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Mistakes We Never Made #2
The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26Forgetting Sarah Marshall meets Anyone But You in this novel from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and The Bachelorette star Hannah Brown.
Sybil can’t wait to escape to a tropical paradise, all expenses paid. Well, technically the expenses were paid—last year, when she was supposed to honeymoon in Hawaii with her then-fiancé, Jamie. But the wedding didn’t go as planned (or at all), and now she’s using those hotel vouchers to enjoy some mai tais, med spas, and me-time.
But she nearly plunges backwards into the infinity pool when she sees Jamie there, too. He’s on a work trip representing his family’s firm, alongside his gorgeous, tangerine bikini-clad “colleague.”
Desperate to save face in front of the ex who broke her heart at the altar, Sybil accidentally-on-purpose blurts out that she’s vacationing with her boyfriend. But what starts as a harmless lie soon spirals into an ex-fiancé fiasco when Sebastian—the second of Sybil’s three failed engagements—pops by, fresh off a photography gig. Seb’s always up for a good time and happy to play along . . . sparking unexpected jealousy in Jamie.
From snorkeling snafus to stunning vistas to beach parties, Sybil does her best to juggle two ex-fiancés. But it’s becoming clear that her past of broken promises must be reckoned with once and for all—including that first fiancé, Liam, the one she never talks about . . .
Is the notorious free-spirit, life-of-the-party, runaway bride Sybil Rain ready to heal from her three past engagements and make room in her heart for a fourth and final chance at love?
Sybil can’t wait to escape to a tropical paradise, all expenses paid. Well, technically the expenses were paid—last year, when she was supposed to honeymoon in Hawaii with her then-fiancé, Jamie. But the wedding didn’t go as planned (or at all), and now she’s using those hotel vouchers to enjoy some mai tais, med spas, and me-time.
But she nearly plunges backwards into the infinity pool when she sees Jamie there, too. He’s on a work trip representing his family’s firm, alongside his gorgeous, tangerine bikini-clad “colleague.”
Desperate to save face in front of the ex who broke her heart at the altar, Sybil accidentally-on-purpose blurts out that she’s vacationing with her boyfriend. But what starts as a harmless lie soon spirals into an ex-fiancé fiasco when Sebastian—the second of Sybil’s three failed engagements—pops by, fresh off a photography gig. Seb’s always up for a good time and happy to play along . . . sparking unexpected jealousy in Jamie.
From snorkeling snafus to stunning vistas to beach parties, Sybil does her best to juggle two ex-fiancés. But it’s becoming clear that her past of broken promises must be reckoned with once and for all—including that first fiancé, Liam, the one she never talks about . . .
Is the notorious free-spirit, life-of-the-party, runaway bride Sybil Rain ready to heal from her three past engagements and make room in her heart for a fourth and final chance at love?
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2025
777 people are currently reading
20556 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Brown
4 books1,098 followersHannah Brown is a television personality, lifestyle expert, podcast host and New York Times bestselling author of God Bless This Mess. After winning Miss Alabama USA in 2018, she went on to star on season 15 of ABC’s hit reality series The Bachelorette, win season 28 of Dancing with the Stars, and compete on FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, where she ended up being one of two women who completed the course and outlasted the other 16 contestants, most of whom were professional athletes.
Brown’s authenticity and charismatic personality have captivated her millions of followers, and she continues to inspire and empower others by instilling beauty goes beyond just what’s on the surface, advocating for mental health awareness, and emphasizing the importance of self-love.
Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Brown currently resides in Nashville.
Brown’s authenticity and charismatic personality have captivated her millions of followers, and she continues to inspire and empower others by instilling beauty goes beyond just what’s on the surface, advocating for mental health awareness, and emphasizing the importance of self-love.
Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Brown currently resides in Nashville.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,344 reviews
July 4, 2025
✩ 3.45 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Runaway Bride
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Second Chance
➼ Fake Dating
➼ Dual Timeline
➼ Personal Growth
➼ PCOS Rep
➼ Set in Hawaii
➼ Narrated by Cherami Leigh
➼ First Person POV
Reading a romance novel written by an author with such a public dating history was a very interesting experience. I’m not saying that this was autobiographical or anything, but there were several details that gave me pause because of their similarities to HB’s own story. That show definitely put her through the wringer though, so she certainly has a lot of great material to use. 😅
Overall, I was pretty impressed by this book! I tend to dislike books with dual timelines, but I thought HB handled those aspects of the story very well. The flashbacks allowed readers to gain a lot of important information about the FMC’s dating history that also gave more insight into her insecurities. HB shared that information at very well timed moments that both furthered the story and factored into the FMC’s overall character growth. I was unsure if this plot would work for me since I don’t always love second chance romances, but I thought the plot progression and the circumstances leading up to their break up were very well mapped. In the end it did come down to miscommunication, but without having all the facts, I could see how they would have ended things the way they did.
I also really loved both MC’s, but I’m not sure if I’m 100% sold on them as a couple. Or maybe I’m just not sure if the timing is right for them yet? After learning about each of her past relationships, I felt like the FMC didn’t quite know who she was as a person. She changed herself to suit each partner, and until she figures that out, I don’t really think she should be with anyone. At the very least I think they should start over and get to know each other again with the support of a couples therapist so they can continue to work through some of those issues.
I was very close to giving this 4 stars! Definitely a cute summer read if you’re in the market for one! I’m looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Hannah Brown in future!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I was surprised to learn that this former Bachelor contestant already has 3 books under her belt. 🙌🏻 I figured I’d check this one out!
Thank you to the author, Hachette Publishing and Libro.FM for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Runaway Bride
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Second Chance
➼ Fake Dating
➼ Dual Timeline
➼ Personal Growth
➼ PCOS Rep
➼ Set in Hawaii
➼ Narrated by Cherami Leigh
➼ First Person POV
Reading a romance novel written by an author with such a public dating history was a very interesting experience. I’m not saying that this was autobiographical or anything, but there were several details that gave me pause because of their similarities to HB’s own story. That show definitely put her through the wringer though, so she certainly has a lot of great material to use. 😅
Overall, I was pretty impressed by this book! I tend to dislike books with dual timelines, but I thought HB handled those aspects of the story very well. The flashbacks allowed readers to gain a lot of important information about the FMC’s dating history that also gave more insight into her insecurities. HB shared that information at very well timed moments that both furthered the story and factored into the FMC’s overall character growth. I was unsure if this plot would work for me since I don’t always love second chance romances, but I thought the plot progression and the circumstances leading up to their break up were very well mapped. In the end it did come down to miscommunication, but without having all the facts, I could see how they would have ended things the way they did.
I also really loved both MC’s, but I’m not sure if I’m 100% sold on them as a couple. Or maybe I’m just not sure if the timing is right for them yet? After learning about each of her past relationships, I felt like the FMC didn’t quite know who she was as a person. She changed herself to suit each partner, and until she figures that out, I don’t really think she should be with anyone. At the very least I think they should start over and get to know each other again with the support of a couples therapist so they can continue to work through some of those issues.
I was very close to giving this 4 stars! Definitely a cute summer read if you’re in the market for one! I’m looking forward to reading more books by Ms. Hannah Brown in future!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I was surprised to learn that this former Bachelor contestant already has 3 books under her belt. 🙌🏻 I figured I’d check this one out!
Thank you to the author, Hachette Publishing and Libro.FM for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
June 24, 2025
જ⁀➴ 2.75 stars (rounded up to 3)
Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Brown, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain is out now!
‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊
For a book with such a beautiful cover, the story unfortunately fell flat for me. It's a cute, summery beach read that's perfect for the massive heat wave that's hitting the US right now as I'm typing this, but there were so many things that I felt were lacking from this second-chance romance that would've made it an amazing summer read.
Sybil Rain has always been sort of a free spirit. She hasn't held down a stable job, avoids bigger issues, and more infamously, can't hold down an engagement and follow through with one to end in marriage. Having three failed engagements under her belt, people are wondering if she'll ever fully commit to a relationship or back out like she has done so many times. With a steady job as a content creator in LA, she decides to use her voucher to go on a trip to Hawaii—the same place she would've gone on her honeymoon a year ago, if she had gone through with the wedding—for some R&R and some content creation ideas for her company. Upon arriving, she runs into Jamie Kauffman, her last failed engagement, at the resort. As they keep running into each other, will old feelings resurface? Or will the arrival of Sybil's other failed engagement, Sebastian, at the same resort, shake things up even more?
Going into this, I didn't realize this was the second book/follow-up to the events of Mistakes We Never Made. There's some minor references to the MCs of Mistakes We Never Made, Emma and Finn, and Emma's a side character in this book with a couple of references to Finn here and there. However, you do NOT need to read the first book to understand the events of this one!
I loved the Hawaii setting! I feel like this would be the perfect beach read this summer! Like, LOOK AT THE STUNNING COVER! I love the way the colors all mesh together and created the perfect tropical vibe and sunset.
Going into the actual story itself, I feel like the entire story would've been over in 100-150 pages if Sybil and Jamie decided to talk things out like adults. I mean, I guess Jamie tried a little more than Sybil did, but unfortunately, I could see where Jamie was coming from a lot of the time when he would talk about Sybil running away from her problems. Every time he would try to discuss something, Sybil would walk away and then try her best to avoid him for the entirety of their respective stays at the resort. I also want to emphasize that while Sybil is at fault for her own mistakes, Jamie isn't one to necessarily talk either. I didn't like how influenced he was by his family and barely stood up for her with his family during the course of their relationship. At least with Sebastian, he and Sybil had reasons for ending their engagement so that I could understand, but Sybil and Jamie ended things over one misunderstanding after the other, and the miscommunication trope was overused, in my opinion.
With that said, I genuinely thought Sybil needed legitimate therapy the entire story. It's clear that she has a lot of unresolved trauma from her past relationships and issues that she needs work through, and I wish there was a trigger warning/content warning page at the beginning of the eARC for some of the topics that were discussed in the story regarding Sybil's past. Although I personally haven't lived through/been through many of the things that Sybil has gone through, unfortunately, I feel like there's many people out there who have, and will pick up this book not knowing what they're getting into. I included a trigger/content warning list at the end of my review.
It's also very clear that there's LA influences througout the story, but it especially comes in when Sybil talks about her "holistic healer," Gwendolyn. It was "Gwendolyn this, Gwendolyn that." What Sybil needed was an actual doctor, like a psychiatrist, and even a legitimate therapist, all things considered.
Something I wish we got more of in the story was Sybil's job. She's a content creator at Flowies, a company that produces women's period underwear, and we know she's a content creator for the company, but we also barely get to see her doing anything for said job, considering she's in Hawaii for this major once-in-a-lifetime eclipse and she was there on business to produce content for the eclipse.
Last, but not least, I wish we got more backstory about each of Sybil's failed engagements, specifically Liam and Sebastian. Liam's a major ass that needs to go to confession (considering his family is super religious) and Sebastian, while he was talked about and appeared in the story, I didn't really feel as much of a connection between him and Sybil when he was brought up. There was a fake dating trope with one guy that was weaved into the story on TOP of the second chance romance trope with the OTHER guy, and it honestly made it confusing and hard to follow at times wondering who Sybil really wanted. (Liam wasn't an issue considering he was her high school/college boyfriend.)
Overall, if you're looking for a fast-paced, summertime beach read, this is the book for you! (Or if you're just looking for a cute cover to have on your shelf, that works too.) I'm curious to see what Hannah Brown has in store for us next; I'm really hoping Nikki gets a book!
‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊
Trigger/content warnings: infertility, PCOS diagnosis, miscarriage, death of a loved one, accident involving bodily injuries, mentions of a past abusive/controlling relationship
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: On today's episode of "Which ARC Did Kim Request Solely Because of the Cover Art," I present...The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain!🩷🧡💙 (No seriously, I can't stop staring at the cover. I LOVE how all the colors just complement each other and look so pretty together!)
(Also, if I had a nickel for every book I’ve read this month where the FMC’s name is Sybil, I’d have 2 nickels. It isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice😂)
This is ARC 9/11 for my June 2025 ARC reading schedule, and eARC 2/3 for my June 24th deadline!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Liam has a special place in fictional character hell. What an asshole.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Brown, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain is out now!
"We never really start over, we just find new ways to light up again, even if, for a time, we've been cloaked in darkness."
‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊
For a book with such a beautiful cover, the story unfortunately fell flat for me. It's a cute, summery beach read that's perfect for the massive heat wave that's hitting the US right now as I'm typing this, but there were so many things that I felt were lacking from this second-chance romance that would've made it an amazing summer read.
Sybil Rain has always been sort of a free spirit. She hasn't held down a stable job, avoids bigger issues, and more infamously, can't hold down an engagement and follow through with one to end in marriage. Having three failed engagements under her belt, people are wondering if she'll ever fully commit to a relationship or back out like she has done so many times. With a steady job as a content creator in LA, she decides to use her voucher to go on a trip to Hawaii—the same place she would've gone on her honeymoon a year ago, if she had gone through with the wedding—for some R&R and some content creation ideas for her company. Upon arriving, she runs into Jamie Kauffman, her last failed engagement, at the resort. As they keep running into each other, will old feelings resurface? Or will the arrival of Sybil's other failed engagement, Sebastian, at the same resort, shake things up even more?
Going into this, I didn't realize this was the second book/follow-up to the events of Mistakes We Never Made. There's some minor references to the MCs of Mistakes We Never Made, Emma and Finn, and Emma's a side character in this book with a couple of references to Finn here and there. However, you do NOT need to read the first book to understand the events of this one!
I loved the Hawaii setting! I feel like this would be the perfect beach read this summer! Like, LOOK AT THE STUNNING COVER! I love the way the colors all mesh together and created the perfect tropical vibe and sunset.
Going into the actual story itself, I feel like the entire story would've been over in 100-150 pages if Sybil and Jamie decided to talk things out like adults. I mean, I guess Jamie tried a little more than Sybil did, but unfortunately, I could see where Jamie was coming from a lot of the time when he would talk about Sybil running away from her problems. Every time he would try to discuss something, Sybil would walk away and then try her best to avoid him for the entirety of their respective stays at the resort. I also want to emphasize that while Sybil is at fault for her own mistakes, Jamie isn't one to necessarily talk either. I didn't like how influenced he was by his family and barely stood up for her with his family during the course of their relationship. At least with Sebastian, he and Sybil had reasons for ending their engagement so that I could understand, but Sybil and Jamie ended things over one misunderstanding after the other, and the miscommunication trope was overused, in my opinion.
With that said, I genuinely thought Sybil needed legitimate therapy the entire story. It's clear that she has a lot of unresolved trauma from her past relationships and issues that she needs work through, and I wish there was a trigger warning/content warning page at the beginning of the eARC for some of the topics that were discussed in the story regarding Sybil's past. Although I personally haven't lived through/been through many of the things that Sybil has gone through, unfortunately, I feel like there's many people out there who have, and will pick up this book not knowing what they're getting into. I included a trigger/content warning list at the end of my review.
It's also very clear that there's LA influences througout the story, but it especially comes in when Sybil talks about her "holistic healer," Gwendolyn. It was "Gwendolyn this, Gwendolyn that." What Sybil needed was an actual doctor, like a psychiatrist, and even a legitimate therapist, all things considered.
Something I wish we got more of in the story was Sybil's job. She's a content creator at Flowies, a company that produces women's period underwear, and we know she's a content creator for the company, but we also barely get to see her doing anything for said job, considering she's in Hawaii for this major once-in-a-lifetime eclipse and she was there on business to produce content for the eclipse.
Last, but not least, I wish we got more backstory about each of Sybil's failed engagements, specifically Liam and Sebastian. Liam's a major ass that needs to go to confession (considering his family is super religious) and Sebastian, while he was talked about and appeared in the story, I didn't really feel as much of a connection between him and Sybil when he was brought up. There was a fake dating trope with one guy that was weaved into the story on TOP of the second chance romance trope with the OTHER guy, and it honestly made it confusing and hard to follow at times wondering who Sybil really wanted. (Liam wasn't an issue considering he was her high school/college boyfriend.)
Overall, if you're looking for a fast-paced, summertime beach read, this is the book for you! (Or if you're just looking for a cute cover to have on your shelf, that works too.) I'm curious to see what Hannah Brown has in store for us next; I'm really hoping Nikki gets a book!
‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡ ‧₊ ̊🍹✩ ₊ ̊
Trigger/content warnings: infertility, PCOS diagnosis, miscarriage, death of a loved one, accident involving bodily injuries, mentions of a past abusive/controlling relationship
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: On today's episode of "Which ARC Did Kim Request Solely Because of the Cover Art," I present...The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain!🩷🧡💙 (No seriously, I can't stop staring at the cover. I LOVE how all the colors just complement each other and look so pretty together!)
(Also, if I had a nickel for every book I’ve read this month where the FMC’s name is Sybil, I’d have 2 nickels. It isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice😂)
This is ARC 9/11 for my June 2025 ARC reading schedule, and eARC 2/3 for my June 24th deadline!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Liam has a special place in fictional character hell. What an asshole.
June 24, 2025
💍 The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain by Hannah Brown
3.75 stars — emotional chaos in paradise with a mai tai in hand 🍹🌴
Huge thanks to Forever for inviting me to read the eARC & Hachette Audio for the ALC via NetGalley 💌
This book was an entire tropical tangle of second chances, fake dating, and healing from past heartbreaks—and somehow? It worked.
🌺 Second-Chance Romance
💍 Fake Dating
🌺 Ex-Fiancé Fiasco
💍 Forced Proximity
🌺 Self-Discovery & Healing
💍 Resort/Vacation Romance
When I saw the setup—runaway bride, vacation in Hawaii, and three ex-fiancés crashing the scene?? Yeah. I was locked in. This had all the signs of turning into a hot mess in the best way, and for the most part, it delivered.
Sybil Rain is chaotic, messy, a little broken—but real. She’s not your perfect romcom lead, and that’s what made her arc land. It wasn’t just about getting back with an ex. It was about finally choosing herself. Between snorkeling mishaps, fake boyfriend shenanigans, and unexpected run-ins with the past, Sybil's journey was half soap opera, half soul-searching.
The resort vibes? So fun. The healing arc? Surprisingly raw. And the audiobook? Chef’s kiss. Cherami Leigh’s narration gave Sybil so much personality, and I genuinely don’t think I would’ve connected this hard without the audio.
Now for the but:
Some of the miscommunication dragged. Like girl, TALK. It was frustrating at times, but also made sense considering how emotionally stunted she was from her past. Still, it cost the book a bit of its momentum.
Final thoughts:
🌺 The setting slapped
💌 The self-discovery hit hard
💍 The romance was a soft burn
🫠 The chaos? So unnecessary sometimes but I ate it up anyway
3.75 stars. For fans of tropical messes, emotional healing arcs, and women choosing to rewrite their own stories.
Not perfect, but still heartfelt, summery, and so much better than I expected from a book about failed engagements.
━━━━━━━━━━━⊱♡⊰━━━━━━━━━━
The moment I read “three failed engagements + a fake boyfriend + a tropical mess” I was SOLD.
Sybil Rain is that chaotic free spirit who’s running straight into her exes in paradise, and I just know this is going to spiral into the funniest kind of emotional disaster. Like girlie just wanted mai tais and peace, and now she’s stuck juggling multiple ex-fiancés??? 😭
It’s giving: chaos. tension. bikinis. healing. banter. and maybe finally finding real love on her fourth try.
I already know this is going to be a hot mess in the best way possible. Let’s do this.
3.75 stars — emotional chaos in paradise with a mai tai in hand 🍹🌴
Huge thanks to Forever for inviting me to read the eARC & Hachette Audio for the ALC via NetGalley 💌
This book was an entire tropical tangle of second chances, fake dating, and healing from past heartbreaks—and somehow? It worked.
🌺 Second-Chance Romance
💍 Fake Dating
🌺 Ex-Fiancé Fiasco
💍 Forced Proximity
🌺 Self-Discovery & Healing
💍 Resort/Vacation Romance
When I saw the setup—runaway bride, vacation in Hawaii, and three ex-fiancés crashing the scene?? Yeah. I was locked in. This had all the signs of turning into a hot mess in the best way, and for the most part, it delivered.
Sybil Rain is chaotic, messy, a little broken—but real. She’s not your perfect romcom lead, and that’s what made her arc land. It wasn’t just about getting back with an ex. It was about finally choosing herself. Between snorkeling mishaps, fake boyfriend shenanigans, and unexpected run-ins with the past, Sybil's journey was half soap opera, half soul-searching.
The resort vibes? So fun. The healing arc? Surprisingly raw. And the audiobook? Chef’s kiss. Cherami Leigh’s narration gave Sybil so much personality, and I genuinely don’t think I would’ve connected this hard without the audio.
Now for the but:
Some of the miscommunication dragged. Like girl, TALK. It was frustrating at times, but also made sense considering how emotionally stunted she was from her past. Still, it cost the book a bit of its momentum.
Final thoughts:
🌺 The setting slapped
💌 The self-discovery hit hard
💍 The romance was a soft burn
🫠 The chaos? So unnecessary sometimes but I ate it up anyway
3.75 stars. For fans of tropical messes, emotional healing arcs, and women choosing to rewrite their own stories.
Not perfect, but still heartfelt, summery, and so much better than I expected from a book about failed engagements.
━━━━━━━━━━━⊱♡⊰━━━━━━━━━━
The moment I read “three failed engagements + a fake boyfriend + a tropical mess” I was SOLD.
Sybil Rain is that chaotic free spirit who’s running straight into her exes in paradise, and I just know this is going to spiral into the funniest kind of emotional disaster. Like girlie just wanted mai tais and peace, and now she’s stuck juggling multiple ex-fiancés??? 😭
It’s giving: chaos. tension. bikinis. healing. banter. and maybe finally finding real love on her fourth try.
I already know this is going to be a hot mess in the best way possible. Let’s do this.
June 26, 2025
It was a sweet story with unexpected depth and summer vibes.
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed it. I loved the narrator and her voice, it truly made the experience better. She carried the story beautifully.
The story starts when Sybil decides to use the vouchers leftover from her wedding a year ago, a wedding that never happened. What's more perfect than a vacation in Hawaii. Except, her ex-fiancee Jamie is there too, with a female coworker. Trying to save face, Sybil lies she's there with her boyfriend. There's still things unresolved between them and when the situation starts to heat up, Seb enters the picture. Her second ex-fiancee, willing to pretend to be her fake boyfriend. Complications arise, wounds bleed anew, especially the ones her first fiancee left. With three rings from three different guys, will there be a fourth?
I really liked the story, full of vulnerability and self exploration. While there is miscommunication, which I found incredibly frustrating, I do think, ultimately, it made sense. There needed to be growth first.
Second chance romances don't always work, but this one did. Sometimes being apart is the only way to grow together.
The setting was absolutely beautiful, it gave me all the summer vibes. The beach, snorkeling, horseback riding, pool and cocktails and a summer storm..
I really liked the characters, both the main and the secondary ones. They all made the story compelling in their own way. Sybil's journey was heartbreaking, but hopeful. Her fight to heal the scars she carried and the fear that ruled her life, was slow, but important. I love how she found her strength and the love she deserves in the end.
I know Hannah from her season on the Bachelorette, but had no idea she was an author until recently. I really enjoyed her writing, I think she did an amazing job.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Hachette Audio for providing me with an ALC.*
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed it. I loved the narrator and her voice, it truly made the experience better. She carried the story beautifully.
The story starts when Sybil decides to use the vouchers leftover from her wedding a year ago, a wedding that never happened. What's more perfect than a vacation in Hawaii. Except, her ex-fiancee Jamie is there too, with a female coworker. Trying to save face, Sybil lies she's there with her boyfriend. There's still things unresolved between them and when the situation starts to heat up, Seb enters the picture. Her second ex-fiancee, willing to pretend to be her fake boyfriend. Complications arise, wounds bleed anew, especially the ones her first fiancee left. With three rings from three different guys, will there be a fourth?
I really liked the story, full of vulnerability and self exploration. While there is miscommunication, which I found incredibly frustrating, I do think, ultimately, it made sense. There needed to be growth first.
Second chance romances don't always work, but this one did. Sometimes being apart is the only way to grow together.
The setting was absolutely beautiful, it gave me all the summer vibes. The beach, snorkeling, horseback riding, pool and cocktails and a summer storm..
I really liked the characters, both the main and the secondary ones. They all made the story compelling in their own way. Sybil's journey was heartbreaking, but hopeful. Her fight to heal the scars she carried and the fear that ruled her life, was slow, but important. I love how she found her strength and the love she deserves in the end.
I know Hannah from her season on the Bachelorette, but had no idea she was an author until recently. I really enjoyed her writing, I think she did an amazing job.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Hachette Audio for providing me with an ALC.*
April 30, 2025
♥ My Overall Thoughts ♥
What a cute summertime read! I enjoyed reading this, it made me feel happy and relaxed. This was cozy, yet adventurous. This is in the romantic comedy, women’s fiction genre! It’s all about never giving up hope! It is a medium paced read that is beautiful written. I had no idea that the author of this book was from the bachelorette until the end of the book, where it tells me about the author! She is very talented and I hope she continues writing books! I have not read her other books yet, but I will! This is all about second chances at romance in this novel!
♥ Book Synopsis ♥
“The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain” is about a runaway bride who comes in contact with her Ex Fiancé, during a Hawaii vacation. Unexpected events start occurring in this beautiful place. She begins to realize that some things are better left in the past. She wants to heal from her three past engagements and start anew with the fourth one. However, will this one last or will it turn out to be like the other ones? Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
♥ Who I think Would Enjoy This Book ♥
This book gave me full on “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” vibes! I think that readers who enjoy a cozy, romantic comedy book will love this one!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Hannah Brown and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on June 24, 2025!
♥ Quick Review ♥
♥️ Second Chances at Love
🩷 Beautiful Hawaii Setting
♥️ Romantic Comedy
🩷 Adventurous Vibes
♥️ Author from the Bachelorette
🩷 Great Summer Read
♥️ Movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” Vibes
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
What a cute summertime read! I enjoyed reading this, it made me feel happy and relaxed. This was cozy, yet adventurous. This is in the romantic comedy, women’s fiction genre! It’s all about never giving up hope! It is a medium paced read that is beautiful written. I had no idea that the author of this book was from the bachelorette until the end of the book, where it tells me about the author! She is very talented and I hope she continues writing books! I have not read her other books yet, but I will! This is all about second chances at romance in this novel!
♥ Book Synopsis ♥
“The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain” is about a runaway bride who comes in contact with her Ex Fiancé, during a Hawaii vacation. Unexpected events start occurring in this beautiful place. She begins to realize that some things are better left in the past. She wants to heal from her three past engagements and start anew with the fourth one. However, will this one last or will it turn out to be like the other ones? Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
♥ Who I think Would Enjoy This Book ♥
This book gave me full on “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” vibes! I think that readers who enjoy a cozy, romantic comedy book will love this one!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Hannah Brown and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on June 24, 2025!
♥ Quick Review ♥
♥️ Second Chances at Love
🩷 Beautiful Hawaii Setting
♥️ Romantic Comedy
🩷 Adventurous Vibes
♥️ Author from the Bachelorette
🩷 Great Summer Read
♥️ Movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” Vibes
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
August 13, 2025
3.5⭐️ Months after her wedding day break-up, Sybil decides to use the Hawaiian honeymoon she and her ex-fiancé, Jaime, paid for as a vacation. But when she arrives at the hotel, she is shocked to find Jaime there as well, on a work trip with his female colleague.
In order to save face, Sybil pretends to be there with her new boyfriend, who just so happens to be another ex also there for vacation. What begins as ex-fiancé chaos leads to rediscovered feelings towards the one who got away and a second chance at her happily ever after.
This felt like the quintessential summer read that you can breeze your way through, poolside or beachside, or as someone who sadly cannot take a summer vacation and needs the mental escape to Maui.
Hannah Brown has written a super cute, second-chance romance with a bit of self-healing and humor along the way. While I wasn’t sure who to expect as Sybil’s love interest, I was very happily surprised with the outcome and her (and his) journey there.
🎧 I enjoyed reading this book with my ears as much as with my eyes. Cherami Leigh’s narration was fresh and fun, and also easy to follow. If you are a fan of audiobooks, this would be a terrific format to choose.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️fake dating
▪️second chances
▪️forced proximity
▪️Hawaiian resort setting
Thank you Forever Publishing and Hachette Audio for the gifted copies.
In order to save face, Sybil pretends to be there with her new boyfriend, who just so happens to be another ex also there for vacation. What begins as ex-fiancé chaos leads to rediscovered feelings towards the one who got away and a second chance at her happily ever after.
This felt like the quintessential summer read that you can breeze your way through, poolside or beachside, or as someone who sadly cannot take a summer vacation and needs the mental escape to Maui.
Hannah Brown has written a super cute, second-chance romance with a bit of self-healing and humor along the way. While I wasn’t sure who to expect as Sybil’s love interest, I was very happily surprised with the outcome and her (and his) journey there.
🎧 I enjoyed reading this book with my ears as much as with my eyes. Cherami Leigh’s narration was fresh and fun, and also easy to follow. If you are a fan of audiobooks, this would be a terrific format to choose.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️fake dating
▪️second chances
▪️forced proximity
▪️Hawaiian resort setting
Thank you Forever Publishing and Hachette Audio for the gifted copies.
June 19, 2025
3.5⭐️ The tension! The vibes! I giggled & kicked my feet. A great summer beach read!
June 7, 2025
Sybil is in Hawaii taking her honeymoon for the wedding that never happened. A year ago her heart was broken and her wedding canceled. And naturally her ex-fiancé is at the same resort! Did I say ex-finance? I mean TWO ex-fiancés. Not only is Jamie there, but also Sebastian. Sybil still has feelings for Jamie, and blurts out that she is there with her boyfriend. So Sebastian plays along. Then Jamie gets jealous.
Somewhere along the line there was Liam, her first boyfriend and ex-fiancé. So there is Jamie, Sebastian, and Liam. But what is the fourth ring in the title? More to come.
This is a miscommunication— second chance romance—fake dating- beach setting romance. Sybil is a likeable lead with good chemistry with Jamie. Her back story includes some heavier topics and need for therapy. I found the characters to be well rounded and the plot pacing was what I’d expect.
Although this is second in the series it definitely works as a stand alone. It is relatively lighthearted. It lacks the humor of a lot of beach romances but it is female centered and single POV. There are some spicy scenes in the 3rd act.
I was fortunately given an ALC of this audiobook from Hachette audio and NetGalley. I loved the audiobook narrator who had a great performance, particularly dramatic during Sybil’s breakdowns. Book to be published 6/24/25
Somewhere along the line there was Liam, her first boyfriend and ex-fiancé. So there is Jamie, Sebastian, and Liam. But what is the fourth ring in the title? More to come.
This is a miscommunication— second chance romance—fake dating- beach setting romance. Sybil is a likeable lead with good chemistry with Jamie. Her back story includes some heavier topics and need for therapy. I found the characters to be well rounded and the plot pacing was what I’d expect.
Although this is second in the series it definitely works as a stand alone. It is relatively lighthearted. It lacks the humor of a lot of beach romances but it is female centered and single POV. There are some spicy scenes in the 3rd act.
I was fortunately given an ALC of this audiobook from Hachette audio and NetGalley. I loved the audiobook narrator who had a great performance, particularly dramatic during Sybil’s breakdowns. Book to be published 6/24/25
August 18, 2025
Jamie grabs my hand, and I know what he’s about to say before he says it. Because I’ve felt this way a thousand times before. The racing heart, the wild eyes. Adrenaline surging through my veins. Only this time, I’m not bolting alone. Jamie is right here with me, gripping my hand in his like he never wants to let go.
“Run.”
This book was a delight! I really love Hannah Brown’s writing style. It’s so endearing and perfectly captures the romantic comedy genre without feeling cringey. The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain follows FMC Sybil. As we can gather from the title and know from Mistakes We Never Made, Sybil has a hard time with her love life. The last story left off with her getting left at the alter and this story picks up 1 year later. Her honeymoon vouchers are expiring and her friends convince her to use them for a solo trip so they don’t go to waste. But WHO ELSE would she run into at the resort, other than her ex-fiance Jamie?
I picked this up and it captured my attention from the very first lines. I LOVED Sybil’s wild and spontaneous spirit. When I started this, I thought the story was taking a different direction, but I’m really satisfied with the direction it did take. I loved all the characters and think they all served their purpose in the story perfectly. I really liked the character growth and getting to see exactly why Sybil behaved in the manner she did (we got to figure that out along side her). A bit like goldilocks- her past relationships were very extreme, until she was able to find her perfect balance. I really enjoyed seeing her and her partner pull the best parts out of one another.
Flew through this one and am definitely adding Hannah Brown to my auto-buy/read list.
ᯓ★ Second-chance romance
ᯓ★ Self-love
ᯓ★ Fake dating
“But some things have only grown more apparent, like the way [he] always seems to take care of me- in both the big ways, like following me into the ocean, and the quieter ones, like making me breakfast.”
Content warnings: miscarriage, infertility, emotional abuse, toxic relationship, panic attacks/disorders
“Run.”
This book was a delight! I really love Hannah Brown’s writing style. It’s so endearing and perfectly captures the romantic comedy genre without feeling cringey. The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain follows FMC Sybil. As we can gather from the title and know from Mistakes We Never Made, Sybil has a hard time with her love life. The last story left off with her getting left at the alter and this story picks up 1 year later. Her honeymoon vouchers are expiring and her friends convince her to use them for a solo trip so they don’t go to waste. But WHO ELSE would she run into at the resort, other than her ex-fiance Jamie?
I picked this up and it captured my attention from the very first lines. I LOVED Sybil’s wild and spontaneous spirit. When I started this, I thought the story was taking a different direction, but I’m really satisfied with the direction it did take. I loved all the characters and think they all served their purpose in the story perfectly. I really liked the character growth and getting to see exactly why Sybil behaved in the manner she did (we got to figure that out along side her). A bit like goldilocks- her past relationships were very extreme, until she was able to find her perfect balance. I really enjoyed seeing her and her partner pull the best parts out of one another.
Flew through this one and am definitely adding Hannah Brown to my auto-buy/read list.
ᯓ★ Second-chance romance
ᯓ★ Self-love
ᯓ★ Fake dating
“But some things have only grown more apparent, like the way [he] always seems to take care of me- in both the big ways, like following me into the ocean, and the quieter ones, like making me breakfast.”
Content warnings: miscarriage, infertility, emotional abuse, toxic relationship, panic attacks/disorders
July 9, 2025
(3.75 rounded up)
Audio ARC Review
Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Brown, and Hachette Audio | Forever for the advanced listener copy of The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain 🎧💍
Okay so—was the writing a bit immature at times? Yeah 😅 But this is only Hannah Brown’s second novel, and she’s got plenty of room to grow as an author. That said… I had FUN. Like, genuinely enjoyable, flew-through-it fun! 🏝️📖
This book is marketed as giving Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Anyone but You vibes... and honestly? No. 😬 But what it does give is a chaotic tropical vacation with exes, emotional unraveling, and found family energy. Sybil was messy in the best way, and her friendship with Willow (and the whole friend group dynamic!) brought so much warmth 💕 I do wish we had more backstory there instead of being tossed straight into the trip with a surprise ex-fiancé and his… colleague?? 👀
And yes—technically she’s just a “colleague,” but let’s be honest, the tangerine bikini and clear crush said otherwise 👒😏 Jamie, of course, was blissfully unaware. Some of that plotline felt a little flat and unnecessary, but overall, the chaos worked for me.
I really wanted more from the side characters, but still, the story delivered more emotion than I expected. I even teared up once or twice 😭✨
If you’re in the mood for something light, dramatic, and a little chaotic, this one’s a good time. I didn’t read book one in the series, but this totally works as a standalone!
Audio ARC Review
Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Brown, and Hachette Audio | Forever for the advanced listener copy of The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain 🎧💍
Okay so—was the writing a bit immature at times? Yeah 😅 But this is only Hannah Brown’s second novel, and she’s got plenty of room to grow as an author. That said… I had FUN. Like, genuinely enjoyable, flew-through-it fun! 🏝️📖
This book is marketed as giving Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Anyone but You vibes... and honestly? No. 😬 But what it does give is a chaotic tropical vacation with exes, emotional unraveling, and found family energy. Sybil was messy in the best way, and her friendship with Willow (and the whole friend group dynamic!) brought so much warmth 💕 I do wish we had more backstory there instead of being tossed straight into the trip with a surprise ex-fiancé and his… colleague?? 👀
And yes—technically she’s just a “colleague,” but let’s be honest, the tangerine bikini and clear crush said otherwise 👒😏 Jamie, of course, was blissfully unaware. Some of that plotline felt a little flat and unnecessary, but overall, the chaos worked for me.
I really wanted more from the side characters, but still, the story delivered more emotion than I expected. I even teared up once or twice 😭✨
If you’re in the mood for something light, dramatic, and a little chaotic, this one’s a good time. I didn’t read book one in the series, but this totally works as a standalone!
October 10, 2025
4.3 ⭐
I simply loved this story.
I'm not the biggest fan of second chances... I just like them occasionally and very rarely love them, but I did love this one 💗
Maybe because we had a preview of the failed marriage weekend in book 1 — but I don't know, I even got emotional because of Sybil a couple of times.
And let me tell you: chapeau to the audiobook voice. She was amazing! I was skeptical at the beginning because of her shrilly voice but it was actually so in character that after a couple chapters I couldn't imagine Sybil's being any different! And the way she conveyed every emotion... I guess I have her to blame for my getting so 😭
Anyway... I do want to say again how much I love the core 4. Their friendship feels so special, I hope I get to read all of their stories in the future ✨
And about the boys in this book: the trio Jamie-Sebastian-Liam was just made for the game fu*** , marry, kill 🤭
We do not talk about the gigantic piece of garbage that is the high school boyfriend, but we do HAVE TO talk about Sebastian, because he's amazing, because he helped Sybil find herself after her first big love story. And yeah, he was not perfect but he was genuine and I just care about his happiness so much 🥹
And finally, of course, Jamie. Jamie IS perfect, he's perfect because he is present, he's caring and he just wants all of Sybil.
I especially loved their (almost) first encounter and seeing just how he was lighted by her presence. What an amazing love 💕
Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
I got this audiobook! ♥
It seems really fun, fresh and just a perfect summer read! BUT... this is book #2 in the series so I'm debating going back to read that one first, because I like to always follow the publication order.
❁ Thank you to Netgalley, Hannah Brown and Hachette Audio | Forever for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion ❁
I simply loved this story.
I'm not the biggest fan of second chances... I just like them occasionally and very rarely love them, but I did love this one 💗
Maybe because we had a preview of the failed marriage weekend in book 1 — but I don't know, I even got emotional because of Sybil a couple of times.
And let me tell you: chapeau to the audiobook voice. She was amazing! I was skeptical at the beginning because of her shrilly voice but it was actually so in character that after a couple chapters I couldn't imagine Sybil's being any different! And the way she conveyed every emotion... I guess I have her to blame for my getting so 😭
Anyway... I do want to say again how much I love the core 4. Their friendship feels so special, I hope I get to read all of their stories in the future ✨
And about the boys in this book: the trio Jamie-Sebastian-Liam was just made for the game fu*** , marry, kill 🤭
We do not talk about the gigantic piece of garbage that is the high school boyfriend, but we do HAVE TO talk about Sebastian, because he's amazing, because he helped Sybil find herself after her first big love story. And yeah, he was not perfect but he was genuine and I just care about his happiness so much 🥹
And finally, of course, Jamie. Jamie IS perfect, he's perfect because he is present, he's caring and he just wants all of Sybil.
I especially loved their (almost) first encounter and seeing just how he was lighted by her presence. What an amazing love 💕
Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
I got this audiobook! ♥
It seems really fun, fresh and just a perfect summer read! BUT... this is book #2 in the series so I'm debating going back to read that one first, because I like to always follow the publication order.
❁ Thank you to Netgalley, Hannah Brown and Hachette Audio | Forever for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion ❁
June 17, 2025
Taking a solo honeymoon trip one year after her called-off wedding, Sybil runs into not one but TWO ex-fiancés, including Jamie, the man she most recently left at the altar. Cue the chaos, fake-dating shenanigans, vacation vibes, and fun awkwardness!
You first meet Sybil in Mistakes We Never Made, where her engagement comes to an end, so I was really excited to see Jamie make an appearance. Once again, I love a second-chance romance, and these two were undeniably cute together. But as much as I enjoyed the continuation of their story, it didn’t bring the tension or passion I need from this trope.
One aspect I really liked, though, was the glimpse into Sybil’s past relationships and engagements. She’s a bit of a free spirit who tends to run from her problems, so while the miscommunication between her and Jamie was super frustrating, it did make sense. Then again, I still question if Sybil is truly ready for a relationship. She clearly has a lot to work through. But overall, this was a fun, easy beach read with a unique setup and a happy ending!
(heat level: 2 brief open-door scenes, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You first meet Sybil in Mistakes We Never Made, where her engagement comes to an end, so I was really excited to see Jamie make an appearance. Once again, I love a second-chance romance, and these two were undeniably cute together. But as much as I enjoyed the continuation of their story, it didn’t bring the tension or passion I need from this trope.
One aspect I really liked, though, was the glimpse into Sybil’s past relationships and engagements. She’s a bit of a free spirit who tends to run from her problems, so while the miscommunication between her and Jamie was super frustrating, it did make sense. Then again, I still question if Sybil is truly ready for a relationship. She clearly has a lot to work through. But overall, this was a fun, easy beach read with a unique setup and a happy ending!
(heat level: 2 brief open-door scenes, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
Sometimes books are so over the top and silly that you can’t help but love them and that’s exactly how I felt while reading The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain. If you’ve read Mistakes We’ve Never Made, then you’ll remember Sybil as the runaway bride. Well, this is her story and you’ll be giggling the whole way through. Set in Maui readers will experience all the fun adventures that one can think of when you take a trip (especially a “solo honeymoon”) there. And with the addition of a few ex-fiancés mishaps ensue.
This was a fun one. I enjoyed it more than the previous book but don’t worry, you really don’t need to read it to enjoy this one. There’s romance (second chances anyone?), a great deal of introspection and growth, and a lot of fun to be within these pages. I very much recommend it as your next summer read!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a fun one. I enjoyed it more than the previous book but don’t worry, you really don’t need to read it to enjoy this one. There’s romance (second chances anyone?), a great deal of introspection and growth, and a lot of fun to be within these pages. I very much recommend it as your next summer read!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 1, 2025
After absolutely loving Mistakes We Never Made last year, I was thrilled to see there was a sequel—and The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain did not disappoint!
This follow-up dives into the chaos that led Sybil to abandon her wedding and send her best friends on a wild goose chase in the first book. Now, a year after yet another failed engagement, Sybil decides to finally use the vacation vouchers she was meant to enjoy with her ex-fiancé, Jamie. But things don’t go quite as planned when she unexpectedly runs into someone from her past—turning what was supposed to be a quiet getaway into an emotional rollercoaster.
This story delivers both a second-chance romance and a fake dating setup, blending laugh-out-loud moments with emotional depth. Yes, it includes the miscommunication trope—but in this case, I felt it was handled well and made sense within the context of the story. It wasn’t frustrating; instead, it added layers to the unfolding drama and character growth.
Speaking of which, the character development in this book is excellent. Sybil’s journey is heartfelt and authentic, and I appreciated how much of her growth was shown directly on the page. Her emotional arc felt earned and satisfying.
Thanks to Forever for the ARC! I highly recommend this book to fans of romantic comedies with heart, hijinks, and healing.
This follow-up dives into the chaos that led Sybil to abandon her wedding and send her best friends on a wild goose chase in the first book. Now, a year after yet another failed engagement, Sybil decides to finally use the vacation vouchers she was meant to enjoy with her ex-fiancé, Jamie. But things don’t go quite as planned when she unexpectedly runs into someone from her past—turning what was supposed to be a quiet getaway into an emotional rollercoaster.
This story delivers both a second-chance romance and a fake dating setup, blending laugh-out-loud moments with emotional depth. Yes, it includes the miscommunication trope—but in this case, I felt it was handled well and made sense within the context of the story. It wasn’t frustrating; instead, it added layers to the unfolding drama and character growth.
Speaking of which, the character development in this book is excellent. Sybil’s journey is heartfelt and authentic, and I appreciated how much of her growth was shown directly on the page. Her emotional arc felt earned and satisfying.
Thanks to Forever for the ARC! I highly recommend this book to fans of romantic comedies with heart, hijinks, and healing.
July 8, 2025
I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this! It was my first book by Hannah Brown and although it was apparent that there was a book one that I hadn't read yet it didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. The little snippets of the story I got from this book were intriguing and while I plan on reading book one I don't necessarily need to. This one can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Sybil's story is delightful and filled with plenty of cute and funny moments while also packing quite an emotional punch that I didn't see coming. Her relationship with Jamie was a fantastic second chance romance. Normally I have a hard time with a miscommunication trope but this one worked well and I couldn't resist rooting for their happily ever after.
The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain is a definite candidate for my top summer romance this year! Between the setting, the characters, and the humor it's summer time perfection!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Sybil's story is delightful and filled with plenty of cute and funny moments while also packing quite an emotional punch that I didn't see coming. Her relationship with Jamie was a fantastic second chance romance. Normally I have a hard time with a miscommunication trope but this one worked well and I couldn't resist rooting for their happily ever after.
The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain is a definite candidate for my top summer romance this year! Between the setting, the characters, and the humor it's summer time perfection!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 17, 2025
Okay Hannah Brown!!!! I was genuinely surprised by this book. I read Hannah’s first book and just thought it was okay, but this one genuinely pulled on my heartstrings. This book follows Sybil who recently cancelled her marriage but still had vouchers to Hawaii for her supposed to be honeymoon. When she arrives she runs into her ex fiancé and thus starts our second chance romance. We also flashback and follow all Sybil’s relationships and reasons how she became a runaway bride. This story was surprisingly deep and also fun at the same time! I highly enjoyed it. Thank you NetGalley.
June 20, 2025
Many thanks to Hachette Audio and Forever for the gifted advanced listening copy!
One year after her wedding literally goes up in flames (yes, at the altar), Sybil Rain is still reeling. At the urging of her friends, she cashes in the honeymoon voucher she never used and sets off for a tropical reset. But paradise has its own plans: her ex-fiancé Jamie is staying at the same resort. Over the course of the novel, we travel through Sybil’s past as she reflects on the three men she was previously engaged to, unpacking how each relationship shaped her complicated sense of self and her belief in her own worthiness of love. Layered into the present-day chaos of this destination vacation are shocking arrivals, impulsive excursions, old heartbreaks, and some hard-earned emotional clarity.
This is the perfect example of why it’s worth sticking with a main character who may not click with you right away. I initially struggled to connect with Sybil - her decisions felt puzzling. But partway through, a single revelation shifted everything. Suddenly, her eccentricity, her longing, and her defense mechanisms all made sense. I was so glad I stayed. What emerges is a tender, messy, self-aware journey toward healing and connection.
🎧 Audiobook Notes: Cherami Leigh was a new-to-me narrator, and she nailed it. Her performance captured Sybil’s offbeat charm and the emotional undercurrents of the story beautifully. She brought the character’s grief, humor, and hope to life in a way that made this audiobook an absolute standout. (8 hrs, 53 mins)
One year after her wedding literally goes up in flames (yes, at the altar), Sybil Rain is still reeling. At the urging of her friends, she cashes in the honeymoon voucher she never used and sets off for a tropical reset. But paradise has its own plans: her ex-fiancé Jamie is staying at the same resort. Over the course of the novel, we travel through Sybil’s past as she reflects on the three men she was previously engaged to, unpacking how each relationship shaped her complicated sense of self and her belief in her own worthiness of love. Layered into the present-day chaos of this destination vacation are shocking arrivals, impulsive excursions, old heartbreaks, and some hard-earned emotional clarity.
This is the perfect example of why it’s worth sticking with a main character who may not click with you right away. I initially struggled to connect with Sybil - her decisions felt puzzling. But partway through, a single revelation shifted everything. Suddenly, her eccentricity, her longing, and her defense mechanisms all made sense. I was so glad I stayed. What emerges is a tender, messy, self-aware journey toward healing and connection.
🎧 Audiobook Notes: Cherami Leigh was a new-to-me narrator, and she nailed it. Her performance captured Sybil’s offbeat charm and the emotional undercurrents of the story beautifully. She brought the character’s grief, humor, and hope to life in a way that made this audiobook an absolute standout. (8 hrs, 53 mins)
June 5, 2025
Fake dating and second chance romance, two of my favorite tropes all in one book, yet uniquely brings them together in a Rom-com that will keep you guessing till the end! I enjoyed Hannah Brown’s first book and literally could not wait to read her second installment of this series. It didn’t disappoint! Sybil’s story is funny, heartbreaking, and honest. It was easy to settle into the story because Sybil’s experiences and emotions throughout her life are really relatable. The author’s do a great job of capturing the genuine growth of Sybil from her high school self to who she is now.
I listened to the audiobook for this read and could not stop listening. I usually struggle with audiobooks, constantly having to back up the story because I zoned out and missed too much. That did not happen in this book. The reader’s voice is engaging and dynamic, full of emotion and inflection that draws you in and made it easy to listen. There is a good distinction between character’s voices during dialogue and you really feel as if Sybil is the one narrating her story in real time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to the audiobook for this read and could not stop listening. I usually struggle with audiobooks, constantly having to back up the story because I zoned out and missed too much. That did not happen in this book. The reader’s voice is engaging and dynamic, full of emotion and inflection that draws you in and made it easy to listen. There is a good distinction between character’s voices during dialogue and you really feel as if Sybil is the one narrating her story in real time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2025
First off, thank you to NetGalley, Forever and Hackett audio for the ARC audiobook!
This book made me realize how much I love a second chance romance! “The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain” had more depth than expected and I found my heart aching for Sybil more than once as she navigated seeing her ex-fiancés again, her insecurities, and past trauma. I listened to the audiobook (which was narrated so well!) and literally SCREAMED in frustration in my car multiple times when important moments between Sybil and her ex (I won’t spoil it and say which one) were thwarted. I also really loved the friendships of “the Core Four” because they added a really beautiful layer of friendship to the story beyond the romance. Truly such a great summer read!
Ultimately, this book made me want to do two things:
1) Get back to Maui STAT 🌺🌴
2) Read Hannah Brown’s other fiction 💖📖🌹
If you’re a romance reader, do yourself a favor and pick up this book for the summer!
This book made me realize how much I love a second chance romance! “The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain” had more depth than expected and I found my heart aching for Sybil more than once as she navigated seeing her ex-fiancés again, her insecurities, and past trauma. I listened to the audiobook (which was narrated so well!) and literally SCREAMED in frustration in my car multiple times when important moments between Sybil and her ex (I won’t spoil it and say which one) were thwarted. I also really loved the friendships of “the Core Four” because they added a really beautiful layer of friendship to the story beyond the romance. Truly such a great summer read!
Ultimately, this book made me want to do two things:
1) Get back to Maui STAT 🌺🌴
2) Read Hannah Brown’s other fiction 💖📖🌹
If you’re a romance reader, do yourself a favor and pick up this book for the summer!
June 3, 2025
The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain
By: Hannah Brown
Pub Date: June 24. 2025
Publisher: Forever (Audiobook)
I remember watching The Bachelorette and Hannah’s journey and knew she was someone to look out for. I have enjoyed all her books.
This one follows Sybil’s journey. She sets out to Hawaii, which was paid for the previous year for her upcoming wedding, which was cancelled. She has credits she needs to use and what better place to unwind!
Little did she expect to run into her then-fiancé Jaimie, which sends her spiraling just a bit. Apparently, his family business is thinking about buying the resort she is at. She will run into other men from her life and discover she must deal with her past to move forward.
I enjoyed how authentic her story is and her realization that she needs to face her past challenges. Can she find the love she truly wants and deserves? Will it be with Jaimie?
I listened to the audio and the narrator was perfect. If you love second chance romances this one is a perfect beach read.
By: Hannah Brown
Pub Date: June 24. 2025
Publisher: Forever (Audiobook)
I remember watching The Bachelorette and Hannah’s journey and knew she was someone to look out for. I have enjoyed all her books.
This one follows Sybil’s journey. She sets out to Hawaii, which was paid for the previous year for her upcoming wedding, which was cancelled. She has credits she needs to use and what better place to unwind!
Little did she expect to run into her then-fiancé Jaimie, which sends her spiraling just a bit. Apparently, his family business is thinking about buying the resort she is at. She will run into other men from her life and discover she must deal with her past to move forward.
I enjoyed how authentic her story is and her realization that she needs to face her past challenges. Can she find the love she truly wants and deserves? Will it be with Jaimie?
I listened to the audio and the narrator was perfect. If you love second chance romances this one is a perfect beach read.
July 17, 2025
Let me first write some positives before I absolutely tear this apart. I absolutely love the plot of Hannah’s books and I honestly don’t mind the writing. It’s simplistic but light and funny, and the descriptions are great. The plots are cute and fun but oh my GOD does she know how to write the most INSUFFERABLE, unlikable, toxic characters in existence.
I have no idea how Hannah Brown, arguably one of the most likable, sweetest person to come out of reality tv, continues to create the ugliest characters. Before I get into my hatred of Sybil, I need to discuss her trash men. Literally all of them are bad. Sybil is constantly defining herself by the men she’s with and maybe that’s what makes her so terrible because they all suck too!!! Liam is clearly evil and the worst, Seb is like, fine I guess, but a terrible partner, and Jamie is a gaslighting loser who listens to his family way too much. He is also so unbelievably immature and has zero communication skills.
And all of that said, I STILL think Jamie deserves better than Sybil. I HATE HER!!!!! I almost DNF’d this 5 times over some stupid shit she pulled. I can’t explain my distaste for her character. She is constantly playing the victim when she has NEVER ONCE been a victim. When Jamie said it was his fault they didn’t get married in the epilogue I literally almost DNF’d it at 99%. I could barely bring myself to read the last chapter. You can’t write the most toxic person to ever exist and then try to sweep all of their issues under the rug by throwing in infertility. There are plenty of people who struggle with infertility who are not the worst people to ever exist.
Sybil bulldozes through her life hurting literally EVERYONE around her - her friends, her family, her partners. It does not end. She doesn’t care about a single person other than herself and never thinks about how her actions affect other people and yet everyone in her life just allows it?? And is like “oh no don’t even feel bad you’re so fine!!” HUH????? When she said her friends never make her question if she’s worthy of their love?? Sybil is a liar and constantly keeps secrets from her friends. She’s a HORRIBLE!!!!!! friend. YOU DON’T DESERVE ANY OF THEM!!! The way she suddenly realizes all of these flaws about her and is like “Jamie loves me even though I’m the worst person to ever exist, I NEED to be with him!!!!” Did not work for me at all, either.
It frustrates me that Hannah used the miscommunication trope to drive both of her second chance romances because the miscommunication in both were so severe, it made it impossible to believe they could be in a healthy relationship with each other even despite their “growth.” There’s absolutely ZERO chance Jamie and Sybil could ever be together. Like oh my god. They barely had any chemistry the entire book and had one scene where they were fighting. After being broken up the entire book and all the while Sybil was STILL considering getting back together with her other ex and running off to Thailand together??? And then POOF we had like 50 pages left and she decided Jamie was the one for her and they got back together??? HUH?????
I need to stop sharing my thoughts about this book now because it’s getting out of hand. Sybil deserves to be friendless and partnerless and alone forever. I absolutely hate her. The end! 🫶
I have no idea how Hannah Brown, arguably one of the most likable, sweetest person to come out of reality tv, continues to create the ugliest characters. Before I get into my hatred of Sybil, I need to discuss her trash men. Literally all of them are bad. Sybil is constantly defining herself by the men she’s with and maybe that’s what makes her so terrible because they all suck too!!! Liam is clearly evil and the worst, Seb is like, fine I guess, but a terrible partner, and Jamie is a gaslighting loser who listens to his family way too much. He is also so unbelievably immature and has zero communication skills.
And all of that said, I STILL think Jamie deserves better than Sybil. I HATE HER!!!!! I almost DNF’d this 5 times over some stupid shit she pulled. I can’t explain my distaste for her character. She is constantly playing the victim when she has NEVER ONCE been a victim. When Jamie said it was his fault they didn’t get married in the epilogue I literally almost DNF’d it at 99%. I could barely bring myself to read the last chapter. You can’t write the most toxic person to ever exist and then try to sweep all of their issues under the rug by throwing in infertility. There are plenty of people who struggle with infertility who are not the worst people to ever exist.
Sybil bulldozes through her life hurting literally EVERYONE around her - her friends, her family, her partners. It does not end. She doesn’t care about a single person other than herself and never thinks about how her actions affect other people and yet everyone in her life just allows it?? And is like “oh no don’t even feel bad you’re so fine!!” HUH????? When she said her friends never make her question if she’s worthy of their love?? Sybil is a liar and constantly keeps secrets from her friends. She’s a HORRIBLE!!!!!! friend. YOU DON’T DESERVE ANY OF THEM!!! The way she suddenly realizes all of these flaws about her and is like “Jamie loves me even though I’m the worst person to ever exist, I NEED to be with him!!!!” Did not work for me at all, either.
It frustrates me that Hannah used the miscommunication trope to drive both of her second chance romances because the miscommunication in both were so severe, it made it impossible to believe they could be in a healthy relationship with each other even despite their “growth.” There’s absolutely ZERO chance Jamie and Sybil could ever be together. Like oh my god. They barely had any chemistry the entire book and had one scene where they were fighting. After being broken up the entire book and all the while Sybil was STILL considering getting back together with her other ex and running off to Thailand together??? And then POOF we had like 50 pages left and she decided Jamie was the one for her and they got back together??? HUH?????
I need to stop sharing my thoughts about this book now because it’s getting out of hand. Sybil deserves to be friendless and partnerless and alone forever. I absolutely hate her. The end! 🫶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
Thank you Hannah Brown, Hachette Audio & NetGalley for providing this ARC to review.
When I received this, I didn't realise it was the 2nd book in the [Mistakes We Never Made] series but thankfully it could be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to back tracking and reading the first book soon to better understand the background of this one.
The story focuses on an Sybil Rain, who heads off to paradise to enjoy what should of been her honeymoon destination after a third failed engagement. Having paid for the trip a year prior to the wedding being called off - she is in desperate need of an escape and this is the perfect opportunity. After an embarrassing run in with the man she should be calling her husband at the resort, Sybil lies and tells him she is here with a new boyfriend and things begin to spiral from there. Of course the guy playing fake new boyfriend part, is also another ex fiance from the past.
This book is for those who love a second chance romance. The FMC is relatable and its rewarding to see her growth throughout the book. With all the wild drama constantly throughout, there were some moments that were so unbelievable it pulled me away from the story but I did enjoy this one overall. I have never read anything by Hannah Brown, but the narrator brought this book to life. I was able to understand the emotions and challenges that Sybil goes through as well as picture the scenes playing out in my head. Cherami also did an excellent job of narrating both the female/male roles, giving clear distinction. Please check your triggers for this book as there is some heavier themes throughout.
If you're a fan of Christina Lauren, Meghan Quinn & Rebecca Serle, I think this book would be for you!
When I received this, I didn't realise it was the 2nd book in the [Mistakes We Never Made] series but thankfully it could be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to back tracking and reading the first book soon to better understand the background of this one.
The story focuses on an Sybil Rain, who heads off to paradise to enjoy what should of been her honeymoon destination after a third failed engagement. Having paid for the trip a year prior to the wedding being called off - she is in desperate need of an escape and this is the perfect opportunity. After an embarrassing run in with the man she should be calling her husband at the resort, Sybil lies and tells him she is here with a new boyfriend and things begin to spiral from there. Of course the guy playing fake new boyfriend part, is also another ex fiance from the past.
This book is for those who love a second chance romance. The FMC is relatable and its rewarding to see her growth throughout the book. With all the wild drama constantly throughout, there were some moments that were so unbelievable it pulled me away from the story but I did enjoy this one overall. I have never read anything by Hannah Brown, but the narrator brought this book to life. I was able to understand the emotions and challenges that Sybil goes through as well as picture the scenes playing out in my head. Cherami also did an excellent job of narrating both the female/male roles, giving clear distinction. Please check your triggers for this book as there is some heavier themes throughout.
If you're a fan of Christina Lauren, Meghan Quinn & Rebecca Serle, I think this book would be for you!
June 22, 2025
I have been a fan of Hannah Brown since she was on the Bachelor, so it’s been really fun to read her romance books. I liked Mistakes We Never Make, but The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain is now my favourite book of hers. This book follows Sybil, who was Emma’s best friend in the first book. Sybil has had 3 failed engagements and is ready to move forward, but ends up running into not one but two exes while on vacation in Hawaii. This story was so cute and had the perfect summer vibes. You would definitely enjoy this book if you enjoy romantic comedies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Thank you to Hannah Brown, Hachette Audio and NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Hannah Brown, Hachette Audio and NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2025
This was great! Loved that this book had a connection to her first book and many of the same characters. I’m hoping she writes a book for each member of the core 4 because I loved getting to know/ understand Sybil like I did Emma in the first book!
July 26, 2025
I hated this and the ending made me mad. I tried to give Hannah Brown a second chance but never again sorry.
July 15, 2025
I loved this!!
July 21, 2025
This was a cute, quick read! I genuinely liked this so much better than book #1 in the series. Read this if you're wanting a cute summer read. I liked the tie-in to the first book, and really loved Sybil as a FMC. I'm hoping Nikki will be book number 3. I did a hybrid of reading and listening. I really liked the narrator's voice and it kept me engaged. Thank you Hachette Audio and Hannah Brown for the audio in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC of this book!
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect, as I had not read or listened to any of Hannah Brown's other books prior to listening to this one. I was happily surprised with how much I enjoyed this book! The narrator, Cherami Leigh, did a great job with bringing Sybil's personality to life. Initially, I could find myself getting frustrating with Sybil's choices and mildly annoyed with her lackadaisical personality. However, as the book went on and her past was coming to light, I was able to understand her choices, even if I didn't always agree with them. It almost felt like I was in Jamie's position as the read, getting to learn and forgive Sybil with him. I enjoyed the premise of the flashbacks coming in as "first ring", "second ring", etc., as it was a cool way to learn more about her past and delve into more of the serious topics from her past that were highly important for her present.
I am a sucker for a second chance romance trope and a tropical romance trope and I did enjoy that the book brought Forgetting Sarah Marshall vibes. The only thing that I was left wanting was a bit more of the backstory with Jamie and Sybil, and more moments with Jamie at the hotel in general. I loved when they had the run ins, however I almost wanted more and to get a little bit deeper into their connection.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was the connection of Sybil's friendships in her story. Even though the friends are mostly not present with Sybil in her adventure, I love that they were a big part of her journey.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this listen/read and believe it's a great quick and easy summer beach read going into this summer.
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect, as I had not read or listened to any of Hannah Brown's other books prior to listening to this one. I was happily surprised with how much I enjoyed this book! The narrator, Cherami Leigh, did a great job with bringing Sybil's personality to life. Initially, I could find myself getting frustrating with Sybil's choices and mildly annoyed with her lackadaisical personality. However, as the book went on and her past was coming to light, I was able to understand her choices, even if I didn't always agree with them. It almost felt like I was in Jamie's position as the read, getting to learn and forgive Sybil with him. I enjoyed the premise of the flashbacks coming in as "first ring", "second ring", etc., as it was a cool way to learn more about her past and delve into more of the serious topics from her past that were highly important for her present.
I am a sucker for a second chance romance trope and a tropical romance trope and I did enjoy that the book brought Forgetting Sarah Marshall vibes. The only thing that I was left wanting was a bit more of the backstory with Jamie and Sybil, and more moments with Jamie at the hotel in general. I loved when they had the run ins, however I almost wanted more and to get a little bit deeper into their connection.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was the connection of Sybil's friendships in her story. Even though the friends are mostly not present with Sybil in her adventure, I love that they were a big part of her journey.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this listen/read and believe it's a great quick and easy summer beach read going into this summer.
June 24, 2025
Hadn't read Hannah Brown's first book, but received the audiobook for The Four Engagement Rings from NetGalley and am so glad I did. I was afraid Sybil would be unlikeable (poor thing, she's been proposed to so many times), or that there would be a toxic love triangle that would make me root for no one. This is what happens when we judge books too early! *insert remorse here*
I ended up loving Sybil's arc here. She had to face her past choices, mistakes and the actions of others who hurt her. Yet, she remained true to herself and her HEA was with the right man for her.
Jamie and Seb were fantastic, just enough territorialism without making it a competition amongst themselves. They both truly cared for Sybil and wanted her to be happy.
I will definitely be adding Hannah's first book to my TBR! Also, the narrator here was great! You could hear the emotion in her voice in a way I loved. Swoon-worthy romance and a fun summertime read!
I ended up loving Sybil's arc here. She had to face her past choices, mistakes and the actions of others who hurt her. Yet, she remained true to herself and her HEA was with the right man for her.
Jamie and Seb were fantastic, just enough territorialism without making it a competition amongst themselves. They both truly cared for Sybil and wanted her to be happy.
I will definitely be adding Hannah's first book to my TBR! Also, the narrator here was great! You could hear the emotion in her voice in a way I loved. Swoon-worthy romance and a fun summertime read!
June 19, 2025
I got the chance to listen to The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain by Hannah Brown as an audiobook ARC, and I happily accepted. I had already listened to the first book in this series (Mistakes We Never Made) and was really looking forward to finally understanding how and why everything unfolded the way it did with Sybil and her wedding that never happened.
In this book, we get those answers. It’s one year after the canceled wedding, and Sybil decides to use the voucher she got for the honeymoon — solo. She heads to Hawaii, where the honeymoon was supposed to be, and surprise: her ex-fiancé is there too. As the trip unfolds, Sybil reflects on why that engagement didn’t end happily… and not just that one. Sybil has actually been engaged three times, to three different men. So while she analyzes each of those past relationships, she also gets a chance to rekindle an old flame.
Structurally, the story alternates between the present-day trip and flashbacks to her past relationships. I really liked that approach — it helped me get to know Sybil better and understand the reasoning behind her actions. It was also fun to discover her story in small pieces. The back-and-forth kept things interesting, always giving me something new to uncover.
In Mistakes We Never Made, Sybil is already described in some detail — and while her best friend Emma might see her as “perfect,” it’s clear to the reader that there’s more going on. That definitely becomes evident in this book. Sybil is flawed, but inherently good. That’s what makes her so easy to connect with and root for. Her ex? Also a relatable and genuinely great guy.
The supporting cast — from her exes to friends and family — also felt real. Her relationships with all of them were believable and well-developed.
One thing I really appreciated was how the book balanced lighthearted romance with heavier topics. It touches on mental and physical health, difficult life phases, and toxic relationships — all without feeling heavy-handed. It’s obvious the author cares deeply about mental health, and that comes through in the writing.
The story flowed really well for me. It was fun and easy to listen to, even though some parts did feel a little forced or unrealistic. But then again, it’s a romance novel — and I’m not reading for realism. Some big coincidences are more than welcome.
I listened to the audiobook version and really liked the narrator. Her voice made the story come alive, and the way she slightly altered her tone for different characters — without sounding cringey or over-the-top — was gold. I always knew exactly who was speaking.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, character-driven romance. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but it definitely adds depth to Sybil’s story if you do.
It’s a solid 4/5 stars from me. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for anything else Hannah Brown writes — and fingers crossed we get a story about another one of the friend group soon!
In this book, we get those answers. It’s one year after the canceled wedding, and Sybil decides to use the voucher she got for the honeymoon — solo. She heads to Hawaii, where the honeymoon was supposed to be, and surprise: her ex-fiancé is there too. As the trip unfolds, Sybil reflects on why that engagement didn’t end happily… and not just that one. Sybil has actually been engaged three times, to three different men. So while she analyzes each of those past relationships, she also gets a chance to rekindle an old flame.
Structurally, the story alternates between the present-day trip and flashbacks to her past relationships. I really liked that approach — it helped me get to know Sybil better and understand the reasoning behind her actions. It was also fun to discover her story in small pieces. The back-and-forth kept things interesting, always giving me something new to uncover.
In Mistakes We Never Made, Sybil is already described in some detail — and while her best friend Emma might see her as “perfect,” it’s clear to the reader that there’s more going on. That definitely becomes evident in this book. Sybil is flawed, but inherently good. That’s what makes her so easy to connect with and root for. Her ex? Also a relatable and genuinely great guy.
The supporting cast — from her exes to friends and family — also felt real. Her relationships with all of them were believable and well-developed.
One thing I really appreciated was how the book balanced lighthearted romance with heavier topics. It touches on mental and physical health, difficult life phases, and toxic relationships — all without feeling heavy-handed. It’s obvious the author cares deeply about mental health, and that comes through in the writing.
The story flowed really well for me. It was fun and easy to listen to, even though some parts did feel a little forced or unrealistic. But then again, it’s a romance novel — and I’m not reading for realism. Some big coincidences are more than welcome.
I listened to the audiobook version and really liked the narrator. Her voice made the story come alive, and the way she slightly altered her tone for different characters — without sounding cringey or over-the-top — was gold. I always knew exactly who was speaking.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, character-driven romance. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but it definitely adds depth to Sybil’s story if you do.
It’s a solid 4/5 stars from me. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for anything else Hannah Brown writes — and fingers crossed we get a story about another one of the friend group soon!
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