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Soul Searching
Finding your soulmate is like winning the lottery. They're rare and precious and lead to riding off into the sunset for a picture-perfect happily-ever-after (if you believe the movies).
They're not supposed to be your high school English teacher or carry the kind of baggage that can tear you both apart.
It's not supposed to be this hard.
Themes
Coming of age, slow burn romance, age difference, healthy coping mechanisms, angst, awesome friends, supportive family.
Warnings
Abandonment issues, past trauma/kidnapping, strong language, brief violence, and eventual explicit sexual situations.
They're not supposed to be your high school English teacher or carry the kind of baggage that can tear you both apart.
It's not supposed to be this hard.
Themes
Coming of age, slow burn romance, age difference, healthy coping mechanisms, angst, awesome friends, supportive family.
Warnings
Abandonment issues, past trauma/kidnapping, strong language, brief violence, and eventual explicit sexual situations.
722 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2022
9 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 31, 2024
Soul Searching weaves the fantastical notion of a soulmate connection (it starts with a spark) into a very relatable story of trauma processing, first love, and redemption.
One half of the destined pair is a teenage student, Paige. Abandoned and neglected all her young life, she grows to be self-reliant, not needing the support of a family, yet all the same yearning to be wanted.
The other is a misanthropic teacher, Liam. A survivor of trauma in his formitive years, he grows hardened to protect a vulnerable desire for connection.
The soulmate connection should be the start of a happily ever after. Society even makes allowances for such taboo relationships between soulmates. It should be easy. But when Liam's greatest fear is becoming a predator, he will actively resist the bond and hide his true feelings. This sets off all the self doubt within Paige of ever being truly loved by the one person supposedly destined to be hers.
Paige though is not so emotionally cut off. She has enduring hope for something better in her life, fueled mainly by the network of her small found family of friends. Can this hope gain a hold within her soulmate and open him to trusting others and himself though? Or will their doubts and fears snuff out the spark?
My favorite aspect of Soul Searching is the dual points of view. We get to experience all the mental anguish and soft peaceful moments that the two may not share with eachother. Paige and Liam may hide fears and yearnings out of necessity, but when the spark is just a natural exchange of energy, the sass and banter between them is so endearing. I cheer for both of them. I want to sit them both down to a stern lecture all the same. I want to protect them from harm.
Further, the supporting cast is brilliant. The parental figures. The best friends. Villains and skeletons of the past. The voice of the path of least resistance (when you meet her, you'll know). These supporting roles only serve to brighten the world around our soulmates pair.
A note to the wary, there is no overusage of the word or endearment, 'Mate.' Their names are Paige and Liam and will be adressed as such, unless you're mad at one of them. Then you use their full name.
Also, don't be surprised that the majority of this book is a No/Zero Burn romance story. There is so much for the characters to navigate.
I truly can't fully express my love for this story. I am writing this review after several rereads and I learned something new each time through. I hope, if able (please do make note of the CWs here), you can give this book a chance.
"He’d wanted a connection. Someone to help make the loneliness bearable."
One half of the destined pair is a teenage student, Paige. Abandoned and neglected all her young life, she grows to be self-reliant, not needing the support of a family, yet all the same yearning to be wanted.
The other is a misanthropic teacher, Liam. A survivor of trauma in his formitive years, he grows hardened to protect a vulnerable desire for connection.
The soulmate connection should be the start of a happily ever after. Society even makes allowances for such taboo relationships between soulmates. It should be easy. But when Liam's greatest fear is becoming a predator, he will actively resist the bond and hide his true feelings. This sets off all the self doubt within Paige of ever being truly loved by the one person supposedly destined to be hers.
Paige though is not so emotionally cut off. She has enduring hope for something better in her life, fueled mainly by the network of her small found family of friends. Can this hope gain a hold within her soulmate and open him to trusting others and himself though? Or will their doubts and fears snuff out the spark?
My favorite aspect of Soul Searching is the dual points of view. We get to experience all the mental anguish and soft peaceful moments that the two may not share with eachother. Paige and Liam may hide fears and yearnings out of necessity, but when the spark is just a natural exchange of energy, the sass and banter between them is so endearing. I cheer for both of them. I want to sit them both down to a stern lecture all the same. I want to protect them from harm.
Further, the supporting cast is brilliant. The parental figures. The best friends. Villains and skeletons of the past. The voice of the path of least resistance (when you meet her, you'll know). These supporting roles only serve to brighten the world around our soulmates pair.
A note to the wary, there is no overusage of the word or endearment, 'Mate.' Their names are Paige and Liam and will be adressed as such, unless you're mad at one of them. Then you use their full name.
Also, don't be surprised that the majority of this book is a No/Zero Burn romance story. There is so much for the characters to navigate.
I truly can't fully express my love for this story. I am writing this review after several rereads and I learned something new each time through. I hope, if able (please do make note of the CWs here), you can give this book a chance.
"He’d wanted a connection. Someone to help make the loneliness bearable."
December 31, 2022
What a fucking book to end this year on!! I loved this story when I read it on Ao3 and I love it just as much now. Was I still picturing Rey and Ben? Yes, maybe a lil (or a lot)!! But I do still adore Paige and Liam.
One thing that makes a ‘great book’ (in my eyes) is the authors ability to examine and discuss exactly how and why a character feels something the way they do. The author will go into depth on those feelings and really explore exactly why they feel that way and the repercussions of said feelings. That is something that this author did beautifully, the monologue wasn’t TOO long where you were skipping over big chunks because it was boring, and it wasn’t so short that things felt untouched. It was perfect. Is this the beauty of being an independently published author? The ability to write exactly what you want without any form of constrictions? Because I lapped those 722 pages up like they were gold!!! Sometimes books DO need to be longer to truly deal with the breadth of what goes on in them.
I do wonder what it would be like reading this with no idea of its origins and who the original story was based on! Would it be a bit ??? at times??
Overall, I love this book and I will get my hands on a physical copy at some point in my life!! I swear on it!!! I’m so glad this story exists ❤️ it makes my heart so warm.
One thing that makes a ‘great book’ (in my eyes) is the authors ability to examine and discuss exactly how and why a character feels something the way they do. The author will go into depth on those feelings and really explore exactly why they feel that way and the repercussions of said feelings. That is something that this author did beautifully, the monologue wasn’t TOO long where you were skipping over big chunks because it was boring, and it wasn’t so short that things felt untouched. It was perfect. Is this the beauty of being an independently published author? The ability to write exactly what you want without any form of constrictions? Because I lapped those 722 pages up like they were gold!!! Sometimes books DO need to be longer to truly deal with the breadth of what goes on in them.
I do wonder what it would be like reading this with no idea of its origins and who the original story was based on! Would it be a bit ??? at times??
Overall, I love this book and I will get my hands on a physical copy at some point in my life!! I swear on it!!! I’m so glad this story exists ❤️ it makes my heart so warm.
March 24, 2022
SIMPLESMENTE MEU LIVRO FAVORITO DE TODA A VIDA.
AO3 me mostrou essa perfeição lá em dez de 2019 e eu sou obcecada desde então.
AO3 me mostrou essa perfeição lá em dez de 2019 e eu sou obcecada desde então.
January 10, 2023
As far as ReyLo inspired stories go , this is a good one !
April 27, 2022
I promise, you will not regret reading this 🙏
(Try 3 of writing the review without accidentally deleting)
I won't pretend I didn't feel a little iffy with the premise of this book dealing with touchy subject matter, but the vast majority of this is so soft and platonic that it will feel like a safe warm blanket.
Soul Searching is a fictional take on how modern day society would deal with Soulmates being a real thing that is documented and recorded. All you need to do is touch hands with your soulmate and Blue Sparks will signify that they are your othet half.
But soulmate takes on such a broad interpretation! Yes there is romance, but when soulmates can happen between people who can be just friends or even between sibl8ng
(Try 3 of writing the review without accidentally deleting)
I won't pretend I didn't feel a little iffy with the premise of this book dealing with touchy subject matter, but the vast majority of this is so soft and platonic that it will feel like a safe warm blanket.
Soul Searching is a fictional take on how modern day society would deal with Soulmates being a real thing that is documented and recorded. All you need to do is touch hands with your soulmate and Blue Sparks will signify that they are your othet half.
But soulmate takes on such a broad interpretation! Yes there is romance, but when soulmates can happen between people who can be just friends or even between sibl8ng
April 6, 2023
4.75✨
This novel was on my tbr for ages, and my only regret is that I haven’t read it sooner! As always with any book mind the tags (for this one we have mentioned child abuse/ neglect, minors exposure to alcohol & some others I’m forgetting at the moment)
We literally with Paige & Mr. Hunt (Liam as prefers) “sparking” in the first chapter, which means that they are soulmates. However it is immediately clear this is awkward as she is in his class as a student at 16 years old and he is a tad older.
After lots of miscommunication, tears & some yelling between both they finally resolve things. Yes it takes most of the book but it’s a fun read. This is a slow-burn but verrrryyyyyy spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This novel was on my tbr for ages, and my only regret is that I haven’t read it sooner! As always with any book mind the tags (for this one we have mentioned child abuse/ neglect, minors exposure to alcohol & some others I’m forgetting at the moment)
We literally with Paige & Mr. Hunt (Liam as prefers) “sparking” in the first chapter, which means that they are soulmates. However it is immediately clear this is awkward as she is in his class as a student at 16 years old and he is a tad older.
After lots of miscommunication, tears & some yelling between both they finally resolve things. Yes it takes most of the book but it’s a fun read. This is a slow-burn but verrrryyyyyy spicy 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
April 23, 2023
This book was a rollercoaster. I loved how Blevins weaved a tumultuous tale exploring coming of age, friendship, and falling in love. The characters were wonderfully complex, and I also enjoyed exploring the intricate relationships between them. I particularly enjoyed the soulmates trope, as well as the characters' personal journeys to find that sense of belonging.
April 28, 2023
4,5🦋
So intense, so much emotions. I didn't think I would finish this brick this fast but here I am.
It was an amazingly cute story and Liam and Paige have my heart 🥺💖
So intense, so much emotions. I didn't think I would finish this brick this fast but here I am.
It was an amazingly cute story and Liam and Paige have my heart 🥺💖
May 22, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Very easy to read. I could not get enough of it. I never wanted it to end.
April 24, 2024
A sweet and angsty soulmate romance between a junior in high school, Paige, and her English teacher, Liam. Liam is a good man. He doesn't want to take advantage of an underage girl and goes to great lengths to protect her. He takes care of her and keeps her safe from her deadbeat foster father.
Their friendship and attraction to each other grows, and the soulmate bond keeps drawing them together. When Liam doesn't trust himself, he leaves until she turns 18. This is the angst part and boy it hurt to watch Paige deal with the aftermath.
Warnings and tags:
-There is frank talk about grooming (an adult from Liam's past when he was a minor), therapy, and anger issues.
-Liam threatens another student for touching Paige and break his own hand in the process.
-Some really great spicy scenes that are well earned for the Liam and Paige after Paige turns 18.
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet story. I adored the epilogue and how they had grown as a couple and individuals. Madison (one of the supporting characters) cracked me up, and I loved the friendship between Paige, Ethan, and Ali. And a special love and adoration goes to Liam's parents, Eve and Jack.
Their friendship and attraction to each other grows, and the soulmate bond keeps drawing them together. When Liam doesn't trust himself, he leaves until she turns 18. This is the angst part and boy it hurt to watch Paige deal with the aftermath.
Warnings and tags:
-There is frank talk about grooming (an adult from Liam's past when he was a minor), therapy, and anger issues.
-Liam threatens another student for touching Paige and break his own hand in the process.
-Some really great spicy scenes that are well earned for the Liam and Paige after Paige turns 18.
Overall, I enjoyed this sweet story. I adored the epilogue and how they had grown as a couple and individuals. Madison (one of the supporting characters) cracked me up, and I loved the friendship between Paige, Ethan, and Ali. And a special love and adoration goes to Liam's parents, Eve and Jack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2023
Well I've read the fanfic so I'm marking this as read😋
I loved how maturely and responsibly the age gap was handled but I also love my heroes with less self control for their women😏🙈. I love my Ben with a dash of Kylo ren and darkness so my messed up self didn't really like how much he resisted.
“But you want to know why I’m never going to leave again? Because of you. Because I never want to be away from you another fucking second for the rest of my life. And the only thing that will ever make me leave again is if you tell me to. If you need time for college, if you need time for yourself, I’ll give it to you. You only have to ask. But if you don’t—” He leaned further in, close enough she could feel his breath on her upturned face, close enough she could see how his eyes flickered to her lips and then back up.
“I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth.”
I loved how maturely and responsibly the age gap was handled but I also love my heroes with less self control for their women😏🙈. I love my Ben with a dash of Kylo ren and darkness so my messed up self didn't really like how much he resisted.
“But you want to know why I’m never going to leave again? Because of you. Because I never want to be away from you another fucking second for the rest of my life. And the only thing that will ever make me leave again is if you tell me to. If you need time for college, if you need time for yourself, I’ll give it to you. You only have to ask. But if you don’t—” He leaned further in, close enough she could feel his breath on her upturned face, close enough she could see how his eyes flickered to her lips and then back up.
“I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth.”
January 2, 2025
**2.5**
This started off so strong! I love the fated element. I haven’t read anything with this style of fated romance and wish there were more books like it. The age gap was too much for me so I was picturing the heroine as 18 the whole time. She was just too childish which was completely fair enough because she was in fact a child.
This started off so strong! I love the fated element. I haven’t read anything with this style of fated romance and wish there were more books like it. The age gap was too much for me so I was picturing the heroine as 18 the whole time. She was just too childish which was completely fair enough because she was in fact a child.
May 3, 2022
the writing is very good, but that angst is a little overwrought in the third act.
November 4, 2022
I read this as a fan fic and loved it then. Now as a published book, I have it in my hands forever! Soulmate stories are one of my favorite themes.
December 6, 2022
I read this as a fanfic and imma be honest… I wish it stayed that way lol I’m sorry
January 19, 2025
Finding these lights spark,
shadows dance on quiet walls—
hope flickers again.
shadows dance on quiet walls—
hope flickers again.
March 30, 2025
You know what this book needed? An editor.
January 2, 2024
2.5 stars. I didn't know this was originally a Reylo fic when I first started or that Rey/Paige was a high schooler for half the book (I thought she was at least in college). If I had know she was so young and the age gap was that big, I admittedly wouldn't have picked it up. I read the sample and was planning on DNFing but curiosity got the better of me and I ended up switching over to the fic instead. I was so confused by Ben/Liam's family dynamic in the book, so it made a lot more sense when I realized he was talking about Anakin and Luke lol. All that being said, the author handled these very complex issues with grace, and I appreciated the insights we got from both characters. I especially liked the therapy sessions, the middle half of the book was my favorite. I do think it worked better as a fic than a standalone book, as knowing about the canon characters added more depth and understanding as a reader. I lost interest in the ending a bit (that graduation day could have been a week), but it was an engaging read overall.
July 10, 2024
4.5 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews