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Quaint #1
I Choose You
Mackenzie
There are two things in life I’m certain about—commitment isn’t for me, and Mason, my best friend, isn’t a person I want to live without. I’m more than aware of the effects his presence has, how it soothes me and makes me thrive all at once. So, when he shares the news of his promotion out of state, it’s only reasonable my heart seizes. I wish I could say the response only comes from his approaching move, but here’s the thing…
I’m noticing him more than I should. More than I want to. I’m ready to pull out all the tricks to ignore what I want when a night of drunken stupidity leads to a kiss. Mason seals his lips over mine, and it feels better than it should. Despite my fear of commitment and the scars his departure reminds me of, I can’t say no to him.
When my fears become too loud to silence, I know I need to make a choice. Do I choose the promise I made to myself, or do I choose Mason? I wish I could choose both, but both may not be an option…
Mason
There are two things in life I’m certain about—how stupid it would be if I were to decline the biggest promotion of my life and how attracted I am to Mackenzie, my best friend. Being hundreds of miles away isn’t exactly what I picture when I think about my future, but time is ticking—I have to make a choice. And I do. I choose the promotion, but here’s the thing…
A drunken dare gives me the chance to throw caution to the wind, and I do the one thing I’ve dreamt about for years—I allow her allure to take over, pull her close, and kiss the hell out of her. It’s only reasonable that it knocks me to my knees and rocks my soul.
When my love for her gets too apparent to hide, I know choosing only one thing isn’t in the cards, and I decide to go rogue and choose both. But both may not be an option…
I CHOOSE YOU is a full-length standalone best friends to lovers romance with swoon-worthy characters, a heartfelt plot, binge-worthy drama, and steamy angst that will have you reading until the HEA. Recommended for 18+.
276 pages, ebook
First published July 31, 2022
48 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Sara Tallary
8 books176 followersSara Tallary lives in eastern Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and dog. When she isn’t spending her days writing or brainstorming new ideas for stories, she’s homeschooling her kids, cuddling up with her gorgeous Malinois pup, and binge-watching TV shows with her husband or playing Mario Kart (and winning, hah!). Though she tries to stay on a healthy diet, she has a love for sweets, is constantly adding books to her TBR, and loves a good laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 31, 2022
Friends to lovers is an all time favourite of mine, and Sara Tallary’s stunning debut ticked all the boxes!
Mason and Mackenzie shared a delightful and unbreakable bond, their friendship authentic and the complexities to their characters raw. Mackenzie’s fear and past especially was clear, the battle between a heart that wants to lose itself in an all-consuming love, while simultaneously seeking to protect itself from the looming loss that had maimed it once before, compelling. She was a relatable character and her pain believable. And Mason - he was just perfect in his love and tender care for Kenzie. Definitely book boyfriend (and best friend) material! I just wish we could have learned a little more about him through his pov.
There was a natural transition to their relationship and an undeniable chemistry that simmered between these two, and the sprinkle of spice was crafted to perfection. I adored the wise addition of sweet Owen’s friendship, and appreciated that Kenzie’s deep friendships went beyond Mason and continued to feature heavily alongside the romance arc. Add some hot twins, a bit of action on the paintball field, a cheeky dare, and the beauty of a found family and you’ve got yourself a beautiful and enticing read.
There is no denying that Tallary has sold the heck out of Mason and Kenzie’s compelling love story, and I cannot wait to see whose story will be told next in this hot new series!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this gripping debut. 4.5⭐️
Mason and Mackenzie shared a delightful and unbreakable bond, their friendship authentic and the complexities to their characters raw. Mackenzie’s fear and past especially was clear, the battle between a heart that wants to lose itself in an all-consuming love, while simultaneously seeking to protect itself from the looming loss that had maimed it once before, compelling. She was a relatable character and her pain believable. And Mason - he was just perfect in his love and tender care for Kenzie. Definitely book boyfriend (and best friend) material! I just wish we could have learned a little more about him through his pov.
There was a natural transition to their relationship and an undeniable chemistry that simmered between these two, and the sprinkle of spice was crafted to perfection. I adored the wise addition of sweet Owen’s friendship, and appreciated that Kenzie’s deep friendships went beyond Mason and continued to feature heavily alongside the romance arc. Add some hot twins, a bit of action on the paintball field, a cheeky dare, and the beauty of a found family and you’ve got yourself a beautiful and enticing read.
There is no denying that Tallary has sold the heck out of Mason and Kenzie’s compelling love story, and I cannot wait to see whose story will be told next in this hot new series!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this gripping debut. 4.5⭐️
July 21, 2022
Overall Rating: 4.75 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 2.5 🔥
What to expect:
🦋 Friends-to-lovers 👩❤️👨
🦋 Slow burn with a steamy reward 🔥
🦋 Hot Twins 🤤
🦋 Past family trauma ❤️🩹
🦋 Swoon worthy male characters 😍
🦋 Dog lovin’ FMC that kicks @$$ in paintball 🔫🐶
I was ready to propose to Mason by the end of this story even though I’m already happily married and he’s a fictional man. 😌 let’s just add him to the list of book boyfriends 💁🏼♀️
“I’m stuck in the Niagara Falls of Mackenzie Jones, and I never want to leave.” - Mason Sacks *swoon* 🤭
The friends-to-lovers trope is probably one of my least favorite of the tropes. Not because I have a problem with the concept, but normally authors struggle with executing it in a realistic and believable way, so I never really enjoy it.
That being said, this author nailed it.
The way Mackenzie and Mason’s relationship transitioned felt natural. I typically prefer fast paced books when it comes to the romance side of things. But this was realistic. I often found myself screaming at my kindle to “just do it!” or “kiss him!” or “tell her how you feel!” Which honestly is the marking for a good book if it can draw out your emotions like that 🤣
Mackenzie really struggles internally thanks to her past family trauma. She’s constantly fighting with what she knows she should do vs. trying to protect her own heart.
“My heart was made for me, not to be taken out and handed over for the sake of matrimony. There’s no way in hell I’ll ever hand it over. Not after it was broken by the one man who was meant to protect and cherish it.” - Mackenzie Jones
I relate heavily to Mackenzie and her frustrations with her father. I wish I could have triple highlighted some of the quotes from this book.
“But here we are. Left with baggage no one else understands or wants to pick up because of him.” - Mackenzie Jones
Now…let’s talk about the side characters. Owen, sweet Owen. 🤗 Ugh I loved him! When you read this book you will understand. Everyone needs an Owen in their life and if I don’t get a book about him in the future I’ll definitely be sad! 😭
Nelly… Mackenzie’s best friend. 🙃 I’d be lying if I said I liked her. Part of me understands she just wanted to be a good friend to Mackenzie and did it the best way she knew how. But the other part of me feels like she never bothered to truly understand her friend. It made me crazy. Granted she was there for Mackenzie when it mattered most and it was obvious she had good intentions, but she was not my cup of tea. 🫖🍵 I will give credit though, she said some pretty comical things. 🤣
Spicy Time…. 🔥🔥🔥
I gave this a 2.5 rating since the steam is a small portion of this book. That being said, the spice that’s sprinkled in is ✨chefs kiss✨ we love a sweet boy with a filthy mouth. 😏 the bathroom scene 🥵 paintball 🥵 must I go on??? IYKYK.
In order to make this a 5 ⭐️ read for me, I would’ve loved to see more of Mason. We got to see a lot of Mackenzie with her friends and we really only got to see Mason at work and one conversation with his brother. Even though I feel like I have a solid grasp of who he is, I just simply would’ve loved more dialogue from him. I also would’ve loved a more in depth talk between Mackenzie & her mom about her father. I relate heavily to this topic and I think it would’ve been a great opportunity for some deep honesty & healing.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story and finished it in 24 hours. If you love friends-to-lovers, steam, and a solid HEA with a killer epilogue. This is for you. 💕
🦋I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.🦋
Spice Rating: 2.5 🔥
What to expect:
🦋 Friends-to-lovers 👩❤️👨
🦋 Slow burn with a steamy reward 🔥
🦋 Hot Twins 🤤
🦋 Past family trauma ❤️🩹
🦋 Swoon worthy male characters 😍
🦋 Dog lovin’ FMC that kicks @$$ in paintball 🔫🐶
I was ready to propose to Mason by the end of this story even though I’m already happily married and he’s a fictional man. 😌 let’s just add him to the list of book boyfriends 💁🏼♀️
“I’m stuck in the Niagara Falls of Mackenzie Jones, and I never want to leave.” - Mason Sacks *swoon* 🤭
The friends-to-lovers trope is probably one of my least favorite of the tropes. Not because I have a problem with the concept, but normally authors struggle with executing it in a realistic and believable way, so I never really enjoy it.
That being said, this author nailed it.
The way Mackenzie and Mason’s relationship transitioned felt natural. I typically prefer fast paced books when it comes to the romance side of things. But this was realistic. I often found myself screaming at my kindle to “just do it!” or “kiss him!” or “tell her how you feel!” Which honestly is the marking for a good book if it can draw out your emotions like that 🤣
Mackenzie really struggles internally thanks to her past family trauma. She’s constantly fighting with what she knows she should do vs. trying to protect her own heart.
“My heart was made for me, not to be taken out and handed over for the sake of matrimony. There’s no way in hell I’ll ever hand it over. Not after it was broken by the one man who was meant to protect and cherish it.” - Mackenzie Jones
I relate heavily to Mackenzie and her frustrations with her father. I wish I could have triple highlighted some of the quotes from this book.
“But here we are. Left with baggage no one else understands or wants to pick up because of him.” - Mackenzie Jones
Now…let’s talk about the side characters. Owen, sweet Owen. 🤗 Ugh I loved him! When you read this book you will understand. Everyone needs an Owen in their life and if I don’t get a book about him in the future I’ll definitely be sad! 😭
Nelly… Mackenzie’s best friend. 🙃 I’d be lying if I said I liked her. Part of me understands she just wanted to be a good friend to Mackenzie and did it the best way she knew how. But the other part of me feels like she never bothered to truly understand her friend. It made me crazy. Granted she was there for Mackenzie when it mattered most and it was obvious she had good intentions, but she was not my cup of tea. 🫖🍵 I will give credit though, she said some pretty comical things. 🤣
Spicy Time…. 🔥🔥🔥
I gave this a 2.5 rating since the steam is a small portion of this book. That being said, the spice that’s sprinkled in is ✨chefs kiss✨ we love a sweet boy with a filthy mouth. 😏 the bathroom scene 🥵 paintball 🥵 must I go on??? IYKYK.
In order to make this a 5 ⭐️ read for me, I would’ve loved to see more of Mason. We got to see a lot of Mackenzie with her friends and we really only got to see Mason at work and one conversation with his brother. Even though I feel like I have a solid grasp of who he is, I just simply would’ve loved more dialogue from him. I also would’ve loved a more in depth talk between Mackenzie & her mom about her father. I relate heavily to this topic and I think it would’ve been a great opportunity for some deep honesty & healing.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story and finished it in 24 hours. If you love friends-to-lovers, steam, and a solid HEA with a killer epilogue. This is for you. 💕
🦋I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.🦋
July 26, 2022
✩ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 ✩
𝐌𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝! 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬!
Another ARC to my list! I Choose You is a beautiful debut novel that I could not put down! Mackenzie and Mason’s story was so adorable! I could feel every emotion from them and that’s so important to me as a reader. I connected with all the characters, especially Owen, being the one full of life advice lol. I was loving every page of this one, the perfect amount of excitement and it definitely had my heart in a chokehold more than once! By far my favorite best friends to lovers romance ♡
—
Mackenzie Jones has lived her life with caution. She was let down as a child by the one person she never imagined would hurt her. She has worked to keep her heart locked and protected. Everything was going fine, she had a job she loved, friends she cared for, but when her best friend Mason shares news she didn’t expect her world to turn upside down. She isn’t ready for change, for the new feelings that arise between them, but what will it take for her to leave the past in the past… to choose the one she knows will make her happy…
𝐌𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝! 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬!
Another ARC to my list! I Choose You is a beautiful debut novel that I could not put down! Mackenzie and Mason’s story was so adorable! I could feel every emotion from them and that’s so important to me as a reader. I connected with all the characters, especially Owen, being the one full of life advice lol. I was loving every page of this one, the perfect amount of excitement and it definitely had my heart in a chokehold more than once! By far my favorite best friends to lovers romance ♡
—
Mackenzie Jones has lived her life with caution. She was let down as a child by the one person she never imagined would hurt her. She has worked to keep her heart locked and protected. Everything was going fine, she had a job she loved, friends she cared for, but when her best friend Mason shares news she didn’t expect her world to turn upside down. She isn’t ready for change, for the new feelings that arise between them, but what will it take for her to leave the past in the past… to choose the one she knows will make her happy…
July 29, 2022
I Choose You is Sara Tallary’s debut novel and first in the Quaint Series. The characters were real, lovable, and you could feel the complexities of all their relationships between. Mason and Mackenzie are best friends. Sarah sells the hell out of the best friends to lovers trope between these two. You can feel the push and pull of not wanting to ruin the friendship, the fight they’re both having internally to restrict themselves of a desire they both want but won’t allow themselves to have.
The side characters were amazing as well. Everyone needs an Owen in their lives, I won’t be convinced otherwise! He’s a someone who is by your side and on your side but won’t give you crap advice because it’s what you want to hear.
There were some areas of description that felt drawn out or misplaced but this is a debut novel so I expect that to happen. It didn’t pull me out of the story but it felt like a flow is still being worked out.
However, the spice in I Choose You was perfectly steamy and delicious. There were moments I laughed so hard that I woke my husband up, even after I took a minute to gather myself, I was laughing as soon as I started reading again. I love that for me!
This was a much needed and refreshing read for me. I urge you to pick it up yourself!
The side characters were amazing as well. Everyone needs an Owen in their lives, I won’t be convinced otherwise! He’s a someone who is by your side and on your side but won’t give you crap advice because it’s what you want to hear.
There were some areas of description that felt drawn out or misplaced but this is a debut novel so I expect that to happen. It didn’t pull me out of the story but it felt like a flow is still being worked out.
However, the spice in I Choose You was perfectly steamy and delicious. There were moments I laughed so hard that I woke my husband up, even after I took a minute to gather myself, I was laughing as soon as I started reading again. I love that for me!
This was a much needed and refreshing read for me. I urge you to pick it up yourself!
July 31, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
I'm honestly impressed for a debut novel by an author. I felt like the story was well written and felt realistic. I read a lot of spice and sometimes the spicy scenes are so over the top. The scenes in this book really felt like real life best friends taking it to the next level.
This book made me love both MCs while simultaneously yelling at them for being idiots. I love friends to lovers and I'm glad this was dual POV. dual POV really adds to stories for me, especially when its a storyline of characters both having feelings and not knowing the other felt the same way.
I don't typically like the accidental pregnancy trope, but a positive in this story line was that it forced the FMC to realize the care the people around her have for her: Luke, Nelly, and Owen as well as Mason (obviously) and that not everyone leaves like her father did. I'm a sucker for a good found family and this sweetened the accidental pregnancy for me.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I'm honestly impressed for a debut novel by an author. I felt like the story was well written and felt realistic. I read a lot of spice and sometimes the spicy scenes are so over the top. The scenes in this book really felt like real life best friends taking it to the next level.
This book made me love both MCs while simultaneously yelling at them for being idiots. I love friends to lovers and I'm glad this was dual POV. dual POV really adds to stories for me, especially when its a storyline of characters both having feelings and not knowing the other felt the same way.
I don't typically like the accidental pregnancy trope, but a positive in this story line was that it forced the FMC to realize the care the people around her have for her: Luke, Nelly, and Owen as well as Mason (obviously) and that not everyone leaves like her father did. I'm a sucker for a good found family and this sweetened the accidental pregnancy for me.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2022
Mackenzie and Mason have been best friends for years. Mason is about to move cross country for a job, when something happens that has them both looking at each other differently. At times Mackenzie did frustrate me, but we do learn later the reason for her commitment issues. Owen was probably my favorite side character, loved him! Mason checks all the boxes for a great book boyfriend, although I did want to know more about his past. There's not much spice, but the sexy time scenes that are here are great. Overall, a wonderful contemporary romance debut.
August 12, 2022
This was a debut win for me. Sara wrote a beautiful friends to lovers story that was full of so much heart. Mackenzie may have had issues with her blood family, but her found family was utterly amazing! I love the interactions between all the characters. They are witty and made me laugh, but also knew when to have the serious talks. I challenge you not to fall in love with Mason by the end of the book. Will definitely be looking for more from Sara!
July 20, 2022
I received this ARC for my honest review.
WOW! First of all for a debut book this story was so well written and not at all underwhelming. I seriously can't wait to see where this story will take us in the next book. I loved the long time friendship and build up that Kenzie and Mason shared.
The hurt that Kenzie went through with her father was real and powerful, but I wish it was shared sooner in the book. I feel like most of the book I was yelling at her to pull her big girl panties up and get over herself. If I would have known the level of hurt she experienced I would have understood more.
As for Mason 😍😍😍😍 this is the boy next door that every girl I knew (me included) dreamed of. He was strong and caring while also not a complete pushover.
Sarah congratulations on your first book and know that you have many years of being an author ahead for you.
WOW! First of all for a debut book this story was so well written and not at all underwhelming. I seriously can't wait to see where this story will take us in the next book. I loved the long time friendship and build up that Kenzie and Mason shared.
The hurt that Kenzie went through with her father was real and powerful, but I wish it was shared sooner in the book. I feel like most of the book I was yelling at her to pull her big girl panties up and get over herself. If I would have known the level of hurt she experienced I would have understood more.
As for Mason 😍😍😍😍 this is the boy next door that every girl I knew (me included) dreamed of. He was strong and caring while also not a complete pushover.
Sarah congratulations on your first book and know that you have many years of being an author ahead for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2022
Wow! This book has tension and spice and everything nice. I love the dynamics that Mackenzie, Mason, and Luke have. And I completely fell in love with Layla when she dared two friends to kiss, because well, we all wanted it to happen ourselves. I was up all night wanting to finish the book, but not wanting it to end because I was so invested in Mackenzie’s life.
This is a must read. I can’t wait to read Sara Tallary’s next novel. I’m secretly hoping to read about Nelly or Owen…maybe there’s a love story there.
This is a must read. I can’t wait to read Sara Tallary’s next novel. I’m secretly hoping to read about Nelly or Owen…maybe there’s a love story there.
July 30, 2022
I received an ARC from Sara Tallary and this is my honest review.
This story started out slow but in that we got to see the dynamics of Mason and Mackenzie's friendship as well as the relationship both of them have with Luke. I always appreciate a good friends to lovers read and this was it. I was happy to see the friendship evolve into more, slowly but solidly.
Spice level was perfect - and written realistically while still being spicy. I was yelling at both MC's through the whole story (especially that Austin Trip!!!!) but the alternating POVs helped provide the individual thoughts and reasons. The ending came sooner than I wanted and I hope we'll see more of Mackenzie and Mason in the future.
This story started out slow but in that we got to see the dynamics of Mason and Mackenzie's friendship as well as the relationship both of them have with Luke. I always appreciate a good friends to lovers read and this was it. I was happy to see the friendship evolve into more, slowly but solidly.
Spice level was perfect - and written realistically while still being spicy. I was yelling at both MC's through the whole story (especially that Austin Trip!!!!) but the alternating POVs helped provide the individual thoughts and reasons. The ending came sooner than I wanted and I hope we'll see more of Mackenzie and Mason in the future.
July 31, 2022
Mason and Mackenzie were friends to lovers the ultimate choice always go take things further , this story was good liked the paintball part (spicy) this is was a major slow burn , would love to have seen a little more of masons backstory , overall liked it a lot ! Great job sara !
August 4, 2022
Friends to Lovers! Slow Burn… 4.5 ⭐️
Sara’s Debut novel hit the feels! Mason and Mackenzie share an authentic friendship that naturally develops into a love unlike any other.
Great character development, story building, some spice, and was very well written.
We learn a lot regarding Mackenzie’s back story but I feel like there could have been more of a back story on Mason, but I don’t feel like this took from the overall story at all.
Looking forward to reading whatever Sara puts out next! Congratulations Sara!
Sara’s Debut novel hit the feels! Mason and Mackenzie share an authentic friendship that naturally develops into a love unlike any other.
Great character development, story building, some spice, and was very well written.
We learn a lot regarding Mackenzie’s back story but I feel like there could have been more of a back story on Mason, but I don’t feel like this took from the overall story at all.
Looking forward to reading whatever Sara puts out next! Congratulations Sara!
May 31, 2023
DNF @ 29%, opening chapter was exactly the vibe of the kissing booth, where I got up to was pretty cringey and also boring
July 31, 2022
Absolutely amazing! You won't be disappointed. The book had me hooked from the start. I couldn't put it down and finished it the same day. I can't wait for the next one.
April 28, 2023
A nice light read with some spice. Overall I enjoyed it.
September 16, 2022
They've been close friends since they were kids. When he gets a job opportunity across the country, they have to confront secrets and intense attraction that may change everything.
Mackenzie had two best friends growing up. Twin brothers, Luke and Mason, were there for her through highs and lows. Outside of her relationship with her mom, the boys are the closest thing she has to family. Her father gave her a special blend of trauma that has her avoiding dating and relationships is determined to be single. Despite her best efforts to shut down any romantic inclinations, there is still a part of her deep down that wonders if it's possible for her.
Mason has had a crush on Kenzie since they were teens, but he never acted on it. He dated a little here and there over the past decade, but he found himself unfairly comparing all those women to his best friend. Despite his feelings, he always considered his close relationship with Kenzie as more important than trying for more after seeing just how stubborn she can be about love. When an opportunity for a better job becomes available across the country in Texas, he hesitates because he doesn't want to leave his brother and Kenzie.
Mason's new job opportunity is a once in a lifetime opportunity he has to take. Both of them are aware of that. But after the reality begins to set in, Kenzie realizes she is going to be devastated when Mason leaves. Trying to pinpoint exactly all the reasons why the news has broken Kenzie, she realizes her feelings are anything but platonic for Mason. All their memories and years spent together, neither one have tried to make their relationship romantic. Now fears, insecurities, and trauma, loom heavily as the two try to decide if they can give each other a chance knowing they will never love another person the way they love each other.
SLOWwww burn with plenty of angst. These two are so close and have such a beautiful bond that it seems so crazy they haven't opened their relationship up for more. Mackenzie is a broken soul that has to really make herself miserable before she can find the answer. Her fears are such a huge source of the conflict. Mason is a charming, big hearted man that loves Kenzie even more than she loves herself. Their friendship is very sweet and loving. To see it develop into more is nice, but they take a really long time to get there. When they finally do, they are awesome together before the 3rd quarter conflict comes to break everything. Shew. I'm emotionally exhausted. In my opinion, the ending is satisfying but it doesn't match the level of heartache and angst it took to get there. I'd say they are happy maybe 10 percent of the book. Nice HEA and epilogue.
Mackenzie had two best friends growing up. Twin brothers, Luke and Mason, were there for her through highs and lows. Outside of her relationship with her mom, the boys are the closest thing she has to family. Her father gave her a special blend of trauma that has her avoiding dating and relationships is determined to be single. Despite her best efforts to shut down any romantic inclinations, there is still a part of her deep down that wonders if it's possible for her.
Mason has had a crush on Kenzie since they were teens, but he never acted on it. He dated a little here and there over the past decade, but he found himself unfairly comparing all those women to his best friend. Despite his feelings, he always considered his close relationship with Kenzie as more important than trying for more after seeing just how stubborn she can be about love. When an opportunity for a better job becomes available across the country in Texas, he hesitates because he doesn't want to leave his brother and Kenzie.
Mason's new job opportunity is a once in a lifetime opportunity he has to take. Both of them are aware of that. But after the reality begins to set in, Kenzie realizes she is going to be devastated when Mason leaves. Trying to pinpoint exactly all the reasons why the news has broken Kenzie, she realizes her feelings are anything but platonic for Mason. All their memories and years spent together, neither one have tried to make their relationship romantic. Now fears, insecurities, and trauma, loom heavily as the two try to decide if they can give each other a chance knowing they will never love another person the way they love each other.
SLOWwww burn with plenty of angst. These two are so close and have such a beautiful bond that it seems so crazy they haven't opened their relationship up for more. Mackenzie is a broken soul that has to really make herself miserable before she can find the answer. Her fears are such a huge source of the conflict. Mason is a charming, big hearted man that loves Kenzie even more than she loves herself. Their friendship is very sweet and loving. To see it develop into more is nice, but they take a really long time to get there. When they finally do, they are awesome together before the 3rd quarter conflict comes to break everything. Shew. I'm emotionally exhausted. In my opinion, the ending is satisfying but it doesn't match the level of heartache and angst it took to get there. I'd say they are happy maybe 10 percent of the book. Nice HEA and epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
3.5 stars. Friends to lovers is probably my least favorite trope because I find that the excitement between the two main characters tends to be more on the lackluster side since they already know everything about the other and have fallen into an easy dynamic that feels too routine and lacks surprises.
Mackenzie grew up with her best friends and twin brothers Mason and Luke. She has completely shut herself off from love or intimacy based on the abandonment she experienced from her father when her parents divorced while she was a kid. While this pain and loss is definitely tangible on Mackenzie's behalf, I thought there should have been more detail about her last interaction with her father or some closure when she finally decides to let it go for good. Otherwise, Mackenzie came off a bit too inaccessible and unapproachable.
Mason is moving across the country and while this is a great opportunity for his career, he doesn't want to go without Mackenzie at least knowing how he feels. I really liked Mason, he respected Mackenzie's boundaries, but still tried to show her that he wanted more. He's not going to waste time anymore and seizes the moment when he finds the chance to show her.
This story is sweet and swoony with Mason pulling out all the stops while Mackenzie surprised me by not being quite as not as stubborn as I expected her to be. However, their vibe still felt lukewarm to me so this one doesn't stand apart from all of the other friends to lovers stories out there.
Mackenzie grew up with her best friends and twin brothers Mason and Luke. She has completely shut herself off from love or intimacy based on the abandonment she experienced from her father when her parents divorced while she was a kid. While this pain and loss is definitely tangible on Mackenzie's behalf, I thought there should have been more detail about her last interaction with her father or some closure when she finally decides to let it go for good. Otherwise, Mackenzie came off a bit too inaccessible and unapproachable.
Mason is moving across the country and while this is a great opportunity for his career, he doesn't want to go without Mackenzie at least knowing how he feels. I really liked Mason, he respected Mackenzie's boundaries, but still tried to show her that he wanted more. He's not going to waste time anymore and seizes the moment when he finds the chance to show her.
This story is sweet and swoony with Mason pulling out all the stops while Mackenzie surprised me by not being quite as not as stubborn as I expected her to be. However, their vibe still felt lukewarm to me so this one doesn't stand apart from all of the other friends to lovers stories out there.
November 17, 2022
Mackenzie, Mason and Luke are childhood best friends, now grown adults who have maintained their friendship. Things have never changed until Mason and Kenzie start exploring feelings.. of course that doesn’t actually come to fruition until Mason accepts a job transfer halfway across the country. Things can never just be easy though, can they? Kenzie struggles with the past trauma of her dad abandoning her and her mom and starting a new life. So we know what this means; her entire storyline is consumed by this. I really was into the characters and story, but every chapter that belonged to McKenzie surrounded around her insecurity and fear of abandonment again. It didn’t fit with the relationship she had always had with the twin brothers, and finally when Luke called her out on it (at the end of the book) I was all, why didn’t he do this 20 chapters ago, so the story could have better focus? Overall, a cute, fast friends-to-lovers read.
July 31, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review. There were a lot of elements that I really liked and one of them was Luke, Mason and Mackenzie's friendship. Their friendship was actually my favorite in the book. I choose you is the first book in the Quaint series by Sara Tallary. Its a Friends to Lovers romance and the gradual development of this was really heartwarming. There are some aspects though which I didn't enjoy and the most glaring one was the lack of stronger background for Mackenzie's trauma. I felt that her childhood needed to be a bit more sketched out, especially what happened with her dad. That part was mentioned a lot in passing but we never actually get to delve into it any deeper. This is a nice start to the series though and I would really like to read to Owen's story!
August 5, 2022
I enjoyed the book and couldn’t put it down! This is Sara Tallary’s debut novel and it is amazing. The book was so well written you could tell there was a lot of hard work and love put into it.
I loved the dynamic between Mackenzie and Mason and how their relationship changed. The build up to them finally confessing their feelings and doing something about it was perfect. Loved all the side characters and can’t wait to see their stories unfold.
There were a couple of things that I wish were explored more but not huge things. I wish Mackenzie’s issues with her father were talked about in more depth sooner. It kept getting glossed over and I think it would have helped me better understand her. Also the scene where her Mom shows her a box of her father’s things he left behind felt like it was missing something. I felt like there was more to the story or something more should have come of it (she takes the envelope of cards with her) because it felt like a big deal but nothing happened. I was left wondering if the cards would show up again (was she going to sell them? Give them away? Burn them?) but they didn’t.
Otherwise I loved the story.
I loved the dynamic between Mackenzie and Mason and how their relationship changed. The build up to them finally confessing their feelings and doing something about it was perfect. Loved all the side characters and can’t wait to see their stories unfold.
There were a couple of things that I wish were explored more but not huge things. I wish Mackenzie’s issues with her father were talked about in more depth sooner. It kept getting glossed over and I think it would have helped me better understand her. Also the scene where her Mom shows her a box of her father’s things he left behind felt like it was missing something. I felt like there was more to the story or something more should have come of it (she takes the envelope of cards with her) because it felt like a big deal but nothing happened. I was left wondering if the cards would show up again (was she going to sell them? Give them away? Burn them?) but they didn’t.
Otherwise I loved the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2023
What better romance read than best friends falling for one another? I first met Mason & Mackenzie in book 2 so had to go back and get their back story! The history these two is something I think we all had at one point, hanging out and wondering if that look he gave her or that touch she "accidentally" made meant something more or not.
I love Sara's writing because it's real, it's not some fantasy that is so far fetched it's just a dream. You can feel their pain, love, hesitation, how they would feel to make tough decisions like moving away and would the other person follow?
Falling for your best friend is always a slippery slope because what if it doesn't work and you end up ruining that perfect friendship you had? Or what if you don't take the chance and you are left to wonder the dreaded "what could have been?"
I love Sara's writing because it's real, it's not some fantasy that is so far fetched it's just a dream. You can feel their pain, love, hesitation, how they would feel to make tough decisions like moving away and would the other person follow?
Falling for your best friend is always a slippery slope because what if it doesn't work and you end up ruining that perfect friendship you had? Or what if you don't take the chance and you are left to wonder the dreaded "what could have been?"
August 1, 2022
•• Mason and Mackenzie ••
☆☆☆☆
I Choose You by Sara Tallary
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚!
So many thing you say about this book! For starters, I absolutely love this best friends to lovers trope. The angst, the back and forth, SO good. Sara did this soooo well.
Second, the side characters are perfection! We know I love side characters who steal the show a little and these characters were it! Luke, Nelly, Owen and Layla helped bring this story to life. I loved them so much.
Finally, Sara - I feel your heart in this book! As far as debut novels go, you showed up! It was a beautiful story and I can’t wait to see your writing develop!
Thank you @saratallaryauthor for the ARC! And y’all - go check this out on KU!
☆☆☆☆
I Choose You by Sara Tallary
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚!
So many thing you say about this book! For starters, I absolutely love this best friends to lovers trope. The angst, the back and forth, SO good. Sara did this soooo well.
Second, the side characters are perfection! We know I love side characters who steal the show a little and these characters were it! Luke, Nelly, Owen and Layla helped bring this story to life. I loved them so much.
Finally, Sara - I feel your heart in this book! As far as debut novels go, you showed up! It was a beautiful story and I can’t wait to see your writing develop!
Thank you @saratallaryauthor for the ARC! And y’all - go check this out on KU!
October 15, 2022
sweet friends to lovers
Mackenzie and Mason have been friends since childhood and share a house together with Mason’s twin Luke. Mason is offered a promotion to move miles away and it’s too good to turn down. Suddenly all those not so friendly feelings they have both had for each other come spilling out. They are very nervous to let the other know how they feel as they don’t want to mess up their friendship, Kenzie has major commitment issues and Mason is just about to move away. They give in to their feelings but the move and Kenzie’s get in their way. Eventually being apart and new discoveries make Kenzie realise what she is missing and we get the HEA we are looking for. This is a sweet read with a nice bit of heat.
Mackenzie and Mason have been friends since childhood and share a house together with Mason’s twin Luke. Mason is offered a promotion to move miles away and it’s too good to turn down. Suddenly all those not so friendly feelings they have both had for each other come spilling out. They are very nervous to let the other know how they feel as they don’t want to mess up their friendship, Kenzie has major commitment issues and Mason is just about to move away. They give in to their feelings but the move and Kenzie’s get in their way. Eventually being apart and new discoveries make Kenzie realise what she is missing and we get the HEA we are looking for. This is a sweet read with a nice bit of heat.
August 1, 2022
This debut novel by Sara Tallary is a fantastic friends to lovers novel with a super swoonworthy MMC.
Mason and Mackenzie have a strong friendship, creating some serious friendship goals on their own. The dynamic they have with Mason’s twin brother Luke creates an incredible support system for all three. The intensity is then raised when Mason and Mackenzie are forced to face very non-friendly feelings they have for one another.
This slow burn novel makes you root for the characters along the way as you become fully committed in their story and with them. I can’t wait to see what comes next out of Quaint!
Mason and Mackenzie have a strong friendship, creating some serious friendship goals on their own. The dynamic they have with Mason’s twin brother Luke creates an incredible support system for all three. The intensity is then raised when Mason and Mackenzie are forced to face very non-friendly feelings they have for one another.
This slow burn novel makes you root for the characters along the way as you become fully committed in their story and with them. I can’t wait to see what comes next out of Quaint!
August 5, 2022
I was an ARC reader for this book, and these are my honest thoughts/opinions.
I don't like friends-to-lovers. There, I said it. I didn't realize this until reading this book, and this is no fault of the author. Just not my personal preference. That being said, let's move forward.
Mackenzie pissed me off. Like, really. I hated that her daddy issues kept her from commitment, and Mason deserved better. He has shown time and time again that she could depend on him, and this is how she does him? Fifteen years. That's how long they have been friends. You'd think you'd know someone in that amount of time. Apparently not.
All in all, not a bad book. Just heed my warnings!
January 19, 2025
3.5 stars
This was actually a really good read, but when I found out Tallary was self-published, my only thought was, “Well, that explains a lot.”
There were a lot of grammatical errors and misuse of words throughout the book - enough that had me trying to figure out how so many mistakes slipped through the final edit. I was genuinely wondering how an un-proofed ARC had made it into a library lending service.
Tallary is an excellent storyteller, and I’d love to read more (I did already check out 𝘐 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶 and am starting that this morning), but, Ms. Tallary, if you should see this: PLEASE get a professional editor to review everything before publishing a final copy.
This was actually a really good read, but when I found out Tallary was self-published, my only thought was, “Well, that explains a lot.”
There were a lot of grammatical errors and misuse of words throughout the book - enough that had me trying to figure out how so many mistakes slipped through the final edit. I was genuinely wondering how an un-proofed ARC had made it into a library lending service.
Tallary is an excellent storyteller, and I’d love to read more (I did already check out 𝘐 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶 and am starting that this morning), but, Ms. Tallary, if you should see this: PLEASE get a professional editor to review everything before publishing a final copy.
August 25, 2022
Friends to lover romance! Debut novel!
New author Sara Tallary knows how to write an amazing romance story! Mason is the best friend turned lover that everyone needs and wants!
I loved the way she made this story between friends turn into the best happy ever after romance (there was definetely some dramatic moments leading up to the HEA). The ending was so good and I didn't suspect it at first! Love a good surprise 😍
I can't wait fo more of Mason and MacKenzie! Good thing a second book is coming 😉
New author Sara Tallary knows how to write an amazing romance story! Mason is the best friend turned lover that everyone needs and wants!
I loved the way she made this story between friends turn into the best happy ever after romance (there was definetely some dramatic moments leading up to the HEA). The ending was so good and I didn't suspect it at first! Love a good surprise 😍
I can't wait fo more of Mason and MacKenzie! Good thing a second book is coming 😉
February 16, 2023
Oh my Mason! 🥵 I loved I Choose You by Sara Tallary. I absolutely devoured the book just like Mason would a waffle sausage stick! 😉 The chemistry between Mackenzie and Mason was sizzling. All of the characters were well written and developed. Each time I thought I found my favorite part of the book the next chapter would top it! I’ve got to say though I do have a sudden interest in paintball!
November 2, 2022
Binge-worthy Friends to Lovers!
As my husband's and my relationship began as friends, I always love a good friends to lovers book! The spice was 3/5 and loved the sweetness of Mason & Mackenzie as she learned to trust. Looking forward to reading more of Sara Tallary's work!
As my husband's and my relationship began as friends, I always love a good friends to lovers book! The spice was 3/5 and loved the sweetness of Mason & Mackenzie as she learned to trust. Looking forward to reading more of Sara Tallary's work!
April 2, 2023
It's a slow burn with a beautiful HEA.
Couldn't wait to finish it. It tugged at my heart strings and made me fall in love with the characters.
Couldn't wait to finish it. It tugged at my heart strings and made me fall in love with the characters.
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