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Oceans of Us
He’s Italian, older, a gorgeous tattooed Harley lover… and the one man I can never have.
From the moment Saint Lisconti moved in next door and recklessly stepped all over my favorite rare tiger lilies, it’s been war between us. Now, three years after our first encounter, hate simmers down, giving way to heated stolen glances that leave me drowning in his piercing ocean blue eyes.
Our attraction blooms. Sparks I crave to unravel fly. Everything changes.
Saint becomes my savior. The reason I find poetic beauty in life. He’s thirty-six, burdened by the scars from his past I so desperately want to heal. I’m eighteen, a good girl, but no matter how many times Saint warns me away, I find myself breaking all the rules for a taste of the forbidden.
Because Saint isn’t just a guarded bad boy… he’s also my father’s best friend.
And when he agrees to wanting more, all bets are off.
But as I fall deeper, our love may be the very thing that breaks us when fate twists with our plans…
Or will it?
* Oceans of Us is an angsty age gap, steamy and emotional father's best friend forbidden romance. Intended for Mature Audiences 18+.
From the moment Saint Lisconti moved in next door and recklessly stepped all over my favorite rare tiger lilies, it’s been war between us. Now, three years after our first encounter, hate simmers down, giving way to heated stolen glances that leave me drowning in his piercing ocean blue eyes.
Our attraction blooms. Sparks I crave to unravel fly. Everything changes.
Saint becomes my savior. The reason I find poetic beauty in life. He’s thirty-six, burdened by the scars from his past I so desperately want to heal. I’m eighteen, a good girl, but no matter how many times Saint warns me away, I find myself breaking all the rules for a taste of the forbidden.
Because Saint isn’t just a guarded bad boy… he’s also my father’s best friend.
And when he agrees to wanting more, all bets are off.
But as I fall deeper, our love may be the very thing that breaks us when fate twists with our plans…
Or will it?
* Oceans of Us is an angsty age gap, steamy and emotional father's best friend forbidden romance. Intended for Mature Audiences 18+.
672 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2022
95 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Luisa
7 books122 followersVanessa Luisa is a Top 100 Amazon Bestselling author of sexy romance laced with angst, dirty-talking alpha heroes and the sassy, strong heroines who bring them to their knees.
She’s best known for writing steamy, tension-filled age gaps, sometimes gritty, sometimes forbidden, but always driven by an intense emotional connection with real characters, raw situations, and hard-earned happily ever after.
Vanessa lives in Melbourne, Australia, and when she isn’t writing, you can find her at strength Pilates, yoga, or obsessing over the NHL. She enjoys almond lattes, binge-watching ‘80s Magnum P.I. (yes, a toned, bronzed Tom Selleck slowly emerging from crystal blue water lives rent-free in her head), and of course, heart-eyeing NYC.
Happy reading!
Xoxo
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She’s best known for writing steamy, tension-filled age gaps, sometimes gritty, sometimes forbidden, but always driven by an intense emotional connection with real characters, raw situations, and hard-earned happily ever after.
Vanessa lives in Melbourne, Australia, and when she isn’t writing, you can find her at strength Pilates, yoga, or obsessing over the NHL. She enjoys almond lattes, binge-watching ‘80s Magnum P.I. (yes, a toned, bronzed Tom Selleck slowly emerging from crystal blue water lives rent-free in her head), and of course, heart-eyeing NYC.
Happy reading!
Xoxo
VANESSA'S SOCIALS:
Join my Newsletter/Mailing List
Follow me on Facebook
Follow my Instagram
Follow my Twitter
Join my Facebook reader group: Vanessa Luisa's Lovelies
Join my BookBub
Follow my Pinterest
Follow me on Amazon>
Join my Spotify
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 31, 2022
I was so intrigued. The writing was interesting.
But then things started getting so BAD.
The book took a big U turn and went downwards.
The book starts when the H is in his thirties and the h is fifteen.
I loved how the H and h meet. It was all cute.
Then when the h turns 18, they both start to see each other with more interest. The h has a full on crush on the H, and she even says that to him. Of course, the H pushes her away then. And he brings his girlfriend for dinner at the h’s house for dinner. The girlfriend even talks how the H rips her cloth while having sex, in front of the h and her father.
Eww.
Also she insults the h but H steps in and defends the h. Apparently, he likes the h too. But as she is eighteen years younger than him, he pushes her away. But also H was still hung over his dead ex.
I just started skimming after this.
Till the end.
Trust me the book becomes so bad after this.
HEA doesn’t even matter in such books.
Just yuck.
But then things started getting so BAD.
The book took a big U turn and went downwards.
The book starts when the H is in his thirties and the h is fifteen.
I loved how the H and h meet. It was all cute.
Then when the h turns 18, they both start to see each other with more interest. The h has a full on crush on the H, and she even says that to him. Of course, the H pushes her away then. And he brings his girlfriend for dinner at the h’s house for dinner. The girlfriend even talks how the H rips her cloth while having sex, in front of the h and her father.
Eww.
Also she insults the h but H steps in and defends the h. Apparently, he likes the h too. But as she is eighteen years younger than him, he pushes her away. But also H was still hung over his dead ex.
I just started skimming after this.
Till the end.
Trust me the book becomes so bad after this.
HEA doesn’t even matter in such books.
Just yuck.
February 15, 2023
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Exclusive review will be there.
January 18, 2022
Vanessa brings us Oceans of Us, a standalone age gap, Dad's best friend trope.
Paisley lives with her dad, and one day they get a new neighbor who on moving in stands on her flowers which infuriates Paisley.
In the Grumpy vs sunshine type book, Paisley and Saint are at loggerheads for years, then when she comes of age things start to change...
I loved the plot, heartfelt, beautiful and romantic. While secrets are being kept, other secrets are coming out.
If you like contemporary age gap romance, this is for you.
Paisley lives with her dad, and one day they get a new neighbor who on moving in stands on her flowers which infuriates Paisley.
In the Grumpy vs sunshine type book, Paisley and Saint are at loggerheads for years, then when she comes of age things start to change...
I loved the plot, heartfelt, beautiful and romantic. While secrets are being kept, other secrets are coming out.
If you like contemporary age gap romance, this is for you.
Read
January 20, 2022Trope: age gap, forbidden
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪,
𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨…
𝙄’𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙.
𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙.
𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣.
𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙊𝙘𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙨”
A sweet and romantic story of Saint and Paisley, with a few twists towards the end that complicated their story. I really enjoyed the characters and their journey to each other. While they are complete opposites, it’s somehow works for them as they balance each other. Paisley softens Saint’s rough edges and angry ways. The story was interesting and had some angst because you find yourself waiting until they finally give in and break the rules, but it also keeps you in suspense thinking they might get caught.
The reason why I have not rated this higher is because personally, I struggled with the pacing of the book. Some parts were longer than I felt like they needed to be and could have been edited out. It was slow burn and yet insta love in a way.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪,
𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨…
𝙄’𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙.
𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙.
𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣.
𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙊𝙘𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙐𝙨”
A sweet and romantic story of Saint and Paisley, with a few twists towards the end that complicated their story. I really enjoyed the characters and their journey to each other. While they are complete opposites, it’s somehow works for them as they balance each other. Paisley softens Saint’s rough edges and angry ways. The story was interesting and had some angst because you find yourself waiting until they finally give in and break the rules, but it also keeps you in suspense thinking they might get caught.
The reason why I have not rated this higher is because personally, I struggled with the pacing of the book. Some parts were longer than I felt like they needed to be and could have been edited out. It was slow burn and yet insta love in a way.
January 17, 2022
4.5
This is a forbidden, Age gap romance between Paisley Reign and her father’s insanely hot best friend Saint Lisconti that takes you on a ride.
Saint is a damaged hero with demons from his past haunting him. He may seem to the outside world that he’s just an intimidating, closed off, stoic, bad boy ex boxer but in reality he is a fiercely beautiful Italian romantic. And all he needs is to be freed of those demons. To heal from the pain of his past. 18 year old flower loving Paisley is just the one to do it.
I loved the strength of Paisley. I loved seeing her grow throughout the book, through finding herself as a woman, falling in love and how Saint continuously built her up and put her insecurities to bed.
The chemistry between them was raw and emotional and deeply romantic and the intimate scenes were sexy…I was definitely here for those and Saint’s dirty talking 🥵 really enjoyed this second book from Vanessa. Vanessa just really knows how to write beautiful, emotionally charged, romantic books and I’m excited to see what else she has in store for us in the future.
(Now I’m off to get some red cowboy boots and find myself a sexy Italian.)
This is a forbidden, Age gap romance between Paisley Reign and her father’s insanely hot best friend Saint Lisconti that takes you on a ride.
Saint is a damaged hero with demons from his past haunting him. He may seem to the outside world that he’s just an intimidating, closed off, stoic, bad boy ex boxer but in reality he is a fiercely beautiful Italian romantic. And all he needs is to be freed of those demons. To heal from the pain of his past. 18 year old flower loving Paisley is just the one to do it.
I loved the strength of Paisley. I loved seeing her grow throughout the book, through finding herself as a woman, falling in love and how Saint continuously built her up and put her insecurities to bed.
The chemistry between them was raw and emotional and deeply romantic and the intimate scenes were sexy…I was definitely here for those and Saint’s dirty talking 🥵 really enjoyed this second book from Vanessa. Vanessa just really knows how to write beautiful, emotionally charged, romantic books and I’m excited to see what else she has in store for us in the future.
(Now I’m off to get some red cowboy boots and find myself a sexy Italian.)
January 19, 2022
This book was a rollercoaster ride with lots of character's inner struggle and everything they been through, greif, self-struggling and so much heartache.
Saint and Paisley's story was a full of emotions and rollercoaster ride with so many ups and downs. From being Enemies to lovers I can say this was a pure Enemies-lovers romance.
You'll love this book if you love a good forbidden, Age-GaP full of Angst and emotional romance.
For me this book was a 4 Star Read.
Saint and Paisley's story was a full of emotions and rollercoaster ride with so many ups and downs. From being Enemies to lovers I can say this was a pure Enemies-lovers romance.
You'll love this book if you love a good forbidden, Age-GaP full of Angst and emotional romance.
For me this book was a 4 Star Read.
January 18, 2022
4 stars
“Did I take your breath away, wildflower?”
“Completely.”
"Good, because you take my breath away every single day too.”
An absolutely beautifully written story.
This book was every bit of heartwarming as heartbreaking.
This was so sweet, angsty, very steamy and intense love story. I love Saint and Paisley. They made me swoon and smile but also cried (and be very angry!) And I love every minute of it.
This was my very first VL book and it won't be my last.
“Did I take your breath away, wildflower?”
“Completely.”
"Good, because you take my breath away every single day too.”
An absolutely beautifully written story.
This book was every bit of heartwarming as heartbreaking.
This was so sweet, angsty, very steamy and intense love story. I love Saint and Paisley. They made me swoon and smile but also cried (and be very angry!) And I love every minute of it.
This was my very first VL book and it won't be my last.
January 11, 2022
*Slight spoilers*
Oceans of Us is a standalone; angsty, steamy father's best friend, age gap and forbidden romance. There's also a combination of other elements: grumpy/sunshine, "good girl/bad boy", forced proximity/next-door neighbour and slow burn. The prologue begins in the future, however, the first few chapters are set in the past. I enjoyed reading Merciful Vows, but I *think* it's safe to say that Oceans of Us is my favorite (so far) from the lovely Vanessa Luisa's work.
This book is an epic masterpiece, and it blew me away how I instantly fell in love with the storyline. Oceans of Us is a beautifully written, bittersweet, emotional and touching read. An unputdownable read, and as the storyline started to unfold, I became obsessed with this book. I was overwhelmed with emotions: I laughed, and from time to time I was a bit teary; my heart soared and broke at the same time. Personally, Vanessa Luisa is the queen of angst and emotional romances. It's definitely a must-read!
It's a story about two people who carry a heavy load on their shoulders: dealing with guilt, grief, loneliness and their demons in their own unique ways; looking for someone to lean on, a person who will understand them without any judgements. A person who will truly see them; see through the cracks of their facades. Where they can be raw, open, and free to be their "true self"; by showing their invisible wounds and vulnerable side. Paisley and Saint are two lost, broken souls recognizing one another, finding solace in each others' arms, creating a strong connection emotionally. They brought out the very best in each other; they uplifted and motivated one another when things got tough or when they needed it the most.
Usually, it's difficult for me to relate to a character, yet, I couldn't believe how easily I found myself relating to some aspects of the heroine, Paisley's character so early on. And Vanessa, I applauded you thank you, for creating a lovely, relatable character. And Saint! I sure do love a tattooed, grumpy "bad boy"! Saint is dangerously alluring and mysterious, and he's a character where you *desperately* want to know more about. And beneath his unbreakable rough, bad boy exterior lies a flawed, broken, compassionate, gentle and caring person; Saint has a big heart, and he's a romantic *swoon*. I loved seeing their relationship evolve from hate to love. Despite getting on the wrong foot, Paisley and Saint slowly started to see each other in a new light. And as I turned each page, Saint's and Paisley's character unravelled a bit more, and their characters developed outstandingly. And their interactions! It was heartwarming, heart-clenching and downright steamy; the intense tension between them was palpable.
Ever since their first "not so friendly" encounter: Saint stepping on Paisley's flowers ignited a never-ending standoff and war between them. Hence, they *sort of* became each others' nemesis, rubbing each other the wrong way. Saint may be her father's best friend, but he easily got on her nerves. And Paisley's positive, caring and nurturing nature annoyed the hell out of Saint. They are completely opposite each other: Paisley, the "quiet good girl" who lives by and follow the rules, and Saint, the "broody bad boy" who hates rules but immensely enjoys breaking them.
Paisley is mature for her age: she's self-conscious, shy and reversed; Paisley doesn't easily express her emotions and she can be seen as a loner. Paisley has two passions: poetry and flower gardening; she enjoys tending her flowers. But, whenever Saint was around, she turned into a different person; he brought out her feisty, bold side; Paisley wasn't afraid to speak her mind, voicing her concerns and opinions as well as asking questions. And her feelings of hate for Saint changed, developing into a crush. Each day she became more curious about him, wanting to know his deepest, darkest secrets, to find out what Saint is hiding. The feeling is mutual; Saint is aware that Paisley is "off-limits", but he can't help himself, he wants to unravel Paisley.
**trigger warning physical assault and mentions of bullying and suicide/suicide ideation**
***P.S. Sorry for the lengthy review; I tried so hard in culling the words.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Oceans of Us is a standalone; angsty, steamy father's best friend, age gap and forbidden romance. There's also a combination of other elements: grumpy/sunshine, "good girl/bad boy", forced proximity/next-door neighbour and slow burn. The prologue begins in the future, however, the first few chapters are set in the past. I enjoyed reading Merciful Vows, but I *think* it's safe to say that Oceans of Us is my favorite (so far) from the lovely Vanessa Luisa's work.
This book is an epic masterpiece, and it blew me away how I instantly fell in love with the storyline. Oceans of Us is a beautifully written, bittersweet, emotional and touching read. An unputdownable read, and as the storyline started to unfold, I became obsessed with this book. I was overwhelmed with emotions: I laughed, and from time to time I was a bit teary; my heart soared and broke at the same time. Personally, Vanessa Luisa is the queen of angst and emotional romances. It's definitely a must-read!
It's a story about two people who carry a heavy load on their shoulders: dealing with guilt, grief, loneliness and their demons in their own unique ways; looking for someone to lean on, a person who will understand them without any judgements. A person who will truly see them; see through the cracks of their facades. Where they can be raw, open, and free to be their "true self"; by showing their invisible wounds and vulnerable side. Paisley and Saint are two lost, broken souls recognizing one another, finding solace in each others' arms, creating a strong connection emotionally. They brought out the very best in each other; they uplifted and motivated one another when things got tough or when they needed it the most.
Usually, it's difficult for me to relate to a character, yet, I couldn't believe how easily I found myself relating to some aspects of the heroine, Paisley's character so early on. And Vanessa, I applauded you thank you, for creating a lovely, relatable character. And Saint! I sure do love a tattooed, grumpy "bad boy"! Saint is dangerously alluring and mysterious, and he's a character where you *desperately* want to know more about. And beneath his unbreakable rough, bad boy exterior lies a flawed, broken, compassionate, gentle and caring person; Saint has a big heart, and he's a romantic *swoon*. I loved seeing their relationship evolve from hate to love. Despite getting on the wrong foot, Paisley and Saint slowly started to see each other in a new light. And as I turned each page, Saint's and Paisley's character unravelled a bit more, and their characters developed outstandingly. And their interactions! It was heartwarming, heart-clenching and downright steamy; the intense tension between them was palpable.
Ever since their first "not so friendly" encounter: Saint stepping on Paisley's flowers ignited a never-ending standoff and war between them. Hence, they *sort of* became each others' nemesis, rubbing each other the wrong way. Saint may be her father's best friend, but he easily got on her nerves. And Paisley's positive, caring and nurturing nature annoyed the hell out of Saint. They are completely opposite each other: Paisley, the "quiet good girl" who lives by and follow the rules, and Saint, the "broody bad boy" who hates rules but immensely enjoys breaking them.
Paisley is mature for her age: she's self-conscious, shy and reversed; Paisley doesn't easily express her emotions and she can be seen as a loner. Paisley has two passions: poetry and flower gardening; she enjoys tending her flowers. But, whenever Saint was around, she turned into a different person; he brought out her feisty, bold side; Paisley wasn't afraid to speak her mind, voicing her concerns and opinions as well as asking questions. And her feelings of hate for Saint changed, developing into a crush. Each day she became more curious about him, wanting to know his deepest, darkest secrets, to find out what Saint is hiding. The feeling is mutual; Saint is aware that Paisley is "off-limits", but he can't help himself, he wants to unravel Paisley.
**trigger warning physical assault and mentions of bullying and suicide/suicide ideation**
***P.S. Sorry for the lengthy review; I tried so hard in culling the words.
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 15, 2022
Oceans of Us is pure beauty. It is a journey that will have you swooning, laughing and crying but in the end it is all worth it. This story is hard review because I don’t think there are enough words to truly do it justice. It is one that you just need to read for yourself.
Paisley is 15 when Saint moves next door to her and her father. Saint is 33 when he first meets Paisley. It was dislike at first sight. As the years go by feelings start to change and now Paisley is 18 and Saint is 36. Their souls are drawn to each other and it is something that neither of them can deny.
I loved these characters. I loved Paisley, while young, she was an old soul and is mature for her age. I loved seeing her grow throughout the course of this story and really find herself and her confidence. She is a ray of sunshine. Saint...the beautifully broken man. My heart shattered for him after learning more about his past, it was absolutely heartbreaking. He may be a grump at times, yet there is so much to him and a beautiful soul buried under the tough exterior. The chemistry and connection between Paisley and Saint is beautiful. I loved how perfect the two of them are for each other. I love what they bring out in each other.
This story was full of so many unexpected things and at one point I am pretty sure my jaw was on the floor and I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. But those unexpected things added to the story is so many different ways.
It is easy to say that this story is easily one of my favorite books of 2022.
If you’re looking for an angsty, emotional, forbidden, age gap, Dad’s best friend romance this is one to read.
Paisley is 15 when Saint moves next door to her and her father. Saint is 33 when he first meets Paisley. It was dislike at first sight. As the years go by feelings start to change and now Paisley is 18 and Saint is 36. Their souls are drawn to each other and it is something that neither of them can deny.
I loved these characters. I loved Paisley, while young, she was an old soul and is mature for her age. I loved seeing her grow throughout the course of this story and really find herself and her confidence. She is a ray of sunshine. Saint...the beautifully broken man. My heart shattered for him after learning more about his past, it was absolutely heartbreaking. He may be a grump at times, yet there is so much to him and a beautiful soul buried under the tough exterior. The chemistry and connection between Paisley and Saint is beautiful. I loved how perfect the two of them are for each other. I love what they bring out in each other.
This story was full of so many unexpected things and at one point I am pretty sure my jaw was on the floor and I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. But those unexpected things added to the story is so many different ways.
It is easy to say that this story is easily one of my favorite books of 2022.
If you’re looking for an angsty, emotional, forbidden, age gap, Dad’s best friend romance this is one to read.
January 18, 2022
I received an arc for a honest review.
If I see forbidden love, I will always sign up immediately. Lol This was totally a forbidden love story. My first read by Vanessa, and I can't wait to see what she have coming in the future.
Paisley fell for her father's best friend, Saint. He's an ex-boxer and pretty closed off. They both have it hard due to some baggage especially Saint. The story kept you intrigued wanting to know what happened to Saint that made him the way he is. But that twist at the end though. Didn't see it coming. I love that Saint was there for her, and how protective he is of her. You just have to love a protective hero. Lol
While I really enjoy the book, there are a few things that I quite struggled with the writing. It makes a few parts of it cringe, but I totally overlooked it. I feel some parts was quite draggy, but I love Saint so it's all good.
Overall, it was still a good book. I enjoyed it!!! Looking forward to Vanessa's next work.
If I see forbidden love, I will always sign up immediately. Lol This was totally a forbidden love story. My first read by Vanessa, and I can't wait to see what she have coming in the future.
Paisley fell for her father's best friend, Saint. He's an ex-boxer and pretty closed off. They both have it hard due to some baggage especially Saint. The story kept you intrigued wanting to know what happened to Saint that made him the way he is. But that twist at the end though. Didn't see it coming. I love that Saint was there for her, and how protective he is of her. You just have to love a protective hero. Lol
While I really enjoy the book, there are a few things that I quite struggled with the writing. It makes a few parts of it cringe, but I totally overlooked it. I feel some parts was quite draggy, but I love Saint so it's all good.
Overall, it was still a good book. I enjoyed it!!! Looking forward to Vanessa's next work.
January 14, 2022
3.5⭐️
Ahh this was such a sweet read!
I really wanted to rate this book higher, but there was just something about the writing that I struggled to connect with, I don’t know why because I really wanted to love it. Despite struggling with that, I really did like the storyline and the forbidden/age gap tropes! I also enjoyed both Saint and Paisley’s characters. They are complete opposites but they so obviously care a lot about each other, even before their relationship began.
This story is full of angst, secrets and emotional pasts that keep you guessing.
I really enjoyed the epilogue, it was so cute!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ahh this was such a sweet read!
I really wanted to rate this book higher, but there was just something about the writing that I struggled to connect with, I don’t know why because I really wanted to love it. Despite struggling with that, I really did like the storyline and the forbidden/age gap tropes! I also enjoyed both Saint and Paisley’s characters. They are complete opposites but they so obviously care a lot about each other, even before their relationship began.
This story is full of angst, secrets and emotional pasts that keep you guessing.
I really enjoyed the epilogue, it was so cute!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2022
Could not put this down. From start to finish I was invested in this book and these characters romance.
This was a slow burn romance. For almost half the book there would be touches and kisses on the cheek or forehead and it was so sweet and so tension filled that I just loved it. I could not wait for their romance to go to the next level. It was torture waiting for it to happen but it was delicious torture!
Paisley and Saint first meet when she's 15 and he's 33, she instantly hates him because he stepped on some flowers that were her dead Nana's, and he isn't even sorry. He thinks she's an annoyance and should just get over it. Eventually Saint becomes her father's best friend and she has to see him even more which she does not like at all.
Their feelings start to change around when she turns 18 and he sees her in a vulnerable moment. She's locked outside her home only in small robe and he goes to help her. From then there are so many moments where they are clearly attracted to each other but trying to keep their relationship innocent. Saint is trying to be as much of a good guy as he can be and telling her to not fall for him but it doesn't work, for either of them.
With how their relationship grew it was so wonderful seeing them build on everything until they could no longer deny how much they really wanted each other.
Alaric, Paisley's dad, annoyed me a lot. He would constantly call or text and cancel plans with Paisley. But then when it was supposed to be a make up for that cancelled event, he would bring his friends, or make it a group thing. Example, Paisley's graduation dinner. Alaric cancelled because he had to work, he's a doctor and an emergency came up, but the make up dinner was with Saint and two other friends, to celebrate Saint's birthday and Paisley's graduation at the same time. Then while they were still at dinner, Alaric said 'hey, lets drop off Paisley back at the house, and then the four of us guys can go to Vegas and have fun'. Great way to make your daughter feel loved.
Then when someone was rude to her, clearly being rude, he takes the side of the "guest" and not his daughter. A couple of times during that evening he did that. And then he's all butt hurt when later on his daughter chooses the love of her, man over him. Shocking!
There is a twist, that I did guess at about the half way point. I liked the twist but the way everything came about and how everyone came into each other's lives seemed too convenient.
Minor issue for me, I think there needed to be one more round of edits on this book. There were some typos/wrong words used at least 5 times that I noticed. One time Paisley mentioned that she just graduated college but she actually graduated high school. Little things like that took me out of the story briefly.
Overall I loved this book. As soon as I finished I quickly purchased a physical copy. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
This was a slow burn romance. For almost half the book there would be touches and kisses on the cheek or forehead and it was so sweet and so tension filled that I just loved it. I could not wait for their romance to go to the next level. It was torture waiting for it to happen but it was delicious torture!
Paisley and Saint first meet when she's 15 and he's 33, she instantly hates him because he stepped on some flowers that were her dead Nana's, and he isn't even sorry. He thinks she's an annoyance and should just get over it. Eventually Saint becomes her father's best friend and she has to see him even more which she does not like at all.
Their feelings start to change around when she turns 18 and he sees her in a vulnerable moment. She's locked outside her home only in small robe and he goes to help her. From then there are so many moments where they are clearly attracted to each other but trying to keep their relationship innocent. Saint is trying to be as much of a good guy as he can be and telling her to not fall for him but it doesn't work, for either of them.
With how their relationship grew it was so wonderful seeing them build on everything until they could no longer deny how much they really wanted each other.
Alaric, Paisley's dad, annoyed me a lot. He would constantly call or text and cancel plans with Paisley. But then when it was supposed to be a make up for that cancelled event, he would bring his friends, or make it a group thing. Example, Paisley's graduation dinner. Alaric cancelled because he had to work, he's a doctor and an emergency came up, but the make up dinner was with Saint and two other friends, to celebrate Saint's birthday and Paisley's graduation at the same time. Then while they were still at dinner, Alaric said 'hey, lets drop off Paisley back at the house, and then the four of us guys can go to Vegas and have fun'. Great way to make your daughter feel loved.
Then when someone was rude to her, clearly being rude, he takes the side of the "guest" and not his daughter. A couple of times during that evening he did that. And then he's all butt hurt when later on his daughter chooses the love of her, man over him. Shocking!
There is a twist, that I did guess at about the half way point. I liked the twist but the way everything came about and how everyone came into each other's lives seemed too convenient.
Minor issue for me, I think there needed to be one more round of edits on this book. There were some typos/wrong words used at least 5 times that I noticed. One time Paisley mentioned that she just graduated college but she actually graduated high school. Little things like that took me out of the story briefly.
Overall I loved this book. As soon as I finished I quickly purchased a physical copy. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 22, 2022
Oceans Of Us by Vanessa Luisa
Looking for a tall, blue eyed, older, tattooed, Harley riding badboy? Well, look no further. I’ve found him in Oceans of Us, and his name Santo (Saint) Lisconti.
But there’s a catch…he also just happens to be dad’s best friend…
Oceans of us is an age-gap, contemporary romance and the first story I’ve read by @thevanessaluisa. It was so beautifully poetic as we follow the forbidden love story of Paisley and Saint navigating their furtive feelings and undeniable chemistry.
This romance was written in the stars, and I was blown away by the raw emotions felt by these two fated and damaged souls. Though it was slow burning, the passion evolves and transforms until it explodes off the pages. The characters were complex and their development throughout the story was perfect! Vanessa has a way with her words, and I love seeing them progress both individually and as a couple. Paisley and Santo fit together like a puzzle; opposites that make something beautiful together.
The poetry filtered throughout the story was perfection and added so much to the story. The banter was sexy and at times, downright hilarious. There was a truck load of unexpected in this story—Vanessa you know what you did—but I lived for the excitement and plot twists.
Anyways—when you inevitably read this heartwarming story let me know what you think—and, should change my name to Honda or Mazda? I can’t decide. IYKYK.
Looking for a tall, blue eyed, older, tattooed, Harley riding badboy? Well, look no further. I’ve found him in Oceans of Us, and his name Santo (Saint) Lisconti.
But there’s a catch…he also just happens to be dad’s best friend…
Oceans of us is an age-gap, contemporary romance and the first story I’ve read by @thevanessaluisa. It was so beautifully poetic as we follow the forbidden love story of Paisley and Saint navigating their furtive feelings and undeniable chemistry.
This romance was written in the stars, and I was blown away by the raw emotions felt by these two fated and damaged souls. Though it was slow burning, the passion evolves and transforms until it explodes off the pages. The characters were complex and their development throughout the story was perfect! Vanessa has a way with her words, and I love seeing them progress both individually and as a couple. Paisley and Santo fit together like a puzzle; opposites that make something beautiful together.
The poetry filtered throughout the story was perfection and added so much to the story. The banter was sexy and at times, downright hilarious. There was a truck load of unexpected in this story—Vanessa you know what you did—but I lived for the excitement and plot twists.
Anyways—when you inevitably read this heartwarming story let me know what you think—and, should change my name to Honda or Mazda? I can’t decide. IYKYK.
January 14, 2022
*ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
Tropes:
- forbidden
- age gap (18yrs)
- father’s best friend
- forced proximity (neighbors)
- good girl x bad boy
- past trauma (hero)
- virgin heroine
POV: first person - dual
Type: stand-alone
A trauma ridden man with a loss of hope for love finds what he never thought he deserved in the form of a poetry loving wildflower who happens to be his best friend’s daughter. Paisley shows Saint how much love can change life as he knew it but in order to seek light, they have to let the darkness surrounding them out first.
While I loved all the tropes in this, it was lacking in the grumpy x sunshine trope which was advertised. This trope only appeared in the first 10% or so, then neither character fit the trope.
Paisley and Saint both truly had hearts of gold. There was such transparency and trust with the right amount of passion to this relationship. I’ve never read anything quite like this.
This is one of the best done epilogues I have ever read. I have standards when it comes to epilogues, they can make a break a book for me. This one was incredibly done with everything I could have wanted for Saint and Paisley.
This book is lengthy but worth every moment! Run, don’t walk to get your hands on this book but whatever you do, DON’T step on the lilies!
4.5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
Tropes:
- forbidden
- age gap (18yrs)
- father’s best friend
- forced proximity (neighbors)
- good girl x bad boy
- past trauma (hero)
- virgin heroine
POV: first person - dual
Type: stand-alone
A trauma ridden man with a loss of hope for love finds what he never thought he deserved in the form of a poetry loving wildflower who happens to be his best friend’s daughter. Paisley shows Saint how much love can change life as he knew it but in order to seek light, they have to let the darkness surrounding them out first.
While I loved all the tropes in this, it was lacking in the grumpy x sunshine trope which was advertised. This trope only appeared in the first 10% or so, then neither character fit the trope.
Paisley and Saint both truly had hearts of gold. There was such transparency and trust with the right amount of passion to this relationship. I’ve never read anything quite like this.
This is one of the best done epilogues I have ever read. I have standards when it comes to epilogues, they can make a break a book for me. This one was incredibly done with everything I could have wanted for Saint and Paisley.
This book is lengthy but worth every moment! Run, don’t walk to get your hands on this book but whatever you do, DON’T step on the lilies!
January 27, 2022
Y’all. Let me tell you. This book literally had me speechless. I feel like I can’t put all my words into this. An age gap, forbidden romance and father’s best friend story. This book was absolutely beautiful. It’s so well written and I could not put it down. Vanessa, you beautiful genius, thank you so much for this amazing story.
Paisley, 18, and Saint, 36; Two beautifully broken souls who met by chance 3 years ago being neighbors and eventually her father’s best friend. They both bottle things up and are afraid to let it out. Feelings start to bloom and I swear, they are both so poetic, passionate and strong. There are times that I forget that Paisley is only 18 but she’s so mature for her age and she’s beautiful inside and out. And Saint.. oh Santo Lisconti, you beautiful man. A man who protects, will do anything for her, and love her unconditionally. I swear I don’t know how many times I cried reading this.
The revelations in this book are crazy and my emotions were literally everywhere. If you guys haven’t read this, I highly recommend it. It’s just that amazing.
Paisley, 18, and Saint, 36; Two beautifully broken souls who met by chance 3 years ago being neighbors and eventually her father’s best friend. They both bottle things up and are afraid to let it out. Feelings start to bloom and I swear, they are both so poetic, passionate and strong. There are times that I forget that Paisley is only 18 but she’s so mature for her age and she’s beautiful inside and out. And Saint.. oh Santo Lisconti, you beautiful man. A man who protects, will do anything for her, and love her unconditionally. I swear I don’t know how many times I cried reading this.
The revelations in this book are crazy and my emotions were literally everywhere. If you guys haven’t read this, I highly recommend it. It’s just that amazing.
December 1, 2022
This author is my new favorite author.
I read oceans of us and fellllllllll into the depth.
It went absolutely in no direction I thought it would in all the best possible ways.
I thought so many things were going to happen like most of the age gap books where the girl goes away for years and they then go back and find each other again etc etc etc.
I loved this book.
The. prose. The. Prose. Just beautiful.
This author has such a way with words. Is so beautiful
And the kids names. I literally cried lighted giggled stood up and cheered at the same time. Dudes. They got their freakin wildflower girl and Harley boy like they freakin wanted!!!! I loveddddd that
This was so sweet. I love how her characters fallllllll for their women. Like. They’re all in emotional bad boys w hearts of gold
I started merciful bows directly after and I’m enthralled.
Bring it on. I need the gianotti universe out ASAPPpPp
.
I read oceans of us and fellllllllll into the depth.
It went absolutely in no direction I thought it would in all the best possible ways.
I thought so many things were going to happen like most of the age gap books where the girl goes away for years and they then go back and find each other again etc etc etc.
I loved this book.
The. prose. The. Prose. Just beautiful.
This author has such a way with words. Is so beautiful
And the kids names. I literally cried lighted giggled stood up and cheered at the same time. Dudes. They got their freakin wildflower girl and Harley boy like they freakin wanted!!!! I loveddddd that
This was so sweet. I love how her characters fallllllll for their women. Like. They’re all in emotional bad boys w hearts of gold
I started merciful bows directly after and I’m enthralled.
Bring it on. I need the gianotti universe out ASAPPpPp
.
January 19, 2022
Kid you not when I say this is a very long book, sometimes I thought I was flipping through so many pages only to find out I barely made a dent. I put it down several times and finished a few books throughout reading this one. I wished the story moved a faster pace than it was.
But still, Paisley and Saint's story was a beautiful one. At the end, it feels so worth it to read. It was such an emotional roller-coaster. They were complete opposites but they balanced each other out and are perfect for each other, despite their differences. It was quite a ride but it was oh so amazing!
But still, Paisley and Saint's story was a beautiful one. At the end, it feels so worth it to read. It was such an emotional roller-coaster. They were complete opposites but they balanced each other out and are perfect for each other, despite their differences. It was quite a ride but it was oh so amazing!
June 8, 2022
This was a sweet, well written love story. Two broken souls that find each other but must navigate numerous obstacles if they want to be together. Age gap, very lightly sprinkled with glorious smut ^_^. I really enjoyed this one.
February 16, 2023
Saved by Each Other ♥️
This is Saint and Paisleys story, they meet when she is just 17 has her next door neighbor. This is definitely a page turned i read it within a few hours. This was my first book for the author that wrote it and it blew me away… HIGHLY Recommend
This is Saint and Paisleys story, they meet when she is just 17 has her next door neighbor. This is definitely a page turned i read it within a few hours. This was my first book for the author that wrote it and it blew me away… HIGHLY Recommend
January 21, 2022
☆☆☆☆☆
Oceans of Us was an amazingly beautiful age gap romance. I’m truly afraid I won’t be able to write a review that will do this book and this author justice. It blows my mind that this is only the author’s second book! Her creative words hypnotized me again and again and as such, I may have highlighted the majority of the book.
When Paisley Reign first met Saint Lisconti, she had just lost her Nana June and he was moving into her grandmother’s house next door to where she lived with her dad. She was 15 years old while Saint was a 33-year-old retired boxer. Paisley was a character I quickly fell in love with. She’s a rule follower where he loves breaking them. When he stomps all over her beloved Lilies, she has no trouble standing up to a man covered in tattoos and over six feet tall. Not long after he moves in, he becomes best friends with her dad which aggravates her to no end but as the years go by those feelings change and grow into something much stronger. By the time she’s 18 years old, Saint starts seeing her as more than a kid. She may still be young but she has an old soul. His past is a mystery and it’s one shrouded in pain. He doesn’t believe in love, especially the idea that he could ever be capable of it. They develop a truly unique bond and bring out feelings in each other that no one else can. Will they ever give into temptation and embrace the emotion held within?
This story seemed to weave a spell around my heart and soul. It pulled me in and even though several aspects of the story were drawn out too long, I still stayed engaged. My heart broke for both Paisley and Saint individually. His past was heartbreaking and her short life carried it’s own level of heartbreak, especially for one so young. I related a great deal to her feelings on life. My only complaint is the length of the book. There were some parts that could have been shortened and still had the same impact but I absolutely refuse to give this book less than five stars. I highly recommend this beautiful story. You won’t regret it. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Oceans of Us was an amazingly beautiful age gap romance. I’m truly afraid I won’t be able to write a review that will do this book and this author justice. It blows my mind that this is only the author’s second book! Her creative words hypnotized me again and again and as such, I may have highlighted the majority of the book.
When Paisley Reign first met Saint Lisconti, she had just lost her Nana June and he was moving into her grandmother’s house next door to where she lived with her dad. She was 15 years old while Saint was a 33-year-old retired boxer. Paisley was a character I quickly fell in love with. She’s a rule follower where he loves breaking them. When he stomps all over her beloved Lilies, she has no trouble standing up to a man covered in tattoos and over six feet tall. Not long after he moves in, he becomes best friends with her dad which aggravates her to no end but as the years go by those feelings change and grow into something much stronger. By the time she’s 18 years old, Saint starts seeing her as more than a kid. She may still be young but she has an old soul. His past is a mystery and it’s one shrouded in pain. He doesn’t believe in love, especially the idea that he could ever be capable of it. They develop a truly unique bond and bring out feelings in each other that no one else can. Will they ever give into temptation and embrace the emotion held within?
This story seemed to weave a spell around my heart and soul. It pulled me in and even though several aspects of the story were drawn out too long, I still stayed engaged. My heart broke for both Paisley and Saint individually. His past was heartbreaking and her short life carried it’s own level of heartbreak, especially for one so young. I related a great deal to her feelings on life. My only complaint is the length of the book. There were some parts that could have been shortened and still had the same impact but I absolutely refuse to give this book less than five stars. I highly recommend this beautiful story. You won’t regret it. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
January 17, 2022
Vanessa Luisa is a new to me author, but she sure knew how to reel me in. I am a sucker for a forbidden, age gap, father’s best friend scenario.
Saint is the bad boy that moves in next door to Paisley and her father. Soon the two men become fast friends, which leaves Paisley irritated. You see, while moving in, Saint did the most atrocious thing possible to Paisley, he stepped on her flowers and ruined them. Saint is Paisley’s biggest enemy, but how things change over time. 😈
Oceans of Us is angsty with a splash of love/intrigue at first sight. It is a slow burn, full of ups and downs, and baggage. Beware, it is a big book, but gives a clear picture of Saint and Paisley’s relationship.
Saint is the bad boy that moves in next door to Paisley and her father. Soon the two men become fast friends, which leaves Paisley irritated. You see, while moving in, Saint did the most atrocious thing possible to Paisley, he stepped on her flowers and ruined them. Saint is Paisley’s biggest enemy, but how things change over time. 😈
Oceans of Us is angsty with a splash of love/intrigue at first sight. It is a slow burn, full of ups and downs, and baggage. Beware, it is a big book, but gives a clear picture of Saint and Paisley’s relationship.
January 20, 2022
Paisley & Saint love story emotional, forbidden age gap romance OH a single dad too...that might cause a tiny complication...no spoilers
I love there witty banter between Paisley & Saint so much and they get more flirty and hot hot hot through out their forbidden love🥵 I basically got lost in this world and I love some many quotes & one liners OH and the steamy moments
"Want to keep the reputation of begin my Knight in shinning armor for five minutes out of the three years I've known you?"
I will admit I have a GAINT crush on Saint the boxing Greek god with ocean eyes 🥵 I wish he was my mystery neighbour do badly😍
Vanessa gives the ages of Saint & Paisley through out there love story. What I love straight away is that teenage Paisley was feisty back then even if it over her flowers that he destroyed with his big feet. You see their story grow in maturity and fall in love 🥰
"In a world like mine, love isn't forever, and in my case, not even for a flash of a second."
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
I love there witty banter between Paisley & Saint so much and they get more flirty and hot hot hot through out their forbidden love🥵 I basically got lost in this world and I love some many quotes & one liners OH and the steamy moments
"Want to keep the reputation of begin my Knight in shinning armor for five minutes out of the three years I've known you?"
I will admit I have a GAINT crush on Saint the boxing Greek god with ocean eyes 🥵 I wish he was my mystery neighbour do badly😍
Vanessa gives the ages of Saint & Paisley through out there love story. What I love straight away is that teenage Paisley was feisty back then even if it over her flowers that he destroyed with his big feet. You see their story grow in maturity and fall in love 🥰
"In a world like mine, love isn't forever, and in my case, not even for a flash of a second."
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
January 17, 2022
“Whenever I glance at you and you look back, you feel like the very water replenishing me. Every time I think my bloom is over, you revive me.”
I’m always for reading an age gap or any sort of romance that has a forbidden edge so I was really excited to read Oceans of Us! This was my first book by Vanessa Luisa and I really enjoyed both the storyline and her writing.
Saint and Paisley’s story was poignant, angsty and at times heartbreaking. They were complete opposites—not due to their age difference—but because he was rough around the edges, a bad boy. Paisley was softer, brighter, and saw the beauty in just about everything. They balanced each other out and helped one another see the good things in themselves.
I’m always for reading an age gap or any sort of romance that has a forbidden edge so I was really excited to read Oceans of Us! This was my first book by Vanessa Luisa and I really enjoyed both the storyline and her writing.
Saint and Paisley’s story was poignant, angsty and at times heartbreaking. They were complete opposites—not due to their age difference—but because he was rough around the edges, a bad boy. Paisley was softer, brighter, and saw the beauty in just about everything. They balanced each other out and helped one another see the good things in themselves.
January 17, 2022
Ok so this book really conflicts me, especially with how much I adored this authors debut.
Don't get me wrong this book was well written especially for it only being her second ever book, but for me personally I was hoping for more of the suspense of her previous book. Not only that this book was HUGE. At close to 700 hundred pages, at times it felt never ending.
In saying that I'm so glad I ended up sticking with it (even though with interest waning at times, it took me days instead of hours), the last 30% almost made everything worth it and took me by surprise when everything happened at once.
If you love detail driven, angst filled stories then this is definitely the book for you.
Don't get me wrong this book was well written especially for it only being her second ever book, but for me personally I was hoping for more of the suspense of her previous book. Not only that this book was HUGE. At close to 700 hundred pages, at times it felt never ending.
In saying that I'm so glad I ended up sticking with it (even though with interest waning at times, it took me days instead of hours), the last 30% almost made everything worth it and took me by surprise when everything happened at once.
If you love detail driven, angst filled stories then this is definitely the book for you.
January 19, 2022
Absolutely loved Paisley and Saints story! The twists and turns were so unexpected and perfect for the story! This story didn’t feel like a typical age gap, Paisley was so mature that it made the story that much better! Saint is so dirty but oh so sweet!
Go read it!
Go read it!
January 9, 2022
ARC Review of Oceans Of Us by Vanessa Luisa
* * * * *
Absolutely loved this sweet, dramatic, steamy and intense love story. An age-gap next door neighbour romance that has you hooked immediately. A terrible tragedy darkens poor Saint's past, until a flower loving poet comes into his life. Paisley only has her father, but this love will lead to a betrayal more than either of them are prepared for. Secrets are uncovered, a past from woman no one thought to unravel comes to light, and a plot that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for all the pieces to come into place. But be warned readers, whatever you do...don't step on the lilies!
* * * * *
Absolutely loved this sweet, dramatic, steamy and intense love story. An age-gap next door neighbour romance that has you hooked immediately. A terrible tragedy darkens poor Saint's past, until a flower loving poet comes into his life. Paisley only has her father, but this love will lead to a betrayal more than either of them are prepared for. Secrets are uncovered, a past from woman no one thought to unravel comes to light, and a plot that will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for all the pieces to come into place. But be warned readers, whatever you do...don't step on the lilies!
April 30, 2022
He is all smoke, blue eyes, tough, older, rides a Harley and has Italian good looks. He stomped on her flowers when they first met, little did she know he was going to tear through her heart, revive her, and see her.
She is all poetry, honey brown eyes, sunshine, young, and takes care of flowers with her pink shovel, because they mean so much to her. She is going to fill that void that’s in him. She is going to crash into him, and put it out there for him, she is going to see him.
Saint is her father’s best friend and neighbor. A retired boxer at 36. I love a grump who is tattooed and is a complete softee for her. He was so stand off ish. Called her kid from the beginning, until she becomes his bad girl, his wildflower. Paisley is all sunshine and beauty, but alone. I can feel her missing pieces. It’s just her and her dad. She has big dreams and together they are going to breathe one another in until love overflows them. When she turns 18, and her father misses her bday, Saint is there for her. And so it begins.
I like the pull they both had. It felt beautiful, like the words had a dreamy filter on. It’s sexy!! The longing is built up so much I couldn’t wait for their kiss and more.
“Come for me because I want to make love to you right here while you’re still falling down from heaven.”
“You’re such a bad girl letting me play with you like this, aren’t you?”
Paisley may be young, but she has a wise soul. She is intuitive, and laid it out for him. She had guts, she was so in love and turned on by him, she knew she had to go for it!
“Every time I think my bloom is over, you revive me.”
“Every time I make myself come, I think of you.”
He is going to help her live and she is going to help him love. They find their peace and relief in the waves. I love how this book is written. I love that it was edgy and poetic. Sexy and sensual. It was leather and sundresses, they were opposites and completely meant for one another.
Vanessa Luisa did an amazing job at highlighting grief how it can consume us, and how at some point with time, it can start to become a shadow, because love is worth all the risk at living.
January 16, 2022
4.25 ⭐️
This was my first Vanessa Luisa book, and I’ll be picking up a few more this year when I get the chance! I’m actually in a reading slump right now, so the fact that I was able to focus on this book and finish it is saying something.
I was intrigued when I saw this was a age-gap, father’s best friend romance. It starts off a few years from the present, and then jumps into when the relationship between Paisley and Santo starts. They clearly have a lot of connection, and even though he is twice her age, it’s clear that she’s an old soul and he’s a young one. I LOVE that so much.
I also love Paisley’s relationship with her father. There’s a lot about her past and childhood that comes out through this story, and although I don’t want to spoil anything, I don’t think I was completely satisfied with how her relationship with her father evolved, especially towards the end. It was a bit unrealistic in my opinion, considering her father and her have a tight knitted relationship and I just couldn’t see things working out in the way that they did in the end.
Overall, this was a good book. There is some steamy scenes, but it’s nothing too out of the ballpark or smutty. There’s a lot of poetry and heartfelt moments and connections written throughout this book that make it very poetic and sweet. Additionally, there is a MAJOR plot twist that I was not expecting, though looking back, all the dots connect.
A great book! Thank you for choosing me for the ARC for honest review. All opinions are my own. I can’t wait to read more from Vanessa!
This was my first Vanessa Luisa book, and I’ll be picking up a few more this year when I get the chance! I’m actually in a reading slump right now, so the fact that I was able to focus on this book and finish it is saying something.
I was intrigued when I saw this was a age-gap, father’s best friend romance. It starts off a few years from the present, and then jumps into when the relationship between Paisley and Santo starts. They clearly have a lot of connection, and even though he is twice her age, it’s clear that she’s an old soul and he’s a young one. I LOVE that so much.
I also love Paisley’s relationship with her father. There’s a lot about her past and childhood that comes out through this story, and although I don’t want to spoil anything, I don’t think I was completely satisfied with how her relationship with her father evolved, especially towards the end. It was a bit unrealistic in my opinion, considering her father and her have a tight knitted relationship and I just couldn’t see things working out in the way that they did in the end.
Overall, this was a good book. There is some steamy scenes, but it’s nothing too out of the ballpark or smutty. There’s a lot of poetry and heartfelt moments and connections written throughout this book that make it very poetic and sweet. Additionally, there is a MAJOR plot twist that I was not expecting, though looking back, all the dots connect.
A great book! Thank you for choosing me for the ARC for honest review. All opinions are my own. I can’t wait to read more from Vanessa!
January 1, 2023
I just--- wow. Saint and Paisley were so amazing! They had me smiling like a fool most of the time.
They met when Paisley was 15 as Saint was moving in next door. Everything starts off on the wrong foot. As she grew and her father began a friendship with him, they started opening up to each other in ways that created tension - in more ways than one. Saint has a sad past relationship that makes him hesitant to open up romantically to Paisley. But she has ways to make him do so.
Saint and Paisley were what I needed to read during this first half of January of this new year. Their story was one I couldn't wait to pick back up whenever I put it down, despite it taking me forever to finish because of the terrible reading slump I suffered.
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