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The Place We Begin
Remi has a plan for everything… except one for what to do after she kisses her best friend, Eli.
Remi
My friends are my everything. When I met Miranda, Noah, and Eli in my first year of university, I found the family I had always dreamed of.
But I’m not taking anything for granted. Everything good in my life could disappear if I don’t work hard to hold on to it. All I need is for my friends to have the best year ever and stay in Vancouver after we graduate.
But after almost four years of making good decisions and always doing the right things, one impulsive kiss with Eli has me questioning everything.
Eli
From her five-year plans to her color-coded study notes, Remi couldn’t be more adorable if she tried.
Timing has never been on my side, but I’m not going to let her forget about the best kiss of my life. I’m ready to show her this is just the start of amazing things to come for us, even if everything is about to change.
The Place We Begin is a new adult, friends-to-lovers romance with a heroine you’ll want to hug, amazing found family, and a hero who's obsessed with his girl.
Remi
My friends are my everything. When I met Miranda, Noah, and Eli in my first year of university, I found the family I had always dreamed of.
But I’m not taking anything for granted. Everything good in my life could disappear if I don’t work hard to hold on to it. All I need is for my friends to have the best year ever and stay in Vancouver after we graduate.
But after almost four years of making good decisions and always doing the right things, one impulsive kiss with Eli has me questioning everything.
Eli
From her five-year plans to her color-coded study notes, Remi couldn’t be more adorable if she tried.
Timing has never been on my side, but I’m not going to let her forget about the best kiss of my life. I’m ready to show her this is just the start of amazing things to come for us, even if everything is about to change.
The Place We Begin is a new adult, friends-to-lovers romance with a heroine you’ll want to hug, amazing found family, and a hero who's obsessed with his girl.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
2 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Chase
1 book2 followersI’m a romance reader because I want to believe in the good in life. And I’m a romance author for the same reason. I want to believe that happiness, joy, and great big love are possible for us all.
I write emotional and uplifting romance stories. Full of good vibes and sweetness, my characters always have a happily ever after. The Place We Begin is my debut novel.
I live on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) + W̱SÁNEĆ nations on Vancouver Island with my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing or reading, I’m probably baking, crafting, or riding my cargo bike around town pretending I live in Amsterdam.
I write emotional and uplifting romance stories. Full of good vibes and sweetness, my characters always have a happily ever after. The Place We Begin is my debut novel.
I live on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) + W̱SÁNEĆ nations on Vancouver Island with my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing or reading, I’m probably baking, crafting, or riding my cargo bike around town pretending I live in Amsterdam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 10, 2025
Talk about the perfect place to begin your next cozy read! Vanessa’s debut novel stole my heart from the very first chapter. The Place We Begin is such a sweet, comforting story about friendship, love, and learning to trust yourself.
Remi’s journey is one that so many people will connect with. She’s the kind of character you just want to root for, and watching her grow throughout the story was such a joy. The way she and Eli navigate their relationship feels real and healthy, and it made their romance even more special. It’s soft, supportive, and full of moments that made me smile.
One of my favorite things about this book is how it approaches conflict. Instead of falling into miscommunication or unnecessary drama, Vanessa shows how love can be patient and healing. It honestly felt like reading a warm therapy session, in the best way possible.
This is such a charming debut, and you can really feel how much love and care went into every page. I’m already excited to see what Vanessa writes next.
Read this if you like:
💞 friends to lovers
📚 found family
🌿 gentle character growth
🫶 healthy communication
☕ cozy, comforting vibes
Remi’s journey is one that so many people will connect with. She’s the kind of character you just want to root for, and watching her grow throughout the story was such a joy. The way she and Eli navigate their relationship feels real and healthy, and it made their romance even more special. It’s soft, supportive, and full of moments that made me smile.
One of my favorite things about this book is how it approaches conflict. Instead of falling into miscommunication or unnecessary drama, Vanessa shows how love can be patient and healing. It honestly felt like reading a warm therapy session, in the best way possible.
This is such a charming debut, and you can really feel how much love and care went into every page. I’m already excited to see what Vanessa writes next.
Read this if you like:
💞 friends to lovers
📚 found family
🌿 gentle character growth
🫶 healthy communication
☕ cozy, comforting vibes
November 4, 2025
The Place We Begin by Vanessa Chase completely swept me away in the softest, sweetest way. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the emotion, the tenderness, and the way the characters felt so achingly real. Their friends-to-lovers journey is that perfect slow burn—the kind that makes every look, every touch, feel like it’s carrying years of quiet longing. I smiled, swooned, and yes… cried at the end.
One of the reasons I picked this up was because I’m trying to read more Canadian authors, and it felt extra special diving into a story set right here in British Columbia. Living on Vancouver Island, reading about places so close to home genuinely made the whole experience feel warmer and more intimate—like the book understood me a little.
Vanessa Chase captured something beautiful about love, timing, and letting yourself be seen. It’s heartfelt, emotional, and the kind of story that lingers long after the last page. 💕
One of the reasons I picked this up was because I’m trying to read more Canadian authors, and it felt extra special diving into a story set right here in British Columbia. Living on Vancouver Island, reading about places so close to home genuinely made the whole experience feel warmer and more intimate—like the book understood me a little.
Vanessa Chase captured something beautiful about love, timing, and letting yourself be seen. It’s heartfelt, emotional, and the kind of story that lingers long after the last page. 💕
November 6, 2025
This is the most green-flag romance I've ever read, I feel like I just walked out of a therapy session! The Place We Begin is not only a fun, bingable read, but it's realistic and addresses conflict and resolutions in the healthiest ways possible.
It's a season of change for Remi and her friends. The last year of university means planning for the future, and no amount of planning will keep things the same. All this uncertainty is made worse when Remi finally gets together with her best friend, Eli. Will their relationship tear their friend group apart? And how can they stay together when they'll all be moving away for different jobs?
The Place We Begin is real and relatable, from the anxieties of starting a new chapter in life and not knowing what tomorrow brings, to navigating the nuances of friendships and relationships. It's full of positive thinking that uplifts and inspires, with a cheesy grand gesture that will make you smile!
"Are you going to let this one setback define you, or are you going to ride the next wave that comes along?"
It's a season of change for Remi and her friends. The last year of university means planning for the future, and no amount of planning will keep things the same. All this uncertainty is made worse when Remi finally gets together with her best friend, Eli. Will their relationship tear their friend group apart? And how can they stay together when they'll all be moving away for different jobs?
The Place We Begin is real and relatable, from the anxieties of starting a new chapter in life and not knowing what tomorrow brings, to navigating the nuances of friendships and relationships. It's full of positive thinking that uplifts and inspires, with a cheesy grand gesture that will make you smile!
"Are you going to let this one setback define you, or are you going to ride the next wave that comes along?"
November 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 Stars
The Place We Begin by Vanessa Chase completely wrecked me — in the best possible way. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the emotional depth and the beautiful, realistic writing. The characters felt so genuine and layered that it was impossible not to root for them.
The friends-to-lovers trope was done so perfectly. It wasn’t rushed or forced — just that slow, aching build that makes every look and every touch feel charged with years of quiet longing. Watching their friendship slowly shift into something deeper was pure magic. I found myself smiling, swooning, and then suddenly crying when I reached the end.
That final chapter completely broke me open — it was raw, emotional, and written with such tenderness that I actually had to sit with my feelings for a bit after finishing. Vanessa Chase captured something so beautiful about love, timing, and the courage it takes to finally let someone in.
If you’re a fan of heartfelt romances that balance emotional intensity, beautiful prose, and genuine connection, this is absolutely one to pick up. It’s one of those stories that lingers long after you turn the last page. 💕
The Place We Begin by Vanessa Chase completely wrecked me — in the best possible way. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the emotional depth and the beautiful, realistic writing. The characters felt so genuine and layered that it was impossible not to root for them.
The friends-to-lovers trope was done so perfectly. It wasn’t rushed or forced — just that slow, aching build that makes every look and every touch feel charged with years of quiet longing. Watching their friendship slowly shift into something deeper was pure magic. I found myself smiling, swooning, and then suddenly crying when I reached the end.
That final chapter completely broke me open — it was raw, emotional, and written with such tenderness that I actually had to sit with my feelings for a bit after finishing. Vanessa Chase captured something so beautiful about love, timing, and the courage it takes to finally let someone in.
If you’re a fan of heartfelt romances that balance emotional intensity, beautiful prose, and genuine connection, this is absolutely one to pick up. It’s one of those stories that lingers long after you turn the last page. 💕
November 13, 2025
I was completed enthralled from beginning to end. The tenderness, emotion, and relatable characters made for a great read. It was a perfect friends-to-lovers tale with a quiet longing that enticed me to continue to read. I felt deeply for each character, hoping for the best for the whole friend group. One passionate, impulsive kiss made for an interesting read.
November 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This is such a sweet debut romance by Vanessa that truly showcases the anxieties of the new adult life that we have either experienced already or going through when we are at crossroads of life, stepping out of our comfort zone, excited to see more of the world yet wanting to hold on to the current safe bubble of ours. At the core of this book is a friend group that is going through these changes. So, if you are someone who always love a sweet endearing friends group, you will surely enjoy this book. From a romance point of view, the story deals with the tricky dynamics of a relationship that is transforming from friends to lovers, triggered by an unexpected kiss. Remi and Eli are main characters who might be pretty opposite in their approach to life, but at the core both have insecurities they have to deal and learn from, they are adorable and make sense together.
Remi is someone who could be considered a people pleaser but that's because she has only this found family of friends to lean on, while her own family is a bit of a disappointment. When you meet her family, you would despise them too! It took sometime to warm up to her people pleasing but knowing her situation, her anxieties and micro management made sense and I could empathise with her need to belong. Eli, the ever positive sunshine-y guy, is the perfect boyfriend to her. While all seems easy for him on first glance, it isn't, because that's life, we all have our challenges. Eli is trying to figure out his future career prospects, trying his best to be what Remi needs, but new adulthood and a relationship is all about figuring out the balance between dreams and responsibilities, taking chances or playing it safe. It was such a pleasant experience to be on this journey with these two, as they grow and figure out 'their place'.
Additionally, I loved the other two friends, Miranda who is Remi's best friend and their friendship has their own ups and downs, but pretty realistic. Noah is Eli's brother and he is such a caring and protective friend to Remi, I enjoyed their bond so much too. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, which will be Miranda's story. Also, as someone who is currently having the opportunity to reside in the beautiful metro Vancouver, I enjoyed the familiarity of the physical setting of the book, it's always fun to identify and associate with the places talked about in a book.
This is such a sweet debut romance by Vanessa that truly showcases the anxieties of the new adult life that we have either experienced already or going through when we are at crossroads of life, stepping out of our comfort zone, excited to see more of the world yet wanting to hold on to the current safe bubble of ours. At the core of this book is a friend group that is going through these changes. So, if you are someone who always love a sweet endearing friends group, you will surely enjoy this book. From a romance point of view, the story deals with the tricky dynamics of a relationship that is transforming from friends to lovers, triggered by an unexpected kiss. Remi and Eli are main characters who might be pretty opposite in their approach to life, but at the core both have insecurities they have to deal and learn from, they are adorable and make sense together.
Remi is someone who could be considered a people pleaser but that's because she has only this found family of friends to lean on, while her own family is a bit of a disappointment. When you meet her family, you would despise them too! It took sometime to warm up to her people pleasing but knowing her situation, her anxieties and micro management made sense and I could empathise with her need to belong. Eli, the ever positive sunshine-y guy, is the perfect boyfriend to her. While all seems easy for him on first glance, it isn't, because that's life, we all have our challenges. Eli is trying to figure out his future career prospects, trying his best to be what Remi needs, but new adulthood and a relationship is all about figuring out the balance between dreams and responsibilities, taking chances or playing it safe. It was such a pleasant experience to be on this journey with these two, as they grow and figure out 'their place'.
Additionally, I loved the other two friends, Miranda who is Remi's best friend and their friendship has their own ups and downs, but pretty realistic. Noah is Eli's brother and he is such a caring and protective friend to Remi, I enjoyed their bond so much too. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, which will be Miranda's story. Also, as someone who is currently having the opportunity to reside in the beautiful metro Vancouver, I enjoyed the familiarity of the physical setting of the book, it's always fun to identify and associate with the places talked about in a book.
November 13, 2025
This was such a sweet story! I think many will empathize with Remi and all she had to endure with her family. My heart broke for her countless times but I also felt so proud when she finally stood her ground.
I love a story when he falls first and adores how Eli kept reminding Remi that he’d always wanted her. I found the character’s relationship authentic - their struggles and the way they worked through conflict.
This book is perfect for those in the mood for a short, spicy found family, friend to lovers book.
Many thanks to Vanessa for allowing to read her debut novel. I look forward to what you write next!
4 ⭐️
I love a story when he falls first and adores how Eli kept reminding Remi that he’d always wanted her. I found the character’s relationship authentic - their struggles and the way they worked through conflict.
This book is perfect for those in the mood for a short, spicy found family, friend to lovers book.
Many thanks to Vanessa for allowing to read her debut novel. I look forward to what you write next!
4 ⭐️
October 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I appreciated the way Vanessa was able to express the anxiety and scariness yet excitement of leaving college life behind and starting a new adventure. I also love that the FMC was going to be an accountant!! I felt like Eli and Remi’s relationship started from a good place since they began as friends first. It was nice to watch that relationship blossom. For this being Vanessa’s debut novel, I was blown away!
November 2, 2025
I am so honored to have been an ARC reader for this very heartfelt book. I found the main character Remi to be so relatable in her anxieties and family struggles that hit too close to my heart.
I also really liked that the romance of Remi and Eli wasn’t the story but instead had real life issues and felt so lifelike and real that it made their love feel even more realistic.
I also really liked that the romance of Remi and Eli wasn’t the story but instead had real life issues and felt so lifelike and real that it made their love feel even more realistic.
November 14, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Thank you to Vanessa Chase for an eARC. The below thoughts and honest review are my own.
A close knit friend group, Remi, Eli, Noah, and Miranda, since the beginning of their first year of university are now in their final year. Remi especially is holding on really tight to their group. She very much has a planner personality (and really she feels like this keeps her safe). But one night at a music festival she lets her guard down and kisses Eli. Eli who has had a crush on Remi for years, but never found the right time to tell her. Now Remi is worried she's ruined everything for her found family. But Eli is determined not to let her give up on what just might be meant to be.
The sweetest friends-to-lovers story I have read in a while! Remi was such a relatable character and Eli was such a genuinely good guy that you had to root for both them as individuals and their relationship as a couple. Remi especially was dealing with some tough family dynamics, anxiety, and really a major change in life period (what happens after we graduate?), but her growth throughout the story was beautiful. Eli, while maybe more subtle, also had great character development. And together they were fantastic. They supported each other through the trickier times, great flirting and connection (of course!), and Eli notices the little things about Remi and brings them out at the best times (my favorite microtrope!). I also have to shout out Noah and Miranda. They really were a fun found family dynamic with some ups and downs themselves, but it felt real. This is who I would have wanted to be friends with when I was in college for sure! This book is set in Vancouver and I was also really impressed with the descriptions of scenery and Canadian culture. It really made me want to visit and experience it myself, which really says something. Cannot wait to see what Vanessa Chase writes next!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Thank you to Vanessa Chase for an eARC. The below thoughts and honest review are my own.
A close knit friend group, Remi, Eli, Noah, and Miranda, since the beginning of their first year of university are now in their final year. Remi especially is holding on really tight to their group. She very much has a planner personality (and really she feels like this keeps her safe). But one night at a music festival she lets her guard down and kisses Eli. Eli who has had a crush on Remi for years, but never found the right time to tell her. Now Remi is worried she's ruined everything for her found family. But Eli is determined not to let her give up on what just might be meant to be.
The sweetest friends-to-lovers story I have read in a while! Remi was such a relatable character and Eli was such a genuinely good guy that you had to root for both them as individuals and their relationship as a couple. Remi especially was dealing with some tough family dynamics, anxiety, and really a major change in life period (what happens after we graduate?), but her growth throughout the story was beautiful. Eli, while maybe more subtle, also had great character development. And together they were fantastic. They supported each other through the trickier times, great flirting and connection (of course!), and Eli notices the little things about Remi and brings them out at the best times (my favorite microtrope!). I also have to shout out Noah and Miranda. They really were a fun found family dynamic with some ups and downs themselves, but it felt real. This is who I would have wanted to be friends with when I was in college for sure! This book is set in Vancouver and I was also really impressed with the descriptions of scenery and Canadian culture. It really made me want to visit and experience it myself, which really says something. Cannot wait to see what Vanessa Chase writes next!
November 13, 2025
The Place We Begin by Vanessa Chase is a very sweet and heartwarming read. It is a love story between best friends, who are polar opposites. Eli fell hard for Remi and has been silently hiding his crush for the past three years. Eli is laid back, friendly, and gorgeous. Remi is studious, a perfectionist, and a planner. They have been friends since their first year of university. And now in their final year of schooling, an unexpected kiss changes their dynamic and opens a whole new exciting chapter. The story follows the ups and downs of love, friendship, and navigating life as a young adult.
This really was such a sweet, endearing read. My heart hurt a little for Remi as she dealt with anxiety, love, and family issues. My heart was rooting for Remi and Eli as a couple. I felt like they were a perfect match. I also love a good young love romance. It reminds me of my younger years and romances 💕
The Place We Begin was a very nostalgic read for me as I spent many years at the University of British Columbia. First as a child, we lived on campus while my Mum was attending university. Then when I was 19 I did my bachelor’s degree at UBC and then worked in the Psychology department after graduation. So reading this book felt like coming home to me. It brought back so many positive memories and emotions. I was reliving my childhood and youth. It was extra special.
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy:
Friends-to-lovers
Opposites attract
Chosen Family
University life
Sweet Romance
Healthy conflict resolution
Thank you so much Vanessa Chase for my e-arc of The Place We Begin. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Pub Date: November 13, 2025
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 12, 2025
~3.5⭐
A sweet, wholesome and easy romance read. This book surprised me in unexpected ways and I was okay with that!
Remi and Eli are long time friends that finally give into their attraction towards each other and sparks fly quickly. I enjoyed the world of undergrad life and life as young twenty somethings in this one. It was light-hearted but focused on some heavy life topics such as complicated family dynamics and mental health. Remi felt like a relatable character that was endearing and strong. I hated how crap her biological family was but her found family made up for it. Eli wasn't super impressionable to me but I did like how he fell for Remi so hard. Their relationship with Noah and Miranda was realistic and genuine, which made sense in their season of life. I did find that because this book was very much a new adult novel, certain moments and spice in the story didn't flow as well into the storyline. I enjoyed this one the most when the drama kicked in, because I did not expect it from that character. It resolved in a seamless way and the ending of everything was equal parts cute and cheesy 😆
As a debut, this one was a quick and engaging read. Thank you to the author for providing an eARC to me in exchange for my honest opinions!
A sweet, wholesome and easy romance read. This book surprised me in unexpected ways and I was okay with that!
Remi and Eli are long time friends that finally give into their attraction towards each other and sparks fly quickly. I enjoyed the world of undergrad life and life as young twenty somethings in this one. It was light-hearted but focused on some heavy life topics such as complicated family dynamics and mental health. Remi felt like a relatable character that was endearing and strong. I hated how crap her biological family was but her found family made up for it. Eli wasn't super impressionable to me but I did like how he fell for Remi so hard. Their relationship with Noah and Miranda was realistic and genuine, which made sense in their season of life. I did find that because this book was very much a new adult novel, certain moments and spice in the story didn't flow as well into the storyline. I enjoyed this one the most when the drama kicked in, because I did not expect it from that character. It resolved in a seamless way and the ending of everything was equal parts cute and cheesy 😆
As a debut, this one was a quick and engaging read. Thank you to the author for providing an eARC to me in exchange for my honest opinions!
November 12, 2025
a beautiful debut novel from vanessa chase! the place we begin encapsulates the feeling of found family, friends to lovers and mapping young adulthood perfectly. there are ups and downs that our main characters experience and yet they persist wholeheartedly. remi, who has found sanctuary in moving to vancouver and making new friends there, while struggling without the support, or genuine familial connection for that matter, her parents and sister don’t provide. eli, who relies on staying upbeat and optimistic to keep his worries and down feelings at bay. they learn to navigate a new relationship together while still learning about themselves, eachother, and what they need to move forward after university. the place we begin is full of hope, slow burn romance, and fighting for the people you love. there’s nothing more heartwarming than friends being the village they need for eachother time and again.
as someone who has lived in british columbia a majority of my life, i enjoy reading about local towns i know and love. it was a nice surprise to see my home town of golden mentioned a few times and made this read just that bit more special and personal for me. it’s been an honour and pleasure to read an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review!
thank you vanessa chase for sharing your debut book with me and a massive congratulations 👏🏼
as someone who has lived in british columbia a majority of my life, i enjoy reading about local towns i know and love. it was a nice surprise to see my home town of golden mentioned a few times and made this read just that bit more special and personal for me. it’s been an honour and pleasure to read an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review!
thank you vanessa chase for sharing your debut book with me and a massive congratulations 👏🏼
November 14, 2025
This is the sweetest debut novel! The characters, the setting, the plot - it all just felt like a warm hug! I think Vanessa did a great job of showcasing the characters worries and concerns about what life looks like after university - it’s a big transition and she wrote it beautifully!
The found family trope in this book is perfection…to have the love and support that the characters did from family that wasn’t their own was so lovely to read about.
Eli and Remi are the most adorable couple - their love for one another was evident throughout the entirety of the book…whether they were friends or more, they were kind and gentle to one another…both walking green flags!
The found family trope in this book is perfection…to have the love and support that the characters did from family that wasn’t their own was so lovely to read about.
Eli and Remi are the most adorable couple - their love for one another was evident throughout the entirety of the book…whether they were friends or more, they were kind and gentle to one another…both walking green flags!
November 11, 2025
Thank you so much to Vanessa Chase for the eARC!
Spice level, according to me: 1.5🌶️
A solid debut from Vanessa Chase! Remi and Eli’s story is rooted in pure heart, and it was so sweet to watch them grow from friends to lovers.
I loved Remi, Eli, Noah, and Miranda together. Remi truly finds her family and her people in this group, and I found myself attached to the group dynamic, too.
Eli is down baaaad for Remi, and he’s the only one to get her to let down her walls a bit more.
I can’t wait to see what Vanessa does next!
Spice level, according to me: 1.5🌶️
A solid debut from Vanessa Chase! Remi and Eli’s story is rooted in pure heart, and it was so sweet to watch them grow from friends to lovers.
I loved Remi, Eli, Noah, and Miranda together. Remi truly finds her family and her people in this group, and I found myself attached to the group dynamic, too.
Eli is down baaaad for Remi, and he’s the only one to get her to let down her walls a bit more.
I can’t wait to see what Vanessa does next!
November 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW: Thank you Vanessa Chase for the advance copy of your book!
I was born and raised in Vancouver, so I was very excited to read a story set in my hometown, and I loved recognizing so many of the places Vanessa mentioned.
As for the story itself, I did find it a bit repetitive at times. I love a good friends-to-lovers trope and thought Remi and Eli’s relationship started off in a great place, but from there, the story began to feel a little circular. Each chapter seemed to revisit Remi’s attempts to hold on too tightly to her friend group and keep everyone from moving away from Vancouver and leaving her behind. While I understood her feelings, I was hoping for more focus on the development of the romantic relationship between these two long-time friends. Remi’s family definitely sucks, and I was glad she found her people at college, but I kept waiting for her to experience some personal growth.
I did enjoy the last few chapters much more, as the pace picked up and the characters finally started asking for what they wanted. I appreciated that these close-knit friends found ways to pursue their own paths while still remaining Remi’s found family.
While this wasn’t my favourite book overall, I’d still gladly read the next in the series. Writing and publishing a book is such an impressive feat, and I’m confident this story will find its audience!
I was born and raised in Vancouver, so I was very excited to read a story set in my hometown, and I loved recognizing so many of the places Vanessa mentioned.
As for the story itself, I did find it a bit repetitive at times. I love a good friends-to-lovers trope and thought Remi and Eli’s relationship started off in a great place, but from there, the story began to feel a little circular. Each chapter seemed to revisit Remi’s attempts to hold on too tightly to her friend group and keep everyone from moving away from Vancouver and leaving her behind. While I understood her feelings, I was hoping for more focus on the development of the romantic relationship between these two long-time friends. Remi’s family definitely sucks, and I was glad she found her people at college, but I kept waiting for her to experience some personal growth.
I did enjoy the last few chapters much more, as the pace picked up and the characters finally started asking for what they wanted. I appreciated that these close-knit friends found ways to pursue their own paths while still remaining Remi’s found family.
While this wasn’t my favourite book overall, I’d still gladly read the next in the series. Writing and publishing a book is such an impressive feat, and I’m confident this story will find its audience!
November 23, 2025
✨𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨✨
🆃🅷🅴 🅿︎🅻🅰︎🅲🅴 🆆🅴 🅱︎🅴🅶🅸🅽
By: Vanessa Chase
𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 🫶🏻 Vanessa Chase for sharing a #gifted e-Arc of your book with me! I am so grateful! All opinions are my own.
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖 💕
“To us. To the memories of this place, to the new ones we’ll make apart, and to all the ones we’ll make when we’re back together”
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪 ✏️
Remi has her life planned out until a kiss with her best friend, Eli changes everything.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 💭
I loved so many parts of this beautiful story but my favorite is the found family established between Remi and her best friends Eli, Noah and Miranda. Remi’s parents are the absolute worst and I am so thankful she has such wonderful friends to love and support her. I can remember back when I was graduating college and the anxiety I felt during that time of transition. Finding a balance between relationships and responsibilities is so hard especially when everything feels like it is changing. Also the romance between Remi and Eli is both heartwarming and sweet. I loved seeing their feelings deepen over the course of the story!
If you are looking for a sweet, beautifully written, new adult story full of found family, then this is the perfect read!
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 📖
✩ Friends to Lovers
✩ Found Family
✩ He Falls First
✩ New Adult - Seniors in college
✩ Dual POV
🆃🅷🅴 🅿︎🅻🅰︎🅲🅴 🆆🅴 🅱︎🅴🅶🅸🅽
By: Vanessa Chase
𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 🫶🏻 Vanessa Chase for sharing a #gifted e-Arc of your book with me! I am so grateful! All opinions are my own.
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖 💕
“To us. To the memories of this place, to the new ones we’ll make apart, and to all the ones we’ll make when we’re back together”
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪 ✏️
Remi has her life planned out until a kiss with her best friend, Eli changes everything.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 💭
I loved so many parts of this beautiful story but my favorite is the found family established between Remi and her best friends Eli, Noah and Miranda. Remi’s parents are the absolute worst and I am so thankful she has such wonderful friends to love and support her. I can remember back when I was graduating college and the anxiety I felt during that time of transition. Finding a balance between relationships and responsibilities is so hard especially when everything feels like it is changing. Also the romance between Remi and Eli is both heartwarming and sweet. I loved seeing their feelings deepen over the course of the story!
If you are looking for a sweet, beautifully written, new adult story full of found family, then this is the perfect read!
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 📖
✩ Friends to Lovers
✩ Found Family
✩ He Falls First
✩ New Adult - Seniors in college
✩ Dual POV
December 16, 2025
The Place We Begin
Remi, the one who tries to be rhetorical ultimate friend, the cruiser director and event planner, the one who feels the need to make sure everything is perfect so people will stay in her life.
Eli, the go with the flow, positive affirmations to get through the day, the one who says everything will work out and be ok because he’s scared to think it won’t happen.
With their last year of university quickly ending, after a kiss one wants to remember and one wants to forget, Remi and Eli have a lot to face in the upcoming year, a year filled with uncertainty, potential location, changes, job opportunities that may or may not present themselves, and knowing that their university years are coming to an end. Are they both brave enough to take the leap and go from friends to lovers or will they remain friends?
I absolutely adored reading this book. It was so nostalgic it had so many relatable quotes about friendship about love about life. From the first chapter, I wanted to know what happened to these characters. I loved that the secondary character characters were just as important to the story as the main ones as well how Vanessa weaved Eli’s and Remi’s families into the story.
This is Vanessa’s debut novel and I would give it a 4.5 ⭐️. Thank you Vanessa so much for this ARC, it was an absolute delight to reach your debut novel.
The place we begins comes out November 13 2025
Remi, the one who tries to be rhetorical ultimate friend, the cruiser director and event planner, the one who feels the need to make sure everything is perfect so people will stay in her life.
Eli, the go with the flow, positive affirmations to get through the day, the one who says everything will work out and be ok because he’s scared to think it won’t happen.
With their last year of university quickly ending, after a kiss one wants to remember and one wants to forget, Remi and Eli have a lot to face in the upcoming year, a year filled with uncertainty, potential location, changes, job opportunities that may or may not present themselves, and knowing that their university years are coming to an end. Are they both brave enough to take the leap and go from friends to lovers or will they remain friends?
I absolutely adored reading this book. It was so nostalgic it had so many relatable quotes about friendship about love about life. From the first chapter, I wanted to know what happened to these characters. I loved that the secondary character characters were just as important to the story as the main ones as well how Vanessa weaved Eli’s and Remi’s families into the story.
This is Vanessa’s debut novel and I would give it a 4.5 ⭐️. Thank you Vanessa so much for this ARC, it was an absolute delight to reach your debut novel.
The place we begins comes out November 13 2025
November 14, 2025
What a sweet love story! I enjoyed reading about Remi and Eli and their cute love story! I definitely could relate to both main characters with their past trauma / anxieties! My anxiety and fear drove so many of my decisions in college! I like Eli’s easy going personality but so happy that the author ended up showing Eli’s insecurities to make him a well rounded character! I loved reading about the beautiful west coast!! 🇨🇦 The friend group was well matched and can’t wait to read about Miranda!! The writing style is easy to follow and has a great pace! Thanks so much for the ARC!
Read
November 16, 2025ARC received from the author, thanks!
I'm not sure what to do with this book... I don't think I'll give it a star rating, because I don't want to tank a debut, self-published author's rating.
Overall, this book just didn't work for me. I really disliked Eli, he was basically a walking red flag for me, with his toxic positivity (which was called out, but which I don't think was properly/satisfying dealt with) and 'I've waited for three years to make you mine' mindset when it came to Remi. It felt very much like a guy who has been "friend zoned" who is just biding his time, and I kind of hate that. Also, the characters in this book are very young, 21-22, and for me, personally, I much prefer an HFN for these types of characters, not an HEA. For me, that doesn't feel realistic.
I also don't know how I feel about the relationship between Remi and her family. I know that families are hard, and I have a terrible-at-best relationship with one of my parents (they've actually said some of the same things that Remi's parents say in this book), but I don't think that Remi should have given them nearly as many chances as she did. And again, families are hard, but when your family clearly doesn't give a shit about you, why are you inviting them to your graduation? And then when Eli came in his with toxic positivity BS, telling Remi to stick it out with helping to plan her sister's wedding, despite her sister being awful and unhelpful, felt really wrong. Like, Remi has been trying her whole life to fit in with her family who treats her like garbage, and she's now tried *for months* to help her sister plan her wedding, so if she's feeling like she needs to stop, then be there to support her, rather than telling her to keep it up and causing her much more stress. Eli, your advice is trash.
I liked some of the side characters, and can see where the author is setting up the next book. I also liked the beginning, because it takes place at a music festival I've been to, in the teeny tiny town where my mom currently lives. It was fun to be so familiar with so many of the settings in the book (including the ones in Vancouver), but unfortunately, my nostalgia for BC wasn't enough to outweigh all of the things I didn't like or the mildly problematic behaviours that weren't entirely dealt with.
I'm not sure what to do with this book... I don't think I'll give it a star rating, because I don't want to tank a debut, self-published author's rating.
Overall, this book just didn't work for me. I really disliked Eli, he was basically a walking red flag for me, with his toxic positivity (which was called out, but which I don't think was properly/satisfying dealt with) and 'I've waited for three years to make you mine' mindset when it came to Remi. It felt very much like a guy who has been "friend zoned" who is just biding his time, and I kind of hate that. Also, the characters in this book are very young, 21-22, and for me, personally, I much prefer an HFN for these types of characters, not an HEA. For me, that doesn't feel realistic.
I also don't know how I feel about the relationship between Remi and her family. I know that families are hard, and I have a terrible-at-best relationship with one of my parents (they've actually said some of the same things that Remi's parents say in this book), but I don't think that Remi should have given them nearly as many chances as she did. And again, families are hard, but when your family clearly doesn't give a shit about you, why are you inviting them to your graduation? And then when Eli came in his with toxic positivity BS, telling Remi to stick it out with helping to plan her sister's wedding, despite her sister being awful and unhelpful, felt really wrong. Like, Remi has been trying her whole life to fit in with her family who treats her like garbage, and she's now tried *for months* to help her sister plan her wedding, so if she's feeling like she needs to stop, then be there to support her, rather than telling her to keep it up and causing her much more stress. Eli, your advice is trash.
I liked some of the side characters, and can see where the author is setting up the next book. I also liked the beginning, because it takes place at a music festival I've been to, in the teeny tiny town where my mom currently lives. It was fun to be so familiar with so many of the settings in the book (including the ones in Vancouver), but unfortunately, my nostalgia for BC wasn't enough to outweigh all of the things I didn't like or the mildly problematic behaviours that weren't entirely dealt with.
November 8, 2025
The Place We Begin is a charming friends to lovers romance that doesn’t feel like a debut. Vanessa Chase creates a world filled with realistic, likable characters, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Remi, Eli, Noah, and Miranda are beginning their final year of university, and their friend group spends all their free time together. Eli’s been crushing on Remi for ages, but both are hesitant to jeopardize their friendship. When Eli and Remi finally, finally share a kiss, Remi’s not sure what to do next. Now that they’ve kissed, though, Eli’s not about to let Remi use their friendship as an excuse to avoid just how good they can be together.
One of the things I like most about this story is that these characters feel like college age students, not 30 year olds dropped into a university setting. Their anxiety about the future feels realistic, and their struggles ring true. Eli and Remi’s story also could have been filled with miscommunication galore, but in this case the characters actually talk to each other about their feelings, which is refreshing. And the found family vibes are fantastic!
If you are a fan of friends to lovers romance, with a strong dose of found family, you’ll adore The Place We Begin. Vanessa Chase’s debut gives readers entertaining and realistic characters who are a delight to spend time with.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Remi, Eli, Noah, and Miranda are beginning their final year of university, and their friend group spends all their free time together. Eli’s been crushing on Remi for ages, but both are hesitant to jeopardize their friendship. When Eli and Remi finally, finally share a kiss, Remi’s not sure what to do next. Now that they’ve kissed, though, Eli’s not about to let Remi use their friendship as an excuse to avoid just how good they can be together.
One of the things I like most about this story is that these characters feel like college age students, not 30 year olds dropped into a university setting. Their anxiety about the future feels realistic, and their struggles ring true. Eli and Remi’s story also could have been filled with miscommunication galore, but in this case the characters actually talk to each other about their feelings, which is refreshing. And the found family vibes are fantastic!
If you are a fan of friends to lovers romance, with a strong dose of found family, you’ll adore The Place We Begin. Vanessa Chase’s debut gives readers entertaining and realistic characters who are a delight to spend time with.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
November 9, 2025This is such a soft, sweet coming-of-age romance. Remi and Eli are entering their final year of university, and there are enough big life changes ahead of them without adding in turning their years-long friendship into something more. But their attraction to each other is undeniable, and they agree that exploring their feelings is worth not only possibly ruining their friendship but also their friendship group, which includes Eli’s twin brother Noah and Remi’s best friend and roommate Miranda.
The author captured the feelings of this time of life so well - the anxiety, the uncertainty, and the excitement for the future. Remi’s family is THE WORST, and her little found family means everything to her, so she’s worried about where they’ll all end up after they graduate, and she’s desperate to keep them together. I enjoyed watching her come to terms with this, all while falling in love with Eli, and learning to stand up for herself and do what she needed to do when it came to her family. Eli had his own personal growth journey too, and I appreciated how he and Remi grew as individuals and as a couple, and how everything they went through made their relationship and their friend group stronger.
Be sure to check out this book if you enjoy:
Friends to lovers
New adult/coming of age romance
Found family
He falls first
Canadian settings (Vancouver, British Columbia)
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own
The author captured the feelings of this time of life so well - the anxiety, the uncertainty, and the excitement for the future. Remi’s family is THE WORST, and her little found family means everything to her, so she’s worried about where they’ll all end up after they graduate, and she’s desperate to keep them together. I enjoyed watching her come to terms with this, all while falling in love with Eli, and learning to stand up for herself and do what she needed to do when it came to her family. Eli had his own personal growth journey too, and I appreciated how he and Remi grew as individuals and as a couple, and how everything they went through made their relationship and their friend group stronger.
Be sure to check out this book if you enjoy:
Friends to lovers
New adult/coming of age romance
Found family
He falls first
Canadian settings (Vancouver, British Columbia)
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own
November 13, 2025
what an honour it was to read this debut novel that honestly didn’t even feel like a debut! There was such confidence in Vanessa’s writing that came across so beautifully. It completely swept me away.
Vanessa did an amazing job making me feel like I was right there in this picturesque university & Canadian setting
I absolutely adored these characters and their story. The open, honest communication was so refreshing!. I found this added so much emotional depth to the storyline. I kept finding myself saying things like, “Omg yes, this is how you deal with conflict” 🤣
The connection between Remi and Eli was just perfection. Their relationship developed so organically and realistically. The way these two were so careful and kind with each other was genuinely heartwarming.
I also loved the theme of found family woven throughout the story. It was so special to see Remi find her people, it gave the story such depth and emotional impact
And can we talk about Eli? A literal walking green flag. The kind of partner we all deserve.
This book felt like a warm hug — comforting, emotionally rich, and full of heart. I can’t wait to see what Vanessa does next… *ahem* that epilogue 👀👀
Vanessa did an amazing job making me feel like I was right there in this picturesque university & Canadian setting
I absolutely adored these characters and their story. The open, honest communication was so refreshing!. I found this added so much emotional depth to the storyline. I kept finding myself saying things like, “Omg yes, this is how you deal with conflict” 🤣
The connection between Remi and Eli was just perfection. Their relationship developed so organically and realistically. The way these two were so careful and kind with each other was genuinely heartwarming.
I also loved the theme of found family woven throughout the story. It was so special to see Remi find her people, it gave the story such depth and emotional impact
And can we talk about Eli? A literal walking green flag. The kind of partner we all deserve.
This book felt like a warm hug — comforting, emotionally rich, and full of heart. I can’t wait to see what Vanessa does next… *ahem* that epilogue 👀👀
November 6, 2025
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC!
I read this book in one sitting, and it truly felt like a warm hug. It’s the kind of story that’s grounded in realistic love — no unnecessary drama, just two people navigating early adulthood, emotional growth, and figuring out what “home” means when everything is changing.
Remi’s anxiety around change, her deep need to hold everyone together, and her fear of letting go was so relatable. Eli, with his sunshine energy and calming presence, was the exact balance she didn’t know she needed. Their relationship wasn’t a whirlwind — it was steady, soft, and a green flag kind of love.
There were definitely a few repetitive and slightly immature moments, but honestly? It felt accurate. Being in your early 20s is weird. You're figuring out who you are, what you want, and it’s scary when life starts happening faster than you expected.
This book is about growing with someone, not just falling in love with them — and I adored that. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a friends-to-lovers, feel-good, realistic romance with a sprinkle of found family.
I read this book in one sitting, and it truly felt like a warm hug. It’s the kind of story that’s grounded in realistic love — no unnecessary drama, just two people navigating early adulthood, emotional growth, and figuring out what “home” means when everything is changing.
Remi’s anxiety around change, her deep need to hold everyone together, and her fear of letting go was so relatable. Eli, with his sunshine energy and calming presence, was the exact balance she didn’t know she needed. Their relationship wasn’t a whirlwind — it was steady, soft, and a green flag kind of love.
There were definitely a few repetitive and slightly immature moments, but honestly? It felt accurate. Being in your early 20s is weird. You're figuring out who you are, what you want, and it’s scary when life starts happening faster than you expected.
This book is about growing with someone, not just falling in love with them — and I adored that. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a friends-to-lovers, feel-good, realistic romance with a sprinkle of found family.
November 13, 2025
"This is the place we begin."
"The Place We Begin" follows Remi and Eli. Remi and Eli have been best friends for 3 years, but things change after Remi kisses Eli at a concert. Remi and Eli give a relationship a chance, while navigating the highs and lows that come with entering the adult world.
I want to thank Vanessa Chase for including me in her ARC distribution. I am truly honored to be a part of your journey!
y'all... this book. Remi and Eli had me giggling with how adorable they are! This book was truly relatable to the highs and lows that many people go through as they are navigating new eras in their life. The anxiety representation was authentic and gave a realistic navigation through emotions. This group of friends is the best found family.
As we know, friends-to-lovers is not my favorite trope, but this book had me changing my mind. Miranda and Noah were also an iconic meddling duo, whose stories I will also need by the way!
"The Place We Begin" follows Remi and Eli. Remi and Eli have been best friends for 3 years, but things change after Remi kisses Eli at a concert. Remi and Eli give a relationship a chance, while navigating the highs and lows that come with entering the adult world.
I want to thank Vanessa Chase for including me in her ARC distribution. I am truly honored to be a part of your journey!
y'all... this book. Remi and Eli had me giggling with how adorable they are! This book was truly relatable to the highs and lows that many people go through as they are navigating new eras in their life. The anxiety representation was authentic and gave a realistic navigation through emotions. This group of friends is the best found family.
As we know, friends-to-lovers is not my favorite trope, but this book had me changing my mind. Miranda and Noah were also an iconic meddling duo, whose stories I will also need by the way!
November 11, 2025
This sweet, heartfelt romance was the perfect pick-me-up. Remi is such a great FMC; her insecurities feel so valid and real. Eli is the definition of kind, sweet and caring boyfriend who’s also facing his own challenges. Together, they move from best friends zone to lovers and somehow to found family.
Vanessa Chase did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. Their story is full of heart, growth, and real emotions. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for book 2!
Vanessa Chase did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. Their story is full of heart, growth, and real emotions. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for book 2!
November 30, 2025
Review: 4 stars
Remi is about to start her last year of university but prior to that she and her friends, Eli, Miranda and Noah had their share of fun at the Shambhala Music Festival where she and Eli unexpectedly shared a kiss, taking their friendship to an unexpected romantic term. Can she navigate that landscape, along with her emotionally absent family and balance her last term of university?
For a debut, Vanessa hit the friends to lovers trope and life in the university well. Given that Remi grew up with an absentee family, she always has this fear of abandonment and would go all out to plan her friends’ celebrations and ensure everything is perfect in hopes of unconsciously keeping her friends closer to her. I feel so angry for her as she navigates through her hopes of rekindling some form of relationship with her family as her sister approaches her to help plan her wedding but time and time again, they would never put her first in anything. Thank goodness for her close knit group of friends - the togetherness they have among each other was unreal and sweet. I love the character development we see in Remi as she learns to navigate past her trauma and securities and to let go of what is no longer working. Eli could not be more different than her, yet their relationship works. He also suffers from some past trauma which eventually causes him to lash out at Remi and this shows how humanly flawed and relatable both are.
As much as this is a book about romance, this is also a book about Remi’s growth of a fear of being abandoned due to family trauma to trusting herself in the process.
This book is also a love letter to Vancouver with a lot of nature elements thrown in. It also reminds me of my university days when I thought about going into forest conservation (I graduated with a degree in Biology - I know, don’t ask…) The book hits themes like close friendships, positive therapy rep, anxiety, how childhood trauma shapes us, adult life challenges, career prospects and the overwhelming-ness we face when we graduate and make our way out to adulthood.
All in all, it was a beautiful, heartwarming romance like a comforting hot tea during winter and I enjoyed the sweet read.
Thank you so much Vanessa for the eARC!
Remi is about to start her last year of university but prior to that she and her friends, Eli, Miranda and Noah had their share of fun at the Shambhala Music Festival where she and Eli unexpectedly shared a kiss, taking their friendship to an unexpected romantic term. Can she navigate that landscape, along with her emotionally absent family and balance her last term of university?
For a debut, Vanessa hit the friends to lovers trope and life in the university well. Given that Remi grew up with an absentee family, she always has this fear of abandonment and would go all out to plan her friends’ celebrations and ensure everything is perfect in hopes of unconsciously keeping her friends closer to her. I feel so angry for her as she navigates through her hopes of rekindling some form of relationship with her family as her sister approaches her to help plan her wedding but time and time again, they would never put her first in anything. Thank goodness for her close knit group of friends - the togetherness they have among each other was unreal and sweet. I love the character development we see in Remi as she learns to navigate past her trauma and securities and to let go of what is no longer working. Eli could not be more different than her, yet their relationship works. He also suffers from some past trauma which eventually causes him to lash out at Remi and this shows how humanly flawed and relatable both are.
As much as this is a book about romance, this is also a book about Remi’s growth of a fear of being abandoned due to family trauma to trusting herself in the process.
This book is also a love letter to Vancouver with a lot of nature elements thrown in. It also reminds me of my university days when I thought about going into forest conservation (I graduated with a degree in Biology - I know, don’t ask…) The book hits themes like close friendships, positive therapy rep, anxiety, how childhood trauma shapes us, adult life challenges, career prospects and the overwhelming-ness we face when we graduate and make our way out to adulthood.
All in all, it was a beautiful, heartwarming romance like a comforting hot tea during winter and I enjoyed the sweet read.
Thank you so much Vanessa for the eARC!
October 29, 2025
💭 ⓂⓎ ⓉⒽⓄⓊⒼⒽⓉⓈ
A Cute and fun friends to lovers story about navigating life after college. This read was definitely nostalgic, and I highlighted so many quotes about friendship and relationships that really hit home. Remi’s parents absolutely sucked, and I appreciated how the story explored setting boundaries with family members who don’t have your best interests at heart. The characters felt a little immature at times, but honestly, they were probably more mature than I was back in college. I loved seeing their growth throughout the book, and I also liked the level of spice because it added to the story without ever taking away from it. Congrats on this debut novel, Vanessa, and I can’t wait to see what book two brings!
📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
💕Friends to lovers
🧲Opposites Attract
❤️New Adult
🫶🏼Found family
💙He falls first
🚪Open door spice
💚Anxiety Rep
🗣️Dual POV
🏕️𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾🏕️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💕Q U O T E: "𝒴𝑒𝒶𝒽, 𝒷𝓊𝓉, 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝓈𝒽 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒶 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒻𝓁𝒾𝒸𝓉, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅 𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓊𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓁𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅."
🙏 Thank you Vanessa Chase for sharing an ARC of your book with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.💕
A Cute and fun friends to lovers story about navigating life after college. This read was definitely nostalgic, and I highlighted so many quotes about friendship and relationships that really hit home. Remi’s parents absolutely sucked, and I appreciated how the story explored setting boundaries with family members who don’t have your best interests at heart. The characters felt a little immature at times, but honestly, they were probably more mature than I was back in college. I loved seeing their growth throughout the book, and I also liked the level of spice because it added to the story without ever taking away from it. Congrats on this debut novel, Vanessa, and I can’t wait to see what book two brings!
📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
💕Friends to lovers
🧲Opposites Attract
❤️New Adult
🫶🏼Found family
💙He falls first
🚪Open door spice
💚Anxiety Rep
🗣️Dual POV
🏕️𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾🏕️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💕Q U O T E: "𝒴𝑒𝒶𝒽, 𝒷𝓊𝓉, 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝓈𝒽 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒶 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒻𝓁𝒾𝒸𝓉, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅 𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓊𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓁𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅."
🙏 Thank you Vanessa Chase for sharing an ARC of your book with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.💕
November 14, 2025
Disclaimer: I worked on this novel as a proofreader so cannot fully divorce myself from any bias. Also, any remaining errors are on me, not the author!
This is a lovely, sweet debut. The main characters are a little younger than my usual reads, navigating a stage of life that is long behind me (sigh; I'm practically the cryptkeeper now!). The author does a really good job of conveying the type of emotions I remember having at that stage, when you're finishing up university and "real life" is about to begin and somehow you have to figure out how to be ready for that... (I don't miss that!). I love the found family aspects of the story and the take on friends-to-lovers worked for me in a way this trope often doesn't for me, because there was no "suddenly!feelings" but feelings having been there but now is a time (and a place) to begin exploring them.
This is definitely a strong start for a debut and I look forward to picking up future books!
This is a lovely, sweet debut. The main characters are a little younger than my usual reads, navigating a stage of life that is long behind me (sigh; I'm practically the cryptkeeper now!). The author does a really good job of conveying the type of emotions I remember having at that stage, when you're finishing up university and "real life" is about to begin and somehow you have to figure out how to be ready for that... (I don't miss that!). I love the found family aspects of the story and the take on friends-to-lovers worked for me in a way this trope often doesn't for me, because there was no "suddenly!feelings" but feelings having been there but now is a time (and a place) to begin exploring them.
This is definitely a strong start for a debut and I look forward to picking up future books!
November 11, 2025
💕The place we begin💕 by @vanessareadsandwrites
Out:11/
This was such a warm read and Eli is the biggest green flag MMC To date as he’s so kind, patient, and loving of our FMC. He and Remi had such a solid foundation to build the relationship up from and how the portrayal of their lives was done in such an authentic way. Found family will forever be a favorite trope of mine and it was nice following along with Remi as she experienced that trope first hand. Such a sweet read that pulls at your heart strings with such pure rawness and emotion and I loved the coziness of it all 🩷
About this book:
🩵friends to lovers
🩵found family
🩵he falls first
🩵mental health rep
🩵dual pov
Thank you so much Vanessa for this arc in exchange for an honest review! I’m so honored you chose me to be an arc reader for your debut book and am so excited to continue cheering you on!
Out:11/
This was such a warm read and Eli is the biggest green flag MMC To date as he’s so kind, patient, and loving of our FMC. He and Remi had such a solid foundation to build the relationship up from and how the portrayal of their lives was done in such an authentic way. Found family will forever be a favorite trope of mine and it was nice following along with Remi as she experienced that trope first hand. Such a sweet read that pulls at your heart strings with such pure rawness and emotion and I loved the coziness of it all 🩷
About this book:
🩵friends to lovers
🩵found family
🩵he falls first
🩵mental health rep
🩵dual pov
Thank you so much Vanessa for this arc in exchange for an honest review! I’m so honored you chose me to be an arc reader for your debut book and am so excited to continue cheering you on!
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