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Heartlanders #3
Things I Wrote About
Their story started over ten years ago but nothing brings out plot holes and character flaws like being stuck together on a private island for a week…
Sadie Canton writes America’s favorite romance novels. She’s created one hit happy ending after another, all while avoiding her own painful cliffhanger.
But she can’t avoid him anymore.
Her sister’s wedding is forcing her to face her demons, her secrets and most of all her best friend turned bitter enemy, Shep Riggs.
The boy she knew is gone and the man before her is angry, arrogant, competitive, and hot as the Caribbean sun bearing down on them. Sadie planned for this. It’s time to be the hero of her own story, face her past and close that chapter of her life for good.
She’s ready for her villain and his jabs, his smirk, even his eightpack.
What she’s not ready for is Shep’s side of the story, and he’s determined to tell it — rough, unedited, and nowhere near The End.
Sadie Canton writes America’s favorite romance novels. She’s created one hit happy ending after another, all while avoiding her own painful cliffhanger.
But she can’t avoid him anymore.
Her sister’s wedding is forcing her to face her demons, her secrets and most of all her best friend turned bitter enemy, Shep Riggs.
The boy she knew is gone and the man before her is angry, arrogant, competitive, and hot as the Caribbean sun bearing down on them. Sadie planned for this. It’s time to be the hero of her own story, face her past and close that chapter of her life for good.
She’s ready for her villain and his jabs, his smirk, even his eightpack.
What she’s not ready for is Shep’s side of the story, and he’s determined to tell it — rough, unedited, and nowhere near The End.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
221 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Humphreys
12 books239 followers“If you don’t laugh out loud or get choked up, I’ve failed.” After tens of millions of video views, comedian Kelsey Humphreys has captured her hilarious, heart-warming characters in book form. Her steamy stories dig into deep truths about love, identity, purpose and family. When she’s not writing romance or creating comedy videos, she is reading, running, mom-ming and wife-ing in Oklahoma. She also writes fantasy romance under the pen name Kay Humphreys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
March 28, 2023
4.5 🌟.
I haven’t been this engrossed in a book for a long while. It was un-put-downable and I loved it.
This is a angsty second chance romance spanning a 16 years or so. And it was done realistically and written absolutely fantastically.
I loved Sadie. She was strong and did stumble a little in middle because of grief and other things but the main thing was she realised it and got up back again stronger than ever. I admire her for that.
Shep Riggs simultaneously touched my heart and made me wanna kick his butt.
I absolutely enjoyed the way Sadie behaved when they met again. That’s how I always wanted heroines to behave when they see their exes again.
My heart broke when I read their innocent shared dreams and hopes knowing nothing will go as they planned. This book isn’t just about Sadie and Shep’s romance but also about familial bonds, self growth, acceptance, achievement and healing.
Shep does have some swoony moves and I believe that they will be together for forever now. But I didn’t like one of his revelations in the last which is a spoiler. That’s why I didn’t give this 5🌟.
Overall a must read romance.
Recommended.
Safety- Both of them dated other people during separation.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven’t been this engrossed in a book for a long while. It was un-put-downable and I loved it.
This is a angsty second chance romance spanning a 16 years or so. And it was done realistically and written absolutely fantastically.
I loved Sadie. She was strong and did stumble a little in middle because of grief and other things but the main thing was she realised it and got up back again stronger than ever. I admire her for that.
Shep Riggs simultaneously touched my heart and made me wanna kick his butt.
I absolutely enjoyed the way Sadie behaved when they met again. That’s how I always wanted heroines to behave when they see their exes again.
My heart broke when I read their innocent shared dreams and hopes knowing nothing will go as they planned. This book isn’t just about Sadie and Shep’s romance but also about familial bonds, self growth, acceptance, achievement and healing.
Shep does have some swoony moves and I believe that they will be together for forever now. But I didn’t like one of his revelations in the last which is a spoiler. That’s why I didn’t give this 5🌟.
Overall a must read romance.
Recommended.
Safety- Both of them dated other people during separation.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2023
“Bambi.” He pulls my face in closer to his. “I feel like I’ve just been lost and alone, wandering. Let me come home.” His sobs break through his whole body. “Let me come home.”
This is the first book I read which is written by this author and though the blurb managed to catch my attention, I did not expect much from the book but it took me by surprise! The writing style was easy to get into and so very engaging. Also, Sadie's sisters were amazing and seemed to have their own unique personalities. I loved their dynamics and I grew attached to all the characters so fast. Sadie & Shep's story had my full attention and I was immersed in it. Their story was so interesting and although at times I was furious over some instances that happened in their past, I still loved the banter between them and and the chemistry was without a doubt, very sizzling! I had a great time reading this book and I would definitely continue this series! (Because there are more books coming soon 👀)
I was provided with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley
This is the first book I read which is written by this author and though the blurb managed to catch my attention, I did not expect much from the book but it took me by surprise! The writing style was easy to get into and so very engaging. Also, Sadie's sisters were amazing and seemed to have their own unique personalities. I loved their dynamics and I grew attached to all the characters so fast. Sadie & Shep's story had my full attention and I was immersed in it. Their story was so interesting and although at times I was furious over some instances that happened in their past, I still loved the banter between them and and the chemistry was without a doubt, very sizzling! I had a great time reading this book and I would definitely continue this series! (Because there are more books coming soon 👀)
I was provided with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Netgalley
February 5, 2023
This book is going to stick with me for so long… so heartbreakingly romantic!!! I started this book midday and then could not put it down. Even though I had to wake up early the next morning, I stayed up until 1:30am finishing this book—that’s how spectacular it is!
Nothing could compare to my excitement when I got “Things I Wrote About” in my hands. Kelsey Humphreys has secured her place in my heart when it comes to her books! She hit it out of the ball park yet again! Humphreys has one of the best writing styles out there. Everybody needs to discover the Heartlanders companion series! I feel like Sam with all of my exclamation points, but that's how great this series is!!!!
I SO appreciated how dense the book was. A plot like this needs so much meat to it and Humphreys gave exactly that. The amount of times my heart dropped down to my toes as well as having my feet kicked up giggling was giving me emotional whiplash. The chapter structure was absolute perfection.
I just have so many feelings about this book and so little ways to explain them without spoilers, so here are the bullet points:
- 10/10 writing. Kelsey Humphrey’s is a hidden gem
- Sisterly dynamic is still reigning top tier
- Second chance romance done at its best
- SO MANY EMOTIONS (be prepared to laugh, cry, scream, and hold your breath)
- Length was perfect. I love a long, fleshed out book!
I just have no words at the moment for how much I loved reading this. Basically this book could not have been written any better and I cannot wait (!!!) for the next one in the series!
Thank you so much for Netgalley and Victory Editing for the arc of this book!
Nothing could compare to my excitement when I got “Things I Wrote About” in my hands. Kelsey Humphreys has secured her place in my heart when it comes to her books! She hit it out of the ball park yet again! Humphreys has one of the best writing styles out there. Everybody needs to discover the Heartlanders companion series! I feel like Sam with all of my exclamation points, but that's how great this series is!!!!
I SO appreciated how dense the book was. A plot like this needs so much meat to it and Humphreys gave exactly that. The amount of times my heart dropped down to my toes as well as having my feet kicked up giggling was giving me emotional whiplash. The chapter structure was absolute perfection.
I just have so many feelings about this book and so little ways to explain them without spoilers, so here are the bullet points:
- 10/10 writing. Kelsey Humphrey’s is a hidden gem
- Sisterly dynamic is still reigning top tier
- Second chance romance done at its best
- SO MANY EMOTIONS (be prepared to laugh, cry, scream, and hold your breath)
- Length was perfect. I love a long, fleshed out book!
I just have no words at the moment for how much I loved reading this. Basically this book could not have been written any better and I cannot wait (!!!) for the next one in the series!
Thank you so much for Netgalley and Victory Editing for the arc of this book!
February 23, 2023
Friends to lovers to enemies back to sort of friends then lovers again!!!
This was so amazing, I was completely consumed by it. We went on a straight up journey with Sadie and Shep!
Favorite thing about this book has to be the detail of both Sadie and Shep’s lives. From meeting as teenagers, through college, and into their adult lives. The different timelines and perspectives were so well done, it set the ending up perfectly!
The Canton sisters are becoming my all time favorite sisters, and that cliffhanger during the epilogue was not nice, but I cannot wait to read Sally and Susan’s stories.
TW: Substance Abuse, Grief (loss of parent)
Thank you Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts are my own.
This was so amazing, I was completely consumed by it. We went on a straight up journey with Sadie and Shep!
Favorite thing about this book has to be the detail of both Sadie and Shep’s lives. From meeting as teenagers, through college, and into their adult lives. The different timelines and perspectives were so well done, it set the ending up perfectly!
The Canton sisters are becoming my all time favorite sisters, and that cliffhanger during the epilogue was not nice, but I cannot wait to read Sally and Susan’s stories.
TW: Substance Abuse, Grief (loss of parent)
Thank you Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts are my own.
February 20, 2023
3/5 stars! I have said it before and I'll say it again. I love a good second-chance romance. This book definitely fits in this genre. I enjoyed the book and Shep and Sadie's chemistry was great. However, this book deals with a lot of heavy topics that I wasn't prepared for and kind of took me out of the story. They were important and I appreciated them, but it felt like they were dropped into the story which I didn't like. But a quick contemporary romance.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 30, 2023
4.5💫
Okay, first, I need this book to get more recognition. Marketing gods, work your magic STAT! *snaps fingers* Pls and thank you. (Just kidding..mostly)
Second, it's past 3am and I basically read it in one sitting, I really loved and flew through it, so more coherent thoughts to come.
Third, this is probably one of the best second chance RomComs (do we even call it romcom?) I have ever read. It's not just the story, which is really original, heartbreaking yet healing and fullfilling (spanning, what, 16 years?*clutches heart*), but the characters, the depth of their emotions, the complexity, vitality and overall realness of their hearts and stories were so well flashed out, believable and relatable. It was so easy to be swept away into it all and root for Sadie and Shep!💞💔🥹
Writing?? Chef's kiss. This is quality writing, so see point 1.
And 4, this would actually make a good movie (also, see point 1).
*thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc!
Okay, first, I need this book to get more recognition. Marketing gods, work your magic STAT! *snaps fingers* Pls and thank you. (Just kidding..mostly)
Second, it's past 3am and I basically read it in one sitting, I really loved and flew through it, so more coherent thoughts to come.
Third, this is probably one of the best second chance RomComs (do we even call it romcom?) I have ever read. It's not just the story, which is really original, heartbreaking yet healing and fullfilling (spanning, what, 16 years?*clutches heart*), but the characters, the depth of their emotions, the complexity, vitality and overall realness of their hearts and stories were so well flashed out, believable and relatable. It was so easy to be swept away into it all and root for Sadie and Shep!💞💔🥹
Writing?? Chef's kiss. This is quality writing, so see point 1.
And 4, this would actually make a good movie (also, see point 1).
*thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc!
March 23, 2023
the dedication: for the sensitive ones… who experience massive emotions and have found the courage to face and feel each one. And for Sarra.
FMC: Sadie – a daughter of the well-known Canton family who has been in love with her best friend since the day she met him but it was never their time together. One thing leads to another and Sadie becomes a published and celebrated author who gets screen rights for most of her romance novels which are typically centered around the man she is currently dating. Has she ever gotten over Shep? Will she ever be able to move on with someone else?
MMC: Shep- a football prodigy turned sports agent who had his heart broken by the girl he’s loved since high school. In his eyes, she left without a trace and moved on quickly into another relationship that looked like the life they were supposed to live together. Now he’s going to be forced to spend time with her on an island for the wedding of his best friend and her sister… what could go wrong?
POV: 1st person, dual POV
HEA: yes I guess but with a cliffhanger
spice: steamy but fade-to-black/closed-door
TWs: alcoholism, drug abuse, casual alcoholism, OW drama, death of parent, emotional abuse, physical abuse, child loss (not FMC), stalker
standalone: no, this is book 3 in the Heartlanders Series and the characters all make reappearances throughout
final thoughts: I didn’t love this book and I felt that it glorified abuse and alcoholism. There were great things sprinkled throughout but ultimately it took me so long to read since I couldn’t find myself interested in either of the MCs. I felt like they both made some excuses for each other that they shouldn’t and I was honestly disappointed in Sadie’s decisions… that’s just my opinion though! Read the book for yourself to make your own decisions
read this book if you love
2️⃣ 2nd chance romance
🤜 friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
💞 childhood crush
🏝️ forced proximity (destination wedding)
😬 angst
🤐 miscommunication
🏫 high school sweethearts
🥰 nicknames
🔙 flashback timeline
FMC: Sadie – a daughter of the well-known Canton family who has been in love with her best friend since the day she met him but it was never their time together. One thing leads to another and Sadie becomes a published and celebrated author who gets screen rights for most of her romance novels which are typically centered around the man she is currently dating. Has she ever gotten over Shep? Will she ever be able to move on with someone else?
MMC: Shep- a football prodigy turned sports agent who had his heart broken by the girl he’s loved since high school. In his eyes, she left without a trace and moved on quickly into another relationship that looked like the life they were supposed to live together. Now he’s going to be forced to spend time with her on an island for the wedding of his best friend and her sister… what could go wrong?
POV: 1st person, dual POV
HEA: yes I guess but with a cliffhanger
spice: steamy but fade-to-black/closed-door
TWs: alcoholism, drug abuse, casual alcoholism, OW drama, death of parent, emotional abuse, physical abuse, child loss (not FMC), stalker
standalone: no, this is book 3 in the Heartlanders Series and the characters all make reappearances throughout
final thoughts: I didn’t love this book and I felt that it glorified abuse and alcoholism. There were great things sprinkled throughout but ultimately it took me so long to read since I couldn’t find myself interested in either of the MCs. I felt like they both made some excuses for each other that they shouldn’t and I was honestly disappointed in Sadie’s decisions… that’s just my opinion though! Read the book for yourself to make your own decisions
read this book if you love
2️⃣ 2nd chance romance
🤜 friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
💞 childhood crush
🏝️ forced proximity (destination wedding)
😬 angst
🤐 miscommunication
🏫 high school sweethearts
🥰 nicknames
🔙 flashback timeline
May 25, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!!
Just when I thought that there’s no way Kelsey Humphreys can top her last two books, she whips out this winner that firmly cements itself in my heart. WOW! Dare I say it, but Sadie Canton is officially my new favourite Canton sister and Things I Wrote About is easily one of my favourite books of the year
In this third installment of the Heartlanders series, we are introduced to Sadie Canton- the most famous of the five Canton sisters- who is known for her writing (books and screenplays). We peeked into Sadie’s life through Skye and Samantha’s eyes in Book 1 and 2 (which, if you haven’t read, you should!) but nothing prepared me for the emotions I would feel reading this book.
This book has so many tropes, it’s simultaneously insane and somehow all comes together in a magical way. Humphreys uses a dual timeline and dual POV to tell the story of Sadie and Shep Riggs. How is it that two people who are so drawn to each other, can resist each other with as much force as they do? Once upon a time, Sadie and Shep believed they were soulmates. Currently, they’re sworn enemies After being forced to be members of the bridal party for Sadie’s sister (bride) and Shep’s best friend (groom), the two have clear, unresolved tensions that threaten to ruin the very well-planned wedding week.
We’re told of their past lives, marred by tragedy, substance abuse, emotionally abusive relationships and insecurities that tore them apart despite the magnetic force constantly pulling them together. The more context we’re given from their past, the more we feel for them and understand the various emotions in the present.
What I love about this book is that Kelsey did exactly what she is so good at doing; she took the reader on a journey into the mind of a character that had you feeling EVERY emotion they felt, and made the character so relatable. I lol’d, I cried, I got that pit feeling in my stomach, I swooned, I screamed into my pillow. Personally, a sign that I enjoyed a book is when it tugs my heartstrings the way this one did. Most importantly, I felt that sense of being lost once I finished this book; a good sign, because that’s how I feel once I put down my favourite books. This is definitely one of them. HIGHLY recommend
Just when I thought that there’s no way Kelsey Humphreys can top her last two books, she whips out this winner that firmly cements itself in my heart. WOW! Dare I say it, but Sadie Canton is officially my new favourite Canton sister and Things I Wrote About is easily one of my favourite books of the year
In this third installment of the Heartlanders series, we are introduced to Sadie Canton- the most famous of the five Canton sisters- who is known for her writing (books and screenplays). We peeked into Sadie’s life through Skye and Samantha’s eyes in Book 1 and 2 (which, if you haven’t read, you should!) but nothing prepared me for the emotions I would feel reading this book.
This book has so many tropes, it’s simultaneously insane and somehow all comes together in a magical way. Humphreys uses a dual timeline and dual POV to tell the story of Sadie and Shep Riggs. How is it that two people who are so drawn to each other, can resist each other with as much force as they do? Once upon a time, Sadie and Shep believed they were soulmates. Currently, they’re sworn enemies After being forced to be members of the bridal party for Sadie’s sister (bride) and Shep’s best friend (groom), the two have clear, unresolved tensions that threaten to ruin the very well-planned wedding week.
We’re told of their past lives, marred by tragedy, substance abuse, emotionally abusive relationships and insecurities that tore them apart despite the magnetic force constantly pulling them together. The more context we’re given from their past, the more we feel for them and understand the various emotions in the present.
What I love about this book is that Kelsey did exactly what she is so good at doing; she took the reader on a journey into the mind of a character that had you feeling EVERY emotion they felt, and made the character so relatable. I lol’d, I cried, I got that pit feeling in my stomach, I swooned, I screamed into my pillow. Personally, a sign that I enjoyed a book is when it tugs my heartstrings the way this one did. Most importantly, I felt that sense of being lost once I finished this book; a good sign, because that’s how I feel once I put down my favourite books. This is definitely one of them. HIGHLY recommend
February 3, 2023
Sadie and Shep have a complicated relationship. They are meant to be together but life keeps pulling them apart.
This was a quick second chance romance with lots of heavy subjects. The chapters go back and forth from past to present to really paint the picture of Sadie and Shep’s long journey to love. It also touches upon overcome loss and addiction. You find yourself rooting for the couple as they come together and separate more than a few times. Sadie’s family were a fun bunch to read about as well. I did want some more from the couple though. I needed way more groveling from Shep. But all in all, a good read.
-second chance
-wedding setting
-big family
-check TW
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC. This was an honest review.
This was a quick second chance romance with lots of heavy subjects. The chapters go back and forth from past to present to really paint the picture of Sadie and Shep’s long journey to love. It also touches upon overcome loss and addiction. You find yourself rooting for the couple as they come together and separate more than a few times. Sadie’s family were a fun bunch to read about as well. I did want some more from the couple though. I needed way more groveling from Shep. But all in all, a good read.
-second chance
-wedding setting
-big family
-check TW
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC. This was an honest review.
February 18, 2023
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
Tropes:
second chance 💋
friends to lovers 🧸
enemies to lovers 🔪
forced proximity 🏝️
This was such a good second chance romance! 💋
It’s the third book in the Heartlanders series and it followed Sadie and Shep. Their friendship in the beginning was so cute!
This story was easy to read. You also have flashbacks from the past, dual pov and timelines.
The ending was heartbreaking but I can’t wait to read the fourth book!
Thank you to Book sirens and the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
second chance 💋
friends to lovers 🧸
enemies to lovers 🔪
forced proximity 🏝️
This was such a good second chance romance! 💋
It’s the third book in the Heartlanders series and it followed Sadie and Shep. Their friendship in the beginning was so cute!
This story was easy to read. You also have flashbacks from the past, dual pov and timelines.
The ending was heartbreaking but I can’t wait to read the fourth book!
Thank you to Book sirens and the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
Things I Wrote About tells the story of a romance author and her childhood sweetheart meeting again at a wedding later on in life. I really enjoyed how the book was constructed - telling the story of Sadie and Shep's relationship both in the present and in the past, and how their lives developed beyond this.
Sadie and Shep were both characters, who both had their fair share of struggles. These were depicted with tact but unflinching realism. This I believe, was the highlight of the book for me - watching two characters separately fall down a rabbit hole and pull themselves out again.
I do feel like the ending was too rushed; plot points come out of nowhere in the last few pages and then are quickly brushed over to get to the end when it felt like there should have been more time dwelt on them.
Also, how many billionaires can there be in one book? It felt like every character in this story was unreasonably rich for no apparent reason other than to put the character in fancy scenarios.
Nevertheless, this was a good, light read. Perfect for a holiday or beach read.
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc in exchange for a review.
Sadie and Shep were both characters, who both had their fair share of struggles. These were depicted with tact but unflinching realism. This I believe, was the highlight of the book for me - watching two characters separately fall down a rabbit hole and pull themselves out again.
I do feel like the ending was too rushed; plot points come out of nowhere in the last few pages and then are quickly brushed over to get to the end when it felt like there should have been more time dwelt on them.
Also, how many billionaires can there be in one book? It felt like every character in this story was unreasonably rich for no apparent reason other than to put the character in fancy scenarios.
Nevertheless, this was a good, light read. Perfect for a holiday or beach read.
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc in exchange for a review.
April 1, 2023
Best one yet. ❤️ If you were ever in love as a teenager or have the one that got away… you will love this book.
February 8, 2023
A second chance romance, told non-chronologically. Sadie is a romance novelist traveling to her sister's destination wedding. One of the groomsmen is her ex-boyfriend and childhood sweetheart, Shep. To say that there's animosity between them would be understating it.
I very much enjoyed the flashback/non-chronological structure of the book. You got a sense of who Sadie is while also seeing what led her to become that person. I also liked that Sadie's sobriety is a big part of the book. And I also appreciated that Shep legit dislikes Sadie. He's antagonistic and totally flawed.
What I wanted changed in the book is the pacing. For so much of the book, Shep is antagonizing and rude to Sadie. Then all of a sudden, even though he hasn't been particularly nice to her, they reconcile. He reveals some sad info about his background and that's used as justification for his behavior. But he was still awful to Sadie for a long time! And he never really took ownership or made amends for his actions; him still loving Sadie is supposed to erase all of his prior bad acts. This didn't resonate with me, and h got to the end feeling like Shep hadn't earned Sadie's love, nor could I rely on him not hurting Sadie again. This feels like it could be fixed by a scene or two added with Shep processes his actions and makes better amends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I very much enjoyed the flashback/non-chronological structure of the book. You got a sense of who Sadie is while also seeing what led her to become that person. I also liked that Sadie's sobriety is a big part of the book. And I also appreciated that Shep legit dislikes Sadie. He's antagonistic and totally flawed.
What I wanted changed in the book is the pacing. For so much of the book, Shep is antagonizing and rude to Sadie. Then all of a sudden, even though he hasn't been particularly nice to her, they reconcile. He reveals some sad info about his background and that's used as justification for his behavior. But he was still awful to Sadie for a long time! And he never really took ownership or made amends for his actions; him still loving Sadie is supposed to erase all of his prior bad acts. This didn't resonate with me, and h got to the end feeling like Shep hadn't earned Sadie's love, nor could I rely on him not hurting Sadie again. This feels like it could be fixed by a scene or two added with Shep processes his actions and makes better amends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2023
3.5 rating. A successful author is confronted with some hard truths and painful memories with her ex-boyfriend at a destination wedding.
Sadie Canton is a successful author in the romance genre. Her dreams and hopes didn't lead her in a direction she always wanted but she did find her own way despite the pain. Now she is finally in a physically and mentally healthy place in her life, she just had to survive being at a destination wedding for her sister while two of her exes are in the wedding party.
Sadie first met Shep Riggs when she was a young teen. He was two years older and teased her incessantly. Over their teen years she crushed on him from afar and he lived a big loud life full of parties, other girls, and football. Then Shep became Sadie's best friend, when she opened up her home and her family to him. All that changed in one evening when he asked her to be his, but even at age 16, Sadie knew he wasn't ready for her yet. Both heartbroken, they parted ways again only to find each other years later when Sadie went to college. When things got messy between them, Sadie took her overly emotional self and ran away to New York City. There Sadie fell in love, and even got engaged a few times over the years. But her addictive personality led her down a dark path of drug and alcohol abuse until she made the hard decision to get sober.
Now it's been a decade since they broke up and a few run-ins over the years that splintered their once close relationship. With Sadie's sister and Shep's best friend getting married, the two knew they would be forced to see each other again and be civil. For Sadie, she just wanted to be friendly and not cause a scene. For Shep, he carries the anger and the hate for what happened between them still. Things are hurtful and awkward until both realize they need to have a big, difficult conversation that will potentially lead them to some place of closure. But is it too late to try again?
Dual POV (kind of), second chance first love, a little spicy.
This story was a tough one for me. The heartbreak between these two MCs is deep and palpable. Shep is not my flavor of MMC. He is loud, arrogant, and kind of mean in a teasing way. When I was starting this book I was kind of hoping Shep would not be the one for her. Sadie is a hot mess. She is just not a great person. She uses the men she dates and has an unhealthy pattern in her relationships. The miscommunication between these two is taken to an almost ridiculous level. For people being as close as they were supposed to be, they hurt each other in callous ways. Sadie's poor and impulsive choices** hurt many people around her. The story is set in a series of flashbacks that were a little confusing and distracted from the main story. I had zero interest reading her falling in love with other men in her past. It felt like I was just distracted from the main plot over and over again. I could have used fewer flashbacks that didn't involve Shep and more current moments with them happy. The drama at the end felt unnecessary. Overall, the pain these two inflicted on each other far outweighed the happy. The ending was sweet and the epilogue was charming. Also this book ended with a huge teaser for the next book in the series. So if you don't care for that cliff hanger like experience wait until the next book has been released. (June 2023)
**Trigger Warnings from the author:
"While this book is a fun, hilarious romance, it does deal with the death of a loved one and the grip of addiction. At the time of this writing, I am over eight years sober. I would like to give mad props to everyone who comes face-to-face with the substances they are trying to avoid, within their healthier outlets for escape. Television, movies, and books all feature alcohol seemingly constantly—content warnings not required. If you are newly sober, you are a warrior and a champion. You’re amazing, and I’m so proud of you. However, parts of this book may be difficult for you. Kelsey"
Sadie Canton is a successful author in the romance genre. Her dreams and hopes didn't lead her in a direction she always wanted but she did find her own way despite the pain. Now she is finally in a physically and mentally healthy place in her life, she just had to survive being at a destination wedding for her sister while two of her exes are in the wedding party.
Sadie first met Shep Riggs when she was a young teen. He was two years older and teased her incessantly. Over their teen years she crushed on him from afar and he lived a big loud life full of parties, other girls, and football. Then Shep became Sadie's best friend, when she opened up her home and her family to him. All that changed in one evening when he asked her to be his, but even at age 16, Sadie knew he wasn't ready for her yet. Both heartbroken, they parted ways again only to find each other years later when Sadie went to college. When things got messy between them, Sadie took her overly emotional self and ran away to New York City. There Sadie fell in love, and even got engaged a few times over the years. But her addictive personality led her down a dark path of drug and alcohol abuse until she made the hard decision to get sober.
Now it's been a decade since they broke up and a few run-ins over the years that splintered their once close relationship. With Sadie's sister and Shep's best friend getting married, the two knew they would be forced to see each other again and be civil. For Sadie, she just wanted to be friendly and not cause a scene. For Shep, he carries the anger and the hate for what happened between them still. Things are hurtful and awkward until both realize they need to have a big, difficult conversation that will potentially lead them to some place of closure. But is it too late to try again?
Dual POV (kind of), second chance first love, a little spicy.
This story was a tough one for me. The heartbreak between these two MCs is deep and palpable. Shep is not my flavor of MMC. He is loud, arrogant, and kind of mean in a teasing way. When I was starting this book I was kind of hoping Shep would not be the one for her. Sadie is a hot mess. She is just not a great person. She uses the men she dates and has an unhealthy pattern in her relationships. The miscommunication between these two is taken to an almost ridiculous level. For people being as close as they were supposed to be, they hurt each other in callous ways. Sadie's poor and impulsive choices** hurt many people around her. The story is set in a series of flashbacks that were a little confusing and distracted from the main story. I had zero interest reading her falling in love with other men in her past. It felt like I was just distracted from the main plot over and over again. I could have used fewer flashbacks that didn't involve Shep and more current moments with them happy. The drama at the end felt unnecessary. Overall, the pain these two inflicted on each other far outweighed the happy. The ending was sweet and the epilogue was charming. Also this book ended with a huge teaser for the next book in the series. So if you don't care for that cliff hanger like experience wait until the next book has been released. (June 2023)
**Trigger Warnings from the author:
"While this book is a fun, hilarious romance, it does deal with the death of a loved one and the grip of addiction. At the time of this writing, I am over eight years sober. I would like to give mad props to everyone who comes face-to-face with the substances they are trying to avoid, within their healthier outlets for escape. Television, movies, and books all feature alcohol seemingly constantly—content warnings not required. If you are newly sober, you are a warrior and a champion. You’re amazing, and I’m so proud of you. However, parts of this book may be difficult for you. Kelsey"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2023
How did this book manage to make my heart fall in love with every part of it and shatter it to pieces at the same time! I … words have fully escaped me. This book was SPECTACLUAR, what in the world was that?! What is this sorcery Kelsey Humphreys !
The writing style of this was polished to perfection. The way it has been structured, the alternating timelines, & the emotions complexity and realism, not a single mistake. This was not only about drawing out the storyline; this was revolving around the characters themselves. Becoming familiar with them, discovering the depth in their personalities, being moved by their raw emotions, & seeing parts of ourselves in them.
This was about love, heartaches, growing up, feeling lost, devastation, healing, owing up to your actions, loss, family, I can keep going on & on. I loved that this one was different from the others in this series. More focused on us knowing the backstory & how we reached to this point we are at through alternating between past & present. A 16 year journey. The author knew exactly what was needed to give justice to Sadie’s story. Personally, best one yet
Meeting Sadie & Shep back in school & seeing how it all started from square one, gave it more substance & genuity. Your first crush. Your first love. Your first heartbreak. It does leave a mark regardless. The we are just friends phase, the awkwardness, the teasing, the growing up, the tip toeing around their feelings, the years passing, the buried emotions accumulation, & the big heartache. I was taken on a heartwarming yet heartbreaking journey through all this. I laughed. Swooned. Fell in love. Sad cried. Heartbroken cried. Happy cried. This made me cry so many times, it was literally publicly embarrassing (to the guy who saw me at the food court, again, I am sorry).
I related to Sadie a lot with being “the Vault”. Holding all to yourself. Being strong. Showing you are okay all the time. The fixer. Shep, I wanted to punch him, slap some sense into him, and then hug him so tight. How desperately he needed her words. Needed her rooting for him. Needed her to be that voice in his head to slay his demons.
Honest to god, my heart broke every time Shep and Sadie came together. The remarks they said to each other only to hurt one another! I always believe that pride is a bi*** and ego is our downfall. (Charity gala, destroyed me). Part of me was screaming, talk to each other, save yourself the years of heartache, but they both needed to go through all this on their own to grow.
Again, the sister’s messages conversations make another debut in this book and as always, they were spectacularly funny. Star of the show. I devoured them like my last meal ever. The wood chopping scene, hilarious. The pool incident (bottom getting sucked), never knew this is a possible hazardous. Beware ladies. Susan’s labor, teared me up badly. And my favorite, the sister’s intervention. A smack down masterpiece.
Also, finally got to see what Sam’s mantra was, OMG. Never in a million years would I have guessed it. Calling dibs on it!
My investment & love for the Canton sisters deepens with every book that comes out. I don’t want to even think about the day when we have to say farewell to them. I am in complete denial that such day will ever come. I dunno, Ms. Kes needs to find a way to keep it going, maybe long-lost half-sisters magically showing at their doorstep, anything please!
Everyone needs to be on the Heartlanders wagon. I can’t not accept that!
The writing style of this was polished to perfection. The way it has been structured, the alternating timelines, & the emotions complexity and realism, not a single mistake. This was not only about drawing out the storyline; this was revolving around the characters themselves. Becoming familiar with them, discovering the depth in their personalities, being moved by their raw emotions, & seeing parts of ourselves in them.
This was about love, heartaches, growing up, feeling lost, devastation, healing, owing up to your actions, loss, family, I can keep going on & on. I loved that this one was different from the others in this series. More focused on us knowing the backstory & how we reached to this point we are at through alternating between past & present. A 16 year journey. The author knew exactly what was needed to give justice to Sadie’s story. Personally, best one yet
Meeting Sadie & Shep back in school & seeing how it all started from square one, gave it more substance & genuity. Your first crush. Your first love. Your first heartbreak. It does leave a mark regardless. The we are just friends phase, the awkwardness, the teasing, the growing up, the tip toeing around their feelings, the years passing, the buried emotions accumulation, & the big heartache. I was taken on a heartwarming yet heartbreaking journey through all this. I laughed. Swooned. Fell in love. Sad cried. Heartbroken cried. Happy cried. This made me cry so many times, it was literally publicly embarrassing (to the guy who saw me at the food court, again, I am sorry).
I related to Sadie a lot with being “the Vault”. Holding all to yourself. Being strong. Showing you are okay all the time. The fixer. Shep, I wanted to punch him, slap some sense into him, and then hug him so tight. How desperately he needed her words. Needed her rooting for him. Needed her to be that voice in his head to slay his demons.
Honest to god, my heart broke every time Shep and Sadie came together. The remarks they said to each other only to hurt one another! I always believe that pride is a bi*** and ego is our downfall. (Charity gala, destroyed me). Part of me was screaming, talk to each other, save yourself the years of heartache, but they both needed to go through all this on their own to grow.
Again, the sister’s messages conversations make another debut in this book and as always, they were spectacularly funny. Star of the show. I devoured them like my last meal ever. The wood chopping scene, hilarious. The pool incident (bottom getting sucked), never knew this is a possible hazardous. Beware ladies. Susan’s labor, teared me up badly. And my favorite, the sister’s intervention. A smack down masterpiece.
Also, finally got to see what Sam’s mantra was, OMG. Never in a million years would I have guessed it. Calling dibs on it!
My investment & love for the Canton sisters deepens with every book that comes out. I don’t want to even think about the day when we have to say farewell to them. I am in complete denial that such day will ever come. I dunno, Ms. Kes needs to find a way to keep it going, maybe long-lost half-sisters magically showing at their doorstep, anything please!
Everyone needs to be on the Heartlanders wagon. I can’t not accept that!
June 4, 2023
✨REVIEW “what I wrote about”: this book is about all the tropes I enjoy the most
✨sport romance
✨friends to lovers
✨enemies to lovers
✨second chance
There is this song ( mentioned in the book) “what hurts the most” by Rascal Flatts that best describes the contents and moods of the book : about almost being together but never quite being there, walking away even though loving that person …. He was the boy coming from a small town and was believed to be the next NEFL superstar, she was the daughter of a well known family that had the dream to go to New York and become a famous actress/ singer/screenplayer…. He noticed her since she was too young to be together, but was always there to keep an eye on her as he always believed she was his …. And when he thought the time was right, and he was ready to be a good man for her , she was the one who thought it wasn’t a good time to be together, as he had all the right to enjoy his years in college and to keep his focus on the game …. But when the time came and they both thought the time was right, they gave themselves a try, waiting to go to New York together to follow their dreams , but life happened again and they both realised it wasn’t their time, yet! He was at the point he needed someone less driven and less intense … “she needed someone stable and solid to be there when she fell apart”…but after 10 years they have the chance to meet again and admit that “not being together is harder than all the things to face together”…..
✨I decided to read this book because in some reviews I read that it was kind of heartbreaking, and it was in some parts especially when it deal with their addiction struggles and hitting rock bottom, you can really feel their pain not being able to cope or refusing to cope at all sometimes maybe because feeling numb meant not to feel at all…but luckily the story is not too focused on that which made their situations still reversible on both sides…What I really can say though, is that it was an incredibly gripping story and I just couldn’t put it down , I read it in a day ,looking forward to them finding their HEA… it’s really well written and I really do suggest it if you love all the tropes mentioned before … a 4.5⭐️
✨sport romance
✨friends to lovers
✨enemies to lovers
✨second chance
There is this song ( mentioned in the book) “what hurts the most” by Rascal Flatts that best describes the contents and moods of the book : about almost being together but never quite being there, walking away even though loving that person …. He was the boy coming from a small town and was believed to be the next NEFL superstar, she was the daughter of a well known family that had the dream to go to New York and become a famous actress/ singer/screenplayer…. He noticed her since she was too young to be together, but was always there to keep an eye on her as he always believed she was his …. And when he thought the time was right, and he was ready to be a good man for her , she was the one who thought it wasn’t a good time to be together, as he had all the right to enjoy his years in college and to keep his focus on the game …. But when the time came and they both thought the time was right, they gave themselves a try, waiting to go to New York together to follow their dreams , but life happened again and they both realised it wasn’t their time, yet! He was at the point he needed someone less driven and less intense … “she needed someone stable and solid to be there when she fell apart”…but after 10 years they have the chance to meet again and admit that “not being together is harder than all the things to face together”…..
✨I decided to read this book because in some reviews I read that it was kind of heartbreaking, and it was in some parts especially when it deal with their addiction struggles and hitting rock bottom, you can really feel their pain not being able to cope or refusing to cope at all sometimes maybe because feeling numb meant not to feel at all…but luckily the story is not too focused on that which made their situations still reversible on both sides…What I really can say though, is that it was an incredibly gripping story and I just couldn’t put it down , I read it in a day ,looking forward to them finding their HEA… it’s really well written and I really do suggest it if you love all the tropes mentioned before … a 4.5⭐️
February 26, 2023
The last person that romance author Sadie wants to be stuck with on a relaxing island is her old enemy Shep Riggs. But alas she has no choice seeing as Shep is friends with her sisters soon to be groom and this is their wedding weekend. Fully determined to meet any and all nasty barbs with sharp ones of her own Sadie is not going to hide anymore even if Shep is flaunting his six pack like this is some photoshoot. What Sadie did not expect was for Shep to be so determined to tell his side of the story… could this be the start to a new chapter for Sadie and Shep or the closing of their book?
..
Wow this was one emotional read! Keep those tissues handy because Sadie and Shep are sure to have you tearing up more than a few times! I loved that we got to see their story right from the start through the flash backs and then as things were happening currently.
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I will say there were moments that I felt that Shep was a bit to mean to Sadie but he had his reasons for doing this even if this could have been avoided. I have to say I really liked Sadie, not only was she fun and easy to follow but I loved that she was a romance author trying to find her own happily ever after.
..
For the most part this book was about growing up and having to deal with past issues that still haunt the present. I think even though these two have always loved each other their time has always been pretty sucky. This only made seeing them come together now all the more beautiful. However even now their relationship had a pretty bumpy road.
..
Things I Wrote About is a definite must read, this emotionally beautiful book will have you laughing, crying and rooting this couple on to finally finding their true happily ever after.
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Wow this was one emotional read! Keep those tissues handy because Sadie and Shep are sure to have you tearing up more than a few times! I loved that we got to see their story right from the start through the flash backs and then as things were happening currently.
..
I will say there were moments that I felt that Shep was a bit to mean to Sadie but he had his reasons for doing this even if this could have been avoided. I have to say I really liked Sadie, not only was she fun and easy to follow but I loved that she was a romance author trying to find her own happily ever after.
..
For the most part this book was about growing up and having to deal with past issues that still haunt the present. I think even though these two have always loved each other their time has always been pretty sucky. This only made seeing them come together now all the more beautiful. However even now their relationship had a pretty bumpy road.
..
Things I Wrote About is a definite must read, this emotionally beautiful book will have you laughing, crying and rooting this couple on to finally finding their true happily ever after.
March 15, 2023
Sadieeeee — I knew she would be my favorite sister! She was real, raw, emotional on all levels. She struggled with real life feelings, situations, substances and circumstances. She allowed herself to be a human being and not some perfect, people-pleaser.
This was such a heartbreaking, yet feel-good, laugh out loud, get choked up rom-com! I felt these emotions in my soul. Kelsey Humphreys does a good job in all of her books allowing the reader to feel what she’s putting down on paper.
This book flipped back and forth between past and present day, which I always enjoy. We even got some dual POV chapters and I loooove hearing from the male character’s perspective.
With that being said. I have never everrrrr loved a male character this much, while simultaneously wanting to punch him in the face!!! If these two had just talked to each other, maybe they could have saved 10 years of hurt, heartbreak and straight up torture. But also — I think both of them going through what they went through (alone), definitely helped them grow and mature. They realized after nearly a decade how much they still loved, wanted, and needed each other. But whew — gettin’ there was a hot mess! My heart is so happy for them though. I really hope to see more of them in future books.
I know there will be future books (or at least hope so) because that epilogue was by far my least favorite of the entire series. It left us hanging and did not give any closure. And I want/need/love closure that epilogues typically provide.
I’ll be waiting, Kels. Looking out for Sally and Susan’s love stories. Please deliver sooner than later because I just finished this book and I’m already having Canton sister withdrawals.
This was such a heartbreaking, yet feel-good, laugh out loud, get choked up rom-com! I felt these emotions in my soul. Kelsey Humphreys does a good job in all of her books allowing the reader to feel what she’s putting down on paper.
This book flipped back and forth between past and present day, which I always enjoy. We even got some dual POV chapters and I loooove hearing from the male character’s perspective.
With that being said. I have never everrrrr loved a male character this much, while simultaneously wanting to punch him in the face!!! If these two had just talked to each other, maybe they could have saved 10 years of hurt, heartbreak and straight up torture. But also — I think both of them going through what they went through (alone), definitely helped them grow and mature. They realized after nearly a decade how much they still loved, wanted, and needed each other. But whew — gettin’ there was a hot mess! My heart is so happy for them though. I really hope to see more of them in future books.
I know there will be future books (or at least hope so) because that epilogue was by far my least favorite of the entire series. It left us hanging and did not give any closure. And I want/need/love closure that epilogues typically provide.
I’ll be waiting, Kels. Looking out for Sally and Susan’s love stories. Please deliver sooner than later because I just finished this book and I’m already having Canton sister withdrawals.
February 1, 2023
If you're like me and you live for romance tropes, this book is for you! There were so many tropes to love including:
-Second Chance romance
-High School and College sweethearts
-Friends to Lovers
-Enemies to Lovers
-Sports Romance (He played football)
- Forced Proximity (They are trapped on an island together for her sister's wedding!)
- A romance told through flashbacks (going from their high school days up until the present)
-Some steaminess!!
'Things I Wrote About' is the next book in The Heartlanders series by Kelsey Humphreys. Sadie and Shep have known each other since they were in high school. She had a crush on him, and then, they became friends. As their friendship progressed, so did feelings for both of them. They could never find the right timing to be together, and they haven't spoken their breakup.
Now, as they come together on a remote island for her sister's wedding, Sadie and Shep are forced to confront their past and come to terms with their future. They hate each other, but do they really? Is there more behind their hate? As Sadie and Shep begin to talk, they both realize that there was more to the other's side of the story. The real question is: are they willing to listen to each other and try to move on?
There was so much in this book to love, and it was filled with unexpecting plot twists. I laughed out loud, but I also cried through many parts of the book. There were so parts of the book that handled heavy topics, but it was very well done.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series! Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC of this amazing book.
-Second Chance romance
-High School and College sweethearts
-Friends to Lovers
-Enemies to Lovers
-Sports Romance (He played football)
- Forced Proximity (They are trapped on an island together for her sister's wedding!)
- A romance told through flashbacks (going from their high school days up until the present)
-Some steaminess!!
'Things I Wrote About' is the next book in The Heartlanders series by Kelsey Humphreys. Sadie and Shep have known each other since they were in high school. She had a crush on him, and then, they became friends. As their friendship progressed, so did feelings for both of them. They could never find the right timing to be together, and they haven't spoken their breakup.
Now, as they come together on a remote island for her sister's wedding, Sadie and Shep are forced to confront their past and come to terms with their future. They hate each other, but do they really? Is there more behind their hate? As Sadie and Shep begin to talk, they both realize that there was more to the other's side of the story. The real question is: are they willing to listen to each other and try to move on?
There was so much in this book to love, and it was filled with unexpecting plot twists. I laughed out loud, but I also cried through many parts of the book. There were so parts of the book that handled heavy topics, but it was very well done.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series! Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an ARC of this amazing book.
February 20, 2023
I am absolutely loving everything I’m reading from Kelsey Humphreys - I’ve read her whole Heartlanders series (except the prequel about the parents, yet), and these books are amazing! If you haven’t read her books yet, you are totally missing out!!
Book three, Things I Wrote About follows second oldest sister Sadie Canton, the famous author in the family who runs a greeting card empire. We meet her in her younger sister’s books, but we don’t actually know anything about her… we learn so very much about her and her whole life story this time, and all of her heartbreak. This is a second chance romance for all time.
There are trigger warnings at the start that definitely need to be noted - as they are a huge part of Sadie’s story, and deal with substance abuse, and this book also really goes into the loss of their mother to a drunk driver.
Sadie’s story is told during Samantha and Emerson’s destination wedding celebrations, where her ex fiancé, and also her first love are both groomsmen (they’re all Emerson’s friends). It’s bringing back huge feelings. This story is told mostly in flashbacks, which is normally a plot device I can’t stand, but Humphreys actually did it in such a way that I loved it and it was truly the only way that this story could be told.
This book made me cry - books rarely get me overly emotional, and the ones that are too heavy don’t generally keep me invested, but this one, this one was … chef’s kiss! I 1000% recommend it for everybody, but you must read the other 2 books first, for the character background!
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, NetGalley and Magnamour, and this is my honest feedback.
Book three, Things I Wrote About follows second oldest sister Sadie Canton, the famous author in the family who runs a greeting card empire. We meet her in her younger sister’s books, but we don’t actually know anything about her… we learn so very much about her and her whole life story this time, and all of her heartbreak. This is a second chance romance for all time.
There are trigger warnings at the start that definitely need to be noted - as they are a huge part of Sadie’s story, and deal with substance abuse, and this book also really goes into the loss of their mother to a drunk driver.
Sadie’s story is told during Samantha and Emerson’s destination wedding celebrations, where her ex fiancé, and also her first love are both groomsmen (they’re all Emerson’s friends). It’s bringing back huge feelings. This story is told mostly in flashbacks, which is normally a plot device I can’t stand, but Humphreys actually did it in such a way that I loved it and it was truly the only way that this story could be told.
This book made me cry - books rarely get me overly emotional, and the ones that are too heavy don’t generally keep me invested, but this one, this one was … chef’s kiss! I 1000% recommend it for everybody, but you must read the other 2 books first, for the character background!
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, NetGalley and Magnamour, and this is my honest feedback.
February 8, 2023
An angsty second chance romance, the third in the Heartlanders series and my favorite out of the three so far!
Sadie seems to be the most interesting of the Canton sisters, being the most successful and yet the most mysterious, just silently observing along the sidelines. I was excited to finally read her story and with my preferred trope at that. Here, the story follows her and Shep's history through almost two decades, from the time she was introduced to him trying to sneak into a party to their young romance, then from their time apart to their journey back together.
This book was also the most serious and proved to be with the most depth out of the ones released. The insights on grief and addiction, and the consequent guilt and regret that came with it, were a surprise considering that the previous books were considerably lighter and more comedic in tone.
I definitely felt the pull between Sadie and Shep and found their nicknames for each other and inside jokes endearing and hilarious. I was just rooting for both of them. However, I had issues with Shep's character being not just angry or bitter, but downright mean towards Sadie.
Finally, while I love myself some muted romances, I also appreciate grand gestures and Kelsey Humphreys writes the sweetest of them. She can write some pretty heartwarming and tear-inducing post-third act break-up reunions. A truly enjoyable and satisfying ending!
Grateful to Magnamour, BookSirens, and the author for my early copy of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
Sadie seems to be the most interesting of the Canton sisters, being the most successful and yet the most mysterious, just silently observing along the sidelines. I was excited to finally read her story and with my preferred trope at that. Here, the story follows her and Shep's history through almost two decades, from the time she was introduced to him trying to sneak into a party to their young romance, then from their time apart to their journey back together.
This book was also the most serious and proved to be with the most depth out of the ones released. The insights on grief and addiction, and the consequent guilt and regret that came with it, were a surprise considering that the previous books were considerably lighter and more comedic in tone.
I definitely felt the pull between Sadie and Shep and found their nicknames for each other and inside jokes endearing and hilarious. I was just rooting for both of them. However, I had issues with Shep's character being not just angry or bitter, but downright mean towards Sadie.
Finally, while I love myself some muted romances, I also appreciate grand gestures and Kelsey Humphreys writes the sweetest of them. She can write some pretty heartwarming and tear-inducing post-third act break-up reunions. A truly enjoyable and satisfying ending!
Grateful to Magnamour, BookSirens, and the author for my early copy of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
February 22, 2023
Things I Wrote About is the third book in the Heartlanders series about the Canton sisters. This book focuses on Sadie, the romance writer. We learn about her history with a couple of different men, who both happen to be stuck with her on an island for a week as they all celebrate the wedding of her sister Sam (who we read about in book 2, Things I Overshared). In learning about Sadie, we go back and forth from present to various times in her past. Will she be able to keep it together, for the sake of her sister, or will her love life come to an explosive, scene-stealing head?
I jumped at the chance to read this one, because I adored Sam and Emerson's story in Overshared. This one was good, but a bit more intense and heavier than I expected after book 2. Humphreys writes what she knows, being an addict herself, so this felt like a good, very real, look at addiction, grief, and the intersection of the two. The author is also fairly religious, and as someone who is not at all, I appreciate that, while there is mention of church and God, it is not all encompassing and uncomfortable to read. There is still swearing and light spice, and I can respect the religious aspect because I don't feel like she's using it to proselytize; the book is not about religion, but religion is a part of the characters.
I did enjoy this story, but since it was a bit melancholy, I probably won't read it again until I do it as part of a series re-read when all the sisters' stories have been published.
*I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I jumped at the chance to read this one, because I adored Sam and Emerson's story in Overshared. This one was good, but a bit more intense and heavier than I expected after book 2. Humphreys writes what she knows, being an addict herself, so this felt like a good, very real, look at addiction, grief, and the intersection of the two. The author is also fairly religious, and as someone who is not at all, I appreciate that, while there is mention of church and God, it is not all encompassing and uncomfortable to read. There is still swearing and light spice, and I can respect the religious aspect because I don't feel like she's using it to proselytize; the book is not about religion, but religion is a part of the characters.
I did enjoy this story, but since it was a bit melancholy, I probably won't read it again until I do it as part of a series re-read when all the sisters' stories have been published.
*I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2025
I very much loved this book... mostly. There was a great emotional connection, but the time gap was annoying to me. That's where it seemed to drag on too much. Overall, though, this was definitely a tear jerker for me.
First, though, if 97+% of the book take place in the past (all but the last chapter, really), do we really need to have the entire book as a flashback? Wouldn't it be easier to have it take place at the resort, and all the past stuff in flashbacks? I'm curious as to the thought process on that one. It just didn't make sense to me.
I loved the emotional connection between our characters. I was totally sniffling throughout a good portion of the book. Even knowing that there was going to be a breakup, I still didn't want to see it happen.
I was not so happy about the time where they were apart, though. This is also where it seemed to drag on for me. I am not a fan of huge time gaps, and this one was a big one. I just felt icky reading about Dennis and all the guys that she got within that timeframe, too. I know that she shouldn't mope around, pining for the rest of her life, but I didn't feel much with those guys. Ultimately, she didn't, either, apparently.
I was hoping for slightly more than "he pulled his head out of his ass and went after her" for them to get back together. I 100% agree that they needed to talk, but it just felt like it was random, out of nowhere.
I will keep going with this series. While they are light on spice, they do have the emotions.
First, though, if 97+% of the book take place in the past (all but the last chapter, really), do we really need to have the entire book as a flashback? Wouldn't it be easier to have it take place at the resort, and all the past stuff in flashbacks? I'm curious as to the thought process on that one. It just didn't make sense to me.
I loved the emotional connection between our characters. I was totally sniffling throughout a good portion of the book. Even knowing that there was going to be a breakup, I still didn't want to see it happen.
I was not so happy about the time where they were apart, though. This is also where it seemed to drag on for me. I am not a fan of huge time gaps, and this one was a big one. I just felt icky reading about Dennis and all the guys that she got within that timeframe, too. I know that she shouldn't mope around, pining for the rest of her life, but I didn't feel much with those guys. Ultimately, she didn't, either, apparently.
I was hoping for slightly more than "he pulled his head out of his ass and went after her" for them to get back together. I 100% agree that they needed to talk, but it just felt like it was random, out of nowhere.
I will keep going with this series. While they are light on spice, they do have the emotions.
June 25, 2024
I wish I would have read the excerpt carefully before I picked this one up. There is a reason why I hate second chance trope where the story pans out for a decade or more. If you couldn't make it work in the last two decades, I hardly think it would work out now and this book is kind of a perfect sample of my point. Shep and Sadie's relationship was toxic and unrealistic, especially because Shep is horrible ( I would love to describe via bullet points for all the reasons why but it would kinda give away the whole book plot, that's how many times he was a jerk). I truly couldn't find any redeeming quality in him. Kelsey Humphreys is a great writer and amazing at weaving stories, which is the true reason I was able to stick with this book till the end, hoping against hope that Shep would have a good reason for not coming after Sadie 10 years ago but when you find out why, really it only gets worse. My heart broke for Sadie in every single scene that was written in the past flashback which was 90% of the book. Only the last few chapters were in present and their reunion felt so rushed and it made no sense for them to get married within a month of getting back together!
Well, do I regret reading this book? A little bit, mostly I enjoyed glimpses of my favorite couple Sam and Emerson, so there's that. Will I continue to read this series, absolutely, because I love Canton sisters and their group chats.
Well, do I regret reading this book? A little bit, mostly I enjoyed glimpses of my favorite couple Sam and Emerson, so there's that. Will I continue to read this series, absolutely, because I love Canton sisters and their group chats.
November 15, 2025
I wish I would have read the excerpt carefully before I picked this one up. There is a reason why I hate second chance trope where the story pans out for a decade or more. If you couldn't make it work in the last two decades, I hardly think it would work out now and this book is kind of a perfect sample of my point. Shep and Sadie's relationship was toxic and unrealistic, especially because Shep is horrible ( I would love to describe via bullet points for all the reasons why but it would kinda give away the whole book plot, that's how many times he was a jerk). I truly couldn't find any redeeming quality in him. Kelsey Humphreys is a great writer and amazing at weaving stories, which is the true reason I was able to stick with this book till the end, hoping against hope that Shep would have a good reason for not coming after Sadie 10 years ago but when you find out why, really it only gets worse. My heart broke for Sadie in every single scene that was written in the past flashback which was 90% of the book. Only the last few chapters were in present and their reunion felt so rushed and it made no sense for them to get married within a month of getting back together!
Well, do I regret reading this book? A little bit, mostly I enjoyed glimpses of my favorite couple Sam and Emerson, so there's that. Will I continue to read this series, absolutely, because I love Canton sisters and their group chats.
Well, do I regret reading this book? A little bit, mostly I enjoyed glimpses of my favorite couple Sam and Emerson, so there's that. Will I continue to read this series, absolutely, because I love Canton sisters and their group chats.
January 28, 2023
I love the Canton sisters! This one is now my new favourite! And it deserves so much love!!
Things I Wrote About follows Sadie, a hotshot author who is full of big emotions but keeps them carefully locked inside, and her childhood love Shep, the towns loveable football star with a troubled family life.
Their story is told through flashbacks from their childhood, to more recently - a certain sisters wedding!!!!!! (Multiple exclamation marks most definitely needed) - while we slowly piece together their relationship over the years.
First of all, be prepared to not put this book down, you are going to stay up all night!
Secondly, grab the tissues because you’re going to cry. Angry tears, sad tears, happy tears. Just all the crying. But the really good kind, I promise! (So worth it!)
These characters are real, and wonderfully imperfect. They suck you in, and make you feel like you are right there with them. Sadie & Shep’s story will live on in my mind forever. Especially when I hear a certain song (or two) mentioned in this book that just fit them so SO perfectly (seriously that trailer! 😭)
Kelsey - thank you for this beautiful, amazing book, but also we need the whole Sadie / Shep soundtrack please!!!
And everyone else - please, you need to go read this book!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Things I Wrote About follows Sadie, a hotshot author who is full of big emotions but keeps them carefully locked inside, and her childhood love Shep, the towns loveable football star with a troubled family life.
Their story is told through flashbacks from their childhood, to more recently - a certain sisters wedding!!!!!! (Multiple exclamation marks most definitely needed) - while we slowly piece together their relationship over the years.
First of all, be prepared to not put this book down, you are going to stay up all night!
Secondly, grab the tissues because you’re going to cry. Angry tears, sad tears, happy tears. Just all the crying. But the really good kind, I promise! (So worth it!)
These characters are real, and wonderfully imperfect. They suck you in, and make you feel like you are right there with them. Sadie & Shep’s story will live on in my mind forever. Especially when I hear a certain song (or two) mentioned in this book that just fit them so SO perfectly (seriously that trailer! 😭)
Kelsey - thank you for this beautiful, amazing book, but also we need the whole Sadie / Shep soundtrack please!!!
And everyone else - please, you need to go read this book!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2023
This book. THIS BOOK! Touchdown! 5 stars! If I could give it 10 stars I would. This book destroyed me in the most wonderful way. Such an ADORABLE sweet love story that made me FEEEL the feels. I cried. A lot. I cried through the beginning of the story. Then I cried at the end of the story. I cried in the shower, in the car, on the couch. I love this book.
This is the story of Sadie, another Canton sister. Timeline wise it picks up where Sam’s story leaves off in Book 2 (Things I Over Shared). So for this reason it should be read in order, but they are stand alones focusing on different Canton sisters.
Sadie Canton is a famous author. We know that from book 1. She writes romance and is so successful at it she has even landed movie deals. This book is told from a dual POV and dual timeline perspective. The story starts out with Sadie admitting she’s lied to all her fans, then jumps back in time to tell her story from 10 years ago, to eventually current day. This is Sadie's tragically beautiful love story.
The very last page of the book sets up the next book in the series which I absolutely can not wait for. Did I mention I loved this book? The whole series is great but this one is my favorite. Thank you thank you thank you to Book Sirens for this amazing ARC opportunity. This is my honest review of Things I Wrote About by Kelsey Humphreys.
This is the story of Sadie, another Canton sister. Timeline wise it picks up where Sam’s story leaves off in Book 2 (Things I Over Shared). So for this reason it should be read in order, but they are stand alones focusing on different Canton sisters.
Sadie Canton is a famous author. We know that from book 1. She writes romance and is so successful at it she has even landed movie deals. This book is told from a dual POV and dual timeline perspective. The story starts out with Sadie admitting she’s lied to all her fans, then jumps back in time to tell her story from 10 years ago, to eventually current day. This is Sadie's tragically beautiful love story.
The very last page of the book sets up the next book in the series which I absolutely can not wait for. Did I mention I loved this book? The whole series is great but this one is my favorite. Thank you thank you thank you to Book Sirens for this amazing ARC opportunity. This is my honest review of Things I Wrote About by Kelsey Humphreys.
February 4, 2023
Oh how I loved reading this story of young love that didn’t go smoothly, and is told in “flashback” chapters, reaching back to the beginning some 20 years ago.
Readers of the Heartlanders series will be familiar with the Canton family, and will recognise some of the characters, but the book can be read as a “standalone”.
This is Sadie Canton’s story, the second of 5 sisters, who fell in love at an early age with Shep Riggs.
He was a hero on the football field, but had an unhappy home life.
They never stopped loving each other, but were too young and immature to cope with life’s traumas, both running away from their problems, and blaming the other for their own bad decisions.
Years later, they find themselves in the bridal party for the wedding of Sadie’s sister Samantha, to Emerson, Shep’s friend, and they are forced to confront their feelings, and mistakes, of which there are many.
The author has written a heartfelt account of their love and loss, which was very emotional at times, but with some laugh out loud moments too.
I found it compelling, and read into the night to discover whether they could put the past behind them and face their future together, or not.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Readers of the Heartlanders series will be familiar with the Canton family, and will recognise some of the characters, but the book can be read as a “standalone”.
This is Sadie Canton’s story, the second of 5 sisters, who fell in love at an early age with Shep Riggs.
He was a hero on the football field, but had an unhappy home life.
They never stopped loving each other, but were too young and immature to cope with life’s traumas, both running away from their problems, and blaming the other for their own bad decisions.
Years later, they find themselves in the bridal party for the wedding of Sadie’s sister Samantha, to Emerson, Shep’s friend, and they are forced to confront their feelings, and mistakes, of which there are many.
The author has written a heartfelt account of their love and loss, which was very emotional at times, but with some laugh out loud moments too.
I found it compelling, and read into the night to discover whether they could put the past behind them and face their future together, or not.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 5, 2023
Sadie writes romance novels that all the world loves. Only problem? She can’t write her own HEA.
See, she’s been in love since she was 16 with ex-football star Shep Riggs.
Only problem with him? He drinks too much, and has demons that he can’t control.
Oh, and he’s been in love with Sadie since he was a teen, as well.
This book was so emotional I could only read it a little at a time. Through 16 years of taunts, comebacks, breakups, and addiction, these two circumnavigate one another like two warring nations.
When they are forced to spend a week together on a bridal party vacation, all the emotions that have been festering for all those years finally come to a head.
While I really loved this story there were so many times I felt that Shep was just down right mean to Sadie – and mean in a very hurtful way. I understand his motivation- and it was drawn perfectly by Ms. Humphrys. But still, it hurt to read his words and know that Sadie didn’t know the true reasoning behind them.
Thanks to Netgalley for a peek at this book, the third in this sister series, in exchange for an honest review.
I’m giving it four emotional stars.
See, she’s been in love since she was 16 with ex-football star Shep Riggs.
Only problem with him? He drinks too much, and has demons that he can’t control.
Oh, and he’s been in love with Sadie since he was a teen, as well.
This book was so emotional I could only read it a little at a time. Through 16 years of taunts, comebacks, breakups, and addiction, these two circumnavigate one another like two warring nations.
When they are forced to spend a week together on a bridal party vacation, all the emotions that have been festering for all those years finally come to a head.
While I really loved this story there were so many times I felt that Shep was just down right mean to Sadie – and mean in a very hurtful way. I understand his motivation- and it was drawn perfectly by Ms. Humphrys. But still, it hurt to read his words and know that Sadie didn’t know the true reasoning behind them.
Thanks to Netgalley for a peek at this book, the third in this sister series, in exchange for an honest review.
I’m giving it four emotional stars.
April 22, 2023
Second chance romance at its best!
Kelsey Humphreys delivers yet another splendid installment that leans toward a more emotional and serious storyline than the first two books in this wonderfully authored series. The Canton sisters are back together again – but this time faced with a much harder pill to swallow. But never fear -- along with the heavy hitters, Humphreys keeps the romance and witty, laugh-out-loud banter present as well.
Young love, first love – and they believed it would last forever. But things don't always work out the way we plan. Over a twenty-year period of time, Sadie Canton and Shep Riggs have a long and difficult journey to overcome before their second chance has even the slightest chance for a happy-ever-after. Their story is told in dual points of view with a past and present timeline.
I’m absolutely sitting on pins and needles until the youngest sister, Sally, gets her story told. The teeny-tiny tease at the end of this book certainly sent a tingle up and down my spine. And that quick peek at Nate, the bodyguard, gives me hope that he’ll be sharing the spotlight with Sally!
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