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Forever Yours #2
Can't Help Falling
The more you resist,
the deeper you’ll fall
Serafine St. Romain doesn’t need her psychic powers to know she’s no longer in Tyler Leshuski’s good graces. True, she did tear him to pieces when he asked her out, accusing him of being shallow and selfish. Despite the energy crackling between them, the gorgeous sports writer is a no-strings, no-kids kind of guy. And Serafine, raised in the foster system, intends to be a foster parent herself. She won’t compromise that dream, even for a man as annoyingly appealing as Tyler.
In a simpler world, Tyler would already have gotten Serafine out of his system. For him, women equal fun. Not this kind of bone-deep, disconcerting desire. Life gets even more complicated when he becomes the guardian of his much younger sister. Suddenly, he’s way out of his depth. Serafine’s the only person who can connect with Kylie. He can’t jeopardize that for a fling.
But maybe…just maybe…he’s finally ready to risk everything on forever.
the deeper you’ll fall
Serafine St. Romain doesn’t need her psychic powers to know she’s no longer in Tyler Leshuski’s good graces. True, she did tear him to pieces when he asked her out, accusing him of being shallow and selfish. Despite the energy crackling between them, the gorgeous sports writer is a no-strings, no-kids kind of guy. And Serafine, raised in the foster system, intends to be a foster parent herself. She won’t compromise that dream, even for a man as annoyingly appealing as Tyler.
In a simpler world, Tyler would already have gotten Serafine out of his system. For him, women equal fun. Not this kind of bone-deep, disconcerting desire. Life gets even more complicated when he becomes the guardian of his much younger sister. Suddenly, he’s way out of his depth. Serafine’s the only person who can connect with Kylie. He can’t jeopardize that for a fling.
But maybe…just maybe…he’s finally ready to risk everything on forever.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
97 people are currently reading
2030 people want to read
About the author
Cara Bastone
13 books4,918 followersHi, I’m Cara!
I’m a full time writer living and writing in Brooklyn with my husband, son, and an almost-goldendoodle. My goal with my work is to find the swoon in ordinary love stories.
I’ve been a fan of the romance genre since I found a grocery bag filled with my grandmother’s old Harlequin Romances when I was in high school. I’m a fangirl for pretzel sticks, long walks through Prospect Park, and love stories featuring men who aren’t crippled by their own masculinity.
I’m a full time writer living and writing in Brooklyn with my husband, son, and an almost-goldendoodle. My goal with my work is to find the swoon in ordinary love stories.
I’ve been a fan of the romance genre since I found a grocery bag filled with my grandmother’s old Harlequin Romances when I was in high school. I’m a fangirl for pretzel sticks, long walks through Prospect Park, and love stories featuring men who aren’t crippled by their own masculinity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
September 3, 2024
DNF at 55%
I just can’t… The heroine thinks she’s clairvoyant and keeps on going about energies and other hocus-pocus. She gave the hero a crystal and told him to ‘cleanse’ it by exposing it to moonlight or putting in dirt - my eyeroll muscles are so sore!
Unfortunately this is the only magic this book has to offer. There’s absolutely zero chemistry between the MCs. The mmc is giddy because some chick asked him out at freakin 55% of the book… Is this even a romance?
I’m proud of myself for lasting that long.
I just can’t… The heroine thinks she’s clairvoyant and keeps on going about energies and other hocus-pocus. She gave the hero a crystal and told him to ‘cleanse’ it by exposing it to moonlight or putting in dirt - my eyeroll muscles are so sore!
Unfortunately this is the only magic this book has to offer. There’s absolutely zero chemistry between the MCs. The mmc is giddy because some chick asked him out at freakin 55% of the book… Is this even a romance?
I’m proud of myself for lasting that long.
September 27, 2024
The MMC is smitten with the FMC first - I'm in
I need you to hear me when I say this - Tyler is incredible.
Also, the cover feels detached from the story itself.
& This made me emotional in the best way.
I need you to hear me when I say this - Tyler is incredible.
Also, the cover feels detached from the story itself.
& This made me emotional in the best way.
October 12, 2023
This is a beautiful story that has growth and love and family and care. I loved it and highly recommend. I listened to the audiobook. It's 3rd person, dual POV with a male narrator. I enjoyed his voice.
At the beginning of the book, I was very leery of Tyler. I had seen him in Book 1 be pretty "bro" and a manwhore (or at least it sounded like he dated around a lot). At the same time, he has always been there for his friends. When Sebastian's wife died and he had a little boy, Tyler moved to be close and help him with raising/taking care of Matty. He's a really good uncle.
Fin is one of those people who is very in tune with energies and leans on crystals and karma and auras. It's almost on the paranormal side. She's sweet and loving towards her friends and family, but EXTREMELY guarded when it comes to men.
Tyler asks Fin out in the beginning of the book and she rejects him and says some pretty mean things to him to get him to back off. It really wounds Tyler and he turns off his interest in Fin for a long long time. This rejection scene reminded me a lot of the first proposal in Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth rejects Darcy in a harsh way, and while she was right to do so, she also had a lot of misunderstandings. And that's definitely true for Fin. She was right to say no, but she also had a lot of prejudice against Tyler.
Their relationship shifts over a year as Tyler becomes guardian for his little sister. Tyler steps up and gets vulnerable... and Fin starts to see how lovely Tyler can be while she pursues a friendship with his little sister.
Tyler is so sweet with his sister.
The friendships and family relationships that bloom throughout the book are truly lovely and have depth and sparkle. I loved it so much.
Safety deets
- No OM/OW. Tyler was a manwhore, but hasn't slept with anyone else since he asked Fin out. Fin goes out with another guy, but nothing happens.
- Sloooow burn with a looooong explicit and sexy time around 80% in. They are pretty serious about each other and want to know sex will mean something to the other person before they sleep together.
- Amazing consent that starts with Tyler respecting Fin's choices from the first moment when she rejects him. And he continues to be thoughtful and careful with her.
- HEA... they are together and show up in the next book.
At the beginning of the book, I was very leery of Tyler. I had seen him in Book 1 be pretty "bro" and a manwhore (or at least it sounded like he dated around a lot). At the same time, he has always been there for his friends. When Sebastian's wife died and he had a little boy, Tyler moved to be close and help him with raising/taking care of Matty. He's a really good uncle.
Fin is one of those people who is very in tune with energies and leans on crystals and karma and auras. It's almost on the paranormal side. She's sweet and loving towards her friends and family, but EXTREMELY guarded when it comes to men.
Tyler asks Fin out in the beginning of the book and she rejects him and says some pretty mean things to him to get him to back off. It really wounds Tyler and he turns off his interest in Fin for a long long time. This rejection scene reminded me a lot of the first proposal in Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth rejects Darcy in a harsh way, and while she was right to do so, she also had a lot of misunderstandings. And that's definitely true for Fin. She was right to say no, but she also had a lot of prejudice against Tyler.
Their relationship shifts over a year as Tyler becomes guardian for his little sister. Tyler steps up and gets vulnerable... and Fin starts to see how lovely Tyler can be while she pursues a friendship with his little sister.
Tyler is so sweet with his sister.
The friendships and family relationships that bloom throughout the book are truly lovely and have depth and sparkle. I loved it so much.
Safety deets
- No OM/OW. Tyler was a manwhore, but hasn't slept with anyone else since he asked Fin out. Fin goes out with another guy, but nothing happens.
- Sloooow burn with a looooong explicit and sexy time around 80% in. They are pretty serious about each other and want to know sex will mean something to the other person before they sleep together.
- Amazing consent that starts with Tyler respecting Fin's choices from the first moment when she rejects him. And he continues to be thoughtful and careful with her.
- HEA... they are together and show up in the next book.
December 6, 2023
Can't Help Fallinh is sweet tender romance. And that is it. I was expecting more from Miss Bastone. I really am. Sadly it does not have the spark for the story to be interresting.
The characters are likeable. The plot is min drama. It is sweet and tender.
3 stars
The characters are likeable. The plot is min drama. It is sweet and tender.
3 stars
August 28, 2020
I very much liked this installment, if not quite as much as the first one. I struggled a bit as a reader to get past the early confrontation at the baseball game. It WAS cruel and I'm glad the book acknowledged that. I also liked how little romance progression actually took place which feels like a weird sentence to write about a romance novel, but both characters had so much growing and forgiving to do and I felt like the pre-work was really necessary. Excellent use of a teenager as well. This author has been such a delight to have discovered this year and I can't wait for book three.
October 18, 2023
Šiaip tai man patinka mistika, magija, antgamtiškos jėgos. Visa ta paslaptis sukelia jauduliuką, ir tai tikrai nereiškia, kad aklai tikiu viskuo, į daug ką žiūriu skeptiškai. Būtent savo skeptiškumą ne kartą ir ne du pastebėjau skaitydama - teko ne kartą vartyti akis, kartais net irzti ar labai norėti prašokti greičiau porą puslapių. Tiesiog kartais ta Serafinos "galia" buvo taip lėkštai ar neįtikinamai pateikta, arba tiesiog kišama visur, kur reikia ir kur nereikia, kad tai tikrai erzino. Ir iš viso, pati Serafina labai erzino. Jinai visiškai nepriminė to peronažo iš praėjusios dalies, na apart savo sugebėjimais. Ji buvo grubi, pasikėlus, ir tokia akla, kad kartais stebėjausi, kaip jinai padeda kitiems, jei nesugeba pamatyti, kas vyksta prieš pačios nosį🤦♀️ Knygą gelbėjo Taileris ir jo sesutė Kailė. Patiko žymiai labiau skaityti, kaip rutuliojosi jų santykiai, nei Serafinos ir Tailerio.
October 11, 2020
4.5/5
Having loved Cara Bastone's debut novel, Just A Heartbeat Away, one of my favorite romance novels of 2020, I was excited to pick up the next book in the companion series. Can't Help Falling was just as brilliant as the first book and I can candidly say that Cara Bastone is up there for me in my list of favorite authors.
We saw the relationship between Serafine and Tyler bud in the first book, but it's not necessary for you to read that book before you pick Can't Help Falling. I was eager to read this love story because the chemistry between the two was so palpable in that first book. Cara Bastone writes realistic slow-burn romances that work in every way for me. When Serafine brutally rejects Tyler's proposal to go out on a date, he is crushed because her words to him at that moment were biting. Though they were hurtful comments, it also gives him the nudge to reevaluate his life. The real test for Tyler comes along when he is saddled with the guardianship of his teenage sister. He obviously knows nothing about raising a teenager, especially because he has no interest in children and has lived a bachelor's lifestyle for so wrong, so it serves as an obstacle but also a learning experience for him. Tyler's growth in Can't Help Falling is a work of art. He has always had good qualities, but his interactions with his grumpy and hurt sibling, Kylie, push him to become more responsible and the best version of himself. I thought Cara Bastone handled his character arc beautifully.
Serafine provides a nice balance to Tyler's personality. She is much more of a free-spirit compared to him - she's a psychic, after all. Growing up as a foster child allows her to connect on a deeper level with Tyler's sister. She understands her pain and anger and becomes a rock for Kylie. This obviously forces Tyler and Serafine back into each other's circles, forcing them to interact and forge a friendship that turns into much more. Serafine has a kind and forgiving soul. I found her to be very endearing and I appreciated that she took the time to apologize to Tyler for her harsh words earlier in their relationship. Serafine has her own trust and abandonment issues that she has to work on in the book and Tyler helps her in that area.
As I mentioned, their relationship is a slow-burn one, but there is so much chemistry between the two. Their connection is undeniable and having to be patient waiting for them to give in to their attraction for each other made their relationship much more swoon-worthy in my eyes. Having to wait made sense given that these two characters had to work on themselves before they could enter a romantic relationship. I loved all that anticipation and Cara Bastone delivers with some heart-aching sensual scenes. I love that Cara Bastone explores so many different relationship dynamics in her books. It makes her stories feel so deeply emotional. There is also a found-family aspect of this series that I adore. The hero and heroine of the first book continue to play a vital role in Tyler and Serafine's lives. It's a lovely friend-group and if you care about relationships outside of the romantic ones in books, you'll love it too.
Can't Help Falling is a truly special romance novel. Tyler and Serafine's story settled in my heart and I'm so eager to re-read their book. I hope you'll give their love story a try. Don't sleep on this author's magnificent debut series, friends.
Having loved Cara Bastone's debut novel, Just A Heartbeat Away, one of my favorite romance novels of 2020, I was excited to pick up the next book in the companion series. Can't Help Falling was just as brilliant as the first book and I can candidly say that Cara Bastone is up there for me in my list of favorite authors.
We saw the relationship between Serafine and Tyler bud in the first book, but it's not necessary for you to read that book before you pick Can't Help Falling. I was eager to read this love story because the chemistry between the two was so palpable in that first book. Cara Bastone writes realistic slow-burn romances that work in every way for me. When Serafine brutally rejects Tyler's proposal to go out on a date, he is crushed because her words to him at that moment were biting. Though they were hurtful comments, it also gives him the nudge to reevaluate his life. The real test for Tyler comes along when he is saddled with the guardianship of his teenage sister. He obviously knows nothing about raising a teenager, especially because he has no interest in children and has lived a bachelor's lifestyle for so wrong, so it serves as an obstacle but also a learning experience for him. Tyler's growth in Can't Help Falling is a work of art. He has always had good qualities, but his interactions with his grumpy and hurt sibling, Kylie, push him to become more responsible and the best version of himself. I thought Cara Bastone handled his character arc beautifully.
Serafine provides a nice balance to Tyler's personality. She is much more of a free-spirit compared to him - she's a psychic, after all. Growing up as a foster child allows her to connect on a deeper level with Tyler's sister. She understands her pain and anger and becomes a rock for Kylie. This obviously forces Tyler and Serafine back into each other's circles, forcing them to interact and forge a friendship that turns into much more. Serafine has a kind and forgiving soul. I found her to be very endearing and I appreciated that she took the time to apologize to Tyler for her harsh words earlier in their relationship. Serafine has her own trust and abandonment issues that she has to work on in the book and Tyler helps her in that area.
As I mentioned, their relationship is a slow-burn one, but there is so much chemistry between the two. Their connection is undeniable and having to be patient waiting for them to give in to their attraction for each other made their relationship much more swoon-worthy in my eyes. Having to wait made sense given that these two characters had to work on themselves before they could enter a romantic relationship. I loved all that anticipation and Cara Bastone delivers with some heart-aching sensual scenes. I love that Cara Bastone explores so many different relationship dynamics in her books. It makes her stories feel so deeply emotional. There is also a found-family aspect of this series that I adore. The hero and heroine of the first book continue to play a vital role in Tyler and Serafine's lives. It's a lovely friend-group and if you care about relationships outside of the romantic ones in books, you'll love it too.
Can't Help Falling is a truly special romance novel. Tyler and Serafine's story settled in my heart and I'm so eager to re-read their book. I hope you'll give their love story a try. Don't sleep on this author's magnificent debut series, friends.
February 22, 2024
3.5 stars. Took me a while to get into the story, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Word of warning to those who want to read this, but not book 1… there are way too many characters in this book who carried over from book 1, and I often had trouble keeping track of them all.
Safe
-No virgins
-Hero was apparently a manwhore in the past but he seems to be celibate from before (probably shortly before) the start of this book.
-Heroine celibate
-No major OM/OW drama, but heroine does go on one date, but it goes nowhere
-No scenes with OM/OW
-No cheating
Safe
-No virgins
-Hero was apparently a manwhore in the past but he seems to be celibate from before (probably shortly before) the start of this book.
-Heroine celibate
-No major OM/OW drama, but heroine does go on one date, but it goes nowhere
-No scenes with OM/OW
-No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2020
2.5 stars
I'm super disappointed that this one didn't work for me, I was 100% in the mood for a contemporary romance but this did not hit the spot. The story had all the potential, a hate-vibe between the MCs, a take on the single dad trope (he became guardian for his younger sister) and slow burn. What I hadn't factored in was that I would thoroughly dislike the heroine, Fin.
Fin was closed off, judgemental, full of barriers (still there at 80%) and self-righteous. I couldn't stand her and her superiority, subtle though it was. The hero was no perfect but he took criticism, learnt and changed; he was worth five of her. I guess opposites attract but the heroine killed it for me.
I really liked the storyline of Tyler and his sister Kylie, there just wasn't enough focus on this for me in the absence of like for the romance.
I'm keeping it short as clearly I didn't enjoy it and apologies to my friend to loved it, just ignore my grumblings.
Thank you to Harlequin for the early review copy.
I'm super disappointed that this one didn't work for me, I was 100% in the mood for a contemporary romance but this did not hit the spot. The story had all the potential, a hate-vibe between the MCs, a take on the single dad trope (he became guardian for his younger sister) and slow burn. What I hadn't factored in was that I would thoroughly dislike the heroine, Fin.
Fin was closed off, judgemental, full of barriers (still there at 80%) and self-righteous. I couldn't stand her and her superiority, subtle though it was. The hero was no perfect but he took criticism, learnt and changed; he was worth five of her. I guess opposites attract but the heroine killed it for me.
I really liked the storyline of Tyler and his sister Kylie, there just wasn't enough focus on this for me in the absence of like for the romance.
I'm keeping it short as clearly I didn't enjoy it and apologies to my friend to loved it, just ignore my grumblings.
Thank you to Harlequin for the early review copy.
May 16, 2021
*4.5/5 stars
(Buddy read with Zae @WhittyReads)
This was so good!! I feel like Cara Bastone is becoming one of my new all-time favorite authors! I absolutely adore her writing and her ability to craft organic slow burn romances.
Found family is one of my favorite things to read about in books, and I love how the heroine, the hero, and the hero's sister become a family. The three of them did not have anyone to call family before and how they do! It was so beautiful to read about.
I also love the dynamic or the love story starting out as a dislike, then to friends, and finally to lovers. That added to the amazing slow-burn romance in this book.
I loved this, but honestly not as much as book 1 so I am going to give it a 4.5/5 star rating :)
p.s. I have no idea why there is a dog on the cover...when there is no dog in the book😂
(Buddy read with Zae @WhittyReads)
This was so good!! I feel like Cara Bastone is becoming one of my new all-time favorite authors! I absolutely adore her writing and her ability to craft organic slow burn romances.
Found family is one of my favorite things to read about in books, and I love how the heroine, the hero, and the hero's sister become a family. The three of them did not have anyone to call family before and how they do! It was so beautiful to read about.
I also love the dynamic or the love story starting out as a dislike, then to friends, and finally to lovers. That added to the amazing slow-burn romance in this book.
I loved this, but honestly not as much as book 1 so I am going to give it a 4.5/5 star rating :)
p.s. I have no idea why there is a dog on the cover...when there is no dog in the book😂
October 13, 2020
4.25 stars
I read some reviews that people like the first book better than this one... I am completely the other way around. I LOVED this better than Just a Heartbeat Away because Seb aggravated me a bit with his hang-ups on the age gap between himself and Via.
In here, I wasn't annoyed with either Tyler or Fin. In fact, I loved both characters BECAUSE they had some growing up process to do. Tyler needed to mature up (in a way) and taking his own version of responsibility because he kind of being dependent on Seb and Matty for a while now. Fin needed to open herself up, to see pass her own judgment of men, and to let go from her own version of "dream".
I loved that! Yes, that first scene where Fin rejected Tyler was horrible and cruel. BUT, I loved reading their process of self-discovery and then mutual understanding. The romance was VERY VERY good! When they finally had their kiss and that SEXY moments, I was so, bloody happy for the two of them.
Oh, and how Tyler dealing with his step-sister, Kylie, WAS GOLD!! I got my eyes teary eyed during their final argument. And I loved the fact that they both don't want kids of their own. I feel like there's not enough romance in the world that respected that kind of decision. Like, marriage and kids are always the final destination. Well, not everyone want kids in their life. So yes, I like Tyler and Fin's version of family, including future foster kids instead of biological ones.
Tiny complaints maybe first, THERE ARE NO DOGS in this book (except for Crabby, but that's Matty's dog!) so I don't understand why this cover has DOG! Second, I wish there's tiny epilogue about whether or not Tyler gets the custody of his sister. But maybe I'll get that update in the next book.
OH, I CANNOT WAIT for Mary's book!! I love Bastone's writing. I can feel her being a favorite author. Luckily, I still have that novella of Cat's story to read next...
I read some reviews that people like the first book better than this one... I am completely the other way around. I LOVED this better than Just a Heartbeat Away because Seb aggravated me a bit with his hang-ups on the age gap between himself and Via.
In here, I wasn't annoyed with either Tyler or Fin. In fact, I loved both characters BECAUSE they had some growing up process to do. Tyler needed to mature up (in a way) and taking his own version of responsibility because he kind of being dependent on Seb and Matty for a while now. Fin needed to open herself up, to see pass her own judgment of men, and to let go from her own version of "dream".
I loved that! Yes, that first scene where Fin rejected Tyler was horrible and cruel. BUT, I loved reading their process of self-discovery and then mutual understanding. The romance was VERY VERY good! When they finally had their kiss and that SEXY moments, I was so, bloody happy for the two of them.
Oh, and how Tyler dealing with his step-sister, Kylie, WAS GOLD!! I got my eyes teary eyed during their final argument. And I loved the fact that they both don't want kids of their own. I feel like there's not enough romance in the world that respected that kind of decision. Like, marriage and kids are always the final destination. Well, not everyone want kids in their life. So yes, I like Tyler and Fin's version of family, including future foster kids instead of biological ones.
Tiny complaints maybe first, THERE ARE NO DOGS in this book (except for Crabby, but that's Matty's dog!) so I don't understand why this cover has DOG! Second, I wish there's tiny epilogue about whether or not Tyler gets the custody of his sister. But maybe I'll get that update in the next book.
OH, I CANNOT WAIT for Mary's book!! I love Bastone's writing. I can feel her being a favorite author. Luckily, I still have that novella of Cat's story to read next...
March 8, 2023
/ „<...> bet kokia meilė kyla iš to paties šaltinio. Jei užversi vieną savo širdies pusę, netyčia gali užsklęsti ją visą.“ /
Tai jau antroji serijos „Per žingsnį nuo meilės“ knyga, papuolusi į mano rankas, ir, turiu pripažinti, ši man patiko kur kas labiau nei pirmoji. Jei pirmoji buvo labiau kaip saldus zefyras, apibarstytas cukraus pudra, tai šią prilyginčiau šaukštui sūrios karamelės ar šokoladui su aštraus pipiro prieskoniu.
Iš pirmo žvilgsnio gali pasirodyti, kad laukia lygiai tokia pat saldi ir lengva istorija, kokia buvo apie Sebastiano ir Vijos atrastą meilę. Taip, viskas vis tiek sukasi apie meilę ir santykius, bet ši (Tailerio ir Finos) istorija man pasirodė kur kas įtaigesnė, jausmingesnė ir labiau panaši į tą, kurią vaikomės patys tikrame pasaulyje.
Ir nors pasakojimas skaitytoją gausiai panardina į simpatijų-antipatijų ir meilės sūkurį, visgi man šioje istorijoje stipriau „suskambėjo“ paliestos vienatvės, netikėtai pečius užgulusios atsakomybės, baimės parodyti savo jausmus ir netobulos šeimos temos, kurios lyg buvo nustumtos į paraštes, bet mane intrigavo daug labiau nei pagrindinė pasakojimo linija.
Nenuneigsiu, kad čia veiksmas vystėsi iš lėto, gal nebuvo tiek intrigos, kiek skaitytojas galėtų tikėtis, nebuvo kažko išverčiančio iš koto, bet tiek Fina, tiek Taileris, man pasirodė gana įdomūs charakteriai, kuriuos norėtųsi pakapstyt giliau, nors vietomis ir priminė naivius šešiolikmečius paauglius.
Yra apie ką pamąstyt, bet visgi turbūt tiek ši, tiek kitos šitos serijos knygos skirtos labiau toms absoliučioms romantikėms, mėgstančioms saldžias, lengvas, be krūvos veikėjų ir milijono intrigų istorijas. Visoms, kurios gali „krimsti“ tokius romanus vieną po kito ir vis tiek nebus per saldu! Mano skoniui šios knygos su kiek per didele cukraus doze, bet vis tiek kibsiu ir į trečiąją dalį, kai norėsis atsipalaiduot, pamiršt visus rūpesčius ir tiesiog gerai praleist laiką. Būtent tai galiu jums pažadėt!
Tai jau antroji serijos „Per žingsnį nuo meilės“ knyga, papuolusi į mano rankas, ir, turiu pripažinti, ši man patiko kur kas labiau nei pirmoji. Jei pirmoji buvo labiau kaip saldus zefyras, apibarstytas cukraus pudra, tai šią prilyginčiau šaukštui sūrios karamelės ar šokoladui su aštraus pipiro prieskoniu.
Iš pirmo žvilgsnio gali pasirodyti, kad laukia lygiai tokia pat saldi ir lengva istorija, kokia buvo apie Sebastiano ir Vijos atrastą meilę. Taip, viskas vis tiek sukasi apie meilę ir santykius, bet ši (Tailerio ir Finos) istorija man pasirodė kur kas įtaigesnė, jausmingesnė ir labiau panaši į tą, kurią vaikomės patys tikrame pasaulyje.
Ir nors pasakojimas skaitytoją gausiai panardina į simpatijų-antipatijų ir meilės sūkurį, visgi man šioje istorijoje stipriau „suskambėjo“ paliestos vienatvės, netikėtai pečius užgulusios atsakomybės, baimės parodyti savo jausmus ir netobulos šeimos temos, kurios lyg buvo nustumtos į paraštes, bet mane intrigavo daug labiau nei pagrindinė pasakojimo linija.
Nenuneigsiu, kad čia veiksmas vystėsi iš lėto, gal nebuvo tiek intrigos, kiek skaitytojas galėtų tikėtis, nebuvo kažko išverčiančio iš koto, bet tiek Fina, tiek Taileris, man pasirodė gana įdomūs charakteriai, kuriuos norėtųsi pakapstyt giliau, nors vietomis ir priminė naivius šešiolikmečius paauglius.
Yra apie ką pamąstyt, bet visgi turbūt tiek ši, tiek kitos šitos serijos knygos skirtos labiau toms absoliučioms romantikėms, mėgstančioms saldžias, lengvas, be krūvos veikėjų ir milijono intrigų istorijas. Visoms, kurios gali „krimsti“ tokius romanus vieną po kito ir vis tiek nebus per saldu! Mano skoniui šios knygos su kiek per didele cukraus doze, bet vis tiek kibsiu ir į trečiąją dalį, kai norėsis atsipalaiduot, pamiršt visus rūpesčius ir tiesiog gerai praleist laiką. Būtent tai galiu jums pažadėt!
March 20, 2021
Truly, Cara Bastone is a wizard. When I discovered that main character Serafine was determined to be a foster parent, no matter what, and Tyler with the loafers and ironed shirts and pressed trousers never wanted to be a father or have a family, I was concernedTM.
BUT trust the this author to make me so fully invested in this romance that I couldn't stop reading it until I got to their beautiful HFN. I do so love an opposites attract, and Fin with her clairvoyance, her crystals, and her reading of people, plus her firm take down of Tyler when he asked her out was so good. I also loved seeing tightly wound and seemingly image-focused Tyler get real with why he always maintains a "perfect" exterior.
Plus, Bastone gifted me with multiple soft pretzels AND when this slow-burner finally got up to a wonderful boil, Fin and Tyler chose to leave the bed to bang on an honest-to-goodness chaise longue. Readers, I weep of perfection.
CW: complications of grief, parental abandonment (in the past and with Tyler's 14yo sister), use of ableist language (of note, crazy, insane, etc).
Some spoilers
*loved how Fin sussed out why she wanted to be a foster parent, and why she was okay if it never actually happened with Tyler. Tyler and Fin also both never want to be bio parents.
*Kylie was a well-rounded teen and a great secondary character, I loved how her relationship with her brother was showcased, and her friendship with Fin.
*I checked out a copy from the library
BUT trust the this author to make me so fully invested in this romance that I couldn't stop reading it until I got to their beautiful HFN. I do so love an opposites attract, and Fin with her clairvoyance, her crystals, and her reading of people, plus her firm take down of Tyler when he asked her out was so good. I also loved seeing tightly wound and seemingly image-focused Tyler get real with why he always maintains a "perfect" exterior.
Plus, Bastone gifted me with multiple soft pretzels AND when this slow-burner finally got up to a wonderful boil, Fin and Tyler chose to leave the bed to bang on an honest-to-goodness chaise longue. Readers, I weep of perfection.
CW: complications of grief, parental abandonment (in the past and with Tyler's 14yo sister), use of ableist language (of note, crazy, insane, etc).
Some spoilers
*loved how Fin sussed out why she wanted to be a foster parent, and why she was okay if it never actually happened with Tyler. Tyler and Fin also both never want to be bio parents.
*Kylie was a well-rounded teen and a great secondary character, I loved how her relationship with her brother was showcased, and her friendship with Fin.
*I checked out a copy from the library
June 16, 2024
Can’t Help Falling is the second book in the Forever Yours series and picks up with Sebastian and Via’s besties story, Tyler and Serafina. I did not like this one as much as book one, but it was still enjoyable!!
Tyler is a 40-something sports writer who unexpectedly gets custody of his 14-year-old sister, Kylie, after her mother abandons her. Serafina is a psychic who is used to people not believing in her magic and men hitting on her. When Tyler asks her out, Fin lets him have it, calling him selfish and not a grown-up. Now Tyler needs help parenting Kylie and Fin, who wants to be a part of Kylie’s life, so they work together.
I really liked how Fin’s psychic ability was handled. It wasn’t hokey or cheesy, and there were actual feelings behind it. I enjoyed seeing Tyler grow - from the sports bachelor to supportive parental figure. They had some serious chemistry, and while it was a slow burn to get to it, when they did, it was hot.
I listened to this book, and the narrator was not the same as the first book. I really loved how the first narrator did Fin’s New Orleans accent. This one, not so much, it was a bit too hookey for me. I feel like Fin wanting to foster was a huge part of her storyline, and it wasn’t really brought up in her relationship with Tyler until the end of the book.
Hoopla listen 🎶
Tyler is a 40-something sports writer who unexpectedly gets custody of his 14-year-old sister, Kylie, after her mother abandons her. Serafina is a psychic who is used to people not believing in her magic and men hitting on her. When Tyler asks her out, Fin lets him have it, calling him selfish and not a grown-up. Now Tyler needs help parenting Kylie and Fin, who wants to be a part of Kylie’s life, so they work together.
I really liked how Fin’s psychic ability was handled. It wasn’t hokey or cheesy, and there were actual feelings behind it. I enjoyed seeing Tyler grow - from the sports bachelor to supportive parental figure. They had some serious chemistry, and while it was a slow burn to get to it, when they did, it was hot.
I listened to this book, and the narrator was not the same as the first book. I really loved how the first narrator did Fin’s New Orleans accent. This one, not so much, it was a bit too hookey for me. I feel like Fin wanting to foster was a huge part of her storyline, and it wasn’t really brought up in her relationship with Tyler until the end of the book.
Hoopla listen 🎶
October 19, 2020
I will read anything Cara Bastone writes next because damn, this was good. I love how the romance didn't really pick up until AFTER both Fin and Tyler had established a friendship/understanding of each other. I liked that Fin apologized for what she said at the baseball game and that Tyler understands why she keeps men at arms length and why she kept him at arms length initially. BECAUSE SHE HAS TO.
I also really enjoyed Fin's use of crystals and herbs and such. It wasn't hocus pocus magic but merely small things that she believed in that re-balance the universe and other people's emotions which felt very true to her character and also very true to life. I also like that Fin wears clothes as her armor until someone gets to know her. The moment between her and Tyler with the grossly mismatched socks made me laugh so hard.
Tyler's relationship with his teenage sister was written so well and that last conversation between them had me clutching my heart. The love he feels for her is overwhelming and I hope we get to see more of them growing into a relationship together in future books.
All in all, I really loved this and I cannot wait for Mary's story which comes out in a few months. I read the short excerpt in the back of this book and I have to say, I did not like who I am assuming is the male hero so it'll be interesting to see if my opinion changes once I read it.
I also really enjoyed Fin's use of crystals and herbs and such. It wasn't hocus pocus magic but merely small things that she believed in that re-balance the universe and other people's emotions which felt very true to her character and also very true to life. I also like that Fin wears clothes as her armor until someone gets to know her. The moment between her and Tyler with the grossly mismatched socks made me laugh so hard.
Tyler's relationship with his teenage sister was written so well and that last conversation between them had me clutching my heart. The love he feels for her is overwhelming and I hope we get to see more of them growing into a relationship together in future books.
All in all, I really loved this and I cannot wait for Mary's story which comes out in a few months. I read the short excerpt in the back of this book and I have to say, I did not like who I am assuming is the male hero so it'll be interesting to see if my opinion changes once I read it.
January 28, 2023
Alas, this was my last unread Cara Bastone... someone help me. Read via audio (narrated by Wayne Mitchell).
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September 3, 2020
One of the aspects of romance books I’m extremely interested in is non-traditional family. We talk a lot about found family in Romancelandia and generally I think of creating a family out of the friends you make. But in these two books the author emphasizes a different kind of non-traditional family and I’d love to see more of it in romance. Both books feature main characters who are intimately familiar with the pains of dealing with the foster system, or being abandoned by their origin families. Just a Heartbeat Away deals with Via desperately chasing normality and stability in her life after dealing with the uncertainty of her past. Via and widower dad Sebastian
And Can’t Help Falling has Serafine, also raised in the foster system, wanting to be a foster parent because she wants to provide for someone like herself. I loved that part of the book because it frang so true to me. But we also get to see Kylie, an abandoned kid, dealing with not wanting to trust anyone and walling herself off from everyone. Seeing the two of them connect slowly and having Kylie’s brother, Tyler, trying so hard to build their family packed a huge emotional punch for me. In my opinion there is no true traditional family anymore. Whatever your family is? It’s valid. And books like these just reinforce that and I hope to see more and more. I’ve read quite a few with these kinds of themes in YA and I can’t wait to get more in adult romance.
And Can’t Help Falling has Serafine, also raised in the foster system, wanting to be a foster parent because she wants to provide for someone like herself. I loved that part of the book because it frang so true to me. But we also get to see Kylie, an abandoned kid, dealing with not wanting to trust anyone and walling herself off from everyone. Seeing the two of them connect slowly and having Kylie’s brother, Tyler, trying so hard to build their family packed a huge emotional punch for me. In my opinion there is no true traditional family anymore. Whatever your family is? It’s valid. And books like these just reinforce that and I hope to see more and more. I’ve read quite a few with these kinds of themes in YA and I can’t wait to get more in adult romance.
December 5, 2020
I loved the first full-length novel in Cara Bastone’s Forever Yours series, Just a Heartbeat Away, which featured a widowed single dad and a teacher. In that story, secondary characters Serafine St. Romain and Tyler Leshuski were introduced as friends of the heroine and hero respectively, and seemed to clash at every turn. So it’s only fitting that the next story in the series is theirs, a classic enemies-to-lovers story, though one with a rather unconventional heroine. While Can’t Help Falling didn’t make as much of an impression on me as the first in the series, it’s still an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Serafine is a psychic with the ability to read people and a firm belief in the healing powers of certain crystals and herbs. But she doesn’t need her powers to know that Tyler is a playboy who could break her heart. So she’s quick to turn down his advances. But as they spend time together due to their mutual friends, and Tyler’s unexpected guardianship of his younger sister, she has second thoughts. Perhaps Tyler isn’t quite the shallow guy she’d believed him to be. And if she was wrong about that, is it possible that he’s actually the perfect guy for her?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Serafine is a psychic with the ability to read people and a firm belief in the healing powers of certain crystals and herbs. But she doesn’t need her powers to know that Tyler is a playboy who could break her heart. So she’s quick to turn down his advances. But as they spend time together due to their mutual friends, and Tyler’s unexpected guardianship of his younger sister, she has second thoughts. Perhaps Tyler isn’t quite the shallow guy she’d believed him to be. And if she was wrong about that, is it possible that he’s actually the perfect guy for her?
For more of this review please visit All About Romance https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 17, 2020
I really, really, really liked this book. Did I love it as much as book one? No. But it was another excellent addition to the series. Cara Bastone's writing blows me away. The not-quite-enemies to not-quite-friends to lovers trope was well explored and realistic. Bastone has a way of digging into the heart and emotions of her characters and readers at the same time. I thought Fin's profession and sixth sense was handled extremely well. I wish Tyler and Fin had discussed the child/foster thing more. It was the main cause of their issues at the beginning of the book, and it felt extremely brushed under the rug in the last few pages. Overall, this was a delightful read and I am highly anticipating book three!
Note - I listened to the audiobook and the male narrator's female Louisiana accent was ridiculously terrible. On the flip side, I think he nailed Tyler!
Note - I listened to the audiobook and the male narrator's female Louisiana accent was ridiculously terrible. On the flip side, I think he nailed Tyler!
April 10, 2024
3.5 stars
Found family. He's a player. She's distrusting of men. Both are scarred by their neglectful parents.When Tyler becomes guardian to his much younger half sister, he and Serafine gradually team up to watch over and help the struggling teenager. As they mentor Kylie together, they get to know and respect each other and realize that first impressions aren't always right. There's a small paranormal aspect to the story; Serafine is a psychic who is eerily intuitive.
Found family. He's a player. She's distrusting of men. Both are scarred by their neglectful parents.When Tyler becomes guardian to his much younger half sister, he and Serafine gradually team up to watch over and help the struggling teenager. As they mentor Kylie together, they get to know and respect each other and realize that first impressions aren't always right. There's a small paranormal aspect to the story; Serafine is a psychic who is eerily intuitive.
May 20, 2021
Slow burn
Pining
Dislike to Friends to Lovers
I buddy read this one with one of my favorite book pals Averie (Averie loves books).
This is my fourth book I've read by Cara Bastone and it's official she's one of my favorite authors. I adore her writing and her stories are so genuine and romantic. Her ability to gradually build a relationship between two characters is so well done. Everything I've read by her has been delightful and brings me so much joy.
Serafine and Tyler's story is so beautiful and refreshing. Tyler has been pining for Serafine for a long time and when he finally gets the courage to ask her out it doesn't go well. These two are no longer on good terms, but when Tyler's life becomes complicated she is the perfect person to help him through it.
Serafine and Tyler are two very lonely people who have experienced so much heartbreak and disappoint. However, they are able to build their own family together and move on from what happened in the past.
I listened to this on audio and I want to mention that the narrator's accent for the heroine was awful and it took me a while to get into the story. The writing was great, but the narration wasn't my favorite at all.
If you haven't read something by Cara Bastone then you are truly missing out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pining
Dislike to Friends to Lovers
I buddy read this one with one of my favorite book pals Averie (Averie loves books).
This is my fourth book I've read by Cara Bastone and it's official she's one of my favorite authors. I adore her writing and her stories are so genuine and romantic. Her ability to gradually build a relationship between two characters is so well done. Everything I've read by her has been delightful and brings me so much joy.
Serafine and Tyler's story is so beautiful and refreshing. Tyler has been pining for Serafine for a long time and when he finally gets the courage to ask her out it doesn't go well. These two are no longer on good terms, but when Tyler's life becomes complicated she is the perfect person to help him through it.
Serafine and Tyler are two very lonely people who have experienced so much heartbreak and disappoint. However, they are able to build their own family together and move on from what happened in the past.
I listened to this on audio and I want to mention that the narrator's accent for the heroine was awful and it took me a while to get into the story. The writing was great, but the narration wasn't my favorite at all.
If you haven't read something by Cara Bastone then you are truly missing out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 5, 2021
Initially, Can't Help Falling didn't seem like it was going to be a good fit for me as a reader. There's a lot of focus on Fin's desire to foster, and I wasn't sure about her witchiness or whether these two really made sense together as a couple. But wow Bastone has such a way with character development and the slow burn of feelings. The way they transition from awkward friends of friends to friends to lovers is just so achingly good, and the chemistry when it gets there is so believable. I also love the way their crushes, particularly Fin's, are formed out of small moments. There's so much beauty and romance and connection in small actions, like helping someone out of a coat, and Bastone makes so much of these tiny moments that often get left out of fiction.
Bless a childfree romance too! I mean, yes, Tyler's guardian for his teenage sister and Fin wants to foster, but both characters specifically and explicitly do not want bio kids. And it's so, so rare to see a romance talk about fostering or adoption, and, even when they do, the couple generally ends up with a bio kid, so I just really loved how much this book embraced other forms of family as equally worthy. They are, obviously, but fiction can be very focused on bio relationships sometimes.
So, so good.
Bless a childfree romance too! I mean, yes, Tyler's guardian for his teenage sister and Fin wants to foster, but both characters specifically and explicitly do not want bio kids. And it's so, so rare to see a romance talk about fostering or adoption, and, even when they do, the couple generally ends up with a bio kid, so I just really loved how much this book embraced other forms of family as equally worthy. They are, obviously, but fiction can be very focused on bio relationships sometimes.
So, so good.
January 2, 2021
4.25 Stars
Ms Bastone did a phenomenal job of developing Fin and Tyler. Yes, I originally had a problem with the things Fin said at the baseball game, but I was so happy when the author made sure that it was explained later on in the book.
I enjoyed reading about this slow building relationship from beginning to end and add in the relationship Tyler had with Kylie.
Ms Bastone did a phenomenal job of developing Fin and Tyler. Yes, I originally had a problem with the things Fin said at the baseball game, but I was so happy when the author made sure that it was explained later on in the book.
I enjoyed reading about this slow building relationship from beginning to end and add in the relationship Tyler had with Kylie.
March 26, 2023
Serafina, garsėjanti antgamtiniais gebėjimais, suvokia, kad Taileriui, po to karto, kai atsisakė nueiti su juo į pasimatymą ir išvadino lėkštu, nebepatinka. Jų ateities vizijos ir planai taip pat kardinaliai skiriasi. Viską aukštyn kojomis apverčia Tailerio tapimas mažosios sesutės globėju, kadangi Serafina - vienintelis žmogus, gebantis užmegzti nuoširdų ryšį su Kaile.
Antroji knygų serijos „Per žingsnį nuo meilės“ dalis, o tuo pačiu - dar vienas neįpareigojantis, bet nepernelyg saldus, turintis kelias jautresnes potemes, romanas. Jeigu manote, kad tokios rūšies knygose dominuoja tik eiliniai meilės/lovos epizodai ir to kontekste nėra jokios didesnės prasmės, tuomet klystate. Žinoma, intarpuose neapsieita ir be jų (juk tai meilės romanas), tačiau netrūksta siužeto posūkių, primenančių apie kasdienius gyvenimo iššūkius, sudėtingus pasirinkimus ir būtinybę peržengti siauras savo įsitikinimo ribas - rizikuoti.
Pirmosios dalies - „Ypatingas akimirksnis“ - protagonistų pora buvo Sebastianas ir Vija, kurie susipažino vyro sūnaus Meto dėka, kadangi jis buvo Vijos mokinys. Išgyvenę sunkius periodus, paženklintus netektimis, jie išdrįso rizikuoti, taip iš naujo atrasdami savitą laimę. Knygos „Tikra meilė nepraeis pro šalį“ pagrindiniai veikėjai - Serafina ir Taileris - glaudžiai susiję su pirmaisiais. Serafina yra Vijos įseserė, o Taileris - Sebastiano brolis, todėl jų pažintis nėra atsitiktinė, o laisvalaikis drauge - ne naujiena.
Serafina regi vaizdus, kuriuos galima pavadinti vizijomis, taip pat jaučia kitų žmonių energiją, tiki akmenukų magija, nuo mažens yra pratusi būti nereikalinga, skaudinama ir savarankiška. Taileris - žmogus, nežinantis, ko tiksliai nori iš gyvenimo, bet visa širdimi atsidavęs broliui ir jo sūnui. Skirtingos asmenybės, charakteriai ir kasdieniai poreikiai, bet Kailės, vienišos paauglės, atsiradimas Tailerio gyvenime juos nesąmoningai suveda, padeda pastebėti vienam kitame tai, ko įprastos aplinkybės neleido. Būtent tada, mano nuomone, romanas įgavo kitokį pagreitį ir atspalvį, kitaip norėjosi jį interpretuoti. Saldaus romano skonį užtemdė kartūs kasdieniai rūpesčiai, nuoskaudos ir pastangos kurti naują ryšį, pakeisti kito asmens gyvenimą į gerąją pusę.
Serafinos ryšys, draugystė su Kaile - vienas gražiausių momentų romane. Patyrusios ir pažinusios gyvenimo neteisybę, neturėjusios tėvų, į kuriuos galėtų atsiremti, kurie padėtų, jos savaime atrado ryšį ir bendrą kalbą. Tailerio ir Kailės santykiai taip pat verti dėmesio, kadangi ne kiekvienas brolis įdėtų tiek pastangų, siekdamas sutvirti ir užmegzti glaudų ryšį su seserimi, kuri jaunesnė keliomis dešimtimis metų. Kurdama veikėjų charakterius ir jų likimus, rašytoja pavaizdavo tėvų, nesirūpinančių savo vaikais portretus. Romane dėmesys skiriamas ir teiginio, bylojančio, kad išankstinė nuostata yra klaidinga, realizavimui praktinėse situacijose. Knygoje pabrėžiama draugų reikšmę įvairialypių sunkumų apsuptyje, akcentuojamas vienišumas ir būdai, kuriais bandoma užpildyti, atsiradusią tuštumą. Nuoširdumas, geraširdiškumas - kertinės vertybės, dominuojančios daugelyje situacijų, veikėjų elgesyje.
Jeigu reikėtų palyginti, kuri dalis patiko labiau - pirmoji ar antroji - būtų sunku. Nors jos turi sąsajų, panašumų, pavyzdžiui, potemių prasme (abiejose dalyse veikėjai susiduria su gyvenimo sunkumais, priima likimo iššūkius ir stengiasi juos išgyventi), bet turi ir skirtumų, pavyzdžiui, protagonistų charakterių atžvilgiu, aplinkybių kaita. Kalbant apie romano trūkumus, Serafinos „galios“ kartais atrodė nelogiškos, netikros ir vargiai reikalingos, ypač, kai egzosensoriniais dalykais realybėje netikiu. Kai kurie epizodai buvo pernelyg ištęsti, „vedantys į niekur“, todėl pertekliniai ir nereikalingi. Stereotipinės, ne kartą matytos/girdėtos, dinamika nepasižyminčios situacijos kartais taip pat erzino.
„Tikra meilė nepraeis pro šalį“ - romanas apie atsakomybę ir pagalbą, apie draugystę ir meilę, užgimstančią iš lėto, palengva. Kūrinys ne tik apie nevaldomą susižavėjimą kitu žmogumi, bet ir apie gebėjimą suprasti kito jausmus. Ironiškų ar šmaikščių epizodų čia nėra, bet vienas kitas juokelis, pasakomas kurio nors herojaus, vertė lūpos kerteles pakilti. Meistriškumo, įmantrumo šiame romane ieškoti neverta, bet skaitydamas negali nesimėgauti tekstu, primenančiu vieno iš per TV8 dažnai rodomų filmų scenarijų. Kitaip tariant, romanas yra neįpareigojantis, vieno vakaro skaitinys, pasižymintis pagauliu tekstu, ramybe ir viltimi, kad viskas bus gerai, kad visos problemos yra išsprendžiamos, o iššūkiai - įveikiami, jei nuoširdžiai stengiamės.
Rekomenduoju mėgstantiems romantiškas istorijas apie meilę, išankstinių stereotipų laužimą ir mokėjimą priimti kitą tokį, koks jis yra. Jeigu ieškote lengvo, malonaus ir atokvėpio valandėlę dovanojančio, bet tikrai ne „durno“ ar iki kaulų smegenų nusaldinto romano, siūlau. Jeigu priklausote skaitytojų grupei, kuriai lipšnumas ir siužeto nuspėjamumas yra ne prie širdies, nerekomenduoju, nes daugelis detalių yra būdingos daugmaž visoms romantinės istorijoms, nepaisant to, ar tai knyga, ar filmas. Rekomenduoju jaučiantiems silpnybę istorijoms, turinčioms laimingą pabaigą, kuriose problemos išsisprendžia taip, kaip norisi nuo pat pradžių. Mėgstantiems buities apsuptą romantiką, tarpusavio santykių problemas ir ryžtą mylėti.
4/5⭐
Antroji knygų serijos „Per žingsnį nuo meilės“ dalis, o tuo pačiu - dar vienas neįpareigojantis, bet nepernelyg saldus, turintis kelias jautresnes potemes, romanas. Jeigu manote, kad tokios rūšies knygose dominuoja tik eiliniai meilės/lovos epizodai ir to kontekste nėra jokios didesnės prasmės, tuomet klystate. Žinoma, intarpuose neapsieita ir be jų (juk tai meilės romanas), tačiau netrūksta siužeto posūkių, primenančių apie kasdienius gyvenimo iššūkius, sudėtingus pasirinkimus ir būtinybę peržengti siauras savo įsitikinimo ribas - rizikuoti.
Pirmosios dalies - „Ypatingas akimirksnis“ - protagonistų pora buvo Sebastianas ir Vija, kurie susipažino vyro sūnaus Meto dėka, kadangi jis buvo Vijos mokinys. Išgyvenę sunkius periodus, paženklintus netektimis, jie išdrįso rizikuoti, taip iš naujo atrasdami savitą laimę. Knygos „Tikra meilė nepraeis pro šalį“ pagrindiniai veikėjai - Serafina ir Taileris - glaudžiai susiję su pirmaisiais. Serafina yra Vijos įseserė, o Taileris - Sebastiano brolis, todėl jų pažintis nėra atsitiktinė, o laisvalaikis drauge - ne naujiena.
Serafina regi vaizdus, kuriuos galima pavadinti vizijomis, taip pat jaučia kitų žmonių energiją, tiki akmenukų magija, nuo mažens yra pratusi būti nereikalinga, skaudinama ir savarankiška. Taileris - žmogus, nežinantis, ko tiksliai nori iš gyvenimo, bet visa širdimi atsidavęs broliui ir jo sūnui. Skirtingos asmenybės, charakteriai ir kasdieniai poreikiai, bet Kailės, vienišos paauglės, atsiradimas Tailerio gyvenime juos nesąmoningai suveda, padeda pastebėti vienam kitame tai, ko įprastos aplinkybės neleido. Būtent tada, mano nuomone, romanas įgavo kitokį pagreitį ir atspalvį, kitaip norėjosi jį interpretuoti. Saldaus romano skonį užtemdė kartūs kasdieniai rūpesčiai, nuoskaudos ir pastangos kurti naują ryšį, pakeisti kito asmens gyvenimą į gerąją pusę.
Serafinos ryšys, draugystė su Kaile - vienas gražiausių momentų romane. Patyrusios ir pažinusios gyvenimo neteisybę, neturėjusios tėvų, į kuriuos galėtų atsiremti, kurie padėtų, jos savaime atrado ryšį ir bendrą kalbą. Tailerio ir Kailės santykiai taip pat verti dėmesio, kadangi ne kiekvienas brolis įdėtų tiek pastangų, siekdamas sutvirti ir užmegzti glaudų ryšį su seserimi, kuri jaunesnė keliomis dešimtimis metų. Kurdama veikėjų charakterius ir jų likimus, rašytoja pavaizdavo tėvų, nesirūpinančių savo vaikais portretus. Romane dėmesys skiriamas ir teiginio, bylojančio, kad išankstinė nuostata yra klaidinga, realizavimui praktinėse situacijose. Knygoje pabrėžiama draugų reikšmę įvairialypių sunkumų apsuptyje, akcentuojamas vienišumas ir būdai, kuriais bandoma užpildyti, atsiradusią tuštumą. Nuoširdumas, geraširdiškumas - kertinės vertybės, dominuojančios daugelyje situacijų, veikėjų elgesyje.
Jeigu reikėtų palyginti, kuri dalis patiko labiau - pirmoji ar antroji - būtų sunku. Nors jos turi sąsajų, panašumų, pavyzdžiui, potemių prasme (abiejose dalyse veikėjai susiduria su gyvenimo sunkumais, priima likimo iššūkius ir stengiasi juos išgyventi), bet turi ir skirtumų, pavyzdžiui, protagonistų charakterių atžvilgiu, aplinkybių kaita. Kalbant apie romano trūkumus, Serafinos „galios“ kartais atrodė nelogiškos, netikros ir vargiai reikalingos, ypač, kai egzosensoriniais dalykais realybėje netikiu. Kai kurie epizodai buvo pernelyg ištęsti, „vedantys į niekur“, todėl pertekliniai ir nereikalingi. Stereotipinės, ne kartą matytos/girdėtos, dinamika nepasižyminčios situacijos kartais taip pat erzino.
„Tikra meilė nepraeis pro šalį“ - romanas apie atsakomybę ir pagalbą, apie draugystę ir meilę, užgimstančią iš lėto, palengva. Kūrinys ne tik apie nevaldomą susižavėjimą kitu žmogumi, bet ir apie gebėjimą suprasti kito jausmus. Ironiškų ar šmaikščių epizodų čia nėra, bet vienas kitas juokelis, pasakomas kurio nors herojaus, vertė lūpos kerteles pakilti. Meistriškumo, įmantrumo šiame romane ieškoti neverta, bet skaitydamas negali nesimėgauti tekstu, primenančiu vieno iš per TV8 dažnai rodomų filmų scenarijų. Kitaip tariant, romanas yra neįpareigojantis, vieno vakaro skaitinys, pasižymintis pagauliu tekstu, ramybe ir viltimi, kad viskas bus gerai, kad visos problemos yra išsprendžiamos, o iššūkiai - įveikiami, jei nuoširdžiai stengiamės.
Rekomenduoju mėgstantiems romantiškas istorijas apie meilę, išankstinių stereotipų laužimą ir mokėjimą priimti kitą tokį, koks jis yra. Jeigu ieškote lengvo, malonaus ir atokvėpio valandėlę dovanojančio, bet tikrai ne „durno“ ar iki kaulų smegenų nusaldinto romano, siūlau. Jeigu priklausote skaitytojų grupei, kuriai lipšnumas ir siužeto nuspėjamumas yra ne prie širdies, nerekomenduoju, nes daugelis detalių yra būdingos daugmaž visoms romantinės istorijoms, nepaisant to, ar tai knyga, ar filmas. Rekomenduoju jaučiantiems silpnybę istorijoms, turinčioms laimingą pabaigą, kuriose problemos išsisprendžia taip, kaip norisi nuo pat pradžių. Mėgstantiems buities apsuptą romantiką, tarpusavio santykių problemas ir ryžtą mylėti.
4/5⭐
August 21, 2020
This was such an enjoyable book and I loved getting to know Tyler and Fin better. I already loved these characters from the first book so I was really excited to see. that they were getting their own story!
While this book had an amazing slow burn romance it was about so much more and we really see both Tyler and Fin grow as people throughout this book. This book was about family, life changes and figuring out it is okay if your future doesn't look exactly like you thought it would.
The slow burn between Tyler and Fin had me waiting with baited breath for them to finally figure out they were perfect for each other! Even before the romance developed the banter and friendship they formed was just the best. I loved seeing it, particularly how they interacted with Kylie. Tyler's younger sister. My only complaint is that I wish we got a little more of the two of them as a couple before the end but the ending was also the most adorable thing ever. It look me a little bit to get into this book but once I hit the middle I absolutely flew threw it!
One of my other favorite aspects both about this book and the previous, is the way NYC and Brooklyn are described! The writing was so vivid I felt like I was there walking towards the train with Fin myself. It had me absolutely dying to visit NYC again!
While this book had an amazing slow burn romance it was about so much more and we really see both Tyler and Fin grow as people throughout this book. This book was about family, life changes and figuring out it is okay if your future doesn't look exactly like you thought it would.
The slow burn between Tyler and Fin had me waiting with baited breath for them to finally figure out they were perfect for each other! Even before the romance developed the banter and friendship they formed was just the best. I loved seeing it, particularly how they interacted with Kylie. Tyler's younger sister. My only complaint is that I wish we got a little more of the two of them as a couple before the end but the ending was also the most adorable thing ever. It look me a little bit to get into this book but once I hit the middle I absolutely flew threw it!
One of my other favorite aspects both about this book and the previous, is the way NYC and Brooklyn are described! The writing was so vivid I felt like I was there walking towards the train with Fin myself. It had me absolutely dying to visit NYC again!
July 29, 2025
Good communication, but the story was a mess. There are several clunky months long apart set up segments just to get to the place where the MCs "hate" each other, when there's almost zero impression of their existing relationship from Book 1. I do enjoy books with a premise like “you made a judgement and were wrong about me” but the execution felt like it happened too fast. I wanted Tyler to be more of a challenging person from the start. But since we’re in his head, we know he’s so pure that it’s sort of dull.
August 31, 2020
This was such an enjoyable book and I loved getting to know Tyler and Fin better. I already loved these characters from the first book so I was really excited to see. that they were getting their own story!
While this book had an amazing slow burn romance it was about so much more and we really see both Tyler and Fin grow as people throughout this book. This book was about family, life changes and figuring out it is okay if your future doesn't look exactly like you thought it would.
The slow burn between Tyler and Fin had me waiting with baited breath for them to finally figure out they were perfect for each other! Even before the romance developed the banter and friendship they formed was just the best. I loved seeing it, particularly how they interacted with Kylie. Tyler's younger sister. My only complaint is that I wish we got a little more of the two of them as a couple before the end but the ending was also the most adorable thing ever. It look me a little bit to get into this book but once I hit the middle I absolutely flew threw it!
One of my other favorite aspects both about this book and the previous, is the way NYC and Brooklyn are described! The writing was so vivid I felt like I was there walking towards the train with Fin myself. It had me absolutely dying to visit NYC again!
While this book had an amazing slow burn romance it was about so much more and we really see both Tyler and Fin grow as people throughout this book. This book was about family, life changes and figuring out it is okay if your future doesn't look exactly like you thought it would.
The slow burn between Tyler and Fin had me waiting with baited breath for them to finally figure out they were perfect for each other! Even before the romance developed the banter and friendship they formed was just the best. I loved seeing it, particularly how they interacted with Kylie. Tyler's younger sister. My only complaint is that I wish we got a little more of the two of them as a couple before the end but the ending was also the most adorable thing ever. It look me a little bit to get into this book but once I hit the middle I absolutely flew threw it!
One of my other favorite aspects both about this book and the previous, is the way NYC and Brooklyn are described! The writing was so vivid I felt like I was there walking towards the train with Fin myself. It had me absolutely dying to visit NYC again!
September 14, 2025
I loved the discussions around fostering and how family comes in all shapes and sizes. I also really enjoyed getting the pov of our “witchy” character. Seeing how she interpreted energies and people’s colors I thought was so cool. Unfortunately I just didn’t buy into the romance in this one. I felt like the two mcs had no chemistry at all. Oh well otherwise it was a fun little read
September 7, 2022
Charming! I don't remember why I avoided Cara Bastone for so long (I'm going to assume the hype lol)
Read for 2022 FallInLoveBingo
Read for 2022 FallInLoveBingo
September 12, 2020
I'm just going to echo everything Jess said in her review - liked this a lot (though not as much as Book 1), and glad the book addresses how genuinely rough the very early confrontation between the two leads is. And like Jess said, I really liked that this novel had them both start out on knowing attraction and interest, because the basis for romance was already there - and the rest of the book was far more about growing and healing than, idk, 'Do I like him? Should I tell him? Do we kiss?' It's a nice change!!
Some other things:
- Tyler is another great male lead. I really loved that Fin turning him down never becomes anger for him, just deep mistrust and genuine hurt, which I thought were entirely valid. I felt bad for him that he was kind of losing Seb and Matt. I wanted him to get things right with Kylie so much, and his frustration with his slip-ups and Fin kind of unknowingly making it worse for him felt really sympathetic to me too. Really smart, lovely character who's still full of rough edges and things to fix or overcome.
- Sebastian and Via (Book 1) both guest-star in this and I was taken by how much I liked them and how much my POV of them changed from Tyler and Fin's perspectives! They all love each other very much but their interests and goals kind of diverge quite starkly. It's a nice touch - I think books within a series can flatten out the "cameo" couples in books that aren't their own.
- Serafina is the first "I love crystals and I understand your vibes and can pick out your auras and fix your energy" character that I've seen in a real-world book and that side of her was written PERFECTLY. She never seems like she's doing kooky shit and no one around her thinks she's nuts, even if they're a little wary of what's happening there. It's very nice.
- I actually really like Fin, and am a little mad that one of the very early descriptions of her compares the tone of her skin to the moon, because she would've been great as black or brown character. Like it was just one description she had to skip and we could think of her however we wanted. But it's fine.
- KYLIE is another great kid character!! I don't know how Bastone did it, since Kylie is a teen (while Matty was a boy) and she's such a central role and it would've been so damn easy to make her bratty in her hurt and loneliness - but she's so damn charming, and I was so immediately rooting for her. Love her.
I really like spending time in this universe. And I love Mary - can't wait for Book 3 (next January!! :().
Some other things:
- Tyler is another great male lead. I really loved that Fin turning him down never becomes anger for him, just deep mistrust and genuine hurt, which I thought were entirely valid. I felt bad for him that he was kind of losing Seb and Matt. I wanted him to get things right with Kylie so much, and his frustration with his slip-ups and Fin kind of unknowingly making it worse for him felt really sympathetic to me too. Really smart, lovely character who's still full of rough edges and things to fix or overcome.
- Sebastian and Via (Book 1) both guest-star in this and I was taken by how much I liked them and how much my POV of them changed from Tyler and Fin's perspectives! They all love each other very much but their interests and goals kind of diverge quite starkly. It's a nice touch - I think books within a series can flatten out the "cameo" couples in books that aren't their own.
- Serafina is the first "I love crystals and I understand your vibes and can pick out your auras and fix your energy" character that I've seen in a real-world book and that side of her was written PERFECTLY. She never seems like she's doing kooky shit and no one around her thinks she's nuts, even if they're a little wary of what's happening there. It's very nice.
- I actually really like Fin, and am a little mad that one of the very early descriptions of her compares the tone of her skin to the moon, because she would've been great as black or brown character. Like it was just one description she had to skip and we could think of her however we wanted. But it's fine.
- KYLIE is another great kid character!! I don't know how Bastone did it, since Kylie is a teen (while Matty was a boy) and she's such a central role and it would've been so damn easy to make her bratty in her hurt and loneliness - but she's so damn charming, and I was so immediately rooting for her. Love her.
I really like spending time in this universe. And I love Mary - can't wait for Book 3 (next January!! :().
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