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Almost Never
Alec Murray.
He was the one.
From the first moment I saw him, I knew.
I had never been more certain of anything in my sixteen years on this earth.
But Alec didn’t notice me. At least not in the way that I wanted him to.
He noticed my best friend instead.
I stood by and watched their relationship blossom.
An outsider looking in, wishing things were different.
Torn between my loyalty to my best friend and the boy who had unknowingly stolen my heart.
Weighted by feelings I could never express out loud, I wrote them all down.
Every thought. Every feeling.
I poured them all into a letter.
A letter he was never meant to read.
Only that’s exactly what he did.
He read it.
Every single word.
But by then it was too late.
Even if he was no longer dating my best friend.
Even if I was more in love with him than ever.
He was leaving.
I was leaving.
And there was nothing either of us could do to change it.
Alec Murray was my almost fairytale.
The happy ending I swore I’d never get.
But our story is far from over…
*Almost Never is a friends to lovers, complete standalone.
He was the one.
From the first moment I saw him, I knew.
I had never been more certain of anything in my sixteen years on this earth.
But Alec didn’t notice me. At least not in the way that I wanted him to.
He noticed my best friend instead.
I stood by and watched their relationship blossom.
An outsider looking in, wishing things were different.
Torn between my loyalty to my best friend and the boy who had unknowingly stolen my heart.
Weighted by feelings I could never express out loud, I wrote them all down.
Every thought. Every feeling.
I poured them all into a letter.
A letter he was never meant to read.
Only that’s exactly what he did.
He read it.
Every single word.
But by then it was too late.
Even if he was no longer dating my best friend.
Even if I was more in love with him than ever.
He was leaving.
I was leaving.
And there was nothing either of us could do to change it.
Alec Murray was my almost fairytale.
The happy ending I swore I’d never get.
But our story is far from over…
*Almost Never is a friends to lovers, complete standalone.
First published May 1, 2020
211 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,816 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
May 2, 2020
Before I can go on, Almost Never surpassed my thoughts and feelings. I’m sitting back and contemplating at why I’m giving this 5stars when really, as I kept reading and thinking it’s worth 4stars but it wasn’t, it was giving me more feels, for the storyline delivered and more cause it’s about coming of age of friendship to lovers to heartache.
This author is so new to me and sometimes going in blind totally surprises you and then you know this one is a winner. It’s a story about Hope and Alec and you can’t help but he sucked into their story, I felt hopeless for Alec, as he grew on me and I knew that happiness is all I wanted for Alec and as for Hope I sometimes was wishing that nothing wouldn’t be so hard for her if she wasn’t so insecure about her feelings from the beginning.
I do recommend this book and you will not be disappointed.
This author is so new to me and sometimes going in blind totally surprises you and then you know this one is a winner. It’s a story about Hope and Alec and you can’t help but he sucked into their story, I felt hopeless for Alec, as he grew on me and I knew that happiness is all I wanted for Alec and as for Hope I sometimes was wishing that nothing wouldn’t be so hard for her if she wasn’t so insecure about her feelings from the beginning.
I do recommend this book and you will not be disappointed.
May 6, 2020
I thought the male character empty and the romance didn’t capture my attention. This story missed something.
Unfortunately.
Unfortunately.
nope-nope-nope
May 18, 2020He slept with her best friend for almost two years while she had to watch *gag*
May 21, 2020
If the plot of this book were a line, it would be perfectly flat. The only emotion-provoking element of it were the annoyingly bland, clichéd characters, the h in particular. Every roadblock between this couple and their HEA is entirely on her and she got off too easily, because the H was so submissive. This bloke had no balls and I hated the way he chased after her when she proved many times over she deserved to be the loser.
Sorry, I don't subscribe to the whole 'hands off the bestie's ex' idea. Not when the bestie in question is a selfish, attention-seeking brat who takes and takes and takes and doesn't give a toss about anyone she runs over to get what she wants - particularly her supposed best friend. The h saw the H first, liked the H first, and promptly crawled into a corner the moment her bestie swooped in and overshadowed her.
How pathetic. And that had been the crux of their whole friendship, the h living in the shadow of her friend, sacrificing her own happiness in favour of this girl over and over. I think writers must believe this behaviour is admirable or something, but it isn't. Weak, passive people who don't stand up for themselves are not admirable or worthy of respect. Allowing themselves to be dragged into situations or decisions they don't want to be in is not honourable, it simply means they are a doormat. If you deny your feelings as if they don't matter, you deserve the consequence.
Alec never loved Hope's best friend Lucy. They weren't even together a year. He had feelings for Hope but she was such a martyr he never knew it. Then when he found out, she crushed him like a bug under her heel, sacrificing their chance at happiness for a friend who would have never considered the same had the tables been turned. And she didn't do it just once, but repeatedly.
Look, when people break up, unless they are family they are fair game. If two people are meant to be together and one thinks they are taking the high road by resisting, they deserve their own misery. Because the person you are protecting will in all likelihood go on to find love and fulfilment - and you? You'll waste your life watching everyone else live happy lives while you go home each night to an empty home save the 5 cats you cuddle up with each night. But you can feel content in your self-righteous delusion that you did right by your best friend.
🙄🙄🙄🖕
Hey, at least when you die alone, all those cats will happily dispose of your remains. There is that.
The whole idea of denying yourself and what you know is right to protect someone else is BULL. SHITE.
You look out for yourself in this life. I mean, you don't step on people and do needless harm to do that, but you don't roll over and let them do it to you, either.
Hope owed Alec some serious groveling here and he should have made her work for it, instead of being her matching doormat. They and their story are eminently forgettable, and I see this writer hasn't improved in the year since I last read one of her books.
Sorry, I don't subscribe to the whole 'hands off the bestie's ex' idea. Not when the bestie in question is a selfish, attention-seeking brat who takes and takes and takes and doesn't give a toss about anyone she runs over to get what she wants - particularly her supposed best friend. The h saw the H first, liked the H first, and promptly crawled into a corner the moment her bestie swooped in and overshadowed her.
How pathetic. And that had been the crux of their whole friendship, the h living in the shadow of her friend, sacrificing her own happiness in favour of this girl over and over. I think writers must believe this behaviour is admirable or something, but it isn't. Weak, passive people who don't stand up for themselves are not admirable or worthy of respect. Allowing themselves to be dragged into situations or decisions they don't want to be in is not honourable, it simply means they are a doormat. If you deny your feelings as if they don't matter, you deserve the consequence.
Alec never loved Hope's best friend Lucy. They weren't even together a year. He had feelings for Hope but she was such a martyr he never knew it. Then when he found out, she crushed him like a bug under her heel, sacrificing their chance at happiness for a friend who would have never considered the same had the tables been turned. And she didn't do it just once, but repeatedly.
Look, when people break up, unless they are family they are fair game. If two people are meant to be together and one thinks they are taking the high road by resisting, they deserve their own misery. Because the person you are protecting will in all likelihood go on to find love and fulfilment - and you? You'll waste your life watching everyone else live happy lives while you go home each night to an empty home save the 5 cats you cuddle up with each night. But you can feel content in your self-righteous delusion that you did right by your best friend.
🙄🙄🙄🖕
Hey, at least when you die alone, all those cats will happily dispose of your remains. There is that.
The whole idea of denying yourself and what you know is right to protect someone else is BULL. SHITE.
You look out for yourself in this life. I mean, you don't step on people and do needless harm to do that, but you don't roll over and let them do it to you, either.
Hope owed Alec some serious groveling here and he should have made her work for it, instead of being her matching doormat. They and their story are eminently forgettable, and I see this writer hasn't improved in the year since I last read one of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2020
4 ⭐'s
What was the reason you read the book? After reading the blurb and all the juicy angst it promised, I had to read it even though I was a little apprehensive of their ages (high school).
And how was it? It was good. Some nice angst but nothing too over the top like I was hoping. And thankfully, they progress in age.
What's it about? Alec and Hope meet in school when Alec first moves there. Both are attracted to each other but then he meets her best friend, Lucy, who's totally into him and shows it.
What's good about it? It was enjoyable watching them both grow up. I was surprised at how much Alec was willing to do.
Anything you didn't like? I was a little disappointed in Hope with the way she treated Alec. She came across as being more mature but didn't always show it.
Anything that surprised you? Lucy's change of attitude. Even though it was a long time coming, it was abrupt.
Would you recommend it? I would. Alec and Hope have a sweet love story and I enjoyed their journey.
What was the reason you read the book? After reading the blurb and all the juicy angst it promised, I had to read it even though I was a little apprehensive of their ages (high school).
And how was it? It was good. Some nice angst but nothing too over the top like I was hoping. And thankfully, they progress in age.
What's it about? Alec and Hope meet in school when Alec first moves there. Both are attracted to each other but then he meets her best friend, Lucy, who's totally into him and shows it.
What's good about it? It was enjoyable watching them both grow up. I was surprised at how much Alec was willing to do.
Anything you didn't like? I was a little disappointed in Hope with the way she treated Alec. She came across as being more mature but didn't always show it.
Anything that surprised you? Lucy's change of attitude. Even though it was a long time coming, it was abrupt.
Would you recommend it? I would. Alec and Hope have a sweet love story and I enjoyed their journey.
May 3, 2020
I've really been looking forward to this book. I was quite literally hitting refresh on Amazon the day it was scheduled to publish so I could get it asap. This was a one sitting read for sure.
Even from the blurb, I knew this book had a Something Borrowed feel to it. Consequently, I hated the best friend Lucy (aka Lulu). Sorry, but I did hate her. She wasn't an overt mean girl like Darcy from Something Borrowed, but she was supremely selfish, and she knew it. Honestly, I think she knew exactly what she was doing with everything she went after or took from Hope. Pretty much everyone saw Lucy for who she was, except Hope. And honestly, I hated that. Fairly soon after meeting Alec, and Lucy staking a claim, a friend called Hope out on her feelings and laid it out how Lucy was always going after what Hope wanted, and ok, the first time it's presented, I can see how Hope would be in denial. But that should have been the eye opener for her. I just hated that Hope kept putting Lucy's happiness over her own. Maybe it's because I had a friend like Lucy once, but after I caught on, and found out for sure what she was like, I distanced myself from her.
I loved Alec. And as much as I wanted him and Hope together, he didn't deserve the crap Hope put him through. That bothered me more than anything. And honestly, I never felt like Hope really learned to fight for herself. If Alec hadn't shown up at the end, I don't think she would have ever had the guts to contact him, or go to him. Alec did everything, all the perusing in the book. And the rating is for him and the few times Hope let them have some time together (short though they were and far between).
Even from the blurb, I knew this book had a Something Borrowed feel to it. Consequently, I hated the best friend Lucy (aka Lulu). Sorry, but I did hate her. She wasn't an overt mean girl like Darcy from Something Borrowed, but she was supremely selfish, and she knew it. Honestly, I think she knew exactly what she was doing with everything she went after or took from Hope. Pretty much everyone saw Lucy for who she was, except Hope. And honestly, I hated that. Fairly soon after meeting Alec, and Lucy staking a claim, a friend called Hope out on her feelings and laid it out how Lucy was always going after what Hope wanted, and ok, the first time it's presented, I can see how Hope would be in denial. But that should have been the eye opener for her. I just hated that Hope kept putting Lucy's happiness over her own. Maybe it's because I had a friend like Lucy once, but after I caught on, and found out for sure what she was like, I distanced myself from her.
I loved Alec. And as much as I wanted him and Hope together, he didn't deserve the crap Hope put him through. That bothered me more than anything. And honestly, I never felt like Hope really learned to fight for herself. If Alec hadn't shown up at the end, I don't think she would have ever had the guts to contact him, or go to him. Alec did everything, all the perusing in the book. And the rating is for him and the few times Hope let them have some time together (short though they were and far between).
May 5, 2020
Well this was bland and lacking almost everything. The premise was a good one and Toppen really had the opportunity to bring the story to life but between the voice of the characters behaving very young and the repetitive conversations/plot between the H and h, not enough action was done to move the story forward. The h derailed any interest to the whole story mainly because she was too darn selfless?!? Yes, does so unnecessarily after the third time of round and round we go. I was bored and done with this. Really. Hope was annoying and just dragged on and on about Lulu. Alex was a such a good dude but even he couldn’t save the dullness and repetition of this story.
April 10, 2020
Almost Never is a young adult, friends-to-lovers story by Melissa Toppen. It was an enjoyable read and kept me totally engrossed until the very end. If you enjoy young coming-of-age love and the struggles they face finding love while finding themselves, then you should really enjoy this one. I don’t generally connect with younger characters and didn’t exactly connect with these characters or agree with the frustrating choices they made, but the author did keep me interested in knowing how their relationship would play out.
Alec is wonderful and patient—a romantic at heart. His love for Hope was beautiful and his pain gutted me. Their journey was heart-breaking. I can’t say I understand why or how he had so much faith in their relationship, but Hope was a very lucky lady. Melissa Toppen did an amazing job with the ending of this book. She basically took my breath away. I only wish we had gotten to enjoy Hope and Alec together a little longer. What frustrated me the most was spending so much time watching Hope and Alec working toward their future and then not being able to bask in the happiness with them for longer.
From the very beginning, the book is emotional, and it pulled at my heartstrings. The blurb warned me about what I was getting into so I shouldn’t complain. I did feel empathy towards the heroine, but it gradually faded as I struggled to get on board with her loyalty to a friend who didn’t deserve her. The friendship seemed one-sided and I didn’t find there was enough backstory to show us why they were lifelong friends. Hope put her happiness and future on the backburner and her reasonings flew out the window for me since I had to wonder time and time again why she was so loyal to Lucy.
Almost Never is a wonderfully emotional read for anyone who enjoys young love. Melissa Toppen is an amazing author and all of her books are worthy of your time.
Alec is wonderful and patient—a romantic at heart. His love for Hope was beautiful and his pain gutted me. Their journey was heart-breaking. I can’t say I understand why or how he had so much faith in their relationship, but Hope was a very lucky lady. Melissa Toppen did an amazing job with the ending of this book. She basically took my breath away. I only wish we had gotten to enjoy Hope and Alec together a little longer. What frustrated me the most was spending so much time watching Hope and Alec working toward their future and then not being able to bask in the happiness with them for longer.
From the very beginning, the book is emotional, and it pulled at my heartstrings. The blurb warned me about what I was getting into so I shouldn’t complain. I did feel empathy towards the heroine, but it gradually faded as I struggled to get on board with her loyalty to a friend who didn’t deserve her. The friendship seemed one-sided and I didn’t find there was enough backstory to show us why they were lifelong friends. Hope put her happiness and future on the backburner and her reasonings flew out the window for me since I had to wonder time and time again why she was so loyal to Lucy.
Almost Never is a wonderfully emotional read for anyone who enjoys young love. Melissa Toppen is an amazing author and all of her books are worthy of your time.
July 7, 2020
3.5 “insatiable” stars
Friends to Lovers is one trope I enjoy but rarely read, and YA is one genre that I hardly explore. Somehow I find myself doing both with “Almost Never.” How Ironic!
I was hoping for more of a love triangle, unfortunately it lack what I desired but still kept me glued till the end. What fell short was the passion and the butterflies it drastically needed. Miss opportunities is what this book boiled down to. Hope and Alec could of been, but instead they allowed others to stand in the way of their happiness. It took Hope and her spineless doormat six years to realize her love for Alec came first over her best friend’s petty happiness. Thank goodness, Alec resolve was like no other. It was his happiness that kept me pinned to the pages...I needed Alec to get his HEA.
“You could say that everything turned out exactly as it was meant to. The road here wasn’t easy, but in the end it was all worth it.”
Friends to Lovers is one trope I enjoy but rarely read, and YA is one genre that I hardly explore. Somehow I find myself doing both with “Almost Never.” How Ironic!
I was hoping for more of a love triangle, unfortunately it lack what I desired but still kept me glued till the end. What fell short was the passion and the butterflies it drastically needed. Miss opportunities is what this book boiled down to. Hope and Alec could of been, but instead they allowed others to stand in the way of their happiness. It took Hope and her spineless doormat six years to realize her love for Alec came first over her best friend’s petty happiness. Thank goodness, Alec resolve was like no other. It was his happiness that kept me pinned to the pages...I needed Alec to get his HEA.
“You could say that everything turned out exactly as it was meant to. The road here wasn’t easy, but in the end it was all worth it.”
April 5, 2020
Let me start off by saying that I have read some of Melissa's other work and this just didn't have that spark as some of her others had. I didn't find myself loving these characters. They felt childish and repetitive. Don't get me wrong, I loved the concept. The friends to lovers story and the female friendship that Hope wanted to protect so much. I did relate to that aspect of the book - having a best friend that always made you fade into the background. However, what annoyed me to no end was her defending Lucy all of the time even when she was treated like dirt.
I did enjoy that we were able to see Lucy, Hope, and Alec throughout the year. It did help to develop the story and show the progression throughout the years.
All in all, this was a nice story to read in an afternoon. I just missed a spark I was looking for. Oh, and I will mention that I absolutely love the cover of this book. I loved the colors and the formatting of it all. It does draw you in.
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #arc #review #bookreview #comingsoon #bookaddict #booklover #reading #avidreader
I did enjoy that we were able to see Lucy, Hope, and Alec throughout the year. It did help to develop the story and show the progression throughout the years.
All in all, this was a nice story to read in an afternoon. I just missed a spark I was looking for. Oh, and I will mention that I absolutely love the cover of this book. I loved the colors and the formatting of it all. It does draw you in.
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #arc #review #bookreview #comingsoon #bookaddict #booklover #reading #avidreader
October 2, 2022
Es un 3.5
Desde que lo comencé a leer tenía el problema de por qué hay dos adultos en la portada si el libro es sobre adolescentes, pero fui avanzando y me di cuenta que pasan varios años a lo largo del libro.
Estuvo bien, sin infidelidad, con un poco de drama pero es bastante olvidable.
No más “y si” y “podría haber sido”. No más “casi”. No más “nunca”.
No importa si nos hundimos o nadamos. Lo único que importa es que lo hagamos juntos.
Desde que lo comencé a leer tenía el problema de por qué hay dos adultos en la portada si el libro es sobre adolescentes, pero fui avanzando y me di cuenta que pasan varios años a lo largo del libro.
Estuvo bien, sin infidelidad, con un poco de drama pero es bastante olvidable.
No más “y si” y “podría haber sido”. No más “casi”. No más “nunca”.
No importa si nos hundimos o nadamos. Lo único que importa es que lo hagamos juntos.
May 1, 2020
Almost Never is a friends to lovers/ best friend’s ex story that follows Hope and Alec through their journey across several years. Hope and Alec are both very likeable characters, and all the characters had good development across the story. I would have liked to see Hope have more backbone and I would have liked to punch Lucy in the teeth. Seriously though, there were points where my heart broke for Hope as she found herself in a very prickly situation. I found myself invested in how the story was going to turn out and I would definitely read more books by this author.
~Lauren💜
~Lauren💜
May 6, 2020
Almost Never by Melissa Toppen was fantastic! I loved this one by Melissa Toppen, dare I say tied for first place for best books of hers that I’ve read. The chemistry between the leads was written so well. Well done!!
April 20, 2020
It's been a while since I picked up a book by this author but this one totally caught my eye with the cover, the title and the synopsis. I just could not say no to read this book.
I loved the dynamic of it all. It gutted me to see that Hope had to witness her best friend fall in love with the boy that she crushed on. As time passed Hope saw herself falling more and more in love with Alec because he wasn't just cute, gentle, nice and sexy but he had a way with both Hope and Lulu. For some reason though it seemed like Lulu caught his eye first and all hopes fell for Hope. But she was content and happy to be his friend and she managed to snag the "best friend" title as well.
I sat in my chair just wondering how a girl like Hope could let her best friend always jump first and Hope would allow it. For everything that Hope wanted or would manage to succeed in getting, Lulu always managed to one-up her and Hope would just stand back and let her. I get it, Hope was all about making everyone else happy before making herself happy but come on. There has to be a point where you need to stand your ground and say enough is enough.
So many obstacles got in the way of Hope and Alec making it work between them. But Alec wasn't one to give up and he worked so hard to make it happen one way or another. It may have taken them longer than they wished but the ending did give me some butterflies in my tummy because Hope and Alec were the cutest thing ever together.
Like another reader stated in her review, I did wish there was more of Alec and Hope in the book, but overall I did love this book and I found myself glued to each page until I finished it in one sitting.
Melissa Toppen, good job on this one. What a way to break a girls heart though!
4.5 Stars
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I loved the dynamic of it all. It gutted me to see that Hope had to witness her best friend fall in love with the boy that she crushed on. As time passed Hope saw herself falling more and more in love with Alec because he wasn't just cute, gentle, nice and sexy but he had a way with both Hope and Lulu. For some reason though it seemed like Lulu caught his eye first and all hopes fell for Hope. But she was content and happy to be his friend and she managed to snag the "best friend" title as well.
I sat in my chair just wondering how a girl like Hope could let her best friend always jump first and Hope would allow it. For everything that Hope wanted or would manage to succeed in getting, Lulu always managed to one-up her and Hope would just stand back and let her. I get it, Hope was all about making everyone else happy before making herself happy but come on. There has to be a point where you need to stand your ground and say enough is enough.
So many obstacles got in the way of Hope and Alec making it work between them. But Alec wasn't one to give up and he worked so hard to make it happen one way or another. It may have taken them longer than they wished but the ending did give me some butterflies in my tummy because Hope and Alec were the cutest thing ever together.
Like another reader stated in her review, I did wish there was more of Alec and Hope in the book, but overall I did love this book and I found myself glued to each page until I finished it in one sitting.
Melissa Toppen, good job on this one. What a way to break a girls heart though!
4.5 Stars
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
April 30, 2020
I received a complimentary ARC - early release copy of this book in Kindle format from the author for review purposes.
I had previously read this author and loved it and so when I heard she had a new book I couldn't wait to read it. I was a little disappointed with this story. It was very different than I expected.
Firstly it was very young. The characters for the first part (yes this book had 5 parts) are in high school for two whole years. And well it features three main characters, Lucy, Hope, and Alec.
Alec is the boy and Hope is in love with him and she never has the courage to confront that. Lucy loves Alec too and she loves him very openly. At times I loved Lucy and hated her. The one I felt was very juvenile was Hope and at times I wanted to throw things at her. She loves Alec but she never has the courage to really fall for him and it was very frustrating.
Alec was the character I loved. He picks the wrong girl because the girl he really likes, doesn't seem to be into him. And years later when he realizes his error, he wants to do something about it, and he is willing to do almost anything, Hope won't give him the time of day because of Lucy.
The story follows them for two years of high school and then we see them over the next 4 years as Alec tries to get Hope to give him a shot and Hope uses Lucy as an excuse every freaking time. I kinda really hated Hope by close to the end but I loved Alec. In fact he was the only good part of this story.
If you like high school romance where the hero chases the girl then this is the story for you. But I wanted to throw my book across the room a few times at Hope.
I had previously read this author and loved it and so when I heard she had a new book I couldn't wait to read it. I was a little disappointed with this story. It was very different than I expected.
Firstly it was very young. The characters for the first part (yes this book had 5 parts) are in high school for two whole years. And well it features three main characters, Lucy, Hope, and Alec.
Alec is the boy and Hope is in love with him and she never has the courage to confront that. Lucy loves Alec too and she loves him very openly. At times I loved Lucy and hated her. The one I felt was very juvenile was Hope and at times I wanted to throw things at her. She loves Alec but she never has the courage to really fall for him and it was very frustrating.
Alec was the character I loved. He picks the wrong girl because the girl he really likes, doesn't seem to be into him. And years later when he realizes his error, he wants to do something about it, and he is willing to do almost anything, Hope won't give him the time of day because of Lucy.
The story follows them for two years of high school and then we see them over the next 4 years as Alec tries to get Hope to give him a shot and Hope uses Lucy as an excuse every freaking time. I kinda really hated Hope by close to the end but I loved Alec. In fact he was the only good part of this story.
If you like high school romance where the hero chases the girl then this is the story for you. But I wanted to throw my book across the room a few times at Hope.
May 1, 2020
From the first time that Hope crashed into Alec, literally, she knew that he was special but didn’t know how to let him know that and before she could her best friend Lucy had her eyes set on him and all her romantic ideas came to end. Instead she would have to be content with having him as her best friend and she would write all her feelings down on paper and no one would ever know, right?
When Alec finally realizes how Hope feels about him he wants them to be together but their lives are heading in different directions and Hope is conflicted by her loyalty to Lucy. During the next four years their lives intersect sporadically but will it ever be the right time and place?
This is an emotional story about an enduring love that neither emotional or physical distance can destroy. Their journey is filled with angst as they try to handle not only the obstacles that life throws at them but the ones that they allow to stand between them as well.
When Alec finally realizes how Hope feels about him he wants them to be together but their lives are heading in different directions and Hope is conflicted by her loyalty to Lucy. During the next four years their lives intersect sporadically but will it ever be the right time and place?
This is an emotional story about an enduring love that neither emotional or physical distance can destroy. Their journey is filled with angst as they try to handle not only the obstacles that life throws at them but the ones that they allow to stand between them as well.
May 6, 2020
Another Melissa Toppen book that brings all the feels! I loved both Alec and Hope, and my heart went out to Hope when it came to her feelings for Alec; she's definitely the bigger person when it came to her "friendship" with Lucy; I am NOT a fan of Lucy and how she treated Hope. The friendship that developed between Alec and Hope was special and beautiful, even though Hope had to bury her true feelings for Alec over the years. I couldn't wait to see how things would turn out for them, if they would actually get it together regarding the feelings they had for each other.
April 5, 2020
Im blown away! This may be my favorite Book by Melissa to date. When friendships are tested and hearts are put on the line. I absolutely loved this book. I loved every moment.
I cried big fat ugly tears. This book was so beautifully written
I’m still in awe. Hope and Alec broke my heart. Their journey was beautiful and tragic at the same time. Stolen moments, goodbyes, the waiting, the right from wrong. Tested friendships. Broken hearts. It was all so sad but all so beautiful. I couldn’t put it down. I cheered. I yelled, I swore my face off and I cried. For me this was a story of love and what others are willing to do for it.
I cried big fat ugly tears. This book was so beautifully written
I’m still in awe. Hope and Alec broke my heart. Their journey was beautiful and tragic at the same time. Stolen moments, goodbyes, the waiting, the right from wrong. Tested friendships. Broken hearts. It was all so sad but all so beautiful. I couldn’t put it down. I cheered. I yelled, I swore my face off and I cried. For me this was a story of love and what others are willing to do for it.
May 1, 2020
Awesome read! So many missed opportunities. Wow! I couldn’t put it down I read it straight through. Alec loved Hope from the first time they met. Beautifully written. Loved it.
Read
May 14, 2020DNF
May 26, 2020
Grow a pair.
January 11, 2023
the cover is sooo misleading, no one would believe me if i tell them this is a sweet innocent romance. and god the time skips??? but i do like it
anyways the moral of the story:
1. Get with your best friend's bf
2. wait MANY years
3. draw it sooooo long that its an unbelievably slow burn
anyways the moral of the story:
1. Get with your best friend's bf
2. wait MANY years
3. draw it sooooo long that its an unbelievably slow burn
May 1, 2020
Between Hope and her best friend Lucy aka Lulu, she blends into the background. Lulu is the popular, more dominant friend. One day, Hope bumps into a new student, Alec and she's quickly enamored, also feels a pull to him, but like always, feels second best once anyone meets Lucy. Sparks fly between Lucy and Alec, and because they both don't know her feelings, she's punished to watch.
Its quite agonizing seeing this in Hope's POV. Watching them, being around them. Gah, my heart, I felt it all. The guy you love with all your heart, but you absolutely can't have. This book spans junior year to their mid 20s. The obstacles that they have to go through to get to the HEA, its a whirl, but I love how much they love each other once they professed it. Their connection, their chemistry, so unique, so loving. I really enjoyed their story, you have to get through the ugly before the pretty. They deserved all their happiness.
Its quite agonizing seeing this in Hope's POV. Watching them, being around them. Gah, my heart, I felt it all. The guy you love with all your heart, but you absolutely can't have. This book spans junior year to their mid 20s. The obstacles that they have to go through to get to the HEA, its a whirl, but I love how much they love each other once they professed it. Their connection, their chemistry, so unique, so loving. I really enjoyed their story, you have to get through the ugly before the pretty. They deserved all their happiness.
May 1, 2020
I’m not sure how to review this story. It was a cute friends to lovers but I was annoyed most of the book. I maybe think because it was a lot different then what I thought it would be. It had a YA/clean undertone to it most of the book and that had me struggling. Lost of time jumps and it just didn’t feel like the characters really even got to know each other. In other words, not a ton of relationship/friendship, not character building. It was a cute read and I was able to power through it, but it’s not one that will leave an impact. 3 stars #2OCCJD
April 30, 2020
Almost Never reminded me so much of A Love Letter To Whiskey, which is one of my all-time angsty favorites when it comes to never getting the timing right. From the moment Alec and Hope meet to the moment they finally, FINALLY, get together, Almost Never spans six years, told in multiple parts through the POV of both characters.
The hurt and angst that Hope feels in the beginning of the book is palpable. She's stuck in an impossible position as her best guy friend Alec dates other best friend, Lucy. Even though Hope met Alec first, pretty, popular Lucy swooped in to claim the guy, leaving Hope firmly in the friend zone. She pours her heart out to Alec in a letter she never intends for him to find -- and when it does, it changes everything between them and yet changes nothing at all. Even though Alec and Lucy are no longer together, Hope refuses to betray her best friend by acting on the feelings and pull that is so strong between she and Alec.
Over the next few years, Alec and Hope don't really see much of one another as they go their own ways for college, but the draw between them and feelings they have for one another are as strong as ever when he randomly shows up at her dorm room one day. Still, the timing is not right and Hope cuts Alec out. A year later, the timing is still not right as she's off to train under a chef in Italy. Meanwhile, Alec, an aspiring writer, releases a serial that shows Hope, Lucy and everyone else just how much Hope means to him. And still, Hope is hesitant to do what will make her happy. Even as she was trying to protect Lucy's heart all these years, she'd broken Alec's to pieces. Eventually, finally, Alec takes matters into his own hands and decides that there's nothing stopping them from being together but themselves.
So... I loved Hope. Even though she was a doormat when it came to Lucy, I loved how fiercely loyal she was, and how she put her own happiness aside in favor of not betraying her best friend. Alec was a great guy. Even when he got drunk and word vomited to Lucy, he was trying to do the right thing for him and Hope. I really disliked Lucy. She treated Hope horribly, and was just a selfish person. Even when Lucy was the one to point Hope in the direction of Alec's serial, I still didn't think she was redeemed for being such a shrew.
In the end, Almost Never was a angsty YA book that I enjoyed very much. This is the first book I've read by Melissa Toppen, and I will be definitely checking out her backlist! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
The hurt and angst that Hope feels in the beginning of the book is palpable. She's stuck in an impossible position as her best guy friend Alec dates other best friend, Lucy. Even though Hope met Alec first, pretty, popular Lucy swooped in to claim the guy, leaving Hope firmly in the friend zone. She pours her heart out to Alec in a letter she never intends for him to find -- and when it does, it changes everything between them and yet changes nothing at all. Even though Alec and Lucy are no longer together, Hope refuses to betray her best friend by acting on the feelings and pull that is so strong between she and Alec.
Over the next few years, Alec and Hope don't really see much of one another as they go their own ways for college, but the draw between them and feelings they have for one another are as strong as ever when he randomly shows up at her dorm room one day. Still, the timing is not right and Hope cuts Alec out. A year later, the timing is still not right as she's off to train under a chef in Italy. Meanwhile, Alec, an aspiring writer, releases a serial that shows Hope, Lucy and everyone else just how much Hope means to him. And still, Hope is hesitant to do what will make her happy. Even as she was trying to protect Lucy's heart all these years, she'd broken Alec's to pieces. Eventually, finally, Alec takes matters into his own hands and decides that there's nothing stopping them from being together but themselves.
So... I loved Hope. Even though she was a doormat when it came to Lucy, I loved how fiercely loyal she was, and how she put her own happiness aside in favor of not betraying her best friend. Alec was a great guy. Even when he got drunk and word vomited to Lucy, he was trying to do the right thing for him and Hope. I really disliked Lucy. She treated Hope horribly, and was just a selfish person. Even when Lucy was the one to point Hope in the direction of Alec's serial, I still didn't think she was redeemed for being such a shrew.
In the end, Almost Never was a angsty YA book that I enjoyed very much. This is the first book I've read by Melissa Toppen, and I will be definitely checking out her backlist! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
January 29, 2025
«Sé que dices que no podemos estar juntos, pero no estoy de acuerdo. Tal vez no hoy. Tal vez no mañana. Pero algún día. Algún día serás mía y yo seré tuyo y todo estará bien en el mundo.
Espérame...
Con todo mi amor,
Alec.»
Tengo que empezar diciendo que aunque Alec le dijo a Hope que la esperara quien realmente espero aquí fue el a ella. El amor que sentí por este libro? No es normal, sonreía muy fácil y creo que el único “problema” fue el tiempo y la amiga. Y tengo que decir que odio a Lucy, me vale si al final cambió la odio mucho, es una persona envidiosa. O sea ella presumía que Hope era su mejor amiga pero no sabía nada de ella, me encantó cuando Alec le dijo que siempre quería ser la número uno y mejor que Hope porque ya era hora, no me agra y nunca lo va a ser es mala amiga y punto.
Regresando a Alec y Hope en serio no hay palabras, que haya sido narrado por los dos y ver como la historia que estaba escribiendo Alec era su historia con el amor de su vida me encantó. Me recordó mucho a uno de mis libros favoritos en la vida y me hizo sentir bonito. Creo que este año solo he empezado con libros realmente bellos sin tanto drama y problemas (que amo y puede que extrañe) pero ver un amor bonito que fue madurando con los años a pesar de todo, entendía completamente a Hope cuando no expresaba sus emociones pero ver como Alec siempre estaba ahí y le decía que la iba a esperar el tiempo que fuera necesario e iría a donde ella estuviera y cuando se enteró que regresó de Italia manejó 17 horas para decirle que la amaba y que quería estar con ella.
«—Para que lo sepas… —Acaricio su rostro y dejo caer mi frente sobre la suya—. Todo lo que escribiste en esa carta era cierto para mí también. Estoy enamorado de ti, Hope. Siempre lo he estado. Probablemente siempre lo estaré.
— Solo pienso en ti, Hope. Sé que dijimos que no podíamos hacer esto, pero quiero hacerlo. Te quiero a ti. Siempre te he querido.»
«—Sí que puedo. Porque te miro y lo sé, Hope Russell. Lo sé en lo más profundo de mis entrañas, tú lo eres todo para mí. —Estiro la mano y acaricio su rostro, dejando caer mi frente sobre la suya—. Y esperaré toda una vida si eso es lo que tengo que hacer. —Le doy un suave beso en la boca. La sensación de sus labios contra los míos después de tanto tiempo me infunde vida en el alma.»
En fin, necesito hablar con alguien que también haya leído el libro.
Espérame...
Con todo mi amor,
Alec.»
Tengo que empezar diciendo que aunque Alec le dijo a Hope que la esperara quien realmente espero aquí fue el a ella. El amor que sentí por este libro? No es normal, sonreía muy fácil y creo que el único “problema” fue el tiempo y la amiga. Y tengo que decir que odio a Lucy, me vale si al final cambió la odio mucho, es una persona envidiosa. O sea ella presumía que Hope era su mejor amiga pero no sabía nada de ella, me encantó cuando Alec le dijo que siempre quería ser la número uno y mejor que Hope porque ya era hora, no me agra y nunca lo va a ser es mala amiga y punto.
Regresando a Alec y Hope en serio no hay palabras, que haya sido narrado por los dos y ver como la historia que estaba escribiendo Alec era su historia con el amor de su vida me encantó. Me recordó mucho a uno de mis libros favoritos en la vida y me hizo sentir bonito. Creo que este año solo he empezado con libros realmente bellos sin tanto drama y problemas (que amo y puede que extrañe) pero ver un amor bonito que fue madurando con los años a pesar de todo, entendía completamente a Hope cuando no expresaba sus emociones pero ver como Alec siempre estaba ahí y le decía que la iba a esperar el tiempo que fuera necesario e iría a donde ella estuviera y cuando se enteró que regresó de Italia manejó 17 horas para decirle que la amaba y que quería estar con ella.
«—Para que lo sepas… —Acaricio su rostro y dejo caer mi frente sobre la suya—. Todo lo que escribiste en esa carta era cierto para mí también. Estoy enamorado de ti, Hope. Siempre lo he estado. Probablemente siempre lo estaré.
— Solo pienso en ti, Hope. Sé que dijimos que no podíamos hacer esto, pero quiero hacerlo. Te quiero a ti. Siempre te he querido.»
«—Sí que puedo. Porque te miro y lo sé, Hope Russell. Lo sé en lo más profundo de mis entrañas, tú lo eres todo para mí. —Estiro la mano y acaricio su rostro, dejando caer mi frente sobre la suya—. Y esperaré toda una vida si eso es lo que tengo que hacer. —Le doy un suave beso en la boca. La sensación de sus labios contra los míos después de tanto tiempo me infunde vida en el alma.»
En fin, necesito hablar con alguien que también haya leído el libro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
A well written sweet story.. but yeah I guess this isn't my kind of book to go to.. I like friends to lovers trope but not so much I think.. I guess if at times, I feel like delving books from this kind of trope, I more likely would pick an unrequited love coming from a hero not from a heroine.. maybe because I prefer more the hero chasing the heroine.. I like my main characters especially my heroines to be a bit assertive too and go for what they want.. I'm not saying they go around seducing heroes or steal somebody's boyfiend but assert their needs and rights as long as they think they don't really walk on other people or intentionally hurt them.. 'cause I believe that if you want something in life or rather love someone, and if there's nothing to hinder you so much but you and a bit of scruples, I'll say go for it.. as long as you don't go crossing lines.. better to risk than live a life full of regrets.
The thing is, this isn't about a one sided love story.. this is in fact about a frustrating self sacrificing heroine who foolishly believes she'll sacrifice her wants and picks friendship over happiness with the love of her life, just because of a misplaced belief that she wouldn't want to hurt her best friend, an ex of the hero.. despite said best friend wasn't so deserving.. she had met the hero first, loved him secretly through highschool then through the years.. despite hero returning her love tenfold, she chose to complicate things and in my opinion, wasn't even worth his love in the end.
I'm okay with this heroine at first, a good loyal friend.. but she bored and frustrated me later on.. I could understand respect and loyalty but upto a certain point.. she needed to respect and love herself more to be worthy of these things in return.
The book itself like I said, is well written but a bit bland and lacking for me.. maybe because of the time jumps thus failing to project more connection between the main characters.. or maybe I've just been reading some dark alpha hero romances lately, so another reason I guess.. my first book of the author so I wouldn't judge the style yet.. I'll stick with this one.. and I'd say she's good.
I don't need descriptive coupling in my books, but I need an oozing chemistry between my protagonists.. I need to feel the passion and depth of the emotions coming off the pages.. and I had somehow felt this a li'l and hoped for more, when the hero discovered heroine's letter.. but sadly..
I don't always need an alpha hero either.. in fact this hero is refreshing and unassuming but kind of weak for my taste.. I like my heroes who know what they want and go for it.. heroes fighting for their heroines relentlessly, even from the beginning, and not wait for any signs to make their moves.
This hero disappointed me a good deal when he asked, why didn't the heroine tell him of her feelings..WHY DIDN'T HE THOUGH?.. why go for the next pretty thing that comes along in a matter of hours, days I guess?.. to assume a girl isn't interested because she isn't batting her eyelashes, and you don't make a move despite being interested yourself, is a poor lame excuse.. oh well, I'll just blame it then to his being so young and feeble and according to him a pussy.. and yes we're talking of a teenage boy here who had yet to find his way with regard to relationships.. and most often than not, a flattered ego and a raging teenage hormone, lead the way.
Most men especially boys his age navigate through life when it comes to girls, using their lower heads😛.. I must admit in reality nowadays, boys do go for more aggressive women/girls who show interest first.. well aside from the fact it's a real boost to their ever present egos, they won't do much of the chasing.. especially if said girls are gorgeous and go for what they want.. just by mere flirtatious looks could set the ball rolling.. not that I'm saying this holds true in all cases because eventually some men as they forge along in life, do seek deeper lasting connections.. and relationships based on mere physical attraction sadly don't last for very long in most cases, without the actual truer solid foundation of deeper relationship values.. and true to form, this hero after more than a year realized that.. but that's the sad part.. it took him longer, a bit late.. coupled with a righteous selfless frustrating heroine.. well this premise makes up this story anyway, so it is how it is.
So mentioning such reasons above was why I wasn't convinced of hero's confession of his real feelings.. it didn't add up to me.. if it was true that the hero was really feeling more for the heroine even from the start, a gesture, a look, could have settled the score.. he could have showed more his interest or maybe tried to get to know her better.. waited a li'l longer.. why expect for her to do that?.. but the way he was described in the book, he only had eyes for the other girl after assuming that the heroine had no interest.. and asked her to be his girlfriend in a matter of weeks.. so how are his true deeper feelings here for the heroine being justified from the get go? when there were no indications or instances he showed her anything more, other than a friendly affection.. well not until he read the letter.. so yeah like I said, boys will be boys😛.
So I guess how I wanted this story to unfold isn't how this story is meant to be written and that's so okay.. after all, the author is the puppeteer of her own show.. I laud the hero though, for his persevering love for an undeseving heroine.. I didn't like the fact though, that they both chose to just let years pass them by, not really fighting for what they truly ought to fight for.. each other.. for a "what could have been", well not until the final pages.. both characters disappointed me.. the heroine more, no matter how righteous her reasons are.. because of her ridiculous, well in my opinion solvable issues, and for the hero to just go along.. for me, if after explaining the whole situation to your best friend and still she couldn't understand, then she wasn't really your friend after all.. and said best friend was the hero's ex my goodness.. "ex" meaning finished.. done.. past.. heroine was making this a big deal as if the two were still together.. and the other issue?.. come on.. it wasn't even an issue, if two people want to be together.. as if there aren't couples with the same situations and they make it work.. relationships survived not too long ago by just writing letters.. how much more now.. and if I were the hero, I'd choose to move on.. a heroine who wasn't willing to fight for him wasn't worth it.. after all this is a romance fiction.. on the other hand, I think they deserved each other, considering she had gone through a lot of hurt too, because of his choice.. and they both chose somebody who wasn't even that deserving like I said.
Surprisingly I got invested in the story.. hero's POV was quite engaging.. and the writing style is light and easy to read.. a nice, sweet, nicely written interesting book if I may say.. I went for this one 'cause I liked the premise.. this has got a lot of potential, but yeah it's the author's right to tell her own story and I respect that.
The thing is, this isn't about a one sided love story.. this is in fact about a frustrating self sacrificing heroine who foolishly believes she'll sacrifice her wants and picks friendship over happiness with the love of her life, just because of a misplaced belief that she wouldn't want to hurt her best friend, an ex of the hero.. despite said best friend wasn't so deserving.. she had met the hero first, loved him secretly through highschool then through the years.. despite hero returning her love tenfold, she chose to complicate things and in my opinion, wasn't even worth his love in the end.
I'm okay with this heroine at first, a good loyal friend.. but she bored and frustrated me later on.. I could understand respect and loyalty but upto a certain point.. she needed to respect and love herself more to be worthy of these things in return.
The book itself like I said, is well written but a bit bland and lacking for me.. maybe because of the time jumps thus failing to project more connection between the main characters.. or maybe I've just been reading some dark alpha hero romances lately, so another reason I guess.. my first book of the author so I wouldn't judge the style yet.. I'll stick with this one.. and I'd say she's good.
I don't need descriptive coupling in my books, but I need an oozing chemistry between my protagonists.. I need to feel the passion and depth of the emotions coming off the pages.. and I had somehow felt this a li'l and hoped for more, when the hero discovered heroine's letter.. but sadly..
I don't always need an alpha hero either.. in fact this hero is refreshing and unassuming but kind of weak for my taste.. I like my heroes who know what they want and go for it.. heroes fighting for their heroines relentlessly, even from the beginning, and not wait for any signs to make their moves.
This hero disappointed me a good deal when he asked, why didn't the heroine tell him of her feelings..WHY DIDN'T HE THOUGH?.. why go for the next pretty thing that comes along in a matter of hours, days I guess?.. to assume a girl isn't interested because she isn't batting her eyelashes, and you don't make a move despite being interested yourself, is a poor lame excuse.. oh well, I'll just blame it then to his being so young and feeble and according to him a pussy.. and yes we're talking of a teenage boy here who had yet to find his way with regard to relationships.. and most often than not, a flattered ego and a raging teenage hormone, lead the way.
Most men especially boys his age navigate through life when it comes to girls, using their lower heads😛.. I must admit in reality nowadays, boys do go for more aggressive women/girls who show interest first.. well aside from the fact it's a real boost to their ever present egos, they won't do much of the chasing.. especially if said girls are gorgeous and go for what they want.. just by mere flirtatious looks could set the ball rolling.. not that I'm saying this holds true in all cases because eventually some men as they forge along in life, do seek deeper lasting connections.. and relationships based on mere physical attraction sadly don't last for very long in most cases, without the actual truer solid foundation of deeper relationship values.. and true to form, this hero after more than a year realized that.. but that's the sad part.. it took him longer, a bit late.. coupled with a righteous selfless frustrating heroine.. well this premise makes up this story anyway, so it is how it is.
So mentioning such reasons above was why I wasn't convinced of hero's confession of his real feelings.. it didn't add up to me.. if it was true that the hero was really feeling more for the heroine even from the start, a gesture, a look, could have settled the score.. he could have showed more his interest or maybe tried to get to know her better.. waited a li'l longer.. why expect for her to do that?.. but the way he was described in the book, he only had eyes for the other girl after assuming that the heroine had no interest.. and asked her to be his girlfriend in a matter of weeks.. so how are his true deeper feelings here for the heroine being justified from the get go? when there were no indications or instances he showed her anything more, other than a friendly affection.. well not until he read the letter.. so yeah like I said, boys will be boys😛.
So I guess how I wanted this story to unfold isn't how this story is meant to be written and that's so okay.. after all, the author is the puppeteer of her own show.. I laud the hero though, for his persevering love for an undeseving heroine.. I didn't like the fact though, that they both chose to just let years pass them by, not really fighting for what they truly ought to fight for.. each other.. for a "what could have been", well not until the final pages.. both characters disappointed me.. the heroine more, no matter how righteous her reasons are.. because of her ridiculous, well in my opinion solvable issues, and for the hero to just go along.. for me, if after explaining the whole situation to your best friend and still she couldn't understand, then she wasn't really your friend after all.. and said best friend was the hero's ex my goodness.. "ex" meaning finished.. done.. past.. heroine was making this a big deal as if the two were still together.. and the other issue?.. come on.. it wasn't even an issue, if two people want to be together.. as if there aren't couples with the same situations and they make it work.. relationships survived not too long ago by just writing letters.. how much more now.. and if I were the hero, I'd choose to move on.. a heroine who wasn't willing to fight for him wasn't worth it.. after all this is a romance fiction.. on the other hand, I think they deserved each other, considering she had gone through a lot of hurt too, because of his choice.. and they both chose somebody who wasn't even that deserving like I said.
Surprisingly I got invested in the story.. hero's POV was quite engaging.. and the writing style is light and easy to read.. a nice, sweet, nicely written interesting book if I may say.. I went for this one 'cause I liked the premise.. this has got a lot of potential, but yeah it's the author's right to tell her own story and I respect that.
April 30, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
Alec Murray. He was the one. From the first moment I saw him, I knew. I had never been more certain of anything in my sixteen years on this earth. But Alec didn't notice me. At least not in the way that I wanted him to. He noticed my best friend instead. I stood by and watched their relationship blossom. An outsider looking in, wishing things were different. Torn between my loyalty to my best friend and the boy who had unknowingly stolen my heart. Weighted by feelings I could never express out loud, I wrote them all down. Every thought. Every feeling. I poured them all into a letter. A letter he was never meant to read. Only that's exactly what he did. He read it. Every single word. But by then it was too late. Even if he was no longer dating my best friend. Even if I was more in love with him than ever.He was leaving. I was leaving. And there was nothing either of us could do to change it. Alec Murray was my almost fairytale. The happy ending I swore I'd never get. But our story is far from over.
This is a coming of age friends to lovers romance and the couple starts out young. I guess maybe I have forgotten how childish you can by when you are that young but something about it just didn't click with me with these characters and I missed having that connection with the characters. That is what kept this from being a five star read for me. I wasn't feeling it. But the story was good enough that I kept on reading till the very end. It is driving me crazy and I can not figure out why I couldn't connect with them but I couldn't. But they did have a sweet story to tell and it did keep me reading to figure out what would happen and if they would ever make it.
Alec Murray. He was the one. From the first moment I saw him, I knew. I had never been more certain of anything in my sixteen years on this earth. But Alec didn't notice me. At least not in the way that I wanted him to. He noticed my best friend instead. I stood by and watched their relationship blossom. An outsider looking in, wishing things were different. Torn between my loyalty to my best friend and the boy who had unknowingly stolen my heart. Weighted by feelings I could never express out loud, I wrote them all down. Every thought. Every feeling. I poured them all into a letter. A letter he was never meant to read. Only that's exactly what he did. He read it. Every single word. But by then it was too late. Even if he was no longer dating my best friend. Even if I was more in love with him than ever.He was leaving. I was leaving. And there was nothing either of us could do to change it. Alec Murray was my almost fairytale. The happy ending I swore I'd never get. But our story is far from over.
This is a coming of age friends to lovers romance and the couple starts out young. I guess maybe I have forgotten how childish you can by when you are that young but something about it just didn't click with me with these characters and I missed having that connection with the characters. That is what kept this from being a five star read for me. I wasn't feeling it. But the story was good enough that I kept on reading till the very end. It is driving me crazy and I can not figure out why I couldn't connect with them but I couldn't. But they did have a sweet story to tell and it did keep me reading to figure out what would happen and if they would ever make it.
May 1, 2020
I really wanted to love this book since I absolutely adore this author, but I really struggled reading this. I just felt like this was missing thay usual spark or oomph that makes Melissa's books so powerful. And add the horrible friend aspect, I just wasn't as connected to this book as I would have liked to be.
The premise of this book is what initially drew me in: wanting the boy that you love so desperately, but sacrificing your own happiness because he fell for your best friend instead. Reading the blurb, that gutted me, so I couldn't wait to see how this would all unfold, but I just absolutely hated Lucy. I'm sure we've all had that friend (especially in our high school years) thay seems to outshine you at everything, and is always chosen over you. That embodies Lucy to a T, and I hate how loyal Hope was to her, even when Lucy very clearly treated her like dirt. I understood wanting to hold on to a friendship with someone who used to have your good intentions at heart, but at some point enough has to be enough.
I did love Alec. My heart hurt for him and all he went though trying to get Hope to see that it didn't matter what Lucy or anyone else thought -- that if they wanted to be together, they should just be together. He was so sweet, gentle and kind -- which seems to be a rarity and romance novels these days, so I definitely enjoyed that.
Overall I did enjoy this book, I just coudlnt stand Lucy, so that detracted me from fully being invested in Hope and Alec. I am glad that they got their much deserved happy ever after, though!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
The premise of this book is what initially drew me in: wanting the boy that you love so desperately, but sacrificing your own happiness because he fell for your best friend instead. Reading the blurb, that gutted me, so I couldn't wait to see how this would all unfold, but I just absolutely hated Lucy. I'm sure we've all had that friend (especially in our high school years) thay seems to outshine you at everything, and is always chosen over you. That embodies Lucy to a T, and I hate how loyal Hope was to her, even when Lucy very clearly treated her like dirt. I understood wanting to hold on to a friendship with someone who used to have your good intentions at heart, but at some point enough has to be enough.
I did love Alec. My heart hurt for him and all he went though trying to get Hope to see that it didn't matter what Lucy or anyone else thought -- that if they wanted to be together, they should just be together. He was so sweet, gentle and kind -- which seems to be a rarity and romance novels these days, so I definitely enjoyed that.
Overall I did enjoy this book, I just coudlnt stand Lucy, so that detracted me from fully being invested in Hope and Alec. I am glad that they got their much deserved happy ever after, though!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
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