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Choosing Her
There are two things in life I know for hockey players are trouble and Caleb Cross is the worst of the bunch.
Once upon a time, I fell for a boy at a party. Then he ghosted me and started dating my sister.
Not exactly the start to a great love story.
Now it’s a year later, he’s single again, and he’s determined to win me over. Too bad I know better than to fall for his tricks.
But every time I reject him, he only becomes more determined to prove that he’s not just the player I think he is.
And I hate to admit it, but with every smile, every joke, every moment alone—he makes it harder and harder to remember why I hated him in the first place.
But how can I fall for the one guy I swore I’d never forgive?
Choosing Her is a sweet & wholesome YA romance set at boarding school. Pre-order your copy today!
Release date will be moved up. Anticipated release is February 2025.
Once upon a time, I fell for a boy at a party. Then he ghosted me and started dating my sister.
Not exactly the start to a great love story.
Now it’s a year later, he’s single again, and he’s determined to win me over. Too bad I know better than to fall for his tricks.
But every time I reject him, he only becomes more determined to prove that he’s not just the player I think he is.
And I hate to admit it, but with every smile, every joke, every moment alone—he makes it harder and harder to remember why I hated him in the first place.
But how can I fall for the one guy I swore I’d never forgive?
Choosing Her is a sweet & wholesome YA romance set at boarding school. Pre-order your copy today!
Release date will be moved up. Anticipated release is February 2025.
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
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About the author
Clara Nielsen
22 books177 followersClara Nielsen writes sweet & swoony YA romances set in high school, all about shy girls and the boys who are head-over-heels for them. When she’s not busy writing, you’ll probably find her out on the lake, putting together the perfect playlist, or sipping on a chai latte while daydreaming about her next story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 20, 2025
Miscommunication is my least favorite trope ever
March 2, 2025
3.75 ⭐
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Clara Nielsen, for giving me this ARC.
So, quick backstory: I received the ARC of the previous book in this series about a month ago, and I loved it. I didn't know that I was automatically signed up for the ARC team. When I received this ARC, I was really confused and didn't even know what it was going to be about.
This was a cute, short, but slow burn (like really slow burn), second chance story. I like Saylor and Crossy and their dynamic. I felt that this book was really focused on their story. Yes, I did read a bit about someone else in this universe, but I noticed it was mainly about Saylor and Crossy. They were really cute.
Overall, I liked this and thought they were really cute. I would definitely recommend this if you want to read a short but cute second chance slow burn.
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Clara Nielsen, for giving me this ARC.
So, quick backstory: I received the ARC of the previous book in this series about a month ago, and I loved it. I didn't know that I was automatically signed up for the ARC team. When I received this ARC, I was really confused and didn't even know what it was going to be about.
This was a cute, short, but slow burn (like really slow burn), second chance story. I like Saylor and Crossy and their dynamic. I felt that this book was really focused on their story. Yes, I did read a bit about someone else in this universe, but I noticed it was mainly about Saylor and Crossy. They were really cute.
Overall, I liked this and thought they were really cute. I would definitely recommend this if you want to read a short but cute second chance slow burn.
March 3, 2025
I love these books even at almost 40. Caleb also know as crossy is on the hockey team and needs help in math if he wants to graduate next year . He needs a tutor but the only person available is the one person who hates him the most .
Rebecca “saylor” is a sophomore but is taking junior classes because her parents push her to due harder classes to make them look good . She also loves horseback riding .
Saylor met crossy at a party on New Year’s Eve but he lost her contact info . He tried to find her but was unsuccessful . Unfortunately he starts dating someone new that throws him a big surprise he wasn’t expecting . At the end I really wanted to strangle Taylor’s sister but maybe she will have her own happy ending in the coming books
I loved the nostalgia these books can bring you of the close knit friend groups and his the sports teams rule the school even in boarding school. I love all the personalities of the friends they make the book come alive. The plot isn’t overly complicated and easy to follow along. The books are short and sweet and good palette cleanser for when I need one . I always recommend these to anyone who likes to read ya. Available on kindle unlimited, ebook or paperback to purchase
Rebecca “saylor” is a sophomore but is taking junior classes because her parents push her to due harder classes to make them look good . She also loves horseback riding .
Saylor met crossy at a party on New Year’s Eve but he lost her contact info . He tried to find her but was unsuccessful . Unfortunately he starts dating someone new that throws him a big surprise he wasn’t expecting . At the end I really wanted to strangle Taylor’s sister but maybe she will have her own happy ending in the coming books
I loved the nostalgia these books can bring you of the close knit friend groups and his the sports teams rule the school even in boarding school. I love all the personalities of the friends they make the book come alive. The plot isn’t overly complicated and easy to follow along. The books are short and sweet and good palette cleanser for when I need one . I always recommend these to anyone who likes to read ya. Available on kindle unlimited, ebook or paperback to purchase
August 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐
"Choosing Her" is the second book in the Hartwell Academy series by Clara Nielsen. It's a sweet, slow-burn romance about second chances.
Saylor and Crossy’s relationship had a complicated past—they fell in love, but then he dated her sister, which led to plenty of misunderstandings.
However, it was heartwarming to see them work through their issues together, and I especially loved how Crossy tried to figure out Saylor’s favourite iced coffee flavours—it was such an adorable detail!
I really felt for Saylor, given the family she had to deal with, not just her parents but also her sister, but it was so satisfying to see her realize that her chosen family was what truly mattered.
That said, I did feel the story took a long time to develop, and when things finally fell into place, it all happened a bit too suddenly. A more even pacing would have made the journey even more enjoyable, and there were a few unresolved elements that left me confused.
Still, it was an adorable read, though I preferred the first one, but I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next. ^-^
~I received an arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!~
"Choosing Her" is the second book in the Hartwell Academy series by Clara Nielsen. It's a sweet, slow-burn romance about second chances.
Saylor and Crossy’s relationship had a complicated past—they fell in love, but then he dated her sister, which led to plenty of misunderstandings.
However, it was heartwarming to see them work through their issues together, and I especially loved how Crossy tried to figure out Saylor’s favourite iced coffee flavours—it was such an adorable detail!
I really felt for Saylor, given the family she had to deal with, not just her parents but also her sister, but it was so satisfying to see her realize that her chosen family was what truly mattered.
That said, I did feel the story took a long time to develop, and when things finally fell into place, it all happened a bit too suddenly. A more even pacing would have made the journey even more enjoyable, and there were a few unresolved elements that left me confused.
Still, it was an adorable read, though I preferred the first one, but I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next. ^-^
~I received an arc for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!~
March 3, 2025
Choosing Her is Book 2 in the Hartwell Academy by Clara Nelsen. Saylor is crazy about Crossy. Crossy is crazy about Saylor, BUT, he dates her sister, Naomi. I found this Young Adult story to be very well written with excellent characters. I thought that Crossy was clever in getting Saylor to spend time with him. Jump into High School and dive into a sweet romance. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
March 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AHH YAYYY ANOTHER HOCKEY ROMANCE THAT I LOOOOOVED!!!!! It defiently took me a minute to read because of my reading slump, but that’s okay! I loved this book sm and it had one of my fav tropes in it! (Second chance!) AND I EAT THEM UP!!
I srsly cannot wait for the next book to come out in this series! I’m so grateful I received this as an arc! There was some typos here and there, but that’s okay! The enteraintment is 5 stars! PLUS THE LETTER TROPEEEEE!!! AGHHHH!!! The friendship in these books is literally the
AHH YAYYY ANOTHER HOCKEY ROMANCE THAT I LOOOOOVED!!!!! It defiently took me a minute to read because of my reading slump, but that’s okay! I loved this book sm and it had one of my fav tropes in it! (Second chance!) AND I EAT THEM UP!!
I srsly cannot wait for the next book to come out in this series! I’m so grateful I received this as an arc! There was some typos here and there, but that’s okay! The enteraintment is 5 stars! PLUS THE LETTER TROPEEEEE!!! AGHHHH!!! The friendship in these books is literally the
August 15, 2025
Choosing Her was such a joy to read! From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the characters, they felt so real and lovable, especially the MC, who completely stole my heart.
Clara Nielsen has such a warm, engaging writing style that made me fly through the pages. The dialogue felt natural, the emotions hit just right, and the chemistry between the characters kept me smiling (and sometimes tearing up).
I’m already excited for the next book in the series and can’t wait to see where the story goes. Huge thanks to Clara for letting me read this one, it absolutely made my week!
Clara Nielsen has such a warm, engaging writing style that made me fly through the pages. The dialogue felt natural, the emotions hit just right, and the chemistry between the characters kept me smiling (and sometimes tearing up).
I’m already excited for the next book in the series and can’t wait to see where the story goes. Huge thanks to Clara for letting me read this one, it absolutely made my week!
September 14, 2025
I'm disheartened to say I hated this book. The boy, I will call him a boy because he acted like one knew it was a mistake to keep dating the sister even though he knew he loved the other one and waited until she broke up with him. Also her sister bragged that her ex, (boy main character) was a good kisser. How did the writer want everyone to know both sisters possibly kissed the same boy. Also the boy spend most of the book trying to get over her, the girl he knew he love. Sorry for my rant but it felt weird to me.
August 31, 2025
a fairly easy and fast read. one thing i’d like to comment is that i don’t understand the pick me-ness of the heroine. like i truly think it was unnecessary for the narrative to demonize heroine’s sister—amounting her to a cartoony villain whose only redeeming quality is her beauty. i don’t know. it felt misogynistic to me.
October 17, 2025
It was just sad the happy parts were mostly the end. I get trying to avoid a guy but it was really only one night. And the sister don’t even get me started on that or the parents. This one wasn’t my fave but I liked the others
October 19, 2025
Sweet well except the sister
This was an interesting love story. Started out great and then got side tracked with a misidentity. Then the story was him working to get her back the whole book and then having flashbacks to their first kiss.
This was an interesting love story. Started out great and then got side tracked with a misidentity. Then the story was him working to get her back the whole book and then having flashbacks to their first kiss.
October 26, 2025
Was good, but not great. A lot of miscommunication and some little stupid things, like his dates or whatever being annoying. Did like the iced coffee scenes and playful bickering. Ehhh could be better. Very cliche.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf-2025
August 4, 2025why did i think giving this author another chance was a good idea ?
September 13, 2025
3.75 stars
November 5, 2025
Short, sweet romance about high schoolers and a big miscommunication creating tension and secrets. Missed a bit of depth in the characters and the back story, but it was cute to read
November 6, 2025
although I felt the ending was a bit rushed this book was extremely cutesy (like ALL Clara Nielsens other books). I'm convinced Clara is incapable of writing a bad book, she delivered once again!
August 4, 2025
It was a cute book. I wish we would’ve seen more of their personal lives, for example more about her equestrian life and his hockey journey.
July 24, 2025
I liked the cute story, but this was just a book I could nitpick without even trying. There was so many grammatical errors and also no levels to the story and it felt rushed. Saylor was valid in her reasonings for not liking cross but crossy just expected everything to be fine after he was a total d bag. Like bro u have 4 sisters how do you not know that what u did was wrong. And y did saylor get attacked by everyone and she said that lilah and poppy were her best friends but she told them nothing regarding herself.
March 17, 2025
Choosing her
Een onwijs leuk boek. Ik ben verliefd op dit verhaal. Het was zo schattig, romantisch en liefdevol! Ik heb echt genoten van dit verhaal. Ik las eerder deel 1 van deze serie en wist gelijk dat ik dit deel ook wilde gaan lezen. Ook dit deel stelde niet teleur. Ik vind het een romantische young adult zonder smut. Het leest heerlijk weg, het is fijn geschreven en is echt een comfort read.
Het verhaal zit mooi in elkaar. Je leert de personages goed kennen en hebben echt een plek in mijn hart gekregen. Door de fijne schrijfstijl zat ik lekker in het verhaal en ik kon het niet wegleggen. De personages vond ik geweldig, ze hadden echt chemie samen. Het plage naar elkaar maakte het boek nog leuker. Het verhaal gaat ook lekker soepel, waardoor het verhala heerlijk weglas.
Ik raad dit boek zeker aan om te gaan lezen! De hele serie eigenlijk ;)
🇬🇧An incredibly fun book. I am in love with this story. It was so cute, romantic and loving! I really enjoyed this story. I previously read part 1 of this series and knew immediately that I wanted to read this part too. This part did not disappoint either. I think it is a romantic young adult without smut. It is a great read, it is nicely written and is really a comfort read.
The story is beautifully constructed. You get to know the characters well and they really got a place in my heart. Because of the nice writing style I was really into the story and I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, they really had chemistry together. The teasing towards each other made the book even more fun.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsmarch #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
Een onwijs leuk boek. Ik ben verliefd op dit verhaal. Het was zo schattig, romantisch en liefdevol! Ik heb echt genoten van dit verhaal. Ik las eerder deel 1 van deze serie en wist gelijk dat ik dit deel ook wilde gaan lezen. Ook dit deel stelde niet teleur. Ik vind het een romantische young adult zonder smut. Het leest heerlijk weg, het is fijn geschreven en is echt een comfort read.
Het verhaal zit mooi in elkaar. Je leert de personages goed kennen en hebben echt een plek in mijn hart gekregen. Door de fijne schrijfstijl zat ik lekker in het verhaal en ik kon het niet wegleggen. De personages vond ik geweldig, ze hadden echt chemie samen. Het plage naar elkaar maakte het boek nog leuker. Het verhaal gaat ook lekker soepel, waardoor het verhala heerlijk weglas.
Ik raad dit boek zeker aan om te gaan lezen! De hele serie eigenlijk ;)
🇬🇧An incredibly fun book. I am in love with this story. It was so cute, romantic and loving! I really enjoyed this story. I previously read part 1 of this series and knew immediately that I wanted to read this part too. This part did not disappoint either. I think it is a romantic young adult without smut. It is a great read, it is nicely written and is really a comfort read.
The story is beautifully constructed. You get to know the characters well and they really got a place in my heart. Because of the nice writing style I was really into the story and I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, they really had chemistry together. The teasing towards each other made the book even more fun.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsmarch #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
March 2, 2025
Choosing Her
-Heartwell Academy Book #2-
by: Clara Nielsen
@claranielsenbooks
•My Review: 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~There are two things in life I know for hockey players are trouble and Caleb Cross is the worst of the bunch...
-Choosing Her, is a quick-read YA romance set at a boarding school. It’s about a girl named Sailor, who fell for a boy named Crossy at a party. They seemed to hit it off but, then he ghosted her and started dating her sister. Not exactly the start to a great love story... Now it’s a year later, he’s single again, and he’s determined to win her over and prove that he’s not a player. With every smile, every joke, every moment alone-he makes it harder and harder to remember why Sailor hated him in the first place. This is an enjoyable story about wanting to be seen, wanting to fit in, clearing up misunderstandings, and choosing to trust, forgive, and be open to something more. There is a good amount of humor, tension, swoony moments, and sparks of chemistry along the way! I enjoyed watching Sailor be brave, stand her ground, and find a place where she fits and is loved simply for who she exactly is.
🙌🏻📚😊
“I hope you know that I never stopped
loving you.”
-Content: some strained family dynamics, high school party scene with some implied innuendos, kisses only.
“It was always you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#choosingher
#claranielsen
#allaboutthebestreads
-Heartwell Academy Book #2-
by: Clara Nielsen
@claranielsenbooks
•My Review: 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~There are two things in life I know for hockey players are trouble and Caleb Cross is the worst of the bunch...
-Choosing Her, is a quick-read YA romance set at a boarding school. It’s about a girl named Sailor, who fell for a boy named Crossy at a party. They seemed to hit it off but, then he ghosted her and started dating her sister. Not exactly the start to a great love story... Now it’s a year later, he’s single again, and he’s determined to win her over and prove that he’s not a player. With every smile, every joke, every moment alone-he makes it harder and harder to remember why Sailor hated him in the first place. This is an enjoyable story about wanting to be seen, wanting to fit in, clearing up misunderstandings, and choosing to trust, forgive, and be open to something more. There is a good amount of humor, tension, swoony moments, and sparks of chemistry along the way! I enjoyed watching Sailor be brave, stand her ground, and find a place where she fits and is loved simply for who she exactly is.
🙌🏻📚😊
“I hope you know that I never stopped
loving you.”
-Content: some strained family dynamics, high school party scene with some implied innuendos, kisses only.
“It was always you.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#choosingher
#claranielsen
#allaboutthebestreads
August 17, 2025
3.25 - 3.5 ⭐️
this was.. MESSY. what guy meets a girl, gets obsessed, writes her a LETTER just for said girls SISTER to find the letter and ask said girl OUT. all while sister KNOWS the guy was pining for HER SISTER. our main female GIRLL BOSS, saylor. crossy is honestly such a sweetheart, i wish we had gotten more tutor x pupil involved the plot because i LOVE that trope. however, it was cute, needing lilas (think that’s her name) book NOW and tino. family day? the way i wanted to hug her after hearing how she got overshadowed by her ASS OF A SISTER, hate naomi so, so much, and her avoidant parents? girl deserves everything!! i love how two band members just so happen to be at family day, what a universe, it really is a reunion and i just LOVE the cameos we get from it. like why not just bring the whole gang? the clark kent vibes with the hats as their supposed “disguises”. lila and tino really just add on ANOTHER layer of lore to this universe, and honestly? IM HERE FOR IT. the team was so fun, them setting crossy up with some.. QUESTIONABLE girls? one isn’t over her ex, one he forgets his name, i CANT- it’s too good. bear and poppy are too cute and i honestly wanted more of their cameos to just see them together, like they’re ADORABLE. the girlhood in this book were also just so cute, i love their friendship and it’s so comforting to read about. clara nielsen is such a comfort author. i am CACKLING. and i smiling. i am a giddy broken mess. and we love it.
this was.. MESSY. what guy meets a girl, gets obsessed, writes her a LETTER just for said girls SISTER to find the letter and ask said girl OUT. all while sister KNOWS the guy was pining for HER SISTER. our main female GIRLL BOSS, saylor. crossy is honestly such a sweetheart, i wish we had gotten more tutor x pupil involved the plot because i LOVE that trope. however, it was cute, needing lilas (think that’s her name) book NOW and tino. family day? the way i wanted to hug her after hearing how she got overshadowed by her ASS OF A SISTER, hate naomi so, so much, and her avoidant parents? girl deserves everything!! i love how two band members just so happen to be at family day, what a universe, it really is a reunion and i just LOVE the cameos we get from it. like why not just bring the whole gang? the clark kent vibes with the hats as their supposed “disguises”. lila and tino really just add on ANOTHER layer of lore to this universe, and honestly? IM HERE FOR IT. the team was so fun, them setting crossy up with some.. QUESTIONABLE girls? one isn’t over her ex, one he forgets his name, i CANT- it’s too good. bear and poppy are too cute and i honestly wanted more of their cameos to just see them together, like they’re ADORABLE. the girlhood in this book were also just so cute, i love their friendship and it’s so comforting to read about. clara nielsen is such a comfort author. i am CACKLING. and i smiling. i am a giddy broken mess. and we love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
This was a cute, clean YA romance. I got into the story right away, thanks to spunky characters. The conflict between Crossy and Saylor was viable. She fell for him at a party a year ago, then he ghosted her and started dating her sister, a relationship that was short-lived. In this story, he’s determined to win her over but Saylor hasn't forgotten how he broke her heart.
I liked how the plot played out and that it wasn't all about a jerk boy or a prissy girl. Crossy is actually a decent guy, and Saylor has good reasons to feel the way she does. The dialogue between the characters was fun. The one issue I had was all the time spent in circular thinking. She'd say something followed by three paragraphs of his swirling thoughts, then he'd respond, then get trapped in another whirlpool of thoughts, and it really slowed things down. Hearing their inner thoughts was fun at first but got to be redundant. I started to skim halfway through the book. But had the whirlpools been minimized and replaced with more story, this would have been a 5-star book for sure.
As far as content, there is some teen drinking/drunkenness/partying. The only swear word I noticed was "hell." No sex, some mild kissing. Nothing controversial to readers of faith.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked how the plot played out and that it wasn't all about a jerk boy or a prissy girl. Crossy is actually a decent guy, and Saylor has good reasons to feel the way she does. The dialogue between the characters was fun. The one issue I had was all the time spent in circular thinking. She'd say something followed by three paragraphs of his swirling thoughts, then he'd respond, then get trapped in another whirlpool of thoughts, and it really slowed things down. Hearing their inner thoughts was fun at first but got to be redundant. I started to skim halfway through the book. But had the whirlpools been minimized and replaced with more story, this would have been a 5-star book for sure.
As far as content, there is some teen drinking/drunkenness/partying. The only swear word I noticed was "hell." No sex, some mild kissing. Nothing controversial to readers of faith.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2025
Choosing Her, just like every other book by Clara Nielsen, was pure magic—sweet, heartwarming, and the perfect read for these hot summer days. I really liked Crossy. He’s such a genuinely kind guy, and the way he cares for and loves his family really stood out to me. I also loved the bond he has with his friends—it felt so real and easy to connect with.
Saylor is a great character too, no doubt about that, but Crossy definitely left a bigger impression on me. Her family situation is pretty complicated, and I honestly felt really bad for her. I’m hoping we get more of that story in one of the next books.
I totally recommend this one!
Saylor is a great character too, no doubt about that, but Crossy definitely left a bigger impression on me. Her family situation is pretty complicated, and I honestly felt really bad for her. I’m hoping we get more of that story in one of the next books.
I totally recommend this one!
March 1, 2025
I like Ms. Neilson's wholesome teen love stories at various boarding schools. This story has a under-currant of a sibling who is an egocentric who undermines her sister systematically.
The love story is sweet and enjoyably.
The reason I have marked down the book is sloppy editing. For example may becomes my, one moment Storey is drinking a caramel latte and then it becomes Hazelnut in 2 paragraphs….. and there are quite a few more. Spellcheck does not pick out these typos as the wrong words are real words with correct spelling and for consistency in the case of the lattes a human editor would do the job.
However the plot is sweet and the characters (apart from the 'older nasty' sister) are likable. I also find it interesting that the characters over several of Ms. Neilson's books overlap.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The love story is sweet and enjoyably.
The reason I have marked down the book is sloppy editing. For example may becomes my, one moment Storey is drinking a caramel latte and then it becomes Hazelnut in 2 paragraphs….. and there are quite a few more. Spellcheck does not pick out these typos as the wrong words are real words with correct spelling and for consistency in the case of the lattes a human editor would do the job.
However the plot is sweet and the characters (apart from the 'older nasty' sister) are likable. I also find it interesting that the characters over several of Ms. Neilson's books overlap.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2025
"Choosing Her” by Clara Nielsen was a rollercoaster of emotions for me.
Saylor and Crossy’s story isn’t just about romance: it’s about mistakes, forgiveness, and the way life sometimes pulls people apart before bringing them back together.
From the start, I could feel Saylor’s hesitation, her hurt, and her struggle to trust again. And Crossy is not the typical perfect book boyfriend, and that’s exactly what makes him feel real🩷
His small gestures, like learning Saylor’s iced coffee orders, hit me in the heart.🫠🫠 It’s those little things, the quiet moments, that made their relationship feel so genuine.
Besides, The Hartwell Academy crew felt like home, and I loved every second of it.
Overall, it was absolutely amazing, a really good slowburn and I loved every character!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Saylor and Crossy’s story isn’t just about romance: it’s about mistakes, forgiveness, and the way life sometimes pulls people apart before bringing them back together.
From the start, I could feel Saylor’s hesitation, her hurt, and her struggle to trust again. And Crossy is not the typical perfect book boyfriend, and that’s exactly what makes him feel real🩷
His small gestures, like learning Saylor’s iced coffee orders, hit me in the heart.🫠🫠 It’s those little things, the quiet moments, that made their relationship feel so genuine.
Besides, The Hartwell Academy crew felt like home, and I loved every second of it.
Overall, it was absolutely amazing, a really good slowburn and I loved every character!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2025
I know this is like, SUPER LATE, but I’m a college student trying to juggle a lot of things. I didn’t want to put this on the backburner but I sadly had no choice.
However, I really did enjoy this book. It has a different tone in comparison to Finding Her, which was lighter than this, which takes a somewhat deeper tone, more contemporary.
Choosing Her is a second chance story with black cat + golden retriever vibes. If you read Finding Her, you would be very familiar with the main characters of this story. I enjoyed getting a deeper glance into Saylor’s quiet exterior and why she is both quiet and grumpy at the same time, as well as Crossy (I can’t say anymore, just Crossy) in general. I’m a sucker for a guy with glasses, okay?
It was super beautiful and Saylor and Crossy are just well done. I couldn’t have asked for a better story to give them.
However, I really did enjoy this book. It has a different tone in comparison to Finding Her, which was lighter than this, which takes a somewhat deeper tone, more contemporary.
Choosing Her is a second chance story with black cat + golden retriever vibes. If you read Finding Her, you would be very familiar with the main characters of this story. I enjoyed getting a deeper glance into Saylor’s quiet exterior and why she is both quiet and grumpy at the same time, as well as Crossy (I can’t say anymore, just Crossy) in general. I’m a sucker for a guy with glasses, okay?
It was super beautiful and Saylor and Crossy are just well done. I couldn’t have asked for a better story to give them.
March 24, 2025
Clara wrote a captivating book about young love, with Crossy and Saylor's story being a heartbreaking yet beautiful portrayal. The devastating consequences of deception and selfishness on young love are depicted. I felt deeply sympathetic towards Saylor, who faced neglect from her parents and sister. Fortunately, she found solace in her incredible friends, who became a surrogate family. Crossy, though adorable, made significant errors, albeit unintentionally. He worked tirelessly to regain Saylor's affection, but her past hurts left lasting scars. The narrative is punctuated by startling revelations. I appreciate these books for their realistic representation of teenagers grappling with genuine struggles and exploring first love.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
April 19, 2025
Saylor and Crossy shared a special New Year’s Eve memory. But when Crossy shows up at Saylor’s doorstop to pick up his girlfriend, Saylor’s sister Naomi, Saylor is automatically crushed.
Now she has to tutor Crossy and figure out a way to fight her feelings down while treading carefully with her sister.
This is the second book in the Hartwell Academy series. You don’t have to read them in order but it helps since you get to know the characters.
I’ve enjoyed reading a lot of Clara Nielsen’s books. They are YA, easy and fun reads with a romantic spin.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now she has to tutor Crossy and figure out a way to fight her feelings down while treading carefully with her sister.
This is the second book in the Hartwell Academy series. You don’t have to read them in order but it helps since you get to know the characters.
I’ve enjoyed reading a lot of Clara Nielsen’s books. They are YA, easy and fun reads with a romantic spin.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2025
it was cute, love the pining but I just can't get behind the fact that he dated her sister. I'm sorry but that's just a huge ick for me and definitely a red flag no matter the circumstances. There's many things he could've said and done when he saw her again for the first time! Instead, he continued to date her sister for months until SHE broke up with him. Let me also mention that he was in love with the fmc the whole time. I'm sorry but wtf type of messy shit is that! Just ew, not for me. And ugh I hate the sister.
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