Thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy. Here’s my review: I went into Left of Forever knowing I was going to fall in love with Wren and Ellis—and what better time to do that than while they’re learning to fall back in love with each other? This is a beautifully written second chance romance that picks up five years after their divorce. A road trip, just the two of them, after dropping off their now college-bound kid—what could possibly go wrong? Or, more importantly, what could go right? Be ready to fall hard. Be ready for the petty, the messy, the heartbreaking—but most of all, the magic that is Wren and Ellis

This was my very first memoir, and what a delightful experience it was! Listening to Kelly Bishop narrate her own story added so much depth and warmth—I felt like I was sitting down for coffee with a dear friend. I found myself relating to her deeply: her lifelong love of animals, her confidence in living a fulfilling life without children, and her clear-eyed self-awareness. She was unapologetically herself and had such a thoughtful, gracious way of reflecting on the people she worked with—always appreciative, but never afraid to set boundaries or speak her truth. Of course, I’ll always love her as Emily Gilmore—such an iconic, unforgettable character—but now I’ll remember Kelly Bishop just as fondly for who she is beyond the screen

I’m in shock. What the actual hell was that?! What happened in that forest?! I need answers, therapy, and probably a support group. How long is it socially acceptable to just stare at a wall and reevaluate my entire existence? From the beginning, I was into it. The plot was gripping, the pacing just right. I adored the way the MMCs were written. They were strong, complex, layered. The mentor/mentee dynamics? Absolute gold. It felt like watching a slow burn of trust and camaraderie build into something really meaningful. I was vibing. I was comfortable. Sure, there was danger lurking and a third book on the horizon, but I had hope. I trusted you, Helen. AND THEN YOU RIPPED MY SOUL OUT. That forest scene? That twist? That ENDING?! You lulled me into a sense of security only to smash me with a wrecking ball of emotions I wasn’t prepared for. I didn’t want to scream at my book, but here we are. I don’t know what to do with myself. I need book three yesterday. Until then, I’ll just be here… staring into the void, wondering how fiction can hurt this much

Julie Soto has officially joined my auto-buy author list after Forget Me Not! She created two characters I need to meet in real life. Wedding Planner Ama and Tattooed Florist Elliot Bloom completely stole my heart. Someone please direct me to fanart of all of Elliot’s tattoos because I need that in my life ASAP. Now listen, if you asked me to name my least favorite tropes, Second Chance Romance is usually at the top of that list. I’ve rarely vibed with it—Love & Other Words being the exception—until this book. The way Julie Soto delivered it, especially with Elliot’s POV? Chef’s kiss. It hit every emotional note and made me care so deeply about their journey back to each other. This book is beautiful, swoony, cute and spicy. Basically everything I want in a romance. Five stars. A full body yes. APPROVED! 100/10 recommend.

I will be very honest that this is very reminiscent of ACOTAR. We have Atlas as Tamtam and Gabriel as Lucien. Lor of course is the very hungry young woman who was saved from her current situation only to find out that it was because she was needed as an answer to something. Did I love it? Heck yeah. I don’t care that it reminded me of ACOTAR. I loved the trials and the world that Nisha is building for the series. I am excited for Nadir (yes he is Rhys, and his sister is Mor) and how the world would continue now that Lor is back in Aurora. I hope that in the second book it will break the comparison to ACOTAR but either way this is a series I am very excited to continue.