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The Brightest Light #3
El lugar más inesperado del amor
ELLA SIEMPRE SIGUE LAS REGLAS.
ÉL SIGNIFICA ROMPERLAS TODAS.
Lila lleva años evitando al doctor Abner. No tanto porque sea una eminencia en su universidad, sino porque Reed es amigo de la familia y se niega a correr el riesgo de que alguien piense que el popular profesor tiene favoritismos. Aunque también está encantada de fingir no conocerle cuando la pilla pinchándole las ruedas a su exnovio.
Su plan parece funcionar hasta que acaba haciendo sus prácticas de máster en el centro juvenil que Reed coordina. Entonces comprende que trabajar juntos plantea un gran él es su superior, doce años mayor que ella y amigo de sus padres. Y a medida que comienza a sentir cosas que no debería, Lila se pregunta si enamorarse de él será su peor error.
NO PUEDES RENUNCIAR A LA LUZ QUE TE HACE SENTIR VIVO.
ÉL SIGNIFICA ROMPERLAS TODAS.
Lila lleva años evitando al doctor Abner. No tanto porque sea una eminencia en su universidad, sino porque Reed es amigo de la familia y se niega a correr el riesgo de que alguien piense que el popular profesor tiene favoritismos. Aunque también está encantada de fingir no conocerle cuando la pilla pinchándole las ruedas a su exnovio.
Su plan parece funcionar hasta que acaba haciendo sus prácticas de máster en el centro juvenil que Reed coordina. Entonces comprende que trabajar juntos plantea un gran él es su superior, doce años mayor que ella y amigo de sus padres. Y a medida que comienza a sentir cosas que no debería, Lila se pregunta si enamorarse de él será su peor error.
NO PUEDES RENUNCIAR A LA LUZ QUE TE HACE SENTIR VIVO.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
397 people are currently reading
20511 people want to read
About the author
Lisina Coney
6 books1,551 followersLisina Coney is a Spanish international bestselling romance author in her twenties.
She’s a lover of slow-burn stories with happy endings and main characters who help readers feel less alone in their journeys.
When she’s not reading or writing, Lisina can be found fighting people over the last French fry, spending too much time on social media (Gen Z habits die hard), and pestering her two very patient cats.
She’s a lover of slow-burn stories with happy endings and main characters who help readers feel less alone in their journeys.
When she’s not reading or writing, Lisina can be found fighting people over the last French fry, spending too much time on social media (Gen Z habits die hard), and pestering her two very patient cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews
August 1, 2025
₊˚⊹ 💐 𝓟ost read
4.5 stars ★
⋆. 𓂃 my thoughts
oh my god this book was the best in the series and i’m really really sad to have reached the end. lisina coney creates golden boys so effortlessly, it’s in her blood and she does it amazingly well… seriously, it comes naturally to her. honestly the brightest light of sunshine series is one of the most beautiful i’ve ever read and i truly mean it. i really love lisina’s writing, it’s so smooth, addictive, simple you just can’t take your eyes off the book. i’m the saddest person in the world knowing i won’t get to read another callaghan spin off but i’ll survive haha. this series is in my heart and i recommend it to everyone please read it.
⋆. 𓂃 the romances
what can i even say? there’s no word in the encyclopedia that can describe how much i loved the romance… this was exactly the kind of romance i wanted. reed and lila are an amazing couple, even if to be honest i didn’t really get the whole supervisor x student trope… but honestly? i don’t care. i spent the whole time freaking out over reed’s beautiful words, especially chapter 38 (it was amazing and stunning). the romance felt perfect to me, like really beautiful, not over the top, and i didn’t see any possessiveness — which i deeply hate. this is the only time slow burn actually worked for me and i mean it, the only book. the age gap? a trope i usually hate? well, i didn’t even feel it and i don’t give a damn.
⋆. 𓂃 the characters
┆ ⤿ lila: i have to say lila was the character of the evening who touched me the most, she’s such a sweet girl just like her mother and the scenes with the kids? or with the puppy? i’m already crying just thinking about them. i see so much of myself in lila, especially in her journey with studying. i appreciate her so much as a person, she’s so sweet, too sweet, so kind… i don’t understand the hate she got from the people she thought were her friends, but her relationship with mariah was beautiful. they were just jealous. every time she talked to melody or ike (my baby) my heart would just melt. she truly has a heart of gold. and her relationship with reed? pure perfection. just so beautiful. especially her courage to try again and reconnect with him, chapter 38 oh my god, i’m still crying in my little corner and that’s probably for the best.
┆ ⤿ reed: your past is one of the saddest things i’ve ever read. seriously, like lila said, you don’t deserve any of it. when i read the scene at the cemetery where you talk to your parents about lila… i swear i want a guy like you, someone who would do anything just to see someone else happy. brushing her hair, dropping out of university for lila (i’m still not sure if that was a smart choice, but maybe it was, after that job you got hehe), getting a tattoo with wings over your scars to remember lila. i’m crying, and honestly i could cry all night. such a beautiful character. please tell me that men like him actually exist please, let me just be delulu for once…
this part destroyed me, and it was when reed goes to talk to his abusive death parents, persons that didn’t even know what taking care of a child means.
⋆. 𓂃 quotes
₊˚⊹ 💐 𝓟re read
i will never get tired of lisina coney
4.5 stars ★
To everyone who struggles with self-doubt. You deserve all the happiness and success you dream of. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise—not even yourself.
⋆. 𓂃 my thoughts
oh my god this book was the best in the series and i’m really really sad to have reached the end. lisina coney creates golden boys so effortlessly, it’s in her blood and she does it amazingly well… seriously, it comes naturally to her. honestly the brightest light of sunshine series is one of the most beautiful i’ve ever read and i truly mean it. i really love lisina’s writing, it’s so smooth, addictive, simple you just can’t take your eyes off the book. i’m the saddest person in the world knowing i won’t get to read another callaghan spin off but i’ll survive haha. this series is in my heart and i recommend it to everyone please read it.
⋆. 𓂃 the romances
what can i even say? there’s no word in the encyclopedia that can describe how much i loved the romance… this was exactly the kind of romance i wanted. reed and lila are an amazing couple, even if to be honest i didn’t really get the whole supervisor x student trope… but honestly? i don’t care. i spent the whole time freaking out over reed’s beautiful words, especially chapter 38 (it was amazing and stunning). the romance felt perfect to me, like really beautiful, not over the top, and i didn’t see any possessiveness — which i deeply hate. this is the only time slow burn actually worked for me and i mean it, the only book. the age gap? a trope i usually hate? well, i didn’t even feel it and i don’t give a damn.
⋆. 𓂃 the characters
┆ ⤿ lila: i have to say lila was the character of the evening who touched me the most, she’s such a sweet girl just like her mother and the scenes with the kids? or with the puppy? i’m already crying just thinking about them. i see so much of myself in lila, especially in her journey with studying. i appreciate her so much as a person, she’s so sweet, too sweet, so kind… i don’t understand the hate she got from the people she thought were her friends, but her relationship with mariah was beautiful. they were just jealous. every time she talked to melody or ike (my baby) my heart would just melt. she truly has a heart of gold. and her relationship with reed? pure perfection. just so beautiful. especially her courage to try again and reconnect with him, chapter 38 oh my god, i’m still crying in my little corner and that’s probably for the best.
Because even if they weren’t praising me, I would still feel proud of myself for getting on this stage and nailing my presentation. I, Lila Callaghan, finally believe in myself.
┆ ⤿ reed: your past is one of the saddest things i’ve ever read. seriously, like lila said, you don’t deserve any of it. when i read the scene at the cemetery where you talk to your parents about lila… i swear i want a guy like you, someone who would do anything just to see someone else happy. brushing her hair, dropping out of university for lila (i’m still not sure if that was a smart choice, but maybe it was, after that job you got hehe), getting a tattoo with wings over your scars to remember lila. i’m crying, and honestly i could cry all night. such a beautiful character. please tell me that men like him actually exist please, let me just be delulu for once…
“I met someone,”
“She’s an amazing woman. So fucking smart. So generous. So beautiful, she takes my breath away. I’d never been in love before her.”
“And I threw it all away,” I conclude. “Because of you.”
“You ruined me,”
“You abused me, put me in danger, and scarred me forever in countless, cruel ways.”
“You said I would never be able to take care of anyone,” I keep going. “But that isn’t true—I took care of myself better than you ever did. And I’m taking care of her.” I glance down at Ginny, who looks up at me with her tongue hanging out from her mouth.
“I’m here.” I swallow back the unexpected lump in my throat. “Even after all you did to me, I’m still standing. I’ve made a life for myself—one I’m proud of. You don’t define me.”
“I will always hate you for what you did to me, but I refuse to let you take any more space in my life,” I say into the nothingness. “I thought you’d broken me, but Lila showed me the real me was just locked away. I won’t let you kill me while I’m still breathing. I survived you once, and I will keep doing it.”
“I love you, little one. You know that?” I tell her as the puppy keeps licking away. “I hope I’m being a good dad to you.”
this part destroyed me, and it was when reed goes to talk to his abusive death parents, persons that didn’t even know what taking care of a child means.
⋆. 𓂃 quotes
“You once asked what keeps me calm,” I rasp out, my fingers itching to move closer to her waist. “I called you because it’s you, angel. You keep me calm.”
“You once asked me what you could possibly teach me that I didn’t already know,”
“I remember,”
“I said you taught me plenty of things, and you didn’t believe me,” he says. “But you taught me the most important thing of all, Lila. You taught me how to love.”
“My parents made me think love was something conditional and hurtful,” he adds. “I let them define me for so long, convinced they were right. But then you came along and shattered all my inhibitions without even meaning to. It’s like I’ve been sleeping all my life, and now I look at you and see the good of life for the first time.”
“Why do you call me angel?”
“I’m not much of a spiritual person, Lila, but I believe you were sent to this world to heal my soul,” he says. “And not just mine, as much as I want to keep you to myself. You’re a gift to this world. You make everyone’s life better just by being near them. You love unconditionally, and I admire you so damn much for it. You’re an angel walking among mortals, and I’m so damn lucky to call you mine.” “How are you real?” I breathe out. “I could ask you the same thing.”
₊˚⊹ 💐 𝓟re read
i will never get tired of lisina coney
Read
September 24, 2024She didn't deserve him. He's way too f*cking good for her! I can't believe he ended up with someone like her. 😤
And why the heck did Lila and her parents blame Reed for what happened when Lila is also a grown ass adult who should've known better? 🤦♀️ It was a consensual relationship between them, so why do they make it look like Reed sort of took advantage of her and hurt her in the process??? 🥴 It was Lila, the ever wishy-washy immature womanchild, who made a huge fuss. I can't believe the audacity of this girl. Ugh!!! 😤
My hatred for her character is unparalleled. Like, I really, really despise her. She's not worthy of him, and I'm afraid Reed settled for something less when he chose her. He can do soooo much better. 🤧 There, I said what I said. 🙄
I was so excited for this, but gooosh, this was a freaking disappointment. I'm not gonna review this the way I normally do because if I have to remember everything that went down here, I'm just gonna be furious all over again. 😤 All I know is that this is a huge letdown as the series last book. 😭
And why the heck did Lila and her parents blame Reed for what happened when Lila is also a grown ass adult who should've known better? 🤦♀️ It was a consensual relationship between them, so why do they make it look like Reed sort of took advantage of her and hurt her in the process??? 🥴 It was Lila, the ever wishy-washy immature womanchild, who made a huge fuss. I can't believe the audacity of this girl. Ugh!!! 😤
My hatred for her character is unparalleled. Like, I really, really despise her. She's not worthy of him, and I'm afraid Reed settled for something less when he chose her. He can do soooo much better. 🤧 There, I said what I said. 🙄
I was so excited for this, but gooosh, this was a freaking disappointment. I'm not gonna review this the way I normally do because if I have to remember everything that went down here, I'm just gonna be furious all over again. 😤 All I know is that this is a huge letdown as the series last book. 😭
November 7, 2025
Sadly we have reached the finale of this beautiful series 📚 💖 ✨ And, no better way to end it than a book dedicated to the daughter of the couple that kick started the series - our beautiful, sweet and incredibly intelligent, Lila 🥹
“All my life, I’ve played it safe. Maybe it’s time I hold my breath and dive in for once." 💖✨
What an incredibly touching and beautiful story to end the series. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending…BRB, crying my eyes out after reading the epilogue 😭
I LOVED Lila from the word go. Coney has a real gift had created relatable characters and I felt such a deep connection with Lila. She's a rule follower. She has grown up trying to be perfect at everything she does, and has excelled beyond most of her peers. Moreover, she is the sweetest girl ever, just like her mum, Grace. There were so many moments that nearly brought me to tears - her with the kids, and the puppy… 😭 Her emotions were so realistic and I mean it when I say she genuinely felt like a real person; I want to be her bestie!
"You need to start making decisions based on what you want—not what you think others will approve of." ☝🏽
Reed. Doctor of Psychology, renowned researcher, and one of the most sought-after academics of his generation in the child welfare and foster care fields . He was so driven to do good and had such a big heart. He literally had the kindest, most selfless soul ever. But the saddest thing is that it all came from a place of trauma. He is a complex man, I will give you that. And the bit with the tattoo? 🤐🥲😍💖
"How do you tell someone that you’re falling in love with their mind without freaking them out?" 💖 🥹✨
This couple were a match made in heaven. The way they bounced ideas off each other and helped to build each other up, stronger and brighter than before was just so beautiful to watch. Despite the age gap, Reed always spoke to Lila as an equal, and they were romantic without being over the top.
Across all of the books in this series, I think this one had the most complex plot. There was a lot going on between all of the characters, not just Lila and Reed. It could have been overwhelming and messy but it wasn’t at all. It read smoothly and was ever so captivating. I am honestly blown away by the care and attention that went into putting this book together, and so effortlessly.
I am so sad to have reached the end of this truly beautiful series. Lisina is incredibly gifted and has put her talents to great use in creating a wonderful community across the 3 books 📚 I love her writing style and have thoroughly enjoyed reading every single page of her books. This series will remain in my heart, always 💖
"And I realize there’s nothing, absolutely anything, I would’ve done differently. Because every painful lesson got me here, to this life that feels so complete. To the brightest light." ☀️💖✨
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“All my life, I’ve played it safe. Maybe it’s time I hold my breath and dive in for once." 💖✨
What an incredibly touching and beautiful story to end the series. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending…BRB, crying my eyes out after reading the epilogue 😭
I LOVED Lila from the word go. Coney has a real gift had created relatable characters and I felt such a deep connection with Lila. She's a rule follower. She has grown up trying to be perfect at everything she does, and has excelled beyond most of her peers. Moreover, she is the sweetest girl ever, just like her mum, Grace. There were so many moments that nearly brought me to tears - her with the kids, and the puppy… 😭 Her emotions were so realistic and I mean it when I say she genuinely felt like a real person; I want to be her bestie!
"You need to start making decisions based on what you want—not what you think others will approve of." ☝🏽
Reed. Doctor of Psychology, renowned researcher, and one of the most sought-after academics of his generation in the child welfare and foster care fields . He was so driven to do good and had such a big heart. He literally had the kindest, most selfless soul ever. But the saddest thing is that it all came from a place of trauma. He is a complex man, I will give you that. And the bit with the tattoo? 🤐🥲😍💖
"How do you tell someone that you’re falling in love with their mind without freaking them out?" 💖 🥹✨
This couple were a match made in heaven. The way they bounced ideas off each other and helped to build each other up, stronger and brighter than before was just so beautiful to watch. Despite the age gap, Reed always spoke to Lila as an equal, and they were romantic without being over the top.
Across all of the books in this series, I think this one had the most complex plot. There was a lot going on between all of the characters, not just Lila and Reed. It could have been overwhelming and messy but it wasn’t at all. It read smoothly and was ever so captivating. I am honestly blown away by the care and attention that went into putting this book together, and so effortlessly.
I am so sad to have reached the end of this truly beautiful series. Lisina is incredibly gifted and has put her talents to great use in creating a wonderful community across the 3 books 📚 I love her writing style and have thoroughly enjoyed reading every single page of her books. This series will remain in my heart, always 💖
"And I realize there’s nothing, absolutely anything, I would’ve done differently. Because every painful lesson got me here, to this life that feels so complete. To the brightest light." ☀️💖✨
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 19, 2024
And I realize there’s nothing, absolutely anything, I would’ve done differently. Because every painful lesson got me here, to this life that feels so complete. To the brightest light.
✧𓈒⋆ 4.5 stars 𓈒⋆✧
wow just wow! honestly, this series was in my tbr for a very long time — i was waiting for the right moment to start it and, let me tell you, i found that right moment! first things first, i haven't read the first two books, so i kind of went here blind and got out knowing where the couples from previous books ended up, but if you're afraid to get to know this series starting from this book, please don't be. it could be read as a standalone and i definitely understood a family dynamic which was basically the heart of this book. this warm feeling cocooned me from the very first interaction between lila and her parents and it didn't let me go up until the end. it was perfect, you know? i absolutely adored this book and the message it sent. the message found me when i needed it the most and i don't know if it's a universe telling me something or not, but this book felt like a hug after an exhausting day, like a breath of fresh air after being in a crowded room. it
i was really hesitant to request it because i read that it's a forbidden attraction between an intern and her supervisor and i'm not really a fan of such dynamic as i feared it could be another aria x ezra situation [yes, pll traumatized me for life], but in no way it felt like that. the age gap is quite big, but both characters are so mature and thoughtful, they absolutely understand the dynamic between them and their bond is explored with such a care, it felt so layered and complex, so intense and powerful. i absolutely loved the connection between lila and reed and how their story evolved. the chemistry shone through the pages and i was fascinated with it, but most important i loved how strong and captivating they both were.
this book sends such a beautiful and empowering message, and i'm so so so thankful for this book because i read it when i needed to hear those words of affirmation.
“You deserve to be here, Lila,” I mutter as she hugs me back, resting her head on my chest. “You shine brighter than anyone else I’ve ever met. All your hard work has gotten you this opportunity—enjoy it, angel. Have fun on that stage because you’ve earned every second of it.”
✧𓈒⋆ lila callaghan 𓈒⋆✧
lila is written for the girls like myself — for the girls who don't believe in their worth, who tend to minimise their achievements to not offend other people, for the pathological people pleasers. i felt so seen when i read her pov, it felt like lisina coney just wrote everything that i felt, every insecurity, every intrusive thought, every uncertainty. i absolutely loved lila and how real she felt. my heart was literally breaking and i wanted to scream whenever lila doubted herself and couldn't believe that she deserves to be praised for her extraordinary mind, that she's valued because of who she is and not because of her parents or privilege.
the last 20% of this book showcased the real growth for lila and i absolutely loved how the healing was explored in this book. how lila needed to discover herself outside of her dreams to be able to move forward and accept that she was worth it, that she deserved the spot she fought for. would i wanted to read more of the time lila spent in her aunt's city? yes, sure, but even with this small amount of self-reflection i believed in lila's journey, i saw how she changed and how she matured throughout it all.
“My parents made me think love was something conditional and hurtful,” he adds. “I let them define me for so long, convinced they were right. But then you came along and shattered all my inhibitions without even meaning to. It’s like I’ve been sleeping all my life, and now I look at you and see the good of life for the first time.”
✧𓈒⋆ reed abner 𓈒⋆✧
look, give me a man that doesn't believe in love until he mets that one girl and i'll eat it up every time. reed was perfect and i don't even know where to start. his story broke my heart, but throughout the progression of this book his story also mended my heart bit by bit. i loved how calm and collected, but at the same time so emotional, reed was. how he acted with those kids from youth center really made me want to cry because he never knew unconditional love and support, but he still was able to give those kids everything they needed.
also him and the puppy? i'm not even kidding, but when reed and lila were taking care of ginny after the kids found her i cried like crazy. the scene in vet clinic? please i was on the verge of the mental breakdown because of ginny. however, it was so beautiful to see how reed finally was able to deal with his previous trauma by taking care of the puppy, how he understood that it's not him who was responsible for daisy's disappearance.
reed's healing story was an absolute perfection, i loved how the traumatizing event from his childhood were explored with such a care.
“How do you always have the right words to keep me calm?” Her fingers graze my neck. “Who keeps you calm, Reed?”
You, angel. You keep me calm.
But I say nothing.
✧𓈒⋆ lila & reed 𓈒⋆✧
when he cares for you more than he cares for anything else >>>>>>
honestly, i had my concerns because of the big age gap and the potential dynamic, but i swear i've never been so satisfied for being so wrong. their chemistry? amazing! their dynamic? absolutely mesmerising! their scenes? i wanted more! and it's not that often i can say such things about the similar couples.
i loved how the story between them evolved in parallel to their own stories — how they needed to heal individually before starting their journey together. it was absolutely beautiful and captivating. the hesitation between them was absolutely understandable and i honestly had quite a few moments where i thought that maybe by the end of this book they could stay separated as, with all that moral stuff it would've been understandable too, but also i absolutely enjoyed the ending and how the things were handled. the message of finding yourself before entering any relationship is the one that a lot of people need to hear and i loved how this was explored in this book.
along with some really swoonworthy scenes from both reed and lila, as throughout this whole book i wanted more! i wanted for them to finally get together, to finally follow their hearts, but let me promise you that the wait is one hundred percent worth it! it was so so so good, by the end i was really a mess, but i loved every bit of it!
How do you tell someone that you’re falling in love with their mind without freaking them out? Not only with her mind. The urge to tell her that she’s the most fascinating, down-to-earth, smart, passionate, fucking beautiful woman I’ve ever met dies in my throat.
so, in conclusion, i can say that this book was absolutely perfect! with complicated dynamics, some beautifully written storylines and perfectly crafted dynamics between the characters. as i haven't read the first two books, i'm definitely going to get back to them because i need to know the full story of cal and grace and maddie and james. and i know i'm going to cry when reading maddie's book because i already feel so sympathetic towards her.
anyway, if you're having doubts if this book is what you need, please just try it. i know i did and i don't regret it at all!
thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review
September 22, 2024
this was gearing up to be my favorite in the series until the last 150 pages 😐 other than that i really enjoyed itttt
October 23, 2025
Lo devoré, hermoso el cierre de la trilogía.
Es una historia adictiva, con un buen age gap, y la tensión que tiene que tener un romance prohibido. Los protagonistas son increíbles, son el uno para el otro y me gustó ver la dinámica entre ellos.
Además, ambos están en el ámbito de asistencia social, y los temas que tratan están tratados con mucho respeto, me gustó ver el trabajo que hacían en el centro juvenil y cómo le enseñaban a los chicos sobre temas importantes como la ESI.
Es un gran cierre de la trilogía, todas las historias fueron increíbles a su manera.
Es una historia adictiva, con un buen age gap, y la tensión que tiene que tener un romance prohibido. Los protagonistas son increíbles, son el uno para el otro y me gustó ver la dinámica entre ellos.
Además, ambos están en el ámbito de asistencia social, y los temas que tratan están tratados con mucho respeto, me gustó ver el trabajo que hacían en el centro juvenil y cómo le enseñaban a los chicos sobre temas importantes como la ESI.
Es un gran cierre de la trilogía, todas las historias fueron increíbles a su manera.
October 13, 2024
4.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“Let it all out,” I mumble against the top of her head. “I’ve got you, angel. I’m here.”
What a beautiful conclusion to an emotional and heart-fluttering trilogy! It gave me endless butterflies and I wouldn't lie if I said the epilogue did not make me tear up 🥲🦋
In The Deepest End of Love we finally get the story of Grace and Cal's baby girl! 23-year-old Lila Callighan is close to graduating from her masters program, but she must ace her internship with satisfactory results to graduate and become a Youth Counselor.
Her opportunity comes in a full-package deal:
- Intern at Warlington Youth Center
- Work with children
- and be under the supervision of a hot professional who happens to be a professor at her university and a close family friend— Dr. Reed Abner.
But Lila does not accept that opportunity swiftly, this girl carries so much self-doubt in her despite the fact that she's an exceptional student with excellent grades.
Lila grew up in a very loving household and that privilege was used against her since childhood and so she is constantly doubting whether the opportunities she gets are a result of her hard work or privilege.
Dr. Reed Abner is co-writing a ln educational children's book with Lila's mother, Grace. Working in close-proximity with him at the center would a challenge not only for the fact that people may question whether she was offered an opportunity to work there due to Reed's friendship with her parents, but Reed is 12 years older than her.
And just before you readers begin to draw conclusions, Reed and Lila's professional relationship is completely untainted by scandalaous affairs at the very beginning. They're very vigilant on prioritizing the work they do for the children. He wasn't her professor at the university either. It's a slow, slowburn and the build-up of their attraction and romance is organic.
There is definitely a forbidden element to it to the outside world and that held them back for a long while before blurring any lines between them.
There's much more Reed than meets the eye and his backstory is quite heartbreaking. It's beautiful how they managed to heal together overtime and brought out the best parts in each other.
It did hurt my heart that even though Lila was given everything and an endless amount of love by her parents, there were people who resented her for it and I found it realistic the way it impacted her and shaped her personality even into adulthood. I love that the experiences of her parents and aunt was the driving force behind her desire to become a children's counselor's and wanting to help them find a better life.
Thank you Lisina Coney for gifting us these beautiful romances 🦋
Content warning: profanity, explicit sexual scenes, and mentions of childhood domestic abuse. Additionally, Lila’s mother is a survivor of sexual assault, which is also mentioned in this book. There’s no abuse of any kind on page.
“Let it all out,” I mumble against the top of her head. “I’ve got you, angel. I’m here.”
What a beautiful conclusion to an emotional and heart-fluttering trilogy! It gave me endless butterflies and I wouldn't lie if I said the epilogue did not make me tear up 🥲🦋
In The Deepest End of Love we finally get the story of Grace and Cal's baby girl! 23-year-old Lila Callighan is close to graduating from her masters program, but she must ace her internship with satisfactory results to graduate and become a Youth Counselor.
Her opportunity comes in a full-package deal:
- Intern at Warlington Youth Center
- Work with children
- and be under the supervision of a hot professional who happens to be a professor at her university and a close family friend— Dr. Reed Abner.
But Lila does not accept that opportunity swiftly, this girl carries so much self-doubt in her despite the fact that she's an exceptional student with excellent grades.
Lila grew up in a very loving household and that privilege was used against her since childhood and so she is constantly doubting whether the opportunities she gets are a result of her hard work or privilege.
Dr. Reed Abner is co-writing a ln educational children's book with Lila's mother, Grace. Working in close-proximity with him at the center would a challenge not only for the fact that people may question whether she was offered an opportunity to work there due to Reed's friendship with her parents, but Reed is 12 years older than her.
And just before you readers begin to draw conclusions, Reed and Lila's professional relationship is completely untainted by scandalaous affairs at the very beginning. They're very vigilant on prioritizing the work they do for the children. He wasn't her professor at the university either. It's a slow, slowburn and the build-up of their attraction and romance is organic.
There is definitely a forbidden element to it to the outside world and that held them back for a long while before blurring any lines between them.
There's much more Reed than meets the eye and his backstory is quite heartbreaking. It's beautiful how they managed to heal together overtime and brought out the best parts in each other.
It did hurt my heart that even though Lila was given everything and an endless amount of love by her parents, there were people who resented her for it and I found it realistic the way it impacted her and shaped her personality even into adulthood. I love that the experiences of her parents and aunt was the driving force behind her desire to become a children's counselor's and wanting to help them find a better life.
Thank you Lisina Coney for gifting us these beautiful romances 🦋
Content warning: profanity, explicit sexual scenes, and mentions of childhood domestic abuse. Additionally, Lila’s mother is a survivor of sexual assault, which is also mentioned in this book. There’s no abuse of any kind on page.
August 7, 2025
2.5 stars
I just don't think this author is for me. The heroine wasn't super likable in this one. Her biggest "flaw" was that she was too perfect and never struggled in her life, so everyone was jealous or hated her. Every girl aside from her best friend was mean and catty. Like the previous books in the series, there were a lot of slice of life scenes that were slow for me and I wanted to get back to the plot and romance. So this just wasn't for me.
I just don't think this author is for me. The heroine wasn't super likable in this one. Her biggest "flaw" was that she was too perfect and never struggled in her life, so everyone was jealous or hated her. Every girl aside from her best friend was mean and catty. Like the previous books in the series, there were a lot of slice of life scenes that were slow for me and I wanted to get back to the plot and romance. So this just wasn't for me.
Read
September 24, 2024DNF no i can't do it anymore
Another dramatic heroine, nothing new with the heroines of this series 🤦🏻♀️.
— She feels bad and dead inside because she took revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend.
Well you might be curious what this girl did to her ex !!! her revenge must have been epic or something like that!!
Here is her revenge dear reader :
“I unplug the router from the living room wall, shoving it inside my backpack. He wants to stay here so badly? Let’s see how long he lasts without Wi-Fi.
I yank open his underwear drawer and toss the smelly fish inside.
His toothbrush ends up in the toilet because why not.
I empty his expensive cologne and hair products down the sink because I feel like it.
And I cut the cord of his phone charger in half with a pair of scissors because fuck him.
He can’t afford rent or gas? Let’s add a tire to that made-up list.
The sky opens above my head, light rain clinging to my long blonde hair as I grab a kitchen knife from the last box I put in my car and stab it through his right tire. It deflates immediately.
So no this was pathetic revenge and not worth all the fuss and drama.
And you know what was infuriating? She apologized to him 🤡
“Only, three weeks after I broke up with Oliver and Tiregate went down, guilt made me cave, and I sent him one single text. He is and will always be a liar and a cheater, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take responsibility for how poorly I behaved.
Me: You’re still an asshole, but I’m sorry about everything. It was uncalled for. I should’ve handled it differently.
Oliver: Whatever.”
— Her problems and why she is super dramatic :
“I just want to scream and cry because my cheating ex said he’s always thought I’m spoiled and have no right to be a counselor. Did I also mention I’m a vandal because I slashed his tire, and he threatened to sue me?”
— She had a lot of (self-doubt) and i don't like reading about these stuff.
Another dramatic heroine, nothing new with the heroines of this series 🤦🏻♀️.
— She feels bad and dead inside because she took revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend.
Well you might be curious what this girl did to her ex !!! her revenge must have been epic or something like that!!
Here is her revenge dear reader :
“I unplug the router from the living room wall, shoving it inside my backpack. He wants to stay here so badly? Let’s see how long he lasts without Wi-Fi.
I yank open his underwear drawer and toss the smelly fish inside.
His toothbrush ends up in the toilet because why not.
I empty his expensive cologne and hair products down the sink because I feel like it.
And I cut the cord of his phone charger in half with a pair of scissors because fuck him.
He can’t afford rent or gas? Let’s add a tire to that made-up list.
The sky opens above my head, light rain clinging to my long blonde hair as I grab a kitchen knife from the last box I put in my car and stab it through his right tire. It deflates immediately.
So no this was pathetic revenge and not worth all the fuss and drama.
And you know what was infuriating? She apologized to him 🤡
“Only, three weeks after I broke up with Oliver and Tiregate went down, guilt made me cave, and I sent him one single text. He is and will always be a liar and a cheater, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take responsibility for how poorly I behaved.
Me: You’re still an asshole, but I’m sorry about everything. It was uncalled for. I should’ve handled it differently.
Oliver: Whatever.”
— Her problems and why she is super dramatic :
“I just want to scream and cry because my cheating ex said he’s always thought I’m spoiled and have no right to be a counselor. Did I also mention I’m a vandal because I slashed his tire, and he threatened to sue me?”
— She had a lot of (self-doubt) and i don't like reading about these stuff.
September 26, 2024
~4.5 stars~
Confession time:
I have a VERY BIG thing for men who read (like truly read) books, is a nerd and has an ACTUAL bookshelf. 😭🫶
⊰⊹═══⊹⊱✩⊰⊹═══⊹⊱
Update March 29: The Rom Com Author I put my trust on is releasing two books this year, 🫠 can't imagine how happy I am.
Confession time:
I have a VERY BIG thing for men who read (like truly read) books, is a nerd and has an ACTUAL bookshelf. 😭🫶
⊰⊹═══⊹⊱✩⊰⊹═══⊹⊱
Update March 29: The Rom Com Author I put my trust on is releasing two books this year, 🫠 can't imagine how happy I am.
July 10, 2024
if i could give this book a thousand stars, i would. it means so much to me. lila and reed and ALL of these characters have cemented themselves in my ♡ and i never want them to leave.
i can’t see from my tears but if you haven’t started this series yet, please do it. you won’t regret it and i literally cannot breathe rn. this book was so good. i have no words. truly.
i can’t see from my tears but if you haven’t started this series yet, please do it. you won’t regret it and i literally cannot breathe rn. this book was so good. i have no words. truly.
March 2, 2025
5⭐️
HE GOT ANGEL WINGS TATTOOED OVER HIS SCARS BECAUSE HE CALLS HER ANGEL I'M??? 🥹🩷🥹🩷🥹🩷
“why do you call me angel?”
“i'm not much of a spiritual person, lila, but i believe you were sent to this world to heal my soul."
this book is for the mirrorball girls. this book is for the slowburn girls. this book is for anyone who ever felt like they weren't good enough, finally realizing they are. this book is absolutely fucking everything. reed and lila are everything.
HE GOT ANGEL WINGS TATTOOED OVER HIS SCARS BECAUSE HE CALLS HER ANGEL I'M??? 🥹🩷🥹🩷🥹🩷
“why do you call me angel?”
“i'm not much of a spiritual person, lila, but i believe you were sent to this world to heal my soul."
this book is for the mirrorball girls. this book is for the slowburn girls. this book is for anyone who ever felt like they weren't good enough, finally realizing they are. this book is absolutely fucking everything. reed and lila are everything.
January 8, 2025
ʚɞ˚⋆｡˚ 2 ⭐️
*possible spoilers ahead* 💌
꒰ Reed: I have another question.
Lila: Go ahead.
Reed: Do you miss me?
Lila: All the time. -pg 380 ₊⊹ ꒱
- this was unfortunately another miss for me from this author..😭😭
I found the writing to be pretty repetitive and I wasn’t super interested in the story for basically the whole time. this book could’ve been 200 pages shorter if there weren’t any unnecessary parts..
I didn’t really feel any chemistry between the main characters??! they weren’t together for a good amount of the book and to me it just felt super underdeveloped.
꒰ I've always found it interesting, the concept of soulmates. How, by chance or fate, you'll meet a seemingly insignificant person who will end up becoming your entire universe. -pg 15 ꒱
overall thoughts ⊹.˚♡ :
I don’t know if I’m gonna end up reading book two or not??! I’m just not sure if this authors writing or pacing is for me..😗😗. I probably wouldn’t recommend this but if it seems like ur thing then try it!!
. . . . .
*possible spoilers ahead* 💌
꒰ Reed: I have another question.
Lila: Go ahead.
Reed: Do you miss me?
Lila: All the time. -pg 380 ₊⊹ ꒱
- this was unfortunately another miss for me from this author..😭😭
I found the writing to be pretty repetitive and I wasn’t super interested in the story for basically the whole time. this book could’ve been 200 pages shorter if there weren’t any unnecessary parts..
I didn’t really feel any chemistry between the main characters??! they weren’t together for a good amount of the book and to me it just felt super underdeveloped.
꒰ I've always found it interesting, the concept of soulmates. How, by chance or fate, you'll meet a seemingly insignificant person who will end up becoming your entire universe. -pg 15 ꒱
overall thoughts ⊹.˚♡ :
I don’t know if I’m gonna end up reading book two or not??! I’m just not sure if this authors writing or pacing is for me..😗😗. I probably wouldn’t recommend this but if it seems like ur thing then try it!!
. . . . .
September 21, 2024
What a perfect ending to 'The Brightest Light' series.
Lila Callaghan (daughter of Cal & Grace from book 1) is caught stabbing her cheating ex-boyfriends tyres by Reed Abner, family friend and professor at the university. Embarrassed, Lila tries to avoid Reed as much as possible, which is difficult when her mother keeps inviting him to dinner. The two of them are pushed together when she has to take an internship in the youth centre that he volunteers for, with Reed working as her internship supervisor.
The Deepest End of Love is a slooooooow burrrrrrn. Lila and Reed circle each other for 50% of this book before anything happens between them.
Lila was a slightly frustrating character but her growth throughout this book is heartwarming. Reed was a great MMC, although my favourite will always be Cal. (Sorry not sorry).
I loved seeing Cal & Grace as parents, along with Maddie and James from book 2. The ending had me tearing up, especially Grandpa Cal with his grandson Samuel.
A fabulous ending to a cute series! Excited to see what else Lisina Coney writes!
Book includes:
- Age Gap (24/36)
- Grad student x internship supervision
- Slow burn
- Dual PoV
I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lila Callaghan (daughter of Cal & Grace from book 1) is caught stabbing her cheating ex-boyfriends tyres by Reed Abner, family friend and professor at the university. Embarrassed, Lila tries to avoid Reed as much as possible, which is difficult when her mother keeps inviting him to dinner. The two of them are pushed together when she has to take an internship in the youth centre that he volunteers for, with Reed working as her internship supervisor.
The Deepest End of Love is a slooooooow burrrrrrn. Lila and Reed circle each other for 50% of this book before anything happens between them.
Lila was a slightly frustrating character but her growth throughout this book is heartwarming. Reed was a great MMC, although my favourite will always be Cal. (Sorry not sorry).
I loved seeing Cal & Grace as parents, along with Maddie and James from book 2. The ending had me tearing up, especially Grandpa Cal with his grandson Samuel.
A fabulous ending to a cute series! Excited to see what else Lisina Coney writes!
Book includes:
- Age Gap (24/36)
- Grad student x internship supervision
- Slow burn
- Dual PoV
I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2025
Sin palabras.
Una obra maestra 😩
Una obra maestra 😩
September 17, 2024
This book has by far been my favorite in the whole series! It’s such an emotional and impactful read in the best of ways.
“I said you taught me plenty of things and you didn’t believe me…but you taught me the most important thing of all, Lila. You taught me how to love.” Lisina just when I thought you couldn’t write another man we can’t help but love, you give us Reed.
All of my favorite tropes wrapped up in one beautiful book. Age gap, forbidden romance, professor, parent’s good friend, mentor. Did I mention he even brushes her hair..talk about the most swoon worthy micro trope.
Our FMC Lila is studying to get her masters to become a youth counselor, she’s a great student but she’s really just living her life going through the motions. After catching her EX-boyfriend cheating on her, she makes some rash decisions that are out of character for her and is caught in the act by her professor…which earns her the nickname Little Criminal *enterally screaming*
Our MMC Reed is 12 years Lila’s senior, as well as a professor at her university and parents good friend. Reed had a hard childhood that wound him in the foster system at just 7 years old. He never thought he could love someone without hurting them. After months of tiptoeing around each other they have a connection they can no longer deny. Unfortunately, timing is not in their favor and a “friends” jealous betrayal sets a series of events in motion that threatens both of their futures.
I absolutely loved all the healing that occurred between every single character as well as the stories of the youth center children. This book had fantastic character diversity, as well moments that truly made me stop to think.
Reed and Lila’s love story is absolutely beautiful and tragic at the same time. It also goes to show that time and space can truly bring people together with a little healing and self reflection. Their character growth was truly amazing and I could not put this book down.
I wish everyone had a family like Lila’s with her supportive parents and relatives. The ending was the perfect wrap up to this series. That fact that Reed was Cals last appointment had me tearing up and without spoiling anything…the way Reed did what he did to ask Lila that important question had my heart exploding..
Thank you so much to Page & Vine and Lisina Coney for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
“I said you taught me plenty of things and you didn’t believe me…but you taught me the most important thing of all, Lila. You taught me how to love.” Lisina just when I thought you couldn’t write another man we can’t help but love, you give us Reed.
All of my favorite tropes wrapped up in one beautiful book. Age gap, forbidden romance, professor, parent’s good friend, mentor. Did I mention he even brushes her hair..talk about the most swoon worthy micro trope.
Our FMC Lila is studying to get her masters to become a youth counselor, she’s a great student but she’s really just living her life going through the motions. After catching her EX-boyfriend cheating on her, she makes some rash decisions that are out of character for her and is caught in the act by her professor…which earns her the nickname Little Criminal *enterally screaming*
Our MMC Reed is 12 years Lila’s senior, as well as a professor at her university and parents good friend. Reed had a hard childhood that wound him in the foster system at just 7 years old. He never thought he could love someone without hurting them. After months of tiptoeing around each other they have a connection they can no longer deny. Unfortunately, timing is not in their favor and a “friends” jealous betrayal sets a series of events in motion that threatens both of their futures.
I absolutely loved all the healing that occurred between every single character as well as the stories of the youth center children. This book had fantastic character diversity, as well moments that truly made me stop to think.
Reed and Lila’s love story is absolutely beautiful and tragic at the same time. It also goes to show that time and space can truly bring people together with a little healing and self reflection. Their character growth was truly amazing and I could not put this book down.
I wish everyone had a family like Lila’s with her supportive parents and relatives. The ending was the perfect wrap up to this series. That fact that Reed was Cals last appointment had me tearing up and without spoiling anything…the way Reed did what he did to ask Lila that important question had my heart exploding..
Thank you so much to Page & Vine and Lisina Coney for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
September 11, 2025
i just spent the last few hours listening to the audiobook… i’m not okay guys il love this series so much !!! obviously i cried again, i can never believe that it’s over.. everything about these books these, these characters, everything is perfect i can’t get enough of them. this one is my little baby, i love them all so much..this was my third read of tdeol and i don’t even know how but the more i read these books the better they get ??? when they’re already just perfection ???? (i’ve read tblos 5 times and tdcoth 4 times and same ?????) but yeah obviously i’ll be here in a little while again, cause yeah im obsessed ♾️⭐️
okay so if you didn’t know this is my favourite series ever, i literally have a tattoo because of it. that’s how much i love these books…
so with that in mind i guess it’s obvious to say that i’m unwell. i swear i tried to take my time to read it to make it last, the book came out two days ago i really wanted to make it last… i really did. but i couldn’t.
and another thing i’m not going be able to do is a review right now.
i’m currently bawling my eyes cause i literally can’t believe that it’s all over and that we’re not gonna get to read about these characters anymore…
i can’t wait for whatever lisina has in store for us in the futur but i’ll 100% be there for it !
an obvious 6⭐️ read for me (again)
now i’m gonna go cry some more
march 2025 reread
just finished an ugly cry session. you guys don’t know how much i love this series, these books mean everything to me and i love all the characters so damn much ! can’t wait to read lisina’s next book (literally out in less than 3 hours im gonna cry again) and you should too.
6⭐️ again obviously
okay so if you didn’t know this is my favourite series ever, i literally have a tattoo because of it. that’s how much i love these books…
so with that in mind i guess it’s obvious to say that i’m unwell. i swear i tried to take my time to read it to make it last, the book came out two days ago i really wanted to make it last… i really did. but i couldn’t.
and another thing i’m not going be able to do is a review right now.
i’m currently bawling my eyes cause i literally can’t believe that it’s all over and that we’re not gonna get to read about these characters anymore…
i can’t wait for whatever lisina has in store for us in the futur but i’ll 100% be there for it !
an obvious 6⭐️ read for me (again)
now i’m gonna go cry some more
march 2025 reread
just finished an ugly cry session. you guys don’t know how much i love this series, these books mean everything to me and i love all the characters so damn much ! can’t wait to read lisina’s next book (literally out in less than 3 hours im gonna cry again) and you should too.
6⭐️ again obviously
October 1, 2024
”it’s like i’ve been sleeping all my life, and now i look at you and see the good of life for the first time.”₊ ⊹
my thoughts┊despite the low rating, i didn’t hate this by any means. i’ve enjoyed all of this author’s previous works, and i think she comes up with some really interesting plot lines for contemporary romances and has a nice writing style!
however, by the end of the book, i just found myself feeling indifferent about it. i didn’t hate it, but i didn’t love it or even really like it? there were some aspects i liked, such as the general plot and reed’s character, as well as the snippets of all the previous characters in this author’s previous books. it was a nice finish to the trilogy, and i did enjoy that.
but just everything else was a bit of a miss for me. i found the writing to be extremely repetitive in this one, and it could’ve been a hundred pages shorter if it weren’t for that. i also just did not care for the main character, lila. girl got on my nerves sooo much, even though her struggles were understandable and relatable. i just did not like her much at all, and while her friendship with reed was sweet, the romantic aspect wasn’t developed enough for my liking. this honestly felt like a mix of the first two books so i was constantly feeling like it was something i had already read by this author. especially since her last book also dealt with a “forbidden” relationship, it just felt like that aspect of the novel had way too much page time and could have been handled differently or something. the third act was also highly predictable, and i didn’t appreciate all of the time jumps that are in this book.
so yeah. i didn’t love this book but i also didn’t hate it, so it’s sitting at a solid 2 stars, maybe 2.5 if i’m feeling generous. nothing from this series can top cal and grace’s book though, and i will be interested in picking up some of this author’s other works in the future, if she continues to write!
my thoughts┊despite the low rating, i didn’t hate this by any means. i’ve enjoyed all of this author’s previous works, and i think she comes up with some really interesting plot lines for contemporary romances and has a nice writing style!
however, by the end of the book, i just found myself feeling indifferent about it. i didn’t hate it, but i didn’t love it or even really like it? there were some aspects i liked, such as the general plot and reed’s character, as well as the snippets of all the previous characters in this author’s previous books. it was a nice finish to the trilogy, and i did enjoy that.
but just everything else was a bit of a miss for me. i found the writing to be extremely repetitive in this one, and it could’ve been a hundred pages shorter if it weren’t for that. i also just did not care for the main character, lila. girl got on my nerves sooo much, even though her struggles were understandable and relatable. i just did not like her much at all, and while her friendship with reed was sweet, the romantic aspect wasn’t developed enough for my liking. this honestly felt like a mix of the first two books so i was constantly feeling like it was something i had already read by this author. especially since her last book also dealt with a “forbidden” relationship, it just felt like that aspect of the novel had way too much page time and could have been handled differently or something. the third act was also highly predictable, and i didn’t appreciate all of the time jumps that are in this book.
so yeah. i didn’t love this book but i also didn’t hate it, so it’s sitting at a solid 2 stars, maybe 2.5 if i’m feeling generous. nothing from this series can top cal and grace’s book though, and i will be interested in picking up some of this author’s other works in the future, if she continues to write!
September 23, 2024
4.25 ★
Give me a forbidden romance every day, and I will always devour it.
The vibes in this book are immaculate, and I truly found myself falling in love with both Lila and Reed.
In the beginning, I truly was afraid I would not vibe with Lila's obsession over school and her grades but in the end, Lisina's writing and her character development made me LOVE HER and understand her in a deep level. I loved the character development and how he started to understand her emotions, her wishes, and who she truly is.
Reed - do not let me start because I've been in love with him since his first appearance.
The chemistry between them was truly palpable, and I was rooting for them SO BAD. They were that love story, and you just want to read more and more about it.
This was my first book from Lisina, and now I really want and need to read the other two, I know Cal and Grace will own my entire heart.
This book is so easy pacing, with a beautiful love story. I really recommend you love forbidden romance and age gap.
Give me a forbidden romance every day, and I will always devour it.
The vibes in this book are immaculate, and I truly found myself falling in love with both Lila and Reed.
In the beginning, I truly was afraid I would not vibe with Lila's obsession over school and her grades but in the end, Lisina's writing and her character development made me LOVE HER and understand her in a deep level. I loved the character development and how he started to understand her emotions, her wishes, and who she truly is.
Reed - do not let me start because I've been in love with him since his first appearance.
The chemistry between them was truly palpable, and I was rooting for them SO BAD. They were that love story, and you just want to read more and more about it.
This was my first book from Lisina, and now I really want and need to read the other two, I know Cal and Grace will own my entire heart.
This book is so easy pacing, with a beautiful love story. I really recommend you love forbidden romance and age gap.
May 26, 2024
beta read - lisina the woman that you are (and the men that you write). i will never get over this book. might be my top read of the year so far.
December 29, 2024
Уникална!
Рийд и Лила 🫠🥹
Една от най-любимите ми поредици приключи 😭
Нямам думи с които да мога да опиша книгите, трябва да се прочетат за да се усетят! 🩵
Рийд и Лила 🫠🥹
Една от най-любимите ми поредици приключи 😭
Нямам думи с които да мога да опиша книгите, трябва да се прочетат за да се усетят! 🩵
May 3, 2025
non posso credere che non li rivedrò più
September 22, 2024
The Deepest End of Love by Lisina Coney 🪽
If you love a slow burn romance, this one is perfect. I loved getting to know Lila and Reed. Lila is working on her last year of her masters in childhood psychology and needs to complete an internship before she can graduate. She's having trouble finding one until an opportunity with the local youth center comes up. The only problem is her supervisor will be Reed Abner, a family friend and professor at her university. She's done her best to ignore him to avoid any rumors starting to suggest she received special treatment due to him being a family friend. But with her need for an internship, she can't turn down the opportunity. They end up working closely together for the summer. As romantic feelings start to form for them both, they struggle with the worry that if they act on it there will be consequences outside of their control.
Something I love about books that have an academic setting is getting to see the characters show off their knowledge. The first few lines in the book are Lila wondering if she can be attracted to someone's brain while listening to a lecture by Reed. Sapiosexuality is a thing! Lila and Reed are both so passionate about the work they do. I liked how their feelings about each other really were built around admiring how good they were at their job. This was a slow burn, but it works so well for their relationship. It really gave them time to get to know each other. The timeline of the book is close to two years.
I related to Lila with her tendency to overthink and worries about what others thought of her. I loved how Reed did his best to reassure her and show she has earned everything she has worked for. I adored Reed and learning more about his past. Probably my favorite part was getting to see him become a dog dad. A competent, supportive man who immediately falls in love with the dog he rescues? Where can I find one for me!?
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. You'll want to go back and read them all though!
🤍 age gap (12 years)
🐶 includes a dog
💻 workplace / academia
🤫 forbidden
❤️🔥 slow burn
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
If you love a slow burn romance, this one is perfect. I loved getting to know Lila and Reed. Lila is working on her last year of her masters in childhood psychology and needs to complete an internship before she can graduate. She's having trouble finding one until an opportunity with the local youth center comes up. The only problem is her supervisor will be Reed Abner, a family friend and professor at her university. She's done her best to ignore him to avoid any rumors starting to suggest she received special treatment due to him being a family friend. But with her need for an internship, she can't turn down the opportunity. They end up working closely together for the summer. As romantic feelings start to form for them both, they struggle with the worry that if they act on it there will be consequences outside of their control.
Something I love about books that have an academic setting is getting to see the characters show off their knowledge. The first few lines in the book are Lila wondering if she can be attracted to someone's brain while listening to a lecture by Reed. Sapiosexuality is a thing! Lila and Reed are both so passionate about the work they do. I liked how their feelings about each other really were built around admiring how good they were at their job. This was a slow burn, but it works so well for their relationship. It really gave them time to get to know each other. The timeline of the book is close to two years.
I related to Lila with her tendency to overthink and worries about what others thought of her. I loved how Reed did his best to reassure her and show she has earned everything she has worked for. I adored Reed and learning more about his past. Probably my favorite part was getting to see him become a dog dad. A competent, supportive man who immediately falls in love with the dog he rescues? Where can I find one for me!?
While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. You'll want to go back and read them all though!
🤍 age gap (12 years)
🐶 includes a dog
💻 workplace / academia
🤫 forbidden
❤️🔥 slow burn
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
September 4, 2024
God what an emotional read. I couldn’t put that book down. Omg REED !!!!!! What a sweet soul. First I want to say I read the two first books before that one. Never thought I was going to love a MMC more than Cal but it happens and it’s amazing. That one is by far my favourite out of the three books. I love Reed he is a gentle and sweet soul, and reading about is painful childhood hurt me in every way. Jeez LILA I knew from book one epilogue I was going to love that girl and what a woman she became. Strong and resilient but also sweet and scared. What a joy it was and a bitter sweet ending because the trilogy is over and I’m sad to say I’m going to miss that family that had so much love and strength to overcome all the pain they went through to get to that final epilogue. The brightest light it was indeed.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it. And thank you Lisina for make such an amazing endings
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it. And thank you Lisina for make such an amazing endings
September 17, 2024
2 🌟
I fear this was not it. I feel like I’ve been reading this for ages. It dragged for me which I hate. I actually had to force myself to finish.
Some aspects were cute and I liked but ultimately it just wasn’t it for me.
Loved book 1, book 2 was meh and this was kinda disappointing.
I really wanted to love it.
I received an early eARC from NetGalley and Page & Vine. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early.
I fear this was not it. I feel like I’ve been reading this for ages. It dragged for me which I hate. I actually had to force myself to finish.
Some aspects were cute and I liked but ultimately it just wasn’t it for me.
Loved book 1, book 2 was meh and this was kinda disappointing.
I really wanted to love it.
I received an early eARC from NetGalley and Page & Vine. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early.
June 15, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
🤍 Age gap ( 12 years)
🤍 Supervisor x Student
🤍 Found Family
🤍 Traumatic past
🚩 no cheating (between MC) or sharing, no OM/OW
🤍 Age gap ( 12 years)
🤍 Supervisor x Student
🤍 Found Family
🤍 Traumatic past
🚩 no cheating (between MC) or sharing, no OM/OW
May 25, 2025
I’m tired and emotional, please hold— I’ll be back later.
September 24, 2024
Another chaotic review as I beta read this and haven’t had a chance to re-read but based off my initial thoughts I absolutely loved The Deepest End Of Love 🥰 Reed is Professor Daddy ™️
This book was everything, a perfect end to an amazing series following some of the most incredible characters. Reed and Lila’s story concludes the Brightest Light series, and deals with topics such as childhood abuse (off page), anxiety and imposter syndrome.
Their romance is the slowest of slow burns, and rightfully so! The two know each other through Lila’s mother Grace who you may know if you’ve read The Brightest Light Of Sunshine. Whilst Reed isn’t Lila’s professor there is a still that power imbalance between the two when she works as an intern under him, thus making Reed her supervisor.
Although the romantic chemistry between is so strong between the two they are incredibly professional throughout this story. Seeing them fight their feelings had me rooting for them till the very end for them to get their HEA.
There are equal parts of humour and emotional scenes, you get to see Daddy Cal in his Grandpa era and being overprotective as always. One thing you’ll always get in a Lisina Coney novel is a sexy age gap romance with healthy communication between many characters involved!
💖 slow burn with spice
💖 age gap (she's 24, he's 36)
💖 grad student x internship supervisor
💖 he's a family friend
💖 forbidden romance
💖 accidental puppy dad
💖 mental health rep angst + happy ending
29th May
—————
Beta read full RTC!
YOU ARE NOT READY FOR CAL TO ACTUALLY BE IN HIS DADDY ERA LOL
lilareed supremacy 🙌🏽
This book was everything, a perfect end to an amazing series following some of the most incredible characters. Reed and Lila’s story concludes the Brightest Light series, and deals with topics such as childhood abuse (off page), anxiety and imposter syndrome.
Their romance is the slowest of slow burns, and rightfully so! The two know each other through Lila’s mother Grace who you may know if you’ve read The Brightest Light Of Sunshine. Whilst Reed isn’t Lila’s professor there is a still that power imbalance between the two when she works as an intern under him, thus making Reed her supervisor.
Although the romantic chemistry between is so strong between the two they are incredibly professional throughout this story. Seeing them fight their feelings had me rooting for them till the very end for them to get their HEA.
There are equal parts of humour and emotional scenes, you get to see Daddy Cal in his Grandpa era and being overprotective as always. One thing you’ll always get in a Lisina Coney novel is a sexy age gap romance with healthy communication between many characters involved!
💖 slow burn with spice
💖 age gap (she's 24, he's 36)
💖 grad student x internship supervisor
💖 he's a family friend
💖 forbidden romance
💖 accidental puppy dad
💖 mental health rep angst + happy ending
29th May
—————
Beta read full RTC!
YOU ARE NOT READY FOR CAL TO ACTUALLY BE IN HIS DADDY ERA LOL
lilareed supremacy 🙌🏽
September 30, 2024
This series has my heart & it’s so bittersweet to see it come to an end 🥹 Lisina knows how to write an great age gap romance and Lila & Reed’s story was the perfect conclusion!
I’m a sucker for slow burn & Lisina delivered here! I also love a forbidden romance & what’s more forbidden than a professor & his student being together? 🤭 The Professor x Student trope can be a hit or miss but I thought it was done super well here.
The author also did a great job touching on some heavier topics & some struggles the characters were facing. Lila & Reed’s story was truly ao sweet & beautiful and I absolutely loved their growth in this book 💕
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend doing so! Start with The brightest light of sunshine & fall in love with Cal & Grace (who happen to be Lila’s parents!)
Thank you to NetGalley & Publisher for the ARC! ✨
Tropes:
- Age gap
- Forbidden romance
- Slow burn
- Dual POV
- Mental health rep
I’m a sucker for slow burn & Lisina delivered here! I also love a forbidden romance & what’s more forbidden than a professor & his student being together? 🤭 The Professor x Student trope can be a hit or miss but I thought it was done super well here.
The author also did a great job touching on some heavier topics & some struggles the characters were facing. Lila & Reed’s story was truly ao sweet & beautiful and I absolutely loved their growth in this book 💕
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend doing so! Start with The brightest light of sunshine & fall in love with Cal & Grace (who happen to be Lila’s parents!)
Thank you to NetGalley & Publisher for the ARC! ✨
Tropes:
- Age gap
- Forbidden romance
- Slow burn
- Dual POV
- Mental health rep
Want to read
April 20, 2024Welcome to the final book; The Brightest Light of Sunshine, which is about our girl Lila! Talk about stunning cover! 🥹
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