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June: Jess' Story
I slept with my best friend’s brother and it was the best time of my fucking life, but…it could never be anything more than one night.
For one, he hates me. (And I hate him.)
Second, I’m married. (Yeah, that too.)
And third, he knows me. (He really knows me.) As in he knows where all the bodies are buried, and he’s been keeping my secret for years. And while I’m not ashamed of my past mistakes, he’s still holding them against me.
I don’t know that he’ll ever get over it… (Right, I know. He’s never getting over it.)
For one, he hates me. (And I hate him.)
Second, I’m married. (Yeah, that too.)
And third, he knows me. (He really knows me.) As in he knows where all the bodies are buried, and he’s been keeping my secret for years. And while I’m not ashamed of my past mistakes, he’s still holding them against me.
I don’t know that he’ll ever get over it… (Right, I know. He’s never getting over it.)
424 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2024
134 people are currently reading
1680 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
July 5, 2024
♾️/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Speechless. I am truly speechless.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best & worst ways possible. It was messy & real & gut wrenching. I had a pit in my stomach for the last 40% of the book. I don’t think I have ever wanted to throw my kindle more than I did while reading this book. I had to put it down and tell myself to just breathe multiple times. Dramatic? Maybe. But still true.
& just like the first two books in this series, there is A LOT of drama, secrets, plot twists, etc. so if that’s not your thing, this is not the book for you. But again, for me? I eat that ishhhh up.
“𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚞𝚙, 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚎. 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎.”
“𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚘𝚗.
𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚋𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚎𝚝.
𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖.”
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Second Chance
- Single Mom
- Billionaire
- Forbidden Romance
- Friends to Enemies to Lovers
- Marriage of Convenience
- Wrong Person, Right Time
- Love Triangle
- Broken Hero
- One Bed
- Grief
3/5🌶️
Speechless. I am truly speechless.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best & worst ways possible. It was messy & real & gut wrenching. I had a pit in my stomach for the last 40% of the book. I don’t think I have ever wanted to throw my kindle more than I did while reading this book. I had to put it down and tell myself to just breathe multiple times. Dramatic? Maybe. But still true.
& just like the first two books in this series, there is A LOT of drama, secrets, plot twists, etc. so if that’s not your thing, this is not the book for you. But again, for me? I eat that ishhhh up.
“𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚞𝚙, 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚎. 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎.”
“𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚘𝚗.
𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚋𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚎𝚝.
𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖.”
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Second Chance
- Single Mom
- Billionaire
- Forbidden Romance
- Friends to Enemies to Lovers
- Marriage of Convenience
- Wrong Person, Right Time
- Love Triangle
- Broken Hero
- One Bed
- Grief
April 3, 2025
4.5/5
I don’t… I can’t… I feel like I’m gunna be sick. The way my stomach is in knots right now. That fucking epilogue. Holy shit.
I don’t… I can’t… I feel like I’m gunna be sick. The way my stomach is in knots right now. That fucking epilogue. Holy shit.
June 19, 2024
♾️⭐️/
2.5/5🌶️
Completely immersed in all of the feels throughout this entire book! My emotions were all over the place- from gut wrenching heartache to fiery passion and angsty tension.
It’s so messy, it’s so angsty, and I am completely ruined.
Jess’ journey is a roller coaster of emotion and I can’t wait for Alex’s story next. The messy & completely broken characters that they are, their dynamic is so utterly toxic but also so magical.
The plot twists @e.l.stevens just so nonchalantly throws in her books? Insanity. How am I to survive until the next one?! I finished this and could not fall asleep. I cannot stop thinking about it. I loved it!
How dare you, E.L. Stevens. How dare you write such an amazing book. Ugh, I love these books so much! @e.l.stevens has such a way with telling a story. She is so talented!
🖤marriage of convenience
🖤forbidden romance
🖤small town
🖤friends to enemies to lovers
🖤second chance
🖤wrong time, right place
🖤betrayal
🖤dark secrets
🖤hate to love you
🖤angsty
❗️READ GEORGIA AND CONSTANTINE FIRST❗️
June can be read as a standalone, but you’re not gonna get the full impact of this entire interconnected story. You have to read Britain’s story before Jess’.
Thank you so much for the ARC @e.l.stevens @lunaliterary.management 💗
2.5/5🌶️
Completely immersed in all of the feels throughout this entire book! My emotions were all over the place- from gut wrenching heartache to fiery passion and angsty tension.
It’s so messy, it’s so angsty, and I am completely ruined.
Jess’ journey is a roller coaster of emotion and I can’t wait for Alex’s story next. The messy & completely broken characters that they are, their dynamic is so utterly toxic but also so magical.
The plot twists @e.l.stevens just so nonchalantly throws in her books? Insanity. How am I to survive until the next one?! I finished this and could not fall asleep. I cannot stop thinking about it. I loved it!
How dare you, E.L. Stevens. How dare you write such an amazing book. Ugh, I love these books so much! @e.l.stevens has such a way with telling a story. She is so talented!
🖤marriage of convenience
🖤forbidden romance
🖤small town
🖤friends to enemies to lovers
🖤second chance
🖤wrong time, right place
🖤betrayal
🖤dark secrets
🖤hate to love you
🖤angsty
❗️READ GEORGIA AND CONSTANTINE FIRST❗️
June can be read as a standalone, but you’re not gonna get the full impact of this entire interconnected story. You have to read Britain’s story before Jess’.
Thank you so much for the ARC @e.l.stevens @lunaliterary.management 💗
March 8, 2025
Ok, so I came across this book because there was an ad for the first book, Georgia that intrigued me. This led me down the Goodreads rabbit hole (I never read a book until I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time reading reviews for all the spoilers). Which then led me to reviews about this book and people were PISSED about the ending. So of course, I had to see what that was all about.
I have to say, I thoroughly LOVED the ending. I really don’t know why people wanted her to end up with Alex’s toxic ass. He was nothing but a coward and he hurt Jess SO badly. He did things specifically knowing he was hurting her and he destroyed her without pause. Then the way he comes after her once she’s happily married?? No, absolutely not. Jess made the right choice and I am so happy that her and Damian got their HEA.
Yes, I understand that Damian wronged Brit but he didn’t wrong Jess. If Brit is ok with and actually thrilled about them being together, I see no reason for anyone else to have a problem with it. But also I do understand why readers don’t like him because of residual feelings from Brit’s books. I’m sure it’s because I haven’t read Brit’s books yet that it isn’t hitting me the same way. I see Brit happy with Liam and it all worked out for her.
I think the author including Alex’s POV for most of the book, leading us to think it would be him and Jess at the end was kind of genius. It actually played a big part in why I accepted Damian so readily. Alex is messed up and he was not good for Jess, not at all. He loved her but it wasn’t the kind of love she needed. Emma seems to be a nice person so hopefully she won’t have to suffer too badly at Alex’s hands when their story comes out but I’m not holding my breath. Alex is going to be an asshole to her.
I do wish we had Damian’s POV at the end but I’m ok without it because we know he and Jess have a healthy relationship together when neither of them had a healthy relationship with any of the other people they’ve been with.
Anyway, I liked the messiness of this book. I think it was done in a realistic way. There was no OTT cartoonish bad guys and also no cookie cutter perfect characters either. Everyone had so much depth and it’s just like that in real life. People aren’t all good or all bad. Good people do shitty things, it’s just life. And just like in real life, sometimes a curveball gets thrown at you and it ends up being the best thing to happen to you. I was hurting right along with Jess but by the end I was so relieved for her. Honestly, if she had given Alex another chance, I don’t think I could have forgiven him even if they worked out. He married another woman! He screwed around before that, fucking women while still crying about loving Jess…but willingly hurting her all the while. He’s gross and I didn’t want him redeemed and getting the prize when he didn’t deserve it.
I think I will probably read Alex’s book when it comes out just because I’m interested in his character development. I don’t know if I’ll go back and read Brit’s books. I feel like I’m happy just knowing her in the good place that she’s in now.
I have to say, I thoroughly LOVED the ending. I really don’t know why people wanted her to end up with Alex’s toxic ass. He was nothing but a coward and he hurt Jess SO badly. He did things specifically knowing he was hurting her and he destroyed her without pause. Then the way he comes after her once she’s happily married?? No, absolutely not. Jess made the right choice and I am so happy that her and Damian got their HEA.
Yes, I understand that Damian wronged Brit but he didn’t wrong Jess. If Brit is ok with and actually thrilled about them being together, I see no reason for anyone else to have a problem with it. But also I do understand why readers don’t like him because of residual feelings from Brit’s books. I’m sure it’s because I haven’t read Brit’s books yet that it isn’t hitting me the same way. I see Brit happy with Liam and it all worked out for her.
I think the author including Alex’s POV for most of the book, leading us to think it would be him and Jess at the end was kind of genius. It actually played a big part in why I accepted Damian so readily. Alex is messed up and he was not good for Jess, not at all. He loved her but it wasn’t the kind of love she needed. Emma seems to be a nice person so hopefully she won’t have to suffer too badly at Alex’s hands when their story comes out but I’m not holding my breath. Alex is going to be an asshole to her.
I do wish we had Damian’s POV at the end but I’m ok without it because we know he and Jess have a healthy relationship together when neither of them had a healthy relationship with any of the other people they’ve been with.
Anyway, I liked the messiness of this book. I think it was done in a realistic way. There was no OTT cartoonish bad guys and also no cookie cutter perfect characters either. Everyone had so much depth and it’s just like that in real life. People aren’t all good or all bad. Good people do shitty things, it’s just life. And just like in real life, sometimes a curveball gets thrown at you and it ends up being the best thing to happen to you. I was hurting right along with Jess but by the end I was so relieved for her. Honestly, if she had given Alex another chance, I don’t think I could have forgiven him even if they worked out. He married another woman! He screwed around before that, fucking women while still crying about loving Jess…but willingly hurting her all the while. He’s gross and I didn’t want him redeemed and getting the prize when he didn’t deserve it.
I think I will probably read Alex’s book when it comes out just because I’m interested in his character development. I don’t know if I’ll go back and read Brit’s books. I feel like I’m happy just knowing her in the good place that she’s in now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
This was insane, my god. Hahahaha what a roller coaster
March 1, 2025
Updated Review for Re-Read:
I’ve read this one twice now, and it’s just as beautiful, raw, and heart wrenching as it was the first time. But I found myself having a different perspective this go around and being much more open to the different directions that Beth could take this story in the next book.
I love that these characters are imperfect. It makes it feel so real, and like I know these people personally.
Even knowing what happens in this story, the story telling that Beth captures in her books still left me crying, she’s that good. It’s such an immersive experience, it’s hard to really explain if you haven’t read her work, but it’s a top tier emotional experience, hands down.
You already know this is a 10/5 star read for me and I’ll never shut up about it. So just go ahead and read this series so you can get rid of me, already. 😅♥️
What to expect:
☀️ Single mom
☀️ Billionaire
☀️ Marriage of convenience
☀️ Wrong person, right time
☀️ One bed
☀️ Broken hero
☀️ Friends to Enemies to Lovers
☀️ High angst and tension
☀️ Plot twists
_________________________________________________
First Review:
5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️ - This wasn’t supposed to end like this. 😭 I am trusting our girl Elizabeth to rectify this in book 4, trying my best at least because I am WRECKED. I love her story telling, she has a way with words and can just captivate me and make me fall in love with all of the people in her world. And the angst, oh my goodness, the angst. (I personally would not read this as a standalone - read the first two books in this series first ❤️).
I’ve read this one twice now, and it’s just as beautiful, raw, and heart wrenching as it was the first time. But I found myself having a different perspective this go around and being much more open to the different directions that Beth could take this story in the next book.
I love that these characters are imperfect. It makes it feel so real, and like I know these people personally.
Even knowing what happens in this story, the story telling that Beth captures in her books still left me crying, she’s that good. It’s such an immersive experience, it’s hard to really explain if you haven’t read her work, but it’s a top tier emotional experience, hands down.
You already know this is a 10/5 star read for me and I’ll never shut up about it. So just go ahead and read this series so you can get rid of me, already. 😅♥️
What to expect:
☀️ Single mom
☀️ Billionaire
☀️ Marriage of convenience
☀️ Wrong person, right time
☀️ One bed
☀️ Broken hero
☀️ Friends to Enemies to Lovers
☀️ High angst and tension
☀️ Plot twists
_________________________________________________
First Review:
5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️ - This wasn’t supposed to end like this. 😭 I am trusting our girl Elizabeth to rectify this in book 4, trying my best at least because I am WRECKED. I love her story telling, she has a way with words and can just captivate me and make me fall in love with all of the people in her world. And the angst, oh my goodness, the angst. (I personally would not read this as a standalone - read the first two books in this series first ❤️).
June 19, 2024
Okay, okay, okay. I was waiting for this story and it did not disappoint. I love both characters (Jess and Alex), their backstories on how they met and how Jess was incorporated into Britain’s life through Alex. Now .. the way E.L. had me screaming crying throwing up by the time I hit 75% is the reason why I’ll always read anything written by her. The last 15% of the book had my emotions spiraling and we all know how much I love a good cry 😅. I definitely did not expect it to end the way it did and I LOVE that! I will now be patiently waiting for Alex’s story.
June 27, 2024
Obsessed. Obliterated. Messy. Angsty. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed. And I got so mad I wanted to throw my damn kindle. This book was so damn good and I honestly could sit and read it a second time. I simultaneously want to nut punch Alex but also give him a big ass hug. Damn he’s hurting so bad and it kills me. Jess is a mess but man I hurt for her.
I’m still crying. I won’t be over it. I need the next book STAT!!!
I’m still crying. I won’t be over it. I need the next book STAT!!!
July 3, 2024
5⭐️ no words. I love this series. I love this author. CANNOT wait for the next book.
January 4, 2025
WHAT?!
What on earth did I just read!?
I have so many emotions, heartbroken, devastated, happy? DESTROYED!
How could you do this to us Beth!?
How can I equally love a character so much but also DESPISE him…. I want to reach into the book and knock some damn sense into him!
“Have you ever hugged someone and rested all your weight on them in that hug? Your body, your problems, your responsibilities and you just trust that person has you?”
Just tear my heart open, and open the flood gates to my memory and each moment I have felt this.
I need a moment for our FMC… that poor woman has been through the Wringer and just wants to be someone’s first thought.
“She’s the light left on. She’s the warm blanket. She’s the calm to my storm.”
YOU’RE KILLING ME 😭
What on earth did I just read!?
I have so many emotions, heartbroken, devastated, happy? DESTROYED!
How could you do this to us Beth!?
How can I equally love a character so much but also DESPISE him…. I want to reach into the book and knock some damn sense into him!
“Have you ever hugged someone and rested all your weight on them in that hug? Your body, your problems, your responsibilities and you just trust that person has you?”
Just tear my heart open, and open the flood gates to my memory and each moment I have felt this.
I need a moment for our FMC… that poor woman has been through the Wringer and just wants to be someone’s first thought.
“She’s the light left on. She’s the warm blanket. She’s the calm to my storm.”
YOU’RE KILLING ME 😭
August 1, 2024
I know this is a work a fiction, but wow, the writer did this poor girl, Jess very dirty. The 180 direction the last 60 pages took made absolutely no sense. This felt very much like settling for not even the next best thing which I guess is an ending ? The author left it as somewhat of a goodbye for now vibe, so perhaps the next book is continuation of events that brings plausibility ??? or at the very least some justice for the poor girl ? Not really sure if it’s worth hanging around to find out. My god, just sit down and have a full on conversation. You’re all messsy but not even in a magnolia parks redeemable kinda way.
June 28, 2024
Why?!?!?!? On a damn cliffhanger again?! I mean I still love the book but good god the angst, the hurt, the spice, I actually sobbed for parts of this book.
✨️Arc review✨️
June by E.L. Stevens
Book 3 in Spearhead Lake Series
Welcome back to Spearhead Lake
Where you get your heart ripped out
✨️Marriage of Convenience
✨️Dual Pov
✨️Second Chance
✨️Wrong Time, Right Person
✨️Small town
✨️Friends to Enemies to Lovers
✨️Dark Secrets + Betrayal
✨️Hate to Love you
It's been days and I'm still thinking about jess and Alex and all the angst, heartbreak, the love, every little detail. This series will break your heart but hopefully put it back together again.
Jess and Alex's story is a very long and complicated that I definitely did not see coming. They both are longing for the same thing, love. But will they actually get it or keep putting walls up?
I will say this series should be read in order to get the full back story and characters. Be prepared for this series to stick with you for a long time! It's so good, like kinda toxic in a way but you love every second. Except when you want to scream, cry, and throw your damn kindle out the window.
I knew I was going to get sucked into this book quickly because of my love for the rest of the series. Do yourself a favor and add this to your tbr.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶🌶🌶
Thank you to E.L. Stevens and Luna Literary Management for this beautiful arc!
Available Now!!
✨️Arc review✨️
June by E.L. Stevens
Book 3 in Spearhead Lake Series
Welcome back to Spearhead Lake
Where you get your heart ripped out
✨️Marriage of Convenience
✨️Dual Pov
✨️Second Chance
✨️Wrong Time, Right Person
✨️Small town
✨️Friends to Enemies to Lovers
✨️Dark Secrets + Betrayal
✨️Hate to Love you
It's been days and I'm still thinking about jess and Alex and all the angst, heartbreak, the love, every little detail. This series will break your heart but hopefully put it back together again.
Jess and Alex's story is a very long and complicated that I definitely did not see coming. They both are longing for the same thing, love. But will they actually get it or keep putting walls up?
I will say this series should be read in order to get the full back story and characters. Be prepared for this series to stick with you for a long time! It's so good, like kinda toxic in a way but you love every second. Except when you want to scream, cry, and throw your damn kindle out the window.
I knew I was going to get sucked into this book quickly because of my love for the rest of the series. Do yourself a favor and add this to your tbr.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶🌶🌶
Thank you to E.L. Stevens and Luna Literary Management for this beautiful arc!
Available Now!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
MY HEART
I loved this book so much. Really ends on a cliffhanger though. Fearing for Damian's life in the next book. Someone is going to die, right?
I loved this book so much. Really ends on a cliffhanger though. Fearing for Damian's life in the next book. Someone is going to die, right?
August 11, 2024
2 stars ⭐️
This book made me loath everyone more
This book made me loath everyone more
July 9, 2024
Aaaaa, that cliffy, my heart hurts!!!
Major spoilers, read at own risk….
I need to say, despite my review, I love this author, she guts me, makes me like things in books I never did before. She brings me out of my comfort reading and I loveeeee her for that.
I mean it, my jaw is on the geound after reading this. I don’t know how I feel. I loveeeeee E.L. Steven’s writing, but Damian and Jess? Not Alex? I’m not ok, my heart hurts with this one.
Do not get me wrong, the writing is phenomenal. And if Alex was not in the picture I would want Jess and Damian, but sorry, I’m team Alex! My stomach hurts and I’m sad.
Also I was superrrrr mad at Britain at first not being there for Jess! And Jess not being at Brit & Liam’s wedding. I mean besties don’t do that. I got over it because Britain is there first Jess the most, but I am just really sad from this book. I cried this most in this one, and the other two stories I cried too, but this book broke me.
But again soooo good (haha)! I love books that make me cry, that make me want to throw my Kindle and that I will not be getting over ever! So high five E.L. Stevens, you are amazing!!!
Major spoilers, read at own risk….
I need to say, despite my review, I love this author, she guts me, makes me like things in books I never did before. She brings me out of my comfort reading and I loveeeee her for that.
I mean it, my jaw is on the geound after reading this. I don’t know how I feel. I loveeeeee E.L. Steven’s writing, but Damian and Jess? Not Alex? I’m not ok, my heart hurts with this one.
Do not get me wrong, the writing is phenomenal. And if Alex was not in the picture I would want Jess and Damian, but sorry, I’m team Alex! My stomach hurts and I’m sad.
Also I was superrrrr mad at Britain at first not being there for Jess! And Jess not being at Brit & Liam’s wedding. I mean besties don’t do that. I got over it because Britain is there first Jess the most, but I am just really sad from this book. I cried this most in this one, and the other two stories I cried too, but this book broke me.
But again soooo good (haha)! I love books that make me cry, that make me want to throw my Kindle and that I will not be getting over ever! So high five E.L. Stevens, you are amazing!!!
January 3, 2025
I’m unwell. Infinity stars. This whole series is infinity stars, but June?? Next level. I felt this one in my bones. Every messy, gut-wrenching, heart-warming, raw, real moment. Not to be dramatic, but I need book 4, Alexander, like I need air!! Counting down the seconds until its release on March 20.
I don’t want to put any type of spoiler out there. If you haven’t read the Spearhead Lake series, please go get Georgia (book 1) and start it now! These should be read in order.
What to know:
Small town
Forbidden romance
Wrong time, right person
Second chance
Friends to enemies to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Broken man
Grief, guilt, secrets
I don’t want to put any type of spoiler out there. If you haven’t read the Spearhead Lake series, please go get Georgia (book 1) and start it now! These should be read in order.
What to know:
Small town
Forbidden romance
Wrong time, right person
Second chance
Friends to enemies to lovers
Marriage of convenience
Broken man
Grief, guilt, secrets
June 27, 2024
⭐ 3.5
This was my first E.L. Stevens book.. and man oh man. None of this was what I was expecting. I've said this before with other books, but I think this one takes the cake with the amount of emotions I went through: sad, devested, confused, shocked, annoyed, angry, lustful, baffled, happy.
This is not a quick and easy read, you will be put through the ringer. And the ending. WOW! Without giving away spoilers.. but iykyk:
1. how dare you sir
2. glad those two are together
This book can proves that::
A. there is a difference between love & lust
B. just because you love someone, does not mean you are good together or that you should be with that person.
Jess - first I am glad you have the confidence that you do (cause i dont think i would ever recover). You are strong and i need you to always remember that. And you sometimes need to focus on yourself & love yourself first before focusing on a romantic relationship.
Alex - buddy, i love ya - but i think we might want to focus on our mental health.
But it's true what they say... you could be a villain in someone's story
This was my first E.L. Stevens book.. and man oh man. None of this was what I was expecting. I've said this before with other books, but I think this one takes the cake with the amount of emotions I went through: sad, devested, confused, shocked, annoyed, angry, lustful, baffled, happy.
This is not a quick and easy read, you will be put through the ringer. And the ending. WOW! Without giving away spoilers.. but iykyk:
1. how dare you sir
2. glad those two are together
This book can proves that::
A. there is a difference between love & lust
B. just because you love someone, does not mean you are good together or that you should be with that person.
Jess - first I am glad you have the confidence that you do (cause i dont think i would ever recover). You are strong and i need you to always remember that. And you sometimes need to focus on yourself & love yourself first before focusing on a romantic relationship.
Alex - buddy, i love ya - but i think we might want to focus on our mental health.
But it's true what they say... you could be a villain in someone's story
June 27, 2024
Make sure you check those trigger warnings before reading! This was a tear jerker. I loved this story and the HEA WAS EVERYTHING this is definitely worth reading and maybe rereading again! I’m so glad I got to read this early… thank you E.L.Stevens 💕
May 6, 2025
4 Stars!
I swear I have whiplash from everything that transpired in the last 20%. Dang that was a crazy angstfest!
I swear I have whiplash from everything that transpired in the last 20%. Dang that was a crazy angstfest!
May 3, 2025
I'm forwarding all my therapy bills to this woman.
August 10, 2024
I couldn’t put it down!
Maybe 2.5/5 and that’s being generous tbh. I was so sad about the ending. It was quite the twist though out of nowhere and had my heart racing wondering wtf was going to happen but I wasn’t happy with the outcome at all. I find plot twists and drama fun to read, but it was written in a way where you’re blindsided and it didn’t make sense given the projection of the storyline thus far. I’m not sure what the next book entails for Alex, but if it’s a continuation from this plot line or a new one. I won’t be reading it either way. I’m not even curious I’m just annoyed.
These books are so messy and drama filled they’re impossible to put down and really remind me why I love reading even though I didn’t like the books lol This book at least had a storyline that doesn’t happen often . There were far too many side comments made in parentheses for my liking and it took me out of the story. On one page there were 3(!) comments made in brackets. I didn’t like the writing style, just not for me. Again, I hated all the characters probably even more in this story than the first one.
Maybe 2.5/5 and that’s being generous tbh. I was so sad about the ending. It was quite the twist though out of nowhere and had my heart racing wondering wtf was going to happen but I wasn’t happy with the outcome at all. I find plot twists and drama fun to read, but it was written in a way where you’re blindsided and it didn’t make sense given the projection of the storyline thus far. I’m not sure what the next book entails for Alex, but if it’s a continuation from this plot line or a new one. I won’t be reading it either way. I’m not even curious I’m just annoyed.
These books are so messy and drama filled they’re impossible to put down and really remind me why I love reading even though I didn’t like the books lol This book at least had a storyline that doesn’t happen often . There were far too many side comments made in parentheses for my liking and it took me out of the story. On one page there were 3(!) comments made in brackets. I didn’t like the writing style, just not for me. Again, I hated all the characters probably even more in this story than the first one.
February 16, 2025
No, no, no, no ,no
and not in the same way of Georgia- and I still haven’t gotten over that one…
There wasn’t a single likable character in the book and then everyone started sleeping with everyone else- the MC’s couldn’t communicate to save their lives- she waited for him for over 6 years… for nothing?! He’s so hopelessly in love with her that he can’t talk to her…? No thank you
And then the way they were passing people around like the flu 😖 And everyone was just ok with it? This alone makes me like Brit so much less
Alex, Briton’s brother lost his wife and child tragically one night while he was in the throes of PTSD. He begins to text with Jess who is Britons best friend and employee. Years go by, Jess marries Tommy, has a baby and then Tommy leave her for a guy but wants them to be a Thruple but Jess won’t do it.
Alex invites Jess to live with him and marry him so he can help her out but they break up after being together for 40 hours because Alex can’t open up to her and talk.
Jess falls for Briton’s ex husband and the book ends with their wedding where Alex shows up and kisses her… I’ve never read anything like this, but for me it was a hot mess that didn’t work
and not in the same way of Georgia- and I still haven’t gotten over that one…
There wasn’t a single likable character in the book and then everyone started sleeping with everyone else- the MC’s couldn’t communicate to save their lives- she waited for him for over 6 years… for nothing?! He’s so hopelessly in love with her that he can’t talk to her…? No thank you
And then the way they were passing people around like the flu 😖 And everyone was just ok with it? This alone makes me like Brit so much less
Alex, Briton’s brother lost his wife and child tragically one night while he was in the throes of PTSD. He begins to text with Jess who is Britons best friend and employee. Years go by, Jess marries Tommy, has a baby and then Tommy leave her for a guy but wants them to be a Thruple but Jess won’t do it.
Alex invites Jess to live with him and marry him so he can help her out but they break up after being together for 40 hours because Alex can’t open up to her and talk.
Jess falls for Briton’s ex husband and the book ends with their wedding where Alex shows up and kisses her… I’ve never read anything like this, but for me it was a hot mess that didn’t work
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
♾️⭐️ | 3🌶️
I finished this book, and after I finished crying, I had to just sit with how this book made me feel. Everything from anger, to confusion, to hate, to love, to awe, and everything you can think of. It provoked a visceral reaction from me, and I don’t think I will ever forget how this book made me feel.
June is Jess’s story of love and heartbreak and just how messy it can be. Her journey was raw, real and a rollercoaster of emotions. These characters are so broken and definitely toxic, but you cant tell me that this isnt full of passion.
I was hooked on the tension, angst, and every single plot twist that E.L. Stevens threw into the mix (and there were a lot!). It was truly beautiful and immersive.
Read if you like:
-marriage of convenience
-forbidden romance
-second chance
-small-town romance
-angst & tension
-betrayal & secrets
-friends to enemies to lovers
-its always been you
-wrong time, right person
I highly recommend reading Georgia & Constantine (Britain’s story) before this. There were times when I could tell I would understand better if I had done that, but it didn’t deter me during the story.
I finished this book, and after I finished crying, I had to just sit with how this book made me feel. Everything from anger, to confusion, to hate, to love, to awe, and everything you can think of. It provoked a visceral reaction from me, and I don’t think I will ever forget how this book made me feel.
June is Jess’s story of love and heartbreak and just how messy it can be. Her journey was raw, real and a rollercoaster of emotions. These characters are so broken and definitely toxic, but you cant tell me that this isnt full of passion.
I was hooked on the tension, angst, and every single plot twist that E.L. Stevens threw into the mix (and there were a lot!). It was truly beautiful and immersive.
Read if you like:
-marriage of convenience
-forbidden romance
-second chance
-small-town romance
-angst & tension
-betrayal & secrets
-friends to enemies to lovers
-its always been you
-wrong time, right person
I highly recommend reading Georgia & Constantine (Britain’s story) before this. There were times when I could tell I would understand better if I had done that, but it didn’t deter me during the story.
August 30, 2024
I cannot get over how messy this damn series is…but I’m HERE FOR IT! I will admit this series does not illicit deep emotions for me, I actually found myself laughing, gasping and feeling shook by the absolute nonsense every time you turn the page. The plot twists and secrets make the story so much damn fun, I need more drama immediately.
Alex is toxic as shit, Jess is a mess and Britain was a shitty friend most of this book. Damian came out of left field and it leaves me wanting more (so it is a good thing this one ends on a cliffhanger because I’m not satisfied yet with this story).
Just wild, I couldn’t stop reading it, I finished this one in one day, it was like a soap opera and I loved it!
Overall this series (so far) gets:
4.5/5 ⭐️
And a 4/5 🌶️
Alex is toxic as shit, Jess is a mess and Britain was a shitty friend most of this book. Damian came out of left field and it leaves me wanting more (so it is a good thing this one ends on a cliffhanger because I’m not satisfied yet with this story).
Just wild, I couldn’t stop reading it, I finished this one in one day, it was like a soap opera and I loved it!
Overall this series (so far) gets:
4.5/5 ⭐️
And a 4/5 🌶️
April 24, 2025
I have a lot of thoughts on this one 😅 mostly this:
• this book was a DAMN MESS.
• I have been hoping all throughout the series that Damian gets his happy ending. this man was TOO GOOD for Britain and didn't deserve for her to do him like she did. I LOVE him and Jess together. please let this man be happy.
• next - PLEASE LET JESS BE HAPPY. she is happy with Damian, he is uncomplicated, and just a NICE person and he loves her and doesn't add drama to her life. she deserves this.
• sorry but Alex, go pound sand. he had chance upon chance to make things right with Jess, and then the nerve to kiss her on her wedding day when he is already MARRIED HIMSELF? nope. he made his bed, time to lie in it.
• this book was a DAMN MESS.
• I have been hoping all throughout the series that Damian gets his happy ending. this man was TOO GOOD for Britain and didn't deserve for her to do him like she did. I LOVE him and Jess together. please let this man be happy.
• next - PLEASE LET JESS BE HAPPY. she is happy with Damian, he is uncomplicated, and just a NICE person and he loves her and doesn't add drama to her life. she deserves this.
• sorry but Alex, go pound sand. he had chance upon chance to make things right with Jess, and then the nerve to kiss her on her wedding day when he is already MARRIED HIMSELF? nope. he made his bed, time to lie in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
What a freaking mess. The way she wrote how people adapt to different versions of themselves depending on who they are with was so raw and beautiful. And how we see ‘snapshots’ of moments, ugh I loved it. I actually slammed my kindle down multiple times, book 4 better fix this. Wayyy better than the first 2 books. I mean I’m pissed but it was an amazing book
“Because this kiss is the shit that men go to war over, and she has not a fucking clue I would for her. I already am.”
“Being here is new, but I’m pretty sure she’s always been my home. She’s the light left on. She’s the warm blanket. She’s the calm to my storm.”
“Because this kiss is the shit that men go to war over, and she has not a fucking clue I would for her. I already am.”
“Being here is new, but I’m pretty sure she’s always been my home. She’s the light left on. She’s the warm blanket. She’s the calm to my storm.”
August 24, 2024
I am truly at a loss for words with how to explain this. I think I have sat here stunned for two days. This is the messiest group of characters that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm not sure if I have ever been so frustrated with fictional people, yet completely enamored with them at the same time - well, some of them. This book had me looking like a fool! I thought I knew where it was going and had it all figured out. Turns out, I knew NOTHING. I just have one question: when is the next book coming? I need more of my broken, toxic baby, Alex.
February 16, 2025
This was the first book that has made me actually cry in a long time. I loved Jess's story. The story of friendship, motherhood, marriage, co-parenting, and the messiness and ease of love along with the challenge of not feeling like the main character in your own story. I loved how humble she was, and it was also nice to finally see into Alex's mind. Single motherhood and heartbreak get me every time. This book felt raw and real and was done so well! There wasn't as much spice in this book, but the story was phenomenal! I need book 4 now, please.
March 24, 2025
4,5 stars
Without giving too much away – I was completely drawn into Jess's story, the misery and pain she felt were conveyed in a way that I could feel it too. The beginning of the book was a bit harder to get through (for me), as the events were already known, but now described from Jess's POV.
I did not see June's ending coming, and I’m really curious about what the next book, Alexander, will bring me. You can't help but sympathize with all the characters from Spearhead Lake, I find myself completely immersed in these stories, and I don’t want it to ever end.
Without giving too much away – I was completely drawn into Jess's story, the misery and pain she felt were conveyed in a way that I could feel it too. The beginning of the book was a bit harder to get through (for me), as the events were already known, but now described from Jess's POV.
I did not see June's ending coming, and I’m really curious about what the next book, Alexander, will bring me. You can't help but sympathize with all the characters from Spearhead Lake, I find myself completely immersed in these stories, and I don’t want it to ever end.
June 27, 2024
This book was Wow. I really don’t know what else to say. Beside wow because I feel like I’ll take awhile to process what I just read.
Because the twist at the end and wtf was that. It had so much drama don’t get me wrong I love it but how it ended… I don’t know I was just not expecting it. It kinda of took away from the story for me.
Jess I’m happy for you, for standing up for yourself and well Alex I don’t even know where to begin.
Because the twist at the end and wtf was that. It had so much drama don’t get me wrong I love it but how it ended… I don’t know I was just not expecting it. It kinda of took away from the story for me.
Jess I’m happy for you, for standing up for yourself and well Alex I don’t even know where to begin.
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