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From the Ashes
Rumi Matthews is desperate for a fresh start.
As a single mom, Rumi's sole focus is providing for her daughter and giving her the life she never had—one filled with love and security. She never thought she would be strong enough to break the cycle of abuse, not until the night her boyfriend takes things too far. Fighting for her life, Rumi escapes, vowing to never let anything—or anyone—ever get close enough to hurt her or her daughter again.
One year later, Rumi is content as a barista and thankful for the new best friend her job has given her. Though her circle is small, she is safe, and she is happy. But most importantly, so is her daughter. Yet Rumi can't help but wonder if she's still keeping the people around her at an arm's length. She doesn't need a partner—or want one after her last relationship—but maybe a few more friends couldn't hurt.
Enter Jack Hastings, the grief-ridden firefighter who recently came back to town.
After months of isolation—hiding in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, away from anything and anyone that reminds him of why he ran—Jack knows he needs to come home. He has yet to process his feelings about why he left in the first place and is now reeling with PTSD, but he’s back in town, convinced that he can just put it all behind him and move on. He’s struggling to reclaim a sense of purpose when he stumbles upon Rumi, full of questions she’s too afraid to ask and a resilience he can't ignore.
The two find comfort in one another, learning to trust not only each other, but themselves too. Their connection slowly becomes something neither of them thought they were ready for but maybe something that could save them both. But, as their friendship deepens, will they be able to confront the pasts they’ve tried to outrun?
Together, Rumi and Jack learn that not all is lost when everything around you seems to burn to the ground. But rather, it is possible for something new to rise from the ashes.
As a single mom, Rumi's sole focus is providing for her daughter and giving her the life she never had—one filled with love and security. She never thought she would be strong enough to break the cycle of abuse, not until the night her boyfriend takes things too far. Fighting for her life, Rumi escapes, vowing to never let anything—or anyone—ever get close enough to hurt her or her daughter again.
One year later, Rumi is content as a barista and thankful for the new best friend her job has given her. Though her circle is small, she is safe, and she is happy. But most importantly, so is her daughter. Yet Rumi can't help but wonder if she's still keeping the people around her at an arm's length. She doesn't need a partner—or want one after her last relationship—but maybe a few more friends couldn't hurt.
Enter Jack Hastings, the grief-ridden firefighter who recently came back to town.
After months of isolation—hiding in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, away from anything and anyone that reminds him of why he ran—Jack knows he needs to come home. He has yet to process his feelings about why he left in the first place and is now reeling with PTSD, but he’s back in town, convinced that he can just put it all behind him and move on. He’s struggling to reclaim a sense of purpose when he stumbles upon Rumi, full of questions she’s too afraid to ask and a resilience he can't ignore.
The two find comfort in one another, learning to trust not only each other, but themselves too. Their connection slowly becomes something neither of them thought they were ready for but maybe something that could save them both. But, as their friendship deepens, will they be able to confront the pasts they’ve tried to outrun?
Together, Rumi and Jack learn that not all is lost when everything around you seems to burn to the ground. But rather, it is possible for something new to rise from the ashes.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
307 people are currently reading
1735 people want to read
About the author
Katy Michele
4 books143 followersKaty is the indie author based in Milwaukee. Her favorite trope is forced proximity, and she is a firm believer that found families are the best families.
Lover of all things romance, pop punk, tattoos, anime, rainy days, matcha, and her husband, Katy’s purpose for writing is to remind readers that you are deserving of the love you read about.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, or adding to her never-ending TBR.
Happy you’re here <33
Lover of all things romance, pop punk, tattoos, anime, rainy days, matcha, and her husband, Katy’s purpose for writing is to remind readers that you are deserving of the love you read about.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, or adding to her never-ending TBR.
Happy you’re here <33
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
October 13, 2025
i thought this book was cute, but it didn't quite get mental health and the healing process right.
October 4, 2025
I'm always ready for a single mom romance, especially one where the single mom's kid is a baby!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥 From the Ashes is a contemporary romance about Rumi who, one night, escapes her abusive boyfriend while pregnant. In the dead of night, her car crashes and the one who saves her and waits for the ambulance to arrive is none other than our hero, Jack. One year later, they bump into each other once again!!!
✨ I really liked this book. For the most part, it was very entertaining and I wanted to know more. Wanted to know what happened next, you know? I love the story of Rumi and little Evee. They deserved the whole world. EVEE IS THE MOST ADORABLE BABY EVER!! How Jack instantly adored her and bought her everything, made his house safe for her immediately, like that was his baby too now. Simply chef kiss! Katy Michele really hit the single mom/baby trope really well in this book.
I think by the last third, it was a bit slower and I wanted something to happen tbh. Though I really liked the ending and how it went! I was in shock and couldn't believe what was happening oof that was rough 🫂 But by the end, this little family of three found their way back to each other and lived happily ever after <3 Oh how I love romance books.
✨ I really liked this book. For the most part, it was very entertaining and I wanted to know more. Wanted to know what happened next, you know? I love the story of Rumi and little Evee. They deserved the whole world. EVEE IS THE MOST ADORABLE BABY EVER!! How Jack instantly adored her and bought her everything, made his house safe for her immediately, like that was his baby too now. Simply chef kiss! Katy Michele really hit the single mom/baby trope really well in this book.
I think by the last third, it was a bit slower and I wanted something to happen tbh. Though I really liked the ending and how it went! I was in shock and couldn't believe what was happening oof that was rough 🫂 But by the end, this little family of three found their way back to each other and lived happily ever after <3 Oh how I love romance books.
July 25, 2025
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶.5
Trope - single mom, firefighter, age gap, grief, grumpy × sunshine, PTSD, strangers to friends to lovers, he falls first, he reads, slow burnish, healing together, found family, mature MCs, NO third-act break-up, HEA
TW - death of closed ones, on-off page domestic violence and abuse, alcoholism, child abuse
I can't speak highly enough about this book. It was one of those books I simply picked after seeing an Instagram post by the author, and I'm so glad I did - IT WAS SO DARN GOOD!!
Rumi is fleeing from her abusive ex, while Jack is a broody firefighter trying to cope with the death of his best friend, who died in the line of duty. Their paths cross not once but twice - and unlike the first encounter, Jack can’t seem to pull himself away from her or her daughter.
When Jack was first introduced, I had little hope, but his personality shifted significantly once he saw Rumi — showing that he had a soft heart beneath that tough exterior. His protectiveness over Rumi and Evee was adorable and attractive. His gentle bond with Evee was so sweet - I was literally putty! This man embodied the phrase - 'a grump who is only sweet to her and hers' — OMFG, JACK!! Did I mention, he wears glasses, has scattered tattoos, reads, and is a firefighter!? - SWOON!!
Rumi, our girl, was a sweet and strong FMC. Her past broke something in me. This loving woman didn’t deserve the abuse she went through-no one does—in her childhood and relationship. Nonetheless, I loved that she escaped and finally got to be herself for once in her life. Watching her evolve with each passing minute was a joy—the stubborn, goofy, teasing, and sweet side of her around him, constantly made me smile. A survivor's success always feels personal, and I was just so happy for her.
Jack and Rumi's chemistry and connection were off the charts. Their support and uplifting each other made my heart so full. I enjoyed reading how them communicate and motivate each other to be better. Their story gradually shifted from friends to something more, then to lovers, and it was pure bliss to see them take those new steps together.
The spicy scenes were surprisingly great for a slow-burner.
I loved watching everyone plot and conspire to bring these two together.
Side characters -
1. Ava's confidence and personality were unique, but her love and care for Rumi stood out — the way she silently understood her yet constantly pushed her to be herself.
2. Luke's antics made me wish we’d met Bennett. I think he would have been one of my favourites based on his description. I cried so much for Bennett, and I didn't meet him properly in the book.
3. Emerson was a supportive girl, and I can't wait to learn more about her — it must have been tough being her.
4. Anderson was a golden retriever firefighter, and with what we have seen in this book, I can't wait for him to find his certain black yet broken cat energy FMC.
___________________
Usually, trauma-based romances don’t handle trauma well, but this wasn’t the case here. The potential triggers that led to trauma responses were clearly depicted, and the attention to detail was notable.
Everything was going smoothly until it wasn't, and I won’t lie — my heart rate shot up when I realised what was coming, and I had to take a moment to calm down. Abusers don't just leave their victims easily, and that thought genuinely scared me for Rumi. The chapters following the abuse were tough; they brought tears and pain. But I was ultimately glad it was over, and Jack and Rumi could be together.
This story ended, but I think Jack, Rumi, and Eve have made a permanent spot in my heart, and they won't be leaving it any time soon.
This book was exactly what I needed to pull me out of my slump. It broke me in many ways, but it also healed something inside me.
Jack and Rumi's story was sweet yet filled with struggles, but they found a way out together — healing and building a life of happiness. The epilogue was once again beautiful.
I want the author to write one or two bonus chapters, PLEASE! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This was fantastic.
I can’t recommend it enough.
Overall, 5/5
Spice - 🌶🌶.5
Trope - single mom, firefighter, age gap, grief, grumpy × sunshine, PTSD, strangers to friends to lovers, he falls first, he reads, slow burnish, healing together, found family, mature MCs, NO third-act break-up, HEA
TW - death of closed ones, on-off page domestic violence and abuse, alcoholism, child abuse
I can't speak highly enough about this book. It was one of those books I simply picked after seeing an Instagram post by the author, and I'm so glad I did - IT WAS SO DARN GOOD!!
Rumi is fleeing from her abusive ex, while Jack is a broody firefighter trying to cope with the death of his best friend, who died in the line of duty. Their paths cross not once but twice - and unlike the first encounter, Jack can’t seem to pull himself away from her or her daughter.
When Jack was first introduced, I had little hope, but his personality shifted significantly once he saw Rumi — showing that he had a soft heart beneath that tough exterior. His protectiveness over Rumi and Evee was adorable and attractive. His gentle bond with Evee was so sweet - I was literally putty! This man embodied the phrase - 'a grump who is only sweet to her and hers' — OMFG, JACK!! Did I mention, he wears glasses, has scattered tattoos, reads, and is a firefighter!? - SWOON!!
Rumi, our girl, was a sweet and strong FMC. Her past broke something in me. This loving woman didn’t deserve the abuse she went through-no one does—in her childhood and relationship. Nonetheless, I loved that she escaped and finally got to be herself for once in her life. Watching her evolve with each passing minute was a joy—the stubborn, goofy, teasing, and sweet side of her around him, constantly made me smile. A survivor's success always feels personal, and I was just so happy for her.
Jack and Rumi's chemistry and connection were off the charts. Their support and uplifting each other made my heart so full. I enjoyed reading how them communicate and motivate each other to be better. Their story gradually shifted from friends to something more, then to lovers, and it was pure bliss to see them take those new steps together.
The spicy scenes were surprisingly great for a slow-burner.
I loved watching everyone plot and conspire to bring these two together.
Side characters -
1. Ava's confidence and personality were unique, but her love and care for Rumi stood out — the way she silently understood her yet constantly pushed her to be herself.
2. Luke's antics made me wish we’d met Bennett. I think he would have been one of my favourites based on his description. I cried so much for Bennett, and I didn't meet him properly in the book.
3. Emerson was a supportive girl, and I can't wait to learn more about her — it must have been tough being her.
4. Anderson was a golden retriever firefighter, and with what we have seen in this book, I can't wait for him to find his certain black yet broken cat energy FMC.
___________________
Usually, trauma-based romances don’t handle trauma well, but this wasn’t the case here. The potential triggers that led to trauma responses were clearly depicted, and the attention to detail was notable.
Everything was going smoothly until it wasn't, and I won’t lie — my heart rate shot up when I realised what was coming, and I had to take a moment to calm down. Abusers don't just leave their victims easily, and that thought genuinely scared me for Rumi. The chapters following the abuse were tough; they brought tears and pain. But I was ultimately glad it was over, and Jack and Rumi could be together.
This story ended, but I think Jack, Rumi, and Eve have made a permanent spot in my heart, and they won't be leaving it any time soon.
This book was exactly what I needed to pull me out of my slump. It broke me in many ways, but it also healed something inside me.
Jack and Rumi's story was sweet yet filled with struggles, but they found a way out together — healing and building a life of happiness. The epilogue was once again beautiful.
I want the author to write one or two bonus chapters, PLEASE! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This was fantastic.
I can’t recommend it enough.
Overall, 5/5
Read
October 12, 2025okay I’m DNFing at 47%, I can’t do it anymore
it’s not even that bad, but it’s so fucking boring, I feel like I’m moving into a reading slump territory
——————
does anyone have some safety? OWD?
(because I know there’s her abusive ex, so he probably could create some drama, but I don’t really mind)
it’s not even that bad, but it’s so fucking boring, I feel like I’m moving into a reading slump territory
——————
does anyone have some safety? OWD?
(because I know there’s her abusive ex, so he probably could create some drama, but I don’t really mind)
December 13, 2025
4.25✨
tell me why this book was so. freaking. good? I honestly didn't expect to love it (only time I ever enjoyed this trope was in elsie silvers writing) but this book turned out to be amazing! the main characters were so so so so so good and I love how the author portrayed grief and didn't just put it in here for like the aesthetics and things like that. story did lack a few times and it got a bit confusing, but if you like sad yet not so sad romance books with single mom trope and a broken hero I 100% recommend this book.💕
tell me why this book was so. freaking. good? I honestly didn't expect to love it (only time I ever enjoyed this trope was in elsie silvers writing) but this book turned out to be amazing! the main characters were so so so so so good and I love how the author portrayed grief and didn't just put it in here for like the aesthetics and things like that. story did lack a few times and it got a bit confusing, but if you like sad yet not so sad romance books with single mom trope and a broken hero I 100% recommend this book.💕
July 19, 2025
he’s not the stepfather he’s the father who stepped up
July 8, 2025
4.75⭐️
I suggest looking at the trigger warnings before reading this book but The FMC’s growth during this book had me kicking my feet for her and also crying for her story. The MMC’s realisation that he's not alone, that he has people on his side, was so heart warming. The grief you feel in this book, my heart, for these characters. This book was so good, it had me captivated all the way through and feeling so many emotions. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
I suggest looking at the trigger warnings before reading this book but The FMC’s growth during this book had me kicking my feet for her and also crying for her story. The MMC’s realisation that he's not alone, that he has people on his side, was so heart warming. The grief you feel in this book, my heart, for these characters. This book was so good, it had me captivated all the way through and feeling so many emotions. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
August 24, 2025
RTC I need to get my thoughts together
Review is still coming, in the meantime. I absolutely loved them so much that I haven’t stopped thinking about them. I need them back.
Review is still coming, in the meantime. I absolutely loved them so much that I haven’t stopped thinking about them. I need them back.
November 29, 2025
3,75 ⭐️
Dost kujt zgodba mame samohranilke, ki zapustila nasilnega partnerja in gaslica, ki sooča z izgubo najboljšega prijatelja. Vseč mi je blo, da je bilo veliko poudarka na tabu temah družbe in da sta glavna junaka pustila drug drugemu, da predelata svoje traume.
Kar me je zmotlo, zato tudi taka ocena, je to da glavni junak do dejansko konca zgodbe glavni junakinji ne pove, da sta se srečala že prej, sploh zato ker je bilo tisto srečanje čisto slučajno. Tudi zaplet z bivšim fantom od glavne junakinje bi je bil malo preveč nasilen, ampak je mogl bit neki, da je glavni junak lahko igral the hero 😅
Dost kujt zgodba mame samohranilke, ki zapustila nasilnega partnerja in gaslica, ki sooča z izgubo najboljšega prijatelja. Vseč mi je blo, da je bilo veliko poudarka na tabu temah družbe in da sta glavna junaka pustila drug drugemu, da predelata svoje traume.
Kar me je zmotlo, zato tudi taka ocena, je to da glavni junak do dejansko konca zgodbe glavni junakinji ne pove, da sta se srečala že prej, sploh zato ker je bilo tisto srečanje čisto slučajno. Tudi zaplet z bivšim fantom od glavne junakinje bi je bil malo preveč nasilen, ampak je mogl bit neki, da je glavni junak lahko igral the hero 😅
July 17, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was so good and sweet, it’s definitely a romance book worth reading!
The whole story was so beautifully written and the characters were relatable. Their traumas were very well handled and added depth to their characters. I was touched by Rumi’s past abusive relationship and by Jack’s grief after losing his best friend. They healed together but also in their own ways and time, they didn’t NEED the other to overcome their traumas but they wanted to FOR them first and then for the other.
The relationship between Rumi and Jack was adorable! They communicated and were so gentle with each other it could have made me cry. They formed their little family with Evee at their own pace (that is kinda fast but I liked it) and their interactions were amazing!
I highly recommend this book if you want a sweet romance book with a little bit of depth! However, you should take a look at the trigger warnings before reading it.
Thank you so much to Katy Michele for giving me the chance to be an ARC reader for this book.
The whole story was so beautifully written and the characters were relatable. Their traumas were very well handled and added depth to their characters. I was touched by Rumi’s past abusive relationship and by Jack’s grief after losing his best friend. They healed together but also in their own ways and time, they didn’t NEED the other to overcome their traumas but they wanted to FOR them first and then for the other.
The relationship between Rumi and Jack was adorable! They communicated and were so gentle with each other it could have made me cry. They formed their little family with Evee at their own pace (that is kinda fast but I liked it) and their interactions were amazing!
I highly recommend this book if you want a sweet romance book with a little bit of depth! However, you should take a look at the trigger warnings before reading it.
Thank you so much to Katy Michele for giving me the chance to be an ARC reader for this book.
July 30, 2025
Actually really good. I thought I was taking a chance in a book because it only had 64 reviews (turns out it actually just came out last week and I was super early on accident)
Super good though. Really quick read. Great characters. I was a little confused at first because there were SO many names but ive since discovered there is another series in the same town that comes before this. My bad.
Don’t know why we had to turn Ava into a raging bitch at 90% but I suppose if you have to make the besties mad at each other for plot it had to be something like that
Super good though. Really quick read. Great characters. I was a little confused at first because there were SO many names but ive since discovered there is another series in the same town that comes before this. My bad.
Don’t know why we had to turn Ava into a raging bitch at 90% but I suppose if you have to make the besties mad at each other for plot it had to be something like that
July 4, 2025
Single mom + firefighter = absolute perfection! 🔥🔥🔥
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this one, and let me tell you, Katy has done it again! Jack and Rumi’s story took me on an emotional ride, full of heart, heat, and all the feels. The chemistry? Off the charts 🌶️
Bonus points for the cameos from Lenny’s crew! I love how Katy continues to grow this cozy, little community, it makes every book feel like coming home 💚
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this one, and let me tell you, Katy has done it again! Jack and Rumi’s story took me on an emotional ride, full of heart, heat, and all the feels. The chemistry? Off the charts 🌶️
Bonus points for the cameos from Lenny’s crew! I love how Katy continues to grow this cozy, little community, it makes every book feel like coming home 💚
October 2, 2025
cute but felt rushed and like we got more telling than showing
August 3, 2025
DNF
This book had a great potential. I thought it will be a masterpiece… sadly it wasn’t.
This book has great mental health rep but the romance side was lacking. I wanted the small moments, the cute ones that make them different from other couples but the author never wrote those scenes. I wanted to see the reading dates and the face time calls they were having. It also felt as if they were moving too fast at the start? It was so annoying…
I want to continue the book but I feel so annoyed from everything they do? We miss the small parts of the relationship and ugh I just can’t bother wasting my time.
This book had a great potential. I thought it will be a masterpiece… sadly it wasn’t.
This book has great mental health rep but the romance side was lacking. I wanted the small moments, the cute ones that make them different from other couples but the author never wrote those scenes. I wanted to see the reading dates and the face time calls they were having. It also felt as if they were moving too fast at the start? It was so annoying…
I want to continue the book but I feel so annoyed from everything they do? We miss the small parts of the relationship and ugh I just can’t bother wasting my time.
August 26, 2025
This book was beautiful. It had me hooked from the very first page… probably before when I found out the FMC, Rumi, was a vegan and an only-child. From the Ashes explores perseverance, vulnerability, love, and friends so great they become family. Reading this book will heal your soul right along with Jack and Rumi as their love ignites.
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Thank you so much to Katy Michele for giving me the chance to be an ARC reader for this book.
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Thank you so much to Katy Michele for giving me the chance to be an ARC reader for this book.
July 7, 2025
this was super sweet and i am SUCH a sucker for a book where there’s a single parent and the other main character steps up 👏🏽 like yes king prove your worth
i really enjoyed rumi & jack’s personal developments, the way they navigated their grief and traumas, the way they were connected from the beginning, and how well they communicated (!!) with each other. everything was handled with the right amount of gentleness and care, and and somehow i even felt like i was the one being taken care of by them 😭
i also liked the way they were open with each other - no drama, just a whole lot of affection. he paid attention to not only her, but her baby evee too. rumi deserved the best and it was nice to see jack give it to her 🙂↕️
and he was a firefighter with nice, thick, tattooed thighs and a penchant for wearing short shorts, and i swooned every time he called her ‘pretty girl’ or said ‘atta girl’ 🤤
their romance developed pretty quickly but it didn’t distract from their personal stories/journeys, and for me that made it all the more enjoyable.
thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts are my own!
i really enjoyed rumi & jack’s personal developments, the way they navigated their grief and traumas, the way they were connected from the beginning, and how well they communicated (!!) with each other. everything was handled with the right amount of gentleness and care, and and somehow i even felt like i was the one being taken care of by them 😭
i also liked the way they were open with each other - no drama, just a whole lot of affection. he paid attention to not only her, but her baby evee too. rumi deserved the best and it was nice to see jack give it to her 🙂↕️
and he was a firefighter with nice, thick, tattooed thighs and a penchant for wearing short shorts, and i swooned every time he called her ‘pretty girl’ or said ‘atta girl’ 🤤
their romance developed pretty quickly but it didn’t distract from their personal stories/journeys, and for me that made it all the more enjoyable.
thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts are my own!
July 18, 2025
my god, this book was everything. I really continue to enjoy Katy's writing and I was just unable to stop thinking about these two. I think the PTSD of both character was handled with such care and genuine raw human experience which I appreciated. The journey they both went on both together and seperate was so inspiring. Rumi especially, my girl was so confident in herself at the end I was in tears.
This book had everything I love about single mom and grumpy x sunshine all rolled into one. Jack was very quickly added to my favorite book boyfriends list. I mean I was unable to resist the charm of a man with a mustache and a thigh tattoo who is a sweetheart, WHAT CAN I SAY.
Excited to see where this new series takes us and continue to read and enjoy this author's work!! ALSO hello loved the one direction inclusion on the playlist that did not go unnoticed QUEEN.
Please read TWs first as always there are heavy topics discussed on and off page but they were handled with care!
This book had everything I love about single mom and grumpy x sunshine all rolled into one. Jack was very quickly added to my favorite book boyfriends list. I mean I was unable to resist the charm of a man with a mustache and a thigh tattoo who is a sweetheart, WHAT CAN I SAY.
Excited to see where this new series takes us and continue to read and enjoy this author's work!! ALSO hello loved the one direction inclusion on the playlist that did not go unnoticed QUEEN.
Please read TWs first as always there are heavy topics discussed on and off page but they were handled with care!
July 31, 2025
INFINITY STARS!
A top read of the year for me. It was soft and sweet and oh so swoony. A touch of romantic suspense with so much mental health rep. It was a perfect roller coaster of emotions.
The little plot twists and soulmate connections were SO beautifully done I was SOBBING by the end of it because I was just so happy they were happy together.
Rumi deserved literally the world. She did not have it easy, and watching her find her found family and then watching how much Jack loves and cares for her and how protective he is over her was so perfect. Not only that, but watching him fall in love with Rumi's daughter Evee (way before he fell in love with Rumi) 😭😭😭
I was so proud of Jack and the personal growth he did throughout this book. Him seeking out therapy for his past trauma and watching him work through it was so beautifully done.
These two are soulmates who were always meant to be. Who had an invisible string tying them together and drawing them closer every step of the way.
Immediately drop everything and read this one!
A top read of the year for me. It was soft and sweet and oh so swoony. A touch of romantic suspense with so much mental health rep. It was a perfect roller coaster of emotions.
The little plot twists and soulmate connections were SO beautifully done I was SOBBING by the end of it because I was just so happy they were happy together.
Rumi deserved literally the world. She did not have it easy, and watching her find her found family and then watching how much Jack loves and cares for her and how protective he is over her was so perfect. Not only that, but watching him fall in love with Rumi's daughter Evee (way before he fell in love with Rumi) 😭😭😭
I was so proud of Jack and the personal growth he did throughout this book. Him seeking out therapy for his past trauma and watching him work through it was so beautifully done.
These two are soulmates who were always meant to be. Who had an invisible string tying them together and drawing them closer every step of the way.
Immediately drop everything and read this one!
August 6, 2025
Stoppp dit is zo een schattig kort boek. Perfect summer read.
August 17, 2025
3,75⭐️ cuuuute
August 28, 2025
2.5⭐️
October 28, 2025
A really strong 3 star, just not enough to make it a 4 star.
November 30, 2025
loveeed this, the cutest book
December 4, 2025
This book is so healing. Reminds me why I will always love love.
August 31, 2025
4,5/5 ⭐️
It was SOOOOO good omg this book was everything i needed
It was SOOOOO good omg this book was everything i needed
September 24, 2025
Ugh. That was terrible.
July 16, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book. Jack and Rumi had me totally engrossed right from the start. No annoying miscommunication, a man who knows what he wants and actually acts like a grown adult, a little light, fun meddling from friends and family: I had a great time reading this. A few things I particularly loved:
1. Rumi was so thirsty for Jack in such a fun way that made so much sense for her character.
2. Jack cared so much for Rumi’s daughter, Evee, and not just because he wanted a romantic relationship.
3. To me, it felt like more of the conflict came from without the relationship, rather than within. I really prefer that over reading about a couple who spends a bunch of time arguing.
The most important part of the book to me: I was a little skeptical at the beginning because both MCs had large traumas that needed to be dealt with in order for a healthy relationship between them to be believable, but I should have known Katy would handle it so well. We get to see them both working through those traumas, and not just in superficial ways. Rumi’s journey was particularly harrowing, but I always felt like she was so grounded in reality, her reactions totally natural. I felt like we dropped in on her at the perfect place in her personal development.
Overall, I was so excited to read this book. It has so many tropes that I love, and it did not disappoint.
A couple notes I took on my Kindle:
“Oh…they’re not going to be chill about each other AT ALL”
“I’m gonna die over this huge man and this tiny baby”
A couple favorite quotes:
“And when Evee grabbed his hand, I wanted to climb him like a tree and cry into his chest at the same time like a complete lunatic.”
“I know peace is here somewhere - I saw glimpses of it in Rumi’s eyes.”
Thank you Katy for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I can’t wait to buy a physical copy for my bookshelf!
1. Rumi was so thirsty for Jack in such a fun way that made so much sense for her character.
2. Jack cared so much for Rumi’s daughter, Evee, and not just because he wanted a romantic relationship.
3. To me, it felt like more of the conflict came from without the relationship, rather than within. I really prefer that over reading about a couple who spends a bunch of time arguing.
The most important part of the book to me: I was a little skeptical at the beginning because both MCs had large traumas that needed to be dealt with in order for a healthy relationship between them to be believable, but I should have known Katy would handle it so well. We get to see them both working through those traumas, and not just in superficial ways. Rumi’s journey was particularly harrowing, but I always felt like she was so grounded in reality, her reactions totally natural. I felt like we dropped in on her at the perfect place in her personal development.
Overall, I was so excited to read this book. It has so many tropes that I love, and it did not disappoint.
A couple notes I took on my Kindle:
“Oh…they’re not going to be chill about each other AT ALL”
“I’m gonna die over this huge man and this tiny baby”
A couple favorite quotes:
“And when Evee grabbed his hand, I wanted to climb him like a tree and cry into his chest at the same time like a complete lunatic.”
“I know peace is here somewhere - I saw glimpses of it in Rumi’s eyes.”
Thank you Katy for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I can’t wait to buy a physical copy for my bookshelf!
September 8, 2025
4.75⭐️
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