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This Won't End Well #1
This Won't End Well
Not yet published
Expected 28 Dec 26Some people are worth the risk.
Kels Stevens and Craig Sullivan are wired the same way: both need control, and both are terrified of vulnerability.
Kels has spent years keeping her world small, convinced it’s easier not to need people than risk giving them the power to hurt her. Craig has spent more than a year quietly orbiting Kels, wanting her from a distance and waiting until he’s certain where he stands before risking more.
So when they finally stop pretending there isn’t something between them, she offers him closeness on terms she thinks she can control, convinced keeping him at arm’s length will be enough to survive when it ends.
What starts as an arrangement she thinks she can manage quickly becomes anything but. Craig is patient in ways Kels has never experienced before, steady enough that she finds herself giving him more of herself without realising it. For the first time, she knows what it feels like to be truly seen and lets herself believe she might actually get to keep it.
THIS WON’T END WELL is an emotionally intimate contemporary romance about vulnerability, learning what it means to be loved, and discovering that some people are worth the risk.
Book 1
Kels Stevens and Craig Sullivan are wired the same way: both need control, and both are terrified of vulnerability.
Kels has spent years keeping her world small, convinced it’s easier not to need people than risk giving them the power to hurt her. Craig has spent more than a year quietly orbiting Kels, wanting her from a distance and waiting until he’s certain where he stands before risking more.
So when they finally stop pretending there isn’t something between them, she offers him closeness on terms she thinks she can control, convinced keeping him at arm’s length will be enough to survive when it ends.
What starts as an arrangement she thinks she can manage quickly becomes anything but. Craig is patient in ways Kels has never experienced before, steady enough that she finds herself giving him more of herself without realising it. For the first time, she knows what it feels like to be truly seen and lets herself believe she might actually get to keep it.
THIS WON’T END WELL is an emotionally intimate contemporary romance about vulnerability, learning what it means to be loved, and discovering that some people are worth the risk.
Book 1
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 30, 2026
This Won’t End Well was such an easy and enjoyable read, and I found myself flying through it. The banter was one of my favourite things about the book, and I don't just mean between Kels and Craig. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the entire friendship group. Their conversations and interactions felt natural, and there was a good balance of humour and more serious moments throughout.
I also really liked having the story told from both Kels and Craig’s perspectives. Getting to see things from both sides added another layer to their relationship and made it easier to understand where each of them was coming from, particularly when neither of them is particularly good at letting their guard down.
Kels and Craig are both afraid of getting their hearts broken, and there is a lot of emotional baggage influencing the way they approach relationships. I thought the history involving Kels’ best friend and her abusive ex was an important part of understanding why Kels is so guarded and why commitment is such a difficult thing for her.
This is definitely a messy story, though, and I can see why it might be a controversial read for some. There are some decisions made by the characters that are going to have readers forming some very strong opinions! For me, though, the messiness was part of what kept me invested. These aren't characters who always make the right decision, and I found myself wanting to see how everything would unfold rather than becoming frustrated enough to put the book down.
What really worked for me was the combination of the banter, friendship dynamics, dual POV and complicated relationships. It kept the story moving and made it a very easy book to get lost in.
And then there’s that ending...
That cliffhanger definitely caught my attention and it's the cliffhanger ending which I feel might make this a divisive read for some but i'm all for it and I’m very glad I know there’s another book coming because I have questions, and I’m definitely curious to see where Kels and Craig’s story goes next in These Things Happen.
Overall, this was a five-star read for me. It was entertaining, messy, emotional and easy to fly through, and most importantly, I was invested in the characters and wanted to know what happened next.
Thank you so much to Hollow Bone Press and Sam Bennett for an early digital copy of this book!
I also really liked having the story told from both Kels and Craig’s perspectives. Getting to see things from both sides added another layer to their relationship and made it easier to understand where each of them was coming from, particularly when neither of them is particularly good at letting their guard down.
Kels and Craig are both afraid of getting their hearts broken, and there is a lot of emotional baggage influencing the way they approach relationships. I thought the history involving Kels’ best friend and her abusive ex was an important part of understanding why Kels is so guarded and why commitment is such a difficult thing for her.
This is definitely a messy story, though, and I can see why it might be a controversial read for some. There are some decisions made by the characters that are going to have readers forming some very strong opinions! For me, though, the messiness was part of what kept me invested. These aren't characters who always make the right decision, and I found myself wanting to see how everything would unfold rather than becoming frustrated enough to put the book down.
What really worked for me was the combination of the banter, friendship dynamics, dual POV and complicated relationships. It kept the story moving and made it a very easy book to get lost in.
And then there’s that ending...
That cliffhanger definitely caught my attention and it's the cliffhanger ending which I feel might make this a divisive read for some but i'm all for it and I’m very glad I know there’s another book coming because I have questions, and I’m definitely curious to see where Kels and Craig’s story goes next in These Things Happen.
Overall, this was a five-star read for me. It was entertaining, messy, emotional and easy to fly through, and most importantly, I was invested in the characters and wanted to know what happened next.
Thank you so much to Hollow Bone Press and Sam Bennett for an early digital copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Sam and Hollow Bone Press for giving me the chance to ARC read this debut novel, because it did not disappoint whatsoever.
Sam promised us all the yearning, pining, and tension in this book—and that’s exactly what she delivers from chapter one.
Not only do we get such a fun mix of characters, including Steven, Hunter, Rich, and Jess, but Sam also gives us Kels and Craig in all their sarcastic glory. Their banter and dynamic are so good that you can’t help but instantly fall in love with them.
Yet, what also becomes crystal clear is just how much Craig cares for Kels. Little by little, we see them both grow alongside each other. He’s patient, considerate, caring, playful, and kind in all the ways that help her slowly open up and feel safe around him. He meets her where she’s at every step of the way, especially after he learns what she’s been through. So watching that trust and ability to be vulnerable build between them was by far one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, this was slow-burn at its finest, with an ending that had me staring at the wall with SO many questions about what’s to come in the next book.
Speaking of, did I mention this is a 10-book series?
Well, this is only the beginning.
And honestly? After that ending, it’s safe to say that I’m here for it all. So I couldn’t recommend this book more to anyone looking for he-falls-first, mutual pining, hurt/comfort, forced proximity, and a whole lot of yearning and tension.
Sam promised us all the yearning, pining, and tension in this book—and that’s exactly what she delivers from chapter one.
Not only do we get such a fun mix of characters, including Steven, Hunter, Rich, and Jess, but Sam also gives us Kels and Craig in all their sarcastic glory. Their banter and dynamic are so good that you can’t help but instantly fall in love with them.
Yet, what also becomes crystal clear is just how much Craig cares for Kels. Little by little, we see them both grow alongside each other. He’s patient, considerate, caring, playful, and kind in all the ways that help her slowly open up and feel safe around him. He meets her where she’s at every step of the way, especially after he learns what she’s been through. So watching that trust and ability to be vulnerable build between them was by far one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, this was slow-burn at its finest, with an ending that had me staring at the wall with SO many questions about what’s to come in the next book.
Speaking of, did I mention this is a 10-book series?
Well, this is only the beginning.
And honestly? After that ending, it’s safe to say that I’m here for it all. So I couldn’t recommend this book more to anyone looking for he-falls-first, mutual pining, hurt/comfort, forced proximity, and a whole lot of yearning and tension.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This wont end well by Sam Bennett
As the name suggests, it won't end well. I stared at the wall. I played everything back in my head. I imagined every possible scenario that could happen in book 2. And then I realised there is 10 books total for this series. That's a lot of potential ups, downs, sideways, backwards... all kinds of ways to eff my sh*t right up!
Am I here for it? Without a doubt!
I fell in love with all of the characters, not just the MC's. Except Paul. Paul can suck eggs.
This contemporary romance/lit fic absolutely blew me away. It's not so much about what happens, it's how it came to be that sucked me in. It made me feel like I was an actual member of this friendship group.
The characters are relatable. The plot, like my own little 2000's drama show! I love that I went in to it knowing it's not my preferred genre, but wanted to keep an open mind. Turns out it is exactly my jam! It is the jam to my scone. I will die on this hill.
It may not be everyone tea (I didn't think it would be mine, I thought it would be enjoyable) but I did not expect to get this attached to fictional characters that weren't dragons, pirates or fae.
But here i am, harassing Sam (author) daily for breadcrumbs like Hansel and bloody Gretel and begging for book 2 to see what happens next!
Do yourself a favour. Read this book. Even if it isn't your usual jam. This friend group may very well surprise you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As the name suggests, it won't end well. I stared at the wall. I played everything back in my head. I imagined every possible scenario that could happen in book 2. And then I realised there is 10 books total for this series. That's a lot of potential ups, downs, sideways, backwards... all kinds of ways to eff my sh*t right up!
Am I here for it? Without a doubt!
I fell in love with all of the characters, not just the MC's. Except Paul. Paul can suck eggs.
This contemporary romance/lit fic absolutely blew me away. It's not so much about what happens, it's how it came to be that sucked me in. It made me feel like I was an actual member of this friendship group.
The characters are relatable. The plot, like my own little 2000's drama show! I love that I went in to it knowing it's not my preferred genre, but wanted to keep an open mind. Turns out it is exactly my jam! It is the jam to my scone. I will die on this hill.
It may not be everyone tea (I didn't think it would be mine, I thought it would be enjoyable) but I did not expect to get this attached to fictional characters that weren't dragons, pirates or fae.
But here i am, harassing Sam (author) daily for breadcrumbs like Hansel and bloody Gretel and begging for book 2 to see what happens next!
Do yourself a favour. Read this book. Even if it isn't your usual jam. This friend group may very well surprise you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had seen so many things on social media telling me I would enjoy this book, and I am so glad to say that I did!
This was a bit different to the romances I normally read, and in the best way! This contemporary romance wasn’t filled with all those familiar tropes being checked off....this was romance at its messy, real-life best. It’s a true slow burn, with a beautifully authentic portrayal of a connection that builds gradually over time, the way relationships often do in real life.
This book was filled with emotion, life, big feelings, and found family, and I was just absolutely rooting for Kels and Craig. As a millennial, this book also gave me a lil nostalgia boost with the TV shows and music that were so pivotal in my young adult life (The Laguna Beach reference!).
That ending though… I did not see it coming and I absolutely need the next book ASAP Rocky.
Thank you to the author for sharing an early copy with me. All opinions are my own.
This was a bit different to the romances I normally read, and in the best way! This contemporary romance wasn’t filled with all those familiar tropes being checked off....this was romance at its messy, real-life best. It’s a true slow burn, with a beautifully authentic portrayal of a connection that builds gradually over time, the way relationships often do in real life.
This book was filled with emotion, life, big feelings, and found family, and I was just absolutely rooting for Kels and Craig. As a millennial, this book also gave me a lil nostalgia boost with the TV shows and music that were so pivotal in my young adult life (The Laguna Beach reference!).
That ending though… I did not see it coming and I absolutely need the next book ASAP Rocky.
Thank you to the author for sharing an early copy with me. All opinions are my own.
September 23, 2026
Thank you, Sam and Hollow Bone Press, for giving me the opportunity to read and review This won’t end well.
From page 1 to page 397 I was unable to put it down. It was a easy read, nothing to complex, great character development, hints for the main female characters back story and a few spicy scenes, spicy but not too spicy.
The banter between the group of found friends is fantastic, witty and a barrel of laughs. The main couple with their slow burn relationship was more realistic, raw, emotional and lovable. By the end of the book, you will be left wanting more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, I cannot wait to see where Sam takes the series, the characters and the story line. Highly recommend if you love a slow burn, banter, found family and a splash of spice.
From page 1 to page 397 I was unable to put it down. It was a easy read, nothing to complex, great character development, hints for the main female characters back story and a few spicy scenes, spicy but not too spicy.
The banter between the group of found friends is fantastic, witty and a barrel of laughs. The main couple with their slow burn relationship was more realistic, raw, emotional and lovable. By the end of the book, you will be left wanting more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, I cannot wait to see where Sam takes the series, the characters and the story line. Highly recommend if you love a slow burn, banter, found family and a splash of spice.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this story - Sam writes in a way which allows the reader into Kels and Craig's psyches, allowing you to understand their thoughts and emotions. Because of the intimate exploration of their relationship, its development doesn't feel rushed or forced in any way. It's satisfying in it's realism with all the angst and insecurities which rise to the surface when you fall in love.
Thank you @hollowbonepress for gifting me a copy of this book to read and review. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Thank you @hollowbonepress for gifting me a copy of this book to read and review. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Review of advance copy received from Author
This won't end well.... for me cos now I have a new book series to obsess over! This was peak nostalgia for me remembering my own university experiences and falling in love and hanging with friends etc. The author did such a great job of crafting these characters that they felt so realistic. I would have just loved a bit more variety, as I felt in parts it got a bit repetitive. But overall I really enjoyed and will continue reading the series
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This debut novel had me reflecting back on how things were, and how they can turn out. The nostalgic sense isn't over done, and easily sets the background for this circle of friends and the romance that grows out of it. Check it out!
Review of advance copy
Just finished this book.
Can't wait to see what happens next
I so totally love it.
I loved how the relationship blossomed between Craig & Kels
Can't wait to see what happens next
I so totally love it.
I loved how the relationship blossomed between Craig & Kels
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
These characters live in my head rent free. Maybe they should start paying. I need them to be okay. I NEED them to make better decisions. I needed a sequel yesterday. This won't end well? Correct. I'm not okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews