What do you think?
Rate this book
The Love You Know
Odette Carrigan is no stranger to risk in every area of her life, except one: Love. Her relationship has always been there, a source of consistency in an ever-inconsistent world. Until she meets Parker. Trapped in a marriage she no longer feels attached to, she finds herself pulling toward a man who makes her reassess her life, her relationship, and her future. As she works through the muddied waters of her feelings toward her husband, she is forced to confront her past and the loss she's kept locked away for so long. In the end, Odette is forced to make a choice between the love she wants, and the love she knows.
202 pages, Unknown Binding
Published July 1, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 26, 2022
“How do you love yourself when you don’t even know who you are, yet?”
Personal Review : ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This novel was intense and emotional, Lyons has a way with words that is raw and real. The trope of forbidden love, infidelity, and self realization! I loved that the main character was a firefighter, and got to see the personal struggles, as well as life on the job- which, I am sure is a lot to handle, alone. This novel is authentic, realistic, and powerful, as the main character travels down the road of finding herself. Thank you, @elainalyons_lsm !
Synopsis: Odette Carrigan is no stranger to risk in every area of her life, except one: Love. Her relationship has always been there, a source of consistency in an ever-inconsistent world. Until she meets Parker. Trapped in a marriage she no longer feels attached to, she finds herself pulling toward a man who makes her reassess her life, her relationship, and her future.
Personal Review : ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This novel was intense and emotional, Lyons has a way with words that is raw and real. The trope of forbidden love, infidelity, and self realization! I loved that the main character was a firefighter, and got to see the personal struggles, as well as life on the job- which, I am sure is a lot to handle, alone. This novel is authentic, realistic, and powerful, as the main character travels down the road of finding herself. Thank you, @elainalyons_lsm !
Synopsis: Odette Carrigan is no stranger to risk in every area of her life, except one: Love. Her relationship has always been there, a source of consistency in an ever-inconsistent world. Until she meets Parker. Trapped in a marriage she no longer feels attached to, she finds herself pulling toward a man who makes her reassess her life, her relationship, and her future.
February 2, 2024
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Powerful, Captivating, Emotionally Gripping
The Love You Know follows the life of Odette Carrigan as she navigates the complexities of life, love, and loss.
This book is an absolute GEM! 5 stars is simply not enough for this work of art. Elaina's writing is beautiful. I honestly was not expecting to FEEL so much while reading this. This story felt so REAL and elicited honest and raw emotions. This was the type of read that had me nodding my head in agreement, shaking my head at some of the decisions made, and wanting to highlight everything. Odette's story is believable and 100% relatable. She had some extremely tough decisions to make, and it felt as though Elaina transplanted me right into Odette's mind.
The character development is fantastic. Odette...I didn't necessarily like her and did not agree with what she was doing, but I absolutely could empathize with her situation. Her emotional struggles with Avery and Parker were not ideal, however, I can understand her feeling as though her current relationship no longer served her. I was so connected to Odette and was rooting for her to make the right decisions. Witnessing Odette work through her problems, heal and grow, was like therapy for me. When I was done reading, I had to sit with my thoughts and reflect on my own life. I loved this book and I highly recommend it
This powerful book explores some heavy topics, so it is important to check your trigger warnings.
Thank you Elaina Lyons for providing me with a physical copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Powerful, Captivating, Emotionally Gripping
The Love You Know follows the life of Odette Carrigan as she navigates the complexities of life, love, and loss.
This book is an absolute GEM! 5 stars is simply not enough for this work of art. Elaina's writing is beautiful. I honestly was not expecting to FEEL so much while reading this. This story felt so REAL and elicited honest and raw emotions. This was the type of read that had me nodding my head in agreement, shaking my head at some of the decisions made, and wanting to highlight everything. Odette's story is believable and 100% relatable. She had some extremely tough decisions to make, and it felt as though Elaina transplanted me right into Odette's mind.
The character development is fantastic. Odette...I didn't necessarily like her and did not agree with what she was doing, but I absolutely could empathize with her situation. Her emotional struggles with Avery and Parker were not ideal, however, I can understand her feeling as though her current relationship no longer served her. I was so connected to Odette and was rooting for her to make the right decisions. Witnessing Odette work through her problems, heal and grow, was like therapy for me. When I was done reading, I had to sit with my thoughts and reflect on my own life. I loved this book and I highly recommend it
This powerful book explores some heavy topics, so it is important to check your trigger warnings.
Thank you Elaina Lyons for providing me with a physical copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 7, 2023
Didn’t know I needed to read this book and yet I’m so glad I did. Elaina touched on many sensitive topics in such a beautiful way that really hit deep with me. Not only did I love following the story of Odette and her navigating her personal life in such a mature way, I also took many of her words to heart. This book was very eye opening and made me reflect on myself and contemplate what it is that I want, but more so what I truly need. I loved reading about Odette’s life and following along with her as she stood at crossroads many times throughout the book. She is such a strong, emotionally intelligent character that was not afraid to be vulnerable, but also not afraid to put herself first. Elaina crafted the idea of self reflection, infidelity, love, and loss in such a raw, breathtaking way. This was such an inspiring book, you can tell these words came straight from Elaina’s heart.
Thank you so much Elaina for a copy for review! I will cherish this book forever.
Thank you so much Elaina for a copy for review! I will cherish this book forever.
January 16, 2023
Thank you to Elaine Lyons for the free copy of this in return for an honest review.
This was a quick, but rather emotional read (for me at least)! This follows Odette while she tries to navigate her broken marriage through therapy, processing her grief of her stillborn, and even having an affair with a married man she works with. Elaine did such an amazing job capturing the struggles that marriages can have, but I think it had a very rewarding outcome as Odette works through her relationship to see what she really wants.
If you’re looking for an emotionally packed, quick read - this is for you! Like I mentioned earlier, Odette and her husband suffered their loss of their baby as a stillborn, so please keep that in mind if that might be a trigger for you.
This was a quick, but rather emotional read (for me at least)! This follows Odette while she tries to navigate her broken marriage through therapy, processing her grief of her stillborn, and even having an affair with a married man she works with. Elaine did such an amazing job capturing the struggles that marriages can have, but I think it had a very rewarding outcome as Odette works through her relationship to see what she really wants.
If you’re looking for an emotionally packed, quick read - this is for you! Like I mentioned earlier, Odette and her husband suffered their loss of their baby as a stillborn, so please keep that in mind if that might be a trigger for you.
November 12, 2023
I really enjoyed parts of this book and not so much other parts. First, I want to say it was really well written. The inner dialogue of the main character, Odette, was captivating, for sure. It was a quick read, and had many page-turning scenes. I only gave it a 3 because I did not enjoy the content of the book. It’s heavy, for sure. BUT! I would imagine it’s very relatable for many readers!
June 12, 2023
A deep story with a powerful message
I personally loved this sweet, touching story. Odette, a woman who had experienced a deep trauma in past, couldn’t overcome it, so she buried her loss deep inside. As a result, she faces multiple problems in her personal life. Her marriage is falling apart, and she tries to find escape with her lover.
This book is not for everyone as Odette’s life choices are not examplary. But I believe her story has its unique value to everyone who ever experienced the loss of a child. For me, it was deeply touching to see the woman who found her own path to healing. This book contains a very powerful message, and I believe it can help every woman with similar trauma connect and start healing.
I personally loved this sweet, touching story. Odette, a woman who had experienced a deep trauma in past, couldn’t overcome it, so she buried her loss deep inside. As a result, she faces multiple problems in her personal life. Her marriage is falling apart, and she tries to find escape with her lover.
This book is not for everyone as Odette’s life choices are not examplary. But I believe her story has its unique value to everyone who ever experienced the loss of a child. For me, it was deeply touching to see the woman who found her own path to healing. This book contains a very powerful message, and I believe it can help every woman with similar trauma connect and start healing.
December 6, 2023
I related to Odette in a lot of ways. This books stirred emotions in me about things I’d buried. I cried for her relationship with Avery. I wasn’t a fan of Parker but because I saw him as weak. A man who wanted to have his cake and eat it too.
I struggled with how badly Odette wanted it to work with him when he hesitated so much to choose her. I wanted her to want more for herself.
I hope the next book in the series focuses on her relationship with Avery and repairing or building something strong.
This was a great read and kept me full of emotions in the way you want a book to grab hold of you. I’m looking forward to book #2!
I struggled with how badly Odette wanted it to work with him when he hesitated so much to choose her. I wanted her to want more for herself.
I hope the next book in the series focuses on her relationship with Avery and repairing or building something strong.
This was a great read and kept me full of emotions in the way you want a book to grab hold of you. I’m looking forward to book #2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
Thank you, Elaina, for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
First and foremost, 5 stars simply for the popcorn and m&ms, which is one of my absolute favorite snacks of all time.
More importantly, I did not know I needed this book in my life! It's billed as a romance but feels more like a drama, slice of life. I really did not like Odette at the beginning of this book, but the more she worked through her problems and grew from each choice, the more I started to like her. By the end I found myself rooting for her happy ending.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it. I WILL be picking up the sequel when it's released (Feb 1st, 2024).
First and foremost, 5 stars simply for the popcorn and m&ms, which is one of my absolute favorite snacks of all time.
More importantly, I did not know I needed this book in my life! It's billed as a romance but feels more like a drama, slice of life. I really did not like Odette at the beginning of this book, but the more she worked through her problems and grew from each choice, the more I started to like her. By the end I found myself rooting for her happy ending.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it. I WILL be picking up the sequel when it's released (Feb 1st, 2024).
January 2, 2024
Romance isn't quite the genre for this novel. A drama would be a more accurate description. It was a deep dive into the ocean that is human love. I know what I expected. I expected a confused woman, torn between two lovers. A passionate and independent spirit that would make her decision in a whirlwind of romance. I expected a Hollywood happy ending, complete with the passionate kiss we wait for at the end of our favorite RomCom.
What I got was an abyss of emotions. Three people who were just trying to navigate the road of life... without a map. Three people trying to wrangle their feelings before the feelings broke into a stampede. Three people who are struggling to balance their happiness with the happiness of others.
Our heroine Odette, is a multifaceted woman, who like all of us, carries around the baggage that life inevitably piles on. I was impressed with the way she rose to the challenges set before her. I don't want to drop any spoilers. Just know that she's dealing with some STUFF!
Unlike so many other love triangle books, this one dealt with the true heart of the matter. Odette does one deep dive after another, scrutinizing her own personal choices and applying common sense where so many others (real and imagined folks) would just blindly keep trampling on their lives with blind abandon. That's not to say she doesn't make mistakes, (because she does) but it was refreshing to see someone gain wisdom from their choices, and then apply that wisdom to fix what was broken.
This novel took me a while to read. Not because it was a slow burn or too long or uninteresting. I took my time because the story is heavy with emotion. Because the way its written will make you reflect on your own life choices.
In the end, there is hope. Her path is still uncertain, but not in a cliffhanger kind of way. Instead, you get the impression that Odette is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life... wiser than before, with more empathy than before, and most of all... with more peace of mind than she had on page one.
October 16, 2024
The Love You Know is a beautifully written, emotional love story that I enjoyed getting the opportunity to read. It's a bit of a different storyline from the romances that I normally read but I loved it anyway. 🙂
One of my favorite scenes was when Avery and Odette were sitting in Avery's car and he was working on the crossword puzzle. And another favorite for me was when they went to see the movie together along with the scene in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot.
These were a couple of my favorite quotes from "The Love You Know"
"There had to be some evidence in the universe that he felt something for me - that we were just more colleagues or friends."
"I loved that beard, or at least I used to. It was the first thing that I noticed about him when we met. That felt like so long ago."
This is a great story and enjoyable read but it does deal with some heavier topics and subject matter so please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.
I would like to thank Elaina for providing me with a copy of The Love You Know and I will definitely be purchasing a copy of the sequel "The Love You Have."
One of my favorite scenes was when Avery and Odette were sitting in Avery's car and he was working on the crossword puzzle. And another favorite for me was when they went to see the movie together along with the scene in the Dunkin Donuts parking lot.
These were a couple of my favorite quotes from "The Love You Know"
"There had to be some evidence in the universe that he felt something for me - that we were just more colleagues or friends."
"I loved that beard, or at least I used to. It was the first thing that I noticed about him when we met. That felt like so long ago."
This is a great story and enjoyable read but it does deal with some heavier topics and subject matter so please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.
I would like to thank Elaina for providing me with a copy of The Love You Know and I will definitely be purchasing a copy of the sequel "The Love You Have."
June 16, 2023
I met this author at a local bookstore. I was actually nervous about reading the book, because I really enjoyed the author herself and it would have been a bummer if the book didn't live up. GREAT NEWS - it does. In an entirely surprising way, this book had me crying --- more than once --- with its raw honesty about real-life love and romantic entanglements. There are two colliding relationships in the novel, and the author takes us right into the experience of the female lead as she navigates both new/old/concurrent romantic relationships. The lead describes powerfully emotional events in her life with such tangible, visceral emotion that I could recognize the feelings without having had the experience. I finished the novel several days ago, and I find that I continue to think about it throughout the day. That's my measure for a good book.
PS - One of my favorite parts: this is a quick read! You can dive in without making a huge time commitment against your ever-growing pile of want-to-read.
PS - One of my favorite parts: this is a quick read! You can dive in without making a huge time commitment against your ever-growing pile of want-to-read.
July 19, 2023
In The Love You Know, we follow the life of a young firefighter named Odette and her battle with love. After years of marriage to her husband Avery, they start couples counselling in the hope to mend their relationship - but it seems too far gone. Odette is in love with her fellow firefighter Parker, and knows what and who she wants. Will she get it though?
First things first, I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did. I fell in love with Odette and her troubled past. I found my heart breaking for her and her situation. This book is a wonderful mix of so many romance tropes - second chances, forbidden love, soulmates - I wished this book would never end.
Please be warned this does cover a few heavier topics, such as divorce, affairs and the loss of a child. If these topics affect you, please think before reading.
At 202 pages long, this took me just over two hours to read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romance.
9/10
First things first, I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did. I fell in love with Odette and her troubled past. I found my heart breaking for her and her situation. This book is a wonderful mix of so many romance tropes - second chances, forbidden love, soulmates - I wished this book would never end.
Please be warned this does cover a few heavier topics, such as divorce, affairs and the loss of a child. If these topics affect you, please think before reading.
At 202 pages long, this took me just over two hours to read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romance.
9/10
January 29, 2024
Wow! I was not at all expecting this to be such an emotionally heavy read! What I love about this book is it feels so real. The characters & emotions just felt so real, raw, and honest. The writing was beautiful and I love the inner monologue, which isn’t often the case with other books. I loved the battle of the raw feelings of Odette. There was so much packed into this book & it was done so well.
Things I could have gone without would obviously be the choices being made, but that would make this book an entirely different book all together. The ending has me left wanting to know so much more, but I’m so glad to have the sequel on hand to continue with.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable, fast read! I do have to say I can see why some would absolutely love this while others would not enjoy it since it does have some topics that may be triggering! The triggers are mentioned before reading but if you’re looking to pick it up, check the trigger warnings first!
Things I could have gone without would obviously be the choices being made, but that would make this book an entirely different book all together. The ending has me left wanting to know so much more, but I’m so glad to have the sequel on hand to continue with.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable, fast read! I do have to say I can see why some would absolutely love this while others would not enjoy it since it does have some topics that may be triggering! The triggers are mentioned before reading but if you’re looking to pick it up, check the trigger warnings first!
January 15, 2024
This is a firefighter romance story about Odette and the tough choices she's facing between the love she knows and the love she wants.
This book was unexpectedly heavy, and really made me feel the feels lol. The real life problems, although handled differently than I might have, really hit hard and make you reflect on your own life and love. Some deep subjects were discussed and was a nice change of pace from the usual rom com romances.
It started kind of slow, I had to put it down and pick it back up after the holidays. But once it got going, I flew through the rest of the book.
Thanks so much to the author Elaina for sending over a copy 🖤
This book was unexpectedly heavy, and really made me feel the feels lol. The real life problems, although handled differently than I might have, really hit hard and make you reflect on your own life and love. Some deep subjects were discussed and was a nice change of pace from the usual rom com romances.
It started kind of slow, I had to put it down and pick it back up after the holidays. But once it got going, I flew through the rest of the book.
Thanks so much to the author Elaina for sending over a copy 🖤
January 15, 2024
I had no idea what to expect from this book. I received the second one in this series as an ARC, so I figured I needed to read the first one and I am glad that I did.
Odette and Parker and Avery have quite the situation on their hands, but only two of them are aware of it.
The pain that Odette feels is quite palpable in many of the chapters. Elaina does an amazing job connecting the reader to Odette, which allows forgiveness and compassion for what would typically be an betrayal.
Odette and Parker and Avery have quite the situation on their hands, but only two of them are aware of it.
The pain that Odette feels is quite palpable in many of the chapters. Elaina does an amazing job connecting the reader to Odette, which allows forgiveness and compassion for what would typically be an betrayal.
December 10, 2023
Love is so much more than a four letter word…
Such a devastatingly beautiful book. Reading it made me explore my own thoughts and feelings about love and while I have never been in a situation like Lucy I felt her emotion in my bones. It turned a bit cathartic for me.
Be prepared to explore a myriad of emotion in 200 pages and have tissues ready, you will need them 🤍
Such a devastatingly beautiful book. Reading it made me explore my own thoughts and feelings about love and while I have never been in a situation like Lucy I felt her emotion in my bones. It turned a bit cathartic for me.
Be prepared to explore a myriad of emotion in 200 pages and have tissues ready, you will need them 🤍
February 19, 2024
**ARC** I couldn’t put this down. The way this author wrote this book was nothing but incredible! There wasn’t a time while reading this that I didn’t feel an emotional connection to it. I felt like this book ripped my heart out, put it together again and made it beat faster. I cant wait to dive in for more!
July 1, 2023
Untangling the Entanglement
Wow! The only word I can truly express how moved I was by this complicated affair, that was just as clear and transparent a love affair I have ever seen unfold on the pages before. Beautifully written and heartbreaking. I am a new fan of Elaina Lyons.
Wow! The only word I can truly express how moved I was by this complicated affair, that was just as clear and transparent a love affair I have ever seen unfold on the pages before. Beautifully written and heartbreaking. I am a new fan of Elaina Lyons.
January 5, 2024
I actually was a little hesitant to pick up this bad boy in Barnes & Noble. However the author was actually there signing and she was so sweet! I felt her personality shining through this book which added to the experience!
November 26, 2023
I loved reading this book. Reading odette's feelings and thoughts along with the emotions really makes u feel them yourself. Throughout the book. Can't wait to read more of her books.
July 19, 2024
4.5 ✨
January 18, 2024
Genre: Romance
TW: PLEASE CHECK
Spice: Open Door
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [5/5]
Review written by: M
What a raw, realistic, strong, and powerful book revolving around love, loss, grief, and hope. It is truly a roller coaster of intense emotions.
It was truly beautifully written. Elaine has a way with words, and I am excited to read anything else that she has coming out. The way that she uses words to convey emotions or describe feelings was just *Chefs kiss*.
This book does dive into dark and potentially triggering subjects so please read the trigger warnings for it. This book deals with infidelity, self-discovery, realities of love and marriage and self-doubt, among other things.
I rapidly became invested into the main character’s life and needed to know how it would end. As I mentioned before it was a powerful read and I am so glad that I read this book. It’s going to live rent free in my head for a while.
TW: PLEASE CHECK
Spice: Open Door
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [5/5]
Review written by: M
What a raw, realistic, strong, and powerful book revolving around love, loss, grief, and hope. It is truly a roller coaster of intense emotions.
It was truly beautifully written. Elaine has a way with words, and I am excited to read anything else that she has coming out. The way that she uses words to convey emotions or describe feelings was just *Chefs kiss*.
This book does dive into dark and potentially triggering subjects so please read the trigger warnings for it. This book deals with infidelity, self-discovery, realities of love and marriage and self-doubt, among other things.
I rapidly became invested into the main character’s life and needed to know how it would end. As I mentioned before it was a powerful read and I am so glad that I read this book. It’s going to live rent free in my head for a while.
January 15, 2024
I really enjoyed the book. From the first page, I was able to get into the story, unlike others that you have to read a few chapters before getting invested in the characters.
It’s a quick read. It is very emotional for sure! Characters are very relatable. For it’s a 4.5/5. Not sure what would make it a 5 star. Loved that the lead is a firefighter! I am excited to read the next book!!!
It’s a quick read. It is very emotional for sure! Characters are very relatable. For it’s a 4.5/5. Not sure what would make it a 5 star. Loved that the lead is a firefighter! I am excited to read the next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews