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Silver Linings
Silver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt. But when the bookstore she works at threatens to close, Silver does the only thing she can think of to maintain her sacred status quo—she impulsively buys the place herself.
Hendrix Wells is running from his past and the memories that plague him. After tragedy flipped his world on its axis, he returns to New York City for a fresh start without any complications. The last thing he needs is an off limits attraction to the bold, beautiful woman living in the building where he just got a job. But when it’s clear Silver might need help, he recklessly steps in like a knight in shining tool belt and offers her a helping hand—after hours.
Silver is determined to make the store a success and prove to herself that she can commit to something, even if that something isn’t Hendrix. But over nights spent painting bookshelves, tearing up floorboards, and games of twenty questions—the two form an undeniable attraction built on scorching banter and surprising commonality. Hendrix is all in, but for Silver, old habits die hard, and she realizes he might be a greater threat to her heart than she ever thought possible.
With everything on the line, they have to decide if the risks of love are worth the reward of a silver lining that might be hiding just around the block.
Hendrix Wells is running from his past and the memories that plague him. After tragedy flipped his world on its axis, he returns to New York City for a fresh start without any complications. The last thing he needs is an off limits attraction to the bold, beautiful woman living in the building where he just got a job. But when it’s clear Silver might need help, he recklessly steps in like a knight in shining tool belt and offers her a helping hand—after hours.
Silver is determined to make the store a success and prove to herself that she can commit to something, even if that something isn’t Hendrix. But over nights spent painting bookshelves, tearing up floorboards, and games of twenty questions—the two form an undeniable attraction built on scorching banter and surprising commonality. Hendrix is all in, but for Silver, old habits die hard, and she realizes he might be a greater threat to her heart than she ever thought possible.
With everything on the line, they have to decide if the risks of love are worth the reward of a silver lining that might be hiding just around the block.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2025
46 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
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November 20, 2025a down bad MMC who falls first & hard? I'm literally so obsessed
June 21, 2025
I might be biased but this is a top read this year 🥹
August 26, 2025
This was a fantastic debut novel for this author, all the warm and cozy vibes I needed! Had all the slow burn, healing together notes you crave while wrapping it up perfectly at the end. I loved Silvers quirky personality! I also fell for the side characters in this book and am excited to dive into their lives with future books.
August 17, 2025
This is exactly the kind of book that I love. It was uncomplicated but full of so much depth and heart and love, but at the end of the day it was just about two people finding each other at the exact right time and it was PERFECT! Both Hendrix and Silver had a lot to unpack, but finding each other made all of that possible and so much easier! I loved the friendships and the found family written in this book! I loved that they both had such solid support from their people! This is such a solid debut and I cannot wait for whatever else Violet writes!!
And they were SO GOOD TOGETHER! They were soft and sweet and they were able to have so much fun!!! I loved how they tried so hard to fight their feelings. Then just working together in her bookstore!!! And nothing else!!! Obviously!! But Hendrix wasn’t going to let anything in his way of getting the girl!!! And even Silver and her scared heart knew she had something special!!!
They both were able to do some healing throughout the book and I thought it was all written so well. By the end they weren’t fixed but they were still working on it and were able to do things that they weren’t able to before and it was just so good!!
Thank you so much to Violet Page for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!
And they were SO GOOD TOGETHER! They were soft and sweet and they were able to have so much fun!!! I loved how they tried so hard to fight their feelings. Then just working together in her bookstore!!! And nothing else!!! Obviously!! But Hendrix wasn’t going to let anything in his way of getting the girl!!! And even Silver and her scared heart knew she had something special!!!
They both were able to do some healing throughout the book and I thought it was all written so well. By the end they weren’t fixed but they were still working on it and were able to do things that they weren’t able to before and it was just so good!!
Thank you so much to Violet Page for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!
September 2, 2025
Do you want romance that will melt your heart until it’s a puddle?
perhaps self growth and coming into one’s own happiness despite your mind telling you deserve anything but?
do you want to read a love story to new york city that is also a love story between two individuals who have written themselves off as unloveable or undeserving of romantic love?
well do i have the story for you.
Silver Linings IS a love letter to NYC. you can see it in the details, in the jokes, in the locations on page and their descriptions.
Silver Linings is ALSO a deeply touching story of two people finding solace in each other and then that solace burning into something we all one day hope to find. Finding in each other the good, and the broken..and choosing each other every time.
I cried, laughed and loved this story to completion. Herschel (is that his real name? who knows! you must read to find out) and Silver are on page grumpy and sunshine and perfect.
Special shoutout to Bob, whom Violet refuses to accept as a true cast member of this book despite his perfect little barking body.
*** Special note that while i AM biased because I personally know and love Violet to the moon and back, i am UNBIASED in my reviewing - and should i have not fallen in love with this book i wouldn’t leave a long winded review letting you know how much i loved it.
I also only give 5 stars to books that make me cry so here we are.
To Silver, Henny, Bob and Nan🥂 May you dazzle the world like you deserve💜
perhaps self growth and coming into one’s own happiness despite your mind telling you deserve anything but?
do you want to read a love story to new york city that is also a love story between two individuals who have written themselves off as unloveable or undeserving of romantic love?
well do i have the story for you.
Silver Linings IS a love letter to NYC. you can see it in the details, in the jokes, in the locations on page and their descriptions.
Silver Linings is ALSO a deeply touching story of two people finding solace in each other and then that solace burning into something we all one day hope to find. Finding in each other the good, and the broken..and choosing each other every time.
I cried, laughed and loved this story to completion. Herschel (is that his real name? who knows! you must read to find out) and Silver are on page grumpy and sunshine and perfect.
Special shoutout to Bob, whom Violet refuses to accept as a true cast member of this book despite his perfect little barking body.
*** Special note that while i AM biased because I personally know and love Violet to the moon and back, i am UNBIASED in my reviewing - and should i have not fallen in love with this book i wouldn’t leave a long winded review letting you know how much i loved it.
I also only give 5 stars to books that make me cry so here we are.
To Silver, Henny, Bob and Nan🥂 May you dazzle the world like you deserve💜
June 30, 2025
HELLO I AM BEGGING EVERYONE TO READ THIS!
I was fortunate enough to beta read Silver Linings and it became one of my favorite reads this year! Violet Page adds such wonderful emotional depth and humor to her characters, you feel like they are your friends. The yearning by our MMC is soooo swoon worthy, and I was giggling and kicking my feet at the interactions between Silver and Hendrix. And when the spice hit? IT HIT. The icing on the cake: A love story to NYC woven right between Silver and Hendrix's romance and the pages of this book. If you want a feel good romance that will make you laugh, cry, and blush all in one sitting, Silver Linings is everything and more!
I was fortunate enough to beta read Silver Linings and it became one of my favorite reads this year! Violet Page adds such wonderful emotional depth and humor to her characters, you feel like they are your friends. The yearning by our MMC is soooo swoon worthy, and I was giggling and kicking my feet at the interactions between Silver and Hendrix. And when the spice hit? IT HIT. The icing on the cake: A love story to NYC woven right between Silver and Hendrix's romance and the pages of this book. If you want a feel good romance that will make you laugh, cry, and blush all in one sitting, Silver Linings is everything and more!
September 28, 2025
I finished Silver Linings last night, and I’m a little sad it’s over. I really loved being in Silver and Hendrix’s world. Honestly, I think Silver is one of my fave FMC’s I’ve read about in a long time. She was absolutely hilarious, but she also had this really deep side to her that she tried to hide away. Then Hendrix, 🥵 the broody handyman who denies her flirting at first (even though he really wanted her) he was so darn sweet, and I’m in love. I loved the setting in New York. I seriously just loved everything about this book. I laughed out loud so often but it also pulled at my heart strings. It was so well written, and @thevioletpage is definitely going to be an auto buy author for me from now on. You seriously need to add this to your TBR and read it asap. It’s on Kindle Unlimited too 😍
Let me show you some of my fave quotes! (I’d show you more—I highlighted this book like a champ—but alas, I had to narrow it down.)
“I am Silver James. First of her name. Queen of sex positivity. Mother of vibrators and ruler of my own mind. I will not let one man—one disturbingly gorgeous man—have me acting like a cowering maiden.”
“Mouth closed, Sunshine. You’re starting to drool.” She snaps her mouth shut and looks up at me with a challenge in her verdant eyes, arms crossed over her chest. “Well, I don’t know what else you expect from me. I’m a warm blooded woman with twenty-twenty vision, Harvey. It’s like putting a slab of steak in front of a lion.”
“You can’t just eavesdrop on someone’s conversation like a real life Joe Goldberg.”
“Who?”
“You?”
“Me?”
“No, it’s a show called You—never mind!”
“What I feel for her doesn’t feel like it can be encompassed by the word ‘like’. It feels like coming home after being gone for too long, finally settled. It feels like when you’re at the top of a rollercoaster, and your heart is in your throat but you’re still excited for the moment you drop. It feels like fireworks over the lake on New Year’s Eve, exhilarating and brimming with endless possibilities.”
Let me show you some of my fave quotes! (I’d show you more—I highlighted this book like a champ—but alas, I had to narrow it down.)
“I am Silver James. First of her name. Queen of sex positivity. Mother of vibrators and ruler of my own mind. I will not let one man—one disturbingly gorgeous man—have me acting like a cowering maiden.”
“Mouth closed, Sunshine. You’re starting to drool.” She snaps her mouth shut and looks up at me with a challenge in her verdant eyes, arms crossed over her chest. “Well, I don’t know what else you expect from me. I’m a warm blooded woman with twenty-twenty vision, Harvey. It’s like putting a slab of steak in front of a lion.”
“You can’t just eavesdrop on someone’s conversation like a real life Joe Goldberg.”
“Who?”
“You?”
“Me?”
“No, it’s a show called You—never mind!”
“What I feel for her doesn’t feel like it can be encompassed by the word ‘like’. It feels like coming home after being gone for too long, finally settled. It feels like when you’re at the top of a rollercoaster, and your heart is in your throat but you’re still excited for the moment you drop. It feels like fireworks over the lake on New Year’s Eve, exhilarating and brimming with endless possibilities.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
This is a truly sweet book about two people who decide to take a chance and end up finding each other in the process! Silver suddenly decides to buy the bookstore she works at on the same day she unknowingly meets her apartment’s new handyman Hendrix. I really enjoyed the NYC setting of this book as well as the side characters, Kena and Jae are definitely highlights! Silver and Hendrix both bring a lot of baggage to their new relationship but they are both so open and honest with one another, it was refreshing to read! I really enjoyed the wrong name bit between them too.
Overall this is a funny romance between two kind of lost and lovely people who find one another and take a chance on love.
Thank you to the author Violet Page for this eARC in exchange for a honest review!
Overall this is a funny romance between two kind of lost and lovely people who find one another and take a chance on love.
Thank you to the author Violet Page for this eARC in exchange for a honest review!
August 14, 2025
I received this as an ARC and I’m so glad I put in an application because this book is LOVELY! The dynamics between Silver and Hendrix was perfect and they complemented one another perfectly. Each character grew from their past hurts and set boundaries with the people that were toxic. I just love there was no third act breakup and that the relationship building grew and they supported each other seamlessly. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how PERFECT Hendrix is. His perfect words of adoration and then the flip side of perfect bedroom talk. The intimate moments in this book were placed perfectly and had the perfect tension build up. In addition to two wonderful main characters, I loved all their friends and found myself giddy and laughing out loud at the teasing and fun they all had. This is a wonderful contemporary romance from start to finish. I highly recommend! The HEA had me beaming from ear to ear.
Side note, I am already hoping for a book two. I would love to see Jae and Laurel.
Side note, I am already hoping for a book two. I would love to see Jae and Laurel.
August 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Silver Linings starts off as a meet-disaster and turns into a beautiful story of love, self-discovery, and overcoming past trauma.
We follow our FMC Silver, who on a whim decides to buy a bookstore. When she realizes the work is more than she can handle, MMC Hendrix helps her renovate it and turn it into the bookstore of her dreams.
What an amazing debut! I really loved this one. It was funny, emotional, sweet, and spicy.
Silver and Hendrix had so much chemistry, the banter was hilarious, the spice was spicy, and the way they helped each other was heartwarming. Also, all the acts of service from Hendrix had me SWOONING.
The whole book was also a love letter to New York City, and bookstores. A must read for book lovers!
What to expect:
🩷 meet-disaster
🩷 she flirts first/he falls first
🩷 close proximity
🩷 opposites attract
🩷 a love letter to NYC
🩷 dual POV
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I can’t wait for book 2!
Silver Linings starts off as a meet-disaster and turns into a beautiful story of love, self-discovery, and overcoming past trauma.
We follow our FMC Silver, who on a whim decides to buy a bookstore. When she realizes the work is more than she can handle, MMC Hendrix helps her renovate it and turn it into the bookstore of her dreams.
What an amazing debut! I really loved this one. It was funny, emotional, sweet, and spicy.
Silver and Hendrix had so much chemistry, the banter was hilarious, the spice was spicy, and the way they helped each other was heartwarming. Also, all the acts of service from Hendrix had me SWOONING.
The whole book was also a love letter to New York City, and bookstores. A must read for book lovers!
What to expect:
🩷 meet-disaster
🩷 she flirts first/he falls first
🩷 close proximity
🩷 opposites attract
🩷 a love letter to NYC
🩷 dual POV
Thank you to the author for the ARC. I can’t wait for book 2!
November 25, 2025
Read This Book If…you’ve ever wanted to work in a bookstore!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Genre: romance
Setting: NYC
POV: dual, 1st person, present tense
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, forbidden, hurt/comfort, possessive MMC
My Thoughts:
What a lovely debut!!! I loved the NYC bookstore setting and this entire cast of characters!
Both of these leads had heartbreak in their backstory that affected them in similar ways, but I loved seeing them crawl out of the darkness towards each other. I did find Silver’s voice to be very realistic and relatable, while Hendrix’s inner thoughts sounded a little too perfect and book boyfriend-y for me.
There were plenty of laugh-out-loud gaffs mixed with sweet and tender moments, balance with some very well-written spice! I can definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy! This book is available now on Kindle Unlimited!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Genre: romance
Setting: NYC
POV: dual, 1st person, present tense
Spice Level: 4/5🌶, 3-4 explicit scenes
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, forbidden, hurt/comfort, possessive MMC
My Thoughts:
What a lovely debut!!! I loved the NYC bookstore setting and this entire cast of characters!
Both of these leads had heartbreak in their backstory that affected them in similar ways, but I loved seeing them crawl out of the darkness towards each other. I did find Silver’s voice to be very realistic and relatable, while Hendrix’s inner thoughts sounded a little too perfect and book boyfriend-y for me.
There were plenty of laugh-out-loud gaffs mixed with sweet and tender moments, balance with some very well-written spice! I can definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy! This book is available now on Kindle Unlimited!
August 26, 2025
Dear Violet,
It is a little known fact that when my favs release a book I write them a letter to essentially fan girl about their achievement.
Today, you can tick off a bucket list item because you my friend are a 𝕡𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣!
It has been a complete honour to watch you on this journey [across the years and the pond!] and I can tell you for a fact that this book was an utter joy to read - even if you did make my cry on multiple occasions and stress me out with all your review edits!
Silver James, the queen that she is, in all her technicolour glory. I want to be her friend so badly! The universe has been not always treated her kindly but she has surround herself with some of the best kind of people. Her hilarious one liners will keep you on your toes and they are perfectly balanced against her vulnerability.
Hendrix Wells, this man knows what to do with his hands, his words and his…tongue! When you become someone that he cares about, he will protect you and show up for you in all the ways you didn’t know you needed.
Both Silver and Hendrix have experience grief and believe that they don’t deserve a happily ever after. That is until an a meet cute written in the stars sets them in the direction that will change their lives forever. They recognise the broken parts of each other no matter how high the walls they build and choose each other regardless.
Silver and Hendrix have chemistry in so many ways. Whether it’s flirty nicknames, forehead kisses, acts of service or bedroom antics they have it all. Their chemistry, intimacy and tension grows over the course of the book and each moment perfectly complements the storyline.
At its core, 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 is a love letter to New York, bookstores, second chances and taking the leap even when you’re terrified to jump.
Prepare to laugh so hard you may snort and / or cry, swoon to the point of needing a stretcher, be hit around the head with emotion to the point that tears will leak out of your eyes without permission and accept that you’ll meet a cast of characters that you want to befriend for rest of time.
So here’s to you my friend - happy release day, congratulations on your debut novel. I am so freaking proud of you and I cannot wait for the world to fall in love with you and your stories.
Love Abbey xx
🫦She flirts first/He falls first
🌇love letter to nyc
🧺laundry room canoodling
☀️opposites attract
👫close proximity
💕she’s afraid of love/he doesn’t think he deserves it
💔threads of grief
😂witty banter
🌮mmc with an appetite
🤺unapologetic FMC
🔥scorching spice
☕️meet-disaster
🛏️nightmares/comfort
It is a little known fact that when my favs release a book I write them a letter to essentially fan girl about their achievement.
Today, you can tick off a bucket list item because you my friend are a 𝕡𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣!
It has been a complete honour to watch you on this journey [across the years and the pond!] and I can tell you for a fact that this book was an utter joy to read - even if you did make my cry on multiple occasions and stress me out with all your review edits!
Silver James, the queen that she is, in all her technicolour glory. I want to be her friend so badly! The universe has been not always treated her kindly but she has surround herself with some of the best kind of people. Her hilarious one liners will keep you on your toes and they are perfectly balanced against her vulnerability.
Hendrix Wells, this man knows what to do with his hands, his words and his…tongue! When you become someone that he cares about, he will protect you and show up for you in all the ways you didn’t know you needed.
Both Silver and Hendrix have experience grief and believe that they don’t deserve a happily ever after. That is until an a meet cute written in the stars sets them in the direction that will change their lives forever. They recognise the broken parts of each other no matter how high the walls they build and choose each other regardless.
Silver and Hendrix have chemistry in so many ways. Whether it’s flirty nicknames, forehead kisses, acts of service or bedroom antics they have it all. Their chemistry, intimacy and tension grows over the course of the book and each moment perfectly complements the storyline.
At its core, 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 is a love letter to New York, bookstores, second chances and taking the leap even when you’re terrified to jump.
Prepare to laugh so hard you may snort and / or cry, swoon to the point of needing a stretcher, be hit around the head with emotion to the point that tears will leak out of your eyes without permission and accept that you’ll meet a cast of characters that you want to befriend for rest of time.
So here’s to you my friend - happy release day, congratulations on your debut novel. I am so freaking proud of you and I cannot wait for the world to fall in love with you and your stories.
Love Abbey xx
🫦She flirts first/He falls first
🌇love letter to nyc
🧺laundry room canoodling
☀️opposites attract
👫close proximity
💕she’s afraid of love/he doesn’t think he deserves it
💔threads of grief
😂witty banter
🌮mmc with an appetite
🤺unapologetic FMC
🔥scorching spice
☕️meet-disaster
🛏️nightmares/comfort
September 3, 2025
ARC Review
4:75⭐️
✨ This was an incredible book to read and I can’t believe this was the author’s debut , the writing , the plot, the character development were all incredible and I already can’t wait to see what’s next for this author.
✨ Silver was such a stubborn character but I understood where she was coming from and loved how slowly everything built up between her and Hendrix and how realistic it all was. I loved the depth all of these characters had and the things they had gone through.
✨ The friendships were so fun and the karaoke scene had me laughing out loud, such a fun romance everyone should read!!
4:75⭐️
✨ This was an incredible book to read and I can’t believe this was the author’s debut , the writing , the plot, the character development were all incredible and I already can’t wait to see what’s next for this author.
✨ Silver was such a stubborn character but I understood where she was coming from and loved how slowly everything built up between her and Hendrix and how realistic it all was. I loved the depth all of these characters had and the things they had gone through.
✨ The friendships were so fun and the karaoke scene had me laughing out loud, such a fun romance everyone should read!!
December 27, 2025
I really loved this book! It was fun and light, but with the perfect amount of emotion and spice to keep things interesting.
The bookshop in New York setting is an immediate vibe. The conversation about monster smut throughout was so funny and felt super relevant to the types of conversations many bookstore owners are probably having the past couple of years.
Silver is genuinely so funny, her inner monologue kept me giggling the whole time. I also loved her no bullshit attitude, there were so many times where she straight up asked Hendrix about their ‘almost kisses’ and what they meant. Hendrix was just 😮💨 I loved his character, such a sweetheart.
The karaoke scene? Iconic. Who doesn’t love a dramatic “What Dreams Are Made Of” moment.
Silver and Hendrix were just ridiculously sweet and also very much 🥵🥵. The ending was exactly what I hoped for. I could see it coming, but it didn’t make it any less adorable. Cute, cosy, spicy, and pure serotonin.
The bookshop in New York setting is an immediate vibe. The conversation about monster smut throughout was so funny and felt super relevant to the types of conversations many bookstore owners are probably having the past couple of years.
Silver is genuinely so funny, her inner monologue kept me giggling the whole time. I also loved her no bullshit attitude, there were so many times where she straight up asked Hendrix about their ‘almost kisses’ and what they meant. Hendrix was just 😮💨 I loved his character, such a sweetheart.
The karaoke scene? Iconic. Who doesn’t love a dramatic “What Dreams Are Made Of” moment.
Silver and Hendrix were just ridiculously sweet and also very much 🥵🥵. The ending was exactly what I hoped for. I could see it coming, but it didn’t make it any less adorable. Cute, cosy, spicy, and pure serotonin.
August 28, 2025
What a great debut novel for Ms. Page
I enjoyed reading this book, it was easy to read and it flowed fairly well.
The MC seemed lost they needed that extra push to find themselves when they came together and she finally let go they were good together.
I enjoyed going through and healing together with them.
THEIR MEET CUTE… 😍🤪
Cute ROM-COM because who doesn’t like a good laugh,
BROODY MMC x BUBBLY FMC.
AND BANTER… ugh I love me a good banter with my romance 👌
Thank you Violet Page for this ARC.
I enjoyed reading this book, it was easy to read and it flowed fairly well.
The MC seemed lost they needed that extra push to find themselves when they came together and she finally let go they were good together.
I enjoyed going through and healing together with them.
THEIR MEET CUTE… 😍🤪
Cute ROM-COM because who doesn’t like a good laugh,
BROODY MMC x BUBBLY FMC.
AND BANTER… ugh I love me a good banter with my romance 👌
Thank you Violet Page for this ARC.
September 7, 2025
This book was so cute and sweet and amazing. I laughed/giggled at these characters antics and cried when we see just how human they are.
I loved this book, I’m not a big contemporary reader but I enjoyed this so much. I am slightly biased as I have followed Violet for years and adored her but I’m genuine when I say I fully recommend this book based on how great of a story it is.
I can’t wait to read more from Violet and proud of you, what a debut!!
I loved this book, I’m not a big contemporary reader but I enjoyed this so much. I am slightly biased as I have followed Violet for years and adored her but I’m genuine when I say I fully recommend this book based on how great of a story it is.
I can’t wait to read more from Violet and proud of you, what a debut!!
August 17, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I was so excited to read it. It did not disappoint!
Both Silver and Hendrix have their heavy past, and they start healing and growing together.
The character development is good, the romcom vibes are immaculate (so many pop culture references, loved them!), the side characters are supportive and relavant to the story.
It's set in NYC which I truly love too!
Go read this now!
Both Silver and Hendrix have their heavy past, and they start healing and growing together.
The character development is good, the romcom vibes are immaculate (so many pop culture references, loved them!), the side characters are supportive and relavant to the story.
It's set in NYC which I truly love too!
Go read this now!
September 15, 2025
5✨ 3🌶️
my friend wrote this book (her debut) and it’s so beautiful and you need to read it!!!!! this was truly the perfect blend of humor, spice and tenderness.
while a love story between two angel humans going Through It who end up helping each other grow and heal together (duh!!!!), this book is also a love letter to nyc which always makes my heart happy.
i’m in awe of violet and what she was able to create with this story. i can’t wait to read whatever she blesses us with next!!!!!!
my friend wrote this book (her debut) and it’s so beautiful and you need to read it!!!!! this was truly the perfect blend of humor, spice and tenderness.
while a love story between two angel humans going Through It who end up helping each other grow and heal together (duh!!!!), this book is also a love letter to nyc which always makes my heart happy.
i’m in awe of violet and what she was able to create with this story. i can’t wait to read whatever she blesses us with next!!!!!!
August 25, 2025
This book had me checking Travelocity for deals to go visit NYC. I need a floppy slice of pizza and a park bench and I’ll be a happy girl. This book is awarded a bonus 6th star for the use of the phrase ‘Sumptuous biceps’ 💪🏼💪🏼
August 27, 2025
Something connected me so deeply to this book the second I saw the art for these characters. I can't explain it, but I was instantly drawn to them. When this book hit my hands, I could not put it down. I had to force it out of my fingers so l could make it last. Did I send pictures of myself sobbing to Violet, that's neither here nor there (yes, yes I did).
This book is so beautifully written and the depth of these characters is incredible. You fall in love with not only Silver and Hendrix but with the entire crew (that almost never happens)!
Silver and Hendrix are both convinced they don't deserve love or a permanent place in people's lives. They each are so broken and hurt from past trauma and grief. Keeping themselves at a distance from people they care about, is their way of keeping those people safe and guarding their own hearts.
They each are working towards building a life they can be proud of, but of course that comes with the good, the bad and the ugly moments they don't let anyone see. By being themselves with each other, they are able to be vulnerable and heal the parts they thought were forever broken.
This book made me laugh, cry(well sob), had next level banter, spice that make me sweat and had me smiling from start to finish. When I tell you Violet is an author you will absolutely LOVE, I'm not joking! Can't wait for book 2 and anything else your beautiful mind gives us!
Thank you for the arc and this review is 100% honest.
This book is so beautifully written and the depth of these characters is incredible. You fall in love with not only Silver and Hendrix but with the entire crew (that almost never happens)!
Silver and Hendrix are both convinced they don't deserve love or a permanent place in people's lives. They each are so broken and hurt from past trauma and grief. Keeping themselves at a distance from people they care about, is their way of keeping those people safe and guarding their own hearts.
They each are working towards building a life they can be proud of, but of course that comes with the good, the bad and the ugly moments they don't let anyone see. By being themselves with each other, they are able to be vulnerable and heal the parts they thought were forever broken.
This book made me laugh, cry(well sob), had next level banter, spice that make me sweat and had me smiling from start to finish. When I tell you Violet is an author you will absolutely LOVE, I'm not joking! Can't wait for book 2 and anything else your beautiful mind gives us!
Thank you for the arc and this review is 100% honest.
August 18, 2025
“We have to choose to risk our hearts every day to truly know what it is to love and be loved” ~ 4.5✨
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ PLOT ✧
When Silver James went to work at the bookstore this morning, she didn’t expect to be leaving as the new owner. But after an extremely impulsive decision she’s now responsible for a crumbling bookstore with a lacklustre inventory, very few customers/sales, staff she has to pay & a dwindling savings account. Hopes, dreams & a grand vision are great & all but they’re not exactly going to pay for whatever’s needed to breathe new life into the store..
Enter Hendrix Wells, her new apartment handyman who is firstly absolutely gorgeous but most importantly extremely talented in all the areas she needs him to be 👀.. Mind out of the gutter people, he’s a carpenter!? Agreeing to help get the store ready for its reopening their flirty back & forth soon turns into late nights amongst the shelves & even later nights at home, in bed. (or in the shower🔥)
But whilst the bookstore flourishes, for a girl who guards her heart with all her might & a guy who struggles letting people see the real him, can their relationship?
✅ Read this book if you enjoy -
• books/genre - romance, contemporary romance, spicy romance & rom-com.
• themes/tropes - he falls first, NYC setting, opposites attract, close proximity, unapologetic FMC & protective MMC.
‼️Please keep in mind this book includes mentions of -
• grief, loss/death, childhood abandonment, nightmares & attempted robbery.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ SUMMARY/OPINIONS ✧
Silver Linings is a heartwarming, witty, spicy rom-com set amongst the hustle & bustle of New York City. With lovable characters, sarcastic humour & some seriously hot spice, this book is an absolute treat. Whilst easy going, fun & flirty the book also has a softer more emotional edge too. It’s explores themes such as traumatic loss, abandonment & grief so please take care if that’s something that may affect you🥺. Overall however, it’s a wonderfully uplifting love story that will leave you with a smile on your face.
Silver & Hendrix’s love story was a total pleasure to follow but it wasn’t all sunshine & rainbows. Both characters had experienced trauma/loss in their past & like many of us, struggled with the grieving process. Although that’s not ever something you would want to have in common, their bond is instantly deeper for it. As they grow closer you’re able to see the walls coming down, their guards being lifted & the light being let back into their lives. If you’re a sucker for an emotionally epic love story filled with sarcasm & spice, this book is for you ♥️
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ CHARACTERS ✧
• Silver James (FMC) - I love a strong, independent stubborn Queen who knows exactly what she wants & that is Silver! Fiery, flirtatious & unapologetically authentic - what you see is what you get. Her tragic traumatic past brought a tear to my eye as she had such a warm, giving heart but for years it’d been hidden away under lock & key. It was comforting reading about her relationship with Kena (who was another amazing character) & I’m so glad she had him by her side whilst growing up 🥹
• Hendrix Wells (MMC) - What a guy, the perfect half to Silver’s whole & vice versa. Another amazingly warm hearted, nurturing soul who was troubled by grief but still managed to have faith in the world. I loved the way his & Silver’s attitudes kind of switched in terms of flirting & being forward - he definitely fell first, HARD! Protective & loyal to a fault, Hendrix is the type of guy who remembers the smallest of details that most other people would overlook, a total sweetheart.
Hell, I didn’t care that they were fictional - I was so glad that this pair found each other!!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ FINAL THOUGHTS ✧
I absolutely devoured this book. What a love story, it had me up, down, back to front, all over the show & I enjoyed every single second. It was that all consuming kind of love, the type that people hope to find but rarely ever do so it really was a pleasure to read Silver & Hendrix’s story. The pacing was on point, the sarcasm, wit & banter kept me laughing & the softer, more earnest moments had me crying.
I’m so excited for whatever comes next from Violet Page!
📣 Thank you so much to Violet Page for allowing me to read & review this ARC of her amazing book ‘Silver Linings’ - This honest review consists solely of my own thoughts & I’m leaving it voluntarily.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ initial reaction ✧
3:15am & I’ve just finished this book after sitting down 5 hours ago to read ‘a few chapters’ 🥹🥹 It has the cosiest, most heartwarming, wholesome yet spicy vibes & I absolutely loved it!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ PLOT ✧
When Silver James went to work at the bookstore this morning, she didn’t expect to be leaving as the new owner. But after an extremely impulsive decision she’s now responsible for a crumbling bookstore with a lacklustre inventory, very few customers/sales, staff she has to pay & a dwindling savings account. Hopes, dreams & a grand vision are great & all but they’re not exactly going to pay for whatever’s needed to breathe new life into the store..
Enter Hendrix Wells, her new apartment handyman who is firstly absolutely gorgeous but most importantly extremely talented in all the areas she needs him to be 👀.. Mind out of the gutter people, he’s a carpenter!? Agreeing to help get the store ready for its reopening their flirty back & forth soon turns into late nights amongst the shelves & even later nights at home, in bed. (or in the shower🔥)
But whilst the bookstore flourishes, for a girl who guards her heart with all her might & a guy who struggles letting people see the real him, can their relationship?
✅ Read this book if you enjoy -
• books/genre - romance, contemporary romance, spicy romance & rom-com.
• themes/tropes - he falls first, NYC setting, opposites attract, close proximity, unapologetic FMC & protective MMC.
‼️Please keep in mind this book includes mentions of -
• grief, loss/death, childhood abandonment, nightmares & attempted robbery.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ SUMMARY/OPINIONS ✧
Silver Linings is a heartwarming, witty, spicy rom-com set amongst the hustle & bustle of New York City. With lovable characters, sarcastic humour & some seriously hot spice, this book is an absolute treat. Whilst easy going, fun & flirty the book also has a softer more emotional edge too. It’s explores themes such as traumatic loss, abandonment & grief so please take care if that’s something that may affect you🥺. Overall however, it’s a wonderfully uplifting love story that will leave you with a smile on your face.
Silver & Hendrix’s love story was a total pleasure to follow but it wasn’t all sunshine & rainbows. Both characters had experienced trauma/loss in their past & like many of us, struggled with the grieving process. Although that’s not ever something you would want to have in common, their bond is instantly deeper for it. As they grow closer you’re able to see the walls coming down, their guards being lifted & the light being let back into their lives. If you’re a sucker for an emotionally epic love story filled with sarcasm & spice, this book is for you ♥️
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ CHARACTERS ✧
• Silver James (FMC) - I love a strong, independent stubborn Queen who knows exactly what she wants & that is Silver! Fiery, flirtatious & unapologetically authentic - what you see is what you get. Her tragic traumatic past brought a tear to my eye as she had such a warm, giving heart but for years it’d been hidden away under lock & key. It was comforting reading about her relationship with Kena (who was another amazing character) & I’m so glad she had him by her side whilst growing up 🥹
• Hendrix Wells (MMC) - What a guy, the perfect half to Silver’s whole & vice versa. Another amazingly warm hearted, nurturing soul who was troubled by grief but still managed to have faith in the world. I loved the way his & Silver’s attitudes kind of switched in terms of flirting & being forward - he definitely fell first, HARD! Protective & loyal to a fault, Hendrix is the type of guy who remembers the smallest of details that most other people would overlook, a total sweetheart.
Hell, I didn’t care that they were fictional - I was so glad that this pair found each other!!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ FINAL THOUGHTS ✧
I absolutely devoured this book. What a love story, it had me up, down, back to front, all over the show & I enjoyed every single second. It was that all consuming kind of love, the type that people hope to find but rarely ever do so it really was a pleasure to read Silver & Hendrix’s story. The pacing was on point, the sarcasm, wit & banter kept me laughing & the softer, more earnest moments had me crying.
I’m so excited for whatever comes next from Violet Page!
📣 Thank you so much to Violet Page for allowing me to read & review this ARC of her amazing book ‘Silver Linings’ - This honest review consists solely of my own thoughts & I’m leaving it voluntarily.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ initial reaction ✧
3:15am & I’ve just finished this book after sitting down 5 hours ago to read ‘a few chapters’ 🥹🥹 It has the cosiest, most heartwarming, wholesome yet spicy vibes & I absolutely loved it!
August 17, 2025
This made me feel so warm and fuzzy 🥰 I love love so much you guys
(Thank you to Violet Page for letting me reading it early!!)
(Thank you to Violet Page for letting me reading it early!!)
September 23, 2025
thank you violet for the free copy
Another really strong debut - Violet crushed this! It captures the magic of living in NYC, bookstores, and finding your person perfectly. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!
Another really strong debut - Violet crushed this! It captures the magic of living in NYC, bookstores, and finding your person perfectly. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!
October 3, 2025
I feel so honored to share that this book was written by my sister-in-law, Violet Page — and I couldn’t be prouder of her. Writing a novel is no small feat, but she didn’t just write a book, she created something truly moving and beautiful. Silver Linings is filled with heart, depth, and a sense of hope that lingers long after you finish the last page.
What I admire most is how she wove together complex emotions with such honesty and care. The characters feel real, the struggles are relatable, and the message of finding light even in the darkest moments is something we all need to be reminded of.
Watching her dream come to life in these pages has been incredibly inspiring. It’s one thing to read a story that touches you, but it’s another to know the passion, perseverance, and love that went into it from someone you care about deeply.
If you’re looking for a book that will both tug at your heart and leave you hopeful, I can’t recommend Silver Linings enough. Violet, I’m so proud of you! 💛
What I admire most is how she wove together complex emotions with such honesty and care. The characters feel real, the struggles are relatable, and the message of finding light even in the darkest moments is something we all need to be reminded of.
Watching her dream come to life in these pages has been incredibly inspiring. It’s one thing to read a story that touches you, but it’s another to know the passion, perseverance, and love that went into it from someone you care about deeply.
If you’re looking for a book that will both tug at your heart and leave you hopeful, I can’t recommend Silver Linings enough. Violet, I’m so proud of you! 💛
September 1, 2025
Sweet & spicy broken girl/broken boy find love in a NYC bookstore
4.75⭐️ 2.5🌶️ This sweet & spicy debut novel packs an emotional punch. 🥊 This book has so much depth without being complicated. What could be better than a love story that has the setting of a NYC bookstore? Nothing, absolutely nothing. 🫶🏻 This is like a Hallmark RomCom but with delicious spice. 🤫 Warm fuzzies + tattoos + filthy mouth = 🥵😮💨
‘With everything on the line, they have to decide if the risks of love are worth the reward of a silver lining that might be hiding just around the block.’
Silver James is 28 and has worked at Brownstone Books for almost 10 years. She runs into a mystery man late on her way to work one day and spills coffee all over his shoes (meet-disaster instead of meet-cute 🤣). A week later she has water damage in her apartment and her mystery man is none other than the new building maintenance guy, Hendrix Wells. She also just bought the bookstore because she couldn’t bear the thought of a second home to her not being around, and conveniently Hendrix has experience with carpentry and bookshelves, and offers to help with the renovations. 🤩 She wants to update the bookstore so it’s welcoming and like a ‘warm hug’.
She has spent years building a facade of confidence, and she acts like everything is fine/perfect but inside she’s afraid that if she lets that mask slip that people won’t stay. She thinks she isn’t ’made for’ love. 😢 She doesn’t have romantic relationships because then nobody can leave you. 🥺 Hendrix wants all of her, though - the broken pieces, the joy, the stress, the sadness, the happiness, the anxiety. Hendrix is healing from his own trauma and doesn’t think he deserves her but he wants to be in her ‘light’ - He thinks she is ‘the human embodiment of sunshine’. 🥹 He decides to be her friend if that’s all she can give. But then as they renovate the bookstore and she is repairing walls (literally and figuratively), she realizes it’s ok to let him in. He asks to take her on a date - it is so cute and sweet and heartfelt. All of the warm fuzzies. 🫠
❤️ He calls her ‘sunshine’.
❤️ Black tshirt and backwards hat 🧢 🚨
❤️ He talks her through it 😮💨
❤️ Forehead kisses 💋
❤️ ‘That’s my girl’ 🫡
❤️ He likes to eat. 🐱
❤️ He asks her to dance 💃🏻 in the bookstore.
❤️ He gets the necklace her dad gave her repaired. 🫠
❤️ He has nightmares/she has intrusive thoughts that’s she’s ’not enough’
Favorite quotes:
‘I know it's impossible to please everyone, but I'm programmed to try. If they're happy, maybe they'll stay.’
"You won't scare me away, Sunshine. Let me help you."
"Being near you is the first time I've felt alive in two years. You are important. I'm in this with you.”
"Brave?"
"You don't think buying up your favorite place in the world and creating a community, not knowing if it would pan out, with no guarantees for success, is brave?"
"I guess when you put it like that..."
"Don't minimize what you're doing here, Sunshine.”
‘She makes me feel…everything. And it's been a long time since I've felt anything.’
"Why do you call me Sunshine?"
"When I met you, it was the first time I felt warm in a very long time. Like the sun was shining down on me, heating my bones after a really harsh winter.”
"You are a force, spectacular in every sense of the word. Wildly brave and kind and far too funny for your own good. You're smart and spontaneous and open-hearted. You're the most beautiful person I've ever met, and I don't deserve you. I want to earn it, I want to earn you-your heart."
"I'm fine."
"I know, you don't have to be though."
“People write about the love I feel for you, the type of love I hope I show you every day."
Read this if you like:
*Grumpy X sunshine
*Forbidden romance
*RomCom
*They renovate a bookstore
*Tattooed MMC
*Commitmentphobe
*She flirts first/He falls first
*Close proximity
*Slow burn (spice at 59%)
*Praise
*Healing from grief/loss
*Trauma bond
*Anxiety
Content warning: child abandonment, death of a sibling, death of a parent, strained parental relationships
4.75⭐️ 2.5🌶️ This sweet & spicy debut novel packs an emotional punch. 🥊 This book has so much depth without being complicated. What could be better than a love story that has the setting of a NYC bookstore? Nothing, absolutely nothing. 🫶🏻 This is like a Hallmark RomCom but with delicious spice. 🤫 Warm fuzzies + tattoos + filthy mouth = 🥵😮💨
‘With everything on the line, they have to decide if the risks of love are worth the reward of a silver lining that might be hiding just around the block.’
Silver James is 28 and has worked at Brownstone Books for almost 10 years. She runs into a mystery man late on her way to work one day and spills coffee all over his shoes (meet-disaster instead of meet-cute 🤣). A week later she has water damage in her apartment and her mystery man is none other than the new building maintenance guy, Hendrix Wells. She also just bought the bookstore because she couldn’t bear the thought of a second home to her not being around, and conveniently Hendrix has experience with carpentry and bookshelves, and offers to help with the renovations. 🤩 She wants to update the bookstore so it’s welcoming and like a ‘warm hug’.
She has spent years building a facade of confidence, and she acts like everything is fine/perfect but inside she’s afraid that if she lets that mask slip that people won’t stay. She thinks she isn’t ’made for’ love. 😢 She doesn’t have romantic relationships because then nobody can leave you. 🥺 Hendrix wants all of her, though - the broken pieces, the joy, the stress, the sadness, the happiness, the anxiety. Hendrix is healing from his own trauma and doesn’t think he deserves her but he wants to be in her ‘light’ - He thinks she is ‘the human embodiment of sunshine’. 🥹 He decides to be her friend if that’s all she can give. But then as they renovate the bookstore and she is repairing walls (literally and figuratively), she realizes it’s ok to let him in. He asks to take her on a date - it is so cute and sweet and heartfelt. All of the warm fuzzies. 🫠
❤️ He calls her ‘sunshine’.
❤️ Black tshirt and backwards hat 🧢 🚨
❤️ He talks her through it 😮💨
❤️ Forehead kisses 💋
❤️ ‘That’s my girl’ 🫡
❤️ He likes to eat. 🐱
❤️ He asks her to dance 💃🏻 in the bookstore.
❤️ He gets the necklace her dad gave her repaired. 🫠
❤️ He has nightmares/she has intrusive thoughts that’s she’s ’not enough’
Favorite quotes:
‘I know it's impossible to please everyone, but I'm programmed to try. If they're happy, maybe they'll stay.’
"You won't scare me away, Sunshine. Let me help you."
"Being near you is the first time I've felt alive in two years. You are important. I'm in this with you.”
"Brave?"
"You don't think buying up your favorite place in the world and creating a community, not knowing if it would pan out, with no guarantees for success, is brave?"
"I guess when you put it like that..."
"Don't minimize what you're doing here, Sunshine.”
‘She makes me feel…everything. And it's been a long time since I've felt anything.’
"Why do you call me Sunshine?"
"When I met you, it was the first time I felt warm in a very long time. Like the sun was shining down on me, heating my bones after a really harsh winter.”
"You are a force, spectacular in every sense of the word. Wildly brave and kind and far too funny for your own good. You're smart and spontaneous and open-hearted. You're the most beautiful person I've ever met, and I don't deserve you. I want to earn it, I want to earn you-your heart."
"I'm fine."
"I know, you don't have to be though."
“People write about the love I feel for you, the type of love I hope I show you every day."
Read this if you like:
*Grumpy X sunshine
*Forbidden romance
*RomCom
*They renovate a bookstore
*Tattooed MMC
*Commitmentphobe
*She flirts first/He falls first
*Close proximity
*Slow burn (spice at 59%)
*Praise
*Healing from grief/loss
*Trauma bond
*Anxiety
Content warning: child abandonment, death of a sibling, death of a parent, strained parental relationships
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to the author, Violet Page, for an e-ARC of this book that comes out on Aug. 27, which was a pure joy to read!
Quick Synopsis
When the owner of the bookstore where Silver works - really, more of a second home than just a job - announces that she’s going to sell, Silver surprises everyone, including herself, with the declaration that she’ll buy it. This is out of character for Silver, who doesn’t make commitments or let anyone in; she’s lost too many people in her life and has learned that to protect her heart, she needs to keep everything casual. But, she can’t stand the thought of losing the bookstore she loves, so she commits to making it a success and dives into DIY renovations to bring the store into the twenty-first century.
Hendrix, the hunky new handyman in Silver’s building, has recently returned to New York, looking to escape and rebuild his life after a tragedy back home. When he learns of Silver’s plans for the bookstore renovation, he impulsively offers to help, even though he knows it’s a bad idea; he’s attracted to this woman, who is a ray of sunshine to his gloomy gray, but she’s off limits, as he’s not allowed to have any sort of relationship with the building’s tenants.
But as their mutual attraction deepens and they become friends over games of twenty questions while they work on the store’s renovations, they each have to deal with their traumatic pasts and heal old wounds in order to open themselves up to the possibility of love.
My Thoughts
This book was so much more than just a forbidden romance, and that made the story so compelling. Silver and Hendrix’s emotional scars gave depth to both of their characters and provided each of them with challenges to work out, separate from the physical challenge of them not being “allowed” to be together (because Hendrix worked in Silver’s building and wasn’t allowed to date any of the tenants).
Silver and Hendrix were so real and so human; their traumatic back stories really elevated this story and made it more emotional and gut-wrenching, and also made their hesitation to get into a relationship very understandable.
Silver’s history with her parents was so tragic; losing both her parents at such a young age understandably made her hesitate to let anyone else in. I loved that she was self-aware enough to realize how her past was affecting her present, and that she decided to finally learn how to deal with it so she could have a happier future.
At the start of the story, Hendrix was truly broken; losing someone so close to him in such a horrible way scarred him terribly, and made him closed off to the possibility of getting close to anyone ever again - even his family. I loved seeing his transformation from letting his grief consume him to learning to find joy and happiness again.
I appreciated that he was also self-aware enough to come to terms with not only what happened, but what he really wanted out of life; I loved how he saw the brightness of Silver as his way out of the darkness, but also understood her darkness and tried to be there to help her find her way out.
It was so satisfying seeing them both grow and learn to break down the walls they had put up to protect themselves, especially Silver. And when they shared their traumatic pasts, it truly brought them together and turned their physical attraction into something so much deeper.
I absolutely love stories set in bookstores, and the bookstore’s transformation into an updated, bright, safe space mirrored Silver’s emotional growth journey, adding extra layers of depth and meaning to the story.
Hendrix fell first and harder, and I love when a man is down bad for his girl! Their relationship was a slow burn, but when they finally crossed that line, it was H.O.T.! This was definitely open door and fairly steamy…especially that laundry room scene! 🥵 The banter, the way he called her Sunshine, their game of twenty questions, all were absolute perfection…and the epilogue was one of the most romantic scenes I’ve ever read!!!! 😍
I feel like Hendrix and Silver really earned their HEA in this story by going through tremendous personal growth, and that elevated this to 4 stars for me!
If you enjoy grumpy x sunshine romances with a forbidden love element, NYC bookstore vibes, and major emotional growth and dealing with past trauma, then get this book when it comes out on August 27th!
Thank you to Violet Page for providing this book for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Thank you so much to the author, Violet Page, for an e-ARC of this book that comes out on Aug. 27, which was a pure joy to read!
Quick Synopsis
When the owner of the bookstore where Silver works - really, more of a second home than just a job - announces that she’s going to sell, Silver surprises everyone, including herself, with the declaration that she’ll buy it. This is out of character for Silver, who doesn’t make commitments or let anyone in; she’s lost too many people in her life and has learned that to protect her heart, she needs to keep everything casual. But, she can’t stand the thought of losing the bookstore she loves, so she commits to making it a success and dives into DIY renovations to bring the store into the twenty-first century.
Hendrix, the hunky new handyman in Silver’s building, has recently returned to New York, looking to escape and rebuild his life after a tragedy back home. When he learns of Silver’s plans for the bookstore renovation, he impulsively offers to help, even though he knows it’s a bad idea; he’s attracted to this woman, who is a ray of sunshine to his gloomy gray, but she’s off limits, as he’s not allowed to have any sort of relationship with the building’s tenants.
But as their mutual attraction deepens and they become friends over games of twenty questions while they work on the store’s renovations, they each have to deal with their traumatic pasts and heal old wounds in order to open themselves up to the possibility of love.
My Thoughts
This book was so much more than just a forbidden romance, and that made the story so compelling. Silver and Hendrix’s emotional scars gave depth to both of their characters and provided each of them with challenges to work out, separate from the physical challenge of them not being “allowed” to be together (because Hendrix worked in Silver’s building and wasn’t allowed to date any of the tenants).
Silver and Hendrix were so real and so human; their traumatic back stories really elevated this story and made it more emotional and gut-wrenching, and also made their hesitation to get into a relationship very understandable.
Silver’s history with her parents was so tragic; losing both her parents at such a young age understandably made her hesitate to let anyone else in. I loved that she was self-aware enough to realize how her past was affecting her present, and that she decided to finally learn how to deal with it so she could have a happier future.
At the start of the story, Hendrix was truly broken; losing someone so close to him in such a horrible way scarred him terribly, and made him closed off to the possibility of getting close to anyone ever again - even his family. I loved seeing his transformation from letting his grief consume him to learning to find joy and happiness again.
I appreciated that he was also self-aware enough to come to terms with not only what happened, but what he really wanted out of life; I loved how he saw the brightness of Silver as his way out of the darkness, but also understood her darkness and tried to be there to help her find her way out.
It was so satisfying seeing them both grow and learn to break down the walls they had put up to protect themselves, especially Silver. And when they shared their traumatic pasts, it truly brought them together and turned their physical attraction into something so much deeper.
I absolutely love stories set in bookstores, and the bookstore’s transformation into an updated, bright, safe space mirrored Silver’s emotional growth journey, adding extra layers of depth and meaning to the story.
Hendrix fell first and harder, and I love when a man is down bad for his girl! Their relationship was a slow burn, but when they finally crossed that line, it was H.O.T.! This was definitely open door and fairly steamy…especially that laundry room scene! 🥵 The banter, the way he called her Sunshine, their game of twenty questions, all were absolute perfection…and the epilogue was one of the most romantic scenes I’ve ever read!!!! 😍
I feel like Hendrix and Silver really earned their HEA in this story by going through tremendous personal growth, and that elevated this to 4 stars for me!
If you enjoy grumpy x sunshine romances with a forbidden love element, NYC bookstore vibes, and major emotional growth and dealing with past trauma, then get this book when it comes out on August 27th!
Thank you to Violet Page for providing this book for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
August 27, 2025
Like a moth to a flame — unavoidable. I want to burn in her light.
~
Choosing yourself over someone who hurt you beyond compare is not cowardice — it’s bravery.
~
I’m writing this review as the tears are still streaming down my face from five minutes ago when I read the last words of Silver Linings and stared into the void because it was an absolute masterpiece that I didn’t want to end. Violet truly took so much care and time to handle all the deep topics in this book and it shows, and the humor and reliability and swoon-worthy moments on top of that were chef’s kiss. I messaged her early on saying already how enthralled I was by the world and characters she started building in this slice of New York City and how the relatability factor has me both laughing out loud and hugging myself as her words made me feel seen, and it remained that way for the entire book, so much so that I didn’t want it to end, even though it truly ended at the perfect place. And let’s talk about the fact that this was definitely also a love letter to indie bookstores, and I loved the nod to the bookish community so much. I could picture myself in the story, smelling the books and the fresh paint and running my fingers over the spines like a second home. Silver was the epitome of a complete character who is beautiful and strong and fierce and has perfected a mask to help her insecurities hide behind the walls she has erected. Enter Hendrix, who is also a little bit broken and trying to run from the things that keep causing him that pain and sorrow. These two imperfect and flawed characters somehow gravitate toward each other and instead of digging their heels in, as much as they want to, they allow themselves to be vulnerable with someone else and it is such a beautiful thing to see as the book goes on. The silly moments and romantic moments and everything in between just made my heart happy and I felt a smile tugging at my lips every time. The side characters? Fabulous. Kena and Jae are the absolute best! Holly is the epic girls’ girl, I really REALLY want to learn more about Carmen, and Laurel? Oh yes, there is much to unpack there, if you know what I mean after you read. Which you should do. You should 100% pick up this book, I promise you work regret it. An absolutely stunning debut.
P.S. Tony is Esteban, he is amazing, and I will not be taking any further comments on this.
~
Choosing yourself over someone who hurt you beyond compare is not cowardice — it’s bravery.
~
I’m writing this review as the tears are still streaming down my face from five minutes ago when I read the last words of Silver Linings and stared into the void because it was an absolute masterpiece that I didn’t want to end. Violet truly took so much care and time to handle all the deep topics in this book and it shows, and the humor and reliability and swoon-worthy moments on top of that were chef’s kiss. I messaged her early on saying already how enthralled I was by the world and characters she started building in this slice of New York City and how the relatability factor has me both laughing out loud and hugging myself as her words made me feel seen, and it remained that way for the entire book, so much so that I didn’t want it to end, even though it truly ended at the perfect place. And let’s talk about the fact that this was definitely also a love letter to indie bookstores, and I loved the nod to the bookish community so much. I could picture myself in the story, smelling the books and the fresh paint and running my fingers over the spines like a second home. Silver was the epitome of a complete character who is beautiful and strong and fierce and has perfected a mask to help her insecurities hide behind the walls she has erected. Enter Hendrix, who is also a little bit broken and trying to run from the things that keep causing him that pain and sorrow. These two imperfect and flawed characters somehow gravitate toward each other and instead of digging their heels in, as much as they want to, they allow themselves to be vulnerable with someone else and it is such a beautiful thing to see as the book goes on. The silly moments and romantic moments and everything in between just made my heart happy and I felt a smile tugging at my lips every time. The side characters? Fabulous. Kena and Jae are the absolute best! Holly is the epic girls’ girl, I really REALLY want to learn more about Carmen, and Laurel? Oh yes, there is much to unpack there, if you know what I mean after you read. Which you should do. You should 100% pick up this book, I promise you work regret it. An absolutely stunning debut.
P.S. Tony is Esteban, he is amazing, and I will not be taking any further comments on this.
August 27, 2025
Silver Linings is a story about healing and allowing yourself to fall in love and feel joy. And it left me in tears with how beautiful the story and writing was.
Thank you to the author for an EARC in exchange for a review (and for me to continuously be part of their hype team). 🫶🏻
I truly cannot express how incredibly proud I am of Violet Page for sharing this amazing story with all of us. It truly is one of my favorite reads this year and I highly suggest you pick up a copy ASAP.
Silver Linings was a story that focused on healing through past traumas, and in doing self allowing ourselves to open up to love. And along the way we have amazing banter and spice that made it so hard for me to put down.
Silver is a girl who doesn’t do relationships, only casual flings. And it helps her keep people at a distance in order to guard herself from being hurt again. Which is one of the many reasons I felt so connected to her, and quickly fell in love with her. She is literally one of my favorite types of people…sunshine in human form. Silver is bubbly and outgoing and loves life to the fullest. But that doesn’t mean her life is perfect and watching her journey to opening up her heart was amazing. And who knew accidentally spilling coffee on someone would turn her world upside down in the best way.
And then there’s Hendrix, our perfect apartment handyman who is running away from grief in the city he loves. He is just trying to learn how to live again after his family suffered a loss, but who knew it would be a girl he can’t get off his mind that makes him feel alive again. Truly he is the man of my dreams and I cried over his journey of learning to live again after so much pain and grief. It felt incredible to see the way he went against aspects of societal expectations of men to hold their emotions to themselves. Instead he learns it’s ok to feel and talk about those feelings, and how important it is. And of course Silver and him bring out the best in each other and support each other through their own journeys. That’s always my favorite type of relationships.
I also adored all our side characters, and I’m so excited to get some of their stories in the future. Violet Page has become an auto buy author for me and I can’t wait to see what is next for her.
Thank you to the author for an EARC in exchange for a review (and for me to continuously be part of their hype team). 🫶🏻
I truly cannot express how incredibly proud I am of Violet Page for sharing this amazing story with all of us. It truly is one of my favorite reads this year and I highly suggest you pick up a copy ASAP.
Silver Linings was a story that focused on healing through past traumas, and in doing self allowing ourselves to open up to love. And along the way we have amazing banter and spice that made it so hard for me to put down.
Silver is a girl who doesn’t do relationships, only casual flings. And it helps her keep people at a distance in order to guard herself from being hurt again. Which is one of the many reasons I felt so connected to her, and quickly fell in love with her. She is literally one of my favorite types of people…sunshine in human form. Silver is bubbly and outgoing and loves life to the fullest. But that doesn’t mean her life is perfect and watching her journey to opening up her heart was amazing. And who knew accidentally spilling coffee on someone would turn her world upside down in the best way.
And then there’s Hendrix, our perfect apartment handyman who is running away from grief in the city he loves. He is just trying to learn how to live again after his family suffered a loss, but who knew it would be a girl he can’t get off his mind that makes him feel alive again. Truly he is the man of my dreams and I cried over his journey of learning to live again after so much pain and grief. It felt incredible to see the way he went against aspects of societal expectations of men to hold their emotions to themselves. Instead he learns it’s ok to feel and talk about those feelings, and how important it is. And of course Silver and him bring out the best in each other and support each other through their own journeys. That’s always my favorite type of relationships.
I also adored all our side characters, and I’m so excited to get some of their stories in the future. Violet Page has become an auto buy author for me and I can’t wait to see what is next for her.
August 16, 2025
Thanks to author Violet Page for the eARC.
3-3.5 ⭐
This was a nice debut, a light rom com read based in the city. I loved the side characters, especially Kena and Jae. There's some lovely writing in here to make a reader swoon.
But I felt like this story needed a bit more love, a bit more detail, a bit more editing and structuring to really shine.
I had difficulties connecting to most of the characters, especially the main characters. I think they needed some more details and depth, especially since I kept popping onto Instagram to refer to a Meet the Cast post that the author had made, just so I could get a better feel of the characters while they were on page (I referenced this post quite a few times, not just once per character).
The two MCs also did a lot of flip-flopping in terms of thoughts on how to proceed with one another, which kept throwing me for a loop, and it was hard to sink into the slow-burn vibes because of that. I also didn't quite like how Hendrix's backstory was handled, the information wasn't really clear until suddenly it is, but it felt off somehow the way the information progressed.
I also think the story itself needed a bit more polishing, as there were quite a few awkward sentences and structuring that I think could be further improved, and some additional writing flourishes and details provided, to make this a fantastic read. And there's a few plot holes that nagged at me while reading concerning some of the bigger events that occur.
the ending gets good, but it feels super rushed, and again, theres a few glaring plot holes that left me mentally screaming "but why didn't you do XYZ?!" at the characters involved.
Like I said before, there's some lovely writing in here, but then in between the writing loses some of its luster. I really don't think it would take a lot to make this spectacular, but the current state kept me from getting lost in this read.
I know this is part of a series, and I'll prolly give book 2 a try if its about Jae.
3-3.5 ⭐
This was a nice debut, a light rom com read based in the city. I loved the side characters, especially Kena and Jae. There's some lovely writing in here to make a reader swoon.
But I felt like this story needed a bit more love, a bit more detail, a bit more editing and structuring to really shine.
I had difficulties connecting to most of the characters, especially the main characters. I think they needed some more details and depth, especially since I kept popping onto Instagram to refer to a Meet the Cast post that the author had made, just so I could get a better feel of the characters while they were on page (I referenced this post quite a few times, not just once per character).
The two MCs also did a lot of flip-flopping in terms of thoughts on how to proceed with one another, which kept throwing me for a loop, and it was hard to sink into the slow-burn vibes because of that. I also didn't quite like how Hendrix's backstory was handled, the information wasn't really clear until suddenly it is, but it felt off somehow the way the information progressed.
I also think the story itself needed a bit more polishing, as there were quite a few awkward sentences and structuring that I think could be further improved, and some additional writing flourishes and details provided, to make this a fantastic read. And there's a few plot holes that nagged at me while reading concerning some of the bigger events that occur.
the ending gets good, but it feels super rushed, and again, theres a few glaring plot holes that left me mentally screaming "but why didn't you do XYZ?!" at the characters involved.
Like I said before, there's some lovely writing in here, but then in between the writing loses some of its luster. I really don't think it would take a lot to make this spectacular, but the current state kept me from getting lost in this read.
I know this is part of a series, and I'll prolly give book 2 a try if its about Jae.
August 25, 2025
This has got to be the best debut book from an author I’ve ever read.
This is the story of Silver and Hendrix. Silver is this witty, confident ball of sunshine that works in her local book store whilst enjoying her home town of New York City.
Hendrix is this kind of broody emotionally damaged handyman that moves to New York to escape the pain of his home life in Seattle after a family trauma.
Silver and Hendrix meet because Hendrix is the handyman in her building and she shamelessly flirts with him whilst he tries his damndest to resist her charm. (Spoiler alert he fails miserably) As there’s a strict rule of no dating the tenants of the building. Silver decides to buy the bookstore she’s been working in for 10 years and Hendrix offers to help her with the renovations.
As they get to know each other we learn that as confident a front Silver puts up she has a lot of abandonment issues and has only ever had casual hook ups and even keeps her close friends at a distance.
But Hendrix slowly breaks down her walls and she learns to trust. She also helps him through his own trauma. And all of it feels so genuine, natural and so sweet. Like kicking your feet in the air every other paragraph sweet.
I really want to take a minute and say that you cannot help but fall in love with Silver. Her personality just flys off the page. Between her adorable wardrobe and witty comebacks to literally everyone not just Hendrix she’s just FMC perfection.
Hendrix compliments silver so well. Like the bit of slow burn at the beginning and he’s kind of broody. Aghhh!
But once my man gets his feelings in order OH MY GAWD. This man is both sweetest and hottest man on this earth. He’s witty and funny and just goes out of his way to make Silver feel special but also is so respectful and of any and all boundaries Silver sets and there is nothing sexier than that.
Thank you so much to Violet Page for the opportunity to read this early! You have definitely found a reader for life and I can’t wait for the next one!
This is the story of Silver and Hendrix. Silver is this witty, confident ball of sunshine that works in her local book store whilst enjoying her home town of New York City.
Hendrix is this kind of broody emotionally damaged handyman that moves to New York to escape the pain of his home life in Seattle after a family trauma.
Silver and Hendrix meet because Hendrix is the handyman in her building and she shamelessly flirts with him whilst he tries his damndest to resist her charm. (Spoiler alert he fails miserably) As there’s a strict rule of no dating the tenants of the building. Silver decides to buy the bookstore she’s been working in for 10 years and Hendrix offers to help her with the renovations.
As they get to know each other we learn that as confident a front Silver puts up she has a lot of abandonment issues and has only ever had casual hook ups and even keeps her close friends at a distance.
But Hendrix slowly breaks down her walls and she learns to trust. She also helps him through his own trauma. And all of it feels so genuine, natural and so sweet. Like kicking your feet in the air every other paragraph sweet.
I really want to take a minute and say that you cannot help but fall in love with Silver. Her personality just flys off the page. Between her adorable wardrobe and witty comebacks to literally everyone not just Hendrix she’s just FMC perfection.
Hendrix compliments silver so well. Like the bit of slow burn at the beginning and he’s kind of broody. Aghhh!
But once my man gets his feelings in order OH MY GAWD. This man is both sweetest and hottest man on this earth. He’s witty and funny and just goes out of his way to make Silver feel special but also is so respectful and of any and all boundaries Silver sets and there is nothing sexier than that.
Thank you so much to Violet Page for the opportunity to read this early! You have definitely found a reader for life and I can’t wait for the next one!
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