Through Your Eyes

by Ali Merci

Carmen West likes to paint.Art, she believes, makes up for the lack of light in her. Even if it comes in the form of a boy who carries the sun in his eyes.Asa San Román is afraid his looks are all that he’ll be liked for.He’s reckless, sometimes hotheaded, incredibly passionate and likes to drown him-self in whatever takes the insecurities away. Carmen is satisfied living with her heart under wraps, but then she meets Asa, who wears his on his sleeve—and he reminds her that even after the darkest of nights, comes the breaking of light.Asa is fine with trying to erase parts of his identity, but then she meets Carmen, the girl with midnight hair and thundercloud eyes—who teaches him that beauty doesn’t lie in the colour of his skin, but runs soul-deep instead.Asa and Carmen fall into place beside each other like two halves of a jigsaw puzzle—perfectly into place.But then one of them embarks on a journey of self-love while the other still struggles to admit they have too many open wounds that need healing.And when two people, regardless of the intensity of their feelings, are in complete-ly different points of their lives……is love really enough?

Genres: Romance

612 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2019

Reviews

[Keerthana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to explain this book in one word, it would be.....WOW!! This book is very beautiful and it is definitely a thrill to read. Everything about this book is amazing from the characters, the plot, the poetic style of the author, everything. I cannot stop recommending this to enough people because this book is definitely worth reading. It is worth all the laughs, the tears, the aww moments between characters, and all the feelings that you feel in this emotional roller coaster. Actually every book by this author is definitely worth a read because they all are amazing written and convey important messages in the most poetic and heartbreaking way possible. They all are worth reading and I hope everyone will give this book a chance because you won’t regret it.

[Desti Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Your Eyes is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. This book is brilliant and a true masterpiece. There's a time when I feel like commenting in every line just to say what a good writer she is and how beautiful her writing is.

All thought about wattpad stories being so cliche and lack of diversity not applied for this book. You might think this book starts off cliche, but TYE is far from stereotype. I must say that I love this book beyond words.

Like the author said once before, this book is character-driven rather than plot-driven. I love the way the characters tell their own stories. And this book is one hell of an emotional roller coaster. You gotta love Asa who has a habit of wearing his heart on his sleeve. You gotta love Carmen who always has a smile on her face and not afraid to give a penny of her thought. And maybe you gotta love some characters that you never thought you would like.

All in all, congratulations for being published! This book deserves so much love and appreciation. And you guys should totally read this book, it's worth a read!

[TheShadowchronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you never, ever want to read a Teen Fiction book, good on you. It's one of the worst genres because all it really contains is a bunch of half-baked romances with unrealistic characters in unrealistic scenarios. But for my sake and yours, read this one.

'Through Your Eyes' is one of the most mature and most well-executed Teen Fic books out there. It's a thought-provoking read with some of the loveliest writing. It was a joy to read and I'm thrilled it's receiving the recognition it deserves.

It had everything I could ever want in a Teen Fic novel. An amazing amount of growth; a 'sad past' that isn't used to excuse the characters' actions but to help you, the reader, understand them better; an ordinary looking FMC with the most extraordinary — and inspiring — outlook on life. It's rare that I take something away from a book, or learn something from a book, because they're awfully one-dimensional these days. But Carmen really inspired me to become a better person, and boy do I love her for it.



I'll probably come back and add constructive criticism (like grammar!!) but at the moment I'm too emotional to criticise anything in this book.

Give me a couple of days, would you?

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
0/5 🌶 (kissing/make outs but that’s it)

Tropes:
- young adult (characters are 17)
- bad boy x shy/good girl
- sunshine heroine but secretly depressed
- hispanic hero
- past trauma (heroine)
- soulmates
- beautiful writing
- no cliches
- high school setting
- character driven
- self love/acceptance

POV: third person - dual

Type: stand-alone

This has changed my entire outlook on romance in real life and in literature.

Easily my favorite character driven book ever. I’m usually a plot driven person bc character driven books sometimes bore me but that was so not the case with this 600pg book. I never wanted it to end.

THE WRITING WAS SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL. I have never in my life read anything like this.

This is one of those books that live with you forever. Only one other book has made me feel this way out of hundreds.

I highlighted (in kindle) and tabbed (paperback) sentence after sentence. Phenomenal is the only word to describe this author’s writing.

If you’re ok with no spice (trust me, you won’t need it here), then I highly encourage you to read this book. Plus the cover is simply beautiful.

Not one single complaint. By far my favorite book of 2022.

[bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75/5 ⭐ this is soooooo cute i love asa and carmen so much the cutest fucking couple istg

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/20/2022)! 🎁

[Ta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read This and You won't regret!!
You start the book thinking 'this is probably another cliche teenfiction' but then you keep reading and realize it's definitely not cliche and it's not just a book, it's a journey into the lives of people (flawed people) who each have their own stories, their own thoughts, who grow and evolve right before your very eyes and it also addresses a lot of issues in today's society. It's pure/real/raw emotions all through and I've never read anything quite like it.
It's the kind of book you keep going back to no matter how many times you've read it. It's truly a wonderful/phenomenal/interesting read that has encouraged me to be who I am and not who I'm told to be...
I have a lot to say... to paraphrase:
If you're a parent, you should read this and want your kids to read this
If you're a teenager/tween/adult/human, you should read and recommend to friends
Read it and you'll be happy you did!!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will teach you what self love is ❤ be it Asa or Carmen both are flawed but the way they help eachother to RISE IN LOVE😍
And kid you not but our author is MAGICAL 😘her words nd every sentence in the book will make you fall in love with everything nd will give you a new perspective for life ❤

[Blackwood91 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart feels heavy...I’m so emotional right now...I don’t have words to describe how incredibly happy I am that this book is getting published. TYE is one of my favourite books on Wattpad. It’s written with so much emotion! All the books written by this author simply describes how pure she is like everything is so beautiful and so deep. You guys should read her other books too. They’re all so beautiful❤️
I’ve only read a few paragraphs of the book again and I feel like crying just because I miss them so much 😭😭😭 oh god I love Asa I love Carmen I love your story I love the way you write. God bless you❤️

[Smittens07 · Rating 5 out of 5]

TYE is the kind of book that makes you fall in love with it over and over again
The emotions expressed in this book are so pure, so raw that you'd definitely come back for a re-read, to feel it all over again.
The first time I read this book I was just so mesmerised with the characters.
The second time I was in love with them and the author herself who wrote such beautiful characters.
And I am definitely coming back for more since it is finally being published. Definitely recommended because one you start reading it, you'll wish that you never stop
(All this coming from a person who rarely and I really mean, rarely re-read books)

[TSmithRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best book I have ever read in my life. It has taught me the meaning of real love and REALISTIC relationships. I love how every character, even the bad ones have good.

The writing style was breathtaking. The plot was absolutely delicious. The characters...I love them so much I found myself crying over and with them.

Thanks to this book my standards on what to read have raised 😂

[Divya Srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing but a masterpiece! Words fall short to describe how Ali has beautifully portrayed each character. It is a twist on cliches which is very crucial for today's society. Each and every time I read this I was left with a plethora of emotions. My favourite book after Harry Potter is Through Your Eyes. Please do read this, you will definitely not regret it.

[Pallak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has made me feel all then emotions.


I’ve re read this book atleast 5 times already and this has made me feel better and worse (in the best way possible) each and every time.
Right of the bat, the characters are so unique and full of depth, there is a plot and the romance, don’t even get me started.
I have never read such beautifully written love story, which includes so much depth in beautiful words along with it not being too deep so that the reader does get a minute or two when he/she can get a break and just laugh.

I probably sound crazy but if you’re even slightly into romance (sad romance especially) you MUST READ THIS BOOK. even if you’re not. READ IT.


Out of all the books I’ve read this one is probably my favourite.

I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

💛

[Piyu · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found this story on Wattpad, I'd pegged it to be a cliche romance novel, but as I read on I just fell in love with Asa and Carmen and Hunter and Isla, even the minor/supporting characters like Willa and Wyatt who shaped the story so beautifully. This book has been one of my all time favorites and it's really close to my heart. The characters are extremely relatable— the way they feel, how they think, how they talk and express. The author has done a marvelous job with this book and I really really want more people to read it because it talks about how everyone goes through hell and back and that we aren't alone, that we deserve to accept and love ourselves just the way we are. It's a beautiful book and I really love it <3

[Stephanie Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so heartwarming that it makes you warm inside. When I was done I just wanted more and I cried over it (don't judge). I've never seen anything like these two characters, there love for each other is crazy good. And what made me so stuck on this book was the emotional connection you had with the characters. The pain was almost hard to handle but it was so worth it in the end. It was months ago I finished this book but I remember every moment and you can't ever forget it because It has taken place in my heart. I'm really excited to but this book and not only having it on my phone. It's unreal.

Thank you for making this book.
Please read it because you are not gonna regret it;)

[NatureBlossom123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very poetic and contains the most beautiful blend of words anyone could read. It could put a person in such a whirlwind of emotions, but it’s worth it. The author wrote each line with such compassion that it makes you wish you the amazing ideas she did. It’s truly magnificent and deserves to be read.

[D’Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin with this book! I’m not one for this style of writing but Through Your Eyes was an amazing book. The details, the character development, the plot, etc. All of it was absolutely beautiful Ali Merci did a great job and I hope to some day see this book in store not even kidding. Well done ❤️

[ishika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has always held a special place in my library and is my all-time favourite online book. The author is gifted with a talented and graceful style of writing that genuinely conveys emotions. I have unashamedly laughed and cried with the characters in this book. The author should be so proud of her incredible work, and we're all excited for her to share her work on a professional platform.

[Gabriela (taylor's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I read a more realistic book with actions and words always true to the characters. With so amazing messages and such humane characters (Asa and Carmen). A book which literally destroyed every cliche. My.favorite.book

[Urooj Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talent is something we all crave for. Whether it is in any form. By reading Through Your Eyes, I got a taste of what people meant by "God gifted talent". I am so glad to have the opportunity to read this book again and again which I am going to use to its fullest.

[Shubhi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Your Eyes is a beautifully written, emotionally rich romance that captures the painful beauty in healing and self-discovery. The story follows Carmen, a painter whose art helps illuminate the darkness she feels inside, and Asa, a hotheaded yet vulnerable young man who fears the world only likes him for his looks .

What truly sets this book apart is its lyrical, poetic prose and deeply developed characters. It transcends typical clichés with an authentic, character-driven narrative. One reviewer even said: ‘Easily my favorite character driven book ever… THE WRITING WAS SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL… only one other book has made me feel this way out of hundreds’ .

The novel navigates themes of self-love, acceptance, trauma, and the transformative power of connection—all within a realistic high-school romance. The dual third-person POV allows for emotional depth from both protagonists, making their growth and chemistry feel heartfelt and believable.

If you're in the mood for a romance that’s more than just a pairing—one that lingers in your thoughts and soul long after you finish—it’s an absolute must-read.”

[Mevya · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few books in this world which makes you feel an emotion with every chapter of it. This book is definitely that!!! With every word , every letter , & every line you can feel something, learn something, discover something. Through your eyes has helped me in ways I didn't even know I needed help with.

Asa & Carmen's journey is that journey where you can get lost & fall in love with. & Nothing & nobody can stop you.

I'd recommend this book to everyone, yes EVERYONE!! because ANYONE CAN LEARN SOMETHING..... EVERYONE CAN RELATE TI THSI BOOK AT SOME POINT OR THE OTHER. Ali merci makes you fall in love with her words & her stories so beautifully that it makes you want to fall in love for real!! . It's must read book !!!!!!!😍💖💖😊😊😊😘

[Unaisah Quazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply phenomenal. No words can express its overall beauty it is truly astonishing. I have never personally read a book as good as this, it allows for one to see the world in a clearer and better perspective. The characters are raw and completely realistic. It has the perfect amount of romance as well so who doesn’t love that, but of course this book is so much more than romance it’s about life and how you see the world in front of you and how you choose to react are what makes up one as a person. 100/100 recommend, it surely will not disappoint anyone.

[Coco Moco Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a twist on cliches and so many of them that it won’t even be considered a cliches? This is it. A handsome, cute boy with warm brown eyes and an artistic, thoughtful girl with piercing grey eyes. It’s the only first twists of them. This book will leave you in a book slump and that might have you wondering half way thru if they’re actually gonna end up together or not. Oh boy it’s a whole ride! IT ACTUALLY GETS YOU IN THE FEEL all warm, fuzzy, desperate shippings, cinnamon rolls (ma boi Hunter), ugh it’s everything you need.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole book is pure poetry, I love it so much. I always keep going back to Asa and Cameron's little moments. The best thing I love about this is how the secondary characters are complex too. I've read so many books where we just don't know or we're just not supposed to care about the side characters but in TYE they're always included and make a great impact. Not to mention all the redemption arcs going on in here. I've re-read this more times than i can remember now, I'm so glad i found this gem

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, Through your eyes makes you fall in love with each character, they all have a past that you could relate with, in one sense, you see characters you see in daily life. It's really an inspiration xD, awesome book with wondrous characters with beautiful points of view and aspects on life. IT'S GOLD!

[camila · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️. My heart is full <3
I remember reading this book for the first time on Wattpad and loving it so much that I just had to get my hands on a physical copy. I’m glad to inform that I loved it just as much as I did the first time reading it (like 4 years ago)! Still one of the best stories to come out of Wattpad :)

[Aisha Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that I suggest everyone to read. The author really knows how to touch a person's emotions. Once you read it, you'll want to read it again and again. I got addicted to it, I hope you too get addicted to this amazing story!

[Suhasini Biswal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the best book I've read on Wattpad . The characters are amazing and I love the way author describes the emotions. I don't even remember how many times I have read it . The book is so complete in itself . it's genuine , extraordinary , relatable and prescious all at the same time.

[Jerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I’ve ever read in my life! Always come back to this book for a great read. Asa and Carmen will take all the space in your heart. Head over heels in love with the author, characters, and the whole entire story. I love you so much Ali!