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Sometimes Goodbye Duet #1

Thirteen Hours to You

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For seventeen years I’d lived in Adalita, Pennsylvania.
A town that took pleasure in my torment,
and refused to leave me as anything but broken.

Four months ago, I left.
I drove thirteen hours to Everlee Falls, Georgia,
to live with my Gamma for senior year.
To give myself the chance to fall in love
with a life that I’d missed out on for far too long.

I was expecting to find hope,
I was hoping to find freedom,
but I never expected him.
I was too damaged to recognize the beginning.

But all it takes is a moment,
and he was positive he’d invade every one of mine.
If I pushed, he pulled. If I ran, he followed.

I was his fate.
Meekai was my north star.
I was what he chose to remember,
he was a goodbye my soul refused to forget⠀

*Trigger Warning: Please be warned, this duet includes scenes of sexual assault and sensitive subject matter.⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀

ebook

Published April 12, 2021

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About the author

Annie Emerson

2 books44 followers

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Profile Image for Drey.
167 reviews1,071 followers
June 1, 2021
4.5 Stars!

... Annie Emerson's debut novel.

This is a story in its purest, rawest form. I wasn't expecting this book to barge into my life and instill emotions that was truly stirring and drowning. This was a simple story with a simple storyline that was centered around 'fate' trope yet full of love and sheer magnitude.

Note: This is a young adult romance.

“Sometimes goodbyes lead to a second chance.”


Thirteen Hours To You is the first book in the Sometimes Goodbye ls A Second Chance duet.

Radley's life changed forever when she was raped. It broke her heart when she found out that she was pregnant. And completely devastated her soul when she decided to abort her pregnancy. Radley made things that she couldn't ever forgive herself. Things that forced her 17 year old self to be an adult. What should she have chosen? Bring her baby to life and be always reminded of the worst day of her life? Or kill her baby, her half, for herself, so she could move forward without a living reminder?

Meekai's life changed when he finally met his purple-eyed girl. His dream. His fate. His missing piece. But was he, was he prepared for Radley?

“What if I’m not everything you want me to be?”
“What if you are?” he questioned in response ... What if you’re absolutely everything I need?”


Every page of this book held a significant amount of emotion that won't leave you unscathed. There were parts in the story that was sentimental, but it's love. There were parts in the story that was cheesy, but it's affection. They were pieces of emotions that made this story as a whole. I liked that the author wrote with such vividness and detailedness. I Ioved her writing, from its simplicity and lyricalness.

I was utterly unprepared by Meekai. He must be one of the most romantic heroes I've met. His words. His actions. By the way he treated Radley. By giving her control with their relationship, as well as guiding her. By his "two weeks, only best friend, no kissing, no staring in the butt law." By his voice and passion with music. By simply waiting. By becoming. By changing for the best. He was absolutely admirable. He was impossible to not love.

“I want to be your friend. I want to be your best friend. I want you to learn to trust me. I want you to know there’s nothing you could tell me that would make me turn you away. I want to know everything you allow me to know; to take it and keep it in my heart as ours. Before anything, I just want to be your best friend.”


This story is definitely a slow burn. Radley didn't make it easy for Meekai. But when she started to trust him, the cliffhanger happened. Unfortunately, to me, it was stereotyped. I've read so many books before where the main characters also fought because of it. I think, in regards with their development as a couple, Meekai developed much, whilst, Radley, somewhat. If she only just trusted Meekai. However, it was simply a matter of understanding. I understood Radley and where she came from. I just hope she will learn to fully trust Meekai as a friend and a lover.

Overall, I loved the book. Finished this days ago, but just managed to get online, so I wasn't able to post my review for this book until now. Still, this story is stuck in me. Kudos to this author for a book well done. This is available on Kindle Unlimited, by the way. I look forward to the next one and I am expecting more of her work.

I recommend this to those who likes: Annie Emerson, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, sports, high school, second chance, emotional read, and a cliffhanger.

“Every experience you have with me will be a first. When you’re naked in my bed, when I finally get the chance to taste you, to feel you from the inside out, I promise, it will be like he never fucking took what was mine. I will erase him and what we build together will change everything. And baby, I promise you this . . . we will never be the same.”


Trigger Warning: Vivid depiction of sexual assault.



Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,272 reviews723 followers
Read
June 2, 2021
A slow burn y.a. romance read. While I liked the premise and the author’s writing, the pace was extremely slow and the unraveling of the story too lengthy.
Dnf @ 50%.
Profile Image for M.
728 reviews313 followers
September 15, 2021
4.5 stars

This book, I knew it would tug on my heart strings. Had no idea it would take my heart hostage. My emotions are all over the place. I felt 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙔𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙂 - I don't think there was anything left out. I felt heartache, despair, anger, hope, longing, love... 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙔𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙂.
The writing was breathtakingly beautiful. She knows how to write to draw in readers. It was truly magical.

Who knew one interaction, one conversation in the dark would lead to a story so broken, but yet so beautiful.

“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑰𝒇 𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒊𝒕’𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒅. 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕.”

Radley was so brave and strong. My heart broke for her. I want to just hug her and tell her she is worthy of all the love. Her walls are made of steel and she isn't going to lower her guard despite the fact she is hours away from her old life. She just can't let anyone in besides her dad, cousin, gamma and best friend.

Meekai was damn near perfect. His words were a soft melody to my soul. For being 19, he sure knew the power of words. Knew which ones would tear down and build up. He was the right person to find and shelter "his Voilet"

These two are young, their emotions are big, but their story is larger than life. Be warned there are sensitive subjects throughout the book. Heed the warnings if you need be.
Heading into book two... Don't let me down Kai!
Profile Image for Nikki J Summers.
Author 19 books1,543 followers
April 26, 2021
What a fabulous debut novel! It was stunning. Beautifully written and with so much emotion. My heart broke for Radley & I fell in love with Meekai. The T shirts messages, the playlist, all of it was perfect.
Now, I’m desperately waiting for book 2. Don’t let me down, Meekai! I believe in you!
Profile Image for Cylaine Medina.
60 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2021
“ What does it feel like , Radley?”
“Forever. It feels like forever, Meekai?”
------------------------------------------------------------
📚Book: Thirteen Hours To You by Annie Emerson
✨Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
------------------------------------------------------------
Not to often we come across a book that literally changes us ,that takes us into an emotional ride of unexpected twists and turns to makes us cry , angry and happy all at the same time , this book did it to me. I had the pleasure of beta reading this story , from its raw state until the perfection it is today , and I can honestly say that this book is one of a kind and definitely an ultimate favorite.
Annie took this story and created a whole crew of relatable characters giving each a voice of their own . So authentic and carefully written.
A story about destiny and the impossible, of second chances, heartbreak and growth , about fighting back and be strong , it’s about a love of a lifetime .
Radley our heroine, is a girl that has been through a lot, my heart breaks just thinking about it, bully beyond measures , hurt in despicable ways, shatter in a million pieces but with the hope that one day she will find the missing piece of her heart.
Meekai my favorite guy, seriously he's the perfect book boyfriend, a heartthrob, gorgeous , sexy with a killing smile and a heart of gold, who loves deeply, without fear or shame. Who fights and defends his girl with everything he has , and even when life kicked him so hard in the chest and things didn’t make sense he knew destiny will help him find the purple eye girl of his dreams .
Radley & Meekai fall madly in love with each other in the most unexpected and unique way , two broken soul who found each other in a way that only can happen by fate.
This story is about second changes , family , trust , first loves that are meant to last forever , a trustworthy crew that has each other’s back , a hilarious and wise gamma who is one of my favorites. A love story that is indescriptible. I had a blast reading this book , it’s honestly one of a kind and so worth your time . Annie your dedication to this story , this characters and their voices is admirable , you’re one of the most talented people I have met . I’m so proud of you and your debut novel . Can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’re going to accomplish ♥️
Profile Image for Lager Lefse Book Blog.
563 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2021

Sometimes in life, you are blessed to come across people that will enrich your lives and make you feel full. You can take this premise and apply it to Annie Emerson’s debut duet, Thirteen Hours to You. This is the book that you never knew you needed but was everything you were waiting for.

Our main characters are Boo Radley Cooper and Meekai James Lannister. A story about two teenagers who are thirteen hours apart. Teenagers that have no knowledge of each other, yet somehow, fate works her magic and these two are pulled together and into each other’s orbit.

"Sometimes goodbyes lead to a second chance. If I see you again, it'll mean that this goodbye was meant as a beginning, not an end. Fate, The first point of contact." ~Meekai

Radley Cooper has had an extraordinarily horrible and sad upbringing. With the little breadcrumb trail that Annie leaves us, it is difficult not to feel for this girl and yet, salivating to know the whole story. I will say that nobody should have to go through what she went through, yet unfortunately, it happens every day in real life. **Beware of Triggers**

"His time would come. I'd make sure he paid for his sins. I'd deliver him personally. My kingdom come. My will be done. You might have me now, but I'll destroy you later." ~Radley

Meekai is the golden boy. He is the manwhore who is looking for his other piece. The one that when they come together just clicks into place. When Radley and Kai meet, they realize they have more in common than they thought and are slowly fixing/healing one another.

There is another subset of characters that brought a lot to the Radley/Meekai table. Gamma alone is worth every penny spent. She is utterly amazing, intuitive and everything I would like in a ‘Gamma’. Becca, Brooks, Linc and Wyatt. The incredible secondary cast that keeps things rocking and rolling. These four are on another level of family/friendship, but most of all, D-R-A-M-A!! All their drama. Bring it on because I am loving the drama that surrounds this group. I live for this!!

This book has left me speechless. It is haunting, ethereal, roaring with humor, tender, the concept of a strong family unit, learning to love/trust not only yourself but another. It leaves you questioning, ‘can love truly win in the end’? For a debut book, Thirteen Hours to You, is outstanding. There were so many times that I felt I was not only an outsider looking in, but I was truly engrained in the story and present for each scene. Annie Emerson wrote her heart out when writing this book. It will easily land on my ‘Best of 2021’ list. Now, beware, there is a second book that is coming out soon (May), but the ending of book 1 leaves you wanting more, but not with a horribly bad cliffhanger. I am just so ready now to see how this ends!!

Congratulations Ms. Emerson on a book beautifully written. If I could, I would give you 10 ⭐, but since I cannot, I will leave you 5⭐ and a BIG welcome to the ‘best of’ list! Enjoy reading this book. Radley and Meekai will suck you in and pull you along for the ride.

"Where words fail, music speaks."
Profile Image for caitys.booknook.
520 reviews53 followers
April 25, 2024
2024:
I loved this book.
It was raw, and it was real. The thoughts, feelings, and emotions evoked while reading this book... so many people would resonate with this. Even if your experiences in life were different from our main girl, Radley's.
I wholeheartedly believe in the idea of Fate, so for Radley and Meekai, their meeting definitely gave me the warm and fuzzies. It was beautiful to follow their story and how they helped each other begin the almighty challenge of being able to move past their traumas and live a life that brings them well-deserved joy.
Whilst starting very dark, the events set a feel for a narrative that makes you feel like you're living Radley's story with her. Her pain is your pain. Her joy becomes your joy. There are light and fluffy moments, with a sprinkling of humour, which leaves you with a dopey smile on your face.
I can't wait to read instalment two and see where Radley and Meekai's story goes.
Profile Image for BookLover.
654 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2021
Finding My Fate 💜

This is a very detailed read but do heed the authors warning on sexual assault if this is a trigger for you. It’s a story of love and of letting go of the pain of the past and realising those moments don’t have to define who you are. It’s a story of fate and the promise of love and healing for a boy and his purple eyed girl.
Profile Image for Tracy Books_Beers_Brews.
1,076 reviews54 followers
April 14, 2021
This is Annie Emerson’s debut novel and she absolutely nailed it! This is an such an amazing book! I am left wanting more of the story and so glad that since this is a duet, we get to experience more of Radley and Meekai’s story.

Please be mindful of the trigger warning regarding sexual assault, there are a number of flashbacks from the POV of the assaulted character.

If you don’t have issues with the triggers, then you absolutely need to read this book. It is a wonderful story about learning to loving yourself and another. The story has some great buildup with the couple, which is perfect for their story and provides some great anticipation for where they will go as a couple.

I also loved the side characters in this story. They provide so much additional depth, especially since a number of them have their own drama 😉. Drama that I need to know how it all works out!

The ending will leave you yelling at your Kindle because you need to know! Thankfully book 2 of the duet is expected in May and I cannot wait to see where this story goes!
Profile Image for Sabrina.
95 reviews86 followers
April 11, 2021
Oh my heart...

This book was an emotional roller coaster but I mean that in the best way possible. Annie’s debut novel was a heart wrenching masterpiece and I loved it so much.

Radley and Meekai’s story is a rocky one at first but oh so sweet. It takes time for Radley to put her trust in him especially because of her traumatic past but they’re such a beautiful couple. It’s such a beautifully written book about a young girl struggling at a new school whilst also trying to recover from her past.

I will say there is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book that I highly recommend reading. This story doesn’t stray away from the gritty details of Radley’s past.

I’m now dying for book 2 because of this ending. I can’t wait to read more from Annie.

[ARC provided in exchange for an honest review]
Profile Image for Jade Gordon.
36 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2024
So many emotions with this book, I could feel the pain they were feeling at the time, just hearing when the characters began to heal was just everything. It was a great read and can’t wait to start the second one to find out what happens

TRIGGERS

Bullying
SA and more but not that detailed
Abortion
Mentions of suicide in a past tense
Loss of a parent

Profile Image for Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf).
1,712 reviews100 followers
April 13, 2021
Thirteen Hours to You is book one in the Sometimes Goodbye is a Second Chance Duet by Annie Emerson. This debut is the intense, emotional and heartbreaking second chance romance of Radley and Meekai. Radley has dealt with traumatic experiences that have left her broken and desperate to leave her hometown of Adalita, Pennsylvania. On the eve of her departure she meets Meekai, an equally broken individual with whom she has an unimaginable connection. These two found each other in their time of need, but must separate before anything can develop. Radley moves to a town thirteen hours from her hometown and in a strange twist of fate she meets Meekai at her new high school for the second time.

I loved this book so much! It was completely unexpected, and I am truly amazed at Annie Emerson’s writing in this novel. It was beautiful, heart-wrenching and filled with so much emotion. I was captivated from the first page and this book had me in tears! It was an emotional rollercoaster and I am so glad to have been able to read about Radley and Meekai’s relationship. This book is outstanding, I loved the drama, the feeling of family and friends. I loved how both characters experienced such beautiful development in this book. Each character was so unique and relatable in their own way. If there was ever a moment, I doubted fate and its ability to guide you to your destiny, then this book had me reconsidering. It was so beautiful and I can’t wait for the second book to see what else is in store for Radley and Meekai!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Colby Bettley.
Author 5 books37 followers
April 12, 2021
Do you believe in fate? Radley doesn't either until she meets Meekai. After struggling with traumatic experiences in her past, moving to a town may have the answers she's been looking for all along.

This was a beautiful debut novel. Full of heartbreak, trauma, angst and laughter; it's beautifully and tactfully written. The characters are interesting and the plot is engaging enough to make this an irresistible page-turner!
Author 5 books2,168 followers
December 25, 2021
This book will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

It's passionate, it's raw, it's full of vulnerability.

I want to give Radley the biggest hug and never let go. The pain she suffers is enough to break anyone and yet she possesses a strength she doesn't even realize and continues to move forward.

I want to give Meekai the biggest hug and never let go. The way he loves Radley is so all-encompassing it's overwhelming but beautiful.

These two are so beautifully broken but together they are whole.

I stan for the Radley, Becca, and Brooks trio. Strong female friendships in a romance novel are the key to my heart. I'm desperate for Becca and Brooks to have their own books.

This book is incredible and has me on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2. I usually don't read duets until they're finished because I can't take the anticipation but I am so glad I read this one now and you better believe I'm going to re-read it when From Where You Are comes out.
Profile Image for Emily Kurosawa.
355 reviews18 followers
April 11, 2021
*minor spoilers

**trigger warning rape/sexual assault,  bullying and sensitive topics

Thirteen Hours to You is book #1 in the Sometimes Goodbye is a Second Chance duet. THTY is also Annie Emerson's debut novel. There are some sensitive topics that were addressed in THTY. As soon as I started reading the very first page, the prologue began with the heroine, Radley's experience, she lived through a horrific incident. Hence this might be unsettling for some readers to read. It shattered me to see what Radley lived through. It's definitely an emotional read; all my emotions were heightened. While I was reading I felt my emotions change drastically. This happens to me very rarely, hence I only felt like this a handful of times with an author's work.  And now, I've experienced it with Annie Emerson's work. I fell in love with the storyline, it beautifully unravelled. I truly admire Radley's strength and determination. Despite what she endured, Radley isn't ready to give up. She's a fighter and survivor. Yes, she has trust issues, especially towards the opposite sex. Yet, she feels safe with Meekai (hero), he is very understands with her needs. I loved their interactions with each other. But the ending! It ends on a cliffhanger. I knew something was going to happen, but it still took me by surprise. Looking forward to reading From Where You Are book #2 in this duet.


More than anything, Radley wants leave her hometown of Adalita, Pennsylvania; to put the past behind her and start fresh. Radley is desperately wanting to move forward, to forget about her past. She is seeking a sense of peace that she hasn't felt in a long time. She wants to be happy. Radley was tormented, humiliated and bullied at her old high school, Adalita High. It got to a point that she, began to believe all the offensive slurs, taunts and degrading hurtful words that were thrown at her. Overall, she has a negative view of herself, she is trying to break free from this cycle. Radley is keeping secrets from the people who are closest to her, especially from her father. She doesn't want to burden them with her secrets or troubles. So Radly carries her deepest darkest secrets deep within her soul, that continue to haunt her. Meekai recognize the pain he sees in Radley's eyes, he is aware that she is keeping secrets. More than anything he wants to keep Radley safe and be her friend that she desperately needs. I loved how their relationship evolved throughout. At first Radley pushed Meekai away, she doesn' want him to be with someone who is damaged and broken. But, Meekai is persistent, he won't give up. Ever so slowly Meekai work his way to Radley, into her heart. To Meekai, him and Radley are meant to be together; its fate, the girl of his dreams. You'll be on a rollercoaster of emotions while you read THTY. A read where you'll fall in love the with characters.

Radley is counting the hours until she moves away from her hometown of Adalita, Pennsylvania. Thirteen hours away, Radley is about to begin a new life, she's more than ready to leave her past behind. Especially the bad memories. On the eve of her departure, she meets Meekai. Meekai was curious about the mysterious girl he met. You could say that Radley wasn't very friendly at all. A twist of fate Meekai and Radley meet again, at her new high school where he is also attending. Meekai let Radley get away once, and he has no intention of letting her go again.

***I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Kaz.
179 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2022
They were literally ’that couple’ PDA 24/7 and random deep talks every 5 seconds.
Profile Image for drea marie ♥.
71 reviews18 followers
April 27, 2021
This book is so beautifully written the vulnerability that the characters show towards one another is absolutely everything.

The strength the main character has is amazing reading the pain that she goes through is absolutely heartbreaking but reading her slowly get put back together has me an awe.

I don’t want to give anything away but this book is a must read, if you’ve dealt with loss, read this book, if you have gone through some trauma in life, read this book.

Want a good love story on fate check check this is definitely the book for you. It does end in a cliffhanger though so warning. 😬
Profile Image for Lea.
139 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2021
Holy Debut! 👀
Thirteen Hours to You is the first part of the Sometimes Goodbye is a Second Chance Duet from Annie Emerson @emotionallyunhingedromantic

This slow burn, fate based romance will hit you in all the feels. I always said that if Annie wrote with the same talent she brings to the teasers and videos she makes than this was going to be amazing, and I stand by that now. Annie's style of writing is different to so many books I have read recently, she has a natural flair and flow, managing to flow from past to present without losing the reader.

Radley is lost within herself, thanks to the people around her and what she has been through, she doesn't believe kindness from a stranger because of how jaded she has understandably become. Meekai is confident and unshakeable in his belief that fate has guided him to Radley. We were promised a swoony MMC and we certainly got one in Kai 😍

As the first part if a duet, its expected that this book ends in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see how Radley or Kai prevent themselves and each other from drowning after that ending. Radley in her perceived worth and trust issues. Kai in his worst fear come to life.

There are some fantastic secondary characters too (I'm looking at you Gamma!), some of which I can't wait to see if we get stories from in the future 👀. I particularly love Becca and Brooks, and how they are with Radley 🥰

This is a slow burn so the steam is low for now, but it truely makes up for it in Annie's way with words. There are some triggers of sexual assault, so be mindful of that before diving in.

Overall a fantastic debut 💜 #RADKAI

𝑰 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎���𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
Profile Image for Naiomi Cox.
398 reviews32 followers
May 6, 2024
Found family, bullies, sexual assault, sugar cookies, Strong FMC, best friends, foster child, intrigue. This book has it all. I can’t wait to read book 2 to find out more.
Profile Image for Alisha.
154 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2021
I don’t even know where to start. None of the words that come to mind suffice for this fated, twisted love story. I still can’t wrap my head around this being a debut novel. It is so well written and such an amazing story—effortless and so poetic. The theme of this story is heavy and was braved in a way I hadn’t expected. I can’t count how many times I highlighted parts that caught my attention and drew me further into the story.

Radley and Meekai both set the stage for an emotional roller coaster that took me by complete surprise—the feelings emanating from Radley leapt off the pages and Meekai was the calm to her storm.

ALL of the secondary characters are fleshed out and easy to relate to. I loved every one of them as soon as they hit the page (except Reign, never Reign!) And just as I was rooting for Radley’s torment to disappear, the storyline had to go and destroy all my hopes and dreams! And that ending...I’m stunned—talk about one hell of a cliffhanger! I need book two NOW!
Profile Image for Komal Chandwani.
Author 3 books98 followers
April 12, 2021
Thirteen Hours to You is Annie Emerson's debut novel.

The story is gripping with an emotional roller coaster and a huge page turner. I was left nursing a broken heart and I know that the second book in the duet is going to be even better.

Thirteen Hours to You is about Radley who has been through a lot in her hometown. Abused, mocked and left with no hope. So when she comes across Meekai, she thinks he is one of those people who are there to further crush her. But little does she know at the time.

It was mind-blowing to see how each character develops from beginning to end. It is such a beautiful journey with all the ups and downs. I felt nothing and everything at the same time - every emotion so raw hitting me hard.

The characters in this book are made to be so relatable and I love each and every one, especially Meekai. He is this tattooed sexy swoon-worthy guy who gives off a bad boy vibe. He knows whom he's destined to be with and will not stop.

Another favourite character of mine is Gamma. She's literally the best with her kind, caring nature and has no filter whatsoever.

This book is so much more than just a simple story. Annie's writing is addictive and I don't think I can get enough of it. I am thankful and grateful to Annie for writing this story because I've been going through a shitty phase and it's helped me a lot and gotten some perspective.

Let this book serve as a reminder to all that second chances do exist and that there will always be people fighting for you and pulling you out of darkness. Just remember to trust.

So please pick up this book and give it a read - recommended highly.
Profile Image for Anja Dettmann.
201 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2021
O! M! G! What for a great debut novel by Annie!
The book lured me in from the start and even now, after finishing it, it won't left me until reading book 2 of this duet.
I had so many emotions while reading it and left me stunned and heartbroken at the end of the book. I NEED to know, like, right now in this moment.
Annie has a way to tell this story so vividly that the characters felt so real and alive.

Radley had so much to cope with in her old hometown where she grew up. Her only support system were her dad and her cousin ... also her mom who left too early.
But still she couldn't open up to them what really happened to her.
She was too afraid of what they would think of her.

To leave all this behind she moved for her senior year to her gran.
Everything seemed to change into the better.
True friends.
Her first love.
Meekai.

Meekai...he's so precious! So caring. Everything you wish for as a boyfriend.
Meekai is also the only one Radley opened up completely because of his endearing ways. I could gush all along about him, but you have to experience him for yourself.

But be beware of the triggers mentioned triggers.

I kindly received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ana-Mariya  Chankova.
183 reviews14 followers
April 11, 2021
I have to say, I really loved this book. It's Annie's debut novel and all I can say is - what an amazing job she has done!! It's a very interesting story/duet and it's definitely something I haven't read so far!

Radley is in her last year of high school and after a very traumatic experience (trigger warning for sexual assault), she decides to leave her hometown and move thirteen hours away to Everlee falls to live with her Grandma. There she finally gets a new chance at life, love and friendships.

I have to admit, I felt so much for Radley! She had such a traumatic experience and it really scarred her. She was scared of ever trusting anyone and always thinking that she is the problem. That's so heartbreaking when you're only seventeen.

Meekai - he was a very interesting character from the moment we meet him. The way he sees him and Radley's meeting - like it was a second chance and it was fate! He had demons of his own and he is still this swoony boy!

Most of all, I loved the side characters. I think they were written so well and had a story on their own. I mean, Gamma was hilarious! They played an important role in this story and I am dying to find out what is going to happen with them.

I can't wait for the second part! I definitely recommend it!

Thank you, Annie for providing me with an ARC!!
Profile Image for LuLu.booknook.
139 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2021
"𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘣𝘺𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥."

And I have a feeling I just discovered a new favourite author.
Thirteen Hours to You is Annie Emerson's debut novel. If this is her debut, I can't even imagine what she's capable of for her next masterpiece. This story is exceptionally written! I went through all possible emotions while reading it.
The prologue smacks you in the face with so much pain that quickly turns into anger for what Radley, the heroine, went through. From there the story gripped me and I couldn't even sleep because I wanted to know what was going to happen.
Meekai was amazing I loved everything about him. He is the perfect person for Radley and these 2 together are incredible.
The way they heal and love each other is beautiful to read about.
And the side characters were the perfect addition to this beautifully haunting story. I want a Gamma in my life I absolutely adored her.

I cannot stress enough how much I need the second book in the duet. One of my favourite reads this year xx


I was gifted an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion!
Profile Image for Debbie Cromack.
Author 5 books237 followers
April 12, 2021
This beautifully written story is about fate, destiny, the impossible. It’s a heartfelt and heartbreaking emotional tale. You’ll be taken through a gamut of emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (sob!!), you’ll scream, and you’ll cheer, all while rooting for the characters. Through reading this carefully crafted story, you may find your own way to grow and be strong. There are dark secrets, resentment, and resilience. It’s about life’s most precious gift, the love of a lifetime. If you love romance, you’re going to love this story while falling head over heels for the relatable characters. Bravo to the author, Annie Emerson, for creating this world for us to escape into with her incredible debut novel.
Profile Image for Alicia Crofton.
Author 5 books33 followers
April 6, 2021
Radley has been through hell, holy moly. The trigger warning is warranted for sensitive readers. That aside, what I love about this story is watching Radley come out of that hell, and how Meekai helps her through it. Their love is so beautiful and heartbreaking and wonderful and gratifying. I rooted for them every step of the way.

And that FaceTime scene.... *fanning self* 🔥🔥🔥🔥

This story centers around fate, which is a trope I absolutely love. Because of fate, there is a deeper connection between Radley and Meekai that goes beyond a simple high school romance. It’s so much more than that. They are so perfect for each other.

The ties to music in the story was also a nice touch. I found myself hearing songs in my head while the story went along.

I’m champing at the bit to read the second book of this duet because I MUST, I absolutely MUST, know how their story ends.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.





Profile Image for Bookslover09.
847 reviews67 followers
April 12, 2021
Thirteen Hours to You is the first book by Annie Emerson and is an emotional journey. Amazing characters!! Warning this book contains sexual assault.

Meekai and Radley's story is a roller coaster of emotions; you will cry and get mad and cry again, but worth it 💯 %. I love how strong she gets and how he started making good memories for her.

I cannot wait for book two and see how the story continues.
Profile Image for P.
112 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2021
“Sometimes goodbyes lead to a second chance. If I see you again, it’ll mean that this goodbye was meant as a beginning, not an end. Fate. The first point of contact.”-Meekai

Such an emotional read! Beautifully written by Annie
Emerson. You can feel the pain, the love, the trust all the emotions. A beautiful journey of two beautiful souls, that are fated. This book is the first of the Duet Sometimes Goodbye. Radley a young amazing woman who’s suffered through bullying her whole life, add to that sexual assault. Meet Meekai who’s a romantic at heart an such a sweetheart. They meet the last day before she leaves town. But fate reunites them again. A story about a boy who gives love, support, and strength to the love of his life. At the same time she is also healing him from what he’s going though. Radley and Meekai develop such a beautiful fun relationship. Her with her printed labeled shirts, him expressing his love through songs on Spotify. But love is not enough sometimes when other factors come into play. They are destined but there is more to their story that can keep them apart. Made me cry, but also believe in Love❤️. Onto book 2, because the ending of this made me need answers!
Profile Image for Brigid Brown.
957 reviews23 followers
April 15, 2021
Great debut novel!! Raw and intense!!

Whoa!! This is Annie Emerson's debut novel and I couldn't be more impressed!!

Thirteen Hours to You is an emotional rollercoaster with all the feels. It's raw, intense and made me feel all the pain the main character Radley was feeling. Radley, ugh my heart broke for her she has endured so much and on her own, but she's a fighter. Thanks to Meekai, she started to learn to trust again. Meekai is every girls dream. He’s kind, compassionate, and believes in fate. He wants nothing more than to fight for Radley, for them. All it took was a chance meeting and he found his destiny, the girl with the violet eyes from his dreams.

What impressed me the most is that this author tackled a couple of very difficult subjects and wrote them with the sensitivity they deserved. Mad, mad props!!!

This is book one of a duet and the cliffhanger had me screaming and wanting me to through my Kindle! Like OMG!!!! I need book 2 now!!!

***The author has explicitly warned that there are triggers, please take heed!

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
May 3, 2024
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