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LA Hearts
The Sweetest Agony
Jess
I thought I knew my best friend.
Transcontinental video chats didn’t do him justice.
He’s not an awkward teenager anymore, and one look from him sets my body on edge.
I’m the type of woman who has her life together. Sure, a panic attack here or there might derail my day, but I’ve got this.
I have my life under control.
I’m not the type of woman to lust after the most important person in my life.
But he knows me better than I know myself—even the anxious parts I try my best to hide.
Now that we’re in the same place, everything in our relationship is changing.
James
I’m back for her.
She’s my best friend.
Being in love with Jess has been the sweetest agony, and I’ve waited long enough.
I’ve watched her fall for men who don’t appreciate her.
I’ve waited for her to see me.
Now it finally seems like she might, and I won’t hold back until she’s mine.
I thought I knew my best friend.
Transcontinental video chats didn’t do him justice.
He’s not an awkward teenager anymore, and one look from him sets my body on edge.
I’m the type of woman who has her life together. Sure, a panic attack here or there might derail my day, but I’ve got this.
I have my life under control.
I’m not the type of woman to lust after the most important person in my life.
But he knows me better than I know myself—even the anxious parts I try my best to hide.
Now that we’re in the same place, everything in our relationship is changing.
James
I’m back for her.
She’s my best friend.
Being in love with Jess has been the sweetest agony, and I’ve waited long enough.
I’ve watched her fall for men who don’t appreciate her.
I’ve waited for her to see me.
Now it finally seems like she might, and I won’t hold back until she’s mine.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2023
209 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Lum
11 books346 followersVictoria is a lover of all things romance, including movies, books, and television shows. A hopeless romantic since childhood, she is always dreaming up stories and happily ever afters. Caramel lattes are her fuel in the morning and she can usually be found reading anything she can get her hands on. She lives with her family and a beautiful Siberian husky in sunny California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 16, 2023
James has been in love with his best friend, Jess, all his life. But she only ever saw him as a friend. Despite his attempts to show his true emotions, she always kept him in the friendzone. Until the right time comes and James is decided to change that.
Honestly I wanted to absolutely love this. Victoria is the sweetest and this is her first work so let me start by saying how proud of her I am.
My main issue with this book was how predictable everything was. Of course we all suffer from this with romance books but right from the first 5 chapters you can tell all the storyline. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I like to have a twist to keep me addicted to the book.
Jess, as a main character, didn’t stick out to me. She is supposedly this super attractive woman with her own problems. And all this is interesting until she is very smart to work where she does, but completely clueless about everything else in a normal adult’s life. I get it, she has been through a lot with her family and it’s not easy to move past traumas… And I’m not saying she should be okay all the time because she’s an adult but she should act like one, which doesn’t happen most of the times.
James… Well, the man was pinning over his friend over 10 years so I do feel bad for him. His input in the story was okay but I wanted to see more of his pov in the present and not have constant flashbacks to all the events that he had with Jess over the years.
But when they finally get together… It’s so anticlimactic. Even though it’s been around 20 chapters by this point, it feels rushed. Maybe because we had a bunch of flashbacks and whining until this point. But it was going okay.
Now this is a personal preference but the 3rd act breakup, most of the times, is so unnecessary and feels like it’s extending a story that could have an earlier and better ending because this “breakup” is solved so quickly.
There were a few things that I wanted to be more developed in the book, such as Jess’ family and career situation, the whole thing with Claire, the relationship with Ben, and others. I’m curious to see about Parker and Liz in the next book though so hopefully I will like it better than this one.
I want to say that this isn’t, in any way, a review to hurt the author. Not only because I never review with such intend, but because Victoria is genuinely a good person and I think it’s important to have all sort of opinions, especially when you’re starting a career. And just because I wasn’t a big fan of this book, doesn’t mean other people won’t love it.
Thanks to Victoria (the author) and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange of my honest review.
Honestly I wanted to absolutely love this. Victoria is the sweetest and this is her first work so let me start by saying how proud of her I am.
My main issue with this book was how predictable everything was. Of course we all suffer from this with romance books but right from the first 5 chapters you can tell all the storyline. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I like to have a twist to keep me addicted to the book.
Jess, as a main character, didn’t stick out to me. She is supposedly this super attractive woman with her own problems. And all this is interesting until she is very smart to work where she does, but completely clueless about everything else in a normal adult’s life. I get it, she has been through a lot with her family and it’s not easy to move past traumas… And I’m not saying she should be okay all the time because she’s an adult but she should act like one, which doesn’t happen most of the times.
James… Well, the man was pinning over his friend over 10 years so I do feel bad for him. His input in the story was okay but I wanted to see more of his pov in the present and not have constant flashbacks to all the events that he had with Jess over the years.
But when they finally get together… It’s so anticlimactic. Even though it’s been around 20 chapters by this point, it feels rushed. Maybe because we had a bunch of flashbacks and whining until this point. But it was going okay.
Now this is a personal preference but the 3rd act breakup, most of the times, is so unnecessary and feels like it’s extending a story that could have an earlier and better ending because this “breakup” is solved so quickly.
There were a few things that I wanted to be more developed in the book, such as Jess’ family and career situation, the whole thing with Claire, the relationship with Ben, and others. I’m curious to see about Parker and Liz in the next book though so hopefully I will like it better than this one.
I want to say that this isn’t, in any way, a review to hurt the author. Not only because I never review with such intend, but because Victoria is genuinely a good person and I think it’s important to have all sort of opinions, especially when you’re starting a career. And just because I wasn’t a big fan of this book, doesn’t mean other people won’t love it.
Thanks to Victoria (the author) and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange of my honest review.
April 20, 2023
A super sweet cinnamon roll hero
This guy is wayyyy to good to be true. Just a little more grit for both of them would make this more realistic and sexy. The book became far more absorbing after it stopped flashing back to their budding love story as tiny baby elementary school kids.
This guy is wayyyy to good to be true. Just a little more grit for both of them would make this more realistic and sexy. The book became far more absorbing after it stopped flashing back to their budding love story as tiny baby elementary school kids.
March 13, 2023
3.75⭐️
This book was so cute! This book is a childhood best friends to lovers book following Jess and James. James has been in love with Jess since they were kids and now is his chance to make Jess his. James is such a sweet and caring man, always being there for Jess no matter what, even if it hurts him. He is so thoughtful and does whatever it takes to make Jess smile. Jess struggles with anxiety and has to fight through her own battles to see what is possible for her. Jess and James are so cute together in every way possible. They were made for each other! This book was really good and I definitely recommend it!
Favorite Quote:
“I’m not here to lose. I’m here to fight to my last breath.”
Special thanks to Grey’s Promotions and the author for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so cute! This book is a childhood best friends to lovers book following Jess and James. James has been in love with Jess since they were kids and now is his chance to make Jess his. James is such a sweet and caring man, always being there for Jess no matter what, even if it hurts him. He is so thoughtful and does whatever it takes to make Jess smile. Jess struggles with anxiety and has to fight through her own battles to see what is possible for her. Jess and James are so cute together in every way possible. They were made for each other! This book was really good and I definitely recommend it!
Favorite Quote:
“I’m not here to lose. I’m here to fight to my last breath.”
Special thanks to Grey’s Promotions and the author for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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March 29, 2023Hi Friends!
I can't believe this book (my debut) is live!! The love I've received from everyone is beyond my wildest dreams. Like many of you, I've been a voracious reader most of my life and have always dreamed of telling stories of my own. But life and fears got in the way and I put off writing and instead followed a more stable career path (which I'm thankful for too because a girl's got to eat right?). One day this past October, I decided it was time to pursue my dreams and to start telling stories...to bring the characters in my head to life.
The first story I decided to tell is Jess and James's story in The Sweetest Agony because I wanted to shine a light on mental health issues, which are often invisible to others on the outside, but very real to the person living with it. Jess has anxiety, and not your run of the mill "I'm anxious for my test tomorrow" anxiety, but an actual disorder, and her actions, however irrational they may be, are driven by this condition that she has (and she has not been dealing with it).
My hope is that this story resonates to folks who feel like they are struggling with something in life that you too deserve your happily ever after. My other hope is for folks who don't struggle with mental illness and perhaps are curious about how someone with anxiety disorder may view life, that this may be a way to experience it in the beautiful place of a story. And for those of you who just want a swoony, romantic, sweet, and angsty read with a pining hero, well... this book is for you too because I just love James to the moon and back!
Thank you for reading this book and providing your feedback. I feel so honored you are part of my journey and I hope you will stay along for the ride as I have many, many more stories to tell.
Xoxo,
Victoria
I can't believe this book (my debut) is live!! The love I've received from everyone is beyond my wildest dreams. Like many of you, I've been a voracious reader most of my life and have always dreamed of telling stories of my own. But life and fears got in the way and I put off writing and instead followed a more stable career path (which I'm thankful for too because a girl's got to eat right?). One day this past October, I decided it was time to pursue my dreams and to start telling stories...to bring the characters in my head to life.
The first story I decided to tell is Jess and James's story in The Sweetest Agony because I wanted to shine a light on mental health issues, which are often invisible to others on the outside, but very real to the person living with it. Jess has anxiety, and not your run of the mill "I'm anxious for my test tomorrow" anxiety, but an actual disorder, and her actions, however irrational they may be, are driven by this condition that she has (and she has not been dealing with it).
My hope is that this story resonates to folks who feel like they are struggling with something in life that you too deserve your happily ever after. My other hope is for folks who don't struggle with mental illness and perhaps are curious about how someone with anxiety disorder may view life, that this may be a way to experience it in the beautiful place of a story. And for those of you who just want a swoony, romantic, sweet, and angsty read with a pining hero, well... this book is for you too because I just love James to the moon and back!
Thank you for reading this book and providing your feedback. I feel so honored you are part of my journey and I hope you will stay along for the ride as I have many, many more stories to tell.
Xoxo,
Victoria
March 19, 2023
FMC: Jess
MMC: James
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this friends to lovers angsty romance. This has Hallmark Movie vibes with the spice we always wanted. This story had all the feels. I could feel the love between these 2 characters.
Jess is an anxiety ridden people pleaser and her mother is no help in the matter. After a breakup with her longtime boyfriend she enlists the help of her childhood friend James to help her in the dating world. What Jess doesn’t realize is that her best friend who just came back in town after many years, has always been in love with her and is back to get his girl.
Jess did not expect James, her once nerdy best friend, to look like a mens underwear model and her new found attraction has her questioning her relationship with him.
Friends to lovers
Feel good romance
Angsty
🌶🌶.5
March 14, 2023
This is a Victoria’s Lum debut novel. I think she knocked it out of the park. I seriously couldn’t put it down. I also very much enjoy when the male character falls first.
James Chapman he is something else and totally swoon worthy. He made my heart hurt at points and I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay.
Jessica Kingsley such a hard working women and wants to achieve a lot out of life. I think her parents also have a hug impact on how she goes about her life. I felt bad for her at moments because her mom was very hard on her.
There were a ton of great moments in this book and I have to say I cried a few times. My heart broke and I almost threw something but picked myself back up because I knew there would be a happy ending.
James Chapman he is something else and totally swoon worthy. He made my heart hurt at points and I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay.
Jessica Kingsley such a hard working women and wants to achieve a lot out of life. I think her parents also have a hug impact on how she goes about her life. I felt bad for her at moments because her mom was very hard on her.
There were a ton of great moments in this book and I have to say I cried a few times. My heart broke and I almost threw something but picked myself back up because I knew there would be a happy ending.
March 28, 2023
This book is a sweet and easy read with spice, and angst.
tropes on this book:
•Friends to lovers
•Childhood best friends
•He falls first
•One bed trope
•Hero pining
It has Hallmark Movie vibes with the spice everyone wanted. This story had all the feels. the love between these 2 characters could easily be detected!
Jess did not expect James,to look like a model and her new found attraction has her questioning her relationship with him. What she didn't know was that he was attracted to her!
I really enjoyed it!
Thank you Victoria for the ARC 🙏🏻
tropes on this book:
•Friends to lovers
•Childhood best friends
•He falls first
•One bed trope
•Hero pining
It has Hallmark Movie vibes with the spice everyone wanted. This story had all the feels. the love between these 2 characters could easily be detected!
Jess did not expect James,to look like a model and her new found attraction has her questioning her relationship with him. What she didn't know was that he was attracted to her!
I really enjoyed it!
Thank you Victoria for the ARC 🙏🏻
March 31, 2023
First off, congratulations to Victoria on her debut novel. What an accomplishment!
This book was very sweet, best friends to lovers trope.
The male main character, James, was my absolute favorite. He was so patient, kind, loving and caring towards Jess. To have loved her from such a young age all the way through adulthood, all while staying her best friend, made him such a great character.
Jess however needed to get with the program faster, in my opinion. I wanted to help her realize her best friend was the one all along.
I thought it was a fun book and look forward to more writing from Victoria Lum in the future.
I was given an eARC in return for my honest review.
This book was very sweet, best friends to lovers trope.
The male main character, James, was my absolute favorite. He was so patient, kind, loving and caring towards Jess. To have loved her from such a young age all the way through adulthood, all while staying her best friend, made him such a great character.
Jess however needed to get with the program faster, in my opinion. I wanted to help her realize her best friend was the one all along.
I thought it was a fun book and look forward to more writing from Victoria Lum in the future.
I was given an eARC in return for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
It’s hard to believe that The Sweetest Agony is Victoria Lum's debut book! This childhood friends to lovers romance definitely has the sweetest feels with balanced angst. Jess and James has found their way to love but not before they go through an emotional rollercoaster.
The plot goes back and forth in time line with the past chapters are from James' pov and the present chapters are mixed pov. Jess is ecstatic that her best friend James is coming back to USA after a long time working in London. They haven't been in the same place since college but they stayed in touch. Jess doesn’t know that James has been in love with her for a long time. Jess has a bad break up just when James comes back and she asks James to help in her dating life. James thinks this is his opportunity to show her that he is much more than a friend..
James is a fantastic hero. He ticks all my boxes. He went from the shy gangly nerd to the hot gorgeous alpha nerd over years. He is much more confident and he has a powerful presence everywhere. Unfortunately their distance made it difficult for him to show Jess his true feelings..and even before that, Jess just looked at him like a friend. He had so many heartbreaking moments but being with Jess at any capacity was the most important thing. He tried his best to move on but he is done now. He is ready to pursue Jess with full force and Heaven forbid Jess cannot resist him even when she fights this new found attraction. Jess has issues. She suffers from anxiety. She is successful in professional life but still she has a lot of insecurity. She is sweet and caring and tries hard to please everyone to the level of sacrificing her own happiness. Her constant attempt to not to inconvenience anyone and be perfect may come across as being unapproachable and too straight to others. Her fear and anxiety almost cost her everything. James was always by her side. Through everything even when it hurt him. James is showing her consistently that she is a gem. That she is worthy and deserving of all the love and affection and protection. But the change unsettled her and she went on self sabotage mode. But she worked on herself and took responsibility for her own issues. James' love pushed her to be a better person.
I found it a bit unrealistic that Jess never felt anything for her best friend or didn't see his pain when she repeatedly said that he is just her best friend over the years. I don’t know what instigated the change in her mind because I refuse to believe that she is shallow to get dazzled by the sex appeal. She was pretty oblivious while everyone else in their lives saw it clearly. I was a bit tired of her pushing James away repeatedly but I am more and less happy with her groveling.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
The plot goes back and forth in time line with the past chapters are from James' pov and the present chapters are mixed pov. Jess is ecstatic that her best friend James is coming back to USA after a long time working in London. They haven't been in the same place since college but they stayed in touch. Jess doesn’t know that James has been in love with her for a long time. Jess has a bad break up just when James comes back and she asks James to help in her dating life. James thinks this is his opportunity to show her that he is much more than a friend..
James is a fantastic hero. He ticks all my boxes. He went from the shy gangly nerd to the hot gorgeous alpha nerd over years. He is much more confident and he has a powerful presence everywhere. Unfortunately their distance made it difficult for him to show Jess his true feelings..and even before that, Jess just looked at him like a friend. He had so many heartbreaking moments but being with Jess at any capacity was the most important thing. He tried his best to move on but he is done now. He is ready to pursue Jess with full force and Heaven forbid Jess cannot resist him even when she fights this new found attraction. Jess has issues. She suffers from anxiety. She is successful in professional life but still she has a lot of insecurity. She is sweet and caring and tries hard to please everyone to the level of sacrificing her own happiness. Her constant attempt to not to inconvenience anyone and be perfect may come across as being unapproachable and too straight to others. Her fear and anxiety almost cost her everything. James was always by her side. Through everything even when it hurt him. James is showing her consistently that she is a gem. That she is worthy and deserving of all the love and affection and protection. But the change unsettled her and she went on self sabotage mode. But she worked on herself and took responsibility for her own issues. James' love pushed her to be a better person.
I found it a bit unrealistic that Jess never felt anything for her best friend or didn't see his pain when she repeatedly said that he is just her best friend over the years. I don’t know what instigated the change in her mind because I refuse to believe that she is shallow to get dazzled by the sex appeal. She was pretty oblivious while everyone else in their lives saw it clearly. I was a bit tired of her pushing James away repeatedly but I am more and less happy with her groveling.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
March 17, 2023
"To all the girls who feel less than for whatever reason, you're perfect, just the way you are."
With a dedication like that, mann, I knew I was going to really enjoy reading this book.
First of all, who the hell doesn't like a man pining after their FC, i mean my man James should have just kidnapped her at this point.
"In time, James. All good things take time.”
I was so anxious everytime him and Jess were together, it was like i was just sitting there watching it all live.
Having an FMC who represents mental illness really is a plus everytime i read a book. It took the book to a WHOLE personal level.
I really hoped James want one of those dudes that brushed it off and even though he didn't exactly push her to find professional help, he was truly there for her, and wasnt just criticizing her and belittling her, even if she was truly a nut in a very closed space. *(sorry Jess)*
My rating is 4.5, it was a feel-good book, it made me cringe sometimes and the parts where James became this crazy mess for Jess made me want to squeal SO MANY TIMES. It was a true slow burn and it had me making heart eyes various times.
I cried a few tears… now, don’t judge, imagine the love of your life ( even if you’re as oblivious as Jess) comes back after ten years to finally admit his undying, heart catching love for you, don’t tell me you wouldn’t feel like a faucet, leaking tears of joy and looking like a mad person smiling at all the trial and tribulations these two souls had to go through to FINALLY… FINALLY!!!! get together 😩
To say that I barely slept and that every time I closed my eyes I didn’t think “what the hell?! I need to make a playlist!” That officially kept sleep depraved for the day.
Tropes:
Childhood Bestfriends
Friends-to-Lovers
One Bed
Opposites Attract
Secret Love
He Falls First
Soul Mates
Last To Know
Forced Proximity
Rejection
Favorite Quotes
"How much time have we wasted. Or perhaps, the scenic routeswe take in Me ultimately leads us to being with the right person at the right time.
*TIl give you your happily ever after, my love.*
They say: if it looks like a duck. quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
*I promised myself all those years ago i wouldnt dance with you again unless...
.Unless what? You're not making sense. "'Unless you felt
differenty about me.
With a dedication like that, mann, I knew I was going to really enjoy reading this book.
First of all, who the hell doesn't like a man pining after their FC, i mean my man James should have just kidnapped her at this point.
"In time, James. All good things take time.”
I was so anxious everytime him and Jess were together, it was like i was just sitting there watching it all live.
Having an FMC who represents mental illness really is a plus everytime i read a book. It took the book to a WHOLE personal level.
I really hoped James want one of those dudes that brushed it off and even though he didn't exactly push her to find professional help, he was truly there for her, and wasnt just criticizing her and belittling her, even if she was truly a nut in a very closed space. *(sorry Jess)*
My rating is 4.5, it was a feel-good book, it made me cringe sometimes and the parts where James became this crazy mess for Jess made me want to squeal SO MANY TIMES. It was a true slow burn and it had me making heart eyes various times.
I cried a few tears… now, don’t judge, imagine the love of your life ( even if you’re as oblivious as Jess) comes back after ten years to finally admit his undying, heart catching love for you, don’t tell me you wouldn’t feel like a faucet, leaking tears of joy and looking like a mad person smiling at all the trial and tribulations these two souls had to go through to FINALLY… FINALLY!!!! get together 😩
To say that I barely slept and that every time I closed my eyes I didn’t think “what the hell?! I need to make a playlist!” That officially kept sleep depraved for the day.
Tropes:
Childhood Bestfriends
Friends-to-Lovers
One Bed
Opposites Attract
Secret Love
He Falls First
Soul Mates
Last To Know
Forced Proximity
Rejection
Favorite Quotes
"How much time have we wasted. Or perhaps, the scenic routeswe take in Me ultimately leads us to being with the right person at the right time.
*TIl give you your happily ever after, my love.*
They say: if it looks like a duck. quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
*I promised myself all those years ago i wouldnt dance with you again unless...
.Unless what? You're not making sense. "'Unless you felt
differenty about me.
March 17, 2023
Right from the dedication page this debut author pulls you right in:
"To all the girls who feel less than for whatever reason, you’re perfect, just the way you are."
From this alone you know your emotions will be toyed with and you haven't even started this beautiful story yet. This author made her MFC so relatable, so human, so beautiful while her MMC was literally created straight from book boyfriend dream.
Jess is trying so hard to maintain this impossible balance with her family, work, friends, boyfriend and her anxiety all by herself. She wants to be the perfect daughter, the perfect friend, the perfect auditor and the perfect girlfriend. Those are some pretty high standards to try and amount to but who can't say they haven't been there before, haven't wanted to do all those exact things but in one way or another fell short and blamed themselves so thoroughly they weren't sure how to come back from the voice(s) in their head telling them of all the failures they caused.
James sees Jess's struggles and desperately wants to help her in any way shape or form. He is so patient, so kind and caring and so deeply in love with Jess, he's not even sure how to escape the friend zone. He wants nothing more than for Jess's anxious voices to take a breathe just so she can too, but how much can he handle when he wants so much more of a relationship than she wants to risk based on those anxious voices telling her she'll ruin everything.
This story touched my heart and the inner anxiety I have over the tinniest of things but is nothing compared to Jess's or so many other individuals that struggle with it but that doesn't mean it's less important. We are all so very important and we all need to learn to love ourselves because of it. It's never wrong, never impossible, never weak nor ever not okay to ask or seek help because we are worth it, you are worth it.
"To all the girls who feel less than for whatever reason, you’re perfect, just the way you are."
From this alone you know your emotions will be toyed with and you haven't even started this beautiful story yet. This author made her MFC so relatable, so human, so beautiful while her MMC was literally created straight from book boyfriend dream.
Jess is trying so hard to maintain this impossible balance with her family, work, friends, boyfriend and her anxiety all by herself. She wants to be the perfect daughter, the perfect friend, the perfect auditor and the perfect girlfriend. Those are some pretty high standards to try and amount to but who can't say they haven't been there before, haven't wanted to do all those exact things but in one way or another fell short and blamed themselves so thoroughly they weren't sure how to come back from the voice(s) in their head telling them of all the failures they caused.
James sees Jess's struggles and desperately wants to help her in any way shape or form. He is so patient, so kind and caring and so deeply in love with Jess, he's not even sure how to escape the friend zone. He wants nothing more than for Jess's anxious voices to take a breathe just so she can too, but how much can he handle when he wants so much more of a relationship than she wants to risk based on those anxious voices telling her she'll ruin everything.
This story touched my heart and the inner anxiety I have over the tinniest of things but is nothing compared to Jess's or so many other individuals that struggle with it but that doesn't mean it's less important. We are all so very important and we all need to learn to love ourselves because of it. It's never wrong, never impossible, never weak nor ever not okay to ask or seek help because we are worth it, you are worth it.
March 30, 2023
This book is Victoria's first book and I tell you that it is almost not noticeable, it has everything I like to read and the friends to lovers here it was so sweet that I have nothing bad to say.
James has always been in love with his best friend Jess but she doesn't know it, by destiny they separate but they never lose touch until James returns and is determined to confess his love to her and hopes she feels the same, then we have Jess and I felt very identified with her, I cried for her and how her mother treated her because I felt very reflected, I feel that little by little she realized that love was always there in front of her nose, but I liked that.
It was a light and fast read, with a lovely group of friends, narrated both in the past and in the present that you feel James' struggle with her feelings.
I loved every second reading this and hope you feel the same 🤍
🫂 thank you @authorvictorialum and @greyspromo gave me this arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
_________
Este libro es el primer libro de Victoria y les digo que casi no se nota, tiene todo lo que me gusta leer y el friends to lovers aquí fue tan dulce que no tengo nada malo que decir.
James siempre estado enamorado de su mejor amiga Jess pero ella no lo sabe, por el destino se separan pero nunca pierden el contacto hasta que James vuelve y está determinado a confesar su amor por ella y espera que ella sienta lo mismo, luego tenemos a Jess y me sentí muy identificada con ella, llore por ella y como su madre la trataba porque me sentí muy reflejada, siento que ella poco a poco se iba dando cuenta de que el amor siempre estuvo allí al frente de sus nariz pero y me gusto eso.
Fue una lectura ligera, rápida, con un grupo de amigas encantadoras, narrada tanto en pasado y presente que sientes la pelea de James con sus sentimientos. 🤍
Ame cada segundo de esta lectura y espero que ustedes también la amen 💕
James has always been in love with his best friend Jess but she doesn't know it, by destiny they separate but they never lose touch until James returns and is determined to confess his love to her and hopes she feels the same, then we have Jess and I felt very identified with her, I cried for her and how her mother treated her because I felt very reflected, I feel that little by little she realized that love was always there in front of her nose, but I liked that.
It was a light and fast read, with a lovely group of friends, narrated both in the past and in the present that you feel James' struggle with her feelings.
I loved every second reading this and hope you feel the same 🤍
🫂 thank you @authorvictorialum and @greyspromo gave me this arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!
_________
Este libro es el primer libro de Victoria y les digo que casi no se nota, tiene todo lo que me gusta leer y el friends to lovers aquí fue tan dulce que no tengo nada malo que decir.
James siempre estado enamorado de su mejor amiga Jess pero ella no lo sabe, por el destino se separan pero nunca pierden el contacto hasta que James vuelve y está determinado a confesar su amor por ella y espera que ella sienta lo mismo, luego tenemos a Jess y me sentí muy identificada con ella, llore por ella y como su madre la trataba porque me sentí muy reflejada, siento que ella poco a poco se iba dando cuenta de que el amor siempre estuvo allí al frente de sus nariz pero y me gusto eso.
Fue una lectura ligera, rápida, con un grupo de amigas encantadoras, narrada tanto en pasado y presente que sientes la pelea de James con sus sentimientos. 🤍
Ame cada segundo de esta lectura y espero que ustedes también la amen 💕
March 18, 2023
Sometimes Childhood Best Friend is always the Forever Friend who we can't lose. I'm so glad the main leads took their own risks to be with each other forever. Fantastic story to read in the warm and cold weather during the weekends.
Jess - Being perfect wasn't her fault... This woman just didn't know she deserved the best and her best half was actually waiting for her. Hmm! Yes I would never call James as her Better half because he's the best for her. She dealt with her anxiety bravely and I did adore everything about.
James - I truly wondered can a man wait for his girl this long as he did? And then remembered it's a fiction and had to cry over the facts. Okay! Speaking of James he made my heart melt with his words.
Regarding the angst it was hawwtttt 🔥 and I didn't feel like this was the Author's first book and she definitely nailed with this sweetest Bestfriend Love story.
My favourite Scene:- When Jess knew James had the penny with him for years together 🥰 (My heart felt the agony)
From the dedication to the epilogue this book completely was a treat for me as a reader. Also I want more of James and Jess... Please go give me some bonus chapters in your newsletter Dear Author. 🥺
In the end, I am looking forward to read about Liz...
Thanks for the ARC of this book @greyspromo and @authorvictorialum I am glad that I met Jess and James at the earliest 😅
Jess - Being perfect wasn't her fault... This woman just didn't know she deserved the best and her best half was actually waiting for her. Hmm! Yes I would never call James as her Better half because he's the best for her. She dealt with her anxiety bravely and I did adore everything about.
James - I truly wondered can a man wait for his girl this long as he did? And then remembered it's a fiction and had to cry over the facts. Okay! Speaking of James he made my heart melt with his words.
Regarding the angst it was hawwtttt 🔥 and I didn't feel like this was the Author's first book and she definitely nailed with this sweetest Bestfriend Love story.
My favourite Scene:- When Jess knew James had the penny with him for years together 🥰 (My heart felt the agony)
From the dedication to the epilogue this book completely was a treat for me as a reader. Also I want more of James and Jess... Please go give me some bonus chapters in your newsletter Dear Author. 🥺
In the end, I am looking forward to read about Liz...
Thanks for the ARC of this book @greyspromo and @authorvictorialum I am glad that I met Jess and James at the earliest 😅
March 16, 2023
What a great debut novel by Victoria Lum. This book had sweet, spice, and angst. If you are looking for any of these tropes, then this book is for you!
Friends to lovers ✔️
Childhood best friends ✔️
He falls first ✔️
One bed trope ✔️
Hero pining ✔️
Jess and James have been friends for 19 years. And for those almost two decades, James has watched the woman he loves live her life and be in relationships with men who aren’t him. But he has had enough. So he moves across the world to be where she is in hopes of finally getting his chance.
Jess, who recently got out of a decade long relationship, asks James to be her dating coach and give her tips in the dating world. He decides to go for it so that she can finally see what’s right in front of her.
Will Jess be able to come to her senses and see that her soulmate has been there all along? Or will she forever be stuck thinking that they are only friends?
This book was so sweet and I really emphasized with both characters. Jess was dealing with a lot of anxiety, which I can absolutely relate to her thoughts and what she was thinking. She never thought she was good enough and was thinking about all that could go wrong and it was holding her back from truly being happy.
All of the parts with James in the last 20% made me tear up. I felt his pain and I just wanted to give him a huge hug.
There is some hinting of who the next book will be about and I’m so excited to read about those two characters, especially the MMC.
Friends to lovers ✔️
Childhood best friends ✔️
He falls first ✔️
One bed trope ✔️
Hero pining ✔️
Jess and James have been friends for 19 years. And for those almost two decades, James has watched the woman he loves live her life and be in relationships with men who aren’t him. But he has had enough. So he moves across the world to be where she is in hopes of finally getting his chance.
Jess, who recently got out of a decade long relationship, asks James to be her dating coach and give her tips in the dating world. He decides to go for it so that she can finally see what’s right in front of her.
Will Jess be able to come to her senses and see that her soulmate has been there all along? Or will she forever be stuck thinking that they are only friends?
This book was so sweet and I really emphasized with both characters. Jess was dealing with a lot of anxiety, which I can absolutely relate to her thoughts and what she was thinking. She never thought she was good enough and was thinking about all that could go wrong and it was holding her back from truly being happy.
All of the parts with James in the last 20% made me tear up. I felt his pain and I just wanted to give him a huge hug.
There is some hinting of who the next book will be about and I’m so excited to read about those two characters, especially the MMC.
February 29, 2024
Ups and Downs
This was one of the most agonizing slow burns I have ever read and honestly wanted to smack Jess upside the head. The man of your dreams is LITERALLY RIGHT THERE WOMAN. James is a literal king for putting up with her. I also did enjoy how her anxiety held her back so much because it’s extremely relatable. Very well written but man that slow burn was killing me. I honestly might have breezed through some pages to get to the good stuff but I am so happy with the ending.
This was one of the most agonizing slow burns I have ever read and honestly wanted to smack Jess upside the head. The man of your dreams is LITERALLY RIGHT THERE WOMAN. James is a literal king for putting up with her. I also did enjoy how her anxiety held her back so much because it’s extremely relatable. Very well written but man that slow burn was killing me. I honestly might have breezed through some pages to get to the good stuff but I am so happy with the ending.
February 23, 2024
This is my 1st read to this author! I loved this book! Jess and James relationship was such a slow burn but I’m glad they realize how special their connection was! I can’t wait to read book 2 next!
March 25, 2025
"What is love without pain?"
I never realized this quote better than now.
Love for the author. You really never ever disappoint.
I never realized this quote better than now.
Love for the author. You really never ever disappoint.
March 22, 2023
This is a great story about overcoming and finding love accepting love.. fighting for yourself and your heart… Best friends coming together finally.. this is the first book from the author and I am immensely impressed I can’t wait to read more from them
April 1, 2023
Jess and James‘s story was a good one with a good amount of angst. James has always had a massive amount of emotions when it comes to his best friend Jess and now that he’s back and ready to declare his feelings but she’s not ready to feel the new emotions that he’s bringing out in her
March 16, 2023
James and Jess best friends since grade school, gosh this story was so sweet and just perfect watching jess learn her true feeling for her best friend and how she had been searching for love when come to find out it was always there in front of her.
This was my first book from this author and i loved her writing i cant wait to read more by this author!
This was my first book from this author and i loved her writing i cant wait to read more by this author!
March 29, 2023
This is my first book by this new author and I’ll definitely be reading more from her in the future as I finished this book quite quickly. The plot is well laid out and there were no dull moments for me.
This was a sweet, steamy, angsty love story told from a dual point of view. Includes flashbacks to the past which provide good context to the story.
James is a loveable swoony hero who has been pining for his best friend Jess from the first time he saw her. She’s completely oblivious to his feelings. Jess was an likeable character although I didn’t really get some of her decisions at times, but I guess this is what the author was trying to portray with her issues with anxiety. Difficult to tell. Although I like that she is normal with low drama who gets her happy ending in the end.
I loved their easygoing banter together which you get from both characters from knowing each other for so long.
The side characters are also really good and I can’t wait to read more about all of them as feel they have a story to tell too.
If you enjoy enjoy angsty romance, he falls first, best friends to lover you’ll enjoy this. I felt this was a very good debut and can’t wait to see more from this authors
This was a sweet, steamy, angsty love story told from a dual point of view. Includes flashbacks to the past which provide good context to the story.
James is a loveable swoony hero who has been pining for his best friend Jess from the first time he saw her. She’s completely oblivious to his feelings. Jess was an likeable character although I didn’t really get some of her decisions at times, but I guess this is what the author was trying to portray with her issues with anxiety. Difficult to tell. Although I like that she is normal with low drama who gets her happy ending in the end.
I loved their easygoing banter together which you get from both characters from knowing each other for so long.
The side characters are also really good and I can’t wait to read more about all of them as feel they have a story to tell too.
If you enjoy enjoy angsty romance, he falls first, best friends to lover you’ll enjoy this. I felt this was a very good debut and can’t wait to see more from this authors
June 9, 2023
this was so much better on a reread
James has been in love with Jess since they were teenagers but he’s never had the guts to tell her. He has has just moved back to LA and her boyfriend has just dumped her leaving them in the same city and both single for the first time in 8 years. Will he finally make a move and show her how much he loves her?
This is a stunning debut novel. It took a minute for me to get into it at first but it really found its groove in the first few chapters. James is so in love with Jess and it just made me so happy to see. He was truly in pain every time she talked about another man and that’s how I like to see my men.
Jess slowly discovering that she has feelings for James was so funny because he caught her by such surprise. Every time he touched her and she was left wondering if she was supposed to be feeling that way about her best friend.
Jess also has generalized anxiety and that plays a huge factor in their love story. She is very scared of change and she is so worried that if she takes the next step with James it will ruin their friendship forever. She just has to learn to trust the love that they have for each other.
I loved that the ending was her learning to take care of herself and really work on her mental health. I think it was great for her character and I loved to see it.
I’m very excited for the net book about Liz and Parker.
I received an arc through grey’s promotion.
James has been in love with Jess since they were teenagers but he’s never had the guts to tell her. He has has just moved back to LA and her boyfriend has just dumped her leaving them in the same city and both single for the first time in 8 years. Will he finally make a move and show her how much he loves her?
This is a stunning debut novel. It took a minute for me to get into it at first but it really found its groove in the first few chapters. James is so in love with Jess and it just made me so happy to see. He was truly in pain every time she talked about another man and that’s how I like to see my men.
Jess slowly discovering that she has feelings for James was so funny because he caught her by such surprise. Every time he touched her and she was left wondering if she was supposed to be feeling that way about her best friend.
Jess also has generalized anxiety and that plays a huge factor in their love story. She is very scared of change and she is so worried that if she takes the next step with James it will ruin their friendship forever. She just has to learn to trust the love that they have for each other.
I loved that the ending was her learning to take care of herself and really work on her mental health. I think it was great for her character and I loved to see it.
I’m very excited for the net book about Liz and Parker.
I received an arc through grey’s promotion.
August 16, 2025
Alright, book bestie, you HAVE to drop everything and pick up "The Sweetest Agony" by Victoria Lum. I’m buzzing to tell you about this book because it’s not just a romance—it’s a book that truly gets it. If you’re into a love story that feels incredibly real, tackles tough stuff, and features a hero straight out of your dreams, then buckle up!
The Perfect Best Friends-to-Lovers Duo
This author has a knack for creating characters you'll instantly connect with. Our FMC, Jess, is so incredibly relatable. She’s trying to be the perfect daughter, friend, and auditor, all while battling extreme anxiety. You know that feeling, right? Trying to hold it all together, setting impossible standards, and then feeling like a total failure when you inevitably fall short? Jess embodies all of that, and it made my heart ache for her. The book dives deep into how her anxiety affects every part of her life, and I loved that the author gave her a genuine journey towards taking care of herself—this is not a quick fix story, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Then there’s James, our beautiful book boyfriend. He's been madly in love with Jess since they were teenagers, but he’s been stuck firmly in the friend zone. He’s so patient, so kind, and so deeply in love with her that it was almost painful to read at times. He sees all of Jess’s struggles and desperately wants to be her calming balm, to help silence those anxious voices in her head. Their friendship spans decades, and their devotion to each other is unmatched. The way they just fit together and their easygoing banter is so natural and perfect.
A Story That Hits You Where It Counts
This book is a stunning debut, and while it took a minute for me to get into, it absolutely found its groove in the first few chapters. It’s an angsty romance, a pure "he falls first" best friends-to-lovers dream. Jess slowly discovering her feelings for James was both hilarious and so endearing. Every time he touched her, she was left wondering if she was supposed to be feeling that way about her best friend. But her anxiety makes her run from it, because she’s so terrified of losing him.
This story touched my heart in ways I didn't expect, reminding me how important it is to ask for help and love yourself, flaws and all. The dual POV and flashbacks add rich context, showing their journey over two decades. You’ll root for them to get their happy ending, even if it's a hard-won one. The side characters are also amazing, and I’m already so excited for the next book in the series about Liz and Parker!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book, because it’s a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. It’s beautifully written, emotionally honest, and completely worth the read.
The Perfect Best Friends-to-Lovers Duo
This author has a knack for creating characters you'll instantly connect with. Our FMC, Jess, is so incredibly relatable. She’s trying to be the perfect daughter, friend, and auditor, all while battling extreme anxiety. You know that feeling, right? Trying to hold it all together, setting impossible standards, and then feeling like a total failure when you inevitably fall short? Jess embodies all of that, and it made my heart ache for her. The book dives deep into how her anxiety affects every part of her life, and I loved that the author gave her a genuine journey towards taking care of herself—this is not a quick fix story, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Then there’s James, our beautiful book boyfriend. He's been madly in love with Jess since they were teenagers, but he’s been stuck firmly in the friend zone. He’s so patient, so kind, and so deeply in love with her that it was almost painful to read at times. He sees all of Jess’s struggles and desperately wants to be her calming balm, to help silence those anxious voices in her head. Their friendship spans decades, and their devotion to each other is unmatched. The way they just fit together and their easygoing banter is so natural and perfect.
A Story That Hits You Where It Counts
This book is a stunning debut, and while it took a minute for me to get into, it absolutely found its groove in the first few chapters. It’s an angsty romance, a pure "he falls first" best friends-to-lovers dream. Jess slowly discovering her feelings for James was both hilarious and so endearing. Every time he touched her, she was left wondering if she was supposed to be feeling that way about her best friend. But her anxiety makes her run from it, because she’s so terrified of losing him.
This story touched my heart in ways I didn't expect, reminding me how important it is to ask for help and love yourself, flaws and all. The dual POV and flashbacks add rich context, showing their journey over two decades. You’ll root for them to get their happy ending, even if it's a hard-won one. The side characters are also amazing, and I’m already so excited for the next book in the series about Liz and Parker!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book, because it’s a story I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. It’s beautifully written, emotionally honest, and completely worth the read.
July 10, 2023
Unrequited Love is a jerk
🩷The Sweetest Agony🩷 (Book 1 in the LA Hearts series) by Victoria Lum
4/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
This book was so perfect … until my ick word was used f0lds. I’m sorry please stop calling the lady parts F0LDS. Enough is enough. So that’s why I deducted a ⭐️ because I just can’t with that.
Now, this story you’re definitely going to have to be okay with the will they / won’t they - unrequited love - miscommunication (but this is def due to the FMCs underlying mental health issues) that will be very frustrating as a reader - but as someone who suffers from anxiety like the FMC - I completely understand why it happened and why it was there.
The friendship of these two MC’s and the entire story is amazing. I felt my heart break for the MMC so many times. To love someone so much and not have them for such a long period of time, and then shooting your shot to only be friend zoned more and more is painful. James is a wonderfully written MMC, he’s patient, kind, loving and understanding of the FMC Jess to a point in this book you wish he’d just be able to move on because he truly deserves his happiness - but the only way to get this happiness is to be with her.
Jess - she’s a beautifully written character with anxiety and just so many things that hold her back from being her true self. This was such a hard read for me because of my own anxiety and just understanding how she felt was just hard. The war we rage within our own minds about who we are and what we can and cannot do - I personally loved her character development. I loved that she was able to see that it wasn’t a flaw of hers to have but that she could embrace it and take control of it with the proper help.
Gosh, there were a couple of scenes in this book where I was laying in my bed just full of tears my heart broke. I can’t say which ones but ugh they were so sad. But gosh they were so worth it!
📚
🩷The Sweetest Agony🩷 (Book 1 in the LA Hearts series) by Victoria Lum
4/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
This book was so perfect … until my ick word was used f0lds. I’m sorry please stop calling the lady parts F0LDS. Enough is enough. So that’s why I deducted a ⭐️ because I just can’t with that.
Now, this story you’re definitely going to have to be okay with the will they / won’t they - unrequited love - miscommunication (but this is def due to the FMCs underlying mental health issues) that will be very frustrating as a reader - but as someone who suffers from anxiety like the FMC - I completely understand why it happened and why it was there.
The friendship of these two MC’s and the entire story is amazing. I felt my heart break for the MMC so many times. To love someone so much and not have them for such a long period of time, and then shooting your shot to only be friend zoned more and more is painful. James is a wonderfully written MMC, he’s patient, kind, loving and understanding of the FMC Jess to a point in this book you wish he’d just be able to move on because he truly deserves his happiness - but the only way to get this happiness is to be with her.
Jess - she’s a beautifully written character with anxiety and just so many things that hold her back from being her true self. This was such a hard read for me because of my own anxiety and just understanding how she felt was just hard. The war we rage within our own minds about who we are and what we can and cannot do - I personally loved her character development. I loved that she was able to see that it wasn’t a flaw of hers to have but that she could embrace it and take control of it with the proper help.
Gosh, there were a couple of scenes in this book where I was laying in my bed just full of tears my heart broke. I can’t say which ones but ugh they were so sad. But gosh they were so worth it!
📚
March 24, 2023
/begin rant: I hated Jess. She does not deserve James at all. She did one good thing for him in their entire friendship while he moved mountains for her over and over again. She didn’t even seem to notice or truly appreciate what he did for her. What he sacrificed. She was too self-absorbed. Her head was so far up her arse. I do not care about her issues, she got no sympathy from me. Kick rocks Jess. /end rant
James on the other hand, held my heart the entire time. Loyal to a fault. Tried way too hard for way too long that my heart ached. I just wish he’d pick a better love interest. Come back Claire! I did enjoy this book, I just found the FMC to be insufferable. Personal opinion.
Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️
James has been in love with Jess since she stood up for him against his bully. Over 20 years ago. And they’ve been friends ever since. But James is tired of being friend zoned. He worked on himself to be a “better candidate” for Jess and he is back in town to sweep her off her feet. Jess is just too oblivious to notice. James is determined and he will do anything for his woman.
I would recommend The Sweetest Agony to anyone who likes angsty romances. If you love friends to lovers, childhood love, first love, years of yearning, a cinnamon roll MMC, mental illness representation, you may like The Sweetest Agony. This book does contain overcritical parents, life with anxiety/mental health, lots of self-loathing and negativity. If you’re good with the above, this book may be for you!
Warning: Reading The Sweetest Agony may make you want to go chase down Claire and bring her back. May make you roll your eyes a lot. May make you wonder if your long time friend has feelings for you. May make you get help. May make you realize no one is worth 20 years of pining. Read responsibly.
*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*
James on the other hand, held my heart the entire time. Loyal to a fault. Tried way too hard for way too long that my heart ached. I just wish he’d pick a better love interest. Come back Claire! I did enjoy this book, I just found the FMC to be insufferable. Personal opinion.
Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️
James has been in love with Jess since she stood up for him against his bully. Over 20 years ago. And they’ve been friends ever since. But James is tired of being friend zoned. He worked on himself to be a “better candidate” for Jess and he is back in town to sweep her off her feet. Jess is just too oblivious to notice. James is determined and he will do anything for his woman.
I would recommend The Sweetest Agony to anyone who likes angsty romances. If you love friends to lovers, childhood love, first love, years of yearning, a cinnamon roll MMC, mental illness representation, you may like The Sweetest Agony. This book does contain overcritical parents, life with anxiety/mental health, lots of self-loathing and negativity. If you’re good with the above, this book may be for you!
Warning: Reading The Sweetest Agony may make you want to go chase down Claire and bring her back. May make you roll your eyes a lot. May make you wonder if your long time friend has feelings for you. May make you get help. May make you realize no one is worth 20 years of pining. Read responsibly.
*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*
March 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
I love Victoria Lum's writing, but I have only read The Orchid series and the last book in this series, so I am reading her backlist. I think The Sweetest Agony was very impressive for a debut novel. I am very picky about friends to lovers, but I think she did a good job with her first book. I do believe her writing has really improved with each book I have read in the Orchid series.
James has been in love with his best friend Jess since they were kids, but she only saw him as her best friend. He has been pining after her for years and has recently moved back to L.A. to finally make his move. Jess is still in a long-term relationship, but it is falling apart. She suffers from severe anxiety, and it has really held her back from going after what she wants. Her boyfriend dumps her, and she asks James to be her dating coach. He takes this opportunity to get closer to her and show her how perfect he is for her.
The slow burn in this book was definitely sweet agony, even though I wanted to shake some sense into Jess throughout the entire book. My main issue with this book was Jess. I understood and could empathize with her anxiety issues, but she had no backbone with her mother and a longtime boyfriend. It was hard to connect to her character because she was completely blind to her best friend being deeply in love with her. I mean, this man was ALWAYS there for her and would drop everything to be there for her, and she didn't get it. It made her a pretty frustrating character, and I wanted to smack her every time she referred to him as only her friend or like a brother to her. I also wished she would have had some romantic feelings for him and not just randomly started looking at him when they shared the bed and got physical.
James was such a sweet cinnamon roll hero and it broke my heart seeing his unrequited love. He suffered for years pining after Jess.
I do appreciate the way Victoria Lum handled the heroine's anxiety disorder. I love it when authors actually show the importance of getting therapy to work through mental illnesses. I was proud of work Jess did to manage her anxiety.
🌶️🌶️.5
I love Victoria Lum's writing, but I have only read The Orchid series and the last book in this series, so I am reading her backlist. I think The Sweetest Agony was very impressive for a debut novel. I am very picky about friends to lovers, but I think she did a good job with her first book. I do believe her writing has really improved with each book I have read in the Orchid series.
James has been in love with his best friend Jess since they were kids, but she only saw him as her best friend. He has been pining after her for years and has recently moved back to L.A. to finally make his move. Jess is still in a long-term relationship, but it is falling apart. She suffers from severe anxiety, and it has really held her back from going after what she wants. Her boyfriend dumps her, and she asks James to be her dating coach. He takes this opportunity to get closer to her and show her how perfect he is for her.
The slow burn in this book was definitely sweet agony, even though I wanted to shake some sense into Jess throughout the entire book. My main issue with this book was Jess. I understood and could empathize with her anxiety issues, but she had no backbone with her mother and a longtime boyfriend. It was hard to connect to her character because she was completely blind to her best friend being deeply in love with her. I mean, this man was ALWAYS there for her and would drop everything to be there for her, and she didn't get it. It made her a pretty frustrating character, and I wanted to smack her every time she referred to him as only her friend or like a brother to her. I also wished she would have had some romantic feelings for him and not just randomly started looking at him when they shared the bed and got physical.
James was such a sweet cinnamon roll hero and it broke my heart seeing his unrequited love. He suffered for years pining after Jess.
I do appreciate the way Victoria Lum handled the heroine's anxiety disorder. I love it when authors actually show the importance of getting therapy to work through mental illnesses. I was proud of work Jess did to manage her anxiety.
March 25, 2023
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙮
- 𝘣𝘺 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘓𝘶𝘮𝘱
Friends to lovers trope
He falls first
Forced proximity
Anxiety Rep.
First of all I would like to wish a very best of luck to Victoria for her debut book, she is one of the sweetest person I met here on bookstagram.
𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸-
James have been in love with his best friend since forever but Jess has been oblivious towards his feelings for her and have kept him in the friend zone.
James have now decided to get back the love of his life by making Jess realise his love and that they can be more than just best friends.
Jess is a perfect girl on the outside who is good in her work and is groomed to perfection but has the issues like anxiety and panic attacks along with a mom who has set unrealistically high standards for her.
After his return Jess somewhat starts getting attracted to James and finally after James's confessions she decides to give him a chance, but only for 3 days. At the end of this 3 days it would only be her who decides if she wants to continue as a couple or best friends.
Will James be able to convince Jess to look beyond thier friendship or will Jess's anxieties hold her back to not make her loose her only best friend whom she needs at every step of life and can't live without.
What I like about the book is how James is always there for her no matter what and that he tries too hard for his love. The flash backs were a bit too stretched and the character of Jess was also a bit off connect for me, maybe a little more depth to both the main characters would have helped to connect with them more.
The supporting characters were good to read. The story line was predictable as any other friends to lovers trope.
All in all it was a good book as her debut and tho I couldn't connect to this one on personal level I enjoyed it. I'll definitely give a short to her next book which is coming up soon.
Thank you @victorialum for sharing the book with me in exchange of an honest review.
- 𝘣𝘺 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘓𝘶𝘮𝘱
Friends to lovers trope
He falls first
Forced proximity
Anxiety Rep.
First of all I would like to wish a very best of luck to Victoria for her debut book, she is one of the sweetest person I met here on bookstagram.
𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸-
James have been in love with his best friend since forever but Jess has been oblivious towards his feelings for her and have kept him in the friend zone.
James have now decided to get back the love of his life by making Jess realise his love and that they can be more than just best friends.
Jess is a perfect girl on the outside who is good in her work and is groomed to perfection but has the issues like anxiety and panic attacks along with a mom who has set unrealistically high standards for her.
After his return Jess somewhat starts getting attracted to James and finally after James's confessions she decides to give him a chance, but only for 3 days. At the end of this 3 days it would only be her who decides if she wants to continue as a couple or best friends.
Will James be able to convince Jess to look beyond thier friendship or will Jess's anxieties hold her back to not make her loose her only best friend whom she needs at every step of life and can't live without.
What I like about the book is how James is always there for her no matter what and that he tries too hard for his love. The flash backs were a bit too stretched and the character of Jess was also a bit off connect for me, maybe a little more depth to both the main characters would have helped to connect with them more.
The supporting characters were good to read. The story line was predictable as any other friends to lovers trope.
All in all it was a good book as her debut and tho I couldn't connect to this one on personal level I enjoyed it. I'll definitely give a short to her next book which is coming up soon.
Thank you @victorialum for sharing the book with me in exchange of an honest review.
March 30, 2023
Her dedication: “To all the girls who feel less than for whatever reason, you’re perfect, just the way you are.”
Whooo .. 😮💨 James Chapman .. Another book boyfriend to add to the growing book boyfriends list. It’s honestly the best to have a bestfriend that is also your lover.. He was so patient and sweet to Jess, I just *swoon🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
I related to this book in SO many ways! I love how Victoria threw in some asian culture and the pressure we always have to deal with. I’m asian myself, and let me tell you… it’s not a sterotype.. IT’S REAL!! The constant pressure of being someone your not and pleasing your parents with what they want for you. I can understand where Jess gets her anxiety and intrusive thoughts from because I have it too. 😓 But to see her growth at the end made me so proud and in tears.. 🥹 I’m glad she was able to get the help that she needed because in this world, there is nothing wrong with getting some help.
I am more of an Emily though when it comes to not listening to what my parents have to say 😅 I mean at almost 30years, I still get lectured about this and that, to watch my weight, etc. So to see Jess become a little more like Ems at the end towards her parents, I wanted to hug her and high-five her !
Overall, this was such a cute romantic read. It was light-hearted and an easy read. All the characters were so real& beautifully written. I can’t wait for Parker and Liz’s story! I knew it when they first laid eyes on each other😍😍 Can’t wait for that single dad trope.
Whooo .. 😮💨 James Chapman .. Another book boyfriend to add to the growing book boyfriends list. It’s honestly the best to have a bestfriend that is also your lover.. He was so patient and sweet to Jess, I just *swoon🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
I related to this book in SO many ways! I love how Victoria threw in some asian culture and the pressure we always have to deal with. I’m asian myself, and let me tell you… it’s not a sterotype.. IT’S REAL!! The constant pressure of being someone your not and pleasing your parents with what they want for you. I can understand where Jess gets her anxiety and intrusive thoughts from because I have it too. 😓 But to see her growth at the end made me so proud and in tears.. 🥹 I’m glad she was able to get the help that she needed because in this world, there is nothing wrong with getting some help.
I am more of an Emily though when it comes to not listening to what my parents have to say 😅 I mean at almost 30years, I still get lectured about this and that, to watch my weight, etc. So to see Jess become a little more like Ems at the end towards her parents, I wanted to hug her and high-five her !
Overall, this was such a cute romantic read. It was light-hearted and an easy read. All the characters were so real& beautifully written. I can’t wait for Parker and Liz’s story! I knew it when they first laid eyes on each other😍😍 Can’t wait for that single dad trope.
March 31, 2023
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a romance between two best friends and its a standalone. Its also my first time reading this author and I enjoyed this story a lot. I felt at times it dragged a bit longer than I wanted but I understood where the author was going with this story and it wasn't a quick fix, so I loved that she let the characters grow and change and work things out before they got their happily ever after.
This is a story about two best friends who grew up as best friends and met when Jess defended James from bullies. They have grown up together, but not always in person. It takes a very special friend when you stay close even separated by distance.
Jess has some major issues, and she really never got the help she needed. I loved that the author tackled her issues and really made me see how Anxiety, extreme anxiety could affect so many aspects of a person's life. Not just her romantic life but also her professional life and every part of her life from eating to sleep.
Jess and James were besties and he loved her no matter what, but she never really saw him, when she starts to, instead of running to it, she runs away because she is so afraid of losing him, she can't risk it. And the basis of her fear is her anxiety, her fears and while they are not real, in her mind she believes they are. She has to learn to control them rather than they control her. This made for a really interesting story and a unique best friend type of romance.
This is a romance between two best friends and its a standalone. Its also my first time reading this author and I enjoyed this story a lot. I felt at times it dragged a bit longer than I wanted but I understood where the author was going with this story and it wasn't a quick fix, so I loved that she let the characters grow and change and work things out before they got their happily ever after.
This is a story about two best friends who grew up as best friends and met when Jess defended James from bullies. They have grown up together, but not always in person. It takes a very special friend when you stay close even separated by distance.
Jess has some major issues, and she really never got the help she needed. I loved that the author tackled her issues and really made me see how Anxiety, extreme anxiety could affect so many aspects of a person's life. Not just her romantic life but also her professional life and every part of her life from eating to sleep.
Jess and James were besties and he loved her no matter what, but she never really saw him, when she starts to, instead of running to it, she runs away because she is so afraid of losing him, she can't risk it. And the basis of her fear is her anxiety, her fears and while they are not real, in her mind she believes they are. She has to learn to control them rather than they control her. This made for a really interesting story and a unique best friend type of romance.
March 30, 2023
As soon as I stumbled across the announcement for this book on social media, I wanted to read it. Finding out it was a debut had me even more excited to pick it up! I got right into the LA Hearts world. I so enjoyed this story!
Jess and James's journey pulled me in! Jess and James have been best friends ever since they were kids. The thing is though, James is in love with Jess. As James moves back, will Jess open her eyes to all that they could be? Or is it too much of a risk to their friendship?
I really liked how the ball got rolling from the start and the way Jess and James captured my attention. I adored their friendship / connection. I loved that there was such humanness to both Jess and James, getting to dig deeper with them, and the relatable moments throughout.
I wasn't sure how certain things were would be tackled, especially their feelings and in their lives which got me even more into it. James and Jess had such good chemistry! These two had me feeling many things from start to finish which I enjoyed!
I was so glad to get into the LA Hearts world for the first time and what the other characters brought to it!
With The Sweetest Agony, Ms.Lum has created such a good debut that'll make your heart feel so much! I am so looking forward to more from her and the LA Hearts world! 💗
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
Jess and James's journey pulled me in! Jess and James have been best friends ever since they were kids. The thing is though, James is in love with Jess. As James moves back, will Jess open her eyes to all that they could be? Or is it too much of a risk to their friendship?
I really liked how the ball got rolling from the start and the way Jess and James captured my attention. I adored their friendship / connection. I loved that there was such humanness to both Jess and James, getting to dig deeper with them, and the relatable moments throughout.
I wasn't sure how certain things were would be tackled, especially their feelings and in their lives which got me even more into it. James and Jess had such good chemistry! These two had me feeling many things from start to finish which I enjoyed!
I was so glad to get into the LA Hearts world for the first time and what the other characters brought to it!
With The Sweetest Agony, Ms.Lum has created such a good debut that'll make your heart feel so much! I am so looking forward to more from her and the LA Hearts world! 💗
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*
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