What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Name is Hazel
No matter how many times they try to cage us, remember ... we always have the ability to let ourselves fly free.
Killian Lewis has grown up in the spotlight. At nineteen-years-old, he has finally had enough of this showbiz life. Much to the disappointment of his cold-hearted team, he decides to leave his celebrity life in London for the summer. Instead, he's going to hide out in Ohio with his father and a blended family that he barely knows.
His plan is to stay invisible. His plan is to figure out his future. His plan is to decide if the life of an actor is still worth living. But then he meets Hazel.
While stuck in the JFK airport during a layover, Killian walks up to this free-spirited girl and is abruptly thrown into her eccentric world. Not only does he feel this instant connection to her, but as time passes he realizes he knows her. He just can't remember how.
Hazel has secrets. These secrets have not only changed her life, but they'll change Killian's, too. The question is, will Killian figure them out in time ... and if he does, what will he do when these secrets finally become unveiled?
"Sarah's done it again. Absolutely amazing!"
"Beautiful characters that I'm still thinking about!"
"Thanks to Sarah, I've fallen in love with more fictional characters!"
"Had me hooked from the first chapter!"
#KillianAndHazel
His plan is to stay invisible. His plan is to figure out his future. His plan is to decide if the life of an actor is still worth living. But then he meets Hazel.
While stuck in the JFK airport during a layover, Killian walks up to this free-spirited girl and is abruptly thrown into her eccentric world. Not only does he feel this instant connection to her, but as time passes he realizes he knows her. He just can't remember how.
Hazel has secrets. These secrets have not only changed her life, but they'll change Killian's, too. The question is, will Killian figure them out in time ... and if he does, what will he do when these secrets finally become unveiled?
"Sarah's done it again. Absolutely amazing!"
"Beautiful characters that I'm still thinking about!"
"Thanks to Sarah, I've fallen in love with more fictional characters!"
"Had me hooked from the first chapter!"
#KillianAndHazel
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2022
358 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Forester Davis
10 books203 followersSarah is the author of the mature, young adult romantic suspense book series, Confession (the final book was released in June!) Her Name is Hazel and His Name is August (which won Best Romance of 2022 by Feed my Reads!) Dallas & Georgia (which has gone viral on TikTok!). And her standalone, My Life as Bee.
Her young adult books have a fandom of readers around the world and have been read in fifteen different countries. You'll find romance, mystery, and suspense on each page, and a large following of dedicated readers that eagerly await her next release.
She's a travel addict, wife, Mom to 4 kids, 4 cats, and a crazy dog. She's also a beach bum and coffee snob, and when she's not writing or chauffeuring kids around, she can be found with coffee in one hand and a fishing pole in the other.
Follow Sarah on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for her latest book news.
Her young adult books have a fandom of readers around the world and have been read in fifteen different countries. You'll find romance, mystery, and suspense on each page, and a large following of dedicated readers that eagerly await her next release.
She's a travel addict, wife, Mom to 4 kids, 4 cats, and a crazy dog. She's also a beach bum and coffee snob, and when she's not writing or chauffeuring kids around, she can be found with coffee in one hand and a fishing pole in the other.
Follow Sarah on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for her latest book news.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 1, 2025
Part 1/2
3,5 🎞️🐦⬛💘s
This was a beautifully written ya story, with likeable characters and emotional moments.
Fate had decided on the heartbreaking yet magical journey of Hazel and Killian, a journey that would take them to on ending filled with boundless love.
While this is a duet, the first part does not end on a cliffhanger and has a hea. The next part follows the story of the hero’s sister, where the current mcs also appear.
Thank you Anne for bringing this duet to my attention!!!!
There were a few moments where I thought their behaviour and language did not match their age. But then I had to remind myself that they were not the average teens. They had grown up faster due to their background. 😢
3,5 🎞️🐦⬛💘s
This was a beautifully written ya story, with likeable characters and emotional moments.
Fate had decided on the heartbreaking yet magical journey of Hazel and Killian, a journey that would take them to on ending filled with boundless love.
While this is a duet, the first part does not end on a cliffhanger and has a hea. The next part follows the story of the hero’s sister, where the current mcs also appear.
Thank you Anne for bringing this duet to my attention!!!!
There were a few moments where I thought their behaviour and language did not match their age. But then I had to remind myself that they were not the average teens. They had grown up faster due to their background. 😢
August 30, 2024
“No matter how many times they try to cage us, remember… we always have the ability to let ourselves fly free” - WOW. How do more people not know about this incredible book?! I randomly happened upon the audiobook version of this on Libby with no wait and I was intrigued by the cover so decided to give it a shot. I was hooked from the first couple chapters and could not put it down! The narrators are excellent. The writing, pacing, and storyline development are great, with the flashbacks well integrated. I fell in love with the characters of Killian and Hazel and really felt for them throughout. I loved meeting all the members of Hazel’s “village”. The fact that it is mostly set in Ohio and NYC was an added bonus for me personally as I have lived both of these places and they are near and dear to my heart. This is a beautiful, heart wrenching story that shines a much-needed light on incredibly important topics. I want to purchase a physical copy of this book just to have and share with others. I would highly recommend this book and I will definitely be seeking out other books by this author in the future!
***TW: SA***
I found the e-book version of this on kindle unlimited as well and this is the note from the author at the beginning:
“This book deals with some topics that might be triggers for certain people. If reading about sexual assault is a trigger for you, I wrap you up in the warmest of hugs and ask that you not read my book. There are no books in the world that are worth triggering traumatic events that you have bravely overcome. Much love always, Sarah Forester Davis”
***TW: SA***
I found the e-book version of this on kindle unlimited as well and this is the note from the author at the beginning:
“This book deals with some topics that might be triggers for certain people. If reading about sexual assault is a trigger for you, I wrap you up in the warmest of hugs and ask that you not read my book. There are no books in the world that are worth triggering traumatic events that you have bravely overcome. Much love always, Sarah Forester Davis”
March 24, 2024
4.5 Stars
‘My name is Killian. Her name is Hazel. And this moment right here, this exact second in time, is the ending to our before.’
We loved Her Name is Hazel by Sarah Forester Davis! This is our first book by this Author, and what a wonderful introduction it was. Brimming with beautiful prose, intense emotions, and pure humanity, it’s a story that feels relevant and incredibly poignant. Her Name is Hazel is not an easy read in parts but what comes from it, absolutely is. Please do check out the Author’s trigger warning.
’The mind is a funny thing. It brings up memories and old conversations at the strangest times.’
Killian and Hazel are both somewhat lost and broken. One at a crossroads in their career and personal life, the other clawing their way out of a traumatic life altering experience. They meet and find in each other a soulmate that truly understands and empathises. From there a beautiful love story is born.
”How do I know you, Hazel?”
“You don’t, London. You don’t know the real Hazel. You know who Hazel was before. Just like I know who you were before…before today. But you made a choice to leave it behind, and you’re living in the after now until you go back. And in the after we don’t ask questions. We just live. We just be normal, okay?”
Told in Killian’s voice in the present and Hazel’s voice in what happened before, it was easy to follow and feel completely immersed in their story. It was heartbreaking, emotional and beautiful. Whilst it became quite clear to us early on where this story was going, the journey itself made it completely worth it. We had a few tears along the way but closed the book with a smile on our face! This is a standalone, however, we cannot wait to read His Name is August, which is Killian’s sister, Maisy’s story and will features this beautiful couple too.
”No matter how many times they try to cage you, remember…you always have the ability to let yourself fly free.”
September 17, 2024
I read this book months ago and still think about it every day. I randomly think about parts of this book and miss it. I miss these characters. So many beautiful quotes. Maybe it's time for a reread!!
March 24, 2022
"No matter how many times they try to cage us, remember ... we always have the ability to let ourselves fly free."
Chills. When I read this part, and if you've read the book you know which part I'm talking about, I seriously got chills. When I finished this book I actually hugged my kindle. The story of Hazel and Killian is beautiful. Sarah Forester Davis has this way of making you root for the characters the entire time. She makes you feel their emotions and pain, and you just want to hug them.
I LOVED this book. I loved the story. I love how the flashbacks with Hazel fit in so perfectly with the present and Killian. Every chapter was tugging on my heart more and more. Top read of 2022 by far!
Chills. When I read this part, and if you've read the book you know which part I'm talking about, I seriously got chills. When I finished this book I actually hugged my kindle. The story of Hazel and Killian is beautiful. Sarah Forester Davis has this way of making you root for the characters the entire time. She makes you feel their emotions and pain, and you just want to hug them.
I LOVED this book. I loved the story. I love how the flashbacks with Hazel fit in so perfectly with the present and Killian. Every chapter was tugging on my heart more and more. Top read of 2022 by far!
August 8, 2022
This book absolutely tore me apart. I loved it.
I’m always on the search for sad books to make me cry, this one was perfect. Hazel and Killian were the most perfect story to me. I didn’t expect what happened in the middle, but I’m so happy I read this book. I cried, I wept, I laughed. It was amazing. 5 stars, all the way.
I do want to address a trigger warning. This was not addressed in this book so I would like to just give a warning to anyone who could be triggered but sexual assault.
In the end, I adored this book and will definitely read it again.
I’m always on the search for sad books to make me cry, this one was perfect. Hazel and Killian were the most perfect story to me. I didn’t expect what happened in the middle, but I’m so happy I read this book. I cried, I wept, I laughed. It was amazing. 5 stars, all the way.
I do want to address a trigger warning. This was not addressed in this book so I would like to just give a warning to anyone who could be triggered but sexual assault.
In the end, I adored this book and will definitely read it again.
March 28, 2022
beautiful
This was the first book I’ve read by Sarah Forester Davis and I’m now hooked. The book was beautifully written, well developed characters, and raw emotion. You could feel everything written on the page and it felt like the characters were speaking to you in real life. I love how everything comes together from the past, future, present.
This was the first book I’ve read by Sarah Forester Davis and I’m now hooked. The book was beautifully written, well developed characters, and raw emotion. You could feel everything written on the page and it felt like the characters were speaking to you in real life. I love how everything comes together from the past, future, present.
May 12, 2024
First, if certain situations could serve as triggers, please heed the advice of the author & take a pass on this book.
I'm not a huge fan of books written about the movie/entertainment industry & was very happy as I read, that this story just touches on past events & the grilling endless days of one in the industry.
Hazel (stage name Birdie), a successful actress since very young, walked out on a movie deal a year ago & hasn't been sighted since. She travels incognito but mostly stays near her small town in Ohio where the townspeople adore her but stay silent on her whereabouts.
Killian, lives in London UK, has been acting since he was five, now at nineteen he's in dire need of a break & decides to visit his father in Ohio. There's a delay to his flight at JFK airport & this is where he randomly meets Hazel.
From his initial glimpse of Hazel, Killian can't deny that he's seen her before but can't place her. Hazel feels the same, & her memories are vivid. Strangely, neither wants to explore any further at this time.
This is a slow burn with little romance until the last handful of chapters but you'll understand why. It really wasn't an issue for me because what was needed here most was friendship & trust. I loved how the author revealed small details of the past in a timely manner & didn't spill everything out all at once. It gave the characters a chance to develop a close relationship as well as a chance for the reader to capture the tight knit families of both.
I felt sad for both characters throughout the book. Both now 19, their lives were too much to handle at such a young age. Both were pushed in different ways to succeed, follow the rules, with little time for themselves.
I've only read one other book by this author & it was a little short of a hit for me. Thankfully I'd forgotten or I might not have taken a chance with this one. No regrets here at all, in fact I loved this book. Now I'm moving on to read "Maisy's" book by this author & looking forward to it.
I'm not a huge fan of books written about the movie/entertainment industry & was very happy as I read, that this story just touches on past events & the grilling endless days of one in the industry.
Hazel (stage name Birdie), a successful actress since very young, walked out on a movie deal a year ago & hasn't been sighted since. She travels incognito but mostly stays near her small town in Ohio where the townspeople adore her but stay silent on her whereabouts.
Killian, lives in London UK, has been acting since he was five, now at nineteen he's in dire need of a break & decides to visit his father in Ohio. There's a delay to his flight at JFK airport & this is where he randomly meets Hazel.
From his initial glimpse of Hazel, Killian can't deny that he's seen her before but can't place her. Hazel feels the same, & her memories are vivid. Strangely, neither wants to explore any further at this time.
This is a slow burn with little romance until the last handful of chapters but you'll understand why. It really wasn't an issue for me because what was needed here most was friendship & trust. I loved how the author revealed small details of the past in a timely manner & didn't spill everything out all at once. It gave the characters a chance to develop a close relationship as well as a chance for the reader to capture the tight knit families of both.
I felt sad for both characters throughout the book. Both now 19, their lives were too much to handle at such a young age. Both were pushed in different ways to succeed, follow the rules, with little time for themselves.
I've only read one other book by this author & it was a little short of a hit for me. Thankfully I'd forgotten or I might not have taken a chance with this one. No regrets here at all, in fact I loved this book. Now I'm moving on to read "Maisy's" book by this author & looking forward to it.
February 29, 2024
Wow- I am so happy to have stumbled upon this local author and enter the world of Killian and Hazel. It was so strange to read about places I drive through every day and imagine the inspiration that brought this story to life. This story kept me wanting more; yet not wanting to read on and realize my inferences were true. Heartbreaking and yet redemptive, Her Name is Hazel will leave an impression you won’t soon forget.
(Please note that I am super stingy with my ratings… The overall storyline deserved a five and yet there were parts of it could have been more developed and flowed more smoothly… all things that come with experience, and the reason I gave an overall 4.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author… especially book 2 of this series. Maybe I will one day come across this author in person at the Sharon showcase or Chill ice cream (one of my favorites as well!) and discuss her books in person. I can’t wait to continue to follow her career.
(Please note that I am super stingy with my ratings… The overall storyline deserved a five and yet there were parts of it could have been more developed and flowed more smoothly… all things that come with experience, and the reason I gave an overall 4.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author… especially book 2 of this series. Maybe I will one day come across this author in person at the Sharon showcase or Chill ice cream (one of my favorites as well!) and discuss her books in person. I can’t wait to continue to follow her career.
November 23, 2024
AMAZING! I loved the characters. I loved the character development. I loved how the author tied in cities from Ohio. The back and forth between before, during, and after timeline was unique and kept me guessing throughout. There are definitely some triggers including sexual assault, so keep that in mind before deciding to read.
June 29, 2024
This book was so amazing it had the most sweetest ending ever 😍
July 2, 2024
This one 😭😭😭😭
I did not expect this one to bring so many emotions while also bringing up nostalgia with mentions of my hometown. This story was beautiful, devastating, hard, and just what this world needs. Killian and Hazel’s story is one of the greats in my opinion, I loved every second of this.
TW: sexual violence; panic attacks
I did not expect this one to bring so many emotions while also bringing up nostalgia with mentions of my hometown. This story was beautiful, devastating, hard, and just what this world needs. Killian and Hazel’s story is one of the greats in my opinion, I loved every second of this.
TW: sexual violence; panic attacks
May 19, 2024
Found this book randomly on kindle unlimited and it was so much better than I expected. The storyline is good and it’s very deep, I would say for more mature audience. Absolutely adore maisy, best character frfr
The smut was uncalled for tho-
The smut was uncalled for tho-
Read
October 17, 2023Well... I got to 29%, but this is getting more and more YA by the paragraph, by which I mean over-explaining more and more, and that's not what I was expecting from the first several chapters.
July 18, 2022
Picked this randomly on kindle unlimited and really enjoyed it! Probably more of a 4.5, just a quick feel good story!
September 26, 2022
The raw emotions and real-life feel to this book were spectacular. And it had me feeling all the emotions along with the two main characters. Such an amazing read, with so much depth and great characters.
I had a feeling what had happened to Hazel and who did by the end of chapter eight. But it didn't take away from the book at all. It actually drew me in more.
Where most books are mainly in the fmc pov, or split between the two (but still there is more of the fmc pov). Over 90% of the book was in Killian's pov which was interesting and I enjoyed the change. Hazel had very few chapters. Where her pov was before when she was Birdie, during, and now being just Hazel. Her pov in the "during" was just so heartbreaking. You could just feel her emptiness and the emotions she was going through.
So many great lines and quotes from both Killian & Hazel.
A few of my favorites:
Pg 44 Hazel to Killian >>> "Don't fall in love with someone you just met. This isn't a script. We aren't in a movie. It's not going to end the way the audience wants it to. Trust me, you don't want to fall in love with someone like me."
Pg 52 Hazel to Killian >>> "You're part of my after now. I can't forget about you even if I wanted to. Just like you'll never forget about me now."
Pg 57 Crystal (Killian's stepmom) to Killian >>> Life has a funny way of going by too fast. You just have to grab on to those moments, the ones that matter.
Pg 247 Killian to Hazel >>> "Hazel, no matter how many times they try to cage us, remember... we always have the ability to let ourselves fly free."
I had a feeling what had happened to Hazel and who did by the end of chapter eight. But it didn't take away from the book at all. It actually drew me in more.
Where most books are mainly in the fmc pov, or split between the two (but still there is more of the fmc pov). Over 90% of the book was in Killian's pov which was interesting and I enjoyed the change. Hazel had very few chapters. Where her pov was before when she was Birdie, during, and now being just Hazel. Her pov in the "during" was just so heartbreaking. You could just feel her emptiness and the emotions she was going through.
So many great lines and quotes from both Killian & Hazel.
A few of my favorites:
Pg 44 Hazel to Killian >>> "Don't fall in love with someone you just met. This isn't a script. We aren't in a movie. It's not going to end the way the audience wants it to. Trust me, you don't want to fall in love with someone like me."
Pg 52 Hazel to Killian >>> "You're part of my after now. I can't forget about you even if I wanted to. Just like you'll never forget about me now."
Pg 57 Crystal (Killian's stepmom) to Killian >>> Life has a funny way of going by too fast. You just have to grab on to those moments, the ones that matter.
Pg 247 Killian to Hazel >>> "Hazel, no matter how many times they try to cage us, remember... we always have the ability to let ourselves fly free."
October 5, 2022
I enjoyed this read. It was a little touch and go for me in the beginning because when we first meet Hazel, she comes off as one of those stereotypical quirky, outgoing girls dragging Killian around the airport...it was just a little bit too much for me. However, that quickly dissolved as her story played out. I will say, I was not a fan of how the past chapters (Hazel's voice) were out of order. I get why they were, but it came off a little disconnected to me. And I got realllly frustrated that she was not telling Killian everything until like the 80% mark. That felt like it dragged. Anddd I knew who SA'd her pretty much immediately so the element of surprise wasn't there for me.
I did enjoy Killian and Hazel's relationship as a whole though and both their families were well written.
I did enjoy Killian and Hazel's relationship as a whole though and both their families were well written.
October 14, 2022
4.5 Stars!
I'd never heard of this book until it came in an Amazon advertising email. So many good reviews so I said why not? It was so good! So many emotions and angst but also it's based on a horrible situation.
The ages of the main characters are barely 18 and 19, but these teens had grown up way too fast in the world of fame and Hollywood. This is definitely an adult read. It's an unlikely romance even though they are part of the same world of celebrity. I absolutely loved both main characters! It also had a great epilogue. This was well written and plotted although I did take off half a point because I had already figured out something way ahead of it being told in the book. Just, if you have the chance, read it. That's all. I don't think you will be sorry.
There is a trigger warning involved-sexual assault.
I'd never heard of this book until it came in an Amazon advertising email. So many good reviews so I said why not? It was so good! So many emotions and angst but also it's based on a horrible situation.
The ages of the main characters are barely 18 and 19, but these teens had grown up way too fast in the world of fame and Hollywood. This is definitely an adult read. It's an unlikely romance even though they are part of the same world of celebrity. I absolutely loved both main characters! It also had a great epilogue. This was well written and plotted although I did take off half a point because I had already figured out something way ahead of it being told in the book. Just, if you have the chance, read it. That's all. I don't think you will be sorry.
There is a trigger warning involved-sexual assault.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2022
What an amazing story. I think I gasped quite a few times while reading. The author has this special way of making you feel as if what you are reading, is playing out like a movie on your TV. I could visualize everything she wrote, and absolutely loved the flashbacks of Hazel. All the other characters that were thrown into this book, was a brilliant addition. I wish there was more Killian and Hazel, but I'll just have to wait for the movie!
April 2, 2022
I have never read a book in 2 days before ever. I had to fight with myself the 1st day to stop reading at 1am in the morning. Sarah Forester Davis, where did you find Hazel? I could not put the book down. Hazel and Killian where meant to meet each other. A beautiful Story. I can't stop thinking about them. You've done it again! Absolutely amazing. Love Killian, Hazel, and her friends. I actually miss them. Loved from first page to last.
June 30, 2024
I liked this story and glad I stuck with it. At first I thought it was only going to be about self-absorbed movie stars, but it wasn’t. The characters developed in the story and found what was really important in life. The setting piqued my interest as part of the story takes place about 15 miles from where I live. That was neat, and the coffee shop mentioned in Medina Ohio is a real place, I’ve been there!
April 18, 2022
Sarah Forester Davis’s Call Me Hazel. It grabbed my attention and I read the book in a couple days. The well developed characters, and an intriguing plot that keeps you guessing held my attention. Even though it is rated “Mature Young Adult”. I enjoyed the book and have no problem recommending it to mid teens through mature adults. It is a good story, that is well told.
April 2, 2022
Loved this so much! Hazel and Killian have their history - which Killian doesn't remember, and when he does, and he remembers everything it's heartbreaking. But it's so lovely that it just makes him love her even more. This is an emotional read in places, but it was so so good. Definitely read it!!
November 24, 2023
So, this book…incredible. I love the author, so knew I liked her style of writing, but I was a little nervous about a very sensitive subject this book touches. Draw dropping moment when I realized who the ‘he’ was. As hard as it was to read, the love story pulled me in.
November 4, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
🚨 TW: child neglect, SA, drugging, and rape
I have a feeling this happens way more often than anyone would ever admit for child stars in the industry. It’s sickening that people take advantage.
🚨 TW: child neglect, SA, drugging, and rape
I have a feeling this happens way more often than anyone would ever admit for child stars in the industry. It’s sickening that people take advantage.
December 10, 2024
This story was interesting but it needs some serious editing.
March 25, 2024
4.5 Stars
‘My name is Killian. Her name is Hazel. And this moment right here, this exact second in time, is the ending to our before.’
We loved Her Name is Hazel by Sarah Forester Davis! This is our first book by this Author, and what a wonderful introduction it was. Brimming with beautiful prose, intense emotions, and pure humanity, it’s a story that feels relevant and incredibly poignant. Her Name is Hazel is not an easy read in parts but what comes from it, absolutely is. Please do check out the Author’s trigger warning.
’The mind is a funny thing. It brings up memories and old conversations at the strangest times.’
Killian and Hazel are both somewhat lost and broken. One at a crossroads in their career and personal life, the other clawing their way out of a traumatic life altering experience. They meet and find in each other a soulmate that truly understands and empathises. From there a beautiful love story is born.
”How do I know you, Hazel?”
“You don’t, London. You don’t know the real Hazel. You know who Hazel was before. Just like I know who you were before…before today. But you made a choice to leave it behind, and you’re living in the after now until you go back. And in the after we don’t ask questions. We just live. We just be normal, okay?”
Told in Killian’s voice in the present and Hazel’s voice in what happened before, it was easy to follow and feel completely immersed in their story. It was heartbreaking, emotional and beautiful. Whilst it became quite clear to us early on where this story was going, the journey itself made it completely worth it. We had a few tears along the way but closed the book with a smile on our face! This is a standalone, however, we cannot wait to read His Name is August, which is Killian’s sister, Maisy’s story and will features this beautiful couple too.
”No matter how many times they try to cage you, remember…you always have the ability to let yourself fly free.”
Come and say hi, at:
✲
TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
August 4, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. The premise intrigued me, and I went in with high hopes… but what followed was a frustrating reading experience that left me shaking my head more often than not.
The biggest issue? The writing. There’s so much telling and barely any showing. Rather than letting the reader feel or experience the emotions alongside the characters, the author spells everything out—often in a way that feels forced or unnatural. It was like the book didn’t trust me to draw my own conclusions, so it told me what to think and feel at every turn. Dialogue often didn’t sound authentic, especially the male character. I found myself thinking, “A guy wouldn’t say that. That sounds like a female author projecting a thought, not a real voice.”
This book could have been good—the bones of the story were there—but it desperately needed another strong round of edits. A thorough line edit could have transformed all that telling into vivid, immersive showing. Right now, it reads like it was published without all those edits.
And then there’s the plot… riddled with coincidences. Killian just happens to meet the long-missing American actress in an airport. He just happens to be sitting on his porch the exact moment Hazel’s dog slips its leash and just happens to run into his yard. And by page 108, I had already guessed the identity of Hazel’s attacker. I literally turned to my husband and said, “It better not be [insert name],” and... it was.
Because of all the coincidences, nothing felt earned. The characters rarely had to wrestle with decisions, take risks, or grow in order to move the plot forward. Instead, a convenient coincidence always showed up to do the work for them. It took away any emotional payoff or sense of growth, which made the story feel shallow and unearned.
And don’t get me started on the dog, the rabbit, and the apple. That scene completely broke any suspension of disbelief I had left. As someone who’s spent a lot of time around dogs—especially high-prey-drive breeds like huskies—I can confidently say no dog chasing a rabbit is going to suddenly stop for an apple. That moment didn’t just feel unrealistic; it felt ridiculous.
I don’t enjoy writing negative reviews, but I do believe in being honest. I’m sure the author poured a lot into this story, and I respect that. But in terms of execution, this book didn’t work for me at all. With stronger editing, less reliance on coincidence, and a commitment to showing rather than telling, this story could’ve had real impact. Instead, it left me disappointed and disconnected.
The biggest issue? The writing. There’s so much telling and barely any showing. Rather than letting the reader feel or experience the emotions alongside the characters, the author spells everything out—often in a way that feels forced or unnatural. It was like the book didn’t trust me to draw my own conclusions, so it told me what to think and feel at every turn. Dialogue often didn’t sound authentic, especially the male character. I found myself thinking, “A guy wouldn’t say that. That sounds like a female author projecting a thought, not a real voice.”
This book could have been good—the bones of the story were there—but it desperately needed another strong round of edits. A thorough line edit could have transformed all that telling into vivid, immersive showing. Right now, it reads like it was published without all those edits.
And then there’s the plot… riddled with coincidences. Killian just happens to meet the long-missing American actress in an airport. He just happens to be sitting on his porch the exact moment Hazel’s dog slips its leash and just happens to run into his yard. And by page 108, I had already guessed the identity of Hazel’s attacker. I literally turned to my husband and said, “It better not be [insert name],” and... it was.
Because of all the coincidences, nothing felt earned. The characters rarely had to wrestle with decisions, take risks, or grow in order to move the plot forward. Instead, a convenient coincidence always showed up to do the work for them. It took away any emotional payoff or sense of growth, which made the story feel shallow and unearned.
And don’t get me started on the dog, the rabbit, and the apple. That scene completely broke any suspension of disbelief I had left. As someone who’s spent a lot of time around dogs—especially high-prey-drive breeds like huskies—I can confidently say no dog chasing a rabbit is going to suddenly stop for an apple. That moment didn’t just feel unrealistic; it felt ridiculous.
I don’t enjoy writing negative reviews, but I do believe in being honest. I’m sure the author poured a lot into this story, and I respect that. But in terms of execution, this book didn’t work for me at all. With stronger editing, less reliance on coincidence, and a commitment to showing rather than telling, this story could’ve had real impact. Instead, it left me disappointed and disconnected.
October 15, 2025
This book was a bit of a roller coaster ride, but in the best way.
We start out by meeting the very charming Killian who is sick of living life under the control of his mother and agent. He is just looking for a way to break free of being a celebrity for a bit and decides to go and visit his slightly estranged father in Ohio. As someone who lives in Ohio, I was questioning his motives but this turned out to be the best setting for this story. On his flight from New York to Ohio we meet Hazel. Hazel is an estranged actress who has hidden herself away from the limelight after a traumatic event. Killian finds himself instantly smitten with her and the whirlwind begins from there.
I have to admit I had predicted a bit of the story line when Hazels past began to be discussed. It's not something that would be out of the ordinary to see in the news today, and the way she copes with her trauma is something that is very telling. I think Sarah Forester Davis approached this topic in the most sensitive way possible. She reflects on Hazels chapters as the Before, During, and After which allows you to see her growth as a person. It was refreshing to see a character like Hazel want to help others after going through something so horrible herself, and seeing her help Killian grow as well was nice. I will admit sometimes it felt like Killian had some outbursts that were uncalled for in regards to his father and step-mother but I also think that was a good reflection of his own childhood trauma from having such a disjointed family. This is briefly discussed between the characters and helps to shed light that he is also hurting and healing in his own way.
I was super happy to see this story play out the way it did without a harsh break, or a crazy twist. It was nice to just see two characters who are able to rely on one another and allowing each other to see what love looks like from different points of view.
We start out by meeting the very charming Killian who is sick of living life under the control of his mother and agent. He is just looking for a way to break free of being a celebrity for a bit and decides to go and visit his slightly estranged father in Ohio. As someone who lives in Ohio, I was questioning his motives but this turned out to be the best setting for this story. On his flight from New York to Ohio we meet Hazel. Hazel is an estranged actress who has hidden herself away from the limelight after a traumatic event. Killian finds himself instantly smitten with her and the whirlwind begins from there.
I have to admit I had predicted a bit of the story line when Hazels past began to be discussed. It's not something that would be out of the ordinary to see in the news today, and the way she copes with her trauma is something that is very telling. I think Sarah Forester Davis approached this topic in the most sensitive way possible. She reflects on Hazels chapters as the Before, During, and After which allows you to see her growth as a person. It was refreshing to see a character like Hazel want to help others after going through something so horrible herself, and seeing her help Killian grow as well was nice. I will admit sometimes it felt like Killian had some outbursts that were uncalled for in regards to his father and step-mother but I also think that was a good reflection of his own childhood trauma from having such a disjointed family. This is briefly discussed between the characters and helps to shed light that he is also hurting and healing in his own way.
I was super happy to see this story play out the way it did without a harsh break, or a crazy twist. It was nice to just see two characters who are able to rely on one another and allowing each other to see what love looks like from different points of view.
April 28, 2024
When your friends tell you that you will love this book because they know you, you listen.
I listened to the wise words. They were right.
Hazel Hemingway is a star. She’s a super talented actor and she’s beautiful outside and in. Events with a co-star send her career into a spin and she re-evaluates the important things in her life and goes home to the love of her family in Ohio. The people in her town protect her fiercely.
Killian Lewis is also a star, but the celebrity life has lost its shine. He’s hardly had a break from acting in years. He wants to take the foot off the pedal and have some time to re-group. That means leaving the UK and going to stay with his dad in Ohio.
Hazel saves him in JFK and then they save each other.
I knew exactly where the plot was going to go but I just loved how it played out. There was still things that surprised me. I fell completely in love with Hazel and Killian. They are both so young and ordinarily it would put me off in a book, but it felt like these two had already lived big lives and fate put them together when they needed each other the most.
“There’s a difference between being in love with someone and actually loving them. And if there’s anything I know for sure, it’s that if you’re fortunate enough in this lifetime to find the one person who can claim both spots in your broken heart…never let them go.”
I listened to the wise words. They were right.
Hazel Hemingway is a star. She’s a super talented actor and she’s beautiful outside and in. Events with a co-star send her career into a spin and she re-evaluates the important things in her life and goes home to the love of her family in Ohio. The people in her town protect her fiercely.
Killian Lewis is also a star, but the celebrity life has lost its shine. He’s hardly had a break from acting in years. He wants to take the foot off the pedal and have some time to re-group. That means leaving the UK and going to stay with his dad in Ohio.
Hazel saves him in JFK and then they save each other.
I knew exactly where the plot was going to go but I just loved how it played out. There was still things that surprised me. I fell completely in love with Hazel and Killian. They are both so young and ordinarily it would put me off in a book, but it felt like these two had already lived big lives and fate put them together when they needed each other the most.
“There’s a difference between being in love with someone and actually loving them. And if there’s anything I know for sure, it’s that if you’re fortunate enough in this lifetime to find the one person who can claim both spots in your broken heart…never let them go.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews