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mikaylafoster's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Drug abuse
Moderate: Self harm
alamayhem_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had a really good time reading this book! It was super addicting and had me invested in the story from the very first chapter.
I found Bailey and Lev’s story to be super intriguing, but also interesting. It was eye-opening to see them admit that their relationship was borderline obsessive, but I liked the way they addressed that. It helped them to make smart choices for the benefit of both of them as the story went along.
I really appreciated Bailey’s character development, as it truly showed how her experiences and addiction shaped her into the person she was meant to become by the end of the novel.
I also found myself tearing up at moments throughout the storyas it was very sad, but also heartwarming. I loved seeing Lev and Bailey’s family’s reactions and their ultimate support to help Bailey get the help and independence she needed to get better.
The spicy scenes throughout the novel were super hot, and I found myself blushing at multiple scenes throughout the book.Especially the snow scene heheh.
I was in awe that this book is the fourth in the series, and I was amazed that the author has written a book for literally everyone part of Bailey and Lev’s families. She even has the stories of their parents falling in love! I find that incredible and I am definitely interested in picking up another book in this world.
Although some of the writing could be a little cringey at points, I reminded myself that I was reading from the POV of a high school senior and a college freshman. Everything they said and thought seemed very accurate for their ages, so I was able to just giggle and find what they said to be hilarious at times.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel. It touched me, kept me intrigued and rooting for Bailey and Lev the whole time, and I would love to pick up another book in this universe! I rate this book 4/5 stars! 🌟
I found Bailey and Lev’s story to be super intriguing, but also interesting. It was eye-opening to see them admit that their relationship was borderline obsessive, but I liked the way they addressed that. It helped them to make smart choices for the benefit of both of them as the story went along.
I also found myself tearing up at moments throughout the story
The spicy scenes throughout the novel were super hot, and I found myself blushing at multiple scenes throughout the book.
I was in awe that this book is the fourth in the series, and I was amazed that the author has written a book for literally everyone part of Bailey and Lev’s families. She even has the stories of their parents falling in love! I find that incredible and I am definitely interested in picking up another book in this world.
Although some of the writing could be a little cringey at points, I reminded myself that I was reading from the POV of a high school senior and a college freshman. Everything they said and thought seemed very accurate for their ages, so I was able to just giggle and find what they said to be hilarious at times.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel. It touched me, kept me intrigued and rooting for Bailey and Lev the whole time, and I would love to pick up another book in this universe! I rate this book 4/5 stars! 🌟
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Addiction
Moderate: Mental illness
aliciainwonderland007's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Self harm
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief
nero_nash's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Someone pass me the vodka...
It was a long and super painful journey. It was a tough read for me and I had to keep reminding myself that this was all because of the drugs and the withdrawals.
Lev's love for her was so beautiful and one thing is for certain these Cole men love hard and they love with their whole being.
It was so great seeing some glimpses of Rosie. I truly loved her.
Loving an addict can be hard. But when it comes to recovery love and support are the most important aspect of recovering.
It was a long and super painful journey. It was a tough read for me and I had to keep reminding myself that this was all because of the drugs and the withdrawals.
Lev's love for her was so beautiful and one thing is for certain these Cole men love hard and they love with their whole being.
It was so great seeing some glimpses of Rosie. I truly loved her.
Loving an addict can be hard. But when it comes to recovery love and support are the most important aspect of recovering.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug use, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol, Death of parent, Grief, and Cursing
Minor: Pregnancy, Self harm, Violence, Bullying, and Sexual content
thebookjunkee's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I don’t even know where to begin. This was such a beautifully written story. Bailey and Lev’s relationship was something straight out of a story book. Childhood best friends, living next door to each other, who become each other’s muse. When life is shaken for Lev, Bailey is there to pick up the pieces. And vice versa when it comes to Lev with Bailey. The love this man has for this woman is out of bounds! This is a story about love, loss, addiction and the road to recovery for all of it.
LJ Shen hit it out of the ballpark with this one. She did an amazing job portraying every side of addiction and the after math of the choices that are made - and how those decisions impact so many lives. I ugly cried the last few chapters in this. Absolutely devoured this book! You may want to check triggers on this one as there are some heavy topics that may be hard for some readers.
LJ Shen hit it out of the ballpark with this one. She did an amazing job portraying every side of addiction and the after math of the choices that are made - and how those decisions impact so many lives. I ugly cried the last few chapters in this. Absolutely devoured this book! You may want to check triggers on this one as there are some heavy topics that may be hard for some readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Addiction, and Suicidal thoughts
threeundertwopnw's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I will always love these beautiful, wealthy, totally messed-up characters in this fictional town. This book was brutal and heartbreaking and frankly a bit rough to read. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Alcoholism, Blood, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Grief, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Classism, Drug use, Addiction, Bullying, Cursing, Medical trauma, and Pregnancy
whatnikkireads's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Damaged Goods
By @authorljshen
🗓️ Out today!
Book 4 All Saints series
💜Childhood Friends to Lovers
💜He Falls First
💜It's always been you
💜He Falls Harder
💜Cinnamon Roll Hero
💜Heroine in Distress
💜Who Hurt You?
💜Angst Central
💜Highschool/College
⚠️ Active Addiction + other triggers ⚠️
💓 Lev Cole + Bailey Followhill 💓
Ugh. My heart 💔. First let's start with Ljs books are a genre of their own. They are messy, full of red flags and absolutely push boundaries. But they talk about some real life problems in a painful but beautiful way. This is book 4 in the series and it can absolutely be read as a standalone but the amount of information you would be missing from not reading the rest will really alter your reading experience.
Active Addiction for me is a trigger I normally won't push myself to read. I actually DNF'd book 2 in this series because of the on page alcohol addiction. But with this being substance abuse and not alcohol I gave it a go. I'm really glad I did.
These two have been THE BEST of friends their whole lives, neighbors in a cul-de-sac. Their families intertwined. Bailey goes off to college across the states and their friendship is forever changed. Without spoilers she comes back to town and things are MESSY. They state enemies in the tropes for this book, they were never enemies, Lev was ALWAYS fighting for his girl even though it definitely got ugly.
I'll stop rambling. Just know this book was painful and freaking beautiful all at the same time and I definitely recommend diving in.
(Have you read Magnolia Parks? If you liked that I think you will love this.)
Thank you to LJ Shen and The Author agency for this ARC.
By @authorljshen
🗓️ Out today!
Book 4 All Saints series
💜Childhood Friends to Lovers
💜He Falls First
💜It's always been you
💜He Falls Harder
💜Cinnamon Roll Hero
💜Heroine in Distress
💜Who Hurt You?
💜Angst Central
💜Highschool/College
⚠️ Active Addiction + other triggers ⚠️
💓 Lev Cole + Bailey Followhill 💓
Ugh. My heart 💔. First let's start with Ljs books are a genre of their own. They are messy, full of red flags and absolutely push boundaries. But they talk about some real life problems in a painful but beautiful way. This is book 4 in the series and it can absolutely be read as a standalone but the amount of information you would be missing from not reading the rest will really alter your reading experience.
Active Addiction for me is a trigger I normally won't push myself to read. I actually DNF'd book 2 in this series because of the on page alcohol addiction. But with this being substance abuse and not alcohol I gave it a go. I'm really glad I did.
These two have been THE BEST of friends their whole lives, neighbors in a cul-de-sac. Their families intertwined. Bailey goes off to college across the states and their friendship is forever changed. Without spoilers she comes back to town and things are MESSY. They state enemies in the tropes for this book, they were never enemies, Lev was ALWAYS fighting for his girl even though it definitely got ugly.
I'll stop rambling. Just know this book was painful and freaking beautiful all at the same time and I definitely recommend diving in.
(Have you read Magnolia Parks? If you liked that I think you will love this.)
Thank you to LJ Shen and The Author agency for this ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Self harm
from_diannes_shelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Lev and Bailey have used each other as crutches at different times of their lives (Lev for the most part right after his mother's death, Bailey while battling her addiction). Additionally, both characters are high achievers in their own right, with Lev seen as a golden boy with good grades, great pedigree and a talent in football. Bailey is a ballet brainiac in Juilliard.
Trouble ensues when Bailey gives into an addiction that lands her back in Todos Santos - back to Lev and their unfinished business.
I appreciated how real LJ made Bailey's issues, where they stem from, and the eventual crash to rock bottom. While in rehab, she states, "There's one valuable lesson I learned at Juilliard, and it wasn't taught to me by the professors: Your self-worth is a price too high to pay for success. It is, in fact, your most treasured possession. There's no currency for knowing your worth. It is time to rebuild my life and start from scratch".
I also appreciated Lev's story of sacrificing his happiness to keep his father happy. Learning to let go of that to reach for what he really wanted in life (which is not football) was wonderful to see.
Of course, Lev and Bailey get's their HEA All Saints High style. It was also fun to read the guest appearances from Knight to Vicious. The banter between the Cole men especially was hilarious.
A wonderful way to close out the series.
Trouble ensues when Bailey gives into an addiction that lands her back in Todos Santos - back to Lev and their unfinished business.
I appreciated how real LJ made Bailey's issues, where they stem from, and the eventual crash to rock bottom. While in rehab, she states, "There's one valuable lesson I learned at Juilliard, and it wasn't taught to me by the professors: Your self-worth is a price too high to pay for success. It is, in fact, your most treasured possession. There's no currency for knowing your worth. It is time to rebuild my life and start from scratch".
I also appreciated Lev's story of sacrificing his happiness to keep his father happy. Learning to let go of that to reach for what he really wanted in life (which is not football) was wonderful to see.
Of course, Lev and Bailey get's their HEA All Saints High style. It was also fun to read the guest appearances from Knight to Vicious. The banter between the Cole men especially was hilarious.
A wonderful way to close out the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Self harm
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
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