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What August Heard
August
I have been in love with Fletcher Calloway for five years.
My best friend's older brother. Wealthy, guarded, and somehow the only man who has made me feel seen — while pretending he doesn't see me at all.
Every summer at their beach villa, I convince myself it means nothing.
Until this summer, when he brings his girlfriend.
She is beautiful, polished, and cruel. She comes for me from the first day.
I smile through every dig, every dinner table comment, every perfectly aimed insult.
Until the night I stand behind a curtain and hear something that shatters my heart.
Tropes:
Overheard Betrayal
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dark Secret
Other Woman Drama
Epic Grovel
Beach Romance
Possessive Hero
Author's Note: This is the first book in the Words of Ruin series — short standalones linked by one devastating truth: overheard words can destroy everything. Each book, a different season, a different secret. The same earth-shattering moment of hearing something you were never meant to hear. And the grovel? The knees-on-the-floor, heart-in-your-hands, please-give-me-a-second-chance grovel?
Worth every page.
I have been in love with Fletcher Calloway for five years.
My best friend's older brother. Wealthy, guarded, and somehow the only man who has made me feel seen — while pretending he doesn't see me at all.
Every summer at their beach villa, I convince myself it means nothing.
Until this summer, when he brings his girlfriend.
She is beautiful, polished, and cruel. She comes for me from the first day.
I smile through every dig, every dinner table comment, every perfectly aimed insult.
Until the night I stand behind a curtain and hear something that shatters my heart.
Tropes:
Overheard Betrayal
Grumpy x Sunshine
Dark Secret
Other Woman Drama
Epic Grovel
Beach Romance
Possessive Hero
Author's Note: This is the first book in the Words of Ruin series — short standalones linked by one devastating truth: overheard words can destroy everything. Each book, a different season, a different secret. The same earth-shattering moment of hearing something you were never meant to hear. And the grovel? The knees-on-the-floor, heart-in-your-hands, please-give-me-a-second-chance grovel?
Worth every page.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 13, 2026
no grovel, no growth, no nuffin.
If you call that a grovel then as a 5 foot 4 Asian woman I identify as Margot Robbie. Speaking of Margot, being an adult is reading this story and KNOWING that Fletcher was the real villain to womankind. As bad as Margaux’s attitude and actions were, she was lowkey justified considering she just entered an environment where not only was she a newcomer, but she already had to compete against a mother theresa type that her bf’s family (not to mention her bf) were already in love with.
Maybe if this story was fleshed out more it could have been a three star, but as it is there’s just more to dislike about it than anything. August wasn’t that big of a draw either. She just takes any one back no matter how badly she was treated just because the other party shows the slightest bit of affection. Forget, forgot, forgotten. Adios this story.
If you call that a grovel then as a 5 foot 4 Asian woman I identify as Margot Robbie. Speaking of Margot, being an adult is reading this story and KNOWING that Fletcher was the real villain to womankind. As bad as Margaux’s attitude and actions were, she was lowkey justified considering she just entered an environment where not only was she a newcomer, but she already had to compete against a mother theresa type that her bf’s family (not to mention her bf) were already in love with.
Maybe if this story was fleshed out more it could have been a three star, but as it is there’s just more to dislike about it than anything. August wasn’t that big of a draw either. She just takes any one back no matter how badly she was treated just because the other party shows the slightest bit of affection. Forget, forgot, forgotten. Adios this story.
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June 27, 2026This looked so good from the blurb… overheard betrayal after the H brings an OW along for the group vacation…YUM, but the execution was very bland. Everything felt unemotional and flat.
Fletcher’s reason for staying away was illogical. I’m not sure if groveling was required as much as explaining his actions, but I still feel like there should have been some push back from August at the very least. I mean he was just sleeping (does not mention sex) with another woman across the hall from you, I wouldn’t be all in straight away without making him work for it. That’s where the good stuff is.
The rest was fairly boring because August was usually yo-yoing between being a martyr and doormat generating no feels because she was either taking the high road or just allowing Margaux to disrespect her. Fletcher was mostly a dud because he just felt passively flat. Margaux did a decent job of portraying a snooty, rude mean girl though, but she didn't have enough page time to carry the book. And the "betrayal" scene lacked the gut punch because we knew what was going on and August's "heartbreak" just didn't come through on page.
Bottom Line- Not great. The ingredients were there for drama, but the execution had no tension or angst. The fact that she sat around for five years just waiting for him to notice her best explains the pacing of the book.
Fletcher’s reason for staying away was illogical. I’m not sure if groveling was required as much as explaining his actions, but I still feel like there should have been some push back from August at the very least. I mean he was just sleeping (does not mention sex) with another woman across the hall from you, I wouldn’t be all in straight away without making him work for it. That’s where the good stuff is.
The rest was fairly boring because August was usually yo-yoing between being a martyr and doormat generating no feels because she was either taking the high road or just allowing Margaux to disrespect her. Fletcher was mostly a dud because he just felt passively flat. Margaux did a decent job of portraying a snooty, rude mean girl though, but she didn't have enough page time to carry the book. And the "betrayal" scene lacked the gut punch because we knew what was going on and August's "heartbreak" just didn't come through on page.
Bottom Line- Not great. The ingredients were there for drama, but the execution had no tension or angst. The fact that she sat around for five years just waiting for him to notice her best explains the pacing of the book.
May 28, 2026
this is considered grovel? wow…
also, why do men continue to be written in a way where they get a free pass for being weak and passive, and women just having to accept it?!
no thanks.
also, why do men continue to be written in a way where they get a free pass for being weak and passive, and women just having to accept it?!
no thanks.
June 15, 2026
Weak MMC
The storyline had potential but I didn't care for the execution. First of all, dear old dad knows something is wrong with his son for at least 5 or 6 or 8 years. The timeline keeps changing, but the point is do something about it! Dad indicates he already knows it has something to do with their company, which dad leads. If it's company related, you'd think dad would dig in for that reason alone, if not that his son is obviously hurting. Ignoring issues can lead to bad outcomes. FMC is mostly likeable, almost too easy going. I like that she has dream and a plan to make it happen. She's hardworking, not looking for handouts, but let's not turn friendship and belonging into being a pushover. She is yet another person who should not have allowed Margaux to insult her to her face. She didn't even have to be rude about it. This family treated her well except MMC, however, if this had been my home, I would have asked that my son remove his girlfriend from my home and don't bring her back until she learned some manners. His family did not have to put up with Marguax's attempts to belittle August, and she didn't have to put up with MMC ignoring their love for 5 years. Move on already. Next , MMC is overreacting IMO and should have sought help if he really feels like he unalived someone, which is nowhere near the truth. Then to use that as an excuse to hurt other people is not ok. I can see it would make him sad, guilty even, but he could have apologized directly to the family. He was already making amends secretly but that doesn't lead to forgiveness for him or others and their decisions are not on him. He might have learned the man had cancer or something else initiated the outcome. People get laid off or fired everyday, that doesn't make the company responsible for every bad decision those employees make afterwards. Plus, one conversation with dad and all is well? It either needed some serious therapy or wasn't a real reason to act the way he did. The part I disliked the most was Margaux. IMO she should have never been in the picture. If you're not good enough for FMC, then you're not good enough for any woman. Why choose a horrible, mean, selfish woman to not only share your life with but inflict upon your family to be civil to her and most importantly he knows August will be hurt by it. He's sleeping with OW while August is down the hall? Her presence made me feel ill. Why even try with a woman like that and to allow her to be condescending towards August is flat out inexcusable. Sure he tried to reprimand Marguax, which did nothing, she should have been kicked out on her ear. What August overheard was inexcusable as well. As evidenced by the way he handled it the second time it was brought up, there were other ways to handle threats besides speaking in such a way about someone you supposedly love. Lastly, the resolution was too quick to be believeable. If I was FMC, it would have taken more than his little speech at the end to get over five years of being ignored. Any attempt to talk it through, work through it, whatever is glossed over to rush the finish and HEA. There's really little to no insight into them as a couple to know if we like them together as anything more than friends. She deserved better. We can only hope she got it, as it's not shown the story.
The storyline had potential but I didn't care for the execution. First of all, dear old dad knows something is wrong with his son for at least 5 or 6 or 8 years. The timeline keeps changing, but the point is do something about it! Dad indicates he already knows it has something to do with their company, which dad leads. If it's company related, you'd think dad would dig in for that reason alone, if not that his son is obviously hurting. Ignoring issues can lead to bad outcomes. FMC is mostly likeable, almost too easy going. I like that she has dream and a plan to make it happen. She's hardworking, not looking for handouts, but let's not turn friendship and belonging into being a pushover. She is yet another person who should not have allowed Margaux to insult her to her face. She didn't even have to be rude about it. This family treated her well except MMC, however, if this had been my home, I would have asked that my son remove his girlfriend from my home and don't bring her back until she learned some manners. His family did not have to put up with Marguax's attempts to belittle August, and she didn't have to put up with MMC ignoring their love for 5 years. Move on already. Next , MMC is overreacting IMO and should have sought help if he really feels like he unalived someone, which is nowhere near the truth. Then to use that as an excuse to hurt other people is not ok. I can see it would make him sad, guilty even, but he could have apologized directly to the family. He was already making amends secretly but that doesn't lead to forgiveness for him or others and their decisions are not on him. He might have learned the man had cancer or something else initiated the outcome. People get laid off or fired everyday, that doesn't make the company responsible for every bad decision those employees make afterwards. Plus, one conversation with dad and all is well? It either needed some serious therapy or wasn't a real reason to act the way he did. The part I disliked the most was Margaux. IMO she should have never been in the picture. If you're not good enough for FMC, then you're not good enough for any woman. Why choose a horrible, mean, selfish woman to not only share your life with but inflict upon your family to be civil to her and most importantly he knows August will be hurt by it. He's sleeping with OW while August is down the hall? Her presence made me feel ill. Why even try with a woman like that and to allow her to be condescending towards August is flat out inexcusable. Sure he tried to reprimand Marguax, which did nothing, she should have been kicked out on her ear. What August overheard was inexcusable as well. As evidenced by the way he handled it the second time it was brought up, there were other ways to handle threats besides speaking in such a way about someone you supposedly love. Lastly, the resolution was too quick to be believeable. If I was FMC, it would have taken more than his little speech at the end to get over five years of being ignored. Any attempt to talk it through, work through it, whatever is glossed over to rush the finish and HEA. There's really little to no insight into them as a couple to know if we like them together as anything more than friends. She deserved better. We can only hope she got it, as it's not shown the story.
June 9, 2026
That was actually pretty good…
Ok, right off the bat I’m going to say that the woman, Margaux, the MMC is dating is a totally self absorbed narcissist and a bitchy person on top of it. She’s the type who will flaunt her parents’ connections around and threaten people’s livelihoods. She is completely awful.
So, the actual FMC is August, and she is so self sacrificing that it was too much. She comes out of foster care, and she didn’t learn to take care of herself first. She balances her life, of course, but she puts others way ahead of herself. She needed more self care and respect.
The MMC apparently feels very deeply and has been punishing himself for the past six years. Something happened when he was 25 or 26, and he’s been carrying it for those six years. He finally talks to his father about it…
KU read and if you’re in the mood for this kind of misunderstanding, this one is pretty good.
Ok, right off the bat I’m going to say that the woman, Margaux, the MMC is dating is a totally self absorbed narcissist and a bitchy person on top of it. She’s the type who will flaunt her parents’ connections around and threaten people’s livelihoods. She is completely awful.
So, the actual FMC is August, and she is so self sacrificing that it was too much. She comes out of foster care, and she didn’t learn to take care of herself first. She balances her life, of course, but she puts others way ahead of herself. She needed more self care and respect.
The MMC apparently feels very deeply and has been punishing himself for the past six years. Something happened when he was 25 or 26, and he’s been carrying it for those six years. He finally talks to his father about it…
KU read and if you’re in the mood for this kind of misunderstanding, this one is pretty good.
July 18, 2026
This was a quick read.
August and Fletcher are in love but never tell each other. August is his sister’s friend and they always go on vacation together to his family’s house every year.
It’s the classic “I don’t deserve her” from his side, and then he brings another girl home this time.
That part was frustrating because he so obviously didn’t like the girl. He always sticks up for August because of course his girlfriend is mean to her. 🙄
Then August overhears him saying she’s nobody, and she leaves.
August was sunshine and rainbows and is nice to the mean girlfriend and gives her the benefit of the doubt. Fletcher finally pulls his head of his butt but I was curious - has he slept with this girlfriend? What was the extent of it because it seems it’s been a few months and I needed way more info.
Sometimes I think this felt a little like AI. There’s an age difference in two things mentioned, and other phrases that repeat. 🤷🏻♀️
Overall, it wasn’t my favorite but it was fine for a one time read.
August and Fletcher are in love but never tell each other. August is his sister’s friend and they always go on vacation together to his family’s house every year.
It’s the classic “I don’t deserve her” from his side, and then he brings another girl home this time.
That part was frustrating because he so obviously didn’t like the girl. He always sticks up for August because of course his girlfriend is mean to her. 🙄
Then August overhears him saying she’s nobody, and she leaves.
August was sunshine and rainbows and is nice to the mean girlfriend and gives her the benefit of the doubt. Fletcher finally pulls his head of his butt but I was curious - has he slept with this girlfriend? What was the extent of it because it seems it’s been a few months and I needed way more info.
Sometimes I think this felt a little like AI. There’s an age difference in two things mentioned, and other phrases that repeat. 🤷🏻♀️
Overall, it wasn’t my favorite but it was fine for a one time read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2026
2 stars ⭐️
august heard no groveling.
august heard no groveling.
June 7, 2026
Notes for me
Fletcher - Best friend’s brother
August - grew up in foster care. Dreams of having a florist shop. Sells flowers at a farmers market.
Fletcher and August seem to skate around each other
Yearly trip to family cabin. This year Fletcher brings his girlfriend Margaux. She’s the daughter of a construction company CEO who works with the family company.
She comes off as catty, entitled and takes any chance to say rude things to August. It’s awkward and uncomfortable, but August is gracious.
it culminates in a game of never have I ever. Margaux says never have I ever had my mom tuck me into bed. Fletcher yells at her and she runs to the deck.
August starts outside to make amends. Hears Fletcher say she only sells flowers. She’s a nobody and no threat to Margaux. Devastates her. She doesn’t hear before that Margaux basically threatens to make calls so August can never sell flowers again.
August leaves in the middle of the night.
Fletcher realizes she heard him. He wants to go after him, but thinks she’s better off without him.
He breaks it off with Margaux telling her he’s tried to love her but can’t. He confesses to his dad a secret he’s held on to for 6 years. His company completed an acquisition and one of the laid off employees committed suicide.
He confronts Margaux and breaks it off with her.
He and August have their HEA.
Fletcher - Best friend’s brother
August - grew up in foster care. Dreams of having a florist shop. Sells flowers at a farmers market.
Fletcher and August seem to skate around each other
Yearly trip to family cabin. This year Fletcher brings his girlfriend Margaux. She’s the daughter of a construction company CEO who works with the family company.
She comes off as catty, entitled and takes any chance to say rude things to August. It’s awkward and uncomfortable, but August is gracious.
it culminates in a game of never have I ever. Margaux says never have I ever had my mom tuck me into bed. Fletcher yells at her and she runs to the deck.
August starts outside to make amends. Hears Fletcher say she only sells flowers. She’s a nobody and no threat to Margaux. Devastates her. She doesn’t hear before that Margaux basically threatens to make calls so August can never sell flowers again.
August leaves in the middle of the night.
Fletcher realizes she heard him. He wants to go after him, but thinks she’s better off without him.
He breaks it off with Margaux telling her he’s tried to love her but can’t. He confesses to his dad a secret he’s held on to for 6 years. His company completed an acquisition and one of the laid off employees committed suicide.
He confronts Margaux and breaks it off with her.
He and August have their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2026
The blurb specifically lists "EPIC GROVEL". Dear author, did you leave that part out of the book because there wasn't even a watered down grovel, in fact there was zero grovel. What you did leave off the tropes list is a doormat heroine and a weak zero. Just saying
June 10, 2026
August and Fletcher have had feelings for each other for years. Fletcher is unwilling to make August his because of something that he did years ago believing that makes him not worthy.
When Fletcher shows up with his new girlfriend August is devasted. When she overhears him saying she is less than she decides enough is enough.
This is a brilliant read and if overheard is your jam then this one is perfect.
When Fletcher shows up with his new girlfriend August is devasted. When she overhears him saying she is less than she decides enough is enough.
This is a brilliant read and if overheard is your jam then this one is perfect.
June 15, 2026
Cute little novella.. felt more like a good few chapters of a larger story rather than a standalone story in itself
June 22, 2026
This felt off
The characters don’t act their ages nor did it generate any angst or emotions
Everything felt flat.
Plus no romance!!
The characters don’t act their ages nor did it generate any angst or emotions
Everything felt flat.
Plus no romance!!
July 7, 2026
Novella about unrequited love.
Hero is heroines bff older brother, she’s been in love with him for years and he’s been in love with her secretly with her for years too, but after he made a choice that cost a man his life he thinks he’s unworthy of her so he takes a gf to a family vacation to show her he doesn’t want her.
This ow of course is mean and nasty and makes all the kind of nasty remarks about the heroine but the hero, despite his feeble attempt to defend her, doesn’t throw her out of his house as he should.
After a couple of days heroine hears the hero telling ow that she’s a nobody so she leaves.
The hero realizes his mistake and runs after the heroine, apologizes, says he loves her and wanted to protect her since ow is rich, powerful and mean and all is well.
Meh.
This is not something I will remember in a couple of weeks, too short and superficial to leave an impression.
Safety is bad, the hero sleeps with ow, and I think he also sleeps with her during the holiday, just under the roof where the heroine sleeps.
And I didn’t like that in the end he tried to be kind to ow after dumping her, she was a true bitch and a nasty person, and all she deserved was a slammed door on her nasty face.
Also his parents never defended the heroine as they should have, yes they tried but since that was their house they should have thrown the ow out and protected the heroine that was a guest.
Hero is heroines bff older brother, she’s been in love with him for years and he’s been in love with her secretly with her for years too, but after he made a choice that cost a man his life he thinks he’s unworthy of her so he takes a gf to a family vacation to show her he doesn’t want her.
This ow of course is mean and nasty and makes all the kind of nasty remarks about the heroine but the hero, despite his feeble attempt to defend her, doesn’t throw her out of his house as he should.
After a couple of days heroine hears the hero telling ow that she’s a nobody so she leaves.
The hero realizes his mistake and runs after the heroine, apologizes, says he loves her and wanted to protect her since ow is rich, powerful and mean and all is well.
Meh.
This is not something I will remember in a couple of weeks, too short and superficial to leave an impression.
Safety is bad, the hero sleeps with ow, and I think he also sleeps with her during the holiday, just under the roof where the heroine sleeps.
And I didn’t like that in the end he tried to be kind to ow after dumping her, she was a true bitch and a nasty person, and all she deserved was a slammed door on her nasty face.
Also his parents never defended the heroine as they should have, yes they tried but since that was their house they should have thrown the ow out and protected the heroine that was a guest.
June 8, 2026
The first book I've finished in awhile so I felt it deserved at least 3 stars, but like other reviews have mentioned I feel like this is falsely advertised as a 'overheard betrayal grovel.'
The overheard moment doesn't happen until 62% and I was already worried about how the book was gonna fit the grovel in... but the main characters don't even see each other again until 92%. And that entire time is spent with August crying and Fletcher thinking he did the right thing, until one conversation with his dad gets him past the guilt he's carried for seven years. Okay.
Everything before 62% was not an efficient use of this book's time.
Also, a couple small things: I don't think Margaux knows how 'Never Have I Ever' works, cause she was saying things she had done (been to a black tie gala, had a personal stylist) to mock August.
And
The overheard moment doesn't happen until 62% and I was already worried about how the book was gonna fit the grovel in... but the main characters don't even see each other again until 92%. And that entire time is spent with August crying and Fletcher thinking he did the right thing, until one conversation with his dad gets him past the guilt he's carried for seven years. Okay.
Everything before 62% was not an efficient use of this book's time.
Also, a couple small things: I don't think Margaux knows how 'Never Have I Ever' works, cause she was saying things she had done (been to a black tie gala, had a personal stylist) to mock August.
And
July 11, 2026
Intensely AI
Happy, huggy, flower stall/truck owner h, August, goes to her rich BFFs oceanside family retreat for the weekend, trying desperately to ignore the fact that her BFF’s brother, the H, Fletcher (who she’s always been in love with) has brought a woman with him for the first time.
Very mild OW drama ensues (mostly passive aggressive elitist comments with an overheard mean one). Very low tension. Very low gut punch. Zero spice. Fletcher‘s big, dark ‘I don’t deserve good things’ secret is
Story is listenable, but bland. It’s extremely AI in that way that only AI does it, ie. missing pieces of vital information—like giving the names of everybody in a room with no designators, so you’re not quite sure who’s who. Or introducing the world’s most precocious, big brained 9yo (AI thinks kids are just very short jeopardy champions). Or the H constantly reciting everything he thinks is wonderful about the h in bullet points for maximum clarity, stuff like that.
Happy, huggy, flower stall/truck owner h, August, goes to her rich BFFs oceanside family retreat for the weekend, trying desperately to ignore the fact that her BFF’s brother, the H, Fletcher (who she’s always been in love with) has brought a woman with him for the first time.
Very mild OW drama ensues (mostly passive aggressive elitist comments with an overheard mean one). Very low tension. Very low gut punch. Zero spice. Fletcher‘s big, dark ‘I don’t deserve good things’ secret is
Story is listenable, but bland. It’s extremely AI in that way that only AI does it, ie. missing pieces of vital information—like giving the names of everybody in a room with no designators, so you’re not quite sure who’s who. Or introducing the world’s most precocious, big brained 9yo (AI thinks kids are just very short jeopardy champions). Or the H constantly reciting everything he thinks is wonderful about the h in bullet points for maximum clarity, stuff like that.
June 1, 2026
I was looking for a novella, something quick to read in between some dark romances. I’m a big fan of cheating and betrayal books because I love the angst. Heartbreak, turmoil and emotional outbreaks are things that give me a boost. So I chose this quick book. Fletcher is a young man who appears to love his sister’s best friend but denies it at every opportunity. August is a young woman who has had nothing, no family, no money but she has struggled and perseveres daily. She has a dream of owning a flower shop. So she works and saves and tries to make her dreams come true. Callie and her family is the big bright spot in August’s life. She is able to stay with Fletcher’s family at their family beach house every summer and enjoy the love they bestow on her. But unfortunately this year Fletcher has decided to bring home a woman he is dating. A young rich society woman who isn’t afraid to tell August some home truths. This was a good story. It was definitely angsty. I wish the betrayal was more but the slight was harsh. I liked it but didn’t love it. I will definitely check out more books by this author.
June 11, 2026
Very short
I liked the premise of this story and could picture August vividly, but abstractly without knowing a lot of physical description. Her personality was clear so that I could picture her. This story had great potential to be fully developed and not so choppy. It was a nice one to read in transition of other more dramatic books. But- Margaux was horrid and everyone just let her. She wasn’t even subtle, she was pointedly awful. Fletcher snapped at her when she was gross but that was it. It made me like him less that he was actually with a person like her and continued to be for that week-ish at the beach. After he finally wised up and broke up with her, he actually chased her down and apologized when she didn’t deserve anyone’s apology. He even said nice things about her finding a future someone who loves her like she deserved. And he even said he tried to love her. Liked why?? She’s a terrible person and grossly judgmental and rude. It bugged me so much, it’s taking most of my review! lol.
Anyway, super short read. A bit choppy with short sentences and thoughts.
I liked the premise of this story and could picture August vividly, but abstractly without knowing a lot of physical description. Her personality was clear so that I could picture her. This story had great potential to be fully developed and not so choppy. It was a nice one to read in transition of other more dramatic books. But- Margaux was horrid and everyone just let her. She wasn’t even subtle, she was pointedly awful. Fletcher snapped at her when she was gross but that was it. It made me like him less that he was actually with a person like her and continued to be for that week-ish at the beach. After he finally wised up and broke up with her, he actually chased her down and apologized when she didn’t deserve anyone’s apology. He even said nice things about her finding a future someone who loves her like she deserved. And he even said he tried to love her. Liked why?? She’s a terrible person and grossly judgmental and rude. It bugged me so much, it’s taking most of my review! lol.
Anyway, super short read. A bit choppy with short sentences and thoughts.
June 6, 2026
For five years, the FMC has spent a weekend every summer at her best friend's family home. She is practically family at this point and everyone loves her. The only exception is the older brother, who has always been very hot and cold with her. One minute he seems drawn to her, the next he acts like he wants nothing to do with her.
Things finally come to a head when he brings a girlfriend to the family gathering for the first time. The girlfriend immediately notices the connection between him and the FMC and spends the weekend taking little digs at her. Then comes the moment that broke my heart. The FMC overhears a private conversation where the MMC tells his girlfriend that she is not important to him.
Even though you eventually learn there is more going on beneath the surface, it is hard not to hurt for the FMC in that moment. She has spent years being treated like she matters to this family, only to hear the one person she secretly cares about dismiss her so easily.
Things finally come to a head when he brings a girlfriend to the family gathering for the first time. The girlfriend immediately notices the connection between him and the FMC and spends the weekend taking little digs at her. Then comes the moment that broke my heart. The FMC overhears a private conversation where the MMC tells his girlfriend that she is not important to him.
Even though you eventually learn there is more going on beneath the surface, it is hard not to hurt for the FMC in that moment. She has spent years being treated like she matters to this family, only to hear the one person she secretly cares about dismiss her so easily.
June 5, 2026
Short & Sweet
August has been in love with Fletcher for five years. Fletcher has been in love with her for the same amount of time. Neither says it or admits it. And neither acts on their feelings and instead engage in an awkward, practiced dance of friends that stare at one another with hearts in their eyes.
All is well and good until Fletcher brings his wretch of a girlfriend to the family trip at the beach. The very same family trip August has attended for years. And the girlfriend? Total pick-me girl once she realizes Fletcher is interested.
The overheard betrayal is towards the end, but its impact is no less devastating. There is a HEA so at least you can look forward to that. A quick and easy read with just enough heart and angst to make you happy for the characters in the end.
August has been in love with Fletcher for five years. Fletcher has been in love with her for the same amount of time. Neither says it or admits it. And neither acts on their feelings and instead engage in an awkward, practiced dance of friends that stare at one another with hearts in their eyes.
All is well and good until Fletcher brings his wretch of a girlfriend to the family trip at the beach. The very same family trip August has attended for years. And the girlfriend? Total pick-me girl once she realizes Fletcher is interested.
The overheard betrayal is towards the end, but its impact is no less devastating. There is a HEA so at least you can look forward to that. A quick and easy read with just enough heart and angst to make you happy for the characters in the end.
June 16, 2026
Decent story needs editing
Overall, not a bad story, but it definitely needs some editing. For instance, there’s a section that says that her note was forward. It was more like 16. Lots of little things like that. I really hope this wasn’t AI written, but it does have some of the benchmarks so go in that knowing it’s possibility. Lastly, while I understand that the point of this was happy ever after there really was no growling and at the end of the day you need to recognize that this girl has been celibate waiting for him for five years apparently, and he has now been dating another woman who he brings home to meet his parents. The fact that she would instantly kiss him and probably jump into bed with him, even though it’s off page when he was literally in bed with another woman the day before I’m sorry, but that’s not OK
Overall, not a bad story, but it definitely needs some editing. For instance, there’s a section that says that her note was forward. It was more like 16. Lots of little things like that. I really hope this wasn’t AI written, but it does have some of the benchmarks so go in that knowing it’s possibility. Lastly, while I understand that the point of this was happy ever after there really was no growling and at the end of the day you need to recognize that this girl has been celibate waiting for him for five years apparently, and he has now been dating another woman who he brings home to meet his parents. The fact that she would instantly kiss him and probably jump into bed with him, even though it’s off page when he was literally in bed with another woman the day before I’m sorry, but that’s not OK
June 16, 2026
A Positive read
August is a wonderfully likeable heroine. Despite growing up in foster care and facing many hardships, she remains positive, generous, and kind-hearted, handling life’s challenges with grace and optimism. Fletcher is equally appealing—a down-to-earth, honourable hero with a touch of darkness that adds depth to his character. Together, they make a couple that’s easy to root for. The secondary characters also play their roles well and add warmth and charm to the story. A special mention goes to the adorable Poppy, who steals every scene she’s in and brings an extra layer of heart to the book.
While the story doesn’t offer many surprises, it’s a warm, comforting romance with two good-hearted characters who are easy to root for. A pleasant read for those who enjoy low-drama, friends-to-lovers romances with a guaranteed happy ending.
August is a wonderfully likeable heroine. Despite growing up in foster care and facing many hardships, she remains positive, generous, and kind-hearted, handling life’s challenges with grace and optimism. Fletcher is equally appealing—a down-to-earth, honourable hero with a touch of darkness that adds depth to his character. Together, they make a couple that’s easy to root for. The secondary characters also play their roles well and add warmth and charm to the story. A special mention goes to the adorable Poppy, who steals every scene she’s in and brings an extra layer of heart to the book.
While the story doesn’t offer many surprises, it’s a warm, comforting romance with two good-hearted characters who are easy to root for. A pleasant read for those who enjoy low-drama, friends-to-lovers romances with a guaranteed happy ending.
July 1, 2026
This was good and bad. I loved Poppy, she was hilarious. August as well, I thought she may annoy me but was written in a way that she actually didn’t.
My issues are I think this book was AI assisted, it has some life to it so I don’t believe it’s all AI but there are a lot of inconsistencies, like Fletcher saying he was 28 when he took over the dead man’s company and that it happened 4 years ago. Then, his sister and dad said it happened 6-7 years ago and he was 26? Also, small things like Poppy mouthed “The Calloway Name” and August said “mouthed two words”. Then when August wrote a note for Callie, she said “4 words” but the note had 11 words in it 🙄
I think if it was a longer book, thought out more and the author actually paid attention to what they are publishing it would have been a lot better.
My issues are I think this book was AI assisted, it has some life to it so I don’t believe it’s all AI but there are a lot of inconsistencies, like Fletcher saying he was 28 when he took over the dead man’s company and that it happened 4 years ago. Then, his sister and dad said it happened 6-7 years ago and he was 26? Also, small things like Poppy mouthed “The Calloway Name” and August said “mouthed two words”. Then when August wrote a note for Callie, she said “4 words” but the note had 11 words in it 🙄
I think if it was a longer book, thought out more and the author actually paid attention to what they are publishing it would have been a lot better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
Three stars is GENEROUS!
This story is a mess. The characters all magically hear what the other's inner monologues are thinking, they repeat conversations over and over, and the timeline is a MESS.
Fletcher and August have apparently known each other for 5 years.
He says he's loved her since he was 29.
But his dad said the made the "big mistake" at age 26, so that's three years between the mistake and meeting August.
But the "big mistake" is supposed to be 6 years ago. It would need to be 9 years ago to match the time line of their relationship.
And at one point, Callie said it was 8 years.
This is so messy.
I'm sure we're all thinking the same thing about this "author", so read at your own risk?
This story is a mess. The characters all magically hear what the other's inner monologues are thinking, they repeat conversations over and over, and the timeline is a MESS.
Fletcher and August have apparently known each other for 5 years.
He says he's loved her since he was 29.
But his dad said the made the "big mistake" at age 26, so that's three years between the mistake and meeting August.
But the "big mistake" is supposed to be 6 years ago. It would need to be 9 years ago to match the time line of their relationship.
And at one point, Callie said it was 8 years.
This is so messy.
I'm sure we're all thinking the same thing about this "author", so read at your own risk?
June 4, 2026
Mistakes but not bad
This was a pretty sweet read. The story was alright. Some writing issues. Over using I. Learning different ways to structure a sentence so it doesn't start the same would be helpful. Quite a few times it felt like I was reading a list. When ahe used the word and, it should have been with the person talking to themselves out loud. It just fell flat for me, making it feel like a list. This book didn't feel like AI wrote it. If it did, I couldn't tell. I wish there was more to the story. Like whatever happened to the girlfriend. There were some spots that were fillers that could have been shorter but overall this was a good book.
This was a pretty sweet read. The story was alright. Some writing issues. Over using I. Learning different ways to structure a sentence so it doesn't start the same would be helpful. Quite a few times it felt like I was reading a list. When ahe used the word and, it should have been with the person talking to themselves out loud. It just fell flat for me, making it feel like a list. This book didn't feel like AI wrote it. If it did, I couldn't tell. I wish there was more to the story. Like whatever happened to the girlfriend. There were some spots that were fillers that could have been shorter but overall this was a good book.
May 31, 2026
Sweet tear jerker read!
Wow! This was a fantastic read about August and Fletcher.
They both have feelings for each other but Fletcher always holds himself back due to what happened when he was 26.
Callie (Augusts bestie and Fletch’s sister) and the rest of the Calloway clan (and Cliff - the honey seller) can ALL see they’re in love with one another. But Fletch brings Margaux to the beach house… thus ensues an overheard conversation, hurt feelings and angst.
If you like a good tear jerker, strong FMC, great supporting cast and a good grovel, this might be for you!
Wow! This was a fantastic read about August and Fletcher.
They both have feelings for each other but Fletcher always holds himself back due to what happened when he was 26.
Callie (Augusts bestie and Fletch’s sister) and the rest of the Calloway clan (and Cliff - the honey seller) can ALL see they’re in love with one another. But Fletch brings Margaux to the beach house… thus ensues an overheard conversation, hurt feelings and angst.
If you like a good tear jerker, strong FMC, great supporting cast and a good grovel, this might be for you!
June 4, 2026
great story bad editing
No grammar mistake nor spelling.
The story had potential and alot of feelings but since many author are using AI to edit it has been repetitive technique almost annoying. Two things that kept happening the “ I did not open my eyes, I kept them close” “I looked her not to see no to watch” << why can’t just write I don’t want to not imagine let me imagine. Also other give away of AI is this
“What?”
“No, what-“
adding this (-) at the end usually what AI does plus there emotions but were not highlighted too much unnecessarily detail about the hair
No grammar mistake nor spelling.
The story had potential and alot of feelings but since many author are using AI to edit it has been repetitive technique almost annoying. Two things that kept happening the “ I did not open my eyes, I kept them close” “I looked her not to see no to watch” << why can’t just write I don’t want to not imagine let me imagine. Also other give away of AI is this
“What?”
“No, what-“
adding this (-) at the end usually what AI does plus there emotions but were not highlighted too much unnecessarily detail about the hair
June 6, 2026
Brilliant drama, but sweet under it all...
August is, indubitably, at the heart of and the treason for everything wonderful in this book. I love characters like her for being unapologetically genuine, breathtakingly honest and kind, and so beautiful physically, in character, to her soul. Can't day much about the female companion of the man August has loved for most of her life aside from thinking she was the antithesis of August: who she was and everything that made her superior and truly beautiful, wonderful, in all ways. Five stars - absolutely recommend this.
August is, indubitably, at the heart of and the treason for everything wonderful in this book. I love characters like her for being unapologetically genuine, breathtakingly honest and kind, and so beautiful physically, in character, to her soul. Can't day much about the female companion of the man August has loved for most of her life aside from thinking she was the antithesis of August: who she was and everything that made her superior and truly beautiful, wonderful, in all ways. Five stars - absolutely recommend this.
June 8, 2026
Good book
This was a good story, the only thing that would have made it better was the time line. The timeline never quite matched up. At one point in the book it said a major life event happened to the MMC 4 years prior, then it changed to 6 then 7 years prior. It also said it happened to him when he was 26 , which would have put him somewhere between 30-33, but then later says he's 34. At one point he's with his GF (not MFC) for 2mths then implies it's been much longer.
Other than these timeline changes I really enjoyed the book
This was a good story, the only thing that would have made it better was the time line. The timeline never quite matched up. At one point in the book it said a major life event happened to the MMC 4 years prior, then it changed to 6 then 7 years prior. It also said it happened to him when he was 26 , which would have put him somewhere between 30-33, but then later says he's 34. At one point he's with his GF (not MFC) for 2mths then implies it's been much longer.
Other than these timeline changes I really enjoyed the book
June 28, 2026
This is an ok story; I liked it. It's an easy, fast read and just what I wanted after a strong of disappointments. I really liked August's sunny, optimistic character despite how her life began.
Fletcher is a bit much in deciding he's too dark to be around her based on a business decision that hurt somebody. He has loved her for 5 years but decides she can't get near his 'darkness.' So he says something awful which she hears and is devastated.
The flower metaphor does a lot of heavy lifting.
Fletcher is a bit much in deciding he's too dark to be around her based on a business decision that hurt somebody. He has loved her for 5 years but decides she can't get near his 'darkness.' So he says something awful which she hears and is devastated.
The flower metaphor does a lot of heavy lifting.
May 27, 2026
Good short read
This is a short book (125 pages) and I enjoyed it.
August was such a beautiful character and everyone loved her, she was sweet and kind and thought of others first.
I didn’t understand why Fletcher was so hellbent on staying away from her, but then we find out why he felt he didn’t deserve happiness.
The whole family was lovely and Poppy was a hoot who said exactly what she was thinking.
Like I said above good short story.
This is a short book (125 pages) and I enjoyed it.
August was such a beautiful character and everyone loved her, she was sweet and kind and thought of others first.
I didn’t understand why Fletcher was so hellbent on staying away from her, but then we find out why he felt he didn’t deserve happiness.
The whole family was lovely and Poppy was a hoot who said exactly what she was thinking.
Like I said above good short story.
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