What do you think?
Rate this book
Twenty-Seven
Waking up in the hospital on her 27th birthday was only the beginning of the longest year of Jax Cassidy’s life. A traveling music photographer, Jax never stays in one place too long. But when a car accident leaves her with a life-altering injury, everything comes to a halt. As she struggles to adjust to a new normal, her past returns to complicate her future. A hometown boy from her childhood, and an old flame she thought she’d left behind both reemerge, presenting her with two enticing versions of forever.
Past and present collide into a single transformative year as Jax navigates her complicated relationships and stumbles her way through a journey of healing and self-discovery. To have the future she wants, Jax realizes she’ll have to face the heartbreaks and demons she’s been running from all her life.
How much can you live in 365 days? Jax is about to find out.
Past and present collide into a single transformative year as Jax navigates her complicated relationships and stumbles her way through a journey of healing and self-discovery. To have the future she wants, Jax realizes she’ll have to face the heartbreaks and demons she’s been running from all her life.
How much can you live in 365 days? Jax is about to find out.
- GenresContemporary
424 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2022
6 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
P.L. Hernandez
2 books30 followersP.L. Hernandez is a California native raised in the Salinas Valley, and an author of contemporary women's fiction. A writer, movie buff, and book lover - she is an avid fan of story telling in all forms. Hernandez's books will immerse you in authentic stories about the experiences of women falling in love and finding themselves. With realistic characters, witty dialogue, and the perfect balance of emotional moments and light hearted humor, Hernandez's writing will leave you falling in love with her characters and wanting more. Twenty-Seven is her debut novel, and you can find her on instagram at @pattyloo_wrote_it, or online at plhernandez.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 6, 2022
Have you ever put off reading a book for so long with no reason why behind it? And then once you do start it, you become obsessed and read it in one sitting? BECAUSE FUCKING SAME. And then wonder WHY you put it off for so long? When you could have been enjoying the magnificence and excellence of said book even sooner?
I went in blind and didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions Patty Loo put me through. And it took an even bigger toll on me - bringing back the Carter of my past, even down to leaving for the military. AND, after reading this, I realized that holy shit, I’m 27 too!
This one follows Jaxon, but she goes by Jax, and on her 27th birthday, she’s in an accident that changes her life. She’s a big time photographer for Rolling Stone, going on tours with bands, and is always traveling (she truly doesn’t know how to sit still and settle down). But now, she’s gotta stay home for 5ish months on her road to recovery. Enter the vet, Carter - her brother’s best friend and her biggest crush growing up. Can they adjust to the differences in their lives to make them work?
But in the midst of that, her ex - famous lead singer, Finn, stopped by to ask her to join him and his band to document recording their new album when she’s clear to travel and work. Both guys definitely have their swoony moments… but lemme just say #teamfinny even though I swore in the beginning there’s no way someone could beat Carter.
The character growth, the grief, the way it felt like I was seen. I’ve never been great with emotions, so having a lead female character who struggles with the same thing was just 🥺👏 It’s safe to say that this book is my newest obsession.
As always, please be sure to check the trigger warnings. This one delves deeply into infertility, pregnancy loss, depression, and anxiety. These are such important topics, so please remember to take care of yourself first!
And thank you to Patty Loo for this ARC in return for a completely honest review.
I went in blind and didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions Patty Loo put me through. And it took an even bigger toll on me - bringing back the Carter of my past, even down to leaving for the military. AND, after reading this, I realized that holy shit, I’m 27 too!
This one follows Jaxon, but she goes by Jax, and on her 27th birthday, she’s in an accident that changes her life. She’s a big time photographer for Rolling Stone, going on tours with bands, and is always traveling (she truly doesn’t know how to sit still and settle down). But now, she’s gotta stay home for 5ish months on her road to recovery. Enter the vet, Carter - her brother’s best friend and her biggest crush growing up. Can they adjust to the differences in their lives to make them work?
But in the midst of that, her ex - famous lead singer, Finn, stopped by to ask her to join him and his band to document recording their new album when she’s clear to travel and work. Both guys definitely have their swoony moments… but lemme just say #teamfinny even though I swore in the beginning there’s no way someone could beat Carter.
The character growth, the grief, the way it felt like I was seen. I’ve never been great with emotions, so having a lead female character who struggles with the same thing was just 🥺👏 It’s safe to say that this book is my newest obsession.
As always, please be sure to check the trigger warnings. This one delves deeply into infertility, pregnancy loss, depression, and anxiety. These are such important topics, so please remember to take care of yourself first!
And thank you to Patty Loo for this ARC in return for a completely honest review.
December 31, 2022
(No spoilers until indicated in TWs)
What a phenomenal book. 4.75 stars. Amazing. One of the best debuts I’ve ever read.
📖 Jax spends her 27th year of life going through more than most people go through in their whole lives. Her world is torn apart and put back together as she discovers secrets about her past, falls in and out of love (platonically and romantically), forgives herself and others, and gets closer than she’s ever been to figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life.
What i loved:
📸 the FMCs growth
📸 a rollercoaster: hilarious, heartbreaking, tense, exciting, blood boiling, romantic, relatable
📸 brother’s best friend trope 👀
📸 a VERY well done second chance romance
📸 the banter and s3xual tension throughout the whole book
📸 the wit of these characters - little one liners that break up the dramatic moments
📸 P. L. Hernandez is not only an amazing author but a poet as well, and it comes out in her writing
📸 PAGE 295!!!!!!!!!! 😩
📸 I kept thinking, “I don’t want this to end.”
📸 the author included a TW page
Why not 5 stars?
✈️ some tropes I don’t like - but in the end it was all forgiven due to the characters’ growth
✈️ I think more people should’ve apologized to the FMC
.
.
.
⚠️ TWs ⚠️
- absent mother
- trichotillomania (hair pulling when stressed)
- !nfertility
- d3pression
- 4nxiety
- car 4ccident
- mention of soldier d3ath in c0mbat
- d3pression
- b!polar
⛔️ More TWs (SPOILERS) ⛔️
.
.
.
.
Spoilers ahead ⚠️
.
.
.
.
- m!scarriage - pretty descriptive
- su!cide by drxg overd0se (side character, nondescriptive )
What a phenomenal book. 4.75 stars. Amazing. One of the best debuts I’ve ever read.
📖 Jax spends her 27th year of life going through more than most people go through in their whole lives. Her world is torn apart and put back together as she discovers secrets about her past, falls in and out of love (platonically and romantically), forgives herself and others, and gets closer than she’s ever been to figuring out who she is and what she wants out of life.
What i loved:
📸 the FMCs growth
📸 a rollercoaster: hilarious, heartbreaking, tense, exciting, blood boiling, romantic, relatable
📸 brother’s best friend trope 👀
📸 a VERY well done second chance romance
📸 the banter and s3xual tension throughout the whole book
📸 the wit of these characters - little one liners that break up the dramatic moments
📸 P. L. Hernandez is not only an amazing author but a poet as well, and it comes out in her writing
📸 PAGE 295!!!!!!!!!! 😩
📸 I kept thinking, “I don’t want this to end.”
📸 the author included a TW page
Why not 5 stars?
✈️ some tropes I don’t like - but in the end it was all forgiven due to the characters’ growth
✈️ I think more people should’ve apologized to the FMC
.
.
.
⚠️ TWs ⚠️
- absent mother
- trichotillomania (hair pulling when stressed)
- !nfertility
- d3pression
- 4nxiety
- car 4ccident
- mention of soldier d3ath in c0mbat
- d3pression
- b!polar
⛔️ More TWs (SPOILERS) ⛔️
.
.
.
.
Spoilers ahead ⚠️
.
.
.
.
- m!scarriage - pretty descriptive
- su!cide by drxg overd0se (side character, nondescriptive )
March 31, 2025
Per usual, I had my highlighter ready to highlight all the quotes where P.L. Hernandez spoke to my soul. Patty's writing is lyrical, emotional, beautiful poetry on page. P.L. Hernandez writes humanity in a way that feels so real (as if she ripped my experience out of head and put it down on paper) which makes it a very emotional reading experience. True story that I did a bookends cry of this book. I cried during the dedication and during the acknowledgment section.
This book touches on some heavy topics (check your trigger warnings if you need it), but I hope that those who have been through similar situations feel seen through Patty's writing. So often, we like to shy away from the hard stuff, but it's so important to feel seen and loved through our worst days. Patty puts that feeling into writing on the page. And I love that mental health struggles and therapy are always normalized in Patty's writing.
Now, let's talk about the story. Hernandez takes us on a one year journey where Jax Cassidy goes through it. This story is about a woman who got lost somewhere along the way and comes to terms with past traumatic incidents so that she can move on with her life in a healthy way. It's also a second-chance Romance and a story about how the people that love Jax most come together over their mutual worry and love for her.
I was very honored to have an advanced listener copy of the newly dropped audiobook of Twenty Seven. The narrator really brought Jax to life, and I thought she did such a great job with the British accents.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“That’s it. You’re not the bad shit that happens to you. You’re not the sum of your misfortunes. You’re a collection of beautiful moments and grandiose experiences, and a life told through pictures, and this – crap hand you’ve been dealt, it’s just that. It’s a crap hand. It doesn’t define who you are or how you live your life.”
“He wrote the most gorgeous strings of words and when he sang them, he made me sad in a way that made me love the sadness.”
“Love. A little four-letter word. It’s supposed to mean that someone chooses you. Every day, over and over, they accept you for all that you are and all that you aren’t, in any given moment – at every given moment – for the rest of your life. I think that’s what motivates people to get married. Everyone’s always searching for it. Everyone’s always chasing it.”
This book touches on some heavy topics (check your trigger warnings if you need it), but I hope that those who have been through similar situations feel seen through Patty's writing. So often, we like to shy away from the hard stuff, but it's so important to feel seen and loved through our worst days. Patty puts that feeling into writing on the page. And I love that mental health struggles and therapy are always normalized in Patty's writing.
Now, let's talk about the story. Hernandez takes us on a one year journey where Jax Cassidy goes through it. This story is about a woman who got lost somewhere along the way and comes to terms with past traumatic incidents so that she can move on with her life in a healthy way. It's also a second-chance Romance and a story about how the people that love Jax most come together over their mutual worry and love for her.
I was very honored to have an advanced listener copy of the newly dropped audiobook of Twenty Seven. The narrator really brought Jax to life, and I thought she did such a great job with the British accents.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“That’s it. You’re not the bad shit that happens to you. You’re not the sum of your misfortunes. You’re a collection of beautiful moments and grandiose experiences, and a life told through pictures, and this – crap hand you’ve been dealt, it’s just that. It’s a crap hand. It doesn’t define who you are or how you live your life.”
“He wrote the most gorgeous strings of words and when he sang them, he made me sad in a way that made me love the sadness.”
“Love. A little four-letter word. It’s supposed to mean that someone chooses you. Every day, over and over, they accept you for all that you are and all that you aren’t, in any given moment – at every given moment – for the rest of your life. I think that’s what motivates people to get married. Everyone’s always searching for it. Everyone’s always chasing it.”
December 3, 2022
twenty-seven follows jax cassidy, a traveling music photographer, as a horrific accident causes her emotionally distant, jetset life to slam to a halt the day of her twenty-seventh birthday. in its wake, jax is forced to confront the real reasons why she’s been running from her friends, her family, and—most importantly—herself. what follows is a remarkable year of therapy, music, love, and finding the fortitude to do the hard work required to be your best, most authentic self.
twenty-seven is a heartrending and cathartic love letter to music and the people in our lives that see us for who we are, no matter what. full disclosure here: the author is a friend of mine, but even if she wasn’t, twenty-seven would still be one of my favorite novels of the year. i’ve been fortunate enough to have read a number of truly outstanding novels this year, and this one was so hopeful, reflective, and emotionally satisfying that i couldn’t help but hug it once i turned the final page.
if any of you want to support an indie author and spend some time in a novel that will set up shop in your heart for ages, look no further than twenty-seven. in the meantime, find me shouting about this book from the rooftops.
(this book does deal with some heavy topics at times, so please be aware there are potentially triggering scenes involving miscarriage, parental death, suicide, and emotional abuse. please take care going into it, and i hope you find as much in its pages to love as i did!)
twenty-seven is a heartrending and cathartic love letter to music and the people in our lives that see us for who we are, no matter what. full disclosure here: the author is a friend of mine, but even if she wasn’t, twenty-seven would still be one of my favorite novels of the year. i’ve been fortunate enough to have read a number of truly outstanding novels this year, and this one was so hopeful, reflective, and emotionally satisfying that i couldn’t help but hug it once i turned the final page.
if any of you want to support an indie author and spend some time in a novel that will set up shop in your heart for ages, look no further than twenty-seven. in the meantime, find me shouting about this book from the rooftops.
(this book does deal with some heavy topics at times, so please be aware there are potentially triggering scenes involving miscarriage, parental death, suicide, and emotional abuse. please take care going into it, and i hope you find as much in its pages to love as i did!)
September 19, 2023
I want to be encouraging and I am really impressed by someone who puts a novel together. But I just hated the main character! She was horrible to everyone around her but they all loved her anyway. Whatever her magic charisma was supposed to be, it was completely lost on me.
April 6, 2023
I seriously want to kick myself for waiting so long to finally read this book. Because this book might just be one of my favorite books ever. Hernandez's writing is inspiring. She writes words that read like poetry and flow like music. It's beautiful and so unique.
Her debut novel, Twenty-Seven, is about a young woman named Jax. Yes, woman. Because I may or may not have thought Jax was a male character and may or may not have made a fool of myself to the author herself. Forever cringing about that one, Patty.
Jax spends an entire year trying to figure out who she really is after a tragic accident turns her life completely upside down. I loved following her journey of self doubt, grief, acceptance, and just the overall journey of finding herself again.
This book touches on some of those big, heavy topics that we don't love to talk about out loud. You know the ones everyone runs away from. But Patty wrote it in such a way that really resonated with me as the reader. She didn't shy away from the ugly bits, and I truly loved that. It made me feel seen, like the loss and grief I carry within myself on a daily basis was REAL. Because it is. I won't give any spoilers, but it's one of those "once you're in the club, you are IN the club." And it's a club no one wants to be in. But this story reminded me that I'm never alone in this club.
I cried, I laughed, I wanted to scream at Jax a few times, but at the end of the book I was so proud of her. I'm truly so thankful that Patty shared this story with us, because it's wonderful, emotional and so powerful.
Her debut novel, Twenty-Seven, is about a young woman named Jax. Yes, woman. Because I may or may not have thought Jax was a male character and may or may not have made a fool of myself to the author herself. Forever cringing about that one, Patty.
Jax spends an entire year trying to figure out who she really is after a tragic accident turns her life completely upside down. I loved following her journey of self doubt, grief, acceptance, and just the overall journey of finding herself again.
This book touches on some of those big, heavy topics that we don't love to talk about out loud. You know the ones everyone runs away from. But Patty wrote it in such a way that really resonated with me as the reader. She didn't shy away from the ugly bits, and I truly loved that. It made me feel seen, like the loss and grief I carry within myself on a daily basis was REAL. Because it is. I won't give any spoilers, but it's one of those "once you're in the club, you are IN the club." And it's a club no one wants to be in. But this story reminded me that I'm never alone in this club.
I cried, I laughed, I wanted to scream at Jax a few times, but at the end of the book I was so proud of her. I'm truly so thankful that Patty shared this story with us, because it's wonderful, emotional and so powerful.
January 21, 2024
Wow! What an incredible and emotional journey this book takes you on!
I need to preface by saying, I am a dude who reads like 90% horror fiction so for me to read and love a romance novel… you might be asking yourself now, “but David, why are you even reading a romance then?”
To which I reply, mind ya business 🤷♂️
Okay, but seriously. Nuts and bolts now. This story is about Jax, who gets into a car accident on her twenty seventh birthday and gets some life-changing news. Her recovery is long and she needs her people around her to help her. In that time she is back in her hometown and forced to face some harsh truths and deal with a lot of introspection and a lot of life choices that make for an engaging story.
She deals with failed relationships. New relationships. Exes coming back into her life. Family dynamics that hold up a mirror to herself.
This story is tragic. Emotional. But also wholesome, charming, and funny at times. Jax is a wise-crackin’ photographer for Rolling Stone and she is in her spunky era.
Theresa was never a dull moment and where there were fun and loving moments, it isn’t without its intense and uncomfortable moments.
The book is beautiful on the whole ob the inside to match the story on the pages and I can’t say enough good things about it.
The only bad thing I can think of… (and it’s a reach so don’t @ me) … The only bad thing is the matte finish on the cover. Man I got fingerprints all over this thing! 🤪
Ok, that’s it for my review. It’s a great story full of lovable characters. Give it a read!
I need to preface by saying, I am a dude who reads like 90% horror fiction so for me to read and love a romance novel… you might be asking yourself now, “but David, why are you even reading a romance then?”
To which I reply, mind ya business 🤷♂️
Okay, but seriously. Nuts and bolts now. This story is about Jax, who gets into a car accident on her twenty seventh birthday and gets some life-changing news. Her recovery is long and she needs her people around her to help her. In that time she is back in her hometown and forced to face some harsh truths and deal with a lot of introspection and a lot of life choices that make for an engaging story.
She deals with failed relationships. New relationships. Exes coming back into her life. Family dynamics that hold up a mirror to herself.
This story is tragic. Emotional. But also wholesome, charming, and funny at times. Jax is a wise-crackin’ photographer for Rolling Stone and she is in her spunky era.
Theresa was never a dull moment and where there were fun and loving moments, it isn’t without its intense and uncomfortable moments.
The book is beautiful on the whole ob the inside to match the story on the pages and I can’t say enough good things about it.
The only bad thing I can think of… (and it’s a reach so don’t @ me) … The only bad thing is the matte finish on the cover. Man I got fingerprints all over this thing! 🤪
Ok, that’s it for my review. It’s a great story full of lovable characters. Give it a read!
November 22, 2022
Holy shit, this story.
this story
this story
THIS STORY
My friends will tell you, I’m a cheerleader. I am. I love most things + I believe in most things, if not for reasons other than if it exists then it must be, in fact, someway good. It’s up to us to find out how.
That being said, I’m really outting myself here, because I have to confess: if I don’t particularly love an author’s story or the way a book is written, I compliment the cover. 😙 I mean, I don’t *only* compliment the cover, but the last thing I want is to be disingenuous and leave people confused about whether I really mean it or not when I praise their work. But, yeah, the cover is a whole thing with me.
And I love Twenty-Seven’s cover.
But I completely love this story.
I mean it.
I finished Twenty-Seven as the pink-gold-gray dawn stung my eyes through a frosty window + can’t think of a better way to experience Jax Cassidy’s conclusion than wrapped up in blankets in my bed, the tender grief of adulthood more fresh in those early hours than whatever the day ahead held.
So, yeah. I loved this story. The last thing I want to do is spoil any of it, because I was SHOCKED at how one particularly large thing turned out. And loved the surprise. 👏
But I will say this — P.L. Hernandez’s storytelling is both a cliff dive + a safety net in one. It’s the free fall but also the 3, 2, 1 beforehand. The splash at the end is worth it; the splash is what makes it so, so good.
this story
this story
THIS STORY
My friends will tell you, I’m a cheerleader. I am. I love most things + I believe in most things, if not for reasons other than if it exists then it must be, in fact, someway good. It’s up to us to find out how.
That being said, I’m really outting myself here, because I have to confess: if I don’t particularly love an author’s story or the way a book is written, I compliment the cover. 😙 I mean, I don’t *only* compliment the cover, but the last thing I want is to be disingenuous and leave people confused about whether I really mean it or not when I praise their work. But, yeah, the cover is a whole thing with me.
And I love Twenty-Seven’s cover.
But I completely love this story.
I mean it.
I finished Twenty-Seven as the pink-gold-gray dawn stung my eyes through a frosty window + can’t think of a better way to experience Jax Cassidy’s conclusion than wrapped up in blankets in my bed, the tender grief of adulthood more fresh in those early hours than whatever the day ahead held.
So, yeah. I loved this story. The last thing I want to do is spoil any of it, because I was SHOCKED at how one particularly large thing turned out. And loved the surprise. 👏
But I will say this — P.L. Hernandez’s storytelling is both a cliff dive + a safety net in one. It’s the free fall but also the 3, 2, 1 beforehand. The splash at the end is worth it; the splash is what makes it so, so good.
March 28, 2025
PL Hernandez has such pose! I was sucked in and immersed in the world from the very start of it. Her poetic telling makes you immersed in the story and wanting to know what is going on next.
Well, I think it’s always best to go into a book blind, I do recommend this book to check triggers if you are someone who needs to check trigger warnings!
I would classify this as women’s fiction with a dash of romance. It was so well done, and it made me contemplate life and the joy of it in the complexity of it, and embracing the beautiful mess that it is. And that life can be beautiful despite the bad that happens to you.
This made me weep and was such a beautiful important reminder to love the life we are given .
Well, I think it’s always best to go into a book blind, I do recommend this book to check triggers if you are someone who needs to check trigger warnings!
I would classify this as women’s fiction with a dash of romance. It was so well done, and it made me contemplate life and the joy of it in the complexity of it, and embracing the beautiful mess that it is. And that life can be beautiful despite the bad that happens to you.
This made me weep and was such a beautiful important reminder to love the life we are given .
November 22, 2022
"I love all million pieces of you, with all million pieces of me."
Have you ever had a book that you just didn't want to end??
That was Twenty-Seven for me! My heart is still singing, tingly, and warm from this story. Jaxon Samantha Cassidy had a place in my heart.
This book tells the story of the 27th year of her life, starting from Jax waking up from a car accident that leaves her with a life-changing injury. While she's used to running from her problems as a traveling music photographer, she is forced to stay still and heal. As old flames from her past return to her present, she begins to contemplate what forever could look like.
Some things I absolutely loved:
💙 I've never really had a "book boyfriend" as I've never had a fictional male character stand out to me very much but oh my goodness, one of the love interests is just the sweetest, most genuine person alive! Please read so we can gush about how wonderful he is.
💙 Jax's personal growth through relationships, therapy, and her art was AMAZING. I loved getting to know her and watching her journey through loss, identity, and fear.
💙 The music scene was incredible. I'd like to change my career and become a traveling music photographer lol. And P.L. Hernandez has a gift for both writing and poetry/music!
💙 To highlight that point, this book was so easy to read and get lost in. The writing flowed very naturally, and I always felt immersed in Jax's thought life.
Five stars!!! Five stars!!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy to read in exchange for an honest review
Have you ever had a book that you just didn't want to end??
That was Twenty-Seven for me! My heart is still singing, tingly, and warm from this story. Jaxon Samantha Cassidy had a place in my heart.
This book tells the story of the 27th year of her life, starting from Jax waking up from a car accident that leaves her with a life-changing injury. While she's used to running from her problems as a traveling music photographer, she is forced to stay still and heal. As old flames from her past return to her present, she begins to contemplate what forever could look like.
Some things I absolutely loved:
💙 I've never really had a "book boyfriend" as I've never had a fictional male character stand out to me very much but oh my goodness, one of the love interests is just the sweetest, most genuine person alive! Please read so we can gush about how wonderful he is.
💙 Jax's personal growth through relationships, therapy, and her art was AMAZING. I loved getting to know her and watching her journey through loss, identity, and fear.
💙 The music scene was incredible. I'd like to change my career and become a traveling music photographer lol. And P.L. Hernandez has a gift for both writing and poetry/music!
💙 To highlight that point, this book was so easy to read and get lost in. The writing flowed very naturally, and I always felt immersed in Jax's thought life.
Five stars!!! Five stars!!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy to read in exchange for an honest review
April 28, 2024
As I pondered what exactly made me love PL Hernandez’s debut novel so much, I realized it all kept coming back to one thing. The characters were REAL LIFE HUMAN BEINGS. They did good things and bad things; they forgave and didn’t forgive; they sometimes saw the error of their ways, and they sometimes didn’t—which is (gasp!) what real people do. No character was perfect. Not even the character who was “supposed” to be perfect. That, ladies and gentlemen, is real life—and makes for a damn good book.
I also really admired how PL kept her characters true to themselves, while also showing them come to realizations that they could do this *and* grow as people. This is especially true for her female main character, Jax. These two things—honoring yourself and also taking life’s lessons to heart—aren’t incongruent. I think that’s a really important part of this book and something we all need remember in our own lives.
I cannot wait to see what PL Hernandez comes up with next. Will be an automatic buy!
I also really admired how PL kept her characters true to themselves, while also showing them come to realizations that they could do this *and* grow as people. This is especially true for her female main character, Jax. These two things—honoring yourself and also taking life’s lessons to heart—aren’t incongruent. I think that’s a really important part of this book and something we all need remember in our own lives.
I cannot wait to see what PL Hernandez comes up with next. Will be an automatic buy!
July 21, 2024
(Deep exhale because this was a glorious journey)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was probably my favorite read of 2022. Wow. Way to come out with a debut like a freaking winner.
Our main character is lovable and flawed and glorious. Second chancessss and second guessingggg and all of the feels oh my gosh! I was hooked from the first page. I can’t believe this is a debut novel. It so good. ITS SO GOOD!
Why are you still here? Go get the book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was probably my favorite read of 2022. Wow. Way to come out with a debut like a freaking winner.
Our main character is lovable and flawed and glorious. Second chancessss and second guessingggg and all of the feels oh my gosh! I was hooked from the first page. I can’t believe this is a debut novel. It so good. ITS SO GOOD!
Why are you still here? Go get the book!
November 26, 2022
I'm not sure I quite have my thoughts together. I tried to take notes- I failed. But I did post several times during the reading of this book with some of my favorite quotes and chapters.
In any case, I will come out and say it- this is one of the best debut indie novels I've read.
This book, without a doubt in my mind, is a 5-star book and I will be buying more to give them away for Christmas 😂 or soon after cause I'm poor.
This book deals with some heavy topics including pregnancy loss and infertility, but Hernandez does it so beautifully and in such an impactful way - I cried. I cried so many times. And often asked myself, "is this...is this mommy issues?" Lol
I saw myself in Jax in so many ways it hurt; I suffer from bipolar disorder, I ran away from home too, I came back too, I avoid avoid avoid like it's my job. It's hard looking in that mirror sometimes but I needed it.
Now, the love interests. I can only say so much without spoilers but:
Hernandez says the plot twists are not that twisty, but the emotional damage makes up for that ten fold.
I am now in desperate need of a book boyfriend to make me feel the way *insert spoiler here* made me feel. He was kind, patient, and...safe. Gentle. He is a love without conditions and if you're a fantasy fan (Read: SJM fan), he will remind you of a certain sacrificial love interest. As in. He would do whatever it was she wanted, he would help her choose what she wanted - even if it isn't him.
We love a man like that.
@pattyloo_wrote_it thank you for the gift of being of the first to get their hands on this book. Thank you for your words and your dedication to such a beautiful story. This book was a book I needed without realizing it. So, thanks for allowing me to use your book as therapy 😂
Te amo, mucho, hermana 💕
Gracias por ser un hogar al que mi alma siempre puede volver.
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️/5
In any case, I will come out and say it- this is one of the best debut indie novels I've read.
This book, without a doubt in my mind, is a 5-star book and I will be buying more to give them away for Christmas 😂 or soon after cause I'm poor.
This book deals with some heavy topics including pregnancy loss and infertility, but Hernandez does it so beautifully and in such an impactful way - I cried. I cried so many times. And often asked myself, "is this...is this mommy issues?" Lol
I saw myself in Jax in so many ways it hurt; I suffer from bipolar disorder, I ran away from home too, I came back too, I avoid avoid avoid like it's my job. It's hard looking in that mirror sometimes but I needed it.
Now, the love interests. I can only say so much without spoilers but:
Hernandez says the plot twists are not that twisty, but the emotional damage makes up for that ten fold.
I am now in desperate need of a book boyfriend to make me feel the way *insert spoiler here* made me feel. He was kind, patient, and...safe. Gentle. He is a love without conditions and if you're a fantasy fan (Read: SJM fan), he will remind you of a certain sacrificial love interest. As in. He would do whatever it was she wanted, he would help her choose what she wanted - even if it isn't him.
We love a man like that.
@pattyloo_wrote_it thank you for the gift of being of the first to get their hands on this book. Thank you for your words and your dedication to such a beautiful story. This book was a book I needed without realizing it. So, thanks for allowing me to use your book as therapy 😂
Te amo, mucho, hermana 💕
Gracias por ser un hogar al que mi alma siempre puede volver.
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️/5
April 1, 2023
Loved. It.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
First off, bravo to Hernandez for creating a character with such a strong voice. Five pages in, and I knew I wanted to hunker down with my new book bestie, Jax. What a strong, raw, and real character. She has a ton of crap thrown her way the moment she turns twenty-seven, and let me tell you, she handles it like a freaking photographer for Rolling Stone, even though for a good portion of the book, she isn’t actually working. That’s not the point. The point is how close I felt to Jax the entire book, she let us in her head, and it’s all because Hernandez is a gifted writer. Period.
Besides the badass main character, who you’ll root for even when you want to shake her sometimes, the two men who occupy much of Jax’s heart and mind in this story— oh my goodness, what a lovely love triangle indeed, and by lovely I mean deliciously dramatic and page-turning.
The story also explores topics many women in their late twenties encounter and dives into how Jax manages some very real news that ultimately changes her entire future.
If you’re looking for a strong female MC, even stronger friendships, and your next book boyfriend, this book is for you.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
First off, bravo to Hernandez for creating a character with such a strong voice. Five pages in, and I knew I wanted to hunker down with my new book bestie, Jax. What a strong, raw, and real character. She has a ton of crap thrown her way the moment she turns twenty-seven, and let me tell you, she handles it like a freaking photographer for Rolling Stone, even though for a good portion of the book, she isn’t actually working. That’s not the point. The point is how close I felt to Jax the entire book, she let us in her head, and it’s all because Hernandez is a gifted writer. Period.
Besides the badass main character, who you’ll root for even when you want to shake her sometimes, the two men who occupy much of Jax’s heart and mind in this story— oh my goodness, what a lovely love triangle indeed, and by lovely I mean deliciously dramatic and page-turning.
The story also explores topics many women in their late twenties encounter and dives into how Jax manages some very real news that ultimately changes her entire future.
If you’re looking for a strong female MC, even stronger friendships, and your next book boyfriend, this book is for you.
August 10, 2023
🎸 📸 r e v i e w 📸 🎸
so we're just gonna put this book in my top 5 for the year because why not?! (jk it was absolute perfection, that is why.)
I got this from Patty a while ago and this package from her included this cup, this book and the best part? The book was annotated by Patty herself!!!
Jax goes THROUGH IT in this book y'all. It's a 365 day look into her life as she struggles with her past trauma, her familial heartbreak, her broken heart and her lack of emotional intelligence growing up.
I was 100% in halfway through and then about 60% in I started to shift my mindset and see things differently and what I loved about this is Patty wrote this book so intricately and so beautifully that I went on a journey while Jax went through hers. I felt so involved in this book like I was in this story, and the full circle moments that came from this book were incredible.
Patty left no stone unturned and you can see, feel and read the passion and dedication she put into this book. This is arguably the best debut novel I’ve ever read and I cannot wait to devour more from her 😭😭🥹🥹♥️♥️
so we're just gonna put this book in my top 5 for the year because why not?! (jk it was absolute perfection, that is why.)
I got this from Patty a while ago and this package from her included this cup, this book and the best part? The book was annotated by Patty herself!!!
Jax goes THROUGH IT in this book y'all. It's a 365 day look into her life as she struggles with her past trauma, her familial heartbreak, her broken heart and her lack of emotional intelligence growing up.
I was 100% in halfway through and then about 60% in I started to shift my mindset and see things differently and what I loved about this is Patty wrote this book so intricately and so beautifully that I went on a journey while Jax went through hers. I felt so involved in this book like I was in this story, and the full circle moments that came from this book were incredible.
Patty left no stone unturned and you can see, feel and read the passion and dedication she put into this book. This is arguably the best debut novel I’ve ever read and I cannot wait to devour more from her 😭😭🥹🥹♥️♥️
March 25, 2025
“Maybe I’m wrong, but on some level, you must know, you’re taking decisions away from him just like this decision was taken from you.”
Oh Jax, I love you a lot. This story follows Jax through her 27th year, from birthday to birthday as she navigates the aftermath of a life altering event. Jax is sarcastic and emotionally closed off, she’s strong willed, unwaveringly independent, and likes to run away from her problems. I get her on a deeply personal level 😂 But that’s what makes her a great FMC. Twenty-Seven has got bands, travel, second chances, a hot veterinarian, British boys, & a fish named Prince Henry. All the best things.
I can’t believe this is a debut novel! Patti had a way with words & she absolutely smashed it with her choice of narrator for the audiobook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
‘No one wants the truth. Not about this kind of thing. It’s sad and dark and uncomfortable, so for everyone’s sake - we lie and pretend we’re ok.’
This book does deal with some pretty serious themes including infertility. Please read carefully 🖤
February 12, 2023
Where do I begin with this one? Twenty-Seven is a stunning debut from an author who has fully planted herself on my auto-buy, auto-recommend list. Hernandez beautifully and poignantly illustrates Jaxon's journey through trauma, grief, heartbreak, love and loss.
This book had me laughing, it had me crying and it had me hooked through each and every word. Hernandez writes with an almost lyrical or poetic quality, and it lends perfectly to the story readers are moving through. We're given a wonderful, unique, cast of characters who show us all different facets of what it means to love someone for who they are, and what it means to love who you want someone to be.
If you're looking for a character driven story about what it means it suddenly be in a life you don't necessarily recognize, one maybe you didn't ask for, all the while learning how to love yourself, your choices and your decisions, and to find forgiveness - Twenty-Seven is for you.
This book had me laughing, it had me crying and it had me hooked through each and every word. Hernandez writes with an almost lyrical or poetic quality, and it lends perfectly to the story readers are moving through. We're given a wonderful, unique, cast of characters who show us all different facets of what it means to love someone for who they are, and what it means to love who you want someone to be.
If you're looking for a character driven story about what it means it suddenly be in a life you don't necessarily recognize, one maybe you didn't ask for, all the while learning how to love yourself, your choices and your decisions, and to find forgiveness - Twenty-Seven is for you.
December 11, 2022
For me this book was very raw and healing. I related to it in a lot of ways I don’t relate to other books. I was crying before I hit page 20 and just kept tearing up until the end. The balance of feelings and humor to me was perfect. The integration of mental health support was another great layer, I was 27 when I had my son and went to Therapy for the first time and ever since then I have been an advocate for normalizing it.
On a lighter note - this may be the only non spicy non fantasy book I’ve given 5 stars to this year. I didn’t miss the spice in the story telling. I was so lost in Jax’s world and I loved it.
This is easily a book I will add to my recommendation list. It needs to be read and experienced. Check your trigger warning, grab some hot chocolate, curl up in a comfy robe or blanket, and stock up on some tissues.
Overall:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No 🌶️
On a lighter note - this may be the only non spicy non fantasy book I’ve given 5 stars to this year. I didn’t miss the spice in the story telling. I was so lost in Jax’s world and I loved it.
This is easily a book I will add to my recommendation list. It needs to be read and experienced. Check your trigger warning, grab some hot chocolate, curl up in a comfy robe or blanket, and stock up on some tissues.
Overall:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No 🌶️
December 21, 2022
I wasn't ready for this to end!
An accident right before her twenty-seventh birthday changes Jax's life in a way she wasn't expecting and forces her to face some hard truths about herself and her life. She struggles, but over the course of the year, everything is made clear to her, from her relationships with lovers to her relationships with friends and family.
Jax's story was an emotional one, and it drew me in completely. Look, at times I wanted to shake her and be like "what are you doing?!" but more often than not I just felt for her. I adored her friendship/relationship with one of her love interests. It was complicated but also beautiful and made me smile. I also teared up at some parts, but that's to be expected with a story containing some truly heart-wrenching moments.
A fantastic story, one I will definitely read again.
An accident right before her twenty-seventh birthday changes Jax's life in a way she wasn't expecting and forces her to face some hard truths about herself and her life. She struggles, but over the course of the year, everything is made clear to her, from her relationships with lovers to her relationships with friends and family.
Jax's story was an emotional one, and it drew me in completely. Look, at times I wanted to shake her and be like "what are you doing?!" but more often than not I just felt for her. I adored her friendship/relationship with one of her love interests. It was complicated but also beautiful and made me smile. I also teared up at some parts, but that's to be expected with a story containing some truly heart-wrenching moments.
A fantastic story, one I will definitely read again.
February 13, 2023
Emotional and addictive! I couldn't put it down!
I absolutely loved reading this book! It spoke to me in a way I can't even describe in words. It was raw and emotional. Jax's story shows what it's like to have all these scars, trauma, depression, etc. Jax is not one to express her feelings , instead she runs away from them and the people she's close to. But an accident leaves her unable to run away and into a journey of rediscovery and healing. The writing is absolutely superb! I couldn't put this book down and found myself laughing (Jax is a spit fire), and crying quite a bit. Such a beautiful book about healing, accepting yourself for who you are, and finding true love! Highly recommend!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book! It spoke to me in a way I can't even describe in words. It was raw and emotional. Jax's story shows what it's like to have all these scars, trauma, depression, etc. Jax is not one to express her feelings , instead she runs away from them and the people she's close to. But an accident leaves her unable to run away and into a journey of rediscovery and healing. The writing is absolutely superb! I couldn't put this book down and found myself laughing (Jax is a spit fire), and crying quite a bit. Such a beautiful book about healing, accepting yourself for who you are, and finding true love! Highly recommend!!!
March 25, 2023
Good Lord. This was so good. I might have a thing for likable, broken, sassy, sarcastic characters. And Jax is all of those things. And maybe I saw a bit of myself in her, though she's actually probably braver than I am.
This book had all the things. Trauma, healing, swoony boys, life lessons, heart hurts, deep love, deep loss, deep soul-work. It was also hilarious as hell and so real. I loved Jax. I loved Carter Freaking Summers. I loved Finnley Hendricks. I loved their stories, their depth, their heartbreak. And I loved seeing this world and getting Jax's realizations with her.
This was one of those books that will sit with me for a while and make me feel things. Thanks for wrecking me in the best ways, Patty. Keep it up.
This book had all the things. Trauma, healing, swoony boys, life lessons, heart hurts, deep love, deep loss, deep soul-work. It was also hilarious as hell and so real. I loved Jax. I loved Carter Freaking Summers. I loved Finnley Hendricks. I loved their stories, their depth, their heartbreak. And I loved seeing this world and getting Jax's realizations with her.
This was one of those books that will sit with me for a while and make me feel things. Thanks for wrecking me in the best ways, Patty. Keep it up.
March 25, 2025
🩵 SWFILT made me fall in love with Patty’s writing, and 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 just confirmed and heightened that love. Patty is a beautiful writer and I’m begging you to go read this now. Also her chapter titles are perfection.
🩵 Jax is such a relatably flawed FMC. She makes choices that are sometimes selfish and that hurt other people but she’s trying and she’s learning
🩵 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 is the story of one year in Jax’s life, going from 27 to 28. I totally love this concept and Patty did an amazing job of going through the big and small events of a person’s life
🩵 As a fun fact, Jax’s birthday is March 15th, the ides of March
🩵 I’ll tell you who my fave new book bf is once you’ve read the book 😉
🩵 Jax is such a relatably flawed FMC. She makes choices that are sometimes selfish and that hurt other people but she’s trying and she’s learning
🩵 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 is the story of one year in Jax’s life, going from 27 to 28. I totally love this concept and Patty did an amazing job of going through the big and small events of a person’s life
🩵 As a fun fact, Jax’s birthday is March 15th, the ides of March
🩵 I’ll tell you who my fave new book bf is once you’ve read the book 😉
January 31, 2023
In a way, we are all Jax.
This story is messy, and beautiful, and inspiring. It touches on some important topics we can all relate to. It’s about screwing up and making amends, growing up and choosing yourself, love and family and sadness and loss, and everything in between!
There were many times I was frustrated with the main character — she’s imperfect and dramatic, as humans are, but she learns and grows and figures shit out, as humans do.
Also, I’m completely in love with Finn Hendricks. Sorry not sorry. #BookBoyfriend.
The epilogue made me smile so big! What’s a satisfying ending to a whirlwind story.
3.5 (rock) stars!
This story is messy, and beautiful, and inspiring. It touches on some important topics we can all relate to. It’s about screwing up and making amends, growing up and choosing yourself, love and family and sadness and loss, and everything in between!
There were many times I was frustrated with the main character — she’s imperfect and dramatic, as humans are, but she learns and grows and figures shit out, as humans do.
Also, I’m completely in love with Finn Hendricks. Sorry not sorry. #BookBoyfriend.
The epilogue made me smile so big! What’s a satisfying ending to a whirlwind story.
3.5 (rock) stars!
February 1, 2023
This book is a solid 3.5 stars for me (rounded up to 4). It’s about love, loss, healing, reconciliation, and learning to love yourself. Also? Cue “Seasons of Love” because all of this happens within the course of a year.
The protagonist is infuriating but relatable, there’s a hot veterinarian and an even hotter rockstar, and the side characters are *chef’s kiss*. You won’t always understand Jax’s decisions, but you’ll root for her to get her HEA anyway. Plus, you’ll wish Black Heart Sunday was a real band 🖤
I would recommend for anyone who likes love stories, messy characters, British rock stars, second chance romance, love triangles, and characters who experience a lot of growth.
The protagonist is infuriating but relatable, there’s a hot veterinarian and an even hotter rockstar, and the side characters are *chef’s kiss*. You won’t always understand Jax’s decisions, but you’ll root for her to get her HEA anyway. Plus, you’ll wish Black Heart Sunday was a real band 🖤
I would recommend for anyone who likes love stories, messy characters, British rock stars, second chance romance, love triangles, and characters who experience a lot of growth.
November 8, 2022
This is such a great book! I stayed up to finish it the night I got it! I laughed and cried, and most definitely related to a couple of the characters. This is a book I highly recommend. If you start it and find it's not for you, I'm sure you know people that would love it as much as I did, and it would make a great gift for them, but you should definitely give it a chance before going that route.
November 11, 2022
Twenty-Seven is an easy to read, easy to follow book that will have you tangled up in its pages within the first couple of chapters. The characters are so amazing, especially that hometown boy. My gosh, the story seems so real which makes it an easy read because it’s something you can actually relate to. Twenty-seven will hold a place in my heart and will be added to my book collection for my daughters to enjoy when they are older.
November 6, 2022
Not traditionally my cup of java, but as I read I became quickly invested in the characters, their nuances, and their journeys. A well laid out plot line lends itself to an ochestraed story that pulls the reader in and let's you love in the highs and lows of Jax's year of life...how much can you live, vicariously in 365 days...find out for yourself..
March 4, 2023
emotional highs and lows
I received a copy in a promotion and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is about identity and working out what matters in life. How our choices affect others. It is a romance but although important does not dominate the book. Well written. A lot of swearing. Good cast of characters, mostly supportive, some irritating. An engrossing read.
I received a copy in a promotion and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is about identity and working out what matters in life. How our choices affect others. It is a romance but although important does not dominate the book. Well written. A lot of swearing. Good cast of characters, mostly supportive, some irritating. An engrossing read.
April 30, 2023
It reads like poetry
Such a powerful female protagonist. I loved following her journey.
There are several heavy topics in this book, all of which were well written; making it hard not to resonate with on some level, regardless of whether or not you’ve been through the same things personally.
It reads like poetry, and I want to do it again.
Such a powerful female protagonist. I loved following her journey.
There are several heavy topics in this book, all of which were well written; making it hard not to resonate with on some level, regardless of whether or not you’ve been through the same things personally.
It reads like poetry, and I want to do it again.
November 16, 2024
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Especially how the heroine had to fix herself. The relationships were secondary, and although compelling, the real love was her falling into her own. The writing was beautiful, captivating, and I truly couldn’t put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews