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Tamara King
Sam Atlas’s hopes are at an all-time low. She’s tired of being the third wheel to her two best friends and her romantic life is nonexistent—until Sam bumps into the fiery and elusive Tamara King, and it changes everything. Sam learns quickly of Tamara’s unreliability, and their complicated relationship grows with them as they move towards their thirties.
In her search for closure, Sam’s friends support her through comedic rebound dates, defend her many drunken mishaps, and stand by her side right up until the event she never expected she would see—Tamara King’s wedding.
Sam learns how first loves often leave scars that are hard to heal, but finds that letting go can bring laughter, heartache, and unexpected love.
In her search for closure, Sam’s friends support her through comedic rebound dates, defend her many drunken mishaps, and stand by her side right up until the event she never expected she would see—Tamara King’s wedding.
Sam learns how first loves often leave scars that are hard to heal, but finds that letting go can bring laughter, heartache, and unexpected love.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2021
22 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Emily Wright
6 books251 followersEmily Wright is a dog-loving, book-sniffing, ukulele-playing author who lives in Barnsley in the UK. When she isn’t attached to her computer writing, she loves the outdoors, especially the crash of the ocean, the smell of pine, and starry night skies that make her feel absolutely obsolete. When not drinking tea and eating an unthinkable amount of Bourbons, she spends the rest of her time chasing her two naughty Cocker Spaniels around the house to stop them from eating anything and everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 15, 2021
Tamara King by Emily Wright is the novel I have been waiting for all year. It is an august and intricately written story which follows Sam (Samantha) Atlas’s life for a span of eleven years through her twenties and into her thirties.
I am totally enamoured by Wright’s writing style. She begins in the present where a very nervous and upset Sam is attending a wedding for someone from her life who is not revealed until much later in the book. We are casually fed bits of information about Sam in her present life. The importance of the information to the story does not come full circle until the last quarter of the novel. This story is filled with these circles upon circles which holds your interest to the very last sentence of the book. The pacing and length of the story holds this writing style perfectly in balance between staying in the moment and yearning to know how it all fits together. It reminds me of playing with Spirograph when I was much younger. I would use the geometric roulette circles and a pen to create beautiful artwork. And so does Emily Wright.
Sam’s life is a study of loves and losses and all the confusion and growth we survive in maturing. Sam is a regular person. No abs of steel nor runway model looks or legs that go on forever. She is just a nice person making good and bad choices as she lives her life. You cannot help but be interested in her story.
Tamara King is a love story which would be appreciated by all readers.
Thank you to NineStar Press Publication and BookSirens for the free ARC in return for my honest review.
5++⭐️
I am totally enamoured by Wright’s writing style. She begins in the present where a very nervous and upset Sam is attending a wedding for someone from her life who is not revealed until much later in the book. We are casually fed bits of information about Sam in her present life. The importance of the information to the story does not come full circle until the last quarter of the novel. This story is filled with these circles upon circles which holds your interest to the very last sentence of the book. The pacing and length of the story holds this writing style perfectly in balance between staying in the moment and yearning to know how it all fits together. It reminds me of playing with Spirograph when I was much younger. I would use the geometric roulette circles and a pen to create beautiful artwork. And so does Emily Wright.
Sam’s life is a study of loves and losses and all the confusion and growth we survive in maturing. Sam is a regular person. No abs of steel nor runway model looks or legs that go on forever. She is just a nice person making good and bad choices as she lives her life. You cannot help but be interested in her story.
Tamara King is a love story which would be appreciated by all readers.
Thank you to NineStar Press Publication and BookSirens for the free ARC in return for my honest review.
5++⭐️
December 2, 2021
First loves.
I think this book turned out to be far more fulfilling than I had imagined. This story follows Sam's life for over a decade and it time jumps between Sam's first relationship in 2010 with Tarama, Tamara's wedding in 2021, and Sam's major romantic milestones in between. It doesn't follow the formulatic lesfic romance stories that I normally read and even though I found it hard at first to follow the time jumps, I think there are merits to writing the story in such a way and I enjoyed Sam's journey.
This story is about first loves and the impact they have on us. Our first loves may or may not have been perfect, but we'll never forget them. This is a bittersweet story, it's not angsty read and I actually feel really good after reading it.
I received an ARC through Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book turned out to be far more fulfilling than I had imagined. This story follows Sam's life for over a decade and it time jumps between Sam's first relationship in 2010 with Tarama, Tamara's wedding in 2021, and Sam's major romantic milestones in between. It doesn't follow the formulatic lesfic romance stories that I normally read and even though I found it hard at first to follow the time jumps, I think there are merits to writing the story in such a way and I enjoyed Sam's journey.
This story is about first loves and the impact they have on us. Our first loves may or may not have been perfect, but we'll never forget them. This is a bittersweet story, it's not angsty read and I actually feel really good after reading it.
I received an ARC through Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2021
“Tamara King” is the debut novel by Emily Wright and it’s a good one. I’m a little hesitant to call it a romance as it isn’t one, in the traditional sense. But I don’t think that it should put you off reading it. There’s still romance and love and the ending left me feeling happy.
This is the story of Samantha Atlas and her first love, Tamara King. This has a dual time line that is mostly very easy to follow as the chapters announce the year. In the current timeline, Sam is preparing to attend Tamara’s wedding and as the day progresses, she thinks back to their highs and lows over the course of their relationship. Those chapters tell the story of how they meet and fall in love and also the lows and what leads to their breakup.
What I really loved about this was that it felt real, which isn’t what I always want to read in fiction, but it really worked here. Sam and Tamara’s relationship isn’t perfect and neither are they. This really showcases that just because you love someone it doesn’t mean they’re the one for you. Wright isn’t afraid to show the sad, messy sides of the relationship as well as the happier times.
But like I mentioned above, this does have a happy ending…two really, if you count Tamara’s. While there are sad and bittersweet parts, it’s also full of funny and heartfelt moments. I highly recommend this one if you’re in the mood for something a little different!
I received an arc from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Samantha Atlas and her first love, Tamara King. This has a dual time line that is mostly very easy to follow as the chapters announce the year. In the current timeline, Sam is preparing to attend Tamara’s wedding and as the day progresses, she thinks back to their highs and lows over the course of their relationship. Those chapters tell the story of how they meet and fall in love and also the lows and what leads to their breakup.
What I really loved about this was that it felt real, which isn’t what I always want to read in fiction, but it really worked here. Sam and Tamara’s relationship isn’t perfect and neither are they. This really showcases that just because you love someone it doesn’t mean they’re the one for you. Wright isn’t afraid to show the sad, messy sides of the relationship as well as the happier times.
But like I mentioned above, this does have a happy ending…two really, if you count Tamara’s. While there are sad and bittersweet parts, it’s also full of funny and heartfelt moments. I highly recommend this one if you’re in the mood for something a little different!
I received an arc from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2022
I was quite surprised when I learned that this is Emily Wrights debut novel. It's bloody good. It didn't have the angst I would have expected from a first love/loss romance, but the story was great regardless. The back and forth from past to present was written well and the growth in Sam's and her friends lives' experiences were believable. Sam's a lovely character too. I was rooting for her for sure.
November 6, 2024
This book is actually a version 2.0 of Emily Wright debut novel. It doesn't follow the exact pattern of a romance novel but it does actually features love stories. Now that I read several of Wright's books, I know I really like the writing style and this debut novel is no exception. The characters are layered and following Sam through the years makes the characters even more three dimensional. I initially thought I was in for a second chance novel. When I realized it wasn't I was baffled but I actually really liked the book. It's easy to read, on chapter after another and I like Sam's journey, how her first love and heartbreak has an impact on her life, and how closure can be a bittersweet. It's not a fairy tale but it felt real, still give a happy ending and made me feel good.
October 18, 2023
I had assumed that the book would follow the typical storyline of a first-love-to-second-chance romance, with the two protagonists ultimately ending up together and living happily ever after. It did not. The book did not follow this trope. It was not a typical sapphic romance where the first love story ends in heartbreak.
I'm actually a little speechless that I need to re-read some of the chapters right after I finish the book. And I am still processing the emotions and thoughts. Emily Wright crafted her story in the most brilliant way. Although it has a happy ending, it still left my heart aching😭
I'm actually a little speechless that I need to re-read some of the chapters right after I finish the book. And I am still processing the emotions and thoughts. Emily Wright crafted her story in the most brilliant way. Although it has a happy ending, it still left my heart aching😭
November 10, 2024
Tamara King by Emily Wright is an exploration of first love and the lifelong impact that it can have. The complexities of young love while managing insecurities and processing trauma create a bittersweet environment for growth. We get a dual timeline view from Sam's perspective over several years, highlighting the significant points in her life, specifically revolving around her relationship with Tamara.
The writing style is very good. The editing is clean. The characters are likable. And the examination of the lessons she learns is valuable.
The story started slowly for me and became more interesting at around the first third mark. I never really felt emotionally connected to the characters and, in turn, didn't really "feel" the angst. It evokes some memories of my youth, not the same experience, but definitely a growing period. I appreciate that there was no conflict regarding any of the character's sexual orientation or gender expression. Wright gives us a satisfying ending that doesn't trivialize or lessen the weight of their younger life experiences.
This is a re-release of Wright's debut novel and has value. I have read another novel by this author and enjoyed it more. I see her growth as a writer and will read more by her.
3.5 rounded up.
#firstlove #dualtimeline #HEA
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
The writing style is very good. The editing is clean. The characters are likable. And the examination of the lessons she learns is valuable.
The story started slowly for me and became more interesting at around the first third mark. I never really felt emotionally connected to the characters and, in turn, didn't really "feel" the angst. It evokes some memories of my youth, not the same experience, but definitely a growing period. I appreciate that there was no conflict regarding any of the character's sexual orientation or gender expression. Wright gives us a satisfying ending that doesn't trivialize or lessen the weight of their younger life experiences.
This is a re-release of Wright's debut novel and has value. I have read another novel by this author and enjoyed it more. I see her growth as a writer and will read more by her.
3.5 rounded up.
#firstlove #dualtimeline #HEA
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
October 6, 2021
A complete romantic at heart, I knew I was going to enjoy Tamara King right from the off – and how right I was! More than just your typical, somewhat predictable rom-com, Emily Wright has given us here a real deep-dive into the ups and downs of a relationship, from the good to the bad and everything in between. Flicking from past to present as we see Sam and Tamara’s blossoming relationship and eventual breakup, I was well and truly sucked in and fully invested in Sam as our protagonist. Warm, witty and an all-too relatable look at first loves, this was a joy to read from start to finish.
I won’t give too much away in terms of plot, as you could easily fly through this in one sitting, but I must commend Emily Wright on her fantastic and effortless writing here. The characters all felt so real to me, their motivations and reactions completely believable, and I could easily picture the scenes playing out so vividly in my mind as I read. I really enjoyed Sam and following her journey, thanks to the past/present timelines it was great to see her character progression and growth throughout the novel. There were also several moments in the book that had me laughing out loud, and Wright has done a great job of effortlessly blending those more heartfelt moments with scenes and one-liners that will have you giggling.
Overall, this was a really charming read that I honestly couldn’t put down. I was fully hooked and invested from the very first chapter - Tamara King is the romance novel you need on your TBR this autumn. Highly recommend!
I won’t give too much away in terms of plot, as you could easily fly through this in one sitting, but I must commend Emily Wright on her fantastic and effortless writing here. The characters all felt so real to me, their motivations and reactions completely believable, and I could easily picture the scenes playing out so vividly in my mind as I read. I really enjoyed Sam and following her journey, thanks to the past/present timelines it was great to see her character progression and growth throughout the novel. There were also several moments in the book that had me laughing out loud, and Wright has done a great job of effortlessly blending those more heartfelt moments with scenes and one-liners that will have you giggling.
Overall, this was a really charming read that I honestly couldn’t put down. I was fully hooked and invested from the very first chapter - Tamara King is the romance novel you need on your TBR this autumn. Highly recommend!
March 5, 2022
This book is told in first person and scripted around the history of a pivotal and important relationship in the life of two very different women. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a romance. It’s more of a journey. Readers come to see the pain of letting go and opening up to new possibilities through the eyes of Sam Atlas as she prepares to attend the wedding of Tamara King, her first love. It’s told with real compassion and honesty, so much so that readers empathize and identify with Sam immediately. Her world and experience is completely relatable to readers.
When readers first meet Sam, she is filled with trepidation and angst about attending Tamara’s wedding. The whole event inspires a look-back on Sam’s relationship with Tamara. It stirs reflection, revisiting Sam’s life and her relationships, especially the one she shared with Tamara. This, interestingly enough, is the catalyst for everything that progress.
Through flashbacks, readers experience the ups and downs of Sam and Tamara’s decade-long connection. When Sam and Tamara meet, they are two young and vulnerable college students learning to navigate life and love. As the story progresses, readers learn about all their joys, sorrows, insecurities, missteps. The story concludes at Tamara’s wedding, an event that brings joy and happiness to both their lives, just in different ways.
Wright pens such lovely detail into this tale. At the start, Tamara and Sam are flawed individuals. However, Wright gives them the time and attention they need to develop. As the story moves on, she patiently nurtures them, expanding and growing their character with each scene. Some plot points are tender, and some are harsh, but it all resonates. The relationship is painful and halting at times, but readers can relate. They wish for happiness for these two characters, especially Sam. There is just something about her that tugs at readers’ hearts.
As an aside, it should be mentioned that there are references to domestic abuse, cheating, and animal death in this book. One may want to consider this before choosing to read it. That being said, Wright does use the aforementioned topics with literary purpose. Sadly, all of these things do exist in the world and Wright only employs them to give her storytelling grit and texture.
Final remarks…
There are a few rough spots in this novel, but this is Emily Wright’s first book. In my humble opinion, the construction does need a bit of adjustment. There are times I questioned the lead character’s motivation. It caused me to wonder about the credibility of it all and I struggled to piece together why the author made those choices for her. But, as I said, this is Wright’s first book. I imagine she’ll gain more balance with each book she writes. She is definitely a talented writer filled with promise. Tamara King’s foundation is firmly seated in captivating themes and intriguing characters. It gives readers pause and makes them think about their first college crush. Readers will recognize Sam’s pain and joy as she works so hard to capture the attention of another and fall in love.
Strengths…
Heartfelt
Relatable
Captivating themes
Interesting characters
When readers first meet Sam, she is filled with trepidation and angst about attending Tamara’s wedding. The whole event inspires a look-back on Sam’s relationship with Tamara. It stirs reflection, revisiting Sam’s life and her relationships, especially the one she shared with Tamara. This, interestingly enough, is the catalyst for everything that progress.
Through flashbacks, readers experience the ups and downs of Sam and Tamara’s decade-long connection. When Sam and Tamara meet, they are two young and vulnerable college students learning to navigate life and love. As the story progresses, readers learn about all their joys, sorrows, insecurities, missteps. The story concludes at Tamara’s wedding, an event that brings joy and happiness to both their lives, just in different ways.
Wright pens such lovely detail into this tale. At the start, Tamara and Sam are flawed individuals. However, Wright gives them the time and attention they need to develop. As the story moves on, she patiently nurtures them, expanding and growing their character with each scene. Some plot points are tender, and some are harsh, but it all resonates. The relationship is painful and halting at times, but readers can relate. They wish for happiness for these two characters, especially Sam. There is just something about her that tugs at readers’ hearts.
As an aside, it should be mentioned that there are references to domestic abuse, cheating, and animal death in this book. One may want to consider this before choosing to read it. That being said, Wright does use the aforementioned topics with literary purpose. Sadly, all of these things do exist in the world and Wright only employs them to give her storytelling grit and texture.
Final remarks…
There are a few rough spots in this novel, but this is Emily Wright’s first book. In my humble opinion, the construction does need a bit of adjustment. There are times I questioned the lead character’s motivation. It caused me to wonder about the credibility of it all and I struggled to piece together why the author made those choices for her. But, as I said, this is Wright’s first book. I imagine she’ll gain more balance with each book she writes. She is definitely a talented writer filled with promise. Tamara King’s foundation is firmly seated in captivating themes and intriguing characters. It gives readers pause and makes them think about their first college crush. Readers will recognize Sam’s pain and joy as she works so hard to capture the attention of another and fall in love.
Strengths…
Heartfelt
Relatable
Captivating themes
Interesting characters
October 13, 2021
Tamara King follows the story of Sam Atlas and Tamara King’s first love as young adults. We go back and forth in time through their various encounters over the years and the day of Tamara’s wedding, set 11 years after they initially meet in college. We see how her first love with Tamara affects Sam and the way she lives her life.
This was an amazing first novel and I’m so glad I picked it up. I almost didn’t as I generally don’t go for books with vague summaries but this one already had a couple of great reviews. It was a wonderful read and I fell in love with these characters in the span of an afternoon. When I finished the book it was with a smile on my face and a warm heart. I loved the way this book played out and how it ended and only wish the characters weren’t fictional so I could hang out with them. Please keep writing! Crossing my fingers you have more novels lined up for publication after this.
This was an amazing first novel and I’m so glad I picked it up. I almost didn’t as I generally don’t go for books with vague summaries but this one already had a couple of great reviews. It was a wonderful read and I fell in love with these characters in the span of an afternoon. When I finished the book it was with a smile on my face and a warm heart. I loved the way this book played out and how it ended and only wish the characters weren’t fictional so I could hang out with them. Please keep writing! Crossing my fingers you have more novels lined up for publication after this.
October 11, 2021
Where to begin with this book? I'm not particularly into romance novels, it's a genre that generally holds little interest to me. Not because I think it's bad, it just rarely aligns with what I'm looking for in a book. I'm willing to make exceptions though, when the book in question is itself exceptional. That's 'Tamara King'; exceptional, exquisite, absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. If you can't tell, I like it. I really like it.
The book follows a decade in the life of Samantha Atlas, a young woman whose life is changed by the arrival of the peculiar, elusive Tamara King, cousin to a friend of Sam's. The two women quickly develop an intense relationship complete with dizzying highs and nauseating lows. Jumping between Sam's early adulthood and the day of a wedding that seems to be a source of great distress to her, we see the effects such a relationship can have throughout a person's life.
The prose is fluid, and unlike many romance novels I've encountered over the years, real. It's human. Not every conversation between lovers is a Shakespearean sonnet. Not every encounter is a blaze of passion. Sometimes, even between the closest people, things can be messy, ugly. And that's the true beauty of this book. When you see the imperfections of a relationship, it makes the good shine all the brighter. The moments of (usually foul-mouthed) tenderness are joyous, be it between friends or partners, and often left me laughing aloud. The emotions are genuine, Sam a delightfully relatable narrator. Even the most passionate scenes are littered with a pure, human awkwardness that so many writers are afraid to include, as if it would kill the moment when in fact it just uplifts it.
I loved every minute of 'Tamara King'. It brought out a reaction in me I've only really had with one other book of its kind, Sally Rooney's (also remarkable) 'Normal People'. I laughed, I teared up, I even had to put it down at one point to breathe because it hit a little too close to home, and most importantly I closed the final page with the biggest smile on my face.
If you only read one romance novel this year, make it this one.
The book follows a decade in the life of Samantha Atlas, a young woman whose life is changed by the arrival of the peculiar, elusive Tamara King, cousin to a friend of Sam's. The two women quickly develop an intense relationship complete with dizzying highs and nauseating lows. Jumping between Sam's early adulthood and the day of a wedding that seems to be a source of great distress to her, we see the effects such a relationship can have throughout a person's life.
The prose is fluid, and unlike many romance novels I've encountered over the years, real. It's human. Not every conversation between lovers is a Shakespearean sonnet. Not every encounter is a blaze of passion. Sometimes, even between the closest people, things can be messy, ugly. And that's the true beauty of this book. When you see the imperfections of a relationship, it makes the good shine all the brighter. The moments of (usually foul-mouthed) tenderness are joyous, be it between friends or partners, and often left me laughing aloud. The emotions are genuine, Sam a delightfully relatable narrator. Even the most passionate scenes are littered with a pure, human awkwardness that so many writers are afraid to include, as if it would kill the moment when in fact it just uplifts it.
I loved every minute of 'Tamara King'. It brought out a reaction in me I've only really had with one other book of its kind, Sally Rooney's (also remarkable) 'Normal People'. I laughed, I teared up, I even had to put it down at one point to breathe because it hit a little too close to home, and most importantly I closed the final page with the biggest smile on my face.
If you only read one romance novel this year, make it this one.
October 30, 2024
I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for Emily Wright’s warm, fuzzy yet edgy book, Tamara King. This is my ARC review -
This is a beautifully written rewrite of the authors debut book, with two very strong, likeable and readable main characters. The supporting cast of friends and family are a wonderful addition to what is a very interesting and hard to put down read.
I liked the progression through the book, and the author takes you from present day to years, then months ago as the book develops. It all ends up coming full circle, and you get to see all the intricacies which were hinted at play out perfectly.
No spoiler alerts here so I can’t go into as much detail as I’d like to. However, if you like edgy, emotive and colourful characters you’ll love Tamara!! For a softer, more subtle yet still emotive sidekick you’ll warm to Sam. Their mutual friends throughout supply an ongoing side story about Tom and his girlfriend Ellie, Tom’s band Blue Rooms, his bandmates and the pub they frequent, mainly to listen to the band… run by Petey and supported by his very bubbly, flirtatious wife Emma, who works the bar and is another key character who becomes more important as the story progresses.
The spice is mild to medium and more suggestive than graphic, but I think this is why this book would appeal to a broad range of reader, including young adult, newly out lesbians, bi-curious, pan sexual, new to sapphic romance readers, and potentially asexual readers who don’t mind reading some sapphic sexual detail which leans more towards the closeness and romance of the moment than to the smut and desire, even though the wanting is evident. This list of who might like this book isn’t exhaustive and I can’t imagine anyone not being touched by this book, the rollercoaster of emotions the main characters experience especially Sam and the expressive way it is written. There are twists and turns throughout, and just when you think you know where you are and what to expect, the unexpected happens!!
The book is even humorous too and whilst I wasn’t guffawing and out of control at every page, I was chuckling happily to myself and enjoying the lighter moments in this book as they washed over me.
I would definitely recommend this book, a warm, yet dynamic and enjoyable rom-com about two completely different main characters who somehow get drawn into each others lives over and over again; you never quite know what is going to happen next, which to me is a complete bonus and makes for an extremely surprising yet comfortable read.
Thank you to Book Funnel for the review copy of this book.
This is a beautifully written rewrite of the authors debut book, with two very strong, likeable and readable main characters. The supporting cast of friends and family are a wonderful addition to what is a very interesting and hard to put down read.
I liked the progression through the book, and the author takes you from present day to years, then months ago as the book develops. It all ends up coming full circle, and you get to see all the intricacies which were hinted at play out perfectly.
No spoiler alerts here so I can’t go into as much detail as I’d like to. However, if you like edgy, emotive and colourful characters you’ll love Tamara!! For a softer, more subtle yet still emotive sidekick you’ll warm to Sam. Their mutual friends throughout supply an ongoing side story about Tom and his girlfriend Ellie, Tom’s band Blue Rooms, his bandmates and the pub they frequent, mainly to listen to the band… run by Petey and supported by his very bubbly, flirtatious wife Emma, who works the bar and is another key character who becomes more important as the story progresses.
The spice is mild to medium and more suggestive than graphic, but I think this is why this book would appeal to a broad range of reader, including young adult, newly out lesbians, bi-curious, pan sexual, new to sapphic romance readers, and potentially asexual readers who don’t mind reading some sapphic sexual detail which leans more towards the closeness and romance of the moment than to the smut and desire, even though the wanting is evident. This list of who might like this book isn’t exhaustive and I can’t imagine anyone not being touched by this book, the rollercoaster of emotions the main characters experience especially Sam and the expressive way it is written. There are twists and turns throughout, and just when you think you know where you are and what to expect, the unexpected happens!!
The book is even humorous too and whilst I wasn’t guffawing and out of control at every page, I was chuckling happily to myself and enjoying the lighter moments in this book as they washed over me.
I would definitely recommend this book, a warm, yet dynamic and enjoyable rom-com about two completely different main characters who somehow get drawn into each others lives over and over again; you never quite know what is going to happen next, which to me is a complete bonus and makes for an extremely surprising yet comfortable read.
Thank you to Book Funnel for the review copy of this book.
December 31, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club for free in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Tamara King is probably one of my favorite books of 2021. The story runs in two parallel time streams, one telling the story of how Sam and Tamara met and the other of Tamara's wedding. Once I got the hang of this structure, it gave me the impression that Sam (and, by extension, I) was reflecting on all of these memories.
The titular character, Tamara, is handled really well- she could easily have been turned into a stereotypical "cool girl" or utilized typical romance tropes by getting Sam to "heal" her, but instead she seems authentic. Sam's relationships and path through life also seem realistic, so I really felt like I was in her shoes. Suffice to say, I developed a huge emotional connection to both characters.
Tamara King is a particularly excellent book for anyone who feels like they are stepping into adulthood. The overall message is one of trusting yourself and realizing that, truly, the best is yet to come. Without spoiling anything, the ending is one that ran counter to what I had anticipated when I picked up the book, yet one that provides a great sense of closure and makes it all feel worthwhile. If you're on the fence at all, I would definitely recommend this book!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Tamara King is probably one of my favorite books of 2021. The story runs in two parallel time streams, one telling the story of how Sam and Tamara met and the other of Tamara's wedding. Once I got the hang of this structure, it gave me the impression that Sam (and, by extension, I) was reflecting on all of these memories.
The titular character, Tamara, is handled really well- she could easily have been turned into a stereotypical "cool girl" or utilized typical romance tropes by getting Sam to "heal" her, but instead she seems authentic. Sam's relationships and path through life also seem realistic, so I really felt like I was in her shoes. Suffice to say, I developed a huge emotional connection to both characters.
Tamara King is a particularly excellent book for anyone who feels like they are stepping into adulthood. The overall message is one of trusting yourself and realizing that, truly, the best is yet to come. Without spoiling anything, the ending is one that ran counter to what I had anticipated when I picked up the book, yet one that provides a great sense of closure and makes it all feel worthwhile. If you're on the fence at all, I would definitely recommend this book!
November 5, 2024
Wonderful second edition done right! I own the first edition, and this authors debut book, but for some reason I hadn’t read it yet. I have to say that some of the critiques/reviews were unfounded in this edition so either I don’t have the same opinions or the author did a superb job for this release!
This is Sam’s story, starting eleven years ago meeting her first love moving through the years to present time. Sam shows growth throughout from university on in relationships, experiences, both the highs and lows. She shows vulnerability, compassion and kindness throughout. She is honest and open. When the touches and heated looks finally happen with the one that’s been there (and hoped for imo!) I was all tingly and smiley. I think I swooned.
Do we ever really forget our first loves? Told in Sam’s pov through present time and past, flip flopping through time as the chapters change, providing a unique view as she navigates life and love. Building a strong foundation for happiness.
This is Sam’s story, starting eleven years ago meeting her first love moving through the years to present time. Sam shows growth throughout from university on in relationships, experiences, both the highs and lows. She shows vulnerability, compassion and kindness throughout. She is honest and open. When the touches and heated looks finally happen with the one that’s been there (and hoped for imo!) I was all tingly and smiley. I think I swooned.
Do we ever really forget our first loves? Told in Sam’s pov through present time and past, flip flopping through time as the chapters change, providing a unique view as she navigates life and love. Building a strong foundation for happiness.
November 13, 2021
This book got to me more than I thought it would. It hurt to see Sam hurt with every new thing that happened with Tamara. Whenever Tamara messed up Sam ended up hurt. And somehow I still couldn’t dislike Tamara? I fell in love with Emma the first time she showed up in the book. Right from the start I hoped that she and Sam would end up together in their own happy ever after. I guess in all this and this entire story, I love Emma most. She has my heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
Such a gorgeous book. I read this in about three sittings and struggled to put it down. Laughed, cried and smiled the whole way through and thoroughly enjoyed having such a love hate relationship with Tamara!
Have my eyes peeled for the next Emily Wright novel.
Have my eyes peeled for the next Emily Wright novel.
December 29, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Sam and her relationship with the one and only Tamara King. It's told in a back and forth of the past and the present which starts with their meeting and where they first get together and ends at Tamara's wedding.
I had conflicting feelings about this book pretty much the whole time I was reading it. In the end though I appreciated the different way it went about telling a love story of sorts. Not everyone ends up with their first love but that relationship can still be formative and important. It was more about closure than finding love and I think it did a really good job delivering on that. The ending felt fitting and I was glad to see that everything worked out in the end. I had a been a little worried that Sam would end up alone and was pleasantly surprised at how her story concluded. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book; however, if you're looking for a straight up romance I'd say this is not the book for that.
The book follows Sam and her relationship with the one and only Tamara King. It's told in a back and forth of the past and the present which starts with their meeting and where they first get together and ends at Tamara's wedding.
I had conflicting feelings about this book pretty much the whole time I was reading it. In the end though I appreciated the different way it went about telling a love story of sorts. Not everyone ends up with their first love but that relationship can still be formative and important. It was more about closure than finding love and I think it did a really good job delivering on that. The ending felt fitting and I was glad to see that everything worked out in the end. I had a been a little worried that Sam would end up alone and was pleasantly surprised at how her story concluded. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book; however, if you're looking for a straight up romance I'd say this is not the book for that.
October 22, 2023
What a great read. This is quite different from the usual first love and second chance story. I assume that Sam would eventually end up with Tamara. Even though the book has a happy ending and Emma is perfect for Sam, but another part of me felt sad for Tamara & Sam's relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
many thanks to netgalley and booksgosocial for providing me with this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
it sounds like a codependency story with a fun explicitly sapphic twist. in reality though, it's simply a story about first loves, hurting and getting hurt, and managing to heal through it all. it's a couple we can't help but root for, we can't help but hope this time will be different and they'll sort themselves out.
our main character is annoying, tamara - our love interest - is so unreliable she might just be made of smoke and beanies. and yet, emily managed to build a story that hooks us from beginning to end, even if we just want to watch them crash and burn for a while. i personally enjoyed the ending, it was exactly what the book had been building up for, and was done swiftly and well.
this one is a good read for anyone that likes a bit of angst with your morning coffee. or for the ones that never forgot their first love, and secretly wish they haven't forgotten you too. thanks for reading!
October 4, 2021
Really enjoyed this modern day romance.
The characters are believable and relatable.
The flick between past and present keeps you on your toes, a must read. *****
The characters are believable and relatable.
The flick between past and present keeps you on your toes, a must read. *****
October 28, 2021
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Usually I need some time adjusting to books where chapters go back and forth in time, but this one had me hooked and I had no problems following the story. Following Sam's journey was quite a ride and felt very relatable. Past relationships and experiences change you, whether you want them to or not. For Sam it's the same. This book follows her throughout a decade of dating. I don't want to give anything away, but I am so happy my ship ended up together. This book has everything I want in a novel, romance, great friends, misunderstandings, flawed characters, growth. I can't wait to read more of this author.
Usually I need some time adjusting to books where chapters go back and forth in time, but this one had me hooked and I had no problems following the story. Following Sam's journey was quite a ride and felt very relatable. Past relationships and experiences change you, whether you want them to or not. For Sam it's the same. This book follows her throughout a decade of dating. I don't want to give anything away, but I am so happy my ship ended up together. This book has everything I want in a novel, romance, great friends, misunderstandings, flawed characters, growth. I can't wait to read more of this author.
February 13, 2022
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
I'll be honest, as promised, I wanted to like this story more than I actually did in the end. Unfortunately it turned out not to really be my cup of tea. That's not to say it was a bad read by any means, the writing was of good standard and the voice of the narrator/main character felt real enough.
If I had read the story at a faster pace or in fewer sittings perhaps I would have enjoyed it more but perhaps influenced by my dipping in and out of the story for personal reasons, I didn't feel very attached to many of the characters involced which then impacted my feeling of the story as a whole. The titular Tamara King did not really come across sympathetic at any point to me, probably as we were only given Sam's perspective so we did not see a lot of explanation/reason for the things Tamara said and did, all of which made me wonder why Sam clung to the memory of her so continuously. Perhaps I was looking too hard for individual trees when I should have been looking at the forest as a whole. The conflicts felt realistic and true to form in things that are said and done in relationships, but then I didn't feel as much of a resolution to them as I could have.
The shifts in time per chapter were an interesting way to layout the story and flit back and forth in memories, but for me it also lost something between the characters as we seemed to hop through so many names that Sam was with or not with or pining for that they didn't really feel fully fleshed out or passionate by the end. I feel like rather than having Rachel in the story, if the relationship between her and Emma had been explored more in-depth instead throughout as a counterpoint to the chaos of her feelings for Tamara, it would have made the ending conclusion much more powerful and conclusive.
Lastly, I think my overall reading experience was a little put off by the voice of the narrator herself. For plenty of readers I think she will come across relatable, funny, and honest, but for me particularly in scenes such as with Grace, she had a tendency to come across a little too judgemental in ways that rubbed me the wrong way as a reader which then affected my reading. But this is more a personal itch as voice is something everyone reads differently and there are no doubt plenty of readers who will enjoy the sass and roll their eyes in solidarity with her at instances.
All in all, this was an okay quick read for a romance and if you're looking for that small-town lgbt story charm then it's alright for an afternoon perusal. The character friendships in the main group felt real and had that family-banter feel that anyone who grew up in a small town would know and recall and it was interesting to see not only Sam's progress but how the dynamics and relationships in the friend group progressed as the timeline did, for better or worse (pun intended). If you're into bittersweet small town romance, you can always give it a try.
I'll be honest, as promised, I wanted to like this story more than I actually did in the end. Unfortunately it turned out not to really be my cup of tea. That's not to say it was a bad read by any means, the writing was of good standard and the voice of the narrator/main character felt real enough.
If I had read the story at a faster pace or in fewer sittings perhaps I would have enjoyed it more but perhaps influenced by my dipping in and out of the story for personal reasons, I didn't feel very attached to many of the characters involced which then impacted my feeling of the story as a whole. The titular Tamara King did not really come across sympathetic at any point to me, probably as we were only given Sam's perspective so we did not see a lot of explanation/reason for the things Tamara said and did, all of which made me wonder why Sam clung to the memory of her so continuously. Perhaps I was looking too hard for individual trees when I should have been looking at the forest as a whole. The conflicts felt realistic and true to form in things that are said and done in relationships, but then I didn't feel as much of a resolution to them as I could have.
The shifts in time per chapter were an interesting way to layout the story and flit back and forth in memories, but for me it also lost something between the characters as we seemed to hop through so many names that Sam was with or not with or pining for that they didn't really feel fully fleshed out or passionate by the end. I feel like rather than having Rachel in the story, if the relationship between her and Emma had been explored more in-depth instead throughout as a counterpoint to the chaos of her feelings for Tamara, it would have made the ending conclusion much more powerful and conclusive.
Lastly, I think my overall reading experience was a little put off by the voice of the narrator herself. For plenty of readers I think she will come across relatable, funny, and honest, but for me particularly in scenes such as with Grace, she had a tendency to come across a little too judgemental in ways that rubbed me the wrong way as a reader which then affected my reading. But this is more a personal itch as voice is something everyone reads differently and there are no doubt plenty of readers who will enjoy the sass and roll their eyes in solidarity with her at instances.
All in all, this was an okay quick read for a romance and if you're looking for that small-town lgbt story charm then it's alright for an afternoon perusal. The character friendships in the main group felt real and had that family-banter feel that anyone who grew up in a small town would know and recall and it was interesting to see not only Sam's progress but how the dynamics and relationships in the friend group progressed as the timeline did, for better or worse (pun intended). If you're into bittersweet small town romance, you can always give it a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2023
Tamara King by Emily Wright is a heartbreaking, emotional yet romantic read. The language is simple with a progressive and moving storyline. There isn’t any harsh vocabulary or scenes in the book. The story moves smoothly back and forth between the present and the past. It’s a love story of Sam and Tamara who have a complicated relationship. The author takes you on their love journey comprising of twists and fickleness. Tamara is seen on and off in the story; keeps disappearing time after time. The author has penned down the ups and downs of a relationship; the good days and the bad days, days when one feels so loved and precious and days when one feels unloved and angry. Emily Wright gives some important messages through her writing that love can never be perfect, there are always hard days; one can not have a perfect relationship with bright sunny days, everyone experiences the rain and thunderstorms. Sometimes fate comes in between two people and it’s hard to fight fate, so it’s important to trust the flow and live life without stressing over small things. There are many prime lessons in this book; we experience certain things in our daily lives but never ponder upon them. The author has written down all the little things and helped realise that how significant and salient they are. The tale of Sam and Tamara is constructed in an exciting and effortless manner with many twists and turns. The plot is amazing and it’ll keep you hooked from start to finish. Several scenes are heartbreaking but there’s a lot of fun, humour and adventure in this book. It consists of family, love, friends, heartbreak and optimism. The detailing is to the point; there aren’t any extensive details or monotonousness in the book that’ll bore the reader. The scenes are beautifully and comprehensively described. The author has a fantastic and intelligible writing style. All in all a very interesting and moving read. Highly recommended!
November 5, 2024
I had wanted to ready this for some time, the whole premise of first love and the wonderful messy experience that it brings. It has happened to us all, some first loves survive and others do unfortunately lead to heartbreak, this story explores all of this and more.
The story’s main focus is on Sam through a jump back and forth from the present time to many years previously to Tamara King. Tamara is getting married and Sam now an ex has been invited. I know I can hear the cogs turning saying who would attend that well Sam would of course!
The interesting thing of this story is although titled after Tamara, the focus is not really on her. It is all Sam and how the first love story evolves with her.
Tamara is the catalyst that allows Sam to be her true self joined with a load of supporting friends and family. Tamara as a character is that bold spark that we are all drawn into but with some eventual character development you soon see maybe this is a first love for a reason! I think we have all been there drawn to a flame that unfortunately does burn out but this leads Sam to a brighter path. I will advise personally I found this part of the story much more enjoyable and relatable, it does take a while but it is worth the wait. Some items in here would be for me total red flags.
I really enjoyed the change of pace to the first love story trope, this is not a clear cut tale it is a gradual story of love, frustration, friendship, happiness and acceptance. You feel part of the story sitting with them, nothing is dragging but you do want to get to the end to see how it plays out as your at a wedding with your ex and you want to know where can this lead. The story is natural not over dramatic but it does make you think about the choices Sam has made to really grow from a 21 year old wanting love and not feel left out to hitting your 30s and knowing you are exactly where you need to be.
I was given the opportunity to read this as part of an ARC for an honest review, please do read. It may not be for everyone but it makes you think and we are all looking for that HEA does not matter how we find it in the end! Thank you @emilywrightwriter for allowing me to read your original debut novel.
The story’s main focus is on Sam through a jump back and forth from the present time to many years previously to Tamara King. Tamara is getting married and Sam now an ex has been invited. I know I can hear the cogs turning saying who would attend that well Sam would of course!
The interesting thing of this story is although titled after Tamara, the focus is not really on her. It is all Sam and how the first love story evolves with her.
Tamara is the catalyst that allows Sam to be her true self joined with a load of supporting friends and family. Tamara as a character is that bold spark that we are all drawn into but with some eventual character development you soon see maybe this is a first love for a reason! I think we have all been there drawn to a flame that unfortunately does burn out but this leads Sam to a brighter path. I will advise personally I found this part of the story much more enjoyable and relatable, it does take a while but it is worth the wait. Some items in here would be for me total red flags.
I really enjoyed the change of pace to the first love story trope, this is not a clear cut tale it is a gradual story of love, frustration, friendship, happiness and acceptance. You feel part of the story sitting with them, nothing is dragging but you do want to get to the end to see how it plays out as your at a wedding with your ex and you want to know where can this lead. The story is natural not over dramatic but it does make you think about the choices Sam has made to really grow from a 21 year old wanting love and not feel left out to hitting your 30s and knowing you are exactly where you need to be.
I was given the opportunity to read this as part of an ARC for an honest review, please do read. It may not be for everyone but it makes you think and we are all looking for that HEA does not matter how we find it in the end! Thank you @emilywrightwriter for allowing me to read your original debut novel.
October 16, 2021
For many years I have not picked up a book, chilled out and let my mind wonder away in a story. After so long I'm glad the Tamara king was the book I chose to read. Reading a novel felt unfamiliar to me at first but after the first few pages the passage of time faded, and I was engrossed in learning what would happen to the protagonist Samantha Atlas.
The book is split between what is memory's of the past and an in the moment wedding, this allows the story to be broken between chapters that keeps you interested and leaves you want to more know more, both about what has happened and what is going to happen.
I wouldn't say romance is my first choice of genre however the back and forth between Sam and Tamara is entrancing, taking you through ups and downs of love and how joyous or painful it can be. One moment you can be laughing along with characters having a (usually alcohol induced) great time, the next you feeling sorry for Sam and are left hoping that will all become better. Emily perfectly balances playing with the emotions of reader taking you on the journey of this complicated relationship.
By the time you reach the end of the novel it would be easy to believe that Sam and all her experiences actually transpired as you are left fully invested in each character. The last few chapters of the book highlight that there is always light at the end of tunnel, and leaves you satisfied Sam has achieved the relationship she always wanted but not how you expected.
All in All Emily has produced a wonderful novel that only leaves me waiting for what she is gonna produce next!
The book is split between what is memory's of the past and an in the moment wedding, this allows the story to be broken between chapters that keeps you interested and leaves you want to more know more, both about what has happened and what is going to happen.
I wouldn't say romance is my first choice of genre however the back and forth between Sam and Tamara is entrancing, taking you through ups and downs of love and how joyous or painful it can be. One moment you can be laughing along with characters having a (usually alcohol induced) great time, the next you feeling sorry for Sam and are left hoping that will all become better. Emily perfectly balances playing with the emotions of reader taking you on the journey of this complicated relationship.
By the time you reach the end of the novel it would be easy to believe that Sam and all her experiences actually transpired as you are left fully invested in each character. The last few chapters of the book highlight that there is always light at the end of tunnel, and leaves you satisfied Sam has achieved the relationship she always wanted but not how you expected.
All in All Emily has produced a wonderful novel that only leaves me waiting for what she is gonna produce next!
November 7, 2021
The book begins when Sam (Samantha) is at university and meets Tamara. The two slowly begin a relationship that always leaves Sam perplexed about Tamara's sudden disappearances and unavailability. The intervening chapters take place in the present day as Sam attends Tamara's wedding and has a lot to work through about the woman who was her first love.
The writing is very strong, detailed and beautiful in places. My problems with the book have to do with some gaps in character design and credibility. First, Tamara. Although we get some insights toward the end about her behavior, we never really understand what was at the root of it. When she repeatedly tells Sam she hasn't "earned" a kiss or sexual interaction, Sam doesn't question it and just ignores it. A conversation about it might have been helpful to the reader gaining a better understanding. Second, Sam at the wedding as she continually tells people her "date" or "plus 1" is running late. We don't learn the identity of this person until the last few chapters and that's a decision the author made to keep the reader guessing. But given who the person ends up being and the length of the relationship, it just doesn't work. Sam's close friends who ask about this person by name in a way that would have revealed her to the reader very quickly.
This author has a lot of potential if she can overcome these kinds of construction problems in future books.
The writing is very strong, detailed and beautiful in places. My problems with the book have to do with some gaps in character design and credibility. First, Tamara. Although we get some insights toward the end about her behavior, we never really understand what was at the root of it. When she repeatedly tells Sam she hasn't "earned" a kiss or sexual interaction, Sam doesn't question it and just ignores it. A conversation about it might have been helpful to the reader gaining a better understanding. Second, Sam at the wedding as she continually tells people her "date" or "plus 1" is running late. We don't learn the identity of this person until the last few chapters and that's a decision the author made to keep the reader guessing. But given who the person ends up being and the length of the relationship, it just doesn't work. Sam's close friends who ask about this person by name in a way that would have revealed her to the reader very quickly.
This author has a lot of potential if she can overcome these kinds of construction problems in future books.
January 15, 2024
The book is written from one perspective but bounces across time, bouncing between 2010 and 2021 as both periods meet at the end, to tell the story of how Sam Atlas meets Tamara King. I think I’m so used to ff using relatively standard tropes that I was a little caught off guard by the plotting of the book, and Sam’s eventual relationship at the book’s end which seemed not unexpected but, because of the time leaps, a little abrupt. I still enjoyed the book, though, and would recommend. (There’s a dash of on page sex but most of it’s closed door)
I enjoyed getting a sense of northern England in the writing which the mention of towns i actually know and go to regularly. Even in little details, it feels like the UK (eg, it sescribes the bit at the back of the car as a “boot, which is what we call it in the UK, rather than trunk)
There are bits that I feel just didn’t need to be there, minor moments in sentences where a character describes rolling a cigarette or draining some pasta. Maybe I’m missing something about how it helps the story or the character development but it would have chugged things along a little more (eg Sam takes up smoking because of Tamara and can’t roll cigs to begin with but I don’t need a few sentences proving she can’t roll, just a statement to that fact). I’d have preferred more dialogue and time on page for Sam’s eventual partner to take up more space instead.
I enjoyed getting a sense of northern England in the writing which the mention of towns i actually know and go to regularly. Even in little details, it feels like the UK (eg, it sescribes the bit at the back of the car as a “boot, which is what we call it in the UK, rather than trunk)
There are bits that I feel just didn’t need to be there, minor moments in sentences where a character describes rolling a cigarette or draining some pasta. Maybe I’m missing something about how it helps the story or the character development but it would have chugged things along a little more (eg Sam takes up smoking because of Tamara and can’t roll cigs to begin with but I don’t need a few sentences proving she can’t roll, just a statement to that fact). I’d have preferred more dialogue and time on page for Sam’s eventual partner to take up more space instead.
November 9, 2024
I have to say that this book overall, was very cute, relatable and had a great ending that was different than other sapphic novels I’ve read in the past. So that was a breath of fresh air.
The first half of the book, I was confused and a little bored. It didn’t stick out to me. It was a lot of back and forth between trying to understand the dynamic between Tamara and Sam and how they acted toward each other in their relationship. It started to make more sense after finding out that Tamara had cheated. Then the good stuff started happening.
I enjoyed watching Sam reunite with all her friends and having the book devote a few chapters of just friends hanging out and having a good time together with no drama. It was very wholesome and brought a big smile to my face.
I started really getting into the book more after seeing Emma and Sam’s relationship develop from being best friends all those years to something special and sexy. The scenes were very hot and exactly the kind of passion I look for in sapphic romances.
It was a great ending and one that was needed to close off a relationship that was. It was right for this kind of book. Emily Wright really dug into the reality of the impact that one relationship, especially a first love, can have for the rest of your life and what you choose to do with it when you come face to face with said person.
Overall, I think this is a good book for anybody with very relatable and realistic settings and feelings.
The first half of the book, I was confused and a little bored. It didn’t stick out to me. It was a lot of back and forth between trying to understand the dynamic between Tamara and Sam and how they acted toward each other in their relationship. It started to make more sense after finding out that Tamara had cheated. Then the good stuff started happening.
I enjoyed watching Sam reunite with all her friends and having the book devote a few chapters of just friends hanging out and having a good time together with no drama. It was very wholesome and brought a big smile to my face.
I started really getting into the book more after seeing Emma and Sam’s relationship develop from being best friends all those years to something special and sexy. The scenes were very hot and exactly the kind of passion I look for in sapphic romances.
It was a great ending and one that was needed to close off a relationship that was. It was right for this kind of book. Emily Wright really dug into the reality of the impact that one relationship, especially a first love, can have for the rest of your life and what you choose to do with it when you come face to face with said person.
Overall, I think this is a good book for anybody with very relatable and realistic settings and feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
First great love. First kisses.
First disastrous, messy and raw emotional chaos.
First steps towards adulthood.
Who hasn't experienced this?!
A broken heart helps you to see things soberly very quickly and to banish any rose-colored glasses from the house for the time being.
This first love, which is responsible for the broken heart, but which somehow keeps cropping up over the years. Today, eleven years later, going to that person's wedding is hard despite all the time that has passed.
This story is a journey through the now and then of Samantha Atlas and her choices for Love.
Of her happy, desperate, vulnerable, dark and light moments of her life and her first love Tamara King kept showing up… As a debut, amazing!
But I shouldn't be surprised!
Emily Wright writes wonderful romantic stories with a lot of depth and complex characters and that was clear from the start!
Tamara King was one of her characters that really challenged me. Not entirely transparent and very, very complicated. Poor Sam!
But where there is pain, healing usually follows.
In the form of good friends who always support and encourage her.
Especially one friend who was always there...
It's full of heartbreak, soft and funny moments.
It‘s also hot and explosive! Loved it!
Thanks to Emily Wright for this ARC and a beautiful debut novel!
First disastrous, messy and raw emotional chaos.
First steps towards adulthood.
Who hasn't experienced this?!
A broken heart helps you to see things soberly very quickly and to banish any rose-colored glasses from the house for the time being.
This first love, which is responsible for the broken heart, but which somehow keeps cropping up over the years. Today, eleven years later, going to that person's wedding is hard despite all the time that has passed.
This story is a journey through the now and then of Samantha Atlas and her choices for Love.
Of her happy, desperate, vulnerable, dark and light moments of her life and her first love Tamara King kept showing up… As a debut, amazing!
But I shouldn't be surprised!
Emily Wright writes wonderful romantic stories with a lot of depth and complex characters and that was clear from the start!
Tamara King was one of her characters that really challenged me. Not entirely transparent and very, very complicated. Poor Sam!
But where there is pain, healing usually follows.
In the form of good friends who always support and encourage her.
Especially one friend who was always there...
It's full of heartbreak, soft and funny moments.
It‘s also hot and explosive! Loved it!
Thanks to Emily Wright for this ARC and a beautiful debut novel!
November 8, 2024
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible! I’m not usually a fan of dual timeline POVs as they can leave me with too many unanswered questions. However, Emily’s style of writing has a way of drawing you in, making you want to keep on reading and follow the story of Sam’s life over a decade. From the beginning, I thought I knew where the story was headed, but as I learned more about each character, I was surprised by the unexpected happy ending that felt so fitting for Sam’s journey. I found myself equally invested in both past and present perspectives and I love how each journey was satisfyingly wrapped up in the end (although I wouldn’t complain about a follow up story looking at Tamara’s journey and perspective 👀).
While you would think this would be a bittersweet story about first love and the impact it has on us, its actually a realistic and heartwarming story that shows the up and downs of a relationship. I’ll always love how Emily manages to capture the real and raw emotions of life in her books and this story truly doesn’t disappoint!
*** Thank you to Emily for letting me part of her ARC team once again, and for the chance to read this re-release of her debut novel. ***
Rating: 4 Stars
While you would think this would be a bittersweet story about first love and the impact it has on us, its actually a realistic and heartwarming story that shows the up and downs of a relationship. I’ll always love how Emily manages to capture the real and raw emotions of life in her books and this story truly doesn’t disappoint!
*** Thank you to Emily for letting me part of her ARC team once again, and for the chance to read this re-release of her debut novel. ***
Rating: 4 Stars
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