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I've Walked Where You've Been
Matty knew he would bond with his soulmate one day—everybody did—but it was supposed to happen when he was older…not when he was just nine years old.
Now, he’s stuck with some kid named Ethan, who doesn’t even like to play outside. They can’t stay apart for long, and Matty’s resentment grows as he has to follow Ethan to boarding school first, then college.
As the animosity between them grows, their bond weakens. The universe proclaimed them soulmates, but if they want to reach the potential of that love, they’re going to have to learn to understand each other…or lose their bond forever.
Now, he’s stuck with some kid named Ethan, who doesn’t even like to play outside. They can’t stay apart for long, and Matty’s resentment grows as he has to follow Ethan to boarding school first, then college.
As the animosity between them grows, their bond weakens. The universe proclaimed them soulmates, but if they want to reach the potential of that love, they’re going to have to learn to understand each other…or lose their bond forever.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2021
50 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Marina Vivancos
28 books935 followersWhen Marina was a child she couldn’t sleep. Night after dissolving night she just couldn’t sleep. Nothing much worked – until she started making up stories in her head. Suddenly, the transition into unconsciousness was a smooth dive into calm waters.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
Marina is currently in a period of sleepless upheaval, and she hopes writing down the stories in her head will cast the same spell it did years ago.
You can find her being malhumorada on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
June 29, 2021
⭐2.5 “I mean… it was decidedly bland okay” stars ⭐
I wanted something light and breezy, leaning more on the wholesome side of the spectrum for a change, so on paper this novella sounded like the perfect fit.
The reality, however?
Well, the overall result was...
I know some people greatly enjoyed this little tale, but the fact that I took a whole day to finish its 90+ measly pages says it all.
*******************************
Since this is a rather short story, I’ll try to keep my review on the brief side as well, separating it into three sections: The MCs, The Romance, and Closing Thoughts.
Let’s get started now, shall we?
— The MCs.
While this was told solely from the first person POV of Matty (who fits the archetype of a “dumbass” jock), the general plot focuses on both him and the other half of his soulmate bond, *checks notes* Ethan (thesnobbish dickwad “uptight” nerd). They were thrust together from childhood after first establishing their connection, keeping in mind that Soulmates in this universe can’t survive without being in constant proximity, and that —paired with several gratuitous misunderstandings along the way— ended up leading to a decade-long feud between the guys.
Yet, all in all, my main issue wasn’t exactly with the contrived animosity between the two idiots —I do love a good enemies-to-lovers story, as my reading patterns clearly suggest.
My real problem here was with…
Because these two were BORING y’all. I’m not saying a wet noodle would make for a more riveting protagonist, but I’m strongly implying it.
And, utilizing this as a segway into my next point, let's now talk about...
— The Romance.
If the MCs were unseasoned themselves, let me tell you that the epic love story didn’t fare much better either. It was cute. They kissed. They fell ininsta-love. They did the horizontal tango.
All of it in the stretch of ten years that surely, you must think, showed the marvelous progress from childhood rivals to the enamored young adults they would later become. Because why else would you feel the need to include such a lengthy timeline if not to shine a spotlight on the relationship and character progress, right?
RIGHT?!
I might be a master at denial, but the abrupt romance in this required a whole doctorate to grasp.
Instead, we got more than seventy percent of the story documenting their lives and menial struggles, including the few girlfriends and boyfriends they both dated throughout — since who wouldn’t go for someone who ALREADY has a confirmed Soulmate?
🤡 [Achievement Unlocked: Clown Certificate] 🤡
And afterward, right at the tail end of the story, we finally get to see it all conclude…
With a single kiss exchanged, closely followed by a few days of separation, leading straight into immediate fucking, and topped off with rushed declarations of devotion and plans for the future. Which, ridiculously enough, meant this novella spanning an entire decade… still managed to make the protagonists fall in love and confess in less than a week.
So, anyway…
My real takeaway here.
*******************************
Lastly, as for my Overall Thoughts on the matter…
This one felt not only underdeveloped, but like it was biting more than the page number allowed to chew. Yet, below what I personally thought was wasted potential, still laid the skeleton of what could've been greatness.
The writing, for once, was proficient and even stellar at times. There were some quasi adorable moments, although they felt unearned given the lack of actual build-up, and then a couple of instances that managed to make me smile and flat out chuckle.
Therefore, while this one wasn't exactly a win for me, I still very much look forward to reading other works by the same author and hopefully enjoying them considerably more.
After all…
And third, fourth, and why not fifth ones too. You never know where a hidden gem might be hidingplus I'm too stubborn to ever willingly give up.
I wanted something light and breezy, leaning more on the wholesome side of the spectrum for a change, so on paper this novella sounded like the perfect fit.
The reality, however?
Well, the overall result was...
I know some people greatly enjoyed this little tale, but the fact that I took a whole day to finish its 90+ measly pages says it all.
*******************************
Since this is a rather short story, I’ll try to keep my review on the brief side as well, separating it into three sections: The MCs, The Romance, and Closing Thoughts.
Let’s get started now, shall we?
— The MCs.
While this was told solely from the first person POV of Matty (who fits the archetype of a “dumbass” jock), the general plot focuses on both him and the other half of his soulmate bond, *checks notes* Ethan (the
Yet, all in all, my main issue wasn’t exactly with the contrived animosity between the two idiots —I do love a good enemies-to-lovers story, as my reading patterns clearly suggest.
My real problem here was with…
Because these two were BORING y’all. I’m not saying a wet noodle would make for a more riveting protagonist, but I’m strongly implying it.
And, utilizing this as a segway into my next point, let's now talk about...
— The Romance.
If the MCs were unseasoned themselves, let me tell you that the epic love story didn’t fare much better either. It was cute. They kissed. They fell in
All of it in the stretch of ten years that surely, you must think, showed the marvelous progress from childhood rivals to the enamored young adults they would later become. Because why else would you feel the need to include such a lengthy timeline if not to shine a spotlight on the relationship and character progress, right?
RIGHT?!
I might be a master at denial, but the abrupt romance in this required a whole doctorate to grasp.
Instead, we got more than seventy percent of the story documenting their lives and menial struggles, including the few girlfriends and boyfriends they both dated throughout — since who wouldn’t go for someone who ALREADY has a confirmed Soulmate?
🤡 [Achievement Unlocked: Clown Certificate] 🤡
And afterward, right at the tail end of the story, we finally get to see it all conclude…
With a single kiss exchanged, closely followed by a few days of separation, leading straight into immediate fucking, and topped off with rushed declarations of devotion and plans for the future. Which, ridiculously enough, meant this novella spanning an entire decade… still managed to make the protagonists fall in love and confess in less than a week.
So, anyway…
My real takeaway here.
*******************************
Lastly, as for my Overall Thoughts on the matter…
This one felt not only underdeveloped, but like it was biting more than the page number allowed to chew. Yet, below what I personally thought was wasted potential, still laid the skeleton of what could've been greatness.
The writing, for once, was proficient and even stellar at times. There were some quasi adorable moments, although they felt unearned given the lack of actual build-up, and then a couple of instances that managed to make me smile and flat out chuckle.
Therefore, while this one wasn't exactly a win for me, I still very much look forward to reading other works by the same author and hopefully enjoying them considerably more.
After all…
And third, fourth, and why not fifth ones too. You never know where a hidden gem might be hiding
July 22, 2022
I loved the premise, and thought it was explored nicely during the first half of the book. After that... well, then there was a weird divergence between my expectations and the story, and that's all on me.
Short version: This is a story for romance readers, and I'm a science fiction reader first and foremost.
Longer (and embarrassing) version: I was enjoying this as science fiction (which it is, although you could make a case for it being fantasy instead, but the bottom line is that it's spec fic, however you want to further categorize it), but it turned out to be a romance. Like, they fell in love and had sex. The end.
Like, WTF Teal, you were reading a romance, what did you expect?
Honestly, I feel dumb admitting this. But I was disappointed because I was totally onboard for further explanation of a soulbond gone weirdly wrong, and how not just the MCs but their society at large would deal with that — in other words, I was all settled in for some nice sociological science fiction, which is my favorite subgenre. But then nothing happened — well, nothing except love, sex, and HEA.
Welp, there you have it, the world's dumbest review. Here, have a muppet.
Short version: This is a story for romance readers, and I'm a science fiction reader first and foremost.
Longer (and embarrassing) version: I was enjoying this as science fiction (which it is, although you could make a case for it being fantasy instead, but the bottom line is that it's spec fic, however you want to further categorize it), but it turned out to be a romance. Like, they fell in love and had sex. The end.
Like, WTF Teal, you were reading a romance, what did you expect?
Honestly, I feel dumb admitting this. But I was disappointed because I was totally onboard for further explanation of a soulbond gone weirdly wrong, and how not just the MCs but their society at large would deal with that — in other words, I was all settled in for some nice sociological science fiction, which is my favorite subgenre. But then nothing happened — well, nothing except love, sex, and HEA.
Welp, there you have it, the world's dumbest review. Here, have a muppet.
July 29, 2021
4.2 stars ⭐
‘..at the end of the day, it was just them. Matty and Ethan. Ethan and Matty.
That simple fact was worth it all.’
Childhood enemies to lovers with a soulmates/fated mates trope? Yes, yes and YES! I swear, Marina's books are like cuddling with your comfort blanket, can't get enough of them ❤
‘..at the end of the day, it was just them. Matty and Ethan. Ethan and Matty.
That simple fact was worth it all.’
Childhood enemies to lovers with a soulmates/fated mates trope? Yes, yes and YES! I swear, Marina's books are like cuddling with your comfort blanket, can't get enough of them ❤
April 11, 2021
4 resentful bondmates stars
If I could get out of this bond right now—if someone told me I had another bondmate out there, and I could get out of this bond and find someone else, there’s no chance in hell I would take that. I…really fucking like you. And yeah, we worked at it because we had to, but, like, that doesn’t make the results of that work any less real.”
This book got me interested as soon as I saw it was about soulmates but also enemy to lovers. I mean, just sign me up please. I’m so into that concept.
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a nice take on the soulmate concept and it was so sweet. The only reason why I didn’t rate this higher is because I would have liked it to me longer, I would have loved to spend more time with these two.
Brief summary: Matty and Ethan bounded when they were 9 years old and have been forced to stay together since then (grave consequences can happen to them if they don’t, because of the bound). They start to hate each other because of that and only do the bare minimum so the bound won’t hurt them. It’s only years later, when they are 18 years old, that they start fixing their relationship and fall in love.
First, I really loved how we got to see the two main characters throughout the years. I loved how we got to see them when they met for the first time when they were nine and then we got to see glimpses of their relationship throughout the years. I really loved seeing them grow and see their relationship develop and change.
Second, I really enjoyed how realistic the story was. I liked that it wasn’t love at first sign and that everything went smoothly from there. I liked that they disliked each other at first and that they really had to work to be together. They were so young and very different when they met, it was easy to understand why they didn’t like the other. I loved how we got to see their opinion of the other change throughout the years. I really enjoyed how we got to see them transition from not liking each other to being in love with the other, the switch was very well done.
Third, I really enjoyed reading about the bound worked. It was so fascinating how it changed depending on how they acted towards the other. I really enjoyed that the bound really affcted their life.
Fourth, I already mentioned it a little but the transition from them not liking to other to them loving each other was so well done. I loved how it built slowly. I loved how they just started including the other into their life. I loved how you could see them slowly fall for the other. I loved how it was awkward between them at first and how it wasn’t easy. I absolutely adored how the switch wasn’t easy, they had to work at it, a lot. That felt so realistic and I really appreciated it.
Fifth, I really enjoyed these two together. They complimented the other so well and they worked really well together. I absolutely adored how they were determined to make their relationship work.
This book was really sweet and the concept was fascinating and I really enjoyed my time reading it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
If I could get out of this bond right now—if someone told me I had another bondmate out there, and I could get out of this bond and find someone else, there’s no chance in hell I would take that. I…really fucking like you. And yeah, we worked at it because we had to, but, like, that doesn’t make the results of that work any less real.”
This book got me interested as soon as I saw it was about soulmates but also enemy to lovers. I mean, just sign me up please. I’m so into that concept.
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a nice take on the soulmate concept and it was so sweet. The only reason why I didn’t rate this higher is because I would have liked it to me longer, I would have loved to spend more time with these two.
Brief summary: Matty and Ethan bounded when they were 9 years old and have been forced to stay together since then (grave consequences can happen to them if they don’t, because of the bound). They start to hate each other because of that and only do the bare minimum so the bound won’t hurt them. It’s only years later, when they are 18 years old, that they start fixing their relationship and fall in love.
First, I really loved how we got to see the two main characters throughout the years. I loved how we got to see them when they met for the first time when they were nine and then we got to see glimpses of their relationship throughout the years. I really loved seeing them grow and see their relationship develop and change.
Second, I really enjoyed how realistic the story was. I liked that it wasn’t love at first sign and that everything went smoothly from there. I liked that they disliked each other at first and that they really had to work to be together. They were so young and very different when they met, it was easy to understand why they didn’t like the other. I loved how we got to see their opinion of the other change throughout the years. I really enjoyed how we got to see them transition from not liking each other to being in love with the other, the switch was very well done.
Third, I really enjoyed reading about the bound worked. It was so fascinating how it changed depending on how they acted towards the other. I really enjoyed that the bound really affcted their life.
Fourth, I already mentioned it a little but the transition from them not liking to other to them loving each other was so well done. I loved how it built slowly. I loved how they just started including the other into their life. I loved how you could see them slowly fall for the other. I loved how it was awkward between them at first and how it wasn’t easy. I absolutely adored how the switch wasn’t easy, they had to work at it, a lot. That felt so realistic and I really appreciated it.
Fifth, I really enjoyed these two together. They complimented the other so well and they worked really well together. I absolutely adored how they were determined to make their relationship work.
This book was really sweet and the concept was fascinating and I really enjoyed my time reading it.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
May 6, 2023
Just adorable and sweet and wholesome and all the lovely feelings. 🥹
I really liked how this book looked at the concept of soulmates - or bondmates as it is called in this world.
These two characters met when they were young kids and it follows them up until the age of 18 trying to figure out why they have a connection when they don’t like each other all that much.
The friendship and relationship that blossoms between them was so endearing and I love how the author explored those aspects.
“Matty was starting to realise that there was no such thing as ‘perfect’, even between bondmates—that if you wanted something, you’d have to work for it. But it was amazing what simply trying could do.”
I have just been enjoying Marina Vivancos storytelling abilities and I’m just excited to get to each of the author’s work.
I really liked how this book looked at the concept of soulmates - or bondmates as it is called in this world.
These two characters met when they were young kids and it follows them up until the age of 18 trying to figure out why they have a connection when they don’t like each other all that much.
The friendship and relationship that blossoms between them was so endearing and I love how the author explored those aspects.
“Matty was starting to realise that there was no such thing as ‘perfect’, even between bondmates—that if you wanted something, you’d have to work for it. But it was amazing what simply trying could do.”
I have just been enjoying Marina Vivancos storytelling abilities and I’m just excited to get to each of the author’s work.
May 1, 2021
I absolutely adored this novella. So many feelings packed in such a tiny format. I loved the soulmate concept, loved seeing them grow with it and resent each other, but the best part was watching them once they decided to nurture their bond, turning it into friendship and finally true love.
I had a huge smile on my face for the second half of the book. And I’m left sad it was so short, and wishing for more. Loved loved loved Ethan and Matty!
❤️❤️❤️
I had a huge smile on my face for the second half of the book. And I’m left sad it was so short, and wishing for more. Loved loved loved Ethan and Matty!
❤️❤️❤️
May 24, 2021
3.25-3.5 Stars
Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novella and low angsty. It was good but based on what I’d read by the author before, I expected more, something stronger and more emotional. Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either. Hope you like it as well!
Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novella and low angsty. It was good but based on what I’d read by the author before, I expected more, something stronger and more emotional. Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either. Hope you like it as well!
November 17, 2025
“I’ve never done anything more athletic than what was forced on me in P.E., and that was bad enough, so I wouldn’t know.”
Matty snorted. “My precious little cave-dweller,” Matty cooed, wrapping his arms around Ethan, ignoring that the laptop got knocked sideways. “My little bed dumpling.”
“Oh, my God.” Ethan laughed, squirming. “Get away from me.”
“My perfect little research brain. My gorgeous little pile of neurons.”
“I’m going to kick your ass.”
Matty laughed. “Please do. I would actually love to see that.”
oh how i adore this novella!! honestly, my only gripe with it is the slightly abrupt ending (that, and the fact that there isn't one hundred extra pages). i really hope Vivancos comes back to this concept/world someday… her interpretation on the red string of fate/soulmates is one of my favorites!!
***
og review…
✰ 3.75 i wish soulmates were real Stars ✰
I've Walked Where You've Been This story offers a really unique version of the soul-mates story, and it opens itself up for future stories to be set in the same world. I decided to read this book instead of writing an anayalisis paper. . . was this a smart idea? no, probably not. Do I have any regerts? you bet your ass i don't! SO, if you like m/m romance, soul-mates, and are in the mood for something quick, then I highly, HIGHLY, recommend you guys check this one out!
April 10, 2021
Well, well, well Miss Vivancos, you did it here. 🥰❤
This is a short story but I'm still not sure that it would have worked being a longer one. The content is simple even though the idea is well used: In a world where people meet their bond mate at 25 years old (the earliest age for that to happen), the main characters met theirs at age 9, that made for a really complicated relationship tainted by young minds, difficult situations and a lot of misunderstandings.
I want to give kudos to the author because when the boys were 9, they seemed 9 and even when they got older I felt they were their age. And also to create issues for a nine year old than later it was carried by a 15 year old and then a 18 year old until it got solved, I thought it was really well done to be honest.
I enjoyed the story, it's sweet, complicated and has a touch of innocence that made me smile. I loved the characters and of course, the happily ever after. 🥰❤
This is a short story but I'm still not sure that it would have worked being a longer one. The content is simple even though the idea is well used: In a world where people meet their bond mate at 25 years old (the earliest age for that to happen), the main characters met theirs at age 9, that made for a really complicated relationship tainted by young minds, difficult situations and a lot of misunderstandings.
I want to give kudos to the author because when the boys were 9, they seemed 9 and even when they got older I felt they were their age. And also to create issues for a nine year old than later it was carried by a 15 year old and then a 18 year old until it got solved, I thought it was really well done to be honest.
I enjoyed the story, it's sweet, complicated and has a touch of innocence that made me smile. I loved the characters and of course, the happily ever after. 🥰❤
May 13, 2021
4.5 stars
This was only my second book by Marina Vivancos, but there’s just something about her writing that I really enjoy, and this short story was no different. Both MCs were nicely developed, and even though I kind of missed Ethan’s POV, Matty was a capable narrator and the flow was very good here. I liked the way the conflict wasn’t just another OTT plot device, but a genuine part of the story. I know that some readers will probably find the transition from sort-of-enemies to lovers a bit abrupt, and I can’t really disagree with that, but come on, this wasn’t a full-length book! I wouldn’t change a thing. The love scenes were very emotional and scorching hot, too, which was a definite plus for me.
I wholeheartedly recommend this to all MM romance fans, but especially to the lovers of the soulmate trope!
This was only my second book by Marina Vivancos, but there’s just something about her writing that I really enjoy, and this short story was no different. Both MCs were nicely developed, and even though I kind of missed Ethan’s POV, Matty was a capable narrator and the flow was very good here. I liked the way the conflict wasn’t just another OTT plot device, but a genuine part of the story. I know that some readers will probably find the transition from sort-of-enemies to lovers a bit abrupt, and I can’t really disagree with that, but come on, this wasn’t a full-length book! I wouldn’t change a thing. The love scenes were very emotional and scorching hot, too, which was a definite plus for me.
I wholeheartedly recommend this to all MM romance fans, but especially to the lovers of the soulmate trope!
April 14, 2021
I LOVED this story.
They meet when they were nine, soul mates. They were so different and didn’t fit. At some point, it seems they didn’t even like each other.
Matty wants to be free, without the bond. He learned to neglect Ethan through the bond. Closing the bond when he feels for it.
They have to be near the other because of the bond but have separate activities and different friends. A bond could be something special and beautiful, here, it almost broke them. Until... something happened.
Yes, I adored this story, we are with them on their journey from their ninth till they are eighteen. It’s one full of fights, neglect, hurtful moments, and devastating feelings. Things are changing, thank goodness!! Wait for it!
It was an awesomely written story, quite intense, sensual, emotional, and well outlined.
The author has a very appealing way of writing! A winner!
They meet when they were nine, soul mates. They were so different and didn’t fit. At some point, it seems they didn’t even like each other.
Matty wants to be free, without the bond. He learned to neglect Ethan through the bond. Closing the bond when he feels for it.
They have to be near the other because of the bond but have separate activities and different friends. A bond could be something special and beautiful, here, it almost broke them. Until... something happened.
Yes, I adored this story, we are with them on their journey from their ninth till they are eighteen. It’s one full of fights, neglect, hurtful moments, and devastating feelings. Things are changing, thank goodness!! Wait for it!
It was an awesomely written story, quite intense, sensual, emotional, and well outlined.
The author has a very appealing way of writing! A winner!
June 10, 2024
3,75 stars.
Sweet ya/na novella about two bondmates, Matty and Ethan, who got bonded extraordinarily early as 9 year old boys, and resented each other and their bond for the following 8 years, as they had to meet twice a week and touch, like sitting side by side reading or playing on their phones, they had to go to the same boarding school and college, sharing a room. Never liking each other.
Only when they decided to actively be kinder and friendlier with each other, because they truly were stuck with each other, they subsequently got to know each other better, then became friends, their bond got stronger, and they fell in love.
The story is told in single pov (Matty).
Sweet ya/na novella about two bondmates, Matty and Ethan, who got bonded extraordinarily early as 9 year old boys, and resented each other and their bond for the following 8 years, as they had to meet twice a week and touch, like sitting side by side reading or playing on their phones, they had to go to the same boarding school and college, sharing a room. Never liking each other.
Only when they decided to actively be kinder and friendlier with each other, because they truly were stuck with each other, they subsequently got to know each other better, then became friends, their bond got stronger, and they fell in love.
The story is told in single pov (Matty).
April 29, 2021
Oh my, how cute. Short, precious, and all the feels.
April 3, 2021
4.5 stars!
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
So few pages for such a beautiful, powerful, full-of-feels story. WOW. so much power in such a small book.
What I loved...
- The author's take on Soulmates/Mates is so unique. #NewIdea
- The MCs were refreshingly real and authentic in their actions, feelings and even the way they talk. #Organic
- The Time Span... it spans about 9 years, from the time the boys were 9 till they are 18 year old college boys. #TimePasses
- The fact that they HATED their bond at first, and how they felt it was a prison rather than a gift. the way that slowly changed was nothing short of perfect. #Evolution
- The trial and error they made, the ups and downs, the tentative feelings, the sweet moments, the grand declarations ... amazing from start to finish. #Brava
- Steam-o-meter: Lowish Steam... not until the very end of the novella, for good reason of course. #Onpoint
- Angst-o-meter: Lowish Angst... #JustRight
- HFN... I sincerely hope we get to meet these boys again. i feel like they have so many more stories to tell and would love to see their HEA. #MorePlease
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
So few pages for such a beautiful, powerful, full-of-feels story. WOW. so much power in such a small book.
What I loved...
- The author's take on Soulmates/Mates is so unique. #NewIdea
- The MCs were refreshingly real and authentic in their actions, feelings and even the way they talk. #Organic
- The Time Span... it spans about 9 years, from the time the boys were 9 till they are 18 year old college boys. #TimePasses
- The fact that they HATED their bond at first, and how they felt it was a prison rather than a gift. the way that slowly changed was nothing short of perfect. #Evolution
- The trial and error they made, the ups and downs, the tentative feelings, the sweet moments, the grand declarations ... amazing from start to finish. #Brava
- Steam-o-meter: Lowish Steam... not until the very end of the novella, for good reason of course. #Onpoint
- Angst-o-meter: Lowish Angst... #JustRight
- HFN... I sincerely hope we get to meet these boys again. i feel like they have so many more stories to tell and would love to see their HEA. #MorePlease
April 25, 2025
this was actually so adorable 😭❤️🩹 these two had such a complicated past and both made mistakes, but they were so precious and i loved watching them come together and become friends, then more. and god knows i love a psychic connection!!! this was the cutest novella and such a brilliant plot idea, i need more bondmate books stat.
May 27, 2023
Will be in an upcoming vlog
October 28, 2023
this was so sweet and adorable like this cured me from my recent dnf sadness…i feel like i can always trust marina to give me some complex, realistic characters and an emotional depth that make me feel all the feels…..i adored following matty and ethan as they navigated a bond that shoved them together, made them prematurely judge and resent each other, and eventually, watch as they made the conscious decision(!!!) to try to understand each other and put in effort to treat each other better and strengthen their relationship. i love it when characters CHOOSE to make a change and put in the work, especially when it’s not something that’s required or expected, and idling along as they have been would be all too easy. so yea, i 🫶 effort and trying ur best!!! i honestly thought this was YA so i was a little shocked that there were a couple explicit scenes. not that it wasn’t great, (they have a bondmate moment kind of reminiscent of an AH telepathic merge iykyk😏😩) but i loved the story even without it, and that’s saying something bc most days i wouldn’t dare choose no smut over smut🤣🤣
April 5, 2021
Cute filler novella. 3.5 stars.
January 1, 2024
Such a sweet romance ❤️ this is the type of soulmate stories that I like, ones that are complicated and filled with emotions.
July 28, 2021
'..but at the end of the day, it was just them. Matty and Ethan. Ethan and Matty.
That simple fact was worth it all.'
dear ms. vivancos,
i blame you for making me want a soulmate and crave a bond as strong as matty and ethan's. i also sort of hate you for making their story so short that left me feeling empty and unfulfilled (??) and just wanting more
sincerely,
a girl who's gonna be up all night wondering what the future holds for her two precious babies.
April 2, 2021
This book packed so much intense emotion in such a short time. Finding your soulmate at 9 years old is problematic.
Matty and Ethan must figure out how they fit together. It’s not easy but in the end the effort was worth it. A unique take on soulmates that I truly enjoyed.
May 2, 2021
While I'm not into science fiction very deeply, this novella by my latest go-to author, Marina Vivancos, had me fully invested just pages in.
Matty and Ethan could not have more different interests as they find out on their first playdate as nine-year-olds. Or be more different: Matty is an athletic extrovert, and Ethan is a bookish introvert. And therein lies the tension, as they are bonded as soulmates from that early age.
The biggest sin, claims St. Paul in the New Testament, is to fight one's own nature. And here we can see how futile it is, as both boys resist their natural bond . . . until they can't.
Their give-and-take, once Ethan and Matty stop resisting the inevitable, allows for some witty dialogue, even as things heat up in bed. And Marina Vivancos just writes like she's been there.
Matty and Ethan could not have more different interests as they find out on their first playdate as nine-year-olds. Or be more different: Matty is an athletic extrovert, and Ethan is a bookish introvert. And therein lies the tension, as they are bonded as soulmates from that early age.
The biggest sin, claims St. Paul in the New Testament, is to fight one's own nature. And here we can see how futile it is, as both boys resist their natural bond . . . until they can't.
Their give-and-take, once Ethan and Matty stop resisting the inevitable, allows for some witty dialogue, even as things heat up in bed. And Marina Vivancos just writes like she's been there.
April 7, 2021
Okayyy.... This one is a bit weird. It started with sudden "bonding" when the MCs were ten years old.
And then they couldn't live without seeing each other. But then there was a lot of hatred going on. I didn't like this part at all.
I was looking for nice, romance and charm. Or even if it's paranormal, dark kind of relationship I would have been okay. But the writing felt just wrong.
That's it.
Not interested in this kind of toxic, kind of fake relationship read.
And then they couldn't live without seeing each other. But then there was a lot of hatred going on. I didn't like this part at all.
I was looking for nice, romance and charm. Or even if it's paranormal, dark kind of relationship I would have been okay. But the writing felt just wrong.
That's it.
Not interested in this kind of toxic, kind of fake relationship read.
June 20, 2022
I really really enjoyed this short book.
I’m a huge fan of the fated mates/ bondmates trope and thoroughly loved reading about the progression of their relationship.
Maybe to the point of 4.5 stars but it was right up my street!
I’m a huge fan of the fated mates/ bondmates trope and thoroughly loved reading about the progression of their relationship.
Maybe to the point of 4.5 stars but it was right up my street!
March 29, 2024
This kinda gag me, I fear. I love how the plot of this little novella is a major standout to today’s romances. Wish there was more though. When I was reading this all I could think about is David Levithan’s “Every day”.
June 30, 2022
Maybe their bond was just like any other-made for love. Sometimes soft, sometimes crashing over him and filling him up, sometimes having to be worked at carefully- but at the end of the day, it was just them.
Vivancos has once again proven her mastery of the short form. This novella just did it for me. I've always been partial to soul mate stories, but this was done in such a quiet and beautiful way that it felt real to me. Even though Matty and Ethan are soulmates, they have to work for their connection, and in that sense this story felt true to life. And once they opened to each other, they were absolutely adorable together. I just adored this.
March 17, 2024
4/5 stars
“Why wouldn’t you choose someone else?”
“Because you’re you. Because you’re smart in a hard-working way. Because you’re so passionate about things, and read about them, and put all this work and effort into it. Because you’re funny and being around you just…makes my day better. Because you’re thoughtful, and generous, and think of others instead of just yourself. You, like. Make me better. You settle me down. You make me feel…like I can achieve things. I’m not saying that everything we went through just disappeared, but…I like you a lot. You. Not just the bond. You.”
February 24, 2023
I loved it 😍 !!
Short, sweet, awkward, and with low angst. What else can you ask for? I want more!!
Short, sweet, awkward, and with low angst. What else can you ask for? I want more!!
January 2, 2022
Last read of 2021! And I loved it. Not super high angst, but the bondmates definitely misunderstood each other for years of forced proximity. Enjoyed seeing them figure it out.
November 8, 2022
OOOOOMG this is my favorite of Marina's!!! 😭😭 this was so romantic and absolutely wholesome and the development of their relationship was just so so cute 😭😭 I love both of them with my whole heart, they are both so precious and I love the enemies to lovers aspect in this so much 😭😭😍 I think the enemies here is more likely to happen in real life too! This was just so cute, my heart is so full and fond😩🥰
Also I ALWAYS loved a soulmate story so this was right up my alley!! If anyone has more more fated mates or soulmate novellas or novels pls let me know! 🥺🥺🥰
Also I ALWAYS loved a soulmate story so this was right up my alley!! If anyone has more more fated mates or soulmate novellas or novels pls let me know! 🥺🥺🥰
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