Vivian Marks never expected to find love. After escaping an abusive marriage, she’s built a safe, quiet life in small-town Florida. But when she meets Sergeant Will Delacroix at a 1943 USO dance, everything changes. Will is charming, patient, and sees past the walls she’s built around her heart.
Will knows he’s falling hard for the guarded beauty who makes him want to be a better man. But with deployment orders hanging over his head, he has only weeks to prove that what they have is worth fighting for. Every stolen moment is shadowed by the knowledge that he could be called up at any time.
As their relationship deepens, both must decide if they’re brave enough to risk their hearts when the future is uncertain. With the war demanding its due and ghosts from Vivian’s past threatening to surface, they’ll discover that sometimes the greatest love stories happen when time is running out.
I received an ARC copy and I really enjoyed it. Love, Will is wartime romance with high stakes and the beautifully drawn characters.
Vivian is an engaging heroine. She refuses to be boxed in, and her quick wit and snappy dialogue make her a constant joy to read. She’s the perfect, sharp-edged complement to Will. Their chemistry is palpable, built on genuine respect and a foundational connection that crackles on the page. Watching them navigate the tumultuous beginning of their relationship against the backdrop of the looming war was a highlight, making their slow-burn affection feel earned.
Neither was really planning on going; and having gone weren’t planning on meeting anyone. Their eyes meet across the room and both feel it. That tug that brings them together.
Vivian is staring over. She’s here living a quiet safe life. Trying to get back on her feet and stay there. While William is in town training. Getting ready to head out to the front in France and Germany.
This historical romance hit all the spots. The connection you feel with the characters was top notch for me. The connection they felt to each other and the love and care that they always lead with was truly appreciated. I loved that the characters drove the story. That them learning about each other and finding the love and family they both wanted was beautiful.
William and hall the swing lines and bravery needed to deep Vivian off her feet and keep her safe and loved. Vivian is trying to be brave and strong while facing her fears. She knows just the way to love William and that is a slight surprise.
These two come together and fight to care for each other. The best friends are amazing as well. I love that this book was based on real love letters. Love that was expressed with words that have been long forgotten. Hand written with the intent to express to the best of ones ability that love. This is a lost art.
I feel like this is the type of book missing a lot of time today. The love was the concentration. The emotions and the writing that expressed it were so good. The found family, love on a timeline, meddling friends and just the wonder of falling for the character were just some of the best things about this one.
I hope this becomes a series of some sort…interconnect stand alones hopefully. I’m not real ready to leave this world behind. I want to spend more time in their lives and within the love they share.
I really loved this book from start to finish. Vivi and Will's relationship is the heart of the story, and it worked so well for me — especially how Will had to work through Vivi’s walls and the emotional pieces she carries. What made it even stronger were the people around them. Jones and Alice aren’t just side characters; their support and presence help guide Vivi and Will through the harder moments. I love good strong friendships in books that help give more emotion to a story.
With the war hanging in the background, there’s this sense of something coming, and you can feel how it influences the choices they make. It adds a layer of tension, and when the men eventually have to leave, my emotions were even higher.
All of these pieces together — the romance, the friendships, the history — made the story really satisfying.
What a fantastic debut novel. Love, Will is a heart warming story that is a reminder of the resilience of men and women in trying times. Vivian and Will have been brought to life so vividly, that I lived their life along side them. It's a story of being scared to let go and surrender to a power that is above us in the name of love, but doing it anyway, and I enjoyed every second of it. Have your tissues ready because it's an emotional ride in the best of ways.
If anyone has wanted to take a step into the large pool of historical fiction, this is your book. The easy reading of first person, character driven storytelling, and beautiful descriptions is sure to suck you right in. I think we all deserve a little Will and Vivi in our lives!
ARC read✨ Love, Will is one of the books that grabs you from the very first page. It doesn‘t need much world building as the world during WWII is quite clear. The story takes you from the first time Will and Vivi meet to their HEA. Their story is real and very touching. From sweet first dates to heartbreaking turning points. It is told so vividly that it came to life in my head like a movie and I absolutely had to know how it ended. I laughed, I smiled and I cried. It‘s very emotional and told in a beautiful way. I lived for the little moments and details that brought the story to life. I will definitely read it again and recommend it to anybody out there. It is simply beautiful and doesn‘t let you go easily. Thank you Amanda for the chance to ARC read it ♥️🫶🏻
What a beautiful debut novel from such a talented author! I'm a huge fan of historical romance, and when you're not looking for love but it finds you. The setting of Love, Will takes place during WWII and automatically pulled me in with Vivi's sass and Will's charm.
Inspired by the author's grandparents story, this is a first person dual perspective novel that tugs at your heart and makes you feel all the feels as the characters' voices shine through and take on you an emotional journey you'll want to read again. And that ending? The cherry on top and makes it a completely satisfying of a read.
I loved Love, Will! I typically read romance but hadn’t picked up a historical fiction in awhile, and now I can’t remember why??
Will and Vivi are both such lovable characters that made the story so smooth and really made you sympathize with their story. I wasn’t sure what to expect in picking up this novel, but I am so glad I did!
Love, Will was beautifully written with relatable characters. The settings and descriptions used throughout the book made me get lost in reading. I loved the story and shed a tear or two towards the end. A captivating story with a beautiful ending!
Breathtaking love story. A lot of hardship and protection of oneself. Lots of growth and love when you know and feel something right.A perfect love story!
Enjoy the ride back to WWII Florida and fall in love with Will and Viv! Amazing closed door romance that will be ish you could hug the main characters.
Fantastic debut novel by Amanda MacRae, and a story to be proud of. Love, Will was a beautifully written historical romance. I loved that the characters were based on the author's grandparents; this, to me, made it all the more special. I hope this author has more books in mind. I would definitely read more of her work.