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Ember Grove Romances #1
The Simple Answer
Emily Garrett had a plan for after college: back to her hometown of Ember Grove, where she had a great job waiting for her that she was going to focus on. After forgiving her last girlfriend too many times and only finally getting out, she's not keen on dating again--not for a good, long while.
Vanessa Schreier is a different person from when she was a kid--or at least, she hopes she is. A clique ruler in school who used her influence to bring down anyone who got in her way, she's come back to Ember Grove not too long ago to make amends. Most people know her as the woman who'll help anyone, anywhere, anytime, but some people aren't so quick to let go of the her past mistakes. One of those people is Vanessa herself.
And one is the girl who just moved back in next door: Emily Garrett, her brother's best friend, her old next-door neighbor, and her favorite target to pick on as a kid.
Emily's not stupid. She knows she had a crush on Vanessa as a kid even when she was bullying her, and judging by the way it feels to look at Vanessa now, she knows part of her still feels the same way. After spending college accepting one apology after another from an abusive girlfriend, she is done with accepting apologies from anyone--especially girls who make her heart race.
But Vanessa, and the drive she has to make things right, are hard to avoid.
The Simple Answer is a 70k-word girl-next-door romance about growth, forgiveness, and is the first book in the Ember Grove small-town romance series. Content warnings for childhood bullying, emotional manipulation, a car accident but no one gets hurt I promise, people talking about feelings, and more references to J-pop artists than I thought I'd be able to sneak into a novel.
Vanessa Schreier is a different person from when she was a kid--or at least, she hopes she is. A clique ruler in school who used her influence to bring down anyone who got in her way, she's come back to Ember Grove not too long ago to make amends. Most people know her as the woman who'll help anyone, anywhere, anytime, but some people aren't so quick to let go of the her past mistakes. One of those people is Vanessa herself.
And one is the girl who just moved back in next door: Emily Garrett, her brother's best friend, her old next-door neighbor, and her favorite target to pick on as a kid.
Emily's not stupid. She knows she had a crush on Vanessa as a kid even when she was bullying her, and judging by the way it feels to look at Vanessa now, she knows part of her still feels the same way. After spending college accepting one apology after another from an abusive girlfriend, she is done with accepting apologies from anyone--especially girls who make her heart race.
But Vanessa, and the drive she has to make things right, are hard to avoid.
The Simple Answer is a 70k-word girl-next-door romance about growth, forgiveness, and is the first book in the Ember Grove small-town romance series. Content warnings for childhood bullying, emotional manipulation, a car accident but no one gets hurt I promise, people talking about feelings, and more references to J-pop artists than I thought I'd be able to sneak into a novel.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2020
164 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Lily Seabrooke
37 books336 followersLily Seabrooke is a lesbian, trans woman, and author of sapphic romance that stars food, because odds are, at any given time, she's hungry.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 30, 2020
DNF at 75% (21 out of 28 chapters + epilogue).
After a few days of mulling over this, I realize I don't have the patience to suffer through this book anymore.
I've been putting off writing this review because I know I only got a few nice things to say about this book, and then the rest would just be me airing out my frustrations.
So, let's talk about the things I liked first.
The romantic arc was good. Despite Emily having understandable reservations about trusting Vanessa now that they're older, her distrust wasn't dragged longer than necessary. The transition in their relationship from acquaintances to lovers had a believable pacing, as helped by shared memories of their childhood due to the closeness of their families in the past. They have history. And even if that history involved Vanessa being a dumb kid who bullied her brother's best friend, we later find out that they remembered stuff about each other that wasn't centered on the "bullying." Witnessing them learn this made things sweet as they get reacquainted.
The sex had a great amount of spice and were enjoyable to read.
I also happen to find this line amusing:
In Vanessa's history of being a bully, she hurt a lot of people. As a form of personal atonement, she is now dead set on helping out these people in every way she can. One of these people is Brad.
Now, I want you to consider the gravity of this statement when I say... Brad is one of the most despicable characters I have encountered in a long time. I couldn't believe the amount of anger I felt reading through his actions and dialogues in this book. He's an abusive and a manipulative SOAB, who holds onto his victim card to justify every shit that's happening in his life—and of course, none of it was his fault 🙄 He blames every other people for not getting the success he thought he deserved to have already, yet he proves to be nothing but a privileged, whiny brute.
And Vanessa, oh dear, Vanessa, I get trying to make up for the bad things you’ve done in the past. I really do. But to slave yourself to make amends is wrong too, especially when the person you’ve wronged is milking your guilt and is abusing you as you try to help them.
That's probably the saddest thing about this book—seeing Vanessa accept every abuse Brad has thrown at her. But the thing is, Vanessa's behavior becomes just as infuriating when you realize she IS the one subjecting herself to this REPEATEDLY. How does it make sense when you’re trying to make amends for the wrongdoings you’ve done in the past, but then here you are doing wrong things FOR someone who’s guilting you into doing them??
Just read these excerpts, and see if you can even pick something in it that's reasonable:
I don't think I've ever done this before, but this is the most strongly I've ever felt to persuade people to not read a book. I'm not kidding. Reading this book felt like I was suffering the same verbal abuse Vanessa was receiving. Oh, there were physical abuse here as well, but Vanessa was able to avoid them—still doesn't make them acceptable, of course. And for that reason, this book should come with a trigger warning for ABUSE, which I don't think was sufficiently encompassed by the content warning for emotional manipulation. At 75%, I was still considering to finish reading this because the romance was nice. But taking into account all the good feelings I've felt about it were erased by the issues I've pointed out, I just had to give up on it.
As a reader who loves a good angst, I've read stuff that dealt with far heavier issues tackled within this book. Yes, I understand some conflicts are meant to anger you, but authors must remember that it should always, ALWAYS come with a justification, otherwise you're just pissing off your readers for an attempt to evoke strong feelings. But you should realize that having that power as a writer shouldn't be taken lightly. I'm sure this wasn't Seabrooke's intention when she wrote this romance novel, but the heavy subjects she put in here were so carelessly handled that I've decided to avoid her books for the foreseeable future. Since AnnMaree had read a few more of Seabrooke's works than I had, she brought to my attention that Seabrooke is "a very immature drama ridden novelist." And it's quite regrettable that I was slapped with the reality of that with my first book by this author alone. I had Different Worlds in my TBR list but now removed it.
This review is by no means intended to cast doubt on Seabrooke's capability as a romance author, but she needs to work on her angst development. As for her writing, the characters’ thoughts and dialogues here were oftentimes so stilted that following their train of thoughts became difficult. It was fine reading through it occasionally, since this is a technique used to portray unsure characters, etc., but when it happened on a regular basis, it made me realize I may not be a fan of this author’s writing. She needs to take it easy on the pauses and get around to using them wisely.
When it comes to books I DNF, I always tell people to take my review with a grain of salt. Obviously I don't know what I'm missing in the rest of the book that I didn't get to—like maybe the unjustifiable points I mentioned were given an explanation. However, I won't deny that I still went on to writing this extensive review to caution you about the emotional beating you'd have to endure while reading this. I love a good angst, but the one in here was executed poorly.
Anyway, you now know why I was delaying writing this. As awful as I felt after reading this book, I feel even more awful writing this review.
After a few days of mulling over this, I realize I don't have the patience to suffer through this book anymore.
I've been putting off writing this review because I know I only got a few nice things to say about this book, and then the rest would just be me airing out my frustrations.
So, let's talk about the things I liked first.
The romantic arc was good. Despite Emily having understandable reservations about trusting Vanessa now that they're older, her distrust wasn't dragged longer than necessary. The transition in their relationship from acquaintances to lovers had a believable pacing, as helped by shared memories of their childhood due to the closeness of their families in the past. They have history. And even if that history involved Vanessa being a dumb kid who bullied her brother's best friend, we later find out that they remembered stuff about each other that wasn't centered on the "bullying." Witnessing them learn this made things sweet as they get reacquainted.
The sex had a great amount of spice and were enjoyable to read.
I also happen to find this line amusing:
Against all my efforts, my heart fluttered. I wanted to punch it and tell it to stop that.Unfortunately, everything good about the romance was overshadowed by Vanessa's terrible personal conflict.
In Vanessa's history of being a bully, she hurt a lot of people. As a form of personal atonement, she is now dead set on helping out these people in every way she can. One of these people is Brad.
Now, I want you to consider the gravity of this statement when I say... Brad is one of the most despicable characters I have encountered in a long time. I couldn't believe the amount of anger I felt reading through his actions and dialogues in this book. He's an abusive and a manipulative SOAB, who holds onto his victim card to justify every shit that's happening in his life—and of course, none of it was his fault 🙄 He blames every other people for not getting the success he thought he deserved to have already, yet he proves to be nothing but a privileged, whiny brute.
And Vanessa, oh dear, Vanessa, I get trying to make up for the bad things you’ve done in the past. I really do. But to slave yourself to make amends is wrong too, especially when the person you’ve wronged is milking your guilt and is abusing you as you try to help them.
That's probably the saddest thing about this book—seeing Vanessa accept every abuse Brad has thrown at her. But the thing is, Vanessa's behavior becomes just as infuriating when you realize she IS the one subjecting herself to this REPEATEDLY. How does it make sense when you’re trying to make amends for the wrongdoings you’ve done in the past, but then here you are doing wrong things FOR someone who’s guilting you into doing them??
Just read these excerpts, and see if you can even pick something in it that's reasonable:
“You want to earn some real loyalty? You’re gonna have to piss someone off. You’re gonna have to make someone hate you. But that’s not something you can do, is it, Vanessa?” -BradWhen a person tells you that being kind to others is being fake and it’s only people-pleasing, and that being “real” constitutes pissing someone off and being hated—is it not fucking obvious that it’s dumb to listen to this person?!
It hurt because I knew every word of it was true and I knew—I’d known all along I had never changed, that I’d just gotten better at hiding it. That deep down, I was still the same lowlife human being with no sense of her own identity, who learned to survive by doing whatever it took not to disappoint the people in power, who learned to used that to get whatever she wanted. The same power I’d manipulated to bring down Bradley, I’d been using all this time to make Emily fall for me. I wondered if she even knew the real me. I didn’t know the real me. -Vanessa
I don't think I've ever done this before, but this is the most strongly I've ever felt to persuade people to not read a book. I'm not kidding. Reading this book felt like I was suffering the same verbal abuse Vanessa was receiving. Oh, there were physical abuse here as well, but Vanessa was able to avoid them—still doesn't make them acceptable, of course. And for that reason, this book should come with a trigger warning for ABUSE, which I don't think was sufficiently encompassed by the content warning for emotional manipulation. At 75%, I was still considering to finish reading this because the romance was nice. But taking into account all the good feelings I've felt about it were erased by the issues I've pointed out, I just had to give up on it.
As a reader who loves a good angst, I've read stuff that dealt with far heavier issues tackled within this book. Yes, I understand some conflicts are meant to anger you, but authors must remember that it should always, ALWAYS come with a justification, otherwise you're just pissing off your readers for an attempt to evoke strong feelings. But you should realize that having that power as a writer shouldn't be taken lightly. I'm sure this wasn't Seabrooke's intention when she wrote this romance novel, but the heavy subjects she put in here were so carelessly handled that I've decided to avoid her books for the foreseeable future. Since AnnMaree had read a few more of Seabrooke's works than I had, she brought to my attention that Seabrooke is "a very immature drama ridden novelist." And it's quite regrettable that I was slapped with the reality of that with my first book by this author alone. I had Different Worlds in my TBR list but now removed it.
This review is by no means intended to cast doubt on Seabrooke's capability as a romance author, but she needs to work on her angst development. As for her writing, the characters’ thoughts and dialogues here were oftentimes so stilted that following their train of thoughts became difficult. It was fine reading through it occasionally, since this is a technique used to portray unsure characters, etc., but when it happened on a regular basis, it made me realize I may not be a fan of this author’s writing. She needs to take it easy on the pauses and get around to using them wisely.
When it comes to books I DNF, I always tell people to take my review with a grain of salt. Obviously I don't know what I'm missing in the rest of the book that I didn't get to—like maybe the unjustifiable points I mentioned were given an explanation. However, I won't deny that I still went on to writing this extensive review to caution you about the emotional beating you'd have to endure while reading this. I love a good angst, but the one in here was executed poorly.
Anyway, you now know why I was delaying writing this. As awful as I felt after reading this book, I feel even more awful writing this review.
September 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It’s mostly a sweet enemies to lovers story. Emily returns home from college, back to living next door to her best friend Percy and her number one enemy - her best friends sister - Vanessa.
Emily and Percy are geeks and Emily is a bit on the bumbly unsure of herself side. Whilst Emily has been away Vanessa has been trying to make amends for her previous behaviour and wants to convince Emily she’s changed.
I enjoyed Emily’s friendship with Percy, the way Vanessa’s amends were written and the build up of Emily and Vanessa becoming friends then lovers. Emily’s bumbling was a little bit frustrating at times, as was Vanessa’s being inside her head so much but I’d still classify these scenes as written well. The sex scenes are also really steamy.
I haven’t read any of Seabrooke’s other novels, but I’m definitely going to check them out now. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys the enemies to lovers trope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emily and Percy are geeks and Emily is a bit on the bumbly unsure of herself side. Whilst Emily has been away Vanessa has been trying to make amends for her previous behaviour and wants to convince Emily she’s changed.
I enjoyed Emily’s friendship with Percy, the way Vanessa’s amends were written and the build up of Emily and Vanessa becoming friends then lovers. Emily’s bumbling was a little bit frustrating at times, as was Vanessa’s being inside her head so much but I’d still classify these scenes as written well. The sex scenes are also really steamy.
I haven’t read any of Seabrooke’s other novels, but I’m definitely going to check them out now. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys the enemies to lovers trope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2022
This book was anything but simple to follow from time to time.
The story is told in alternating first person POV from both main characters and I just got lost in lots of the dialogue. I usually don’t mind first person, even with alternating chapters, but I just couldn’t keep track in the dialogue. I’d be the first to say if it were me, although in this case I think I’d be lying, I think it’s the writing.
I also didn’t like this Brad storyline. Vanessa keeps trying to make things up to them all the while he’s just the biggest bully an extremely annoying and manipulative character. And while I’m on this redemption thing Vanessa has going on, it’s just a bit much, way too much actually.
I can’t say I really connected with this book. Vanessa is too apologetic and Emily I don’t even know how to describe. Top it off with horrible Brad and you get something that isn’t to my liking.
The story is told in alternating first person POV from both main characters and I just got lost in lots of the dialogue. I usually don’t mind first person, even with alternating chapters, but I just couldn’t keep track in the dialogue. I’d be the first to say if it were me, although in this case I think I’d be lying, I think it’s the writing.
I also didn’t like this Brad storyline. Vanessa keeps trying to make things up to them all the while he’s just the biggest bully an extremely annoying and manipulative character. And while I’m on this redemption thing Vanessa has going on, it’s just a bit much, way too much actually.
I can’t say I really connected with this book. Vanessa is too apologetic and Emily I don’t even know how to describe. Top it off with horrible Brad and you get something that isn’t to my liking.
April 13, 2022
Okay, I'm in love with Lily Seabrooke's books. I've already read Good Composition and I really loved it and now this one.
This story is sweet, cheesy af (I'm French and I love cheese, okay?!) 😂
It's not often that I can identify with a character in a book but Lily managed to make me identify with both Emily and Vanessa. Like Emily I was bullied in school and like Vanessa I don't really know how to live life as a grown-up. Speaking of Vanessa, I thought I would hate her from the start but I was so wrong (she made a note of that).
This enemies-to-lovers romance is perfect.
Bonus point for Percy, he's the best secondary character ! He's funny, witty and super cute.
PS: I hate Brad from the bottom of my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
This story is sweet, cheesy af (I'm French and I love cheese, okay?!) 😂
It's not often that I can identify with a character in a book but Lily managed to make me identify with both Emily and Vanessa. Like Emily I was bullied in school and like Vanessa I don't really know how to live life as a grown-up. Speaking of Vanessa, I thought I would hate her from the start but I was so wrong (she made a note of that).
This enemies-to-lovers romance is perfect.
Bonus point for Percy, he's the best secondary character ! He's funny, witty and super cute.
PS: I hate Brad from the bottom of my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
September 7, 2020
Note: I was given a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Every time I read a new book by Seabrooke, I think it's her best work. I think she's peaked, and there's no way she can beat it. That's what I thought about her last book.
And then I read The Simple Answer. Once again, Lily Seabrooke has produced a book that brings all the soft comfort of love and romance that one expects, but this one... this one is special. This one not only brings the kindness, tenderness, and warmth that Seabrooke delivers each and every time, but it digs deeper. The reader is given a deeper look at regret and guilt over past actions, and how deeply those emotions can affect not only a person, but every relationship that person has, whether they know it or not.
First we meet Emily Garrett. College graduate, fresh with a degree, a serious love of the nerdy, and a slowly mending heart. She's still raw from a relationship where she just kept forgiving, and the now ex-significant other just kept taking. I immediately identified with Emily. While I was lucky enough not to have a significant other take advantage of me in such a way, I've had friends who have, and it can hurt. That, along with other touches and aspects of the character of Emily, clicked with me almost immediately. She is best friends with the boy next door, Percy, who happens to be the younger brother of one Vanessa Schreier.
Vanessa Schreier was the popular girl. The bully. The one who put others down for the sheer fun of it (or so it seemed). She is now the person that anyone and everyone can turn to for help. She burns the candle at both ends, going above and beyond to get others help, even if it means harassment or outright abuse from those people. It's a self-sacrificing that, in some instances, seemed to border on self-harm. It made this character raw, honest, and deliberately ignorant of her own safety and health. Helpers like that exist all throughout the world, and they are both beautiful and frightening in what they will sacrifice to help. More than anything, Vanessa wants forgiveness. Forgiveness from the people she hurt, and one of the most important of those people is Emily.
Watching Emily try to dance around another person apologizing for hurting her given her recent experience with her ex, and seeing Vanessa give Emily every space and opportunity in the desperate hope of forgiveness is both sweet and heartbreaking. One of the things that makes this book one of the best, if not THE BEST, of Seabrooke's works is the sheer depth of these women and the stakes for both of them. They deal with everyday stresses, they deal with emotional baggage, plans turning out poorly, and their own follies. They're human, and because of it, are infinitely relatable.
If you're still trying to decide whether or not this book is for you, then take the "simple answer" and pick it up. You will not be sorry. In fact, I think you'll feel quite fulfilled, and left with the warm, tender feelings that Seabrooke creates in all of her romance novels.
Every time I read a new book by Seabrooke, I think it's her best work. I think she's peaked, and there's no way she can beat it. That's what I thought about her last book.
And then I read The Simple Answer. Once again, Lily Seabrooke has produced a book that brings all the soft comfort of love and romance that one expects, but this one... this one is special. This one not only brings the kindness, tenderness, and warmth that Seabrooke delivers each and every time, but it digs deeper. The reader is given a deeper look at regret and guilt over past actions, and how deeply those emotions can affect not only a person, but every relationship that person has, whether they know it or not.
First we meet Emily Garrett. College graduate, fresh with a degree, a serious love of the nerdy, and a slowly mending heart. She's still raw from a relationship where she just kept forgiving, and the now ex-significant other just kept taking. I immediately identified with Emily. While I was lucky enough not to have a significant other take advantage of me in such a way, I've had friends who have, and it can hurt. That, along with other touches and aspects of the character of Emily, clicked with me almost immediately. She is best friends with the boy next door, Percy, who happens to be the younger brother of one Vanessa Schreier.
Vanessa Schreier was the popular girl. The bully. The one who put others down for the sheer fun of it (or so it seemed). She is now the person that anyone and everyone can turn to for help. She burns the candle at both ends, going above and beyond to get others help, even if it means harassment or outright abuse from those people. It's a self-sacrificing that, in some instances, seemed to border on self-harm. It made this character raw, honest, and deliberately ignorant of her own safety and health. Helpers like that exist all throughout the world, and they are both beautiful and frightening in what they will sacrifice to help. More than anything, Vanessa wants forgiveness. Forgiveness from the people she hurt, and one of the most important of those people is Emily.
Watching Emily try to dance around another person apologizing for hurting her given her recent experience with her ex, and seeing Vanessa give Emily every space and opportunity in the desperate hope of forgiveness is both sweet and heartbreaking. One of the things that makes this book one of the best, if not THE BEST, of Seabrooke's works is the sheer depth of these women and the stakes for both of them. They deal with everyday stresses, they deal with emotional baggage, plans turning out poorly, and their own follies. They're human, and because of it, are infinitely relatable.
If you're still trying to decide whether or not this book is for you, then take the "simple answer" and pick it up. You will not be sorry. In fact, I think you'll feel quite fulfilled, and left with the warm, tender feelings that Seabrooke creates in all of her romance novels.
September 7, 2020
A wonderfully sweet story! This was the first book I've read by the author and I was hooked. I haven't read a book as fast in a long time. I loved the characters, especially Vanessa; her development was deep and resonated with me as it can be really hard to say 'no,' especially if you feel you're trying to make up for something. I loved her little notes, plus she was super hot! (By the way, Lily ... I am in awe of your sexy scenes! I was not expecting something that hot from someone so sweet! You blew me away!)
I also LOVED the phone call with Percy and Vanessa about the ... plants ... and of course, you know I'm aching to know the story about the turtle on the Roomba, haha! I laughed out loud a lot; the "shiny Gengar" and Percy flapping to find his phone was amazing too!
Highly recommend this book, and I look forward to another book by this author :)
I also LOVED the phone call with Percy and Vanessa about the ... plants ... and of course, you know I'm aching to know the story about the turtle on the Roomba, haha! I laughed out loud a lot; the "shiny Gengar" and Percy flapping to find his phone was amazing too!
Highly recommend this book, and I look forward to another book by this author :)
November 27, 2025
CWs: past emotional abuse, past bullying, emotional manipulation, car crash
September 3, 2020
My general experience reading this book: Oh, these two are so good for each other! This is so sweet and cute! And then I got to the part where they actually hook up and things turned so steamy my glasses fogged up.
Basically, Vanessa and Emily have excellent chemistry, in and out of the bedroom. I loved Vanessa's journey to learn to accept her past mistakes and take better care of herself, as well as Emily's journey to learn to trust her instincts after an abusive relationship. This book is like a nice, long hug, best read on your couch wrapped in a cozy blanket.
Basically, Vanessa and Emily have excellent chemistry, in and out of the bedroom. I loved Vanessa's journey to learn to accept her past mistakes and take better care of herself, as well as Emily's journey to learn to trust her instincts after an abusive relationship. This book is like a nice, long hug, best read on your couch wrapped in a cozy blanket.
September 3, 2020
This a lovely story of Emily who has moved back home to live next door to her high school crush, Vanessa, who is also the sister of her best friend Percy.
Unfortunately, Vanessa used to bully Emily and other children in their home town and she has been trying to make amends ever since. The story moves at a good pace, with a little aghast and great leading characters. Well worth a read.
Unfortunately, Vanessa used to bully Emily and other children in their home town and she has been trying to make amends ever since. The story moves at a good pace, with a little aghast and great leading characters. Well worth a read.
September 17, 2021
“The past is done. I’m sick of the past. I already lived it once. I don’t want to live it again.”
I came pretty near to losing it over this book. It was so damn good in SO many ways, hit a lot of specific buttons for me, had great characters, great writing and a wonderful romance. It lost me in the way that a lot of romances lose me (the conflict, more on that later) but taken as a whole, this was such a great experience and I'm so happy to have found a new author whose backlist I can delve into.
Emily moves back to her small town after finishing college, determined to start her new job, reconnect with her best friend, and try to forget about her terrible ex-girlfriend. She's pretty annoyed that one of the first persons she sees upon moving back to town is Vanessa, her best friend's older sister, who was her first crush and her bully throughout school. And now they're neighbours and co-workers. Vanessa, on the other hand, has spent most of her adult life trying to make amends for all the pain she caused and all the people she bullied in school. Let me get this out of the way: Vanessa is hands down my favourite character in the book, the absolute star of the show, and the reason I still liked this so much, even though I have a couple fairly big nitpicks. I don't care about bully characters, it's really not compelling to me, but Vanessa's backstory and the reasons behind her actions really got to me. It helps that all her bullying is in the past; current Vanessa has turned over a new leaf, is constantly trying to right her wrongs, often to her own detriment, and is so sincerely sweet and apologetic. Part of her character arc is something that I ADORE reading: characters who have gotten used to taking care of other people and neglecting themselves finally getting to put themselves first. It's tricky in this situation, because Vanessa is still hugely insecure about the things she's done, and it's hard for her to believe she's a good person. Her entire arc was really good; super touching to me.
The romance is enemies (ish) to lovers, medium-burn, and really freaking sweet. The writing is really fun; light, relatable, and genuinely made me laugh out loud sometimes. There's a bit of push and pull in the earlier chapters, but it's understandable. Emily doesn't know if she can trust that Vanessa has truly changed, and doesn't want to fall into the same pattern that she did with her ex. But there's some really good build-up and character interaction, and the romance hits just right for me. The author does such a great job of building multi-faceted characters, and every new scene made me fall more in love with them. The steam was perfect; there's a bit of powerplay that stays in the bedroom, which is my favourite. I really liked the supporting cast. Percy and Vanessa's sibling relationship was great, and Lena seems like a sweetheart, so I can't wait to read her book.
The obligatory third act conflict almost sunk this one for me. One, because it deals with miscommunication and misunderstandings, which I hate. I especially hated the way it happened here: That genuinely made me kind of angry. The "villain" character also made this tough for me. Another part of Vanessa's personal arc is the fact that she's beholden to another guy who she bullied in school, except he now blames her for everything and refuses to take responsibility for anything in his life. Some of the things he says to her are really difficult to read, especially because she just takes all of it. But more than that... idk. If you're giving me a character who's that mean, who's that despicable... you have to give me motivation. And I mean, the book did tell us why Brad acted that way, but he was SO vindictive, it really seemed out of proportion with what we knew. IDK, it was over the top, and again, made me mad.
The resolution was good enough to bring me back from the edge. The romance had some great grovelling (which was sorely needed) and the villain was dealt with appropriately, if not entirely satisfactorily. It's a shame about the conflict; if not for that, and some repetition and pet peeves of mine in the writing, this could have been a 5 star. But it was still really really good; I love when a romance makes me feel legit giddy because I'm rooting for the characters so much. And I'll say it again: Vanessa is the realest. I love her so much. I'll definitely be reading from this author again soon; she's got some newer stuff that I think I'll really like!
Content warnings: .
“You don’t have to undo your entire existence to be loved.”
July 3, 2023
~ Reading Lily Seabrooke Novels Until I Remember How To Enjoy Things, #8 ~
I try to always return to Lily Seabrooke novels when my mood is on a downswing. Reliably, they lift my spirits! I dunno if any of her books make my top 5 per se, but she is probably my single favourite author because I just *like* how she writes dialogue, and general low-intensity chillaxing gays. It's tough to describe, but there's a certain something to them. Not always great, or even good at times, but as a throughline very enjoyable and I'll happily pick up basically anything she writes :)
I figured I wouldn't enjoy a bully romance of any sort, but The Simple Answer delivers, partly by pushing all of the bullying shit into the past: yeah, Vanessa was probably a horrible bitch back then, but she seems very genuinely remorseful & cares about Emily, also because she is hot. Emily for her part is a jpop idol & anime music enjoyer, and a Pokemon/Overwatch player. Bad taste in games, sure, but she describes herself as a sloppy nerd and I like her. She is an enjoyable 'loser', in some sense. A "nerd" and hopelessly meek and stuff, but her history in Ember Grove and willfulness toward her job fall over her personal insecurities to somewhat multilayered effect. It's hard not to root for her while she's rolling her eyes at misogynistic IT guys, or chewing out Vanessa for having been so horrible to her in high school, while also trying not to feel the hots for said strong-arms tattoo lady!
Vanessa, for her part, was the popular mean girl in highschool but feels horrible about it and has spent the last five years or so trying to make it up to everybody she ever wronged, around the time Emily comes to town for a job and ends up as her next-door neighbour. Things going on in Vanessa's life, before some hot sloppy nerd she was mean to comes around being cute, include trying to help useless manchild Brad become an actual person(she feels guilty for spreading rumours in highschool and kind of ruining his life), trying to keep her friend Lena from getting hurt by him, goofing with her brother Percy (trans dudes represent) and generally being a cool ADHD bitch.
They may not sound like much on their own, but there's just a really fascinating interplay between these two; their preconceptions about eachother are "Ugh why am I attracted to Emily I was so bad to her she would never", and "Ugh why am I attracted to Vanessa she was so bad to me and I hate her"; it's a misunderstanding that creates a unique dynamic which is cool! And thankfully, neither of them is insufferable about it; the scene where Vanessa, same IT workplace, tries to apologise to Emily is actually really nuanced. It's a genuine and thorough apology and Vanessa clearly feels bad for what happened in their past, but Emily is like, 'my ex apologised and then was horrible to me constantly, I am not standing for this', while also being anxious and scared and kind of accepting it (genuinely good apology and all) and pissed off about that. And, also, they each think the other is hot.
Lily Seabrooke novel, hot people, forced proximity--in this case Emily crashes her car and has to carpool with Vanessa--the ice melts, and as it turns out, being lesbians(shoutouts to bisexual Emily) is waaay more fun than being grouchy. As the ice melts, it is actually neat watching, in order, Emily force Vanessa to slow the fuck down and stop doing everything for everyone, making her afternoon brunch in bed as they chatter about her tattoo sleeves; and also Vanessa reassuring Emily that her pitch to the stupid IT directives will go well and that she's still an accomplished person anyway, smoothing out nerves. They have a decent back and forth y'know.
Vanessa's guilt over having been a bitch is a fine enough plot I guess, but I think The Simple Answer needed to have more going on.
Emerging in the back half of the book are two Bad Man villians, as is common in any Seabrooke novel: for Vanessa there is the aforementioned violent manchild Brad, whom she is somehow responsible to(ruined life and all), and for Emily there is dickhead Bryan, chauvinist misogynist IT guy. As far as hateful, slimy bastards in Seabrooke novels they aren't as downright evil as a Tanner(Good Composition) or a Gary(Night & Day), they're more mundane but about as hateful. The big issue is that even though Vanessa did bad shit to Brad or whatever, ruined his job aspects by gossiping that he was a thug... he is an unbearable manchild who is caustic to everyone, violent and entitled, and deserves to be left to rot. She should not be helping him. She already gives him so much; cleans his house when his roommate Lena is away, gives him sick care, gets him multiple jobs(which he gets fired from for punching people). Vanessa is very caught up in being forgiven by him, but the dude is a slime??? Fuck em??? The arc, such as it is, is that her guilt has made her susceptible to being pulled into awful shit by garbage people, like manchild here. It doesn't make it less annoying to watch her cowtow to this manboy(whom she can beat in a fight), though.
For what it's worth, the 75%whatever conflict is actually pretty naturalistic, which is a plus. Instead of a sudden confrontation and breaking off, Vanessa just kind of distances herself from Emily. It is irritating to see her manipulated by this greasy manchild; he's telling her that she hasn't changed, she's still an evil queen bee, even though she LITERALLY PAYS HIS RENT. It is annoying that she can see through this but still falls for it, but on the flipside I at least get her guilt, and can relate to Emily griping about this. She is irritated that Vanessa becomes distant and quiet, refuses to tell her things. Emily wonders if she's hiding that she hasn't changed at all. She's not, Vanessa just worries that she's actually not changed and is leading Emily on, but it feels organic and natural instead of forced, is what I'm saying. Brad's crimes are lesser than Tanner from Good Composition, but he is still insufferable, driving a wedge between Em and Vanessa.
The trouble, where it becomes a forced conflict, is when Vanessa does not explain anything to a kind of accusatory Emily on account of basically having a breakdown, going sort of nonverbal, which leads to a breakup. Sigh! Thing is, if Emily would just fuckin' ask Percy about it, he would say "yeah she paid for your car to remove the power imbalance of you not having transportation, and bought u furniture, and also talks about u always, she's actually schway", like he does after Vanessa makes to leave. It's just bad assumptions on Em's part, and you know what assuming does!
As you can see, Vanessa's past is pretty much the plot driver here, and while the romance between icy-hot strong lady and meek nerd girl is fun enough, it's lightweight compared to a Good Composition, or a Night & Day, or even a Faux Pas really. In those stories, the bad-villianous aspects of the plot are generally core to the development of both our pair of leads as individuals, and their romances; the bad shit represents a challenge(both an extrinsic challenge and a relationship hurdle) they can defeat when they have grown, together as people, sufficiently. The breakup in The Simple Answer just happens because of bad timing with a breakdown, leading to an inability to communicate and poor assumptions.
They do both realise these failings afterword and all is well, y'know, but it is not satisfying. It is fun watching Em and Percy hatch a cheesy-ass Hallmark-film plan to bring Vanessa back home, but is it earned at all? I don't think so.
The Simple Answer is a lot stronger in the first half, when you can watch a dynamic of bitterness be subverted with fun gay flirting and a greater understanding between the two leads, all of that. It's not deep, but it is enjoyable; unfortunately the central conflict in this one just doesn't work out that well. Plus, the bad guys(and they are in fact bad guys) do NOT get sufficient comeuppance! Given that the average villain in Port Andrea ends up humiliated, destitute or literally in jail, it's disappointing to see sludge like these guys get redeemed in any fashion.
Ultimately The Simple Answer is like, pretty enjoyable fluff but nothing more? Book popcorn. It's still entertaining, because a Lily Seabrooke novel has to work specifically to be actually bad, and it was enough to bring me out of a little reading-related slump... but I have higher expectations for romance's strongest author. It is probably worse than Every Rose but considerably better than One Step At A Time, still. Read it if you're nuts for Lily Seabrooke like I am :)
I try to always return to Lily Seabrooke novels when my mood is on a downswing. Reliably, they lift my spirits! I dunno if any of her books make my top 5 per se, but she is probably my single favourite author because I just *like* how she writes dialogue, and general low-intensity chillaxing gays. It's tough to describe, but there's a certain something to them. Not always great, or even good at times, but as a throughline very enjoyable and I'll happily pick up basically anything she writes :)
I figured I wouldn't enjoy a bully romance of any sort, but The Simple Answer delivers, partly by pushing all of the bullying shit into the past: yeah, Vanessa was probably a horrible bitch back then, but she seems very genuinely remorseful & cares about Emily, also because she is hot. Emily for her part is a jpop idol & anime music enjoyer, and a Pokemon/Overwatch player. Bad taste in games, sure, but she describes herself as a sloppy nerd and I like her. She is an enjoyable 'loser', in some sense. A "nerd" and hopelessly meek and stuff, but her history in Ember Grove and willfulness toward her job fall over her personal insecurities to somewhat multilayered effect. It's hard not to root for her while she's rolling her eyes at misogynistic IT guys, or chewing out Vanessa for having been so horrible to her in high school, while also trying not to feel the hots for said strong-arms tattoo lady!
Vanessa, for her part, was the popular mean girl in highschool but feels horrible about it and has spent the last five years or so trying to make it up to everybody she ever wronged, around the time Emily comes to town for a job and ends up as her next-door neighbour. Things going on in Vanessa's life, before some hot sloppy nerd she was mean to comes around being cute, include trying to help useless manchild Brad become an actual person(she feels guilty for spreading rumours in highschool and kind of ruining his life), trying to keep her friend Lena from getting hurt by him, goofing with her brother Percy (trans dudes represent) and generally being a cool ADHD bitch.
They may not sound like much on their own, but there's just a really fascinating interplay between these two; their preconceptions about eachother are "Ugh why am I attracted to Emily I was so bad to her she would never", and "Ugh why am I attracted to Vanessa she was so bad to me and I hate her"; it's a misunderstanding that creates a unique dynamic which is cool! And thankfully, neither of them is insufferable about it; the scene where Vanessa, same IT workplace, tries to apologise to Emily is actually really nuanced. It's a genuine and thorough apology and Vanessa clearly feels bad for what happened in their past, but Emily is like, 'my ex apologised and then was horrible to me constantly, I am not standing for this', while also being anxious and scared and kind of accepting it (genuinely good apology and all) and pissed off about that. And, also, they each think the other is hot.
Lily Seabrooke novel, hot people, forced proximity--in this case Emily crashes her car and has to carpool with Vanessa--the ice melts, and as it turns out, being lesbians(shoutouts to bisexual Emily) is waaay more fun than being grouchy. As the ice melts, it is actually neat watching, in order, Emily force Vanessa to slow the fuck down and stop doing everything for everyone, making her afternoon brunch in bed as they chatter about her tattoo sleeves; and also Vanessa reassuring Emily that her pitch to the stupid IT directives will go well and that she's still an accomplished person anyway, smoothing out nerves. They have a decent back and forth y'know.
Vanessa's guilt over having been a bitch is a fine enough plot I guess, but I think The Simple Answer needed to have more going on.
Emerging in the back half of the book are two Bad Man villians, as is common in any Seabrooke novel: for Vanessa there is the aforementioned violent manchild Brad, whom she is somehow responsible to(ruined life and all), and for Emily there is dickhead Bryan, chauvinist misogynist IT guy. As far as hateful, slimy bastards in Seabrooke novels they aren't as downright evil as a Tanner(Good Composition) or a Gary(Night & Day), they're more mundane but about as hateful. The big issue is that even though Vanessa did bad shit to Brad or whatever, ruined his job aspects by gossiping that he was a thug... he is an unbearable manchild who is caustic to everyone, violent and entitled, and deserves to be left to rot. She should not be helping him. She already gives him so much; cleans his house when his roommate Lena is away, gives him sick care, gets him multiple jobs(which he gets fired from for punching people). Vanessa is very caught up in being forgiven by him, but the dude is a slime??? Fuck em??? The arc, such as it is, is that her guilt has made her susceptible to being pulled into awful shit by garbage people, like manchild here. It doesn't make it less annoying to watch her cowtow to this manboy(whom she can beat in a fight), though.
For what it's worth, the 75%whatever conflict is actually pretty naturalistic, which is a plus. Instead of a sudden confrontation and breaking off, Vanessa just kind of distances herself from Emily. It is irritating to see her manipulated by this greasy manchild; he's telling her that she hasn't changed, she's still an evil queen bee, even though she LITERALLY PAYS HIS RENT. It is annoying that she can see through this but still falls for it, but on the flipside I at least get her guilt, and can relate to Emily griping about this. She is irritated that Vanessa becomes distant and quiet, refuses to tell her things. Emily wonders if she's hiding that she hasn't changed at all. She's not, Vanessa just worries that she's actually not changed and is leading Emily on, but it feels organic and natural instead of forced, is what I'm saying. Brad's crimes are lesser than Tanner from Good Composition, but he is still insufferable, driving a wedge between Em and Vanessa.
The trouble, where it becomes a forced conflict, is when Vanessa does not explain anything to a kind of accusatory Emily on account of basically having a breakdown, going sort of nonverbal, which leads to a breakup. Sigh! Thing is, if Emily would just fuckin' ask Percy about it, he would say "yeah she paid for your car to remove the power imbalance of you not having transportation, and bought u furniture, and also talks about u always, she's actually schway", like he does after Vanessa makes to leave. It's just bad assumptions on Em's part, and you know what assuming does!
As you can see, Vanessa's past is pretty much the plot driver here, and while the romance between icy-hot strong lady and meek nerd girl is fun enough, it's lightweight compared to a Good Composition, or a Night & Day, or even a Faux Pas really. In those stories, the bad-villianous aspects of the plot are generally core to the development of both our pair of leads as individuals, and their romances; the bad shit represents a challenge(both an extrinsic challenge and a relationship hurdle) they can defeat when they have grown, together as people, sufficiently. The breakup in The Simple Answer just happens because of bad timing with a breakdown, leading to an inability to communicate and poor assumptions.
They do both realise these failings afterword and all is well, y'know, but it is not satisfying. It is fun watching Em and Percy hatch a cheesy-ass Hallmark-film plan to bring Vanessa back home, but is it earned at all? I don't think so.
The Simple Answer is a lot stronger in the first half, when you can watch a dynamic of bitterness be subverted with fun gay flirting and a greater understanding between the two leads, all of that. It's not deep, but it is enjoyable; unfortunately the central conflict in this one just doesn't work out that well. Plus, the bad guys(and they are in fact bad guys) do NOT get sufficient comeuppance! Given that the average villain in Port Andrea ends up humiliated, destitute or literally in jail, it's disappointing to see sludge like these guys get redeemed in any fashion.
Ultimately The Simple Answer is like, pretty enjoyable fluff but nothing more? Book popcorn. It's still entertaining, because a Lily Seabrooke novel has to work specifically to be actually bad, and it was enough to bring me out of a little reading-related slump... but I have higher expectations for romance's strongest author. It is probably worse than Every Rose but considerably better than One Step At A Time, still. Read it if you're nuts for Lily Seabrooke like I am :)
September 20, 2020
This was my first book by this author. After reading the blurb I was sure that it would need some time in the book until I would warm up on Vanessa. But I was so wrong. I even felt sorry for her almost from the beginning and wanted Emily to forgive her right away. You just saw how much Vanessa tried to make things right and how much she struggled. But then of course it wasn’t that easy. Being bullied as a kid as well and having difficulties to talk about things I was able to relate so much in Emily. Knowing that some scars will always stay with you and learning to trust again needs time. And Lily Seabrooke did exactly that, she gave them time and created such a beautiful story with some wonderful characters. the story made me go through all the feelings, I smiled and laughed a lot, but it also made me cry. And not to forget it was hot. ☺️
And well sometimes things are not always like we think they are. Sometimes we don’t know the whole story about another person and some behavior might be the outcome of some deeper reasons. Not that this apologizes everything. But it was a good reminder for myself that everyone has its own insecurities and baggage to carry. And sometimes we even have more in common with people we never thought we would. The longer the story went on the closer I felt to Vanessa.
To be able to go on we have to let go and learn to forgive others but also ourselves which is needed not for others but for ourselves.
This story definitely will stay with me for a while and it won’t be the last book I‘ve read by Lily. And who would have thought that notes can be that powerful. ☺️
And well sometimes things are not always like we think they are. Sometimes we don’t know the whole story about another person and some behavior might be the outcome of some deeper reasons. Not that this apologizes everything. But it was a good reminder for myself that everyone has its own insecurities and baggage to carry. And sometimes we even have more in common with people we never thought we would. The longer the story went on the closer I felt to Vanessa.
To be able to go on we have to let go and learn to forgive others but also ourselves which is needed not for others but for ourselves.
This story definitely will stay with me for a while and it won’t be the last book I‘ve read by Lily. And who would have thought that notes can be that powerful. ☺️
September 18, 2020
A Heartwarming enemies to lover romance about forgiveness and growth.
Seabrooke once again captures a magnificent love story with vivid characters, devastating emotional turmoil, passion, and sweet sincerity.
Emily and Vanessa have amazing chemistry. I love how their relationship changes and blossoms throughout the story. Emily moves home fresh off a bad breakup with a woman very reminiscent of her first toxic crush, who now happens to be her next door neighbor, and she vows to not fall for another fake apology. Vanessa has spent the past several years trying to make up for the mistakes of her past as a bully. She wants so badly to repair the damage she has done and to show how much she has changed especially to Emily. I love the dynamic between them and the undeniable attraction they share.
Seabrooke has also created the most appallingly monstrous villain. The type of person who can twist words and logic to poison a person’s heart and mind. I had no issues reviling him and all of the problems he caused.
Percy was a wonderful bright spot in the story. He is the brother/best friend we could all use in our lives. He is funny, endearing, and protective. Percy's meddling and shenanigans often provided balance when the story got heavy.
This story was incredibly sweet and passionate. Seabrooke has delivered a wonderful romance that is full of heart.
Seabrooke once again captures a magnificent love story with vivid characters, devastating emotional turmoil, passion, and sweet sincerity.
Emily and Vanessa have amazing chemistry. I love how their relationship changes and blossoms throughout the story. Emily moves home fresh off a bad breakup with a woman very reminiscent of her first toxic crush, who now happens to be her next door neighbor, and she vows to not fall for another fake apology. Vanessa has spent the past several years trying to make up for the mistakes of her past as a bully. She wants so badly to repair the damage she has done and to show how much she has changed especially to Emily. I love the dynamic between them and the undeniable attraction they share.
Seabrooke has also created the most appallingly monstrous villain. The type of person who can twist words and logic to poison a person’s heart and mind. I had no issues reviling him and all of the problems he caused.
Percy was a wonderful bright spot in the story. He is the brother/best friend we could all use in our lives. He is funny, endearing, and protective. Percy's meddling and shenanigans often provided balance when the story got heavy.
This story was incredibly sweet and passionate. Seabrooke has delivered a wonderful romance that is full of heart.
September 16, 2020
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Lily's done it again! I've enjoyed every book of hers I've read, and The Simple Answer is no exception. Side note, I love it when the books title is said by the characters, and that happens a lot in this book.
We follow Emily and Vanessa, two next door neighbours who had a turbulent childhood together. Vanessa was the popular girl who used to bully Emily, as well as quite a few other people.
They're both adults now, and Vanessa is running herself into the ground trying to make amends for her past actions. Like, the way she's always helping people, to the point where she gets hurt, isn't healthy. I wanted to sit her down and force her to take a nap.
Emily has just come out of an abusive relationship and is distrustful of Vanessa's attempts to make up for what she did. Que both characters growing into healthier and happier people with each other!
I enjoyed both main characters arcs and personalities. I also really enjoyed Percy, Vanessa's brother. He was a highlight!
Rep: lesbian, bisexual, trans
Lily's done it again! I've enjoyed every book of hers I've read, and The Simple Answer is no exception. Side note, I love it when the books title is said by the characters, and that happens a lot in this book.
We follow Emily and Vanessa, two next door neighbours who had a turbulent childhood together. Vanessa was the popular girl who used to bully Emily, as well as quite a few other people.
They're both adults now, and Vanessa is running herself into the ground trying to make amends for her past actions. Like, the way she's always helping people, to the point where she gets hurt, isn't healthy. I wanted to sit her down and force her to take a nap.
Emily has just come out of an abusive relationship and is distrustful of Vanessa's attempts to make up for what she did. Que both characters growing into healthier and happier people with each other!
I enjoyed both main characters arcs and personalities. I also really enjoyed Percy, Vanessa's brother. He was a highlight!
Rep: lesbian, bisexual, trans
October 6, 2020
If you're a fan of contemporary New Adult lesbian romance, you have got to try Lily Seabrooke. This is the second novel I've read of hers, and I couldn't put it down! One of the things I really like about Seabrooke's stories is that her characters are complex and imperfect and very real. She also tackles challenges that many of us have had to face, or will face, in our lives, such as the two in this story: one, that guilt can be a self-imposed ball and chain if we let it. Some remorse for bad behavior is healthy, but it can also be taken to an unhealthy extreme. Another theme is the trouble of being hurt in love in the past and then projecting it on our current partner.
On a lighter note, over the course of the book, I developed a big, shameless crush on Vanessa (so swoon-worthy!). I also loved Percy as a hilarious and likable side character. Emily was also likable and relatable. I hope to see all of these characters again in future stories! Even Brad (asshole that he is) has me curious to see where his life will take him next. Five strong stars for this one!
On a lighter note, over the course of the book, I developed a big, shameless crush on Vanessa (so swoon-worthy!). I also loved Percy as a hilarious and likable side character. Emily was also likable and relatable. I hope to see all of these characters again in future stories! Even Brad (asshole that he is) has me curious to see where his life will take him next. Five strong stars for this one!
September 19, 2020
The Simple answer follows Emily, fresh out of college, coming back home to start a career after a very toxic relationship ended. And Vanessa, Emily's (and many other's) school bully, working as an executive in their hometown, and on the road to forgiveness with all the people she hurt.
Personally, I didn't expect to like this book based on the premise. I could never imagine finding anything good with my old bullies, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I should have known.
This story was sweet, and captivating, steamy at times. But most importantly, for me I think, was the forgiveness. Everyone should get a chance to learn, grow, and do better. I think sometimes we forget that people are people, and they're allowed to make mistakes. In a world with so much hate, a book that touches on, not only forgiving others, but also forgiving yourself is definitely something we need right now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Personally, I didn't expect to like this book based on the premise. I could never imagine finding anything good with my old bullies, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I should have known.
This story was sweet, and captivating, steamy at times. But most importantly, for me I think, was the forgiveness. Everyone should get a chance to learn, grow, and do better. I think sometimes we forget that people are people, and they're allowed to make mistakes. In a world with so much hate, a book that touches on, not only forgiving others, but also forgiving yourself is definitely something we need right now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2020
This book is... more than I can describe in words which, given I attempt to write on the regular is saying something. I’ve loved all of this authors books so far but this one is going beyond anything previously. It’s by far the best, most raw, emotional read while still managing to keep the sweet, gooey romance that I’ve come to expect and adore.
The characters are so relatable that I kept thinking I was more like one, then the other, they are both full of aspects of myself that made me stop and really feel understood. It’s one of those books where you read and go “OH! That’s not just me”. And that’s my favorite part of reading, knowing someone somewhere thinks and feels how you do. Without spoiling too much it tackles some pretty heavy topics from bullying, guilt, forgiveness, neurodiversity and of course the nuances of emotional growth and love.
I absolutely adored it and won’t hesitate to highly recommend it - you won’t be sorry!
The characters are so relatable that I kept thinking I was more like one, then the other, they are both full of aspects of myself that made me stop and really feel understood. It’s one of those books where you read and go “OH! That’s not just me”. And that’s my favorite part of reading, knowing someone somewhere thinks and feels how you do. Without spoiling too much it tackles some pretty heavy topics from bullying, guilt, forgiveness, neurodiversity and of course the nuances of emotional growth and love.
I absolutely adored it and won’t hesitate to highly recommend it - you won’t be sorry!
September 23, 2020
Wow, this book had me from the very first page. The main topic, after the romance of course, was about a childhood girl who said a few mean words and was a verbal bully. Now in her twenties she wants to make amends but ends up learning what it's really like to be bullied as she suffers from other forms of abuse as well as verbal. It' s not as heavy as it sounds, that's just my take on it. The two MC's are likeable especially Veronica who I empathised much more with than Emily who seemed very self absorbed. The book is written in an engaging manner and whilst addressing a serious issue in society, kept a light-heartedness to it as well. ADHD is the other main topic covered and parental expectations unachievable by even the very best. All in all this is a cracking book and I totally recommend it. Lily has grown with each book and this one is truly sublime!
October 16, 2020
This was my first Lily Seabrooke book and it won't be my last. The characters were engaging, diverse, and realistic. The writing perspective alternates between Vanessa and Emily.
Growing up super close - literal next door neighbors, but not under friendly conditions. For whatever reason, older Vanessa picked on younger Emily. Even giving Emily the nickname Useless Emily for when she got to middle school. Emily has broken up from an unkind ex- liar, cheat, serial apologizer. Vanessa is working righting her wrongs.
This story had so much more to offer than a simple woman loves woman story. I'm so happy that this is the first in a series. I'm assuming so because it is listed on my kindle as an Ember Grove romance.
Growing up super close - literal next door neighbors, but not under friendly conditions. For whatever reason, older Vanessa picked on younger Emily. Even giving Emily the nickname Useless Emily for when she got to middle school. Emily has broken up from an unkind ex- liar, cheat, serial apologizer. Vanessa is working righting her wrongs.
This story had so much more to offer than a simple woman loves woman story. I'm so happy that this is the first in a series. I'm assuming so because it is listed on my kindle as an Ember Grove romance.
September 14, 2020
A book that begs to be read. Main characters Vanessa and Emily are standouts in this slow romance with a well fleshed out supporting group particularly Percy. While childhood bullying appears to be the theme, the author's coverage of the angst and complex emotions carried by a reformed bully pushes the narrative. Vanessa's anguish and need to atone is palpable as is Emily's constant worry about becoming vulnerable once again to verbal/physical abuse. There is humour, sex, drama, blackmail and tears in a storyline with relatable characters making you wish for a HEA. Kudos Ms. Seabrooke.
I rec'd an ARC through Booksprout and this is a voluntary, unbiased review.
I rec'd an ARC through Booksprout and this is a voluntary, unbiased review.
September 23, 2020
Loved everything about it!
I've yet to be disappointed in this author. Characters are all complex and none fit neatly into tropes or boxes. Plot well done, character arcs nicely developed. Story theme solid and meaningful. Sex scenes hot enough to get this asexual interested enough read them through twice, which is high praise because I usually find sex scenes boring and skim over them. But I do enjoy a sex scene that adds to the character development, if I'm sitting through details of fictional people do something that isn't really my cup of tea, I want to be learning something that adds value to the story, and that aspect was really well done.
I've yet to be disappointed in this author. Characters are all complex and none fit neatly into tropes or boxes. Plot well done, character arcs nicely developed. Story theme solid and meaningful. Sex scenes hot enough to get this asexual interested enough read them through twice, which is high praise because I usually find sex scenes boring and skim over them. But I do enjoy a sex scene that adds to the character development, if I'm sitting through details of fictional people do something that isn't really my cup of tea, I want to be learning something that adds value to the story, and that aspect was really well done.
October 26, 2021
So This book is part of a series..2 books at this time and really, I read this book to get to the second book. Anyway..I am really glad I read this. It is more than I expected and at around 70 percent I was thinking,'this should just end NOW..it was a 5 star at that point and so gooey and sweet and I just loved it..but it did not end..and instead went on to..um force some issues and then clean up those issues in ways I thought were ..a tad derived?..anyways It was still a great book and I give it 4 and change stars..and am going on to book 2..
September 16, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, enemies to lovers, girl next door romance. It was an interesting concept that I initially didn’t think would be believable but, by the end, I was totally engrossed and rooting for them all the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2020
Had all the ingrediants of the perfect receipt for a from hate to love story. Good back characters, the transgender best friend, the chauvinist boss, bit of skull-duggary, but, pulling it out of the oven, it's a disappointment. Not helped by formatting issues.
October 3, 2020
Wow heartfelt storyline
Wow what a heartfelt storyline the main characters were perfectly believable passionate loving it pulls you right in emotionally too amazingly written
Wow what a heartfelt storyline the main characters were perfectly believable passionate loving it pulls you right in emotionally too amazingly written
October 4, 2020
Absolutely loved The Simple Answer. The love story was sweet, the sex scenes were super hot, and the atmosphere was so cozy.
October 5, 2020
It was so great! Loved the characters, brilliant story. I didn’t want to put it down!
January 11, 2021
I enjoyed this sweet enemies to lovers romance. Emily is best friends with Percy, but doesn't really like his sister, Vanessa. As Emily and Vanessa make amends, become friends and eventually lovers. I don't usually read LGBT romances, but I really enjoyed this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2020
Can we tone down the neurotic angst? I like this author and think she has talent; but dang, in this story you really wonder if every character in this story would be better off in a relationship with a good therapist.
September 13, 2020
I enjoyed the characters in this book. I thought that Percy was a great addition and was very whitty. The overall theme of forgiveness and second chances made this book really enjoyable to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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