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Almost Duet #1
Almost Him
"Sometimes, hope holds us by the throat."
We were teenagers the first time Alden Stokes climbed through my bedroom window.
He was the first boy to hold my hand.
He was my first kiss.
He was my first everything.
The tumultuous years made us into adults while circumstances pushed us apart. Now I've found my way back to the only man I've ever loved.
And I won't let him go.
We were teenagers the first time Alden Stokes climbed through my bedroom window.
He was the first boy to hold my hand.
He was my first kiss.
He was my first everything.
The tumultuous years made us into adults while circumstances pushed us apart. Now I've found my way back to the only man I've ever loved.
And I won't let him go.
262 pages, ebook
Published January 5, 2023
636 people are currently reading
2913 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Shade
42 books1,669 followersS.M. Shade writes spicy romantic comedies and steamy contemporary romances with relatable characters. Whether it's a good laugh or a good cry, she likes to grab you by your emotions and make you feel.
An unashamed Croc enthusiast and poetry nerd, she can usually be found listening to Indie Rock on repeat and watching birds.
An unashamed Croc enthusiast and poetry nerd, she can usually be found listening to Indie Rock on repeat and watching birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
January 14, 2023
"Sometimes, hope holds us by the throat."
We were teenagers the first time Alden Stokes climbed through my bedroom window.
He was the first boy to hold my hand.
He was my first kiss.
He was my first everything.
The tumultuous years made us into adults while circumstances pushed us apart. Now I've found my way back to the only man I've ever loved.
And I won't let him go.
***
I. Am. Deaddddd!!!!!!!! Oh fuck this book! I loved it and now I’m dying dying dying for book 2!
A FUUUUCKING MUST READ AND YOU KNOW I DO NOT FUCKK AROUND WHEN IT COMES TO BOOK RECS!!! Well lemme tell you, I READ THIS IN TWENTY FOUR HOURS AND I AM NOT OK! 🤧😱😭 I'm telling you this is one of my fave books of the YEAR! I've been thinking about this story since I finished and I'm still reeling. I don't know if I've ever sweared at an author this much recently. If you like angsty second chance friends to lovers romances with ALL THE FEELS and a super swoony book boyfriend with AMAZING banter you need this book.
***
NOW LIVE AND IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!
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💙 Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3ZzFs4t
February 22, 2023
I’m relatively new to SM Shade as a reader, and she definitely did not disappoint. This is a friends to lovers story, but the author had a way of making it uniquely her. Each of these characters was multiple dimensional, with so much depth to them. I found myself gravitating to them both individually and as a whole.
What I thought would be a straight forward angsty romance, was way more then I bargained for, but in the best way possible. The twist at the end I didn’t see coming. The way I was so absorbed into the sweet romance between the two main characters, and Bam the twist… I was not prepared. Don’t worry though book 2 will is out in just a few weeks, so you don’t need to wait long for answer. I definitely recommend this story it’s unlike any other.
What I thought would be a straight forward angsty romance, was way more then I bargained for, but in the best way possible. The twist at the end I didn’t see coming. The way I was so absorbed into the sweet romance between the two main characters, and Bam the twist… I was not prepared. Don’t worry though book 2 will is out in just a few weeks, so you don’t need to wait long for answer. I definitely recommend this story it’s unlike any other.
characters-who-cheated-ugh
January 7, 2023😶The h sleeps with H's brother in the end. Its a love🔺. The H dies is the end.
😒Remember ladies, one more time I'll say this-
✅Bros before hoes.
✅Gals b4 guys.
😒Remember ladies, one more time I'll say this-
✅Bros before hoes.
✅Gals b4 guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
“I want all of you.”
WOW! Here I sit, still shaken from a beautifully broken book that keeps dancing in my dreams. A love story of soulmates and survival, S.M. Shade’s Almost Him touched me everywhere, thrusting me deep inside these characters’ heads and hearts, as their world became mine. I lost myself in this life-altering saga, spellbound, as it seized every part of me: body, heart, and soul. I felt every word ... everything.
The first book in the Almost duet, Almost Him is an emotionally explosive childhood-to-lovers romance. It stars a melt-worthy, wild hero and a strong and stunning heroine who shows him that he’s worthy of her love. Ella and Alden share a soul-deep connection, one full of forever love and light, as they embark on a heartfelt journey that readers will feel and live too. I loved how this hero and heroine always found their way back to each other.
Almost Him sparked my soul and imprinted itself all over my heart. I knew from the first page that this love story was shatteringly stunning … significant … and oh so special. This unforgettable romance of rising after falling rocked me off my axis. A heartbreaker in the best of ways. I can’t wait to see how this duet ends because that ending left me hanging off an emotional cliff and needing more.
I must bestow all the kisses to this top 2023, must-read romance for all the feels lovers.
💋💋💋💋💋💋 “window to my heart” kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3iVFqD4
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
WOW! Here I sit, still shaken from a beautifully broken book that keeps dancing in my dreams. A love story of soulmates and survival, S.M. Shade’s Almost Him touched me everywhere, thrusting me deep inside these characters’ heads and hearts, as their world became mine. I lost myself in this life-altering saga, spellbound, as it seized every part of me: body, heart, and soul. I felt every word ... everything.
The first book in the Almost duet, Almost Him is an emotionally explosive childhood-to-lovers romance. It stars a melt-worthy, wild hero and a strong and stunning heroine who shows him that he’s worthy of her love. Ella and Alden share a soul-deep connection, one full of forever love and light, as they embark on a heartfelt journey that readers will feel and live too. I loved how this hero and heroine always found their way back to each other.
Almost Him sparked my soul and imprinted itself all over my heart. I knew from the first page that this love story was shatteringly stunning … significant … and oh so special. This unforgettable romance of rising after falling rocked me off my axis. A heartbreaker in the best of ways. I can’t wait to see how this duet ends because that ending left me hanging off an emotional cliff and needing more.
I must bestow all the kisses to this top 2023, must-read romance for all the feels lovers.
💋💋💋💋💋💋 “window to my heart” kisses
➡️ https://amzn.to/3iVFqD4
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
January 15, 2023
Almost Him was almost a DNF. Honestly I'm kinda disappointed by this. This was supposed to be angsty and emotional but I didn't get those vibes from the writing. There were sad things that did happen but they didn't evoke those emotions for me. There were too many useless details that ended up making parts of the story boring and had me skimming. The only reason I'm continuing to book 2 is because the cliffhanger was a good one and I don't buy Oliver's story one bit.
January 13, 2023
4.25 STARS
Wowza! This was a tug at my heart, roller coaster ride of a story! (And this is just Part 1 of a duet. The conclusion releases January 12TH, so not a long wait in between.)
It’s a unique take on second chance, childhood-friends to lovers romance.
The story starts in the characters childhood and has a few time jumps. I felt the time jumps worked pretty well, I liked the younger years, but I was glad it didn’t linger there too long. I wanted the teen years and adult years with butterflies, passion and steam….and I got it.
Plus, very sweet and big, beautiful, soulful LOVE!
It’s a heartfelt, heart wrenching and endearing story.
There’s plenty of angst and longing that I love in a friends to lovers story.
The bad boy Alden who lives across the street from Ella is her friend as his his twin brother Oliver.
But, Alden is the one who her heart beats for. They have a strong, emotional connection that’s so fantastic.
Him sneaking in her window at night through the years was LIFE! I loved those scenes more than I can express. Swoon and all the butterflies 🦋
I love their friendship, the back and forth and the love that’s always there between them despite not being a couple for long periods.
I love the glimpses of their relationship as teenagers, the sweet and tender moments are so heart achingly good.
Alden is seriously swoon worthy. I absolutely LOVE him!
Things progress and I was loving the romance and the lives they created for themselves…. I knew something was coming. I braced for it and…Oh, my holy cliffhanger!! It still knocked me for a loop!
I really love this book of the duet. I think the characters are likable, the friendships and romance is great. The story has me entertained and intrigued.
A small thing to note, it’s written in a way that I didn’t deeply connect to the characters. I think because of the time jumps I don’t feel I truly understand and fully know the depth of the characters. Despite that, I still loved it and them. It’s a style of writing that hits my emotions and mind differently than a more lengthy story and multiple POV’s. Not really a negative, just the way this book and style affected me personally.
On to the conclusion, I can’t wait for what I’m sure will be a twisty and emotional ride.
Wowza! This was a tug at my heart, roller coaster ride of a story! (And this is just Part 1 of a duet. The conclusion releases January 12TH, so not a long wait in between.)
It’s a unique take on second chance, childhood-friends to lovers romance.
The story starts in the characters childhood and has a few time jumps. I felt the time jumps worked pretty well, I liked the younger years, but I was glad it didn’t linger there too long. I wanted the teen years and adult years with butterflies, passion and steam….and I got it.
Plus, very sweet and big, beautiful, soulful LOVE!
It’s a heartfelt, heart wrenching and endearing story.
There’s plenty of angst and longing that I love in a friends to lovers story.
The bad boy Alden who lives across the street from Ella is her friend as his his twin brother Oliver.
But, Alden is the one who her heart beats for. They have a strong, emotional connection that’s so fantastic.
Him sneaking in her window at night through the years was LIFE! I loved those scenes more than I can express. Swoon and all the butterflies 🦋
I love their friendship, the back and forth and the love that’s always there between them despite not being a couple for long periods.
I love the glimpses of their relationship as teenagers, the sweet and tender moments are so heart achingly good.
Alden is seriously swoon worthy. I absolutely LOVE him!
Things progress and I was loving the romance and the lives they created for themselves…. I knew something was coming. I braced for it and…Oh, my holy cliffhanger!! It still knocked me for a loop!
I really love this book of the duet. I think the characters are likable, the friendships and romance is great. The story has me entertained and intrigued.
A small thing to note, it’s written in a way that I didn’t deeply connect to the characters. I think because of the time jumps I don’t feel I truly understand and fully know the depth of the characters. Despite that, I still loved it and them. It’s a style of writing that hits my emotions and mind differently than a more lengthy story and multiple POV’s. Not really a negative, just the way this book and style affected me personally.
On to the conclusion, I can’t wait for what I’m sure will be a twisty and emotional ride.
January 16, 2023
S.M. Shade Almost Him / Almost Us Almost Duet 4.5
Angsty and full of twists this story will pull you in all kinds of directions and keep your emotions running high!
Ella and Alden's hearts were on each other's radar since childhood. The inevitability of their love was clear from the start but not without its share of hurdles, theirs was not an easy fate. As Alden rebelled and struggled Ella seemed to always find a way to bring him the peace he needed. This couple's interactions were emotional and heartfelt. The involvement of the other characters in this work with Ella and Alden fleshed this story out giving it dimension. The devotion and caring this pair had for each other was monumental and its intensity was felt throughout this work. There were times when things felt predictable in this story but at no point ever was this book not absorbing!
S.M. Shade's writing is enveloping. From this author's opening sentence to their last word they know how to not only capture their audience but keep it. With well-devised twists that often lead to earth shattering revelations they are always one step ahead of their readers. Hold onto your seats S.M. Shade's Almost Duet starts the year off for an invigorating unforgettable ride!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*This story is in two parts, ending in a cliffhanger in book one, readers should read book one first*
Angsty and full of twists this story will pull you in all kinds of directions and keep your emotions running high!
Ella and Alden's hearts were on each other's radar since childhood. The inevitability of their love was clear from the start but not without its share of hurdles, theirs was not an easy fate. As Alden rebelled and struggled Ella seemed to always find a way to bring him the peace he needed. This couple's interactions were emotional and heartfelt. The involvement of the other characters in this work with Ella and Alden fleshed this story out giving it dimension. The devotion and caring this pair had for each other was monumental and its intensity was felt throughout this work. There were times when things felt predictable in this story but at no point ever was this book not absorbing!
S.M. Shade's writing is enveloping. From this author's opening sentence to their last word they know how to not only capture their audience but keep it. With well-devised twists that often lead to earth shattering revelations they are always one step ahead of their readers. Hold onto your seats S.M. Shade's Almost Duet starts the year off for an invigorating unforgettable ride!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
*This story is in two parts, ending in a cliffhanger in book one, readers should read book one first*
January 5, 2023
This author does what she does best with this book. She takes a common troupe (childhood friends to lovers) destroying me with a wild ride of emotions and a storyline that keeps me guessing.
Ella and Alden have a sweetness to their story in the early years that has my heart melting. It sets the stage for their story in a beautiful way and let’s you meet the people that surround them, giving a depth to this telling that has me wanting more.
This is a duet but thankfully this author is not torturing anyone with a long wait for book two. Bless her. Lol. Of course she does leave everyone with an ending to this book that has me yelling… “NOOOOO” WTH?!
Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
Ella and Alden have a sweetness to their story in the early years that has my heart melting. It sets the stage for their story in a beautiful way and let’s you meet the people that surround them, giving a depth to this telling that has me wanting more.
This is a duet but thankfully this author is not torturing anyone with a long wait for book two. Bless her. Lol. Of course she does leave everyone with an ending to this book that has me yelling… “NOOOOO” WTH?!
Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
avoid
July 20, 2023Self note spoilers
Love triangle with cheating, and apparently one of the Hs dies?
Love triangle with cheating, and apparently one of the Hs dies?
July 13, 2023
Update ~ July 2023, Finally rating this because I low key forgot I never did..
2.5 Stars ⭐️
Honestly don't even know what to think or feel so I'll leave my rating blank until I've finished part 2
2.5 Stars ⭐️
Honestly don't even know what to think or feel so I'll leave my rating blank until I've finished part 2
May 28, 2024
2.7. Kinda weird and is written poorly
January 4, 2023
This book had me want so much for Ella and Alden to be together, then jump for joy when they came back to one another after following their dreams, then cry ugly tears, then be so excited for Ella's second chance at love, then feel total tricked yet shocked. YES so so many emotions that it took a minute to even write this review yet pick up the second book. So yes there is a cliffhanger but luckily Almost us comes out in just one week.
Ella grows up on the perfect dead end street with her best friends Tori and twin brother's Alden and Oliver. As they grow up Alden and Oliver seem to both have feelings for Ella. Alden is the one who truly always has Ellas heart, even from such a young age. He feels like he has to make something of himself before he is deserving of Ella. So despite him being her first everything and knowing they will end up together he pushes her away so she can follow her dreams. Ella goes off to college in Florida heartbroken. Eventually she finds her way home and her and Alden come together.
Oliver is crushed when Ella clearly choses Alden over him, but to save face he acts like he has accepted it. He goes off to college to study business. When he returns home Alden asks him to come on as his business partner to make his bike repair shop even more successful. Alden repairs bikes and knows nothing about the business side. Where as Oliver does. The twins go on to make the business very successful. When Alden and Ella make their relationship officially there are some hints of Oliver's jealousy. Shortly after Oliver starts dating Breanna, and there are some hints that Breanna is a little jealous of Ella, she thinks she will never messure up to Ella in Oliver's eyes even though Ella is with his brother. Ella and Alden seem blind to Oliver still having feelings for Ella.
Ella and Alden both have successfully business, get engaged and buy Ella's childhood home. All the peices are falling together of the dreams Ella and Alden have always wanted. Then a tragic accident happens, and all their dreams are crushed just like that.
Oliver is in a coma for months, when he wakes up he doesn't know who he is. Ella feels it is her responsiblity to help him remember who he is. In doing that and helping him heal lines become blurred but just like that there is another huge twist and you are left shocked.
You will fall in love with each character and feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster but I swear it is all worth it. Probably the best books I will have read in 2023, because I don't think anything will measure up except of course the second book Almost Us.
Ella grows up on the perfect dead end street with her best friends Tori and twin brother's Alden and Oliver. As they grow up Alden and Oliver seem to both have feelings for Ella. Alden is the one who truly always has Ellas heart, even from such a young age. He feels like he has to make something of himself before he is deserving of Ella. So despite him being her first everything and knowing they will end up together he pushes her away so she can follow her dreams. Ella goes off to college in Florida heartbroken. Eventually she finds her way home and her and Alden come together.
Oliver is crushed when Ella clearly choses Alden over him, but to save face he acts like he has accepted it. He goes off to college to study business. When he returns home Alden asks him to come on as his business partner to make his bike repair shop even more successful. Alden repairs bikes and knows nothing about the business side. Where as Oliver does. The twins go on to make the business very successful. When Alden and Ella make their relationship officially there are some hints of Oliver's jealousy. Shortly after Oliver starts dating Breanna, and there are some hints that Breanna is a little jealous of Ella, she thinks she will never messure up to Ella in Oliver's eyes even though Ella is with his brother. Ella and Alden seem blind to Oliver still having feelings for Ella.
Ella and Alden both have successfully business, get engaged and buy Ella's childhood home. All the peices are falling together of the dreams Ella and Alden have always wanted. Then a tragic accident happens, and all their dreams are crushed just like that.
Oliver is in a coma for months, when he wakes up he doesn't know who he is. Ella feels it is her responsiblity to help him remember who he is. In doing that and helping him heal lines become blurred but just like that there is another huge twist and you are left shocked.
You will fall in love with each character and feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster but I swear it is all worth it. Probably the best books I will have read in 2023, because I don't think anything will measure up except of course the second book Almost Us.
January 7, 2023
4.5 Stars!
A quarter of the way into this book, I actually paused and thought to myself, “this is great!”, sighed deeply, and continued reading. After a bit of a book slump and a couple stale DNF reads, finding a book that held my attention and I actually enjoyed reading felt like a feat. I stayed up way too late finishing this one and I regret nothing but the book hangover in the morning.
Shade’s writing feels fresh, engaging, and flows really well. She has you genuinely intrigued by both the characters and the plot.
These characters. Man, they are really well developed and honestly I loved them. We have a girl that we watch fall in love when she was young then make some seriously mature decisions for herself as she grows up and realizes that she’s too young to live on love yet. Instead of pulling my hair out and screaming at my Kindle that she needs to grow up like I tend to do with characters who think young love is always a lasting love, I found myself cheering her on and wishing I had her emotional intelligence at 18. She knows him completely, she’s aware of his shortcomings, yet she never expects him to be someone else. He is who he is, and she loves him because of (and sometimes despite) it.
“Circumstances aren’t keeping us apart. You are. You have this idea that you aren’t good enough for me. You always have. And you’re wrong. You put me up on a pedestal and it’s not where I belong.”
Our MMC does possess a “playful arrogance,” yet he never comes across as mean or ignorant. He’s the perfect bad boy. The one we all ogled at in high school, yet rarely had a chance to know. He knows she loves him and he loves her in return. He also knows that perhaps he needs to grow up a bit and screw on his head on straight before he can give her the world.
I’m not quite sure how to describe the way that Shade pulls at our emotions throughout this story. It’s a rollercoaster from chapter one, but in a way that does grate on your nerves or has you wanting the tension to be more slowburn. Slowly you can see things starting to fall into place for them in a way that felt rose-colored and you just know that heartbreak is imminent. This book ends on a cliffhanger and completely tears you up along the way.
Almost Him is part 1 of the ALMOST DUET and releases on 1/5. Part 2, Almost Us is out 1/26!
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.
A quarter of the way into this book, I actually paused and thought to myself, “this is great!”, sighed deeply, and continued reading. After a bit of a book slump and a couple stale DNF reads, finding a book that held my attention and I actually enjoyed reading felt like a feat. I stayed up way too late finishing this one and I regret nothing but the book hangover in the morning.
Shade’s writing feels fresh, engaging, and flows really well. She has you genuinely intrigued by both the characters and the plot.
These characters. Man, they are really well developed and honestly I loved them. We have a girl that we watch fall in love when she was young then make some seriously mature decisions for herself as she grows up and realizes that she’s too young to live on love yet. Instead of pulling my hair out and screaming at my Kindle that she needs to grow up like I tend to do with characters who think young love is always a lasting love, I found myself cheering her on and wishing I had her emotional intelligence at 18. She knows him completely, she’s aware of his shortcomings, yet she never expects him to be someone else. He is who he is, and she loves him because of (and sometimes despite) it.
“Circumstances aren’t keeping us apart. You are. You have this idea that you aren’t good enough for me. You always have. And you’re wrong. You put me up on a pedestal and it’s not where I belong.”
Our MMC does possess a “playful arrogance,” yet he never comes across as mean or ignorant. He’s the perfect bad boy. The one we all ogled at in high school, yet rarely had a chance to know. He knows she loves him and he loves her in return. He also knows that perhaps he needs to grow up a bit and screw on his head on straight before he can give her the world.
I’m not quite sure how to describe the way that Shade pulls at our emotions throughout this story. It’s a rollercoaster from chapter one, but in a way that does grate on your nerves or has you wanting the tension to be more slowburn. Slowly you can see things starting to fall into place for them in a way that felt rose-colored and you just know that heartbreak is imminent. This book ends on a cliffhanger and completely tears you up along the way.
Almost Him is part 1 of the ALMOST DUET and releases on 1/5. Part 2, Almost Us is out 1/26!
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.
January 2, 2023
WHAT DID I JUST READ!? I don’t think I’ve ever had this many different emotions from just one book. I swooned and felt 100% pure love! Then I went to straight ugly crying. Then I was like whatttttt, get it girllll…..then I was like OMFG YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME, NO WAY!
This book is literally EVERYTHING! I think it may even be my top books from this author. The emotional roller coaster and riveting storyline…It was everything I didn’t know I wanted and loved every second of it, even when I was crying like a basket case.
First off, every chapter is a new time. (Could be years, weeks or months.) …Ella and Alden are soulmates in every sense of the word. Having falling in love with each other at the young age of 13 but growing up worlds apart. Yet as they get older, like gravity, they somehow always find each other back in orbit like no time has passed.
When Ella comes back from college, the kids gloves are off and she is done doing this dance they’ve been perfecting for years. Alden is everything. Their love is beautiful and all-consuming, you couldn’t help but get lost in it all with them.
"You can't be my friend. You're my world."
Then theirs Oliver, Alden’s twin brother who also has always had a heart on for our girl Ella…. When tragedy strikes and amnesia hit, he doesn’t remember anything, even himself - Ella helps him become a man again. She realizes all too late, he’s healing her too.
This book ends on the craziest of cliffhangers I really didn’t see coming. I could not stop turning the pages and was so enraptured in this heart aching, once in the world kind of loves - I needed everything this book gave me. I am so ready for part two of this duet. I have zero idea where it will lead, but I need Ella to have a HEA! Please!!
"I'm never doing this again...I'm never falling in love again. I can't."
Amazing story, amazing writing and overall just amazing read!!! Definitely do yourself a favor and pick this up asap.
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*First person POV (just Ella)
*All consuming, heartbreaking
*MF Romance
*Ends on brutal cliffhanger
This book is literally EVERYTHING! I think it may even be my top books from this author. The emotional roller coaster and riveting storyline…It was everything I didn’t know I wanted and loved every second of it, even when I was crying like a basket case.
First off, every chapter is a new time. (Could be years, weeks or months.) …Ella and Alden are soulmates in every sense of the word. Having falling in love with each other at the young age of 13 but growing up worlds apart. Yet as they get older, like gravity, they somehow always find each other back in orbit like no time has passed.
When Ella comes back from college, the kids gloves are off and she is done doing this dance they’ve been perfecting for years. Alden is everything. Their love is beautiful and all-consuming, you couldn’t help but get lost in it all with them.
"You can't be my friend. You're my world."
Then theirs Oliver, Alden’s twin brother who also has always had a heart on for our girl Ella…. When tragedy strikes and amnesia hit, he doesn’t remember anything, even himself - Ella helps him become a man again. She realizes all too late, he’s healing her too.
This book ends on the craziest of cliffhangers I really didn’t see coming. I could not stop turning the pages and was so enraptured in this heart aching, once in the world kind of loves - I needed everything this book gave me. I am so ready for part two of this duet. I have zero idea where it will lead, but I need Ella to have a HEA! Please!!
"I'm never doing this again...I'm never falling in love again. I can't."
Amazing story, amazing writing and overall just amazing read!!! Definitely do yourself a favor and pick this up asap.
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*First person POV (just Ella)
*All consuming, heartbreaking
*MF Romance
*Ends on brutal cliffhanger
March 1, 2024
Well this book broke my heart, and then stomped on it. I’d love to read book 2 to see how it all ends, but I don’t know if my nerves can handle it. A beautiful love story, but gosh dang it made me cry.
December 26, 2022
I warn you; this couple is going to have you drowning in emotions, swooning, sobbing and cursing So don't think you are going to read it and be O.K. because I truly do not believe that is even possible. Be prepared because this story hits you hard and with EVERYTHING it can as it tries to break you into about a billion pieces and it is extremely successful in doing so. This is only book one of two and yeah, that means you not only have to survive the cliffhanger but the agonizing weight for the conclusion. This is my unbiased, unsolicited review.
January 6, 2023
Almost Him by S.M. Shade was a love story full of heartache and twists. The author gave us angst overload with epic love and passion. It's hard to describe the story without giving away too much as the story left me shocked.
It's book one of a duet..let's give you a very vague description. Ella lived in a cozy neighbourhood with close families and great friends. Alden has been one of them but a bit different. They were friends and then something more..and life just swept them away. But after Ella comes back after college..they find their way back to each other. But the happily ever after is far away. A tragic accident left her heartbroken and with Alden's twin brother Oliver who lost his memory in the accident.
It's told from single pov. Ella's pov. And I always have a bit difficulty getting connected to single POV. Ella is sweet and smart and sassy and she has a big heart. She loves Alden deeply. All the separation didn't dim their love. Alden went through some really difficult times and turned into that irresistible bad boy persona but he got himself together and became a stronger man. He is really charming and funny but can be bossy and alpha too. The part before Ella Leaving for college was all about the sweet agony of first love and forbidden encounters. Then the story slowed down a bit. A lot of time was spent showing how Ella and Alden are happy and content together. And I think that was the build up for the shocking tragedy. Now Ella is grieving and heartbroken and she has to take care of Alden's only living family member, his twin brother Oliver. He has amnesia and all kinds of physical deficits now. He is understandably upset and lashing out. But Ella is helping him to heal and it gives her some kind of purpose in her messy life. They grow a connection that can only be created from suffering the mind numbing tragedy together. Then the last page happens and you are like..going to curse the author so badly!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
It's book one of a duet..let's give you a very vague description. Ella lived in a cozy neighbourhood with close families and great friends. Alden has been one of them but a bit different. They were friends and then something more..and life just swept them away. But after Ella comes back after college..they find their way back to each other. But the happily ever after is far away. A tragic accident left her heartbroken and with Alden's twin brother Oliver who lost his memory in the accident.
It's told from single pov. Ella's pov. And I always have a bit difficulty getting connected to single POV. Ella is sweet and smart and sassy and she has a big heart. She loves Alden deeply. All the separation didn't dim their love. Alden went through some really difficult times and turned into that irresistible bad boy persona but he got himself together and became a stronger man. He is really charming and funny but can be bossy and alpha too. The part before Ella Leaving for college was all about the sweet agony of first love and forbidden encounters. Then the story slowed down a bit. A lot of time was spent showing how Ella and Alden are happy and content together. And I think that was the build up for the shocking tragedy. Now Ella is grieving and heartbroken and she has to take care of Alden's only living family member, his twin brother Oliver. He has amnesia and all kinds of physical deficits now. He is understandably upset and lashing out. But Ella is helping him to heal and it gives her some kind of purpose in her messy life. They grow a connection that can only be created from suffering the mind numbing tragedy together. Then the last page happens and you are like..going to curse the author so badly!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
January 4, 2023
1st person/single pov
Spice: 3/5
Well... Almost Him has left me Almost speechless. 😳
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book. You get to see our main couple grow up together, becoming so close as friends, and then watch as they fall for each other. They have a connection that is untouchable and can withstand time. I love everything about Alden. He knows what he wants and is determined to make sure things align in his life so he can have it. He can be stubborn about it at times but once his mind is set on something there's no stopping him. Ella has such a big and caring heart and is always there for Alden when he needs her no matter how much or how little. Getting to witness their bond unfold over the years had me all kinds of warm and fuzzy while my heart swooned left and right. And of course, is it really an S.M. Shade book if there aren't some amazing jokes and banter? I think not.
So don't worry - while the story may have some heavy emotional moments there are several instances throughout the book that will have you wheezing with laughter! The best part is they catch you SO off guard which makes them twice as funny since you didn't see them coming. I know I woke my poor husband up at least two or three times because I was reading in bed and unable to control the laughing fits I was having. (Sorry babe! 🙈) Probably one of my favorite things about this author is the ability to make me randomly laugh no matter how intense and emotional the storyline is getting.
The pace for this will seem to be on the slower side at first but there are some time jumps to speed things up without going incredibly fast.(So don’t give up on it!) I don't normally care for a lot of time jumps but these are easy enough to follow, and once I understood what the author was doing by adding them, they didn't bother me at all. So for the first half (or maybe a little more) of the book, I was simply enjoying getting to know them and following their lives as they played out over the years. It makes sense because you have to experience their past this way. You have to see how they become what they are to each other for the rest of the book to have the impact it does. Things were almost perfect so I knew it couldn't last but when that moment came and everything changed I wasn't ready. 😔
Fair warning - grab a whole box of tissues maybe two for the last half of this book. 🤧
I was destroyed.😭 In the blink of an eye, my heart was shattered and there was no piecing it back together anytime soon. Granted I have been through something with a lot of similarities several years ago, so some of the things - scratch that a lot of the things Ella was going through I had experienced. I've felt the same kind of pain, and had some of the same thoughts as she did, even down to some of the things she did (or couldn't) do I have already lived through. Needless to say, it hit incredibly close to home for me and my emotions were hitting me full force every time I turned around. Now I know it may not have this effect on most people if they haven't been there as well but regardless it's still heavy emotionally. I have no doubt I would have cried almost as badly even if I didn't relate to it as I did.
It wasn't all bad though. As I mentioned before there were some moments of humor sprinkled in that helped ease some of that pain so it's not like I was being stabbed in the heart 100% of the last half. I got breaks here and there at least. 😂 And in those breaks between the harder moments, the story continues to develop in a way that had me so hooked I was up the entire night finishing it. It's like once the pain set in I had to keep going until it was over. Only it didn't exactly end because hellooooo cliffhanger! 🙃
Thank god this is a quick-release duet because the author didn't feel like being "that" cruel by making us wait for the last half of the duet. I'm not sure my emotional state could have handled it without knowing the ending was right around the corner. More tears, one devastatingly awkward AF slip-up 😬, and a final knife-to-the-heart plot twist that hits you like a head-on collision later book one is finished... 😩
What a high bar to start out 2023 with. I am tearing into Almost Us ASAP hoping my soul is still intact once it's all said and done. 🤞🏻
As I previously stated there are some situations that occur in this story that will absolutely be upsetting for some readers so please check for and read through any TW/CW provided by the author before starting.
*My inbox is also open if you would rather message me regarding the content.*
Spice: 3/5
Well... Almost Him has left me Almost speechless. 😳
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book. You get to see our main couple grow up together, becoming so close as friends, and then watch as they fall for each other. They have a connection that is untouchable and can withstand time. I love everything about Alden. He knows what he wants and is determined to make sure things align in his life so he can have it. He can be stubborn about it at times but once his mind is set on something there's no stopping him. Ella has such a big and caring heart and is always there for Alden when he needs her no matter how much or how little. Getting to witness their bond unfold over the years had me all kinds of warm and fuzzy while my heart swooned left and right. And of course, is it really an S.M. Shade book if there aren't some amazing jokes and banter? I think not.
So don't worry - while the story may have some heavy emotional moments there are several instances throughout the book that will have you wheezing with laughter! The best part is they catch you SO off guard which makes them twice as funny since you didn't see them coming. I know I woke my poor husband up at least two or three times because I was reading in bed and unable to control the laughing fits I was having. (Sorry babe! 🙈) Probably one of my favorite things about this author is the ability to make me randomly laugh no matter how intense and emotional the storyline is getting.
The pace for this will seem to be on the slower side at first but there are some time jumps to speed things up without going incredibly fast.(So don’t give up on it!) I don't normally care for a lot of time jumps but these are easy enough to follow, and once I understood what the author was doing by adding them, they didn't bother me at all. So for the first half (or maybe a little more) of the book, I was simply enjoying getting to know them and following their lives as they played out over the years. It makes sense because you have to experience their past this way. You have to see how they become what they are to each other for the rest of the book to have the impact it does. Things were almost perfect so I knew it couldn't last but when that moment came and everything changed I wasn't ready. 😔
Fair warning - grab a whole box of tissues maybe two for the last half of this book. 🤧
I was destroyed.😭 In the blink of an eye, my heart was shattered and there was no piecing it back together anytime soon. Granted I have been through something with a lot of similarities several years ago, so some of the things - scratch that a lot of the things Ella was going through I had experienced. I've felt the same kind of pain, and had some of the same thoughts as she did, even down to some of the things she did (or couldn't) do I have already lived through. Needless to say, it hit incredibly close to home for me and my emotions were hitting me full force every time I turned around. Now I know it may not have this effect on most people if they haven't been there as well but regardless it's still heavy emotionally. I have no doubt I would have cried almost as badly even if I didn't relate to it as I did.
It wasn't all bad though. As I mentioned before there were some moments of humor sprinkled in that helped ease some of that pain so it's not like I was being stabbed in the heart 100% of the last half. I got breaks here and there at least. 😂 And in those breaks between the harder moments, the story continues to develop in a way that had me so hooked I was up the entire night finishing it. It's like once the pain set in I had to keep going until it was over. Only it didn't exactly end because hellooooo cliffhanger! 🙃
Thank god this is a quick-release duet because the author didn't feel like being "that" cruel by making us wait for the last half of the duet. I'm not sure my emotional state could have handled it without knowing the ending was right around the corner. More tears, one devastatingly awkward AF slip-up 😬, and a final knife-to-the-heart plot twist that hits you like a head-on collision later book one is finished... 😩
What a high bar to start out 2023 with. I am tearing into Almost Us ASAP hoping my soul is still intact once it's all said and done. 🤞🏻
As I previously stated there are some situations that occur in this story that will absolutely be upsetting for some readers so please check for and read through any TW/CW provided by the author before starting.
*My inbox is also open if you would rather message me regarding the content.*
February 26, 2025
This book had a chokehold on me until the very end. I would give it a million stars if I could. It was like watching a movie unfold in my head. Friends to Lovers done right 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 there is nothing worse than hearing that they were friends from childhood and not getting to experience it. Alden and Oliver are twins and live by Ella. They were super close and then something happens in the boys family and they both started to change. Alden changed the most and became a “bad boy” and of course Ella started liking him as more than a friend. Their friendship was so special. Ella made choices that pissed me off. Normally it’s the MMC who makes me mad but shockingly enough it was the FMC first. I really loved Ella and Tori’s relationship. They had me giggling so much. I felt completely sucked into this universe and loved every minute of it. Even the messy parts. When Ella and Alden would have a disagreement they would eventually make up and pretty much go back to being best friends again. Oliver and Alden’s relationship got more and more strained and I had a feeling I knew why and I was right. Things happen and hearts break and mine broke right along with theirs. I wasn’t sure why this book needed to be made into a duet until it all became clear. The drama is strong with this one! You’ll want to continue right onto the next one so be prepared. That ending… WTF!
❌❌❌SPOILERS AHEAD❌❌❌
❌❌❌❌❌SPOILERS AHEAD❌❌❌❌❌❌
In Real Time SPOILERS/PREDICTIONS :
❌❌❌SPOILERS AHEAD❌❌❌
❌❌❌❌❌SPOILERS AHEAD❌❌❌❌❌❌
In Real Time SPOILERS/PREDICTIONS :
January 6, 2023
I gave this book 5 stars. It got me out of my book-reading funk and it pulled every emotion from my heart. On a side note, this is a duet, and Book 2 continues this romance, giving more shocking twists to keep you guessing and is a MUST-READ!
Taking a chance on a new-to-me author doesn't always work out, but it sure did this time. Almost Him by S.M. Shade tore out my heart and had me sobbing like I haven't in a very long time! This story blindsided me; I wasn't prepared, and I kept waiting for it all to be a nightmare.
Alden and Ella wove their way into my heart, and the book title had me wondering what it could mean. It took me a little while to get into this book, perhaps because the author builds the story and their relationship from the time they were children. She did a great job at that and added some perfectly spaced time jumps to bring the characters into the present. By the time their circumstances were right, their love made me smile, and I just wanted their happiness, together.
I was not prepared for the fallout, I didn't suspect it or see it coming in any way, but I made it through this book, and there is no way I won't be reading book two of this duet, Almost Us. That ending was a jaw-dropping shocker, so I think I had better buckle up for what's to come!
I can't say much more without revealing some spoilers, so just know that Almost Him shocked me, more than once. Although it hurt immensely, I loved that the plot is so different from what I've been reading lately. A little angst, ok, perhaps a lot, is good for the reader's soul. It gets the heart beating again.
Taking a chance on a new-to-me author doesn't always work out, but it sure did this time. Almost Him by S.M. Shade tore out my heart and had me sobbing like I haven't in a very long time! This story blindsided me; I wasn't prepared, and I kept waiting for it all to be a nightmare.
Alden and Ella wove their way into my heart, and the book title had me wondering what it could mean. It took me a little while to get into this book, perhaps because the author builds the story and their relationship from the time they were children. She did a great job at that and added some perfectly spaced time jumps to bring the characters into the present. By the time their circumstances were right, their love made me smile, and I just wanted their happiness, together.
I was not prepared for the fallout, I didn't suspect it or see it coming in any way, but I made it through this book, and there is no way I won't be reading book two of this duet, Almost Us. That ending was a jaw-dropping shocker, so I think I had better buckle up for what's to come!
I can't say much more without revealing some spoilers, so just know that Almost Him shocked me, more than once. Although it hurt immensely, I loved that the plot is so different from what I've been reading lately. A little angst, ok, perhaps a lot, is good for the reader's soul. It gets the heart beating again.
January 9, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 😡😢🧐😭
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: cheating
Tropes: friends to lovers, second chance romance
"Sometimes, hope holds us by the throat."
They were teenagers when Alden Stokes first crawled through Ella's bedroom window. He was the first boy to hold her hand. He was her first kiss. He was her first everything. The angsty years turned them into adults while the circumstances pushed them apart. Now, she has returned to the only man she has ever loved and she refuses to let him go.
My eyes are killing me from crying so much. I desperately need angst in the books I read to keep my attention. Mrs. Shade did not disappoint. This was my first book by her and she took my breath away with this story. It took place in the '80s and '90s which were the same years for me at that age. I felt like I'd fallen down a time loop that had me reliving many of my angsty years but I loved it from start to cliffhanger finish. Some aspects were hard for me but the overall experience will be worth it. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book which releases on January 12th. I can't wait to get the rest of the story. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 😡😢🧐😭
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: cheating
Tropes: friends to lovers, second chance romance
"Sometimes, hope holds us by the throat."
They were teenagers when Alden Stokes first crawled through Ella's bedroom window. He was the first boy to hold her hand. He was her first kiss. He was her first everything. The angsty years turned them into adults while the circumstances pushed them apart. Now, she has returned to the only man she has ever loved and she refuses to let him go.
My eyes are killing me from crying so much. I desperately need angst in the books I read to keep my attention. Mrs. Shade did not disappoint. This was my first book by her and she took my breath away with this story. It took place in the '80s and '90s which were the same years for me at that age. I felt like I'd fallen down a time loop that had me reliving many of my angsty years but I loved it from start to cliffhanger finish. Some aspects were hard for me but the overall experience will be worth it. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book which releases on January 12th. I can't wait to get the rest of the story. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
February 14, 2023
5 Stars
2 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
"We loved each other in the dark."
This was my first S.M. Shade book, but it will not be my last. It was so good. I had no idea what this book was about, but I am so glad I picked it up
This is the first book in the Almost Duet, and it is definitely worth the read. Ella and Alden were childhood best friends. Along with Tori and Aldens twin brother Oliver. Oliver is in love with Ella, but Ella's heart belongs to Alden. But Alden is into some sketchy things and he asks Ella to wait for him.
"You can't be my friend. You're my world."
This book takes place over a number of years, and we get to watch how the characters grow, love and get through everything together. There are twists that I didn't see coming. I mean gasped-out-loud twists. If you want to take a ride on an emotional rollercoaster, hop aboard and read this one.
Thank you to The Smuthood and S.M. Shade for letting me be a part of this tour. I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store.
2 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
"We loved each other in the dark."
This was my first S.M. Shade book, but it will not be my last. It was so good. I had no idea what this book was about, but I am so glad I picked it up
This is the first book in the Almost Duet, and it is definitely worth the read. Ella and Alden were childhood best friends. Along with Tori and Aldens twin brother Oliver. Oliver is in love with Ella, but Ella's heart belongs to Alden. But Alden is into some sketchy things and he asks Ella to wait for him.
"You can't be my friend. You're my world."
This book takes place over a number of years, and we get to watch how the characters grow, love and get through everything together. There are twists that I didn't see coming. I mean gasped-out-loud twists. If you want to take a ride on an emotional rollercoaster, hop aboard and read this one.
Thank you to The Smuthood and S.M. Shade for letting me be a part of this tour. I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store.
February 21, 2023
Ella has been Alden's ever since the first time he climbed in her bedroom window when she was just 13 years old. They never truly allow themselves to be together and then Ella leaves for college, and they put their unconventional relationship on pause. Fast-forward 5 years and Ella decides to move back home after tragedy strikes and her bad relationship ends. It doesn't take long for Ella and Alden to pick up where they left off, except this time diving head first into a full-blown relationship. Their love shines through the pages and I couldn't put this damn book down! Oh, did I mention Alden has an identical twin brother, Oliver? Oliver has been in love with Ella, secretly, not so secretly pretty much their whole lives, but it's Alden who has Ella's heart. Fast-forward again to Ella and Alden's wedding day, when once again tragedy strikes, no spoilers here, but it's heartbreaking, earth-shattering and left me so upset that I almost did not finish because I was so shocked at what the author decided to put us through. But I kept reading, deciding to trust the process as they like to say, and my brain started to put 2 and 2 together, except every time I did I got 5, if you know what I mean. Good Luck!!
January 3, 2023
This is my first read of 2023 and what a read to start the year with. My emotions were all over the place, the love, the hurt, the pain and the moments of ‘oh no, this can’t be happening’, had me devouring this read!
The story follows Ella who meets the love of her life as a young girl and possibly the love of my life! They are neighbours and friends and he’s a bad boy but the attraction between them can be felt from the pages. I fell in love so hard with them as their love story unfolded.
However, just like real life, it doesn’t always go as planned and Ella’s life is drastically changed in the blink of an eye. This is where the second part of the story comes in and my heart ached and loved in equal measures.
I suggest you go in blind so that you can feel and experience everything first hand. This book is a duet, so it does end on a cliffhanger and I’m glad I have an ARC and the next book waiting, I’m desperate to see what’s next!
This is my first read of Shade and I’ll definitely be checking out more.
A must-read book of 2023!
ARC received for an honest opinion
____________________
Overall Ratings;
POV - First, heroine
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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The story follows Ella who meets the love of her life as a young girl and possibly the love of my life! They are neighbours and friends and he’s a bad boy but the attraction between them can be felt from the pages. I fell in love so hard with them as their love story unfolded.
However, just like real life, it doesn’t always go as planned and Ella’s life is drastically changed in the blink of an eye. This is where the second part of the story comes in and my heart ached and loved in equal measures.
I suggest you go in blind so that you can feel and experience everything first hand. This book is a duet, so it does end on a cliffhanger and I’m glad I have an ARC and the next book waiting, I’m desperate to see what’s next!
This is my first read of Shade and I’ll definitely be checking out more.
A must-read book of 2023!
ARC received for an honest opinion
____________________
Overall Ratings;
POV - First, heroine
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heroine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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January 31, 2023
Oh wow, where to start this without spoiling the book. I knew starting this that because it is an S.M. Shade book, I was in for some emotional damage, and I went into it prepared, like some little kid walking around a haunted house waiting for a ghost to jump up and scare the crap out of me. I even thought I had the twist locked down and I knew were this was going to go. Wrong, I was so wrong. LOL This was a very emotional angsty book, and while I loved every single moment of it, I still was not prepared for the twists. My one advice, have the second book ready to go before you start reading this book because if you are like me you are going to through your book, and then quickly scramble to get the next book because how dare the story do that to you. LOL
January 4, 2023
Tissues are most definitely needed for this second-chance romance! Ella and Alden grow up across the street from each other and while they never technically date, they are in love from the time they are 13. She was in love with him long before he snuck in her window that first night to kiss her.
Life takes them in different directions, but they eventually find their way back to each other. Alden was a bit of the rebel after his dad left, and he vows to make something of himself before he feels worthy to be with Ella. And once he does and they finally get together, life is glorious. Until it’s not.
These characters and the backstory were so thought out. There’s a great camaraderie among the neighborhood kids, including Alden’s twin, Oliver, and Ella’s best friend, Tori. They rely on one another, lift each other up, and stick by each other’s side always.
Part one of a duet, this book ends on a shocking cliffhanger. The second half, Always Us, will be available soon thankfully bc I need to get the conclusion of Ella and Alden’s story!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Life takes them in different directions, but they eventually find their way back to each other. Alden was a bit of the rebel after his dad left, and he vows to make something of himself before he feels worthy to be with Ella. And once he does and they finally get together, life is glorious. Until it’s not.
These characters and the backstory were so thought out. There’s a great camaraderie among the neighborhood kids, including Alden’s twin, Oliver, and Ella’s best friend, Tori. They rely on one another, lift each other up, and stick by each other’s side always.
Part one of a duet, this book ends on a shocking cliffhanger. The second half, Always Us, will be available soon thankfully bc I need to get the conclusion of Ella and Alden’s story!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
January 8, 2023
This book is likely not for everyone. If you are looking for a sweet or cute romance give this one a pass until you are looking for ALL the feels.
I don't know where S.M. Shade comes up with these ideas, I have this image in my mind of her evil villain laughing as she decides the characters' fates, but I hope she never stops.
Personally speaking, the mark of an excellent writer is evoking emotion, particularly strong emotion, from the reader. This book, and all books I've read by S.M Shade, do this exceptionally well.
I hope you love this one too!
Happy Reading!
I don't know where S.M. Shade comes up with these ideas, I have this image in my mind of her evil villain laughing as she decides the characters' fates, but I hope she never stops.
Personally speaking, the mark of an excellent writer is evoking emotion, particularly strong emotion, from the reader. This book, and all books I've read by S.M Shade, do this exceptionally well.
I hope you love this one too!
Happy Reading!
January 11, 2023
Alden and Ella were together as teenagers until they drifted apart and moved on with their lives. Ella ends up back in town after college and manages to hook up with Alden again. Alden had his difficulties as a bad boy but he got his life on track. A tragic accident occurs leaving Alden's twin brother Oliver with amnesia and other problems. Ella takes care of him while dealing with her grief. The ending is a plot twist making you want to read the next book.
January 4, 2023
Almost Him is the first book in this duet.
I have loved every book that I have read of SM Shade’s and this one is no exception. She has sent us this amazing love story of these two characters and then all of a sudden at the very end you are tossed off a cliff and have no idea how you got to the bottom.
Alden and Ella start at the age of thirteen. He is her first kiss and she realizes then that she is in love with him. Alden runs into trouble and won’t bring Ella into it so he keeps his distance.
Tucking his arms behind his head, Alden lies back next to me. “You’re going to marry me. I won’t tell you what to do.”
I couldn’t put this book down. It was amazing from start to finish! Even if I was in tears at the end of the book
I have loved every book that I have read of SM Shade’s and this one is no exception. She has sent us this amazing love story of these two characters and then all of a sudden at the very end you are tossed off a cliff and have no idea how you got to the bottom.
Alden and Ella start at the age of thirteen. He is her first kiss and she realizes then that she is in love with him. Alden runs into trouble and won’t bring Ella into it so he keeps his distance.
Tucking his arms behind his head, Alden lies back next to me. “You’re going to marry me. I won’t tell you what to do.”
I couldn’t put this book down. It was amazing from start to finish! Even if I was in tears at the end of the book
January 6, 2023
Even in their early teenage years, you can see the bond between Ella and Alden. It's there with them, Tori and Oliver too, but Ella seems to comfort and ground Alden. Even when he tends to be in a place that isn't good for him, she's always there. Sometimes it takes growing up and being apart to know what you need. I loved that they were able to come back together amongst the obstacles. They were sweet together. There was a little bit of living on the edge and there was a whole lot of holding on and loving each other through it all. Life tends to throw curveballs, though, and that was one heck of a curveball. I think I got whiplash. I need to see how this one ends.
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