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Everything We Never Said
Dark romance, high stakes, and plot twists abound in this paperback original YA thriller that's perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover.
What you don't know can hurt you....
It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying . . .
She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend.
Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.
Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?
A dark, romantic thriller perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Laura Nowlin, Everything We Never Said explores the secrets in even the best of friendships and asks how well you ever know the ones you love.
What you don't know can hurt you....
It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying . . .
She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend.
Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.
Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?
A dark, romantic thriller perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Laura Nowlin, Everything We Never Said explores the secrets in even the best of friendships and asks how well you ever know the ones you love.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2024
About the author
Sloan Harlow
4 books140 followersSloan Harlow was interested in writing from a very young age. "Everything We Never Said," is her debut novel. She lives in Georgia with her black cat, Pabu, trying to eat as much Ube ice cream as possible.
https://www.instagram.com/sloanharlow...
https://www.instagram.com/sloanharlow...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,274 reviews
April 22, 2024
Predictable but Very Readable
Everything We Never Said is a YA romantic thriller about Ella, a 17-year-old high school senior mourning the death of her best friend, Hayley. Complicating manners, she finds herself developing feelings for Sawyer, who was Hayley's former boyfriend. The plot thickens with the mystery surrounding the night of Hayley’s death.
The story is narrated from the perspectives of both Ella and Sawyer, and readers get to know more about Hayley through her diary entries. The book explores the relationships between Ella and Sawyer, Ella and Hayley, and Hayley and her boyfriend "S". All of the characters are likable, and each offers a unique take on the events that lead up to the night Hayley died. Themes of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are also woven into the plot.
The pacing is fast, but the mystery is predictable. I found the dialogue and character interactions painful to read, but this might be because I aged out of the core audience. Moreover, the writing is overwrought with an excess of flowery language, eliciting many an eye roll.
Despite the predictable mystery, there is a good amount of tension and suspense. Overall, this is a decent, if not original, read.
I was lucky enough to win this book from a Goodreads giveaway!
Everything We Never Said is a YA romantic thriller about Ella, a 17-year-old high school senior mourning the death of her best friend, Hayley. Complicating manners, she finds herself developing feelings for Sawyer, who was Hayley's former boyfriend. The plot thickens with the mystery surrounding the night of Hayley’s death.
The story is narrated from the perspectives of both Ella and Sawyer, and readers get to know more about Hayley through her diary entries. The book explores the relationships between Ella and Sawyer, Ella and Hayley, and Hayley and her boyfriend "S". All of the characters are likable, and each offers a unique take on the events that lead up to the night Hayley died. Themes of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are also woven into the plot.
The pacing is fast, but the mystery is predictable. I found the dialogue and character interactions painful to read, but this might be because I aged out of the core audience. Moreover, the writing is overwrought with an excess of flowery language, eliciting many an eye roll.
Despite the predictable mystery, there is a good amount of tension and suspense. Overall, this is a decent, if not original, read.
I was lucky enough to win this book from a Goodreads giveaway!
July 11, 2024
It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying… She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend.
Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.
Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?
A terrifyingly realistic tale of dark romantic suspense, Everything We Never Said kept my eyes pinned to the pages. From characters that felt genuine and true to a plot that twisted and turned until a final timely reveal, the entire plot was quite chilling for even this adult reader. For that reason, while billed as a YA thriller, I think it was much more aligned to NA given the topic. Thanks to relatively explicit intimate scenesand a plot line that made a trigger warning essential, portions of this would have even been much more appropriate for an adult audience. It was only the characters’ ages kept it in the realm of NA.
Back to the winning attributes to this blindingly good book, though. A quick, easy read despite the heavy themes, I thought I knew exactly where the plot was going for much of the slow burn first half. So you can imagine my surprise when a twist to end all twists arrived on the scene. Shocking but also perfectly set up by the storyline, it took a straightforward tale and turned it on its head. Add in the adrenaline-fueled climax and smile-inducing conclusion, and this book hit all the right chords. Was it just a bit over-the-top? Well, yes—but given the age range, it made perfect sense.
My only hang up with this book was down to the genre. Namely, the strong romantic streak running throughout. Granted, I should have realized before I even picked this one up, but I was expecting something more akin to B.A. Paris, I guess. Instead, I found a twisted love story paired with a second half filled with plenty of thrills and chills. Ultimately, however, my discomfort with this was no fault of the plot. It was all down to me and my mostly anti-romance leanings.
All said and done, though, this was a story that all teens should read. Sometimes toxic relationships happen and kids—just like adults—need to be willing to lean on others for help. From seeing red flags and then acting on them to learning to trust one’s instincts, multiple lessons were illustrated that are important for all ages to hear. I also got lost in the multiple POVs, authentic teenage behavior, and dark secrets. So much so, in fact, that I read this in just a single sitting. So if you’re looking for a book meant for more than one age group that addresses hard to tackle topics as well as possessing a killer plot, this is the one for you. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Sloan Harlow and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers/Penguin Teen for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 28, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, domestic abuse, mention of: teen pregnancy
Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.
Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?
A terrifyingly realistic tale of dark romantic suspense, Everything We Never Said kept my eyes pinned to the pages. From characters that felt genuine and true to a plot that twisted and turned until a final timely reveal, the entire plot was quite chilling for even this adult reader. For that reason, while billed as a YA thriller, I think it was much more aligned to NA given the topic. Thanks to relatively explicit intimate scenesand a plot line that made a trigger warning essential, portions of this would have even been much more appropriate for an adult audience. It was only the characters’ ages kept it in the realm of NA.
Back to the winning attributes to this blindingly good book, though. A quick, easy read despite the heavy themes, I thought I knew exactly where the plot was going for much of the slow burn first half. So you can imagine my surprise when a twist to end all twists arrived on the scene. Shocking but also perfectly set up by the storyline, it took a straightforward tale and turned it on its head. Add in the adrenaline-fueled climax and smile-inducing conclusion, and this book hit all the right chords. Was it just a bit over-the-top? Well, yes—but given the age range, it made perfect sense.
My only hang up with this book was down to the genre. Namely, the strong romantic streak running throughout. Granted, I should have realized before I even picked this one up, but I was expecting something more akin to B.A. Paris, I guess. Instead, I found a twisted love story paired with a second half filled with plenty of thrills and chills. Ultimately, however, my discomfort with this was no fault of the plot. It was all down to me and my mostly anti-romance leanings.
All said and done, though, this was a story that all teens should read. Sometimes toxic relationships happen and kids—just like adults—need to be willing to lean on others for help. From seeing red flags and then acting on them to learning to trust one’s instincts, multiple lessons were illustrated that are important for all ages to hear. I also got lost in the multiple POVs, authentic teenage behavior, and dark secrets. So much so, in fact, that I read this in just a single sitting. So if you’re looking for a book meant for more than one age group that addresses hard to tackle topics as well as possessing a killer plot, this is the one for you. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Sloan Harlow and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers/Penguin Teen for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 28, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, domestic abuse, mention of: teen pregnancy
July 12, 2024
REVIEW TO COME😭!!!!!!! MY HEART CAN'T HANDLE THE PAIN💔😭💔😭!!!!!!!!!!!
January 17, 2024
Another quick read in the realm of YA romance and mystery, this novel was devoured in a single sitting. While a tad predictable and, in my opinion, maintaining a straightforward trajectory until the final third, the story primarily focuses on the forbidden romance between the best friend of a deceased girl and the deceased girl's boyfriend, who might harbor dark secrets. Fortunately, the author revs things up in the last third, injecting some excitement into the narrative, even though I discerned the plot twist early on after reading a few lines from a suspicious diary. Hence, I've settled on a solid three-star rating, signifying that this is a robust, fast, and easy-to-read YA thriller—a promising start for an author whose future works I look forward to enjoying a bit more!
Here's a glimpse of the plot: Ella, still a shadow of herself, grapples with the loss of her best friend, Hayley, who died in a car accident that she was driving. Coping with feelings of guilt, Ella returns to school, seeks the assistance of the school therapist, and rekindles her friendship with Seema, whom she became estranged from after getting closer to Hayley. However, the most challenging aspect is confronting Sawyer, Hayley's boyfriend, who stirs up complex emotions, intensifying her crush every time they cross paths. It appears that their feelings are mutual, with Sawyer struggling to contain his palpable attraction to her.
However, when Ella is summoned by Hayley's mother to pack up her deceased daughter's belongings—an emotionally daunting task—she discovers her friend's secret diary. Overwhelmed by curiosity, Ella succumbs to the urge to read it, despite feeling extremely guilty. What she finds within the diary presents another side of Sawyer—a version starkly different from the caring and loving boy she has come to know. Could this seemingly affectionate boy have harmed her best friend? Is she risking her safety by opening her heart to the wrong person? What if Hayley's death wasn't an accident? As Ella begins to piece together the events of that fateful night, a hazy image of a car trailing them emerges in her mind. Determined to unveil the mystery surrounding her friend's death, even if it puts her own life in jeopardy, Ella embarks on a journey that promises to shatter her heart into pieces.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers GROUP / GP Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for generously providing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Here's a glimpse of the plot: Ella, still a shadow of herself, grapples with the loss of her best friend, Hayley, who died in a car accident that she was driving. Coping with feelings of guilt, Ella returns to school, seeks the assistance of the school therapist, and rekindles her friendship with Seema, whom she became estranged from after getting closer to Hayley. However, the most challenging aspect is confronting Sawyer, Hayley's boyfriend, who stirs up complex emotions, intensifying her crush every time they cross paths. It appears that their feelings are mutual, with Sawyer struggling to contain his palpable attraction to her.
However, when Ella is summoned by Hayley's mother to pack up her deceased daughter's belongings—an emotionally daunting task—she discovers her friend's secret diary. Overwhelmed by curiosity, Ella succumbs to the urge to read it, despite feeling extremely guilty. What she finds within the diary presents another side of Sawyer—a version starkly different from the caring and loving boy she has come to know. Could this seemingly affectionate boy have harmed her best friend? Is she risking her safety by opening her heart to the wrong person? What if Hayley's death wasn't an accident? As Ella begins to piece together the events of that fateful night, a hazy image of a car trailing them emerges in her mind. Determined to unveil the mystery surrounding her friend's death, even if it puts her own life in jeopardy, Ella embarks on a journey that promises to shatter her heart into pieces.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers GROUP / GP Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for generously providing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 13, 2024
While I did enjoy this book, I am a grown adult. I think that this book misses the mark being targeted towards a YA audience, at least it should be NA. For me there are several reasons for this, with the first being the sex scenes, and then the amount of domestic violence present. I don’t think that YA books should have explicit sexual scenes. The second issue was domestic violence. This is a slight spoiler, and while I strive for spoiler free reviews, this can be a triggering topic. Domestic violence was fairly prevalent in this book, and it wasn’t off page either. I do think the writing was very YA however, just for me these topics didn’t need to go into the detail that they did.
I do think that this book dealt with the complicated topic of grief in a wonderful way. Grief is not linear, and this book highlighted that. It’s also a very complicated emotion and it’s going to present itself differently daily, which was done well. The pacing was also enjoyable and kept me engaged throughout though it does start off a little slow, then it speeds up.
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this e-arc.
I do think that this book dealt with the complicated topic of grief in a wonderful way. Grief is not linear, and this book highlighted that. It’s also a very complicated emotion and it’s going to present itself differently daily, which was done well. The pacing was also enjoyable and kept me engaged throughout though it does start off a little slow, then it speeds up.
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this e-arc.
May 26, 2024
Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow is a young adult novel that starts off feeling more like a contemporary romance but then takes a turn into a suspenseful thriller. The story in Everything We Never Said is one that switches the point of view between the main characters but also is told through reading past diary entries.
Ella has been recovering for months from an automobile accident that she feels was entirely her fault. Every day Ella has struggled with dealing with the loss of her best friend, Hayley, in that accident and now she needs to return to school which will never be the same with Hayley gone.
Everywhere Ella turns there are reminders of Hayley but the biggest reminder comes when Ella sees Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. The more time Ella spends around Sawyer the closer they become but Ella doesn’t feel that falling for Sawyer is fair to Hayley. To get some perspective into Hayley’s life before Ella begins to read her diary but what she reads shows a very dark side to Hayley’s life she never knew existed.
Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow is a debut novel so going in I didn’t know what to expect but when finishing I actually found I enjoyed this story. The book may not be for everyone with it really feeling like it switches genres but being someone that loves both genres I was fine with the slow healing, romance building beginning before the suspense kicks in. Things take a nice twist and pick up adrenaline as you move through this one so if you enjoy a cross genre story this one may be for you.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Ella has been recovering for months from an automobile accident that she feels was entirely her fault. Every day Ella has struggled with dealing with the loss of her best friend, Hayley, in that accident and now she needs to return to school which will never be the same with Hayley gone.
Everywhere Ella turns there are reminders of Hayley but the biggest reminder comes when Ella sees Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. The more time Ella spends around Sawyer the closer they become but Ella doesn’t feel that falling for Sawyer is fair to Hayley. To get some perspective into Hayley’s life before Ella begins to read her diary but what she reads shows a very dark side to Hayley’s life she never knew existed.
Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow is a debut novel so going in I didn’t know what to expect but when finishing I actually found I enjoyed this story. The book may not be for everyone with it really feeling like it switches genres but being someone that loves both genres I was fine with the slow healing, romance building beginning before the suspense kicks in. Things take a nice twist and pick up adrenaline as you move through this one so if you enjoy a cross genre story this one may be for you.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 30, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rounded up!
This YA gem offers everything needed in a superior dramatic thriller! After reading this, I can't stop thinking about the important message within these pages: Be careful, be wise, and use discernment when pursuing relationships. Not everyone is as they seem.
What you don't know can hurt you...It's been 4 months since the accident that killed Ella's best friend, Hailey. Ella is ridden with guilt and is trying to just get through the first day of school. Everything reminds her of Hailey, especially Sawyer, Hailey's boyfriend. Ella is drawn to Sawyer - and is slowly falling for him. When Hailey's mom asks Ella to come over to clean out her room, Ella discovers Hailey's diary. Reluctantly, she begins reading through Hailey's entries, hoping to find anything to bring her comfort. Instead, she finds important information about Sawyer that helps explain why Hailey was acting so strange in the weeks leading up to her death. Everything We Never Said explores the secrets in even the best of friendships and asks how well you ever know the ones you love.
I see that I am the exception in giving this a 5 star rating. I'm ok with that. I give it this rating not only because this has all of the makings of a great thriller, but because of the message it sends to young adults, teens, and even adults. Some of the toxic relationships, strategically developed by Sloan Harlow, happen daily in the real world, leaving many traumatized and left to pick up the pieces. This book is not only entertaining. It's a warning. And I can't help but want to encourage every young person to read it. After all, writing and reading are not solely about being entertained. Rather, a good author should leave the reader changed.
Thank you Sloan Harlow, NetGalley, and Penguin Young Readers Group for this enlightening thriller ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This YA gem offers everything needed in a superior dramatic thriller! After reading this, I can't stop thinking about the important message within these pages: Be careful, be wise, and use discernment when pursuing relationships. Not everyone is as they seem.
What you don't know can hurt you...It's been 4 months since the accident that killed Ella's best friend, Hailey. Ella is ridden with guilt and is trying to just get through the first day of school. Everything reminds her of Hailey, especially Sawyer, Hailey's boyfriend. Ella is drawn to Sawyer - and is slowly falling for him. When Hailey's mom asks Ella to come over to clean out her room, Ella discovers Hailey's diary. Reluctantly, she begins reading through Hailey's entries, hoping to find anything to bring her comfort. Instead, she finds important information about Sawyer that helps explain why Hailey was acting so strange in the weeks leading up to her death. Everything We Never Said explores the secrets in even the best of friendships and asks how well you ever know the ones you love.
I see that I am the exception in giving this a 5 star rating. I'm ok with that. I give it this rating not only because this has all of the makings of a great thriller, but because of the message it sends to young adults, teens, and even adults. Some of the toxic relationships, strategically developed by Sloan Harlow, happen daily in the real world, leaving many traumatized and left to pick up the pieces. This book is not only entertaining. It's a warning. And I can't help but want to encourage every young person to read it. After all, writing and reading are not solely about being entertained. Rather, a good author should leave the reader changed.
Thank you Sloan Harlow, NetGalley, and Penguin Young Readers Group for this enlightening thriller ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2024
Ella and Haley were best friends until one night when they left a party and there was a horrible accident and now Ella feels responsible for Haley's death although she has no memories of the day Haley died but she is racked with grief and guilt.
Ella believes everyone blames and hates her so she has withdrawn from all her friends since the accident, except now senior year is starting and she much face Sawyer again who was Haley's boyfriend and also Ella's dear friend. Soon after, Ella finds Haley's journal and thinks she needs to read it believing it might help her understand what happened the day that Haley died although she never expected to find that Haley was keeping very dark secrets and that she was sad, ashamed and afraid of someone who was hurting her and Ella can't understand why Haley never told her about these things and about Sawyer. Could Ella have completely misjudged the type of person Sawyer seemed to be?
The worst part is now Ella has developed feelings for Haley's boyfriend and now she is ashamed of her feelings but they've grown stronger and he is so kind and gentle with her but what about the diary and what it says about Sawyer? How can Ella continue down this road knowing he may have hurt Haley and how can she betray her best friend's memory by falling in love with her boyfriend and also by reading such personal secrets that were meant for Haley's eyes only.
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA novel and I believe older teens and above will love this deep and complex thriller because I am an adult reader but I found Sloan Harlow's storyline and writing very well done and intriguing with capturing the essence of seventeen year old's in the crossroads between leaving their childhood behind and becoming young adults. The thrill and pains of young love was expressed wonderfully, reminding myself when I was deeply in love at that age and the excitement but also the heartache that sometimes results when many unexpected situations can happen that teens aren't prepared to handle yet find themselves having to deal with problems that think they must deal with on their own instead of talking to their parents or another caring adult and the results sometimes can be absolutely tragic and devastating. The story starts out slowly and continues to build and build where I was not able to put the book down and the writer turned the book into a terrific mystery/thriller that was very entertaining and emotional at times. The kids today have so many more problems than years ago and I think the author did a wonderful job of capturing thoughts and actions of teens with this YA novel. I am looking forward to reading more books by Sloan Harlow!
I want to thank the publisher "PENGUIN GROUP/Penguin Young Readers Group" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and I highly recommend it for older teens and adults only because some of the subject matter is very strong!
I have given a rating if 4 SENSITIVE AND EMOTIONAL 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
Ella believes everyone blames and hates her so she has withdrawn from all her friends since the accident, except now senior year is starting and she much face Sawyer again who was Haley's boyfriend and also Ella's dear friend. Soon after, Ella finds Haley's journal and thinks she needs to read it believing it might help her understand what happened the day that Haley died although she never expected to find that Haley was keeping very dark secrets and that she was sad, ashamed and afraid of someone who was hurting her and Ella can't understand why Haley never told her about these things and about Sawyer. Could Ella have completely misjudged the type of person Sawyer seemed to be?
The worst part is now Ella has developed feelings for Haley's boyfriend and now she is ashamed of her feelings but they've grown stronger and he is so kind and gentle with her but what about the diary and what it says about Sawyer? How can Ella continue down this road knowing he may have hurt Haley and how can she betray her best friend's memory by falling in love with her boyfriend and also by reading such personal secrets that were meant for Haley's eyes only.
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA novel and I believe older teens and above will love this deep and complex thriller because I am an adult reader but I found Sloan Harlow's storyline and writing very well done and intriguing with capturing the essence of seventeen year old's in the crossroads between leaving their childhood behind and becoming young adults. The thrill and pains of young love was expressed wonderfully, reminding myself when I was deeply in love at that age and the excitement but also the heartache that sometimes results when many unexpected situations can happen that teens aren't prepared to handle yet find themselves having to deal with problems that think they must deal with on their own instead of talking to their parents or another caring adult and the results sometimes can be absolutely tragic and devastating. The story starts out slowly and continues to build and build where I was not able to put the book down and the writer turned the book into a terrific mystery/thriller that was very entertaining and emotional at times. The kids today have so many more problems than years ago and I think the author did a wonderful job of capturing thoughts and actions of teens with this YA novel. I am looking forward to reading more books by Sloan Harlow!
I want to thank the publisher "PENGUIN GROUP/Penguin Young Readers Group" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and I highly recommend it for older teens and adults only because some of the subject matter is very strong!
I have given a rating if 4 SENSITIVE AND EMOTIONAL 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
January 15, 2024
First and foremost, I would like to NetGalley and the publisher for lending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for a honest review.
Now I want to start off by saying, I am typically into reading about high schoolers just because of drama and I'm also 26 so it does not always appeal to me, but I saw this book and the synopsis along with other fellow goodreaders who mentioned this book, so I wanted to give it a shot, and I'm so glad I did.
We dive into North Davis High where our female main character, Ella, is about to start her senior year of high school. Summer was dreadful, she lost her best friend, Hayley, in a car accident at the beginning and blames herself for what happened and has no recollection of the night. We also meet our male main character, Sawyer, who was Hayley's ex. We go in between their different point of views and how they want to be together, but how can they when they also feel like they're betraying Hayley? Along with, what did truly happen that one night? Did Ella drink too much? Was Hayley okay? Were they being chased?
I don't want to spoil too much in my review just in case anyone else wants to read this book, which I HIGHLY recommend.
This book has just the right about of romance (some spice but not a lot) and a lot of THRILL!
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wow, just wow. i was not expecting what happened, at all.
Now I want to start off by saying, I am typically into reading about high schoolers just because of drama and I'm also 26 so it does not always appeal to me, but I saw this book and the synopsis along with other fellow goodreaders who mentioned this book, so I wanted to give it a shot, and I'm so glad I did.
We dive into North Davis High where our female main character, Ella, is about to start her senior year of high school. Summer was dreadful, she lost her best friend, Hayley, in a car accident at the beginning and blames herself for what happened and has no recollection of the night. We also meet our male main character, Sawyer, who was Hayley's ex. We go in between their different point of views and how they want to be together, but how can they when they also feel like they're betraying Hayley? Along with, what did truly happen that one night? Did Ella drink too much? Was Hayley okay? Were they being chased?
I don't want to spoil too much in my review just in case anyone else wants to read this book, which I HIGHLY recommend.
This book has just the right about of romance (some spice but not a lot) and a lot of THRILL!
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wow, just wow. i was not expecting what happened, at all.
June 9, 2024
This romantic suspense was dark and interesting. I did think the plot was a little predictable but overall it was enjoyable. I think it did fit young adult, but there was a little more sex on the page than other young adults. I wasn’t bothered by the domestic violence and I don’t think it makes it unsuitable for teens, but there should be a trigger warning for it. It’s been months since Ella’s best friend Hayley was killed and Ella blames herself and sees Hayley everywhere. She also keeps seeing Hayley’s boyfriend Sawyer who only makes her feel guiltier. Ella doesn’t remember anything about the day Hayley died but she knows it must be her fault because she was driving the car. Despite knowing it is wrong Ella is drawn towards Sawyer in a way she can’t explain. This book is heavy emotionally and definitely a quick read. It is a suspenseful story and it was well written.
July 28, 2024
I’ve heard really good things about this one. Going in…
June 9, 2024
Messy, messy, messy. Tbh this is the closest thing to a Colleen Hoover book I will ever read.
July 31, 2024
Note finale : 3,5
J'ai modifié ma note et l'ai descendu
Je ne m'attendais pas à lire un thriller romantique sombre ; je pensais naïvement qu'il s'agirait d'une romance young adult avec une touche de thriller. J'ai donc été assez surprise par la tournure que prenaient certaines intrigues et par l'ambiance générale du récit, mais dans le bon sens du terme.
J'ai beaucoup aimé l'ambiance qui se dégageait du texte, ainsi que l'enquête que j'ai pu mener pour découvrir ce qui était arrivé à Hayley. Le récit était très addictif et une fois les premiers chapitres passées, j'ai dévoré la suite en l'espace de 2 jours. Je dois avouer avoir été assez mal à certains moments pendant ma lecture, dû à certaines intrigues, mais je l'explique un peu plus bas dans mon avis !
Dans l'ensemble, j'ai bien aimé les personnages même si j'ai trouvé certaines réactions de Seema assez excessives. J'ai bien aimé l'amitié entre Ella et Hayley. Concernant la romance, je n'ai pas été totalement convaincue.
Honnêtement, c'était une bonne lecture, et j'ai apprécié lire ce roman, mais certains points m'ont dérangé.
Premièrement, il n'y a aucun avertissement de contenu, que ce soit dans la version originale en anglais ou dans la version française. J'aurais aimé en voir, car certaines intrigues m'ont personnellement choquée. En 2024, il est important de permettre aux lecteurs de consulter ces avertissements. Comme il n'y en avait pas, j'ai été surprise par certains éléments.
Toutefois, la version française inclut une liste de numéros à appeler pour les victimes d'abus et de violences à la fin du roman, ce qui est appréciable. Vous trouverez les avertissements de contenu à la fin de mon avis si vous souhaitez les consulter (ils peuvent spoiler)
Deuxièmement, j'ai été gênée par l'hypersexualisation des relations amoureuses. Dans ce roman, nous suivons des jeunes de 17 ans en dernière année de lycée, et un couple se forme avec des scènes assez explicites. J'ai trouvé dommage que la relation soit principalement basée sur l'attirance sexuelle et physique, sans être davantage approfondie. C'est peut-être mon ressenti, mais je n'ai perçu que très peu d'alchimie entre Ella et Sawyer. Certes, ils étaient quelques fois mignons, mais presque tous leurs moments de tendresse se terminaient par une scène à caractère sexuel. J'ai aussi été un peu gênée de voir des adolescents de cet âge autant sexualisés. J'aurais préféré qu'ils aient directement 18 ans au lieu de 17 ans.
À lire si tu aimes :
* dark romantic thriller (15/16+)
* friends to lovers
* amour "interdit"
* double POV
* intrigues de meurtre
* histoire au lycée
Attention aux avertissements de contenu : scènes à caractère sexuelle explicites, violence conjugale, abus familial, manipulation, violence, sang, meurtre, violence psychologique, sexisme, humiliation, harcèlement, deuil
produit offert, merci à Hachette Romans pour l'envoi !
J'ai modifié ma note et l'ai descendu
Je ne m'attendais pas à lire un thriller romantique sombre ; je pensais naïvement qu'il s'agirait d'une romance young adult avec une touche de thriller. J'ai donc été assez surprise par la tournure que prenaient certaines intrigues et par l'ambiance générale du récit, mais dans le bon sens du terme.
J'ai beaucoup aimé l'ambiance qui se dégageait du texte, ainsi que l'enquête que j'ai pu mener pour découvrir ce qui était arrivé à Hayley. Le récit était très addictif et une fois les premiers chapitres passées, j'ai dévoré la suite en l'espace de 2 jours. Je dois avouer avoir été assez mal à certains moments pendant ma lecture, dû à certaines intrigues, mais je l'explique un peu plus bas dans mon avis !
Dans l'ensemble, j'ai bien aimé les personnages même si j'ai trouvé certaines réactions de Seema assez excessives. J'ai bien aimé l'amitié entre Ella et Hayley. Concernant la romance, je n'ai pas été totalement convaincue.
Honnêtement, c'était une bonne lecture, et j'ai apprécié lire ce roman, mais certains points m'ont dérangé.
Premièrement, il n'y a aucun avertissement de contenu, que ce soit dans la version originale en anglais ou dans la version française. J'aurais aimé en voir, car certaines intrigues m'ont personnellement choquée. En 2024, il est important de permettre aux lecteurs de consulter ces avertissements. Comme il n'y en avait pas, j'ai été surprise par certains éléments.
Toutefois, la version française inclut une liste de numéros à appeler pour les victimes d'abus et de violences à la fin du roman, ce qui est appréciable. Vous trouverez les avertissements de contenu à la fin de mon avis si vous souhaitez les consulter (ils peuvent spoiler)
Deuxièmement, j'ai été gênée par l'hypersexualisation des relations amoureuses. Dans ce roman, nous suivons des jeunes de 17 ans en dernière année de lycée, et un couple se forme avec des scènes assez explicites. J'ai trouvé dommage que la relation soit principalement basée sur l'attirance sexuelle et physique, sans être davantage approfondie. C'est peut-être mon ressenti, mais je n'ai perçu que très peu d'alchimie entre Ella et Sawyer. Certes, ils étaient quelques fois mignons, mais presque tous leurs moments de tendresse se terminaient par une scène à caractère sexuel. J'ai aussi été un peu gênée de voir des adolescents de cet âge autant sexualisés. J'aurais préféré qu'ils aient directement 18 ans au lieu de 17 ans.
À lire si tu aimes :
* dark romantic thriller (15/16+)
* friends to lovers
* amour "interdit"
* double POV
* intrigues de meurtre
* histoire au lycée
Attention aux avertissements de contenu : scènes à caractère sexuelle explicites, violence conjugale, abus familial, manipulation, violence, sang, meurtre, violence psychologique, sexisme, humiliation, harcèlement, deuil
produit offert, merci à Hachette Romans pour l'envoi !
May 25, 2024
Ella and her friend Hayley were driving home from a party one night. Ella wrecks and is injured. Hayley disappears and is assumed dead.
Ella begins dating her friends boyfriend Sawyer. She later discovers Hayley’s diary and it has devastating consequences for her.
This was an excellent read that had me quickly flipping the pages. Thanks NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for this ARC that will be published May 28, 2024!
Ella begins dating her friends boyfriend Sawyer. She later discovers Hayley’s diary and it has devastating consequences for her.
This was an excellent read that had me quickly flipping the pages. Thanks NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for this ARC that will be published May 28, 2024!
March 5, 2024
Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow is so much more than I thought it would be. It's a story full of raw emotion, grief, twisted lies, and deep dark secrets. But are those secrets worth killing for...
Ella is struggling with the guilt from her best friend Hayley's tragic death. Every single day, Ella blames herself for causing that accident, but for some reason, she can't remember the details from that tragic day. Things really take a drastic turn when Ella finds Hayley's journal while cleaning out her room. She can't help but turn to the pages of that journal, hoping it will bring her some peace from all that has happened. Instead, it only opens the door to a very dark and twisted secret that Hayley kept from her. Things aren't so perfect after all.
*Many thanks to NetGalley, Sloan Harlow, and Penguin Group for providing me with this ARC.
Ella is struggling with the guilt from her best friend Hayley's tragic death. Every single day, Ella blames herself for causing that accident, but for some reason, she can't remember the details from that tragic day. Things really take a drastic turn when Ella finds Hayley's journal while cleaning out her room. She can't help but turn to the pages of that journal, hoping it will bring her some peace from all that has happened. Instead, it only opens the door to a very dark and twisted secret that Hayley kept from her. Things aren't so perfect after all.
*Many thanks to NetGalley, Sloan Harlow, and Penguin Group for providing me with this ARC.
June 5, 2024
Thank you to PRH Audio for the copy of this book. My review is my own.
I might have to just accept that YA isn't for me. Overall this was a good premise and at the halfway mark, it really picked up. It even ended up surprising me in part which is always a plus.
However, I knew where this book was going about 5 pages in. Besides being ultimately fairly predictable, hot and heavy romance between two underage teens always skeeves me out and there were times that this one went a little too far for me. Maybe this would be better received by a 16 year old, but I was all set.
I also struggle with the overly flowery writing in YA. Everything has two descriptors and just feels over the top. There are endless "hot tears" and the "release of breaths they didn't know they were holding" and it all just gets to be a bit much.
It also pained me that Ella didn't sit down and immediately read Haley's diary. I honestly can't imagine a situation where someone finds the diary of a someone they think they killed and they DON'T read it immediately, but that's neither here nor there I suppose.
That being said, this is a quick and entertaining read. The pressure Ella must have felt knowing she killed her best friend, the guilt over falling for her ex boyfriend - they were big emotions for anyone to grapple with, particularly a teenager. The chemistry between Ella and Sawyer was well developed and I liked the building of tension, I just would have preferred a little more closed-door scenes because they were young.
I listened to this novel on audio and didn't love the narrators for Ella and Sawyer. Ella's voice was a little whiny and felt too young whereas Sawyer felt too old. The narrator for Haley was generally fine.
Overall, this was a decent read but not one that will stick with me. Thank you to Penguin Teen, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for the copy.
I might have to just accept that YA isn't for me. Overall this was a good premise and at the halfway mark, it really picked up. It even ended up surprising me in part which is always a plus.
However, I knew where this book was going about 5 pages in. Besides being ultimately fairly predictable, hot and heavy romance between two underage teens always skeeves me out and there were times that this one went a little too far for me. Maybe this would be better received by a 16 year old, but I was all set.
I also struggle with the overly flowery writing in YA. Everything has two descriptors and just feels over the top. There are endless "hot tears" and the "release of breaths they didn't know they were holding" and it all just gets to be a bit much.
It also pained me that Ella didn't sit down and immediately read Haley's diary. I honestly can't imagine a situation where someone finds the diary of a someone they think they killed and they DON'T read it immediately, but that's neither here nor there I suppose.
That being said, this is a quick and entertaining read. The pressure Ella must have felt knowing she killed her best friend, the guilt over falling for her ex boyfriend - they were big emotions for anyone to grapple with, particularly a teenager. The chemistry between Ella and Sawyer was well developed and I liked the building of tension, I just would have preferred a little more closed-door scenes because they were young.
I listened to this novel on audio and didn't love the narrators for Ella and Sawyer. Ella's voice was a little whiny and felt too young whereas Sawyer felt too old. The narrator for Haley was generally fine.
Overall, this was a decent read but not one that will stick with me. Thank you to Penguin Teen, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for the copy.
June 1, 2024
She was messy AND filthy
July 18, 2024
J'ai bien aimé cette lecture qui m'a entrainée dans une direction que je ne m'imaginais pas lorsque j'ai choisi ce roman.
On y suit Ella qui peine à se remettre de lanperte de sa meilleure amie dans un accident de voiture. Ella ne se souvient pas de cette soirée fatidique où tout a basculé pour elle. Alors quelle se rappeoche de Sawyer, le journal intime de son amie viendra mettre en lumière des faits nouveaux dont Ella ignorait tout...
Si au début du roman j'ai eu une impression de "déjà vu", la tangente qu'il a pris m'a vraiment plus et sorti de ma zone de confort. J'ai beaucoup aimé la conclusion, un dénouement que je ne m'imaginais pas.
Un roman qui nous apprend à ne pas interpréter et que les non-dits peuvent parfois cacher de lourds secrets.
🖋️"Les bébés oiseaux sont attachés à leur nid. Ils sont à la merci de tout ce qui les entoure. Ils sont incapables de se nourrir, de se protéger. Je ne suis plus un petit oiseau maintenant. Je suis plus que ça."
On y suit Ella qui peine à se remettre de lanperte de sa meilleure amie dans un accident de voiture. Ella ne se souvient pas de cette soirée fatidique où tout a basculé pour elle. Alors quelle se rappeoche de Sawyer, le journal intime de son amie viendra mettre en lumière des faits nouveaux dont Ella ignorait tout...
Si au début du roman j'ai eu une impression de "déjà vu", la tangente qu'il a pris m'a vraiment plus et sorti de ma zone de confort. J'ai beaucoup aimé la conclusion, un dénouement que je ne m'imaginais pas.
Un roman qui nous apprend à ne pas interpréter et que les non-dits peuvent parfois cacher de lourds secrets.
🖋️"Les bébés oiseaux sont attachés à leur nid. Ils sont à la merci de tout ce qui les entoure. Ils sont incapables de se nourrir, de se protéger. Je ne suis plus un petit oiseau maintenant. Je suis plus que ça."
August 20, 2024
3.25/5
I have to start off by saying that this book seems like more of a new adult book than a young adult book to me. When you have some of the scenes that are in this book, I feel like it’s kind of pushing the ya boundaries.
I was honestly annoyed through the majority of this book by the main character. Falling in love with your best friend’s boyfriend even as you’re learning all of these things about him seems a bit ridiculous.
The ending did help turn the story around and so that’s why I gave it the rating I did, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to others
I have to start off by saying that this book seems like more of a new adult book than a young adult book to me. When you have some of the scenes that are in this book, I feel like it’s kind of pushing the ya boundaries.
I was honestly annoyed through the majority of this book by the main character. Falling in love with your best friend’s boyfriend even as you’re learning all of these things about him seems a bit ridiculous.
The ending did help turn the story around and so that’s why I gave it the rating I did, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to others
January 6, 2024
Holy heck that was a wild ride!
“It’s not his fault he’s emotionally covered in third-degree burns.”
Ella’s best friend Hayley is dead and it’s all her fault. She was the one driving after all. The worst part? She can’t remember anything from that night-the last day she spent with Hayley. Everyone seems to blame her and she believes them. Then, Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend, tells Ella it’s not her fault and she can breathe a little easier. As they bond over shared grief, they start to get closer and Ella realizes she has a crush on her dead best friend’s boyfriend. If that’s not horrifying enough, Sawyer might like her back.
When Ella finds Hayley’s diary, she tells herself she’s just keeping it safe so Hayley’s mom can’t read her innermost thoughts. But she pulls it out whenever she needs to talk to Hayley-it’s the next best thing after all. As Ella reads Hayley’s diary, she discovers that nothing Hayley told her about Sawyer was true. The truth is much worse, much darker. But what if she finds that darkness irresistible? When her memories start coming back in flashbacks, is everything she thought she knew about everyone wrong? Will she be able to fight the darkness or will she be consumed by it?
This book had me from the very first page and I was hanging on every word. Told in Dual POV with excerpts from Hayley’s diary, this is fast paced and a real page turner.
🚨The story deals with some heavy stuff, so be sure to read the trigger warnings. 🚨
The author beautifully portrayed the stages of grief, loneliness, and love as well as the fear felt in dealing with domestic situations and people with anger issues.
I loved the mystery of it all and how it kept you guessing until the very last page. The twists at the end! I had known something was off, but holy hell, that was crazy. This kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I was fully invested. While some of it seems far fetched, it is a story after all and that didn’t deter me from loving the hell out of this book! I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen.
“Love isn’t like stepping into a river, where either you’re wet or you’re not. Love is the river itself. Sometimes the current is tranquil and steady, like my love for you…And sometimes…it has sharp rocks and bruising rapids. The sudden drops and turns are confusing and painful, but it’s still the same river. It’s still love.”
Sign me up for whatever Harlow comes up with next!!
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.*
*quotes come from an uncorrected proof.
“It’s not his fault he’s emotionally covered in third-degree burns.”
Ella’s best friend Hayley is dead and it’s all her fault. She was the one driving after all. The worst part? She can’t remember anything from that night-the last day she spent with Hayley. Everyone seems to blame her and she believes them. Then, Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend, tells Ella it’s not her fault and she can breathe a little easier. As they bond over shared grief, they start to get closer and Ella realizes she has a crush on her dead best friend’s boyfriend. If that’s not horrifying enough, Sawyer might like her back.
When Ella finds Hayley’s diary, she tells herself she’s just keeping it safe so Hayley’s mom can’t read her innermost thoughts. But she pulls it out whenever she needs to talk to Hayley-it’s the next best thing after all. As Ella reads Hayley’s diary, she discovers that nothing Hayley told her about Sawyer was true. The truth is much worse, much darker. But what if she finds that darkness irresistible? When her memories start coming back in flashbacks, is everything she thought she knew about everyone wrong? Will she be able to fight the darkness or will she be consumed by it?
This book had me from the very first page and I was hanging on every word. Told in Dual POV with excerpts from Hayley’s diary, this is fast paced and a real page turner.
🚨The story deals with some heavy stuff, so be sure to read the trigger warnings. 🚨
The author beautifully portrayed the stages of grief, loneliness, and love as well as the fear felt in dealing with domestic situations and people with anger issues.
I loved the mystery of it all and how it kept you guessing until the very last page. The twists at the end! I had known something was off, but holy hell, that was crazy. This kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I was fully invested. While some of it seems far fetched, it is a story after all and that didn’t deter me from loving the hell out of this book! I will be recommending this to anyone who will listen.
“Love isn’t like stepping into a river, where either you’re wet or you’re not. Love is the river itself. Sometimes the current is tranquil and steady, like my love for you…And sometimes…it has sharp rocks and bruising rapids. The sudden drops and turns are confusing and painful, but it’s still the same river. It’s still love.”
Sign me up for whatever Harlow comes up with next!!
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.*
*quotes come from an uncorrected proof.
July 20, 2024
1 ⭐️ and im being kind.
this was bad. like really really BAD.
the plot was so predictable, the writing awful, the romance nonexistent, the characters unlikeable.
this had so much potential but should have stayed in wattpad where it belongs.
this was bad. like really really BAD.
the plot was so predictable, the writing awful, the romance nonexistent, the characters unlikeable.
this had so much potential but should have stayed in wattpad where it belongs.
September 18, 2024
Grief and loss are such devastating emotions. Reeling from the loss of her best friend, Ella is on a journey to remember what happened the night of their accident and continue to find her normal after a tragic accident left her with no memory of the day and her friend Hayley passing away.
The story follows Ella during all of the emotions that follow- guilt & responsibility for the accident, survivors guilt, loss of a loved one, love after loss, having to get back to living her everyday life, and feeling judged by others. Her search for the truth and desire to find out what may have happened is the main purpose in the book.
I enjoyed how real the story and emotions felt as I followed along on this amazing story. There was some teen angst woven in too- to keep with the YA feel. There are some surprises along the way keeping you guessing which made this a fun read- with a very dramatic twist that I was shocked by and loved.
A great read, easy to follow- but not without its heavy topics. TW: domestic abuse.
The story follows Ella during all of the emotions that follow- guilt & responsibility for the accident, survivors guilt, loss of a loved one, love after loss, having to get back to living her everyday life, and feeling judged by others. Her search for the truth and desire to find out what may have happened is the main purpose in the book.
I enjoyed how real the story and emotions felt as I followed along on this amazing story. There was some teen angst woven in too- to keep with the YA feel. There are some surprises along the way keeping you guessing which made this a fun read- with a very dramatic twist that I was shocked by and loved.
A great read, easy to follow- but not without its heavy topics. TW: domestic abuse.
June 1, 2024
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the writing style of this book! I felt like my daughter might enjoy it more than I did since it was young adult romance and thriller. The characters were well developed but I found the plot fairly predictable for the most part. There was only one twist I didn’t see coming. I would recommend for young (high school age) readers who are into psychological thrillers, mysteries, with a little bit of spice!
I liked the writing style of this book! I felt like my daughter might enjoy it more than I did since it was young adult romance and thriller. The characters were well developed but I found the plot fairly predictable for the most part. There was only one twist I didn’t see coming. I would recommend for young (high school age) readers who are into psychological thrillers, mysteries, with a little bit of spice!
July 20, 2024
3.5 ✨
Um livro viciante e fácil de ler, a ação é rápida e envolvente, com várias reviravoltas interessantes e que apesar de ser YA acaba por tocar em pontos interessantes.
Para mim que advinhei quase tudo não foi um livro tão incrível assim, mas é uma ótima leitura.
Contudo, não considero que seja um dark romance, de todo. É um livro YA de mistério, mais virado para um thriller e com algum romance e cenas mais spicy, mas muito soft nesse campo.
Um livro viciante e fácil de ler, a ação é rápida e envolvente, com várias reviravoltas interessantes e que apesar de ser YA acaba por tocar em pontos interessantes.
Para mim que advinhei quase tudo não foi um livro tão incrível assim, mas é uma ótima leitura.
Contudo, não considero que seja um dark romance, de todo. É um livro YA de mistério, mais virado para um thriller e com algum romance e cenas mais spicy, mas muito soft nesse campo.
May 30, 2024
Quick read. Not really YA, has pretty graphic sex scenes described as well as domestic violence that to me don’t fit the genre.
Main character has this clueless self absorbed trait that definitely feels YA but couldn’t really make myself like her or relate to her.
Could feel that S described in diary wasn’t going to be what you thought it would be.
Overall was okay read, not making my favorites list. Was going to let my teen daughter read but have decided against that.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Main character has this clueless self absorbed trait that definitely feels YA but couldn’t really make myself like her or relate to her.
Could feel that S described in diary wasn’t going to be what you thought it would be.
Overall was okay read, not making my favorites list. Was going to let my teen daughter read but have decided against that.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2024
Ella and Hayley are best friends until an accident kills Hayley. Now, Ella is left to try and move on as well as Hayley's boyfriend, Sawyer.
Forgive me, Hayley. For all of it. For Sawyer. For this. Is Ella starting to have feelings for Sawyer?
I'm a mess. I don't know how to get through this. In fact, I don't think I can. I'm ruined without you and the only person who can get me through losing you.....is you. Now, Ella begins to read Hayley's diary.
Something is happening to Hayley. She locked the dead bolt, fled to her bedroom, made sure all the locks work on her windows and the door is secure. She had eight missed calls from S. She checked her face in the mirror. It's not as bad as it feels. My lip is split, and there's a reddish splotch where his knuckles hit her cheekbone. Ella is reading a scary scene between Hayley and S. S is jealous of anyone and everyone.
This is a good, quick and easy YA read, Ella is such a strong character!
Forbidden Romance, Dark Secrets, and Fast Paced! 3 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 5/28/24.
Forgive me, Hayley. For all of it. For Sawyer. For this. Is Ella starting to have feelings for Sawyer?
I'm a mess. I don't know how to get through this. In fact, I don't think I can. I'm ruined without you and the only person who can get me through losing you.....is you. Now, Ella begins to read Hayley's diary.
Something is happening to Hayley. She locked the dead bolt, fled to her bedroom, made sure all the locks work on her windows and the door is secure. She had eight missed calls from S. She checked her face in the mirror. It's not as bad as it feels. My lip is split, and there's a reddish splotch where his knuckles hit her cheekbone. Ella is reading a scary scene between Hayley and S. S is jealous of anyone and everyone.
This is a good, quick and easy YA read, Ella is such a strong character!
Forbidden Romance, Dark Secrets, and Fast Paced! 3 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 5/28/24.
June 25, 2024
Solid 3.5 stars! ⭐️
This story was a tad predictable, even if not at the final conclusion. I would recommend for a mature teen due to the domestic and dating violence. It’s not incredibly graphic and certainly has a place in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!
This story was a tad predictable, even if not at the final conclusion. I would recommend for a mature teen due to the domestic and dating violence. It’s not incredibly graphic and certainly has a place in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!
May 15, 2024
2.5 stars.
Thank you so much, Penguin Teen, for my copy of Everything We Never Said!
#Penguinteenpartner
Everything We Never Said is a YA dark romantic thriller, following a seventeen year old girl named Ella, through the months following a car accident that killed her best friend and left Ella blaming herself.
Only, what this book is ACTUALLY about is the how, only a few months after her best friend was killed, Ella finds herself falling for, who else, but Hayley's boyfriend.
Now, having finished this book, I can see the reasons behind this and the reason behind many decisions that were made. However, that does not mean I was ok with this plot line.
We start the book with a character so deep in grief she can barely get out of bed, and can't bring herself to put on new clothes, but within a couple chapters she doesn't even seem to care anymore. All she wants is to be with a guy. (Her best friends guy, specifically.) The second the idea of being with him pops into her head, it's all she cares about. When they have a fight, she's way more broken up about that then she is about her best friend dying. She was so obsessed, to the point where she started reading Hayley's diary. No, not to find out more about the night she can't remember (though she later claims that's why) but to get advice from Hayley about her own boyfriend! Honestly? She's kind of a terrible friend. She reads about them having sex, and then she kisses him. She reads about him being emotionally abusive and controlling, and then she has sex with him. She reads about him being physically abusive, and then she goes with him into a dark maze and then brings up the abuse? She's not just a bad friend, she's also really stupid...
Now, obviously, it was not actually Sawyer that Hayley was writing about, but Ella absolutely thought it was, so I think that still stands.
Speaking of Sawyer, his personality was so inconsistent, and it drove me crazy. At first he was like this perfect brother, perfect son, and his only flaw was falling for Ella, then as soon as Ella read about him being abusive, he suddenly became abusive, clearly to throw us off the idea that it was someone else? Don't get me wrong, I think the things and anger he was dealing with is realistic for his childhood trauma, it just should have been expressed earlier.
Also, can I just say that that diary should have been the first thing Hayley thought of when she went into hiding? Like, she was being so careful that Sawyer couldn't even tell Ella the truth, but she didn't think about the most incriminating thing she owned falling into the wrong hands?
Now, let's talk about my favorite person in this book. Sawyer's mother. I love her. She was by far my favorite character. She also absolutely should have put her son in therapy.
There were many themes of different kinds of trauma and reactions to it. Frankly I think many of the topics where a little too intense for a young adult book, but at the same time, as someone who struggled with some similar trauma as a child, I do think it's something that needs to be talked about, just carefully. I can tell that the author really did know a thing or two about the topics she addressed. The trauma responses of the character were well thought out and very accurate, just not well executed. There were certain quotes or scenes that had me feeling strongly for and relating to the characters, and that's a good thing. I just think it maybe should have been more consistent and spread out.
Okay, and the plot twists. I personally saw pretty much all of them coming. The only one I didn't see was her being pregnant. The councilor, her being alive, Sawyer knowing, I pretty much guessed all of that. I don’t know what I would have when I was younger, though, so it might still be a good twist for actual teen readers? Like, It probably doesn't help that I read a lot of thrillers and listen to a lot of True Crime, but I was hoping there would be some plot twists that I didn't already figure out..
All in all, I didn't hate this book, I just had problems with certain decisions that were made and the way much of it was executed. I just wish it had been done differently.
Thank you so much, Penguin Teen, for my copy of Everything We Never Said!
#Penguinteenpartner
Everything We Never Said is a YA dark romantic thriller, following a seventeen year old girl named Ella, through the months following a car accident that killed her best friend and left Ella blaming herself.
Only, what this book is ACTUALLY about is the how, only a few months after her best friend was killed, Ella finds herself falling for, who else, but Hayley's boyfriend.
Now, having finished this book, I can see the reasons behind this and the reason behind many decisions that were made. However, that does not mean I was ok with this plot line.
We start the book with a character so deep in grief she can barely get out of bed, and can't bring herself to put on new clothes, but within a couple chapters she doesn't even seem to care anymore. All she wants is to be with a guy. (Her best friends guy, specifically.) The second the idea of being with him pops into her head, it's all she cares about. When they have a fight, she's way more broken up about that then she is about her best friend dying. She was so obsessed, to the point where she started reading Hayley's diary. No, not to find out more about the night she can't remember (though she later claims that's why) but to get advice from Hayley about her own boyfriend! Honestly? She's kind of a terrible friend. She reads about them having sex, and then she kisses him. She reads about him being emotionally abusive and controlling, and then she has sex with him. She reads about him being physically abusive, and then she goes with him into a dark maze and then brings up the abuse? She's not just a bad friend, she's also really stupid...
Now, obviously, it was not actually Sawyer that Hayley was writing about, but Ella absolutely thought it was, so I think that still stands.
Speaking of Sawyer, his personality was so inconsistent, and it drove me crazy. At first he was like this perfect brother, perfect son, and his only flaw was falling for Ella, then as soon as Ella read about him being abusive, he suddenly became abusive, clearly to throw us off the idea that it was someone else? Don't get me wrong, I think the things and anger he was dealing with is realistic for his childhood trauma, it just should have been expressed earlier.
Also, can I just say that that diary should have been the first thing Hayley thought of when she went into hiding? Like, she was being so careful that Sawyer couldn't even tell Ella the truth, but she didn't think about the most incriminating thing she owned falling into the wrong hands?
Now, let's talk about my favorite person in this book. Sawyer's mother. I love her. She was by far my favorite character. She also absolutely should have put her son in therapy.
There were many themes of different kinds of trauma and reactions to it. Frankly I think many of the topics where a little too intense for a young adult book, but at the same time, as someone who struggled with some similar trauma as a child, I do think it's something that needs to be talked about, just carefully. I can tell that the author really did know a thing or two about the topics she addressed. The trauma responses of the character were well thought out and very accurate, just not well executed. There were certain quotes or scenes that had me feeling strongly for and relating to the characters, and that's a good thing. I just think it maybe should have been more consistent and spread out.
Okay, and the plot twists. I personally saw pretty much all of them coming. The only one I didn't see was her being pregnant. The councilor, her being alive, Sawyer knowing, I pretty much guessed all of that. I don’t know what I would have when I was younger, though, so it might still be a good twist for actual teen readers? Like, It probably doesn't help that I read a lot of thrillers and listen to a lot of True Crime, but I was hoping there would be some plot twists that I didn't already figure out..
All in all, I didn't hate this book, I just had problems with certain decisions that were made and the way much of it was executed. I just wish it had been done differently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
”I keep thinking about everything I never told you, everything we never said, wondering if it all could have turned out differently if only I'd confided in you.
time to channel your inner sleuth! so. many. questions! past paced! what happened to hayley?! i HAD to know. i loved this! read it in 24 hours. devoured it! Dark, romantic thriller!
note: this is a young adult novel with mature themes. dm me with any content questions!
✨ THINGS AND STUFF ✨
-dual pov
-diary entries
-family dynamics & broken homes
-what happened that night she died?
-forbidden love
-memory loss & flashbacks
-grief & pain
-secrets
-goosebump worthy revelations
-plot twist!
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door “kiss the smile off her lips….sawyer presses a kiss to the top of my head”
thank you penguin teen for an advanced copy!
time to channel your inner sleuth! so. many. questions! past paced! what happened to hayley?! i HAD to know. i loved this! read it in 24 hours. devoured it! Dark, romantic thriller!
note: this is a young adult novel with mature themes. dm me with any content questions!
✨ THINGS AND STUFF ✨
-dual pov
-diary entries
-family dynamics & broken homes
-what happened that night she died?
-forbidden love
-memory loss & flashbacks
-grief & pain
-secrets
-goosebump worthy revelations
-plot twist!
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door “kiss the smile off her lips….sawyer presses a kiss to the top of my head”
thank you penguin teen for an advanced copy!
February 21, 2024
As a YA thriller, this book was a fun quick read. The beginning started off slow and had a big romance aspect mixed in, but I'd say the best part was three-quarters of the way through the book.
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