What do you think?
Rate this book
Rainfall
What if grief doesn’t just take the ones you love but every piece of who you used to be?
She’s the girl unraveling under the weight of loss. He’s the boy who meets her where the shadows live.
Savannah doesn’t know if grief changed her—
or if it only stripped away the illusion that she was ever whole.
Since her mother’s death, she’s been unraveling. Pills blur the ache. Silence hides the truth. To her dad, she’s distant. To her friends, she’s fine. To Ethan, her boyfriend, she’s a ghost of the girl he remembers.
Then there’s Cole.
All sharp edges and quiet shadows, he doesn’t try to drag her back into the light. He meets her in the dark. He sees the pieces she can’t hold together—and, for a moment, she feels almost alive again.
But grief doesn’t let go easily.
And addiction doesn’t steal all at once. It waits in the cracks, takes root in the silence… until it becomes the only thing left to hold.
Rainfall is a raw and unforgettable new adult contemporary romance about grief, love, and the ways addiction can both numb and destroy. Savannah’s story is one of aching vulnerability, destructive choices, and the quiet hope that even in the darkest moments, connection can keep us breathing.
She’s the girl unraveling under the weight of loss. He’s the boy who meets her where the shadows live.
Savannah doesn’t know if grief changed her—
or if it only stripped away the illusion that she was ever whole.
Since her mother’s death, she’s been unraveling. Pills blur the ache. Silence hides the truth. To her dad, she’s distant. To her friends, she’s fine. To Ethan, her boyfriend, she’s a ghost of the girl he remembers.
Then there’s Cole.
All sharp edges and quiet shadows, he doesn’t try to drag her back into the light. He meets her in the dark. He sees the pieces she can’t hold together—and, for a moment, she feels almost alive again.
But grief doesn’t let go easily.
And addiction doesn’t steal all at once. It waits in the cracks, takes root in the silence… until it becomes the only thing left to hold.
Rainfall is a raw and unforgettable new adult contemporary romance about grief, love, and the ways addiction can both numb and destroy. Savannah’s story is one of aching vulnerability, destructive choices, and the quiet hope that even in the darkest moments, connection can keep us breathing.
531 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2025
14 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Jimenez
1 book11 followersNikki Jimenez is a writer who believes in telling stories that don’t shy away from the raw, messy, and deeply emotional sides of life. For her, writing has always been a way of making sense of the world—capturing both its beauty and heartbreak.
Outside of writing, Nikki is a mom who finds joy in photography and music. She loves curating playlists that perfectly match a mood and diving into stories that make her feel something. She writes for readers who crave books that hit deep, for those who understand that love, loss, and self-discovery aren’t always neat—but are always worth exploring.
Outside of writing, Nikki is a mom who finds joy in photography and music. She loves curating playlists that perfectly match a mood and diving into stories that make her feel something. She writes for readers who crave books that hit deep, for those who understand that love, loss, and self-discovery aren’t always neat—but are always worth exploring.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 14, 2025
This is exactly why I love going into books blind. The love triangle alone had so many layers-showing the struggles of grief and addiction, and had me flipping the pages so fast. If you want a book to make you FEEL (deeply) then this is it. I am on my knees begging for book 2!
November 10, 2025
The suffocating silence of grief, intensified by addiction and mental health struggles, can leave one feeling isolated, even in the presence of love. Following her mother's death, Savannah became a shadow of her former self, unrecognizable to those around her, including her boyfriend.
The period of grief a slow healing process only numb and destroy until it’s the only thing to hold on to.
I considered giving up on this book several times, but there were moments when I deeply connected with the protagonist, especially Savannah becoming a ghost after a tragic event. Although the story unfolded at a slower pace, I understood the reasoning behind it, as it mirrored the protagonist's heavy emotional and physical state.
The period of grief a slow healing process only numb and destroy until it’s the only thing to hold on to.
I considered giving up on this book several times, but there were moments when I deeply connected with the protagonist, especially Savannah becoming a ghost after a tragic event. Although the story unfolded at a slower pace, I understood the reasoning behind it, as it mirrored the protagonist's heavy emotional and physical state.
November 12, 2025
First and foremost: Be careful when reading this book... it contains mentions, thoughts, and description of suicide. Heavy themes of addiction that include drugs, smoking, and alcohol. Also loss of a loved one and the emotional weight of the grieving process.
This book pulled at every fiber of my being. It's painful and raw, exposing the multiple shades of grieving I think many of us hide from the eyes of others. Coping from an unexpected loss of my own, this book made me cry and highlighted emotions I didn't know I had.💔
Savannah's process of dealing with the pain of losing her mother was understandable in a sense that her and I are similar yet different. She refuses to feel anything because the pain is too much, and when the pain becomes too much for me, my mind wants to turn off and numb me out.
Reading about addiction is hard.
Savannah's struggles are no simple fix.
I had a hard time liking the MMC, Cole, even though he deeply loved her... he was kind of an enabler to her problems. Which I think was based out of fear of losing her.
Their connection was incredible. I loved that he was a constant solace for her, always there, always keeping her anchored when he could. He was the future she could have if she wanted.
It was a conflicting feeling, loving him and getting angry at the same time.
I was in a lot of feels🥹reading this.
Final thoughts...
Nikki captures grieving in a beautiful light albeit soul splitting way; I cried, A LOT😢
Cole is swoon worthy but I wanted to punch him a few times 👊
Savannah's journey is heartbreaking but spellbinding in a way you can't stop reading
Lily is the best friend we ALL WANT💗
Rating - 5⭐
Spice O' Meter - 🌶️🌶️.5
This book pulled at every fiber of my being. It's painful and raw, exposing the multiple shades of grieving I think many of us hide from the eyes of others. Coping from an unexpected loss of my own, this book made me cry and highlighted emotions I didn't know I had.💔
Savannah's process of dealing with the pain of losing her mother was understandable in a sense that her and I are similar yet different. She refuses to feel anything because the pain is too much, and when the pain becomes too much for me, my mind wants to turn off and numb me out.
Reading about addiction is hard.
Savannah's struggles are no simple fix.
I had a hard time liking the MMC, Cole, even though he deeply loved her... he was kind of an enabler to her problems. Which I think was based out of fear of losing her.
Their connection was incredible. I loved that he was a constant solace for her, always there, always keeping her anchored when he could. He was the future she could have if she wanted.
It was a conflicting feeling, loving him and getting angry at the same time.
I was in a lot of feels🥹reading this.
Final thoughts...
Nikki captures grieving in a beautiful light albeit soul splitting way; I cried, A LOT😢
Cole is swoon worthy but I wanted to punch him a few times 👊
Savannah's journey is heartbreaking but spellbinding in a way you can't stop reading
Lily is the best friend we ALL WANT💗
Rating - 5⭐
Spice O' Meter - 🌶️🌶️.5
November 1, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
This book is so so so much more than a romance. This book is about struggling with addiction and how it takes over your life completely.
Savanah is trying to cope with the death of her mom and feels alone. Her boyfriend and friends are wanting her to just move on and be who she used to be again. When she meets Cole she finally feels like she has an anchor in her life and someone who understands her grief and who she is. Even with someone finally by her side, she turns to pills and alcohol to numb everything else in her mind.
As hard as this was to read, I loved it. Savannah was frustrating at first with her back and forth between Ethan and Cole, but letting go of Ethan in her mind, would be letting go of her past. Once she lets go and starts moving towards the future, she realizes that she’s in over her head after watching someone OD at a friend’s house. The ending of this story is so heartbreaking, especially since it’s raw and sadly how the disease of addiction can turn.
Thank you so much Nikki Jimenez for letting me read Savannah’s story. I know, it’s Cole’s story too, but Savannah’s is one everyone should know. Also, thanks for the tears. You owe me for my therapy bill.
This book is so so so much more than a romance. This book is about struggling with addiction and how it takes over your life completely.
Savanah is trying to cope with the death of her mom and feels alone. Her boyfriend and friends are wanting her to just move on and be who she used to be again. When she meets Cole she finally feels like she has an anchor in her life and someone who understands her grief and who she is. Even with someone finally by her side, she turns to pills and alcohol to numb everything else in her mind.
As hard as this was to read, I loved it. Savannah was frustrating at first with her back and forth between Ethan and Cole, but letting go of Ethan in her mind, would be letting go of her past. Once she lets go and starts moving towards the future, she realizes that she’s in over her head after watching someone OD at a friend’s house. The ending of this story is so heartbreaking, especially since it’s raw and sadly how the disease of addiction can turn.
Thank you so much Nikki Jimenez for letting me read Savannah’s story. I know, it’s Cole’s story too, but Savannah’s is one everyone should know. Also, thanks for the tears. You owe me for my therapy bill.
November 8, 2025
•Engaging, raw and real - an incredible debut•
My 5 star review of Rainfall by Nikki Jimenez
I am stunned in the best way:
“I know what that darkness can feel like.” His voice cracks again. “So if you ever forget how to hold yourself up, I’ll fucking carry you.”
Rainfall is a powerful and beautiful debut, with a gripping, well-developed plot, beautiful description of the settings and smooth, engaging writing style.
This book hollowed out the deepest part of my soul, digging up emotions and pulling them to the surface. Yes, there is romance, and it is so good: hard-hitting spice full of teenage yearning. But what truly hit me was the deep understanding of grief and addiction the author portrays through the characters and their experiences. I felt the black hole of grief and the gritty itch of the drugs pulling at Savannah, the FMC. It was devastating to feel how this affected her and shaped her relationships with Ethan and Cole. This book carved out a little pit deep in my heart, making it swell with the love between Savannah and Cole and then leaving it emptied out as Savannah battled with her demons.
This was one of those books that will stick with me for a long time, and I am so thankful the author shared an ARC of this novel with me.
My 5 star review of Rainfall by Nikki Jimenez
I am stunned in the best way:
“I know what that darkness can feel like.” His voice cracks again. “So if you ever forget how to hold yourself up, I’ll fucking carry you.”
Rainfall is a powerful and beautiful debut, with a gripping, well-developed plot, beautiful description of the settings and smooth, engaging writing style.
This book hollowed out the deepest part of my soul, digging up emotions and pulling them to the surface. Yes, there is romance, and it is so good: hard-hitting spice full of teenage yearning. But what truly hit me was the deep understanding of grief and addiction the author portrays through the characters and their experiences. I felt the black hole of grief and the gritty itch of the drugs pulling at Savannah, the FMC. It was devastating to feel how this affected her and shaped her relationships with Ethan and Cole. This book carved out a little pit deep in my heart, making it swell with the love between Savannah and Cole and then leaving it emptied out as Savannah battled with her demons.
This was one of those books that will stick with me for a long time, and I am so thankful the author shared an ARC of this novel with me.
November 1, 2025
3.5 absolute GUT WRENCHING stars🌟. mrs nikki jimenez, this was SUCH an incredible debut. i was pulled RIGHT in and finished “Rainfall” in a day (like literally in two sittings). the writing was absolutely beautiful and so easy to digest, despite the heavy story being told. & i just FELT so many emotions. i laughed, i swooned, i cried (…and sobbed). it was perfect.
the story was so addictive (haha… ha) and i loved reading about the journey, both emotionally and physically, our mcs went through. they endured the struggles of addiction and jimenez truly explores the toll it has on not only the addict but the people around them. this was so much more than your typical romance book &, may i say, very reminiscent of joey and aoife’s story (in the BEST way possible).
savannah and cole’s love is truly palpable and their story was so complex, emotional, and sometimes frustrating (but like a good way?!). savannah, our fmc, is such a complicated character & one of those that, although you wont agree with all of the decisions she makes, you cant help but love and adore her completely. and then theres cole!!! the absolute definition of a perfectly broody mmc who only has a soft spot for the fmc (pls, i love them). they mesh so perfectly and you can tell that they were without a doubt made for each other.
overall, savannah (and cole’s) story is one that is so raw, so real, and so devastating. a story of grief and addiction but also of love and perseverance. a story that everyone should read, because for some people its reality.
& can i say the ending was absolutely HEARTBREAKING??? i honestly havent stopped thinking about it since. crossing my fingers that a sequel will be announced soon… because there will be one… right… right? (im just trying to cope)
a huge thank you to Nikki Jimenez for the eArc in exchange for my honest review! i’m so eternally grateful for the opportunity to have read and reviewed “Rainfall” early!💖
the story was so addictive (haha… ha) and i loved reading about the journey, both emotionally and physically, our mcs went through. they endured the struggles of addiction and jimenez truly explores the toll it has on not only the addict but the people around them. this was so much more than your typical romance book &, may i say, very reminiscent of joey and aoife’s story (in the BEST way possible).
savannah and cole’s love is truly palpable and their story was so complex, emotional, and sometimes frustrating (but like a good way?!). savannah, our fmc, is such a complicated character & one of those that, although you wont agree with all of the decisions she makes, you cant help but love and adore her completely. and then theres cole!!! the absolute definition of a perfectly broody mmc who only has a soft spot for the fmc (pls, i love them). they mesh so perfectly and you can tell that they were without a doubt made for each other.
overall, savannah (and cole’s) story is one that is so raw, so real, and so devastating. a story of grief and addiction but also of love and perseverance. a story that everyone should read, because for some people its reality.
& can i say the ending was absolutely HEARTBREAKING??? i honestly havent stopped thinking about it since. crossing my fingers that a sequel will be announced soon… because there will be one… right… right? (im just trying to cope)
a huge thank you to Nikki Jimenez for the eArc in exchange for my honest review! i’m so eternally grateful for the opportunity to have read and reviewed “Rainfall” early!💖
November 10, 2025
✨ARC READ✨
I’ve been holding off on writing a review because idk how to approach it and put it into words. As I told Nikki in a DM, “I have all the words but also not enough…”. This was a heavy topic to read about for many reasons but the love story behind it and its selflessness, gahhh my gosh!!!! Makes you fall hard for Cole and truly feel for Savannah. She’s hardheaded and so stubborn you want to shake her most time but I truly enjoyed this book.
Grief is hard. It’s messy, it’s ugly, it pulls you through vicious cycles of trying to find yourself again before the trauma but you can’t seem to get it right. You’re not yourself anymore so how do you find that person again? Grief hardens you in ways you can’t verbally explain and ways most people don’t understand. Grief ultimately leads Savannah down a path of self destruction in which she cannot pull herself from. Until she meets Cole. Cole became her anchor, her peace from all the turbulence. But was Cole enough?
Nikki, you tore my heart into pieces 😩🩶
I’ve been holding off on writing a review because idk how to approach it and put it into words. As I told Nikki in a DM, “I have all the words but also not enough…”. This was a heavy topic to read about for many reasons but the love story behind it and its selflessness, gahhh my gosh!!!! Makes you fall hard for Cole and truly feel for Savannah. She’s hardheaded and so stubborn you want to shake her most time but I truly enjoyed this book.
Grief is hard. It’s messy, it’s ugly, it pulls you through vicious cycles of trying to find yourself again before the trauma but you can’t seem to get it right. You’re not yourself anymore so how do you find that person again? Grief hardens you in ways you can’t verbally explain and ways most people don’t understand. Grief ultimately leads Savannah down a path of self destruction in which she cannot pull herself from. Until she meets Cole. Cole became her anchor, her peace from all the turbulence. But was Cole enough?
Nikki, you tore my heart into pieces 😩🩶
November 9, 2025
Rainfall by Nikki Jimenez is a raw and emotional journey that grips you from the very first page. It’s one of those stories that tugs relentlessly at your heartstrings, pulling you deeper into the FMC’s world of grief, loss, and the fragile hope for healing. I love when a book makes you feel so much that you can’t help but keep turning the pages, praying that the main character will finally find her happiness and peace.
What made this story hit even harder for me was how relatable the FMC’s grief and self-destruction felt. Her pain, her coping, her quiet strength—it all resonated in such a personal and gut-wrenching way. Nikki Jimenez captures raw emotion so beautifully that you can’t help but feel every ounce of it right alongside the character.
Rainfall isn’t just a story—it’s an experience. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and achingly human. Absolutely loved this book.
What made this story hit even harder for me was how relatable the FMC’s grief and self-destruction felt. Her pain, her coping, her quiet strength—it all resonated in such a personal and gut-wrenching way. Nikki Jimenez captures raw emotion so beautifully that you can’t help but feel every ounce of it right alongside the character.
Rainfall isn’t just a story—it’s an experience. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and achingly human. Absolutely loved this book.
November 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW ***
I just finished, I am absolutely wrecked.
This book was relatable in so many ways. Though this book is fiction, this sadly is the painful reality for many. I could appreciate the accurate depictions of the themes throughout the story.
Through this story, you see that grief is complex and healing isn’t linear.
You see many times that two very different things can be true at the same time.
You see the complexity of addiction at various stages and the way in which Cole’s love was a reflection of a life raft but even love sometimes isn’t enough. Addiction doesn’t discriminate and it hurt everyone in its path.
Thank you Nikki Jimenez for giving me the opportunity to read this book! This was a heavy story but absolutely worth the read.
I just finished, I am absolutely wrecked.
This book was relatable in so many ways. Though this book is fiction, this sadly is the painful reality for many. I could appreciate the accurate depictions of the themes throughout the story.
Through this story, you see that grief is complex and healing isn’t linear.
You see many times that two very different things can be true at the same time.
You see the complexity of addiction at various stages and the way in which Cole’s love was a reflection of a life raft but even love sometimes isn’t enough. Addiction doesn’t discriminate and it hurt everyone in its path.
Thank you Nikki Jimenez for giving me the opportunity to read this book! This was a heavy story but absolutely worth the read.
November 6, 2025
This entire book.
Savannah's entire world gets flipped over when her mother dies.
Her boyfriend expects her to just get over it. one night to happens to stumble into Cole.
Cole silences everything for her, makes her feel okay as broken as she is.
She also stumbled into pills, her addiction fighting a war inside of her.
Can Cole be enough for her?
the ending literally had me flipping back and forth on my Kindle double checking if it was really the end.
Savannah's entire world gets flipped over when her mother dies.
Her boyfriend expects her to just get over it. one night to happens to stumble into Cole.
Cole silences everything for her, makes her feel okay as broken as she is.
She also stumbled into pills, her addiction fighting a war inside of her.
Can Cole be enough for her?
the ending literally had me flipping back and forth on my Kindle double checking if it was really the end.
November 11, 2025
This book was amazing! I didn't fully know what it was about when I signed up for it, but it was way better than I thought it was going to be! Although I can't relate to most of Savannah's struggles, I do know the pain of losing a loved one. I love how no matter what, Cole loved her through all of it.
The ending left me with a lot of questions, but I still recommend it to anyone willing to read it!
The ending left me with a lot of questions, but I still recommend it to anyone willing to read it!
November 8, 2025
Love this book so so much. It had real raw emotions. Had me crying. I felt the pain for what the fmc was going through.
November 5, 2025
ARC Review 🥰
Oh. My. God. This book is raw, vulnerable, heartbreaking yet comforting and just UGH.
I love when I’m excited about an ARC and it pulls through.
Oh. My. God. This book is raw, vulnerable, heartbreaking yet comforting and just UGH.
I love when I’m excited about an ARC and it pulls through.
October 25, 2025
Rainfall By Nikki Jimenez absolutely destroyed me, Savannahs journey and addiction is a hard read but couldn’t stop and the love that Cole has for her continuously is so perfect. Left me screaming at my kindle but still so great.
October 15, 2025
This book is more than just a love story—it’s a raw, emotional journey through grief, loss, and the slow, often painful process of healing. the ending tho….unreal
December 5, 2025
3 stars
I wanted to love this. I started off loving it.
It’s real, it’s raw it gets addiction, grief, and love in a way that hits at first. But as the story went on, it started to feel repetitive. The same parties, the same inner monologues, the same cycle of hiding and spiraling over and over again. It stopped moving. As someone who grew up in a home surrounded by addiction who’s lost best friends to it, who’s lived in the chaos this just didn’t hit as hard as I hoped. It could’ve, but it didn’t.
The ending confused me. Is it a cliffhanger? Did she die? It’s just left… blank. And after chapters of that same back & forth, with no real growth or shift, it felt like the story didn’t evolve. It just circled.
I also expected it to go deeper. Yes, her father works a lot, but he loves her. He’s there. And there are people around her who clearly see she’s struggling her boyfriend, his mom (a nurse), her best friend Lilly who’s constantly worried but no one does anything they just watch her continuously take pills and get worse. That’s not what happens in real life. No one reaches out. No one calls for help. That’s not how it goes when you’re 18 and surrounded by adults and friends who love you. Somebody steps in. Somebody says enough. Especially when it’s this obvious especially with opiates and benzos & especially when your boyfriend’s mom is a ER nurse and you’re at her house every day.
I get that addiction is complicated. I’ve lived it. But even in the darkest stories, there’s usually a moment when someone tries. I wish this book had given us that.
I wanted to love this. I started off loving it.
It’s real, it’s raw it gets addiction, grief, and love in a way that hits at first. But as the story went on, it started to feel repetitive. The same parties, the same inner monologues, the same cycle of hiding and spiraling over and over again. It stopped moving. As someone who grew up in a home surrounded by addiction who’s lost best friends to it, who’s lived in the chaos this just didn’t hit as hard as I hoped. It could’ve, but it didn’t.
The ending confused me. Is it a cliffhanger? Did she die? It’s just left… blank. And after chapters of that same back & forth, with no real growth or shift, it felt like the story didn’t evolve. It just circled.
I also expected it to go deeper. Yes, her father works a lot, but he loves her. He’s there. And there are people around her who clearly see she’s struggling her boyfriend, his mom (a nurse), her best friend Lilly who’s constantly worried but no one does anything they just watch her continuously take pills and get worse. That’s not what happens in real life. No one reaches out. No one calls for help. That’s not how it goes when you’re 18 and surrounded by adults and friends who love you. Somebody steps in. Somebody says enough. Especially when it’s this obvious especially with opiates and benzos & especially when your boyfriend’s mom is a ER nurse and you’re at her house every day.
I get that addiction is complicated. I’ve lived it. But even in the darkest stories, there’s usually a moment when someone tries. I wish this book had given us that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
Wow, this book was unexpected. It hit deep on a real personal level. I've been where Savannah is. Trying to block out the pain by feeling numb. I've lost parts of myself to trauma that I've yet to understand and overcome. I lost someone close at a young age in a similar fashion to Savannah's loss. I spiraled and rebelled. Took a lot of drugs and even tried to put an end to it all. Life is funny that way. Even when trying to numb the pain and not feel nothing at all, that silence is the loudest thing I've ever experienced in my life. At my darkest times, I thought the only to make it stop was to no longer exist. Grief, trauma, pain, denial, addiction.... They often go hand-in-hand and we are our own worst enemies so we tell ourselves there's no way out. Some say love overcomes everything. I don't know if that's true, but I can say that having at least one person who doesn't judge you, who really sees you and cares... That's all it takes sometimes, to make it out of that dark abyss. What a spectacular book. Thank you, Nikki Jimenez. I feel seen. I feel heard. I feel valued. You should be proud of what you wrote. I know it's going to help a lot of people.
And Cole.....I need him to be real. He was perfect. New book boyfriend!!
And Cole.....I need him to be real. He was perfect. New book boyfriend!!
November 11, 2025
📣 ARC REVIEW 📣
Verdict: 4⭐️ 2🌶
*It’s messy. It’s emotional. It’s honest–and even when I didn’t like what I felt, I couldn’t look away.*
This book hurt–in a raw, heavy, harder than I expected kind of way. It follows Savannah, a girl spiraling after her mother’s suicide, struggling to claw her way out of addiction while being torn between two men–Ethan, who she’s known since childhood, overprotective to the point of control, and Cole, the new guy, the one who should be better for her, but still keeps her too close to the life she’s trying to escape. I found myself angry at both men for different reasons, especially Cole, the “good choice”. He’s supportive and steady emotionally. The closest thing to comfort she’s had since the loss of her mother, but still contributes to her addiction.
This isn’t an easy story to love, but it’s one that stays with you. It’s emotional and frustrating but incredibly human. Jimenez’ writing captures addiction and grief with brutal honesty. The emotional conflict, the morally gray areas, the ache of wanting better for someone who’s still learning how to want better for herself–it’s all there.
Thank you for trusting me to meet Sav, Cole, Ethan, and the rest of the characters before the rest of the world. It has truly been a pleasure. ~ J.L. Danic
Verdict: 4⭐️ 2🌶
*It’s messy. It’s emotional. It’s honest–and even when I didn’t like what I felt, I couldn’t look away.*
This book hurt–in a raw, heavy, harder than I expected kind of way. It follows Savannah, a girl spiraling after her mother’s suicide, struggling to claw her way out of addiction while being torn between two men–Ethan, who she’s known since childhood, overprotective to the point of control, and Cole, the new guy, the one who should be better for her, but still keeps her too close to the life she’s trying to escape. I found myself angry at both men for different reasons, especially Cole, the “good choice”. He’s supportive and steady emotionally. The closest thing to comfort she’s had since the loss of her mother, but still contributes to her addiction.
This isn’t an easy story to love, but it’s one that stays with you. It’s emotional and frustrating but incredibly human. Jimenez’ writing captures addiction and grief with brutal honesty. The emotional conflict, the morally gray areas, the ache of wanting better for someone who’s still learning how to want better for herself–it’s all there.
Thank you for trusting me to meet Sav, Cole, Ethan, and the rest of the characters before the rest of the world. It has truly been a pleasure. ~ J.L. Danic
December 7, 2025
My heart HURTS in the best, deepest way. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where do I even begin? I’m literally crying as I write this. I am wrecked. My heart HURTS in the best, deepest way. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story resonated with me on such a personal level. Our sweet Sav is drowning in grief after losing her mother, trying to navigate a relationship with a boy who just wants her to be “normal” again—someone she no longer is, someone she can’t go back to being.
And then there’s the love triangle she never saw coming.
Which brings me to Cole. Cole. The boy who shows up every single time without hesitation. The boy who listens, understands, protects, and gives without expecting anything back. Honestly? He’s the boyfriend we all wished we had growing up.
This book takes you on a full emotional ride—grief, healing, heartbreak, love, self-discovery. It tenderly but honestly walks you through the realities of addiction, loss, and trying to rebuild when your world has fallen apart.
Grab your tissues because you WILL need them. Probably more than one box.
Nikki—your debut is heartbreakingly beautiful. It gutted me and will live rent-free in my bones forever. ❤️🔥
Where do I even begin? I’m literally crying as I write this. I am wrecked. My heart HURTS in the best, deepest way. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This story resonated with me on such a personal level. Our sweet Sav is drowning in grief after losing her mother, trying to navigate a relationship with a boy who just wants her to be “normal” again—someone she no longer is, someone she can’t go back to being.
And then there’s the love triangle she never saw coming.
Which brings me to Cole. Cole. The boy who shows up every single time without hesitation. The boy who listens, understands, protects, and gives without expecting anything back. Honestly? He’s the boyfriend we all wished we had growing up.
This book takes you on a full emotional ride—grief, healing, heartbreak, love, self-discovery. It tenderly but honestly walks you through the realities of addiction, loss, and trying to rebuild when your world has fallen apart.
Grab your tissues because you WILL need them. Probably more than one box.
Nikki—your debut is heartbreakingly beautiful. It gutted me and will live rent-free in my bones forever. ❤️🔥
November 20, 2025
I’d like to thank Nikki Jimenez for allowing me to read an arc on this beautiful story in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost check the triggers, because this book talks about heavy content that may not be suitable for everyone.
I’m sitting here writing this as I’m crying because my heart broke in so many way and I feel as though I can’t fix the pieces. This book is emotional, gut wrenching, beautiful, and wholesome. Nikki did a beautiful job at capturing grief and addiction and though I have never personally witnessed or felt it I can imagine it’s just like this.
This book will strip you bare and making you feel so much. It is not for the faint hearted and yet it is. It’s for the ones who are willing to lay it all and to feel it all. It’s beautiful and raw and at the core of it it’s so much more than addiction, it’s the story of Savannah trying to cope with loss.
My heart breaks for her and yet at the very end though I am not happy in some ways I am because she’s there with the person she has always needed.
First and foremost check the triggers, because this book talks about heavy content that may not be suitable for everyone.
I’m sitting here writing this as I’m crying because my heart broke in so many way and I feel as though I can’t fix the pieces. This book is emotional, gut wrenching, beautiful, and wholesome. Nikki did a beautiful job at capturing grief and addiction and though I have never personally witnessed or felt it I can imagine it’s just like this.
This book will strip you bare and making you feel so much. It is not for the faint hearted and yet it is. It’s for the ones who are willing to lay it all and to feel it all. It’s beautiful and raw and at the core of it it’s so much more than addiction, it’s the story of Savannah trying to cope with loss.
My heart breaks for her and yet at the very end though I am not happy in some ways I am because she’s there with the person she has always needed.
November 10, 2025
🤍 ARC REVIEW🤍 4.5 stars / 5 stars
ahhh, I’m still at the restaurant!
This book was so raw and real, and I rarely say that anymore.
Savannah girl, although she frustrated me at times (and definitely at the end ☹️😭) I’ve also never wanted to protect her more and more. Cole was the person she needed and the clarity she deserved, and I’m so happy they found each other even with the circumstances 🥸
The story was so much more than just a romance. Savannah and Cole, my babies. How I adore you.
This book handles hard topics like Grief and addiction, but I will say Nikki wrote them SOO well. to feel grief along with the main character is something that I never thought could happen.
The ending. Boy was I… I couldn’t even fathom what that was. but god it had me sobbing. I’m still a mess thinking about it.
Overall this story was so good and so deep, I’ll forever hold it in my heart.
Thank you so much for letting me read your book Nikki and letting me leave an honest review! <3
ahhh, I’m still at the restaurant!
This book was so raw and real, and I rarely say that anymore.
Savannah girl, although she frustrated me at times (and definitely at the end ☹️😭) I’ve also never wanted to protect her more and more. Cole was the person she needed and the clarity she deserved, and I’m so happy they found each other even with the circumstances 🥸
The story was so much more than just a romance. Savannah and Cole, my babies. How I adore you.
This book handles hard topics like Grief and addiction, but I will say Nikki wrote them SOO well. to feel grief along with the main character is something that I never thought could happen.
The ending. Boy was I… I couldn’t even fathom what that was. but god it had me sobbing. I’m still a mess thinking about it.
Overall this story was so good and so deep, I’ll forever hold it in my heart.
Thank you so much for letting me read your book Nikki and letting me leave an honest review! <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
ALL THE STARS ✨
This book has made me laugh out loud and cry.
I've felt such a powerful, unexpected connection to these characters-like they were holding up pieces of myself I didn't know I needed to see. This story isn't just for people who have lived through addiction and loss; it's for anyone who wants to understand it with an open heart. It's raw, beautiful, grief-soaked, and somehow still incredibly healing. A must-read!
"People don't talk about that part-how grief doesn't just take someone from you, it takes the version of you that existed before too."
🥺There are so many quotes I could pull but this one truly stuck with me.
If all of that didn't convince you to pick up this book, then let the characters do that! They are so complex and beautifully flawed. The banter and chemistry in this book is EVERYTHING! And the descriptions are beautifully written, pulling you into each scene.
Cole now holds a special place in my heart
Can't wait for more from this author ✨🩶
This book has made me laugh out loud and cry.
I've felt such a powerful, unexpected connection to these characters-like they were holding up pieces of myself I didn't know I needed to see. This story isn't just for people who have lived through addiction and loss; it's for anyone who wants to understand it with an open heart. It's raw, beautiful, grief-soaked, and somehow still incredibly healing. A must-read!
"People don't talk about that part-how grief doesn't just take someone from you, it takes the version of you that existed before too."
🥺There are so many quotes I could pull but this one truly stuck with me.
If all of that didn't convince you to pick up this book, then let the characters do that! They are so complex and beautifully flawed. The banter and chemistry in this book is EVERYTHING! And the descriptions are beautifully written, pulling you into each scene.
Cole now holds a special place in my heart
Can't wait for more from this author ✨🩶
November 12, 2025
This book had me feeling all kinds of feelings🥹from sadness to frustrated to happy - you name it, I was a whole roller coaster of emotions. The writing was so real and raw, you feel Savanah’s grief throughout the whole book.
Savannah’s world is flipped upside down when her mom dies. No one understands her pain or what she’s going through and she feels like she’s drowning day by day. One night she meets Cole and he shows her that it’s okay to be broken and grief. Cole becomes the one person she’s able to turn to, but is he enough to keep her from her self destructive behavior?
Rating
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
A huge thank you to the author @nikkijimenezauthor for allowing me to read this Arc! Please tell me there’s a book 2 cuz that ending had me😭
Savannah’s world is flipped upside down when her mom dies. No one understands her pain or what she’s going through and she feels like she’s drowning day by day. One night she meets Cole and he shows her that it’s okay to be broken and grief. Cole becomes the one person she’s able to turn to, but is he enough to keep her from her self destructive behavior?
Rating
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
A huge thank you to the author @nikkijimenezauthor for allowing me to read this Arc! Please tell me there’s a book 2 cuz that ending had me😭
November 10, 2025
The writing in this novel is pretty easy to digest, which is essential for handling such a heavy, raw story.
The story had an interesting concept that pulls you into the physical and emotional journey of Savannah and Cole. Their relationship is a powerful, complex romance that explores the toll of addiction—not just on the addict, but on everyone in their life.
Savannah and Cole's story is heartbreakingly real, tackling themes of grief, addiction, love, and perseverance.
The story had an interesting concept that pulls you into the physical and emotional journey of Savannah and Cole. Their relationship is a powerful, complex romance that explores the toll of addiction—not just on the addict, but on everyone in their life.
Savannah and Cole's story is heartbreakingly real, tackling themes of grief, addiction, love, and perseverance.
November 25, 2025
If I could give this book 10 stars I would . So raw so heartfelt the story telling engaging and had me gasping. The ending had me thinking that there was more maybe a continuation. Loved the book loved the characters . Still thinking bout them and I can’t stop crying . Heartbreaking my heart has been torn in so many pieces but I highly recommend this book 🥹💔
December 14, 2025
This took me a while because it was a tough read. Also that cliffhanger!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews