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Pastel Bones
Artists are the ones who turned their knives inward, and called it art.
We were born with blood in our brushes, taught to make beauty out of pain before we could name the thing bleeding inside us. Some of us mold our grief in clay. Others carve it into bone.
We don’t scream, we paint. We don’t run, we compose.
And when it hurts too much to breathe, we put it on a canvas and dare the world to look away.
At Alaria University for the creatively damned, art is survival and reputation is currency. I know that better than anyone. When whispers start swirling about my past, my secrets, and what happened the night everything changed, I end up at the center of a rumor mill sharp enough to gut someone.
And then there’s Dorien. Cruel in all the right ways. Always knowing exactly where to look when I’m trying not to be seen.
We were there the first time everything went wrong. Neither of us ever said what that did. Maybe because we’d have to admit how close it came to ruining us.
I told myself I’d never survive it happening again. And then it did.
We were born with blood in our brushes, taught to make beauty out of pain before we could name the thing bleeding inside us. Some of us mold our grief in clay. Others carve it into bone.
We don’t scream, we paint. We don’t run, we compose.
And when it hurts too much to breathe, we put it on a canvas and dare the world to look away.
At Alaria University for the creatively damned, art is survival and reputation is currency. I know that better than anyone. When whispers start swirling about my past, my secrets, and what happened the night everything changed, I end up at the center of a rumor mill sharp enough to gut someone.
And then there’s Dorien. Cruel in all the right ways. Always knowing exactly where to look when I’m trying not to be seen.
We were there the first time everything went wrong. Neither of us ever said what that did. Maybe because we’d have to admit how close it came to ruining us.
I told myself I’d never survive it happening again. And then it did.
442 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2026
About the author
Aveline Knight
7 books225 followersAveline Knight can’t help herself from writing about morally grey idiots that struggle endlessly to repair their broken hearts. She especially loves matching them to badass ladies and creating the perfect world where love stories flourish in the depths of darkness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 23, 2026
4.5⭐️ | MY GOODNESS THIS IS MAGNIFICENT!!! Also yes, I thought of Gossip Girl often!!
Aveline's writing style >>>
No joke, I was left speechless at some of the writing in this. I envisioned everything perfectly. This 100% could be a tv show. I loved the characters in this and also fell in love with some of the side characters (Carter) 🥹
I got beyond emotional at parts in this. I don't want to give anything away - but check your trigger warnings if you need to!
The ending? I need more!!! I literally cannot wait.
-dark academia
-art school
-character driven
-childhood best friends
-trauma & mental health
-gossip girl vibes
-found family
Aveline's writing style >>>
No joke, I was left speechless at some of the writing in this. I envisioned everything perfectly. This 100% could be a tv show. I loved the characters in this and also fell in love with some of the side characters (Carter) 🥹
I got beyond emotional at parts in this. I don't want to give anything away - but check your trigger warnings if you need to!
The ending? I need more!!! I literally cannot wait.
-dark academia
-art school
-character driven
-childhood best friends
-trauma & mental health
-gossip girl vibes
-found family
Want to Read
July 30, 2026 pre-read:
will be reading this later. very intrigued about the "gossip girl vibes but make it art school angst". that sounds unique!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Love Notes PR and Aveline Knight for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
will be reading this later. very intrigued about the "gossip girl vibes but make it art school angst". that sounds unique!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Love Notes PR and Aveline Knight for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
July 2, 2026
5 ⭐️
It's giving Gossip Girl but make it art school angst!
I read this entire book in one sitting. I'm talking I read for 5 hours straight. I loved that this was more character driven although it did still have a really good plot. This story felt so "fresh" and unique.
You will fall in love with so many of the different characters. I am DYING to see who is everyone's favorite and which couples everyone ends up shipping together. ;)
The ending almost made me throw my Kindle but I seriously can't wait for the next book in this series!
I don't want to spoil anything since the book isn't out yet, so that's all I'll say for now hehehe.
It's giving Gossip Girl but make it art school angst!
I read this entire book in one sitting. I'm talking I read for 5 hours straight. I loved that this was more character driven although it did still have a really good plot. This story felt so "fresh" and unique.
You will fall in love with so many of the different characters. I am DYING to see who is everyone's favorite and which couples everyone ends up shipping together. ;)
The ending almost made me throw my Kindle but I seriously can't wait for the next book in this series!
I don't want to spoil anything since the book isn't out yet, so that's all I'll say for now hehehe.
July 30, 2026
જ⁀➴ 3 stars
Thank you to Aveline Knight and Love Notes PR for the eARC! All thoughts are my own. Pastel Bones is out now!
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹
If you're looking for a Gossip Girl inspired college story, look no further than Pastel Bones. While this is a book I'd still recommend to people if they want to support an indie author, I do believe there's a lot more that could've been done with this story, although I have faith things will work itself out in future books down the line.
To start, I know that it's been marketed as dark academia, and while I can see why it's like that after reading, I didn't really feel like it was a "true" dark academia setting in comparison to other icons in the genre like The Secret History and Ninth House. When I think "dark academia," I'm thinking gloomy, fall weather, cold air, rich students in fancy universities studying the humanities and arts, some good ol' backstabbing, and a teeny bit (okay, maybe a lot) of pretentiousness. Does Pastel Bones hit all of these marks? Technically, yes. The story takes place at Alara University, it follows June and her group of friends: Cinna, Aeron, Dorien, Aubrey, and Carter, all of whom are arts majors except for Carter, who's really her cousin and goes to a different university but still hangs out with all of them, and there's a subplot that reminded me of Gossip Girl with mysterious text messages targeting specific people whose pieces were featured in a recent student art exhibition.
So, on paper, yes, it does classify as a "dark academia" story. I think what kind of drew me away from the "dark academia" vibes were the fact that it still took place in a very modern-day college setting and a lot of the time, the vibes outside of their art classes and the characters creating their own art pieces felt like any other college romance or college sports romance and it took away from that dark, mysterious vibe. There were food trucks, college frat parties, some recreational drug usage, and June, Aeron, and Carter's mom was present in the story, albeit as a side character, but the basement in their house was the "hangout" spot for Dorien, Carter, and Aeron.
I also couldn't stand June as a character. Yes, dark academia characters tend to be flawed, but it was very clear that she was selfish, self-centered, and had an attitude of "it's my way or the highway." The way that she treats Aeron, her younger brother, throughout the story just made me so mad on his behalf and I wanted to bang my head against a wall. I honestly felt so bad for Aeron knowing what his family had put him through, and even though it wasn't anything bad, it drove him to a breaking point and it's extremely upsetting to read about (there's more about this in the trigger warnings section at the end of my review since it is a major spoiler).
As for the "dark" element of the story, it was basically just June and Dorien trauma bonded over a life-altering childhood event that happened decades ago, which permanently affected their relationship with each other ever since. I did like the angst and the tension between the two as the story progresses, but aside from that, I'd say the the other "dark" element of the story was whoever was cyberbullying the art exhibition students, but it was also EXTREMELY obvious as to who it was from the get-go. Maybe I've read too many thrillers, but I knew who it was right away and once I found out, it felt like a drag sometimes trying to get to the end to finally get to the "big reveal."
I really enjoyed reading about was the different types of art and media. I think this is the first book I've read that focused on art students, and it was interesting to read about how much work actually goes into different sketches, paintings, sculptures, and how to work with different types of mediums.
I also really enjoyed Dorien's POV the most. We get to see POVs from him, June, and Aeron, but his was my favorite. I could tell he was extremely passionate about art and cares about June a lot, even if he's not always the greatest at showing that to her. I wish we got to know more about his background and his upbringing, but I'm sure more of it will come out in later books down the line. He honestly was the most normal character we get in the story aside from Carter, especially with the way he treats Aeron. He doesn't see him as June's little brother like everyone else does; he sees him as another human being and young adult who deserves to explore the world and learn more about himself rather than treating him like he needs to be wrapped up in bubble wrap and protected forever like June does.
Overall, the book kept my interest to make me want to read future books in the series down the line, but I'd love to see more POVs from the other characters and have the story lean more into its dark academia vibes, especially with the cliffhanger that the story left off on.
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹
Trigger/content warnings (provided at the beginning of the book by the author, but be warned that some of these are spoilers for the plot: graphic sexual scenes (I'd personally say it was a 2/5 on my spice scale, but I know this will vary from reader to reader and their personal spice level), grief and survivor's guilt, emotional abuse and manipulation, alcohol and drug use, death, self-destructive behaviors, mental health struggles, references to trauma, rumor-based bullying/cyberbullying, academic pressure and burnout
P.S. For someone who's a therapist, June and Aeron's mom is an absolute POS therapist when it comes to helping her own son.
Thank you to Aveline Knight and Love Notes PR for the eARC! All thoughts are my own. Pastel Bones is out now!
"Most people spend their whole lives running from what they feel. You make it into something beautiful."
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹
If you're looking for a Gossip Girl inspired college story, look no further than Pastel Bones. While this is a book I'd still recommend to people if they want to support an indie author, I do believe there's a lot more that could've been done with this story, although I have faith things will work itself out in future books down the line.
To start, I know that it's been marketed as dark academia, and while I can see why it's like that after reading, I didn't really feel like it was a "true" dark academia setting in comparison to other icons in the genre like The Secret History and Ninth House. When I think "dark academia," I'm thinking gloomy, fall weather, cold air, rich students in fancy universities studying the humanities and arts, some good ol' backstabbing, and a teeny bit (okay, maybe a lot) of pretentiousness. Does Pastel Bones hit all of these marks? Technically, yes. The story takes place at Alara University, it follows June and her group of friends: Cinna, Aeron, Dorien, Aubrey, and Carter, all of whom are arts majors except for Carter, who's really her cousin and goes to a different university but still hangs out with all of them, and there's a subplot that reminded me of Gossip Girl with mysterious text messages targeting specific people whose pieces were featured in a recent student art exhibition.
So, on paper, yes, it does classify as a "dark academia" story. I think what kind of drew me away from the "dark academia" vibes were the fact that it still took place in a very modern-day college setting and a lot of the time, the vibes outside of their art classes and the characters creating their own art pieces felt like any other college romance or college sports romance and it took away from that dark, mysterious vibe. There were food trucks, college frat parties, some recreational drug usage, and June, Aeron, and Carter's mom was present in the story, albeit as a side character, but the basement in their house was the "hangout" spot for Dorien, Carter, and Aeron.
I also couldn't stand June as a character. Yes, dark academia characters tend to be flawed, but it was very clear that she was selfish, self-centered, and had an attitude of "it's my way or the highway." The way that she treats Aeron, her younger brother, throughout the story just made me so mad on his behalf and I wanted to bang my head against a wall. I honestly felt so bad for Aeron knowing what his family had put him through, and even though it wasn't anything bad, it drove him to a breaking point and it's extremely upsetting to read about (there's more about this in the trigger warnings section at the end of my review since it is a major spoiler).
As for the "dark" element of the story, it was basically just June and Dorien trauma bonded over a life-altering childhood event that happened decades ago, which permanently affected their relationship with each other ever since. I did like the angst and the tension between the two as the story progresses, but aside from that, I'd say the the other "dark" element of the story was whoever was cyberbullying the art exhibition students, but it was also EXTREMELY obvious as to who it was from the get-go. Maybe I've read too many thrillers, but I knew who it was right away and once I found out, it felt like a drag sometimes trying to get to the end to finally get to the "big reveal."
I really enjoyed reading about was the different types of art and media. I think this is the first book I've read that focused on art students, and it was interesting to read about how much work actually goes into different sketches, paintings, sculptures, and how to work with different types of mediums.
I also really enjoyed Dorien's POV the most. We get to see POVs from him, June, and Aeron, but his was my favorite. I could tell he was extremely passionate about art and cares about June a lot, even if he's not always the greatest at showing that to her. I wish we got to know more about his background and his upbringing, but I'm sure more of it will come out in later books down the line. He honestly was the most normal character we get in the story aside from Carter, especially with the way he treats Aeron. He doesn't see him as June's little brother like everyone else does; he sees him as another human being and young adult who deserves to explore the world and learn more about himself rather than treating him like he needs to be wrapped up in bubble wrap and protected forever like June does.
Overall, the book kept my interest to make me want to read future books in the series down the line, but I'd love to see more POVs from the other characters and have the story lean more into its dark academia vibes, especially with the cliffhanger that the story left off on.
⊹₊⟡⋆🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹🎨🖌️⋆⟡₊⊹
Trigger/content warnings (provided at the beginning of the book by the author, but be warned that some of these are spoilers for the plot: graphic sexual scenes (I'd personally say it was a 2/5 on my spice scale, but I know this will vary from reader to reader and their personal spice level), grief and survivor's guilt, emotional abuse and manipulation, alcohol and drug use, death, self-destructive behaviors, mental health struggles, references to trauma, rumor-based bullying/cyberbullying, academic pressure and burnout
P.S. For someone who's a therapist, June and Aeron's mom is an absolute POS therapist when it comes to helping her own son.
July 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was unique and unlike anything I’ve read yet!
Dark academia in an art school with a group of friends/family, with a lot of history.
There are multiple stories going on throughout of 3 different POV’s, our main FMC June is getting bullied by an unknown person over text and her and her best friend try to find out who it is. She’s also been trying to avoid her childhood friend over a past event that happened, who she may or may not have feelings for, which brings me to our second POV which is said childhood friend.
The last POV being June’s brother which I really enjoyed his story. It was filled with a lot of emotional depth and yearning, and boy he really went through it.
I really liked how the story progressed, especially with the multiple POV’s and storylines. The mystery kept me engaged and kept me guessing I literally thought it was someone the entire time and, thought how absolutely obvious it was but I was wrong 😂 didn’t see that coming.
There are some triggers in here that aren’t for the faint of heart. It was hard to read parts, some tears were shed.
The only reason it’s not a 5 star - it read a little YA at times with the childish banter, and some repetitiveness with information. Which aren’t deal breakers at all. I’m just a picky bi*ch, haha. I still really loved this book!
I can’t wait to see where this goes because after that ending, I’m literally wondering wtf was happening. I kept saying wtf, over and over again because like what? How can you end a book like that lol. I was getting so mad!! So I need more of this world!! Need book 2 asap pleassseeee. 🤍♥️
(Thank you to the author for an ARC copy)
This was unique and unlike anything I’ve read yet!
Dark academia in an art school with a group of friends/family, with a lot of history.
There are multiple stories going on throughout of 3 different POV’s, our main FMC June is getting bullied by an unknown person over text and her and her best friend try to find out who it is. She’s also been trying to avoid her childhood friend over a past event that happened, who she may or may not have feelings for, which brings me to our second POV which is said childhood friend.
The last POV being June’s brother which I really enjoyed his story. It was filled with a lot of emotional depth and yearning, and boy he really went through it.
I really liked how the story progressed, especially with the multiple POV’s and storylines. The mystery kept me engaged and kept me guessing I literally thought it was someone the entire time and, thought how absolutely obvious it was but I was wrong 😂 didn’t see that coming.
There are some triggers in here that aren’t for the faint of heart. It was hard to read parts, some tears were shed.
The only reason it’s not a 5 star - it read a little YA at times with the childish banter, and some repetitiveness with information. Which aren’t deal breakers at all. I’m just a picky bi*ch, haha. I still really loved this book!
I can’t wait to see where this goes because after that ending, I’m literally wondering wtf was happening. I kept saying wtf, over and over again because like what? How can you end a book like that lol. I was getting so mad!! So I need more of this world!! Need book 2 asap pleassseeee. 🤍♥️
(Thank you to the author for an ARC copy)
July 30, 2026
I was so entranced, picturing myself attending art school with its intruige, tortured artists & a world unlike any other. 🤍🙂↕️✨👀
There were some slower parts in between which made me waver a bit from the central plot. I had to get back into it every time & at some points, I wasn’t as invested as before.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR & the author for granting me the opportunity to read this in advance.
There were some slower parts in between which made me waver a bit from the central plot. I had to get back into it every time & at some points, I wasn’t as invested as before.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR & the author for granting me the opportunity to read this in advance.
July 24, 2026
starts out splendidly and i thought I'm in for a ride but it was sort of not as grand as I had expected it and wasn't as introspective as I had expected it to be either...it's still good but not as great as I had expected it to be after the first 20%
thank you to love notes pr for the arc!
thank you to love notes pr for the arc!
July 27, 2026
This was freaking incredible. I have not picked up a romance that I could not put down like this one in so, so long. I even got up extra early to finish it the next morning before I had to adult. haha.
This is going to have spoilers in it because I need them to look back on before book two comes out.
So, first of all- the writing is so freaking good. There were parts that were very poetically written and I will eat that up every single time. The characters were incredible, main and side! I wanted them all. I also love a book with multiple POVs.
June & Dorien and the yearning between them was just chef's kiss. They have loved each other since they were children, but are terrified to be together after what happened to poor sweet Eli. I will simply never look at an ice cream truck or hear the jingle the same every again. Ugh. Devastating. We are 12 years past that and Dorien and June are forced to be partners in an art class. When they finally cave for each other things start to go down with Aeron. Poor, tortured soul that he is and his OD. Carterrrrrr takes me out. I hate that he lied to protect Dorien from June's wrath and is shouldering the blame. Ugh.
I do need to note that I clocked Cinna being the villain from the beginning, so that was a huge twist for me, but I hate the bitch. ya know. & the end had me ready to yackkkkkk. Thank god for the smirk and the fact that June and Dorien are in a little revenge scheme together.
Okay, I think that's all the notes I need and I just need book two right freaking now.
"Carve away everything that isn't her. These sculpture are the only way I can ever let myself be near her."
"The only art I want to make is of you."
"He's beautiful when he works. He's always been beautiful, but here, making something permanent out of us, he's the saddest beautiful thing I've ever seen."
4.5⭐
This is going to have spoilers in it because I need them to look back on before book two comes out.
So, first of all- the writing is so freaking good. There were parts that were very poetically written and I will eat that up every single time. The characters were incredible, main and side! I wanted them all. I also love a book with multiple POVs.
June & Dorien and the yearning between them was just chef's kiss. They have loved each other since they were children, but are terrified to be together after what happened to poor sweet Eli. I will simply never look at an ice cream truck or hear the jingle the same every again. Ugh. Devastating. We are 12 years past that and Dorien and June are forced to be partners in an art class. When they finally cave for each other things start to go down with Aeron. Poor, tortured soul that he is and his OD. Carterrrrrr takes me out. I hate that he lied to protect Dorien from June's wrath and is shouldering the blame. Ugh.
I do need to note that I clocked Cinna being the villain from the beginning, so that was a huge twist for me, but I hate the bitch. ya know. & the end had me ready to yackkkkkk. Thank god for the smirk and the fact that June and Dorien are in a little revenge scheme together.
Okay, I think that's all the notes I need and I just need book two right freaking now.
"Carve away everything that isn't her. These sculpture are the only way I can ever let myself be near her."
"The only art I want to make is of you."
"He's beautiful when he works. He's always been beautiful, but here, making something permanent out of us, he's the saddest beautiful thing I've ever seen."
4.5⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2026
Pastel Bones (The Unfinished Gallery, #1)
by Aveline Knight
5⭐️
2🌶️
4😭
Oh my goodness gracious 🥺 …I’m utterly wrecked 😭and at a loss for words! I can’t even describe how tragically beautiful and poetic this book was! Bravo 👏🏼 Aveline!!!
Thank you ☺️ for writing such a unique story about the struggles and heartbreaks that these characters endured!
I had such a connection with this book and certain characters.
It almost felt like some of my life experiences were echoed in it!
So the story centers around June and Dorien , two students attending an art school and their struggles with family , friends and just trying to navigate life.
Their hot and cold relationship is built on years of shared trauma.
June and Dorien have this undeniable magnetic connection!
It also comes through with their love of being artists 🎨 and a traumatic event that occurred as children.
They both express themselves through their “art” which I found to be very healing and refreshing. Absolutely loved it!
There is also June and Aeron. Who are sister and brother.
They have a complicated relationship filled with uncertainty and Aeron feeling he was a mistake and never wanted by their mother.
Unlike June who is the golden child and basically walks on water in her mother’s eyes.
Oh my sweet Aeron definitely stole my whole heart and soul! I could relate on many levels on what he was going through. He is definitely a character I will never forget!
And Cinna ( who is June’s best friend) all I have to say about her is karma is coming for you babe ! lol 😂 she made me so angry!
And that 🤯ending! WTF 😳 I was cursing 🤬 at my kindle at first!😅
But now I’m absolutely dying to see what’s going to happen in the next book!!
Overall I loved every little detail of this book !
So if you like a angsty dark academia with a bunch of drama , healing art therapy, and story that will tear your heart out! Then I would highly recommend “Pastel Bones” 🩷👏🏼🩷
Thank you to Author Aveline Knight and Love Notes PR for the arc! These opinions are my own.
by Aveline Knight
5⭐️
2🌶️
4😭
Oh my goodness gracious 🥺 …I’m utterly wrecked 😭and at a loss for words! I can’t even describe how tragically beautiful and poetic this book was! Bravo 👏🏼 Aveline!!!
Thank you ☺️ for writing such a unique story about the struggles and heartbreaks that these characters endured!
I had such a connection with this book and certain characters.
It almost felt like some of my life experiences were echoed in it!
So the story centers around June and Dorien , two students attending an art school and their struggles with family , friends and just trying to navigate life.
Their hot and cold relationship is built on years of shared trauma.
June and Dorien have this undeniable magnetic connection!
It also comes through with their love of being artists 🎨 and a traumatic event that occurred as children.
They both express themselves through their “art” which I found to be very healing and refreshing. Absolutely loved it!
There is also June and Aeron. Who are sister and brother.
They have a complicated relationship filled with uncertainty and Aeron feeling he was a mistake and never wanted by their mother.
Unlike June who is the golden child and basically walks on water in her mother’s eyes.
Oh my sweet Aeron definitely stole my whole heart and soul! I could relate on many levels on what he was going through. He is definitely a character I will never forget!
And Cinna ( who is June’s best friend) all I have to say about her is karma is coming for you babe ! lol 😂 she made me so angry!
And that 🤯ending! WTF 😳 I was cursing 🤬 at my kindle at first!😅
But now I’m absolutely dying to see what’s going to happen in the next book!!
Overall I loved every little detail of this book !
So if you like a angsty dark academia with a bunch of drama , healing art therapy, and story that will tear your heart out! Then I would highly recommend “Pastel Bones” 🩷👏🏼🩷
Thank you to Author Aveline Knight and Love Notes PR for the arc! These opinions are my own.
August 1, 2026
3.5⭐️
I had mixed feelings about this one. It was quite slow to start and I wasn't immediately hooked, but it definitely picked up as the story went on. It has multiple POVs and is very heavily character driven,I can definitely see why people say it gives gossip Girl vibes.
Things I loved:
The writing! Aveline sets the scene and writes in the most beautifully poetic way!
Aeron! Sweet beautiful aeron! My heart broke for him and he deserved so much more!
Dorian - the way he yearned for June, and taking Aeron under his wing!
Carter! Just loved him!
Where it lost me a bit :
I expected the story to focus more on the characters' past trauma and how they'd work through it together. However, once they reconciled, that aspect seemed to be pushed aside in favour of the cyberbullying storyline which once the outcome was revealed felt quite anticlimactic.
I really wanted to like June, but I found her quite self centred at times, which made it difficult for me to root for her.
The plot twists felt a little predictable, I had my suspicions quite early on and so it wasn’t that much of a surprise once all was revealed.
Overall, it was a good read. It wasn't a favourite, but I'm still interested enough to pick up the next book and see what happens
I had mixed feelings about this one. It was quite slow to start and I wasn't immediately hooked, but it definitely picked up as the story went on. It has multiple POVs and is very heavily character driven,I can definitely see why people say it gives gossip Girl vibes.
Things I loved:
The writing! Aveline sets the scene and writes in the most beautifully poetic way!
Aeron! Sweet beautiful aeron! My heart broke for him and he deserved so much more!
Dorian - the way he yearned for June, and taking Aeron under his wing!
Carter! Just loved him!
Where it lost me a bit :
I expected the story to focus more on the characters' past trauma and how they'd work through it together. However, once they reconciled, that aspect seemed to be pushed aside in favour of the cyberbullying storyline which once the outcome was revealed felt quite anticlimactic.
I really wanted to like June, but I found her quite self centred at times, which made it difficult for me to root for her.
The plot twists felt a little predictable, I had my suspicions quite early on and so it wasn’t that much of a surprise once all was revealed.
Overall, it was a good read. It wasn't a favourite, but I'm still interested enough to pick up the next book and see what happens
July 31, 2026
Pastel Bones is one of the most beautiful, verdant stories I have ever read.
This book follows June, Dorien and Aeron as they grapple with love and grief, and put their souls into the art their existence seems to tether upon.
Each character that is introduced is an artist, and their points of view provide such engaging and perfect imagery. This world is cast in a golden glow - every detail feels perfectly placed and achingly gorgeous.
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the next one - thank you so much to LoveNotes PR for this ARC!
This book follows June, Dorien and Aeron as they grapple with love and grief, and put their souls into the art their existence seems to tether upon.
Each character that is introduced is an artist, and their points of view provide such engaging and perfect imagery. This world is cast in a golden glow - every detail feels perfectly placed and achingly gorgeous.
I absolutely loved this book, and cannot wait for the next one - thank you so much to LoveNotes PR for this ARC!
July 23, 2026
Arc review
4.5⭐
Okay, so I finally finished the book. It took me a few days because I've been so busy, but I honestly really enjoyed it.
It’s a Dark Academia book with multiple POVs, following June is sophomore painter and she suddenly getting text from some random person. Our Mmc Dorian is a sculptor and Aaron is June's younger brother.
Honestly, even the side characters feel so real and have their own emotional baggage which makes it super easy to root for everyone. The romance between June and Dorian is a second-chance, slow-burn romance and the angst and longing are so good. Their chemistry was so. The longing and pining omgg i loved it
Plus, there's a mystery running through the whole thing, and I totally didn't see the ending coming! I can't wait for the next book to see where it goes.
Thank you love note pr for the arc.🥰🥰
4.5⭐
Okay, so I finally finished the book. It took me a few days because I've been so busy, but I honestly really enjoyed it.
It’s a Dark Academia book with multiple POVs, following June is sophomore painter and she suddenly getting text from some random person. Our Mmc Dorian is a sculptor and Aaron is June's younger brother.
Honestly, even the side characters feel so real and have their own emotional baggage which makes it super easy to root for everyone. The romance between June and Dorian is a second-chance, slow-burn romance and the angst and longing are so good. Their chemistry was so. The longing and pining omgg i loved it
Plus, there's a mystery running through the whole thing, and I totally didn't see the ending coming! I can't wait for the next book to see where it goes.
Thank you love note pr for the arc.🥰🥰
July 30, 2026
∞ ★'s
First of all, thank you so much to Aveline Knight and LoveNotes PR for the ARC.
Wow.. WOW. I am at a loss for words. This was incredible.. It was unique.. It drew you in from the very first page. I fell in love with all of the characters. THE ENDING??? OMG!!! I need more PLEASE Aveline I simply cannot WAIT for book 2.
Read this, I cannot recommend enough.
First of all, thank you so much to Aveline Knight and LoveNotes PR for the ARC.
Wow.. WOW. I am at a loss for words. This was incredible.. It was unique.. It drew you in from the very first page. I fell in love with all of the characters. THE ENDING??? OMG!!! I need more PLEASE Aveline I simply cannot WAIT for book 2.
Read this, I cannot recommend enough.
July 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
That ending 😳😳😳
Seriously, that ending had me reading the last few pages 3 times just so I could understand fully what the hell just happened
This book is full of emotional damage. And if you’re like me and LOVE emotional damage in your books, this one’s for you.
It’s giving XOXO Gossip Girl vibes.
This is my first Aveline Knight book, trust me it won’t be the only one. This series is about to get more drama and trauma coming so soon.
Tropes:
Second chance
Emotional turmoil
Dark academia
Rivals to lovers
Slow burn
Art majors
Childhood trauma
Gossip girl vibes
Angst
That ending 😳😳😳
Seriously, that ending had me reading the last few pages 3 times just so I could understand fully what the hell just happened
This book is full of emotional damage. And if you’re like me and LOVE emotional damage in your books, this one’s for you.
It’s giving XOXO Gossip Girl vibes.
This is my first Aveline Knight book, trust me it won’t be the only one. This series is about to get more drama and trauma coming so soon.
Tropes:
Second chance
Emotional turmoil
Dark academia
Rivals to lovers
Slow burn
Art majors
Childhood trauma
Gossip girl vibes
Angst
August 20, 2026
ⓘ 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 ⟡˚⊱🗝️⊰˚₊‧
⤷ 𝟐 ★
⌗ 𝗌𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝖻𝗎𝗋𝗇，𝖿𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝖿𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒， 𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖺𝗉𝗒
“She was 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 when I was seven and the world was still good. She was there when I was nine and the world stopped being good and never started 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏."
This is one of the first sentences that struck me in the book. Being in one of the first chapters, it immediately made me want to read it, my expectations were really very high, but unfortunately I was quite disappointed. I found the reading very slow, despite promising an exciting and dynamic plot, even Gossip Girl style. In the long run it turned out to be monotonous and quite repetitive. I didn't like the characters at all and I couldn't empathize with them, even the final plot twist I found way too obvious and predictable. Two stars, though, I feel like giving: I particularly appreciated the shared past of the two main characters, June and Dorien, and the final pages of the book.
⤷ 𝟐 ★
⌗ 𝗌𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝖻𝗎𝗋𝗇，𝖿𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝖿𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒， 𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖺𝗉𝗒
“She was 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 when I was seven and the world was still good. She was there when I was nine and the world stopped being good and never started 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏."
This is one of the first sentences that struck me in the book. Being in one of the first chapters, it immediately made me want to read it, my expectations were really very high, but unfortunately I was quite disappointed. I found the reading very slow, despite promising an exciting and dynamic plot, even Gossip Girl style. In the long run it turned out to be monotonous and quite repetitive. I didn't like the characters at all and I couldn't empathize with them, even the final plot twist I found way too obvious and predictable. Two stars, though, I feel like giving: I particularly appreciated the shared past of the two main characters, June and Dorien, and the final pages of the book.
August 4, 2026
3.5⭐️
thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC <3
I rlly don’t know how to feel about this one cause there were some parts I enjoyed and other parts that kinda fell flat.
I thought the writing was so poetic and descriptive and fit right in with the art school theme of creativity and yearning. I loved the characters - like every single one of them - even the ones potrayed as unlikeable. They all had their own flaws, identities and issues that didn’t deter from the plot or get mixed up with someone else. Each character’s emotions were written so vividly and it felt like I was experiencing things with them.
The art school setting got kinda lost on me and I felt it was abandoned half way through. It was interesting but didn’t need to be there for the sake of the plot.
There were two sort of main plot points to this and one overshadowed the other quite a bit and kind of got resolved way too quickly. Then the other plot just sort of took over out of nowhere and it wasn’t as well done as I’d have liked.
I did like each separate plot but it should have been one or the other, not both, cause they were just too heavy together. The one between June and Dorien was v quickly glossed over considering how much trauma they had endured and it was over with one singular conversation. His reasoning for avoiding her was kinda dumb and everything could’ve been solved way earlier.
For the first half, the other plot was happening in the background and it wasn’t till the 80% mark that things rlly picked up. And bc it was so devastating at the end, I think it should have been isolated - but I get how the two of them eventually connected.
I rlly liked the three POV’s from June, her brother (Aeron) and Dorien. It rlly gave an insight into the characters and their separate struggles. I felt deeply for Aeron and was so sad when the climax eventually happened - he did not deserve it at all.
Dorien pmo the most - he acted like this deep lost soul who’s parents didn’t love him, the starving artist trope, and then turned out to be an immature self centered ass by the end. He was also horrible to June so there was that. 😒
June I found the most complex. I loved how her character was written and that she had all these internal and external struggles that were described so well. I could feel her frustration and pain all the way through as she was dealt with the worst of cards. But I admired how she didn’t take shit from anyone etc (especially Dorien). I despised Cynthia - June’s friend - that’s all I have to say.
I’m rlly looking forward to reading the next book in the series as it left on such a cliffhanger 🤭
thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC <3
I rlly don’t know how to feel about this one cause there were some parts I enjoyed and other parts that kinda fell flat.
I thought the writing was so poetic and descriptive and fit right in with the art school theme of creativity and yearning. I loved the characters - like every single one of them - even the ones potrayed as unlikeable. They all had their own flaws, identities and issues that didn’t deter from the plot or get mixed up with someone else. Each character’s emotions were written so vividly and it felt like I was experiencing things with them.
The art school setting got kinda lost on me and I felt it was abandoned half way through. It was interesting but didn’t need to be there for the sake of the plot.
There were two sort of main plot points to this and one overshadowed the other quite a bit and kind of got resolved way too quickly. Then the other plot just sort of took over out of nowhere and it wasn’t as well done as I’d have liked.
I did like each separate plot but it should have been one or the other, not both, cause they were just too heavy together. The one between June and Dorien was v quickly glossed over considering how much trauma they had endured and it was over with one singular conversation. His reasoning for avoiding her was kinda dumb and everything could’ve been solved way earlier.
For the first half, the other plot was happening in the background and it wasn’t till the 80% mark that things rlly picked up. And bc it was so devastating at the end, I think it should have been isolated - but I get how the two of them eventually connected.
I rlly liked the three POV’s from June, her brother (Aeron) and Dorien. It rlly gave an insight into the characters and their separate struggles. I felt deeply for Aeron and was so sad when the climax eventually happened - he did not deserve it at all.
Dorien pmo the most - he acted like this deep lost soul who’s parents didn’t love him, the starving artist trope, and then turned out to be an immature self centered ass by the end. He was also horrible to June so there was that. 😒
June I found the most complex. I loved how her character was written and that she had all these internal and external struggles that were described so well. I could feel her frustration and pain all the way through as she was dealt with the worst of cards. But I admired how she didn’t take shit from anyone etc (especially Dorien). I despised Cynthia - June’s friend - that’s all I have to say.
I’m rlly looking forward to reading the next book in the series as it left on such a cliffhanger 🤭
July 31, 2026
What a ride this book was! Talk about roller coaster of emotions!
‼️ There are a ton of spoilers in this review because I want to make sure I remember for the next book! So if you haven’t read this yet don’t read further! ‼️
I loved Aveline’s other books but I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book, I’m obsessed. Aveline wrote this story beautifully. I pretty much read this in one sitting. I really liked having multiple POV and it really did show that you never know what someone is going through. I also really enjoyed the mystery of the texts and who it was coming from.
We get three POV in this book - June, Dorien and Aeron.
Aeron - my heart! I just wanted to give him a hug. I felt so bad for him and it was just so sad with all the misunderstanding and how he felt so invisible and alone.
June and Dorien also!! I need them to have their HEA. The chemistry was undeniable with them! And the history, I just felt sad for them that they think they can’t be together!
I also loved Carter and feel so bad for him too!
I am worried at how June is going to react when she realizes Dorien was at the party. When is everyone going to find out that Cinna was with Aeron? I am worried about Dorien and Cinna being together even if it’s fake, he better not do anything crazy to make me hate him 😬
This book had me laughing, shedding a few tears and wanting to throw my kindle out the window! If you liked Gossip Girl this book is for you!
But the ending?!? I don’t know what is going on but I’m so anxious about it 😬
Spice 🌶️: 1.5/5
Multi POV
🎨 Dark academia romance
💜 Found family
🎨 Trauma
💜 Slow burn
🎨 Gossip girl vibes
💜 Childhood best friends to lover to….
Thank you so much to the author and Love Notes PR for the arc!
‼️ There are a ton of spoilers in this review because I want to make sure I remember for the next book! So if you haven’t read this yet don’t read further! ‼️
I loved Aveline’s other books but I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book, I’m obsessed. Aveline wrote this story beautifully. I pretty much read this in one sitting. I really liked having multiple POV and it really did show that you never know what someone is going through. I also really enjoyed the mystery of the texts and who it was coming from.
We get three POV in this book - June, Dorien and Aeron.
Aeron - my heart! I just wanted to give him a hug. I felt so bad for him and it was just so sad with all the misunderstanding and how he felt so invisible and alone.
June and Dorien also!! I need them to have their HEA. The chemistry was undeniable with them! And the history, I just felt sad for them that they think they can’t be together!
I also loved Carter and feel so bad for him too!
I am worried at how June is going to react when she realizes Dorien was at the party. When is everyone going to find out that Cinna was with Aeron? I am worried about Dorien and Cinna being together even if it’s fake, he better not do anything crazy to make me hate him 😬
This book had me laughing, shedding a few tears and wanting to throw my kindle out the window! If you liked Gossip Girl this book is for you!
But the ending?!? I don’t know what is going on but I’m so anxious about it 😬
Spice 🌶️: 1.5/5
Multi POV
🎨 Dark academia romance
💜 Found family
🎨 Trauma
💜 Slow burn
🎨 Gossip girl vibes
💜 Childhood best friends to lover to….
Thank you so much to the author and Love Notes PR for the arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2026
The drama! The complicated characters! The betrayal! The nerve of the author to finish it the way that she did!! (Although, there will be a second book, so I'm not *that* angry about it!)
When I first started reading this, I thought it would be a nice little romance story about artists falling in love with maybe some drama here and there. But then both the story and the characters started unraveling, and I almost couldn't keep up with all of their shenanigans! There are three main characters, each of them very complex and very different, and the author somehow managed to give each of them SO much depth and uniqueness. They're all dealing with some very tough situations, and I liked seeing them either work through them or let them be completely consumed. I was enthralled by the writing style as well! It definitely felt like I was in the minds of artists, and I loved experiencing their perspective on everything around them.
'The only art I want to make is of you.'
This felt like a tv show in the best way — meaning it's extremely bingeable and you won't want to put it down until you're finished! Although I've never watched it, I've seen others comparing it to Gossip Girl, so give it a shot if you loved watching that! Either way, if you're in the mood for something complex, artistic, dramatic, romantic, and maybe also slightly traumatic, I urge you to read this!
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
When I first started reading this, I thought it would be a nice little romance story about artists falling in love with maybe some drama here and there. But then both the story and the characters started unraveling, and I almost couldn't keep up with all of their shenanigans! There are three main characters, each of them very complex and very different, and the author somehow managed to give each of them SO much depth and uniqueness. They're all dealing with some very tough situations, and I liked seeing them either work through them or let them be completely consumed. I was enthralled by the writing style as well! It definitely felt like I was in the minds of artists, and I loved experiencing their perspective on everything around them.
'The only art I want to make is of you.'
This felt like a tv show in the best way — meaning it's extremely bingeable and you won't want to put it down until you're finished! Although I've never watched it, I've seen others comparing it to Gossip Girl, so give it a shot if you loved watching that! Either way, if you're in the mood for something complex, artistic, dramatic, romantic, and maybe also slightly traumatic, I urge you to read this!
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
July 30, 2026
review 🫶🏽
book : pastel bones
author : @avelineknight_author
rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice : 🌶️🌶️
release date : july 28 2026
————————————————
Thank you so much Aveline Knight & love notes pr for the opportunity to receive this arc in exchange for my honest opinion .
This was my first Aveline Knight book and I absolutely fell in love . The writing was so beautiful , the story was incredible and i just could not get enough . It was unlike anything I’ve read before . I went through all the emotions and I’m such a sucker for childhood best friends .
The drama , the angst , the slow burn . It was so delicious . It was emotionally intense , and I get why it was mentioned as a trope 🥹 . I think everyone should read this but obviously check your triggers prior to jumping in . I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone and where I’m so wordy , I fear I would .
And that ending ? Ahhhhh . So good plus give me a story where you fall in love with the other characters too ? Sold . So excited to see where this series goes .
If you’re a fan of dark academia romance with gossip girl vibes , trauma and mental health representations , found family , full of emotion and angst .. please read this one !
book : pastel bones
author : @avelineknight_author
rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice : 🌶️🌶️
release date : july 28 2026
————————————————
Thank you so much Aveline Knight & love notes pr for the opportunity to receive this arc in exchange for my honest opinion .
This was my first Aveline Knight book and I absolutely fell in love . The writing was so beautiful , the story was incredible and i just could not get enough . It was unlike anything I’ve read before . I went through all the emotions and I’m such a sucker for childhood best friends .
The drama , the angst , the slow burn . It was so delicious . It was emotionally intense , and I get why it was mentioned as a trope 🥹 . I think everyone should read this but obviously check your triggers prior to jumping in . I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone and where I’m so wordy , I fear I would .
And that ending ? Ahhhhh . So good plus give me a story where you fall in love with the other characters too ? Sold . So excited to see where this series goes .
If you’re a fan of dark academia romance with gossip girl vibes , trauma and mental health representations , found family , full of emotion and angst .. please read this one !
July 30, 2026
Beautiful writing style and a gorgeous cover.
This was supposed to be a slow-burn, dark academia romance, but it felt a little off/fell flat for me. There wasn't much character development in this book and I really hated June at one point, but this is also book 1 so maybe I'll end up liking her later. I was also slightly thrown off with Aeron's POV since he was the FMCs younger brother, but it added more depth to his character and I kept wanting to read more of his chapters. The author also covered some heavier topics that needed his POV to make it more emotional and give readers more insight. The bullying plot fell flat as it was forgotten until June received another text message, and I guessed who it was early on so the twist at the end wasn't a shock to me. I really liked Dorian's friendship with Aeron and how he listened and inputted in regards to Aeron's art. I was really angry at the ending though, until they grinned at each other...but it still irked me.
3.5
This was supposed to be a slow-burn, dark academia romance, but it felt a little off/fell flat for me. There wasn't much character development in this book and I really hated June at one point, but this is also book 1 so maybe I'll end up liking her later. I was also slightly thrown off with Aeron's POV since he was the FMCs younger brother, but it added more depth to his character and I kept wanting to read more of his chapters. The author also covered some heavier topics that needed his POV to make it more emotional and give readers more insight. The bullying plot fell flat as it was forgotten until June received another text message, and I guessed who it was early on so the twist at the end wasn't a shock to me. I really liked Dorian's friendship with Aeron and how he listened and inputted in regards to Aeron's art. I was really angry at the ending though, until they grinned at each other...but it still irked me.
3.5
July 31, 2026
Huge thank you to @lovenotes.pr for choosing me to be an arc reader for this, despite it taking me a lil longer to get to it, yay to being adult and having responsibilities lol..
Ok but i genuinely adored this one. The dark academia vibes, the moody main characters, all the drama & angst ugh i loved it!!! predicted part of the drama and was reading along waiting for it to be revealed and was giddy af when it
July 31, 2026
Multi POV
Dark Academia
Art School
Second Chance
Childhood Trauma
Slow Burn
Rivals to Lovers
Mental Health Rep
This book feels so different to anything I've ever read before and I loved it!
I really enjoyed this one and the different characters POVs! June, her childhood friend Dorien & Aeron, June's younger brother.
The ending had me rereading it a few times to make sure I'd read it properly 🤣 and now I need to know what happens next!!
Dark Academia
Art School
Second Chance
Childhood Trauma
Slow Burn
Rivals to Lovers
Mental Health Rep
This book feels so different to anything I've ever read before and I loved it!
I really enjoyed this one and the different characters POVs! June, her childhood friend Dorien & Aeron, June's younger brother.
The ending had me rereading it a few times to make sure I'd read it properly 🤣 and now I need to know what happens next!!
August 1, 2026
4.25!
I think I need more art school books bc I LOVED this. And with a little added drama? The way Aveline describes how a character is creating a piece was done SO well.
We have sad boi x sad girl — both dealing with things that happened in their past, ofc trying to move on but somehow find themselves constantly intertwined.
He works with clay and sculpts her from memory like be so for real 😭😭😭
The ending has me clutching my mf pearls but TRUST.
I think I need more art school books bc I LOVED this. And with a little added drama? The way Aveline describes how a character is creating a piece was done SO well.
We have sad boi x sad girl — both dealing with things that happened in their past, ofc trying to move on but somehow find themselves constantly intertwined.
He works with clay and sculpts her from memory like be so for real 😭😭😭
The ending has me clutching my mf pearls but TRUST.
August 1, 2026
Pastel Bones was an amazing, emotional read that I couldn’t put down and was very invested in right from the beginning 🩷 I loved June, Dorien, and Aeron’s characters and seeing their development as they each change so much in different ways. The bits of mystery and suspense surrounding June and Dorien’s past kept me wanting to know more, and my heart was hurting for Aeron more than once 🥺 I really enjoyed the art aspect and that side to the characters too, and how they each worked in a different medium, giving a nice glimpse into each of the types of art styles! Some of the last few chapters had me in a chokehold and completely ruined me, making me a weeping mess 🫠 But after how things ended?? Oh ho ho… It had me for a second at first, but once it clicked, it made me SOOO much more ready to see what is going to happen next with June, Dorien, Aeron… and maybe someone else too, heh 😈
June feels very human, and I loved her character 🩷 She has so much emotion to her, and it carried over into her art. I enjoyed the moments where she was creating and describing art, and all of the details that were put into them that showed how much she pours into each piece. Her relationship with Dorien is complex and carries a trauma that they both share. She understandably continues to struggle with what happened, and there is a fight in her when it comes to letting herself be happy with Dorien. But when she finally decides to let her walls down, it leads to some of the most emotional, intense, and sweetest moments between them 🥹 With those moments also came spicy bits when they finally gave in to all that tension and longing!! I loved her and Dorien together and how intimate, special, and real their connection felt 🩷 I also found her and Carter’s, and her and her Mom’s, relationship sweet with how close and supportive they were to each other! And though her relationship with Aeron may be complicated, there’s no doubt that she cares for and loves her brother deeply 🥺 Cinna, well… I won’t say too much about her because I am dying to find out more in the next book after how things left off!! 🤭 I really loved June’s character, her connection with Dorien, and how emotional and strong she was 🩷
Dorien is fully covered in green flags and I adored him 🩷 He is emotional, vulnerable, incredibly caring, and so, so sweet. He constantly battles between his love for June and the fear surrounding what it would mean for them to be together. I was rooting for him to overcome that hurdle and make a move on June because how could he not with what basically all of his artwork pieces are about?!? (major swoon by the way 🥺) I enjoyed reading about him creating those artworks and learning more about him and why he does certain things too. Like June, he is coping with something that has to be immensely difficult to deal with, and his experience and his thoughts around what happened were both painful 💔 But luckily he has Carter and Aeron as his friends by his side, and I found their relationships supportive, funny, and though things hit a rough patch, their care for one another runs deep and I know they’ll get through it. Him and June work through some of their struggles together, and their secret meetings were so cute—I just really loved seeing the two of them together, making each other feel warm, happy, and filled with color 🩷
Aeron 😭 He is a character that I will hold close to my heart, and he deserves the biggest hug and all of the love. I loved his complex, dark, and emotional personality, and I was so invested in his character and how he was changing. What he goes through, how he changes, broke my heart—shattered it—and I feel so much pain for him because of how he’s feeling 💔 His art is powerful, meaningful, and he cares about his work a lot. He just seems to go through one thing after the other, and he couldn’t catch a break, having to feel so much pain constantly... His art piece that June found was devastating and filled with painfully raw emotions 🥺 He feels everything so deeply and is a sensitive, vulnerable man with a big, guarded heart that carries so much. His relationship with June is complicated and painful for him, but I was happy to see him finding friendship in Carter and Dorien. My heart hurts from the path he chose to go down, but I really can’t wait to see more of his character in the next book, see how he’s going to continue to develop, and am very much hoping for him to finally have a real smile on his face 🥺
This was a great read that really pulled me in with the characters and deep, layered, and interesting plot, making me devour it in one sitting 🩷 The build up of mystery and suspense kept me guessing, the tension between June and Dorien made me want more, and all of the emotions pulled at my heartstrings heavily. June, Dorien, and Aeron are all very well written characters that are different in personality and art mediums, and they each have such big character developments and changes! The moments of them working on their art felt new and interesting to me, and it also gave a closer look and understanding of their feelings while seeing them express emotions and thoughts out into their creations 🩷 The last few chapters ruined me, shattered my heart, made my jaw hit the floor, and then had me evilly giggling because I NEED the next book. 😈 This is a read that will consume you as much as you will consume it 🩷 I am absolutely chomping at the bit to find out what’s going to happen next after that saucy ending 🤭
June feels very human, and I loved her character 🩷 She has so much emotion to her, and it carried over into her art. I enjoyed the moments where she was creating and describing art, and all of the details that were put into them that showed how much she pours into each piece. Her relationship with Dorien is complex and carries a trauma that they both share. She understandably continues to struggle with what happened, and there is a fight in her when it comes to letting herself be happy with Dorien. But when she finally decides to let her walls down, it leads to some of the most emotional, intense, and sweetest moments between them 🥹 With those moments also came spicy bits when they finally gave in to all that tension and longing!! I loved her and Dorien together and how intimate, special, and real their connection felt 🩷 I also found her and Carter’s, and her and her Mom’s, relationship sweet with how close and supportive they were to each other! And though her relationship with Aeron may be complicated, there’s no doubt that she cares for and loves her brother deeply 🥺 Cinna, well… I won’t say too much about her because I am dying to find out more in the next book after how things left off!! 🤭 I really loved June’s character, her connection with Dorien, and how emotional and strong she was 🩷
Dorien is fully covered in green flags and I adored him 🩷 He is emotional, vulnerable, incredibly caring, and so, so sweet. He constantly battles between his love for June and the fear surrounding what it would mean for them to be together. I was rooting for him to overcome that hurdle and make a move on June because how could he not with what basically all of his artwork pieces are about?!? (major swoon by the way 🥺) I enjoyed reading about him creating those artworks and learning more about him and why he does certain things too. Like June, he is coping with something that has to be immensely difficult to deal with, and his experience and his thoughts around what happened were both painful 💔 But luckily he has Carter and Aeron as his friends by his side, and I found their relationships supportive, funny, and though things hit a rough patch, their care for one another runs deep and I know they’ll get through it. Him and June work through some of their struggles together, and their secret meetings were so cute—I just really loved seeing the two of them together, making each other feel warm, happy, and filled with color 🩷
Aeron 😭 He is a character that I will hold close to my heart, and he deserves the biggest hug and all of the love. I loved his complex, dark, and emotional personality, and I was so invested in his character and how he was changing. What he goes through, how he changes, broke my heart—shattered it—and I feel so much pain for him because of how he’s feeling 💔 His art is powerful, meaningful, and he cares about his work a lot. He just seems to go through one thing after the other, and he couldn’t catch a break, having to feel so much pain constantly... His art piece that June found was devastating and filled with painfully raw emotions 🥺 He feels everything so deeply and is a sensitive, vulnerable man with a big, guarded heart that carries so much. His relationship with June is complicated and painful for him, but I was happy to see him finding friendship in Carter and Dorien. My heart hurts from the path he chose to go down, but I really can’t wait to see more of his character in the next book, see how he’s going to continue to develop, and am very much hoping for him to finally have a real smile on his face 🥺
This was a great read that really pulled me in with the characters and deep, layered, and interesting plot, making me devour it in one sitting 🩷 The build up of mystery and suspense kept me guessing, the tension between June and Dorien made me want more, and all of the emotions pulled at my heartstrings heavily. June, Dorien, and Aeron are all very well written characters that are different in personality and art mediums, and they each have such big character developments and changes! The moments of them working on their art felt new and interesting to me, and it also gave a closer look and understanding of their feelings while seeing them express emotions and thoughts out into their creations 🩷 The last few chapters ruined me, shattered my heart, made my jaw hit the floor, and then had me evilly giggling because I NEED the next book. 😈 This is a read that will consume you as much as you will consume it 🩷 I am absolutely chomping at the bit to find out what’s going to happen next after that saucy ending 🤭
July 27, 2026
First and foremost, I would like to thank LoveNote PR and the author for the ARC reading opportunity.
This is meant to be a dark academia romance, with a slow-burn relationship that is supposed to come off borderline obsessive.
I must be honest, my expectations for this book were not met. It was in no way a bad book. I should preface by saying I applaud the author for their work because writing a book is a big undertaking, and this is a big accomplishment. This just wasn't the book for me. This was a low-stakes cyberbullying situation that was obvious from the beginning who it was. As far as the darker elements, the biggest thing coming between our main characters is a tragic childhood event that made them scared to be close anymore. I think the cyberbullying plotline just didn't work for me because it was very weak attacks, outside of the very last act that led to something terrible. I just did not believe June's fear or confusion, and her relationship with Dorian didn't come off as obsessive at all. They like each other; they think about each other all the time. When I think obsessive, I think stalker romance, not I keep making art of him/her bc they are on my mind. That is normal and proves it, because her brother is also constantly drawing the girl he is supposedly in love with.
June is the type of person who completely bulldozes over everyone around her. She is constantly forcing her opinion or preferences on everyone else. She doesn't know how to work collaboratively with others or listen to anyone's problems but her own. Which really is what gets her and creates problems.
Dorian comes off as someone really passionate about art, and he really loves June. That is about it; I really like that he gives her brother the space to open up and be himself. Allows him to come out of the background a little bit. Overall, I just didn't really feel their connection was as strong as the author meant for it to be. They are childhood friends who have always liked each other and still do. Even if now they think they should stay away from each other.
There was so much talk about this big competition coming up, and that got thrown away to the back burner as well. And the ending pissed me off completely: " If you just dated her instead, none of this would have happened". That does not make any sense; this resentment was built over years; it is not simply about some boy. Ridiculous. And then the final scene, just ... I get why it was put there; I just want no part of where this story is possibly going. I am just really upset. I was excited about this book, and it fell flat for me. I wish the author the best as the series continues, and this cover is beautiful, by the way. I do really like the artistic discussions of Dorian and June's Brother.
This is meant to be a dark academia romance, with a slow-burn relationship that is supposed to come off borderline obsessive.
I must be honest, my expectations for this book were not met. It was in no way a bad book. I should preface by saying I applaud the author for their work because writing a book is a big undertaking, and this is a big accomplishment. This just wasn't the book for me. This was a low-stakes cyberbullying situation that was obvious from the beginning who it was. As far as the darker elements, the biggest thing coming between our main characters is a tragic childhood event that made them scared to be close anymore. I think the cyberbullying plotline just didn't work for me because it was very weak attacks, outside of the very last act that led to something terrible. I just did not believe June's fear or confusion, and her relationship with Dorian didn't come off as obsessive at all. They like each other; they think about each other all the time. When I think obsessive, I think stalker romance, not I keep making art of him/her bc they are on my mind. That is normal and proves it, because her brother is also constantly drawing the girl he is supposedly in love with.
June is the type of person who completely bulldozes over everyone around her. She is constantly forcing her opinion or preferences on everyone else. She doesn't know how to work collaboratively with others or listen to anyone's problems but her own. Which really is what gets her and creates problems.
Dorian comes off as someone really passionate about art, and he really loves June. That is about it; I really like that he gives her brother the space to open up and be himself. Allows him to come out of the background a little bit. Overall, I just didn't really feel their connection was as strong as the author meant for it to be. They are childhood friends who have always liked each other and still do. Even if now they think they should stay away from each other.
There was so much talk about this big competition coming up, and that got thrown away to the back burner as well. And the ending pissed me off completely: " If you just dated her instead, none of this would have happened". That does not make any sense; this resentment was built over years; it is not simply about some boy. Ridiculous. And then the final scene, just ... I get why it was put there; I just want no part of where this story is possibly going. I am just really upset. I was excited about this book, and it fell flat for me. I wish the author the best as the series continues, and this cover is beautiful, by the way. I do really like the artistic discussions of Dorian and June's Brother.
July 27, 2026
5★
Pastel Bones is a dark academia romance set at Alariya University. June Belrose is a sophomore majoring in painting. She is her mother's favourite child, constantly tries to protect and control her younger brother while avoiding her childhood friend, Dorien. Dorien Kael is a sculpture major at the same university. Although he comes from a wealthy family, he has never received the love and attention he longs for from his parents. After experiencing a traumatic event together during childhood, the two have spent years avoiding each other. However, fate has other plans when they are paired together for a class project that combines their individual assignments. Around the same time, cruel rumours and anonymous flyers begin spreading across the university about June, while she also starts receiving threatening messages from an unknown number. The story revolves around these rumours, her brother Aeron, their friends, Dorien, and the childhood trauma that continues to haunt them.
Literally, the first thing I wanted to say after finishing this book was, "WTF?" I genuinely don't know what to say. And that ending...Why, Aveline? Did you really have to end the book there? How many months am I supposed to wait for the second book? You know, from the very first time they discussed the exhibition, I knew that Cinna was going to piss me off. Something about her just felt off. Then you kept dropping little hints, (the phone call with her mom, burner phone and she is the only one who got easy access to put that in Aurbery's lagguage and diary also, kept accusing Vienna and Aurbery) and in the end, I was right. Because Cinna was the first one to express all those opinions that led to this whole mess.
And that ending? I cried and cursed Dorien when he ended up with Cinna, and then he suddenly grinned back in June. I know what's coming in the future. I think you owe me compensation for my precious tears! Just kidding. I need their revenge to be twice as brutal for everything that person put them through.
This book genuinely made me cry, especially during Aeron's chapters. My poor boy deserves the whole world. He never realised just how deeply his family loves and adores him. June may be annoying and bossy at times, but she's the best sister he could ever ask for. Now all I want is for June and Dorien to find their way back to each other, alongside my precious Aeron, Carter, and those two true friends.
TW - drug addiction, kidnap and murder, suicide attempt, overdosing, cyber bullying, threatening with curse words, manipulation
Pastel Bones is a dark academia romance set at Alariya University. June Belrose is a sophomore majoring in painting. She is her mother's favourite child, constantly tries to protect and control her younger brother while avoiding her childhood friend, Dorien. Dorien Kael is a sculpture major at the same university. Although he comes from a wealthy family, he has never received the love and attention he longs for from his parents. After experiencing a traumatic event together during childhood, the two have spent years avoiding each other. However, fate has other plans when they are paired together for a class project that combines their individual assignments. Around the same time, cruel rumours and anonymous flyers begin spreading across the university about June, while she also starts receiving threatening messages from an unknown number. The story revolves around these rumours, her brother Aeron, their friends, Dorien, and the childhood trauma that continues to haunt them.
Literally, the first thing I wanted to say after finishing this book was, "WTF?" I genuinely don't know what to say. And that ending...Why, Aveline? Did you really have to end the book there? How many months am I supposed to wait for the second book? You know, from the very first time they discussed the exhibition, I knew that Cinna was going to piss me off. Something about her just felt off. Then you kept dropping little hints, (the phone call with her mom, burner phone and she is the only one who got easy access to put that in Aurbery's lagguage and diary also, kept accusing Vienna and Aurbery) and in the end, I was right. Because Cinna was the first one to express all those opinions that led to this whole mess.
And that ending? I cried and cursed Dorien when he ended up with Cinna, and then he suddenly grinned back in June. I know what's coming in the future. I think you owe me compensation for my precious tears! Just kidding. I need their revenge to be twice as brutal for everything that person put them through.
This book genuinely made me cry, especially during Aeron's chapters. My poor boy deserves the whole world. He never realised just how deeply his family loves and adores him. June may be annoying and bossy at times, but she's the best sister he could ever ask for. Now all I want is for June and Dorien to find their way back to each other, alongside my precious Aeron, Carter, and those two true friends.
TW - drug addiction, kidnap and murder, suicide attempt, overdosing, cyber bullying, threatening with curse words, manipulation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2026
First of all, a huge thank you to Aveline Knight and Love Notes PR for giving me the chance to read this ARC. ❤️
I don’t even know where to start with this review—this book is simply incredible. It’s going straight to my list of favorite books without a doubt. And have you seen the cover?! I am obsessed with it. Literally obsessed. 🫣
It had me hooked from the very first sentence, and I practically devoured it because I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the main characters and really empathized with them (I cried more than once).🥲
Getting the point of view of three different characters was simply incredible. Being able to see what one thought about the other, and then realizing what’s really going on—that’s something that made me shed a tear in more than one chapter.
And the story hooks you from the start—you want to know what happened between the main characters before, what’s going to happen now, what’s going on with June’s brother…
And that ending? I screamed. And I threw my Kindle. I can’t say any more.
If you want a book that hooks you from the start and surprises you chapter after chapter, this is the book for you. Trust me.
Primero, muchísimas gracias a Aveline Knight y a Love Notes PR por darme la oportunidad de leer este ARC.❤️
No sé ni cómo empezar esta reseña, este libro es simplemente increíble. Va directamente a mi lista de libros favoritos sin dudarlo. ¿Y han visto la portada? Estoy obsesionada con ella. Literalmente obsesionada. 🫣
Me ha mantenido enganchada desde la primera frase y prácticamente lo he devorado porque no podía soltarlo.
Me han encantado los protagonistas y he empatizado mucho con ellos (he llorado en más de una ocasión). 🥲
El hecho de obtener el punto de vista de tres personajes diferentes ha sido simplemente increíble. El poder ver lo que uno pensaba sobre el otro, y luego darte cuenta de lo que realmente está pasando es algo que en más de un capítulo me hizo soltar una lágrima.
Y la historia te engancha desde el inicio, pues quieres saber que ha pasado antes entre los protas, qué va a pasar ahora, qué ocurre con el hermano de June…
¿Y ese final? Grité. Y lancé el kindle. No puedo decir más.
Si queréis un libro que os enganche desde el inicio, y que os sorprenda capítulo tras capítulo, este es vuestro libro. Háganme caso.
I don’t even know where to start with this review—this book is simply incredible. It’s going straight to my list of favorite books without a doubt. And have you seen the cover?! I am obsessed with it. Literally obsessed. 🫣
It had me hooked from the very first sentence, and I practically devoured it because I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the main characters and really empathized with them (I cried more than once).🥲
Getting the point of view of three different characters was simply incredible. Being able to see what one thought about the other, and then realizing what’s really going on—that’s something that made me shed a tear in more than one chapter.
And the story hooks you from the start—you want to know what happened between the main characters before, what’s going to happen now, what’s going on with June’s brother…
And that ending? I screamed. And I threw my Kindle. I can’t say any more.
If you want a book that hooks you from the start and surprises you chapter after chapter, this is the book for you. Trust me.
Primero, muchísimas gracias a Aveline Knight y a Love Notes PR por darme la oportunidad de leer este ARC.❤️
No sé ni cómo empezar esta reseña, este libro es simplemente increíble. Va directamente a mi lista de libros favoritos sin dudarlo. ¿Y han visto la portada? Estoy obsesionada con ella. Literalmente obsesionada. 🫣
Me ha mantenido enganchada desde la primera frase y prácticamente lo he devorado porque no podía soltarlo.
Me han encantado los protagonistas y he empatizado mucho con ellos (he llorado en más de una ocasión). 🥲
El hecho de obtener el punto de vista de tres personajes diferentes ha sido simplemente increíble. El poder ver lo que uno pensaba sobre el otro, y luego darte cuenta de lo que realmente está pasando es algo que en más de un capítulo me hizo soltar una lágrima.
Y la historia te engancha desde el inicio, pues quieres saber que ha pasado antes entre los protas, qué va a pasar ahora, qué ocurre con el hermano de June…
¿Y ese final? Grité. Y lancé el kindle. No puedo decir más.
Si queréis un libro que os enganche desde el inicio, y que os sorprenda capítulo tras capítulo, este es vuestro libro. Háganme caso.
August 1, 2026
Holy mother freaking crap y'all!!!
I literally was sitting on the couch with my mouth WIDE OPEN the ENTIRE LAST CHAPTER. My husband looked over at me at one point and started laughing at how frozen I was, and I actually sputtered out a few noises in shock/confusion 😂
Pastel Bones features the POV of June, Dorien, and Aeron (which I wasn't expecting but wow!!) June and Dorien have, essentially, been in love since they were kids. But a tragic event 12yrs ago ripped them apart and they are both convinced that if they allowed each other to be close, bad things would happen to the people they love. Aeron is June's younger brother by 1 year, and damn my heart broke for him. He was always the "outsider", the forgotten one, the overlooked one. June was the golden child of their family and her and her mom are like best friends, so he feels like an unwanted part of their home, especially since he was an unplanned pregnancy. Watching his slow descent was so heartbreaking. I knew what was coming even though I didn't want to accept it.
June was, for lack of better term, the golden child, but she had trauma and anxiety, and struggled with her confidence (from my POV). Although perceived as the golden child, she often felt a little bit like a bystander in her own life, especially as the events played out in the book. Dorien... I mean, let's be honest, Dorien is the hot, broody artist that we all swooned over, or at least I did 😂 Definition of tortured sad boy (who is in love with the only other person who can understand his trauma but they can't be close because they think they're cursed). I loved his POV, it was so interesting to see all his inner thoughts and feelings, knowing that what he showed on the outside was SO controlled and calm, his face never giving him away.
The gossip part of this.... phew. At first it was like, ok dang you college kids suck. And then it got more intense, more intense, and the last part? Holy freaking crap. SO so so so beyond cruel. I don't think I can talk about the rest without giving spoilers, but let's just say I HATE HER. And the last chapter? As stated above I was literally in shock, mouth wide open. I was like no no no no no, denial, denial, crying......... WAIT WHAT 🤯🤯🤯🤯
Aveline, I beg of you, please don't make us wait too long for book 2, my little heart cannot take it 😭 Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Aveline for allowing me to read and review, all opinions are my own and PLEASE GIVE US BOOK 2!!!
I literally was sitting on the couch with my mouth WIDE OPEN the ENTIRE LAST CHAPTER. My husband looked over at me at one point and started laughing at how frozen I was, and I actually sputtered out a few noises in shock/confusion 😂
Pastel Bones features the POV of June, Dorien, and Aeron (which I wasn't expecting but wow!!) June and Dorien have, essentially, been in love since they were kids. But a tragic event 12yrs ago ripped them apart and they are both convinced that if they allowed each other to be close, bad things would happen to the people they love. Aeron is June's younger brother by 1 year, and damn my heart broke for him. He was always the "outsider", the forgotten one, the overlooked one. June was the golden child of their family and her and her mom are like best friends, so he feels like an unwanted part of their home, especially since he was an unplanned pregnancy. Watching his slow descent was so heartbreaking. I knew what was coming even though I didn't want to accept it.
June was, for lack of better term, the golden child, but she had trauma and anxiety, and struggled with her confidence (from my POV). Although perceived as the golden child, she often felt a little bit like a bystander in her own life, especially as the events played out in the book. Dorien... I mean, let's be honest, Dorien is the hot, broody artist that we all swooned over, or at least I did 😂 Definition of tortured sad boy (who is in love with the only other person who can understand his trauma but they can't be close because they think they're cursed). I loved his POV, it was so interesting to see all his inner thoughts and feelings, knowing that what he showed on the outside was SO controlled and calm, his face never giving him away.
The gossip part of this.... phew. At first it was like, ok dang you college kids suck. And then it got more intense, more intense, and the last part? Holy freaking crap. SO so so so beyond cruel. I don't think I can talk about the rest without giving spoilers, but let's just say I HATE HER. And the last chapter? As stated above I was literally in shock, mouth wide open. I was like no no no no no, denial, denial, crying......... WAIT WHAT 🤯🤯🤯🤯
Aveline, I beg of you, please don't make us wait too long for book 2, my little heart cannot take it 😭 Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Aveline for allowing me to read and review, all opinions are my own and PLEASE GIVE US BOOK 2!!!
July 20, 2026
4.75 ✨ Thank you to Love Notes PR and Aveline Knight for sending me an ARC of Pastel Bones in exchange for an honest review.
AGH. Put this in my veins!!! I didn’t know what to expect going into this, and I certainly wasn’t anticipating becoming OBSESSED AND CONSUMED!
Pastel Bones focuses on art students June, Aeron (her younger brother), Dorien and their inner circle. Dorien has been a friend of the family since childhood, and he and June have a lot of history. They are bound by trauma and guilt, but refuse to acknowledge or discuss it.
Using their chosen mediums (paint for June, clay for Dorien and mixed media for Aeron), they express themselves the only way they’re able to. Suddenly, rumours start to spread about the young artists, and trust between these tortured souls fractures.
This was such an angsty, dramatic story and I was gagged from the very start. I found all of these characters to be SO authentic, their trauma and anxieties were beautifully rendered. All of them were flawed in their own ways, and ultimately they all just wanted the same thing - acceptance and to belong.
I won’t get into too much detail on the plot or the relationship dynamics, as I don’t want to spoil anything. I was so gripped by this story and these characters though, and I need book two IMMEDIATELY.
Aeron’s story in particular was such a gut punch. Every step of the way I just wanted to wrap him in a big hug and protect him from all the cruelties of the world!
Dorien is a certified yearner, and had my stomach flipping over how down bad he is.
June was overbearing but in a way that was so, so understandable and earned.
The romance in this was gorgeous, such a deliciously slow burn that had me squirming in anticipation. I want the world for these characters, I can’t believe how much they’ve all suffered.
I cannot wait for book two, I am frothing at the mouth to find out how this all plays out!! I am beggggggging for more Carter (additional POV perhaps? 👀)
AGH. Put this in my veins!!! I didn’t know what to expect going into this, and I certainly wasn’t anticipating becoming OBSESSED AND CONSUMED!
Pastel Bones focuses on art students June, Aeron (her younger brother), Dorien and their inner circle. Dorien has been a friend of the family since childhood, and he and June have a lot of history. They are bound by trauma and guilt, but refuse to acknowledge or discuss it.
Using their chosen mediums (paint for June, clay for Dorien and mixed media for Aeron), they express themselves the only way they’re able to. Suddenly, rumours start to spread about the young artists, and trust between these tortured souls fractures.
This was such an angsty, dramatic story and I was gagged from the very start. I found all of these characters to be SO authentic, their trauma and anxieties were beautifully rendered. All of them were flawed in their own ways, and ultimately they all just wanted the same thing - acceptance and to belong.
I won’t get into too much detail on the plot or the relationship dynamics, as I don’t want to spoil anything. I was so gripped by this story and these characters though, and I need book two IMMEDIATELY.
Aeron’s story in particular was such a gut punch. Every step of the way I just wanted to wrap him in a big hug and protect him from all the cruelties of the world!
Dorien is a certified yearner, and had my stomach flipping over how down bad he is.
June was overbearing but in a way that was so, so understandable and earned.
The romance in this was gorgeous, such a deliciously slow burn that had me squirming in anticipation. I want the world for these characters, I can’t believe how much they’ve all suffered.
I cannot wait for book two, I am frothing at the mouth to find out how this all plays out!! I am beggggggging for more Carter (additional POV perhaps? 👀)
July 29, 2026
I'm still kind of confused with this book, because I know I liked a lot of parts of it while other ones got on my nerves.
There are a lot of original elements in this one. The art background and its use in metaphors, the concept, the narrative style. I can see why a lot of people will like it, I think it captures Gossip Girl's energy very well. The writing style is also incredible. I enjoyed the multiple POVs pointing the different realities of people that live in the same house and their feelings.
For me, the story was super interesting, but I don't think I got to connect with the plot or the characters as much as I wanted to. I think I struggled connecting past events with the consequences for the characters in the present. There seemed to be a lot of happening but somehow the explanations felt...vague.
My particular opinion of June is that she was incredibly self-centered, and Dorian as well if I think about it, because how on earth can you believe that a person's own actions and thoughts are your relationship's fault. And how can you be so self-centered and still blame other people for things they didn't have anything to do with. She is the first to assume the worst of people, people she's known her whole life and somehow misses the one person that hates her the most.
Aeron was heartbreaking, the way he struggles to connect with people around him, never feeling comfortable even with his own family, I feel for him, truly. Somehow, he still gave me the creeps. Two things can be true I guess.
Some things were super obvious, sometimes ego can be the biggest thing to cloud someone's judgement and that's true in June's case.
The only character I was rooting for was Carter and we don't even get to know lots of him that much. I hope he gets his own POV in future books.
I enjoyed it, but it didn't blow my mind as I hoped with all the mystery going on. Appreciate the author and Love Notes for granting me an early copy of this one 🫶🏻
There are a lot of original elements in this one. The art background and its use in metaphors, the concept, the narrative style. I can see why a lot of people will like it, I think it captures Gossip Girl's energy very well. The writing style is also incredible. I enjoyed the multiple POVs pointing the different realities of people that live in the same house and their feelings.
For me, the story was super interesting, but I don't think I got to connect with the plot or the characters as much as I wanted to. I think I struggled connecting past events with the consequences for the characters in the present. There seemed to be a lot of happening but somehow the explanations felt...vague.
My particular opinion of June is that she was incredibly self-centered, and Dorian as well if I think about it, because how on earth can you believe that a person's own actions and thoughts are your relationship's fault. And how can you be so self-centered and still blame other people for things they didn't have anything to do with. She is the first to assume the worst of people, people she's known her whole life and somehow misses the one person that hates her the most.
Aeron was heartbreaking, the way he struggles to connect with people around him, never feeling comfortable even with his own family, I feel for him, truly. Somehow, he still gave me the creeps. Two things can be true I guess.
Some things were super obvious, sometimes ego can be the biggest thing to cloud someone's judgement and that's true in June's case.
The only character I was rooting for was Carter and we don't even get to know lots of him that much. I hope he gets his own POV in future books.
I enjoyed it, but it didn't blow my mind as I hoped with all the mystery going on. Appreciate the author and Love Notes for granting me an early copy of this one 🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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