As they bond over editing his screenplay, their friendship deepens into something more. But with past heartbreaks weighing on them both, they must decide if they’re ready to trust in lasting love.
This really was a cute story! Sahar was such a sweet FMC. After everything she went through with her toxic exes, her actions felt relatable and I really felt for her. She truly deserved someone like Jay!
Jay was just as loveable. Grumpy yet sweet. I honestly want him as a friend too. It was adorable how obvious his crush on Sahar was every time she walked into the coffee shop, and his daughter was the cutest.
I loved watching their friendship slowly grow into something more. The screenwriting scenes were especially fun to read: the dialogue and quotes were amazing. The Broadway setting was unique as well, with Sahar starring in Midnights at Pemberley and introducing us to the musical and its cast.
There is some spice in this book and while the scenes were well written, I personally felt they didn’t always fit the characters perfectly. In addition, since this series gives multiple nods to classic literature, the story sometimes felt a little heavy.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as a summer read. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances and classic-inspired stories, this one is a perfect match.
Absolute Certainty will be published on August 19th, 2025. It’s the second instalment in the Midnights at Pemberley series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to Beyond the Books PR and Gissane Sophia for this ARC!
This really was a cute story! Sahar was such a sweet FMC. After everything she went through with her toxic exes, her actions felt relatable and I really felt for her. She truly deserved someone like Jay!
Jay was just as loveable. Grumpy yet sweet. I honestly want him as a friend too. It was adorable how obvious his crush on Sahar was every time she walked into the coffee shop, and his daughter was the cutest.
I loved watching their friendship slowly grow into something more. The screenwriting scenes were especially fun to read: the dialogue and quotes were amazing. The Broadway setting was unique as well, with Sahar starring in Midnights at Pemberley and introducing us to the musical and its cast.
There is some spice in this book and while the scenes were well written, I personally felt they didn’t always fit the characters perfectly. In addition, since this series gives multiple nods to classic literature, the story sometimes felt a little heavy.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as a summer read. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances and classic-inspired stories, this one is a perfect match.
Absolute Certainty will be published on August 19th, 2025. It’s the second instalment in the Midnights at Pemberley series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to Beyond the Books PR and Gissane Sophia for this ARC!
August 7, 2025
ARC Review: Absolute Certainty by Gissane Sophia
"In my perfect world, you and I would be together."
Absolute Certainty is that book that will sweep you up in a whirlwind of emotions, sunshine, and heartbreak, all at once.
I felt that Sahar was the heartbeat of the story; she is truly and absolute Sunshine. She is bubbly; she is also hurt and has her dark memories as well. I was pulled into the story by the electric, soul-stirring dynamic between Sahar and Jay. Their conversations through chats had me floating at each point like I had literal butterflies reading those parts. Their dialogue is intimate, vulnerable and so real; it truly was like words carrying more than the weight of touch.
What I liked more about this book is Jay and his relationship with Eloise. It was so compelling and also brought a softness to the story. There’s something reassuring about watching two people simply be positive for each other, without drama and hate, just pure, nourishing connection. Sahar and Jay are two halves of a whole; she is the sunshine to his darkness. Sahar feels like the person you wish existed in your life, someone closer to your heart than even yourself, and yet just out of reach.
In my perfect world, you and I would be together – this is my favourite line!!!
"In my perfect world, you and I would be together."
Absolute Certainty is that book that will sweep you up in a whirlwind of emotions, sunshine, and heartbreak, all at once.
I felt that Sahar was the heartbeat of the story; she is truly and absolute Sunshine. She is bubbly; she is also hurt and has her dark memories as well. I was pulled into the story by the electric, soul-stirring dynamic between Sahar and Jay. Their conversations through chats had me floating at each point like I had literal butterflies reading those parts. Their dialogue is intimate, vulnerable and so real; it truly was like words carrying more than the weight of touch.
What I liked more about this book is Jay and his relationship with Eloise. It was so compelling and also brought a softness to the story. There’s something reassuring about watching two people simply be positive for each other, without drama and hate, just pure, nourishing connection. Sahar and Jay are two halves of a whole; she is the sunshine to his darkness. Sahar feels like the person you wish existed in your life, someone closer to your heart than even yourself, and yet just out of reach.
In my perfect world, you and I would be together – this is my favourite line!!!
Read
September 11, 2025ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY is available now! 💜☀️
I’m so excited (and utterly terrified) to share this book with the world. I’ve said it in a few different ways by now, but I’ve been writing this story long before I even knew I was. In the very early stages of playing with the idea of the Midnights at Pemberley duology, I could’ve never predicted that this is where this second book would take me.
It’s my love letter to the movies and shows that made me. The industry I adore and all the love stories that have made me the writer I am. It’s my whole heart in a way I never thought I’d expose.
My biggest challenge and most beautiful reward on all fronts. Jay and Sahar are so deeply special to me, friends—and now, they’re yours.
I’m so excited (and utterly terrified) to share this book with the world. I’ve said it in a few different ways by now, but I’ve been writing this story long before I even knew I was. In the very early stages of playing with the idea of the Midnights at Pemberley duology, I could’ve never predicted that this is where this second book would take me.
It’s my love letter to the movies and shows that made me. The industry I adore and all the love stories that have made me the writer I am. It’s my whole heart in a way I never thought I’d expose.
My biggest challenge and most beautiful reward on all fronts. Jay and Sahar are so deeply special to me, friends—and now, they’re yours.
August 27, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Theatre & Film Romance
Series: Midnights at Pemberley, Book 2
Content Warnings: Mentions of abusive parent/spouse (off-page), crude language from an ex-boyfriend.
⸻
📖 Synopsis
In Absolute Certainty, Gissane Sophia returns to her Midnights at Pemberley universe, giving us Sahar Peck’s story. Sahar is a Broadway actress who, after heartbreak and years of self-doubt, is finally reclaiming her sense of self. Enter Jay Callahan—the quietly brilliant, brooding screenwriter and filmmaker who manages a coffee shop by day while quietly wrestling with his own past disappointments.
Their chance encounters turn into deeper conversations—about art, dreams, love, and healing. What begins as two creatives sharing coffee and critiques slowly evolves into something more intimate: a romance built on vulnerability, trust, and an almost unbearable yearning.
⸻
✨ What I Loved
• The emotional intimacy. The romance between Sahar and Jay isn’t rushed—it’s built through conversations, shared creative struggles, and mutual encouragement. Their bond feels authentic and tender.
• The themes of resilience. Both characters carry heavy pasts—failed relationships, rejection in the industry, personal loss—but the story beautifully shows how love and art can help mend broken pieces.
• The theatre/film setting. Sophia blends Broadway and indie filmmaking seamlessly, letting us peek into the highs and lows of the industry while grounding the story in deeply human emotions.
• Sahar’s characterization. She’s vibrant, messy, hopeful, and so real. Her struggles with love and self-worth will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt “too much.”
⸻
📝 Writing Style
Sophia’s writing shines with lyrical, heartfelt prose that balances romance and realism. The dialogue feels lived-in and natural, and the book leans heavily on emotional beats rather than surface-level drama. Readers who love character-driven romance will eat this up.
⸻
💭 Final Thoughts
Absolute Certainty is a moving, tender romance about two creatives finding solace—and love—in each other when they least expect it. It’s a story about survival, second chances, and the healing power of connection. Fans of layered, slow-burn romances with artistic backdrops will find themselves completely swept away.
👉 If you loved Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan or Funny Story by Emily Henry, you’ll feel right at home with this one.
Series: Midnights at Pemberley, Book 2
Content Warnings: Mentions of abusive parent/spouse (off-page), crude language from an ex-boyfriend.
⸻
📖 Synopsis
In Absolute Certainty, Gissane Sophia returns to her Midnights at Pemberley universe, giving us Sahar Peck’s story. Sahar is a Broadway actress who, after heartbreak and years of self-doubt, is finally reclaiming her sense of self. Enter Jay Callahan—the quietly brilliant, brooding screenwriter and filmmaker who manages a coffee shop by day while quietly wrestling with his own past disappointments.
Their chance encounters turn into deeper conversations—about art, dreams, love, and healing. What begins as two creatives sharing coffee and critiques slowly evolves into something more intimate: a romance built on vulnerability, trust, and an almost unbearable yearning.
⸻
✨ What I Loved
• The emotional intimacy. The romance between Sahar and Jay isn’t rushed—it’s built through conversations, shared creative struggles, and mutual encouragement. Their bond feels authentic and tender.
• The themes of resilience. Both characters carry heavy pasts—failed relationships, rejection in the industry, personal loss—but the story beautifully shows how love and art can help mend broken pieces.
• The theatre/film setting. Sophia blends Broadway and indie filmmaking seamlessly, letting us peek into the highs and lows of the industry while grounding the story in deeply human emotions.
• Sahar’s characterization. She’s vibrant, messy, hopeful, and so real. Her struggles with love and self-worth will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt “too much.”
⸻
📝 Writing Style
Sophia’s writing shines with lyrical, heartfelt prose that balances romance and realism. The dialogue feels lived-in and natural, and the book leans heavily on emotional beats rather than surface-level drama. Readers who love character-driven romance will eat this up.
⸻
💭 Final Thoughts
Absolute Certainty is a moving, tender romance about two creatives finding solace—and love—in each other when they least expect it. It’s a story about survival, second chances, and the healing power of connection. Fans of layered, slow-burn romances with artistic backdrops will find themselves completely swept away.
👉 If you loved Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan or Funny Story by Emily Henry, you’ll feel right at home with this one.
July 31, 2025
Gissane’s third novel, and the second in her Midnights in Pemberley series, is my favorite of hers (so far). I loved Sahar and Jay when I first met them in A Certain Step, and I was excited when Gissane announced they would be getting their own story.
We are once again in the Broadway space, which I loved learning more about in A Certain Step. I also loved that Jay is a writer and director. He is deep in the throes of discouragement at the open of this novel, and the brightness of Saha’s spirit brings him the glimmer of light he needs to keep going.
I loved that Jay was a fantastic coparent with Maya, the mother of his daughter Eloise. His pain at living in a different city, and his joy at having her for the summer was evident throughout. His struggle with Eloise wanting to follow in his filmmaker footsteps (as many an 8 year old might declare of a parent’s career) was real- we want our kids to not choose careers that aren’t as stable as others, but we also want to support them. I found single dad Jay to be well written.
Book boyfriend Jay- he is as we would want all men to be to their partners. Patient, observant, curious, supportive. But my FAVORITE thing is that he loves Sahar’s mind. He wasn’t offended or defensive when she read his script and came back with a hard No on a sad ending.
And my girl Sahar. I cheered when she lobbied Jay for his show to have a happy ending. I was so sad for her that every man before Jay did not appreciate her talent, her mind, her love of life and the things that make her happy. I can appreciate a girl dedicated to her Man City soccer team as a reminder of happy memories with her father. She loves her people hard and loyally. I appreciated her relationship with Willa in A Certain Step, and loved that Willa was equally here for her in this book. The way Sahar was honest about wanting a relationship with Eloise, but also not wanting her own biological children was lovely to see. Sahar loves Jay and Eloise, and she’s content with that, as I was for her as the reader.
THE EPILOGUE made me very happy. It’s different from most epilogues in the way it’s written, but I still got all the happiness I love about a good epilogue.
Highly recommend this novel as a delightful summer read.
We are once again in the Broadway space, which I loved learning more about in A Certain Step. I also loved that Jay is a writer and director. He is deep in the throes of discouragement at the open of this novel, and the brightness of Saha’s spirit brings him the glimmer of light he needs to keep going.
I loved that Jay was a fantastic coparent with Maya, the mother of his daughter Eloise. His pain at living in a different city, and his joy at having her for the summer was evident throughout. His struggle with Eloise wanting to follow in his filmmaker footsteps (as many an 8 year old might declare of a parent’s career) was real- we want our kids to not choose careers that aren’t as stable as others, but we also want to support them. I found single dad Jay to be well written.
Book boyfriend Jay- he is as we would want all men to be to their partners. Patient, observant, curious, supportive. But my FAVORITE thing is that he loves Sahar’s mind. He wasn’t offended or defensive when she read his script and came back with a hard No on a sad ending.
And my girl Sahar. I cheered when she lobbied Jay for his show to have a happy ending. I was so sad for her that every man before Jay did not appreciate her talent, her mind, her love of life and the things that make her happy. I can appreciate a girl dedicated to her Man City soccer team as a reminder of happy memories with her father. She loves her people hard and loyally. I appreciated her relationship with Willa in A Certain Step, and loved that Willa was equally here for her in this book. The way Sahar was honest about wanting a relationship with Eloise, but also not wanting her own biological children was lovely to see. Sahar loves Jay and Eloise, and she’s content with that, as I was for her as the reader.
THE EPILOGUE made me very happy. It’s different from most epilogues in the way it’s written, but I still got all the happiness I love about a good epilogue.
Highly recommend this novel as a delightful summer read.
August 14, 2025
What was off to a slow start slowly took me on the most beautiful journey between 2 characters. “In my perfect world, you and I would be together” is my favourite line. This was a really sweet, realistic and wholesome book.
August 17, 2025
Let me tell you all about this book!! I was lucky enough to get an e-ARC and I was so excited to read it because I've read Gissane's other books and loved them. I was not disappointed! I think this may be her most confidently written book. Gissane has always known how to write men who are down bad for the heroine and effective spice, but this one feels even more assured than her earlier novels, which were amazing to begin with! As a HUGE film fan, I appreciated the movie references in this one, too. And, y'all, I don't even like the single dad trope, but I was all in for this book. The characters felt realistic to me, and I invested in them completely. Plus, I think it was pretty obvious which couple Gissane's next novel is going to be about-- and I am ready for it!
August 19, 2025
A beautifully written story. I will be honest, I was looking for a a good romance read, a clean one to be exact and I happened to be accepted for this book's arc. I'm really grateful for the author letting me read thru wonderful book. I love Sahar's character and somewhere resonated with it. I loved the book. I would suggest others to give a read too!
August 19, 2025
I received an ARC and before starting I read the first book in the series as I wanted the full experience when reading. I loved getting the background of Sahar and Jay from the first book and how they were betrayed by throughout the first book, A Certain Step. Sahar and Jay’s story was a great mix of opposing views on love. I like still having a pov from Willa, the FMC from book one and Sahar’s best friend, and getting her inside on Sahar and Jay’s relationship. I’m excited to see who the Midnights at Pemberley series follows next.
August 17, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Absolute Certainty by Gissane Sophia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5 stars)
Thank you to Gissane Sophia and @beyondthebookspr for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sahar's life should be perfect: she is a Tony-nominated actress with a lead role in a Broadway musical, starring alongside her best friend. All she is missing is love. A string of bad relationships has led Sahar to believe that she is the problem; she is too loud, too sunny, too much.
Jay is a director/writer moonlighting as a coffeehouse manager while he struggles to get another project green-lit. Just when he is ready to give up, Sahar offers to read his screenplay. Jay has been drawn to Sahar from the first time he saw her, and would do anything to spend time with her.
Jay and Sahar start trading ideas to improve the scripts, which are already so beautiful that they bring Sahar to tears. Work sessions soon blur into dates, and Jay is ready to give Sahar everything, but her past experiences have left her fearful that loving Jay will mean losing him and hurting herself.
This book is a quietly beautiful romance. Sahar is such a well-written character. Watching her potentially lose out on love because of her doubts had me heartbroken. It's a true lesson in how one person's words can break another down, while another's can lift them up. I can't express how deeply I wanted to step into the pages and give her a hug.
Jay's longing - for Sahar, for more time with his daughter Eloise, to not turn into the monster his father was, to write a better script - radiates from every page. When we meet him, he needs encouragement from Sahar to keep chasing his dreams. Later, he is the one who encourages Sahar to be the sunshine in people's lives. I love that switch in roles.
It’s a true slow burn, but the payoff is worth every page. Sahar and Jay connect on such a deep, tender level that they might be one of my favorite couples.
For fans of: 🔥 Slowest Burns | 🌞☁️ Grumpy x Sunshine | 👨👧 Single Dad | 💘 He Falls First | 🤝 Hurt/Comfort | 💥 “F*ck It” Moment
#AbsoluteCertainty #GissaneSophia #SlowBurnRomance #SingleDadRomance #GrumpySunshine #HeFallsFirst #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram
Absolute Certainty by Gissane Sophia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5 stars)
Thank you to Gissane Sophia and @beyondthebookspr for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sahar's life should be perfect: she is a Tony-nominated actress with a lead role in a Broadway musical, starring alongside her best friend. All she is missing is love. A string of bad relationships has led Sahar to believe that she is the problem; she is too loud, too sunny, too much.
Jay is a director/writer moonlighting as a coffeehouse manager while he struggles to get another project green-lit. Just when he is ready to give up, Sahar offers to read his screenplay. Jay has been drawn to Sahar from the first time he saw her, and would do anything to spend time with her.
Jay and Sahar start trading ideas to improve the scripts, which are already so beautiful that they bring Sahar to tears. Work sessions soon blur into dates, and Jay is ready to give Sahar everything, but her past experiences have left her fearful that loving Jay will mean losing him and hurting herself.
This book is a quietly beautiful romance. Sahar is such a well-written character. Watching her potentially lose out on love because of her doubts had me heartbroken. It's a true lesson in how one person's words can break another down, while another's can lift them up. I can't express how deeply I wanted to step into the pages and give her a hug.
Jay's longing - for Sahar, for more time with his daughter Eloise, to not turn into the monster his father was, to write a better script - radiates from every page. When we meet him, he needs encouragement from Sahar to keep chasing his dreams. Later, he is the one who encourages Sahar to be the sunshine in people's lives. I love that switch in roles.
It’s a true slow burn, but the payoff is worth every page. Sahar and Jay connect on such a deep, tender level that they might be one of my favorite couples.
For fans of: 🔥 Slowest Burns | 🌞☁️ Grumpy x Sunshine | 👨👧 Single Dad | 💘 He Falls First | 🤝 Hurt/Comfort | 💥 “F*ck It” Moment
#AbsoluteCertainty #GissaneSophia #SlowBurnRomance #SingleDadRomance #GrumpySunshine #HeFallsFirst #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram
September 5, 2025
Absolute Certainty was one of those stories that just clicked with me. The way the narrative flowed felt so natural — like a real relationship unfolding, complete with the ups, downs, and those moments of vulnerability that make it all so believable. There was a kind of emotional give and take that I found incredibly refreshing. The characters didn’t overreact for drama’s sake; their “freak outs” were reasonable, grounded in past experiences and insecurities that felt deeply relatable.
One of the strongest elements of this story was how it handled emotional baggage. It’s so true that we carry the weight of how people have treated us — the words, the silences, the damage — even if we try to move past it. The main character’s journey was a quiet, powerful reminder that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. I appreciated how she didn’t simply “get over” her past but grew through it, eventually finding self-worth not because of a man, but alongside one who respected and cared for her.
And that relationship? Beautifully done. There’s this quote that stuck with me: “In my perfect world, you and I would be together.” It says so much with so little — love, loss, timing, and hope all rolled into one line. Also, the nickname “sunshine”? Adorable. Completely melted me.
Another thing I really loved was the story-within-the-story element. Watching Jay write — and seeing how his real-life relationship bled into the characters he was creating — added such a rich, layered texture to the book. It made the entire experience feel more personal and creative, like we weren’t just reading their story, but also the one he was building through fiction.
In the end, Absolute Certainty left me feeling both full and hopeful. It’s not about finding the perfect person or the perfect world (even thought they end up together)— it’s about learning to believe you deserve good things, even if life hasn’t always shown you that.
One of the strongest elements of this story was how it handled emotional baggage. It’s so true that we carry the weight of how people have treated us — the words, the silences, the damage — even if we try to move past it. The main character’s journey was a quiet, powerful reminder that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. I appreciated how she didn’t simply “get over” her past but grew through it, eventually finding self-worth not because of a man, but alongside one who respected and cared for her.
And that relationship? Beautifully done. There’s this quote that stuck with me: “In my perfect world, you and I would be together.” It says so much with so little — love, loss, timing, and hope all rolled into one line. Also, the nickname “sunshine”? Adorable. Completely melted me.
Another thing I really loved was the story-within-the-story element. Watching Jay write — and seeing how his real-life relationship bled into the characters he was creating — added such a rich, layered texture to the book. It made the entire experience feel more personal and creative, like we weren’t just reading their story, but also the one he was building through fiction.
In the end, Absolute Certainty left me feeling both full and hopeful. It’s not about finding the perfect person or the perfect world (even thought they end up together)— it’s about learning to believe you deserve good things, even if life hasn’t always shown you that.
August 19, 2025
[3.5/5] ⭐️ Friends, Scripts, and Sweet Sparks
ARC Review – Thank you for the opportunity to read this story early. Here’s my short review:
📖 Plot
Absolute Certainty follows Sahar, a Broadway actress trying to heal from past toxic relationships, and Jay, a screenwriter spending the summer with his daughter. As they work together on his screenplay, their friendship slowly turns into romance. The story is sweet and slow-burn, though at times I felt the literary references and Broadway details weighed a bit too much on the plot.
📖 Characters
Sahar is kind and relatable, dealing with her past heartbreaks in a way that made me root for her. Jay is grumpy but endearing, especially in how patient and caring he is toward Sahar and his daughter. Their bond grows naturally, and the little moments—texts, coffee runs, and lunches—made their connection feel real. The theatre cast and side characters added some fun, though I wish a few of them were explored a bit more.
📖 Worldbuilding & Setting
I loved the Broadway setting and the behind-the-scenes glimpses into theatre life—it felt authentic and fun. The coffee shop scenes balanced the big city energy nicely, and the setting gave the story a cozy, intimate feel.
📖 Writing Style
The writing is smooth and easy to read, mixing dialogue, inner thoughts, and small everyday moments. The third-person POV worked for me, but occasionally some references or theatre details were a bit much and slowed down the pacing.
📖 Recommendation
A cute, gentle friends-to-lovers romance with sweet slow-burn vibes and Broadway flair. Perfect if you like character-driven romance, healing from past heartbreaks, and seeing love grow naturally—but maybe go in with tempered expectations.
I received a digital ARC of 'Absolute Certainty' by Gissane Sophia in exchange for an honest review.
ARC Review – Thank you for the opportunity to read this story early. Here’s my short review:
📖 Plot
Absolute Certainty follows Sahar, a Broadway actress trying to heal from past toxic relationships, and Jay, a screenwriter spending the summer with his daughter. As they work together on his screenplay, their friendship slowly turns into romance. The story is sweet and slow-burn, though at times I felt the literary references and Broadway details weighed a bit too much on the plot.
📖 Characters
Sahar is kind and relatable, dealing with her past heartbreaks in a way that made me root for her. Jay is grumpy but endearing, especially in how patient and caring he is toward Sahar and his daughter. Their bond grows naturally, and the little moments—texts, coffee runs, and lunches—made their connection feel real. The theatre cast and side characters added some fun, though I wish a few of them were explored a bit more.
📖 Worldbuilding & Setting
I loved the Broadway setting and the behind-the-scenes glimpses into theatre life—it felt authentic and fun. The coffee shop scenes balanced the big city energy nicely, and the setting gave the story a cozy, intimate feel.
📖 Writing Style
The writing is smooth and easy to read, mixing dialogue, inner thoughts, and small everyday moments. The third-person POV worked for me, but occasionally some references or theatre details were a bit much and slowed down the pacing.
📖 Recommendation
A cute, gentle friends-to-lovers romance with sweet slow-burn vibes and Broadway flair. Perfect if you like character-driven romance, healing from past heartbreaks, and seeing love grow naturally—but maybe go in with tempered expectations.
I received a digital ARC of 'Absolute Certainty' by Gissane Sophia in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2025
ARC Review – Absolute Certainty by Gissane Sophia
⭐️ 3.75/5
Thank you @gissanesophiawrites and @beyondthebookspr for this ARC.
This book is a warm hug in story form. It’s wholesome, heart-tugging, and quietly powerful in the way it celebrates love in all its forms — romantic, parental, and platonic.
Jay completely stole my heart as a devoted single dad. The way he aches for Eloise when she’s away and lights up during their summer together is beautiful to read. I loved the healthy, drama-free co-parenting with Maya something you rarely see written this well. His relationship with Eloise felt real, from the push-and-pull over her dreams to his protective, steady love for her.
And then there’s Sahar — pure sunshine wrapped in a human body. She’s bubbly and warm, but not without her shadows, and the way she and Jay connect is electric. Their conversations, especially through messages, had me floating. Vulnerable. Honest. Like every word carried the weight of touch. I adored how Jay loved her mind, valued her opinions, and embraced her choice to love Eloise without wanting children of her own.
This isn’t a story of explosive drama — it’s about two people nourishing each other’s souls, fitting together like they’ve always been halves of a whole. Sahar’s joy balances Jay’s quieter energy perfectly. And that epilogue? Different from most, but it left me with a huge, content smile.
⭐️ 3.75/5
Thank you @gissanesophiawrites and @beyondthebookspr for this ARC.
This book is a warm hug in story form. It’s wholesome, heart-tugging, and quietly powerful in the way it celebrates love in all its forms — romantic, parental, and platonic.
Jay completely stole my heart as a devoted single dad. The way he aches for Eloise when she’s away and lights up during their summer together is beautiful to read. I loved the healthy, drama-free co-parenting with Maya something you rarely see written this well. His relationship with Eloise felt real, from the push-and-pull over her dreams to his protective, steady love for her.
And then there’s Sahar — pure sunshine wrapped in a human body. She’s bubbly and warm, but not without her shadows, and the way she and Jay connect is electric. Their conversations, especially through messages, had me floating. Vulnerable. Honest. Like every word carried the weight of touch. I adored how Jay loved her mind, valued her opinions, and embraced her choice to love Eloise without wanting children of her own.
This isn’t a story of explosive drama — it’s about two people nourishing each other’s souls, fitting together like they’ve always been halves of a whole. Sahar’s joy balances Jay’s quieter energy perfectly. And that epilogue? Different from most, but it left me with a huge, content smile.
August 21, 2025
The book is nice, sweet, and all about second chances—featuring a classic grumpy x sunshine romance.
The FMC, Sahar, is a hopeless romantic who often falls for the wrong guy—those who don’t appreciate her kindness. Jay, on the other hand, is a little bitter. He hates his job at the coffee shop, though he’s also a writer and film director—just not a very famous one yet.
Sahar is an artist who works in theater, and she always visits the coffee shop where Jay works before heading to work. Sahar is the reason Jay has worked at the coffee shop this long. He calls her “Sunshine,” because she brings light into his dull, dark life. Much of Jay’s creative work is an outlet for emotions he can’t openly express.
When Jay’s latest script gets rejected, he was sulking until Sahar noticed him and asked what’s wrong. He couldn't resist telling her. Being the kind person she is, Sahar asks him to share a copy of his script so she can read it. Surprised, Jay agrees—and true to her word, Sahar gives him an honest review after reading a few scenes.
These moment marks the beginning of their friendship which they both needed and start of something more. As they grow more comfortable in each other’s lives and work, they become more accepting of themselves and each other.
The book is sweet and comforting though a little slow at times, but the story shapes up beautifully. The characters feel relevant and interesting, making it a wholesome read.
August 21, 2025
🎬 Third-person POVs in dual POV format
🪻 Broadway Actress x Director/Screenwriter
🎬 Prickly MMC x Sunshine FMC
🪻 Friends to Lovers
🎬 Single Dad
🪻 He Fell First
🎬 Slow Burn
🪻 Hurt/Comfort
🌸My favorite quote:
◇ "In my perfect world, you and I would be together."
5 stars 🌟
I couldn't wait to read about Sahar and Jay's love story after A Certain Step had glimpses of them. Now it's finally here!🪻
Jay is prickly with everyone else besides Sahar. Jay was definitely longing for Sahar since he met her. Their friendship was so wholesome and sweet. They were there for each other when they needed someone in their lives.🌸
I love that Sahar was her true self, especially when she gave her opinions about Jay's latest project. Jay listened to her opinions and even did some rewrites, including the ending.🪻
Sahar has her hesitation when it comes to love from terrible experiences involving her ex boyfriends. Jay has a traumatic childhood that leaves him to worry about himself as a father and possible relationships. However, they find comfort within each other either way.🌸
I loved that scene when Jay and Sahar were showing each other's tattoos and explaining the meaning behind them. The sweetest thing that Jay did was handwritten a letter to Sahar before they become a couple.🪻
Jay and Sahar deserve all the happiness when they are such good people to their loved ones.🌸
I can't wait to read book 3 involving two characters mentioned in this story! 🪻
🪻 Broadway Actress x Director/Screenwriter
🎬 Prickly MMC x Sunshine FMC
🪻 Friends to Lovers
🎬 Single Dad
🪻 He Fell First
🎬 Slow Burn
🪻 Hurt/Comfort
🌸My favorite quote:
◇ "In my perfect world, you and I would be together."
5 stars 🌟
I couldn't wait to read about Sahar and Jay's love story after A Certain Step had glimpses of them. Now it's finally here!🪻
Jay is prickly with everyone else besides Sahar. Jay was definitely longing for Sahar since he met her. Their friendship was so wholesome and sweet. They were there for each other when they needed someone in their lives.🌸
I love that Sahar was her true self, especially when she gave her opinions about Jay's latest project. Jay listened to her opinions and even did some rewrites, including the ending.🪻
Sahar has her hesitation when it comes to love from terrible experiences involving her ex boyfriends. Jay has a traumatic childhood that leaves him to worry about himself as a father and possible relationships. However, they find comfort within each other either way.🌸
I loved that scene when Jay and Sahar were showing each other's tattoos and explaining the meaning behind them. The sweetest thing that Jay did was handwritten a letter to Sahar before they become a couple.🪻
Jay and Sahar deserve all the happiness when they are such good people to their loved ones.🌸
I can't wait to read book 3 involving two characters mentioned in this story! 🪻
August 15, 2025
I am so in love with Sahar and Jay. When Sahar first hit the scene in A Certain Step, I loved her and I didn’t think I could love her more. The supporting cast of characters in this one seem to take more of a backseat compared to the first novel but they are still a super awesome and supportive group of friends and family.
The overall tone and feel of this one is a bit more somber and introverted given what we learn about Sahar and Jay’s individual backgrounds, but it does not take away from the joyful and happy moments where it’s impossible to not root for them. The growth and development of these two characters is so relatable because each of them are approaching their relationship with different backgrounds but it’s how they choose to move past it that makes their story so much stronger - the supportive relationship is depicted so beautifully. I actually really enjoyed how much heavier this one is and how much more introspective this couple is. This story hits different but in such a good way…honestly, I don’t want the story to end.
If you fell in love with Midnights at Pemberley, you cannot miss this one! I’m looking forward to picking this one up and I highly recommend that you do too.
Thank you to Beyond the Books PR and Gissane Sophia for gifting me the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own.
The overall tone and feel of this one is a bit more somber and introverted given what we learn about Sahar and Jay’s individual backgrounds, but it does not take away from the joyful and happy moments where it’s impossible to not root for them. The growth and development of these two characters is so relatable because each of them are approaching their relationship with different backgrounds but it’s how they choose to move past it that makes their story so much stronger - the supportive relationship is depicted so beautifully. I actually really enjoyed how much heavier this one is and how much more introspective this couple is. This story hits different but in such a good way…honestly, I don’t want the story to end.
If you fell in love with Midnights at Pemberley, you cannot miss this one! I’m looking forward to picking this one up and I highly recommend that you do too.
Thank you to Beyond the Books PR and Gissane Sophia for gifting me the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2025
Absolute Certainty was certainly & absolutely a 5 star read for me!
When I started this book - I started having doubts and maybe a tad bit boring - i don't know. BUT - it soon grabbed my attention.
Sahar & Jay - their story is simple yet so deep. It's what we are looking for in our lives - what happens in reality. This book was slow - yes but the dialogues, the interactions between the characters, the late night texting - all worth it. It touched my heart and I know when I have read something special and this was it!
Every time Sarah would read the screenplay and yearn about having what the leads had, I could see myself doing the same so many countless times. Their friendship grew so fondly. I love it but it was killing me internally they were taking so long to get together but again - no complaints because I couldn't have asked for more!
Jay and his cute interactions with his daughter and instances when she would want to grow up to be like Jay - funny and yet touching. The theatre family at the same time - they were so supportive of each other 😭✨
I can add a million crying emojis still wouldn't be enough.
This book was wholesome - so read it because you are missing out on things you thought you didn't need. let me tell you : You NEED it.🙃
Thank you to BeyondtheBooks PR & the author Gissane Sophia for this beautiful ARC. 😭☕🎭💯
When I started this book - I started having doubts and maybe a tad bit boring - i don't know. BUT - it soon grabbed my attention.
Sahar & Jay - their story is simple yet so deep. It's what we are looking for in our lives - what happens in reality. This book was slow - yes but the dialogues, the interactions between the characters, the late night texting - all worth it. It touched my heart and I know when I have read something special and this was it!
Every time Sarah would read the screenplay and yearn about having what the leads had, I could see myself doing the same so many countless times. Their friendship grew so fondly. I love it but it was killing me internally they were taking so long to get together but again - no complaints because I couldn't have asked for more!
Jay and his cute interactions with his daughter and instances when she would want to grow up to be like Jay - funny and yet touching. The theatre family at the same time - they were so supportive of each other 😭✨
I can add a million crying emojis still wouldn't be enough.
This book was wholesome - so read it because you are missing out on things you thought you didn't need. let me tell you : You NEED it.🙃
Thank you to BeyondtheBooks PR & the author Gissane Sophia for this beautiful ARC. 😭☕🎭💯
August 17, 2025
Absolute Certainty completely swept me away. What struck me most wasn’t just the sunshine warmth of Sahar or the quiet charm of Jay—it was how real and layered they felt. Their insecurities, their past heartbreaks, their fears for the future… all of it blended seamlessly into a story that felt deeply relatable.
I especially loved the way the supporting characters were written. The relationships around Sahar and Jay reminded me how much the people in our lives truly shape us—and how important love, art, and community are in keeping hope alive.
Sahar absolutely shone with her positivity (no wonder Jay kept calling her sunshine), but Jay was equally unforgettable. His simplicity, his initial guardedness, and his bond with his family honestly made me swoon. The most heartwarming part for me was watching their bond grow through reworking that screenplay. Every interaction over those pages felt tender and raw, and it made me believe in their love all the more.
This is a book about second chances, about art and connection, about the quiet courage it takes to love again. And for me, it wasn’t just a story—it was a reminder of why I love stories in the first place.
If you love books that feel like a warm hug while still tugging at your heart, I can’t recommend this one enough.
I especially loved the way the supporting characters were written. The relationships around Sahar and Jay reminded me how much the people in our lives truly shape us—and how important love, art, and community are in keeping hope alive.
Sahar absolutely shone with her positivity (no wonder Jay kept calling her sunshine), but Jay was equally unforgettable. His simplicity, his initial guardedness, and his bond with his family honestly made me swoon. The most heartwarming part for me was watching their bond grow through reworking that screenplay. Every interaction over those pages felt tender and raw, and it made me believe in their love all the more.
This is a book about second chances, about art and connection, about the quiet courage it takes to love again. And for me, it wasn’t just a story—it was a reminder of why I love stories in the first place.
If you love books that feel like a warm hug while still tugging at your heart, I can’t recommend this one enough.
September 24, 2025
My favorite of Gissane Sophia's so far! Sahar and Jay are magic. Their progress throughout the story was a beautiful slow burn full of longing. I enjoyed every second of watching them fall in love. I loved how they both dealt with their demons, and how loving each other pushed them to be better versions of themselves. And having them work on a project together let us see a different version of them as they got to appreciate each other in a different light was a joy to read.
The supporting cast is great and adds to the warmth of this novel. While Jay and Sahar deal with the harsh realities of this world, it makes it easier to deal with given the group of supportive friends and family surrounding them. I was so happy to see Willa again and have her be there for Sahar just as she was there for Willa in A Certain Step. And Jay's daughter Eloise! I love her so so much.
Not only is this a fantastic love story, but it celebrates creatives and Gissane talks about the problems they are facing now, like how AI is negatively affecting the industry. She showcases how creative works are meant to bring people together both in the consumption and the creation of them.
Truly a fantastic read on so many levels!
The supporting cast is great and adds to the warmth of this novel. While Jay and Sahar deal with the harsh realities of this world, it makes it easier to deal with given the group of supportive friends and family surrounding them. I was so happy to see Willa again and have her be there for Sahar just as she was there for Willa in A Certain Step. And Jay's daughter Eloise! I love her so so much.
Not only is this a fantastic love story, but it celebrates creatives and Gissane talks about the problems they are facing now, like how AI is negatively affecting the industry. She showcases how creative works are meant to bring people together both in the consumption and the creation of them.
Truly a fantastic read on so many levels!
August 11, 2025
“A showcase of how this little love story started from glass shards on the floor and ended in a frame mosaic.”
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity. Absolute Certainty centers around Sahar(FMC) and Jay(MMC) who are both part of the entertainment industry. Sahar is an actress on broadway while Jay is a screenwriter working as a manager at a coffee shop. Jay begins to develop feelings once Sahar asks to read his rejected screenplay and the feelings are mutual between them. However, Sahar is hesitant to reveal her feelings towards Jay due to insecurities from previous relationships. Both characters slowly share insights into each other’s lives via texts, which are filled with witty banter and vulnerability which further deepen their love for one another. I really loved that about the story, as well as tying in the main characters love story from Jays screenplay into their own relationship. The story is a definite slow burn but it’s worth it to read till the end! What I really enjoyed was how Sahar was able to grow and work through her past trauma of dimming her own light to please others. And how Jay was supportive of letting her light shine bright.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity. Absolute Certainty centers around Sahar(FMC) and Jay(MMC) who are both part of the entertainment industry. Sahar is an actress on broadway while Jay is a screenwriter working as a manager at a coffee shop. Jay begins to develop feelings once Sahar asks to read his rejected screenplay and the feelings are mutual between them. However, Sahar is hesitant to reveal her feelings towards Jay due to insecurities from previous relationships. Both characters slowly share insights into each other’s lives via texts, which are filled with witty banter and vulnerability which further deepen their love for one another. I really loved that about the story, as well as tying in the main characters love story from Jays screenplay into their own relationship. The story is a definite slow burn but it’s worth it to read till the end! What I really enjoyed was how Sahar was able to grow and work through her past trauma of dimming her own light to please others. And how Jay was supportive of letting her light shine bright.
August 22, 2025
Okay, I’m a bit overdue for this review but life has been crazy lately. Firstly, let me just say how much I fucking adored this book. Jay and Sahar owned me from the first page (let’s be real they’ve owned me since A Certain Step) and I was fully hooked. I laughed and I smiled and I wept and this book gave me all the feels. My girl Sahar was hurting and doubting herself but she was still such a hopeless romantic and such a loyal friend I adore her and saw so much of myself in her. And Jay. If the glasses and grumpy single dad working in a coffee shop wasn’t enough this man had to be an amazing writer, so down bad it left me unwell and he simply loved Sahar so damn much he was willing to wait for her. Also that letter. I literally sobbed reading it! Reading this book after A Certain Step was so fun because I was familiar with Midnights at Pemberley and the cast but it was so fun to see this found family I adored so much and also just more of this fictional celebrity scene. So if you love grumpy/sunshine with all the softness and hurt/conmfort and theater vibes do yourself a favor and grab this book 💜✨
September 11, 2025
I fell head over heels for this book the moment I spotted the single dad trope, I was hooked! 💅🏻
Sahar, the way Jay describes her, she's absolute sunshine. She infuses warmth and light into every space she occupies, doesn't she? Her bond with Willa is so pure, lovely, and speaks volumes about their connection. What I find truly inspiring is Sahar's maturity; she's got this depth that's admirable. I just loved getting to know her through Jay's eyes; it felt like witnessing something genuinely beautiful ❤️
Jay's just the sweetest, isn't he? He's a total softie through and through, and throw in the fact that he's a girl dad, that's just chef's kiss level adorable. Little Eloise stole my heart; her character was just the best!🤌🏻
The dynamics in the book were pure gold; I loved how the friendships and mutual admiration among the characters added this lovely layer beyond the romance. And oh, Sahar and Jay, they're forever vibes, like the book nailed that they're meant to be.✨
I was captivated by this slow-burn romance from the very first chapter. The way the tension and anticipation built between the characters drew me in, making it impossible to look away😩🤌🏻
Sahar, the way Jay describes her, she's absolute sunshine. She infuses warmth and light into every space she occupies, doesn't she? Her bond with Willa is so pure, lovely, and speaks volumes about their connection. What I find truly inspiring is Sahar's maturity; she's got this depth that's admirable. I just loved getting to know her through Jay's eyes; it felt like witnessing something genuinely beautiful ❤️
Jay's just the sweetest, isn't he? He's a total softie through and through, and throw in the fact that he's a girl dad, that's just chef's kiss level adorable. Little Eloise stole my heart; her character was just the best!🤌🏻
The dynamics in the book were pure gold; I loved how the friendships and mutual admiration among the characters added this lovely layer beyond the romance. And oh, Sahar and Jay, they're forever vibes, like the book nailed that they're meant to be.✨
I was captivated by this slow-burn romance from the very first chapter. The way the tension and anticipation built between the characters drew me in, making it impossible to look away😩🤌🏻
August 23, 2025
Reading Absolute Certainty as an ARC member was like unlocking the purest form of comfort romance—and it introduced me to Gissane Sophia’s talent in the most beautiful way possible.
Sahar radiates warmth, while Jay, a dedicated single dad and screenwriter, carries quiet weight. Their dynamic unfolds gradually—balanced, steady, and deeply felt. Their connection is emotional choreography at its finest.
Jay’s unwavering love for his daughter Eloise brings a grounded sweetness that made me love him instantly. Their family bond is heartfelt, realistic, and deeply moving.
Not every romance needs fireworks. Absolute Certainty gently rewrites what “beginning again” can look like: quiet love, healing hearts, and mutual solace that feels like breathing in peace.
It’s not just a romance... you feel like you’ve been welcomed home. If you’ve ever yearned for a story where beginnings are softer, healing is earned, and companionship feels sacred, Absolute Certainty delivers all that… and then some.
Sahar radiates warmth, while Jay, a dedicated single dad and screenwriter, carries quiet weight. Their dynamic unfolds gradually—balanced, steady, and deeply felt. Their connection is emotional choreography at its finest.
Jay’s unwavering love for his daughter Eloise brings a grounded sweetness that made me love him instantly. Their family bond is heartfelt, realistic, and deeply moving.
Not every romance needs fireworks. Absolute Certainty gently rewrites what “beginning again” can look like: quiet love, healing hearts, and mutual solace that feels like breathing in peace.
It’s not just a romance... you feel like you’ve been welcomed home. If you’ve ever yearned for a story where beginnings are softer, healing is earned, and companionship feels sacred, Absolute Certainty delivers all that… and then some.
August 25, 2025
Jay & Sahar honestly just make my heart happy. I loved getting to know Sahar in book 1 and understanding a little bit about her relationship before Jay and we got a bit of foreshadowing with Willa & Ethan realizing that Jay liked Sahar. I loved how their relationship felt like it grew so naturally and that they were both trying to focus on making sure they had a good friendship first because they both valued each other. Them together just made me happy and I really enjoyed how it all played out. I was grateful to receive an ARC for this book🤍
If you love:
🎀 slow burn
🎀 friends to lovers
🎀 single dad
🎀 sunshine fmc
🎀 prickly mmc
🎀 broadway actress x screenwriter
Genre/type: romance
Pages: 392
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or standalone: 2nd books in an interconnected standalone
Tropes or themes: slow burn, friends to lovers, single dad, sunshine fmc & prickly mmc, broadway actress x screenwriter
Check triggers: mentions of an abusive parent and spouse [off-page], crude language from an ex-boyfriend.
Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable
If you love:
🎀 slow burn
🎀 friends to lovers
🎀 single dad
🎀 sunshine fmc
🎀 prickly mmc
🎀 broadway actress x screenwriter
Genre/type: romance
Pages: 392
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or standalone: 2nd books in an interconnected standalone
Tropes or themes: slow burn, friends to lovers, single dad, sunshine fmc & prickly mmc, broadway actress x screenwriter
Check triggers: mentions of an abusive parent and spouse [off-page], crude language from an ex-boyfriend.
Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable
August 25, 2025
Absolute Certainty is the kind of romance that doesn’t just entertain—it lingers. Following Sahar Peck, a woman learning to trust again after toxic relationships, and Jay Callahan, a grumpy, weary screenwriter juggling career burnout and fatherhood, the story unfolds with a tenderness that feels both grounded and magnetic.
What makes this novel shine is its balance of quiet intimacy and emotional depth. The slow-burn pacing allows the characters’ vulnerabilities to unfold naturally, making their connection feel earned rather than rushed. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is classic, yet Sophia infuses it with fresh, witty dialogue and moments of raw honesty that breathe new life into the trope. Jay’s daughter Eloise is more than a side character—she’s integral, adding warmth and authenticity to the narrative.
This isn’t a sweeping, dramatic romance; it’s one built on trust, vulnerability, and the bravery to start again. For readers craving a heartfelt, character-driven love story that honors healing and everyday love, Absolute Certainty absolutely delivers.
What makes this novel shine is its balance of quiet intimacy and emotional depth. The slow-burn pacing allows the characters’ vulnerabilities to unfold naturally, making their connection feel earned rather than rushed. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is classic, yet Sophia infuses it with fresh, witty dialogue and moments of raw honesty that breathe new life into the trope. Jay’s daughter Eloise is more than a side character—she’s integral, adding warmth and authenticity to the narrative.
This isn’t a sweeping, dramatic romance; it’s one built on trust, vulnerability, and the bravery to start again. For readers craving a heartfelt, character-driven love story that honors healing and everyday love, Absolute Certainty absolutely delivers.
August 17, 2025
ARC review - Absolute certainty 💜
Omg !!! First of all I want to appreciate the writing style I mean wow !! According to me author was fully invested in the characters and their backgrounds which I like the most because for me a good (well explained ) background of a character is everything . So , we have Sahar (The FMC ) who has dated a lot of toxic men in her life that's why she is fed up and do not want to trust anyone and then we have Jay ( The MMC ) who is a father and a writer but is unstable in terms of writing and his life choices . What will happen when two pole apart people will collide ??
Final verdict - It was such a warm , good read for me and I think you should read as well (go and read the damn book ) 💜
P.s. - I loved how the author has shown the relationship of a daughter and a father in such a deep and connecting way 🤭💜(anything related to father is my weakness 😭)
Romance - 💜💜💜💜
Rating - 4/5 ⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Omg !!! First of all I want to appreciate the writing style I mean wow !! According to me author was fully invested in the characters and their backgrounds which I like the most because for me a good (well explained ) background of a character is everything . So , we have Sahar (The FMC ) who has dated a lot of toxic men in her life that's why she is fed up and do not want to trust anyone and then we have Jay ( The MMC ) who is a father and a writer but is unstable in terms of writing and his life choices . What will happen when two pole apart people will collide ??
Final verdict - It was such a warm , good read for me and I think you should read as well (go and read the damn book ) 💜
P.s. - I loved how the author has shown the relationship of a daughter and a father in such a deep and connecting way 🤭💜(anything related to father is my weakness 😭)
Romance - 💜💜💜💜
Rating - 4/5 ⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 19, 2025
Absolute certainty is one such story which feels like a warm hug on a cozy evening. Jay and Sahar, a single dad and a girl with heartbreaks , two characters, initially I felt difficult to connect but as the story progressed, they grew on me. In between cuts and cafe breaks, Sahar and Jay started finding solace in each other. The way Jay was with Sahar? I mean it was so so adorable to read and imagine! The kind of patience he has shown towards Sahar was so commendable! He writes her a hand-written letter!! Hello? That was so beautiful….💕 And I adored Alex and Eloise! Both of them despite being secondary characters captured my heart. And my whole heart goes out to the baby Jay and his mom…😭I mean… you know! Plus, the cinematic backdrop had its own charm..✨
The writing? Smooth.
The storyline? Cute.
The ending? Wholesome…….
If you are someone who wants to read beyond the billionaire romance, and also, enjoy reading the single dad trope, this is the one for you!
The writing? Smooth.
The storyline? Cute.
The ending? Wholesome…….
If you are someone who wants to read beyond the billionaire romance, and also, enjoy reading the single dad trope, this is the one for you!
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