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Because of Us
𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜.
Wes Miller gave me an unforgettable summer, but our chapter ended as quickly as those warm nights spent in his arms, and I left town with a broken heart.
Seven years later I return stronger than I've ever been, and our worlds collide. His presence awakens emotions that should have been left in the past, and I’m overwhelmed with how desirable I feel beneath that familiar ocean hued gaze.
He wastes no time trying to right his wrongs with gifts that prove he hasn’t forgotten a thing. The tattoos that mark his skin show he’s changed. And the way he loves to hate my workout shorts tells me he’d worship my body just like he used to.
There’s no denying the fire still burning between us, but can I trust him? Can I give him my heart and go all in like we did that summer? Will forgiving him destroy the years of progress I’ve made?
Is Wes Miller worth a second chance?
Wes Miller gave me an unforgettable summer, but our chapter ended as quickly as those warm nights spent in his arms, and I left town with a broken heart.
Seven years later I return stronger than I've ever been, and our worlds collide. His presence awakens emotions that should have been left in the past, and I’m overwhelmed with how desirable I feel beneath that familiar ocean hued gaze.
He wastes no time trying to right his wrongs with gifts that prove he hasn’t forgotten a thing. The tattoos that mark his skin show he’s changed. And the way he loves to hate my workout shorts tells me he’d worship my body just like he used to.
There’s no denying the fire still burning between us, but can I trust him? Can I give him my heart and go all in like we did that summer? Will forgiving him destroy the years of progress I’ve made?
Is Wes Miller worth a second chance?
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2022
99 people are currently reading
2074 people want to read
About the author
Nina Arada
1 book84 followersHi! I'm an indie romance author who fell in love with reading and decided to start her own story. I wrote my debut over a course of six years and finally plan to release Because of Us this fall. I'm Florida girl currently living in Montana thanks to the Air Force. My real-life book husband and I have two boys and a cat that rule our worlds. Check out my instagram for writing updates at @pillowtalkwrites and my bookstagram where I review romance books @pillowtalkreads
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
July 29, 2025
Debut novel? Where?This was so cute!
I’ve had this on my shelf for so long and so glad I decided to pick this one up.
Definitely some heavier topics in this one but Josie and Wes’s story was so pure and adorable. Brother’s best friend, friends to lovers and second chance Roma e all in one!
I loved the Hispanic representation, the dual povs and the dual timelines. I’m always a sucker for those🩷
I’ve had this on my shelf for so long and so glad I decided to pick this one up.
Definitely some heavier topics in this one but Josie and Wes’s story was so pure and adorable. Brother’s best friend, friends to lovers and second chance Roma e all in one!
I loved the Hispanic representation, the dual povs and the dual timelines. I’m always a sucker for those🩷
July 5, 2023
ONE MILLION STARS. I am beyond in love with this book. I have the biggest crush on Wes 🤭🥵 ugh. I cannot get over this one. THIS is my new favorite romance 🫶🏼 I didn’t want it to end. I already want to go back and read it again.
December 24, 2022
“Can you believe that you’re mine and it’s not a secret this time?”
Ok. I loved Wes and Josie’s chemistry. I loved everything about Nina’s first novel. She absolutely killed it!
In my opinion, childhood friend/friends to lovers turned second-chance romance is at the top of my favorite tropes and this had it all.
•Brother’s Best Friend
•Childhood Friend
•Forced Proximity
•Trauma/Healing
•Second-chance romance
I’m very impressed that this is actually Nina’s first novel. She definitely writes like this comes easily to her. This was such a moving story and it had me hanging on.
Josie’s twin brother, Joe, had it all. He was popular. He was seen by everyone. His best friend was absolutely gorgeous and Josie has crushed on him since they were kids. But did he secretly feel the same way?
After Josie returns home from spending the last 2 years of high school with her aunt, she comes face-to-face with Wes Miller. Her biggest crush. Her brother’s best friend. As the summer after high school wears on, the attraction between the two is unbearable and they secretly form a relationship. The hottest and most amazing relationship that either of them have ever been in and it just all seems to good to be true.
Tragedy strikes and the two are eventually torn apart.
Years later Josie returns home after college and runs into Wes. Is that flame still there burning or is it her imagination? Does he still love her after all these years or has he moved on? Josie should just move on with her life…. Right?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶🌶/5
I was given this ARC by the author for my honest opinion. My honest opinion is that this should definitely be read! MULTIPLE TIMES! I loved it!
Ok. I loved Wes and Josie’s chemistry. I loved everything about Nina’s first novel. She absolutely killed it!
In my opinion, childhood friend/friends to lovers turned second-chance romance is at the top of my favorite tropes and this had it all.
•Brother’s Best Friend
•Childhood Friend
•Forced Proximity
•Trauma/Healing
•Second-chance romance
I’m very impressed that this is actually Nina’s first novel. She definitely writes like this comes easily to her. This was such a moving story and it had me hanging on.
Josie’s twin brother, Joe, had it all. He was popular. He was seen by everyone. His best friend was absolutely gorgeous and Josie has crushed on him since they were kids. But did he secretly feel the same way?
After Josie returns home from spending the last 2 years of high school with her aunt, she comes face-to-face with Wes Miller. Her biggest crush. Her brother’s best friend. As the summer after high school wears on, the attraction between the two is unbearable and they secretly form a relationship. The hottest and most amazing relationship that either of them have ever been in and it just all seems to good to be true.
Tragedy strikes and the two are eventually torn apart.
Years later Josie returns home after college and runs into Wes. Is that flame still there burning or is it her imagination? Does he still love her after all these years or has he moved on? Josie should just move on with her life…. Right?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶🌶/5
I was given this ARC by the author for my honest opinion. My honest opinion is that this should definitely be read! MULTIPLE TIMES! I loved it!
May 28, 2023
Such a cute little number that made me cry sad and many more happy tears 🥹
December 6, 2022
5⭐I can't believe I waited so long to read this book only to binge it in a single night. Once I started this book, I couldn't stop. I was completely invested in Josie and Wes' story. From the very beginning, the two of them had me wrapped up and consumed.
Going into this book, I really didn't know what to expect. I knew there had to have been something that happened to keep these two apart for so long and the anxiety I had trying to figure it out was torture (in the best way.)
This book had so many twists and turns and was full of so much love, heartbreak and pain. I loved Josie's character so much and Wes had me swooning page after page. This book kept me invested from begining to end and it's one of my favorites that I've read this year.
When you find out why the title is named the way that it is, good luck. 🫡
I can't wait to see what Nina writes in the future because I loved this book so much.
*Be sure to check TW's
Going into this book, I really didn't know what to expect. I knew there had to have been something that happened to keep these two apart for so long and the anxiety I had trying to figure it out was torture (in the best way.)
This book had so many twists and turns and was full of so much love, heartbreak and pain. I loved Josie's character so much and Wes had me swooning page after page. This book kept me invested from begining to end and it's one of my favorites that I've read this year.
When you find out why the title is named the way that it is, good luck. 🫡
I can't wait to see what Nina writes in the future because I loved this book so much.
*Be sure to check TW's
February 3, 2023
This Debut Novel was just amazing! Nina did such an incredible job. We follow Josie and Wes (brothers best friend). They were all friends until it changed into more. Wes and Josie became lovers but no one knew. But it all changed one night when Josie left and didn’t return for 7 years. 7 years later, the feelings are still there but now it's complicated. This book was full of trauma and heartache. This book did break my heart but it also put it back together. Wes is such a sweetheart and he's a personal trainer .. hello hotness! He's also just a cinnamon roll and will do anything for Joise.
Spice: 3
Spice: 3
May 4, 2025
HOW have I never reviewed this book?! It's one of my favs and I think about it often.
I'm definitely due for a reread, I'll leave a full review when I do 🥰
I'm definitely due for a reread, I'll leave a full review when I do 🥰
May 2, 2024
Wow!!! Infinity stars!!!
I rarely read books that has few reviews. I always choose popular romance authors because I am scared to have any regrets of wasting my time to that particular book.
And reading this book. I . HAVE. NO. REGRETS.
Every seconds I consumed, every laugh I had, every cry I made, and every swoon are all worth it!!!
I love Wes! He is not perfect, but wow. He just set a high bar and it was totaly unfair for all the man out there. 😁 If I had read this book decades ago, I’m pretty sure, Wes will be my guide-to-boyfriend-checklist. 😂
I rarely cry when reading, like I could count the number of times on my fingers. And this book, just added on that list. The scenes, dialogues, the foreshadowing, and the pains will really make you cry.
There are some cheesy lines, but it’s OK. Because it was Wes. 😂
Looking forward to your next book. I will definitely add you to my automatic-author-reading-list. ❤️❤️❤️
I rarely read books that has few reviews. I always choose popular romance authors because I am scared to have any regrets of wasting my time to that particular book.
And reading this book. I . HAVE. NO. REGRETS.
Every seconds I consumed, every laugh I had, every cry I made, and every swoon are all worth it!!!
I love Wes! He is not perfect, but wow. He just set a high bar and it was totaly unfair for all the man out there. 😁 If I had read this book decades ago, I’m pretty sure, Wes will be my guide-to-boyfriend-checklist. 😂
I rarely cry when reading, like I could count the number of times on my fingers. And this book, just added on that list. The scenes, dialogues, the foreshadowing, and the pains will really make you cry.
There are some cheesy lines, but it’s OK. Because it was Wes. 😂
Looking forward to your next book. I will definitely add you to my automatic-author-reading-list. ❤️❤️❤️
dnf
May 17, 2023DNF at 27%
The writing is not for me.
The writing is not for me.
July 15, 2023
I am so obsessed with the second chance romance books, also the brothers best friend!! This was both, and I loved it! I could not put this book down, freaking Wes was such a sweetheart!! I loved him and Josie!!
March 29, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
March 23, 2024
4.5⭐️
i devoured this book up. i could not bring myself to put it down. i would have read it all in one sitting, but i unfortunately had to because #schoollife
because of us follows the story of josie and wes. they grew up together because wes is josie’s twin brother, joe’s best friend. but wes has always been josie’s secret crush. things between them slowly starts changing the summer after high school graduation, they start to secretly date throughout the summer. but one night something changes everything in their lives, leading josie to leave home. seven years later, she returns home and instead of going back to her parents, her coworker convinces her to move into an extra bedroom in a shared apartment. little did she know that this would bring wes miller, now roommate, back into her life. as they navigate this close proximity, we begin to learn what happened throughout all those years. leaving them to face the present situation between them.
i would have never believed this was a debut because of how beautiful nina’s writing is! it flowed so well especially with it having a dual timeline. this second chance romance is so heartbreaking, but yet so beautiful. i loved nina’s writing because you get to feel every little emotion.
josie, my cuban american queen👸🏻🇨🇺 i loved getting to see someone like me being represented in a book. she went through so much throughout all those years, but i loved how that helped her grow into the person she is now.
wes miller! this man was all in for josie. he took the advantage, he’s been seeking for these past years, and finally changed his life to get back the girl he’s always loved. the chemistry between them in both timelines literally ATE!!!!
THE EPILOGUE🥹🧡 i loved every second of it! and all the details OMG I JUST LOVED IT SO MUCH! the drawing (included in the back) of josie’s tattoo was so beautiful and now it’s making me want to get one! i almost forgot about my favorite part… the anonymous texts🤭
i devoured this book up. i could not bring myself to put it down. i would have read it all in one sitting, but i unfortunately had to because #schoollife
because of us follows the story of josie and wes. they grew up together because wes is josie’s twin brother, joe’s best friend. but wes has always been josie’s secret crush. things between them slowly starts changing the summer after high school graduation, they start to secretly date throughout the summer. but one night something changes everything in their lives, leading josie to leave home. seven years later, she returns home and instead of going back to her parents, her coworker convinces her to move into an extra bedroom in a shared apartment. little did she know that this would bring wes miller, now roommate, back into her life. as they navigate this close proximity, we begin to learn what happened throughout all those years. leaving them to face the present situation between them.
i would have never believed this was a debut because of how beautiful nina’s writing is! it flowed so well especially with it having a dual timeline. this second chance romance is so heartbreaking, but yet so beautiful. i loved nina’s writing because you get to feel every little emotion.
josie, my cuban american queen👸🏻🇨🇺 i loved getting to see someone like me being represented in a book. she went through so much throughout all those years, but i loved how that helped her grow into the person she is now.
wes miller! this man was all in for josie. he took the advantage, he’s been seeking for these past years, and finally changed his life to get back the girl he’s always loved. the chemistry between them in both timelines literally ATE!!!!
THE EPILOGUE🥹🧡 i loved every second of it! and all the details OMG I JUST LOVED IT SO MUCH! the drawing (included in the back) of josie’s tattoo was so beautiful and now it’s making me want to get one! i almost forgot about my favorite part… the anonymous texts🤭
November 7, 2022
Title: Because Of Us
Author: Nina Arada
Hero/Heroine: Wes & Josie
Tropes: Brothers Best Friend, Second Chance
TW/CW: Death of a sibling, sexual assault, mention of abortion, mention of panic attacks, mention of alcohol abuse,
THE GOOD 😀
This book! GAH THIS BOOK! I feel like I need a big hug after reading this, and I’m no hugger. Wes and Josie’s story was so bloody beautiful, I can’t put into words how much I loved it (but I’m going to try).
Told over a nine year period, Wes and Josie’s story is told through flashbacks and present day events. Theirs is a love story that starts as a high school crush and evolves into something so incredibly beautiful, and at times heartbreaking, that you can’t help but be pulled in. Through dual POV we, as the reader, get to experience the thoughts and emotions felt by both characters which I loved, this story was very hard hitting at times so it was good to see both sides.
After a very tough few years, losing her brother and dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault, Josie has moved back to her hometown in Florida and is embarking on a brand new phase of her life. Moving into a new apartment with her friend Cassie, she doesn’t realise that she’ll be coming face to face with the one person from her past she could never forget.
Wesley freakin’ Miller. He was ultimate book boyfriend material and I adored how much he cared for Josie and wanted to redeem himself for the past. They were both such amazing characters that had experienced their fair share of heartache, it was wonderful to watch them heal one another. Honestly, I still can’t believe that this is a debut novel. Mind. Blown.
From heartbreak to heartwarming, Because Of Us was absolute joy to read. Really looking forward to Cora’s story.
THE BAD ☹️
Drew. Just ugh. Absolute cretin.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: An incredible story about heartbreak and learning to heal
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Nina Arada
Hero/Heroine: Wes & Josie
Tropes: Brothers Best Friend, Second Chance
TW/CW: Death of a sibling, sexual assault, mention of abortion, mention of panic attacks, mention of alcohol abuse,
THE GOOD 😀
This book! GAH THIS BOOK! I feel like I need a big hug after reading this, and I’m no hugger. Wes and Josie’s story was so bloody beautiful, I can’t put into words how much I loved it (but I’m going to try).
Told over a nine year period, Wes and Josie’s story is told through flashbacks and present day events. Theirs is a love story that starts as a high school crush and evolves into something so incredibly beautiful, and at times heartbreaking, that you can’t help but be pulled in. Through dual POV we, as the reader, get to experience the thoughts and emotions felt by both characters which I loved, this story was very hard hitting at times so it was good to see both sides.
After a very tough few years, losing her brother and dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault, Josie has moved back to her hometown in Florida and is embarking on a brand new phase of her life. Moving into a new apartment with her friend Cassie, she doesn’t realise that she’ll be coming face to face with the one person from her past she could never forget.
Wesley freakin’ Miller. He was ultimate book boyfriend material and I adored how much he cared for Josie and wanted to redeem himself for the past. They were both such amazing characters that had experienced their fair share of heartache, it was wonderful to watch them heal one another. Honestly, I still can’t believe that this is a debut novel. Mind. Blown.
From heartbreak to heartwarming, Because Of Us was absolute joy to read. Really looking forward to Cora’s story.
THE BAD ☹️
Drew. Just ugh. Absolute cretin.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: An incredible story about heartbreak and learning to heal
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 4, 2023
Idk where to start with this book.
I love everything about it. The representation of Spanish culture. The main character is Hispanic and being Hispanic Myself i loved that i could relate a lot to Josie. Her and Wes were seriously THE CUTEST.
I love their whole story. I love a good dual POV. I love the back and forth between summer/when they were kids to now. I love that it was Just enough spiciness to make me Caliente BUT not TOO much that it took over their meaningful relationship. Ugh 10/10 recommend!
I love everything about it. The representation of Spanish culture. The main character is Hispanic and being Hispanic Myself i loved that i could relate a lot to Josie. Her and Wes were seriously THE CUTEST.
I love their whole story. I love a good dual POV. I love the back and forth between summer/when they were kids to now. I love that it was Just enough spiciness to make me Caliente BUT not TOO much that it took over their meaningful relationship. Ugh 10/10 recommend!
January 8, 2023
Protect Wes at all cost.
November 6, 2022
4 stars
im not big on second chance romances BUT when i saw that @pillowtalkreads (aka @pillowtalkwrites) wrote a book I HAD TO READ IT!!
Wes damn Miller. the best friend of Josie’s twin and her biggest crush. mine too.
while Josie was a little wallflower her twin Joe and Wes were popular jocks. she decides to move to her aunt and comes back two years later and the most beautiful summer begins for her and Wes. but after a tragic loss they’re torn apart.
7 years later Josie returns but is he worth a second chance? haven’t they both moved on already?
now to the book
wow. unbelievable that this is Nina’s first novel. it was amazingly well written!! she rlly killed it.
and the story? the plot? it was EXCELLENT. Josie? Wes? i literally sobbed for both. their chemistry? not from this world. Wes had me in a chokehold the whole damn book. tho it was sometimes very cliché their romance was off the charts. i swooned, giggled and sobbed.
Nina Arada delivered a swoon worthy romance with alle the feels and heartache! i couldn’t for the life of me put it down. that was one hell of a roller coaster and that won’t be my last ride for sure. def will reread!
arc was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
im not big on second chance romances BUT when i saw that @pillowtalkreads (aka @pillowtalkwrites) wrote a book I HAD TO READ IT!!
Wes damn Miller. the best friend of Josie’s twin and her biggest crush. mine too.
while Josie was a little wallflower her twin Joe and Wes were popular jocks. she decides to move to her aunt and comes back two years later and the most beautiful summer begins for her and Wes. but after a tragic loss they’re torn apart.
7 years later Josie returns but is he worth a second chance? haven’t they both moved on already?
now to the book
wow. unbelievable that this is Nina’s first novel. it was amazingly well written!! she rlly killed it.
and the story? the plot? it was EXCELLENT. Josie? Wes? i literally sobbed for both. their chemistry? not from this world. Wes had me in a chokehold the whole damn book. tho it was sometimes very cliché their romance was off the charts. i swooned, giggled and sobbed.
Nina Arada delivered a swoon worthy romance with alle the feels and heartache! i couldn’t for the life of me put it down. that was one hell of a roller coaster and that won’t be my last ride for sure. def will reread!
arc was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2022
“No regrets, baby”
📚Reseña sin spoilers
Josie, su gemelo Joe y su mejor amigo Wes, crecieron juntos con una amistad muy divertida pasando vacaciones y fines de semanas juntos como familia. Hasta que un día, la amistad entre Wes y Josie avanzó a un intenso amor de verano que los hizo los más felices del mundo. Sin embargo, una tragedia sucede y todo se desvanece. Siete años después, el destino rencuentra a Josie y a Wes. ¿Será demasiado tarde para volver a empezar? ¿Podrán dejar los fantasmas del pasado para permitirse ser felices? ¿Podrán sanar sus corazones para seguir adelante?
📖Mi opinión.
AMÉ. ME ENCANTÓ. Me tenía riendo y luego llorando y luego rindo otra vez. Es una historia súper linda y conmovedora. Me encantó como la autora fue entrelazando el pasado con el presente en ambos puntos de vista. Me encanta también cuando los autores mencionan la importancia de la salud mental.
📕 Súper recomiendo si buscas un libro con los clichés:
💕 Amigo del hermano
💕 Amigos de la infancia a amantes
💕 Proximidad forzada
💕 Segunda oportunidad
💕 Siempre has sido tú
⚠️ Recomiendo que leas la advertencia de sensibilidad que tiene la autora al inicio del libro porque menciona temas serios y difíciles.
📚Reseña sin spoilers
Josie, su gemelo Joe y su mejor amigo Wes, crecieron juntos con una amistad muy divertida pasando vacaciones y fines de semanas juntos como familia. Hasta que un día, la amistad entre Wes y Josie avanzó a un intenso amor de verano que los hizo los más felices del mundo. Sin embargo, una tragedia sucede y todo se desvanece. Siete años después, el destino rencuentra a Josie y a Wes. ¿Será demasiado tarde para volver a empezar? ¿Podrán dejar los fantasmas del pasado para permitirse ser felices? ¿Podrán sanar sus corazones para seguir adelante?
📖Mi opinión.
AMÉ. ME ENCANTÓ. Me tenía riendo y luego llorando y luego rindo otra vez. Es una historia súper linda y conmovedora. Me encantó como la autora fue entrelazando el pasado con el presente en ambos puntos de vista. Me encanta también cuando los autores mencionan la importancia de la salud mental.
📕 Súper recomiendo si buscas un libro con los clichés:
💕 Amigo del hermano
💕 Amigos de la infancia a amantes
💕 Proximidad forzada
💕 Segunda oportunidad
💕 Siempre has sido tú
⚠️ Recomiendo que leas la advertencia de sensibilidad que tiene la autora al inicio del libro porque menciona temas serios y difíciles.
January 22, 2023
⭐️ 4.5
Such a good book. I loved this. It was really easy to get through but the story was dark but also light at the same time?? It’s kinda hard to explain. 😳
So the things that happened is this nook was really hard. I cannot imagine what it’s like for someone to get through what Josie went through.😭 That must be so unbelievably hard. It was so sad to learn what happened.
Wes was the most sweetest guy in this book🤭. he honestly gave me Nate Hawkins vibes from Icebreaker! I get why he did what he did but he should’ve have done that. I loved them together and you can really tell they have grown from the past. Their relationship is so much more healthy.
Overall the story was really good and the only thing that didn’t work for me in some parts was the pacing which is why it’s not 5 stars🫣. But this being Nina Arada’s debut novel is Really Really good!
Such a good book. I loved this. It was really easy to get through but the story was dark but also light at the same time?? It’s kinda hard to explain. 😳
So the things that happened is this nook was really hard. I cannot imagine what it’s like for someone to get through what Josie went through.😭 That must be so unbelievably hard. It was so sad to learn what happened.
Wes was the most sweetest guy in this book🤭. he honestly gave me Nate Hawkins vibes from Icebreaker! I get why he did what he did but he should’ve have done that. I loved them together and you can really tell they have grown from the past. Their relationship is so much more healthy.
Overall the story was really good and the only thing that didn’t work for me in some parts was the pacing which is why it’s not 5 stars🫣. But this being Nina Arada’s debut novel is Really Really good!
June 8, 2023
⭐️5⭐️
• LOVED.
• Second chance romance
• Brothers best friend
• Small town vibes
• I really thought both these characters were SO cute/sweet. The main male character was to die for. There was definite chemistry there and plenty of character depth that made you feel so much for them!
•There were so many heartbreaking moments and was pulling all sorts of emotion from me, it literally had me BAWLING by the end. I also loved the Hispanic female lead and all the Spanish culture involved in the story!
This is something I could absolutely read again. The whole tale of the story was amazing, the flow, the pace, everything was well done! Not bad for a debut novel!
• LOVED.
• Second chance romance
• Brothers best friend
• Small town vibes
• I really thought both these characters were SO cute/sweet. The main male character was to die for. There was definite chemistry there and plenty of character depth that made you feel so much for them!
•There were so many heartbreaking moments and was pulling all sorts of emotion from me, it literally had me BAWLING by the end. I also loved the Hispanic female lead and all the Spanish culture involved in the story!
This is something I could absolutely read again. The whole tale of the story was amazing, the flow, the pace, everything was well done! Not bad for a debut novel!
November 3, 2022
More detailed review coming but 😍😍😍.
Their chemistry! Wes 🤤. The weekly words 😍
*Read trigger warnings* it does have a few.
Their chemistry! Wes 🤤. The weekly words 😍
*Read trigger warnings* it does have a few.
May 29, 2023
Ugh i loved this book so much. I didn’t want it to end 🥹
Read
November 8, 2022Huge congrats to Nina on her debut, I could not put this story down. There were so many emotions reading this book, I laughed, I cried, I kept turning the pages, became giddy and blushed several times. Needless to say I can’t wait for her next project, she really did an amazing job, I immersed myself in their world and it was a roller coaster of emotions. The spice level was off the charts. Wes and Josie will forever be with me, the brother’s forbidden best friend trope is a favorite of mine. I loved her writing style, her words were beautiful and poetic. There was heartache and tears and you just fall in love with the characters. Fantastic job Nina.
November 28, 2022
Wow! Just wow. What a beautiful love story. Nina, I am in awe of your talent! Because of Us is an exceptionally written, brother's best friend, second chance romance filled with fun, heartache, grief, growth, and so much love that I couldn't help but swoon. 🥰🥰
After an emotional, tumultuous past, Wes & Josie never expected to reconnect, much less be living under the same roof. But fate has a funny way of helping one's heart find its other half, especially when they least expect it. 🥹🫶🏼
I couldn't get enough of Josie & Wes! I loved this story so much, and the dual timeline kept me wanting more and more of their high school romance! I'm such a sucker for second chances, and this one absolutely stole my heart. ♥️♥️
Nina, you rocked your debut novel, girlfriend. I'm so proud of you! Because of Us is free with KU! What are you waiting for?! Read. This. Book. You won’t be disappointed!🌟🤍
After an emotional, tumultuous past, Wes & Josie never expected to reconnect, much less be living under the same roof. But fate has a funny way of helping one's heart find its other half, especially when they least expect it. 🥹🫶🏼
I couldn't get enough of Josie & Wes! I loved this story so much, and the dual timeline kept me wanting more and more of their high school romance! I'm such a sucker for second chances, and this one absolutely stole my heart. ♥️♥️
Nina, you rocked your debut novel, girlfriend. I'm so proud of you! Because of Us is free with KU! What are you waiting for?! Read. This. Book. You won’t be disappointed!🌟🤍
July 24, 2023
for a debut novel… this book was very good!! The plot wasn’t super out there/unique, but the romance was something realistic and sweet, which I really admired.
October 29, 2022
"Once upon a time, I broke this girl's already broken heart."
Good Lord, my heart is aching in the best possible way. If only there was a way for all of you to see exactly what this book did to me, because wow! I am obsessed. What a heartbreakingly beautiful debut! Five stars are not enough.
I'm always super excited when a Bookstagrammer becomes an author, and this particular debut makes me extra excited. I've been a follower of Nina's reviews and stunning Instagram aesthetics for a long time and I just knew her book was going to be just as beautiful, so I pretty much sprinted to that sign up sheet to get my hands on this ARC. I was not wrong. She blessed us a poignant, redemptive love story about forgiveness, healing and second chances that broke my heart in a million pieces before putting it back together.
I'm a sucker for a good second chance romance, especially when both of the characters are as broken, flawed and in need of hope as Josie and Wes. I instantly felt the pull between each other. Nina wrote their connection in such a natural and beautiful way that it was undeniable to me as a reader and to the other characters around them that they were meant to be together from the start. From childhood friends to first love and heartbreak to a second chance at love in adulthood this couple stole my heart and I really can't get over how imperfectly perfect they were.
Josie was the perfect Latina heroine with a fierce heart of a fighter. So relatable in many ways (hands up for yet another great bookworm heroine!) Her pain was real and the way she coped and considered the possibilities while she walked in her healing journey was beautiful and hopeful. I loved her character growth through the story and how stronger and braver she became to be after facing her past wounds and give Wes the second chance both her and Wes deserved after so many struggles. Wes was a dreamboat of a book boyfriend. Who doesn't love a hero with his heart on his sleeve and is heads over heels in love with the heroine and will do anything to get her (or get her back). My heart broke for him many times, he fought so hard to redeem and prove himself to Josie and to everyone around him. His relationship with his grandma made me swoon so hard, it showed his soft side in a different way and made me fall in love with him all over again.
I loved the way Nina presented their backstory, it kept me intrigued, always wanting to find out more of their past at the same time the expectation of their reconnection was building up more and more in present time. I empathized with them 100% and was able too understand their motivations and reasons for everything they did in the past and the present. Every single detail about their story felt important and essential to their growth, their healing and the happy ending they and their families deserved so much.
"Can you believe you're mine and it's not a secret anymore?"
Have I mentioned how hot this book is? Steam lovers, you. are. in. for. a. treat. Josie and Wes go down to business! Their sweet and fierce love gets hot and spicy in the bedroom and OMG, it was the perfect weight to balance out the intensity of their relationship and explosive chemistry. Ehem, ehem... a sweet hero with a dirty mouth? Sign me up!
It was a bundle of emotions that pulled my heartstrings from start to finish and couldn't put down for a second. This rough journey of loss, heartache, hope and joy that brought sad and happy tears to my eyes, a couple of twists that made me gasp and a well deserved happy ending that made me smile hard. My heart is completely full and I cannot wait to see how the series goes on!
P.S. I strongly recommend you to sign up for Nina's newsletter to get the bonus epilogue, because OMG it was the sweetest!
Big thanks to Nina Arada for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2022
Holy chocolate pretzels (inside joke)!! This book was amazing!! And to think it’s Nina’s debut novel made it even better!!
I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down!! I had such a severe book hangover once I was done that I needed to get the physical copy to own.
It has now become of my my top 10 books of the year!!
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!
It follows Josie (Josephine) and Wes who start off as friends (brothers best friend) in school that turn into lovers, when tragic strikes, life has other plans for them until they reconnect years later.
I was literally hooked from the first chapter and immediately new I would fall in love with Josie and be swooning over Wes!!!
I mean when you have a FMC who’s independent, strong, who loves romance books and works in a bookstore and a MMC who is a personal training, adores, and unconditionally loves her and buys books as gift, what’s not to love. Also Wes is one of the best book boyfriend’s I’ve read. He was just so delicious in every possible way!!
These two have ridiculously amazing chemistry and the angst and steam was just so written well.
This book was equal parts heartbreaking and beautiful. They deal with a lot of grief, trauma and throwbacks that it had me feeling so many emotions. I was internally screaming and crying at more than a few scenes.
I completely adore this book and can’t not wait for book two from Nina.
**Please check trigger warnings**
Tropes
❤️Brothers Best friend
💔Mental health
💔Sexual consent
❤️Second chance romance
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Cinnamon role male
❤️Strong Heroine
❤️Sweet text messages
❤️Dual timeline
I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down!! I had such a severe book hangover once I was done that I needed to get the physical copy to own.
It has now become of my my top 10 books of the year!!
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!
It follows Josie (Josephine) and Wes who start off as friends (brothers best friend) in school that turn into lovers, when tragic strikes, life has other plans for them until they reconnect years later.
I was literally hooked from the first chapter and immediately new I would fall in love with Josie and be swooning over Wes!!!
I mean when you have a FMC who’s independent, strong, who loves romance books and works in a bookstore and a MMC who is a personal training, adores, and unconditionally loves her and buys books as gift, what’s not to love. Also Wes is one of the best book boyfriend’s I’ve read. He was just so delicious in every possible way!!
These two have ridiculously amazing chemistry and the angst and steam was just so written well.
This book was equal parts heartbreaking and beautiful. They deal with a lot of grief, trauma and throwbacks that it had me feeling so many emotions. I was internally screaming and crying at more than a few scenes.
I completely adore this book and can’t not wait for book two from Nina.
**Please check trigger warnings**
Tropes
❤️Brothers Best friend
💔Mental health
💔Sexual consent
❤️Second chance romance
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Cinnamon role male
❤️Strong Heroine
❤️Sweet text messages
❤️Dual timeline
November 7, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶️
Firstly, a huge congratulations to Nina on this amazing debut book!
It’s phenomenal and I can honestly say that I loved every single part of this story.
I’m going to be honest and admit that I think this is my favourite second chance romance. It has everything you want and expect to read about in a second chance!
Nina’s writing is so captivating and vivid, honestly for most of the book it played out like a movie in my head.
The scenes are descriptive and you can’t help but be drawn into every chapter.
For my lovers of brothers best friend—this is the book for you! It’s honestly got everything you want. The pining from afar at first, admitting to how they feel and the best part—the sneaking around behind everyone’s back 😏😏😏
Don’t even get me started on Wes.
Holy freaking heck this guy!!!! 🥵🥵🥵
My first reason as to why I love him: the backwards cap he often wears and how he holds onto the bill at the back. 🫠🫠🫠
Can you picture it? Holy shit I can lol😮💨
Secondly, the guy is built. Fit as ever as a personal trainer and covered in tattoos. I’m talking sleeves and chest. Ugh. 🔥
Not to mention how giving he was in the bedroom! Josie was one lucky lady that’s for sure!
And Josie, the strongest woman ever after having dealt with her trauma which she kept a secret for so many years!
She was gorgeous, fun and playful and if she was a real person I’d definitely be friends with her.
I can’t express enough how much I loved this book, I’ll definitely be reading anything Nina writes in the future!
Congratulations again on such a wonderful and successful debut! 😘
If you want to read this it’s now live and also available on KU!
Firstly, a huge congratulations to Nina on this amazing debut book!
It’s phenomenal and I can honestly say that I loved every single part of this story.
I’m going to be honest and admit that I think this is my favourite second chance romance. It has everything you want and expect to read about in a second chance!
Nina’s writing is so captivating and vivid, honestly for most of the book it played out like a movie in my head.
The scenes are descriptive and you can’t help but be drawn into every chapter.
For my lovers of brothers best friend—this is the book for you! It’s honestly got everything you want. The pining from afar at first, admitting to how they feel and the best part—the sneaking around behind everyone’s back 😏😏😏
Don’t even get me started on Wes.
Holy freaking heck this guy!!!! 🥵🥵🥵
My first reason as to why I love him: the backwards cap he often wears and how he holds onto the bill at the back. 🫠🫠🫠
Can you picture it? Holy shit I can lol😮💨
Secondly, the guy is built. Fit as ever as a personal trainer and covered in tattoos. I’m talking sleeves and chest. Ugh. 🔥
Not to mention how giving he was in the bedroom! Josie was one lucky lady that’s for sure!
And Josie, the strongest woman ever after having dealt with her trauma which she kept a secret for so many years!
She was gorgeous, fun and playful and if she was a real person I’d definitely be friends with her.
I can’t express enough how much I loved this book, I’ll definitely be reading anything Nina writes in the future!
Congratulations again on such a wonderful and successful debut! 😘
If you want to read this it’s now live and also available on KU!
November 21, 2022
I want to know you moved and breathed in the same world with me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Congratulations Nina on your debut novel!!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Because of Us is out now and you should definitely be adding this one to your TBR!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
First things first, I FLEW through this book. As in I didn't want to put it down and the only reason I did was because of #momlife
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Nina, how was this your debut? It was written so well and the dual timeline kept me on my toes!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚎, 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝙸'𝚖 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜"
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Because of Us follows Wes and Josie. Both are the same age and Wes is Josie's twin, Joe's, best friend. Josie endured some traumatic events that lead her to leave her hometown for 7 years. When she finally returns, her co-worker convinces her to move in to her apartment since there's extra room in the 3 bedroom apartment.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Enter Wes Miller, who happens to be the other roommate.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Trying to figure out everyone's history kept me on the edge of my seat.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙹𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚎.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The chemistry between Wes and Josie is extraordinary.
Their past and their guilt is heartbreaking.
This entire story will have you swooning!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
✨Second Chance Romance
✨Dual POV
✨Love After Loss
✨Brother's Best Friend
✨Dual Timeline
✨Forced Proximity
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 4.5 ⭐️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Congratulations Nina on your debut novel!!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Because of Us is out now and you should definitely be adding this one to your TBR!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
First things first, I FLEW through this book. As in I didn't want to put it down and the only reason I did was because of #momlife
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Nina, how was this your debut? It was written so well and the dual timeline kept me on my toes!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚎, 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝙸'𝚖 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜"
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Because of Us follows Wes and Josie. Both are the same age and Wes is Josie's twin, Joe's, best friend. Josie endured some traumatic events that lead her to leave her hometown for 7 years. When she finally returns, her co-worker convinces her to move in to her apartment since there's extra room in the 3 bedroom apartment.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Enter Wes Miller, who happens to be the other roommate.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Trying to figure out everyone's history kept me on the edge of my seat.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙹𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚎.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The chemistry between Wes and Josie is extraordinary.
Their past and their guilt is heartbreaking.
This entire story will have you swooning!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
✨Second Chance Romance
✨Dual POV
✨Love After Loss
✨Brother's Best Friend
✨Dual Timeline
✨Forced Proximity
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 4.5 ⭐️
October 26, 2022
You keep saying babe, like im still yours"
☆ second chance romance
☆ brothers best friend
☆ forced proximity
I was so suprised with this book! It was full of trauma, heartbreak, grief but oh my gosh, the love and character development in this book, i just have no words. Its like i could feel the emotion coming off the pages!
Josie has gone through so much in her life, some things a women should never ever go through, especially as a young adult. She has experienced so much loss but she hasnt lost her spirit.
Where do i even begin with Wes, i absolutely loved him! His relationship with Josie was so heartwarming and I loved how they made their way back to each other.
It was fantastic to see the emotional development in the characters, from teenagers to adults with life experience!
One thing i struggled with was the back and forth between the past and present. I would have loved to have read more in the present but getting to experience Josie and Wes' past was fantastic as well! And even though my mind sometimes struggled to figure out where i was in the story, it made the book!!
I also loved the development in Nina's writing style! It was fantastic 💟
☆ second chance romance
☆ brothers best friend
☆ forced proximity
I was so suprised with this book! It was full of trauma, heartbreak, grief but oh my gosh, the love and character development in this book, i just have no words. Its like i could feel the emotion coming off the pages!
Josie has gone through so much in her life, some things a women should never ever go through, especially as a young adult. She has experienced so much loss but she hasnt lost her spirit.
Where do i even begin with Wes, i absolutely loved him! His relationship with Josie was so heartwarming and I loved how they made their way back to each other.
It was fantastic to see the emotional development in the characters, from teenagers to adults with life experience!
One thing i struggled with was the back and forth between the past and present. I would have loved to have read more in the present but getting to experience Josie and Wes' past was fantastic as well! And even though my mind sometimes struggled to figure out where i was in the story, it made the book!!
I also loved the development in Nina's writing style! It was fantastic 💟
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