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First Love Last Love: A Novel
When the past collides with the present—literally—one woman must decide if the life she built is the one she truly wants, or just the one she chose.
Vida Jamison favors the reliable and the unsurprising – the things she can count on. But all it takes is a winter storm, a chance encounter, and a familiar voice to turn certainty into quicksand.
Elijah Beck, her first love and most enduring wildcard, is back in town.
He might have struck gold on the stage, writing the soundtrack to the lives of a generation, but for Vida, he's just the one person who has always known how to get under her skin. Elijah, for all his talent and magnetism, has spent a lifetime being wanted but never quite held—by the industry that made him famous, by the fans who adored him from a safe distance. When an accident lands them in the hospital, Vida has to face the question she's spent two decades Is Elijah her greatest mistake, or the love she was always meant to find again?
Nostalgia is a tricky thing. The past can pull you under just as easily as it can set you free.
Vida Jamison favors the reliable and the unsurprising – the things she can count on. But all it takes is a winter storm, a chance encounter, and a familiar voice to turn certainty into quicksand.
Elijah Beck, her first love and most enduring wildcard, is back in town.
He might have struck gold on the stage, writing the soundtrack to the lives of a generation, but for Vida, he's just the one person who has always known how to get under her skin. Elijah, for all his talent and magnetism, has spent a lifetime being wanted but never quite held—by the industry that made him famous, by the fans who adored him from a safe distance. When an accident lands them in the hospital, Vida has to face the question she's spent two decades Is Elijah her greatest mistake, or the love she was always meant to find again?
Nostalgia is a tricky thing. The past can pull you under just as easily as it can set you free.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2026
About the author
Adele Griffin
47 books728 followersI'm on Goodreads a lot as a reader-- my author bio has always been a copy-paste of my Wikipedia. But now it seems like the right time and place to delete the old 3rd person official bio and add some backstory on my upcoming book FIRST LOVE LAST LOVE. (It's out November 3, and available now on NetGalley.)
Growing up in a single-parent home in Rhode Island, I was often in my mother's Toyota Corolla as she juggled work with bank and grocery errands, plus three kids' dentist appointments and after-school activities. A lot of car time! Her go-to calm was music, so her glove box stacked with cassette tapes, including Dan Fogelberg's The Innocent Age. There was this one particular song about an old romance meetup-- years later in a grocery story on a winter night-- that absolutely gutted her. My little brothers and I never would have asked, but we knew this song was Not making her think about our dad. And every time she played it, she was lost to private old memories. I was probably writing that romance in my head even then.
What happens when the great love of your life suddenly returns? How much of that first love is about the person, and how much of it is about who you used to be? And if that old song comes calling, do you stay inside the life you've carefully built, the one that makes sense, or risk it for the possibility of another self, another life?
This story belongs to Vida and Elijah, but I think the pull of these choices belongs to everyone. Writing the book certainly made me think all about ambition and motherhood and marriage and regret, and all the younger selves we have to leave behind-- and I think that's one of the the things I enjoy most about writing-- you begin somewhere that feels so real and known, and then by the end, you've made something so unexpected, and a whole different space from where you began.
xA.
website: www.adelegriffin.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adelegriffi...
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adele-G...
Open Road Media interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSa3P...
Growing up in a single-parent home in Rhode Island, I was often in my mother's Toyota Corolla as she juggled work with bank and grocery errands, plus three kids' dentist appointments and after-school activities. A lot of car time! Her go-to calm was music, so her glove box stacked with cassette tapes, including Dan Fogelberg's The Innocent Age. There was this one particular song about an old romance meetup-- years later in a grocery story on a winter night-- that absolutely gutted her. My little brothers and I never would have asked, but we knew this song was Not making her think about our dad. And every time she played it, she was lost to private old memories. I was probably writing that romance in my head even then.
What happens when the great love of your life suddenly returns? How much of that first love is about the person, and how much of it is about who you used to be? And if that old song comes calling, do you stay inside the life you've carefully built, the one that makes sense, or risk it for the possibility of another self, another life?
This story belongs to Vida and Elijah, but I think the pull of these choices belongs to everyone. Writing the book certainly made me think all about ambition and motherhood and marriage and regret, and all the younger selves we have to leave behind-- and I think that's one of the the things I enjoy most about writing-- you begin somewhere that feels so real and known, and then by the end, you've made something so unexpected, and a whole different space from where you began.
xA.
website: www.adelegriffin.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adelegriffi...
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adele-G...
Open Road Media interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSa3P...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Since they were children, Vida Jamison and Elijah Beck have felt this magnetic pull to one another. No matter what transgressions, Elijah has committed, Vida has always forgiven her friend. But years ago, Elijah let stardom get to his head, and Vida had to make choices to go her own way. Now, Elijah is back and begging for a second chance. But should the love they once shared remain in the past, or is there a chance of a bright new future?
There's no denying it: I’m a sucker for stories that take me on an emotional roller coaster. I was completely consumed by these two main characters, even as I could see the train wreck coming from a mile away. I couldn't help in judging Eljah and Vida for some of their decisions during the course of the narrative. However, I knew there had to be an underlying reason in their history that made them so dependent on each other. Rest assured, Adele Griffin does flip back and forth in the MC's history, sometimes from the perspective of Miriam, Elijah's mother. I thought that addition really made this storyline even more compelling.
Sadly, this one isn't out until November, but trust me, it will be worth putting on your towering TBR.
Expected Publication 03/11/26
Goodreads Review 29/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
There's no denying it: I’m a sucker for stories that take me on an emotional roller coaster. I was completely consumed by these two main characters, even as I could see the train wreck coming from a mile away. I couldn't help in judging Eljah and Vida for some of their decisions during the course of the narrative. However, I knew there had to be an underlying reason in their history that made them so dependent on each other. Rest assured, Adele Griffin does flip back and forth in the MC's history, sometimes from the perspective of Miriam, Elijah's mother. I thought that addition really made this storyline even more compelling.
Sadly, this one isn't out until November, but trust me, it will be worth putting on your towering TBR.
Expected Publication 03/11/26
Goodreads Review 29/08/26
Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC review. Thanks to NetGalley for the First Love Last Love ARC. My opinions as always are my own so take them with a grain of salt, but I’m a bit on the fence with my opinion of this one, so I’m settling with a 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 since I did finish pretty quickly.
For me there was zero lag in the pacing, which is usually such a bugaboo for me, but each chapter felt intentional to moving the story along, which I appreciated. And the story itself was a pretty tough one. When the excerpt on the back of the book compares it to “A Star is Born” you know there is going to be a tragic love fueled by addiction and trauma designed to make you cry. Check, check and finally check. The angst had me turning the page definitely.
Here is where I’m on the fence. We have chapters narrated by our fmc, Vida, our MMC, Elijah, and a few from Elijah’s mother. Then there are also chapters which are meant to give substance to our mc’s history together. Between all of these different modes of telling the story, it just didn’t work for me how it was put on page. We needed their history I just didnt like the mode in which we get it.
Be prepared for a happily ever after which might not be the one you want, but I did feel it fell in line with the characters and their lived experiences. I’d definitely recommend to those who like the drama of angst within a romance, but are prepared for an unconventional HEA 🥰
For me there was zero lag in the pacing, which is usually such a bugaboo for me, but each chapter felt intentional to moving the story along, which I appreciated. And the story itself was a pretty tough one. When the excerpt on the back of the book compares it to “A Star is Born” you know there is going to be a tragic love fueled by addiction and trauma designed to make you cry. Check, check and finally check. The angst had me turning the page definitely.
Here is where I’m on the fence. We have chapters narrated by our fmc, Vida, our MMC, Elijah, and a few from Elijah’s mother. Then there are also chapters which are meant to give substance to our mc’s history together. Between all of these different modes of telling the story, it just didn’t work for me how it was put on page. We needed their history I just didnt like the mode in which we get it.
Be prepared for a happily ever after which might not be the one you want, but I did feel it fell in line with the characters and their lived experiences. I’d definitely recommend to those who like the drama of angst within a romance, but are prepared for an unconventional HEA 🥰
Did Not Finish
October 29, 2026I’m gonna need to be convinced to finish this once it releases because 20% in and the second chance was somehow instant second chance so I’m just not invested
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This isn’t a typical “romance” novel. It’s more melancholy lit fit. And I really wanted to like it more, given the MH representation, but the relationship was so layered with codependence and toxicity, I just found it more of a chore to read. The MMC was extremely self-absorbed, and the FMC didn’t impress me with her responses to him. I did like her, though, and she was a very well-written character. Her story kept me from abandoning the book.
A famous rock star who is semi-washed up and beat up from his alcohol addiction comes back to town and reconnects with his first love. She is a doctor going through a separation of her own. There is a lot of crashing and burning, rehearsing past emotions, past traumas and Elijah (the MMC) trying to anchor himself to Vida (FMC).
This book was emotionally exhausting to read, while also being very well written. It’s not a book I would recommend other than to point at what kinds of relationships need lots of therapeutic intervention. That said, I think those who like second-chance romances involving complicated people with issues like MH and addiction might connect better to this. I found the character development solid and the plot was emotional and engaging.
📢 Publication Date: 11/3/26
🎉 My Star Rating: 3.25/5🌟🌟🌟💫
📖 Genre: Romance (ish)
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gen Xers are having a moment of nostalgia, and I am fully into it. I miss a time that no longer exists, and I am grateful for books like this one that try to capture the nostalgia and sweetness of first love and questions if you can get it back years later. This is the story of Elijah and Vida. The cover is stunning. The characters are so likable and real. I enjoyed the way the “what if” was explored, and it ends in an unexpected way.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What happens when the great love of your life suddenly returns?
Acoustic guitars, fame, old heartbreaks, and winter storms collide.
An emotionally gripping and sweeping contemporary novel that dives deep into the messy, unbreakable bonds of childhood love.
Intro
From two-time National Book Award finalist Adele Griffin comes First Love Last Love, a deeply moving contemporary novel that explores the complicated strings attached to our first romantic connections.
Following her previous hit, The Favor, Griffin returns with an emotionally rich narrative about how the choices of our youth echo into adulthood, forcing us to reckon with the lives we built versus the lives we actually wanted.
The Hook
What happens when the person who shattered your heart in your twenties crashes back into your life twenty years later—and then literally crashes into your car?
Elevator Pitch
Vida Jamison is a pediatrician and mom who craves reliability and a predictable routine to escape the chaos of her childhood. But when her first love, Elijah Beck—now a wildly famous, addiction-plagued rockstar—returns to town, her carefully structured life begins to fall apart. When an alcohol-fueled car accident lands her in the hospital, Vida is forced to confront whether Eli is her life's biggest mistake or the true love she was always meant to find.
Setting
The story unfolds in a cozy yet tense town during a biting winter storm, prominently featuring Vida's quiet guest cabin and a stark hospital wing where the past and present collide.
Vibe
Intense, nostalgic, emotionally sweeping, and bittersweet. Balancing the gritty reality of rock-and-roll fame with the quiet, everyday responsibilities of motherhood and medical work.
Genre
Contemporary Fiction / Emotional Romance
Themes
~The Weight of First Love: How our earliest relationships shape our emotional blueprint forever.
~Fame vs. Belonging: The isolation of being adored by millions but truly known by no one.
~Reckoning with the Past: Breaking cycles of addiction and childhood trauma to reclaim your own narrative.
Standout Characters
~Vida Jamison: A brilliant pediatrician seeking stability after a troubled upbringing. Mother of Luke, her son.
~Elijah Beck: A magnetic, tortured musician who has spent a lifetime being wanted but never truly held.
~Tom: Vida's separated husband, who shows incredible maturity and nuance while co-parenting and navigating the complex shadow Eli casts over his family.
Author Writing Standout
Adele Griffin excels at writing complex, flawed characters without making them unlikable. She maps out the slow-burn breakdown of relationships with raw honesty, capturing how addiction fractures love and how true-to-life co-parenting dynamics operate under stress.
Takeaway
You can build a perfectly safe life to protect yourself from the past, but true healing requires facing the wildcards you've been running from.
Title Significance:
First Love Last Love questions whether your first romantic connection is destined to remain your ultimate love story, or if a "last love" requires letting go of original ghosts to choose a mature, grounded version of happiness.
Metaphor
Quicksand vs. Solid Ground. Vida constantly fights for the stable ground she built, while Eli's magnetic presence acts as an emotional quicksand that draws her back into the beautiful chaos of their youth.
Why You Should Read
If you love emotional, high-stakes romances like A Star is Born or the rock-and-roll nostalgia of Daisy Jones & The Six, this book delivers that exact brand of sweeping, star-crossed heartbreak.
My Thoughts
When the Soundtracks of the Past Collide with the Reality of the Present.
An emotionally heavy, absorbing read that perfectly captures how difficult it is to untangle your identity from your first love. Prime for the small or large screen! I loved the inspiration behind the novel. #CoverLove
First Love Last Love is an emotionally gripping and sweeping contemporary novel that dives deep into the messy, unbreakable bonds of childhood love, the fracture of fame, and the grueling road to self-discovery. Presented by Sourcebooks Landmark, this gem marks a poignant exploration of choices, consequences, and the ghosts of the past.
Griffin handles the "second-chance romance" trope with realistic, heavy stakes rather than fairy-tale magic. The inclusion of Eli's addiction struggles, motherhood, her son, family, the past, and the literal car crash elevates the narrative from a simple love triangle into a powerful look at accountability and self-discovery. Equal parts devastating and deeply hopeful.
Verdict 5 / 5 Stars
"A mature, nostalgic, raw, and beautifully written novel that will make you look back at your own what ifs."
<#LitLiftMiniAuthorChats
Stay tuned for my fun and exciting #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat with Adele and FIRST LOVE LAST LOVE on Nov 3 pub date on my blog!
Recs or read alikes
~Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
~In Concert by Colleen Oakley (2027)
~The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh
~The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner
~The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
~What You Do To Me by Rochelle B. Weinstein
Also for fans of authors: Rebecca Serle, Julie Buxbaum, Jessica Strawser, Rosie Walsh, Lorraine Zago Rosenthal, Rochelle B. Weinstein, Camille Pagán, Jennifer Weiner, Sarah Pekkanan, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Emily Giffin.
Special thanks to partner, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithD.Collins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
#LitLitMiniAuthorChat QA
#AuthorElevatorSeries | #AudioElevatorSeries
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 3, 2026
November Newsletter
Nov 2026 Must-Read Books
Acoustic guitars, fame, old heartbreaks, and winter storms collide.
An emotionally gripping and sweeping contemporary novel that dives deep into the messy, unbreakable bonds of childhood love.
Intro
From two-time National Book Award finalist Adele Griffin comes First Love Last Love, a deeply moving contemporary novel that explores the complicated strings attached to our first romantic connections.
Following her previous hit, The Favor, Griffin returns with an emotionally rich narrative about how the choices of our youth echo into adulthood, forcing us to reckon with the lives we built versus the lives we actually wanted.
The Hook
What happens when the person who shattered your heart in your twenties crashes back into your life twenty years later—and then literally crashes into your car?
Elevator Pitch
Vida Jamison is a pediatrician and mom who craves reliability and a predictable routine to escape the chaos of her childhood. But when her first love, Elijah Beck—now a wildly famous, addiction-plagued rockstar—returns to town, her carefully structured life begins to fall apart. When an alcohol-fueled car accident lands her in the hospital, Vida is forced to confront whether Eli is her life's biggest mistake or the true love she was always meant to find.
Setting
The story unfolds in a cozy yet tense town during a biting winter storm, prominently featuring Vida's quiet guest cabin and a stark hospital wing where the past and present collide.
Vibe
Intense, nostalgic, emotionally sweeping, and bittersweet. Balancing the gritty reality of rock-and-roll fame with the quiet, everyday responsibilities of motherhood and medical work.
Genre
Contemporary Fiction / Emotional Romance
Themes
~The Weight of First Love: How our earliest relationships shape our emotional blueprint forever.
~Fame vs. Belonging: The isolation of being adored by millions but truly known by no one.
~Reckoning with the Past: Breaking cycles of addiction and childhood trauma to reclaim your own narrative.
Standout Characters
~Vida Jamison: A brilliant pediatrician seeking stability after a troubled upbringing. Mother of Luke, her son.
~Elijah Beck: A magnetic, tortured musician who has spent a lifetime being wanted but never truly held.
~Tom: Vida's separated husband, who shows incredible maturity and nuance while co-parenting and navigating the complex shadow Eli casts over his family.
Author Writing Standout
Adele Griffin excels at writing complex, flawed characters without making them unlikable. She maps out the slow-burn breakdown of relationships with raw honesty, capturing how addiction fractures love and how true-to-life co-parenting dynamics operate under stress.
Takeaway
You can build a perfectly safe life to protect yourself from the past, but true healing requires facing the wildcards you've been running from.
Title Significance:
First Love Last Love questions whether your first romantic connection is destined to remain your ultimate love story, or if a "last love" requires letting go of original ghosts to choose a mature, grounded version of happiness.
Metaphor
Quicksand vs. Solid Ground. Vida constantly fights for the stable ground she built, while Eli's magnetic presence acts as an emotional quicksand that draws her back into the beautiful chaos of their youth.
Why You Should Read
If you love emotional, high-stakes romances like A Star is Born or the rock-and-roll nostalgia of Daisy Jones & The Six, this book delivers that exact brand of sweeping, star-crossed heartbreak.
My Thoughts
When the Soundtracks of the Past Collide with the Reality of the Present.
An emotionally heavy, absorbing read that perfectly captures how difficult it is to untangle your identity from your first love. Prime for the small or large screen! I loved the inspiration behind the novel. #CoverLove
First Love Last Love is an emotionally gripping and sweeping contemporary novel that dives deep into the messy, unbreakable bonds of childhood love, the fracture of fame, and the grueling road to self-discovery. Presented by Sourcebooks Landmark, this gem marks a poignant exploration of choices, consequences, and the ghosts of the past.
Griffin handles the "second-chance romance" trope with realistic, heavy stakes rather than fairy-tale magic. The inclusion of Eli's addiction struggles, motherhood, her son, family, the past, and the literal car crash elevates the narrative from a simple love triangle into a powerful look at accountability and self-discovery. Equal parts devastating and deeply hopeful.
Verdict 5 / 5 Stars
"A mature, nostalgic, raw, and beautifully written novel that will make you look back at your own what ifs."
<#LitLiftMiniAuthorChats
Stay tuned for my fun and exciting #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat with Adele and FIRST LOVE LAST LOVE on Nov 3 pub date on my blog!
Recs or read alikes
~Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
~In Concert by Colleen Oakley (2027)
~The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh
~The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner
~The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
~What You Do To Me by Rochelle B. Weinstein
Also for fans of authors: Rebecca Serle, Julie Buxbaum, Jessica Strawser, Rosie Walsh, Lorraine Zago Rosenthal, Rochelle B. Weinstein, Camille Pagán, Jennifer Weiner, Sarah Pekkanan, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Emily Giffin.
Special thanks to partner, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithD.Collins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
#LitLitMiniAuthorChat QA
#AuthorElevatorSeries | #AudioElevatorSeries
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 3, 2026
November Newsletter
Nov 2026 Must-Read Books
November 4, 2026
Whew. This one left me sitting in silence for a moment. What a tragic, bittersweet love story. My jam! I loved how quickly it pulled me in, jumping immediately into the emotions in a way that made me feel instantly connected to Vida and Elijah and their messy, tumultuous past and reconnection.
The writing was so lovely and poignant, with moments that felt almost lyrical at times. The cold, wintry setting was the perfect extra layer of atmosphere to an already heavy story of fame and trauma. And I loved the way it moved between past and present. It sort of felt all over the place at times, but as more pieces fall into place, you begin to understand why Vida feels so relentlessly pulled toward Elijah time and time again, despite the very real pain he brings into her life.
And gah, the pain! Elijah's addictions and his deeply unhealthy reliance on Vida made for a very toxic dynamic. I honestly couldn't wrap my head around the level of forgiveness Vida was capable of extending to him. There were moments when I really struggled with it. But eventually everything clicked into place, and that AH HA moment made so much of their history make sense! This one is pure emotional destruction, let me tell you. But it's worth it.
(spice level: 1 open-door scene, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The writing was so lovely and poignant, with moments that felt almost lyrical at times. The cold, wintry setting was the perfect extra layer of atmosphere to an already heavy story of fame and trauma. And I loved the way it moved between past and present. It sort of felt all over the place at times, but as more pieces fall into place, you begin to understand why Vida feels so relentlessly pulled toward Elijah time and time again, despite the very real pain he brings into her life.
And gah, the pain! Elijah's addictions and his deeply unhealthy reliance on Vida made for a very toxic dynamic. I honestly couldn't wrap my head around the level of forgiveness Vida was capable of extending to him. There were moments when I really struggled with it. But eventually everything clicked into place, and that AH HA moment made so much of their history make sense! This one is pure emotional destruction, let me tell you. But it's worth it.
(spice level: 1 open-door scene, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Did Not Finish
August 9, 2026DNF. Sourcebooks sent me this one, but it's really not my thing. Standard, non-romcom romance and boring to me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vida Jamison is pediatrician and mother who built a predictable, stable life after a troubled childhood and a horrible breakup with her first love Elijah.
Elijah Beck is a Grammy-nominee rock star, who has struggled with long-term addiction. He returns to Vida's life and turns her world upside down.
Vida must decide if Elijah is her greatest mistake or the love that she was meant to find again.
This story is not your typical second chance romance that can be tied up with a pretty bow. Vida and Elijah’s relationship and codependency was borderline toxic from very early on. This story has a melancholic tone and a bittersweet ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advance copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
Elijah Beck is a Grammy-nominee rock star, who has struggled with long-term addiction. He returns to Vida's life and turns her world upside down.
Vida must decide if Elijah is her greatest mistake or the love that she was meant to find again.
This story is not your typical second chance romance that can be tied up with a pretty bow. Vida and Elijah’s relationship and codependency was borderline toxic from very early on. This story has a melancholic tone and a bittersweet ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advance copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.25 stars. A thought provoking romance exploring love, addiction and family dynamics.
Vida Jamison and Elijah (Eli) Beck have been star crossed lovers since forever. Vida grew up in a troubled home spending most of her time at Eli’s house with him and his mother, Miriam, who became her “almost mother;” in turn Miriam believed Vida grounded Eli. As time goes on Vida becomes a pedestrian and Eli famous composer/ musician. But time is not kind to Eli who becomes addicted, tries rehab many times and never truly dries out. This fractures their friendship and Vida goes on to marry Tom though at the start of the book, they are separated. Eli returns and Vida allows him to stay her cabin, though Tom’s not happy about that but he recognizes the deep friendship. Then a traumatic event happens that tests that friendship to its very core.
Vida is a very likable character - Eli not so much maybe because of his addiction. She’s creeping and kind and maybe a little too blind to Eli’s self-destructive ways. Lots of nostalgia as the book weaves back and forth through time giving the romance a bittersweet quality.
I must confess while this is seemingly a second-chance romance it didn’t resonate a whole lot with me. The writing was really good. The structure interesting with its interludes. The exploration into love and its meaning was good but I’m not so much into the rock star genre to maybe have appreciated it.
Readers who enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six may find this book appealing as probably those who enjoy a darker side to the second chance romance genre.
My thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for granting me access to this ARC.
Vida Jamison and Elijah (Eli) Beck have been star crossed lovers since forever. Vida grew up in a troubled home spending most of her time at Eli’s house with him and his mother, Miriam, who became her “almost mother;” in turn Miriam believed Vida grounded Eli. As time goes on Vida becomes a pedestrian and Eli famous composer/ musician. But time is not kind to Eli who becomes addicted, tries rehab many times and never truly dries out. This fractures their friendship and Vida goes on to marry Tom though at the start of the book, they are separated. Eli returns and Vida allows him to stay her cabin, though Tom’s not happy about that but he recognizes the deep friendship. Then a traumatic event happens that tests that friendship to its very core.
Vida is a very likable character - Eli not so much maybe because of his addiction. She’s creeping and kind and maybe a little too blind to Eli’s self-destructive ways. Lots of nostalgia as the book weaves back and forth through time giving the romance a bittersweet quality.
I must confess while this is seemingly a second-chance romance it didn’t resonate a whole lot with me. The writing was really good. The structure interesting with its interludes. The exploration into love and its meaning was good but I’m not so much into the rock star genre to maybe have appreciated it.
Readers who enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six may find this book appealing as probably those who enjoy a darker side to the second chance romance genre.
My thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for granting me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the advance copy.
I have been a fan of Adele Griffin's for a long time......starting back in her YA days. I think she has taken her writing to the next level in her adult fiction. Although there were times when I was so frustrated with our main characters, they were so well developed and the plot was so well written that I could appreciate how much I didn't enjoy them at times. There are parts of this one that were difficult for me to read, and if toxic relationships or addiction are triggers for you, you have been warned. I actually think the secondary characters were my favorites of the story, and Griffin did a great job of developing them as well. This one went in directions I did not expect, and I did shed some tears along the way. This one is emotionally fraught so be ready!
I have been a fan of Adele Griffin's for a long time......starting back in her YA days. I think she has taken her writing to the next level in her adult fiction. Although there were times when I was so frustrated with our main characters, they were so well developed and the plot was so well written that I could appreciate how much I didn't enjoy them at times. There are parts of this one that were difficult for me to read, and if toxic relationships or addiction are triggers for you, you have been warned. I actually think the secondary characters were my favorites of the story, and Griffin did a great job of developing them as well. This one went in directions I did not expect, and I did shed some tears along the way. This one is emotionally fraught so be ready!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vida is a doctor, mother and wife struggling to hold it all together. Elijah comes back into town and he is the ex-boyfriend she never stopped loving. She is separated from her husband. Elijah is the town celebrity who everyone loves as he is songwriter/musician who is nominated for a Grammy. He is also an alcoholic who has been in and out of rehabilitation many times. Vida keeps opening her heart and door to him. This was heartbreaking to read about as he was so toxic. He nearly kills her and she still welcomes him into her home with open arms.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @bookmarked for an early copy of First Love Last Love by Adele Griffin. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: November 3rd, 2026
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
I was intrigued by the blurb of this book, but I wasn’t expecting such a melancholy and emotionally heavy read. Told through the POVs of Vida, a doctor, and Elijah, her childhood best friend turned famous singer-songwriter, the story explores a love that endures through the years, even as fame, alcoholism, and the weight of Elijah’s own choices slowly take away the people and moments that matter most to him.
Honestly, around 30% into the book, I was already tempted to DNF it. The narrative felt overwhelmingly melancholic, with Elijah seemingly having lost all hope and Vida constantly trying to be there for him, only to be pushed away by his choices. Watching her give him chance after chance, even when she knew he would likely break his promises again, was heartbreaking. It felt like a hopeful yet toxic kind of love, and at times, the story was just too depressing for me. Maybe I simply wasn’t in the right headspace for this book, but I decided to give it a chance anyway.
I wasn’t entirely surprised by the direction of the ending, as I felt there were hints of it early on, but I still didn’t expect things to unfold the way they did. As Elijah began reflecting on his mistakes and trying to make things right, I found myself wishing he had been given more time to grow as a character. For most of the book, he seemed consumed by regret, and just when he was beginning to confront his past and work toward redemption, there wasn’t enough time left for that growth to feel fully realized.
Despite my frustrations, there was something heart-wrenchingly beautiful about Elijah and Vida’s relationship. Their connection, shaped by years of friendship, love, and missed opportunities, was difficult to let go of. I also really appreciated Tom, Vida’s husband, and his kindness and understanding throughout everything. He brought a tenderness to the story that I genuinely loved.
Ultimately, this was a bittersweet and emotionally draining read that left me wishing for more. I could appreciate the beauty of its story and the tragedy of its characters, even if the execution didn’t entirely work for me. I just really wish Elijah had been given more time to grow, to make amends, and to become more than a man defined by his regrets.
Thank you @bookmarked for an early copy of First Love Last Love by Adele Griffin. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: November 3rd, 2026
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
I was intrigued by the blurb of this book, but I wasn’t expecting such a melancholy and emotionally heavy read. Told through the POVs of Vida, a doctor, and Elijah, her childhood best friend turned famous singer-songwriter, the story explores a love that endures through the years, even as fame, alcoholism, and the weight of Elijah’s own choices slowly take away the people and moments that matter most to him.
Honestly, around 30% into the book, I was already tempted to DNF it. The narrative felt overwhelmingly melancholic, with Elijah seemingly having lost all hope and Vida constantly trying to be there for him, only to be pushed away by his choices. Watching her give him chance after chance, even when she knew he would likely break his promises again, was heartbreaking. It felt like a hopeful yet toxic kind of love, and at times, the story was just too depressing for me. Maybe I simply wasn’t in the right headspace for this book, but I decided to give it a chance anyway.
I wasn’t entirely surprised by the direction of the ending, as I felt there were hints of it early on, but I still didn’t expect things to unfold the way they did. As Elijah began reflecting on his mistakes and trying to make things right, I found myself wishing he had been given more time to grow as a character. For most of the book, he seemed consumed by regret, and just when he was beginning to confront his past and work toward redemption, there wasn’t enough time left for that growth to feel fully realized.
Despite my frustrations, there was something heart-wrenchingly beautiful about Elijah and Vida’s relationship. Their connection, shaped by years of friendship, love, and missed opportunities, was difficult to let go of. I also really appreciated Tom, Vida’s husband, and his kindness and understanding throughout everything. He brought a tenderness to the story that I genuinely loved.
Ultimately, this was a bittersweet and emotionally draining read that left me wishing for more. I could appreciate the beauty of its story and the tragedy of its characters, even if the execution didn’t entirely work for me. I just really wish Elijah had been given more time to grow, to make amends, and to become more than a man defined by his regrets.
November 7, 2026
First Love Last Love was such an emotional, bittersweet read... which is honestly exactly what I was expecting. Adele Griffin beautifully captures the complicated nature of first love, nostalgia, heartbreak, and the choices that shape our lives. Vida and Elijah's story spans decades, and I loved how the past and present were woven together to slowly reveal the history behind their connection. There is something so powerful about the idea of someone being such a significant part of your life that, no matter how much time passes, they never quite leave your heart.
I had a lot of mixed feelings about Elijah. I understood his struggles with fame, addiction, and his desire to feel loved, but there were definitely moments when I wanted to shake him! I also found myself frustrated with Vida at times and how much she continued to forgive him. Their relationship was messy, complicated, and at times unhealthy, but I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from showing how addiction affects not only the person struggling but everyone who loves them. I especially enjoyed getting Miriam's perspective, as it added another layer to their history and helped me better understand the family dynamics.
Adele Griffin's writing was beautiful and poignant, and I loved the emotional depth of this story. The different perspectives and timeline shifts occasionally made the storytelling feel a little disjointed, and I would have liked a bit more time with some of the present-day relationships. However, the more pieces that came together, the more invested I became. I also appreciated that this wasn't a predictable HEA romance that simply wrapped everything up with a bow. The ending felt bittersweet, realistic, and fitting for the characters.
This is so much more than a second chance romance. It's a story about loving someone, losing yourself along the way, learning when to let go, and finding your way back to who you are. It made me think about how much our first loves shape us and how sometimes love alone isn't enough. This was emotional and beautifully written, and met every expectation I had.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I had a lot of mixed feelings about Elijah. I understood his struggles with fame, addiction, and his desire to feel loved, but there were definitely moments when I wanted to shake him! I also found myself frustrated with Vida at times and how much she continued to forgive him. Their relationship was messy, complicated, and at times unhealthy, but I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from showing how addiction affects not only the person struggling but everyone who loves them. I especially enjoyed getting Miriam's perspective, as it added another layer to their history and helped me better understand the family dynamics.
Adele Griffin's writing was beautiful and poignant, and I loved the emotional depth of this story. The different perspectives and timeline shifts occasionally made the storytelling feel a little disjointed, and I would have liked a bit more time with some of the present-day relationships. However, the more pieces that came together, the more invested I became. I also appreciated that this wasn't a predictable HEA romance that simply wrapped everything up with a bow. The ending felt bittersweet, realistic, and fitting for the characters.
This is so much more than a second chance romance. It's a story about loving someone, losing yourself along the way, learning when to let go, and finding your way back to who you are. It made me think about how much our first loves shape us and how sometimes love alone isn't enough. This was emotional and beautifully written, and met every expectation I had.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First Love Last Love by Adele Griffin is a modern love story. Vida had been in love with Elijah almost since the time they had met when they were ten years old. Elijah was the son of an ex-Mennonite woman and a dead artist. He had died before Elijah was born. His mother, Miriam, had been a great mom, moving them back to Pennsylvania and living on the edge of liberal and Mennonite. Vida was the daughter of a mother who took off and a dad who was in over his head. Really, she took care of herself, often not eating, usually not having the clothing and shoes she needed. She was, however, the most popular girl at school. She was just like that. And Elijah loved her. She brought out the best in him. He started singing because she was going to be working on a production of Willie Wonka, so so was he. He auditioned and got the part. Miriam recognized his talent and did what she could to support it, to her everlasting regret. Elijah became Eli Beck, alcoholic, womanizer, rock star. Vida didn’t like the life so she finished medical school. She had a baby and later met a man who could be his father.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions and memories for both of them. He flitted in and out of their lives, always with promises that never materialized. He had a legion of staff who made purchases, rather than spending his time. Vida had made a success of her medical practice and, until recently, her marriage to Tom. Now Tom had moved out and Elijah was back. She didn’t know what to do; she only knew that the chemistry was still off the charts. This story covers a couple of months in their lives and was quite a story. The pace was perfect and the plot was appropriate for the characters. The setting was Miriam’s house in Pennsylvania, which she had left to Vida. Excellent story.
I was invited to read First Love Last Love by Spourcebooks Landmark. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksLLandmark #AdeleGriffin #FirstLoveLastLove
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions and memories for both of them. He flitted in and out of their lives, always with promises that never materialized. He had a legion of staff who made purchases, rather than spending his time. Vida had made a success of her medical practice and, until recently, her marriage to Tom. Now Tom had moved out and Elijah was back. She didn’t know what to do; she only knew that the chemistry was still off the charts. This story covers a couple of months in their lives and was quite a story. The pace was perfect and the plot was appropriate for the characters. The setting was Miriam’s house in Pennsylvania, which she had left to Vida. Excellent story.
I was invited to read First Love Last Love by Spourcebooks Landmark. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksLLandmark #AdeleGriffin #FirstLoveLastLove
November 8, 2026
Thankyou Sourcebooks Landmark for this E-ARC!
This is my first book by this author and I am always game for an angsty read. This story was full of angst and heartbreak.
The author creates a polarizing love triangle with two men who are conflicting opposites in every way. Tom is the epitome of stability and safety while Elijah is complex, messy, and pure chaos. The protagonist, Vida, is in a state of conflicting emotions at every turn. I loved how self-aware she was even when she was in the process of making an ill-advised choice. She knows exactly what she is doing, how it will impact her life, but just trying to live in each moment and deal with the fallout later.
The pacing and transition between chapters and past and present was choppy and lacked flow and organization. It felt like I was put in a time machine and bounced all over the place. The bones of the story were there and enough to keep me drawn in and invested into the story.
I kind of loved that I wasn't sure if I was supposed to love or hate Elijah. A former rockstar making a comeback, a boy in love with his childhood best friend, an alcoholic, and an absent son. I felt a range of frustration, sympathy, and utter sadness with him. A true testament to the author for giving us all the grey areas of love.
This story is messy, complex, and like a car accident that you see happening in slow motion and can feel the impact when it happens. It hurts, but you can't look away.
This is my first book by this author and I am always game for an angsty read. This story was full of angst and heartbreak.
The author creates a polarizing love triangle with two men who are conflicting opposites in every way. Tom is the epitome of stability and safety while Elijah is complex, messy, and pure chaos. The protagonist, Vida, is in a state of conflicting emotions at every turn. I loved how self-aware she was even when she was in the process of making an ill-advised choice. She knows exactly what she is doing, how it will impact her life, but just trying to live in each moment and deal with the fallout later.
The pacing and transition between chapters and past and present was choppy and lacked flow and organization. It felt like I was put in a time machine and bounced all over the place. The bones of the story were there and enough to keep me drawn in and invested into the story.
I kind of loved that I wasn't sure if I was supposed to love or hate Elijah. A former rockstar making a comeback, a boy in love with his childhood best friend, an alcoholic, and an absent son. I felt a range of frustration, sympathy, and utter sadness with him. A true testament to the author for giving us all the grey areas of love.
This story is messy, complex, and like a car accident that you see happening in slow motion and can feel the impact when it happens. It hurts, but you can't look away.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks and the author for the gifted eARC!
This was such a beautifully written story about love, heartbreak, relationships, and the impact of addiction.
Vida and Elijah's relationship was at the heart of everything. As childhood friends who eventually became something more, they shared a lifetime of love, memories, and heartbreak. As Elijah's fame and addiction began to take over, their relationship became increasingly complicated, ultimately leaving Vida with the difficult choice to put herself first. I appreciated how her journey was portrayed, especially as she navigated her own life, marriage, and motherhood with their son, Luke as well has her relationship with Tom.
I also loved getting Miriam's perspective. She was essentially a second mother to Vida, and I liked getting her perspective on Vida and Elijah's relationship when they were younger.
The story really explores the complexities of loving someone while recognizing that love alone can't save them. It was a great reminder of how relationships shape us and how sometimes choosing yourself is the hardest but most necessary thing to do.
Overall, a heartfelt and engaging read with great character development, complicated relationships, and plenty of emotional depth. I really enjoyed this one!
November 9, 2026
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
I don't know how I felt with this one. My emotions are really mixed. I loved Vida, and I understood her struggle to fully detach from Elijah, even when she knew she "should". I loved how Vida was written in her chapters.
I struggled with Elijah, but I think that was the point. I don't feel that the book's summary really made it clear that this is a story about loving someone who has an addiction. Elijah's addiction to alcohol and his struggles with sobriety are the main focus of this book, him and Vida's relationship, and his career and public/private life. Also, I felt like Elijah's chapters were written by a completely different author, and that pulled me out of the story every time it switched POVs.
I didn't know this book was so heavy, and would have DNF'd it if my friend hadn't wanted to talk about it together after I finished reading it. I pushed through, and it left me really sad.
I wouldn't call the love healthy, at all, but I know that is sometimes the case in a relationship such as theirs. This was a hard one for me, and one I wouldn't have picked up if I knew this topic was the main focus of the plot.
I don't know how I felt with this one. My emotions are really mixed. I loved Vida, and I understood her struggle to fully detach from Elijah, even when she knew she "should". I loved how Vida was written in her chapters.
I struggled with Elijah, but I think that was the point. I don't feel that the book's summary really made it clear that this is a story about loving someone who has an addiction. Elijah's addiction to alcohol and his struggles with sobriety are the main focus of this book, him and Vida's relationship, and his career and public/private life. Also, I felt like Elijah's chapters were written by a completely different author, and that pulled me out of the story every time it switched POVs.
I didn't know this book was so heavy, and would have DNF'd it if my friend hadn't wanted to talk about it together after I finished reading it. I pushed through, and it left me really sad.
I wouldn't call the love healthy, at all, but I know that is sometimes the case in a relationship such as theirs. This was a hard one for me, and one I wouldn't have picked up if I knew this topic was the main focus of the plot.
Read
May 14, 20262
Vida Marie ha pasado años construyendo una vida estable, convencida de que el pasado está donde debe estar. Pero una noche se encuentra cara a cara con Elijah Beck, el chico que alguna vez fue su refugio, su primer amor, su primer desamor y la persona que marcó su vida.
Elijah Beck conoce demasiado bien lo que significa escapar. La fama, los errores y los años han cambiado muchas cosas, pero no la forma en que una sola mirada de Vida puede desordenarlo todo.
___
Vida y Elijah son una parea tóxica. Él cae mal con todo lo que hace y le hecha la culpa a su adicción, pero con la capítulos de pasado se ve que desde que la conoció cambio mucho y su relación se volvio extraña, ejemplo cuando se rompió la pierna para estar igual que ella o cuando se corto porque ella pasaba tiempo con sus amigas.
Vida se supone que ve que él no esta bien. No quiere ese estilo de vida para ella, pero aun así vuelve una y otra vez, ¿por qué? no tengo idea. Al leerlo, (sobre todo cuando se volvió famoso) no hay razón para que siguieran juntos ni que ella cayera una y otra vez. En el presente una vez que lo ve termina en la cama y se le olvida su esposo. Cuando se revelo lo de L, me quede en shock y no entendí como después de eso seguía enamorada, mejor dicho obsesionada con él.
*Esta separada de su esposo, pero no divorciados ni con pensamiento de hacerlo. Además, hay momentos en lo que ella lo quiere de regreso, pero solo necesita ver a E para olvidarse de todo y todos.
Mejor Miriam (la mamá de E) se dio cuenta que por más que amara a su hijo y que lo intentara ayudar, nunca iba a cambiar y que lo mejor era seguir con su vida y vivirla para ella. Cuando conoció a Tom se dio cuenta que era justo lo que Vida necesitaba y pensó que por fin sería el final de de V y E.
Sentí feo por Tom porque él si amaba a Vida y al final fue el premio de consolación, quería más para él.
Al leerlo no veía como podrían terminar juntos, él era veneno y ella lo dejaba salirse con la suya. Les juro que después del accidente automovilísticos sabía que no tendrían un buen final ya fuera si quedaban juntos o separado.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Vida Marie ha pasado años construyendo una vida estable, convencida de que el pasado está donde debe estar. Pero una noche se encuentra cara a cara con Elijah Beck, el chico que alguna vez fue su refugio, su primer amor, su primer desamor y la persona que marcó su vida.
Elijah Beck conoce demasiado bien lo que significa escapar. La fama, los errores y los años han cambiado muchas cosas, pero no la forma en que una sola mirada de Vida puede desordenarlo todo.
___
Vida y Elijah son una parea tóxica. Él cae mal con todo lo que hace y le hecha la culpa a su adicción, pero con la capítulos de pasado se ve que desde que la conoció cambio mucho y su relación se volvio extraña, ejemplo cuando se rompió la pierna para estar igual que ella o cuando se corto porque ella pasaba tiempo con sus amigas.
Vida se supone que ve que él no esta bien. No quiere ese estilo de vida para ella, pero aun así vuelve una y otra vez, ¿por qué? no tengo idea. Al leerlo, (sobre todo cuando se volvió famoso) no hay razón para que siguieran juntos ni que ella cayera una y otra vez. En el presente una vez que lo ve termina en la cama y se le olvida su esposo. Cuando se revelo lo de L, me quede en shock y no entendí como después de eso seguía enamorada, mejor dicho obsesionada con él.
*Esta separada de su esposo, pero no divorciados ni con pensamiento de hacerlo. Además, hay momentos en lo que ella lo quiere de regreso, pero solo necesita ver a E para olvidarse de todo y todos.
Mejor Miriam (la mamá de E) se dio cuenta que por más que amara a su hijo y que lo intentara ayudar, nunca iba a cambiar y que lo mejor era seguir con su vida y vivirla para ella. Cuando conoció a Tom se dio cuenta que era justo lo que Vida necesitaba y pensó que por fin sería el final de de V y E.
Sentí feo por Tom porque él si amaba a Vida y al final fue el premio de consolación, quería más para él.
Al leerlo no veía como podrían terminar juntos, él era veneno y ella lo dejaba salirse con la suya. Les juro que después del accidente automovilísticos sabía que no tendrían un buen final ya fuera si quedaban juntos o separado.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 5, 2026
Vida is faced with an impossible question: continue living the life she has, or explore the path she could have taken with her first love. The story follows her as she navigates love, regret, and the choices that shape who we become.
Did I expect to enjoy this? Absolutely not. Did I end up getting quite invested? 100%. 😂
This is so far outside my usual thriller comfort zone, but I actually found it to be a really cosy, heartwarming read. It had all the ingredients you’d want from a romance, and I found myself genuinely rooting for Vida. She was such an easy character to get behind, and I really enjoyed following her journey.
My biggest issue was the ending. It just felt a little… meh. I wanted Vida to have to make a more definitive choice, and I finished the book feeling like I wasn’t quite as satisfied as I’d hoped to be. Maybe that’s perfectly normal for this genre and I’m just showing my thriller-reader colours! 🔪😂
That said, this book has definitely made me more open to reading Adele Griffin again. Even though romance isn’t usually my thing, I found the writing engaging and the story kept me turning the pages. If you’re looking for a gentle, emotional read about love, timing and “what ifs”, this could be one for you.
Did I expect to enjoy this? Absolutely not. Did I end up getting quite invested? 100%. 😂
This is so far outside my usual thriller comfort zone, but I actually found it to be a really cosy, heartwarming read. It had all the ingredients you’d want from a romance, and I found myself genuinely rooting for Vida. She was such an easy character to get behind, and I really enjoyed following her journey.
My biggest issue was the ending. It just felt a little… meh. I wanted Vida to have to make a more definitive choice, and I finished the book feeling like I wasn’t quite as satisfied as I’d hoped to be. Maybe that’s perfectly normal for this genre and I’m just showing my thriller-reader colours! 🔪😂
That said, this book has definitely made me more open to reading Adele Griffin again. Even though romance isn’t usually my thing, I found the writing engaging and the story kept me turning the pages. If you’re looking for a gentle, emotional read about love, timing and “what ifs”, this could be one for you.
Want to Read
March 6, 2026"For lovers of Daisy Jones" - add to cart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First Love Last Love • Adele Griffin
One phrase: first loves, second chances, and the kind of heartbreak that never really leaves 💔🎶
WHAT IF THE PERSON YOU NEVER GOT OVER CAME BACK TWENTY YEARS LATER?
Vida has spent years building a stable, predictable life. She's a doctor, a mother, and someone who has worked incredibly hard to leave the chaos of her past behind.
And then Elijah Beck comes back.
Her childhood best friend. Her first love. The famous musician who has spent years battling addiction and making decisions that hurt everyone around him.
SIR. WE WERE DOING JUST FINE WITHOUT YOU.
This was such a complicated, emotionally heavy story. I loved the nostalgia and the way the past and present were woven together, showing how deeply first love can shape who we become.
But Elijah?
OH, HE FRUSTRATED ME.
I understood why Vida loved him, but I also wanted to shake her every time she made excuses for the pain he caused. Their connection was undeniable, but sometimes loving someone doesn't mean they're good for you.
And THAT was what made this book interesting.
It wasn't just about rekindling an old romance. It was about addiction, regret, motherhood, marriage, and realizing that the life you once dreamed about might not be the life you actually need.
I appreciated that the story didn't romanticize every painful decision or pretend love could magically fix everything.
The ending was bittersweet and not necessarily the one I expected, but it fit the emotional complexity of the story.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
💔 First love, lasting heartbreak
🎶 Famous musician MMC
🥀 Second chance romance
⏳ Twenty years apart
❄️ Winter storm reunion
🖤 Complicated relationships
❤️🩹 Addiction and recovery struggles
💭 What could have been
🏡 Marriage and family dynamics
😭 Emotional, bittersweet romance
📚 Read this if you like:
Emotional second chance romances, childhood sweethearts, famous musicians, complicated love stories, nostalgia, flawed characters, messy family dynamics, and books that explore whether loving someone means you're supposed to end up together.
I wanted to root for Elijah and Vida.
I also wanted both of them to make better decisions.
And by the end, I was questioning whether your first love is supposed to be your last love, or simply the person who teaches you what love can and cannot survive.
Sometimes the person who owns a piece of your heart isn't the person who should own your future.
#FirstLoveLastLove #AdeleGriffin #SecondChanceRomance #EmotionalRomance #BookReview
One phrase: first loves, second chances, and the kind of heartbreak that never really leaves 💔🎶
WHAT IF THE PERSON YOU NEVER GOT OVER CAME BACK TWENTY YEARS LATER?
Vida has spent years building a stable, predictable life. She's a doctor, a mother, and someone who has worked incredibly hard to leave the chaos of her past behind.
And then Elijah Beck comes back.
Her childhood best friend. Her first love. The famous musician who has spent years battling addiction and making decisions that hurt everyone around him.
SIR. WE WERE DOING JUST FINE WITHOUT YOU.
This was such a complicated, emotionally heavy story. I loved the nostalgia and the way the past and present were woven together, showing how deeply first love can shape who we become.
But Elijah?
OH, HE FRUSTRATED ME.
I understood why Vida loved him, but I also wanted to shake her every time she made excuses for the pain he caused. Their connection was undeniable, but sometimes loving someone doesn't mean they're good for you.
And THAT was what made this book interesting.
It wasn't just about rekindling an old romance. It was about addiction, regret, motherhood, marriage, and realizing that the life you once dreamed about might not be the life you actually need.
I appreciated that the story didn't romanticize every painful decision or pretend love could magically fix everything.
The ending was bittersweet and not necessarily the one I expected, but it fit the emotional complexity of the story.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
💔 First love, lasting heartbreak
🎶 Famous musician MMC
🥀 Second chance romance
⏳ Twenty years apart
❄️ Winter storm reunion
🖤 Complicated relationships
❤️🩹 Addiction and recovery struggles
💭 What could have been
🏡 Marriage and family dynamics
😭 Emotional, bittersweet romance
📚 Read this if you like:
Emotional second chance romances, childhood sweethearts, famous musicians, complicated love stories, nostalgia, flawed characters, messy family dynamics, and books that explore whether loving someone means you're supposed to end up together.
I wanted to root for Elijah and Vida.
I also wanted both of them to make better decisions.
And by the end, I was questioning whether your first love is supposed to be your last love, or simply the person who teaches you what love can and cannot survive.
Sometimes the person who owns a piece of your heart isn't the person who should own your future.
#FirstLoveLastLove #AdeleGriffin #SecondChanceRomance #EmotionalRomance #BookReview
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book had SUCH good bones. A first love spanning decades, complicated family dynamics, addiction, second chances, and all the ingredients to absolutely wreck me emotionally.
I went into this one hoping to FEEL all the things. And unfortunately, I just never quite got there. 🥲
I really appreciated how Adele Griffin used multiple POVs and the Mixtape chapters to piece together Vida and Elijah's history. Miriam's perspective threw me for a second, but it ended up being one of the things I appreciated most. Her chapters gave so much insight into why these two were so deeply connected and why letting go was never going to be easy.
But here's where I struggled.
The more I learned about Vida and Elijah, the less convinced I became that they actually belonged together. Elijah's struggles with addiction were heartbreaking, especially seeing how far back some of his unhealthy patterns went. I wanted so badly to see him get healthy for HIMSELF rather than continuing to look to others to save him.
And Vida? I kept waiting to really get to know adult Vida. We learned so much about her past, but I wanted more of who she was now and what she actually wanted for her future.
Also, can we talk about Tom? Because I have THOUGHTS. 😂 I appreciated that he wasn't turned into the villain just to make the first-love storyline work. He was steady and dependable, but that didn't automatically mean his relationship was fulfilling either. I wanted happiness for all three of them, even if that meant they weren't meant to be together.
My biggest struggle, though, was the emotional connection.
There were SO many moments that had the potential to be devastating. I understood the heartbreak, the complicated relationships, and the weight of their shared history. But I found myself recognizing why something should be emotional rather than actually feeling that emotion.
And by the end, I still felt like there were unresolved issues that deserved more attention. Some things seemed to get pushed aside rather than truly worked through, leaving me wanting a little more from the characters and their journeys.
Ultimately, I think this was a story with an incredible foundation that just didn't quite deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for.
And that's what makes this one so difficult to rate! I can absolutely see this being a deeply moving read for someone else. The themes are there, the complexity is there, and there's plenty to unpack.
For me, though, the emotional disconnect kept it at 3 stars.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I went into this one hoping to FEEL all the things. And unfortunately, I just never quite got there. 🥲
I really appreciated how Adele Griffin used multiple POVs and the Mixtape chapters to piece together Vida and Elijah's history. Miriam's perspective threw me for a second, but it ended up being one of the things I appreciated most. Her chapters gave so much insight into why these two were so deeply connected and why letting go was never going to be easy.
But here's where I struggled.
The more I learned about Vida and Elijah, the less convinced I became that they actually belonged together. Elijah's struggles with addiction were heartbreaking, especially seeing how far back some of his unhealthy patterns went. I wanted so badly to see him get healthy for HIMSELF rather than continuing to look to others to save him.
And Vida? I kept waiting to really get to know adult Vida. We learned so much about her past, but I wanted more of who she was now and what she actually wanted for her future.
Also, can we talk about Tom? Because I have THOUGHTS. 😂 I appreciated that he wasn't turned into the villain just to make the first-love storyline work. He was steady and dependable, but that didn't automatically mean his relationship was fulfilling either. I wanted happiness for all three of them, even if that meant they weren't meant to be together.
My biggest struggle, though, was the emotional connection.
There were SO many moments that had the potential to be devastating. I understood the heartbreak, the complicated relationships, and the weight of their shared history. But I found myself recognizing why something should be emotional rather than actually feeling that emotion.
And by the end, I still felt like there were unresolved issues that deserved more attention. Some things seemed to get pushed aside rather than truly worked through, leaving me wanting a little more from the characters and their journeys.
Ultimately, I think this was a story with an incredible foundation that just didn't quite deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for.
And that's what makes this one so difficult to rate! I can absolutely see this being a deeply moving read for someone else. The themes are there, the complexity is there, and there's plenty to unpack.
For me, though, the emotional disconnect kept it at 3 stars.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First Love Last Love by Adele Griffin was a bit of a departure from my usual reading, as I tend to gravitate toward romance and fantasy, but I’m so glad I gave this one a chance! What initially caught my attention was the premise, and I found myself getting much more invested in Vida and Elijah’s story than I expected.
This is a deeply emotional story about first love, second chances, addiction, and the lasting impact our relationships have on the people we become. Vida and Elijah’s connection spans decades, taking them from childhood best friends to first loves, through heartbreak and estrangement, and eventually back into each other’s lives. Their history is complicated, and as the story unfolds, we see just how much their past continues to shape their present.
One of the things I appreciated most was Adele Griffin’s writing. It’s beautifully descriptive and emotionally layered, capturing the nostalgia of first love alongside the pain of watching someone you care about struggle with addiction. The story also does a thoughtful job of showing how addiction affects not just the person experiencing it, but everyone who loves them. Love can be powerful, but it cannot fix everything, and this book explores that reality in a way that feels both heartbreaking and human.
I also enjoyed how the story moves between different perspectives and timelines, gradually revealing more about the characters, their relationships, and the secrets they carry. The revelations added another layer to the story, and the emotional weight of the ending really stayed with me. Have tissues nearby, because this one definitely knows how to pull at your heartstrings!
While this isn't a traditional, feel-good romance, I found it to be a compelling exploration of love, regret, forgiveness, and the choices that shape our lives. It reminded me that first love can leave a lasting mark, but the person we love and the person we ultimately need aren't always the same.
Overall, I really enjoyed stepping outside my usual genres for this one. If you enjoy emotional contemporary fiction, complicated relationships, and stories that explore the messy realities of love and addiction, First Love Last Love is worth picking up.
Many thanks to Adele Griffin, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This is a deeply emotional story about first love, second chances, addiction, and the lasting impact our relationships have on the people we become. Vida and Elijah’s connection spans decades, taking them from childhood best friends to first loves, through heartbreak and estrangement, and eventually back into each other’s lives. Their history is complicated, and as the story unfolds, we see just how much their past continues to shape their present.
One of the things I appreciated most was Adele Griffin’s writing. It’s beautifully descriptive and emotionally layered, capturing the nostalgia of first love alongside the pain of watching someone you care about struggle with addiction. The story also does a thoughtful job of showing how addiction affects not just the person experiencing it, but everyone who loves them. Love can be powerful, but it cannot fix everything, and this book explores that reality in a way that feels both heartbreaking and human.
I also enjoyed how the story moves between different perspectives and timelines, gradually revealing more about the characters, their relationships, and the secrets they carry. The revelations added another layer to the story, and the emotional weight of the ending really stayed with me. Have tissues nearby, because this one definitely knows how to pull at your heartstrings!
While this isn't a traditional, feel-good romance, I found it to be a compelling exploration of love, regret, forgiveness, and the choices that shape our lives. It reminded me that first love can leave a lasting mark, but the person we love and the person we ultimately need aren't always the same.
Overall, I really enjoyed stepping outside my usual genres for this one. If you enjoy emotional contemporary fiction, complicated relationships, and stories that explore the messy realities of love and addiction, First Love Last Love is worth picking up.
Many thanks to Adele Griffin, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for the e-arc. all opinions are my own :)
i want to preface this that this book has soooo much potential and i love the essence of the plot bc the angst is so strong here. there's a nice dose of reality in this book in the way that not all can work out the way we want it which i think is often avoided in many books. i really enjoyed this aspect. another thing i want to call out is i loved the setting of this book and how it conjured up a special type of nostalgia bc i am a sucker for childhood flashbacks of what once was, but overall...
i simultaneously feel talked at and lied to and i don't like the feeling that gives me. i will probably have the unpopular opinion here to say that while i did not hate this book whatsoever, i also didn't really enjoy it. i can attribute my neutrality to two main things:
(1) the writing, but in the way that i was told a lot of stuff, almost all the stuff, and not shown it. if it was shown, it was shown after i already heard about it. while this can work at times, i feel like it fell flat for me here personally. cuz like... "He didn't talk until he did"... yeah, that's how toddlers work i fear
(2) how the plot moved relationships forward. cause yeah, Elijah being a super cool rockstar leads to him having lifelong addiction issues. and don't get me wrong, addiction sucks!! it's terrible & heartbreaking for everyone involved, but idk... it felt like the plot just plotted rather than genuine character action moving it forward at times. due to this i really didn't get invested into any character or the relationships until approx. 76% into the book where Elijah started to bond more with Luke and become a functioning human being, and we started focusing on their present rather than past.
the character i liked the most was Tom solid character writing there for not making him actually hate Elijah nor disdaining Vida for loving her childhood bff in some sort of weird capacity throughout their relationship. despite him not having a strong role in the book, i feel like he was pretty well written. tom 4 life
3/5 stars. rating based on my neutrality bc this book does have a solid foundation, it just wasn't for me and that's okay!!
i want to preface this that this book has soooo much potential and i love the essence of the plot bc the angst is so strong here. there's a nice dose of reality in this book in the way that not all can work out the way we want it which i think is often avoided in many books. i really enjoyed this aspect. another thing i want to call out is i loved the setting of this book and how it conjured up a special type of nostalgia bc i am a sucker for childhood flashbacks of what once was, but overall...
i simultaneously feel talked at and lied to and i don't like the feeling that gives me. i will probably have the unpopular opinion here to say that while i did not hate this book whatsoever, i also didn't really enjoy it. i can attribute my neutrality to two main things:
(1) the writing, but in the way that i was told a lot of stuff, almost all the stuff, and not shown it. if it was shown, it was shown after i already heard about it. while this can work at times, i feel like it fell flat for me here personally. cuz like... "He didn't talk until he did"... yeah, that's how toddlers work i fear
(2) how the plot moved relationships forward. cause yeah, Elijah being a super cool rockstar leads to him having lifelong addiction issues. and don't get me wrong, addiction sucks!! it's terrible & heartbreaking for everyone involved, but idk... it felt like the plot just plotted rather than genuine character action moving it forward at times. due to this i really didn't get invested into any character or the relationships until approx. 76% into the book where Elijah started to bond more with Luke and become a functioning human being, and we started focusing on their present rather than past.
the character i liked the most was Tom solid character writing there for not making him actually hate Elijah nor disdaining Vida for loving her childhood bff in some sort of weird capacity throughout their relationship. despite him not having a strong role in the book, i feel like he was pretty well written. tom 4 life
3/5 stars. rating based on my neutrality bc this book does have a solid foundation, it just wasn't for me and that's okay!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect going into First Love, Last Love by Adele Griffin, but I probably should've known what I was getting myself into when it was compared to A Star Is Born meets Love and Other Words. My heart was NOT prepared for this one!
This is not your typical romance. It's a beautifully written, poignant story about love, addiction, heartbreak, letting go & figuring out who you are outside of the people who have shaped your life.
Vida & Elijah have a history that spans decades, from childhood friendship to first love to finding their way back into each other's lives in their 40s. I really loved that this story takes place later in life, when both characters have already lived so much, made mistakes & built lives that look very different from what they once imagined. There is so much love between these two, but also so much hurt, regret & unresolved history. Their connection is undeniable, but sometimes loving someone just isn't enough, & that was absolutely heartbreaking to watch unfold.
One of my favorite things about this book was how Adele chose to tell the story through three perspectives: Vida, Elijah & Elijah's mother, Miriam. Each brings something different to the story, & I loved how their perspectives slowly revealed the complicated relationships, choices & experiences that shaped these characters.
This is such an emotional, messy & deeply human story. These characters are flawed, their choices aren't always easy to understand & there were moments that genuinely broke my heart. But that's also what made this book feel so real.
First Love, Last Love is a reminder that love can change your life in so many ways, but sometimes the hardest part is learning when to hold on & when to let go. This one is going to stay with me for a while.
💕 Later in Life Romance (40+)
❣️ Addiction & Recovery
🎤 Rockstar Romance
🌱 Self Discovery & Personal Growth
‼️ Complicated Family Dynamics
🫶 Regret & Redemption
💋 First Love
💞 Second Chance
❤️🩹 Healing & Forgiveness
✨ Multi POV
This is not your typical romance. It's a beautifully written, poignant story about love, addiction, heartbreak, letting go & figuring out who you are outside of the people who have shaped your life.
Vida & Elijah have a history that spans decades, from childhood friendship to first love to finding their way back into each other's lives in their 40s. I really loved that this story takes place later in life, when both characters have already lived so much, made mistakes & built lives that look very different from what they once imagined. There is so much love between these two, but also so much hurt, regret & unresolved history. Their connection is undeniable, but sometimes loving someone just isn't enough, & that was absolutely heartbreaking to watch unfold.
One of my favorite things about this book was how Adele chose to tell the story through three perspectives: Vida, Elijah & Elijah's mother, Miriam. Each brings something different to the story, & I loved how their perspectives slowly revealed the complicated relationships, choices & experiences that shaped these characters.
This is such an emotional, messy & deeply human story. These characters are flawed, their choices aren't always easy to understand & there were moments that genuinely broke my heart. But that's also what made this book feel so real.
First Love, Last Love is a reminder that love can change your life in so many ways, but sometimes the hardest part is learning when to hold on & when to let go. This one is going to stay with me for a while.
💕 Later in Life Romance (40+)
❣️ Addiction & Recovery
🎤 Rockstar Romance
🌱 Self Discovery & Personal Growth
‼️ Complicated Family Dynamics
🫶 Regret & Redemption
💋 First Love
💞 Second Chance
❤️🩹 Healing & Forgiveness
✨ Multi POV
November 8, 2026
Over my first cup of Italian coffee with sweet cream, I opened First Love Last Love by Adele Griffin and started wondering which song would take me straight back to being seventeen. Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted copy. Funny how you can forget why you walked into the kitchen and still know every word to a song you haven’t heard in forty years.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
For Vida Jamison, the voice she’d recognize anywhere belongs to Elijah Beck. Before strangers knew the words to his songs, Vida knew his mother, his house, and which door to walk through when things got hard at home. Twenty years later, she’s a pediatrician and a mom, Eli is back in town, and she lets him stay in her guest cabin. I had a few opinions about handing over that key. Luckily for Vida, nobody asked me.
Then we got to spend time with them as kids, and I felt a little sheepish. Eli’s mom, Miriam, had made room for Vida when she needed somewhere to go. Of course Vida would remember what that felt like when Eli showed up needing a place himself. What broke my heart was how young she was when the adults around her started counting on her to keep him steady. That’s a lot to ask of a girl who came over because she needed looking after, too.
I also have a soft spot for Tom, Vida’s separated husband. Imagine trying to co-parent through a separation while your wife’s famous first love is staying out back. I appreciated every bit of grace that man managed. By the time the accident landed Vida and Eli in the hospital, I was thinking as much about Tom and their son, Luke, as I was about the two people in those beds. That’s what got me about this one. Every time Eli came back into Vida’s life, somebody else had to make room, too.
What song takes you right back to a person you haven’t seen in years?
#FirstLoveLastLove #AdeleGriffin #SourcebooksLandmark #ContemporaryFiction #SecondChanceLove
⭐⭐⭐⭐
For Vida Jamison, the voice she’d recognize anywhere belongs to Elijah Beck. Before strangers knew the words to his songs, Vida knew his mother, his house, and which door to walk through when things got hard at home. Twenty years later, she’s a pediatrician and a mom, Eli is back in town, and she lets him stay in her guest cabin. I had a few opinions about handing over that key. Luckily for Vida, nobody asked me.
Then we got to spend time with them as kids, and I felt a little sheepish. Eli’s mom, Miriam, had made room for Vida when she needed somewhere to go. Of course Vida would remember what that felt like when Eli showed up needing a place himself. What broke my heart was how young she was when the adults around her started counting on her to keep him steady. That’s a lot to ask of a girl who came over because she needed looking after, too.
I also have a soft spot for Tom, Vida’s separated husband. Imagine trying to co-parent through a separation while your wife’s famous first love is staying out back. I appreciated every bit of grace that man managed. By the time the accident landed Vida and Eli in the hospital, I was thinking as much about Tom and their son, Luke, as I was about the two people in those beds. That’s what got me about this one. Every time Eli came back into Vida’s life, somebody else had to make room, too.
What song takes you right back to a person you haven’t seen in years?
#FirstLoveLastLove #AdeleGriffin #SourcebooksLandmark #ContemporaryFiction #SecondChanceLove
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thankyou to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This surprised me. I haven't been reading much in the contemporary world recently, and after being deep in fantasy and dark romance for a while, I was concerned this may not grip me in the same way. However, I was absolutely wrong.
This tragic love story had me up until 1am holding out hope that the terrible feeling I'd been having in my gut wasn't going to lead to the end I'd convinced myself was coming. And while I wasn't completely correct with my theories (which is always a great feeling as a reader), I knew we weren't getting a conventional happily ever after. Vida and Eli's story was so toxic and yet I was still somewhat rooting for them to find some way to work it out, for him to finally make the change needed and be the man he always should have been for her.
There were a few things that I struggled with a little bit though. I enjoyed the idea of the POV shifts including Miriam more than I enjoyed the reality of it and the 'mixtape' chapters were interesting but changing to third person threw me off for a minute every time. I can see the vision, I just felt like it brought me out of it slightly each time it happened and didn't help with the natural flow of the book. I was also slightly disappointed with the Luke reveal. We could see it coming, there had been hints and clues dropped along the way and then instead of a big moment it got brushed over pretty quickly and it felt a little bit anti-climatic.
That being said, this story felt real in the most horrible way and it would be easy to imagine that this could've been someone's actual life where they repeatedly lost the love of their life to drugs and alcohol in a lifestyle they couldn't compete with. I'm glad they got their moment there at the end. ❤️
This surprised me. I haven't been reading much in the contemporary world recently, and after being deep in fantasy and dark romance for a while, I was concerned this may not grip me in the same way. However, I was absolutely wrong.
This tragic love story had me up until 1am holding out hope that the terrible feeling I'd been having in my gut wasn't going to lead to the end I'd convinced myself was coming. And while I wasn't completely correct with my theories (which is always a great feeling as a reader), I knew we weren't getting a conventional happily ever after. Vida and Eli's story was so toxic and yet I was still somewhat rooting for them to find some way to work it out, for him to finally make the change needed and be the man he always should have been for her.
There were a few things that I struggled with a little bit though. I enjoyed the idea of the POV shifts including Miriam more than I enjoyed the reality of it and the 'mixtape' chapters were interesting but changing to third person threw me off for a minute every time. I can see the vision, I just felt like it brought me out of it slightly each time it happened and didn't help with the natural flow of the book. I was also slightly disappointed with the Luke reveal. We could see it coming, there had been hints and clues dropped along the way and then instead of a big moment it got brushed over pretty quickly and it felt a little bit anti-climatic.
That being said, this story felt real in the most horrible way and it would be easy to imagine that this could've been someone's actual life where they repeatedly lost the love of their life to drugs and alcohol in a lifestyle they couldn't compete with. I'm glad they got their moment there at the end. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2026
I love a good found-family story, and that was one of the things I really enjoyed about First Love, Last Love. There’s also a family secret woven into the story that was fairly easy to sus out, but it still added another layer to the overall storyline.
Eli Beck was once a major star, but like so many stars, his light had started to dim. There was an attempt to bring him back into the spotlight, whether that was something he truly wanted or something his label wanted for him. Unfortunately, sometimes the demons that brought you down in the first place don't just disappear because you're being offered another chance. The past has a way of following you, especially when you haven't dealt with it.
Vida has always been connected to Eli, and in many ways, I think she always will be, even when she knows how the story is likely to end. When you're the person who has essentially been expected to keep someone on the right path, it's hard to know where your responsibility ends and theirs begins. You can love someone, support them, and try to help them, but you can't save someone who seems determined to destroy every good thing in their life.
I enjoyed the emotional layers of the story, particularly the complicated relationships, the idea of family beyond blood, and the reality that love doesn't always mean you can fix someone. Sometimes loving someone means recognizing that they have to make their own choices, even when those choices hurt.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with plenty to think about. I would have liked a little more unpredictability in some parts of the story, but the characters and found-family element made it worthwhile.
**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed. **
Eli Beck was once a major star, but like so many stars, his light had started to dim. There was an attempt to bring him back into the spotlight, whether that was something he truly wanted or something his label wanted for him. Unfortunately, sometimes the demons that brought you down in the first place don't just disappear because you're being offered another chance. The past has a way of following you, especially when you haven't dealt with it.
Vida has always been connected to Eli, and in many ways, I think she always will be, even when she knows how the story is likely to end. When you're the person who has essentially been expected to keep someone on the right path, it's hard to know where your responsibility ends and theirs begins. You can love someone, support them, and try to help them, but you can't save someone who seems determined to destroy every good thing in their life.
I enjoyed the emotional layers of the story, particularly the complicated relationships, the idea of family beyond blood, and the reality that love doesn't always mean you can fix someone. Sometimes loving someone means recognizing that they have to make their own choices, even when those choices hurt.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with plenty to think about. I would have liked a little more unpredictability in some parts of the story, but the characters and found-family element made it worthwhile.
**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed. **
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